September 12, 2023 Hood County Commissioners' Court

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The Hood County Commissioners' Court met on September 12, 2023, to address routine business and several contentious governance matters. The court heard extensive citizen commentary regarding code of conduct standards for elected officials, property tax assessments, and public meeting conduct, followed by approval of service contracts with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Pecan Valley MHMR, vendor pools for civil engineering and surveying services, and several property replats. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussion of two bronze sculptures originally donated to the Ken Hill Foundation, ultimately resulting in a decision to return the statues and reimburse the foundation $5,730 for foundation costs. The court also tabled fiscal year 2024 budget items pending further commissioner review and approved policy updates and administrative changes for county operations.

• Call to order and opening ceremoniesThe meeting was called to order with invocation, moment of silence for 9/11 responders, and pledges.
• Constitution Week proclamation presentationMargaret Cook of the Daughters of American Revolution presented a proclamation declaring September 17–23 as Constitution Week.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension services presentationWarner Seidel, County Extension agent, presented highlights and updates from AgriLife Extension covering agriculture, horticulture, 4-H programs, and economic impact across District 8 and Hood County.
• Recognition of Sean McGuire and Tyler Brown for radio system projectSheriff recognized Sean McGuire and Tyler Brown for their dedication and hard work in completing a new trunking radio system that went live a couple weeks prior.
• Citizens comments at large – Tina BrownCitizen Tina Brown criticized elected officials for lack of code of conduct, handling of a recent code of conduct complaint, and questioned compliance with open meetings act.
• Citizens comments – Sharon SealanderSharon Sealander defended the supervisors' responsibility to bring forth code of conduct complaints against employees and noted a tree hazard on Energy Road.
• Citizens comments – David FerrisDavid Ferris criticized tax rate discussions and property assessment increases, arguing the real problem is explosive growth in assessments rather than tax rate changes.
• Citizens comments – Elizabeth MercerElizabeth Mercer requested that commissioners create a code of conduct similar to what employees are required to follow, citing 40 years of corporate experience with such standards.
• Citizens comments – Faye LandonFaye Landon welcomed the dismissal of a federal case against Judge Massengale and opposed any elimination of open mic at meetings.
• Citizens comments – Robert MeansRobert Means cited John Adams and scripture to emphasize that the Constitution and moral foundation require elected officials to defend people's rights and money rather than particular groups.
• Citizens comments – Zach MaxwellZach Maxwell criticized public admonishment of employees, citing leadership training that emphasizes admonishing in private and praising in public to maintain morale and respect.
• Citizens comments – speaker on code of conduct violationsAn unnamed speaker criticized commissioners for using political office to destroy someone's campaign and character, citing lack of investigation and offering examples of code violations by commissioners.
• Citizens comments – Katie LangKatie Lang called for speakers to be adults, provide facts and paperwork for allegations, and resolve issues with officials before bringing them to court.
• Citizens comments – Sandra Head (excerpt begins)Sandra Head began addressing a matter weighing heavily on Hood County's reputation.
• Citizen comment on divisive behavior and governance conductA citizen expressed concern about disruptive behavior at public meetings and questioned the code of conduct standards applied to county officials and department heads.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension disaster assessment office spaceThe court approved allowing Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery to utilize vacant office space in Annex 3 at no cost to the county.
• Hood County Sheriff interlocal cooperation contract with Pecan Valley MHMRThe court authorized the County Judge to sign an interlocal cooperation contract with Pecan Valley MHMR region for mental health crisis transportation services.
• Granbury Arts Alliance use of courthouse hallways for Dan and Judy Coates art showThe court approved the Granbury Arts Alliance to use the first floor hallways of the historic courthouse on March 29–30, 2024, for the annual Dan and Judy Coates Memorial art show.
• Courthouse Square temporary events and Texas Historical Commission guidanceThe court discussed permitted temporary events on the courthouse Square based on guidance from the Texas Historical Commission regarding what does not require state approval.
• Tax 21 annual membership dues paymentThe court approved payment of the Tax 21 annual membership dues in the amount of $10,000.
• Hood County Animal Control interlocal agreements with municipalitiesThe court discussed and tabled interlocal agreements for Animal Control services between Hood County and seven municipalities, with disagreement over fees charged to city residents.
• RFQ 2023-05 Civil Engineering Services pool awardThe court approved a pool of top four scoring civil engineering vendors for contract work.
• RFQ 2023-06 Land Surveyor Services pool awardThe court approved a pool of top four scoring land surveyor vendors for contract work.
• House Bill 3474 jury system changesThe district clerk presented legislative changes affecting jury pay, age exemptions, and felony theft reporting requirements.
• Gerard jury donation form organizationsThe court discussed the current list of seven organizations receiving funds from Gerard jury donations, noting the process for adding new organizations.
• Bronze statues donation rescission motionJudge Massengill moved to rescind the donation of two bronze sculptures to the Ken Hill Foundation due to State Historical Association denial.
• Shanley Park sculpture garden proposal and alternate locationCourtney Coates Blackman presented a proposal to place the bronze sculptures in Shanley Park behind City Hall as part of a planned sculpture garden.
• Public speaker support for sculpture retentionStacy Martin, citizen, artist, and board member of mini art organizations, spoke in support of retaining the sculptures.
• Third public speaker on sculpturesTina Brown, familiar with Coville Jones's work, expressed hope for city and Mr. Ferris to reach donation agreement.
• Donation return and future considerationJudge Massengill explained the statues must be returned to Ken Hill Foundation with hopes Mr. Ferris will reconsider donation to the proposed sculpture garden.
• Ken Hill Foundation foundation cost reimbursementThe court considered reimbursing Ken Hill Foundation $5,730 for foundation costs of the bronze sculptures.
• Public speaker on reimbursement fairnessDr. Granick supported reimbursement, crediting Commissioner Eagle for discovering restrictions early.
• Commissioner opposition to taxpayer burdenA commissioner expressed difficulty with burdening taxpayers with $5,730 due to County and Historical Commission error.
• Judge explanation of historical restrictionsJudge Massengill explained long-standing courthouse restrictions and the 2000 easement agreement that required state approval for permanent changes.
• State historical denial clarificationJudge Massengill clarified that the state denied the application based on sculpture size, not religious concerns.
• Reimbursement vote and abstentionsThe court voted 3-2 with two abstentions to reimburse Ken Hill Foundation $5,730 for foundation costs.
• Budget discussion and tablingThe court tabled budget items 12 and 13 due to ongoing changes and lack of commissioner preparation.
• Budget item 13 tabling and public concernThe court tabled the fiscal year 2024 budget (item 13) after a public speaker expressed concern about multiple changes outside of court.
• Budget items 14 and 15 tablingThe court tabled items 14 and 15 as they are removed points dependent on resolution of items 12 and 13.
• Constable Precinct 3 office location changeConstable requested approval to change office location from Hood County Development Department to Development with Environmental Health to improve efficiency.
• Precinct Three Constable's office relocationThe court approved relocating the Precinct Three Constable's office to swap locations with the Hood County Development Department.
• Hood County Mental Health leave policy updateThe court approved updating the Mental Health leave policy for peace officers, jailers, and telecommunicators in accordance with House Bill 1486.
• Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District status updateDoug Shaw, general manager, presented updates on Senate Bill 2440 requirements for groundwater availability certification and rainwater harvesting grant programs.
• Vista Corporation donation for Emergency ManagementThe court accepted a $50,000 check from Vista Corporation designated for Emergency Management planning.
• Consent agenda approvalThe court approved the consent agenda without discussion following a brief recess.
• Homestead Acres plat approval and recordingThe court approved recording the final plat of Homestead Acres, which was previously approved by Parker County under an interlocal agreement.
• Port Richey Lots replat public hearingThe court convened a public hearing to consider a replat splitting Lot AR-1 into two lots at Port Richey.
• Port Regency Lots AR-1A and AR-1B replat approvalThe Court approved the replat of Traditions at Port Regency, adjusting lot lines between parcels AR-1A and AR-1B.
• Port Richey East section 2 replat discussionStaff presented a replat adjusting the common lot line between lots 178 and 179 to resolve an encroachment.
• Port Richey East section 2 replat approvalThe Court approved the replat of Port Richey East section 2, lots 178A and 179A.
• Rolled Stone Estates phase one replat discussionStaff presented a replat involving relocation of a cul-de-sac and drainage easement adjustments with reduced lot sizes.
• Rolled Stone Estates phase one replat approvalThe Court approved the replat of Rolled Stone Estates phase one, lots 3R and 4R.
• Financial bills approvalThe Court approved payment of invoices for the period August 16, 2023 through September 5, 2023.
• Justice of the Peace Precinct Four financial records reviewThe Court accepted the 2023 review of Justice of the Peace Precinct Four financial records.