The Clearwater Board of Directors received official notice from board member, Wallace Biskup Sr., Board Vice President and Precinct 3 Director, on October 10, 2018, that he was stepping down. Wallace delivered his letter of resignation to the District General Manager the morning of October 10, stating that due to his declining health he wishes to step down. For these very reasons he has not been able to attend board meetings for several months. His fellow board members excepted his resignation with great sadness and wish him the very best as he and his family address his declining health.
Wallace Biskup and now his replacement, serve as one of the five-member directors that set policy, oversee the district management and guide the district under Chapter 36 Texas Groundwater Law. The board of directors, as elected officials guide the district’s general manager with their expectations related to the day to day operations of the Groundwater Conservation District serving the citizens of Bell County.
Leland Gersbach and the remaining board members, directed the district general manager, Dirk Aaron, to begin a process of taking applications from interested citizens of Bell County Precinct 3, who wish to be considered for the interim position. Five eligible men from precinct 3 did apply by the November 9th deadline. The Board of directors interviewed the candidates per their announcement at the most recent board meeting December 12, 2018. The five candidates were, Dr. Wade Knight, Mr. Dewitt Mayfield, Dr. Gene Lindemann, Mr. Wallace Biskup Jr. and Mr. Jody Williams.
During deliberation at the December 12th regular board meeting the board of directors selected Mr. Jody Williams from the Rogers community. Williams has been the manager of Strasburger farms in East Bell County since 2005. Williams was raised in Bell County and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1990. Leland Gersbach, Board President, stated that the board was very pleased with the quality of all the applicants. He emphasized that Jody Williams brings a rural agricultural perspective and a reputation of community service to Clearwater’s Board of Directors.
In the open public meeting four of the applicants attended the scheduled interview by the current board members, Leland Gersbach, David Cole, Gary Young and Scott Brooks. In accordance with Chapter 36.051(c) Texas Groundwater Code, the board of directors appointed Mr. Williams for the remaining two years of Mr. Biskup’s term of office representing Bell County Precinct 3 Directorship.
District General Manager, Dirk Aaron, stated that Williams will be formally sworn in at the January 9, 2018 board meeting at 1:30 pm. Aaron confirmed that Williams, if he desires, must run for office in the next general election in November 2020.