2026-03-31 Denton County Commissioners Court

EADS

I'd like to welcome you all to the Tuesday, March 31st, 2026 meeting of the Denton County Commissioner's Court. It's glad glad to have you all with us here today in person. I know there's many people tuning in online, so thank you for sharing your morning with us.

At this time, I'd like to welcome forward our very own Public Health Director, Dr. Matt Richardson. He's going to lead us in our invocations and then our pledges will be led by some very special guests with us here this morning. From our Denton County Livestock Association, the Queen candidates, and we have Riley, Mia and Brooklyn, and the Livestock Association Princess candidate, Bobby.

So we've got those ladies with us here this morning, and so Dr. Matt Richardson, if you'll please come forward, we'll start the meeting.

RICHARDSON

Look at that magic. Good morning, Judge and Commissioners. As you know, I don't know everyone's faith tradition in the room, but as Christians, we celebrate this week, really remember and reflect on this week for the celebration is to come with Easter and the resurrection of our Savior.

So, if you'll bow with me. Our Father, we thank you for the opportunity to come to the throne of your grace this morning and approach you and acknowledge and and really consider your glory and what it means to be followers of your son Jesus. Father, this week we think about his journey and his teachings on Tuesday, the week before his death.

Father, his teachings about justice, about mercy, about compassion, about right and wrong in the eyes of you that revolve around the greatest commandment. And Father, we reflect on these things and his teachings on that Tuesday. Father, we reflect and we are convicted by his death on Friday and his resurrection on Sunday.

So, Father, we acknowledge all of that this morning. We thank you for that. We thank you for the example and that sacrifice that we speak of.

We thank you for what it means and the lesson of that and the lesson for us of mercy and grace and peace. Father, we ask this morning you be with those who are in conflict, whether they're uniformed and in service to others or if that conflict is more local, more intimate, if that conflict is within families or if it's within ourselves. Father, we ask that you put your guiding hand of peace in places where there is violence.

Father, we know that you teach that and you teach forgiveness and Father, that's hard to find and so we ask for the strength and the perseverance to find it. Father, we thank you this morning for the leadership before us and the decisions they make and we ask an extra measure of wisdom upon them as they carry out those duties. Father, all of us have a place and we see even in the death of your son when he asked for what he wanted but ended his request with your will be done.

May your will be done, whether it's in governance or whether it's in the conduct of our personal lives. May we remember that we are to be the hands and the feet of your son in his ministry and may we remember that we follow him and that you are the alpha and the omega. Father, we thank you for Jesus and what he means to us and we thank you for sending him and it's through his name that we pray this morning.

Amen. Amen.

EADS

Thank you, Dr. Richardson. Okay, if our special guests will come down. Good morning.

There you go. I like that hat.

QUEEN CANDIDATES

From the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Now for the Texas flag. On the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible.

EADS

All right. Thank you, ladies. Appreciate y'all being here.

We're going to have y'all part of the program here in just a moment. At this time, I'd like to go to and Dr. Richardson, thank you for that lovely prayer, especially during Holy Week. I think that's great.

Next, let's go to item 1, which is for public input for items not listed on the agenda and we do have a public comment from Tina Massey right here from Denton County. Our transportation and engineering. Tina has got some good news she would like to announce this morning. We're all about good news with transportation. Tina, so go right ahead.

MASSEY

Thank you, Judge. Thank you, commissioners. I was just going to let you know about our FM 407 micro breakout project.

It's on I-35W and 407. We're widening out on the bridge and some turn lanes there. Not this Friday, but next Friday, they will be starting between 9 and 3 30.

They're going to plan on starting the striping out there. We're still working with them to finish out the details. We'll be sending out an email.

We've got an email list with all our partners on it, so we'll be sending out more information that way. Also, I'll reach out to Don's group, too, to see what we can put out on social media. I just wanted to let y'all know that's fix and start, and if you have any questions.

EADS

Well, perfect. Well, I think it's a prime opportunity to say thank you, Commissioner Edmondson, for your leadership on this as well, and our friends at TxDOT to get this important infrastructure improvement on its way. So, thank you. Thank you, Tina. Thank you for that update. All right.

We have no other people registered for public comments. Next, let's go to item 3A. 3A is approval of a resolution recognizing Bates & Martin Architects as a Denton County Heritage business and any appropriate action, and Kelsey, if you want to come forward, as well as our special guests.

We're excited to have you all with us today.

KELSEY

Yes. Good morning, Judge and Commissioners. On behalf of the Denton County Office of History and Culture, I'm excited for us to recognize another Denton County Heritage business today.

Our Heritage Business Program is for local Denton County businesses that have been in operation for over 50 years, which is an amazing feat. So, today, we're really excited to welcome Bates & Martin Architects as part of this program.

EADS

Perfect. Gentlemen, do y'all want to... And we've got a resolution for you here, as well.

So, would y'all like to say anything before we get started? Good morning.

BATES

Good morning. I'm Mike Bates. This is Russell Bates, who's basically started one of the companies, and Martin, my current partner.

I just want to thank the Judge and Commissioner for recognizing us today, but also like to recognize the previous courts, because y'all control the growth. The growth of Denton County in 1970 was 74,000 people in Denton County.

EADS

Wow.

MIKE BATES

And when I came into Denton to start working in 1987, it was 240,000. Now, we're at a million.

EADS

Yes.

MIKE BATES

So, during this process, we have grown.

EADS

That's right.

MIKE BATES

Just along with you.

We appreciate the leadership, and we've enjoyed taking the opportunity to help local businesses to grow, which helps the county and everybody else through employment, but we're just very pleased to do that. Russell Bates, want to say anything for me? He came here in 68, along with Gerald Stone, his partner.

They both came from Oklahoma, so don't hold that against them.

EADS

We're glad they converted.

MIKE BATES

They came across the Red River, became architect, became, I'll say, active in the community. Russell was chairman of the board, chamber of commerce, very active in the chamber until his retirement about 10 years ago.

EADS

Thank you for those comments. Good morning.

MARTIN

Yeah, good morning. I just want to say thank you as well. Appreciate the honor, I guess we'll say.

EADS

It is an honor.

MARTIN

Anyway, thank you.

EADS

Thank you. Mr. Bates, did you want to say anything?

RUSSELL BATES

Well, I guess I'm the one who quantified them for 60 years. So, yeah, we came down from Oklahoma. I'm a graduate of Oklahoma State, and I couldn't wait to get down here quick enough, and I've enjoyed it down here.

They've been good to me with the chamber of commerce as far as chairman of the board and other things, leadership, and Diane, give her credit too. She was a cohort of ours, and she supported me greatly whenever I was their chairman.

EADS

So, that's great.

RUSSELL BATES

I thank you all, and I thank the businesses that have given us our business.

EADS

That's right.

RUSSELL BATES

So, all right. Well, thank you very much.

EADS

Thank you, sir. Thank you. Would one of y'all like to tell us what kind of architecture, what kind of projects y'all work on? I'd love to hear.

RUSSELL BATES

Well, we did. Gerald came down. That was my ex-partner, Gerald Stone, and we were their architectural collective back then, and it was a mouthful, and nobody could understand it.

So, eventually, we changed it to Stone Bates, and so we had the Stone Bates office building on Oak and Carroll, and I lost that in 1985 with the last depression I had.

EADS

Yes.

RUSSELL BATES

But, you get me started talking, and we're going to be here all day.

EADS

Well, I think you get some moments if you've been here 50 years. I think you get, I think you can have the mic a little bit.

RUSSELL BATES

All right. Thank you very much.

EADS

Thank you, sir. Thank you. All right.

I'm going to read this resolution. This is a resolution recognizing the Denton County Heritage Business and the Denton County Commissioner's Court, Denton County, Texas, during a regular session on the 31st day of March, 2026, considered the following resolution. Whereas, the Office of History and Culture wishes to recognize businesses that have been in operation for over 50 years with the title of Denton County Heritage Business.

Whereas, in 1968, Russell Bates and Gerald Stone formed The Architectural Collective in Denton. Michael Bates joined his father's business in 1986, and after Gerald Stone retired in 1999, the company became Bates Architects. In 2012, Bates Architects merged with Mark Martin, becoming Bates & Martin Architects.

After practicing architecture in Denton for 46 years, Russell Bates retired in 2014. Whereas, the company has completed many notable and recognizable structures in and around Denton County, including designs for churches, educational buildings, retail, commercial, and civic buildings. Whereas, Michael Bates and Mark Martin continue to carry on the legacy of high quality design practices and customer satisfaction through their projects while serving the community in a multitude of ways through sponsorship and support of area teams and organizations.

And now, therefore, be it resolved that the Commissioner's Court of Denton County hereby recognizes Bates & Martin Architects as a Denton County Heritage Business for their continued dedication and service to Denton County. Done in open court, this is the 31st day of March, 2026, upon a motion made by Commissioner Edmondson. The chair will second.

Well, I just want to say thank you for doing business in Denton County. And if you think about it, your work product, designing buildings for commercial and faith-based organizations and other entities, helps other people do their business as well. So, your key architects are a key part of our economic viability and our lifestyle here in Denton County.

And I just want to thank y'all on behalf of the now million residents of Denton County. Say congratulations on doing business. You're doing something right or you wouldn't be doing business for 50 years.

Amen? So that you're doing something right and I hope y'all continue those same best practices. Commissioner Edmondson, did you want to say something?

EDMONDSON

Yeah, Judge, I just want to recognize Mr. Russell Bates as an 88 graduate of Leadership Denton. Russell was so instrumental in that program and it's produced many, many, many leaders here in Denton County. So, he pulled up beside me in the parking lot today.

EADS

Oh, well, good.

EDMONDSON

I did not recognize him. I am so sorry. But I did give him plenty of room to get out of his car.

But anyway, Russell, good to see you again. Mike, good to see you. Nice to meet you, Mr. Martin. Thank you all so much for what you've done in our community and not just in the architecture, but just in the way you all did business. And the leadership Denton. That's invaluable.

Thank you.

EADS

The civic life. Yeah.

MITCHELL

I just want to thank you for choosing Denton County to do business. You can do business anywhere else, but you chose the best county there is, Denton County. We appreciate you persevering all these years, staying here in Denton County, and making it a better place to live, work, and play.

I appreciate every one of you. Mr. Russell, thanks.

EADS

Thank you, thank you, thank you. All right, we have a motion and a second.

All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously. Congratulations.

EADS

Well, speaking of 50 years, we have another celebratory proclamation here of our guests.

Doug Webb, will you come forward and bring your crew with you? We've got several guests with us this morning from the Denton County Livestock Association. We've already met several of them this morning.

Doug, do you want to make any introductions of our your guests? Okay, go right ahead.

QUEEN CANDIDATES

On behalf of the Denton County Livestock Association, we are honored to be here this morning celebrating our 50th year in service of providing, you know, to our youth scholarships and being able for them to sell their animals through Denton County this year. We have over 760 exhibitors.

EADS

Wow.

QUEEN CANDIDATES

With all species, ag mech, creative arts, swine, goats, sheep, steers, probably forgot some chickens. It's grown, it's grown immensely.

EADS

Can't forgive the chickens.

QUEEN CANDIDATES

Yes. My first show was 1978, two years into it, and we had a three-day show, so you crammed all of that into three days. We are now five days with the two-night rodeo.

EADS

Wow, that is great. That is awesome. Well, we're excited to have y'all here, and it's important to celebrate certain milestones in the life of the county, and the Denton County Livestock Association is definitely a vibrant and vital part of the education of our youth here in the county, and also celebrates our continued livestock industry impact here in the county, and it's still alive and well, very robust, and we're very proud of that, and I know that each one of the court members appreciates our livestock industry here, and every time we get updates from the Farm Bureau or our AgriLife department, it's amazing, you know, so many times we focus on seeing all the subdivisions being built, and trying to get the roadways built, like we, like Tina talked about this morning, to welcome our new residents to Denton County, but our livestock industry is still, has been, and continues to be a critical part of the fabric of our county, so I'm going to read this proclamation here.

This is a court proclamation recognizing April the 4th, 2026 as the 50th annual Denton County Livestock Association Youth Fair and Rodeo Day, and whereas the Denton County Livestock Association, the DCLA, was founded in 1948 to provide a structured environment for youth involved in 4-H, FFA, FCCLA to showcase their agricultural project, creative arts, and diligent year-long work, and whereas the DCLA has since grown into a 12-member volunteer board which devotes hours of service each year to the week-long youth fair and rodeo competitions featuring everything from livestock shows to agricultural mechanics, and

whereas the DCLA promotes agricultural education by teaching youth responsibility and technical skills through animal husbandry and specialty contests, livestock improvement, by promoting the breeding and sale of both purebred and commercial livestock to maintain high standards in the industry, and community support by awarding numerous scholarships to graduating seniors who participate in the youth fair fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders, and whereas the historical records indicate that the youth fair and rodeo began as a consistent annual event in its modern format in 1976 reaching the 50th year mark in 2026 and thereby representing a continuous legacy of support for our local agricultural students through competition and the Youth Auction which currently aims to raise $400,000 for student projects and scholarships, and

whereas with 760 exhibitors and 1,600 entries this year, the youth fair and rodeo continues to grow, inspire, and promote excellence in our youth. Now therefore be it resolved the Denton County Commissioner's Court does hereby recognize April the 4th 2026 as the 50th annual Denton County Livestock Association Youth Fair and Rodeo Day, and thank the Denton County Livestock Association for their years of volunteer service to the youth of our county.

Done an open court this the 31st day of March 2026 upon a motion by the chair, second by Commissioner Mitchell. Well I just want to thank you for again these are generations of students that you have created an opportunity for them to have success. You know by setting this up, giving them an opportunity, and all those volunteer hours were not spent, they were invested in the youth, and I just want I just want to thank you thank each of you individually for that as well.

So congratulations.

MITCHELL

Congratulations. We thank you for all that you do providing an opportunity for these young people to come in and find out about livestock, about life. We appreciate you and thank you again.

EDMONDSON

This is a little off the subject, but I want you all to know I was thinking about you all last week. My husband and I watched a movie called Walk Ride Rodeo. I don't know if any of you are familiar with it, but it's a true story about a young lady who overcame tremendous physical challenges in order to fulfill her dream, and it was through a group like you that she was able to do that.

So thank you all so much for what you've done. We're going to see the results of this for years to come.

EADS

All right very good. All right we have a motion, a second, any other comments? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Congratulations.

EADS

All right. Let me see what other special guests we have. I don't think we have any.

Okay let's go back. Let's go back to our consent agenda item 2. Members are there any items you'd like to pull off the consent agenda to have a motion to approve as presented?

We have a motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Our consent agenda today consists of item 2a, approve the order making appointments.

Item 2b, which is approval of Budget Amendment Request #2026-187 for public health dental to transfer $5,000 from Pharmacy to administrative equipment for the replacement of a LED Dental Light. And item 2c is approval of Budget Amendment Request #2026-180 for economic development to transfer $800 from Training and Travel to county promotions to cover costs of anticipated promotion items. Let's go to item 5a, which is approval of the 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.

MAY

Thank you judge. I have no changes today. Recommend approve as presented.

EADS

Perfect. Do we have a motion? Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is item 6a, approval of purchase of onyx mastic surface treatment from innovative roadway solutions in the amount of $218,184.14 through the TXShare Agreement #2024-097. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is item 6b, approval renewal of ITB #25-2853, hot mix surface course to Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC dba Sunmount Paving Company, and any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6c, approval to contract with Gomez Floor Covering, Inc. for the demo purchase and installation of new carpet flooring at the Morse Street Building in the amount of $115,320.50 through the BuyBoard Cooperative Contract #736-24. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is item 6d, approval renewal of ITB #25-2865, road striping services to Stripe-A-Zone, LLC. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Yes ma'am.

EDMONDSON

Could I just compliment? I believe this is the phone that's been doing our striping and it's really looking good. I've noticed easy to read striping in several places.

EADS

Perfect. Good. Well, we appreciate the good work that they're doing.

Any other comments? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is item 6e, approval of renewal of ITB #24-2799, key control system products, software and services to Pavion Corporation and any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6f, approval of specifications authority to advertise for ITB #25-2893, heavy equipment. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6g, approval of specifications authority to advertise for ITB #25-2894, Language & ASL Interpretation. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6h, approval of specifications authority to advertise ITB #25-2887, Porta Potty and Hand-Washing Stations. Any appropriate action? Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6i, approval of specifications authority to advertise ITB #25-2888, pipes and drapes. Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6j, approval of specifications of authority to advertise for ITB #25-2889, barricades. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6k, approval of specifications authority to advertise for CSP #25-2898, Horn Building Entry Door Remodel and an appointment evaluation committee to include Chris Matheson, facility division manager, public facilities, Alec Zavodny, construction coordinator, construction management, and Stacey Dvoracek, chief deputy tax assessor collector. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell. Second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6l, approval of the purchase of 2009 Toyota Highlander by the public health department currently funded by WIC in the amount of $1,200 increasing public health fleet by one vehicle as recommended by the vehicle assessment committee. Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 6m, approval of the acknowledgement of notification regarding the merger and vendor name change of GovOs to Neumo. I'll move for approval. I've never seen that word before. Chair will make the motion. This is second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 7a, report for miscellaneous equipment and software services represented for recording purposes only. Next is 7b, approval of Budget Amendment Request #2026-188 for the 211th district court and the 462nd district court to transfer $65,000 from the opioid fund balance to alcohol and drug testing for drug testing for the drug treatment court. The chair move for approval. Second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 8a, report from human resources regarding hiring actions of elected officials.

Good morning, Gustavo.

GUSTAVO

Judge, Commissioners, good morning. We have one new hire in the county auditor's office, one promotion in the district attorney's office, two new hires in juvenile probation, and two new hires in the sheriff's office. Both of them are in detention of zero ones.

EADS

Perfect. Thank you. Yes.

EDMONDSON

This would be an appropriate time for me to comment on the graduation yesterday for the new DOs that the sheriff has hired, and there were 14 who are coming to the Denton County Sheriff's Department. There was one to Wise County and one to Montague County. I didn't realize how regional our sheriff's department is, but we allow people from other counties to come and get the good training that he offers.

It was a wonderful ceremony. I was so pleased to be there, and good luck to all these new officers.

EADS

And we appreciate them and their public service.

EDMONDSON

Yes, we do.

EADS

Thank you. Thank you for noting that, and welcome to the family. All right, next is 8B, approval of the creation of a temporary Administrative Specialist II, pay grade 5 for the position for the sheriff's office. Motion by Commissioner Williams. Second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 8C, approval of the creation of an Epidemiologist I position, pay grade 12, and the deletion of a Health Service Specialist II, pay grade 12 in the public health department. The chair move for approval. Second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is item 10A, approval of the Hickory Creek Estates Final Plat.

This is Lots 1-10, Block A. This is 42.849 acres located in 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 10B, approval of the preliminary road acceptance of Boom Branch Ranch Phase 2 located in Commissioner Precinct 1. Motion by Commissioner Williams. Second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 10C, approval of preliminary road acceptance of Lake Geneva Estates subdivision located in Commissioner Precinct 1. Motion by Commissioner Williams. Second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 10D, approval of the notice to relocate for the for the Shady Shores Road construction for the Shady Shores Road reconstruction project located in Commissioner Precincts 2 and 3. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell the chair will second.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries.

I'm so excited about this project. It's been a long time coming. We've been working on this for a long time. A lot of people to get this one done.

Next is 14A approval of Amendment 2 to the agreement for architectural service between the owner and architect. This is preservation of restoration of CHOS, RFSQ #23-2784 between Ford, Powell and Carson Architects and Planners Incorporated amount of $10,248 which Amendment 2 is for additional Phase 2 services exterior lighting design related IT and AV and increases the total contract amount Phase 1 and 2 services from NTE $806,630 to $816,878 with reimbursable expenses NTE $35,350 with funding to come from facilities line item #01-5301-5090 (General Fund, Professional Services) as recommended by the Denton County Purchasing Director the chair move for approval. Second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? I appreciate Dale and all Scott yells good work on this as we move forward to maintain one of the most beautiful buildings in the state of Texas. Any other comments? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 14B approval of the interlocal cooperation agreement between Denton County, Texas and the city of Roanoke, Texas for the Howe Road Project from SH 114 to Marshall Creek Road at an estimated $4,500,000 with Denton County agreeing to contribute $225,000 for the satisfaction completion of the project with funding to come from the Howe Road, Precinct 4, Auditor Line Item #94-7598-90-50 in any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Edmondson and second by Commissioner Williams.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Next is 14C approval of interlocal cooperation agreement between Denton County, Texas and the city of Roanoke for the North Oak Street project from Byron Nelson Boulevard to Dorman Street at an estimated cost of $3,600,000 with Denton County agreeing to contribute $180,000 towards the satisfaction completion of the project with funding to come from the N. Oak Street, Precinct 4, Auditor Line Item #94-7599-90-50 in any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Mitchell.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

Another Roanoke project helping our friends in Roanoke. Next is 14D approval of the interlocal cooperation agreement between Denton County, Texas and the city of Roanoke, Texas for for the North Walnut Street project from Byron Nelson Boulevard to North Oak Street at an estimated cost of $3,300,000 with Denton County agreeing to contribute $1,650,000 towards satisfaction completion of the project and funding to come from N. Walnut Street, Precinct 4, Auditor Line Item 94-7432-90-50. Motion by Commissioner Edmondson, second by Commissioner Williams.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

And then I need to read. We have revised language for 14E on the order maker. This is a approval of amendment number one to the Staffing and Placement Agreement between FasPsych, LLC and Denton County, Texas to provide tele-psychiatry services for the Denton County probate courts effective April 1st, 2026 until March 13th, 2027.

This amendment adds services for a psychiatrist for 12 hours per week, 26 weeks per year at a rate of $300 per hour for a total cost of $93,000 with funding from probate court 1001 cost center 20150 spend category psychological services in any appropriate action. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, second by Commissioner Edmondson.

Any discussion? All in favor say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries unanimously.

I would like to call from our Emergency Management Department Mark Boland. I would like to reopen item 1 which is for public comments and ask Mark to give a quick public comment on the testing system which we're going to have.

I know each of the commissioners have been communicating that. Mark, I'm sorry to put you on the spot but do you mind give a little update about that so people see their alarms go off. I'd love the notifications.

I'd love for you to explain it for just a moment please sir.

BOLAND

Yes sir. So on Thursday morning TDEM, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has basically directed all jurisdictions that have mass notification systems to do an emergency alert and it's widely left to the discretion of the jurisdiction as to what system they're going to test. Whether it's a subscriber system like the Everbridge system that we use or a broadcast system like IPAWS, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.

That is the system that Denton County is going to test. We're going to do the IPAWS architecture and we are going to test two sub subsystems. One is the wireless emergency alert which is a broadcast that goes out to cell phones and phone systems basically saying this is an emergency alert.

There is no disaster. This is only a test. The other system that's going to be tested is the emergency alert system.

This is kind of like the old Cold War system that comes out over the radios and in the televisions. Again this is only a test. No reason, no cause to be alarmed.

That kind of thing. Part of this is because so many jurisdictions are going to be testing simultaneously between 10 o'clock and 1230 there might be some confusion. So we have done extensive social media.

I believe that Don has put out a press release on this. So the idea is that everybody hopefully is aware that this is going to happen. That people aren't going to be concerned by it.

Because so many jurisdictions are doing it simultaneously there is going to be bleed over between jurisdictions. So you might get multiple alerts. You get one from Denton County.

You might get one from the city of Denton. You could if you're on the eastern side of the county you could get one from Collin County as well. On Thursday morning there is a possibility of storms and rain.

And if so we are going to do.

EADS

Of course.

EADS

Perfect timing. Of course. Or worse.

BOLAND

So if there is inclement weather we are going to do just strictly an internal test that will only go out to emergency management. We're going to do it that way so as to not confuse people between real world alerts and this TDEM directed test.

EADS

Thank you Mark for that update and we appreciate TDEM initiating this exercise a statewide exercise. But I we just want to make sure that the general public knows that this is testing. It's not routine testing because it's the first of its kind as far as doing this statewide testing in this narrow window.

But we just want the public to realize that there is a testing process going on and for them to not be overly alarmed. Yes. Commissioner Edmondson.

EDMONDSON

My. Mark. Sorry.

Could you please explain to the public how they can get on their system to be alerted if there is an emergency of whatever kind.

BOLAND

Yes ma'am. So the one that we are doing this week through IPAWS it's a broadcast. So that that is going out to everybody who has got public alerts in their settings on their phone.

So this could conceivably reach all million residents of Denton County. It's think of what we're doing is is a lot like an amber alert or a silver alert along those lines. So that's all just done in the settings of your iPhone or your Android.

You know and and I think the default default position on everybody's phone is to accept these kind of alerts. So this isn't a sign up kind of thing.

EADS

But people can sign up. We do encourage people to do sign up. They can do that.

BOLAND

Yes sir.

EADS

Okay. Very good.

Any other questions for Mark? Mark thank you for giving a timely update. I was thinking we ought to do that because that's on the horizon here.

So we'll continue to promote that. Thank you sir.

BOLAND

Yes sir.

EADS

All right let's go to item 17 which is community updates. And we'll start with Commissioner Precinct 1.

WILLIAMS

Thank you Judge. I've got a couple things here. Best of luck to the Aubrey ISD girls soccer team who faces Sunnyvale tonight at 6 p.m. in the Class 4A Region 2 finals. This is the second consecutive year they have made it to the regional finals. So good luck ladies. And then Sanger ISD congratulations to Sanger ISD smoke show who qualified for state and came home with fifth place team overall.

I don't know if I'd call it the smoke show but that's what they call it. What that is is basically like brisket cooking and things of that nature. And and so congratulations.

EADS

The smoke show.

WILLIAMS

I mean I was like. I never heard of it.

EADS

Well maybe do that over to Speedway for the Speedway charities.

WILLIAMS

Early 80s like when everybody's parents smoked. So maybe that's what I've been fine then. But now I don't think it's appropriate. But we'll call it the smoke. It's actually the brisket smoking show. But nevertheless Sanger Sanger has actually a really cool culinary school.

EADS

You're not gonna get any brisket from this.

WILLIAMS

No I know I would like to. But they do a heck of a job.

EADS

Bobby will take yours. I tried.

WILLIAMS

Thank you Judge.

EADS

It's all up to you. I love it. Commissioner Mitchell.

MITCHELL

We have an April 1st Fridays in downtown Lewisville in Old Town an evening filled with music shopping and more. And also we're still having the income tax preparation at the main library in Lewisville. Free tax preparation for anyone with an income not over 67,000 per year.

No appointment is required. We also have April 4th 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. nature walk. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area.

Best wishes to the Lake Dallas ISD boys soccer team tonight at 7 30 p.m. as they play against the Decatur in the regional finals. The game will be held at the Argyle ISD Stadium. Also we have Taste Around the Village with Highland Village Rotary Club on April the 10th.

Thank you.

EADS

Commissioner Edmondson.

EDMONDSON

Thank you Judge. Well first of all we have a community shout out to Argyle High School for two different divisions. First of all their Lady Eagles soccer team advanced to the class 5a division two regional finals.

And then their theater group. I think this is very interesting. They're headed to area level for the fourth consecutive year in class 5a.

They've also have students who have received honors. The all-star technician Cody McEvitt and the best performer Eason Michaels. Congratulations to those people and to Argyle High School.

We also have Argyle doing a town of Argyle Easter egg hunt on Crawford Road in Unity Park from on the 4th from 8 to 12. I'd like to remind everybody though Easter really isn't about Easter eggs. Easter is about the resurrection of our Savior.

And while Easter eggs and their hunts are fun, that should not be our main focus. In Double Oak they have a Carter Blood Care blood drive on April 1st from 10 to 2. Please sign up online with Carter Blood Care to get a donation time.

And everyone have a wonderful blessed Easter.

EADS

Perfect. Thank you. And I would just like to remind the public that the Denton County office will be closed this Friday in observance of Good Friday.

So I just want to make sure everybody remembers that. And then we do have a couple of executive session items. And under we have item 15a Texas Government Code 551.071(1)(B) - Consultation with Attorney.

A closed meeting when a governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about a settlement offer in cause number 1:23-cv-04676 CAPP versus discover financial services which is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. And then we have two personnel items. I would just like to remind the public that when you see these department heads on our executive session agenda these are normal and routine annual conversations that we have sometimes twice a year with our department heads.

So there's nothing to be alarmed about or speculating about. So I just wanted to let people know that these are these are these are good conversations that we have about the departments in which they lead. This is item 15b Texas Government Code 551.074(a)(1) personnel matters.

Closed meeting to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, dismissal of a public officer or employee to with the budget officer. Item 15c Texas Government Code 551.074(a)(1) personnel matters. Closed meeting to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee to with the technology services chief information officer.

All right and it is 9 58 we are an executive session.

EADS

Let's go to item 15a. The chair will move to one approve and authorize to fill a claim in cause number 1:23-cv-04676 styled CAPP versus discover financial services which is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and to authorize the Denton County judge to sign the claim forms in any appropriate access motion second by Commissioner Williams

any discussion all in favor say aye any opposed motion carries unanimously.

There will be no action on 15b and no action on 15c.

I would remind the public that we are closed on Friday this week for for Good Friday and I wish everybody a happy Easter. Thank you.