Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 meeting of the Denton County Commissioner's Court. We're glad to have so many people with us in attendance here at the courthouse. And those of you who are watching online, welcome. We're glad to have you. At this time, I'd like to welcome our friend T. Ron Hicks. He is going to lead us in our invocation and our pledges will be led by our Civil Air Patrol Cadet Captain Owen Kramer. If you will please stand. I want to remind everybody, please turn off your cell phones. Thank you.

Well, thank you to you, Ron, and thank you Owen, for that. Very nice. At this time, we have one individual registered to speak in our public comment portion. So Terry Sinney. Sinney. Sinney.

Sinney like Penny. I love it. Okay. All right. Terry Sinney like Penny. Good morning. Glad to have you.

Thank you. Thank you. All right. Let's appreciate that. Let's go to item 3A in Australia, if you'll come forward. We're excited to have you. Item 3A was approval of a resolution honoring the retirement of Australia Whitfield. You looked at me like, who, me? And I thought, well, it is your big day. We're excited to have you.

Well, let me thank you for being here, and we have this resolution honoring you. This is a resolution honoring Australia Whitfield for 20 years of service to Denton County. Whereas Australia Whitfield has faithfully served the Denton County Community Supervision and Corrections Department for more than 20 years, beginning her career on July the 26th, 2006, and retiring on September 30th, 2026. Whereas Australia began as an intake clerk at the Oak Street office before moving to McKinney Street, where she managed the absconded caseload and assisted wherever needed. In 2012, she moved to the Dent

20 years of service. I appreciate you and I appreciate your active civic involvement in addition to your day job. I really appreciate that. It's always great to see you and Fred out and about at all the functions that we go to and cheering on just the broader civic community here in the county. So thank you, and I wish you all the best.

In addition, I also want to thank you, Australia. Being in the Precinct 3 Government Center, Being a part of all the activities is there. Working for Denton County for 20 years, that's a miracle. And then even more a miracle is being married to Fred for over 50 years. I appreciate you, and I appreciate all that you've done for Denton County and for the office that you work in. I know you to be a godly woman that want to do things that are right for everyone. Justice, fairness, compassion. That's Australia. Yes. And I just want to appreciate you, and I don't want you to be a stranger. I know Fr

Oh, yeah. Hang on. We might have a couple more comments here. Oh, yeah. You get the last word. You get the last word. Absolutely.

Thank you so much for dedicating 20 years of your life to Denton County and the citizens. And then Commissioner Mitchell stole my thunder with, obviously, 20 years is a great feat, but a bigger feat is actually being married for 52 years. So congratulations with that as well. Thank you. two astonishing things to accomplish. So best of luck to you and your husband in the future. Thank you.

And I concur with all that. Australia, thank you so much for what you've done. Great-grandmother, you're so young. How is that happening? That is great. Well, good for you, and enjoy all those grandkids and great-grandkids.

All right. Well, the thanks is all ours. We have a motion and a second. Any other discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Congratulations.

Well, I'd like to be here until I'm 65. How old are you? 63. Okay, yeah.

You know, I'm... Yes, I'm 65. I'm 65. I'm 65. I'm 65. All right.

All right, next is item 3B in T-RON, if you'll come down. Item 3B is approval of a proclamation recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month. Any appropriate action? You're up. All right. Good morning. Good morning again. Thank you for that lovely invocation.

We have your proclamation here, and we'll let you say a few kind words, all right? This is a court proclamation recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month, and whereas October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and it is a, wonderful opportunity to educate our children on the seriousness of bullying and its effects on our lives. Whereas bullying is physical, verbal, sexual, emotional harm, or intimidation intentionally directed at a person or group of people. Whereas bullying occurs in neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, and through technology such as the internet and cell phones. Var

Yes, of course, an adult's definitely a bully because I've got one over here that's a bully. Do I bully you? She's been bullying me for a long time. Not to make a joke about it, unfortunately, because it's not a joking matter, but we really do appreciate you taking it on and trying to educate as many people and have the discussion because it is a serious issue. It causes a lot of kids to commit suicide. There was one thing in school back when Well, when I was in school, that was about the only time you'd get bullied, right? You didn't get bullied when you went home because there was no compute

I agree with that. It's a shame what social media has done with our society in this regard, because it is just a 24-7 thing now. Just like Ryan said, at least there used to be times where you didn't have that. Thank you for taking up this battle, and it's a serious one, so we appreciate your work. Thank you.

Dear Ron, I just want to thank you for the work that you do in the community, the work you do with our kids and our schools. You see you all over the community advocating for our kids. Yes, some people ask why do we do this bullying proclamation every year. Because we want to keep this in mind to people. We want to continue to remind people that bullying is not okay. We want to continue to remind the kids that you can say no and you can ask for help. And this bullying proclamation reminds all of us that it is not okay to bully. And as the judge says, adults bully also. I don't bully Ryan too m

You save it for me. She bullies everybody.

But it's not a joke that some kids, like this proclamation said, are scared to ride the bus or scared to go to school because they know when they get off the bus or when they get on the bus, there's somebody on there that's going to bully them, and they don't know what to do about it. So if we can remind our parents and remind our teachers and remind adults that pay attention to the kids when they say that, I'm afraid to go to school or I'm afraid of this. Something has happened. Follow through to see what's going on. There's a reason. Yeah, there's a reason why they're saying that. So I thank

And I appreciate you and keep coming back.

Well, thank you, T-Rod. Oh, yeah. Thank you. Thank you. That was wonderful. Thank you, sir. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

All right, we have a motion and a second. And any other comments? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you, T. Ron.

All right. OK, Owen, if you'll come down. Good morning.

Next is item 3C. This is approval of a proclamation recognizing Civil Air Patrol Cadet Captain Owen Kramer for earning the Amelia Earhart milestone achievement in any appropriate action. And we're glad to have you here. And let me read this court proclamation. This is a proclamation recognizing the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Captain Owen Kramer. And whereas the Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1941 for young adults ages 12 to 21 with a three-pronged focus of cadet programs, emergency services, and aerospace education. And whereas Cadet Captain Owen Kramer is currently an 11th grade student taking d

Second by Commissioner Williams. Well, Owen, I'm so proud for you, and I appreciate your early and continued civic involvement. And I think that you are a leader now for your age group, and you're going to be a future leader. I just know that here for our country. So could you tell us a little bit about what is your favorite part of the Civil Air Patrol?

Oh, that's great. That's a great, tell us what, that's a great answer. And that's kind of a life long mission for all of us. We learn from those and then we pass it on to the next. So I'm glad you're already starting that. Can you tell us what maybe your career aspirations are?

Perfect. Good. Well, I know you have a bright future ahead of you. So thank you so much, members. Do you want to add to it?

Yeah, so Now congratulations I mean obviously you've put a lot of time and effort and energy into yourself and the things that you're doing and trying to help and teach others and That's an admirable thing and all I can say is I wish you the best obviously you're gonna be very successful in whatever direction you decide to go because the effort and energy you put into it and It's not easy to accomplish Not only what you're doing now, but the grades that you do in school, because it takes a lot of effort and a lot of work. So congratulations. Thank you, sir.

I echo those. When I see young people like you doing all these things, the leadership, and Civil Air Patrol is a great organization, but it gives me great hope for our future of this country. And that's what you're doing for me, and I appreciate that so much. Cadet

Kramer, I just want to thank you for your service. Amelia Earhart leaves a legacy for all of us. And I thank you for all that you do. And as Commissioner Falconer just said, we know that our future is in good hands with young men like you that are coming up and being able to work and wanting to work to help to make the world a better place. Thank you for all that you do. And thank you. wish you much, much success. And please know that this Denton County Commissioner's Court are here to help you if you need help. Thank you so much. Congratulations.

All right. We have a motion and a second. Any other comments? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Let's give them a big hand.

Those are the great things that happened. I said those are the great things that happened at Commissioner's Court.

There's lots of good things. All right. Next is item 4A, which is a public hearing to discuss, consider, and take action on in order to continue to participate in the Denton County Local Health Care Provider Participation Program, subject to an enacted Chapter 292E of the Texas Health and Government Code, amend the Denton County Health Care Provider Participation Program rules and procedures to align with Chapter 292E and to set the mandatory payment rate for fiscal year 2027 applicable to Denton County's local provider participation program and how the revenue derived from those payments is t

Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. 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 continuation of this program? Good morning.

Perfect. Thank you so much, members. Are there any questions or comments? Or did you have anything to add? Okay. All right. Is there anyone else? Oh, go ahead.

Well, I just, and you kind of did this, but I just want to make sure, because sometimes when you hear this, we're approving something, you hear assessment. Not coming from any of the residents.

All right, is there anyone else in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the continued participation? Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the continued participation? All right, hearing none, do we have a motion to close the public hearing? We have a motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. The Chair will move to continued participation in said program.

We have a motion by the Chair, second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next, let's proceed over to 13A, which is a companion agenda item. Members, 13A is approval of a resolution authorizing Denton County's continued participation in Chapter 292E of the Health and Safety Code and setting the rate for the fiscal year 2027 for the Denton County Health Care Provider Participation Program. Will the chair move for approval of the 6% requested rate?

We have a motion by the chair, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Is that all of our items related to that? Okay, perfect. Thank you. Thank you all for being here today and thank you for your ongoing efforts as it relates to that. Is it important that this program continue because it helps with our hospitals and their networks and as an opportunity to provide a variety of care regardless of income to our residents here? So I want to thank you for the good and noble work that each of you do. And Eric Morris, where

All right. Thank you all so much. Thanks, y'all.

And next, let's go to our next public hearing, which is item 4B, which is a public hearing on September the 29th, 2026 for consideration of the approval, approval with conditions or disapproval of the Intermodal Logistics Center West This is lots 2R through 4R, block A, lot 1XR, block 1. This is 251.935 acres located in Commissioner Precinct 4. Do we have a motion to open a public hearing?

Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, 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 approval of the Intermodal Logistics Center West replat. Is there anyone in attendance wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the Intermodal Logistics Center replat? Hearing none, do I have a motion to close the public hearing? Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any

We have a motion by Commissioner Falconer, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Our consent agenda today All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Our consent agenda today consists of item 2A, approval of order-making appointments and any appropriate action. Next is item 5, which is approval of the bill reports, payments from CSCD, community corrections, TAIP, sheriff's training, sheriff's forfeiture, VIT, interest in DA forfeiture funds are presented for recording purposes. Only Mr. May.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Mr. May, a motion by Commissioner Falconer. Second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is item 6A, approval of specifications of authority to advertise RFSQ262932 owners representative services. This is a miscellaneous facilities and appointment evaluation committee. to include Eric Gildersleeve, Project Administrator, County Administration, Dale Nelson, Director of Public Facilities, and Jared Harwell, Division Manager, Planning and Development Services. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell

Second. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Sheriff, I want to thank you for all y'all's extra efforts as it relates to those floods and all that y'all have been working on to address that in a more permanent manner. Next is item 8A, report from human resource regarding hiring actions of elected officials. Mr. Hernandez.

Perfect. Thank you. Next is Adam. 10a which is consideration of the approval approval with conditions or disapproval of the pope shire edition final plot this is lot one block a eighteen point four three acres located in commissioner precinct four moved to approve motion by commissioner william second by commissioner falconer any discussion all in favor say aye aye opposed motion carries unanimously next is item 10b consideration of the approval Approval with conditions or disapproval of the North Star final plant located in Commissioner Precinct 1.

I want to have Stephen come up real quick if you don't mind. Mr. Belknap, if you'll come forward. Thank you for being here.

Disapproval as it's currently presented. Yes, sir. Okay, that is a staff recommendation. Do we have a motion?

All right, we have a motion to disapprove the currently submitted plot by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Falconer. Any discussion? Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Next is 10C, approve the request to hold a public hearing for 9 a.m. on October the 27th, 2026 for consideration of the approval with conditions or disapproval of the Meadows Commercial Replat located in Commissioner Precinct 4. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Williams. Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion. Carries una

Yes, sir. Definitely a true tragedy. Aubrey ISD, congratulations to Aubrey High School senior Elena Abeshier, who was named a commented student in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations to Brockett Elementary School, which celebrates its 40-year anniversary. The school was named after Aubrey's ISD social studies teacher, elementary principal, and assistant principal, H.L. Brockett. This weekend Aubrey is 40th annual peanut festival this Saturday, October 3rd It's going to be the parade begins at 10 a.m And there'll be a kids zone pony rides vendors live music food trucks

Well Ryan. We did have a good time up in Pointed Oktoberfest. It was a lot of fun. We got to Do the ceremony opening and judge the pretzel contest and my dog Ivan raced in the dachshund race and I think he won most congenial because he visited with everybody at the start line. I wonder where he got that at. He did not focus on the finish line. But anyway, he got most congenial.

All right, Kevin, follow that up. All right.

In Copper Canyon, we're going to have an annual HHW cleanup event on October the 3rd. This annual event lets residents safely dispose of household chemicals. In current, we have a butterfly garden. Kevin, did you get that one?

Okay. Volunteers help plant, spread mulch, weed, and complete other tasks for the butterfly garden. In Louisville on October the 3rd, we have a seniors in motion craft fair. And I said Louisville, that's Flower Mound. At the senior center. Handmade crafts and vendors will be there to sell their goods in Louisville The fire department is having an open house on October the 3rd at 10 a.m. To 2 on Main Street And also we're gonna have a low-cost vaccine clinic October the 3rd for animals at the gene carry animal shelter and adoption center We also have the very old great early childhood ribbon-cu

Perfect. Thank you. I'd like to give congratulations to the Denton County 4-H Food Challenge team who traveled to Waco recently to compete at the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo. And they came in fourth place across the state. So congratulations. And they compete at the State Fair of Texas next Monday. So we wish them all the best. And we'd like to give a Denton County shout-out to the Flower Mound High School Band who took first place at the Dallas Mid-Cities Regional Competition in Bedford last Saturday. They also earned the titles of Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performan