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Minutes for Commissioners Court - Regular Session

 
MINUTES OF THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING
MAY 12, 2020


STATE OF TEXAS )(
COUNTY OF WILLIAMSON )(

BE IT REMEMBERED that at (9:36) A.M. on TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020, a REGULAR SESSION of the Commissioners' Court of Williamson County, Texas, was held with the following being present, to-wit:
Present:
  • County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
  • Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
  • Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
  • Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
  • Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
  • County Clerk Nancy E. Rister
Others Present:
  • Hal C. Hawes, General Counsel to Williamson County Commissioners' Court
  • Rebecca Pruitt, Executive Assistant to County Clerk
 
 
1.
Review and approval of minutes.
 

Motion by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook 
Second by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles 

Motion: To approve the Minutes of the May 5, 2020 meeting.

Aye:
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
Attachments:
 
2.
Hear County Auditor concerning invoices, bills, Quick Check Report, wire transfers and electronic payments submitted for payment and take appropriate action including, but not limited to approval for payment provided said items are found by the County Auditor to be legal obligations of the county.
First Assistant County Auditor Julie Kiley addressed the Court. 
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr. abstained from this Agenda item for James Construction (Conflict of Interest Affidavit attached).
 
 

Motion by: Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook 
Second by: Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles 

Motion: To authorize the payment of bills totaling $4,806,494.90 from the computer printout, Addendum, Wire Transfer, Quick Check Report, Electronic Benefit Payments and the Wilco Forward Program with the deletion of Novak Brothers Development, LLC in an amount of $22,500.00 from the proper line items, if found by the County Auditor to be legal expenses as appropriated in the County Budget.

Aye:
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
 
3.
Public Comment Period.
There were no comments.  No action was taken on this item.
 
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda includes non-controversial and routine items that the Court may act on with one single vote. The Judge or a Commissioner may pull any item from the consent agenda in order that the court discuss and act upon it individually as part of the Regular Agenda.
( Items 4 – 6 )
 
4.
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on ratifying the purchase of Antibody Test Kits from Front Line Mobile Health in the amount of $6,887.50 to support the Williamson County EMS Department, and exempting this purchase from the competitive bidding requirements per Texas Local Government Code Section 262.024.(a)(2).
 

Motion by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long 
Second by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey 

Motion: To approve the purchase of Antibody Test Kits from Front Line Mobile Health in the amount of $6,887.50 to support the Williamson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, and exempting this purchase from the competitive bidding requirements per Texas Local Government Code Section 262.024(a)(2).

Aye:
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
 
5.
Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on ratifying the purchase of 100 protective shields from ES&S in the amount of $16,855 to support the Williamson County Elections Department operations, and authorizing execution of the sales order.
 

Motion by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long 
Second by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey 

Motion: To approve the purchase of 100 protective shields from ES&S in the amount of $16,855.00 to support the Williamson County Elections Department operations and authorize the execution of the sales order.

Aye:
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
Attachments:
 
6.
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on ratifying the purchase for the installation of tempered glass at various Justice Center departments in the amount of $8,352.64 and exempting this purchase from the competitive bidding requirements per Texas Local Government Code Section 262.024.(a)(2) and authorizing the execution of the FEMA addendum.
 

Motion by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long 
Second by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey 

Motion: To approve the purchase for the installation of tempered glass at various Justice Center departments in the amount of $8,352.64 and exempting this purchase from the competitive bidding requirements per Texas Local Government Code Section 262.024(a)(2) and authorize the execution of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) addendum.

Aye:
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
Attachments:
 
REGULAR AGENDA
 
7.
Discuss, consider and take appropriate action on purchases and/or actions related to fully reopening of County offices related to COVID-19.
Senior Director of Infrastructure Robert Daigh addressed the Court.
 

Motion by: Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long 
Second by: Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey 

Motion: To reserve $41,000.00 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act budget for general facility and start up needs for county offices to begin opening June 1, 2020.

Aye:
County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr.
Commissioner Precinct 1 Terry Cook
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long
Commissioner Precinct 3 Valerie Covey
Commissioner Precinct 4 Russ Boles
 
AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS NOT HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020.
 
8.
Discuss real estate matters (EXECUTIVE SESSION as per VTCA Govt. Code sec. 551.072 Deliberation Regarding Real Estate Property if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with third person.)
A.    Real Estate Owned by Third Parties
   Preliminary discussions relating to proposed or potential purchase or lease of property owned by third parties
    a)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for SW 183 and SH 29 Loop. 
    b)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for CR 176 at RM 2243
    c)    Discuss the acquisition of real property: O'Connor Signal Project
    d)    Discuss the acquisition of real property: CR 200
    e)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for County Facilities.
    f)     Discuss the acquisition of real property for Seward Junction SE and SW Loop. 
    g)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for SH 29 @ DB Wood.
    h)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for Hairy Man Rd. 
    i)     Discuss the acquisition of real property for N. Mays.
    j)     Discuss Somerset Road Districts No. 3 & 4 reimbursements for acquisition & construction of Reagan Blvd.
    k)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for CR 111.
    l)     Discuss the acquisition of real property for Corridor H
    m)   Discuss the acquisition of real property for future SH 29 corridor. 
    n)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for the expansion of Ronald Reagan at IH 35.
    o)    Discuss the acquisition of right-of-way for Corridor C.
    p)    Discuss the acquisition of right-of-way for Corridor F.
    q)    Discuss the acquisition of right-of-way for Corridor D.
    r)     Discuss the acquisition of right-of-way for SE Loop/Corridor A. 
    s)    Discuss the acquisition of right-of-way for Reagan extension.
    t)     Discuss the acquisition of right of way for the Great Oaks Bridge Project. 
    u)    Discuss the acquisition of real property for the Brushy Creek Trail Project. 
    v)    Discuss the acquisition of real property in conjunction with WCCF for potential parkland/bird habitat.
    x)    Discuss the acquisition of drainage/detention easements for real property North of WMCO Juvenile Detention Center
    y)    Discuss the acquisition of the MKT Right of Way
    B.    Property or Real Estate owned by Williamson County
   Preliminary discussions relating to proposed or potential sale or lease of property owned by the County
    a)    Discuss County owned real estate containing underground water rights and interests.
    b)    Discuss possible sale of +/- 10 acres located on Chandler Road near the County Sheriff's Office Training Facility
    c)    Potential governmental uses for 8th Street downtown parking lot 
    d)    Discuss possible uses of property owned by Williamson County on Main St. between 3rd and 4th Streets. (formerly occupied by WCCHD)
    e)    Discuss property usage at Longhorn Junction
    f)     Discuss sale of excess 183A right of way to abutting property owner. 
    g)    Discuss the sale of excess ROW at San Gabriel Parkway and Mel Mathis Ave. 
    h)    Discuss Blue Springs Boulevard
    i)     Discuss county owned property located at Ed Schmidt Boulevard Hutto, Texas
C.     Consider intervention in lawsuit regarding de-listing of Bone Cave harvestman. 
D.     Discuss the possible placement of agricultural-related monuments at the Williamson County Exposition Center with the participation of third parties.
E.    Discuss the Williamson County Reimbursement Agreement for Construction of San Gabriel Blvd. and New Hope Road with the City of Leander and TIRZ #1
No action was taken on this item.
 
9.
Discussion regarding economic development negotiations pursuant to Texas Government Code, Section 551.087:
    a)    Business prospect(s) that may locate or expand within Williamson County.
    b)    Wolf Lakes
    c)    Flint Hill Resources-Taylor Fuel Storage Terminal on CR 366
    d)    Project Deliver
    e)    Project Advantage
    f)     Project Cedar
    g)    Project Expansion
    h)    Project Arcos
    i)     Project Woods
    j)     Project Co-Op
    k)    Project Liberty
No action was taken on this item.
 
10.
Discuss pending or contemplated litigation, settlement matters and other confidential attorney-client legal matters (EXECUTIVE SESSION as per VTCA Govt. Code sec. 551.071 consultation with attorney.), including the following:

a) Litigation or claims or potential litigation or claims against the County or by the County
b) Status Update-Pending Cases or Claims;
c) Employee/personnel related matters
d) Other confidential attorney-client matters, including contracts and certain matters related to county defense issues in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body within the attorney/client relationship clearly conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
e) Civil Action; American Stewards of Liberty, et al. v. Sally Jewell, et al., In the Western District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division
f) Case No. 1:17-cv-00290, Rodney A. Hurdsman v. Williamson County Sheriff Deputies Gleason et al, In The United States District Court For The Western District of Texas – Austin Division.
g) Application to Obtain New Municipal Solid Waste Permit – Proposed Permit No. 2398 (Applicant - Lealco, Inc.)
h) Civil Action No. 1:18-CV-49, Troy Mansfield v. Williamson County, In The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
i) Cause No. 18-0903-C425/Court of Appeals Number: 01-19-00025-CV; Dee Hobbs, Williamson County Attorney v. Bill Gravell, Jr., Williamson County Judge, and Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey and Russ Boles, County Commissioners; In the 425th District Court of Williamson County, Texas
j) Cause No. 19-0850-C368; County of Williamson vs. Purdue Pharma, LP et al., In the District Court of Williamson County, Texas.
k) Valerie Adams - EEOC Charge No. 450-2018-03807
l) Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-01114-LY, Elizabeth Saucedo and Tettus Davis v. Jonathon Hodgkiss, In The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
m) Case No. 19-0466-CC1; Billy Baskett v. Williamson County Sheriff’s Office et. al; In the County Court at Law No. 1 of Williamson County, Texas.
n) BANGL Pipeline Project
o) Cause No. 1:18-CV-0198; Officer Mary Teague v. Williamson County, Travis County and City of Giddings, In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division
p) D-1-GN-19-005511; Brian Johns v. Williamson County, Texas; In the 53rd Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas
q) Anthony “Tony” Carter: EEOC Charge No. 451-2019-03927
r) Case No. 1:19-CV-938-RP; Langham v. Fuentes, et al., in the United States District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
s) Discuss Williamson County Subdivision Regulations and Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232.
t) Civil Action No. 1:19-CV-1163; Amanda McCoy v. Williamson County, Texas et al., In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division.
u) Claim of Regina Wright.
v) Law on use of County facilities.
w) Cause No. 19-0406-C368; Anthony Garcia and Victoria Garcia et al. v. Stephen Wade Freeman et al. v. Wayne Finch et al.; In the 368th District Court of Williamson County, Texas.
x) Civil Action No. 1:20-CV-00062; Jaivonte Roberts v. Williamson County, Texas et al., In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division.
y) Case: 1:20-CV-255-LY; Jay Kreper v. Williamson County et al.; In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
z) Legal matters relating to the use of Williamson County’s facilities, vehicles and property by Big Fish Entertainment, LLC, Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and other third parties for purposes of filming, producing and/or publishing the television series Live PD or any other type of television series or production.
No action was taken on this item.
 
11.
Deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline and/or dismissal of Williamson County officers, directors, employees and/or positions, including but not limited to conducting deliberation and discussion pertaining to annual reviews of department heads and appointed officials (Executive Session as per Tex. Gov. Code Section 551.074 – Personnel Matters).
No action was taken on this item.
 
AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WAS NOT HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020.
 
12.
Discuss and take appropriate action concerning economic development.
No action was taken on this item.
 
13.
Discuss and take appropriate action concerning real estate.
No action was taken on this item.
 
14.
Discuss and take appropriate action on pending or contemplated litigation, settlement matters and other confidential attorney-client legal matters, including the following:

a) Litigation or claims or potential litigation or claims against the County or by the County
b) Status Update-Pending Cases or Claims;
c) Employee/personnel related matters
d) Other confidential attorney-client matters, including contracts and certain matters related to county defense issues in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body within the attorney/client relationship clearly conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
e) Civil Action; American Stewards of Liberty, et al. v. Sally Jewell, et al., In the Western District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division
f) Case No. 1:17-cv-00290, Rodney A. Hurdsman v. Williamson County Sheriff Deputies Gleason et al, In The United States District Court For The Western District of Texas – Austin Division.
g) Application to Obtain New Municipal Solid Waste Permit – Proposed Permit No. 2398 (Applicant - Lealco, Inc.)
h) Civil Action No. 1:18-CV-49, Troy Mansfield v. Williamson County, In The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
i) Cause No. 18-0903-C425/Court of Appeals Number: 01-19-00025-CV; Dee Hobbs, Williamson County Attorney v. Bill Gravell, Jr., Williamson County Judge, and Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey and Russ Boles, County Commissioners; In the 425th District Court of Williamson County, Texas
j) Cause No. 19-0850-C368; County of Williamson vs. Purdue Pharma, LP et al., In the District Court of Williamson County, Texas.
k) Valerie Adams - EEOC Charge No. 450-2018-03807
l) Civil Action No. 1:17-cv-01114-LY, Elizabeth Saucedo and Tettus Davis v. Jonathon Hodgkiss, In The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
m) Case No. 19-0466-CC1; Billy Baskett v. Williamson County Sheriff’s Office et. al; In the County Court at Law No. 1 of Williamson County, Texas.
n) BANGL Pipeline Project
o) Cause No. 1:18-CV-0198; Officer Mary Teague v. Williamson County, Travis County and City of Giddings, In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division
p) D-1-GN-19-005511; Brian Johns v. Williamson County, Texas; In the 53rd Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas
q) Anthony “Tony” Carter: EEOC Charge No. 451-2019-03927
r) Case No. 1:19-CV-938-RP; Langham v. Fuentes, et al., in the United States District Court, Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
s) Discuss Williamson County Subdivision Regulations and Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232.
t) Civil Action No. 1:19-CV-1163; Amanda McCoy v. Williamson County, Texas et al., In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division.
u) Claim of Regina Wright.
v) Law on use of County facilities.
w) Cause No. 19-0406-C368; Anthony Garcia and Victoria Garcia et al. v. Stephen Wade Freeman et al. v. Wayne Finch et al.; In the 368th District Court of Williamson County, Texas.
x) Civil Action No. 1:20-CV-00062; Jaivonte Roberts v. Williamson County, Texas et al., In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas Austin Division.
y) Case: 1:20-CV-255-LY; Jay Kreper v. Williamson County et al.; In the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
z) Legal matters relating to the use of Williamson County’s facilities, vehicles and property by Big Fish Entertainment, LLC, Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and other third parties for purposes of filming, producing and/or publishing the television series Live PD or any other type of television series or production.
No action was taken on this item.
 
15.
Discuss, consider and take appropriate action regarding the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline and/or dismissal of Williamson County officers, directors or employees, including but not limited to any necessary action pertaining to conducting annual reviews of department heads and appointed officials.
No action was taken on this item.
 
16.
Comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Precinct 2 Cynthia Long requested that future dates be added to AgendaQuick to allow for items to be added for future Commissioner' Court meetings.

County Judge Bill Gravell, Jr. stated that the first and third Tuesday of the month should be for the majority of items and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month should be for lighter items with a future plan to hold Commissioners' Court twice a month.

Commissioner Precinct 3 Valarie Covey requested an Agenda item for Wilco Forward be added to the weekly meetings to provide an update for the program.
COMMISSIONERS COURT ADJOURNED AT 10:03 A.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020.

THE FOREGOING MINUTES had at a Regular Session of Commissioners’ Court of Williamson County, Texas, having been read are hereby approved this 19th day of May, 2020.


ATTEST: Nancy E. Rister, Clerk of Commissioners’ Court, Williamson County, Texas

By: Rebecca Pruitt, Executive Assistant to County Clerk