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Home My WebLink About2020-03-19 1:00PM EMERGENCY MEETINGBRAZOS COUNTY BRYAN, TEXAS AT, NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA EMERGENCY MEETING FILED FOR RECORD ;z- /Q_�,90 BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING DATE: March 19, 2020 MEETING TIME: 1:00 PM MEETING PLACE: Commissioners Courtroom of the County Administration Building 200 South Texas Ave., Suite 106, Bryan, TX 77803 1. Call to Order 2. This notice of an emergency meeting is being provided in accordance with Section 551.045 of the Texas Government Code. This emergency meeting is being scheduled to take appropriate action on the following: • a. Order Number 1 Under Declaration Of Local Disaster For Public Health Emergency b. Order Number 2 Under Declaration Of Local Disaster For Public Health Emergency 3. Adjourn The Commissioners Courtroom of the County Administration Building 200 South Texas Ave., Suite 106, Bryan, TX 77803 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. MINUTES MARCH 19, 2020 BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT EMERGENCY MEETING 1. Call to Order An Emergency Meeting of the Commissioners' Court of Brazos County, Texas was held in room 106 in the Brazos County Administration Building, 200 South Texas Avenue, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 -with the following members of the Court present: Duane Peters, County Judge, Presiding; Steve Aldrich, Commissioner of Precinct 1, Present by Phone; Sammy Catalena, Commissioner of Precinct 2, Present by Phone; Nancy Berry; Commissioner of Precinct 3; 1 rma Cauley, Commissioner of Precinct 4, Present by Phone; Karen McQueen, County Clerk. The attached sheets contain the names of the citizens and officials that were in attendance. 2. This notice of an emergency meeting is being provided in accordance with Section 551.045 of the Texas Government Code. This emergency meeting is being scheduled to take appropriate action on the following: • a. Order Number 1 Under Declaration Of Local Disaster For Public Health Emergency b. Order Number 2 Under Declaration Of Local Disaster For Public Health Emergency The County Judge called the meeting to order. Commissioner Berry offered a motion to approve Order 1 and Order 2. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cauley. Judge Peters said he would like to allow discussion, but first explained that Order 1 mirrors what the Cities of Bryan and College Station have approved. Judge Peters said he would like to clarify that Section 5 does not apply to grocery, retail stores and pharmacies. He also stressed that people should continue to use the recommended hygiene practices from the CDC. Civil Counsel Ed Bull noted that Order 1 will continue as long as the Declaration of Disaster is in place and Order 2 will continue through April 3, 2020. Judge Peters said that we will come back and re-evaluate where things are to see if the declaration needs to be extended. He said that what the President, Governor and Cities are trying to do is to stop the spread of the virus by limiting contact. He said we do not need to panic but we do need to be cautious. He stated Italy did not act quickly and the virus spread very fast. Judge Peters said that County offices will not be completely shutting down. Essential personnel will continue operations and other employees will be working from home. Commissioner Berry stated that the objective is to flatten the curve on the spread of the virus. She reminded everyone to wash their hands and be safe. Brazos County Health Clinic Director Santos Navarrette encouraged everyone to continue social distancing and limit gatherings to ten (10). He stated that the Governor declared a Public Health Emergency, which is the first time it has been done in 101 years. Mr. Navarrette reminded everyone to continue to wash hands for 20 seconds, cover your cough or sneeze, use hand sanitizer and stay home if you are ill. He added that surfaces should be disinfected because germs can stay on some surfaces for up to three (3) days. Sheriff Kirk spoke next saying that they are very concerned about the virus entering the jail. He said that they are taking precautions and educating staff members. He added they will begin controlling jail population within the law to ensure safety and they are currently manning an Emergency Command Center. Ed Bull further explained the two orders. He stated that Order 1 is clarification following suit of the cities regarding the order of restaurants, bars and gyms closing at 9:00 p.m. this evening, along with limiting ten (10) person gatherings. Order 2 is specific to county offices that will go into effect at midnight tonight. He stated that the county facilities will be closed to the general public. Mr. Bull said they are still working on procedures for citizens to conduct business with offices such as the Tax Office, County Clerk and District Clerk. Next to speak was Juvenile Director Linda Ricketson. Ms. Ricketson said they are following much of the same protocols as the Sheriff's Office. They are limiting the number of children entering detention. They are also taking the temperatures of those children and staff members entering the facility. 361st District Judge Steve Smith said they are reducing their workload to essential duties only during this time. He said they have canceled jury trials, but stressed that they will continue to mail out jury summons notices. He stated it is critical for citizens to continue to respond to the summons notices. Judge Smith explained that the E -3L@,— pg, aaq assignment for jury service may be several months out but it will be necessary to have juries in place to continue cases, otherwise the backlog will be tremendous. He urged citizens to continue to call the Jury Services office if they currently have a jury duty assignment to know if their service has been canceled or not. Tax Assessor -Collector Kristy Roe added that her office will be closed to the public effective 4:00 p.m. today. She said that citizens can utilize the drive thru or on-line services, and employees will be available by phone. Commissioner Aldrich said people will learn how to do business transactions in different ways now. He said he appreciates all that the county employees are doing to get us through this time. Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 Judge Rick Hill stated that his office has changed the narrative by saying that they are not closed but they are doing business differently. He said they are working on ways to hold trial procedures remotely. Judge Peters said he would like to thank Information Technology Director Eric Caldwell and the I T staff for all they have done to allow employees the ability to work from home. Judge Peters added that we have a lot of elected officials and departments, and the county is doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the employees and the public. Commissioner Catalena echoed his appreciation and commended the employees for all their hard work. At this point Judge Peters called for the vote on the two orders and it passed unanimously. A copy of the orders are attached. Motion: Approve, Moved by Commissioner Nancy Berry, Seconded by Commissioner Irma Cauley. Passed. 5-0. Ayes: Aldrich, Berry, Catalena, Cauley, Peters. 3. Adjourn ` 1 Z, �u The foregoing minutes of the Commissioners Court Emergency Meeting held March 19, 2020, have been examined and are approved in open Court this the 7th day of April, 2020, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. Duane Peters County Judge Sammy Catalena Commissioner, Precinct 2 Irma Cauley Commissioner, Precinct 4 Attest: G Karen McQueen County Clerk r Ph Steve Aldrich Commissioner, Precinct 1 Nancy Berry Commissioner, Precinct 3 VOL La Pg. aq I BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT I� DAY OF QO AM/9 Name (PLEASE PRINT) Organization (PLEASE PRINT) S-0 Pg I of 0/q, r� (� f c;., W4,—,9 AA J --2,e?yvrL ZAM-5o0wr✓ & / 7' vim NJ IeJA Vola Pg - of B RAZ O S COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT DAY OF , -)I-& I�QO AM/ M Name (PLEASE PRINT) ILI 20 Y0 Organization (PLEASE PRINT) PC f'lo- t-�,A �Q2 Q�� 2 ah Q 2 P9. 6A- BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT AA DAY OF &IMA , 111100AM/& Name (PLEASE PRINT) Hake 5awvt- Jn h etl rn au ck Pg 'J' of b 20�V Organization (PLEASE PRINT) C� -:J0a� C � S F, AIX s r SAW .4-15 • Ltoh cfe:Ak - Cc -f o I ,air. Pg. a9 Pg-1of 5 BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT 2O;b �111!-D c) /PM, IV Name IAn ny 0 Jfc v Organization (PLEASE PRINT) PDQ Vol. oZ Pg. 225 Pg 5 of 5 BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT • DAY OF120J-F-) AA+/-PM5 � Name (PLEASE PRINT) Organization (PLEASE PRINT) BRAZOS COUNTY BRYAN, TEXAS Duane Peters Office of the County Judge 200 S. Texas Ave., Ste. 332 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4102 Fax: (979) 361-4503 Email: dpeters@co.brazos.tx.us ORDER NUMBER 1 UNDER DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WHEREAS, beginning in December 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated COVID-19 was detected in mainland China, and has since spread throughout the world; and WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of the State of Texas issued a proclamation certifying that COVID-19 poses an imminent threat of disaster in the state and declaring a state of disaster for all counties in Texas; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, Brazos County Judge declared a Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency for a 7 (seven) day period, stating that extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread throughout Brazos County, Texas; WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, Brazos County Commissioners Court approved a 30 (thirty) day extension of the original 7 (seven) day original Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency, extending the Declaration through April 18, 2020, finding that an emergency still exists. WHEREAS, there are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Brazos County and additional action must be taken in order to protect the Health and Welfare of it's citizens and employees. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS: SECTION 1. That this ORDER NUMBER 1 Under Declaration of Local Disaster For Public Health Emergency be given prompt and general publicity and filed with the Brazos County Clerk. SECTION 2. That all restaurants in Brazos County, Texas, including incorporated and unincorporated areas of Brazos County, are ordered to close as of 9:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19, 2020, except restaurants may still provide take-out orders, deliver, drive through window service, and curbside pickup service. Vol. P9. SECTION 3. That all bars in the Brazos County, Texas, including incorporated and unincorporated are ordered to close as of 9:00 p.m., Thursday March 19, 2020. SECTION 4. That public gatherings of more than 10 (ten) persons, in the Brazos County, Texas, incorporated and unincorporated are hereby prohibited as of 9:00 p.m., Thursday March 19, 2020. A "gathering" refers generally to a scheduled event or common endeavor where more than ten (10) persons are present in a confined space, room or area. SECTION 5. That the restriction to public gatherings of more than 10 (ten) persons in Section 4 is not meant to be applied to grocery and retail stores such as pharmacies and is not meant to prevent Brazos County Citizens from obtaining essential goods and services. Stores and Businesses not covered by Section 4 of this order shall follow CDC Guidelines and place reasonable restrictions on customer access to confined spaces to.limit customer contact and proximity to each other. SECTION 6. That this order is in effect from 9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2020 and remains in effect as long as there is an active Declaration of Disaster in Brazos County or until modified or rescinded. SECTION 7. In accordance with Texas Government Code §418.173, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this order commits an offense, punishable by a fine up to $1,000.00 or confinement in jail for a term that does not exceed 180 days. SECTION S. That this order hereby authorizes the use of all lawfully available enforcement tools. SECTION 9. That this order shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance. ORDERED this 19th day of Marc , Duane Peters, County Judge � n(.10A In. Anyr, Coin6issioner Ste a Aldrich Precinct 1 Commissioner Nancy Berry P 't3 fiPF(WA �q D64t9i Commissioner Saminy tatalena Precinct 2 4p(aeaa ► m 0 � omissioner I a `auley recinc Precinct 4 OF rp Attest: Karen McQueen, Gougty Clgr' \1 Vol. 3 I Pg. Brazos County Karen McQueen County Clerk Instrument Number: 1388350 Volume: 15925 Real Property Recordings Recorded On: March 19, 2020 02:03 PM Number of Pages: 3 " Examined and Charged as Follows: " Total Recording: $0.00 *********** THIS PAGE IS PART OF THE INSTRUMENT *********** Any provision herein which restricts the Sale, Rental or use of the described REAL PROPERTY because of color or race is invalid and unenforceable under federal law. File Information: Document Number: 1388350 Receipt Number: 20200319000079 Recorded Date/Time: March 19, 2020 02:03 PM User: Karen M Station: CCLERK05 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS Record and Return To: Brazos County Admininstration 200 South Texas Ave Ste. 329 Bryan TX 77803 I hereby certify that this Instrument was FILED In the File Number sequence on the date/time printed hereon, and was duly RECORDED In the Official Public Records of Brazos County, Texas. Karen McQueen County Clerk Brazos County, TX .-. Vol. � � pg. W., 1388350 Page 3 of 3 03/19/2020 2:03PM Karen McQueen, Brazos County Clerk Vot 15925 Pg 78 Brazos CountY Karen McQueen County Clerk VG -2 -2020-1 Instrument Number: 1388350 Volume :15925 Real Property Recordings Recorded On: March 19, 2020 02:03 PM Number of pages: 3 Examined and Charged as Follows: " Total Recording: $0.00 M'N�Ari�*1nYtk THi 3 PAGE 19 PART OF THE INSTRUMENTDf Any provision herein o is o orracele invalid and unenforceable under federal ede a ewbed REAL pROpSRTM because File information: Document Number: Receipt Number., Recorded Date/Time' User: Station: 1388350 20200319000079 March 19, 2020 02:03 PM Karen M CCLERK05 Record and Return To: Brazos County Admininstration 200 South Texas Ave Ste. 329 Bryan TX 77803 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS gas FILED In 'the File Number sequence on the I hereby car* that this duty RECORDED n the Officlel Public Records Of rrazos CountylTexas' printed hereon, Karen McQueen County Clerk Brazos County, TX Vol. 3 a _ pg q F OF. a A fi D BRAZOS COUNTY BRYAN, TEXAS Duane Peters Office of the County Judge 200 S. Texas Ave., Ste. 332 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4102 Fax: (979) 361-4503 Email: dpeters@co.brazos.tx.us ORDER NUMBER 2 UNDER DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WHEREAS, beginning in December 2019, a novel coronavirus, now designated COVID-19 was detected in mainland China, and has since spread throughout the world; and WHEREAS, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 virus mainly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets produced -when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Governor of the State of Texas issued a proclamation certifying that COVID-19 poses an imminent threat of disaster -in the state and declaring a state of disaster for all counties in Texas; and WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, Brazos County Judge, declared a Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency for a 7 (seven) day period, stating that extraordinary measures must be taken to contain COVID-19 and prevent its spread throughout Brazos County, Texas; WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, Brazos County Commissioners Court, approved a 30 (thirty) day extension of the original 7 (seven) day original Declaration of Local Disaster for Public Health Emergency, extending the Declaration through April 18, 2020, finding that an emergency still exists. WHEREAS, there are now confirmed cases of COVED -19 in Brazos County and additional action must be taken in order to protect the Health and Welfare of its citizens and employees. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED BY THE BRAZOS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT, BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS: SECTION 1. That this ORDER NUMBER 2 Under Declaration of Local Disaster For Public Health Emergency be given prompt and general publicity and filed with the Brazos County Clerk. SECTION 2. That effective Friday March 20, 2020 at twelve (12) midnight, Brazos County will operate providing essential functions only and will be operating with essential personnel as designated by their Elected Officials and Department Heads. Vol. 31 pg. 30 r SECTION 3. That effective Friday March 20, 2020 at twelve (12) midnight, all Brazos County Buildings will be closed to the general public and only members of the public participating in essential functions will be allowed entrance. SECTION 4. That this Order confirms that Brazos County's Policy on Emergency Closing and Payment of Employees went into effect Friday, March 13, 2020 and that all "non -elected exempt employees who are assigned to work the disaster shall be temporarily reclassified as non- exempt employees during the time declared as disaster." SECTION 5. Brazos County Commissioners further find that there is a public purpose in reducing staff to essential personnel and that it further assists in the protection of the health and safety of its citizens as well as its employees. In order to facilitate tracking and reporting of expenditures, non-essential personnel will code their non -working regularly schedule hours as Administrative Leave with Pay. SECTION 6. Brazos County Employees shall cease all non-essential work-related travel. SECTION 7. That this Order will remain in effect through April 3, 2020 or until extended or rescinded. ORDERED this 19th day of 020 uane Peters, County Judge Igo" b"Adrichat C missioner Ste Precinct 1 Commissio er Nancy Berry Precinct 3 �Jtles\f' on ueen, County Clerk s• ��Auunniu�� ConlrAissioner Samm} C talena Precinct 2 &WIVO-d 64 Co issioner Irina - a ley Precinct 4 va. � o`Z pg. 3o a Recorded On: March 19, 2020 02:03 PM Total Recording: $0.00 Brazos County Karen McQueen County Clerk Instrument Number: 1388351 Volume: 15925 Real Property Recordings Number of Pages: 3 " Examined and Charged as Follows: " ***A******* THIS PAGE IS PART OF THE INSTRUMENT *********** Any provision herein which restricts the Sale, Rental or use of the described REAL PROPERTY because of color or race is invalid and unenforceable under federal law. File Information: Document Number: Receipt Number: Recorded Date/Time: User: Station: 1388351 20200319000079 March 19, 2020 02:03 PM Karen M CCLERK05 Record and Return To: Brazos County Admininstration 200 South Texas Ave Ste. 329 Bryan TX 77803 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS I hereby certify that this Instrument was FILED In the File Number sequence on the date/time printed hereon, and was duly RECORDED in the Official Public Records of Brazos County, Texas. Karen McQueen County Clerk - Brazos County, TX Vol 1 Pg. �0 1388351 Page 3 of 3 03119f2020 2:03PM Karen Mcqueen, Brazos County Cle* Vot;15925 P¢ 81 Brazos County Karan McQueen County Clerk Instrument Number: 1388351 Volume :15925 Real Property Recordings Recorded On: March 19, 2020 02:03 PM Number of Pages: 3 " Examined and Charged as Follows: " Total Recording: $0.00 *"*"*****THIS PAGE IS PART 01: THE INSTRUMENT''"`*`*"*** Any provision herein which restricts the Sale, Rental or use of the described REAL PROPERTY because of color or race is invalid and unenforceable under federal law. File Information: Document Number: 1388351 Receipt Number: 20200319000079 Recorded Date/Time: March 19, 2020 02:03 PM User: Karen M Station: CCLERK05 Record and Return To: Brazos County Admininstration 200 South Texas Ave Ste. 329 Bryan TX 77803 STATE OF TEXAS 0J4A- County COUNTY OF BRAZOS I hereby certify that this Instrument was FILED In the File Number sequence on the date/time printed hereon, and was duly RECORDED In the Official Public Records of Brazos County, Texas. Karen McQueen Clerk Brazos County, TX Vole �31_ P'g. 3�