Caldwell County Commissioners discussed the burn ban, a land acquisition, future transportation corridor planning and support for legislation at their March 11 regular meeting.

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(Pictured l-r: Pct. 1 Commissioner B.J. Westmoreland, Pct. 2 Commissioner Rusty Horne, County Judge Hoppy Haden, Pct. 3 Commissioner Ed Theriot, Pct. 4 Commissioner Dyral Thomas)

Next meeting

Tuesday, March 25

Burn Ban approved

Caldwell County Commissioners voted to approve a countywide burn ban on March 11 at their regular meeting. The move was made at the recommendation of Caldwell County Chief Emergency Management Coordinator Hector Rangel after a week of high winds, red flag warnings and near critical fire weather conditions. Rangel noted that high winds and fire weather conditions were in the forecast later in the week, explaining that sustained high winds would continue to dry out the grass, increasing wildfire risk. The public is asked to avoid outdoor burning at this time.

County to pursue agreement to identify future transportation corridors

Commissioners authorized the county judge to begin the process of entering into an agreement with TxDOT that identifies future transportation corridors in Caldwell County. Identifying these corridors now rather than later could potentially save taxpayers time and hassle because developments going through the platting process would be able to easily avoid building in these corridors, saving the trouble of condemning houses, buildings and infrastructure down the line.

Commissioners back resolution supporting Public Improvement District legislation

Commissioners approved a resolution supporting legislation amending Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code to exempt counties from bidding or procurement requirements for projects in public improvement districts if at least one-third of the cost of the improvement is, or will be, paid or secured by a special assessment levied on property located inside the public improvement district. The legislation would allow counties to handle PIDs in the same time-saving and cost-effective manner as cities are able to.

Land agreement between county, city of Luling approved

Commissioners approved a conveyance agreement between the City of Luling and Caldwell County for two tracts of land the county is buying from the city for $437,925. The approximately 13- and 15-acre tracts are located by the new Caldwell County Evacuation Center and will eventually be the sites of a new rodeo arena and show barn that can double as lodging and space for livestock traveling with evacuees in the event of a natural disaster.

Other Action

Commissioners also:

• Approved the sale of fireworks for San Jacinto Day from April 16-21. Fireworks with sticks or fins are not allowed.
• Created a construction inspector position for the unit road department.
• Approved the preliminary plat for the Roman Road Subdivision consisting of four residential lots on approximately 22 acres at Bugtussle Lane and Mineral Springs Road.
• Approved a preliminary plat for Mesquite Meadows consisting of 22 residential lots on approximately 33 acres at FM 672 and Barth Road.
• Approved a change order for the interlocal cooperation agreement for radio services and equipment with the LCRA. The change order addresses the need for multiple dispatch locations in the county at the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Luling Police Department and Lockhart Police Department. The change order raises the total project cost by $413,500.