October 10, 2023 Hood County Commissioners' Court

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The Hood County Commissioners' Court met on October 10, 2023, to address a range of county business including event authorizations at the courthouse, routine annual approvals for indigent defense and service contracts, and appointments to the Hood County Appraisal District Board. The court approved a $20,000 budget increase for volunteer fire department insurance and accepted roadway sections from the Comanche Cove development into the county road system. Significant discussion centered on proposed modifications to the court's rules of procedure and decorum, with public testimony raising concerns about the proposals; the court moved to hold a workshop on amended rules. Additional approvals included courthouse use for community events, signage for charitable fundraising, development plats, and direction on personnel policy regarding hiring and promotion authority.

• Call to order and opening remarksThe meeting was called to order on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in the central Jury Room of the Ralph H. Walton Junior Justice Center in Granbury, Texas, with an invocation and pledges.
• Awards, special presentations, and citizen commentsNo awards or special presentations were scheduled; citizen comments proceeded with one public speaker and an open mic discussion.
• Harvest Moon Festival authorizationThe court authorized County Judge to sign the City of Granbury's event application for the Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts at the historical Courthouse parking lot.
• Brazas River Corvette Club car show authorizationThe court approved use of the historical Courthouse parking lot and gazebo for a Brazas River Corvette Club charity car show.
• Brazas Pregnancy Center added to juror donation listThe court voted to add Brazas Pregnancy Center to the list of agencies available to receive juror donation funds.
• Historical courthouse courtroom use for hymn singing eventThe court authorized use of the courthouse courtroom for an areawide hymn singing event with security provided by Sheriff and Captain John Barry.
• 2024 Indigent defense formula grant resolutionThe court authorized County Judge to sign the 2024 Hood County resolution for the Indigent defense formula grant program, a routine annual approval.
• Savin's First contract renewalThe court authorized County Judge to sign the Savin's First contract renewal participation entity service agreement, another routine annual renewal.
• Hood County Appraisal District Board nominationsThe court nominated Greg Harold and Rod Litkey as candidates for two-year terms on the Hood County Appraisal District Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2024.
• Volunteer fire department insurance budget increaseThe court approved a $20,000 budget increase for volunteer fire department insurance policies funded from general contingency rather than capital projects.
• Rules of procedure and decorum discussionThe court heard public input and examined proposed modifications to rules of procedure, conduct, and decorum at Commissioner's Court meetings based on Texas Association of Counties guidance.
• Public testimony on rules proposalsThree members of the public testified regarding the proposed rules modifications, raising concerns about clarity, precedent, and potential consequences.
• Continued remarks on rules discussionThe final speaker acknowledged the meeting pace and reaffirmed support for public comment and criticism as essential elements of Commissioner's Court proceedings.
• Rules of decorum and conduct standardsThe court discussed enforcement mechanisms for public comment rules and procedures for county business meetings.
• Motion for workshop on amended rulesCommissioner Wilson moved for a workshop to discuss new or amended rules of procedure, conduct, and decorum.
• Opposition to further workshops and tabling motionCommissioners disagreed on whether additional workshops were needed before voting on the rules.
• Grant writer update on pending applicationsEmily (Grant writer) was represented by Margaret Campbell, reporting on three months of work and grant opportunities in process.
• Courthouse concrete pads removal projectMaintenance presented the status of mandated removal of two concrete slabs from courthouse square by November 1, 2023.
• ETJ interlocal agreement amendment with City of GranburyCity of Granbury proposed amended interlocal agreement to shift ETJ enforcement and subdivision platting from city to county due to new legislation allowing opt-out petitions.
• Skeletons for St. Jude's charity sign display requestBrad Yarboro requested approval to display four signs promoting Skeletons for St. Jude's Hospital fundraiser on courthouse grounds October 15–31, 2023.
• St. Jude Charity Signage ApprovalThe court approved four two-sided signs with QR codes for the historical courthouse grounds to promote a St. Jude Hospital fundraiser.
• Texas Independence Day Presentation by Sons of the Republic of TexasThe court approved use of the historic courthouse for a sixth-annual Texas Independence Day presentation and rehearsal by the David Crockett chapter.
• Message in a Bottle Living Art Installation for Veterans DayMOA and the Granberry Winter Walk committee were approved to use the courthouse lawn for a veterans appreciation art installation on Veterans Day.
• Personnel Policy Direction on New Hires, Transfers, and PromotionsCounty staff sought court direction on whether new hires, transfers, and promotions above starting pay require court approval or department head discretion.
• Consent AgendaThe court approved the consent agenda by unanimous motion.
• Road Operations: Acceptance of Comanche Cove Development RoadwaysRoad Operations recommended and the court accepted three roadway sections from the Comanche Cove development into the county road system.
• Development: Public Hearing Date Set for Replat of The Landings and Oak Trail ShoresStaff recommended and the court set November 28th, 2023 as the public hearing date for replats of two residential developments.
• Pixy Valley Ranch preliminary plat approvalThe court approved the preliminary plat for a 312-acre residential development in Precinct 1 with private streets and on-site utilities.
• Waymaker Estates final plat approvalThe court approved the final plat for a four-lot subdivision in the rural District with on-site utilities and shared access.
• Hood County onsite sewage facility order Section 9D regulatory concernsThe court discussed potential regulatory taking issues in Section 9D of the Hood County onsite sewage facility order regarding restrictions on OSSF installation near waterways and floodplains.
• Financial reports and bill paymentThe court approved payment of expenditures from old and new budgets and accepted the annual financial review for Justice of the Peace Precinct 2.
• Meeting adjournmentThe meeting was adjourned.