Mar 30, 2021 Commissioners Court

AND THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THIS.

IN ALL OF MY CAREER AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FEW THINGS HAVE SHOCKED ME. BUT THE ONE THAT HAS ALWAYS ESCAPED ME IN TERMS OF UNDERSTANDING IS HOW ANYONE COULD HAVE THE CAPACITY TO INJURE SOMETHING SO INNOCENT.

I AM NEVER UH SHAMED TO SAY THAT WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS BORN , THE THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT OF WHEN I WAS HOLDING HER JUST AS SHE WAS BORN WAS HOW COULD ANYBODY HURT SOMETHING SO PRECIOUS? IT STILL MAKES ME CHOKE UP

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WHEN I REMEMBER THAT. I JUST CAN'T THANK THOSE -- LOOK. THIS IS ONE AREA OF WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO GET ASSIGNED TO BECAUSE I KNEW I WOULD LOSE MY CAREER.

I APPLAUD AND COMMEND AND APPRECIATE EVERYONE FROM THE PROSECUTORS TO THE INVESTIGATORS AND THE SOCIAL WORKERS AND EVERYONE IN BETWEEN FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE MOST VULNERABLE AMONG US WHO DO NOT HAVE A VOICE.

IF NOT FOR THEIR WORK, A LOT OF THESE CASES WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO BRING JUSTICE TO THOSE TINY VICTIMS. THIS BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES.

GLAD TO SEE IT ON THE AGENDA. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR.

I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING AT 9 OF THESE RESOLUTIONS NOW WHERE WE RECOGNIZE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT ALWAYS STRUCK ME IS THE TEAM THAT WOULD COME.

MR. MENIFEE, YOU ARE GOING TO MISS OUT ON BEING ABLE TO HAVE GATHERED IN COMMISSIONER'S COURT ALL THE WAY DOWN THE SIDE OF OUR COURTROOM, THE MAGNIFICENT TEAM OF FOLKS THAT ASSEMBLE AND DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO HELP AND TO PROTECT THESE CHILDREN. I KNOW AS YOU GAVE YOUR REMARKS YOU RECOGNIZE THAT FABULOUS TEAM THAT IS IN PLACE FROM THE ASSESSMENT CENTER TO YOUR PROSECUTORS -- QUASI PROSECUTORS IN YOUR OFFICE AND THE FOLKS THAT WORK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE IN THE D.A.'S OFFICE TO COME TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS A BETTER, SAFER PLACE.

NEXT YEAR YOU WILL HAVE THE PRISM LEDGE -- PRIVILEGE OF STANDING ARM IN ARM AS THIS RESOLUTION IS PRESENTED AND AS WE STAND VIRTUALLY LINKED IN FIGHTING THIS ABUSE IN OUR

REGION AND IN OUR NATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, MR. R -- MR. MENIFEE. CURRENTLY I AM ON A BOARD CALLED "LOVING KIDS" AND OUR PRIORITY IS TO GO INTO UNDER SERVED SCHOOLS AND READ TO CHILDREN.

IT GRIEFS ME GREATLY THAT WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO THAT FOR 9 MONTHS. THAT'S A POINT OF PRAYER AND IT IS A POINT OF FOCUS AND THEY ARE SO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED BY WHAT WE ARE SEEING GOING THROUGH IN TERMS OF THE PANDEMIC AND THEY ARE IMPACTED BY CRIME MORE THAN THEY SHOULD BE. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.

YOU ARE ON THE FRONT LINES OF BEING SURE THAT THERE IS SOME CLEAR PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN THAT NEED IT.

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING IT THERE.

>> IT IS A GREAT RESOLUTION AND I HAVE NOTICED ON SOCIAL MEDIA YOU HAVE BEEN SPENDING TIME IN AUSTIN.

AND WE ARE ALL SUPPORTIVE OF THE RESOLUTION AND IT IS IMPORTANT IF PEOPLE WANT TO GET OUT AND MAKE THE CASE.

USUALLY FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND POLICIES ARE A BIG PART OF MAKING A DENT ON THESE PROBLEMS. AND EVEN DURING THE PANDEMIC WHICH IS GLOBAL, OBVIOUSLY.

WE HAVE TO DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO GO OUT AND DEAL WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES AS THEY ARE BEFORE US.

IT IS A GREAT RESOLUTION AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ON

THIS WITH YOU DOWN THE ROAD. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE NEXT RESOLUTION IS ITEM 349 DESIGNATING THURSDAY MAY

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36TH AS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND MAY 9TH AS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK IN HARRIS COUNTY.

WHEREAS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY WILL BE OBSERVED IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS AS PART OF POLICE WEEK TO HONOR THOSE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES OR WHO HAVE BECOME DISABLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS, THE DUTIES AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND THAT MEMBERS OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES RECOGNIZE THEIR DUTY TO SERVE THE PEOPLE THAT PROTECT THEIR LIFE AND THEIR PROPERTY.

WHEREAS THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE OF TEXAS HAVE DESIGNATED A DAY IN MAY AS PEACE OFFICERS REMEMBER -- REMEMBRANCE DAY. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT DESIGNATES THURSDAY MAY 6TH 2 SWLR 21 -- 2021 AS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND DESIGNATES MAY 9TH THROUGH 15TH, 2021 AS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. EXTENDING ITS SINCEREST APPRECIATION TO ALL OF THE DEDICATED POLICE OFFICERS WHO SERVE AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY.

EVERY DAY THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN PUT ON THEIR UNIFORM, PIN ON THEIR BADGE AND PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY.

WITH THEIR SERVICE COMES RISK AND SACRIFICE.

WE ARE GRATEFUL YEAR-ROUND FOR THEIR SERVICE, AND WE TAKE ONE WEEK EACH YEAR IN MAY TO THANK THEM FOR ALL THEY DO TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND PROPERTY SAFE.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THERE IS ANOTHER ONE THAT IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME. FOR A LOT OF REASONS.

I WOULD ASK, JUDGE, IF OUR COLLEAGUES AND YOU WOULD INDULGE ME FOR RECOGNIZING A MOMENT OF SILENCE ON BEHALF OF THOSE OFFICERS WHO HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO CONTINUE TO MISS THEM AND THEIR COLLEAGUES WHO ALSO MISS THEM AND WORK TO CONTINUE THEIR -- THE WORK THEY STARTED. JUDGE, IF YOU DON'T MIND, A MOMENT OF SILENCE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS MOTION. I TOO HAVE A SPECIAL CONNECTION. NOT DIRECTLY AND CAREER-WISE IN SERVING WITH THE BADGE ON THE STREETS, BUT IN TERMS OF HAND IN HAND WORKING WITH OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR READING THAT AND BRINGING IT TO US. AND I ALSO WANT TO REMIND THE COURT AND OTHERS THAT WE WILL BE HAVING OUR ANNUAL VIRTUAL EVENT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WHEN HE WAS IN CONGRESS HE STARTED AND THEIR REIS COUNTY MAKE -- AND HARRIS COUNTY PICKED THAT UP AND THIS WILL BE THE SEVENTH YEAR WE ARE DOING IT. IT WILL BE VIRTUAL, YOUR HONOR. IT IS MONDAY MAY 17TH AT 9 A.M. EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. COMMISSIONER --

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

APPRECIATE THIS RESOLUTION. IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO PAUSE AND REFLECT AND REMEMBER THE SACRIFICE AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA REFERENCED DAILY. I THINK RESOLUTIONS ARE GREAT AND WE SHOULD DO THAT. IT IS ALSO APPROPRIATE THAT WHEN WE CAN, WHEN IT IS APPROPRIATE AND WHEN IT MAKES SENSE TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO THOSE SAME OFFICERS.

WE HAVE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING MORE CONVERSATIONS ON THAT. I SUPPORT THEM AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEM IS IMPORTANT AS IS PROVIDING RESOURCES WHERE WE CAN. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- YES, GO

AHEAD. >> I'M SORRY.

WE DO HAVE A SPEAKER. >> LINA HIDALGO: WONDERFUL.

THANK YOU, LUCINDA. >> YOU'RE WELCOME.

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MAJOR JESSE RAZZO. PLEASE GO AHEAD, SIR.

>> GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. ON BEHALF OF SHERIFF GONZALEZ AND OUR AGENCY I WOULD LIKE YOU TO RECOGNIZE HARRIS COUNTY PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY. THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT ONE FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND THAT INCLUDES OUR PEACE OFFICER FAMILY. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE LOST SEVERAL MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

THIS INCLUDES FOUR TEAMMATES WHO DIED AFTER CONTRACTING COVID-19. WE ALSO LOST CADET ANDERSON WHO HAD JUST BEGUN TRAINING AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ACADEMY WHEN HE DIED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONSTABLE LOST DEPUTY MARK BROWN. LAST WEEK THEIR NAMES WERE ADDED TO THE PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL GARDEN AT CRIMESTOPPERS IN HOUSTON. IN MAY WE WILL RETURN FOR A FORMAL CEREMONY HONORING THEIR SACRIFICES.

THANK YOU FOR HONORING THESE BRAVE PUBLIC SERVE VENTS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES -- SERVANTS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR OUR

COMMUNITY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

MAJOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WAS GOING TO MOVE TO COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA, BUT COMMISSIONER YOU MENTIONED THAT SHERIFF GONZALEZ HAS A COMMITMENT HERE IN A FEW MINUTES AND YOU NEEDED HIM FOR ONE OF THE ITEMS. I APOLOGIZE THAT I DIDN'T GET TO THAT SOONER. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF YOU WILL JUST REMIND ME OF THE ITEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: 13. >> THE SHERIFF IS ON IF YOU

WOULD LIKE HIM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, LUCINDA. WE WILL TAKE A BRIEF DETOUR TO ITEM 13 AND THEN CONTINUE WITH THE RESOLUTIONS.

WE WILL THEN TAKE THE SPEAKERS AND THEN MOVE ON TO THE

AGENDA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WONDERFUL.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. ON ITEM 13, FIRST I WANT TO JUST SAY TO THE SHERIFF IN LIGHT OF THE RESOLUTION WE JUST PRESENTED, PLEASE ALWAYS KNOW AND LET YOUR STAFF AS WELL AS THE DEPUTY CONSTABLES KNOW THAT WE ARE ALWAYS RESPECTFUL AND MINDFUL THAT THEY PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP, SHERIFF AND THAT OF YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY.

ON ITEM 13, JUDGE, YOU AND I WERE CONCERNED ABOUT HOW TO BE RESPONSIVE TO ALL ASPECTS OF THIS PANDEMIC.

THE ISSUE OF VICTIMIZATION AND CRIME HAS NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN.

I WANT TO THANK SHERIFF GONZALEZ FOR HELPING TO STRUCTURE A PROGRAM WITH THE HELP OF THE BUDGET OFFICE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO HOW TO DEAL WITH THOSE CASES AND MAKING SURE THAT THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE DANGEROUS AND VIOLENT AND CAUSING HARM, ESPECIALLY IN THE WAY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN FIND THEIR WAY TO THE COUNTY JAIL. I KNOW WITH THE HELP OF THE SHERIFF AND HIS TEAM AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLEAGUES, THAT THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW JUST HOW EFFECTIVE THIS CAN BE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

THIS IS AN OVERTIME PROJECT, OVERTIME INITIATIVE.

WHEN I WAS WITH THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT PART OF THIS WAS BORN FROM MAYOR LAW NEAR -- LANIER.

MAYOR LANIER TOOK OFFICE DURING A CRIME WAVE AND WORKING WITH COMPANY CHIEF LUCCI.

AS A RESULT THE CITY OF HOUSTON WAS ABLE TO SEE A REDUCTION IN CONTRAST TO OTHER CITIES.

MY HOPE IS THAT THIS INITIATIVE WILL HAVE THE SAME IMPACT. I AM CONFIDENT THAT IT WILL HAVE A SIMILAR IMPACT BECAUSE SHERIFF GONZALEZ SHARE RED -- SHARED THAT THEY DID ONE WITH THE RESOURCES HE HAD AND IT SHOWED SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS. WITH THAT THIS ITEM IS TO MOVE THAT FUNDS BE DISPERSED IN TRORCHS -- TRONCHES AND THAT THEY DEVELOP A SCHEDULE FOR DISPERSE MEANT OF FUNDS FOR PERFORMANCE METRICS AND REPORTING ON SAID PERFORMANCE METRICS TO QUALIFY TRONCHES. THIS IS TO FOCUS IN THE AREA OF WAR RENT EXTUGS -- WARRANT EXECUTION.

WE HEARD HOW IN ORDER TO TRY TO MAINTAIN SOME DEGREE OF SANITY IN THE COUNTY JAIL AND PROTECT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE

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THERE FROM THE PANDEMIC, THAT THEY HAVE ISSUED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF WARRANTS, 2 BE WARRANTS, AND THAT IS TO BE ARRESTED. THEY CAUSED VICTIMIZATION AND THEY HURT SOMEBODY VULNERABLE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE CRIME REDUCTION UNITS HAVE THE RESOURCES TO PRIORITIZE THESE VIOLENT CRIMES AND SHOW IT TO THE COUNTY JAIL. THAT IS MY ITEM, JUDGE.

THE ONLY OTHER THING I WILL ADD TO IT IS THAT AGGRAVATED CRIMES INCREASED BY 28%. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENTS INCREASED 51%. CHILD CRIMES WENT UNCHECKED WITHOUT REPORTING SIGNS OF ABUSE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE THE SHERIFF RESOURCES TO START BRINGING JUSTICE TO

THE VIOLENT OFFENDERS. >> LET'S HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER KAY -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND RAMSEY AND THEN ELLIS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, JUST LET US KNOW WHEN YOU WANT TO HEAR FROM THE SHERIFF BEFORE HE HAS TO HOP OFF. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR BRINGING THIS RESOLUTION.

I THINK IT IS AN EXCELLENT STEP AND IT IS ONE FOOT FORWARD AND I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT WE SHOULD PUT THE OTHER FOOT FORWARD. I THINK I CIRCULATED THAT AROUND YESTERDAY MORNING AFTER WE RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION AND WOULD LIKE TO ADD AS A PROPOSED AMENDMENT THAT WAS FORWARDED THAT WE APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL THREE MILLION FROM THE SAME FUND TO BE DISTRIBUTED QUEUL -- EQUALLY AMONG THE CON -- CONSTABLES FOR OVERTIME TARGETING VIOLENCE AND VIOLENT CRIMES AND SUBMITTED TO THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT FOR REVIEW. COMMISSIONER, IF I MAY, WE DO HAVE THE SHERIFF. I KNOW HE IS ON A COMPRESSION -- COMPRESSED SCHEDULE.

I WILL SAY WITH YOUR NUMBER AND MY NUMBER, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY IN THAT PARTICULAR FUND.

I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE SHERIFF TO THINK THROUGH HOW THE ENTIRE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY PLAYS A ROLE IN THIS INITIATIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE THAT WITH THE SHERIFF AND THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICES AND TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DISSECT THAT.

IT IT WOULDN'T MAKE SENSE TO GIVE FOLKS WARRANTS IN SOME OTHER AREA. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION THAT WE GIVE THE SHERIFF BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIGURE OUT HOW THAT PARTICULAR PROCESS WOULD WORK. WITH THAT IF WE COULD HAVE THE SHERIFF BE ABLE TO GIVE HIS THOUGHTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SHERIFF BRIEFLY AND THEN WE WILL HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE AS WELL.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING US AND THANK YOU FOR THE PROCLAMATION YOU ISSUED AS WELL ON BEHALF OF FALLEN OFFICERS AND THE ONE FOR CHILD ABUSE, ALL VERY IMPORTANT. VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE INITIATIVE. TO BE ABLE TO SUPPLEMENT SOME OF OUR ON GOING EFFORTS TO TRY TO REDUCE CRIME IN OUR COMMUNITY AND IN OUR COUNTY. WE KNOW THERE HAS BEEN AN UP TICK OF CRIME AND HARRIS COUNTY IS NOT IMMUNE TO THAT.

WITH THE ONSET OF COVID WE HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD ABUSE AND SOME OF THE SAFETY NET HAS BEEN REMOVED. FOR EXAMPLE, KIDS NOT IN SCHOOL FULL TIME AND THE TEACHER TO BE THE LIAISON TO IMIF US INFORMATION -- TO GIVE US INFORMATION AND GIVE US WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE. THOSE REPORTS HAVE GONE UP THOUGH, BUT WE WANT TO STAY ON TOP OF IT AND TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. WE DOO -- WE DO LOOK FORWARD TO UTILIZING THE DOLLARS AND WE THANK COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR HIS LEADERSHIP. WE KNOW HE IS INFORMED IN THIS ROLE AS SHERIFF. IT DOES TAKE INVESTMENT TO BE PRO ACTIVE OUT THERE AND BEING ABLE TO ADDRESS PENDING WARRANTS THAT ARE TARGETED AND THE MOST VIOLENT.

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TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S POINT, ABSOLUTELY AGREE THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY AND VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO INCLUDING AND WORKING WITH OUR EIGHT ELECTED CONSTABLES AS WELL TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A COORDINATED RESPONSE TO THIS. THAT DOLLARS ARE BEING DESIGNATED IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY AND SUITS THE NEEDS OF TAXPAYERS AND VICTIMS OF CRIME. SO LOOKING FORWARD TO MAKE SURE THIS IS A CURED -- COORDINATED EFFORT.

WE REALLY WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF THE ITEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, SHERIFF.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: SHERIFF, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND ALL YOU DO. IT IS GREAT TO VOTE ON SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA, CRIME IS UP. PRECINCT 3 HOMICIDES ARE UP 41%. DO MESS -- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS UP 100%. THIS IS A CRIME-DEMIC THAT WE NEED TO PUT DOLLARS INTO AND GET SERIOUS ABOUT.

THIS IS HOW YOU ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

I AGREE WITH THE SPIRIT OF THIS.

WE WILL HAVE SOME OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN SUPPORT THIS GOING FORWARD.

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT THE ROLL OVER FUNDS THAT SHERIFF GONZALEZ CONTRIBUTED AS WE LOOK THROUGH THAT, THAT'S ABOUT EQUAL TO WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE.

WHAT AM I SAYING? I AM SAYING WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPLENISH THAT, IF YOU WILL, THOSE DOLLARS HE SAVED OVER TIME TO DO SOME GOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVES WITH.

IN THE CONTEXT OF THAT AND HAVING DISCUSSIONS ON HOW WE CAN SUPPORT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND ALL OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT INCLUDING THE CONSTABLES, I WILL BE SUPPORTING THIS AND OTHER INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT. THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SHERIFF, ARE YOU STILL HERE?

>> YES, SIR. AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THANK

YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SHERIFF, I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF ROLL OVER BECAUSE YOU WERE BUDGETING AND SPENDING IT AS YOU NEEDED IT, IS THAT CORRECT? THERE WAS NO ROLL OVER FROM YOUR DEPARTMENT THAT WE WENT IN AND MOVED.

IS THAT PRETTY MUCH CORRECT? >> YES, COMMISSIONER.

WE OBVIOUSLY TRY TO BE GOOD STEWARDS.

WE HAVE NEVER GONE OVER OUR BUDGET, BUT WE TRY TO USE LIES -- UTILIZE DOLLARS IN A SMART WAY.

FRANKLY WE COULD ALWAYS USE MORE.

WE TRY TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE MONEY WE DO HAVE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND SHERIFF, I APPRECIATE YOU RESPONDING TO A HOST OF OTHER THINGS TOO. DURING A PANDEMIC, OBVIOUSLY CRIME STATS AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE GOING UP AND IT IS CAUSED BY A HOST OFFER ISSUES BROUGHT OUT BY ECONOMIC MA -- MALASE AND A HOST OF OTHER ISSUES. WE HAVE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND I APPRECIATE YOU DOING THAT.

AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID, THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE HAVE -- AND AS I UNDERSTAND IT AND MAYBE THIS IS A QUESTION FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BUT IF WE PUT THIS THREE THERE AND YOU CAN'T USE IT, YOU WILL WORK IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CONSTABLES AND THE BUDGET OFFICE AND DECIDE WHAT TO DO.

THIS MOTION IS PRETTY MUCH PUTTING YOU IN A KEY POSITION TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN USE IT.

IF NOT, OUT OF THAT THREE THE DECISION WOULD BE MADE AND PUTTING IT WITH THE CONSTABLES.

IS THAT YOUR INTENT? >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I WOULD JUST COUNTER ON THAT A LITTLE BIT.

I THINK IT IS ON THE CONTRARY.

WE WOULD WORK PRO ACTIVELY UP FRONT TO MAKE SURE WE IDENTIFY A NUMBER OF CRIME REDUCTION/VIOLENT CRIME INITIATIVES UP FRONT AND MAKE SURE WE WERE COLLABORATING, AS WE DO OFTEN, ON IMPAIRED DRIVING INITIATIVES AND MANY OTHER THINGS. WE HAVE A VERY VAST GEOGRAPHY AND CRIME IS EVERYWHERE. I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY JUST SPOKE ABOUT THE AREAS HE REPRESENTS, AND CRIME IS EVERYWHERE. WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING GOOD STEWARDS. I THINK JUST BECAUSE WE ARE COUNTY WIDE IT GIVES US THE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE OF BEING ABLE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH EVERYONE AND NOT JUST DOLE OUT DOLLARS IN WAY THAT'S ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. WE WILL FIND A FAIR AND EQUITABLE WAY TO REDUCE EMISSIONS IN OUR COMMUNITIES

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AND WE WILL REPORT BACK AS WE GO FORWARD.

THE NUMBER ONE THING IS TO REDUCE CRIME ACROSS THE

BOARD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO YOU WILL SIT AROUND A TABLE OR ZOOM OR WHATEVER AND SORT IT OUT.

>> CORRECT. WE WOULD DO A COLLABORATIVE -TYPE OF APPROACH WHERE WE SIT DOWN AND GET FEEDBACK FROM THEM ON WHAT THEY ARE SEEING IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS AND LOOKING AT DATA AND TRYING TO GO AFTER THE MOST HEINOUS CRIMES. WE ARE VERY FOCUSED ON VIOLENT CRIMES, CHILD ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ADULT SEX CRIMES.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS UP. WE HAVE TO BE VERY SMART HOW WE ADDRESS THAT. SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO POLICE CRIMES THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY OCCURRING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. A LOT OF THAT IS RAISING AWARENESS TO MAKE SURE COMMUNITIES KNOW HOW TO FIND THE NECESSARY RESOURCES SUCH AS THE HOUSTON AREA WOMEN'S CENTER. BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO BE FOLLOWING UP WITH CASES WHEN WE GET THE REPORTS THAT THERE COULD BE A TIMELY RESPONSE AS WELL.

THAT SOMETIMES -- THOSE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES ARE

TOMORROW'S MURDERS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU SENT -- IS THIS THE MOTION YOU

SENT AROUND? >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S

CORRECT -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S

CORRECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD BE

GLAD TO SIGN IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS A COMMENT, BUT I WANT TO CLARIFY BEFORE WE GET TO THAT. SHERIFF, MY UNDERSTANDING AND I APPRECIATE THE WAY YOU GUYS HAVE DRAWN IT UP,.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I TALKED ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS AND I APPRECIATE IT, COMMISSIONER, IS SIX SPECIFIC VIOLENT CRIME UNITS THAT ARE FACING BACKLOGS.

THAT'S VIOLENT CRIMES AND CHILD ABUSE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CRIMINAL WARRANT FOR THOSE VIOLENT CRIME OFFENDERS. IS THAT A SHERIFF -- IS THAT SHERIFF AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT? WHAT THROWS ME OFF IS -- I THINK THIS IS SMART. I THINK THAT IT IS GETTING AT HYPER-TARGETED SOLUTIONS THAT WILL BE EVALUATED SO WE ARE NOT JUST THROWING EVERYTHING AT THE WALL.

IT IS NOT ABOUT THROWING THE FORCE.

IT IS MAKING SURE THE BEST PEOPLE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THEIR WORK MORE EXTENSIVELY AND IT WILL BE -- THE EFFECT IS GOING TO BE MEASURED SO WE CAN SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

I THINK IT IS SMART THAT IT IS PAIRED WITH THE VIOLENT PROGRAMS THAT J -- THAT JAD IS CONDUCTING.

I KNOW THEY ARE TRYING TO GET TO ONE TO CURE VIOLENCE.

TO AVERT RECIDIVISM. AND THEN IT GETS PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, WHEN THEY END UP AT THE HOSPITAL.

IN THE DISCUSSION ABOUT CONSTABLES, I DON'T WANT TO DILUTE WHAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED.

IT MAKES SENSE IF THE CONSTABLES WANT TO WORK WITH BUDGET TO PRESENT SOMETHING SIMILAR THAT WOULD BE EVALUATED AND ALSO, YOU KNOW -- BUT I DON'T WANT TO DILUTE THE PROPOSAL THAT THE SHERIFF HAS MADE.

CAN YOU CLARIFY THAT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD ADD AT ONE POINT, JUDGE, THAT THE WARRANTS OF WHICH NEEDS TO BE EXECUTED ARE REALLY UNDER THE PER VIEW OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. SO WHEN AGENCIES EXECUTE THOSE WARRANTS, THEY HAVE TO RETURN THOSE AND THEY HAVE TO BE WELL DOCUMENTED AND THEN REFILED OR KEPT TRACK OF.

IN THAT REGARD I THINK THERE IS AN EXCELLENT UTILIZATION AND COORDINATION WITH THE CONSTABLES TO DO THAT.

OBVIOUSLY WHATEVER CASES THE SHERIFF HAS SEEN ON HIS SIDE, I WON'T SPEAK FOR HIM, BUT THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION TO GET TO THOSE POINTS. AND IT IS THE WORK OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND I'M SURE IT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED.

THOSE SIT IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE EVERY DAY AND DIFFERENT AGENCIES, BUT IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE REALTIME CRIME SETTER TO MAKE SURE THE WARRANTS AND THE HOTSPOTS AROUND THE COUNTY

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ARE BEING -- THAT THEY ARE CONNECTING THE DOTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE HAVING MAXIMUM IMPACT AND THEY ARE DONE WITH

COORDINATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO IT IS BASICALLY -- WHAT I REALLY APPRECIATED AND THE SHERIFF IDENTIFIED SPECIFICALLY HOW MANY CASES ARE IN THE BACKLOG AND HOW MANY OVERTIME IT WILL TAKE TO CLEAR THE CASES.

YOU ARE STILL GOING TO CLEAR -- WORK TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG THROUGH OVERTIME OF THE BEST OFFICERS AND THEY WILL WORK IN THE GOAL OF THE BACKLOG OF THE SIX KEY AREAS?

>> YES, JUDGE. AND I AGREE WE NEED AN ELEMENT OF VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION PROGRAMS AS WELL.

I KNOW IN THE PAST COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS TALKED ABOUT A GREATER EMPHASIS ON THE SURVIVOR SIDE OF THINGS AS WELL. I KNOW WE ARE DOING THAT WITH CJCC UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP AS WELL.

SO THIS WILL PROVIDE ADVOCATES TO DO SOME OF THE OUT REACH TO SEEK THE SHELTERS AND MAKE SURE WE HAVE SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS AND THEN THOSE WARRANTS AS WELL TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE MOST VIOLENT OFFENDERS OUT THERE SO THAT THEY DON'T CONTINUE TO REOFFEND -- YOU KNOW, AS MUCH AS WE CAN LIMIT THAT.

IT WOULD BE COORDINATED. WE HAVE TO BE SMART AND WE HAVE TO MEASURE RESULTS AS WE WILL AND I THINK THERE IS ROOM AS WELL FOR A COLLABORATION WITH OUR HARRIS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS. THAT'S ALWAYS IMPORTANT AS WELL TO MAKE SURE THAT WE FORCE MULTIPLY.

AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS ABOUT PUTTING THE BEST TEAMS TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION.

AND IT IS NOT JUST THROWING DOLLARS AT THIS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING EFFECTIVE FOR HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS AND MAKING SURE WE DISTRIBUTE THE MONIES TO MEET THE MISSION. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF A TIGHT MISSION HERE AND WE GET RESULTS IN

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ANOTHER QUESTION FOR THE SHERIFF BEFORE HE GOES AWAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SHERIFF, I KNOW WE WANT MEASURABLE METRICS AND EVALUATIONS TO BE APPLIED TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT THE CONSTABLES ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH YOU ON THE BANK ROBBERY TASK FORCE AND VIOLENT TASK INITIATIVES AND IT IS ALL PART OF THE PROGRAM.

MY QUESTION TO YOU IS IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE WILL BE A TABLE. WILL THERE BE A ROUND TABLE LIKE KING ARTHUR WITH THE KNIGHTS, OR WILL YOU AT THE FRONT OF THE TABLE DICTATING TO EVERYBODY WHERE IT IS THE KIDS AT THE END OF THE TABLE AND THE ADULTS AT THE OTHER

END? >> COMMISSIONER, IN MY FOUR PLUS YEARS NOW WE NEVER HAD THAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP WHERE IT WAS ME DICTATING TO ANY OF THEM.

OBVIOUSLY THEY RUN THEIR INDIVIDUAL OFFICES AND THEY KNOW THE PRIORITIES OF THE RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES.

SOME OF THESE ARE JUST MORE GENERAL IN NATURE AND MAYBE THERE IS MORE VISIBILITY AND MORE DRIVEN BY LABOR DAY INITIATIVE OR HOLIDAY INITIATIVE.

WE WANT TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY.

WHAT THAT LACKS LIKE IN A -- LOOKS LIKE IN A ZOOM WORLD, IF THAT IS SITTING AT A VIRTUAL TABLE WE WILL WORK COLLABORATIVELY. IT IS NOT ME DICTATING ALONE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS DRIVEN BY DATA AND DATA THAT WE HAVE AS WELL AND IT IS TIGHTLY FOCUSED ON THE CRIMES. AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATION IS VERY CRITICAL BECAUSE THERE ARE PEOPLE WAITING FOR THEIR CASES TO BE INVESTIGATED.

IT IS NOT JUST INCREASING A POLICE PRESENCE.

IT IS A BEHIND THE DOOR KIND OF AN INVESTIGATIVE WORK THAT HAS TO GO ON. YOU KNOW, OUR INVESTIGATIVE BUREAUS HAVE NOT GROWN HISTORICALLY OVER THE YEARS.

THE MORE CASES AND THE MORE POPULATION HARRIS COUNTY HAS HAD AND THE RESULT OF COVID HAS LEAD TO BIGGER BACKLOGS.

THAT MEANS INVESTIGATIVE WORK NOT DRIVEN BY A PATROL

PRESENCE UNFORTUNATELY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE SECOND QUESTION I HAD, JUDGE, MAY BE ONE MR. BERRY COULD ANSWER, AND THAT IS HOW MUCH MONEY IS IN THE COVID RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND WHICH IS WHERE I THOUGHT THESE PROCEEDS WERE

COMING FROM. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU MAY BE ON

MUTE. >> CAN YOU HEAR ME?

[00:50:01]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YES. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. WE HAVE AN PROXIMATE ESTIMATE OF THAT. WE ARE WORKING THROUGH THE FINALS OF LAST YEAR'S EXPENDITURES WITH COVID.

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THERE ARE MANY MOVING PARTS.

IT IS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 25 TO 30 MILLION DOLLARS REMAINING IN THAT RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SO WITH 25 TO 30 MILLION REMAINING FUNDS THAT ARE IN THAT FUND, JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO RENEW MY MOTION WITH THE CAVEAT THAT IT BE SPENT IN THE AREAS WE IDENTIFIED WITH THE SHERIFF WITH REGARD TO WHERE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE MEASURABLE METRICS AND OUTCOMES AND DETERMATIVE EVALUATIONS AND THE SCIENCE AND WE WOULD THEN EMPLOY THOSE PROTOCOLS TO ALLOWING THE SHERIFF TO ALSO ENGAGE IN THIS SCIENCE OF THE REDUCTION OF CRIME SINCE WE

HAVE 25 TO 30 MANAGE. >> THIS IS THE SHERIFF.

CAN I BORROW SOME OF YOUR TIME JUST TO MAKE A COMMENT?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YES. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, JUST TO MANAGE EVERYONE'S EXPECTATIONS BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING TRANSPARENT IS THAT SOME OF THIS WORK DOES GO TO THE SPECIALIZED DIVISIONS THAT WORK ON THIS INVESTIGATIVE WORK DAILY SUCH AS THE CHILD ABUSE UNIT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT. THOSE ARE ESTABLISHED UNITS THAT ARE IN PLACE UNDER THE PER VIEW OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HIS -- HISTORICALLY FROM FOREVER.

I DON'T KNOW, YOU KNOW, HOW MANY UNITS EXIST UNDER MY COLLEAGUES. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT INVESTIGATING THESE, THESE FALL UNDER INVESTIGATIVE BUREAUS. AND SO AS MUCH AS THEY CAN COME IN AND WORK UNDER THOSE BUREAUS WITH A CASE LOAD THEY ARE NOT PERSONALLY MANAGING, BUT I AM SAYING THE BACKLOG SITS IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. FOR BETTER OR WORSE IT IS WHERE IT IS. IT REFLECTS ON US, BUT IT COMES FROM INVESTIGATIONS THAT MAYBE INITIALLY STARTED UNDER A CONSTABLE'S AREA, BUT ULTIMATELY WE ARE THE LEAD INVESTIGATION BODY. AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE MANAGING EXPECTATION. AS WE DIVEE OUT DOLLARS, WHAT HAVE YOU, WE WILL STAY FOCUS OWED WHAT IS LAID OUT HERE AND THOSES CURRENTLY SIT -- THOSE CURRENTLY SIT UNDER THE SHARE RIFF'S OFFICE. NOT -- THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

NOT EVERYBODY HAS CHILD ABUSE UNITS.

THEY MAY WORK SOME CASES, BUT IT IS NOT THEIR DAILY CASE LOAD, FOR EXAMPLE. WE END UP A LITTLE BY FOR INDICATED AND -- BIFORCATED. PERHAPS IF YOU WANTED TO FIND SEPARATE DOLLARS THAT THEY COULD THEN WORK UNDER THEIR OWN DISCRETION ON SEPARATE INITIATIVES.

I MEAN, I DON'T HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THAT AT ALL.

I AM JUST TRYING TO MANAGE EXPECTATIONS AND ADVISE WHERE THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UNIT SITS FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY

COMMUNITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SHERIFF, THANK YOU FOR LAYING THAT OUT. I WOULD JUST -- LOOK, THIS IS AN INITIATIVE. THE COUNTY HASN'T DONE SOMETHING THIS STRATEGICALLY, AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN IN MY TIME. SO I WOULD ASK US TO ALLOW THE SHERIFF AND THE CONSTABLES AND THE BUDGET OFFICE TO WORK TOGETHER AND LET'S ROLL THIS OUT AND GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE MEASURED AND THEN COME BACK AND THEN WE CAN HAVE ANOTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS. THE CONSTABLES ARE NOT OFF THE TABLE WHETHER IT BE ROUND OR IN ANY OTHER SHAPE.

YMG WE -- I THINK WE ARE HEARING A COMMITMENT FROM THE SHARE -- SHERIFF ON HOW IT CAN EXIST.

AND WITHOUT SPEAKING FOR THE JUDGE THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT. ALL MONEY CAN BE SPENT, BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE SPENDING IT WISELY AND STRATEGICALLY. I WOULD JUST ASK THAT WE ALLOW FOR THIS INITIATIVE TO ROLL OUT AND START TO HIT SOME SUCCESSES AND GET THE REPORT BACK AND FIGURE OUT WHAT THE

NEXT PHASE IS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I I

[00:55:01]

HAVE SOMETHING ELSE TO OFFER --

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER ELLIS BECAUSE I KNOW HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR A BIT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT RESPECT FROM ALL OF US HERE ON THE ZOOM. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE SIGNED UP, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO VOTE ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION AND IF THERE IS ANOTHER ONE THAT IS RELEVANT IT CAN BE MADE. I KNOW WE PULLED THIS FORWARD SO THE SHERIFF CAN BE HERE. I CALL A VOTE ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION. WE CAN VOTE ON THE OTHERS AT SOME POINT, BUT WE DO HAVE A HUNDRED SPEAKERS THAT ARE

WAITING TO GIVE THEIR INPUT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I SECOND THE MOTION. I HAVE ANOTHER MOTION THAT I WILL URGE AFTER AND IT MAY HAVE A COMPROMISE THAT ALL

WOULD ACCEPT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WOULD YOU MIND, IT IS TO MOVE THE ITEMS AND DISPERSED IN TRONCHES AND THE BUDGET OFFICE WORK WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR DISPURSE MEANT OF FUNDS AND METRICS AND PERFORMANCE ON

SAID METRICS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S

CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S THE

MOTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUST A SECOND, JUDGE. I JUST GOT THIS ONE AT 10:45.

I'M OKAY WITH THE MODIFICATION.

I LIKE TO READ THEM BEFORE I VOTE ON THEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. SO YOU ARE GOOD WITH THE

MOTION AS I READ IT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES, JUDGE, ALTHOUGH TRONCHES AND MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE METRICS AND OUTCOME DETERMINED EVALUATIONS ARE NOT DEFINED.

I'M GOOD WITH THE MOTION AS IT IS BECAUSE I THINK WHAT WE HAVE HEARD FROM THE SHERIFF IS HE WILL HAVE A ROUND TABLE AND SIT DOWN AND TALK TO FOLKS AND WILL COME BACK LATER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND WHAT I WILL SAY IS I AM TRUSTING BUDGET, YOU KNOW, TO LET US KNOW IF WE ARE NOT GETTING THE REPORT FACTS AND THE ADEQUATE METRICS, WHICH I SUSPECT WE WILL. I KNOW THE SHERIFF AND HIS TEAM HAVE BEEN HELPFUL IN THIS IN THE P FM DATA SHARING.

THAT'S A CONDITION OF THE APPROVAL.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE MOTION AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS SECONDED IT. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE I PREVIOUSLY HAD CIRCULATED AN AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION.

IT WOULD BE A STAND ALONE MOTION AT THIS TIME WHICH WOULD BE FOR THE ADDITIONAL $3 . I HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO WRITE MY PROPOSED THOUGHT, BUT MY THOUGHT IS WE WOULD MAKE THAT TO WHERE AFTER THE CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF HAVE A CHANCE TO VISIT WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE THAT IF THERE IS A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO ENGAGE IN THESE INITIATIVES THROUGH THE CONSTABLES THAT UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $3 MILLION BE APPROVED.

THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN, JUDGE, THEY WILL DRAW THE THREE MILLION, BUT THEY WILL SIT DOWN AND VISIT WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE AND VISIT WITH THE CONSTABLES AND SEE IF IT IS THE CONSTABLES THAT ARE DEVELOPING THEIR SAME PROGRAMS THAT THEY WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THIS SCIENTIFIC MEASURABLE METRIC OUTCOME DETERMATIVE EVALUATION PROCESS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, IF I MIGHT OFFER A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. I KNOW MR. CHAUVIN'S TRIAL IS STARTING AND ON THE FUNERAL OF GEORGE FLOYD COMMUNE RAIL WE COMMITTED A $25 MILLION MARKER I THINK FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM. I DON'T THINK THAT'S BEEN SPENT. IF WE ARE GOING TO VOTE ON THIS I WILL JUST ADD THAT THEY ALSO COME BACK WITH A RECOMMENDATION ON THE $25 MILLION THAT WE COMMITTED TO. SO WHILE WE ARE AT IT I WILL ADD IT AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T WANT TO FORGET THAT --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT ACCEPTING THAT AS A

FRIENDLY -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW WE ARE SITTING HERE GOING THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS.

BUT IF WE ARE I WILL MAKE SURE THE $25 MILLION -- I PREFER WE NOT DO THAT. I COULD HAVE DONE THAT ON A HOST OF ITEMS THAT CAME UP. WE DISCUSSED IT AND IT WAS MR. MR. BERRY WAS HERE. I THINK PEOPLE WERE SINCERE.

I CAN'T RECALL IF IT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY OR NOT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I CAN'T REMEMBER IF YOU VOTED FOR IT OR NOT, BUT I KNOW IT DID PASS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I'M SEEING IS A PROPOSAL THAT SHERIFF CLEARLY WORKED WITH BUDGET ON CLOSELY.

[01:00:01]

OBVIOUSLY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IT GETS TO ADDRESSING A SPECIFIC NEED WITHOUT INCREASING STAFFING.

AND IT IS WITH MEASURABLE METRICS.

WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SIMILAR PROPOSAL FROM THE CONSTABLES.

WE DO HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING THAT THE SHERIFF WILL NEED TO WORK WITH THE CONSTABLES TO ADDRESS THIS SPECIFIC NEED AND THESE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT WE KEEP THINGS WITH THE APPROVAL AS THEY ARE.

SHERIFF CAN WORK WITH THE CONSTABLES AND IF THERE IS ADDITIONAL -- AN ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC NEED WITHOUT INCREASING STAFFING AND WITH MEASURABLE OUTCOMES AS WORKED THROUGH WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE TO BE PROPOSED, THAT CAN COME BACK. WHAT I AM HEARING FROM COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS THERE IS SOME OTHER PENDING PROMISES THAT NEED TO COME BACK AS WELL.

SO THEY MAY WANT TO LOOK INTO THAT TOO.

I THINK -- I HAVE READ THIS BRA POSE -- THIS PROPOSAL FROM THE SHERIFF. IT IS A CONVERSATION I HAD WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH IT.

IT IS NOT AN INCREASE IN STAFFING.

I UH -- I APPRECIATE IT DEFINES THE BACKLOG AND IT SAYS IT IS GOING TO USE -- TO BE USED FOR SPECIFICALLY FOR THE BACKLOG AND THEN WE WILL SEE HOW WE ENCOUNTER THE BACKLOG. I WOULDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE GROWING IT AT THE TABLE WITHOUT THAT LEVEL OF DETAIL.

I AM OPEN THOUGH TO THAT DISCUSSION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I UNDERSTOOD CLEARLY, JUDGE, WHAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS PROPOSED AND IT WAS VERY COMPLIMENTARY -- COMPLEMENTARY OF WHAT WE DISCUSSED WITH THE SHERIFF. IF COMMISSIONER ELLIS WANTS A MOTION ON ANOTHER MOTION. I SECOND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION RELATED TO A REVIEW OF THIS AND COMING BACK TO THE TABLE. I BELIEVE THE CONSTABLES ARE HYPER FOCUSED EVERY DAY AS FIRST RESPONDERS MOST DAYS IN ADDRESSING THIS CRIME-DEMIC WE HAVE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

CLEARLY THEY HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY.

CLEARLY THEY ARE PLAYING A ROLE.

SPECIFICALLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND WHEN I LOOK AT THE -- WHAT WE PASSED IN TERMS OF PERFORMANCE METRICS IT WAS CLEARLY THIS CAME FROM P FM IN TERMS OF BEING RATHER GENERIC. I HAVEN'T SEEN OTHER INFORMATION. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ALL OF THAT INFORMATION. I THINK WITHIN THE SPIRIT OF WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH THE SHERIFF, THERE ARE OTHER RESOSES -- RESOURCE THAT'S COULD BE APPLIED TO ADDRESSING THE CRIME PROBLEM AND I SECOND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT JUST REFER IT TO JUDGE -- BUDGET MANAGE MEANT AND HAVE A

RECOMMENDATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS SAYING COME BACK TO THE TABLE, WE ARE ALL SAYING COME BACK TO THE TABLE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND THAT SUBSTITUTE MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE ARE SAYING THE MOTION IS COMMISSIONER ELLIS IF YOU WILL REPEAT IT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S VERY WORTHY IDEA AND THE IDEA I MADE REFERENCE TO THE $25 MILLION WE COMMITTED SOME TIME AGO AFTER THE -- AFTER MR. FLOYD FUNERAL, JUST KEEP THEM BOTH ON THE TABLE AND COME BACK WITH A

RECOMMENDATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT

JAMES? >> NO, MA'AM THIS IS MARISELA. I WOULD LIKE SOME CLARIFICATION ON THAT. IT IS ME THIS TIME.

IF I CAN GET SOME CLARIFICATION ON THE SECOND MOTION Y'ALL WOULD LIKE FOR THIS ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MADE A SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT WE SEND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION TO THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND ALSO A REVIEW OF THE $25 MILLION WE COMMITTED FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM TO THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE AS WELL TO COME BACK TO THE COURT WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS.

NO TIMETABLE SPECIFIC. WHENEVER THEY THINK IS

APPROPRIATE. >> WOULD COMMISSIONER CAGLE BE ABLE TO REREAD HIS MOTION SO I CAN HAVE THAT NOTATED TOO.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YES. MY MOTION IS THAT WE APPROVE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $3 MILLION FROM THE SAME FUND AS WAS THE SHERIFF'S MOTION TO BE REVIEWED AND TO WORK WITH -- TO BE DISPERSED IN TRONCHES AND THAT THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT WORK WITH THE CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO DEVELOP A SCHEDULE FOR THE DISPURSE MEANT OF THE FUNDS AND PERFORMANCE METRICS AND PERFORMING ON THE SAME PERFORMANCE METRICS QUALIFYING TRONCHES FOR THE CONSTABLES.

>> IS THIS DIFFERENT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT. THE OTHER ONE SAID GIVE $3 MILLION. WHAT I HAVE DONE IS I HAVE ADOPTED THE NEW SPEAK OF THE LATEST MOTION THAT WAS SENT

[01:05:05]

AROUND AT 10:45 FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND JUST SAID THAT WE WOULD EMPLOY THE SAME -- THAT SAME APPROACH TO THE CONSTABLES TO WHERE THEY WOULD BE REVIEWED AND TO BE APPROVED UP TO $3 MILLION AND NOT NECESSARILY THAT THEY HAVE

TO HAVE THE THREE MILLION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I DON'T WANT TO CONFUSE MORE. MY SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS TO SIPPED -- TO SEND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION TO BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND WE SEND THE RECOMMENDATION THAT WE PASSED AFTER MR. FLOYD FUNERAL TO PUT $25 MILLION INTO CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS TO BUDGET MANAGEMENT AS WELL AND COME BACK TO US WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON BOTH AT

SOME POINT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, IF I CAN JUST ADD ON, AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I WANT TO BE CLEAR, MY STAFF HAS BEEN CIRCULATING THIS AND SPEAKING WITH ALL STAFF FOR ABOUT A WEEK.

THERE IS JUST SOME TWEAKING ON THE MOTION YOU GOT AT 10:45.

THIS IS -- THE WHOLE PROGRAM I PUT TOGETHER AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE JUDGE, WE DIDN'T PUT THIS TOGETHER OVERNIGHT.

IT HAS BEEN A LOT OF WORK AND IT HAPPENED OVER WEEKS.

I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR. CONVERSATIONS BETWEEN OUR STAFF AND YOUR STAFF HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THE TWEAKING JUST HAPPENED AT 10:45.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: MY FIRST AMENDMENT WAS YESTERDAY BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN WE GOT YOUR FULLY PLEDGED MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO HAVE A LOT OF SPEAKERS.

ARE YOU GOOD ON THE MOTION MOTIONS?

>> ARE WE GOING TO DO A FULL VOTE ON COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION AND THEN THE ONE COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL VOTE ON COMMISSIONER ELLIS FIRST AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE. COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE A MOTION AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS' MOTION SO THAT PASSES 3-2.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE MADE A MOTION WHICH YOU TOOK NOTE OF, MARSELA AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SECONDED IT.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I AM OPPOSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM OPPOSED AS WELL SO IT FAILS 3-2. SO THAT IS ITEM 13 THAT WE HAD TO TAKE A DETOUR FOR THE SHERIFF.

>> NO. >> NO.

THANK YOU COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SHERIFF, FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT. THOSE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS. I AM EAGER TO SEE WHAT COMES BACK.

LET'S GO BACK TO THE RESOLUTIONS.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAVE SOME RESOLUTIONS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. I HAVE A FEW RESOLUTIONS AND A FOURTH AMENDMENT TO MY RES -- RESOLUTION AND IT IS GOCOUGSS! THE FIRST ONE HERE I AM EXCITED ABOUT BECAUSE IT DEALS WITH A PUBLIC SERVANT IN THE NAME OF JERRY SMITH.

HE HAS BEEN A COUNTY EMPLOYEE FOR 34 YEARS.

30 OF THOSE ARE SERVING SPECIFICALLY FOR PRECINCT 2.

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF FOLKS HERE THAT WILL SHARE IN SOME CUSSING DASH

>> THAT WILL SHARE IN SOME DISCUSSIONS.

MY RESOLUTION IS, WHEREAS FOR OVER 34 YEARS MR. JERRY SMITH HAS WORKED FOR HARRIS COUNTY IN MANY ROLES INCLUDING FOREMAN, MASTER OPERATOR, HERBACIDE SPECIALIST AND ALL-AROUND OPERATOR SERVING PRECINCT 2 IN OUR BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY. AND BETTER AS MOST -- AND WHEREAS JERRY WAS PART OF THE DEEM THAT ESCORTED AN AMBULANCE JUDGE AND COLLEAGUES FROM METHODIST HOSPITAL BAY TOWN TO THE TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER UNDER DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS DURING THE FEBRUARY 2021 WINTER STORM.

WHEREAS JERRY IS KNOWN BY HIS PEERS AS A VARY LIABLE, DEDICATED EMPLOYEE AND ALWAYS WILLING AND ABLE TO ASSIST THE COUNTY AT ANYTIME NECESSARY. THAT HE HAS DONE.

WHEREAS WHENEVER WORKING OUTSIDE ON SITE JERRY ENJOYS TALKING WITH CONSTITUENTS AND HAS DEVELOPED A GOOD, LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY.

[01:10:01]

AND WHEREAS AN AVID OUTDOORS MAN JERRY LOOKS FORWARD TO SPENDING MORE TIME ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS IN HIS RETIREMENT. WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL MISS YOU AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU.

AND WE ARE JUST ALWAYS, ALWAYS SO APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR INCREDIBLE DEDICATION AND SERVICE FOR SO MANY YEARS AND DOING IT INCREDIBLY WELL. JUDGE, WE HAVE THE INFAMOUS, THE ONE AND ONLY MR. JERRY SMITH ON THE CALL, I THINK.

MARSELA, IS HE ON? >> THIS IS LUCINDA.

MR. SMITH, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES.

I WANT TO THANK ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO AND ESPECIALLY JUDGE -- OR COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IT HAS BEEN A LONG CAREER IN HARRIS COUNTY. I STARTED IN DECEMBER OF 86 AND WORKED FOR FLOOD CONTROL A FEW YEARS AND THEN TRANSFERRED TO PRECINCT 2. I WORKED FOR JIM FONTAINO AND SILVIA GARCIA AND NOW ADRIAN GARCIA.

ADRIAN GARCIA HAS BEEN A GREAT COMMISSIONER.

I SUPPORT HIM. IT'S BEEN A LONG RUN AND I'VE SEEN A LOT OF FLOODING. I HAVE SEEN GOOD AND BAD AT THE COUNTY. HURRICANE HARVEY WAS SOMETHING TERRIBLE AND THIS LAST STORM WAS BAD TOO.

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT CAREER AND I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING FROM HARRIS COUNTY. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO SAY, BUT IT'S BEEN GREAT. I'M GONNA ENJOY RETIREMENT.

IT IS NICE NOT TO HAVE TO GET UP FOR WORK, BUT YOU MISS THE EMPLOYEES SO BAD. GREAT EMPLOYEES I WORKED WITH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JERRY, WE ARE GRATE -- GRATEFUL FOR YOU, BUDDY. YOU DON'T HAVE TO MISS US THAT MUCH. IF IT IS MORE DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS AT HOME, WE'LL ALWAYS TAKE YOU BACK, BUD.

YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A HOME HERE.

THANK YOU. JUDGE, WE HAVE JIMMY SUE FERGUSON WHO MAY HAVE A ROAST AND TOAST FOR HER COLLEAGUE.

>> GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND JUDGE LINA HIDALGO.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF JERRY SMITH TODAY. I AM ONE OF THE NEWER EMPLOYEES THAT HE WORKED WITH IN HIS 34 YEARS K -- WITH HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 2. I THINK I AM ONE OF THE FIRST FEMALES THAT WORKED OUT IN THE FIELD.

THEY DID NOT HAVE TOO MANY FEMALES IN HIS CAREER THAT WOULD WORK OUT IN THE FIELD. HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST ONES THEY PUT ME OUT WITH WHEN I STARTED HERE AT HARRIS COUNTY.

HE IS JUST A LEADER IN MANY WAYS.

HE SERVED, AS HE SAID, ON MANY ASSIGNMENTS AND HE IS THE EPITOME OF WORKING SMARTER AND NOT HARDER.

BECAUSE OF THAT WE HAVE ALL LEARNED SOME BETTER WAYS TO MAKE BEING PRODUCTIVE IN WHAT WE DO EACH AND EVERY DAY.

I STARTED AS AN OPERATOR AND HE TRAINED ME ON THE BACK OF TRUCKS. THERE WERE SEVERAL OPERATORS THEY PUT ME WITH AND THEN IT TURNED OUT THAT GARY SAID NONE OF THEM ARE DOING IT RIGHT. I TOOK THE COURSE WHEN THE TRACTOR TRUCKS WERE BOUGHT. LET ME TEACH THIS LADY HOW TO DO IT THE RIGHT WAY. AND HE DID A VERY GOOD JOB AT IT. AND SO NOW BECAUSE OF THAT HE CAN BE THE SOLE PURPOSE ON WHY TWO FEMALES CAN GET ON THE BACK OF THE TRUCK AND PERFORM DITCHING FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA. HE ALSO WORKED AS A CAMP MAINTENANCE PERSON. WHEN WE FIRST SET UP AT WADE CAMP HE CAME FROM MILLER AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE ORGANIZATION. HE SET UP CAGES AND CABINETS AND SHELVES AND MADE IT SO EVERYTHING WAS LABELED.

WE ARE DEFINITELY MISSING NOT HAVING JERRY HERE ON A DAILY BASIS. I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU, JERRY AND I HOPE YOU CAN FIND OTHER THINGS IN YOUR LIFE TO KEEP YOU PRODUCTIVE. I HOPE YOU HAVE GOOD FISHING AND HUNTING BECAUSE YOU HAVE ALL THE TIME TO DO NOW.

I KNOW THAT'S SOMETHING YOU ENJOYED.

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK FOR HIM TODAY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JIMMY SUE.

SINCE YOU ARE A PROTEGE OF JERRY, WOULD YOU MIND THE

[01:15:04]

NICKNAME OF JERRY SUE? >> WELL, THEY CALL ME J SUE SOMETIMES. SO I GUESS IT FITS.

I'M LIKE THE BABY JERRY AROUND HERE.

SOME OF THEM CALL ME BABY JERRY.

SOMETIMES WE GET LOUD WITH THINGS IF WE WEREN'T HAPPY WITH THE WAY THINGS WERE BEING DONE.

WE DO WHAT WE CAN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS ON JERRY.

JERRY, AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS, BUDDY.

LOVE YOU AND GIVE ALL OF YOUR FAMILY OUR GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION FOR SHARING YOU WITH THE COUNTY FOR SO MANY

YEARS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU AND

CONGRATULATIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. MY NEXT RESOLUTION IS ONE THAT IS PAINFUL TO THINK ABOUT, BUT IN THE DISCUSSION OF KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE I HOPE THIS RESOLUTION AND IT IS ALL WE CAN AND MORE AND I WANT TO THANK MS. LI FOR JOINING US.

IT IS ABOUT HORRIBLE EVENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE AND IT REMINDS US WE CANNOT TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED AND THAT INCLUDES HATE. WHEREAS MEMBERS OF THE ASIAN-AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY HAVE FACED RACISM AND PREJUDICE AND SWREEN GNAW PHOBIA FOR CENTURIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND WHEREAS KNOWN FACTS PERTAINING TO THE MURDER OF EIGHT PEOPLE IN ATLANTA IN MARCH OF 2021 INCLUDING SIX ASIAN AMERICAN STRONGLY INDICATE THAT THE LEGACY AGAINST RACISM IN THE AAPI COMMUNITY PARTICULARLY AGAINST AAPI WOMEN PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THOSE DEATHS.

AND WHEREAS BEGINNING WITH COVID-19 OUR COUNTRY HAS SEEN A SHARP INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ATTACKS AGAINST ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS.

WITH 3800 INCIDENTS AND INCREASED REPORTS OF ASSAULTS AND HARASSMENT AND HATE CRIMES AGAINST THOSE OF ANCIENT DISSENT AND THE ATTACKS AGAINST ASIAN-AMERICAN WOMEN.

AS WELL AS THE ELDERLY AND YOUTH UNDER THE AGE OF 21.

AND WHEREAS IN ADDITION TO THE HEALTH CHALLENGES BROUGHT ON BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ASIAN-AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS ARE FACING ACTS OF VIOLENCE, HATRED AND ECONOMIC INSECURITY CAUSING INCREASED PAIN AND FEAR IN THE ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIFE. BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT CONDEMNS ALL RACISM, HATRED AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN-AMERICANS AND PACIFIC ISLANDERS AND WILL WORK TO TAKE AFFIRMATIVE STEPS TO RACISM IN THE COMMUNITY. THAT'S MY RESOLUTION.

>> I'M SORRY. WE DID HAVE HIM ON THE LINE.

HOWEVER, HE HAD TO HANG UP. WE DO HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER ON

THE LINE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINDA TOYOTA WITH THE LIVE FUND.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE UH HALL -- JUDGE HUH -- HIDALGO.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR YOUR LONG-STANDING FRIENDSHIP WITH THE ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY WHO SUPPORTS YOUR RESOLUTION TODAY AGAINST AAPI. AND THERE IS A VIGIL AND RALLY AT DISCOVERY GREEN. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. ASIAN-AMERICANS HAVE FACED A DOUBLE PANDEMIC. OF COVID-19 AND ANTI-ASIAN RACISM. THEY ARE BEING ASSAULTED ON THE STREETS AND ON THE WAY TO CHURCH.

ASIAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN ARE AFRAID TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND ASIAN BUSINESSES ARE SUFFERING.

ASIANS ARE BEING TARGETED FOR THE LANGUAGE THEY SPEAK AND HOW THEY DRESS. DOESN'T IN -- THIS SOUND

[01:20:04]

FAMILIAR? AS THE COUNTRY GRAPPLES WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE ASIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IS FACING AN ALARMING RISE IN VIOLENCE AND RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION. IN 2020 NEARLY ONE IN THREE ASIAN-AMERICANS REPORTED EXPERIENCING RACIAL SLURS OR JOKES SINCE THE START OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THE STOP AAPI COALITION DOCUMENTED FOR -- 4,000 INCIDENTS SINCE MARCH OF LAST YEAR RANGING FROM VIOLENT ATTACKS TO VERBAL HARASSMENT AND DEATHS.

35% OF THE INCIDENTS REPORTED INDICATE THAT BUSINESSES ARE THE PRIMARY SITE OF DISCRIMINATION.

WHETHER IT IS IN PUBLIC TRANSIT, ON THE STREET, AT THEIR BUSINESS OR EVEN AT THEIR WORKPLACE, WE, ASIAN AMERICANS, CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE VIOLENCE.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 MILLION ASIAN AMERICANS IN THE UNITED STATES. TWO MILLION ASIAN-AMERICAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES GENERATING $700 BILLION IN ANNUAL GDP AND EMPLOYING AROUND 3.5 MILLION PEOPLE.

75% OF THESE BUSINESSES DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO COVID-19 RELIEF. WE BELIEVE STANDING UP AND VOICING CONCERNS AGAINST RACISM WILL REDUCE ECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND CLOSE THE ECONOMIC DIVIDE THAT PREVENTS TOO MANY MINORITY WOMEN AND ENTREPRENEURS FROM ACHIEVING THEIR DREAMS. WE MUST LOOK TO BUILDING COMMUNITIES WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS ARE PROTECTED. AND THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO LIVE, WORK AND THRIVE. THE MESSAGE OF SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING IS IMPORTANT. DE SPIES WIDE- DESPISE WIDE-RANGING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY, AAPI'S HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN OVER LOOKED.

STATISTICALLY INSIGNIFICANT. NOT TODAY, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. TODAY WE ARE NOT INVISIBLE.

YOU HAVE ELEVATED OUR AAPI VOICES WITH YOUR RESOLUTION.

TODAY WE MATTER. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

LINDA. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. THANK YOU FOR HIGHLIGHTING THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE. IT REMINDED US OF THE GI FAMILY CELEBRATION. IT RE -- REMINDED US OF THE DIVERSITY AND THE THINGS WE SHOULD FOCUS ON IN THE COMMUNITY. I KNOW EVERY DAY OR EVERY TIME I GO INTO THE TRACY GI COMMUNITY CENTER IT REMINDS ME OF THE LIFE OF THAT YOUNG LADY AND HER LEGACY AND HOW WE SHOULD NEVER LET OUR GUARD DOWN WHEN IT COMES TO THESE KINDS OF ISSUES. WITHIN PRECINCT 3 AND WITHIN HARRIS COUNTY WE HAVE GREAT LEADERS WITHIN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO MAKE SURE THESE THINGS DON'T HAPPEN IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WANT TO ECHO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S COMMENTS AND THANK YOU FOR PUTTING IT ON THE AGENDA.

I THINK THAT WAS MS. LINDA TOYOTA WHO SPOKE.

I KNOW ALL OF US ARE SENSITIVE AND I WAS PROUD AT THAT RALLY. IT WAS THE YOUNGER FOLKS, THE MILLENNIALS THAT ORGANIZED IT.

THEY WERE SOCIALLY DISTANCED, FOR THE MOST PART.

IT WAS AN IMPRESSIVE DROWD -- CROWD ON SHORT NOTICE.

I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE DIVERSITY OF THE CROWD IN PARTICULAR. IT MADE ME PULL SOME STATISTICS. I WAS TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO SAY. THEY WERE TELLING ME WHAT TO SAY, BUT ONE OF THE LAST TO SPEAK AND YOU DON'T WANT TO USE THE TALKING POINT SOMEBODY ELSE GAVE YOU.

I DID THINK TO MYSELF TO BE ANTI-AAPI THERE IS OVER 60% OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION AND YOU HAVE TO REALLY BE HATEFUL.

YOU ARE REALLY NARROWING YOUR CHOICES ON WHO YOU CAN RUN WITH. IT IS IMPORTANT.

[01:25:02]

AN INTERESTING STAT I DIDN'T KNOW, AND SOMETIMES I GIVE A SPEECH ABOUT OUR DIVERSITY, SPEAKING CITY MOST DIVERSE AND THE COUNTY. THE FOURTH MAJORITY MINORITY STATE IN THE COUNTRY AND THAT'S NO LONGER TRUE.

NOW SIX MAJORITY/MINORITY STATES IN AMERICA.

AND WE, OUR POPULATION IS VERY MUCH A REFLECTION OF WHAT THIS COUNTRY WILL BE. SO RESOLUTIONS LIKE THIS HELP, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, EDUCATION HELPS AND EXPOSING PEOPLE.

AS I LOOKED AT THE CROWD OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE DIVERSITY, IT REALLY DID STRIKE ME OF HOW YOUNGER PEOPLE DON'T REALLY GET CAUGHT UP ON A LOT OF THINGS THE WAY OLDER PEOPLE DO AND THAT GIVES ME HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU.

IT'S IMPORTANT. A LOT NEEDS TO CHANGE, BUT HAVING LEADERS OUT FRONT CALLING OUT THIS DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLENCE IS CRUCIAL AND AS ALWAYS YOU CONTINUE TO STAND UP IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND MY FINAL RESOLUTION IS ANOTHER ONE FOR AN IMPORTANT ENTITY THAT WE HAVE HERE IN

HARRIS COUNTY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE ON THELESS RES -- THE LAST RESOLUTION I WANTED TO JOIN IN ON MY COLLEAGUES AND GIVE A SHOUTOUT FOR GENE WU.

WE MAY NOT BE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE LEGISLATIVE AISLE, BUT HE HAS BEEN A FRIEND AND SOMEBODY WE CAN ALWAYS WORK WITH AND I AM SAD WE DIDN'T GET TO HEAR FROM HIM TODAY.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THE RESOLUTION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

AND MY FINAL RESOLUTION, JUDGE, IS FOR AN IMPORTANT ENTITY THAT WE HAVE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

AND THAT IS THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY'S INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM. THIS READS, WHEREAS THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT CREATED THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY'S INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM IN 2001 AS A PILOT PROGRAM TO ASSIST STRANDED MOTORISTS ON THE TOLLWAY.

AND WHEREAS INITIALLY IT PROVIDED SERVICES SUCH AS CHANGING FLAT TIRES AND PROVIDING FUEL AND WATER, PERFORMING MINOR REPAIRS AND REMOVING DEBRIS, IT HAS GROWN OVER TIME TO NOW ALSO PROVIDING FREE TOWING TO A SAFE LOCATION, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL AT INCIDENTS. WHEREAS SINCE ITS CREATION THE INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM HAS ASSISTED MORE THAN 284,000 -- 284,613 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

I WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO READ EVERY ONE OF THOSE THAT WE HAVE DOCUMENTED. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, BY CHANGING MORE THAN 74,000 -- 74,243 FLAT TIRES TO MORE THAN 56,780 VEHICLES AT NO CHARGE, REMEDIATING MORE THAN 1,544 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS AND REMOVED MORE THAN 69,694 TRAFFIC HAZARDS AND DEBRIS FROM THE ROADWAYS.

AND WHEREAS THE INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM HAS RECEIVED OVER 12,380 POSITIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE RESPONSES EXPRESSING GRATITUDE FOR THE PROGRAM AND PRAISING THE EXCELLENT SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES.

AND WHEREAS THE INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM MEMBERS ARE EXPOSED DAILY TO AN IN -- AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SOME SUSTAINING SEVERE INJURIES AND MANY CLOSE CALLS THEY CONTINUE TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE AND PROVIDE A VITAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY IN FREEZING ROADWAY CONDITIONS AND FLOODS AND HURRICANES AND NOW A PAN DEEM -- PANDEMIC. BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT COMMANDS THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM FOR ITS UNWAIVERING COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY AND THE WELL BEING OF THE PATRONS OF THE COUNTY'S TOLLWAY SYSTEM AND BEST WISHES FOR THE SAFETY OF ITS MEMBERS HONORING THE GREAT SERVICE THEY PERFORM DAILY FOR OUR COMMUNITY. JUDGE, WE HAVE ASSISTANT CHIEF CALVIN HARVEY WHO WILL SHARE A FEW THOUGHTS.

LET ME JUST SAY THAT THE REASON I PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA WAS I WAS THE RECIPIENT OF ONE OF THOSE POSITIVE COMMENTS FROM A CITIZEN WHO WANTED TO LET THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY KNOW THAT THEY WERE GRATEFUL FOR THE INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM'S WORK IN HELPING THEM GET TO WHEREVER THEY WERE GOING SAFELY. I TELL YOU, NO ONE WANTS TO BE

[01:30:10]

CHANGING A FLAT TIRE IN THE HEAT OF OUR SUMMERS OR IN THE COLD OF OUR WINTERS, OR IN THE WET OF OUR RAINS, BUT THESE GUYS AND GALS DO IT AND THEY DO IT PROFESSIONALLY.

THEY DO IT WITH A SMILE AND IT PROMPTS ME THAT WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL OPERATORS INJURED AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP THEM IN MIND AS WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THOSE WHO PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY LIKE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

THEY DO IT BECAUSE PEOPLE FLYING DOWN THE TOLLWAYS DON'T ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS GOING ON AND THEY GET CLOSE WHEN THESE FOLKS ARE CHANGING FLAT TIRES AND TRYING TO HELP THOSE STRANDED MOTORISTS. I DIDN'T WANT TO MISS THE OPPORTUNITY. WHEN I GET THE EMAILS IT LIGHTS ME UP AND EXCITES ME AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE STAFF KNOW THAT THE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY APPRECIATE WHAT THEY DO AND I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THE PHENOMENAL WORK THEY DO ON A DAILY BASIS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, LUCINDA.

>> CALVIN HARVEY WITH TOLL ROAD INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY, ELLIS AND CAGLE, THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THE MEN AND EM WITH OF THE TOLL ROAD -- REMEMBERING THE TOLL ROAD INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAMS. THEY RESCUE PEOPLE FROM DANGEROUS SITUATIONS AND STRIVING TO PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE TO PATRONS.

THIS CIVILIAN TEAM EXPRESSES EVEN THOUGH IT IS DANGEROUS, IT IS A REWARDING JOB BECAUSE THEY ARE HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AS A FELLOW FIRST RESPONDERS YOU HAVE SEEN THE SAME GRATITUDE IN PEOPLE'S EYES WHEN YOU HAVE ASSISTED THEM IN DURESS.

IT IS MEANINGFUL WHEN THEY DO NOT EXPECT IT AND DISCOVER IT IS A COMPLEMENTARY -- COMPLEMENTARY SERVICE FROM THEIR GOVERNMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING THIS VITAL SAFETY PROGRAM AND GETTING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WE ALL SERVE.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, CHIEF. LEG

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU TO YOU AND TO YOUR TEAM.

I BELIEVE THAT WAS YOUR FINAL RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S CORRECT, JUDGE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

GO COUGS! >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES, I GUESS WE ARE TAKING UP 352? IS THAT WHERE WE ARE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT, COMMISSIONER.

>> I AM PLEASED AND HONOR TO PRESENT A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 21. WE TALKED AT LENGTH DURING THIS MEETING OF CRIME AND ONE OF THE UNFORTUNATE CONTRIBUTE -- CONTRIBUTORS TO THAT RELATES TO THIS BILL.

I APPRECIATE SARA HUFFMAN AND ALL SHE HAS DONE.

LET ME READ THE RESOLUTION AND I THINK IT EXPLAINS THE MARE RIFF OF WHAT WE ARE ARE KING. WHEREAS ON FEBRUARY 26TH, 2021, SENATOR JOAN HUFFMAN RULED FIXING THE AMOUNT OF BAIL TO THE RELEASE OF CERTAIN DEFENDANTS ON A PERSONAL BOND TO RELATED DUTIES OF A MAGISTRATE IN THE CRIMINAL CASE TO THE REPORTING OF INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BAIL BONDS AND TO THE REGULATION OF CHARITABLE BAIL ORGANIZATIONS AND THIS BILL GIVEN EXTREMELY LOW NUMBER BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO UNDERSCORE ITS PRIORITY WHO SEEKS TO ADDRESS REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS FROM COMMITTING NEW CRIMES WHILE OUT ON BOND. OFFENDERS CHARGED WITH NEW CRIMES ON BOND HAS RISEN FROM 7,452 IN 2016 TO 18,796 IN 2020. OFFENDERS ON MULTIPLE BONDS ROSE IN 2016. 1,812 HAD TWO TO FOUR BONDS IN 2020 AND 7,312 OFFENDERS HAD TWO TO FOUR IN 2020.

IN 2016, 33 OFFENDERS HAD FIVE TO SEVEN BONDS AND IN 202555 HAD FIVE TO 7 BONDS. IN 2016, ZERO OFFENDERS HAD EIGHT PLUS BONDS AND 74 OFFENDERS HAD EIGHT PLUS.

VIOLENT CRIMES BY OFFENDERS HAS PUT OUR COMMUNITY AT

[01:35:06]

HEIGHTENED RISK. THEY WERE COMMITTED BY THOSE ON BOND AND IT ROSE TO TWO HOMICIDES AND IN 2016, 36 ON BOND COMMITTED SEXUAL ASSAULT AND 2020 SAW THE NUMBER OF BOND COMMITTEE RISE TO 92 SEXUAL ASSAULTS.

IN 2016, 710 ASSAULTS COMMITTED BY THOSE ON BOND WITH THE NUMBER RISING TO 3,028 IN 2020.

ROBBERIES WERE COMMITTED BY 230 ON BOND AND THE NUMBER WAS 634 IN 2020. ALL OR MOST WERE ON NUMEROUS BONDS AND IT SHOULD AND BEEN AVOIDED.

THE NUMBERS ARE FRIGHTENING. 117 WERE GRANTED IN 2020.

1,097 WERE GIVEN. THE PR BONDS WERE FOR CAPITAL MURDER, MANSLAUGHTER, AGGRAVATED ROBBERY AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT AND AGGRAVATED KIDNAPPING AND AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AND AGGRAVATED HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ROBBERY AND SEXUAL ASSAULT.

WHEREAS THE GROWING NUMBER OF PANDEMIC OF VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTED BY OFFENDERS ON BOND WAS TESTIFIED IN THE SENATE ON MARCH 18TH, 2021 BY HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY KIM OK SAID CRIME IS UP. IT IS ASSOCIATED BY BAIL AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL THAT RELATED 26% MORE CRIMES ARE COMMITTED AND 12 TIMES THE CRIMES WERE COMMITTED BY DANGEROUS PEOPLE WHO WERE OUT ON BOND. AND WHEREAS THIS LEGISLATION IS CRITICAL TO THE SAFETY OF OUR HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS AND TO ALLOW LAW ENFORCEMENT TO FULFILL THEIR SWORN DUTIES AND THE RULING OF THE FIFTH CIRCUIT.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SUPPORT HUFFMAN TO WORK WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS DURING THIS 87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION FROM ITS INITIAL DRAFT INTO A FINAL FORM FOR PASSAGE TO ENSURE THAT OUR RESIDENTS ARE PROTECTED THOSE WHO WOULD ERODE THE SECURITY OF OUR HOMES AND OUR COMMUNITY AND THAT DUE PROCESS BE PROVIDED FOR THE ACCUSED. THAT'S MY RESOLUTION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE I SECOND IT, BUT I'M GOING TO BUST MY COLLEAGUE FOR BEING SLOW -- FUSS AT MY COLLEAGUE FORGETTING IT TO ME SLOW. I FUSS AT MY OTHER COLLEAGUES FORGETTING IT TO ME -- FOR GETTING IT TO ME LATE AND I WILL FUSS AT THIS COLLEAGUE TOO, BUT I WILL SECOND THE

MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

>> JUDGE, I'M SORRY. THIS IS MARISELA.

WOULD THE MOTION BE IT TO SUPPORT THE BILL?

TO REQUEST ACTION? >> TOM RAMSEY: IN SUPPORT OF

THE BILL. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I CAN'T JUST SIT QUIETLY AND LISTEN TO THE -- TO SOME OF THE NUMBERS THAT ARE NOT GONNA GET US TO A DECREASE IN CRIME. A LOT OF THE DATA THAT IS BEING CHERRY PICKED IS CHERRY PICKED BY THE FOLKS WHO ARE OPPONENTS OF SMART ON CRIME POLICIES.

THAT HAVE LEAD US TO WHERE WE ARE, WHERE WE INCARCERATE MORE PEOPLE THAN ANY OTHER NATION ON EARTH YOU LOOK PER CAPITA AND IT IS TRAGIC. AND WE ARE NOT SAFER.

IT IS RED MEAT PANDERING AS OPPOSED TO GETTING TO WHAT ARE THE INTERVENTIONS, WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENTS THAT ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO REDUCE CRIME? WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL ANALYSIS BY EXPERTS INCLUDING INDEPENDENT EXPERTS ON THE BAIL REFORM SITUATION IN HARRIS COUNTY. LET ME SHARE SOME SPECIFIC FINDINGS. THE ONLY FORMAL BAIL REFORM, QUOTE, UNQUOTE, BAIL REFORM THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN HARRIS COUNTY IS MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM.

THAT IS LOW-LEVEL, NON-VIOLENTED -- NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS. YOU KNOW THAT, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SO DOES SENATOR HUFFMAN AND SO DO THOSE THAT SAY BILL REFORM CAUSED AN INCREASE IN CRIME.

[01:40:02]

IT IS MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM AND IT HAS TAKEN PLACE BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY PRACTICES A VALIATIVE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. AN EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE OF THE CONSTITUTION. THE COUNTY SPENT MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FIGHTING A LOSING BATTLE AGAINST A LAWSUIT BECAUSE WE WERE VIOLATING THE RIGHTS ENSHRINED IN OUR FOUNDING FATHERS' CONSTITUTION.

NOW. BAIL REFORM WAS ENACTED, MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM. AND AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH SPECIFICALLY BY A COURT-APPOINTED RESEARCHER FROM DUKE UNIVERSITY HAS FOUND SPECIFICALLY THAT HARRIS COUNTY HAS NOT ONLY PREVENTED THE NEEDLESS JAILING OF POOR DEFENDS AND ERASED RACIAL DISPARITIES, AND I REMIND FOLKS THAT WE ARE IN THE TRIAL OF MR. FLOYD MURDERER TODAY, MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM HAS ALSO NOT CAUSED AN INCREASE IN CRIME, BUT THE MISDEMEANOR CASE AND THE DEFENDANT COUNTS FELL BY APPROXIMATELY 25% BETWEEN 2015 AND 2020.

LET'S TALK ABOUT FELONY BAIL. FELONY BAIL AMOUNTS HAVE CHANGED. I GRANT YOU THAT.

HERE IS HOW THEY HAVE CHANGED AND I WILL POINT YOU TO DR.

CHEPRON'S RESEARCH HE PRESENTED TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COUNCIL AND THAT HE PRESENTED TO ALL OF THE ADVOCATES AND WE WILL CONTINUE SHOWING.

FELONY BAIL AMOUNTS HAVE BECOME MORE RESTRICTIVE FOR DEFENDANTS, MORE RESTRICTIVE. IT IS NOT LESS RESTRICTIVE.

IF YOU WANT TO SAY THE FELONY CHANGES HAVE LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN FOUNDING CRIMES, WHAT YOU WOULD BE SAYING IS THAT MORE RESTRICTIVE FELONY BONDS, HIGHER FELONY BONDS IS WHAT IS LEADING TO CRIME. THE AVERAGE BOND AMOUNT FOR FELONY DEFENDANTS HAS ACTUALLY INCREASED.

THERE WAS A MORE INSECURED BAIL FROM 2018 TO 2019.

THAT TREND STOPPED IN 2019 AND FLATTEN -- FLATTENED IN 2020.

YOU CAN'T SAY IT IS SUDDENLY HAVING AN IMPACT IN 2021.

RIGHT NOW THOSE AMOUNTS ARE INCREASING, COMMISSIONER.

THERE ARE INCREASES IN SOME TYPES OF VIOLENT CRIME, BUT THOSE INCREASES ARE NATIONALLY. EVEN IF THERE WAS CHANGES IN FELONY BAIL PRACTICES, WHICH AGAIN THEY ARE BECOMING MORE STRINGENT, WHY WOULDN'T WE BE SEEING THE SAME TREND IN EVERY OTHER COUNTY? SOME OTHER FORMS OF VIOLENT CRIME LIKE ROBBERY HAVE ACTUALLY NOT CHANGED OR DECLINED. YOU LIST OUT THESE NUMBERS OF FELL -- FELONY DEFENDANTS WITH MULTIPLE BONDS.

AS YOU KNOW AND AS DR. CHEPRIN AND AS JAD HAS POINTED OUT SEVERAL TIMES, I THINK IT IS DISRESPECTFUL OF THE COMMUNITY TO TRY AND MISLEAD THEM BY LISTING OUT THE NUMBER OF UNSECURED BONDS THAT FOLKS HAVE.

A MAJORITY OF DEFENDANTS STILL RECEIVE SECURE FELONY BONDS.

THEY MUST ABIDE BY THE CONDITIONS OF THE SECURE FELONY BOND. YOU MAY CITE THAT SUCH AND SUCH HAS THE BOND. THEY HAVE SECURE FELONY BONDS. I CAN HAVE JAD, OR DR. CHAPRON OR THE DUKE RESEARCHER TO CITE ALL OF THIS, BUT WE NEED TO GET TO THE ROOT OF CRIME. WHAT WE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN TO A LONGTIME AGO. THE FACT THAT WE NEED INTERVENTION FOR FOLKS WHO MAY RESAID DO STRAIGHT AND WE NEED TO GET OUR CHILDREN BEFORE THEY GO INTO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. WE SHOULD HAVE A JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT IS SMART. THAT IF YOU SIMPLY LOCK EVERYBODY UP, AT SOME POINT THEY ARE GONNA HAVE TO GET OUT. IF YOU HAVEN'T DEALT WITH THE CORE ISSUES THEY WILL RESAID DO STRAIGHT AGAIN.

WE CAN'T JUST SEE WHO CAN HAVE THE BETTER HEADLINES AND CREATE THE STRONG MAN OF A PROBLEM THAT WE KNOW IS NOT THE CORE OF THE PROBLEM. AS YOU AND I KNOW AND I'M SURE SENATOR HUFFMAN KNOWS THE CORE OF THE CRIME IS NOT THE MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM THAT WAS CITED BY A -- BY AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER AND WE KNOW THERE IS NO FELONY BAIL REFORM TO SPEAK OF. IF ANYTHING IT HAS BECOME MORE RESTRICTIVE AND YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY SAY THAT FELONY BAIL REFORM HAS LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN CRIME.

LET'S DEAL WITH THE CRIME ISSUE BY BEING SMART ON CRIME LIKE THE INVESTMENT WE APPROVED EARLIER TODAY, LIKE THE VIOLENCE INTERVENTION INVESTMENTS WE MADE.

LIKE THE SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS OF CRIME INTERVENTIONS, LIKE

[01:45:02]

THE SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ORGANIZATIONS SM.

THAT'S THE KIND OF WORK WE SHOULD DO.

I AM SADDENED BY THE ATTEMPT OF THE PROPONENTS OF THIS BILL AND, COMMISSIONER YOU AS WELL, BECAUSE YOU HAVE SEEN THIS DATA. YOU WERE THERE WITH ME AT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE WHEN THIS WAS EXPLAINED AND WENT THROUGH EVERY FELONY JUDGE AND HOW THEY HAVE BECOME MORE AGGRESSIVE, NOT LESS AGGRESSIVE. YOU WERE THERE.

SO IN SAYING THIS YOU ARE MISLEADING THE COMMUNITY INTO THINKING THAT THIS INTERVENTION IS GOING TO SOLVE CRIME. IT IS NOT GOING TO SOLVE IT.

IN FACT, IT WOULD PUT US AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION AGAIN BECAUSE KEY HAVE A CONSENT DECREES ON MISDEMEANOR BAIL WE HAVE TO MEET. WE HAVE TO BE REAL.

IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT THE INCREASE IN CRIME IN THE COMMUNITY, YOU ARE GONNA TACK -- TACKLE THE PROBLEM THAT EXISTS AND NOT INVENT A PROBLEM THAT DOESN'T EXIST FOR THE SAKE OF PANDERING. YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. YOU PRETTY WELL SAID IT FOR ME, BUT I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THE ANALYSIS THAT THIS IMPACT COULD HAVE AS YOU ELUDED TO, WOULD COST THE COUNTY TAXPAYERS A TON OF MONEY.

THIS WOULD ACTUALLY LEAD TO A DEFUNDING OF THE POLICE.

I AM SHOCKED FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS SPOKEN UP ON BEHALF OF VICTIMS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT WE WOULD SUPPORT SOMETHING THAT WOULD ACTUALLY FORCE US TO HAVE TO MAKE DIFFICULT OPERATIONAL DECISIONS ON PUBLIC SAFETY.

SO I AGREE WITH YOU, JUDGE. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I HOPE YOU WOULD RETHINK THIS. I THINK MORE OF YOU, BUT THIS WOULD REALLY HURT OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE.

THERE IS JUST SO MUCH ALREADY WELL DOCUMENTED ON WHAT THE IMPACT OF THIS BILL WOULD BE. WE ARE ANTICIPATING AN ANNUAL COST OF $125 MILLION. IT WOULD EXPOSE US TO HAVING TO, YOU KNOW, FEED LAWYERS INSTEAD OF TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY BY HAVING TO PAY 60 TO $100 MILLION AND THEN IT WOULD FORCE US TO HAVE A VERY, VERY UNSUSTAINABLE PROCESS TO HAVE TO MONITOR THOUSANDS OF FOLKS OTHERWISE.

THIS IS REALLY JUST A THROW BACK TO THE DAYS WHERE WE WERE WAREHOUSING PEOPLE. I JUST DON'T THINK IT IS YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, AND IT PAINS ME AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WILL WILL LEAD US IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

JUDGE, THANK YOU AND I SUPPORT YOUR COMMENTS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. I WILL TRY NOT TO REPEAT MUCH OF WHAT YOU SAID. I WANT TO STRESS THIS POINT.

IF SENATE BILL 21 BECOMES LAW AND A HOST OF OTHER BILLS FOLLOW THE SAME TRACK, IT WILL PUT US AND MANY OTHER COUNTIES WHERE THEY HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND STATE LAW. AND WE WILL END UP SPENDING A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN LAW SUITS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. I'M VERY PROUD OF WHAT THIS COUNTY DID ON MISDEMEANOR BAIL.

AS YOU STATED, JUDGE, THAT'S ALL WE HAVE DONE SO FAR.

I AM PROUD THAT THE NEW JUDGES WHO CAME INTO OFFICE WERE WILLING TO SETTLE THAT CASE. SOME OF MY FRIENDS IN THE MEDIA, WITH THE HYPE, THEY CON FLAT PEOPLE WHO PLAYED -- PAID TO GET OUT RATHER THAN THOSE WHO GOT A BOND FROM A JUDGE.

I ASSUME INTELLIGENT PEOPLE KNOW BETTER OR WERE BUSY AND DIDN'T GO THROUGH IT OR IT IS EASY TO FALL INTO THE NORMAL NARRATIVE BECAUSE YOU GET A HEADLINE.

ALL-AROUND THE COUNTRY OTHER COUNTIES WERE HARRIS COUNTY ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM WITH REGARD TO THE MISDEMEANOR BAIL CASE. THAT'S WHAT PROMPTED COOK

[01:50:04]

COUNTY, THE PRESIDING JUDGE IN CHICAGO TO REFORM THEIR SYSTEM. OF COURSE, THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAS DONE IT AND NEW JERSEY HAS DONE IT STATEWIDE.

WE HAVE MADE NO PROGRESS ON FELONY BAIL AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE JUST SORT OF STUCK THERE TRYING TO DO SOMETHING.

I HOPE THAT AT SOME POINT MAYBE WHEN THE ELECTIONS ARE OVER AND SOMETIMES THAT DOES STRANGE THINGS AND PEOPLE HAVE TO GET IN THEIR LITTLE BOX. IT REALLY OUGHT TO BE A TIME WE HAVE A SERIOUS DISCUSSION ABOUT CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM. I HOPE THERE WILL BE SOME INCENTIVES COMING ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL TO ENCOURAGE MORE OF THE STATES LIKE OURS, BUT TO CARRY AN APPROACH AND WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. WE MADE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS.

LOOK, IT IS AMAZING. I HEAR SOME PEOPLE SAY OH, I'M FOR MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM AFTER THEY GOT THROUGH CRITICIZING IT. COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU IN PARTICULAR. WHEN THE LAWSUIT WAS GOING ON BEFORE OUR THREE NEW COLLEAGUES JOINED US, TWO HERE IN PARTICULAR INCLUDING THE JUDGE, SOME OF THE STUFF WE WERE DOING WAS SO RIDICULOUS. THE COUNTY WAS SCRAMBLING TO DO MINOR THINGS IN THE INDO YENT -- THE INDIGENT DEFENSE SPACE SO THEY COULD BRAG ABOUT IT.

IT WAS AWFUL AND WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EMBARRASSED BY WHAT CAME OUT IN FEDERAL COURT. I AM SO PROUD OF JUDGE LEE ROSENTHAL. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE COUNTRY AND I HOPE AT SOME POINT OUR FELONY JUDGES, EVEN IF WE CAN'T MAKE OUR WAY THROUGH THE COURTS TO GET THERE BECAUSE WE DO MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DREAD HAD FIFTH CIRCUIT, THAT'S THE FIFTH CIRCUIT AND WE ARE LUCKY -- THANK GOD BROWN VERSUS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION DIDN'T COME THROUGH THE FIFTH CIRCUIT OR WE WOULD STILL BE STUCK IN THAT ERA. I JUST HOPE PROGRESS WILL BE MADE. I KNOW THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER PEOPLE SPEAKING. I HOPE SOME OF THESE JUDGES, I KNOW THEY CANNOT SPEAK ABOUT INDIVIDUAL CASES, BUT I HAVE THE -- I HAVE ENCOURAGED THEM SINCE PEOPLE WILL TRY TO USE IT AS FODDER TO GET A FEW POLITICAL POINTS AND IT CAN SERVE AS A RESOURCE. WHEN I WAS IN THE LEGISLATURE IT WAS JUDGES THE CURRENT D.A. IN DALLAS COUNTY WHO REALLY CAME IN AND WAS THE EXPERT WITNESS ON SO MANY OF THESE ISSUES. I HOPE THE OTHER SIDE KNOWS THEY CAN'T TALK ABOUT THEIR CASE.

TO THE EXTENT THEY CAN TALK ABOUT THE BROAD POLICY ISSUES AS A RESOURCE I HOPE THEY DO THAT AND I KNOW THERE HAVE SOME WHO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK TODAY, JUDGE HIDALGO AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN LET THEM SPEAK.

THANK YOU, AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, A QUICK COMMENT.

THE BILL WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT IS NOT TALKING ABOUT MISDEMEANOR. IT IS ADDRESSING BAIL REFORM.

IT IS ADDRESSING A CRIME COMMITTED BY FELONY DEFENDANTS ON PR BONDS. WHAT I THINK ABOUT WHEN I READ THIS IS THAT SINGLE MOM WITH TWO BABIES THAT IS GONE -- GONNA GO TO BED IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION.

I HAVE LIVED IN HARRIS COUNTY FOR DECADES AND I KNOW WHAT CRIME CAN DO TO A NEIGHBORHOOD, WE ALL DO.

WE HAVE TO BE SURE THAT AS WE GO THROUGH THE REFORMS THAT JUDGE HIDALGO REFERRED TO, THAT WE ALSO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR FOLKS LIKE THE SING -- SINGLE-MOM WITH BABIES AND A CRIME-IMPACTED NEIGHBORHOOD AND BE SURE THAT THEY ARE SAFE. WHEN SOMEONE IS LET OUT.

WHEN A VIOLENT OFFENDER IS LET OUT ON A LOW PR BOND AND THEY GO TO A NEIGHBORHOOD AND DO BAD THINGS, THAT'S NOT GOOD.

I THINK WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT.

SO I WOULD HOPE THAT WE CAN REACH SOME KIND OF ABILITY TO ADDRESS THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I AGREE WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. WE HAVE TO STOP SAYING TOUGH ON CRIME. DO THE SAME THING THAT HASN'T WORKED FOR 50 YEARS. WE HAVE TO BE SMART ABOUT IT.

[01:55:02]

NO, WE SHOULDN'T HAVE THOSE KIND OF SITUATIONS, BUT WE CAN'T PICK THE ONE HEADLINE-MAKING CASE AND PRETEND THAT THAT IS HOW EVERYTHING HAPPENS.

WE HAVE TO BE LEVEL HEADED AND THINK OF HOW TO SOLVE THIS.

THIS BIG THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA MENTIONED WOULD MEAN 126 MILLION, 110 MILLION DOLLAR INCREASE BECAUSE WE ARE WAREHOUSING PEOPLE AS OPPOSED TO KEEPING COMMUNITIES SAFE.

THAT DOESN'T EVEN INCLUDE THE CAPITAL COSTS WE HAVE TO INVEST IN BUILDING MORE JAILS BECAUSE IT IS A BLUBT -- BLUNT TOOL THAT WILL NOT GET AT THE CORE OF THE ISSUE.

IT JUST SAYS IF YOU HAVE FASH IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR FOR A COURT DATE ANYTIME IN THE PAST TWO YEARS WHILE OUT ON PERSONAL BOND HAVE YOU -- YOU HAVE TO BE WAREHOUSED TO THE JAIL.

IT MAY BE A TINY THING YOU DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR AND MAYBE YOU SHOW UP BECAUSE YOU HAVE A JOB SO YOU CAN FEED MAJOR CHILDREN -- FEED YOUR CHILDREN BECAUSE YOU ARE A YOUNG MOTHER. WE HAVE STORIES LIKE THAT ALL THE TIME. HOW DO WE BE SMART AND MAKE SURE PEOPLE SHOW UP FOR COURT AND MAKE SURE WE DON'T JUST KEEP THEM THERE BECAUSE THEY ARE POOR AS OPPOSED TO AS A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY. YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THE CRIME. YOU CAN'T JUST HIT IT WITH A HAMMER AND SAY LOCK EVERYBODY UP.

IT IS COST PROHIBITIVE AND IT IS NOT SMART.

IT HAS BT -- IT HASN'T WORKED.

WE'VE BEEN THERE. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH JAIL SPACE FOR THAT. IT DOES PRESIDENT MAKE -- IT DOESN'T MAKE US SAFER. YOU GET THESE LOW-LEVEL FOLKS.

THEY LOSE THEIR JOB AND THEY LOSE THEIR CHILDREN.

IT DOESN'T HELP. COMMISSIONER KAY --

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, WE HAVE 28 SPEAKERS SIGNED UP AND WE ARE GETTING REALLY CLOSE TO NOONTIME AND I NEED MY 2:00 BREAK -- I MEAN, I I MEAN TWO-HOUR BREAK. VERY, VERY BRIEF, JUDGE, WE PAINT BROAD STROKES ON ONE SIDE SAYING WE JAIL EVERYBODY AND THEN CRITICIZE THE OTHER SIDE SAY -- -- FOR SAYING EVERYTHING IS NOT BAIL REFORM WHEN THERE ARE ACCIDENTS -- I THINK THAT WAS THE TERM THAT WAS USED WHEN SOMEONE COMMITTED A CRIME WHEN THEY WERE ON BAIL.

I THINK WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THE GOAL OF KEEPING COMMUNITIES SAFE. I THINK WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY CRIME. THE POOR INDIVIDUAL IS IMPACTED BY CRIME MORE THAN THE WEALTHY INDIVIDUAL.

AND IF WE SAY WE CARE ABOUT OUR POOR COMMUNITIES, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE SAFE.

AND NUMBER THREE, JUDGE, NOBODY WANTS TO HAVE ANYBODY SITTING IN JAIL JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE POOR.

THAT'S A MANTRA WE HEAR OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN REDUNDANTLY AND REPETITIVELY. NOBODY WANTS ANYBODY IN JAIL BECAUSE THEY ARE POOR. BUT NOBODY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO HURT THEIR NEIGHBORS.

JUDGE, I HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS, BUT I WILL RESERVE THEM UNTIL AFTER OUR 28 SPEAKERS TALK AND WOULD ASK YOUR IN -- YOUR INDULGENCE FOR AT LEAST A BRIEF BREAK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH. NO, I THINK WE ARE ALL MINDFUL OF THE INCREASE IN CRIME AND THE VICTIMS, GOSH, THEY ARE A TOP PRIORITY. THEY DESERVE THE ABSOLUTE BEST. THE WAY TO SERVE THEM IS NOT A REVOLVING DOOR OF RE -- OF RECIDIVISM.

WE NEED TO TACKLE MENTAL HEALTH, THE DRUG USE, THE BROKEN FAMILIES, THE CASE BACKLOG THAT THE JUDGES HAVEN'T GONE THROUGH THIS IS NOT AN UNWORKABLE -- IT IS NOT A WORKABLE TOOL BECAUSE IT DOES NOT DIFFERENTIATED.

IT IS NOON SO LET'S TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK AND THEN WE WILL HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE A SCORE RUM.

QUORUM. IT IS 12:15 AND COMMISSION DASH -- COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE HIDALGO I KNOW JUDGE FELLEDS AND JUDGE DRAPER SIGNED UP. I AM ASSUMING THEY ARE AT LUNCH. I AM JUST ASKING IF LUCINDA

CAN REACH OUT TO THEM. >> THEY ARE ON THE LINE AND

THEY'VE BEEN ON THE LINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

[02:00:02]

LUCINDA, LET'S HEAR FROM THE JUDGES SO THEY CAN GO BACK TO THEIR DOCKETS AND THEN WE WILL HEAR FROM THE REST OF THE

SPEAKERS. >> YES, MA'AM.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME ME? >> YES.

>> I AM GENESIS DRAPER. I WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE TIME. WHEN I SAY BRIEFLY I DO MEAN BRIEFLY AND I WON'T GO BACK OVER SOME OF THE THINGS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN SAID. BUT ONE OF THE THINGS I DID WANT TO JUST CLARIFY FOR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS EVERYBODY -- FOR JUST AS A REMINDER I AM A MISDEMEANOR COURT JUDGE. I WAS ONE OF THE JUDGES INVOLVED IN THE SETTLEMENT. AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SEEMS TO BE REFERENCING THAT THIS WOULD NOT AFFECT MISDEMEANOR CASES AND EVERYONE -- NO ONE WANTS TO HURT MISDEMEANOR CASES. IT WOULD AFFECT MISDEMEANOR CASES. ACTUALLY MUCH OF THIS DOES NOT SPECIFY WHETHER OR NOT IT IS RELATED TO A MISDEMEANOR OR A FELONY. THERE IS QUITE A BIT OF LANGUAGE IN THIS BILL THAT SPECIFIES OFFENSES IN GENERAL WHERE PEOPLE ARE OUT ON MULTIPLE CASES THAT THEY COULD NOT GET A PERSONAL BOND. IT DOES NOT SPECIFY FELONY VERSUS MISDEMEANOR. I JUST WANT TO ADVISE THAT THIS DOES AND WOULD AFFECT MISDEMEANOR CASES.

TO THAT END, AS YOU ALL KNOW, WE ARE UNDER A FEDERAL CONSENT DECREE AFTER HAVING SETTLED THE LAWSUIT.

AND SO THIS LEGISLATION IS PASSED AND THIS LEGISLATION ITSELF WILL LIKELY FACE A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES OR CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES AND THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

IT WILL BE HARMFUL TO HARRIS COUNTY BECAUSE WE HAVE ENTERED INTO THIS CONSENT DECREE. EVERYBODY ELSE IS CHALLENGING THE STATUTE OUT ON CONSTITUTIONAL GROUNDS AND WE WILL ALSO BE CHALLENGED ON THOSE GROUNDS, BUT ALSO FOR BEING IN VIOLATION OF THE CONSENT DECREES.

THE OTHER THING TO CONSIDER IS THAT WE HAVE 8,486 PEOPLE IN CUSTODY. WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE HELD IN CUSTODY THAN ANY OTHER LARGE JURISDICTION.

THAT INCLUDES NEW YORK AND CHICAGO.

I REMEMBER WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT, HAVING 7500 WAS ALARMING. AND WE ARE AT 8400 AND SOME DAYS 9,000. WE DO NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY TO HOUSE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AFFECTED IF THIS BILL WENT INTO EFFECT. I WOULD ENCOURAGE A MORE EFFECTIVE AREA THEY LOOK AT HOW LONG THEY DECREASE THE TIME FROM OFFENSE TO TRIAL. IT WAS AFFECTED BY HARVEY AND NOW THE PANDEMIC AND THE CASES GO ON FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. AND IT IS HAVING AN EFFECT ON PUBLIC SAFETY. IT IS NOT WORKABLE TO HAVE ANY NUMBER OF CASES. NOT JUST MURDERS, BUT ANY NUMBER OF CASES GO ON. THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX YEARS.

AND SO I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THAT BEARS TAKING A LOOK AT. TO THE EXTENT THAT SENATOR HUFFMAN OR ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO REACH OUT AS HOW IN UH -- HOW THIS AFFECTS BOOTS ON THE GROUND.

NONE OF MY COLLEAGUES HAVE BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT SB21.

I WILL MAKE MY INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE THAT WOULD LIKE A LONGER DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. DO I HAVE A DOCKET WAITING FOR ME AND I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME TODAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, IT SEEMS THAT THE COUNTY CLERK IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THEIR TIMER I WILL DO MY

BEST TO TRY TO KEEP TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,

LUCINDA. >> JUDGE MICHAEL FIELDS.

>> GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS FORGIVING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK ABOUT THIS RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SB21 MADE BY COMMISSIONER

[02:05:01]

RAMSEY. I AM HERE JUST RIGHT UP FRONT IN OPPOSITION OF THAT RESOLUTION.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I APPRECIATE YOU SAID YOU HAVEN'T HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO READ SB21.

I THINK KNOWING YOU AND KNOWING HOW YOU ARE AS A FELLOW REPUBLICAN JUDGE WHO SERVED WITH YOU FOR MANY, MANY YEARS ON THE BENCH, YOU WOULD BE OPPOSED TO THIS AS WELL, I BELIEVE, AFTER HAVING READ IT.

NOT ONLY DOES IT PROHIBIT PEOPLE WHO HAVE OFFENSES AS LOW AS CLASS C MISDEMEANORS FROM RECEIVING PERSONAL BONDSES AND NOT ONLY DOES IT REQUIRE DEFENDANTS WHO MAY BE UNEDUCATED OR UNDER EDUCATED OR SIMPLY DON'T SPEAK THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TO FILE COMPLICATED LEGAL DOWMENT -- DOCUMENTS WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF COUNSEL IN VIOLATION OF THE THE ROTHCARE DECISION AND NOT ONLY DOES IT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST RELIGIOUS AND BOND ORGANIZATIONS BY I'M POTING STRICT -- IMPOSING STRICT MEASURES ON THEM THAN THEY WOULD FOR PAID BOND AGENCIES. AND EXPONENTIALLY EXPAND THE AUTHORITY OF SHERIFFS TO SUSPEND CHARITABLE AND RELIGIOUS BOND ORGANIZATIONS FOR MINOR INFRACTIONS.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT THE LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES US TO OPPOSE IT AS A GROUP IS THAT IT WON'T MAKE US SAFER.

WE KEEP HEARING STATISTICS AND JUDGE HIDALGO YOU POINTED TO THE STATISTICS ABOUT SURE -- SURATY BOND AND HOW THINGS ARE NOT BEING CON FLATTED. WHAT IS -- CON FLATTED.

OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED THE HORRIBLE AND TRIAGE -- TRAGIC OFFENSE OF MURDER, 73% OF THOSE PEOPLE WERE ON SURITY BOND. IF THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT BACKS THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IT WILL PUT YOU IN DIRECT CONTRADICTION TO THE CONSENT DECREE THAT THE JUDGES YOU SUPPORTED SIGNED WHICH WILL LEAD TO MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN EXTENSIVE LITIGATION WHICH IS WHAT MY GROUP WHEN WE WERE THERE COST OUR COUNTY.

WE COST OUR COUNTY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FIGHTING COMMON SENSE CHANGE. FIGHTING TO KEEP PEOPLE WOULD ARE POOR, BLACK, BROWN, INDIGENT, IN JAIL FOR MINOR OFFENSES. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION DOES INCLUDE MISDEMEANORS.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT 1703B13 YOU WILL SEE EACH OFFENSE CHARGED EVEN AS LOW AS A TRAFFIC TICKET CAN KEEP THE PERSON FROM REEFING -- FROM RECEIVING A PERSONAL BOND.

I KNOW SENATOR HUFFMAN AND I BELIEVE SHE IS A GOOD PERSON AND RIGHT HEARTED, BUT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS WRONG AND IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND IT IS WRONG FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS. IT IS VIOLATING OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL IMPERATIVES AND RIGHTS AND IT WILL DO MORE TO HARM THE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY THAN IT WILL TO HELP.

I STAND IN OPPOSITION TO SUPPORTING SB21.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE HIDALGO? JUDGE FIELDS, I WOULD LIKE -- TO GIVE A LITTLE BACKGROUND I KNOW THAT JUDGE JORDAN WAS VERY MUCH ON THE HOTSEAT VERY MUCH BY HIMSELF. I ASSUME HE IS IN THE SERVICE OF THIS COUNTRY AND PROBABLY CANNOT WATCH US ON THE INTERNET, BUT HE WAS OUT THERE BY HIS LONESOME.

I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM AND -- PROUD OF YOU.

TO BE HONEST WE ARE DIFFERENT PARTIES, BUT ALL RESPECTED ONE ANOTHER. I GUESS BY HELPING ONE ANOTHER BEHIND THE SCENES. HOW DID YOU COME TO THE DECISION THAT YOU WOULD BACK THE PLAINTIFF'S POSITION, SAL WE -- SHALL WE SAY ON THE MISDEMEANOR BAIL SIDE.

GIVE US A LITTLE BACKGROUND. I THINK BEING A REPUBLICAN -- I WISH I COULD HAVE BEEN A FLY ON THE WALL WHEN YOU MADE THAT

DECISION, OR CAN YOU COMMENT? >> YES, SIR, COMMISSIONER.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FORGIVING ME THE -- FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

FOR ME, THIS WAS MY ROAD TO DAMASCUS MOMENT.

WHEN I SAT IN THE COURTROOM AND I LISTENED TO JUDGE ROSENTHAL EXPLAIN HOW OUR SYSTEM OVER DECADES HAS IMPACTED BLACK PEOPLE, BROWN PEOPLE, POOR PEOPLE, COMMUNITIES THAT ARE THE MOST NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY THESE ONEROUS BAIL SCHEDULES WHICH SB21 WILL TAKE US BACK TO AND HOW THOSE SCHEDULES VIOLATE OUR CONSTITUTION, THERE WAS NO

[02:10:05]

OTHER CHOICE. JUDGE ROSEFTHAL SAID IT BEST.

IF A PERSON IS ENTITLED TO BAIL, THEY AREN TITLE ITED -- THEY ARE ENTITLED TO A BAIL THEY CAN AFFORD.

EVERY MISDEMENANT IS ENTITLED TO A BAIL THEY CAN AFFORD.

THAT'S WHY WE GET PRE-TRIAL RELEASE BONDS.

WHEN A PERSON IS TOO INDIGENT TO AFFORD ANYTHING.

WE ARE VERY COMFORTABLE AND WE ARE ALL PRIVILEGED AND BLESSED TO HAVE GREAT INCOMES THAT ALLOW US TO SPEND MONEY FOR DINNER THAT MOST PEOPLE WOULD SPEND FOR RENT.

THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION PUTS POOR PEOPLE IN A DISADVANTAGED SITUATION WHERE THEY OFTEN HAVE TO PLEAD JUST TO GED OUT OF JAIL, JUST TO GET BACK HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES AND PROVIDE FOR THE ELECTRICITY, FOOD, CLOTHING, HOUSING, THE THINGS WE ALL TAKE FOR GRANTED BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED IN OUR LIVES AND IN OUR OPPORTUNITIES AND JOBS.

THESE ARE CRITICAL ISSUES FOR THESE FOLKS CHARGED WITH THESE MINOR MISDEMEANORS. FOR US TO SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? WE WANT TO KEEP THE POOR COMMUNITIES SAFE.

THE WAY WE ARE GOING TO DO THAT IS LOCK EVERYBODY IN THE POOR COMMUNITY UP. THAT MAKES NO SENSE.

WHEN I LISTEN, NO MATTER WHAT IT COSTS I NEED TO GET ON THE

RIGHT SIDE OF THIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SAID IT PRIVATELY, BUT I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR BEING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF

HISTORY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE --

[INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, YOUR MIC IS ACTING UP, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> I CAN HEAR YOU. YOU K COMING IN BROKEN -- YOU ARE COMING IN BROKEN, BUT I CAN HEAR YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JUST WANTED TO ADD MY COMMENTS.

I KNOW YOU WORK [INAUDIBLE] AND I KNOW YOU ARE A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW.

YOU ARE ONE OF THE STRONGEST VOICES ON THE BENCH TODAY AND I WANT TO THANK YOU [INAUDIBLE] AND SO I WANTED TO THANK YOU, JUDGE FOR YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR COURAGE AND TO BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW.

THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S VOICE IS MUFFLED, BUT I WILL ANSWER THAT. I KNOW THAT JUDGE JORDAN RAISED SOME EYEBROWS THAT HE PICKED A REPUBLICAN TO REPRESENT HIM BECAUSE HE IS IN THE RESERVES.

HE IS PROTECTING THIS COUNTRY SOMEWHERE.

I THINK HE CAN HOLD HIS HEAD UP HIGH, JUDGE FIELDS, AND FEEL PROUD THAT HE MADE THE DECISION FOR TO YOU STAND IN FOR HIM WHILE HE IS OUT. THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER GAR -- GARCIA, WE ARE CALLING THE STAFF TO HAVE

THEM FIX THAT MIKE. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ONE ARMY SOLDIER ALWAYS HELPING ANOTHER ARMY SOLDIER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE YOU GO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. IS THERE ANY OTHER JUDGES, LUCINDA, OR CAN WE GO AHEAD WITH THE SPEAKERS?

>> I BELIEVE WE CAN GO AHEAD WITH THE SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. LET'S GO ON WITH ALL OF THE SPEAKERS. THANK YOU, TO JUDGE DRAPER AND JUDGE FIELDS FOR TAKING THE TIME.

>> MICHELLE HEINZ LEADING THE WAY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK TODAY.

I AM SADDENED AND APPALLED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION COULD GIVE AN APPROXIMATELY THREE-MINUTE SPEECH OPPOSING SB21 [INAUDIBLE] THAT IS NOT YET PERFECTED IT, BUT THE GOAL AND INTENTION OF SB21 IS TO ENHANCE HARRIS COUNTY CITIZEN SAFETY.

WHEN DR. COLLINS TESTIFIED ON BEHALF OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT HE BLATANTLY IGNORED THE SOARING VIOLENT CRIME RATE. ESPECIALLY MURDERS.

HE REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE EVEN ONE HOUSTONIAN THAT WAS VICTIMIZED BY THE THOUSANDS OF VIOLENT DEFENDANTS RELEASED EACH YEAR DUE TO FELONY BOND REFORM.

THERE WERE 100 VICTIMS MURDERED ON BOND REFORM.

THE TESTIMONY MAKES ME WONDER IF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT THOUGHT ABOUT ANY VICTIMS WHEN THEY

[02:15:02]

DECIDED TO OPPOSE SB21. I AM NOT AGAINST BOND REFORM FOR VICTIMLESS CRIMES. HOWEVER, I FEEL THAT VIOLENCE -- VIOLENT HABITUAL OFFENDERS SHOULD BEHELD ON THEIR RISK ASSESSMENT. NOT THEIR RACE AND NOT THEIR CREED AND NOT MONEY AND NOT GENDER.

AS A HARRIS COUNTY TAXPAYER, I AM DISGUSTED THAT MY HARD-EARNED MONEY PAID FOR A REPORT THAT COMPLETELY LACKED ACCURATE DATA. THE HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE PRESENTED STARTLING STATISTICS THAT WERE COMPLETELY IGNORED BY YOUR SPOKESMAN.

THE REPORT BY DR. SAFRIN WAS HUGELY INACCURATE WITH A GOAL OBVIOUSLY BEING TO MEET THE COMMISSIONER COURT'S BIAS NARRATIVE. ADDITIONALLY, WHY ARE TAXPAYERS PAYING DR. SAFRIN'S AND HE SAID THE GOAL IS TO ABOLISH ALL PRISONS. EVEN MORE SURPRISING.

THE COMMISSIONER'S -- WHY DID THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT CHOOSE SOMEONE SO BIAS TO BE THEIR SPOKESMAN BEFORE THE TEXAS LEGISLATIVE BOND. THE VICTIMS ARE TAXPAYERS.

THEY ALL PAY YOUR SALARY. WHICH SIDE IS IT TODAY? THE VICTIMS OR THE FELONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, YOU MAY BE ON MUTE.

>> RONNIE, FROM CRIMESTOPPERS, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HELLO, EVERYBODY! I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THE TIME TO BE HERE TODAY.

I WANTED TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO REALLY POTENTIALLY ADDRESS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN CRIMESTOPPERS OF HOUSTON AND YOUR POSITION AT THE COUNTY ON CERTAIN ISSUES.

I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH WHAT WE AGREE ON AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE WORKED THROUGH AND TALK ABOUT THE SINGULAR CONCERNS WE HAVE AND WHERE WE POTENTIALLY DISAGREE.

WE AGREE THAT WE APPLAUD THE 2016 WORK ON BOND REFORM, INDIGENT, FIRST-TIME OFFENDERS AND LOW-LEVEL OFFENDERS SHOULD NOT BEHELD PRE-TRIAL. WE APPLAUD THAT AND HAVE SAID THAT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

WE AGREE THAT THE JAILS ARE OVERCROWDED AND THAT THE COURTS ARE NOT MOVING FAST ENOUGH.

WE RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT ISSUE IN THE SYSTEM THAT HAS EXISTED GOING BACK DECADES.

THEY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE NEED TO WORK WITH THE REALITY, THAT THE NUMBERS ARE SHOCKING AND WE HAVE TO GET THE COURTS WORKING AND THAT IS IN YOUR CONTROL. WE NEED TO ENSURE SPEEDY TRIALS AND FAIR TRIALS. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE PUNISHMENTS ARE APPROPRIATE. WE MUST EXAMINE THE CONDITIONS WITHIN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAILS.

WE NEED TO WORK ON REHABILITATION FOR THOSE SERVING TIME IN PRISON. WE NEED TO ENSURE SCHOOLS ARE SOLID IN ALL COMMUNITIES AND THAT STUDENTS HAVE PROGRAMS THEY NEED TO THRIVE AND THAT COMMUNITIES HAVE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE LIKE HOMES, HEALTH CARE, FOOD AND OPPORTUNITY WE -- OPPORTUNITY.

WE AGREE ON ALL OF THIS AND WE HAVE BEEN YOUR FRIEND AND PARTNER FOR 40 YEARS AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO DO MORE.

WE DISAGREE, IT SEEMS, ON A SINGULAR ISSUE.

WE ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT SAYING THAT WE NEED TO LOCK UP EVERYONE, AND THAT WE NEED TO TREAT COMMUNITIES IN NEED DISPROPORTIONATELY. WE DISAGREE WITH THAT ON EVERY LEVEL. THE SINGULAR CONSEQUENCES OF FELONY BOND REFORM HAS CREATED A SYSTEM WHERE VIOLENT, HABITUAL CRIMINAL ACTORS ARE GETTING ARRESTED AND RELEASED OVER AND OVER AGAIN OFTEN BY A JUDGE OR MAGISTRATE WHO IS DOING HIS OR HER BEST JOB, BUT WITH LIMITED DATA AND TOOLS.

IT IS AN UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE, WE ARE SURE, BUT NEVERTHELESS IT IS HAPPENING AND IT IS OUR SINGULAR ISSUE TODAY. IT APPEAR THAT'S RISK ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT BEING DONE BECAUSE THESE JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES ARE LACKING DATA. SB21, WHILE STILL NEEDS TO BE THOUGHT THROUGH AND WORKED ON, AT LEAST AT THIS POINT SEEKS TO GIVE JUDGES INFORMATION, CREATE A SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING DATA, BRINGS BACK THE NOTION OF RISK ASSESSMENT TOOLS WHEN DEALING WITH THESE SPECIFIC VIOLENT, HABITUAL FELONY OFFENDERS. ONLY IN THOSE CASES WE BELIEVE IT IS REASONABLE TO DISCUSS WHETHER THOSE SPECIFIC DEFENDANTS SHOULD KEEP BEING RELEASED BACK INTO COMMUNITIES ON BOND. THIS IS THE SINGULAR ISSUE WE ARE LOOKING AT. IT IS NOT ABOUT RACE.

[02:20:01]

IT IS NOT ABOUT GENDER. >> THREE MINUTES ARE UP.

>> I WITH I WILL JUST QUICKLY SAY THIS --

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE TO STOP YOU RIGHT THERE.

OR ELSE WE WOULD HAVE TO LET EVERY SPEAKER GO OVER TIME.

BUT THANK YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: MAY MAY I -- MAY I ASK A QUICK QUESTION.

>> YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT A SING -- SINGULAR ISSUE.

YOU WERE PAUSED AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR THE REMAINDER OF THE THOUGHT IF YOU WOULD JUST COMPLETE THAT FOR ME, PLEASE.

>> ABSOLUTELY, SIR. WE WERE SAYING IT IS NOT ABOUT RACE, GENDER, CREED, COLOR OR STATUS.

IT IS ABOUT A SOLUTION WHEN DEALING WITH A VERY CERTAIN SCENARIO AND THE QUESTION OF WHAT WE DO IN DEALING WITH THESE VIOLENT REPEATS HUE PITCHULE OFFENDERS IS -- HABITUAL OFFENDERS IS WHAT WE ARE ASKING.

THE ARGUMENT IS ABOUT LOW-LEVEL CRIMES AND PEOPLE THAT COMMIT CRIME BASED ON POVERTY AND COLOR.

THAT'S A DIFFERENT ARGUMENT. THAT'S A DIFFERENT ARANGEMENT -- ARGUMENT. I THINK HAVE YOU DONE A GOOD JOB HANDLING. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT VIOLENT REPEAT HABITUAL FELONY OFFENDERS THAT ARE GOING BACK TO THIS COMMUNITY AND COMMITTING CRIME AND CRIME -- YOU CALLED US OUT TO STUDY THE CASES AND CALLED US OUT BECAUSE WE ARE JUST TRULY STUDYING THE CASES.

WE DON'T SPEAK TO -- SEEK TO PUSH ANY OTHER NARRATIVE OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT THOSE WHO ARE AT RISK TO THIS COUNTY AND COMMUNITY THAT YOU ALL LOVE AS MUCH AS BE LOVE NEED AT SOME LEVEL COMMON SENSE. COMMON MINDS WOULD SAY AT SOME LEVEL WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM.

THOSE PARTICULAR CLASS OF PEOPLE AND AT SOME POINT WHETHER IT IS THE THIRD OR FOURTH OFFENSE AFTER IT IS A VIOLENT, HABITUAL FELONY OFFENSE, WE SAY NO MORE BONDS IN THIS CASE. IT DOES PRESIDENT MATTER WHAT YOU LOOK -- IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU LOOK LIKE OR WHAT YOU CAN PAY OR WHERE YOU COME FROM.

THIS IS FOR THE SAKE OF THE SUSPECT AND THE SAKE OF THE VICTIM AND THE SAKE OF THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU VCH -- VERY MUCH. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR COMING AND SHARING YOUR VIEWS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> ANTHONY GRAVES WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YES. FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK JUDGE HIDALGO AND THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR ALLOWING ME THIS TIME TO SPEAK IN REGARDS TO SB21.

AUGUST OF 1992 I WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED FOR A VERY HORRIBLE CRIME THAT I KNEW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT.

I WAS PLACED IN JAIL WHERE I AWAITED TRIAL TWO AND A HALF YEARS. TWO AND A HALF YEARS I AWAITED TRIAL WITH NO BOND. WHY? I WAS INNOCENT. I KNEW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT THE CRIME. BUT YES I -- YET I HAD TO WAIT TWO AND A HALF YEARS. I COULDN'T HELP MY ATTORNEY.

I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF. I HAD TO RELY TOTALLY ON THE SYSTEM THAT HAD TOOK MY FREEDOM BEFORE I WAS EVEN CONVICTED. WE ARE NOT TALKING CONVICTIONS HERE. ALL I HEAR IS LOCKING PEOPLE UP WHO HAVE REPEATED OFFENSES.

WELL, LET'S JUST SAY SOMEONE CLAIMS THAT THEY DID A CRIME THAT THEY DIDN'T DO. ARE YOU GONNA LOCK HIM UP AND TAKE HIS FREEDOM BECAUSE OF AN ACCUSATION OR AN ALLEGATION? NO CONVICTION? WE JUST LOCK PEOPLE UP BECAUSE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SAFETY AND SECURITY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS? IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY AND SECURITY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS, THEN WE PUT PROGRAMS IN PLACE THAT WILL ADDRESS THE ISSUES WHILE WE GOT PEOPLE THERE SO WHEN THEY COME HOME THEY CAN BE PRODUCTIVE AND THEY CAN BE ON THE RIGHT TRACK.

THIS TALKING ABOUT LOCKING PEOPLE UP IS NOT GONNA HAPPEN BECAUSE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE COME BACK TO OUR COMMUNITIES EVERY DAY UNPREPARED TO RETURN.

WE ARE NOT ADDRESSING THAT ISSUE AND THAT IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE WE HAVE. IT IS NOT ABOUT LOCKING PEOPLE UP AND MAKING SURE THEY DON'T GET A BOND.

IT IS CAUSING HARM TO THE COMMUNITY WHETHER THEY ARE ON BOND OR PAROLE OR PROBATION, WE ARE CAUSING HARM IN THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE ARE NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUES.

WE DON'T HAVE PROGRAMS THAT ARE ADDRESSING THEM BEFORE THEY COME BACK HOME. WE ARE MAKING OURSELVES VULNERABLE BY NOT PUTTING RESOURCES IN PLACE THAT WILL KEEP US SAFE. JUST LOCKING PEOPLE UP LIKE ALL OF A SUDDEN THAT'S THE MAGIC CURE.

I PROMISE YOU IT IS NOT. I WAS DOWN THERE.

I TALKED TO PEOPLE. PEOPLE ARE FRUSTRATED AND THEY ARE SCARED TO EVEN COME BACK BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT PREPARED. AND THEN WHEN THEY GET BACK WHAT DO THEY DO? THEY TARGET US BECAUSE WE ARE NOT PUTTING RESOURCES IN PLACE TO HELP THEM MAKE THAT TRANSITION. I DON'T CARE IF THEY ARE IN JAIL OR PRISON. IF WE DON'T PUT THE RESOURCES IN PLACE FOR THEM TO MAKE THAT TRANSITION WE WILL CONTINUE TO

[02:25:03]

BE VULNERABLE. WE WILL BE IGNORANT AND STUPID TO THE WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN PROTECT OURSELVES.

I WILL SAY TO YOU BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE, BASED ON WHAT I KNOW AND BASED ON WHAT I STUDIED S -- SB21 IS WRONG.

I READ THIS AND I THOUGHT, MY GOD, PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE IS BEING USED AS CLAT -- COLLATERAL DAMAGE AGAIN.

>> I'M SORRY, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> AND SECURITY AND SAFETY THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE.

MR. GRAYS, I HAVE A QUICK QUESTION.

OBVIOUSLY I KNOW YOU AND YOUR BACKGROUND BUT JUST IN CASE MY COLLEAGUES DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH TIME DID YOU SPEND ON DEATH ROW BEFORE YOU WERE EXONERATED FOR BEING WRONGFULLY

CONVICTED? >> I SPENT A TOTAL OF 18 AND A HALF YEARS IN PRISON. 12 AND A HALF ON DEATH ROW.

I HAD TWO EXECUTION DATES. I WITNESSED 415 MEN AROUND ME BEING MURDERED. KIDS ALL THE WAY TO GROWN MEN. THEY WERE ALL MEETING THE SAME FATE. SOME WERE INNOCENT AND MOST WERE GUILTY, AND SOME HAD MENTAL ISSUES, BUT ALL BEING EXECUTED. FROM THERE I CAME HOME AND NOTHING WAS IN PLACE FOR ME TO MAKE A TRANSITION.

I JUST CAME HOME. THAT IS OUR PROBLEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I READ YOUR BOOK AND I STILL DISTRIBUTE THEM PERIODICALLY. I APPRECIATE THE WORK AND I KNOW THAT AS PART OF THE COMPENSATION THAT WAS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH FOR THE YEARS OF YOUR LIFE YOU LOST YOU MADE A SIGNIFICANT DONATION TO START A CLINIC.

I THINK IT WAS OVER AT OUR SAINT THOMAS FOR STUDENTS AND THE HONORABLE PROFESSOR AND WE ARE PROUD OF YOUR WORKS AND I APPRECIATE YOU SPEAKING OUT ON THIS LEGISLATION.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND PERSEVERANCE. THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. AND APOLOGIES.

APOLOGIES YOU WENT THROUGH WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT PEOPLE IN JAIL THAT'S BEEN THERE SEVEN YEARS, I GO AND MENTOR THOSE GUYS. THEY ARE THERE SEVEN YEARS AND HAVEN'T BEEN CONVICTED. THAT'S A PROBLEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> NICK HUDSON WITH ACLU OF TEXAS.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM TESTIFYING AGAINST ITEM 352 BECAUSE SENATE BILL 21 IS UNWISE AND UNFAIR AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND THE MONEY DOES NOT MAKE US SAFER.

SB21 TAKES AWAY A JUDGE'S DISCRETION TO GIVE PERSONAL BONDS FOR HUGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE, EVEN IF THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE PERSON IS A FLIGHT RISK OR POSES A DANGER TO A COMMUNITY. THESE PROVISIONS PROVIDE BONDS FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT HAVE MONEY AND ALLOWING IDENTICALLY SITUATED PEOPLE TO BE RELEASED FROM JAIL.

IT WILL CAUSE JAIL POPULATIONS TO INCREASE AND FORCE INNOCENT PEOPLE TO PLEAD GUILTY AND EXACERBATE RACIAL DISPARITIES IN THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM AND INCREASE FEDERAL LITIGATION AND HARM PUBLIC SAFETY.

WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT WHEN PEOPLE IN JAIL ARE THERE FOR MORE THAN JUST TWO DAYS THEY BECOME MORE LIKELY ON ADDITIONAL CRIMES IN THE FUTURE.

THE THINKING HERE IS THAT THE JAIL DESTABILIZES PEOPLE AND IT TAKES AWAY FAMILY SUPPORT AND CAUSES PEOPLE TO LOSE THEIR JOBS AND HOMES. I ASK THAT YOU OPPOSE SENATE BILL 21. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE I RECOMMEND LOOKING AT HOUSE BILL 4281 BY REPRESENTATIVE SHERMAN.

IT ENDS MONEY BAIL ACT. AND LOOKING AT THINGS LIKE TEXT MESSAGE REMINDERS. HOUSE BILL 4293 WOULD ENSURE PEOPLE APPEAR IN COURT AS REQUIRED.

THE KEY OBLIGATION IN THE PRE-TRIAL SYSTEM IS TO MAXIMIZE PUBLIC SAFETY AND MAXIMIZE COURT APPEARANCE AND MAXIMIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CONSTITUTION.

OPPOSE ITEM 352. THANK YOU.

>> ADRIANNA BANE, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HI, THIS IS -- I WANTED TO DIRECT MY SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 21 BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER THAN THE FAILED SYSTEM THAT WE HAVE NOW.

I HOPE THAT COMMISSIONERS WOULD BE ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY FOR OUR FAMILIES AND NOT THOSE OF RECURRING VIOLENT

[02:30:01]

CRIMINALS, ESPECIALLY BASED ON THE FACT THAT OUR OWN COUNTY D.A. IS TESTIFYING IN SUPPORT OF IT AND HAS STAGGERING STATISTICS SHOWING THESE CRIMES FROM VIOLENT REPEAT OFF FENDERS -- UH -- OFFENDERS. I HOPE WE CAN PRE -- FREE UP OUR COURTS TO GET THE CASES GOING THROUGH FASTER AND THE MAGISTRATES AND THE JUDGES CAN USE REAL RISK ASSESSMENTS FROM THE VIOLENT OFFENDERS HARMING OUR FAMILIES AND WE CAN PLEASE PROTECT OUR FAMILIES IN HARRIS COUNTY AND BE ANAL TO PUSH UP THE COURTS AND BE ABLE TO KEEP THE VIOLENT FELONS THAT SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS WHERE THEY SHOULD BE.

>> LEAH BROWN WITH TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU, COMPANY -- JUDGE. I AM TESTIFYING IN STRONG OPPOSITION OF SB21. FIRST, A STATEMENT OF THE HARMS OF BAIL AND PRE-TRIAL DETENTION IN TEXAS GENERALLY.

A REMINDER THAT JAIL AND PRE-TRIAL DETENTION ARE FOR PEOPLE PRESUMED INNOCENT. THEY HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED AND NOT BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF ANY CRIMES.

62% OF TEXAS' JAIL POPULATION IS PRESUMED INNOCENT.

62% OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BE -- BEHIND BARS IN TEXAS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT AND ARE AWAITING THEIR TRIAL TO HAPPEN. KNITTER -- 32% OF THE PEOPLE PRESUMED INNOCENT ARE BLACK IN THE STATE AND 33% OF THOSE PEOPLE BEHIND BARS PRESUMED INNOCENT ARE LATINX DISPROPORTIONATE TO THEIR POPULATION IN THE STATE.

ANY AMOUNT OF PRE RF TRIAL -- PRE-TRIAL DETENTION CAUSES HARM AND TO HAVE LASTING AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES.

I WILL REMIND THE COMMISSIONERS AND TO EVERYONE THAT FAMILIES ARE NOT JUST FAMILIES OF, QUOTE, VICTIMS, BUT PEOPLE WHO ARE ACCUSED OF CRIME BELONG TO FAMILIES AND HAVE FAMILIES AS WELL. WE KNOW THAT PRE-TRIAL DETENTION RESULTS IN FAMILY AND CAREGIVER SEPARATION AND THE LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS AND OTHER WAGES. IT CAUSES HOUSING INSTABILITY. IT DISRUPTS THE MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. AND THE PRE-TRIAL DETENTION CAUSES LASTING TRAUMA FOR PARENTS AS WELL AS THEIR CHILDREN. THERE WAS ANOTHER WITNESS WHO SPOKE OF THE HARMS OF PRE-TRIAL DETENTION ON THE FUTURE INCARCERATION OF CHILDREN.

WE ALSO KNOW THAT PRE-TRIAL DETENTION RESULTS IN HIGHER RATES OF GUILTY PLEAS AND LONGER SEN TANSES.

SENTENCES. AND IN FACT HARRIS COUNTY LEAD THE COUNTRY IN EXXON -- EXONERATIONS THAT RESULTED FROM WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS IN DRUG CASES INVOLVE -- INVOLVING PEOPLE WHO PLED GUILTY JUST TO GET OUT OF JAIL. MANY OF WHOM WERE CHARGED WITH NON-VIOLENT DRUG OFFENSES AND WERE BLACK AND BROWN.

WE KNOW THAT TEXAS' CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM UNNECESSARILY AND DISPRO MOTIONER NATALIE -- DISPROPORTIONATELY LOCKS UP BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE EVEN WITHOUT A GUILTY FINDING OR A CONVICTION. STEPPING AWAY FROM THE HARM OF BOND AND PRE-TRIAL BAIL GENERALLY, AS WE LOOK AT SB21, WE SEE THAT IT IS ESPECIALLY HARMFUL.

FOR ONE, SB21 IS NOT TO [INAUDIBLE] OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS. INSTEAD SB21 CAPTURES A WHOLE HOST, A WHOLE RANGE OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE INELIGIBLE TO BE RELEASE -- TO BE RELEASED FROM THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE MONEY. ALTHOUGH THEIR BEHAVIOR IS NOT VIOLENT. FOR EXAMPLE --

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M AFRAID I HAVE TO STOP YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> TEXAS APPLE SEED.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI I AM WITH TEXAS APPLE SEED AND RIGHT TO JUSTICE COALITION.

WE ECHO THE SENTIMENTS OF OTHER SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES IN OPPOSING SB21 AND THE BURDEN IT POSES ON INDIGENT PEOPLE. WE NEED TO PROTECT THOSE WHO STRUGGLE WITH THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF POVERTY AND TRAPPED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT OVERCROWDING THE JAILS IS NOT ONLY INHUMANE, BUT A GREAT COST TO THE COUNTY THAT WILL BEHELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATHS EX-- EXACERBATED BY COVID-19 AND THE WINTER STORM AND THE BRUTAL HEAT FROM THE SUMMER MONTHS AND THE ADDITIONAL STORMS BROUGHT ON DURING HURRICANE SEASON. WE NEED MORE AVENUES FOR DIVERSION. WE HAVE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

[02:35:01]

AND ONLY THEN WILL WE TRULY SEE A POSITIVE SHIFT IN THE COMMUNITY THAT DON'T PERPETUATE A LIFETIME OF POVERTY. WORSE, DEATH WHEN EXPOSED TO JAIL'S CONDITIONS. WE ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO NOT SUPPORT SB21 AND INSTEAD PLEASE INVEST YOUR TIME AND RESOURCES ELSEWHERE IN COMMUNITY THAT DESPERATELY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS HAIR EXPSH -- HARSH AND UNPRECEDENTED TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> ACLU OF TEXAS GO AHEAD,

PLEASE. >> HI, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM AN ATTORNEY WITH THE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES OF TEXAS BASED IN HOUSTON.

I CO-SIGN MANY OF THE COMMENTS FROM OTHER GROUPS WITH THE PROBLEMS OF SENATE BILL 21 AND THE HARM FOR TAXPAYERS AND RESIDENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY. ALTHOUGH THIS BILL SEEKS TO CHANGE TEXAS' PRE-TRIAL SYSTEM IT GOES ABOUT IT IN ALL OF THE WRONG WAYS. SB21 FLIPS THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE ON ITS HEAD BY DENYING PERSONAL BONDS TO MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE SIMPLY ACCUSED OF A CRIME.

UNDER THE CURRENT SYSTEM PRE-TRIAL IS THE NORM, BUT THIS BILL SEEKS TO PUNISH PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME. THIS BILL IS PARTICULARLY HARMFUL BECAUSE IT DOESN'T AFFECT MONEY BAIL.

THAT MEANS PEOPLE WHO HAVE WEALTH WILL STILL BE ABLE TO BUY THEIR WAY OUT OF JAIL. THOSE WITHOUT FINANCIAL RESOURCES WILL BE SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILIES, JOBS AND HOUSING FOR MONTHS AND PERHAPS EVEN LONGER AS THEIR CASES ARE PENDING. WHEN PEOPLE ARE FORCED TO STAY IN JAIL PRE-TRIAL THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO PLEAD GUILTY TO CRIMES THEY HAVEN'T COMMITTED AND THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT AN OFFENSE WHEN RELEASED.

SB21 WOULD MAKE OUR COMMUNITY LESS SAFE.

THIS BILL WOULD ALSO HAVE AN ENORMOUS FISCAL IMPACT ON HARRIS COUNTY. HARRIS COUNTY SPENDS $330,000 A DAY TO KEEP PEOPLE IN JAIL PRE-TRIAL AND THIS NUMBER IS GROWING WITH A TREMENDOUS BACKLOG IN THE CRIMINAL COURT DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. SB21 WOULD FORCE EVEN MORE PEOPLE TO STAY IN JAIL BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE MONEY TO PAY.

IT WILL ALSO LEAD TO MORE EXPENSIVE LIT -- LITIGATION IN HARRIS COUNTY BECAUSE PART OF THE BILL IS RESURRECTING THE BAIL SCHEDULE AND DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

THIS BILL VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO CURTAIL AND DIMINISH THE ACTIVITIES OF BAIL FUND.

THIS BILL SEEKS TO STOP BAIL FUNDS FROM EVER HELPING SOMEONE ACCUSED OF A FELONY AND FROM HELPING ANYONE WITH MORE THAN $2,000 WITH A MISDEMEANOR AND IT WOULD REQUIRE BAIL FUNDS TO DISCLOSE THEIR DONNER LIST -- DONER LIST. IN SHORT, THIS BILL WOULD BE A BOOM FOR THE PRO FOFT BAIL INDUSTRY -- FOR PROFIT BAIL INDUSTRY AND DETRIMENTAL TO TAXPAYERS AND RESIDENTS.

>> CHRISTOPHER RIVERA. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS, FOR YOUR TIME FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK TODAY. I AM ALSO HERE TO GIVE SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL 21. SENATE BILL 21 IS A GIVE AWAY TO THE BILL -- BAIL INDUSTRY. ESSENTIALLY WHAT THIS DOES IS PENALIZES BLACK AND BROWN AND POOR PEOPLE.

WE ALREADY HAVE A PRE-TRIAL PROBLEM IN TEXAS.

THERE ARE OVER 39,000 PEOPLE SIMPLY WAITING IN JAIL BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD BILL. SOME OF THE COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES IS IT STRIPS WEALTH FROM THE BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES AND THAT NUMBER HAS BEEN 55,000 TO 99,000 ECONOMIC BENEFITS THAT A PERSON THAT IS DETAINED WOULD GET. WE SEE THAT A LOT OF THE CONSEQUENCES RESULT IN PEOPLE LOSING THEIR HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT AND EVEN THE CUSTODY OF CHILDREN AND ESSENTIALLY WHAT THIS DOES IS EXACERBATES CRIME.

I WOULD HOPE THAT THE COMMISSIONERS -- THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT WOULD BE READ ON BAIL AND THERE IS NO RELATION OF VIOLENT CRIMES TRACED TO BAIL REFORM. THEY FOUND THAT WAS RELATED TO AN INCREASE IN THE MONTHLY MURDERS.

THEY SEE THAT IT IS NOT HOW FELONY BONDS COULD HAVE CAUSED AN INCREASE IN CRIME IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS.

BONDS HAVE NOT CHANGED. THERE IS NO CORRELATION.

SOME OF THE COMMISSIONERS HAD TO ECHO THAT.

[02:40:01]

WHEN BAIL REFORM DID OCCUR IT WAS BETWEEN 2017 AND 2019 WHEN WE SAW CRIMES INCREASE IN 2020.

FURTHERMORE WE SEE THAT CRIMES HAVE EXACERBATED ACROSS THE U.S. AND SUGGESTIONS WOULD SAY THAT CRIME IS INCREASING BECAUSE OF NATIONAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PRESSURES.

THE MEMO CONCLUDES THAT OTHER POLICIES INITIATIVES AND NOT RENEWED CASH BAIL FAULTS THE INCREASE IN VIOLENCE.

I HOPE THE COMMISSIONERS READ THE REPORT AND ALL OF THE FALSE CLAIMS THAT AN INCREASE IN VIOLENCE RELATED TO BAIL.

>> BRIANNA WITH TEXAS BAIL PROJECT.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO.

I AM GAB BREE -- GABRIELLE LAW AND I AM SPEAKING IN OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 21. SB21 WILL PREVENT THOSE CHARGED WITH A CRIME TO BE RELEASED ON A PERSONAL BOND IF THEY HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR CLASS A OR B MISDEMEANOR. EVEN POSSESSION OF CANNABIS WHICH IS DE CRIMINALIZED IN THE COUNTY OR DRIVING WITH AN INVALID LICENSE COULD DISQUALIFY A PERSON.

THE STATE LEGISLATOR WOULD -- WOULDN'T BE FOOTING THE BILL.

THE COST OF HOUSING MORE PRE-TRIAL DEFENDANTS WOULD BE SHOULDERED BY THE COUNTY'S TAXPAYERS.

THE SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION SPOKE AGAINST THE BILL TO THE JURY REIS PRUDENCE COMMITTEE -- JURIS PRUDENCE COMMITTEE. SENATE BILL 21 LIMITS FREE SPEECH AND ASSEMBLY BY TARGETING CHARITABLE BAIL FUNDS. ACCORDING TO.

ACLU OF TEXAS THEY WORKED WITH ADVOCACY AND THEY SPEAK ON BEHALF OF INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS.

SB21 CURTAILS THE SPEECH THROUGH OVER BURDENS AND REGULATIONS AND THREATENS THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY.

JUDGE ROSENTHAL'S RULING CONFIRMS THAT AN UP FRONT PAYMENT DOES NOT CHANGE AN APPEARANCE IN COURT.

AS OTHERS CAUTIONED, WHY WOULD HARRIS COUNTY SUPPORT THE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REINTRODUCE AND REAGGRAVATE THE SAME PRACTICES THAT WERE ALREADY FOUND TO BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND INVITE MORE LAWSUITS AS A RESULT OF THIS LEGISLATION. SENATE BILL 21 IS A SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM. AND OUR OWN COUNTY IS ABOUT 3% OF DEFENDANTS WOULD HAD RISK SCORES FROM 0 TO 3 AND RECEIVED A -- ENDED UP HAVING A VIOLENT ARREST.

WHEN THE COURT GRANTED THEM PRE-TRIAL RELEASE ONLY ONE IN 10 OF THOSE DEFENDANTS ACTUALLY HAD A VIOLENT CRIMINAL ARREST. FURTHER, THE SAME COURT-APPOINTED INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FOUND THE INCREASES IN VIOLENT CRIME LIKE MURDER MAY BETTER EXPLAIN UNEMPLOYMENT. FINALLY I WOULD LIKE TO READ EXCERPTS OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE WRITTEN REACTION. QUOTE, REGARDING THE FIRST DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S SLIDE THE PDO RECOMMEND THE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CRITIQUE THE DEPARTMENT NUMBERS. THE SHERIFF HAS COME UP WITH LESS THAN NONVIOLENT PEOPLE AND SEEMS TO BE MORE SUBSTANTIAL THAN THIS LIST. THERE MAY BE MORE PADDING IN THE CASE OF THIS COLORFUL CHART.

ALSO THE SLIDES DEPICTING THE DEFENDS ANECDOTES DO NOT OUTWEIGH THE STATISTICS. THEY HAVE BEEN FOR MISDEMEANORS AND THE MONITORS HAVE ISSUED THEIR SECOND SIX-MONTH REPORT SHOWING RELEASING THOSE DEFENDANTS WITHOUT CASH SECURITY NEITHER INCREASES THE NONAPPEARANCES.

THE AVERAGE PERSON IN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL HAS BEEN

THERE FOR 229 DAYS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M AFRAID I

HAVE TO STOP YOU. >> I WILL FINISH QUICKLY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO. I HAVE TO STOP EVERYBODY AT TIME. OTHERWISE WE WOULD HAVE TO LET EVERYBODY GO FOR EXTRA TIME AND WE HAVE SEVERAL SPEAKERS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> OKAY.

THANK YOU. >> GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HI, I SPEAK BEFORE YOU TODAY TO URGE YOU TO VOTE NO ON SENATE BILL 21. THANK YOU ALL FOR HAVING ME.

IT IS MY PLEASURE. MY HUSBAND AND I ARE BOTH VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY.

WE HAVE DEDICATED OUR LIVES TO SERVICE AND BUILT A FAMILY THAT WE LOVE AND RESPECT. MY HUSBAND IS NOT A CRIMINAL.

HE IS A LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER AND GRANDFATHER.

NEVERTHELESS, MY FAMILY'S LIFE HAS BEEN FOREVER CHANGED BY HIS INCARCERATION IN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL DUE TO HIS MENTAL -- DUE TO HIS HIGH BOND.

[02:45:03]

I SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY AND ACTIVE FOR FIVE YEARS. I DID ONE YEAR OF RESERVE SERVICE. MY HUSBAND SERVED 20 YEARS IN THE MILITARY. HE IS AN HONORABLE RETIRED 70% DISABLED VETERAN. HE WENT THROUGH A HEARING TODAY. THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL HOUSES HARDENED CRIMINALS. SOME ARE NOT, IT IS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS.

MY HUSBAND SUFFERS FROM PTSD, AND HE ALSO SUFFERS FROM BY POLAR -- BIPOLAR DUE TO HIS MILITARY SERVICE GOING TO DIFFERENT COMBAT ZONES AND BEING IN THE WAR, IN SEVERAL WARS. HE IS IN JAIL RIGHT NOW.

HE HAS GONE TO VETERANS FOR COUNSELING AND I ALSO HAVE GONE TO COUNSELING AS WELL. HE HAS BEEN REHABILITATED FOR SEVEN DAYS. HE WAS GIVEN IMMEDIATE VAGUES FROM THE VETERAN -- IMMEDIATE -- MEDICATION FOR THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION THAT WERE NOT UP TO PAR.

THEY WERE NOT GOOD SO HE STARTED SELF-MEDICATING AND THAT'S THE REASON HE IS IN JAIL RIGHT NOW.

RIGHT NOW I HAVE GOTTEN -- I FINALLY GOT A REFERRAL FROM THE V.A. TO PUT HIM IN A ONE TO THREE-MONTH VETERAN DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM FOR VETERANS. PREVIOUSLY IT WAS SEVEN DAYS AT A TIME. I IT IS HARD TO GET CARE FROM THE V.A., BUT I FOINLLY GOT IT.

BUT I FINALLY GOT IT. HE IS MISSING ANNIVERSARIES, SCHOOL PLAYS, GRADUATIONS AND THE SEPARATION FROM THE FAMILY THAT HE LOVES AND HOLDS DEAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, WELL THAT'S NOT ENOUGH. I WISH THE COUNTRY WOULD STOP THANKING VETERANS FOR OUR SERVICE AND TRULY SHOW THANKS BY VOTING NO ON THIS BILL. AND THAT WOULD MAKE IT HARDER FOR FAMILIES LIKE MINE AND PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM THE PTSD. THE BAIL LAW IS PUNITIVE ENOUGH. OUR JAILS ARE CROWDED WITH HARD-WORKING SERVICE MEMBERS LIKE MY HUSBAND WHO SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD BOND. LET'S NOT MAKE --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. AND THAT OF YOUR HUSBAND.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME. THANK YOU.

BYE. >> NATHAN FENNEL WITH THE

TEXAS FAIR FUND. >> I AM A LAWYER WITH THE TEXAS FAIR DEFENSE PROJECT. WE ARE OPPOSED TO SB21 AND ASKING THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO OPPOSE IT AS WELL.

THE CURRENT BILL IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

IT IS UNFAIR AND DISCRIMINATORY.

IT IS CORPORATE WELFARE FOR THE BAIL BONDING INDUSTRY AND PENALIZES POOR PEOPLE OF COLOR.

THERE ARE VAST SWATHS OF PEOPLE ARRESTED WOULD HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO SIT IN JAIL UNTIL THEIR CASE WAS OVER IF THEY DIDN'T HAVE MONEY TO PAY EITHER THE COURT OR A PRIVATE BAIL BONDSMAN. THE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT ALLOW THAT. I UNDERSTAND THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE TESTIFIED IN SUPPORT OF SB21 TODAY.

SOME PEOPLE ARE RELEASED ON PERSONAL BOND AND COMMIT CRIMES AND THEY ARE VIOLENT. MY UNDERSTANDING IS PEOPLE TALK ABOUT MURDERS IN THIS CONTEXT.

THE FUNDAMENTAL PREMISE YOU HAVE TO ACCEPT IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THE BILL IS THAT PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS ARE MORE LIKELY TO KILL SOMEONE THAN PEOPLE WHO DO HAVE ACCESS TO A FEW HUNDRED DOLLARS.

ANYONE WITH SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS OR A THOUSAND DOLLARS CAN STILL GET OUT OF JAIL NO MATTER HOW MANY CRIMES THEY COMMIT. THEY PAY A MONEY BOND.

THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY COULD STAY IN JAIL.

THE JAD SPECIFICALLY FOUND THAT IT HAS CORRELATED WITH AN INCREASE IN CRIME WHICH MAKES SENSE.

THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM WHEN YOU GET DOWN TO IT THAT S BERK 21 -- SB21 WOULD UNDERMINE THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE.

IT WOULD PUNISH PEOPLE MAKING THEM SIT IN JAIL OR PAY A FINE RIGHT AWAY. THAT MIGHT FEEL FAIR TO SOME PEOPLE, BUT WE SHOULDN'T PUNISH PEOPLE FORGETTING ARRESTED IN AMERICA. WE DESIGNED A SYSTEM THAT SAYS PUNISH PEOPLE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN CONVICTED, AFTER A PROCESS THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THE ACCUSED. PLEASE DON'T LET SB21 MOVE THE GOALPOST ON THIS FUNDAMENTAL DUE PROCESS PROTECTION.

>> CORETTA BROWN WITH THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

[02:50:01]

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, MY NAME IS KAW RETE TAU -- CORETTA BROWN AND SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT. SENATE BILL 21 AND HOUSE BILL 20 WILL DRASTICALLY INCREASE THE CHANCE OF BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE BEING INCOURSE RATED PRE-TRIAL.

INCARCERATED PRE-TRIAL. IT CALLS FOR MANDATORY DRUG TESTING FOR ANY AND EVERYONE AS A CONDITION ON BAIL, EVEN IF A PERSON IS NOT ACCUSED OF A DRUG-RELATED CHARGE.

THIS BILL ALSO CALLS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF MONEY ONE MUST PAY TO HAVE THE LIBERTY TO FIGHT TO BE PROVEN INNOCENT. BILLS LIKE SB21 AND HOUSE BILL 20 ARE EMBEDDED IN WHITE SUPREMACIST LANGUAGE THAT WILL WITHOUT DOUBT SOCIALLY AND FINANCIALLY HARM COMMUNITIES OF COLOR. WE ARE ON THE BRINK OF FINALLY MAKING JUSTICE EQUAL AND FAIR FOR ALL.

NOW DISTRICT ATTORNEY KIM OK ARE TRYING TO STOP BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEFEND OUR FREEDOM. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS PEOPLE PLEAD GUILTY TO ACCUSATIONS THEY ARE INNOCENT ARE -- INNOCENT OF IS THEY DON'T WANT TO BE CONFINED ANYMORE.

JAIL HAS A WAY OF BREAKING DOWN THE STRONGEST AMONG US.

IT KEEPS US AWAY FROM OUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.

WE CAN'T FEED OR PROVIDE FOR OUR CHILDREN IF WE ARE INCARCERATED PRE-TRIAL. THE FELONY MONEY BAIL SYSTEM IN ITS CURRENT FORM IS YET STILL THE MODEL FOR HUMAN CAPITALISM AND HAS VERY LITTLE TO DO WITH ENSURING IF A PERSON RETURNS FOR A COURT DATE.

POINT BLANK BOTH THESE BILLS NEED TO BE TOSSED IN THE TRASH AND WE ASK YOU OPPOSE THESE BILLS.

THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, THOSE WERE ALL OF

THE SPEAKERS WE COULD REACH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, LUCINDA AND EVERYBODY WHO SPOKE.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I'VE GOT -- YOU KNOW, WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S COMMITMENT TO AND COMMENTS ABOUT VICTIMS AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE LIKE, I THINK HIS HEART IS IN THE RIGHT PLACE.

AND SO I HAVE AN AMENDMENT, A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT IS BEING CIRCULATED RIGHT NOW. I THINK THIS WILL MORE EFFECTIVELY EXPRESS A RESOLUTION THAT I CAN SUPPORT WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. WHEREAS FEBRUARY 26TH, 2021 SENATOR JOAN HUFFMAN FILED SENATE BILL 21 RELATED TO RULES ESTABLISHING THE AMOUNT OF BAIL TO THE RELEASE OF CERTAIN DEFENDANTS ON A BAIL BOND OR PERSONAL BOND TO RELATED DUTIES OF A MAGISTRATE IN A CRIMINAL CASE TO THE REPORTING OF INFORMATION PERTAINING TO BAIL BONDS.

AND THE REGULATION OF CHARITABLE BAIL BOND ORGANIZATIONS. AND WHEREAS THIS BILL UH ASSISTANCE BELLY -- AUSTENSIB Y KEEPS REPEAT OFFENDERS AND TAKES THE STEPS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC PARTICULARLY VICTIMS OF CRIME. WHEREAS THIS BILL IS A BLUNT TOOL TO ADDRESS A COMPLEX PROBLEM THAT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT OPERATIONAL IMPACT POTENTIALLY COSTING THE COUNTY MORE THAN 1MILLION AND INCREASE THE DETENTION COSTS ANNUALLY THAT COULD IMPACT THE COUNTY'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY.

WHEREAS THIS BILL WOULD REQUIRE TO KEEP IN JAIL AND IMPACTING THEIR ABILITY TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND INCREASING THE RISK OF RECIDIVISM.

BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER COURT CALLS ON THE 87TH LEGISLATURE OF TEXAS TO PASS LEGISLATION THAT MEANINGFULLY IMPROVES PUBLIC SAFETY AND SERVES JUSTICE AND REFRAIN FROM PASSINGS -- PASSING LEGISLATION THAT WOULD FAIL TO DO SO WHILE HARMING THE COUNTY'S ABILITY TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. THAT'S MY FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION. I WOULD BE ABLE TO JOIN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IN SUPPORT OF THAT RESOLUTION.

I THINK THAT WILL MEANINGFULLY EXPRESS THE INTEREST AND DESIRES WE ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH HERE.

TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE AND DO IT IN A SMART WAY AND STILL BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC

SAFETY AS WE DO EVERY DAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,

[02:55:03]

COMMISSIONER. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT LOOKS LIKE A SEPARATE MOTION ON A SEPARATE ITEM.

I DON'T CONSIDER THAT TO BE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO MINE.

I AM GONNA LET MINE STAND AS IT IS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO LET'S VOTE ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S

SUBSTITUTE MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I MADE A MOTION AND GOT A SECOND EARLIER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO YOUR

ITEM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS HAVE TO BE ACCEPTED BY THE MOVEMENT, DO THEY NOT?

>> THAT IS CORRECT, COMMISSIONER.

SO THIS REALLY IS A SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT IS BEING MADE WHICH I THINK IN THE PAST, JUDGE HIDALGO HAS ALLOWED THESE ITEMS TO BE VOTED ON PRIOR TO THE MAIN AMENDMENT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, IF I MIGHT?

>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THIS IS A SUBSTITUTE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST TO MAKE SURE, WE WOULD HAVE TO VOTE ON THE SUBSTITUTE FIRST BECAUSE IF NOT IT WOULDN'T BE CALLED A SUBSTITUTE. IF BOTH SIDES ARE JUST TRYING TO GET A VOTE ON THEIR ITEM, WHAT LITTLE I REMEMBER OF BEING IN THE LEGISLATURE, YOU VOTE ON THE SUBSTITUTE, AND THEN IF THE PERSON STILL WANTS TO VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION, SO BE IT. IN AUSTIN THEY PULLED THE BILL DOWN. IF THE SUBSTITUTE PASSED YOU KIND OF HAVE TO PULL THE BILL DOWN.

IF THEY BOTH PASSED -- >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS IN THE PAST WHEN THERE AND A -- THERE IS IS A TUB -- SUBSTITUTE MOTION IT IS VOTE OWED PRIOR TO THE MAIN ITEM.

THAT'S BEEN THE HISTORY AND THE CASE CERTAINLY IN THE LAST THREE OR FOUR TIMES THAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST THREE OR FOUR MONTHS. I BELIEVE THAT'S THE WAY IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST. IF THAT'S NOT THE --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OBVIOUSLY IF THE SUBSTITUTE FAILED THEN GAO TO THE MAIN MOTION. THAT'S JUST HOW I HAVE SEEN IT OPERATING IN AUSTIN. IF THE SUBSTITUTE MAKES IT, WHETHER IT IS FRIENDLY OR NOT, PEOPLE SAY WHY VOTE ON THE

OTHER ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I I HAVE FRESH IN MY MIND WHAT GARCIA JUST READ AND THEN WE CAN VOTE ON RAMSEY'S. COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS A MOTION AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS OFFERED A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR SO THAT MOTION CARRIES 3-2. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU HAD YOUR MOTION FROM EARLIER. MARISELA, DO YOU KNOW WHAT WE

ARE REFERRING TO? >> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MADE A MOTION.

WAS THERE A SECOND? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I SECONDED

IT, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M OPPOSED. SO THAT MOTION FAILS.

THAT'S IT FOR OUR RESOLUTIONS.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU DON'T HAVE RESOLUTIONS, DO YOU?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I DO NOT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS. BECAUSE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT LEGISLATION AT THIS TIME AND BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN A REFERENCE AS TO WHAT HAS BEEN TESTIFIED IN AUSTIN ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE UP NOW A BRIEF DISCUSSION ON HOW WE ARE TO APPROACH IT WHEN OUR COURT IS DIVIDED ON AN ISSUE AND HOW THAT IS REPRESENTED IN TESTIMONY, OR DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT UP WHEN WE GET TO THE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS SECTION IN A FEW MINUTES?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I RECOMMEND THE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, COMMISSIONER AND I WILL MAKE A NOTE.

ONLY BECAUSE WE HAVE SPEAKERS ON SEVERAL ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN WAITING TO GO AT THE TOP OF THE AGENDA AND BECAUSE OF THE SHERIFF'S TIMETABLE AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S MOTION, THAT WAS PARTICULARLY INVOLVED, AND IT HAS TAKEN

AWHILE TO GET TO THEM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I JUST WANTED TO -- THANK YOU

FOR MAKING A NOTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

SO LET'S TAKE THE REST OF THE SPEAKERS, LUCINDA, IF WE

COULD, PLEASE. >> YES, MA'AM.

ACTUALLY WE ARE TRYING -- WE ARE A LITTLE STUCK RIGHT NOW.

I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO GET TO ANY OF THE SPEAKERS AT THIS TIME. IF YOU WOULD GIVE ME A FEW

SECONDS. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

IN THAT CASE WE COULD SKIP TO THAT ITEM, THE LEGISLATIVE UNDER OUR INTER GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.

[03:00:05]

THEY HAVE A BROAD ITEM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THAT UP,

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 175. ITEM 175.

GO AHEAD. >> R. JACK CAGLE: PAGE 21 AND ITEM 175 UNDER LEGISLATIVE ITEMS. I KNOW THERE WAS TESTIMONY AND IT WAS SPOKE ABOUT WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S BILL THAT THE JAD DEPARTMENT HAD AN INDIVIDUAL SPEAKING TOO -- TO THE LEGISLATIVE BODY.

I KNOW WE HAD SHIFTING RULES ON HOW WE APPROACH WHETHER THE COUNTY IS BEHIND THE BILL OR NOT.

I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT WHEN SOMEONE IS ONE OF OUR AGENCIES, AND THEY ARE SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY THAT THEY CLARIFY IN THEIR TESTIMONY WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS FULL SUPPORT OF AN ISSUE OR ONLY PARTIAL SUPPORT OF AN ISSUE SO THAT THE LEGISLATORS WILL KNOW WHETHER THERE IS A FULL SUPPORT OF THE COURT OR PARTIAL SUPPORT OF THE COURT. I THINK THAT IS A FAIR THING FOR THOSE WHO ARE LISTENING TO THE TESTIMONY AND FAIR FOR THE

PUBLIC. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO JUDGE, THE POLICY WAS IN HARRIS COUNTY BEFORE I GOT HERE THAT SOMETHING DID NOT GET ON THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA UNLESS IT HAD THE UNANIMOUS SUPPORT OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

WHEN I EXERCISED MY PREROGATIVE TO BE AGAINST SOMETHING, THE POLICY CHANGED.

THERE WAS NO REASON FOR SOMEBODY TO HAVE A DESIGNATION AND WHETHER THE OTHER FOUR WERE FOR IT AND RODNEY ELLIS WAS AGAINST IT, I WOULD JUST CALL UP AND TELL PEOPLE IN AUSTIN OR LET THEM KNOW THAT I DIDN'T AGREE WITH IT.

THE LAST TIME I CHECKED IN AMERICA, HAVING BEEN A MINORITY ALL MY LIFE, I LIVED WITH IT AND THAT'S OKAY.

WHAT I DON'T WANT TO DO IS PUT SOMEONE IN A BURDENSOME POSITION AS THOUGH THEY VIOLATED AN EDICT BECAUSE THEY ARE TESTIFYING BEFORE THE ECONOMY AND THE VOTE IS 3-2 OR 4-1. THAT'S THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT POSITION.

SOMETIMES I WIN THEM. SOMETIMES I LOSE THEM.

MOST PEOPLE THAT I KNOW -- IF THEY ARE WONDERING WHETHER OR NOT THEY SUPPORT IT, JUST ASK.

THERE WERE TIMES I WOULD ASK ON SOME OF THE ISSUES AND I COULD JUST ABOUT FIGURE OUT WHO MIGHT HAVE BEEN FOR IT OR WHO WAS AGAINST IT. I JUST THINK IT IS KIND OF A WASTE OF TIME, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.

WHATEVER THE COURT THINKS. BUT I DON'T WANT SOMEBODY TO TESTIFY AND SAY THEY ARE REPRESENTING COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND SAY I AM REPRESENTING THESE THREE OR THOSE FOUR. YOU GOT ME? WE EACH HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE THAT WE ARE PAYING WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A POSITION OPPOSITE OF MY POSITION, I WILL LET THEM KNOW THAT PRECINCT IS AGAINST IT. I I DON'T WANT TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON IT. I DON'T WANT SOMEBODY'S FEELINGS HURT, BUT MY FEELINGS WERE NOT HURT WHEN THE POLICY CHANGED. IT IS NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL.

THAT'S MY TWO CENTS FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID IT WELL. AS A SHERIFF WHEN I WOULD TRY TO GET LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES INTO THE COUNTY AGENDA AND WAS TOLD BACK THEN THAT ONE COMMISSIONER WANTED TO VETO IT, IT DIDN'T PROHIBIT YOU AS A DEPARTMENT HEAD OR AN ELECTED OFFICIAL FROM STILL WALKING THE HALLS AND ADVOCATING FOR YOUR OWN POSITION.

WE ARE ESTABLISHING THE COUNTY PLATFORM AND WE JUST MOVE ON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I AM GOING TO SECOND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION. I KNOW WHEN I ENGAGED THE

[03:05:01]

LEGISLATURE WORKING WITH 33 CITIES, AND AS WE GOT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE MALASE CALLED AUSTIN, IT WAS HELPFUL TO PROVIDE AS MUCH CLARITY AS POSSIBLE WHEN WE ARE COMMUNICATING ON THE ISSUES. I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL WHEN WE ARE REPRESENTING THE COUNTY WHERE WE ARE JUST TO BE SURE THAT IT IS CLEAR. I SECOND HIS MOTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ONE LAST POINT, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DO YOU KNOW IF ANY OTHER COUNTY DOES THIS? DALLAS COUNTY OR BEXAR COUNTY, THEY GO AND SAY THREE ARE FOR IT? FOUR ARE FOR IT? I HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT. I CHAIRED THE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WHEN I WAS IN AUSTIN.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION.

I DO KNOW THAT PREVIOUSLY WHEN DONNA WAS OUR LEGISLATIVE PERSON THAT IF WE WERE NOT IN AGREEMENT SHE WOULD SHARE THAT THERE WAS A DISAGREEMENT OF CORE, BUT THE MAJORITY WAS IN

FAVOR OF X, Y AND Z. >> I JUST WAS NOT AWARE OF THAT. I TALKED TO FOLKS AND NOBODY TOLD ME THAT. USUALLY IT WAS 4-1.

I DON'T ANYBODY SAYING IT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU RAISED THE POINT EARLIER, AND I STRUGGLED A LITTLE BIT WHEN WE CHANGED AWAY THE VETO, BUT I RECALL THE REASON THE VETO GOT CHANGED WASN'T BECAUSE OF ONE.

IT WAS SORT OF THE STRAW THAT KILLED THE CAMEL'S BACK.

YOU WERE AGAINST EVERYTHING. SO WE WERE HAVING A HARD

TIME -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK GOD FOR ME BEING HERE. I DON'T THINK THAT WAS THE CASE. I THINK IT WAS SPECIFIC ITEMS. IT SOUNDS LIKE Y.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU. I WOULDN'T SAY THAT ABOUT YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE SUCH A NICE GUY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, IF YOU WOULD JUST RESTATE YOUR MOTION FOR MY BENEFIT AND THAT IS OF

MARICELA. >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE J IS FINE WITH T BUT REQUIRING COUNTY EMPLOYEES TESTIFYING IN SUPPORT ORGANS LEGISLATIVE MATTERS TO DIVULGE THE COURT'S VOTING RECORDS OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE LACK OF A UNANIMOUS VOTE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IF YOU WANT, COMMISSIONER, MAYBE WE CAN CHECK WITH VENDOR AND SEE IF THAT IS SOMETHING.

I JUST DON'T KNOW TO WHAT EXTENT IF OTHER COUNTIES DON'T DO IT AND WE ARE TRYING TO ADVOCATE FOR OURSELVES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COUNTY EMPLOYEES WOULD BE -- THE COUNTY ATTORNEY IS A COUNTY EMPLOYEE INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED. BUT UNDER YOUR MOTION HE COULDN'T SAY THAT. IF THE SHERIFF -- IF ADRIAN GARCIA WAS STILL SHERIFF OR IF THE CURRENT SHERIFF HAD A POSITION THEY WOULD TURN THE PAYCHECK BACK IN UNDER THE

LANGUAGE YOU READ. >> THEY JUST HAVE TO SAY I HAVE THIS POSITION AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT HAS THAT

POSITION. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF THEY WERE ASKED OBVIOUSLY THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE QUESTION,

RIGHT? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.

IF THEY ARE UNDER OATH THEY HAVE TO ANSWER.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THE ISSUE IS THE APPEARANCE WHEN SOMEONE OR AN ENTITY GIVES TOME -- TESTIMONY AND THEY SAY THEY ARE FROM THE COUNTY. THAT IT LOOKS LIKE THAT THAT IS THE UNIFORM POSITION OF THE COUNTY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM CURIOUS IF VENDOR REID IS AVAILABLE.

IF ENDO REID IS AVAILABLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WOULD YOU

LIKE FOR ME TO READ IT AGAIN? >> LINA HIDALGO: I GOT IT UNLESS MARISELA NEEDS IT. DO YOU NEED IT?

>> I'M GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT IS THE PRACTICE AND WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THE PRACTICE OF THE COUNTY AND GENERALLY ALL OF THE COUNTIES IS TO REPRESENT THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AS A WHOLE.

ALWAYS WE SUGGEST TO INDIVIDUAL OFFICE HOLDERS THEY CAN PUT IN POSITIONS FOR THEIR OWN CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED OFFICE. IN THE CASE OF SENATE BILL 21, FOR EXAMPLE, AND BILLS THAT WE KNOW WHERE THERE MAY BE DISAGREEMENT WE REPRESENT THE WILL OF THE COURT BASED ON A LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM, BUT WE DO INFORM OFFICES THAT WE KNOW MAY HAVE ISSUES THAT -- WHERE OUR POSITION IS GOING TO BE SO

[03:10:02]

THAT THEY CAN MAKE THEIR DECISION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MR. REID, ALSO BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE, I JUST DON'T RECALL ANY COUNTY COMING UP AND SAYING THE VOTE WAS 3-2 OR 4-1 UNLESS SOMEBODY ASKED.

OTHER COUNTIES PRETTY MUCH DO WHAT WE DO IS WHAT I AM

ASKING? >> YES, SIR.

THAT'S HOW THE OTHER COUNTIES OPERATE IS TO REPRESENT -- FOR EXAMPLE DALLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT WOULD SAY DALLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT OPPOSED TO WHATEVER BILL

THAT MIGHT BE. >> AND OFTENTIMES YOU HAVE JUST PUTTING A CARD IN. I DON'T THINK THERE IS A SECTION ON THE CARD THAT SAYS WHAT IS THE VOTE? MOST OF THE TIME WHEN YOU GIVE AN OPPOSITION ARE YOU SAYING IT OR TURNING IN A CARD FOR OR AGAINST?

>> WE TALK TO THE OFFICES TO TRY TO GET THE BILL IN A NEUTRAL POSITION OR A SUPPORT POSITION.

WE ARE WORKING WITH THE OFFICES ON LANGUAGE OF THOSE

THINGS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I GOT YOU.

FROM MY EXPERIENCE IT IS USUALLY A CARD BECAUSE THINGS ARE MOVING SO QUICK. IF YOU TALK TO SOMEBODY IN MY OFFICE, I HOPE IT GETS TO ME. IT WILL SHOW THEM THAT SHEET, THE LIST FOR ORGANS OR -- OR AGAINST OR NEUTRAL.

YOU GOT ME? >> THAT IS WHAT SHOWS UP ON

THE SHEET. >> I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT DIDN'T CHANGE. I WAS GONE FOR FOUR YEARS.

>> OTHER THAN THE COVID PROCEDURES TO GET TO THE CAPITOL, NOT MUCH HAS CHANGED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I UNDERSTAND WHERE YOU ARE COMING FROM AND MY TWO POINTS WOULD BE IF THE PRACTICE IS TO REFLECT WHAT THE MAJORITY OF THE BODY, I WOULD WANT TO FOLLOW WHAT GENERALLY THE COUNTIES DO.

I ASK ENDOR TO THE EXTENT AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THE POLICY TO REDOUBLE IT TO MAKE SURE IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WHERE THERE ARE ONE OR TWO COMMISSIONERS THAT DISAGREE THAT THEY ARE INFORMED SO THEY CAN SEND SOMEONE TO THE HEARING AND SAY, HEY, YOU KNOW, THAT WAS THE MAJORITY POSITION AND THIS IS ME. IF THAT'S HOW ALL OF THE OTHER COUNTY DOES IT, I DON'T IMAGINE THE SENATORS OR THE LEGISLATORS WOULD ASSUME IT IS UNANIMOUS.

SURELY THEY KNOW HOW THIS IS HOW IT IS DONE AND OTHER

COUNTY DOES IT THIS WAY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, LAST ONE. I WOULD JUST SUGGEST -- I MEAN, IF I FELT STRONGLY ENOUGH ABOUT SOMETHING, I JUST SEND A LETTER. I I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE TO DO THAT. I DON'T THINK THERE ARE THAT MANY INSTANCES I DISAGREE WITH THE MAJORITY, BUT IF THERE WERE THAT MANY, CACTUS, AS YOUR MEMORY IS DIFFERENT FROM MIND. MAYBE I AM FORGETTING STUFF.

I AM 67. I WOULD WORKUP A CHART AND SEND IT TO THEM AND SAY WATCH FOR ALL OF THESE.

I AM AGAINST THEM, BUT THE COURT IS FOR THEM.

I SUGGEST YOU CAN DO THAT IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE IS CONCERNED. IT MIGHT BE MORE EFFECTIVE.

FROM I RECALL, OFTENTIMES WHEN THERE IS A LOT OF TALK LIKE WE DO, SOME ARE IN THE BACK ROOM ANYWAY.

>> JUDGE, I AM IMLAD TO -- GLAD TO REDOUBLE THE EFFORTS SO PEOPLE KNOW WHERE WE ARE AND TO SHARE WITH WHO IGA HAS DECIDED TO GET TO TESTIFY BECAUSE THAT TACTILE DECISION RESTS WITH US AND HAS A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON THE BILL. AND WE SUPPORTED 118 BILLS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR EXROR -- FOR YOUR COMMENTS. I THINK THEY WERE THOUGHTFUL AND APPROPRIATE. I APPRECIATE THEM.

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A QUICK VOTE ON THE MOTION.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE MADE A MOTION AND MARISELA HAS IT.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM OPPOSED AND THE MOTION FAILS. LET'S GO ON WITH THE SPEAKERS,

LUCINDA. >> JUDGE, I'M SORRY.

SO THIS ITEM WILL BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED ON THE AGENDA?

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS JUST A DISCUSSION.

I BELIEVE THE IGA WAS JUST -- A REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION AND

[03:15:02]

POSSIBLE ACTION. IT IS A -- NO ACTION WAS

TAKEN. >> THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO JUDGE, I KNOW THERE ARE SPEAKERS.

ARE WE ON IGA BECAUSE WE HAD A COUPLE OF ITEMS ON IGA AND WOULD YOU PREFER TO GET TO IT LATER?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I PREFER TO HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS.

>> I HAVE A COUPLE OF BILLS I WANT TO ASK US TO SUPPORT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND YOU ARE AVAILABLE, ENDOR?

>> I HAVE MUTED HIM. JUST A MOMENT.

ENDOR? >> YES, JUDGE, I WILL BE HERE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF HE IS BUSY AND CAN'T BE AVAILABLE, I WILL LAY THEM OUT. THESE BILLS ARE NOT MOVING ANYTIME SOON. IF HE HAS TO DO WHAT HE HAS TO DO I CAN BRING IT UP IN TWO WEEKS.

I DON'T I DON'T WANT TO HOLD HIM UP IF HE NEEDS TO BE IN AUSTIN RUNNING AROUND THE CAPITOL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, YOU HAVE THE SPEAKERS ON THE LINE,

CORRECT? >> YES, MA'AM.

I DO. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR FROM THEM. THEY HAVE BEEN ON THE LINE FOR SO LONG. THEN WE WILL KEEP GOING ON THE

AGENDA. >> YES, MA'AM.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU.

HI, I AM THE TEXAS STATE DIRECTOR FROM MI PHO MEAL -- FAMILIA. WE WANT TO PLAW -- PROMOTE THE JUSTICE OF LATINO COMMUNITIES.

I AM SPEAKING ON THE REQUEST TO INCREASE JUROR PAY AND PROVIDE FREE PARKING FOR JURORS AND WE SUPPORT THIS REQUEST. HARRIS COUNTY HAS A LOW PARTICIPATION RATE. WE ENCOURAGE OUR LATINO COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT CIVIC ACTIVITY. WRY WANT TO ENSURE THAT -- WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT HURTING COMMUNITY.

MISSING WAGES AND PAYING FOR PARKING ARE DETERRING THE COMMUNITY. WE NEED TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES. THEY ARE TAKING TIME OUT OF OUR -- OUT OF THEIR LIVES. THEY NEED TO KNOW THEIR VOICE IS IMPORTANT. OUR COMMUNITY HAS A HISTORY OF MISTRUST IN JUSTICE SYSTEM. WE NEED TO INCREASE THE TRUST IN THE SYSTEM. I SUPPORT INCREASING JURY PAY AND PARKING FOR JURY DUTY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO AN EVALUATION ANALYSIS TO SEE HOW THESE CHANGES HAVE AFFECTED JUROR PARTICIPATION RATE FOR AN UNDERREPRESENTED POPULATION. WE WANT A JURY SYSTEM THAT REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF HARRIS COUNTY.

THANK YOU SCOTCH FOR -- THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

>> JUAN SORTO. GO AHEAD.

>> HI. GOOD AFTERNOON I AM JUAN SORTO AND THE CURRENT CHAIR OF THE ADA TO SUPER NEIGHBORHOODS AROUND THE HOUSTON AREA AND KNOWN AS THE SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE. I AM ALSO HERE TO ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF THE INCREASE IN JURY AND ALSO PARKING.

AS MANY OF YOU KNOW DOWNTOWN PARKING YOU CAN'T GET PARKING CHEAPER THAN $5 AND THAT'S IF YOU ARE LUCKY TO GET PARKING AT THAT PRICE. I FEEL LIKE THIS WILL ASSIST IN THE JURY ELECTION AND I ADDRESS THE CONCERN THAT MEMBERS HAVE FROM SERVING ON THE JUROR.

SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE FULLY SUPPORTS THIS AMENDMENT AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING THE POSITIVE OUTCOME.

THANK YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU,

JUAN, FOR COMING. >> SHACKLEFORD, HOUSTON AREA

URBAN LEAGUE. >> YES, GOOD AFTERNOON.

THIS IS RAY SHACKLEFORD, THE HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE.

WE ARE SPEAKING FOR THE PROPOSAL TO INCREASE JUROR PAY AND PROVIDE FREE PARKING AND FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE E JUROR SYSTEM. SOME OF THE SPEAKERS BEFORE ME, HARRIS COUNTY IS ONE OF THE MOST IF NOT THE MOST DIVERSE COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY.

HOWEVER, WHEN WE LOOK AT THE OVERALL PARTICIPATION IN THE MAKE UP OF THE JUROR POOL, IT DEFINITELY DOES NOT REFLECT OUR COUNTY. APPROXIMATELY 43% OF HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE HISPANIC AND ABOUT -- ONLY 29% ARE ACTUALLY EL -- ELIGIBLE TO SERVE.

THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY THE URBAN LEAGUE SERVES IS AFRICAN-AMERICAN, BUT ALSO ABOUT A QUARTER OF OUR CLIENTS ARE ALSO FROM THE HISPANIC AND LATINO COMMUNITY.

THEY COME FROM NEIGHBORHOODS LITERALLY ALL OVER THE CITY IN HARRIS COUNTY BE IT THIRD WARD, BAKERS HOMES, FIFTH

[03:20:03]

WARD, SUNNY SIDE, I CAN GO ON AND ON.

I THINK IT IS CRITICAL AS WE MAKE CHANGES TO THE OVERALL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND MAKE IT MORE INCLUSIVE AND BETTER FER -- PERFORMING FOR ALL IT IMPACTS.

I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS WAS ONE OF THE LEADING COMMISSIONERS EVEN WHEN HE WAS AT THE LEGISLATURE AND LEADING OFFICIALS ON. THIS IS NOT A CURE ALL, BUT WE FEEL THIS IS A MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

SO MANY WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JUROR POOL, BUT THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE OFF WORK OR NEED TO MAKE ADJUST -- ADJUSTMENTS IN PARKING AND MAKE SURE THEY CAN ACCOMMODATE IN THOSE CAPACITIES. WE ARE SPEAKING IN FAVOR OF THE DIFFERENT MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE JUROR SYSTEM.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? MR. SHACKLEFORD, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS.

I AM NOT SURE WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO AND MAIN IS A PART OF IT.

I DID RAISE THAT IN THE LEGISLATURE.

I KNOW WE ARE LOOKING AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE CLERK AND OTHERS TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND THE COUNTRY, PARTICULARLY IN THIS PANDEMIC.

I WANT TO THROW MONEY ON IT, BUT I WANT IT TO BE IN A SMART WAY. THE URBAN LEAGUE SHOULD PLAY A PART IN THAT. SO THANK YOU.

>> YES, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO PIGGYBACK ON WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID.

IN SOME INSTANCES IF WE PROVIDE PRE TRANSPORTATION AND FREE PARKING AND WE DID CIRCULATE THE E SERVICE SO PEOPLE DON'T JUST TURN AROUND AND GO BACK HOME AGAIN, THEN OUR FUNDS MAY BEER SPENT -- BETTER SPENT -- IT -- MAYBE WE ARE BETTER THE INVESTING INTO THESE DIFFERING ENTITIES AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO COME. BACK IN THE DAY I GAVE A SPEECH ABOUT HOW TO GET OUT OF JURY SERVICE, BUT WHY YOU SHOULD NOT. WOULD TELL FOLKS -- THEY WOULD WANT TO HEAR ME TALK AND THEN I WOULD PREACH AT THEM FOR WHY THEY SHOULD BE THERE. PREACH -- PREACHING MIGHT BE A STRONG TERM. ESPECIALLY WITH THE DIFFERING GROUPS OUT THERE. IF YOU WANT YOUR GROUPS TO BE REPRESENTED, YOU NEED TO SHOW UP.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FISCAL IMPACT WOULD BE.

LET'S USE SOME SCIENCE TO SEE IF INCREASING JURY PAY INCREASES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT COME AND MORE THAN ONCE YOU STALKED -- TALKED ABOUT WHERE WE SPEND OUR DOLLARS.

IF WE CAN IMPACT BY PROVIDING FREE PARKING AND FREE TRANSPORTATION AND THEN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AS OPPOSED TO THROWING DOLLARS AT JURY PAY WHEN THEY DON'T SHOW UP ANYWAY, THAT IS NOT MONEY WISELY SPEND.

SPENT. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> CHRIS WITH HOME COALITION.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

I AM CRISHELE WITH THE HOME COALITION, THE MOVEMENT FOR EQUITY. AND I AM HERE TODAY REGARDING THE UPCOMING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN DIRECT ALLOCATION AND URGE THE COURT TO BREAK BARRIERS BY LEADING TO INNOVATION, INCLUSION AND EQUITY.

IT IS IMPORTANT WE PRIORITIZE AND ALLOCATE THESE FUNDS IN A WAY THAT IS BOTH ACCEPTABLE AND PROVIDES SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS TO ALL RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY.

I WANT TO STRONGLY EMPHASIZE THAT IT IS FAR FROM OVER FOR THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS. WHILE MANY ARE CELEBRATING GETTING VACCINATED THE REALITY IS THERE ARE FAMILIES THAT WILL BE LEFT BEHIND AND TRYING TO COME TOGETHER IN A SEMBLANCE OF NORMALCY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS WHO HAVE LOST JOBS AND HAVE NOT REGAINED EMPLOYMENT. HOMES HAVE BEEN LOST DUE TO FORECLOSURE AND THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED AND IN SOME CASES IT HAS CONTINUED BECAUSE OF THE INSTABILITY AND OTHER ISSUES. AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE FAMILIES THAT LELT WITH THE DIRECT HEALTH IMPACTS OF COVID , BECOME -- BECOMING ILL AND SOME UNFORTUNATELY DYING.

[03:25:03]

THERE IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE OUTCOME OF THE LIVES OF THOSE WHOSE LIVING CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN EXACERBATED.

I URGE THE COURT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FUNDS BY PRIORITIZING HEALTH, HOUSING AND JOBS AND THEY WOULD LIKELY FEEL THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC LONG AFTER MANY LIVE NORMAL LIVES. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER HARRIS COUNTY TOOK THE LEAP OF EXAMINING AND APPLYING EQUITY LENS AND INFRASTRUCTURE. THEY ARE COUNTING ON THIS COURT TO DEEPEN THE EFFORTS SO THEY WILL NOT ONLY RECOVER, BUT TO HAVE A REAL SHOT AT THRIVING NOT JUST FOR THEMSELVES, BUT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. JUDGE AND MEMBERS, I THINK WE SHOULD ALL BE PROUD. BLOOMBERG PHILANTHROPY DID AWARD A GRANT TO US BASED ON THE EQUITY AND THE ISSUE WE HAD TAKEN WITH ALLEGHENY COUNTY.

I WAS ON A CALL THE OTHER DAY AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MADE REFERENCE TO THE EQUITY INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM.

FOR A MOMENT IT LOST ME. WE HAVE, I THINK, COME A LONG WAY IN FOCUSING ON THESE EQUITY ISSUES.

AND FOR US IT IS MORE THAN SIX-LETTER WORDS.

EVERYBODY SAYS IT, BUT HAVE WE REALLY DONE IT? I THINK THE LAPPING WEDGE WE INCLUDED -- LANGUAGE IN OUR BOND PACKAGE WE ARE MAKING SURE YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE PRIORITIZATION. AND WHAT WE DID WITH THE MONEY WE HAVE GOTTEN SO FAR, PARTICULARLY ON THAT DIRECT UH -- ASSISTANCE. I RECALL ASKING CHASE WHAT COUNTY TO TURN TO. I WAS HOPING HE WOULDN'T SAY KING COUNTY AGAIN. BUT HE DID SAY THAT WAS ONE.

L.A. COUNTY AND HE MENTIONED SEVERAL OTHERS.

THE ITEM THAT WE PUT ON THE AGENDA IS INSTEAD OF US TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT ONCE THE BILL PASSED, I WISH IT HAD BIPARTISAN SUPPORT AND IT IS ALWAYS A TEMPTATION AND WHAT IS HOT FOR THE MOMENT AND TO TRY TO GRAB SOME MONEY TO DO THAT. I HOPE BEFORE IT GETS HERE, THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA DOES PASS AND WE HAVE OUR EXPERTS WORKING WITH US TO COME BACK WITH RECOMMENDATIONS.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> JOY DAVIS WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE.

I AM ALSO A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

I AM STILL SEEING PEOPLE AROUND HOUSTON HURTING AND TRYING TO RECOVER. I HAVE LIVED IN TEXAS ALL MY LIFE AND DON'T THINK I HAVE SEEN THAT MUCH DEVASTATION FROM AN ICE STORM. PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE DID WAS JUMP INTO ACTION AND IT IS FOR CHANGE AND THE RED CROSS AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF BLANKETS AND HAND SANITIZERS. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR DONATING WATER TO THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT SO WE CAN GET THOSE TO THE FAMILIES THAT NEEDED IT.

AS YOU MAY HAVE SEEN ON THE NEWS MANY HAVE BEEN WITHOUT WATER. AND IT IS HOW QUICKLY OUR COMMUNITIES RECOVER. SOME OF THE LANDLORDS ARE HAVING A HARD TIME. I AM EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE NON-PROFITS THAT ARE STEPPING UP FOR THE FAMILIES.

WE NEED MORE PLUMBERS AND WE NEED MORE FUNDING AND HOPEFULLY THE FUNDS CAN BE DISTRIBUTED.

I WANTED TO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND JUDGE HUH GAL GO FOR MAKING SURE

[03:30:01]

EQUITY WAS A FACTOR WHEN OUR COMMUNITIES NEEDED YOU.

OUR LIVES AND POPULATION IS NOT FORGOTTEN ABOUT IN THE RECOVERY EFFORT. THE QUICKER OUR COMMUNITY RECOVERS FROM HARVEY AND THE PANDEMIC AND WE CAN RETURN TO SOME SORT OF NORMALCY AND THEN WE CAN PREPARE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> RITA HUEGLER, GO AHEAD,

PLEASE. >> THIS MORNING THE MEETING STARTED WITH NO IDENTIFICATION OF RESOLUTIONS.

ONE HAD TO WADE THROUGH THE AGENDA TO SEE WHAT WAS BEING DLEAS -- ADDRESSED. THE RESOLUTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS 349, BUT IT WAS ITEM 343.

PLEASE, JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONERS, PROPERLY IDENTIFY WHAT ITEM NUMBER YOU ARE ADDRESSING SO THAT THOSE OF US WHO ARE ATTENDING VIRTUALLY WILL KNOW.

MY FIRST QUESTION, WHY IS THERE AN OVERPAYMENT OF THE UH PRAISED VALUE IN ITEM 29 -- 28 AND 29? IS IT DUE TO COMPETING INTEREST IN A PROPERTY? I WONDER WHY THIS IS BEING DONE AND HOW FREQUENTLY IT IS DONE. ANOTHER QUESTION, SINCE LAST SPRING COUNTLESS HOMEOWNERS HAVE BEEN MAKING IMPROVEMENTS AND UPDATES TO THEIR HOMES. ONE CAN ONLY WONDER BECAUSE WHAT THEY CAN SEE TO THE COMMISSIONERS LOOKS THE SAME.

LAST YEAR THE FIRE MARSHALL EXPLAINED THE NECESSITY OF MOVING THE COURT TO THE FIRST FLOOR.

CONSIDERING THAT THE COURT HAS NOT BEEN IN SESSION ON THE 9TH FLOOR SINCE MID-APRIL 2020 I AM WONDERING WHAT STAGES OF WORK HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND WHEN IS THIS MOVE EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED, AND WILL IT STAY IN THE APPROVED $1 MILLION BUDGET? THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MS. HUEGLER.

WE WILL WORK TO IDENTIFY THE ITEMS ACCURATELY.

AS TO THE COURT CONSTRUCTION, WE WILL MAKE SURE SOMEONE

CIRCLES BACK. >> THANK YOU.

AND WHAT ABOUT THE OVERPAYMENTS IN 28 AND 29?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM NOT SURE I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, BUT I WILL MAKE SURE SOMEONE CIRCLES BACK.

>> THERE WERE ADDITIONAL -- ON 28 AND 29 THERE WERE ADDITIONAL -- IN 28 OVER THE APPRAISED VALUE AND IN 291 TELL,230 -- 10230 OVER THE UH PRAISED VALUE.

I CAN'T HEAR YOU. THE JUDGE IS MUTED.

>> THESE TWO PROJECTS ARE IN PRECINCTS 1 AND PRECINCTS 2.

BUT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT REGULARLY OCCURS IN PRECINCT 4 AS WELL. MY COLLEAGUES IN PRECINCT 1 AND 2 ADDRESS ME I WILL GET WITH MS. HUEGLER AND EXPLAIN HOW WE WHEN WE NEGOTIATE THE PURCHASE OF A PROPERTY SOMETIMES WE AGREE TO PAY A LITTLE MORE SO WE DON'T HAVE THE LEGAL EXPENSE OR THE OTHER EXPENSES OF LITIGATION.

>> OKAY. THAT'S REASONABLE.

THANK YOU. HAVE A GOOD DAY.

AND THE JUDGE IS MUTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

LUCINDA. >> DORIS BROWN.

NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YES, HELLO. MY NAME IS DORIS BROWN, CO-FOUNDER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

WE ARE ALL SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTED BY THIS LAW.

THE PROMISE OF THIS FUND WAS THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT AND HISTORIC AND JUSTICE WAS GOING TO BE ADDRESSED. BUT THE SAME BLACK AND BROWN NEIGHBORHOODS ARE BEING DIVESTED IN.

IT IS ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER.

THE MAP LOOKS THE SAME EACH TIME.

WHAT THE DEVIL? THE AFFLUENT NEIGHBORHOODS ALWAYS RECOVER FROM DISASTER VERY QUICKLY.

I HAVE LIVED IN SINGING WOODS FOR 53 YEARS AND THERE HAS BEEN NO UPGRADE AND NO INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE CELEBRATED, THINKING, FINE, WE WILL -- FINALLY WE WILL GET EQUITABLE JUSTICE. OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES STILL TO THIS DAY HAVE NOT -- NOT RECOVERED FROM HARVEY WE NEVER RECOVER FROM ONE DISASTER.

UPON CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE MAP ALL NEIGHBORHOODS AND

[03:35:01]

COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN RESTORED.

SOME STILL HAVE EXCESS MONEY IN THE MILLIONS.

SINCE WE ARE LOW INCOME AND POOR NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES, AGAIN WE ARE LEFT OUT.

THE ONLY TIME WE SEEM TO HAVE VALUE IS WHEN WE ARE TAXED AND OVERTACKED. HOUSES STILL NOT REPAIRED.

OUR TAXES WERE RAISED. SO WE ARE GETTING TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. FOR THREE AND A HALF YEARS SOME CAN'T AFFORD A NOURISHING MEAL, LAID OFF FROM THEIR JOB, FACING EVICTION AS FAMILIES TRY TO MAKE A LIFETIME OF BELONGINGS FIT INTO A SHOPPING CART.

COVID AFFECTING FAMILIES AND STILL WE WAIT.

WHAT DO WE TELL OUR FAMILIES, OUR NEIGHBORS AND COMMUNITY.

SLAVERY HAS BEEN ABOLISHED. NOW WE HAVE A NEW SLAVERY, SYSTEMIC RACISM. BARRIERS THAT IMPEDE INSTEAD OF PUSH. WE HAVE RED LINES AND ZONING LAWS. THEY DON'T JUDGE US BY THE

COLOR OF OUR SKIN, BUT BY -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MA'AM. THANK YOU.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> BILLY GAVARA.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO.

MY NAME IS BILLY TAVARA AND I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1 AND A MEMBER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE AND CALLING YOU REGARDING THE NEWS REPORTED ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO THAT HARRIS COUNTY HAS $1.4 BILLION SHORT FALL IN THE BOND WE VOTED FOR. PROTECTING MY BLACK AND BROWN NEIGHBORS, IT IS PREDICT -- PREDICTABLE ON ALL OF THE PROJECTS. LEAVING THE PROJECTS HERE IN THE POOREST AREAS OF HOUSTON. ALL THESE AREAS ARE STILL INCOMPLETE AND COMPLETELY AND ABSOLUTELY UNDER FUNDED.

WE ARE PRONE TO DANGER AND FLOODING, BUT WITH THE LACK OF IMPROVEMENTS, EVERY TIME A STORM COMES INTO THE GULF.

NUMBER TWO, WE NEED TO SPEND MONEY ON THINGS THAT SAVE OUR LIVES. POLICE AND SHERIFF DON'T SAVE OUR LIVES. EXPANDING BIOS WILL SAVE LIVES. AS LONG AS IT IS THE FUNDING THAT IS THERE. WHAT WE CAN DO IS TAKE AWAY MONEY FROM THE SHERIFF TO COMPENSATE FOR THE LACK OF PROTECTION THAT HAS BEEN PUT ON OUR BIOS AND DRAINAGE.

I KNOW Y'ALL AREN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DRAINAGE.

IT PUTS US AT RISK. AND NOW IT IS TIME FOR Y'ALL TO PUT SOME POLITICAL RISK TO GET TO THE EQUITY THAT WE DESERVE. BOTTOM LINE HERE, PEOPLE, LOOK , I LOST SIX OF MY RELATIVES IN THE LAST HARVEY STORM.

THEY WERE TRYING TO GET AWAY FROM THE FLOODING BY GOING TO A SAFER LOCATION. THIS IS SOMETHING I AM GOING TO HAVE TO EXPECT EVERY TIME THERE IS A STORM EVEN IF THERE ARE A FEW DROPS OF RAIN. THIS IS UNCALLED FOR.

THIS IS THE KIND OF THING THAT HAPPENS IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES OR IN OTHER STATES WHERE THEY MISMANAGE FUNDS.

IT IS DETRIMENTAL TO OUR SAFETY AND OUR LIVELIHOOD.

FURTHERMORE I WANT Y'ALL TO GET IT TOGETHER.

WE PAY TAXES. THANK YOU.

[03:40:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> SHAWNSA BRANCH WITH NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE.

>> I AM SHANDRA BRANCH. I AM A RESIDENT OF 15TH ALSO AND A MEMBER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE.

CALLING ABOUT THE NEWS THAT THE COUNTY HAS A $1.4 BILLION GAP IN THE FLOOD BOND PROGRAM.

IT HURTS ME TO SEE THAT THE BOND WE VOTED FOR IN 2018 THAT INCLUDED INEQUITY PROVISIONS TO HELP PROTECT MY BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE. IN THE NORTHEAST IS NOW DISINTEGRATING. IT HAS BECOME A PREDICTABLE NARRATIVE THAT THE PROJECTS NEEDING THE MOST FUNDING ARE RIGHT HERE THAT RUNS THROUGH SOME OF THE POOREST AREAS IN HOUSTON. IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT THE PROJECT ALONG THESE TWO BAYOUS NEED 75% OF THEIR FUNDING.

ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS ON THIS COURT HAVE KNOWN FOR DECADE THAT'S THESE WATER WEIGHEDS ARE PRONE -- WATER WAYS ARE PRONE TO FLOODING FROM THE STORMS THAT PASS THROUGH OUR REGION. THIS MAKES ME THINK MY FAMILY AND I ARE GOING TO FLOOD AGAIN. WE LIVE IN A SACRIFICE ZONE AND THE ZONES BEING SACRIFICED IS WHERE LOW INCOME BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE LIVE. I HAVE BEEN IN HOUSTON SINCE 2007. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH HURRICANE IKE AND BEEN THROUGH HARVEY AND BEEN THROUGH THE FLOOD.

THE FLOOD WAS LIKE THE WORST. I HAD TO STAY IN MY DAMAGED ADDRESS. WE DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO PACK UP AND RUN OR GET LIFE JACKETS OR WHAT.

THE FLOODING IS TERRIBLE. THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T NEED MONEY IS GETTING THE FUNDS. THAT MAKES IT HARD FOR THE PEOPLE THAT NEED THE FUNDS IN THESE AREAS BECAUSE PEOPLE LIE AND THEY CHEAT SCAM. THEY SHOULD BE MORE THOROUGH IN THEIR INSPECTIONS OR HAVE IT APPROVE PEOPLE TO GET FINANCES OR TO GET THEIR HOUSE.

IT HAS BEEN SINCE HARVEY. THANKS TO THOSE WHO PICKED UP MY CASE I AM GETTING SOME THINGS DONE, BUT --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I KNOW WE HAVE ABOUT FIVE PEOPLE WITH THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE AND I'M GLAD THAT THEY ARE HERE. AND I HOPE THEY WILL STAY ON THE LINE BECAUSE THE ITEM IS GOING TO BE DISCUSSED A BIT.

I JUST WANTED THEM TO KNOW I HEAR YOU.

I WON'T JUMP IN AFTER EVERY ONE.

WE DO HEAR YOU AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I AM KEEPING IT ON THE AGENDA. WE WILL MAKE SURE GREENS ARE FUNDED BUT WITH THE EXISTING MONEY IF WE GO TO THE VOTERS AGAIN I DO THINK THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT AND THOSE NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE BEEN AT THE DE -- DETENTION POND IT IS NOT

RIGHT AND I HEAR YOU. >> AND JUST SO Y'ALL KNOW THE DIRECTION HAS BEEN THAT NO PROJECT SHOULD LOSE ITS PLACE AND I KNOW THESE WERE NEAR THE TOP QUAWR -- QUARTILE.

GO AHEAD, LUCINDA. >> GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS DIANA CONTRERAS.

I AM A MEMBER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE.

I AM CALLING IN REGARDS TO THE NEWS REPORTED THREE WEEKS AGO THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY HAS A 1.4 BILLION GAP IN THE BOND FUND. IT IS PAINS ME TO SEE THE BOND WE VOTED FOR IN 2018 THAT INCLUDED INEQUITY TO HELP

[03:45:05]

PROTECT MY BLACK AND BROWN NEIGHBORS AND THE NORTHEAST IS NOW DISINTEGRATING. IT IS A VERY PREDICTABLE NARRATIVE AND THE PROJECTS NEEDING THE MOTHS FUND RING RIGHT HERE IN THE HALLS -- FUNDING RIGHT HERE IN THE NORTHEAST IS DISINTEGRATING. ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS ON THIS COURT HAVE KNOWN FOR DECADES THAT THESE WATERWAYS ARE IN DANGER AND FLOODED DURING THE STORM THAT PASSED THROUGH OUR REGION. POOR PEOPLE ARE MORE HURT DYE DISASTERS. IT IS HARDER FOR US TO UH -- TO AFFORD INSURANCE AND WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE DENIED.

WE ARE ALL SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTED.

THE PROMISE OF THE BOND IS IT WOULD BE DIFFERENT AND INJUSTICE WAS BEING HELPED. BUT THE SAME BLACK AND BROWN PUBLIC [INAUDIBLE]. I MOVED TO THIS AREA IN 2017 AND SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN IN FEAR OF MY HOME BEING FLOODED. I AM ONE HOUSE AWAY FROM NORTHEAST WAY SIDE. FOR MANY YEARS NORTH WAY SIDE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS BAD CONDITIONS AND FLOODS ARE ONE OF THEM. I WANT TO SHOW MY COMMUNITY THAT WE MATTER AND THAT WE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, COMMISSIONERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> FELIX CAPORE WITH NORTHEAST

ACTION COLLECTIVE. >> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. MY NAME IS FELIX AND I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1 AND ALSO WITH THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE CALLING IN REGARDS TO THE $1.4 BILLION GAP IN THE FLOOD BOND THAT WAS REPORTED THREE WEEKS AGO.

JUST REITERATING WHAT MY COLT LEAGUES SAID -- MY COLLEAGUES SAID THE PROJECTS IN NEED OF FUNDING ARE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT REPEATEDLY FLOODED AND THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SAME AMOUNT OF FUNDING AS OTHER COMMUNITIES HAVE. THESE INCLUDE HALLS AND GREENS THAT HAVE BEEN STUDIED OR UNDER IMPROVEMENT FOR 15 YEARS AND COUNTING. THE NORTHEAST HAS HAD TO FACE THE BRUPT OF THE DAMAGE FROM FLOODING FOLLOWED BY INADEQUATE BILLION DOLLAR REPAIR PROGRAMS FROM THE COUNTY AND THE CITY AND IN UNCOMFORTABLY HIGH RATES OF FEMA DENIAL AS WELL. THE LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS HAVE BEEN REPORTING ON THE DEEP FREEZE WE JUST HAD.

AND RECOGNIZING HOW LITTLE THEY ARE GIVING IN ASSISTANCE. THEY HAVE THOUSANDS OF HOUSTONIANS WITHOUT WATER OR NOT COMPLETELY BACK TO WHOLE.

I RECOGNIZE THAT THIS COURT IS WORKING ON CLOSING THE GAP AND I WANT TO REMIND THE COURT THAT IT WILL HELP UNRAVEL THE HISTORICAL INEQUITIES THAT THE NORTHEAST NEVER DESERVED.

RIGHT NOW THIS ISN'T HAPPENING WITH THE FUNDING GAP.

I TRUST THAT THIS COURT WILL WORK TO CORRECT THIS.

IT IS BETWEEN THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND TO STOP THE I-45 EXPANSION.

THIS IS A GREAT MOVE AND I APPLAUD THE COURT FOR DOING THIS AND ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT THIS WAS GOING TO BE A $7 BILLION PROJECT TOWARD MORE CONCRETE IN THE AREA AND WE ARE ALWAYS SHORT ON FUNDING TO ALLEVIATE THE REGION'S CHRONIC FLOODING PROBLEM. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >>

>> MATTHEW MALEAL, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YEAH, HELLO? >> YES, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YEAH, I WHAT IS CALLING IN REFERENCE TO ITEM 172, THE PROPERTY TAX COLLECTION FOR DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX.

I BELIEVE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PUT OUT REPORTS SHOWING THAT WE CAN BRING THAT WORK IN HOUSE AND NOT CONTINUE TO OUT SOURCE IT TO A LAW FIRM. I DON'T HAVE MY NOTES IN FRONT OF ME, BUT I WANTED TO OFFER A PHILOSOPHICAL REASON AS TO WHY WE SHOULD DO THIS. THE ANALYSIS REFLECT THAT'S WE CAN DO IT IN A COST EFFECTIVE MANNER THAT BENEFITS THE CITIZENS. I THINK THERE ARE TIMES TO OUT SOURCE GOVERNMENT WORK AND THERE ARE TIMES OF BRINGING IT IN HOUSE. HERE WE ARE OUT SOURCING WORK WHERE THE INCENTIVES GET TO GO AFTER PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE

[03:50:02]

THE MONEY AND DON'T PAY THEIR PROPERTY TACTIONSES.

I THINK THAT IS FUNDAMENTALLY WRONG.

I LIVE IN PRECINCT 2, BUT I AM FINANCIALLY BLESSED SO I CAN PAY MY PROPERTY TAXES EVERY YEAR WITHOUT ISSUE.

THEY DON'T MAKE MONEY OFF OF ME.

BUT THEY DO HAVE AN INCENTIVE BECAUSE THEY ONLY GET PAID WHEN SOMEBODY IS DO -- DELINQUENT.

THEY ARE FINANCIALLY INCENTIVIZED TO GO AFTER FOLKS TO PURSUE MONEY WHO ARE DO LINK -- DELINQUENT.

THAT'S EVERYTHING THEY SHOULD DO.

WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUTWEIGHS TO COLLECT THINGS THAT DON'T HURT PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE THE MONEY AND MAKE THEM SUFFER MORE THAN THEY DO. YOU SHOULD PROVIDE A REAL SERVICE AND NOT ONE THAT JUST ALLOWS TO MAKE MONEY ON ADDITIONAL FEES. WE SHOULDN'T BE DOING IT WHETHER IT IS LEGAL OR OTHERWISE OUT SOURCING TO A FIRM. FOR ALL OF THOSE REASONS I THINK IF THE TIME IS RIGHT TO BRING THE WORK IN HOUSE.

SO THE COUNTY CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO COLLECT IT WITHOUT AFFECTING THE PERSONS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> FIGUEROA WITH BLUE LIGHT COUNCIL NUMBER 4967. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS ELLIS, GARCIA, CAGLE AND RAMSEY.

MY NAME AND DANIEL FIGUEROA AND WITH THE BLUE LINE COUNCIL. IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO ADDRESS YOU ON BEHALF OF MY MEMBERS AND THE FAMILIES THAT SUPPORT GOOD GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR ALL OF THE CITIZENS.

WE HAVE ALL HAD A HARD YEAR RS SH DASH -- ESPECIALLY THE LATINO COMMUNITY. THEY ARE UNDERREPRESENTED IN COMMUNITIES HIT HARDEST BY THE PANDEMIC.

WE FACE LARGE EMPLOYMENT LOSSES PARTICULARLY AMONG THE LATINOS IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY.

TOGETHER BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES ACCOUNTED FOR 23% OF THE JOB LOSS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.

THAT MEANS PAYING THE MORTGAGE AND PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE IS A STRUGGLE. OUR COMMUNITIES ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO HOLD ON TO THE ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS.

THAT'S WHY I AM HERE TO SUPPORT ANY TRANSITION OF TAX LAW -- TAX DELINQUENCY. INSTEAD OF KEEPING A THIRD PARTY, PRIVATE AGENCY THAT IS LARGING A FEE UP TO 20% ON TOP OF THE TAX BILL AND ON TOP OF INTEREST.

IT IS SOLELY FOR PROFIT. IT DOESN'T GO BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES. IT DOESN'T SUPPORT COUNTY SERVICES. AND IT CERTAINLY DOESN'T HELP HOMEOWNER THAT'S WERE STRUGGLING FOR OVER A YEAR TO MAKE ENDS MEET. LET'S SAVE THE FEES AND THE PENALTIES AND HELP HOMEOWNERS GET BACK ON TRACK.

HOME OWNERSHIP IS A HALLMARK OF THE AMERICAN DREAM.

IT SHOULDN'T BE A NIGHTMARE THAT THE PRIVATE COMPANIES PROFIT FROM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU. >> AMBER BOYD.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, GOOD AFTERNOON.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COURT ON ITEM NUMBER 74.

I AM CALLING BECAUSE I SEE THE THREE OPTIONS THAT THERE ARE AND I AGREE WITH THE COLLECTIONS BEING IN HOUSE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO MOVING INTO A HYBRID OPTION AND I WOULD LIKE THE COURT TO LOOK AT THIS AS AN OPTION AS WELL. THE COLLECTIONS CAN BE DONE IN HOUSE AND MAYBE POSSIBLY PICKING AN OUTSIDE FIRM -- A LOCAL OUTSIDE FIRM TO HANDLE SOME OF THESE CASES.

I HAVE BEEN AN ATTORNEY FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND I BELIEVE THERE ARE PLENTY OF FIRMS THAT CAN HANDLE COUNTY AND TAX COLLECTIONS. I BELIEVE THIS OPTION COULD ALSO HAVE IT WHERE HARRIS COUNTY INVESTS IN THESE FIRMS AND THESE FIRMS ARE GIVEN BACK TO THEIR CASES AND BASED ON THE CASES THEY ARE GIVEN THEY ARE ASSESSED BY PERFORMANCE.

THAT WOULD NEGATE THE FEE-BASED AND SOME OF THE PENALTIES THE CURRENT VENDOR IS FORCING ON TAXPAYERS.

THIS WOULD CREATE MORE OF A COMPETITIVE EDGE WHEN THEY ARE

[03:55:06]

ASSESSED ON A PERFORMANCE-BASED ACTION.

I AGREE WITH IT AND THEY HAVE CONTROL OVER WHO THEY CHOOSE TO PICK TO DO THESE CASES AND HANDLE THESE CASES.

THEN IT GOES THROUGH A VETTING PROCESS LIKE MOST OF THE PROJECT THAT'S ARE HANDED TO THE SMALL CONTRACTORS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. THAT WOULD BE THE SAME THING WITH SOME OF THE COLLECTIONS HANDLED.

TO BE HONEST I WANT TO ADD ON TO WHAT THE OTHER SPEAKERS SAID ABOUT OUR ECONOMY AND WHAT HAS HAPPENED WITH THE COVID-19. WE WILL BE SEEING A LOT OF THINGS AS FAR AS OUR REBUILDING OF OUR ECONOMY IN HARRIS COUNTY FROM COVID. AND UNFORTUNATELY THROUGH THIS A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS AND WILL CONTINUE TO GO THROUGH MANY THINGS OF TRYING TO GET BACK TO NORMAL.

SOME CAN'T AFFORD THE TAXES. IF YOU FIND A WAY TO UTILIZE THE TERMS THAT WE HAVE -- THE FIRMS WE HAVE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND UTILIZE WHAT WE HAVE IN HOUSE, THAT CAN BE A VALUABLE OPTION TO LOOK INTO AS WELL. WITH THAT, I WILL LEAVE IT AT THIS POINT, I WOULD RATHER SEE US MAKING SURE THAT OUR RESIDENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY STAY IN THEIR HOMES AND OTHER FIRMS BUYING RANCHES AND NAMING THEM 3348.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE HITTING UP ON THE TWO HOURS. WE HAVE A COUPLE MORE HOURS OF SPEAKERS AND WE COULD ALSO TAKE A LUNCH BREAK.

DO FOLKS HAVE A PREFERENCE? >> HOW ABOUT A LONG BREAK, BUT NOT A FULL HOUR? SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. SO IT IS 2:13.

WHY DON'T WE TAKE A BREAK FOR 30 MINUTES UNTIL 2:45.

LET'S DO THAT. DOES THAT WORK FOR FOLKS? YEAH? OKAY.

AND THEN WE WILL COME BACK. 2:45. WAS PLIEND.

BLIND. IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU GUYS.

WE HAVE A QUORUM. IT IS 2:46 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IF SESSION AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO HEAR FROM

THE SPEAKERS. >> YES, MA'AM.

>> A -- ABEL GARCIA, GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU, DIRECTORS OF HARRIS COUNTY.

MY NAME IS APP ABEL GARCIA AND I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. WE HAVE PLOKS -- APPROXIMATELY 300 MEMBERS IN OUR ASSOCIATION.

THE ISSUE I HAVE WITH COMMISSIONER BARGER, I THINK IT IS, I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CONTESTED TYPE OF BID.

HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS WE HAVE GREAT ATTORNEYS AND IT IS HOUSTON-BASED. NOT AUSTIN.

IF I HAVE TO GET UH HOLD OF SOMEBODY, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THIS IS MY HOME THAT IS NOT PROTECTED BY THE OTHER PROTECTIONS. THEY TAKE THE HOUSE AWAY.

THAT'S NOT HOW IT SHOULD BE. I BELIEVE I SPOKE TO CITY COUNCIL. 75 TO 80% OF THE POPULATION IS MINORITY. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE HAVE MINORITY REPRESENTATION. I THINK WE SHOULD DO AWAY WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND WE SHOULD HAVE A DIVERSE SET OF ATTORNEYS THAT LOOK AFTER OUR INTERESTS, OUR HOUSTONIAN INTERESTS WHERE WE HAVE THREE LATINOS AND TWO AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND A PACIFIC ISLANDER, WHATEVER IT MAY BE. I ALSO WONDER WHERE THE INTEREST CAME FROM. THERE ARE CREDIT CARD TAZ -- CARDS THAT HAVE LESS INTEREST THAN WHAT THEY CHARGE.

THIS ENTITY IS CHARGING 15% AND IT GOES AS HIGH AS 43%.

THE PEOPLE YOU ARE REPRESENTING, THEY ARE LOOKING TO YOU AND WE NEED TO STEP UP.

WE MEANING OUR REPRESENTATIVE AND GIVE US THE REPRESENTATION WE NEED. MOST OF THESE FOLKS AND I ASSUME MOST OF THESE FOLKS ARE DIVERSE PEOPLE.

THEY PROBABLY DON'T KNOW HOW TO OPERATE A COMPUTER LIKE FACEBOOK AND EMAIL. THERE ARE ALL OF THESE FANCY TOOLS THE CITY AND THE STATE AND THE COUNTY HAS THAT MAYBE

[04:00:04]

YOU NEED TO RATCHET BACK AND SAY HOW DO WE REPRESENT OUR FOLKS BETTER? HOW DO YOU GET IN TOUCH WITH THEM WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION 1234* -- DO YOU USE ZOOM? DO YOU GO PLACES YOU WERE NOT INVITED, BUT YOU STILL TALK? THAT'S THE PASSION I WANT TO SEE IN GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS.

THIS IS OUR HOME THAT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET IT PAID FOR. I ALSO AM A PROPERTY OWNER AND I LOOK AT THE TAX THAT'S HAVE GONE UP 80% AND 70% FOR MY RENTAL PROPERTIES. THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

GETTING BACK TO THE ISSUE I FEEL WE SHOULD BREAK THIS THING INTO SIX DIFFERENT PARTS THEY DID IT WITH --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> YOU'RE WELL KOSM -- WELCOME. THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS.

>> JAKE HARANA, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO.

I AM YOUR LOCAL ATTORNEY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.

I DO A LOT OF COLLECTION WORK AND FROM A PERSONAL POINT I WOULD CERTAINLY LOVE A CRACK OR AN OPPORTUNITY TO BID ON THE COLLECTION WORK THE COUNTY DOES.

MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE IS JUST ONE PRIVATE FIRM THE COUNTY HAS CONTRACTED WITH FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS OR SO.

THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY NEW PROCUREMENT AND NO NEW BIDS AND THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY FOCUS ON MINORITY PARTICIPATION. I KNOW Y'ALL ARE CONSIDERING THREE OPTIONS. I WOULD PROPOSE A FOURTH OPTION. ONE WHERE YOU HAVE A NEW PROCUREMENT THAT IS FAIR AND EQUITABLE AND ENCOURAGES MINORITY PARTICIPATION. AND COLLECT MULTIPLE FIRMS. THAT IS A BENEFIT BECAUSE IT IS NOT JUST ONE FIRM.

WE ALL KNOW AND I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD MEETINGS ON THIS BEFORE WHERE THE STATUS QUO IS JUST NOT FEASIBLE.

YOU HAVE A SITUATION WHERE THE PRIVATE FIRM DOES NOT NEGOTIATE WITH HOMEOWNERS TO COME UP WITH A PAYMENT PLAN UNTIL THEY ARE BEHIND AT LEAST SIX MONTHS.

BY THE TIME THEY ARE 12 MONTHS BEHIND AND YOU TACK ON THE FEES THEY CHARGE AND EVERYTHING ELSE AND YOU ARE ALMOST AT 43% INCREASE FROM THE TAXES THAT THEY HOE -- THAT THEY OWE. PEOPLE ARE BEHIND ON THEIR TAXES AND THEN YOU TACK ON THE FEES WHICH IS ANYWHERE FROM 15 TO 19% AND THE COUNTY GETS THE OTHER PENALTIES.

IT IS 43% AND THAT'S NOT THE BENCH -- BENEFIT OF ANYBODY.

IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE FIRMS YOU CAN DOLE OUT THE WORK, TO ALL OF THEM AND SEE HOW THEY PERFORM.

IF THEY CAN GET ACTION SOONER RATHER THAN SIX MONTHS, 12 MONTHS, 10 YEARS, WELL MAYBE NOT 10 YEARS, BUT YOU CAN DO MORE WORK WITH THE COMPANIES THAT CAN SHOW RESULTS AND CAN SHOW PRODUCTIVITY AND YOU CAN COMPARE VERSUS THE OTHER PEOPLE AS OPPOSED TO ONE VENDOR THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. I KNOW YOU HAVE INTEGRATED IN HOUSE SSMENTS -- IN HOUSE. AS WE KNOW THE COMMISSIONER OF THE COUNTY HAS SO MANY THINGS ON THEIR PLATE AND THAT WILL ADD MORE TO THE BUREAUCRATIC MESS.

THE OTHER PRIVATE FIRMS, THE COLLECTION FIRMS NEED THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE OUT THERE AND BE ABLE TO BID ON THIS PROJECT AND TO BE SELECTED SO THEY CAN AT LEAST COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER IN SOMEWAYS AND SHOW PROOFABLE RESULTS THAT THEN THE COUNTY CAN CONSIDER WHO TO GIVE THE WORK TO THAT NOT ONLY BENEFITS THE COUNTY, BUT BENEFITS THE TAXPAYERS BECAUSE THE FACT IS IF HOMEOWNER CANS NEGOTIATE A COLLECTION PLAN SOONER THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO PAY IT.

THE WAY IT IS SET UP RIGHT NOW IT IS SEN --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> ELIZABETH MARTIN. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM LIDS -- I AM ELIZABETH MARTIN. RIGHT NOW THE COUNTY EMPLOYS THIS LAWSUIT. AND THERE IS A BACKLOG OF COLLECTIONS AND THERE IS A HOLE THAT PEOPLE CANNOT CLIMB OUT OF. THERE ARE PROPERTY VALUES OF 150,000 OR LOWER. THOSE ARE HOMEOWNERS THAT STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY EVERY SINGLE DAY THE CURRENT CLEBTERS -- COLLECTORS CAUSES YOU ARE REPPABLE DAMAGE.

[04:05:02]

AT THIS MOMENT IT IS COUNTER PRODUCTIVE IN THE ECOSYSTEM AND SETTING UP THE TAXPAYER FOR FAILURE RATHER THAN SOMETHING TO RECOVER FROM. I URGE YOU TO CONSIDER A DIFFERENT COLLECTION MODEL THAT BILL ALLOW LOCAL BUSINESSES TO BE INVOLVED IN THE PRO SUCCESS AND -- CONSIDER THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE IN OUR HISTORY JUST BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY IT HAS ALWAYS WORKED.

WE DON'T WANT TO KEEP DOING THAT AND NOT PUT THIS ON THE STREETS. THERE ARE PLENTY OF MODELS WE CAN RESEARCH THAT SHOW MORE ROBUST COLLECTION MOD.

SOME USE AN EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM.

RESEARCH INTO THESE METHODS MAY HELP WHEN CREATING AN RFP AND PUTTING IT BACK ON THE STREETS.

IF YOU RESEARCH SOME OF THE METHODS WE WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A FAST COLLECTION OF TAXES AND INCREASED COLLECTION OF TAXES [INAUDIBLE] AND A PLACE FOR MINORITY WOMEN AND LOCAL BUSINESSES. I APPRECIATE YOUR CONSIDERATION AND I DO HOPE THAT THIS WILL BE LOOKED INTO. WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CHANGES AND A LOT OF NEW LEADERS IN HOUSTON.

I'M HOPING THIS IS ANOTHER THING THAT CAN BE UPDATED.

>> MALEA -- MARIE -- MARIA LEWIS.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI.

MY NAME IS MARLA LEWIS. I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE HOUSTON BLACK REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION.

IT IS OUR POSITION THAT THE CURRENT WAY OF COLLECTING THE TAXES THE LATE FEE IS BASICALLY A TAX.

IT IS OUR DUTY TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND TAKE SOMETHING LIKE THIS INTO OUR HANDS. WE ASK THAT THIS BE RESEARCHED IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN, TRAVIS COUNTY, THEY COLLECT THEIR OWN FEES AND WE HAVE TO LOOK INTO HOW THE COLLECTING OF THE FEES , WHERE IS THIS MONEY GOING? THIS IS A PERVERSE INCENTIVE, IF YOU WILL AND AN UNNECESSARY INCENTIVE TO WHAT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE ASK THIS BE CORRECTED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. IT PUTS A BURDEN ON THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> LAURA THERMAN.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THE FORUM FOR US TO GIVE YOU THESE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK. TODAY I AM SPEAKING ON THE TOPIC OF PENALTIES ASSESSED ON DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX AND THE OUT SOURCING OF THE COLLECTION RESULTING IN FEES TO A THIRD PARTY. IS IT -- IT SEEMS TO ME THE REAL APPROACH SHOULD FOCUS ON A PROGRAM FOR ROPT OWNERS TO -- FOR PROPERTY OWNERS TO ADDRESS THEIR UNPAID BALANCES.

THE CURRENT PROGRAM WHERE FEES A COMPOUNDED WHERE THE PROPERTY OWNER HAS NO MEANS TO SAVE THEIR PROPERTY.

IT SHOULD BE FOCUSED ON FINDING PASSAGE OF THOSE AND NOT BE PROMOTING A THIRD PARTY TO ASSESS FEES AND PENALTIES TO LINE THEIR OWN PACKETS. POCKETS.

THAT'S GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

WE WANT TO GIVE THESE PROPERTY OWNERS A PATHWAY TO GETTING THEIR PROPERTY BALANCE PAID. THESE DON'T BENEFIT ANYONE.

THERE IS NO EQUITABLE SOLUTION BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE TAXPAYER. THAT'S WHY WE REALLY NEED TO LOOK AT THE PROGRAM IN ITS ENTIRETY AND FIND A WAY IF IT IS IN HOUSE OR PARTIALLY IN HOUSE AND THAT WAY WHEN WE COME TO A RESOLUTION IT IS GOOD FOR THE TAXPAYERS AND IT IS GOOD FOR THE CITY AND IT IS NOT JUST A PROGRAM THAT PUTS FEES IN THE POCKET OF A THIRD PARTY.

THANK YOU FOR MY TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

[04:10:01]

>> FELIX GORA, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YES, JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF ON A FAMILY WOULD IS GOING THROUGH A SITUATION WHERE THEY LOST PROPERTY BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME TO WORK OUT AN AGREEMENT OR SOMETHING WITH THE COURT MEMBERS. THAT'S SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HANDLED DIFFERENTLY. [INAUDIBLE].

THAT'S ONE OF THE ISSUES I HAVE.

WE ARE LOSING TAX MONEY FOR LETTING PROPERTIES SIT FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> EMILY PAUL WITH AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND FELLOW COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS EMILY PAUL AND I AM THE COMMUNITY IMPACT DIRECTOR FOR THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION BASED HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. FIRST AND FOREMOST THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH HEALTH AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AND AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.

AS YOU KNOW THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION'S COMMISSION IS TO BE A RELENTLESS FORCE FOR LONGER AND HEALTHIER LIVES.

EVERY PERSON DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A FULL, HEALTHY LIFE. ADDRESSING THE HEALTH DISPARITIES IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY ACHIEVE EQUITABLE HELP FOR ALL. WE ARE DEDICATED TO HAVE HEALTH FOR ALL INCLUDING IDENTIFYING AND REMOVING BARRIERS TO ACCESS AND EQUALITY.

ONE WAY THEY ARE WORKING TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL IS A COALITION THAT PROMOTES HEALTH.

WE ARE STEDFAST IN OUR COMMITMENT IN SUPPORTING THE COMMISSION AND ESTABLISHING AN IMPACTFUL AND DATA-DRIVEN SYSTEM TO PROMOTE HEALTH EQUITY.

THE COALITION'S DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM LEVEL SOLUTION BETWEEN HEALTH CARE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE SOCIAL DRIVERS THE HEALTH OUTCOME IS TRANSFORMATIONAL WORK. THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION IS HONORED TO SERVE IN THE ROLE ALONGSIDE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND UT HEALTH. THE MEMORANDUM SOLIDIFIES THE SHARING OF RESPONSIBILITY. HARRIS COUNTY BRINGS THE CREDIBILITY AND THE EXPERTISE NECESSARY TO ENHANCE THE COLLECTIVE IMPACT EFFORT. THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION IS PART OF UT HEALTH AND TOGETHER WE DODGE VISION AND STRATEGY AND BUILD PUBLIC WILL ACROSS MANY SECTORS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUED COLLABORATION AS WE PUT THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THOSE MOST VULNERABLE FIRST.

THANK YOU. >> HEIDI MCPHERSON WITH UT HEALTH. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS COURT.

MY NAME IS HEIDI MCPHERSON AND I AM A SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER WITH UT HEALTH FOCUSED ON OUR COALITION FOR SOCIAL DETERMINE NENS OF HEALTH ALONG WITH AT HAIR RIGS -- HARRIS PUBLIC HEALTH. THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TEAK IN SUPPORT OF FORMALIZING THE COLLABORATIVE OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS. THEY ARE COMMITTED TO CULTIVATING CAPACITY FOR SPECIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY TO IMPROVE HEALTH EQUITY.

YOU HEARD FROM SO MANY OF HOW IMPORTANT AND HOW BIG THAT NEED IT. THE UFORT OF TEXAS HELL -- THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS' HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER WANTS TO BE AN ACKNOWLEDGE MENLT -- ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE. IN THIS QUEST, THE EVIDENCE IS CLEAR THAT WE MUST FOCUS ON PROMOTING HEALTH, EQUITY AND SYSTEMICALLY ADDRESSING THE DRIVERS, SOCIAL DRIVERS OF THE HEALTH OUTCOME. UT HEALTH SEEKS TO COLLABORATE IN THE CAPACITY NECESSARY. THE GREATER HOUSTON COALITION FOR SOCIAL DETERMINE NENS OF HEALTH EMERGED AND DID A LOT

[04:15:04]

TO ACCELERATE THE EXCHANGE AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE HEALTH CARE SPACE.

IT DEVELOPED A NEW CAPACITY FOR SOCIAL DETERMINE -- DETERMINE NENS OF HEALTH SCRINING AND THE NEED OF SOCIAL SERVICES. LEADERS WITHIN HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND UT HEALTH STEPPED UP TO CO LEAD INTO THE FUTURE. WE EMBARKED ON AN EX -- EX10IVE LISTENING TOUR. EXTENSIVE TOUR.

LEARNING ABOUT BETTER SERVING AND ADDRESSING NEEDS.

NOT JUST THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.

COLLECTIVELY WE MAPPED THE NEXT STEP AND THE RECOMMENDATION OF ONE AND BEYOND AND IT IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE ECOSYSTEMS NATIONALLY. IT HAS GROWN FROM 75 MEMBERS TO OVER 350 REPRESENTING MORE THAN 125 ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS HEALTH AND OTHER SECTORS COMMITTED TO HEALTH EQUITY IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY. THE COALITION IS ACTIVELY ALIGNING VARIOUS HEALTH EQUITY EFFORTS ACROSS OUR REGION TO IMPROVE THEIR IMPACT AND MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANNING IMPROVEMENTS TO SUPPORT THE THESE MULTI ASKER -- MULTI-ORGANIZATIONAL WORKFLOWS.

THERE AND A SHARED LEADERSHIP ROLE AND SECURING OUR STRENGTH FOR THE COLLECTIVE BENEFIT. WE HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR APPROVAL IN FORMALIZING THE COLLABORATION IN ORDER FOR IT TO BETTER SERVE AND PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE HEALTH EQUITY AND IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOME ACROSS THE OUR COMMUNITY. WE ARE HAPPY TO SHARE DETAILS ON THIS COLLECTIVE EFFORT WITH THE COMIGHTSERS --

COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU. >> RAY PARSOC WITH THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> I AM A HEALTH AND JUSTICE ORGANIZER.

TODAY WE BROUGHT A FEW MEMBERS HERE TO DISCUSS THE ITEM ON WINTER STORM. FEMA HAS COLLECTED ABOUT 121,000 WINTER STORM REGISTRATIONS. ABOUT 50,000 ARE HOMEOWNERS.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE THROUGH FEMA ARE IN FACT RENTERS.

ABOUT 70% OF HARRIS COUNTY APPLICANTS ARE WITHOUT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE THIS CREATES A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL BURDEN PARTICULARLY ON LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT THE RESOURCES TO PAY FOR IMMEDIATE PLUMBING REPAIRS OF. FEMA DOES NOT REIMBURSE FOR INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE. PEOPLE CAN'T EVEN PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE WHEN IT IS DAMAGED.

FEMA DATA REFLECTS A LOW ELIGIBILITY RATE.

IT IS ABOUT 12%. RESIDENTS ARE GIVEN ABOUT $3,000 AND IT IS NOT A LOT TO COVER AND IT IS NOT JUST WINTER STORM URI. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE BLACK CLOUD FLOATING OVER THE COUNTY FLOODING HURRICANE HARVEY.

THIS IS REGULAR BUSINESS HERE IN TEXAS.

WE SAW -- SUPPORT AN ASSESSMENT TO BE DONE AND TO HELP LOW OF COURSE HOUSEHOLDS.

50,000 HOMES IN UNINCORPORATED THAT YOU ARE REIS COUNTY EXPERIENCED SOME TYPE OF PIPE DAMAGE THAT INTERRUPTED THE WATER FLOW. THERE ARE STILL MANY, MANY PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE RUNNING WATER.

THERE ARE LANDLORDS THAT ARE SAYING THEY ARE GOING TO DO REPAIRS. BECAUSE WE LIVE IN A SYSTEM WHERE IT IS SLANTED TO SUPPORT LANDLORD RIGHTS OVER TENANT

[04:20:02]

RIGHTS, THERE IS A MORATORIUM, OH YOU HAVEN'T PAID REPRESENT IN A FEW MONTHS. I AM NOT GOING TO REPAIR YOUR PIPES. I WILL NEVER FORGET SEEING

PEOPLE PULL WATER -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

I HAVE TO STOP YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> JUDGE, I AM UN -- UNMUTING THE INTERPRETER.

INTERPRETER, YOU ARE UNMUTED. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> MITT SEE ORDONEZ WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT. GO AHEAD.

MY NAME IS MITSY ORDONEZ WITH TEXAS ORGANIZATION PROJECT.

EXPERIENCES AND THE ASSISTANCE THAT IS NEEDED IN OUR COMMUNITY SINCE WINTER STORM URY.

>> OKAYS -- OCCASION I WILL BE SPEAKING SPANISH.

A LOT OF THEM DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH AND THERE IS FEAR FOR PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD AND SHARE THEIR STORY.

>> IS DEALING WITH A PANDEMIC. AND FOR OUR BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES THE IMPACT HAS BEEN MAJOR.

>> FALLEN BEHIND ON RENT AND THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO COVER THEIR BASIC NECESSITIES.

>> PHONE CALLS. PEOPLE ARE SEEKING RESOURCES AND THEY ARE TO THE AVAILABLE IF THEIR LANGUAGE SINCE MANY OF THEM DON'T HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO DO SO.

>> OF THE ABUSE OF THE OWNERS OF THE APARTMENTS.

>> THESE TENANTS HAD TO WAIT WEEKS FOR THEM TO REPAIR OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE REPAIRS SUCH AS WATER AND LIGHT.

>> SUCH IS THE CASE OF MISS MERCEDES, WHO WAS IN FEAR THE OWNER OF THE APARTMENTS WOULD LOCK HER OUT LIKE OTHER

TENNANTS FOR LACK OF PAYMENT. >>

>> LATER WHEN THE STORM RETURNED SHE FELL BEHIND IN REPRESENT AGAIN AND INCURRED FEES AND EXPENSES LIKE EATING

OUT. >>

>> LIKE MANY OTHERS THEY ARE FACING CRISIS AND DUE TO THE

[04:25:02]

SITUATION THEY ARE DEALING WITH.

MANY FEEL LIKE THE END IS NOWHERE IN SIGHT AND THEY NEED

HELP. >>

>> IT CAN HELP LITIGATE THEIR PROBLEM.

IT HAS TO BE EASY TO ACCESS AND IN THEIR LANGUAGE.

>> PEOPLE ARE AWARE TO REACH OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY.

BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH. WE NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SO THAT THE COMMUNITY CAN RE -- REESTABLISH THEMSELVES.

>> GRACIAS. >> THANK YOU.

>> INTERPRETER, PLEASE STAY ON THE LINE.

CARMEN YVONNE WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >>

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE, MY NAME IS CARMEN YVONNE.

I AM FROM THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

TABLE OF THE WHOLE STATE OF TEXAS ORGANIZATION PROJECT.

STORY. >>

>> WITH THE STORM I ENDED UP LOSING MY PART-TIME JOB I WAS USING TO PAY MY BILLS.

>> BECAUSE I AM SINGLE DURING THE STORM I SUFFERED LIKE MANY

OTHER PEOPLE. >>

>> MY RESTROOM, TO THIS DAY UNFORTUNATELY I STILL DO NOT HAVE WATER IN MY REST -- RESTROOM.

FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO USE THE TOILET I HAVE TO GET WATER FROM THE KITCHEN BECAUSE I HAVE WATER IN MY KITCHEN, BUT MY RESTROOM HAS BEEN DESTROYED BECAUSE OF THE HUMIDITY FROM

THE SHOWER. >>

>> I AM ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE LIKE ME, FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED IT BECAUSE FEMA IS UNFORTUNATELY TOO SLOW.

TOO SLOW. >>

>> I AM HERE WAITING FOR SOME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE.

I LIVE ALONE. I RECEIVED A SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK, BUT UNFORTUNATELY IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO COVER MY EXPENSES. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO PAY MY BILLS AND DUE TO THIRD PARTIES -- I'M SORRY.

DUE TO THIRD PARTIES I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO COVER MY EXPENSES.

>> I WAS DEALING WITH MY HEALTH.

UNFORTUNATELY SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO ME DURING HARVEY IS I WAS BITTEN BY A SPIDER AND I HAVE BEEN DIS-- DISABLED. I NEVER RECEIVED IN I HELP AND I NEED HELP. I AM SPEAKING UP FOR MYSELF

[04:30:02]

AND FOR MY COMMUNITY AND OTHER PEOPLE LIKE ME.

>> LOOK IN YOUR HEARTS AND ASSIST US WITH THIS FUND.

WE HOPE THAT THE END OF THE ANARCHY HAS COME.

I AM ASKING THAT PEOPLE STOP TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE POOR AND STOP THINKING ABOUT YOUR POCKETS AND THINK OF THE COMMUNITY. I WANT TO THANK THE FOURTH COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO BECAUSE WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN ADVANCE BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONES THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN MAKING THE CHANGE.

GOD BLESS YOU. >> THANK YOU, INTERPRETER.

>> CECILIA FONTANO WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS SAW SILL YAW FONTANO AND I RESIDE IN SOUTH PARK.

THE REASON I AM HERE TODAY AND IT IS WITH A VERY HEAVY HEART -- CAN YOU HEAR ME? HELLO?

>> YES, MA'AM, GO AHEAD. >> OKAY.

MY NAME IS CECILIA FONTANO. GOOD AFTERNOON.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I LIVE IN SOUTH PARK.

THE REASON FOR ME BEING HERE TODAY, AND IT IS WITH A VERY HEAVY HEART NOT -- I'M TALKING NOW.

CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> YES, MA'AM.

WE CAN HEAR YOU. PLEASE CONTINUE.

>> NOT ONLY DO I NOT HAVE WATER AND BUSTED PIPES FROM WINTER STORM URI, I MADE IT. UNFORTUNATELY MY DOG ROSE, SHE DID NOT MAKE. IT SHE DIED.

THANK YOU TO SENATOR MILES WHO LET ME HAVE HIS PERSONAL HEATER FROM HIS OFFICE AND THEN THE CABINETS AFTER THE BUSTED PIPE FLEW OFF THE WALL.

I HAVE DISHES AND GLASSES AND ALL KINDS OF STUFF ALL OVER THE KITCHEN FLOOR. I I CANNOT GET TO THE STOVE OR THE REFRIGERATOR RIGHT NOW. THANKS TO ORGANIZATIONS LIKE PURE JUSTICE. THEY PROVIDED ME WITH WATER AND FOOD. NOW, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT ARE YOU ALL GOING TO DO TO PREPARE US FOR THE NEXT DISASTER.

AND TRUST ME, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER DISASTER.

HURRICANE SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER.

I ALSO WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MAINTENANCE DOLLARS THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO SECURE THE GRID BY WHICH THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED TO US HUMAN BEINGS.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

STACY JONES WITH SRJ REALITY. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS STACY JONES AND MY COMPANY IS SRJ REALITY, LLC. I LIVE IN PRECINCT 3 AND I AM

[04:35:04]

A LANDLORD AND OWN 15 UNITS. THEY ARE LOCATED IN PRE SINKS 1, 3 AND 4. I SUPPORT THE SMALL LAND -- LANDLORD IN AGENDA EYE TIM -- ITEM 196.

WINTER STORM URI HAS AFFECTED BY BUSINESS WITH RESPECT TO EMERGENCY PIPE REPAIRS AND FLOODING IN SEVERAL UNITS.

WHEN THE TENANTS WERE CALLING SAYING THEY HAD NO WATER I HELPED RESTORE THIS VITAL SERVICE.

ALL PLUMBING REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED PRIOR TO ANY INSURANCE CHECK DISPERSEMENTS.

EVEN WITH THIS SWIFT MOVEMENT I SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO FLOORING, SHEETROCK, APPLIANCES AND THE CABINETS.

THE SMALL LANDLORD EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM COULD POTENTIALLY HELP ME RECOVER FROM THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF WINTER STORM URI. WHILE I DID SCHEDULE THE UH ADJUSTERS. THE INSURANCE REPORTED DAMAGES OF 31,124. IT LEFT A SHORT FALL OF 21,000. ON MARCH 6TH IT WENT TO MY SECOND UNIT AND CITED DAMAGES OF ROUGHLY $2 HOUSES00 AND THE INSURANCE PAID 3100. ON MARCH 11TH, THE ADJUSTER WENT TO THE THIRD UNIT AND CITED DAMAGES OF 11,000. THE INSURANCE PAID 8,000 LEAVING A SHORT FALL OF 3,000.

MY FOURTH PROPERTY SUSTAINED A BROKEN PIPE UNDER THE HOME WHICH I PAID $550 OUT OF POCKET.

THE TOTAL OUT OF POCKET FOR MY SMALL BUSINESS AS A RESULT OF WINTER STORE URI IS 27,000. ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT CAN BE PROVIDED WOULD HELP ME RECOVER FROM THE HORRIBLE AFTER EFFECTS OF WINTER STORM URI.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

>> THANK YOU. >> GREEN EVOLUTION, LLC.

>> YES GOOD AFTERNOON. >> PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME.

>> YES. ALI KAHN.

>> YES, GO AHEAD. >> I HAVE A UNIT IN PRE SINK 7 AND I SUPPORT THIS ALLOCATION OF DOLLARS TO BE ADDRESSED TO PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF. WHAT I ACTUALLY LEARNED IS THAT WE CAN NEVER BE FULLY INSURED FOR EVERY SMALL THING. THERE ARE FEDERALLY ALLOCATED DOLLARS FOR THESE TYPES OF EMERGENCIES.

I SUSTAINED A PIPE BREAK IN UNIT SEVEN AND THE DAMAGES ARE BETWEEN 15,000 AND $20,000. I NEVER HAD INSURANCE FOR THIS. AND SO WHEN I WENT THROUGH THE SVA, THE FEMA OUTLET THEY WOULD PUT ME IN CIRCLES AND GIVE ME A BUSINESS LOAN AS A CRUTCH.

TO FURTHER ENDEBT THE BUSINESS I DON'T HAVE TOO MANY OPTIONS OTHER THAN THE NICKELS AND DIMES AND THAT WAS MY ISSUE.

I AM STILL GOING THROUGH THE PAINS OF CONTRACTORS THAT ARE GOING TO SQUEEZE ME, ET CETERA,ETT -- ET CETERA.

THIS IS THE ONLY UNIT I HAVE. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HELP WITH THE SMALLER BUSINESSES LIKE MYSELF.

I HOPE IT GOES TO THE RIGHT PLACE AND PRIORITIZES TO THE RIGHT FOLKS. THAT'S THE QUINTESSENTIAL THING THAT SHOULD COME OUT OF IT.

THANK YOU. >> RANDY RAMDOS WITH RAMDOSS,

LLC. >> HELLO, AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. MY NAME IS RECOMMEND -- REMI RANDOS. I LIVE IN PRECINCT 3.

I AM A LANDLORD AND OWN UNITS IF PRECINCTS ONE AND TWO.

I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THE SMAWM BUSINESS -- SMALL LANDLORD EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM.

[04:40:08]

URI CAUSED DAMAGE TO TENANTS. THEY WERE OUT OF POWER FOR FOUR DAYS. NORMALLY OUR CONCERN IN HOUSTON IS THE SUMMER AND HEAT.

WITH NO POWER THERE WAS NO HEAT . AS A RESULT, SEVERE COLD FROZE THE PIPES AND DAMAGED THE UNITS.

WRY WERE -- WE WERE ABLE TO TEMPORARILY FIX THE LEAKS.

THERE WAS NO INSURANCE DAMAGE FROM THE PIPE BURST.

THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE ROOF.

ALSO I AM IN THE PROCESS FOR A LOAN.

I WAS DENIED ALREADY, SO NOT HOLDING HOPES.

THE WEATHER HAS PROVIDED INSIGHT AS WELL INTO MAKING THE PROPERTY MORE RESILIENT AND THE SMALL LANDLORD REPAIR FUNDING WILL HELP WITH REPAIRS.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY, ESPECIALLY WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY PROGRAM, LISP AND SBREP. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS. WHEN YOU DO HELP SMALL BUSINESS, YOU ALSO ACTUALLY ARE HELPING THE FOLKS WHOSE VOICES ARE NOT BEING LAWYERED.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO -- BEING HEARD.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. >> ANGELINA HUDSON.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES.

MY NAME IS ANGELINA HUDSON AND I LIVE IF PRECINCT 7.

I LIVED IN PRECINCT 7 ALL MY LIFE.

I AM A LANDLORD AND I HAVE ONE PROPERTY WITH TWO UNITS.

BOTH OF THESE UNITS ARE IN PRECINCT 7.

I AM A VERY SMALL LANDLORD AND I SUPPORT THE SMALL LANDLORD EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM OUTLINED IN AGENDA ITEM 196.

IT IS NOT JUST BECAUSE I HAD DAMAGE ON THE HOME.

WE HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE WATER LINTS -- WATER LINES.

THERE WAS SAIDMENT -- SEDIMENT GETTING BACK INTO THE HOUSE.

THERE WAS AN UNBELIEVABLE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE.

IT WAS A HARROWING WEEK OF NOT KNOWING IF WE WERE GOING TO HAVE TO RELOCATE THE TENNANTS.

ONE PERSON WHO LIVES IN ONE UNIT IS DISABLED AND THE PERSON WHO LIVES ON THE OTHER SIDE HAS TWO SMALL CHILDREN AGES FOUR AND FIVE. QUITE HONESTLY THEY DID HAVE -- THE CHILDREN HAD TO LEAVE, BUT THE ADULTS STUCK IT OUT. THE ISSUE IS IT WAS JUST SO-CALLED COLD THAT -- IT WAS JUST SO COLD THAT ALL OF THE PIPES BROKE. IT IS A 1939 HOUSE AND WHILE HE WAS MAKING REPAIRS ALL ALONG AND IT DID NOT WITHSTAND THIS PARTICULAR FREEZE. I AM HERE TODAY BECAUSE I AM ASKING FOR $25,000 OF REPAIRS AND THAT IS THE ABSOLUTE LIMIT I CAN BORROW OR BEG FOR OR ARRANGE, YOU KNOW, I HAVE COME TO THE END OF MYSELF AND THE FLORIDA LINE IS LEADING TO THE CRACK IN THIS EXTREME WEATHER AND SO WE HAVE, YOU KNOW RESTRICTED LAUNDRY USE AND THAT KIND OF THING.

THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE ON A SINGLE PROPERTY. I WAS LISTENING TO THOSE WHO TALKED BEFORE ME AND NO ONE IS GETTING RICH ON THIS.

WE PAY A NOTE AND WE PAY TAXES.

REALLY, IT IS ALMOST PASS THROUGH.

THE PANDEMIC WAS ENOUGH TROUBLE.

AND TRYING TO GO THROUGH THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, BUT IF BE ARE NOT ABLE TO GET THE THINGS REPAIRED AND I DON'T SEE WHERE IT IS COMING FROM THEN THESE PEOPLE HAVE TO BE PUT OUT. IT WON'T BE HEALTHY FOR THEM TO STAY. IT IS A TRAGEDY.

AND IT WAS CERTAINLY RELATED TOISH A -- TO ISSUES BEYOND

WHAT WE WERE ABLE TO. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. THIS PROGRAM WILL HELP SMALL

LANDLORDS LIKE MYSELF. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

[04:45:06]

>> CAPESH WITH SATALIA INVESTMENTS, LLC.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO I AM CAPESH SATALIA.

THE WINTER STORM HAS DAMAGED QUITE A BIT OF MY PROPERTY.

MY PROPERTY HAS VERY MUCH DAMAGE BECAUSE OF THE PIPES THAT BURST. THERE ARE PLUMBING EXPENSES AND WATER EXPENSES AND A COUPLE OF MY HOUSES, THEY HAVE SO MUCH DAMAGE THAT FOR ONE HOUSE I HAD MORE THAN 20,000.

[INAUDIBLE] THE WALLS ARE ALL WRECKED AND THE PIPES ARE BUSTED AND THERE IS ABOUT $1200 FOR PLUM -- PLUMBING FOR THE HOUSE. THAT IS THE PLUMBING THAT I HAVE TO REPAIR. I RECEIVED THIS PROGRAM AND I APPRECIATE AND GIVE THEM A WAY TO PAY [INAUDIBLE] WE DID ALL THOSE THINGS AND THAT'S WHAT THEY DID.

PROPERTIES THAT ARE HOA AND THEY ARE TOWNHOMES.

I HAVE TO KEEP ON PAYING, BUT I AM NOT GETTING ANYTHING FROM TENANTS. ONCE AGAIN THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND [INAUDIBLE] THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. >> STEVEN WITH LIC HOUSTON.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM STEVEN DOWEL.

I WILL BEGIN BY FIRST THANKING YOU ALL FOR YOUR SPONSORSHIP OF THE TASK FORCE. THEY HAVE TRIED TO MAKE A ROLE IN COORDINATING. WE REALLY HAVE BROUGHT TOGETHER STAKEHOLDERS AND LANDLORD REPRESENTS.

WE ARE IF SUPPORT OF ITEM 196 AND REGARDING THE RELIEF.

IN THE COURSE OF THE WORK AND THIS AMOUNT OF GRATITUDE FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE YOU PROVIDED IN THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND DIRECT ASSISTANCE AND TO THE SMALL BUSINESSES. I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS IT DEMONSTRATED WAS THE CONNECTION IN RELATIONSHIP OF TENANTS AND THE WELL BEING OF LANDLORDS.

I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT ONE OF THE THINGS WE IDENTIFIED IN THE TASK FORCE WHICH WAS THE UNIQUE ROLE THAT SMALL LANDLORDS PLAY. BY SMALL LANDLORDS FOR PURPOSES OF THIS CONVERSATION I WILL TALK ABOUT LANDLORDS WHO OWN FEWER THAN 30 UNITS. WHAT OUR OWN WORK SHOWED AS WELL AS WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE AROUND THE COUNTRY IS THAT A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF THE RENTAL HOUSE AND VULNERABLE NEIGHBORHOODS IS IN FACT OWNED AND MANAGED BY SMALLER LANDLORDS. REALLY IN MANY WAYS THEY HAVE SUFFERED THE DUAL PROBLEM OF RENT COLLECTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE HARD TIMES THEIR TENANTS EXPERIENCED AS WELL AS NOW INCREASED COSTS. I THINK WE ARE -- I THINK AS WE ARE LOOKING AT THINGS THEY TEND TO SEE THE PROPERTIES THAT THEY OWN TEND TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF THEIR WEALTH AND IN FACT MUCH OF THE WEALTH THAT IS HELD IN PARTS OF THE COMMUNITY. IT IS FRAGMENTED AND NOT

[04:50:04]

POLITICALLY ACTIVE NEARLY TO THE EKDZ -- EXTENT THAT OTHER GROUPS ARE. WHAT I WANT TO SUGGEST IS THE HARDSHIP WITH THE COVID RENT COLLECTION HAS FALLEN PARTICULARLY HARD ON THEM AND THEN COMBINED WITH THE UN UNANTICIPATED EXPENSES OF URI IS SOMETHING THAT CALLS OUT FOR THE ATTENTION OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

WHILE THE DETAILS -- DETAILED STUDY --

>> LINA HIDALGO: I NEED TO STOP YOU.

THANK YOU. >> ELAINE MORALES WITH LISC.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND TO ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS ELAINE MORALES AND A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER THAT IS WORKING WITH THE GO NEIGHBORHOODS PROGRAM THAT REPRESENTS 13 NEIGHBORHOODS LOCALLY.

I SUPPORTED THE WORK OF THE HEALTH AND CIVIL LIBERTIES TASK FORCE I AM CALLING IN SUPPORT OF 196 OF THE AGENDA WHICH LAYS OUT A WINTER STORM URY RECOVERY FUND FOR FOLKS.

WE SUPPORT INVESTMENT IN AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR PROGRAM THAT LEVERAGES PRIVATE FUNDS TO WORK ON CRITICAL REPAIRS AND THE STABLIZATION OF HOUSEHOLDS THAT EXPERIENCED DAMAGES. BASED ON CALCULATIONS HOUSEHOLDS WILL HAVE UNMET HOME REPAIR NEEDS.

MANY OF THE HOUSEHOLDS HAVE EXPERIENCED PREVIOUS DAMAGE FROM HURRICANES, STORMS AND FLOODS.

INVESTING IN HOME REPAIRS AND REHABILITATION AND RESERVATION OF EXISTING UNITS FOR LONG-TERM USE.

WE WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE GAP BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND REPRESENTERS AFTER DISASTERS AND REQUEST YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER AND SIGNIFICANT FUNDING WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET CURRENT NEEDS. THIS COULD BE FOR LANDLORDS, BUT WITH RENTERS HELPING WITH HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLING WITH UNINHABITABLE HOMES AFTER DISASTER.

WE APPRECIATE HELP FOR LOW INCOME RESIDENTS INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL. NAVIGATING THIS AFTER ASSISTANCE ALONG WITH THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST BARRIERS FOR THE DISASTER RELIEF AND THE ROAD TO RECOVERY. THESE PROPOSALS START TO ADDRESS ISSUES, BUT ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE EFFORTS ARE FIGURED. IT IS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE INITIATIVE SUCH AS THE ALLIANCE AND THE HOME REPAIR APPLICATION AND SO THEY ARE COMPLETED AT THE SAME TIME.

AT THE -- THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSAL. BYE.

>> WINTER BUSH, PLEASE GO AHEAD.

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS WINTER BUSH.

MY PRECINCTS ARE IN 2 AND 4. I SUPPORT THE LANDLORD EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM OUTLINED IN AGENDA ITEM 196.

THE WINTER STORM AFFECTED HALF OF MY UNITS AND ALL OF THEM REQUIRE SOME SORT OF MAJOR REPAIR RELATED TO FROZEN PLUMBING, FROZEN PIPES IN ADDITION THERE ARE SEWAGE ISSUES. THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SHARE TODAY. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO

SPEAK. >> THANK YOU.

>> JUDGE, I'M NOT SURE IF WE HAVE THE NEXT PERSON AVAILABLE YET. BEAR WITH ME ONE SECOND.

WE ARE READY. PETER BURTON WITH HOUGHTON LISC. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.

MY NAME IS PETER BURTON AND I WORK WITH HOUSTON LIFT.

[04:55:04]

YOU HEARD FROM MY COLLEAGUES. HOUSTON LIFT SURVEYED LANDLORDS IN 2020 AND MARCH OF 2021 TO GAUGE THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND WINTER STORM URY ON THE LANDLORDS.

WE FOUND STRONG INDICATORS OF VULNERABILITY AMONG A POPULATION THAT LACKED FINANCIAL RESERVE [INAUDIBLE] WE BELIEVE THE RESULT DEMONSTRATES THE NEED FOR ASSISTANCE. IN DECEMBER OF 2020 WE SURVEYED 267 LANDLORDS. 83% [INAUDIBLE] COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS. 30% REPORTING REVENUE DECLINE OF 50% OR GREATER. 30% OF THE RESPONDENTS REPORTED BEING BEHIND ON PAYMENTS RELATED TO THEIR BUSINESS. APPROXIMATELY 50% OF RESPONDENTS REPORTED ONE TENANT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE FROM THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

IN MARCH OF 2021 WE REACHED BACK OUT AND HEARD BACK FROM 33 LANDLORDS. KEY FINDINGS WERE THE REPAIR COSTS THAT WERE 11,400. 67% OF RESPONDENTS HELD PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR ALL OF THE UNITS.

HOWEVER, 52% OF THE RESPONDENTS, HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS REPORTED THEIR PROPERTY INSURANCE DID NOT COVER ANY OF THE UNITS DAMAGED. A LARGE MAJORITY WAS LESS THAN 3,000 PER UNIT AND NEARLY HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS REPORTED PAYING A DEDUCTIBLE FROM PERSONAL FINANCES AND 29% COULD NOT AFFORD THE DEDUCTIBLE.

IN CONCLUSION THE LANDLORDS ARE EXPERIENCING SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL EXPRESS IN DECEMBER OF 2020.

THAT WAS COMPOUNDED BY WINTER STORM URY.

THE QUALITY OF THE UNIT THAT IS LIKELY TO BE OCCUPIED IS LIKELY TO DECLINE DUE TO THE STORM AND DEFERRED MAINTENANCE.

WE SUPPORT ITEM 196 AND THE SMALL LANDLORD EMERGENCY REPAIR FUND. THANK YOU.

>> HILSC, GO AHEAD PLEASE. >> HI.

MY NAME IS ANDREA AND I AM THE DIRECTOR FOR THE HOUSTON IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES COLLABORATIVE.

WE RUN A CRIME VICTIMS WORKING GROUP MADE UP OF OVER 10 IMMIGRANT LIBERAL SERVICES PROVIDERS.

WE GAVE PARTICIPATION AND THOUGHT AND INPUT FOR THIS MEMO AND THE PROPOSED POLICY. HOWEVER, IT DOES PRESIDENT MEAN THE WHOLE POLICY HAS OUR STAMP OF APPROVAL.

WE APPRECIATE BEING BROUGHT INTO THE PROCESS AND WE NEED CONTINUAL FEEDBACK AS VICTIM IMMIGRANTS AND SURVIVORS.

THEY NEED TO BE CENTERED. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT BEFORE GOING IN THAT WE APPRECIATE THE POLICY BEING BROUGHT FORTH TODAY. THE SAMPLE POLICY IS BETTER THAN WHAT EXISTS LOCALLY, BUT THERE IS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT THAT OUTSIDE JURISDICTIONS AND HARRIS COUNTY HAS ADOPTED.

WE ARE MOVING THE STATUTE OUT OF LIMB DATIONS -- LIMITATIONS IS IMPORTANT FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS.

CRIME VICTIMS ARE NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO SEEK CERTIFICATIONS IN THE IMMEDIATE MONTHS OR YEARS AFTER A CRIME DUE TO TRAUMA AND OTHER REASONS. CURRENTLY THERE IS A STATUTE OUT OF LIMB GAGESES. LIMITATIONS.

THE PRESUMPTION IS INCREDIBLE AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL A LOT OF AGENCIES ADVOCATE FOR AND NO ONE HAS EXPLICITLY TAKEN ON THE POLICY.

WE ALSO APPRECIATE A QUICK TURN AROUND.

A LOT OF OUR PARTNERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES LIKE THE CRIME VIC TESTIMONY UNIT -- CRIME VICTIM UNIT HAVE A QUICK TURN AROUND, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL TO DO SO.

WE WANT TO UPDATE LANGUAGE ASPECT.

WE DID HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE POLICIES RECERTIFICATION

[05:00:04]

LANGUAGE. WE FEEL IT COULD BE STRONGER.

OFTENTIMES THEY EXPIRE AFTER SIX MONTHS AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING CRIME ERROR THAT WILL LEAD TO NEEDING A RECERTIFICATION AND THERE ARE FEW ARGUMENTS FORGET WHY YOU WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO RESETTER FIE IN THE CASES. TO RESETTER -- RE-CERTIFY IN

THE CASES -- IS THAT MY TIME? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> OKAY.

SURE. THANK YOU.

FINALLY THE CRIMINAL HISTORY I WILL FLAG THAT.

THAT'S THE OTHER ISSUE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> ANALISE BUSTILLO. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME. I AM ANALISE.

I COME NOT AS A REPRESENTATIVE, BUT AS A CITIZEN WITH INTEREST IN GENDER EQUITY AND A STAUNCH SUPPORTER. IT IS A CONTINUED FIGHT FOR ECONOMIC EQUITY. HOUSTON HAS A HISTORY OF WOMEN LEADERS. THESE WOMEN HAVE DEFINED OUR CITY'S HISTORY AND OFTEN TIMES IT IS AT THE EXPRESS SUPPORT OF THEIR CITY, STATE AND NATION.

FUNDING IDEALS SUCH AS ECONOMIC LIBERTY AND POLITICAL EQUALITY OR NOT IS GRANTED TO WOMEN ESPECIALLY WOMEN OF COLOR. IT HAS PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN WHAT HAS DENIED ECONOMIC MOBILITY.

WOMEN OF COLOR SPECIFICALLY FACE THE LARGEST GAB.

IT IS EXACERBATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

IN HARRIS COUNTY, THE MEDIAN WHITE WOMAN IS MAKING 69.4 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR TO WHITE MEN.

BLACK WOMEN 41.1 CENTS AND HISPANIC WOMEN 33.5%.

IN OTHER WORDS, A LATINA LIKE ME, MAKES ROUGHLY ONE-THIRD OF WHAT MY WHITE MALE PEERS MAKE.

ONE-THIRD. ALL OF THESE STATISTICS ARE FRIGHTENINGLY LOW COMPARED TO NATIONAL AVERAGES.

QUO INDIVIDUAL 19 HAS BEEN MOST DEBT THRAW -- DETRIMENTAL TO WOMEN ESPECIALLY WOMEN OF COLOR.

WOMEN WERE ALREADY PAID LESS THAN $11 AN HOUR.

ACCORDING TO THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTE MOST ARE BLACK AND LATINA WOMEN. BECAUSE THEY ARE SHIFT WORKERS THEY WORK THE HARDEST. IN MAY, LATINAS WERE 20.1% UNEMPLOYMENT AND BLACK WOMEN 16.6%.

THE TWO GROUPS HIT WORST BY THE RECESSION.

ADDITIONALLY THE CLOSURE OF CHILD CARE FACILITIES LEFT MOTHERS STROPPED WITH NO OPTIONS.

A RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY SAW A CUT IN BEIGE -- WAGES MAKING CHILD CARE NO LONGER REASONABLE.

I CALL ON THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO CALL ON YOU TO TAKE ACTION. UNLESS THEY PRIORITIZE THE GENDER EQUITY THEY HAVE THE CAPACITY TO SET US BACK DECADES. WE NEED LONG-TERM STRATEGIES AND A NEED TO ADDRESS THE URGENT NEEDS OF NOW.

ESPECIALLY BLACK AND LATINA WOMEN.

I URGE YOU TO CONSIDER ECONOMIC RELIEF THAT PRIORITIZES THEM AND AN EFFORT TO COMBAT THE SYSTEM THAT MARGINALIZED US SINCE OUR NATION'S FOUNDING.

THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE.

MS. BASTILLO THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH MY STAFF AND PARTICULARLY THE WOMEN ON MY STAFF WHO DRAFTED THIS.

I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD SOME RECOMMENDATIONS AND I SENT THEM OVER TO YOU AS A COURTESY TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS. I HAD A LITTLE HEARTBURN ON ONE PART, BUT DID YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON THE RECOMMENDED

CHANGES FROM MY COLLEAGUE? >> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK MY BIGGEST THOUGHT -- GO AHEAD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NO, GO AHEAD.

>> MY BIGGEST THOUGHT IS THE CONCERNS OF THE IDEALS OF OUR NATION'S FOUNDING. SO MUCH OF OUR NATION WAS FOUNDED FOR PRE DOM -- FOR PREDOMINANTLY WHITE CHRISTIAN MEN. THE IDEA OF ECONOMIC LIBERTY AND THE IDEA OF POLITICAL EQUALITY.

[05:05:03]

POLITICAL EQUALITY DID NOT EXIST FOR WOMEN UNTIL LESS THAN 100 YEARS AGO AND EVEN THEN IT WAS WHITE WOMEN.

AND ECONOMIC LIBERTY DID NOT EXIST FOR WOMEN BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT PERMITTED TO HAVE JOBS UNTIL THE RECENT CENTURY. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT NATIONAL IDEAS IN MANY WAY ITSELF UNDERMINDS THE HISTORY OF WOMEN IN THE COUNTRY AND THE CHANGES THAT THEY HAVE HAD TO MAKE TO BUILD A MORE INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I SHOULD POINT OUT THAT IDEA IS FOR WHITE MEN WHO OWNED PROPERTY, INCLUDING OWNING MY ANCESTORS. THE OTHER LANGUAGE WAS OKAY.

I JUST WANT TO GIVE UH HEADS UP, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I WILL OBJECT TO THAT PART. IT DEMEANS THE RATIONAL BEHIND THIS RESOLUTION ABOUT WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.

MY STAFF WILL WORK WITH YOU WHEN WE GET THERE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: LET ME KNOW WHAT PART IT IS.

I THOUGHT BE WERE TRYING TO BE ENCOURAGING.

OF COURSE, I HAD ASSISTANCE IN THE DRAFTING OF THIS.

MOST OF MY APEX EMPLOYEES ARE WOMEN.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MY STAFF WILL LET YOU KNOW.

IT WAS ONE PHRASE OF THE IDEALS OF THE NATION.

OF COURSE, IT DIDN'T INCLUDE MY ANCESTORS OR WOMEN, BUT THEY WILL SEND IT TO YOU. SHE WORKED WITH MY STAFF ON DRAFTING IT. THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT A PHRASE OF CONTRIBUTIONS WOMEN HAVE MADE TO OUR NATION?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NO. WE'LL SEND IT TO YOU.

IT IS GOING TO BE A LONG DAY. WE WILL HIGHLIGHT IT AND SEND

IT TO YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> GO AHEAD. >> THANK YOU AND GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM BARBIE BASHEAR.

MY SINCERE EAST -- THANKS TO ALL OF YOU.

I AM HERE TODAY TO SUPPORT THE HARRIS COUNTY APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.

IT SUPPORTS A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH OF EXPANDING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ROUTINE. IT IS HIGH COMPARED TO ALL OTHER COUNTIES AND STATES. THIS METHODICAL APPROACH TO THE HIGHEST RISK HOMICIDES CAN PREVENT DEATH IT WILL SEEK A TRIAGE AND THE MOST LETHAL CASES WITHIN EVERY SYSTEM TO IMPROVE THE ACCOUNTABILITY. THE SIZE OF THE COUNTY AND THE COMPLEXITY OF THE SYSTEMS AND VOLUMES OF CASES PRESENTS MANY CHALLENGES. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF COLLABORATIVE WORK. I WANT TO THANK THEIR EFFORTS AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR MEETING WITH OUR TEAM AND FOR THE NUMEROUS HOURS IT TOOK TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AND FOR THE COMMITMENT TO WORK TO MAKE THE REQUIRED CHANGE TO SAVE LIVES.

WE ARE PROUD OF THE WORK WE HAVE DONE TOGETHER.

MANY ARE FAMILIAR WITH AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH OF A POUND OF CHORE. IT WILL FIRST AND FOREMOST SAVE LIVES AND IT CAN SAVE RESOURCES IN THE LONG RUN.

ONE HOMICIDE CAN COST UPWARDS OF $17 MILLION.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WE CAN AGREE ONE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATH IN OUR COMMUNITY IS ONE TOO MANY AND YOUR LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT CAN PRO -- PROPEL THE COUNTY IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATHS RATHER THAN LEADING THE STATE IN THE NUMBER OF DEATHS. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

DARLA -- >> DARLA JONES.

>> I AM DARLA JONES AND SPEAKING TO 358 ON THE AGENDA. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US -- HAVING ME -- ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.

I WILL -- I AM A VOLUNTEER DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRAR AND HAVE BEEN FOR THREE CYCLES NOW, THAT'S THREE TWO-YEAR TERMS. I REGISTERED PEOPLE AS PARKS, PLACES OF WORE -- WORSHIP. BUT THERE IS A FIVE OF IT DAY WINDOW FOR TURNING IN THE FORMS. THAT'S A FIVE-DAY WINDOW AND NOT FIVE BUSINESS DAYS.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT VDVR'S HAVE A NUMBER OF PLACES THEY CAN GO TO TO TURN IN THEIR FORMS. WITH HOUSTON TRAFFIC BEING WHAT IT IS, I MAY REGISTER AT THE HALL IN FAR WEST, AND IF IF I HAD TO COME DOWNTOWN TO TURN IN THE FORMS IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY AND IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.

[05:10:02]

I ENCOURAGE ANY EFFORT TO HAVE MULTIPLE LOCATIONS FOR VDR'S TO TURN IN THEIR FORMS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> KRISTEN WILLIAMS WITH MOVE TEXAS.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI.

MY NAME IS KRISTEN WILLIAMS AND I AM THE HOUSTON REGIONAL COORDINATOR FOR THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT REGISTERED 50,000 VOTERS AND THERE ARE EXTENDED PERIODS.

AND THERE IS A METICULOUS PROCESS DUE TO STRICT RULES AND PROCEDURES. AFTER A VOTER COMPLETES A FOUGHTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION AND GIVES IT BACK, THEY MUST HAND DELIVER WITHIN FIVE DAYS TO A COUNTY DROP OFF LOCATION IN ORDER TO BE PROCESSED.

FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I WILL TELL YOU.

I WILL SUBMIT THE VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS THE SAME DAY TO PROACTIVELY SHOW COMPLIANCE WITH THE FIVE OF IT DAY DEADLINE WITH THE REGISTERED VOTERS.

I HAD TO DRIVE 45 MINUTES OR MORE IN TRAFFIC TO REACH A LOCATION WHERE I HAD TO GO IN THE OFFICE AND HOPE FOR A SHORT WAIT TIME. CURRENTLY WE ONLY HAVE TWO LOCATIONS AVAILABLE TO SET -- SEND IN THESE FORMS. THE VOLUNTEER PAYS FOR PARKING AND I'M SURE IS CONVENIENT FOR SOME AND NOT OTHERS. IT IS NOT DIFFICULT IT IS FROM BAY TOWN, FOR EXAMPLE. WITH THE CHALLENGES THAT COVID-19 PRESENTS AS FAR AS REGISTERING VOTERS IN PERSON AND THE FACT THAT THERE ARE ONLY THESE TWO LOCATIONS NOW AVAILABLE, VDBL -- VDBR'S ARE IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND COMMITTED TO LEADING FOLKS WHERE THEY ARE AT.

WE NEED TO WORK QUICKLY TO PROVIDE THEM THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES. THEY APPROVED THE SHARING OF THE TAX OFFICE STATE AND PROVIDED THAT THE DATA AND RECORDS REMAIN SEPARATE. IT SEEMS THAT SHARING THE TAX OFFICE SPACE IS A SMART AND SUITABLE TO HAVE ACCESS LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND NOT TO MENTION THINGS LIKE A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR TAXPAYERS.

WITH THIS INFORMATION I HUMBLY REQUEST YOU TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY WITH THE OFFICE SPACE BEING SHARED BETWEEN THE TAX OFFICES AND THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR

ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK TODAY. >> THERESA ALLEN.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO, MY NAME IS THERESA ALLEN AND I HAVE BEEN A DEPUTY VOTER REGISTRAR FOR 10 YEARS.

I HAVE SET A GOAL RECENTLY I GUESS IN THE LAST SIX YEARS TO REGISTER AT LEAST 500 PEOPLE A YEAR.

I PRIMARILY GO TO COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND HIGH SCHOOLS AND SET UP OCCASIONS WHERE I RECRUIT OTHER REGISTRARS SO WE CAN PROCESS PEOPLE QUICKLY. I USED TO TAKE MY FORMS TO THE REPORT ANNEX. SO I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THEM THERE. I HAVE MOST RECENTLY IN THE LAST COUPLE YEARS TAKEN THEM TO THE COURT ANNEX.

I HAVE ALSO DROPPED SOME AT THE DOWNTOWN OFFICE.

OWE -- OCCASIONALLY I HAVE TO DRIVE TO DROP THEM OFF.

I HAVE 5 DAYS TO TURN THEM IN.

IF I COULD TURN IN MY FORMS AND AT THE LIBRARY, I COULD CONCEIVABLY HAVE TO MAKE THE TRIP AND I COULD TURN THEM IN 50 TIMES IN A YEAR. I WANT TO SAY THAT IT IS

[05:15:02]

DISAPPOINTING TO ME THAT MONTGOMERY COUNTY ONLY HAS ONE PLACE AND I THOUGHT VERY HIGHLY TO GIVE ME A CHOICE OF PLACES TO TURN THEM IN. IT IS WONDERFUL OUR NEW ELECTIONS OFFICE IS WORKING WITH THE TAX OFFICE TO TURN THEM IN. I FREQUENTLY FIND PEOPLE OUTSIDE AND PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHERE TO DO IT.

I WILL REGISTER PEOPLE AT A BARBER'S OFFICE OR NAIL SALON OR WHEREVER NECESSARY. I THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH FOR BEING CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE PROCESS AND I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF I DON'T DRIVE VERY FAR.

I AM CONCERNED WITH THE INCREASING PERCENTAGE.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT COUNTIES ARE MOST EFFECTIVE IN REGISTERING PEOPLE AND I FEEL LIKE THEY ARE DOING BETTER THAN OTHER COUNTIES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTENING TO MY CONCERNS AND I HOPE YOU WILL --

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOUR TIME IS UP AND I HAVE TO STOP YOU.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> ROGERS WITH TEXAS RISING. GO AHEAD PLEASE.

>> HI. I AM CARISHA ROGERS WITH TEXAS RISING. WE ARE GETTING PEOPLE OUT TO VOTE WE ARE HERE FOR 358 BECAUSE WE MANAGE A FEW UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE CITY AND HAVING EXTRA LOCATIONS AND BATTLING DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC IN THE GENERAL HOUSTON TRAFFIC.

I ENCOURAGE YOU AND WE HAVE MORE LOCATIONS FOR YOU TO DROP THEM OFF. THANK YOU.

>> REBECCA SHIPLAW. >> I AM REBECCA SHIPLAW AND WITH THE COUNTY REGISTRAR FOR 14 YEARS.

I WORKED WITH MANY REGISTRATION VOLUNTEERS.

A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW ME AND A LOT OF OTHER VOTER REGISTRARS REACH OUT WHEN THEY HAVE QUESTIONS.

SEVERAL CALLED WITH THEIR CONCERNS AND THEY AREN'T CONVENIENT AND I WAS HAPPY TO HEAR THERE ARE PLANS TO OPEN UP MORE LOCATIONS SOON. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE POPULATION GREATER THAN 25 STATES IT IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO HAVE TWO LOCATIONS. IT PUTS A BURDEN ON VOLUNTEERS WOULD ARE ALREADY DOING A PUBLIC SERVICE.

WE SOMETIMES DRIVE AN HOUR AND PAY EACH WAY ON TOLL ROADS AND THAT'S JUST ASSUMING THEY HAVE A CAR TO DO THAT.

ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE A FIVE-DAY LIMITATION TO GET THINGS IN. PEOPLE WE WANT TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE. AND TO CARRY OUT THE SERVICE IN THE WAY THAT'S ARE LEGALLY PRESCRIBED.

>> DANIELLE BARKS. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> I AM WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND I AM CALLING ON BEHALF OF THE SUPERINTENDENT JAMES COLBERT.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE SUPPLEMENTAL COVID-19 ITEM WHERE YOU ARE CONSIDERING PUTTING MORE RESPONSE AND RECOVERY DOLLARS TOWARD A COUNTY CONNECTION YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM. WE ARE SERVING ALL DAY EVERY DAY AND WE WANTED TO CALL IN AND MAKE SURE YOU HEARD OUR ENTHUSIASM AND EXCITEMENT FOR THIS PARTNERSHIP.

AS YOU MAY ALREADY KNOW WE ARE DOING AN EARLY CHILDHOOD.

[05:20:03]

WE ARE DOING AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR THE CASE FOR KIDS THAT YOU HAVE ON THE AGENDA. YOU MAY KNOW OF SOME OF THE PROGRAMS. WE ARE SPECIAL ED THERAPISTS IN THE CLASSROOMS OF THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. WE RUN FOUR SPECIAL CAM -- CAMPUSES FOR SPECIALIZED NEEDS.

WE APPRECIATE YOU ARE THINKING OF US AND THAT YOU KNOW WE ARE A RESOURCE AND WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO BE PART OF EXTENDING SUMMER AND AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING. THAT'S WHAT WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU KNEW. WE APPRECIATE YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE HIDALGO IF I MIGHT, THANK YOU FOR COMING ON THE LINE. IT IS A LONG DAY AND I DID WANT TO ASK OR MAKE A POINT IT IS IMPORTANT IF WE ARE GOING TO DO IT TO PASS IT NOW. SUMMER SCHOOLS ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN. I HAVE ONE COMING OUT OF COLLEGE AND ONE COMING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL AND IT IS DEVASTATING WHEN WE THINK SO MANY KIDS ARE GOING TO TAKE A LONGTIME TO CATCH UP BECAUSE IT IS NOT JUST QUITE THE SAME AND THAT'S WHY SO MANY OF THESE KIDS ARE VULNERABLE.

I KNOW YOU HAVE A PROGRAM WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON IN THE

SCHOOL YEAR. >> ABSOLUTELY.

WE DO THE CITY CONNECTION PROGRAM.

WE HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR YEARS.

THIS WILL OPERATE LOGISTICALLY SIMILARLY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE OTHER ONE IS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR

THIS. IS DURING THE SUMMER. >> THIS IS PREPARED TO KICK OFF IN THE SUMMER THAT'S CORRECT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IF WE DON'T DO IT NOW, TO GO THROUGH THE RFP PROCESS IT WILL BE PRETTY MUCH DEAD IF WE DON'T.

>> OUR OFFICE IS ALREADY YELLING ABOUT THE RFP

TIMELINE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE? MAYBE COMMISSIONER ELLIS, SOMEBODY WILL JUMP IN HERE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IS THIS A COUNTY WIDE PROCESS OR IS THIS JUST SOMETHING FOR PRECINCT

1? >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS COUNTY WIDE. AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I ASKED THE SUPERINTENDENT TO CALL YOU.

YOU MIGHT WANT TO MAKE SOME CALLS.

CALL HIM. HE WAS ON SINCE 10 THIS

MORNING. >> R. JACK CAGLE: HE IS ONE OF THOSE I KNOW THAT WILL QUOTE. ROUGH ROD THANKS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANKS. >> LISA CARUTHERS, GO AHEAD,

PLEASE. >> HI.

I AM DR. LISA THOMPSON CARUTHERS, THE DEACT -- THE DIRECTOR OF THE HARRIS COUNTY AFTER SCHOOL DIVISION.

AND I AM EXCITED TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE CAN SERVE AS A RESOURCE IF THEY CONSIDER TO SUPPORT SEVERAL PROGRAMS AS PART OF THE FUNDING EFFORTS AND RELATIONS.

THE SUMMER OF 202 WIN -- 2021 IS IMPORTANT FOR WHACKERRING -- FOR WORKING FAMILIES. IT WOULD DIVIDE FUNDING UH CRASS ALL FOUR -- ACROSS ALL FOUR PRECINCTS.

IT WILL BE A CHANCE FOR EYE QUALITY ENGAGEMENT WHETHER VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON. VIRTUAL WITH MATERIAL, KITS AND IT WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THEIR HOME.

IN DECEMBER OF 2020 WE HAD PROGRAMS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC. SUMMER PROVIDERS SAID THEY HAD TO CLOSE 66 SITES AND 77% DROP IN STUDENTS AT THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND THEY HAD TO FURLOUGH 1,701 STAFF.

WITH THAT SAID, I HAVE ONE ILLUSTRATED QUOTE I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE. FAMILIES REPORTED HAVING A RELIABLE DAYCARE AND EXPERIENCED PEACE OF MIND WHEN THEY WENT TO WORK. ONE PARENT SAID IT SAVED THE MENTAL WELL BEING OF THEIR SON.

IT TAUGHT HIM IT IS EVERYONE'S FIGHT.

THE STAFF STEPPED UP AND INSPIRED KIDS TO STEP UP.

AS PANDEMIC CONDITIONS EVOLVED WE ARE PREPARED FOR A PROCESS

[05:25:04]

INVOLVING RFP WHICH IS 350 AFTER SCHOOL PROITD -- PROVIDERS IN THE COMMUNITY. WE WILL COLLECT AND PROCESS ALL APPLICATIONS INCLUDING THE REVIEW OF PAPERWORK AND THE ELIGIBILITY AND PROVIDE A LIST OF ALL APPLICANTS INITIATIVES. AND MONITORING A REWARDING PROGRAM PROCESSING PROGRAM. IT IS VIABLE AND WE WILL SCORE -- [INAUDIBLE] QUALITY, ABILITY TO MEET INDIVIDUAL PRECINCT NEEDS AND WE WILL AWARD TO SERVICES ARE THROUGH

AUGUST. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, QUICKLY, I KNOW IT IS AN AMBITIOUS SCHEDULE BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT THE CITY HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

AND IN THE CITY LIMITS, BUT ONLY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

MY STAFF THAT WORKED ON THIS THOUGHT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO DO THIS BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC DURING THE SUMMER.

DO YOU FEEL ALL RIGHT ABOUT THIS TIMELINE? IT IS A LOT TO DO. I KNOW YOUR TEMPLATE IS THERE BECAUSE YOU HAVE DONE IT DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN GET IT DONE IF WE SIGN IT TODAY?

>> YES. WE ARE PREPARED TO POST PUBLICLY AND RUN AN RFP PROCESS AS WELL AS NOTIFY AND GET PROGRAMS RUNNING FOR THE SUMMER.

>> THANK YOU. >> I'M TRYING TO CALL BACK ONE OF THE LAST SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM.

SHE ACCIDENTALLY DROPPED OFF. MEANWHILE WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER THAT WE CALLED EARLIER AND SHE CALLED US BACK.

HER NAME IS ELIZABETH WATKINS WITH CLK SOLUTIONS, LLC REGARDING ITEM NUMBER 196. GO AHEAD, PLEASE,

MS. WATKINS. >> HELLO AND GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS ELIZABETH WATKINS AND I LIVE IN PRECINCT 1.

I AM A LANDLORD AND I OWN FOUR UNITS IN PRECINCT 1 I DO SUPPORT THE MAUL SLAND -- THE SMALL LANDLORD PROGRAM IN 196. THE REASON I SUPPORT THIS IS AS A SMALL LANDLORD DURING STORM URY ALL THREE OF MY UNITS SUSTAINED PIPE DAMAGE, WATER DAMAGE, ONE FLOOR HAD THE ENTIRE UNIT BUCKLE. NONE OF THE REPAIRS WERE SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO MILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND PAY A DEDUCTIBLE. HOWEVER THEY WERE SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO MOVE A TENANT INTO A HOTEL WHILE THE REPAIRS WERE BEING MADE AND/OR MAKE THE REPAIRS WITH MY OWN PERSONAL FUNDS WHICH WAS IN ADDITION TO NOT RECEIVING RENT.

IF THEY COOPERATE LIVE IN A UNIT THEY DIDN'T WANT -- IF THEY COULDN'T LIVE IN THE UNIT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO PAY REPRESENT. WE HAD TO PAY EXTRA PLUMBING FEES AND IF THEY COULDN'T FIND THE MATERIALS NEEDED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS WHICH PROLONGED IT.

A LOT OF US SAW THE ADS FROM THE DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES OR THE PROGRAMS SAYING WE COULD GET HELP FROM FEE -- FEMA. WHEN YOU WENT TOTE SITE -- WENT TO THE SITE IT WASN'T WORKING OR IT CRASHED AND WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO TURN IN ALL OF THE PAPERWORK WHEN IT HAS TO BE REPAIRED. THAT WAS KIND OF A DEAD END.

THE PROGRAMS THAT OFFERED TO PAY RENT, THOSE WERE NOT PAYING OUT. ONE OF THE SITES WAS RECENTLY REDONE AND WE WOULD HAVE TO START OUT ALL OVER AGAIN.

ONE OF THE THINGS THEY ASK FOR IN ORDER FOR YOU TO GET ANY ASSISTANCE IS YOU ISSUE AN EVICTION NOTICE.

WE DON'T WANT TO ISSUE AN EVICTION NOTICE WHEN THEY ARE NOT BEHIND IN THEIR REPRESENT.

THEY ARE JUST USING REPRESENT MONEY TO PAY FOR FOOD OR PAY

[05:30:02]

FOR WATER OR PAY FOR OTHER THINGS.

I REALLY THINK IT IS HELPFUL WHEN IT IS FOR FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE YOU TAKE OUT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVICTION NOTICE. IF A LANDLORD HAS TO GO TO THE EVICTION NOTICE MANY WILL LEAVE.

IT IS KIND OF A CATCH 22. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> EMILY SMART WITH SOCIAL EMOTION INC.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS EMILY SMART. WE ARE A SMALL NONPROFIT AND WE ARE THE GRATEFUL RECIPIENTS OF THE CASE FOR KIDS CONNECTIONS FUNDING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR.

WE SERVE ABOUT 200 INDIVIDUALS EVERY WEEK AND ON A SATELLITE LOCATION IN PRECINCT 1. OUR AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES YEAR-ROUND. WE OFFER ALL SERVICES ON A SLIDING SCALE. AND WE PRAYED $100,000 IN TUITION ASSISTANCE. WE CURRENTLY HAVE AROUND A $1 MILLION BUDGET OPERATING FUNDING.

SUPPORT FOR CASE FOR KIDS HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN ALLOWING THE PURCHASE OF THESE PROGRAMS. IT IS HELPING THOSE WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY. PARENTS LEARNED THAT HE NO LONGER QUALIFIED FOR SUPPORT SERVICES.

HE IS CONNECTED WITH HIS PEERS AND THRIVING.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS WONDERFUL PROGRAM AND APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THE PROGRAM HAS

MADE POSSIBLE FOR US. >> THANK YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: EMILY, THIS IS TOM RAMSEY, PRECINCT 3.

THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

WE APPRECIATE IT. >> JUDGE, THOSE WERE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS ON THE REGULAR ITEMS.

THESE ARE NONAGENDA RELATED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, WOULD YOU MAKE A NOTE THAT WHEN WE DISCUSS THIS ITEM HERE ON THE SUMMER PROGRAMS THAT WE INCORPORATE IN THAT DISCUSSION A DISCUSSION ABOUT MAKING OUR LIBRARY AVAILABLE FOR OUR KIDS

DURING THE SUMMER TOO? >> LINA HIDALGO: 368.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE ARE WE GOING TO THE AGENDA NOW?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO, WE ARE HEARING -- THOSE -- NOW IT IS THE SPEAKER THAT'S ARE NONAGENDA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY. I'LL WAIT UNTIL WE HEAR FROM

THESE SPEAKERS. >> OIR -- SORRY ABOUT THAT.

DERRICK WITH FULL EXPERIENCE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

MR. WHITSET. WE'LL TRY HIM BACK, JUDGE.

AARON COTILLA. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU AND HI AND GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE.

FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO START OFF COMMISSIONER ELLIS YOU PROBABLY RECOGNIZE MY NAME BECAUSE YOU HELPED ME OUT SOMETIME DURING THE SUMMER WHEN I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE CONFEDERATE FLAG AT THE PARK. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

WE GOT THAT TAKEN CARE OF. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TODAY ABOUT IS DEALING WITH THE COUNTRY CLUB AND THE ACQUISITION BY THE FLOOD DISTRICT.

THIS CALLS INTO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S JURISDICTION.

I HAD CONVERSATIONS ARE LANDON IN YOUR OFFICE.

I ALSO HAD IN DEPTH DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LIAISON WITH PRECINCT 4 AND DENNIS JOHNSON IN THE PARKS DEPARTMENT. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS IF THERE IS A POSSIBILITY IF THE TENNIS COURTS CAN BE OPENED UP AT THE COUNTRY CLUB SITE. RIGHT NOW EVERYTHING IS CLOSED OFF. I INITIALLY WANTED TO COME TO YOU TO SEE IF WE COULD ADD TENNIS COURTS TO MEYER PARK SINCE THERE ARE OVER ABUNDANT SOCCER FIELDS THERE.

THEN I NOTICED THE FLOOD DISTRICT HAD TAKEN OVER THE COUNTRY CLUB AND THERE ARE 12 TENNIS COURTS THERE.

[05:35:04]

SINCE IT IS PUBLICLY OWNED NOW IT IS A GREAT IDEA ESPECIALLY SINCE WE HAVE ALL BEEN LOCKED UP FOR THE LAST YEAR TO GET SOME OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES DONE. THESE ARE TENNIS COURTS THAT DON'T HAVE TO HAVE MONEY SPENT ON THEM TO BE BUILT.

IT IS A GREAT IDEA FOR US TO KEEP THE TENNIS COURT IN THE FUTURE PLANS. SPEAKING WITH MR. SHERMAN AND MR. JOHNSON IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS GOING TO BE AWHILE BEFORE WE SEE ANYTHING DONE WITH THE LAND OVER THERE.

RATHER THAN SEE IT SITTING THERE UNUSED IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO REMOVE THE BARRIERS SO WE CAN PARK THERE AND ALLOW US TO USE THE TENNIS FACILITIES THERE.

IT DOESN'T COST ANYTHING. YOU JUST HAVE SOMEONE EMPTY THE TRASH EVERY NOW AND THEN. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN DO AND I ALSO REACHED OUT TO THE HOUSTON TENNIS ASSOCIATION TO SEE IF THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN DO WITH THE SPONSORSHIP AS WELL.

I WROTE LIKE TO SEE WHAT YOUR IDEAS ARE ON THIS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DISCUSS THESE MATTERS, SIR, BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT AN AGENDA ITEM.

HOWEVER, I CAN LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE IN DISCUSSION WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO TRY TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS WHERE WE CAN TAKE MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF ALL THAT'S THERE. THAT'S ALL I CAN SAY.

>> OKAY. I WOULD JUST LIKE -- I MEAN WE ARE COMING INTO SPRING AND SUMMER NOW AND I JUST THINK IT WOULD BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE USE OF THE COURT FACILITY THAT IS THERE UNTIL THEY FIGURE OUT WHAT THEY ARE GONNA DO WITH THAT LAND. I HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM AND I KNOW THEY SAID THERE IS SOME -- THERE IS A DISAGREEMENT ON WHAT THEY ARE DOING WITH THE DESIGNS.

I THINK UNTIL THEN WE CAN OPEN IT UP SO THEY CAN BE USED RIGHT NOW. I THINK IT IS A WASTE JUST HAVING IT SIT THERE. I'M SURE THE PEOPLE WITH THE $4 MILLION HOUSES ACROSS THE STREET WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT AT LEAST IT IS BEING MAINTAINED IN THE INTERIM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. AS THE COMMISSIONER MENTIONED BECAUSE THERE ISN'T AN AGENDA ITEM ON, THIS LEGALLY RECAN'T RESPOND. I'M SURE THE TEAM WILL MAKE SURE SOMEBODY FOLLOWS UP WITH YOU DIRECTLY.

THANK YOU. >> YES.

I THINK LANDON SAID HE WOULD KEEP UP WITH ME ON FUTURE INFORMATION ON THIS PARTICULAR SUBJECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. THANK YOU.

TAKE CARE. >> THANK YOU.

>> DERRICK WHITSEP WITH POLL EXPERIENCE.

>> HI. I AM JUST CALLING BECAUSE I WAS WRONGFULLY TERMINATED FROM AN EMPLOYER AND I JUST WANTED -- WELL, WRONGFULLY TERMINATED, BUT ALSO I DIDN'T RECEIVE MY LAST PAYCHECK. I AM JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT

HOW I CAN GO ABOUT IT LEGALLY. >> LINA HIDALGO: SIR, WE WILL HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU.

WE WILL HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU.

>> INGRAM ADVOCATE FOR QD HOMES RESIDENT.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU ALL, AND I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER RAD KNEE EL -- RODNEY ELLIS' OFFICE WORKING ON THE BAKER RIPLY -- BAKER RIPLEY FOR THE CHECK SITUATION. THAT HAS BEEN ADDRESSED TO SOME DEGREE. THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON IT AND I WANTED TO COME BACK AND SAY THANK YOU BECAUSE A LOT OF TIMES WE COME BEFORE YOU AND YOU DON'T KNOW THE RESULTS.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOUR OFFICE HAS DILL JEPTLY -- DILIGENTLY WORKED ON THAT AND I WILL ASK THEM TO CONTINUE TO WORK ON IT BECAUSE SOME OF THE RESIDENTS SAY THEY WILL GET EVICTION NOTICES I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU ALL AND ANYONE WITH SECTION 8 IN THEIR PRECINCT, PLEASE CHECK INTO THAT AND MAKE SURE THE PROPER MANAGE EPT -- MANAGEMENT RECEIVING THE CHECKS FROM BAKER-RIPLEY.

[05:40:01]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> SANCHEZ. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I AM PHILIPE SANCHEZ AND A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 5 AND A MEMBER OF TEX-DOTI-45. THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE I-45 EXPANSION AND FILING A LAWSUIT AGAINST TEX-DOT. IT MEANS A LOT TO KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE IN YOUR POSITION LOOKING OUT FOR THE INTEREST OF ME AND MY FRIENDS. THANK YOU TO JUDGE HUH DOLL GO AND COMMISSIONERS GARCIA AND ELLIS AND YOUR WORDS AT OUR EVENTS. IT IS NOT A SMALL THING TO SUE TEX-DOT. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU.

>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS WE COULD REACH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT HAS BEEN AN INFORMATIVE DAY AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS ASK THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IF THEY WOULD COME BACK WITH SOME RECOMMENDATION AND WE HAVE A CHANCE TO GIVE INPUT LIKE WE DID TODAY. AND WE WILL HAVE A TIME TO FE CUSS -- FOCUS. MY SUGGESTION, MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN IS THEY LOOK AT WHETHER OR NOT IT WOULD MAKE SENSE FOR US TO DO WHAT THE CITY DOES OR IF THE SUPPORT IS HERE ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND THAT IS TO COME IN SAY MONDAY OR IN THE AFTERNOON TO HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND THEN HAVE TUESDAY TO GO THROUGH THE AGENDA.

IT IS ALL ENLIGHTENING AND HELPFUL, BUT WE HAVE A CONCEPT -- CONSENT AGENDA AND THANK YOU FOR STREAM -- STREAM LINING IT. OF COURSE WE HAD OUR DEPARTMENT HEADS AND MOST OF THEM PROBABLY WAITED ALL DAY MULTI-TASKING, BUT WAITING ALL DAY.

WE HAVE 30 ITEMS AND IF WE SPEND FIVE MINUTES ON EACH WE WILL BE HERE ANOTHER THREE HOURS.

I WOULD LIKE FOR THEM TO LOOK AT IT AND I THINK I MENTIONED TO YOU WHEN I WAS ON COUNCIL I HAD THE IDEA OF LENGTHENING THE TERM AND SHORTENING THE WEEK.

THEY USED TO MEET TWO DAYS. THEY DIDN'T LENGTHEN THE TERM AND LATER IT WAS A FOUR-YEAR TERM.

THEY DID SHORTEN THE WEEK. AND THEN WHEN I LEFT THEY WENT BACK TO THE TWO DAYS. I THINK LOOKING AT THIS I DON'T KNOW IF SOME OF IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS SO MUCH EXCITEMENT ABOUT WHAT WE DO OR WE ARE ALL AT HOME AND IT IS DONE VIRTUALLY. IT MAY CHANGE WHEN WE ARE BACK IN IN PERSON, BUT IF 100 PEOPLE -- 89 -- IF 100 PEOPLE WANTED TO SPEAK, I WOULD HATE FOR THEM TO HAVE TO WAIT ALL DAY AND THEN WE GET TO THE AGENDA.

I WANT TO ASK LEGAL TO COME BACK WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS. THIS IS BROAD ENOUGH.

I AM NOT CROSSING THE LINE, AM I, BY JUST ASKING TO COME BACK

WITH SOMETHING? >> NO, COMMISSIONERS.

WE ARE IN THE CONCLUSION OF SPEAKERS SO IT IS RELEVANT TO

DISCUSS IT NOW. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, MEMBERS, IF THERE IS NO SUPPORT, DON'T DO IT.

EACH MEMBER WILL DECIDE, BUT WE MEET TWICE A MONTH NOW, BUT IT WOULD BE ANOTHER TWO DAYS A MONTH, BUT I DON'T THINK -- MAYBE IT IS A FUNCTION OF AGE, BUT BEING THE ELDER HERE AND BEING THE OLDEST ONE HERE, MAYBE IT WILL CHANGE WHEN I HIT 60, BUT WHEN I SIT -- WHEN I HIT 67, BUT BEFORE WE TAKE OUR BREAK I WILL TAKE A THREE-MINUTE POWER NAP.

I LOST MY COOL ONE TIME 26 YEARS AND THAT'S BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE A PILLOW TO REST A LITTLE BIT.

BUT I HATE FOR SOMEBODY TO LOSE THEIR COOL BECAUSE THEY ARE EXHAUSTED. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: JAMES CAN LOOK INTO THAT.

WE HAVE A BREAK COMING UP SOON.

BEFORE WE GO ON THE BREAK WHY DON'T WE TALK ABOUT WHAT EXACTLY IS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

FIRST I WANT TO GO OVER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS TO MAKE SURE IF THERE WAS AN EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM TO TAKE OUT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AND THAT IS ITEM 360 IS APPROVAL OF THE APPOINT OF LACY WOLF TO THE HARRIS COUNTY SPORTS

AUTHORITY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU WANT

TO -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO YOU WANT

TO MOVE ON IT NOW? >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM TAKING IT OUT OF THE CONSENT AGENDA IF I NEED TO.

361 IS THE APPOINTMENT OF MS. KRISTEN LEE TO THE TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE BY PRECINCT 2.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: FOR THE RECORD I DON'T KNOW WHO THIS PERSON IS NO. IS -- NO.

[05:45:05]

SHE IS MY STAFF. I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND NO NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 362 COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 3 APPOINTMENT OF BENITO GUERRIER.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE CAN PUT THAT ON CONSENT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HE IS A GOOD GUY THERE, COMMISSIONER.

>> TOM RAMSEY: HE IS. >> LINA HIDALGO: 363, COUNTY ATTORNEY DISCUSSION OF THE STATUS OF BROWN VERSUS CITY OF HOUSTON. THAT NEEDS TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. AND 364, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY REQUESTED A DISCUSSION ON COURT POLICIES OF INDIVIDUALS TO SERVE ON THE HIRING COMMITTEE.

WE HAVE TO DISCUSS THAT IN OPEN COURT.

>> THAT IS CORRECT, JUDGE. HERE IS THE LIST OF ITEMS THAT HAVE MINOR CHANGES. THAT IS FOR -- LET'S MAKE SURE I HAVE THIS. THAT IS MORE MARISELA.

ITEM 30 ON PAGE 5 AUTHORIZATION FOR SIX TRACKS THAT IS A REQUEST WE TAKE NO ACTION, ITEM 30.

ITEM 131 HAS A CORRECTION. AUTHORIZE THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT TO PERFORM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.

IT SHOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THEN -- THE ENGINEER TO PERFORM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.

AND ITEM 179 ON PAGE 22. THAT IS A NO ACTION ITEM ON THE PARKING SPACES. ITEM 192 ON PAGE 23 IS AN AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT. AND THAT IS NO ACTION.

ITEM 304, PURCHASING. AN AGREEMENT OF 12 VENDORS FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICES TECHNOLOGY THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMEND NO'S ACTION BE TAKEN ON ONE OF THE INDAGO GREEN --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHICH IS THAT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE INDIGO BEAM AGREEMENT.

THAT'S ONE OF THE 12 VENDORS. ITEM 330 ON PAGE 39 IS ANOTHER PURCHASING ITEM AND NO ACTION IS REQUESTED ON THAT ONE.

THAT'S IT. THOSE ITEMS -- DID YOU GET

THOSE MARISELA? >> I DID, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE UP ITEM -- I MOVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S PULL THE ITEMS THAT ARE NOT PART OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. THESE ARE THE ITEMS -- THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO BE PULLED FOR DISCUSSION. THESE ITEMS WOULD NOT BE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. PAGE 2 AND ITEM 4.

8 HOURS OF PAID TIME OFF FOR EMPLOYEES.

DO FOLKS NEED A DISCUSSION ON THAT? TIME OFF TO GIVE A VACCINATION.

I DON'T EITHER. SO WE WILL KEEP THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. PAGE 5 EXCUSE -- EXCUSE ME ITEM 5 ON PAGE 2. THAT WILL BE PULLED FOR DISCUSSION. PAGE 3, ITEM 9 THAT IS THE JUROR PAY AND THAT WILL BE PULLED FOR DISCUSSION.

PAGE 3 AND ITEM 11 AND THAT IS THE BROAD DISCUSSION OF THE COVID PANDEMIC. THAT WILL BE PULLED FOR

DISCUSSION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, NOT TO BACK YOU UP, BUT I THOUGHT THAT SOMEBODY WANTED

TO DISCUSS ITEM 6 ON PAGE 2? >> LINA HIDALGO: DOES SOMEONE WANT TO DISCUSS 6, THE APPROVAL OF AN MOU WITH THE CDC? THAT IS A CONTINUATION OF FEDERAL SUPPORT WE HAVE BEEN RECEIVING.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS SHOWS THE CJO IS THE ONE THAT

REQUESTED THE DISCUSSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T NEED

[05:50:02]

IT. THAT'S WHY I SKIPPED IT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE YOU GO. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

PAGE 3, ITEM 12. THAT IS THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ALLOCATION OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS.

THAT WILL BE PULLED. PAGE 3 AND ITEM 14 DISCUSSION ON THE POSSIBLE LIE -- LIBRARIES.

PAGE 3 AND ITEM 15 DISCUSSION OF THE METRO TRANSFER.

PAGE 15 AND ITEM 133, THE DISCUSSION ON THE FLOOD BOND PROGRAM. PAGE 16, 134, DO WE NEED TO DISCUSSION ENGINEERING AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SERVICES?

FLOOD CONTROL? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

134? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO HAVE QUESTIONS ON IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 136 ON PAGE 16.

THAT IS AUTHORIZATION OF THE ARMY CORP.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A BRIEF COMMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 138 AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT ON PAGE 16 FOR PUBLIC RECREATIONAL AREAS.

PAGE 18 AND ITEM 152 IS ACQUIRING FOUR SIMPLE TRACKS FOR PUBLIC PROJECTS. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A QUICK COMMENT.

I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: PAGE 21 AND ITEM 172 IS DO -- SAW LINK WENT PROPERTY TAX COLLECTING.

DO WE NEED TO DISCUSS MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR VARIOUS

ORGANIZATIONS ? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 174 APPROVAL OF TRANSFERS FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I JUST HAD A COUPLE OF QUICK QUESTIONS ON THAT. THAT'S NOT GOING TO BE LONG.

>> LINA HIDALGO: PAGE 21 AND 175.

ITEM 175 IS THE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM.

PAGE 23 AND 187 AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT.

PAGE 23195 AND DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE GUIDE BOOK.

PAGE 23 AND 196 AND STORM RECOVERY PLAN.

198 ON PAGE 24 -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF YOU CAN ALSO PUT 197. I JUST WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE ARE ADDING 197.

IT IS THE POLICY RELATED AND 641 AND 345.

THE RESOLUTION HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH.

PAGE 41 AND ITEM 350 KNISH TITI -- INITIATIVES OF FLOODING. 353, TWO BILLS IN FRONT OF THE LEGISLATURE. PAGE 42 AND ITEM 358, PLACEMENT AND USAGE OF ANNEX FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR.

AND WE HAVE ALREADY GONE OVER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. AND THE NEXT ONE WOULD BE PAGE 43 AND ITEM 367, REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PROCESS ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE NEW FEDERAL FUNDING.

PAGE 43, ITEM 368 REQUEST FOR A FUND FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAM.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, MY QUESTION ON THAT WAS ANSWERED WHICH I WANTED TO MAKE SURE IF IT WAS COUNTY WIDE AND MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL OF THE PRECINCTS.

I THINK THE TESTIMONY AND THE COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS CONFIRMED THAT. AM I CORRECT, COMMISSIONER?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT BEING THE OFFENDS -- THE UNDERSTANDING WE DON'T NEED TO

GO BACK OVER THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE PUT

THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE PUT IT ON THE CONCEPT AGENDA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. MARSELA, I AM WAITING FOR YOU TO STOP ME IF I AM LOSING YOU.

[05:55:01]

>> NO. I WANTED TO GO BACK ON TWO MORE. I WAS WAITING FOR YOU TO

FINISH. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL NEED A

MOTION FOR THE ITEMS -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 368 -- >> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE THERE WERE A COUPLE THAT -- 349 AND 351.

>> THOSE WERE THE ONES I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU ABOUT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 349? WHAT IS 349?

>> TOM RAMSEY: 349 RELATES TO ANOTHER LOOK AT THIS ROLL OVER POLICY. AND 351 HAS TO DO WITH A JOB FAIR. JUST WANTED TO COMMUNICATE

THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOT.

IT APOLOGIES FOR THAT, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

SO WE WILL PUT THOSE ON THE DISCUSSION AGENDA.

349 AND 351. I REMEMBER THOSE.

THE MOTION IS FOR ITEMS 1 THROUGH 368 WITH THE CHANGE THAT'S WERE MADE EXCLUDING ITEMS ALREADY VOTED ON AND

DISCUSSION ITEMS JUST LISTED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> CAN I GET CLARIFICATION ON ITEM 16. IS THAT A NO ACTION?

ANSWER LEAN ONE SECOND -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE SECOND.

THAT IS AN ITEM FOR DISCUSSION.

>> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IN CASE SHE DIDN'T GET IT, THAT WAS AN ITEM THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA,

THAT'S ONE HE ADDED. >> I BELIEVE HE ADDED 196 AND

NOT 16. >> LINA HIDALGO: WELL, LET ME JUST MAKE SURE I AINLOOKG AT THE RIGHT THING.

THAT WAS THE IFT PROCESS. I ASSUMED IT WAS FOR DISCUSSION, BUT IF FOLKS DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS IT, WE DON'T NEED TO. IT WAS SORT OF --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT WAS THE REPORT AND WE GOT THE REPORT

AND THAT'S FINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IN THAT CASE WE WILL PUT IT INTO THE CONSENT AGENDA.

>> SO THEN IT WILL HAVE AN ACTION ON THIS ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, IT WILL BE SIMPLY -- IT IS A TRANSMITAL NO ACTION. NOT APPLICABLE.

>> OKAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU GOOD FOR US TO VOTE?

>> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE A MOTION AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. I THINK THIS IS WORKING.

WE'LL KEEP TRYING. WHY DON'T WE TAKE A BREAK FOR 15 MINUTES AND WE'LL COME BACK AT 5 AND KEEP GOING DOWN THIS LIST. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: HI, FOLKS. IT IS 5:01 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. LET'S START GOING DOWN OUR DISCUSSION ITEMS. THE FIRST ONE ITEM 5.

THE CONTACT TRACING ON THE COVID AGENDA.

WE ASKED PUBLIC HEALTH TO GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE CONTACT TRACING PROGRAM AND FIGURE OUT IF WE NEEDED TO CONTINUE TO APPROVE THE SAME KIND OF INCREASES OR AMOUNTS THAT THEY HAD BEEN RECEIVING IN THE PAST.

AS IT TURNS OUT, AND THIS IS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND MS. ROBINSON WILL JOIN US AND SHE SHARED THE SAME PERSPECTIVE. WHEN CONGRESS TACT TRACERS -- WHEN CONTACT TRACERS ARE CALLED FOR SOMEONE ON -- WHO CONTRACTED COVID-19 IT PROVIDES LESS THAN ONE CONTACTS TO THE CONTACT TRACERS THAT MEANS MANY FOLKS DON'T IDENTIFY A CONTACT FOR WHATEVER REASON.

BECAUSE OF THE SHEAR NUMBER OF CASES WE STILL HAVE WELL OVER 500 AND IT HASES -- IT IT HAS BEEN DIMINISHED.

THEY ARE DOWNSIZING TO 69 CONTRACT TRACING STAFF.

OPTION THREE IS ONE. WE WOULD BE DOWN TO 80 STAFF

[06:00:05]

AND THAT WOULD FOCUS ON CONGREGATE SETTINGS.

SO NO LONGER CHASING AN UNATTAINABLE GOAL OUTSIDE THE CONGREGATE SETTINGS OF SCHOOLS, HOMELESS SHELTERS, ET CETERA. THE RECOMMENDATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE FOLKS WE HAVE SPOKEN WITH IS DOWNSIZING TO OPTION THREE IN THE SPIRIT OF BEING ANYMORE -- NIMBLE AND SMART WITH OUR DOLLARS. IT IS DISAPPOINTING AND I WISH WE COULD CONTAIN THIS REALLY. WE SEE IT CONTAINED PLACES LIKE NEW SWREE LAND -- NEW ZEALAND SCH -- WHICH IS ABOUT THE SIZE OF HARRIS COUNTY AND THEY HAVE A CASE AND THEY JUMP ON IT. WHEN YOU HAVE HUNDREDS AND WE HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE DOLLARS. COMMISSIONER CAGLE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I'M LISTENING TO YOU AND YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT BEING NIMBLE AND SMART.

I HAVE A SIMPLE QUESTION. MAYBE IT IS A GOOD QUESTION.

MAYBE IT IS A BAD QUESTION. WHY NOT HAVE AN OPTION FOUR WHICH IS WE TAKE WHAT GRANT FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE AND NOT PUT OUR ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN AT THIS TIME BASED ON THE TROUBLES YOU MENTIONED? WHY NOT GO WITH AN OPTION

FOUR. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND OPTION FOUR WOULD BE IF THERE ARE FUNDS FOR CONTACT TRACING THAT ARE GRANT FUNDS THEN WE CONTINUE TO SPEND THEM? LET ME CHECK -- PERHAPS JOSH IS ON THE LINE OR SOMEONE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH. MY CONCERN WOULD BE WE WOULD HAVE TO DOWNSIDE -- DOWNSIZE FOR THIS.

I AM PERSONALLY OKAY WITH CONTINUING THE PROGRAM.

IT IS A VERY, VERY ROBUST PROGRAM AND HUNDREDS OF STAFF. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ARE WE REALLY GETTING BANG FOR OUR BUCK.

IS JOSH ON THE LINE? >> YES, MA'AM.

I UNMUTED JOSH. >> YES, JUDGE.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, WE WENT BACK AND FORTH AND ASKED OURSELVES THE QUESTION WITH THE HIGH NEBS WHERE ARE WE EFFECTIVE? OUR LOCAL HEALTH THOSHT -- AUTHORITIES ARE ON THE LINE AND IN TALKING WITH THEM, THIS WOULD BE THE BEAR MINIMUM IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE EFFECTIVENESS THAT WE HAVE. WE WILL STILL BE GOING DOWN TO 80 STAFF. WE HAVE SOME GRANT FUNDS AND THOSE GRANT FUNDS THAT ARE EARMARKED DO NOT COVER THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT WE NEED TO CONTINUE WITH THE THINGS THAT ARE EFFECTIVE BEING ABLE TO -- AND BEING ABLE TO HAVE THE CAPABILITY AND DO LIKE NEW ZEALAND AND SURGE IN WHEN WE HAVE LOW NUMBERS. THAT WAY WE HAVE A TRAINED

STAFF READY TO GO. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT YOU'VE BEEN KNEE DEEP IN THIS OR CLOSE TO IT. I FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH GOING WITH OPTION THREE AND BASED ON THE INPUT I GOT FROM TALKING TO THE FOLKS AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND MR. ROBINSON.

I DO WANT TO SAY IF SOMETHING CHANGES HOW HARD IS IT TO RAMP

BACK UP? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS A REAL CONCERN AND I HAD IT AS WELL.

AND WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT TOO, WE ARE A SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR THESE PEOPLE. THOSE ARE JOBS THAT THESE FOLKS WOULD NO LONGER HAVE AND IT IS HARD TO RECITE THEM BACK. THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO BRING IT UP. I HAVE HEARTBURN, BUT THE CITY IS DOING THE SAME THING. ANOTHER THING WOULD BE TO GO TO OPTION 2 AND IF WE GET A HUGE DOWNSIZE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES WHERE WE CAN HAVE A SURGEONAL -- SURGEON -- SURGICAL INTER VEPTION. INTERVENTION.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH BAYLOR ON THIS AND IN TOUCH WITH EVERY JURISDICTION. THE ANSWER WE ARE ALL COMING

[06:05:03]

TO IS THE EXTENT OF THE VIRUS IN THIS COUNTRY DOESN'T LEND ITSELF TO A REAL ROBUST CONTACT TRACING OPERATION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OF THE THREE WE HAVE IN FRONT OF US, WHAT ARE THEY SAYING? ARE THEY IN UNISON?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THEY SEEM TO BE IN UNISON OF OPTION THREE.

ME BECAUSE IT IS A BIG SHIFT. IF WE LOOK AT THE HARD FACTS I THINK OPTION THREE IS WHAT COMES OUT.

I HAVE BEEN THE ONLY ONE SAYING WAIT, GUYS, THIS IS A BIG JUMP. TO BE TRANSPARENT WITH YOU ALL, THE ADVICE HAS BEEN TO GO TO OPTION 3.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS MONEY IS NOT REIMBURSABLE, IS IT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS. JOSH, WHY DON'T YOU -- MAYBE

THERE IS TEXTURE THERE. >> THUR -- SURE AND I WILL LET DAVE HIT ON SOME OF THOSE ASPECTS.

WE ARE NOT SURE HOW MUCH WE WILL COME OUT OF THE $1.000000000000. COME OUT OF THE $1 MILLION.

ONE OF THE BIG POINTS GOING DOWN TO A LOWER LEVEL AND WORRYING ABOUT THE INCREASING WHEN IT GETS WORSE.

ONE OF THE THINGS I UNDERSTAND IN TALKING TO EPIDEMIOLOGISTS IS THIS VIRUS HAS ASYMPTOMATIC INDIVIDUALS THAT PAS -- PASS THE VIRUS. WHEN YOU HAVE CONTACT TRACING IT IS VERY DIFFICULT DOS -- BUS THEY ARE NOT GETTING

TESTED. >> AND UNLESS SOMETHING HAS CHANGED CONTACT TRACING IS NOT FEMA REIMBURSABLE.

THERE COULD BE FUNDING IN THE NEW STIMULUS BILL, BUT IT IS NOT PART OF THE EXISTING FEMA AUTHORITY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND EVEN IF IT IS REIMBURSE ART IT DOES NOT MEAN THERE ISN'T ANOTHER NEED.

OBVIOUSLY WHICH EVER WAY THE COURT WANTS TO GO, BUT I AM CON PHO DENT -- CONFIDENT WITH THREE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I ALSO SUPPORT YOUR DIRECTION, JUDGE. I ALSO WANTED TO THROW OUT THAT I I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

DURING THE CONTACT TRACING THOSE WHO HAVE DIED, I I DON'T KNOW -- IT IS IMPORTANT FROM AN IMPACT UNDERSTANDING STANDPOINT TO UNDERSTAND HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED.

THOSE THAT WE KNOW HAVE DIED IT IS MAYBE A THIRD OR MAYBE HALF OF THE MORTALITY RATE THAT WE HAVE SEEN CHANGE FROM 2019 TO 2020. I JUST DON'T KNOW IF THAT HELPS US WITH A BETTER APPROACH TO PUBLIC HEALTH OR HELP WITH THE PANDEMIC. MAYBE THERE IS AND AS WE ARE WORKING WITH THE OFFICE AND THOSE FOLKS SHOULD BE MOVED OVER TO THE COVID AND I DON'T KNOW WHETHER THAT IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN MAYBE TALK TO FEMA ABOUT AND WE SHOULD PROBABLY THINK ABOUT HAVING A MORE ACCURATE UNDERSTANDING AS TO HOW MANY LIVES WE LOST DURING THE PANDEMIC.

[06:10:09]

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK OPTION THREE LOOKS REASONABLE.

YOUR FOCUS ON CONGREGATE SETTINGS.

WE KNOW THIS VIE -- VIRUS IS DEADLY IN A CONGREGATE SETTING. WE STILL DON'T KNOW A LOT.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE DON'T KNOW SOMETIMES AND EVEN THOUGH WE ARE FEELING BETTER WE HAVE TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE CONGREGATE SETTINGS AND ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO FOCUS THEIR EFFORTS WOULD BE BENEFICIAL.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE ARE RUNNING THE NUMBERS AND IT IS ABOUT AN ADDITIONAL 10 STAFF AND AN ADDITIONAL $65,000.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I AM MAKING A RUN ON THIS ONE. I I WILL MOVE OPTION THREE AND WITH THE CAVEAT IF WE CAN GET GRANT FUNDING TO OUR FUNDING.

THAT'S THE MOTION I SUGGEST. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, THE OTHER THING PUBLIC HEALTH MENTIONED IS A PHASE DOWN PERIOD OVER THE NECK THREE MONTHS SO THAT IS WISE.

THAT'S PART OF WHAT WE ARE ASKING THAT WITH -- THE MOTION WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS' EDIT THAT OVER A THREE-MONTH PERIOD SO WE CAN REEVALUATE AS THE WEEKS GO BY AND HIT PAUSE IF

NEED BE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HOPE THEY

BRING IT BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU FEEL

COMFORTABLE WITH THAT, JOSH? >> YES, JUDGE.

I REQUEST WE GET APPROVAL FOR OPTION TWO INTO THE FUTURE.

AND THERE IS REDUCED FUNDING THROUGHOUT -- WE WILL COME BACK WITH OUR MAY ASK FOR MAURY DEUCED -- FOR MORE

REDUCED. >> SHOULD I CHANGE IT FROM

TWO? >> LINA HIDALGO: SO OPTION TWO WITH AN OPTION TO JUNE 30TH.

>> CAN YOU PLEASE REPEAT THE MOTION, PLEASE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE? JOOK

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK I PERMANENTLY -- THIS IS THE OLD JUDGE IN ME, BUT I PREFER SAYING WE ARE VOTING FOR OPTION 3, BUT WILL TRANSITION TO OPTION 3 BY UTILIZING THE FUNDING THAT IS IN OPTION 2 UNTIL YOU CAN MAKE THE TRANSITION AND THAT WAY WE ARE TRANSITIONING WITHOUT A HARD

SLAM TO THE LEFT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION TO APPROVE FUNDING AND CONTACT TRACING OPERATIONS AT THE FUNDING LEVEL INDICATED -- AT THE FUNDING LEVEL INDICATED BY OPTION TWO AND OPTIONAL GOAL OF 3.

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? THE FUNDING LEVEL INDICATED BY OPTION 3 BY MAY 30TH, BUT WE WILL TRANSITION TO OMS D.A. -- OPTION THREE. I THINK THAT'S WHAT YOU

WANTED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I LIKE THAT BETTER. AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD -- IF YOU GET GRANT FUNDING, USE THAT TO APPROVE THE FUNDING FOR CONTACT TRACING AND THE FUNDING LEVEL INDICATED BY OPTION 3 BY JUNE 30TH, BUT WE WILL TRANSITION TO OPTION 3 BY USING THE FUNDING PROPOSED BY OPTION 2.

[06:15:07]

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? >> WE WILL BE ON OUR CYCLE SO WHEN WE COME BACK, WE WILL HAVE A REDUCED AMOUNT LESS THAN THAT. SO IT WILL SHOW HOW IT IS TRANSITIONED. AND SOME OF THEM CAN BE RETOOLED. KEEP THAT IN MIND.

>> I I WILL RETOOL IT AS YOU READ IT SAID -- AS YOU READ IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU ALL.

THANK YOU, JOSH AND THE TEAM. THE NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 9, THE

JUROR PAY. >> THIS IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. TO HAVE DIVERSITY AND TO HAVE EFFICIENCIES. I WANT TO COMMEND THE DISTRICT CLERK FOR PURSUING THIS. I ALSO THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN HOLISTICALLY. MY SENSE IS LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE E-JUROR SYSTEM THAT WILL HELP AND LOOK AT THE ISSUE OF WHAT ADDS DIVERSITY AND SOME ADDITIONAL INTERVENTIONS. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE DIVERSITY ISSUE IS HUGE. EQUAL REPRESENTATION WOULD REDUCE BLACK DEFENDANT SENTENCE LENGTH 50% AND THE PROBABILITY OF RECEIVING A LIFE SENTENCE 67%.

ONE OF THE APPROACHES THAT FOLKS PROPOSE IS TO TAKE THE SAMPLE AND THEY PROPOSED OVER SAMPLING SAMPLES.

WE MAY DO AN EXAMPLE AND -- OF INCREASED PAY AND THAT'S WHERE

MY HEAD IS AT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, AS PART OF MY MOTION AND I MADE A REFERENCE IS BEFORE WE DO THE PAY THING, LET'S LOOK AT OTHER JURISDICTIONS WITH INCREASED PAY TO SEE IF IT HAS HELPED ANYWHERE.

I KNOW THIS WAS AN IDEA THAT WAS FLOATED AROUND SEVERAL TIMES. IT SEEMED TO ME THAT WHEN THE RESEARCH WAS DONE BACK THEN, THE ANSWERS CAMING BAY WITH THE INCREASED JUROR PAY. IT MADE PEOPLE FEEL GOOD, BUT IT DIDN'T DECREASE THE PARTICIPATION.

AS YOU SAY, LET'S PUT SOME EYE -- SCIENCE ON IT.

WHAT WE DID NO AND WE MADE EFFORTS TOWARD THAT IF YOU MADE EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO COME AND IT RELATES TO THIS WHERE YOU SIGN UP AND YOU GET A PHONE CALL WHEN IT IS YOUR TIME TO COME DOWN SO YOU DON'T HAVE WHAT WE HAVE HERE WHERE A LOT OF PEOPLE SHOW UP AND THEY COULDN'T SEE THE BENEFIT TO THEIR COMING DOWN. THE FEDERAL APPROACH OF WHEN YOU GET YOUR PHONE CALL AND YOU WERE TOLD YOU WOULD GET A CALL AND YOU COME. THAT SEEMS TO WORK REALLY

[06:20:01]

GOOD. THEY FOE THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING WORTH WHILE. THEY ARE NOT WASTING TIME.

THERE WAS ONE MAN WHO WOULD STOP THE METRO BUSS AND HAVE PEOPLE GET OFF THE METRO BUSES.

DO YOU REMEMBER THAT? SOME OF YOUR SHERIFFS WHEN YOU

WERE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT WAS BEFORE ME BUT I REMEMBER IT WELL.

>> THEY HAD SOMETHING CALLED THE COURT -- THE COURTHOUSE RATS. IT WOULD BE GOOD INTEREST -- GOOD ENTERTAINMENT AND A FREE LUNCH.

THAT MAKES IT A LOT HEALTHIER.

IT IS A GOOD, FREE LUNCH. I THINK WE WILL GET YOU MUCH FURTHER THAN WRITING CHECKS AS IF THIS WAS A JOB.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON COMMISSIONER COURT DAYS MY STAFF IS HAPPY BECAUSE I FEED THEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO FOLKS HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENT ON THIS?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK WE SHOULD TRY SOMETHING.

OBVIOUSLY 20% PARTS -- PARTICIPATION AND ANYTHING WE CAN DO IF IT IS NOT WORKING, TRY SOMETHING ELSE.

IF THERE IS SOMEPLACE OTHER THEY COULD GO, THEY WOULD PROBABLY DO THAT, BUT I ENCOURAGE US TO TRY

SOMETHING. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, MY REQUEST IS WE LOOK AT IT MORE BEFORE WE VOTE ON SOMETHING.

LUNCH PASSES, E SERVICE AND TO DO A LITTLE SCIENCE BEFORE WE VOTE. IF WE DO THAT WE WILL HAVE GREATER PARTICIPATION AND IF THAT'S WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS WE WILL BE ALL IN. IT SEEMED TO ME THAT WE LOOKED AT THIS ONCE BEFORE AND THE KEY FACTORS WERE NOT RELATED TO HOW MUCH THEY WERE GETTING PAID.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID YOU HAVE YOUR HAND

UP? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: LOOK, IT IS GOOD TO HEAR THAT THERE IS SUPPORT AND UNITY AND WE HAVE TO ADDRESS THIS AS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAID, 20% IS NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF. BUT OUR SENSE OF PHO DEUSH -- FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY IS KICKING IN A BIT.

IS THERE A THOUGHT ABOUT MAYBE TAKING THE HYBRID APPROACH AND IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAYS ANYTHING IT IS ANY THOUGHTS ON INSTITUTING $50 FOR THE FIRST DAY AND LET'S SEE IF THAT MOVES THE NEEDLE FOR US AND TRY THE FIRST $50.

THAT IS NOT AN ADDED COST AND SO WE WILL SEE IF WE DO THE

$50 FOR THE FIRST DAY. >> I WOULD SUGGEST THAT BUDGET AND SPECIFICALLY BUDGET, BUT JAD AS WELL EVALUATE WHAT SMALLER AMOUNT WOULD MAKE SENSE AND I WANT HER TO HAVE A CHANCE SO -- TO SPEAK. IT HAS TO BE MS. BURGESS' TEAM

[06:25:09]

AND JAD AND BUDGET. PERHAPS JUMPING TO WHERE WE ARE NOW. AGAIN THERE IS LIMITED FUNDING. MY TEAM HAS NOT FOUND EVIDENCE OF THE PAY INCREASE FOR DIVERSITY.

IT IS A GOOD THING, BUT HOW MUCH OF THE AMOUNT SHOULD WE PUT IN INCREASED PAY. I DO WANT TO DEAL WITH IT.

WE TALKED ABOUT IT A LOT AND AS EVERYBODY CAN TELL ALL OF US ARE IN AGREEMENT THAT IT IS AN ISSUE THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH. THE BUDGET SAYING YOU CAN AFFORD THIS AND JAD SAYING I HAVE COMMUNICATED WHICH OF COURSE THIS IS THE BREAD AND BUTTER.

WE ARE ON THE CUSP OF SOMETHING AND THERE NEEDS TO BE EVIDENCE OF COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THESE THREE GROUPS AND COME BACK AND SAY THESE PROPOSALS SPECIFICALLY AND WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO TO INCREASE DIVERSITY AND THIS IS

HOW BE WILL MEASURE IT. >> CAN I ADD A SMALL TINY TWEAK TO THAT? DON'T FORGET THE CIVIL JUDGES

TOO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM ASSUMING THE JAD WOULD COORDINATE, BUT, YES, THE JUDGES.

>> I HAD PREPARED REMARKS AND I WANTED TO ADDRESS A COUPLE OF THINGS I HEARD. RESPECTFULLY I DISAGREE WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE. FOR SOMEONE WHO IS WORKING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK. THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO JURY DUTY. THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN IS IF WE ADEQUATELY COMPENSATED SAY THE THEM.

>> THIS IS AN IDEAL TIME FOR THIS.

WE CAN GIVE IT A TRIAL WITHOUT IT COSTING AS MUCH AS IT WOULD UNDER THE NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WITH JAD, BUT WE DISCUSSED IT WITH THE STAKE OLDERS AND THE JUDGES HAVE SIGNED ON. IT IS THE ONLY WAY YOU ARE GETTING THE ECONOMIC PEOPLE TO APPEAR FOR JURY DUTY.

AND NOW IS THE TIME TO IMPLEMENT IT.

I AM ASKING YOU TO LOOK AT THE REQUEST FOR THE PANDEMIC FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022. IT IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO IT AND THEY NEED TO BE COMPENSATED IF THEY PUT THEMSELVES AT RISK TO SHOW UP.

WE CAN REPORT BACK TO YOU. IF IT IS NOT WORKING IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE RENEWED AFTER PHYSICIAN -- AFTER FISCAL 22. WE NEED TO ACT AND DO SOMETHING. WE HAVE A BROAD SPREAD AND IF WE ARE GOING TO RE-- REVERSE THE DIVERSITY RATES WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO COME.

>> IS YOUR OFFICE ENDORSING THIS PROPOSAL.

WE HAVE VERIFIED THE THREAT. THIS IS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

AND WE ALSO THINK THAT THERE ARE A COUPLE OF MOVING PIECES HERE IN TERMS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REVIEW AND THERE ARE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TOPIC AND IT WOULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT. WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO ENGAGE FURTHER ON THIS AND SEE IF WE CAN GET SOMETHING.

[06:30:05]

WE CAN STAND BEHIND. IT IS IMPORTANT AND WE COULD

PROBABLY USE SOME MORE WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. BERRY, WHEN WOULD THE P FM REPORT AS IT RELATES TO THIS COME BACK? IS THAT JUNE 1ST? END OF JUNE?

>> IT WOULD BE JUN OR JULY. IT WOULD BE JUNE OR JULY.

>> EVERYBODY IS MAKING VALID POINTS.

THE STAFF IS TRYING TO TELL ME WHAT THE LEGISLATURE DID.

IT WAS A BILL I HAD AND THE FOLKS WERE PUSHING IT AND FOUNDER HAD A CASE IN WHICH THERE WAS VERY LITTLE DIVERSITY ON THE JURY. AND THEY HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH US PUTTING IN THE MONEY. YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HELP ME.

MOST PEOPLE COME THE FIRST DAY AND THEN THEY GET DISMISSED.

MAYBE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE MONEY ON THE STATE LEVEL.

THE COUNTY WAS PAYING 6 AND THE STATE PUTS IN 36.

IS IT COMING BACK? IS THAT WHAT WE DID IN 05?

>> THAT IS CORRECT. THE STATE KICKS IN $34 A DAY THE FIRST DAY IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE BECAUSE TO GET A PANEL OF 12 JURORS YOU HAVE TO HAVE 65 FOR VOIR DIRE.

YOU NEED AS MANY PEOPLE THERE ON DAY ONE AS SUB SCWEPT DAY -- SUBSEQUENT DAY. SO YOU HAVE SIX TIMES AS MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO SHOW UP. AND THE $50 THAT'S WHY WE DID IT LOWER THAN THE SUBSEQUENT DAYS.

IF YOU SERVE ONE DAY -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHERE I WAS HEADED WAS I DON'T KNOW. IT WAS A FISCAL ISSUE.

IF WE DO IT ON A DAY THAT'S -- WELL, HERE IS WHAT I SUGGEST.

WE TALK TO PFM AND SEE IF THEY CAN ACCELERATE IT A BIT AND INCENTIVIZE PEOPLE TO SHOW UP THE FIRST DAY AND HOWEVER MUCH MONEY I COULD PUT INTO THIS THEY CAME TO ME AND EITHER HE SAID CABBING PUS -- CACTUS, I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH ONE WAS

THE JUDGE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE ELKINS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS A FAMOUS CASE HE HAD AND THEY EVEN HAD THE FOLKS FROM JAWARSKI AND THEY WERE DEALING WITH THE DIVERSITY ISSUES AS WELL.

THE BIG FIRMS GOT INVOLVED. I WOULD LIKE TO TRY SOMETHING AND NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL JUNE OR JULY.

SO MAYBE WORKING WITH YOUR OFFICE AND JAD WE CAN FIND SOMETHING ON THE INTERIM. I AM NOT ABOVE TRYING.

I JUST CANNOT REMEMBER. LOOK THERE IS STATEWIDE THINGS WE CAN'T DO. WE DON'T DO THAT IN TEXAS.

FOR PEOPLE OUT ON A JOB IT MAKES MORE THAN A LUNCH AND FREE PARKING TO GET THEIR PAYCHECK.

I AM JUST LOOKING FOR THE MENTAL GROUND AND NOT WAIT

UNTIL THE END OF JUNE OR JULY. >> WE SHOULD SECURE THE SERVICES AND ADVISERS WHO CONDUCTED THE STUDY AND CAME

[06:35:03]

UP WITH THE RECOMMENDATION BASED ON THE FEEDBACK IN THE STUDY. THE NUMBER ONE THING IS YOU HAVE TO PAY ME IF I AM GOING TO BE THERE.

I CAN'T AFFORD TO MACE A DAY. MISS A DAY.

THE BIG FACTOR WITH THE $50 ON THE FIRST DAY AND $80 ON SUBSEQUENT DAYS OUR TOTAL COST IS AROUND $6 MILLION.

THAT'S FOUR AND A HALF MILLION OF THE SIX IS FOR THE FIRST DAY. THE SUBSEQUENT DAYS ARE THE NOT EXPENSIVE PIECE OF THE PROPOSAL EVEN GOING UP TO 80 IT REPRESENTS ONE AND A HALF MILLION OF THE TOTAL COST.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I FAVOR SOME KIND OF A PILOT.

JUDGE AND MEMBERS, I SUGGEST SOMETHING COME BACK IN 30 DAYS.

IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR YOU WOULD KNOW PRETTY QUICK IF MORE MONEY ON THE FIRST DAY DOESN'T BRING IN A MORE DIVERSE POOL. WE DON'T HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE YEAR. I AM SYMPATHETIC TO MS. BURGESS. WE MET IN PERSON AND THAT BASS -- THAT WAS A LONGTIME AGO.

>> THAT'S WHY WE NEED A SECOND STUDY WHEN WE ENGAGED IN THE SERVICES OF JANUARY ADVISERS AND WHY DO WE NEED TO GO TO SOMEONE ELSE AND DO ANOTHER STUDY.

>> LET ME EXPLAIN. PERHAPS WE DON'T HAVE ADDITIONAL BACK UP INFORMATION.

IT SAYS IT WAS 2,000 FOLKS, BUT IT DOESN'T SAY HOW THEY WERE SAMPLED. WAS IT A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE? THAT'S ONE STUDY OF HARRIS -- ONE SURVEY OF HARRIS COUNTY WHICH IS NOT CLEAR TO THE EXTENT THE RESULTS ARE SIGNIFICANT OR TO WHICH IT IS A REPRESENTATIVE. THE FOCUS GROUPS ARE QUALITATIVE, RIGHT? IT IS NOT QUAN DAY -- QUANTITATIVE. HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO WHAT HAS BEEN DONE AROUND THE COUNTRY? THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED BEFORE AND WHEN THE TEAM LOOKED INTO THE RESEARCH IT SEEMS THAT OBVIOUSLY THERE IS AN INCREASE TO JURY PAY. WHERE I AM COMING FROM IS I WANT TO SEE THE INCREASED DIVERSITY.

HOW ARE YOU SPENDING WITH THE INCREASED DIVERSITY.

THAT'S WHAT I NEED TO JUSTIFY PUTTING THE FUNDS TO THE PARTICULAR -- WHAT IS THE PERFECT MIX? I AM FOR AN INCREASE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT GIVEN WHERE WE ARE AT, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS HOLISTIC. I HAVE BEEN IN MANY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THIS AND I DON'T WANT TO DELAY IT.

PFM, JAD AND MS. BURGESS NEED TO WORK ON SOMETHING BEFORE APRIL 30TH. WITH JAD AND THE BUDGET AND UNDERSTANDING THAT AS A COURT IF I AM UNDERSTANDING MY COLLEAGUES CORRECTLY WE ALL WANT TO DO SOMETHING.

IF YOU ARE HELPING US BE GOOD STEWARDS OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS YOU HAVE TO PRIORITIZE THIS AND GET SOMETHING THOUGHT.

THOUGHTFUL FIGURED OUT. I NEED BUDGET TO STAND BEHIND IT. A LOT OF FOLKS ARE ASKING US A LOT OF THINGS AND I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESEARCH AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO INCREASE DIVERSITY.

YOU ARE MAKING STRIDES. JUST THE E JUROR IS MAKING STRIDES. IT IS NOT JUST INTERNET.

YOU CAN CALL. THAT'S HUGE.

TACES EFFICIENCY. THAT'S EFFICIENCY.

THESE ARE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE DONE AND YOU ARE DOING THEM BRIL YEPTLY. -- BRILLIANTLY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE LAST POINT I WANT TO MAKE IS I HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THE DATA ON IT AND I DON'T KNOW IF THE STATE COLLECTED IT. I PASSED A BILL IN INJURE -- IN ERR 5 -- IN 05 TO INCREASE JURY DIVERSITY.

IT WAS THE FIRST PAY INCREASE IN 50 OR A HUNDRED YEARS,.

50 YEARS! IT MAY HAVE INCREASED THE PAY, BUT NOT THE

[06:40:05]

DIVERSITY. IN HARRIS COUNTY, WE MAY HAVE THE BEST PAID JURORS AND STILL HAVE SOME OF THE LEAST DIVERSE JURORS. I AM SUGGESTING WE REFER THIS TO A JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION TO CONVENE ALL OF THE PARTIES AND LOOK AROUND THE COUNTRY, NOT JUST A TEXAS THING AND I APPRECIATE THE WORK, BUT I WAP TO SEE THE -- I WANT TO SEE THE CON DIFFERENT OF WHAT WE CAN DO TO HIT DIVERSITY TARGETS AND NOT JUST PAYING MORE TO JURORS.

THEY NEED MORE PAY, BUT I I WILL FEEL COMFORTABLE FOR ME TO VOTE FOR TO. I DID IT BECAUSE RON KIRK CALLED ME AND THEY HAD ALL OF THE BIG NAMES.

IECIALLY -- USUALLY THEY DON'T DO THE ANALYTICS.

I AM TRYING TO PULL THEM OUT OF ORDER IF THEY WILL GET THIS DONE QUICKER. I AM SUGGESTING 30 DAYS TO

BRING IT BACK. >> TOM RAMSEY: ANOTHER CONSIDERATION IS 30 DAYS WILL BUY US A BIT MORE TIME.

WE HAD PEOPLE LOCKED UP FOR A YEAR.

THEY ARE JUST NOW GETTING OUT AND THEY NEED THE COMFORT LEVEL TO GET OUT. BEFORE WE INVEST MONEY TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE HOUSE, SOME WON'T EVEN GO TO THE HARDWARE STORY. I DON'T THINK ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY WILL GET PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOUSES.

I THINK IN TEMPLES OF GETTING PEOPLE OUT OF -- IN TERMS OF GETTING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES, BUYING 30 DAYS WOULD BE

A GOOD APPROACH. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

HER QUESTION IS HOW DO YOU GET SOMEONE ELSE TO STAY? HAVE THEY GIVEN A CLEAR TARGET TO HIT? HAVE THEY SAID THAT AN APPROACH WILL HAVE AN ENDING.

IF THEY HAVE GIVEN US A CLEAR TARGET TO STRIVE FOR THEN THAT'S WHAT THEY OUGHT TO DO. THEY ARE MOST HELPFUL AND PRY DEPARTMENT AS WELL. IT GETS US TO MOVE THE NEEDLE

SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. >> THE JANUARY ADVISERS IT WAS SIGN SISKLY SOUND. SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND.

ONE WAS AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO DIG A LITTLE DEEPER INTO THE ANSWERS AND GET A LITTLE MORE OF WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. FE -- THEY FELT ANYTHING ABOVE $80 HAD A DIMINISHING RETURN. THE MINORITY GROUPS OVERWHELMINGLY SAID IF IF YOU PAY ME MORE I WILL SHOW UP.

JAD AND P FM ARE CRIMINALLY FOE COMPOSED AND -- FOCUSED AND WE DON'T WANT TO FORGET THE CIVIL SIDE.

WE HAVE PARTS THAT ARE NOT A PART OF P FM AND JAD L TASKED WITH. SO GETTING US FROM HERE TO SOMEWHERE NEAR 80 IS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?

>> I'M SORRY? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEN YOUR RECOMMENDATION IS GETTING US FROM WHERE WE ARE AT AND CLOSER TO 80? SOMEWHERE IN THAT BALLPARK IS THAT THE RECOMMEND -- RECOMMENDATION?

>> WE DON'T WANT TO BREAK THE BANK.

AND YET THE FIRST DAY IS WHERE THE MONEY IS EXPENDED.

YOU HAVE MORE PEOPLE AND THE STATE IS NOT CONTRIBUTING.

THAT'S WHY WE STAGGERED IT. IF YOU ARE SERVING AND GIVING MORE THAN ONE DAY OF YOUR TIME, THE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

WILL BE GREATER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO IT IS NOT SCIENTIFICALLY BINDING. YOU ARE JUST PUTTING A HODGE

[06:45:05]

PODGE TOGETHER TO HAVE AN IMPACT.

>> IT IS SOMEWHAT SCIENTIFIC BECAUSE WE ASKED PARTICIPANTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS WHERE IT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR

THEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN THAT REGARD, JUDGE, I SUPPORT FINDING WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE WITH THE RESOURCES WE HAVE GOT.

MY YOU ARE INTELIGENCE IS -- MY URGENCE IS IF IT TAKES 30 DAYS OR LESS. PART OF THE POPULATION JAIL CHALLENGE AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THINGS ARE LOOKING LIKE TODAY AND WITH THE CONDITION OF THE CJC AND THE OVERALL IMPACT. WE WERE TRANSPORTING A THOUSAND INMATES A DAY TO THE COURTS ONLY TO HAVE LESS THEN HALF OF THEM TO SEE JUSTICE ADMINISTERED.

I WANT TO PUT YOU ARE -- URGENCY ON THIS.

LET'S GET A PLAN TOGETHER. LET'S HELP MS. BURGESS.

YOU KNOW WHAT OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH IS AND WHAT WE CAN AFFORD. LET'S GET A STRONG RECOMMENDATION TO THIS BODY SO THAT WE CAN TAKE VOTE ON IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD A COMMENT AND THEN

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: A BRIEF ONE, JUDGE. I DIDN'T REALLY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STUDY PUT ON BY JANUARY ADVISERS.

IF WE PAID MORE MONEY WOULD YOU YOU LIKE IT AND THEY SAID YES. THEY CITED NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON. I'M PRETTY SURE THERE WERE PLACES THAT TRIED THIS AND WE CAN SEE THE RESULTS.

MAYBE WE CAN DO THE RESEARCH IN PLACES WHERE THIS HAS BEEN TRIED AND WHAT WAS THE RESULT. I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE SURVEYING COMPONENT, BUT IT DIDN'T ANSWER THE STATISTICAL QUESTION AND IT BRINGS IT TO THE TOP OF THE PRIORITY LIST DATE. I WILL JUST SAY I HAVE HAD ENOUGH CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THIS.

IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME ANYWAY THAT YOU GUYS ALL GET TOGETHER AND ENDORSE THIS. I DID MESSAGE JIM BETKE WHO CLARIFIED THAT HE DOES AND WILL --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE I WILL MAKE A MOTION, BUT I WOULD LIKE TWO MORE QUICK POINTS. THERE MAY BE AN EFFORT AND WE COULD TRY ON THE STATE LEVEL AND BRANDON AND MY STAFF SAYS WE WILL GIVE THE JUDGES A PAY RAISE.

THAT'S HOW WE GOT THE BILL PASSED.

SINCE THEN THE JUDGE HASN'T GOT THE PAY RAISE.

IF WE HAVE DONE THOSE THINGS IT WILL INCREASE THE JURY DIVERSION. I MAKE A MOTION TO SEND IT TO THE BUDGET OFFICE TO CONVENE THOSE STAKEHOLDERS.

[06:50:01]

ALL OF THEM THAT WERE MENTIONED, ANYBODY ELSE, WE JUST VO -- WE HAVE TO HAVE A POINT PERSON ON IT AND BRING IT BACK IN 30 DAYS WHETHER WE HAVE THREE VOTES OR FIVE

VOTES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, IF YOU WOULD SUPPORT 30 DAYS OR LESS I WILL SECOND.

>> AND I DO THINK IN 30 DAYS THERE WILL BE ANSWERS THAT WE JUST DON'T HAVE IN THAT TIME PERIOD.

MY GOAL IS CLEAR AND THE DIRECTION I AM HEARING IS DON'T WAIT UNTIL JUNE AND COME BACK WITH SOMETHING SOONER.

I DON'T WANT TO CALL IT A LEAP OF FAITH, BUT A A HIGH POT --

HYPOTHESIS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WILL ECHO WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID ABOUT OR LESS.

ALL OF US WOULD LIKE TOE SEE WHAT YOU COME UP -- LIKE TO SEE WHAT YOU CAME UP WITH ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT SO WE DON'T HAVE TO READ IF SASH -- READ IT WHILE PEOPLE ARE TALKING. WE WOULD LIKE TO UNPACK IT BEFORE WE HAVE TO DISCUSS IT IN COURT.

LET ME PUT BELTS AND SUSPENDERS ON COMMISSIONER

GARCIA'S OR LESS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT BUDGET MANAGEMENT CONVENE THE ANALYST OFFICE JUDGE AND RELEVANT STAKE HOLD YOU ARES AND BRING BACK A PROPOSAL IN 30 DAYS OR LESS. AS PERTAINS TO JURORS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU. WE WILL GET THIS DONE.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CONTINUING TO GO DOWN OUR DISCUSSION AGENDA IS THE BROAD COVID ITEM, 11. LOOK, I JUST WANTED TO BRING UP SOMETHING LOOKING AROUND THE CORNER A LITTLE BIT AS TO A CHALLENGE THAT MAY BE COMING NEXT.

THE GUTTED -- THE GOOD NEWS IS THE MEDIA CAMPAIGN AND GOING DOOR TO DOUR -- DOOR AND GOING TO NURSING HOMES AND GOING TO THE PRIORITY ZIP CODES, EVERYTHING WE HAVE BEEN DOING, TRANSPORTATION TO OUR SITES AND AS YOU GUYS KNOW, THE VACCINATION ADMINISTERED BY HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH RESEMBLED THE DEMOGRAPHIC BREAK DOWN OF THE COUNTY THAN THOSE ADMINISTERED BY EVERYBODY ELSE.

THE EVERYBODY ELSE INCLUDES OUR VACCINES.

IT IS INFLATED TO THEM. WE HAVE A WAYS TO GO FOR HISPANIC. FOR EVERY OTHER DEMOGRAPHIC GROUP WE ARE RIGHT AT OR BETTER THAN THE POPULATION PERCENTAGE. FOR HISPANIC POPULATION WE ARE BETTER THAN EVERY OTHER PROVIDER.

OR ALL PROVIDERS TAKEN TOGETHER.

OUR VACCINE WAIT LIST CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 350,000 PEOPLE ON IT. WE HAVE GONE THROUGH OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION PEOPLE AND FOLKS CONTINUE TO REGISTER.

WE DO HAVE A CONCERN AND I HAVE A CONCERN THAT WE WILL REACH A SITUATION WHERE THERE IS MORE SUPPLY THAN DEMAND.

I WANTED TO BRING THAT UP TO MY COLLEAGUES TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL THINKING ABOUT THIS. OUR MEDIA CAMPAIGN IS FULL FORCE. WE HAVE TV ADS AND RADIO ADS AND MAILERS AND THE DOOR KNOCKING, OF COURSE.

AND SPECIFICALLY IN THOSE HARDEST HIT COMMUNITIES AND MULTIPLE LANGUAGES. WE CAN ALWAYS INCREASE TO THE MEDIA CAMPAIGN. WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN, BUT THERE IS A LOT OF VACCINE HESITANCY STILL.

[06:55:05]

TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS 12% OF THE POPULATION HAS BEEN FULLY VAC SAW -- VACCINATED. THERE IS A LOT OF HESITANCY IN THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES AND I THINK THAT WILL BE A PROBLEM AS THE WEEKS GO BY. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. STOMP

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE TALKED ABOUT THIS POINT.

USING OUR COMMUNITY CENTERS AND USING THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WE HAVE IN THE PRE SINKS, ALL FOUR PRECINCTS.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WILLING TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF GOING ONLINE. WE TALKED ABOUT A PARTICULAR THAT CALLED ME AND THEY WERE KOREAN IN MY PRECINCT AND STRUGGLING NOT ONLY WITH LANGUAGE AND TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER ISSUES. I THINK ALL OF THOSE ARE STILL OUT THERE. I PROBABLY KNOW AS MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE DRIVEN TO GET VACCINES BECAUSE THEY JUST FOR WHATEVER REASON DIDN'T WAIT AND WORK THEIR WAY THROUGH THE SYSTEM. I THINK WE IN THE PRECINCTS CAN HELP WITH THE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION.

IF WE ENGAGE SOME OF THE NETWORKS, I KNOW WE ARE WILLING TO DO JUST THAT. WE JUST NEED SOMEONE TO FIRE GUN. WE HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING TO DO THAT. THERE IS JUST A HESITANCY WITHIN SOME NEIGHBORHOODS OR GROUPS TO EVEN DO THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I THINK THE SCAN -- COUNTY HAS DONE A GREAT JOB AND YOUR TEAM HAS LEAD THE WAY.

I WAS AT ANY VENT -- AT AN EVENT AND I AM GLAD THE EQUITY WAS BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE'S.

WE ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO STEP UP.

I THINK WE AVOIDED SOME OF THE POLITICAL CRITICISMS. WE DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF FOLKS GIVING THEM OUT AND THEN THERE WAS CRITICISM BECAUSE WAS SOMEBODY GETTING THEM BECAUSE THEY KNEW SOMEONE? I THINK ALL HANDS ON DECK.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, YOU KNOW WHERE MY SENTIMENT IS AT.

WE NEED TO GET INTO THE COMMUNITY AND NEED TO DO IT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER I'M GLAD WE HAD A SUCCESSFUL VACCINATION EFFORT TODAY. DOING ALL WE CAN IS CRITICAL AND IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE MAKE SURE ALL OF OUR EFFORTS DON'T JUST STAND THERE. WITH THIS PARTICULAR EYE -- ITEM THE EQUITY PIECE COMMISSIONER ELLIS TALKED ABOUT WE ARE MAKING SURE WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN AND IT IS UP TO DWIGHT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE ARE MISSING TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ACCESSING. WE WERE CHECKING TO SEE IF WE HAD A NATIONAL FIRM AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT

MISSING ANY OPPORTUNITIES. >> IS THIS THE DEBRIS

CONTRACT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COUNTY

WIDE. >> WE ARE LOOKING AT ALL AVENUES AND WORKING CLOSELY AND THE ONS -- THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC SECURITY PROCURE TEE GROUP.

THAT IS AN ON GOING PROCESS AND WE HOPE TO HAVE HER OFFICE

[07:00:07]

GOING TOO. WE CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GETTING AN OPPORTUNITY TO BID AND WORK ON THESE CONTRACTS. DWIGHT.

GOOD TO SEE YOU BACK. >> APPRECIATE IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I AM HEARING AND IT IS A VERY VALUE

Y VALUABLE POINT. >> THE DEMAND IS OUT STRIPPING SUPPLY. WE HAVE ALL BEEN STRIVING TOWARD THAT. AS WE MOVE, AND IF WE HAD TO BET I WOULD BET WE WILL GET TO A PLACE WHERE THERE IS MORE SUPPLY THAN DEMAND. I THINK THAT'S WHEN WE SHIFT.

I AM GOING TO TALK TO THE TEAM ABOUT WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE. IT IS A GOOD IDEA.

AND YOU KNOW WE HAVE AN EXCITING MY -- PILOT THIS WEEK. THAT IS HELPFUL.

THANK YOU. SO THAT WAS THE BROAD COVID ITEM. DO FOLKS HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD? YES, DWIGHT.

>> JUDGE, I HAD A REQUEST BY THE SHERIFF.

YOU KNOW WE ARE DOING THE COVID FREE CALLS FOR INMATES THAT REQUESTED TO EXTEND IT. I WAS LOOKING FOR AN OPTION TO EXTEND IT MORE THAN A MONTH. IF THEY CAN DO VISITATION WE WILL STOP THAT. EACH MONTH WE ARE COMING BACK TO ASK FOR THE REQUESTS, BUT THE SHARE OF RESPECTFULLY REQUEST FOR ONE MONTH OR MAYBE TWO MONTHS UNTIL WE DETERMINE WHEN THEIR VISITATION CAN BEGIN AND I WANTED TO PRESENT

THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU NEED A MOTION? I WILL MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU SPELL IT OUT?

>> A REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE INMATES TO 1R* FIVE FREE PHONE CALLS PER WEEK THROUGH THE MONTHS OF APRIL AND SCP MAY -- MAY UNTIL VISITATIONS ARE IN PERSON.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU

GOOD? >> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? SECONDED GUY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES FAN FUSS -- UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, DWIGHT.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE NEXT IS PRECINCT'S ITEM 112 AND AMERICAN RESCUE FUNDS.

>> I AM PLEASED THAT THE CONGRESS ADMINISTRATION APPROVED THE PLAN. OUR LOCAL CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS SHEILA JACKSON LEE AND CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN AND CONGRESSWOMAN SILL YEA CIGAR SEE YAW -- SYLVIA GARCIA.

>> IT IS THE LARGEST RECOVERY PACKAGE PROBABLY SINCE FDR DID SOMETHING SIMILAR IN THE HEIGHT OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE EQUITY STANDARDS. I KNOW THAT WAS THE INTENT.

WE WERE BRIEFED ON THINGS THAT COULD NOT BE SPELLED OUT.

SO TO GO AND LOOK AND MAKE SURE THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT PROPERLY. EQUITY WAS A PART OF THE DISCUSSION WHEN PRESIDENT BIDEN PUSHED FOR A LARGE PACKAGE. THIS IS A SIMPLE MOTION MAKING THE CASE THAT WE NEED A FRAMEWORK TO TARGET SOLUTIONS TO HELP OUR REGION RECOVER BETTER THAN IT WAS BEFORE THE PANDEMIC. WE KNOW GROUPS HAVE BEEN LEFT BEHIND. HARRIS COUNTY WILL GET $900 MILLION. HOUSTON METRO HAS LOST THOUSANDS OF JOBS. WE KNOW BUILDINGS DOWNTOWN, SOME OF THOSE RESTAURANTS WILL NEVER COME BACK.

WE MAY GO THROUGH ANOTHER CYCLE OF RECORD FORECLOSURES.

[07:05:05]

IT IS A SIMPLE MOTION AND IT IS A MOVE TO DIRECT BUDGET MANAGEMENT. ECONOMIC, EBBING WITH YOU TEE AND -- EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY.

AND IT IS TO GUIDE THE USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS TO EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES AND MOST AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

I IN NO WAY LEAVING ANYONE OUT.

I KNOW WHAT I SPELLED OUT WELL BRING OTHERS TO THE DEPARTMENT. WHATEVER OUR PROCESS WAS TO COME UP WITH AN EQUITY FRAMEWORK FOR THE BOND PANELING -- PACKAGE. WE GOT NATIONAL REVIEWS FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE. AND I THINK IT IS BECAUSE OF WHAT WE DID WITH OUR DIRECT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND CAGLE.

I SECOND THE MOTION. ALL I ASK IS YOU HAVE THE

ANALYST OFFICE INCLUDED? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DIDN'T SPELL IT OUT, BUT THEY WOULD BE.

I CALLED KING CON -- COUNTY. THE ALL FEMALE BOARD RUNNING L.A. COUNTY NOW. THEY HAVE EQUITY LANGUAGE AND FRAMEWORK LANGUAGE. I AM NOT SURE I UNDERSTOOD IT ALL. THEIR BUNKING -- THEIR BUDGET IS SEVEN TIMES THE SIZE OF OURS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO MENTION THEM.

THE HISPANIC COMMUNITIY I BELIEVE IN SPITE OF THE POPULATION IS ON THE LOWER END OF THE SPECTRUM IN EVERYTHING AND I WOULD LIKE ANALYSIS ON HOW TO REMEDY THAT AS WE GET CLOSER TO AN AREA THAT IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE POPULATION. OBVIOUSLY THE COMMUNITY -- OUR COMMUNITY BETTER YET -- NOT THAT ANYBODY ELSE'S IS LEGISLATION IMPORTANT IN THAT REGARD.

THERE IS SOMETHING WE HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT YET.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN GIVE THAT A DEDICATED FOCUS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAD TO GRAB TWO OR THREE POINT PERSONS.

IN SONOMA COUNTY THEIR VERSION OF THE HARRIS CENTER AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND WEEKS ONCE A MONTH.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH ONE IF YOU DON'T DEAL WITH MEN TEAL HEALTH, HOW DO YOU TEAL WITH PEOPLE TREATING FOLKS WHEN THEY ARE ILL? ALL OF THEM WOULD BE INVOLVED. WE ARE ALL USING THE ANALYST ITEMS. ALL ARE INCLUDED.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN RAMSEY.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I HAVE TWO THINGS. ONE, THIS IS AN IMPORTANT THING SO I WOULD LIKE FOR IT TO BE PROVIDED TO OUR OFFICES A FEW DAYS BEFORE IT GOES ON THE COURT AGENDA.

THIS COULD BE A BIG DEAL. THIS IS AKIN TO A MOTION THAT I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE.

OUR STAFF NEEDS IT TWO DAYS, THREE DAYS BEFORE THE WEDNESDAY COURT AGENDA ISSUE. I WOULD MAKE TO MAKE SURE THIS IS PART OF THIS. WE CAN HAVE A CHANCE TO ANALYZE IT. NUMBER TWO, I WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT. WE USE CERTAIN WORDS HERE AND IF WE SAY IT EVERYBODY HAS TO DO WHAT WE SAY BECAUSE IT IS IN THE CAME OF? -- THE NAME OF THIS AND THAT.

[07:10:09]

I GET NERVOUS BECAUSE OCCASIONALLY IT SOUNDS LIKE WHEN THE WORD IT USEDY WE WILL HURT PEOPLE THAT NEED TO BE HELPED. WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE GAME OF HELPING PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP. AS LONG AS WE ARE ON THAT SAME

PAGE I THINK WE WILL BE FINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY, I KNOW THE CITY OF HOUSTON IS GETTING A DIRECT ALLOCATION.

THERE ARE OTHER ENTITIES BEL-AIR AND WEST U AND SOME OTHER FOLKS ARE GETTING DIRECTAL LO LOCATIONS -- DIRECT ALLOCATIONS THROUGH THE RESCUE PLAN.

IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO COME PLAY -- COMPLEMENT WHAT WE ARE DOING. MANY PROGRAMS THROUGH THE DECADES AND KNOWING WHAT STRINGS ARE ATTACHED TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT SOMETIMES WE THINK IN SHORT-TERM AND WE SHOULD BE THINKING IN LONG-TERM.

IT ADDRESSES CERTAIN NEEDS. IF THIS IS A RESCUE WE NEED TO RESCUE FOLKS THAT HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED BY THE PANDEMIC AND CRIME AND OTHER THINGS.

BE SURE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON IS DOING WITH THEIRS AND WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS AND WHAT AREAS SO WE CAN

COMPLEMENT THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF I MIGHT ADD AND I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN SAID. I WILL ADD SOMETHING LIKE I'D DEALLY A QUANTIFYING SCORE -- SCORING SYSTEM? I THINK WE HAVE BEEN GIVING GIVEN WAITINGS AND IT IS NEVER THE GOSPEL. BUST JUSTIFICATIONS THAT THIS IS A SCORING SYSTEM SO IT IS NOT IOS -- JUST A VAGUE, LIKE WE ARE DOING ROUGHLY THIS AND ROUGHLY THAT.

I JUST ASK WE GIVE CONSIDERATION TO THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW LATER TODAY WE WILL TALK ABOUT OUR SUCCESS OR MEETING THE EQUITY GUIDELINES.

IF THERE IS A PRIORITIZATION THERE SHOULD BE SOME METRICS.

I THINK THEY GET IT WHEN WE COME BACK.

I THOUGHT ABOUT THE CONVERSATION EARLIER.

I RAISE THE PAY AND IT IS COMING FROM THE STATE.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT ADDED DIVERSITY OR NOT.

LINE

>> LINA HIDALGO: I PROPOSE THAT IDEALLY THERE IS A QUAWPT FIABLE SCORE -- QUANTIFIABLE SYSTEM AND IT IS THE MONDAY

BEFORE THE AGENDA COMES OUT. >> I TAKE THAT ON -- AS A

FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. >> I WAS GOING TO ASK TO

REREAD IT FOR CLARIFICATION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY IF I DIDN'T SEND IT AROUND TO YOU THE WHOLE MOTION OR THE

JUDGE'S PART? >> I PREFER THE ENTIRE MOTION

TOGETHER. >> I MOVE TO DIRECT THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF -- TO GUIDE HARRIS COUNTY'S USE OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS TOY DABBING -- EFFECTIVELY AFFECT THE COMMUNITIES MOST AFFECTED BY THE HEALTH AND THE ECONOMIC IMPACT IS -- IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PAN DEEM --

PANDEMIC. >> LINA HIDALGO: I ADDED A QUANTIFIABLE SCORING SYSTEM. AND THEY SEND IT OUT THE MONDAY BEFORE THE AGENDA COMES OUT.

[07:15:01]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I ADDED THREE, BUT HEALTH AND EVERYBODY ELSE IS INCLUDED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF WE CAN DO THAT, THE ANALYSIS -- THE

ANALYST -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW ABOUT I THROW IN AFTER COMMUNITY SERVICES I PUT --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WELL, WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON THE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DID YOU GET

THAT. >> ANALYST OFFICE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND SO NOBODY GETS MAD SAYS ET MAKE AND RACIAL DISPARITIES. IS THAT ALREADY, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU

GOOD? >> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION AND IS THERE A SECOND? ALL IN FAVOR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 14, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY I BROUGHT THIS UP BEFORE AND I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT IN LIGHT OF EVERYTHING WE TALKED ABOUT LIBRARIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS ARE AN IMPORTANT PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO GO PARTICULARLY AS WE NEED TO USE COMPUTERS AND WI-FI. KIDS READ BOOKS.

TS -- IT IS TIME TIME TO OPEN THEM UP.

I KNOW MY WIFE IN THE SUMMER WHEN SHE WAS GROWING UP SHY WOULD GO TO THE LIBRARY AND SPEND HOURS UPON HOURS.

WE NEED TO GET BACK IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE LIBRARY SYSTEM IS SO IMPORTANT.

IT IS TIME TO GET THOSE OPEN TO SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

IT IS SUPPORT FOR THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND FOLKS THAT REALLY DO NEED HELP, THOSE ARE THE FOLKS THAT COME TO THE

LIBRARY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I FULLY SUPPORT YOUR CONCERN IN THE ITEM HERE.

HOWEVER, BEFORE WE DO THAT, JUDGE, IF WE CAN GET THE LIBRARY STAFF VACCINATED AND LIKE TO SEE AN UH -- AN

ASSESSMENT IN THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

AND WE ARE CLOSE. WE ARE CLOSE, BUT WE ARE JUST

NOT QUITE THERE. >> THERE ARE SEVERAL FOLKS 60 AND 70 THAT HAVE NOT BEEN VACCINATED.

THE NUMBERS HAVE US AT 18% ICU CAPACITY FULL POSITIVITY RATE.

IT IS 9.1%. NEW OF NEW CASES IS 592 NEW CASES PER DAY. YOU GUYS WANT TO KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN REVIEWED. WE HAD A FRESH PAIR OF EYES AND BAYLOR AND A FRESH PAIR OF EYES FROM RICE SAYING DO WE UPDATE THESE WITH THE VACCINATION RATES? THEY SAID AS PEOPLE ARE VACCINATED MORE AND MORE, THE INDICATORS ARE GETTING TO ORANGE AND THEY HAVE WORKED AND THEY SUBMITTED A PLAN. IT IS NOT THAT WE ARE CLOSE INDEFINITELY. WE ARE CLOSE TO ORANGE AND THE PRESIDENT MADE A STATEMENT ABOUT HIS ADVISERS A MONTH TO A MONTH AND A HALF AFTER REOPENING.

AND THINGS OPEN 100% NO MASKS.

[07:20:03]

WE STILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHETHER THAT HAS SAME EFFECT.

WE'LL HIT ORANGE AND WE WILL GET TO THE REOPENING.

CURRENT LOW -- CURRENTLY THERE ARE 3,000 TO 4,000 PICK UPS EVERY DAY. WHETHER IT IS DALLAS OR AUSTIN AND THE BIG COUNTIES IN TEXAS, THEY ARE DOING CURBSIDE SERVICE. YOU HAVE FOLKS OF ALL AGES CONGREGATING. WHEN YOU TAKE A RISK SURVEY OF COVID IT IS HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO BE THERE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE AND MIGHT YOU HAVE HIGH RISK FOLKS THERE. THE ANSWER IS YES, YES, YES.

AS A LIFE LONG READER I AM AGREEING WHEN IT IS SAFE AND ADEQUATE. MY POSITION IS TO CONTINUE PUTTING THIS THROUGH THE LET LEVEL SYSTEM.

IF NOT, THERE IS A REASON WE DIDN'T MAKE IT TO ORANGE.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, WHAT I THINK I HEARD YOU SAY IS WHEN WE ARE ORANGE WE WILL OPEN UP LIGHT BRARIES ? LIBRARIES ?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. TO SOME DEGREE.

YES. IT IS NOT GOING TO BE 100%, BUT THERE WILL BE AN OPENING OF THE LIBRARY.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I LOVE TO HAVE A TARGET TO GO FOR.

THANK YOU FOR THAT, JUDGE. WE'LL REACH OUT.

WHEN WE SAY WE HAVE ORANGE OUR KIDS CAN GET BACK IN THE LIBRARY. IT GIVES US SOMETHING TO DO.

IT GIVES FAMILY SOMETHING TO DO INSTEAD OF THE PRESSURES IN PLACE. MY FATHER WAS IN THE SPACE INDUSTRY AND I WISH THERE WAS A MOVIE HE COULD HAVE SEEN.

"HIDDEN FIGURES." IF NOT FOR LIBRARIES WE WOULDN'T HAVE THE SPACE PROGRAM WE HAVE TODAY.

ORANGE IS WHAT WE ARE GOING FOR.

WHEN WE HIT ORANGE WE GET BOOKS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE BOOKS, COMMISSIONER.

YES THERE IS A PLAN FOR ORANGE FOR THE REOPENING.

WE HAVE THOSE LITTLE BOOK LIBRARIES THAT PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO OUTSIDE. IT IS NOT THE BEST CONDITIONS, BUT WE ARE MAKING DO. WE ARE BETA TESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY CENTERS. MOST OF THE SCHOOLS ARE OPEN IN PRECINCT 3. THE REPORTS WE GET, IT IS ALL GOOD. THANK YOU, JUDGE AND LOOKING

FORWARD TO GETTING TO ORANGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HOPE WE'LL GET THERE VERY SOON. THE NEXT ITEM --

>> I'M SORRY. IS THERE ANY ACTION ON THAT

ITEM? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION,

CORRECT, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO ACTION OF.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 15 AND DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE ALLOCATION OF THE METRO TRANSFER. THAT IS COUNTY ENGINEER.

>> YES, JUDGE. THESE FUNDS WERE CERTIFIED BY THE AUDITOR AND I WANTED THE COURT TO BE AWARE THAT THEY ARE CERTIFIED AND THEY ARE IN AN ACCOUNT.

I AM NOT ADVOCATING ANYTHING BE DONE WITH THEM.

BUT THEY ARE HERE AND THEY ARE IN AN ACCOUNT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO ASK MR. BLOUNT OR MR. BERRY, WHAT RESTRICTIONS ARE THERE ON THESE FUNDS? MAY HAVE TO ASK LEGAL DEPARTMENT.

I'M NOT SURE. >> I CAN TELL YOU, COMMISSIONER, TRADITIONALLY WE PUT THEM BACK AND WE USE THEM FOR TRANSPORTATION. IT WAS A REIMBURSE MEANT AND THERE WAS MORE FLEXIBILITY. I SENT A COPY TO THE COUNTY

[07:25:11]

ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. >> I DID HAVE A CHANCE TO READ IT AND THERE ARE QUESTIONS AS TO THE CONTRACT AND IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL USES AND THE GENERAL ABILITY.

THE NATIONAL LIST OF ITEMS ARE ON THERE.

IT PROVIDES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF FLEXIBILITY.

THERE IS A CAUTIONARY TALE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT IT TO BE A BROAD CAPACITY. AND WE CAN RELATE WITH THE OFFSETS. WE KNOW WE ARE $1.4 BILLION POSSIBLY SHORT UNLESS THE STATE WERE TO GIVE US THE MONEY WE ANTICIPATED. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ANTICIPATED IT TODAY. COULD THE MONEY BE USED FOR SOME OF THE PROJECTS? IT HELPS INCREASE ALL OF OUR WATER SHEDS. DO YOU KNOW IF IT COULD MAKE

USE OF THAT? >> COMMISSIONER, IT IS CLEAR THEY COULD BE USED IN THE DRAINAGE PROJECT WE -- AND BREE -- AND WE HAVE USED IT AND WE ARE STOPPING FLOODING.

>> I KNOW YOU WERE DOING THAT EQUITY ANALYSIS.

IT IS GOING TO BE MORE THAN THIS $30 MILLION.

FROM MY STANDPOINT I DON'T CARE IF THEY ARE IN MY PRE SINK OR SOMEONE ELSE'S. I KNOW THERE ARE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I REPRESENTS TWO PRECINCTS AT LEAST WITH THE WATER SHED THAT'S HAVE BECOME A DETENTION POPPED. DE TENSION POND.

THEY THINK THEY CAN BE USED OVER THERE.

WE HAVE TO GET THEM TO THE WATER SHEDS.

>> COMMISSIONER, I THINK IT WESTBOUND USED ON THE SUBDIVISION PROJECT. ANY OF THEM.

ARE -- YOU ARE RE-DOING IT AND IT WAS IN THE MET THROW AGREEMENT. THE QUESTION TALKS ABOUT WHAT

DO YOU HAVE TO DO. >> YOU HAVE TO BUILD AN ANALYSIS IS. WE MET THE THRESHOLD.

>> THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT FLOOD CONTROL NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO SHOW THAT. THERE IS SOME SORT OF A MESSAGE. IT COULD BE THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE IS CAUSING DOWNSTREAM FLOODING.

I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT THE WAY IT IS WORDED DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN THAT THAT PARTICULAR FLOOD CONTROL MECHANISM HAS TO BE A PARTICULAR DRAINAGE.

THAT WOULD BE THE POTENTIAL DOWNSTREAM FLOODING.

IT WOULD REQUIRE THE ANALYSIS FROM FLUED CONTROL AND

ENGINEER. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU AND

[07:30:02]

YOUR STAFF AND THE REST OF THE COURT MEMBERS WE CON -- CONSULLED AND PREPARED A REPORT AND I WILL MAKE SURE YOU GET A COPY. IS THERE A REASON WHY ACTION

HAS TO BE TAKEN ON THIS NOW? >> NO.

I JUST WANTED THE COURT TO BE AWARE THAT IT WAS CERTIFIED

AND IN AN ACCOUNT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST TO MY COLLEAGUES THAT THEY KNOW WE HAVE A $1.4 BILLION HOLE AND WE MADE A COMMITMENT TO CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING HOPING OUR STATE PARTNERS ARE -- I'M GOING INTO ANOTHER ISSUE, I'M SORRY. BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS PROVEN ON ONE HAND FOR US TO HAVE LOOKED AT A MAP AND SAY WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY WHERE IT COULD BE USED AND I ENCOURAGE MY -- I THINK WE SHOULD WAIT TO GET INTO A SITUATION ON HOW TO DIVEE IT. ANY THOUGHTS -- MY LAST POINT. MR. BERRY ASKED IF HE HAD ANY THOUGHTS AND THEN I WILL BE QUIET.

>> COMMISSIONER, I I DON'T HAVE ANY DOUBT THAT WE COULD FUND FEDERAL IN -- INTBRAW STRUCTURE FOR -- INFRASTRUCTURE. WHETHER THEY WANT TO DIRECT THE MONEY THERE OR SOME OTHER PRIORITY.

WE CAN FIND A HOME FOR 30 MILLION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW WHAT SPRINGS ON IT OR -- STRINGS ARE ON IT OR HOLES WE WOULD NEED TO FILL?

>> I MEAN I THINK USING MONEY FOR A STREET-RELATED PROJECT IS STRAIGHT FORWARD. IT SOUNDS LIKE HE IS IN A

THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: HAVING WORKED THIS METRO FUND FOR 30 PLUS YEARS AND WORKING WITH 14 CITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE METRO FUND AND WORKING BACK THROUGH METRO AND BEING SURE THAT WE CHECKED ALL OF THE BOXES I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY ON THEIR PART.

I THINK WHAT JOHN REFERRED TO RELATED TO THE PROJECTS THAT HAD DRAINAGE ISSUES IT SHOULD BE RELATED.

I AM READING THE CRITERIA NOW. MAKING DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IS RM AND NECESSARY -- AND NECESSARY FOR THE RELATED TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES. I DON'T THINK IT IS THAT COMPLICATED. I THINK WE CAN GET THERE.

THERE IS A TRANSIT. IS THERE A TRANSIT ISSUE RELATED TO THIS. IT IS CITY CENTRIC.

I HAVE THINGS FUNDED AND I DON'T THINK IT IS TOO MUCH TO STRETCH TO GET THERE IN TERMS OF DRAINAGE ISSUES.

WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE CHECK THE BOXES CORRECTLY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

I APPRECIATE WHERE COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS THINKING ABOUT THIS, I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OFF THE HOOK. THERE WAS A LOBBYIST WHO GOT THE $5 MILLION TO HELP FUND THE $4 MILLION GAP.

[07:35:08]

IT IS JUST 30 MILLION HERE AS TIP -- TYPICALLY LOOKED AT TO HELP SUPPORT OUR RESPECTIVE CIP'S.

IT WAS PED STREWN -- PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY. I HAVE LONG TALKED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF THE ROADWAYS IN PRECINCT TWO.

THEY HAVE TO CONTROL AND WORK WITH HUD TO GET THE MONEY INTO THE RIGHT AREAS. AND THERE IS JUST NO WAY I WILL GRIEF -- GIVE THAT TO THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT WHO CAN'T CONTROL THEIR PROJECTS OR FUNDS.

I WILL BE A NO ON THAT ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE WE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR ISSUE AND WE PLAN TO USE THE METRO FUNDS TO DO OUR PROJECTS. YOU HEARD ME BRAG ON THE ENGINEERING PROJECT AND THEY ARE INCREASING A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO THAT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.

WHEN WE DO A ROAD WE DO 25% ABOVE THE NO NET IMPACT TO THE PROJECT. THAT WAS HELPFUL WHEN THE ATLAS CRITERIA CAME IN. WE BUILT INTO CAPACITY.

I THINK THE 25% THAT GOES TO THE ADDITIONAL DRAINAGE IN OUR PROJECTS IS SOMETHING BEING UTILIZED.

I KNOW WE HAVE MANY OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS THAT ARE READY TO HAVE THE MOBILITY AND SAFETY PROJECTS IN PLACE.

WE ARE NO LONGER IN THE MIND-SET OF YOU GET ONE OR THE OTHER. IN FACT, WE HAVE HAD SOME PARTNERSHIPS IN THE NORTH. WE HAD CHAMPION'S DRIVE TO WHERE IT WAS LIKE ONE OF THE ANCIENT ROMAN CONVEYANCES TO WHERE IT WAS A ROAD ON TOP OF A DRAINAGE PROG -- PROJECT.

JUDGE I WOULD ARGUE THAT THERE IS A SECOND POINT AS IT APPLIED TO PRECINCT 4 AND PROBABLY PRE SINK 3.

PRECINCT 3. MUCH OF PRECINCT 4 IS IN THE METRO TAX. MOST OF THE SERVICES FOR METRO ARE NOT PROVIDED IN PRECINCT 4.

WHILE THEY ARE CONTINUING TO WILLINGLY SUBJECT THEMSELVES TO ATTACKS IS BECAUSE PART OF THE REVENUES WERE BROUGHT BACK INTO THEIR COMMUNITY SO THAT THEY CAN HAVE BETTER TRANSPORTATION. IF WE GO DOWN THE PATHWAY THE WAY WE ARE NOT ONLY GOING TO NOT LET THEM HAVE THAT, BUT WE ARE GOING TO DIVERT IT SOMEWHERE ELSE.

WE HAVE A TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION-TYPE ISSUE.

THE QUESTION IS HOW LONG WILL THAT BE SUSTAINABLE.

IT IS IN COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE GROWN TO EXPECT THAT WHEN THEY ARE TAXED THEY GET SOME BENEFIT BACK FROM THE TAX AND THE NEIGHBORHOODS. I WOULD THOUGH THAT OUT AS AN ADDITIONAL THOUGHT AS WE MOVE DOWN.

JUDGE, THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE COUNTING ON US FOR DRAINAGE AND THE MOBILITY WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THIS?

>> THERE COULD BE NO ACTION. WE ARE JUST NOTIFYING THE COURT THAT THE FUNDS WERE THERE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK IF WE ARE READY WE CAN DIVEE IT

UP, ALWAYS. >> I SECOND THAT.

[07:40:04]

>> IT IS TO BE DIVIDED EQUALLY AMONG THE PRECINCTS.

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE TO YOU, MARCELLA?

>> YES, IT DOES. >> I MADE -- IT MADE MY CASE.

>> I THINK I CAN COUNT TO THREE.

I WILL MOVE IT ALONG. I MADE MY CASE.

>> WE WILL PULL THE MONEY FROM SOMEWHERE.

THERE IS A MOTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND WHO MADE THE SECOND? COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION CARRIES.

THE NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 133. DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE ACTION TO THE FLOOD CON -- CONTROL BOND PROGRAM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. POPPY IF YOU CAN GIVE US SOME SENSE OF WHERE WE ARE. I KNOW THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO CAME IN TO SPEAK AND AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE 1.4 BILLION WE ARE SHORT AND I KNOW YOU ARE TASKED WITH

COMING UP WITH A PLAN. >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER ELLIS I KNOW ARE YOU GETTING YOUR STEAM UP.

I DO HAVE ITEM 133, BUT MINE IS ON PAGE 16.

I'M SORRY. I DIDN'T WANT HER TO FUSS AT ME IF I GAVE HER THE WRONG PAGE NUMBER.

133 UNDER FLOOD CONTROL IS WHERE WE ARE AT.

I GOT THAT. MY APOLOGIES.

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I AM ON THE SAME AS YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE GOOD? RUSS, I JUST WANT TO GET SOME

UPDATE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING RIGHT NOW?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO. I WILL WAIT UNTIL COMMISSIONER

ELLIS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. POPPY, I WANTED AN UPDATE FROM YOU AND MR. BERRY ON THE PROCESS YOU ARE GOING THROUGH ON HOW BE WILL GET THERE WE ALL KNOW SECTION 14G IN THE ORDER THAT CALLED FOR AN ELECTION.

IT SAYS JURY RESTRICTIONS SHALL PROVIDE A PROCESS FOR THE EQUITABLE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS AND RECOGNIZING THAT THE PROJECT SELECTION MAY HAVE BEEN SELECTED IN THE PAST AND MAY CONTINUE TO BE AFFECTED BY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND MATCHING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE STAYING ON THIS.

I WANT TO GET A SENSE OF WHERE WE ARE AND TO REITERATE WHAT COMMITMENTS WERE MADE BY OUR STATE PARTNERS THAT DIDN'T TURN OUT THE WAY WE THOUGHT. WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD GET ABOUT 900 MILLION AND THEN THE STATE LIMITED EACH GOVERNMENT ENTITY TO TWO APPLICATIONS HARRIS COUNTY AGENCIES HAVE A REQUEST OF 900 PL -- 900 MILLION.

THE MATH INDICATES WE WON'T GET THERE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME SENSE OF HOW YOU THINK WE WILL GET TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE. I KNOW YOUR TARGET IS JUNE, BUT OBVIOUSLY I HAVE BEEN GETTING CALLS SINCE OUR COURT MEETING. I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE I AM SAYING IT AND IT IS TOO LATE.

SORRY. WE ARE TRYING TO DO WHAT WE CAN. ANY COMMENT YOU CAN GIVE US ABOUT HOW WE FILL THE GAP FOR GRAINS AND HAULS AND SIMMS. SOME WERE IMPACTED AND OTHER COUNTIES ARE INVOLVED.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE STAYING ON IT.

RUSS, I WANT TO SAY ANYTHING WE CAN DO WE ARE IN SESSION.

[07:45:02]

I WON'T BE IN A POSITION WHERE I DIDN'T GO DOWN FIGHTING IF WE HAVE TO ASK FOR FUNDING AND IT IS THE LOWER INCOME AREAS THAT FLOOD EVERY TIME, YOU ARE THE ONE WHO HELPED ME UNDERSTAND THE FEDERAL FORMULAS AND HOW IT WORKED WHEN I FIRST MET YOU. AND I AM DOING AS MUCH AS I CAN. WE DO NOT WANT TO BE IN A POSITION. I DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN GO BACK TO THE VOTERS AND THOSE TWO WATER SHEDS IN PARTICULAR ARE LEFT OUT. THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LIKE SOME

FEEDBACK ON. >> YES, COMMISSIONER.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, RUSS POPPY WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. WE PLANNED ON GIVING A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE ATTACHMENTS IN THE BACK UP ABOUT THE OVERALL BOND PROGRAM AND WHERE WE ARE AT.

IF IT IS ACCEPTABLE MATT OFFERED TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE WORK HE LEAD WITH OUR TEAM TO PROVIDE THAT UPDATE IF THAT IS ACCEPTABLE AS -- AT THIS TIME AND THEN I WOULD HAPPY TO ADDRESS THE QUESTIONS YOU ADDRESSED ME.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M FINE WITH THAT.

IT IS FINE WITH ME. >> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, IT IS MATT Z WITH FLOOD CONTROL. I DID ATTACH A BOND PROGRAM UPDATE TO THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

I WILL GO THROUGH IT QUICKLY SO RUSS CAN CIRCLE BACK.

AS OF TODAY WE HAVE 181 PROJECTS IN 2 INJURE 18 -- 2018 BOND PROGRAM. 19 COMPLETED AND 141 ARE ACTIVE. WE HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED 21 OF THEM. OUT OF THE COMPLETED PROJECTS A BIG ONE IS THE HARVEY REPAIR PROGRAM THAT WAS PARTIALLY FUNDED BY THE CONSERVATION SERVICE IT WAS A 125-MILLION REPAIR PROGRAM FROM THE DAMAGE FROM HARVEY.

WE COMPLETED IT IN A THREE-YEAR TIME STAND.

INCLUDING -- WE HAVE ALL INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BOND PROJECTS WE HAVE 372 PROJECTS THAT ARE IN PROCESS RIGHT NOW WITH OVER A HUNDRED BEING THE BRAIN NEGLIGENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

WE HAVE HAD 20 MUNICIPALITIES THAT ADVANCED THEIR DRAINAGE PROJECTS WITH HELP FROM THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT BOND PROGRAM WITH MORE OF THE LOCAL PARTNERSHIP HAD TO COME THIS YEAR. THE 21 PROJECTS THAT HAVEN'T STARTED. WE HAVE ONE YEAR FROM NOW TO HAVE THOSE PROJECTS STARTED ACCORDING TO THE PRY YOUR TAU -- THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK.

WRAPPING THIS THING UP RELATIVELY QUICKLY A COUPLE OTHER STATISTICS TO THINK ABOUT, I BROKE THE BOND PROJECT LIFE CYCLE INTO TWO HIGH LEVEL CATEGORIES.

I CALL IT INSIDE WORK AND OUTSIDE WORK.

WE DO THE STUDIES AND THE DESIGN.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND THE INSIDE WORK IS WHERE THE PUBLIC CAN'T SEE WHAT WE ARE DOING.

WE HAVE A LOT OF INSIDE WORK GOING ON RIGHT NOW.

THAT'S WHERE PEOPLE CAN SEE THE BENEFITS OF THE INSIDE WORK AND THAT'S WHERE THE BENEFITS ARE ACTUALLY REALIZED ON THE GROUND. WE HAVE ABOUT 34 PROJECTS THAT ARE IN CONSTRUCTION OR COMPLETED WITH THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE BOND PROJECT IN ONE OF THE EARLY STAGES OF THE INSIDE WORK. THAT WILL CHANGE IN THE COMING YEARS. SOME OTHER QUICK HIGH-LEVEL STATISTICS 88 PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY.

THEY EXECUTED 326 ENGINEERING AGREEMENTS WITH A VALUE OF 247 MILLION. WE HAVE ACQUIRED 340 PROPERTIES WITH A VALUE OF OVER $208 MILLION FOR

[07:50:08]

CONSTRUCTION. WE HAD 140 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS. THEY HAD 640 BUYOUTS AND 680 HOME BUYOUTS IN PROCESS RIGHT NOW.

AND TO GET ALL OF THAT DONE WE HAD OVER 1,000 ITEMS ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT SINCE THE BOND PROGRAM WAS APPROVED.

WE AUTHORIZED $515 MILLION OF BOND FUNDS TO BE SPENT.

AND WE ACTUALLY PAID INCRIES -- INVOICES ON $358 MILLION OF PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BOND PROGRAM WHICH IS 2.5 BILLION. FOR THE CONTRACTS I MENTIONED, 65-POINT -- $65 MILLION WENT TO MINORITY OR WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES. IT IS 26 AND A HALF PERCENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HAVE GONE TO CERTIFIED MWBE OR HUB FIRMS. THAT'S THE CONCLUSION OF MY PART OF THE UPDATE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS EXPECTING YOU TO ADDRESS THE OTHER QUESTION.

SO WE WILL ALLOW FROM THAT BEFORE WE HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> THIS IS RUSS. REGARDING THE REMAINING PARTNERSHIP AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, I KNOW EVERYBODY IS GETTING FRUSTRATED, BUT HERE WE ARE THREE YEARS WAITING ON ANSWERS. THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE EARLIER IN THE DAY THEY WERE ASKING WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG? WE PUT THAT IF PERSPECTIVE.

WE HAD SECURED VIA CONTRACTS WITH THE U.S. CORE OF ENGINEERS 333 MILLION ON FOUR WATER SHEDS.

TO ANSWER COMMISSIONER ELLIS' QUESTIONS WE HAD TWO APPLICATIONS. ONE AM -- APPLICATION WITH 100 MILLION ON GREENS. SIMILAR DOLLAR AMOUNT, AND HERE WE ARE THREE YEARS AFTER THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET PASSED.

AND WE ARE STILL WAITING ON ANSWERS FROM THE GLO WHICH IS THE DIRECT RECIPIENT OF HUD FUNDS.

IF ANYTHING THAT TELLS ME THERE IS A DELIVERY METHOD ISSUE WITH THE HUD FUNDS. THAT'S WHERE OUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS MAY HAVE TO HELP US OUT.

THE ONE THING THAT COULD ACCELERATE THE FUNDS IS A DIRECT ALLOCATION. COMMISSIONER YOU ASKED WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT WITH HAD YOU HAD AND THE -- -- THE HUD AND THE GLO, I -- THAT WAS WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

THEY SAID WE DO NOT GO TO THE CITY OR COUNTY.

IT HAS TO GO TO THE STATE. LIKE THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND OTHERS WE ARE IN A HOLDING PATTERN FOR $4.2 BILLION WORTH OF HUD FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE STATE THAT ARE PRIMARILY TO BE SPENT IN LOW TO MODERATE INCOME AREAS AND WE ARE WAITING ON THE ANSWERS FROM THEM.

I WILL BE HONEST IF WE DIDN'T GET THE CONTRACTS FROM THE CORE OF ENGINEERS WE WOULD HAVE SIMILAR FUNDING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES AND HEAD SCRATCHING CONVERSATIONS AS WELL. IT COMES DOWN TO CAN WE COME UP WITH A BETTER DELIVERY METHOD ESPECIALLY AS WE MAKE MORE MONEY AVAILABLE TO DO THESE TYPES OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS. THAT'S SOMETHING WE TALKED ABOUT, BUT IF WE ARE GETTING ADDITIONAL FUNDS THROUGH A SUPPLEMENTAL BILL THAT CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT ARE TALKING ABOUT, THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WEE HAVE TO ADVOCATE FOR. ALL THAT SAID, WE ARE NOT STANDING STILL AND I WANT TO ADDRESS THE RESIDENTS' CONCERNS. EVEN THOUGH WE ARE WAITING ON THE GLO WE ARE SEEING SOME TRACTION.

THE GLO IS MAKING PRESS RELEASES AND THEY ARE MAKING.

ONE OF THE AWARDS WAS $10 MILLION TOWARD THE COUNTY. THAT'S NOT THE $100 MILLION WE

[07:55:04]

ARE LOOKING AT. THEY ARE ACCELERATING THE LARGER APPLICATIONS. WITH ALL THAT SAID WE ARE MOVING FORWARD AND THESE ARE STATISTICS AND WE JUST

RECENTLY FINISHED A -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND SAN

JACINTA. >> YES, BUT THAT'S WHAT WHAT I WAS ASKED. WE JUST FINISHED A DETENTION BASIN AND IT WILL REDUCE THE FLOODING FOR 2400 HOMES.

THEY WILL REDUCE FLOODING AND ON THIS AGENDA ITEM WE ARE ADVERTISING AN ADDITIONAL $6 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS. I WANT TO MAKE SHY -- SURE WE HAVE DOLLARS THAT WILL UH LOY US TO DO A LOT OF INSIDE WORK AND OUTSIDE WORK. AND WHILE ALL OF THAT IS GOING ON WE ARE CERTAINLY WORKING WITH BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND COME UP WITH A PLAN. WE ARE ENCOURAGED BY THE CONVERSATIONS AND WE ARE MEETING WEEKLY AND THE STAFF IS IN COMPLICATIONS AND COMING UP WITH IDEAS THAT WE CAN TAP INTO SHOULD WE HAVE TO GO INTO THE ALTERNATE FUNDING

RECOMMEND -- RECOMMENDATIONS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: RUSS, THANK YOU.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM CLEAR ON THIS AS POSSIBLE.

THE BOND PACKAGE THAT WAS TALKED ABOUT 10 BILLION, BUT A MOTION WAS NEVER MADE. THERE WAS TALK ABOUT A 1 MILLION DOLLAR PACKAGE, 1.5 MILLION PACKAGE.

AT ONE POINT WE HAD A CONVERSATION IN MY OFFICE AND IT WAS 2.5 BILLION AND YOU SAID IF IT WAS AT THAT FIGURE WE CAN GET IT. AND THEN SOMETHING CHANGED.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO RAISE TAXES AND SERVICE THE DEBT. MY STAFF IS LOOKING FOR THE DISCUSSION. I WAS SURPRISED THEY ENDED UP IN THE PAPER. YOU ARE TELLING THE PEOPLE IN MY PRECINCT IF IT IS $1 BILLION THEY CAN ENROLL IN HARRIS COUNTY. THAT'S ALL THEY WILL GET.

REMEMBER THE DISCUSSION? >> I DO.

I WAS DOING IT TO PUSH THE TWO PRIORITIES I HAD.

I -- THEY THOUGHT I COULD MAKE A LITTLE NOISE.

I WATTS TOLD THE COURT WOULD DO IT.

IT WAS A LANGUAGE THAT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

I WAS PUSHING FOR US SPELLING OUT EVERY PROJECT ON THE BALLOT. WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL THAT'S THE WAY IT HAPPENED. YOU TOLD ME WHAT IF YOU THINK YOU ARE SPENDING X AMOUNT AND IT IS MORE OR LESS AND YOU WOULD BE LOCKED IN. I DIDN'T NECESSARILY AGREE WITH IT. I WANTED TO SPELL OUT THE ITEMS. THERE WAS 2.5 BILLION FOR GROWNS AND -- GREENS AND HALLS.

[08:00:02]

IT WAS A COMMITMENT AND TAKING ON YOUR WORD.

WHAT IMPRESSION DID YOU GET? >> IT WAS A BILLION DOLLARS.

>> EACH? >> EACH A BILLION DOLLARS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO HERE IS THE CHALLENGE.

AND I UNDERSTAND THE LMI AND IN A POOR STATE LIKE TEXAS MOST OF THE FOLKS ARE NOT -- MOST OF THE FOLKS DON'T LIVE THE WAY WE LIVE. WE CAN'T SPEND THE TIME CHASING THE FEDERAL MONEY THE STATE HAS AND THEY DIDN'T GIVE IT TO US. I WENT OUT AND DID MY PART.

I WAS WRONG, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

YOU CALLED ME INTO YOUR OFFICE AND SAID BACK OFF A LITTLE BIT. LET ME MAKE THE CASE.

WE'RE BOTH WRONG. IT WAS THE LARGEST TAX INCREASE AND THE SMALLEST PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE VOTING ON IT IN THE HISTORY OF THE REGION.

YOU CAN'T GO OUT AND LEAVE THESE NEIGHBORHOODS.

IF THEY DON'T GET THE PROJECTS DONE THEY WILL GO BACK TO THE VOTERS. I'M LOOKING AT THE MAP.

YOU SEE IT. IT SAYS 25% OF WHAT IS NEEDED HAS BEEN SPENT. 26 FOR HAULS.

OTHER COUNTIES COULD PLAY A ROLE AS WELL.

YOU EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS EARMARKED.

THEY NEVER WOULD HAVE MET THE STANDARD.

EVEN WITH THE NEW LANGUAGE YOU WOULDN'T GET AN EARMARK.

ALL OF THE BELLS AND WHISTLES.

WHAT I DON'T WANT IS TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE GO BACK BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY BAKER, CYPRUS, LITTLE CYPRUS AND WILLOW CREEK AND BUFFALO, WHITE OAK.

IF YOU GO OUT THERE JACKSON, GOOSE CREEK, CALL ONE OF MINE OUT. IT WOULD NEVER PASS IF YOU ARE GOING OUT THERE AND IT IS PER -- PERCEIVED AS ONE.

YOU CAN'T JUST SIT BACK AND SAY MY SOLUTION IS I AM CHASING THE FEDERAL MONEY THAT THE STATE HAS.

I'M NOT WITH THE STATE ANYMORE.

I'M NOT THERE. OR TO GO AND SAY NOW WE WANT THIS NEW ADMINISTRATION TO DO SOMETHING THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DIDN'T DO. I WILL TRY, BUT THAT'S AN UPHILL BATTLE. RARELY HAVE THE COUNTIES GO THE A DIRECT ALLOCATION. IT SAYS A LOT ABOUT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THAT WE HAVE IT IN THIS NEXT PECK SEG OF -- PACK SEG OF -- PACKAGE OF MONEY.

WE MET WITH THE FOLKS AT HUD TOGETHER.

ONLY A HANDFUL OF COUNTIES. CITIES CAN USUALLY MAKE A BETTER CASE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE MONEY COMMITTED ON OUR PART. IF WE DON'T GET IT I WILL SPEND OUR MONEY OR SLOW DOWN WHAT HAPPENS IN THE OTHER AREAS SO IF WE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN ALL OF US ARE IN IT TOGETHER. INCLUDING PROJECTS IN MY PRECINCT. YOU CAN'T JUST GO OUT THERE.

[08:05:02]

I HAD NO IDEA WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.

THE SOLUTION IS WE WILL KEEP CHASING FEDERAL DOLLARS.

THE FEDS GAVE THE MONEY TO TEXAS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WELL SAID.

RUSS, I HAVE SEVERAL QUESTIONS.

WHAT IS THE TOTAL SPEND ON CONSTRUCTION AT THIS POINT?

>> WE SPENT 85 MILLION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND HOW MUCH

WAS SPENT ON STUDIES. >> I WOULD HAVE TO GET THAT TO YOU, COMMISSIONER. I HAVE -- I DON'T HAVE THAT STATISTIC ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE COST AND PERFORMANCE -- WHAT IS THE COST OF THE -- THE OVERALL COST SCHEDULE IN

THIS? >> MAKING SURE I UNDERSTAND

YOUR QUESTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE SCHEDULED PERFORMANCE -- HERE YOU GO.

THE COST PERFORMANCE INDEX? >> WE HAD A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS EARLY ON WITH THE BOND PROGRAM.

OUR GOAL WAS TO GET IT DONE IN 10 YEARS.

WE HAD A COUPLE OF FIRMS TO HELP US WITH THAT AND SO I THINK WE ALL AGREE THAT WE WOULD DO THE BOND PROGRAM AND BASED ON THE SPENDING RATE WE GOT SO FAR, WE ARE UNSCHEDULED TO DO THAT. WHAT IS THE COST PERFORMANCE

IN THIS. >> I WILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO MY STAFF TO GET THAT TO YOU. I DON'T HAVE THAT HANDY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW ABOUT THE SCHEDULED PERFORMANCE?

>> WELL, WE HAVE A MASTER SCHEDULE.

WE JUST DIDN'T INCLUDE IT IN THE BOND PROGRAM UPDATE.

>> I KNOW IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN I THINK AT 10 YEARS FROM THE GET GO. I THOUGHT WE HAD GOT THE OVERALL TENURE, BUT THERE WOULD BE SOME SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE PROGRAM THAT WOULD BE DONE WITHIN SEVEN YEARS. AM I REMEMBERING THAT

CORRECTLY? >> THERE WAS SOME ONSET THAT WE HAD DESIGNED AND LEADING UP TO THE BOND PROGRAM AND WE PUSHED THOSE TO CONSTRUCTION FIRST.

THAT WAS A LARGE PART OF THE $380 MILLION THAT HAS BEEN SPENT SO FAR. THAT IS CREEK.

>> AND TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS' POINT AND THAT MAP THAT WE SAW THE OTHER DAY IT SHOWS HOW -- I DON'T WANT TO SAY UNDER FUNDED, BUT THERE IS NO WORK IN THE WATER SHEDS.

WE SHARED THE WATER SHEDS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A BREAK DOWN OF THE CONSTRUCTION COSTS PER PRECINCT IF YOU CAN GET THAT TO MY OFFICE. AND WHEN NEW CONSTRUCTION PER

PRECINCT WILL BEGIN. >> YES, SIR.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND I KNOW WE ARE BOUND FOR A BREAK.

I FIGURED WE WOULD FINISH THIS ITEM AND THEN TAKE A BREAK.

>> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY ALONG THE SAME LINES THERE ARE DAYS -- WE NEED TO CLEARLY UNDERSTAND WHEN PROJECTS ARE GONNA BE BID AND WHEN THEY WILL BE LET.

I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH SLOWING DOWN ANYTHING.

I SAY WE PROCEED WITH DESIGN WITH A COMMITMENT THAT WE ARE GONNA GET THIS THING DONE. I DON'T WANT THAT HEAR ABOUT SLOWING DOWN IN HAULS AND SLOWING DOWN IN GREENS.

[08:10:12]

I HAVE A COPY OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE HERE.

I THINK THERE IS MERIT TO THE POINT THAT THIS BOND ISSUE PASSED BECAUSE THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS BEING DONE IN ALL PRECINCTS. WE SHOULD PROCEED WITH OUR DESIGN APPROACH, CONSTRUCTION APPROACH.

I THINK THAT'S A LOT OF WHAT WE ARE SEEING.

I NOTED EVERY ONE OF THEM HAVE THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

THIS IS WHAT I KNOW ABOUT THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

THEY ARE GETTING THE WATER TO THE BAYOU.

GETTING THE WATER TO THERE IS TYPICALLY THE CITY.

ARE WE DOING THAT BECAUSE THE CITY ISN'T? OR IS THE CITY DOING A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF PROJECTS THERE TOO? IT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MAKE SURE WE PROPERLY LEVERAGE EVERYTHING.

>> OBVIOUSLY WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND TO YOUR POINT WE ARE YEAH ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE ON THE INSIDE AND OUR IN

HOUSE WORK AS MENTIONED. >> THEY DO HAVE PROJECTS IN HAULS AND GREENS THAT COMPLEMENT OURS?

>> I BELIEVE THE ONES WE HAVE ARE PARTNERSHIPS WITH HARRIS

COUNTY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE FIRST IS A SEAR EAST OF -- SERIES OF QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN ASKED BEVER -- ASKED BEFORE. RUSS, YES OR NO, IS THERE ANYTHING BEHIND THE SCHEDULE AS WE ARE TALKING TODAY?

>> NO, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT IS TRUE OF THE ORIGINAL JED -- SCHEDULE THAT WAS VOTED ON AND THE REVISED SCHEDULE THAT WAS SUB GENTLY VOTED -- SUB SCWIPT -- SUBSEQUENTLY VOTED ON.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SECOND QUESTION. I KNOW YOU ARE SEEKING TO PURSUE AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS PUT IT THE FEDERAL DOLLARS THAT THE STATE IS HOLDING. AS I UNDERSTAND IT THE ENTIRE STATE IS IN THE SAME BOAT THAT WE ARE IN HAIR RUSS CON -- HARRIS COUNTY. WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES WAITING FOR THE STATE TO LET GO OF THE FUNDS IS THAT

CORRECT. >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF WE WENT AHEAD AND SPENT OUR LOCAL MONEY WHERE THE STATE IS HOLDING OUR MONEY THAT IS TO GO FOR THE THREE WATER SHEDS THEN THE STATE IS NOT UNDER AN OBLIGATION TO GIVE US OUR MONEY ANYMORE.

THEY COULD GIVE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE.

IS THAT CORRECT? >> WE WOULD HAVE TO LIKELY MODIFY OUR APPLICATIONS TO THE GLO IF WE ADVANCE THE LOCAL FUNDS THAT TAKE THE PLACE OF HUD.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU EDUCATE ETD -- EDUCATED ME THAT IF WE GO TOO FAST AND FAR WE LOSE FEDERAL DOLLARS.

WE DON'T WANT TO GO TOO FAR OR WE LOSE THEM.

THREE, THE PROPOSITION THERE -- THAT WE SHOULD SLOW DOWN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE COUNTY AND THIS IS NOT TO YOU RUSS. THIS IS JUST A PROPOSITION.

THE CONCEPT THAT WE SLOW DOWN ALL OTHER PROG JEMGHT -- PROJECTS IT SANDAL -- IT SOUNDS LIKE CHICAGO-STYLE SHAKE DOWNS. I DON'T THINK THE PEOPLE OF PRECINCT 4 WOULD VOTE FOR A BOND IF THEY ARE TOLD THAT THEY DON'T GET THEIR CURRENT PROJECTS THEY ALREADY VOTED ON

[08:15:06]

AND THEY VOTE FOR ANOTHER BOND.

I DON'T THINK THAT WILL PASS IN PRECINCT 4.

I DON'T THINK THAT -- I KNOW IT IS LATE.

IT IS 7:15 AND YOU PROBABLY HAVEN'T HAD YOUR GRAPES AND OTHER STUFF AND THAT PROBABLY WASN'T YOUR BEST THOUGHT OUT IDEA, BUT I WOULD NOT SUPPORT THAT SUPPORT OF HOLDING OVER PEOPLE WAITING FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT SAYING THEY WON'T GET IT UNLESS THEY VOTE FOR ANOTHER BOND.

NOT YOUR BEST IDEA, BUT IT IS AFTER 7:00.

I WILL GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT OF A GRACE THERE.

THE IDEA YOU HAD AT 7 P.M. MAY NOT BE THE SAME AS 7 A.M.

THE LAST POINT IS ONE YOU HAVE BEEN HEARING ME INTERJECT.

THERE ARE THREE WATER SHEDS. ONE IS THE SAN JACINTO WATER SHED. AND ALONG IT ARE SOME OF THE POOREST AND ECONOMICALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY. THESE ARE LMI AREA.

JONES PARK THAT IS AROUND THE CORNER IS IN AN LMI AREA.

WHEN WE KEEP TALKING ABOUT THESE OTHER TWO WATER SHEDS AND WE KEEP IGNORING THE SAN JACINTO WATER SHED, AND YES THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN HAVE, BUT WE NEED TO NOT FORGET -- IF WE HAVE FUNDING IT IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY, LET'S NOT PUNISH THE POOR PEOPLE IN PRECINCT FOUR BECAUSE THEY ARE OUTSIDE BELT WAY 8.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO HAVE A LOT TO GET THROUGH AND I DON'T WANT TO -- MY VOTE ANYWAY WOULD BE TO NOT CONTINUE WITH MORE DISCUSSION ON SOMETHING THAT I THINK HAS BEEN MADE CLEAR TO RUSS AND MATT AND DAVE IS WORKING ON IT THAT YOU ALL NEED TO BRING A SOLUTION THAT PROJECTS CANNOT GET DELAYED. I AM WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON THIS ONE. IT NEEDS TO BE FAIR FOR EVERYBODY. WE CAN'T JUST SAY, TOO BAD A BOND PROPOSAL SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE FOR MORE MONEY AND IT IS LESS MONEY. SO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE ALWAYS BEHIND WILL BE BEHIND AGAIN. WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET IT DONE. WHETHER IT MEANS ANOTHER BOND ELECTION ORIE VENT OF -- OR REINVESTMENT OF FUNDS.

I RECOMMEND WE TAKE A BREAK AND THAT WE CONTINUE WITH THE AGENDA. I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD A COMMENT, BUT THAT'S MY POINT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT, I WON'T RESPOND DIRECTLY TO MY COLLEAGUE, BUT I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT I'M NOT TIRED AND I CHOOSE MY WORDS CAREFULLY. THIS COUNTY WOULD NEVER PASS ANOTHER BOND ISSUE. AFTER MAKING A COMMITMENT WITH AN EQUITY PRIORITY NETWORK IGNORED.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THAT'S WHAT YOU WANTED THE EQUITY GUIDELINES TO MEAN. I HAPPEN TO REPRESENT SOME OF THE WEALTHY -- WEALTHIEST AND SOME OF THE POOREST AREAS IN THE COUNTY. THE PRIORITIZATION EQUITY FRAMEWORK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT PRECINCT ANYBODY LIVES IN. A GOOD PORTION OF THE SPENDING IS IN PRECINCT 1. I REPRESENT DOWNTOWN.

I REPRESENT THE MEDICAL CENTER.

BUT YOU CANNOT HAVE AN EQUITY PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK AND SAY THOSE AREAS THAT WERE HISTORICALLY NEGLECTED, AND BY THE WAY I HIT THOSE TWO IN PARTICULAR I TALK ABOUT THEM.

NOT JUST SAN JACINTO, BUT SAM'S.

OTHER PARTNERS AND OTHER COUNTIES COULD HELP WITH THAT AS WELL. YOU CAN'T JUST SAY WE WILL FOLLOW THE EQUITY FOR THOSE POOR AREAS THAT IT WAS DESIGNED FOR IF WE GET MONEY FROM SOMEBODY ELSE.

THAT'S HOW THEY WERE LEFT ON THE BACK OF THE BUS FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. AND YOU CAN DANCE AROUND IT AND TRY TO ACT LIKE IT IS NOT THE CASE, BUT THE REALITY IS THOSE AREAS HAVE BEEN IN A DETENTION POND BECAUSE OF RACISM AND INDIFFER -- INDIFFERENCE AND IT HAS GONE ON IN THIS COUNTY FOR DECADES.

WITH THAT I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO TAKE A BREAK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

YOU ARE ON MUTE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL WAIT

UNTIL WE COME BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 7:23.

LET'S TAKE A BREAK UNTIL 7:35 AND WE WILL MOVE ON.

[08:20:04]

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: HI, Y'ALL.

IT IS 7 OOCHT 36 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS -- 7:36 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

WE DISCUSSED THE FLOOD CONTROL BOND.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT RUSS HEARD ME CORRECTLY AND I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT WHEN I ASKED FOR SCHEDULE PERFORMANCE INDEX AND THE COST PERFORMANCE INDEX, I WANTED FOR -- I WANT IT FOR EACH PROJECT AND FOR THE ENTIRE PROGRAM.

RUSS? >> I WILL UNMUTE HIM.

YOU ARE UNMUTED, RUSS. >> THANK YOU, LUCINDA.

YES, SIR, COMMISSIONER. OUR STAFF IS WORKING ON THAT

AND WILL HAVE IT DELIVERABLE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: EACH PROJECT AND THEN THE ENTIRE PROJECT -- PROGRAM.

>> EUFNEDZ -- UNDERSTOOD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ONE QUICK POINT, RUSS, WERE THESE PROJECTS STARTED -- WHERE ARE THESE PROJECTS ON THE -- WERE THEY STARTED ON THE

PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK? >> IT WAS NOT IT WAS NOT ADOPTED UNTIL THE SUMMER OF 2019 AND WE STARTED INITIATING BOND PROJECTS WHEN THEY APPROVED THE BOND PROGRAM IN

2018. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO OUR PROGRAM IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRIORITIZATION

FRAMEWORK? >> WELL, -- ONCE COURT ADOPTED THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK, FROM THAT POINT FORWARD WE ABSOLUTELY WEREN'T IN COMPLIANCE AND I WILL MAKE

SURE THAT WE ARE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THAT IS AN IMPORTANT POINT TO MAKE.

PROJECTS WERE STARTED IN -- AND THE PRIORITIZATION WAS STARTED AND IT LEADS ME TO BELIEVE WITH MY SIMPLE LOGIC THAT IT IS HARD TO LOGIC THAT OUR PLAN TO DATE HAS FOLLOWED

THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S A

GOOD POINT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK I THINK WE ARE ALL EAGER TO GET THE SOLUTIONS BACK.

THANK YOU. NEXT IS ITEM 134.

>> JUDGE, I'M SORRY. WHAT ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN ON

ITEM 133? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION.

THANK YOU FOR CONFIRMING. 134 IS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ATKINS NORTH AMERICA.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. RUSS, WHAT IS THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR THIS? IS THERE A FOUR-YEAR PLAN FOR

THIS? >> COMMISSIONER, IN IS RUSS AGAIN. WE PUT TOGETHER IN THE OCTOBER TIME FRAME OF LAST YEAR SOME WHAT IF SCENARIOS LOOKING FORWARD AND IT RANGED EVERYTHING OFF THE FOP -- THE TOP OF MY HEAD 30 MILLION A YEAR AS MORE BOND PROJECTS GET COMPLETED TO AS MUCH AS THREE TIMES THAT DEPENDING ON HOW PRO ACTIVE WE ARE GOING TO GET WITH RESPECT TO OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE SIDE OF THINGS. AS A RESULT OF THE CONVERSATION AND SUBSEQUENT CONVERSATIONS WITH BUDGET MANAGEMENT, THE FEEDBACK WE GOT WAS THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH DETAIL IN THE NUMBERS TO ACT IN CONFIDENCE ABOUT WHEFER THE ADDITIONAL MONEY -- WHERE THE ADDITIONAL MONEY WOULD COME FROM. WE ISSUED THE RFQ YOU WILL SEE HERE TO HAVE THE GOAL INCORPORATED.

IT IS FOR THE GRANULARITY IN THE SITUATION SO WE HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OUR NUMBERS. RIGHT NOW WE ARE LOOKING TO MAKE AN INTERIM UPDATE IN JULY OF THIS YEAR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. HERE ARE MY FOUR QUESTIONS.

I DON'T WANT TO KEEP MY COLLEAGUES HERE ANY LONGER THAN NECESSARY, BUT HOLD ON TO THESE FOUR QUESTIONS.

THE FIRST IS THE DELIVERABLES FROM DISAGREEMENT, WILL THIS EFFORT ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOW WILL THIS ADDRESS EQUITY IN TERMS OF MAINTENANCE NEEDS AND WILL THIS EFFORT THE BEST

[08:25:01]

MANAGEMENT PRACTICE FOR MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT, ET CETERA. WITH THAT I DO HAVE A MOTION RELATED TO THIS ITEM, JUDGE. WITH THE EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT I DO WANT TO ADD THAT A MAINTENANCE PLAN AND SCHEDULE FOR ALL INFRASTRUCTURE BASED ON THE

DATA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT YOUR MOTION? I WILL SECOND.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE CLARIFICATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE YOU SAYING AS PART OF THIS AGREEMENT OF THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES YOU WANT THEM TO PRESENT US WITH A FOUR-YEAR PLAN?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S CORRECT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: RUSS, YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT?

>> JUST MAKING SURE I'M CLEAR ON THAT.

THAT'S A FOUR-YEAR SICK LICK CAL -- CYCLICAL PLAN ADDRESSING ALL MAINTENANCE NEEDS?

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS A ROLLING PLAN.

IT IS NOT BLEND -- BLENDED. IT IS UPDATED EVERY YEAR.

>> UNDERSTOOD. THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF JAY SAYS WE CAN DO IT, I'M FINE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, COULD YOU PLEASE

REPEAT THE MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SURE, THE MOTION READS TO CREATE A ROLLING FOUR-YEAR MAINTENANCE PLAN AND SCHEDULE FOR ALL FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE BASED ON ON THE ASSET CONDITION -- BASED ON THE

ASSET CONDITION DATA. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S UNDER

THIS CONTRACT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S UNDER

THIS CONTRACT. >> LINA HIDALGO: JAY? JAY, DO YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THIS?

>> NO ISSUE, MA'AM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: PART OF THE QUESTION IS THERE MAY BE A RENEGOTIATION THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH REGARD TO THE COST BECAUSE THEY MAY WANT TO

CHARGE FOR THE ADDED FEATURE. >> WE HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS WITH THE $200,000 INITIAL APPROPRIATION AND NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 AND WE FEEL WE CAN ACCOMMODATE THE REQUEST.

IF WE NEED TO ADD MORE MONEY THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN MAKE A RECOMMENDATION IN JULY MAYBE WHEN WE GIVE OUR INITIAL

ASSESSMENT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SOUNDS GOOD. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I KNOW THIS IS A LITTLE LIKE WHAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WAS TALKING ABOUT EARLIER AS FAR AS CONNECTING THE DRAINAGE INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE ACTUAL DETENTION AND CHANNELS, ET CETERA.

I KNOW JOHN WAS DOING SOME PROJECT AROUND THE OUT HAUL AND MAKING SURE WE HAVE SOME SORT OF A MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AROUND OUR OUT FALLS. IS THAT GOING TO CONNECT WITH THIS? I LIKE THE IDEA, BUT I JUST -- IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE WE NEED TO ADD TO MAKE SURE THESE THINGS ARE WORKING IN TANDEM THAT BROADLY SPEAKING THE WATER HAS SOMEWHERE TO GO TO WHETHER IT IS ON JON'S SIDE

-- >> ARE YOU EXACTLY RIGHT.

THE OUT FALLS DRAIN COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE AND UNINCORPORATED AREAS FOR SURE.

THE OUT FALLS IF THEY FAIL IT IMPACTS OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND IT COULD CAUSE THE ROADWAYS TO FLOOD.

ABSOLUTELY WE ARE COORDINATING ON THE OVERALL ASSET

MANAGEMENT PROM -- PROGRAM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THIS WILL

HELP? >> ABSOLUTELY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. JOHN, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO

ADD? >> NO.

I WAS GOING TO SECOND THAT, JUDGE.

THE OUT FALL PROGRAM IS TIED TO THIS AND WE ARE WORKING WITH FLOOD CONTROL AND SHARING THE DATA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS MORE SORT OF THE IRT PROJECT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH, BUT WE DO NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHICH OUT FALLS AND WHICH DRAINAGE IS INADEQUATE TO CALL OUT THE JURISDICTION THAT DOESN'T HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO DO JUSTICE TO OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND OUR CHANNELS AND BAYOUS.

GREAT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE MOTION. WAS THERE A SECOND? COMMISSIONER CAGLE. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WE MAY HAVE TO COME BACK AND VOTE ON THIS ONE WHEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS BACK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THOUGHT I SECONDED IT.

I'M FOR IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I PUT

[08:30:01]

COMMISSIONER CAGLE AS A SECOND.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS IN FAVOR AND I AM IN FAVOR AND IT IS UNANIMOUS WITH GARCIA MAKING THE MOTION AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE SECOND. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, RUSS AND JON. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 136, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEER

LICENSE. >> KEEPING THE DISCUSSION GOING ABOUT THE FLOOD CONTROL, I DID TALK TO COLONEL BELL AND I MADE HIM AWARE OF THE ISSUE ON THE MAYDE CREEK.

THE CREEK AT MAYDE CREEK HAS NOT BEEN CLEARED OUT IN YEARS. 1,200 HOMES ARE FLOODING.

THIS PROJECT IS AN IMMEDIATE RELIEF AND IT HAS TO DO WITH CLEANING OUT DITCHES, IF YOU WILL.

IT IS NOT SPENDING A BUNCH OF MONEY, BUT CLEANING OUT DITCHES. I WANT TO GIVE RUSS A SHOUTOUT. HE GOT THE CORP TO EXPAND THIS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE CREEK AND IT WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO THE DRAINAGE ON MAYDE CREEK.

IT IS A BIT OF AN UPDATE. IT IS AN INDICATION THAT THE CORP IS ACTUALLY TRYING TO WORK WITH US AND HELP US WHERE THEY DON'T HAVE TO SPEND MONEY NECESSARILY, BUT WHERE THEY CAN ACTUALLY HELP WITH WHAT THEY CAN CONTROL.

THIS HAVE A VERY GOOD PROJECT AND THE CORP AND OUR FLOOD CONTROL GET A LOT OF CREDIT FOR THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

RUSS, I WANT TO JUST CHECK. THIS IS AUTHORIZING THE CORP TO DO SOME WORK. DOES THIS MEAN -- WHO IS

PAYING FOR THIS? >> COMMISSIONER THIS IS ALLOWING US, THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, TO ENCROACH UPON FEDERALLY-OWNED LAND TO DO THE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MENTIONED.

WE WOULD BE PAYING FOR IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OTHERWISE IT

IS THE CORP'S RESPONSIBILITY? >> RIGHT.

AND AS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MENTIONED, THEY DON'T ALWAYS MAINTAIN THESE CHANNELS BECAUSE THEY FEEL LIKE THIS IS A RESERVOIR AND IT IS MADE FOR HOLDING WATER, WHEREAS WE ALL KNOW THAT THE CHANNELS HAVE TO GET THE WATER TO THE

RESERVOIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: INCREDIBLE THAT THE CORP WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND THAT.

WITH THAT BEING SAID -- THE CONVERSATION WE WERE JUST HAVING ABOUT THE $1.4 BILLION SHORT FALL WE HAVE ON THE FLOOD PROJECTS, DO YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO BE DOING THIS -- TO BE DOING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S JOB?

>> WE HAVE $10 MILLION IN THE BOND PROGRAM TO DO DESNAGS AND TO DO THE REMOVAL SO THE ANSWER IS YES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE THERE ANY OTHER SIMILAR CREEKS IN ALL PRECINCTS THAT CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS RELATIONSHIP?

>> I'M ONLY AWARE OF ATTIC -- OF ADDICKS AND BARKER SO I THINK THIS IS A UNIQUE SITUATION.

ROD ROUGH WE WILL -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL SPEND $10 MILLION FROM THE BOND PACKAGE TO DO THE WORK THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD NORMALLY DO IN ONE PRECINCT.

HOW DOES THAT FIT INTO THE EQUITY PRIORITIZATION

FRAMEWORK? >> THE BOND I DIRKS IS A -- ID AND A THIRD QUARTILE IN THE FRAMEWORK SEVERAL MONTHS AGO.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SAYING THIS COMES UNDER THE EBBING HUA TAU SWRAITION -- EBBING HUA TAU SWRAITION FRAMEWORK.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YOU KNOW WHAT? IF THIS MONEY IS A PROBLEM I WILL PAY FOR IT OUT OF MY BUDGET.

AND IF IT IS EQUITY WE NEED, I WILL ASSURE YOU THAT THERE IS 1,203 HOMES THAT ARE FLOODING BECAUSE WE CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO CLEAN OUT A DIG. IF YOU -- A DITCH.

IF YOU NEED ME TO GET ON A BACKHOE AND CLEAN OUT THE DITCH BECAUSE WE GOT A PROBLEM, I DON'T EVEN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THAT. AND I WILL BET YOU THAT THERE IS WONDERFUL EQUITY GOING UP WITH THE 1,203 HOMES JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY IS IN PRECINCT 3 DOESN'T MEAN WE ARE

[08:35:01]

NOT ADDRESSING AN EQUITY ISSUE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THE QUESTION -- I WOULD HAVE THE QUESTION AS WELL IS THERE'S OBVIOUSLY A LOT MORE NEED THAN WHAT THE BOND PROJECT WAS APPROVED FOR.

SEPARATELY THERE WAS A BUCKET OF PROJECTS AND THERE WAS NO ORDER TO THEM. A PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK WAS CREATED AND IT WAS CREATED TO PUT THINGS INTO QUARTILES.

IF THIS PROJECT EXISTED UNDER THE LIST OF PROGRAMS THAT WAS APPROVED AND IS BEING DONE ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE, THAT MAKES SENSE. I THINK WHAT IS ODD IS IT SOUNDS LIKE A NEW THING. GIVEN THAT WE HAVE A BUDGET SHORT FALL DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO DO NEW THINGS.

MY QUESTION TO RUSS IS IS THIS A NEW THING OR IS THIS SOMETHING THAT WAS OUTLINED IN THE SCHEDULE AND IS GOING -- BEING TIMED ACCORDING TO ITS PLACE ON THE SCHEDULE?

>> THIS IS RUSS. THESE AGREEMENTS ARE ROUGHLY GOOD FOR FIVE YEARS AT A TIME.

THIS IS NOT SOMETHING NEW. THIS IS A RENEWAL OF AN AGREEMENT THAT WE HAD IN PLACE WITH THEM FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS. ONE OF THE BIG UPDATES WE HAD TO DO PER COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S COMMENT WAS THAT WE WENT FROM, I BELIEVE, 50 FEET EITHER SIDE OF THE CENTER LINE TO 175 FEET EITHER SIDE OF THE CENTER LINE.

SO IT IS NOT SOMETHING NEW. IT IS JUST A MODIFICATION OF A ROLLING FIVE-YEAR LICENSE AND PERMISSION WITH THE COURT.

IT IS BEING DONE ACCORDING TO THE --

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND IT IS ACCORDING TO THE TIMELINE?

>> WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE THE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WILL COST $10 MILLION IT WILL COST LESS THAN THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I GET WHERE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS COMING FROM. I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT IT IS PART OF THE PLAN. THE POINT IS THAT EVERYWHERE IN THE COUNTY THERE ARE PROJECTS WE WOULD LIKE TO DO THAT NEVER MADE IT TO THE SCHEDULE.

AND SO IF WE START MESSING WITH THE ORDER ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, THE WHOLE THING FALLS APART.

THAT'S WHERE I FIND COMMISSIONER ELLIS' POINT AS WELL IS YOU ARE NOW MESSING WITH THE ORDER BY SAYING CERTAIN PROJECTS WERE SUPPOSED TO GET DONE AT A CERTAIN TIME MAY NOT GET DONE BECAUSE THE MONEY DIDN'T PAN OUT.

WE HAVE TO DO IT IN BOTH PARTS.

I AM GOOD WITH IT SO LONG AS IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS ON THE SCHEDULE AND IT IS BEING DONE ACCORDING TO THE SCHEDULE WHICH SOUNDS LIKE IT IS THE CASE.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: TO THAT, JUDGE, I GUESS -- I STILL THINK THERE IS A LITTLE BIT -- SOMETHING IS A LITTLE BIT OFF, AND THAT IS THAT WE ARE TAKING BOND MONEY -- FLOOD BOND MONEY, HARVEY BOND MONEY TO MAINTAIN A FEDERAL ACTION. THE CORP HAS A BUDGET FOR THAT. THE TAXPAYERS ALSO ARE EXPECTING 10 MILLION AND I AM NOT MISTAKEN -- I MEAN, I THINK THE 10 MILLION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR THE NEW MAINTENANCE PROJECTS. THAT'S PART OF THE MOTION I ASKED FOR EARLIER. IT WAS A MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR HOW WE ARE GOING FORWARD. AND SO ARE WE GIVING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT $10 MILLION OF MAINTENANCE DOLLARS THAT ARE TO GO TO THE NEW FLOOD BOND AND THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED MAINTENANCE ON OUR DOLLARS, OR ARE WE -- DID WE ALWAYS PLAN TO USE THIS FOR THE FEDERAL ASSETS?

>> COMMISSIONERS, IT WAS SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED IN THE BOND PROGRAM. THE EXPECTATION WAS THAT SOME WORK BE DONE INSIDE THE RESERVOIR LIMITS.

THEY HISTORICALLY NOT DONE ANY MAINTENANCE ON THE UP STREAM PORTION OF THE RESERVOIRS. THEIR OWN BUDGET IS TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE DAMS THEMSELVES.

EMBANKMENTS THAT BASICALLY CREATE RESERVOIRS.

THE MAINTENANCE FUNDS THAT THEY GET ARE REALLY TO JUST MAKE SURE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY REMAINS IF PLACE AT THE DAMS. IT IS INCUMBENT ON US AS A NONFEDERAL SPONSOR TO DO WHAT THEY CONSIDER ANCILLARY-TYPE OF WORK TO GET LOCAL WATER IN THEIR FEDERAL FACILITY.

[08:40:01]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM GOING TO TRUST, BUT VERIFY.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT LANGUAGE AND I AM JUST GOING TO VAS, BUT -- VAS, BUT -- TRUST, BUT VERIFY.

>> YOU KNOW I DON'T MIND GETTING ON THE BACKHOE BECAUSE

I HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF IT IS GOING TO SAVE A MILLION DOLLARS, GET ON THE BACKHOE.

>> THERE HAS BEEN SOME EFFORT TO GET TO THIS POINT.

AND I REALLY THOUGHT THAT WE COULD GET TO THE POINT WHERE WE CAN GET WOVEN -- 1,203 HOMES FROM FLOODING.

THIS IS NOT THE RIVER OAKS OF PRE SINK 3.

PRECINCT 3. THESE ARE GOOD, HARD-WORKING FAMILIES THAT WERE FLOODED TAX DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, HARVEY, YOU NAME IT, THEY'VE BEEN FLOODED.

IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT WORKING WITH THE CORP THEY HAVE THEIR OWN WAY OF LOOKING AT THINGS.

AGAIN, IF YOU -- THE CON VEER -- CONVERSATION CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH GENERAL SPELLMAN AND IT CHANGE. AND GENERAL SPELLMAN HAD THE RESERVOIRS BACK IN THE 30S AND 40S TO PROTECT THE DOWNSTREAM PROPERTY OWNERS. THEY WERE NOT BUILT WITH ANY FAULT OR ANY INDICATION OF AN UP STREAM IT IS ON BEHALF OF HARRIS COUNTY AND IT IS TO TRY TO GET THEM -- THERE IS AN UP STREAM PROPERTY OWNERS FLOODING.

SO THEY AGREED WITH ME THAT THEY COULD FIGURE OUT HOW TO DESNAG A PART OF OUR PLAN AND IN THE BUDGET WHAT WE VOTED ON.

AGAIN, I THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE SOMETHING WE WOULD BRING THE CORP TO CELEBRATE. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT 1,203 HOMES FLOODING IN PRECINCT 3, THAT'S NO BIG DEAL.

IT IS A BIG DEAL. I WILL CLEAN IT UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T THINK ANYONE IS SAYING THAT, COMMISSIONER. EVERY MEMBER OF COURT CAN BRING SOMETHING LIKE THAT. I HAVE A PROJECT -- WELL, THIS WAS PART OF IT, BUT A PROJECT THAT WASN'T PART OF IT AND IT IS AN ISSUE. THE CONCERN FOR ME IS JUST WE DON'T HAVE ROOM TO ADD NEW THINGS.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WHAT WAS PROMISED GETS DONE AS IT WAS PROMISED. THERE ARE PLENTY OF NEIGHBORHOODS AND THOUSANDS OF HOMES AND HARD-WORKING PEOPLE IN EVERY CORNER OF THE COUNTY THAT ARE NOT GETTING WHAT THEY NEED UNDER THE FUNDS THAT WERE POSSIBLE -- PASSED BECAUSE IT TURNS OUT WE NEED A LOT MORE THAN $2.5 BILLION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: ALL I DID WAS GET IT EXPEDITED.

IT WAS ON THE PLAN. IF IT IS A PROBLEM, I GUESS IT

IS A PROBLEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T WANT TO PUT THE COMMISSIONER OUT THERE ON A BACKHOE, BUT I DO WANT A PICTURE WHEN YOU ARE ON IT AGAIN.

RUSS, WHEN WE DID THE OTHER PROJECT WERE THOSE BOND

FUNDS? >> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE

WOOD BRIDGE VILLAGE PROPERTY? >> YES, THEY WERE.

>> YES. >> THEY WERE BOND FUNDS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I CAN GIVE UH NUMBER OF HOMES -- GIVE YOU A NUMBER OF HOMES AND IT IS NOT TIED TO A PRE SINK -- PRECINCT. I WAS WONDER FIGURE THIS IS ONE OF THOSE. CLEARLY THE OTHER PROJECT IN ANOTHER COUNTY -- IT WASN'T A LOT OF MONEY, BUT MY POINT IS WHAT DO WE SAY TO THOSE FOLKS.

I KNOW YOU WEREN'T HERE, BUT I REMEMBER THOSE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HAULS AND GREENS. I DON'T WANT TO BE LABOR THE

POINT. >> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT I SAID IN THE LAST MEETING IS WE WILL DO WHAT WE COMMITTED TO DO IN 2018. THAT'S A FACT.

THAT'S THE BROUGHT -- BOTTOM LINE.

WE WILL DO WHAT WE SAID WE WERE GOING TO DO.

[08:45:03]

AS WE ALL AGREED, WE CAN NEVER HAVE ANOTHER BOND ISSUE IN HARRIS COUNTY IF WE DON'T DELIVER ON WHAT WE PROMISED IN

20 ON -- 2018. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL WORK WITH YOU TO HOLD US TO THAT. THE REALITY IS YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE MONEY. EVERYBODY BELIEVES IN THE DREAM, BUT TO KEEP IT FROM BECOMING A NIGHTMARE YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ITEM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I MAKE A MOTION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

>> I. >> JUDGE, JUST TO CLARIFY IT IS GONNA BE -- IT WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED?

>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM OKAY WITH IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 138, INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT FOR RECREATIONAL AREA. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHO IS PAYING FOR THIS? JACK, IS THIS YOUR PRECINCT OR FLOOD CONTROL PAYING FOR THIS?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS FLOOD CONTROL PROPERTY.

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IS RIGHT NOW WE HAVE THE HUNDRED I CAN AER WOOD. I THINK THE JUDGE HAS BEEN ON THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD WHICH IS A PARTNERSHIP WE ENTERED INTO WITH A NUMBER OF LOCAL CONSERVATION GROUPS.

WE HAVE LEASED SOME PROPERTY TO PUT IN THE PARKING AND THE STAGING AREA TO ENTER INTO OUR TRAIL SYSTEM.

THAT LEASE IS GOING TO BE UP AND WE CAN'T PUT PARKING AND WHATNOT ON THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD BECAUSE OF THE QUONS VAGUES -- BECAUSE OF THE CONSERVATION EASE MENTS.

THIS IS WHAT THEY OWN RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD WHERE WE ARE GOING TO USE AS A PLACE FOR FOLKS TO PARK THEIR CARS AND GET ON THE TRAIL SYSTEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK YOU DO THIS ALL THE TIME YOURSELF WITH REGARD TO CONNECTING INTO THE FLOOD CONTROL PROPERTY FOR YOUR TRAILS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM JUST ASKING THE QUESTION BECAUSE I DO HAVE AN INTER LOCAL WITH FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT ON LONG HAULS. IT IS A TRAIL THAT HAS BEEN -- IT IS JUST OLD AND IT HAS BEEN DAMAGED.

>> THE IMPROVEMENT IS MY PART BUDGET PAYING FOR IT.

WE ARE USING THE FLOOD CONTROL PROPERTY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT IS ITEM

152. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I MOVE ON 138, JUDGE, THE ADOPTION OF THE INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

>> CLARIFICATION, I'M SORRY AS PRESENTED?

>> LINA HIDALGO: AS PRESENTED.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M FUTURE --

I'M MUTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR IT CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 1524 TRACKS FOR LITTLE

CYPRESS CREEK. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS SOMETHING I PULLED. I THINK THIS IS AN EXAMPLE.

DETENTION FEES COLLECTED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND NOW WE ARE ACTUALLY STARTING TO BUILD REASONABLE TENSION RATHER THAN THE PONDS THAT DON'T WORK. IT WAS SIMPLY AN EXAMPLE OF HOW MONEY IS COLLECTED OVER TIME AND IT ENDS UP DOING A PROJECT. JUST WANTED TO GIVE THAT AS AN EXAMPLE. IT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT HAPPENS OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD WHEN YOU COLLECT FUNDS AND

ACTUALLY DO A PROJECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A

MOTION? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO.

JUST THE APPROVAL OF IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

LOOK, WE CAN VOTE ON ALL OF THESE TOGETHER WHEN WE -- THE

ONES WE HAVEN'T VOTED ON. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S FINE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 172 IS DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES.

I KNOW WE WANTED TO DISCUSS THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION,

CORRECT, JAY? >> THAT WASN'T MY REQUEST.

>> YES. IT IS CONTRACT NEGOTIATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. I WILL MARK THAT FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. 173, PAYMENTS OF ANNUAL

MEMBERSHIP DUES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ON THIS ONE I WOULD LIKE TO HOLD THE PAYMENT OF FEES FOR HGAC.

I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR US TO HAVE SOMEONE IN COUNTY

[08:50:02]

GOVERNMENT TO DO A DISCUSSION.

I DON'T THINK THIS ITEM IS BROAD ENOUGH FOR ME TO DO THAT. BUT TO AT LEAST EXPLORE HOW WE CAN RECONSIDER OUR RELATIONSHIP TO MAYBE HAVE LARGER REPRESENTATION FOR OUR COUNTY.

OUR POPULATION IS 67% OF A TOTAL REGION AND WE HAVE TWO OF THE 36 VOTING MEMBERS. I THINK HARRIS COUNTY DESERVES GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND INFLUENCE AT HGAC AND SPENDING BASED ON THE POPULATION. I ASK THE COURT ANALYST OFFICE TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE PRO'S AND THE CONS AND WITH THE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL WE ARE ASKING THEM TO LOOK AT THAT AS WELL. I AM NOT SAYING THAT I WANT US TO PULL OUT, BUT I DO THINK THERE WILL BE GREATER EQUITY.

IN HER REPORT SHE LOOKED AT COMPARABLE ENTITIES AROUND THE STATE. OUR LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION ON THE BOARD IS CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN IT IS THAN MANY OTHERS IN THE STATE. DALLAS COUNTY MAKES UP 36% OF THEIR POPULATION. THEY HAVE BEEN -- THEY HAVE ABOUT 5.5%. TRAVIS COUNTY HAVE 8%,.

BEXAR COUNTY MAKES UP 76 AND THEY HAVE 11% REPRESENTATION.

3 OUT OF 27. EL PASO MAKES UP 96% AND HAVE 14.2%. 3 OUT OF 21 ON THE BOARD.

THE FEE IS NOT MUCH FOR US. THERE ARE GREAT PROGRAMS THAT HGAC DOES. WHEN THIS MODEL WAS PUT TOGETHER IN 1965 AND WHEN THE LINES WERE DRAWN IT WAS UNDER GOVERNOR CONLEY A FEW YEARS AFTER THAT.

WE TALK SO MUCH ABOUT EQUITY AND I THINK THERE IS NEED FOR A LOT MORE TRANSPARENCY. I DON'T THINK THERE IS A RUSH. MR. BERRY, YOU MAY WANT TO COMMENT ON THAT, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO POSTPONE PAYING THE HGAC MEMBERSHIP DUES. AND AT THE NEXT COURT WITH INPUT FROM COLLEAGUES I WILL FIGURE OUT WHO, WHAT ENTITY.

I DON'T THINK I CAN DO IT UNDER THIS ITEM, MR. AYER.

MAYBE, JUDGE, YOU CAN NEGOTIATE HOW WE WILL HAVE MORE INFLUENCE. I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN THE CONCEPT OF ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE.

MAYBE IT IS A GENETIC THING WITH ME KNOWING THAT WHEN THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED, GREAT THINKERS LEFT CERTAIN PEOPLE OUT OF THE EQUATION. NOT JUST ME.

THEY LEFT OTHERS OUT AS WELL. THEY WANTED FREE AND WHITE AND PROPERTY OWNERS TO VOTE. A LOT OF PEOPLE DIDN'T OWN PROPERTY. THEN YOU HAVE TO BE A MALE TO BE ABLE TO VOTE. WE HAVE PRO -- PROGRESSED FROM THAT POINT AND IT MERITS LOOKING AROUND THE COUNTRY TO SEE IF THERE IS A GREATER PARTICIPATION AND BALANCE.

I WOULD LIKE TO HOLD HGAC. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE MOTION WOULD BE TO PASS THE ITEM AS PRESENTED, BUT HOLD THE FEES

FOR HGAC? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? I WILL SECOND IT IF NO ONE ELSE -- COMMISSIONER DID YOU WANT TO SECOND IT? ALL IN FAVOR?

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMENTS? ANY OPPOSED?

>> OPPOSED. >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

ITEM 174. APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZED BUDGET APPROPRATIONS TO THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. WE CAN WAIT AND DO THEM ALL.

YOU PULLED IT. YOU PULLED IT, CACTUS.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: HANG ON JUST A SECOND. YES.

I PULLED THE ITEM. LET ME GET BACK TO YOU ON THAT. I HAD A REASON FOR IT, BUT I

[08:55:02]

THINK THAT REASON MAY HAVE BEEN SOLVED IN OUR OTHER DISCUSSION. JUDGE, CAN WE GO PAST THAT AND I WILL BRING IT BACK IN A MINUTE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. THAT'S GOOD.

NEXT IS THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I KNOW

HE IS WORKING -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I REMEMBER NOW. A SMALL PART OF THIS WAS A TRANSFER TO PRECINCT 1 OF DISS $495,000 A PIC FUND.

I THINK WE TRIED TO MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR THAT AND WE WERE TOLD WE COULDN'T DO IT. I AM TOLD IF IT IS A ME TOO AND WE ALL GET TO DO IT. YOPG -- I DON'T THINK IT IS OKAY IF JUST ONE OF US GETS TO DO IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS FOR THE COUNTY AS A WHOLE,

COMMISSIONER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF YOU WILL

ACCEPT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I AM

PAYING FOR IT, RIGHT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU ARE GETTING A PIC FUND WHILE ARE YOU WAITING FOR YOUR REIMBURSEMENT YOU GET YOUR FUNDS NOW.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS SHANE AVAILABLE? I THINK I AM PAYING FOR IT FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY.

SO IF SHANE IS ON THE LINE, LET HIM JUMP IN.

IF NOT WE CAN COME BACK. >> HE IS NOT ON THE LINE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY. I WAS TALKING OVER YOU.

>> I'M SORRY, COMMISSIONER. HE IS NOT ON THE LINE, BUT I

WILL REACH HIM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CACTUS IF YOU

DON'T MIND WE CAN COME BACK. >> R. JACK CAGLE: MY ISSUE IS I AM OKAY WITH IT IF WE ALL GET TO HAVE THE SAME RULE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DO, BUT WE CAN LET HIM EXPLAIN IT.

IS THAT OKAY? >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL COME BACK WHEN SHANE IS ON. DO FOLKS HAVE ANYTHING ON THE

LEGISLATE TOUGH AGENDA? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO.

IF ANDREW IS AVAILABLE. ARE YOU ON THE LINE, ANDREW?

>> YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO MAKE SURE IN THE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE THE POSITION WE HAD TAKEN -- I KNOW IT GIVES US THE ABILITY -- YOU THE ABILITY TO OPPOSE THE VARIOUS VOTER SUPPRESSION BILLS THAT ARE WORKING THROUGH THE LEGISLATE -- LEGISLATURE.

HB6 AND SB7. >> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA YOU

ARE NOT MUTED. >> I'M SO SORRY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY. WE GAVE YOU A LOT TO DO AND IT IS LATE. DO YOU HAVE SUPPORT TO BE IN SUPPORT. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE SUPPORTIVE OF THAT ON BEHALF OF THIS.

>> AND THE COURT WANTS TO SPECIFY THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR IF YOU KNOW THAT. I WILL DO SOME WORK ON IT AS WELL AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS PART OF THE COUNTY'S PLATFORM I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT'S HOW YOU UNDERSTOOD IT.

>> I DO UNDERSTAND THAT. IT IS GENERALLY COVERED IN THE PLATFORM AND COVERED UNDER VOTER ACCESS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND LAST ONE.

I KNOW THE COUNTY IS IN SUPPORT OF MEDICAID EXPANSION SO WE CAN DRAW DOWN BILLIONS OF DOLLARS UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. I KNOW THERE IS A LIMITED COMPROMISE WITH SOME BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

IS IT CLEAR TO UH -- TO AFFORD THAT BAIL AS WELL.

>> YES, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S ALL.

GOT IT. IT IS LATE.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 187, AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF SEA BROOKE. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> I'M SORRY, JUDGE, REAL QUICK.

FOR THAT ONE -- 175 IS THERE AN ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. >> WHEN YOU ARE READY HE IS ON

THE LINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO YOUR ITEM? IT IS GOING TO BE BRIEF. AGAIN I JUST WANT TO THANK DR.

BABIN AND MY STAFF AND THE AMERICAN CHEMISTRY COUNCIL WHO IS PROVIDING THE GRANT TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE MORE CAPACITY TO CHECK THE AIR QUALITY AROUND THE PRECINCT.

AND I WANT TO THANK THE MAYOR FOR HIS SUPPORT IN GETTING

[09:00:02]

THIS ESTABLISHED AT FRIENDSHIP PARK.

THAT'S IT. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. SHANE, THERE WAS A QUESTION

FOR YOU ON ITEM 174. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, IF I MIGHT, SHANE, I THINK I CAN HELP YOU AND I THINK IT MIGHT MAKE IT QUICKER. PRE -- PRECINCT 1 DID THE INITIAL AGREEMENT WITH THE HOUSTON FOOD BANK AND WE WERE PAYING FOR IT WITH PRE SINK MONEY.

ONCE WE FOUND OUT IT WAS REIMBURSABLE AND THE REST OF THE COUNTY WANTED TO DO IT, YOU OPTED TO CONTINUE TO HAVE US PAY FOR IT IN PRECINCT 1 TO FEED PEOPLE IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY AND JUST RUN IT THROUGH OUR CONTRACT SINCE WE ESTABLISHED ONE. AND SO WE ARE BEING REIMBURSED BECAUSE WE PUT THE MONEY UP TO PAY FOR THE FOOD BANK TO FEED ALL OF OUR CITIZENS THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY.

IS THAT CORRECT? >> YES, SIR.

AND WE DID MOVE THE FUNDING OVER TO THE CONTINGENCY FUND AFTER A CERTAIN TIME AND THAT'S WHERE IT IS BEING PAID FROM. PRECINCT 1 HAS THE PO AND THE CONTACT AND ALL THAT HAVE AND MONITORING MANAGING IT.

YES, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CACTUS, THE CONCERN WAS I JUST GETTING REIMBURSED FROM MY PRECINCT? WE ARE REIMBURSED BECAUSE IT WAS EASIER TO NOT GO THROUGH THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS. WE JUST HAPPEN TO BE A

FIDUCIARY FOR ALL OF US. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT PART OF MY CONCERN IS IN ADDITION TO THE FOOD BANK IN PRECINCT 4, WE HAD OTHER NONPROFITS THAT WE WERE FUNDING THAT SHOULD BE REIMBURSE -- REIMBURSABLE AS WELL.

I KNOW PRECINCT 2 HAD A NUMBER OF NON-PROFITS IN ADDITION TO THE FOOD BANKS THEY WERE WORKING THROUGH.

I AM PRESUMING PRECINCT 3 DID AS WELL.

WHAT I'M ASKING IS IF WE ARE GOING TO BE UP FRONT REIMBURSING FROM THE PIC FUND AND ON FUNDS WE WILL ALL GET REIMBURSED IN LATER ON, I THINK IT IS GREAT YOU ARE GETTING REIMBURSED FOR ALL OF US RIGHT NOW.

BUT I ALSO THINK THAT SOME OF THE OTHER NONPROFITS WE WERE WORKING THROUGH THAT THAT SAME RULE SHOULD APPLY.

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.

WHAT I DON'T KNOW IS I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE ANY AS WELL, BUT I THINK THIS CONTRACT WAS JUST WITH THE FOOD BANK.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JUST THE FOOD BANK, BUT WE HAD THE FOOD BANK AND A LOT OF OTHER NONPROFITS.

PRECINCT 2 HAD THE FOOD BANK AND SOME OTHER NONPROFITS.

ALL I WANT TO MAKE SURE IS --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL LEAVE THAT TO SHANE.

I DON'T KNOW. I DON'T KNOW IF WE DID OTHERS. I JUST THOUGHT THIS WAS FOR THE FOOD BANK. I DON'T THINK WE WERE REIMBURSING ANY OTHER NOT FOR PROFITS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I KNOW WE ARE OUT FUNDS WE WERE AUTHORIZED TO GIVE AND WE ARE WAITING FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT ON THE BACKSIDE. I LIKE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO DO IT TOO WHERE WE LET BUDGET WAIT TO BE REIMBURSED AS OPPOSED TO THE PRECINCTS BEING REIMBURSED. YOU HAVE THIS ONE CONTRACT WITH THE FOOD BANK AND YOU MAY HAVE EKDZ PEPPED TOURS -- EXPEBD TOURS -- EXPENDITURES THAT ARE FOR PRECINCT 4.

I HAD NO IDEA YOU WERE FEEDING SOME OF OUR PRECINCT 4.

>> TO BE HONEST WE WEREN'T DOING IT.

WE WERE JUST A FIDUCIARY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WELL I TAKE THE COMPLIMENT BACK. I'M TEASING WITH YOU AT 8:20

IN THE AFTERNOON. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU ARE NOT GETTING TESTY, ARE YOU? IS IT TIME FOR GRAPES?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAD MY SALTED CASH THYS SO I AM -- CASHEWS A LITTLE WHILE AGO SO I AM GETTING SALTY.

ALL I AM ASKING FOR IS IF THIS IS A PROGRAM AND I THINK IT IS A GOOD PROGRAM. TO WHEREIN ASSISTED OF WAITING FOR YOUR REIMBURSEMENT ON THE BACK END ON THE FRONT END I WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSED ON THE FRONT END FOR THE

NONPROFITS WE UTILIZE AS WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN DAVE OR SHANE CLARIFY THIS ONE WAY OR THE OTHER SO WE CAN MOVE ON?

>> IS DAVID ON THE LINE? GO AHEAD.

>> I THINK WE STARTED THIS BEFORE MY ARRIVAL.

WHEN PRE SINKS ASK US CAN WE BE REIMBURSED ON THE FRONT END WITH PIC FUNDS WE HAVE ASKED THEY CARRY THAT COST.

[09:05:08]

WE TRY TO DO THAT CONSISTENTLY.

THE REASON IS BECAUSE THE COUNTY IS BUILDING UP A BIG REIMBURSE -- REIMBURSABLE FOR FEMA.

IF THE PRECINCTS ARE ABLE WITH THE TIMING OF THAT IT IS HELPFUL TO REDUCE THE STRAIN. I GATHER THIS IS DIFFERENT GIVEN ONE PRECINCT HAS EXPEPPED TOURS -- HAS EXPENDITURES FOR THE WHOLE COUNTY.

SHANE, LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SHANE, THERE IS A DISTINCTION BECAUSE WE GAVE MONEY TO THE WOMEN'S SHELTER AS AN EXAMPLE.

WE HOPE WE CAN GET REIMBURSED FOR IT, BUT THAT WAS A DECISION WE MADE. IF WE DON'T GET REIMBURSED, WE DID IT ANYWAY. AND WE ALSO GAVE MONEY TO BREAD OF LIFE, PASTOR RUDY RASMUSSON'S CHURCH.

$150,000 AND WE WOULD LIKE TO GET REIMBURSED, BUT IT WOULDN'T FIT UNDER THIS ITEM. WE DID NOT DO THAT THROUGH THE FOOD BANK, COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

IF THE COURT WANTS TO DO THAT, IT WOULD BE A SEPARATE ITEM.

THIS WAS BECAUSE -- IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN YOU THAT MADE THE MOTION OF MAYBE IMHITION -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA WHEN THE FOOD ITEM CAME UP TO SAY LET'S DO IT COUNTY WIDE.

CAN YOUR CONTRACT SERVE AS A MODEL AND WE WERE REIMBURSED.

I DON'T WANT TO GET ON THE BACK OF MY SHOVEL AND BACKHOE BECAUSE I WILL BE PRETTY DAMN MAD IF I PAID FOR THE FOLKS IN THE PRE SINK AND NOW -- PRECINCT AND NOW YOU ARE

HOLDING UP THE MONEY. >> I AM NOT THAT GOOD ON THE FRONT END LOADER. I JUST BUSTED THE TIRE ON THE FRONT END LOADER. PUSHING THAT OFF TO THE SIDE MAYBE A GOOD WAY TO DO IT IS INSTEAD OF HAVING THE TRANSFER COMING FROM THE PIC FUND THAT WE ARE REIMBURSING YOU DIRECTLY FOR WHAT YOU SPENT ON THE PRECINCTS.

>> I JUST LIKE TO GET IT QUICK.

IF YOU DON'T MIND I PREFER TO MOVE THIS ITEM.

YOU MAY GO AGAINST IT, BUT I WANT TO MOVE IT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AND I MAY VOTE FOR IT, BUT WOULD YOU JUST -- MAY I ASK YOU IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE THAT IF I VOTE FOR THIS AND A BRING A REASONABLE REQUEST THAT WE GET REIMBURSED FOR SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT YOU GIVE US THE SAME TREATMENT YOU ARE GIVING US.

>> I WILL BE HONEST, YOU ARE NOT DOING ME A FAVOR.

YOU ARE FULFILLING A COMMITMENT YOU ASKED FOR TO FEED FOLKS THROUGH THE FOOD BANK.

I SUSPECT THERE ARE ITEMS I FUNDED AND THE COURT MIGHT DECIDE TO APPLY AND LET ME GET REIMBURSED OR MAY NOT.

YOU GOT ME? I WOULDN'T TIE THE TWO.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM ASKING YOU WOULD YOU TREAT ME FAIR.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ALWAYS HAVE. YOU JUST DIDN'T KNOW IT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE ARE A NUMBER OF TIMES I HAVEN'T

FELTED -- FELT IT ALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS PRETTY CLEAR THAT IT IS A UNIQUE ITEM AND WE HAVE PLENTY TO GO THROUGH. IS THERE A MOTION FOR IT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE, WILL YOU SECOND? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND YAK

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WAS GOING TO SECOND IT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AIN'T

GONNA GET A TREAT YOU FAIR? >> RODNEY ELLIS: LOVE YOU.

GO AHEAD AND VOTE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TREAT ME FAIR? THEN I WILL VOTE NO.

>> YES. H

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU WILL GET A YES IF YOU TREAT ME FAIR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN WE MOVE ON, GUYS?

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S KEEP IT A 4-1 AND THE MOTION CARRIES

AS PRESENTS -- AS PRESENTED. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WENT OVER 187 AND THE NEXT IS ITEM 195 DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE AND PRECINCTS 2 AND 3 HAVE

QUESTIONS ON THIS ONE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE I JUST WALK THROUGH IT. JUDGE WE ASKED THE COMMUNITY

[09:10:04]

SERVICES DEPARTMENT -- ARE YOU ASKING ME OR THE DEPARTMENT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WILL I HAVE A NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR ITEM 195. IT IS TWO AND THREE, BUT --

>> HELLO? >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD DR.

HOLLOWAY. >> GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FORGIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THIS GUIDE BOOK BACK TO YOU.

AS YOU CAN RECALL WE DID PRESENT THIS TO YOU AT AN EARLIER COURT. DUE TO PUBLIC COMMENT WE RECEIVED WE WERE ASKED TO BRING IT BACK AND ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS.

IT IS REALLY TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE PURPOSE IS OF THE GUIDE BOOK. IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO PRESENT A REVISED GUIDE BOOK. THIS IS THE THIRD ONE IN THREE YEARS. OFTENTIMES IT IS BECAUSE THE FUNDING SOURCE HAS DIFFERENT REGULATIONS.

AND IT IS IMPORTANT WE UPDATE THE GUIDE BOOK.

[INAUDIBLE] PROGRAM FOR OUR DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. WE ARE MAKING SURE WE ARE PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE AND PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM AS WELL AS REALTORS.

AND WE WILL BE SUCCESSFUL WITH THE PROGRAM.

AND WE DO NEED TO HAVE AN ATTENTION ON HOW WE WILL MARKET TO THE SELECT CLIENTELE.

THAT MEANS THE WAY WE DESIGN THE PROGRAM -- [INAUDIBLE] IT HAS TO BE CLEAR TO THE CLIENT AND THE PARTICIPANT AND THE POTENTIAL HOMEOWNER AND THE REALTOR AND THE LENDER.

THAT'S SOMETHING THE PREVIOUS VERSIONS DID NOT HAVE.

WE STARTED THIS ENGAGEMENT ALMOST A YEAR AGO, BUT MAY OF LAST YEAR, WE STARTED WITH THE TITLE COMPANIES AND WE BROUGHT IT BACK TO VARIOUS TIMES. SOME IN A PUBLIC FORUM AND ALSO IN OTHER INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR DIVERSE GROUP AND MANY WHO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM TO SHARE WITH THEM SOME OF THE CHANGES WE WERE MAKING AND SOME OF THE CONCERNS THEY PRESENTED AND HOW WE WERE RESOLVING THEM.

EVEN IN OUR LAST CONVERSATION [INAUDIBLE] AND SOME OF OUR LENDERS AND THE STAKEHOLDER GROUP WE CONTINUE TO MAKE THE MODIFICATIONS THAT WERE WITHIN OUR PERVIEW.

MANY OTHER MODIFICATIONS WE CANNOT MAKE BECAUSE THE FUNDING SOURCE REQUIRES US FOR -- US TO BE COMPLY -- COMPLIANT. I WILL GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE SINCE THE LAST TIME WE PRESENTED IT TO YOU ALL FOR CONSIDERATION. WE HAVE A PROVISION IN THE GUIDE BOOK THAT PROHIBITED POTENTIAL HOMEOWNERS [INAUDIBLE] AND THE RATIONAL WAS TO ENSURE THAT THERE WASN'T A POTENTIAL FOR A HOMEOWNER TO PROPERLY PURCHASE THAT AND IT MAY HAVE CONTAMINATED BY LEAD.

[INAUDIBLE] ALLOWING HOMEOWNERS TO BRING FORTH THE OPPORTUNITY. BASED ON HUD GUIDELINES WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT THE HOME DOES NOT HAVE A LEAD-BASED PAINT AND WHETHER IT IS A FUNGS OF THE -- A FUNCTION OF THE PAINT NEVER BEING ON THE PROPERTY.

THAT HAS TO BE PROVIDED THROUGH EVIDENCE OF A THIRD PARTY [INAUDIBLE] FOR THAT TYPE OF ACTIVITY, BUT IT DOES OPEN THE MARKET UP A BIT MORE FOR OHM OWNERS TO BE ABLE TO SELECT PRE-1978 HOMES IN ADDITION TO OTHER HOMES AS WELL. ANOTHER CHANGE WE MADE WAS TO

[09:15:05]

PROVIDE CLARITY ON THE UNEMPLOYMENT.

WE NEED EVIDENCE OF -- [INAUDIBLE] BUT WE CHANGED THE NARRATIVE TO ALLOW FOR EVIDENCE OF EMPLOYMENT IN A PARTICULAR SECTOR RATHER THAN THE PREVIOUS EMPLOYER.

THERE COULD POTENTIALLY BE CHANGE -- CHANGES IN THE EMPLOYMENT. WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT. AND FINALLY WHAT WE REALLY HAVE TRIED TO DO IS MAKE SURE WHAT WE ARE RECEIVING FROM OUR LENDERS IS A COMPLETE PACKAGE WE CAN PROCESS.

WE ARE LOOKING TO PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS UP TO 35 DAYS WITHIN RECEIVING THE FILE. THAT'S JUST SOME OF THE CONVERSATIONS. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE PROCESS I MENTIONED. AFTER THE GUIDE BOOK WE ARE LOOKING AT ENGAGING IF A VARIETY OF TRAINING SESSIONS WITH OUR PARTNERS DOING A WHOLE MARKETING CAMPAIGN TO BRING THIS PROGRAM TO THE FAR REACHES OF THE COUNTY TO ENSURE THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF IT AND KNOW THAT THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN IT IF THEY MEET OUR CRITERIA.

I WILL LEAVE IT WITH THAT AND OPEN TO ANY QUESTIONS YOU

MIGHT HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, DR. HOLLOWAY FOR YOUR PRESENTATION. I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. I AM SEEING THE DATA YOU ARE SENDING OVER, BUT I STILL WANT TO CHALLENGE YOU TO LEAL CONTINUE TO FIND INNOVATION THAT WILL GET HARRIS COUNTY TO FAR OUT PERFORM EVERYBODY ELSE.

STAFF DOES THESE PROGRAMS BECAUSE THEY DO THEM OVER AND OVER. BUT IT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CREATING THIS IS THE WAY IT IS ALWAYS DONE.

I WANT YOU TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO FURTHER ACCELERATE.

AND HE IS CREEPING UP SO -- CREEPING UP ON SO MANY AND SO FAST. AND AT THE PACE HE IS GOING IT IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS NOT ON YOU, BUT THERE IS A PROCESS THAT WE HAVE NOT YET IDENTIFIED THAT COULD MAKE THINGS BETTER. I WILL ASK YOU TO CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE THIS AND JUST AN EXAMPLE.

THE NUMBERS WE SAW ARE GOOD. BUT I JUST -- IT GNAWS ON ME.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS.

I LIKE TO SEE METRICS. THAT'S GOOD AND THAT'S PROGRESS. HAVING TALKED TO PEOPLE IN THE MARKETPLACE THEY WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS AS A DOWN PAYMENT.

OF COURSE WE ARE IN A MARKET RIGHT NOW THAT IS COMPETITIVE. WHEN THE HOMEOWNERS COME AND TRY TO GET FUNDING AND THERE IS TENSION IN THE MARKETPLACE AND WE CAN HELP THEM USE THIS TO GET A DOWN PAYMENT SO THEY CAN GET IN A HOME AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT WAYS TO KEEP THE HOME AVAILABLE FOR 26 DAYS ANYTHING -- ANYTHING WE CAN DO WITH THE LOCALS. AND WE WOULD LIKE TO USE THE PROGRAM, BUT THEY ARE JUST NOT -- THESE HOMES SO ANY IDEAS WILL CONTINUE TO HELP YOU WORK THROUGH THOSE, BUT

USE US WHEN YOU CAN. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER

[09:20:06]

GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

MOST DEFINITELY THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO EVALUATE WHAT THE PROGRAM IS. WE ARE MAKING THE MODIFICATIONS AND WE ARE CHARGING STAFF TO IDENTIFY WHAT THE METRICS ARE THAT WE SHOULD MEET AND WHAT WE SHOULD EXCEED THEM. SO TART -- ON STARTING WITH THE GUIDE BOOK LOOKING AT HOW THE PROGRAM CAN MATCH OTHER EFFORTS THAT WE ARE MAKING IN TERMS OF TRYING TO BECOME HOMEOWNERS AND IT IS AMONG POPULATIONS.

THIS IS MORE OF A MULTI-FACETTED APPROACH TO THE INCREASE OF HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY.

[INAUDIBLE] IT IS AN EFFORT TO INCREASE OWNERSHIP ACROSS THE COUNTY AND THAT INCLUDES THE SUPPLY SIDE AND IT INCLUDESS INCREASING THE PIPELINE. THEY DON'T CONSIDER THEMSELVES A VIABLE CANDIDATE AND THEY ARE BANING -- BRINGING THE OPPORTUNITY. BY ALL MEANS ONCE WE ARE ABLE TO GET THE GUIDE BOOK AND WE WILT BRING THE MARKETING EFFORTS TO A MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVE AND USER FRIENDLY WAY WE WILL BRING AN UP STATE ON WHERE WE ARE AT WITH THIS PARTICULAR VERSION OF THE GUIDE BOOK THAT WE HAVE MADE.

>> DO YOU WANT TO TO TALK DR. HOLLOWAY?

>> AND YOU CAN RECOGNIZE WHAT WE ARE RESPONDING TO IS A VERY DIFFERENT TYPE OF EVENT THEN WHAT WE TYPICALLY EXPERIENCE AND LOOK IN THE UNIQUE LENS AS WELL.

WE ARE LOOKING AT HOW WE CAN INCREASE THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FOR A PAIR UPDATED WITH THE STORM AND LOOKING AT WAYS WE CAN INCREASE AGO -- ACCESS TO FUNDING. THAT IS IN TERMS WITH THE STAFF ACROSS THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION.

AND THERE ARE RECOVERY EFFORTS.

AND IT HELPS US PUT IN OUR BEST EFFORT TO GET THE WORD OUT TO RESIDENTS IN THE COUNTY ON WHAT THIS MAY BE.

WE WERE ASKED BY THE PRE SINKS TO -- PR -- PRECINCTS -- [INAUDIBLE] AND AN INFORMAL TERM FOR PRECINCT STAFF TO UTILIZE ASSETS IN THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE ACCESS TO EITHER TECH -- TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE [INAUDIBLE] AS MANY KNOW THE FEMA APPLICATION HAS COME AROUND ONLINE OR VIA PHONE CALL. IT IS A CHALLENGING APPLICATION TO COMPLETE. IT WAS A TRAINING THAT MY STAFF DELIVERED IN ABOUT WE ARE CONTINUING THE OUT REACH EFFORT TO GET PEOPLE INTO THOSE CENTERS AND/OR INTO THE MOBILE UNITS TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATIONS. WE KNOW THE DEADLINE IS APPROACHING AND IF WE CAN GET MORE IN THE CUE THEN WE KNOW WE CAN PROVIDE TRAINING FOR IT.

[09:25:18]

WE WILL BE ABLE TO INFORM PEOPLE HOW THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE DELIVERED. AND THEN ALSO FILLING IN ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SO MUCH MORE STRATEGIC WAYS AND USING THE METRICS TO HELP US REACH THE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DAMAGE. THIS IS BEING INFORMED BY ALL OF THE DATA AND THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COLLECT IT THROUGH THE SURVEYS THAT WE PROVIDED ACCESS TO.

IT WILL BE PART OF THE TARGET APPROACH.

THE FEMA DATA RECOGNIZES 12% OF INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE. THERE IS THE APPEAL PROCESS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PART OF THE PROCESS TO ASSIST PEOPLE TO ACCESS THE NECESSARY INFORMATION SO THAT WE CAN ENGAGE IN THAT SECOND GO AROUND TO TRY TO SEE IF THEY CAN GET ASSISTANCE. AND THEY CAN NO HOW TO ACCESS THEM IN THIS EFFORT. THE SECOND PIECE THAT WE PUT THAT WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE CHARGE AND WE RECOGNIZE THAT IF WE ARE GOING TO ENTER INTO THE COMMUNITY AND IDENTIFY SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THEY EXPERIENCED WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAM IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO IDENTIFY A RESILIENCY ASSESSMENT. IT IS NOT ONLY FOR THE WORK CSD DOES, BUT THEY SHARE THE DATA WITH THE INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS AND EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS TO BETTER HELP US PLAN MORE EFFECTIVELY FOR RESILIENCY ACTIVITY.

WE TALK ABOUT HOW IT IS ANOTHER EVENT WHETHER IT IS A NATURAL DISASTER OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT THAT WILL HAVE THIS IMPACT ON THESE PEOPLE. WE WANT TO BETTER PREPARE PEOPLE TO WITHSTAND SOME OF THE CHALLENGES AND NOT BE SO DEVASTATINGLY IMPACTED. THAT'S THE RESILIENCY ASSESSMENT. AND THEN FINALLY AS FAR AS THE DAMAGE AND THE REPAIR PROGRAM THAT WAS ALSO ASKED OF US WE RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS A VARIETY OF OF THINGS THAT WORKS IN CONCERT WITH WHAT IS BEING PRESENTED.

IT IS L -- IT IS ABOUT 3200 HOUSEHOLDS.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING IS A BIT MORE TIME TO GATHER ADDITIONAL DATA TO WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND COME BACK TO TWO PROGRAMS. ONE THAT WILL COMPLEMENT WHAT IS ALREADY BEING PROVIDED IN TERMS OF EMERGENCY PREPARED ASSISTANCE AND MEET THE UNMET NEEDS THAT ARE BEING REVEALED AND THEN THE OTHER IS TO PROVIDE SOME SORT OF ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL LANDLORDS.

MANY WHO SPOKE AT PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY DEMONSTRATED THAT THE LANDLORDS DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE FINANCIAL CAPABILITIES OF DEALING WITH THE UNITS THAT HAVE FALLEN INTO DISREPAIR, EVEN AFTER HAVING HOMEOWNERS POCKET INSURANCE. WE KNOW THEY ARE PROVIDING SHELTER FOR THE INDIVIDUALS. THIS IS NOT ONLY TO HELP WITH SMALL BUSINESS, BUT IT IS FOR US TO IN THE LONG-TERM PROVIDE HOUSING. THERE IS MORE INFORMATION WE WANT TO GATHER AND ANALYZE AND WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS TO PUT FORTH A MUCH MORROW BUST PROGRAM THAT -- MORE ROW -- A MUCH MORE ROBUST PROGRAM AND MAYBE SOMETHING LONG-TERM TO DEAL WITH A LONG EVERY-TERMED DEFERRED MAINTENANCE ISSUES.

THOSE ARE WHAT WE PUT FORTH AS AN EFFORT FOR US TO DEVELOP A SCAFFOLDING OF HOW CSD CAN BE ACTIVATED AND WHEN WE ARE FACED WITH FORESEEN AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS.

IT REALLY HAS AN IMPACT ON THE MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DR. HOLLOWAY.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOLLOWED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. AGAIN, DR. HOLLOWAY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS AND THE HELP OF YOUR STAFF.

WE WERE STANDING UP THE ASSISTANCE CENTERS IN PRECINCT

[09:30:01]

TWO. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN TO ACCELERATE THIS.

MY ANXIETY IS BASED ON WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WITH FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT THAT WE ARE IN YEAR FOUR OF HARVEY AND WE HAVE VERY LITTLE TO SHOW FOR IT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE WORKING TO DO ALL WE CAN TO ACCELERATE THIS PROGRAM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE A MOTION THAT WOULD BE FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A TIMELINE AND DETAILS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSIDER EXPANDING OUT REACH FOCUS FROM FEMA CENTERS TO -- WELL, HERE I HAVE TO PRECINCT 2, BUT TO ALL PRECINCTS WHO HAVE SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND EMERGENCY REPAIR AND SMALL PROPERTY TO GET REPAIRS DONE TIMELY. THIS ITEM SHOULD CONSIDER THE LANGUAGE AND THE TECHNOLOGY DE -- DEFICIENCIES THAT PRECINCTS MAY HAVE IN AREAS -- THAT THE COMMISSION MAY HAVE IN THE PRECINCTS. THIS IS JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FOCUSED ON SPEED AND COMPLETION AND FULL INCLUSION OF ALL THAT ARE IN THE COMMUNITY.

AS WE KNOW NOT EVERYBODY HAS THE INTERNET AND WE ARE NOT

LEAVING ANYBODY BEHIND. >> TWO QUICK THINGS.

ONE IS ON THE MOTION. I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO HAVE A MOTION. YOU CAN INSTRUCT DR. HOLLOWAY TO PUT IT IN HER PLAN. MY SECOND COMMENT WAS GOING TO BE ALONG THE LINES OF ONE OF THE GENIUSES AT THE TABLE THAT OUR LIBRARIES ARE PART OF THE PLAN AND I DON'T NEED TO ASK A QUESTION OF DR. HOLLOWAY, BUT I WANT HER TO COORDINATE WITH THE JUDGE'S OFFICE AND OUR LIBRARIAN TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN SHE IS READY TO LAUNCH THAT SHE NEEDS TO BE ON THE TIMELINE OF THE JUDGE WITH REGARD TO ORANGE.

AND THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN THE EXECUTION OF HER PLAN IF SHE IS STILL GOING TO WANT TO USE THE LIBRARIES.

I THINK THE LIBRARIES ARE A PERFECT PLACE FOR A LOT OF HER PLAN. I AM NOT TRYING TO CHANGE THAT, BUT SHE NEEDS TO COORDINATED -- COORDINATE WITH THE JUDGE'S OFFICE TO DO THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH HAVING A DISASTER RESOURCE-TYPE THING.

PEOPLE ARE IN AND OUT AND WE HAVE ESTABLISHED SOME OF THEM POST WINTER STORM. YES.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANT TO COMPLEMENT DR. HOLE LAW -- COMPLIMENT DR. HOLLOWAY.

WE ASKED YOU TO COME BACK WITH SOMETHING AND YOU DID IT CREATIVELY AND QUICKLY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID YOU

NEED A SECOND? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL TAKE -- IT IS VERY HYPER FOCUSED. I WOULD LIKE A MOTION AND I WILL DEFER AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF SHE HAS A CONCERN WITH

WHAT I AM ASKING. >> NO, COMMISSIONER, I DO NOT.

WE HELD A FEW THINGS AT BAY. WE CAN ACTIVATE THAT QUICKLY.

WE WANT TO COME BACK WITH THE TWO HOUSING PROGRAMS THOUGH BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE WE WILL BE FLUSHING IT OUT.

WE HAVE SOME DRAFTS THAT HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED.

WE WILL LOOK TO FINALIZE THEM AND PUT A BUDGET TOGETHER.

THE THINGS WE HAVE PROVIDED WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACTIVATE THE FIRST TWO AND WE CAN GIVE YOU A TIMELINE AND IT IS PARTICULARLY FOR THE CANVASSING.

WE HAVE A TARGET THAT RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE.

[09:35:08]

ALSO WE -- ALSO IF WE ARE LOOKING AT MOBILE SITES THE POPULATIONS THAT EXPERIENCE DAMAGE AND HAVE NOT ACTIVATED THE SITE. WE ARE SENDING SOMETHING TO

YOU QUICKLY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WITH THAT DR. HOLLOWAY, I I WILL WITHDRAW THIS MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS APPROVAL AS PRESENTED.

DR. HOLLOWAY, THANK YOU FOR RUNNING THIS DOWN WITH MY TEAM TODAY. I APPRECIATE IT.

>> MY PLEASURE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 197.

I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO ASKED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WOULD BE ME, JUDGE AND I WILL BE VERY BRIEF. I AM JUST EXCITED ABOUT COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS INSPIRED ME TO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MURALS IN THE COMMUNITY AND I JUST REALLY WANT TO APPLAUD THE LIBRARY SYSTEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS MURAL OUTSIDE THE ALDINE BRANCH.

THERE ARE A FEW OTHERS HAPPENING AS A RESULT OF IT.

AND ALSO BECAUSE THERE IS ONE COMING AND HE HAS A VERY, VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH MY FAMILY AND HE HAPPENS TO BE THE GODFATHER TO ONE OF MY BROTHER-IN-LAWS AND IT WAS IN THE THEME OF ALL THINGS. AFTER HAVING RECEIVED THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR HE WAS CHASED OUT WITH A BASEBALL BAT BECAUSE DOGS AND MEXICANS WEREN'T SERVED.

SO TO SEE THE WAY THE COMMUNITY HAS SURROUNDED HIM AND HIS HEROISM AND HIS SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY AND WE WILL NOW HAVE A MURAL IN PRECINCT TWO AND IT IS GREAT TO SEE THESE MURAL PROJECTS COME FORWARD.

LINE

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULD SPLIT THE COST ON. I THOUGHT IT BASS YOUR PRECINCT, BUT IT IS MY PRE SINK.

PRECINCT. THEY PUT UP 100,000 TO DO IT AND HE CHALLENGED ME TO MATCH IT.

WE WERE TRYING TO DO THE MURAL BY THE SAME ARTIST ON TOP OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S BUILDING.

THAT PRICE TAG GOT UP BECAUSE OF THE LOGISTICS TO $900,000.

I COMMITTED 100 FROM PRE SINK -- PRECINCT'S RESOURCES.

WE ARE LOOKING AT COUNTY BUILDINGS.

WE WILL PUT SOMETHING ON THE TOP OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY BUILDING. THE JAPANESE ARTIST WHO LIVES IN NEW YORK NOW. IT IS PRETTY AMAZING.

IT HAPPENS TO BE IN MY PRECINCT.

THEY SPENT $25,000, THE ARTIST DID IT FOR FREE.

THEY ARE DOING ONE IN OAKLAND NEXT.

I AM TRYING TO CONNECT THEM. I TOOK THEM OUT TO THE ASTRODOME [INAUDIBLE], BUT FROM PRECINCT 1 AT SOME POINT -- I HOPE THE COUNTY SETS ASIDE FOR ART, BUT THAT WILL BE OUR POLICY OF PRECINCT 1. SET ASIDE TO DO MURALS OR SOME ART WITH ALL OF THE PROJECTS WE DO.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO RIDING MY BIKE AND CHECKING OUT YOUR

MURALS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS AS PRESENTED.

ITEM 198. URBAN STRATEGIES EARLY HEAD START. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. ON THIS ONE -- SAID WARD ON THE LINE? IS EDWARD ON THE LINE?

[09:40:02]

>> NO, SIR. I DO NOT SEE HIM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON THIS ONE, JUDGE, I DON'T WANT TO HOLD IT, BUT I COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE THE NUMBER OF FACILITIES THAT ARE HERE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE -- OUT OF THE ONES BEING PROPOSED THERE IS ONLY ONE THAT WILL BE -- THAT HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR PRECINCT 2 IF I AM READING THIS GRAPH RIGHT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE EXPAND THIS TO INCLUDE ALL OF HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPERTIES AND ALL OF THE PRECINCTS SO WE CAN ALL BENEFIT FROM THIS. I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL MAKE A MOTION ON THAT. SINCE EDWARD IS ON THE LINE WE WILL WAIT. I CAN WAIT FOR HIM AND WORK IT OUT IF I NEED TO BRING SOMETHING BACK I WILL DO

THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF YOU NEED TO BRING IT BACK, I WILL SECOND IT WHEN YOU BRING IT

BACK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO FOR NOW AS PRESENTED AND YOU WILL WORK WITH ED MELTON? MARISELA, ARE YOU GOOD?

>> YES, JUDGE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TO -- 224 IS JAD COMING BACK WITH THEIR

PROPOSALS ON THE NEW VISA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, AGAIN, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND THE CRIME VICTIMS THAT ARE OUT THERE AND WITH RHETORIC THAT HAS BEEN SPEWED ALL TOO LONG THAT DRIVES PEOPLE AWAY FROM BEING ABLE TO REPORT ACTIVITIES ON EVIL DOERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. AND I JUST HAPPENED TO WATCH A MOVIE THE OTHER NIGHT. IT IS ONE OF THE CHRISTIAN MOVIES CALLED "PRICELESS" AND IT IS BECAUSED ON TRUE STORIES. IT JUST REMINDS US THAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING EXISTS. IT IS NOT HAPPENING IN A FAR AWAY PLACE. IT IS IN OUR BACKYARD AND WE NEED TO DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE GETTING AS MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE I GET A PRESENTATION AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT BEFORE I REQUEST A

MOTION ON THIS. >> WOULD YOU LIKE FOR ME TO

UNMUTE? >> YOU ARE UNMUTED.

MR. BETKEY? JIM?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN HE GETS ON THE LINE I HAVE REVIEWED IT.

I KNOW SOME ADVOCATES RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT SURVIVORS AND CRIMINAL HISTORY. IT HAS BEEN THOROUGHLY DONE, BUT I WOULD ASK THAT JIM WORK ON EXPLORING THOSE ADVOCATES' CONCERNS AND BRING BACK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COUNTY THAT INCLUDES WHATEVER WAS RAISED.

SO THAT WOULD BE MY POSITION ON IT.

I THINK IT IS HEADED -- IT IS ABSOLUTELY HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT HAS BEEN RUN THROUGH THE LENS AND MY TEAM WAS IN TOUCH WITH HIM AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GUT CHECKED BY THE ADVOCATES THAT WORK WITH THE VICTIMS DIRECTLY.

>> I DON'T THINK I WILL PUT THIS IN THE FORM OF A MOTION, BUT SINCE YOU ARE ENGAGED AS WELL, I KNOW THIS WILL MAKE SURE TO GET TO JIM. I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT HIM TO WORK WITH JAD AND JIM TO DEVELOP THE MATERIALS THAT WILL ADDRESS THE INWEBBING TAU TEES -- INEQUITIES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL. BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THERE IS ONLY TEP,000 FOR THEN -- ONLY 10,000 FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY IS BEYOND RIDICULOUS. AND THEN TO DEVELOP A

[09:45:03]

DASHBOARD SO WE CAN TRACK THE DATA.

MY SUSPICION IS GOING TO BE THAT WE WILL GET A LOT OF INFORMATION AND IT WILL ENABLE US TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KNOW JUST HOW MUCH HELP THEY HAVE IN THAT RECORD -- THAT REGARD AND TO WORK WITH JIM TO MAKE SURE WE DO ALL WE CAN TO LOCATE WHAT IS EXISTENCE -- EXISTENT AND BEING PROPOSED AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL. IT WILL HELP US TO BETTER

SERVE THESE CRIME VICTIMS. >> I'M SORRY.

VERONICA JAMES WITH JAD IS ON THE LINE AND READY TO DO A

PRESENTATION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OH GREAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER I WAS GOING TO SAY I NOTICE IT IS A TRANS MISS TALL EYE -- ITEM.

JUST NOTING MY INPUT AND YOUR INPUT AND I'M SURE WE WILL EACH CIRCLE BACK WITH JIM FOR HIM TO BRING BACK TO COURT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT I AM HEARING YOU SAYING SINCE IT IS 9:02 THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE PRESENTATION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT TOO. I THINK WE ALL GOT THE REPORT AND IT WAS VERY, VERY THOROUGH.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR VERONICA?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, HOW LONG IS THE PRESENTATION? IS IT TWO OR THREE MINUTES? I DON'T MIND IF IT IS QUICK.

>> IT IS ABOUT THREE MINUTES. LAST TIME I CHECKED IT WAS THREE MINUTES AND 11 SECONDS. I CAN MAKE IT AS QUICK AS

POSSIBLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE

TO SEE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: VERONICA IF YOU CAN KEEP IT TO THAT THREE MINUTES AND 20 SECONDS THAT

WOULD BE FABULOUS. >> I CAN DEFINITELY DO THAT.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I AM DR. VERONICA JAMES. IN MY ALLOTTED TIME I WILL GIVE A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON THE IMMIGRANT STATUS AND VISA CERTIFICATION NATIONWIDE AND IN TEXAS AND HARRIS COUNTY AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS AT THE FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS. I WILL OBVIOUSLY NOT HAVE TIME TO GO OVERALL OF THE POINTS ON ALL OF THE SLIDES, BUT WILL GLADLY ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.

THE VISA WAS TO PROTECT IMMIGRANT CRIME SURVIVORS AND INCREASE TRUST BETWEEN IMMIGRANTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. ONE PIECE OF THE APPLICATION IS I-918B, BUT THIS IS NOT ALONE WITH VISA STATUS.

IT HAS SIGNIFICANT ISSUES. THE FIRST STATUTE OUT, THE UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES AND USCIS CANNOT ISSUE VISAS OCTOBER TO SEPTEMBER.

[INAUDIBLE] APPLICATIONS EXSAID THIS -- EXCEED THIS LIMIT AND IS IN BACKLOG FIVE TO TEN YEARS TO RATE FOR A DECISION. THERE IS NO FEDERAL MANDATE FOR AGENCIES. SOME JURISDICTIONS HAVE ENACTED LEGISLATION TO MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER AND MORE CONSISTENT FOR SURVIVORS OF THE CRIME.

THERE IS A LACK OF POLICIES AND DATA REPORTING ACROSS TEXAS. CURRENTLY THERE IS NO STATE LAW FOR THE VISA CERTIFICATIONS OR LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION. THERE IS AS LITTLE CONSISTENCY IN HARRIS COUNTY. THE HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS BUILDING A NEW POLICY IN 2019 AND IS CURRENTLY ONE OF THE AGENCIES WITH THE BEST PRACTICES OF THOSE WE SPOKE WITH IN HARRIS COUNTY FOR COMPLETING CERTIFICATIONS. THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S'S OFFICE HAS NO FORMAL POLICY OR STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR CERTIFICATIONS, BUT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE A GOOD PRACTICE FOR PROCESSING REQUESTS. A SIGNIFICANT VARIATION BETWEEN CONSTABLE PRECINCTS. THE JAD POLICY HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND PLANS TO IMPLEMENT THIS AS THEIR POLICY. THE CONSTABLES ARE VERY NEAR TO ADOPTING A POLICY. AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, MOST IMPORTANTLY WE RECOMMEND GREATLY INCREASING OR ELIMINATING THE CURRENT LIMITATION ON NEW VISAS.

ON THE STATE LEVEL WE RECOMMEND TEXAS TO CONSIDER LEGISLATION SIMILAR TO CALIFORNIA AND WASHINGTON.

ON A LOCAL LEVEL MOST IMPORTANTLY WE ENCOURAGE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO WORK WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS

[09:50:03]

AROUND THE CONSIDERATION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS REGARDLESS OF SURVIVORS' CRIMINAL HISTORY.

AND GOING FORWARD AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA TALKED ABOUT A LOT OF THESE THINGS, BUT JAD WILL SPEAK WITH COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEMBERS ABOUT REACHING OUT TO CONGRESS URGING THEM TO AMEND THE CAP. JAD WILL COORDINATE WITH THE INTER GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS TO DETERMINE IF ANY LEGISLATION CAN BE AMENDED THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

WE WILL MEET WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS AND GO OVER THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND MEET WITH THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO BEGIN THIS CONVERSATION MORE IN DEPTH.

THANK YOU. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS YOU CAN CONTACT ME. WE THANK EVERYONE WHO SPOKE WITH US TO HELP WITH THIS REPORT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, DR. JAMES FOR YOUR

PRESENTATION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS EXCELLENT, JUDGE AND SHE DID IT IN THREE MINUTES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DR. JAMES.

JIM MESSAGED ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES. SO THAT'S WHY HE COULDN'T JOIN. IT SOUNDS LIKE WE WILL CIRCLE BACK INDIVIDUALLY WITH JAD SEEING IT IS A TRANSMITAL.

MARISELA, IT IS JUST ACCEPTING THE TRANSMITAL.

>> YES, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU TO JAD AND ALL OF THE WORK AND SURVIVOR ADVOCATES.

ITEM 345, RESOLUTION HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN AND

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WENT THROUGH IT EARLIER. WE HAD ONE SPEAKER AND SHE OTHERS -- SHE IS OTHERS PUT A LOT OF WORK IN IT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THERE IS ONE CHANGE THAT THEY FELT UNCOMFORTABLE. I WILL TAKE YOUR OTHER CHANGES WITH THE ONE PART WE WANT TO TAKE OUT IF THAT'S ALL RIGHT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: PUT A PERIOD AFTER CULTURE AND TAKE OUT THE REST OF THAT. I KNOW HOW SENSITIVE YOU ARE ON IT. WHEREAS, YOU CAN LEAVE THAT

"AS" OUT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: MINE DIDN'T HAVE THE "AS." I AM FINE WITH THOSE CHANGES.

AND THEN WE WILL BE GOOD. I DO HAVE A COMMENT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO BRAG ON THE WOMEN OF PRECINCT 4.

WE HAVE A LOT OF THEM. MY CHIEF OF STAFF, ADD STRAIGHT TIFF -- ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTER AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DIRECTOR IN AN INDUSTRY DOMINATED BY MEN. NOBODY DOMINATES MY ROCKY ROAD. JAN SEXTON WHO IS IN CHARGE OF OUR COMMUNITY CENTERS AND OUR TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS AND WE CALL IT THE ENCORE PROGRAM AND THE SENIOR ADULT PROGRAM.

SHE HELPS WITH THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

AN -- ANGEL HOOT AND OUR COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT AND MY HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR.

WE ARE FILLED WITH A PLETHORA.

I THINK THAT WAS A WORD COMMISSIONER GARCIA USED A COURT OR TWO BACK. WE HAVE A PLETHORA OF HOOK AND BULL WOMEN IN PRECINCT 4 AND WE ARE PROUD OF EVERY ONE OF THEM AND I APPRECIATE YOUR RESOLUTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND JUDGE I WOULD BE REMISS, AND I DON'T WANT US TO GO TOO LONG, BUT I HOPE YOU APPRECIATE THAT FOURTH ONE, WHERE THERE IS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF WOMEN ELECTED OFFICIALS IN LEADERSHIP IN HARRIS COUNTY INCLUDING ELECTED 17 NEW BLACK WOMEN JUDGES IN -- AND COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO AS THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED AS HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF THAT.

SUPERVISOR HOLLY MITCHELL I AM TOLD WILL BE THE CHAIR OF THE LOS ANGELES COMMISSIONER'S COURT IN LOS ANGELES.

I HAVE KNOWN HER A LONGTIME. SHE IS IN ASSEMBLY AND STATE SENATE AND NOW SHE IS ON THE FIVE-PERSON -- SHE BRAGS IT IS AN ALL-FEMALE GOVERNING BOARD IN LOS ANGELES.

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND I APPRECIATE THE COURT'S SUPPORT. WOMEN HAVE COME A LONG WAY AND THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT OF EFFORT AND SACRIFICE.

BLACK WOMEN IN PARTICULAR AND THEY -- AND AS MENTIONED TO VOTE BEFORE YOU HAD TO BE WHITE, MALE AND A PROPERTY OWNER. EVEN WHEN WOMEN GOT THE RIGHT

[09:55:01]

TO VOTE, BLACK WOMEN DIDN'T GET THE RIGHT UNTIL THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT PASSED. I THINK WE SHOULD ALL REFLECT ON THE HISTORY. IT IS EASY TO SAY WE WOULD HAVE MARCHED WITH MARTIN LUTHER KING NOW, BUT MOST DIDN'T DO IT WHEN HE WAS AROUND WHEN THEY HAD THE ABILITY TO. EVERYBODY IS AGAINST SLAVERY NOW, BUT WHEN THE ROLE WAS CALLED MOST PEOPLE WEREN'T.

EVEN IF THEY FELT BAD ABOUT IT, THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT WHO WOULD DO THE WORK. WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY AND WE HAVE SO MUCH FARTHER TO GO SO I MOVE ADOPTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, SECOND.

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ABSOLUTELY.

>> JUDGE FOR CLARIFICATION, I WILL BE GETTING AN UPDATED RESOLUTION WITH THE WAY IT WAS PRESENTED WITH THE AMENDED

VERBIAGE? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.

DO I HAVE TO READ IT OR DO YOU HAVE IT?

>> I DO HAVE THE ONE THAT WAS SENT TO US FROM COMMISSIONER

CAGLE'S OFFICE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU SEPTEMBER -- YOU SENT THE CORRECTED VERSION?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR CORRECTED VERSION, BUT ON THE THIRD WHEREAS, WHAT WE SENT OUT, YOU PUT A PERIOD AFTER CULTURE AND ELIMINATE THE REST OF THE SENTENCE.

WHERE THERE IS A COMMA YOU PUT A PERIOD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO PUT OUT REACKNOWLEDGE THE ROLE WOMEN HAVE PLAYED IN PROMOTING IDEALS ON WHICH OUR NATION IS FOUNDED. WE KNOW PEOPLE WERE WRITING

IT, BUT DIDN'T DO IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL TAKE THAT WITH THE EDITS THAT YOU NOTED.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S KEEP GOING AND WE'LL VOTE ON THAT WITH EVERYTHING ELSE.

349 ON THE ROLL OVER, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WHEN WE TOOK THIS UP LAST MONTH I UNDERSTOOD THAT WHEN WE DID THE ROLL OVER IT WOULD NOT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT LAW ENFORCEMENT.

AS I LOOKED FURTHER INTO THIS, YOU CAN SEE THE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO THE SHERIFF AND CONSTABLES AND PARTICULARLY FOUR AND FIVE AND BECAUSE I VOTED FOR THIS I AM BRINGING THIS BACK FOR A REVOTE AND I THINK WITHIN -- THAT IS WITHIN THE PER VIEW OF WHAT WE -- PERVIEW OF WHAT WE CAN DO.

I WANT TO VOTE AGAIN ON THIS. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE ROLL OVER DOLLARS THAT ARE BEING CONTRIBUTED FROM THE CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF, IT IS A LOT TO SWALLOW IN ONE YEAR. THE OTHER THING I WILL SAY, I THINK THE SHERIFF'S ROLL OVER WAS COVERED BY ACTION WE TOOK EARLIER TODAY, THE THREE MILLION.

THAT PRETTY WELL COVERS THAT. THERE IS NEARLY 14 MILLION IN A COUPLE OF THE CONSTABLES THAT IS NOT COVERED.

I THINK THAT IS A LOT TO TRANSITION FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT. I TALKED TO DAVID BERRY AND I THINK HE IS TRYING TO WORK THROUGH THAT PROCESS, BUT THAT'S A LOT TO TRY TO TRANSITION IN ONE YEAR.

THAT'S WHY I PUT THAT ON THERE.

I KNOW IT IS LATE, BUT I AM ASKING FOR A REVOTE ON THAT

PARTICULAR ROLL OVER ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT YOUR

MOTION, COMMISSIONER? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS THE SECOND.

ANY COMMENTS? >> JUDGE, WOULD I BE ABLE TO GET CLARIFICATION ON WHAT THE MOTION IS FOR THIS ITEM?

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE VOTED MARCH 9TH, 2021 TO APPROVE A COUNTY ROLL OVER POLICY. I AM ASKING THAT WE VOTE AGAIN ON THAT POLICY AND ISSUE. I GOT A SECOND I THINK FROM COMMISSIONER CAGLE TO VOTE AGAIN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

I GUESS THIS QUESTION IS FOR JAY.

THIS IS THE ITEM WE ALREADY VOTED ON?

[10:00:01]

I GUESS WE ARE BRINGING IT BACK, BUT WE VOTED ON THE ROLL OVER AND I AM JUST CURIOUS WHETHER WE CAN JUST BRING IT BACK FOR ANOTHER VOTE IF THE ITEM ITSELF WAS ALREADY

DECIDED. >> COMMISSIONER.

COMMISSIONER, THE MEMBER WHO RULED ON A PREVAILING SIDE, AND IN THIS CASE AND ESSENTIALLY WHAT HE IS ASKING FOR IS ESSENTIALLY KIND OF A RECONSIDERATION OF THE POLICY.

IT IS A VISION OF THE POLICY TO DO SO.

AND HE IS WITHIN HIS RIGHT TO DO SO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY YOU WANTED TO BRING IT BACK UP SO YOU CAN

VOTE NO ON IT? >> TOM RAMSEY: AS I SAID, I WAS CONCERNED -- I UNDERSTAND BETTER THE IMPACT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. I UNDERSTAND HOW CRIME IS IMPACTING HARRIS COUNTY. AND I DID NOT UNDERSTAND THAT COMPLETELY. A COUPLE THREE WEEKS AGO WHEN WE VOTED ON IT ORIGINALLY, AND I AM JUST GOING TO BRING IT

BACK FOR ANOTHER VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO I AM JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND. I GET THAT YOU WANT TO SHOW THAT YOU VOTED NO. I JUST -- I MEAN EVERY WEEK WE DON'T WANT TO KEEP BRING -- YOU COULD HAVE JUST PUT ANOTHER ITEM ON THE AGENDA SAYING YOU WANTED TO KEEP IT.

THIS WAY WE HAVE TO BRING IT UP AGAIN AND THEN WE HAVE TO

VOTE TO PASS IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: I GUESS THERE ARE FIVE OR SIX WAYS TO DO IT.

I FIGURED THIS WAS THE EASIEST WAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> TOM RAMSEY: ANYWAY.

I MADE THE MOTION AND I THINK I HAVE A SECOND SO WE CAN VOTE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MARISELA, ARE YOU CLEAR TO WHAT THE MOTION

IS? >> NOT REALLY.

I KNOW HE MENTIONED THAT THE ITEM VOTED ON MARCH 9TH

AND WE IS ASKING FOR A REVOTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COULD THE MOTION BE THAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY COULD THE MOTION BE THAT HARRIS COUNTY ADOPT THE FORMER ROLL OVER POLICY AND THAT WAY IT IS --

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT WOULD BE CLEAR.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS MADE A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M OPPOSED. THE MOTION FAILS.

IT WAS 3-2. THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, A LITTLE BIT ON THIS ITEM AND I THINK I CAN APPRECIATE SOME OF THE CONCERN THAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS BECAUSE I HAVE SPOKEN TO SOME OF THE CONSTABLES ABOUT THEIR CONCERNS.

MR. BERRY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF OUR CON -- CONSTABLES ARE TREATED EVENLY.

I KNOW THAT THERE IS ONE CONSTABLE THAT IS CONCERNED ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO PAY FOREGOES GAS IF KNOT -- IF NOT FOR THE ROLL OVER. I THINK I MENTIONED WHO THAT WAS AND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO REACH OUT TO THEM AND MAYBE TO HELP THEM GET COMFORTABLE THAT THEY WILL HAVE GAS TO DO THEIR JOB. ANOTHER CONSTABLE WAS KINDLY PAYING FOR STAFF FROM HIS ROLL OVER.

UNKNOWING YOU COULDN'T APPROVE ROLL OVER FOR STAFFING.

WE WERE APPROVING DEPUTIES ON CONTRACTS AND THE CONTRACTS FOR WHATEVER REASON WERE CANCELED AND THEY WOULD HAVE PUT THOSE POSITIONS ON THE AGENDA AND THEY WOULD BE ABSORBED. I JUST DON'T THINK IT WAS RIGHT TO BE TREATED ONE WAY AND OTHERS TREATED ANOTHER WAY. CAN YOU LOOK AT THE ROLL OVER SITUATION ISN'T GOING TO ADVERSELY IMPACT ANYBODY WHO IS USING IT AS A TRUE LIFELINE.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A REAL POLICY TO HOW THIS ROLL OVER WAS TOLD

TO BE USED YEARS BACK. >> I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE

[10:05:05]

ARE CONFLICTING ITEMS AND I AM NOT APPROACHING IT WITH THE MENTALITY OF ANYONE'S FAULT. IT IS A TRANSITION AND IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY. I CAN'T PROMISE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR RECOMMENDATIONS WILL MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY, BUT I ABSOLUTELY AM LETTING EVERY DEPARTMENT EXPLAIN WHAT ROLL OVER THEY THINK THEY SHOULD KEEP AND WHY.

IF THEY THINK IT WILL AFFECT THE LEVEL OF SERVICE PUT IT ON THE TABLE AND WORK THROUGH IT.

YOU CAN EXPECT A REPORT FROM MY OFFICE WITH THE WORK WE DID TO TRANSITION ALONG AND WE WON'T MAKE ANY DECISIONS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. CONSTABLES WITH LARGE ORDERS AND SMALL ORDERS AND THOSE IN BETWEEN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. LEAN

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 351 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: A BIT OF GOOD NEWS.

WE ADD JOB FAIR AT I-10 AND THE BELT WAY.

WE HAD THE CEO OF DAIKIN JOIN US.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT DAIKIN WAS IN A POSITION TO HIRE A THOUSAND PEOPLE ON SATURDAY I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE.

SHE CAN ENCOURAGE METRO LIKE NOBODY ELSE CAN.

THE REASON METRO NEEDS TO BE ENCOURAGED, MANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO NEED JOBS AREN'T CLOSE TO WHERE DAIKIN IS.

THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME TYPE OF TRANSPORTATION ARRANGED.

I JUST WANT TO GIVE COURT A BIT OF INFORMATION RELATED TO THAT. ONE DAY THERE WERE 710 APPLICATIONS AND 200 OFFERS WERE MADE THAT DAY 160 PEOPLE WENT HOME WITH A DISWROB -- JOB.

THEY WENT TO WORK ON MONDAY WITH FULL BENEFITS AND INSURANCE AND 401K. SO THESE ARE NOT -- THESE ARE REALLY GOOD JOBS. WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THESE FOR OTHERS. THIS DOESN'T JUST HAVE TO BE PRECINCT 3. BELIEVE ME, THERE ARE PROBABLY PEOPLE HIRED IN ALL FOUR PRECINCTS ON SATURDAY.

THERE WILL BE SOME MORE OF THESE.

WE WILL DO ONE WITH CONSTRUCTION FOLKS AND WE ARE GONNA DO ONE WITH RESTAURANT FOLKS.

THAT GUARANTEES 52 PAYCHECKS A YEAR AND NOT JUST A COUPLE FROM SOME AGENCY. I WANTED TO REPORT THAT AND TELL YOU THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH THESE KINDS OF INITIATIVES TO GET FOLKS BACK TO WORK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WONDERFUL NEWS.

I NOTICED I SKIPPED 350 ON FLOOD CONTROL.

I KNOW YOU FLAGGED THAT ONE. >> TOM RAMSEY: AGAIN, IT IS LATE AND THIS IS A GOOD INITIATIVE THAT WE ARE GOING TO DO WITH OUR OWN PRECINCT 3 MONEY IN TERMS OF WHAT WE HAVE SET ASIDE. WE WILL DO SOME PILOT TESTS ON SOME EXISTING DETENTION FACILITIES WHERE WE ACTUALLY PUT PUMPS IN THE DETENTION BASINS.

WHILE WE DON'T PUMP THE STORM WATER IN HAIR RITZ COUNTY -- IN HARRIS COUNTY I DON'T KNOW.

WE PUMP SANITARY SEWAGE AND WE PUMP POTABLE WATER, BUT NOT STORM WATER. WE CAN INCREASE 30% THE EFFICIENCY OF A DETENTION BASIN.

SO BETWEEN MODIFYING OUT CALLS AND IMPROVING HOW WE LOOK AT THESE, THAT CAN BE SOME IMMEDIATE IMPACT TO ALLOW THESE NEIGHBORHOODS FOR NOT A LOT OF MONEY.

WE WILL TRY THE PILOT TESTED -- OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE DETENTION BASINS IN EVERY PRE SINK IN HARRIS COUNTY.

I JUST WANTED THE COURT TO KNOW THAT WE WILL BE PILOT TESTING THAT AND WE'LL KEEP YOU POSTED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. >> JUDGE, I'M SORRY.

IS THERE ANY ACTION FOR 350 AND 351?

>> TOM RAMSEY: THERE IS NO ACTION.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: 353 IS NEXT.

[10:10:03]

GULF COAST RAIL DISTRICT BILL. THAT MAY BE YOURS AS WELL,

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH.

I'M SORRY. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE CONTACTED HERE. I THINK THERE IS GOOD SUPPORT FOR THIS AND I WILL QUICKLY READ THROUGH IT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL SECOND IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I CALLED THE QUESTION.

I THINK WE ARE IN FAVOR OF IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THERE IS NO NEED TO READ IT?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL TELL YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I GOT THE PHONE CALL AND I RAN INTO THE OFFICE ON MONDAY.

I SAID, GET THIS ON THE AGENDA.

I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS GONNA BEAT ME TO IT.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED

TO DO. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, ARE YOU GOOD WITH IT NOT BEING READ?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M FINE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL KEEP MOVING.

>> SORRY, JUDGE. SO WHAT WOULD BE THE MOTION

FOR 353? >> LINA HIDALGO: TO APPROVE

THE RESOLUTION AS PRESENTED. >> AND THIS WILL BE VOTED ON

WITH THE OTHER ITEMS. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

358. DISCUSSION CONCERNING THE PLACEMENT AND USAGE OF ANNEXES.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AN UPDATE FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

THE LAST TIME WE WERE IN COMMISSIONER'S COURT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IT HAD BEEN REPRESENTED THAT EVERYTHING HAD BEEN VETTED. IT IS WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND BEFORE COURT WAS DONE WE HAD GOTTEN FORWARDED TO US AN EMAIL THAT IS A BACK UP THAT SAID THE SECRETARY OF STATE WAS DENYING THEY WERE IN APPROVAL.

IN APPROVAL OF THE PLAN. I DON'T WANT TO SAY I AM AGAINST UTILIZING COUNTY FACILITIES IN TERMS OF FINDING A WAY TO WHERE WE CAN DO SO THAT IS BOTH EFFICIENT, BUT ALSO TO MAKE SURE WE ARE LEGAL. PART OF MY QUESTION TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS WHERE ARE WE NOW? AND LET'S MAKE SURE WE HAVE OUR BELTS AND SUSPENDERS ON AND WE ARE NOT DOING SOMETHING THAT IS INAPPROPRIATE.

IF WE ARE GOING TO UTILIZE OUR FACILITIES IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY, LET'S DO SO LEGALLY.

>> I AM HAPPY TO RESPOND TO THAT, COMMISSIONER.

ON TWO ITEMS AND I KNOW THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR IS GONE AS WELL, BUT I THINK I SENT A RESPONSE TO YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTION AND I THINK I INCLUDED THE COURT AS WELL.

AS IT RELATES SPECIFICALLY TO THE ISSUE OF USING -- UTILIZING THE FACILITIES FOR -- THAT ARE CURRENTLY IN THE TAX OFFICE, WE FEEL STRONGLY AND I THINK WE ARE ON SOLID GROUND THAT THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH USING THOSE FACILITIES FOR VOTER REGISTRATION PURPOSES.

THE ELECTION CODE IS VERY CLEAR ON THIS MATTER.

THE NOTION OF THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR HAS NOT BEEN BRUSHED. THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES THAT WERE RAISED AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOUR OFFICE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO ALERT ME. IT WAS UNRELATED TO THE MEMO WE DISTRIBUTED TO YOU ALL. AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME WE HAVE NO CONCERNS ABOUT THE ISSUE RELATED TO -- AS IT RELATES TO THE VOTING REGISTRATION. I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THAT POSITION IS ONE THAT WE ARE WILLING TO STAND BY.

AS IT RELATES TO OTHER MATTERS, I KNOW THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WANTS TO COMMENT AND HE IS AVAILABLE TO

COMMENT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE WE IN AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AT THIS

MOMENT? >> I DON'T KNOW THAT WE ARE IN DISAGREEMENT AT ALL WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

THE ISSUE -- AND I AM NOT SURE THAT TO BE BLUNT THE RELEVANCE OF THAT PARTICULAR ISSUE. THE QUESTION IS WHETHER OR NOT WE CAN UTILIZE COUNTY FACILITIES AND WE CAN HAVE AN OFFICE THAT IS DESIGNATED FOR THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR TO CONDUCT VOTER REGISTRATION ACTIVITIES.

THAT IS NOT A PROBLEM AND WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING THAT CONTRADICTS THAT FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

THAT HAS NOT BEEN DIRECTED TO US AND IT HAS NOT BEEN DIRECTED IN ANYWAY, AND WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE CODE

[10:15:03]

DISAGREES WITH THAT. WE LOOKED AT THAT MATTER AND I DON'T BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE THERE.

AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE VOTER

REGISTRATION PORTION OF IT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL RIGHT.

>> I AM HERE.SH ORT ANSWER WE ARE IN THE CLEAR AND THERE WAS CONFUSE LAST TIGHT AND -- LAST TIME AND WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSITION AND WE CLEARED IT BY THE SOS AND ESTABLISHING THE BRANCH OFFICES THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS CLEARED AND WE ARE

READY TO GO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WITH THAT SAID I APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU ARE DOING.

IF WE ARE IN A POSITION WHERE YOU THINK WE ARE ON SOLID LEGAL GROUND AND THERE WAS AN OBJECTION FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE I HOPE THERE IS NO RELUCTANCE TO GO TO COURT.

IT IS SAD, BUT WE ARE AT A POINT IN THIS COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE ONCE AGAIN PROUD TO SUPPRESS THE VOTE AND SOMEHOW WEAR IT WITH A BADGE OF HONOR.

I WILL PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA FOR NEXT COURT.

I HOPE OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY WOULD JOIN IN AND SPEAK UP AS THEY DID IN GEORGIA AND ATLANTA.

IF SOME OF THEM GO THROUGH YOU WILL HAVE BOYCOTTS AND CHALLENGE OUR UH COUNTY'S ABILITY TO RECOVER.

AS PEOPLE CALL FOR BOYCOTTS IN THE SOUTH IN THE PAST ORGANS APARTHEID WHEN IT WAS -- OR AGAINST APARTHEID WHEN IT WAS IN SOUTH SOUTH AFTER -- SOUTH AFRICA, IT SHOULD HAPPEN HERE. I WOULD BE ONE THAT WOULD GO TO COURT TO FIND OUT, TO THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND IF NECESSARY. THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JACK CAGLE.

I UNDERSTAND THE RATTLING OF THE SABOR AND THE BAN -- BANSHEE CRY OF BATTLE BY MY COLLEAGUE, IT WOULD BE NICE BEFORE WE WENT TO THAT STEP WE TALK.

I THINK WHAT I HEAR YOU SAYING IS YOU HAVE BEEN TALKING TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND WE HAVE ALL OF THIS CLARIFIED

UP? >> YES, SIR.

WE DO EVERYTHING ABOVE THE LAW IN MY OFFICE.

I BELIEVE IF MR. GARROW WANTS TO MAKE MY WORDS OUT OF CONTEXT, I APPRECIATE HE EMAIL ME FIRST SO WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT AND I APPRECIATE THE SAME OF EVERYONE ON THE COMMISSION. YOU HAVE MY CELL PHONE AND I AM READY TO TALK AND MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING ABOVE THE WORD. I BELIEVE WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS ELUDED -- ELUDING TO IS THERE ARE A COUPLE OF BILLS GOING THROUGH THE STATE THAT WOULD REQUIRE PRE-APPROVAL FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE BEFORE EVEN SNEEZING.

I DO PREFER TO TALK IT OUT HERE AND SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS LOCALLY BEFORE WE GO SEVERAL STEPS ABOVE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THERE WAS A TIME WHEN PEOPLE WOULD LOOKED LIKE ME -- WHAT DOES DR. KING SAID, SCRATCH WHEN IT DOESN'T ITCH OR LAUGH WHEN IT ISN'T FUNNY. WE DON'T HAVE TO DO THAT ANYMORE. IT WAS WRONG AND I WILL FIGHT AGAINST IT WITH EVERY ABILITY I HAVE.

I AM PROUD OF THAT. ALL OF US OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED THAT PEOPLE WANT TO SUPPRESS THE VOTE IN 2021 IN ANYWAY IN THIS COUNTRY. IT IS RIDICULOUS AND SHAMEFUL. IT IS THE KIND OF STUFF GOING ON IN RUSSIA OR SOMEWHERE ELSE , WE WOULD BE AT THE UNITED NATIONS CRIT -- CRITICIZING. FOLKS WANT TO DO IT HERE AND GET AWAY WITH IT AND ACT LIKE IT IS THE SOPHISTICATED THING AND IT IS NOT. IT IS DUMB AND EVIL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NO ACTION ON THIS ONE, COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: NO, YOUR

HONOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 367.

[10:20:01]

THAT IS MINE ON THE PRIORITIES AND THE PROCESSES.

FOR THE FED -- FEDERAL FUND. WE HAVE AN INFLUX OF FUNDS AND I AM PROUD OF THE WORK WE DID WITH THE CARES ACT, TO BE HONEST. I THINK IT WAS THOUGHTFUL AND THE SYSTEM WORKED OF HAVING A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH MEN OF -- MEMBER OF COURT AND HAVING THE CONSULTANTS THERE.

I AM PROUD OF HOW WE KEPT TRACK OF THE INITIATIVES AND HAVE A VISUAL AND CLEAR INFORMATION AS TO WHICH FUNDS WENT WHERE. TO THE EXTENT THERE WERE PROGRAMS WE HAD TO TWEAK. FOR EXAMPLE THE INITIAL SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM THAT THEN BECAME A GRANT PROGRAM.

WE TURNED IT INTO DIRECT ASSISTANCE.

WHAT I AM PROPOSING IS A SIMILAR SYSTEM TO WHAT WE HAD WITH THE CARES ACT. IN THE INTEREST OF GETTING SOME OF THESE FUNDS OUT THE DOOR THERE IS A PERCENTAGE THAT WOULD GO OUT THE DOOR WITHIN 60-DAYS OF THE FUNDS ARRIVING. AS FAR AS CREATING NEW STUFF.

IT IS GENERALLY WHAT WE DID WITH THE CARES ACT.

IT IS THESE BIG BUCKETS AND IT IS CLEAR FOR THE COMMUNITY WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW -- THAT THE THREE BUCKETS HEALTH, HOUSING AND JOBS. IT IS THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS FOR COVID. IT IS VAC -- VACCINE DISTRIBUTION AND TESTING. AND IT IS THE SECONDARY AND TERTIARY IMPACT, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND FOOD.

WE TALK ABOUT HOUSING. IT IS THE RENTAL AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE IN THE PAST AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT JOBS, NOT ONLY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, BUT EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE.

OBVIOUSLY ALL OF THESE GET AT THE ROOT CAUSES OF THE INCREASE IN CRIME. SO THE IDEA IS TO USE THESE FUNDS TO GET TO THE -- YET ANOTHER ANGLE DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH THE FUNDS WE HAVE GIVEN THE SHERIFF. THE OTHER THING THAT IS ADDED IS THE SPELLING OUT THAT THERE WILL BE A MEANINGFUL VETTING OF IDEAS AND A RIGOROUS PROCESS THROUGH THE COMMITTEE. WE HAVE WRITTEN IT OUT AND I REVIEWED WHAT WAS PRESENTED. IT SHOULDN'T BE SURPRISING BASED ON WHAT WE DID WITH CARES.

BETWEEN NOW AND WHEN THE FUNDS ARRIVE WE CAN SAY TO THE COMMUNITY THESE ARE OUR PRIORITIES AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE SYSTEM AND WE WILL HAVE A COMMITTEE AS WE DID BEFORE AND STRUCTURALLY IT WILL BE THE SAME STRUCTURE. SO THE MOTION WOULD JUST BE TO DESIGNATE A COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF THE CHIEFS OF STAFF OR ANOTHER DESIGNEE THAT WILL WORK WITH THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT FOR THE LOCAL, FISCAL RECOVERY FUFNEDZ -- FUNDS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE PROCESS AND THE PARAMETERS AND THE PREREQUISITES AND THE WORKING GROUPS AND WORKFLOW AS DETAILED IN THE AGENDA LETTER AND THE ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENT FOR ITEM 367 OF TODAY'S MARCH 30TH, 2021 COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER'S COURT SESSION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AID SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY COMMENTS?

>> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD JOB, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

[Executive Session]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE WE WERE GOING TO DISCUSS 364 IN EXECUTIVE SESSION, BUT WE -- BUT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY SAID WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS IN COURT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE CAME BACK TO IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I MISSED THAT ONE.

I'M SORRY. >> THAT'S CORRECT.

I WAS GOING TO ASK -- LET YOU KNOW THAT, JUDGE.

I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT MENTIONING IT BEFORE.

[10:25:03]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THIS SHOULD BE THE LAST BREAK OF THE DAY.

LET'S BE BACK I LOST MY COOL ONE TIME IN THE

SENATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

WE ARE ALL BACK AND IT IS 9:51 AND WE WERE DISCUSSING ITEM 364 ON THE HIRING ELIGIBILITY.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I HAVE -- LET'S SEE.

I LEFT THAT ITEM. CAN YOU GIVE ME MY FOLDER THERE? I MAY HAVE GIVEN IT BACK TO YOU. I APOLOGIZE, JUDGE.

JUDGE, WE ARE WORKING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SOME DIRECTION ON HOW TO FILL VACANCIES.

OUR STAFF TENDS TO COME TOGETHER AND SERVE A BIT OF A VETTING ROLL AND HIRING COMMITTEE PROCESS.

WHEN I WAS SHERIFF, REGRETFULLY I HAD TO DISMISS A LOT OF PEOPLE. WHEN YOU GET TO THAT POINT IT IS A STRONG SIGNAL THAT THE COUNTY WANTS TO MOVE IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. IF SOMEONE IS TERMINATED FROM A POSITION THEY HAVE NO BUSINESS SERVING ON A COMMITTEE WITH A VACANCY THEY CREATED.

MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO MOVE TO MAKE COUNTY POLICY THAT ANY COUNTY EMPLOYEE TERMINATED FROM A SPECIFIC POSITION AND IS INELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON A CURRENT OR FUTURE HIRING COMMITTEE TO FILL THAT VACANT-SC POSITION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WILL SECOND IT.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I SECOND IT BECAUSE IT WOULD JUST BE AWKWARD AND IT IS DIFFICULT FOR -- WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE COMPLY WITH THE LAW AND THE CHALLENGE OF TRYING TO FIND A CONSENSUS WHEN WE DON'T ALWAYS AGREE WITH WHATEVER, BUT I THINK IT WOULD MAKE IT AWKWARD. IF YOU NEED IT AS A POLICY, BUT I WILL PROUD TO SECOND THE MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I UNDERSTAND WHERE MY COLLEAGUE IS COMING FROM.

AND I UNDERSTAND THAT IT MAY BE AWKWARD, BUT THIS IS A VERY SLIPPERY SLOPE. EACH OF US ARE ALLOWED TO APPOINT MEMBERS OF OUR STAFF TO SERVE ON THESE COMMITTEES.

WE DON'T ALWAYS AGREE AND OUR STAFFS DON'T ALWAYS AGREE.

IF WE WILL START A POLICY WHERE THE THREE CAN DECIDE WHICH STAFF MEMBERS OF OTHERS THAT CAN SERVE ON COMMITTEES, IT MAY BE SOME DAY WHERE IT IS GONNA BE 4D'S AND ONE R OR FIVE D'S AND YOU WILL TELL EACH OTHER FROM WHO YOU CAN HAVE FROM YOUR STAFF SERVING ON THESE COMMITTEES.

I THINK IT IS A BAD POLICY. THERE IS AN OLD PHRASE THAT SAYS BAD FACTS MAKE BAD LAW. I UNDERSTAND IT MAY BE AWKWARD AND HIS CHOICE AND WHO HE THOUGHT WAS THE BEST PERSON TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT THE POSITION IS.

MAY ASK QUESTIONS AND MAY KNOW WHERE THINGS ARE BURIED AND FOLKS DON'T WANT TO KNOW, BUT IT IS A BAD POLICY FOR THREE OR FOUR TO START TO DICTATE TO SOMEBODY ELSE WHO ON THEIR STAFF THEY CAN APPOINT. IT IS EITHER AN ELECTED OFFICIAL'S PER ROUGHING GO -- PREROGATIVE TO APPOINT SOMEBODY FROM THEIR STAFF OR IT IS NOT.

I I WILL JUST SAY I UNDERSTAND IT IS AWKWARD, BUT I THINK BAD

POLICY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH, IT'S INTERESTING THAT WHEN A GOOD MAN IS FIRED FOR NO GOOD REASON THERE IS CONTINUING CONCERN.

HE WAS NOT FIRED BY A MAJORITY.

IT WAS A MAJORITY, BUT NOT UNANIMOUSLY.

I DISAGREE WITH ALL OF THE REASONS WHY HE WAS FIRED, BUT

[10:30:03]

THAT'S WHAT 3-2 IS AND I CAN COUNT.

WHEN I WAS ASKED TO PROVIDE SOMEONE WHO CAN SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE, I THOUGHT, WELL, I WILL PROVIDE SOMEBODY THAT ACTUALLY KNOWS SOMETHING. HE SERVED IN THE ROLE.

HE HAS NO AX TO GRIND. HE IS TO BE ON THAT COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE INSIGHT AND SOMEONE THAT HAS SERVED FAITHFULLY AND I HAVE GREAT TRUST IN. IT IS REALLY A PERSONAL INSULT TO ME THAT YOU WOULD SAY YOU CANNOT PICK HIM.

I THOUGHT WE HAD PERSONAL PER ROUGHING GO TEE TO -- PREROGATIVE TO PICK THESE FOLKS.

LAST MONTH WE FORMED A COMMITTEE AND WE WENT IN AND INTERVIEWED PEOPLE AND HE CAME UP WITH A PERSON AND THERE WAS SOME INDEPENDENT INTERVIEWS WHICH I DIDN'T QUESTION THE COMMISSIONERS GOING OUT AND INDEPENDENTLY INTERVIEWING SEPARATE FROM A COMMITTEE THAT WAS SET UP.

THIS IS JUST VERY ODD. THIS IS EXERCISING.

THIS IS VOTING 3-2 AND I THINK IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE THAT YOU ARE NOT TELLING ME THAT I CAN'T PICK AN OUTSTANDING PERSON THAT IS WELL QUALIFIED TO BRING GREAT INSIGHT TO THE ISSUE. I WOULD NOT UNDERSTAND IT.

IT IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE, BUT I WOULD TAKE IT AS A PERSONAL UH FRONT TO ME -- AFFRONT TO ME IF YOU DON'T LET ME PICK FOR NO GOOD REASON SOMEONE TO SERVE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I MAY, AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IT IS -- I WOULDN'T TAKE IT PERSONAL WHEN I WAS SHERIFF AND I THOUGHT I HAD ELECTED OFFICIAL POUR ROUGHING GO TIFF -- PREROGATIVE. I REALIZED ON EVERY CORNER I DIDN'T. I DIDN'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.

I FIGURED OUT OTHER WAYS TO DO MY JOB AND MOVE FORWARD.

YOU KNOW, I THINK AS A BUSINESSMAN YOU MAY HAVE FIRED

A PERSON OR TWO. >> ABSOLUTELY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS A SHERIFF I LET A BUNCH OF PEOPLE GO.

I WOULDN'T EXPECT THEM TO BE IN A ROLE TO HELP DICTATE WHAT THAT FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS WOULD BE OR I DON'T THINK I REMEMBER THE EMPLOYEE COMING BACK TO OFFER ADVICE TO THE COUNTY. NO ONE IS SAYING NOT TO EMPLOY HIM, BUT JUST IN THIS PARTICULAR ROLE.

IT JUST SEEMS TO HAVE A DEGREE OF INAPPROPRIATENESS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: LISTEN, I COME TO EVERY COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEETING RECOGNIZING MUCH OF WHAT I'M GOING TO -- MUCH OF WHAT I PROPOSE I WILL LOSE 3-2.

I TRY TO DO IT WITH A BIT OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND I HAVE BEEN AN AGGIE FOR NEARLY THEIST YEARS AND -- FOR 30 YEARS AND I UNDERSTAND HOW TO LOSE. THIS IS NOT WINNING AND LOSING. THIS IS SIMPLY A PREFERENCE.

LISTEN, I HAVE MET WITH THE GENERAL AND I THINK HE SERVED US WELL AS AN INTERIM. THIS ISN'T -- THIS IS NOTHING ABOUT THAT EITHER. I JUST THINK A COMMISSIONER'S PER ROUGHING GO -- PREROGATIVE TO PICK SOMEONE TO SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE IS SOMETHING THAT -- I WON'T USE THE WORD SACRED, BUT IT IS PRETTY CLOSE TO IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ONE THING IS FOR SURE AND IT IS THAT IT IS AN IMPORTANT COMMITTEE. AS ARE ALL OF THE HIRING COMMITTEES AND WE NEED TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AND FIGURE

[10:35:02]

OUT WHO IS THE PERMANENT. I BELIEVE THE GENERAL IS IN THE FIRST CATEGORY AND THAT'S GREAT.

I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS, COMMISSIONER, WHEN YOU POSTED IT. I HEAR THE SLIPPERY SLOPE ARGUMENT. MY PERCEPTION OF IT AND MY ANALYSIS AND I HAVE, YOU KNOW, I ALWAYS WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH MEMBER OF COURT IS REPRESENTED AND EVERYTHING.

I JUST DON'T THINK THE SLIPPERY SLOPE ARGUMENT APPLIES HERE. YOU CAN MAKE THAT ARGUMENT ABOUT ANYTHING. TO ME THIS IS MORE ABOUT CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE. WHEN I LEARNED THE FORMER DIRECTOR WAS PART OF THE COMMITTEE AND THIS WAS AWHILE AGO, I WAS TAKEN ABACK BY IT AND I COULDN'T QUITE PUT MY FINGER ON WHY. AS I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT, I KNOW WHY NOW. BECAUSE IMAGINE THAT SOMEONE WAS FIRED FOR STEALING EQUIPMENT OR SOME UNDO BEHAVIOR. AND THEN A COMMISSIONER WERE TO APPOINT THAT PERSON TO THE COMMITTEE, I SEE IT AS AN INCONSTANT THAT IS CLOSING A LOOPHOLE.

YOU HAVE MY COMMITMENT THAT IT IS NOT AT ALL ABOUT LIMITING DISCRETION. I THINK IF WE ARE HONEST WITH OURSELVES THERE IS PLENTY OF PEOPLE YOU COULD HAVE PUT.

THEY ARE GOOD AT JUDGMENT AND IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE YOU NEED A FORMER DIRECTOR TO BE A PART OF THE COMMITTEE.

I APPRECIATE MR. HYDE AND HE DID GREAT WORK IN THE WINTER STORM. BUT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF AN INAPPROPRIATENESS WHEN YOU PUT SOMEBODY WHO HAS BEEN FIRED IN THE COMMITTEE TO SELECT THEIR REPLACEMENT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: HE WAS CERTAINLY FIRED AND WASN'T FIRED FOR STEALING ANYTHING. I THINK THAT'S A BAD EXAMPLE.

I THINK MR. HYDE DID A GREAT JOB WHILE HE WAS SERVING AND HE WAS ON THE WRONG END OF A 3-2 VOTE THEN AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE IS ABOUT TO BE ON THE WRONG END OF ANOTHER 3-2 VOTE. JUST KNOW THAT HE HAS SERVED US WELL IN PRECINCT 3. AND I THINK HE CAN BRING VALUE AND INSIGHT TO THIS COMMITTEE, BUT IF YOU DON'T CHOOSE TO DO THAT, THAT'S -- I THINK THAT IS REALLY THE COMMITTEE'S

LOSS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF JAY IS STILL ON THE LINE I WOULD LIKE TO ASK JAY'S OPINION.

ARE WE AS SOVEREIGN, ELECTED OFFICIALS ALLOWED TO MAKE OUR SELECTIONS FOR COMMITTEES, OR -- I HAVE HIRED A NUMBER OF FOLKS -- WHEN BRUCE HYDE WAS FIRED IT WAS SAID THE REASON HE WAS BEING LET GO WAS BECAUSE WE WERE GOING IN A NEW DIRECTION. I DON'T REMEMBER ANYBODY ACCUSING HIM OF MALL FEE SENSE.

THEY DIDN'T LIKE HIS DIRECTION.

I HIRED A COUPLE OF PEOPLE THAT USED TO WORK FOR THE COUNTY. WHAT I AM HEARING IS ANYBODY THAT I HIRE I HAVE TO SUBMIT TO THE THREE OF YOU FOR APPROVAL BEFORE I PUT HIM ON A COMMITTEE.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE.

I AM A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT THAT.

I AM THINKING OF A PARTICULAR PERSON WHO USED TO WORK FOR THE COUNTY AND IS REALLY GOOD IN A COUPLE OF AREAS THAT I WAS THINKING OF PUTTING THEM ON A PARTICULAR COMMITTEE.

MAYBE I DO IT AND I AM NOT ALLOWED TO NOW.

JAY, CAN THIS BOARD REACH INTO A JUDGE'S OFFICE AND TELL THEM WHO THEY CAN AND CANNOT PUT ON A COMMITTEE?

>> COMMISSIONER, THE PARTICULAR ISSUE IS WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN -- HOW YOU WANT TO ORGANIZE A HIRING COMMITTEE, RIGHT? THESE ARE RECOMMENDATIONS.

THAT'S BOARD POLICY. YOU CAN COLLECTIVELY DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO DO IT. IT DOESN'T INTERFERE IN YOUR ABILITY TO HIRE OR FIRE SOMEONE IN YOUR OFFICE.

BUT I THINK THE ISSUE IS WHETHER OR NOT -- THE PARTICULAR PARAMETERS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD COLLECTIVELY. INITIALLY THERE WERE HIRING COMMITTEES IN WHICH THE COURT OPERATES AND THEY ARE DESIGNATED IN THAT. I DON'T KNOW IF SHANE IS ON THE LINE AS WELL, BUT THAT'S TRADITIONALLY HOW IT IS DONE.

LEGALLY YOU ARE IN YOUR AUTHORITY AS A COURT

[10:40:01]

COLLECTLY -- COLLECTIVELY TO DO THAT.

HOWEVER THE COURT CHOOSES TO DO IT AND THE TRADITION OF THE COURT HAS BEEN THAT THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS HAVE THE ABILITY TO APPOINT WHOEVER THEY WANT TO APPOINT.

WHILE THAT HAS BEEN THE TRADITION IT DOES NOT PRECLUDE THE COURT FROM BEING IN A DIFFERENT PROCESS OR POLICY.

AGAIN, THESE ARE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.

THEY ARE NOT BINDING IN ANYWAY. TO THAT EXTENT I THINK THE ONLY WAY TO RESPOND TO THAT IS IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO IT COLLECTIVELY AND ESTABLISH A COMMITTEE UNDER WHATEVER FORMAT YOU WANT TO CHOOSE, YOU HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO DO

STUFF. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AFTER THE COMMITTEE IS CREATED AND WE ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPOINT STAFF MEMBERS YOU ARE STAYING IT IS OKAY TO COME BACK IN RETROACTIVELY AND SAY, NO, YOU MADE A BAD CHOICE, AND WE DON'T WANT THAT UH POINTY? APPOINTEE?

>> I AM NOT SAYING RETROACTIVELY.

THE COMPOSITION OF ANY COMMITTEE WHETHER THAT COMMITTEE IS CURRENT OR FUTURE IS ESTABLISHED BY BOARD POLICY. THERE WAS A BOARD POLICY THAT WAS CREATED TO FORM THIS PARTICULAR COMMITTEE AND THAT WAS THROUGH THE HR -- THE HR PROCESS.

IF THERE IS A CHANGE IN THAT YOU WILL CREATE A BOARD POLICY THAT LIMITS OR RESTRICTS CERTAIN FOLKS FROM SERVING ON COMMITTEES. THAT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE THE

AUTHORITY TO DO. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SO WHAT YOU'RE SAYING IS IF WE WANTED TO CREATE ANOTHER COMMITTEE TO REPLACE SOMEONE ELSE WE FIRE, WHEN THAT COMMITTEE IS CREATED AT THAT TIME THEY CAN SAY AND EVERY COMMISSIONER CAN HIRE OR APPOINT WHOEVER IT IS THEY CHOOSE AS LONG AS THEY ARE MEMBERS OF PRECINCT TWO? OR WHATEVER RULE WE DECIDE TO PUT IN THERE? MY QUESTION IS CAN WE RETROACTIVELY AFTER WE HAVE A SET OF RULES THAT DIDN'T SPECIFY THIS NOW IN ESSENCE UNPICK ANOTHER COMMISSIONER'S PICK WHEN THOSE RULES WEREN'T IN PLACE AT THE TIME?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL TELL YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I WOULD NOT BE SUPPORTIVE OF THAT KIND OF ARBITRARY IS NOT QUITE THE RIGHT WORD. PERHAPS ARBITRARY-TYPE MOTION PRESIDENT YOU CAN KNOW THAT I WOULDN'T.

I WILL SAY -- LET ME NOT GO THERE.

I DO THINK THAT THIS IS A UNIQUE THING.

I CAN TELL YOU I WOULD NOT BE SUPPORT -- SUPPORTIVE OF SOMETHING THAT IS ARBITRARY IS -- WHICH IS WHAT YOU ARE PROPOSING. I DON'T THINK THAT'S WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED. SOMEBODY HAS A POSITION AND THEY ARE FIRED FROM T THEY CONT BE -- FROM T THEY SHOULDN'T BE PICKING THE PERSON TO TAKE THEIR PLACE.

IT IS NOT REALLY LOGICAL. I MEAN, WE HAVEN'T DONE IT.

IF WHAT WE WANTED WAS THEIR EXPERTISE, THEN THE FOLKS WHO LEFT, WE WOULD HAVE SAID, HEY, COME PICK THE REPLACEMENT IF THERE WAS TRULY A FACTOR OF EXPERTISE FROM SOMEBODY WE DECIDED TO MOVE AWAY FROM WHICH IS AWKWARD.

I WOULD SUPPORT THIS WITH THE NOTION THAT IT IS NOT THAT I AM SAYING WE ARE GONNA HAVE ANY OTHER PROVISIONS FOR WHO CAN BE APPOINTED TO WHAT. I WILL SAY HISTORICALLY THE MAJORITY HAS HAD VERY MERCURIAL POLICIES ON WHO GETS TO APPOINT HOW MANY PEOPLE TO BOARDS.

AND THAT'S WHY I AM SUPPORTING AN OVER ALL REVIEW TO MAKE THINGS AS FAIR AS POSSIBLE. I AM OKAY WITH THIS ONE.

I SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, BUT I THINK THIS IS A RARE SITUATION. IT DOES KIND OF SMELL WEIRD FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN ASKED TO NOT DRIVE COUNTY

DIRECTION. >> TOM RAMSEY: HE WAS NOT UH POINTED LAST WEEK. APPOINTED LAST WEEK.

HE WAS UH POINTED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO -- APPOINTED

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. >> LINA HIDALGO: BUT THE COMMITTEE HASN'T STARTED THE SEARCH.

I AM EAGER FOR THE SEARCH TO GET GOING AND IT HAS NOT BEEN GOING. IF IT HADN'T BEEN GOING, THEN WE BETTER PUT SOMEONE THAT DOESN'T CREATE THIS DARR YOU KNOW, SOME LEVEL OF INADEQUACY TO PUT IT, SORT OF

[10:45:09]

EUPHEMISM AND GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD TO FIND OUT WHO THE PERMANENT DIRECTOR WILL BE. WE STILL DON'T HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE WEBSITE AND THERE IS STILL THE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND A BEAUTIFUL DASHBOARD.

WE DON'T HAVE SOMEBODY GOING ACROSS THE DASHBOARD MAKING SURE IT IS AT THE SAME STANDARD.

THEY HAVE THAT DOWN, BUT DON'T HAVE IT DOWN THERE AND JAD HAS A DIFFERENT ONE. WE REALLY HAVE TO GET THE PERMANENT PERSON ON THIS SO THEY CAN LOOK AT THE LONG-TERM STUFF. I AM JUST EAGER TO GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD WITH THIS COMMITTEE.

IS THE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT IS THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL READ IT.

IT IS MOVE TO MAKE COUNTY POLICY THAT ANY COUNTY EMPLOYEE TERMINATED FROM A SPECIFIC POSITION IS INELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON A CURRENT OR FUTURE HIRING COMMITTEE TO FILL THAT VACANT SPECIFIC POSITION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR OF THIS SPECIFIC AND NARROW MOTION.

MOTION CARRIES 3-2. NOW WE HAVE TWO OTHER ITEMS THAT NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THAT'S ITEM 172 ON THE REGULAR AGENDA.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, CAN I ASK A QUICK CLARIFICATION. JAY THAT DOES MEAN WE JUST FIRED AGAIN BRUCE, OR DOES THAT MEAN HE CONTINUES? AND THIS APPLIES TO THE FUTURE.

>> I THINK THE WAY THE MOTION IS PHRASED IS CURRENT AND FUTURE. SO MR. HYDE IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE. THAT DOESN'T MEAN HE IS NO LONGER AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PRECINCT.

I WANT TO BE CLEAR ABOUT THAT.

HE CANNOT SERVE ON THAT COMMITTEE BASED ON THIS MOTION

THAT WAS PASSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HOPE WE CAN GET THE COMMITTEE MOVING. THAT'S MY ONLY ADDENDUM.

SO THERE IS ITEM 172 WHICH IS THE TAX COLLECTION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON -- TO CONSULT WITH OUR ATTORNEY ON THE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. AND ITEM 363 BROWN VERSUS "THE CITY OF HOUSTON -- THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

WE NEED A MOTION ON ALL OF THE DISCUSSION ITEMS EXCEPT

THOSE ALREADY VOTED ON. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND ALSO EXCLUDING 172 AND 363 WHICH ARE GOING TO EXECUTIVE

SESSION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

MARISELA, IF ARE YOU GOOD I WILL SAY WE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THESE TWO ITEMS. ARE YOU OKAY?

>> YES, MA'AM. I AM.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 10:14 AND WE ARE GOING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON 172 TO CONSULT WITH OUR ATTORNEY AND 363 TO CONSULT WITH OUR TUR WE JUST MISS YOU DOWN HERE AT THIS TABLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WITH THE INTENTION OF NOT KEEPING FOLKS LONGER IT IS 11:10 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. THERE IS NO ACTION ON ITEM 363 REGARDING THE BROWN CASE. ON ITEM 172 WE NEED A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT TO NEGOTIATE THE CHANGES -- THE CHANGES IN THE AGREEMENT WITH LINEBARGER AND TO HAVE THE COLLECTOR WORK WITH AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT AND REPLACE THE APP SOFTWARE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR SO THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2. DAVE, JAY, MARISELA AND

LUCINDA, DID I MISS ANYTHING? >> NOT FROM ME.

>> NOT FROM ME. >> JUDGE, I THINK YOU WANT TO

[Departments (Part 2 of 2)]

[10:50:04]

USE THE CATCH ALL FOR ANYTHING THAT WE HAVEN'T PUT IT ON.

I THINK THERE WERE A COUPLE OF ITEMS THAT WE WOULD DO THAT.

IT IS JUST A GENERAL CATCH ALL TO PASS EVERYTHING ELSE.

I MOTION FOR ALL OTHER ITEMS THAT WERE NOT ALREADY MOVED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A

SECOND? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. ALL IN FAVOR?