A vote on the Chevron Phillips Chemical abatement agreement could occur as early as February 18. The Commissioners Court met Tuesday and at the conclusion of the meeting County Judge John Gothia said the wording has been reworked on the agreement to where both sides are comfortable with it. With the 30-day requirement from the state on abatement agreements being posted in advance Gothia indicated the item will be considered during the February 18 meeting of the Commissioners Court.
Economic Development Executive Director Jessica Hill will present the agreement to the Court for a possible vote at its February 18 meeting. The Commissioners Court took no action on the abatement agreement when it was presented to the Court back in December. Hill has worked with the county and Chevron Phillips Chemical to get the wording in the agreement to both parties’ satisfaction.
Tuesday the Commissioners Court approved a six month extension to a request from Chevron Phillips to allow the company to survey the property around the Orange County Airport. The permission that was approved previously by the Court for the survey has expired. Chevron Phillips requested an additional three months. Assistant County Attorney Denise Gremillion suggested six months to reduce any need for future action by the Commissioners Court.
Removal of the debris collected from Imelda at the Orange County landfill is progressing well. Emergency Management Coordinator Joel Ardoin informed the Commissioners that 10,974 cubic yards have been removed from the landfill and taken to Newton County. That represents slightly less than half of the total amount of debris that was collected following Imelda.
The Commissioners approved returning the landfill in March to the previous hours of operation and charging fees for use by citizens. The hours at the landfill were expanded following Harvey and no fees were charged to allow citizens more access to dispose of damaged items from both Harvey and Imelda.
Commissioner Johnny Trahan said the landfill will be open only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays beginning Tuesday, March 3. The hours will be 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.
There will be set fees charged for items brought to the Citizen’s Collection Station. A bag of garbage will cost $1, an extra large bag will cost $2 as will appliances, computers will cost the citizen $3 to dispose of, and a microwave will cost $6. A single axle trailer of garbage will cost $15, and a double axle trailer will be charged $20.
Some Orange County citizens are still residing in FEMA temporary housing. The Court approved Tuesday an extension for the use of those trailers until August 25, 2020.
Approval was given for the advertising to purchase four vehicles. A Ford F150, a Ford F250, and a Ford Escape were approved for the Maintenance Department. The Parks Department will be seeking to get a Ford F150. The Commissioners also approved Maintenance to seek bids for a Niftylift which is a machine to lift workers up to do repairs off the ground. These all budgeted items.
The meeting began with the Commissioners Court recognizing Regina Cameron the director of the Records Management Department. Cameron was thanked for her more than 20 years of service to the county. She is retiring on January 31.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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