February 4, 2003

Harris County Commissioners Court

Harris County Commissioners Court voted 4-1, with Steve Radack opposed, to retain Dan McClung for services in Austin during the current session of the Texas Legislature.

The commissioners court referred three payment authorization requests from Children’s Protective Services back to Management Services: 
 - a request for paid parking for caseworkers and assistant county attorneys at the Central Allright Parking Lot; 
 - a request for $7,372 for five persons to attend a Child Welfare League of America conference in Washington, D.C.; and
 - a request for $1,885 for an employee to attend a crisis prevention training seminar in Dallas.

The commissioners court referred six payment authorization requests from Fire and Emergency Services back to Management Services: 
 - a request to purchase two vehicles for fire/arson investigators; 
 - request to increase the maximum salary for two senior investigator positions; 
 - a request to purchase $6,000 of computer software; 
 - a request to purchase a vehicle and trailer for $12,000 for hazardous materials response; 
 - a request to purchase $16,000 of computers and office equipment; and 
 - a request to purchase $6,500 of global positioning system equipment for 10 vehicles.

The commissioners court referred back to Management Services two requests for personal exemptions from the competitive bid process:
 - $220,000 for computer consulting services by Ram Tackett for Public Health & Environmental Services; and
 - $143,950 for management consulting services by Joyce Binegar for P.H. & E./HIV Services Department.

The commissioners court voted to allow members of the commissioners court to attend the Child Welfare League of America conference in Washington, D.C.

The commissioners court deferred action on an agreement with the City of Houston for construction and maintenance of Nob Hill Park.

A request for approval of renewal options with Cypress Lawn and Turf for commercial lawn and garden equipment was withdrawn from the agenda. 

The commissioners court met in executive session for a briefing on the status of Simi Investment Company, Inc., v. Harris County. 

Following the discussion, the commissioners court voted to approve attorney fees, not to exceed $650,000, for the purpose of settling the suit.

All other agenda items were approved unanimously. 

The commissioners court held a discussion on the proposed budget for Harris County and the Harris County Flood Control District for fiscal year 2003-2004.

Jersey Village Council Member Frances Wubbenhorst presented a petition and a plan advocating the purchase of land for detention ponds to the commissioners court. 

“Jersey Village has flooded three times in the past two years,” Wubbenhorst said.