Judge Old speaks to county court on Courthouse/Annex safety

By Jimmy Appelt

jimmy.appelt@lavacacountytoday.com

District court judge Bill Old briefly spoke the Lavaca County Commissioners’ Court Monday in regards to addressing safety of the Courthouse and the Annex buildings.

Old told the commissioners that things are getting more concerning about safety and referred to the incident the past week regarding a suspect arrested on the Courthouse lawn in possession a bomb type device.

“As a judge, I can say we live in dangerous times,” Old said. “Things are getting dicier out there.”

The judge said prior to COVID, the legislature mandated that each county have a courthouse security committee. 

Old said the committee organized and met, but then COVID hit causing the committee to not go any further with devising safety plans. 

Old said he knows the implementation of making the county buildings safer will take time, but he feels things need to be done. 

“In my over 10 years as being a judge, I’ve had people come into the Courthouse with guns and knives. It’s not safe,” Old said. “I need to make sure that not only when they are trying a case, but for all officials, employees and civilians who enter the building will know and feel they are safe.”

Prior to the regular meeting, County Judge Keith Mudd announced they would hold an executive meeting following their regular meeting to discuss safety matters. 

Flag Presentation

Lavaca County legislature chairman, Paul Yamarick, presented a Texas flag that was flown at the Capitol on the Lavaca County Day at the Capitol on March 13. 

Yamarick thanked all county officials who attended and also read a commemoration given to the county on that day. 

Proclamations

The court approved a proclamation declaring the month of April as Autism Awareness Month.

Mudd read from the proclamation Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex development brain disorders (autism spectrum disorders) caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences.

The disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges and repetitive behaviors. 

The proclamation said it is estimated that one in 68 children in the United States is on the autism spectrum. 

The court also approved a proclamation declaring April 9 through 15 as National Telecommunicators’ Week.

In reading from the proclamation, Mudd said when emergencies occur public safety dispatchers are responsible for acquiring the information for prompt response for police officers, firefighters and paramedic, as well as for the protection of life and preservation of property.

In addition, the public safety dispatchers are the single link for police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activity by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety.

Road Material 

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The court approved the advertisement of bids for road material including gravel Post Oak Run with red binder and gravel Post Oak screened one and a half inch and down red binder as well bids for seal coating and resealing.

Sealed bids will be received at the County Auditor’s office  by 10:30 a.m. April 19. 

The bids will be opened and read aloud by county judge Keith Mudd or his designee, on Wednesday, April 19 at 10:45 a.m. and will be discussed and/or awarded at the Commissioners’ Court meeting  on Monday, April 24 at 10 a.m.

Bank Depository

At the meeting, three bids, including bids from Prosperity Bank, Peoples State Bank and Fayette Savings Bank of La Grange, were open and acknowledged by the court.

Lavaca County EMS

Assistant Lavaca County EMS chief, Tim Decker, the department’s report for February.

Decker said the EMS had 150 calls for service with 131 patients transported. 

Regarding 911 emergency call volume verses transfers, Decker reported the department had 106 calls and 42 transfers.

In district response breakdowns, Decker said the Hallettsville station had 71 calls, Shiner 42 and Moulton 34. He said mileage per unit included Medic 1 – 627 miles; Medic 3 – 1,455.6 miles and Medic 5 – 1,301.7 miles. 

In regards to transport by destination, were 42 with Lavaca Medical Center; Yoakum Community Center, 8, Gonzales Memorial Hospital, 3, Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, 7, and Victoria DeTar Hospital, 23.  

Decker said call response locations included 19 for LMC;  17 for YCH; Shiner Nursing Home, 9; Hallettsville Rehabilitation, 5; Stevens Nursing Home, 2; and Shady Oaks, 1.

Decker said they were able to secure some funding for a cascade for oxygen.

In addition, Decker reported they recently held a CPR class in Speaks and almost every week they are instructing CPR classes. 

In other action taken by the court:

• Approved resolutions of the execution of an advanced funding agreement between TxDOT to include building bridges on CR 177 and CR 248.

• Acknowledged the 2021 unclaimed property capital credit funds update from Carl and Mary Welhausen Public Library.

• Approved a bond for Connie Janak as clerk for the Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace office.

• Approve renewal of the 2-23-24 property/contents coverage with the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool.

• Approved the annual Lavaca County Jail Commissary for Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022 that was performed by county auditor, Shana Opela.

County Judge Keith Mudd presided over the meeting with Commissioners Edward Pustka, Wayne Faircloth, Kenny Siegel and Dennis W. Kocian present for the meeting.