Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

I'd like to welcome you to the Tuesday, September 15, 2026 meeting of the Denton County Commissioner's Court. We're glad to have so many people in attendance today and those tuning in online. Thank you for joining us. At this time, I'd like to welcome Julie Highdog, our HR Assistant Director here at Denton County. She's going to lead us in our invocation, and our pledges will be led by Sandy Marble and Denise Andrews. and Denise Andrews of the Benjamin Lyons chapter are the daughters of the American Revolution. If you'll please stand, I'll remind everybody to please stand. Turn off your cell p

Good. Well, thank you all so much. It's always great to have the DAR in the house. We do not have anyone registered for item one, which is for public input for items not listed on the agenda. We'll go ahead and proceed to item 3A. If y'all would come forward. This is item 3A is approval of a, and Denise, and if y'all would like to come forward for our Constitution Week. Good morning.

Did y'all want to say anything before we read your proclamation? Let's speak right into that microphone.

Perfect. Good. Thank you. Absolutely. So this is a court proclamation recognizing September the 17th to the 23rd, 2026 as Constitution Week. And whereas September 17th, 2026 marks the 239th anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution. of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention, and whereas the Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government and a republic dedicated to rule by law, and whereas it is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable

Thank you for the work that you do. We appreciate all that you do that's keeping this Constitution alive and well and reminding us of our duties and responsibilities. Thank you. It's been great working with you all.

Ladies, I absolutely appreciate it. Unfortunately, I think we're seeing around our country where People are trying to not look at our Constitution the way it should be. They're trying to omit things, and that's not what it's about. This is our foundation, like Commissioner said, and it's unfortunate, but we really appreciate people like yourselves fighting and reminding everybody and putting it at the forefront. So thank you so much.

Thank you all for being here. Thank you for all the great historic preservation efforts that DAR does as well. Diane, did you want to say anything?

Yes. Judge, I agree with Commissioner Williams. We're seeing people all over the country in violation of our Constitution and not even realizing how dangerous and serious it is to disregard this document that has preserved us all these years. Some of the recent court cases where jury decisions were very close make us realize how important it is that all of us grow up understanding our Declaration and our Constitution. So, D.A.R., ladies, thank you so much for bringing this to our attention, and I'm delighted to vote in favor of this resolution.

All right. Hearing no other comments, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, all ladies.

Leah Hunt is not with us today, so we will do 3B after just a little bit. Okay, we have a – Stephen, could you please get our third? Oh, I had a note that she was not here. Okay. Okay. Well, good morning. Hello, Ms. Hunt. Do you want to – Let me go ahead and read this item here, the caption, and we'll love to hear from you. So this is item 3B, approval of a proclamation recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. And good morning. If you want to introduce yourself to the court.

Yeah, absolutely. Well, thank you all for being here, and thank you for bringing awareness to this important topic. I'll go ahead and read this proclamation. This is a court proclamation recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and where September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the courageous children and families battling childhood cancer. remembering those we have lost, celebrate survivors, and acknowledge all those whose lives have been impacted by the diagnosis of a family member or friend, whereas each year thousands of children and ad

Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Members, would you like to say anything? Ms. Mitchell?

I just want to thank you for the work you're doing. I have had members of my family that have had cancer, but not children. And I just can't imagine how hard it is for adults, the children, to have to go through. Thank you for keeping this forefront. So we all know that, yes, children are affected by cancer because sometimes we think the children are not affected, but it affects the whole family. And so I just thank you and thank you for being the light that the kids need to let people know that we still need help. Cancer is still a problem. And I often say I'd like for it to go back to H-E-do

Perfect. Anyone else want to add to that? Yes, Marilyn. Yes, Judge.

Oh, go ahead, Ryan. Judge, let me just say cancer is a horrible disease. I know several people who have suffered from it, some who have died from it. But it's especially bad when it strikes little children who really have no knowledge of what they should have been eating or doing, you know, not like adults. And so I really appreciate the work these people have done and wish them well as we continue to fight against this monstrous disease.

Yeah, it's actually very heartbreaking. Hopefully most people in here probably don't spend time in a children's hospital, but my past life I spent quite a bit of time in there. which i tried my best not to um but what's amazing is the kids are so much different than adults from the perspective of their their heart and their happiness and even in even in these horrible times the things that they're going through they will still have a smile and just try to be a kid and um if if people see that it's it's actually it's as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming to see that these innocent little child

Well, thank you for being here. Thank you for bringing awareness to this important issue. And I think, you know, sometimes we're the whole big process begins with awareness you can identify what is actually going on and so and there's always the treatment and other phases with any issue that will always say that hearing commissioners court one of the key things is that we have a megaphone and we appreciate people like yourself serving others and coming forward to help bring awareness is important topic so we can identify it in our own lives and support those our friends and family that that ma

We have lots of great items that come through Commissioner's Court by the thousand every year, but this is one that I especially look forward to every year. Kelsey, did y'all want to come say anything before we have our little brief concert here?

All right. Good. Well, let me read this proclamation and then we'll get on to the fun stuff. So this is a proclamation recognizing Denton County Hispanic Heritage Month, September the 15th through October the 15th, 2026. And whereas each year Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September the 15th through to October 15th by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Whereas the observance started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and wa

Second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All right. We're excited to all the activities that our Office of History and Culture has planned for this month. And we were excited to have TW here. So all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Okay, let's hear it from y'all.

I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you so much for being here. Let's give them another big hand. We've done Constitution Week, Childhood Cancer, Hispanic Heritage, and the United Way all in item three this morning. And so I think this is a great example of the cross-section and the rich diversity here in Denton County. We thank you all so much for being here. I've got a little something for you that the Commissioner's Court would like to give you.

I was like, they got to get back to class.

All right, did we have a, did we vote? Okay, we did vote.

All right, next is item 3D. Gary, I want to see how you top that. I'm sorry, we did them before you. We'll make sure next year we reverse the order. So come on down there, Gary, your team. Next is item three, the approval of approximation recognizing September 2026 as United is the Way Month and any appropriate action. Good morning, Gary Henderson.

Well, Gary, I can't imagine Denton County without our United Way of Denton County, the The way you reach directly into the lives of individuals and families to make our overall communities and our county better is just absolutely breathtaking to see how y'all work with our partners to make sure that every dollar raised is invested in the lives of others. It's not spent. It's actually invested. And so I just want to thank you for what you do, for all your sponsors. If you saw the beginning of that video, all your corporate sponsors. But really, United Way is built on the individual donation, th

Thank you, Judge. I echo what you say about the giving and the work that the United Way do. It's amazing what you all are doing. Having been a part of the United Way since the early 80s, 90s, a long time, I know the work you do. And I had somebody comment about us corporate people at a table at the United Way breakfast last week. But they don't know that those corporate people, a lot of them that are paying money and buying those tables, are making it possible for the people that need help. And the Alice community. Gary, you talked about last Thursday about that Alice community, Alice people.

I thought you were going to say when you leave you want to say goodbye.

I'm not saying goodbye. I'm saying so long.

Farewell. Commissioner Ebbetson, did you want to speak?

I certainly... echo what Commissioner Mitchell said again and again and again. The United Way stands in there for all of us who don't know who needs help or what they need. So, Gary, thank you for your great job, your board, your staff. I don't know where we'd be in Denton County without you and the United Way. Thank you.

Thank you, guys, if you want to speak. Sure, sure. You know, it's not all about just the giving of dollars and food and clothing, but it's the education side of it as well. Because a lot of these folks just need some education on how to better prepare themselves or how to manage their dollars that they do or don't have, educate themselves on where to go, also how to get a job. And those are the things that your organization does to try to serve the people. It's to really try to help them get back on their feet, not just to take care of the people that don't want to do anything. Of course, ther

And whereas United Way of Denton County improves lives by mobilizing communities like Denton County, Texas to action so that all can thrive. And whereas United is the way we create a healthy Denton County community with strengthened resilience, wellness, and financial security where everyone, regardless of age, has the opportunity to flourish. And whereas by working together to co-create solutions to people's most pressing challenges, United Way of Denton County positively impacts the lives of over 55,000 local residents annually. And whereas the United Way of Denton County leads the effort wi

Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Gary, well, thank you so much again for all that y'all have done and continue to do. And as you move forward, do you want to make a plug for y'all's upcoming event? I'd love to get that on people's calendar.

Perfect. Good. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. Any other comments? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you.

I was trying to get your attention. It worked.

All right, next let's go to item 13E, which is approval of additional space allocation at the Denton County Courts Building for the 477th District Court, the 481st District Court, the IVD Court, Drug Courts, Sheriff's Office, Bayless, any appropriate action? The chair will move for approval. Second. Second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? Well, I want to thank Jody and Holly and Commissioner Falconer and Judge Hartling for all y'all's efforts in pulling this together and coordinating this. So thank y'all so much. Did y'all have any other comments?

Step in the right direction. In a positive way. That's right. All right. Hearing no other questions. comments all in favor say aye any opposed motion carries unanimously thank you thank you judge for being here we appreciate you all right so let's go back to item 2a which is approval of the order making appointments and any Number let's go back to number two which our consent agenda members are there any items you like to pull which is just basically our order makers you have a motion for approval with a motion by Commissioner Falconer second by Commissioner Mitchell any discussion all in favo

I apologize Item to our consent agenda is consists of item 2 which is a port of which is approval of our order making Appointments. Okay. Yes

Do you mind doing seven I so the judge can she was wanting to make sure she was here for that one Just in case we had questions Seven I yes, sir Seven I is approval of the project budget amendment

REQUEST 2026450 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICE TO TRANSFER $135,635 TO PROJECT PR260018, ALLOCATE FUNDING TO PROVIDE TARGETED REMEDIATION TO CRITICAL AV SYSTEM COMPONENT FAILURES IN DISTRICT, IN FIVE DISTRICT COURTROOMS. CHAIR, MOVE FOR APPROVAL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS. ANY DISCUSSION?

JUDGE, DO YOU MIND COMING UP REAL QUICK AND KIND OF LETTING US KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS?

No. No, not me. Oh, no. I have no ability to do that. We should at least get in the chair. It's somebody that's really important, which is the gentleman that handles all the AV and spends the majority of his time at the courthouse. So hopefully this will alleviate some of that.

All right, we have a motion and a second. Any other comments? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Thank you, Judge. Oh, you do? Which one?

Next item is 14 a approve of the third renewal of the agreement for an alternative dispute resolution service wing didn't County Texas and the Denton County alternative dispute resolution program decap any amount of $201,504 of funding to come from Mediation Services. Order line item 1001CC201514800SC48092. The chair move for approval.

Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? I do want to thank Holly. Thank you for your, you've worked a lot on this one too as well. So, appreciate that. Any other comments? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you.

Let's just go to item 4A, which is a public hearing on September the 15th, 2026, for consideration of the approval, approval with conditions, or disapproval of the American Equity Additional Replat. This is lot 3R block A, 13.365 acres, located in Commissioner Precinct 1. Do we have a motion to open a public hearing? Okay. A motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We are in a public hearing. Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the American Equity Edition replat? Anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the American Equity Edition replat? Hearing none, do I have a motion to close the public hearing?

Motion to close by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We have a motion for approval by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 4B. which is a public hearing on September the 15th, 2026 for the consideration of approval, approval with conditions or disapproval of the partial cancellation of the Rosebrook Phase 1 block P, lot 2XHOA 19.476 acres located in Commissioner Precinct 4. Do we have a motion to open the public hearing?

Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. We are in a public hearing. Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the partial cancellation of the Rosebrook Phase 1 plat? Anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the partial cancellation of the Rosebrook Plat Phase 1? Hearing none, do we have a motion to close the public hearing?

I move that we close the public hearing.

Motion by Commissioner Edmondson. Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

And Judge, I move that we accept this new plat for Rosebrook.

All right. We have a motion for approval. Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Next is item 5A, approval of bill report payments from CSCD Community Corrections. TAIP, Sheriff's Training, Sheriff's Forfeiture, VIT interest, and DA forfeiture funds are presented for recording purposes only. Mr. May, good morning.

All right. We have a motion. We have a motion for approval by Commissioner Mitchell. Do we have a second? Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion. Carries unanimously. Next is item 6A, approval of the renewal of ITB 232762 fire alarm fire sprinkler kitchen hood system and radio tower building inspections and testing to allied fire protection.

Motion by Commissioner. FALCONER, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WILLIAMS. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT IS ITEM 6B, APPROVAL AWARD OF ITB 262913 FLEXBASE GRADE 1 TYPE A TO ANA AGGREGATES INCORPORATED. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 6C, approval of the purchase of Road Tech RX600E4 track half lane cold planer from... CLOSENER EQUIPMENT COMPANY INCORPORATED IN AMOUNT OF $909,586.46 THROUGH BY-BOARD COOPERATIVE CONTRACT 78825

Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 7C. Approval of Budget May Request 2026440 for Road and Bridge to transfer $250,000 from Professional Services, $304,000 and $75,000 from Salary assistance, $155,925 from salary department heads and $199,587 from surveys, title, taxes and testing for the total transfer of $909,587 to capital equipment to allocate funding to replace a nonoperable coal planer. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Edmondson. Any discussion

We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falkner. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimous. All right, let's go to item, we already did that. Let's go to item 8A, report from human resources regarding hiring actions of elected officials. This is presented for recording purposes only. Mr. Hernandez.

Perfect. Good. Thank you very much. Next is 8B, approval of the transfer of the GIS Analyst 911 Liaison from Information Technology CC10300 GISPR1055 to INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY JUDICIAL, CC 20920. THIS IS PUBLIC SAFETY IN COURTS PR 2075. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MITCHELL, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FALCONER. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. NEXT IS ITEM 8C, APPROVAL OF THE CREATION OF A TEMPORARY POSITION FOR A JUVENILE SUPERVISION OFFICER. THIS IS PAY GRADE 7 FOR THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER FALCONER, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MITCHELL. ANY DISCUSSION? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 9A, approval of the Health and Human Services Commission HHSC Women, Infants, and Children Revised Notice of Award for Fiscal Year 2026. Move to approve.

Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 9B, approval of the Health and Human Services Commission HHSC Women, Infants, and Children WIC Notice of Award for Fiscal Year 2027. Motion approved. Motion by Commissioner Falconer, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Next is item 10A, approval of the request to hold a public hearing at 9 a.m. on October 13, 2026 for consideration of the approval with conditions or disa

Sorry, I got my microphone back. I do move for approval.

Okay, motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Anybody opposed? Aye. Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 10B, approval of preliminary road acceptance for the rolling acres subdivision. This is located in the Commissioner Precinct 4.

Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 13A, approval of resolution requesting permission TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE 2026-2027 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITIES LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE GRANT PROGRAM PROXIMATELY $32,000. ANY APPROPRIATE ACTION? THE CHAIR WILL MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FALCONER. ANY DISCUSSION? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 13B. Approval request to accept the fiscal year 2026 year two Texas Veterans Commission fund for veterans assistant grant funds in amount of $327,000. This is a grant number VTC27V0 and any appropriate action? Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 13C, approval of request to accept the Texas Division of Emergency Management of the TETM Hazard Mitigation

And thank you Holly for pulling that together as always. All right. We have a motion and a second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? The motion carries unanimously. We're almost there. Next is 14B. I'm going to go ahead and get a drink here a second. Approve an interlocal cooperation agreement between Denton County, Texas and the City of Denton, Texas establishing procedures governing municipal building permit requirements applicable to county-owned buildings and for Facilities located within the city of Denton and authorization for the county judge to execute the agreement on behalf of

Motion by Commissioner Mitchell. Second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Ms. Way for being here. Nexus 14D approval of the Alton Bridge Stabilization and Bridge Scour Agreement ITB 262915 between Denton County, Texas and the Knight Erosion Control DBA Knight Engineering and Construction. An amount not to exceed $845,303.95. Inclusion of a Contingency allowance of $121,592.20 to come from WDF 1020CC 85100PR 8570 Ledger 5900SC 59020. So moved. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Falconer.

Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next, did I get everything so far, Bianca? Okay, next let's go to item 17, which is our community updates. We'll start with Commissioner Precinct. I want Commissioner Williams.

Thank you, Judge. I have just a couple things here. Congratulations to the Oak Point Fire Department for being recognized recently by Medical City Denton with a STEM Emmy. Oak Point Fire Department answered a call that quickly became a life-threatening heart attack. Crews alerted the hospital. with a STEM alert to allow for quick care upon arrival. The fast-acting crew's activation time was two minutes, and the STEM is a serious type of heart attack. So congratulations to them, and obviously that's wonderful news that this individual was saved. The next thing is I want to say thank you to emer

Congratulations. That's all I've got. Thank you.

Thank you. Your agent. That's good. All right. Thank you, Ryan. Commissioner Falconer, go right ahead.

Yes, thank you so much, Judge. So a couple of things for Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, and congratulations to them. During the 2026 Economic and Mobility Summit, they were recognized for their efforts to transition high school graduates into post-secondary degrees and other technical programs. And then to the Frisco ISD, congratulations to the 120 students named National Merit Semifinalists. That's the highest number of semifinalists among school districts across Texas. Very impressive. And then just a few items on the upcoming events. Carrollton's doing job search jumpstart. That's the 22nd

All right. Thank you Commissioner Mitchell going to see the SpongeBob movie. Search for SquarePants in Flower Mound on September 18th at 7.30 p.m. from Spinks Road, Hurch's Park. Then I'm going to go on to Twin Coves Park Family Campout on September 19th, 3 to 8 p.m.

I like SpongeBob, y'all. Then Holland Village is going to have a paper shredding day on September 19th. 2 p.m. to 5 at Orchard Hill Road, Pollock and Old Park. Then Lake Dallas is going to have SNAP benefits navigation with the Tarrant Area Food Bank on September 17th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Dallas Public Library. Pediatric first class, first aid class, September 22nd, 11 to 2 at the Lake Dallas Public Library. Remind everybody the North Texas Giving Day, 9-17, so you can... Give online or you can give in person. On Wednesday, 9-23 at 8 a.m., we're going to have the 11th annual See You

OK. Yeah. We've also got some good things to announce. For example, we have two National Merit Semifinals from Argyle High School. Not as many as what Commissioner Mitchell, no, Commissioner Falconer was bragging about, but we do have two here. In Trophy Club, we're going to have breakfast with Tiffany, which is a continuation of their meeting with their mayor over coffee. And that will be on September 21st from 9 to 10. And Argyle, they have a trading post, 1881. And it's going to be from 10 to 2 on the 19th. This is going to have a variety of antique vendors. And I believe they mean vendors

I have the fifth annual Law Enforcement and Mental Health Summary that's going to be on the 18th at the Embassy Suites in Denton. So Friday, September 18, 8 AM to 12 PM. And then I'm going to Paris. with the Louisville Chamber of Women Convention also on the 18th at 11.38 a.m. Thank you.

No. All right. A couple quick shout-outs. We have one of my favorite days of the year here in North Texas is our the North Texas Giving Day. And that is going to be, it's the 18th annual. I can't believe they've been doing that 18 years. And it's going to be this Thursday, September the 17th. And so this is an opportunity to donate to nonprofits across our region simply by going to their website and locating your preferred nonprofit. So last year, North Texans donated $78 million on this one day to give to 3,500 nonprofits. And so Since 2009, $712 million have been raised on this initiative. S

Our first item is 15A, Texas Government Code 5510711. A, consultation with an attorney. And a, close meeting when a governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about pending or contemplated litigation regarding Martin Corley and any appropriate action. 15B, Texas Government Code 551072, deliberation regarding real property. Close meeting to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. If deliberation in open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with the third person. And it is 1027, and we are in executi

Second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. There will be no action on 15B. There will be no action here. No other items before the court. We are adjourned. Thank you.