SHERIFF’S OFFICE SOON TO HAVE ARMORED VEHICLE
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office will soon have an armored vehicle to use in tactical situations. Washington County Commissioners approved the donation of a used Brinks armored truck to the Sheriff’s Office during their meeting Tuesday morning. The truck is currently located in Portland, Oregon and the Sheriff’s Office will use donated funds to bring it to the county and convert it for their use. Sheriff Otto Hanak said that the truck is not as menacing as a military vehicle and that it didn’t require any special license to drive. The Sheriff’s Office was also approved to purchase with forfeited funds a system developed by the Houston SWAT teams that uses a flash-bang cartridge to breach a door. The device directs the explosion from the cartage to a single point such as a door lock or a hinge.
In other action, commissioners set May 22nd as the opening day for submissions by architect firms for services related to a new Emergency Communications Center. Commissioners want to get an architect involved in designing and selecting a site for a new dispatch center. The county is currently renting the dispatch building on Baylor Street from the City of Brenham. That lease expires in September of 2019. Commissioner Joy Fuchs pointed out that the lease is only renewable for one year and that the city would have to agree to extend it.
Commissioners appointed two people to the Local Workfoce Development Board. Blinn College Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley will be the literacy representative to the board, and County Judge John Brieden will serve as the private sector employer to the board.
Commissioners approved a 5 year Interlocal Agreement with the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System. Washington County has been part of the system for 10 years now and it allows emergency responders to communicate with agencies in surrounding counties.
Commissioners approved allowing Seitel Date to locate wireless receives and recording stations along county right of ways in precincts 2, 3, and 4. Seitel will be utilizing them for seismic studies for oil and gas exploration. Added to the approval was a requirement that Seitel notify the county commissioner in each precinct before using a vibrator truck or placing recorders in the right of way.
Commissioners also approved the sell of fireworks for the Memorial Day holiday from May 23rd to May 28th. They also approved a 5 year contract with the Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit for remote birth certificate database services.
