LIVINGSTON — Polk County Commissioners appointed committee members to evaluate proposals for a construction manager at risk for the Judicial Center Tuesday.

County Judge John Thompson, District Attorney Lee Hon, Facility Study Group Chairman Jack Jackson and Commission Tommy Overstreet will report back to commissioners with an evaluation at the Feb. 12 meeting.

The project to be built one block south of the courthouse with the first phase consisting of new construction between the existing corner buildings.

The court also voted Tuesday to designate all county buildings as smoke-free. Some county offices went smoke free 10-12 years ago, Thompson said.

Overstreet discussed the possibility of designated additional outside areas near doorways as smoke-free areas, but consultant Jim Allison advised commissioners that existing statute does not grant counties that authority.

Overstreet said several county residents have complained that during inclement weather smokers tend to congregate in doorways and smoke enters the building.

Commissioners also approved a request from maintenance supervisor Jay Burks to approve the purchase of $3,450 in posts for road signs.

Burks said his department has not purchased materials since December 2006 and price increases put the department over budget.

Overstreet added that during Christmas holidays many county road signs were vandalized, prompting increased demand for new signage.

Longtime County Veteran Service Officer Ralph Dunn submitted a letter of resignation to commissioners.

On a recommendation from County Judge John Thompson, Assistant County Service
Officer Penny Nelson was named interim officer during the hiring process.

The court also approved moving forward with public hearings to permit upgrades to seven miles of roadway in Big Thicket Lake Estates.

The hearing is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 22 before the regularly scheduled Commissioners Court meeting.

An informational meeting will also be held at the Property Owners Association meeting March 22 to allow property owners who may have difficulty attending the hearing at the courthouse to voice their opinions.

Overstreet estimated the project to approximately $180 per lot for a total cost of $475,000 to $500,000 which will be assessed against each property owner on a per lot basis.
Unpaid assessments will result in liens against the property.