By Ken Esten Cooke
Standard-Radio Post publisher
The existing terminal building at the Gillespie County Airport could increase by 40% if federal funds can be procured to assist with funding the project, commissioners learned Monday during a regular meeting.
Commissioners OK’d plans developed by SKT Architects for the purpose of pursuing federal grant funding. Those plans showed an additional 800 square feet on either side of the current building, which has just under 2,100 square feet.
The additional 1,600 square feet of space would house a larger conference room — including a kitchenette area — and pilot’s lounge, along with more space for the airport manager’s office and larger restroom facilities. An additional space could also house additional offices and/or display space for airport historical displays.
Enlarged porch areas on the runway side would allow for more viewing space as planes approach and depart.
Architect Brandon Weinheimer from SKT said the new parts would have a stucco exterior finish and allow room for even more extension should the growth warrant it.
The plans received positive reviews from the Airport Advisory Board members.
If funding is approved, the project would come back to the commissioners’ court for approval to pursue it.
Burn ban
At the advice of County Fire Marshal Steve Olfers, the county passed on reinstating a burn ban for the county as recent rains have given some drought relief.
County facilities suffered five broken windows during Monday’s hailstorm but were spared major damage, according to Jeff McHalek, facilities supervisor.
Sheriff expenses
Sheriff Chris Ayala also received approval to move budget line items to fund $16,495 in bulletproof vests for 10 officers who are using outdated vests or foregoing a vest currently.
Ayala also received the go-ahead to move an additional $3,408 in budget expenses to help make up a shortfall in inmate medical expenses.
When Ayala took office in January, his department had to deal with an inmate medical case that used up the majority of the $80,000 budgeted for annual inmate medical expenses. He has been moving budget funds around to help make up the shortfall since that time.
“Hopefully this gets us caught up,” Ayala said.
Public Health
Stacy Cabanas, representative from the Region 8 Community Health Improvement Division of the Department of State Health Services provided information on Gillespie County during the 2024 year.
The summary showed a snapshot of communicable diseases, including:
• 73 foodborne illnesses;
• 45 new sexually transmitted disease cases;
• 14 residents exposed to tuberculosis;
• 2 exposures to vaccinepreventable diseases;
• 3 rabies positive animals.
Judge Daniel Jones said he was impressed with the thoroughness of information after Gillespie County was informed it had a measles exposure.
“I got a mysterious phone call from DSHS when Gillespie County had a measles exposure,” Jones said. “I could tell how much work had been done on tracking this person before I was contacted. It was interesting to see how that worked and how seriously this was taken.”
The Region 8 office is based in Kerrville.
Commissioners also:
• OK’d a change order to the Pfiester Bridge project which saves $30,000.
• Accepted a revised list of items from Friends of the Library with minor changes.
• OK’d Margaret Reyna to be hired in the district clerk’s office.
• OK’d removal of five trees on the City of Fredericksburg’s golf course which encroach into protected airspace for the airport at a cost of $15,660 by Superior Tree Service.
• OK’d a tire purchase for a Precinct 4 loader for Krauskopf Tire, including mounts, for $6,844.
• OK’d final plat variances at Boot Ranch subdivision.
• Approved a donation of $23,489 by the Gillespie County 100 Club to outfit three patrol units with canine cages.
• OK’d a grant application for the 2025 COPS Hiring Program from the U.S. Department of Justice, which could potentially pay for three patrolmen for a period of time.
• Approved purchase of a dump truck for Precinct 2 for $163,515. Commissioner Keith Kramer said budget transfer funds would pay for it.
