At the Feb. 14 meeting of the Glasscock County Commissioners’ Court, County Judge Wilburn Bednar reported he received a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation saying that bids for the widening of FM 2401 to 26 feet will be let in May. There was no mention of the county’s request that TXDOT put a blinking light at the intersection of FM 2401 and FM 1357.
Work to widen State Highway 158 through Garden City is supposed to begin in late March and be completed in six months.
Commissioner Jimmy Strube suggested the county ask TXDOT to put two or three sleeves under the highway while it is being widened, for any future utility work, which might require lines under the highway.
Courthouse Restoration Planning Underway
The court heard brief presentations from three architectural firms regarding the historical restoration of the two courthouses, then decided to give the county ‘s historical committee the task of recommending one of the three. The committee, which consists of Helen Wilkerson (chairman), Mary Jo Cope and Alan Dierschke, will meet for approximately 90 minutes with each of the three firms Feb. 29. The first part of the project will involve developing a Master Plan and then applying for grants for money to do the actual work.
The court voted to waive Zachry Oil’s $135 in penalties and interest for 1986 unpaid taxes. Bednar told the court that company’s taxes had been paid from 1987 to the present. In a letter to the court, the company stated that until last month, they had not been notified of any unpaid taxes.
In response to a question from Commissioner Mark Halfmann, Bednar said he has not received any reports on the 911-telephone system, but when he has asked about it, he’s been told it’s working fine. Halfmann said regular reports on the status of the system were “part of the deal” the court worked out a few months ago, when the system had mechanical problems for some time before anyone realized it.
Bednar reported the county has gained state approval as a septic tank inspector. Jim Havlak will attend training to do the work.
Courthouse Tree Removal Discussed
The court approved Susie Hillger’s request to remove two elm trees from the lawn southwest and southeast of the courthouse. Brian Cypert will do the work for $900. She said the trees being removed are in bad shape, having had diseases over the years, and have numerous broken or dead limbs. In addition, she said they keep grass from growing, and are interfering with electrical lines. Another elm in question northwest of the courthouse will remain for the time being, though Hillger said it also needs to be removed to make room for the pecan tree planted nearby.
Commissioners discussed the need to designate 911 physical addresses for new houses in the Prairie Estates area northwest of Garden City. Commissioner Michael Hoch is to look into the matter.