Jail construction hits code snags

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Bids have been submitted and opened, but Caldwell County is still some time from granting a contract for the construction of the updated Caldwell County Jail complex, County Judge H.T. Wright announced on Monday.
According to Wright, City of Lockhart inspection officials have required a variety of changes to existing pla

ns, including updates in parking, fire safety and vehicle access, that have slowed plans to begin construction on the jail.
Wright said the County’s architect, Joe Santopetro, was working with the City to rectify the problems, but that change orders would be required, changing the existing bids. Santopetro therefore requested the Court hold off on awarding the contract until a later date.
During Monday’s regular meeting, the Court also heard a presentation by Flint Hills Resources, a petroleum products distribution company, which hopes to build a tank farm in rural Caldwell County, near Mustang Ridge.
The project, according to Flint Hills representatives, is still in the early phases of development, and will likely not begin construction until at least 2009.
The Commissioners heard information regarding an increase in the price charged by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy services, and discussed a lease agreement with the State of Texas for the Health and Human Services and Department of Family Protective Services offices at 1403 Blackjack.
The Court approved an agreement to provide in-kind labor and equipment as a grant match for the City of Martindale in the construction of Martindale City Park. They were also asked to help fund a billboard project promoting Lockhart on I-35 in San Marcos, but declined a financial contribution.
The County paid bills in the amount of $140,815.13, which includes $14,601 in indigent legal defense.