Keith Lutz, County Emergency Management Coordinator, demonstrated just how well the new emergency communications radio system is operating. The system became operational on Thursday, November 16th. In the courtroom Lutz used the old system to contact dispatch and then the new system. The dispatcher had some difficulty understanding what was being said on the old system; Lutz had to repeat himself. The people in the courtroom had a hard time understanding the dispatcher as well. When Lutz asked the same question over the new system he received an immediate, clear answer.
The Chief Deputy of Patrol, Kevin Langley, also commented on how great the system is working. He talked about dead areas before that were frustrating and how clear it is in the areas now.
Lutz stated, “The system is great. I am very pleased with how well it is working.” Judge Schuchart thanked Lutz for his work getting the system installed.
Sheriff’s Cars
The Sheriff’s Office recently purchased eight Tahoe police cruisers. The 2018 Tahoes will come from Caldwell Motors at a price of $355,024. To outfit the cars with the police equipment will cost $102,944. These costs came under budget and were purchased on a Buy Board utilized by counties, municipalities, etc.
The cars will be outfitted with Motorola Radio systems that enable the deputies to record from inside the vehicle as well as body cameras when they exit the vehicle. Chief Langley pointed out the cameras provide a higher level of safety for both citizens and deputies. He added that some court systems are requiring body-cam footage as evidence.
Female inmate housing
Commissioners allowed an agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and the GEO Group to house inmates at the Karnes County Correctional Center. The agreement will allow “overflow” prisoners to be housed for a rate of $45 per day per prisoner.
According to the Chief Deputy and Jail Administrator Chris Champion, this agreement will be used primarily for female prisoners. At present the Jail is at capacity for this population. He added that the females incarcerated at present, are all felons.
Election results
Commissioners Tim Neuman (Pct. #1) and Larry Sitter (Pct. #2) were present for the canvassing of the November 7, 2017Constiuional Amendment election, Natalia ISD board election and Lytle ISD bond election votes.
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 1 (HJR 21)
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.”
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 2 (SJR 60)
“The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing of home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.”
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 3 (SJR 34)
“The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.”
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 4 (SJR 6)
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.”
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 5 (HJR 100)
“The constitutional amendment on professional sports team charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.”
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 6 (SJR 1)
“The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.”
STATE OF TEXAS PROPOSITION NUMBER 7 (HJR 37)
“The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.”
The results in Medina County were as follows: Proposition #1 – 769 For and 155 Against for a total of 924; Proposition #2 – 634 For and 276 Against for a total of 910; Proposition #3 – 751 For and 165 Against for a total of 916; Proposition #4 – 639 For and 259 Against for a total of 898; Proposition #5 – 501 For and 397 Against for a total of 898; Proposition #6 – 782 For and 132 Against for a total of 914; Proposition #7 – 478 For and 424 Against for a total of 902.
The results for the Natalia ISD School Board Election were: Tiffany Brown Rodriguez 115 votes, Paul Almendarez 73 votes, and Frank Garza 46 votes for a total of 234 votes cast.
The results for the Lytle ISD Bond Election were: 30 For and 44 Against for a total of 74.
Sub. Rules and Regs.
Minimum lot sizes in the subdivision rules and regulations were amended. The new lot size of 1 acre was passed. If a developer chooses to go with this lot size the subdivision must have only private roads, 50-foot right-of-way, 20 foot utility easement, buried utility, no thru traffic, and an HOA or POA in place.
Subdivisions
Final approval was granted to Canyon Creek Preserve Subdivision, Phase 3. This subdivision is located off Park Road and Hwy. 16 in Precinct #1.
Rafter Subdivision which is primarily located in San Antonio off Potranco Road received plat approval. This phase of the subdivision will have 1,403 houses. This area located in Precinct #2 is steadily growing. The election administrator commented how the number of voters is increasing in this precinct and primarily this area.
Investment Committee
An investment committee consisting of the county auditor, Eduardo Lopez; County Judge Chris Schuchart and Commissioner Pct. #4 Jerry Beck was created. After this committee meets they will bring an investment policy before the court for approval.
ESD #2
Jeff Howard was named to the Medina County Emergency Service District #2 board. Howard replaces Phillip Fitch who resigned from the board on July 18th.
By Trina Williams