Aug 24, 2021 Commissioners Court

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. IT IS 10:02.

[Pastor Robert Dixon II of North Shore Community Fellowship of Faith Church in Houston.]

[00:00:03]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: GOOD MORNING, YOUR HONOR.

TODAY'S INDIVIDUAL THAT WILL BE GIVING US OUR INVOCATION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BY PRECINCT 2.

I HAND IT OVER TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

IT IS MY HONOR TO RECOGNIZE YET ANOTHER ESTEEMED MEMBER OF THE PRECINCT 2 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY.

PASTOR ROBERT DIXON, THE SECOND HELPS TO LEAD -- OR ACTUALLY LEADS THE NORTH SHOWER COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP OF FAITH. WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU, PASTOR, FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND WHAT YOU DID DURING HARVEY AND WHAT YOU HELPED US THROUGH IN THE PANDEMIC BY OPENING YOUR DOORS AND YOUR CHURCH TO HELP THOSE GET VACCINATED AND TEST INDIVIDUALS.

PASTOR DIXON STUDIED AT TEXAS A&M AND AT THE COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES. HIS FAMILY TREE IS FULL OF PASTORS. BEING A MAN OF GOD AND WALKING IN FAITH AND HIS COUSIN IS SOMEBODY WE KNOW WELL, BISHOP JAMES DIXON ALSO THE SECOND. FATHER WAS PASTOR ROBERT DIXON, SENIOR. GRAND FATHER WAS LONG-TIME PASTOR CHARLIE DANIEL JAMES DIXON SERVING 1927 TO 1978.

THAT'S GOOD BLOOD YOU HAVE THERE, PASTOR.

HE SERVES FOR THE LOCAL NONPROFIT AND PROVIDES VARIOUS SERVICES TO SUPPORT FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY.

HE IS MARRIED TO HIS BEAUTIFUL AND LOVELY WIFE, ANITA.

LET ME ALSO JUST SAY THAT MAMA DUCKEN IS ALSO -- MAMA DIXON IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE EQUATION.

WHAT MAMA SAYS, PASTOR DIXON DOES.

IT IS MY HONOR TO WELCOME PASTOR DIXON.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, JUDGE LINA HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, LET US OPEN IN A TIME OF PRAYER.

FATHER, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WE RECEIVED YOUR POWER AND WE THANK YOU FOR THE ABILITY AND THE EFFICIENCY AND THE MIGHT TO CARRY OUT THE TASK. WE RELY ON YOUR SPIRIT AS WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO BE WITNESSES IN THIS CITY AND IN THIS LAND. WE FEARLESSLY AND CONFIDENTLY AND BOLDLY DRAW NEAR TO THE THRONE OF GRACE THAT WE MAY RECEIVE YOUR MERCY. IT IS YOUR MERCY THAT COVERS US, LORD. IT IS YOUR MERCY THAT CONTINUES TO PROTECTS US AND KEEPS US.

IT IS YOUR MERCY THAT DWELLS WITH US DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

IT IS YOUR GRACE THAT HELPS US EVEN IN A TIME AS THIS.

WE THANK YOU RIGHT NOW, GOD. WE STAND UPON YOUR WORD, FATHER. WE WALK IN YOUR WORD, FATHER.

WE SPREAD YOUR WORD FOR IT IS THE GOOD NEWS TO OUR HEARTS AND TO OUR LIVES. FATHER, WE SEEK YOU RIGHT NOW.

WE REQUIRE AND REQUEST, LORD, THE PEACE AND THE BLESSING UPON THIS LAND, UPON THIS CITY, FATHER.

WE THANK YOU RIGHT NOW, GOD, THAT LORD YOU CALLED US TOGETHER IN A TIME OF PRAYER, FATHER.

IT IS THE PRAYER THAT RELEFT UP TO YOU, GOD AND THAT WE HAVE FAITH THAT EVERY PRAYER AND EVERY NEED IS ANSWERED, LORD. WE PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS, GOD, THAT EVERY WICKEDNESS THAT COMES UP AGAINST US, LORD, EVERY ENEMY THAT TRIES TO OVERTAKE YOU -- OVERTAKE US, FATHER, THAT THEY BE CAST DOWN IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

WE PRAY YOUR SPIRIT UPON THIS CITY, GOD, THAT THE EYES OF YOUR PEOPLE WILL BEEN -- WILL BE ENLIGHTENED.

THAT THE EYES OF YOUR PEOPLE WILL BE OPEN AND THEY WILL TURN FROM DARKNESS BACK TO LIFE.

THAT THEY WILL TURN FROM THE POWER OF SATAN BACK TO GOD.

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WE PRAY THAT GOD YOU EMPOWER US TO STAND BOLDLY, LORD AS A BEACON OF LIGHT THAT SHINES FORTH IN LIGHTNESS, GOD.

WE PRAY OVER OUR CITY OFFICIALS AND OUR CITY AND ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OUR LEADERS RIGHT NOW.

GIVE THEM THE WISDOM AND THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE UNDERSTANDING TO CONTINUE TO SERVE AND LEAD YOUR PEOPLE, FATHER. I PRAY, LORD, THAT YOUR PROTECTION BE OVER THEIR FAMILIES AND OUR LOVED ONES AND OUR CHILDREN RIGHT NOW. EVEN IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC, GOD, WHERE WE SEEK THE ANSWER, LET US KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE ANSWER. AND THEN GOD WE ASK RIGHT NOW THAT YOU GIVE US A BOLDNESS TO DECLARE VICTORY OVER THE PANDEMIC AND VICTORY OVER ANY FINANCIAL DESPAIR.

ANY WICKEDNESS BE CAST DOWN IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

AND THEN WE ASK GOD THAT YOU KNOW THE THOUGHTS AND THE PLANS THAT YOU HAVE. AND YOU BRING US TO AN EXPECTED END. SO WE PRAY RIGHT NOW, YOUR BLESSING, YOUR INFLUENCE IN OUR LIVES AND YOUR FAVOR BE UPON US IN THIS BELOVED CITY OF HOUSTON AND SURROUNDING CITIES IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AMEN. WITH THAT PRAYER I DON'T NEED MY COFFEE GOING ANYMORE. YOU GOT MY HEART AND MIND GOING. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE PRIVILEGE AND THE HONOR.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: PASTOR, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS.

YOU WOKE ME UP. COMMISSIONER, I THOUGHT IT WAS BISHOP JAMES DIXON. I CALLED HIM BECAUSE I SAID HOW CAN YOU BE AT THE PROTEST AND DO THE PRAYER? I DIDN'T KNOW THERE WAS A WHOLE FAMILY OF PASTORS.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING

MORE WITH YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JACK CAGLE. THANK YOU FOR THAT.

IN MY FAMILY WHERE I HAVE TWO BROTHER IF LAWS AND AND A FATHER IN LAW WHO ARE PREACHERS, I GUESS IT WAS OUT OF PHILLIPEANS WE ARE A HOLY NATION AND A HOLY GENERATION.

SING THE PRAISES OF GOD. I THINK YOU WERE PREACHING THAT. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> TOM RAMSEY: PASTOR, THIS IS TOM RAMSEY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORD. MY FATHER WAS A PASTOR FOR 60 YEARS AND YOU REMIND ME OF HIM IN TERMS OF HOW MANY TIMES YOU MENTIONED JESUS THIS MORNING. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. THANK YOU.

I AM HUMBLED AND HONORED. ANYTIME I AM CALLED UPON I AM HERE TO SERVE. I AM JUST A SERVANT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, OF COURSE THANK YOU AS ALWAYS. JUDGE LINA HIDALGO, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, PASTOR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, PASTOR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE SEVERAL RESOLUTIONS FOR

[Departments (Part 1 of 4)]

I KNOW YOU ALL GOT A HEADS UP RECENTLY AS DID I.

WE HAVE A NURSING SHORTAGE IN THE REGION.

UNDER MY COVID-19 ITEM, ITEM 12 ON PAGE 3 I WOULD LIKE TO GO OVER WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING TO DO ABOUT THAT.

YOU KNOW THE LOCAL HOSPITALS ARE STRAINED.

WE HEARD FROM DOCTORS IN THE -- DR. PORSA IN THE NEWS AND HOW THEY ARE KEEPING A MAN WAITING FOR 40 HOURS WITH PANCREATITIS AND NO BEDS. MEMORIAL HERMAN ANNOUNCED THEY ARE CLOSING A COUPLE OF THEIR EMERGENCY CENTERS.

DAY AFTER DAY WE ARE SEEING INCREASES IN RECORD -- RECORDS ARE BEING BROKEN IN THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS OR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE HOSPITALIZED IN THE 9-COUNTY REGION THAT COMPRISES HARRIS COUNTY.

THE STATE HAS PROVIDED SOME NURSES TO OUR REGION.

IT HAS BEEN A BIG HELP. IT HAS NOT BEEN ALL OF THE NURSES THAT WERE REQUESTED. THERE ARE ADDITIONAL REQUESTS OUT TO THE STATE. I PUT A REQUEST OUT TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS WE STILL HAVE A SHORTAGE OF NURSES AND WE ARE STILL HIGH UP IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS.

[00:10:01]

IT IS NOT ENOUGH THAT WE RECEIVED SO FAR.

SET TRACK HAS BEEN WORKING ON IDENTIFYING WHERE NURSES ARE NEEDED THE MOST AND HOW TO PROVIDE THOSE NURSES TO THOSE HOSPITALS AND BEGIN SAVING LIVES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

DEPENDING ON HOW QUICKLY WE APPROVE WHAT I AM PROPOSING TODAY, WE COULD HAVE THEM HERE WITHIN 72 HOURS.

SO I WANT TO PROPOSE A MOTION TO ENABLE THEM TO WORK WITH SET TRACK THAT WILL BRING HUNDREDS OF NURSES TO THE REGION. AND ALSO TO DIRECT THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT TO WORK WITH SET TRACK AND TO MAKE SURE WE MAXIMIZE THE FEMA REIMBURSE BUILT.

IT WILL BE SEEKING A REIMBURSEMENT.

WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH PROCESSES TO MAKE SURE THE PRIVATE HOSPITALS SUBMIT THE DOCUMENTS NECESSARY SO WE CAN GET THE REIMBURSEMENT. WE HAVE MADE CLEAR TO SET TRACK AND PUBLIC HEALTH THAT THEY NEED TO WORK HARD ON THIS. WHAT SET TRACK HAS DONE OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND DAYS IS ASSESS WHAT THE MAC MUM NUMBER OF NURSES -- WHAT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF NURSES WE NEED AND THE MAXIMUM LENGTH OF TIME WE NEED THE NURSES FOR.

WE DON'T FOE EXACTLY HOW MANY -- KNOW EXACTLY HOW MANY NURSES WE WILL NEED AND HOW LONG WE MAY NEED THEM.

THE CURVE MAY FLATTEN AND COME DOWN.

THERE HAS BEEN SOME HOPEFUL TRENDS JUST IN THE HAIR KISS COUNTY -- HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITALIZATIONS, NOT ICU BEDS. THE REGION IS CHALLENGED.

WE DON'T KNOW IF WE WILL PEAK SOON OR NOT QUITE YET OR HOW QUICKLY IT WILL GO DOWN. IT WILL DETERMINE THE AMOUNT AND THE KINDS OF NURSES THAT THE HOSPITALS NEED.

SOME NURSES ARE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER NURSES.

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT WOULD BE NEEDED FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF TIME AND THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF NURSES AND THE MOST EXPENSIVE NURSES NEEDED IS $30 MILLION.

THAT IS A MAXIMUM. THE IDEA IS NOT TO SPEND THAT FULL AMOUNT AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND SET TRACK WOULD WORK TO KEEP IT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE, OBVIOUSLY.

THE REQUEST IS FOR UP TO $30 MILLION FOR THESE NURSES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I MOVE ON THAT ITEM.

AND I DO HAVE A QUESTION. WHEN WILL WE ANTICIPATE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS? AND IS THERE ANY WORD THAT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHO OBVIOUSLY IT IS CRITICAL TO HELP OUT AND I HOPE THIS WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE GET CONSISTENT INFORMATION FROM THE MEDICAL CENTER ON HOSPITAL BEDS AND ICU AVAILABILITY WHICH WAS A PROBLEM AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC. I HOPE THIS WILL HELP MOVE THOSE RELATIONSHIPS FORWARD. TO THAT END, WHEN CAN WE EXPECT REIMBURSEMENT, AND IS THE FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION NOT LOOKING AT A SIMILAR PPP-TYPE INITIATIVE OR THE HOSPITALS? AND SO ANY DISCUSSIONS, ANY INSIGHT TO THAT, BUT MOST SPECIFICALLY I WOULD LIKE TO BE WHEN WE WILL BE

REIMBURSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL ANSWER THE LAST QUESTION FIRST AND THEN HAVE DAVE ANSWER THE REIMBURSEMENT TIMING. SO ON IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LOOKING INTO THIS? MY OFFICE HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THEM. HAVE I BEEN IN TOUCH WITH REPRESENTATIVES IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

WE HAVE NOT HEARD ANY CONCRETE COMMITMENTS, RIGHT, FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SO FAR. THEY KNOW IT IS AN ISSUE.

AT THIS POINT WE CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER.

THE STATE'S BEEN HELPFUL, BUT THERE IS A REAL NEED.

THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CONCERN OF ARE THEY DOING THEIR PART IN TAKING THE PATIENTS THAT WE NEED TO TRANSFER TO THE HOSPITALS? IN MY RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH DR. PORSA, HIS ANSWER WAS YES.

THEIR ANSWER TIED BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF NURSES.

THE QUESTION I ASK WHICH IS A QUESTION YOU HAVE AS WELL WHICH IS WHY CAN'T THE HOSPITALS GET THEIR OWN NURSES AND WHY CAN'T WE DO IT FOR THEM? THE ANSWER IS THE SAME REASON WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT AND HELPFUL FOR THE STATE TO HELP US WITH NURSES.

THAT PURCHASING POWER IS WHAT BRINGS THE NURSES HERE.

EVERYONE IN THE COUNTRY IS COMPETING FOR NURSES.

TO THE EXTENT WE PULL THAT AS A SET TRACK REGION WE WILL BE ABLE TO BRING THE NURSES TO OUR REGION FASTER.

NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO, BECAUSE THE HOSPITALS ARE SO INTERTWINED WE ALL HEARD THE STORIES AND

[00:15:03]

WE RISE AND FALL AS A REGION AND THERE IS A CRISIS IN HOSPITALS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AND THIS IS THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO TACKLE IT. CAN YOU ANSWER THE FEMA

REIMBURSE BUILT TIMELINE? >> CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY? OUR EDUCATED GUESS IS UNDER 12 MONTHS.

FEMA HAS COMMITTED TO THE COVID-RELATED EXPENSES QUICKLY, BUT WE ARE ALSO AT THE MERCY OF A FEMA TIMELINE.

THAT'S OUR BEST GUESS. THIS FUNDING IS COMING OUT OF THE STIMULUS FUNDS. WE HAVE SEEN GUIDANCE THAT IT IS OKAY TO USE THE STIMULUS FUNDS TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT.

>> THANK YOU. >> I SECOND IT.

SO I HOPE WE CAN GET REIMBURSED FOR TAKING RISKS.

>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE DIDN'T GET A WRITTEN MOTION ON THIS.

IS THIS A VERBAL MOTION AT THIS TIME?

>> -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I'LL READ THE MOTIONS TO YOU GUYS. CAN YOU SEND THEM OVER RIGHT NOW? I THOUGHT YOU HAD IT.

SORRY. THEY WERE DISTRACTED THIS

MORNING OR LAST NIGHT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHILE THEY ARE BEING SHIPPED OVER, LET ME -- I HAVE FOUR POINTS.

TWO ARE QUESTIONS. I LIKE THAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH SET TRACK. IT GIVES A LOT OF GRAVITAS TO THE PROJECT. SOUTHEAST REGIONAL, THE ADVISORY COUNCIL. I APPRECIATE WE ARE GOING THROUGH FEMA REIMBURSE BUILT. I LIKE THAT DAVE IS WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ON IT AND I CAN SEE MR. MENEFEE'S BUTTON, BUT DON'T SEE HIS FACE.

I WOULD LIKE HIS UH -- I WOULD LIKE HIS ASSURANCE THAT THEY ARE ON TOP OF THIS TO MAKE SURE WE MAXIMIZE THAT.

WHAT I DO HAVE AND QUESTIONS THAT MAY BE IN A WRITTEN MOTION THAT WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN JUST YET IS THAT HOW ARE WE GOING TO ATTRACT THESE NURSES? I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A FUND TO ATTRACT THEM.

WHAT IS THE PLAN TO TRY TO GET THEM HERE? AND THEN FOURTH POINT AND SECOND QUESTION IS HOW ARE WE PLANNING ON SPENDING THESE FUNDS TO ACHIEVE THE PLAN TO GET THE EXTRA NURSES THAT ARE HERE? WHAT IS THE PLAN TO GET THEM HERE AND WHAT IS THE PAYMENT PROCESS? IN ORDER, ARE WE GOING TO SPEND UP TO 30 MILLION ON THE FRONT END? IS THIS A STAGED PROGRAM WHERE WE CAN HAVE AN UPDATE WHERE WE CAN GATHER AND THEN SAY, YES, THIS IS WORKING OR NO IT IS NOT? FORD, SO WE DON'T SPEND OUT OF THESE FUNDS AND TOMORROW IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF HARVEY AND AT A TIME WHEN WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP AS MUCH CLOSE AT HAND AND AVAILABLE IN CASE WE HAVE ANOTHER CRITICAL EVENT LIKE THAT. WHAT IS THE STAGING OF THE PLAN WITH REGARD TO THIS ALLOCATION IF WE SET THIS ASIDE FOR THIS PLAN OF THE NURSES?

>> LINA HIDALGO: TO YOUR FIRST QUESTION, WHAT IS THE PLAN TO GET THEM HERE IS BASICALLY THERE ARE STAFFING AGENCIES ON STAND BY. WHEN THE 30 MILLION IS APPROVED THERE WILL BE FUME NEGOTIATIONS TO FIGURE OUT WHICH OF THE STAFFING AGENCIES ARE GOING TO PROVIDE THIS AND THE SENSE IS WITH THE FUNDING, IT WON'T BE THE FULL 30 MILLION. WHATEVER THE INITIAL NEED IS.

THE STAFFING AGENCY CAN GET IT HERE IN 72 HOURS.

AS FAR AS HOW, HOW WE ARE SPENDING THE FUNDS, THERE IS SORT OF A LIST OF NURSES NEEDED BASED ON SET TRACK'S ASSESSMENT. THE NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING REQUESTS FOR EACH TYPE OF -- OF NURSES, ICU, SURGICAL,

[00:20:05]

AND THAT INITIAL -- THAT WILL BE THE INITIAL AMOUNT WHICH IS THE LOW END OF THAT. THE LOW END OF THE NUMBER OF NURSES AND THE LOW END OF THE NUMBER OF WEEKS.

THE REASON I WANT TO SHARE THIS IN OPEN COURT IS BECAUSE WE ARE NEGOTIATING. IF I SAY THAT, THEN THE STAFFING AGENCIES WILL KNOW HOW MUCH WE'RE ABLE TO AFFORD FOR THESE NURSES. SET TRACK HAS ALL OF THIS ITEMIZED, AND THEY ARE GOING TO START WITH AN INITIAL CHUNK, AND YES IN TWO WEEKS CERTAINLY I'LL MAKE SURE THEY PROVIDE AN UPDATE. AND GREAT UPDATE WOULD BE WE HAVE AN INITIAL SET OF NURSES AND THEY ARE ONLY GOING TO BE HERE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THE SURGE IS DOWN.

THAT WILL BE A GREAT UPDATE AND WE WILL SPEND A PORTION OF THE 30 MILLION. BY NO MEANS IS THE FULL 30 MILLION GONNA BE EXITED, BUT -- BE COMMITTED, BUT I CAN'T SAY WHAT THE INITIAL FULL AMOUNT IS.

THEY ARE STILL FINALIZING THE NUMBERS AS THEY NEGOTIATE WITH THE STAFFING AGENCIES AND WE DON'T WANT TO SHOW OUR CARDS.

YOU HAD A QUESTION FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND THEN THE MOTION. THE MOTION -- WELL, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WILL GET BACK ON AND I WILL READ THE MOTION.

IT IS TO DIRECT THE HARRIS COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT AND HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH TO ALLOW THE COVID-19 DECLARATION TO NEGOTIATION AND EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH ONE OR MORE NURSING STAFFING AGENCIES, TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL NURSING STAFF FOR HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITALS.

TO DIRECT HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH WITH THE SOUTHEAST TEXAS ADVISORY CON SET SET TRACK FOR STAFFING REQUESTS.

TO ALLOCATE $30 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR THE PROVISION OF SURGE NURSING STAFFING TO HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITALS, AND TO DIRECT HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET MANAGE -- MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH SET TRACK FOR FEMA REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTED BY HARRIS COUNTY.

AND CAN YOU VERIFY YOU ARE ENGAGED IN THIS PROCESS?

>> YES, JUDGE WE ARE. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH YOUR OFFICE AND DAVE B -- DAVE BERRY'S OFFICE.

WE ARE MAKING SURE EVERYTHING COMPLIES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, ON THIS ITEM I WAS WITH DR. POR SC -- PORSA THE OTHER DAY AND HE WAS TALKING ABOUT HOW HE GOT HIS NURSES FROM SET TRACK TO OPEN UP MORE CAPACITY AT HIS PUBLIC HOSPITALS. WILL THIS ITEM SUPPORT OUR HOSPITALS AS MUCH AS THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITALS?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER.

IT IS FOR ALL HOSPITALS. OF COURSE OUR HOSPITALS, HARRIS HOSPITALS, BUT THE MEDICAL CENTER HOSPITALS.

ALL OF THE HOSPITALS IN THE REGION, IN THE COUNTY.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE DID YOU

FINISH THE QUESTION? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WILL ADDRESS MY QUESTION TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

I THOUGHT I SAW HIM POP UP IN A MINUTE.

>> COMMISSIONER DID YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

>> YES. IT IS TWO PARTS.

ONE OF WHICH IS DEALING WITH THE -- AND WE WILL HAVE A FULL DISCUSSION OF THIS LATER ON, BUT THE WHOLE FEDERAL PROCUREMENT PROCESS SINCE I PRESUME THESE ARE FEMA FUNDS AND DOLLAR FUNDS, I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT WE DOT THE I'S AND CROSS THE T'S WHEN WE DO FEDERAL PROCUREMENTS, OTHERWISE WE ARE SUBJECT TO A CLAW BACK WHICH IS NOT A FUN PROCESS TO GO THROUGH ON A CLAW BACK.

SO I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE FILING FEDERAL PROCUREMENT RULES AND GOING THROUGH SET TRACK MAY HELP US WITH THAT. DO YOU HAVE AN EXPERT ON FEDERAL PROCUREMENT THAT IS LOOKING AT THESE CONTRACTS? AND THEN MY SECOND QUESTION DEALS WITH SINCE WE ARE SECURING THESE NURSES FOR THE HOSPITALS, AND WE ARE LOOKING TO FEMA FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT AND PROBABLE REIMBURSEMENT IF WE DO IT RIGHT.

SHOULD WE NOT ALSO BE LOOKING TO THE HOSPITALS THAT WE ARE PROVIDING THE NURSES FOR? THE HOSPITALS WOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING FOR THESE NURSES. WE ARE UTILIZING OUR PURCHASING POWER, BUT SHOULD WE NOT BE EXPECTING THE HOSPITALS TO BE PAYING US BACK FOR THESE?

>> COMMISSIONER, IF I CAN ANSWER JUST THE ONE QUESTION, THE OTHER IS MORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE JUDGE.

AS IT RELATES TO OUR -- IN TERMS OF GETTING FEMA REIMBURSMENTS AND FEDERAL PROCUREMENT LAWS, I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT ANYTIME WE ARE DEALING WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSETS OR DOLLARS, WE HAVE AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT

[00:25:03]

ABSOLUTELY WE DON'T WANT TO GET IN A SITUATION THAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST BEFORE WE GOT HERE WITH FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT. WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS GOOD. THE SECOND MATTER I WILL REFER

TO THE JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: SAY THAT

AGAIN, COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF WE ARE PROVIDING THESE NURSES DIRECTLY TO -- YOU KNOW, SOME OF THEM ARE NONPROFIT HOSPITALS AND SOME OF THEM ARE FOR PROFIT HOSPITALS AND SOME ARE OUR OWN HOSPITALS.

THERE WILL BE A NURSE IN A HOSPITAL SUBJECT TO BEING PART OF THEIR -- IF THEY PROCURED THEIR NURSE THEMSELVES THEY WOULD GET PAID FOR IT BECAUSE THEY WOULD CHARGE THAT ULTIMATELY TO THE PATIENTS AND/OR THE INSURANCE COMPANIES. IF WE ARE GIVING NURSES TO SOUTHEAST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WHOM I LOVE AND I THINK THEY DO A MAR HAVE YOU LOS JOB. IF WE GIVE THEM THE NURSE FOR FREE AND THEN THEY BILL THEY GET A DOUBLE BENEFIT.

ARE OUR CONTRACTS GOING TO BE ONE WHERE IF WE ARE PROVIDING NURSING SERVICES TO THESE HOSPITALS, THAT WE GET REIMBURSED WHEN THEY GET REIMBURSED IN -- REIMBURSED? IT MAY BE FASTER THAN WAITING FOR FEMA, BUT IS OUR CONTRACT WITH THESE FOLKS THAT WE ARE PROVIDING THESE NURSES TO, TO WHERE THEY WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE NURSE -- MAYBE THAT IS NOT THE RIGHT WORD, BUT THEY WOULD HAVE PRO -- PROCURED THE NURSE'S SERVICES ON THEIR OWN.

WE ARE ASSISTING THEM WITH PURCHASING POWER, BUT WE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED AND NOT HAVE THEM GET THE WIND FALL FOR CHARGING FOR THE NURSES WE PROVIDED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'LL LET DAVE GET TO THE MECHANICS ON THE BACK END. THE QUESTION WAS ASKED, CAN WE JUST GET NURSES FOR HARRIS HEALTH AND EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF WITH THE HOSPITALS INDIVIDUALLY.

IT IS JUST THAT TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE RIGHT NOW.

TO HAVE EACH HOSPITAL PROCURE THIS ON THEIR OWN OR REIMBURSE THIS IN THEIR OWN WAY, IT DOESN'T ADD UP.

AND THAT'S WHY THE STATE JUST PROVIDED THE NURSES AS OPPOSED TO SAYING EACH OF YOU NEED TO DO YOUR OWN DEAL.

THAT'S THE CONVERSATION THAT WAS HAD WITH SET TRACK AND THE HOSPITALS. ULTIMATELY WE ARE ALL GOING TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THIS. AND, YOU KNOW, THE SITUATION CURRENTLY IS THAT HOSPITALS ARE STRAPPED AND THEY NEED NURSES. THE FASTEST WAY TO GET THEM IS THROUGH SET -- SET TRACK AND WITH US FRONTING THE COSTS LIKE WHAT THE STATE DID. AND IT IS NECESSARY FOR IT TO BE A COORDINATED DEAL BECAUSE THAT WAY THEY CAN BE THE TRAFFIC COP. DAVE, WILL YOU GET TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S QUESTION ON HOW EXACTLY THE REIMBURSEMENT PROCESS IS GONNA WORK?

>> SURE. I THINK -- WELL, SOME OF THIS WILL HAVE TO COME INTO LOCAL AGREEMENTS, WITH SET TRACK PARTICULARLY. AND THE USE OF HOSPITALS IS CONTEMPLATED IN THE JUDGE'S MOTION.

BUT WE WANT THE RIGHT LANGUAGE IN THERE WHERE IF WE ARE PAYING FOR THE NURSES, THEY ARE USING THEM FOR SERVICES THAT AREN'T ALREADY BEING PAID FOR.

SO THERE WOULD BE NO WIND FALL.

AGAIN, IN THE URGENCY, WE ARE WORKING ON THESE AGREEMENTS

AND MOVING FORWARD. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, IS THIS RELATED TO THIS? I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD

QUESTIONS TOO. >> IT IS RELATED TO THIS.

>> EXCISIONER RAMSEY -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, GO AHEAD.

MUCH ALONG THE LINES THAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE WENT DOWN, THE HOSPITALS HAVE AS BIG A ROLE IN DOCUMENTATION THAT FEMA IS GONNA NEED AS ANYBODY.

I'M ASSUMING MR. BERRY WILL BE SURE THE AGREEMENT THAT'S HAVE BEEN WORKED UP AND I HAVE SEEN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS RELATED TO FEMA REIMBURSMENTS.

SOME GO WELL AND SOME NOT GO WELL.

THE ONE THAT'S DON'T GO WELL IS PARTNERS, IE THE HOSPITALS

[00:30:03]

WE HAVE TO BE SURE ON THE FRONT END THAT THEY ARE DOCUMENTING WHAT THEY NEED TO.

AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS THEIR JOB TO DO THAT.

THAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING I HEAR MR. BARRY SAYING THAT IS WHAT HE WILL DO AS HE WORKS THE AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOSPITALS. I CHECK C TRACK EVERY MORNING AND I CAN SEE WHERE THE REGIONAL APPROACH IS GONNA BE AND IT WILL GIVE US SOME POWER, IF YOU WILL IN TERMS OF SECURING NURSES. WILL THE AGENCY'S -- THE STAFFING AGENCIES, IS THAT COST ASSOCIATED WITH PAYING STAFFING AGENCIES COVERED BY FEMA?

>> THE ANSWER IS YES, RIGHT, DAVE?

>> YEAH. WE HAVE FEMA FOR PERMISSIBLE USE. WE HAVE TO GET THE LAG -- THE LANGUAGE AND THE CONTRACTS RIGHT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH, BUT THE FEES YOU PAID FOR, THE STAFFING AGENCIES RELATED TO THIS ISSUE AND I APPRECIATE THE JUDGE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, BUT WE HAVE TO BE SURE THAT IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD AND CLEARLY DOCUMENTED THAT WE GET THAT UP FRONT.

THE OTHER THING I WOULD POINT OUT, IN OUR CONVERSATIONS WITH HOSPITALS, ENCOURAGE THEM WITH THEIR POLICIES AND I KNOW SOME ARE FIRING NURSES NOW AS THEY SAY THE THERE AND DEBATE AND HAVE CONVERSATIONS ON VACCINE MANDATES THESE ARE MANY TIMES NURSES FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC IN THE HOSPITALS FOR THE LAST 18 MONTHS. SO THERE WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF FOLKS THAT MIGHT BE AVAILABLE IF THEY LOOKED AT THEIR POLICIES RATHER THAN FIRE PEOPLE AND LOOK AT RESOURCES THEY CAN GET THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS JUST GOING TO ASK, I ASSUME, JUDGE, OR COMMISSIONER BERRY, OTHER COUNTIES ARE DOING THIS AS WELL. AND BY WORKING WITH CTRACK, IT WILL BE WORKED OUT IN AN AGREEMENT.

I FEEL COMFORTABLE. I THINK IT IS A CRISIS.

I THINK THERE ARE VALID POINTS TO LOOK AT.

LET'S GET STARTED AND I THINK THE FINAL AGREEMENT WILL HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT. I AM ASSUMING DALLAS COUNTY, I WAS ON A CALL WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE THE OTHER DAY AND I THINK THEY ARE DOING THE SAME THING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: FOR SURE MONTGOMERY COUNTY WAS ABLE TO PROCURE SOME NURSES RECENTLY. NOT SURE ABOUT DALLAS COUNTY.

WE ARE ALL FACING THIS. THE SOONER PEOPLE GET VACCINATED THE SOONER IT WILL END.

RIGHT NOW WE JUST CAN'T SIT BY WHILE THESE HOSPITALS LACK

NURSES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I FEEL CONFIDENT YOU WILL DOT THE I -- THE I'S AND CROSS THE T'S.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I WILL MAKE SURE WE RECEIVE A REPORT ON HOW MUCH LONGER IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS A NEED.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO ECHO WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID. WHEN YOU KNOW, LET OUR OFFICES KNOW. I ECHO HIS COMMENT ABOUT LET US KNOW WHAT YOU CAN ABOUT WHAT THE RESULTS ARE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WILL DO. COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE MOTION AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS GOT THE SECOND.

JAMES, DID YOU GET THE MOTION?

>> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE TABLE AND A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. AND OF COURSE THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND EVERYONE ELSE.

[Emergency/Supplemental items (Part 1 of 3)]

WE HAVE EIGHT RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER.

WE WILL START WITH ONE RESOLUTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS WHERE THE SPEAKER HAS A TIME COMMITMENT.

GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS FOR EL FRANCO LEE AND HIS WORK IS ON DISPLAY IN THE FINE ARTS MUSEUM. IT IS MATERIAL ART AND HIS WORK CAN BE FOUND AMONG MANY OTHERS.

THE EXHIBIT CREATES AN EXPANSIVE AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF SOUTHERN EXPRESSION AS PERSONIFIED IN

[00:35:03]

AND IT PARALLELS THE VISUAL AND THE SONIC CULTURE AND HIGHLIGHTS EACH MOVEMENT WITH THE WORK OF CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW CULTURES.

EL FRANCO LEE'S WORK IS KNOWN IN HOUSTON AND IN TEXAS AT LARGE. IT DRAW -- IT DRIVES IT THROUGH THE DETAILS. HE WAS OFTEN FORCED TO FACE THE TRUTH OF REALITY AND THE MUSEUM OF ART AND UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AUSTIN. ALONG WITH OTHERS.

HE IS THE ON OF MY PREDECESSOR, EL FRANCO LEE.

HE DID HIS COURSE WORK AT YALE BEFORE HE EARNED HIS BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS AND PAINTING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON IN 2007. HE COMPLETED HIS MASTER'S IN 2013. HE IS SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOUSTONIAN ARTISTS WHILE TEACHING DOWNTOWN. AND I JUST WANT TO PASS THIS ON. I KNOW HE IS ABOUT TO TEACH A CLASS. I HOPE HIS STUDENTS ARE LISTENING. I AM SO PROUD OF HIM AND I WOULD MOVE ON IT AFTER HE GETS TO SPEAK IF THAT'S POSSIBLE.

>> MR. LEE, YOU ARE UN MUTED. >> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK RODNEY ELLIS FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR CONSIDERING ME FOR THIS RESOLUTION. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK VALERIE OLIVER OF THE CON -- CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM AND THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS FOR BEING SUPPORTIVE THROUGHOUT MY CAREER. I AM HAPPY FOR -- I AM HAPPY

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. YOUR MOM AND I WERE IN NEW YORK TAKING A BREAK AFTER THINGS SETTLED DOWN A BIT AND WE SAW THE STATUE THAT WAS IN NEW YORK CITY AT TIME SQUARE.

I REMEMBER AFTER YOUR DAD PASSED YOU COULDN'T GO TO THE OPENING IN NEW YORK, AND I ENDED UP THERE FOR A MEETING AND I REMEMBER SENDING YOU PICTURE IS -- PICTURES.

WE ARE JUST SO PROUD OF YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

CONGRATULATIONSES AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR FATHER

AS WELL, OBVIOUSLY. >> THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE ADOPTION, JUDGE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IF FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION

CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> JUDGE WHO DO WE HAVE FOR

THE SECOND? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. NEXT IS A RESOLUTION UNDER MY

[Departments (Part 2 of 4)]

THIS IS REALLY -- I FEEL LIKE I AM SHARING THIS WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS BECAUSE IT IS IN HIS PRECINCT, IN THE THIRD WARD, IN PRECINCT 1. LET ME READ THE RESOLUTION HERE BRIEFLY. WHEREAS THE STATE BOARD OF REVIEW NOMINATED EL DORADO BALLROOM TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. THE NATIONAL REGISTER IS A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S OFFICIAL LIST OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES WORTHY OF PRESS -- PRESERVATION.

LISTING IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER PROVIDES RECOGNITION, ASSISTANCE PRESERVING OUR NATION'S HERITAGE AND ALLOWS HISTORIC PROPERTIES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL TAX PROVISIONS AND TO BE CONSIDERED IN PLANNING FOR FEDERAL PROJECTS. EL DORADO BALLROOM WAS IN THE THIRD WARD BETWEEN 1900 AND 1920.

THE BUS LEG DISTRICT THAT SERVED -- BUSTLING DISTRICT THAT SERVED AS THE CENTER OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY WITH RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, CHURCHES, STORES, PROFESSIONAL OFFICES, MOVIE THEATERS AND NIGHTCLUBS.

IT IS AT THE CORNER OF ELGIN STREET AND WHAT IS NOW

[00:40:01]

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CONGRATULATES EL DORADO BALLROOM AND SUPPORTS ITS NOMINATION TO THE NATIONAL

REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION, COMMISSIONER ELLIS? YOU ARE ON MUTE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SECOND IT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO, YOU MAKE IT AND I WILL SECOND IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE HAVE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM,

CORRECT, TIFFANY? >> THAT'S CORRECT, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? POTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

MOTION CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.

NUMBER 298 IS A RESOLUTION COMMENDING CHARLOTTE ATKINSON FOR 31 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY.

SHE IS RETIRING FROM THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE HER INCREDIBLE WORK.

WHEREAS CHARLOTTE ATKINSON FINANCIAL SUPPORT ANALYST WILL RETIRE FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ON AUGUST 31ST, 2021 AFTER 31 YEARS OF SERVICE.

SHE BEGAN IN THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE IN THE CIVIL POST JUDGMENT SECTION AND REMAINED THERE WILL IN -- UNTIL THE BIRTH OF HER SON IN 1990.

CONSUMED WITH JOY SHE TOOK SOME TIME WITH HER SON, BUT RETURNED TO THE COUNTY IN 1995.

SHE REJOINED THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE AS THE CLERK.

IN 1996 SHE WAS OFFERED A POSITION IN THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IN ACCOUNTS PAYABLE FIRST AND THEN PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT MANAGER AND THEN FINANCIAL SUPPORT ANALYST.

DURING HER 10 YEARS SHE WORKED WITH THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND WAS INVOLVED IN THE TRANSITION TO PEOPLE SOFT. AND SHE ALSO SUPPORTED THE PREPARATION OF DEPARTMENTAL BUDGETS AND PROVIDED THE BUDGET OVERSIGHT FOR SPECIAL DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES.

SHE LEAD BY EXAMPLE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY AND EVEN THROUGHOUT HER BATTLE WITH BREAST CANCER AND UNWAIVERING SUPPORT FOR OUR AWARENESS SHE WAS PASSIONATE AND DILIGENT ABOUT PER FORMING HER NUMEROUS -- PERFORMING HER NUMEROUS DUTIES. SHE ASSISTED CO-WORKERS AND SHE LEAVES BEHIND LONG-LASTING FRIENDSHIPS AND A WORK ETHIC THAT WILL BE SORELY MISSED. MRS. AT KIN -- ATKINSON'S SERVICE SHOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE DEDICATED, DEPENDABLE, DILIGENT. HER VITAL ROLE IN THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT SHALL NEVER BE DIMINISHED. MS. ATKINSON LOOKS FORWARD TO TRAVELING AND SPENDING MORE TIME WITH HER FAMILY ESPECIALLY HER GRAND BABIES AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY CONGRATULATES AND COMMANDS CHAR -- CHARLOTTE ATKINSON FOR 31 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY AND OFFERS BEST WISHES FOR AN ENJOYABLE RETIREMENT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MRS. ATKINSON.

I BELIEVE SHE IS ON THE LINE. I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE

WANTS TO MAKE THE MOTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DO.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. I AND I HAVE COMMENTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TIFFANY, IS SHE ON THE LINE?

>> HER HUSBAND IS ON THE LINE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> MR. ATKINSON, YOU ARE

UNMUTED. >> YES.

YES. CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, SIR. >> SPEAK NOW?

>> YES, SIR, YOU CAN GO AHEAD.

>> I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT I AM PROUD OF ALL OF THE WORK SHE HAS DONE. THE MANY DAYS OF TRAVELING BACK AND FORTH THROUGH ALL OF THE STORMS AND ALL OF THE WEATHER. SHE NEVER HAD A BAD WORD TO SAY ABOUT HARRIS COUNTY. IT HAS BEEN VERY GOOD TO HER, 31 YEARS, 34 TO ME. WE ARE BOTH A COUNTY FAMILY.

WE UNDERSTAND HOW THE COUNTY WORKS AND HOW THINGS DO.

I AM PROUD OF HER HARD WORK. SHE ZERO ENEMIES DOWN THERE AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN HELPFUL WORKING VERY HARD.

THANK Y'ALL. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU BOTH. COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS A

[00:45:03]

COMMENT FOR YOU, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF THANKING CHARLOTTE WHEN SHE GOT AN AWARD WORKING FOR A GAZILLION YEARS.

WHY THEY TURNED OUT BEAUTIFUL IS NOT A SURPRISE WHEN THEY ARE IN CHARLOTTE, BUT IT IS WHEN YOU ARE AROUND TOMMY.

SO I WANT TO COMMEND THEM FOR THIS NEXT STAGE OF LIFE, AND I WANT TO THANK HER FOR HER DILIGENT AND HARD WORK.

JUDGE, I HAVE A LITTLE NOTE THAT IT IS A DOUBLY SPECIAL ONE TODAY BECAUSE TODAY IS CHARLOTTE'S BIRTHDAY.

AND I THINK SHE IS TURNING 29, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> YES, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE CAN HAVE YOU, JUDGE, SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE BEST VOICE OF ALL OF US FOR THAT PURPOSE.

I WANT TO WISH HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY AS WELL AS ENJOYING HER RETIREMENT. AND TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE SPEND A LOT MORE TIME WITH THOSE GRAND KIDS THAN WITH

TOMMY. >> LINA HIDALGO: CONGRATULATION.

WE HAVE A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: CONGRATULATIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE AND FOR YOUR FAMILIES.

A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MRS. ATKINSON. HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT CELEBRATION. THE NEXT AGENDA ITEM IS IN HONOR OF MR. RICHARD KEITH MURRAY.

THAT IS ITEM 299. IT IS UNDER MY AGENDA.

WHEREAS THE HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM ROAD AND BRIDGE TEAM, CPD, ARE DEEPLY SADDENED TO ANNOUNCE THE PATTING OF RICHARD "KEITH" MURRAY. KEITH WAS A VALUED EMPLOYEE AND A WONDERFUL HUSBAND TO HIS WIFE, SHERRY, FATHER TO GENE AND A PROUD VETERAN. KEITH CAME TO CPD IN THE EARLY 2000'S AND RISING TO THE POSITION OF SENIOR INSPECTOR.

KEITH WAS A QUIET PROFESSIONAL WITH A VAST RANGE OF EXPERIENCE IN CONCRETE AND ASPHALT CONSTRUCTION.

HE WAS CALM, COLLECTED AND THOUGHTFUL IN HIS RESPONSES.

THE TYPE OF INSPECTOR YOU COULD TRUST WITH ANY JOB.

IN HIS NEARLY 20 YEARS OF THE COUNTY HE HAD A HAND IN CONSTRUCTING AND MAINTAINING HUNDREDS OF MILES WITHIN PRECINCT 3. CONTRACTORS AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES ALIKE LOVED WORKING WITH KEITH.

OVER THE YEARS HE BECAME A TRUSTED MENTOR AND A FRIEND TO ME. HE WAS WILLING TO COVER A JOB ON SHORT NOTICE. HE WAS WILLING TO STOP BY AND OFFER ADVICE ON ANY PROBLEM. IF YOU CALLED, HE HE WAS THERE WITH HIS TRADEMARK STRAW HAT TO DELIVER WHERE HE COULD.

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS KEITH HAD GONE TO RESIDENT ASPHALT TRAINING AND HELPED NUMEROUS NEW INSPECTORS.

HIS DEDICATION LEARNED FROM HIS TIME IN THE ARMY" AS A YOUNG INTELLIGENCE SOLDIER. HE LOVED SPENDING TIME WITH HIS FAMILY AND SPOKE FOPPEDLY OF THEM.

HE -- FONDLY OF THEM. HE LOOKED FORWARD TO RETIREMENT AND TRAVELING WITH HIS WIFE.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED COMMISSIONER'S COMMISSIONERS' COURT SENDS SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RICHARD "KEITH" MURRAY WHO WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY HIS HARRIS COUNTY FAMILY.

A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

HE IN FACT IS QUITE THE LEGEND IN PRE SINING -- PRECINCT 3.

A PERSON WHO SHOWS UP TO WORK.

THESE JOBS ARE HARD. THE FOLKS THAT ARE OUT THERE PLACE -- PLACING ASPHALT AND DOING INSPECTIONS ARE HEROS TO THE COUNTY. AND HE CERTAINLY WAS THAT AND

HE WILL BE MISSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION BY ECONOMICKER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE SECOND BEFORE YOU HAD, SORRY. I BELIEVE MRS. MURRAY IS ON THE LINE. IS THAT RIGHT, TIFFANY?

>> YES, MA'AM. MS. MURRAY, YOU ARE UNMUTED.

>> THANK YOU. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND.

HE ENJOYED WORKING FOR Y'ALL VERY MUCH.

I DON'T THINK THERE WAS A DAY HE DIDN'T GO IN THAT HE DIDN'T ENJOY WORKING WITH EVERYONE THAT ME MET ON THE JOB.

I WANT TO THANK Y'ALL VERY MUCH FOR THIS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR LENDING US YOUR HUSBAND.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOD BLESS YOU, MRS. MURRAY.

>> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU,

MRS. MURRAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER

[00:50:03]

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 301 IS THE FINAL RESOLUTION UNDER MY AGENDA.

IT RECOGNIZE IS THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE U.S.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO A RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE HAIR -- HURRICANE HARVEY. WHEREAS HURRICANE HARVEY MADE LANDFALL FOUR YEARS AGO ON AUGUST 25TH, 2017 RESULTING IN RECORD RAINFALL IN HARRIS COUNTY, THE FLOODING DESTROYED OR DAMAGED BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

THE DAMAGES TO FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT INFRASTRUCTURE EXCEEDED $100 MILLION. IN FEBRUARY OF 2018, THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS PASSED THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF 2018, APPROPRIATING $90 BILLION FOR THE NATION TO RECOVER AND REBUILD FROM NATURAL DISASTERS INCLUDING HURRICANE HARVEY. THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE'S NATURAL CONSERVATION SERVICE RECEIVED $541 MILLION FROM THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT.

THEY WORKED DILIGENTLY AND TIRELESSLY TO ASSIST THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT IN MAKING REPAIRS.

THE SERVICE COMMITTED $80 MILLION TO THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO MAKE THESE REPAIRS.

THE DISTRICT HAS COMPLETED ALL OF THE $95 MILLION IN REPAIRS UNDER THEIR AGREEMENT WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONS -- CONSERVATION SERVICE. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT ACKNOWLEDGES THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT THAT THIS RELATIONSHIP IS VITAL TO PROTECT THE CHANNELS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT THINKS THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SHOVES FOR THEIR HARD WORK -- CONSERVATION SERVICE FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND MAKING IT MORE RESILIENT TO THE EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS.

I BELIEVE WE HAVE MARK NORTH CUT TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION.

AND I KNOW DIRECTOR ALLEN BLACK WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW

WORDS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED ON

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

>> MARK NORTHCUT, YOU ARE UNMUTED.

>> GOOD MORNING. CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, SIR. >> YES.

MY NAME IS NORTH -- IS MARK NORTHCUT WITH THE NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, NRCS, IN TEMPLE, TEXAS. REGRETLY SHE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND, BUT WANTS TO EXTEND APPRECIATION TO THE COURT FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY A FEW WORDS. THE EMERGENCY PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IS TO RESPOND TO NATURAL DISASTERS.

THE NRCS CAN HELP COMMUNITIES ADDRESS WATER SHED IMPAIRMENTS THAT IMPOSE IMMINENT THREATS TO LIVES AND PROPERTY.

THE IMPACTS FROM HURRICANE HARVEY WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR YEARS TO COME AND HOPEFULLY THE POSSIBLE -- POSITIVE RESULTS WILL TOO. 2018 HAD ITS CHALLENGES, BUT

ALL WORTH WHILE EFFORTS DO. >> IT IS A LOCAL FEDERAL PARTNERSHIP THAT INVOLVES EQUAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS. WORKING WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT HAS PROVEN TO BE THE EQUAL PARTNERSHIP. THEIR EFFORTS AND COMMITMENT ARE AS MUCH OF A REASON WE ARE HERE TODAY.

ON BEHALF OF CHRISTIE AND THE ENTIRE NRCS STAFF WE ARE EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND OF THIS COURT. THE REC COG NEGS PRESENTED -- REGULAR COGNITION PRESENTED TODAY IS APPRECIATED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE TEAM FOR HELPING US GET THESE DOLLARS OUT THE DOOR AND GET THE WORK DONE.

THANK YOU. THE MOTION WAS BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY CAGLE. IS ALLEN BLACK ON THE LINE?

>> YES, MA'AM. MR. BLACK, YOU ARE UN --

UNMUTED. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS IS ALLEN BLACK WITH FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. THANK YOU FOR PLACING THIS RESOLUTION ON COURT. MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE WHEN IT COMES TO FEDERAL COURT AND MORE THAN 80% OF THE FUNDING TYPICALLY FALLS FROM FUNDING TO THE NRCS.

IT STARTED WITH MEMORIAL DAY FLOODS AND WITH TAX DAY.

AFTER HARVEY IS WHEN OUR PARTNERSHIP BLOSSOMED.

WE LEARNED LESSONS FROM THE PREVIOUS FLOODS AND WE ARE ABLE TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND GET AHEAD OF WHAT WE KNEW WERE BUREAUCRATIC OBSTACLES AND EXECUTE A $100 MILLION REPAIR PROGRAM. WHICH WE STATED IT HAS NOW

[00:55:01]

AND THAT'S WHY IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO THANK OUR ENTIRE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION FOR THAT BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF 2018 AND THEY MADE THESE REPAIRS POSSIBLE.

WITHOUT THE FUNDING AND THE GREAT PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NRCS, THIS REPAIR PROGRAM WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. THANK YOU FOR PLACING THIS ON

COURT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, ALLEN, FORGETTING THIS WORK DONE.

APPRECIATE IT, AND YOUR TEAM. ALL RIGHT.

I BELIEVE -- I DON'T BELIEVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS ANY

OUT OF ORDER RESOLUTIONS. >> JUDGE, FOR ITEM 301 DO WE

WANT TO CALL A VOTE FOR THAT? >> LINA HIDALGO: MAY AS WELL.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE MOTION AND CAGLE HAD THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: GENTLEMAN -- YEAH, JUDGE, I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE OLYMPICS I LIKE TO SEE COMPETITION CELEBRATED.

HARD WORK RECOGNIZED AND WE ARE PROUD TO RECOGNIZE A PERSON THAT IS FROM PRECINCT 3 AND SO I WILL JUMP RIGHT TO IT. ON AUGUST 3RD, 2021 TAMARA MARIA STOCK MENSA WON THE GOLD MEDAL IN THE WOMEN'S 68-KILOGRAM FREESTYLE WRESTLING.

TAMARA IS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE TO WIN AN OLYMPIC GOLD AND WHEREAS SHE WON HER FINAL MATCH THEY SAID OH MY GOSH IT FEELS LIKE IT IS MEANT TO BE.

TAMYRA WILL BE KNOWN FOR EXUBERANT CELEBRATION.

SHE ROWED THE -- ROWED THE ATHLETES AND THE COACHES INTO A CHANT OF USA! USA! THAT'S THE BEST PART OF WATCHING THE OLYMPICS. SHE IS A PROUD PRODUCT OF HARRIS COUNTY AND RAISED IN PRECINCT 3.

SHE BEGAN HER WRESTLING CAREER AT MARK RANCH HIGH SCHOOL.

DURING THAT TIME SHE FOUGHT PERSONAL ADVERSITY TO BECOME THE TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS'S CHAMPION IF 2010 AND 2011 AND GIVING HER THE HONOR OF BEING THE BEST FEMALE WRESTLER IN TEXAS. WHEREAS TAMYRA EXPRESSED THE FEELING OF SO MANY OLYMPIANS BY SAYING I LOVE REPRESENTING THE U.S. AND T -- TAMYRA REPRESENTS THE DOZENS WHO HAVE TIES TO HARRIS COUNTY, SPORTS HAVE THE POWER TO BRING US TOGETHER, KEEP US HEALTHY AND BRING JOY TO BILLIONS. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CELEBRATES THE SUCCESSES OF TAMYRYA MENSAH-STOCK AND ALL OF OUR ATHLETES AND COMMENCE THEIR EFFORT AND DEDICATIONS.

I WANT TO MAKE THAT MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SECONDED BY

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT IS VERY EXCITING AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ATHLETE ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I THINK YOU HAVE A COUPLE MORE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: HARVEY IS WORTHY OF TWO RESOLUTIONS.

I TOO HAVE A RESOLUTION AND I THINK IT COMPLEMENTS WHAT THE JUDGE'S RESOLUTION WAS. RECOGNIZING OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS IS SO IMPORTANT IN AN ISSUE LIKE THIS.

I AM GOING TO SPEND A LITTLE TIME TALKING ABOUT WHAT WE DID LOCALLY WHICH IS PRETTY EXA ORDINARY.

ON AUGUST 24TH, 2017 THE SKIES BEGAN TO DARKEN WITH CLOUDS OF HURRICANE HARVEY. OVER THE NEXT FIVE DAYS HARRIS COUNTY RECEIVED UP TO 47 INCHES OF RAIN RESULTING IN THE WORST RAIN EVENT IN UNITED STATES HISTORY.

HARVEY DROPPED OVER 16.6 TRILLION GALLONS, ENOUGH TO FILL LAKE HOUSTON OVER 318 TIMES.

WHEREAS THE RAIN CAUSED DISASTROUS FLOODING ACROSS THE COUNTY FROM KINGWOOD TO KATY AND BY THE TIME THE WATER RECEDED 60,000 RESIDENTS REQUIRED EMERGENCY RESCUE.

36 INDIVIDUALS IF HARRIS COUNTY WERE NOT ABLE TO BE SAVED AND WHEREAS AFTER HARVEY OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVED IF MITIGATING FLOODING. THE VOTERS RESOUNDINGLY APPROVED A $2.5 BILLION FLOOD CONTROL MEASURE.

THE LARGEST IN COUNTY HISTORY WITH THE INVESTMENT OF THE

[01:00:03]

AND WHERE THE BOND PROGRAM PROMISED TO COMPLETE 181 PROJECTS ACROSS THE COUNTY, THE PROJECTS RANGE FROM STRICT DRAINAGE TO CONSTRUCTION OF MASSIVE DETENTION BASINS.

TO DATE 88% OF THE BOND PROJECTS ARE EITHER ACTIVE OR COMPLETED. ALL PROJECTS ARE ACTIVE AT COMPLETION AT COMMISSIONERS' COURT TODAY.

TO DATE NEARLY FIVE MILLION CUBIC YARDS OR 500,000 DUMP TRUCKS HAVE BEEN CREATED AND RESOLVED TO THE 2018 BOND.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS COMMITTED TO FULFILL THE PROMISE WE MADE TO VOTERS IN 2018. HARRIS COUNTY CONTROL DISTRICT HAS COMPLETED 27 PROJECTS AND HAS TO DATE MOVED OVER 11,000 HOMES OUT OF THE HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD PLAIN.

THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT IMPLEMENTED THE ATLAS 14 MAPS AS WELL AS NEW FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS THAT HELPED TO CURVE THE PROBLEMS OF FLOODING FROM THE START.

WE ARE WAITING FOR THE FEDERAL PARTNERS TO DELIVER THE PROMISED FUNDING. OUR RESOLVE TO PROTECT PEOPLE IS UNWAIVERING. THEY ARE REMEMBERING THE LOSSES CAUSED BY HARVEY AND RESOLVED -- RESOLVES ALL OF THE BOND ISSUE PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED.

I MAKE THAT MOTION. I THINK IT IS GOOD TO RECALL AND REMEMBER WHAT WE HAVE DONE.

PEOPLE ASK ME EVERY WEEK, GOSH, WE HAD HARVEY BACK IN 2017. WHAT HAVE WE DONE? THIS IS JUST A SMALL GLIMPSE OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE.

I AM SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF HARRIS COUNTY AND WHAT Y'ALL HAVE DONE BEFORE I GOT HERE AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE SINCE THEN. IT IS WELL NOTED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I AM NOT NOTING YOUR -- WE MAY HAVE TO COME BACK TO THIS ONE.

GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M GOOD, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR SO THE MOTION CARRIES

UNANIMOUSLY. >> TOM RAMSEY: MY THIRD RESOLUTION, QUICKLY, IS AN ISSUE THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT. BUT ON SEPTEMBER 1ST IT BECAME A FELONY TO SOLICIT PROSTITUTION IN TEXAS.

WE ARE THE FIRST STATE TO DO IT.

I AM SO PROUD OUR STATE DID IT, AND I AM SO PROUD THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER TOOL IN TERMS OF PURSUING AND WE HAD NEW SIGNS THAT ARE BEING PLACED ON BISONETTE.

IT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING IF YOU WILL.

TO BE OUT THERE YESTERDAY IS WHEN THEY UNVEILED THE SIGNS.

BEWARE ON SEPTEMBER 1ST, THE SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION IS A FELONY. PUNISHMENT IS UP TO TWO YEARS IN STATE JAIL. CAMERAS ARE RECORDING.

ENFORCEMENT IS PATROLLING. AND VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED AND PERSECUTED. WE HAVE OUR PARTNERS OUT THERE AND HPD WAS THERE. A LOT OF OUR COUNTY FOLKS WERE THERE AND CON -- CON -- CONSTABLES.

THE CHURCH THERE AND -- THEY HIRED THE CHURCH, PASTOR TERRENCE JOHNSON WAS THERE. AND I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT.

IT IS A FOCUS ON THE VICTIMS. THEY ARE FOLKS TRAPPED IN THE HORRIBLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING CYCLE, AND THERE IS A COMMIT MEANT TO ADDRESS THEIR NEEDS. WHEREAS HARRIS COUNTY HAS SEEN THE IMPACTS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING ON AN ENORMOUS SCALE. THE PREVALENCE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND PROSTITUTION CANNOT BE IGNORED.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ANNUAL TRACKING REPORT BETWEEN JANUARY AND NOVEMBER 2020 THERE WERE ONE MILLION, 500, 6606 ADS POSTED IN TEXAS. OF THOSE ADS 291,478 ARE BELIEVED TO BE ADVERTISED CHILDREN FOR COMMERCIAL SEX.

[01:05:03]

AND WHEREAS THE BIZ NET TRACK IN SOUTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY IS A HUB FOR PROSTITUTION AND THE TRAFFICKING IN A JOINT CITY/COUY EFFORT LEAD BY ED POLLARD, SIGNS WILL BE PLACED ALONG BUSINESS SON NET -- BISONET THE E TRACK THAT LISTS PROSTITUTION AS A FELONY. THEY WILL BRING AN AWARENESS NOT ONLY TO THE CHANGE IN THE LAWS, BUT JUST HOW PERVASIVE THE ISSUE IS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

AND NOW THEREFORE BE H RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT SUPPORTS THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE THE PAST LAWS THAT PUNISH THOSE AND PERPETUATE HUMAN TRAFFICKING THROUGH THE SOLICITATION OF SEX AND SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO

END HUMAN TRAFFICKING. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION.

I WOULD HOPE THAT THE FOCUS IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXPLOITED, THE VICTIMS. EARLIER IN YOUR REMARKS YOU USED SOMETHING -- YOU SAID FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO DO THIS.

I WOULD RESPECTFULLY ASK YOU TO CUT THAT TERMINOLOGY OUT OF YOUR FUTURE TALKING POINTS. AS YOU JUST CONCLUDED, THERE ARE CHILDREN INVOLVED IN THIS.

I HAVE NEVER BELIEVED THAT ANY CHILD IS OUT THERE SAYING ONE DAY I WANT THAT STREET CORNER. ONE DAY I WANT TO HAVE THAT LIFESTYLE. SO I ASK YOU TO ELIMINATE THAT MIND-SET AND THAT TERMINOLOGY OUT OF THE TALKING POINTS.

NOBODY -- NOBODY, REGARDLESS OF WHAT WALK OF LIFE, NOBODY IS GROWING UP HOPING TO BE A PROSTITUTE ON ANY STREET CORNER AND ON ANY -- IN ANY PLACE OF THE WORLD.

>> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER GARCIA --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GOING AFTER THE PIMPS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GOING AFTER TOSS WHO ARE EXPLOITING THESE VICTIMS. I JUST ASK YOU TO THINK ABOUT TAKING THAT TERMINOLOGY OUT OF

YOUR TALKING POINT. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT WASN'T THE TERMINOLOGY. I CAN TELL YOU, AND I'M -- AND

I CAN ASSURE YOU -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S WHAT WE HEARD. I JUST WANTED TO --

>> TOM RAMSEY: THEY ARE FOCUSING ON THE VICTIMS THAT ARE ON THE STREET AND HPD, ALL OF THE OTHER FOLKS.

YOU CAN TUNE INTO 26 OR ANY OF THE OTHERS TO SEE WHERE THE FOCUS SCHT CLEARLY THE FOCUS IS -- THAT'S WHY WE POSTED THE SIGNS. WE SHARED THAT WITH YOU IN PRECINCT 2 SO PEOPLE KNOW IT IS A FELONY TO SOLICIT PROSTITUTION. WE ARE GOING AFTER THE JOHNS AND WE ARE GOING AFTER THE PEOPLE THAT ARE PERPETUATING THIS BUSINESS. CERTAINLY WE CONSIDER, AND THAT'S THE TERMINOLOGY WE USE, WE CONSIDER ALL OF THOSE ON THE STREET AS VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

THOSE ARE ALL OF THE RESOLUTIONS OUT OF ORDER.

NEXT IS THE SPEAKERS. TIFFANY WILL TAKE UP ALL OF

[Appearances before court (Part 1 of 2)]

THE SPEAKERS, PLEASE. >> OKAY.

FIRST WE HAVE NUMBER 2 ON THE LIST WHICH IS ELIZABETH GRAHAM SPEAKING ON COVID-19 ITEM 11. YOU ARE UNMUTED, MA'AM.

>> THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON, AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR ME.

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I DON'T BELIEVE PUTTING MONEY OUT TO INCENTIVIZE PEOPLE TO GET THEIR JAB IS THE BEST WAY TO SPENDING MONEY IN THIS DAY AND AGE.

I THINK IT CAN BE USED TO HELP THOSE WOULD ALREADY HAVE IT,

[01:10:01]

I DON'T BELIEVE IT IS FAIR TO THOSE OF US WHO WENT OUT AND GOT A JAB. WE GOT OUR JABS WHEN THEY WERE AVAILABLE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FOR YOURSELF. AND QUITE TRUTHFULLY, THAT'S WHAT YOU DO FOR HUMANITY. THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT OF IF WE DON'T HAVE EVERYONE GETTING A VACCINE, EVENTUALLY WE WILL HAVE A VARIANT THAT WILL KILL EVERYBODY.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE SHOULD BE PAYING -- IT IS NOT FAIR TO THOSE OF US WHO HAVE GOT N OUR JABS.

DO WE GET TO BE PAID? DOES EVERYBODY WHO HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN THEM GET $100 AND BE PUT IN A LOTTERY FOR THE WINNING THAT ARE BEING DONE? THAT IS INCREDITED WHREE -- INCREDIBLY RUDE TO ALL OF US WOULD HAVE DONE WHAT IS BEST FOR HUMANITY.

I THINK THIS MONEY NEEDS TO BE SPENT ELSEWHERE.

LIKE I SAID, FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD COVID.

LONG-TERM COVID IS GOING TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM.

INSURANCES ARE ALREADY TALKING ABOUT NOT COVERING PEOPLE FOR HAVING -- IF YOU ALREADY HAD COVID THEY MAKE IT A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION. THAT MEANS THERE WILL BE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN TEXAS AND TONS HERE IN HOUSTON WOULD WILL HAVE NO TYPE OF INSURANCE OR NOTHING TO HELP THEM THROUGH IT WHEN THEY GET SICK BECAUSE OF THE COVID-RELATED ISSUES.

USE THE MONEY INSTEAD OF ASKING OTHER PEOPLE TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND HAVING TO BRIBE THEM TO DO THE RIGHT THING, WELL, I AM FINDING MYSELF WITH LESS AND LESS SYMPATHY OR WOULDN'T -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO CALL IT, PATIENCE FOR PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO GET VACCINATED.

IF THEY DON'T WANT TO AND THEY CATCH IT AND THEY DIE, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM AT THIS POINT. THAT'S WHERE I'M AT.

THAT'S TERRIBLY SAD I AM ABSOLUTELY A OFFICIAL BELIEVER IN HUMANITY AND THAT'S WHY I GOT MY JAB IS TO TRY AND SAVE HUMANS. THE ONES I LIKE AND THE ONES I DO -- I DON'T. I JUST THINK THAT MONEY SHOULD BE USED -- THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT MONEY CAN BE USED FOR, HELPING THOSE WHO ALREADY HAD IT AND WOULD WILL HAVE LONG-TERM PROBLEMS AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD IT. YEAH.

IT'S NOT FAIR. I'M TIRED OF THINGS NOT BEING FAIR AS WELL. USE THE MONEY WHERE IT CAN BE USED BEST. AND THAT'S HELPING PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY STRUGGLING. THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF PROBLEMS IN HOUSTON, NOT JUST COVID-RELATED AND NOT JUST ILLNESS RELATED. YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THE FLOODING AND WE STILL HAVE ALL OF THOSE ISSUES.

THERE IS ALL KINDS OF STUFF GOING ON.

I JUST THINK THE MONEY SHOULD BE USED TO HELP PEOPLE.

$100 IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS WILL NOT HELP SOMEBODY IN THEIR LIFESTYLE. GIVING THEM $100 TO GET A JAB,

IT SAVES HUMANITY. >> MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.

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

>> NEXT IS NUMBER 3, DUSTIN DAVIS.

HE IS SPEAKING ON COVID-19 ITEM NUMBER 12.

YOU'RE UNMUTED. >> THANK YOU.

CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> YES, SIR.

>> THANK YOU, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

OVER THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF WE ARE FIGURING OUT WHAT AND WORTH FIGHTING FOR. IT WASN'T HARD TO FIGURE OUT FREEDOM AND LIBERTY IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR NO MATTER THE COST. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S LAST HOPE ON THIS PLANET FOR MANY SEEKING THE BASIC FREEDOM SO MANY OF US TAKE FOR GRANTED EVERY DAY.

WE DON'T NEED TO LOOK ANY FURTHER THAN THE IMAGES POURING OUT OF AFGHANISTAN OF DESPERATE PARENTS HANDING OVER INFANT CHILDREN TO AMERICAN HEROS KNOWING THEY MAY NEVER SEE THEM AGAIN, BUT THEY FIND SOLACE KNOWING THEIR CHILDREN WON'T BE SUBJECT TO THE RUTHLESS ANIMALS IN THE COUNTRY TODAY. THIS IS A SITUATION MANUFACTURED BY THE POLITICAL LEFT.

A SITUATION MANUFACTURED BY THE SAME PEEL TELLING US TO MASK UP -- PEOPLE TELLING US TO MASK UP AND GET YOUR SHOT AND THOSE WHO DON'T ARE TERRORISTS.

THESE ARE THE POLITICIANS WHO SAY THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THE TALIBAN WON'T KEEP THEIR WORD AND ALLOW AMERICANS TO SAFELY LEAVE AFGHANISTAN. WE LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE THE PEOPLE IN POWER HAVE MORE FAITH IN THE TALIBAN THAN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. THIS IS THE FIGHT.

SADLY MOST OF YOU HAVE LOST SIGHT OF YOUR MISSION AS ELECTED OFFICIALS YOU FORGOT WHO YOU WORK FOR.

WE THE PEOPLE HOLD THE POWER. TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS ONCE GREAT STATE, COUNTY AND REGION, THE TIME IS UP -- THE FIGHT IS NOW AT YOUR DOORSTEP WHETHER YOU ACCEPT IT OR NOT.

THE AX OF JUDGE HIDALGO AND COHORTS IS PROOF OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CITIZENRY IS COMPLAISANT.

WE HAVE SEEN THIS MOVIE BEFORE.

THE MOST EVIL TYRANTS USED THE SAME PLAYBOOK USED BY THOSE IN OUR GOVERNMENT OPERATING UNDER THE RUES OF HEALTH AND SAFETY. ASK HOW HITLER LULLED A NATION TO SLEEP WHILE HE MURDERED JEWS AND OTHERS HE DEEMED TO BE A DANGER TO SOCIETY. WE HEAR THE SAME RHETORIC USED BY DICTATORS FROM THE PAST. WE REFUSED TO BE MUZZLE AND MUZZLE OUR CHILDREN OR INJECT EXPERIMENTAL VACCINES INTO OUR BODY. THE PAY TREE YAW -- PATRIOTISM IS WHAT WE NEED. GOVERNOR HIDALGO CLAIMED TO HAVE NOBLE REASONS FOR A MASK MANDATE.

[01:15:01]

IT IS TIME TO CHOOSE WHAT SIDE OF HISTORY YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON. RONALD REAGAN ONCE SAID WE ARE AT WORE WITH THE MOST DANGEROUS ENEMIES WE HAVE FACED FROM THE SWAMP TO THE STARS.

IN SO DOING THIS FREEDOM OF OURS HISTORY WILL RECORD THAT THOSE WITH THE MOST TO LOSE DID THE LEAST TO PREVENT ATTACK. I THINK IT IS TIME WE ASK OURS IF WE KNOW THE FREEDOMS THAT WERE INTENDED FOR US BY THE FOUNDING FATHERS. PRESIDENT REAGAN GOES ON TO SAY YOU AND I HAVE A RENDEZVOUS WITH DESTINY.

WE WILL PRESERVE FOR OUR CHILDREN -- AND TAKE THE LAST STEP INTO A THOUSAND YEARS OF DARKNESS.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, WE THE PEOPLE ARE NO LONGER UNDER YOUR RULE. WE WILL STAND FOR FREEDOM AND JUSTICE AND EQUALITY AND WILL HOLD OUR HANDS OVER OUR HEARTS DURING THE PLAYING OF NATIONAL ANTHEM WHILE THOSE AGAINST DO -- DEMOCRACY KNEEL AGAINST -- THANK YOU.

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

>> NEXT IS MARISSA WATEL SPEAKING ON COVID EYE -- COVID

ITEM NUMBER 12. >> HI, LINA HIDALGO.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE $60 MILLION OF THE NRG TENT YOU AWARDED ENVIRONMENT TALL -- ENVIRONMENTAL.

AND WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE 10.7 MILLION -- 10.79 MILLION YOU AWARDED BY 8 DREE YAW GARCIA -- ADRIAN GARCIA'S FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER WOULD WAS HIS FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER. THIS SEEMS VERY UNETHICAL THINGS YOU GUYS ARE DOING. WE ARE AWARE YOU CREATED A NEW OFFICE OF ELECTIONS WHERE YOU ALLOCATED $20 MILLION TO THE VOTING AND YOU CREATED A PARTISAN ELECTION FOR TWO PEOPLE -- FOR MOSTLY DEMOCRATS AND ONE REPUBLICAN THAT SAT ON THE BOARD. WE KNOW ABOUT YOU AND [INAUDIBLE]. WE KNOW EVERYTHING.

IF YOU DO NOT RESIGN AND TELL US WHERE THE MONEY IS THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN OF OUR TAX PAYING DOLLARS ALONG WITH RODNEY ELLIS AND ALONG WITH CHRIS HOLLAND AND ALONG WITH ADRIAN GARCIA, WE WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE IN COURT.

WE ARE NOT GOING TO STAND BY AND LET YOU MUZZLE OUR CHILDREN. YOU ARE NOT OUR CHILDREN'S PARENTS. YOU DO NOT DESERVE THIS.

YOU ARE NOT AN AMERICAN CITIZEN.

YOU ARE NOT PART OF US. YOU CANNOT MUZZLE OUR CHILDREN. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? DO YOU UNDERSTAND? WE WILL FIND WHERE THE MONEY WENT FROM GARNER ENVIRONMENTAL AND WHEN WE FIND IT, YOU ARE GONNA LOSE YOUR JOB. AS WELL AS RODNEY ELLIS AND CHRIS HOLLINS AND THE REST OF YOU.

WE KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS HAVE DONE.

AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, SHAME ON YOU FOR GIVING 10.79 MILLION TO YOUR FORMER CAMPAIGN MANAGER AND THEN BLAMING JUDGE HIDALGO FOR IT. WE KNOW ABOUT THAT.

AND YOU GUYS ARE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF HISTORY.

WE WILL HAVE YOU IMPEACHED OR YOU NEED TO RESIGN.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND? WE HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATING THIS FOR OVER A YEAR. WE KNOW ABOUT ALL OF THE MONEY. WE KNOW EVERYTHING.

WE KNOW ABOUT MYANMAR. >> OKAY NEXT IS NUMBER 5 ON THE LIST. DAMION DERBY AND COVID COVID-19 AND ITEM 12. SIR, YOU ARE UNMUTED.

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

>> YEAH. I JUST WANT TO THANK THOSE PAST TWO SPEAKER S WHO HAD THE COURAGE TO SAY WHAT THEY SAY.

THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE HIDALGO NEEDS TO HEAR THAT. PERHAPS THERE IS A MISSION TO USE UP OUR TAX DOLLARS AND TAKE -- CREATE A CRISIS AND USE IT AGAINST -- AND CREATE CHAOS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THE COVID CRISIS HAS BEEN LARGELY BLOWN OUT BY THE MEDIA AND THERE ARE THERAPEUTICS AND THINGS THAT CAN BE USED TO MAINTAIN HEALTH FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND WITHOUT HAVING TO COERCE PEOPLE TO TAKE -- THERE ARE

[01:20:07]

IT HAS ONLY BEEN PROVEN AT 40% EFFICACY AS REPORTED BY PFIZER. THAT'S 40%.

FOUR OUT OF 10 ARE GOING TO HAVE SOME SORT OF A RESISTANCE TO THE COVID -- TO COVID. REPORTS COMING OUT OF JERUSALEM, ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY VACCINATED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD IS THAT PEOPLE ARE DYING FROM NOT ONLY THE VACCINE, BUT BEING VACCINATED.

THEIR DISEASE IS WORSENED BY THE VACCINE ITSELF.

THIS IS EUGENICS BY VACCINE. I THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS.

YOU ARE LEADING PEOPLE IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

NOT ONLY THAT, MASKS ARE COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE.

THEY DO NOT STOP THE SPREAD OF VIRUSES.

THAT IS ALSO PROPAGANDA YOU ARE SPREADING.

COMING FROM THE CDC, OF COURSE THEY ARE -- THEIR STUDIES ARE ABSOLUTELY FALSE AND FAKE AND IF YOU JUST LOOK AT THEM, ONE OF THEIR STUDIES IS BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE.

THAT'S FOOLISHNESS. THIS IS NOT DOCTOR OR SCIENCE. HARRIS COUNTY CITIZENS ARE FURIOUS WITH THE WAY YOU ARE RECKLESSLY SPENDING TAXPAYER DOLLARS. WE ARE FRUSTRATED.

I THINK WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY AND WE NEED TO OPEN THE BOOKS TO SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING. WE NEED TO STOP ALL APPROVAL OF ANY ADDITIONAL SPENDING RIGHT NOW.

DO NOT APPROVE ANY OF IT. NOTHING ON THE AGENDA WHETHER IT IS COVID RELATED OR ANYTHING ELSE.

WE STOP EVERYTHING NOW. >> SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NUMBER 7, DA KIM AND IS SPEAKING ON THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION ITEM NUMBER 13. DA OGG, YOU CAN UNMUTE

YOURSELF. >> I AM UNMUTED.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER. I AM HERE TO REPORT ON ITEM NUMBER 13. IT IS A REQUEST BY THE COURT FOR AN UPDATE ON OUR TRIAGE BACKLOG PRODUCTION PROGRAM.

THEY APPROVED $3.5 MILLION OF THE D.A.'S UNROLL OVER MONEY TO FUND A BACKLOG REDUCTION PLAN.

SPECIFICALLY FUNDING PROSECUTORS TO WORKOVER -- WORK OVERTIME AND NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS.

TO SECURE CONTINUED FUNDING THERE ARE UPDATES ON OUR PROGRESS IN REDUCING THE BACKLOG.

I DUB IT THE TRIAGE PHASE BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

MYRIAM WEBSTER'S DEFINITION OF TRIAGE IN THAT CONTEXT MEANS THE SORTING AND ALLOCATION OF TREATMENT TO PATIENTS AND ESPECIALLY DISASTER VICTIMS ACCORDING TO A SYSTEM OF PRY YOURS DESIGNED TO MAXIMUM THE NUMBER OF SURVIVORS.

IF -- IT ALSO MEANS THE ASSIGNING OF PRIORITY ORDER TO THE PROJECTS ON THE BASIS OF WHERE FUNDS AND OTHER RESOURCES CAN BEST BE USED. OUR MOST LIKELY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS, THIS PROGRAM IS DOING ALL THREE.

THIS PHASE OF OUR REDUCTION PLAN IS CRITICAL TO RESTORING ORDER IN OUR STREETS. IT IS REDUCING THE CASE BACKLOG CHOKING THE LOCAL COURT SYSTEM.

IT IS A PRIME FACTOR, NOT THE ONLY ONE, BUT SIGNIFICANT IN THE INCREASE IN VIOLENT CRIME BEING COMMIT -- COMMITTED BY THE REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS AWAITING TRIAL.

>> I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS FOR ME TO SPEAK LAST NIGHT TALKING ABOUT THE MURDER OF A POLICE DETECTIVE DURING A ROBBERY. THIS IS A HORRIFIC CRIME THAT OUR CITIZENS ARE FACING AND VISITORS ARE FACING.

>> BECAUSE OF THE CURRENT UNDER STAFFING WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO ASK THE SAME PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS WHO WORK ALL DAY TO WORK EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

THE COURT REALLOCATED OUR ROLL OVER FUNDS TO DO JUST THAT.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THIS IS REALLY WORKING.

[01:25:01]

WE BEGAN BY SEPARATING CASE BACKLOGS OF LOW-LEVEL NON-VIOLENT CASES OF OFFENDERS AND CRIMES BY SEPARATING APPROXIMATELY 31,000 LOW-RISK CRIMINAL CASES SUCH AS MURDER, RAPE, ROBBERY, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CRIMES INVOLVING MOTOR VEHICLES LIKE MANSLAUGHTER AND DWI.

OUR PROSECUTORS ARE PRIORITIZING --

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, JAMES. WE WILL LET HER CONTINUE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS GOING TO --

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE QUESTIONS FOR YOU.

>> YES, MA'AM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MADAM, D.A.,

PLEASE CONTINUE. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. BY SEPARATING THESE CASES WE ARE PRIORITIZING THE CASES THAT WE WANT THE COURTS TO HEAR AND THAT WE BELIEVE THE PUBLIC DEMANDS THE COURTS HEAR. TO DO SO WE HAD TO FIND WAYS TO APPROPRIATELY DISPOSE OF THE LESS SERIOUS CASES.

AND SO WE ARE DOING IT BY ASSIGNING PROSECUTORS OF VARYING EXPERIENCE TO RE-REVIEW THE LOWEST LEVEL CASES IN THE OFFICE. THEY DO THIS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SENIOR ATTORNEYS.

AMERICAN JUROR -- JURIS PRUDENCE MAKES SURE JUSTICE IS DONE ON PROSECUTORS. THE SENIOR PROSECUTORS TRAIN THE KNEW -- THE NEWER PROSECUTION -- PROSECUTORS TO ASSESS THE APPROPRIATENESS OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE.

WHETHER TO GO AHEAD AND SEEK A CONVICTION TO AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION OR DISMISS THE CASE. THE PROSECUTORS PUSH THESE THROUGH A DEFENSE PORTAL WHICH IS ELECTRONIC WAYS -- AN ELECTRONIC MEANS OF DELIVERING DISCOVERY TO THE DEFENSE.

OR THEY DISMISS THEM ON THE SPOT.

IT IS THAL -- HALLMARK OF MY ADMINISTRATION.

WE SOUGHT ALTERNATIVE OUTCOMES FOR THESE LOW-LEVEL NON--VIOLENT OFFENDERS THAT REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY AND DON'T SADDLE OFFENDERS WITH THE CRIMINAL RECORDS.

FOR THE TRIAGE PROJECT, A NEW PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM WAS CREATED BY CHIEF OF STAFF, VIVIEN KING.

OFFENDERS ATTEND A TWO-HOUR WEB CLASS BASED -- A TWO-HOUR WEB CLASS DESIGNED TO HELP OFFENDERS AVOID REPEATING THE SAME BEHAVIOR IT WAS CREATED BY A VENDOR WOULD -- WHO DOES EXACTLY THESE TYPES OF CLASSES.

IT IS A DIVERSION FROM CONVICTION.

IT IS IN SPANISH AND IN ENGLISH AND FREE OF CHANGER BECAUSE -- FREE OF CHARGE. THE RESULTS ARE AS FOLLOWS.

SINCE JUNE 14TH, 10,437 CRIMINAL CASES HAVE BEEN RE-REVIEWED. OF THESE 6,608 HAVE BEEN DISPOSED. MEANING CONVICTED, DIVERTED OR DISMISSED. PROSECUTORS SENT PLEA OFFERS IN THE CRIMINAL CASES FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE.

THE RESPONSE BY THE DEFENSE BAR HAS BEEN TO ACCEPT 216 PLEA OFFERS, BUT PRIMARILY NOT TO RESPOND.

THEY WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL THE COURT REQUIRES A RESPONSE FROM THE DEFENDANTS OR THE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS.

THIS DELAY IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT WITHIN OUR CONTROL.

BY PUSHING THESE CASES THROUGH WITH OFFERS IT INDICATES OUR READINESS ON THE CASE. THE TRIAGE PROGRAM REQUIRED 891.8 HOURS OF STAFF TIME TO DATE.

AND IT HAS CREATED A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.

HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE. DESPITE THE CASES BETWEEN AUGUSD AND AUGUST 20TH, THE BACKLOG AND THE OVERALL PENDING NUMBERS OF CASES DECREASED.

THEY ARE PUSHING THE CASES TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE AND ASKING FOR TRIALS AND TRYING TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES AND THE VALUES THE COUNTY HAS SET OUT WITH REGARD TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INITIATIVES AND OUR MISSION OF IMPROVING

POLICY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, MADAM, DA. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR REPORTING BACK TO US AND THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH ME IN MY OFFICE AND WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THOSE MONTHLY DISCUSSIONS.

WE MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS ON A LOT OF FRONTS.

WE CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR EFFORTS.

[01:30:03]

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE DOING GOOD.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS AS WELL AS THE MEMBERS OF YOUR OFFICE AND ARE ALSO DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC. YOU HAVE A CRITICAL OPERATION

SO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR YOUR HELP IN OBTAINING THE 22 POSITIONS AT INTAKE AND IN SUPPORTING THE CONTINUATION OF THE FUNDING.

THIS COURT CAN CONTINUE TO HEAR ABOUT STAFFING AND, COMMISSIONER, I WILL TURN TO YOU WITH YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERT -- EXPERTISE AND WITH YOUR KEEN APPRECIATION WITH HOW MUCH THE PUBLIC WANTS TO BE SAFE.

WE JUST ARE GOING TO FEED MORE PEOPLE AND WE WILL PRESENT THAT TO YOU ALL. WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE.

WE'LL DO IT AGAIN. WE'LL LOOK FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN

MAKING OUR STREETS SAFER. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND

THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: D.A., APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE AND APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO.

APPRECIATE YOUR OFFICE SUPPORT AS WE FOCUS ON THE VICTIMS. YESTERDAY YOUR OFFICE WAS A BREAK OF SUPPORT TO -- WAS A GREAT SUPPORT TO US. IT IS CLEAR THAT WE SUPPORT YOU NOT ONLY IN THE EXTENSION OF TIME, BUT IN SECURING MORE POSITIONS WITHIN YOUR OFFICE TO GET THE BACKLOG DOWN THANK YOU -- THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WE APPRECIATE

IT. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU ARE TRUE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVOCATES AND ALONG WITH THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT THAT SUPPORTED US FOR MORE POSITIONS, WE ARE GOING TO COME BACK AS THE CHRONICLE HAS SUGGESTED.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC SAFETY FORMULA THAT CAN DO WITHOUT THE MOVING PARTY IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

AND THAT'S THE D.A.'S OFFICE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND THAT'S WITHOUT THE SPECTER OF -- SPECTOR OF CONSTANT CRIME.

IT IS FOCUSED ON THE MARKET AND THE DEMAND SHOULD PROVE HELPFUL TO THOSE BUSINESSES. WE SUPPORT YOU IN THAT,

COMMISSIONER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR THAT, D.A.

YOU HAVE HAD TO BOTH HEAR -- BOTH HERE AND ELSEWHERE HEAR ME SAY THE BEST THING FOR OUR SYSTEM IS A FAST, FAIR TRIAL.

THE CRIMINALS DON'T WANT A FAST, FAIR TRIAL.

THAT MEANS IF YOU COMMITTED A CRIME YOU PAY THE PIPER.

TWO QUESTIONS. ONE OF WHICH IS ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH THE AGENDA ITEM AS IT IS LISTED AND THE SECOND QUESTION IS WHAT IS THE CURRENT CASE LOAD, THE AVERAGE CASE LOAD OF THE D.A. A TRIAL IS LIKE A MOTOR AND YOU NEED OXYGEN AND FUEL. IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OXYGEN THE FUEL WON'T WORK AND IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OBJECTION -- OXYGEN THE COMBUSTION WON'T WORK.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE BOTH THE PROSECUTORS TO PUSH THE CASES AS WELL AS THE DEFENSE COUNSEL TO DEFEND THEM IN THE SYSTEM.

SO HOW ARE WE WITH THE CASE LOAD AND ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH THE AGENDA ITEM AS IT IS TODAY?

>> AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION ABOUT AM I COMFORTABLE WITH THE AGENDA ITEM? I CERTAINLY SUPPORT THE EXTENSION OF THE JURY OPTIONS TO DECEMBER 20TH AND -- OF 2021. I I WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE JURY TRIALS CAN BE HELD AT AN INCREASING LEVEL AND WHILE IT HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM FOUR SPACES TO SEVEN AT NRG, WE WILL NEED MORE THAN THAT TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG.

OF COURSE THE SECOND PART OF THE BACKLOG PLAN IS TO TRY THE VIOLENT AND REPEAT OFFENDERS BOTH IN JAIL AND ON BAIL.

THE FUNDING FOR THE TREE JOG PROJECT -- THE FUNDING FOR THE TRIAGE PROJECT IS BEING PUT TO GOOD USE.

THE FUNDING IN ITEM 10 FOR THE 22 IN -- INTAKE PROSECUTORS

[01:35:03]

THAT FUNDING CANNOT BE TEMPORARY.

I SAID THAT BEFORE. THEY CANNOT BE HIRE OWED A SIX-MONTH BASIS. NO ONE CAN DO THAT.

OUR COMMITMENT IS THREE YEARS.

ANY TYPE OF LOSS OF FUNDING WOULD BE CONSIDERED DEFUNDING BECAUSE THOSE PEOPLE WOULD HAVE TO BE FIRED, AND I AM TO THE WILLING TO DO THAT. I WOULD RATHER COME BACK TO THE COURT. IF WE CAN GET THESE POSITIONS PERMANENTLY FUNDED AS I TALKED TO ADMINISTRATE TER -- ADMINISTRATOR BERRY ABOUT, THAT WILL BE NEEDED TO SUSTAIN A REDUCED BACKLOG. YOU CAN'T JUST CLEAR THINGS OUT AND EXPECT THE PROBLEM TO HAVE GONE AWAY.

THIS INCREASE IN CASES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL WE GET SOME ORDER IN THE STREETS. INTAKE, THE GREAT THING ABOUT FUNDING IT FULL TIME HAS BEEN DONE BY THE COURT AND OVERTIME HAS DECLINED DRAMATICALLY AND CHARGES ARE REJECTED AT A HEALTHY RATE. MEANING THE PROCESS OF REVIEW OF POLICE ACTION IS WORKING. WE ARE ABLE TO RUN IT WITHOUT INTERRUPTION 24/7, 365 DAYS A YEAR WHICH IS TRULY OUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT. INTAKE IS THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA KNEW THIS.

HE STOOD DOWN THERE FILING CHARGES ENOUGH.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU CERTAINLY HAVE BEEN A WITNESS TO ALL OF OUR TYPES OF OPERATIONS.

INTAKE IS THE MOST CRITICAL. THAT CRITICAL FUNCTION NEEDS TO BE PERMANENTLY FUNDED. AND I HAVE ALREADY SPOILED THE ENDING. I WILL BE BACK ASKING FOR MORE PROSECUTORS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

WE WANT TO BE PURPOSEFUL ABOUT WHERE THEY WILL BE PLACED.

WE WANT TO SHOW THE NEED AND WHEN IT COMES TO AREAS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER CRIMES AGAINST THE VULNERABLE, THAT'S WHERE WE WILL START. WE GOT SOME GOOD, NEW LAWS TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN BOARDING HOMES.

THERE ARE SO MANY POST COVID. WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE THE SUPPORT TO DO THAT. AND THAT REQUIRES PEOPLE.

I KNOW I AM BENDING A SYMPATHETIC EAR, BUT I APPRECIATE THE ASK. THE STATE OF THE SYSTEM IS IT IS AN EMERGENCY. IF WE CAN CONTINUE TRIALS, COURTS CAN CONTINUE JURY TRIALS.

IF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WILL CONTINUE SUPPORTING OUR BACKLOG REDUCTION PLAN, WE CAN DO THAT.

AND WITH MORE PROSECUTORS I THINK WE CAN ELIMINATE THE BACKLOG EVENTUALLY. SUPREME COURT JUDGE NATHAN HECK BELIEVED IT WOULD TAKE THREE YEARS TO CLEAR OUT THE CIVIL COURTS, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THAT.

IT MIGHT BE OPTIMISTIC. I TOLD THE CHRONICLE BOARD THAT HAD I HAD 100 MORE PROSECUTORS I THINK WE COULD KNOCK IT OUT IN TWO YEARS. AS IT IS, HIRING A HUNDRED WOULD TAKE TWO YEARS. IT WILL TAKE A MINUTE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND TO ENSURE THAT OUR MOST HARMED CITIZENS, THE VICTIMS AND SURVIVING MEMBERS IN VIOLENT CASES GET JUSTICE. WE IS A -- WE HAVE TO KEEP THEM FRONT AND CENTER. WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO YOU ALL FOR -- WHO ARE SO CONCERNED ABOUT PUBLIC SHIV --

SAFETY AND THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM GLAD YOU ARE DOING WELL.

I REMEMBER THE LAST TIME WE MET WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU WERE THE MOST CAUTIOUS WITH YOUR MASK ON.

YOU HAD TO RAISE YOUR VOICE JUST SO WE CAN HEAR YOU.

IT GOES TO SHOW EVEN THOSE WOULD ARE MOST CAUTIOUS ARE THE ONES WHO ARE -- JUST GLAD YOU ARE DOING WELL.

THE QUIET DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH THE PLAYERS IN THE ROOM INCLUDING THE POLICE CHIEF HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THAT.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, OBVIOUSLY SOME OF US ON THIS BOARD ARE SUPPORTIVE AND SOME ARE SUPPORTIVE WHEN IT IS TIME TO PAY FOR IT TOO. WE HAVE TO FUND WHAT GOES ON ON YOUR SHOT AND WHAT GOES ON AT THE END OF THE PROCESS AS WELL. WE HAVE CHALLENGES ON THE HORIZON DOWN THE ROAD FOR THIS.

THE FEDERAL MONEY IS GONE, BUT I APPRECIATE WORKING WITH YOU. THANK YOU AND STAY SAFE.

KEEP YOUR MASK. >> THANK YOU SOPA FOR YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT MY HEALTH. WE WERE EXPOSED AND WE WERE ALL VACCINATED. WE HAD SEVERAL BREAKTHROUGH CASES. WE HAD NO OFFICE TO OFFICE TRANSMISSION DURING COVID PROPER, IF YOU WILL, FOR 14 MONTHS. IN BRINGING OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS BACK TO COURT AND BACK TO THE OFFICE, WE JUST HAD A LOT OF BREAKTHROUGH CASES. IT IS NOT THE FLU.

[01:40:01]

IN TERMS OF THE PAYMENT, THE WORK THE D.A.'S DO PAYS FOR ITSELF IN THE MONEY WE SAVE IN REDUCING COURT APPEARANCES AND THE MONEY YOU SAVED THROUGH DIVERSION PROGRAM.

IT IS THE MONEY SAVED IN THE TRIALS.

WE APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO

WORK WITH YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS YOU SO MUCH. DAVE, I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE DATA YOU NEED. I KNOW THE REQUEST FOR THE 22 POSITIONS, THE INITIAL ONE, D.A. OGG, THAT IS WHY THERE WAS AN EXTENSION AND THAT MAKES SENSE THAT THERE WOULD BE A DELAY IN PROVIDING INFORMATION AS TO HOW WELL THE ADMINISTRATION IS WORKING. WE ARE PUTTING THESE BIG INVESTMENTS IN TO CLEAR UP THE BACKLOG.

WE WANT TO SEE WHAT IT IS DOING.

THE DATA ON THE DATA SIDE, DAVE, HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY WHAT THE METRICS ARE ON THIS WITH THE D.A.? IS THERE ANYTHING YOU NEED FROM US? ANYTHING ON THIS TOPIC SO WE CAN ADEQUATELY MAKE A DECISION? WHAT I WANT TO AVOID IS ONCE THE PROGRAM HAS GONE ON LONG ENOUGH, THE D.A. COMES BACK AND IT TURNS OUT THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE DATA AND IT IS SORT OF, I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GET IT AND I THOUGHT WE SENT

IT. >> WE HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY BUSY PROVIDING THE DATA TO HIS STAFF.

YOU SPECIAL SHOULD HAVE IT ON BOTH THE INTAKE AND ABOUT THIS TRIAGE PROJECT. I IN FACT READ YOU THE RESULTS

FOR THE TRIAGE PROJECT TO DATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: FOR THE TRIAGE PROJECT, YES. BUT I WANT TO UNDERSTAND FROM DAVE -- WHAT IS THE DATA YOU ARE REQUESTING, AND IS THERE ANYTHING NEEDED IN ORDER TO COLLECT IT?

>> I THINK WE HAVE HAD A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH D.A.

OGG AND HER TEAM ON BOTH THESE PROGRAMS. THERE IS NOTHING OUTSTANDING RIGHT NOW.

OUR CLAIM IS TO BRING BACK AN EVALUATION BEFORE THE COURT HAS TO MAKE A DECISION ON EXTENDING THE FUNDING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND ARE YOU GETTING -- I MEAN, WHAT I WANT TO UNDERSTAND IS WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PIECES -- WE HAVE JUST BEEN THROUGH THIS SO MANY TIMES.

WE NEED, YOU KNOW, A, B, C, D AND E AND THERE IS ONLY THE CAPACITY TO COLLECT A, B AND C.

WE ONLY LEARN THAT WITH THE ADDITIONAL REQUESTS.

WHETHER IT IS THE D.A.'S OFFICE OR THE JUDGES AND WHETHER IT IS THE DEFENSE FOLKS, THEY NEED OF WHAT IT IS TO COLLECT THE DATA SO YOUR TEAM DOESN'T COME BACK AND SAY WE HAVE INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.

I WANT TO FIGURE THAT OUT, AND A WAY WE DO THAT IS BEING FORTHRIGHT ABOUT WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC LINE ITEMS WE NEED TO

IDENTIFY. >> UNDERSTOOD, JUDGE.

WE ARE AT THE BEGINNING OF A PROJECT AND WE OUTLINE WHAT WE

NEED OVER TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: PLEASE LET US KNOW IF HE IS NEEDED FOR THAT. THERE ARE COMMENTS THAT FOLKS MADE ON YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE BACKLOG ISSUE AND TACKLING THE

CRIME ISSUE IN THE COMMUNITY. >> I AM NOT SURE WHAT OTHER SPECIFICS COULD BE GIVEN TO MR. BERRY'S OFFICE.

, BUT WE ARE CERTAINLY COLLECTING THE RESULTS.

>> WE NEED CLARITY SO YOU SHOULD KNOW.

AND SO THEY KNOW WHAT IT IS YOU NEED.

WE NEED MORE STAFF AND WE NEED TO GATHER IT FOR THE STUDIES THAT EVERYONE NEEDS FOR ASSOCIATE NEEDS.

WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING THAT COULD BE IMPORTANCE FOR EVALUATING THE PROGRAM. AS WE LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYSTEM, THE JUSTICE SYSTEM -- CERTAIN CASES ARE DIFFERENT.

[01:45:09]

WE WILL WORK ON THE DEFENSE PART AND WE ARE READY ON THESE CASES AND HOPEFULLY YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER 4,000 CASES MOVED

ONCE THE LAWYERS RESPOND. >> GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 8, JULIE ROBINSON WITH THE CITY

OF VILLAGES. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE JUDGE HUH -- JUDGE HIDALGO. I AM THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR SPRING VALLEY VILLAGE. I WANTED TO ADDRESS ANY QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY HAVE FOR THE CITY ON ITEM 29.

THEY WILL ALLOWS -- THEY WILL ALLOW ACCESS ACROSS A PORTION OF BENGAL ROAD. AND THIS WOULD ALLOW US TO HAVE ACCESS ACROSS THE UNIMPROVED AREA.

IF WE PROCEED WE NEED TO HAVE A LEASE FOR THE GREEN SPACE THAT IS INCORPORATED TO THE RIGHT OF WAY THAT'S ON THE AGENDA TODAY. I AM HAPPY TO ADDRESS ANY

QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY HAVE. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

[Departments (Part 3 of 4)]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, I UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE OUR COLLEAGUE, COMIGGER RAMSEY -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, HE IS RECUSING HIMSELF ON THE PARTICULAR ITEM.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS APPROPRIATE.

BUT I MAKE THE MOTION THAT ON THIS TIME ON THE ITEM SINCE I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS SO WE CAN TAKE IT WITH THE SPECIAL RECUSAL THAT WILL BE IF PLACE FOR IT AND GO

AHEAD AND GET THAT CHECKED. >> THAT WOULD BE ITEM 29.

ON PAGE FIVE. IS THAT A MOTION?

>> IT IS A MOTION BY ME, YOUR HONOR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

ABSTENTIONS? >> I WILL ABSTAIN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.

THE MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

[Appearances before court (Part 2 of 2)]

>> NEXT IS ITEM 252 ON PURCHASING.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER. JUDGE HIDALGO.

I AM HERE TO COMMENT ON AN ITEM WITH RESPECT TO VENDORS FOR THE HURRICANE HARVEY REPAIRS.

THE ISSUE I WOULD LIKE TO RAISE IS WHY THESE CONTRACTS ARE BEING AWARDED PRIMARILY TO OUT OF TOWN FIRMS. THEY ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY AND THEY DON'T PAY LOCAL TAXES AND THEY DON'T MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT REALLY SHOULD BE GOING TO THE TYPE OF COMPANY AND THE BUSINESS THAT'S ARE LOCAL.

THIS IS NOT A COMPLEX TYPE OF PROJECT THAT WILL REQUIRE SPECIALIZATION THAT'S OUT OF COUNTY OR LARGE COMPANIES CAN PROVIDE. THIS IS A LOW-HANGING FRUIT THAT A LOT OF BUSINESSES CAN HANDLE.

WHILE THESE ARE RENEWALS, THEY GIVE YOU THE OPTION FOR THE CHANGING MODIFICATION. THERE ARE NO NWBE FIRMS INCLUDE IN THIS LIST. MANY OF THE SERVICES AND THE PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CONTRACTS FROM THE MULTI-YEAR PROJECT. THERE ARE $150 MILLION VOTE.

WHY NOT USE FUNDS FOR THIS. IT IS NOT JUST POLICIES.

[01:50:09]

APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD, DAVE?

>> ONE OF THE ITEMS THAT WAS REFERENCED IS ON THE AGENDA AND THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL PARTICIPATION SO IT IS THE RIGHT TIME IF YOU WANT TO BE FILLED IN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO LET DWIGHT COMMENT ON IT NOW. SOMEONE DID CALL ME AND TEXT ME -- AND I TECHED MR. BER WHY -- BERRY TO CHECK ON IT.

BETTER THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY I DON'T WANT TO SLOW DOWN THESE HOMES. I KNOW YOU CAN'T JUST GO -- I THINK I WAS THE ONE WHO PUT THEM BACK ON THE AGENDA AND ASK FOR THE LAW TO BE CHANGED.

>> I CAN'T GET A LOCAL PREFERENCE REQUIREMENT ON THIS ONE. I DO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF MWBE PARTICIPATION BECAUSE WE HAVE SECTION 3 REQUIREMENTS WITH EACH ONE OF THESE CONTRACTS LIKE THIS ONE. EACH OF THESE FIRMS HAD TO SUBMIT SUBCONTRACTORS THAT WAS USED FOR MWBE PARTS -- PARTICIPATION. THREE OF THESE FIRMS ARE HUB SORT FIGHT -- HUB CERTIFIED OUT OF THE 10.

I CAN'T GIVE A LOCAL PREFERENCE.

WE WILL REVIEW ALL OF THE PROJECTS AND IT WILL DO SOME SUB CONTRACTING PORTIONS I ASK THAT WE FOCUS ON WHAT IS A GOOD OPTION. WE CAN'T LOOK AT THOSE AND SEE WHICH ARE MOST BENEFICIAL TO THE COUNTY AND GET THEM TO THE

LOCAL VENDORS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON THE MWBE SIDE. IT DEPENDS ON WHO IS IN THE WHITE HOUSE OR HOW AGGRESSIVE HAD -- THE ADMINISTRATION IS.

WE SENT A SOLICITATION TO SOMEBODY.

MAKE SURE THEY REPORT ON IT SO WE KNOW WE CAN'T WATCH EVERY CONTRACT COMING THROUGH. THEY WILL TALK LATER ABOUT WHERE THEY ARE, BUT THEY SHOULD BESET UP TO MONITOR IT SO THAT THEY KNOW. I'M GLAD PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT THE AGENDA. IN THE PAST THEY DIDN'T DO

THAT. >> AND WE'LL KEEP WORKING ON ALL THESE PROJECTS. SOME OF THESE FEDERAL ONES WE WILL LOOK AT THE CHANGES THEY MADE AND SEE IF THERE ARE OPTIONS FOR US. WE DO IDENTIFY MWBE'S AND THIS CONTRACT IS AWARDED TO 22 INDIVIDUALS.

THIS WAS QUESTIONED BY UT YEARS AGO.

THERE WAS 22 ORIGINALLY. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 10, AMBER BOYD SPEAKING ON PURCHASING ITEM 252.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I AM CALLING ABOUT LINE ITEM 2143810.

FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK THE COURT AND HARRIS COUNTY FOR THEIR CONTINUED RESPONSE TO THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE HARVEY. IT IS A BLESSING TO SEE THAT OUR COUNTY IS CONTINUING TO SOLVE THE MANY PROBLEMS THAT

[01:55:01]

AND THE SECOND THING IS I UNDERSTAND IT IS FEDERAL MONEY AND THEY ARE STRICT ON WE COULDN'T USE A LOT OF LOCAL CONTRACTORS. BUT HOW ARE THE OTHER WAYS YOU CAN UTILIZE THE LOCAL CONTRACTORS AS FAR AS -- CAN YOU DICTATE HOW THE CONTRACTORS THAT ARE PICKED, HOW ARE THEY ADDRESSING SUBCONTRACTORS? ARE THEY HIRING THEM TO DO THE LOCAL BASE? THAT WAS SOMETHING I WANTED TO PUT ON THE TABLE.

IT IS A LOT OF MONEY THAT IS GOING OUT OF OUR CITY AND WE ARE SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY ON THAT.

AND IT IS NEEDED, BUT IT ALSO WOULD BE GREAT FOR THAT MONEY TO BE RECYCLED BACK TO OUR COUNTY.

I JUST WANT TO THANK THE COURT FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK TODAY AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS WITH THE HURRICANE HARVEY REPAIRS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO SAY TO THE CALLER, WE WILL HAVE AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY OFFICE FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU. IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THEM TO -- FOR PAM AND HER TEAM TO WALK YOU THROUGH WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING SINCE SHE HAS BEEN HERE.

I'M GLAD YOU ARE READING THE AGENDA.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: DID YOU HAVE AN ADDITIONAL COMMENT, DWIGHT?

>> I WAS JUST GOING TO ANSWER HER QUESTION IN REGARDS TO -- SHE HAD A QUESTION HOW DO WE KEEP THE BUZZ IN THE HOUSTON AREA FOR THESE CONTRACTS OR PROJECT THAT'S ARE NOT FEDERALLY FUNDED. WHEN WE DO SET INITIAL GOALS ON THESE PROJECTS, THE VENDORS HAVE TO UTILIZE A SUBCONTRACTOR IN THE REGION AND THAT'S PART OF THE REQUIREMENT. WE WERE CHECKING THE MWBE SUBCONTRACTOR WE VERIFY IF THEY ARE IN THE AREA AND IF THE MONEY STAYS HERE. WE ARE DOING THAT ON A GENERAL FUND PROJECT. THE FEDERAL FUNDS, I CAN'T FORCE THAT VENDOR TO USE A SUBCONTRACTOR PER SAY AT THIS TIME, BUT WE ARE MONITORING THE SUBCONTRACTORS AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE ACTUALLY CERTIFIED AS A SECTION 3 VENDOR. AND THEY HAVE TO USE A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE. WE CAN GET WITH HER AS WELL AND I CAN WORK WITH THE EEO OFFICE AND GET HER MORE

ANSWERS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THAT'S GOOD. AND EVEN IF PEOPLE HAVE TO MEET VIRTUALLY, I THINK IT IS GOOD THEY ARE INTERESTED.

I THINK SOME OF THAT IS THEY KNOW NOW THAT THE COUNTY IS OPEN FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM AND WE ARE LOOKING INTO IT. I THINK IT IS GOOD.

I SPOKE TO A GROUP ABOUT A WEEK AND A HALF AGO SO I THINK IT IS GOOD. WHETHER IT IS YOU, DWIGHT OR PAM, IT IS GOOD TO KNOW THEY KNOW WHAT THE PROCESS IS.

>> I SPOKE TO THE WOMEN'S CHAMBER THIS LAST WEEK, AND WE ARE PRESENTING THE INFORMATION AND WE WILL BE GLAD TO ADDRESS

IT. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER THREE UNDER NON-AGENDA RELATED WITH TEXAS RIGHT TO LIVE.

>> HELLO, COMMISSIONER AND COUNTY JUDGE.

I HAVE A FEW THINGS TO SAY. FIRST, COMMISSIONER TOM RAMSEY , I GAVE YOU ALL TIME. WHAT I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT IS THE FA YEAHS SCOW OF -- FIASCO OF THE CONSTABLES, THAT WAS POOR JUDGMENT. WE NEED THE POLICE UNIT.

HURTING THEM ISN'T GOOD FOR THE COUNTY.

SHAME ON YOU WOULD VOTED TO HARM THE CONSTABLES.

[02:00:05]

I MEAN, IT WAS SAID IN THE BEGINNING THERE WOULD BE TRANSPARENCY, BUT I WONDER WHERE THE TRANSPARENCY WENT.

I THINK I SEE THROUGH IT. AND ALSO, YOU HAVE TO BE PRO-LIFE BECAUSE -- [INAUDIBLE] HE IS PRO-LIFE ALSO AND I AM GOING TO THE PRO-LIFE -- [INAUDIBLE] AND TEXAS RIGHT TO LIFE ON SEPTEMBER 18TH.

[INAUDIBLE] IS GOING TO SPEAK AT THE TEXAS RIGHT TO LIFE FUNDRAISER. PEOPLE WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WILL BE AT THE FUNDRAISER.

THAT IS GOOD FOR -- SINCE HARVEY.

WALLS TO SAY? WHAT ELSE TO SAY? WELL, A LOT, BUT, YEAH. HOW ARE YOU DOING, COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE HUH -- HIDALGO? I WILL WAIT FOR Y'ALL'S RESPONSES.

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

>> YOU'RE WELCOME, COMMISSIONER JACK CAGLE.

I JUST WANTED -- THIS MORNING YOU ARE THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE ROOM. YOU KNOW WHY? WHO KNOWS WHY? NOT ME.

GET IT HOO AS IN AN OWL? >> THE AGGIE NEXT TO ME DIDN'T GET IT, BUT I DID. THANK YOU, JACOB.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JACOB.

>> WELL, HEY, I THINK ALL OF Y'ALL ARE GREAT HUMAN BEINGS AND ALL THAT. OH, AND, HEY, PLEASE -- WE

REALIZE THAT -- >> SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> NOT ONCE, NOT TWICE, BUT A LOT OF TIMES --

>> SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> I DID NOT PAY ATTENTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, BUT WE HAVE TO HANG UP THE PHONE. THANK YOU.

>> OKAY, UP NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 4 UNDER NONAGENDA RELATED, DARLENE KING. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GIVING THANKS AND PRAISES TO THE MOST HIGH GOD.

THERE IS NOTHING TOO GREAT TO COME DOWN AND THERE IS NOTHING TOO SMALL TO COME UP. TODAY WE HAVE A FAMILY WHO IS STRONGLY DEMANDING JUSTICE, AND WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE IS AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONDEMNATION AND THE TAKING OF PROPERTY IN HARRIS COUNTY. WHY? IT CREATES HOMELESSNESS. IT MAKES CLIMATE CHANGE WORSE. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MR. DONALD STRICKLAND ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION.

DOES COMMISSIONERS' COURT NEED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST? FOR THERE TO BE AN INVESTIGATION FOO THIS MATTER? THE REASON I AM ASKING IS BECAUSE IT MAKES NO SENSE TO BRING PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO HARRIS COUNTY AND YOU HAVE BLACK FAMILIES THAT ARE HOMELESS IN HARRIS COUNTY. YES, I WOULD LIKE AN UNBIASED INVESTIGATION INTO THE MATTER.

I NEED TO KNOW IF THERE IS AN APPROVAL THAT NEEDS TO COME FROM COMMISSIONERS' COURT GOING TO MR. STRICKLAND'S OFFICE OR MR. MAC -- MR. MCAFEE'S OFFICE TO GET THIS GRANTED. HELLO?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MA'AM.

THE STAFF WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU.

THANK YOU FOR CALLING. >> OKAY.

THE SECOND ITEM I WANTED TO MENTION, MY TIME IS STILL

RUNNING. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> DARRELL FORD WHO WAS A PASSENGER ON METRO WAS

[02:05:01]

HE IS REQUESTING THAT HIS TERRORIST THREAT CASE BESET FOR TRIAL. DERRICK IS RECOVERING FROM PTSD AS IT RELATES TO THE CRIME.

NOW STACY BICKERS IS ASSIGNED TO THE CASE.

I DON'T KNOW IF SHE CAN HEAR ME, BUT STACY, ON BEHALF OF DERRICK FORD, WE WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO GET IN CONTACT WITH HIM. IN ORDER TO SET A TRIAL DATE SOMETIME THIS YEAR. ING BUILT -- ACCOUNTABILITY, INTEGRITY. I DIDN'T TAKE AN OATH OF OFFICE TO PROTECT AND SERVE, BUT I DID RECITE AND I BELIEVE IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. I NEED TO KNOW WHO WILL CONTACT ME ABOUT THE TWO ISSUE , PRIMARILY THE FIRST ONE IN MY CASE, ABOUT GETTING AN INVESTIGATION REGARDING THE CONDEMNATION THAT IS TAKING PLACE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MA'AM.

I WILL MAKE SURE SOMEBODY REACHES OUT TO YOU.

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

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 5 UNDER NONAGENDA RELATED.

MARK RODRIGUEZ, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS MARK RODRIGUEZ. I LIVE HERE IN SECOND WARD.

ON 6/30, 2021, MY NIECE CAME TO MY HOUSE.

HER WORDS WERE "I NEED TO GET A BULLET PUT IN MY FORE -- FOREHEAD TO COME OUT OF MY GATE AND SHE WAS GOING TO" F" ME UP." I CONTACTED PRECINCT 6 AND I HAD MY NIECE ON VIDEO AND I HAD A WITNESS.

FOR THREE WEEKS THEY WERE TELLING ME THEY WERE INVESTIGATING IT WHEN I WOULD CALL PRECINCT 6.

FINALLY THEY TELL ME, MARK, THE D.A. DON'T LIKE THE CHARGES. I ASKED WHY.

THEY COULDN'T ANSWER THAT. WHEN I SENT MY REQUEST TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY THEY TOLD ME I DIDN'T HAVE A WITNESS OR I DIDN'T HAVE HER ON VIDEO. WHICH I TOLD PRECINCT 6 I DID. THEN THEY SAID, OKAY WE WILL GET A SERGEANT AND LIEUTENANT TO LOOK INTO IT.

A WEEK LATER THEY CALLED ME BACK AND SAID, MARK, THE D.A.

STILL DON'T WANT THE CHARGES. I SAID WHY? THEY COULD NOT ANSWER. I HAVE BEEN SENDING RESPONSES TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ASKING WHY AND THEY WOULDN'T ANSWER IT. I SPOKE K -- SPOKE WITH COMMANDER JOHNSON. HE SAID, MARK, YOU COULD HAVE BROUGHT IT TO HPD. I CONTACTED HPD BECAUSE SHE SAID I COULD HAVE AN OFFICER TAKE A REPORT.

WHEN THE INVESTIGATOR THAT CAME TO THE -- TO MY CAR LOT, HE TELLS ME, WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE THIS POLITICAL? I SAID WHAT DO YOU MEAN? HE SAYS WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO GET TWO HC'S TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH EACH OTHER? HE SAID I AM JUST TRYING TO DO WHAT COMMANDER JOHNSON TOLD ME.

HE SAID YOU ARE GOING TO CAUSE A CONFLICT BETWEEN TWO AGENCIES. THE LONG AND THE SHORT ON MY STORY, WITH ALL OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EVERY MORNING WHEN I TURN ON THE NEWS AND I SEE SOMEBODY GETTING KILLED OR THESE SHOOTINGS AND THE SON KILLED THE MOTHER AND THE FATHER OR WHATEVER IT WAS, AND I THINK WHEN AM I THE NEXT STATISTIC? WHEN YOU TRY TO REPORT SOMETHING, FOR ONE, THEY DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB ON GETTING THE TOOLS TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO WORK THE CASE. WELL, AFTER HPD GOT INVOLVED THEIR RESPONSE WAS THEY SAW THE VIDEO AND THEY SAID, OKAY, SHE LOOKS VERY AGGRESSIVE ON THE VIDEO, BUT THE WITNESS AND THE CLAIMANTS, WE CAN'T TAKE HIS STATEMENT.

TO ME THAT MAKES NO SENSE. THAT'S TELLING ME IF I'M AT THE STORE WITH MY WIFE AND I GET BEAT UP, AND SHE IS THE ONLY WITNESS, THEY ARE NOT GONE PHO TAKE -- THEY ARE NOT GONNA TAKE THE STATEMENT OR TAKE THE CASE BECAUSE --

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

WE WILL MAKE SURE SOMEONE FOLLOWS UP WITH YOU.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

MARK. >> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL THE SPEAKERS WE WERE ABLE TO REACH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE RIGHT AT 2 HOURS.

LET'S BREAK FOR 15 MINUTES AND COME BACK WITH THE CONSENT AGENDA. WE'LL BE BACK AT 12:30.

IT IS 12:12.

[Departments (Part 4 of 4)]

[02:10:07]

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 12:33 AND COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

WE ARE STARTING TO GO OVER THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS REAL

QUICK. >> THESE ARE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. ITEM 321 IS UNDER MY AGENDA.

IT IS THE KENT FRIEDMAN APPOINTMENT.

ARE YOU OKAY WITH THAT? >> GOOD.

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

ITEM 322. THAT'S PRECINCT 2 FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION APPROVAL -- APPOINTMENT APPROVAL TO THE HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

GOOD? ARE WE MISSING COMMISSIONER GARCIA? THAT'S HIS ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DOUBT WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT UNLESS

HE WANTED TO TAKE IT BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME CHECK -- GIVE ME A SECOND TO CHECK WITH HIS STAFF.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DID YOU SAY 321? 3 TWO 1, RIGHT? 321, RIGHT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S ITEM ON 322 FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. WELL, WE WILL CATCH HIM WHEN HE RETURNS. NEXT IS ITEM 323.

IT IS A REQUEST BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION ON -- PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION.

I HAVE A NOTE FOR NO ACTION. IS THAT RIGHT, JAY?

>> THAT'S RIGHT, JUDGE. WE HAVE NOTHING FOR TODAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GOT IT. I WILL MARK THIS ONE TOO.

AND NEXT ITEM IS 324. IT IS A REQUEST BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO ON GOING LITIGATION, RATIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF CERTAIN FOLKS FOR THE TEXAS OPIOID ABATEMENT FUND COUNCIL.

DO YOU NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT?

>> WE DON'T, JUDGE, UNLESS THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS YOU

MIGHT HAVE ABOUT IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT A

RATHER ROUTINE -- >> THESE WERE RECOMMENDED BY HARRIS HEALTH AND IT IS RELATIVELY ROUTINE AS PART OF THE OPIOID ABATEMENT FUND COUNCIL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND WHAT DOES -- GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY, I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY OR CAGLE, DID YOU HAVE

A QUESTION? >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M GOOD.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: NO, YOUR HONOR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WAS JUST WONDERING, JAY, WHAT THE COUNCIL IS. ARE THEY FIGURING OUT

SETTLEMENT ISSUES? >> IT IS THE APPORTION MEANT OF RESOURCES. IT IS A STATEWIDE COUNCIL AND ALL PARTIES ARE REPRESENTATIVE -- REPRESENTED IN THIS CASE.

WE GOT FROM HARRIS HEALTH THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT ONE. NEXT IS 325.

REQUEST BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF LOID SMITH AS INTERIM COUNTY ENGINEER.

I BELIEVE WE SHOULD TAKE IT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS COMPENSATION. ARE YOU FOLKS OKAY WITH THAT?

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

ITEM 337, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. DISCUSSION UPDATE FROM UNIVERSAL SERVICES ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURE AND THEY SAY WE SHOULD GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION BECAUSE IT TOUCHES ON SECURITY DEVICES AND SECURITY SYSTEMS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, I HAD TALKED TO THE MAJOR GENERAL YESTERDAY AND HAD RECEIVED SOME INFORMATION THAT I NORMALLY WOULD HAVE GONE AHEAD AND PULLED THE ITEM BASED UPON THE INFORMATION I RECEIVED BECAUSE HE WAS RESPONSIVE TO MY REQUEST. HOWEVER, I THINK WE HAVE A SPEAKER THAT WE SHOULD HEAR FROM, AND I THINK THAT THE MAJOR GENERAL HAS A FEW THINGS HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF COURT ARE MADE AWARE OF, AND SO I AM FINE WITH THIS GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AS TO THE SECURITY AND CONTRACT PORTION OF THAT FOR THE LIMITED

[02:15:03]

ADDRESSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

SO WE'LL HEAR FROM THEM IF EXECUTIVE SESSION, BUT NOTED ON YOUR -- NOTED THAT YOUR CONCERNS WERE ADDRESSED.

COMMISSION ARE -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 322 WAS YOUR ITEM.

DO YOU NEED EXECUTIVE SESSION? THAT'S AN UH POINTMENT -- UH POINT -- APPOINTMENT TO HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES AND ADULTS? YOU MAY BE ON MUTE.

THERE YOU GO. I AM USED TO TO SEEING THAT SIDE WITH THE MASK, BUT I FIGURE THAT WAS -- WASN'T THE INTENTION. WE DO GO ON 337, PRECINCT 4.

THOSE ARE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS AND NOW LET'S MOVE THROUGH THE ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION.

FIRST ITEM IS 2. TRANSMITAL BY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION DESCRIBING PROGRESS ON THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN AND INVESTMENT. PRECINCT 4 FLAGGED THAT ITEM.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, MR. BERRY HAS SENT OVER THE INFORMATION THAT WE WERE TO LOOK AT. WE DIDN'T GET IT UNTIL 5:00 -- 8:00 LAST NIGHT. MY STAFF IS REVIEWING IT OF THE -- REVIEWING IT. IF WE CAN PUT THAT TO THE END OF THE AGENDA TO HAVE A CHANCE TO REVIEW THE INFORMATION ON

THE TRANSMITAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

SO ITEM 2, END OF THE AGENDA. ITEM 3 WAS ALSO FLAGGED.

TRANSMITAL OF A CONTRACT WITH THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS. THAT WAS FLAGGED BY PRECINCTS

2 AND 4. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I JUST WANT TO THANK THE COALITION FOR THEIR CONTINUED WORK.

THE REPORTS I'M GETTING IS THAT THEY ARE BEING IMMENSELY AFFECTED AT GETTING PEOPLE OUT OF THOSE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES FROM UNDER THE FREEWAYS AND THE UNDER PASSES AND THEN CAMPMENTS. TASH -- THE ENCAMPMENTS.

SINCE THE START OF THE WORK THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AIDE JUST OVER 500 HOMELESS PEOPLE AND -- RATHER WITHOUT THE CHIP PROGRAM, THE COVID COMMUNITY HOUSING PROGRAM, THEY WERE ONLY ABLE TO DO 500 FOLKS. WITH THE PROGRAM THEY ARE UP TO 432 INDIVIDUALS. IT HAS THE WRAP AROUND SERVICES. I WANT TO CHECK WITH MERCEDES IN THE OFFICE FOR HER GOOD WORK AND DILIGENCE AND SEEING THEIR WORK COME -- YOU KNOW, CONTINUE ON.

SIMPLY WE HAVE TO DO MORE. HOMELESSNESS IS ONE OF THOSE COMMUNITY BLITES THAT NO ONE LIKES.

EVERYBODY HAS SYMPATHY, AND NOBODY LIKES.

BY THE SAME TOKEN WE ARE DEMONSTRATING AND LEADING ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCE VERY EFFECTIVELY.

I AM PROUD OF THE WORK THAT WE HAVE WILL BE -- WE HAVE BEEN DOING AND THE WORK WE LAUNCHED IN PRECINCT 2.

AND THEN THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN MAYOR TURNER FOR HIS MARK -- FOR HIS WORK AT THE CITY AND THE PARTNERSHIP WITH US. BUT AGAIN COMING BACK TO THE COALITION I WANT TO THANK MIKE NICHOLS AND HIS TEAM FOR THEIR

PHENOMENAL WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, WE GOT THE LATE TRANSMITAL ON ITEMS 2 AND 3.

WE REVIEWED 2 AND THAT'S OKAY.

THAT DOES NOT NEED TO BE ON THE AGENDA -- THAT CAN GO ON THE CONSENT AGENDA PRESIDENT ON ITEM 3, IT IS THE ONE WE WANTED TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE TIME TO LOOK AT, ESPECIALLY SINCE WE GOT THIS MORNING NOTICE IT HAS BEEN SHIFTED

[02:20:05]

IT IS NOW AN ACTION ITEM AS OPPOSED TO A MERE TRAPS MITT TALL -- TRANSMITAL ITEM AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED A LITTLE MORE TIME TO LOOK AT. I THINK WE ARE GOING TO BE FINE. IT IS JUST OUR TEAM NEEDS A CHANCE TO REVIEW THAT WITH THE SHORT NOTICE.

THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, SUPREME BUREAUCRAT, CALLED ME LAST NIGHT AND WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL IN EXTENDING HIS APOLOGIES TO ME AND THE STAFF FOR THE LATE NOTICE.

I THANK HIM FOR THE COURTESY OF THE CALL AND TRYING TO HELP

US GET THIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

SO WE WILL HOLD ON THAT ONE, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, ITEM 3.

JUST SO YOUR STAFF HAS A CHANCE TO REVIEW IT.

I HAVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S COMMENCE ABOUT IT.

ITEM 7, PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES REQUEST FOR SIX MONTHS OF FUNDING AND PRECINCTS 2 AND 3 FLAGGED THAT.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO CLARIFY WHAT THAT IS.

LET'S DISCUSS IT. THE WAY IT WAS PRESENTED WAS A

LITTLE MISLEADING. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW IMPRESSED I AM WITH DIRECTOR ROBINSON.

SHE HAS HIT THE GROUND WITH BOTH FEET AND HIT THE GROUND RUNNING. I JUST WANT TO COMMEND HER AND THANK HER FOR HER PHENOMENAL WORK.

I DID RECOGNIZE THE WORK ON THIS AND I WANT TO APPLY TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THINKING ABOUT NOT JUST REORGANIZING THE DEPARTMENT, BUT REORGANIZING THE GRANTS.

I REMEMBER I USED TO BE SO FRUSTRATED WITH DR. SHAW BECAUSE I WOULD CHALLENGE HIM TO GO AND REORGANIZE THE GRANTS AS WELL. AND HE WOULD BE STEDFAST THAT IT WAS NOT EASY TO DO. AND HAVING MANAGED GRANTS MYSELF, I KNOW THAT IT IS EASY AS LONG AS YOU TRY.

TO THAT END, THAT IS PART OF THE WORK.

HOWEVER, I DID WANT TO SAY TO MR. BERRY AND SAY TO US THAT THIS PANDEMIC WASN'T OUR FIRST AND IT IS NOT OUR LAST.

WHEN I WAS IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WE WERE CONTENDING WITH H1N1, SARS, EBOLA, AND IT WAS COVID FINE TEEN THAT -- COVID-19 THAT FINALLY WAS ABLE TO FIND ITS MARK.

THIS PANDEMIC WILL NOT BE OUR LAST.

I REALLY THINK WE OUGHT TO BE THINKING ABOUT PERMANENT FUNDING TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND REALLY GIVING DIRECTOR ROBINSON THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD UP A UNIT THAT WILL HAVE THE CAPACITY AND THE FOE CUTS OF WORKING -- AND THE FOCUS OF WORKING TO BUILD RESILIENCY AGAINST THE FUTURE PANDEMICS SO THEY ARE NOT AS LONG LASTING AS COVID-19 HAS BEEN. I KNOW THAT THEY ARE GOING TO READJUST THEIR GRANTS TO REBUILD THE CAPACITY.

I DON'T WANT THEM -- THEY ARE HAVING THE SAME CHALLENGE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ARE HAVING.

THEY HAVE THE SAME CHALLENGE THAT THE JUDGES MAY BE HAVING WITH ASSOCIATE JUDGES AND THAT IS WHILE WE HAVE THE TERM TEMPORARY, IT IS DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT TALENT AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT FOLKS WHO CAN FOCUS ON THEIR JOB AND TO THE THEIR NEXT PAYCHECK. I WANT TO TAKE THE TIME TO MOVE ON THIS ITEM AND I WANT TO STAKE A MARKER OUT THERE TO REALLY COMMIT AND BEGIN THE WORK TOO -- TO GIVE 9 DIRECTOR TO BUILD CAPACITY AGAINST FUTURE PANDEMICS AND LEARN FROM WHAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH AND BUILD THE RESOURCES TO GO OUT AND FOCUS ON STD'S, MAYBE FOOD POISONING EVENTS, MAYBE

[02:25:01]

WE ARE NOW AT A POINT IN OUR HISTORY RECOGNIZING THAT THESE PAN DEEMS ARE -- PANDEMICS ARE NOT ONE OFF TO A FOOD EVENT OR MAYBE TO A TYPICAL SPREAD OF CHICKEN POX OR THINGS OF THAT NATURE. WE HAVE TO BE CONFIDENT -- WE HAVE TO BE KNOWLEDGE KNOWLEDGEABLE THAT IT HAS CREATED AN IMPACT TO OUR ECONOMY AND SUPPORT THOSE OFFICIALS IN THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO MAKE IT RESILIENT. I JUST WANT TO PUT A MARKER OUT THERE FOR HER AND THIS IS NOT SOLICITATION, BUT URGING

HER TO LOOK FORWARD. >> ARE WE DISCUSSING THESE NOW ARE SIMPLY DECIDING WHAT IS ON THE AGENDA?

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS UP TO ME.

IF YOU WANT TO STOP AND DISCUSS THIS ONE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING THROUGH IT QUICKLY TO DECIDE WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO?

>> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU OKAY WITH THAT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? I DON'T THINK IT MATTERS, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. WE CAN FINISH THE DISCUSSION ON THIS ONE LATER IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M GOOD WITH HOWEVER YOU WANT TO

PROCEED. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH? ALL RIGHT. SOMETIMES WE STOP AND

SOMETIMES WE DON'T. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO WE ARE LEAVING THAT ONE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO, WE ARE LEAVING IT FOR DISCUSSION SO WE CAN COME BACK AND HEAR FROM BARBIE AND HAVE A THOROUGH DISCUSSION ON IT. ITEM 8 IS A REQUEST FOR PUBLIC SERVICES FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS FROM THE

NEW WORKFORCE GRANT. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS IT, K -- JUDGE LINE LINE EYE -- ITEM 9 IS A AGREEMENT BETWEEN LONE STAR LEGAL AIDE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SCONT -- CONTINUE TO DISCUSS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, WE HAD BY ACCIDENT NEGLECTED TO PUT ITEM 11 ON FOR DISCUSSION.

THAT'S WITH REGARD TO THE GIFT CARDS AND I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO DISCUSS THAT. IF WE CAN ADD THAT TO THE

DISCUSSION LIST. >> YOU ARE MUTED, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S THE ITEM FOR THE GIFT CARDS AND I HAVE IT ON FOR DISCUSSION. ITEM 12 IS THE BROAD COVID ITEM AND I HAVE A VERY BRIEF UPDATE.

ITEM 13 IS DISCUSSION OF -- DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CASE BACKLOG. THE D.A. PRESENTED HER PORTION.

DO FOLKS STILL HAVE QUESTIONS FOR --

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 14, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FISCAL YEAR TRANSITION PLAN, PRECINCT 3 FLAGGED IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THAT AS WELL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND ITEM 20 IS $859,000 TO BE TRANSFERRED TO UNIVERSAL SERVICES FOR 11 POSITIONS.

IT IS FOR I.T. SERVICES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A DESIRE TO DISCUSS THAT, BUT THIS IS A ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.

I'M JUST READY TO VOTE ON THAT ONE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. THAT WAS ON ITEM 20 ON PAGE 4. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF I

OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. THAT MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

SO WE'LL PUT THAT ON NO LONGER NEEDING DISCUSSION.

ITEM 22. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZED BUDGET APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND CERTAIN COUNTY DEPARTMENTS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT -- WHY WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISCUSS THAT ITEM, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: HOW BUDGET TRANSFERS ARE DONE, THE

PROCESS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT SPECIFICALLY ABOUT BUDGET TRANSFERS?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I RECEIVED A MEMO FROM BUDGET ON A CERTAIN ITEM THAT I WON'T NAME THAT WAS KIND OF ODD.

[02:30:01]

THAT WILL BE THE DISCUSSION POINT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE ISSUE IS YOU ARE RAISING ALLEGATIONS IN PROPRIETY WITH REGARD TO ME. SO I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PRESENT WHATEVER EVIDENCE YOU HAVE OR WHAT YOU ARE CLAIMING IN OPEN

COURT. >> TOM RAMSEY: NO, I --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THERE ARE A LOT OFFAL LAY GAGESES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: -- A LOT OF ALLEGATIONS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME READ -- IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR ME TO READ THE EMAIL NOW I WILL READ IT.

THIS IS AN EMAIL FROM BUDGET MANAGE -- MANAGEMENT.

MY QUESTION IS TO BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND NOT YOUR OFFICE, JUDGE, THE 824 BUDGET TRANSFER LIST WILL INCLUDE, I WON'T NAME, AN ISSUE. NORMALLY THIS UNNAMED ISSUE WOULD BE AN AGENDA ITEM DESCRIBED IN AN AGREEMENT.

BUT WE DON'T WANT TO DRAW ANY ATTENTION SO I JUST NEED TO UNDERSTAND FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE WHAT ENDS UP BEING NORMAL AND WHAT ENDS UP BEING NOT NORMAL IN TERMS OF BEING

ON THE AGENDA. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE WHAT THE UNNAMED ISSUE IS, COMMISSIONER , SO IT IS CLEAR WHAT IT IS YOU ARE CHALLENGING.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WAS TOLD BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY I COULDN'T

SAY IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WELL, I WILL TELL YOU, AND I KNOW CHRISTIAN MENEFEE IS O BUT IF YOU WON'T SAY IT I WILL SAY IT. AND THAT IS THAT THE COMMISSIONER IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF A FUNDING TRANSFER FOR OUR SECURITY DETAIL, THE FOLKS THAT PROVIDE SECURITY.

IT IS FOR ME PERSONALLY. I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU, COMMISSIONER, THAT AS PERTAINS TO WHATEVER ALLEGATIONS YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE ABOUT THIS TRANSFER, THAT WE MAY DISAGREE ON THE BEST WAY TO TACKLE THE CRIME RATE AND WE MAY DISAGREE ON TAXES, AND WE MAY DISAGREE ON TRANSPORTATION, BUT THE SECURITY AND SECURITY THREATS OF ALL OF US ON COURT, AND WE ARE COLLEAGUES, SHOULD BE BEYOND POLITICS.

I CANNOT TELL YOU THE NUMBER OF THREATS X -- THREATS, COMMENTS THAT GO BEYOND THE PALE AND BEYOND THE STANDARD OF DISGRUNTLED COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT MY STAFF AND MYSELF RECEIVE AND HAVE RECEIVED, ESPECIALLY SINCE ISSUES WERE OVERLY PAW LIT SIZED IN THE RECENT MONTHS AND YEARS. AND WE HAVE SEEN WHAT THAT SENSATION HAS LEAD TO, AND IT HAS GONE BEYOND THE PALE TO THE POINT THAT IT BECAME NECESSARY FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR MY POSITION TO HAVE A SECURITY DETAIL.

IT WAS AT THE URGING OF LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT MY POSITION BE ASSIGNED A SECURITY DETAIL BECAUSE THEY SAW IT AS ANESS -- AS A NECESSITY. THEY SAW IT AS A NECESSITY TO PUT A BUDGET TRANSFER ON THE AGENDA, AND FOR GOOD REASONS WHICH YOU MIGHT IMAGINE AND ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSON CAN EXPLAIN TO YOU, MATERIALS RELATED TO THREAT AND SECURITY DON'T GO ON THE PUBLIC AGENDA.

IT IS SERIOUS, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER ELLIS JUST HAD A MAN CHARGED WITH ISSUING A TERRORISTIC THREAT TOWARD HIM LAST WEEK. AND SO I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT, CERTAINLY FOR MY PART, IF THERE IS ANYTHING TO DO IF THERE IS OR WERE TO BE ANYTHING RELATED TO THE SECURITY OF YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, OR ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES ON COURT, ANY PUBLIC OFFICIAL FOR THAT MATTER, I WOULD NOT GET IN THE WAY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: MY QUESTION, JUDGE, WAS SIMPLY THE PROCESS. IS IT ONLY SECURITY ITEMS WE DON'T PUT ON THE AGENDA, OR ARE THERE OTHER ITEMS WE DON'T PUT ON THE AGENDA? I WAS PREPARED TO DISCUSS THIS GENERICALLY AND CERTAINLY I SHARE YOUR CONCERN ABOUT SECURITY, YOUR SECURITY, OUR SECURITY ALONG WITH THE NEIGHBOR DOWN THE STREET. FRIDAY NIGHT, A WEEK AGO, WENT OUT FOR CARRY OUT, AND A MAN WAS COMING BACK AND WAS SURROUNDED BY A MOTORCYCLE GANG.

THEY SHOT HIM THROUGH HIS CAR.

THEY BURST AN ARTERY IF HIS LEG AND HE BLED OUT AND DIED

[02:35:02]

I'M CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

THAT IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE ON THE TABLE TODAY IS CRIME AND SECURITY. MY QUESTION RELATED WAS SIMPLY PROCESS-RELATED. IS THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, WHAT OTHER -- AS THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, WHAT ISSUES ARE NOT ON THE AGENDA BECAUSE OF OTHER REASONS.

IF IT IS ONLY SECURITY, FINE, I UNDERSTAND THAT.

>> IF I CAN JUMP IN QUICKLY, AND I APOLOGIZE FOR NOT BEING ON CAMERA. THERE IS A LOT GOING ON RIGHT NOW. TWO THINGS HERE.

ONE, I APPRECIATE THAT WE GOT THAT INITIAL BLURB OUT, AND MOVING FORWARD I THINK WE NEED TO KEEP IT MORE GENERAL BECAUSE THE AGENDA ITEM THAT HAS BEEN NOTICED DOESN'T ADDRESS ANY SPECIFIC BUDGETARY TRANSFERS SO LET'S KEEP IT GENERAL. AND TO TO THE EXTENT WE ARE TO BE PROPERLY NOTICED, THIS IS A CONVERSATION THAT IS TYPICALLY HELD IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. IF WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT T THEN WE SHOULD KEEP THE CONVERSATION LIMITED TO THE SCOPE OF WHAT IS ON THE AGENDA ITEM WHICH IS THE PROCESSES FOR DECIDING TO PUT SOMETHING ON THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AGENDA OR DEALING WITH A BUDGET TRANSFER OUTSIDE THAT

PROCESS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHY I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAS TO DO WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S NEIGHBOR BEING SHOT, UNLESS HE IS INSINUATING THAT BECAUSE THERE IS A CRIME THAT I DON'T -- I SHOULD NOT HAVE

SECURITY? >> TOM RAMSEY: I DIDN'T SAY

ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR SECURITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CANDICE AGREE ON THE UH -- WE CAN DISAGREE ON THE APPROACH TO COUNTER CRIME, BUT YOU SHOULD NOT PAW LIT SIZE A SECURITY DETAIL. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON PROCEDURE YOU CAN CALL MY OFFICE OR A BUDGET DIRECTOR.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I HAD THE SAME CONVERSATION --

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO PAW LIT SIZE AND PUT AN ITEM ON THE UH GENERAL -- AGENDA GETTING IN THE WAY OF SECURITY FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE OF YOUR COUNTY WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE A WOMAN AND YOU WELL KNOW THE THREATS I RECEIVE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PROCEDURE YOU CAN PICK UP THE PHONE AND I KNOW YOU CAN CALL CHRISTIAN MENEFEE AND YOU CAN CALL DAVE BERRY OR YOU CAN CALL MY OFFICE. I WONDER, AND PERHAPS THIS IS A QUESTION FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IS THIS AS LAW ENFORCEMENT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DOES IT MAKE SENSE? DOES COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAVE ANY KIND OF TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE THAT ALLOWS HIM TO QUESTION -- IS IT STANDARD PROCEDURE TO QUESTION SPECIFIC THREATS OR A NEED FOR SECURITY OF SPECIFIC MEMBERS WHETHER IT BE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION OR IF

PUBLIC? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU KNOW, JUDGE, FIRST LET ME SAY TO YOU THAT I AM AWARE OF SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU HAVE BEEN UP AGAINST AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR COURAGE AND THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE NOT LET IT DETER YOU FROM THE IMPORTANT WORK OF PROTECTING OUR COUNTY AND PROTECTING OUR CITIZENS AND LEADING OUTS -- LEADING US. I WANT TO SAY THAT.

SECONDLY, I THOUGH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS ENGINEERED BY TRAINING AND TRADE, BUT BEYOND THAT I KNOW HE IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVOCATE.

I CHEER FOR THE TEXANS AND I CHEER FOR THE A IS -- ASTROS AND I CHEER FOR THE ROCKIES, BUT I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE. SOME MAY EVEN QUESTION IF I AM EVEN ATHLETIC. TO THAT EXTENT THAT'S WHERE MY EXPERTISE ON THE SPORTS BEGINS AND ENDS.

I AM AN AUDIENCE TO THEM. TO THIS EXTENT, LET ME JUST SAY THAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGHOUT MY TIME AS SHERIFF -- AND LOOK, YEAH. JUMP EMMETT ASKED FOR -- JUDGE EMMETT ASKED FOR SECURITY THREAT.

HE SAID IF THE MAYOR HAS ONE I WANT ONE TOO.

I AUTHORIZED IT, AND IT LASTED ALL OF MAYBE A FEW MONTHS WHILE HE DEALT WITH THE BLOW BACK OF HIS COLLEAGUES.

THERE WAS NO THREAT AT THAT TIME.

THERE ARE REAL THREATS TODAY FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT REASONS. WE HAVE GONE THROUGH GREAT LENGTHS TO PROTECT HARRIS COUNTY, WHETHER IT BE ON CYBER SECURITY, WHETHER IT WAS A OF COURSE SECURITY -- WHETHER IT WAS A PHYSICAL SECURITY, AND ON SOME OF THE MOST DELICATE MATTERS. WE HAVE BEEN VERY, VERY THOUGHTFUL ABOUT HOW THESE THINGS ARE DISCUSSED FOR

[02:40:02]

WE DON'T WANT TO LET INSURGENTS KNOW WHAT OUR PHYSICAL VULNERABILITIES ARE, AND WE DO NOT WANT TO LET FINISH WHO WILL CONTEMPLATE WHAT THE VULNERABILITIES ARE.

FOR -- FOR THAT REASON WE ARE TO PROTECT THIS INFORMATION AND DISCUSS IT AND HANDLE IT IN THE MOST DISCRETE MATTERS.

EVERY ITEM I HAVE EVER SEEN AND HAVE BEEN FAMILIAR WITH HAVE BEEN HANDLED WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE INVOLVED AND BUDGET OFFICE INVOLVED AND ALWAYS DEALT WITH IN THE MOST PROPER AND LEGAL WAY.

CONTRAST TO WHEN I WAS ASKED FOR SECURITY DETAIL, I JUST ASSIGNED SOMEONE AND DIDN'T EVEN THINK TO ASK FOR A BUDGET TRANSFER. THIS IS SOMETHING BEING DONE IN THE MOST ABOVE BOARD AND LEGAL WAY I HAVE EVER SEEN AN

ITEM BEING HANDLED. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. COUNTY ATTORNEY, DO YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH US DISCUSSING THIS ITEM ANYMORE, OR WAIT UNTIL IT IS ON THE AGENDA?

>> AS I PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, THE WAY THAT THE ITEM HAS BEEN NOTICED, I DON'T THINK IT IS SPES -- SPECIFIC ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION. THAT'S MY LEGAL ADVICE AND YOU TAKE WITH IT WHAT YOU WILL, BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THE NOTICE WAS SPECIFIC ENOUGH TO GET INTO THIS CONVERSATION.

IF IT IS PROPERLY NOTICED, I BELIEVE IT IS A CONVERSATION THAT IS PROPER FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

WITH THAT SAID, WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS AGO, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE IN OPEN MEETINGS SO YOU CAN HAVE THE CONVERSATION IN PUBLIC OR EXECUTIVE SESSION. IT IS YOUR PREROGATIVE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM HAVING THE CONVERSATION IN PUBLIC BECAUSE THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW THAT ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS IS QUESTIONING THIS. AND THAT'S WHAT HE IS DOING.

COMMISSIONER, I AM QUITE GENEROUS AND QUITE PLEASANT AND I AM QUITE PATIENT, BUT YOU ARE CROSSING THE LINE.

NOBODY OWES YOU A LINE ITEM OF THE THREATS THAT I AND MY TEAM FACE. IT IS TO THE APPROPRIATE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS INTERESTING WHEN I ASK A BUDGET QUESTION HOW I AM BEING POLITICAL, BUT WHEN IT IS A DIFFERENT POSITION FROM YOU, JUDGE, IT IS NOT POLITICAL.

SO I DID NOT ASK A QUESTION FOR POLITICAL REASONS.

I ASKED THE QUESTION TO UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS THROUGH THE BUDGET OFFICE OF WHAT ENDS UP BEING ON THIS AGENDA OR

NOT. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU RECOGNIZE THAT THE SECURITY DETAIL IS SOMETHING SENSITIVE? WHEN THERE ARE THREATS -- IS IT ALL PUBLISHED? IS IT DISCUSSED AT CITY COUNCIL? IS IT DISCUSSED IN THE PREVIOUS COURT, THE SPECIFIC THREATS? ANY PERSON OFF THE STREET CAN TELL YOU, AND AGAIN I DEFER TO MY LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLEAGUE HERE, BUT MY SUSPICION IS ANY PERSON OFF THE STREET CAN TELL YOU IF THINGS ARE RELATED TO THREAT AND SECURITY, IT IS NOT SOMETHING DISCUSSED IN A PUBLIC FORUM. IN FACT, IT IS DISCUSSED OUTSIDE THE LAWEN FOR -- LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

YOU DON'T HAVE KNOWLEDGE ON THIS AND EXPERTISE AND IT IS A SERIOUS THING. I KNOW YOU HAVE COMMON SENSE.

WHEN YOU SEE THIS AND YOU SAY, WAIT A MINUTE, THIS HAS TO DO WITH SECURITY. IF YOU ARE ACTING IN GOOD FAITH YOU WOULD PICK UP THE PHONE AND YOU WOULD CALL AND ASK, HEY, COUNTY ATTORNEY, HEY BUDGET DIRECTOR, HEY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, HEY, JUDGE HUH -- JUDGE HIDALGO.

I CALL YOU OFTEN. EXPLAIN TO ME THE PROCESS.

EXPLAIN TO ME THE PROCESS AND THEN IT IS EXPLAINED.

IF YOU WEREN'T TRYING TO PAW LIT SIZE THIS, YOU WOULDN'T PUT AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA. THAT'S OBVIOUS.

I WANT TO LET COMMISSIONER ELLIS FINISH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE WHAT I WANT TO SUGGEST IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY LIST SOMETHING FOR THE NEXT MEETING WE HAVE IN A COUPLE WEEKS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

I DON'T WANT TO CROSS THE LINE , BUT ALL OF US WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE SAFE. I HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE LONGER THAN ANYBODY -- ANY OF US HERE.

USUALLY IT IS THE ONES THAT DON'T CALL.

THEY SAID WHAT ABOUT THE ONES WHO DON'T CALL? MR. MENEFEE, IF YOU WOULD, IF SOMEBODY DECIDES FOR WHATEVER REASON THEY WANT TO COME OUT AND SAY IT PUBLICLY, LOOK, ALL OF US WANT TO BE SAFE. WE ARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE SOME WILL OUR COLLEAGUES, WE ARE IN A SEASON WHERE YOU CAN -- LOOK, WE HAVE BUDGETS AND SOMEBODY PUT MY HOME ADDRESS

[02:45:05]

WE OUGHT TO HAVE SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA.

I DON'T WANT TO CROSS THE LINE HERE, BUT MR. MENEFEE, WOULD YOU DO THAT AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY IS SAFE.

>> 10/4 COMMISSIONER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE? YOU MAY BE ON MUTE,

COMMISSIONER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS OFTEN CALLED ME A STICK LEER ON THE OPEN MEETING -- STICKLER ON THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT.

I HAD THREE POINTS IN THIS PROCESS.

TWO OF WHICH ARE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THE JUDGE.

ONE OF WHICH MAY BE AN EXPLANATION OF A QUESTION THAT IS COMING FROM MY COLLEAGUE WITH REGARD TO TRANSPARENCY WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. AND YOUR COUNSEL TO HOLD MY THREE POINTS SINCE EVERYONE -- SINCE WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF

VOICE ON THE SUBJECT? >> I KNOW THAT YOU TEND TO BE AN OVERLY STICKLER FOR THE RULES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

MY ADVICE IS CONSISTENT THAT THIS ITEM THAT WAS NOTICED IS NOT SPECIFIC ENOUGH TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION.

THAT SAID, WE ARE WHERE WE ARE IN THE CONVERSATION.

I WILL DEFER TO YOU ON THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WITH THAT STATEMENT I WILL BE CONSISTENT AND NOT MAKE MY COMMENTS.

HERE IS MY NEXT ISSUE, I WANT TO TALK TO MY COLLEAGUE, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, ABOUT THIS, BUT ALSO WANT TO CALL UP AND TALK TO MY JUDGE ABOUT THIS, BUT I UNDERSTAND WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT I CAN ONLY PULL UP MY BARNEY FIFE JUST ONCE. I WILL CALL YOU, JUDGE, WITH YOUR PERMISSION AND MAYBE I CAN ADD A LITTLE EXTRA LIGHT IF THERE. FROM MY EXPERIENCE, FROM WHEN I WAS A JUDGE AND HAD CASES THAT INVOLVED CONTENTIOUSNESS EVERY NOW AND THEN. WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I WILL USE MY BARNEY FIFE MOMENT TO CALL YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO, AND

IF YOU WILL ACCEPT MY CALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALWAYS.

>> GIVE ME A RING TOO, COMMISSIONER.

>> WE WILL COME TO THE NEXT AGENDA TO DISCUSS COURT AT

LARGE. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THE

ITEM. >> THERE IS A MOTION ON ITEM 22. THERE IS A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR SO THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> JUDGE, THAT'S AS PRESENTED?

>> LINA HIDALGO: AS PRESENTED.

I KNOW THERE WAS A REQUEST TO PULL ITEM 336 WITH THAT ITEM.

THAT'S THE ITEM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY POSTED.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT GOES AWAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. ITEM 29 IS NEXT.

>> SORRY, JUDGE. FOR 336, IS THAT GOING AWAY BY

NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT,

JAMES. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 29 IS A RECOMMENDATION THAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT AUTHORIZE THE ASSIGNMENT OF AN UNIMPROVED PORTION OF THE BINGL RODE -- DASH ROAD -- I'M SORRY COMMISSIONER GARCIA I MISSED WHAT YOU SAID AID --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THOUGHT WE VOTE OWED THAT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE ABSTAINED. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S RIGHT. THERE WAS A SPEAKER.

SORRY ABOUT THAT. ITEM 125, RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH PLANNING RIGHT OF WAY OPPOSITION AND GENERAL DRAINAGE FOR THE WATER SHED. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

[02:50:03]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO DISCUSS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 131, IS INVENTORY ASSESSMENT AND LIFE CYCLE PROGRAM FOR HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: QUICK QUESTION ON THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS ITEM COVERS CONCRETE CHANNELS SO JUST A COMMENT GOING FOR -- FORWARD, MOST CHANNELS ARE NOT CONCRETE.

EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A GOOD FIRST STEP, IT IS LEADING TO OTHERS GETTING DONE. I WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A GREAT FIRST STEP, BUT LET'S BE SURE WE GET ALL OF THE CHANNELS EVALUATED GOING FORWARD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. THAT WAS 125.

AS PRESENTED, CORRECT, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS ITEM 131. EXCUSE ME.

THE NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 132. A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE

MAAPNEXT INITIATIVE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO

DISCUSS THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 144, DISCUSS -- DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE LEGISLATION AGENDA PLATFORM. YOU FLAGGED THAT TOO, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. YOU MAY BE ON MUTE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES DISCUSS IT. OKAY.

145 IS A TRANSMITAL REVIEW OF THE MPOS AND THE TPCS FOR REPRESENTATION AND OPPORTUNITIES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 148 THE APPROVAL OF 11 POSITIONS EFFECTIVE TO THE OFFICE OF ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.

>> HOLD IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS A MOTION BY ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >>

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSE SNED. >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES 3-2.

ITEM 152 AN AGREEMENT WITH MELISSA JONES FOR PERSONAL SERVICES TO HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: DISCUSS IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND I TAKE IT

THE SAME FOR 153? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

THAT'S CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS ANOTHER CONTRACT WITH PUBLIC HEALTH. 155, APPROVAL OF 44 POSITIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY HEALTH AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION SERVICES DIVISION TO BE FUNDED BY GENERAL FUND BUDGET.

PRE SINK 3 AND -- PRECINCT 3 AND 4 FLAGGED THE ITEM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DISCUSS,

PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AND JUDGE AT THIS POINT, ITEM 220 WE DID NOT GET UNTIL THIS MORNING, BUT THERE IS AN ITEM ON 220 BURIED IN THE DEPTHS OF THE TRANSMITAL FOR PFM, AND WE NEED TO VOTE ON THAT SEPARATELY FROM THE REST OF

THE TRANSMITAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME -- I'LL GET THERE IN A SEC. I'LL MAKE A NOTE, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. LET ME TO THE LOSE MY PLACE.

SO THERE IS ACTUALLY ONE MORE FLAGGED ITEM AND THAT IS 192.

OH, MY TEAM FLAGGED THAT. TO LEASE AN ARENA -- I DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS THAT. ITEM 220 WAS -- IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL OF THE PORTIONS OF ITEM 220 THAT RELATE TO

PFM? >> R. JACK CAGLE: MOVE ON ALL ITEMS IN 220 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TRANSMITAL TO

PFM. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION ON ALL ITEMS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TRANSMITAL TO PFM. THAT'S A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES FAN MUSSILY.

NOW -- UNANIMOUSLY. NOW WE NEED A MOTION FOR ITEM

THAT'S DO RELATE TO PFM. >>

>> MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: NOFD BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED SNVMENT.

>> NO. >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THAT CARRIES 3-2.

ARE YOU GOOD WITH THOSE MOTIONS, JAMES?

>> YES, MA'AM. THE SECOND MOTION WAS TO APPROVE THE TRANSMITAL PORTION OF THE PFM PAYMENT.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 243 ON PAGE 28.

RENEWAL OPTION WITH SENTINAL OFFENDER SERVICES.

COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA FLAGGED IT.

>> DISCUSS. >> LINA HIDALGO: 248.

RELIANCE CONSTRUCTION FOR A DITCH.

[02:55:01]

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE DON'T HAVE TO HOLD. IT I WANT TO APPLAUD THE GOOD WORK BEING DONE. IT GOT US TO 1,000 LINEAR FEET OF DRAINAGE. WE WILL GET THERE AGAIN IF TO THE SURPASS IT. I JUST WANT TO COMPLIMENT THE

TEAM FOR THEIR GOOD WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 264.

AN AWARD TO THE G OR RDIAN GROUP, A CONTRACTING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: LET'S DISCUSS

IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 267.

THAT IS AGREEMENTS WITH SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR A COMMUNITY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PROGRAMMING.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: WOULD LIKE TO

DISCUSS IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE REAL QUICK, I WANTED TO GO BACK TO 263. WE DON'T HAVE TO PULL IT, BUT IT WILL BENEFIT THE CITY IN MY PRECINCT AND THANK TESTIMONY FOR THEIR WORK ON THE PARTNERSHIP PROJECT.

IT IS ALLOWING US TO COLLABORATE WITH THEM TO GET THE LOCAL DRAINAGE DONE IN THEIR CITY.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: 306, AN UPDATE ON THE MWBE PROGRAM. I KNOW WE ALL WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT. 309.

AUTHORIZATION FOR FUNDING FOR HEAD START.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ABSOLUTELY, JUDGE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 314, AN ANALYSIS ON COUNTY FUNDS SPENT ON NONINFRASTRUCTURE CONSULTANTS AND ANTICIPATING THE COSTS. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU WANT

TO DISCUSS IT? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 315, REQUEST THAT THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR REPORT ON THE STATUS OF MAIL IN BALLOTS.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 316, AN UPDATE ON PATROL OFFICERS.

I ASSUME YES. >> YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 328. REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT COMMENTS TO THE EPA REGARDING THE DEFINITION OF "WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES."

PRECINCT 3 AND 4. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> AND FOR THAT ITEM -- THIS IS CHRISTIAN.

FOR THAT ITEM WE WILL HAVE THE HEAD OF OUR ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT WHO IS TAKING LEAD ON THIS ON THE CALL TO SPEAK

ON BEHALF OF THE OFFICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT.

331 A COMPENSATION STUDY FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

FLAGGED BY PRECINCT 3. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, BACK ON 328, I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH DISCUSSION COMMISSIONER RAMSEY NEEDS ON THAT, BUT I DID GET THE LETTER FROM COUNSELOR MENEFEE OF THE PRIOR REPORT FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. IF WHAT WOO -- IF WHAT WE ARE DOING IS APPROVING A RENEWAL OF THE PRIOR REPORT, THEN I'M IN FAVOR OF THAT. WHAT I NEED TO KNOW IS WILL THERE BE A SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE FROM THE PRIOR POSITION, AND IF THERE IS THERE NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSION ON THAT ITEM.

IF ALL WE ARE DOING IS TAKING THE PRIOR REPORT WE RECEIVED YESTERDAY FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, THEN I AM OKAY WITH

THE PRIOR REPORT. >> OUR HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT IS GOING TO BE THE SAME COMMENTS AS THOSE PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED BY THE OFFICE IN 2017.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF THAT IS THE UNDERSTANDING, THEN I DON'T NEED EXTENSIVE DISCUSSION.

I DIDN'T WANT AN OPEN-ENDED GO FORTH AND WRITE A LETTER AND NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS GOING TO BE.

I'M COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT I WAS SENT YESTERDAY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I'M GOOD WITH THAT AS WELL.

THEY DIG FOR OUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WE'RE ON THE SAME PAGE. THAT'S GOOD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL SKIP THE DISCUSSION ON 328 AND PUT

IT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S

SQUARE, RIGHT, CHRISTIAN? >> YOU GOT MY WORD.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: 331, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED. THAT'S A COMPENSATION STUDY

FOR THE COUNTY. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A QUICK

QUESTION THERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: 334, A DISCUSSION OF THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND FINALLY PRECINCT 4 REQUESTS THAT WE DISCUSS ITEM 339 CONCERNING

[03:00:03]

>> JUDGE REAL QUICK, ITEM 337, IS THAT ONE GOING TO BE IN

EXECUTIVE SESSION? >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE SECOND.

YES. THAT IS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. THAT'S THE UNIVERSAL SERVICES PRESENTATION. THE ITEMS WE HAVE FOR DISCUSSION ARE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 337 ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE -- UNIVERSAL SERVICES ISSUE AND NON-EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS, ARE 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 1213 -- 12, 13, 14, 125, 132, 144, 145 , 152, 153, 155, 220 WE VOTED ON. 243, 264, 267, 306, 309, 314, 315, 316, 331, 334 AND 339. AS FAR AS CORRECTIONS ITEM 3 WE NEED TO REPLACE THE WORD TRANSMITAL OF WITH REQUEST BY

AND INSERT THE WORDS -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HAHN -- HONOR BACK ON THE PRIOR LIST, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON 243? HE HAD ALREADY GIVEN THE COMMENTS HE WANTED TO MAKE. THAT'S WHAT I UNDERSTOOD I -- UNDERSTOOD. I MAY BE WRONG AND YOU MAY

HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THAT'S THE ELECTRONIC MONITORING ITEM.

88 I WANTED TO DISCUSS -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANTED TO

DISCUSS IT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE MISUNDERSTOOD. NEVER MIND, JUDGE.

WE WERE TRYING TO FOLLOW THE TRACK AND WE KNEW THERE WAS ONE OR TWO THAT HE MADE HIS COMMENTS ON.

WHEN WE WERE ZIPPING THROUGH WE WERE TRYING TO CHECK MARKS. NOT STOPPING ANYONE FROM SAYING THEIR PEACE. SORRY ABOUT THAT, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO WORRIES.

YOU WOULDN'T STOP ME ANYWAYS. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 3, REQUEST TRANS MISS TALL -- REQUEST TRANSMITAL FOR APPROVAL AFTER THE WORD SERVICES.

THE FIRST LINE READS REQUEST BY THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR APPROVAL OF INSULIN. ITEM 10 WE NEED TO CHANGE THE DATE. FROM FEBRUARY 28TH, 2022 TO NOVEMBER 5TH, 2021. ON ON -- ON ITEM 24 WE NEED TO DELETE THE WORDS "TRANSMITAL OF --".

AND 26, THE MOU, THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ITEM ON 166 ON PAGE 19. ITEM 197 IS A RENEWAL OF AN ASTHMA CONTROL GRANT WITH DISHES.

THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION BE TAKEN.

ITEM 199, PUBLIC HEALTH REQUEST TO ACCEPT EVERYONE, TEXAS GRANT AND THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION.

ITEM 323 WE TALKED ABOUT THOSE.

THE CIO REQUEST FOR PENDING LITIGATION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THEY SAID NO ACTION.

ITEM 329, THE DISTRICT COURT'S FUNDING REQUESTS, WE NEED TO CHANGE 14 POSITIONS TO 12 POSITIONS AND IT GOES FROM 776,000 -- 776,321.51 TO $659,591 THOSE ARE ALL OF THE

CORRECTIONS. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

FOR CLARITY IT IS ITEM 22 ON THE -- IS ITEM 22 ON THE

DISCUSSION LIST? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO.

HANG ON. LET ME CONFIRM.

NO BECAUSE WE PASSED THAT ITEM, JAMES.

>> THANK YOU. FOR CLARITY, THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM, 325 IS GOING BACK TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AS

WELL? >> REPORTER: THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 325 SHOULD BE THE COUNTY ENGINEER ONE.

>> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, THAT IS

[03:05:01]

THANK YOU FOR FLAGGING THAT. SO THOSE ARE THE DISCUSSION ITEMS. WE CAN BEGIN FROM THE TOP.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO WE WANT TO MOVE THE CONSENT AGENDA

ITEMS? >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE ARE NO PUBLIC HEARINGS. JAMES CLARIFIED HIS QUESTIONS. SO WE NEED A MOTION FOR ALL

ITEMS 1 THROUGH 339. >> JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH. >> I'M SORRY I NEED ONE MORE CLARIFICATION. 322, THAT WAS THE -- THAT WAS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION WHICH IS AN APPOINTMENT FOR CHILDREN

AND ADULTS. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO NEED FOR

DISCUSSION ON THAT ONE. >> I RECEIVED AN EMAIL, IS THERE GOING TO BE SOMEONE APPOINTED BASED OFF THIS

ITEM? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THERE WILL BE SOMEBODY, CORRECT? WE PROBABLY HAVE TO GO BACK AND NAME THE -- DO YOU HAVE

THE NAMES? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, MA'AM.

THE NAME HAS BEEN SUBMITTED. IT WAS ESTELLA, -- MIRELLA TO BE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD, JAMES.

IF YOU CAN NOTE THAT. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL ITEMS 1 THROUGH 339 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEMS ALREADY VOTED ON AND THE

DISCUSSION ITEMS JUST LISTED? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU. LET'S START WITH NUMBER 3.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, MY TEAM TELLS ME WE HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW IT AND WE ARE OKAY WITH THE ITEM NOW.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF SOMEONE

WANTS TO MOVE IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR -- MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IF FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

NEXT IS ITEM 7. THIS WAS THE REQUEST FOR SIX MONTHS OF OPERATIONAL FUNDING FOR HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH. I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD SOME ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

AND THE NOTE I WANTED TO MAKE IS OBVIOUSLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS SHIFT OVER TO A NON--INSURANCE DEPARTMENT -- NON-INCIDENT COMMAND MODEL. TO YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA ABOUT PERMANENT FUNDING, AND BARBIE CAN SPEEM -- SPEAK TO THIS MORE, BUT ALLOWING THIS FUNDING TO GO FOR SIX MONTHS AND THEN PRESUMABLY THEY ARE CREATING A NEW DIVISION AND THEY ARE PROPOSING FUNDING FOR THE DIVISION WITHIN THE NORMAL BUDGET CYCLE SO IT IS A

PERMANENT DIVISION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I AM SUPPORTIVE OF THAT AND I WOULD LIKE TO MAYBE EVEN CONSIDER AN ITEM JUST TO FORMALIZE THE DIRECTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH TO BEGIN WHAT THE PROCESS WOULD LOOK LIKE. I WOULD BE CONCERNED GIVEN THE MAGNITUDE OF THE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE NEED THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN THE PROPER PEOPLE. OBVIOUSLY CAN'T DO THAT SOON

ENOUGH. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH.

THE QUESTIONS, JUDGE, WERE ALONG THE LINES OF IF THIS IS PERMANENT -- IF IT IS TEMPORARY IT IS MORE DIFFICULT TO RECRUIT FOLKS. I WOULD CAUTION CREATING DIVISIONS IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC.

MIGHT NOT BE THE BEST TIME. WE ARE SORTING THROUGH LARGE SUMS OF MONEY WE ARE GETTING FUNDING FOR TO SUPPORT EFFORTS IN A PANDEMIC. IT IS HARD TO DIFFERENTIATE WHAT WILL BE TEMPORARY DOLLARS TO GET THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND PERMANENT DOLLARS NEEDED GOING FORWARD.

IT WOULD SEEM A PRUDENT THING FOR US TO LOOK AT THIS AS TEMPORARY AND GET WHAT WE NEED TO DO THROUGH THE NEXT 18 MONTHS OR HOWEVER LONG IT WILL LAST.

[03:10:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS PRESENTED, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. I HAD THE SAME MISUNDERSTANDING WHEN I READ THIS.

IT IS NEW POSITIONS IN THE SENSE THAT IT IS A NEW BUCKET. IT IS GENERALLY -- IT IS NOT ADDING POSITIONS. IT IS SHIFTING THE POSITIONS FROM THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION WITHIN PUBLIC HEALTH WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ACTIVATE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME TO A NEW PERMANENT DIVISION. AND THERE MAY BE SHUFFLING OF PEOPLE, BUT THE COSTS ARE ACTUALLY GOING DOWN.

WHILE IT USED TO BE -- NORMALLY WE GET AN INVOICE AND REPORT FROM PUBLIC HEALTH FROM THE PIC FUND EVERY TWO MONTHS WE ARE DOING $10 MILLION FOR THE RESPONSE AND THIS PUTS US AT 17 MILLION FOR SIX MONTHS. IT LEVERAGES A GRANT BECAUSE IT IS A DIVISION. I WILL LET BARBIE ANSWER THE REST, BUT THAT'S THE SAME MISUNDERSTOOD UNDERSTANDING --

MISUNDERSTANDING I HAD. >> TOM RAMSEY: IS BARBIE GOING

TO SPEAK ON THIS SPH. >> YES, SIR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. AND ONE SECOND.

WHY DON'T WE TALK -- RESPOND TO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER KAW -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS MORE

QUESTIONS. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY --

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOUR SOUND -- YOU SOUND VERY FAR AWAY.

CAN YOU GET CLOSER TO THE MICROPHONE?

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME BETTER NOW?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO. YOU CAN BARELY HEAR.

YOU FOE WHAT I -- I'M -- YOU KNOW -- I AM GOING TO CALL YOU AND PUT YOU ON SPEAKER. ONE SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: BARBIE, CAN YOU SHUT OFF WHATEVER YOU HAVE ON? IT IS CREATING AN ECHO.

STARN -- TURN OFF THE SOUND AND THE MICROPHONE ON YOURS.

>> YES. OKAY, SO GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY ATTORNEY AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR. THE GOAL, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, WE ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE IS TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE AN ADEQUATE, SUSTAINABLE, NIMBLE RESPONSE TO COVID.

IT IS OUR NEW NORMAL, AND WE ARE GOING TO BE RESPONDING TO COVID FOR SOME TIME. IT IS CHALLENGING FOR OUR DEPARTMENT TO CONTINUE TO RESPOND IN THE INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE. BY MOVING TO A DIVISION IT ALLOWS US THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES TO RESPOND NOT JUST TO COVID, BUT TO ANY OTHER EMERGENCY THAT MAY ARISE LIKE THE CHEMICAL INCIDENTS WE HAVE HAD IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS. THAT'S REALLY OUR GOAL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS ARE MOVING TO A MODEL. OUR GOIL IS -- OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE STABILIZED PRESIDENT MANY OF THE POSITIONS ARE CONTRACTORS AND IT WOULD ALLOW US TO UTILIZE THE GRANT FUNDING WE ARE BRINGING IN TO MAKE THOSE INDIVIDUALS PERMANENT FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD SO THAT WE HAVE SOME STABILITY AND THE RESPONSE WHILE ALSO MANAGING THE BURNOUT AND THE TURNOVER AND ALLOWING THE STAFF TO RESPOND TO OTHER DISASTERS AS WELL AS ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IN

THE DEPARTMENT. >> I KNOW THE INITIAL EFFORT RELATED TO THIS AND A SIGNIFICANT PORTION IS BEING FUNDED BY A GRANT. I THINK 15 MILLION PLUS WAS THE GRANT AND 2 PLUS MILLION WAS OUT OF THE PIC.

GOING FORWARD WE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS WITHOUT GRANT FUNDS. UNLESS WE ARE GOING OUT WITH

MORE GRANT MONEY. >> SIR, THE GRANTS COVER A THREE-YEAR PERIOD AND THAT WOULD GIVE US TIME FOR THE QUESTION RAISED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA TO BRING BACK A MORE -- I DON'T WANT TO SAY ROBUST PROPOSAL FOR LONG-TERM STABILITY OF A DIVISION AS WELL AS ALLOWING US TO EVALUATE WHERE WE ARE WITH COVID.

THE GRANTS ARE FOR A THREE-YEAR TIME PERIOD AND THAT IS BASICALLY WHAT WE HAVE ANTICIPATED IN TERMS OF THE

[03:15:01]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF I MIGHT? >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU KNOW WHAT, COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD A QUESTION FIRST.

I'M SORRY, Y'ALL. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

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

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE YESTERDAY OF RECEIVING A VERY THOROUGH POWER POINT PRESENTATION FROM COUNCIL ROBINSON.

I WAS APPRECIATIVE OF THE REPORT AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO IT. I'M AFRAID I AM STILL SOMEWHAT NOT -- I DON'T COMPLETELY HAVE MY HEAD AROUND ALL OF THESE NUMBERS AS THEY HAVE COME IN FAIRLY QUICKLY.

WE HAVE A GRANT FOR $15 MILLION WHICH SHOULD LAST US FOR AWHILE. MY CONCERN IS WE ARE STEPPING UP A PROGRAM THAT WILL COST US IN ADDITION TO THAT GRANT ANOTHER 17 MILLION DOLLARS. THAT IS COPPING OUT OF THE PIC FUND OR HURRICANE HARVEY FUND. I THINK THIS IS A BAD TIME TO BE DIPPING INTO THAT FUND AS WE ARE LOOKING AT THE ANNIVERSARY OF HARVEY. MY ONE IS STEPPING UP OF THE PROGRAM AND MAKING SURE WE CAN STEP IT DOWN AND WHEN YOU COME TO YOUR REPORT IN A LITTLE BIT, JUDGE, EVERY DAY SEEMS TO BE A NEW DAY WITH REGARD TO THE TRENDS.

THIS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN LIKE RIDING A BUCKING HORSE, A BRONCO RIDING A BUCKING HORSE.

I AM GETTING LLTS -- A LITTLE TWONG-TWIED.

MY QUESTION, COUNSELOR, IS WHAT ARE THE GRAND FUND WE AND WAITING BRF -- BEFORE LAMPING THE ADDITIONAL $17 MILLION -- AND JUDGE, WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE EMPLOYEES, ARE THEY NEW EMPLOYEES? ARE WE TRANSFERRING EMPLOYEES FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER SO IT IS A LATERAL TRANSFER? THESE ARE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.

AND THEN MAYBE WE CAN STEP UP TO AND OPERATE OUTSIDE THE REALM OF THE GRANT FUNDING WE HAVE AND THEN TAKE OUR TIME IN PLANNING WHAT OUR NEXT STEPS ARE WHILE WE ARE IN THE ZONE OF 15 MILLION THAT WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR HAVING.

WHY GO AHEAD AND COMMIT THE ADDITIONAL 17 NOW?

>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THE GRANT FUNDS DON'T COVER ALL OF THE OPERATIONS AND TESTING IS TO THE COVERED UNDER THE GRANT FUNDING WE HAVE WHICH BY THE WAY IS $55 MILLION.

AND THE 17 MILLION DOLLARS IF WE GO -- IF WE KEEP WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING WE WOULD ACTUALLY BE ASKING YOU FOR MORE FUNDING BECAUSE THE RATE IS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY AND THE GRANT COVERS THE CERTAIN FUNDS AND OPERATIONS AND IT IS SHIFTING THE STAFF THAT A LOT OF THEM, A MAJORITY OF THEM ARE CONTRACT MAJORITIES OVER TO THIS GRANT FUNDING AND THAT'S HOW WE ARE REDUCING THE COST FOR THE PIC FUND.

>> THIS IS THE SAME I HAD AS WELL AND WE NEED TO CONTINUE DOING THAT AND IT IS AN ORGANIZATION CHANGE.

AS FAR AS THE INVESTMENT, WE ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO SPEND LESS BECAUSE NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO COVER SOME OF THOSE SAME ACTIVITY THROUGH THIS GRANT.

[03:20:01]

AND THEY HAVE HAD THE ADDED BENEFIT THAT FRANKLY THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED A LONGTIME AGO.

A LONG TIME AGO. THE CITY LONG AGO MOVED THEIR COVID UNIT OUT OF INSURANCE DEPARTMENT -- INCIDENT COMMAND STRUCTURE TO A PERMANENT DIVISION.

AND YOU MAY HAVE TAKEN THE ICS TRAINING.

IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR A A ONE AND A HALF, TWO-YEAR LONG INCIDENT. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT BARBIE SAYS WE HAVE TO SHIFT THIS OVER AND SHE IS DOING IT.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? WAS COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN WE'LL HEAR FROM COMIGHTSER GARCIA -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS JUST GOING TO MAKE A MOTION IF

THERE ARE NO MORE QUESTIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: TO MORE QUESTIONS. I JUST WANTED TO SAY TO DIRECTOR ROBINSON, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT WORK.

MY REQUEST OF YOU IS THAT WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO PUT AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT NOT NECESSARILY ROBUST, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE WORKING WITH YOU TO BUILD THE RIGHT ORGANIZATION LOOKING FORWARD AND WITH AS MUCH OF THIS PANDEMIC WE HAVE IN OUR REARVIEW MIRROR TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY AND THAT WE ARE VISIONARY BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DOING THINGS TO MAKE US MORE TARGET HARDENED AGAINST A FUTURE PAN DEPP MICK AND POTENTIALLY A FUTURE WAY.

>> I WILL SECOND HIS MOTION. THE BEST WAY TO SHOW SUPPORT IS TO SECOND THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS ANOTHER QUESTION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: DIRECTOR ROBINSON, COUNSEL ROBINSON, LET ME ASK THE QUESTION A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT WAY SO THAT MY POOR LITTLE BRAIN CAN WRAP AROUND IT BETTER.

ARE YOU SAYING THAT IF WE PASS THIS TODAY THAT IN THE END OF SIX MONTHS WE WILL BE SPENDING THE LESS MONEY THAN IF WE CONTINUE IN THE PATHWAY WE ARE RIGHT NOW?

>> YES, SIR. FROM THE PIC FUNDING.

>> HOW MUCH FROM THE PIC FUND WILL WE SAVE IF WE VOTE FOR

THIS TODAY. >> APPROXIMATELY $15 MILLION.

>> $APPROXIMATELY $-- APPROXIMATELY $15 MILLION.

>> WE ARE GOING TO PUT A MARKER ON THE CALENDAR AND I AM GOING TO CALL YOU ON THE PHONE IN SIX MONTHS AND YOU ARE GONE PHO TELL ME WHETHER WE HAVE MET THIS GOAL OF SAVING $15 MILLION. IS THAT A DEAL?

>> YES, SIR. AND I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT WE ONLY USED WHAT WE NEEDED. THERE HAS TO BE AN EXPEPPED -- AN EXPENDITURE FOR US TO ASK FOR THE FUNDING AND EXECUTE ON THATTEN COME BRANSES. ENCUMBRANCE.

IT WAS FOR A SHIFT IF OPERATIONS AS WELL AS TO DEMONSTRATE WE ARE IN RESPONSE TO COVID BY LOOKING AT OPPORTUNITIES TO UTILIZE OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING TO COVER

THE COSTS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S A LOT OF WORD AND I'LL BOIL IT DOWN TO THIS.

YOU KNOW I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE PIC FUND AND IF I VOTE FOR THIS YOU SAY I CAN SAVE $15 MILLION OVER A PIC FUND.

YOU AND I WILL HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE IN SIX MONTHS AND I WILL LOOK AT NEW IN THE EYEBALL AND SAY YOU WERE SPOT ON OR FUSS AT YOU AT THE TIME.

IS THAT A DEAL? >> YES, SIR.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL RIGHT. >> TOM RAMSEY: AND THE POSITIONS WE ARE VOTING ON, IS THIS PERMANENT? IS THIS A CHANGE TO HOW WE DO PUBLIC HEALTH?

>> THEY ARE TIED TO THE GRANT.

SO FOR THE TIME OF THE GRANT WHICH IS A THREE-YEAR PERIOD THEY WOULD BE IN EXISTENCE. WE HAVE FOLKS WHO ARE CONTRACTORS THAT ARE RESPONDING TO COVID RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD SHIFT TO THOSE POSITIONS.

>> SO IT IS A THREE-YEAR -- I AM VOTING ON A THREE-YEAR DEAL AND NOT A PEARL NENT DEAL? PERMANENT DEAL.

>> YES, SIR. >> AND SO THE GRANT THAT IS PAYING HALF OF THIS -- I'M SORRY, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY,

WERE YOU DONE? >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH.

[03:25:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND SO BARBIE, THE GRANT THAT IS PAYING FOR A GOOD CHUNK OF THIS, IT REQUIRES CERTAIN POSITIONS TO BE CLASSIFIED. BUT I ALSO WANT TO CLARIFY THAT NOT ONLY ARE WE ADDING SPOTS, BUT YOU BASICALLY -- IT IS THE SAME SLOTS, THE SAME NUMBER, ROUGHLY.

>> WE ARE ADDING CERTAIN POSITIONS BECAUSE WE ARE TRANSITIONING CERTAIN FOLKS BACK TO PREPAREDNESS FOR A BROADER RESPONSE ACTIVITIES. WE NEED TO RE -- REPLACE THAT LEADERSHIP WITH A NEW FTE. SO A MAJORITY OF THEM ARE EXISTING CONTRACTOR POSITIONS.

SOME PEOPLE ARE GOING BACK TO PREPAREDNESS WORK TO PREPARE FOR WHATEVER RESPONSES WE WILL HAVE IN THE FUTURE.

AND THEREFORE WE NEED NEW PEOPLE.

FOR THE MOST PART IT IS THE MAJORITY OF THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR FOLKS THAT ARE HONEST CONTRACTORS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE A MOTION. COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU -- DIRECTOR, THE NEXT ONE HAS TO DO WITH YOU AS WELL.

IT IS EYE -- ITEM 7 -- EXCUSE ME.

ITEM 8. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU

FLAGGED THAT ONE. >> TOM RAMSEY: AGAIN, SAME KIND OF QUESTION, JUDGE. THIS IS A GRANT.

IS THIS GRANT FOR FUNDING TEMPORARY POSITIONS OR IS THIS WITH THE INTENT OF A PERMANENT POSITION WE WILL FUND?

>> SIR, THESE ARE TERM-LIMITED POSITIONS FOR THE LIFE OF THE GRANT. SO THE POSITIONS THAT WE ARE BRINGING IN, WE ARE ADVERTISING AND RECRUITING PEOPLE WHO WILL KNOW THAT THESE POSITIONS ARE TERM-LIMITED AND TIME-LIMITED BASED ON THE TIMING OF THE GRANT OR THE DURATION OF THE GRANT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 9.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU FLAGGED THIS ONE AS THE LOPE STAR LEGAL AID AGREEMENT. LONE STAR LEGAL.

AND SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE OF LAW AND THURGOOD MARSHAL SCHOOL OF LAW. FOR LEGAL AND SOCIAL POLICY.

THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON LAW CENTER.

THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING TIRELESSLY TO KEEP FOLKS FROM BEINGY VIC -- FROM BEING EVICTED AND I WANT TO SAY THAT AMONG THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE DURING THIS PANDEMIC TO RESPOND TO IT, THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ONES. WE HAVE HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES AND IF NOT FOR THIS PANDEMIC IT WOULDN'T -- IF NOT FOR THE GOOD WORK OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS WE MAY HAVE SEEN MORE INSTANTANEOUS HOUSING AND PAYING FOR THEIR OWN BILLS TO FOLKS ON THE STREETS. THIS IS -- AGAIN, -- SO IN ONE DAY THE SINGLE NUMBER OF EVICTIONS WAS 827 PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC. THERE'S 50 TO 200 CASES FILED EVERY DAY AND THERE ARE NOW 500 TO A THOUSAND FAMILIES WHO RECEIVED AN EVICTION NOTICE. THIS WORK REMAINS CRITICAL AND THE MORATORIUM IS ABOUT TO END.

JUST WANT TO APPLAUD ALL OF THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE EVICTION DEFENSE COALITION. I WANT TO THANK MY OFFICE IN PARTICULAR. WE ENDED UP DOING SOME WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY CENTERS AND WE WERE ABLE TO SERVE 400 FOLKS IN A MATTER OF HOURS. JUST WANT TO APPLAUD THEM AND THEIR WORK. I WILL MOVE ON THIS ITEM, JUDGE. LEAN THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER

AND EVERYONE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,

[03:30:01]

ANY OPPOSED? PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> ITEM 8 NEEDS TO BE MOTIONED AND VOTED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 11. THAT IS THE GIFT CARD AND I THINK COMMISSIONER CAGLE MAY HAVE FLAGGED THAT ONE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A COUPLE OF ISSUES WITH REGARD TO THIS. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH OF THIS REQUIRES ACTION AND HOW MUCH OF THIS IS TRANSMITAL THEREFORE ALL WE DO IS DISCUSS IT.

BUT THE INITIAL $2 MILLION WAS ISSUED TO A COMPANY CALLED USIO, INC. WHICH IS A CALIFORNIA COMPANY.

I DID CALL DWIGHT TO TRY TO GET INFORMATION ON THESE CARDS AND WHAT WAS GOING ON AND HOW THESE WERE APPROVED.

HE DID TRY TO ANSWER MY VERY POIGNANT QUESTIONS.

WITH ALE DUE RESPECT -- WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO HIM, HE DIDN'T ANSWER ALL OF MY QUESTIONS, AND I'M SURE THE FAULT IS ON MY SIDE. I DID GIVE HIM A CALL.

THE PART OF THE ISSUE I HAVE IS HERE AND WE HAVE THIS CALIFORNIA COMPANY THAT IS GOING TO MAKE THIS NICE LITTLE PROFIT OFF OF THIS FAIRLY MAJOR FINANCIAL TRANSACTION OF $2 MILLION. I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS COMPANY. I PREVIOUSLY OBJECTED TO THIS VETTING PROCESS WE HAD. I UNDERSTAND THAT THINGS HAD TO BE DONE IN A HURRY. OI -- I FOE OUR OWN CREDIT UNION CAN ISSUE A CARD AND THE SERVICE FEE IS 2.75 AND THAT WOULD HAVE BENEFITED OUR OWN EMPLOYEES.

APPARENTLY THERE IS A REASON WHY WE COULDN'T USE THEM.

WE COULD HAVE USED HEV. HEV DOESN'T CHARGE A FEE, BUT APPARENTLY THERE IS A REASON WHY WE COULDN'T USE THE LOCAL HEV THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT IT BUSINESS.

I DON'T QUITE UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS.

THEY WEREN'T BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THIS SIZE OF CARDS.

WE COULD HAVE USED WALMART. WALMART CERTAINLY SO HAVE BEEN LARGE ENOUGH TO HANDLE THIS TRANSACTION.

A LOT OF THIS IS ACADEMIC, JUDGE, AND I CAN READ YOUR MIND SAYING YOU ARE AGAINST THE WHOLE CONCEPT SO WHY ARE YOU GETTING INTO THE WEEDS OF THIS? I HAVE THESE CONCERNS AND WE ALL -- EVEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS SAID BEFORE WHY NOT GIVE IT TO LOCAL PEOPLE? THIS 2.7 ON A $2 MILLION TRANSACTION COULD HAVE GONE LOCAL IN MY OPINION. I KNOW THE $300,000 THAT WAS THE SECOND BATCH THAT GOT AUTHORIZED WAS OUT OF A DALLAS COMPANY. THAT'S ALMOST LIKE CALIFORNIA, BUT NOT QUITE. IT IS STILL IN THE CONFINES OF TEXAS. AND IT HELPS WITH FUNDING THAT'S THERE. I AM STILL STRUGGLING -- THE BACKDROP IS I AM OPPOSED TO THIS KIND OF A PROCESS.

WHEN WE LOOK AT WHERE WE ARE DOING IT, HOW IT GOT TO WHERE WE ARE CHOOSING THESE FOLKS, I HAVE SERIOUS ISSUES WITH REGARD TO THAT. WHY DON'T WE USE LOCAL BANKS AND OUR OWN CREDIT UNION AND OUR OWN LOCAL STORES AND OUR OWN FOLKS? IF WE WILL BE IN THIS KIND OF A LARGE GIVE AWAY, TO ME, IF I CAN CHANNEL MY OWN NERDISHNESS, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE OLD DRIT TISH CIRCUSES -- BRIT TESH CIRCUSES OF THE ROMAN DAYS TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO GET THE SHOTS. THERE IS A SLIGHT NEGATIVE CONNOTATION THAT ROME LOVED IT.

JULIUS CEASER GOT HIS POWER THROUGH THE BEST OUT THERE.

I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS A DWIGHT QUESTION AND HE CAN TRY TO EXPLAIN IT TO ME AGAIN. I UNDERSTAND THAT ON ALL OF THESE WE ARE GETTING CHARGED A LITTLE MORE THAN 2.75 RATE INTEREST IS WHICH -- WHICH DWIGHT SAID WAS NOT THAT MUCH OUT OF ORDER WITH WHAT YOU WOULD GET IF YOU BOUGHT AT THE WALGREENS, THE CREDIT CARD THAT WAS THE VISA CARD.

[03:35:03]

WHY CAN'T WE USE LOCAL? >> LET ME BRIEFLY MENTION AND I WILL PASS IT ON TO DAVE WOULD HAS BEEN KNEE DEEP ON THIS. TO YOUR QUESTION ABOUT IS IT A TRANSMITAL, YES, IT IS A TRANSMITAL, AND IT IS A TRANSMITAL OF THE -- IT MERITS DISCUSSION, BUT IT IS A TRANSMITAL OF THE DECISION I MADE INITIALLY WHEN WE SAID WE NEED TO GET THIS DONE AND WE NEED TO GET PEOPLE VACCINATED AND THE GIFT CARD IDEA HAS BEEN A GOOD ONE.

AND THEN WE CAME BACK WITH THE $10 MILLION TO TRY TO EXPAND IT AND WE USED TO 415, THE FIRST DOSE.

JUST THE FIRST DOSE PER DAY AT OUR VACCINATION SITE.

THE FIRST THING WE ANNOUNCE IS A HALF DAY AND ON SATURDAY WE HAD A 529% INCREASE. WE GAVE 2,714 VACCINES THROUGHOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH. NOBODY THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO BE OPEN VACCINATION SITES. AND TODAY WE ARE OPENING AN ADDITIONAL STADIUM OVER IN SHELDON AND ON THURSDAY WE ARE HAVING TO MOVE OUT OF NRG IN PART BECAUSE OF TEXANS TO GIVE -- TO GIVE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY.

ALL-AROUND AND PART OF THE SUCCESS IS GIVING A GIFT CARD THAT IS NOT TO A PARTICULAR VENDOR.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS A VISA OR MASTER CAR, BUT IT IS A CASH CARD. YOU CAN SPEND IT ANYWHERE.

HOW DO WE HELP THE LOCAL ECONOMY? I AM ENCOURAGED TO SAY WHEN YOU GET THE GIFT CARD, SPEND IT ON THE LOCAL BUSINESSES. THEY ARE HURTING.

WE HAVE THE NUMBERS FROM THE HARVARD UNIVERSITY THAT THE BUSINESSES ARE HURTING. FROM WHAT WE HAVE SEEN, WE HAVE GIVEN GIFT CARDS AT NRG TO THE SPECIFIC -- TO THE HEVS OF THE WORLD, THE WALMARTS OF THE WORLD, THEY JUST DON'T DO WELL IF I WHERE. THE LAST THING I WILL SAY IS THIS FROM WHAT I -- FROM THE LIMITED VANTAGE POINT I HAVE, IT REMINDS ME OF TRYING TO GET OUR HANDS ON THE MASKS AND THE PPE EARLY ON IN THE PANDEMIC. YOU REMEMBER THAT.

EVERYBODY IS SEEING WHAT A RESULT THE GIFT CARDS ARE HAVING. THE CHALLENGE HAS BEEN GETTING THESE GIFT CARDS ON HAND AND ON TIME AND GETTING TO MEET THE DEMAND. IT IS JUST HARD.

I SUSPECT IF THERE IS A LOCAL VENDOR THAT IS COMPETITIVE THESE GUYS WOULD CONSIDER IT. DAVE, WHY DON'T YOU WALK THROUGH THE PROCESS. BOTH OF THESE VENDORS WERE RECOMMENDED TO ME BY DWIGHT AND DAVE.

THAT WAS THE APPROVAL FOR THE GIFT CARDS.

GO AHEAD, DAVE. >> I CAN PROVIDE SOME COLOR.

TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S POINT AND THEY USE THIS PRODUCT WHICH IS SAN ANTONIO HEADQUARTERED.

THERE IS AT LEAST A TEXAS BUSINESS INVOLVED.

AND THERE IS A RECOMMENDATION OF L.A. COUNTY AND NEW YORK'S PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT. WE WILL WORK WITH VENDORS.

THE FEES ARE ACTUALLY LOWER AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, THIS VENDOR OFFERS, NUMBER ONE A VIRTUAL OPTION FOR THOSE THAT DON'T OFFER A VIRTUAL GIFT CARD.

THAT'S A VALUABLE OPTION TO HAVE.

AND THEN TO HAVE CARDS THAT ARE NOT PRE LOADED THIS IS A BIG ADVANTAGE. AND SO I DO THINK IT WAS A WELL-RESEARCHED DECISION IN SHORT.

[03:40:12]

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

AND I HAVE A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR ROBINSON THAT HEV WAS $5.95 PER CARD. I GUESS THAT'S WHAT YOU WERE SAYING 50% FOR THE OTHER ONES.

GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T WANT TO CUT ANYONE OFF, BUT I'LL MOVE IT IF THERE ARE NO MORE

QUESTIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> THIS IS A TRANSMITAL AND WE ARE JUST GOING TO ACCEPT IT,

CORRECT? >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WAS GOING TO SAY I THINK IT IS A TRANSMITAL.

WE GET TO VOTE ON IT. IF WE WANT TO.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE IF YOU

WANTED TO. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEN -- I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD GET IN THE HABIT OF VOTING ON TRANSMITALS. WE HAD THAT CONVERSATION LAST TIME AND IT GOT CON -- CONFUSING.

WE WILL JUST NOTE IT AS A TRANSMITAL.

THANK YOU, DAVE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DAVE ALMOST ANSWERED THE QUESTION OF HOW DO WE GET IT COMPANY? WE GOT THIS COMPANY BECAUSE NEW YORK WAS USING IT?

>> I THINK THEY HAD DONE PROGRAMS TO SCALE, BUT I ALSO THINK THEY HAVE AN SLEPT -- AN EXCELLENT PRODUCT AND FROM SUPPORTING FOLKS WHO HAVE GIFT CARDS BECAUSE THEY LOTS HIM.

-- LOST HIM. >> AND DID WE LOOK AT ANYBODY

ELSE? >> YES.

OH YES. >> I WILL SAY, COMMISSIONER WE LOOKED AT THE COMPANY WE USED OUT OF DALLAS THAT WE ARE USING FOR OTHER CARDS, AND THOSE -- THE COMPANY DIDN'T HAVE ALL OF THE FEATURES FARCE -- AS FAR AS NOT PRE-LOADING. WE ARE STILL BUYING SOME ADDITIONAL CARD FROM THAT COMPANY AND WE HAVE PHYSICAL CARDS IN HAND. THE COST FOR THOSE CARD ARE COMPLETELY WITH SHIPPING AND THAT EXPEDITED SHIPPING IS $3.33 A CARD. THAT'S KIND OF THE COST.

AND WE REACHED OUT TO WALMART, BUT THEY USE THE SAME THIRD-PARTY VENDORS WE ARE USING TO BUY THEIR CARDS.

AND EVEN THE CREDIT UNION HAS A THIRD-PARTY THEY USE.

WE ARE UTILIZING THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE SAFE WHEN THEY WERE WIRED OUT. THE COMPANY WE ARE USING FROM DALLAS IS THE COMPANY WE ARE USING FROM THE PAST.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ONE LAST QUESTION AND THIS IS TO JAY OR

TO CHRISTIAN MENEFEE. >> YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE GOT A LETTER THIS MORNING THAT SAID WE'VE GOT $10 MILLION MORE GOING TO THIS USIO.

IS THAT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS TODAY BECAUSE OF THIS AGENDA ITEM OR WILL THAT BE ANOTHER TRANSMITAL THAT WILL BE

DISCUSSED IN TWO WEEKS? >> IS IT RELATED TO THIS? I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE LETTER YOU HAVE IN YOUR HAND.

YAK

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK IT IS THE SAME THING AS THE

TRANSACTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE THE BROAD COVID ITEM SO I FEEL LIKE COULDN'T HE DISCUSS IT

UNDER THAT. >> YOU CERTAINLY CAN IF YOU

WANT TO DISCUSS IT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, JUDGE. MY QUESTION IS WITH REGARD TO THE -- YOU KNOW, WE'VE DONE 2 MILLION.

WE HAVE DONE THE 300,000. THERE IS 10 MILLION THAT WILL RECEIVE THE TRANSMITAL. IS THERE A ROUND THREE THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT, JUDGE? HOW LONG ARE WE GOING TO BE

GIVING THESE OUT? >> WE ARE PLAYING THESE BY YEAR. THAT'S WHY THEY HAVE COME AT ODD TIMES. YOU RECALL THE INITIAL APPROVAL IS DONE AND THEN WE CAME TO COURT AND NOW THERE WAS ANOTHER ONE. WE ARE PHYSICALLY RUNNING OUT OF CARDS. WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE UP TICK WOULD BE FOR THIS THING. WE ALSO DON'T WANT TO HAVE A BUNCH OF CARD SITTING AROUND. THE DEMAND CONTINUES TO GO UP. WE WILL HAVE TO SEE THE NUMBERS. NRG IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS.

WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT TODAY SHOWS US.

IF PEOPLE CONTINUE TO GET A VACCINE BECAUSE THEY ARE GETTING $100, I THINK WE NEED TO CONTINUE DOING THIS TO MITIGATE THIS PANDEMIC. I HAVE GOTTEN A QUESTION, IS IT WORTH IT? $100 COMPARED TO A HOSPITAL STAY AND COMPARED TO A DEATH OR COMPARED TO TAKING UP A BED SOMEBODY ELSE NEEDS SEEMS LIKE A SMALL PRICE TO PAY AND WHEN I FIRST ANNOUNCED IT I SAID YOU HAVE TO BE CREATIVE.

[03:45:01]

IF WE CONTINUE TO SEE HIGH PARTICIPATION, WE WILL EVALUATE BASED ON THAT. IT IS ANYONE'S GUESS, COMMISSIONER. I HOPE WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE THE EXCITEMENT IN WHICH CASE WE WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE WITH

THE EXPENDITURES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND DRIVE WISE, EVERYBODY HAS A KNACK TO SAVE ON THEIR CAR INSURANCE.

INCENTIVES ARE ALL-AROUND. I WISH WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO IT AND THAT IT WOULD MAKE SENSE, BUT THE NUMBERS THAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING IN TERMS OF VACCINATIONS ARE EXCITING.

AND FOR THAT I'M GRATE -- GRATEFUL.

AND A FEW MEETINGS AGO I WAS HARPING ON THE FACT THAT WE STILL HAD TWO ZIP CODES AND PROBLEMATIC.

SO I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THOSE NUMBERS AND ZIP CODES CHANGE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR IT.

THE LEADERSHIP WE HAVE WHEN YOU CAN PUT MORE REQUIREMENTS ON AND YOU HAVE MORE OF A CULTURE AND PEOPLE ARE GIVING VACCINES. IT IS A RED STATE THAT THE GOVERNOR IS ONE OF THE FIRST AND I THOUGHT WE GOT INTO SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND I THINK WE MAY BE IN THIS FOR THE LONG HAUL. WHO KNOWS? I HOPE IT ENDS SOON. WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO BE COURAGEOUS. THANK YOU.

I'M PLEASED THAT THE TRANSMITAL IS THERE.

>> AND COMMISSIONER REMEMBER THE ITEM WAS TO SEE HOW WE CAN EXTEND IT. THAT'S PART OF THE DISCUSSION THAT PUBLIC HEALTH IS WORKING OUT THE LOGISTICS.

TO WHAT EXTENT -- IF IT IS WORKING -- WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY IS IF IT IS NOT SHOWING RESULTS, THERE IS NO REASON TO CONTINUE. LIKE THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WE ARE PHASING OUT BECAUSE IT IS NOT REALLY SHOWING MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE. WE ARE ALL GUESSING.

IT IS THE SAME THING I SAID TO YOU GUYS WHEN I BROUGHT THE 10 MILLION AND THE FIRST 250. WE ARE THE EXPERIMENT.

THERE ARE NO BEST PRACTICES. THERE IS JUST -- WE ARE LEARNING AS WE GO AND SEEING FROM JURISDICTIONS THAT THIS IS WORKING. WE SAID LET'S TRY IT.

IT WORKED FOR US SO OTHER JURISDICTIONS ARE CALLING US.

IT IS VERY MUCH A REALTIME RESPONSE AND TRIAL AND ERROR AND PAING MORE FUNDING INTO -- AND PUTTING MORE FUNDING INTO WHAT LOOKS TO BE WORKING. IF IT STOPS WORKING, WE WON'T CONTINUE. SO THERE WAS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS WAS IT? COMMISSIONER GARCIA SECOND?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I THOUGHT YOU DECIDED WE WERE

NOT VOTING ON TRANSMITALS. >> LINA HIDALGO: I FORGOT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I'M READY TO VOTE OR NOT WHATEVER TO BE

CONSISTENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S NOT VOTE ON TRANSMITALS. ITEM 12 IS THE BROAD COVID ITEM. THE NOTE HERE IS SIMPLY THAT INDICATORS REMAIN AT RED. HOWEVER, THE GENERAL POPULATION COMBED -- BEDS WE HAVE SEEN ON -- A DECREASE.

THE SET TRACK CONTINUES TO INCREASE.

THE ICU BEDS -- WE ARE SEEING A SMALLER INCREASE.

WE HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE. A SMALLER INCREASE AND THEN IT TICKS BACK UP. WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT IT MEANS WE ARE APPROACHING A PEAK. THERE IS NO TELLING EXACTLY WE NEED TO WAIT A FEW MORE WEEKS.

AND EVEN WHERE THE PEAK IS IT IS QUITE HIGH AND WE HAVE THESE STAFFING ISSUES. WE ARE VERY FOCUSED ON VACCINATIONS STILL. WE ARE ADDING TO YOU ALL THE SHELDON ISD STADIUM AND THE NEW SITE ON THE G2.

WE ARE ALSO ADDING CAPACITY TO THE MOBILE UNITS.

AND NOW THE CAPACITY IS INCREASING THE TOTAL CAPACITY, THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH CAN PROVIDE.

AND THE ONLY OTHER UPDATE IS ON THE NURSES WE DISCUSSED

[03:50:03]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, IN AN ODD WAY OR AN AWKWARD WAY, I NEED TO THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF.

WHEN YOU WENT TO CODE RED, YOU DID NOT UTILIZE YOUR EMERGENCY POWER SHUTDOWN THE LIBRARIES COMPLETELY, BUT ONLY BROUGHT THEM DOWN TO 50%. YOUR STAFFERS CALLED US TO LET US KNOW BECAUSE YOU WERE AWARE HOW IMPORTANT OUR LIBRARIES ARE IN PRECINCT 4 EVEN IN A COVID ENVIRONMENT.

THERE HAS TO BE A PLACE FOR THE KID TO GO.

FOR THE KIDS TO GO. THERE IS THE ADAGE THAT BEGGARS ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE THINGS THAT ARE RECEIVED.

I AM NOT TRYING TO SAY THAT ADAGE COMPLETELY, BUT I AM GRATEFUL THAT THE LIBRARIES WERE NOT COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN AND THERE WAS LEFT AN AVENUE IN THERE.

THANK YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR STAFF FOR LETTING US KNOW THAT THEY WERE TO THE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN.

WE WERE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF BOTH OF THOSE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

IT IS A BALANCING ACT. THAT WAS A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT. I'M CONFIDENT IT WAS THE RIGHT ONE. IT IS TOUGH.

WE ARE SEEING A LOT OF CASES IN OUR JAILS AND JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITIES. WE HOPE IT WILL CALM ITSELF DOWN SOON. NO ACTION ON THAT ITEM,

JAMES. >> JUDGE, I DO HAVE A MOTION FROM EARLIER THIS MORNING. WE WILL JUST LEAVE IT AT

THAT? >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT.

THAT WAS VOTED ON. >> SO NO MORE ACTION ON THIS ITEM? NO MORE ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. ITEM 13 IS AN UPDATE ON THE CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG. DAVE? I KNOW THERE IS A REQUEST FOR THE EXTENSION OF JURY OPERATIONS. THERE IS AN UPDATE FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE WHICH WE HEARD. AND THEN THERE ARE OTHER INITIATIVES IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK TO THEM, DAVE, OR IF FOLKS HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS.

AND WE DO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE $1.5 MILLION TO EXTEND NRG THROUGH DECEMBER 20TH.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, I PULLED THIS ONE OUT MAINLY BECAUSE I CONSIDER CRIME AS A BIG A DEAL AS COVID.

I CONSIDER THIS A PART OF THE ATTACK OF THAT.

I THINK THE D.A.'S WORDS WERE CLEAR IN TERMS OF WHAT SHE NEEDED. THIS LOOKS TO SUPPORT THE INITIAL EFFORT. SOUNDS LIKE SHE IS COMING BACK FOR MORE AT SOME POINT. WE DID LOOK AT THE DASHBOARD AND WE DID DRILL DOWN A BIT. I AM HERE TO TELL YOU THE HIGHEST CLEARANCE RATE IS 178.

THELYEST IS 33 -- THE LOWEST IS 338 AND THEY NEVER HAD A TRIAL PRESIDENT I AM GOING TO BE USING THE DASHBOARD INFORMATION THAT IS UP THERE AND THAT WE CAN LOOK AT AND START LOOKING AT THESE COURTS BECAUSE WE NEED -- THAT'S THE BIGGEST THING IS FOR THE COURTS TO GET AGGRESSIVE AND DEAL WITH THESE TRIALS. THOSE ARE MY TWO COMMENTS

RELATED TO THIS ITEM. >> IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE $1.5 MILLION TO EXTEND JURY OPERATIONS --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> . >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

I KNOW THE BACKLOG DASHBOARDS ARE IF PROGRESS.

I AGREE WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

THERE IS USEFUL INFORMATION TO START WITH AND I THINK THERE IS STILL A WAY TO GO. I SAW ONE YESTERDAY AND IT IS PDF'S AND IT NEEDS TO BE TO THE A PDF.

>> TOM RAMSEY: AGREED. >> LINA HIDALGO: DAVE, IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP IN THAT EFFORT RIGHT NOW? IS IT MOVING?

>> THE DASHBOARDS THAT WERE PUT UP ARE ACTUALLY PREPARED BY THE OFFICE OF COURT MANAGEMENT.

THEY PREPARED THEIR OWN DISASH BOARD -- OWN DASHBOARD.

[03:55:01]

WE PROVIDED FEEDBACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU STILL

WORKING ON ONE AS WELL? >> WE HAVE ONE INTERNATIONALLY WITH THE SAME INFORMATION. I THINK MY SENSE IS IF THE COURTS ARE PUBLISHING THEM AND THEY ARE THE DIRECT PROVIDERS OF THE DATA AND THE JUDGE IS WILLING TO BE CLEAR WITH THE PUBLIC, I THINK THAT'S APPROPRIATE.

I DON'T FEEL THE COUNTY NEEDS ANOTHER SORT OF DASHBOARD WITH

THE SAME INFORMATION. >> AT WHAT POINT IS IT APPROPRIATE AND I WILL ASK ONE OTHER QUICK THING AND WE WILL HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND GARCIA.

AT ONE POINT IS IT APPROPRIATE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION OF THIS WAS THE BACKLOG OF APRIL OF 2021 AND THIS IS HOW MUCH THEY ARE GETTING THROUGH. THE D.A. MENTIONED SOME OF THE CASES AND HOW THE BACKLOG IS ACTUALLY GOING DOWN INSTEAD OF UP. HER INITIATIVE IS ONE PIECE OF IT. THERE IS ALSO ALL OF THE MONEY WE HAVE INVESTED IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

AT WHAT POINT CAN WE SEE THAT? I UNDERSTAND IT TAKES TIME FOR THAT PROGRESS TO BE MADE.

WOULD THAT COME FROM YOU? WHO CAN WALK US THROUGH THE EX -- EXTENT TO WHICH THE THEORY WE HAD THAT LEAD TO OUR INVESTMENTS IS PANNING OUT OR NOT PANNING OUT?

>> MY TEAM, THE BUDGET TEAM. THEY ARE WORKING WITH JAD AND THE OFFICE OF COURT MANAGEMENT IS OUTLINING A SHORT REPORT ON THE BACKLOG IN PROGRESS ON THESE KNISH -- INITIATIVES.

WE HAVE COMMISSIONERS' COURT IN THREE WEEKS AND I WILL BE

READY TO PRESENT THAT THEN. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO MAKE THE DASHBOARD MORE USER FRIENDLY. WE PASSED THAT ON TO THE JUDGES AND THE COURT ADMINISTRATION.

A SUGGESTION IS A SMALL GROUP.

THEY ARE INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED.

I THINK WE CAN GET MORE AS A SMALL GROUP TO JUST TELL THEM -- TO GIVE SOME CONTEXT AROUND THE DASHBOARD OF WHAT CAN BE DONE. IF THAT DOES WORK THEN WE CAN ACCELERATE A LITTLE BIT. THAT'S MY RECOMMENDATION.

IF IT IS A SMALLER GROUP, SEE HOW WE GET THERE AND HEAR THEIR CONCERNS AS WELL. IF IT DOES WORK, WE CAN ALWAYS

ACCELERATE IT. >> THE QUESTION OF EVALUATING OUR INVESTMENTS IS IMPORTANT. TIME IN MOTION STUDIES AND DOING SOME 9,000 WORK AND IT WOULD BE WORTH WHILE.

>> AS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TOUCHED ON, THIS IS WHY WE WANTED THE DASHBOARD SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHETHER THE INVESTMENTS ARE HAVING AN IMPACT.

IF NOT, WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT.

I WOULD BE A PRO PONE INEPT OF THE EVALUATION OF OUR -- PROPONENT OF WHETHER OUR INVESTMENTS ARE BEARING FRUIT. IT IS A FAIR QUESTION TO ASK.

>> UNDERSTAND, COMMISSIONER. AND THEY HAVE PUT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO ADDING NEW COURTS AND ADDING MAURY SOURCES AND ADDING MORE PROSECUTORS AND EXPANDING THE JURY POOL AND THE JURY SPACE. WE ARE GOING ONE BY ONE TO EVALUATE EACH ONE OF THEM. IF THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE WORKING YOU CAN DO MORE. IF THEY ARE THINGS THAT ARE

NOT WORKING, WE CAN REDIRECT. >> SO WE VOTED ON THE NRG MOTION. WE ARE AT TWO HOURS AND IT SOUND LIKE FOLKS ARE OKAY WITHOUT A LONGER LUNCH BREAK.

LET'S BREAK FOR 15 MINUTES AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS. IT IS 2:23 AND WE WILL RETURN

AT 2:40. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 2:44

[04:00:07]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE DO YOU HAVE THE BADGE ON?

ON YOUR LAPEL? >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS MY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PIN.

NOTHING NEW. >> R. JACK CAGLE: OH, OKAY.

I GOT CUFF LINKS. >> LINA HIDALGO: NICE.

MAYBE THAT WAS COMMISSIONER RADACK.

THANK YOU. ITEM 14 IS ON THE FISCAL YEAR TRANSITION PLAN. THAT'S COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S

ITEM. >> TOM RAMSEY: A COUPLE OF CONCERNS RELATED TO THE TRANSITION.

LET ME START BY SAYING I AGREE -- WE HAVE HAD A FISCAL YEAR THAT MADE SENSE. OURS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, AND SO I ABSOLUTELY THINK WHAT -- THINK WE NEED TO CHANGE THE FISCAL YEAR. MY CONCERN ON WHEN WE DO IT, WHEN I THINK ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN HARRIS COUNTY RIGHT NOW, WE ARE GOING THROUGH COVID WHICH TENDS TO IMPACT EVERYBODY'S BUDGET AND IT IS HARD TO SEE WHAT IS TEMPORARY AND WHAT IS PERMANENT.

WE ARE GOING THROUGH A TRANSITION CHANGE IN THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR. THERE ARE A LOT OF THOSE CHANGES. THERE ARE A LOT OF RESIGNATIONS OF PEOPLE LEAVING THE COUNTY.

WE HAVE A LOT OF DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP THAT IS NOT THERE.

WE HAD NEW DEPARTMENTS AND WE HAVE A BUDGET CHALLENGE AND WE WILL GET INTO THAT WITH THE BIG -- WITH THE BUDGET

DISCUSSION. >> IS THIS THE BEST TIME TO DO THE FRAN -- IS THIS THE BEST TIME TO DO THE TRANSITION WITH ALL OF THOSE THINGS IF FLUX. THAT'S MY QUESTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DAVE SPH -- DAVE? ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO TAKE THAT QUESTION.

>> SURE. I THINK IT IS A FAIR QUESTION. I FEAR THERE IS NO PERFECT TIME. I ALSO KNOW THE TEAM IS LR WORKING ON A PLAN TO IMPLEMENT IT THIS YEAR.

WE GOT IT STARTED. MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO GO AHEAD. IF FOR ANY REASON THE I.T.

SYSTEM HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO, WE CAN CALL A TIME-OUT.

SO I THINK IT IS A FAIR QUESTION.

I THINK THIS HELPS OUR BUDGET CHALLENGES THE PASSING A BUDGET BEFORE WE AT THE TIME -- WE SET A TAX RATE IS VERY CHALLENGING WHEN TIMES ARE TIGHT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THERE A SPECIFIC MOTION YOU NEED?

>> THIS IS JUST A TRANSMITAL. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE COMMISSIONERS' COURT KNEW WHERE WE ARE HEADED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT SAID DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION SO IT IS JUST DISCUSSION. COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, THIS IS A DISCUSSION ITEM THAT WE HAVE HAD FOR YEARS. I THINK IT IS A GOOD THING FOR US TO DO. I DO HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS I PENT TO ASK DAVE. I TALKED TO HIM ON SELF-THINGS , BUT HAVE YOU DONE A FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MOVING THE BUDGET DATES SPH -- DATES? AND ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ARE

THERE COSTS IN THE COUNTIES. >> I KNOW EVERY FEW YEARS WE HAVE A PRETTY BIG FINANCIAL IMPACT.

[04:05:05]

>> THIS IS MY UNDERRING. THIS IS MY UNDERSTANDING.

SIX MONTHS AGO THEY APPROVED A MOTION TO GET THIS GOING.

IF THERE ARE SOME ISSUES CAUSING A PROBLEM LET'S STOP.

AS FOR THE COST IMPACT, I CAN'T SAY WE HAVE THAT NUMBER AND THERE WILL BE AN EXTRA AUDIT.

I DON'T WANT TO SAY 0 COSTS. IN TERMS OF THE ACTUAL TRANSITION, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE THIS ONE PERIOD THAT IS GOING TO BE A 7TH MONTH OR 12TH MONTH BUDGET.

WHEN YOU DO YOUR AM -- ANALYSIS -- WHEN YOU DO YOUR AM SIS -- ANALYSIS WE CAN DO A 19-MONTH BUDGET AND IT MAY TAKE SOME OF THE IMPACTS OUT AND ANOTHER THING WE CAN DO IS WHEN WE GO THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS IS CAN DO THE BUDGET PROCESS FOR THE SEVEN-MONTH SHORT ONE SO WE DON'T HAVE TO DO BACK TO BACK BUDGETS IN THE NORMAL FRAMEWORK FOR MID-YEAR AND WE WOULD HAVE THAT INITIATING ONE BE LIKE A MID-YEAR. AND THE 12-MONTH AFTERWARDS AND WHEN YOU DO -- WHEN YOU DO YOUR COST BENEFIT OF DOING THOSE TWO OPTIONS WE WILL HAVE THE SETTLEMENT BUDGET AND A 12-MONTH BUDGET AND WE CAN DO IT SEPARATELY AND THEN DO IT

AGAIN OVER SEVEN MONTHS. >> I AM HAPPY TO DISCUSS IT FURTHER. I THINK WE HAVE DONE THAT EVALUATION AND A PLAN. HARRIS COUNTY, I THINK WE ARE TOO BIG WITH NOT HAVING AN AUDIT REPORT.

WE CAN'T DO THAT. A SMALL COMPANY MAY BE ABLE TO. WE NEED TO HAVE TWO DIFFERENT FISCAL YEARS IN TERMS OF OUR AUDIT.

IN TERMS OF THE BUDGET PROCESS, WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED HERE AND I AM ACUTELY AWARE OF BUDGET FATIGUE.

IF YOU DO A BUDGET AND THEN STOP AND START OVER AGAIN WE WILL WEAR PEOPLE OUT. AND WE ASK FOR THEM TO APPROVE, MEANING AUTHORIZE THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS AND THEN THE NEXT IS A PLANNING BUDGET.

WE DON'T WANT TO DO A FULL BUDGET EVERY YEAR.

AND WE CHECK TO SEE IF THE REVENUE MATCHES IT.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. WE ARE PREPARED TO GIVE MR. BERRY THE SUPPORT TO MOVE FORWARD.

I KNOW DAVE HAS BEEN MUCH MORE THOUGHTFUL THAN THE OFFICE WAS

[04:10:05]

HARRIS COUNTY HAS MANAGED ON THE MID-YEAR ANYWAY.

YOU HAVE GIVEN DEPARTMENTS AND TO SOME DEGREE CASH FLOW AND THEN AT MIDYEAR YOU CORRECT THE BUDGET AND FOR ALL OF THE THINGS AND NEEDED AND THEN AT THE MID-YEAR YOU GIVE THEM THE REST OF THE BUDGET. LET'S GET CONTEMPORARY.

I AM READY TO MAKE A MOTION ON THIS.

I MOVE ON IT, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER

DISCUSSION? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU SAID A TRANSMITAL -- IS THIS A TRANSMITAL? I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO SECOND IT RODRIGUEZ

>> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS JUST DISCUSSION IS WHAT DAVE SAID.

>> NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE PLAN WE SUBMITTED JUST TO

MAKE IT CLEAR -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO NONE OF US -- WE FORGET -- HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT WE FORGET SOMETIMES SO I SECOND THE MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THERE IS -- SO THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR PLANS AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. NEXT UP IS ITEM 125.

THAT IS THE LUCE BAYOU WATER SHED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR MEETING WITH MY OFFICE AND PROVIDING US AN UPDATE ON ALL OF THE WORK GOING ON WITH LUCE BAYOU. THE LUCE BAYOU AND FLOOD CONTROL CONTINUE TO RAISE CONCERN AMONG SOME MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE CROSBY AND HUFFMAN AREA.

SOME FOLKS WERE BEING CONTACTED AND WE DUNT KNOW THERE WAS A BYPASS BEING PLANNED.

FLOOD CONTROL SAID WE WOULD PAUSE THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT, AND I HAVE BEEN CONTINUOUSLY MADE TO FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT THAT PROJECT HAS BEEN PLANNED.

FOR THE SAKE OF THE CITIZENS LISTENING, I WANT TO CONFIRM WHAT ALLEN TOLD ME AND THAT THE BYPASS HAS BEEN EFFECTIVELY CANCELED AND THAT THIS ITEM IS FOR LUCE BAYOU PROPER AND THOSE THAT ABUT THE WATERWAY.

ALLEN, CAN YOU JOIN US ONLINE AND JUST FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS WOULD ARE LISTENING OR FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS LISTENING, IF YOU CONFIRM THE STATUS OF THE LUCE BAYOU

BYPASS. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THIS IS ALLEN BLACK. YES, I CAN 100% ASSURE YOU THE BYPASS PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELED UNTIL FURTHER DIRECTION PROVIDED BY YOUR OFFICE.

THAT INFORMATION IS INCLUDED ON OUR WEBSITE PUBLICLY SO ANYBODY CAN GO AND CONFIRM THAT THERE AS WELL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER, HAVE YOU ALL PUT OUT A PRESS RELEASE TO LET THE COMMUNITY KNOW?

>> COMMISSIONER, I AM UNSURE IF WE HAVE DONE THAT PREVIOUSLY, BUT I'LL CHECK WITH MY STAFF AND MAKE SURE WE PUT THAT INFORMATION OUT PUBLICLY TO THE MEDIA AND TO

THE PUBLIC OUT THERE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WOULD

BE HELPFUL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DOES THAT

MAKE SENSE, COMMISSIONER? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO I -- SORRY. I WAS ON MUTE.

I WAS WONDERING IF THAT'S AS PRESENTED ON 125.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE FOR FLOOD CON -- CONTROL TO GIVE US AN UPDATE ON THAT.

I HAVE SOME DOWNSTREAM STUFF ON THE SAN JACINTO RIVER AND I WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE ON ANY POSSIBLE IMPACT THAT WOULD HAVE TO THE PRECINCT 4 CONSTITUENTS THAT ARE

[04:15:01]

JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE IMPACTS ARE IF ANY.

WE CAN DEAL WITH THAT LATER AND OFF LINE.

>> YES, SIR, COMMISSIONER. WILL DO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO AS PRESENTED.

ITEM 132, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

THAT IS THE MAAPNEXT. AID --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

THANK YOU FOR ALLEN AND HIS TEAM FOR WORKING WITH US.

OBVIOUSLY EVERYTHING COMING OUT OF FLOOD CONTROL IS IMPORTANT WORK. I JUST WANTED TO START TO HAVE A CONVERSATION THAT MANY MAY NOT WANT TO HEAR, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO AT LEAST PLAN -- PLANT IN THE BACK OF THE MINDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THAT IS FLOOD INSURANCE.

IF YOU EXPERIENCED FLOODING OR HIGH WATER CONDITIONS IN YOUR COMMUNITY, YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER TALKING TO SOMEONE ABOUT OBTAINING FLOOD INSURANCE.

THERE COULD BE REMEDIES THAT ARE NOT IN FLOOD WAYS AND TOMORROW THEY MIGHT BE. JUST TO HAVE A CONVERSATION TO BE THINKING ABOUT FLOOD INSURANCE IN ADVANCE.

THAT WAY THESE MAPS DON'T CAUSE ANY ADDITIONAL CONCERN OR EXPENSE AND MAYBE IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS TODAY. THAT WAS IT JUDGE.

THANK YOU. AS PRESENTED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

I ACTUALLY HAD A QUICK NOTE ON THAT ITEM AS WELL.

WELL, WE HAD TO ADJUST, FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT A 500-YEAR FLOOD IS VERSUS A 100-YEAR FLOOD, AND IT STILL SOMEHOW IS OFF SOMETIMES. I UNDERSTAND SOMETIMES -- WHAT I USED TO HEAR IS THERE IS A 500-YEAR FLOOD IN AMELDA AND THERE IS ANOTHER 500-YEAR FLOOD.

WHAT THEY SAY IS THEY ARE ALL ON DIFFERENT PLACES.

IT DOESN'T QUITE COUNT. THERE IS JUST SOMETHING THERE THAT DOES PRESIDENT ADD UP FOR ME.

WE NEED TO RIP THE BANDAID OFF AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IS ACTUALLY 500-YEAR FLOOD LEVEL AND WHAT IS ACTUALLY 100-YEAR AND 10-YEAR FLOOD LEVEL. SO I JUST WANT TO CONVEY TO DAVE AND TO ALLEN, FOR YOU GUYS TO PLEASE LOOK AT THAT.

I WOULD HATE FOR US TO HAVE THIS AND THEN MAKE A WHOLE DEAL ABOUT HOW IT IS ACCURATE AND THEN THERE IS, YOU KNOW, 3500-YEAR FLOODS IN THREE YEARS AGO -- YEARS AGAIN.

OR HUNDRED-YEAR FLOODS. OR 10-YEAR FLOODS.

WE JUST NEED TO BE REALISTIC. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE, ALLEN

AND DAVE? >> JUDGE, YES, IT DOES.

ONE OF OUR BIG EFFORTS COMING UP AND WILL BECOME MORE IN THE PUBLIC EYE IS AS THESE REMAP WATER SHEDS ARE COMPLETED AND TRANSMITTED TO FEMA AND THEN GO OUT FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND BECOME EFFECTIVE IN A YEAR AND A HALF TO TWO YEARS.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK ON THAT.

THAT HELPS GUIDE THE MANNER IN WHICH WE COMMUNICATE THAT TO THE PUBLIC. THERE HAS TO BE A LOT OF COMMUNICATION ABOUT THIS EFFORT.

IT WILL INCLUDE A LOT OF THE INFORMATION WE CAN SEE ON OUR GAUGES. THANK YOU FOR THAT COMMENT AND WE WILL BE SURE AND INCLUDE IT AS PART OF OUR PUBLIC OUT --

OUT REACH. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH.

AND I THINK IT IS A DELICATE THING BECAUSE OF WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA MENTIONED.

IT IS A DELEGATE -- DELICATE THING.

I LIKE TO ERR ON THE SIDE OF INFORMATION.

WE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN AND WHERE WE CAN BE HELPFUL. IT IS HARD TO BE BASING YOUR ACTIONS -- WHERE THE BASELINE OF INFORMATION IS NOT ACCURATE EVEN THOUGH I UNDERSTAND IT IS A TOUGH THING FOR PEOPLE TO STOMACH. I THINK PEOPLE HAVE FLOODED ENOUGH THAT THEY KIND OF KNOW, YOU KNOW.

[04:20:03]

>> NO. I THINK YOUR COMMENTS MAKE SENSE, JUDGE. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS HAPPENING IS THE FLOOD RISK IS GETTING WORSE ALL THE TIME.

IT DOES FEEL LIKE THE METRICS ARE TRYING TO CATCH UP.

THINKING 10 YEARS AHEAD, 20 YEARS AHEAD AND THE DIRECTION

I WILL WANT TO GO. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, I BROUGHT UP AT THIS TABLE AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN TERMS OF HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS. I SPHEEK -- I SPEAK AT 20 LOCATIONS A MONTH AND THIS IS AT EVERY CONVERSATION I HAVE WITH GROUPS. YOUR MAPS ARE GOING TO BE REDRAWN. NUMBER ONE, FLED FLOOD -- NEED FLOOD INSURANCE, BUT WAFER YOU ARE PAYING NOW WILL PROBABLY GO UP. I REMEMBER WHEN WE REDREW THE MAPS AFTER TROPICAL STORM ALLISON WE CALL THEM T-SORT MAPS OF EVERYBODY THOUGHT WE HAVE THE T-SORT MAPS AND IT IS WHEREY NEED TO BE. I HAVE BEEN USING JUST TO GIVE PEOPLE A SENSE OF IT, THE OLD 500-YEAR IS THE NEW 100-YEAR.

FARTHER -- PART OF THE CONVERSATION I WILL USE A TERM THE CORE USED WITH ME WHICH IS GREAT.

EVERY YEAR WE HAVE A BETTER CLIMATE UNDERSTANDING THAN WE DID THE YEAR BEFORE. WE KNOW MORE NOW THAN WE DID 40 YEARS AGO. WE KNOW MORE NOW AND WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN FOR MAPPING THAT.

ALL MAP IS A STATEMENT AND A DEFINITION AND A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT THE RISKS ARE. SO WHEN PEOPLE PURCHASE THINGS THEY CAN HAVE THAT UNDERSTANDING.

JUST BECAUSE YOU MAY NOT BE IN THE HUNDRED-YEAR PLAIN WHICH HAS BEEN A RULE OF THUMB, IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE HUNDREDS YOU'RE FINE. WHAT WE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THE CLIMATE IN THE RECENT YEARS, JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT IN THE HUNDRED DOES PRESIDENT MEAN YOU ARE -- DOESN'T MEAN YOU ARE FINE. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE ALL NEED TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME DISCUSSING IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, ALL.

IT IS JUST A TRANSMITAL SO NO NEED FOR A VOTE.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK ON THE LUCE BAYOU.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I LEAN LEG -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. 144 IS THE DISCUSSION ON THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

FIRST LET ME THANK HIM FOR HIS INCREDIBLE WORK ON THE SESSION. I UNDERSTAND HE IS GOING OFF TO GREENER PASTURES, LITERALLY GREEN, GREENER PASTURES SO I WANT TO THANK HIM FOR HIS WORK HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

JUDGE, AS WE DEBATE OUR BUDGETS AND AS WE TALK ABOUT THE RESOURCES WE GET FROM THE CITIZENS TO DO OUR WORK, I AM NOT SURE WHO WILL SUCCEED, BUT I WANT TO HAVE A CONVERSATION AND IT MAY BE -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE, BUT IT MAY BE IN FUTILITY, BUT I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DISEM -- DEMONSTRATE WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO HOW THEIR HOMES ARE BEING UH PRAISED. I GET CONCERNS FROM FOLKS WHO SAY I HAVEN'T DONE ANY IMPROVEMENT.

HOW HAS THE VALUE OF MY HOME GONE UP 10%.

I KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLEXITY INVOLVING HCAT.

IT IS NOT MY FAULT. IT IS THE LEGISLATURE.

[04:25:03]

I JUST WANT TO ADD TO THAT DISCUSSION.

AS WE PREPARE FOR THE NEXT SESSION, WE NEED TO REALLY GIVE THOUGHT TO HOW WE DEAL WITH THIS AND WORK TO HELP AND SUPPORT OUR CITIZENS. MAYBE THAT WILL BRING AN END TO THESE CONTRACTS THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS TALKS ABOUT AND BRINGS ATTENTION TO AND THERE IS A BIGGER PICTURE THERE. I WANT TO JUST PUT A MARKER ON

THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT UP. IT IS AN IMPORTANT POINT.

IT MIGHT BE WORTH ASKING DAVE BERRY TO FIND OUT WHO IN THE COUNTY FROM THE ANALYST'S OFFICE OR SOMEBODY TO COME BACK WITH A RECOMMENDATION AND SHORT VIEW THAT WE RUE TRYING TO -- THAT WE ARE TRYING TO INTERJECT.

IT IS A SUBSTANTIVE THING TO WORK ON AS OPPOSED TO A LOT OF THE RED MEAT. I I DO KNOW THE HARRIS COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE WAS HELP -- HELPFUL AND HE CAME UP WITH A NUMBER OF BILLS BECAUSE THE BURDEN GOES ON HOMEOWNERS AND IT IS A PROCESS, BUT IT IS WRITTEN OFF AND THE BURDEN ENDS UP ON THEM. I THINK IT IS A VALID POINT.

I WON'T TIE US UP TODAY, BUT I AM ALSO THINKING I WANT TO TALK TO THE LEGISLATIVE FOLK ON THE COST BENEFIT RATIO ISSUE THAT WE EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT.

I HAPPENED TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH RUSS POPPEY, IN FACT. ALL OF THE APPROPRIATE ENTITIES TALK ABOUT EQUITY AND HOW INEBBING -- AND HOW INEQUITABLE IT IS. WHEN IT IS MOVING THROUGH CONGRESS YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS A GREAT JOB, BUT WE WANT TO PROTECT THE CITY'S AIRPORT HOSPITALS AND DOWNTOWN.

WE CAME OUT -- AT LEAST YOU AND I CAME UP WITH THE FACT THAT IT JUST DIDN'T ADD UP. WE WANT TO WISH HIM WELL IN THE NEW POSITION. IT WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT AS WE GO THROUGH THIS SPECIAL OR THESE SPECIALS IF THERE ARE OTHERS TO RAISE SOME OF THE ISSUES AND EVEN DURING THE INTERIM STUDIES WHILE IT MATTERS LIKE RIGHT NOW.

AND MAKING THE CASE THAT IF THERE IS SOMETHING THEY CAN DO , THE TWO BIG ONES LEFT OUT ARE IN TEXAS AND FLORIDA TO LET THE COUNTIES OR THE CITIES EVEN IF WE HAVE TO USE OUR MONEY TO DO IT, IT WOULD ZONE IT FOR OUR REGION.

HARRIS COUNTY IN 25, 26 STATES.

[04:30:03]

IN. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: MY QUESTION IS TO ADMINISTRATOR BERRY.

WHAT POWER WILL YOU USE IF YOU CAN HIRE AND FIRE THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE ENDEOR.

ENDOR. I KNOW THAT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU WERE RIER -- REQUIRED TO DO WITH THE SUPREME POWERS.

ARE YOU GOING TO DO A SIMILAR THING WITH THIS DEPARTMENT, OR ARE YOU -- WHAT'S YOUR PLANS SINCE YOU'RE IN CHARGE AND YOU

HAVE THE POWER? >> WITH RESPECT TO THE COUNTY ENGINEER IT IS UP TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO RATIFY. IT IS MY JOB TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS. FOR INTER GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS IT IS NOT SOMETHING COURT NEEDS TO RATIFY, BUT I WELCOME INVOLVEMENT AND FEEDBACK. WE NEED TO SORT OUT AN INTERIM DIRECTOR. AND THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN DO AND I WOULD SAY THIS GENERALLY IS FOR APARTMENTS SM.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> IN TERMS OF HOW WELL IT WORKED WITH EVERYONE ON COURT. SOME DAYS WE WERE GOING AND I SURE APPRECIATED NOT BEING KEPT IN THE DARK.

>> WHATEVER COMES AFTER ANDREW NEEDS TO BE EQUALLY -- IN MATTER IF IT IS WASHINGTON OR AUSTIN IT MAY NOT BE POLITICAL. IT SHOULD BE HARRIS COUNTY DRIVEN AND NOT POLITICS DRIVEN.

I THOUGHT ANDREW DID A GOOD JOB.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I FOR ONE WOULD PREFER MR. BERRY NOT TO PUT MORE ON THE AGENDA THAN IS REQUIRED.

I DON'T WANT TO DUMP ON IT. I THINK HE WENT TO OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE. IF YOU RECALL PRESIDENT OBAMA STARTED OFF AND HE STRUCK ME WITH THE APPLICATION.

I THINK HE MAY HAVE BEEN A JUNIOR.

HE STAYED AWARE. WE PAID FOR IT IN THE NEXT SESSION. THEY HAVE SUCH A GOOD REPUTATION. THEY ARE ON THE NATIONAL SERVICE AND YOU CAN COME FOR GREAT WORKS.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: I ALSO WANT TO PUT MY GRATITUDE TO ENDOR. IT HAS BEEN AN EVENTFUL TIME.

GRATEFUL TO HIM AND TO HIS TEAM AND I APPRECIATE COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU BRINGING UP THIS DISCUSSION.

>> JUDGE ON ITEM 144 IS THERE ANY ACTION?

>> NO. >> ITEM 145 IS NEXT.

IT IS THE TRANSMITAL AND THE MEMO ABOUT MPO'S AND PPC'S.

>> JUDGE, I WANT KATIE IF SHE WOULD TO WALK THROUGH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF IT OF THE -- HIGHLIGHTS.

I MAY HAVE A COUPLE OF POINTS TO MAKE.

>> GREAT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, CAT TEE SHORT WITH THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT ANALYST OFFICE. AS YOU WILL NOTE FROM THE AGENDA ITEM, THEY REQUEST THE OONL LIST -- THEY REQUEST THE ANALYST OFFICE ARE WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO

[04:35:03]

IT COMPARES THE ATTRIBUTES WITHOUT FOUR OTHER NPO'S IN TEXAS. I WILL HIGHLIGHT A FEW NOTABLE FINDINGS FROM THE ANALYSIS. APPROXIMATELY 39% OF THE TOTAL FUNDS FOR ALL PROJECTS IN OUR REGION'S METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION'S 2017 TENURE PLAN GO TO THE PRODUCTS IN HARRIS COUNTY. WHILE IT IS THE LARGEST TO ANY MEMBER PLAN THEY REPRESENT NEARLY 70% AT THE REGIONAL NPO. THEY HAVE TWO VOTING MEMBERS.

HARRIS COUNTY IS THE ONLY TO RECEIVE TWO TWO VOTING MEMBERS. NORTHERN OF THE -- NONE OF THE FIVE NPOS REVIEWED HAVE LANGUAGE IN THE BY LAWS TO THE NUMBER ON THE POLICY BOARD OR VARIOUS SUBCOMMITTEES.

THOUGH THREE OF THE 5 HAVE A NUMBER TO SUPER SEED THEIR POLICY BOARD OF VARIOUS SUBCOMMITTEES.

>> IN CHANGES -- ANY CHANGES WOULD REQUIRE A CHANGE TO THE POLICY BOARD'S BYE LAWS WHICH IS OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY NOTES A TWO-THIRDS VOTE OF THE POLICY BOARD.

>> COWER -- OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SAYS THE REVIEW TO MEMBERSHIP THAT WOULD BETTER SERVE THE COUNTY'S INTEREST. IT WOULD DEPRIVE THE COUNTY IN AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, BUT IT WOULD NOT EXCLUDE THE COUNTY FROM RECEIVING FEDERAL FUND THAT DO FLOW THROUGH THE NPO. THEY ADVISE FEDERAL REGULATIONS REALLOW THE DESIGNATION OF AN NPO AS WELL AS THE CREATION OF MORE THAN ONE NPO TO SERVE THE SAME URBANIZED AREA. HOWEVER, BOTH OF THESE WOULD REQUIRE APPROVAL BY THE GOVERNOR AND NPO.

IT IS AN EXTENSIVE MEMO AND THE TEAM DID A GREAT JOB.

I TRIED TO CAPTURE SOME HIGHLIGHTS, BUT COMMISSIONER ELLIS, HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

>> YOU ALL DID A GREAT JOB. WHAT I WANT TO ASK -- MAYBE IN CONJUNCTION WITH MR. BERRY TO COME BACK WITH SOME ACTION PLAN ON WHAT WE CAN DO. WE ARE 69.5 AND ROUGHLY 7% OF THE POPULATION SERVED BY THE TPC WILL BE IN HARRIS COUNTY, THE CITY OF HOUSTON, BUT WE COME PRIZE 18%.

>> IT IS EARLIER TODAY ON THE BREAK.

SHE PUT SOME RESEARCH INTO THIS WHEN SHE WAS ON COUNCIL.

I THINK MAYOR PARKER AND JUDGE LYNDSAY WERE TALKING ABOUT PULLING THE TRIGGER TO MAKE A CHANGE.

THERE IS A ROLE -- THERE IS A PLAY AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL AND FOR SO MANY CITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY AND IT PUTS OUR PARTNERS IN AN UH TENABLE -- IN AN ATTENABLE POSITION.

I SENT THE MEMO OFF TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE INCLUDING THE MAYOR. MAYBE MR. BERRY, MAYBE YOU SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD. WHAT WE HAVE IS SIMPLY AN UNFAIR SITUATION TO ME. WE TALK ABOUT THE UNFAIRNESS OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, THIS MAKES THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE LOOKS LIKE SMALL POTATOES. I GET IT.

IF I AM FROM ONE OF THOSE COMMUNITIES HOW DO YOU DECIDE? WE WOULDN'T LOSE -- IF WE PULL

[04:40:02]

LOOKS LIKE MOST FOLKS MOVED TO THE CITIES.

I APPRECIATE THE ENROLLMENT THEY PUT YOU IN.

I THINK THE DISCUSSIONS STOPPED AT THE CITY WHEN WE GOT THE POSITION. BUT THEN NOTHING CHANGED WHEN HE GOT THERE. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET THEM TO CHANGE. IT PUTS THEM IN A HELL OF A POSITION TOO. I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE IT THERE. AT LEAST IT IS WORTH -- I DON'T KNOW HOW WE ARE ADEQUATELY AND FAIRLY REPRESENTING OUR CONSTITUENTS. IT IS JUST STAY IN YOUR LANE AND BE QUIET. THAT'S HOW WE GOT WHAT WE GOT FROM THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE. WE MAY GET 750.

THEY MAY NOT GIVE US THE WATERY WE NEED AND THOSE ARE MY THOUGHTS. I WANT SOMEBODY TO COME OUT OF IT OF I JUST DON'T WANT ANOTHER STUDY ON THE SHELF.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WAS CURIOUS -- I'M LOOKING AT THE CITY OF DALLAS AND DALLAS COUNTY, AND NORTH TEXAS COG HAS A POPULATION OF 6.4 MILLION.

HARRIS COUNTY HOUSTON HAS 5.9 MILLION.

WHEN I LOOK AT THE REPRESENTATION TO THE VOTING SEATS DALLAS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF DALLAS COMBINED HAVE 37. I LOOK AT US HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY AND WE HAVE 21. HDAC IS DYSFUNCTIONAL.

I CAN SAY THAT HAVING WORKED WITH THEM FOR 40 PLUS YEARS THAT THEY ARE A PLAIN ORGANIZATION THAT DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE. THEY NEED TO BE FIXED.

I MENTION NORTH TEXAS BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO BE THE MOST FUNCTIONALLY PERFECTED MPO. IT IS AMAZING ON YOU QUICKLY THEY GET ON THE SAME PAGE AND GET THINGS DONE.

IT IS AMAZING HOW WE STRUGGLE IN THIS GREATER HARRIS COUNTY AREA AND PART OF IT IS WHAT IS GOING ON HERE.

THERE IS A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING.

I WILL GIVE YOU ATLAS 14'S EXAMPLE.

I HAVE A CON VEER ITION -- THERE IS A CONVERSATION ON THE MERITS OF ATLAS 14. I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT WE NEED A REGIONAL UNDERRING -- THERE IS AN UNDERSTANDING AND THEY ARE RUNNING A CLOSE SECOND TO THE GLO IN TERMS OF BEING EFFECTIVE. WHATEVER WE NEED TO DO OR CAN DO, I AM ON BOARD WITH IT. WHAT WE HAVE HERE NOW IS NOT SOMETHING WE SHOULD LIVE WITH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, HGAC, JUST TO BE CLEAR, I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WANTS TO BE COMPARED TO BEING CLOSE TO THE G LRK O. I UH -- TO THE GLO.

I APPRECIATE THAT. I AM CHAIRING THE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON COMPETITION FOR HGAC.

[04:45:05]

I WILL CALL YOU LATER AND ASK YOU TO MAKE CALLS AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE OPEN MINDED.

PREVIOUSLY SOME OF THIS MAY NOT HAVE MOVED FORWARD.

I DON'T THINK WE HAVE HAD THE CONVERSATION WITH THE CENSUS OF BEING IN OUR MIDST. THIS MAY BE THE BEST FRAMEWORK TO HAVE THE DISCUSSION WITH HG ARC C BECAUSE OF THE CENSUS.

THEN IT MAKES SENSE WHY YOU WANT TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION. WE ARE THOUGHTFUL IN USING THE GROWTH DATA, NOT JUST THE POLITICAL AND REALLY JUST THE POPULARITY INCREASE AND THE DENSITY INCREASE THAT IS HAPPENING NOT JUST IN HARRIS COUNTY, BUT IN THE REGION.

IT IS AWAKENING SOME OF THE OTHER AREAS TO SAY IF WE ADOPT THIS MY AREA WILL GET ADDITIONAL VOICES.

NOBODY COMES OUT A CLEAR WINNER IN THIS, BUT RIGHT NOW WE WANT TO AFFECT SOME ITEMS COMING THROUGH HGAC OR TO SOME OF THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEES, WE HAVE A HUGE STRETCH -- A HUGE POLITICAL STRETCH TO CONVINCE OTHER BOARD MEMBERS TO COME ALONG WITH US. IT WILL SHORTEN THE GAP AND MAKE IT MUCH MORE ATTAINABLE. I WILL JUST CLOSE BY SAYING THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA. IT GAVE ME A CHANCE TO SHARE WHERE WE ARE AT WITH THE COMPETITION -- COMPOSITION COMMITTEE AT HGAC AND EVERYBODY WILL HAVE A ROLE TO IMPACT CHANGE. I THINK WE ARE ON TRACK TO DO

THAT. >> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I ACCEPT THE INVITE TO WORK ON THIS.

I QUILL -- WILL EVEN SAY IT THIS WAY.

IF THINGS WEREN'T SO POLITICAL PUT ME ON THE HGAC AND I I WOULD HELP COMMISSIONER GARCIA FIX SOME OF THIS.

THAT'S JUST ANOTHER THOUGHT TO PUT OUT THERE IN A NONPOLITICAL WAY TO TRY AND FIX SOMETHING.

RUE

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HGAC GAVE ME -- I WAS SO HAPPY. I THOUGHT THEY WERE GIVING IT TO ME, BUT THEN I FIGURED NOBODY WANTED IT.

THE MONEY ISN'T TPC, BUT THERE IS THE SAME ISSUE.

WE PASSED EQUITY FRAMEWORK WORK.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, AS SOON AS WE GOT THE TWO NEW ONES, GUESS WHO ELSE BOLTED FROM HGAC.

THEY'RE GONE. WE HANDED IT OFF.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: HE CAN HAVE MINE IF I HAD ONE.

I'M AN ALTERNATE. I'LL GIVE YOU THAT IF YOU WANT IT. I WANTED TO RAISE THE POINT, TPC WHICH IS WHERE THE MONEY IS, TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEY HAVE NO EQUITY FRAMEWORK OR HOW TO APPLY IT TO FUNDING OR POLICY DECISIONS. AND IT IS RELATED TO THE

[04:50:05]

ONE OF THOSE INFRASTRUCTURE BILLS.

WE DON'T HAVE A STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE AND THE COUNTIES DON'T HAVE POWER DUE. YOU TOLD ME 500 MILLION? HOW MUCH MONEY WILL WE LOSE OUT ON IN TEXAS FROM THAT INFRASTRUCTURE BILL. THEY HAVE NOT UPDATED THE

BUILDING CODE. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THIS IS ALLEN BLACK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT JUST

POPPED IF MY HEAD. >> THIS YEAR THEY HAD $500 MILLION TO AWARD AND BECAUSE TEXAS HASN'T ADOPTED THE LATEST BUILDING CODE, AND WE RECEIVED ACROSS ALL APPLICATIONS LESS THAN A MILLION DOLLARS.

A ACROSS THE 23 STATES A TOTAL OF $17 MILLION WAS AWARDED OUT OF 500 MILLION AVAILABLE. FEMA BREAK THIS YEAR FOR NEXT YEAR'S AWARDS HAS A BILLION DOLLARS.

WE ARE LOOKING AT A PRETTY DAUNTING TASK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I SUGGEST WE MOVE ON BECAUSE WE ALL AGREE AND WE HAVE ABOUT 15 OR 20 MORE ITEMS. IT IS AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION.

THE NEXT ITEM IS 152. IT IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED

IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY, JUDGE. MY QUESTION RELATES TO THE CONTRACTS. HOW WERE THESE FOLKS SELECTED? I I WILL PROBABLY ASK THAT UH -- A LOT GOING FORWARD BECAUSE I DIDN'T ASK IT PREVIOUSLY. REQUEST FOR AN AGREEMENT WITH MELISSA JONES. HOW WAS MELISSA JONES

SELECTED? >> LINA HIDALGO: BARBIE, ARE YOU ONLINE OR DO I NEED TO CALL YOU AGAIN?

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? NO?

CAN YOU CALL ME? >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS BETTER, BUT IT IS STILL NOT GREAT. OKAY.

I HAVE YOU ON SPEAKER. >> OKAY.

MELISSA JONES IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BAY AREA RACIAL HEALTH AND EQUITIES KNISH TITI -- INITIATIVE.

SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK THAT WAS DEVELOPED FOR THE ORGANIZATION.

THEY ARE A REGIONAL BODY AND THEY ADOPTED THE FRAMEWORK.

THEY WANTED SUPPORT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONALLIZATION FOR THE EBBING -- EQUITY COLLECTED.

AND THEY WANT TO GIVE HE WHO HOLDS THE OPERATIONAL PROPERTY TO THE REGION. THAT'S WHY WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND UT PUBLIC HEALTH AND HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, THE DECISION WAS MADE TO BRING HER

IN TO SUPPORT THAT WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS JUST GOING TO MOVE ADOPTION IF THERE ARE NO MORE QUESTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I JUST HAVE A QUICK COMMENT FOR DAVE.

WE HAVE A LOT OF BACK UP. THIS IS 152 AND 153 HAVE TWO INDIVIDUALS WHICH WHEN I TALK TO COUNCILMAN ROBINSON ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE. WE WOULD LIKE TO GET THE RESUMES WHETHER WE HAVE SOMEBODY BEING UH POINTED TO BE SENT TO US WITH THE BACK UP SO WE SCAN DO OUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE. THE ONLY WAY WE COULD FIND OUT THEY WERE QUALIFIED IS BECAUSE HE SHARED THAT INFORMATION.

AND I WOULD LIKE FOR DAVE TO GET THE RESUMES SO WE CAN DO OUR INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION OF WHO THESE FOLKS ARE.

[04:55:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: DOES THAT WORK, DAVE?

>> I WOULDN'T WANT TO COMMIT TO A FULL RESUME FOR EVERY PERSON. WILL THAT WORK.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AT LEAST WE CAN LOOK THEM UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? OPPOSED SPH.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

153 YOU ALSO FLAGGED, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: SAME QUESTION. AND WE CAN JUST VOTE IF WE

NEED TO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'LL MAKE THE

MOTION TO APPROVE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE ANYTHING, BARBIE, YOU WANT TO

ADD? >> IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A LIMITED WORKFORCE GIVEN COVID AND GIVEN THE MAGNITUDE OF DISASTERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

WE TRIED TO TALK ABOUT A CHALLENGE AND THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO BRING IN A RESOURCE THAT ACTUALLY HAS NATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND HELPING WITH A PREPAREDNESS PLAN.

WE NEED THESE PLANS TO EXECUTE IN THE EVENT OF A DISASTER AS WELL AS TO MAINTAIN GRANT FUNDING OR TO QUALIFY FOR GRANT FUNDING OR TO BE CREDENTIALS.

THIS PERSON IS DOING A DISCREET GOID -- BODY OF WORK WHEN WE KNOW WE NEED SOMEONE IS TO DO THESE THINGS GIVEN

OUR STAFFING RESOURCES. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? ALL IN FAVOR?

>> EYE. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR.

MOTION CARRIES 4-1. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 155 WAS NEXT. THANK YOU, DIRECTOR ROBINSON.

I THINK WE MAY HAVE TO CALL YOU BACK LATER.

I THINK THAT WAS IT FOR NOW. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY OR CAGLE UP THUB 155 -- OH, SORRY, THIS IS BARBIE.

THIS IS FOR THE RESPONSE PROGRAM THAT WE APPROVED LAST TIME. DO FOLKS HAVE QUESTIONS OR DO

WE JUST NEED TO VOTE? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO VOTE. I AM LOOKING AT THE NUMBER OF ADMINISTRATIVE PEOPLE VERSUS WORKER BEES.

WE JUST NEED TO VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'LL MOVE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND IT IS FOR ISLAND PREVENTION DIVISION AND HOSTING ALTERNATIVE DEVICE TEAMS.

>> LET ME AGAIN COMMEND MRS. ROBINSON.

FOR YEARS I HAVE BEEN WORKING TO REIN VIOLENCE AND THE NOTION TO THE FOREFRONT THAT NOT ONLY DOES LAW ENFORCEMENT NEED TO CONTINUE TO BE A PART OF THE EQUATION, BUT WITHOUT A DOUBT THEY CAN MAKE HUGE END ROADS AND I AM ABLE TO VOTE ON THIS AND IT IS SOMETHING I HAVE LONG ADVOCATED FOR.

IT GOES BACK TO NOT ONLY MY ELECTED CAREER.

LAW ENFORCEMENT WILL NEVER BE OUT OF THE VIOLENCE OF NOTIONS BUSINESS. BUT DEFINITELY IT MAKES SENSE TO INSERT THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND THE SPACE. IT GOES A LONG, LONG WAY INTO CREATING A SAFER AND HEALTHIER COMMUNITY.

I AM PROUD OF DIRECTOR ROBINSON FOR BRINGING IT FORWARD. THIS IS A VOTE FOR PUBLIC

SAFETY. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK

[05:00:03]

AND I APPRECIATE YOU JUMPING IN AND TALKING TO YOUR PREDECESSOR TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE TO GO.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: I KNOW WHEN WE HAD THE DA ON EARLIER WE DEFINED CLEARLY EXSPEC TACKSES OF -- EXPECTATIONS OF METRICS AND WE GOT A GOOD COUNT.

I WOULD HOPE WE APPLY THE SAME KIND OF METRICS AND THE SAME KIND OF EXPECTATIONS TO FIND THAT ON THESE PROGRAMS AS

WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST HAD THE DIRECTOR ROBIN -- ROBINSON BACK ON THE PHONE.

I WAS GOING TO ADD COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

AND WE DO HAVE A COMMITMENT. YOU WILL LET US KNOW THAT YOU ARE DEVELOPING THE METRICS, CORRECT? JUST LIKE WHAT THE -- THE PROGRAM IS DEVELOPED AND THE METRICS ARE ALSO DEVELOPED, CORRECT?

>> YES. WE ACTUALLY DEVELOPED THE METRICS AND WE ARE MORE THAN WILLING TO COME BACK AND GIVE UPDATES WITH ACHIEVING THE OUTCOME.

>> DO WE HAVE A MOTION? >> YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND WE HAVE A SECOND.

THAT'S FOR ITEM 155. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> SNO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> I WANTED TO ASK THE QUESTION. THIS SEEMS TO BE IS A MULTI DEPARTMENT CONTRACT. PRE-TRIAL HAS IT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES MAY HAVE IT. I WANT TO FIND OUT WHO IS IN CHARMING OF IT AND WE HAVE HAD ESCAPE -- ESCAPES OF THE FAILURE AND I THINK IT WAS EARLY LAST YEAR AND I CAN'T REMEMBER THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

HAVE WE HAD ANYMORE ESCAPES? IS THIS THE SAME COMPANY? AND WHO IS TRACKING THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAM? MAYBE JAD IS A GOOD PLACE TO ASK THE QUESTION.

>> I AM FILLING IN FOR JIM BETKEY.

I AM HERE SUPPORTING HIS EFFORTS.

FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THAT PARTICULAR VENDOR AND PRE-TRIAL SERVICES DOES NOT USE A THIRD PF PARTY VENDOR.

YOU CAN SEE FROM THE REQUESTS AND IT IS FOR SENTINAL AND THE HARRIS COUNTY PAYS FOR THE MONITORING.

FOR THAT EXACT REASON WE DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE THEIR MONITOR CUTOFF DUE TO INABILITY TO PAY.

SO PRE-TRIAL SERVICES PICKS UP THE BULK OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING FOR THE PEOPLE UNDER THE PRE-TRIAL

[05:05:01]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ANY ESCAPES SINCE LAST YEAR?

>> I THINK YOU ARE REFERRING TO SOMEBODY HAVING AN -- SOMEBODY BEING REMOVED FOR AN INABILITY TO PAY?

8 AID -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO.

I BELIEVE IT WAS CUTOFF. >> BY THE VENDOR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO. IT WAS CUTOFF BY THE OFFENDER, AND THERE WAS A LACK OF REPORTING AND I BELIEVE THAT'S

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR. >> IT DOES HAPPEN WHERE A PERSON CUTS OFF THEIR MONITOR AND IT WOULD GO TO THE

COURTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE WAS A

LAPSE IN THE RESPONSE. >> CORRECT.

AT THIS TIME WE PUT IN ADDITIONAL METRICS.

WE ALSO ADDED QUALITY ASSURANCE TO MINIMIZE AND MITIGATE THE LIKELIHOOD OF THAT HAPPENING.

AND PERIODICALLY THERE IS A SMALL LAPSE WHEN THAT WAS HAPPENING. BUT AT THIS POINT IN TIME I AM UNAWARE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT LAPSE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT REMINDS ME OF THE DETAILS THAT HE DIDN'T PAY AND TELL ANYBODY IT WAS CUTOFF.

DO WE HAVE THAT RESULT? >> NO, WE DO NOT.

WE BEAR THE BURDEN OF MUCH OF THE COST FOR ELECTRONIC MONITORING FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE THE INABILITY TO PAY.

AID IS THAT A DIFFERENT VENDOR --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS THAT A DIFFERENT VENDOR?

>> IT WAS A DIFFERENT VENDOR AND IT WAS A THIRD-PARTY VENDOR USED BY PROBATION AND THAT IS NOT A VENDOR THAT

PRE-TRIAL SERVICES USES? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE THEY

DOING COUNTY WORK? >> IN MY OPINION THEY ARE NOT DOING WORK, BUT I CANNOT ANSWER THAT WITH 100%

CERTAINTY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU JUST REMINDY ME THAT -- REMINDED ME THAT THERE WAS AT LEAST ONE CASE WHERE AN OFFENDER CUT THE BRACELET OFF, THE ANKLE BRACELET AND THEN PROCEEDED WITH A MURDER.

WHO IS NOTIFIED WHEN SOMEBODY CUTS ONE OF THESE OFF? IS THAT WHAT WE ARE SAYING, THERE IS A LAPSE THERE? WE DON'T HAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT INVOLVED IF SOMEONE CUTS THIS

OFF? >> COMMISSIONER, WHAT WE DO IS IF THERE IS A TAMPER -- THEY CALL IT A TAMPER ALERT.

QUHA -- WHAT WE DO IS WE NOTIFY THE COURT AND IT IS ISSUED FOR THAT PERSON'S ARREST AND THEN LAW ENFORCEMENT WOULD GO OUT AND ARREST THAT PERSON.

OFTENTIMES WITH A CUT STRAP WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY ARE.

BUT WE FILE A VIOLATION WITH THE COURT, A BOND VIOLATION.

YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, WE NEED AN AMBER ALERT-TYPE SYSTEM.

IF SOMEBODY CUTS ONE OF THESE OFF, THE PROSECUTORS AND THE CON STACKET AND SHERIFF AND HPD NEED TO BE NOTIFIED VICTIMS IN THE CASE NEED TO BE NOTIFIED AND THAT NEEDS TO BE LIKE AN AMBER ALERT AND NOT TWO WEEKS AFTER IT OCCURS AND THEN YOU HAVE ONE OF YOUR WITNESSES THAT ENDS UP BEING DEAD. IT NEEDS TO BE IMMEDIATELY.

IF THAT THING IS TAMPERED, THEY ALL GET TEAR AMBER ALERT. IT MAY BE GOING TOO FAR AS IT DOES THIS CONTRACT, BUT I'M GOING TO REQUEST THAT DAVE WILL FIGURE OUT WHAT DEPARTMENT THIS NEEDS TO BE UNDER, BUT BRING IT BACK AS AN ACTION ITEM IN TWO WEEKS ON HOW TO SET UP AN AMBER ALERT-TYPE SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE WOULD TAMPER WITH THEIR MONITORS AND THAT WOULD INCLUDE ALL OF THE STAKEHOLDERS.

[05:10:07]

ON THAT ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE BACKLOG IS PART OF THE REASON FOR SO MUCH USE OF IT.

ANYWAY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 264 --

>> JUDGE FOR 243 WHAT ACTION IS BEING TAKEN?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS AS PRESENTED.

SO MOVED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: FOR CLARIFICATION I HAVE TWO DOCUMENTS AT ONE TIME.

I HAD A DIFFERENT 243 AND SOMETHING ABOUT ECONO LIVE, BUT WE ARE VOTING ON THE SENTINAL SYSTEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED A SECOND.

YES, WE ARE, COMMISSIONER. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> . >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. 264 IS AN AWARD TO THE GORDIAN GROUP FOR CONSULTING SERVICES.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: QUICK QUESTION. THERE IS ONLY ONE SUBMITTAL HERE. IS THERE A REASON WHY THERE

WAS ONLY ONE SUBMITTAL? >> I CAN ADDRESS THAT.

THE GORDIAN GROUP WAS BROUGHT ON SEVERAL YEARS AGO TO HELP US WITH OUR LOCAL CATALOGS AND CONTRACTED THE LOCAL KEYS WITHIN THAT. THE COMPETITION USED TO BE RS MEANS AND A COUPLE OTHER COMPANIES.

THEY BOUGHT THE COMPANIES OUT AND THEY CREATED THE LOCAL BOOK AND FOR US TO USE IT FOR THE DOC PROGRAM.

WE PUT IT OUT FORBID AND THEY ARE OFFERING THE ACTUAL CAT TAU LOG -- THEY ARE OFFERING THE ACTUAL CATALOG.

IT IS A SERVICE THAT THEY PROVIDE.

WE HAVEN'T FOUND ANYBODY ELSE THAT CAN DO IT SINCE THEY

BROUGHT IT TO MARKET. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST MAKE SURE WE DON'T GET TRAPPED WITH A SOFTWARE VENDOR LIKE WE WERE

BEFORE OF. >> NO, SIR.

THEY PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE. WE DON'T HAVE TO USE IT.

WE ARE JUST CONCERNED ABOUT THE ACTUAL CATALOG.

RS MEANS HAD THE CONTRACT AND THEN THEY KEPT UP THE BOOK FOR THE NATIONAL MARKET. WE WANTED THE LOCAL MARKET TO FOCUS ON THE AREA. WE WILL MAKE SURE THE SOFTWARE

IS A SMALL PART OF THE WORK. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> YES, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO IT WOULD BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT THERE A

MOTION? >> SO MOVED.

>> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

OKAY. ITEM 306 IS AN UPDATE ON THE

MWBE. >> [INAUDIBLE].

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS PAMELA CHAN AVAILABLE?

>> YES, I AM. CAN YOU HEAR ME? GREAT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

GOOD AFTERNOON AND THIS IS PAMELA CHAN.

I AM REALLY GLAD TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THIS UPDATE ON THE MWBE PROGRAM. IF YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED IT IS LIVE FOR THE COUNTY. OVERALL I WOULD SAY WE ARE PROGRESSING AT A FAIR PACE AND IMPLEMENTING A PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MW BERK E POLICY -- THE MWBE POLICY THAT WAS PASSED. WHILE THE POLICY IS DETAILED IN LAYING OUT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM, IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO THINK OF THE IMPLEMENTATION AND THE DEVELOPING 4 CAPABILITIES. FIRST IS GOAL SETTING AND DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY AND STROUD YESSING THE MWBE GOALS -- AND STUDYING MWBE GOALS. HALF HAVE BEEN POSTED WITH AN APPROPRIATELY TAILE -- TAILER GOAL.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HARRIS COUNTY AT PUBLIC EVENTS.

MOVING FORWARD WE LOOK FORWARD TO PROVIDING PROJECT SPECIFIC OUT REACH FOR VERY LARGE SOLICITATIONS AND HOSTING MWBE

[05:15:03]

SO TAR WE HAVE 600 CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AND COLLECTING THE DATA. WE ARE ALSO WORKING ON EXPANDING THE BTG NOW SYSTEM FOR ALL DATA COLLECTION AND WE WILL START WITH AN INITIAL WORKING GROUP AS WELL AS IDENTIFYING AND TRAINING ON MWBE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR. I APPRECIATE THE COLLABORATION OF THE DEPARTMENTS TO COME TOGETHER ON THIS COUNTY WIDE PROGRAM. FINALLY, THIS IS GETTING US TOWARD AN EFFECTIVE COMPLIANCE PROCESS.

WE DETERMINED THE WORKLOAD AND STAFFING NEEDS AND WORKFLOW OF WE ARE CREATING CONTRACT RECORDS FOR NEW PROJECTS AND ALL OF THE PRIME AND SUB PRIME DATA AND WORKING ON DRAFTING FULL PROGRAMS AND POLICIES BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

I WILL OPEN THE FLOOR TO DWIGHT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL UPDATES AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO TAKE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

>> YES. I JUST WANTED TO BRING ATTENTION TO WHAT PAMELA MENTIONED ABOUT THE GOAL

SETTING. >> WE ARE COLLABORATING WITH THE GOAL SET SCG THAT WAS A SLOW PROCESS.

THAT WAS A SLOW PROCESS. WE HAVE THE DATA IN THE B2G PROGRAM THAT I UTILIZE FOR THE PROJECTS.

ANYTIME A PROJECT COMES UP FOR BID EITHER A REBID OR A NEW BID, IT IS DIRECTED TO ME AND I WILL TAKE IT AND REVIEW THE SCOPE OF SERVICES WITH THE ESTIMATES TO SET THE GOALS BASED ON THE DISPARITY STUDY AVAILABILITY.

WE ARE TAKING EACH PROJECT AND ALL NEW WILL BE BASED ON AVAILABILITY. IT IS A CASE BY CASE BASIS TO SEE WHICH WE CAN DO IMMEDIATELY AND WHICH IS OVER TIME. WITH THE 60 OR SO CONTRACTS WE SET A GOAL FOR, WE ESTIMATED THE COST OF THE PROJECTS TO BE AT $100 MILLION. WITH THAT ALT UNDER 20 MILLION HAS SET A GOAL FOR MWBE TO PARTICIPATE.

THAT IS THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF WHERE WE ARE AT.

MY OFFICE HAS SET THESE GOALS YOU WILL -- GOALS UP UNTIL WE TRANSFER THEM TO THE NEW OFFICE IF WE DON'T HAVE A GOAL THEY CAN DO THE DISPARITY STUDY AND IT WILL BE CAPTURED.

MY TEAM IS HELPING TO MOVE IT FORWARD.

PAMELA IS UP TO SPEED ON HER STAFFING AND PRESENTING MODIFICATIONS OR QUESTIONS ANYBODY MIGHT HAVE.

FEEL FREE TO GIVE US A CALL. THE REPORT I GAVE OUT, IT WAS REALLY JUST TO GIVE YOU AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHILE WE ARE -- WHILE THE PROGRAM IS UP AND RUNNING OVER THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, THERE HAVE BEEN MWBE'S THAT WERE AWARDED ON A QUICK BASIS. THAT NUMBER MAY GO UP, BUT I WANTED TO GIVE IS A -- GIVE A SNAP SHOT OF WHAT WAS AWARDED TO MWBE. YOU SAW THE NUMBERS AND I KNOW THERE WAS AN ERROR ON ONE OF THE REPORTS.

WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY IT IS PULLING THIS AREA.

I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY AND ANOTHER COURT SUPPORTS IT. I WILL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AS

FAR AS THE GOAL SETTING. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

[05:20:06]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: A COUPLE. THE 20%, MS. CHAN OR DWIGHT, IS THAT 20% OF MWBE'S CONTRACTS IN WHICH WE ARE COLLECTING DATA ON, OR CAN WE SAY IT IS 20% FROM SOME

PERIOD? >> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT WHAT

I AM ADDRESSING TODAY? >> IN THE REPORT.

>> WE SPENT A TIME FRAME FOR THE CONTRACTS.

WE HAVE TO GET THAT INTO THE SYSTEM.

ANY SUPPLIES HAVE THAT SNAP SHOT.

OF THAT 112 MILLION WAS GIVEN TO MWBE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. THAT DOES NOT CAPTURE THE

GOODS. >> IT IS HELPFUL AND IT IS GOOD. I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. OBVIOUSLY THE ANXIETY COMES FROM THE COUNTY SETTING UP THE PROGRAM 38 YEARS AFTER THE CITY DID. IT IS SORT OF LIKE -- DWIGHT, WE LEARNED SO MUCH, YOU AND I, GOING THROUGH THIS.

A LOT OF TIMES PEOPLE WILL GIVE NUMBERS BASED ON A GIVEN WINDOW WHICH WOULDN'T TELL US MUCH.

IF I TELL YOU HOW MUCH WEIGHT I LOST SINCE I WENT ON MY DIET, THAT DOESN'T TELL YOU MUCH.

I JUST STARTED THE DIET THIS MORNING.

YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH I AM OVERWEIGHT.

>> I AGREE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE WE SHOULD GO TO PAM. PAM IN TERMS OF STAFF HIRING, WHAT ELSE IS LEFT TO BE DONE? OBVIOUSLY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE 2G NOW. THIS STUDY COSTS ABOUT 650 GRAND. WE CAN ONLY DO THE STUDY TO SEE HOW GOOD OR BAD THE NUMBERS ARE IF PRECINCT 1 PAID FOR IT. AT SOME POINT YOU HAVE TO DO A STUDY. I DON'T WANT TO COME BACK 38 PLUS 5, 34 YEARS LATER WHEN THEY LOOK AT EVERYTHING.

THAT'S MY RUSH AND THERE ARE FOUR STUDIES GOING ON AT THE SAME TIME. HARRIS HEALTH, WE DO SOME OF THE PURCHASES THERE. THEY ARE DOING THEIR OWN STUDY. IT IS ALL AS A RESULT OF THIS EFFORT FROM HARRIS COUNTY. WE LEAD THE WAY WITH A LOT OF SUPPORT AND CON -- CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS.

I CALL IT AN ATLANTA MOMENT BECAUSE THERE IS A REASON THE LARGEST BLACK BUSINESSES IN AMERICA ARE IN ATLANTA AND CHICAGO AND NEW YORK. THEY OPENED UP FIRST.

LONG BEFORE THERE WAS A GEORGE FLOYD MOMENT, THEY OPENED UP NEW YORK OPENED UP FIRST. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE MOVING FAST. I AM PLEASED TO HAVE BIPARTISAN AND UNANIMOUS SUPPORT.

THE DAY TO YOU WON'T MEAN MUCH.

IT IS GOOD THAT SOME OF THE FOLKS ARE READING THE AGENDA AND BRING UP THE RENEWAL CONTRACTS THEY HAVE A LOT OF MONEY, BUT THEY WON'T ENFORCE THEM.

I THINK THE NEW ADMINISTRATION WILL BE SENSITIVE TO IT.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY AND YOU HAVE THE ARPO MONEY OUT THERE AND I WILL MEET WITH SOME PEOPLE TO TRY TO GET -- I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN TALKING TO THIS GROUP

[05:25:05]

THEY RANKED THESE PRESS ACCOUNTS AND THEY KNOW THERE ARE DISPARITY STUDIES. I DON'T WANT -- WHAT CAN YOU

DO TO SPEED THIS UP? >> I THINK WE ARE AT A MOMENT WHERE WE CAN APPRECIATE. IN TERMS OF WHAT WE CAN DO TO SPEED THIS UP, WON -- ONE OF THE THINGS THEY CAN DO IS COLLABORATE. WE -- WE HAVE BEEN IDENTIFYING WHAT NEED TO BE DONE. WE ARE MAKING SURE THERE IS A HOME MONTH MANAGE THE PROGRAM.

THIS PROGRAM HAS GOT TO BE COUNTY WIDE.

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO BE DOING IS STARTING A SMALLER WORKING GROUP TO GET THE CONTRACTS AND GET THEM TRAINED TO ENTERING THE INFORMATION FOR THE NEW PROJECTS.

AND WE WILL BE REACHING OUT TO ALL OF THE DEPARTMENTS SO WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS TO DO THEY WILL NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO TO ENTER IN THEIR EXISTING CONTRACTS AS WELL AS CONTRACTS MOVING FORWARD.

WE DID PASS -- THE COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONERS' COURT PASSED A DIRECTOR POSITION AND WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF HIRING FOR THAT RIGHT NOW.

WE ARE GOING TO PROVIDE THE PROGRAM MANAGER AND WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENTS ON THE SOLICITATIONS AND HELP THEM REVIEW THEM AND ENSURE THEY ARE AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE AND SET THE GOALS AND MAKE SURE AND ENSURE THAT THEY ARE LIVING UP TO THE PROMISES THEY MADE.

>> I WILL SUGGEST THIS BECAUSE WE ARE 38 YEARS LATE.

THINK ABOUT SOME DAMAGE BOARD.

SOME DASHBOARDS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO IS COMPLYING AND WOULD IS NOT. TRANSPARENCY DOES A LOT.

THE NUMBERS CAME OUT AND LOOKED SO BAD.

I JUST THINK IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO KEEP IT LEGAL AND PERMISSIBLE AND TO TAKE SOME OF THE MONEY, THE ARPA MONEY. WE CAN CREATE SOME JOINT PROGRAMS TO HELP BIND SOME OF THESE FOLKS.

THERE ARE GROUPS THAT SAY MERGE THESE BUSINESSES.

EVERYBODY CAN'T BE THE CEO AND THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE BOARD.

MERGE THESE BUSINESSES. I HAVE SEEN OVER MY CAREER THAT THE COMMUNITY DOESN'T LAST FOREVER.

IT IS JUST A WERTD -- IT IS JUST A WORD.

WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU THAT WE AT THE COUNTY ARE RESPONSIBLE AND IT DIRECTLY LEAD TO THE BOARD METRO AND HARRIS HEALTH AND EVERYBODY ELSE GETTING READY TO DO A BOND ISSUE. THE BOARD YOU ARE ON AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA I DARE ANYBODY TO GO SOMEWHERE, COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THEY GOT A TASTE OF IT AND THEY ARE BELIEVERS NOW AND THEY WILL SPEAK UP, BUT WE NEED TO HAVE IT IN PLACE AND IT IS REALLY NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. 38 YEARS, ALMOST 4 DECADES BEHIND OTHER MAJOR DIVERSE COUNTIES WHERE THE ADVOCACY COMMUNITY HAD THE CLOUT AND DIDN'T USE IT.

[05:30:05]

I HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY BECAUSE I KNOW THE WINDOWS CLOSE. SOMETHING HAPPENED UNTIL 38

YEARS AFTER IT CONTINUES. >> COMMISSIONER, I DID WANT TO MENTION THAT I AM BRINGING A TEMPORARY STAFF TO HELP ENTER IN THE CURRENT TERM CONTRACTS.

I REACHED OUT TO MY STAFF AND WE WILL HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK AT DATA ONCE IT IS TIED TO THE SYSTEM.

WE HAVE AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS AND YOU WELL SEE AN OVER ALL AWARD AMOUNT AND WHAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO MWBE AND AT LEAST FOR THE TERM CONTRACTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE WE HAVE

DONE SO FAR. >> AND I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. LIKE THAT ANALOGY OF LOSING WEIGHT, PUT IT ON MYSELF. I EAT REAL HEALTHY WHEN YOU ARE WATCHING. IT IS NOT WHEN YOU -- IT IS

WHEN YOU ARE NOT WATCHING. >> I APPRECIATE THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF BEING COMPREHENSIVE.

THAT IS THE KEY. WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE GOOD REPORTS AND HAVE TRANSPARENCY AND HAVE THE DATA FOR HAVING REPORTS AND DASHBOARDS.

AND IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE HAVE TO COLLECT THE DATA AND GET IT INTO A SYSTEM THAT CAN KEEP TRACK.

WE ARE MOVING AS FAST AS WE CAN.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> GOOD JOB.

I HAVE BEEN ARTS -- PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM FOR 40 YEARS. WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS THERE IS TEAMING BETWEEN PRIMES AND MWBE'S.

WHEN THEY BRING THE GOOD EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE INTO THE COUNTY. AND THEY TRY TO GROW THE PROGRAM. THE OTHER THING IS ANY PLACE I SPEAK, THERE ARE FIRMS AND THEY WOULD BE MINORITY FIRMS, BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW THERE IS SUCH A PROGRAM.

WE NEED TOEN KIRNLG THEM TO -- WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO THINGS WITH THE COUNTY. IT IS HARD FOR SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT THERE MAKING GOOD THINGS HAPPEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO DO THINGS PRESIDENT THEY MAY BE SELLING -- THINGS. THEY MAY BE SELLING TIRES AND DOING ALL SORTS OF MWBE ACTIVITIES.

BUT I KNOW PAMELA HAS WORKED WITH US IN TRYING TO IDENTIFY THE COMPANY THAT'S WOULD WANT TO WORK WITH AND COULD WORK WITH THE COUNTY. HELPING THEM RECRUIT SMALL BUSINESSES AND YOU START RECRUITING THE SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE MOST DIVERSE COUNTY IN AMERICA AND WE WILL GET A GOOD SAMPLING OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

THE OTHER THING, DWIGHT. I AM LOOKING AT THE CHART AND IT SAID 79% OF THE CONTRACTS WENT TO NON--CERTIFIED FIRMS. DO THE NON-CERTIFIED FIRMS, DO THEY HAVE SUBS THAT ARE NONMWBE.

IT WAS GOING TO BE A TWO-PHASED APPROACH.

THE TEAM WOULD BE THE COMPLIANCE SIDE.

THAT'S WHAT SHOULD BE GOING ON EVERY DAY.

THE TEAM -- THE COMPLIANCE TEAM IS LOOKING AT THE SUBCONTRACTOR PAYMENTS. THERE ARE SUBS ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE. AND THAT'S WHERE THEY ARE

GATHERING. >> MY OTHER COMMENT ON COME FLY YENS IS EVERY -- COMMENT ON COMPLIANCE, WE DID IT AND WE EXCEEDED IT. I DON'T THINK EVERYONE ACCOMPLISHES EVERYTHING THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO.

THERE SHOULD BE AN ACCOUNTING THAT WHEN THE COMPANIES FINISH WHETHER IT IS CONSTRUCTION OR WHATEVER THAT WHATEVER COMMITMENT THEY MADE ON THE FRONT END SHOULD BE CLEARLY DOCUMENTED THAT THEY ACHIEVE THAT ON THE BACK END.

>> YES, SIR. I THINK THAT'S WHAT WE ARE PLANNING TO DO WITH COMPLIANCES.

IT IS THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT THAT THERE ARE CHECKS TO ENSURE THE COMPANIES ARE FULFILLING THE PROMISES

[05:35:09]

I THINK THAT END PLACE IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT AND IT WILL MAKE

A DIFFERENCE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I THINK WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS AGENDA RELATIVELY EFFICIENTLY. I WANT TO MAKE A QUICK POINT AND THAT IS TO DAVE. I KNOW DAVE YOU ARE BUILDING YOUR TEAM. WHEN I HEAR PAMELA SAY THAT SHE NEEDS THE DEPARTMENTS TO COORDINATE, THAT'S THE MAIN -- THAT'S ONE OF THE KEY ARGUMENTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE. I ASSUME YOU ARE WORKING WITH PAMELA AND DWIGHT. IT FEELS LIKE COMMISSIONER AND

IT FEELS IT IS COMPLICATED. >> ITEM 306, ANY ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION, COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST SPEED IT UP OR I WILL PUT SOMETHING ON

THE AGENDA TO HELP IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND MAKE IT COMPLETE. NOT JUST A PORTION OF THE

CONTRACTS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I CAN MAKE A MOTION FOR THEM TO COME UP WITH SOME DASHBOARDS? CAN I MAKE IT AS A MOTION? IF YOU SLOW DOWN YOU ARE IN THE DEEP FREEZE. THAT WAS BEFORE YOU WERE ALL BORN. GARCIA, YOU DIDN'T CATCH THAT. IS THAT NECESSARY, DAVE YOU GET MY DRIFT -- YOU GET THE DRIFT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THE JUDGE AND I BEING THE TWO YOUNGEST MEMBERS OF THE COURT, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING

ABOUT. >> I THINK WE'VE GOT THE DRIFT. THERE MAY BE MORE EFFORT TO GET THE SOLID DATA. THAT'S WHAT THE TEAM IS WORKING ON. WE CAN ADD MORE CONTRACTS TO THE REPORTS AND KEEP IT UPDATED AND PUT IT ON THE

INTERNET. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS TRYING TO BE POLITE WITH THE ANALOGY.

WHEN I GET THESE NUMBERS -- WHEN I WAS GETTING NUMBERS BEFORE SOMEBODY WAS MEASURING WHAT MADE THEM LOOK GOOD.

THEY SAID OF THE BUSINESS YOU CAN DO WHO ARE YOU TO DECIDE WHAT THEY CAN DO. WHAT DO WE SPEND AND WHAT PERCENTAGE GOES TO THE MWBE'S.

AND I THINK EVERY TIME PAMELA AND OTHERS TRY TO UPDATE, THERE SHOULD BE MORE CONTRACTSS IN THE BUCKET OF WHAT WE MEASURE AND CAPTURING A BIGGER PIECE.

>> GET OUT AND TALK TO THEM. I LET THEM KNOW IT IS MWBE AND NOT MMWBE. THAT'S WHY IT TOOK SO LONG.

EVERYBODY IS INTERESTED IN MY MINORITY WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS INSTEAD OF A POLICY. THAT'S WHY IT TOOK SO LONG.

PEOPLE WERE BEING BOUGHT OFF. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE ITEM IS SIMPLY AN UPDATE SO NO ACTION, JAMES. NEXT IS ITEM 309.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA FLAGGED THE ITEM.

IT IS ABOUT HEAD START. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. SIMPLY TO CONTINUE THE PROCESS OF BEING ON OUR MISSION TO BRING MORE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND ENHANCEMENTS ACROSS PRECINCT 2 AND TO SUPPORT THOSE BABIES BEING BORN THAT HAVE PHENOMENAL PROMISE IF THEY GET THE RIGHT EDUCATION.

I AM EXCITED TO BE WORKING WITH EARLY HEAD START AND BRINGING IT TO THE RILEY CHAMBERS COMMUNITY.

WITH THE EARLY PROGRAMS WE STARTED WITH TBREE -- FREE COLLEGE PREP CLASSES TO THE PRECINCT 2 STUDENTS AND NOW WITH THE PARTNERSHIP AND THEIR PRE-K SCHOOL AND THE MIDDLE SCHOOL THEY ARE CREATING IN PRECINCT 2 AND NOW WITH THIS ONE AND OBVIOUSLY WE ARE WORKING WITH PROJECT GOOD --

[05:40:03]

THERE ARE CHANNELS FOR EVERY KID AND SO THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SORE TO THE GREATER SIDE.

THIS IS ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE AREAS AND THAT'S WHY I WANTED

TO FLAG IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. WELL SAID.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVE AS PRESENTED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AFTER WE ARE DONE WITH THIS ONE, JUDGE, I

HAVE AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, THE ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE OF THE NEXT ONES ARE ALL BY OUR COLLEAGUE, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TO MY LEFT.

I THINK HE HAS BEEN TAKING A PAGE OUT OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS' BOOK ABOUT TALKING A LOT ABOUT SOME STUFF THAT IS ON HIS AGENDA ITEM. HE HAS BEEN LEARNING.

CAN WE TAKE A BREAK BEFORE WE GO INTO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S

STUFF? >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE DON'T TAKE A BREAK IT WILL BE -- THAT'S WHAT I LEARNED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT WILL BE FASTER.

8 AID WHAT YOU DO IS -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT YOU DO IS GIVE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS BIG, TALL GLASS OF WATER AND

START TALKING. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S TAKE A QUICK BREAK AND HOPEFULLY WILL BE DON QUICK BREAK. I WAS ON TIME.

I HAVE PROOF. ALL RIGHT.

WE HAVE A COR QUUM -- QUORUM. IT IS 40:33 -- 4:33 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I WANT TO CONFIRM THAT WE DID NOT GO OVER 267 -- WE DO NOT NEED TO GO OVER 267.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE DO NOT PRESIDENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE NEXT IS --

>> SORRY TO INTERRUPT. ARE YOU GOING TO VOTE ON ITEM

267? >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S MOVE IT NOW BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN

VOTING -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I DO NOT NEED TO VOTE ON THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE NEED TO VOTE ON IT, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY JUST BECAUSE WE DIDN'T -- FOR WHATEVER REASON IT DIDN'T GET MIKEDDED IN WITH -- MIXED IN WITH THE CONSENT AGENDA SO AS OF NOW IT HASN'T PASSED.

IS THAT A MOTION COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS SELF- SELF-EXPLAIN FORE -- SELF-EXPLANATORY AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE NUMBERS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE.

I DON'T NEED TO READ THIS OTHER THAN TO SAY WE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY THIS YEAR. SOME OF THIS IS GRANT-RELATED AND SOME WILL NOT BE SUPPORTED.

IT ALL IMPACTS THE BUDGET TO SOME DEGREE SO WOULD APPRECIATE GETTING THAT BACK. AND I WILL REPORT IF ANY OTHER FOLKS WILL BE INTERESTED IN WHAT THIS IS.

THAT'S A REQUEST FOR THAT INFORMATION? THAT'S JUST A REQUEST FOR THAT INFORMATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN AMENDMENT TO YOUR MOTION, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IF YOU WOULD BE WILLING.

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE WE INCLUDE A SIMILAR ANALYSIS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SPENDING AS WELL.

>> TOM RAMSEY: SOUND RIGHT. GOOD ADD.

>> DO YOU MIND REPEATING THAT SO I KNOW WHERE TO PUT IT?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MEANT TO INCLUDE SIMILAR -- AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE SIMILAR ANALYSIS IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAW

ENFORCEMENT SPENDING. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: MY QUESTION

[05:45:04]

IT FOR US? >> DAVE, DO YOU THINK?

-- >> I THINK IT IS GOOD WHEN WE PUT THE TEAM TO WORK FOR A LOT OF HOURS THAT WE HAVE A MOTION

AND AN APPROVAL. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID

YOU SECOND IT? >> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO ASK DAVE, IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WERE GOING TO DO AS THE BUDGET PROCESS ANYWAY? THERE IS SO MUCH IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL STUFF. THIS IS TRACKING METRICS ANYWAY, RIGHT? IF WE ARE ASK UGH FOR THE PROPOSAL IS -- IF WE ARE GOING TO ASK YOU TO KEEP YOU FROM DOING THAT? CAN YOU GIVE US A TIMELINE THAT IS NOT TOMORROW SO IT IS NOT A BURR ON YOUR TEAM?

>> HE WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE PICK TO GET SOME MORE PEOPLE.

>> I AM ABOUT TO EXPLAIN WHY WE CAN'T HIRE MORE PEOPLE.

WE ARE PRESENTING IT FOR FINANCIAL REVIEW AND THE COURT WOULD BE WILLING TO WAIT UNTIL THAT DAY THEN WE CAN PRESENT IT ALTOGETHER AND THAT WOULD BE BEFORE THERE ARE VOTES ON THE TAX RATE. IF I COULD HAVE THE EXTRA TIME

IT WOULD BE APPRECIATED. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT IS GREAT.

WE WILL MOVE IT TO SEPTEMBER 28TH RATHER THAN

THE 14TH. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THEN THE MOTION WOULD BE AS PRESENTED EXCEPT FOR IT WOULD SAY SEPTEMBER 28TH AND WE WOULD ADD COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S LINE, CORRECT?

JAMES DOES THAT WORK FOR YOU? >> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA OR IS IT CAGLE? GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

315. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE REASON I PUT 315 ON HERE RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

THERE WERE REQUESTS SENT OUT GIVING PEOPLE OVER 65 AN ALERT THAT IF YOU WANTED A BALLOT, A MAIL IN BALLOT, JUST SUBMIT THE APPLICATION. THAT SEEMS LIKE A FAIRLY ROUTINE THING TO DO. I WAS CONTACTED BY HAHN -- HONESTLY REPUBLICAN PARTY FOLKS WHO SAID NORMALLY WE PARTICIPATE IN THOSE KINDS COMMUNICATIONS.

I AM NOT SURE HOW THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR WORKS WITH THE DEMOCRAT RELATIONSHIP AND THE REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP AND THESE KINDS OF COMMUNICATIONS.

THIS IS A QUESTION AND I'M JUST CURIOUS IF THERE IS SOMETHING DONE DIFFERENTLY THIS YEAR THAT HADN'T BEEN DONE BEFORE. IF I WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW-UP, I DON'T KNOW IF ANYBODY HAS GOTTEN PHONE CALLS ON THIS OR

NOT. >> I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE BY PHONE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.

I AM HAPPY TO ADDRESS THIS AS WELL.

WE WORK WITH THE PARTIES WHEN WE ARE INSTRUCTED TO BY THE CODE ON THINGS LIKE YOU JUST RECENTLY DID ON APPOINTING AND NOMINATING JUDGES, CORRECT? THE OTHER PRACTICES LIKE SENDING OUT NOTICES AND SINNING OUT THE APPLICATIONS FOR FOLKS THAT THERE IS NO STATUTE OUT THAT DICTATES THAT WE TALK WITH ANY PARTY ABOUT THOSE DISIKSES.

ABOUT THOSE DECISIONS. I CAN HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR. IF YOU PREFER I CAN START UP THOSE TALKS WHETHER IT BE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT.

WE WERE GOING TO DO SO AS WE LEAD UP TO THE PRIMARIES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT WAS -- IF WE HAD STARTED DOING SOMETHING OR STOPPED DOING SOMETHING THAT WAS THE QUESTION.

IT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE THAT'S THE INDICATES -- THE CASE.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU WERE JUST GOING THROUGH YOUR STANDARD REQUEST FOR GIVING PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT A BALLOT AND APPLICATION IF THEY WANTED IT.

>> AND IN FULL TRANSPARENCY THEY HAD SOME GROUPS THAT WERE WORKING ON THE INNOVATIONS AND NOW THE INNOVATIONS HAVE BECOME A STANDARD PRACTICE. THERE IS A CONFUSION BETWEEN THE WORKING GROUPS THAT PUT THESE PRACTICES IN PLACE

[05:50:02]

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THE OFFER OF COMMUNICATING WITH BOTH PARTIES, I ACCEPT. THAT WILL MAKE MY LIFE EASIER FOR BOTH SETS OF PARTIES IN MY PRECINCT.

SO LETTING THEM KNOW BEFORE A SIGNIFICANT EVENT LIKE THAT WILL TAKE PRESSURE OFF MY STAFF.

THANK YOU FOR THE OFFER AND I ACCEPT.

>> HAPPY TO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: LIKEWISE, MS. LONGORIA. IF YOU ARE DOING IT FOR ONE,

MAKE SURE YOU DO IT FOR ALL. >> YES, SIR.

ABSOLUTELY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> ANY ACTIONS ON THIS ITEM? >> NO, RIGHT, COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> ITEM 316.

>> I KNOW MR. BERRY IS WORKING ON A LOT OF INITIATIVES.

THERE IS ONE IN PARTICULAR THAT IT IS RELATED TO A REQUEST FOR A COUPLE MEETINGS AGO AND THERE ARE 50 PATROL OFFICERS SMES PHYSICALLY -- SPECIFICALLY IN UNDER-SERVED NEIGHBORHOODS. WHEN DO YOU THINK THAT MIGHT BE -- WHEN MIGHT YOU HAVE A REPORT RELATED TO THAT?

>> WELL, I CAN GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE WORK WE HAVE DONE AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOMETHING ADDITIONAL YOU CAN WRITE IT UP. WE DID A BUDGET ESTIMATE AND THAT'S IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $5 MILLION PER YEAR.

DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL. WE ALSO LOOKED AT AVAILABLE FUNDING AND FOR A PERMANENT POSITION IT WOULD NEED TO BE A GENERAL FUND AND WE WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE EXPENDITURE AND WE HAVE NOT STOPPED WORK ON THIS, BUT WE WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH SOME AVAILABLE FUNDS AND A PROPOSAL.

MY TEAM HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHO HAS INVOLVED THE CONSTABLES AND THEY ARE GATHERING DATA ON WHAT ISSUES THEY ARE AND ON AN ON GOING BASIS WE ARE LOOKING AT THINGS WE ARE BRINGING FORWARD AS WE IDENTIFY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S INFORMATION WE WILL FACTOR INTO THE SEPTEMBER 28TH REPORT WHEN WE ARE LOOKING AT THE COST OF CREATING THE NEW DEPARTMENTS WE HAVE AND IT IS IN THE CONTEXT OF PRY YOFORTS AND -- PRIORITIES AND IT MAKES SOME DECISIONS. THANK YOU FOR THE $5 MILLION A YEAR NUMBER AND THAT GIVES US SOMETHING TO FACTOR INTO THE DISCUSSION THAT WE WILL HAVE ON SEPTEMBER 28TH.

>> NO ACTION ON THIS ITEM, JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION, RIGHT, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 331

[Emergency/Supplemental items (Part 2 of 3)]

FACTOR'S GROUP, LLC. >> TOM RAMSEY: WE HAD ONLY TWO SUBMITTAL ON THIS. I THINK BOTH OF THEM WERE IN THE NEW ENGLAND AREA, WHAT IS THE SELECTION FOR THIS?

>> WADE, ARE YOU ABLE TO ADDRESS THAT? I WAS NOT ON THE COMMITTEE. I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT IT,

BUT -- >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS ONE EITHER.

>> SORRY, COMMISSIONER. I WAS ON THE PHONE TRYING TO WORK ON CREDIT CARDS WHAT ITEM?

>> LINA HIDALGO: 331. >> THIS WAS AN RFP THAT WE DID. WE HAD INDIVIDUALS FROM THE COURT -- I MEAN FROM THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE WORKING ON THIS AND IT WILL BE UPDATED AS THEY CONTINUE TO

[05:55:10]

THIS IS NOT AS A NORMAL PROCESS THAT WE WOULD DO FOR

ANY OTHER RFP. >> SO IT WAS VALUED ENOUGH -- THERE WAS ENOUGH VALUE -- I CALL IT VALUE ENGINEERING, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS WE FEEL LIKE WHAT WE ARE PAYING HERE IS FAIR AND YOU HAVE A COMPETITIVE PROPOSAL PROCESS

AND YOU'RE SATISFIED? >> YES, SIR.

ORIGINALLY WE BUDGETED 250 FOR THAT.

THE ORIGINAL STUDY MAY TAKE EFFORT, BUT AFTER THAT THE COST IS GOING DOWN TO MAINTAIN THE SOFTWARE.

>> THANK YOU. >> YES, SIR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED A MOTION FOR THAT ITEM.

THAT'S 331. >> TOM RAMSEY: I MAKE A

MOTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION -- MOTIONED BY EXCISIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> .

>> >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: FOR WHAT?

I WAS MULTI TASKING. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 334.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE ARE GOING OUT AND PURSUING AS WE SHOULD NATIONWIDE FOR THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.

I THINK WE HAVE SEEN OVER THE LAST FOUR OR FIVE YEARS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT WE HAVE SOMEONE THAT HAS A GREAT -- I WILL CALL IT A GRAVITOS AND A TECHNICAL GRAVITOS.

ONE OF THE WAYS WE MEASURE IT IS AS A TECHNICAL ENGINEER.

HARRIS COUNTY, THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT HAS A LARGE NUMBER OF LEADERSHIP THERE. IT IS RPE'S THAT I THINK WOULD VALUE WORKING FOR A SEASONED PE.

I WOULD THINK A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER WOULD BE AT THE HEART OF THE CRITERIA AND THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING WE WOULD PURSUE FOR THIS POSITION.

I KNOW WE HAVE TO WORK WITH MANY AGENCIES WHETHER IT IS FEMA OR THE CORE OR OTHER FOLKS AND JUST BEING SURE THAT WE HAVE SOMEBODY THAT HAS THAT TECHNICAL GRAVITOS WOULD BE IMPORTANT. THAT WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION TO ADD TO THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

OBVIOUSLY THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT INVOLVES A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF ENGINEERING.

I DON'T NECESSARILY WANT TO POSE THAT WE SEEK OUT SOMEONE THAT MAY HAVE AN ENGINEERING DEGREE.

I GUESS MY QUESTION AND I'M NOT SURE WHO CAN ANSWER IT, BUT WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER THERE IS A STATUTE OUT THAT THE COUNTIEN -- COUNTY ENGINEER BE AN ENGINEER.

IS THAT THE SAME CASE AS FLOOD CONTROL? BECAUSE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS BRINGING THIS UP IT IS --

>> SUR -- SURE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THIS IS JAY.

THERE IS NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS.

THIS WOULD BE A HARRIS COUNTY POLICY.

THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT. >> MY OFFICE HAS CHECKED IN OTHER MAJOR COUNTIES AND THEY HAVE INDIVIDUALS IN THE SIMILAR ROLES THAT ARE NOT ENGINEERS.

I WOULD JUST -- I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND AND SUGGEST THAT MAYBE WE SHOULD DO AND/OR CIVIL ENGINEERING OR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING CREDENTIALS.

I THINK WE OUGHT TO JUST SEE WHAT THE WHOLE CANDIDATE LOOKS LIKES -- LOOKS LIKE AND SEE IF THERE ARE FOLKS -- SKI -- AND SEE WHAT KIND OF CREDENTIALS THEY BRING.

IT OBVIOUSLY HAS TO BE RELATED TO THE WORK IN FLOOD CONTROL.

I JUST ASSUME KEEP AN OPEN MIND ON THIS.

[06:00:04]

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: MY IMPRESSION IS WE NOT PUT THAT REQUIREMENT ON.

I HAVE A GOOD FRIEND I DON'T ALWAYS AGREE WITH POLITICALLY, BUT HE IS A LAWYER. HE HAPPENS TO BE AN AGGIE.

HE IS DOING WORK AROUND THE WORLD.

I HAPPEN TO BE A LAWYER. A LAWYER IS A GOOD, BROAD-MINDED THINKER. WHOEVER WE GET WILL BE THE

BEST PERSON WE CAN. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU,

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> TOM RAMSEY: I BRING 40 PLUS YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ENGINEERING AND AS I WAS ENCOURAGED TO EARLIER IN THIS MEETING ON THE ISSUES AND YOU ARE GETTING MY BEST INSIGHT ON THIS ISSUE.

I THINK IT WOULD BE A MISTAKE -- A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEVEL -- I USE THE WORD GRAVITOS AND WE HAVE A FEW DEPARTMENTS AND THAT IS ONE WAY TO DO IT, AND IT IS HEAVILY INVOLVED AND REQUIRING THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS.

AND SO HISTORICALLY THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE DONE OF I DON'T THINK WE HISTORICALLY HAVE DONE THAT BECAUSE IT IS A BAD IDEA. REALLY FLOOD CONTROL HAS THE REPUTATION OF BEING THE EXAMPLE HOW YOU WANT A FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER AHEAD OF IT, IT IS GOING TO GO BACKWARDS. THAT'S JUST MY FORECAST.

LEAN

>> LINA HIDALGO: I HEAR THAT, COMMISSIONER.

THEY WOULD FIND A HIGH DROLL GIST OR SOMEBODY ELSE.

HYDROLOGIST AND YOU MADE CLEAR THAT A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER WOULD BE BETTER AND I THINK THAT'S A GOOD DIRECTION.

WHO KNOWS? MAYBE THEY WILL FIND SOMEBODY THAT IS JUST SO STELLAR AT EVERYTHING ELSE AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE. AND WE HAVE SO MUCH TALENT AT THE COUNTY THAT I FEEL LIKE THERE WOULD BE PLENTY OF ENGINEERS. NOT THAT SOMEBODY WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE ENGINEER. I WOULD SIDE WITH THE FLEXIBILITY BUT THE RECOGNITION THAT IT SHOULD BE

AN ENGINEER. >> I AM GOING TO SAY THAT SINCE WE NEED ENGINEERS AT SOME POINT IN THE PROCESS AND IT WOULD MAKE SENSE TO HAVE AN ENGINEER RUNNING THAT OPERATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS COMPLIMENTED THE BROAD-MINDED THINKERS.

WHO KNOWS? MAYBE WE WILL BRING SOMEBODY IN FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL TO RUN OUR DISTRICT. BUT I TEND TO THINK THAT IF WE ARE GOING TO BE CONTROLLING WATER AND HY DIS ROLO -- HYDROLOY WE HAVE SOMEBODY WITH -- HYDROLOGY THAT WE HAVE SOMEBODY WITH EXPERTISE. THAT'S MY TWO CENTS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND SO I WOULD JUST -- I DON'T NECESSARILY WANT TO VOTE AGAINST THIS, BUT I WOULD SAY THAT WE SHOULD MAKE IT ONE OF THE CRITERIA TO CONSIDER, BUT

NOT THE SOLE CRITERIA. >> MR. GARCIA, IF I MIGHT, THE TEAM THAT IS SOURCING CANDIDATES FOR THIS ROLE HAS PUT IN THE JOB DESCRIPTION SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF

AN ENGINEER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM GOOD

WITH THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY, DOES THAT WORK? >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S FINE.

THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, IS THERE ACTION ON

THIS ITEM? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO, JAMES.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE

[06:05:04]

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, JUDGE. CAN YOU HEAR ME? THIS IS ITEM 339 AND I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS OF MR. BERRY, WHATEVER HIS FORMAL TITLE IS A LOT OF THESE WERE SPAWNED BY THE ISSUE WERE THE CONTRACT WITH TRAGICS.

THEY ARE NOT SPECIFIC NECESSARILY TO THAT PARTICULAR CONTRACT. AT TIMES THEY WERE CREATED BY THE -- SO MY FIRST QUESTION IS THAT WHEN WE HAVE A CONTRACT LIKE THIS ONE WHERE IT WAS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS A SOLO PERSON WHO WE GAVE THIS $11 MILLION CONTRACT TO, WHO IS FOLLOWING UP WITH THIS VENDOR AND WITH OUR OTHER VENDORS TO ENSURE THE EXPECTED PERFORMANCE? IS THAT G -- GOING TO BE THE SUPREME BUREAUCRAT'S OFFICE THAT WILL HAVE THE DUTY TO FOLLOW-UP, OR IS THAT THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE? IS THAT GOING TO BE THE PURCHASING OFFICE? WHO HAS THE DUTY TO FOLLOW-UP TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS PERFORMANCE.

>> IN THE SPECIFIC CASE OF ELEVATE, THE CONTRACT IS MANAGED UNDER PUBLIC HEALTH WHICH IS UNDER MY RESPONSIBILITY. BY NO MEANS HAVE WE JUST PAID THEM A LUMP SUM OF THE COB TRACT -- CONTRACT AND WE WILL BE WATCHING THE DATA EVERY MONTH.

>> HAVE ALL OF THE COVID PURCHASES OVER $500,000 BEEN

PUT ON THE AGENDA? >> AND JUST TO UNDERSTAND YOUR QUESTION, BUT BY COVID PURCHASES, CAN YOU --

>> THAT WOULD BE THROUGH ALL OF THE -- SOME THAT CAME IN UNDER OUR COVID AGENDA ITEMS AND UNDER THAT SECTION AND THEY HAVE -- WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE COVID ITEMS. SOMETIMES THEY ARE OUT OF OUR EPIC FUND AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE OUT OF OTHER FUNDS AND SOMETIMES THERE IS -- THIS IS A QUESTION I WILL ASK IN A MINUTE, BUT IT WILL BE ONE FUND THAT PAYS OFF ONE ITEM AND THE FUND THAT WERE GOING TO GO THERE AND GET MOVED FROM ANOTHER FUND. IF IT IS ABOVE $50,000 DO BE -- DO WE HAVE ANYTHING THAT IS BELOW $50,000 THAT IS COVID RELATED THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF? THERE IS A QUESTION OF HOW MUCH OF OUR FEDERAL FUNDS MI -- MAY HAVE BEEN TAPPED INTO? IS THERE ANYTHING ON THE AGENDA THAT IS ABOVE $50,000?

>> WELL, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME CASES WHERE THE JUDGE USED THE EMERGENCY AUTHORITY THAT WERE TRANSMITTED TO COURT.

I GUESS THAT COULD BE AN EXCEPTION.

I DON'T HAVE THE ANSWER TO EVERY ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT WOULD BE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT QUESTION. IF THE JUDGE WITH HER EMERGENCY POWER SPENT THE MONEY AND IT COMES BACK AS A TRAININGS MITT TALL -- TRANSMITAL I WOULD AT LEAST BE AWARE OF IT. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE NOTHING SLIPPED THROUGH THE GAPS THAT WAS NOT VOTED ON AS MEMBERS OF THE COURT OR NOT BROUGHT BACK AS A TRANSMITAL.

IF I CAN JUST ASK YOUR OFFICE TO DOUBLE CHECK AND MAYBE PURCHASING TO DOUBLE CHECK AND MAKE SURE OUR AUDITOR DOUBLE CHECK TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING THAT SLIPPED THROUGH THE GAPS AND DIDN'T GET EITHER ON AN AGENDA OR A TRANS MISS TALL -- TRANSMITAL REPORT ON OUR AGENDA.

>> HAPPY TO VERIFY THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WITH REGARD TO THE SPECIFIC CONTRACT THAT WILL BE GATHERING DATA AS THEY DO THE DOOR KNOCKING, IT WAS REPRESENTED THAT THE COUNTY, I THINK, THAT WE WILL OWN THAT DATA.

WILL ELEVATE STRATEGIES BE ABLE TO RESELL THAT DATA OR IS THAT THE PROPERTY OF THE COUNTY AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO OTHER PARTIES OR WILL THAT BE PART OF A PI OVER THE LAST PART OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE INFORMATION THEY GATHER IN ESSENCE IS AVAILABLE TO THE

ENTIRE PUBLIC? >> I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER FOR THAT QUESTION. I DON'T KNOW IF SOMEBODY FROM

[06:10:02]

>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WHAT I CAN DO IS I CAN PULL THAT CON TRACK AND BE -- WE CAN CERTAINLY LOOK AT IT AND I CAN GET SOME INFORMATION BACK TO YOU AND THE REST OF THE COURT

RELATED TO THOSE -- >> GIVE IT TO ALL OF US, PLEASE. I THINK THAT WAS THE QUESTION. IT WAS REPRESENTED THAT THIS DATA WOULD BELONG TO THE COUNTY.

I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT, DOES IT MEAN IT IS SOMETHING THAT ANYBODY WITH A PIA REQUEST THAT HAS ACCESS TO, SO IT IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY, OR IS IT SOMETHING THAT BELONGS TO THE COUNTY AND IT IS PROPRIETARY TO THE COUNTY AND CAN'T BE USED BY ANYBODY EXCEPT FOR THE

COUNTY? >> WE'LL GET THAT INFORMATION

TO THE ENTIRE COURT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE ELEVATE CONTRACT, ONE PERSON CAN'T HANDLE ALL OF THE WORK THAT IS

REQUIRED -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M SORRY.

YOU KNOW YOU ARE MISCHARACTERIZING IT.

YOU KNOW IT IS TO THE A ONE-PERSON SHOP --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AT THIS TIME IT IS A ONE-PERSON SHOP.

LET ME FINISH MY STATEMENT, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN'T START WITH A BOLD-FACED LIE

WHICH YOU ARE PITCHING -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I CALL HO -- I AM NOT LYING, YOUR HONOR.

I PAY YOU RESPECT. NOW I MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE FROM YOU, BUT I AM NOT LYING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. ONE PERSON FROM THE COMMISSIONER -- PERHAPS YOU ARE NOT AWARE SO LET ME MAKE YOU AWARE. THIS IS A OFFICIAL THAT WORKED -- LET ME START WITH THE FACTS.

THIS OFFICIAL WAS SELECTED BY A COMMITTEE THAT HAD NO IDEA WHO THE FIRMS WERE THAT APPLIED AND I DIDN'T SNOW WHO WAS SELECTED -- I DIDN'T KNOW WHO WAS SELECTED UNTIL THE VENDOR WAS SELECTED. WHEN THE VENDOR WAS SELECTED I LEARNED THAT IT WAS THE SAME VENDOR THAT DID SOME OF OUR CENSUS OUT REACH WHICH WAS VERY ROBUST.

IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN DONE BY A ONE-PERSON FIRM.

IN FAINT -- IN FACT, THIS IS AN ENTITY THAT COORDINATES MANY DIFFERENT ENTITIES. THEY ARE WORKING WITH NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ORGANIZATIONS ON THIS CONTRACT. THIS IS A CONTRACT FOR A MULTI-FACETTED STRATEGY. YOU WILL SEE THEY HAVE DOOR KNOCKERS, THEY HAVE SURVEYS, THEY HAVE ADS.

ONE PERSON OUT OF WHATEVER IT IS YOU ARE ALLEGING -- I FRANKLY HAVEN'T WATCHED THE DEAL ABOUT THIS WHATEVER Y'ALL

ARE MAKING UP. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AGAIN CALLING IT MAKING UP. THAT IS A FALSE ACCUSATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ONE PERSON FROM OUT OF AN APARTMENT IS JUST -- YOU KNOW, IS GOING KNOCKING ON ALL OF THESE

DOORS? >> R. JACK CAGLE: NO, THEY

CAN'T. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S NOT THE CASE, COMMISSIONER. IT IS NOT JUST ONE PERSON.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHO ARE THE SUBS THEY WILL USE? WHO IS MONITORING THE SUBS AND WILL WE APPROVE THE SUBS ? AS YOU MENTIONED YOURSELF, YOU SAID THEY COORDINATE.

IF THEY ARE COORDINATING OTHER CONTRACTORS TO DO THIS JOB, WHO APPROVES THE SUBS? THAT'S THE QUESTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS PART OF THE RFP.

I DIDN'T SELECT IT ON MY OWN. COMMISSIONER, THIS IS -- ALL I DID WAS RECEIVE A RECOMMENDATION FROM AN RFP COMMITTEE THAT WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THAT ALL OF THESE THINGS GO THROUGH. WE CAN ASK DWIGHT ABOUT THAT.

AND THEN THIS VENDOR WAS SELECTED.

YOU GUYS TALK AND TALK ABOUT MWBE, THIS IS A WOMAN AND LOCAL FIRM. I DO NOT KNOW THIS PERSON OTHER THAN THEY DID THE CENSUS WORK, AND FROM WHAT I KNOW THEY DID A GOOD JOB AT IT. THAT'S WHAT I KNOW ABOUT THIS FIRM AND THE PRINCIPAL ON IT. OF ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF COURT, COMMISSIONER, AND IN FACT ANY LOCAL OFFICIAL I KNOW , I HAVE MADE THE COMMITMENT NOT TO TAKE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO DO BUSINESS WITH THE COUNTY NOR ANYBODY THAT PLANS TO TAKE A CONTRIBUTION FROM ANYONE WHO DOES BUSINESS WITH THE COUNTY WITHIN A YEAR.

I HAVE NO PERSONAL INTERESTS NOR POLITICAL INTERESTS IN ANY OF THIS. I AM NOT SHY ABOUT DISMISSING VENDORS AND NOR IS THE COURT ABOUT DISMISSING VENDOR THAT'S DON'T PERFORM. WE HAVEN'T BEEN.

NONE OF US HAVE BEEN. WHEN SOMEONE DOESN'T PERFORM IT IS MADE CLEAR. PUBLIC HEALTH IS WORKING HARD AS I HAVE BEEN HAMMERING FROM DAY ONE TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS PROGRESS REPORTS AND THAT THERE ARE METRICS AND THAT THERE IS AN EVALUATION. AND SO THAT IS COMING.

THE VENDORS ARE PROVIDING A WEEKLY UPDATE AND TRULY THEY CAN SEND IT TO YOU GUYS AND MAYBE YOU ARE ALREADY RECEIVING IT. YOU KNOW THAT THIS IS A PRINCIPAL. IT IS JUST LIKE YOU PICK WHOEVER ELSE DOES THE CENSUS TO PICK A NAME.

YOU WOULD SAY HE IS A ONE-PERSON SHOP AT HIS ADDRESS

[06:15:02]

THIS IS A VENDOR. JOOK

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF THEY ARE USING SUBS DO WE GET TO KNOW

WHO THE SUBS ARE? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S A QUESTION FOR PURCHASING AND PUBLIC HEALTH.

LOOK, MAN, I HAVE KNOWINGS ON THIS OTHER THAN I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RESPONSE. THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL. VACCINATION RATES ARE UP.

WE ARE RECOGNIZED WHEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAYS YOU NEED TO DO A, B, C, D, E WE HAVE DONE A THROUGH E AND NOW LEADING ON THE GIFT CARD ISSUE AND LEAD ON DISPARITY THAT PUBLIC HEALTH AND IT IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE VACCINATIONS -- THE DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTIONS ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTIONS.

OUR VACCINE PARTICIPATION WILL INCREASE.

AGAIN, I -- I MEAN, I GET IT. EVERYONE WANTS TO BE POLITICAL. AND I GUESS IT IS FAIR GAME.

FROM WHAT I CAN TELL MY TEAM, THERE IS OVER 65 PEOPLE ON THE TEAM. AND YOU WELL KNOW THIS IS NOT ONE PERSON AND WHEN YOU PITCH THE LIES THAT'S THE STUFF THAT BECOMES THREATS. AND YOU ARE TELLING YOUR CONSTITUENTS THAT MAKING THIS UP, WHEN YOU KNOW I DON'T TAKE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE VENDORS --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT ACCUSING YOU OF TAKING

CONTRIBUTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: MY PERSONAL STATEMENT HAS NOT CHANGED IN THREE YEARS.

SHOW ME WHERE I WILL PUT MY RECORD AGAINST YOURS ANY DAY.

AND IN FACT, LET ME PULL UP SOME NUMBERS HERE BECAUSE I HAVE THEM, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

YOU, ON THE OTHER HAND 235,500 DOLLARS FROM 33 COMPANIES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2021 ONLY. THEY DO BUSINESS WITH THE COMPANY. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY $131,000 FROM 22 COMPANIES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2021 ALONE WHO DO BUSINESS WITH THE COUNTY. SO THIS IS -- SO SPARE ME THE OUTRAGE. YOU KNOW YOU ARE MAKING THIS

UP. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DO WE GET TO KNOW WHO THE SUBS ARE, GABLING ARE -- JUDGE OR NOT 1234*.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHO ANSWERS THESE QUESTIONS?

>> I CAN GET THAT INFORMATION, COMMISSIONER.

THERE ARE PROPOSALS AND THEY COLLABORATE AND THEY ARE RAMPING UP THEIR SERVICES AND THEY MAY BE ADDING INDIVIDUALS AND I WILL PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION TO YOUR OFFICE

WORKING WITH PUBLIC HEALTH. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING OR PROMISING TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> YES, SIR, I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING THE QUESTION. I BELIEVE WE WILL GET A BIT MORE DETAIL FOR THE NEXT MEETING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND BRING IT ON.

BRING IT ON. THERE IS NOTHING HERE.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OTHER THAN APPROPRIATE COVID RESPONSE AND SOMEBODY WHO HAS GONE TO LENGTHS TO AVOID THE APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

BRING IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND FIRST OF ALL I CONTINUE TO APPLAUD YOU FOR YOUR WORK IN THE RESPONSE.

UNDOUBTEDLY BECAUSE WE HAD PUT THE LION'S SHARE OF THE RESPONSE ON YOUR SHOULDERS. AND PEOPLE'S LIVES HAVE BEEN SAVED. I CONTINUE TO THANK YOU AND APPLAUD YOU FOR YOUR WORK. IN TERMS OF THIS CONTRACT, FIRST LET ME SAY THAT MY OFFICE WASN'T ATTACHED TO THE PROCESS. DO YOU MAKE IT A PRACTICE TO CALL US AND SAY, HEY, YOU ARE GOING TO APPROVE THESE CONTRACTS ON THE NEXT COURT AND LET ME GIVE YOU THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS OF THESE COMPANIES.