WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TABLE ACTION ON YOUTH HISTORY CAMP

Josh Blaschke April 6, 2021

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Washington County Historical Commission Vice Chair Mary Tom Middlebrooks (middle) and Board Chair Tom Stevens explain the details of a proposed youth summer camp at Washington-on-the-Brazos during Tuesday's meeting of Washington County Commissioners.

Washington County Commissioners heard a presentation on a new youth history camp at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site at their meeting today (Tuesday), but ultimately tabled the matter.

While commissioners indicated they were in favor of the summer camp, the court held off on approving it for now, as County Attorney Renee Mueller is waiting on word from the Texas Association of Counties regarding what the county’s liability is for the camp and how insurance would cover it. The Washington County Historical Commission intends to have the county named as an additional insured on its full liability coverage policy.

Mary Tom Middlebrooks, vice chair of the Washington County Historical Commission and chair of the summer camp project, said she is excited to offer this program and give local youth a deeper appreciation for history.

Patricia Pitones (right), Education and Outreach Specialist for the Sexual Assault Resource Center, holds a proclamation issued by Washington County Judge John Durrenberger and commissioners at their meeting Tuesday. The court proclaimed April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Pending approval, the camp will be held August 3-6 from 9 a.m. to noon. Middlebrooks explained that the program will be limited to 30 Washington County students between fourth and seventh grade, and will feature new activities different from what is normally offered at Washington-on-the-Brazos.

The cost of the camp, including lunch, will be covered entirely by partners of the Washington County Historical Commission. Middlebrooks said Brenham ISD and Durham School Services will offer transportation to and from the site.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

Proclaimed April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Approved a mass gathering permit and right of way permit for the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday.
Granted conditional approval of a final plat of Chappell Hill West, lots 1-6 in block one, a subdivision development on 16 acres fronting FM 2447 in Chappell Hill. The developer will have to come back before the court for final approval.
Approved on call pay for the Washington County E-911 department. E-911 Director Kristi Stamnes said this policy places an employee on notice to work in case someone calls in and is unable to.
Authorized the county engineer to advertise for sealed bids for seal coating and asphalt services for the contract time period of May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022. Bids will be opened April 26^th at 10:15 a.m. Commissioners will accept a bid during its meeting on April 27^th.
Approved homeland security advisory council appointments. Trey Holleway was selected as a new appointment, while Jamie Woodall will replace Paul Aschenbeck and Dant Lange will replace John Wick.
Approved the county to issue requests for proposals for administrative services and requests for qualifications for professional services for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Heard the Washington County Expo monthly report.
Approved a two-year extension on years five and six of the bank contract between the county and Bank of Brenham.