November 2008 - Posts

• HOLIDAY UPDATE

  Thanksgiving Holiday Celebration Courthouse to be Closed  (EL PASO, TEXAS) – The El Paso County Courthouse will be closed on November 27th and 28th (Thursday and Friday) for the Thanksgiving Holidays. Commissioners Court will have its regular meeting on Monday, December 1st. The Ascarate golf course will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and the “Winter Wonderland” holiday light display at Ascarate Park will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. Admission is $1 per vehicle. For emergencies please call 911 for immediate assistance or the Sheriff Department Dispatch for non- emergencies at (915)546-2280.   --------------------------------ADELANTE EL CURSOR PARA VERSION EN ESPAÑOL-----------------------------        *** CELERBACION DEL DIA DE ACCION DE GRACIAS******* EDIFICIO DE LA CORTE CERRADO (EL PASO, TX) -- El edificio de la corte del condado estara cerrado el 27 y 28 de noviembre, (jueves y viernes) debido a la celebracion del Dia de Accion de Gracias. La junta regular de la Corte de Comisionados se realizara el lunes, primero de diciembre. El campo de golf del Parque Ascarate abrira sus puertas el dia jueves (Dia de Accion de Gracias) desde las 6:00 AM hasta las 2:00 PM. La exhibicion de luces en el parque Ascarate "Winter Wonderland" abrira sus puertas el jueves por la noche (Dia de Accion de Gracias) de 5:00 a 9:00 PM. Admision por vehiculo al parque es de $1. Residentes del condado en necesidad de reportar una emergencia deben hablar al 911 o si desean reportar incidentes no emergentes deben hacerlo al (915)546-2280.       Posted Nov 25 2008, 01:24 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS FOR MONDAY, NOV.24,2009

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     MONDAY, NOV. 24,2008   El Paso County Adopts State Legislative Agenda   El Paso, TX - El Paso County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted in today's regular session their priorities for the 81st State Legislative session. The El Paso County Legislative Agenda for 2009 addresses the expansion of access to affordable and high-quality health care services for all, secures $65 million for the Medical Science Building II at the Texas Tech Medical Center of the Americas, increases funding for renewable energy feasibility and demonstration projects, and advocates resources that will allow for the rapid expansion of necessary community infrastructure as a result of BRAC efforts. In addition, El Paso County will pursue an exemption from the storm water fees imposed by the City of El Paso and change the Thomason Board size and rules. Furthermore, the high incidence on family/domestic violence cases that has resulted on the choking or strangulation of the victim has prompted the District Attorney Office to look for initiatives to enhance the criminal penalties applicable to assaults involving family violence in particular that form of abuse. The firm Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP was hired as the state lobbyist for El Paso County during a Nov. 11 special session. The 81st State Legislative Regular Session is set to convene on January 13th, 2009. Posted Nov 24 2008, 04:01 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Lighting up Ascarate Park

  EL PASO, TEXAS - A week before Thanksgiving and already El Pasoans are gearing up for the Christmas season.  In fact, El Paso County will begin celebrating as they transform Ascarate Park into a "Winter Wonderland."  The park will be illuminated with life size Christmas displays starting at 5:30pm on Sunday, November 23, 2008.          "The ceremony is a heartwarming tradition and we hope to see many of our families at the park," said County Commissioner Veronica Escobar, Pct. 2. The lighting ceremony and festivities will include live entertainment, holiday choirs, hot chocolate, cookies and more.  "We hope all El Paso families will come and enjoy the County's gift to our community", said Rosemary Neil, Director of Family and Community Services. Visitors to "Winter Wonderland" can drive through the park and no admission will be charged on the day of the event only.  Ascarate Park will be lit from 5:00pm to 9:00pm every night from Nov. 23rd - Jan. 4th For more information, please call the County Parks Department at (915) 772-5605. IN BRIEF: WHAT:   Ascarate Park Winter Wonderland Lights Ceremony WHEN:   Sunday, November 23, 2008 TIME:      Program begins at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Ascarate Park, 6800 Delta Avenue, at the Blue Gill   Posted Nov 21 2008, 05:19 PM by alazcano with no comments

• Winter Wonderland At Ascarate Park

  Christmas Arrives Early to Ascarate Park Ascarate Park will be lit up by Christmas lights and decorations over the forthcoming holiday season, creating a truly festive atmosphere.  The "Winter Wonderland" Annual Celebration will take place on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the Blue Gill, next to the boat ramps.  Drive-through admission to view the wonderful magic of the lights on the trees and their reflection on the lake will be waived from 4:30 pm until closing time for that day only.   Hot chocolate and cookies will be free on that day. Each year, a child from Candlelighters of El Paso helps to turn on the holiday lights and this year, 8 year-old Krystal Morales will do the honors.  This year, the entertainment will be provided by the St. Pius School Choir, Grupo Nazareth; Zavala Middle School, and the Super Senior Y Dance Group. For more information on the El Paso County’s Winter Wonderland, call (915) 772-5605     IN BRIEF WHAT:  Ascarate Park Winter Wonderland Lights Switch-On  WHEN:    Sunday, November 23, 2008  WHERE: Ascarate Park, 6800 Delta Avenue, at the Blue Gill                       (Next to the boat ramps)    Posted Nov 18 2008, 01:31 PM by alazcano with 1 comment(s)

• COMMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS FOR MONDAY, NOV. 17, 2008

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      Monday, November 17, 2008 COMMISSIONERS COURT ENDORSES LEGISLATION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF BOARD MEMBERS OF THE EL PASO COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS AND ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS   In today’s meeting, the members of Commissioners Court approved a resolution endorsing legislation regarding the term length and appointment process for future members of the Board of Managers of El Paso County Hospital District. With the adopted resolution, the members of Commissioners Court reiterate that they are committed on ensuring that the Hospital District delivers the highest quality and medical care at Thomason Hospital and its community clinics to the people of El Paso and surrounding communities. According to Ron Acton, Board Chairman, this legislation will promote excellence in governance of the Hospital District and will provide for both, continuity in board leadership and succession planning as well as public participation and opportunities for community service. Voting in favor of the resolution were Commissioner Pct. 1, Luis Sariñana; Commissioner Pct 2., Veronica Escobar; Pct. 3 Commissioner, Miguel A. Teran and Commissioner Pct. 4 Daniel R. Haggerty. El Paso County Judge Anthony Cobos did not attended today’s meeting. Some of the changes, if approved, will contain: an increase in the number of Board members to seven, establishing three-year terms and set a term limit of two full consecutive terms followed by a two year period of ineligibility for reappointment. I t will also provide a transition from the current two-year terms to three-year terms beginning with the appointments taking place in 2010. Additionally, it will provide that absence from all regular board meetings and standing committee meetings for a period of 90 days shall constitute an immediate and irrevocable resignation; as well as other reasonable attendance requirements. El Paso County Commissioners court appoints the members of the Board of Managers of the El Paso Hospital District.    Posted Nov 17 2008, 11:48 AM by alazcano with no comments

• COURTHOUSE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     Monday, November 10, 2008 COUNTY COURTHOUSE TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY (El Paso, Texas)  - Carrying the spirit and tradition of honoring the veterans of the United States, the El Paso County Courthouse and its satellite offices will be officially closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in observance of Veterans Day. The central offices of the District and County Clerks as well as other departments will not provide any service to the public, neither their satellite offices located on the Westside, Northeast and Lower Valley. We urge the community to take this into consideration and plan ahead in case there is the need to use a service provided by the county. For example; application for passports, birth and marriage certificates, deeds, etc. Normal operations for all offices and facilities will resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. ##SCROLL DOWN FOR INFORMATION IN SPANISH## ##ADELANTAR EL CURSON PARA TEXTO EN ESPAÑOL###  PARA DIFUSION INMEDIATA:                            LUNES 10 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2008      EDIFICIO DEL CONDADO CIERRA AL PUBLICO EL DIA DE LOS VETERANOS (El Paso, Texas)  - Siguiendo la tradición y con el espíritu de honrar a todos los veteranos de guerra de Estados Unidos, el edificio del Condado de El Paso estará cerrado al público el martes 11 de noviembre del año en curso para celebrar el Día de los Veteranos. Ninguna de las oficinas que prestan servicio al público ya sea en las centrales o en satélites prestara servicios. Se le informa a la comunidad que considere la suspensión de labores y que tome las medidas necesarias en caso de que tenga que realizar algún trámite o utilizar algún servicio de los que aquí se ofrecen. Las oficinas del condado abrirán sus puertas de forma normal el miércoles 12 de noviembre. # # # # Posted Nov 10 2008, 04:40 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COURTHOUSE TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:     Friday, November 07, 2008 COUNTY COURTHOUSE TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY (El Paso, Texas) Friday, November 7, 2008 - Carrying the spirit and tradition of honoring the veterans of the United States, the El Paso County Courthouse and its satellite offices will be officially closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 in observance of Veterans' Day. The central offices of the District and County Clerks as well as other departments will not provide any service to the public, neither their satellite offices located on the Westside, Northeast and Lower Valley.  We urge the community to take this into consideration and plan ahead in case there is the need to use a service provided by the county. For example; application for passports, birth and marriage certificates, deeds, etc. Normal operations for all offices and facilities will resume on Wednesday, November 12, 2008. ##SCROLL DOWN FOR INFORMACION IN SPANISH## ##ADELANTAR EL CURSON PARA TEXTO EN ESPAÑOL### PARA DIFUSION INMEDIATA: VIERNES 7 DE NOVIEMBRE     EDIFICIO DEL CONDADO CIERRA AL PUBLICO EL DIA DE LOS VETERANOS (El Paso, Texas) Viernes, 7 de noviembre del 2008 - Siguiendo la tradición y con el espíritu de honrar a todos los veteranos de guerra de Estados Unidos, el edificio del Condado de El Paso estará cerrado al público el martes 11 de noviembre del año en curso para celebrar el Día de los Veteranos. Ninguna de las oficinas que prestan servicio al público ya sea en las centrales o en satélites prestara servicios. Se le informa a la comunidad que considere la suspensión de labores y que tome las medidas necesarias en caso de que tenga que realizar algún trámite o utilizar algún servicio de los que aquí se ofrecen. Las oficinas del condado abrirán sus puertas de forma normal el miércoles 12 de noviembre. # # # #     Posted Nov 07 2008, 04:24 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COMMISSIONERS COURT SPECIAL SESSION SCHEDULE

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2008  (EL PASO, TEXAS) - On Monday, November 10, 2008 members of El Paso County Commissiones Court will hold several special session meetings after the regular session. Scroll down for more details or visit the agendas posted in the government main website page. NOTE: The Commissioners Court Special Session to discuss and interview the applicants for the Facilities Manager position originally scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 10th was canceled. The issue will be address during the regular meeting.                             Special Session #1 WHY:                   To discuss, receive a presentation and take appropriate action on RFQ#08-142                             State Legislative Lobbyist Services for the County of El Paso         WHO:                   El Paso County Commissioners Court WHEN:                  Monday, November 10, 2008 TIME:                    1:00 p.m. WHERE:                El Paso County Courthouse/ 500 E. San Antonio Street / County Judges Conference Room, Suite 301 / El Paso, Texas 79901                                                Special Session #2 WHY:                    To discuss, receive a presentation and take appropriate action on RFQ#08-143                              Federal Legislative Lobbyist Services for the County of El Paso        WHO:                    El Paso County Commissioners Court WHEN:                  Monday, November 10, 2008 TIME:                    3:00 p.m. WHERE:                El Paso County Courthouse / 500 E. San Antonio Street / County Judges Conference Room/ Suite 301 / El Paso, Texas 79901                                                                                                           ###     Posted Nov 05 2008, 05:00 PM by alazcano with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Commissioners Court Special Sessions, Meeting Schedule

• EL PASO COUNTY TO POST LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS ONLINE

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE              Tuesday, November 04, 2008 (El Paso, TX) The Elections Department in conjunction with the Information Technology Department will post online the preliminary election results for El Paso County starting tonight at 7:00 p.m. To view the results you can visit www.epcounty.com/elections/  “The hours after polling places close are always an exciting time in candidate’s campaign headquarters and here in the county offices as the votes are counted,” said Peter Cooper, Chief Technology Officer for El Paso County. “We remind residents that they can experience that same excitement from the comfort of their own homes as they monitor the results,” he added. Anyone who visits the county’s Web site will be able to view the preliminary results as they come in.Polling places are open until 7:00 p.m. today. Although no major problems have been reporter at polling places, the Elections Administrator, Javier Chacon urges voters to be prepared and patient when going to the polls. “Voters will need to be patient given the large turnout expected. We have made modifications to make the process a lot faster,” Chacon said. He recommends trying to vote as early as possible due to the fact that the busiest time at polling places is between 5 and 7 p.m. In addition, the Elections Administrator reminds voters to be persistent if they run into obstacles such as long lines or if they have a question about the ballot.  In most situations, the assistant to the voter will be able to solve almost any problem.  All voters who are in line to vote by 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their votes.    SCROLL DOWN FOR VERSION IN SPANISH ADELANTA EL CURSOR PARA INFORMACION EN ESPAÑOL   Resultados Preliminares de Elección Local Disponibles Por Internet   (El Paso, TX) El Departamento de Elecciones en conjunto con el Departamento de Información Tecnológica darán a conocer los resultados preliminares de la elección local a partir de las 7:00 PM. Para ver los resultados disponibles accesar a la pagina www.epcounty.com/elections/  "Las horas después de que cierran las casillas son siempre emocionantes en las sedes de campaña de los candidatos y también aquí en las oficinas del condado donde se cuentan los votos", indicó Peter Cooper, Jefe del Departamento de Información Tecnológica. "Queremos recordarle a todos los habitantes que pueden vivir esa emoción desde la comodidad de sus casas a la misma vez que monitorean los resultados", agregó. Cualquier persona que visite la página principal del condado podrá ver los resultados preliminares conforme sean dados a conocer. Las casillas estarán abiertas hasta las 7:00 PM. Aunque no se han reportado problemas de consideración en las casillas, el Administrador del Departamento de Elecciones, Javier Chacon solicita a los votantes registrados que estén preparados y sean pacientes a la hora de acudir a emitir su voto.  "Los votantes necesitan ser pacientes debido a que se espera una gran participación en esta elección. Hemos hecho modificaciones para hacer el proceso de mas rápido", afirmo Chacon. Chacon recomienda a los votantes registrados que traten de votar lo antes posible debido a que se anticipa un incremento en la actividad de las casillas entre las 5 y 7 PM. Adicionalmente, el administrador del Departamento de Elecciones recuerda a los votantes que sean persistentes si por alguna razón sienten tener obstáculos como largas líneas o si tienen preguntas sobre como votar o de la boleta electoral. En la mayoría de los casos, las personas que están para asistir a los votantes pueden resolver cualquier duda.' Todos los votantes registrados que se encuentren en línea antes de las 7:00 PM podrán emitir su voto.    Posted Nov 04 2008, 01:20 PM by alazcano with no comments

• COMMISSIONERS COURT HIGHLIGHTS FOR NOV. 3 2008

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    MONDAY NOV. 3, 2008 COUNTY ASKS PSB TO BE EXEMPT OF PAYMMENT FOR STORM WATER FEES (El Paso, TX) - El Paso County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted a resolution to ask the Public Service Board (PSB) to exempt El Paso County from paying storm water fees.  The court also decided to add an exemption from storm water fees to the state legislative agenda currently under review.  Presently, the County of El Paso has paid $35,767.71 of the $53,652 projected for this year’s storm water collection fees of several properties, including; the Adult Probation Department, the Northeast Annex, the Sportspark and the Ascarate Park, which already has a pounding area, amongst others.  “The PSB negotiations to establish the fee were not inclusive and it’s having a detrimental effect to our economy,” said County Judge Anthony Cobos before casting his vote in favor of the resolution.  Commissioner Pct. 1 Luis Sariñana stated also that he was not in favor of supporting the storm water fee.  “I believe is double taxation to the citizens of El Paso.”  Additionally, Commissioner Pct. 2 Veronica Escobar acknowledged that something needs to be done in order to avert disastrous situations like in 2006.   “I don’t want the county to pay the fee because we take care of our own runoff for the majority of the property we own. There is a need of a master plan for addressing a problem that has being ignored for many generations of community leaders,” she stated.  Commissioner Pct. 4 Daniel R. Haggerty affirmed he opposed the fee because he considered it a tax.“We need some answers because we don’t know why we are paying for it,” he said. In a separate motion, Commissioner Veronica Escobar requested the Office of the County Judge to send the Public Service Board a copy of the adopted resolution along with a letter and the inventory of properties showing the amounts the county of El Paso had currently paid in fees.   SCROLL DOWN FOR SPANISH VERSION ADELANTE EL CURSOR PARA VERSION EN ESPAÑOL  Los integrantes de la Corte de Comisionados del Condado de El Paso adoptaron de forma unánime una resolución para solicitar a la mesa reguladora de servicios públicos, PSB por sus siglas en ingles, que exente al condado de El Paso del cobro de cuotas por concepto de recolección de agua de lluvia. La corte decidió además que solicitara mediante la agenda legislativa estatal que el condado sea exento de dicho cobro. Actualmente, el condado de el paso ha pagado $35,767.71 de los $53,652 que fueron proyectados para cubrir las cuotas de este año de varias propiedades del condado que cuentan con pozos de absorción de agua incluyendo al Departamento de Libertad de Supervisión para Adultos, el edificio Anexo del condado Northeast, el Sportspark y el parque Ascarate,  entre otros.   Hasta este momento, el condado de El Paso ha pagado $35,767.71 de los $53,652 que se proyecto pagar este año por concepto de cuotas de colección de agua de lluvia. “Las negociaciones que hizo PSB para establecer la cuota de cobro no fueron en todas las escalas de gobierno y están perjudicando nuestra economía”, expreso el Juez del Condado, Anthony Cobos antes de dar a conocer su voto a favor de la resolución. El Comisionado por el precinto 1, Luis Sariñana, indico que no apoyaba el cobro de dichas tarifas porque “Creo que están cobrando un impuesto doble a los habitantes de El Paso”.  Adicionalmente, la Comisionada por el precinto 2, Veronica Escobar señalo que es necesario que se haga tomen acciones adecuadas para evitar desastres similares a los que ocurrieron en el 2006.  “Yo no quiero que el condado porque las cuotas porque la mayoría de las propiedades por las que se esta cobrando ya cuentan con pozos de absorción. “Existe la necesidad de contar con un plan maestro para darle solución a los problemas que han sido ignorados por varias generaciones de lideres comunitarios”, advirtió.  Por su parte, el Comisionado por el precinto 4, Daniel R. Haggerty afirmo tajante que se oponía a dicha tarifa puesto que la consideraba como un impuesto adicional. “Necesitamos respuestas a las interrogantes que tenemos porque no sabemos exactamente que es lo que estamos pagando”, puntualizo. En una moción interpuesta por separado, la Comisionada por el precinto 2, Veronica Escobar, solicito al Juez Cobos que su oficina envíe a la mesa reguladora de servicios públicos o Public Service Board, por su nombre en inglés, una copia de la resolución adoptada durante la junta de hoy; al igual que una carta adjunta explicando sobre el inventario de propiedades y pagos hechos hasta la fecha con el propósito de luego buscar un rembolso del dinero que ha sido provisto. Posted Nov 03 2008, 04:35 PM by alazcano with 1 comment(s)