KingWm #LibertyMatters

At 100 minutes, today’s meeting was longer than normal with two major topics discussed at length.  First is the discussion related to the potential county maintenance of roads in the City of Ellinger, and the second is related to a proposed mass gathering permit.  In other news, Soil & Water Stewardship Week, and Child Abuse Prevention Month were proclaimed in Fayette County.  The Court also adopted a resolution in support of the City of Fayetteville pursuing a cultural district designation and heard a lengthy EMS report and hospital update.  Hear it all right here...

This morning’s brief meeting produced a major bombshell.  Clearly overcome with emotion and visibly shaking, Commissioner Sternadel made public his intent to retire at the end of April.  Thank you for your service.  The resignation, coming 20 months before the end of his term, will create a vacancy allowing Judge Mueller to appoint his replacement.  In other news, it has now been confirmed that the county computer system is down, apparently due to some sort of cyber-attack, or ransomware attack.  Listen to Commissioner Sternadel’s emotional announcement, more comments related to the Round Top Courthouse and a lengthy EMS report, @ KingWm.com.

The highlight of today’s 92-minute Commissioners Court meeting was once again the discussion related to the historical Round Top courthouse.  A letter from Mayor Vincent presented to the Court states, “we welcome and applaud the well-deserved interest in the county seeking a historical designation for the Round Top Courthouse.”  In other news, it is time to re-write the county subdivision regulations and a workshop was held to discuss the best way to proceed.  We have the letter and the audio highlights, listen to what can’t be printed in the paper.

The La Grange ISD School Board is considering adopting a 4-day school week.  One of the primary reason stated is to increase the pool of applicants for teachers.  A survey of a significant number of parents and staff was conducted, and the response was overwhelmingly supportive of the idea.  It appears change is on the horizon.  It was a fantastic discussion, listen to all 50 minutes right here.

We had a pleasant meeting today with quite a bit of discussion.  The highlight was the discussion related to a request to seek a historical designation for the Round Top Courthouse.  Three citizens gave comments, and the Court responded favorably.  In other news, the Court held lengthy discussions related to two new ambulances and County building maintenance, and briefly discussed security for the elections office.  The Court, in order to improve oversight, seems to have adopted a common-sense policy to only approve contacts once they are in their final form.  It was a 105 minute “marathon”, click the timestamps to hear the highlights & read the full report.

The highlight of today’s meeting was the discussion related to the approval of the minutes of the last meeting.  Normally a routine matter, Commissioner Harvey called for discussion and questioned the record of the election of the County Judge Pro-Tem.  Some things aren’t published because it’s not considered “polite”.  The division in the Court and testy discussion are good examples.  You must listen to the audio to get the full story.  The poor procedure is a relatively minor matter relative to the lack of discussion, openness and transparency, don’t let it distract you.  Listen to the short audio, read this short report and understand your government.

Court today was mostly routine, with some interesting discussion related to buying a used ambulance, but one agenda item, and the controversy it has stirred, by far overshadows the entire agenda.  In short, the Judge Pro-Tem is a member of the Court that temporarily performs the duties of the County Judge in his absence.  Typically, that position is held by the most senior Commissioner, and Commissioner McBroom has served in that position for many years.  Today, without explanation or discussion, Judge Mueller moved to appoint Commissioner Luke Sternadel to the position, and the two senior Commissioners were not happy about it.  Why the unorthodox change?  Why no public discussion?  Does it matter that only one member of the Court voted FOR the motion and two voted AGAINST?  Was it even a valid vote?

This 8-minute special meeting was primarily to discuss the timely purchase of a used vehicle, but also to discuss a subdivision plat.  It was not the most exciting of meetings, but you can hear it all right here...

Sorry gang, even I have to work from time to time.  The discussion related to the infamous trail ride continues this week.  There was a lengthy discussion, and the public was prepared to comment this time.  One articulate gentleman in particular spoke about the need to create a process for regulating and permitting mass gatherings.  Hear it all right here...

Sorry, I missed this meeting and only listened to the recording today, on 10/24.  In this meeting, the first public discussion is held on the trail ride controversy.  Read this brief report and listen to the audio recording (convenient timestamps are provided).  Hear it all right here...