A regular meeting of the Commissioners' Court of Brazos County, Texas was held in the Brazos County Commissioners Courtroom in the Administration Building, 200 South Texas Avenue, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 with the following members of the Court present:

Duane Peters, County Judge, Presiding;

Steve Aldrich, Commissioner of Precinct 1;

Chuck Konderla, Commissioner of Precinct 2;

Nancy Berry, Commissioner of Precinct 3;

Irma Cauley, Commissioner of Precinct 4;

Karen McQueen, County Clerk.

The attached sheets contain the names of the citizens and officials that were in attendance.

- U.S. and Texas Flag – Commissioner Cauley

A presentation was given by members of Texas Rising, which included Francisco (Frankie) Alamos, Raven Atkinson, Amy Ramos and Ivy Major-McDowall (as support) requesting a second polling location for Texas A&M University students.  The members of Texas Rising stated the long wait times have a negative affect on voter turnout especially with social distancing.  The Annenberg Presidential Conference Center was suggested as an additional polling location.  They also discussed the cost of adding another polling location and transportation issues.

Judge Peters explained that students are able to vote at any polling location and encouraged them to also take advantage of Early Voting.

A copy of the presentation is attached.

Consider and take action on agenda items 4-18:

Reappointments to the BVCOG Board of Directors; term period of 10/1/20 to 9/30/23.

• a. Mayor Karl Mooney (Elected Official)
• b. Mayor Andrew Nelson (Elected Official)
• c. Ms. Marycruz Morales (Minority)

Approval of the following Job Descriptions:

• a. Temporary Attendant, Building & Grounds (1040 hrs) (Class code 0832, Position 3 for Exposition Complex)
• b. Temporary Attendant, Building & Grounds (1040 hrs) (Class code 0832, Position 5 for Exposition Complex)

Request approval for the following Payment Authorizations from the District Attorney's office in the amount totaling $196.78 to the LaSalle Hotel for lodging expenses for two (2) witnesses.

• a. Invoice date 10/01/19 for $98.39 - a purchase order was requested but the invoice was not received prior to the budget year ending
• b. Invoice dated 10/16/19 for $98.39 - a purchase order was not obtained in advance

Renewal of the following contracts with Southwood West, A Texas General Partnership:

• a.) Contract #21-002R Precinct 1, Constable Office
• b.) Contract #21-003R Precinct 2, Justice of the Peace Office

Overpayments

• a.  Tommie & Sharon Renee Allmon - $100.00
• b.  Elizadie M Allen - $43.30
• c.  Susie Hutson - $17.86
• d.  Brazos Revenue Distribution Account c/o Iberia Management Systems - $50.84
• e.  Dave & Norma Diggins - $72.18
• f.   MEW Partners, LTD c/o Mary Ellen Walker - $5,565.08
• g.  Hawkwood Energy Operating - $17.38
• h.  Hawkwood Energy Operating - $843.09
• i.   Hawkwood Energy Operating - $26.26

Budget Amendments FY 19/20  42.1 - 42.8

42.1  Reallocate funds for Exposition Complex.

42.2  To recognize revenue for the NRA Grant to the Sheriff's Office.

42.3  Reallocate funds for the Sheriff's Office.

42.4  Reallocate funds for Records Management.

42.5  Reallocate fund for Road and Bridge Department.

42.6  Reallocate funds for Information Technology.

42.7  Transfer funds from Contingency Fund to County Judge.

42.8  Transfer funds from Contingency Fund to Information Technology.

At this point the County Judge deviated from the agenda and considered item 1 of an Addendum to the Agenda to consider approval of Kristeen Roe, Brazos County Tax Assessor/Collector, as the designated Officer to calculate tax rates for Brazos County.  This designation shall continue until modified by the Commissioner's Court, no matter who may hold the office.

Juvenile Director’s report on detention population.

Assistant Juvenile Director Guadalupe Washington reported there are 17 juveniles in the detention center, 11 are male and 6 are female, and 20 have electric monitors with 6 units available.

Sheriff's report on inmate population.

Sheriff Chris Kirk stated there were 576 inmates in jail, 488 inmates are male and 88 are female, 11 have electronic monitors and 3 are pending for monitors.  Sheriff Kirk said there are 5 inmates that have tested positive for COVID-19 and are in isolation with an additional 15 inmates in quarantine.  He added that 9 officers have tested positive with an additional 6 officers in quarantine.

Commissioner Cauley asked if the Health District could give a report to the Court on COVID-19 in Brazos County. 

Commissioner Berry said she would like to know what the percentage of those being tested are positive.

Commissioner Cauley added that the community that she represents are under tested.  She said that some have no insurance and can not afford the fee to be tested.