WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZE ROAD & BRIDGE CREWS, HISTORICAL COMMISSION

  

Tuesday’s Washington County Commissioners meeting was full of commendations.

After honoring first responders who served during the attack on the Brenham DPS Office on April 12^th, the court also recognized members of the county’s Engineering and Development Services (EDS) Department for their work throughout the past few weeks following the severe storms in mid-May.  In addition, commissioners acknowledged the Washington County Historical Commission, which has received a Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission for its work in 2023. 

During the EDS Department’s quarterly report, County Engineer Wesley Stolz called the string of bad weather events that have occurred since January “unprecedented.”  The department continues to work through damage caused by the May 16^th storm, which he said led to an “unbelievable amount” of roads closed, debris on roadways and downed power lines.  Several other non-essential department operations have been put on hold as it addresses areas of need.

Stolz lauded employees for their long hours on the 16^th and since then, as well as their collaboration with groups like the police and fire departments, the sheriff’s office, emergency dispatch, emergency management officials and landowners.  He said thanks to their efforts, many roads were reopened within a short amount of time, and over 326,000 pounds of debris have been hauled away over the last two weeks.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the department’s work has not gone unnoticed, as he has heard “nothing but good comments.”  County Judge John Durrenberger said the crews are doing an “exceptional job.”

Prior to the EDS report, Durrenberger read a letter from the Texas Historical Commission announcing the 2023 Distinguished Service Award for the Washington County Historical Commission.  The award is given to recognize a commission’s performance and contributions as determined by a statewide assessment of annual reports.  A total of 80 county historical commissions, including Washington County’s, received awards for their “exceptional efforts to preserve and promote Texas’ diverse history.”

Washington County Historical Commission Chair Tom Stevens said all of the commission’s members love Texas history, and this is award goes straight to them.  He said, “What a privilege it is to work with people like this.”

In other items on Tuesday, the court:

• Agreed to go out for bids for the Washington County Expo Sales Facility HVAC system.  Bids will be due by 10 a.m. on June 21^st and awarded on June 25^th.
• Approved appointments to the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Criminal Justice Advisory Committee: John Chancellor, Blinn Police Chief; Donna Damon, Adult Probation Director; Mark Pennybacker, Washington County Citizens on Patrol; Trey Holleway, Washington County Precinct 2 Constable; Ken Holle, Washington County Precinct 1 Constable; Scott Atwood, Washington County citizen; Bob Funk, Washington County citizen; Joel Romo, Washington County citizen; and Justin Knuppel, Washington County EMS.  Commissioners also approved the removal of former Burton ISD Superintendent Dr. Edna Kennedy, Rev. Randy Wells of Faith Mission and Mark Whidden of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office from the committee, which assists the county in applying for and receiving grants.
• Approved jail medical staff job descriptions and positions, as part of the county’s transition to MedTrust, doing business as MedHealth, as the new provider of medical services at the county jail.  Jail Chief Deputy Eric Hensley said six positions are being vacated once the county’s jail medical contract with CorrHealth expires on July 1^st.
• Tabled action on a catch-up contribution to the Texas County & District Retirement System, following an executive session.