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>> DO YOU HAVE PASTOR RASMUS ON THE LINE?
[Pastor Rudy Rasmus of St. John's United Methodist Church in Houston.]
>> HE CALLS OR JUST INTRODUCE?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: PASTOR, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS AND I WILL INTRODUCE YOU AND LET YOU DO THE PRAYER.
I KNOW YOU HAVE A SCHEDULE TO KEEP.
I APPRECIATE YOU AGREEING TO COME IN TODAY.
I HEARD YOU HAD A LITTLE FOOT ACCIDENT AND COULDN'T MAKE IT IN.
RUDY RASMUS CO-PASTORS THE ST. JOHN'S CHURCH IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON WITH HIS WIFE, JUANITA.
A CHURCH THAT EXISTED WITH 9 MEMBERS IN 1992.
IT HAS GROWN TO THOUSANDS WHERE PEOPLE OF EVERY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUND AND SHARE THE SAME PEW OFTENTIMES.
THEY WORKED TO ERADICATE FOOD INSECURITY AND PROVIDE RESOURCES TO THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY INCLUDING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
THEY FOUNDED BREAD OF LIFE IN 1992 AND STARTED SERVING 500 MEALS PER DAY TO PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN THE SANCTUARY AT ST. JOHN'S.
TODAY BRAID -- BREAD OF LIFE PROVIDES SERVICES TO MEN AND WOMEN AND FRESH PRODUCE TO HUNGRY FAMILIES.
ST. JOHN'S IS ONE OF THE FEW FAITH COMMUNITIES IN THE U.S.
PROVIDING HIV SIDS TESTING TO CHURCH GOERS ON SUNDAYS THROUGH THE GUEST TESTED PROJECT.
IT INCLUDES APARTMENTS AND 43-UNIT SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY DEVELOPMENT DESIGNED FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AND MEN.
IT INCLUDES AN 80-UNIT APART MEANT COMMUNITY AND 15-UNIT PROJECT TO MEET THE GROWING NEED OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND PREF -- PREVIOUSLY HOMELESS IN HOUSTON.
PASTOR RASMUS IS THE PROUD PARENT OF TWO DAUGHTERS, MORGAN AND RYAN.
ALL OF US HERE, ARE PROUD TO HAVE YOU GIVE US THE PRAYER, PAPSER, RASMUS.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, COMMISSIONER AND THANK YOU EACH FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO SERVICE IN THIS GREAT COUNTY.
THE PRAYER TODAY IS COMING FROM ST. FRANCIS, THE 14TH CENTURY MARK AND I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR TODAY.
LORD, MAKE US INSTRUMENTS OF YOUR PEACE.
WHERE THERE IS HATRED, LET US SOUGH LOVE.
WHERE THERE IS INJURY, LET US PARDON.
WHERE THERE IS DOT GIVE US FAITH AND WHERE THERE IS DESPAIR, GIVE US HOPE.
WHERE THERE IS DARKNESS, SHARED LIGHT AND WHERE THERE IS SADNESS, BRING JOY.
IRKS DIVINE MAST DASH -- OH, DIVINE MASTER LET US NOT SEEK TO BE CONSOLED, BUT TO CONSOLE.
FOR IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE, AND IT IS IN PARDONING THAT WE ARE PARDONED AND IT IS IN DYING THAT WE ARE BORN TO ETERNAL LIFE, 810.
JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU SO MUCH, SIR.
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT VOICE OF ST. FRANCIS TO US TODAY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS TOM RAMSEY.
APPRECIATE YOUR MINISTRY OUT THERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
ROOD RUDE ROD HE WAS TRYING -- RODRIGUEZ HE WANTED TO -- RODRIGUEZ -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: HE WANTED TO COME IN AND HAD TO HAVE SOME FOOT WORK DONE.
WE APPRECIATE YOU WILLING TO COME IN IN PERSON AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOME TIME SOON, RUDY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO.
OUR PRESS CONFERENCE WENT LONG.
I TAKE IT WE DID THE PLEDGE ALREADY? OKAY.
LET'S GO AHEAD AND RECITE THE PLEDGE.
I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDERGOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDERGOD, ONE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: HAVE WE CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER, COMMISSIONER? NO? IT IS 10:19 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS NOVEMBER 30TH, 2021 MEETING OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO ORDER.
[Departments (Part 1 of 3)]
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WE HAVE FIVE RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER THIS MORNING.THE FIRST ONE I AM PROUD OF AND I SAW OUR DISTRICT CLERK HERE.
YES, A ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND WE WILL SHARE IN A MOMENT WHY.
DISTRICT CLASHING VIRGIS HAS RECEIVED SOME RECOGNITION FOR HER WORK IN SUPPORTING JURORS IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND I KNOW IT IS GAS ONE -- JUST ONE OF MANY, MANY STEPS.
SHE HAS RECEIVED THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR JURY INNOVATION.
WHEREAS THE HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE SUPPORTS 90 OFFICES AND A REGISTRAR OF ALL COURT PLEADINGS, INSTRUMENTS, TRIAL EVIDENCE FOR PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT COURTS AND COUNTY COURTS OF LAW.
THE DC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUMMONING RESIDENTS FOR JURY SERVICE AND CIVIL AND PROBATE COURTS.
THE DISTRICT CLERK DISCOVERED HISTORICALLY LOW PARTICIPATION AND LOW DIVERSITY RATES AND JUROR USAGE RATES IN THE COUNTY.
THE PANDEMIC CREATED THE WORST SERVICE RATES THE COUNTY HAS EVER SEEN AND CREATED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DIVE DEEPER INTO APPEARANCE RATE DATA AND PROBABLE CAUSES.
THE DISTRICT CLERK LAUNCHED THE FIRST E-JUROR TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND IT ALLOWS THE DCO TO COMMUNICATE WITH JURORS THE DAY BEFORE SERVICE.
IN THE SUMMER OF 2020 SHE CONDUCTED AN EXIT SURVEY.
SHE HIRED A CONSULTING FIRM TO CONDUCT A ROBUST STUDY IN JUROR PARTICIPATION.
SHE LAUNCHED THE FIRST JURY SERVICE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF JURY SERVICE AND SHE MADE INVESTMENTS TO SUPPORT GYRES.
THE -- SHE PROVIDED FREE COFFEE AND A PAY INCREASE AND AN OUT REACH CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE JURY SERVICE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
AND NOW BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMANDS AND CONGRATULATES THIS AWARD TO CLERK VIRGIS.
ANYBODY LIKE TO MAKE ANY REMARKS?
>> I AM TRULY HONORED TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR THIS RESOLUTION FOR WINNING THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD.
NONE OF WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE DEDICATION AND THE HARD WORK OF MY DCO TEAM.
THIS YEAR HAS BEEN EVENTFUL AND HARRIS COUNTY HAS LEAD THE STATE IN JURY SUMMONS MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE JURY TRIALS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WE WERE ALSO ABLE TO PROVIDE HARRIS COUNTY JURORS WITH FREE PARKING, COFFEE AND MAIL VOUCHERS AND WE INTRODUCED ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION WHICH HAS ENABLED US TO BETTER PLAN AND UTILIZE THE JURORS THAT APPEAR.
I STILL BELIEVE FIRMLY IT WILL TAKE A JURY PAY INCREASE TO SECURE THE DIVERSITY ON OUR JURORS THAT WE ALL WANT.
I LOOK FORWARD TO COMING BACK TO YOU WITH -- TO RECONSIDER OUR PROPOSED PAY INCREASE WHEN THE OPERATIONS RETURN TO NORMAL.
WE CAN LEAD NOT ONLY THE STATE, BUT THE COUNTRY WITH SUCH AN INITIATIVE.
IT IS TIME TO TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE.
WITH PROPER UTILIZATION OF THE PRE-REGISTRATION PROCESS, THE SUPPORT WE HAVE FROM THE JUDGES AND AN EXTENSIVE JUROR OUT REACH CAMPAIGN WE CAN CONTINUE TO MAKE TIME IN THESE EFFORTS.
>> THANK YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU TO FURTHER OUR SYSTEM OF JURY SUMMONS.
>> GOOD JOB AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I FEEL THE NEED TO MENTION THESE STATISTICS.
96% OF PRE-REGISTERED JURORS OVER THE PAST MONTH DID SO THROUGH THE WEBSITE.
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93% OF THOSE WHO PRE-REGISTERED DID SUCCESSFULLY APPEAR ON THEIR DAY OF SERVICE AND THE RATIO OF LEFT OVER JURORS HAS DECREASED.THESE ARE THE JURORS WHO APPEAR ON THE DAY OF SERVICE, BUT ARE NOT NEEDED.
THIS MEANS THERE IS HIGHER EFFICIENCY IN THE USE OF JURORS AND THE DISTRICT CLICKER'S OFFICE.
DASH DOSH CLERK'S -- THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.
>> >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS MENTIONED TO ME THAT DEACON GILL -- GILBERT WAS GOING TO RETIRE.
I KNOW THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE HERE TO SPEAK, BUT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT COMMEMORATES THE RETIREMENT OF DEACON DANIEL GILBERT.
HE HAS MANAGED CHILDREN IN THE DETENTION ALPHA SILT FOR -- FACILITY FOR YEARS.
HE MOVED TO HOUSTON IN 1982 WHERE HE BEGAN HIS WORK SUPPORTING UNDER SERVED YOUTH.
DEACON GILBERT JOINED SPECIAL 8 SERVICES UNDER THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HOUSTON-GALVESTON AND STARTED VISITING CHILDREN IN HARRIS COUNTY'S JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER.
WHEREAS DEACON GILBERT RECEIVED A PH.D IN PSYCHOLOGY FROM LIBERTY UNIVERSITY AND USED HIS KNOWLEDGE TO HELP OTHERS.
IT INCLUDES WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY AND FAITH SHARING PROGRAMS WITH A PEOPLE -- WITH A TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS AND ALL ARE WELCOME REGARDLESS OF RELIGIOUS PREFERENCES.
IN ADDITION, HE FOSTERED INITIATIVES SUCH AS WEEKLY YOUTH GROUPS AND ONE ON ONE PRAYERS AS WELL AS CHURCH AND MUSEUM FIELD TRIPS.
WHEREAS DEACON DANIEL GILBERT EXPANDED HIMSELF BEYOND HARRIS COUNTY VISITING YOUTH AND FACILITIES AND BIBLE STUDY AND HE IS REGULARLY GOING TO COURT WITH THEM FOR SUPPORT AND AS AN ADVOCATE FOR MANY OF THEM.
HE FOLLOWS THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES AND MANY KEEP IN CONTACT AND HE REMAINS KNOWN TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AND HELPING OTHERS.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT COMMANDS DEACON DANIEL GILBERT FOR HIS WORK WITH THE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTERS AND ON.
THE LEGACY LIVES ON TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE TOUCHED AND SUPPORTED AND WE WISH YOU THE VERY BEST IN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE AND HOPE YOU DON'T GO BACK TO SAN ANTONIO.
DEACON, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME UP AND SAY A FEW WORDS, IF THAT'S APPROPRIATE, JUDGE?
>> THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR AND THE RECOGNITION.
I TOLD MY FRIENDS IN SAN ANTONIO I WOULD BE BACK IN A YEAR.
JACK CAGLE: DEACON, BEFORE YOU GO, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I WAS SURPRISED THAT I HAD NOT MADE THE CONNECTION IN MY MIND AS TO THIS RESOLUTION AND YOU AND I WARRANT TO -- I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.
IT WAS 25 SOME ODD YEARS AGO I WAS WORKING WITH JUVENILES AND YOU ALWAYS TOOK THE TIME TO WORK WITH THEM ONE ON ONE AND TO LET THEM HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY AND TO SEE WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE ON THE JAIL SIDE OF THE EQUATION.
WE WOULD BRING YOUNGSTERS IN ON THE EDGE OF HAVING TROUBLES.
YOU NEVER TURNED ANY OF THOSE FOLKS AWAY.
THE LEGACY YOU HAVE HAD, AND I WAS A SNOTTY-NOSED LAWYER IN THOSE DAYS AND YOU WERE KIND TO ME.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BEING THE HANDS AND THE FEET OF THE LORD YOU SERVE AND TOUCHING THE LIVES OF THESE YOUTH.
WHO KNOWS HOW MANY OF THOSE BECAUSE OF YOUR WORK YOU WERE ABLE TO SEND DOWN THE PATHWAY OF BEING PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY INSTEAD OF THE DIRECTIONS THEY WERE LEANING TOWARDS UNTIL THEY HAD THAT CHANCE TO -- I REMEMBER YOU GAVE ONE OF THEM A SANDWICH THE JAIL GUY HAS.
YOU SAID IS THIS WHAT YOU EAT? YES, THREE TIMES A DAY AND THAT MADE A BIG IMPRESSION.
YOU HAD THE TANGIBLE WAY OF TOUCHING THAT GENERATION TO HELP THEM KNOW THAT THERE WAS A BETTER WAY.
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SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.LEARN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE HAVE A FEW OF HIS FRIENDS IF I MIGHT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE OTHERS CAN COME UP.
DEACON MAYA GARZA AND CHIEF HENRY GONZALEZ.
YOIN IF HE IS -- I DON'T KNOW IF HE IS HERE.
WITH THESE MASKS I DON'T KNOW WHO IS HERE.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.
I AM HERE IN PRAISE OF ONE OF THE FINEST HUMAN BEINGS I HAVE EVER MET IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.
DEACON DAN, I HAVE KNOWN HIM FROM THE TIME I WAS IN THE D.A.'S OFFICE AND A DECADE LATER AT DEFENSE ATTORNEY NOW FOR KIDS.
HE IS SOMEBODY WHO REACHED OUT AND BELIEVED IN KIDS WHO A LOT OF US WASHED OUR HANDS OF.
WE SAID WE WILL LOCK YOU AWAY AND THROW AWAY THE KEY AND HE IS SOMEBODY WHO STOOD THERE AND BELIEVED IN THEM.
I HAD HIM ON THE STAND AND PUT HIM IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE AND HE TESTIFIED SAYING HE BELIEVED IN THESE KIDS.
I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY KIDS HE HELPED AND HE SAVED.
I KNOW HOW MANY KIDS OF MINE HE SAVED.
THAT'S WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN THIS WORLD.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR CALLING ME.
GENE REACHED OUT AND SAID THIS IS ONE OF THE UNSUNG HEROS WE DON'T PAY ENOUGH ATTENTION TO AND GIVE ENOUGH LOVE TO.
I KNOW YOU HAVE A LOT TO DO, BUT THANK YOU FOR COMING EARLY.
I WAS LATE WHEN HE SHOWED UP FOR BREAKFAST.
>> I'M DEACON FERNANDO GARCIA FOR THE LAST FOUR AND A HALF YEARS AND WORKING ALONGSIDE DEACON DAN GILBERT.
I AM GLAD WE DON'T HAVE ONE OF THESE AT CHURCH WHEN WE PREACH.
TO HONOR DEACON DAN, I CAN SAY A LOT OF GREAT THINGS ABOUT HIM, BUT HE WOULD PREFER THIS.
IT IS TO HONOR HIM IS TO PRAY FOR OUR YOUTH.
PRAY FOR THOSE WHO WORK WITH HIM.
PRAY FOR NOT ONLY THE MINISTERS, BUT JSO.
TO HONOR THE WORK AND THE LEGACY OF DEACON DAN GILBERT, I JUST ASK YOU TO PRAY.
BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER AND KEEP PRAYING.
THANK YOU TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE THIS MORNING I AM ADRIAN GONZALEZ, DIRECTOR OF THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT.
I AM HERE TO EXTEND OUR HEART FELT GRATITUDE FOR DEACON DAN GILBERT FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO UNFORTUNATELY FIND THEMSELVES IN OUR SYSTEM.
THROUGH HIS COMPASSIONATE SERVICE DEACON DAN HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE BY PROVIDING FAITH AND GUIDANCE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY BY JUST CONSISTENTLY BEING THERE.
BEING THERE TO PROVIDE A SYMPATHETIC SHOULDER TO CRY ON AND BEING THERE TO SHOW THAT SOMEONE CARES, AND THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT ALONE.
DEACON DAN WE WISH YOU A HAPPY RETIREMENT WITH SINCERE APPRECIATION.
NOT JUST FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SERVICE, BUT YOUR FRIENDSHIP TO SO MANY IN OUR DEPARTMENT.
AS YOU START YOUR NEW CHAPTER, REJOICE WITH THE FUTURE FILLED WITH MANY BLESSINGS AND THE CONTENTMENT OF A JOB WELL DONE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THAT'S IT.
I DIDN'T SKIP ANYBODY, DID I? I TRIED TO DO EVERYTHING THAT GENE TOLD ME TO DO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK YOU HAVE ANOTHER ONE, RIGHT, COMMISSIONER ELLIS? IT IS THE BUILD BACK BETTER.
IS THAT OUT OF ORDER? AND THEN ANOTHER RETIREMENT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO GET HERE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
MY FIRST RESOLUTION IS IN HONOR OF AN INCREDIBLE YOUNG LADY.
SHE IS A DENVER HARBOR PRODUCT AND REFERRED TO AS THE TRUE HEART WHO HAS A
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TRUE HEART OF DENVER HARBOR AND THAT IS ANNA MARIA GONZALEZ.AND ACCORDING TO MANY OF HER NEIGHBORS, MANY OF HER FRIENDS SHE IS CONSIDERED A TRUE COMMUNITY LEADER.
SHE IS SOMEONE WHO IS ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT OTHERS AND ENSURING THAT NO ONE GOES WITHOUT IF SHE CAN HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT.
I WANT TO COMMEND HER BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN ONE OF THOSE TRUE, TRUE COMMUNITY SERVANTS WHO DOES IT FOR THE MONEY, JUDGE.
SHE HAS BEEN THE PRESIDENT OF THE DENVER HARBOR CIVIC CLUB FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS.
THAT IS A JOKE THAT SHE DOES IT FOR THE MONEY BECAUSE IT IS ALL, AS YOU WELL KNOW, STRICTLY VOLUNTEER WORK.
SHE IS A PASSIONATE MEMBER OF OUR LADY OF GUADELOUPE CHURCH.
SHE ORGANIZES THE BAZAAR AND SELLS CANDLES AFTER EVERY MASS ON SUNDAYS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHURCH AND THEY HAVE WITNESSED IN THEIR MANY INTERACTIONS WITH THEIR MODEST AND HARD-WORKING AND DEDICATED AND HOW MUCH SHE DOES BEHIND THE SCENES.
SHE IS COMMITTED REGARDLESS OF THE PROJECT OR THE INITIATIVE THAT SHE PURSUES.
SHE HAS FOREWARNED US ABOUT HER RETIREMENT AND WITH HER FREE TIME WE ARE GOING TO HEAR A LOT FROM HER.
WE WANT YOU TO KNOW WE LOVE YOU AND NEED YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK.
SHE IS WORKING ON GETTING THE PILLARS AND PAINTING IN DIFFERENT COLORS.
THE SECOND SIGN SHE HAS DONATED TO THE CLUB.
IT WAS DONE BY OUR STAFF AND THEY MET WITH IT.
AND THEN LASTLY LET ME WASH -- WISH HER A BELATED BIRTHDAY.
AND SO WITH THAT, ANNA, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU AND WE LOVE YOU AND WE THANK YOU.
AS JUAN HERNANDEZ WILL TELL YOU, I I CAN NEVER FORGET THE HARBOR BECAUSE OF YOU.
DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE YOU ON THE LINE.
I HAVE MY STAFF HERE TELLING ME THAT SHE HAS NOT JOINED US.
WE LOVE YOU, ANNA AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT THIS IN YOUR HONOR AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT FROM THE CIVIC CLUB.
>> COMMISSIONER, SORRY TO INTERRUPT.
WE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE STREAMING IS DOWNRIGHT NOW.
UNIVERSAL SERVICES NEEDS TO GET THAT BACK UP AGAIN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE THEM?
THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT RIGHT NOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SOUNDS LIKE WE SHOULD BREAK BECAUSE WE NEED -- BREAK BECAUSE WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO STREAM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 10 EEVMENT -- IT IS 10:49.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN LOOK AT IT LATER.
IS IT ALL RIGHT? WHEN WE GET TO IT WE'LL PASS IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 10:51 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I WANT TO READ THE FIRST ONE ON KAREN DUNN WHO IS RETIRING.
SHE COULDN'T BE ON, BUT IN CASE SHE IS LISTENING, I WANTED TO LET HER KNOW WE APPRECIATE HER YEARS OF SERVICE.
THIS OTHER ONE IS A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A BUILD BACK BETTER PROGRAM.
IT IS PRETTY STRAIGHT FORWARD TO BUILD BACK BETTER WITH HISTORIC INVESTMENT AND IT WILL BE TRANSFORMATIVE FOR TEXAS AND HARRIS COUNTY.
IT WILL INCREASE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND SENIOR CARE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND PROVIDE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE.
THE BUILD BACK BETTER PROGRAM WILL HELP MORE THAN 750,000 TEXANS GET HEALTH INSURANCE THEY CAN AFFORD.
IT WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.
OUR STATE HAS THE HIGHEST UNINSURED RATE IN THE COUNTRY.
WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BE IN OFFICE DURING THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS UNDER FUNDING.
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE DISPROPORTIONATELY BEEN LEFT OUT OF SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS.
[00:25:04]
I DON'T THINK WE CAN AFFORD THE CONSEQUENCES OF NO ACTION.COVID-19'S IMPACT HAS BEEN DEVASTATING ON COMMUNITIES AND THIS IS A GREAT CHANCE TO DO THINGS THAT HAVE NEEDED TO BE DONE FOR A LONGTIME.
AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME WHEN IT COMES UP, I WILL ASK FOR A VOTE ON IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER RESOLUTIONS OUT OF ORDER?
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY OR CAGLE, DO YOU HAVE ANY OUT OF ORDER? ALL RIGHT.
LET'S GO THROUGH THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS START WITH ITEM 283.
AND THAT IS THE APPOINTMENT OF EMILY NGHIEM.
DOES ANYBODY NEED TO GO BACK FOR THAT? THE NEXT IS THE MIA MENDS TO HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD.
FOLKS NEED TO GO BACK ON THAT? 285, THE REAPPOINTMENT OF "BILL" CALLEGARI TO THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE DON'T NEED TO GO BACK TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON 285? OKAY.
>> JUDGE FOR 283, WHAT IS THE ACTUAL MOTION? IS IT TO APPOINT EMILY T NGHIEM TO THE HARRIS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION?
>> AND FOR 284, AS WORDED ON THE UH JINN DO -- AGENDA.
APPOINTING MIA MENDS TO THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE TERM ENDING NOVEMBER OF 2023.
AND THEN 285 WOULD BE THE SAME APPROVAL OF THE REAPPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM A "BILL" CALLEGARI TO THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK PORTION.
JACK CAGLE: AND THEN THE SECOND PART IS FOR BOB REHAK.
THE REPRESENTATIVES ARE REPRESENTING THE GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS FROM THE COUNTY THEY ARE FROM.
THAT IS A COUNTY ATTORNEY EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM.
DO WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT ITEM, COUNTY ATTORNEY?
>> WE DON'T UNLESS THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THEY WANT ANSWERED RELATED TO IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SPECIAL COUNCIL SERVICE ON THE HARRIS COUNTY ROAD LAW.
JACK CAGLE: I CONTACTED THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THIS RELATES TO SOME OLD
LEGAL ISSUES WITH REGARD TO SOME PARTICULAR MATTERS -- >> RELATED TO MUNICIPALITIES.
JACK CAGLE: I DO NOT HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THAT.
JACK CAGLE: THERE IS NO NEED SINCE IT IS LIMITED TO THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 301, COUNTY ATTORNEY, DO WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON 301?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON 301.
302, THESE ARE VARIOUS SETTLEMENTS.
THOSE ARE THE AUDITOR PAYMENTS.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY NEEDS TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON? I SAW SEVERAL SETTLEMENTS ON THE AGENDA.
NO NEED -- NOTHING ELSE NEEDS TO GO BACK FROM OUR OFFICE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WOULD LIKE TO WAIT FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA BEFORE WE GO OVER THE CONSENT AGENDA IN CASE HE HAS ADDITIONAL FLAGS.
I PROPOSE THAT WHILE HE RETURNS THAT WE BEGIN TAKING SPEAKERS.
>> JUDGE, DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK OVER SPEAKER 4 FOR NOW? THAT WAS COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S RESOLUTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: HE IS BACK NOW, TIFFANY.
[00:30:01]
THANK YOU FOR CHECKING.COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE JUST WENT THROUGH THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. THE ITEMS WE WOULD GO BACK TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON WOULD ONLY BE ONE, REALLY.
LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK FOR.
AS FAR AS THE CONSENT AGENDA HERE IS THE LIST.
DO FOLKS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON ITEM 10? IT IS A TRANSFER OF EXPENSES FROM THE PIC FUND TO THE RESPONSE RECOVERY FUND WHICH MEANS THE FUNDS GO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AS I HAVE LEARNED SINCE.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU FLAGGED THAT ITEM.
>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A BRIEF DISCUSSION ON THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 11 IS ANTENNA BROADBAND ITEM.
COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD JUST LIKE TO TALK QUAKILY ON THIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 17 -- >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M SORRY.
24R* IS ITEM 13? ITEM 13 I HAD NOT FLAGGED THAT.
>> THAT IS THE FUNDING FOR THE JAIL AND WE WILL PUT IT ON THE DISCUSSION AGENDA.
I HAVE A BRIEF UPDATE I CAN PROVIDE ON COVID.
ITEM 18, THAT IS THE NEW AFTERNOON -- ANTI-CRIME INITIATIVE.
118 IS AN AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE HARRIS CENTER.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED THAT ITEM.
>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A BRIEF DISCUSSION ON THAT ONE.
ADOPTING REVISIONS TO THE VOTING PRECINCTS.
THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE REDISTRICTING IF I'M CORRECT, JAY?
IN ADDITION TO THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO NORMALIZE SORT OF POST CENSUS AS WELL.
THE COMPRESSED TIME FRAME IS THE CENSUS GETTING THE DATA BACK LATE.
IT IS SOMETHING WE NORMALLY DO AND THE COURT NORMALLY DOES.
JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUICK QUESTIONS OF THE EA ON THAT ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THERE WILL BE QUESTIONS FOR THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF WE CAN ALSO PULL 140.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALSO PULL 140.
THAT WOULD BE HYDROGEN SULFIDE MONITORS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL FLAG THAT ITEM FOR DISCUSSION.
APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF AUDITED CLAIMS. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: IF WE COULD -- JAKE JACK 143? .
JACK CAGLE: 143? WE SKIPPED 143.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL FLAG THAT FOR DISCUSSION.
JACK CAGLE: I DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS IT.
THAT IS A PFM ITEM AND I CIRCULATED A LITTLE MOTION THAT SAYS I MOVE THAT WE ADOPT ALL OF THE ITEMS UNDER 143 -- I'M SORRY.
JACK CAGLE: 165 IS WHAT I AM LOOKING AT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU WANT TO JUST VOTE NO?
JACK CAGLE: WE ARE ON 143 RIGHT NOW? WHAT NUMBER ARE WE ON?
JACK CAGLE: 165, I WILL CIRCULATE A MOTION WAS THAT I MOVE THAT WE APPROVE THE ITEMS IN 165 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PFM'S ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE PFM ITEM WITHIN 165? MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2.
SO WE WILL NOT DISCUSS ITEM 165.
[00:35:03]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU ALL ARE SAYING ON 143 YOU WANT TO VOTE NO OR DISCUSS IT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HE WAS JUST CONFUSED ON 143.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DIDN'T KNOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 178, A RENEWAL OPTION ON THE MAIL VOTER REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES.
>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST DROP THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: 172, I WANT TO DISCUSS THAT ONE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL GET TO THAT ONE.
JACK CAGLE: GLAD I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S WHY I KEEP CLEANING THE GLASSES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 191, A RENEWAL OPTION WITH AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS FOR A STEWARD SHIP GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: HEALTH MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I GOT THAT ANSWERED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: TAKE OFF 199.
226, IT IS AN AWARD WITH VARIOUS FIRMS FOR EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT SERVICES FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
DMITION -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> TOM RAMSEY: I DO NEED TO DISCUSS IT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND I WANT TO PULL 212 AND -- YEAH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 212 IS AN AWARD FOR WADECON, LLC FOR THE CITY OF BAYBROOK.
212, I AM ADDING IT RIGHT NOW TO ENSURE I HAVE IT ON THE LIST.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN 225 IS CONSUMER SAFETY TECHNOLOGY FOR IGNITION INTER LOCK SERVICES, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S CORRECT.
226 IS THE VARIOUS FIRMS ON RECRUITING SERVICES AND YOU SAID YOU DO WANT TO DISCUSS THAT?
THAT IS ESTABLISHING THE HARRIS COUNTY ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOIRD.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THAT.
253 IS THE GRANT FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND ISD'S TO EVALUATE MWBE PARTICIPATION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL WALK THROUGH THAT ONE.
257 IS THE HIRING SCHEDULE OF THE DCA FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND FLOOD CONTROL DIRECTOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 258, AN UPDATE FROM PFM ON THEIR STUDY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND 271 AND THAT IS A TRANSMITAL OF A MEMO ON HARRIS COUNTY COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROMPT PAYMENTS ACT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUAKILY, 26 -- QUICKLY 264 I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS A TRANS MISS TALL, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS TO REDUCE THE JUSTICE BACKLOG.
I THINK WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT.
THERE IS 272, AN UPDATE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ON THEIR WORK FOR THE MWBE PROGRAM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE QUESTIONS BEING RUN DOWNRIGHT NOW ON ITEM 96.
[00:40:07]
I WOULD LIKE TO FLAG IT FOR DISCUSSION JUST WHILE THE QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED.THAT'S 96 AND THAT'S THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE ITEM.
JACK CAGLE: ONE MORE TIME? THAT NUMBER WAS?
JACK CAGLE: 96 AND 308 WILL NOT BE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA?
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME MAKE SURE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT 277.
YOU SAID 308, COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW YOU JUST WANT TO VOTE NO SO I MOVE IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR 308 AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
THAT'S THE BUILD BACK BETTER RESOLUTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES 3-2.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU FLAGGED ANOTHER ITEM?
>> LINA HIDALGO: 277, THAT ITEM IS THE TRANS -- TRANSMITAL BY THE COUNTY TREASURER.
I WILL PUT IT ON THE LIST, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
SO HERE ARE THE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION.
IT STARTS WITH EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 301 AND THEN WE HAVE ITEMS 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 96, 118, 140, 141, 143, 191, 212, 225, 226, 251, 252, 253, 257, 258, 264, 271, 272 AND 277.
JACK CAGLE: AND WE HAVE TWO SPEAKERS ON 262 WHICH IF WE WERE TO VOTE ON SOMETHING, ALTHOUGH IT IS A TRANS -- TRANSMITAL WE SHOULD HEAR THE SPEAKERS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 256 IS AN MOU BETWEEN HARRIS COUNTY AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC.
SO WE WILL PUT THAT -- WE WILL ADD IT TO THE LIST.
AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU SAID WE HAVE SPEAKERS ON -- DID YOU SAY 268?
JACK CAGLE: IT IS A TRANSMITAL.
ALTHOUGH, WE DON'T NECESSARILY VOTE DIRECTLY ON TRANSMITALS, WE JUST RECEIVE THOSE.
I THINK OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION WE SHOULD HEAR THE SPEAKERS BEFORE WE PUT IT ON THE GENERAL CONSENT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL PUT IT ON THE DISCUSSION AND THAT IS A TRANSMITAL ON THE MONTHLY REPORT ABOUT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WAS GOING PULL 277.
>> I UNDERSTOOD 277 WAS ACTUALLY GOING TO BE -- WAS PULLED FOR NOW.
I DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS STILL ON THE AGENDA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I KNOW IT HAS NO ACTION, BUT I WOULD STILL JUST LIKE TO TALK ABOUT IT IF IT IS ALLOWED?
>> IF THE ITEM IS PULLED WE WOULD PREFER NOT HAVING DISCUSSION YET.
IT WILL BE BACK ON THE NEXT AGENDA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I UNDERSTOOD 277 THAT THE NO ACTION WAS THE RELATED ITEM AND IT WAS LIKE ITEM 21.
BUT THIS ONE REMAINED ON THE AGENDA, BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE?
I THINK THE WHOLE ITEM -- WE ARE TRYING TO PULL THE WHOLE ITEM.
THERE IS AN ISSUE, BUT IT WILL DEFINITELY COME BACK ON THE NEXT AGENDA.
SO WE ARE GONNA FOLD ON 277 FOR THIS COURT.
I WILL TAKE THAT OFF, COMMISSIONER GARCIA IF THAT'S OKAY.
LET ME JUST GO BACK OVER THE LIST.
301 IS EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THEN WE HAVE 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 96, 118, 140, 141, 143, 191, 212, 225, 226, 251, 252, 253, 257 -- EXCUSE ME, 256 AND THEN 257, 258, 262,
[00:45:28]
264, 271 AND 272.WE DON'T HAVE ANY PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TODAY'S AGENDA.
JAMES, DO YOU NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ON OTHER ITEMS? THE LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS ITEM IS A NO ACTION.
>> WERE YOU GONNA GO OVER THE CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA?
AYE TESTIMONY 21, THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION.
THAT'S THE PARTNER ITEM WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT WITH JAY.
THE DEPARTMENT ON 26 -- THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION ON 26.
ITEM 68, A CORRECTION, THE OVERAGE AMOUNT SHOULD BE 2,150.
IN OTHER WORDS, WE NEED TO REMOVE A ZERO.
ITEM 98, THERE IS A CORRECTION.
WE SHOULD DELETE EVERYTHING AFTER THE TERM "LEGISLATIVE AGENDA." THE ITEM READS REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE HARRIS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.
BUT IN ANY CASE, THERE IS NO ACTION RELATED TO THE ITEM.
ITEM 215, THE DEPARTMENT ASK -- REQUESTS NO ACTION BE TAKEN.
221, THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION.
227 IS A CORRECTION, REMOVE THE WORDS "AND THE COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT." NO ACTION ON ITEM 277.
THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION ON ITEMS 291, 292, 293 AND 294.
THAT'S THE AMENDMENTS TO THE 2020 ACTION PLAN.
AND NO ACTION ON THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS, ITEM 312.
I HAVE A FLAG HERE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO ACTION.
THERE IS A NOTE ON ITEMS 2 -- EXCUSE ME, 154 AND 155.
THERE IS A PRESENTATION BY THE PUBLIC LIBRARY? DO WE HAVE TO PULL THOSE FOR DISCUSSION? IT IS IF NEEDED.
I DID NOT SEE ANYBODY FLAG 154 AND 155.
WE WILL RECEIVE THE PRESENTATION FROM THE DIRECTOR OUTSIDE OF COURT.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WERE YOU PULLING 143 BECAUSE I HAD A QUESTION? I HAVE MINE ANSWERED ON 143.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WE DON'T NEED TO PULL THAT UNLESS SOMEBODY ELSE HAS A QUESTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL NOT -- WE WILL PUT 143 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
143 IS NOW ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> JUDGE, ITEM 265 AND 272, THEY ARE IN THE SAME BOAT OF 154 AND THERE IS A SHORT STAFF PRESENTATION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 265 -- 272 WE HAVE IT FLAGGED FOR DISCUSSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO 265 WAS THE ITEM ON THE FEASIBILITY OF ELECTRIFICATION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY VEHICULAR FLEET.
IF IT CAN BE A QUICK PRESENTATION I FOR ONE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IT.
>> SHOULD BE LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL FLAG 265 FOR DISCUSSION.
ANYTHING ELSE, JAMES OR MEMBERS?
WE ARE ADDING 265 TO THE LIST.
>> I MOVE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
I THINK THE SCHEDULE GOT A LITTLE BIT MIXED UP SO THAT'S WHY WE ARE DOING IT BACKWARDS.
NORMALLY, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WE SHOULD TAKE THE SPEAKERS BEFORE THIS.
[Speakers (Part 1 of 2)]
>> FIRST WE HAVE SPEAKER JOSE ANTONIO DIAZ OF DIAZ MUSIC INSTITUTE FOR ITEM 6 UNDER RESOLUTIONS.
[00:50:04]
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JOSE, BEFORE YOU SPEAK, THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF READING THE RESOLUTION THAT WE HAVE DRAFTED IN YOUR HONOR.
AT THE -- THANK YOU FOR TUNING IN.
MUSIC HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE BECAUSE MY OLDER BROTHER WAS A MUSICIAN.
HE WAS A SAX PLAYER AND WENT ON TO BE THE MANAGER OF ONE OF OUR FIRST FEMALE TEJANA ARTISTS WHO IS HIS WIFE.
AND SO THE MUSIC HAS BEEN A PART OF MY LIFE.
THE ONLY THING I CAN PLAY IS THE RADIO AND I DON'T DO THAT WELL.
AS YOU CAN TELL BY MY VOICE, JOSE, I I CAN'T CARRY MUCH OF A TUNE.
THE RESOLUTION READS, WHEREAS RETIRED EDUCATOR AND COMPOSER TAUGHT AT MCCAR THUR -- MCARTHUR GENERAL, GO GENERALS, HELPING THE BAND AND JAZZ STUDENTS REACH THEIR DREAMS OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL MUSICIANS.
DAVID, YOU WILL APPRECIATE THIS.
WE HAVE A PROMOTER IN THE AUDIENCE, MR. DIAZ.
WHEREAS, HE DIRECTED THE MUSIC YOUTH GROUP, CORRECTIONER ALIENTE -- CALIENTE, THAT PERFORMED A RANGE OF MUSIC.
HEATHER PETERSON SET THE DEDICATION AND THE PASSION FOR THE MUSIC HE SHARES IS UNMATCHED.
HE PROVIDES MCARTHUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE MUSIC PROGRAM.
DR. DAVIS, THE CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICE ADDED OUR LEADERSHIP DEFINITION INCLUDES THREE MAIN TENANTS.
MR. DIAZ EMBODIES EACH OF THESE.
AND WHEREAS IN MARCH OF 2020 THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION, THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION NAMED DE -- DIAZ AS ONE OF THE 30 MUSIC TEACHERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE.
THEY RECOGNIZE EDUCATORS WHO IMPACT STUDENTS USING MUSIC AS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE AND ARE DEDICATED TO BRINGING A HIGH QUALITY MUSIC PROGRAM TO THEIR STUDENTS.
THE PROCESS IS CONSIDERED THE IMPACT THE EDUCATORS HAVE ON THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC.
AND WHEREAS ORIGINALLY SET TO HOLD THE CMA FOUNDATION ANNUAL MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD ON MAY 5TH, CINDO DE MAYO, 2020 IN NASHVILLE, IT WAS MOVED TO OCTOBER OF 2020, BUT WAS CANCELED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, REGRETFULLY.
THE CEREMONY WAS POSTPONED TO LATE 2021.
WHEREAS THE UNIVERSITY INTER SCOW LASS STICK LEAGUE NAMED DIAZ AS A 2020UIL LEADER OF EXCELLENCE AND NOMINATED TEACHERS, DIRECTORS AND COACHES FOR THIS RECOGNITION.
HE WAS SELECTED FOR DEMONSTRATE -- DEMONSTRATING A HIGH LEVEL OF CARE AND ACHIEVEMENT THAT THE UIL LOOKS FOR IN A SPONSOR OF EXCELLENCE.
AND WHEREAS AMONG HIS MANY RECOGNITIONS IN 2017 DIAZ WAS NAMED A TOP 10 FINALIST FOR THE 2017 GRAMMY FOUNDATIONS MUSIC EDUCATOR AWARD.
TEXAS MONTHLY MAGAZINE FEATURE EDDIE YESES IN THE 2020 ISSUE MAKING THE SECOND SPOT ON THE MAGAZINE'S LIST OF THE 30 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEXAS MUSIC SCENE IN 2017.
HIS PASSION OF MUSIC THROUGH THE SUCCESS OF HIS FORMER STUDENTS.
LIVING LEGACIES THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY THANKS TO YOU.
I AM HONORED TO PRESENT THIS PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF MR. JOSE ANTONIO DIAZ.
I AM HONORED TO RECEIVE THIS RESOLUTION.
[00:55:03]
I HAVE TO SAY THAT ONE OF THE REASONS I WAS SO SUCCESSFUL IS I HAD AN EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY.PART OF THAT COMMUNITY WAS THE YOUTH.
THEY WERE ABLE TO RECEIVE ONE OF THE GRANTS THAT WAS GIVEN OUT TO YOUR PRECINCT AND I WANT TO TELL THAT YOU MONEY ALLOWED US TO WORK WITH 200 KIDS AND THEY ARE SUPER EXCITED FOR THIS UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR.
HAVING THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BE INVOLVED AND HELPING CELEBRATE WHO WE ARE CULTURALLY AND IN EVERY ASPECT MAKES IT A GREAT EXPERIENCE.
I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU, SIR AND EVERYONE ELSE AS WE CONTINUE TO WORK.
I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO HAVE A ROLE IN FURTHERING THE MUSIC IN OUR COMEUFNT -- OUR COMMUNITY.
YOU ARE RETIRED AND YOU HAVE TOO MUCH VALUE.
WE WANT TO VISIT WITH YOU TO SEE HOW WE CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE YOU BRING JOY AND EDUCATION TO THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.
I WILL JUST SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR THOSE MANY STUDENTS.
AGAIN, MY BROTHERS, THE ONE GUY WHO I ALWAYS, ALWAYS ADMIRED FOR HIS MASTERY OF THE SAXOPHONE, TO ME IT WAS JUST BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH THE DRUMMERS AND THE GUITARISTS AND THE TROM BONE PLAYERS AND THE TRUMPET PLAYERS.
JAZZ IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE GENRES.
YOU JUST MAKE PEOPLE AND MUSIC COME ALIVE WHEN YOU CAN TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE HOW TO PLAY THAT AND EMBRACE THOSE WHO HAVE THE NATURAL ABILITY.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE.
BY THE WAY, THE MUSIC ARTIST THAT I WAS REFERRING TO IN MY FAMILY IS KNOWN AS ELSA AND COMPANY.
ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH HER MUSIC?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S MY PEEPS.
CONGRATULATIONS AND WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. DIAZ, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS.
I DON'T KNOW YOU PERSONALLY, BUT I KNOW YOU BY REPUTATION.
I WILL ASK COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR YOUR NUMBER AND MAYBE YOU CAN GET WITH A FEW OF US AND TEACH HIM TO SING.
MAYBE PLAY THE PIANO OR SOMETHING.
I'M GONNA GET YOUR NUMBER FROM HIM AND CALL YOU.
JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JACK CAGLE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO YOUTH AS WELL AS TO YOUR OTHER GREAT WORK OUT THERE.
WE HAVE A GROUP OF RICE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND IN HIGH SCHOOL I PLAYED CELLO AND I PLAYED IN THE MARCHING BAND AT RICE.
I THINK RICE IS THE ONLY SCHOOL WITH A MARCHING STRING SECTION.
WHAT YOU INVEST WITH THE YOUTH WITH REGARD TO MUSIC IS A GIFT THAT LASTS FOR A LIFETIME.
ALTHOUGH I AM THE SECOND YOUNGEST MEMBER OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT, I AM NOW 60 AND I STILL ENJOY THE MUSIC.
THE GIFTS YOU HAVE GIVEN TO THE YOUTH IS A GIFT THAT WILL CONTINUE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> TOM RAMSEY: DR. DIAZ, CONGRATULATIONS.
I AM IMPRESSED THAT YOU CROSSED NOT FROM JAZZ BUT COUNTRY.
I GREW UP IN A SMALL TOWN WHERE WE HAD ONE RADIO STATION.
WE PLAYED TWO KINDS OF MUSIC, COUNTRY AND WESTERN.
I APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT YOU BRING THAT WONDERFUL MIX I THINK YOU FIND IN COUNTRY MUSIC.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR HIGHLIGHTING HIS ACHIEVEMENTS.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER OUT OF ORDER RESOLUTIONS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 6 EXPEEK -- SPEAKING ON ITEM 11 UNDER COVID-19.
[01:00:01]
I'M CALLING IN TODAY BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTENTION TO INSTALL 5G POWER IN OUR COUNTY.THERE WAS ANOTHER REQUEST TO INSTALL POWER AT THE CENTER, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO CALL.
I CHECKED IN ON THE NOTES FROM THE MEETING AND DIDN'T SEE ANYONE HAD EVEN BROUGHT UP THE CHILDREN CENTER.
SEVERAL STUDIES LINKED RADIO FREQUENCY TO BRAIN TUMORS INCLUDING NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM.
IT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE SPERM DAMAGE AND INFERTILITY IN FEMALE.
WHAT MAKES 5G SO MUCH MORE INVASIVE IS THE WAVES ARE SO SMALL THAT TREATMENTS BLOCK THEM.
WE ARE ASKING FOR IT TO BE INSTALLED EVERY FIVE MILES WHILE WE SLEEP IN OUR HOME.
I UNDERSTAND PEOPLE WANT HIGH SPEED INTERNET, BUT WE HAVE 4G WHICH WORKS FINE.
WE KNOW AFTER 5G COMES 6G AND MANY MORE AFTER THAT.
AT WHAT POINT DO WE SAY IT IS TOO DANGEROUS AND TOO INVASIVE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 7, JONATHON -- JOHN SHANNON DAVIS SPEAKING ON ITEM 15 UNDER COVID-19.
AS SOMEBODY WHO HAS BEEN THERE I CAN TELL YOU NRG IS AN INADEQUATE PLACE TO PICK A JURY.
IF WE CAN HOLD A CONCERT THERE WHERE 9 PEOPLE DIE, WE CAN CERTAINLY DO THINGS IN TERMS OF PROTECTING THE PUBLIC WHEN WE HAVE A PERFECTLY GOOD AND RECENTLY REDEDICATED JURY ASSEMBLY BUILDING WHERE WE CAN DO SAFELY DISTANCING OF PEOPLE.
ETTS SPECIALLY WHEN WE WENT DOWN TO [INAUDIBLE].
THE IDEA IS TO HAVE IT AVAILABLE IF THE CONDITION GOES UP TO ORANGE AND RED AGAIN.
HOWEVER, I DON'T SEE GIVING MONEY AWAY FOR RENT AND THEN JUST NOT USING IT.
I BELIEVE THIS IS BAD FOR OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM AND IT IS GOING TO BE USED AS A SCAPEGOAT FOR WHY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE BACKED UP LONGER.
I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU GIVE A NAY ON 15.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 8, JASON T TRUITT.
>> THANK YOU AND GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
I ALSO WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU AND THE TRIAL JUDGES ON DOING THE BEST THEY CAN TO MAKE THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION THROUGHOUT THIS PANDEMIC.
AT THIS POINT, BASED ON SOMEONE WHOSE FIRM THAT HAS 400 TO 450 ACTIVE CASES IN HARRIS COUNTY AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND PARTICIPATED IN VOIR DIRE AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTIES.
THERE ARE SEVERAL COURTS USING THE VOIR DIRE FACILITY AT NRG, BUT THE VAST MAJORITY ARE NOT.
EXTENDING THIS CONTRACT REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE, IT IS NOT A COST ISSUE FOR ME, BUT REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE, THERE ARE MANY COURTS THAT ARE NOT CONDUCTING VOIR DIRE AND JURY TRIALS AT ALL BECAUSE -- WELL, I CAN'T SPEAK FOR THE JUDGES, BUT MOST LIKELY THEY DON'T BELIEVE VOIR DIRE BELIEVES IT IS ADEQUATE.
SO THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE NOW -- >> SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.
KNOW THAT THERE IS A DISCUSSION TAKING PLACE AMONG THE STAKEHOLDERS.
THE PROBLEM IS GETTING EVERYONE ON THE SAME PAGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS WHAT MAJORITY AGREES ON.
WE HEAR YOU AND WE WANT TO DO EVERYTHING TO GET THE SYSTEM MOFLG.
JACK CAGLE: COUNSELOR, GOOD TO SEE YOU OUT THERE TRYING CASES.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 9 SPEAKING ON COVID-19.
>> MY NAME IS MARISSA HANSON AND I AM SPEAKING ABOUT THE COVID PCR TESTING THE CDC OUTLAWED THIS TESTING BY DECEMBER 31ST.
IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUTLAWED BY NOVEMBER AND I SEE THAT YOU GUYS ARE SPENDING ABOUT $10 MILLION OR MAYBE MORE ON TESTING.
IF YOU VOTE YAY FOR THIS, YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY.
THERE WILL BE REPERCUSSIONS, I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT.
I HAVE HAD STU EMPLOYEES -- I HAVE HAD CITY EMPLOYEES CALLING ABOUT THE SHUL VR STICKER -- SILVER STICKER PROGRAM.
YOU GO ON ABOUT CASTLE RIGHTS AND YOU ARE -- CIVIL RIGHTS AND TALK ABOUT SEGREGATION.
[01:05:01]
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I WANT TO KNOW WHY YOU ARE ASKING FOR LISTS OF PEOPLE NOT VACCINATED.WHAT YOU ARE DOING IS VERY, VERY CONCERNING AND WE CAN SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING.
PARK SMITH OF AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS SPEAKING ON ITEM 191 UNDER PURCHASING.
THANK YOU FOR A CHANCE TO SPEAK WITH YOU ALL.
I AM PARK SMITH AND I AM THE CEO OF AMERICAN YOUTH CORP AND TEXAS CONSERVATION PROGRAM THAT HAS BEEN PARTNERING WITH PRECINCT 2.
AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S DISTRICT FOR JOBS TRIERNING AND SERVICE PROGRAM.
WE ARE WORKING ALONGSIDE AN APPRENTICESHIP-LIKE MODEL WITH THE HAIR RUSS CON -- HARRIS COUNTY PARK STATUTE.
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE 16 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE COME THROUGH THE PROGRAM AND GRADUATED THE PROGRAM.
ALL THE WHILE IT IS PAID JOBS TRAINING AND THEY EARN HAD OVER $60,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AMONG THEM THROUGH AN AMERIC-CORP AWARD.
SO FAR THEY COMPLETED 270 PROJECT DAYS IN HARRIS COUNTY PARKS AND CONTRIBUTED APPROXIMATELY 10,000 PROJECT HOURS.
>> WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE OTHER DISTRICTS PICK THIS UP.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: PARK, THANK YOU -- DON'T LEAVE THE LINE.
FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
I TELL YOU WHAT, I PULLED THIS ITEM BECAUSE I JUST WANT HAD TO SING THE PRAISES OF YOUR WORK, THE PRAISES OF THE PROGRAM AND JUST ACKNOWLEDGE THE PHENOMENAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT HAVE RESULTED BECAUSE OF OUR PARTNERSHIP.
LET ME JUST GO DOWN THE LIST AND IF I MISS ANYTHING, PLIES -- PLEASE POINT IT OUT.
FIRST OF ALL, THE EDUCATION MONEY AND I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SO PROUD OF THE PROGRAM COMMISSIONER ELLIS WAS THE BRAINCHILD OF AND PUT TOGETHER THAT PROGRAM.
AND SO IN SEEING ANY PROGRAM LIKE THE ARICORP THAT IS PUTTING $60,000 WORTH OF EDUCATION AWARDING -- AWARDS TO HELP THESE KIDS GO TO SCHOOL AND PAYOFF THE SCHOOL LOANS.
SPECIFICALLY IN THE PRE -- PRECINCT THE WORK THAT YOU HAVE HELPED TO DIRECT WITH THESE YOUNG PEOPLE INCLUDES FOUR MILES OF PRECINCT 2 TRAILS MAINTAINED.
26 ACRES OF HABITAT AND PUBLIC LAND TREATED.
17-ACRES TREATED FOR INVASIVE SPECIES.
6,980 PLANTS, ORNAMENTAL AND NATIVE PLANTS, INSTALL HAD IN PRECINCT 2 PARKS AND 5,1 SECONDS -- 5,164 CUBIC YARDS OF TRASH REMOVED.
APPROXIMATELY -- GET THIS, APPROXIMATELY, 430 STANDARD DUMP TRUCKLOADS WORTH OF TRASH THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED.
94-ACRES HAD TRASH AND DEBRIS REMOVED FROM THEM.
216 STRUCTURES WERE RESTORE HAD OR MAINTAINED.
AND 16 HISTORIC STRUCTURES HAVE ALSO BEEN MAINTAINED.
IN ADDITION TO THE PARK MAINTENANCE FUNDING WE PROVIDE HAD HAD FOR THE PROGRAM, AM -- AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS HAS LEVERAGED ABOUT 256,000 IN FUNDING THROUGH FEDERAL AMERICORP GRANTS TO EXPAND THE IMPACT THAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE PRECINCT 2 FUNDING.
NEEDLESS TO SAY, THERE IS ALSO A LITTLE BIT LIKE THE PREVIOUS RESOLUTION THAT I READ.
YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING TO A LOT OF LIVING LEGACIES THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT AND FOR GREEN SPACE AND FOR COMMUNITIES.
[01:10:01]
GABRIELLA WHO I HOPE IS ON THE LINE IS NOW WORKING FOR PRECINCT 2 FOR A YEAR NOW AS A CARETAKER AND LANDSCAPE -- IN OUR CARETAKER AND LANDSCAPING DEPARTMENT.SHE IS CURRENTLY STUDYING AT U OF H CLEAR LAKE.
PARK, I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU, MAN, LOVE YOU.
LOVE THE IMPACTS IN OUR GREEN SPACE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.
LET'S CONTINUE TO DO MORE OF IT.
I JUST WANTED TO JUST TELL YOU THAT I AM SINCERELY, SINCERELY PROUD OF THIS PROGRAM.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE BEEN DOING.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
I THINK GABRIELLA ALSO GOES MY MONICA AND IS ON THE LINE AS WELL.
SHE CHANGE HAD HER MAJOR FROM THIS EXPERIENCE.
I THINK SHE GOT A REALLY PROFOUND EXPERIENCE AND HOPEFULLY SHE CAN TELL US ABOUT THAT HERSELF.
OF COURSE, WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS PROGRAM EXPAND SO MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN HAIR RUSS COUNTY -- IN HARRIS COUNTY CAN MAINTAIN THEIR OWN PARKS IN THEIR OWN DISTRICTS.
>> GABRIELLA IS IN CLASS AND SHE CAN'T COME ON WITH US RIGHT NOW.
I THINK COMMISSIONER ELLIS WANTS TO ADD A WORD.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANTED TO CHIME IN.
I WANT MY STAFF TO REACH OUT TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO EXPAND IT.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA COMES UP WITH SO MANY GREAT IDEAS.
I AM GOING TO PICK HIS BRAIN THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS.
I WILL BE AT A COUNTY OFFICIAL CONFERENCE, BUT I WILL REACH OUT TO YOU.
HOPEFULLY IF THIS BILL PASSES AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL WITH THE BUILD BACK BETTER PLAN IT WOULD BRING A LOT OF MONEY FOR A CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORE WHICH WOULD JUST BE AN EXPANSION OF THE WORK WE ARE ALREADY DOING WITH YOU GUYS.
HOPEFULLY THAT LAND WILL BE JUST RIGHT FOR BRINGING A LOT MORE FEDERAL FUNDS TO THE HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT OUR JUDGE WILL BE IN DC FOR A COUNTY EXECS MEETING, AND I THINK WE WILL KNOW IF THE BUILD BACK BETTER PROGRAM WILL HAPPEN OR NOT.
JUDGE, YOU WILL BE THERE AND I I WAS TALKING TO A DELEGATION MEMBER AND NEXT WEEK IT MAY BE A DO OR DIE.
IT IS AN IMPORTANT TIME TO BE THERE.
WE HAVE A RESOLUTION WE WILL PASS TODAY AND WE CERTAINLY WANT THAT MONEY.
THIS IS LIEN GNAW HIDALGO -- THIS IS LINA HIDALGO.
THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING.
>> APPRECIATE EVERYONE AND Y'ALL KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 11 FROM AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS SPEAKING ON ITEM 191 UNDER PURCHASING.
I I WANT TO FOLLOW-UP WITH PARK.
I AM SO GLAD THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS ABLE TO REPORT THE STATISTICS ABOUT THE KIND OF WORK AND THE IMPACT OF THE WORK WE DO.
YOU WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU THAT THE WORK IS BEING DONE BY YOUNG ADULTS.
MY ROLE IS A MANAGER AND THAT IS TO FIND EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE DEVELOPED WITH PRECINCT 2, COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S OFFICE HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL IN ASSISTING US IN BEING ABLE TO PUT YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK.
MY REASON FOR BEING ON THE CALL IS TO TELL YOU THAT THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME EMPLOYED AND TO GET INTO CAREER PATHWAYS WHERE THEY CAN BECOME PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU KNOW, THIS ISSUE OF DISCONNECTED YOUTH, ARE YOU SEEING IT MORE FREQUENTLY RECENTLY? OR IS IT KIND OF THE SAME?
>> THE NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED SINCE WE HAVE BEEN IN THE PANDEMIC.
THE OPPORTUNITY THEY HAVE HAS DRAMATICALLY INCREASED.
[01:15:06]
THEY WERE DISMISSED FROM SCHOOL AND HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO SCHOOL VIRTUALLY, SOME, BECAUSE OF SITUATIONS WE ARE NOT ABLE TO CONNECT IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A VIRTUAL GAP.THE NUMBERS HAVE TO BE INCREASED AND THIS WORK WILL MAKE US BE MORE IMPACTFUL TO GRAB THOSE AND PULL THEM BACK TO THE FOLD.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR AT SOME POINT HOW YOU GET THEM TO RE -- TO REENGAGE.
IT IS HARD TO GET THEM TO WORK AT ALL.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS ALWAYS GREAT MOTIVATORS AND CONNECTORS.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CALLING IN AND SPEAKING ON THIS.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOU DO.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 12, SANDRA PETERS SPEAKING IN PERSON ON 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
I AM THE ORGANIZER OF WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT AND I LIVE IN DISTRICT 1.
I AM HERE TODAY TO ASK THAT YOU ALL VOTE YES FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY WORKER'S BOARD, NUMBER 251.
THIS PANDEMIC REALLY THREW IT IN OUR FACE WHILE LOTS OF SAFETY STANDARDS IS DEADLY FOR WORKERS.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT COMES AS NO SURPRISE TO US.
WE HAVE KNOWN ALL ALONG THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE.
SADLY, WE DO HAVE THE DOCS TO PROVE IT.
ONE CONSTRUCTION WORKER DIES EVERY DAY IN TEXAS.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS THE DEADLIEST IN TEXAS.
IT IS THE DEADLIEST INDUSTRY IN TEXAS.
HAVING A WORKER-LEAD BOARD CAN HELP DRASTICALLY REDUCE THOSE NUMBERS.
TODAY YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO NOT JUST BE A PART OF HISTORY OX -- BUT MORE
IMPORTANTLY YOUR YES VOTE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO AHEAD AND WRAP IT UP.
TODAY YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT JUST BE A PART OF HISTORY BECAUSE THE BOARD WOULD BE THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY YOUR YES VOTE SHOWS YOU RESPECT AND HONOR THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS WHO DIED DURING THE PANDEMIC AND YOU BELIEVE IN PROTECTING THOSE WHO ARE LIVING AND WORKING.
SO PLEAS VOTE YES -- PLEASE VOTE YES.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF I COULD, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA.
THERE WAS A LOT OF ANXIETY EARLY ON WHEN WE WERE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS ESSENTIAL AND WHAT WASN'T AND HOW TO SUPPORT OUR EMPLOYEES FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK.
AS YOU KNOW WE PASSED HAZARDOUS PAY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER EMPLOYEES.
I THINK IT WILL HELP US BE IN A BETTER PLACE.
WE NEED TO EITHER CONTINUE THIS OR GET TO ANOTHER TYPE OF PANDEMIC OR DISASTER IN THE FUTURE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO THANK YOU AS WELL.
THEY ARE THE BACKBONE AND IN SO MANY WAYS THEY ARE OVER LOOKED.
A BOARD THAT FOCUSES ON THE ISSUES HELPS CREATE AN ADVOCACY COMMUNITY.
A LOT SIGN HAD UP, BUT IT IS WELL WORTH HEARING FROM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: A KEY THING TO HIGHLIGHT IS THIS CAME FROM THE WORKERS.
THAT'S WHY I AM CONFIDENT IN THE DESIGN.
IT WAS BUILT FROM THEIR IDEAS.
WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE SPEAKERS.
SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
I AM THE CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR.
FIRST AND FOREMOST I WOULD LIKE TO START OFF BY SAYING THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORKERS BOARD IS INCLUSIVE OF DEMOCRACY AND ACTION.
[01:20:05]
WE WERE ABLE TO OVERCOME MANY HURDLES AND COME THIS FAR BECAUSE OUR VOICES AND VALUES HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED BY ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS LIKE YOURSELVES.MANY ORGANIZATIONS LIKE WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT AND NATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS ALLIANCE, WE DREAM IN BLACK AND SCIU, TEXAS HAVE PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ADVOCATING FOR THIS BOARD.
WITHOUT THEIR IDEAS WE WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY.
THE BOARD IS IMPORTANT FOR MANY REASONS AND WILL MAXIMIZE -- >> THANK YOU.
>> AND THE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL RESOURCES -- >> THANK YOU, SIR.
>> THE NEXT SPEAKER HAS REQUESTED A SPANISH TO ENGLISH INTERPRETER.
INTERPRETER, I AM UNMUTING YOU NOW.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 15 SPEAKING IN PERSON, JULIA DE LEON ON ITEM 251 FOR COUNTY JUDGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: INTERPRETER, ARE YOU GETTING THAT?
I'M A WORKER OF -- I'M AN INDEPENDENT WORKER OF WORKERS DEFENSE.
>> I DO THE JOB THAT MAKES YOUR WORK POSSIBLE.
I CLEAN HIGHWAYSES -- I CLEAN HOUSES AND I TAKE CARE OF THE LOVED ONES.
>> I AM ALSO A MOTHER OF TWO ADULT DAUGHTER THAT'S ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL WORKERS.
>> HAVE I A GRANDSON AND I LIVE IN THE SOUTHWEST AND I LIVE IN PRE -- PRECINCT NUMBER 3.
>> IT IS TIME ALREADY TO RECOGNIZE AND VALUE THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS LIKE US.
>> WE ARE THE ONES TO INDICATE THE SLIETIONS TO THE INJUSTICE -- THE SOLUTIONS TO THE INJUSTICES AND THE WORKING ABUSES.
>> THIS IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF HARRIS -- HARRIS COUNTY.
>> I ASK THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF 251 IN YOUR AGENDA TO CREATE THE BOARD OF
[01:25:14]
ESSENTIAL WORKERS.>> I AM GOING TO LEAVE THE INTERPRETER UN -- UNMUTED.
THE NEXT IS CLAUDIA AND SHE IS SPEAKING ON ITEM 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
>> MY NAME IS CLAUDIA AND I LIVE IN COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S DISTRICT.
I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER AND LEADER OF WORKER'S DEFENSE.
>> I REQUEST YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE BOARD OF WORKERS 251.
>> BECAUSE MYSELF AND MANY OTHER WORKERS NEED BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HEALTH AND WORK SECURITY.
>> >> WE THE WORKERS CAN SEE HOW THE LACK OF STANDARDS DO AFFECT US.
>> IT IS HARD TO WORK WITHOUT FEAR WHEN WE SEE CO-WORKERS GETTING SICK.
>> BECAUSE THEY EITHER DON'T CARE ABOUT OUR WORK OR THEY ARE NOT PEOPLE TO REINFORCE THINGS RELATED TO COVID.
>> WE REQUEST PROTECTION AND SAFETY.
>> THE BOARD OF WORKER CANS FIGHT FOR THIS AND MUCH MORE.
>> CAN IMPROVE THE WORKERS' LIVES IN HARRIS COUNTY
>> AND WHEN THE WORKERS ARE ARE VALUED AND HAVE THE DIGNITY WE CAN WORK BETTER.
>> INTERPRETER, I AM GOING TO MUTE YOU FOR A FEW MINUTES.
NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 17, MARIA BAEZ SPEAKING ON COUNTY JUDGE.
I AM HERE FOR THE WORKERS DEFENSE ORGANIZATION IN HOUSTON.
WE ARE SEEKING THE WORKERS BOARD TO HAVE A VOICE OF THE WORKPLACE.
MY JOB AS A COOK IS AN ESSENTIAL JOB IN A TIME OF CRISIS LIKE THE COVID PANDEMIC.
THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS HAVE THE PRIORITY.
DURING THE MOST CRITICAL TIME OF THE PAN DEPP MICK -- PANDEMIC IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ME TO STOP WORKING.
IF I STOP WORKING THEN THERE WILL BE NO PROTECTION AT ALL LIKE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
[01:30:09]
OR STIMULUS CHECK OR WHATEVER ELSE.>> WAS PROVIDED TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE.
YOUR -- >> ONLY BECAUSE I AM -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
MA'AM, I'M AFRAID WE HAVE TO STOP YOU.
EVERYONE GETS THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME.
I WILL UNMUTE THE INTERPRETER AGAIN.
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MARIA HUERTA.
SHE IS SPEAKING UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
GYRE I LIVE IN -- >> I LIVE IN THE DISTRICT OF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> I AM A WORKER DEFENSE LEADER.
>> I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN ESSENTIAL WORKER.
>> ME AND OTHER WORKERS LIKE ME.
>> THE WORLD HAS NOT STOPPED DURING COVID.
WE DO NOT HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF WORK AT HOME OR RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT.
>> AND IT IS CLEAR THAT WORKER DOES NOT HAVE A VOICE IN THE PROCESS OF DECISION MAKING.
>> THE POLICY OF HEALTH PROTECTING WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
>> SO THUS I DEMAND THE COMMISSIONERS TO SUPPORT AND VOTE FOR THE BOARD OF WORKERS 251.
>> WORKERS DESERVE MORE THAN A PAT ON THE SHOULDER.
>> WE WANT A SEAT IN HARRIS COUNTY.
OF WORK, HEALTH AND SECURITIES
>> WE KNOW MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE WHAT WE NEED.
>> THAT'S ALL FOR NOW AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> INTERPRETER, I AM LEAVING YOU UNMUTED.
[01:35:01]
>> I LIVE IN COMMISSIONER ELLIS' DISTRICT.
I AM A LEADER WITH THE LABOR DEFENSE PROJECT.
>> AND I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER.
>> THE BOARD OF WORKERS MEANS A LOT TO ME.
>> SPEAKING FOR MANY OTHER PEOPLE I DID NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF WORKING FROM HOME
>> I HAD TO GO TO WORK AS A CONSTRUCTION WORKER.
>> I BECAME ILL AND PASSED THE ILLNESS TO MY WIFE AND THAT WAS VERY SEVERE TO HER.
>> AFTER I WENT THROUGH THE REHAB MY EMPLOYER DID NOT WANT TO REINTEGRATE ME -- OR HAVE ME WORK AGAIN -- BACK AGAIN AND DID NOT WANT TO PAY FOR THOSE DAYS.
>> THIS IS WHY I ASK THE COMMISSIONERS TO APPROVE THIS WORKER BOARD.
>> AND RAISING THE VOICE OF ALL OF THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN EVERY AREA.
>> INTERPRETER, YOU ARE MUTED AGAIN.
NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 21 FROM NATIONAL JUSTICE SPEAKING ON ITEM 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
MY NAME IS ERIC AND I WORK FOR JOBS OF JUSTICE WHICH IS A NATIONAL NETWORK OF COMMUNITY LABOR COAL DECISION FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PLATFORMS AND WORKING PEOPLE.
FOR THE PAST 20 MONTHS WE WATCHED WORKERS PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY.
AND EVEN AS WE APPROACH THE TWO-YEAR MARK, THE WORKERS LACK WORKPLACE PROTECTION WE ARE SEEING THAT PLAY OUT IN MANY WAYS BUT IN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY THROUGH WORKER-LEAD GOVERNORS.
IT IS COMMON TO HAVE AN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DECISION MAKING AND WE SOUGHT POSSIBLE -- POSITIVE IMPACT FOR THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.
A STUDY OUT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY FOUND THERE WAS 30% LESS COVID-19 DEATHS IN UNION NURSING HOMES VERSUS NON-UNION FACILITIES.
THE ESSENTIAL WORKER'S BOARD -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> AND MILWAUKEEING INFRASTRUCTURE -- AND MAKING INFRASTRUCTURE -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
[01:40:01]
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 22, JUAN B -- JUAN BENITEZ SPEAKING IN PERSON UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
THE WORKERS DEFENSE VICE CHANCELLOR WITH A KEY FOCUS ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS LIKE SO MANY OTHER SECTORS ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ESSENTIAL AND NOT JUST IN A PANDEMIC.
AS WE CONTINUE TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE FOR THOSE BUILDING OUR STATE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THEY HAVE A VOICE AND A SEAT AT THE TABLE.
TODAY HARRIS COUNTY CAN LEAD AGAIN AS THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY IN THE NATION BY BEING THE FIRST COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY TO PASS THE WORKER'S BOARD.
WE URGE YOU TO VOTE YES ON ITEM 251.
WE CAN MAKE HISTORY HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> INTERPRETER, I AM INMUTING YOU AGAIN.
NEXT IS SPEAKER 23, MYRNA BLANCO.
I AM MYRNA BLANCO AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING DOWNTOWN FOR 20 YEARS.
>> I MAINTAIN MY BUILDING CLEAN AND SAFE FOR EVERYONE WHO IS INSIDE THE BUILDING.
>> LIKE I SHOULD BELONG TO A COMMUNITY THAT IS PROVIDED FOR THE WORKERS IN THE COUNTY
>> ORIENTATION ON HOW TO SUPPORT THE WORKERS IN THE PANDEMIC.
>> I HAVE REMAINED WORKING THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC.
>> MANY OF THOSE TIMES WITHOUT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
>> COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY I ASK YOU TO VOTE YES FOR THIS WORKER'S BOARD.
THE SAFETY IS IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE.
>> I AM GRATEFUL TO GOD THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP US.
>> NEXT IS 24 SPEAKING ON 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
[01:45:07]
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.>> I AM BRITNEY WILLIAMS AND THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY STORY TODAY.
I AM A WIDOW AND I AM A MOM TO TWO GIRLS LIVING HERE IN HOUSTON AND I AM AN ESSENTIAL WORKER AT WALMART.
MY WORLD REVOLVED AROUND MY FAMILY AND ANYTHING I DO IS FOR MY GIRLS.
I STARTED WORKING AT WALMART SIX YEARS AGO TO HELP MY FAMILY.
I WORK IN THE PRODUCE DEPARTMENT AND HAVE ALWAYS DONE A GOOD JOB.
I KEEP MY HEAD DOWN AND MIND MY BUSINESS AND TAKE CARE OF MY CORNER OF THE STORE.
ESSENTIAL WORKERS SHOULD NEVER BE SUBJECTED TO THE OFTEN HUMILIATING CIRCUMSTANCES FACED BY MANY WALMART WORKERS.
THIS WAS FOLLOWING THE SUMMER OF MY HUSBAND'S PASSING.
YOU WANTED TO JOIN WITH OTHER WORKERS FIGHTING FOR BETTER PAY.
I WANT TO BE A BETTER ADVOCATE AND LEADER AND THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO VOLUNTEER MY TIME TO MAKE THE ESSENTIAL WORKER BOARD IN HARRIS COUNTY A REALITY.
COVID-19 HAS BEEN DEVASTATING FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS ACROSS THE INDUSTRIES.
>> AND IT BECAME CLEAR -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 25, SPEAKING ON ITEM 2 FAVE 1 UNDER CON -- 25 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
>> MY NAME IS MERCEDES TAYLOR AND I AM PROUD TO BE AN AIRPORT SECURITY OFFICER.
DURING MY TIME AT THE AIRPORT I MONITORED PASSENGERS AND THE TSA CHECKPOINT WHERE THE PASSENGERS COME IN.
TODAY I URGE COMMISSIONERS TO VOTE YES ON THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST IMPACTED DURING THE PANDEMIC HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE WHEN DISCUSSING WORKER SAFETY CONCERNED.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 26, CARA LEVY SPEAKING ON ITEM 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
I'M CARA AND WE ARE A MEMBER OF THE CAMPAIGN OF THE WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 1, COMMISSIONER ELLIS' DISTRICT.
I AM HERE TO ASK YOU VOTE YES FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY BOARD NUMBER 251.
THEY ARE THE LEAST PROTECTED CLASS OF WORKERS BEING UNDERPAID.
IT PUSHED DOMESTIC WORKERS TO THE FRONT LINES AND PROVIDING CRUCIAL SERVICES FOR FAMILIES AND HOMES.
WE CARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND ELDERS AND CLEAN YOUR HOME.
DESPITE THEIR ESSENTIAL WORK, DOMESTIC WORKERS HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE FIRST TO MOVE INCOME.
MOST ARE ARE WORKING WITHOUT ADEQUATE PAY AND ACCESS TO PPE OR SAFE TEA EQUIPMENT.
TODAY YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT JUST BE PART OF THE HISTORY BECAUSE THE WORKERS-LEAD BOARD WILL BE THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY AND MORE IMPORTANTLY YOUR YES VOTE SHOWS YOU RESPECT AND HONOR THOSE WHO DIED DURING THE PANDEMIC THAT YOU
BELIEVE AND PROTECT -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 27, TASHA BRAGGS WILSON SPEAKING ON 251 UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
I HOPE -- I LIVE IN DISTRICT 1.
I AM HERE TO SUPPORT THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD FOR ALL WORKERS.
I HOPE YOU WILL BE PART OF HISTORY TO PASS THIS BOARD.
I AM A NANNY AND POSTPARTUM DOULA AND I HOPE WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE PROTECTIONS FOR OUR WORKERS, HOUSECLEANERS AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF OTHERS THAT ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF OUR COMMUNITY.
WE ALL UTILIZE THESE SERVICES AND I HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER THIS AS BEING IMPORTANT TO HELP PROVIDE BETTER JOBS AND ALLOW US TO HAVE A VOICE FOR THIS PART OF DOMESTIC WORK.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS IN BEING THE FIRST AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 28, COLETTE HAUL SPEAKING UNDER 253 COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 1.
>> LINA HIDALGO: BEFORE WE MOVE ON, I WANT TO THANK THE WORKERS WHO CALLED IN.
[01:50:02]
SOMEONE SAID IT, THE PANDEMIC REALLY LAID BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITIES YOU ALL SHOULDER.AND THE ADVOCATE THAT'S ARE HERE, THANK YOU FOR DOING THE WORK YOU DO AND FOR WORKING WITH US TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE MAKING GOOD POLICY.
THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WE HAVE JURISDICTION OVER AND OTHER THINGS WE DON'T HAVE JURISDICTION OVER AND BEING ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER WITH YOU ALL AND FIGURING OUT WHAT WE CAN DO, AND DOING ALL WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PROTECTING OUR WORKERS IS THE LEAST WE CAN DO FOR ALL OF THE WORK THEY DO FOR US AND IT WILL BUILD A STRONGER COUNTY.
I JUST WANT TO SAY IS AT LEAST WE CAN HAVE OUR WORKERS BACK.
IT WAS THE IDEA OF THE ADVOCATES AND THE WORKERS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I WANTED TO ADD TO YOUR REMARKS.
THANK YOU FOR STAYING ON TOP OF THIS AND HELPING TO BE A PART.
IT IS ONE THING TO POUND YOUR CHEST ON STUFF, BUT ANOTHER TO SIT AT THE TABLE AND WORK THROUGH THESE THINGS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO DO THAT AND MAKING SURE WE HAVE BETTER POLICIES MOVING FORWARD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS NOT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
DO FOLKS HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?
>> TOM RAMSEY: MY COMMENT IS I AM SO PROUD OF OUR BUSINESSES THE LAST FEW YEARS HOW THEY ADJUSTED AND READJUSTED AND ADJUSTED AND READJUSTED AND THE WORKERS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE BUSINESSES.
SOMETIMES POLITICS CREEP INTO DEFINITIONS.
IT IS SHOCKING WHAT SOME PEOPLE CONSIDER ESSENTIAL AND OTHERS DON'T CONSIDER ESSENTIAL.
WE KNOW WHAT THAT IS AND IT CERTAINLY GOT US THROUGH.
I WILL NOT BE SUPPORTING THIS MOTION.
I DON'T THINK WE NEED ANOTHER GOVERNMENT BOARD.
I DOCHT THINK THAT IS THE ANSWER.
WE NEED TO WORK WITH OUR NONPROFITS AND OUR CHURCHES AND SEE WHAT THEY NEED TO BETTER THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE WORKERS AND I WILL TRUST OUR BUSINESS LEADERS TO DO THIS.
I DON'T THINK WE NEED A BOARD.
JACK CAGLE: I WILL START BY SAYING I VALUE OUR CRITICAL WORKERS.
THE QUESTION IS DO WE NEED TO CREATE ANOTHER BOARD WITH WHATEVER POWERS THEY WOULD HAVE WHICH I DON'T SEE WHAT THOSE POWERS WOULD BE.
THIS WOULD BE IN THE BUDGET OFFICE PER VIEW AND THE PROPOSAL IS TO SPEND MORE AND ANOTHER $25,000 FOR OPERATING PROGRAMS. I THINK WE HAVE A DUTY TO LISTEN AND SUPPORT AND HELP, BUT I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED ANOTHER GROUP AND ANOTHER BOARD.
I WILL BE VOTING NO, BUT WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT I VALUE AND SUPPORT EVERYONE WORKING IN THE COUNTY.
WHETHER IT BE FOR THE COUNTY OR WHETHER IT BE FOR THOSE IN THE COUNTY IN OUR REGION.
I SUPPORT AND UH PLAWTD -- AND APPLAUD THE PRINCIPAL OF OUR PARTNERS WHO MAKE IT A BETTER SAW SAY TEE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE TALKED ABOUT DIFFERENT ISSUES AND YOU HAVE LEAD ON DIFFERENT REFORMS. I MEAN, THINGS AS BASIC AS SAFETY.
WITH THESE ON-THE-JOB INJURY RES AND DEATH AND THAT KIND OF THING.
SOMETIMES IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE SOMEBODY IS FOCUSED ON THAT SO WHO BETTER? WE HAVE A FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE.
WE SHOULD HAVE THE WORKERS AT THE TABLE HELP FIGURE OUT WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE DONE ALL WE CAN.
[01:55:03]
AND WE ARE AND WE DO.WE DON'T HAVE THIS AVENUE RIGHT NOW, AND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ADVOCACY PERSPECTIVE.
THAT'S WHERE I AM COMING FROM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT HARM COMES OUT OF THIS? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
WE MAY FIND SOME AREAS THAT WE CAN MAKE IMPROVEMENTS ON.
I SUPPORT OUR BUSINESSES AND THAT'S WHY I LEAD ON THE THE FIRST ROUND OF CARES MONEY TO DO SMALL BUSINESS FORGIVABLE LOANS TO THE SMALL BUSINESSES TO MAKE SURE WE CAN KEEP THE DOORS OPEN.
I DID SPEAK WITH A LOT OF KITCHEN STAFF AND FOLKS SHOWING UP SICK.
THERE IS STILL IMPROVEMENT TO BE MADE.
HAVING BEEN A WAITER AND HAVING BEEN A BUSBOY AND HAVING BEEN A DISHWASHER, I HAVE A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE ON THIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I UNDERSTAND THIS WILL BE THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY, CORRECT? I WANT TO SAY TO THE ADVOCATES THAT I SUPPORT IT AND I'M GOING TO VOTE FOR IT.
I WANT TO STRESS TO YOU THAT BECAUSE IT IS THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY IT IS IMPORTANT WE MAKE IT WORK AND WORK RIGHT.
IT OUGHT TO BE THE LAST IN THE COUNTRY.
IT IS GOOD ON A LOT OF THINGS.
THE NEXT ITEM, WE ARE AT THE BACK OF THE BUS, BUT WE'LL GET THERE.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET FEEDBACK AND HAVE METRICS.
IF IT DOES NOT WORK, WE'LL LOOK AT THAT AS WELL.
AS A SON OF A YARD MAN AND A MAID, COMMISSIONER, I DON'T DO MY LITTLE RAGS STORY THAT OFTEN BECAUSE I AM STILL TRYING TO GET THERE.
WHATEVER IT WAS THAT HELPED ME ACHIEVE WHATEVER SUCCESS I HAVE HAD IN LIFE, TWO PARENTS AND BOTH WORKING TWO JOBS CLEANING OTHER PEOPLE'S BED PANS AND CLEANING FOLKS' HOMES UP AND MOWING THEIR YARDS INSPIRED ME TO GET TO WHERE I AM.
I THINK MY OLD MAN COULD HAVE ADDED A LOT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
AND TO BE CLEAR IT IS TO ESTABLISH THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD.
IT IS BY NOVEMBER 30TH AND DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY TO LAUNCH THE HARRIS COUNTY ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD AS PROVIDED IN THE BACK UP TO THE AGENDA ITEM.
THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2 AND AGAIN MY GRATITUDE TO ALL OF THE WORKERS.
THAT'S HOW I PUT MY WAY THROUGH SCHOOL.
>> I NOTICED THE NAME TAG AND I SAID ARE YOU RELATION TO THE FAMILY DOWNTOWN? THEY HAD THEIR WINDOWS AND HE GOES, YEAH.
I SAID I USED TO CUT YOUR YARD.
I REMEMBER THIS IS WHEN I WAS 11 YEARS OLD AND I WOULD GET PAID 15 CRISPY NEW DOLLARS, SINGLE DOLLARS AND HIS WIFE WOULD STACK THEM ABOUT THIS BIG AND THEY ARE BRAND-NEW.
THEY WERE VERY KIND AND I GOT TO EAT SOME OF THE MOST DELICIOUS FOOD IN THE GARAGE.
I REMINDED HIM THAT I WAS HIS YARD BOY.
[02:00:05]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE FOLKS REMEMBERED ME.
SOMEHOW -- I HAD TO EAT IN THE GARAGE AND SOMEHOW I TALKED MYSELF INTO THE HOUSE.
IF YOU ARE NICER AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO A LITTLE TALKER.
[Departments (Part 2 of 3)]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SHOULD I LAY IT OUT SO WE KNOW WHAT IT IS? THIS IS ITEM 253.
I THINK ALL OF US KNOW COLETTE HOLT SHE DID THE COUNTY DISPARITY STUDY.
I MENTIONED WHEN IT CAME UP IT WAS AN INTER LOCAL WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON BECAUSE WE WERE IN A TIME CRUNCH TO GET THE DISPARITY STUDY DONE.
I MET HER IN 1991 WHEN SHE WAS WORKING FOR I THINK IT WAS CALLED ANERO, NATIONAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH ASSISTANCE.
AND THEY DID THE MILLION DOLLAR DISPARITY STUDY FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS.
THEY WERE THE FIRST TO DO IT IN THE COUNTRY.
IT IS WHAT LET US FIND OUT WHERE WE WERE IN TERMS OF WHAT WE WERE DOING WITH MINORITY WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES.
A LOT OF WATER HAS GONE UNDER THE BRIDGE SINCE THEN.
THE NUMBERS WERE PRETTY EMBARRASSING.
I THINK IN PART BECAUSE WE JUST DIDN'T COLLECT THE DATA.
WE WILL HAVE A PRESENTATION TODAY TO GET A SENSE OF HOW FAR WE HAVE COME.
I WAS TELLING PAMELA THAT WE HAVE A LOT MORE TO DO.
IT IS BETTER THAN WHERE WE WERE.
AFTER THAT EFFORT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY TO DO OUR DISPARITY STUDY, WE FOCUSED ON THE PORT AUTHORITY AND METRO HAD A CONSENT DECREE.
THEY USED TO HAVE A PROGRAM FOR MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES TAIL ORED FOR THEM.
THEY WERE CHALLENGED AND HAD A CONSENT DECREE.
THEY WERE STILL OPERATING WITHOUT A PROGRAM TAILORED.
THEIR RESULTS CAME BACK BETTER THAN THE ONES FOR THE PORT.
IT WAS BETTER THAN OURS, BUT WE ALL HAVE A LOT TO DO.
I THINK ATTORNEY HOPE IS WORKING ON THAT ONE.
WE HAD THREE OF THE MAJOR FIRMS WHO DO THESE STUDIES DO THEM IN OUR REGION.
I HAVE GONE OUT TO MEET WITH A COUPLE OF CHANCELLORS OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND EXPLAINED YOU CAN HAVE A NARROWLY TAILORED PROGRAM.
THEY CALLED ME AND SAID, RODNEY, DO YOU REALLY THINK IT TAKES A MILLION DOLLARS TO FIGURE OUT IF MINORITIES AND WOMEN ARE GETTING THE SHORT EVIDENCE -- SHORTENED OF THE STICK? I SAID, NO, MA'AM.
IT SHOULDN'T TAKE A MILLION DOLLARS, BUT THAT'S WHAT THE SUPREME COURT REQUIRES.
WHAT I'M PROPOSING IS WE PUT UP $200,000.
I TALKED TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
I ONLY TALKED TO ONE AT THE TIME.
I ASKED WOULD HE PUT UP 50 IF I PUT UP 50 WITH THE INTENTION OF HAVING THIS MONEY COME OUT OF A ARPA FUNDS AND WE HAVE AN ARPA PROCESS.
I FULLY INTEND IF IT QUALIFIES TO GO AND GET THE MONEY OUT OF ARPA.
WHEN I TALKED TO COLETTE ABOUT HOW TO DO IT, SHE WILL COMMENT ON THIS, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU CAN DO IT WITH COMMUNITY LEDGES -- COLLEGE THAT'S CAN PIGGYBACK OVER THE OTHER WORK SHE HAS DONE IN THIS REGION.
TTS -- IT IS A BIT MORE CONVOLUTED OR COMPLICATED OR POLITICALLY CHALLENGING FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DO IT, BUT I HAVE TALKED TO TWO OF OUR SUPERINTENDENTS.
THAT'S WHY THERE IS THE EXTRA MONEY.
I FORGOT TO TELL YOU THE PRICE TAG WENT UP.
IF THEY CANNOT DO A DISPARITY STUDY AND IF WE DON'T GET TAKERS WE WON'T USE THE MONEY.
I CHALLENGE ANYBODY TO GO AND PULL THE NUMBERS AND THEN BELIEVE THE NUMBERS ARE AS POSITIVE AS THEY THINK THEY ARE WHEN THEY ARE GUESSING ON WHAT THEY DO.
THAT'S NOT THE ONLY ONE, BUT IT IS ONE OF THEM.
COMMISSIONER, I AM WILLING TO BE FLEXIBLE.
I THINK EVEN IN THE ABSENCE OF A PROGRAM THE DATA AND THE METRICS.
[02:05:11]
THE METRICS SHOULDN'T SAY A LOT AND ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO DO SOMETHING.I REALLY HAVE THE IDEA JUST TRYING TO THINK ABOUT THE DISCUSSION OF EQUITY.
I KNEW A COUPLE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS WERE COMING UP.
USUALLY YOU CAN RAISE THE ISSUE IF YOU HAVE A LITTLE LEVERAGE.
I SHOULD HAVE DONE IT QUICKER.
COLETTE, I KNOW YOU ARE ON THE SCHEDULE AND DO THESE STUDIES AROUND THE COUNTRY, BUT IF I DIDN'T GET IT RIGHT, JUMP IN.
>> WONDERFUL COMMISSIONER, ELLIS, YOU GOT IT EXACTLY RIGHT.
I KNOW YOU WERE WORKING ON THESE ISSUES SINCE WAY BACK IN THE DAY.
IF AN AGENCY WANTS TO ENSURE FULL AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPETE FOR ALL FIRMS REGARDLESS OF THE RACE AND GENDER WE WANT A ROBUST PROGRAM AND IT IS INSPIRED BY THE FEDERAL COURTS TO DO THAT.
LET ME NOTE THAT IT IS EVEN MORE CONSERVATIVE AS WE WORKED ON THE STATE OF TEXAS STUDY ALL THESE MANY, MANY YEARS AGO.
AND SO A STUDY IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED IF YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO SET ANY TYPE OF GOAL AND ENFORCE THEM.
IF THE DISTRICTS WANT TO DO THAT, THAT'S WHAT WILL BE NECESSARY IT IS POSSIBLE TO COLLABORATED -- COLLABORATE TOGETHER AND THAT CAN BE TRICKY.
I AM DELIGHTED TO HELP YOU AND SUPPORT YOU IN ANYWAY I CAN.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MAY HAVE A QUESTION.
I SHOULD HAVE READ WHAT THE REQUEST IS.
IT WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A MOTION.
THERE MAY BE OTHER SPEAKERS, BUT THE REQUEST IS THAT THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION WOIRKS WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, PURCHASING DEPARTMENT, THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND COMMUNITY TO CREATE A FUND ALLOCATING $200,000 TO COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN HARRIS COUNTY TO CONDUCT DISPARITY STUDIES REGARDING THE UTILIZATION OF MINORITY WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES, ENTERPRISES, MWBE'S WITH THE ADOPTION OF THE MWBE PROGRAMS USING NATIONAL BEST PRACTICES TO REMEDY ANY RACE AGENDA DISPARITY.
IN SHORT, IF THERE IS A PROBLEM AND IF YOU DO THE STUDY AND FIND OUT THERE ARE DISPARITIES, I DON'T KNOW ONE SHOE FITS ALL, BUT YOU WILL DO SOMETHING IF YOU TAKE THIS MONEY.
THIS WON'T PAY FOR THE STUDY, BY THE WAY.
SHE COULD IMIF -- GIVE A GUESS AND IT IS IN MY TALKING POINTS.
WE WERE PIGGYBACKING OFF THE STUDY SHE WAS DOING FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
I THINK IT IS IN THERE SOMEWHERE.
METRO MAY HAVE RUN ABOUT 300,000.
THE ONE FOR PORT AUTHORITY MAY HAVE BEEN SOMEWHERE IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD AS WELL.
THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT SOME SKIN IN THE GAME IF THEY OPTED TO DO IT.
I THOUGHT ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE PROGRAM WHERE WE TOOK SOME OF OUR COVID MONEY TO GIVE IT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND GAVE IT TO A YOUTH PROGRAM.
IF WE DO COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND DO OTHER THINGS, WHY DON'T WE INCENTIVIZE THEM TO DO THIS? WE CAN CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STUDENTS THEY ARE TRAINING TO BUILD THEIR SCHOOLS.
THERE MAY BE SOME ROLE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CAN PLAY.
I DIDN'T PUT THEM INTO MOTION, BUT THEY DO HAVE PURCHASING.
THEY DID MAKE IT CLEAR THAT HE DIDN'T WANT TO BE THE PERSON ENFORCING THE PROGRAM.
THAT WOULD BE POLITICALLY CHALLENGING FOR HIM.
I AM TOLD THAT HARRIS HEALTH MIGHT ASK AND CONTRACT WITH US, ASSUMING THAT THEY SHOW THE DISPARITIES.
THEY MACON TRACT WITH US TO RUN THEIR -- THEY MAY CONTRACT WITH US TO RUN THE PROGRAM.
I'M SURE MY STAFF WILL WORK WITH YOU.
THERE ARE OTHER PLACES AND NORTH CAROLINA IS IN PARTICULAR.
OTHER PLACES WHERE THEY HAVE DONE THIS AND THEY HAVE SHARED RESOURCES TO DO THE DISPARITY STUDIES.
IF THERE ARE NO TAKERS, THEN WE WON'T DO IT.
AND WE WANT TO PUT THIS 200 UP.
IT IS 100 FROM PRECINCT 1 AND 100 FROM PRECINCT 2.
[02:10:02]
UNLESS OUR OTHER COLLEAGUES WOULD CHIME IN.I WOULD SAY WE GIVE 50 APIECE TO GET IT TO 200 WITH THE HOPE WE ARE REIMBURSED IN OUR PRECINCTS WITH MONEY COMING FROM ARPA.
AND THE REASON IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL FOUR OF US TO PARTICIPATE IS IT SENDS A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, EVERYBODY OUGHT TO PARTICIPATE.
THAT'S MY CALL TO MY COLLEAGUES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY, WE HAVE DONE THESE STUDIES AND SEEN THESE STUDIES.
THERE IS A DISPARITY STUDY WE PARTNERED WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN THE BOND ISSUE CAME UP -- THERE ARE SOME SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT'S HAVE LIMITED PROGRAMS. TO MY KNOWLEDGE NONE OF THEM HAVE DONE DISPARITY STUDIES.
IF THEY ARE CHALLENGED IN COURT THERE IS A PROBLEM.
I DIDN'T WANT TO GO THROUGH AN RFP PROCESS.
THAT MIGHT HAVE TAKEN A YEAR OR SIX MONTHS.
SHE WAS CONDUCTING A DISPARITY STUDY FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
SO WHAT WE DID WAS PUT -- OUR REGION IS BIGGER, OBVIOUSLY, THAN THE CITY'S REGION.
BISE THEM PIGGYBACKING ON WHAT SHE HAS DONE FOR US, WHAT THEY PURCHASED AND WHAT THEY CONSTRUCT, AS YOU KNOW, IS SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT.
I KNOW WHEN I WAS AN INVESTMENT BANKER, WHAT I WOULD DO FOR HARRIS COUNTY, THEY CAN SAVE MONEY BY PIGGYBACKING ON WHAT THEY DID.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WE HAVE A DISPARITY STUDY NOW.
>> TOM RAMSEY: IS THIS AN UPDATE OF THE DISPARITY STUDY WE LSHED -- WE ALREADY HAVE?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS TAILORED FOR THEM.
THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.
THE PROGRAM WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM -- BEFORE YOU CAN JUSTIFY A NARROW TAILORED PROGRAM YOU HAVE TO DO THIS DISPARITY STUD DYE.
IT SHOWS WHAT IS IN YOUR MARKETPLACE INCLUDING SOMEBODY WHO MOVES IN.
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY THEY HAVE?
>> SHE GAVE A GOOD UPDATE AND HAVING PARTICIPATED IN THE PROGRAM FOR 40 YEARS AND SEEN PROBLEMS IN THE PROGRAM BECAUSE ONE COMMENT I MADE TO HER, THEY SAY DO 30 AND I DO 35.
AT THE END OF THE PROJECT I MAKE SURE WE ARE 35.
IT IS A GOOD JOB OF YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO DO 30 AND YOU INDICATED 35.
NO ONE CHECKS ON THE BACK END.
THAT'S WHERE YOU ACTUALLY CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM.
THE OTHER, COMMISSIONER, IS GETTING MORE OFFICIALS -- FIRMS CERTIFIED AND IN THE POOL.
THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH IN THE POOL CAPACITY RELATED.
THERE IS A LOT OF -- WE HAVE TO DO A BETTER JOB OF GETTING WOMEN AND MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES CERTIFIED.
MY COMMENT ON THIS ONE WAS RATHER THAN DO ANOTHER STUDY AND BELIEVE ME I WAS CONSULTED FOR 40 YEARS AND I ENJOY DOING STUDIES.
STUDIES ARE THE BEST THING BECAUSE THERE IS NEVER AN END TO IT.
I WOULD RATHER RECEIVE MONEY SPENT TRYING TO INCREASE THE POOL OF MINORITY FUNDS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING, COMMISSIONER.
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WHAT OUR PROGRAM IN HARRIS COUNTY.
JUST LIKE WE TOOK FEDERAL MONEY THAT CAME TO US TO BUY COMPUTERS TO CONNECT SCHOOLS.
I'M SAYING THE ONLY WAY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN YOUR PRECINCT AND MINE, TO HAVE A PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES.
THERE IS A REASON THEY ARE NOT CERTIFIED AND A REASON THEY ARE ARE NOT HERE.
[02:15:04]
>> TOM RAMSEY: THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE CITY OF HOUSTON SET UP A PROGRAM IN 1984.
THE COURTS REQUIRE IF YOU ARE GONNA HAVE A GOAL AND YOU ARE GONNA MONITOR IT, AND IN ANYWAY IF YOU TRY TO ENFORCE IT AND IT IS SHUTDOWN BY FEDERAL COURTS AND CHALLENGED BY CONTRACTORS WHO DON'T WANT THIS PROGRAM.
I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE LOCAL CONTRACTORS, BUT THE LAWSUITS WERE FUNDED.
THEY WERE WELL FUNDED BY PEOPLE MAKING A GOOD LIVING AND TRYING TO KEEP MINORITY-OWNED FIRMS FROM GETTING A PIECE OF THE PIE.
I AM WILLING TO TAKE MONEY FROM MY PRECINCT BUDGET.
JUST LIKE WE GAVE MONEY, I WANT TO BRIDGE THE DIVIDE.
I FULLY INTEND TO GO THROUGH AN ARPA PROCESS.
THE INSPIRED THE DISPARITY STUDY.
I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD USE ARPA FUNDS.
DO YOU KNOW IF THEY WILL USE COUNTY MONEY?
>> NOW THAT WE UNDERSTAND THE IDEA WE WILL LET THEM REVIEW THE SPECIFICS.
MY SENSE IS WE WANT SOMETHING THAT IS EASY TO ADMINISTER SO IT DOESN'T TAKE A YEAR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF IT TAKES A YEAR TO DO IT, I WILL PUT UP MONEY.
I AM SAYING SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND COMMUNITY LEDGES -- COLLEGES HAVE TO BUY IN.
>> TOM RAMSEY: IS IT A POT FOR THE DISTRICTS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL SEED IT.
IS THAT THE PHRASE YOU GAVE ME? WE WILL SEED IT BECAUSE IT WON'T PAY FOR A STUDY.
COLETTE, IF YOU HAVE A ROUGH IDEA, NOT THAT YOU WERE THE ONE TO DO IT.
IF YOU TRY TO GET THREE OR FOUR OF THESE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEMS I DOCK TO TWO INTERESTED, HUH STONN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND LONE STAR.
>> I AM TALKING TO THE TRUSTEES.
THEY GENUINELY THOUGHT THE NUMBERS WERE BETTER THAN THEY ARE.
WE GENERALLY -- UNTIL YOU CHECK IT AND YOU GET THE METRICS IT IS A DIFFERENT DEAL.
AT LEAST THE FOLKS AT THE PORT HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVEN'T TURNED ON THIS COMPUTER PROGRAM.
YOU HAVE TO DO THIS, COMMISSIONER, TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW.
YOU HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU SAY THERE IS A GOAL.
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SUE PROGRAMS LIKE THIS.
ONE REASON SMALLER PROGRAMS DON'T SET UP PROGRAMS IS THEY FEEL LIKE GOVERNOR RICHARDS.
40 YEARS AGO, 38 YEARS AGO -- >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE DUE FOR A BREAK AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE -- WE ARE DUE FOR A LUNCH BREAK.
WHY DON'T WE VOTE ON THIS ITEM IF THAT'S OKAY AND THEN WE CAN TAKE A LUNCH BREAK AND FINISH WITH THE SPEAKERS.
JACK CAGLE: I JUST HAVE THREE QUICK POINTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SORRY ABOUT THAT.
JACK CAGLE: I CAN TAKE THREE MINUTES ON MY THREE QUICK POINTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S FINISH DISCUSSING THIS AND THEN GO TO BREAK.
JAKE JACK I PROMISE I WILL -- >> R.
JACK CAGLE: I PROMISE I BILL TALK LESS THAN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
THE FIRST COMMENT IS THAT THESE ARE FUNDS THAT ARE BEING GIVEN TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND SCHOOL BOARDS WHOE -- WHO RIGHT NOW ARE THE MOST FLUSH IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO GIVE COUNTY DOLLARS TO THE SCHOOL BOARD OR DISTRICTS.
POINT NUMBER TWO, THIS IS WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND HIS PRECINCT HE HAS BEEN DEALING WITH FOR AWHILE AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND HIS PRE SINK HE HAS BEEN DEALING WITH FOR AWHILE, THEY WANT TO DO IN THEIR AREAS.
I'M SUPPORTIVE OF EACH COMMISSIONER DOING WHAT THEY WANT TO DO WITH THEIR FUNDS IN THEIR AREAS.
I WORKED WITH ONE PRE SINK FOR 10 YEARS AND LEARNING A NEW ONE.
WE WILL BE WORKING WITH THAT AND I MAY BE DEALING WITH THOSE ISSUES REAL SOON.
IN TERMS OF SUPPORTING COLLEAGUES AND WHAT THEY ARE DOING WITH THE BUDGET FUNDS, I'M OKAY WITH THAT.
POINT NUMBER THREE AND THIS IS GOING TO BE WITH MS. COLETTE, BUT OUR STUDY SHOWED THERE ARE A COUPLE OF ISSUES.
ONE IS PERSONAL SERVICES WHICH WE AS COMMISSIONERS MADE OUR AWARDS IN AND PRECINCT 4 AND 3 HAVE BEEN THE BEST IN TERMS OF WHAT WE AWARDED IN TERMS OF MINORITY
[02:20:05]
AND WOMEN PARTICIPATION.AND IN PACT I THINK -- AND IN FACT I THINK WE ARE THE BEST.
I THINK WE HAVE DONE QUITE WELL WITH REGARD TO THAT BECAUSE WE BREAK DOWN OUR PROJECTS.
JACK CAGLE: ONE OF MY PROBLEMS WITH THE STUDY AND THERE ARE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND IT WAS EVERYBODY ELSE.
THEY DIDN'T MEAN THAT THOSE WERE ALL WHITE MALES, BUT WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS HE WOULD OFTEN SAY THE EVERYONE ELSE WERE ALL WHITE MALES AND THAT IS NOT CORRECT.
YOU FACTOR IN THERE THE BIG CONTRACTS OF THE BRIDGE, UTILITY COMPANIES AND THE THINGS YOU CAN'T BREAK DOWN, AND I WOULD BE MORE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT CAN WE MEASURE WHITE MALES-OWNED COMPANIES WHEN WE ALSO MEASURE THE OTHERS SO WE CAN COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES TO SEE IF WE REALLY ARE HAVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM OR IF IT IS A MATTER TO MAKE SURE WE BREAK OUR LARGER -- UTILITY COMPANIES ARE HARDER TO BREAK UP, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
IF YOU MAKE THEM IN SMALLER SECTIONS, IT MAKES IT EASIER FOR MINORITY-OWNED COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE.
I WOULD BE MORE INTERESTED IN PERHAPS JOINING MY COLLEAGUES IF WE CAN MAKE SURE THE STUDY WE ARE CONCEDING WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGES OR SCHOOL BOARDS WOULD ALSO GIVE US THE DATA WHERE WE CAN COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM NOT SURE I AM CLEAR ON THE APPLES TO APPLES POINT.
JACK CAGLE: MS. COLETTE CAN EXPLAIN THIS.
WHEN WE DID OUR DISPARITY STUDY.
IT IS NOT WHAT WE DID AS BOARD MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT WITH REGARD TO OUR PERSONAL SERVICES ASSIGNMENTS.
IT WAS ALL CONTRACTS IN THE COUNTY.
IN THAT YOU HAD MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES, WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND THEN EVERYBODY ELSE.
IN THAT EVERYBODY ELSE WENT AND WE ASKED WHAT ARE THE 10 BIGGEST CONTRACTS AND ONE WAS THE BRIDGE AND A COUPLE OTHER LARGE CONTRACTS AND SOME UTILITY COMPANIES THROWN INTO THAT MIXTURE.
AND IT IS BEING SAID THAT IT WOULD BE DISCRIMINATORY BECAUSE THE CONTRACTS ARE ONE THAT'S ARE LARGER.
THE ISSUE IS CAN WE BREAK THE LARGER CONTRACTS UP TO SMALLER SIZES LIKE WE DO SOMETIMES IN OUR PERSONAL SERVICES TO GIVE BETTER OPPORTUNITY THAT'S ARE ARE THERE.
WHEN YOU DO AN APPLES TO APPLES, I WROTE -- I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW MANY OF THE CONTRACTS ARE GOING TO, QUOTE, UNQUOTE, WHITE MALES WHEN YOU LOOK AT HOW MANY ARE FEMALES AND HOW MANY ARE MINORITY SO YOU KNOW IS THERE AN ADVANTAGE THAT THAT GROUP IS GETTING IN OUR SOCIETY, AND IF SO WHY? HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE HAS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY?
>> LINA HIDALGO: DIDN'T THIS FALL UNDER -- WHAT PERCENTAGE OF QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS ARE MWBE AND WHAT PERCENTAGE OF COUNTY CONTRACTS GO TO MWBE AND THEN SHE FOUND THERE WAS A DISPARITY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE THE MONEY WE SPENT, AND WE CONTROL IN HARRIS COUNTY, BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES WERE GETTING .
NATIVE AMERICANS WERE GETTING .
YOU CANADA FINE THE OTHER -- YOU CAN DEFINE THE OTHER AS YOU WANT, BUT THE BULK IS THE WHITE MAN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THE QUALIFIED NWBE IS 30%, BUT THEY ARE GETTING --
JACK CAGLE: AND SOME WERE MAJOR CORPORATIONS THAT HAVE TO FOLLOW THE STATE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: OBVIOUSLY IF YOU WILL VOTE FOR IT, IF YOU WANT TO DO A STUDY ON THAT SO WE CAN GET OUT OF HERE TODAY, I KNOW A PHO PEOPLE YOU CAN TALK TO.
IF YOU WANT TO FUND IT, DO IT.
THE STUDY WE DID BEFORE IF YOU RECALL PRECINCT 1 PAID FOR IT.
THE LEVERAGE I WAS USING WAS TO KILL THE BOND PACKAGE RIGHT AWAY AND THE BOARD YOU ARE ON.
IF IT GOES TO THE VOTERS THEY BETTER FIGURE OUT HOW WE ARE GONNA SHARE THE PIE.
ALL THIS STARTED BECAUSE AS A KID I READ ABOUT RANDY JACKSON.
HE SAID IT IS TIME FOR THINGS TO CHANGE.
I HOPE -- WE WILL MAKE IT CLEAR.
THE MOTION IS WE TAKE 100 FROM MINE AND 100 FROM YOURS AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I REALLY HOPE YOU SPLIT IT WITH US WITH THE HOPE IT WILL COME OUT OF ARPA MONEY AND IF SOMEBODY KNOWS HOW TO VOTE FOR IT THEY CAN DO IT.
I CAN'T SOLVE ALL OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUES TODAY, BUT I WANT TO PASS THIS.
[02:25:05]
>> TOM RAMSEY: I CERTAINLY -- THERE ARE QUESTIONS I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANSWERED.
I SPENT AN HOUR WITH PAMELA YESTERDAY TALKING ABOUT THOSE.
I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE QUESTIONS, AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SOLVE IT IN THE NEXT 30 MINUTES.
LIKE COMMISSIONER CAGLE SAID, Y'ALL ARE ARE TAKING YOUR MONEY TO DO THIS STUDY, AND THERE ARE QUESTIONS I DON'T THINK ARE ANSWERED.
MINE HAVE TO DO WITH WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET MORE CERTIFIED MWBE FIRMS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WHEN I WAS PARTICIPATING THE PROBLEM WAS WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH FIRMS. COULD THERE BE FIRMS OUT THERE? ABSOLUTELY.
THEY NEED HELP IN GETTING CERTIFIED.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE OUR EFFORTS PUT TOWARD THAT.
IF WE ARE DOING THAT I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT EFFORT.
JACK CAGLE: CAN I SUGGEST A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT? IT IS ALLOWING US TO OPTION TO COME IN WHEN QUESTIONS ARE RESOLVED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT DOESN'T SAY WHICH PRECINCT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE GONNA PAY FOR IT AND I PLAN TO TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT.
LET ME TELL YOU HOW I LOOK AT THIS.
IT MAY BE MY PRECINCT, BUT YOU ARE IN MY PRECINCT NOW.
I FULL LEA INTEND TO -- FULLY INTEND TO WALK INTO YOUR PRECINCT AND TALK TO YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
THAT'S WHY I WANT US ALL TO CHIME IN.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, LET ME OFFER THIS.
WHEN I WAS THE CHAIR I WAS RIPPING MY HAIR OUT WHEN I WOULD SEE THESE CONTRACTS COME THROUGH AND WHY ARE WE PAYING THESE CONTRACTS? THERE IS A GOAL SET AND ZERO PARTICIPATION.
I THOUGHT, NO, THERE IS CAPACITY OUT THERE.
I AM TRYING TO REMEMBER THE NAME OF THE FIRM.
WE WERE PAYING OUT LIKE 150 MILLION IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY IS ON US TO GET OFFICIAL CERTIFIED, BUT THE OTHER RESPONSIBILITY IS ON CORPORATE PARTNERS RECOGNIZING THAT IF THERE IS A GOAL WHAT MORE CAN I BE DOING? ULTIMATELY THAT COMPANY SAID TO ME, YOU BRING ME ALL OF THE COMPANIES THAT YOU WANT TO GET CERTIFIED.
I WILL LEND THEM MY INSURANCE AND LEND THEM MY BOND AND LEND THEM MY OSHA CERTIFICATIONS.
AND BRING ME AS MANY MWBE'S AS I CAN.
I BROUGHT 30 DIFFERENT COMPANIES AND I SAID WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? HE SAID BY THE TIME ANYONE CAN COMPETE WITH ME I WILL BE LONG GONE.
AT THE END I WANT THIS BECAUSE I WANT MY CHECK AND YOU ARE HOLDING UP MY CHECK.
HOPEFULLY THEY CAN HOLDUP THE CHECKS AND HOLDUP THE CONTRACTS AND RAISE THE ISSUE AND IT WILL RAISE COMPANIES HELPING THEM GET CERTIFIED AND LEND THEM THEIR BOND AND LEND THEM THEIR INSURANCE.
AND GET THEM INTO THE PROCESS.
IF YOU DON'T HANG IT UP, NOBODY KNOWS THAT THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE.
IF THERE IS NOT A SHINGLE HANGING UP, YOU ARE NOT WELCOME INSIDE.
I THINK THERE IS HUGE VALUE IN GETTING THIS DONE SO THAT WE CAN CREATE THOUGHT AND LEADERSHIP.
JACK CAGLE: BACK TO MY REQUEST FOR A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT.
[02:30:01]
APPROVE IT AS IT IS WITH THE TWO OF YOU WITH THE OPTION THAT IF MY QUESTIONS ARE ADDRESSED TO BE ABLE TO COME IN.I AGREE WITH WHAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAID AND MOST OF WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS SAYING.
BUT THE KEY IS LET'S GET MORE PEOPLE TO THE TABLE.
THE MORE PEOPLE WE CAN GET AT THE TABLE THE BETTER IT WILL BE FOR THE TAXPAYERS.
YOU WILL HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE COMPETITION.
THAT MEANS A BETTER PRODUCT AT A BETTER PRICE.
AND THAT AT THE ENDS OF THE DAY IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS MORE PRECIPITATION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DON'T REALLY NEED AN AMENDMENT.
IF WE ARE PUTTING UP $100 APIECE, ANYTIME YOU BOYS WANT TO COME IN, I THINK THE MOTION IS CLEAR.
I DO WANT TO SAY THAT I DIDN'T MAKE THE POINT THAT I WANT TO THANK THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP THIS PROBLEM IS BEYOND HARRIS COUNTY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE SCHOOL BOARD.
THEY EVALUATED THE AGENDA AND THE INEQUALITY OF 120 PIP AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS.
LESS THAN 30% OF THE ORGANIZATION THAT REPORTED THE MWBE SPENDING AMOUNT TO 2% OF THE TOTAL BUDGET JAKE JACK CAN WE -- CAN WE GO BACK? I AM USING THE CARROT APPROACH.
>> IT IS COMING OUT OF YOUR BUDGET?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE MOTION IS CLEAR AND I WILL MOVE IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE THE MOTION?
>> IT WAS THE MOTION PRESENTED ON THE AGENDA?
>> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION BY COMMISSION ESH -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: ONE CLOSING NOTE.
EVERY PROJECT I SUBMITTED ON WHEN I MADE A COMMITMENT I MET THAT GOAL.
I NEVER MET WITH ANOTHER AGENCY THAT SAID, YOU KNOW WHAT? I CAN'T FIND ANYBODY.
THAT OPTION IS IN THERE WITH TEX DOT.
IF YOU CAN'T FIND IT, GO AND LOOK.
I WAS NEVER ABLE -- I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO FIND GREAT STUFF.
HERE IS THE OTHER THING -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU ARE A RARITY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: HERE IS THE GREAT THING ABOUT DOING THIS SORT OF THING.
THOSE SUBS I WORKED WITH FOR 40 PLUS YEARS, MWBE'S WE DO WORK IN GALVESTON COUNTY AND FORT BEND COUNTY AND CHAMBERS COUNTY.
I DIDN'T CHANGE SUBS JUST BECAUSE -- IN ANY OF THOSE COUNTIES.
THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT WE ESTABLISH HERE, GOOD WORKING SOLID RELATIONSHIPS, IS GOING TO BLEED OUT INTO THE OTHER COUNTIES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THE DATA IS SO IMPORTANT.
WE WOULDN'T HAVE THE INEQUALITIES WE HAVE TODAY IF THERE WERE REAL SUB STAN TESTIFY PROGRAMS INSTEAD OF EVERYBODY JUST SAYING KUMBAYA.
MS. HOPE, WAS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD BEFORE YOU LEAVE?
>> I DON'T KNOW AT THIS POINT BECAUSE THE MOTION HAS PASSED.
I JUST WANT TO NOTE -- I AM ON THE PHONE SO CAN'T TELL WHO IS SPEAKING.
UTILITY PAYMENTS WERE NOT IN FACT IN THE STUDY.
WHILE WE CAN'T ASSUME THE DOLLARS ARE NOT GOING TO MWBE OR GOING TO, QUOTE, UNQUOTE, WHITE MALE COMPANIES.
WE CAN SAY THAT THIS IS THE DOLLARS THAT WERE NOT GOING TO MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED FIRMS. THE OTHER THING SOMEONE BROUGHT UP IS THE UPDATE TO HARRIS COUNTY.
THE COURTS REQUIRE UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE IT IS THE LAW THAT EACH AGENCY MUST DO THEIR OWN AM SITS -- THEIR OWN ANALYSIS OF THE CONTRACTING DATA SO THE SCHOOL CAN'T JUST RELY ON THE COUNTY STUDY.
GIVEN THE FACT THAT IN 30 PLUS YEARS I HAVE NEVER SEEN A DISPARITY STUDY AS LARGE AS HARRIS COUNTY, WE CAN PROJECT THAT IT WILL BE IF NOT EQUALLY LARGE, BUT VERY LARGE FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A PROGRAM, THAT'S THE NATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
THERE IS 35 YEARS OF DATA TO APPROVE.
THOUS -- THOSE ARE THE QUESTIONS I REMEMBER.
IF THERE ARE ANY OTHERS I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW OTHER SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT'S ARE DOING THEM AROUND THE COUNTRY?
WE ARE DOING A STUDY OF THE CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
WE HAVE DONE NEWARK AND KANSAS CITY.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE DONE STUDIES.
[02:35:02]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I KNOW IN TEXAS WE HAVE NOT HAD AS MANY -- COMMUNITY COLLEGES DO.
IT I WAS TALKING TO COMMISSIONER JEFF TRAVILIAN AND TELLING HIM WHAT WE ARE DOING.
I AM TALKING WITH OTHER COUNTY OFFICIALS.
DO YOU HAVE A ROUGH IDEA WHAT IT WOULD COST IF YOU DID THEM FOR A GROUP OF THE SCHOOL SUCCESS STEM? THE $100,000 WON'T PAY FOR A DISPARITY STUDY FOR ALL OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
>> IT IS DRIVEN SOMEWHAT BY THE STATE OF THE CONTRACT RECORDS WHICH IS PRETTY CORE.
TO YOUR POINT IF THEY GO AND HIRE B2G AND GET THEMSELVES IN THE SUCCESS STEM NOW IT WILL HELP.
THEY CAN SAVE SOME MONEY IF THEY JOIN TOGETHER.
TRAVIS COUNTY'S DISPARITY STUDY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: KOLL LET, EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS TO DO THEIR OWN, RIGHT?
[INAUDIBLE] >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU DID TELL ME WHERE THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS YOU CAN DO ONE WHERE THEY TEAM UP.
IF YOU HAVE THREE BIG COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEMS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
AND CERTAIN AGENCIES CAN PARTNER TOGETHER.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES PROBABLY HAVE PRETTY SIMILAR CONTRACTING PATTERNS I THINK -- SO I THINK A JOINT STUDY WOULD WORK OUT FOR THEM WELL AND THEY WOULD SAVE MONEY ON, FOR EXAMPLE, THE ECONOMY-WIDE ANALYSIS AND THAT KIND OF THING.
THEY ALL HAVE TO LOOK AT THEIR OWN CONTRACT RECORD.
WE HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER FOR THIS ITEM.
WE WILL LISTEN TO THE SPEAKER AND THEN BREAK FOR LUNCH.
EVENING -- INGRID ROBINSON YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> PRESIDENT HOUSTON MINORITY COUNCIL.
HAVE I BEEN LISTENING TO THE CONVERSATION -- I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO THE CONVERSATION AND WANT YOU TO KNOW WE REPRESENT THE LARGEST NUMBER OF MAJOR CORPORATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES AND CERTIFIED MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES IN HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY.
I WANTED TO SAY WE ARE SUPPORTIVE OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PUTTING THE MONEY FORWARD.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I HAVE ALREADY PUT IT ON MY CALENDAR TO CALL AND GET A MEETING SCHEDULED WITH YOU TO TALK ABOUT WAYS IN WHICH WE BUILD CAPACITY OF MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THAT KNOWN.
LET'S GET MORBIDDERS AT THE -- MORE BIDDERS AT THE TABLE.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE, IT HAS BEEN AWHILE SINCE WE VISITED AND I WILL MAKE THAT HAPPEN AS WELL.
AND WE ARE WORKING WITH HARRIS COUNTY.
IN TERMS OF LONESTAR AND HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THEY DO THE STUDY AND THAT THEY ARE UNDERGOING EFFORTS IN SOMEWAYS THEY ARE TAKING ON THEIR OWN.
I WILL TELL YOU THE CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE HAD WITH A-LEAGUES AND OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS IS THERE IS A CONCERN ABOUT MOVING FORWARD WITH MINORITY WOMEN BUSINESS PROGRAMS WITHOUT A DECEMBER PARITY STUDY FOR THE -- DISPARITY STUDY FOR THE POTENTIAL OF BEING SUED.
WHILE MANY ARE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES ARE INTERESTED, MANY ARE CONCERNED WITH HOW TO DO THAT.
AND DOING IT IN A MANNER IN WHICH THEY HAVE SOME LEGAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE THIS MONEY SET ASIDE TO HELP THEM ON THIS JOURNEY SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO CREE ATE OPPORTUNITIES, ESPECIALLY THE MONEY COMING DOWN FROM ARPA TO MAXIMIZE THE MINORITY PARTICIPATION AND THE CONTRACTS THAT ARE COMING FROM THE INFRO -- INFRASTRUCTURE WORK.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I HOPE WE TAKE A SHORT LUNCH BREAK.
>> LET'S BREAK UNTIL 1:40 AND THAT WILL GIVE US 35 MINUTES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
IT IS 1:45 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE SPEAKERS, TIFFANY.
[Speakers (Part 2 of 2)]
NEXT WE HAVE SPEAKER NUMBER 30, DAVID GARCIA SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 262 UNDER TRANSMITALS.I AM DAVID GARCIA, THE DIRECTOR OF CHEETAH.
[02:40:03]
WE ARE HERE TO REQUEST MR. DAVID BERRY THAT REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER DEFERRABLES FOR A COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION TO SUBMIT AN ARPA RFP.THESE ITEMS WILL BE SECURED IF OUR PROJECT PROPOSAL ACHIEVES PARITY.
WHERE ARE WE ON THE ISSUES? ROCKET ENGINES ARE BEING BUILT BY 3-D PRINTERS BECAUSE THEY ARE PERFECT.
ROCKETS ARE LESS LIKELY TO EXPLODE.
NEXT, THE ALL ELECTRIC FORD F-150 DOES NOT HAVE AN ENGINE UNDER THE HOOD.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ENGINEERS AND THESE MECHANICS? LACK OF TALENT HAS PUT IT BEHIND AUSTIN AND DALLAS.
THE HUMAN COST TO DOING NOTHING IS WHAT HARVARD EQUITY STUDIES SAYS IS A
TRAGIC LOSS -- >> YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 31, RAUL EDWARD SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 262 UNDER TRANS -- TRANSMITALS.
I AM RAUL EDWARD, THE DIRECTOR OF LAMONT AND STRICTLY SPEAK -- [INAUDIBLE] INSURANCE -- INSTITUTE OF TOLERANCE.
I WANT TO SHARE THE MESSAGE OF TOLERANCE AND INCLUSION.
HAS A HARRIS COUNTY LATINO COMMUNITY LEADER AND -- I WITNESSED HOW FAR COVID HAS SET OUR PEOPLE BACK OR WORSE.
I AM IN SUPPORT OF PROGRAMS FOR OUR CREATIVE CLASS -- WITH ADVANCED COMPUTER PROGRAMMING TO SECURE WELL-PAYING JOBS.
MANY TIMES WE WANT TO BE COMPETITIVE, BUT FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A LEADER.
BECAUSE OF THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY, HEIRESS COUNTY HAS THE ABILITY TO POSITION ITSELF AS A WORLD-WIDE LEADER AND BUILDING GRASSROOTS PROJECTS.
THE COUNTY INITIATIVE HAS LOW INCOME RESIDENTS TO FULL ENGAGEMENT.
>> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 2 UNDER NONAGENDA RELATED, STEPHANIE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MOMENT, TIFFANY.
JACK CAGLE: WE HELD 262 FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA EVEN THOUGH IT IS A TRANSMITAL TO GIVE DAVID AND RAUL AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
I WOULD NOW MOVE IT BACK TO THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL VOTE ON THIS ITEM.
WELL, WE OUGHT TO WAIT FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA SO HE CAN CAST HIS VOTE.
SOUNDS LIKE WE WILL ALL BE FINE WITH THIS ITEM.
JACK CAGLE: MY QUESTION FOR JAMES IS DO WE ACTUALLY VOTE ON IT?
>> IT IS JUST A TRANSMITAL SO WE WILL ACCEPT IT.
>> SPEAKER NUMBER 2, NON-AGENDA RELATED STEPHANIE VILLANUEVA.
SHE IS A GRAD STUDENT AND SPEAKING ON MEDICARE FOR ALL RESOLUTION.
>> MY NAME IS STEPHANIE VELA KNEW WAY SHAW, SHE, HER, HERS AND I AM HERE TO DELIVER A PETITION THAT A GROUP OF AND IT ASKED THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO PASS MEDICARE FOR ALL.
I ADVOCATE FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL TO SERVICE ALL WHO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE IT WOULD BE RIGHT FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
WE MET WITH ALL FIVE OF YOUR OFFICES, BUT HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET THE RESOLUTION ON THE AGENDA FOR A VOTE.
WE HOPE AFTER HEARING OUR COMMENTS YOU WANT TO CHAMPION OUR RESOLUTION.
THESE ARE EFFORTS PASSING ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
IN THE PAST IN -- PASSING ONE IN HARRIS COUNTY WOULD BE THE FIRST IN TEXAS.
RECENTLY YOU DECLARED RACISM AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS.
MEDICARE FOR ALL IS ANTI-RACIST DEMAND AND THE BEST POLICY TO ADDRESS RACIAL HEALTH DISPARITY.
AS ONE OF THE ORGANIZERS OF THE EFFORT I THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER FOUR UNDER NONAGENDA RELATED RICH CHAD HUDAK OF VINTAGE CYCLE.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS CAGLE, VAM SEE, GAR -- RAMSEY AND GARCIA AND ELLIS FOR ALL OF THE WORK YOU DO, HONORABLE HIDALGO.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AS WELL.
[02:45:02]
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK TODAY.I AM SPEAKING AS A FORMERRAL -- FORMER ALDEAN TEACHER.
I STARTED A BICYCLE SHOP IN NORTHWEST HARRIS COUNTY TO BRING MORE CYCLING INTO MY LIFE AND MY COMMUNITY.
I AM HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR COMPLETE STREET AGREEMENTS FOR SHARED USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN GORBA AND THE WATER -- THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.
I WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN AS MANY THINGS AS I CAN TO FURTHER CYCLING IN MY COMMUNITY AND TO MAKE OUR AND OUR TRAILS SAFER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYBODY, AS I DO BELIEVE INCREASED ACCESS HELPS MY COMMUNITY, BUT INCREASES THE ECONOMIC IMPACT.
JACK CAGLE: RICHARD, THIS IS JACK CAGLE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 6 UNDER NON-AGENDA.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK.
MY NAME IS BETH KEEN AND LIVE IN CYPRUS AND I AM 51 AND SINGLE AND A HIGH SCHOOL LIE -- LIBRARIAN.
I WAS INTRODUCED TO CYCLING TWO YEARS AGO AND QUICKLY FOUND MY WAY TO MOUNTAIN BIKING.
I WAS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF A DIVORCE WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT.
CYPRESS CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKING COMMUNITY FOR ME IS THERAPY, ADVENTURE, FROIP, EXERCISE -- FRIENDSHIP, EXERCISE AND A LOT OF CHALLENGES.
IT IS CLOSE TO MY HOME SO ACCESSIBLE FOR ME ANDY WOULD LIKE TO SEE US ALL WORK TOGETHER TO PRESERVE AND BETTER THIS PROPERTY IN A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE MANNER.
I THINK I CAN TRULY SAY CYCLING HAS SAVED MY LIFE.
JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JACK CAGLE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 7, KEVIN HIGHFIELD OF GREATER HOUSTON OFF-ROAD BIKING.
I AM A 29-YEAR RESIDENT OF UNIN -- UN UN-- UNINCORPORATED PRECINCT 4 AND WITH THE GREATER HOUSTON OFF-ROAD BIKING.
I AM TAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF A COUNTY WIDE AGREEMENT YOU ARE WORKING ON WITH THE FLOOD DISTRICT.
THE LAST AVAILABLE PUBLIC GREEN SPACE IN HARRIS COUNTY IS ALONG OUR BAYOUS AND THE WATERWAYS.
MUCH OF THAT LAND IS OWNED BY THE FLOOD DISTRICT.
GORBA IS WORKING ON DEVELOPING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FLOOD DISTRICT WHERE GORBA CAN BUILD AND OPERATE NATURAL SURFACE TRAILS THAT WILL BE A BENEFIT TO THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY, FOR RICHER, POORER AND FROM ALL CLASSES OF PEOPLE.
TO MAKE THIS AGREEMENT WORK WE ARE GOING TO NEED THE SUPPORT OF THIS CLUB.
WE WOULD LIKE TO DO IS ASK -- WHILE I'M SPEAKING TO AWFUL YOU, TO ASK YOU FOR AN
OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH THE REPRESENT TESTIFIES OF ALL FOUR PRECINCTS -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.
JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JACK CAGLE, THANK YOU, KEVIN.
WE WILL HELP YOU CONNECT WITH THE OTHER PRECINCTS TO THE EXTENTS YOU MAY NEED TO DO SO.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 8, PAUL RHODES.
>> GARCIA, CAGLE, IN HONOR OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMAND I CAME HERE ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND THOUSANDS AFFECTED BY KRIEVMENT SHORT STORY, 7/4/20 AUTOMATIC GUNFIRE OUTSIDE MY HOME.
HPD IS REPEATEDLY BUSY AND REPEATED REFUSALS BACK TO THE SAME NUMBER.
DISPATCH 1 AND DISPATCH 2 AND CAR -- SERGEANT AND LIEUTENANTS SAY WE DO NOT ANSWER CALLS OUT -- OUTSIDE OF OUR CONTRACT.
IT IS A CRIME TO TAKE MONEY FROM US AND SELL THEM TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.
SIX CRUISERS FILLED WITH BADGES SHOWED UP AT THE GAS STATION WHEN I TRIED TO REPORT THE CRIME.
ONLY TO INDICATE THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CARS.
HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S PCD IS COMPLICIT IN THESE CRIMES BY DELAYING AND SHOWING FAVOR AND AFFECTION AND COMFORT TO PRECINCT 5 IN DEFERENCE TO LAW AND OATH.
>> EXCUSE ME SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> VEHICLESES -- INVESTIGATIONS AND FINDINGS.
>> FOR THE NEXT SPEAKER I AM UNMUTING THE INTERPRETER.
[02:50:07]
>> I AM CALLING BECAUSE I NEED TO CLEAN MY DOT RECORD.
>> AND BECAUSE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES I HAVE A TICKET FROM SPEEDING FROM FEBRUARY 28, 2019 IT WAS IN BOISE IDAHO.
>> AND IT IS APPEARING LIKE IT HAPPENED HERE IN TEXAS, BUT NOT LIKE A SPEEDING TICKET.
RATHER A CHANGING LANES TICKET.
>> AND BASED ON THAT BECAUSE AT WORK THEY THINK I LIED BECAUSE OF THE DISCREPANCY AND I LOST MY JOB AT WALMART.
>> SO I REQUEST MY RECORD GETS CORRECTED SO I CAN FIND ANOTHER JOB.
I DO NOT ASK OTHER THAN IT BE CROCKET -- CORRECTED.
I JUST NEED MY DOT RECORD CORRECTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL GET IN TOUCH.
>> INTERPRETER, I WILL MUTE YOU NOW.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 11 FROM WORKING GROUPS.
>> HARRIS COUNTY RES DEBT -- RESIDENT AND DISTRICT 1 RESIDENT.
I AM HERE FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL.
IT IS TO SERVICE ALL WHO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING FOR HEIRESS COUNTY.
OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS 58 OTHER COUNTIES ESTABLISHED SIMILAR SYSTEM AND PAYS HALF OF WHAT THE U.S.
WHY CAN'T WE IN THE UNITED STATES DO THE SAME? THINK ABOUT IT, Y'ALL.
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES SHOW MEDICARE FOR ALL WE CAN MAKE IT RIGHT FOR ALL PEOPLE AND SAVING TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND SAVING LIVES ALLS THE RICHEST NATION IN THE WORLD.
WE SHOULD HAVE MEDICARE FOR ALL BECAUSE IT IS RIGHT FOR OUR COMMUNITY INCLUDING ALL MEDICATIONS AND DENTAL AND VISION AND ADDICTION TREATMENT WITH NO CO-PAYS OR DEDUCTIBLES AND HIDDEN CHARGES WE CAN STOP WORRYING THAT A SINGLE ACCIDENT WILLBANK RAPT -- WILL BANS -- BANKRUPT US.
BRING IT BACK TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS.
IT UNTIES HEALTH CARE FROM EMPLOYMENT.
WORKERS ARE FREE TO CHANGE JOBS AND START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES.
>> IT IS RIGHT FOR OUR COUNTY.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 13 AND SPEAKING IN PERSON.
>> I REQUEST EXTRA TIME BECAUSE HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE, BUT HE WAS REGISTERED LAST NIGHT, BUT UNFORTUNATELY HE COULDN'T MAKE IT TODAY, BUT HE WANTED ME TO PUT FORTH WHAT HE WANTED TO SAY.
MY NAME IS JACOB CLEMENTAGE AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT AND THAT IS I AM UPSET, IN CAPITAL LETTERS, ABOUT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH
[02:55:02]
ELECTED OFFICIALS HAVE GONE TO CEREMONIES AND EVENTS TO HONOR PEOPLE THAT PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE SUCH AS CONSTABLES AND FIREFIGHTERS.ROBE THE FIREFIGHTERS THAT PERISHED BECAUSE OF THE ROOF CAVING IN? AND I AM ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT LIFE.
WE NEED MORE PEOPLE AND MORE AMERICANS AND MORE TEXANS AND MORE HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.
AND NOW I AM GOING TO -- >> THANK YOU.
>> NO? I JUST WANTED -- HE WANTED TO STAND BESIDE BAILS.
IF ANYONE WANTS TO ASK ME ABOUT BAILS, GO RIGHT AHEAD.
WILL IT SAVE YOU MONEY? IT WILL REALLY HELP PEOPLE'S LIVES AND SAVE PEOPLE'S LIVES.
>> CAN I HONOR LENA? CAN I HONOR YOU? I HAVE AUTOGRAPHS OF JAMES BAKER HERE AND THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS HERE AND GUESS WHO ELSE I HAVE, LINA HIDALGO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: TIFFANY, BEFORE WE MOVE TO OTHER SPEAKERS CAN WE CALL UP GABRIELLA BIBLE? I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS LOOKING OUT FOR HER.
WE'LL HAVE TO GET HER ON THE LINE, JUDGE.
>> NEXT IS 14 ELIZABETH SWANBA.
>> MY NAME IS ELIZABETH SWANBA AND I AM PART OF THE HISTORIC SECOND WARD AND PRECINCT 2.
I AM THE ORGANIZER FOR PUBLIC CITIZENS AND THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.
I SPEAK IN ALLIANCE WITH MEDICARE FOR ALL.
THEY HAVE RECENTLY CIRCULATED A PETITION WITH 200 SIGNATURES CALLING ON THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO PASS THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL MEDICARE FOR ALL LEGISLATION.
REPRESENTATIVE SILVIA GARCIA TO SIGN ON AS CO-SPONSORS.
IN MY WORK SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES ALONG THE SHIP CHANNEL I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF THE HEALTH HAZARD TO HOUSTONIANS AND HEIRESS COUNTY RESIDENTS -- AND HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.
IT IS SHOCKING ASTHMA RATES OF 9%.
MORE THAN 960,000 PEDIATRIC ASTHMA CASES ARE PRESENTED EACH YEAR AND THE COUNTY HAS
THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF UNINSURED CHILDREN -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
>> NEXT WE HAVE SPEAKER 16 ALICE SEGAL SPEAKING IN PERSON.
>> IS THERE A WAY TO SWITCH OUR ORDER, 16 AND 17?
BE SURE YOU STEAT YOUR NAME AND UH -- STATE YOUR NAME AND AFFILIATION FOR THE RECORD.
MY NAME IS KATHERINE AND I AM HERE WITH ANOTHER STUDENT, ELLA SIEGAL FROM RICE UNIVERSITY, AND WILL CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION FOR THE NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH HELP FOR INCARCERATED MEMBERS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
INCARCERATED 17-YEAR-OLDS IN HARRIS COUNTY DO NOT HELP ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS BECAUSE IT CAN ONLY BE 18 AND OLDER.
17-YEAR-OLDS ARE A UNIQUELY HIGH VULNERABLE AGE.
THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS HAVE THE HIGHEST RATE OF RECIDIVISM, OVER 75%.
SADDLING THESE CHILDREN WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD LEADS THEM RIGHT BACK TO JAIL.
ONE YEAR INCARCERATED WITH ADULTS LEAVES YOU ARE -- YOU ARE REPPABLE -- IRREPARABLE
[03:00:03]
DAMAGE.17-YEAR-OLDS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE PROGRAM.
ONE YEAR CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO.
MY TEAMMATE EMMA WILL COME UP NEXT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AH -- I WILL LET THEM FINISH.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: KATHERINE, THANK YOU.
I IMAGINE YOU ARE GOING TO FOP -- FOLLOW-UP ON HER COMMENTS.
WHEN I WAS SHERIFF OF HARRIS COUNTY, I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREMPT ACT.
IT WAS VERY, VERY TELLING HOW MANY 17-YEAR-OLDS WE HAD IN CUSTODY AT THE COUNTY JAIL.
SECONDLY, THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN STATE LAW AND FEDERAL LAW.
STATE LAW RECOGNIZES THE ADULT -- UH DUMENT HOOD AT 17 AND THE -- ADULTHOOD AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AT 18.
I AM ANXIOUS TO HEAR YOUR COMMENTS, BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING THIS DISCUSSION TO US.
ARE YOU DOING THIS AS A SCHOOL PROJECT, A RESEARCH PROJECT OF SOME SORT?
>> IT DEFINITELY STARTED OUT AS A SCHOOL PROJECT.
WE ARE IN THE SAME CLASS ALONG ARE RANDAL IN THE BACK AND ANOTHER GIRL WHO COULDN'T BE HERE.
IT LEAD TO SOMETHING MORE AND WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT IT.
I APPLAUD IT AND ENCOURAGE IT.
>> HANSON JONES EVEN -- JONES.
I AM ELLA SIEGAL AND I AM A FRESHMAN AT RICE UNIVERSITY AND I AM HERE TO PROCEED WITH MY COLLEAGUE.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 10017-YEAR-OLDS BEING DETAINED -- 100, 17-YEAR-OLDS BEING DETAINED INCOURSE RATING 17-YEAR-OLDS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IS EXPENSIVE.
DIVERSION PROGRAMS ARE SHOWN TO REDUCE THESE COSTS 80%.
THE JAIL DIVERSION CENTER HAS SHOWN THE SUCCESS OF DIVERSION PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS.
THOSE DIVERTED ARE MUCH LESS LIKELY TO BE REBOOKED.
$1 SPENT ON THE DIVERSION THEY GAVE $5.54 ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE COSTS.
WE HAVE TALKED WITH ADULTS AND IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WE MUST PROVIDE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION.
WE HAVE MATERIAL THAT'S WERE DISTRIBUTED AND FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.
THE EMAIL ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FACT SHEETS.
ONE YEAR CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
LET ME THANK OUR REPRESENTATIVES FOR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO
ADVOCATE FOR ARP FUNDS FOR NEW JUVENILE DIVERSION CENTER -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.
THE OTHER THING TOO YOU SHOULD INCLUDE IN YOUR WORK WAS THAT WHEN WE STARTED TO PUT POLICE OFFICERS ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES IT WAS FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.
SOME HORRIBLE THINGS HAPPENED, AND WE WANTED TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE.
REGRETFULLY IT WAS AN EXTENSION OF SCHOOL DISCIPLINE OR TYPICAL SCHOOL DISCIPLINE ISSUES.
THIRDLY, THE ISSUE OF ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE AT THE MOST EARLY STAGES AT LEAST IN TEXAS DOB -- WELL, TEXAS IS 49TH IN THE NATION FOR PER CAPITA HEALTH CARE SPENDING.
IN HARRIS COUNTY WE FUND EVERY FORM OF MENTAL ILLNESS WHILE INCARCERATED.
>> HARRIS COUNTY JAIL IS THE LARGEST PROVIDER OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ISSUES IN THE FREE WORLD AS INMATES REFER TO, GOOD LUCK IN GETTING ABSCESS -- GETTING ABSCESS -- GETTING ACCESS.
AND SO THOSE DISCIPLINARY ISSUES THAT WERE USING POLICE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS HAS CHANGED NOW.
UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE ALSO RESULTING IN KIDS BEING SEPTEMBER TO JAIL WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN TREATED IN A SEPARATE WAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR WORKING ON THIS.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY, AND THAT'S WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS WOULD SAY, IT IS GOOD
[03:05:01]
YOU ARE COMING IN HERE AND YOU ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE LEGISLATORS.GENERALLY YOUNGER FOLKS AND THERE IS A LOT OF RESEARCH THAT THE BRAIN DOESN'T DEVELOP UNTIL THE 20S.
>> AND RANDAL SCULLS WAS SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: HE COULDN'T MAKE IT.
UP NEXT IS -- >> UP NEXT IS KATHY COURTNEY.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS FOR THAT DISPARITY STUDY.
BETTER YET, HOW ABOUT THE RESOLUTION.
WILL YOU ENDORSE HOUSE RESOLUTION 1976.
WRITE THAT DOWN TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE HEALTH CARE.
THE CITY AND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL SCHOOLS AND FAMILY AND CAREGIVING AND I'M A MOTHER AND A BOARD MEMBER OF HEALTH CARE FOR ALL TEXAS.
I CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH REAL HUMAN HEALTH CARE HORROR STORIES.
SURPRISE BILLING, DE -- DENIAL OF CARE.
DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS A FEDERAL PLAN WOULD SPEND IN EXPEBD TOURS? EXPENDITURES? RETIREES AND THE UNINSURED.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT WE HAVE GABRIELLA BIBLE ON THE LINE LIEN LEAN THANK YOU.
>> I AM -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.
>> I WORKED WITH THE TEXAS CONSERVATION CORP.
I LEARNED SO MUCH AND I HELPED WITH ALL OF THE PARKS AND THE PRECINCT TWO.
THCC HAS HELPED ME GETTING MY CURRENT JOB AND GETTING TO WHERE I AM AT IN SCHOOL.
I HAVE MY ASSOCIATE'S NOW WITH THEIR HELP IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.
I WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY INVASIVE SPECIES IN OUR PARKS AND HELP RESTORE BACK OUR NATIVE PLANTS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GABRIELLA, THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
I AM GLAD YOU WERE ABLE TO JOIN US.
I HAVE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT MY COLLEAGUES HEAR OF YOUR STORY.
I AM VERY, VERY PROUD, NUMBER ONE, OF YOUR WORK WITH THE AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS PROGRAM.
SECONDLY, BECAUSE YOU -- OF YOUR WORK IN PRECINCT 2.
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE -- YOU KNOW, RECOGNIZING AS MR. PARK SMITH SAID, YOUR EXPERIENCE IN THE AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS PROGRAM LEAD YOU TO CHANGE YOUR DEGREE PROGRAM AND YOUR DIRECTION AND WE ARE VERY, VERY EXCITED FOR.
I'M JUST PROUD OF YOU AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.
I'M GLAD YOU WERE ABLE TO CALL IN AND SHARE A FEW WORDS.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH US BEFORE YOU GET BACK TO CLASS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: PROUD OF YOU, GIRL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL THE BEST TO YOU.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 21, MOLLY COOK.
CAN YOU HEAR ME? ARE YOU ALL ABLE TO HEAR ME?
>> MOLLY COOK AND RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1.
JUST WANTED TO OFFER MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON WHY MEDICARE FOR ALL IS A GREAT
[03:10:05]
IDEA FOR THE COUNTY AND THE NATION.AS FOR SOMEONE WHO WORKS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT I SEE A LOT OF THE FALLOUT FROM PEOPLE NOT HAVING INSURANCE AND NOT HAVING ACCESS TO CARE.
I REALLY -- IT IS A HUGE PART OF WHAT I DO IS DELIVER CARE TO PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT GET IT IN ANOTHER WAY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT INSURED.
I AM FIGHTING A CONTRACT EMPLOYEE EVERYWHERE I GO.
I BUY MY INSURANCE OFF THE MARKETPLACE.
IT IS $300 A MONTH AND MY DEDUCTIBLE IS $7500.
I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO COST SHARING UNTIL I NEED IT.
I AM PERSONALLY BEARING A HUGE BURDEN BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CARE.
WE DON'T HAVE MEDICARE FOR ALL.
IT WOULD STREAM LINE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THINGS AND IT WOULD CUT COSTS FOR EVERYONE AND MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY.
>> WHO HAVE TO MAKE CERTAIN CHOICES.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO MY COMMENTS.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 23, WARREN.
>> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION OF MY COMMENTS.
I AM HERE AS AN ADVOCATE FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL.
I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN SUBJECT TO THE INEQUITY AND CRUELTY OF OUR CURRENT HEALTH CARE SUCCESS STEM.
AFTER MY DIAGNOSIS WITH EP -- EPILEPSY SEVERAL YEARS AGO I HAVE BEEN UNINSURED BY MULTIPLE INSURANCE COMPANIES.
I STRUGGLE TO PAYOFF MEDICAL DEBT AND LIFE-SAVING IMMEDIATE CATIONS.
NOT TO MENTION DEALING WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS AND CHANGING THE PLAN EACH TIME I GOT A NEW JOB.
THE EXPERIENCE IS NOT JUST ME.
THERE ARE A MILLION WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE AND STRUGGLE EVERY DAY.
THIS INJUSTICE CANNOT CONTINUE AND IT DOESN'T HAVE TO.
MEDICARE FOR ALL IS THE ONLY COMMON SENSE SOLUTION TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING AND I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION AND SHOW HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS YOU ARE ADVOCATES FOR THEIR HEALTH.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 26, STEVEN HESS.
>> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I AM STEVEN HESS AND A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 3.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION MONTH MY COMMENTS.
I AM PART OF THE COAL LEGISLATION CALLING ON COMMISSIONERS TO PASS THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL MEDICARE FOR ALL LEGISLATION.
BYPASSING THIS RESOLUTION HARRIS COUNTY CAN HELP SHAPE THE NATIONAL PUBLIC THEIR RAW TESTIFY NEEDED TO WIN -- NARRATIVE NEEDED TO WIN HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE AS A MATTER OF RIGHT.
BY CLOSING THE COVERAGE GAP AND CREATING A PUBLIC SUCCESS STEM OF HEALTH CARE.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WILL SEE MAJOR SAVE WILLINGS AND THE GOVERNMENT CAN SAVE UPWARDS OF $102 MILLION.
HARRIS COUNTY COULD SEE AN INCREASE OF NEW JOBS, UPWARDS OF 60,000 PER YEAR AND BUSINESSES BEING ABLE TO SEE AN INCREASE IN RETAIL SEALS REVENUE UPWARDS OF 1.2 BILLION.
AND RESIDENTS BEING ABLE TO SEE AN INCREASE OF INCOME 3.1 BILLION PER YEAR.
THIS MAKES SENSE FOR OUR CONSTITUENTS.
YOUR CON STITCH WENTS -- CON STIFF WENT AND MY NEIGHBORS.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 12, NANCY SABARA NARATOMI.
THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE, THE REPORT CARD FOR OUR COUNTRY'S HEALTH WAS IN 2019 FOR JAPAN, 1.9% DEATHS OUT OF 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS.
IN 1979 THE EYE DOCTOR WHO GRADUATED FROM BAYLOR SAID HE WOULD CLOSE -- CHARGE $1,000 TO CLOSE THE HOLE IN MY RETINA.
I GOT MARRIED IN JAPAN AND THE COST WAS $70 U.S.
IN JAPAN THE HOMELESS HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE AND IT IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR LIFE EXPECTANCY.
MORE PEOPLE DIE WITHOUT HEALTH CARE IN TEXAS THAN ANY OTHER STATE.
WORK -- OREGON AND HAWAII HAVE HEALTH CARE AS A RIGHT.
ENDORSE THE MEDICARE FOR ALL THAT INCLUDES VISUAL, DENTAL, MENTAL AND MORE FROM BIRTH TO DEATH AND SAVING LIVES AND SAVING COUNTY AND BUSINESS MONEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
ARA DENVER FROM MEDICARE FOR ALL.US.
>> A DOZEN YEARS AGO I HAD A FORECASTER AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM SAVED MY LIFE.
[03:15:06]
I WAS BROKE AND HAD NO WAY TO -- NOWHERE TO GO.I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY LIFE.
I WOULDN'T BE TALKING TO YOU OTHERWISE.
NUMBER TWO, I URGE YOU TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MEDICARE FOR ALL.
IT SHOULDN'T BE A MATTER OF LUCK AS IT WAS FOR ME.
EVERYBODY CAN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALTH THAT I HAD.
WE ARE NOT GETTING IT WITHOUT MEDICARE FOR ALL.
WITH MEDICARE FOR ALL, ACCORDING TO THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE WE WOULD BE SAVING -- I'M SORRY, THE IMPACT ON HARRIS COUNTY ALONE WOULD BE OVER $9 BILLION A YEAR.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 29, LINDA PHOENIX.
HELLO JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I AM LINDA PHOENIX FROM PRECINCT 3.
I AM QUA -- I AM ASKING YOU TO SUPPORT MEDICARE FOR ALL BECAUSE WE NEED IT.
IN HARRIS COUNTY 22.4% ARE UNINSURED AND WE HAVE THE HIGHEST RATE OF UNINSURED CHILDREN IN THE COUNTRY.
IN 2020 I FOUND 27 -- I PHONE BANKED 27 TIMES URGING PEOPLE TO VOTE.
I HEARD A LOT OF STORIES ESPECIALLY FROM YOUNG PEOPLE.
THEY GREW UP WATCHING THEIR FAMILIES AND OTHERS BE HARMED BY OUR HEALTH CARE SUCCESS STEM THAT PUTS PROFITS OF HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES AND BIG PHARMA AHEAD OF PEOPLE.
ONE YOUNG MAN TOLD ME "I HAVE DIABETES.
UNLESS WE GET MEDICARE FOR ALL, I WILL ALWAYS WORRY ABOUT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE AND MY INSULIN." MEDICARE FOR ALL IS RIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY AND WILL SAVE OUR COUNTRY AND COUNTY MONEY.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR ALL OF US.
ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, TIFFANY? YOU MAY BE ON MUTE.
>> WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER, JOY DAVIS OF THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I AM JOY DAVIS AND A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT ONE REPRESENTING TOPS.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY COMMENTS.
UNEMPLOYMENT DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PAN DEEM AMERICA MANY LOST -- PANDEMIC MANY LOST HEALTH INSURANCE.
IT SHOWS HOW CRUEL IT IS TO TIE HEALTH INSURANCE TO EMPLOYMENT.
WE ASK YOU TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING MEDICARE FOR ALL.
IT IS TIME THERE ARE NO COY PAYS -- CO-PAYS OR DE DISTRICTABLES OR ADDITIONAL CHARGES -- DEDUCTIBLES OR ANY OTHER CHARGES.
IN 2018, THE RURAL AND HEALTH INSTITUTE AND HEALTH PHON DATION SHOWED 35 TEXAS COUNTIES HAVE NO PHYSICIAN.
80 HAVE FIVE OR FEWER PHYSICIANS.
58 ARE WITHOUT ANY OB/GYN AND.
>> THE FINAL SPEAKER IS IN PERSON.
YOU HEARD FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE TODAY SO I WON'T TAKE UP A LOT OF YOUR TIME.
I AM LAUREN HENLEY WITH THE HOUSTON ARTS ALLIANCE AND HERE TO SHARE THE ARTS AND RESELL YENS IN THE HOUSTON -- RESILIENCE.
IT TALKS ABOUT THE RE -- RECOVERY EFFORT.
IT WAS LEARNED FROM HURRICANE HARVEY AND THE WINTER STORM.
IT WAS ONLY POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE COMMITMENT OF THE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO WHOLE COMMUNITY RECOVERY.
IT MEANS NOT JUST QUANTITY OF LIFE, BUT QUALITY OF LIFE.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNEW DUE TO YOUR LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND BELIEF IN THE ART HARRIS COUNTY IS A MODEL FOR THE STATE AND THE COUNTRY IN THIS AREA AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
[03:20:02]
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND TO THE INTERPRETERS AS WELL.
WE WILL GO THROUGH THE DISCUSSION ITEMS. FIRST WAS ITEM 10, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
IT IS A $16 MILLION EXPENSE TRANSFER.
[Departments (Part 3 of 3)]
>> TOM RAMSEY: I TALKED TO MR. BERRY ABOUT THIS AND I KNOW WE SET UP OUR CARES MONEY.
THIS IS TO REIMBURSE, AS I UNDERSTAND A PIC FUND FOR THE REASON FOR THAT AIR THE -- FOR THAT, WE WERE HOPING FEMA WOULD FUND THIS, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO.
MY QUICK QUESTION, DAVID, ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT CLAW BACK IN TERMS OF WE ARE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND USE OUR CARES ACT MONEY ON THIS AND PAY THE PIC? ARE YOU KEEPING A LITTLE HELD BACK IN CASE THERE IS CLAW BACK IN THE FUTURE?
IF I CAN JUST MAKE A MINOR CLARIFICATION ON THE ITEM.
THESE WERE EXPENSES CHARGED TO THE PIC FUND WITH THE IDEA THAT THEY NEEDED TO BE REVIEWED FOR POTENTIAL FEMA REIMBURSE BUILT.
IT WAS NOT THAT WE SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION AND IT WAS DENIED.
WE WANTED TO GO THROUGH AND ASSESS WHAT COULD BE SUBMITTED.
IT WAS NOT THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING REJECTED, BUT WE HAVE DONE THE WORK TO SEE WHAT WE COULD SUBMIT.
IN TERMS OF THE 60 MILLION IT IS COMING FROM, THAT'S THE COVID RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND.
I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THAT.
IS THERE A MOTION ON THAT ITEM?
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANTED TO SPEAK ON THIS ONE BECAUSE IT IS IN PRECINCT 2 AND APPROXIMATELY -- WE IDENTIFIED THAT THERE IS 5500 FOLKS WHO ARE BELOW THE FEDERAL POVERTY LIMB MET OF WHICH OVER A THOUSAND ARE ARE CHILDREN AND 31% OF THE HOUSEHOLDS HAVE NO INTERNET CONNECTION AND NEARLY A THOUSAND ARE WITHOUT -- THEY ARE HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT COMPUTERS.
I I WANT TO APPLAUD THE OFFICE OF BROADBAND FOR BRINGING THIS MUCH-NEEDED CONNECTIVITY.
IT WILL NOT JUST ADDRESS THE DISPARITIES, BUT WILL SUPPORT SAFETY OPERATIONS AS WELL AS GIVING ACCESS TO AREA STUDENTS.
AND IT IS VALUABLE BECAUSE IT IS A COLLABORATIVE WITH THE GOLENA PARK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT GOES TO SHOW THAT THEY -- YOU KNOW, WHAT WE CAN GET DONE WHEN WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER.
I WANT TO APPLAUD UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND EXCITED TO SEE THIS.
AND THIS IS JUST, I THINK, AN EXAMPLE OF HOW MUCH MORE WE CAN GET DONE.
AND IT IS ALSO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NUMBER 12.
AND I WANTED TO REALLY GET TO DRILL DEEPER INTO HOW MUCH CLOSER AND BETTER WE CAN BE WORKING WITH THOSE EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICTS AT THE COUNTY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
THAT'S THE REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR FUNDING TO GO TO THE JAIL.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE IF I CAN LEAD US OFF ON THIS I KNOW THERE MIGHT BE OTHER QUESTIONS, BUT THE ISSUE BEHIND THIS FUNDING REQUEST IS IMPORTANT IN TERMS OF
[03:25:06]
RECOGNIZING THE FACT THAT IT IS THE ONE AREA OF OPERATION THAT'S IF WE DON'T STAY ON TOP OF IT, IT CAN CREATE A LOT OF CHALLENGES FOR ANY COUNTY MUCH LESS HARRIS COUNTY.HAVING RUN THAT OPERATION I I WANT TO COMMEND THE TEAM AND THEIR COLLECTIVE WORK.
ALL WE HEARD OF THE CHALLENGES, THEY ARE STILL FACING CHALLENGES.
I APPLAUD THE DETENTION STAFF AND I WOULD ALWAYS TELL FOLKS, YOU HAVE A DEPUTY THAT SAVED A CAT OUT OF A TREE AND THERE IS A PLAQUE AND ALL KINDS OF THINGS HAPPENING.
IF YOU HAVE A DETENTION OFFICER DOING A GOOD JOB, THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO MAY WITNESS IT ARE PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT BE COMPELLED TO WRITE GOOD LETTERS ABOUT WHAT HE RAILROAD -- ABOUT WHAT HE OR SHE HAS DONE.
I KNOW I VISITED WITH MR. BERRY I ASK A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT IS COVID RELATED.
I HAVE MY OFFICE REACHING OUT AND FINDING WAYS TO KEEP THE PRAYINGSES MOVING IN OTHER DROAKSES.
KEEP THE OPERATIONS MOVING IN OTHER DIRECTIONS.
THERE ARE A LOT OF CO-DEPUTIES THAT USED TO WORK IN THE JAIL.
IF YOU WERE TO ASK THEM HOW MUCH LONGER THEY WANTED TO WORK IN THE JAIL, THEY WOULD SAY NOT ONE MORE DAY THAN I NEED TO.
RECOGNIZING THAT THE JAIL MAY BE AN ENTRY POINT TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OR TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, BUT NOT KNOWING WHAT THEY CAN TEST AND NOT KNOWING WHEN THEY CAN GET INTO THE ACADEMY AND NOT KNOWING WHEN THEY CAN HAVE THAT SHOT AT PATROL OR IF THEY CHOOSE TO MAKE ATTENTION TO THEIR CAREER OR TRANSFERRING TO OTHER AREAS OF OPERATION AND WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS DON'T KNOW THE OPERATIONS OF THE JAIL.
IT IS RECOGNIZING THAT THERE ARE NO STATE MANDATES.
THE OLDEST STATE MANDATES WE HAVE AND THE STATE STANDARDS, THEY ARE MINIMUM STANDARDS.
IT IS THE SAME STANDARDS THEY WILL HAVE FOR THEIR JAIL.
WE HAVE TO HAVE AN APPRECIATION OF WHAT A LARGE COUNTY IS COUPLED WITH THE UNFOR GNAT -- UNFORTUNATE FACT THAT THERE WASN'T A LOT OF THOUGHT GIVEN TO THE ARCHITECTS OF WHAT WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THOSE PHO CELTS -- THOSE FACILITIES COULD ACCOMPLISH.
IT HAS ONLY HIT THE COUNTY WITHIN THE LAST 15 TO 20 YEARS.
THOSE BUILDINGS THAT MOST OF THESE OPERATIONS ARE WORKING IN ARE ANTIQUATED IN DESIGN AND THEY CREATE MORE CHALLENGES ON THE OPERATIONS AND AS A CONSEQUENCE TO CREATE A BUDGETARY CHALLENGE FOR US TO SUPPORT.
[03:30:01]
I APPLAUD THE STAFF.I WANT ALL DETENTION OFFICERS AND ALL OF OUR NURSES AND ALL OF OUR CLERKS TO KNOW I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE IN THOSE SHOES.
THE FACT THAT WHEN THE AC GOES OUT, IT DOESN'T GO OUT JUST FOR THE INMATES.
WHEN YOU ARE HAVING DINNER WITH YOUR FAMILY YOU HAVE TO STAY BECAUSE YOUR RELIEF HAS BEEN CALLED IN, IT TAKES A SPECIAL AMOUNT OF DEDICATION TO CONTINUE TO SHOW UP FOR WORK AND CONTINUE TO DO THE JOB.
I WANT TO SAY TO OUR DETENTION STAFF, I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU AND I SUPPORT THIS ITEM AND WE HAVE TO GIVE THOUGHT TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A MEGA JAIL AND NOT JUST A COUNTY JAIL.
I PULLED IT SO I CAN DO THE SAME THING.
I I WANT TO COMMEND THE GOOD EFFORTS WE HAVE AT THE JAIL.
I THINK WITH AS MUCH DISCUSSION AS THERE IS ON THE JAIL, I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT THIS COURT HAS APPROVED EVERYTHING THE SHERIFF HAS EVER ASK I HAD -- ASKED THIS COURT TO DO RELATED TO THE JAIL.
THIS IS JUST ANOTHER IN A LONG LIST OF APPROVALS THAT WE WILL GIVE FOR THE JAIL.
I KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF CONVERSATION ABOUT THIS COURT MAYBE NOT FUNDING, BUT THEY HAVE SUPPORTED THE SHERIFF EVERYTHING THE SHERIFF ASKED FOR.
IF THERE IS MORE THE SHERIFF NEEDS, THEY NEED ASKING.
THE OTHER THING THAT NEEDS COMMENDING IS DAVID BERRY.
HE PULLED FUNDS OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND AND THE PIC FUND AND THE COVID RESPONSE FUND AND THE CARES ACT TO COVER THIS.
PART OF THIS IS WHAT WE HAD COVERED LAST YEAR.
I AM JUST GLAD WE HAVE A BUDGET OFFICER THAT IS ANTICIPATING IT NEEDS -- ITS NEEDS AND ISSUES.
WE HAVE SOMEONE WORKING THERE IN THE WINGS.
THE OTHER THING I WAFNT TO POINT OUT IS I AM VERY CONSISTENT.
THIS IS WHERE YOU HAD A COMPLICATED BUDGET ISSUE.
WE HAD A CONSTABLE APPEAR AND THERE WAS CONFUSION ON THE BUDGET.
WE GAVE HIM OPTIONS AND TOLD HIM TO GO BACK.
IT IS CLEARLY RELATED TO THAT AND YOU WILL GET A YES VOTE ON THIS SIDE OF IT.
I THINK THIS IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE AS WE TAKE SO SERIOUSLY AND WE DON'T HAVE TO SIT HERE AND I AM IN ABSOLUTE SUPPORT OF THIS ITEM.
IF YOU MADE THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER, I WILL SECOND IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I AM WONDERING, MR. BERRY, I KNOW THERE WAS A MEMO FROM THE SHERIFF, BUT WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HELP PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING? WE CAN'T BE OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH JAIL STANDARDS.
IT IS A LIFE OR DEATH FOR WHOEVER IS IN THERE INCLUDING THE STAFF.
AND WE DON'T HAVE A CHOICE ABOUT IT ONCE THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CREATED.
IT IS DIFFERENT TO FUND A TEMPORARY OR CREATIVE NEW PROGRAM.
EVEN THEN WE CAN'T SIMPLY OPERATE.
HOW DO WE KEEP IT FROM BREAKING IN THE FIRST PLACE? I DON'T KNOW IF ANYBODY FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS ON, BUT THEY HAVE THE MANAGING
[03:35:01]
BUDGET AND ON THE WORKFORCE SIDE THAT THEY MIGHT WANT TO WALK THROUGH.IF ANYBODY IS ON THEY -- I CAN GIVE MY TAKE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS SOMEONE ON FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE?
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.
WE PLAN ON DOING OPERATIONAL CHANGES AND IT IS MOVING TOWARD A MORE OPERATIONAL 12-HOUR SHIFT AND IT SHOULD CURB SOME OF THE OVERTIME WE HAVE SEEN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
WE ALREADY PUT OUR BID IN PLACE FOR THEM TO CHOOSE THEIR DAYS OFF.
MOVING FORWARD WE SHOULD SEE A REDUCTION IN THAT SENSE.
ADDITIONALLY THE LAST COURT Y'ALL APPROVED A HUNDRED POSITIONS AND THERE IS MORE COMING WITH THE ANNUAL BUDGET.
WE ENCOMPASSED MUCH OF THE COSTS THAT WE SEE AND HAVE SEEN OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS WITH THE STAFF SHORTAGES.
WE WON'T BE DOING THIS EACH YEAR AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR COMING BACK AND ASKING FOR FUNDS TO SHORE UP THE STAFFING SHORT COMINGS.
>> THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
LISTEN, FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE.
PLEASE BE SURE TO EXTEND OUR RESPECT AND APPRECIATION TO YOUR STAFF AND TO THOSE AT 701 AND THE OTHER PHO CELTS.
I TRIED TO DO IT IN 2009 AND EITHER WE WERE GIVEN EXCUSES OR THE TECHNOLOGY DID NOT ALLOW FOR IT.
ALSO, THE ISSUE THAT I TOUCHED ON, ACADEMY CLASS PLANNING AND PROMOTIONAL PLANNING, HAVE YOU LAID OUT THOSE ITEMS AS A STRUCTURED PLAN TO REVIEW WITH YOU AND MAKE SURE IT IS FACTORED INTO YOUR CASH FLOW?
>> THAT IS AN ITEM THAT WE DISCUSSED THE OTHER DAY.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO THE BUDGET OFFICE YET.
THAT IS SOMETHING WE WILL WORK ON TO MAKE SURE THAT WE IDENTIFY ALL OF THOSE COSTS UP FRONT.
>> AND IF IT IS NOT ALREADY ADDRESSED, I REMEMBER THAT PART OF MY CHALLENGE IS THAT WE DID NOT HAVE PCN'S FOR AN ACADEMY CADET.
WE HAVE TO HAVE PCN'S IF THEY ARE NOT ALREADY THERE.
THERE IS AN UNPLANNED AMOUNT OF OVERTIME.
WE GOT OURS FROM 40 MILLION TO 4 MILLION.
AND WE WERE ABLE TO MANAGE IT AS WELL.
WE HIRE OUR DETENTION OFFICERS AND WE KNEW EXACTLY WHERE THE PAIN POINTS OF OUR OVERTIME WAS TAKING PLACE VERSUS PUTTING IT INTO THE GENERAL POLL AND PUTTING THEM -- LETTING THEM MATRICULATE THROUGH THE ORGANIZATION.
WE MADE SURE THEY WERE PLACED IN THOSE OVERTIME PAIN POINTS.
IS THAT SOMETHING YOU ARE GIVING THOUGHT TO?
>> I DO REMEMBER THAT AND IT STAYED WITH ME AND WE ARE TRYING TO HIT OUR PAIN POINTS.
AND THEN LASTLY, WHAT IS YOUR -- WHAT WAS YOUR AVERAGE ATTRITION BEFORE COVID AND WHAT'S YOUR ATTRITION SINCE COVID?
>> I DON'T HAVE THE ATTRITION NUMBERS IN FRONT OF ME TO GIVE YOU AN
[03:40:02]
ACCURATE NUMBER.>> ADRIAN GARCIA: OBVIOUSLY THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE, I ASSUME?
I THINK WE'VE SEEN A SMALL DECREASE OVER THE LAST MONTH WITH THE ADDITIONAL STAFF THAT WE ARE INFUSING AND FILLING UP THE CURRENT PCN'S.
AS WE HAVE MORE STAFF THAT OFFSETS THE LONG SHIFTS THE CURRENT STAFF ARE HAVING TO WORK WHICH PLAYS A BIG PART IN THE ATTRITION.
>> I ASKED MR. BERRY AND MY STAFF TO SET UP A MEETING.
IF YOU RUN SOMETHING AKIN TO REFINERY, THINGS CAN EXPLODE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MR. BERRY, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED BEFORE? I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WAS SOMETHING -- SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY IN RESPONSE TO THAT?
>> GOING BACK TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S COMMENTS, I SPOKE ABOUT THE NEED TO PUT ON PAPER A PROGRAM TO PROGRESS.
WE MAY NOT HAVE ADDITIONAL COSTS.
>> I THOUGHT THAT WAS ALREADY DONE.
, THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE?
>> I AM NOT AWARE OF A PROGRAM ON PAPER THAT IS REGULARLY COMMUNICATED.
>> WE HAVE A CURRENT PROCESS, BUT OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THAT YOU WANTED A NICE LAID OUT PLAN THAT WE WILL HAVE X NUMBER OF ACADEMIES AND X NUMBER OF PERSONNEL WILL GO TO EACH ACADEMY THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?
>> AND FOR ME IT IS -- YOU KNOW, THIS IS EMERGENCY FUND -- IT IS LITERALLY COMING OUT OF THE EMERGENCY FUND.
I HAVE HAD THIS CONVERSATION WITH SHERIFF GONZALEZ.
YOU CAN'T CONTROL IF THEY TAKE INMATES OR NOT.
YOU CAN'T CONTROL HOW MANY ARRESTS LAW ENFORCEMENT BRINGS YOU ON THE STREET.
YOU JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE FOLKS IN YOUR CARE.
IF THERE IS ANOTHER HURRICANE AND ANOTHER FREEZE, GOD FORBID THIS COMING FEBRUARY IT IS A SERIOUS THING FOR ME TO TAKE OUT OF OUR OUR CONTINGENCY FUND TO PAY FOR OPERATIONS.
AND THERE ARE THINGS IN OUR CONTROL THAT WE CAN MINIMIZE.
YOU ARE HAVING TO JUGGLE ALL OF THESE THINGS.
IT IS HAVING THAT PLAN AND TRACKING, AS COMMISSIONER -- EXCUSE ME, AS SHERIFF GONZALEZ WROTE ON THIS LETTER I APPRECIATE TO SAY A WEEKLY REPORT ON THE COSTS AND THE BUDGETING.
WE ARE NOT LEARNING AFTER THE FACT THAT WE ARE $10 MILLION OVER.
ALL OF THOSE THINGS ARE POMPT -- ARE IMPORTANT.
THERE IS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR ME TO CONFIRM THAT EVERYBODY IS DOING ALL WE CAN TO AVOID THIS FROM HAPPENING IN THE FUTURE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT YOU GET OFF THIS CYCLE.
IT WOULD JUST BE NICE WHEN WE ARE DECIDING ON IF WE ARE CUTTING GOVERNMENT.
OBVIOUSLY WHEN IT COMES TO LAW ENFORCEMENT YOU GET A LOT OF SUPPORT AROUND THE TABLE TO PAY FOR IT.
[03:45:01]
IF IF -- IF WE KNOW IN ADVANCE HOW MUCH TO DISTRIBUTE.EVEN WHEN I WAS IN THE OTHER JOB YOU RAISE THE ISSUE QUITE A BIT.
WE DON'T DO THAT QUITE AS MUCH ANYMORE.
AND IT WOULD BE GOOD TO KNOW IN ADVANCE.
IT I JUST WANT TO STRESS THAT.
AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS YOU JUST REMINDED ME OF SOME THINGS.
WHEN I TOOK OVER YOU MAY RECALL THAT UNTIL WE CHANGED THE CLASSIFICATION THE JAIL WAS A MAXIMUM CARE FACILITY.
THEN WE FOUND THAT WE HAD LIKE CREATING THE CLEAN AND GREEN AND THE WORK PROGRAMS AND WE WERE ABLE TO DEPOPULATE THE JAIL IN A STRATEGIC AND METHODICAL WAY.
HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE BAIL REFORM THE COUNTY JAIL IS A FACILITY THAT WE ALL EXPECT IT TO BE.
IT IS NOW ALMOST ENTIRELY A MAXIMUM SECURITY FACILITY WITH THE RIGHT -- I SHOULDN'T SAY THE RIGHT PEOPLE, BUT WITH THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE IN CUSS DE ARE VIOLENT -- VIOLENT AND THEY ARE DANGEROUS.
WOULD YOU AGREE THAT THE STATE COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS HAS GIVEN YOU MINIMUM STAN -- STANDARDS AND BECAUSE YOU ARE A MEGA JAIL YOU DO THINGS ABOVE AND BEYOND THE STATE STANDARDS.
AND BECAUSE ARE YOU A MAXIMUM SECURITY FACILITY AND YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS NOW A LOT DIFFERENTLY ON A DAILY BASIS.
AND NOW YOU SUIT UP EVERY DAY.
IS THAT AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT?
>> WE ARE OPERATING AS A MAXIMUM FACILITY.
MOST OF THE POPULATION IS MAXIMUM.
AND IT DOES CHANGE THE DYNAMICS OF WHAT YOU DEAL WITH ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS.
WHAT OUR DETENTION OFFICERS HAVE TO DEAL WITH IS NOT WHAT IT WAS FIVE OR TEN YEARS AGO.
THE DYNAMICS ARE MEETING THE MINIMUM GENERAL STANDARDS AND IN SOME CASES STRUGGLING TO DO THAT.
WE SHOULD BE LEADING THE CHARGE ON BEST PRACTICES AND SETTING THE STANDARD.
>> MAJOR SMITH AND I TALKED ABOUT SETTING THE GOAL TO BE ACA ACCREDITED.
IT WAS GOING TO COST AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF MONEY.
AND THEN TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARDS WOULD HAVE REQUIRED ADDITIONAL CLERICAL STAFF AND WE ARE USING IT TO KEEP UP WITH STANDARDS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
AND SO WE MADE A PRIORITY ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RUNNING THE FACILITY.
YOU ARE DEALING WITH THE DAILY REALITY AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN.
I WAKE UP IN A COLD SWEAT EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE REMEMBERING YOUR DIFFICULT WORK.
>> COMMISSIONERS AND JOG HIDALGO, I -- JUDGE HIDALGO, I WILL SAY THAT WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH MR. BERRY AND HIS TEAM TO HOPEFULLY IDENTIFY ANY SHORT FALLS
[03:50:05]
THAT WE SEE AND WE CAN GET AHEAD OF IT RATHER THAN AT THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR TRYING TO MAKE IT UP.>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ONE MORE THING BEFORE I FORGET, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE THESE NUMBERS ON HAND, BUT I REMEMBER THAT THE DAILY COURT CALL WAS ABOUT A THOUSAND INMATES A DAY THAT HAVE MOVED OVER TO THE COURTHOUSE.
>> I DON'T HAVE THE EXACT NUMBERS, COMMISSIONER, BUT LAST I HEARD I WANT TO SAY IT IS ABOUT 500.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND HOW MANY OF THEM ACTUALLY GET TO SEE A JUDGE?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S GOING TO BE AN IMPORTANT NUMBER.
>> I CAN GET THE INFORMATION AND HAVE IT SENT TO YOU.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU COULD, PLEASE.
AS WE WERE SAYING, YOU GOT NO SAY ON WHO COMES TO YOU AND HOW MUCH OF IT COMES TO YOU AND YOU HAVE NO SAY ON HOW MUCH YOU GET TO PUSH OUT THE DOOR.
WE NEED THE COURTS AND THE JUDGES TO BE DOING THEIR PART AS WELL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU WERE GOING TO SAY, MR. BERRY THAT IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE?
>> WELL, IN TERMS OF HAVING COST OVERAGES AT THE JAIL LATE IN THE FISCAL YEAR, LARGELY DUE TO COVID AND SOME OTHER FACTORS, WE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE LAST YEAR.
WHILE I THINK MOST OF THIS OVERAGE IS VERY EXPLAINABLE, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE WORK TOWARD HAVING A BUDGET SET AHEAD OF TIME.
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE THINGS WE DON'T ANTICIPATE.
AND SO THAT IS SOMETHING MY TEAM HAS DISCUSSED WITH MAJOR BUTTON AT THE JAIL.
WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE A BASE CASE THAT REFLECTS WHERE WE ARE RIGHT NOW.
>> THAT'S WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY.
THIS IS NOT A MISTAKE OR A MISUNDERSTANDING.
WE ALL KNOW THAT -- WE ARE VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE CHALLENGES OF THE JAIL.
AND WE KNOW THE POPULATION THAT IS STUBBORNLY HIGH.
AND WE PUT ENOUGH ASIDE FOR THE PIC.
THANK YOU, FOR RUNNING THIS DOWN AND MAJOR B YOU IN IT ON IN -- MAJOR BUNTON.
>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE MOTION AND -- RAMSEY MADE THE SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
WELL, YOU ALL KNOW THAT YELLOW IS GREAT NEWS.
UNFORTUNATELY AS WE WERE TRANSITIONING TO YELLOW WE HEARD ABOUT THE OMICRON VARIANT.
WHAT WE KNOW IS THERE IS SOME HYPOTHESIS ABOUT IT BEING MORE CONTAGIOUS OR BEING MORE DANGEROUS.
WHAT THE EPIDEMIOLOGIST EXPLAINED TO ME IS THAT THEY HAVE TO DO A SPECIFIC STUDY IN A PETRI DISH.
THERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE VIRUS AND IT IS NOT THE ACTUAL VIE -- VIRUS, BUT THERE ARE BLOOD SAMPLES AND THEY WATCH AND SEE HOW IT BEHAVES SO THEY LEARN HOW IT WILL IMPACT THE POPULATION AT LARGE.
SOME SCIENTISTS ARE DOING THAT TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT.
AND THEN WE WILL HAVE AN IDEA HOW TRANS MISSABLE IT IS.
OF COURSE THAT WILL NEVER PREDICT WHAT THE POPULATION IMPACTS WILL BE.
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE IF IN CERTAIN POPULATIONS IT BEHAVES A CERTAIN WAY.
LET'S HOPE IT IS NO MORE TRANS -- TRANS MISSABLE OR DANGEROUS THAN THE VARIANTS WE HAVE SEEN.
IT WILL TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR THE PETRI DISH STUDY TO BE DONE AND IT WILL TAKE LONGER THAN THAT FOR THE POPULATION-WIDE DATA TO COME OUT.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE ONE THING BE CAN BE SURE OF IS VACCINATIONS AND BOOSTER SHOTS ARE GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
AS FAR AS OUR TRENDS, THE VACCINATION RATES CONTINUE TO INCREASE VERY SLOWLY, AND
[03:55:08]
THE CASES, THE HOSPITALIZATIONS AND THE POSITIVITY RATE ARE ALL DECREASING WHICH IS GREAT.THE WAY TO PREVENT THAT IS THE VACCINES.
WE DON'T HAVE A CASE IN HARRIS COUNTY, BUT THEY TEST CERTAIN SAMPLES WE SEND TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THEY TEST FOR THE VARIANTS.
AT SOME POINT WE WILL SURELY FIND ONE.
WHAT WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR US TO NOT BE AT YELLOW ANYMORE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ON ONE DIRECTION IT IS HOPEFULLY WE DON'T END UP THERE AND THE OTHER WOULD BE GREEN WHICH MEANS THE CASES ARE DECREASING AND HOSPITAL TRENDS ARE DECREASING WHICH IT IS 5% AND WE ARE 9%.
POSITIVITY RATE IT IS NOT A THREAT LEVEL.
IF WE CONTINUE TO GO AT THIS RATE, WE WOULD ARRIVE AT GREEN IN AND AROUND 27 DAYS.
BUT IF THE RATE OF DECLINE AND HOSPITAL POPULATION SLOWS DOWN FARTHER WE COLD FRONT GET THERE.
AND WE ARE SEEING IN SOME COMMUNITIES.
I ASKED WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND OTHER STATES AND IT IS A WAIT AND SEE.
THE ONE THING WE ARE CONFIDENT OF IS WE KNOW WE WILL MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IS BY GETTING VACCINES.
I THINK IT IS 50 CASES PER 100 RESIDENTS AND TO GET TO ORANGE IT IS 20% OF THE ICU OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
HOPEFULLY WE WON'T END UP THERE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST ON THIS ITEM, WE JUST GOT DONE SPEAK WGHT SHERIFF'S OFFICE -- SPEAKING WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
LET ME JUST SAY A LITTLE BIT TOWARD WHAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAID EARLIER ABOUT HAVING FUNDED THE INITIATIVES OR THE REQUEST BY THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
WE ALSO HELPED TO DRIVE THE FUNDING OF INITIATIVES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY TO SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS TWO THINGS.
BACKLOGS IN THE COURT AND IN INVESTIGATIONS AND BACKLOGS IN THE COURTS AS WELL AS TO FOCUS ON THE MOST DANGEROUS AND VIOLENT INDIVIDUALS.
WE FUNDED THREE MILLION AND THE RESULTS SHOWED A 40% CASE BACKLOG REDUCTION AND OVER 200 SUSPECTS WERE CHARGED WITH FELONIES AND THEIR VICTIMS WERE MORE HOPEFUL THAT THEY WOULD SEE THEIR DAY IN COURT AS WELL.
THIS PARTICULAR INITIATIVE I AM EXCITED ABOUT BECAUSE IT GOES TOWARD THE SAME THING.
IT ALSO GOES TOWARD SOMETHING I HAVE EXPERIENCED AS A PATROLMAN.
THAT IS PROVIDING VISIBILITY IN THE COMMUNITY DOES HAVE A BENEFIT.
WHEN YOU ADD TO THAT OR LAYER ON TOP OF IT DATA DRIVEN, PRECISION DRIVEN AND STRATEGIC APPROACH AS WELL AS A SURGICAL FOCUS ON THE AREAS THAT ARE DRIVING OUR CRIME RATE, OUR VIOLENT CRIME RATE, THEN I'M ALSO HOPEFUL THAT THIS INITIATIVE
[04:00:06]
WILL BEAR INCREDIBLE FRUIT FOR ALL COMMUNITIES.I WANT TO COMMEND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR WORK WGHT CONSTABLES -- WORKING WITH THE CONSTABLES TO PUT THIS PLAN TOGETHER AND ENSURE THAT WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE AREAS THAT ARE GIVING THE COMMUNITY AND EVERYONE THE GREATEST SENSE OF CONCERN AND FRUSTRATION.
THIS INITIATIVE WILL FOCUS ON SEVEN PARTICULAR NEIGHBORHOODS.
THERE IS PURPLE SAGE AND THERE ARE JUST A FEW THAT WILL BENEFIT FROM THE -- IN PRECINCT 2.
BUT IT IS GOING TO COVER AN AREA IN EVERY PRECINCT ACROSS THE COUNTY.
AND JUST AS YOU -- IT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION WE ARE FOCUSING ON THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FOLKS REALIZE THAT THEY HAVE TWO INCREDIBLE LEADERS WORKING FOR THEM ON THEIR BEHALF IN THIS REGARD.
AND THEN LASTLY, LET ME SAY THIS PARTICULAR INITIATIVE COMES WITH THE FACT THAT WE HAD 2.6 MILLION FROM THE BUDGETING REQUIREMENTS AND WE ASKED HOW TO APPLY THIS TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
I THINK IT WAS THOUGHT THROUGH AND IT WILL GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE THE BENEFIT OF A VERY STRATEGIC AND VERY SURGICAL APPROACH TO THE ISSUES THAT WE ARE CONFRONTING IN THE COMMUNITY AND ALLOW US TO COME BACK AND DECIDE HOW MUCH MORE WE CAN FUND THIS.
AND AGAIN, LOOK, THERE ARE A LOT OF BAD PEOPLE DOING BAD THINGS.
I WANT TO TAKE THIS TIME TO COMMEND OUR PATROL DEPUTIES, THE CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SUIT UP EVERY DAY AND GET IN THEIR PATROL CARS EVERY DAY AND GO OUT AND DO THIS WORK.
THEY RUN INTO EVERYTHING MOST PEOPLE RUN FROM.
WE NEED TO APPLAUD THEM, BUT ALSO KEEP THEM IN OUR PRAYERS SO THAT THEY CAN GET HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES EVERY SINGLE NIGHT OR DAY -- AFTER A TOUR OF DUTY.
THIS PARTICULAR FUNDING, I FORGOT TO MENTION, WILL ALSO PROVIDE ALMOST A HUNDRED DEPUTIES PER DAY.
IT IS PER DAY ON THE STREETS OF HARRIS COUNTY.
>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IT IS A GREAT PROGRAM.
I WANT TO THANK THE SHERIFF AND THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND ALL OF THE FOLKS WHO WORKED ON THIS.
IT IS PORNTS -- IT IS PORNTS THAT IT -- IMPORTANT THAT IT WORKS WELL.
WE HAVE THIS ADDITIONAL FUNDING AND IT LOOKS TO SOME EXTENT AS THOUGH IT IS BASED ON WHAT THEY WERE WORKING ON IN NEW YORK.
THEY CALL IT PRECISION POLICING INITIATIVE WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT FOCUSES ON A SMALL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE THOUGHT TO BE THE PRIMARY DRIVERS OF VIOLENCE AND IT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR A QUARTER OF THE DECLINE IN VIOLENCE.
THEY CONSISTENTLY KEPT IT GOING.
IT DID MAKE SENSE FOR US TO FOCUS ON UNINCORPORATED.
I GUESS IF YOU LOOK AT THE DATA THE HIGHEST CRIME IS IN THE CITIES.
AND THERE ARE THINGS WE ARE DOING.
[04:05:04]
IT IS INTERESTING MAKING A POINT.YOU DO HAVE TO TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH.
IT IS GOING TO TAKE INVESTMENT IN A LOT OF STUFF.
>> I AM ABSOLUTELY IN SUPPORT OF THE INITIATIVE.
I WANT TO THANK CRIMESTOPPERS AND ALL OF THEIR WORK IN IDENTIFYING THE VIOLENT OFFENDERS.
MANY OF THE PEOPLE THEY ARE HELPING AND WORKING WITH.
I WANT TO POINT OUT A STRATEGIC PART.
THIS IDEA DIDN'T COME FROM NEW YORK CITY.
YOU CAN GO AND SPEND A DAY OR TWO WITH THE COVEN STABLE -- CON -- CONSTABLES.
THEY ARE OUT THERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS DOING AN AWESOME JOB.
THEY ARE NOT IN HERE ASKING FOR MORE MONEY.
THEY ARE DOING THIS VERY THING AND I ENCOURAGE THE SHIRR -- THE SHERIFF TO TAKE THE TIME BECAUSE HE HAS NOT SPENT TIME WITH THE CONSTABLES.
TALK TO THE CONSTABLES AND FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
THEY HAVE RESOURCES AND THEY CAN COMPLEMENT WHAT IS BEING ADVOCATED HERE.
I SIMPLY SAY THE MOST STRATEGIC THING WE CAN DO WITH THIS 2.6 MILLION IS DO LIKE THE PLAN HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED, BUT TALK TO THE CONSTABLES.
THEY ARE SPENDING MONEY AND RESOURCES AND GOING INTO THE AREAS OF CRIME.
AS I TALKED TO THEM IN THE LAST WEEK THEY KNOW WHERE THE BAD ACTORS ARE ENDING UP.
LET'S GET OUR RESOURCES WORKING.
FRANKLY THEY ARE DOING THIS EVERY NIGHT.
JACK CAGLE: I AM ONE TOO WHO WILL SUPPORT THE VOTE FOR THIS PROPOSITION.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY STOLE A LOT OF MY UNDER.
FOR BEST PRACTICES WE DIDN'T GO TO NEW YORK, BUT POLICING AND THE PROCESS USED IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF ROTATING RESOURCES.
THEY CAN RELOCATE THEIR PATROL TO DO THAT RELOCATION PROCESS.
I WILL NOTE WITH SOME DISAPPOINTMENT THAT IN THIS VERY BEAUTIFUL PUT TOGETHER BOOK -- I PUT TOGETHER SOME NICE DISPLAYS ONE TIME.
ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES SAID IT HAD PRETTY PICTURES AND THIS IS PRETTIER THAN I PUT TOGETHER.
BUT THERE IS NOT A SINGLE REFERENCE IN THIS DOCUMENT TO THE CONSTABLES.
I KNOW IT WAS NOT INTENTIONAL.
WHEN MY COLLEAGUE SAID THERE ARE TWO GREAT LEADERS, THERE ARE EIGHT OTHER GREAT LEADERS AND THOSE ARE THE CONSTABLES WITH REGARD TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I ADD THEIR NAMES TO THE LIST OF GREAT LEADERS.
EVERY DAY I GO OUT THERE AND SERVE US.
I DON'T KNOW WHO TALKED TO THE CONSTABLES, BUT I WILL ECHO THAT WE NEED MORE OF THAT WITH REGARD TO WORKING BETWEEN THE DIVISIONS.
THERE IS A LOT OF EXPERTISE OUT THERE ESPECIALLY IN THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR DECADES WITH THE BASE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE THERE.
WE HAD THAT RIGHT HERE IN THE BIO CITY.
MAJOR COTTER SPOKE WITH THE CONSTABLES.
MY UNDERSTANDING -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD THIS IN MIND.
[04:10:01]
WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO IS EACH -- THERE IS THE FIVE ZONES, THE MICRO ZONES -- SEVEN MICRO ZONES WITHIN THE FIVE POLICING DISTRICTS.AND SO IN EACH OF THE SEVEN MICRO ZONES THERE IS GOING TO BE OVERTIME.
IT IS THINK BGHT ONE-TIME EXPENSES AND OBVIOUSLY IF THIS WORKS WE WILL PRESENT IT FOR THE BUDGET.
THAT WILL ALLOW THEM TO HIRE -- OR TO USE BOTH CONSTABLE DEPUTIES FROM THE RELEVANT PRE SINK AND THE SHERIFF DEPUTIES.
AND THEY ARE ALREADY IN TOUCH WITH EACH OF THE CONSTABLES.
TWO OF THEM ARE WITHIN THE CITY.
SO TWO OF THE CONSTABLES ARE NOT PART OF THIS PROGRAM IN PARTICULAR.
YOU KNOW WHAT, I REALLY APPRECIATE ABOUT THIS PRESENTATION, AND I MENTIONED IT TO CHIEF LEE AND I SHOULD SAY IT IN CASE SHERIFF GONZALEZ IS LISTENING IS EXTREMELY THOROUGH PRESENTATION.
IT IS DOWN TO THE DAY AND THE HOUR OF WHERE THE CRIME HAPPENS.
AND SO THAT WAY WE ARE NOT JUST SAYING, YOU KNOW, WE BELIEVE THAT IF WE ADD POLICING IN THE HOTSPOTS, THEN IT WILL HELP.
WE KNOW THESE SPECIFIC HOTSPOTS AND WE KNOW THESE SPECIFIC NUMBER OF OFFICERS THAT WILL BE ASSIGNED.
AND WE'LL SEE THE RESULTS AFTER 120 DAYS AND LEARN FROM THAT.
HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE A LEVEL OF CHANGE AND IF NOT WE WILL KNOW TO SHIFT.
THAT'S THE SPECIFICITY WE NEED IN THESE PRESENTATIONS.
OTHERWISE THERE IS JUST NO WAY TO EVALUATE IT.
IT WAS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST PRESENTATIONS I HAVE SEEN AND I HOPE IT WILL BE A POSITIVE PROGRAM.
I APPRECIATE YOU MENTIONING THAT AND PART OF IT WAS FLOODING THE CITY WITH PATROL OFFICERS.
WHEN THEY ARE SITTING OUT THERE SOMETIMES BAD GUYS THINK TWICE.
WHEN I WAS GIVEN THE HOMICIDES, THE DATA WAS ABOUT 20 SOME ODD THOUSAND DOCUMENTED GANG MEMBERS.
AND FOLKS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE DRIVE BY SHOOTINGS THAT WERE OCCURRING.
AFTER WE SCRUBBED THE DATA WE REALIZED THAT OUT OF THE 420 GANGS 10 CON SIS -- CONSISTENTLY WERE DRIVING THE CITY IN TERMS OF GANG-RELATED VIOLENCE.
WE FOCUSED ON THE 10 AND WE DROP HOMICIDES BY 60%.
THIS HAS THE SAME POTENTIAL BECAUSE IT IS VERY PRE -- PRECISE.
IT IS SURGICAL AND IT IS STRATEGIC.
I'M GLAD THAT THE SHERIFF AND THE CONSTABLES AND CHIEF FENOR WILL BE BRINGING THIS TO OUR COMMUNITY.
I DO HAVE A MOTION TO MAKE ON THIS, JUDGE.
THE MOTION READS TO AUTHORIZE THE FUNDS OF GENERAL FUNDS BY THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT 2Z2 -- 202 TO PAY FOR EXTRAORDINARY ONE-TIME EXPENSES IN THE HARRIS COUNTY SAFE PROGRAM FOR ADDRESSING VIOLENT CRIME IN SPECIFIC NEIGHBORHOODS AND THAT ALL EXPENSES RELATED TO THE SAFE PROGRAM BE REVIEWED BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND THAT ONLY THOSE EXPENSES DESCRIBED IN THE PROPOSAL FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVE TARGETING VIOLENT CRIME, MICROZONES AND THROUGHOUT UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY MAY BE MOVED TO DEPARTMENT 202.
[04:15:05]
>> TOM RAMSEY: [INAUDIBLE] AS I TALK TO POLICE OFFICERS AND PARTICULARLY TRACKING CRIME, COMMISSIONER, PAPER PLATES ARE A COMMON DENOMINATOR.
WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS -- AND THIS IS A RABBIT TRAIL AND WE ARE NOT GOING TO SOLVE T BUT IF I DON'T SAY SOMETHING NOW FORGET.
IT PAPER PLATES, SOMETHING HAS TO HAPPEN ABOUT THE PAPER PLATES.
YOU LOOK AT THE CRIMES AND ONE THING IS THEY ALL HAVE PAPER PLATES.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK I HEARD SOMEWHERE THAT NEW YORK IS SUING TEXAS BECAUSE YOU CAN BUY TEXAS PAPER PLATES ON A PRIBTER -- PRINTER IN NEW YORK CITY.
IT IS A REVENUE PROBLEM AT THE TOLL ROAD.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT IS A SIDEBAR.
MAYBE WE WILL BOOKMARK THAT AND COME BACK AND REVISIT IT.
LEAN -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS A LEGISLATIVE ITEM.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS LATE IN THE DAY SO LET'S THINK ABOUT IT.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I'LL REMIND YOU IF YOU REMIND ME.
JACK CAGLE: WE CAN REVIEW IT TO THE BUDGET OFFICE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT IS ITEM 96 AND I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TIMELINE.
OH MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THAT'S THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: ONE COMMENT ON 96.
ROBERTO TREVINO HAS DONE A GREAT JOB IN GETTING THIS THING TO THIS POINT.
IT DOES PRESIDENT SERVE ANY GOOD POINT TO GO BACK AND ROBERTO GETS NOTHING BUT CREDIT AT THIS POINT.
IT IS A VERY COMPLICATED ISSUE AND BELIEVE ME I KNOW HOW COMPLICATED IT IS.
BEING ABLE TO WORK THROUGH IT AND HE WANTED IT TO BE EVEN LESS THAN IT IS IN TERMS OF THE CHANGE ORDER.
I WANT TO JUST DO THAT RIGHT NOW.
ROBERTO DIDN'T CREATE THIS ISSUE, BUT HE SURE DID FIX.
IT LET'S HOPE THAT NUMBER CAN STAY THERE.
HE IS PRETTY CONFIDENT ON THE CHANGE ORDER AND IF WE GET THE BRIDGE BUILT FOR THE CHANGE ORDER, THAT WOULD BE A GREAT JOB.
>> ALL OF US, MAYBE MOST OF US VERY MUCH INHERITED THIS.
AND IT IS JUST A CHOICE OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA TOOK A LEAD ON MAKING SURE IT IS A SAFE DESIGN.
IT WASN'T AN OPTION TO NOT GO FORWARD WITH IT ONCE WE GOT TO THE TABLE.
IT IS NOT IDEAL, BUT I AM GLAD FOLKS ARE LOOKING AT THE SAFETY AND THEY ARE MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS A TIMELINE EVEN IF IT IS UPDATED AND THEY FACE A COMMITMENT OF FUNDING.
>> AND THE SOONER WE CAN GET THIS BUILT BECAUSE THE EXISTING BRIDGE HAS PYLONS WHICH IS WHERE THE ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.
AND THERE ARE NO SHOULDERS SO THAT SOMETHING HAPPENS ON THE ROAD YOU ARE STUCK AND YOU CAN'T GET BACK AND FORTH.
THAT'S A DANGER WITH RECORD TO OUR CITIZENS WHO ARE CROSSING BACK AND FORTH AND OUR RESIDENTS WHO ARE CROSSING BACK AND FORTH ACROSS THE BRIDGE AND THOSE WHO ARE USING THE SHIP CHANNEL AND FOR OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
IF SOMETHING HAPPENS ON THERE, IT IS STOPPED.
THIS NEW DESIGN ALLOWS US TO NOT HAVE PYLONS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SHIFT CHANNEL.
THAT'S WHERE ALL THE DANGEROUS AND BAD STUFF HAPPENS.
WE CAN HAVE THE SAFETY OF THOSE WHO ARE USING THE BRIDGE.
[04:20:01]
THE SOONER WE CAN GET THIS DONE AND THE SAFER IT WILL BE WITH RECORD TO THOSE WHO ARE USING THE BRIDGE AND TO THOSE WHO ARE GOING UNDER IT IN THE SHIP CHANNEL.>> AND MR. BERRY, WE WILL RECEIVE THE PHASES AND THE TIMELINE FOR EACH AND WHAT THE BILLING SYSTEM IS.
I'M GUESSING IT HAS TO BE UPDATED.
WE WILL HEAR BACK FROM YOU GUYS, RIGHT, AS TO THE UPDATED TIMELINE AND THE EXACT PHASING AND THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT.
>> THAT'S IN THE CONTRACT THAT WILL BE TRANSMITTED.
>> IT IS NOT A CURRENT CONTRACT.
I DON'T SEE THE SPECIFIC -- IT SAYS THE PAYS -- THE PHASES WILL BE DEVELOPED.
BUT I DON'T THINK THE ACTUAL PHASES ARE THERE.
>> IT WAS GOING TO HAVE TO BE UPDATED BECAUSE WITH THE STEAL FRIEM TO MAKE IT SAFER IT WILL HAVE -- WITH THE STEAL FRAME IT WILL HAVE TO TAKE LONGER.
IT WILL BE CLARIFIED WHEN WE UPDATE NOT JUST THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT, BUT THE SPECIFICATIONS THAT REFLECT THIS CONTRACT AMENDMENT.
WE WILL HAVE AN UPDATED SCHEDULE.
THE PHASES ARE COMPLETION OF THE SOUTHBOUND APPROACHES OF THE MAIN SPAN AND DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE.
AND THEN THE CONSTRUCTION ON THE NORTHBOUND APPROACHES.
THOSE ARE GOING TO BE THE THREE PHASES GOING FORWARD AND WE'LL GET THE SCHEDULE.
>> FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS ITEM.
>> MY NUMBER ONE INTEREST IS IN PUBLIC SAFETY AND MAKING SURE WE BUILD A BEAUTIFUL AND SAFE STRUCTURE THAT PEOPLE CAN COUNT ON FOR DECADES TO COME.
AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID I WAS THE FIRST TO ASK FOR AN ASSESSMENT.
IT WAS THE F OIRKS GORKSEN -- IT WAS THE FIG ENJOIN NEARS.
IT IDENTIFIED SEVERAL CRITICAL DESIGN ISSUES IT WAS ABOUT THE TIME THEY HAD THE DEPARTMENT PROCEEDINGS.
AND THEN IN AUGUST OF 2020 COMMISSIONERS' COURT APPROVED A TERMINATION OF THE FIG ENGINEERS AS THE ENGINEER OF RECORD FOR THE MAIN SPAN BRIDGE DESIGN AND THE DECISION TO PAUSE THE PROJECT AND ALLOW FOR THE SAFETY WAS FOCUSED ON THE LIFE SAVE WILLING -- LIFE SAVINGS.
THE RISK POSED AND NOT ACCEPTABLE.
HOWEVER, I DIRECTED THE AGENCY TO RESUME CONSTRUCTION AS QUICKLY AS PRACTICE PARTICULARLY -- PRACTICALLY POSSIBLE.
I WAMT TO ASK YOU -- I WANTED TO ASK YOU BASED ON THE ASSESSMENTS, IF WE WOULD HAVE BUILT THE BRIDGE USING THE ORIGINAL DESIGN, WOULD WE HAVE BUILT AN UNSAFE STRUCTURE?
>> AS PART OF THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW WITHIN THE EXISTING WORK.
SHOULD THAT BRIDGE CONTINUE TO BE CONSTRUCTED WITH THE PREVIOUS DESIGN, THOSE DESIGN FLAWS WOULD HAVE LEAD TO SOME SAFETY ESH YES WHICH -- ISSUES WHICH COULD HAVE LEAD TO UN -- UNFORTUNATE THINGS IN THE FUTURE.
>> AND NOW I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A PROPOSAL FOR UNDER THE BRIDGE.
AND THAT IS BASED ON VALUE ENGINEERING.
WHY IS VALUE ENGINEERING -- WHY WAS THAT NOT DONE PRIOR WHEN WE DESIGNED THE ORIGINAL BRIDGE?
>> I THINK THAT GOES BACK TO THE SELECTION OF THE ORIGINAL ENGINEER OF RECORD.
WITH THAT SELECTION, THE ORIGINAL ENGINEER OF RECORD -- THEIR SPECIALTY WAS A CONCRETE CAST DESIGN.
THAT DESIGN IS A COMPLEX DESIGNED TO CONSTRUCT.
[04:25:03]
AT THIS POINT IN TIME LOOK -- LOOKING AT THE PROJECT SAFELY FOR THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COUNTY AND WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING IS VALUE-ENGINEERED DESIGN THAT IS ESSENTIALLY INDUSTRY STANDARD.NOT ONLY DO THE DESIGN FIRMS FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION, YOU HAVE CONTRACTORS WITH THE ADDED SCHEDULE THAT WE CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH AWARDING THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT.
>> WITH THAT IN MIND, ANY CONCERNS ABOUT THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AS IT RELATES TO THE GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN CRISIS AS IT RELATES TO STEAL?
AS PART OF THE AMENDMENT WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE CHECK EVERYTHING PRIOR TO BRINGING IT TO COURT.
WE CHECKED WITH THE STEAL MANUFACTURERS AND WE INTEND TO USE THE AMERICAN STEAL.
AND THEN LASTLY IF WE APPROVE IT, HOW WILL IT IMPACT THE CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE COMPARED TO A CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE?
>> IF WE WERE TO PRECEDE IT WITH A CONCRETE BRIDGE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN 2021 OR 2022.
IT IS ABOUT A FIVE-YEAR SCHEDULED ACCELERATION.
AGAIN, THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS.
MY MOTION WILL READ TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH SHIP CHANNEL CONSTRUCTORS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND THE AMENDMENT INCLUDES AN INCREASE TO THE CONTRACT VALUE BY A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF 291 MILLION 500THOUSAND.
THE MAJORITY IMPACTS FISCAL YEAR 26-28.
>> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I AM CLEAR ON THE CONTRACT.
IT MENTIONS THE PHASED PURCHASE ORDER.
WHERE DOES IT SAY WHAT THE PHASES ARE AND WHEN THE PAYMENTS TAKE PLACE? IT IS A MONTHLY PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE WITH THIS COMPANY, OR WILL IT BE THE SAME AS COEY?
>> THE SCHEDULE AND THE DETAILS OF THE PAYMENTS ARE IN THE ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS WITH THE CONTRACTS.
YOU HAVE THE CONTRACT AND THE CONTRACT SPECIFICATION THAT DETERMINES HOW HCTRA WILL DEAL WITH THE CONTRACTOR.
IT WILL BE UPDATED BASED ON THE DIRECTIONS FROM COURT.
WE'LL HAVE THE MILESTONES DICTATED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS.
>> SO THE DOCUMENT I HAVE IS SIMPLY THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT.
ARE YOU SAYING THAT THE OTHER MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE ALREADY OR THAT YOU WILL STILL NEED TO DRAFT THEM AND WILL BRING THEM BACK TO US?
>> IT GIVES US THE AUTHORITY TO MODIFY THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT.
IT GIVES US THE AUTHORITY TO HAVE THOSE NEGOTIATIONS.
WE WILL UPDATE THOSE AND SHARE THEM WITH THE COURT MEMBERS.
>> DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING IN MIND IN PARTICULAR AS TO WHAT KIND OF THING -- IS IT GOING TO BE MONTHLY?
THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT TERMS THAT WILL BE CARRIED OVER, IT IS A UNIT PRICE CONTRACT.
IT WILL BE PAID BASED ON QUANTITIES THEY DO IN A PARTICULAR MONTH.
PAYMENT IS BASED ON WORK PERFORMED.
SHOULD THEY NOT DO WHAT IS PER -- PERFORMED, THERE IS PERMISSION TO WITHHOLD PAYMENT UNTIL THEY GET BACK ON SCHEDULE.
THERE HAS BEEN SOME GENERAL AGREEMENTS IN THIS AND HOW WE CAN EXECUTE THE PROJECT.
ALL THIS WILL BE MEMORIALIZED.
>> AND YOU HAVE TO UPDATE THE COEY CONTRACT.
[04:30:10]
WE ANTICIPATE THE AMENDMENT TO COME TO COURT SOON TO REFLECT THE ACTIONS TAKEN TODAY.
IT SOUNDS LIKE THE MILESTONE AND THE MONTHLY PAYMENT SCHEDULES.
>> TOM RAMSEY: ONE OTHER ITEM.
WHEN I MOVED HERE IN THE EARLY 80S ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I WORKED ON IS THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE.
WILLIAMS BROTHERS WAS WORKING ON THE BROIJ.
I GOT IN THE ROOM WITH ROBERTO AS HE BROUGHT THIS CHANGE.
I HAD SOME PRETTY HARD QUESTIONS.
ROBERTO WAS ABLE TO GO THROUGH IN GREAT DETAIL AND EVEN THOUGH BE ARE NOT LOOKING AT A LOT OF DETAIL HERE, ROBER IT O HAS A -- ROBERTO HAS GREAT CONSULTANTS WORKING WITH HIM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU DONE GOOD FOR A KID OUT OF THE CROCKETT.
>> TOM RAMSEY: BE TALKED ABOUT THAT.
>> THANK YOU EVERYBODY FOR THE KIND WORDS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYONE.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER FOR MAKING SURE THE SAFETY.
>> CAN YOU REPEAT THE MOTION OR AS PRESENTED ON THE AGENDA?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME READ IT TO MAKE SURE.
THE MOTION READS TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH SHIP CHANNEL CONSTRUCTORS LLC FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT.
THE AMENDMENT INCLUDES AN INCREASE TO THE CONTRACT VALUE BY A NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $291 MILLION 500THOUSAND AND NECESSARY CONTRACT DOCUMENTS.
THE MAJORITY OF THIS INCREASE IMPACTS FISCAL YEAR 26 THROUGH 28.
>> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AS WELL.
THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THAT IS AN AMENDMENT -- HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD.
I THINK THIS IS A EXAMPLE OF A NATIONAL STANDARD WE ARE DOING WELL.
WE SIT HERE AND SAY WELL, WE NEED TO CHECK THINGS OUT IN OTHER PART OF THE COUNTRY.
WE ARE DOING A GREAT JOB IN THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND WHAT THE CORE AND IT IS AWARD-WINNING.
I THOUGHT IN READING THE BACK UP IT WAS IN APRIL OF 2020.
IS THIS PROGRAM TO DO SOMETHING MORE THAN THAT? I DIDN'T SEE ANY MONEY INVOLVED WITH THIS.
IS THIS SIMPLY AN AFFIRMATION OF THE PROGRAM, MR. BERRY?
>> I AM GOING TO SEE IF SOMEONE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS ON.
>> WE EXTENDED IT TO THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IN APRIL OF 2020.
IT IS TO BE EXTENDED TO ALL CONSTABLES -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK IT MAY BE A PILOT AT THAT TIME.
>> I DIDN'T SEE THE DOLLARS ASSOCIATED -- >> IS THERE SOMEONE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION?
>> PERHAPS YOU CAN TRY AND GET SOMEONE ON THE LINE.
[04:35:03]
>> AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK TO IT.
>> JUDGE WE ARE GETTING CHIEF LEE ON FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANKS SO MUCH.
LET'S GO OVER ITEM 140 IN THE MEANTIME.
I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO FLAGGED THAT ONE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, THANK YOU.
I WANTED TO FIRST SAY I AM EXCITED TO SEE WE ARE MAKING THIS INVESTMENT.
HYDROGEN SHUL -- SULFITE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE FOR THE FOLKS IN MY PRE -- PRECINCT.
YOU DON'T EVEN NEED TO LIVE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE FACILITY TO BE IMPACTED.
THE SMELL CAN BE SO STRONG AS TO MAKE FOLKS MILES AWAY EXPERIENCE WATERY EYES AND SORE THROATS.
THEY ARE LOOKING AT HOW TO BEST USE THE RESOURCES AT THEIR DISPOSAL.
THE ONLY THING I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT WAS THESE MONITORS WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS BECAUSE THEY WILL NEED TO BE STRATEGICALLY ENJOIN NEARED AND WE WILL BE TESTING THEM TO MAKE SURE THE TECHNOLOGY WE SELECT AND I WAS CONCERNED WE MAY GET SOMETHING THAT MAY NOT WORK.
THEY ASSURED ME THAT THEY DID GO THROUGH A TESTING OF TECHNOLOGY PROCESS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ULTIMATELY SETTLE ON THE BEST POSSIBLE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE.
AND I WANT TO THANK KRISTEN LEE AT MY OFFICE AS WELL FOR HER WORK ON THIS.
THIS IS TO SING THE PRAISES OF DR. BABIN AND HER TEAM AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AS WELL AS TO FOLKS LIKE KRISTEN AND OTHERS WHO ARE ALWAYS KEEPING US ON OUR TOES AND DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO RAISE THE CONCERN OF HOW MUCH MORE WE SHOULD BE DOING.
JUDGE, THIS IS SIMPLY TO PASS AS PRESENTED.
>> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME SECOND THAT SINCE IT IS IN MY PRE SINK AND JUST SAY THAT AS I HAVE MET ON THAT AND LOOKING AT THESE AND I GUESS I WASN'T DOING A LOT BACK THEN AND I AM PLEASED WITH DR. BABIN.
A LOT OF TIMES WE JUST DON'T KNOW.
THIS IS A GOOD USE OF SETTLEMENT MONEY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS TO THOSE MOST IMPACTED AND I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND.
>> I SUSPECT COMMISSIONER ELLIS WILL WANT TO VOTE ON THIS SO I WILL HOLD THE VOTE UNTIL HE RETURNS.
>> ITEM 141 WAS HELD BY COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RAMSEY.
YOU HAD A QUESTION FOR THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR TAKING MY CALL.
I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT FOR THOSE PARTICIPATING AS ELECTION JUDGES AND THOSE WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS THEY ALL UNDERSTAND.
OUR NORMAL DEADLINE FOR FILING WOULD HAVE BEEN DECEMBER 13TH.
BUT WE ARE HAVING A HEARING ON THE 14TH WHICH RAISED A QUERY AMONG A NUMBER OF OUR FOLKS.
THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR SAID THEY HAVE MOVED THE FILING DEADLINE PAST THAT STATE.
THE DATE HAS BEEN MOVED AND WE WON'T HAVE A HEARING DATE POST FILING SEASON.
WE ARE PUSHING BACK THE RELEASE OF THE REDISTRICTING INFORMATION.
[04:40:03]
THE SECRETARY OF STATE THEN PUSHED BACK THE ELECTION TO MAY 24TH.THE PRIMARY RUNOFF DATE WHICH IS MAY 24TH WILL ALSO BE THE PRECINCT ELECTION JUDGE RACE.
TO YOUR POINT, THEY COULD FILE FOR OFFICE RIGHT NOW.
HOWEVER, AFTER DECEMBER 13TH, WE WILL REOPEN IT AGAIN IN THAT FEBRUARY TIMELINE.
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO AT THAT TIME FILE AGAIN.
BASICALLY DECEMBER 13TH IS NOT THEIR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO FILE.
THE SECOND ONE IS, I THINK YOU HAVE CONFIRMED THIS TO ME, BUT THE CURRENT PROPOSED CHANGES ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE?
>> THE CURRENT PROPOSED CHANGES ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S REQUESTS?
>> THE CURRENT CHANGES TO THE PRE SINK BOUNDARIES?
>> THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS RESPONSE -- RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE LINES.
>> AND THAT GOES TO THE NEXT QUESTION WHICH IS AFTER WE GET THE MAX WHICH WE DON'T HAVE JUST YET, THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT BEFORE THE MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT VOTE ON THE MAPS, TRUE?
>> I WILL DEFER TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ON WHAT THE PUBLIC PROCESS IS SINCE THEY ARE LEADING THE EFFORT OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
COMMISSIONER, LET ME TAKE YOUR SECOND PART FIRST.
THERE WILL BE THAT OPPORTUNITY.
I WILL SAY BECAUSE OF SOME OF OUR TIMING CONCERNS REGARDING HOW QUICKLY THIS PROCESS NEEDS TO WORK IT WILL BE CHALLENGING TO MAKE CHANGES.
I WANT THE COURT TO BE AWARE OF THAT.
RIGHT NOW WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF DRAWING THE MAPS.
WE INTEND FOR THEM TO BE READY TOMORROW AND THEY ARE GOING TO BRING HARRIS COUNTY WITHIN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS ELECTION CODE.
TO THE EXTENT YOU CAN HEAR COMMENTS WHEN THOSE ARE OUT, LET US KNOW AS SOON AS YOU CAN.
IT WILL BE THE 14TH MEETING WHERE THESE MAPS WILL BE ADOPTED.
AND PRESUMABLY AMENDMENTS CAN BE MADE DURING THE MEETING AND CHANGES CAN BE MADE.
THE OTHER PIECE I WILL SAY IT IS SOMETHING THAT WILL BE HAPPENING EVERY FEW YEARS.
THEY WILL HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY AND AN OPPORTUNITY THAT ISN'T AS TIME CRUNCHED AS THIS ONE WHICH AGAIN DUE TO REDISTRICTING AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S GUIDELINES HAS PUT US IN A POSITION WHERE THE PROCESS THAT TAKES TWO TO THREE MONTHS IS BEING DONE IN FOUR TO SIX WEEKS.
, BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE ANY CHANGES ORIE VISIONS.
JACK CAGLE: ARE YOU GOING TO POST THESE MAPS ON YOUR WEBSITE LIKE YOU DID WITH THE DEMONSTRATION MAPS?
>> YES, WE WILL, COMMISSIONER.
>> SO THERE IS A CHANCE WE COULD SEE THEM TOMORROW?
>> THERE IS A CHANCE TOMORROW AND IT WILL BE THIS WEEK.
>> THESE ARE THE SMALL PRECINCTS?
THESE ARE THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS.
>> AND DEPEND ON THE CONGRESSIONAL -- >> THEY DEPEND ON ALL OF THE MAPS.
THE CONGRESSIONAL MAPS CAUSED CERTAIN SPLITS.
BASICALLY THE THREE -- WELL, THE MAIN LAW TO CONSIDER IS, ONE, THEY HAVE TO HAVE AT LEAST A HUNDRED REGISTERED VOTERS, BUT NO MORE THAN 5,000.
THEY SHOULD NOT CONTAIN INCORPORATED AND UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY.
AND THEN THREE, THERE ARE CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF OFFICE HOLDER THAT'S CANNOT BE SPLIT.
IT NEEDS TO BE IN ONE STATE REP SEAT AND ONE SENATE SEAT AND ONE PRECINCT, ET CETERA.
>> AND YOU ARE TRYING TO KEEP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
>> SO YOU ARE TRYING TO CLEAN UP WHAT -- SO THE STATE DID THEIR REDISTRICTING.
AND YOU HAVE THE CRITERIA -- SO THAT IS IN FULL COMPLIANCE.
>> AND SINCE THIS WAS LAST DONE THE COUNTY HAS HAD A LOT OF GROWTH IN POPULATION.
IF YOU COUPLE THAT WITH THE INCREASED TURNOUT WE HAD WHICH AGAIN IS THE REGISTERED VOTER'S PIECE, FOR EXAMPLE THERE WERE SEVERAL PRECINCTS THAT HAD OVER 5,000 REGISTERED VOTERS.
CERTAIN PRECINCTS MAY NEED TO TURN INTO TWO AND THREE PRECINCTS.
>> I THOUGHT THERE WAS A STATE THEY WERE REDISTRICTING AND THEY LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AS PART OF DRAWING THE MAPS.
YOU ARE SAYING SOME THINGS MAY HAVE BEEN MISSED AND THE SAME THING ABOUT THE COUNTY
[04:45:08]
REDISTRICTING, WHEN YOU ARE DRAWING THE LINES, WOULD YOU LOOK AT IT WHEN YOU ARE DRAWING THE LINES -- LIKE WHEN THE COUNTY -- DID YOU LOOK AT THIS -- WHEN YOU LOOKED AT THIS AND SAID WE WILL CLEAN THIS UP AFTERWARDS?THE STATE DID NOT LOOK AT THIS.
THEY TOOK THE PRECINCTS AS THEY EXISTED AND IN SOME CASES THEY CUT ACROSS THE PRECINCT.
THEY WEREN'T TRYING TO COME INTO COMPLY -- COMPLIANCE WITH ELECTION CODE.
WHAT WE WILL DO IS GO BACK IN AND TO THE EXTENT THE STATE IS CUTTING A PRECINCT IN A WAY AND IT BRINGS US IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE POPULATION ISSUE AND THAT CAN STAY AS IS.
WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE AS FEW AS POSSIBLE.
>> YOU ARE JUST GOING TO RESPECT THE STATE LINES AND FIX THE PRECINCT NUMBERS?
>> NEIL, IF YOU DON'T MIND ME ADDING SOME FLAVOR.
THIS IS LARGELY A HOLDOVER OF HOW IT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE STATE.
YOU HAD TO OFFER A VOTING LOCATION IN EACH PRECINCT.
BACK THEN, IF YOU ADD PRECINCT OVER 5,000, PEOPLE CAN BE AT A DISSERVICE.
THEY HAD ONE VOTING LOCATION AND IT WOULD REALLY INCREASE THE LINES FOR VOTERS UNINTENTIONALLY.
NOW THAT WE HAVE COUNTY WIDE VOTING, THE SIZE DOESN'T MATTER AS MUCH, BUT THIS IS A HOLDOVER WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY.
BIESKLY ALL OF THE -- BASICALLY ALL OF THE MAPS WERE DRAWN AND YOU CUT THEM UP TO MAKE SURE THEY WERE EQUAL SIDES.
YOU TAKE THE LINES THAT WERE DRAWN AND YOU TRY TO PIECE THEM OUT.
AND YOU DO THE PRE SINKS AND MATCH EVERYTHING AFTER.
I KNOW IT IS A LITTLE NERDY EXPLANATION, BUT IT GETS AT SOME OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY.
AND LIKE HISD, ARE WE INVOLVED WITH THEM AND ARE THEY DOING THAT ON THEIR OWN?
>> WE HOLD THE RUNOFF AS PART OF THE GENERAL ELECTION.
>> WE DECIDE WHERE THE VOTING TAKES PLACE?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS JUST GOING TO MAKE A MOTION.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO HAVE SOMETHING AND GORKS AY I AM -- AND JAY I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS APPROPRIATE OR NOT.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK, EA.
WITH THE CURRENT ELECTIONS WE HAVE GOING ON, I KNOW MY OFFICE HAS BEEN IN TOUCH REGARDING -- WELL, I GUESS WE HAD A CANCELLATION OF ONE SITE AND IT BOILS DOWN TO ADA COMPLIANCE FOR A FACILITY TO BE IDENTIFIED.
IS THAT THE BOTTOM LINE? IS THERE A SQUARE FOOTAGE? WHAT ARE THE OTHER DETAILS INVOLVED? I THINK BROADLY TO YOUR POINT, SIR, THERE ARE TWO THINGS.
WHATEVER LOCATIONS WE REACH OUT TO AND WE REACH OUT TO MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTY.
IF THEY TELL US THEY ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR SCHEDULING ISSUES, NO MATTER HOW DESPERATELY WE NEED THEM, THEY CAN SAY TOO BAD, SO SAD.
YOU CAN'T USE US FOR THIS ELECTION.
ON TOP OF WHICH, YOU'RE RIGHT.
WE HAVE TO MEET ADA REQUIREMENTS.
I KNOW Y'ALL HAVE BUMPED INTO THAT AND WE WILL BE COMING IN THE FUTURE TO TALK ABOUT THAT.
SOME OF OUR OLDER FACILITIES ARE NOT ADA COMPLIANT AND BECAUSE OF THE DOJ SETTLEMENT IT LIMITS EVEN THE POOL OF LOCATIONS WE CAN LOOK AT.
IN BIGGER ELECTIONS WHERE WE HAVE LOCATIONS, THE DOJ SAYS THIS ONE MAY NOT BE COMPLIANT, BUT WE UNDERSTAND.
WHEN WE GET INTO THE RUNOFFS OR THE SMALLER ELECTIONS THEY SAY BASICALLY IF YOU ONLY HAVE ONE OR TWO OPTIONS IN AN AREA OR A REGION THEY HAVE TO BE ADA COMPLIANT.
IT IS A GAME THAT, YOU KNOW, WITH THE SETTLEMENT IT MAKES IT MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO HANDLE THE LOCATIONS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM GOING PUT AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA AND I WANT TO VISIT WITH YOU
[04:50:08]
TO GET IN FRONT OF THIS OR THE UPCOMING ELECTION.MAYBE WE CAN RESOLVE IT FROM THIS ELECTION.
IS THERE -- WHAT IS THE DISTANCE PRO BUSINESS FROM -- PROHIBITION FROM ONE SITE TO ANOTHER? IN OTHER WORDS, MUST A SITE BE X NUMBER OF FEET AWAY FROM ANOTHER VOTING SITE? I KNOW THAT THEY CAN BE WITHIN A FIVE-MILE RADIUS, BUT IS THERE A MINIMUM DISTANCE THAT THEY CANNOT BE CLOSE TO EACH OTHER?
>> THAT IS CATCHING ME A LITTLE OFF.
I WILL HAVE TO GET MY STAFF TO CHECK.
WE TRY TO SPACE THEM OUT MORE.
BACK IN NOVEMBER WE HAD LOCATIONS THAT WERE LITERALLY ON THE SAME PROPERTY AND BACK TO BACK.
WE SAID, WELL, WE CAN JUST USE ONE INSTEAD OF TWO THERE.
FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS NO MINIMUM DISTANCE.
THERE IS A MAXIMUM DISTANCE WE HAVE TO WORK WITH.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, ADMINISTRATOR FOR YOUR WORK.
THANK YOU FOR THE EXPLANATION.
WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE ARE THERE ANY ITEMS THERE WON'T BE SUPPORT FOR? AT ABOUT 6:30 -- AS MUCH AS I HATE TO LEAVE YOU ALL I NEED A FLIGHT.
IF THERE IS AN ITEM YOU NEED ME HERE FOR -- >> WE'LL LET'S TRY TO GET IT DONE EFFICIENTLY.
THERE WAS WHEN YOU STEPPED OUT THERE IS AN ITEM WE DIDN'T VOTE ON AND THAT IS ITEM 140, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 118, DO WE HAVE SOMEONE FROM THE HARRIS CENTER OR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE YET?
WE HAVE CHIEF LEE ON THE LINE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THIS WAS A QUESTION YOU HAD ON THE MENTAL HEALTH.
>> HAS THIS BEEN EX TENDED TO THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE? IT LOOKED LIKE IT HAD IN APRIL OF 2020.
WAS THAT ON A TRIAL BASIS? WHAT SPECIFICALLY WILL HAPPEN BECAUSE OF THIS PROPOSAL?
COMMISSIONER, YOU DID SEE THAT ITEM ALREADY AND THAT INITIAL REQUEST THAT CAME TO COURT WAS FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH EXTENDING AN INVITATION TO THE PROGRAM.
AFTER THAT WE SPENT THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS WORKING WITH EACH CONSTABLE.
WE CONNECTED THEM TO THE SERVICE CENTER.
WHAT YOU HAVE DURING THAT DAY IS WE HAVE HAD SHERIFF AND EACH CONSTABLE AND WINE JOINING SIGNED AND EXECUTED THE MOU.
THAT'S WHAT IS BEFORE YOU TODAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION FOR THIS ITEM?
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
AND NOW ITEM 191, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT ONE I WILL JUST MOVE AS PRESENTED, JUDGE.
I JUST WANTED TO RAVE ABOUT IT AND THANK PARK SMITH AND APPLAUD GABRIELLA BIBLE.
I AM READY TO MOVE ON THIS ONE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THAT IS PRECINCT 2 ITEM, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF MS. CHANG IS ON THE LINE OR IF DWIGHT IS ON THE LINE.
NUMBER ONE, YOU KNOW, I'M GONNA SUPPORT THIS ITEM.
MY ONLY ISSUE IS THAT THIS ITEM HAS NO MWBE GOAL ON IT.
[04:55:01]
I KNOW I SPOKE WITH MS. CHANG YESTERDAY, BUT I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT I HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY TO GET THESE GOALS ESTABLISHED AND PROCESSED AND MAKING SURE NOTHING IS GETTING BY US.IT IS PAINFUL TO SEE SOME OF THIS MONEY WALK OUT THE DOOR WITHOUT A RESPECTIVE GOAL ATTACHED.
I UH -- I APPLAUD HER FOR BRINGING ON DERRICK, AND THE LAST NAME ESCAPES ME.
HE SEEMS TO BE REAL FAMILIAR WITH THE PROCESS.
MY QUESTION IS, THEY MENTIONED THEY WOULD BE TAKING OVER THE PROCESS YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING.
IS THAT THE COMPLIANCE PROCESS?
>> COMMISSIONER, LET ME CLARIFY.
>> THERE MUST BE A MISCOMMUNICATION OR A DISCONNECT ON THE RCA THAT MAY NOT HAVE LISTED IT.
I PULLED THIS JOB TO ENSURE THAT IT HAS A GOAL AND THEY ARE MEETING THOSE GOALS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND ACTUALLY, I'M SORRY TO INTERRUPT.
AS FAR AS ENCOURAGING NWBE'S TO BID AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE LETTING FOLKS KNOW WHAT OUR WORK IS, THE PUBLIC DOCUMENT DID NOT HAVE THE MWBE GOAL ESTABLISHED ON IT.
>> IT WAS IN MY BID DOCUMENT THAT'S WENT OUT TO PUBLIC FORBID.
IT WAS REPEATED BY ME AND I MADE SURE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE PROCUREMENT DOCUMENT.
WHETHER WE ARE DOING OUT REACH TO THE COMMUNITY AND I WOULD BE GLAD TO DISCUSS THAT FURTHER WITH YOU, BUT WE HAVE NOTIFIED THE VENDORS THAT WERE SIGNED UP AND WE REACHED OUT TO THE CONSTRUCTION GROUPS ON THESE PROCUREMENTS.
AND THE REST OF THE ITEMS, I DO SEE THEIR GOALS ON HERE.
BUT ON THIS PARTICULAR ONE, IT DIDN'T HAVE THE GOAL ON THE WEBSITE MAYBE IS WHAT IT IS.
SO MY ISSUE IS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE LOOKING AT ALL OF THE ISSUES.
I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW WE ARE COMMITTED TO THIS AND WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE IT FRONT AND CENTER.
I THINK ON THIS ITEM IT WAS SIMPLY THAT IT WASN'T ON THE WEBSITE THAT PEOPLE CAN PULL UP.
YOU CAN CLICK ON THE NUMBER ON THE RIGHT COLUMN AND IT DID NOT IDENTIFY THE GOAL.
IT IS SORT OF LIKE A LIST OF THINGS THAT YOU HAVE ON THERE.
ONE OF THE LINES IS MWBE GOAL AND IT WAS BLANK.
>> I WILL GO OVER WHAT YOU SAID.
I JUST PULLED THE DOCUMENTS IN MY BID SYSTEM AND IT SHOWS THE MWBE OUT LIEU SWRAITION PLAN.
SO THE COURT IS COMFORTABLE, I REVIEW EVERY PROCUREMENT BEFORE IT GOES OUT PERSONALLY TO MAKE SURE THERE IS A GOAL.
IT IS TAKEN OVER BY DERRICK'S GROUP THE FIRST OF JANUARY.
I WANT THE COURT TO BE AWARE THAT WE ARE NOT JUST PICKING AND CHOOSING ANYTHING THAT IS CONSTRUCTION RELATED.
WE ARE WORKING THROUGH THE REQUEST BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND WE ARE MAKING SURE THERE IS A GOAL ASSOCIATED.
IF YOU CAN SHARE THE INFORMATION WITH WHOEVER IS REQUESTING IT AND I WILL BE GLAD TO TALK WITH THEM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: APPRECIATE THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
IT IS A INTOXALOCK AND SMART START SERVICES.
[05:00:28]
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE YOU ON THE LINE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE SOMEONE FROM PRE-TRIAL?
>> THIS IS NATALIE ON THE LINE AND DENNIS IS ALSO ON THE LINE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, NATALIE, FOR COMING ON.
ACTUALLY I WAS MORE INTERESTED IN THE ANKLE BRACELETS, SO I ORIGINALLY MISS-READ THIS ITEM.
ONE QUESTION I DID HAVE ON THIS EYE -- ON THIS ITEM IS THAT WE ARE WAIVING THE COST TO THE OFFENDER?
>> IF A PERSON IS INDIGENT WE WILL COVER THE IGNITION INTER LOCK.
FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE INDIGENT IT IS COST PROHIBITIVE TO HAVE THEM ON IGNITION INTER LOCK.
>> THE THOUGHT IS IF THEY ARE BROKE, PAY FOR IT.
>> PART OF IT IS BY STATE STATUTE OUT.
THE COURTS WANT THAT TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE STATUTE OUT.
AND OFTENTIMES IT IS COVERED WHEN A PERSON IS INDIGENT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I WAS INDIGENT I WAS BROKE.
>> AND NATALIE THERE IS AN ATTEMPT TO TAMPER WITH THEM AND THERE IS A DISCUSSION ON THE RESPONDING ALERTS.
IS THERE AN ALERT WHEN SOMEBODY TRIES TO TAMPER WITH THEM?
>> THERE IS A COMPANY THAT GOES OUT AND INSTALLS IT IN THE VEHICLE.
WHEN WE GET AN ALERT WE REPORT BACK TO THE COURT.
IF IT IS TAMPERED WITH IT WON'T START.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF THEY ARE INTOXICATED AND BLOW INTO IT IT LOCKS UP THE VEHICLE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO WE HAVE EXPENSE -- I NEVER ASKED THIS QUESTION, BUT CAN THESE DEVICES BE DISABLED LIKE THE ANKLE MONITORS?
TECHNOLOGY HAS COME A LONG WAY.
YOU HAVE THE FACIAL RECOGNITION AND THE BREATHALYZER PIECE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS SOMEONE HERE TO HELP US WITH THAT?
UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE THOSE TYPES OF EVENTS AND IT GOES OUT REALTIME.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHEN THAT OCCURS YOU GET AN ALERT ON IT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO YOU GO OUT AND INSPECT IT?
>> WE DO THAT, OR THE VEHICLE IS RENDERED USELESS AND IT WILL BE TOWED BACK FOR INSPECTION.
AND THEN WHAT IS THE TURN AROUND TIME TO REPORT THAT BACK TO THE COURT?
>> GIVEN THE TIME IT TAKES TO GET FROM THE DEVICE TO US AND THEN FOR US TO RELAY THAT TO THE COURT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WAS MY QUESTION.
I WILL CIRCLE BACK AROUND TO FOLLOW-UP ON THE ANKLE BRACELET DISCUSSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION FOR THIS ITEM? MOTIONED BY GAR SEE YEW AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED THIS ITEM.
>> I GUESS WE NEED 8 FOLKS TO HELP WITH US.
WE ALSO HAVE A TALENT ACQUISITION DEVELOPMENT GROUP.
IS -- I GUESS MY QUESTION IS THIS IS RATHER UNUSUAL TO AWARD THE CONTRACTS TO ALL EIGHT.
>> COMMISSIONER, THAT'S FOR ANY AND ALL WE USE.
WE AWARD TO MULTIPLE VENDORS BECAUSE THEY HAVE EXPERTISE IN ONE AREA OR ANOTHER.
WE CALL -- WE QUALIFIED ALL EIGHT AND IT DOESN'T GUARANTEE THEM A DOLLAR.
>> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
[05:05:05]
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.
THE NEXT WE ALREADY VOTED ON SO WE DON'T HAVE TO DISCUSS.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THIS IS THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE EVELYN TO WALK US THROUGH WHERE WE ARE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE STAGE IS SET OBVIOUSLY FLOODING IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR US WHICH IS WHY WE PASSED A LARGE BOND PACKAGE.
WE CREATED THE RESILIENCE TRUST.
THAT MEANS WE TOOK MONEY WE COULD HAVE USED TO OTHER PROJECTS AND PUT IT IN PLACES WHERE WE DIDN'T GET MONEY FROM THE STATE.
AND DESPITE DOING EVERYTHING WE HAVE DONE THEY WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS.
OUT OF THE FUND WE RECEIVED 3.8 MILLION.
FOR HALLS BAYOU DRAINAGE PROJECT IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING FLOOD CONTROL GAVE 9 APPLICATIONS TO THE BOARD WITH MOST BEING REJECTED BECAUSE OF THAT OLD BOOGIE BEAR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I GO BACK AND FORTH IT IS BENEFIT AND COST RATIO OR COST AND BENEFIT RATIO.
THESE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN LOCALE CLAITED BENEFITS -- CALCULATED BENEFITS.
NOBODY ARGUES THAT THEY FLOOD MORE THAN THE NORM.
AND I WANT ALLEN TO JUST WALK THROUGH HOW THIS IMPACTS ALL OF US.
IF -- IF WE HAVE TO PUT UP ANYTHING PRIMARILY FROM HARVEY IT IS A BIG PROBLEM.
>> I SPENT TIME VISITING WITH FLOOD CONTROL.
I THINK WE NEED TO USE STRONG TERMS WITH THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD LIKE WE DID WITH THE GLO.
DON'T TELL US IT IS NOT GOING TO MATTER AND THEN YOU DON'T GIVE US THE MONEY WHEN IT DOES MATTER.
WE WOULD NOT HAVE SUBMITTED THESE HAD THEY DOLLED US THAT ON THE FRONT END.
THEY TOLD US ON THE FRONT END IT DIDN'T MATTER.
I THINK WE ENGAGE AND SAY WE DON'T LIKE BEING MISLED AND WE HAVE MOST OF THE DAMAGE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS THAT SAME KIND OF BUREAUCRATIC TWO-STEP.
YOU TELL US IT DOESN'T MATTER AND THEN WHEN WE SUBMIT AND WE GO THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS OF -- THAT'S THE WHOLE STORY AND WE CAN HEAR FROM ALLEN AND IN TWO MINUTES THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED.
I DON'T THINK WE SIT HERE AND SAY, OH WELL, SHUCKY DARN.
WE ENGAGE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS AND APPEARING BEFORE THEM.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER, IT IS ONE OF THOSE ISSUES WHERE THE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT MATTERED BEFORE AND IT MATTERS NOW.
AND I AM KICKING IT TO YOU BROTHER.
[05:10:12]
THEY WERE TALKING TO REPRESENTATIVE WATLEY.HE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS RESOURCE AND THEY WROTE A LETTER.
WE ALL HAVE FOLKS THAT REPRESENT US.
YOU HAVE TO MAKE A LITTLE NOISE.
PEOPLE TALK TO ME ALL THE TIME.
THEY KIND OF GET ME TO MOVE WHEN THEY START MAKING NOISE AND PUTTING A STRATEGY ON IT.
>> I HAVE ONLY -- >> I AM WORKING MY SIDE.
>> I HAVE ONLY GONE THROUGH GRANTS ON THE WATER BOARD FOR MANY YEARS.
ONE THING THEY PRIDE THEMSELVES ON, AND ONCE THEY TELL YOU THE CRITERIA YOU FOLLOW THE CRITERIA.
SOMETIMES PEOPLE DON'T LIKE THE WORDS I USE, BUT I DON'T KNOW ANY OTHER WORD OTHER THAN MR. BLACK WAS LIED TO.
I WILL CUT TO THE CHASE ON THIS.
WHENEVER YOU WANT ME TO GO TO AUSTIN AND APPEAR BEFORE THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD I WILL BE HAPPY TO GO.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ALLEN, I KNOW YOU WILL COME ON.
YOU FIGURED OUT -- AND MR. BERRY YOU HAVE GREAT FOLKS LOOKING AT THE INTER GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.
IF MY ROLE IS TO DRIVE YOU, I WILL DRIVE YOU UP THERE AND STAY IN THE CAR AND TELL YOU WHERE EVERYTHING IS IN THE CAPITOL.
YOU HAVE TO GAUGE -- I MEAN, MY SIDE, YOU GOT ME, I'M WORKING AND SAYING -- REPRESENTATIVE WILEY IS DOING A GREAT JOB.
WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER FLOOD, WE STEP -- STEPPED UP IN A BIG WAY.
YOU HAVE TO RAISE REVENUE TO DO IT.
>> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, ALLEN BLACK, WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL.
I HAD A TWO AND A HALF MINUTE SPEECH PREPARED AND YOU COVERED ALL OF THE POINTS I WANTED TO MAKE.
ONE POINT OF CLARIFICATION, BECAUSE YOU BOTH HIT THE POINT ON THE HEAD AND THAT IS THE SCORING CRITERIA THEY USED TO RANK THESE PROJECTS WAS GOOD SCORING CRITERIA.
OUR PROJECTS SCORED WELL UNDER THE SCORING CRITERIA.
IN THE FLOOD INCONTINUED -- IN THE FLOOD INTENDED USE PLAN WE TOLD THEM WHY IT WAS A GOOD PROJECT.
THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD CHOSE TO REJECT OUR PROJECT BECAUSE OF THAT LOW BC.
WE MET WITH THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
TO DATE THEY SAID THEY DO NOT FEEL PREPARED TO REVERSE THE REJECTIONS.
THEY DID ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUES CREATED FOR USE AND THEY ARE OPEN TO REVISING THE SELECTION PROCESS WHEN THEY APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN 2023.
I WILL SUPPORT ANY RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONTINUE TO PURSUE OUR REQUEST FOR THOSE REJECTIONS TO BE REVERSED.
ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE BASIS OF THE BCR GOES BACK TO THE FEDERAL AGENCY THAT'S ORIGINATED ITS USE LIKE THE CORE OF ENGINEERS.
THEY ARE GETTING AWAY FROM USING THE BC NOW.
IT IS ANTIQUATED THAT NOBODY WANTS TO USE ANYMORE.
>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE MY COLLEAGUES CAUGHT THE POINT.
THEY ARE TELLING YOU WHEN YOU GO BACK TO THE LEGISLATURE, IS IT CORRECT, THERE IS NOTHING IN THE LAW OR IN THEIR RULES OF THIS $790 MILLION AND THE LEGISLATURE DID NOT DIRECT YOU TO USE THE BCR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I WAS TOLD WAIT FOR THE NEXT SESSION, I COULD BE DEAD.
>> TOM RAMSEY: MR. BLACK HAS TO MAINTAIN A RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM APPROPRIATELY.
I GUESS IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR MR. BLACK AND HIS FUTURE SUBMITTALS AND HIS STAFF.
THAT'S WHY IT NEEDS TO COME AT OUR LEVEL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW WE GETTING SOMEBODY IN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, BUT IF WASHINGTON -- WITH THE FEDERAL MONEY THAT HAS BEEN ALLOCATED AND IF ADDITIONAL MONEY COMES THEY HAVE NOT WRITTEN A BAIL THAT SAYS DISTINGUISHED BCR FROM ANYWHERE THAT EXISTS AND THEY DO HAVE EQUITY GUIDELINES.
HOPEFULLY THE MONEY -- THE DISCRETIONARY MONEY COMES TO THE STATE.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TWO IN PARTICULAR.
YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM.
OFTENTIMES YOU HAVE THE MOST DAMAGE MAY BE IN THE AREA THAT'S DON'T RANK AS HIGH.
[05:15:04]
I GET IT.YOU HAVE TO PROTECT YOUR PORTS AND SOMETHING IS WRONG WHEN YOU ARE PROTECTING MORE THE AREAS WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET OUT THAN THOSE THAT FLOOD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AS WE WERE COUNTING ON THE GLO FOUNDS WE WERE COUNTING ON PARTNERSHIP FUNDING.
WHAT BETTER PARTNERSHIP -- I MEAN, HECK, THIS SIGNED THE BILL HERE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND WE SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THIS.
YOU MENTIONED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO SAY TODAY, THE CITY GOT A LITTLE MORE, BUT NOT MUCH MORE.
THEY GOT 20 MILLION IF I REMEMBER RIGHT?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE GOT 3-POINT SOMETHING.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WE HAD LESS THAN 10% AND HAD 50% OF THE DAMAGE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: BY MAKING THE NOISE ON THIS IT MAKES THE CASE FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS.
IF WE HAVE ANOTHER DISASTER AND THEY GO INTO THE RAINY DAY FUND.
WE HAVE TO STOP THAT OLD SCHOOL THINKING.
I APPRECIATE RUSS POPPY EXPLAINING IT TO ME TWO AND THREE TIMES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE ACTION ON THIS ITEM, COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
I I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN'T PASS.
I SUGGEST WE TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK AND THEN WE CAN CONTINUE BEFORE COMMISSIONER ELLIS -- ALL RIGHT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU NEED ME ON, I LOVE YOU ALL, BUT -- >> LINA HIDALGO: IS DR. TREVINA STILL ON? WELL, TWO QUESTIONS.
ALL OF THIS MONEY IS SPENT ON THE BRIDGE, AND IS IT GOING TO BE WALKABLE? IS IT GOING TO BE BIKABLE? IT CAN BE AN ATTRACTION SEEING AS WE HAVE TO BUILD IT ANYWAY.
>> I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A BIKE PATH.
WE VOTED ON IT AND I KIND OF FIGURED EVEN WHEN IT WAS A BILLION DOLLAR BRIDGE BEFORE, CAN YOU IMAGINE THE GOLDEN GATE BROIJ -- BRIDGE AND THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE AND YOU COULDN'T WALK ACROSS IT? THE CONCERN BEFORE WAS WHAT WILL YOU LOOK AT? COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.
I WOULD LOSE MORE WEIGHT IF I WALKED THE BAYOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 4:36 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT THE BRIDGE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE WALKING LANES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, THE WALKING LANES.
>> AS PART OF THE ENGINEERING PROCESS, THE BRIDGE IS 30% LIGHTED.
WHAT THAT UH LOID HCT -- WHAT THAT ALLOWED HCTRA TO DO IS SHORTEN THE LENGTH OF THE BRIDGE SO THERE IS NOT AS MUCH WEIGHT.
INSTEAD OF SHORTENING THE CROSS SECTION, WE REALLOCATED THE ADDITIONAL WIDTH FOR A SHARED PATH AND BIKE LANE.
THAT WILL BE EVALUATED IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD OF TAKING RESOURCES FROM THE PRECINCT TO WHEREVER SO WE CAN GET PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESS TO IT.
I THINK IT WOULD BE A DESTINATION WHERE PEOPLE WOULD GO TO WALK ACROSS OR PEOPLE GO TO RIDE A BIKE ACROSS.
IT WOULD HAVE TO BE ARRANGED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
>> AND THEY OPEN UP THE ROAD FOR BIKING AND RUNNING AND THIS KIND OF THING.
IS THAT SOMETHING YOU ARE CONSIDERING FOR THIS AND IT IS RELEVANT?
>> WE HAVE A CONSULTANT WORKING NOW.
WE CAN HAVE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE.
IF THERE ARE OTHER SEGMENTS WHERE WE CAN POTENTIALLY SHUTDOWN A LANE OR EVEN A DIRECTION ON THE WEEKEND.
IT CAN BE AN AMENITY TO WHERE THEY CAN GET OUT THERE AS A PEDESTRIAN OR AS A
[05:20:02]
BICYCLIST TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE.>> YOU HAVE TWO OF THE -- WELL YOU WILL HAVE TWO OF THE FINEST BRIDGE STRUCTURES BETWEEN THE BAY TOWN BRIDGE AND THIS BRIDGE.
>> AND SO DOING THEY -- TO -- SO DOING THE EVENT WOULD BE -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU.
225 HAS TO BE THE WORST CONDITION ROADWAY.
AND THERE IS NOT A MORE IMPORTANT ROAD IN TEXAS THAN 225.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEY AREN GIGGED ON A STUD -- THEY ARE ENGAGED ON A STUDY -- >> YOUR MIC MAY NOT BE ON.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE INTEK ENGAGED ON A STUDY OF 225 AND THERE IS DEDICATED LINES AND THEY ARE LOOKING AT 235.
ARE YOU FAM BETTER WITH ANY OF THAT?
>> THEY ARE IN THE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING LINKAGE STUDY.
HCTRA IS LOOKING TO COMPLEMENT THAT WITH -- WITHIN THE AREA.
>> THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AT THE QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS WITH OUR TOLL ROAD SYSTEM.
>> WE HOPE TO WORK WITH YOUR OFFICE AND YOUR STAFF FOR THE PROGRESS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DIRECTOR TREVINO, THE PROGRAM SHE IS TALKING ABOUT THAT CAME FROM OUR NATIVE LAND AND WAS A MAYOR OF BOGOTA AND SPEAR HEADED THAT.
AND NOW MEXICO CITY DOES IT AND A NUMBER OF CITIES IN EUROPE.
ON THE WEEKENDS THEY SHUTDOWN THE TOWN CENTER.
IS THERE SOMETHING THEY CAN DO WHEN IT IS NOT USED SO THEY CAN PULL PEOPLE OVER THERE TO BE ABLE TO USE IT?
>> WE ARE CLOSE TO PUTTING THAT OUT.
THAT PROJECT IN COLUMBIA IS THE PROJECT WE ARE TRYING TO EMULATE HERE LOCALLY.
AND WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO FINAL LIESING THE -- FINALIZING THE POTENTIAL OPTIONS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND ROBERTO, ONCE THE ITEM IS FINALIZED IN TERMS OF VOTING AND ALL THAT.
>> YOU WILL NEVER -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
THAT WAS THE ISD AND COMEURCHT -- COMMUNITY COLLEGES.
THAT IS THE COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, SIMPLY TO SAY IS I WANT TO THANK THE COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC FOR THEIR WORK IN MY PRECINCT.
THUS FAR THEY WORRIED ON 39 OF THEM.
I WAS NOT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT, BUT MY CENTER WAS FULL OF PEOPLE AND I WAS EXCITED TO SEE THAT.
AND THERE WAS ANOTHER ASSESSMENT -- I THINK THEY CAN RUN IT AT A COST AND I HAVE TO WORK WITH THEM TO SEE HOW WE CAN GET THIS DONE AND SO I AM JUST PROUD OF THE COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC AND I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR WORK IN THE PRECINCT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVE ON THE ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
257 IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED THIS -- ACTUALLY IT IS YOUR ITEM ON THE HIRING OF A DCA RESILIENCY AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
MR. BERRY AND I VISITED ON THE HIRING OF THE -- NOT ONLY THE COUNTY ENGINEER AND
[05:25:07]
FLOOD CONTROL AND THEN WE HAVE DEPUTY DIRECTOR.MY QUESTION RELATES TO SEQUENCE.
WOULD IT BE APPROPRIATE TO BRING -- SEEMS TO ME TO BRING THE DEPUTY ON FIRST AND THEN LET THE DEPUTY PARTICIPATE AND THE OTHER TWO -- IN THE OTHER TWO POSITIONS? MAYBE IT DOES NOT WORK OUT THAT WAY AND MAYBE CIRCUMSTANCES WON'T ALLOW FOR IT, BUT IT SEEMS LOGICAL AS YOU GET INTO THAT AND I KNOW YOU ARE CLOSE TO PUTTING TOGETHER CANDIDATES FOR THAT.
BOTH ON THESE TWO POSITIONS WE HAVE MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS AND WE HAVE A SHORT LIST OF CANDIDATES.
MY TAKE ON THAT IS ABSOLUTELY.
IN A PERFECT WORLD WE WROTE HIRE THE DCA FIRST AND I ALSO DON'T WANT TO STOP IN TERMS OF RECRUITING QUALITY CANDIDATES.
I THINK WE WOULD TRY AND DO IT THAT WAY, OR AT A MINIMUM BE ABLE TO VISIT WITH THE FINALIST THAT MIKES SURE WE ARE NOT DOING SOMETHING THEY AGREE WITH.
>> SO WE ARE LOOKING AT CANDIDATES IN THE NEXT 60-DAYS? AND THERE IS A FLOOD CONTROL DIRECTOR AND WE ARE VERY CLOSE TO HAVING A SHORT LIST TO SHARE.
WE SET A TIME FRAME TO GET FEEDBACK ON THEM AND THEN PUSH TO MAKE THE HIRES.
I AM HOPING THOSE THREE BY THE END OF THE YEAR WILL BE MY GOAL.
JUST AN UPDATE LEAN LIEN THANK YOU FOR THAT -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.
NO ACTION ON THAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST DO A GOOD JOB, MR. BERRY.
WHILE IT DOESN'T APPLY TO ANY OF US, YOU MAKE THAT DECISION AND IT IS LIKE THAT FIRST DAY ON-THE-JOB.
EVERYBODY SAYS TAKE A PICTURE BECAUSE IT NEVER GETS BETTER.
I SAY THAT AT WEDDINGS THAT'S WHY PEOPLE HAVE PICTURES OF THE WEDDING DAY AND YOU SAY WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE WHEN YOU WALK IN THE HOUSE? NOT THE CASE OF US.
WE ARE STILL AS HAPPY AS THE FIRST DAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT IS ITEM -- NO ACTION ON 257 AND NEXT IS 258.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I AM GOING TO PASS ON THAT.
I FEEL WE WILL HAVE MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CJCC.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NO ACTION ON 258.
ITEM 262 IS THE TRANSMITAL ON THE ARPA FUND EXPENDITURES.
SOUNDS LIKE NO PICK -- NO PARTICULAR ACTION ON THAT ONE.
I THINK WE FLAGGED IT BECAUSE SPEAKERS HAD COMMENTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL ACCEPT IT.
264, WE WANT TO HEAR THE REPORT BY ADMINISTRATE TER BERR -- ADMINISTRATOR BERRY ON THE BACKLOG.
>> TRANSMITAL TO THE COURT IS A MONTHLY REPORT ON THE JUSTICE BACKLOG.
I LIKE TO START WITH A COUPLE POINTS ON THE BACKLOG.
IT IS SOMETHING THIS COURT INHERITED.
IT DATES BACK TO HURRICANE HARVEY IN TERMS OF FACILITIES NOT BEING AVAILABLE.
OBVIOUSLY COVID HAS MADE IT MUCH WORSE.
AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT NO ONE PARTY WILL SOLVE BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM SITS AT THE INTERSECTION OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT, ELECTED JUDGES, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, THE DISTRICT OF CLOARK, THE SHERIFF'S -- DISTRICT OF CLERK AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
WHAT THE DISTRICT DOES HAVE IS THE POWER OF THE PURSE.
TOTAL INVESTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN IMPROVING THE BACKLOG.
$37 MILLION ACROSS EIGHT INITIATIVES.
THAT'S PROGRAMS TO SPEED UP EVIDENCE PROCESSING THAT BOTH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE CONSTABLES.
AND SO WHAT WE ARE DOING EACH MONTH IN THIS REPORT IS BOTH SAYING WHERE ARE WE IN TERMS OF THE BACKLOG AND WHERE ARE WE IN TERMS OF THE SPECIFIC INITIATIVES? WE DON'T WANT SOMETHING TO BE FUNDED AND APPROVED AND THEN NOT GET IMPLEMENTED IN A TIMELY FASHION.
SO THIS REPORT COVERS WHERE WE WERE AT THE END OF OCTOBER, WHERE WE WERE ON THE DATA INITIATIVES AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
CLEARANCE RATES WERE OVER 100% FOR THE FIFTH STRAIGHT MONTH.
THAT'S THANKS TO -- >> THAT'S CORRECT.
IN TERMS OF THE BACKLOG, 9% OF THE BACKLOG WERE DISPOSED AND 13% IN MISDEMEANOR
[05:30:10]
COURTS.AND SO THAT I THINK IS ALL PROMISING, BUT WE HAVE STABILIZED THE BACKLOG.
WE ARE NOT DRAMATICALLY DECREASING IT YET.
AND AND I THINK WE ARE STILL OPERATING IN A COVID ENVIRONMENT.
THERE WAS DISCUSSION ABOUT JURY SELECTION AND PEOPLE SAY IT WILL HELP TO MOVE THINGS FASTER.
THERE ARE SOME SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE COURTROOMS AND WE COULD LOOK AT THEM AND SPEED THINGS ALONG.
SO FROM THE TIME COMMISSIONERS' COURT APPROVES THE FUNDING TO IT BEING FULLY IMPLEMENTED.
THEY KICKED OFF THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS.
THE EVIDENCE PROCESSING RESOURCES THAT WERE ADDED AT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND SHERIFF, THOSE ARE ARE BEGINNING TO BE DEPLOYED, BUT THERE IS A HIRING PERIOD AND A TRAINING PERIOD.
IT IS NOT FUELLY OPERATIONAL YET.
THEY ARE WORKING AS QUICKLY AS THEY CAN.
AND THAT IS IN THE PROS IT IS -- PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION THAT IS SIX ADDITIONAL JUDGES AND SHOULD FREE UP CAPACITY FOR JUDGES TO DEVOTE TO TRIAL.
THAT'S A QUICK SNAP SHOT FROM WHERE WE ARE.
WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK THOUGH TO GET TO WHERE WE NEED TO BE.
I WOULD JUST THANK -- IN ADDITION OF THE POWER OF THE PURSE I THINK WE TRY TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE SYSTEM AND YIN WE ARE TALKING TOGETHER -- I THINK WE ARE TALKING TOGETHER AND TALKING ABOUT SOLUTIONS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE ARE ON 264, RIGHT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: THE BACKLOG ITEM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THERE HAS BEEN A 100% CLEARANCE RATE, YET WE HAVEN'T REALLY IMPACTED THE BACKLOG SIGNIFICANTLY.
SO THE QUESTION IS -- I WILL PUT AN AGENDA NOTE -- HOW MUCH MORE TIME DO WE NEED OR SPACE TO ASK FORCE TO COME BACK.
>> I DON'T HAVE A SPECIFIC TIMELINE.
WE WERE WAITING FOR A LIST OF REQUESTS FROM THE COURTS.
AND I THOUGHT I PUT A TIMELINE ON THAT IFORT -- ON THAT EFFORT.
>> I WILL CERTAINLY FOLLOW-UP ON IT.
>> I THINK WE NEED TO GET THAT IN.
AND IF WE AREN'T READY, I WANT TO PUT ON THE AGENDA A DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS BROUGHT THIS UP AND WE WILL BE IN ATLANTA TO SEE WHAT THEY ARE DOING DOWN THERE.
JACK CAGLE: THE CITY OF HOUSTON DOES THAT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT, BUT IT IS BEING DONE.
WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE TO MAKE A REAL DENT IN THE BACKLOG LET ME COMMEND YOU.
THESE JUDGES HAVE HAD A CONTINUOUS AND MARVELOUS PERFORMANCE WITH YEARLY CLEARANCE RATES WITH 58% RESPECTIVELY.
THE 184TH DISTRICT COURT AND 96% YEARLY CLEARANCE RATE.
JUDGE KELLY JOHNSON, 178 AND 97% ANNUAL CLEARANCE RATE.
480 -- 482ND JUDGE MARITZA WITH 158%.
THE OUR COURTS WITH THE TOP CLEARANCE RATES, AT THE TOP, JUDGE MARITZA AND TWO AT THE 482ND COURT WITH 158 PERCENT COMPLIER WRENS RATE -- CLEARANCE RATE.
[05:35:01]
THAT IS FOLLOWED BY THE 178TH KELLY JOHNSON WITH 141 PERCENT IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS.THAT'S FOLLOWED BY THE 184TH DISTRICT COURT JUDGE ABIGAIL WITH 131 PERCENT CLEARANCE RATE.
AND THE 209TH, JUDGE BRIAN WARREN WITH 119% CLEARANCE RATE.
THE 228TH COURT AND YAG FRANKING A -- JUDGE FROONG ARGUE -- FRANK AGUILLAR.
AND JUDGE NAKITA HARMON WITH 117%.
THE 182ND COURT JUDGE LACALLO WITH 114%.
THIS IS IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS.
THE JUDGES WITH THE CLOUGH -- LOWEST CLEARANCE RATE IS THE 23RD -- 232ND JUDGE JOSH HILL.
THE 338TH COURT JUDGE RAMONA PHREN LYNN WITH -- FRANKLIN WITH 82%.
AND SO TWO COURTS THAT REALLY, REALLY NEED TO PICK IT UP BECAUSE THEIR ANNUAL CLEARANCE RATES ARE AT 45 AND 58% RESPECTIVELY.
THAT'S THE 338TH, JUDGE RAMONA FRANKLIN.
I LIST THESE IN THE SENSE THAT RERAISED A LOT OF QUESTION -- THAT WE RAISED A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE AND WHAT IS GOING ON.
I WILL BE GOING THROUGH THIS AGAIN TO RECOGNIZE THE TOP PERFORMING AND WE HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THOSE THAT SEE THE NUMBERS MOVING IN A BETTER DIRECTION.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ALSO DO NOT LEAVE OUT OF THE EQUATION BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT REALLY MENTIONED IT AND THAT IS THE PUBLIC DEFENDER.
WE NEED A PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE TO PUSH FOR TRIALS.
IF THEY ARE NOT PUSHING FOR TRIALS, TRIALS AREN'T BEING SCHEDULED.
I NEED MR. BUDDINGTON, PLEASE GIVE THE CHARGE TO YOUR STAFF TO PUSH FOR TRIALS AND WHERE PROP -- APPROPRIATE.
THAT WILL CREATE A LOT OF OTHER TRIGGER POINTS IN THE SYSTEM.
I JUST WANT TO PUT THAT OUT THERE, JUDGE, AND MAKE SURE I COVERED THEM.
>> I DID RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE FACILITIES WHILE YOU WERE SPEAKING.
WE HEARD FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR THAT THEY DON'T HAVE CURRENT FACILITY REQUESTS THEY ARE LOOKING FOR.
THE REQUEST IS STILL OUT TO THE DISTRICT COURTS AND WE WILL FOLLOW-UP AGAIN.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT UP, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
I HEARD COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAY HOLDING THE PFM DISCUSSION, BUT WE DO HAVE TO HAVE THAT BROUGHT TO DISCUSSION.
I KNOW THE JUDGE IS GETTING A LOT OF HEAT AND WE ARE GETTING TO THE SEASON WHERE EVERYBODY GETS A LOT OF HEAT AND CAMPAIGNS HEAT UP.
WE HAVE TO FIND SOMEWAY AND HOPEFULLY WE WILL RESTRUCTURE THE CJCC.
BUT SO IT DOESN'T HAVE TO ALL BE AN TAG GONE NISTIC -- ANTAGONISTIC.
SOMETIMES IT IS JUST SENDING A MESSAGE OUT TO PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE WORKING AND YOU HAVE COURT.
IF YOU DO SOMETHING, WE WILL GET TO YOU QUICKER.
I KNOW THE PD HAS SPACE CONCERN.
IT IS AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION AND WE WILL LOOK AT HOW WE HAVE TO EXPAND THE PD.
[05:40:02]
WE WILL GET TO 15% IN TWO YEARS AND MAKING SURE THESE FOLKS ARE ADEQUATELY REPRESENTED AS WELL.>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS A WHOLE PROCESS.
THE SHERIFF'S REPORT EARLIER SAID THEY TAKE A THOUSAND A DAY TO COURT AND THEY ARE TAKING HALF THAT.
WE ARE HAVING COURT AND YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE CLEARANCE RATES, BUT IF WE ARE ARE ONLY TAKING HALF AS MANY PEOPLE THAT TELLS ME UNDER WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING WE ARE AT HALF MAST AT THIS POINT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS AN ECOLOGY.
THE REALITY OF IT IS IT IS AN INGENERAL.
YOU NEED ALL CYLINDERS GOING AT THE SAME TIME.
I I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE TALKING HOLISTICALLY OF WHAT EVERYBODY ROLLED IN THE PROCESS.
>> I WON'T BE LABOR IT, BUT WE ARE WORKING ON PROPOSALS IN THE CJCC IN LINE WITH THE DISCUSSION THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAD.
WE WANT TO DO OUT REACH AND UNDERSTAND THEIR TAKE.
IT ONLY WORKS IF PEOPLE ARE BOUGHT IN.
I EXPECT WE WILL HAVE SOMETHING SHORTLY.
>> IF WE DON'T WORK IT OUT, AND EVEN IF WE ARE TOO BIG TO MEET, IF WE HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT WE WILL MEET IN JANUARY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: REAL QUICK, IS THERE A CLEAR PATH FORWARD, THE BODY COUNT? IT IS NOT CLEAR WHY WE USED TO BE ABLE TO PROTS SUCCESS -- TO PROCESS AND PRODUCE A LOT MORE VIDEOS AND THEN THE NUMBERS HAVE GONE DOWN AS OPPOSED TO UP I THINK 11 MILLION WENT TO THE BODY CAM, THE BULK OF THE COURT SPEEDING UP INVESTMENTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ONCE WE HAVE THE 30 TO 45 DAYS FOR THESE FOLKS TO BE FULLY TRAINED DO YOU EXPECT TO SEE A PRO -- PRE-EXPONENTIAL -- I DO NEED TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE INVESTMENTS WE HAVE AND WHEN THE SHIP WILL BE TURNING AROUND.
WHAT DO WE DO TO IMPROVE THIS? AND I'M WITH YOU.
I THINK THE JURY IS MORE EFFICIENT DOWNTOWN.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY JUDGES ARE ARE NOT HOLDING JURY TRIALS.
I HEARD THAT NOBODY IS NOT HOLDING TRIAL.
AND I HEARD WHAT THE TWO ATTORNEYS SAID.
I HOPE THAT YOU GUYS CAN GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THAT IF WE ALL NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR THE TRIALS TO HAPPEN IN A CERTAIN PLACE, I MEAN, I KNOW EVERYBODY HAS VALID POINTS ON BOTH SIDES, BUT IF SOME ARE JUST NOT HOLDING THEM, WE HAVE TO MOVE IT BACK.
>> AND QUICKLY ON THE BODY CAM, THERE IS A SHORT-TERM EFFORT THAT IS THROWING PEOPLE AT IT.
BOTH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE D.A.
THERE IS REFORM ON HOW IT IS PRODUCED AND DELIVERED SO IT IS MORE EXPEDITIOUS TO REVIEW.
THE WAY WE DO IT NOW IS NOT EFFICIENT.
THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS, BUT IN THE MEANTIME WE WILL THROW RESOURCES AT IT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND BEFORE I FORGET, ON THE ISSUE OF JURY TRIALS, WE DID THE RIBBON CUTTING ON THE ASSEMBLY AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAPACITY THE JURY ASSEMBLY IS BEING UTILIZED.
WHATEVER OUR RISK -- OUR THREAT LEVEL IS I HOPE IT IS KAW MENS -- KAW MENS RETE WITH WHAT WE ARE USING IN THE JURY ASSEMBLY SO WE CAN, YOU KNOW, REDUCE ANY ARGUMENT THAT JURY TRIALS AREN'T HAPPENING BECAUSE OF NRG.
I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT, BUT MR. BERR ARE Y, IF YOU CAN -- MR. BERRY IF YOU CAN LOOK INTO THAT.
>> THE HOLDUP IS NOT THE THREAT LEVEL.
THE CONCERN BEFORE CERTAINLY IS -- IT IS THE COMFORT AND AS SOON AS WE CHECK BACK WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE JURORS.
WILL THEY SHOW UP? THEY MAY BE MORE NERVOUS ABOUT SHOWING UP.
IF EVERYONE HAD THEIR VACCINE ITSELF WOULD BE A LOT EASIER, IF EVERYONE WAS
[05:45:04]
CAUTIOUS.ANYWAY, I GET WHAT YOU ARE ARE SAYING, WHAT'S THE HOLDUP?
>> SIMPLY PUT, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE TO BE ON BOARD WITH IT.
WISH -- WE'RE TRYING TO FACILITATE A DECISION AND I HOPE THERE IS ONE SOON.
WE WILL AGO EPT -- ACCEPT THE TRANSMITAL.
265 IS THE 5-MINUTE REPORT ON THE ELECTRIC THRAW PHO LOCATION PLAN FOR OUR FLEET.
>> I WILL DO 30 SECONDS AND THEN GIVE THE REST TO MY COLLEAGUE.
IT IS A NONPROFIT CON COR -- CONSORTIUM WITH CENTER POINT AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
WE HAVE THE DATA TOGETHER WHICH WAS NOT EUN -- UNIFORMLY ACCEPTABLE.
IT IS TO THE TUNE OF 1400 LIGHT DUTY VEHICLES IN THE COUNTY THAT COULD BE ELECTRIFIED IN TWO YEARS.
AND IT WOULD ACTUALLY SAVE US MONEY TO DO THAT TO THE TUNE OF $10 MILLION.
THERE IS MORE WORK TO DO, BUT I THINK THIS IS A GREAT FIRST STEP FORWARD.
AND I HAVE SOMEONE FROM UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO SHOW YOU A COUPLE OF PAGES ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY HERE.
TIFFANY, IF YOU CAN TAKE IT TO SLIDE FIVE TO REALLY TALK ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY THAT EXISTS.
WE ARE STILL DIGESTING IT, BUT GENERAL NOR -- GENERAL NORIEGA AND UNIVERSE SERVICES AND THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICES ON -- ARE MOVING FORWARD TO EXECUTE THINGS THAT ARE SMART TO DO TODAY.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE LAUNDRY LIST OF THINGS IT COMES DOWN TO WHAT VEHICLES MAKE SENSE? CAN WE FIND GRANTS THAT ARE OUT THERE? WE ARE WORKING ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE SIDE WITH OCE.
AND WE ARE WORKING ON THE BEST WAY TO INVEST IN THIS.
AND WE ARE ARE LOOKING AT OTHER LARGER SCOPE THINGS SUCH AS, HEY, HOW DO BUSES FIT INTO THIS? AND HOW CAN WE WORK WITH METRO COUNTY TRANSIT.
WHAT WE HAVE COME DOWN TO FOR THE IMMEDIATE ACTIONS, WE STARTED MEETING WITH PURCHASING ON WHAT CONTRACT DOES WE HAVE WITH FORD AND CHEVY? DO WE NEED TO GET SOMETHING WITH TESLA THAT MIGHT MAKE SENSE? WORKING WITH PURCHASING ON THAT AND TALKING WITH DIFFERENT MANUFACTURERS ABOUT LEAD TIMES.
AND LEVERAGING GRANTS FOR INFRASTRUCTURE.
WHAT WE DEVELOPED IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, TIFFANY, THANK YOU, IS TWO PILOT OPPORTUNITIES ON TOP OF THE ONE THAT WAS GOING WITH PUSH CONTROL.
THIS IS ONE FOR TOLL ROAD AND ONE FOR COUNTY ENGINEER.
THESE THINGS LOOK LIKE THEY MAKE SENSE.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WITH THE PILOTS IS TO DEVELOP THE LESSONS LEARNED.
THAT IS IMPORTANT AS WE PUT IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND WITH THE MAINTENANCE SIDE.
WE ARE TRAINING PERSONNEL ON HOW TO MAINTAIN THESE.
AND THERE WILL BE A DRIVER TRAINING FACTOR THAT IS RELATED TO ALL OF THIS.
THIS WILL HELP US LEVERAGE A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT ARE PUT INTO THE STUDY AND MOVING ON IN THE FUTURE AS THE RECOMMENDATIONS COME ALONG.
MR. BERRY, THAT'S ALL I HAD FOR MY PART IF YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING.
>> JOYS TO CLOSE -- JUST TO CLOSE WE ARE SETTING UP THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY.
THE WORK NEXT YEAR IS TO DEVELOP A CLIMATE ACTION.
WE ARE JUMP STARTING THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN.
THERE ARE MEDIUM AND LONG-TERM GOALS THAT KEEPS IT IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.
JACK CAGLE: THERE WERE SOME DISCUSSIONS YEARS AGO ABOUT ANOTHER CLEAN ENERGY SOURCE AND THAT'S NATURAL GAS VEHICLES.
ARE WE CONTEMPLATING THAT IN THIS STUDY AT ALL?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? THANK YOU, MR. BERRY.
WE WILL BE THE FOIRS COUNTY IN TEXAS TO DO -- THE FIRST COUNTY IN TEXAS TO DO ACTION PLANS.
>> CERTAINLY ONE OF THE FIRST.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM EXCITED.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA ARE GOING TO THE CAUCUS, BUT I KNOW THE MAYORS OF THE
[05:50:06]
CITIES WERE CLUE -- INCLUDED.HE WILL MAKE THE EFFORT TO MAKE SURE COUNTIES ARE INCLUDED AS WELL.
PARTICULARLY BIGGER THAN 25, 26 STATES.
>> AND THE PROCESS IS WELL UNDERWAY TO DO A PROCUREMENT.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS BRINGING YOU RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY.
WE CAN BOTH SAVE MONEY AND HAVE A CLEANER SOURCE AND SUPPORT -- >> YOU DID A GOOD JOB ON THIS.
JOSH, STUKEY -- JOSH STUKEY, GOOD TO SEE YOU EVEN IF IT IS VIRTUALLY LEAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS REQUEST LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY, AND A COUPLE THINGS THEY MENTIONED RELATED TO THIS AND I THINK IT IS A GREAT PROPOSAL, COULD WE LEVERAGE SOME OF OUR VEHICLES AND FLEET IN ORDER TO TRYOUT INNOVATIVE -- FUTURE OF ENERGY-TYPE THINGS AND WHAT ELSE MIGHT YOU BE ABLE TO DO? AND THE OTHER THING SOMEONE BROUGHT UP IS CHARGING STATIONS.
THEY SAY SOMETIMES THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WILL OFFER THEIR OWN CHARGING STATIONS FOR FOLKS WHO HAVE ELECTRIC CARS.
I'M SURE YOU THOUGHT OF ALL THIS, BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD PASS ON THE REEL VENTS UPDATE -- THE REEL VENTS UPDATES THEY GAVE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS 265 AND WE WILL ACCEPT THAT TRANSMITAL.
ITEM 271, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
THAT'S THE PROMPT PAYMENTS ACT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, JUDGE, THANK YOU.
I HAVE BEEN ANXIOUS TO TALK ABOUT THIS.
ESSENTIALLY I WANT TO APPLAUD THE WORK OF THE COUNTY ANALYST'S OFFICE FOR THEIR WORK AND YET AGAIN THEY BRING SOME INTERESTING FINDINGS THROUGH THEIR WORK.
THE FINDINGS FIND THAT WHILE HARRIS COUNTY OVERALL PAID WITHIN THE PRE-DEFINED TIME, PAYMENT LAG TIMES OVER THE REPORT PERIOD INCREASE.
IT IS NOTED THAT DUE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PEOPLE SOFT, A SIGNIFICANT BACKLOG WAS CREATED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION AND IT APPEARS TO BE TRENDING BACK UP.
THE ACTION PLAN INCLUDES A GOOD FIRST STEP.
ONE FINDING THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IMMEDIATELY IS THE BUSINESS CORP FOUND ON PIG 26 OF THE ACTION PLAN.
-- FOUND ON PAGE 26 OF THE ACTION PLAN.
THIS WILL HELP THE COUNTY MOVE TOWARD COMPLIANCE AND WILL HAVE THE PROMPT PAY ACT.
I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT EXISTED.
VENDORS COULD SELF-CERTIFY SO THEIR CERTIFICATION STATUS COULD NOT BE VERIFIED.
THIS IS A TRANSMITAL, SO THERE IS NOT A MOTION TO BE MADE.
I DO WANT TO REFER THE ITEM TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THEIR HELP TO DEVELOP POLICIES PROCEDURES ON IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED.
ON THE -- WHAT DID THEY REFER TO? ON THE BUSINESS COURT RECOMMENDATIONS, I WANT TO ASK, JAY, LIKE WE HAVE -- THE COURT HAS GIVEN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AUTHORITY THAT WHEN SOME CHEMICAL EVENT HAPPENS YOU CAN FILE SUIT WITHOUT WAITING FOR COURT TO OCCUR OR AN EMERGENCY DOCKET OR EMERGENCY COURT NEEDING TO BE SCHEDULED.
AND WE AWARD -- CAN WE AWARD THAT TO I AM NOT SURE IF IT IS PURCHASING OR THE AUDITOR SO THEY CAN HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO DO WHAT IS RECOMMENDED, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SAYING BUSINESS COURT WHICH MEANS A MEETING OF THIS BODY.
CAN WE GET THAT AUTHORITY TO THE RIGHT -- IF WE CAN'T, WHO WOULD IT BE TO?
[05:55:24]
THERE ARE A SERIES OF POWERS THAT THE COURT HAS THAT IT CANDLE -- CAN DELEGATE AND SOME IT CANNOT.
WE WILL DO THAT ANALYSIS AND GET BACK TO YOU WITH THIS.
IT MAY BE SOMETHING YOU CANDLE GATE, BUT IT -- CAN DELEGATE, BUT ALSO MAY NOT BE.
>> SO IT JUMPS OUT AND IT IS IMMENSELY LOW-HANGING FRUIT.
I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE IS A TEXAS PROMPT PAYMENT ACT AND THE NONCOMPLIANCE MEANS WE SHOULD PAY A PENALTY WHEN WE ARE NOT, IS THAT ACCURATE?
>> THE SUBMISSION WE HAVE IS THE UNDER LYING DATA WE USE IN UH REARS THE PAST THREE DAYS IS SOMEWHAT FAULTY.
IN LARGE PART THERE IS NO SYSTEMATIC POLICY TO DETERMINE WHEN SOMEONE SUBMITTED AN INACCURATE INVOICE FOR WORK COMPLETED.
OUR UNDERSTANDING HAS BEEN WHEN WE TALK TO SOME OF THE INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS, WHEN THEY GET AN INVOICE PAYMENT AND OFTEN TIMES YOU HAVE SITUATIONS WHERE COMPANIES WILL SUBMIT AN INVOICE AND MAYBE THE WORK WASN'T COMPLETED.
WE ARE ARE NOT GETTING AN ENTIRELY ACCURATE PICTURE BECAUSE OF THE DECENTRALIZED NATURE.
I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THE AUDITOR AND THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ARE LOOKING TO CORRECT.
SOME OF THAT IS BEING CORRECTED.
WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DROIKS.
JAY, IF YOU CAN WORK WITH US AND MAKE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE BUSINESS COURT ITEM WOULD BE THE PRIORITY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR IDENTIFYING THAT, COMMISSIONER.
>> JUDGE ARE WE ACCEPTING IT ORIE FERRING IT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE DO BOTH?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ACCEPT THE TRANSMITAL, BUT ALSO REFER IT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
272 IS ANOTHER TRANSMITAL BY THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK SHE HAS A PRESENTATION.
DO WE HAVE THE SLIDES? I WILL GO AHEAD AND START TALKING.
>> YOU HAVE SLIDES DO YOU WANT TO BRING UP? I CAN GIVE YOU PRESENTER PRIVILEGES.
I WANTED TO SHARE THE POINTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.
IN 10 MONTHS WE ESTABLISHED THE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION AND TRANSFERRED FOUR PROGRAMS AND WE ARE MANAGING TWO OF THE ARPA PROJECTS AND STARTING UP FOUR NEW SERVICES INCLUDING THE MWBE PROGRAM.
[06:00:04]
AS PROMISED IN THE INITIAL PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS, THE DEO IS MOVING TO FORMALLY LAUNCH FEDERAL COMPLIANCE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.I AM HERE TO SHARE SOME OF THE KEY ACTIVITIES IN THE SPACE.
AS YOU KNOW, SUPPORT PASSED THE POLICY FOR THE MWBE PROGRAM IN NOVEMBER OF 2020.
I STARTED IN JANUARY AND THAT'S WHEN THE DEPARTMENT BEGAN.
FOR OUR PART IN THE SOFT LAUNCH WE BEGAN BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND ESTABLISHED THE STRUCTURE WITH THE VENDOR.
THE VENDOR DIVERSITY PAYMENTS.
>> THERE ARE TWO PROGRAMS AND WE ARE CURRENTLY INTERVIEWING THE PROJECT MONITORS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.
I WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THEM.
WITH REGARDS TO THE REPORTING.
FOLLOWING THE MWBE POLICY, WE ARE GOING TO BE PROVIDING A REPORT TWICE A YEAR ON MWBE UTILIZATION.
THE FIRST IS DOMING AS A TRANSMITAL TO THE NEXT COURT.
[06:05:16]
IT WILL HAVE ONE QUARTER OF AWARDS DATA SINCE THEY STARTED SETTING GOALS IN MAY.WE WON'T BE ABLE TO PROVIDE PAYMENT DATA, BUT IN THE FUTURE WE CAN PROVIDE DATA AND AWARDS FOR THE REPORTING.
WITH REGARDS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES, WE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE CASH DASH BY THE END OF THE YEAR IN JULY AND WE WILL POST THOSE PROCEDURES ON THE DES WEBSITE BY DECEMBER 31 IS.
WE WILL ROLL OUT IN THE FIRST QUIETERRER OF THE YEAR AND -- FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
WITH REGARD TO OUT REACH, THIS WEEK WE ARE HOSTING ROUND TABLES TO SHARE UPDATES ON THE PROGRAMS AND WE ARE HOSTING A PROGRAM EVENT IN JANUARY AND CONTINUING TO SPEAK ON THE PROGRAMS AT MEETING AND EVENTS.
AS YOU TAKE ON THE GOAL-SETTING PROCESS WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES
[06:10:20]
TO ENHANCE THE MWB OH ELEMENTS -- MWBE ELEMENTS.FOR EXAMPLE, WE ALREADY STARTED THIS AND WE HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH FLOOD CONTROL TO LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE PROJECT.
THE PROJECT IS PENDING APPROVAL.
THE TIMING FOR OUT REACH WAS DELAYED, BUT THAT'S AN EXAMPLE HOW WE ARE WORKING WITH THE CONTRACTING DEPARTMENT FOR THE UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES.
SOMETHING THAT IS NOT ON THIS SLIDE IS THE COUNTY'S DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, BTG.
WITH REGARD TO THE STATUS AND IMPLEMENTATION, ALL MODULES RELATED TO BUDGET COMPLIANCE ARE LIVE.
THIS IS PROJECT COMPLIANCE MODEL AND GOAL SETTING AS WELL AS CONNECTIONS TO CERTIFIED DATABASES.
WE ARE TAKING ON THE OUT REACH.
SUN SECTION THAT IS -- ONE SECTION THAT IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT IS PEOPLE SOFT AND THAT AUTOMATICALLY CREATES CONTRACT RECORDS AND UP LOADS PAYMENTS.
THAT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE IN FEBRUARY.
UNIVERSAL SERVICES IS WORKING ON PROGRAMMING THE CODE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE INTERFACING HAPPENS.
PURCHASING IS MANUALLY ENTERED.
AS OF TODAY THERE ARE 973 CONTRACTS AND 182 SOLICITATIONS ENTERED INTO THE DATABASE.
THERE ARE 24 CONTRACTS WITH MWBE GOALS.
THOSE ARE THE CONTRACTS WE WILL BE DOING COMPLIANCE ON.
AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, IT IS STILL EARLY IN THE PROCESS.
THE TIMING FOR ACTUALLY STARTING THE COMPLIANCE WILL BE IN THE SPRING.
WITH THAT I WOULD LIKE TAKE SOME QUESTIONS.
THERE ARE ADDITIONAL SLIDES THAT SUMMARIZE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST A COUPLE.
PAMELA, THANK YOU, AND YOUR TEAM.
I SENT AROUND SOME QUESTIONS THAT I GAVE TO MR. BERRY AND I GAVE YOU AS WELL.
I WON'T BELABOR THE POINT, BUT I MENTIONED TO YOU YESTERDAY THAT WE ARE MOVING TOO SLOW AND WE SHOULD PICK UP THE PACE.
I SAY THAT BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD HAVE ADOPTED A PROGRAM.
THE CITY OF HOUSTON DID IT AND IF THE STATE OF TEXAS DID IT WHEN THE PROGRAM WAS
[06:16:06]
ADOPTED WITH STRINGENT DEADLINES IN THERE, AND I WILL TRY TO PULL THEM FOR YOU.TO GOVERNOR BUSH'S CREDIT WE CAN DO IT AND WHEN GOVERNOR RICHARDS GOT IN, HE DID NOT STOP THE PROGRAM.
HE PUT IN SOME PROVISIONS THAT I WASN'T NECESSARILY HAPPY WITH.
WE WERE THE FIRS LARGE STATE TO DO A DISPARITY STUDY.
AS MUCH AS I HATE TO ADMIT IT, THE NOTION OF BLACK CAPITALISM CAME FROM BLACK REPUBLICANS, BY THE WAY.
IT WAS RICHARD NIXON'S WAY TO CUT INTO THE VOTE HE ASSUMED WOULD GO TO KENNEDY.
WHEN HE GOT IN HE GOT A LITTLE AMNESIA ON THE SUBJECT.
IT WAS REALLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN REPUBLICANS WHO LEAD THE EFFORT.
YOU AND I ARE GOING TO ATLANTA.
THERE IS A REASON THE LARGEST BLACK BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTRY ARE IN ATLANTA AND HISPANIC IN L.A.
AND MIAMI, BLACK AND BROWN IN CHICAGO AND NEW YORK.
IT IS BECAUSE THOSE PLACES WERE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FIRST.
IT IS NOT PERSONAL, PAMELA, BUT MY FRUSTRATION IS BECAUSE WE WAITED SO LONG.
I'M OUT HERE PUSHING SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE SUPPORT.
I AM THE ONE THAT HAS TO GET OUT OF HERE TONIGHT, BUT YOU KNOW MY FRUSTRATION.
I WILL PASS IT AND THEN GET OUT OF THE WAY.
I KNOW THERE WAS PEOPLE IN ATLANTA AND NEW YORK AND CHICAGO AND OTHER PLACES THAT CREATED OPPORTUNITIES FOR ME TO HAVE THE LIMITED SUCCESS I HAD IN LIFE.
INCLUDING THE BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM IN AFRICA.
ANCESTORS CAME FROM NOWHERE NEAR IT.
I TOLD MR. BERRY THAT THIS HAS TO PICK UP THE PACE.
THE FACT YOU HAVE BEEN HERE TWO MONTHS, HEY, I DIDN'T KNOW THE ARPA MONEY WAS COMING, BUT THIS IS A BIG DEAL.
IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT IT WORK.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I KNOW IT WAS MWBE PROGRAM THAT'S PAID FOR THE TUITION FOR MY FOUR KIDS TO GO TO COLLEGE.
ONE I AM STILL PAYING FOR WITH A PAY CUT SITTING HERE INSTEAD OF MY $600 A MONTH JOB.
IT IS PORNTS AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT.
-- IT IS IMPORTANT AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT.
WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL, THE PEOPLE THOUGHT I ENJOYED JUMPING UP AND DOWN WHEN A CONTRACT COMES ON THE TABLE.
FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I TO CATCH THAT RENEWAL THING, THAT'S YOUR JOB AND YOUR DEPARTMENT SO YOU BETTER GET THE PEOPLE.
IF YOU HAVE TO USE ARPA MONEY OR WHATEVER I WILL FIGHT TO GIVE YOU THE RESOURCES.
I FOUGHT FOR YOU TO GET THIS JOB, BUT YOU HAVE TO FIGHT TO KEEP IT.
I JUST WANT TO PUT YOU ON NOTICE TO PICK UP THE PACE AND I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE YOU ARE GIN -- THE URGENCY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ON THIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO PIGGYBACK ON YOUR COMMENTS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
MORE FROM THE STANDPOINT THAT YOU WERE A RECENT CHAIR OF MWBE WHEN YOU ARE ON COUNCIL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS THE BOMB THROWER.
THEY CREATED A COMMITTEE AND MADE SURE THEY PUT ME ON THE COMMITTEE AND -- THEY MADE SURE NOT TO PUT ME ON IT AND I MADE SURE TO THROW THE MOLOTOV COCKTAILS.
>> I WAS ON THE CHAIR AND THROWING THEM AS WELL AND DEFENDED THAT PROGRAM WHEN I WAS ON COUNCIL I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM IT.
WHEN I WAS SHERIFF I CREATED MY OWN PROGRAM.
THEY DID NOT WANT THAT CAMEL'S HEAD UNDER THE TENT.
WE WILL OPEN IT UP, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH WHEN I GOT HERE AND I APPLAUD YOU.
MY FRUSTRATION IS THAT THERE IS LOW-HANGING FRUIT THAT WE CAN MOVE ON THIS.
WELL, THE FRUSTRATION IS EXPRESSED.
HERE IS WHAT I WANT TO POINT OUT.
ACCORDING TO YOUR TIMELINE TRAINING FOR STAFF DOES NOT BEGIN UNTIL MARCH OF NEXT YEAR.
HERE WE ARE TRYING TO CATCH THESE THINGS TODAY.
SINCE WE ARE ALREADY SETTING THE GOALS, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE GET THE TRAINING SET SO THAT THE GOALS CAN BE ADDRESSED AND MET WITH.
THE MWBE REPORT SHOULD INCLUDE PAYMENTS TO VENDORS AND THEIR SUBS TO DATE.
JUST LIKE COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID, IF YOU NEED MORE STAFF, LET US KNOW AND WE'LL FIGURE IT OUT.
THIS TIMELINE I THINK IS TOO FAR INTO THE FUTURE WHEN WE HAVE THINGS AVAILABLE TO US.
I WOULD IMPLORE YOU TO LOOK AT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LOW-HANGING FRUIT.
I'VE GOT TWO INCREDIBLE PEOPLE IN MY STAFF, IN MY OFFICE THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU TO IDENTIFY WHERE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ARE.
WE MAY HAVE ADDRESSED THEM, BUT WE ARE THERE TO HELP.
IF YOU DON'T WANT OUR HELP, NO PROBLEM.
I AM HERE TO HELP COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I FORGOT TO MENTION -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I ARE DOING A MEETING AT 2:00 ON MONDAY.
IT IS TO ENCOURAGE OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND SCHOOL BOARD PEOPLE.
I SUGGEST SOME OF THE ROUND TABLES YOU ARE DOING BECAUSE OF THE PERCEPTION WE WERE NOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
YOU OUGHT TO INVITE THESE COMMISSIONERS TO GO.
I THINK YOU WILL GET GREAT PARTICIPATION.
IT SENDS THE SIGNAL OUT THAT WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
ON ONE OF YOUR SLIDES YOU MADE REFERENCE TO THE RACE GNAW -- RACE NEUTRAL METHODS.
PEOPLE ARE BETTER AT WHAT THEY CONCENTRATE ON.
THE REASON THESE RACE AND GENDER-WON SUS PROGRAMS ARE -- GENDER-CONSCIOUS PROGRAMS ARE IMPORTANT IS BECAUSE YOU FOCUS.
WE WILL CREATE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR WHITE MAN.
THE NON-NEUTRAL THERE MEANS WE SHOULD HAVE BROKEN IT UP A LONGTIME AGO.
IT WILL HELP A LOT OF PEOPLE GROW THEIR BUSINESSES AND CREATE MORE COMPETITION.
I WILL CLOSE AND REMEMBER THAT OLD JESSE JACKSON LINE ABOUT WE NEVER KNEW HOW GOOD BASEBALL COULD BE UNTIL EVERYBODY COULD PARTICIPATE.
HE IS TALKING ABOUT JACKIE ROBINSON.
[06:20:01]
HE CAN'T TALK BECAUSE OF PARKINSON'S, BUT WE LOVE THAT LINE.>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> TOM RAMSEY: WHILE HE WAS OUT THERE THROWING THE BOMBS, I WAS ON THE OTHER END OF THE BOMBS IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMS. JUST SO YOU KNOW I WILL BE PARTICIPATING THIS WEEK IN ONE OF THESE PROGRAMS RELATED TO THE PROGRAM.
THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE WANTING TO DO WHAT WE ARE ALL TALKING ABOUT THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE.
WE NEED TO GET THEM MOTIVATED AND WE NEED TO GET THEM DIRECTED.
ONCE THEY KNOW WHAT THE GOAL IS THEY WILL GET AFTER IT.
WHETHER IT IS A CONTRACTOR OR WHETHER IT IS AN ENGINEER OR A LANDSCAPER OR WHATEVER, WE SIMPLY HAVE TO TELL THEM.
I'M A BIG SELF-REPORTING KIND OF A PERSON AND GENERAL AUDIT KIND OF A PERSON.
YOU TELL ME WHAT POINT TO FILL OUT.
I DON'T NEED TO HIRE 10 DOZEN PEOPLE TO POLICE OTHER PEOPLE.
JUST TELL THE BUSINESSES WHAT YOU EXPECT OF THEM AND GETTING BACK TO THE GETTING PAID ON TIME.
WE PUT IT OUT THERE AND YOU GET PAID.
I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF HOW YOU TERMED T LOW-HANGING -- TERMED IT, LOW-HANGING FRUIT.
THE GOVERNMENT CAN DO A GREAT JOB OF PROVIDING INSPIRATION, BUT IT IS GOING TO BE THE BUSINESS THAT WE MOTIVATE TO DO THIS.
THERE IS NOT A FOOT DRAGGING PROBLEM OUT THERE IN THE INTEREST AND THAT'S THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH.
WE SAY IF IT IS NOT FOR THAT PARTICULAR GROUP OF PEOPLE THEY WILL GET IT DONE.
THEY WILL WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND I SPENT A LOT OF TIME EARLIER THIS WEEK AND I THINK WE CAN GET THINGS GOING QUICK.
>> I WILL LET COMMISSIONER CAGLE GO FIRST.
WHAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAID.
>> I PERSONALLY FEEL THE URGENCY AND I KNOW OTHERS DO TOO.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE FOLLOW-UP FROM THE DISCUSSION AND TRANSLATE IT INTO CONCRETE STEPS.
TWO THINGS I HEARD WERE LOOKING TO SEE IF YOU CAN ACCELERATE THE TIMELINE FROM TRAINING.
AND HAVING THE TEAM IN PLACE TO REVIEW THE AGENDA ITEMS AS THEY COME UP.
YOU SHOULD NOT BE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE ON THIS AND NOR SHOULD COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
ARE THERE ANYTHING ELSE COMING OUT OF THE DISCUSSION THAT YOU WANT US -- OR WE CAN FOLLOW-UP LATER WITH YOUR STAFF.
THE CONCRETE STEPS WE SHOULD ACCELERATE IN.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE SOME OF THE ARPA MONEY YOU HAVE TO SPEND IT IN TWO YEARS.
CAN WE BE CREATIVE WITH HELPING THESE PEOPLE.
SOMETIMES PEOPLE GET A CONTRACT.
THERE ARE FEW I ADVOCATED FOR AND IT CHOKED THEM TO DEATH.
IT DIDN'T GO OUT OF BUSINESS, BUT SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS YOU GO IN THERE AND YOUR EYES ARE BIGGER THAN YOUR STOMACH IS WHAT MY PARENTS USED TO SAY.
A LOT OF THIS IS CUT AND PASTE.
STOPPING THAT AIRPORT GETS THE CREDIT.
AND YOU CAN GO UP THE ROAD AND SEE WHAT THE CITY DID.
IF I MICROMANAGE I WOULD HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST THE SUBCONTRACTOR APPROACH.
ARE YOU DOLING IT OUT AND YOU DON'T GET CREDIT FOR THAT.
I WOULD SAY I KNOW YOU WILL BE IN ATLANTA A SHORT WHILE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I ECHO WHAT EVERYBODY SAID AND YOU HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND GARCIA.
I KNOW YOU ARE TAKING THE LEAD.
THAT'S THE LAST -- >> JUST TO WRAP UP, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE ADVICE AND THE SUPPORT.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOUR TEAM.
YOU CAN WALK THROUGH THE DETAILED TIMELINE TO IDENTIFY SPACES WHERE THINGS CAN MOVE UP.
IT IS THE ABILITY TO KNOW ON THE FORM WHAT THE GOALS ARE AND THINGS READY TO -- ON OUR RADAR.
I AM PLEASED WE HAVE SUCH URGENCY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THOSE ARE THE DISCUSSION ITEMS EXCEPT FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM, 301.
>> AND JUDGE WE CAN ASK BUT THERE IS ANOTHER SHORT PRESENTATION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IF HE CAN DO IT IN FIVE MINUTES -- THREE TO FIVE?
I CAN DO IT IN THREE TO FIVE MINUTES.
>> IF THERE ARE A LOT OF QUESTIONS, I AM LEAVING AT 6:30.
>> I WANT TO PROVIDE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AN UPDATE ON THE LIBRARY ROLE IN THE BROADBAND INITIATIVE THE COUNTY IS DOING.
IN TERMS OF BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY PLACES LIKE LIBRARIES AND PARKING LOTS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO USE THE BROADBAND AND BROADBAND VIDEO SERVICES AND THIS IS WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS TALKING ABOUT.
WITH THAT PROGRAM AND WE HAVE DISTRIBUTED THOSE WITH THE NORTH CHANNEL LIBRARY AND WE ARE PART OF THE ISD OUTING AND WE PARTNERED WITH THE ISD AND ELIGIBLE PEOPLE WILL USE THE DEVICES.
THEY ARE WAIT FORGET APPROVAL TO HELP US TO BRIDGE THE GAP TEMPORARILY AND IT IS FOR US TO PROVIDE THE DEVICES.
WE WILL HAVE THOSE FOR JANUARY AVAILABLE FOR CHECKOUT.
WE WILL BE DISTRIBUTING THOSE TO FAMILIES.
IN TERMS OF ELIGIBILITY, IF ANYONE IS LACKING INTERNET CONNECTIVITY WHICH -- ANYONE WHO DOES NOT HAVE A CONNECT KED DEVICE -- CONNECTED DEVICE, THEY MUST HAVE A LIBRARY CARD.
THAT'S LOW-HANGING FRUIT IN TERMS OF BARRIERS AND IN TERMS OF PEOPLE HAVING ACCESS.
THE COUNTY PRE SINKS AND OTHER COMMUNITY THAT CAN DISTRIBUTE THOSE 15,000 CHROME BOOKS.
IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THIS, WE ALSO RECEIVED FUNDING FROM THE TEXAS STATE LIBRARY IN TERMS OF 300K -- $300,000 GRANT FOR THE PROGRAM TO TRAIN PEOPLE AND LET THEM KNOW HOW TO OUT -- UTILIZE THE TECHNOLOGY AND CONNECT TO THE DEVICES -- USING THE WI-FI DEVICES AND USING THE CHROME BOOKS.
WE ARE GOING TO ASSIGN ONE PER PRECINCT AND THEY WILL BE DOING LITERACY TRAINING WHICH IS HANDS ON TRAINING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT.
WE ALSO RECEIVED ANOTHER 26,000 FOR THE PROGRAM THAT HELPS US WITH THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WHERE WE CAN PROMOTE THE HOUSING AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. WE CAN DO THIS AND CAN HOST PUBLIC LECTURES AND PRODUCE VIDEOS ON EMERGENCY SERVICES AND CRISIS AND OTHER ON GOING SERVICES.
I WANTED TO UPDATE THE COURT ON THE LIBRARY'S PARTICIPATION AND PROVIDING BROADBAND ACCESS AND BRIDGING THE DIVIDE.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING TIME TO GET THAT UP THERE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.
THAT CONCLUDES THE DISCUSSION ITEMS EXCEPT FOR OUR EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM NUMBER 301.
IT IS 5:42 AND WE ARE HEADED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS WITH OUR ATTORNEYS.
>> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
DAVE, JAY, TIFFANY ALL OF THE SPEAKERS?
>> WHILE YOU ARE ALL WORKING AT 10:00 [INAUDIBLE] THE BIKE TRAILS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S BEAUTIFUL.
SAFE TRAVELS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 5:57 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS NOW ADJOURNED.
THANK YOU, EVERYONE.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.