Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Efforts to bring the Coryell County Jail in compliance with state standards regarding the number of inmates housed, and also to build a new county justice building took another step forward as the Coryell County Commissioners Court recently approved moving to the next phase with construction plans.
While the state Jail Standards Commission continues to list Coryell County's jail as being noncompliant, efforts are being made to remedy the situation by expanding the jail as soon as possible. County leaders have been working with Jeff Heffelfinger of Southwest Architects to get plans approved by state officials. The county recently got a dose of good news regarding those efforts.
"We were issued a letter indicating that the proposed expansion meets minimum jail standards," Commissioner Scott Weddle said. "There will also be a major review during design and construction."
County Judge Roger Miller pointed to some uncertainties including the ability to bring the jail expansion to the edge of the property line, as well as the need for a covered area to be added in front of the justice building to accommodate potential jurors, along with a number of other items.
"We could sit here and debate for the next 30, 60, 120 or 365 days," Weddle said. "Sure, there are still a few details we need to figure out but we need to move forward. Every construction project has that concern. ... We have to deal with those things as we get into it."
Temporary buildings, which could be located at the old MHMR site (across the street from H-E-B on Lutterloh Street) would help to resolve one concern — where to move employees of the Pct. 3 and 4 justices of the peace offices. Those offices are currently at the old jail site, which has reported problems with rodents and numerous other issues. That site would be demolished as part of new construction plans.
Of the temporary options, Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Jim Caldwell said, "It would be better than what we have — no rats."
Miller said there are still some unresolved issues — including parking space requirements — that need to be determined.
"I've built a lot of things and that's just one of the steps and part of the process," said Commissioner Kyle Matthews. "They understand we're not going to snap our fingers and poof — the building is up."
Weddle addressed Miller's concerns.
"If I understand your concerns regarding the timing of the project, a parking lot doesn't take as long. A building will take several months but with a parking lot, they can probably whip that out in 60 days,” he said.
"Those are very valid questions but as the project goes along we have to address them in a timely fashion. I don't believe we can do it all today."
Miller said he does not want to derail the project, but wants to resolve issues related to construction sooner rather than later.
"I'm committed to seeing this through, but I think the better we have the process outlined the better off we'll be. It's not to hold up the project, I just want to answer those questions. I don’t think any of these questions are insurmountable, but I want to make sure the demolition projects are fully funded.
"My gut feeling is we should firm up a couple more things. I'll concede in a construction process not everything can be guaranteed. But (approval) locks us into the second phase, fees and all."
The court voted to proceed with the next phase and deal with those issues as they arise.
Regarding the ability to build up to the property line — one of the concerns voiced by Miller — Weddle pointed to actions taken by the city when former County Commissioner Daren Moore was mayor of Gatesville.
"When Daren Moore was the mayor, the city approved requirements for building in the historic area (near the courthouse and where the jail would be expanded and the justice building would be constructed," Weddle said. "All around the courthouse, buildings are sharing walls with zero lot lines. They are required to have a level 2 firewall. The jail will have a level 2 firewall. It will meet requirements and I believe we can assume the current zero lot lines would be allowed by the current rules."
Miller asked if there are any hurdles that could stop the construction plans.
"Is there anything within our control or influence that would potentially prevent the construction process? Is there anything that would be a stumbling block moving forward?"
"I don't foresee anything that cannot be overcome," Weddle said. "To me, approval from the jail standards commission was the biggest hurdle. I'm as judicious and prudent as you are but we've got to move forward. I don't see any issues that we won't be able to work out."
