Thursday's Internet Edition, December 04, 2008.
extends burn ban until March 10
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Commissioners Jim Boatwright, Mike Lewis, Jon Bonner and Dickie Clary were present for the meeting. Hamilton County Judge Randy Mills presided.
After taking no action for several months on the agenda item regarding the lease/purchase of the former First State Bank Building, Mills said, “I think it is time we reject this and move on.”
Lewis made the motion seconded by Bonner to reject the lease/purchase contract for the building. The motion passed unanimously.
Hamilton County Fire Coordinator David Lane was on hand to address the burn ban issue.
“I know people need to burn their brush piles and their trash, but it’s a dire situation,” he said. “The little dab of rain we got did nothing except make it harder to get out there and put out the fires.”
He told the court that Hamilton was under a Red Flag Warning on Monday and in drought conditions according to the Texas Forest Service index.
Mills asked Lane how much it costs for a fire department to respond to a call.
“It costs no less than $60 to make a run, even if they don’t do anything,” Lane answered. “We usually take two to three rural trucks and a command vehicle.
Mills said he has kept in touch with other judges in the area. “There are mixed reports about when you can do ag burns,” he said. “The only ones not under a burn ban are burn masters with insurance.”
Bonner made the motion seconded by Boatwright to extend the county-wide burn ban until Monday, March 10 at noon.
Carroll Starkey, maintenance supervisor of TxDot addressed the court to answer questions regarding burn ban signage displayed on state maintained highways.
He told commissioners that the county can buy signs to notify citizens and those passing through of a burn ban from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for $30. He said that Hamilton County Employees will have to put the signs up; however, TxDot will assist them. He suggested placing the signs at route markers entering the county.
Clary told the court that Bill Lewis of Resource Conservation Services has requested that commissioners notify him in writing that flood control dams in Hamilton County are being maintained.
“We’re supposed to go out and inspect these facilities every year and take corrective measures,” Clary said.
He explained that there are two flood control dams in Hamilton County, one in Precinct 3 and one in Precinct 4. He said the only maintenance that has been required at the sites is spraying of trees.
Both Bonner and Clary, commissioners of the precincts, said they have been inspecting and maintaining the specified dams in their precincts and they are in good condition.
Executive Director of Central Texas Council of Governments Jim Reed briefly spoke with the court, explaining what his office does. He said the CTCOG has been in Hamilton for more than 40 years offering various services including Area Agency on Aging, housing assistance and planning and regional services.
“If you have citizens that have a problem that you are having trouble addressing, call us,” Reed said.
The court expressed appreciation for the assistance they have received from CTCOG.
Tom Lawrence reviewed finance options regarding Phase I of the courthouse restoration with the court. He recommended that Tax Notes be issued to cover the county’s costs associated with the renovation. The court directed him to make calculations for $800,000 in Tax Notes and bring firm information to them at their next meeting.
Commissioners appointed Debra Adams as Hamilton County Representative for Central Counties Mental Health Mental Retardation.
The court held a brief discussion about temporary salary adjustment for the county Judge’s Assistant as relating to FEMA responsibilities. Mills said he believes there are some administrative expenses, including purchase of computers or laptops for the precincts that should be covered with FEMA funds.
In regard to the salary adjustment, Bonner said, “We don’t need to make any changes at this time.”
County officials also opened and accepted bids for road material and blasting services and approved payment of bills in the amount of $162,555.26.