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| Master Plan For | |||
| The Restoration Of | |||
| The Dimmit County Courthouse | |||
According to the reminiscences of Judge F. Vandervoort in The Javelin (May 12, 1916), it was inconvenient to travel to Eagle Pass, 50 miles away, to conduct county business. Maverick County did not want them to break away, however, and tried to stall the formation of the county. Petitioners attended the June 1880 Maverick County Commissioners Court meeting and it was placed on the November 1880 general ballot. Petitioners included A.W. Hazelrigg (first judge) and Joseph Tumlinson (first sheriff).
Deed from Levi and Matilda English giving outright the
land for the original townsite.
(Dimmit County Deed Records: first filed in Maverick County and later
transferred to Dimmit County records)
Results of election announced:
County Judge: A.W. Hazelrigg
County Attorney: F. Vandervoort
Pct. 1: J.R. Sweeten
Pct. 2: Grey White
Pct. 3: George Cavender
Pct. 4: W.W. Cunningham (appointed)
Sheriff: Joseph Tumlinson
Justice of the Peace: J.R. Sweeten
County Treasurer: J.B. Gibson
County Surveyor: J.A. Barnes (appointed)
Assessor of County Taxes: R.G. Masoni
Hide and Animal Inspector: William May
(Javelin Special Centennial Souvenir, p. 8)
Commissioners met to raise taxes for county government.
County ad valorem tax rate set at 20 cents per $100 valuation; special tax for
courthouse and jail set at 25 cents per $100 valuation, and $1 poll tax.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
Commissioners Court meets "at their usual meeting place"
and appoints a committee to draft plans and specifications for a county jail (Vandervoort,
Carr, and Hardy). In addition, boundaries of adjoining counties of Webb and
Zavala were to be re-surveyed; sale of liquor and some medicines prohibited for
one year until a special election is held; and county salaries set for county
judge ($225 annually), county clerk and county attorney ($150) and sheriff
($100). County receives four leagues of land from the state for permanent school
fund. Caasin to receive one-fourth interest to locate the land (in Kennedy
County). [Note: It is not known where Commissioners Court met between 1880 and
1885.]
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
Commissioners Court select the plans of Alfred Giles for
the construction of a Dimmit County Courthouse to be funded by borrowing up to
$12,000 from the public school fund subject to the approval of the State of
Texas.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.133)
"Alfred Giles has returned from Carrizo Springs where he
opened bids for the Dimmit County Courthouse. The bids are as follows:
D.C. Anderson, San Antonio $24,223
Cotton & Watson, San Antonio $23,224.75
Frank Fore, Eagle Pass $17,000
Mr. Giles says that rock lime and sand are plentiful within a mile of the site
on which the courthouse is to be erected, and consequently, the building will
cost much less than it would except for this advantage."
(San Antonio Express, November 13, 1883)
Commissioners Court opens bids for courthouse which are as
follows:
Frank Fox $17,900
Cotton and Watson $23,224.75
D.C. Andrew $24,223
Bids are to be taken under consideration with no award made until November 26,
1884
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.139)
J.A.M. Thompson and 30 others petition the court to withdraw from the market
the three leagues of land of the Dimmit County School Fund to be sold to finance
the construction of a courthouse. They request the court to build a courthouse
for the sum of not less than $12,000 nor more than $15,000. Commissioners Court
withdraws the sale of land and postpones action indefinitely. No action is taken
on the courthouse cost proposal. All bids received November 19th are rejected.
They also agree to set aside the plans and specifications accepted from Alfred
Giles. Court further orders that plans and specifications furnished by J.C.
Breeding and Sons of San Antonio "on this day" be accepted and the courthouse be
constructed of stone and brick. J. Thompson appears before the court and files a
bid to erect the courthouse according to the plans and specifications of J.C.
Breeding and Sons for the amount of $11,800 for brick and $14,800 for cut stone.
Also appearing is Wycoff who files a bid for $12,650 for brick and $14,850 for
cut stone. The award is let to J. Thompson for $11,800 for a brick courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, pages. 141-142)
Commissioners Court lets a bond in the amount of $14,000
for the construction of a courthouse (annual percentage rate is illegible) and
orders the courthouse be built on the public square as deeded by Levi English on
Block #5.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.143)
Contractor issues a bond to the county for $3,500. The
Court reports it has received approval by the State of Texas to issue bonds and
levy a tax to pay the same.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.145)
Order county treasurer to establish a "special courthouse fund”.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.148)
Tax to be levied to pay for courthouse bonds is assessed
at 50 cents per $100 valuation. S. Thompson, contractor, is ordered to build the
courthouse out of rock ("stone" is struck through and the word "rock" replaces
it). $3,000 is borrowed from the Public Free School fund for finishing the
courthouse (for the extra cost of stone). The account submitted by Alfred Giles
in the amount of $676 is rejected. Court enters into a contract with J. Thompson
to build the walls with brick (the word "rock" is struck out here) and $110 less
than the amount agreed upon will be paid "which is more fully explained by his
new contract”. Thompson has until the first day of October, 1884 to complete the
courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, pages 152-154)
Court issues a draft of $287 to pay for interest on bonds.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.156)
County Judge Hazelrigg is authorized to purchase
furnishings from Harper Spencer and Company.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.157)
Court votes to build a jail according to the plans and
specifications of J.G. Breeding and Sons for the sum of $13,000 to be borrowed
from the state school fund at 6% interest. ("$13,000" is crossed out within the
record, no other sum is given.)
[Note: There may be an error in the official records. The date reads "March" but
it may actually be April instead due to page number and where it falls within
the record. This transcription was double checked.]
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.158)
J. Thompson receives contract to finish the cages of the
jail. An additional $800 is appropriated to finish the courthouse and a bond for
$10,000 is issued for the building of the courthouse at 6% interest.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.170)
Breeding and Sons allowed $300 for services rendered. J.
Thompson allowed $700 on the courthouse. J.P. Johnson, contractor for the jail
is allowed $2,500. Court votes to allow $500 for furniture for the courthouse
with an additional $177.70 for freight to Cotulla. J.M. Bell is allowed $70 for
hauling the furniture from Cotulla to Carrizo Springs.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.180)
$40 paid to Thompson for setting up furniture in the
courthouse. $200 paid to Thompson on the courthouse construction. Court will
meet on August 20th to accept the courthouse. The Knights and Ladies of Honor
and United Friends of Temperance have the permission to occupy the courtroom for
a fee of $5 per quarter.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.186)
Rescinded payment of $70 to Bell for hauling furniture and
changed it to $25.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.188)
Architects appeared in court to give their final report on the courthouse. All construction is finished according to plans and specifications except for sheeting on the mansard roof which is too far apart. The court will reserve $200 from contractor until the roof is fixed. The courthouse and jail were received and accepted. J. Thompson received $1,116 for labor on courthouse and the architects received $385.66, their balance paid in full. J.P. Johnson was paid $1,646.75 for labor on the jail.
These minutes begin with the words: "Be it remembered that on this the 28th
day of August 1884 the Honorable County Commissioners Court of Dimmit County met
for the purpose of receiving the courthouse and jail." Although these minutes do
not stipulate where the meeting took place, it is assumed this may be the first
meeting of the Commissioners Court within the newly finished courthouse. The
place of meeting is not noted in earlier or subsequent minutes either.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.190)
Report on suit filed by Alfred Giles in District Court in
San Antonio, Texas for non-payment of $679 owed to him by Dimmit County.
Commissioners Gray White and Joseph McManis appeared on behalf of Dimmit County.
They agreed to settle out of court for the sum of $400 payable to Giles.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, pages.192-193)
Final account with Thompson paid in amount of $299.06. As no money was
available, he was issued a bond payable on the first day of March, 1885 at 12%
interest. Final cost of Courthouse Construction: $15,490 (and an additional
$742.70 for furnishings).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 1, p.194)
Methodist Church uses courthouse as a site for their Sunday services. (The
Baptist Church may have used it as well.)
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 20)
Both the Methodist and Baptist churches used the courthouse as a site for
Sunday services after a cyclone damaged the Baptist Church.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 20)
Commissioners Court ordered locks for 70 windows and 4
doors at a cost of $12.50.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Commissioner appointed to examine courthouse and report
needed repairs at next regular meeting.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Gunn and Howard work on courthouse is approved and they
are paid for additional work. Court approves order paid in amount of $76.32.
Jail work approved and order paid $34.75 to S. H. Ausley.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Bid for fence around courthouse: 760 linear feet with 2
gates. A. A. Wadgamar gives a bond of $600 to county and he is to complete work
within 60 days from June 29, 1899.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Commissioners Court ordered that courthouse be used only
for holding court or for public meetings.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Ordered A.A. Wadgamar be paid balance of $263 for fence
and Commissioners Court requested 2 more gates on east and west side of
courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
W.P. Vivion plants 36 trees around courthouse.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
Sam D. Frazier to have watering trough, to be 4 feet long,
erected on the southwest corner of the courthouse fence.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
J.E. Meara proposed to drill water well in courthouse yard
300 to 1,000 feet deep at a cost of $1 per foot. County judge is to supervise
and county to furnish casing and other material.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Mass for Catholic Church first held in courthouse.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 20)
After February term of district court, sheriff lent school
trustees the courtroom settees to be returned to the courtroom at the expiration
of the present school term in as good condition as when taken.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Ordered insurance purchased on courthouse aggregating
$10,000.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Courtroom and adjoining jury room to school trustees to
open and conduct grade school until school building construction is completed
for occupancy.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
County judge and county clerk purchase for county filing cabinets for papers
of district court and probate court.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
File cases received and placed in county and district
clerk office.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Ordered that the sheriff have the benches in the
courthouse screwed fast to the floor and not let them be taken without the
permission of the court.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Water closet added to courthouse (some local sources claim
the date is 1911).
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
$10,000 insurance on courthouse renewed.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Grand jury recommends window shades for courtroom, as well
as the re-painting of the jail.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
City authorities granted permission to use the southwest
room of the 2nd story of the courthouse for an office to dispatch municipal
business until the county needs the space.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Contract to fill and grade courthouse yard and sidewalks to specifications
for 29 cents per yard given to William Bartling. Shade tree bid granted at
courthouse for 78 non-bearing Mulberry, 10 feet, at $74 and 13 Washington Palms,
2 to 3 feet, at $26. Guaranteed to grow by J.R. Cuff. Sidewalk bid approved and
accepted soon as ground is ready.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Sidewalk contract given to William Bartling for bid of
$1,148.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
County sold remnant piping, rods, etc. of old courthouse
and jail windmill. Judge ordered to deposit said $14 in courthouse and jail fund
with treasurer.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
"City Dads have decided to erect a public watering trough
on the east side of the courthouse square for the accommodation of people
driving into town, and they are now working on plans for the improvement."
(The Javelin, March 8, 1913)
Fermin Cantu bid $110 to remodel and re-construct county
clerk vault per bid and specifications on file was accepted.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Rouse, Armstrong & Mitchell authorized to go to San
Antonio to purchase new material for constructing an addition to the vault in
the county clerk’s office. L.P. Williams authorized to look after the
construction of the iron fence around the jail.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Minutes)
Commissioners Court ordered old wooden fence around jail
torn down and a new ten foot iron fence erected (toilets also moved off).
(The Javelin, June 7, 1913)
Southern Structural Steel Co. bid for erecting a new
courthouse vault accepted and warrants issued for $478 and $500 approved. Judge
and county clerk authorized to purchase book racks and metal court files for
county clerk’s vault.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
F.J. Webb contracted for 10 cords of wood at $3 per cord
approved by sheriff (for wood heaters in courthouse).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
City cut down 2 large mesquite trees in street around
courthouse which had been used as hitching posts. Necessary for grading and
improvements of street
(The Javelin, Nov. 28, 1913)
Peter Bell plants trees around courthouse (by 1959 are
beginning to decline and die).
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
P.T. Bell ordered to plant trees around courthouse,
hackberry in 4 inch diameter, and approved use of east courthouse lawn for the
playing of lawn tennis.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Authorized Tom D. Barnes to issue insurance policy on
courthouse for $10,000 for five years at state rate of $1.09 for $327 (Hartford
Fire Insurance Co.)
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
County court adjourned in remembrance of Mrs. Woodrow
Wilson, wife of the president, and another of our esteemed citizens who died on
July 25 1914, Col. W.A.H. Miller (member of the bar) until 3 PM the same day.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Commissioners Court cut real estate valuations 20% across
the county (for past 3 years, valuations in Dimmit Co. higher than surrounding
counties). Unimproved land re-valued at $2.50 - $4 per $100 valuation.
(Javelin Special Centennial Souvenir, p. 8)
Installing electric lights and wire in courthouse for $20.
Place 11 lights in courthouse as follows: 1 in tax office; 1 in assistant’s
office, 1 in county clerk’s office, 1 in county judge’s office, 1 at foot of
stairs in hall below, 1 in hall at top of stairs, and 5 in courtroom. Each light
to have a 40 watt bulb and furnish all night current for a sum of $2 per month.
Proposition accepted by court and shall remain in force.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Okay county clerk to order record book rack (roller type)
for $76 from George D. Bernard Co.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Install septic tank at courthouse for $253.70 with the
county to furnish all labor for installation and pay $5 per day for expert to
supervise erection of said tank. M.H. Lancaster received contract to install 3
water closets, urinals, etc. full and complete in every respect fully guaranteed
for $35. County to furnish materials, plumbing in accordance with plans and
specifications submitted to court.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
New septic tank installed at courthouse
(The Javelin, January 12, 1917)
Commissioners Court authorizes erection of small jail at
Big Wells.
(The Javelin, January 12, 1917)
Permission granted the officer of the court to have
telephones placed in: judge, county clerk and sheriff, provided contract at same
rates as heretofore done when phones installed paid for by county.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Call for attention to the need for remodeling the
courthouse. Leading citizens appeared before the Commissioners Court with the
request that the court consider repair, additions and remodeling of the present
courthouse of Dimmit County. The Court declares the courthouse is in urgent need
of remodeling and that the courthouse is in unsanitary condition and unfit for
adequate protection of the records of the court (page 233-234, Book 4).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 4, pages 233-234 - see page 231
and 232 of Book 4 regarding resolution in 5 sections)
Bids to remodel the courthouse opened and awarded to San
Antonio Construction Co. for $65,961 with steam heating as per plans and
specifications for an additional $4,100. 5% architects fees included in the
above bid. Require 175 working days. Bid accepted for $70,061 paid by courthouse
warrants in annual 6% (R.M. Gordon DBA San Antonio Construction Co. and Henry T.
Phelps, architect).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 4, pages 239-247)
Supplemented contract between P.M. Gordon, contractor, and
county of Dimmit. Alterations to original plans and specifications price shall
increase by $10,000 to $80,061 said warrant maturing at 6% on Feb. 1st, 1940 and
1947 payable at Frost National Bank at San Antonio or Hanover National Bank at
New York. Tax rate set at 10 cents per $100 valuation to create a fund to pay
for the above.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Warrants #18-26 inclusive at $500 each for an estimate of
3-4500 to H.T. Phelps for 85% of contract work complete on courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 4, page 254))
Estimate #4 for 4710.60 issue warrants #27-35 inclusive
that the county of Dimmit has received full value and consideration for paid
warrants #27-35 inclusive.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book 4, page 256)
"Two bottles of bootleg captured by the sheriff (some time
ago) were used to dampen the interior of the new courthouse and a copy of the
following was interred with the remains of Old John September 29, 1926 W.H.
Davis, County Judge Precinct 1: J.H. Broadhurst Precinct 2: J.M. Stone Precinct
3: J.A. McDonald Precinct 4: W.A. Shumate Acted as pallbearers. The above
signers hereby give you the authority to resurrect the dead soldier in any
manner you see fit. Guaranteed to be 100% pure. Herein lies Old John Barleycorn
captured by R.T. Hall, sheriff, and laid to rest this 29th Day of September
1926." (Javelin, Sept. 28, 1926) February 21, 1927 Estimate final on remodeling
of courthouse: $15,455.60.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Second supplemental agreement covering changes and
additions to said courthouse plans, increasing construction price $12,500 making
a total of $92,561 to be paid the San Antonio Construction Co. Final estimate of
architect H.T. Phelps of $1,955.60 for full percent of work done and material
placed in position and balance extra on contract for courthouse building at
Carrizo Springs.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
New gas lines opened in Carrizo Springs, including the
courthouse (previously used oil burners)
(Javelin, Nov. 30, 1929)
15,000 attended the Strawberry Festival. Governor Moody
was speaker at the courthouse.
(Javelin. May 1, 1930)
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture received 1,000 date palms from
Mesopotamia and gave 400 to Government Experiment Station in Dimmit County (one
of only 4 places in world where fruit matures)
(Javelin, Oct. 16, 1930)
County’s 50th Anniversary observed only a small meeting at
Woman’s Club (Mel McCaleb, first county surveyor, spoke). November 1930 Gas will
be available to city when lines extended
(Javelin, Oct. 16, 1930)
New three-story jail constructed on same site as first
jail. Constructed of concrete in Art Moderne style.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
Authorize judge to secure bids on cost to repair
courthouse and stop water from leaking into the courthouse basement.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Jake Bell agreed to paint upstairs outside including tin
gutters for $110 with county furnishing the paint.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Jake Bell completed contract of painting courthouse with
balance due of $20. Extra painting of two coats in tax office reasonable value
of $8.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Bid of Roy (Ray) Norwood for $200 on water cooler for
courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Necessity of having rock cornice on courthouse repaired.
The International Commission Company of Houston Texas is doing work in Zavala
County. Water proof and re-paint rock cornice of courthouse for an estimate of
$300.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
A.J. Knaggs, sheriff, authorized to supervise minor
repairs and painting of interior of courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Red Bailey, radio man, would broadcast the Grand Ol’ Opry
over speakers on the courthouse lawn on Saturday nights and people would dance
on the lawn (too difficult to get radio transmission on regular radios until
after World War II).
(Reminiscences of Nelda Powell, personal interview, January 6, 2000)
Sheriff A.J. Knaggs authorized to look into matter of new
boiler for courthouse basement.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Boiler for courthouse: Jack Ayers Co. bid approved for
$1,755.50 to be installed and ready to operate in 6 weeks from 10-10-1949.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Letter from Jack L. Logan stating to do necessary repairs
and painting all outside windows and furnish labor and materials for $360.
Approved and carried.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Judge Meyers to proceed with urgently needed repairs to
courthouse and have repairs made.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Courthouse repairs and painting of the inside walls,
ceiling and windows was discussed. Bob Dickens bid of $275 for painting
accepted. Judge and Sheriff to take care of details of repair and expenses.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Court approved evaporative cooler for Judge Meyers office
at $150. Judge authorized to proceed with improvements to county clerk’s
basement for working space for new abstract company and charge same to permanent
improvement fund.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Courthouse closed on Saturday during June, July and
August. A public notice is to be placed in local paper.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Terms of county court set at the first Monday in January,
April, July and October effective immediately. Lights around courthouse contract
with CP&L Co. (Central Power and Light Co.). Five # 6000 light poles with
mounted lights located on courthouse square. Judge authorized to sign contract.
Motion to continue Saturday courthouse closing passed until revoked by
commissioners court.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Judge Jay Myers plants cenizo hedge on southwest corner.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
Home Demonstration clubs of the county plant
bougainvillaea and bottle brush bushes.
(Crystal Williams, History of Dimmit County, p. 19)
Courthouse air conditioning bids opened. Clerk authorized
to purchase air conditioning not to exceed $400 for ac and fan.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Need for painting woodwork outside courthouse. Court
authorized Judge to proceed with repairs and painting of outside trim of
courthouse on daily basis.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Ayers Electrical Co. awarded contract for 1 GE air
conditioning unit for county clerk’s office (remote unit) and 1 self-contained
GE unit for tax-assessors collector’s office. Bid of $2,100.01 accepted. Also
authorize Ayers certain electrical wiring installation for ac units at a cost of
$400.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Roof repairs authorized. Bid of $1,710 by Sam Sadler
accepted.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Order #9 for courthouse improvements including new doors
and terrazzo floors authorized. New glass doors and terrazzo flooring to be
placed in hallways. Motion carried unanimously.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Terrazzo floors and glass doors completed at a cost of
$2,165.36. Invoice approved.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Terrazzo floors for downstairs offices: bid of $2,894
approved. Work for floors along stairway to landing and Judge’s office approved.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Terrazzo flooring of downstairs offices to begin June
26th. All offices will move upstairs while this work is in progress. County
clerk to occupy the south half of the district Court Room. County Judge and
Library will occupy the north half with books located on seats. Tax office and
sheriff’s office will occupy the jury room.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Terrazzo flooring invoice approved for payment: Venice Art
and Terrazzo Co. Inc. $4,039.60 and Dimmit Supply Company $2,894.70.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Remove Coke machine from courthouse as it takes money and
delivers no drink. Repair benches at the northwest corner of the courthouse
square.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
San-Blan Co. presented bid of $6,275 for sandblasting and
waterproofing of exterior of courthouse. Bid accepted and approved. Dimmit
Supply presented a bid of $5,933 for lowering the ceiling in the upstairs of
courthouse. Bid accepted and approved. [Note: There is no visible evidence that
the courthouse has ever been sandblasted. As the county was in communication
with the Texas Historical Commission regarding a National Register nomination at
this time, they may have been discouraged from executing this work by a THC
architect. There is little correspondence in the files from this period at the
Texas Historical Commission and any instructions may have been verbal.]
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
State Board of Review passes the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Dimmit County Courthouse. (Nomination returned by National Park Service) August 28, 1970 Letter from County Clerk Gay Hines to Roy Graham of THC stating that no old photographs were available, the old courthouse was said to have burned and a new building was constructed [wrong] in 1926 by Henry Phillips [wrong] by San Antonio Construction Co. (THC correspondence files)
Approved to raise sidewalk on Pena Street on the
Courthouse Square. Judge Speer informs Commissioners Court about a big leak in
the courthouse roof liable to damage rug on the courtroom floor. Will make a
decision at a later date as to what do.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Judge Speer discussed with commissioners the poor
condition of the courthouse. The court agreed with him and authorized him to
contact a consultant to find out what could be done regarding the matter.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Authorized Judge Speer to advertise for courthouse roof
repairs.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Approved bid of Dimmit Supply Co. for repair of courthouse
roof in amount of $12,787.50 to be paid out of Revenue-Sharing Fund (complete
material and labor).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
County Judge Rodrigo Guerra requests the Texas Historical
Commission to list the courthouse at the earliest possible date.
(THC correspondence file)
County Judge Rodrigo Guerra reiterates his request for
listing the courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places.
(THC correspondence file)
Dimmit County Courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Preliminary Report by Flores Associates. (According to information on the THC Atlas under "historic courthouse files”, this firm was to have completed a master plan, but failed to do so.)
Approved VFW to install plaque in courthouse honoring Juan
Cervantiz, killed in action in Viet Nam.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Nomination of the Dimmit County Courthouse to State
Archeological Landmark status under the Antiquities Code of Texas received from
J. Barto Arnold (certified mail #P695764947).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Nomination for SAL accepted by Texas Historical
Commission. Formal designation set for next regular meeting on March 20, 1992.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Request to consider handrail for handicapped in and around
the courthouse. No motion made.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
County to maintain a generator for 911. Court designates
Dimmit County Sheriff’s Department as the Public Safety Answering Point.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Justice of the peace Walley Patlan requests authorization
to install a plaque in memory of the late sheriff, Ben Murry. The plaque is to
be furnished by all of the Justices of the Peace and their secretaries. Court
passed and authorized the plaque as presented with a dedication to be held at
the courthouse on January 6, 1993.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Bronze bust of former Sheriff Ben Murray (October 18, 1922
– January 6, 1991) placed in foyer of courthouse. Bust designed by Steve L.
Smith and mounted on polished granite pedestal. A cast aluminum plaque on north
wall of foyer states: "In memory of our late Sheriff Ben "Doc" Murray for his
outstanding dedication to law enforcement for all citizens of Dimmit County. In
appreciation of all Justice Courts of Dimmit County." It then lists all of the
Justices of the Peace in Dimmit County who contributed to the bust.
(Personal observation)
Request for drinking water fountain for the second floor
of the courthouse. No motion presented.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Contract approved for Jim Cole Bugmoviles for termite
control of courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Sharon Fleming meets with Commissioners Court regarding
the needed repairs to the county courthouse building. The Dimmit County
Historical Commission is to be reactivated and is in process of working with the
architect.
(THC correspondence files)
Approved John Petry to install a memorial plaque for H.C.
Petry Jr. in the District Court Room.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Approved motion to apply for grant funds of $276,602 to
carry out handicap accessibility improvements for the Courthouse. County Judge
will act as chief executive officer.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Richard Sanchez, Architects of San Antonio presented plans
which were approved as proposed to upgrade the courthouse for the handicapped
and elderly including elevators and 2nd floor stairway.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Carlos Florez, San Antonio architect, addresses the court
with a request to consider why he was not called upon to prepare the plans for
upgrading of the courthouse for handicapped access as he was present at the
commissioners court meeting of August 23. He forewarned the court about his
current contract with the county. Flores expressed his desire to do the job and
had a valid contract with the county. He expressed his dismay and assured the
court he would have to visit his attorney over the matter.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Motion presented by Commissioner Speer and seconded by
Commissioner Alvarado to award the contractual agreement for administrative
management service for DC 1993 TCDP grant (for courthouse handicap access
improvements) to Middle Rio Grande Development council as presented. Motion
carried. Approved for County Clerk to cover the south side windows in his office
for cooling and heating purposes.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
$276,602 grant from Texas Dept.. of Housing & Community Affairs to comply with ADA; elevator installed, restrooms, access ramps (architect: Richard Sanchez, architect of San Antonio).
Application made to Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs for courthouse compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act. County received grant in the amount of $276,602 to install an elevator,
upgrade restroom facilities, drinking fountain, access ramps, and door handles.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
At approximately 6:00 pm, several sections of the concrete cornice and cornice molding fell from the east elevation of the courthouse.
Emergency session to discuss and take appropriate action
regarding the condition of the courthouse building. Repairs and renovation
necessary to preserve public property. On March 21 at 6:00 pm, 2.5 to 3 feet of
stone cornice fell from the courthouse building on the east side over the
jurors' room upstairs. Motion made and seconded to contact a structural engineer
for an on-site visit to determine the safety of the courthouse.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Site visit by THC architect Sharon Fleming. Also present
at site are: County Judge Johnson, Commissioner Alvarado, Dick Chetter
(structural engineer), John Graves (architect), and John Graves Jr. (architect).
(THC correspondence files – both dates appear in files as date of inspection
trip)
THC architect Sharon Fleming issues a preliminary report
on the courthouse. She recommended that the cause of failure be investigated and
an appropriate repair method determined. In addition, she noted problems in the
roof, rotting of wood windows, need for repointing of deteriorated mortar,
repair of interior plaster in the courtroom, determination of cause of water in
the basement, and the need to protect any work done for the accessibility
project during the course of repair of the cornice.
(THC correspondence files)
Review report from structural engineer submitted by
Richard Chetter, PE, of the consulting firm of Reynolds, Schlattner, Chetter &
Rolf, Inc. They report that "the building is structurally sound." Commissioner
of Precinct 3 was appointed to have scaffolding under the courthouse cornice on
the north entrance. The court designated Commissioner Salgado (Pct. 2) to have
the remaining loose cornice on the courthouse removed and to store all pieces
inside the Precinct 2 county yard.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Review architectural report from John S. Graves &
Associates on the condition of courthouse and recommendations for repairs.
Discuss and take appropriate action. Court accepts the report submitted
regarding the condition of the courthouse and activates the present members of
the County Historical Commission to meet and discuss for their input on this
matter.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Approved move of handicap parking from the north to the
west side of the courthouse. Three spaces on Fifth Street. Instruct Sheriff to
issue parking tickets for violation of parking without handicapped permits.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Approve to accept proposal of H. Coyle Buhler, PE, to act
as consultant to assist Dimmit County in preparing an application to TXDOT for
State Enhancement Grant for courthouse improvements for $3,000 as presented.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
John S. Graves & Associates Inc. submits cost estimates
and drawings for approval by THC architect Sharon Fleming for the repair of the
courthouse cornice, masonry cleaning, repointing, repair and replacement of
windows, and sidewalk replacement.
(THC correspondence files)
Letter from County Judge Charles Johnson to Curtis Tunnell,
executive director of THC, asking for help, advice and possible funding
assistance for the preservation of the courthouse. Judge Johnson explains that
in removing the loosened cornice on advice of THC architect Sharon Fleming, a
"domino" effect resulted as additional molding sheared away from the building.
On the engineer’s recommendation, work on this halted and the south entrance was
closed and scaffolding was erected on the north entrance to protect the public.
Estimates for exterior repairs were $245,200.
(THC correspondence files)
County submits proposed plans for ADA modifications to THC
for review.
(THC correspondence files)
In a letter from Sharon Fleming, THC architect, to Carlos
Lara of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council, the funding agency for the
project, she rejects the proposed work and determines an adverse affect upon the
building. She does not, however, adequately clarify in what way the proposed
work will affect the building.
(THC correspondence files)
Meeting between architects of Jimenez & Strahan and THC
architect Sharon Fleming.
(Referenced in letter of February 23, 1996)
Acceptance of $5,000 grant from Strake Foundation donation
to be utilized for repairs to the courthouse. Accepted and placed in the special
account for courthouse repairs. Jimenez & Strahan, Architects, presented an
update of construction plans for courthouse compliance for elderly and
handicapped accessibility. Starting date for construction is March 13, 1996.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Letter from Teresa O’Connell of THC to County Judge
Johnson inviting Dimmit County’s participation in the Texas Courthouse Alliance.
(Indicated in Feb. 13, 1996 letter)
Howard Willmon, air conditioning and heating, addressed
members of the court and explained the heating problem in the courthouse. The
safety mechanism on the first floor unit is completely out and he cannot locate
the company that sold this type of unit to the county. Pigeon feathers cause the
compressor to burn out. He is only able to correct the problem temporarily and
he prefers the court contact someone else more familiar with the makeup of the
system.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Letter from County Judge Johnson to Teresa O’Connell
indicating the county’s willingness to participate in the Texas Courthouse
Alliance.
(THC correspondence files)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to Jose Jimenez
(of Jimenez and Strahan, architects) concerning ADA modifications to Dimmit
County Courthouse. She states that the review of the project is "on hold"
because they have not received information regarding the stair redesign nor the
specifications for the new terrazzo flooring.
(THC correspondence files)
Temporary location of offices affected by ADA. County
auditor and treasurer to consider options to relocated offices during ADA
construction.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to Jose Jimenez
(Jimenez & Strahan, architects) regarding her review of proposed ADA
modifications. Her comments include: need for opening from main corridor to
secondary corridor to be reduced in size; need for removal of modern acoustical
tile ceiling in main corridors; and she wants an assurance that the non-historic
aluminum entry doors will be replaced under the proposal to TXDOT.
(THC correspondence files)
Approved to adopt a resolution (No. 96-03-01) in support
of an application for funding, sponsorship and nomination of the Dimmit County
Courthouse Preservation Project under the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act of 1991 through TXDOT as presented. Motion carried. Designate
parking places on the Fourth Street side of the courthouse as a staging area for
Barrett Construction Co. during the ADA construction project. Judge is to
purchase liability insurance policy for the courthouse and grounds per the ADA
construction project.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the general
maintenance of the courthouse exterior and interior in connection with work
being done by Barrett Construction. List items needing attention.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Approve and accept proposal of H. Coyle Buchler as
consultant to assist the county in preparing an application to TXDOT’’s ISTEA
program for courthouse improvements and sets a fee. The consultant is now doing
two proposals and wants to increase the fee to $5,000 (up from $3,000). Increase
in fee is approved. Courthouse improvements and courthouse annex and museum
improvements in building [at the corner of 5th Street and Pena Street].
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
County received a $15,000 grant from THC Preservation
Trust Fund "to develop plans and strategies for the renovation of the exterior
of the courthouse." Work included a new roof and replacement of air
conditioning, asbestos abatement, electrical upgrade, restoration of cornice
(which fell during asbestos removal over side door).
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
THC receives the "planning grant project proposal" for
Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant Project 97-002-C-0.
(Referenced in letter dated March 3, 1997)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to County Judge
Johnson regarding the county’s Preservation Trust Fund grant. THC is unable to
issue a project approval at this time as THC has not received an unsigned copy
of the contract for services. She requests the county issues this contract as
soon as possible.
(THC correspondence files)
Tax notes in the amount of $150,000 to repair roof and air
conditioning for county courthouse approved (p. 197). Acknowledged attorney
general opinion that Commissioners Court is authorized to move the county
attorney’s office from the courthouse to a private office and provide the same
with a computer and employee, both provided and paid by county.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes: vol. 26, p. 191, 197)
THC receives information from Jimenez & Strahan regarding
the forthcoming work on the Dimmit County Courthouse.
(referenced in letter of September 2, 1997)
Drawings and specs by Jimenez & Strahan of San Antonio
architects for installation of lightweight concrete roof deck, new roofing, and
HVAC equipment and associated electrical work.
(Drawings and specs on file at THC)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to David Strahan
(Jimenez & Strahan, architects) regarding her comments on their submittal of
proposed work. She suggests only that the counterflashing be fastened to the
parapet wall at mortar joints in lieu of masonry and to confirm that new CU and
RTUs are no taller than existing units.
(THC correspondence files)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to County Judge
Johnson approving an extension of the county’s Preservation Trust Fund grant to
November 30, 1997.
(THC correspondence files)
Opening of bids on air conditioning and roof repairs.
Three bids received: Stuart Co., Laredo $189,113 Langley Roofing, San Antonio
$178,700 Medina Valley Roof and Sheet Metal, Hondo $135,049 Agreed to
acknowledge receipt and refer bids to architects for review (Jimenez-Strahan).
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Architect recommends awarding of bid to Medina Valley of
Hondo as presented. (Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes) November 30,
1997 New deadline for completing work for Preservation Trust Fund grant.
(Referenced in letter dated September 9, 1997)
Commissioners Court entered into a contract for replacing
the roof and the central air conditioning units with Medina Valley Sheet & Metal
for $130,594.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Texas Administrative Code and Environmental Protection
Agency rules required an environmental assessment of the building before work
could proceed. A study found asbestos in the mastic (tar) on the parapet wall
which had to be removed.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Asbestos abatement on courthouse completed by STC
Environmental Services Inc. of San Antonio.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Original contract with Medina Valley Sheet & Metal amended as the electrical wiring in the courthouse was not up to code and could not support the electrical load required for the new heating and cooling units. Power lines were routed to the building underground and the east basement converted to an electricalmechanical room. The new plans required the installation of panel boxes in the basement and a new three phase transformer behind the building. A large number of county records previously stored in the basement had to be moved to permanent storage. JTPA summer worker Evelyn Martinez inventoried the records.
As workers began removing the old roof materials, the
previously damaged parapet wall fell down completely and opened gaping holes in
the ceiling above the County Auditor’s Office. Reconstruction of the parapet
wall was necessary before installation of the new roof could be completed.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Status report on courthouse roof project. Contractor requests payment of $47,516.74.
Court agrees to table the plan to convert the basement
area of the courthouse into a mechanical room to house switches and cables, and
to construct suitable storage at the Agricultural Building for courthouse
records and files.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Contract with Medina Valley Sheet & Metal amended for
third time to provide for the molding of the cornice and dentil, cutting of the
limestone rock and reconstruction of the parapet wall.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Approved courthouse repair change order #3 to rebuild
parapet wall and repair of drainage before the roof is repaired. Amount of
change is $51,047. Change order #3 approved.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to County Judge
Johnson regarding her comments on proposed work for the Preservation Trust Fund
grant and clarification that the emergency cornice repair work is under way. She
includes minor comments on proposed work under the grant project.
(THC correspondence files)
"Status Report on Dimmit County Courthouse Renovation" by
County Judge Charles Johnson appeared in local newspaper.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to David Strahan
(Jimenez & Strahan). This letter was not found in THC files.
(Referenced in letter of August 12, 1998)
Letter from THC architect Sharon Fleming to County Judge
Johnson regarding Preservation Trust Fund grant. She reports to the judge that
after speaking with David Strahan, he clarified issues related to proposed plans
including: inclusion of double doors with sidelights as documented in historic
photos; that it would not be necessary to remove the non-historic ceiling at
this time; drawings will be revised to reflect the new coping detail; and that
the entire building does not require repointing.
(THC correspondence files)
Scheduled completion date for new roof and HVAC system.
(Newspaper article by County Judge Charles Johnson, "Status Report on Dimmit
County Courthouse Renovation," July 9, 1998)
Approve and accept as complete the courthouse roof and
HVAC. Approve payment. Jimenez advised he would prepare a letter to Dimmit
County recommending payment to Medina Valley Sheet Metal and that the
Commissioners Court approve and accept as complete the courthouse roof and HVAC
repairs.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Approved courthouse lawn beautification on behalf of the
Dimmit County Historical Commission.
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
“Report on Status of Dimmit County Courthouse for Master
Plan Developmen” submitted to the Commissioners Court by the Dimmit County
Historical Commission. November 6, 1999 Contract with Franks Architects, Inc. of
Laredo to prepare a Master Plan for the Dimmit County Courthouse
(Dimmit County Commissioners Court Minutes)
Date of Conservation Covenant placed on Dimmit County
Courthouse. End date of covenant: January 1, 2010.
(Dimmit County Deed Records, Book 1, Pages 13-15)
Court received a report from the Citizens Real Estate Committee on two potential sites for use as temporary offices if necessary during the restoration of the county courthouse building. Both the John Willems Building and the Don Jackson Building are available. No action was taken.
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