Atascosa County Commissioners decided not to enact a burn ban, at their regular meeting on July 9. Fortunately, that day began with rain and more was expected in the forecast, so Atascosa County Judge Diana Bautista suggested to Atascosa County Fire Marshal Chuck Garris that they take a wait and see approach. She said they could consider issuing a burn ban at the next meeting, which is on July 23.

The commissioners approved unanimously a request by Seitel Data to conduct a seismographic survey, including the right to ingress and egress for such purposes, across Atascosa County and more fully described as County Road 420. It was explained this area is part of San Miguel Road, past the Peeler Ranch. Seitel, Inc. is a leading provider of seismic data and related geophysical services to the oil and gas industry in North America. The company uses seismic data to map the earth’s subsurface and reveal the potential for hydrocarbon accumulations.

Commissioner Bill Carroll’s request was approved, concerning a permit for Shaw Land Service LLC to lay cables across county roads. Carroll pointed out that the letter states, “laying seismic cables along county roads.” Carroll did not know if they meant “along” or “across” so he wanted to make sure the public has warning that there is a cable up ahead. The map indicates that the first part they will work on is the eastside of I-37. Judge Bautista said this will take place from August 2012- August 2014.

District Attorney Rene Pena’s requests regarding personnel were all approved unanimously. The first item was a state-mandated, longevity pay increase for employees Margarita Pol, Leslie Carranza, Audrey Louis, Jennifer Tapia, Marc Ledet and Carrie Moy. The second was the hiring of Jose Guzman as Investigator. The employment status of Mario Beltran was also changed from part-time temporary to part-time.

The Commissioners approved a request by Diane Gonzales to hire Brooke L. Talamantez for the Deputy County Clerk position.

Also approved was Court Coordinator De’Ann Belicek’s request for a salary increase for Assistant Court Coordinator Stephanie Lopez.

Commissioner Bill Torans request was granted to hire Elmon D. Ohlhausen Jr. for the position of Precinct 2 worker.

The court gave approval to Commissioner Freddie Ogden’s request to hire new employee Roy Trevino as a Precinct worker.

A request by Commissioner Bill Carroll to hire Carlos Cantu for the foreman position was approved. His other personnel matters approved were to hire David Martinez for the grader operator position, as well as James Boyd Jr. for a labor position.

County Judge Bautista proclaimed July 15-21 as Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week.

Justice of the Peace (Pct. 1) Judge Betty Caballero’s request was granted to enter her continuing education hours in the minutes.

Justice of the Peace (Pct. 2) Judge Kyle D. Bradley requested and received approval to attend the 2012 Education and Technology Conference from July 10-13 in San Marcos, with the amount not to exceed $1,000.

The commissioners approved Tom Cate’s request concerning the Tax Resale Deed for Atascosa County property ID #31458, being Lot #1 and #2 in Block #56-A in the City of Poteet.

Commissioners accepted Hickory Circle Drive, Hickory Hollow Drive, Ridgeline Drive and Ridgeview Drive as county roads for maintenance.

Also at Carroll’s request, a road bore permit was approved on CR 401 for HSC Pipeline Partnership LLC.

Commissioners approved Laura Pawelek’s request to publish the Treasurer’s Report for June.