County Judge Says Plans Ongoing for Re-Opening of Courthouse Monday

April 29, 2020 - The Shelby County Commissioners met in person for the first time April 29, 2020, since they began holding meetings via Zoom.

Judge Allison Harbison stated the courthouse would be open again Monday, May 4, 2020; however, safety protocols regarding COVID-19 are still being considered before that time. There was no mention yet of measurement of temperature and usage of masks will be included in these protocols.

"Friday the Tax Office and the District Clerk will, and the ground security are going to kind of get a plan on how many people to let in and things like that," said Judge Harbison.

She further suggested the Tax Office and District Clerk's office would have additional glass added to their windows for payments and papers to just be slid through to the other side.

"Second and third floor still doing it the same, they'll have to have an appointment or permission to go up to the second or third floors, and in-person court hearings like criminal court and stuff cannot go on until June 1," said Judge Harbison.

A motion carried by the commissioners to close County Road 2520. Jimmy Lout, Precinct 2 Commissioner, stated the road is around 150 yards long, in the Huxley area and the only house on the roadway was torn down. Judge Harbison confirmed with Lout the land on both sides of the road is owned by the same individual.

Danny Hays, Senior Project Engineer for KSA in Lufkin, spoke with the commissioners about a construction contract for the Sand Hill WSC Chemical Feed Facility. 

Hays explained bids were opened on April 21, 2020 and two were received. The lower and winning bid was from Duplichain Contractors of Alto for $199,600 and Hays stated that was under the available budget of $200,075 with the grant.

Hays described the current situtation at the Sandhill Water Supply Corporation Treatment plant. The corporation has a new well that's closer to town. 

"All of their existing chemical feed is inside that little block building pump house, the chlorine gas is in a little lean-to shed off the side of it," said Hays. "We're going to build two fiberglass chemical storage and feed buildings, or shelters."

A motion carried by the commissioners to award the construction contract for the Sand Hill WSC Chemical Feed Facility - TxCDBG No. 7218440 to Duplechesne Contractors.

Considering sealed bids from several contractors for the roof repair of the Shelby County Courthouse has been on hold since the Coronavirus became an issue in Shelby County and no action was taken on that agenda item to allow Judge Harbison to set a date for the prospective bidders.

The meeting was then adjourned at 9:41am.

Agenda items approved during the meeting include:
1. Pay weekly expenses.
2. Current payroll.
3. Commissioner Pct .2 to close County Road 2520.
4. Award of construction contract for the Sand Hill WSC Chemical Feed Facility - TxCDBG No. 7218440.
5. Adjourn at 9:41am.