On February 9, County Commissioners accepted the resignation of Mike Pippen from the South Blanco County Emergency Services District board. Martha Miller will replace Mr. Pippen for his unexpired term through December of 2010. Also approved for membership on the board were Theresa Turner and Kelly Dowdy. Each will serve a two-year term honoring their requests to be re-appointed.

Commissioners approved the extension or continuation of a bond for the waste water treatment plant for the Rockin J Subdivision. There are too few homes in the subdivision to justify the construction of a treatment plant at this time.

County Judge Bill Guthrie reported that at a recently held pre-bid meeting, 28 contractors showed interest in building the proposed new County Annex Building.

Mr. Lane, a county property owner, made an impassioned plea to the Commissioners Court to approve the cost of constructing a much-needed crossing on County Road 410 at Miller Creek. He said that the present crossing is dangerous at any time of year and under any weather conditions due to the lines of sight and the “deep hole” on one side.

Mr. Lane presented a brief history of the crossing describing land ownership, and the fact that the original road was located further downstream. The crossing was moved after the road washed out in the 1930s. He cited examples of near catastrophic incidents at the crossing involving a tour bus, a gravel truck and a concrete truck.

“What is a life worth?” asked Mr. Lane. “It is a dangerous situation night or day. There are 6.5 miles of paved road on one side and 2 miles of paved road on the other side. It is an unfinished project that should have been completed before the paving was done. It is a one-way crossing. If a vehicle has to back up to give right-of-way to another vehicle, it could roll off into the deep hole.” He said the hole is 20 feet deep at flood stage and currently there is one to two feet of water flowing in the creek which often obscures the existence of the hole.

Mr. Lane said that the best possible crossing site has been selected and he recommends a culvert-type bridge that could be built at a cost to the county of approximately $60,000. “A culvert-type bridge is economical and simple but strong—it can handle a freight train. Our family is willing to provide the back-fill for the project.”

Commissioners indicated that the building of a Middle Creek Crossing bridge would be taken up at the next budget hearing.

Commissioners approved authorizing contracts with vendors in support of a county recycling event. The event will take place on April 10 at the Johnson City Transfer Station and on April 24 in Blanco at the recycling yard. Funding is provided through CAPCOG and Texas Environmental Quality Control (TEQC) from landfill fees. Items to be recycled can include electronic equipment, latex paint and tires. This event is in addition to the annual trash-off to be held on April 10 in Blanco.

The Commissioners adjourned into executive session in order to meet with attorneys.