Fannin County, Texas -- Four members of Fannin County Commissioners Court were present for a regular meeting held Tuesday, May 6, 2020 by teleconference.
Pct 1 Commissioner Gary Whitlock was absent and is recovering from surgery.
The invocation was given by David Woodson and Major James Manis led the pledges.
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The next two agenda items regarded the Fannin County Declaration of Disaster Proclamation for Covid-19 and the Covid-19 Response and Continuity of Operations Plan for Fannin County
No changes were made to the Disaster Declaration and COVID-19 Response and Continuity of Operations plan, other than extending both one week.
Fannin County Judge Randy Moore said that he was notified May 5, 2020 by Fannin County Health Authority, Dr. James Froelich, that Fannin County now has 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19: 10 males, 14 females, 14 fully recovered, one resident remains in a hospital, three are ill at home, one is ill and quarantined at a nursing home, and the location of five is unknown because they tested out-of-county. One inmate is quarantined in jail, but does not count as a Fannin County resident. Most importantly, there have been no fatalities in the county as a result of this highly infectious novel coronavirus.
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Commissioners approves minutes from regular meetings April 21, 2020 and April 28, 2020.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court approved the application for the designation of the Loschke Family Farm as a 100-year Farm for the Family Heritage Plaque. Given by Texas Department of Agriculture, this historic designation recognizes family farms in continuous operation for a century.
"We are proud to have them in our community," remarked Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness.
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Commissioners approved Order 2020-05-05 to rename County Roads 2917, 2950, 2955 and 2730 as a result of Bois d’Arc Lake construction.
"We will be posting this order online so that people who live on these roads will be able to see details of this order," Judge Moore stated.
Allen Hendrix of Freese and Nichols explained that this is necessary to aid 9-1-1 responders and to correct numbering discrepancies between the county and Texoma Council of Governments. Mr. Hendrix added that residents can expect five more similar changes in the coming weeks.
All residents who are impacted will be notified.
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Fannin County Commissioners Court authorized the sale of fireworks in Fannin County for Memorial Day during the period of May 20, 2020 thru May 25, 2020 at midnight.
"Be careful, people," cautioned Judge Moore. "Be thoughtful. Don't burn your neighbor's pasture."
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Commissioners accepted the notice of resignation of Jean Siebenthall, Indigent Healthcare Coordinator, effective May 29, 2020 and designated the position of Indigent Healthcare Coordinator as a part-time position and will advertise it as such.
Ms. Siebenthall recommended that the county consider this to be a part-time position.
"She should know," said Commissioner Magness. "She's done it for a long time.
"I hate to see her go," lamented Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self. "She does a great job."
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Commissioners approved the payment of bills.
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Pct. 2 Commissioner A.J. Self thanked everyone for signing on. He noted this was a quick, efficient meeting.
Pct. 3 Commissioner Jerry Magness appealed to the public to give right-of-way to road graders and other heavy machinery. One county resident tried to pass a grader by driving in a ditch and got stuck. County employees pulled him out.
Commissioner Magness asked for courtesy, explaining that if a grader pulls over to let someone get by and the grader gets stuck, taxpayers will have to pony up $500 to get the grader pulled out.
Pct. 4 Commissioner Dean Lackey also said he appreciates the people listening to commissioners court via teleconference. He predicted more changes as Lake Bois d'Arc nears completion and asked residents to be very careful around these projects.
"Keep on social distancing," Commissioner Lackey reminded residents. "Right now there is over a thousand people dying each day from COVID-19. Respect the ones who are trying to keep their distance. First responders are putting their lives on the line every day to take care of people."
Fannin County Judge Randy Moore broke the news that the public hearings before Bois d'Arc Lake Zoning Commission and Fannin County Commissioners Court regarding an application by Lake Trails Estate have been canceled temporarily.
Judge Moore said that Guardsmen will conduct another drive-through testing for COVID-19 on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
"They are very efficient," Moore stated. "The number to call is 512-883-2400 and I suggest you wait until Thursday, maybe even Thursday evening to call in."
"Thank you to all the precinct employees, neighbors, volunteers who cleared roads," the county judge remarked, referring to the clean-up in the wake of recent tornadoes. "I'm amazed how people come together. Thank you guys for all that you do."