Because county residents have been run off narrow roads by truck traffic, County Commissioners approved “No Tractor Trailer” signs at specified locations in Precinct 1 during their regular meeting on February 10.
In other business, the court also discussed conversion to e-filing in Justice of the Peace Precincts 1 and 2, and a court order for a saltwater right-of-way pipeline in Precinct 3.
“No Tractor Trailer” signs The court held a public hearing to discuss installing more visible “No Tractor Trailer” signs on Old San Antonio Road, Old Gonzales Road, and Ed Blackwell Road.
Commissioner Ryan Varela from Precinct 1 reviewed the issue of trucks disregarding 'No Tractor Trailer' signs that were previously reported during the regular meeting on January 13.
He expressed concern for residents being run off roads too narrow for large vehicles and cited the wear caused by heavy trucks.
In one incident, they asked one driver why he ignored the sign.
“Finding out that gentleman didn’t speak English. Instead, he spoke Russian and was using a translator app on his phone to communicate,” Commissioner Varela said. He suggested implementing universal traffic symbol signs and held up an example.
The judge inquired whether ignoring the sign would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor and who would be responsible for enforcing it. Commissioner Varela affirmed that it would be a Class C misdemeanor, and the Sheriff's Department and Precinct 1 Constable would be in charge of enforcement.
After a public
Precinct 1 Commissioner Ryan Varela holds up “No Tractor Trailer” signs to be posted at US 183 & Old Gonzales Road, FM 766 & Blackwell Road, Old Gonzales Road at Railroad Crossing, US 72 & Old San Antonio Road, US 183 & Old San Antonio Road, and US 72 and Old San Antonio Bypass. These signs will take effect at noon on January 10.
(Photo by Ele Chew) hearing, the Court approved the placement of “No Tractor Trailer” signs at US 183 & Old Gonzales Road, FM 766 & Blackwell Road, Old Gonzales Road at Railroad Crossing, US 72 & Old San Antonio Road, US 183 & Old San Antonio Road, and US 72 and Old San Antonio Bypass. These signs will take effect at noon on January 10.
Justice of the peace e-filing system
Justice of the Peace for Precinct 2, Blanca McBride, discussed adopting and implementing an electronic record-keeping system offered by Legal Government Solutions (LGS) for the Justice of the Peace office. E-filing will soon be mandatory in Texas, and JP Mc-Bride recommends that both Precincts 1 and 2 start the conversion process together before it becomes obligatory.
“It takes a long time to get this done—about a year and a half—to set all the parameters,” JP McBride stated. “I’m requesting that we receive the ‘go-ahead’ to pursue e-filing through LGS.”
Precinct 1 Justice Peggy Mayer had not responded to prior email requests for discussion.
JP Mayer was located and subsequently appeared in court. She expressed her agreement.
Following JP Mayer’s confirmation and the court’s permission, JP McBride will contact LGS to begin the groundwork for the e-filing conversion.
Saltwater Pipeline
The Court discussed the details of the lease agreement for a temporary right-of-way for an above-ground saltwater pipeline, modeling the TXDOT saltwater pipeline leasing agreement. The proposed duration for the right-of-way lease is 90 days.
Judge Fowler stated the benefits.
“The benefit to us is to get those trucks off the road so that the pipeline can run down the county road and into TXdot right-of-way onto disposal. It would take 83 tanker trucks off the roads,” Judge Fowler said, advocating for the project.
County Attorney Jay Condie reviewed the agreement and considered how to address emergencies. Emergency Management Coordinator Billy Jordan, Precinct 1 Commissioner Varela, and other commissioners discussed contingency plans and past events.
In the end, the Court issued a Court Order, established a temporary lease of county right-of-way for a saltwater pipeline, authorized an application process and set of rules for operating a saltwater pipeline in a county right-of-way, adopted a lease agreement and set rates of fees with the effective date scheduled for October 1, 2024.
Other topics
The Court approved renting a 2024 Caterpillar 150 AWD Motor Grader in Precinct 2, construction of a new office/shop in Precinct 4, Affordable Care Act Reporting and Tracking Renewal Services (ARTS) Agreement presented by DeWitt County HR Director Ashley Hunt, renewal of the agreement with Ramos Expert Cleaning LLC to work 2 days a week, 10 hours each day, for $850 per week, EOG Resources for installation of a temporary water line along Rathkamp- Dreyer Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 2, and permit approval from Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP for installation of a temporary water line along Steen Road in Commissioner Precinct No. 2, authorizing the County Auditor Neomi Williams to advertise bids for inmate food service, asphalt oils, concrete, fuel and other road materials.
The Court received the court order regarding potential salary increases for official court reporters, Racial Profi ling Reports from the DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office dated January 30, 2025, and DeWitt County Constable Precinct 1 dated February 5, 2025, and Full Exemption Racial Profiling from DeWitt County Attorney dated January 8, 2025, an announcement of Judge Fowler receiving a Certifi cate of Membership County Investment Academy which involves best practices of investment of public funds, and an application for a Commodity Flow Study from EMC Billy Jordan.
The Court appointed Madeline Schroller and Vanessa Batts to the De-Witt County Child Welfare Board. Judge Fowler commended their services.
