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Commissioners table jail security contracts and exempt-bid request, then authorize negotiations on 1,073.9-acre Precinct 4 development
Summary
At a July 29 special meeting the court tabled several jail security contract items pending auditor review, approved an exemption from competitive bidding language to cover those items pending resolution, and authorized county counsel and the county clerk to negotiate terms on a 1,073.9-acre master-planned community in Precinct 4.
The Liberty County Commissioners Court on July 29 tabled several proposed jail security contracts and an exemption from competitive-bidding requirements, and after an executive session authorized county staff to negotiate terms of a large development agreement for property in Precinct 4.
County Attorney Matthew Poston asked the court to table agenda items that involve purchases for the county jail while he continues discussions with the county auditor to resolve outstanding issues. “I would ask that this be tabled at this time. I'm in discussions with our auditor to see if we can work through some issues with these,” Poston said. The court voted to table those items.
Items tabled included: an estimate and agreement with Cotton Commercial USA Incorporated for installation of expanded metal in the Liberty County Jail ceiling, listed at $190,045.28; a contract amendment with SyDaptik Incorporated for purchase and installation of additional locks at $136,590; and an amendment to a contract with South Africa Incorporated for purchase and installation of a key-card locking system listed in the agenda as "$140,000 $864" (as presented to the court). The court tabled each item by motion and voice vote so Poston and staff can address auditor questions.
The court also considered an agenda item to exempt from competitive bidding certain purchases pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code. That item was tabled pending the auditor discussions.
After a closed executive session convened under provisions the court cited as Texas Government Code section 551.071 and section 551.0725 (consultation with attorney; contracts being negotiated), the court returned to open session and moved to authorize negotiations with the developer on a large master-planned residential and commercial community in Precinct 4.
A motion was made to have County Attorney Matthew Poston and County Clerk Catherine Chambers negotiate with the developer and return the proposed agreement to court for later consideration; the motion indicated the court would not include the "TIRS" attachment in those initial negotiations as stated during the motion. The parcel was described in the agenda as 1,073.9 acres. The court approved the motion by voice vote.
The court did not adopt contracts for the jail items at this meeting; those items remain tabled pending further review by the county attorney and the auditor. The development item was the subject of attorney consultation and the court directed staff to negotiate terms and report back to the commissioners.
