The State of Texas {}
County of Burnet {} On this the 30th day of March 2020, the Burnet County Commissioners Court met in Special Session. The following members of the court were present:
County of Burnet {} On this the 30th day of March 2020, the Burnet County Commissioners Court met in Special Session. The following members of the court were present:
- Present:
- County Judge James Oakley; Commissioner Precinct 1 Jim Luther, Jr.; Commissioner Precinct 2 Damon Beierle; Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall; Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery
- Attendees:
- Stephanie McCormick, Comm. Court Coordinator; Janet Parker, County Clerk; Carole Poppema, Assistant County Auditor; Karin Smith, County Auditor
An agenda packet containing detailed information on the items listed below is distributed to the County Judge, Commissioners, and County Clerk the Friday preceding the meeting. The agenda packet is also posted on the county website at www.burnetcountytexas.org, under Public Meetings. A hard copy of the agenda packet is available in the County Clerk's office. Our Mission Statement: The mission of Burnet County is to maintain overall efficient and effective management of county resources while providing the services mandated by state and federal law and desired by the citizens of Burnet County.
SPECIAL MEETING DATE: Monday March 30, 2020 MEETING TIME: 9:00 a.m.
MEETING PLACE: 2nd Floor Courtroom located at 220 S. Pierce, Burnet, Texas
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments. Any person with business before the Commissioner’s Court not scheduled on the agenda may speak to the Court. No formal action can be taken on these items at this meeting. Comments regarding specific agenda items should occur when the item is called. There is a 2 minute speaking limit.
3. Discussion and/or action concerning any topics related to the COVID-19 virus (Oakley)
4. Discussion and/or action regarding Department Updates: (Oakley)
5. The following items are part of the Consent Agenda and require no deliberation by the Commissioner’s Court. Any item from this agenda may be considered separately:
James Oakley, Burnet County Judge
Reviewed by: Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney
The Commissioners' Court reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any matters as authorized by the Texas Government Code including, but not limited to, Sections: 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts and Donations)Deliberations about Security Devices), 551.087 (Economic Development), 418.183 (Deliberations about Homeland Security Issues). Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Burnet County will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending Commissioners' Court. To better serve you, requests should be received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Ms. Stephanie McCormick, Commissioners’ Court Coordinator, at (512) 715-5276. Please note, the location of the meeting is subject to change based upon availability of the Courtroom. If meeting location is changed, notice at the above meeting location shall be posted to ensure public access to meeting is granted.
SPECIAL MEETING DATE: Monday March 30, 2020 MEETING TIME: 9:00 a.m.
MEETING PLACE: 2nd Floor Courtroom located at 220 S. Pierce, Burnet, Texas
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments. Any person with business before the Commissioner’s Court not scheduled on the agenda may speak to the Court. No formal action can be taken on these items at this meeting. Comments regarding specific agenda items should occur when the item is called. There is a 2 minute speaking limit.
3. Discussion and/or action concerning any topics related to the COVID-19 virus (Oakley)
4. Discussion and/or action regarding Department Updates: (Oakley)
5. The following items are part of the Consent Agenda and require no deliberation by the Commissioner’s Court. Any item from this agenda may be considered separately:
- Consideration and approval of any pending personnel issues within the policy.
- Payroll approval/Personnel Action Form Approval
- Consideration and approval concerning budget amendments.
- Consideration and approval concerning budget line item transfers.
- Consideration and authorization of payment of claims previously approved by the County Auditor.
- Acceptance of reports of County Officials as required by LGC 115.02 previously examined by the County Auditor
- Consideration and approval regarding Departmental equipment requests and/or property transfers.
- Correspondence.
James Oakley, Burnet County Judge
Reviewed by: Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney
The Commissioners' Court reserves the right to adjourn into Executive Session at any time during the course of this meeting to discuss any matters as authorized by the Texas Government Code including, but not limited to, Sections: 551.071 (Consultation with Attorney) 551.072 (Deliberations about Real Property), 551.073 (Deliberations about Gifts and Donations)Deliberations about Security Devices), 551.087 (Economic Development), 418.183 (Deliberations about Homeland Security Issues). Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Burnet County will provide for reasonable accommodations for persons attending Commissioners' Court. To better serve you, requests should be received 24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Ms. Stephanie McCormick, Commissioners’ Court Coordinator, at (512) 715-5276. Please note, the location of the meeting is subject to change based upon availability of the Courtroom. If meeting location is changed, notice at the above meeting location shall be posted to ensure public access to meeting is granted.
Item #1:
Call to Order
Call to Order
Judge Oakley called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
Item #2:
Public Comments
Public Comments
Under these unique circumstances, Judge Oakley stated the court would be available through electronic means to allow for public comments or questions. Judge Oakley also encouraged the public to contact the courthouse with any questions at 512-756-5420.
Item #3:
Discussion/ Action
COVID-19 Virus
Discussion/ Action
COVID-19 Virus
Judge Oakley called the special meeting to hear from Dr. Juliette Madrigal, Burnet County Health Authority. Currently, there are 3 confirmed cases in Burnet County, however more positive cases are to be expected as tests become available. Judge Oakley will be on a conference call this afternoon with other municipal leaders to discuss modifications to the Order. There are many requests for clarification as to what is essential. An item to be addressed is large retail centers not limiting the number of individuals in the store at one time.
Sara Ann Luther, Human Resources Director, asked the Court to officially recognize the addendum to the Personnel Policy to include the Families First Act effective April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This information has been emailed to all County employees.
Sara Ann Luther, Human Resources Director, asked the Court to officially recognize the addendum to the Personnel Policy to include the Families First Act effective April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. This information has been emailed to all County employees.
Motion was made by Commissioner Precinct 3 Billy Wall, Seconded by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Joe Don Dockery to approve the addendum to the Personnel Policy to include the Families First Act effective April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Oakley thanked Dr. Madrigal for her service as our local health authority.
Dr. Madrigal informed the court we have moved on to the next phase, which is community spread. The scenario is worse than what the numbers show. For example, last week, Baylor Scott and White Hospital tested 19 people in total. On Saturday, 3 were tested and 2 were positive. When questioned on the locations of these individuals, she replied they are all here. She explained, even though there are only 3 positive cases in our county, one of the individuals has 9 other contacts, either family members or people they worked with, which also have the symptoms. Another individual has a family of seven people. The individual and family members have been out and working. The case in Blanco county, the individual has family which works in Burnet County. When she asked these individuals where locations they had visited in the past week, many responded HEB and Walmart. Dr. Madrigal stated you have to assume everyone has it. You may feel fine one day and horrible the next. Many people are not showing symptoms. If you need to shop for resources, that is understandable. Make your purchases and then leave, do not browse around. In the larger cities, the cases peaked so rapidly the hospitals could not keep up with the number of people who are ill. There are not enough resources in the county to handle a large volume of cases at one time. Most people will have to go to Austin which is already showing a high demand for resources. The studies taking place right now on the new drugs look promising, but there is not enough information at this time. The longer the virus is kept out of the community will allow for more information and resources to be available. Studies are being conducted to allow for testing to be done in Doctor's offices with quicker results. Dr. Madrigal attended a teleconference with Doctors regarding studies on how the virus continues to spread: mostly by respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, and talking closely with people. The virus lives on surfaces for approximately 3 days. Once you touch a surface then your face, it can be transmitted and affect the individual. Masks are recommended to be worn. If you wear gloves, it is only effective if you change them and take them off properly. It is best to wash your hands. Transmission is mainly by contact out in public passing by those who have the virus. When returning from being out in the public you should shower, wash clothing and any personal items. Avoid going out to public places unless it is a necessity. The public is however encouraged to go outside and be in nature while avoiding contact with others.
Judge Oakley and Dr. Madrigal have been actively requesting test kits and PPE for the residents of Burnet County, however the supplies are limited at this time. Judge Oakley thanked Congressman Roger Williams for his assistance in acquiring more of these items. The problem at this time is the supplies are not available. This is why it is important to delay the spread of the virus.
Locations of those who have been infected are throughout the County. Specifically, they have frequented Walmart and HEB. Most likely when you are out shopping, you are coming in to contact with people who may have the virus.
This order is in effect until further notice. The number of cases is increasing, not decreasing. As long as this is the case, the order will remain in place. Judge Oakley asked people to use common sense when being out as this remains an enforceable order. Please do not put law enforcement in a position to have to enforce this.
With regard to recognizing symptoms, 95% of the population show symptoms within 6 days after exposure. The variability lies in the symptoms. For cases who have tested positive, some family members have shown worse symptoms than the individual infected and others have shown none at all.
Dr. Madrigal answered the question of how long one should self-quarantine if they believe to have COVID-19. If you are ill, you should self quarantine for 14 days. If you have been confirmed or are a high risk candidate, at least 12 days from the onset of symptoms and be without fever or cough for 3 days.
Food banks are allowed to be open to those in need at this time.
Dr. Madrigal answered the question of those wanting to visit with family outside your home. Even though you may all be healthy, the less exposure you have outside your home is better. You may not think you are ill or be symptomatic, but you could be exposing others if you are carrying the virus and vice versa.
Currently, the target date for schools to reopen is April 13 & 14, however these dates are subject to change. This decision to reopen is subject to the Governor's orders.
Dr. Madrigal was asked to clarify which types of masks are best to use. Dr. Madrigal stated the N95 masks block 95% of particles, which is what the medical profession is using. For those going out in public, she would recommend using a surgical or fabric masks, if possible.
Judge Oakley addressed those who are questioning the Constitutionality of the orders and disallowing certain activities from taking place. He wanted to assure the public everything Burnet County has done is under auspices of the County Attorney and what the State and Local Declarations allow for. Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney, stated communities all over the State are enacting these rules. There are regulations in place which allow for these kinds of declarations. The Court understands this is impacting businesses economically, however at this time it is necessary for the health and safety of the community. Mr. Arredondo expressed Judge Oakley does not want to take away citizens rights. This should not be seen as the county trying to prevent you from living your life, they are simply trying to protect you.
Dr. Madrigal informed the court we have moved on to the next phase, which is community spread. The scenario is worse than what the numbers show. For example, last week, Baylor Scott and White Hospital tested 19 people in total. On Saturday, 3 were tested and 2 were positive. When questioned on the locations of these individuals, she replied they are all here. She explained, even though there are only 3 positive cases in our county, one of the individuals has 9 other contacts, either family members or people they worked with, which also have the symptoms. Another individual has a family of seven people. The individual and family members have been out and working. The case in Blanco county, the individual has family which works in Burnet County. When she asked these individuals where locations they had visited in the past week, many responded HEB and Walmart. Dr. Madrigal stated you have to assume everyone has it. You may feel fine one day and horrible the next. Many people are not showing symptoms. If you need to shop for resources, that is understandable. Make your purchases and then leave, do not browse around. In the larger cities, the cases peaked so rapidly the hospitals could not keep up with the number of people who are ill. There are not enough resources in the county to handle a large volume of cases at one time. Most people will have to go to Austin which is already showing a high demand for resources. The studies taking place right now on the new drugs look promising, but there is not enough information at this time. The longer the virus is kept out of the community will allow for more information and resources to be available. Studies are being conducted to allow for testing to be done in Doctor's offices with quicker results. Dr. Madrigal attended a teleconference with Doctors regarding studies on how the virus continues to spread: mostly by respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, and talking closely with people. The virus lives on surfaces for approximately 3 days. Once you touch a surface then your face, it can be transmitted and affect the individual. Masks are recommended to be worn. If you wear gloves, it is only effective if you change them and take them off properly. It is best to wash your hands. Transmission is mainly by contact out in public passing by those who have the virus. When returning from being out in the public you should shower, wash clothing and any personal items. Avoid going out to public places unless it is a necessity. The public is however encouraged to go outside and be in nature while avoiding contact with others.
Judge Oakley and Dr. Madrigal have been actively requesting test kits and PPE for the residents of Burnet County, however the supplies are limited at this time. Judge Oakley thanked Congressman Roger Williams for his assistance in acquiring more of these items. The problem at this time is the supplies are not available. This is why it is important to delay the spread of the virus.
Locations of those who have been infected are throughout the County. Specifically, they have frequented Walmart and HEB. Most likely when you are out shopping, you are coming in to contact with people who may have the virus.
This order is in effect until further notice. The number of cases is increasing, not decreasing. As long as this is the case, the order will remain in place. Judge Oakley asked people to use common sense when being out as this remains an enforceable order. Please do not put law enforcement in a position to have to enforce this.
With regard to recognizing symptoms, 95% of the population show symptoms within 6 days after exposure. The variability lies in the symptoms. For cases who have tested positive, some family members have shown worse symptoms than the individual infected and others have shown none at all.
Dr. Madrigal answered the question of how long one should self-quarantine if they believe to have COVID-19. If you are ill, you should self quarantine for 14 days. If you have been confirmed or are a high risk candidate, at least 12 days from the onset of symptoms and be without fever or cough for 3 days.
Food banks are allowed to be open to those in need at this time.
Dr. Madrigal answered the question of those wanting to visit with family outside your home. Even though you may all be healthy, the less exposure you have outside your home is better. You may not think you are ill or be symptomatic, but you could be exposing others if you are carrying the virus and vice versa.
Currently, the target date for schools to reopen is April 13 & 14, however these dates are subject to change. This decision to reopen is subject to the Governor's orders.
Dr. Madrigal was asked to clarify which types of masks are best to use. Dr. Madrigal stated the N95 masks block 95% of particles, which is what the medical profession is using. For those going out in public, she would recommend using a surgical or fabric masks, if possible.
Judge Oakley addressed those who are questioning the Constitutionality of the orders and disallowing certain activities from taking place. He wanted to assure the public everything Burnet County has done is under auspices of the County Attorney and what the State and Local Declarations allow for. Eddie Arredondo, County Attorney, stated communities all over the State are enacting these rules. There are regulations in place which allow for these kinds of declarations. The Court understands this is impacting businesses economically, however at this time it is necessary for the health and safety of the community. Mr. Arredondo expressed Judge Oakley does not want to take away citizens rights. This should not be seen as the county trying to prevent you from living your life, they are simply trying to protect you.
Attachments:
Item #4:
Department Updates
Department Updates
The Court took no action.
Item #5:
Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda
The court took no action.
Item #6:
Adjournment
Adjournment
As there was no further business to discuss, the court adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
