Midland County Commissioners Court met Feb. 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Tuesday the 4th day of February 2025 at 9:00 a.m. a meeting of the Midland County Commissioners Court was called to order in the Commissioners Courtroom, located at the Midland County Courthouse, 500 North Loraine Street, Midland, Texas.
The following members were present:
TERRY JOHNSON, County Judge
CHARLES HALL, County Commissioner Precinct No. 1
JEFF SOMERS, County Commissioner Precinct No. 2
STEVEN VILLELA, County Commissioner Precinct No. 3
DIANNE ANDERSON, County Commissioner Precinct No. 4
Recorded by Ana Almuina, Chief Deputy County Clerk.
1. Call to Order.
2. Invocation given by Judge Mark H. Dettman, County Court at Law.
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Discuss and take action naming new jail the Gary Painter Detention Center and signing support resolution.
Presented by County Judge Johnson.
Ed Krevit, former Chief Deputy under Sheriff Gary Painter. Mr. Krevit expressed the many reasons why the new jail should be the Gary Painter Detention Center.
Judge Edelmira Subia, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1. Judge Subia expressed the many reasons why the new jail should be the Gary Painter Detention Center.
Corp. Justin Painter, MISD Police Department advocated for naming the new jail for his father Sheriff Gary Painter.
Jennifer Painter, Teacher with MISD advocated for naming the new jail for her father Sheriff Gary Painter.
Sheriff Criner expressed the many reasons for naming the new jail the Gary Painter Detention Center.
Judge Johnson relays this is a chance for Midland County to honor our history and do the right thing.
Commissioner Anderson asked the Judge to call item 7.
Call Item 7
Commissioner Somers stated that he is surprised that the whole town isn’t named after Sheriff Gary Painter. He is in favor of naming all the law enforcement buildings after Sheriff Painter.
Judge Johnson read the resolution aloud.
Move that we name the new jail the Gary Painter Detention Center and sign the show of support.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 14-21 For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
5. Receive presentation from Parkhill regarding Midland County MS4 permit renewal.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director and Amber Sanchez from Parkhill. They have a 5 year permit renewal for Midland County. They wanted to take this opportunity to explain the MS4 permit. Exhibit: 22-31
6. Discuss and take action on Storm-Water Management Plan for TCEQ 2024 Phase 2 MS4 General Permit.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. There is a $400.00 fee that needs to be paid. Veronica Morales, Auditor stated that the fee could be included with the bills.
Motion that we approve adopting the Storm Water Management plan for TCEQ 2024 phase 2 MS4 general permit and authorizing the Judge to sign the permit through the NOI portal via e-sign and approve the $400.00 fee.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 32 For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
7. Acknowledge the donation of sculptured bronze and discuss placement and installation.
Commissioner Anderson relays there is no question that Sheriff Gary Painter was loved and respected and he did great things for Midland County. She is in support of a statue and a celebration of Gary Painter but questioned the naming of the facility.
Commissioner Vilela had a question about which building they were discussing.
Judge Johnson expressed that the bronze was something that he commissioned. He was unable to hold any fundraising due to Covid. This bronze was funded by him and his wife. He would like to tie the donation of this bronze to the fact that the building is named after Sheriff Gary Painter. Because that was the purpose of having it done.
Recalled.
Judge Johnson stated that it is a life-size bronze of the Sheriff. This bronze cost $90,000.00. He would like the County to participate in buying the base needed for the installation of it.
Motion to acknowledge the donation of the life-size bronze statue of Gary Painter.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 33
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
8. Discuss and take action naming new Law Enforcement Building the Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Building.
Sheriff Criner explained that Mike Naylor gave his life for Midland County and is requesting naming the new Law Enforcement Building the Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Building.
Judge Edelmira Subia, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1. Judge Subia expressed many reasons why the new Law Enforcement Building should be named the Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Building.
Sgt. Samuel Garces expressed the reason that he would like the new Law Enforcement Building to be named the Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Building.
Lt. Leith Hill expressed the reasons that he believes the new Law Enforcement Building should be named the Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Building.
Motion that we name the new Law Enforcement Building the Sgt. Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Center.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 34-39
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
9:52 a.m. take a break.
9:59 a.m. back into Regular Session.
9. Discuss and take action allowing Horseshoe Director to approve events for Mounted Patrol.
County Judge Johnson stated that he believes that the Horseshoe Director should be able to work with the Mounted Patrol to use the arena. Sheriff Criner joined the conversation.
Move that we allow the Horseshoe Director to approve and provide event space for Mounted Patrol without Court approval.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 40
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
10. Discuss and take action on Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Midland Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Midland Sexual assault Response Team.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 41-44
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
11. Discuss and take action on additional funds for interior office renovations at LEB.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Eddie Melendez, Facilities Director. Requesting funds from contingency for interior office renovations at LEB.
Motion to approve additional funds of $17,123.00 from contingency for the interior offices’ renovation at the LEB.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 45-46
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
12. Discuss and take action on scope of work requested by PBLEA at LEB.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Requesting a computer lab by the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy. Eddie Melendez, Facilities Director. The Judge would like for the County to pay for the work and let the PBLEA reimburse us. Veronica Morales, Auditor joined the conversation. Tabled for more information. No action taken.
13. Discuss and take action on reimbursement to Misty Dublin for the Law Enforcement Memorial Service for License and Weight Corporal Woody Joe Jackson.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Veronica Morales, Auditor stated that a public purpose must be named in the motion. Commissioner Anderson asked if Corporal Jackson worked for the County. He did not. County Attorney, Russell Malm stated that this would be giving a gift to a private citizen which the Constitution prohibits. County Judge Johnson stated that he would pay $1,000.00 out of his pocket so they could move on. No action taken.
14. Consent Agenda:
a. Take action on personnel memoranda.
b. Take action on submitted applications for permits to use county right-of-way for utility and line installations, driveway construction, road dedication, and mailbox construction.
c. Take action on court minutes from January 21, 2025.
d. Acknowledge court fees for County and District Clerks’ Offices.
e. Acknowledge Treasurer’s Report for October 2024.
Motion we approve the Consent items.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 47-219
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
15. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were a few to bring to the Courts attention. Line item transfer 3489 was discussed at length. Commissioner Anderson was not aware of the transfer from her budget to the IT department for monitors.
Motion we approve line item transfers with the exception of #3489.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 220-243
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recalled.
Motion that we approve line item transfer 3489.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 220-243
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Back to item 24.
16. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were three wire transfers for the District Clerks’ office and one for the County Clerks’ office. There were a few exceptions to the bills. There are two additional bills. $35,038.54 to Boon Chapman for January and February and $400.00 for TCEQ permit fee.
Motion to approve all bills and wire transfers
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 244-257
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
17. Discuss and take action updating policy 8.36.
Presented by Sara Gray, Treasurer. Leave without pay policy wording needs to be adjusted.
Motion we approve the updating of policy 8.36 to reflect policy 8.66.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 258-260
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
18. Discuss and take action on salary increases for Jon Floyd and Donica Pasko with the Tax Office.
Presented by Mary Helen Bowers, Tax Assessor Collector. She would like to raise Jon Floyd from a grade 15 7.5 to a grade 15 9.5 and Donica Pasko from a grade 19 1 to a grade 19 8.5. We have the funds in our budget.
Motion that we move Jon to step 15 9.5 and Donica to 19 8.5.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 261-267
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
19. Discuss and take action on Resolution Opposing the Elimination of Countywide Polling Place Program.
Presented by Rosa Olgin, Elections Administrator. This Legislative session has 4 bills attempting to get rid of polling places and go to paper ballots. I would like for the County to pass a resolution to eliminate this resolution.
Motion for Resolution Opposing the Elimination of Countywide Polling places.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 268-271For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
20. Discuss and take action on updated job descriptions for the Elections Office.
Rosa Olgin, Elections Administrator, submitted updated job descriptions for the Elections Office. The new job descriptions more accurately reflect the duties of the office.
I make a motion to update the job description for the Elections Office.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 272-290For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
21. Discuss and take action on payment to Oriental Trading Co for supplies on Voter Registration Day.
Presented by Rosa Olgin, Elections Administrator. Back in September Ms. Olgin ordered some supplies for Voter Registration Day. Veronica Morales, Auditor requested a public purpose for the items purchased. Items purchased were pens, flag pins, candies, rubber patriotic bracelets. To encourage more people to register to vote.
Motion on paying Oriental Trading Co. for supplies on Voter Registration Day, the public purpose being encouraging voter registration in Midland County to increase voter turnout.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 291-292
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Call item 45 and 46.
22. Discuss and take action on quote from Classic’s Auto and Paint for repair on vehicle. Presented by Carol O’Shaughnessy, Risk Manager.
Motion to approve the quote from Classic’s Auto and Paint for repair of the vehicle.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 293-312
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
23. Discuss and take action on Risk Management’s responsibilities of claims vs. repairs.
Presented by County Judge Johnson and Carol O’Shaughnessy, Risk Manager. Veronica Morales, Auditor stated that departments do have an Equipment Maintenance line. Russell Malm, County Attorney, joined the conversation. Tabled. No action taken.
Call item 15.
24. Discuss and take action on additional funds to purchase body camera for Constable Pct 3.
Presented by Constable Jerry Cook II, Precinct 3. Requesting $963.00 from contingency to purchase body camera.
Motion to approve $963.00 from contingency to go to Constable Pct. 3 for body cameras.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 313
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
25. Discuss and take action on change purchase order with Edgardo Madrid & Associates for water and sewer taps and water meters for Sheriff’s Office.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to approve the change purchase order to Edgardo Madrid & Associates for the installation of water and sewer taps for the Sheriff’s Office.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 314-319
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
26. Discuss and take action on change purchase order with Cerris Builders for city impact and development fees.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager. This is for the JP Building.
Motion that we to change purchase order for Cerris Builders for city impact and development fees. To approve it.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 320-321
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
27. Discuss and take action on deed agreement with Chevron.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to execute the deed agreement between Chevron and Midland County.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 322-328
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
28. Discuss and take action on contract amendment with Dunaway for Reconstruction of SCR 1180.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to approve amendment with Dunaway for Reconstruction of SCR 1180 for the additional testing and inspections services.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 329-332
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
29. Discuss and take action on Reimbursement Agreement with Energy Transfer on CR 1130.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to sign the Reimbursement agreement with Energy Transfer for enhancement on pipeline right-of way for CR 1130.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 333-344
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
30. Discuss and take action on Annexation Service Agreement with City of Midland.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
This is the final document for annexation at Midland County Sheriff’s Office.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to sign the annexation service agreement with the City of Midland.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 345-357
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
31. Discuss and take action on waiver of SB 2440 for ETJ Plat PHX Permian Park. Tabled.
32. Discuss and take action on new position for Public Works.
Tabled
33. Discuss and take action on Resolution in Support of House Bill 790.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. House Bill 790 will raise the competitive bid limit from $50,000.00 to $200,000.00. This will be good for Midland County. The court can approve emergency purchase orders. County Attorney, Russell Malm, County Attorney joined the discussion.
Commissioner Villela made a motion to approve and sign the Resolution supporting the House Bill 790.by Representative Spiller. The motion did not receive a second and died.
34. Discuss and take action on RFQ for Architect Services for Juvenile Justice Center. Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent.
Motion to go out for RFQ for a Juvenile Detention Center.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 358-359
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
35. Discuss and take action on award for RFP 24MCO640 Seal Coat County Roads.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Project Manager joined the conversation.
Motion to award RFP 24MCO640 Seal Coat County Roads to Clark Construction of Texas in the amount of $5,808,710.00.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 360-362
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
36. Discuss and take action on award for RFP 24MCO641 Pothole Repair County Roads. Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent.
Motion to approve the award RFP 24MCO641 Pothole repair County Roads to Danny’s Paving for $896,397.00.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 363-364
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
37. Discuss and take action on Purchase Service Agreement with REMS AV for servicing all existing County AV systems.
Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. Quote for $29,430.00.
It would start preventative maintenance for all the offices. This would cut down time, I have funds available in our budget.
Motion to purchase the Service Agreement with REMS AV for servicing of all existing County AV systems in the amount of $29,430.00.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 365-368
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
38. Discuss and take action on County support for Community Cleanup.
Presented by Commissioner Villela. Keith Stellar of Midland cleans up the trash in the County. He would love to support them any way they can. Help disposing of the trash. Justin Bunch, Emergency Management, stated that Road and Bridge does have a trash trailer. There is no signage available. Russell Malm, County Attorney, joined the conversation. Commissioner Villela is asking for signage and the funds to pay two Sheriff’s deputies. That would be a liability.
Motion that we direct County staff to put signs out before February 22 and pick up after February 22 for road cleanup on 3503 and 1788.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 369
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
39. Discuss and take action selling parking lot at 100 Block of E. Illinois and Texas Avenues to City of Midland.
Presented by County Judge Johnson.
Motion that the Judge can negotiate with the City of Midland to sell this parking lot on the 100 block of E. Illinois and Texas for $400,000.00.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 370-412
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
40. Discuss and take action on alcohol policy prohibiting events honoring minors.
Presented by County Judge Johnson. Having issues with minor alcohol use. They have asked the City about their policy. Do not allow alcohol at an event honoring one minor.
Move that we approve a policy that prohibits events honoring a single minor not to serve alcohol.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 413-414
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
41. Discuss and take action changing February 18th Commissioners’ Court Meeting to another date.
Presented by County Judge Johnson. Tabled.
42. Discuss and take action on Teen Court board replacement.
Presented by County Judge Johnson. Commissioner Villela expressed a desire to serve on the board.
Motion that we appoint Steven Villela to serve on the Teen Court Board.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 415
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
43. Discuss and take action hiring HR Director.
Presented by County Judge Johnson.
Motion that we hire Ramona Porras at a 33 8.5 as the new H.R. Director.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 416
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
44. Discuss and take action hiring Horseshoe Director.
Presented by County Judge Johnson.
Motion that we offer to Steven Garcia the Directorship at the Horseshoe at a 37 5.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 417
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
45. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
46. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071 to consult with Attorney regarding pending and prospective litigation and other matters.
10:45 a.m. take a break and go into Executive Session.
11:30 a.m. back into Regular Session.
Call item 22.
47. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Adjourn at 12:16 p.m.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02042025-458