Orange County names shelter

 

Last updated 10/31/2012 at Noon



The Shelter of Last Resort has been given an official name. Commissioners voted to name the facility being constructed on Farm Road 1442 “Orange County Convention and Expo Center.” The name reflects the year round usage of the building rather than its importance in emergency situations.

Though it will house the Emergency Management Center, Road and Bridge and AgriLIFE offices it will also be available for rent for different events. The center will house a banquet hall that can host about 600 people, a full commercial kitchen and breakout meeting rooms.

“When the C.H.A.M.P.S. people…someday build the rodeo arena and exhibition center…the name would cover that also, in one big package. I think it’s a good generic name,” said Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux. “The purpose of this building is twofold. Everybody knows it’s going to be used in an emergency situation, but I think on an everyday usage, I think it’s more in line with a good generic name like the Orange County Convention and Expo Center.”

“There was no requirement to have shelter in the name,” said Mark Wimberly in response to a question from Commissioner Precinct 2 Owen Burton asking if the name fulfills grant requirements.

Thibodeaux said the county is working to create a Web site for the center that will be available once the building is complete and available for renting. Exterior painting is in progress and the building is still on track to be completed in December.

Electrical service at landfill authorized

Commissioners also authorized Road and Bridge to have Entergy run electrical service to the land fill to power two compactors. The two compactors will replace six of the regular dumpsters with an expected savings of $121,136 per year, of which $90,000 was already removed in the new budget. The $31,000 still in the budget is more than enough to cover the cost of extending electrical service to the site and slabs for the compactors. The expected cost for the project is $8,549.22, which leaves over $20,000 in expected savings to the county.

Thibodeaux was also authorized to sign a one year continuation contract with Waste Management-Golden Triangle for solid waste collection and recycling at current prices. Next year the contract will go up for rebidding.

Public hearing set for parking issue

The possibility of having signs stating “No Parking Between Signs” installed at each end of the guard rail on the bridge on Lake Street in Bridge City was brought before commissioners by Clark Slacum, the county engineer. The request was in response to people parking on the bridge and blocking traffic trying to get to the boat launch further down the road. A public hearing will be required before action can be taken and has been set for 1:30 p.m., Nov. 19. Action will then be taken at commissioners’ court to be held that day at 2 p.m.

OC Historical Commission nominations sought

Candidates are being sought for the Orange County Historical Commission. The positions are appointed and will be determined in December according to Thibodeaux.

“We’ve still got plenty of space left on it. Every year we reappoint those on it and add any new members that might be interested in serving. It’s available to anyone in Orange County that’s interested in historical significance to the county.” Thibodeaux said interested parties or those wishing to nominate someone should send a letter or e-mail to his office. There are about ten additional openings available according to Thibodeaux.

Pictured: Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux

 

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