Midland County Commissioners Court met March 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the court:
Be it remembered that on Tuesday the 4th day of March 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 Alison Haley, County Clerk.
1. Call to Order.
2. Invocation was given by Pastor Darin Wood, First Baptist Church.
3. Pledges of Allegiances.
4. Discuss and take action on use of Horseshoe for 18th Annual International Rocket Engineering Competition on June 8-10, 2025.
Presented by Jennifer Williams, Visit Midland. Requesting the rental fee of $6,960.00 be waived for this event. This event is estimated to bring 2400 out of town visitors and $2.7 million to Midland.
Motion that we waive the Midland County Horseshoe arena rental fee for the 18th Annual International Rocket Engineering Competition occurring June 8-10, 2025.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 15
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
5. Receive presentation from Kari Hennagin with United Way.
Kari Hennagin with United Way presented Project Blueprint.
6. Discuss and take action on request from Midland Centennial Masonic Lodge to hold a Cornerstone Ceremony at the new Jail site.
Presented by Thad Mora, Midland Centennial Masonic Lodge. The Midland Centennial Masonic Lodge would like to hold a Cornerstone Ceremony at the new Midland County Jail. The Lodge would pay for the Cornerstone. Sheriff Gary Painter was a long-time member.
Motion that we allow the Midland Centennial Masonic Lodge to hold a Cornerstone Ceremony at the new Jail site in honor of Sheriff Gary Painter.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 16-17
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
7. Discuss and take action on amended Mental Health Services Provider Agreement FY2025 with PermiaCare.
Sheriff Criner invited Judge Elizabeth Leonard, 238th District Court to address the Court. Judge Leonard explained the benefits of the work that the Sheriff’s office does in partnership with PermiaCare. Chris Barnhill, CEO PermiaCare explained the benefits this grant will provide. $149,000.00 is being requested. The request is for two new Deputies and 2 new vehicles. Veronica Morales, Auditor joined the conversation. Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent joined the conversation. There was some discussion about what happens when the grant funds go away. Mr. Barnhill does not foresee these grant funds going away.
Motion authorizing the County Judge to sign the amended Mental Health Services Provider Agreement FY2025 between PermiaCare and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 18-28
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
8. Discuss and take action on application and resolution for TAG Grant FY2026.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Police Chief Greg Snow addressed the benefits of the joint efforts between the agencies. Lt. Hill explained the TAG Grant to the court members. 10 Investigators will be assigned to TAG.
Motion to authorize the Midland County Sheriff’s Office to submit application for TAG Grant for FY2026 and have the County Judge sign a resolution for the Grant.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 29-45
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
9. Discuss and take action on Non-Target Vehicle Maintenance over $10,000.00 for Patrol.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Lt. Hain. Cost of $12,709.58. We have the funds in the budget. This vehicle is out of contract. There was some discussion. Tabled for more information.
Recalled.
Commissioner Hall asked about the number of vehicles on the lot. Commissioner Anderson asked if it is worth fixing. Jerry Deady, Vector Fleet management addressed the Courts questions.
Motion that we approve the new transmission for unit #15911.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 46-47
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
10. Discuss and take action on additional funds for the following:
a. Non-Target Vehicle Maintenance for CID.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and Lt. Chris Fuentez. Currently he has 9 non-contract vehicles. Requesting $20,000.00 from contingency for CID non-target vehicle maintenance. 708-400-00.6240. Judge Johnson stated let’s start with $10,000.00 and if you need more later you can come back.
Motion to add an additional $10,000.00 of funds from contingency for Midland County Sheriff’s Office CID non-contract vehicle maintenance.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 48-74
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
b. Moving expenses for Sheriff’s Office.
Presented by Sheriff Criner and County Judge Johnson. $150,000.00 is needed for Sheriff’s Office moving expenses.
Motion that we allow $150,000.00 out of contingency to the Sheriff’s Office for the move to the new facility.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 75
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
11. Discuss and take action on use of Horseshoe for the following events:
a. Sheriff’s Office Halloween Event on October 18, 2025.
b. Sheriff’s Office Christmas Celebration on December 19 – 20, 2025.
Presented by Sheriff Criner. Commissioner Hall stated that he has a problem with the SO not paying a deposit, the December event was trashed out. Sgt. Gray explained that the event space was cleaned after the event.
Motion to authorize the use of the Horseshoe for the following events. The Sheriff’s Office Halloween Event on October 18, 2025, and the Sheriff’s Office Christmas Celebration on December 19 – 20, 2025.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 76-79
For: Somers, Johnson Against: None Abstaining: Hall Villela, Anderson
12. Discuss and take action on donation of $5,000.00 from First Presbyterian Church for CIU Victim Assistance.
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to accept the donation for the CIU Victim Assistance donation account in the amount of $5,000.00.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 80-83
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
13. Discuss and take action on budget amendment of $5,000.00 for CIU Victim Assistance.
Presented by Sheriff Criner.
Motion to authorize the budget amendment for CIU Victim Assistance donation by $5,000.00.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 84-85
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recall item 9
14. Discuss and take action on purchase of citizen engagement software, TextMyGov, for Road & Bridge.
Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. We do have the funds for this. Andrew Avis, Public Works Director, joined the conversation.
Motion to approve the purchase of the citizen engagement software, TextMyGov, for Road and Bridge.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Hall Exhibit: 86-97
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
15. Discuss and take action on purchase of new recording server for Horseshoe. Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director.
Motion that we purchase the new recording server for Horseshoe.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 98-107
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
16. Discuss and take action on Tyler Mobile Saas Agreement for mobile ticketing.
Presented by Javier Chacon, IT Director. Commissioner Hall asked about the agreement being approved. Assistant County Attorney, Kimberly Toulet addressed the questions. Tabled for more information.
17. 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. Acknowledge monthly report for Constable 1.
d. Acknowledge monthly report for JP 1.
e. Acknowledge claims check from Texas Association of Counties (TAC). f. Acknowledge refund check from Johnny Johnson Insurance.
g. Take action on court minutes from February 4 & 18, 2025.
h. Acknowledge AgriLife Extension Department report.
Motion to approve the consent agenda excluding item C.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 108-181
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
c. Acknowledge monthly report for Constable 1.
Commissioner Hall questioned this report and asked Constable Brown to submit the same report that the other Constables use. Constable Brown said he could do that.
Motion that we approve the monthly report for Constable 1.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 135-137
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
18. Conduct a public hearing on changing the speed limit on SCR 1065 from 35 MPH to 45 MPH.
County Judge Johnson declared a public hearing open to discuss changing the speed limit on SCR 1065 from 35 MPH to 45 MPH. The Judge asked if there was anyone present wishing to speak. No one came forward.
19. Discuss and take action changing the speed limit on SCR 1065 from 35 MPH to 45 MPH.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to approve changing the speed limit of SCR 1065 from 35 MPH to 45 MPH.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 182-188
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
20. Discuss and take action on line item transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. There were a few exceptions.
Motion we approve line-item transfers.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 189-200
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
21. Discuss and take action on bills and wire transfers.
Presented by Veronica Morales, Auditor. One wire transfer for the County Clerk’s office. There are two additional bills. Advanced Auto Parts for $38.13 from the Cemetery and one for Winkler Services $146,000.00. This is an annual royalty payment.
Motion that we approve bills and wire transfers and additional bills to Advanced Auto for $38.13 and Winkler County for $146,000.00.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 201-210
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
22. Discuss and take action on purchase of Body and Vehicle Cameras for Constable 1.
Presented by Constable Douglas Brown, Pct. 1. Requesting a bodycam and a dashcam. Quote for $17,096.40 for both.
Motion that we buy Constable Pct.1 a bodycam with the funds coming from contingency In the amount of $1,000.00.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Somers Exhibit: 211-218
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
23. Discuss and take action on grade and step for Pretrial Intervention position PCN 206- 38-002.
Presented by Glenn Harwood, District Attorney. Requesting the new PTI position PCN 206-38-002 from a grade 13 step 15 to a grade 13 step 15.5.
Motion that we approve the Pre Trial-Intervention position PCN 206-38-002 to a grade 13 step 15.5
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 219-220
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
24. Discuss and take action changing Bailiff position to Investigator for Warrant Services. Hold for Executive Session.
Recalled.
Presented by Jorge Martinez, Warrant Services Chief.
Motion that we change your job description as presented.
Motion by: Johnson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 221-233
For: Somers, Johnson Against: Hall Abstaining:
Villela, Anderson
25. Discuss and take action on Interlocal Agreement with Ector County for sharing County Extension Agents.
Presented by Brady Evans, AgriLife Extension Office Department Head.
Motion that we approve the Interlocal agreement with Ector County for sharing County Extension Agents.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Recalled
Sara Gray, Treasurer and Brady Evans, AgriLife Extension Department Head. There was some discussion about changing the salary.
I withdraw my motion on item 25.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
26. Discuss and take action on 1-year warranty period for ECR 48 in Shenandoah Industrial Park.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to begin the 1-year warranty period prior to County takeover on ECR 48 in Shenandoah Industrial Park.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 234
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
27. Discuss and take action on contract with Clark Construction for 2025 Midland County Maintenance Seal Coat project.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion to authorize the County Judge to sign the contract for 2025 Midland County Maintenance Seal Coat project with Clark Construction.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 235-269
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
28. Discuss and take action on the following change purchase orders with Edgardo Madrid & Associates for Water and sewer project bond.
Presented by Jesse Ferguson, Public Works Capital Projects Manager.
Motion that we approve the change purchase order on Edgardo Madrid & Associates.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 270-274
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
29. Discuss and take action on Easement and Right-of-Way (ROW) agreement with ONCOR.
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director.
Motion to approve authorizing the County Judge to execute the easement and right-of way agreement with ONCOR.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 275-282
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
30. Discuss and take action on Real Estate Donation Agreement with Midland County Utility District (MCUD).
Presented by Andrew Avis, Public Works Director. They would like 10 acres of the property.
Motion to allow the County Judge to on the real estate donation agreement with MCUD.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 283-308
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
31. Discuss and take action on the following Interlocal Agreements for Emergency Management:
a. City of Midland for Fire and Health office space.
b. b. Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) for office space. Presented by Justin Bunch, Emergency Management Coordinator.
Motion that we sign the agreement with TDEM. Also sign an agreement with the City of Midland for Fire and Health office space.
Motion by: Hall Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 309-316
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
10 34 a.m. take a 10-minute break.
10:48 a.m. back into Regular Session.
32. Discuss and take action on condenser pumps repair at Courthouse.
Presented by Eddie Melendez, Facilities Director. The vendor, Rick’s Backflow and Plumbing, LLC is requesting a down payment of $8,500.00.
Motion to approve the parts and repairs on the condenser pumps at the Courthouse with the $8,500.00 deposit.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 317-318
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
33. Discuss and take action on continuation of THK Contract for RFQ Preparation Assistance.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. Commissioner Somers stated that he would like to continue moving forward. No action taken.
34. Discuss and take action on RFQ for Architectural/Engineering Services for Golf Course Design.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. Permission to release a RFQ to find an architect/engineer for the design of the golf course.
Motion to approve to release RFQ to find architectural and engineering firm to design the golf course.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 319-324
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
35. Discuss and take action on RFP for Repaving/Restriping Courthouse Parking Lots C & D.
No action needed.
36. Discuss and take action on RFP for Pest Control.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. Due to additional buildings, we would like to go out for RFP for the next budget process.
Motion to approve going out for RFP for Pest control.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 325
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
37. Discuss and take action on award for RFP 25MCO642 Janitorial Services for the New LEB.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent. We received 5 responses. They are recommending awarding this to Redlee services with a total monthly amount of $20,206.78
Motion we award the RFP 25MCO642 Janitorial Services for the new LEB to Redlee,
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 326-328
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
38. Discuss and take action on declaring surplus items as salvage.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent.
Motion to declare surplus items as salvage.
Motion by: Villela Seconded by: Anderson Exhibit: 329-340
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
39. Discuss and take action on auction of surplus items.
Presented by Kristy Engeldahl, Purchasing Agent.
Motion we auction off the surplus items.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 341-342
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
40. Discuss and take action on master keys.
Commissioner Hall wanted to have a conversation about the number of people that have master keys. Eddie Melendez, Facilities Director, joined the conversation. No action taken.
41. Discuss and take action on collections.
Commissioner Hall suggested the County use one collection agency. Scott Casbeer, Constable Pct. 2 described his experience with GHS. Judge Bellick, Justice of Peace Pct. 2 expressed her opinion about GHS. Judge Barton, Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 addressed the Court. Jorge Martinez, Warrant Services Chief and Luz Rodriguez, joined the conversation. Judge Rayos, Justice of the Peace Pct. 3, addressed the Court. Judge Subia, Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 discussed her experience with NetData. Tony Fidelie and Chyann Olivas with Perdue Brandon addressed the courts questions and explained that they are a law firm not just a collection agency. Judge Barton stated that it’s not fair that GHS does not have a representative to speak to the Court. No action was taken.
42. Discuss and take action on Teen Leadership.
Presented by Commissioner Hall. Judge Barton, Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 joined the conversation. Needs to be re-agendized. Tabled.
43. Discuss and take action on recommendations from Citizen’s panel. No action taken.
44. Discuss and take action partnering with City of Midland for trash pick-up day.
Presented by Commissioner Anderson. Midlands Great American Cleanup on Friday March 21st from 9am-12. It will be done during work hours. This is strictly voluntary.
Motion that the County of Midland partner with the City of Midland for the trash pick-up on March 21st from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Motion by: Anderson Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 343
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
45. Conduct Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.073 to deliberate regarding a prospective gift or donation.
46. Conduct Executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.074 to discuss personnel matters.
11:41 a.m. to go into Executive Session.
12:27 p.m. back into Regular Session
Recall item 25 and item 24
47. Discuss and take action on new JP 2 Administrative Assistant position and grade and step.
Presented by Judge Yadi Billeck, Justice of the Peace Pct. 2.
Motion to approve for the position change and salary changes for the new JP2 Administrative Assistant from 15 6.5 to a 16 9 effective immediately.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit: 344-349
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
48. Discuss and take action on JP Bailiff.
No action taken.
49. Receive presentation from Public Works.
Andrew Avis, Public Works Director, presented the creation of the Public Works department and what has been achieved over the past five years. Exhibit: 350-368
50. Court members to discuss priorities of Public Works projects.
The court members discussed future projects for Public Works.
51. Adjourn.
Motion to adjourn.
Motion by: Somers Seconded by: Villela Exhibit:
For: All (5) Against: None Abstaining:
Adjourn at 1:16 p.m.
https://www.co.midland.tx.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03042025-460