Jan 20, 2026 Commissioners Court

[OPENING COURT]

[00:00:08]

HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME.

THIS IS A REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE ELLIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.

I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER.

WE DO HAVE A QUORUM PRESENT.

NOTICES OF THIS MEETING HAVE BEEN PROPERLY AND LEGALLY POSTED PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT, WHICH IS FOUND AT TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551.

UNLESS THERE IS AN OBJECTION, I WOULD LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND DECLARE THE MEETING OFFICIALLY OPEN.

THANK YOU ALL. AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO ASK EVERYONE TO PLEASE STAND, AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL ON COMMISSIONER PRECINCT THREE, LOUIS PONDER TO LEAD US IN THE INVOCATION AND PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE.

YOU CAN PRAY WITH ME. PLEASE. HEAVENLY FATHER, WE STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY HUMBLED BY YOUR GRACE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.

WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVING GRACE, FOR THE LIFE YOU'VE GIVEN US AND FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY THAT WE ALL CALL HOME.

WE ASK YOU, LORD, TO GUIDE US THROUGH NOT JUST TODAY'S PROCEEDINGS, BUT THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS FOR OUR COUNTY AND OUR DAY TO DAY LIVES IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR WILL.

IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY.

AMEN. AMEN. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE.

TEXAS. ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE.

THANK YOU ALL. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER PONDER.

AND AGAIN, WELCOME. AND IF YOU'RE JOINING US ONLINE, WE WELCOME YOU AS WELL.

I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT WE DO HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT PROCEDURE.

THERE IS A FORM OUT IN THE HALLWAY.

IT'S THE DOOR TO MY RIGHT OR TO YOUR LEFT IF YOU'D LIKE TO SPEAK ON ON AN AGENDA ITEM, WE'D ASK THAT YOU PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM AND HAND IT TO OUR CLERK, CRYSTAL VALDEZ. OUR COUNTY CLERK, CRYSTAL VALDEZ.

AND SHE WILL BE SURE TO GET THAT TO ME. AND WE WILL CALL UPON YOU AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. AND, MADAM CLERK, WE HAVE A FEW PEOPLE SIGNED UP ALREADY.

SO IF I GET OFF BASE PLEASE CATCH MY ATTENTION ON THAT.

[CONSENT AGENDA]

ALL ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA ARE CONSIDERED ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION. HOWEVER, ANY COMMISSIONER MAY ASK TO REMOVE AN ITEM FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION AND DISCUSSION AND ACTION.

IF THERE IS NO SUCH REQUEST, I WOULD ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ENACT ITEMS A1 THROUGH A14 AND F1 TO F2.

SEEING NO DESIRE SO MOVED.

OKAY. SECOND. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA FROM COMMISSIONER GRAYSON.

AND WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

DOES ANYONE CARE TO VOTE NO? HEARING NO OPPOSITION.

ITEMS A1 THROUGH A14 AND F1 TO F2 PASS UNANIMOUSLY.

[1.1 Discussion, consideration, and action on a replat of Halverson Estates, Lots 1R & 2R, Block A. The ± 12.50-acre site is located ± 990 feet northwest of the intersection of Greathouse Road and Old Maypearl Road, Waxahachie, Road and Bridge Precinct No. 3.]

LOTS ONE AND TWO ARE BLOCK A.

THIS IS AN APPROXIMATELY 12.5 ACRE SITE THAT IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 990FT NORTHWEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF GREATHOUSE ROAD AND OLD MAPLE ROAD, LOXAHATCHEE. THAT'S ROAD AND BRIDGE, PRECINCT NUMBER THREE.

AND COMMISSIONERS, WE DO HAVE A SPEAKER SIGNED UP TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM.

SARAH. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

JUDGE. GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS. THE APPLICANT REQUESTS TO REPLAT LOTS ONE AND TWO BLOCK A TO MODIFY THE CONFIGURATION OF THE LOTS BY ADJUSTING THE PROPERTY LINES.

NO NEW LOTS ARE BEING CREATED.

AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ORIGINALLY APPROVED A PLAT OF HALVERSON ESTATES LOTS ONE, TWO AND THREE BLOCK A ON JUNE 10TH OF 2025.

THIS REPORT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY RIGHT OF WAY DEDICATION AS THERE IS A 120 FOOT EXISTING.

THE WATER SOURCE IS BUENA VISTA BETHEL, AND THEY HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THERE'S A 12 INCH LINE IN DECEMBER OF 2025, AND ALL PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET. SO STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL AS PRESENTED.

OKAY. MR. HALVERSON, IF YOU'D LIKE TO COME UP AND SPEAK, YOU'RE WELCOME TO DO SO.

THERE'S NO ONE THAT HAS SIGNED UP TO SPEAK IN OPPOSITION TO THE ITEM.

JUST. OKAY. APPEARS TO BE NOT CONTROVERSIAL ITEM.

SO THANK YOU. IS THIS CHANGING LOT SIZES AT ALL OR JUST.

[00:05:01]

BOTH ARE STILL AN ACRE OR MORE.

YES, SIR. IT STILL MEETS THE PLANNING REQUIREMENTS.

OKAY. MOTION TO APPROVE.

SECOND. OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 1.1 FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE. DOES ANYONE CARE TO VOTE NO? HEARING NO. OPPOSITION.

ITEM 1.1 PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU. WE WILL NOW TAKE UP ITEM 1.2, WHICH IS DISCUSSION,

[1.2 Discussion, consideration, and action on a replat of HWH Addition, Lots 1R1 & 1R2, Block A. The ± 14.420-acre site is located ± 2,020 feet west of the intersection of East Highland Road and Westmorland Road, partially located in the disputed extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJs) of the City of Ovilla and the City of Oak Leaf, Road and Bridge Precinct No. 4.]

THANK YOU. JUDGE. THE APPLICANT REQUESTS TO REPLAT LOT ONE, BLOCK A OF HAVRAN ADDITION TO CREATE ONE ADDITIONAL LOT FOR A TOTAL OF TWO LOTS FOR RESIDENTIAL USE, AND IT WILL BE RENAMED TO HW ADDITION.

THE COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVED A FINAL PLAT OF HAVRAN ADDITION LOTS ONE AND TWO BLOCK A ON OCTOBER 15TH OF 2020.

FOR THIS REPLAT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY RIGHT OF WAY DEDICATION FOR EAST HIGHLAND ROAD, AS THERE IS AN EXISTING 30FT MEETING HOUR THOROUGHFARE PLAN REQUIREMENTS, AND SARDIS HAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS A SIX INCH LINE AVAILABLE.

AND THAT WAS IN DECEMBER OF 2025.

IN ALL, PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET AND STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THIS REPLAT SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING 22 CONDITIONS, WHICH ARE SURVEYOR COMMENTS.

YES, SIR. VERY GOOD. COMMISSIONER.

KIND OF LENGTHY. SOMETIME ON THE RIGHT.

SURVEYOR ECOMMENTS MAKE A MOTION.

YOU'RE GOOD WITH IT. YEAH.

WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 1.2.

SUBJECT TO THOSE COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

AYE. DOES ANYONE CARE TO VOTE NO? HEARING NO. OPPOSITION.

ITEM 1.2 PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU SIR.

[2.1 Discussion, consideration, and action for the County Judge to execute lease agreements with American National Leasing for: Five 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV w/ Law Enforcement Upfits for Sheriff's Department Lease #3832c in the total amount $386,201.90 Three 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV w/ Law Enforcement Upfits for Sheriff's Department Lease #3833c in the total amount $246,607.14 Five 2026 Chevrolet Silverado PPV w/ Law Enforcement Upfits for Sheriff's Department Lease #3834c in the total amount $416,986.06 Two 2026 Chevrolet Silverado PPV w/ Law Enforcement Upfits for Sheriff's Department Lease #3835c in the total amount $163,644.98 One 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation for Maintenance Department Lease #3830c in the total amount $43,180.00 One 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Elevation for Engineering Department Lease #3831c in the total amount $43,180.00]

THAT'S ITEM 2.1, WHICH IS DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE LEASE AGREEMENTS WITH AMERICAN NATIONAL LEASING FOR FIVE 2026 CHEVROLET TAHOE PPV WITH A LAW ENFORCEMENT UPFIT FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

THIS IS LEASE NUMBER 3832 C IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $386,201 AND 96 $0.90.

THREE 2026 CHEVROLET TAHOE POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OUTFITS FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. THIS IS LEASE NUMBER 3833C AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $246,607.14 FIVE 2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OUTFITS FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT LEASE NUMBER 3834 C IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $416 986 416 $986.06. THEN TWO 2026 CHEVROLET SILVERADO POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OUTFITS FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. LEASE NUMBER 3835 C IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $163,644.98 ONE 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500.

ELEVATION FOR THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT, LEASE NUMBER 3830 C, AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $43,180 AND ONE, 2026 GMC SIERRA 1500 ELEVATION FOR THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. LEASE NUMBER 3831 C AND THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $43,180 EJ.

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS.

AMERICAN NATIONAL LEASING WILL FUND THE LEASE FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, TAHOES AND THE PICKUP TRUCKS UNDER THE AGREEMENT WITH THE $25,000 DOWN PAYMENT, EACH WITH A THREE YEAR LEASE AT A LEASE RATE OF 5.53%.

INTEREST. THE ENGINEERING AND FACILITIES DEPARTMENT PICKUP TRUCKS WILL BE LEASED FOR A FIVE YEAR TERM, WITH A $5,000 DOWN PAYMENT, EACH AT 5.53% INTEREST.

STAFF IS REQUESTING YOUR APPROVAL.

OKAY, COMMISSIONERS, DO YOU HAVE ANY? I HAVE A QUESTION. ARE THESE VEHICLES FOR REPLACEMENT OR ARE THEY FOR ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET? WE'D HAVE TO CHECK WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

RIGHT NOW, WE DO NOT HAVE ANY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN TAGGED AS GOING TO AUCTION.

SO THESE ARE ADDITIONS AT THIS TIME.

NOW FOR THE ENGINEERING AND THE FACILITIES.

[00:10:05]

SO THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE FLEET, THE ENGINEERING TRUCK FOR FACILITIES.

THE ENGINEERING TRUCK.

I BELIEVE THERE IS A REPLACEMENT.

WE'VE GOT THAT ON AUCTION RIGHT NOW.

THAT'LL BE IT WAS AN OLD CHEVROLET THAT WAS KEPT IN NOT RUNNING CONDITION.

DO YOU HAVE A DO YOU HAVE A NUMBER ON HOW MANY VEHICLES WE HAVE? ACTUALLY, IN SHERIFF'S FLEET SHERIFF'S FLEET.

AT LAST CHECK WAS 107 VEHICLES.

HOW MANY? 77. 107? YEAH, 107.

IT LOOKS LIKE THIS WILL BE A TOTAL OF 15.

15. YEAH. 15 ADDITIONAL VEHICLES OR POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT VEHICLES.

ANY OTHER THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE.

I MEAN, I SEE VEHICLES COMING QUITE OFTEN, BUT I DON'T SEE ANY BEING ROLLED BACK AS FAR AS I THOUGHT. WHEN WE WERE WORKING WITH THE LEASE PROGRAM, WE ROLLED OUT VEHICLES EVERY THREE YEARS TO KEEP THE MILEAGE DOWN ON THEM.

SO WE HAVE A RESIDUAL LEFT AT THE END OF THE LEASE.

BUT I'VE BEEN ASKING FOR A COUNT ON THAT FOR A WHILE.

I THINK IT'S COMING. I THINK YOU GOT A GUY NOW IN YOUR DEPARTMENT THAT'S DOING NOTHING BUT JUST WORKING ON ACTUAL FLEET, CORRECT? YES. WE DO HAVE ISAAC VALDEZ AS OUR FLEET COORDINATOR, AND HE'S ON TOP OF THAT.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE NOT PAYING INSURANCE ON VEHICLES THAT ARE IMMOBILIZED OR. NO, THAT'S WHAT WE ARE BRINGING THOSE BEFORE THE COURT AND WE ARE AUCTIONING THOSE OFF RIGHT NOW. WE'VE PULLED THOSE OFF INSURANCE.

NOW THE TAHOE'S ON THE SHERIFF'S SIDE BECAUSE THEY'RE STILL IN GOOD CONDITION AND COULD BE SOLD TO ANOTHER AGENCY OR MOVED OUT THROUGH ENTERPRISE.

THOSE DO HAVE CURRENT INSURANCE ON THEM.

IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, THE 15, THEY WERE SHORT.

ABOUT HALF OF THOSE, IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY.

AND THIS WILL BE THE BALANCE OF THEM.

I KNOW HE'S NOT HERE TO SPEAK, BUT THAT SHOULD BE RIGHT ON RIGHT NOW.

THAT MAKES US CURRENT WITH WHAT HE WAS AFTER THIS.

HE SHOULD NEED NO MORE. IF I IF I UNDERSTOOD CORRECTLY.

THAT'S CORRECT. THESE WERE GOING TO WE WERE SHORT ON SOME GETTING THEM DELIVERED BEFORE AND I THINK THIS WILL CLOSE THAT GAP.

YES, SIR. BUT HE'S NOT HERE TO TELL ME.

I'M JUST FROM WHAT I REMEMBER LAST I KNOW THAT'S WHAT I WAS LOOKING.

NOBODY'S HERE. ANOTHER QUESTION.

WHEN WE WORK WITH, YOU KNOW, LIKE WE'RE DOING THIS THROUGH AMERICAN NATIONAL LEASING, THEY HANDLE THE UPFIT ALSO.

YES. THIS IS A FULLY UPFIT VEHICLE.

THE ONLY THING THAT'S NOT INCLUDED IS THE RADIO RADIOS ARE TRANSFERRED AND INSTALLED INTO THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ALL THE EQUIPMENT, LIGHTS, EVERYTHING FOR THE VEHICLE.

IT COMES FULLY READY TO GO.

I'M JUST, YOU KNOW, IT'S JUST PUZZLING TO ME THAT WE DON'T.

THAT WE SPEND 53,000 FOR A VEHICLE AND 50,000 TO UPFIT THAT VEHICLE.

I MEAN, IT'S THAT'S A LOT OF ADDS.

AND, YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, I'VE ASKED THE SHERIFF AND HE TELLS ME THAT ONE OF THE PROBLEMS IS, IS THAT THE VEHICLES NOW SEEM LIKE EVERY TWO YEARS THEY RESTRUCTURE THE VEHICLE SO NOTHING FITS TO THE NEXT ONE.

I THINK THAT'S PROBABLY A GOOD MARKETING PLOY FOR WHOEVER'S PRODUCING THE VEHICLE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE CHANGE IT OUT EVERY YEAR.

THAT EQUIPMENT GETS PRETTY EXPENSIVE. AND IF YOU IF YOU'RE GOING TO, YOU KNOW, PASS THE VEHICLE ON, THEY'RE NOT GOING TO GIVE US ANYTHING FOR ANYTHING UPFIT OTHER THAN THAT'S IT.

AND I'M BEGINNING TO SCRATCH MY HEAD ON LEASING WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE'RE SPENDING TO UPFIT EVERY YEAR.

IT SEEMS LIKE TO ME WE MAY NEED TO GO BACK TO JUST PURCHASING AND THAT WAY DRIVE THEM UNTIL THERE ARE NO MORE, AND THEN YOU GET MORE OUT OF YOUR UPFIT INSTEAD OF JUST JUNKING AN UPFIT EVERY THREE YEARS.

I THINK THAT'S A FAIR COMMENT.

AND THAT'S SOMETHING NOW THAT WE DO HAVE THIS FLEET MANAGER POSITION, THAT MIGHT BE A GOOD THING TO DEVOTE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO.

THERE OUGHT TO BE A RESALE ON THE OUTFIT, THOUGH, WOULDN'T YOU THINK? BY OTHER COUNTIES, OR IT LOOKED LIKE IT OUGHT TO GO ON THE MARKET FOR A RESALE LOW ENOUGH MILEAGE ON IT? SOMEBODY ELSE WILL BUY IT. YEAH, WE YEAH, PROBABLY WOULD WORK THAT WAY.

BUT THE SHERIFF'S TELLING ME NOTHING WILL SWITCH OVER TO ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THEY LOOK AT LEASES EVERY THREE YEARS.

WILL THEY'RE RESTRUCTURE THE TRUCK EVERY 2 TO 3 YEARS IN THE LEASE ITSELF.

DO WHAT I WONDER IF THAT'S SOMETHING IN THE LEASE.

NO, NO, IT'S JUST THEY THE EQUIPMENT WON'T IF YOU TAKE IT OUT OF A SAY OF 2021 AND PUT IT IN A 2024, THE EQUIPMENT WON'T SWITCH OVER.

WELL, I THINK I THINK WE'VE I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY WHEN THE PROCESS OF LEASING BEGAN VERSUS BUYING, BUT I THINK IT'S BEEN LONG ENOUGH NOW THAT WE HAVE A LITTLE HISTORY TO DO A GOOD ABOUT SIX YEARS.

YEAH, 5 OR 6. BUT IT STARTED OUT GANGBUSTERS.

[00:15:01]

SO NOW WE ARE AT A POINT WHERE HARD EVALUATION NEEDS TO BE THERE.

AND I WILL SAY ON THE POLICE PURSUIT THOSE, THOSE THOSE VEHICLES THAT ARE SLIP SEATS, IN OTHER WORDS, IT MIGHT RUN TWO SHIFTS IN A DAY.

THOSE THOSE TICK IT UP PRETTY FAST.

BUT WE'RE GOING TO NEED THE SHERIFF'S GUIDANCE ALONG WITH PURCHASING DECIDE.

JUST LIKE HE'S SAYING, A LOT OF THAT UPFIT DOESN'T GO INTO NEW VEHICLES AND YOU'RE STILL PAYING THAT RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR UPFIT.

SO BUT WE'RE AT THAT POINT.

LIKE I SAID, THE INTEREST RATES AREN'T WHAT THEY WERE WHEN WE STARTED.

NOW THEY'VE CREEPED UP AND THEY'RE STILL GOOD. BUT LIKE YOU SAID, WE'RE NOT GETTING THE SAME RUN OUT OF THEM. BUT HE'D LOOK INTO IT FOR SURE.

YEAH, YEAH, WE DO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AND WE HAVE EXPLORED THAT AND LOOKING AT THAT VERY HARD RIGHT NOW. AMERICAN, NATIONAL AND ENTERPRISE CAN REMARKET THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO TAKE THAT OUT.

SO THEN THAT UPFIT IS RECOVERY ON THE UP.

YES, SIR. YEAH, THAT'S CERTAINLY GOING TO TRY AND GO TO USING SOME PICKUPS WHICH THEY'VE ORDERED FIVE ON HERE. BUT THE COST ON THOSE IS HIGHER THAN WHAT THE TAHOES ARE.

AND THEY ARE SPECIALIZED.

THAT'S ALL I CAN. I DO KNOW THAT OTHER THAN A STANDARD PICKUP WITH THE POLICE PURSUIT, I KNOW THEY DO HAVE SILICONISED WATER HOSES.

I MEAN, THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE BUILT SO THEY CAN BE RUN MULTIPLE SHIFTS, JUST LIKE A TAHOE. YES, SIR.

RIGHT, RIGHT. WE WILL CERTAINLY KIND OF STUDY THAT.

EJ, I THINK THAT'S A GOOD THING TO LOOK INTO.

YOU KNOW, COST BENEFIT OF OF LEASING VERSUS PURCHASING WITH OUR HISTORY THAT WE'VE DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST 5 OR 6 YEARS? COMMISSIONERS. ARE THERE ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR THOUGHTS ON ITEM TWO POINT? I JUST GOT CLARIFICATION. THIS DOES BRING THEM UP TO WHAT THEY WERE ANTICIPATING THAT WAS BUDGETED FOR THEM.

SO THIS DOES FULFILL THE REQUEST.

I JUST VERIFIED THAT. PERFECT.

THANK YOU. THAT WAS WHAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT. DID WE STILL WAS THERE STILL A GAP OUT THERE. AND I CONFIRMED THAT THAT'S WHERE THEY ARE. THERE'S STILL A NEED TO REVOLVE IN AND OUT, BUT THEY'RE UP TO SPEED NOW.

PERFECT. THANK YOU. MOTION TO APPROVE. OKAY.

WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 2.1 FROM COMMISSIONER GRAYSON.

IS THERE A SECOND? WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER STINSON.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

AYE. DOES ANYONE VOTE NO? HEARING NO. OPPOSITION. ITEM 2.1 PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU EJ. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[3.1 Discussion, consideration, and action for the county judge to sign an engagement letter with Pattillo, Brown, and Hill LLP to perform external audit services for the FY2025 annual audit for Ellis County. – County Administrator Staci Parr]

THAT'S DISCUSSION CONSIDERATION AND ACTION FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN AN ENGAGEMENT LETTER WITH PATILLO BROWN AND HILL LLP TO PERFORM EXTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 ANNUAL AUDIT FOR ELLIS COUNTY.

AND WE HAVE OUR COUNTY AUDITOR, STACY PARR, TO DISCUSS THIS WITH US.

WE'RE JUST HERE THIS TO GET THE ENGAGEMENT LETTER SIGNED FOR THE FY 25 AUDIT.

WE'VE WORKED WITH PATTILLO FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.

WE'VE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH THEIR SERVICES.

THE CONTRACT IS NOT TO EXCEED 75,000.

WE PAID 60,000 LAST YEAR.

BUT WITH THE INCREASED AMOUNT OF GRANT FUNDS THAT WE'RE RECEIVING.

BECAUSE IF WE IF WE USE MORE THAN $750,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDS, WE HAVE TO HAVE A SINGLE AUDIT.

AND WITH THE ARPA GRANT CONTINUING THROUGH THE END OF THIS YEAR, AND THEN IF SB 22 MONEY CONTINUES TO BE RECEIVED AS WE THINK IT WILL, WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE RECEIVING 500,000 IN THE DA'S OFFICE AT AT 250.

THAT PUTS US RIGHT AT THE 750,000.

SO IT'S NOT TO EXCEED $75,000.

AND THAT'S WITH THE SINGLE AUDIT.

OKAY. AND THE NORMAL OVERSIGHT AUDIT THAT THEY DO.

CORRECT. THEY'RE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING THAT THEY DO EVERY YEAR, AND THEN THEY'LL COME AND PRESENT IT TO THE COURT LIKE THEY DO. ALL OF THAT IS INCLUSIVE OF SEVEN TO BE CORRECT.

YES. AND THEN THEY HAVE THEIR OWN.

SO THEY PAY FOR THEIR OWN AND JUVENILE PAYS FOR THEIR OWN.

I JUST DIDN'T I DIDN'T KNOW IF THE ADDITIONAL 750 REQUIRED.

THAT WAS THE COST FOR THAT. BUT THAT'S FOR ALL OF IT.

THAT'S FOR ALL OF IT. YEAH.

AND STACY, WE TYPICALLY GET THEIR REPORT.

THE REPORT HAS IS DUE ON MARCH 31ST OF EVERY YEAR UNLESS WE FILE FOR AN EXTENSION.

BUT SINCE PATTILLO HAS BEEN WITH US, WE HAVE NOT HAD TO FILE FOR AN EXTENSION.

OKAY. DO THOSE GRANTS INCLUDE WHAT ROAD AND BRIDGE RECEIVES EVERYTHING THAT ANY FEDERAL FUNDING. BUT NOW THAT WE KNOW THAT FOR THE DURATION, AS FAR AS WE CAN SEE INTO THE FUTURE, WE KNOW THAT THE SHERIFF WILL BE GETTING THE $500,000 AND THE DA'S OFFICE, SO THAT ALREADY PUTS US AT THE THRESHOLD.

PLUS, WE'RE FINISHING OUT THE ARPA GRANT THIS YEAR, PLUS ANY OTHER GRANTS THAT WE TAKE ON.

OKAY, COMMISSIONER. GOOD TO ME.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, COMMISSIONERS? IF NOT, DOES ANYONE CARE TO MAKE A MOTION? I'LL MAKE A MOTION.

OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 3.1 FROM COMMISSIONER GRAYSON.

[00:20:03]

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY I.

I. DOES ANYONE CARE TO VOTE? NO. HEARING NO. OPPOSITION.

ITEM 3.1 PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

[Items 3.2 - 3.4 (Part 1 of 2)]

BUT WE HAVE SOME CROSS POSTED ITEMS FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION, SO I'M GOING TO SUGGEST THAT WE NOT TAKE ANY ACTION ON THE NEXT THREE ITEMS UNTIL AFTER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE FIRST ITEM IS ITEM 3.2, WHICH IS DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION REGARDING DEVELOPMENT ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELLIS RANCH SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT LOCATED IN ROAD AND BRIDGE PRECINCTS NUMBER ONE AND NUMBER FOUR.

THEN WE HAVE ITEM 3.3, WHICH IS DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY DIRECTOR POSITION.

THEN WE HAVE ITEM 3.4 WHICH IS DISCUSSION CONSIDERATION.

I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND CALL THIS ONE UP. DISCUSSION CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO RE AWARD RFP DASH 2020 3-003 SOFTWARE AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES FOR A COURT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND JURY SELECTION MANAGEMENT WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AS THE BID, OFFERING THE BEST VALUE TO THE COUNTY.

AUTHORIZING NEGOTIATION OF THE CONTRACT AND GRANTING GRANTING THE COUNTY JUDGE AUTHORITY TO SIGN THE CONTRACT ONCE NEGOTIATIONS ARE COMPLETE.

WE DO HAVE JENNIFER ZARATE, WHO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK ON ITEM 3.4.

JENNIFER, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK NOW, YOU'RE WELCOME TO DO SO.

THAT WAY YOU DON'T HAVE TO HANG AROUND FOR AN HOUR OR MORE.

SO COME ON UP, JENNIFER.

AND WE WE ALL KNOW YOU, BUT IF YOU'LL PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS, AND THEN PLEASE SHARE WITH US WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SAY.

OKAY. I'M JENNIFER GERAGHTY, AND MY ADDRESS IS 285 BIERTON ROAD IN WAXAHACHIE. AND AS YOU KNOW, I'M A CURRENT CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT CLERK.

SO I'VE BEEN PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THIS.

AND YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT I HAVE WORKED FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS IN DALLAS COUNTY IN CRIMINAL AND FAMILY COURT, MORE THAN 20 YEARS IN FAMILY COURT.

IN 2010, TYLER TECHNOLOGY IN DALLAS ENTERED INTO A CONTRACT FOR ODYSSEY.

IT WAS IMPLEMENTED IN THE FAMILY COURT FIRST.

SO I HAVE MORE THAN TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING ON THE ODYSSEY SYSTEM.

SO I JUST WANT TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THAT IT'S A PHENOMENAL SYSTEM.

WE WERE REALLY HAPPY WITH IT IN DALLAS COUNTY.

LOTS OF GROWING PAINS, A LOT OF TRANSITION PAINS WHICH ARE EXPECTED WITH ANY NEW PROGRAM. BUT IT BUT IN THE END IT'S A WONDERFUL PRODUCT.

SO I JUST WANT TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THAT AND SAY THANK YOU.

YEAH. THANK YOU, THANK YOU JENNIFER. THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT. GOOD TO HAVE AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT. THAT'S VERY GOOD.

OKAY. AND AS I MENTIONED, WE WILL RETAKE UP ITEMS 3.2, 3.3 AND 3.4 AFTER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

[MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION]

I'M GOING TO FIRST CALL UP OR READ OUT ITEM 4.1.

WE DO HAVE SOMEONE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK ON THAT ITEM, SO I WILL GIVE THAT PERSON THE CHANCE TO SPEAK BEFORE I READ OUT THE OTHERS.

ITEM 4.1 IS AN EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071, SUBSECTION ONE, WHICH IS CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL BICKERSTAFF HEATH DELGADO ACOSTA LLP VIA REMOTE VIDEOCONFERENCE REGARDING PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION CONCERNING MATTERS SPECIFICALLY PENDING TEXAS POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM, PERMITS PENDING AND PENDING PETITIONS FOR CREATION OF MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICTS AND POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES TO MUDS.

AND WE DO. AS I MENTIONED, WE HAVE A PERSON FROM THE PUBLIC SIGNED UP THAT WOULD BE WESLEY TRYON.

WESLEY, YOU'RE WELCOME TO SPEAK NOW ON THAT SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO HANG AROUND FOR AN HOUR OR MORE. WESLEY, IF YOU DON'T MIND, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND YOUR ADDRESS AND THEN PLEASE SHARE WITH US WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO SAY. MY NAME IS JOHN WESLEY TRYON. I'M AT 2011 BLACK CHAMP LOXAHATCHEE 75167, PRECINCT FOUR. SO I'M HERE BECAUSE OF THE SIMPLE REASON I WANT TO THANK THIS COURT FOR STANDING WITH US. AND WHEN I SAY US, I'M REFERRING TO TEXANS FOR MUD REFORM WHICH IS MADE UP OF A WHOLE LOT OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS.

TOGETHER, WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT.

THE FIRST ONE, SECOND ONE AND THIRD ONE THAT'S BEEN APPLIED FOR IN THIS COUNTY.

NOW WE WON THE MUD ONE, TWO AND THREE ON A TECHNICALITY.

FEASIBILITY. AS YOU ALL KNOW, AND I KNOW ALL Y'ALL ARE FAMILIAR WITH THIS CASE. BUT FOR THOSE THAT ARE HERE THAT MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH IT, THEY WANT TO PUT SIX HOUSES PER ACRE.

AND THEN LAST WEDNESDAY WE HAD THE RULING FOR THE OPEN WASTEWATER SEWER TREATMENT PLANT, WHERE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO TREAT 1,200,000 GALLONS PER DAY OF TREATED WASTEWATER THAT THEY'RE GOING TO DUMP INTO THE SPRING FED CREEK THAT GOES BEHIND ALL OF OUR NEIGHBOR'S

[00:25:05]

WELL, THE T-C-E-Q RULED IN FAVOR OF THE APPLICANT, KEVIN FINCH LVX HOLDINGS.

AND SO AS A RESULT, ACCORDING TO OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ATTORNEY THAT'S BEEN WORKING WITH Y'ALL. PERALEZ ALLMAN AND ICE HE TOLD US THAT THE COUNTY CAN APPEAL AND PURSUE THIS DECISION THROUGH DISTRICT COURT.

WELL, THAT'S WHY I'M HERE TODAY.

TO ASK THAT IN YOUR EXECUTIVE SESSION, YOU'LL PLEASE FIND THE FUNDING.

I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN USING STEPHANIE ALBRIGHT. SHE'S FAMILIAR WITH THE CASE.

AND SO SHE KNOWS ALL THE THE INS AND OUTS OF THE WHOLE FIVE YEARS THAT WE'VE BEEN FIGHTING THIS TOGETHER. YOU KNOW, WHICH IS LIKE THREE INCHES OF DOCUMENTS AND AND A LOT OF LEGAL STUFF.

ANYWAY SO I'M ASKING THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER PURSUING THE APPEAL THROUGH DISTRICT COURT.

OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ATTORNEY TOLD US THAT THE COST FOR DOING THIS IS MINIMAL.

IT'S NOT NEAR AS BAD AS WHEN YOU DO A CONTESTED CASE HEARING WITH THE TC-EC.

AND SO IN THE EDITOR AND OPEC AND ALL THE ALPHABET ORGANIZATIONS.

SO YOU KNOW, I APPRECIATE THE CONSIDERATION FOR ALL OF US HERE IN THE COUNTY, NOT JUST THE US THAT ARE PERSONALLY AFFECTED BY THIS OPEN WASTEWATER SEWER TREATMENT PLANT. YOU KNOW, BEING RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM ALL OF OUR HOMES AND SIX HOUSES PER ACRE AND AND THEN APARTMENTS THAT HE WANTS TO PUT.

SO AGAIN, IF YOU'LL CONSIDER THIS, I APPRECIATE IT.

DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME OR.

THANKS, WESLEY, FOR BRINGING THAT TO OUR ATTENTION AND YOUR EFFORTS TO OPPOSE THAT.

AND I THINK YOU'VE YOU'VE LAID OUT A, YOU KNOW, GREAT ARGUMENT THERE. SO DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR THOUGHTS FOR WESLEY? I APPRECIATE I KNOW, I KNOW, WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET.

OKAY. RIGHT. WELL I APPRECIATE I'M JUST GOING TO SAY EXECUTIVE.

THAT'S WHAT WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT IN EXECUTIVE. SO YEAH. YEAH.

FOR THOSE OF YOU I DID MENTION WE'LL HAVE A VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH THE BICKERSTAFF HEATH FIRM, WHICH IS MISS ALBRIGHT'S FIRM, AND SO SHE WILL UPDATE US ON THAT AND WE WILL TAKE YOUR YOUR THOUGHTS UNDER CONSIDERATION.

YES, BECAUSE I KNOW TOGETHER WE'LL ALL BE IN COURT AGAIN NEXT WEEK FIGHTING THE APPEAL FOR MUD ONE. BUT I APPRECIATE THE SPIRIT OF THE ALAMO HERE.

AND AND LIKE PRESIDENT TRUMP SAID, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT. YEAH, RIGHT. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU. WESLEY. THANK YOU, MR. BROWN. OKAY. THANK YOU AGAIN, WESLEY.

AND WE HAVE THREE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE NEXT WOULD BE ITEM 4.2, WHICH IS PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071, A CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION CONCERNING THE ELLIS RANCH SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT.

NEXT WILL BE ITEM 4.3, WHICH IS PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071, SUBSECTION ONE, A CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL REGARDING PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION CONCERNING THE COURT CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONTRACTS.

AND THEN LASTLY ITEM 4.4, WHICH IS PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.04, SUBSECTION A1 DELIBERATION OF THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT EVALUATION, REASSIGNMENT DUTIES, DISCIPLINE OR DISMISSAL OF A PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE, SPECIFICALLY REGARDING INTERVIEWS FOR THE MAINTENANCE FACILITIES DIRECTOR POSITION.

SO WITH THOSE FOUR ITEMS ON THE EXECUTIVE SESSION, I WOULD ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ENTER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

SO MOVED. SECOND, WE HAVE A MOTION TO ENTER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION FROM COMMISSIONER GRAYSON. WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY I.

I. DOES ANYONE CARE TO VOTE? NO. HEARING NO OPPOSITION, THE MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY AND THE TIME IS NOW 2:28 P.M.. AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT STANDS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

OH, YOU'RE GOOD, YOU'RE GOOD. OKAY.

[ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION]

AND AT THIS POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO CLOSE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

SO MOVED. OKAY, WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

AYE. IS ANYONE OPPOSED? HEARING NO OPPOSITION.

THE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS NOW ADJOURNED.

THE TIME IS 4:56 P.M..

[Items 3.2 - 3.4 (Part 2 of 2)]

[00:30:03]

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION OR COMMENTS ON THAT, COMMISSIONERS, OR DOES ANYONE CARE TO MAKE A MOTION? OKAY. WE DO NOT HAVE ANYONE THAT CARES TO MAKE A MOTION, SO WE WILL TAKE NO ACTION ON ITEM 3.2.

WE WILL NEXT TAKE UP ITEM 3.3 WHICH IS DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY DIRECTOR POSITION.

IS THERE ANY COMMENTS OR DISCUSSION? COMMISSIONERS. I THINK DOES ANYONE CARE TO MAKE A MOTION TO REAL GOOD DISCUSSION TODAY? I'D LIKE TO MAYBE PUT IT OFF TILL NEXT COURT.

OKAY. SO, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, WOULD YOU WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE THAT ITEM? 3.3. I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE.

SECOND. OKAY. AND JUST TO CLARIFY, THAT WOULD BE TO TABLE IT UNTIL OUR NEXT REGULAR NEXT COURT NEXT REGULAR MEETING ON FEBRUARY 3RD.

OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 3.3 UNTIL OUR NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING ON FEBRUARY 3RD. WE HAVE THAT MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY I.

I. DOES ANYONE OPPOSED? HEARING NO OPPOSITION.

ITEM 3.3 IS SO TABLED.

WE'LL NOW TAKE UP ITEM 3.4.

EXCUSE ME, WHICH IS DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL TO RE AWARD RFP 2020 3-003 SOFTWARE AND IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES FOR A COURT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND JURY SELECTION MANAGEMENT, WITH TYLER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AS THE BID, OFFERING THE BEST VALUE TO THE COUNTY.

AUTHORIZING NEGOTIATION OF THE CONTRACT AND GRANTING THE COUNTY JUDGE AUTHORITY TO SIGN THE CONTRACT ONCE NEGOTIATIONS ARE COMPLETE AND COMMISSIONERS, I WANT TO POINT OUT, AS WE'VE HAD IN PRIOR DISCUSSIONS THE NEW SOFTWARE WAS BEING PAID FOR THROUGH ARPA FUNDS.

AND WE OF COURSE, WE'VE WE'VE RECEIVED AN OPINION THAT WE CAN TRANSFER THOSE ARPA FUNDS TO THIS NEW VENDOR. SO THAT WILL BE A PART OF WHAT WE WOULD BE ACTING UPON IN THIS AGENDA ITEM IN MOTION. IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION? IF NOT MOTION. OKAY. SO, COMMISSIONER BUTLER, DID IT SOUND LIKE A GOOD MOTION? YEAH.

VERY GOOD. COMMISSIONER BUTLER MAKES A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM 3.4.

WITH THAT ARPA FUNDS ADDITIONS TO IT.

AND IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND? WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER PONDER.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

AND ITEM 3.4 PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

ALRIGHT. WE'VE HAD A LENGTHY, A LENGTHY MEETING, AND WE'VE NOW COME TO THE END OF OUR AGENDA.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND PATIENCE AND YOUR GOOD THOUGHTS AND DISCUSSION TODAY.

AND WITH THAT IN MIND, I WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SO MOVED.

WE HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN BY COMMISSIONER PONDER. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND? WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER BUTLER.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, PLEASE SAY AYE.

AYE. ANYONE OPPOSED? HEARING NO OPPOSITION.

THE MEETING IS NOW ADJOURNED.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.