San Jacinto County News - Breakout

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By Emily Kubisch-Sabrsula
SJNT Correspondent

COLDSPRING- Meeting for the last time of 2021, the court finished out old business and planned projects for the new year, but not before declaring Friday December 31, 2021 as Donny Murray Day in recognition for his 38 years of service to the county in the Road and Bridge department. 

Redistricting
Clarification

To clarify statements written in last week’s commissioners court article, residents (voters) in the area affected by redistricting will receive a written notification per the Texas Elections Commission only if they have an “ACTIVE” voter status within San Jacinto County. Voters will receive a new blue colored voter registration certificate containing their new Commissioner’s Precinct (formerly Pct. 3, now Pct. 1).

Residents in the affected area can expect delays in receiving the cards, which are expected to be mailed out mid January and will replace any current cards expiring at the end of this year.

For any questions or concerns, please call the Election’s Office at 936-653-5804.

Public comment

Police Chief Tim Keen came to the court with concerns over a deadline to transfer all emails over to a new server by January 1, 2022. The department is legally required to keep emails, but archiving the files has proven to be tough on time and manpower. Faulkner offered little solution, only saying that the office had been given ample time to transfer the emails. Keen eventually countered, asking for an extension on time or for the county to contract professional service to assist in the digital migration.

The change in email servers comes after the county endured heavy amounts of spam emails in recent years and was seeking a system with more security. Currently county employees are making parties aware of the new email by emailing them the new address before the end of the year and forwarding all old emails. 

James Larimore of Holiday Villages in Point Blank wants TEXDOT to conduct a study at the US 190 Bridge over Lake Livingston in Point Blank. Claiming the speed is already too high, he wants the matter to be looked into before RV traffic increases with a new RV park being built close by with anywhere from 75-100 lots. Larimore is currently working with his HOA to write a letter of intent. When the letter can be presented to the court, Judge Faulkner said he will at that time put it on the agenda for a vote.

Announcements 

Lonnie Thomas, maintenance supervisor for San Jacinto County presented several projects to the court that he intends on accomplishing next year.

• Replacing the roof of the DPS building on FM 2025 with metal roofs

• Performance construction bud request 

• Plans to asses the clerks office basement which currently has water penetration problems 

• Plans to improve handicap access at the courthouse including adding traction to the ramp

• Insulation, water line and drainage system improvements across county buildings

• Light improvements in the jail

Following a vote of approval from the court for the organization to use the facility pending insurance clarification, the Women’s League of San Jacinto County will hold their annual Style Show for the first time in two year at the Emergency Shelter in Coldspring. Money from this event held fund scholarships given to local San Jacinto County school students. For updates on their event, follow their Facebook Page at Women’s League of San Jacinto County. 

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By Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — The city of Shepherd has begun the paperwork for the $4.2 million grant, starting the process to begin work on its infrastructure.

At the regular meeting od Dec. 13, the county approved resolutions that will set signatories, provide for adherence to Civil Rights policies and all necessary startup and policy documents.

City Secretary Debra Hagler said the red tape has been cut, and the city hopes to get started.

In May, the city received $4,200,000 for its Citywide Sewer Infiltration and Inflow Mitigation Project, which will assist with ongoing drainage issues throughout the city by replacing sewer lines, replacing or reconstructing sewer manholes and raising and hardening a lift station.

The city developed a scope of work in order to qualify for the money, which is part of the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund.

The project will encompass approximately 46,872 linear feet of sanitary sewer line replacement, trench safety, connect new main (or new manhole) to existing manhole (or existing main), main line cleanout, connect service to new main, remove existing manhole with standard manhole replacement, driveway repairs, highway and railroad bore, replace one sewer lift station, elevate and rehabilitate 18 manholes, and associated appurtenances.

In other business, the city:

•amended its manufactured home ordinance to remove a requirement for stamped engineer designs for dirt pads;

•approved the abandonment of an alleyway to allow for a property sale;

•appointed Mark Porter as Mayor Pro Tem;

•reappointed Harris Blanchette as municipal judge;

•gave the annual approval for the city’s investment policy;

•approved the city holiday schedule; and

•filled a vacancy on the EDC board with Kurt Stowers.

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Todd Dillon (left), Assistant District Attorney, stands with David Pfluger, Sheriff Greg Capers and Penny McElhaney, during a ceremony that proclaimed Dec. 21, 2021, as Deputy Bryan Pfluger Day in San Jacinto County. Courtesy photo

County Judge Fritz Faulkner issues a San Jacinto County proclamation establishing Dec. 21 as  “Deputy Bryan Charles Pfluger Day” 

Special to the News-Times

COLDSPRING — San Jacinto County law enforcement personnel came together last week to honor of their own, fallen in the line of duty.

Sheriff Greg Capers and Assistant District Attorney Todd Dillon  joined together to call attention to one of San Jacinto Counties beloved heroes, the late Deputy Bryan Pfluger, who on Dec. 21 two years ago gave his life in the service of the residence of this county. 

Capers said he recalls only too well the unfortunate events leading to the demise of this “unsung hero.” 

“It was late into the end of watch shift in 2019, just four days before Christmas, when Brian Pfluger was responding to a burglary call where it was reported that someone was being confronted, which heightened Pfluger’s concern for the safety and well-being of the occupants of the residence,” Capers said.

A second unit also was responding to the same call; there was an unfortunate accident between the two responding units. Pfluger’s vehicle struck the second unit while attempting to avoid a collision, which resulted in his vehicle rolling over ejecting Pfluger. 

The other responding deputy, who was unharmed, immediately called for an ambulance; EMTs arrived within minutes to a horrifying scene and began administering CPR while rushing to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Pfluger was unable to regain consciousness and subsequently passed away from his injuries. 

“Deputy Bryan Pfluger had only recently shared some of his anticipation for what was to become his young son Cadeyn’s second Christmas,” Capers said.

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By Tony Farkas
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POINT BLANK — A problem that arose withing the last year has spurred the Point Blank Board of Alderman on Dec. 13 to regulate short-term rentals within the city.

Beginning Jan. 1, any property used as a short-term rental, such as found through AirBNB or VRBO, will need to be licensed through the city.

Mayor Mark Wood said the ordinance was in response to complaints received over the last year regarding parties, loud noise, parking and even drug use.

“We’re trying to get complaints under control,” Wood said. “The (renters) are treating these things like resorts.”

Wood said he did not know how many vacation rentals were in the city, but the council came up with about 12, all of which must obtain licenses through the city as part of the city’s hotel occupancy rules.

“This problem appears to have grown because of COVID … up until last year this wasn’t an issue,” he said. “We want someone that’s responsible that will react quickly when there’s a problem and get it under control.”

Wood cited a recent example from the Forest Cove subdivision, saying there’s no place to park, and when there’s a party, the parking irritates the residents.

The ordinance becomes effective Jan. 1. Once licensed, violators will face fines for complaint calls.

In a separate matter, the board approved the outside audit from Carr Riggs Ingram, which showed only one item in deficiency — the inclusion of depreciation of streets, which has been fixed.