Commissioners approve study of courthouse steps deterioration

Titus County Commissioners at their meeting Monday, from left, Al Riddle, County Judge Brian Lee, Administrative Assistant Carolyn Norman, Dana Applewhite and Jimmy Parker. The vacant seat belongs to Mike Fields, who is recuperating after suffering a stroke

By CARLY SCOTT
Correspondent

A Special Meeting of the Titus Co. Commissioners Court was held on Monday, Oct. 22.

Commissioners discussed a proposal by Glen Calvert of Priefert Complex Designs regarding the deterioration of the north entry steps to the courthouse.

Titus Co. Judge Brian Lee stated that the entry steps have experienced significant deterioration. According to Calvert, a preliminary investigation by a team of certified engineers will reveal if a repair or complete replacement is necessary.

The investigation will consist of engineers drilling and filling holes into the steps.

Documents from the preliminary investigation will be used for bidding on repair or replacement. A proposal from Priefert Complex Designs in the amount of no more than $4,750 for engineering cost was approved by commissioners.

“I hope that this can be a repairable situation,” said Judge Lee.  “Ideally we leave those steps in place. My hope is for a repair, but we don’t want to throw more money after a problem that’s not going to last.”

Judge Lee will travel to Houston to participate in a mediation pertaining to the Hwy. 271 S Bridge Lawsuit. “After many months of work the bridge is too short,” said Lee. Judge Lee stated that at least six parties are involved in the lawsuit. Mediation is scheduled for next Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Commissioners approved the court schedule for 2019. Meetings will be held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. with the exception of meetings that fall on nationally recognized holidays.

The meeting scheduled for the fourth Monday of May 2019 will be held on Friday, May 24. The meeting scheduled for the second Monday of October 2019 will be held on Friday, Oct. 11. The meeting scheduled for the second Monday of November 2019 is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8.

The next Titus Co. Commissioners Court Meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 29 at 9 a.m.