Updated 11:45 a.m. Nov. 8
This story has been updated to include clarifications on some of the agenda items that were passed at the meeting Nov. 7.
Original post 6:51 p.m. Nov. 7
Amid the $218 million mobility bond election that will end Tuesday night, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved several major agenda items during the regularly scheduled commissioners court meeting Nov. 7 at the historic courthouse in downtown Richmond.
Approval of delegates to the Houston-Galveston Area Council 2018 General Assembly and Board of Directors
Commissioners approved several designations to the Houston-Galveston Area Council 2018 General Assembly and Board, which will continue through Jan. 1, 2018. The approvals were all reappointments to the same positions commissioners held from previous years, according to Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert. Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Myers was designated representative to the General Assembly and delegate to the Board of Directors; Judge Hebert was appointed representative to the General Assembly and alternate to the Board of Directors; and Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage and Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales were both designated alternate delegates to the General Assembly.
Meals on Wheels grant approved
Commissioners went on to approve a resolution to the Texas Department of Agriculture confirming a county grant to the Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels program that will run Jan. 1 through Dec. 21, 2018. The program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant Program and other fiscal year 2017 and 2018 funds.
Justice Center Expansion construction costs approved
Commissioners approved a payment of $1.1 million to Brookstone L.P. for construction costs regarding the expansion of the Justice Center. The expansion calls for a three-story office space and will provide an additional 98,692-square-feet that will be used for the district clerk, district attorney and county clerk. Judge Hebert said he expects the expansion to be complete by early next year.
Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance Task Force grant funding secured
Commissioners approved an interlocal agreement between Fort Bend County and the city of Houston to receive $36,800 in grant funding for the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance Task Force. The program runs through Sept. 30, 2019.
Hurricane Harvey actions
Commissioners approved several agenda items regarding Hurricane Harvey, including ratifying an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to continue the use of the Fort Bend County Sienna Annex as a Disaster Recovery Center through Dec. 31, 2017. During the Fort Bend County Drainage District Board of Directors meeting, commissioners also approved a funding request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation Service to pay for damages to drainage facilities in unincorporated parts of the county sustained during Hurricane Harvey.