Peeler named project manager for justice center construction
The Grimes County Commissioners Court held a Regular Meeting Wednesday, Jan. 22, and unanimously approved Maintenance Manager Al Peeler as the Project Construction Manager for the Grimes County Justice and Business Center.
The selection of a project manager was carried over from the Jan. 8 meeting at which time a “cafeteria-style” proposal from Vanir Construction Management with options ranging from $50,000 - $200,000 was considered. Vanir had provided peer review services related to the justice center in December 2019. Also, at that meeting, Commissioner Phillip Cox recommended oversight of the project be handled by Peeler.
Peeler, a former Marine, has been employed with Grimes County for just under five years, has a degree in Industrial Engineering and is currently overseeing the repair of the 125-year old Grimes County courthouse.
County Judge Joe Fauth said, “After reviewing the Vanir proposal and after reviewing this situation with Mr. Peeler, at this point, between the skills of Mr. Peeler and the skills we have on the court with Mr. Mallett (degree in Civil Engineering,) I would like the county to take benefit of those resources we currently have. I’m appreciative of the work Vanir has done because when we asked for a peer review, they met our need and met our need very well.”
Reconvening after a closed session as authorized by the Texas Government Code 551.074, commissioners unanimously approved Peeler’s status be changed to “exempt” and that he receives a stipend of $1,425 per month effective Jan. 20, 2020, for the duration of the construction project.
GCHC and courthouse
repair reports
In his capacity as chairman of the Grimes County Historical Commission (GCHC), Al Peeler gave the annual report, reporting 27 members which reflects an increase of 15 this year as well as 10 committees of which seven are new.
Peeler advised GCHC has designed a new logo, created a social media platform and is reviewing the bylaws. In addition, the Archives Committee is retrieving artifacts “scattered” across the county for placement in the proposed GCHC museum. A School Committee has been formed and will seek information on the “schools of yesteryear.”
Peeler said, “Our goal is to get GCHC in the public’s eye so we can be the professors of history in Grimes County.”
Moving on to the status of courthouse repairs, Peeler advised commissioners that overall masonry cleaning is 64% complete; overall roof repairs, 2% complete; overall windows repairs, 33% complete; with overall paint and sealing, 3% complete.
Peeler said, “With one rain day happening, we’re still on schedule to complete the project within the contract date of June 8.”
In response to a question about the “most critical” item, Peeler described the roof as most critical but said the masonry work is a “real close second.”
Peeler said, “We sit on a hill and we get a lot of wind-driven rain, so roofing is No. 1 but masonry re-pointing is really right there with it.”
Peeler said some of the roof work delay is waiting for the arrival of the roofing shingles.
HDR awarded 2016 flood
contract
Commissioners approved an Engineering Services Agreement with HDR Engineering for the General Land Office – Community Development Block Grant for 2016 flooding in the amount of $200,000.
The $2 million grant project covers repairs in the Blackberry area and the following county roads: 185, 206, 206A, 207, 313, 320 as well as Clark at Albin.
According to Road and Bridge Engineer Harry Walker, the design should be ready in September with construction to begin in December. Terms of the grant allow to October 2021 for completion.
Other court action:
•Approved consent agenda items that included the Treasurer’s list of claims and bills, payroll the Monthly Report for December 2019 and authorized advertisement of Affidavit of same.
•Recognized four county employees for their service to the county, see related photos.
•Approved Laura Zaragoza as the County Court at Law representative on the Bail Bond Board.
•Received an update on Texas A&M AgriLife activities from Grimes County Extension Office staff Allen Homann, Kyla Moeller and Carla Hayes.
•Approved request from IT Director Greg Cannon to submit for auction four copiers that are 9-plus years old with proceeds returned to IT budget.
•Approved request from Treasurer Janice Trant to implement 2020 mileage reimbursement rates as issued by the IRS.
•Approved a request by District Attorney Andria Bender’s office to adjust a grant employee’s salary by $2,510.50 through September to be commensurate with other employees. The new grant cycle in October will reflect the new rate. The funding for the current cycle will come from asset forfeitures at the discretion of the DA.
•Approved at the request of Elections Administrator Lucy Ybarra, the Primary/ Joint Resolution contracts between Grimes County and the Grimes County Democrat Party and the Grimes County Republican Party for the 2020 Primary Election March 3, 2020.
•Tabled request to create Temp/Seasonal line item for current fiscal year.
•Approved request by Engineer Harry Walker for a direct sale of a 3,500 SF lot, the site of the former Iola maintenance barn, to neighboring property owners Wickson Creek SUD for a $5,000 credit voucher for future water purchases.
•Approved a plat for Layson Subdivision on CR 127 and CR 128.
•Approved waterline installation permit for Wick-son Creek SUD in King Oaks.
•Received a Road and Bridge Report from Engineer Harry Walker that included storm cleanup efforts, culvert and bridge work, mowing, drainage, subdivision plating and status of new maintenance barn construction.
• Approved contracting for construction materials engineering, testing and inspection and verification testing services for the Grimes County Justice and Business Center facility with Gessner Engineering.
Burn ban:
No action taken, burn ban remains lifted.