May 18, 2017 - Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, presented the list of appointees for the Shelby County Historical Commission for 2017-2018 during their meeting held on April 24, 2017 for their approval.
The appointees include: Jerry Lewis, Chairperson; Tim Perkins, Vice-Chairperson; David Chadwick, Treasurer; Colleen Doggett, Cemetery Committee Chairperson; Vickie Martin, Secretary; Allison Harbison; Latreaser Cartwright; Julie David; Vanessa Davis; Roger Doyle; Teddy Hopkins; Brandy Lewis; Tim Morrison and Sharon Ratcliff.
A motion was carried to approve the appointees.
Jerry Lewis then addressed the commissioners, on behalf of the Shelby County Historical Commission (SCHC), to help make them aware of what they currently are working on. He made the audience aware the commission is tasked by the county.
"One thing we have noticed over the years is we have not been communicating with y'all on what y'all would like. So we want to change that," said Lewis.
Lewis said he would be making a presentation to the commissioners every quarter following the meetings of the SCHC in efforts to receive feedback from the county to help shape and focus the direction of the SCHC as they serve the county.
"We have reduced the number of members to 15 as you read on the list," said Lewis.
He explained that as a lot of people have joined the commission in the past, they have done so with a particular purpose in mind and once what they sought has been achieved many don't continue attending the meetings making it very difficult to have a quorum at their meetings.
Lewis expects the number to reduce from 15 in the future to 12.
"Anybody that comes on for a particular item they have an interest in, we're just going to make them friends of the commission. They can have whatever participation they need, and then raise the money and move on without hindering our ability to do business and preserve items in the community," said Lewis.
Currently the SCHC has a focus on the bandstand located on the Center square, which Lewis stated has been deteriorating over time. The intent of the SCHC, at this time, is to put a minor coat of paint on it and provide maintenance to the structure toward the overall integrity of the square.
A cake auction is being planned to facilitate raising funds for the effort.
According to Lewis, Colleen Doggett is working at writing grants at the state and federal levels on behalf of the SCHC to gain funding for the old Shelby County Clerk building located on the Center square.
Restoring the clerk building would have a dual purpose in up keeping the building and providing an alternate location for the Shelby County Historical Museum.
"We're hoping to be able to relocate them to that clerk building and have them a place to exhibit all their museum items," said Lewis. "We think history's important, because it's what happened yesterday. There's a rich history in Shelby County, we want to preserve that. We've got a great group of people that's come together, and very talented individuals that could use their talent in other places but they decide to use it for the Historical Commission."
The SCHC is always pursuing the preservation of cemeteries in Shelby County. Lewis stated that in doing research he noted three historic markers have been received within the county due to the efforts of the late Reecie Stanley and Colleen Doggett. Lewis believes Shelby County has received more markers per capita than any other county in Texas.
Lewis stated the commission continues to search for more cemeteries and other historical structures to preserve around Shelby County and the SCHC continues to maintain the Shelby County Historical Courthouse.
Lewis asked for any feedback from the commissioners and Roscoe McSwain, Precinct 1 Commissioner, thanked the SCHC for what they do.
Clint Porterfield, Shelby County Auditor, added for the commissioners' knowledge that a couple of years ago the decision was made by the county not to budget funds for the SCHC as they had done previously without an approval.
"At that point, I think it was two years ago, we decided they could come to the court and request for expenditures and then it would be approved through the court. So, when you look at our non-departmental budget now there's no longer a line item," said Porterfield.
Judge Harbison added the recent tree cutting on the square and work on the sidewalk was in cooperation with the SCHC. She said Tim Morrison has taken on the grounds as a special interest and she worked with him to decide on what trees and limbs needed attention, and what sidewalks were in need of repair.
A lot of upkeep is in the near future, according to Judge Harbison and that is something that is going to need attention.
Two separate pairs of individuals addressed the commissioners about roadways needing to me maintained. The first was Kristi Barnes and Stephanie Simmons from Nacogdoches Realty addressed the court regarding CR 4428 and their contention a property seller they are representing cannot obtain a clear title on the property until evidence of legal access to the property is provided to the title company.
Following extensive discussion, and Barnes explanation 400 yards of the county road are not included in the 9-1-1 system, Commissioner McSwain explained to solve the problem for the title company the property owner would have to go to the 9-1-1 office after the meeting and make sure those 400 yards are added to the 9-1-1 system. Any maintenance issues would be between the new property owner and the commissioner, not the real estate agency.
Stacy Oates and Samantha Gordon addressed the court about County Road 1044 in Precinct 1 and stated for the past year the roadway has not been maintained, and hole patching is all that has been done. They said they would like to see improved maintenance as the road is causing damage to their vehicle."
Jimmy Lout, Precinct 2 Commissioner, agreed and stated he couldn't see anything that would knock the front end out of a vehicle.
Charles Barr, Precinct 3 Commissioner, stated he drove the road, "I went out the other day and personally looked at that road, went out there and looked at it. Sure, I mean all of them, I live on a county road I can't see, it looked like a pretty good road. Probably as good as any I have in my precinct."
Oates said they had to sell their previous vehicle because of the condition of the road. Commissioner McSwain said the road does have some ripples in it; however, every road in the county has ripples in it.
"That oil you're crossing is several years old, it don't last forever. But that don't mean we can repair it just at the drop of a hat either, that takes a lot of money," said McSwain.
Judge Harbison thanked Oates and Gordon for presenting their issue. She said she feels like their commissioner will get to their road as soon as he can, and will do the best he can with the road within his budget.
In discussing the monthly expenses Judge Harbison indicated Mike Smith has been remodeling the old library at the old Center Elementary School building and turned in his final bills reflecting $700 more than the final bid, because of some unexpected plumbing issues.
The AgriLife Extension office agreed to do some painting to help reduce some of the cost. The repairs were still $50,000 with the additional $700 overage.
A motion carried to pay the monthly expenses.
Judge Harbison informed the commissioners she has filed for unclaimed property capital credits from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and last year the county received $12,000-$13,000 from that request last year.
The commissioners went into an executive session at 10:35am. When the meeting returned to open session at 10:54am a motion carried to hire Danny Brown as the security officer for the Shelby County Courthouse, contingent on his coordinating with Judge Harbison on scheduling constables to help with security at the courthouse.
The meeting adjourned at 10:57am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay monthly expenses. 2. County Historical Commission Appointees for 2017-2018. 3. Upgrade database server for Shelby County Tax Assessor and use $16,073.50 out of the contingency fund. 4. Donation from Louisiana Soil Technology to pave 1/2 mile in Precinct 3. 5. Contract and payment in advance for John Yarbrough to make improvements on Commissioner Precinct 4 barn. Total of $29,100. 6. Hire Danny Brown as courthouse security. 7. Adjourn at 10:57am.
