From left: District Clerk Lori Oliver, County Clerk Jennifer Fountain, County Treasurer Ann Blackwell, Pct 2 JP Marla Denby, Pct 5 JP Tracy Broadway, and Pct 4 JP Jackie Kirkwood.
January 2, 2019 - Eight newly elected officials were sworn-in during the Shelby County Commissioners' Court meeting on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Administering the oaths of office to the officials was Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge. Officials sworn-in include Jimmy Lout, Precinct 2 Commissioner; Tom Bellmyer, Precinct 4 Commissioner; Lori Oliver, District Clerk; Jennifer Fountain, County Clerk; Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer; Marla Denby, Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace; Tracy Broadway, Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace; and Jackie Kirkwood, Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace.
Once the officials took their oaths of office the meeting moved forward with other agenda items.
From left: County Judge Allison Harbison, Pct 2 Commissioner Jimmy Lout, and Pct 4 Commissioner Tom Bellmyer
The commissioners approved a motion to pay weekly expenses with the caveat to not pay two invoices to ASCO Equipment.
Commissioner Bellmyer pointed out one piece of equipment from ASCO Equipment has yet to be received by the Commissioner 4 Precinct and he requested holding up on the payment until the equipment is received. It was agreed a check would be issued, and once the situation is straightened out Bellmyer will give the check to ASCO Equipment.
A motion carried by the commissioners to adopt a resolution designating authorized signatory's for the 2018 Texas CDBG program contract 7218440. Judge Harbison explained a resolution had previously been adopted by the commissioners; however, the grant program now requires two signatories be included. Clint Porterfield, County Auditor, will be added in addition to Judge Harbison's name.
Judge Harbison explained for the benefit of the commissioners and representatives of the Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center (SCCAC), Capital Credits for Fiscal Year 2018 to be disbursed were requested of the Comptroller late in 2018. A check wasn't received and Ann Blackwell, Treasurer, contacted the Comptroller's office. They decided to cancel the original check and issue another. Judge Harbison stated, the cancelled check was finally received, but they have not yet received its replacement.
A motion carried to table the Capital Credits until the payment of $18,095.18 is received.
The SCCAC and CASA are designated to receive these funds whenever they are available. Stephen Shires, Shelby County District Attorney, spoke on behalf of the SCCAC board explaining the funds go to help education and prevention, investigation, prosecution and helping family and child heal after.
"We train every single teacher in Shelby County on how to recognize child abuse, and how to properly report it and what to do," said Shires. "We have Happy Bear Program where we can go in and see every elementary age kid in Shelby County and teach them about what the proper boundaries are."
Josh McAdams, SCCAC Board member, was also present for the meeting and he introduced Anna Register as a forensic interviewer and family advocate for the SCCAC.
Due to the abuse of the restroom facilities at the Shelby County Courthouse, and the regular need of a plumber for toilets clogged with paper towels, a motion carried for the replacement of the paper towel dispensers currently in the bathrooms on the second and third floor of the courthouse with two wall mounted hand dryers in each bathroom.
Conversation relating to the continuation of the reserve officer, Newton Johnson, Jr., for Constable Precinct 3 was had. Charles Barr, Commissioner Precinct 3, said he has spoken with several private citizens and civic organizations around the Joaquin area including the fire department, school and city about the usefulness of the reserve officer.
Mike Cummings, Jr. who is a member of the Joaquin City Council gave his opinion during the meeting about the use of a reserve deputy.
"Mr. Newton [Johnson] here for precinct 3 has been a real help for us, you know, controlling traffic in school zones and things of that nature," said Cummings. "Where Mr. Roy [Cheatwood] often isn't available, somebody's always there now."
Cummings asked for the arrangement to continue as it has been. Barr said all he has heard has been positive and Judge Harbison mirrored that opinion.
A motion carried to continue the current arrangement with the addition the commissioners can end the arrangement anytime it needs to should any problems arise.
The meeting was adjourned.
Agenda Items approved during the meeting: 1. Swearing in of elected officials. 2. Bond for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1. 3. Approve and pay weekly expenses, issue a check to ASCO Equipment for Commissioner Bellmyer to pay at his discretion. 4. Current payroll. 5. Adopt resolution to designate authorized signatories for the 2018 Texas CDBG program contract 7218440. 6. Approve mileage rate change of .58 per mile in accordance with IRS Standard Rates. 7. Disperse Capital Credits for FY 2018. 8. Replace paper towel dispensers in the restrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Shelby County Courthouse with wall mounted hand dryers. 9. Install a wall mounted baby changing table in the ladies restroom on the 2nd floor, at a cost of $140. 10. Designate a room/private space just off the community room in the courthouse for nursing mothers. 11. Continue the reserve officer for Constable Pct. 3 with the additon of allowing the commissioners to end the agreement at anytime should any problems arise. 12. Adjourn.
