January 17, 2019 - The Shelby County Commissioners gave the go-ahead for the Shelby County Historical Commission (SCHC) to seek grant funding from the state for a renovation project of the Historic Courthouse Annex building.
Teddy Hopkins, SCHC Chairman, spoke on behalf of the commission and described the need for this project to move forward. He presented a recommendation and request from the SCHC to submit a grant application to the Texas Historical Commission Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant (TPTF) program.
The request is to help pay for a master plan prepared by Architexas Consulting Firm of Dallas for a renovation of the 1913 Shelby County Historical Courthouse Annex building at a cost to the county of $50,000 with a 50% reimbursement from the TPTF
Hopkins said one thing which has always been agreed upon is for what the building should be used.
"It has always been the museum," said Hopkins. "There's some driving factors that prompted us to consider that."
The factors he outlined included the current location of the museum not being as visible or accessible, availability of parking, visitor accommodations, and the statement to the community which would be made by having the museum in that location.
He also spoke of the unity it would bring to all of the cities in Shelby County linked by their individual history and that of being a part of the same county.
"The Shelby County Historical Commission feels that our best opportunity for beginning restoration for the annex is to apply for the Texas [Historical Commission] Preservation Trust Fund program with THC," said Hopkins.
If approved, Hopkins says the grant will supplement expenses for a master plan at 50% up to $30,000 at a dollar to dollar match. Grants will be awarded in November and billing for the master plan will begin late December 2019 or early January 2020.
Judge Harbison encouraged the commissioners something needs to be done with the building. She explained the bones of the structure are in very good condition.
"I worked in the building in the 80s and it does need a lot of work, but the bones of the structure is there to build on," said Harbison. "It's my understanding that we really can't get or qualify for any grant funding at the Texas Historical Commission until we have this plan in place."
Judge Harbison also stated the plan will not put limitations on the acceptance of donations from elsewhere.
Comment was sought from members of the audience in reference to the proposed project.
Cindy Smith asked if the amount being requested is the maximum allowed and if it wasn't can the maximum be requested. Hopkins explained the amount being requested is that which the consultant and architect have suggested.
Judge Harbison also interjected the amount requested has to be what is adhered to, and even if there was money left over it would have to go back to the state, because the funds are meant to be used for a specific purpose.
Luciana Barr stated the museum is, "busting at the seems, I had someone speak to me yesterday about something they wanted to donate to the museum that was something that you would really want, we need more room."
Fannie Watson stated, "we don't want the history of Shelby County to become 'Once upon a time.'"
A motion carried to allow the SCHC to make the application for grant funding.
Following the approval of the SCHC project, the commissioners went into executive session at 9:54am to meet with legal representatives for the county, Flowers and Davis.
The meeting returned to open session at 10:25am. Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison explained the reason for the executive session had to do with the ongoing federal lawsuit involving Shelby County and the City of Tenaha.
"We have got a federal ruling from the judge to extend the monitoring for another 18 months, but there are a couple of housekeeping things we need to do in Commissioners' Court to comply with the ruling," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried to adopt the impartial policing policy of provisions article 2.131 through 2.134 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, section H.
Judge Harbison stated the policy says it has to do with the consent form for a search and mechanical recordings and equipment.
The commissioners then considered a resolution to oppose unfunded mandates made by the state.
"21% of [Shelby County's] budget is spent on unfunded mandates that is sent down from the state of Texas," said Judge Harbison. "So, every tax dollar that we get, 21 cents of that dollar goes for something the state tells us we have to do and we have no control over it."
She felt it important for tax payers to be aware that of every dollar the county receives, it's only getting 79 cents out of each dollar.
A motion carried to approve a resolution in opposition to unfunded mandates.
A draw request transmittal for GrantWorks was presented to the commissioners for $7,837.80. Judge Harbison explained the item is among the CDBG grant for the Sandhill Corporation.
"The money from the grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture will be sent to the county and the county has to disburse it to GrantWorks," said Judge Harbison.
A motion carried to approve the draw request transmittal for GrantWorks Invoice No. 1 in the amount of $7,837.50.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:31am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 3-5. An executive session was held for the purpose of consulting with the law firm of Flowers and Davis. Upon returning from executive session a motion carried to adopt the impartial policing policy of provisions article 2.131 through 2.134 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, section H. 6. SCHC request permission from Commissioners' Court to submit application for grant funding with the Texas Historical Commission for the Shelby County 1913 Historical Courthouse Annex Building. 7. Resolution in Opposition to Unfunded Mandates by the State. 8. Draw Request Transmittal for GrantWorks Invoice No. 1 in the amount of $7,837.50. 9. Adjourn at 10:31am.
