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Court hears public comment opposing Masonic symbols; courthouse construction update targets September completion, November opening
Summary
Public commenters urged the county to avoid Masonic or other fraternal emblems on the new courthouse; county construction staff reported progress on the new building, saying interior work is advancing, stonework shipments have caused scheduling delays, and the county still targets a September completion and a Nov. 8 grand opening.
During public comment at the start of the meeting several residents urged commissioners to ensure religious or fraternal symbolism not be incorporated into the new courthouse foundation or cornerstone.
A resident who said she had sent written materials to Judge Duhan and to commissioners described concerns about “secret societies” and urged that “we want our law to be fair and not have preference of 1 civic organization over another.” Miss Johnny Reese, who said she had studied Freemasonry for years, said she believes the organization includes “things done in secret” and urged the court not to “allow it” on county property. Linda Akins and Gail Brown also spoke during public comment urging the court to “seek God” in its decisions and urged honoring religious traditions. The court chair thanked speakers and noted staff would gather information; no formal action was taken during the meeting on the matter and the minutes note a request has been made to gather more information and that some parties earlier had appealed to Judge Duhan.
The court’s construction update for the new Waller County courthouse was presented later in the agenda. The project presenter (Mister Roth in the record) gave the monthly pay-application update and construction status: the project has experienced some delays in stone/GFRC production but interior work is progressing, terrazzo and other floors will begin, and permanent power and air conditioning are expected soon. The presenter said the contractor aims for building completion in September and a grand-opening event on Saturday, Nov. 8. The presenter also reviewed recent pay-application line items and photos of interior framing, balconies and the cupola and noted furniture procurement options will be presented at the next court meeting.
On ancillary items the court approved a monthly construction pay application and other related line-item payments for ongoing courthouse work. Commissioners said the county will research the public comment request regarding cornerstones and related historical practices, and no formal decision on cornerstones or foundation inscriptions was made during the meeting.
Ending: County staff said they will gather more information on requests about cornerstones and report back; construction remains on the projected schedule for a fall move-in and a planned November grand opening.
