Legislature’s action returns court to bimonthly meetings
Examiner photo by Connie Clements Pct. 2 David Dobyanski presents a plaque to Grimes County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Dan Wagnon in recognition of “10 years of honorable and dedicated service to the citizens of Grimes County, TX.”
The Grimes County Commissioners Court held a Regular Meeting Wednesday, June 12. Judge Joe Fauth advised that because of SB 354 signed by Governor Gregg Abbott May 31, they will begin conducting Regular Meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and said, “We will not be mandated to hold a Special Meeting on the first, third and fifth weeks of the month.”
The Order for Disbursement of Salaries and Routine Office Expenses will allow disbursement of previously budgeted salaries and previously budgeted funds for expenses upon submission of appropriate paperwork. Commissioners approved the order with the revision “authorized office expenses” for consistency. The next scheduled meeting is June 26.
County hires contractor
for chip seal
Commissioners approved the award of the county’s Seal Coating (chip sealing) contract to Cornerstone Paving, the low bidder at $297,350.56. Walker reported four bids received with the highest bid being $442,000.
Walker said, “In the past we did this work internally. This year we decided to try having some of it contracted out. The costs appear to be competitive with our own costs and having a contractor do it gives us the ability to spend our time and effort on other things and, hopefully, increase the amount of road work we can get done during our paving season.”
According to Walker, the work is scheduled to begin in September and covers approximately 5 miles of roadway that includes Harrison and Bracewell (in Bedias) as well as CR 403 and CR 404.
In response to Fauth’s inquiry about the county’s cost to perform the work Walker said, “This price they bid is about $100,000 more than our materials alone would be, not including the labor and equipment.
It came up a few percentages more having the contractor do the work than the county doing the job.”
He continued, “It takes all of one crew and half of another and as a result, all of our other routine operations slow down…I think this is of reasonable value to the county.”
Walker also clarified a misconception that the cost to chip seal was about $10,000 per mile. Walker said that the $10,000 refers to the Surfacing Donation Policy for residents who want to pay to have their roads sealed. It allows them to pay for half of the cost of material only and excludes labor and equipment and base preparation.
Walker said, “It’s a bargain for the residents if they want to do that.”
Subdivision action
Commissioners approved the preliminary plat for Phase I and Phase II of the Anderson Ridge Subdivision located at FM 149 East at CR 222. It will feature 21 lots ranging from 2.6 acres to 15 acres.
Commissioners also approved the release of the $850,000 Road Maintenance Bond for the Crown Ranch Subdivision, Section 6. Both Road and Bridge engineer Harry Walker and Pct. 2 Commissioner David Dobyanski assured the court that the required maintenance period had been completed and the roads were in “good shape.”
Reiterating the reason for a Road Maintenance Bond, Commissioner Barbara Walker said, “This is an effort to make sure that our citizens don’t buy property in a subdivision where there are substandard roads.”
Walker added, “And also to make sure the county doesn’t end up assuming the maintenance of roads that aren’t in proper shape.”
Other court action:
*Approved consent agenda items that included the Treasurer’s list of claims and bills, payroll and budget amendments and/or line item transfers with a correction to the May 15 minutes.
*Recognized Lt. Daniel Wagnon for 10 years of service to the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office.
*Revised the Grimes County Personnel Manual to address direct deposit upon separation of employment.
*Approved revision to Workplace Violence Policy regarding reporting procedures.
*Approved a waterline permit for Wickson Creek SUD on CR 172.
*Approved a Special Road Use and Indemnity Agreement for Patriot Demolition for CR 180.
*Approved an oil and gas pipeline permit for Apache Corp. for CR 126.
*Approved the renewal of the Special Road Use and Indemnity Agreement with Magnolia Oil and Gas for CR 190.
*Received the Road and Bridge and Drainage report.
*Discussed where responsibility lies for county office closures due to unforeseen circumstances.
Burn ban
No action was taken to reinstate the burn ban.
Public comments:
*Elizabeth Grindstaff, Stakeholder Manager with Texas Central, advised of the company’s desire to schedule a time to update commissioners on the status of the planned high-speed rail proposed to run through Grimes County.
*Al Peeler, Community Services Manager/Building Maintenance Manager and coordinator of the 125th Anniversary of the Grimes County Courthouse event Saturday, June 15, gave the court an event update.