Senior Nutrition program dumps frozen dinners

James Felts joins the county’s AgriLife extension agency staff. Van’Go’photo The Leon County commissioners court meeting on January 25 included a decision that will be good news for the county's senior citizens who participate in the senior meals program and Meals on Wheels. Senior Nutrition program director Deanna Mills has been researching the economic advantages of having the senior meals prepared at the county jail again, versus serving frozen meals. Mills stated that the frozen meals have not been popular, resulting in less participation in the program. "We have to grow our numbers to stay compliant to show that we NEED this program," Mills pointed out. Acknowledging that there's "no sense having a program for seniors if they don't take advantage of it", Commissioner Dean Player made a motion and the commissioners unanimously voted to authorize Mills to go back to the meals cooked in county. They also commended the "extensive research Deanna did so we can make an informed choice." Some frozen meals will be kept on hand as part of a disaster contingency plan.

Wednesday's meeting also included the approval of a new Agri-Life Program Assistant. James Felts joins the county's Texas AgriLife staff, and just in time for this spring's county youth livestock show. Felts is a 2011 graduate of Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a minor in Agricultural Business. He is experienced in the livestock showing industry and stated that he is looking forward to working with the staff to promote youth and adult AgriLife programs. Felts' salary is in the staff budget for the extension office. Sheriff Jerry Wakefield requested permission to take bids for the economical housing and feeding of stray livestock picked up by the the Sheriff's office. "Strays are eating into our budget -- we get lots of call throughout the county and by law we have to keep them so many days and advertise..." Wakefield explained. The Court approved the request.

Sheriff Wakefield also reported that the lock replacement project at the Leon County jail is almost complete and he invited the com- missioners to a walk-through inspection to see how the county's money has been spent. The electro-pneumatic lock system which has been replaced may be offered to other jails that still use that system.

Brandi Hill in the Treasurer's office requested $1300 for handbooks and manuals -- money that would have eaten up her office supply budget. Noting, "She needs tools to do the job," Commissioner Player made the motion that the requested money come out of contingency funds.

Precinct 2 Commissioner David Ferguson's previous motion to sell a CAT motor grader was amended to "sell or trade".

Judge Byron Ryder suggested the county put a local phone in the genealogical building.

Auditor's comments included no budget amendments, but seven line item transfers totalling $146,701 were approved.

In other business, the court: - Reappointed John Gower to the ESD#2 board and also appointed Herschel Huffine to replace Lois Milstead on that board. Commissioner Dean Play pointed out that the changes maintain the ratio of three representatives from Hilltop Lakes and two from outside "the Hill"; - Approved two proposed road use agreements: (1) for Mary Boles Logging for CR 478, 480 and 481 in Precinct 1; (2) for XTO for CR 384 in Precinct 4; - Authorized the NACO Prescription Discount Card Program for Leon County employees; - Accepted a $1000 check from Triad Land Services in Tyler for a three-year lease on the minerals for one countyowned acre in Abstract 735; and - Approved a resolution on a grievance procedure in order to be compliant with the Texas Community Development grant.