Leon County readies for Veterans’ Appreciation Day and other celebrations

With an unusually long agenda, 44 items, the Leon County Commissioners Court began its meeting on April 12, 2010. All commissioners were present. Leon County Clerk Carla McEachern was absent due to family illness and Christi Wakefield sat in her place.

With Colonel James Wallace’s last day as Executive Director of the Leon Health Resource Center being April 30, he made his final report to the Court saying operations at the Center were normal. He reminded the Court that a 10 month no-cost extension request had been approved by LHRC allowing the Health Resource Center to continue with its goals and objectives to 4-30-2011. Wallace told the Court that $25 thousand was designated for optometrist equipment. If the county chose to use the funds in another manner, approval must be granted by HRSA.

The Leon Health Resource Center Commission will hold its quarterly meeting on Monday, April 26, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wallace said his goodbyes with a gracious “thank you” for permitting him to serve for five and a half years.

The Court voted to allow the Patriot Riders (American Legion Veteran’s) to use the parking lot in front of the old courthouse to line up to go out to Champion Ranch for the Veteran’s Appreciation Day on May 1, 2010. Along that same line the Court declared May 1, 2010 as Veteran’s Appreciation Day in Leon County. They also adopted a resolution recognizing and welcoming the soldiers in the 1st Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment Unit of the United States of America to the Veteran’s Appreciation Day in Leon County.

Election administrator Robin Shafer addressed the Court regarding the election equipment lease agreement for cities and schools for the May 8th, 2010 election. She also updated the Court on cities and school districts which would be holding elections on May 8.

The Court approved an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between Limestone County and Leon County for the use of their detention services when needed. Sheriff Jerry Wakefield explained that the Limestone facility is rarely used but it is good to have when necessary. The county is charged only if the Limestone facility is used.

The gazebo and the courthouse square will be used for the National Day of Prayer on May 6, 2010 from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Victims’ Rights Advocate Martha Jones was present to deliver a proclamation of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 18-24. This proclamation was signed by Governor Perry and its purpose is to promote awareness of the importance of victims’ rights.

The Court approved a resolution declaring April as County Government month for 2010. This year Texas’ 254 counties will celebrate April as County Government Month, promoting to their citizens the many important services provided by counties. In the past, one week every spring was designated as County government Week, but beginning this year, the National Association of Counties expanded the celebration to the entire month.

Jacob Shaffer and Charley Price were on hand to present a proclamation recognizing Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) for its 75th anniversary.

Conoco Phillips presented a donation for “Go Texas” of $2,500.00

The Court voted, under statute 130.908, to limit spending of certain county and precinct officers to $500.00 without approval. Judge Ryder explained this is common practice when there is a “lame duck” situation following an election.

Leon County Auditor Susan Pugh presented her report and there was some discussion about the Leon County Extension office moving into the office space vacated by the Juvenile Probation Office. The Extension office had also asked for another phone line since there are five employees and only one line. The Court approved the Extension office moving to the vacant space but did not approve another phone line.

Pugh reported that insurance funds had been received for losses due to theft. Among other things the stolen voting machines will be replaced with the insurance funds.

The Court approved the purchase of a used tractor/ trailer for $70,000 and granted permission to auction 5 used patrol vehicles and 2 impounded vehicle.

In other business the Court :Approved the Veteran’s Officer’s report; approved a Resolution Designating Texas Department of Rural Affairs Hurricane IKE Disaster Relief Program Unfunded Projects Proposals to meet HUD urgent need status; replaced Ken Stevens with Royce Dawkins on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee at the BVCOG; appointed Karen Stott to represent the Centerville and Leona areas on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee at the BVCOG.

They further approved the appointment of Kevin Ellis, Beverly Vanderburg to the Criminal Justice Advisory Board at the BVCOG and reappointed Gloria McCarty, Glenn Hightower, Tanya Foster and Kathy Pierce to the same board; re-appointed Dean Player, Pat Bell, Ed Mardis, Royce Dawkins, Jerry Wakefield, Eric Lundquiest, and Byron Ryder to the Homeland Security Advisory Committee ( HSAC) Advisory Committee at the BVCOG and replaced David Nobles with Tommy Koontz.

The Court approved making a change to the disclaimer statement in the personnel policy manual; approved the annual report for ESD#2; approved the resale of 2.5 acres held in trust by the county; approved a road use agreement for CR 105 & CR 153 – Precinct #1 – John Jackson Logging; approved a pipeline agreement for CR 336 – Precinct #3 – XTO Energy, Inc. Eiche, Maples & Company; approved a road use agreement for CR 410 – Precinct 34 – Rippy Interest, LLC (Rippy Oil Co.)