SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS COURT Thursday, October 3, 2024 Conference Room Ed Rachal Memorial Library BEI IT REMEMBERED, that on this day, the Honorable Commissioners' Court of Brooks County, Texas met in Special Term therein the City ofl Falfurrias in the Conference Room of the Ed Rachal Memorial Library: OPEN MEETING -Judge Eric Ramos opened the meeting at 9:00 AM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Judge Eric Ramos ROLL CALL-Judge Bric Ramos called for roll call: Present: Eric Ramos, County Judge, Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Absent: Elvaray B. Silvas, County & District Clerk. Staff Present: Missy A Saavedra, Deputy Clerk AGENDA 1. Public Commenfs Honorable Judge Eric Ramos asked for public comments: Terrell Palmer, Alice Oehmig, Dr. Bill Biel, Dave Resendez and Vanessa Lopez, all addressed the Court in reference to the issue on County Road 110 with their comments and concerns. Ruben Ramirez, Fire Chief also addressed the Court in reference to the issue at hand and that its going to take some time. Nico C. also addressed the Court in reterence to the county road issue on the agenda with his comments and concerns. 3. Discuss current conditions of County Roads 110 and 406 as well as discuss possible solutions, Honorable Judge Eric Ramos addressed the Court on the above matter with his concerns at the issue at hand. Judge Ramos informed the public that engineers have been hired to review the issue and work needed and to apply for a grant, deadline being (January 2025) and the engineers are asking for $25,000, but it's unlikely that the County won't get the grant funding. Have spoken to Ryan Gillan in the possibility of writing a Bill to help fund this project but are needing some precedence to move: forward and looking for short term solutions and getting funds secure to fix this issue. David Guerra, Foreman addressed the Court with the concerns and his comments on the work currently being done on that road. Discussion was made on the taxing of sell hunts for the purpose of road repair; proper assessment of property appraisals; needing an assessment done for actual numbers but are needing $300,000 (to apply need the plans to move forward). Judge Ramos stated that he is looking for a short and long term for this issue. No action taken, discussion only. At 9:55. Am the Court took a short recess, came back at 10:12. AM; Present same as before. 2. Discuss adopting a policy that would mandate payroll deductions for the purpose of çollecting delinquent or current year property faxes. Honorable Judge Eric. Ramos informed the Court that Jim Hogg County does this and looking into the purpose of deliniquent taxes and the possibility ofthe current tax year but will need tol look into this. Terri A. Silvas, ChiefDeputy Tax Assessor Collector, addressed the Court on thej process of collecting of delinquent taxes with a max of 24 months agreement. Oralia V. Morales, JP addressed the Court in reference to her concerns on how many county employees actually pay taxes. The Court continued to discussed thej pros and cons ofthis issue and will be discussed further at the next meeting and the possibility of collecting a percentage of what they get paid on. Making an agreement Getting a list of county employees that owe taxes The discussion on the collecting oft taxes (agreements) Whoi is responsible to come up with the agreement for the garnishment amount EXECUTIVE SESSION-Went into executive session at 10:57 AM 4. Discuss and consult with attorney regarding current litigation. OPEN SESSION- The Court came in open session at 11:08 AM, with no action taken. 5. EPA Climate Change Grant Workshop. The Court held a workshop on the above matter and discussed the following: 201 Million dollar grant, with 0 down that have to deal the EPA Climate change Francisco Briones-RMA, Jorge Lazaro, Fulcrum Engineer addressed the Court with a 2 Billion dollar grant that was awarded nationwide and have already awarded around $180 million with a deadline ofl November 2024; with the projects as follows: O 41 million key project south of town Drainage issues of the Northwest part of town Rural Storage tank Emergency Storm Shele/Decontamination Center/Cooling Center/Iraining center Housing-new construction/rehab houses/mobile homes (roofing, solar panels, HVAC, appliance replacement, weatherization) Infrastructure- road improvements (children/elderly/ veterans) Jorge Lazaro addressed the Court with a little more of what Mr. Briones has already suggested, but to implement with these projects green technology and things that helps climate change/carbon dioxide. Expand the landfill and implement a recycle facility o Powered and charging vehicles for the County Judge Ramos addressed Mr. Briones and Mr. Lazaro on the list that was provided asi far as projects Agrees on the housing Suggested the project for a park for Ag Center with the park and possible solar roofing Drainage issues At 11:33 AM Elvaray B. Silvas, County and District Clerk joined the meeting. o Likes the idea of landfill project o Willl be placing on the agenda next week to make decisions Admin fees are included in the grant(grant BINPCMMARFNCRENST 1% ofthe 20 million; 5% for engineering (1.61 million come out from the grant fori these services) 6. Adiourn Motion: to adjourn at 12:01 PM, Action: Adjourn, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. The preceding minutes beginning on page and ending on page of the Commissioners' Court Minutes Volume read and approved in the Honorable Commissioners' Court this jath day of Decenal 2024, A.D. APPRQVEP County Judge ATTESTED: Bhaayhs . / Jounty Clerk