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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-11-2:00PM-WORKSHOPBRAZOS COUNTY BRYAN;TEXAS WORKSHOP SESSION BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT' 't3 tt -b P 4: 2� THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF BRAZOS COUNTY WILL MEET IN A WORKSHOP SESSION AS FOLLOWS: CI ,> r.` MEETING June 11, 2013 DATE: MEETING 2:00 PM TIME: MEETING Commissioners Courtroom of the County Administration PLACE: Building, 200 South Texas Ave., Suite 106, Bryan, TX 77803 Agenda; 1. Call to order. 2. Discussions regarding the move of the courts at the Brazos County Family Court Annex, 3030 E. 29th Street, Bryan, Tx to the Courthouse. 3, Adjourn. The Commissioners Courtroom . of the County Administration Building, 200 South Texas Ave., Suits. 106, Bryan, TX 77603 Is wheelchair accessible. Handicap parking spaces are available. Any request for sign interpretive services must be made two working days before the meeting. To make arrangements,. please call (979)361 -4102. Vol. Pg. //� BRAZOS COUNTY BRYAN,TEXAS MINUTES June 11, 2013 BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT WORKSHOP SESSION Minutes Call To Order. 0 Sianature Paae.odf 92 File Stamoed.odf 91 Sian in sheet.odf A workshop meeting of the Commissioners' Court of Brazos County, Texas was held in the Brazos County Commissioners Courtroom in the Administration Building, 200 South Texas Avenue, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 with the following members of the Court present: Duane Peters, County Judge, Presiding; Lloyd Wassermann, Commissioner of Precinct 1; Sammy Catalena, Commissioner of Precinct 2; Kenny Mallard, Commissioner of Precinct 3; Irma Cauley, Commissioner of Precinct 4; Karen McQueen, County Clerk, Absent. The attached sheets contain the names of the citizens and officials that were in attendance. 2. Discussions regarding the move of the courts at the Brazos County Family Court Annex, 3030 E. 29th Street, Bryan, Tx to the Courthouse. The County Judge opened the meeting and then began with his reasons for suggesting that the Family Court be moved from the 29th Street location back to the Vol. Courthouse. The Judge also stated that originally the move to 29th Street was meant to be temporary. Judge John Delaney asked where in the Courthouse the Family Court would be moved to. He also pointed out that currently it does not cost those coming to court to park and not everyone they serve has the money to pay for parking. Robert Orozco and Pam Tucker, Attorneys for the Attorney General's Office spoke on the needs of the court and those coming to court. Constable Isaac Butler voiced concerns about bringing the Family Court back to the Courthouse. Pam Tucker was concerned that if they were moved to the 3rd floor of the Courthouse, people would be spread out all over the floor and security would be an issue. Judge John Delaney suggested that the members of the Commissioners Court tour the 29th Street site so that they know what it entails to replicate the set up. Patrick Meece, Attorney also spoke on security. He said it was much less volatile at the 29th street location because only those with business were allowed in the office. If it were moved to the Courthouse you cannot keep the public out. John Godfrey, Bailiff spoke on his concerns. Marc Hamlin, District Clerk, said he thinks currently Constable Precinct 4 is proactive to potential fights with people versus being here at the Courthouse he would have to be reactive. Mr. Hamlin questioned having child support court in the same area as the other courts. The County Judge said he polled the judges and no one is picking a jury on Thursdays when child support court is held. Judge Langley said the Court Master will have more people on the 3rd floor than will fit. He said he had three (3) proposals which he presented to the Court. They are as follows: • Using the space to be vacated by the Tax Office . Access can be restricted to only those appearing before the judge. The County Judge responded that he had concerns with the black ooze that was found in the building. • In the interim, until proper space is built, house the Family Court in the old sanctuary or the north wing of the Administration Building. A meeting room has been planned for the 4th floor of the Courthouse that could be used for the ALR hearings. • When the District Courts move up to the 4th floor, the courtrooms left on the 2nd floor could be remodeled to accommodate the needs of the Court Master. The County Judge pointed out if the Family Court is held anywhere other than the Courthouse, Constable Butler will still have to transport and wand the inmates appearing before the Court Master. Also the Administration building has no holding cells. Judge Delaney asked if holding cells were necessary if the inmates were in handcuffs and shackles. Vol Patrick Meece suggested the Brazos Center Lisa Hubacek, Court Master was disappointed she was not consulted about the date and time of the meeting since she would be directly affected by this. She went on to say that she feels safe and secure now. Most Courthouse shootings are during family law cases. She currently enters through the back and never has to go through the public. Also the parties have privacy to negotiate and are discussing very personal things. Before when they were in the Courthouse, Risk Management was constantly on her about being a fire hazard with everyone in the hall. Child Support cases bring in lots of revenue for the County. She thinks this should also be considered when deciding their fate. The County Judge asked the Court Master about scheduling hearings throughout the day rather than have everyone there at one time. Pam Tucker replied that it delays the process and they are meeting to negotiate. It might be feasible for a 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. appointment. The Court Master said this would mean they would not finish by 5:00 pm and she did not like the idea. Judge John Delaney asked if we could have another workshop after interested parties have a chance to look at the proposed space. The County Judge replied yes, but he does not want to budget rent for the next fiscal year. Deputy Constable Hezekiah Carter invited the court to come view the next court hearing. Judge Delaney cautioned the court to not be hasty in their decision. It is better to do things right rather than quickly. The County Judge will look at coming up with a schematic plan and meeting again. The Court Master asked that she please be consulted on the date and time so she can be here. 3. Adjourn The foregoing minutes of the Commissioners Court Workshop Session held June 11 � 2013, have been examined and are approved in open Court this the I q day of 2013, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. 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