County Commissioners Court

County Commissioner Court met on Monday, August 4, 2008 at 8:30 am. All commissioners were present and the meeting was called to order by Judge Waller. Terry Williams opened with prayer and pledges to both the American and State of Texas Flags were recited.

Wade Warren submitted a letter of resignation from the county appointed board of managers of Cogdell Memorial Hospital. Warren explained, "that he had no plans to run for a spot in the spring and by resigning now, hopes the court or the new board will select someone from one of the two precincts to become familiar enough with the operations to be a candidate in the first election."

One bid from Abilene for a truck for Precinct 3 was opened and reviewed. It was for a 2003 Freightliner CL 120 at $39,500. Howard Limmer made a motion to accept the bid and was seconded by Mr. House. The motion passed

Discussion concerning the pool construction in Towle Park proved that to wait only costs money. Prices continue to rise. "The bid of $1.4 million today was not that far out of line over the $900,000 budgeted a year ago due to these increases", stated Terry Williams. Terry Brannon explained that "dropping items to try to keep it in line with your budget" could be addressed. Howard Limmer stated that making some of the changes "Would not make much difference."
Both Choloanne Lindsey, Pct 4 and Judge Waller "hated to start taking stuff out."
The $15,000 contingency if construction hit rock could be used ONLY if rock was hit and then charge the county instead of having it in original budge. Larry Thompson presented discussion concerning fence, splash pad and pool entrances. "If you're going to play, you should have to pay," was Mr. Thompson's comment. Linsey, stated "I don't think we can start doing that since we're not charging now," with reference to splash pad use. Thompson fells strongly that the expenses and upkeep on the pad would justify a charge that would allow citizens to use the pool and pad for the initial entrance fee. The number of diving boards was kept at two, not having lockers, the rock contingency and putting the pump equipment above ground were the amendment's made to the original pool design and then passed by the commissioners.

Tom Mann from the Council of Governments (COG) spoke to the court concerning a mobile communications trailer that will be placed in Scurry County but can be used by 19 West Texas COG counties. "We learned a lot of lessons after 9/11 about difficulties with interdepartmental communications" Mr. Mann stated. This trailer will be a self-contained, self- sufficient command center with mobile communications interconnecting VHF, UHF, 700 MHz and 800MHz radios enabling communication systems to be connected regardless of radio systems. The county will pay the $140,00 needed for construction but will be reimbursed next year using FY2007 Homeland Security Grant funds. The mobile unite will be housed and stored in Scurry County. Mr. Mann stated "the command unit should be used daily not just parked." The construction of the unit will begin today with an expected delivery date of January 2009. The trailer will need to be secured and protected from vandalism and weather.

Cy Posey, Fire Marshall reported that trucks for the department continue to be worked on and kept effective for use by the firemen. One of the two brush trucks the county voted paid for should be up and running soon. Experience on the first will be beneficial when working on the second and speed up that process.

Linsdey from Pct 4 ask that bids be taken for a vibrating roller to speed up work on the many caliche roads in the precinct.

Budget line item transfers and paying of bills were discussed and passed.
The meeting was adjourned with another meeting scheduled for Tuesday August 5, 2008 at 10 am. A tentative work session is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2008 if needed.

Scurry County Commissioners July 28, 2008

County Commissioners met on July 28, 2008 at 10am to hear budget requests as they continue working on the 2009 budget. This work session heard from several entities.

Gene from the Golf Course requested an additional full-time employee and to keep up with rising costs involving fuel, grease and maintenance move excess funds from other lines to this expenditure. Chemicals and fertilizer line would remain the same. A John Deer Debris Blower valued at $2,600 would be a valuable asset to crews. Progress at the course continues, water lines have been replaced and work continues on outdated and old irrigation lines and heads. Cooperation between the Green's Committee, Precinct 2 and the commissioners are contributing factors to efforts being made at the course. The improvements have increased activity and interest in the course. Judge Waller responded by saying, "We will consider the requests."

Sheriff Jackson requested a new Basic 12-15 passenger van that can be equipped with a cage to separate male, female prisoners as well as protect the driver. The cage won't be permanent and can be moved from van to van. Sheriff Jackson then questioned the court why his salary increase was based on his base salary 12 years ago. His salary compared to new hires and current EMS director is lower. His request for a salary increase had four key components to be taken into consideration: size of department, responsibility, liability and supervision. Terry Williams responded by saying "that a comparison study of other counties with similar attributes shows Scurry County to be in line." Mr. Williams then stated that "the EMS salary was justified due to the medical training required for that position." Mr. Williams stated, "it would be hard to replace EMS director, but if you resigned, there would be a line for the Sheriff position." In further discussion, how to better use orange and white crews, Sheriff Jackson stated that more certified Precinct Jailers would be beneficial. Jailers would need to understand that they must demand respect from crews and supervision is a must so that the crews would be productive in their assigned tasks. Sheriff Jackson also stated, "certified, licensed, inmates can be utilized quite efficiently by the county when available." (ie plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc)

Airport discussions pursued ways to decrease the requests for new hangers and repair of the large hanger roof. It was recommended that "carport" type hangers will be sufficient and patching the leaks in the large hanger be done with sealants and caulk.

Until final tax evaluations are complete and the county has a dollar amount to work with for 2009, budget decisions will be put on hold.

Scurry County Arts Alliance

The Scurry County Arts Alliance met Tuesday July 22, 2008 at the Dermott School. There were 17 in attendance. Jennifer Wells from Therapy on The Square reported that her ceramics demonstration for Saturday on The Square was met with much success having about 14 working on projects. They will be completed Saturday July 26.

Chef Paul from Hot Springs, Arkansas brought excitement and ideas to consider as the Alliance prepares well into the 2009 Calendar.

Blake Robertson, a 2005 SHS grad and a senior at Texas Christian University, a member of the Not Quite Ready for Broadway Company enlightened the group with what performances would be held at THE RITZ for the next month.

Paula Hatfield updated the group on the fund raising project: 18 Month Calendar showing dates to remember for community meetings, all three area schools, as well as WTC events on campus and at The Coliseum. The calendar should be available to the community before August 25 when all schools and WTC begin classes.

Snyder City Council Meeting July 7, 2008

The City Council met in chambers beginning at 5:30 pm with prayer by Mayor Noah followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Council members in attendance were Mayor Noah, Vernest Tippens, John Reed, Terry Martin, Bill Harris, City Manager Merle Taylor, City Secretary Jeanne Johnson. Stephanie Deucheneaux was absent. Visitors introduced themselves.

Mayor Noah introduced and recognized the Employee of the Month David Nicholson. He was praised for his hard work and dedication on the job to the City of Snyder.

Minutes from previous meetings on June 2 and June 16 were approved unanimously by the council.

Insurance benefits were discussed at length by the council. Blue Cross Blue Shield; TML; and
R H Administrators, Inc were represented. After the presentations were made the council voted to use Blue Cross Blue Shield as the employee insurance company.

Old business item concerning "The Colortyme/Hodges Burnout" drew discussion on how to best benefit the city. Paperwork with the county has been filed to meet the necessary guidelines to sell the property. The Council voted to accept sealed bids with stipulations that will insure the property will be developed/maintained. A minimum bid of $5,000 was agreed upon and assurance that the new owner will provide construction plans and proof of loan application in a time frame of 3-6 months. Any construction will have to meet all city building codes. This information in a formal and legal presentation will be brought back before the council.

Motions were made and passed to approve the quarterly investment report; Hazard Mitigation Action Plan; and the City of Snyder to accept credit card payments for fines, fees, court costs and other charges and assess a service charge that will be authorized by the City Manager to contract encumbrance of credit cards, make deposits of fees and services to the City's General Fund.

A resolution prohibiting on street parking at the locations described as the East bound right of way of the 1800 block of Huffman Avenue; and the North bound right of way of the 700 block of N. College Avenue (S.H. 208) was passed.

The council approved Resolution R080707C that will execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Snyder and The Housing Authority (located in Big Spring) to collaborate efforts in providing affordable housing opportunities to the citizens of Snyder.

Personnel Policies, Section 4.2 J Compensation Plan was amended and passed to include a "On Call/Stand--By Pay for two employees in the Street, Water Distribution, and Sewer Lines departments at a rate of $12.00/day. The designated employees should respond within 20 minutes of notification of concern.

Sue Mercer, ONCOR, presented information in support of Resolution R080707D that allows the city to suspend the Augusts 8, 2008 effective date of ONCOR's requested rate change. This will allow the city time to study the request and to establish reasonable rates. This also approves cooperation with ONCOR cities steering committee to hire legal and consulting services, to negotiate with the company, and direct any necessary litigation and appeals. This resolution was discussed and passed by the council.

At this time a brief recess was taken by the council and visitors.

The council then moved to the monthly cash disbursement report which was reviewed, discussed and passed.
The monthly personnel report shows there are 5 vacancies and no applications at this time.

Motions made by Reed and Harris were made to adjourn at 8pm.
The next regular City Council Meeting is set for August 4, 2008 at 5:30 pm in City Council Chambers.

Happenings In Scurry County--Mark your Calendar

SNYDER DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION
FARMERS' MARKET
Every Saturday (except July 5) 7am - noon East Side of Square
Bring your fresh fruits/vegetables; plant; crafts

JULY 4th Celebrate with activities in Towle Park and don't forget to catch the Parade

SCURRY COUNTY ARTS ALLIANCE will meet Tuesday July 22, 2008 6:30 pm at the Dermott School. Mission Statement: Recognizing that the ways we live, survive, work, and create are part of our identity, the Scurry County Arts Alliance celebrates the creativity, heritage, and character unique to West Texas through workshops, presentations, outreach, education, and support.
Visit www.scurrycountyarts.org for upcoming events and join this committed group of individuals with a vision to promote arts in the community.

WHAT IS GOING ON IN SCURRY COUNTY? The Scurry County Arts Alliance is preparing an 18 month calendar as a fund raiser that will give residents of the county an opportunity to see what is going on at a glance. On sale in August.

27TH ANNUAL CANYON GUN, KNIFE, COIN SHOW
August 2nd and 3rd
The Coliseum
Admission $3.00 (children 12 & under free/parent)

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY and residents of Scurry County have joined efforts to raise awareness about a worthwhile project: HOPE LODGE (see related story) Further details about how YOU can become involved is forthcoming.

American Cancer Society Give Hope A Home

A presentation by the American Cancer Society to a group of Scurry County residents was made on Wednesday June 18, 2008 at 10am at the Manhattan Hotel concerning a Hope Lodge to be built in Lubbock, Texas.
Kathy Winn, Director of Distinguished Event Initiatives, indicated that about 50% or 2, 200 cancer patients drive more than 50 miles to Lubbock seeking and receiving "long-term" cancer care which includes 70% of the patients in the Snyder area. Typical cancer treatments last seven weeks requiring over-night accommodations averaging $4,400.
Therefore, the GIVE HOPE A HOME motto has given way to the ACS raising funds and constructing 25 Hope Lodges throughout the United States, none in Texas to date.

What is Hope Lodge? It is a facility providing FREE overnight lodging for adult cancer patients, their caregivers/family while receiving treatment. Fund raising has begun and has been met with much success in Lubbock.
Those in attendance feel that education and awareness about Hope Lodges in the United States is paramount, as they begin efforts to assist with construction and fund raising of Hope Lodge in Lubbock.

Those in attendance were: David R. Griffith, Jack McDonald, Barbara Gowin, Pete Key, Sherry Patterson, Anita Talbott, Terry Martin, Janeen Patterson Eddie Hedges, Paula Hatfield, Jim Shearer, Marianne Randals, Sally Walton, Drew Bullard, Jerry Baird

Snyder-City Council Meeting Monday June 16, 2008

City Council meeting held on Monday June 16, 2008. The meeting began with a meal at 5:30 pm and I arrived about 6:15 and was late. Lesson learned better to be early than late. (I knew that) Discussion was primarily concerning budget items. Questions asked were answered to the satisfaction of the council. The city will purchase new landfill equipment and stay within the warranty time frame as far as trade-ins are concerned. There will be a new ladder/pump truck for the fire department. It was brought to the attention of the council that increased construction of structures with upper floors makes the truck a worthwhile investment. The fact that it is a Class A pump truck is also beneficial to the fire department as a multi-use vehicle. A new police officer will be hired. There will be careful discussion between the city and college on how security will be handled at the coliseum with the change in ownership. The water, sewer and landfill rates to customers will not be increased. The city, like everyone else, is seeing an increase in fuel costs and has made adjustments in the line item to reflect this increase.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm. The next meeting will be held July 7, 2008.

Scurry County Commissioners Court Meeting Tuesday June 17, 2008

Scurry County Commissioners Court Meeting Tuesday June 17, 2008 10am-10:45 am

The meeting was called to order and begun with invocation and pledge to the flags.

A hospital report was given by Evan Moore (CEO). Plans are under way to use the Bryce Building as a specialty clinic to include a Women’s Clinic. The hospital passed audits and evaluations pertaining to their use of funding and applications for future funding are being processed to meet deadlines. The hospital district election results will be considered in further decisions concerning Cogdell. Be aware that the Hospital Board meeting may be moved to June 30.

Linda Jones from the Scurry County Library reported that successful library programs are being conducted during the summer months. There are 156 K-6^th graders, 30 teens and many Senior Adults in the programs. There were 81 kids present during the police department presentation.

Larry Thompson reported that the Parks employees are busy preparing for the 4^th of July activities and that their work week during the summer is Monday –Thursday 7am to 5pm and 7am to noon on Fridays. He also reported that the splash pad continues to be plagued by a highly sensitive pump. Soap, suntan lotion and sand levels trip the pump to shut-down and cause damage to parts that continually need to be replaced. The Parks Dept is hoping to have the splash pad working by noon today.

Discussion on the county pool was on the agenda but no representative from the company was present. Mr. Thompson has many questions to ask the pool rep in hoping to eliminate such problems as the splash pad is having. Questions need to be answered in water conservation and recycling to best suit the new construction. Target date for new pool opening is Memorial Day 2009.

Airtricity Pryon Wind Farm Company requested a contract amendment which would enable company vehicles to cross and use County Roads 4176; 4196, 4156 and 4185. As long as the company replaces the roads in the condition they are presently in or better, the commissioners passed the request. Airtricity has financial offices in Chicago, an office in Austin and their main office is in Germany.

Texas Family Protective Services requested that a new contact between them and the county be renewed. This is to allow an exchange of information and not a fund request. No discussion, passed.

Schleicher County is asking Scurry County to support them in their request to the state to reimburse the out of pocket expenses incurred during the El Dorado Camp proceedings.

No discussion, passed.

Request to close roads that don’t really exist in Hermleigh and return the property to the land owners was granted. This action will generate tax revenue from the land owner to the county and sell property if desired. No discussion, passed.

Request that the County issue a resolution commending the Snyder High School baseball team in their 3-A State championship was granted.

No discussion, passed.

All line item transfers were presented and passed with no discussion.

All Budget Amendments were presented and passed with no discussion.

All bills were presented in written form and approved and passed with no discussion.

Commissioner Limmer reported that several of his Round Top residents are very concerned about possible future fires and wanted a Burn Ban to be issued. At this time the request was not acted upon and will be on the agenda at the next meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am.

THIS IS A TEST

The blog site looks wonderful. Let's see if this works.
Paula

New Site

The purpose of this site is to provide information about the Scurry County community. We will have a reporter attending many important meetings and giving a first hand report of what went on.

Editorial opinion will be clearly labeled.

To comment, you will need a Google account and are required to log in with it. Comments should be respectful, tasteful and informational or they will be deleted.