Dec 14, 2021 Commissioners Court

[Pastor Coleman Philley of Katy's First Baptist Church.]

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>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 10:06 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS DECEMBER 14TH, 2021 MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

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

TODAY'S PASTOR IS GOING TO BE PRESENTED TO US BY PRECINCT 3,

COMMISSIONER TOM RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS A REAL PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE OUR PASTOR TODAY.

COLEMAN PHILEY IS A PASTOR AT KATY'S FIRST BAPTIST.

I HAVE KNOWN COLEMAN FOR YEARS.

HE WAS A CIVIL ENGINEER AND I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT HELPS IN THE PULPIT THE SAME AS IT DOES ON COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

COALMAN IS -- COLEMAN IS A GREAT LEADER.

HE GREW UP ON THE EASTSIDE AS DID HIS WIFE.

HE HAS FOUR CHILDREN. I LOVE THE NAME JOE SIGH YAW, LEVI AND JUDAH AND HANNAH IS THE GIRL.

HE IS A GREAT LIEDER. LEADER.

HE WENT TO TEXAS A AND M -- TEXAS A&M.

HE GOT HIS THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AT THE BAPTIST SEMINARY. HE IS A WONDERFUL LEADER IN KATY. COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND I CALL IT PRECINCT 7. COLEMAN, ARE YOU WITH US?

>> I AM, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THANK YOU.

CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> THANK YOU. LET'S PRAY.

HEAVENLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU AND IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND ALL THINGS ARE HELD TOGETHER BY HIS LORD SHIP.

WE ARE THE CREATOR AND GIVER OF LIFE AND THE GIVER OF EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT. THANK YOU THAT YOUR SOVEREIGNTY AFFORDS US THE GIFT OF GOVERNING BODIES SUCH AS THE HARRIS CON TEE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND AS A FORMER CIVIL ENGINEER AND NOW PASTOR I HAVE A SPECIAL ADMIRATION FOR THESE PUBLIC SERVANTS.

I ASK YOU ALLOW AN UNDENIABLE ANOINTING OF YOUR GRACE OVER THEIR LEADERSHIP AND THE HOUSEHOLDS OF COUNTY JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS ELLIS, GARCIA, RAMSEY AND CAGLE AS THEY CONTINUE TO LEAD IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES AND ASK FOR YOUR SPIRIT TO LEAD THEM. WE PRAY NOW FOR A BENEFICIAL MEETING AND ASK THAT YOU PROVIDE EACH OF THEM A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND CELEBRATING THE LIGHT OF LIFE THAT CAME IN THE DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD, THE LIGHT OF JESUS, A LAMB ON BEHALF OF ALL HUMANITY.

IT IS IN HIS NAME, THE NAME OF JESUS, WE PRAY THESE THINGS AND TRUST THESE THINGS. AMEN.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AMEN. PASTOR, I NOTE IN YOUR BIO YOU LIKE TO GO CAMPING AT GARNL -- GARNER STATE PARK EVERY

SUMMER. >> YES, SIR.

>> I AM NAMED AFTER IT, VICE PRESIDENT GARNER.

THAT'S MY NAME -- NAME SAKE. >> THAT'S SPECIAL.

THAT'S REALLY NEAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: PASTOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME AND FOR THAT BEAUTIFUL PRAYER. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S RECITE

THE PLEDGE. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG. -- TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

TO THE REPUBLIC, ONE NATION, UNDERGOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE. TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDERGOD, ONE -- EVERY TIME WE RECITE THE PLEDGE I THINK OF MRS.

[Departments (Part 1 of 2)]

WE HAVE 10 RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER THIS MORNING.

THE FIRST IS A DEEP DEBT OF GRATITUDE FOR CLAY BOWMAN WHO IS LEAVING AFTER 31 YEARS OF SERVICE.

CLAY BOWMAN LEAVES AFTER 31 YEARS OF SERVICE AND HE SERVED AS AN ASSISTANT COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR 19 YEARS AND COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR 12 YEARS.

MR. BOWMAN HAS EXCELLED AS A COURT ADMINISTRATOR WORKING WITH THE COURTS AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES MANAGING GRANT APPLICATIONS AND ENSURING PROPER PROCEDURES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF INDIGENT DEFENSE COUNCIL AND KEEPING ONE OF THE NATION'S LARGEST SYSTEMS AT THE FOREFRONT.

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THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT THERE BY COMMENCES CLAY BOWMAN SERVING THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

IS MR. BOWMAN HERE? CONGRATULATIONS.

PLEASE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> CLAY BOWMAN. [INAUDIBLE].

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU GOT IT. >> MY NAME IS CLAY BOWMAN AND I AM A COURT ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE 61 HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURTS. I AM HERE ALONG WITH THREE OF MY KEY STAFF MEMBERS, MS. CRUZ, MS. DARTEZ AND MS. LANAN. EACH LIKE ME HAS MADE THE DECISION TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

BETWEEN THE FOUR OF US, WE REPRESENT 150 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY. THEY ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES HERE TODAY. FOR MY PART, I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH CAPABLE AND DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANTS WORKING ALONGSIDE ME FOR THE PAST 31 YEARS I APPRECIATE THOSE IN THE DEPARTMENT WHO DO THE REAL WORK OF MANAGING THE DAILY BUSINESS OF THE COURTS AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT JUSTICE IS DONE IN INDIVIDUAL CASES.

I WANT TO THANK THE DISTRICT JUDGES AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE HAD TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.

IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH EACH OF YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE TO CUT EVERYONE OFF AT TIME.

UNLESS ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU WRAP

UP? >> I AM GRATEFUL TO GIVE TIME BACK TO MY WIFE AND FAMILY. THANK YOU AGAIN.

MUCH APPRECIATED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MR. -- THANK YOU, MR. BOWMAN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN, LET ME THANK YOU BECAUSE I WORKED WITH YOU WHEN I WAS SHERIFF COUNTY.

31 YEARS AND YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF THAT.

ONE OF THE THINGS I RECOGNIZE THAT YOU ARE IS, YOU KNOW, I LOOK AT THESE INSTAGRAM REELS SOMETIMES AND THERE IS A LOT OF CUTE ONES ABOUT PUPPIES AND DIFFERENT THINGS OF THAT NATURE ONE I SAW RECENTLY WAS SOMEONE WHO WAS ABLE TO GET HATS ALTOGETHER TO DO A BUNCH OF STUFF.

AND WITHOUT A DOUBT YOU ARE A CORALLER OF -- CORALLER OF CATS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE. 42 YEARS.

WOW. CONGRATULATIONS.

THANK YOU. >> IT HAS BEEN AND THE RESOLUTION MENTIONS THE HURRICANES AND THE OTHER DISASTERS. I KNOW IT IS NOT JUST MR. BOWMAN, BUT HIS TEAM. EVERYBODY HERE SO LET ME PUT MY GLASSES ON. I WANT TO GIVE A ROUND OF

APPLAUSE FOR HIS STAFF. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND WE CAN'T SEE THE STAFF. CLAY, THANK YOU.

WE APPRECIATE THE WORK. THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CLAY, IS YOUR FAMILY HERE?

>> MRS. BOWMAN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: PLEASE

STAND. >> I ASKED CLAY WHAT HE WAS GOING TO DO NEXT AND HE SAID WHATEVER MRS. BOWMAN SAID.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S THE PRESIDING JUDGE THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE NEXT RESOLUTION IS RECOGNIZING MELISSA G.DARTEZ. MELISSA G.DARTEZ WILL RETIRE

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AND THEN WORKING FROM OCTOBER OF 1997 THROUGH JANUARY OF 1988 IN THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. SHE BEGAN HER EMPLOYMENT AS A HUMAN BENEFITS AND RESOURCE COORDINATOR AND THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS IN 1988. SHE MOVED TO THE HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE WHERE SHE WAS AN OFFICE MANAGER THROUGH 1998. IN APRIL OF 1998 SHE RETURNED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS TO SERVE AS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR -- THE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR, A POSITION SHE WOULD HOLD UNTIL RETIREMENT.

SHE COORDINATED FUNCTIONS TO SUPPORT THE ON GOING ADMINISTRATIONS OF THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS AND ALL OF THE DISTRICT COURTS. SHE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING TO MANAGE THE DEPARTMENT BUDGET AS IT GREW FROM 40 MILLION TO OVER $80 MILLION.

MELISSA HAS EDUCATED HUNDREDS OF JUDGES AND EMPLOYEES ON HARRIS COUNTY BENEFITS AND ASSIST DISTRICT JUDGES WITH BENEFITS RELATED TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. HER EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL WORK ETHIC WILL BE MISSED BY HER FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. THEY ALL WISH HER THE BEST LIFE HAS TO OFFER. SHE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO TRAVELING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND SPENDING TIME WITH THE GRANDKIDS. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY CONGRATULATES AND COMMANDS MELISSA G.DARTEZ FOR 36 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY AND OFFERS BEST WISHES FOR AN ENJOYABLE AND WELL-DESERVED RETIREMENT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATIO.

LIEN LEAN IS SHE HERE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: IS HE HERE IN PERSON? CONGRATULATIONS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: A COUPLE -- THERE ARE TWO MORE RESOLUTIONS AND THIS IS JUST AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF DEDICATION FOR ALL OF THE FOLKS WE ARE RECOGNIZING. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME.

WHEREAS DEBORAH JEAN LONON WILL RETIRE FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 AFTER 27 YEARS -- 37 YEARS OF SERVICE.

SHE STARTED AT THE ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT FROM OCTOBER 11TH 1984 TO OCTOBER OF 1985.

AFTER DEPARTMENT LAYOFF SHE'S REESTABLISHED HERSELF IN THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT. APRIL OF 1993 AS AN ADD -- ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN HUMAN RESOURCES SHE TRANSFERRED TO THE DISTRICT COURTS ON APRIL 26TH, 1993. WHEREAS DEBBIE WAS STEDFAST IN HER DUTIES AND SHE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE DAY TO DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS. THE TENURE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN ASSISTING THE JUDGES' VARIOUS NEEDS INCLUDING COORDINATING THE CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION, TRAVELS PREPARING JURY CHARGES FOR CRIMINAL JUDGES. VITAL TO THE COURT REPORTERS PREPARING THE JURY CHARGE AND PROCESSING PAYABLES AND VALUABLE TO RECRUITING NEW COURT REPORTERS.

HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS WILL BE MISSED BY HER CO-WORKERS AND FRIENDS.

DEBBIE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND CREATING NEW ACTIVITIES AND MEMORIES AND TRAVELING. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY CONGRATULATES AND COMMANDS DEBORAH "DEBBIE" JEAN LONON FOR 37 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY.

AND OFFERS BEST WISHES FOR HER RETIREMENT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. IF MS. LONON IS THERE, THANK

YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATIO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND WE ARE RECOGNIZING MARIA CRUZ FOR 42 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY.

WHEREAS MARIA G CRUZ WILL RETIRE FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURTS ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2021 AFTER MORE THAN 42 YEARS OF SERVICE, SHE BEGAN HER EMPLOYMENT ON JANUARY 17, 1979.

IN THE HARRIS COUNTY ADULT PROBATION DEPARTMENT WHICH IS THE COMMUNITY SUPERVISION AND CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE 9 PROBATION OFFICERS IN THIS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

SHE WORKED FROM 1981 TO 1988 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE ASSISTANT COURT ADMINISTRATOR AND PROJECT ANALYST. SHE WAS THE SECRETARY FOR THREE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AND -- IN THE FELONY DIVISION AS THE ATTORNEYS OFFICE FROM APRIL OF 1989 TO

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SHE HAS SEEN ONLY THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURTS DIVISION TO NOW SUPPORTING THE FAMILY, CIVIL AND THE JUVENILE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION. MARIA WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN STAFF RELOCATIONS AS HARRIS COUNTY BUILT NEW BUILDINGS FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER AND CIVIL COURTS AND TRANSFORMED THE OLD HARRIS COUNTY COURTHOUSE TO THE NEW JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER. SHE HELPED THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACCOUNT SYSTEM IN 2019 AND THE NEW STARS ACCOUNTING SYSTEM AND MADE LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DISTRICT COURT THROUGH HER POSITIVE INTERACTIONS WITH THE JUDICIARY, COURT STAFF, CO-WORKERS AND THE DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT. SHE WILL BE MISSED.

MARIA IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY, TRAVELING AND CONTINUING TO WORK FOR THE HOUSTON ASTROS IN AND HOUSTON ROCKETS ORGANIZATION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CONGRATULATES MARIA G CRUZ OF 42 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY AND BEST WISHES FOR AN ENJOYABLE RETIREMENT.

CONGRATULATIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, MARIA, DID THEY FIND YOU IN A BASKET ON THE STEPS OF THE COURTHOUSE? YOU WEAR THOSE 42 YEARS INCREDIBLY WELL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

THOSE ARE MY RESOLUTIONS. I DON'T HAVE ANY RESOLUTIONS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS OUT OF ORDER FOR YOU.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? AID AIDE --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

THIS RESOLUTION GOES ALONG WITH ITEM 302.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE RECOGNIZING BOTH OF THESE AT THE SAME TIME. JUDGE, THANKS TO MY COLLEAGUES I SERVE ON THE COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE WORK BEING DONE.

OF COURSE I AM VERY ANXIOUS AND I WISH THIS WORK HAD STARTED YEARS AGO. IT STARTED AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE IKE. HURRICANE IKE HAPPENED IN 2008. FINALLY WE ARE MAKING SOME FORWARD PROGRESS. OBVIOUSLY IT IS NOT FAST ENOUGH AND WE HOPE THAT MOTHER NATURE CONTINUES TO STEER THINGS AWAY FROM OUR SHIP CHANNEL.

TO THAT END, AT THE LAST MEETING WE HAD THEY WERE SHARING HOW WE NEED TO MAKE SURE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ARMY CORP DIFFERENT FROM OUR REGION SO THAT HIS UPPER LINE CAN HEAR THE NEED AND THE ADVOCACY AND THE SUPPORT THAT HIS ORGANIZATION HAS TO HELP US MOVE THESE PROJECTS FORWARD AND HELP BRING THE FUNDING NECESSARY TO ACCELERATE THE PROGRESS FOR THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT TO THE EXTENT IT CAN. THIS RESOLUTION I WOULD ASK YOU NOT ONLY WOULD I HOPE WE PASS IT UNANIMOUSLY, BUT I ASK THAT WE SEND IT TO THE ADMINISTRATION WITH A JOINT LETTER BY ALL OF US MAKING SURE WE RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF THE PROTECTION DISTRICT AND ADVOCATING FOR OUR DISTRICT TO GET ALL OF THE RESOURCES AND ATTENTION NECESSARY FOR THE WORK BEING DONE BY THE DISTRICT.

AND ALTHOUGH THE -- YOU KNOW, WHAT I HAVE SAID FROM THE BEGINNING, MY ADMINISTRATION HAS SAID IS 2008 TO 2019 IS A VERY SLOW PROGRESS. WE NEED TO GET SOMETHING DONE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. THE GULF COAST -- THE COASTAL SPINE AND WE HAVE HAD OTHER NAMES.

BUT THE COASTAL SPINE IS THE PRIORITY PROJECT.

WE HAVE TO GET SOMETHING. NOT EVERYBODY IS GOING TO BE HAPPY WITH WHAT COMES FIRST. IT IS ABOUT GETTING THE PROGRESS DONE AND THE REST OF THE SOLUTIONS WE MAY NEED TO BRING TO THE TABLE. THIS IS PRINCE -- PRINCIPALLY TO INDICATE OUR SUPPORT FOR THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT. AND AS A CONSEQUENCE AND PRIMARILY AS A RESULT OF COLONEL BELL AND THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS. THIS RESOLUTION READS, WHEREAS

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THERE IS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT TO ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRIAL CENTERS IN THE NATION.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT SUPPORTS THE WORK OF THE GULF COAST DISTRICT AND ADVANCING THE GOAL OF PROTECTING COASTAL TEXAS INCLUDING HARRIS COUNTY AND THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL FROM CATASTROPHIC STORM SURGE. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO PRESENT THAT, BUT THIS COMES AT A VERY, VERY IMPORTANT TIME WE HOPED THAT HE WOULD BE ABLE TO JOIN US.

OTHERWISE HE WOULD HAVE JOINED US.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU.

THERE IS NOT ANYTHING ON THIS THAT IS AS IMPORTANT AS THIS

ISSUE. >> ABSOLUTELY.

I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE FOR CREATING THE DISTRICT AND I APPRECIATE ONE OF OUR STATE REPS IS OUT THERE NOW. THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT THAT SETS THE NEXT STEPS. THE FIRST THING TO BE DONE IS THE GATES. THAT IS THE MOST BENEFITS IS COMING OUT OF THE GATES. THERE WILL BE ASKS FOR HARRIS COUNTY. REPRESENTATIVE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER ANY WORDS ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM?

>> YEAH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COME UP AND JOIN US. WE WANT TO BE REAL CLEAR HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS TO OUR REGION AND TO OUR INDUSTRY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DIDN'T SEE YOU.

WELCOME REPRESENTATIVE KING. >> HI, JUDGE.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA ARE YOU CORRECT. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY BEING A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TOAST AND THERE IS AN AREA ON THE COAST AND OUR CONSTITUENTS ARE CONCERNED WITH THIS.

SOMETIMES IT IS A DIFFICULT THING TO GET -- TEXAS IS A BIG STATE. YOU GET REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS WHO DON'T REPRESENT COASTAL COMMUNITIES TO UNDERSTAND WHY WHAT WE DO HERE IN THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL AND ALONG THIS COASTLINE MATTERS TO THEM.

IF WE WERE NOT MOVING PRODUCT OR EXPORTING GOODS AND IMPORTING AND DOING OIL AND GAS, MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE IN DALLAS WOULDN'T WANT TO LIVE THERE EITHER.

I THANK Y'ALL FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND IT IS A GREAT IDEA

YOU HAVE THE LETTER ATTACHED. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: DID YOU HAVE

SOMETHING TO SAY? >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT DONE IS WITH ALL OF US TOGETHER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ADDITIONAL?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: ONE OF THE MANY JOY I HAVE IS SPENDING TIME WITH MY SIX-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON AND THAT IS JUST A BEYOND JOY FOR ME.

AND THAT IS WHY THIS NEXT RESOLUTION IS DIFFICULT, BUT IF WE DON'T TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER, WE ARE MISSING AN

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SCRIPTURE SAYS BLESS THOSE WHO MOURN FOR THEY SHALL BE COMFORTED. THAT'S WHAT THIS IS, COMFORTING. HARRIS COUNTY LEADS THE STATE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES. IN 2020 HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WAS UP 40% AND FAMILY VIOLENCE AND THE NUMBERS FOR 2021 AREN'T AS PROMISING. THAT'S CONTEXT THAT WE HONOR TODAY. WHEREAS SAMUEL OLE SON WAS BRUTALLY KILLED STEALING A LIFE OF HOPE AND PROMISE FROM A CHILD WHO WAS ABOUT TO CELEBRATE HIS 6TH BIRTHDAY. WHEREAS SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE DEATH OF SAMUEL, THE ACCUSED WAS RELEASED FROM JAIL BY IMAGINE TRAITY RAW FLOREZ ON A -- MAGTRA -- IMAGINE TRAIT -- MAGTRATE ERA FLOREZ. SHE IS ACCUSED OF HIDING THE REMAINS BEFORE A CRIMESTOPPERS TIP ALLOWED LAW ENFORCEMENT TO RECOVER THE REMAINS OF SAMUEL.

WHEREAS SAMUEL WAS STOLEN FROM HIS FAME AND OUR COMMUNITY FAR TOO YOUNG, SAMUEL WAS A YOUNG MAN OF GREAT CHARACTER.

HE WAS EVEN AWARDED THE MOST COURTEOUS STUDENT AT RL STEVENSON ELEMENTARY. SAMUEL LOVED "TOY STORY" AND I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITES.

HE LOVED TO EXPLAIN WHICH TOY FROM THE SERIES HE WANTED TO ADD TO THE COLLECTION, WOODY AND BUZZ WERE HIS FAVORITES.

WHEREAS IN 2019 SAMUEL BECAME A BIG BROTHER AND COULD NOT WAIT UNTIL HIS BROTHER, CLARK, WAS OLD ENOUGH TO PLAY WITH.

SADLY, SAMUEL WILL NEVER GET TO SHARE HIS LOVE OF DINOSAURS AND "TOY STORY WITH HIS LITTLE BROTHER.

SAMUEL WAS ONE OF 500 MURDER VICTIMS IN HARRIS COUNTY SO FAR THIS YEAR. IT IS A CHILLING REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR MOST VULNERABLE.

AND PROTECTING THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF SAMUEL OLSON AND RESOLVED -- RESOLVES THAT CHANGES MUST BE TAKEN TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY AND ENSURE SAFETY.

JUDGE, WE HAVE SAMUEL'S GRANDMOTHER AND MOTHER HERE.

I THINK THEY WOULD LIKE TO SAY A WORD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AMEN AND COMMISSIONER, I WOULD LIKE TO

SECOND YOUR RESOLUTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. GO AHEAD.

>> HI. MY NAME IS SARA OLSON.

MY SON WAS TAKEN FROM ME, AND IT SEEMED LIKE NO ONE WOULD HELP. FOR OVER A YEAR I TRIED TO GET HIM BACK. THE LAST I SAW HIM, HIS FATHER DID EVERYTHING HE COULD TO KEEP HIM FROM ME.

HE SUCCEEDED. POLICE DECIDED TO LISTEN TO A WOMAN THAT MURDERS CHILDREN AND A MAN THAT ENDANGERS AND ABANDONS THEM INSTEAD OF A MOTHER WHO ALL SHE WANTED WAS FOR HER BABY TO COME BACK HOME.

DALTON SAID I WOULD NEVER SEE SAM AGAIN AND HE KEPT THAT PROMISE. IN MY EYES HE IS RIGHT THERE WITH HER. HE IS JUST AS GUILTY.

IF HE COULD DO EVERYTHING TO KEEP MY SON FROM ME, WHY COULDN'T HE KEEP AWAY FROM HIS MURDERER? HOW LONG WAS MY SON BEING ABUSED FOR? WHY COULDN'T HE JUST COME HOME? I WAS SO -- I WAS CASH DASH I WAS CLOSE -- I WAS CLOSE TO FINALLY GETTING HIM BACK IN MY ARMS, AND INSTEAD HE WAS RETURNED IN A BODY BAG. I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST --

>> RUER TIME IS UP. YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> WHY CAN'T HE BE CHARGED? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER REMARKS, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MA'AM, I'M SO, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. I CAN'T IMAGINE THE PAIN.

THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING OUT AND FOR BEING BRAVE AND JUST KNOW THAT WE ARE WITH YOU. DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

AS WELL? >> TIFFANY FORMACA.

SAMUEL OLSON'S GRANDMOTHER. THANK YOU FOR HONORING HIM.

CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE SO HIS DEATH WAS NOT IN VEIN.

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A NONCUSTODIAL PARENT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO KEEP AND VIOLATE THE COURT ORDER AND NOT RETURN THE CHILD AND THE CUSTODIAL PARENT BE TOLD THAT IT IS A CIVIL MATTER.

HAD THAT BEEN DONE, SAM WOULD BE WITH US TODAY HAPPY AND HEALTHY. DALTON ALSO WAS ON VIOLATION OF MULTIPLE COURT ORDERS AND STILL HAS NOT BEEN ARRESTED.

AT THE LEAST HE SHOULD BE ARRESTED FOR CHILD ENDANGERMENT FOR PLACING HIM WITH A WOMAN THAT HE HIMSELF WAS AFRAID OF HIS OWN SAFETY AND HAD A PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST. HELP US HAHN -- HONOR SAM BY ARRESTING THE PEOPLE THAT LEAD TO HIS DEATH.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO SPEAK.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, TIFFANY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOD BLESS YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WITH REPRESENTATIVES HERE TODAY, THIS IS -- THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DO IN AUSTIN TO BRING SOME RELIEF TO THESE SITUATIONS.

I WOULD ADD THAT TO OUR LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN AUSTIN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ABSOLUTELY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU

BOTH. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: TODAY WE HAVE A WIDE ARRANGE OF EMOTIONS AS THEY COME TO OUR RESOLUTIONS. WE HAVE HAD THOSE OF FORWARD-THINKING AND TRYING TO PLAN AGAINST HURRICANES WITH REGARD TO THE COASTAL SPINE. WE HAVE HAD THE TRAGEDY OF SAMUEL THAT RIPS OUR HEARTS OUT.

WE ALSO HAVE A MOMENT WHERE WE CAN BE PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ONE OF THE COUNTY'S FINEST AND THAT IS OUR FIRE MARSHAL. WITHOUT MUCH MORE I WILL GO INTO THE ACTUAL RESOLUTION. THE TEXAS FIRE MARSHAL'S ASSOCIATION FEATURES THE SCRIPTURE GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAN A MAN WHO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. WHEREAS YOU ARE OWN HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHALS -- COME ON DOWN AND BRING THE CREW.

THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE WAS RECOGNIZED AT THE TEXAS FIRE MARSHAL'S ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN THE SAN MARCOS LAST NOVEMBER WITH THE PLATINUM LEVEL 2021 ACHIEVEMENT OF EXCELLENCE AWARD.

IT CAN ACHIEVE THE GOLD LEVEL AWARD NOT ONCE, NOT TWICE, BUT THREE TIMES IN A ROW. AND WHEREAS FIRE MARSHAL LORI CHRISTIANSON'S LEADERSHIP, THE HARRIS COUNTY FIRE SMAR -- FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE IS THE ONLY DEPARTMENT ACROSS THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS TO HAVE EVER REACHED THE LEVEL OF PLAT -- PLATINUM EXCELLENCE AND FIRE PREVENTION.

YOU AND YOURSELVES ALONE WHEREAS THE OFFICE IS AWARDED THE ROSCOE GIBSON AND THERE IS AN INDIVIDUAL ROSCOE GIBSON AWARD TO RETIRE TOM PETTY OF THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE TO HIS CAREER LONG EDUCATION AND THE STATEWIDE RECOGNITION SERVES AS A TESTIMONY TO THE YEAR AFTER YEAR CONSTANT SEE OF THE GREAT WORK OF THE OFFICE WITH EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AND INNOVATION IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC SAFETY THAT KEEPS OUR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT HONORS WITH GREAT GRATITUDE LAURIE CHRISTIANSON AND THE HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE.

THAT IS THE RESOLUTION AND I MOVE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATIO. >> FIRST I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONERS' COURT. YOU ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR SUCCESS. ONE OF THE REASONS I BROUGHT SO MANY OF MY TEAM MEMBERS OR I LIKE TO SAY FAMILY MEMBERS TO COURT TODAY IS THEY DON'T GET TO SEE THIS PART OF THE OPERATION. THEY DON'T GET TO SEE THE SUPPORT WE GET FROM COURT AND FROM OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND OUR CONSTITUENTS THAT LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU. WE ARE THE FIRST EVER TO RECEIVE THIS. I THINK WHAT THIS SHOW STZ DEDICATION OF THIS TEAM WHO NOT ONLY WINS THIS THREE YEARS IN A ROW, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD IN THEIR NEEDS AND IN THEIR DESIRES TO MAKE HARRIS COUNTY A SAFER PLACE.

OUR GOIL IS ONE -- OUR GOAL IS ONE MISSION.

AND A SAFER HARRIS COUNTY. FIRE DOESN'T CHOOSE.

IT IS EQUALLY DESTRUCTIVE. ONE OF THE THINGS WE TRY TO DO IS HOW DO WE BETTER PROTECT OUR COMMUNITIES.

YOU KNOW, WHAT IS INTERESTING IS THE PEOPLE WE HAVE, AND I KNOW MY TIME IS GETTING SHORT.

THE PEOPLE WE HAVE FROM OUR COMMUNITY THAT HAVE COME TO

WORK FOR US -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: KEEP GOING.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: TELL US WHO THESE PEOPLE ARE.

>> I HAVE TO SAY, WE HAVE HAD PEOPLE COME AND WORK FOR US.

COURT GIVES US THE FUNDING. THEY GIVE US THE PCN'S, BUT IT IS THE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE IN THE COMMUNITY.

[00:35:06]

WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT CAN COME AND WORK FOR US THAT WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. I WANT TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD. I THINK YOU KNOW HER AS OUR COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM, I DON'T THINK WE WOULD HAVE THE FIRE

PREVENTION THAT WE HAVE HAD. >> GOOD MORNING.

HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE.

ALONG WITH THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM WON THE ROSCOE GIBSON AWARD ALONG WITH TOM PETTY.

WE WON A NUMBER OF AWARDS AT THE FIRE MARSHAL'S CONFERENCE. WITHOUT THE LEADERSHIP FROM COURT AND WITHOUT OUR LEADERSHIP FROM OUR FIRE MARSHAL AND ALL OF THE CHIEFS WE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO DO THAT. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE LEADERSHIP AT FMO AND THE TEAM THAT WE HAVE.

IT IS NOT JUST ONE PERSON THAT DOES THIS.

IT IS AN ENTIRE TEAM. OUR CHIEF LETS US DO FUN AND INTERESTING THINGS. WE ARE -- REALLY OUR GOAL IS TO PREVENT ANY FIRE FROM OCCURRING OR ANY DEATH OR ANY INJURY. WE ARE TRYING TO FIND INNOVATIVE AND FUN WAYS TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

LIEN LEAN COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- LEAN COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU TO YOUR TEAM. OUR OFFICE AND YOUR OFFICE AT -- HAVE HAD TO WORK TOGETHER A LOT MORE.

NOT THAT I DON'T CARE TO, BUT OBVIOUSLY SITUATIONS NECESSITATE THAT WE RESPOND OUT THERE.

SO I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU IN PARTICULAR AND YOUR TEAM AS WELL FOR THE RESPONSIVENESS AND THE THOROUGHNESS AND THE TRANSPARENTNESS OF COMMUNICATING THE THINGS THAT ARE TAKING PLACE. THE DUE DILIGENCE THAT YOU REALLY GO THROUGH TO ENSURE THAT THE THINGS WE ARE DEALING WITH ARE UNDERSTOOD AND YOU GIVE US A DEGREE OF COMFORT TO THE EXTENT YOU CAN. THAT THINGS ARE UNDER CONTROL. AND YOU HAVE BEEN TESTED SINCE 2019. YOU AND YOUR STAFF HAVE BEEN TESTED TIME IN AND TIME AGAIN FROM ITC TO EXXON.

I MEAN, THE -- THE BARGE. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE IN BETWEEN. THESE ARE REALLY JUST THE ONES THAT TEND TO HIT THE 5:00, 10:00 NEWS.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE, WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL I WOULD TEASE THE FIREMEN WHY WE WOULD LOSE THE GUNS AND HOSES BATTLE. THEY WOULD SAY BECAUSE WE ATE TOO MANY DONUTS. WE WOULD SAY BECAUSE Y'ALL DON'T DO ANYTHING BUT WORKOUT.

IT HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL PLEASURE TO WITNESS SOME REALLY, REALLY INCREDIBLE WORK AND LEADERSHIP.

I JUST WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE VERY, VERY GRATEFUL TO YOU AND TO YOUR TEAM.

AND I HAVE ANOTHER ITEM THAT IS SYNONYMOUS WITH RECOGNIZING THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE. AFTER WE GET DONE WITH THIS I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE BRING THAT ITEM.

>> SURE. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CALMNESS AND I'M SURE IT PERMEATES THROUGH YOUR TEAM. YOU CALL ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AND EVEN WHEN WE DON'T WANT TO TALK.

>> YOU EVEN ANSWER DURING DINNER.

>> IT IS SO CALM AND THE DEMEANOR IS IMPORTANT FOR SOMEONE IN A STRESSFUL SITUATION.

IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU. I CAN SEE SOME OF YOU AROUND FROM TIME TO TIME X BUT YOU KNOW WE ARE ON BEST BEHAVIOR.

YOU CAN SEE THAT. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I KNOW WHEN WE SHOWED UP ON THAT FIRE AND YOU CAN SEE IT FOR MILES, I GET THERE AND AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAYS, EVERYBODY IS CALM.

GOT THIS UNDER CONTROL WHEN IT REALLY WASN'T UNDER CONTROL.

THANK YOU FOR THAT LEADERSHIP.

THAT IS A SKILL THAT IS MUCH NEEDED IN THE COUNTY.

THANK YOU FOR THAT. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU AND IT HAS BEEN SAID. PROFESSIONALISM, COMMITMENT AND YOUR TEAM AS EL WITH. I AM SO PROUD TO SEE YOU ALL HERE. I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A TOUGH FEW YEARS. I AM VERY PROUD AND VERY CONFIDENT SERVING ALONGSIDE YOU.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[00:40:02]

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: CONGRATULATION.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES? >> [INAUDIBLE]

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT OKAY, COMMISSIONER?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO BRING ITEM 211 OUT OF ORDER.

THIS IS -- [INAUDIBLE] WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET HER BACK

TO HER CITY. >> COMMISSIONER IS YOUR MIC

ON? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

I DO WANT TO RECOGNIZE MAYOR MOYA, 211, IT SPEAKS TO INCREDIBLE WORK THAT HER AND HER TEAM ESPECIALLY CHIEF ELLERS HAD BEEN DOING AND BEEN ADVOCATING FOR AND FIGHTING FOR. MAYOR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. WE WISH YOU COULD HAVE GOTTEN THIS DONE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, BUT WE'RE GETTING IT DONE. IT COULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR ADVOCACY.

AGAIN, I WANT TO THANK HER FOR HER COMMITMENT TO BRINKING A -- TO BRINGING AND IMPROVES -- IMPROVING THE COMMUNICATION FOR THE RESIDENTS OF GALENA PARK.

WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH CHEMICAL EVENTS AND WEATHERY -- WEATHER EVENTS INCLUDING ITC THAT STRAINED OUR ABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY NOTIFY FOLKS OF POTENTIAL RISKS TO THEIR HEALTH. MY HOPE IS THEY BRIDGE THE GAP AND GIVE THEM ONE MORE TOOL TO HELP KEEP THE COMMUNITY SAFE.

WHAT IS HAPPENING, JUDGE AND COLLEAGUES, THIS WILL BE THE INSTALLATION OF THREE 60-FOOT CLASS 2 WOOD POLES, 3,000-WATT HIGH-POWERED SPEAKERS TO PROVIDE BOTH RING TONE AND CLEAR VOICE, AND MOTOROLA RADIOS WITH ADVANCED COMMUNICATION IN OMNI ANTENNA.

THE INSTALLATION OF ONE COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT AND ADVANCED NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND A GRAPHICAL INTERFACE PROVIDING A SIMPLE METHOD TO MONITOR AND ACTIVATE THE SYSTEM, A FIVE-YEAR PARTS WARRANTY AND 24/7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT. WE BELIEVE THE SIGH -- SIRENS WILL BE ABLE TO BE HEARD THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF GALENA PARK AND JACINTO CITY AND THE ADJACENT AREAS AROUND THE CITY. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE RESIDENTS WANT TO KNOW WHAT TO DO.

THEY NEED DIRECTION FROM THEIR LEADERSHIP.

THIS PARTICULAR SYSTEM WILL ALLOW THE CITY TO EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE THEM. THIS ALSO SPEAKS TO OUR CAP PROGRAM, OUR COMMUNITY AIR MONITORING PROGRAM THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SO INSTRUMENTAL WITH.

AND THIS WRIL ALL BE SAW -- AND THIS WILL ALL BE SYNONYMOUS WITH WORKING WITH THE INDUSTRY AND PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE INFORMATION TO ALL RESIDENTS, BUT ESPECIALLY IN AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN IN INTERESTING GAPS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. AND I WANT TO THANK MY TEAM AS WELL. KRISTEN LEE AND MY CHIEF OF STAFF AND OTHERS FOR THEIR WORK ALONGSIDE YOUR TEAM TO FINALLY GETTING THIS DONE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AS

WELL. >> FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU.

WE ARE SO EXCITED. IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS AND WE ARE WORKING REALLY HARD. JUDGE UH HALL DOUGH AND COMMISSION -- JUDGE HIDALGO, COMMISSIONER'S ART COULD WE WANT TO -- WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR LETTING US BE HERE IN TERMS OF ITEM 211 ON THE AGENDA.

THE MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR PRECINCT 2.

THIS MASS NOTIFICATION PROJECT WILL ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF MUCH-NEEDED OUTDOOR SIREN SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF GALENA PARK AND OUR CITIZENS HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR THIS SO WE CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH. THIS PROJECT WILL ENABLE THE CITY OF GALENA PARK TO NOTIFY ALL OUR CITIZENS IN A RAPID,

[00:45:04]

IN ANY EVENT OR MAJOR INCIDENT, THIS PROJECT IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH THE PRECINCT 2, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND HIS STAFF, TO ACCOMPLISH A GOAL THAT IS BENEFICIAL TO EVERYONE

IN THE COMMUNITY. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK

YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: FINISH WITH

YOUR REMARKS. >> I'M SORRY?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO AHEAD AND CONTINUE WITH YOUR REMARKS.

>> THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION AND WORKING WITH THE EDITORS TO SEE THIS PROJECT THROUGH. IT REALLY MEANS A LOT TO US AND THE PROCESS WAS SLOW, BUT IT IS WELL WORTH THE WAIT.

WE APPRECIATE YOU VERY MUCH. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR US.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, MAYOR.

LISTEN, LET ME JUST ALSO SAY THAT HAVING BEEN WITH YOU THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC AND SEEING THE CARE AND THE HEART FELT SINCERE CARE FOR YOUR RESIDENTS, IT IS PHENOMENAL AND IT IS HEART FELT AND IT IS REAL AND IT IS CONSTANT.

AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

I'M SO EXCITED THAT THIS PROJECT IS FINALLY HERE.

>> THANK YOU! GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, MAYOR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT HAS BEEN FANTASTIC TO WORK WITH YOU IN THIS PANDEMIC AND I ALWAYS APPRECIATE YOUR INITIATIVE AND COMMITMENT TO YOUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU.

>> I APPRECIATE YOU, JUDGE. LIEN LEAN COMMISSIONER

CAGLE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE. AND AND.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF QUESTIONS ON WHAT TO DO AND WHAT WE SHOULD READ AND WHY WE DON'T HAVE THIS AND HOW COME THEY DO.

THIS WILL FILL SOME OF THE GAPS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: BEFORE I GO TOO FAR DOWN THE RESOLUTION, WE ARE ABOUT TO HONOR A NONPROFIT AND I HAVE SOME MUGS FROM THIS NO 1 PROFIT THAT WE GOT -- FROM THIS NONPROFIT THAT I WANT TO PASS OUT TO MY COLLEAGUES.

THESE ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN DIFFICULT TIMES. THEY ARE A FIRST RESPONDER TO CHILDREN AGE 5 AND UNDER FACING HUNGER DUE TO EXTREME POVERTY. EVERY WEEKDAY YEAR-ROUND, VOLUNTEERS PREPARE LUNCHES AND DELIVERS 6,000 MEALS TO THE DOOR STOPS OF CHILDREN IN NEED.

THEY SERVE 44 ZIP CODES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND THEY PROVIDE REFERRALS WITH OVER 50 OTHER NONPROFITS AND OTHER WRAP SERVICE PARTNERS. IT IS A ONE OF A KIND PROGRAM IN OUR COUNTRY. THEY HAVE BEEN SUBMITTING TO WORK WITH US ON A NUMBER OF OUR PROJECT THAT'S WE HAVE WITH REGARD TO OUR ARPA FUNDING.

WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH KIDS MEALS FOR 10 YEARS AND WORKING WITH THEM FOE -- TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE MEAL PREPARATION AND MONTHLY AND SOME OF OUR SENIORS IN THE ENCORE PROGRAM LIKE TO DECORATE THE LUNCH BAGS FOR THE CHILDREN. DURING COVID WE PROVIDED HOT FUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF FOR THIS PROGRAM AND PERSONAL PROTECTION AND HAND SANITIZER WE DELIVERED AND WORK WITH THE NONPROFIT. I WOULD LIKE TO READ THEIR RESOLUTION IN THEIR HONOR. WHEREAS HARRIS COUNTY IS RANKED FIFTH IN THE NATION AND HOME TO APPROXIMATELY 26,000 PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN LIVING WITH FOOD INSECURITY BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO YOUNG TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOOL-BASED FREE LUNCH PROGRAMS AND THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, KIDS MEALS, WAS FORMED IN 2006 WITH TWO DELIVERY VANS AND FOCUSED ON ELIMINATING CHILDHOOD HUNGER.

KIDS MEALS TODAY MOBILIZES A FLEET OF 12 VANS AND SURPASSED 8.5 MILLION HEALTHY MEALS DELIVERED TO THE HOMES OF PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. THE ONLY SUCH PROGRAM WHERE THE NEED IS NOT GONE AWAY BECAUSE THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE. 185,000 HEALTHY MEALS WILL BE NEEDED TO SUSTAIN THESE CHILDREN.

THERE ARE AMAZING BUSINESSES AND PARTNERS.

JUSTIN REID OF THE HOUSTON FOOTBALL TEAM AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOR THE HARD WORK AND THE CHRISTMAS

SPIRIT SHOWN BY KIDS' MEALS. >> SECOND THAT RESOLUTION.

JUDGE IF I MIGHT? LET ME JUST CHIME IN AND JUST THANK KIDS MEALS FOR ALL OF THEIR PHENOMENAL WORK.

GOD LOVE YOU. YOU HAVE TAKEN CARE OF PRECINCT 2 CHILDREN. I'M GRATEFUL FOR THAT.

A THOUSAND ON A DAILY BASIS. THEY ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 65% OF

[00:50:10]

I SAID YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO MAKE CORN BREAD.

I TELL MY MOM THIS STORY AND MY MOM GOES , SON WHAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW. I MADE YOU SO MUCH CORN BREAD SO I CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR BROTHERS FULL BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THE NEXT MEAL WAS GOING TO COME.

NONETHELESS, IT REMAINS MY FAVORITE MEAL.

IT REMINDS US THAT THERE ARE STILL FAMILIES AND CHILDREN THAT ARE HUNGRY IN THE GREATEST CON -- COUNTY OF AMERICA AND THAT IS A SHAME. LESS THOUGH IS HAPPENING BECAUSE OF ORGANIZATIONS LIKE KIDS MEAL AND I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR ALL OF THEIR HARD WORK.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> JUDGE WE HAVE A SPEAKER ON THIS ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> SPEAKER NUMBER 9 SIGNED UP AS HARRISON HEART, BUT IT SHOULD BE BETH HEART OF KIDS MEALS INC.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING.

THIS IS BETH HART. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT I AM SO HONORED TO SERVE ALONG EACH OF YOU AND SPECIAL THANKS TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE FOR BRINGING US FORWARD TODAY.

KIDS MEALS HAVE BEEN THE ONLY HOME SCHOOL.

THROUGH THIS MODEL WE ARE CLOSING A GAP FOR KIDS THAT ARE TOO YOUNG FOR FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCHES.

MANY FAMILIES DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION.

AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND WE ARE CAPACITY BUILDING. IT IS THE GREATEST COUNTY IN THE WORLD THAT YOU JUST MENTIONED.

WE ARE NUMBER ONE AND NUMBER 2 FOR FOOD INSECURITY.

OUR GOAL IS TO SERVE 26,000 CHILDREN DAILY.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, RUER TIME IS UP.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT IS THE GOAL? WOULD YOU FINISH THAT, PLEASE?

>> OKAY, THANK YOU. IT IS TO SERVE 26,000 CHILDREN DAILY BY THE YEAR OF 2031. RIGHT NOW WE ARE SERVING ABOUT 6,000 OF THOSE CHILDREN. AND SO WE ARE CAPACITY BUILDING AND WE WANT HARRIS COUNTY TO BE THE FIRST IN THE NATION TO SOLVE THE FOOD IFN -- INSECURITY PROGRAM AND WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THAT EFFORT.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, BETH.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT

YOU DO. >> IT IS JUST A REGULAR TEACUP FOR THOSE WHO DO THE HOTTIE THING.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> ANY OTHER SPEAKERS ON THE RESOLUTIONS?

>> NO, MA'AM, THAT'S ALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANKS SO MUCH. LET'S TAKE SOME PICTURES

THEN. >> R. JACK CAGLE: PICTURES

AND -- >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN WE

WILL TAKE THE SPEAKERS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND EXTEND THE COURTESY WITH THE STATE REP? I DIDN'T KNOW HE WOULD BE HERE TODAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OF COURSE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW.

2 TO 2:30. WE ARE CONTINUING.

[Appearances before court]

>> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS I AM BRISCO CANE AND I REPRESENT

[00:55:04]

READING THE ANALYSIS -- OR THE ANALYST'S REPORT THAT CAME OUTLAST NIGHT. I WOULD SAY THE MEMO IS ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION. THE QUESTION IS NOT THAT THE LAW PROHIBITS THIS, BUT THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THE CONSTITUTION OR THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AUTHORIZED IT. ARTICLE 5 SECTION 18B OF THE SCUGS SAYS COURTS SHALL EXERCISE SUCH POWERS AND JURISDICTIONS AS CONFERRED BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL LAWS OF THIS STATE. THERE ARE A LOT OF OPINIONS ON THIS MATTER. THERE IS AN OPINION THAT YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THAT THE COUNTY WANTED TO SELL A LIST OF REGISTERED VOTERS TO A CROWD OF INDIVIDUALS.

NOT ALLOWED TO DO SO? WHY? THERE IS NO STATE STATUTE OUT TO SELL TO REGISTERED VOTERS.

WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS? THE -- THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THEY ASKED IF THEY CAN SOLVE REWARDS? NO.

UNDER FDR THERE WAS WHAT WAS CALLED THE WORKS PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AND THE WPA WORKERS ARE ASKED TO DRILL THE WATER WELLS. THE ANSWER IS NO.

AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT AUTHORIZES A COUNTY THE TRANSPORT WPA WORKERS. THERE IS A QUESTION WHETHER THE COUNTY COULD BE AUTHORIZED? NO. IT HAS COME UP FROM TIME TO TIME AND IT IS A WELL-ESTABLISHED RULE THAT THEY EXERCISED ONLY THE POWERS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED BY THE STATUTE OUTS. THERE COULD BY AN IDEA THAT IT IS LIKE THE CITY OF AUSTIN WHICH BY THE WAY THE LAWSUIT IS ZIMMERMAN VERSUS THE CITY OF AUSTIN WHICH IS BEFORE THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT. THEY CAN DO THINGS THAT IS CONSTITUTIONAL LIESED BY THE LAWS OF TEXAS.

I HOPE WE HAVE SAVED TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND I THINK THERE IS A QUESTION OF DOING SO WOULD VIOLATE THE AIDING AND ABETTING PROVISION OF THE TEXAS HEARTBEAT ACT.

THAT'S ALL. >> APPRECIATE YOU.

>> DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD? THIS IS A MEMO ON THE AGENDA FOR TRANSMITAL.

IT IS NOT A PROPOSAL THAT IS FRONT OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT. I KNOW FOLKS HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT AND WITH CAMPAIGN SEASON THERE ARE ACCUSATIONS AND MISLEADING STATEMENTS AND IT IS THE FIRST OF MANY.

THERE IS A MEMO THAT WAS COMMISSIONED AFTER THE ANTI-ABORTION BILL PASSED THAT FUNCTIONALLY BANS ABORTION.

AND IT HAS A PROVISION IN IT THAT IS A VIGILANTE PROVISION THAT ENCOURAGES ANYBODY TO CHASE AFTER, STALK WOMEN WHO ARE SEEKING AN ABORTION WHETHER IT IS FOR RAPE OR INCEST OR WHATEVER IT IS. AND THEY WILL SUE THE TAXI DRIVER OR WHROFER IT IS SO -- WHOEVER IT IS AND SO THEY CAN COLLECT. IT CREATES A VIGILANTE CULTURE AND A SAFETY THREAT. IF SOMEONE IS RAPED OR VIOLATED IN SOMEWAY, A YOUNG WOMAN, PERHAPS A MINOR, DO WE WANT FOLKS TO GO AFTER THEM SO THEY CAN COLLECT $10,000 FROM A CABDRIVER? THAT'S WHAT PROMPTED THE RESOLUTION MANY MONTHS AGO TO SAY, YOU KNOW, WE STAND ON THE SIDE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND WE STAND ON THE SIDE OF HEALTH CARE AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS. IT IS A TRANSMITAL AND TRANSMITALS ARE PERFECTLY LEGAL.

EITHER WAY IT SPEAKS TO HELPING WITH CHILD CARE AND WITH LODGING AND WITH TRANSPORTATION FOR SEEKING

[01:00:01]

WITH CAMPAIGN SEASON YOU CAN EXPECT THE MISS CHARACTERIZATIONS TO APPEAR. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I BELIEVE THE CONCERN WAS RELATED TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS. OBVIOUSLY IS THIS A PRECURSOR TO AGENDA ITEMS AND THE REASON QUESTIONS WOULD BE ASKED, I THINK YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE WOULD NEED TO BE CONCERNED YOU PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT WHEN YOU START USING -- I THINK THEY REFERENCED COVID MONEY USING COVID MONEY AND MONEY THAT WAS MEANT TO BE SPENT TO SAVE LIVES IS BEING USED TO TAKE LIVES.

THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE THAT LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF LIVES TAKEN IN 2020, 53,949. THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT ISSUE WHEN IT COMES UP. WHEN WE SEE THINGS ON THE AGENDA WHERE OPPORTUNITIES ARE BEING INVESTIGATED I THINK IT IS CLEAR AND AGAIN THIS IS IN THE DAYS OF TRANSPARENCY.

THIS IS NOT POLITICS. THIS IS JUST BEING SURE ALL VOICES ARE HEARD ON THE IMPORTANT ISSUES AND WHEN A TRANSMITAL IS PROVIDED THAT PUTS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TABLE, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO HEAR PEOPLE SPEAK AND ADDRESS THE CONCERNS THAT ARE THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ITEM 303 SAYS TRANSMITAL BY THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT ANALYST OFFICE AND THE MEMO RESPONDING TO THE COUNTY JUDGE'S REQUEST TO INVESTIGATE OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY SBA AND MITIGATING THE LAW'S NEGATIVE IMPACTS. THERE IS A REPORT THAT HAD RECOMMENDATIONS. MERE -- HERE WE GO AGAIN.

ANYBODY THAT HAS THE AUDACITY TO DISDPRE WITH YOUR -- DISAGREE WITH RUER POSITION, IT ACCUSE -- WITH YOUR POSITION IT ACCUSES THEM OF POLITICS WHEN THIS IS POLITICS ITSELF. IT IS A TRANSMITAL, BUT IT IS A TRAVIS STY THAT WE ARE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT STATE LAW. TRAVEL, DAYCARE, WE ARE ENGAGED IF WE FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WHEN I SAY I WOULD SAY YOU THREE AND THEN SOMETHING TRYING TO CIRCUMVENT THE STATE LAW. I'M NOT FOR IT.

I'M PLEASED THERE MAY BE THOSE THAT DISAGREE WITH THE TRANSMITAL OF A REPORT BECAUSE AS WE ALL KNOW THE REPORT COMES FIRST AND THEN THE ACTION COMES LATER.

I CAN'T SCROAT -- VOTE AGAINST A TRANSMITAL, BUT I WOULD IF I COULD. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

THANK YOU. WE WILL TAKE THE REST OF THE

SPEAKERS, TIFFANY. >> UP NEXT IS SPEAKER 11, BRANDON GRIFFIN OF TEXAS APPLE -- APPLE SEED.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HI. MY NAME IS BRENDAN -- HELLO, MY NAME IS BRENDAN GRIFFIN AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR AT TEXAS APPLE SEED AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COURT FORGIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY -- FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.

I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK.

TO START OFF I THINK THAT THE PROPOSED CHANGES IN THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK ARE A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD, BUT I DO SUGGEST TWEAKS. I WANT TO START BY HIGHLIGHTING THAT WE NEED A MORE SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO FLOOD CONTROL. AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL, THE WAY PROJECTS GET STARTED IS SORT OF SOMEONE HAD A GOOD IDEA OR AB -- OR AN ENGINEER SAYS MAYBE WE SHOULD ADDRESS THIS AND IT IS NOT A LOOK AT EVERYTHING HAPPENING IN THE COUNTY AND WHERE THE FLOODING IS OCCURRING AND WHO IS AT MOST RISK AND THE MOST VULNERABLE TO FLOODING.

SO THE -- WE NEED TO HAVE SOMETHING --

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

>> HELLO? >> YOUR TIME IS UP, SIR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

BRANDON. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 13, MARISSA HANSON SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 17 UNDER COUNTY

ADMINISTRATION. >> MY NAME IS MARISSA HANSON AND I AM SPEAKING ON ITEM NUMBER 17.

ACCORDING TO A REQUEST FROM THE HCFD, SPENDING DATA BY WATER SHED BACK TO 2000 YOU CAN -- THE DATA APPROVED 61%

[01:05:05]

15 OTHER WATER SHEDS ONLY RECEIVE 39%.

WHEN YOU BREAK DOWN THE SPENDING IT IS EVEN WORSE WITHIN THE LMI. ONLY FOREIGN WATER SHEDS HAVE RECEIVED MORE THAN HALF OF ALL OF THE SPENDING SINCE 2000.

THEY HAVE RECEIVED 53% OF ALL FLOOD MITIGATION SPENDING SINCE 2000. EVEN THOUGH THEY COME -- COMPRISE A QUARTER OF THE MILE -- MILEAGE.

IF THIS PASSES WE ARE NO LONGER CONSIDERED FUNDING --

>> MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> CAN I KEEP GOING? I JUST HAVE LIKE TWO MORE SECONDS.

>> YEAH. >> WHICH IN TURN IF THE COUNTY RUNS OUT OF MONEY, THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT IN LOW AND MODERATE INCOME WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR HUDD FUNDS AND INCREASE POCK -- OUT OF POCKET COSTS FOR A LARGE PORTION OF THE FLOOD BOND. ON TOP OF MY CONCERNS DAVID BERRY PROPOSED AN OPEN DAY TAU POLICY -- DAY TAU POLICY.

THE LEGISLATION TEXT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED. THE LEGISLATION DETAILS WITH WITH TEXT IS A DUPLICATE AND THE LEGISLATION DETAILS IS NOTHING BUT A BLANK PAGE. WHAT IS GOING ON? WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS COUNTY AND THE TRANSPARENCY AND WHY IS SO MUCH MONEY GETTING MOVED AROUND? THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME OUR FLOOD BONDS HAVE BEEN MOVED BY DAVID BERRY. THIS IS ILLEGAL.

THIS IS A CONCERN. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT IS SPEAKER 14, DORIS BROWN OF NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COUNTY ADMINISTRATION. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS DOUR ADVICE -- DORIS AS YOU KNOW.

WHEN I THINK IT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION [INAUDIBLE] THAT SAW PARENT -- THAT IS APPARENT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT IN NOR EAST HOUSTON FOR 54 YEARS AND EACH STORM CAUSED MY FAMILY AND MY COMMUNITY SO MANY DOLLARS AND EMOTIONAL ENERGY.

IF MY ABILITY TO LIVE THROUGH CLIMATE DISASTERS AND THERE IS NO SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT INSTITUTION IS NOT ACCOUNTED FOR, AND IF THIS MODEL IS GOING TO BE USED TO CORRECT PAST INJUSTICES, THEN WE NEED TO ACCOUNT FOR HISTORICAL DISINVESTMENT IN PLACES LIKE NORTHEAST HOUSTON.

WE THINK THERE IS SOMETHING GOOD GOING ON HERE AND AS WE KNOW EVERYTHING COMES DOWN TO INVESTMENT.

WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CUTS OUR INVESTMENT, WE CUT OUT THE LIFE BLOOD OF THE COMMUNITY. THE STRUCTURE --

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> ALL RIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT IS SPEAKER 15, JAMES BROOKROAD FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> I AM A DISABLED VETERAN THAT RESIDES IN THE NORTHEAST CORRIDOR OF THE -- OF HOUSTON, TEXAS AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROJECT THAT IS GOING TO BOND FROM THE TOLL AUTHORITY TO THE FLOOD DISTRICT. I FEEL EVERYTHING IS NOT BEING CONSIDERED. THE HISTORICAL MAGNITUDE THAT IS CONSTANTLY FLOODED AND DISASTER AFTER DISASTER.

I DO NOT THINK THAT THE FBI, THE FLOOD BENEFITS THE PEOPLE AND I FEEL LIKE IT SHOULD BE PREVENTED.

I THINK THERE ARE TRANSPARENCY ISSUES WITH THE BOND MONEY AND HOW IT WILL BE SPENT. I ALSO FEEL LIKE ALTHOUGH TAKING A DIFFERENT DIRECTION I FEEL LIKE THE DISTRICT IS CONSIDERATE TO THE FACT DARK --

>> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 16 FROM NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HI. I AM FELIX KAPOUR AND A MEMBER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE AND A STAFF MEMBER AT WEST STREET RECOVERY. OVERALL THE MODIFICATIONS BEING MADE BY THIS ADMINISTRATION ARE POSITIVE.

HOWEVER, THE NEW BENEFITS EFFICIENCY GIVES PARTNERSHIP

[01:10:01]

AND THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX WEIGHS THE EXACT SAME IN THIS FRAMEWORK. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE WEIGHT REDUCED AND THE WEIGHT OF THE SOCIAL VOL NEITHER -- SOCIAL VULNERABILITY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN OFFICIAL AWARD LETTER GIVEN TO THE COUNTY.

I THINK SCI IS A GOOD INDICATOR OF HOW A COMMUNITY

CAN RECOVER FROM. >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS AYANA MCCLOUD.

SPEAKING ON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU. I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF VALLEY CITY WATER KEEPER AND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP IN INEQUITY IN NATURE AND HOW PROJECTS ARE IMPLEMENTED AND IT DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH.

AND THEY WILL DO WHAT THEY INTEND THEM TO DO.

THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK WILL BE A LIVING AND BREATHING DOCUMENT. WE ARE TRULY MEASURING BENEFITS. IT PROPOSED A TOOL CALLED THE FLOOD BENEFIT AND THE BAYOU SUPPORT KEEPERS SUPPORT THIS.

THERE IS A FLOOD RISK REDUCTION BENEFIT PROVIDED BY PROJECTS AND HOW THE BENEFITS WILL ADDRESS INEQUALITIES AND

DISPARITIES. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> OKAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 18 SPEAKING IN PERSON.

CALLIETRUEBLOOD FOR ITEM 60 AND 61 UNDER COUNTY ENGINEER.

>> HOW ARE YOU? I AM A RES -- RESIDENT FROM HOUSTON AND I AM HERE TO EXPRESS OPPOSITION OF A MIXED INCOME HOUSING PROJECT TO BE DEVELOP OWED THE SHORELINE OF LAKE HOUSTON. IT RAISES MORE RED FLAGS AND CAUSES MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT SOLVES.

REALLY? BOAT DOCKS FOR LOW INCOME HOUSING? DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? I AM NOT SURE IT DOES. HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS TRIED TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING THE WEEK OF THANKSGIVING, BUT OUR COMMUNITY WAS NOT WILLING TO HAVE THE WOOL PULLED OVER OUR EYES.

200 NEIGHBORS REPRESENTING THE NEIGHBORHOODS ALONG WESTLAKE HOUSTON HAVE SHOWED UP IN OPPOSITION OF THE PROJECT.

HARRIS HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY OFFERED NO NEW INFORMATION. EVEN DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ABIDE BY THE LAWS OF PUBLIC NOTICE SUCH AS PLACING A SING DPEL SIGN BACK IN THE TREES AND PERPENDICULAR TO WEST HOUSTON PARKWAY WHICH IS A 45-MILE AN HOUR SPEED LIMIT.

NO ONE CAN SEE IT AND IT IS TINY.

THERE ARE MANY RED FLAGS AND REASONS WE ARE OPPOSED TO THE PROJECT. A FEW INCLUDE --

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN.

LET ME JUST SAY, I SHARE YOUR CONCERNS AND THERE WILL BE A PLATT BROUGHT TO COURT I BELIEVE IN MAY OF 2022.

THERE IS A LOT OF WORK THAT HAS TO HAPPEN BETWEEN NOW AND MAY OF 2022. IN TERMS OF TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD, I SHARE YOUR CONCERN. I DON'T THINK ITEM 60 AND 61 DEAL WITH THIS ONE. THERE WILL BE A PLATT COMING IN MAY OF 2022 THAT DOES DEAL WITH THE PROJECTS YOU ARE

TALKING ABOUT. >> AND THAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER OUR DISTRICTS ARE REDONE AND YOU ARE OUR COUNTY

COMMISSIONER NOW? >> I AM ALREADY YOUR COUNTY

COMMISSIONER. >> I THOUGHT THAT WASN'T UNTIL

MARCH. >> IT IS IN EFFECT.

WE ARE WORKING THROUGH THE TRANSITION OF RESPONSIBILITIES, BUT CERTAINLY WE ARE ALL COMMUNICATING WITH EACH OTHER ON THE ISSUES.

THIS IS CERTAINLY SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN BRIEFED ON.

JUST PLEASE REACH OUT TO MY OFFICE.

I HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS.

STAY IN CONTACT WITH ME AND WE WILL KEEP EVERYBODY CLOSE.

>> THANK YOU. >> WE WILL BE REACHING OUT TO

YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING ON THIS AND COMING

BY. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 19, JK WASHINGTON, SPEAKING IN PERSON.

HE IS A RESIDENT OF WATER'S EDGE ON ITEM 60 AND 61 UNDER

COUNTY ENGINEER. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COUNTY

[01:15:09]

THERE ARE CONCERNS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, EMS AND FIRE AND WATER, ET CETERA. THE CONCERN IS GROWING ON THE PART OF THE PROJECT AND WE CAN'T IDENTIFY WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM WHETHER IT IS THE TAXPAYERS AND WHAT IT IS

SUPPORTING. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> TOM RAMSEY: REACH OUT TO MY OFFICE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO TALK.

>> WILL DO. THANK YOU.

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

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 20 X JACKIE HAZEL WOOD SPEAKING ON ITEM 178 UNDER COUNTY ATTORNEY. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS JACKIE HAZEL WOOD AND I LIVE AT 18206 ENCHANTED ROCK TRAIL IN HUMBLE. I AM A DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT CHAIR IN 0764 AND I APPRECIATE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS COMMISSIONERS' COURT TODAY CONCERNING THE NEW PROPOSED PRECINCT BOUNDARIES IN HARRIS COUNTY.

IN 2020 THERE WERE 5,279 REGISTERED VOTERS IN MY PRECINCT. I AM IN FULL AGREEMENT THAT IT NEEDED TO BE DIVIDED AND I DPRE WITH THE PROPOSED LINES.

I HAVE BEEN AN ACTIVE ORGANIZER AND SINCE I WAS APPOINTED IN 2017. I AM A MENTOR IN THE LAKE HOUSTON AREA AND SERVED AS AN ELECTION CLERK IN THE LAST FOUR ELECTION CYCLES. ALL OF MY COMMUNICATIONS ARE BASED ON THAT PRECINCT NUMBER, THE OLD NUMBER OF 0764, AND I AM ASKING THE NUMBER BE IN MY HALF OF THE PRECINCT AND THE

NEW NUMBER -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> THE NEW NUMBER BE ASSIGNED --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 21, ELLING PRICE SPEAKING ON 178 UNDER COUNTY ATTORNEY.

HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU. [INAUDIBLE] HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY. JUST CALLING TO EXPRESS MY IMMENSE OPPOSITION FOR THE PROPOSED ELECTION REDISTRICTING. WE ARE LOOKING AT 192 APPROXIMATELY NEW PRECINCT ITEM 10112 EXACTLY.

WE ARE LOOKING AT VANTAGE POINT AND LOOKING AT AREAS WHERE THERE IS ZERO POPULATION AND THERE IS LESS THAN FIVE ACRES OF LAND AND LESS THAN 3,000 OR 5,000 INDIVIDUALS.

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT AN AREA OF THE PRE -- PRECINCT THAT WILL BE LUMPED TOGETHER AND WILL BE BY DEFAULT.

YOU CAN CHOOSE THE PRECINCT IN THAT AREA.

NONE OF THIS IS OFFICIAL AT ALL AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THE REDISTRICTING AND WHY WE ARE RECYCLING AND THEY ARE ADDING NUMBERS --

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 23, DOC GREEN SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 178 UNDER COUNTY

ATTORNEY. >> YES.

I AM DOC GREEN. I AM THE PRE SINK CHAIR OF 460.

I AM REALLY UPSET ABOUT THE LEVEL OF CORRUPTION THAT WE ARE SEEING IN THIS REDISTRICTING.

THERE IS NO HONESTY IN THIS IN EITHER PARTY.

IF THEY WANTED TO REDISTRICT THIS PROPERLY, THEY WOULD DO IT BY ZIP CODE. IT IS THE ONLY HONEST WAY TO DO IT. IT IS LAID OUT.

IT IS SUPER EASY TO GET EVERYONE IN THERE BY ZIP CODE AND BY POPULATION. BUT WE ARE IGNORE -- IGNORING THAT TO DRAW NEW PLACES BASED UPON SKIN COLOR, ETHNICITY, LANGUAGE SPOKEN. NOBODY COULD ACCEPT THAT IF THEY ARE HONEST IN THEIR HEART.

I AM SICK AND TIRED OF IT. IT IS POLITICS FOR THE SAKE OF POLITICS AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH REPRESENTING THE ACTUAL VOTING AND TAX PAYING PUBLIC.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH FOR COMING BY. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 25,

[01:20:03]

COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> MAY IT PLEASE THE COURT.

MY NAME IS ROBERT CHOTE AND THE PRECINCT CHAIR OF 902 AND HERE TO SPEAK IN OPPOSITION OF AGENDA ITEM 178.

AMONG THE NEW MAP ARE 45 WITH NO VOTERS AND 40 HAVING NO CHANCE OF EVER HAVING VOTERS. EXAMPLES, 7 CONSISTS SOLELY OF WATER. 22 ARE STRETCHES OF ROAD AND HIGHWAYS SUCH AS MULTIPLE STRETCHES OF I-10 AND I-69 AND I-45, THE SAM HOUSTON HIGHWAY, WESTHEIMER ROAD, FIVE DIFFERENT STRETCHES OF FM-1960 INCLUDING MY FAVORITE 1.12 MILES OF FM-9260 DEDICATED AS PRECINCT 666.

AND MY FAVORITE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF MY HOME TWO TRACKS OF LAND NESTLE -- NESTLED BETWEEN THE EASTBOUND AND THE WESTBOUND NORTH LOOP 610. UNLESS WE ARE BLAIN -- PLANNING TO HAVE HOMELESS PEOPLE CAMPED THERE AND TO VOTE. ON BEHALF OF THE PRECINCT CHAIRS I ENCOURAGE YOU TO RESCRECT ITEM 178.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. WHEN WE GET TO THE ITEM WE WILL ASK THE ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA.

>> I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAID I'M SORRY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I SAID WE WILL DISCUSS THE ITEM LATER AND ASK ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA ABOUT WHAT YOU BROUGHT UP.

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

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 24, DAMION DARBY SPEAKING ON ITEM 178 UNDER COUNTY ATTORNEY. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HOWDY, EVERYONE.

I'M CALLING IN OPPOSITION TO THE REDISTRICTING.

I THINK IT IS DISENFRANCHISING VOTERS.

I THINK THIS IS THE POLITICAL ATTEMPT BY SOME IN THE ADMINISTRATION TO SET PRY YORTS ON SOME -- PRIORITIES ON SOME VOTERS AND DISENFRANCHISE OTHERS.

WE DIDN'T VOTE FOR THIS. I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE CITIZENS SHOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE FOR.

I THINK IT A TYRANNICAL TAKE OVER OF THE JURISDICTION AND IT IS UNREASONABLE AND UNFAIR AND WE TEND TO FILE AN INJUNCTION FOR THIS MEASURE. THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 26, STEVEN SHERMAN SPEAKING FOR ITEM 178 UNDER THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> MY NAME IS STEVEN SHERMAN AND I HOPE YOU WILL FOLLOW SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PREVIOUS SPEAKERS. I WANT TO ASK YOU TO PLEASE WHEN YOU DO YOU CAN MAKE A PLAN TO REDISTRICT AND THAT YOU MAKE SURE THAT EACH HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION IS CONTAINED WITH THE DISTRICT. I WANT TO THANK STEVE RADACK FOR HAVING DONE SO. IT REQUIRED HIM TO DRAW THE LINES NOT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREETS, BUT BEHIND THE HOUSES. PLEASE LET US KEEP THE ENTITIES TOGETHER SO WE CAN SPEAK WITH A SINGLE VOICE.

THAT'S ALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. NEXT IS SPEAKER 27, CHARLES BECK SPEAKING ON 178 UNDER COUNTY ATTORNEY.

HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THIS IS CHARLES BECK OF PRECINCT CHAIR 0747 AND I AM SPEAKING IN OPPOSITION OF THE REDISTRICTING.

IT HAS BEEN DIVIDED IN HALF AND THE LOWER SECTION, THE REMAINING 747 IS NO LONGER WHERE I RESIDE.

I AM TWO BLOCKS NORTH OF THAT. AND WHERE I RESIDE IS BECOMING PART OF A PRECINCT ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND IT IS SPLITTING THE CONTIGUOUS NEIGHBORHOOD IN TWO AND I HOPE YOU RECONSIDER THAT. I CAN REMAIN AS PRECINCT CHAIR

WHERE I RESIDE. >> NEXT IS CARL DAVIS SPEAKING IN PERSON FOR ITEM 272 UNDER COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 1.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS.

I AM CARL DAVIS, THE CHAIR OF HOUSTON SOCIETY FOR CHANGE.

I AM HERE TODAY AS A PROUD GRADUATE OF JACK GATES HIGH SCHOOL AND THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS IN PRECINCT 1 AND CEOK DAVIS -- KING DAVIS FOR THE VISION AND THE DESIGN OF THE LIVE BRONZE STATUE OF GEORGE FLOYD.

[01:25:09]

>> SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> ALSO FOR HIS SUPPORT OF THE

BLACK LIVES MATTER -- >> SIR --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW YOU HAVE A FINAL POINT TO MAKE.

YOU ARE FLOWING SO WELL. >> I ENCOURAGE ALL COMMISSIONERS TO ACCEPT THIS AMAZING DONATION FROM MRS. DAVIS AND THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION THAT WILL BE AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL HOUSTON TEXANS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT MEANS SO MUCH YOU ARE HERE AND EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE WITH THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND THIS. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU. >> THANK ALL OF Y'ALL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, CARL.

>> NEXT IS JONATHON COVEY SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 303

UNDER TRANSMITALS. >> LINA HIDALGO: BEFORE WE MOVE O THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER, I WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTOOD. WAS HE SAYING THE PRECINCT IS BEING REDRAWN TO WHERE IT WOULDN'T BE HIS PRECINCT CHAIR

PRECINCT ANYMORE? >> TOM RAMSEY: HE WAS DRAWN

OUT OF IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I MESSAGED LONGORIA AND SHE IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY DRAWING THESE.

WILL YOU BE ABLE TO SPEAK TO THESE QUESTION THAT'S THESE FOLKS HAVE ABOUT THE PRECINCT CHAIR PRECINCTS?

>> [INAUDIBLE]. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE HEARD OF A COUPLE OF OTHERS THAT WILL HAVE A MOTION ON -- THESE ARE NEW ONES WE HAD NOT HEARD OF JUST YET.

I THINK WE HAVE SOME TIME. >> YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: PERHAPS IN THE MEANTIME YOU CAN CHECK WITH THESE FOLKS. I KNOW THERE IS A MOTION AND IF THERE ARE TWEAKS WE NEED TO MAKE BASED ON THE COMMENTS.

SORRY ABOUT THAT. >> NO WORRIES.

COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE, MY NAME IS JONATHON COVEY AND THE POLICY DIRECTOR FOR TEXAS VALUES.

WE ARE ONE OF THE PRIMARY ORGANIZATION THAT'S HELPED WRITE AND ADVOCATE FOR AND PASS SB8, THE TEXAS HEARTBEAT LAW IN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE. I KNOW THIS IS A TRANSMITAL THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, BUT TRANSMITALS LEAD TO PROPOSE WILL -- PROS POE SALS AND ACTIONS.

THE HEARTBEAT LAW HAS DONE SO MUCH GOOD IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. SB8 HAS SAVED 15,000 LIVES AND COUNTING. IT HAS BEEN TO THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT TWICE -- I'M SORRY, THE U.S. SUPREME COURT AND PREVAILED TWICE. IF YOU WANT TO HELP WOMEN, TURN THEM TO THE PROGRAM PASSED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS WHERE THEY HELP WOMEN FIND SHELTER AND HELP THEM HOLD ON TO THEIR BABIES AND KEEP THEIR BABIES.

THIS IS NAKED POLITICAL POSTURING AND WE ASK YOU TO

REJECT IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR

SPEAKING. >> NEXT IS REBECCA PARMA SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 303 UNDER TRANSMITALS.

>> I AM REBECCA PARMA AND SPEAKING IN OPPOSITION TO RESOLUTION 303. WHEN THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSED THE TEXAS HEARTBEAT ACT THEY SIMULTANEOUSLY INCREASED FUNDING. THE PROGRAM SUPPORTS TEXAS WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES TO CHOOSE LIFE.

THE COVEN TEE SHOULD BE FOE -- THE COUNTY SHOULD WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THIS IS A BETTER USE OF FUNDING.

WE HOPE YOU HILLARY DIRECT YOUR FOCUS TO THESE MORE PROPER MATTERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> NEXT IS GABRIELLA SPEAKING ON ITEM 338 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> MAY I HAVE THREE MINUTES? I DON'T BELIEVE I HAVE SPOKEN ON A NEW AGENDA ITEM IN THE

LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. >> SINCE THERE ARE MORE THAN 25 SPEAKERS EVERYONE GETS ONE MINUTE.

>> OKAY. THANK YOU.

>> GOARNG, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO I AM GABRIELLA

[01:30:03]

WE AGREE WITH THE ASSESSMENTS THAT THE JAIL POPULATION IS -- UNATTAINABLE AND CONSIDERING OUT SOURCING DEFENDANTS RATHER THAN TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FRONT END PROBLEM.

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS COURT THAT CLAIMS TO CARE ABOUT THE INDIGENT BACKLOG WOULD PAY TO ALLEVIATE THEM.

HOW BAD UNTIL THEY ARE IN ANOTHER STATE.

WE CHOOSE FOR THE BACKLOG CRISIS.

YOU WERE GIVEN THE ANSWER TO THE POPULATION AND OUR COUNTY RECEIVES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE JUSTICE MANAGEMENT TO DROP

THE CASES. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> MAY I PLEASE JUST FINISH? I WOULD LIKE TO SOUND THE ALARM ABOUT THE DISTRICT

ATTORNEY'S ROLE. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> SHE HAS BEEN MUTED, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 32, TROY ALLY SPEAKING ON ITEM 343 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

WE ARE 100% AFRICAN-AMERICAN OWNED COMPANY OF REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION. I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF SERVICES. WE WERE AWARDED THE CONTRACT AND NOT SURE HOW IT WOULD BE PUT OUT.

I SUGGEST THEY POSTPONE BOTH UNTIL WE GET A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENTIRE PROCESS ON PURCHASING FOR THE RIGHT DEPARTMENT. THE FACTORS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED ARE NOT CLEAR AND THEY DO NOT IDENTIFY THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CHANCE OF AN ASSIGNMENT.

>> THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS. WE WILL TRY TO GIVE UH CALL FROM THE PURCHASING OFFICE. TRY TO ANSWER.

I'M SURE HE IS LISTENING. HE WILL DIAL IN ON WHATEVER

NUMBER YOU SIGNED UP ON. >> I WILL TAKE THE CALL, BUT WILL YOU POSTPONE IT UNTIL WE CAN GET A CLARIFICATION?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T KNOW.

LET'S SEE WHAT HE SAYS WHEN THE ITEM COMES UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU CLARIFY THE ITEM SO WE CAN MAKE SURE TO ASK HIM? WHAT IS THE ITEM NUMBER?

>> SIR, WHICH ITEM NUMBER? >> I DON'T HAVE THE NUMBER.

>> HE WILL CALL YOU. >> WILL YOU JUST LET US KNOW

BEFORE WE GET TO THAT ITEM? >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER ONE UNDER THE NONAGENDA.

>> I AM WALTER PROTHRO I WANT YOU TO KNOW ALL OF MY ISSUES STARTED WITH HARRIS HEALTH. YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THE ABUSE AND HOW IT IS -- IT HAS AFFECTED MY FAMILY.

AROUND 1999 -- 1999 I WAS OUTSIDE SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT THAT FORCED A SILVER INFINITY TO SWOIVE AND GO OFF THE ROAD. ONE OTHER CAR AND I STOPPED TO RENDER AID. AS I SAID, AID.

THE FIRST TWO INDIVIDUALS REACHED THE CAR FIRST AND THEY WERE TENDING TO THE DRIVER AS I WAS HELPING THE CHILDREN IN THE BACK. I FELL AGAINST SEVERAL ROCKS AND INJURED MYSELF. I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THAT BAD AT THE TIME AND THEN PULLED THE OTHER GIRL OUT OF THE CAR. THIS CAN BE CONFIRMED BY THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL. AFTER GETTING TO THE AIRPORT MY BACK STARTED HURTING MORE. BY THAT TIME I REACHED HOUSTON

IN SEVERE PAIN. >> THANK YOU,.

>> I WOULD LIKE THE REST OF THIS ENTERED INTO THE RECORD,

PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 2 UNDER NONAGENDA.

[01:35:05]

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE THE CLERK TO HAVE THIS SO THEY CAN HAVE IT IN THE COURT'S

RECORDS. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE JUDGES AND COMMISSIONERS. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK QUICKLY ABOUT HARRIS COUNTY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS.

I HAVE HAD SOME TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO PEOPLE WHO ARE RECOVERING FROM QUAD DRAW PLEA JAW AND WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH SOME SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS AND OBESITY.

OUR TRILLION SYSTEMS ARE A LOT MORE THAN JUST A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOORS PASTIME. IT IS -- IT FOSTERS AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY HERE IN THE COUNTY.

IT HELPS PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE THINGS THAT --

>> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SIR, THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. I WOULD LOVE TO INVITE YOU OVER TO JAMES DRIVER PARK IF YOU CAN MAKE YOUR WAY OUT THERE. IT IS THE FIRST INCLUSIVE PARK IN HARRIS COUNTY AND WE HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH MEMORIAL HERMAN TIER AND THERE MAY BE THE OPPORTUNITY TOEN DPAIJ WITH SOME FOLKS OUT THERE THAT CAN BE OF HELP TO ANY OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING ON THAT. I THINK IT IS AN IMPORTANT

TOPIC. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 3, JAN LEE SPEAKING IN PERSON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MOMENT WHILE WE SWITCH THE

MICROPHONE. >> I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF TRYING TO SAVE MY HOME. I HAD BACK SURGERY AND CAN'T WALK AND CAN'T STAND AND CAN'T DO VERY MUCH FOR MYSELF.

THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT TAKING MY HOUSE BECAUSE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO LIVE IN IF FOR TWO YEARS BECAUSE I WAS IN A CONVALESCENT HOME MOST OF THE TIME.

I AM HERE TO SEE COULD COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS HELP ME OR WHERE SHOULD I GO FROM HERE?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL HAVE SOMEBODY COME OVER FROM MY STAFF TO TALK TO YOU AND SEE IF THEY CAN HELP YOU.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 4 UNDER NONAGENDA.

ALEXIS, YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, COMMISSIONERS. I AM CALLING ON BEHALF OF THE CYPRESS CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL ORGANIZATION.

WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING YOUR ATTENTION FOR THE RIGHT TO USE AND WE ARE USERS OF THE SYSTEM AND WE MAINTAIN THE TRAILS. WE DO OUR BEST TO ORGANIZE OURSELVES. AND WE ARE CLEAN AS POSSIBLE AND A KEY OUTDOOR FACILITY FOR THOSE WHO USE IT ON A DAILY BASIS. IT IS A VERY IMPORTANT FEATURE TO HAVE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, ALEXIS. APPRECIATE IT.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER SIX UNDER NONAGENDA.

SHE IS SPEAKING IN PERSON. >> IT IS ABOUT SOME JUDGES IN THE HARRIS COUNTY COURT. WHAT IS GOING ON IS THAT WE HAD DEVELOPER THAT'S DIDN'T FINISH WITH THE HOA'S.

WE HAVE ATTORNEYS COMING IN AND TAKING PROPERTIES AND THE LEGAL LEANS ARE IN THEIR HOMES BEFORE THE ATTORNEYS CAME AND BEFORE THE ACTUAL -- BEFORE ANYBODY CAME INTO THE ACTUAL COMMUNITY. THEY ARE TAKING PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES. I SENT MY INFORMATION ALREADY TO THE JUDGE AND I'M JUST ASKING FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF -- THAT THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED AND IT IS MOSTLY AGAINST BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE WHICH MAKES IT DISCRIMINATION AND I AM DEMANDING A INVESTIGATION.

I NEED TO KNOW WHO TO TALK TO.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS PROBABLY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT. WE WILL GET SOMEONE FROM LEGAL

TO GET TO YOU. >> THAT SOUNDS GOOD AND I CAN WORK TOGETHER WITH THEM AND THE COMMUNITY?

WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER? >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE WILL HAVE

[01:40:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 7, JACOB CLEMENTIGE SPEAKING IN PERSON.

>> OWE -- OKAY. I WILL BE FAST.

BEST REGARDS. THE HAPC HOUSTON AREA PASTORS COUNSEL -- COUNCIL AND COUNTY JUDGE LINA HIDALGO [INAUDIBLE] QUOTE, UNDESIRABLES. THE UNDESIRABLES ARE LIKE PEOPLE WHO REPORT HER COLOR OR DEFECTS EXPF THAT STUFF.

OKAY. THE FACADE [INAUDIBLE] IS MERELY AN ILLUSION. [INAUDIBLE] THE CULMINATION OF THE GERMANS AND THE SPANISH. [INAUDIBLE].

LET ME WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, FELIZE NAVIDAD AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR. MY COUNTRY HAS HAS DEALT WITH NATIONALISM WHEN COMING TO THE U.S.

I HAVE TO DEAL WITH ONE OF THE WORST THAT IS WHAT IS ABOLISM. MY FRIENDS CALL IT MENTAL AND

NOW YOU CAN READ IT. >> WHAT AM I READING?

RIGHT THERE? >> BEST REGARDS, PASTOR DAVE WELL -- WELCH WROTE A TEXT ABOUT LINA HIDALGO AND PROVING SHE IS THE UNDESIRABLES ALL THE WAY AND AGAINST LEGAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE FACADE OF PRO CHOICE IS MERELY AN ILLUSION. YOU ARE REALLY RACIST AND WANT A SUPER RACE. WE WANT TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, FELIZE NAVIDAD MY FATHER, ERIC, A LEGAL IMMIGRANT TO THIS COUNTRY HAD TO DEAL WITH NATIONALISM AND LANGUAGES WHEN NEWLY ARRIVED TO THE USA.

HAVE I TO DEAL WITH ONE OF THE WORST ISMS OF -- ABOLISH,

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

GYRE AND WHAT WHAT I -- >> WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY NOW IS I AM A MEMBER OF THE HOUSTON COALITION FOR LIFE AND TEXAS BREAD FOR LIFE AND THE FOUNDATION FOR LIFE AND THE LIFE OF HOUSTON AND THE LIFE HOUSE OF HOUSTON PROVIDES HELP TO NEEDY PEOPLE SUCH AS THE FUNDRAISER FROM UGANDA.

[INAUDIBLE]. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANKS SO

MUCH. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 9, GARY LYNN. DUE TO AN ADA ACCOMMODATION, HE WILL BE GIVEN TWO MINUTES TO SPEAK.

DO AHEAD, SPEAK. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YEAH. I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT LINA HIDALGO AND THE COMMISSIONERS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND TALK ABOUT HOW IT HELPS THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY AND WITHOUT MY [INAUDIBLE] I WOULD NOT HAVE COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES FOR DISABILITY IN MY COMMUNITY AND BEING A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY. I HOPE ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS WOULD SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION SO WE CAN MOVE FORWARD AND REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES. ALL RIGHT.

[01:45:15]

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU

FOR CALLING. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 10 UNDER NONAGENDA, BENJAMIN PETERS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY?

>> YES, PLEASE GO AHEAD. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I REPRESENT PRECINCT 1 AND I AM BEN PETERS. I WAS JUST CALLING IN TO AFFIRM THAT I SUPPORT THIS COURT'S LAWSUIT OVER TEXDOT AND IT IS AN ESSENTIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO DEMAND TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM TEXDOT.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE RECENT STAY IN THE COUNTY LAWSUIT AND I AM CONCERNED IT IS LESS ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS AND MORE OF THE RESULT OF PRESSURE TACTICS FROM TEXDOT AND POLITICAL DONORS.

I ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY TO REMAIN STEDFAST AND DEMANDING BETTER FROM THIS PROJECT. WE SUPPORT A REDESIGN OF THE PROJECT AND WE WANT A PROJECT THAT DOESN'T DISPLACE RESIDENTS AND REDUCES FLOODING, AND SUPPORTS VISION ZERO AND ENHANCES GREAT SPACE AND BEGINS TO ADDRESS THE DECADES OF [INAUDIBLE] TO THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 11, ALEC EINSTEIN.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> YES.

>> THANK YOU. I AM ALEC EINSTEIN, PRECINCT 1. I AM TALKING ABOUT THE LAWSUIT FOR THE HIGHWAY EXTENSION. I REALLY DO AN ACCOUNTING AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STAY THE.

>> I WANT THE COUNTY TO ISSUE A BETTER PROJECT AND I ENCOURAGE THE COUNTY [INAUDIBLE] AND THEN THERE ARE PRESSURES. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 12. MICHAEL MOORE TO STOP TXDOT.

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

>> GREAT. I AM MICHAEL MOORE AND I AM A RESIDENT OF PRE -- PRECINCT 2 AND WANT TO ECHO WHAT ALEC AND BEN SAID. MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY APPLAUD THE COUNTY'S COURAGE AND STEDFASTNESS IN THE LAWSUIT AGAINST TXDOT. IT WAS NICE TO SEE THAT IT IS ONLY 45 DAYS LONG, BUT IT WOULD GO A LONG WAY IF COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN ADDRESS WHAT THE GOALS ARE AND IF THERE ARE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS OR IF THERE IS A LEVEL OF REDESIGN YOU EXPECT THEM TO DO IN 45 DAYS.

BETTER COMIEN LOCATION WOULD EASE -- COMMUNICATION WOULD EASE THE CONCERNS WE ARE CALLING ABOUT AND THEN ONCE THE STAY IS OVER TO CONTINUE TO COMMUNICATE WITH US WHAT THE CONTINUED GOALS ARE OF THE LAWSUIT.

OUR GROUPS AND RESIDENTS THAT ARE IMPACTED BY THIS ARE STARTING TO COALESCE AROUND SOME IDEAS AND JUST WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION AS LEADERSHIP AND CONSTITUENTS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE AND PLEASE KEEP IT UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 13, YOSEF MCGWIRE. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK TODAY. I JUST WANTED TO VOICE IN LINE WITH A FEW OF THE OTHER SPEAKERS TODAY.

MY SUPPORT FOR THE LAWSUIT YOU HAVE BEEN DOING AGAINST TEXDOT, I DO HAVE SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE STAY.

WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THE REASON FOR THE STAY I AM WONDER FIGURE THERE WAS SOME PRIVATE INFLUENCE BEHIND THE STAY OR BULLYING ON BEHALF OF TEXDOT AND IN THE MU STONN COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF THE -- IN THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PROCESS IS VISIBLE AND CLEAR AND THAT YOU CONTINUE TO KEEP PRESSURE ON TEXDOT AND THE PRIVATE ENTITIES CAN REMAIN SEPARATE FROM THIS AS YOU WORK TO MAKE SURE THIS PROJECT IS DONE IN A WAY THAT PROTECTS

RESIDENTS. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

[01:50:01]

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR CALLING.

THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. LET ME JUST ADD A COUPLE OF BITS OF INFORMATION. THERE HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO BULLYING BY TEXDOT. HOWEVER, TEXDOT HAS INDICATED THAT THE LAWSUIT HAS MADE IT COMPLICATED TO NEGOTIATE AND WORK WITH HARRIS COUNTY. SO THE INTENTION OF THE STAY IS TO JUST GIVE PEOPLE ROOM TO COME TO THE TABLE TO WORK OUT AS MANY DIFFERENCES IN THE PROJECT THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED.

WITHOUT REVERTING THIS PROJECT BACK TO GROUND 0 -- GROUND 0 OR LOSING THE PROJECT BECAUSE WE NEED IMPROVEMENT ON I-45.

REALLY THAT IS THE EXTENT OF THE STAY.

IT IS JUST TO GIVE THE FOLKS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS AND WORK OUT SOME COMPROMISES AND HELP TO MOVE THE PROJECT FORWARD. THANKS.

THAT'S MY INTENTION. ABSOLUTELY ZERO BULLYING FROM TXDOT AS FAR AS I HEARD OR AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, IF IT IS APPROPRIATE TO TALK ABOUT T THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, THE LAWSUIT GOES IN AFTER THE TIMETABLE WE TALKED ABOUT IF LEGAL CAN COMMENT ON THAT.

WE PAUSE IT AND IT GOES BACK INTO EFFECT?

>> YEAH. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I THINK ON ANYTHING RELATED WE CAN TALK ABOUT AN EXECUTIVE -- WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

IS THAT SOMETHING THE COURT WANTS TO DISCUSS?

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT HAS BEEN AGREED TO.

THE IDEA IS TO SAY LET'S COME TO THE TABLE.

IF THAT WAS THE REASON NOT TO THE COME TO THE TABLE AND IT IS NOT A REASON ANYMORE LET'S COME TO THE TABLE.

>> I CAN POST IT THE NEXT MEETING AS AN UPDATE.

SO ON THE JANUARY 4TH WE WILL HAVE THAT ON THERE.

POST IT CLOSER TO WHEN WE SAY WE REINSTITUTE THE LAWSUIT.

>> UNDERSTOOD. I WILL DO THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: NOT TRYING TO MAKE THAT FIRST MEETING ON THE AGENDA ANY LONGER THAN WE NEED

TO. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 14, AARON ERICKSON. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD -- YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE UH HALL DOUGH -- HIDALGO, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I AM ERIN ERICKSON AND IN PRECINCT 1 AND COMMENTING ON THE STAY OF LITIGATION ON THE I-45 EXPANSION. I WOULD LIKE TO ECHO A COUPLE OF THINGS. ONE, THE IDEA OF HAVING GOALS OF WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE REACHED IS SOMETHING THE DMEUNT -- THE COMMUNITY WOULD WANT TO HEAR.

AND A CLARIFICATION ON WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR TEXDOT TO COME TO THE TABLE AND WAS INITIALLY PLACED AT FIRST.

THE COMMUNITY DOESN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND, IS IT A LEGAL REASON OR IS IT BECAUSE -- IS IT BECAUSE OF A LEGAL REASON? FOR US WE JUST -- WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE COMMUNICATION CAN'T HAPPEN. WE THANK YOU FOR THE LAWSUIT

-- >> THANK YOU.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION.

AT LEAST FROM MY PART I HAVE TRIED TO ENGAGE WITH TXDOT FOR MANY MONTHS IN MANY WAYS AND IT CAME TO THE POINT WHERE WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS LAWSUIT. OBVIOUSLY WHAT WE WANT IS NOBODY WANTS NO HIGHWAY. AND THAT'S OPPOSED TO THE EISENHOWER-ERA POLICIES. FOR THAT WE NEED TO SIT DOWN AND NEGOTIATE. AND SO WHEN THEY SAID, WELL, THE REASON WE ARE NOT NEGOTIATING IS BECAUSE THERE IS A LAWSUIT, YOU KNOW, I'M WITH YOU.

I THINK THAT WHY NOT? YOU DON'T PAUSE THE LAWSUIT TO NEGOTIATE. WE ARE WILLING TO DO THAT AS AN ACT OF GOOD FAITH AND SAY LET'S NEGOTIATE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY. THERE IS A PROG SCRECT WITH INCREDIBLE PROMISE THAT WE CAN COME UP WITH AS WE WORK TOGETHER. FOR MY PART IT IS A SHOW OF GOOD FAITH AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO COME UP WITH A MODEL. LET'S BE MODERN AND LOOK AT AIR QUALITY. LET'S NOT MAKE THINGS WIDER --

[01:55:03]

RESPECT THE COMMUNITIES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I CAN SEE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. I DON'T WANT TO GO TOO FAR AND SHOWING OUR HAND AND DISCUSSING THE ITEM IF IT IS

NOT ON THE AGENDA. >> I WANTED TO JUMP ON WHAT -- WITH THE JUDGE'S PERMISSION AND ADDRESS THE QUESTION RAISED EARLIER. THERE IS NO FURTHER ACTION FROM TEXDOT TO REENACT THE LAWSUIT.

IT IS AN AGREED STAY. AT THE END OF THE STAY PERIOD WHICH WAS 45 DAYS WE JUST FILE SOMETHING AND THE CASE IS AUTOMATICALLY REINSTATED. WE WON'T HAVE TO COME BACK AND GET PERMISSION OR IN ANY OTHER WAY NEGOTIATE REINSTATING THE LAWSUIT AGAINST TEXDOT. IT WILL KICK IN WHEN WE FILE THE DOWMENT AT THE END OF THE 45-DAY PERIOD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT WAS THAT 45-DAY PERIOD?

IS THAT THREE WEEKS AGO. >> DECEMBER 23RD TO

JANUARY 17TH, I THINK. >> WHILE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 45, I BELIEVE WHAT TEX DW -- TEXDOT HAS PUT OUT IS CREATIVE AND INSPIRING. I SAID THAT FOR MANY MONTHS.

IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT AT LEAST WHEN WE HEARD THIS PAST WEEK THAT THE TWO SEGMENTS HAVE BEEN CLEARED TO MOVE FORWARD. WE'LL SEE HOW THAT HAPPENS.

TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S POINT I WOULD CALL THAT PROGRESS AND AS SOON AS WE CAN GET IT UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T KNOW IF IF I WOULD CHARACTERIZE IT THAT WAY SO THE RECORD IS CLEAR.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IF ANYTHING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN IT TO SHUT IT DOWN OI WAS NOT AWARE. I WAS ENCOURAGED THAT THERE WAS. IF THERE ARE OTHER ACTIVITIES

TO SHUT IT DOWN THAT'S A SHAME. >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST READ LETTER AND IT SPECIFICALLY SAYS THERE ARE NARROW ACTIVITIES ABOUT DESIGN AND CONVERSATIONS.

THE CASE IS NOT THAT IT HAS BEEN APPROVED TO THE BOARD.

IT IS IN THE LETTER. JUST READ THE LETTER.

IT IS CLEAR ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT I UNDERSTAND CLEARLY IS THAT THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DELAYED TWO YEARS.

I CAN DO THE MATH AND I KNOW WHAT A $9 BILLION PROJECT BEING DELAYED TWO YEARS COSTS, SO THAT'S A CONCERN GOING

FORWARD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL JUST SAY WITHOUT CONVULSING ANY CONVERSATIONS THAT ANYBODY HAS HAD OR GETTING INTO THE SPECIFICS OF THE LOT -- LAWSUIT, I THINK IT HAS CREATED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOME GOOD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

I THINK IT HAS BECOME A CHANCE TO NOT JUST DO THINGS THE WAY THEY HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE PAST.

YOU RIPPED APART PRIMARILY LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR. TRADITIONALLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND INCREASINGLY HISPANIC. I KNOW THE CHANCE THERE IS A CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT AND THE FOLKS THAT CAME IN REPRESENTING THE DEPP OF TRANSPORTATION -- THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND I THINK SOME GOOD DIALOGUE IS GOING ON WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

>> IF I MAY, I AM HAPPY TO CLARIFY A FEW OF THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE PROBLEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU COUNTY ATTORNEY MENIFEE.

>> WHAT THE LATEST LETTER DOES IS IT ALLOWS TEXDOT TO SEND YOU DETAILED DESIGN WORK, BUT ONLY FOR SEGMENT 3.

THE PAUSE IS IN FULL EFFECT AS TO SEGMENT 3 AND SEGMENT 2, AND FOR SEGMENT 3 IT ALLOWS DETAILED DESIGN WORK.

THEY CANNOT DO ANY CONTRACTING AND THEY CAN NO THE ACQUIRE ANYMORE LAND OR RESIDENCES OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

IT IS A VERY THEIR RE-- IT IS A VERY NARROW LIFT AND THE CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.

AS WE ALL KNOW MUCH OF THE DISPLACEMENT OCCURS OUT IN SEGMENT THRIE. THREE.

THERE COULD BE A WORLD IN WHICH THE NECESSARY CHANGES HAVE TO BE MADE AS A RESULT OF THE INVESTIGATION.

AND THE LIFT IS VERY NARROW. >> THANK YOU FOR CLARIFYING.

THANK YOU FOR CLARIFYING. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 15 OF MEDICARE FOR ALL. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> GORGE -- GOOD MORNING AND GOOD AFTERNOON. OUTSIDE IN FRONT OF THE OFFICE

[02:00:09]

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT AND THERE IS UPWARDS OF ONE MILLION OR SO. AND THERE IS A NUMBER ACCORDING TO THE PUBLIC STUDIES BY DOING TO -- BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE HEALTH CARE INSURANCE I'M ASKING THE COMMISSIONERS TO PLEASE ADOPT A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 16. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> THANK YOU. CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, SIR, WE CAN HEAR YOU. >> I AM A REPRESENTATIVE FROM COMBINED LAW ENFORCENT IN ASSOCIATION AND THE HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEES ORGANIZATION WHICH IS OUR SHERIFF'S GROUP.

THIS BOTHERS ME AND IT IS A DIRECTIVE THAT CAME OUT JUNE 26TH AND I UNDERSTAND THE CHIEF CAME HERE FROM TDC TO RUN THE JAIL. THE TEXAS COMMISSION SAYS THE CHIEF AND THE COMMAND STAFF ARE SERIOUS ABOUT THE ROUNDS.

THAT MEANS WE MUST ALL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO COMPLETE THESE ROUNDS ON TIME. ANYTHING YOU MIGHT THINK IS IMPORTANT IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS CORE TRACK.

THIS CANNOT BE OVER EMPHASIZED.

IF YOU HAVE A TASK AT HAND GO TO COURT TRACK.

IF YOU HAVE AN INMATE, GO TO COURT TRACK.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN -- IF YOU HAVE AN INMATE DISTURBANCE, GO TO CO TRACK. IF YOU HAVE A CALL FOR RELEASE GO TO CORE TRACK. CORE TRACK ROUNDS ARE THE

NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> I WOULD APPRECIATE A LITTLE

MORE TIME. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IF YOU CAN WRAP UP YOUR

REMARKS. >> YEAH.

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IF THE SHERIFF AND HIS COMMAND STAFF AS WELL AS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WERE INVOLVED IN THIS DECISION, SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE SPANKED. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO LISTEN TO ME WE NEED TO RESOLVE THE JAIL ISSUE IMMEDIATELY.

I AM NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT THE SERGEANT WHO WAS UH -- ASSAULTED A FEW WEEKS AGO. WE HAVE JAILERS WORKING FOR OVER TWO YEARS TBH THESE -- IN THESE TYPES OF CONDITIONS 12 AND 14 HOURS A DAY. THEY NEED RELIEF.

IF WE CAN DO THAT ON A TEMPORARY BASIS WITH THE FOLKS COMING FROM THE TEXAS FACILITY NEXT DOOR TO US, I BELIEVE IT IS STEVENS STATE JAIL OR BRING CONSTABLES TO BE RELIEVE PEOPLE, IMMEDIATELY THAT WOULD MAKE THE JAIL A SAFER PLACE TO WORK AS WELL AS THE MOST FUNCTIONAL PLACE TO WORK.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT. WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN

ON THE JAIL. >> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU HANS. AS A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, I DON'T KNOW ALL OF SHANNON'S BACKGROUND.

I DID GET TO KNOW THEM AS ONE OF THE LEAD INSPECTORS OVER AT THE TEXAS JAIL COMMISSION. HE UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES THAT THE COUNTY JAILS FACE. WE HAVE APPROVED A HUNDRED POSITIONS FOR THE SHERIFF AND THE DETENTION TO BUILD.

I WANT TO THANK MR. BERRY AND THE SHERIFF FOR MEETING WITH ME TO WORK THROUGH OTHER BUDGETARY CHALLENGES AND I FEEL COMFORTABLE WHERE THINGS ARE MOVING.

I KNOW WELL THE STRESS THE STAFF IS UNDER.

AND IN FACT, COINS DEN FALLLY AND EYE RON -- COINCIDENTALLY AND IRONICALLY, THE WEEK BEFORE THIS INCIDENT WITH THE SERGEANT OCCURRED, I SPOKE ABOUT THE STRESS AND THE CHALLENGES AND THE PRESSURE THAT THE JAIL STAFF ARE UNDER. SO THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT, BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR CALLING AND

WEIGHING IN ON IT. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS GIVING THESE PEOPLE SOME RELIEF IMMEDIATELY. THEY DON'T HAVE ANYWAY TO DEAL WITH THEIR STRESS AND THE PINNED UP TENSIONS.

THESE PRISONERS BELIEVE THEY ARE

[02:05:05]

THEY ARE. >> I'M SORRY?

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

LET ME JUST E78 -- EMPHASIZE THAT THIS COURT HAS RESPONDED POSITIVELY TO EVERY REQUEST THAT SHERIFF GONZALEZ SENT OVER. I'M ASSUMED YOU ARE FULLY ENGAGED WITH THE SHERIFF. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HIS RECOMMENDATIONS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HIS PLAN RELATED TO THE JAIL. THIS COURT BY ITS ACTIONS HAS SHOWN COMMITMENT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES ONCE THEY ARE PUT ON THE TABLE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO MEET WITH THE SHARE -- THE SHERIFF AND HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS.

WE ARE SITTING HERE LOOKING AND WAITING FOR A PLAN.

>> SIR, WE MET WITH THE SHERIFF A COUPLE TIMES.

MATTER OF FACT, WE HAVE A MEETING WITH THE AT -- THE ADMINISTRATION AGAIN TOMORROW MORNING.

AND I WILL BE BRINGING THIS UP.

THIS DUCK DOCUMENT THAT WAS SPLIT UP IN JUNE, IT CAUSES ME GREAT CONCERN THAT WE ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT GETTING A DIGITAL READOUT THAN WE ARE TAKE CARE OF A PROBLEM INVOLVING A DEPUTY AND AN INMATE.

IT IS UNACCEPTABLE. WE WILL TRY TO ADDRESS THAT WITH THE SHERIFF TOMORROW. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK BACK AT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE 90S WITH HPD.

BECAUSE OF A LACK OF STAFFING WE HAD -- THE CITY HAD A 655 OVERTIME PROGRAM WHICH IS THE EQUIVALENT OF 655 OFFICERS ADDED TO THE DEPARTMENT IN AN OVER TIME CAPACITY.

AS THE DEPARTMENT GREW THE OVER TIME GREW LESS.

WE GOT OUR STAFFING TO WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE, AND UNFORTUNATELY YOU ARE LOSING AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU BRING IN. I DON'T KNOW ANY OTHER ANSWERS TO GIVE YOU AT THIS POINT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.

IF YOU ARE BRINGING PEOPLE IN ON A TEMPORARY BASIS TO TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS, GIVE THESE FOLKS IN THE JAIL SOME

TYPE OF A SYSTEM. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 17, ETHAN BARRY. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI.

I AM A MEDICAL STUDENT AT BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE OVER HERE AT HOUSTON TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER.

I HAVE LIVED IN THE HOUSTON AREA MY WHOLE LIFE.

I'M CALLING IN TO TALK ABOUT THE MEDICARE FOR ALL RESOLUTION. I'M WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY MEDICARE FOR ALL GROUP. IT IS IMPORTANT TO PASS THE MEDICARE FOR ALL LEGISLATION AND UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IN THE UNITED STATES. FROM MY POINT OF VIEW I KNOW MANY PHYSICIANS AND WE HAVE A -- WE HAVE THE LARGEST MEDICAL SET UP. THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH HAVING TO DEAL WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES SORT OF THE MIDDLE MAN BETWEEN THE PATIENT PROVIDER.

I KNOW MANY PEOPLE CAN TALK FROM A PATIENT PERSPECTIVE, BUT MEDICARE FOR ALL WILL GO A LONG WAY MAKING MEDICARE BETTER. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 18. CORRECTIONER HIVAS WATSON.

GO AHEAD. >> I AM CHIVAS WATT -- WATSON. I AM ADVOCATING FOR HEALTH CONCERNS FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE REIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.

A -- THE EPISCOPAL HEALTH FOUNDATION FOUND THAT THEY HAVE TO POSITION AND 80 COUNTIES HAVE FIVE OR FEW POSITIONS AND 58 AND 147 NO OB/GYN AND SOME NO PSYCHIATRISTS. WHILE YOU ARE STAND AUGUST CROSS FROM OR NEXT TO SOMEBODY IMPACTED, COMMISSIONER ELLIS I COMPLETED A RESEARCH STUDY WITHIN FIVE MILES INCLUDING HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS, 65% OF MY CONSTITUENTS LACK HEALTH CARE OR OVERCOME BY DEDUCTIBLES.

MEDICARE FOR ALL COVERS EVERYONE.

HEALTH CARE INJUSTICES IS THE UNDER BELLY OF IT ALL.

WE ARE ASKING FOR A RESOLUTION FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL ON THE AGENDA. MY NUMBER IS WHERE YOU CAN

SPEND CORRESPONDENCE. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 19, DAVID ESPINOZA OF STOP TEXDOTI-45.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> YES.

HELLO? >> YES, SIR, GO AHEAD,

PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING RNTION -- GOOD MORNING, COMING -- COMMISSIONERS.

I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 2.

[02:10:01]

YOU KNOW, IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO HAVE TRANSPARENCY FROM TEXDOT. I JUST WANTED MY NEIGHBORHOOD TO BE ABLE TO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE EXPANSION.

MY NEIGHBORS ARE CLOSE TO A FREEWAY AND TO COME UP WITH A BETTER SOLUTION THAT ESSENTIALLY STOP ADDING MORE CONCRETE TO HOUSTON. WE NEED TO FIND WATER PERMIABLE SOLUTIONS AS SEEN IN NORTH HOUSTON.

SOMEPLACE WE CAN ENJOY WALKING AND CONTINUE UPDATING AND

INFRASTRUCTURE AND -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 20, STEPHANIE VILLANUEVA. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, MY NAME IS STEPHANIE VILLANUEVA, SHE, HER, HERS, PRECINCT 3 RESIDENT.

GRAFNG STUDENT -- GRAPHIC STUDENT AT UC HEALTH.

I CAN LOOING FOR -- I AM LOOKING FOR APPROVAL OF MEDICARE FOR ALL. TWO DAYS AGO DECEMBER 12TH WAS [INAUDIBLE] READY BEFORE THE PANDEMIC AND MANY PEOPLE WERE PUSHED OR FURTHER PUSHED INTO EXTREME HARDSHIPS AND THEY HAVE TO PAY FOR HEALTH SERVICES OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET. WE PAY FOR HEALTH CARE OUT OF OUR OWN POCKET. WE DON'T HAVE A REAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. JUST A COUPLE DAYS AGO THEY CALLED ON ALL GOVERNMENTS WORKING IN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. I AM CALLING ON YOU AS OUR LEADERS OF HARRIS COUNTY TO PASS RESOLUTIONS FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL. WE NEED STRONG LEADERSHIP.

HEALTH IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> MEDICARE WOULD ALLOW THAT. THANK YOU.

>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL THE SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SPOKE.

I PROPOSE THAT WE BREAK FOR 15 MINUTES NOW AND THEN WE TAKE THE LUNCH AT 2:30 BECAUSE -- EXCUSE ME, 2:00.

AT 2:00 COMMISSIONER ELLIS REQUESTED THAT HE NEEDS TO TAKE A LUNCH THEN AND HE WOULD LIKE TO BE PRESENT FOR THE REST OF THE DISCUSSION. DOES THAT WORK FOR YOU GUYS? ALL RIGHT. WE WILL BE BACK AT 10 UNTIL 1:00. A 15-MINUTE BREAK.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 12:59 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

[Departments (Part 2 of 2)]

LET ME GO OVER THE MINOR CHANGES ON THE AGENDA REAL QUICK. ITEM 56 UNDER COUNTY ENGINEER AND THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION ON THAT ITEM.

ON ITEM 124 AND PAGE 15 THERE IS A CORRECTION.

WE NEED TO CHANGE PRECINCT 3 TO PRECINCT 4.

THAT'S WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT.

ITEM 130 ON PAGE 16 WE NEED TO CHANGE PRECINCT 4 TO PRECINCT 3. 226 ON PAGE 28 CHANGE NOVEMBER 11TH TO MAY 11TH AND CHANGE 14 MILLION TO 2 MILLION. THOSE ARE THE CORRECTIONS.

>> I TALKED TO MR. DOSSELHOFF.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO 343 IS A NO ACTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DWIGHT, AM I CORRECT ON THAT?

>> YES, SIR, COMMISSIONER. HE SAID IT IS NOT AN ISSUE.

HE WILL RESPOND BACK TO THE REQUEST AND SUB MUTT -- SUBMIT

BACK ON JANUARY 4TH. >> JUDGE, I CAN SEE ON ITEM 299 THAT SHOULD BE PRECINCT 1.

THAT'S WHAT I HEARD IN THE AGENDA BRIEFING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT RIGHT? OH YES. 299, PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT. THANK YOU FOR CATCHING THAT.

[02:15:07]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE -- IT IS ACTUALLY ON THE NEXT ONE.

IT IS ON TPC. ON THE BOARD ITSELF.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND 329 IS TO REAPPOINT MYSELF WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AS ALSO A

REPRESENTATIVE TO HGAC. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS THE ONE I WANTED TO SPEAK ON, JUDGE, IF I MAY.

APPARENTLY THE RULES HGAC REQUIRE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL TO BE THE ALTERNATE. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND SERVING AS THE ALTERNATE. I PROMISE I DON'T MAKE TOO MANY MEETINGS. I WON'T MAKE IT MUCH WORK.

329. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WONDERFUL. WE CAN ADD COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SO IT IS CARING FOR THE TRADITION OF THOSE HERE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JUDGE LINA HIDALGO WITH ALTERNATE DELEGATE COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER ADRIAN GARCIA WITH ALTERNATE DELEGATE

COMMISSIONER TOM RAMSEY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: EXACTLY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TO THE HOUSTON GALVESTON GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR TERMS ENDING DECEMBER 31ST, 2022. YOU GOT THAT JAMES?

>> FOR CLARIFICATION BEFORE WE MOVE ON, 326, 327, 328 YOU ARE APPOINTING THEM AS ON THE AGENDA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND 329 AS THE EDIT.

>> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: 330, WE NEED TO DO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION, CORRECT, TO DISCUSS THE CANDIDATES FOR FLOOD CONTROL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN -- DIRECTOR? WE WILL LEAVE THAT ONE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AS A PERSONNEL MATTER TO DISCUSS.

331, DISCUSSION ON THE COMPENSATION OF DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATOR. WE SHOULD GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT. 332 IS THE REAPPOINTMENT -- EXCUSE ME, THE APPOINTMENT OF JENNIFER BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA TO THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO NEED FOR US TO GO BACK.

I DO WANT TO JUST THANK LINDA BORALES WHO HAS DILIGENTLY AND STEDFAST BEEN AN INCREDIBLE STEWARD.

I HEARD NOTHING BUT POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM HER SERVICE ON THE BOARD. SHE AND -- SHE IS A PRECINCT 2 CONSTITUENTS -- CONSTITUENT AND WILL FOLLOW IN THE POSITION OF A LATINA IN THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM.

AND SHE IS WORKING ON HER PHD IN THE HEALTH ARENA.

DR. PORIS IS -- HAS TALKED AND IS EXCITED ABOUT HER JOINING

THE BOARD. >> I ECHO THE GRATITUDE FOR LINDA MORALES FOR HER SERVICE ON THE BOARD.

>> YEAH. >> AND NEXT IS AN EXECUTIVE SESSION, TO CONSIDER ZOE MIDDLETON TO FILL THE PRECINCT 1 TERM FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS. WE DON'T DISCUSS THAT EITHER.

>> IT IS TO APPOINT ZOE MIDDLETON, ET CETERA, ET

CETERA. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

HERE ARE THE DISCUSSION ITEMS. ITEM 13 AN GROAMENT BETWEEN COALITION OF THE HOMELESS AND HARRIS COUNTY.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DO YOU NEED TO DISCUSS THAT?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: 14A FINAL RENEWAL OPTION WITH GRACE SOLUTIONS FOR A RECOVERY SHELTER. COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DO YOU

NEED TO DISCUSS THAT STILL? >> R. JACK CAGLE: MOST OF MY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED ON THAT SO WE CAN REMOVE THAT TO THE CONSENT AGENDA AT THIS TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL PUT ITEM 14 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. ITEM 16 ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO ITEMS RELATED TO THE JAIL WE CAN --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: FOR CLARIFICATION, IT WAS MAKING IT EASIER WHEN WE PUT IT FOR DISCUSSION UNDER YOUR ITEM AS

[02:20:01]

THE PAGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: NO SPECIFIC ITEM TO DISCUSS, SCRUZE WANT IT TO BE -- JUST WANT IT TO BE ON THE PAGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM -- SO WE WILL TAKE THAT ONE ALONG WITH THE JAIL UPDATE IF THAT WORKS FOR FOLKS, THE JAIL UPDATE ITEM. ITEM 17 IS THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK. OKAY.

18 IS ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, PROCESSING OF THE 9-1-1 AUDIO REQUEST BACKLOG.

DOES ANYONE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ITEM?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO NEED TO HOLD T BUT I WANT TO BRIEFLY THANK THE SHERIFF. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE ITEMS THAT ALTHOUGH WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF DISCUSSION ABOUT BODY CAM VIDEO, THE CHALLENGE GETTING IT TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE, AUDIO HAS ALSO BEEN A LOG JAM. I WANT TO THANK SHERIFF GONZALEZ PUTTING THIS ON THE AGENDA AND MOVING IT FORWARD.

THIS WILL HELP THE COURT PROCESS AS WELL.

>> AND JUDGE, I DO HAVE A FEW POINTS TO MAKE ON THE BACKLOG

IF THE COURT IS WILLING. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO YOU WOULD MAKE IT UNDER THAT ITEM? IS IT A QUICK POINT?

>> IT WILL BE QUICK. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

>> OH, SURE. FIRST JUST WANTED TO REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE FELONY BACKLOG AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES. FOR THE FIRST TIMEY HAVE SEEN SOME MOVEMENT ACTUALLY DOWN IN BACKLOG NUMBERS.

THAT'S DESPITE THE FACT IN NOVEMBER THAT THERE WAS NO JURY FOR A WEEK. CONGRATULATIONSES AND THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH US. WE WANT TO BE YOUR PARTNERS IN SOLVING THIS PROBLEM. WE MAY URGE YOU ALONG, BUT WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU. I ALSO SCRUZE WANTED TO -- I ALSO JUST WANTED TO POINT OUT IN THE REPORT AND I WON'T GO THROUGH IT, BUT WE DID SOME WORK ON PROJECTING -- RESOLVING THE BACKLOG. ONE OF THE THINGS WE IDENTIFIED IS THAT IT IS VITAL FOR COURTS TO PRIORITIZE THE CASES IN THE BACKLOG. SERIOUS CASE THAT'S HAVE LINGERED IN THE SYSTEM. AND WE DID SOME PROJECTIONS ON HOW QUICKLY WE CAN CLEAR THE BACKLOG BASED ON THE PRIORITIZATION SSMENTS. THIS IS SOMETHING WE WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING JUDGES GET WHAT THEY NEED.

AND WORK WORKING WITH A NEW COURT ADMINISTRATOR AND ACHIEVING SYSTEM-WIDE IMPROVEMENTS.

AND THEN THE FINAL POINT I WOULD MAKE IS THAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ON I'M -- IMPROVEMENTS IN PROCESSING EVIDENCE. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT WHILE IT IS NOT GLAMOROUS, IT IS VITAL TO GETTING THROUGH CASES. WE HAVE CERTAINLY HEARD THERE ARE MANY CASE CONTINUE WEDNESDAYS.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN'T AFFORD GIVEN THE SITUATION WE ARE IN. YOU MENTIONED THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON BOTH BODY CAM FOOTAGE AND 9-1-1.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE ADDING BODIES AND IT IS ESSENTIAL IN ADDING BODIES TO ADD TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT.

IT IS THE SAME STORY IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

THEY HAVE DECREASED BACKLOG, BUT WORKED ON SYSTEMS INCLUDING THE INTAKE OF EVIDENCE THAT LETS THEM MOVE FASTER. I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR WORK AND I THINK IT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS. IT IS A LITTLE THING, BUT IT

HAS A BIG IMPACT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: ARE YOU SATISFIED THAT THE JUDGES' OBJECTIVES ARE CONSISTENT IN OUR OBJECTIVES IN REDUCING THE BACKLOG IN -- BACKLOG? EVERYONE HAS A UNIQUE ROLE TO PLAY IN REDUCING THE BACKLOG.

ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH, DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR GOALS ARE AND ARE THEY CONSISTENT WITH OURS?

>> I THINK IT IS HARD TO GENERALIZE OVER THE ENTIRE BODY OF JUDGES. CERTAINLY MOST ARE RESOLVING THE BACKLOG. I THINK WE HAVE SEEN -- I MEAN, THEY ARE HARD-WORKING PEOPLE, BUT WE HAVE SEEN IMPROVEMENTS WITH THE ADDED TRANSPARENCY AND BACKLOG RATES. I FEEL LIKE THERE IS WORK TO DO IN TERMS OF -- SOME OF THAT IS RESOLVING THE EVIDENCE ISSUES. IT IS ISSUED ON THE OLDER SERIES CASES AND THAT IS VITAL TO THE JAIL POPULATION THAT WE

[02:25:01]

WILL GET TO. >> IT WAS COMMISSIONER GARCIA THAT BROUGHT IT UP. IN ONE OF THE CONVERSATIONS THERE WAS A NUMBER OF FOLKS THAT ARE TAKEN FROM THE JAIL TO THE COURTS AND UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES IT SHOULD BE 500 AND I WAS HEARING NUMBERS LIKE A HUNDRED.

IS THAT A METRIC YOU ARE MONITORING AND YOU ARE AWARE

OF AND RELEVANT? >> WE ARE ARE NOT MONITORING IT IN THIS REPORT. THE OTHER THING WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD, I AM NOT SURE OF THE QUALITY OF THE DATA, BUT 40U78 -- HOW MANY FOLKS ARE GETTING VISITS FROM THEIR DEFENSE ATTORNEY? THAT'S PART OF MOFERG THE CASES ALONG AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS HAPPENING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. I HOPE YOU CAN GET TO THE 120% CLEARANCE RATE TO CLEAR THIS BACKLOG.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE IF I COULD, TO YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, ABOUT THE COURT, I DO HAVE AN ITEM I WILL SPEAK ON A LITTLE LATER. BUT, YOU KNOW, THE BOTTOM LINE IS I WILL MAKE SURE ALL FOLKS HERE -- IT IS A SYSTEM.

THE SHERIFF DOESN'T CONTROL THE BODIES THAT COME TO HIM AND NOR DOES HE CONTROL THE BODIES HE WOULD LIKE TO GET.

IT IS A JUDGE, A PROSECUTOR, PUBLIC DEFENDER, DEFENSE ATTORNEY AND IT IS AN ENTIRE SYSTEM.

AND SO THE JURY SELECTION AND THE JURY POOL AND THE JURY TRIALS, ALL OF IT IS CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER.

AND THAT'S WHAT MY ITEMS HAVE BEEN ABOUT, THE DASHBOARD -- THAT'S WHAT MY ITEMS HAVE BEEN ABOUT.

SINCE WE HAVE INDEPENDENT ELECTED OFFICIALS AS PART OF THE PROCESS, WE CAN'T TELL THEM WHAT TO DO.

MAYBE THE PORTALS AND THE PUBLIC WEBSITES THAT WE ARE PUTTING UP WILL ALLOW THEM TO RECOGNIZE WHERE THERE IS MORE EFFORT AND MOVE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE AND RECOGNIZE THOSE THAT ARE KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARK.

THAT'S WHAT MY EFFORTS HAVE BEEN TO MOVE THE PROCESS

ALONG. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, MR. BERRY, GOING TO THE RODEO SEASON THERE ARE ISSUES WITH NRG. I DON'T KNOW IF MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE I ASKED YOU YESTERDAY IN TERMS OF

ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO HAVE AN ITEM ON THE JURY AND ALL OF THAT.

>> I THINK, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE

PLANNING TO COVER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN DO IT

THEN. >> I AM PREPARED TO GIVE AN

UPDATE ON THE FACILITY SIDE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 18, I KNOW FOLKS WANT TO DISCUSS AND I THINK MR. MENIFEE HAS A

PRESENTATION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH IS

THAT? >> I MEANT TO SAY 20.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 114, DETENTION BASINS.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU FLAGGED THIS ONE?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THAT ONE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 138. FIVE DECISIONS TO FINISH

BUILDING OUT THE DEPARTMENT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE JUST NEED

TO VOTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION? ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO.

NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR

THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IN THAT DIRECTION WE MAY HAVE COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE NONPROFIT ENTITIES THAT MAY FULFILL SOME OF THE ROLES THAT

I WOULD BE SUPPORTING. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 140, A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY INVESTMENT MEMO FOR A WORK ORDER MANAGE MEANT SYSTEM.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES, WE DO NEED

TO DISCUSS THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 171, DISCUSSION AND UPDATE ON THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS AND WE NEED TO DISCUSS THIS AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ASK THAT THIS ITEM BE TAKEN WITH 277. SO WE WILL DO THAT.

172 IS VARIOUS EXPENSES, LEGAL ACTION.

COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS ADVISED THAT WE PASS TWO SEPARATE MOTIONS. THE MOTIONS WOULD BE MOVE APPROVAL ON ALL LITIGATION EXPENSES AND ITEMS EXCEPT THOSE RELATED TO 202175 SWRSH -- 043.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS ALL

BUT. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.

THE SECOND MOTION WOULD BE MOVE APPROVAL OF LITIGATION EXPENSES RELATED TO COST NUMBER 202-17-5043.

[02:30:07]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: FOR CLARIFICATION THAT IS THE LAWSUIT WHICH I AM A PARTY OF ON THE REDISTRICTING AND I WILL ABSTAIN FROM VOTING ON THAT ISSUE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. THAT IS WHY WE ARE TAKING TWO SEPARATE MOTIONS. COMMISSIONER CAGLE IS AN ABSTENTION. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I AM AN ABSTENTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I AM IN FAVOR.

THREE VOTES IN FAVOR AND TWO ABSTENTIONS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE IS AN INTRIGUING QUESTION I WOULD ASK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ON. THE JUDGE IS A NAMED PARTY IN HER COUNTY CAPACITY IN THAT SUIT.

THAT MAY BE SOMETHING TO LOOK AT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET US KNOW IF WE HAVE TO VOTE DIFFERENTLY. IF I DON'T HEAR ANYTHING FROM YOU GUYS, WE ARE GOING TO KEEP DOING.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

177. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU

FLAGGED THIS ONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, MA'AM.

I WANT TO HOLD ON TO THAT ONE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 178. THAT IS THE NEW ELECTION PRECINCT BOUNDARIES, SO WE TOO DO NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE.

I KNOW THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WILL HAVE INPUT.

UN98. >> JUDGE, IF I MAY, ITEM 179, I DON'T KNOW IF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS PLANNING TO GIVE A PRESENTATION, BUT IT IS A REQUEST TO EXTEND FUNDING TO THE SUBSEQUENT FISCAL YEAR.

WE THINK THAT IS A GOOD IDEA, BUT IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR ACTION. THE TIME TO DO THAT WOULD BE IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR'S BUDGET.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE YOU SUGGESTING THAT THIS BEHELD AT

THIS TIME IN. >> I WOULD SAY TAKE NO ACTION AND RAY FER IT TO THE BUDGET PROCESS WOULD BE THE

APPROPRIATE ACTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ANY OBJECTION FROM THE CON TEEN ATTORNEY?

>> NO OBJECTION FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL TAKE NO ACTION AND REFERRALS CAN COME FROM THE -- WE ARE REFERRING IT TO THE BUDGET

PROCESS. >> AND I DO JUST WANT TO SAY THAT WE LIKE A LOT OF WHAT WE SEE FROM THE PROGRAM.

THIS IS NOT COMING OUT AGAINST IT IN ANYWAY.

IT IS JUST WHEN IT IS RIGHT FOR COURT TO ACT ON IT.

>> FOR COURT RECORD WE SHOW NO ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. ITEM 198.

GRANT FUNDS IN $20000 FROM HGAC.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU NEED TO DISCUSS IT? OKAY. 254.

IS IT -- THAT IS AN AMENDMENT TO AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: A QUICK COMMENT HERE.

THIS TIES TO WORKING WITH CARDINAL VEIL AND ACHIEVING A CORE LEVEL STUDY. JUST TO HIGHLIGHT IT IS NOT THE JUST BUFFALO BAYOU. THIS ISN'T EXACTLY FOR THOSE BAYOUS. ANYWHERE TUNNELS WERE USED AS A TECHNOLOGY THIS WOULD BE USED AND REFERENCED AS A WAY TO DO THAT. JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT THAT.

IT IS JUST NOT A BUFFALO BAYOU -RELEVANT ISSUE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. ANYTHING BEYOND FOR THIS COURT? THAT WILL BE AS PRESENTED AND WE DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS IT FURTHER? NEXT IS 277, THE UPDATE FROM LONGORIA.

WE ARE ALL EAGER FOR THAT. 278 IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S ITEM. AN UPDATE OF THE OFFICE OF

MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. >> WE WILL DISCUSS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 297, TRANSMITAL FOR FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS. YOU FLAGGED THAT ONE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. WE WILL DISCUSS 297.

303. THAT HAS BEEN FLAGGED BY PRE -- PRECINCTS 3 AND 4. THAT IS THE MEMO ON OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED TO OTHERWISE MITIGATE THE LAWS AND -- THE LAW'S NEGATIVEY --

NEGATIVE EFFECTS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I MADE MY COMMENTS. IT IS A TRANSMITAL.

[02:35:03]

IS ANYTHING ELSE TO BE DONE. >> TOM RAMSEY: MY COMMENTS

WERE MADE EARLIER. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT'S A TRANSMITAL. 304 IS A TRANSMITAL ON THE MWBE REPORT. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE A VERY QUICK UPDATE AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA MAY HAVE QUESTIONS.

WE WILL LISTEN TO THE VERY QUICK REPORT.

ITEM 333. VERY EXCITING ONE LEAD BY THE TREASURER. YOU FLAGGED THIS ONE FOR UNITY

NATIONAL BANK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

I WANT TO HOLD THAT. I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS,

RATHER. >> LINA HIDALGO: 338 IS WHAT WE WILL TAKE WITH THE COVID ITEM.

AND THAT IS THE DISCUSSION OF OPTIONS TO AFFECT THE IMMEDIATE RELIEF OF THE JAIL POPULATION.

341, DISCUSSION OF THE DRAFT DARYB DASH -- ON THE DRAFT --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ON THE LAST ITEM THERE MAY BE SOME THINGS THAT WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE PENDING LAWSUIT. AT SOME POINT WE MAY NEED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE -- I THINK THERE ARE THREE LAWSUITS NOW AT LEAST TWO, MAYBE THREE LAWSUITS. AND THERE IS AN IMPACT ON WHAT

WE DO. >> SURE, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

IF THE CONVERSATION GOES TO THAT AREA, THEN WE CAN MOVE IT

TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL LIST 338 POSSIBLY FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

IS THAT APPROPRIATE? >> YES, IT IS, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE DISCUSSION OF A DRAFT FOR LOCAL POLICY. A COUPLE OF FOLKS FLAGGED THE PRECINCTS TWO AND FOUR. 342.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH COMMISSIONER GARCIA NEEDS TO HAVE, BUT I WILL MAKE A COMMENT THAT PULLING OUR STAFF OUT OF THE DIRECT INVOLVE -- INVOLVEMENT AND BEING NON-VOTING FOLKS IS A GOOD STEP AND I AM SUPPORTIVE OF THE POLICY OF HAVING SOMETHING THAT IS WRITTEN DOWN SO THAT EVERYBODY CAN SEE IT AND KNOW WHAT IT IS.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOUR THOUGHTS WHETHER ON THE SAME LINES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT AND A COUPLE OTHER THINGS.

JAKE JACK I MADE -- JAKE JACK I MADE MY COMMENT AND I AM

GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL

STILL DISCUSS IT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: EYE -- ITEM 342.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE NEED TO DISCUSS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS PAGE 41.

MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRY THREES-2.

ITEM 343, THERE WAS A SPEAKER ON A PURCHASING QUESTION, BUT WE DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS THAT? IT IS BEING HELD ANYWAY? ITEM 344, AN AGREEMENT WITH PFM FOR CONSULTING SERVICES. I SUSPECT WE NEED TO VOTE ON THAT ITEM? MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR.

THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2. AND 351, THIS IS THE JURY OPERATIONS ITEM COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS BRINGING.

ITEM 352 -- OH, THE ITEM ON TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES.

WE WILL DISCUSS THAT ITEM. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ITEM 354 UNDER COMMISSIONER OF PRE SINK 3. THAT IS AN ITEM BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ON THE VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS PROGRAM. THAT SHOULD BE IT FOR THE OUT

OF ORDER ITEMS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT DID WE DO ON 355? I DID WANT TO DISCUSS THAT ITEM. I DO WANT TO DISCUSS THAT ONE,

JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

SO 355. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HOMELESS STRATEGY AND RESPONSE POSITION RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT AND OTHER PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND HOUSING PLANS. GOT IT.

LET ME ADD THAT ONE TO THE LIST.

WHAT WE HAVE IS EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 330, 331 AND

[02:40:09]

DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? >> YES, MA'AM.

>> -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: 338 BEING A POSSIBLE EXECUTIVE SESSION AND I THOUGHT 326 WAS GOING TO BE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. DID THAT GET PULLED OFF?

>> LINA HIDALGO: 326 WAS -- NO.

IT IS TO APPOINT SOMEONE AS TREASURER -- CHRISTOPHER

DECLARIS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T NEED

THAT TO GO. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO PUBLIC HEARINGS TODAY. JAMES, DO YOU NEED CLARIFICATION ON ANY OTHER ITEMS ?

>> YES, MA'AM. ON THE HARRIS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ITEM 137 IS THERE ANY ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION UNLESS THERE IS ANY OTHER.

>> AND ITEM 276, THAT'S FOR POSSIBLE ACTION FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO FIND $5 MILLION IN THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHICH ITEM AGAIN?

>> TO 76 -- 276. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DO YOU NEED TO DISCUSS ITEM 276?

IT IS A DISCUSSION -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T NEED

TO DISCUSS IT, JUDGE. >> WHAT IS THE ACTION ON

THAT? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION FOR NOW, JAMES. THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THOUGHT IT WAS A PROPOSED ACTION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: 355. >> LINA HIDALGO: SOUNDS LIKE WE NEED TO DISCUSS OR WE JUST NEED TO VOTE ON IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: TO 76? >> R. JACK CAGLE: 276?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD JUST -- DO WE NEED ACTION ON IT?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IT HAS PROPOSED ACTION IN IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS A PROPOSAL TO REFER IT TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE

UPCOMING BUDGET. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, WE CAN WORK THROUGH -- I DO WANT TO BRING UP AN ITEM THAT IS RELATED TO THIS AND ASK IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND I CAN WORK TOGETHER. THE FAVE MILLION I SUPPORT -- THE 5 MILLION I SUPPORT OBVIOUSLY TO GO OUT THERE AND DEAL WITH THE CONCERNS PLAGUING THE COMMUNITY, BUT IT IS RELATED TO THE PAPER TAG INITIATIVE.

MAYBE WE CAN FOLD THESE TWO TOGETHER AND GIVE THEM TO THE SHERIFF AND THE BUDGET OFFICE FOR A PLAN THAT IS INCLUSIVE OF THE CONSTABLES. WE HAVE SUCH A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH OUR VIOLENT CRIME, NUMBER ONE, AND THEN GENERAL LOSS OF REVENUE TO THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL, BUT SPECIFICALLY IN THE TOLL SYSTEM.

AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO TRY TO EARN YOUR SUPPORT TO BRING THESE TWO ITEMS TOGETHER ALONG WITH A BUDGET FOR A PLAN AND ALLOW THE DISCUSSION TO BE FOCUSED ON HOW PAPER PLATES GO TO VIOLENT CRIME AND CRIME IN GENERAL AND LOSS OF REVENUE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO SPEAK WITH HIM, BUT I WAS REACHING OUT TO CONSTABLE HERMAN WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS DOUGH -- DOMAIN BEFORE.

THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE CUT THE FUNDING THEY USED TO DEPEND ON.

AND SO THE SHERIFF HAS SOMEWHERE TO WORK.

THERE IS AN INFORMAL PROCESS INCLUDING SHERIFF AND DEPUTY CONSTABLES IN THE OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

THIS IS SUCH A PIG DEAL THAT -- THIS IS SUCH A BIG DEAL THAT IT WOULD DO A LOT TO INVEST THIS MONEY.

>> I BROUGHT UP PAPER PLATES IN THE LAST MEETING.

I AM GLAD TO SEE IT HERE. THE POLICE CHIEF AND THE

[02:45:05]

MY REQUEST ON 276 AND I DID TALK TO COMMISSIONER BERRY AS HE GETS INTO THE BUDGET AND I BROUGHT THIS UP EARLIER IN THE YEAR, COMMISSIONER, IT IS NOT IN THE BUDGET.

MONEY IS SHORT AND CAN'T DO IT.

REALLY THESE DOLLARS ARE MEANT FOR UNDER SERVED NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HAVE HIGH CRIME. IT IS VERY CONSISTENT.

IT IS SPECIFICALLY TO PATROL. WHETHER IT IS COUNTY SHERIFF PATROL, PATROLS IN UNDER SERVED NEIGHBORHOODS.

PAPER PLATES IS ANOTHER COROLLARY.

I THINK IT IS ALL THE SAME ISSUE IN TERMS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, PARTICULARLY IN UNDER -- UNDER SERVED.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF PAPER PLATES AND AS AN EXERCISE WHEN YOU ARE RIDING THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOODS, LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF PLATES, THE PAPER PLATES AND IT IS JUST WAY BEYOND THE PALE. THAT IS A BIG ISSUE.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT TIES TO WHAT WHAT I WAS ASKING FOR

HERE. >> THERE MAY BE OF WHAT WE WOULD SEE AS A THIRD SOLUTION HERE.

WHEN WE HAD A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO ADDITIONAL PATROL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN OUR PARKS, COMMISSIONER RADACK AT THAT TIME PROPOSED THAT A NUMBER OF OFFICERS BE GIVEN AND EACH COMMISSIONER KNOWING WHAT THE STATUS WAS TO ALLOCATE THE RESOURCES AS THEY SAW FIT. I THINK WE EVEN TALKED IN THOSE DAYS BECAUSE YOU WERE A SHERIFF AT THE TIME AND THAT'S BECAUSE OF THE CONTRACT THAT WE HAD.

IT MAY BE COMMISSIONER'S PROPOSAL WILL FIT WELL WITH THE LICENSE PROPOSAL IF WE SAID EACH COMMISSIONER GETS A ONE-FOURTH ALLOCATION OF THE RESOURCE HERE AND FOR US TO WORK WITH TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL THAT IS IN 276 AND WHAT YOU ARE REFERRING TO IN YOUR AREA.

>> I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE OF THAT BECAUSE -- I WOULD VENTURE TO SAY THAT IN TARGETING THE VIA LENT CRIME -- TARGETING THE VIOLENT CRIME WE ARE ALL GOING AFTER, ACCORDING TO WHAT I HAVE FOUND IS THE PAPER PLATES IS A REOCCURRING ELEMENT. I WOULD LIKE TO STRUCTURE IT, BUT I WOULD BE SUPPORTIVE FOR EACH COMMISSIONER TO BE ABLE TO WEIGH IN ON IT. OUT OF THE SEVEN MICROZONES, MAYBE THIS IS A WAY TO GET THEM TO FOCUS ON SOME VERY IMPORTANT ISSUES. I THINK -- I'M GOOD, BUT I IOS -- I JUST WANT TO FORMULATE THE PLAN.

THAT WOULD BE MY -- >> AT LEAST GET IT BY BUDGET.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I SUGGEST WE AT LEAST LOOK AND SEE WHERE THE HIGHEST CRIME AREAS ARE. THERE ARE CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD THAT'S DON'T HAVE THE CONTRACT DEPUTY.

I WOULD LIKE TO AT LEAST BEFORE WE MAKE A DECISION OR SPLIT IT BETWEEN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS SEE WHERE THERE IS THE GREATEST NEED. AND THEN THE DECISION IS MADE REGARDLESS OF THAT, THAT THE COURT WANTS TO DIVIDE THEN SO BE IT. WE SHOULD LOOK AND SEE WHAT

THE GREATEST NEED IS. >> I WOULD BE CONCERNED THAT THE FUNDING -- I MEAN, THERE IS ONLY ONE BUCKET OF FUNDING. AS YOU SAID, THE REVENUE IS DOWN AND WE ALL KNOW WHY. AND SO WHAT -- I MEAN, THAT'S MONEY THAT WOULDN'T GO TO THESE INDEPENDENTLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS. DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON

THAT, MR. BERRY? >> BYWAY OF CONTEXT WE ARE MOVING TOWARD OUTCOME BUDGETING.

ONE IS REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME.

IF I OFFER ADVICE IT IS TO SAY LET'S LOOK AT THE PROPOSALS AND IT WILL EXCEED $5 MILLION.

AND LET'S LOOK AT WHICH ONES WE THINK WILL HAVE THE HIGHEST IMPACT ON VIOLENT CRIME. THAT'S NOT EXCLUSIVE ON WORKING ON A PAPER PLATES INITIATIVE.

[02:50:01]

AND IF WE COULD, ON THIS LAST ROUND OF 2.6 MILLION, WE HAVE TARGETED SPECIFICALLY THE UN -- UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY. LIKE CONSTABLE WALKER AND CONSTABLE GAY ARE SEE YAW ARE -- CONSTABLE GARCIA, THEY ARE IN AREAS THAT ARE NOT MEASURED.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY AND BE A LITTLE MORE HOLISTIC AND INCLUDES THE CITY OF HOUSTON NEIGHBORHOODS AND THE OTHER AREAS SO THAT WE CAN REALLY IDENTIFY THOSE OTHER HOTSPOTS AND MAYBE MAKE THE FIRST ONE.

>> THAT MAKES SENSE AND AND WE SHOULD TRY TO MAKE IT AS OUTCOME BRACED -- OUTCOME-BASED AS WE CAN.

KNOWING THAT WE HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES TO DO IT.

I WILL SECOND THIS ITEM WITH --

>> I WILL SECOND THE ITEM WITH THE GOAL THAT IT BE -- THAT WE DEVISE THE PLAN BEFORE DOLLARS ARE SPENT.

AND THE PLAN BEING EASILY LAID OUT AND TARGETED ZIP CODES.

>> IS THAT BROAD ENOUGH TO ENCOMPASS WHEN THIS COMES BACK TO THE BUDGET PROCESS ALSO SEEING WHAT THEY ARE ASKING FOR? IT MAY BE THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD. BUT AT LEAST SOMEBODY WHO TAKES THEIR NAME ON THE BALLOT IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND I

WANT TO SEE WHAT THEY SAY. >> THAT'S WHAT MR. BERRY TOLD ME EARLIER IN THE WEEK. HE SAID THESE REQUESTS COMING IN FROM THE SHERIFF AND THE CONSTABLES ARE GOING TO EXCEED THIS NUMBER. ALL I'M AFTER IS WHEN WE LOOK AT 2022 AND COMPARE IT TO 2021 , THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOODS TO ADDRESS CRIME I AM LOOKING FOR THE DELTA THERE. IT IS THE UNDER SERVED.

AND I MENTIONED THAT TO THE UNDER SERVED NEIGHBORS.

IT IS MAKING SURE WE HAVE PEOPLE OUT THERE.

>> THE QUESTION IS MAKING SURE THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE ON PATROL. THAT'S WHAT THIS POLICING INITIATIVE DOES AND IT DOES IT WITH OVER TIME.

THEY HAVE THE RESOURCES AND THE CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF HAVE JUMPED ON THAT. SO IF THERE IS GOING TO BE ADDITIONAL POSITIONS, YOU GROW IT BY 50 AND THEN YOU ARE EXITING -- YOU ARE COMMITTING US IN PERSON FEW TEE.

PERPITUITY. ON THE ONE HAND YOU COMMIT IT TO THE LOWER BUDGET AND ON THE OTHER HAND IT IS TO MORE EMPLOYEES. I JUST DON'T THINK THIS IS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. LET ME FINISH MY POINT.

WE ALWAYS SAY WE SHOULD RESPECT THE POSITION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WE ARE BASICALLY DICTATING TO THEM OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT THAT THEY MAY COME TO US WITH A PROGRAM ON PAPER PLATES THAT THEY WORKED ON WITH YOU AND WITH YOU.

AND THEY MAY NEED $5 MILLION FOR THAT.

AND WE WILL GIVE THEM 5 MILLION.

THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS THOUGHT THOUGHTFUL AND SPECIFIC AS TO THE OUTCOMES. LET'S HIRE 200 FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND FOR THE HOMELESS POPULATION AND THE KIDS.

YOU CAN ALWAYS THROW OUT THINGS FOR THE ADHAWK ISSUES.

IF LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORTS IT AND THE OUTCOMES ARE THOUGHTFUL AND IT WORKS WITH THE BUDGET, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORT THAT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

LET ME JUST SAY, YOU ARE CORRECT AND WE HAVE TO BE MINDFUL AND TO MAKE A PITCH TO HOW THIS 5 MILLION FOCUSED ON

[02:55:05]

JUST FOR THE TOLL ROAD THERE WAS AN 11 MILLION-DOLLAR SHORT FALL JUST THIS YEAR. AND THROUGH OTHER COUNTY OPERATIONS WHETHER IT BE IN THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE OR IN OTHER REVENUE PERMITTING, IT IS THOUGHT WE ARE IN A SHORT CAUSED BY PAPER PLATES ALONE.

AND SO THAT'S R I LOOKED AT THE -- SO THAT'S WHY I LOOKED AT THE 5 MILLION AS A POTENTIAL TO TARGET THIS AND THE STATETH -- TARGET THIS AND ALLOW IT TO RECOVER A REVENUE STREAM THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY LOSING OF THAT'S WHERE I THOUGHT THE CYNERGY BETWEEN THE PROPOSED FIVE MILLION AND THE CAUSATION OF PAPER PLATES ON OUR PUBLIC SAFETY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE MAKE A CONSIDERATION FOR A NEW BUDGET? I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE WE

WILL PULL $5 MILLION. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS NEXT

YEAR. >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT, BUT WE ARE NOT IN BUDGETING SEASON. I CAN SAY WE WILL PUT

5 MILLION -- >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU BROUGHT TO COURT 2.6 MILLION. YOU SAID YOU TALKED TO THE CONSTABLES OKAY NO ONE TALKED TO THE CONSTABLES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A HE SAID-SHE SAID.

>> TOM RAMSEY: NO, I TALKED TO THE CONSTABLES.

IF WE NEED THEM TO COME UP HERE AND HAVE THAT CONVERSATION THEY CAN. IF THEY WANT PRECISION POLICING AS YOU ARE SAD VAW INDICATING THIS IS THE WAY YOU DO IT. AND SO WE ARE ABOUT TO GO INTO BUDGET DISCUSSIONS. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DO IT, THEN FINE. IT IS SPECIFIC AND WE CAN WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT IN GETTING THIS IN THE BUDGET.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU JUST SAID FIVE MINUTES AGO THAT REDISTRICTING WILL CHANGE AMBULANCE SERVICES.

YOU ARE SAYING RIGHT NOW THE CONSTABLES WERE NOT TALKED TO AND IT MAY BE COMPLETELY FACTUALLY IN THE CLOUDS.

I KNOW I WOULD ASK THAT QUESTION AND WHAT I WAS TOLD BY -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU WERE IN MY OFFICE AS WELL AND THE CHIEF OR PERHAPS IT WAS THE MAJOR IS THAT THE OVER TAME FUNDING FOR THE POLICING INITIATIVE RELIES ON THE DEPUTIES FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND FROM THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS FOR THE SHERIFF OR MR. GONZALEZ. THERE IS A LITERAL LETTER NOT

SAYING THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT, YOU KNOW, WE DO A BUDGET.

WE DO HAVE ARPA MONEY. IF SOMETHING COMES UP AND IT IS A CRISIS, OBVIOUSLY YOU HAVE MADE AN EXCEPTION.

EACH OF US CAN COME IN AND COME UP WITH SOMETHING AND DO A PRESS RELEASE OR WE CAN SAY WE WANT TO PRIORITIZE THAT.

IF WE GET INTO THAT, IT IS THE SEASON AND I GET THAT.

YOU AND I HAPPEN TO NOT BEA GOING THROUGH IT RIGHT NOW -- YOU AND I HAPPEN TO BE NOT GOING THROUGH IT RIGHT NOW, BUT WE ARE BUDGETING ON THE FLY.

WHEN YOU SAY IT IS A PRIORITY, I GET IT.

THE LICENSE PLATE ISSUE, I GET IT.

IT IS A PRIORITY. INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THESE THINGS WE CAN NUDGE. PUT THE MARKER DOWN AND THIS IS SOMETHING I WILL ADVOCATE STRONGLY FOR.

[03:00:01]

WE SHOULD TRY AND WE HAVE A BUDGET CYCLE COMING UP.

ALL OF THE FOLKS WHO COME IN ASKING IS FOR MONEY, I DIDN'T SEE MANY OF THEM WHEN WE WERE SETTING THE TAX RATE.

IT IS A LOT EASIER TO SPEND THE MONEY THAN IT IS TO HAVE IT HERE AND AVAILABLE TO SPEND.

IT IS JUST MAKING A SUGGESTION. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S WHAT THAT IS. GIVING A HEADS UP AND THAT'S

WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SEND IT TO THE BUDGET. IT GOES TO THE BUDGET OFFICE AND WE WILL CONSIDER IT IN THE CONTEXT OF EVERYTHING WE HAVE

TO DO. >> TOM RAMSEY: AND --

>> I AND IF I MAY HERE IS A POTENTIAL MODIFICATION THAT MAY MAKE NO ONE HAPPY. WE CERTAINLY WILL SH BY VIER -- WILL CONSIDER BY THE VIRTUE OF THE BUDGET REQUEST PATROL OFFICER UH DIGITSES AS ONE PROPOSAL ON THE PRIORITY OUTCOME TO REDUCING VIOLENT CRIME.

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF MY OFFICE AND MY WORK, I LIKE THE FLEXIBILITY TO ANALYZE THE DIFFERENT PROPOSALS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS. IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.

I PERSONALLY AGREE THAT IT IS BETTER TO LOOK AT ALL OF THE PROPOSALS TOGETHER TO SEE IS IT PAPER PLATES? IS IT VIOLENCE INTEREST -- INTERRUPTION? LOOK AT ALL OF THOSE AND SEE WHAT HAS THE HIGHEST IMPACT ON THE OUTCOME. THAT WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION TO CONSIDER IT AS ONE OF THE PROPOSALS ON THE PRIORITY OUTCOME OF VIOLENT CRIME.

OBVIOUSLY -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HOPE YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CONTINUED FUNDING OR NOT.

WE MAKE THE DECISIONS ON THE BUDGET AND IT IS A STATEMENT ABOUT OUR VALUES. WE MAKE THE DECISION WHEN WE DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY WE WILL HAVE TO DIVEE UP.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE YOU GOING TO SECOND THIS?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD SECOND IT AS LONG AS WE ARE IN AGREEMENT THAT I I WANT A PLAN DEVISED.

I WANT THE PAPER PLATES TO BE STRONGLY CONSIDERED.

THERE IS A REVENUE STREAM WE CAN RECOVER.

AND VIOLENT CRIME HAS TO BE ONE OF THE FACTORS INCORPORATED. I AM LOOKING AT THE COUNTY HOLISTICALLY. THE SHERIFF COVERS THE AREA AND THE CONSTABLES COVER THE INNER CITIES OR THE CITIES.

>> DEPENDS UPON THE CONSTABLE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HOPE EVERYONE WILL SIT AT THE TABLE. ON THE 2.6, THE CONSTABLES DIDN'T PARTICIPATE FOR SOME REASON.

MAYBE THEY DIDN'T GETTEN DPAIJED EARLY ENOUGH -- GET ENGAGED EARLY ENOUGH, BUT HERE WE ARE TRYING TO PUT MONEY ON THE TABLE TO TARGET VIOLENT CRIME AND WE SHOULD ALL BE

FOCUSED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WITH THAT

SAID I MOVE THE MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE MOTION IS CLEAR THAT IT IS FOR THE BUDGET OFFICE TO CONSIDER A $5 MILLION ALLOCATION IN THE UPCOMING FISCAL REAR TO FUND 50 POLICE OFFICERS TO FUND POLICE OFFICERS AS PART OF OTHER INITIATIVES INCLUDING PAPER PLATES INITIATIVES.

THAT SONS LIKE WHAT I AM -- THAT SOUNDS LIKE WHAT I AM

HEARING. >> LINA HIDALGO: DID YOU MAKE

THAT MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MADE THE

MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

Y'ALL WE MENTIONED THIS EARLIER.

WHY DON'T WE BREAK NOW FOR THE LUNCH IF THAT'S OKAY.

WE WILL BE BACK AT 2:20. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT TIME?

>> HERE IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE.

SKITE TIFF -- EXECUTIVE SESSION 330, 331 AND POSSIBLY

[03:05:03]

355, 35 -- 354 AND -- 354 AND 355.

DO WE HAVE A MOTION -- MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED. MOTION CARRIES.

AND THIS IS -- FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.

IT IS FOR THE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA EXCEPT FOR THOSE ALREADY VOTED ON. LET'S START WITH ITEM 13.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU REQUESTED DISCUSSION ON THIS

ITEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I APARTMENT TO SEE IF DR. HOLLOWAY IS ON THE LIEN.

>> YES, I AM COMMISSIONER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, DR. HOLLOWAY. THIS ITEM IS REGARDING IN PART PAYING BACK THE COALITION OF VOUCHERS THROUGH ARPA.

IT IS MORE BROAD IN TERMS OF THE ACTION PLAN THAT WE SHOULD BE SUBMITTING. MY CREDIT -- MY QUESTIONS ARE DOES CSD HAVE AN ACTION PLAN ALREADY? THE HOME -- YEAH, THE HOME ACTION PLAN? THIS ITEM IS FOR THE TREASURY ARPA.

WE HAVE A CONSULTANT WE ARE BRINGING ON TO ASSIST WITH THE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT THAT WE NEED TO COMPLETE FOR

THE FUNDING. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MY QUESTIONS ARE STILL DO WE HAVE OUR HOME ARPA ACTION PLAN DRAFTED YET?

>> NO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S ALARMING. LET ME JUST TELL YOU THAT THAT'S CONCERNING. THE CITY OF HOUSTON RECEIVED THEIR HUD GUIDANCE AS OF SEPTEMBER AND WE DON'T HAVE ONE. MY OFFICE HAS BEEN ASKING YOU SPECIFICALLY FOR DETAILS AND WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY FEEDBACK. THERE HAS TO BE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ON THIS, AND THAT AS FAR AS I KNOW HASES -- HAS NOT HAPPENED. IN ALL OF THE MANY DISCUSSIONS I HAD WITH YOU REGARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOUSING FOR HOMELESS THIS IS -- I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT WE HAVE NOT YET GOTTEN OUR SLEEVES ROLLED UP AND GOTTEN THIS ACTION PLAN AT A MINIMUM DRAFTED AND THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THAT TAKES SOME TIME IS CRITICAL.

THE CITY OF HOUSTON FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND AND THEY HAVE BEEN COMMITTED TO THE FINAL ACTION PLAN.

AND THEY ARE PLANNING ON SUBMITTING THE FINAL ACTION PLAN TO HUD BY THE END OF THE EYER -- YEAR AND WE ARE NOT THERE YET. AND SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR, DR. HOLLOWAY, THAT THIS IS CONCERNING.

HARRIS COUNTY IS BEHIND ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND YOU WERE BROUGHT TO HARRIS COUNTY SPECIFICALLY TO HELP US

[03:10:01]

AND SO I MADE IT REAL CLEAR BACK THEN THAT I WANTED THIS TO BE A MAJOR PRIORITY. WHEN MY STAFF CALLS YOU AND IS ASKING QUESTIONS THEY ARE NOT DOING IT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO. THEY ARE DOING IT BECAUSE I HAVE DIRECTED THEM TO DO IT. THEY ARE DOING IT PAUSE THAT'S THEIR JOB TO DO. THEY ARE YOUR CONTEMPORARY.

THEY ARE NOT LESS THAN YOU. THEY ARE NOT AN INTERN.

THEY ARE MY EMPLOYEES AND THEY ARE SPEAKING WITH MY VOICE.

AND SO DO I WANT -- I JUST WANT TO BE VERY CLEAR THAT WHEN MY STAFF IS ASKING QUESTIONS OF YOU, IT IS MY VOICE THAT THEY ARE SPEAKING WITH.

IS THAT CLEAR? >> UNDERSTOOD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. SO WHEN CAN WE SEE AN ACTION

PLAN BROUGHT TO THIS COURT? >> I WILL PROVIDE A TIMELINE FOR YOU SO YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU CAN RECEIVE AN ACTION PLAN AND ALL OF THE NECESSARY STEPS THAT WILL LEAD TO IT SO YOU CAN HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING WHEN IT WILL BE SUBMITTED ON HUD

AND AWAITING APPROVAL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.

AND IF YOU EVER HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY STAFF ASKING YOU QUESTIONS, DON'T CALL MY CHIEF OF STAFF.

CALL ME. I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR DELIVERY AND THEIR QUESTIONS.

THEY ARE MY STAFF AND THEY ARE MY POLICY ADVISERS AND THEY ARE YOUR CONTEMPORARIES. ALL RIGHT?

>> UNDERSTOOD. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAD A MISCOMMUNICATION AND THERE WAS ONE MORE ITEM I WAS HOPING WE WILL DISCUSS AND IT IS ITEM 302 AND IT TIES WITH THE RESOLUTION YOU HAD, COMMISSIONER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU -- I APOLOGIZE.

CAN YOU PLEASE UNDO THAT ONE. >> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS 302 AND THAT IS THE TRANSMITAL OF THE ANALYST'S OFFICE AND IT IS TO PROTECT GALVESTON BAY.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> SO ITEM 13, IS THERE ANY

ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION.

>> SORRY. IS COURT MEANING TO HOLD THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT? ITEM 13?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

PHASER? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. MOTIONED BY GAR -- GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS. ITEM 16 IS THE UPDATE ON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. ON THE PANDEMIC, YOU KNOW, WE ARE AT YELLOW AND THINGS ARE FLATTENING OUT.

WE DON'T KNOW YET IF THE TRENDS WILL JUMP BACK UP OR NOT. THE FOCUS CONTINUES TO BE VACCINATIONS. I DID WANT TO TAKE AN OPPORTUNITY ON THIS ITEM TO DISCUSS THE STATUS OF THE JAIL. AND HERE IS WHY.

THE DIRE SITUATION AT THE JAIL IS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. SOME OF THE CONDITIONS HAVE UH RISEN AS A RESULT. THE BACKLOG IS A SUCCESS RATE AND WE SAW MORE CHALLENGES WITH COVID JUST BECAUSE OF THE REASONS EVERYBODY ALREADY KNOWS IN TERMS OF PROCESSING THE VERY CREWS CASES. THIS ITEM ALLOWS US TO TAKE ACTION AND IT ALLOWS FOR POSSIBLE ACTION.

AND SO THE MOTIONS I WOULD PROPOSE AND I KNOW WE ARE HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH SOMEBODY FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND IN SUPPORT OF THE DEDICATED COUNTY EMPLOYEE THESES JAIL I MOVE TO DIRECT THE COUNTY STAFF INCLUDING PURCHASING AND THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO WORK WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND GEORGE W. BUSH EAT A CONTRACT WITH THE DETENTION FACILITY TO HOUSE 500 DETAINEES FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL AND MOVE INDIVIDUALS TO REDUCE THE CURRENT JAIL POPULATION.

A SECOND MOTION -- AND THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO UPDATE COMMISSIONERS' COURT ON THE STATUS OF THE JAIL POPULATION AND THE CONTRACT TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS

[03:15:01]

IN CASE THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE THEM BACK SOONER, EVEN IF THE COUNTY HAS TO CONTINUE TO PAY FOR BEDS UNTIL SUCH A TIME THAT ALL DETAINEES ARE BEING HOUSED IN THE SHERIFF -- IN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL AND THE THOUGHT OF SENDING THEM TO ANOTHER STATE IS NOT IDEAL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL MOVE ON THE SECOND AS WELL.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, IS THIS -- OF COURSE, THE SHERIFF SENT OVER UNDER 338 OPTIONS FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF OF THE JAIL.

IS THIS TO SUPPLEMENT THAT? IS THIS IN ADDITION TO?

>> IT IS IN ADDITION TO. >> LINA HIDALGO: 338 DOES NOT HAVE A POSSIBLE ACTION. IT IS SIMPLY DISCUSSION.

IT TAKES WHAT THE SHERIFF HAS ASKED FOR AND IT IS GETTING IT DONE THROUGH THE COVID ITEM. IS THERE SMUNG -- SOMEONE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE THAT NEEDS TO ADD ANYTHING?

DAVE? >> ARE WE TAKING UP THE JAIL

DISCUSSION NOW? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> OBVIOUSLY I WOULD INVITE SOMEONE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO WEIGH IN. SHERIFF GONZALEZ AND I HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING ABOUT HOW THE COUNTY CAN SUPPORT THEM AND THE OPERATION. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THERE ARE SOME FOLKS WHO TRY TO CREATE A DIVIDE BETWEEN COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THE COUNTY STAFF AND FOLKS WORKING IN THE JAIL. I AM COMMITTED AND THE DIRECTION I AM GETTING FROM COURT IS TO SUPPORT THE POWER. SHERIFF GONZALEZ'S LETTER WAS TO MAKE SURE THEY KEEP HIRING DE TENSION -- HIRING DETENTION OFFICERS TO STAY AHEAD OF ATTRITION.

WE WILL WORK WITH THEM IF NEEDED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT IN TERMS OF POSITION COUNTS OR WHATEVER IS NEEDED TO SHAKE SURE THEY CAN KEEP HIRING -- TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN KEEP HIRING. JUST TO KNOW THEY ARE

COORDINATING ON THAT. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND

THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: QUESTION.

WHEN YOU WERE SHERIFF, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HAVE RICH UNDERSTANDING OF WHATY ARE ABOUT TO DO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> TOM RAMSEY: ANY GUIDANCE AS

WE TAKE THIS STEP? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION, COMMISSIONER.

I WILL REMIND US WHAT THE CONDITIONS IN 2009 WERE.

THE COUNTY JAIL WAS OVERCROWDED BY MORE THAN 2,000 INMATES. WE HAD A RELATIONSHIP WITH -- I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER. IT WAS GEO OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN LOUISIANA. THE STATE OF LOUISIANA -- I SHOULDN'T SAY THE STATE. THIS COMPANY, THE CONTRACT FOR THE JAILS WAS 20 MILLION A YEAR FOR APPROXIMATELY A THOUSAND OR SO INMATES. AND THEY DID NOT ANY INMATE WHO HAD ANY KIND OF A MEDICAL CONDITION.

WHEN I CAME IN WE WORKED ON A TOTAL SPENDING ON THE PRIVATE JAILS OF $60 MILLION. WE FINALLY GOT THERE.

THE DIFFERENCE TO DATE IS THAT COVID IS A MAJOR FACTOR I'M IMPRESSED THAT THE SHERIFF HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIND THIS POTENTIAL BECAUSE THE PRIVATE JAILS ARE SAYING, SURE, WE'LL TAKE THEM. WE NEED YOUR STAFF AS WELL.

WE'LL GIVE YOU THE BUILDING, BUT WE NEED YOUR STAFF AS WELL WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY IMPRACTICAL.

AND SO THE REASON THIS IS CRITICAL IS, NUMBER ONE, THE BACKLOG IS IMPLICATING OR IMPACTING HIS JAIL OPERATIONS. THE JAIL IS AN OLD FACILITY.

IT REQUIRES UPKEEP. AND YOU CANNOT DO THAT WORK AT THE LEVEL OF CAPACITY WE ARE CURRENTLY IN.

THE SHERIFF HAS TO HAVE SOME DEGREE OF RESERVE SPACE SO THAT THEY CAN MOVE INMATES AROUND SO THAT THEY CAN DO THE WORK THAT THEY CAN. SECONDLY, IN LIGHT OF THE HORRIBLE TRAGEDY THAT HAS OCCURRED, IT IS ALSO MY SUPPORT OF THE SHERIFF THAT THIS WILL ALLOW FOR THE STAFF

[03:20:01]

IT WILL HELP TO FACILITATE NOT JUST THE MAINTENANCE, BUT THE STAFFING OPERATIONS AND IT WILL IMPACT POTENTIALLY OVERTIME AND IT WILL HELP TO GIVE HIS TEAM THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOVER SOME OF THE PROCESSES.

AS WE GET THE COURTS UP AND RUNNING AND AS WE GET OUR HIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS. I COMPLETELY GET IT.

I KNOW THAT HE DOESN'T WANT TO GET BACK INTO THE PRIVATE JAIL RELATIONSHIP BECAUSE IT IS COSTLY, NONE OF US WANT TO SEE THAT HAPPEN, BUT IT IS NECESSARY AT THIS TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A QUESTION. IF WE ARE TREATING THIS, AND I DON'T KNOW IF I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THE PREMISE THAT ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE CAUSED BY COVID, BUT IF WE ARE TREATING THIS AS A COVID PROBLEM, WE HAVE A REPORT ON THE STATE COMMISSION OF JAIL STANDARDS THE SAME DAY WE HAD THE TRAGEDY OF OUR OFFICER IN THE JAIL.

IT STATES IN NOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT AT LEAST THREE OTHER SPOTS WE DON'T HAVE SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL IN THE JAIL.

WE PROVIDED PERSONNEL AND WHY CAN WE NOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL IN THE JAIL UNDER THIS ITEM OR ANY OTHER ITEM.

SO WHY NOT? >> IN MY DISCUSSIONS, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE.

HE UNDERSTANDS THE URGENCY AND HE UNDERSTAND IT A LONGTIME AGO AND I BELIEVE EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE.

I SPOKE WITH THEM AND THE JAIL OPERATIONS IS NOT WHERE WE CAN JUST HAVE ANY RANDOM OFFICER COME IN WITH THE COMPLEXITY.

ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IS TO WORK WITH THE STATE JAIL FACILITY AND MAYBE SOME OF THEIR PERSONNEL AND THEY HAVE THE CAPACITY COULD HELP US DO THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

THE SHERIFF AGREES. THEY ARE PURSUING THINGS WITH

A LOT OF PACE. >> PREVIOUSLY WE WERE GETTING AN ADMINISTRATOR TO ASSIST. IS THAT ON THE TABLE STILL?

>> I TELL YOU WHAT. WHEN THE SHERIFF HIRED SHANNON I THOUGHT IT WAS AN INTERESTING AND BRILLIANT HIRE.

SHANNON WAS THE PERSON WHO WOULD COME DOWN AND GRADE OUR FACILITY AND GIVE US THE THUMBS UP AND THE THUMBS DOWN. HE HAS A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING AS TO WHAT IS GOING TO CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR US, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE PANDEMIC IS NOT THE ROOT OF ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS. THE ROOT OF ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS IS HARVEY WHEN IT REALLY CREATED -- STARTED TO CREATE THE BACKLOG FOR THE COURTS AND SHANNON RECOGNIZES THAT THE JAIL HAS AN EYE -- AS A MATTER OF HISTORY MY AVERAGE ATTRITION RATE WAS 20 A MONTH. THE SHERIFF'S ATTRITION RATE IS CLOSE TO DOUBLE THAT. UNLIKE THE JAIL CONDITIONS TODAY, THE PROFILE OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC OF MY JAIL WHEN I WAS SHERIFF WAS THAT IT WAS ABOUT A 30 TO SIFT -- 30 TO 70

[03:25:11]

THERE IS AN ENTIRE MAXIMUM SECURITY AND IT CHANGES THE

OPERATIONS DRAMATICALLY. >> THEY SAY THE LACK OF SUFFICIENT STAFF HAS CREATED TENSION AND INMATE HOSS PILL -- HOSTILITY. WHEN YOU HAVE THE WORST OF THE WORST, PEOPLE WERE DANGEROUS AND BAD, IT IS TODAY.

WHEN YOU HAVE A HIGH TURNOVER RATE AND WHEN HE IS DEALT WITH THE BUDGET BLOCKS THAT HAVE PREVENTED CERTAIN MOVEMENT WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION IT I'M PABLGHTS -- IT IMPACTS MORALE AND THEN PEOPLE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

I THINK IT IS REASONABLE IN DEALING WERE THE ISSUE -- DEALING WITH WITH THE ISSUES. THIS OUT SOURCING WILL GIVE THE STAFF, NUMBER ONE, A LOT OF BREATHING ROOM.

GIVE HIS HIRING AND TRAINING OPERATIONS AND HE IS WORKING ON GETTING HIM THE INFORMATION HE NEEDS TO MAKE SURE THE BUDGETS ARE ALIGNED. COINCIDENTALLY, THE MEETING BEFORE THE HORRIBLE INCIDENT -- I SPOKE AT THIS TABLE ABOUT HOW DIFFICULT THE WORK OF THE DETENTION STAFF IS. AND NO ONE SEES ANYTHING THEY ARE DOING ON ANY GIVEN DAY UNTIL SOMETHING IS REALLY INTERESTING OR REALLY TERRIBLE HAPPENS.

THAT'S WHY I CONTINUE TO BE SUPPORTIVE OF EVERYTHING THE SHERIFF IS BRINGING. IT IS PRACTICAL.

IT IS REASONABLE AND AS I HAVE ADVOCATED TO MR. PERRY -- MR. BERRC, IT IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX.

AND THE JAIL STANDARDS HAVE BEEN DEVISED FROM CHAIR -- FROM HARRIS COUNTY TO POTTER COUNTY.

THE REALITY IS WE HAVE A MEGA JAIL POPULATION AND EVERYTHING THAT IS ALIGNED WITH THE JAIL STANDARDS IS THE MINIMUM WE ARE GIVING THE SHERIFF OF THE LARGEST COUNTY IN THE STATE OF

TEXAS. >> ONE ADDITIONAL COMMENT.

I WAS GOING TO HOLD THIS FOR THE 338 ITEM, BUT I THINK I

WILL PUT IT OUT THERE NOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD A COMMENT AS WELL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YEAH, I WAS GOING TO SAY IS IT WAS ON -- IT AS AN OLD PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY.

I AM CONFIDENT WITH HIS ABILITY AND I USED TO URGE THEM TO COME DOWN QUITE OFTEN.

DO YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS THOSE NEEDS WHEN YOU ASK FOR THEM? SOMETIMES YOU GET MAD AT ME AND WHAT CAN I DO? CAN'T GET THE RESOURCES FROM THE COURT. WE HAVE GIVEN THE SHERIFF EVERYTHING HE HAS ASKED FOR AND I FOR ONE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT. I THINK WE SHOULD BE THOUGHTFUL AND GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.

BECAUSE YOU ARE HOLDING SO MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE BAD ACTORS AND THEY ARE DETAINED AND CAN'T GET OUT AND CAN'T GO THROUGH THE RECREATIONAL THINGS AND THE BACKLOG THAT IS HELD LONGER. TOUGHER FOLK WOULD HAVE BEEN HELD LONGER. AT SOME POINT AT THE RATE WE ARE GOING WE MAY SURPASS LOS ANGELES.

LOS ANGELES HAS THE LARGEST COUNTY JAIL POPULATION IN THE COUNTRY NOW. WE ARE FORTUNATE WE DO MISDEMEANOR BAIL OR IT WOULD BE EVEN WORSE.

LET'S SEE WHAT HE COMES UP WITH.

THIS IS A GOOD STEP. I AM KEF -- I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO SUPPORT. IT.

[03:30:02]

>> THIS IS THE SHERIFF AND I AM ON IF ANYBODY NEEDS ME.

I AM LISTENING IN. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,

SHERIFF. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN TELL YOU ARE WORKING. I CAN TELL YOU ARE MOVING

AROUND AND WORKING. >> I AM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: SHERIFF, I AGREE WITH THE COMMENTS MADE IN TERMS OF GETTING A PLAN TOGETHER.

I AGREE WITH THE SENSE OF THE COURT HERE IN TERMS OF RESPONDING TO WHAT YOU NEED. I KNOW SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE ASKING FOR STUFF I SENSE THAT MAYBE WE JUST ASK FOR THE MINIMUM AND GO FROM THERE. WHAT I AM ASKING MAY BE A BIT MORE THAN THAT. PUT IT ON A PIECE OF PAPER AND TELL US WHAT WE NEED. WE AT LEAST KNOW WE WILL HAVE A PROBLEM THROUGH 2022. AT SOME POINT GET IT ON A PIECE OF PAPER WHAT YOUR NEEDS ARE SO WE CAN CONSIDER -- RIGHT NOW WE ARE DOING AN ITEM EVERY COURT.

I WOULD THINK THAT -- WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA GIVING US INSIGHT ON WHAT IT WAS LIKE A FEW YEARS BACK AND THEN WE CAN SEE WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH HERE WITH YOUR RECENT MEMO. EASY SIMPLY WOULD ASK AND THAT WOULD BE MY ASK IS PUT A PLAN ON THE PIECE OF PAPER AND YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED IN TERMS OF WHAT WE WILL DO IN TERMS OF ADDRESSING THAT GOING FORWARD.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

IF I MAY, MAY I CHIME IN? COMMISSIONER RAMSEY I WANT TO THANK YOU AND ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT. WE HAVE ALL BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF REQUESTS AND WE HAVE ALSO TRIED TO BE GOOD STEP -- STEWARDS OF THE RESOURCES. WE ARE TRYING TO NAVIGATE THINGS. WE ARE TRYING TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE BACKLOGS IN THE COURT SYSTEM.

WHAT HAPPENS IS IT HAS BEEN NOTED JUST NOW BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS THAT OUR AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY HAS GONE UP A LOT. WE BELIEVE IN HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW. AND ONCE THAT HAPPENS IF THEY CAN MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STEP AND NOT GET BUMPED DOWN IN OUR COUNTY JAIL SYSTEM. WE REALLY ARE DEALING WITH A MUCH MORE SERIOUS PROFILE. THE NUMBER OF MAXIMUM CLASSIFICATION INDIVIDUALS IS AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH.

IT IS DIFFICULT. IT IS NOT A SUSTAINABLE WAY TO OPERATE A COUNTY JAIL SYSTEM. WE WANT TO HAVE A SAFE FACILITY FOR TEAM MEMBERS. AS WELL AS THOSE WHO HAVE TO ENTER THE FACILITY AND DO REPAIRS AND CONTRACTORS AND WHAT HAVE YOU. WE HAVE THEM IN PLACE WITH WHAT THEY HAVE AS OUR NEEDS AND IT IS A MATTER OF WORKING THROUGH THOSE NUMBERS WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE.

WE WORKED ON TRYING TO TACKLE IT IN A SMART WAY AND TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT JUST THROWING NUMBERS UP.

YOUR SUPPORT OF US AND WE HAVE MORE OF A COME UP.

I KNOW AS OF NOW WE WILL BE RIGHT AROUND 150 TO 180 NEW POSITIONS FILLED BY THE END OF JANUARY.

NONETHELESS, WE HAVE TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE NOW.

CONTINUING TO HIRE WE ARE MAKING SURE THE POSITIONS ARE BEING FILLED. TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE AT LEAST CONTINUING THE DIALOGUE AND CAN YOU -- AND CONSIDERING AN OUT SOURCING OPTION. AND WHILE GREAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO EXPEDITE THE EFFICIENCIES OF THE COURT SYSTEM, WE HAVEN'T YET REALLY SEEN THE FRUITS OF THE LABORS QUITE YET. THAT OUT SOURCING MAY BE AN OPTION ON THE TABLE. AND THAT'S THE OTHER PART.

CONTINUING TO DO THE EFFORTS TO GET THE COURTS MOVING.

WE CAN HAVE A LITTLE MOREY -- MORE EFFICIENCY IN THE

[03:35:05]

WE ARE MAKING SURE THINGS ARE ON SOLID GROUND.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS UNDER VERY -- THEY ARE ADVOCATING THE PANDEMIC. THEY DESERVE OUR FULL

SUPPORT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS JACK CAGLE. YOU MENTIONED THE TARGET IN JANUARY OF 150 EXTRA OFFICERS, DETENTION OFFICERS.

WHAT IS THE NEXT TARGET? >> ONE OF THE THINGS IS TRADITIONALLY AND HISTORICALLY WE HAVE ALWAYS AIMED TO JUST REACH MINIMUM JAIL STANDARDS. IT WASN'T A BAD THING.

SEEING THAT THIS YEAR HAS MOVED THE NEEDLE WHERE MORE SERIOUS OFFENDERS ARE WREAKING HAVOC ON THE OPERATION AND MORE CHALLENGES IT REALLY JUST CHANGES OUR NEEDS TO HAVE ADDITIONAL STAFF. THE NUMBER WE AIM TO BE WOULD PUT US AT ABOUT TOTAL INCLUDING WHAT WE ARE HIRING RIGHT NOW AT ABOUT 600 AND IT IS TO MANAGE THE COURT SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE NUMBERS OF THE JAIL.

THAT'S ALL ENCOMPASSING 600 POSITIONS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO IMPLEMENT

THAT? >> IT WOULD PROBABLY BE, WITH THE WAY WE ARE HIRING NOW, THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF THE YEAR WE CAN FULFILL THAT. GUESSING ABOUT MARCH OR SO.

MORE OR LESS NOW THAT NUMBER, WE ARE OPEN TO REVIEWING THE NUMBER AND HAVING AN OUTSIDE EXPERT COME IN AND VALIDATE OUR REQUESTS. I WANT TO REPORT SOMETHING.

OUR TEAM DOES 6.6 MILLION ROUNDS SUCCESSFULLY EVERY YEAR. THOSE ARE JOBS -- JOBS -- OBSERVATION ROUNDS. WE ARE GOING TO GET SCRUTINIZED AND IT IS ANYWHERE FROM MID TO HIGH 95 PLUS PERCENTILE OF HIGH OBSERVATION ROUNDS.

THE FEW THAT WE DO MISS IT IS BECAUSE SOMETHING MAY HAVE PULLED THEM TO TAKE CARE OF ANOTHER RESPONSIBILITY.

SOMETIMES WE MESS AROUND HERE AND THERE AND MAYBE IT LACKS A LITTLE BIT. THAT'S WHERE TO REALLY DO IT AT AN OPTIMAL WAY REQUIRES MORE STAFF.

WE CAN'T KEEP PULLING OUR TEAM IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AND THE TYPE OF THINGS WE HAVE TO RESPOND TO.

THEY ARE RESPONDING TO ASSAULT BEHAVIOR AMONG INMATES AT TIMES. IT IS A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT. NOT WHERE IT CAN'T BE DONE.

BUT WE AIM TO DO IT BETTER AND NOT JUST MEED YOLKER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET YOUR CAR JEFNT -- LET YOUR SERGEANT KNOW WE ARE KEEPING THEM IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND LET THE ENTIRE JAIL OPERATIONS KNOW THAT WE KNOW THE PRESSURE THEY ARE UNDER. IN THE OLD DAYS, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WANTED TO -- IT WASN'T A BIG DEAL TO WALK THEM AROUND. I DOUBT YOU ARE DOING MANY TOURS THESE DAYS BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY AND THE DANGER THE CURRENT POPULATION IS BRINGING TO THE OPERATIONS.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO AND THANK YOU FOR VISITING WITH ME

[03:40:02]

YOU TOUCHED ON IT EARLIER. PREVIOUSLY PRIOR TO THE PANDEMIC, YOU WERE OKAY WITH THE LEVEL OF RESOURCES YOU WERE HAVING TO DEAL WITH THE MINIMAL LEVELS OF THE OPERATION YOU HAVE TO COMPLY WITH.

BUT THAT WAS BEFORE THE FULL BAIL REFORM.

IT WAS BEFORE YOUR JAIL HOUSE CONVERTED TO A HIGH RISK POPULATION FACILITY. AND THEN AS YOU MENTIONED, DOING THE SELF-CHECKS ARE THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE TO GO BACK UP. THE OTHER STAFF.

WHENEVER SOMETHING BREAKS OUT, YOU ARE TRULY ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL. I FOR ONE WANT TO BE HELPFUL IN GETTING HARRIS COUNTY TO FINALLY RECOGNIZE THAT THE TEXAS STATE JAIL STANDARDS DOES NOT REALLY FIT THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL OPERATIONS. YOU ARE A MEGA JAIL AND YOU NEED MEGA RESOURCES. I WANT TO THANK YOU OF BEING A GOOD STEWARD OF THE RESOURCES AND BEING WILLING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. WE KNOW YOU DON'T HAVE AN EASY JOB TO DO. WE RECOGNIZE THE PRESSURE YOUR STAFF IS UNDER. YOU HAVE OUR FULL SUPPORT.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. I THANK ALL OF YOU FOR THE SUPPORT, THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE, YOU ALL HAVE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE AS WE CONTINUE TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THIS.

I KNOW OUR PERSONNEL IS PUTTING ABOUT 6800 MAXIMUM SECURITY INDIVIDUALS WITHIN OUR CONFINES EVERY DAY.

WE HAVE TO SERVE THOUSANDS OF MEALS EVERY DAY.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF ROUNDS PER WEEK.

AND THEN THE MAX -- THE MAXIMUM SECURITY NUMBERS AND THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY A LOW-LEVEL -- YOU ARE LOOKING AT 8,000 PEOPLE THAT ARE MEDIUM OR MAXIMUM.

THERE IS NO OTHER FACILITY. THERE IS NO STATE PRISON AND NO COUNTY JAIL THAT COMES CLOSE TO THOSE KIND OF OF NUMBERS. IT IS A DAUNTING TASK.

WE ARE NOT SHYING AWAY FROM IT.

WORKING WITH THE LIKES OF OTHERS WE CAN IMPROVE ON THIS AND IT WILL DEFINITELY BE BETTER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST REAL QUICK.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE BROUGHT THIS UP EARLIER AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE I WAS ACCURATE. I KNOW THAT COMMISSIONER RADACK WAS ADAMANT ABOUT AN JAIL ADMINISTRATOR.

SHANNON SERVES THAT ROLE TECHNICALLY.

IS THAT ACCURATE? >> YES, SIR.

WHAT WE DID IS WE NEVER HAD A CORRECTIONS EXPERT THAT BASICALLY HAS THAT LEVEL OF EXPERTISE.

WE HAD ALWAYS BROUGHT IN A LAW ENFORCEMENT TYPE.

ONE OF THE MAJORS CAME FROM THE CORRECTIONS OF JAIL STANDARDS. THEY DEFINITELY KNOW THE BOOK FRONT AND BACK. THEY DEFER NATALIE UNDERSTAND -- THEY DEFINITELY UNDERSTAND OPERATIONS.

WE CHANGED IT A CHIEF OF -- WE MADE IT A CHIEF OF STAFF AND

CHIEF OF DETENTIONS. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR

[03:45:01]

THEY 1R CONFIDENCE IN THEIR LAWYER AND THEY DON'T THINK THEY HAVE A CASE, THEY WILL PLEA.

MOST OF THE PEOPLE, THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS.

IS THAT A PROBLEM. >> ABSOLUTELY, COMMISSIONER.

WE ENCOURAGE A SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE VICTIMS HAVE JUSTICE AND TO MOVE ON WITH THEIR LIVES. THE LONGER IT STALLS IT IS NOT A GOOD OUTCOME FOR ANYONE. EVENTUALLY SOMEBODY MAY HAVE THE CHARGES DISMISSED. THEY KORNLT -- CONTINUE TO LINGER IN JAIL FOR A LONGTIME AND CAUSES OTHER ISSUES.

THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY RIGHT NOW FOR SOMEBODY ON A PRE-TRIAL BASIS IS 200 DAYS AND THAT IS ON THE LOW END.

AROUND THE STATE IT IS AVERAGING 60-DAYS.

WE ARE DEFINITELY ON THE THE HIGH END OF THAT.

HE ASKED FOR YOU TO TAKE A LOOK.

HE SAID WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW YOUR ATTORNEY? FEW HANDS WENT UP AND MANY SAID THEY WERE NOT SEEING THEIR COURT-YOU A POINTED ATTORNEYS.

I SAID IT IS A CONCERN OF MINE THAT THERE IS NOT A LOT OF ACTIVITY GOING ON. HE SAW PEOPLE STAYING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITH LITTLE ACTIVITY ON THEIR CASES.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> MR. BERRY, YOU HAVE HEARD AND HE INDICATED THAT HE HAS COMIEN INDICATED WITH YOU WHAT WE CAN DO TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES.

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOU DO HAVE THE MAKINGS OF A PLANS.

IS THERE SOMETHING MORE THE SHERIFF NEEDS TO PROVIDE YOU SO WE CAN BEGIN TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES?

>> WE HAVE RECEIVED FOLKS IN THE BUDGET PROCESS AND THE STAFFING PLAN. WE WILL AGREE THAT WHILE THE WORK IS BEING DONE, LET'S NOT SLOW DOWN HIRING AND LET'S MAKE SURE TO SUPPORT THE CURRENT OPERATION.

I'M SURE THERE WILL BE MORE REQUESTS AND REQUESTS, BUT WHAT WE CAN SAY IS WE ARE WORKING TOWARD A LONGER TERM SOLUTION. WE ARE NOT SLOWING ANYTHING DOWN WHILE THAT WORK IS BEING DONE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS OBVIOUSLY -- NOT JUST A DIFFICULT SITUATION, BUT AS WE LEARNED LAST WEEK IT CAN BE A TRAGIC ONE. WE ARE WORKING HARD TO TACKLE AND IT TAKES TIME FOR YOU TO DETERMINE AND I THINK THE MESSAGE IS WE HAVE TO ACT THOUGHTFULLY, BUT ALSO WITH HASTE. WHAT I AM HEARING FROM DAVE BARRY AND SHERIFF GONZALEZ, THERE IS NO OBSTACLE.

YOU NEED TO COOK UP WHAT THE NEXT STEP IS GOING TO BE AND

BRING IT BACK. >> THAT'S RIGHT.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS THE MASTER ON THIS, BUT IT HAS TO BE A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH AND MONEY IS PART OF IT.

THERE IS A ROLE FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND JUDGES AND THIS LIKE THE BACKLOG IS SOMETHING

[03:50:02]

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ASSENT -- CAN'T CHOOSE WHO THEY TAKE AND

CHOOSE HOW THEY GET OUT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

SHERIFF. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JIG, DOES THIS MEAN THAT -- JUDGE, DOES THIS MEAN THAT WE HAVE A MOTION ON WHAT YOU PROPOSED AND 338?

>> LINA HIDALGO: 338 IS SIMPLY A DISCUSSION ITEM.

WE HAVE THE TWO MOTIONS I PROPOSED.

>> WOULD YOU MIND REPEATING FOR CLARITY?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, I CAN DO THAT.

IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND CURRENT JAIL OVERCROWDING AND THE SUPPORTIVE DEDICATED EMPLOYEE THESES COUNTY JAIL I MOVE TO DIRECT COUNTY STAFF INCLUDING PURCHASING AND THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO WORK WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OUTSIDE HARRIS COUNTY TO RELOCATE AND HOUSE 500 DETAINEES FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL AND BEGIN MOVING INDIVIDUALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO REDUCE THE CURRENT POPULATION IN THE SCRAIL.

THE SECOND MOTION IS THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO UPDATE COMMISSIONERS' COURT ON THE STATUS OF THE JAIL POPULATION AND THE CONTRACT AND FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW THIS ARRANGEMENT EVERY THREE MONTHS. WE ARE MONITORING HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE DETAINEES AND IN CASE THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE THE DETAINEES BACK SOONER EVEN IF THE COUNTY HAS TO CONTINUE TO PAY FOR BEDS UNTIL ALL HARRIS COUNTY DETAINEES ARE HOUSED IN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL AGAIN.

AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THE MOTION AND I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION

CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

APPRECIATE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 17 IS THE PRIORITIZATION FOR THE BOND FRAMEWORK.

>> SO NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION.

>> AND I WANT TO ADDRESS A COUPLE OF THE COMMENTS FROM

THE SPEAKERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: I DO WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THE MOTION IS -- AND BECAUSE -- WELL, I GUESS I -- SHOULD WE JUST LET MR. PERRY PRESENT -- BERRY PRESENT? GO AHEAD.

>> I HEARD SEVERAL SPEAKERS SAY IT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND THAT'S MY VIEW BUT IT IS THE BEGINNING OF MORNING -- OF MORE WORK WE NEED TO DO AS A DATA DRIVEN AND EQUITABLE APPROACH TO NOT JUST PRIORITIZING PROJECTS, BUT PICKING THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE.

WE ARE NOT HERE WITH AETT -- WITH A TOTAL SOLUTION, BUT A STEP FORWARD. ONE IS TO INCLUDE IN THE FRAMEWORK AND I KNOW MR. BLACK IS ON AND HE CAN CORRECT ME IF I GET ANYTHING WRONG. ONE IS TO PUT IN THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK THINGS THAT ADDRESS FLOODING OUTSIDE THE FLOOD PLAIN. WE HEARD FROM THIS COURT AND PARTICULARLY COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA THAT IT IS VITAL. THEY WANT US TO HELP THEM.

SECOND, MORE FOCUS ON THE MEASURING STRUCTURES.

MORE FOCUS ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HELPED BY A PROJECT.

WE SAW THAT SOMETIMES IT IS WATER SHEDS AND SOMETIMES SCORES DIDN'T HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AND IT MAKES SENSE TO CORRECT THAT. AND THIRD, HOW WE TREAT PARTNER FUNDING. PREVIOUSLY WE HAD FUNDING ON A PROJECT BY PROJECT BASIS. AS -- ASPIRATIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS REALITY. THE SPEAKER RECOMMENDED THIS AND THIS IS WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING.

TRULY COMMITTED PARTNER FUNDING AS BUYING DOWN THE COST OF A PROJECT. IT HELPS THE SAME MONEY, BUT NOT A DIFFERENT FACTOR. THAT'S WHAT THIS PROPOSAL DOES.

WHAT IT DOES NOT DO, -- WE HAVE A WORKING ALLOCATION OF BOND FUNDING. IT IS NOT MOVING BOND FUNDING FROM ONE TO THE OTHER. THIS IS A BACKSTOP TO GET THE HIGHEST PROJECTS DONE. THAT'S WHERE THEY ARE.

THIS AFFECTS HOW WE ARE SPENDING THE MONEY.

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO TAKE QUESTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO SAY THIS SO I SHOULDN'T ASSUME, BUT TO SET THE TONE.

SOME OF THE PEEK -- SPIKERS -- SPEAKERS SAID WE WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW THIS. THE MOTION IS FOR A PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO REFER IT TO THE CFRTF FOR FEED --

[03:55:05]

FRAMEWORK, CORRECT? >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MAKE THAT MOTION AND MAKE SURE IT IS THE RIGHT LANGUAGE. TO MOVE THAT THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK FOR HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY FLOOD RESILL -- RESILIENCE TASK FORCE. YOU DIDN'T SAY 60-DAYS.

DO YOU WANT 60 IN IT OR JUST --

>> I SAW A LETTER COME IN FROM FOLKS WHO ASKED FOR A LITTLE MORE TIME. 60-DAYS IS FINE WITH US.

I WILL ALSO SAY THAT IS WHAT IS IN THE ITEM SO YOU CAN SAY AS IN THE MOTION. WE CONTEMPLATED THAT -- I WANT THE COURT TO HEAD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW IT IS HOLIDAYS AND I WANT WANT YOU TO TAKE TOO LONG TO GET IT DONE.

FINAL APPROVAL WILL MAKE ANY CHANGES AND THEN IT WITH WILL COME BACK TO. I WANT TO MAKE THIS COMMENT.

SOME OF THE SPEAKERS MADE REFERENCE TO ARPA FUNDING AND HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THAT? -- PARTNER FUNDING.

>> THAT SUESED TO BUY DOWN THE COST OF THE PROJECT -- THAT IS USED TO BUY DOWN THE COST OF THE PROJECT.

IT SHOULD BE EXCLUDED. THERE IS A PRINCIPAL POSITION.

PARTNER FUNDING HELPS US DO MORE WITH THE SAME DOLLARS AND WE WANT SOME INCENTIVE FOR PEOPLE TO SUPPORT OUR PROJECTS. WHERE WE WOUND UP IS TREATMENT AS A REDUCTION IN COST, BUT DON'T HAVE SOME OTHER CATEGORY

BASED ON AN ESTIMATE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN IT GOES TO THE TASK FORCE, AND THERE IS ACCESS TO FUNDING, BUT I DON'T THINK ANYBODY ELSE ADOPTED A PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK. SO SOME OF MY CONSTITUENTS RAISED VALID POINTS. I HOPE THEY WERE RAISING THEM OVER AT CITY HALL AS WELL. IT WAS NOT EASY TO GET LANGUAGE NOT ON THE BALLOT, BUT AS PART OF THE ITEM WE VOTE OWED TO SAY WE ARE TO HAVE AN EQUITY FRAMEWORK.

HERE IS THE CHALLENGE. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS AT THE LAST COURT.

YOU TAKE THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD WITH NO STATE REQUIREMENT AND NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT.

I I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T DILUTE THE EQUITY FRAMING.

GINLY WHEN YOU CAN GET -- GENERALLY, YOU CAN GET FUNDING FROM SOMEBODY ELSE AND THEY WILL NOT BE LOOKING AT WORST FIRST AND THEY WILL NOT VALUE PEOPLE OVER PROPERTY.

HOW YOU DO THAT I DON'T KNOW. I GOT A C IN STATISTICS.

I GOT GOOD WITH NUMBERS. BETTER WHEN I REPEAT THE CLASS. I KNOW IT IS A BIG DEAL AND IT TAKES -- IT PUTS US IN A PER POSITION THAN WE WERE INITIALLY. AT SOME POINT IT HELPS TO COME TO THE TABLE AND DECIDE WHAT WE DO BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO COMPLETE ALL OF THE PROJECT THAT'S WE ANTICIPATED. UNLESS WE GET OUR BILLION DOLLARS FROM THE GMO AND THE PARTNERS GET THEIR PL AND WE STOP THE STATE -- THEIR BILLION ANDY STOP THE STATE FROM COST BENEFIT RATIO ON THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY PA -- THEY PUT UP FROM WHAT USED TO BE THE RAINY DAY FUND.

SO FAR WE ARE NOT DOING VERY WELL.

THEY DON'T KNOW IT RAINED IT IS A BIG STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I DID MENTION TO YOU THAT MY PERSON ON THAT TASK FORCE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS A REGIONAL

EPA PERSON. >> DR. NANCE.

>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE A VOICE THERE.

WILL I HAVE TO GO MYSELF? I DON'T THINK SHE CAN DO BOTH. I GUESS IF WE HAVE TO COME BACK HERE TO PUT THEM ON THERE, I DON'T KNOW WHEN I CAN PUT THEM ON THERE. I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY.

I THINK SOMEBODY WHO IS THE EPA ADMINISTRATOR MAY HAVE CLOUT ON THESE ISSUES. I DON'T THINK SHE CAN DO

[04:00:04]

TOMB CAGLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: I TALKED TO MR. BLITE AND I DON'T THINK THIS IS READY.

I WOULD RATHER GET THE INFORMATION BACK.

THE TIMING LOOKS ODD. I KNOW WE ARE SORTING THROUGH THAT NOW. WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO DO EVERYTHING AND MAINLY -- AND OUR COMMITMENT IS TO DO WHAT IS IN THE BOND. THERE ARE THOSE DETAILS AND THERE ARE THE FEMA CLAIMS AND IT WAS ONE OF THE CRITERIA REFERENCED HERE. I CAN TELL YOU THAT IF YOU ARE WAITING ON PEOPLE TO TURNING -- TO TURN IN THEIR FEMA CLAIMS, THEY DON'T HAVE ANYBODY.

FEMA MAKES IT COMPLICATED. THERE ARE ELEMENTS I DON'T AGREE WITH. TO ECHO YOUR COMMENTS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THE CITY HAS BEEN IGNORING IT FOR DECADES. THEY KNOW IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET IT TO THE BAYOUS AND THE CREEKS.

THERE IS AN ELEMENT OF THAT AND THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER WE ARE TRYING TO HELP THAT ARE IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT THEY -- THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON GIVES A PRIORITY. I AM NOT SAYING THAT.

I HAVE GONE TO EVERY COUNCILMEMBER THAT IS IN MY WHOLE PRECINCT. AND I SIMPLY SAY IF YOU HAVE A PROJECT WE WILL PARTNER. THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING. THE COST OF THE FLOODED STRUCTURE IS A FLOODED STRUCTURE.

WHEN I WORKED ON THE CITY WITH ISSUES, THAT'S WHAT WE DID.

IT WAS NOT THE COST OF THE HOUSE.

AND THERE WAS A NUMBER OF FLOODED STRUCTURES AND THERE IS A HUGE DEAL COMING DOWN THE PIPE IS REMAPPING.

AND THE PLAN IS NOW 100. THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE IN THE 500. AND THERE WAS A LOT ON THEIR FLOOD INSURANCE. THOSE ISSUES NEED TO BE BROUGHT IN HERE. I HAVE DONE A THOUSAND DRAINAGE PROJECTS FOR THE DIFFERENT CITIES.

I ASK HOW MUCH MONEY YOU GOT. WE GET TO YOU A 15-REAR COVERAGE AND THEN GET YOU TO A HUNDRED AND YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY. YOU KNOW, I WOULD RATHER GET SOMEBODY THAT IS 15 THAN SIT AROUND AND WAIT TO GET IT TO 100. I CAN NAME TWO OR THREE CITIES TO GET TO THE 15 AND NO HOUSES FLOODED IN HARVEY.

THAT TELLS YOU HOW PRECISE THIS IS RELATED TO THE HUNDRED YEAR. THOSE ARE TWO OR THREE ISSUES THAT I LOOK AT THIS -- I AM NOT READY TO SUPPORT THIS.

I THINK IT IS PREMATURE AND I WOULD RATHER HEAR FROM THE TASK FORCE BEFORE WE START TO GIVE DIRECTION TO THEM THAT DOESN'T TAKE IN ALL OF THE FACTOR THAT'S I'M

REFERENCING. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE -- I'M SORRY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I FULL -- FULLY SUPPORT THIS ITEM. YOU KNOW, I WANT TO MAKE SURE

[04:05:05]

NOW THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HOMES THAT WERE FLOODED AND NOT PART OF THE BOND PROGRAM AND REALLY THINKING WHAT IS PRIORITIZATION AND RECOGNIZING THAT A LACK OF FUNDING COULD KEEP NEIGHBORHOODS IN JEOPARDY.

WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I FULLY SUPPORT THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS.

I WANT TO THANK MR. BERRY AND ALLEN FOR THEIR WORK ON THIS AND MY STAFF AND I WANT TO REMIND US THAT THE COMMUNITY GAVE US $2.5 MILLION. WE HAD HOPED -- WE BELIEVED THAT THE JAIL WAS GOING TO BE A PARTNER.

THEY LEFT US HANGING. THAT TELLS US WE HAVE TO BE STRATEGIC ON HOW WE USE WHAT WE'VE GOT.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE USING IT AS STRATEGICALLY AS POSSIBLE. AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK THE COMMUNITY WILL GIVE US EVEN MORE MONEY AS LONG AS THEY FEEL A DIFFERENCE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS.

WHAT I HAVE SAID ALL ALONG IS I WOULD HATE TO SPEND 2.5 BILLION AND THEN PEOPLE SAY I'M STILL FLOODED.

YOU DID ALL OF THESE PROJECTS AND I'M STILL FLOODED.

THAT'S BECAUSE 70% OF THE HOMES THAT ARE FLOODING ARE OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE BEING STRATEGIC WITH WHAT WE'VE GOT AND WHERE WE ARE AT TODAY.

I FULLY SUPPORT THIS ITEM AS PRESENTED AND I WANT TO SEE US

MOVING IN A BETTER DIRECTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE THREE COMMENTS THAT READS REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO MODIFY THE PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICTS BOND PROGRAM PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK. THIS IS THE POSSIBLY FOURTH AND COULD BE THIRD OR FIFTH TIME THAT WE HAVE DISCUSSED THIS PRY YOUR TAU SWRAITION CASH -- PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK. WE DIDN'T HAVE ONE WHEN WE WENT TO THE PUBLIC AND ASKED THEM TO ADOPT THE BOND.

THE PUBLIC OVERWHELMING APPROVED IT.

WE HAD THE EQUITY LANGUAGE AND WE HAD THE LAPPING WEDGE OF WORST FIRST. BUT WE DIDN'T HAVE TWEAKS WE KEPT DOING TO THE PROGRAM. I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE PUBLIC.

WE ARE GOING TO DO THE PROJECTS. THE DEBATE IS WOULD 2.5 BE ENOUGH? SOME SAY IT WOULD BE AND SOME IT WOULD SAY IT WAS TOO MUCH. IF WE SAY WE WANT TO YOU ADOPT Y BOND AND WE MAY DO WHAT WE SAY OR CHANGE WHAT WE SAID, I THINK THAT WILL REDUCE OUR CREDIBILITY.

WE NEED TO ESTABLISH OUR CREDIBILITY THAT WE WILL DO WHAT WE SAY. WE CAN GO FOR ANOTHER BOND, BUT LET'S QUIT TINKERING WITH THE PRIER PROGRAM AND MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC KNOWS WE WILL DO WHAT WE SAID.

FIND THE FUNDS TO DO IT AND MAKE THE PUBLIC CONFIDENT WE WILL DO WHAT WE SAID. PART OF THE WORST FIRST IS THAT WE DEALT WITH IN THE FLOOD PROGRAM MOST OF THE IDEAS WERE THOUGHT IN THE FLOOD PLAIN.

WE DO NEED TO WORK ON THINGS OUTSIDE THE FLOOD PLAIN, BUT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT DEALING WITH THINGS THAT WERE NOT IN THE FLOOD BOND AND PULLING THEM TO GO ELSEWHERE.

WHAT IS OUTSIDE OF THAT WE PURSUE THAT IN A DIFFERENT MEANS AND THROUGH OTHER SERVICES -- SOURCES.

I AM INTERESTED IN PURSUING OTHER AVENUES, BUT NOT THE PRIORITIZATION OF THE FLOOD BOND.

WE NEED TO KEEP IT SEPARATE AND WHOLLY AND UNTOUCHED.

WE HAVE TO ASK THEM FOR MORE MONEY SO WE NEED TO SAY TRUST

[04:10:06]

I AM NOT GOING TO VOTE FOR IT AND READ IT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHAT WE HAVE IS THE FINAL PROGRAM FOR THOSE REASONS I AM NOT SUPPORTIVE OF ADOPTING ITEM

17. >> LINA HIDALGO: FOR MY PART, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT LET'S NOT FIND NEW THINGS TO DO INSTEAD OF WHAT IS ON THE LIST. AND WE HAD THIS CONVERSATION BEFORE. AS TO THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK, THERE WASN'T ONE, BUT THE FACT -- WHICH ANSWERS THE QUESTION. THERE WASN'T ONE.

WE NEVER PROMISED ANY ORDER. WHAT WOULD THE ORDER HAVE BEEN? IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS IT IS WHOEVER HAS A FRIEND DOWNTOWN.

THAT'S THE ORDER. WHOEVER IS THE LOUDEST OR WHOEVER HAS AN IN. WHAT WE TRIED TO DO IS COME UP WITH A FRAMEWORK THAT WAS WORST FIRST.

THE PEOPLE THAT FLOOD THE MOST OFTEN AND OBVIOUSLY IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THERE ARE WAYS TO GET AT THE MISSION EVEN MORE. IT WAS HOMES FOR PARTNERSHIP FUNDING AND NOW WE KNOW THAT THE FUNDING IS NOT AS FORTH COMING AS WE THOUGHT IT WAS. I AM SUPPORTIVE OF UPDATING PRIORITIZATION FRAME -- FRAMEWORK.

I HOPE WHEN WE HAVE ANOTHER BOND AND I APPRECIATE WHEN ALL OF US CAN HAVE THIS DISCUSSION BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT WE CAN USE THIS SAME PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE UH -- ADOPTING A FRAMEWORK WHEN THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS DON'T SUPPORT. IT THAT'S WHY I WOULD BE HAPPY TO REFER IT CRDF. WE ARE NOT -- COMMITTING TO IT. THIS IS GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT FINALIZE IT AND BRING IT BACK.

WHAT AM I MISSING, DAVE? >> I THINK THAT IS RIGHT.

I WANTED THE STAFF TO KNOW WE ARE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. IT IS THE COURT'S POLICY DECISION AND THE CFRT IS THERE TO HELP ADVISE YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DOES THE CFRT HAVE A STAFF? I KNOW THE ANSWER. NO.

WE KNOW ALL OF THEM. THEY ARE CAPABLE PEOPLE.

BY SENDING THEM A DRAFT TO LOOK AT, SINCE THEY DON'T HAVE A STAFF, AND NOW WE WILL FUND A SEPARATE STAFF THEN IT MAKES SENSE TO LOOK AT IT. IF THEY DON'T LIKE IT -- I KNOW THE PERSON I HAVE PUT ON THERE IS NEVER BASHFUL ABOUT TELLING ME WHAT SHE THINKS. I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO MAKE THE MOTION AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA SECOND OR

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I TEND TO AGREE THAT FOLKS WANT US TO DO WHAT WE SAY WE ARE GOING TO DO. I REALLY THIB -- THINK THIS ITEM DOES THAT. PEOPLE WANT TO STOP BE FLOODED. IT WOULD BE HARD TO SAY WE COULD HAVE. I AM ALL FOR KEEPING PEOPLE FROM REPEAT FUNDING. A MOVEMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT 2018 BOND PROGRAM BE COMMITTED TO THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE AND THEN BE BROUGHT FOR ANY CHANGES TO BE MADE

THEREAFTER. >> SECOND.

>> SO THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> OPPOSED?

[04:15:02]

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR OF SENDING IT TO CCPF FOR FOR RE -- DASH CRPF FOR REVIEW.

MOTION CARRIESES 3-2. IS EVERYTHING OKAY? THAT WAS ITEM 17. ITEM 20.

YES. THIS IS OFFICE OF COUNTY

ADMINISTRATION PLAN. >> TOM RAMSEY: MY QUESTIONS HERE, I'M FOR TRANSPARENCY AND THIS IS APPLE PIE, CHEVY AND ALL THINGS GOOD AND HOW CAN YOU BE AGAINST IT? I LIKE SPECIFICS WHEN WE TALK ABOUT A PORTAL FOR THE JUDGES WHERE WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT. A PORTAL FOR THOSE KINDS.

WHEN PEOPLE ARE GOING ONLINE LINE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION WE NEED TO PROVIDE THEM INFORMATION ABOUT THE QUESTIONS THEY ARE ASKING. AND THERE ARE NOT THAT MANY.

WHETHER IT IS THE JUDGE ISSUE OR HOW MANY PATROL OFFICERS, THOSE SORTS OF THINGS, THIS IS FINE, BUT TALKING ABOUT PRIORITIES, BUT WHERE WOULD THE FOCUS OF OPEN DATA BE? WHAT DO WE CONSIDER THE BIGGEST NEED IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO KNOW.

THAT'S MY FIRST QUESTION. WHERE WOULD YOU START IN THIS EXERCISE AND ATTEMPT AT TRANSPARENCY?

>> FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING US IN YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? RAMSEY. FIRST IS COLLECTING THE DATA WE HAVE AND PUTTING IT IN ONE PLACE AND MAKING IT EASY TO DOWNLOAD. YOU HAVE TO GO A LOT OF PLACES AND IT WILL HELP THE PUBLIC AS WE ARE RESPONDING TO, FOR EXAMPLE, PIA REQUESTS. IT WILL TAKE TIME TO FULLY ACHIEVE WHAT WE WANT HERE. IN TERMS OF GETTING THE PUBLIC DATA SETS IN ONE PLACE. I WOULD CERTAINLY START WITH WHAT WE HEAR MOST FROM THE PUBLIC ON.

THINGS LIKE PUBLIC SAFETY AND COURT OPERATIONS.

I THINK THEY WOULD BE NEAR THE TOP OF THE LIST IN TERMS OF WHAT WE MOVE OVER. OUR RECOMMENDATION IS THAT OPEN DATA IS THE DEFAULT. WE WANT TO MAKE IT THE POLICY OF THE COUNTY AND THEY GO IN ONE PLACE, EASY TO DOWNLOAD

AND EASY TO LOOK AT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I APPRECIATE THE GRIEF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR GAVE ME ON I NEGLECTED TO ASK, SO I WILL ASK NOW, DID WE LOOK TO ANY OTHER ENTITY? SOME STATE OR COUNTY? AND IF WE DIFFER IN SOMEWAY -- I GUESS FLORIDA IS THE SUNSHINE LAWS. HOW DO WE DIFFER?

>> ABSOLUTELY. WILL FROM THE ANALYST'S OFFICE AND TRACY WHO IS HERE REPEAT A LOT OF THE POLICIES.

I DON'T HAVE A LIST RIGHT NOW.

>> WERE WE UP AT THE TOP? >> WE HAVE CATCH UP TO DO SO THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TONIGHT.

>> THERE WAS AN ISSUE AND THERE WAS A SECRET COMMITTEE AND NEVER CLEAR TO ME WHO CREATED IT, BUT THEY WERE CONTROLLING THE DATA. DOES THIS SUPER SEED THAT? I THINK IT IS THE COMMITTEE THAT EXISTS.

TWO THINGS TO THINK ABOUT. THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE

[04:20:06]

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THE OPEN DATA POLICY IS DOING IS TAKING INFORMATION THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT. AND MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITHOUT HAVING TO ASK FOR IT.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND STATE GOVERNMENTS AND GOVERNMENTS AS A WHOLE ARE NOT TRANSPARENT. IT IS HARD FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND. THIS ITEM ALONG WITH THE OTHER ITEM IS MOVING IN A DIRECTION TRYING TO CREATE A FAR MORE TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT. PRIOR TO 2019 IT WAS HARD TO JUST GET AN AGENDA FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT. NEVER MIND GETTING INFORMATION OR DATA. THIS IS TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION THAT THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA AND THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ALWAYS WANTED.

>> IN TERMS OF WHERE WE LOOKED TO, BUT NEW YORK CITY, THEY ARE ALL INSPIRATIONS. THE ANSWER IS NO AND IT DOESN'T REPLACE IT. IT IS WORTH TALKING ABOUT FOR A MINUTE. IT CLEARLY APPLIES TO THOSE REPORTING TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

WE ELECTED FOR A POLICY THAT APPLIES TO ALL DEPARTMENT EXCEPT WHERE REGULATED BY STATUTE OUT.

WE WILL FIND THE DISTRICT CLERK IS THE CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS FOR MANY THINGS THEY WANT ACCESS TO.

WE WILL LOOK AT THE WAYS IN WHICH IT APPLIES.

IT IS HELPFUL TO HAVE SOMETHING TO POINT TO.

AS THE COUNTY MAKES INVESTMENT IN THE NEW DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND WHETHER FOR THE DEPARTMENTS THAT REPORT TO YOU OR FOR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS WE WILL LOOK FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLL -- POLICY. IT IS PROP -- APPROPRIATE TO

BRING EVERYBODY ON BOARD. >> WHO IS ON THE DATA GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE? WHO CREATED IT? I ASK BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME INFORMATION THEY WERE ASKING FOR AND I WAS ATTEMPTED TO REQUEST IT UNDER OPEN MEETINGS IS THERE SOME KIND OF A SECRET KY -- COMMITTEE AROUND HERE ON

WHO CREATED IT? >> AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL WE HAVE A CHARTER. IT DOESN'T HAVE THE STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITY. THERE ARE RECORDS THAT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM PROVIDES DATA ON -- TO OTHERS. SPL -- SOME ARE USEFUL OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE TIMES THE COUNTY HAS A NEED TO GET ACCESS TO THE DATA AND IT SHOULD TAKE LESS TIME.

>> WHO IS ON IT? >> I PROBABLY MISSED SOME.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT CLERK, SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

WHO ELSE? >> UNIVERSAL SERVICES.

>> UNIVERSAL SERVICES IS ON. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THEY ARE MAKING DECISIONS THIS IS A BODY WHICH IT MOVES.

>> I WANT TO KNOW WHAT COULD THAT COMMITTEE KEEP UNDER AUTHORITY? IT IS NOT LIKE A KLAN MEETING,

LIKE A SECRET OPERATORS? >> ESSENTIALLY THE IDEA IS THAT IT IS MADE UP OF THE AREA THAT'S CAN BE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE OBVIOUSLY PUBLIC INFORMATION IS FOR THE PUBLIC. THIS IS WHERE IT GETS TO A

[04:25:04]

IT IS A COMBINATION OF THESE ENTITIES AND IT IS ISSUES RELATED TO THE JUDGES AND THE COURT SYSTEM AS TO WHETHER THEY CONTROL IT. IT IS A CHALLENGE OF THE DECENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT. IT IS A WORK IN PROGRESS AND WE HOPE TO GET CLOSER TO THAT, BUT IT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT

DIRECTION. >> I THINK THE OTHER IMPORTANT THING AND GENERAL NORIEGA AND MANY OF THE STAKEHOLDERS IS TO DEVELOP DATA CLASSIFICATION SO EVERY REQUEST ISN'T SOMETHING

NEW TO EVALUATE. >> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE THE DATA JAD WANTED WAS ACCESSIBLE.

WHAT WAS SO UNIQUE? I MOVE ADOPTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

FAVOR. >> I.

>> I. >>

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU, DAVE. ITEM 20.

THAT WAS THAT. ITEM 114.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? I'D --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ONE SECOND, JUDGE.

OH ON THIS ONE, JUDGE, JUST VERY EXCITED TO CONTINUE TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY OF BAYTOWN.

WE ARE MAKING SURE WE PUT IN $16 MILLION OF PARTNERSHIP FUNDING TO CONSTRUCT THE DETENTION BASINS TO IMPROVE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS AND MAKE THE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE WHOLE GULLY. I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR WORK ON THIS. AND THE CITY OF BAYTOWN CONTINUES TO BE AN IMPORTANT AREA WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP RESILIENT AND FLOOD FREE.

THIS PROJECT GOES WITH 115. I WANT TO THANK THE CITY OF BAY TOWN AND WORKING TO GET THESE PROJECTS DONE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I HAVE NOT SPOKEN TO THE MAYOR ABOUT THIS. BUT IN THE ETJ I KNOW THERE WAS DISCUSSION PREVIOUSLY ON THE CEDAR BAYOU PROJECT AND WE ARE STILL WORKING THROUGH THAT.

MOST OF THOSE WILL END UP BEING IN WHAT I WILL BE WORKING WITH. I KNOW ONE OF THESE IS IN THE CEDAR BAYOU WATER SHED. IT WOULD COMPLEMENT ANYTHING

HAPPEN TOGETHER ETJ. >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. MOVE TO ADOPT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. I FLAGGED 134 AND 135.

I JUST HAVE A QUESTION TO MR. TREVINO.

ARE YOU ON THE LINE? JUST A QUICK QUESTION.

WHEN WE UPDATED THE CONTRACT YOU PUT AN UPDATED DATE OF 2028 BECAUSE OF THE NEW DESIGN.

FOR THIS UPDATED CONTRACT WITH COWI THEY DON'T UPDATE THE

TIME WHY IS THAT? >> JUDGE I THINK THAT MAY BE AN OVER SIGHT. WE WILL ADJUST THE TIMELINE TO

EQUAL CONSTRUCTION, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE. I DON'T WANT ANYONE SAYING COWI DIDN'T MEET THE 120 DAYS WHICH IT WON'T NOW BECAUSE OF

THE UPDATED DESIGN. >> WE'LL GET THAT CORRECTED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. THAT WAS ALL I HAD.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION ON THE ITEM?

>> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 140, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT IS THE WORK ORDER

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. >> TOM RAMSEY: I AM CLEARLY AN ADVOCATE FOR A BETTER SYSTEM. I AM A BETA TEST KIND OF A

[04:30:05]

SO FAR SO GOOD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO FAR SO

GOOD. >> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT WE CURRENTLY DO AND IT IS NOT THIS SOPHISTICATED, BUT IT WORKS. THE IMPLEMENTATION SHOULD BE SUCH THAT IT COMPLEMENTS WHAT WE ARE DOING IN TERMS OF THE PRECINCTS. EACH MAY BE DIFFERENT.

NOW WE ARE TRYING TO GET ON THE SAME PAGE.

WHAT WE ARE WORKING TOWARD IS SOMETHING THAT WORKS WELL.

IT IS NOT LIKE THE CITY OF HOUSTON WHERE IF YOU CALL IT DOES PRESIDENT -- IT DOESN'T EXACTLY GET YOU THERE.

THAT WAS MY QUESTION AND IT HAD TO DO WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS. I GUESS IT IS OVER TIME.

YOU WILL BE SURE TO BE WORKING TO YOUR SATISFACTION BEFORE WE GO TO EACH ONE OF THE PRECINCTS.

>> GENERAL NORIEGA IS ON AND I WILL LET HIM ANSWER THAT IF HE

IS AVAILABLE. >> HE IS NOT AVAILABLE.

THIS IS JAMES. I CAN ADD TO THIS.

THE INTEGRATION IS ONE OF THE BENEFITS WITH THE 311CRM AND EXISTING PUBLIC WORKS. ANY OF THE DATA AND THE DIGITAL TRANSFER SYSTEM DATA. A BIG BENEFIT IS THE REDUCTION AND THE EXPENSE FROM ONE YEAR TO FIVE TO 10 YEARS.

IT IS WHAT WE FEEL IS A STRONG CONTRACT.

WE HAVE UN -- UNLIMITED USER ASPECTS.

20 DIFFERENT OPERATIONAL PLATFORMS.

>> IT IS PRETTY COMPREHENSIVE.

I JUST HOPE IT DOES EVERYTHING IT SAYS.

>> YES, COMMISSIONER. WE ARE NOT PURCHASING THE SOFTWARE AND WALKING AWAY. THAT'S A BENEFIT AS WELL.

WE WILL PROVIDE THE UPGRADES AND SO YOUR I.T. PERSONNEL, WE DON'T HAVE TO DISTRIBUTE THAT OUT AMONG THE DIFFERENT

DEPARTMENTS. >> I WON'T HAVE TO GO TO SOMEBODY IN CHICAGO TO GET MY PROGRAM ISSUED?

>> IT WILL BE ON CAROLINA STREET.

>> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD. MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COLONEL,

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THEY OPPOSED? PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> JUDGE, I MEANT TO EYE -- ITEM 141 AND WE DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS IT AS PART OF THE JAIL DISCUSSION.

IT IS AN ACCELERATION AT THE JAIL AND THANKS TO THOSE AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES. IT IS 700 ADDITIONAL CAMERAS AND VIEWING STATIONS AND AN UPGRADE OF 585 EXISTING CAMERAS. THE TEAM ACROSS THE COUNTY INCLUDING THE I.T. FOLKS IS FOCUSED ON IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR FLAGGING THAT.

ITEM 171 IS NEXT. AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ASKED TO TAKE THAT WITH ITEM 277 AND BOTH ARE RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS. LET'S TAKE BOTH OF THOSE

TOGETHER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF WE CAN ALSO PULL -- IF WE DIDN'T ALREADY, ASK TO PULL 178 AND

INCLUDE THAT AS WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: 178 IS ON THE LIST AND WE CAN DISCUSS THAT ONE AS WELL.

I KNOW THAT EA LONGORIA IS MORE FOCUSED ON THE FIRST TWO AND THE OTHER ONE IS MORE COUNTY ATTORNEY, BUT WE MAY ALL -- MAY AS WELL TAKE THE ELECTIONS.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS OR HEAR FROM THE

ADMINISTRATOR. >> TOM RAMSEY: HEAR FRLT --

HEAR FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU ON

THE LINE? >> JUDGE, I DON'T SEE HER ON

THE LINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

PERHAPS WHILE YOU GET HER ON IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY READY

[04:35:06]

BE EYE SEEM 178. >> I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY COMMITTEES AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS SOME THINGS TO WALK THROUGH. LET ME TOUCH BASE QUICKLY.

>> JUDGE, EA LONG GOR RAW JUST JOINED -- E LONGORIA JUST

JOINED. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE GOING TO HEAR FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ON 178 AND THEN WE WILL ASK THE QUESTIONS OF LONGORIA.

>> LET ME TRY AND ANSWER SOME OF THE SPEAKER QUESTIONS FROM THIS MORNING BECAUSE THAT THAT WAS OF MOST INTEREST TO THE COURT. ONE COMMENT I HEARD IS PRESINCTS WITH ZERO PEOPLE IN THEM.

THAT IS A FEATURE IN THE MAP REDISTRICTING.

THERE ARE TWO PROVISIONS AT PLAY.

42005 REQUIRES THE COUNTY ELECTION PRECINCTS DON'T CON -- CONTAIN THE MULTIPLE OFFICE HOLDERS.

JUSTICE -- JUSTICE PRECINCTS AND STATE SENATE AND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 42006 SAYS THEY NEED TO HAVE AT LEAST A HUNDRED REGISTERED VOTERS OR ACTIVE REGISTERED VOTERS AND NO MORE THAN 5,000 ACTIVE REGISTERED VOTERS.

THOSE TWO IN TANDEM CAN LEAD TO CONFLICTS.

WHEN THE STATE DRAWS A MAP A STATE REP LINE WILL CROSS THROUGH ONE WAY THROUGH A LAKE AND THEN A COMMISSIONER LINE WILL BE DRAWN SOMEWHERE ELSE. WITH THAT RESULT, THAT LAKE MIGHT HAVE NO PEOPLE IN IT. WHILE IT IS LESS THAN 100 REGISTERED VOTERS, 42005 PROVIDES A PROVISION AND IT IS 42005B THAT SAYS IF THERE IS ANY CONFLICT TWEJ -- BETWEEN THE OP LAYINGS RULE -- POPULATION RULE AND OFFICER LINE RULE IT TRUMPS. THE OTHER QUESTION, THERE WERE TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE DRAWN OUT OF THEIR PRECINCT IN SOMEWAY. WE LOOKED INTO IT TODAY TO SEE IF WE CAN ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS.

IT TURNS OUT WE CAN. THE N ARE WE CAN -- THE REASON WE CAN ACCOMMODATE IT IS BECAUSE IT IS NOT A BOUNDARY CHANGE. IT IS A CHANGE OF PRECINCT NUMBERS. COMMISSIONER KAY DPEL -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS TWO OTHER CHANGES COMPLIANT WITH THE LAW AND ONCE HE MOVES THEM THEY CAN BE APPROVED IF THE

COURT SO CHOOSES. >> LINA HIDALGO: I DIDN'T WRAP MY HEAD AROUND WHY YOU SAID SOME HAVE ZERO.

>> THE ISSUE BECOMES -- EACH LEVEL OF THE LINE DRAWING WHETHER IT IS COMMISSIONERS AND STATE BOARD.

THEY ARE DRAWING A LINE SEPARATELY AND THEY HAVE DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS. CONGRESS IS THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE CLOSE TO THE POPULATION AND THEN THE STATE HAS THE 5% DEAF YAGS. THERE ARE -- DEVIATION.

THERE ARE VERY -- VARIOUS WAYS TO GET AT IT.

IF THE LINES CROSS YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THE VOTERS IN ANY GIVEN AREA ALL HAVE THE SAME BALLOT IN ONE VOTING PRECINCT. MAYBE THIS IS THE EASIEST WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT. THERE ARE TIMES WHERE ONE SIDE OF THE STREET VOTES FOR ONE STATE REP AND THE OTHER SIDE VOTES FOR A DIFFERENT STATE REP.

BUT THEY BOTH MIGHT VOTE FOR THE SAME STATE SENATE.

THERE ARE INSTANCES WHERE THERE ARE NO PEOPLE THAT END UP IN A PARTICULAR DISTRICT. AND IT IS A DATA PROBLEM.

IT IS EVERY PIECE OF TERRITORY IN HARRIS COUNTY HAS TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR. IF THERE IS A ZERO POPULATION PRECINCT IT IS NOT A PRECINCT AT ALL.

AND SO THERE MIGHT BE SOME OTHER -- IT IS ZERO ACTIVE

[04:40:03]

REGISTERED VOTES. >> IT IS CERTAINLY POSSIBLE.

>> IT HAPPENS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE FOUR PROPOSED MAPS. I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND MY OFFICE FOR WORKING WITH SOME OF THE PRECINCT CHAIRS AND OTHERS THAT CONTACT -- CONTACTED US. WE HEARD TWO MORE TODAY AND THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THE TWO PROPOSALS SET.

THE TWO THAT TESTIFIED EARLIER ARE ITEMS THREE AND FOUR ON HERE AND THEY CAME UP WITH AN EASY SOLUTION.

JUST SWITCH THE NUMBERS AND PEOPLE ARE NOT DRAWN OUT OF THEIR PRECINCT. FOR THOSE TWHO THAT -- TWO THAT CAME IN. THE LINES HAVE BASICALLY GONE THROUGH SOME SORT OF A SORT AND A SPLIT BETWEEN THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND BY DOING THESE WE ARE KEEPING THE NEIGHBORHOODS TOGETHER. ONE IS A STREET ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD INSTEAD OF THE STREET ON THE

FRONT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU DON'T SEE

CHALLENGES ? >> THERE ARE NO ISSUES.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SO I MOVE THE FOUR PROPOSALS I HANDED

OUT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE IS A MAP THAT IS FORTHCOMING THAT IS BEING WORKED OUT BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

>> YES. AND WE WILL CIRCULATE THOSE WHEN THEY ARE FINAL. THERE ARE A FEW MORE STEPS IN THE PROCESS ANDY WILL GET THE FINAL APPROVED MAPS ON OUR WEBSITE. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF NOTICES THAT ARE GOING OUT AND WE WILL TAKE THE STEPS.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE ORDER THIS BE DONE IN DECEMBER BECAUSE THE VOTER RENEWAL NEEDS TO GO OUT IN THE FIRST TWO WRIERKS OF JANUARY -- THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF JANUARY.

>> IS THIS YEAR DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER YEARS? THAT'S REMINISCENT OF ANOTHER CEREMONY.

ALL OF OUR PRECINCTS HAVE A LONGTIME TO WORK WITH THE PRECINCT CHAIRS TO SORT THIS STUFF OUT.

WE WERE UNDER A TIMELINE CRUNCH AND THESE NUMBERS ARE STRUNG OUT THERE WHEN WE COME BACK IN TWO YEARS THEY WERE NOT HAPPY AND THEY WILL HAVE FOUR MONTHS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING ABLE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE BETTER ACCOMMODATED. THAT'S MY UNDERSTANDING.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. >> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO LEGAL CHALLENGES.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION SHOULD BE THESE CHANGES SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE PROCEDURES BEING IN PLACE TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAW? IF YOU DON'T GET ALL OF THAT DONE, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T END UP --

>> I THINK -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE BEEN ON THE STAND A FEW TIMES AND WARCHT -- WANT TO MAKE SURE --

>> I DON'T THINK IT IS NECESSARY.

WE ARE MAKING THE CHANGES IN THE OPEN MEETING.

THEY ARE LIMITED AND THEY ARE IN THE LAW.

WE WILL BE POSTING THEM. >> YOU CAN'T GET IT TO THEM.

>> YEAH. >> WE ARE DOING EMAIL AND MAIL

NOTICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE ITEM IS AS PRESENTED AND WE ALSO ARE ADDING THESE MOTIONS THAT COMMISSIONER KAY DPEL HAS -- CAGLE HAS DISTRIBUTED.

ARE YOU CLEAR ON THAT? >> NO, MA'AM.

CAN I HAVE A COPY? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WOULD BE

HELPFUL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND I

SECONDED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND A SECOND BY GARCIA.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE AT 2 HOURS SO IT IS TIME FOR A 10-MINUTE BREAK. IT

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THE ELECTIONS.

EA -- DA LONGORIA, IF YOU WOULD PROVIDE US AN UPDATE.

I KNOW THE MEMBERS HAVE QUESTIONS.

>> ABSOLUTELY. I WILL PROVIDE A VERY SWEEPING UPDATE SO WE CAN GET TO THE QUESTION WE ALL HAVE.

TO PUT IN CONTEXT FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS, WE HAVE FIVE ELECTIONS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2022.

WE HAVE JANUARY, HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL SPECIALTY ELECTION.

WE HAVE A MARCH PRIMARY AND THE MAY 7TH UNIFORM

[04:45:02]

THE MAY 7TH LOCAL ELECTION RUNOFF WHICH IS IN JUNE.

THERE IS A LOT COMING UP. AND WE HAVE 10,000 AND THERE IS AN 8% TURNOUT AND AFTER THAT WE HAVE MUCH BETTER COMMUNICATION PLAN WITH YOUR OFFICES PERSONALLY TEXTING US ALL. IF THERE IS ANYONE ON THE STAFF WHO CAN RECEIVE UP GATES -- UPDATES, LET ME KNOW. MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY CAN SIGN ON THE EMAILS. BUT SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES BOTH IN THOSE VIDEOS AND THE WRITTEN AND THE -- AND WE DIDN'T HAVE POWER FAILURES. PART OF THAT IS WE COULD MOVE BACK TO OUR WAREHOUSE AND UNIVERSAL SERVICES HAS A COMMERCIAL GRADE BACK UP POWER UNITS WHICH, YOU KNOW, ALL OF THAT SAID WE PUT OUT OUR FIRST RESULTS.

THEY WERE POSTED EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR AND ALL BOXES WHICH MEANS THOSE JUDGES ALL CAME BACK TO US BY 11 P.M.

WE CLOSED OUT THE NIGHT AT 11:22 P.M.

I WANTED TO PAUSE THERE ON THE DECEMBER RUNOFF.

I KNOW THERE WILL BE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: QUICK QUESTION, WHEN IS THE VOTE ON

THE CANVAS? >> WE ARE DOING IT THIS FRIDAY. HARRIS COUNTY, YOU DON'T VOTE ON THE CANVAS. IT IS DIFFERENT ENTITIES.

IT IS NOT A COUNTY-WIDE ELECTION IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

WE WILL BE RETURNING THE CANVAS TO THE ENTITIES THIS

FRIDAY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING TO MY TEXT OUT OF NOWHERE.

I HAVE THE ELECTION JUDGES WHO MAYBE DON'T KNOW HOW TO GO ON THE WEBSITE. THE EARLY VOTING RESULTS AND EVERYTHING WAS COUNTED AND POSTED BY 11:15 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. AS YOU LOOK BACK AT NOVEMBER AND YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MARCH AND YOU THINK THROUGH I'LL USE THE WORD LESSONS LEARNED, BUT, I MEAN, THE COMMENTS RELATED TO TRAINING AND THE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES THERE.

THE NUMBER OF ELECTION JUDGES, THAT'S GOING TO BE WE THINK A PROBLEM GOING FORWARD. IT MEANS YOU HAVE TO HAVE MORE JUDGES. AND THEN THE DETAILS YOU MIGHT WANT TO RETHINK IN TERMS OF EVERYBODY GOING TO NRG AND SITTING IN A LINE FOR LONGER THAN THEY SHOULD, ARE YOU RETHINKING SOME OF THE ISSUES AND ANTICIPATING HOW IT WOULD BE DONE BETTER IN MARCH CONSIDERING IT IS A TRIAL RUN? THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VOTING IN THIS MARCH PRIMARY WILL BE A LOT MORE THAN VOTED IN THE

NOVEMBER ELECTION. >> EVERY ELECTION -- WHAT I WANT TO BE CAREFUL IS IN NOVEMBER I THINK WE WENT INTO IT SAYING THE SAME THING. WELL, IT IS A LOW TURNOUT.

WE DON'T NEED TO DEDICATE AS MANY RESOURCES.

WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS TURNOUT DOES NOT REFLECT SERVICE OR THE NEED FOR SERVICE. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LOWER TURNOUT, BUT THERE ARE STILL 700 VOTING LOCATIONS.

WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING AT ELECTION NIGHT THERE ARE 700 CARDS COMING IN AND THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO PROCESS.

H YOU COMPARE IT TO THE PRESIDENTIAL WE HAD THE BUDGET ED RESOURCES TO LOOK AT AND WE HAD 30 CHECKOUT LANES ON CHECK

[04:50:04]

WE HAD THE RESOURCES FOR NOVEMBER AND WE HAD ONE STAFF MEMBER AND THAT IS BOTH TEMPORARY -- WE THE -- WE HAD ONE STAFF MEMBER FOR EVERY 70 LOCATIONS.

THAT'S 70 SCROGS AND 70 ALTERNATE JUDGES AND CLERKS FOR THE ONE PERSON. ALL OF THOSE EMAILS COMING IN AND THE CALLS COMING IN AND IT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER IS A BETTER RATIO IN SAYING CAN WE GET ONE LOCATION PERSON ORIE CRUETER OR COORDINATOR FOR 30 LOCATIONS. THE JUDGES ARE CALLING SAYING WHERE IS MY TRAINING AND HOW DO I PICK UP MY EQUIPMENT? WE ARE LOOKING AT THOSE RATIOS ANDY I WILL WITH SUBMIT THEM AND SAY WHAT DOES IT MEAN RATIO AND SERVICE WISE.

WE NEED TO BE OUTCOME OR YEBTED.

OUTCOME ORIENTED. THE THINGS WE WERE ABLE TO DO BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER AND THAT'S A 30-DAY TURNOVER, BUT WE WENT BACK TO THE IN-PERSON TRAININGS.

WE KNOW THAT'S AN ADULT LEARNING BEST PRACTICE.

I HAVE TAKEN IN A DEEP DIVE INTO THE TRAINING AND ASKED HOW WE CAN MAKE THIS MORE -- WE SAY WE HAVE FOUR HOURS OF PRESENTATION. WHAT WE HEARD FROM JUDGES IS EVEN IF THEY COME IN PERSON THEY DON'T WANT TO SIT AND LOOK AT A PRESENTATION FOR FOUR HOURS.

THEY WANT TIME WITH THE EQUIPMENT.

AFTER THE PRESENTATION, AND THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION ANDY HAVE TO DO IT BY LAW AND CAN WE GIVE THEM THE EXTRA HOURS AFTERWARDS AND SAY GET THE TIME WITH THE TRAINERS ONE ON ONE. LEARN WITH EACH OTHER.

I KNOW I AM LAUNCHING A LOT AT YOU.

WE ARE LOOKING AT EVERY PART. WE HAVE A TOWN HALL TO REVIEW SOME OF THE THINGS THEY SHARED WITH US.

IT IS NOT JUST FOR THE MARCH PRIMARY.

THAT'S SIX ELECTIONS. MAY 7TH IS ELECTION DAY.

TWO DAYS LATER -- NOT TWO DAYS LATER IS EARLY VOTING FOR THE MAY 24TH ELECTION. WE HAVE THIN MARGINS.

I DON'T THINK HARRIS COUNTY HAS SEEN THIS NUMBER OF ELECTIONS IN A LONGTIME. MY STAFF TELLS ME WE MIGHT BREAK THE RECORD WHICH IS 9 ELECTIONS IN ONE YEAR.

WE HAVE TO GET EVEN TIGHTER AND MAKE SURE THEY DON'T BIRN -- BURN OUT. IF THE JUDGES HAVE TAKEN TRAINING AND WORK THE MONTH BEFORE, HOW CAN WE, IF THE STATE WILL ALLOW US TO ALLOW THEM TO TEST OUT OR JUST TAKE A ONE-HOUR REFRESHER COURSE. A LOT MORE TRAINING FOR FOLKS WHO DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE, AND THEN WE NEED TO NOT BURN OUT THE FOLKS HO ARE FEELING COMFORTABLE AND WELL VERSED.

WE WILL BEA COMING BACK WITH -- WE WILL BE COMING BACK WITH THE MORE CONCRETE THINGS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA, APPRECIATE IT. I WANTED TO RAISE THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED TO ME. WHEN I WANTED TO GO AND VOTE, THE TIME TO SCAN YOUR BALLOT AND VOTE YOUR BALLOT AND DEPOSIT YOUR BALLOT AND THE SMALL CONFINES OF MOODY PARK,

THE NUMBER OF SCANNERS AND -- >> WE CALL THEM THE SCAN

BALLOT BOXES. >> THERE YOU GO.

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT AND THINK THROUGH IT.

WE CAN GET AN ITEM TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS DONE.

IT WILL BE A HEAVY ELECTION AND IF WEATHER PERMITS, WELL, YOU CAN OPEN THE DOOR AND LET A LINE FLOW IN A PARTICULAR WAY. IF WEATHER DOES NOT PERMIT, MY CONCERN IS WE WILL HAVE PEOPLE WAITING TO VOTE AND THEN WE WILL HAVE PEOPLE WAITING TO SCAN THEIR BALLOT.

[04:55:06]

I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS IN 2019, BUT NOBODY GAVE ME A MEMO THAT WE WILL HAVE A PANDEMIC TO CONTEND WITH.

WE WILL AGO -- ACCELERATE THAT AND MAKE SURE WE ARE MOVING IT FORWARD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSIVENESS TO ME AND THANK YOU FOR REACHING OUT AND FOR ALL THAT DEVELOPED AND YOUR WILLINGNESS TO ENGAGE FOLKS

AND ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS. >> HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR.

THAT IS AN AREA I WORKED IN FOR MANY YEARS AND I FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT. AS WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT, MY COMMITMENT IS MAKING SURE THAT IF THOSE LOCATIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE I NEED TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE.

IT IS WHERE PEOPLE ARE USED TO VOTING AND EVEN IF IT IS UNAVAILABLE TO US FOR VERY PRACTICE PHYSICAL CAL AND LOGISTICAL REASONS WE HAVE TO BE SENSITIVE TO THAT.

THERE ARE MULTIPLE OFFICES WHO ASKED ABOUT A SCAN PLAN.

I WILL SAY THAT I HAVE GONE TO THE HIGHEST VOTING LOCATIONS AND EVEN IN THESE ELECTIONS AND THE RATE OF VOTING IS COMPARABLE TO WHAT WE MAY EXPECT.

THE SCAN IS NOT THAT HOLDS UP THE LINE.

PEOPLE CAN GO IN AND SCAN THEIR VOTE AND BE CHECKING IN AT THE SAME TIME. WE ARE ASKING WHAT IT WOULD TAKE OF THE TO GET THE EXTRA SCANS.

I AM GOING THROUGH THAT TO INNED FOO SOME EXCEPTIONS.

>> AND I MENTIONED IT TO MY STAFF.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN SEE ME ON THE SCREEN, BUT OUR BALLOT SCREEN STANDS UP STRAIGHT IN CON DOSH DOSH CONTRAST TO -- IN CONTRAST TO THE PREVIOUS MACHINE.

AND THERE WAS CONCERN THAT A PERSON COULD WALK BY AND SEE ANOTHER PERSON'S BALLOT. I TOLD MY STAFF TO COMMUNICATE THAT WE MAY NEED TO BE THINKING ABOUT SOME CURTAINS OR SOME OTHER AMENITIES TO PROTECT THE BALLOT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ON THAT NOTE, I REMEMBER WHEN WE DID THE TOUR OF THE MACHINES WITH HART AND AFTER EVERYTHING WAS PURCHASED, I REMEMBER THE REPRESENTATIVE SAID YOU CAN FOLD YOUR BALLOT WHEN YOU ARE WALKING IT TO THE MACHINE.

I HEARD FROM VOTERS THAT THEY WEREN'T ALLOWED TO FOLD IT.

JUST MINOR THINGS. WHILE ON THE TOPIC OF

PRIVACY. >> I WILL GO BACK AND CHECK ON THE TRAINING AND SEE THE INFORMATION GIVEN TO THE

JUDGES. >> I AM HERE TO LOOK AS MORE

[05:00:04]

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT WOULD HELP ME IS THIS IS YOUR MATH AND THIS IS THE PROJECTION OF THE TURNOUT.

AND WHY YOU NEED WHAT TO MAKE SURE IT RUNS SMATLY.

SMOOTHLY. I AM SO PLEASED THAT THIS PAST ONE WENT WELL AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU AND YOUR OFFICE ARE DOING. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATE -- ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: GOOD JOB. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> FOR 171 AND 277 IS IT NO ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. THESE WERE BOTH DISCUSSIONS AND UPDATES. 177 AND THIS IS THE UPDATE ON THE COURT'S REQUEST FOR DISCLOSURE OF BAIL BONT -- BAIL BOND INFORMATION. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE -- THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THEIR WORK ON THIS. THE REQUEST IS FOR THE COURTS TO RESOLVE THAT THE BAIL BOND BOARD PASS A RULE THAT REQUIRES A MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF A BOND.

WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT IN CONTRAST TO YEARS PAST ANYBODY WOULD HAVE TO PUT UP A 10 TO 20% BOND AND THEY WOULD HAVE TO PUT IT UP AT THAT TIME AND UP FRONT.

NOW THERE IS A -- BONDS ARE ONLY REQUIRING 1 TO 2% OVER A PERIOD OF A YEAR TO TWO YEARS.

AND SO HENCE WHY SOME PEOPLE WHO SHOULD STAY IN JAIL ARE HAVING AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT OF JAIL. NOW THEY ARE PUTTING UP A MINIMUM AMOUNT. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM DO THEIR PART IN HOLDING THE ACCUSED RESPONSIBLE DURING THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. AND REQUIRING A MINIMUM PERCENTAGE TO CONSIDER THE GRAVITY OF THE CRIMINAL COURTS PROCEDURE. I KNOW THE BAIL BOND BOARD HAS SOME JURISDICTION IN THIS REGARD AND HOW CAN WE FACILITATE A MINIMUM PERCENTAGE OF A BOND BEING

PUT. >> AT THE NOVEMBER 9TH MEETING YOU HAD A MOTION AND THE COURT APPROVED US TO DO TWO THINGS. FOR OUR OFFICE TO LOOK IN AND SEE THAT WAS THE ENTITY THAT WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION AND THE DATA OVER THIS REOCCURRING SYSTEM.

AND JAD IS TO PUT TOGETHER A DASHBOARD.

TWO THINGS, THE HARRIS COUNTY BAIL BOND BOARD IS THE ENTITY THAT OVERSEES THE BAIL BOND PROCESS.

IT IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY TORE -- REGULATORY BODY. AND SO THAT IS AN INDEPENDENT -- THAT IS A STATE CREATED ENTITY.

WITH SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SERVING ON THE 11-MEMBER BOARD. THE COURT DOES NOT HAVE ANY JURISDICTION OVER THAT. THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT MEMBERS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT THAT SIT ON THE BOARD.

THE JUDGE SITS ON THAT BOARD. THE COUNTY TREASURER SITS ON THE BOARD. THE PRESIDING JUDGE -- THE HARRIS COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE SITS ON THERE.

THE PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE MUNICIPAL COURT SITS ON THERE. IT IS AN 11-MEMBER BOARD.

[05:05:02]

IF THAT'S SOMETHING ANY OF THE MEMBERS WANT TO DO ON A REGULATORY BASIS THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO SO.

IN FACT, THEY ARE THE ONLY ENTITY THAT CAN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WOULD IT BE, I DPES, APPROPRIATE, IF THIS -- I GUESS, APPROPRIATE TO SEE AN ASSIGNED LETTER BY ALL OF US URGING THE BOND BOARD TO TAKE UP SUCH AN ITEM? INSTEAD OF TRYING TO CORAL CATS, JUST SEND THE BOARD A LETTER.

>> SURE. YOU CAN CERTAINLY DO THAT.

YOU CAN CERTAINLY TALK TO THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS ON THE BOARD. TO BE CLEAR, EACH OF THE MEMBERS HAS A DESIGNATED PERSON.

I KNOW OBVIOUSLY THE JUDGE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS WELL. AND WOULD BE AN ADVOCATE FOR THE TYPES OF SOLUTIONS YOU ARE SUGGESTING.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE PERFECTLY APPROPRIATE TO DO SO. I THINK THAT TAKES HALF THE QUESTION YOU HAD ASKED LAST MONTH AND WANTED US TO LOOK

AT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD.

I KNOW THE BOARD IS CURRENTLY CHAIRED BY A MEMBER OF THE BAIL BOND COMMUNITY. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO MAKE THE ENTIRE BOARD, BUT THE INDUSTRY IN PARTICULAR, AWARE THAT THIS IS A CONCERN AND WE WOULD LIKE THEIR FULL

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

>> RODNEY ELLIS: [INAUDIBLE] >> COMMISSIONER, IO MIC --

YOUR MIC. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THERE ARE AT LEAST EIGHT ELECTED OFFICIALS.

JUDGE ANGELA RODRIGUEZ, SHERIFF GARCIA, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, LINA HIDALGO, JUDGE SHANNON BALDWIN, DISTRICT COURT VIER -- VIRGIS, THE TREASURER, AMY MARTIN.

I DON'T KNOW IF HE REPRESENTS THE DEFENSE BAR.

>> HE DOES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE ELAINE MARSHAL, THE PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE MUNICIPAL COURTS.

I THINK IF YOU SENT A LETTER OR RESOLUTION AND IF THERE IS A COMMISSION MEETING I WOULD LIKE TO GO OVER AND PUT A SPOTLIGHT ON IT. MAYBE LOOK AND SEE IF SOMEBODY ELSE -- I HEARD THEY HAVE INSTALLMENT PLANS.

>> THE COMMISSION IS -- THE BAIL BOND BOARD IS A GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY. OUR OFFICE SERVES FOR COUNCIL AS WELL AS A COUNTY ENTITY. IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE COURT. THE COURT'S ABILITY TO -- CERTAINLY TO PASS THE RESOLUTION IS WITHOUT LIMIT AND CAN BE PER SWAY -- PER SWAY TIFF TO THE OTHER MEMBERS

OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. >> MUCH OF THE DATA WE HAVE WITHIN OUR OWN CONTROL. WE ARE ALSO GOING HAVE WHOSE COURT IT IS IN AND YOU SHOULD KNOW WHO WAS THE BAIL BONDSMAN THAT POSTED THE BOND EVEN IF WE DON'T KNOW THE FINANCIAL TERMS. WE CAN KNOW WHO THE BONDSMAN WAS. THAT DATA SHOULD BE ON OUR SIDE OF THE EQUATION ON THE DASHBOARD AND I THINK SOMEBODY EARLIER SAID DON'T LET THE PERFECT GET IN THE WAY OF THE GOOD. LET'S POST THE DATA WE DO

HAVE. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU ARE READING MY MIND. WE HAVE FOLKS FROM JAD AND THAT IS THE SECOND HALF. JAD HAS BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY TO START WITH THE PROCESS.

IF THE COURT WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANA, SHE CAN PROVIDE

ANY OF THEM. >> I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THEM IN JANUARY. LET'S GET THE DASHBOARD READY

AND UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM FLEXIBLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE FOR JANUARY TOO.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE WERE ALSO GOING TO INCLUDE JUDGES ON

THAT DASHBOARD. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

THIS IS JUST AN UPDATE SO NO ACTION ON THIS ONE.

ITEM 198, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

[05:10:04]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH. ON THIS ONE, JUDGE, THIS IS JUST A HOORAY FOR THE TOLL RELIEF COMMUNITY THAT HAS BEEN LONG FOR DPOTTEN. LONG FORGOTTEN.

THEY ARE ON THE BORDER OF THE CITY AND THE COUNTY.

I'M K EXCITED THAT THROUGH H-GAC WE HAVE A STUDY UNDERWAY AND THIS WILL ALLOW US TO PARTNER WITH THE COMMUNITY PLANNING PROG -- PROJECTS. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY THE TYPE OF ISSUES THAT THIS COMMUNITY HAS LONG, LONG EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT, BUT VERY LITTLE ACTION TAKEN TO ADDRESS THEM. IT WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH A GOOD SENSE OF WHAT IS THE GREAT STREET PLAN.

AND IT ALLOWS US TO FOCUS ON THE ISSUES OF INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL MAKE IT MUCH MORE WALKABLE AND RIDEABLE IN TERMS OF BIKING AND THE STREETS THAT HAVE OPEN DITCHES IN PLACE OF SIDEWALKS THAT FORCE THE RESIDENTS ESPECIALLY CHILDREN TO ACTUALLY WALK ON STREETS TO GET TO SCHOOL.

I JUST WANTED TO PULL THIS OUT BECAUSE I AM EXCITED ABOUT IT. IT IS LONG NEEDED.

THE STUDY WILL TAKE ABOUT 9 MONTHS.

THE TOTAL COST IS APPROXIMATELY $251,000.

WE SUBMITTED THIS GRANT IN JANUARY OF 2020 AND IT WAS APPROVED IN APRIL OF 2020 AND THEN THE R QUARKS STARTED -- THEN THE RQ STARTED AND WE EXPECTED IT TO BE IN THE EARLY PART OF NEXT YEAR. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU AND EXCITED ABOUT THIS STUDY GETTING UNDERWAY. SO MOVED.

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

ALL IN FAVOR. >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. WE HAD 277, BUT WE COVERED THAT ONE WITH LONGORIA. 278, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY WE TOUCH OWED THIS EARLIER AND I KNOW WE ARE NOT IN THE BUDGET SEASON YET, BUT WE ARE GOING INTO PROBABLY THE MOST DIFFICULT BUDGET SEASON WE EVER WENT INTO. NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE CHANGES IN THE PRECINCTS, BUT IT IS A SEVEN-MONTH BUDGET AND THEN INTO A FULL YEAR BUDGET. SO ALL OF US ARE GOING TO WANT TO KNOW GOOD DATA AND MR. BERRY AND I HAD CONVERSATIONS ON THIS. THIS IS NOT ANYMORE THAN A HEADS UP RELATED TO CERTAIN AREAS WHETHER IT IS INFRASTRUCTURE AND WHETHER IT IS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FLOOD CONTROL. ANY OF THE HISTORICAL DATA WE HAVE THAT HELPS US DO A SEVEN-MONTH BUDGET AND ANTICIPATE AT SOME POINT WE WILL DO THE BUDGET LATER ON.

THAT'S ALL THIS IS. IT IS NOT REALLY ANYTHING OTHER THAN AN EARLY START TO A DIFFICULT PROCESS THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE HAVING THERE EARLY NEXT YEAR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

NO ACTION ON THIS ITEM? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. NEXT IS 297, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IT IS A PROCEDURE FOR ALLOCATION OF MOW -- MOBILITY FUNDS FROM THE FLOOD CONTROL

PROJECT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS A TRANSMITAL AND I WANT TO -- [INAUDIBLE] AND WORKING ON THIS ITEM. I DO HAVE TWO RECOMMENDATIONS.

>> YOUR MICROPHONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

P YOU THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND I WANT TO RECOGNIZE MR. BLACK AND MR. BERRY FOR THEIR WORK ON THIS.

I HAVE TWO RECOMMENDATIONS. ONE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T ARBITRARILY TREAT THE TOLL ROAD SYSTEM AS A CASH COW. ONE IS TO CAP THE MAXIMUM

[05:15:02]

WE SHOULD CONSIDER A CAP FOR THE FUND.

AND THEN IT IS THE COMPETITION -- COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE. I KNOW WE HAVE TWO MEMBERS FROM THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.

WE HAVE A MEMBER FROM THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY AND WE HAVE A MEMBER FROM ENGINEERING WE HAVE A MEMBER FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE. I REALLY DON'T THINK THERE IS A NEED TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE MEMBER FROM EACH AGENCY TO REPRESENT THEM. IF WE GO WITH THE MAXIMUM TRANSFER APPROVED BUDGET, THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO INFORM THE BUDGET OFFICE. THE REASON FOR THIS IS THE DISCUSSION ON WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN SHOULD BE -- IT SHOULDN'T BE EASY. IT SHOULD BE AS HARD AS IT NEEDS TO BE. I THINK WHEN PEERSES SIT DOWN ON AN EQUAL FOOTING THEY CAN DEBATE WHAT THE PROJECTS ARE AND WHAT THE NEEDS ARE. AND DEBATE THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT'S SHOULD BE THERE. I WORRY THE WAY IT IS CURRENTLY STRUCTURED IT IS INTENDED TO OVER WOMEN -- OVERWHELM THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY WITH MORE MEMBERS BEING ABLE TO OUT VOTE THE SYSTEM THAT IS PRODUCING THE RECOMMEND -- REMNANT. IT IS THE SYSTEM REVENUE AND THEY HAVE A BOND RATING TO PROTECT.

WE SHOULD MAKE SURE THERE IS AN EVEN PLAYING FIELD FOR EVERYONE CONCERNED AND I AM PROPOSING THOSE

RECOMMENDATIONS. >> TOM RAMSEY: I SECOND THAT AND TO BE SURE I UNDERSTAND IT WE HAVE ONE FROM FLOOD CONTROL AND ONE FROM TOLL ROAD AND ONE FROM ENGINEERING.

THAT'S IT. AND THE DECISION THEY HAVE TO MAKE IS ARE WE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE BONDS RELATED TO THE TOLL. I FULLY SUPPORT THAT AND IT IS

A GOOD IDEA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN THE COMMITTEE COMES UP WITH A RECOMMENDATION DOES IT COME TO US OR END THERE? DOES IT COME BACK TO US?

>> ONE POINT OF CLARIFICATION AND THEN INVITE ALLEN TO WEIGH IN. I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR CONTINUE BUDGETS -- CONTRIBUTIONS.

THIS COMMITTEE IS TO PREPARE A TECHNICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE LEGAL FINDING THAT WE CAN USE MOBILITY FUNDS.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE TAKE SERIOUSLY.

THAT WOULD GO TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL FUNDING.

THAT'S WHY WE TRANSMITTED THIS.

EACH INDIVIDUAL LEGAL FINDING IN TERMS OF THE MONEY AMOUNT, THAT ABSOLUTELY GOES TO COURT.

IT IS IN COMMISSIONER'S POWER OF THE PURSE.

MAYBE WE CAN FIND OUT WHAT IS THE RIGHT WAY TO SET A CAP OR A LIMIT? IF REVENUE IS UP WE CAN DO MORE. IF REVENUE IS DOWN WE CAN DO ZERO. IT IS BASED ON THE RESERVES.

MAYBE WE CAN VISIT ON THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS ASKING BECAUSE I KNOW WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE, THE TOLL ROAD -- I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT WHATEVER THEY DECIDED TO DO IN MAY PRECINCT, MAYBE OTHERS HAD MORE INPUT THAN I HAD. IT MAY BE STUDYING ADDITIONAL TOLL ROAD THAT THEY WERE PLANNING UNDER THE PREVIOUS REGIME. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHO COMES

BACK TO US. >> THE DECISIONS GO TO COURT AS A GENERAL RULE. IF WE ARE MOVING MONEY FROM ONE AGENCY TO ANOTHER AND ONE DEPARTMENT TO ANOTHER.

>> AND ADDITIONALLY WILL THE PRECINCTS BE -- RATHER WILL

[05:20:04]

DRAINAGE PROJECTS? >> THERE IS A PRECINCT THAT WOULD GO TO THE MOBILITY TRUST.

THE IMMEDIATE PURPOSE IS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW WITH THE BOND PROGRAM. OVER TIME THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO DO OTHER THINGS WHICH IS GET THESE 8

TESTIMONIES GOING. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I APPRECIATE THAT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS THOUGHT GIVEN TO THE FACT THAT I CAN'T SPEAK FOR ALL PRE SINKS, BUT PRECINCT TWO HIT A MILLION AND 2 LINEAR FEET OF LOCAL DRAINAGE. THE PRECINCTS HISTORICALLY AVERAGE ABOUT A THOUSAND. IT ALLOWED IT TO TRIPLE IT DURING THE PANDEMIC. THIS YEAR WE HIT ANOTHER MILLION PLUS LINEAR FEET OF DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE.

MY CONCERN SINCE THE PRECINCTS ARE NOT INVOLVED I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PRECINCTS -- WELL, I'LL SPEAK FOR MY PRECINCT, BUT IT DOES NOT END UP IMPEDING THE WORK MY PRECINCT HAS TO DAYS -- TO ADDRESS THE LOCAL DRAINAGE.

TO THE EX -- EXTENT WE HAVE FOCUS AND CONTROL.

WITH THE PROGRESS WE HAVE DONE THIS YEAR, SINCE ALL OF THE TORRENTIAL REIN WE HAD TOWARD THE END OF 2020 AND THIS YEAR, WE HAD ZERO REPORTED STRUCTURAL FLOODING IN THE PRE -- PRECINCT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE TECHNICAL AND SINCE NO PRECINCTS ARE INVOLVED IN THIS, I WANT TO BE REAL CLEAR THAT I MOVE THE PRECINCTS BE INVOLVED. I DON'T WANT MORE CHEFS IN THE KITCHEN THAN NECESSARY. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PRAY SINKS AND THEIR PERSPECTIVE WORKS.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS BEING DONE IN 1, 2, 3, AND 4.

PRECINCT 2 IS HAVING TO ASK SOMEBODY FOR PERMISSION TO DO

WORK IN THE PRECINCT. >> THIS WAS ADDITIVE TO THE MOBILITY. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WHERE THERE IS NOT ENOUGH REVENUE IT IS SOMETHING WE WILL BRING TO COURT. LINE --

>> LINA HIDALGO: ON THE COMPETITION -- COMPOSITION, I WANT -- I WANTED TO ASK -- I GET YOUR POINT THAT IT IS TOLL ROAD MONEY AND SO IT SHOULDN'T BE ONE OF 6, BUT I AM CONCERNED OF LEAVING OFFICE OF BUDGET OUT.

IF WE LEAVE THEM IN AND GIVE TWO SEATS TO THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. I AM JUST SPIT BAWLING AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT WOULD BREAK THE MODEL.

I AM THINKING THERE IS A REASON WHY.

GUYS FIGURE IT OUT AND THEN THERE IS NOBODY THERE TO

CONNECT THE DOTS. >> I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE BEING INVOLVED.

SINCE A DISCUSSION IS ON TECHNICAL ITEMS, THE BUDGET OFFICE IS NOT DECIDING WHAT SHOULD BE DONE OR NOT DONE OR A WAY THAT BENEFITS. Y WOULD BE OKAY WITH IT BEING A NONVOTING MEMBER, BUT IT NEEDS TO BE HANDLED BY

TECHNICAL FOLKS. >> LINA HIDALGO: PERSPECTIVE

[05:25:01]

ON THAT? >> WHY DON'T WE WORK ON THE PROCEDURES AND WE CAN RETRANSMIT THEM.

UNDERSTOOD THAT A BUDGET PERSON SHOULDN'T BE VOTING ON

THE TECHNICAL REPORT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SINCE THE BUDGET OFFICE IS THE RECIPIENT OF THIS, THE BUDGET OFFICE IS

IN THE MOST GRANDIOSE PLACE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ACCORDING TO MY NOTES, THE INITIAL POLICY BEING PROMOTE -- PROPOSED ARE ON THE DEFICIT AS A RESULT OF THE COUNTY ADOPTING.

THEY MAY FIND ADDITIONAL FUNDS AND ANY EKDZ PENNED TOUR -- HAVE EXTENSIVE COUNTY STAFF INPUT AND THAT'S US.

BE PERMISSIBLE AND FOUND TO BE AN APPROPRIATE CANDIDATE FOR THE USE OF MOBILITY FUNDS BY THE COMMITTEE.

I THINK THAT'S INCLUSIVE. WHEN YOU SAY COUNTY STAFF --

>> AGAIN, THIS IS -- THIS LEADS TO A A COUNTY ATTORNEY FUNDING. WE DISTINGUISH WITH HOW WE SPEND THE FUNDS VERSUS PREPARING A TECHNICAL REPORT AND LEGAL FINDING. MY RECOMMENDATION IS LET'S KEEP IT TO A SMALL GROUP TO DO THAT WORK.

>> SO WE ARE GOING TO ACCEPT THE TRANSMITAL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES AND YOU WILL WORK ON THIS.

THANK YOU. THAT WORK COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ALLEN, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD TO THAT DISCUSSION?

>> NO, I DO NOT. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: 302.

THIS IS ON THE -- A REQUEST WE MADE.

THIS REQUEST WE MADE AFTER -- WAS IT LAURA? IT WAS THE STORM THAT WAS A INNED WITH EVENT AND -- THAT WAS A WIND EVENT AND COMING RIGHT AT US AND MERCIFULLY MOVED EAST. IT JUST REMINDED US THAT WE ARE SITTING DUCKS FOR A WIND EVENT THAT CAUSES STORM SURGE TO COME UP THE SHIP CHANNEL AND CAUSE ENORMOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN IMPACTS.

PERHAPS WORSE THAN IKE. I APPRECIATE THE REPORT.

I WANT TO BRING UP A COUPLE OF THINGS.

WE NEED THE IKE DIKE TO GET DONE.

THE PLAN IS FOR IT TO BE COMPLETED AROUND YEAR 2038.

SO THAT IS SEVERAL HURRICANE SEASONS FROM NOW.

MY THINKING IS WE CAN'T JUST SIT HERE CROSSING OUR FINGERS BETWEEN NOW AND 2038. WHAT I HOPE TO ACHIEVE AND WE BROUGHT IT UP BACK THEN, BUT WHAT SUPPLEMENTAL CAN WE PROVIDE THAT HAS SOME LEVEL OF PROTECTION? THERE MAY BE AN ARGUMENT THAT SOMEHOW WE ARE LOSING A BARGAINING POSITION. I DO JUST WANT TO GO THROUGH -- IN A PERFECT WORLD AND GOING THROUGH THE MOTION MADE THEN I THINK WE SHOULD FIND OUT WHAT ARE THE FASTER, SHORTER-TIME SCENARIO, ONE IS THE SPEED CENTER.

ARE THERE ANY OTHERS? ONCE WE HAVE THOSE WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO FINANCE THE KNISH -- INITIATIVES AND GET THEM DONE. WHAT GOVERNMENT STAKEHOLDERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THAT.

DO WE NEED TO WORK WITH GOL ADVICE STONN CON -- COUNTY? THEY SAID AN INDUSTRY PLAYER SHOULD FUND SOME OF THAT.

[05:30:02]

I THINK WE SHOULD TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN NOT JUST ADVOCATING FOR THE IKE DIKE, BUT TO FIGURE OUT AN ADDITIONAL AND FASTER SOLUTION THAT CAN HELP A LITTLE BIT TO SEE HOW WE CAN SHEPHERD THROUGH.

I THOUGHT I ASKED THAT QUESTION WHEN THE STORM HAPPENED. I THINK THE INFORMATION IS USEFUL. CAN WE GET THIS ANSWERED? IS THIS SOMETHING FOR DAVE? IS THIS FOR THE FEDERAL LOBBYISTS? IS THIS FOR A CONSULTANT? IS THIS SOMETHING WE DON'T TOUCH BECAUSE THE FEDS CAN SAKE NOW YOU CAN WORK ON SOMETHING ELSE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THOSE ARE GOOD QUESTIONS.

AS WE LOOK AT THE IKE DEKE AND THE COASTAL SPINE THIS IN 2038 , OUR BIGGEST IS FUNDING. YOU DO THE GATES AND WE GET THE MOST BENEFIT. THAT IS REAL AND THAT IS ON THE TABLE. WE HAVE A COOLER LEVEL REPORT APPROVED, THAT THE FEDS APPROVED TO GET FEDERAL FUNDING. AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA RESPOFNEDDED TO, WE NEED TO -- GARCIA RESPONDED TO.

IF THE GATES ARE THE FIRST THING THAT IS BUILT AND WE GET THE MOST BENEFIT OUT OF WHEN CAN WE GET THAT DONE IN THE HEAVY LIFT ON THE FUNDING WILL BE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

WE HAVE FOUR OTHER COUNTYIES THAT WILL BE IN THERE.

BECAUSE WE HAVE A CORE LEVEL STUDY WE HAVE THE FEDS THAT CAN BRING THE MONEY IN. WHAT I WOULD HATE FOR US TO DO IS MAYBE GET DISTRACTED. WE WILL DO THAT STUDY.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONCERNS.

EVERYBODY AGREES ON BUILDING THE GATES AT BOLIVER.

IF WE SAY LET'S FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET BONDING.

NOW WE CAN GET BONDING AND WE CAN GET FUNDING.

WE DIDN'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO GET OUR TAX PEOPLE ON THIS.

IF THE DATE IS 20 NEVER, THEN LET'S DO THAT THEY DID IN NORWAY AND BUILD LEVIES AROUND THE COMMUNITIES UP THE SHIP CHANNEL AND PROVIDE THAT. IF WE THINK -- WHICH THEY DO HAVE A CORE LEVEL REPORT DONE.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HEARD ANYTHING AND I KNOW HE IS PUSHING AND GOES TO WASHINGTON.

THAT IS WORTHY OF AN ANSWER. >> AND THAT'S WHY THIS RESOLUTION IS CRITICAL AND I READ A LETTER AND IT IS SO IMPORTANT. WHAT I LEARNED BECAUSE I HAD THE CORE AND THE GLO AND HAVING A DISCUSSION ON THE HOLISTICNESS. I GOT THE CINCH QUICKLY THAT

[05:35:04]

H THE GETS GET MOVING THERE WILL BE MORE COMFORT TO EXPLORE OTHER THOUGHTS AND OTHER IDEAS.

I DON'T THINK THE GATES ARE THE ONLY PROTECTION.

I AM NOT WAITING ANOTHER 14 YEARS BEFORE WE GET SOMETHING

GOING. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I READ THE STATE LEGISLATION IT WOULD COME FROM THE TAXPAYERS.

IT LOOKS LIKE A LOT IS COMING FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

IS THAT YOUR SENSE? WHEN WE HAVE TO GO TO VOTERS IN THE LARGEST COUNTY THE ISSUE IS FRONT AND CENTER.

I I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA RAISED THE ISSUE.

I WANT TO ASK THAT WE BE SUPPORTIVE OF THAT.

WHEN IT IS TIME TO GO TO THE VOTERS, GOOD LUCK IF IT IS NOT THERE. YOU ALL WILE BE IMPORTANT IN BRINGING ALONG OUR PARTNERS TO UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE IT IS NOT GOING TO PASS. HARRIS COUNTY IS MAKING THE BULK OF THE FINANCIAL LIFT AND WE OUGHT TO ENCOURAGE OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS TO THE EXTENT THEY CAN.

THEY WILL BE SENSITIVE TO THE ISSUE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE INCLUSIVE BECAUSE WE WE HAVEN'T BEEN IN THE PAST. MAYBE IT WILL BE CLEAR THE NEXT COURT TO ASK OUR FEDERAL LOBBYISTS WHAT THEY CAN DO ON

THE FEDERAL LEVEL. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM GETTING -- I GOT A NOTE THAT SAYS IT IS THE TOP PRIORITY IN THE IKE DIKE. IF IT BEGINS BEFORE ALL COMPONENTS IT WILL TAKE 18 YEARS FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. I THINK WE ARE ALL SAYING THE SAME THING. I GET YOUR POINT.

WE COULD HAVE A STORM SURGE NEXT SUMMER.

IF IT EVEN COMES CLOSE, THE QUESTION IS AGAIN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I WOULD HATE TO SEE WE ARE WAITING TO SEE THE IKE DIKE TIMELINE.

THIS IS WHEN WE EXPECT THE BASKET TO MOVE.

>> IT IS VERY MUCH PART OF THE SCOPE OF THE REPORT TO INVESTIGATE. NOT THAT WE SHOULDN'T KEEP AN OPEN MIND OR NOT KEEP LOOKING WE DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING.

>> IT MAKES SENSE BECAUSE I THINK OUR STRATEGY MAKES SENSE ON BOTH OF THOSE. WE DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING TO MOVE THE NEEDLE. AND WE DIDN'T FEIGNED IT OUT THERE. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I WOULD LIKE TO PUT ONE WITH NUMBER OUT THERE IN TERMS OF OUR CONTRIBUTION. OF THE DISTRICT WE WOULD PICK UP 85% OF THE TAXES BECAUSE WE ARE THE LARGEST MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT. YET WE ONLY HAVE ONE VOTE THERE. FURTHERMORE IF YOU LOOK AT THE TOTAL LOCAL COST SHARE IT IS ON THE ORDER OF 10 CENTS ON THE TAX RATE. MY RECOMMENDATION TO THE COURT IS TO LOOK TO THE STATE AND LOOK POTENTIALLY TO INDUSTRY.

[05:40:10]

IT IS THE WHOLE NATIONAL ECONOMY ON THE LEFT HERE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, I HAVE FRIENDS IN THE STATE THAT WOULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO FUND IN CERTAIN AREAS, BUT THEN COME BACK AND SET UP A STRUCTURE WHERE WE

PICK UP THE FUNDING ON IT. >> WHERE DIS IT -- WHERE DOES IT LIVE OFF OF MY QUESTION. WHO WILL SAY IT WILL TAKE THIS LONG? IS THAT THE FEDERAL TEAM IN IS THAT YOUR OFFICE. IS IT AN ON GOING

CONVERSATION? >> I THINK WE HAVE IS DONE THE

WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE DONE

THAT. >> HAPPY TO PROVIDE THE FAX RATE I'M PLAW -- IMPLICATIONS.

THIS IS NOT AT THE TOP OF THE UH AGENDA AND IT HELPS CERTIFY.

>> FLOOD CONTROL GETS NUMEROUS UP -- UPDATES, PROBABLY MORE THAN ANYBODY. THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. I VOLUNTEER FLOOD CONTROL TO ANSWER HIM. YOU HAVE THE BEST ACCESS TO COLONEL VAIL WHO HAS THE ANSWERS.

>> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU.

THIS IS ALLEN BLOOD WOOD WITH FLOOD CONTROL.

WE ARE TRACKING EVERYTHING CLOSELY.

I AND MY STAFF ATTENDS THE MEETINGS AS WELL AS COMMISSION ARE GARCIA. WE ARE TRACKING PRAGUE DPRES AND REPORTING THAT BACK TO STAFF AND GETTING IT TO TRICKLE UP TO COURT MEMBERS. MR. RAMSEY, I I DIDN'T HAVE THE INFORMATION YOU ASKED ABOUT, BUT WE WILL REPORT AS WE CANDICE CERTAIN THAT. -- CAN DISCERN THAT.

I WHAT PRESIDENT TO CIRCLE BACK TO THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A PLAN AND THE CORE HAS TAKEN THE LEAD ON PRESENTING THIS REPORT TO CONGRESS NOW AND THAT IS A HUGE STEP.

YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE 3 PLUS 3 PLUS 3 PROCEDURE ANY NEW ALTERNATIVE IS THREE YEARS BEHIND.

WORKING WITH THEM AND COLLABORATING WITH THEM.

THEY ARE IN TUNE WITH THE PROJECT.

THEY HAVE FOLKS WORKING IN RYE TALE AND SHIPPING -- RETAIL AND SHIPPING AND TRUCKING TO MAKE SURE IT IS NOT JUST HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY AND NOT JUST THE STATE OF TEXAS.

LOOK AT THE COLONIAL PIPELINE.

IT TAKES FUEL TO THE EAST COAST.

THEY NEED TO BE INTERESTED IN WHAT IS GOING ON.

THEY ARE WORKING ON THAT. AND THE GOOD DISCUSSION WE ARE HEARING IS YOU WANT US TO BE ENGAGED WITH THE DISTRICT AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND HOW WE CAN SUPPORT THE DISTRICT WITH

THE LOBBYING EFFORTS. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND

THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> YEAH, WE DRIVE IT ON THE BOARD. HE WILL BE IN THE ROOM.

PROBABLY -- I WAS TOLD ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO IN GALVESTON AND HE THINKS FUNDING CAN START IN THE TEXT -- IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS. HE IS DETERMINED TO GO TO WASHINGTON AND SECURING FUNDS BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE THINGS THAT THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT AND THERE IS SOMETHING --

>> IT IS NOT RIGHT. HERE IT IS 2.5.

THE STATE OF TEXAS SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES.

WE ARE THE BREAD BASKET OF THE STATE.

IF YOU GO DOWN 225 IT IS THE WORSE WORST FREEWAY IN

[05:45:06]

THE RADAR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEY ARE WORKING ON IT. THEY ARE DOING A STUDY.

NONETHELESS, THE STUDY SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE A LONGTIME

AGO. >> TOM RAMSEY: IF WE ARE NOT

PUSHING -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE BULK OF

THE FUNDING -- >> ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THE LOCAL MATCH PROG SCRECT GOING TO THE PROTECTION DISTRICT? YES. IT HAS TO GO TO THE VOTERS.

THIS BILL HOPPED ON THERE PRETTY FAST.

DO WE HAVE ANY LEGISLATION? >> WE WERE TRACKING THE BILL AS WERE MANY OTHER AGENCIES AND PARTNERSHIPS.

EVERYONE WAS IN SUPPORT BECAUSE OF THIS TYPE OF PROTECTION. AN AGENCY IS REQUIRED.

A LOCAL SPONSOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CORP OF ENGINEERS. SO RECOGNIZING IT IS A

MULTI-TALENT ISSUE. >> FE -- AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE OUGHT TO BE A RESPECTFUL WAY TO GIVE HARRIS COUNTY MORE INFLUENCE ON THE DECISION-MAKING PROGRESS -- PROCESS I'M JUST RAISING IT AS LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY.

I THINK YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE AN UPHILL CLIMB GOING TO THE VOTERS IN THIS COUNTY AND ASKING THEM TO COUGH UP THAT MONEY FOR A NATIONAL PROJECT WHEN IT HAS INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS AND THERE IS VERY LITTLE INFLUENCE IN THE DECISION MAKING COMING FROM HARRIS COUNTY.

JUST RAISING THAT ISSUE BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ALL WANT IT TO PASS. YOU HAVE TO SAY MORE THAN TRUST ME, IN MY HUMBLE OPINION.

THERE THERE HAS TO BE A RESPECTFUL WAY TO ASK.

SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES SAY THE TRAIN WAS MOVING AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE MUCH INPUT. WHEN IT IS TIME TO GET THE VOTES THERE WILL BE HARD QUESTIONS ASKED.

IF I AM ASKED TO SUPPORT IT I WILT -- I WILL NEED SOME ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. MWBE IS ONE OF THEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU TO THE ANALYST'S OFFICE FOR THE REPORT AND APPRECIATE THE THE DISCUSSION.

>> THAT IS ACCEPTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT.

LEAN 04, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THE M/WBE UTILIZATION FUND.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I WANTED TO TOUCH BASE WITH MS. CHEN ON THIS ITEM I KNOW I SHARE THE ANXIETY OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO GET GOING ON THIS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

I DO HAVE QUESTIONS. THERE IS A POLICY IN THE COUNTY AND -- AGAIN, I'M STILL DOING -- I DIDN'T REALIZE THERE IS A TEXAS ACT WE ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH.

THE PROMPT PAYMENT ONE OF THESE.

I WANT TO FIND OUT WHERE WE ARE WITH THE PAYMENT REPORTING -- THE PAYMENT PERIOD REPORT STARTS IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR. THIS IS PRIOR TO GOAL SETTING. AND WHY ARE PAYMENTS NOT AVAILABLE? THIS DOES NOT ALLOW US TO SEE A TRUE APPLES TO APPLES COMPARISON.

THERE IS SOME PROGRESS. WHAT IS THE PLAN TO REACH 30%

[05:50:04]

>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

JUST TO HELP GROUND EVERYONE IN THE INFORMATION I HAVE A COUPLE OF SLIDES TO SHARE A SUMMARY OF WHAT IS IN THE REPORT. I AM GOING TO SHARE MY SCREEN HERE. I AM I AM -- I AM HAPPY TO BE HERE AND TO SHARE INSIGHT. THIS IS ANOTHER MAJOR MILESTONE IN THE COUNTY'S M/WBE PROGRAM TO SET UP SYSTEMS AND A TEAM TO COLLECT IS ANALYZE CONTRACT DATA.

THE COUNTY REQUIRED AN OUTSIDE STUDY TO LOOK AT THE STUDIES.

AT M/WBE. OF THE FULL REPORT IT IS IN THE BACK OF THE DOCUMENTS. WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT THE FIRST DATA SHOWS THAT WE ARE HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. I WILL ADDRESS YOUR QUESTIONS

AS WE GO THROUGH THE DATA. >> LOOKING BACK, THEY WERE ESTIMATED AT 9%. THIS IS A 19% GAP BETWEEN THE NUMBER OF NWBE'S AVAILABLE TO CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY AND THE NUMBER OF FIRMS WHICH 2003 -- WHICH WE CONTRACTED WITH. TO GET A PULL OF WHERE WE HAVE BEEN WE LOOKED AT THE PRIME CONTRACTOR PAYMENTS AVAILABLE IN PEOPLE SOFT FROM THE TIME IT WENT LIVE IN 2020 TO OCTOBER. THIS IS PROMISING A 40% INCREASE TOO -- TO THE DISPARITY STUDY.

I THINK THIS IS PROMISING DATA TO HAVE.

TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION ON WHY NOT JUST FOCUS IN ON BOARD -- SORRY, FOCUS ON THE PAYMENTS DATA WHICH IS WHERE WE STARTED CONTRACTING AND THAT'S BECAUSE THE ACTUAL PROJECTS HAVE NOT SHOWN UP AND THERE THERE WAS ONLY A HAVENEDFUL OF -- HANDFUL OF THEM. WE WENT BACK TO MAR -- MARCH OF 2020. WE OFFER A BREAK OUT.

WHERE THE PAYMENTS WENT 43.2% OF THE PAYMENTS TO M/WBE WERE ASIAN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND 21.7 FOR WHITE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND 19% HISPANIC -OWNED BUSINESSES AND 16% FOR BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES. WE FOLLOWED THE CONVENTION THAT IS THE NATIONAL STANDARD FOR THE WAY WE BROKE OUT THE ETHNICITY DATA HERE. THAT WAS A RECOMMENDATION FROM

CLICKET TIFFS -- COLLECTIVES. >> WE ARE HAPPY TO CIRCULATE ALL OF THE NUMBERS TO YOUR OFFICE.

WE ARE LOOKING AT CONTRACTS AWARD -- AWARDED TO M/WBE.

[05:55:10]

THIS IS ALL JUST A SNAP SHOT. WE ONLY HAVE THREE MONTHS OF DATA, BUT IT IS PROMISING. TO GET TO YOUR QUESTION, SIR, ABOUT THE PROMPT PAYMENTS AND HOW WE WILL TRACK THAT, WHAT WE ARE DOING IS CREATING AN INTERFACE BETWEEN THE COUNTY'S DIVERSITY PAYMENT SYSTEM AND THE PEOPLE SOFT SO WE CAN TRACK THE CONTRACT PAYMENTS AND THROUGH THE SYSTEM WE WILL BE ASKING THEM TO PUT THEM IN THE SYSTEM.

WE ARE COORDINATING WITH ION VERSE SAL SERVICES AND -- WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND IT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETE IN FEBRUARY OF 2022. PROJECT MONEY -- MONITORS WITH I WILL RE-- WILL REVIEW THE DATA.

PAYMENTS ARE TO THE REPORTED ON TIME.

OUR TEAM IS EQUIPPED TO TAKE COMPLAINTS FROM THOSE NOT RECEIVING PROMPT PAYMENT ON TIME.

THOSE ARE A COUPLE OF PLAYERS -- A COUPLE OF LAY -- LAYERS THAT YOU CAN ENSURE THAT PAYMENTS ARE FLOWING THROUGH THE SYSTEM IN TERMS OF YOUR. IN TERMS OF YOUR QUESTION, IN ORDER TO REACH THE ANNUAL ASPIRATION, LET'S FOCUS ON CREATING OPPORTUNITIESES AND SOME OF THESE STRATEGIES INCLUDE MAKING SURE THERE ARE FORECASTS OF UPCOMING PROJECTS SO INFORMATION CAN BE DISSEMINATED.

ADDRESSING RENEWALS THAT STARTS AND THAT'S SOMETHING WE ARE LOOKING INTO. CONTINUING TO EMBEZZLE CONTACTS. THAT'S US REACHING OUT TO M/WBE'S AND WORKING TO INCREASE OUT REACH TO M/W BERK E'S -- MWBE AND WE ALSO WERE ABLE TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO DO THIS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND A LIST OF 6500 LOCAL FIRMS. WITHIN THE NEXT QUARTER WE ARE PLANNING TO EXPAND TO DEPARTMENTS AND TRAININGS AND A VARIETY OF OUT REACH EVENTS AND MORE COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS TO MAKE SURE THERE IS MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING SOLICITATIONS. OUR COMMUNICATION TEAM IS IN CONTACT WITH THOSE IN YOUR OFFICES AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER ON AN EVENT FOR THE M/WBE PROGRAM IN JANUARY AND HOSTING SOME NETWORKING AND MEETING OF M/WSHES B -- M/WBE'S IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONNECT AND MAKE SURE THEY KNOW WE ARE

AVAILABLE AS PARTNERS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME JUST ADD -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRESENTATION, BUT ON THE TRACKING OF THE CONTRACT PAYMENTS, WE COULD HAVE DONE THIS A LOT QUICKER IF WE HAD BETTER COLLABORATION SO WE CAN MANUALLY INPUT TO ASSURE THE DATA SO WE CAN ENSURE THAT THE CONTRACTS WERE BEING MONITORED.

AGAIN I WANT TO URGE THAT WHETHER IT IS EMPLOYEES AND BRINGING EVERYBODY TO THE TABLE TO GET THEM TO HELP DO

[06:00:03]

IF YOU NEED TEMP EMPLOYEES, OR IF YOU NEED STAFF, MY STAFF IS AVAILABLE TO YOU. I THINK WE COULD HAVE BEEN -- WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN THERE MUCH SOONER WITH BETTER COLLABORATION AND AT LEAST THE WILLINGNESS TO DO SOME MANUAL DATA INPUT SO WE CAN BETTER TRACK THE CONTRACTS.

SECONDLY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU VISIT WITH MY STAFF AND ANY OF THE OTHER STAFF MEMBERS THAT ARE INTERESTED.

IN TERMS OF THE OUT REACH, I UNDERSTAND YOU REACHED OUT TO 65 LOCAL CERTIFIED FIRMS. THAT'S A GOOD NUMBER AND I'M IMPRESSED WITH THAT. HOWEVER, THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING AND WE HAVEN'T HAD THAT PARTICIPATION SO WE CAN GET TO THAT SCORE. THE INTEREST AND THE WILLINGNESS IS THERE AND THERE IS SOMETHING MISSING IN TERMS OF THE OUT REACH. AND I DON'T THRIENG -- I DON'T THINK I HEARD THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE REPORTING PERIOD AND THE PAYMENT PERIOD DIFFERENCES.

I DON'T THINK I HEARD THE ANSWER ABOUT THE EFFORT TO ADDRESS BLACK WOMEN AND HISPANIC WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AS PART OF THE W/BE GOLD MEASUREMENT.

>> WRY ARE HAPPY TO INCLUDE THAT -- WE ARE HAPPY TO INCLUDE THAT IN THE FUTURE REPORT.

THIS TIME WE FOLD THE CONVENTIONS FOR THE DISPARITY STUDY AND THAT WAS A RECOMMENDATION AS A NATIONAL PRACTICE. WE BROKE THE DATA OUT IN THE SAME MANNER IT IS DONE FOR DISPARITY STUDIES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE EVEN MUCH MORE MY DROA SCOP PICK. MICROSCOPIC.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN, HISPANIC, ASIAN WOMEN OWNED BUSINESSES WILL BE VERY, VERY HELPFUL. AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE INCLUSIVE OF WHERE WE ARE MAKING AN IMPACT.

>> AGREED. WE DID LOOK AT THOSE NUMBERS SO WE WILL HAVE THAT TO YOUR OFFICE WITH A FOLLOW-UP.

AND LOOK FORWARD TO FOLLOW-UP FOLLOWING THE COLLECTION AND PAYMENT DATA AND ADDITIONAL OUT REACH.

>> THANK YOU. >> ONE SHORT COMMENT.

I WOULD LIKE TO COMPLIMENT MR. POST AND HIS TEAM IN PARTICULAR. THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING ACTION ON THAT. WE HAVE A DASHBOARD UP IN -- UP AND RUNNING. WE ARE SENDING IN EXTRA

RESOURCES. >> IT IS THE LAW AND WE HAVE

TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR THE REPORT.

I THINK SOME OF THE URGENCY I HEAR IN COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S VOICE IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER.

WE ARE THREE DECADES LATE. WE ARE TRYING TO DO THIS 30 YEARS AFTER THE STATE DID IT. IT WAS 36 YEARS AFTER THE CITY OF HOUSTON DID IT. THAT'S WHAT CRY AWTSZ -- CREATES THE URGENCY. I KNOW I TALKED TO DAVE BERRY, THE GOVERNMENT ALLAY YENS FOR RACIAL -- GOVERNMENTAL ALLIANCE FOR RACIAL EBBING -- EQUITY.

WE SHOULD SCROIN THAT, RIGHT -- JOIN THAT, RIGHT? THEY ADD LIST OF QUICK RECOMMENDATIONS I LOOKED UP LIKE UNBUNDLING SOME CONTRACTS AND PROMPT PAYMENT STATUTE STATUTES. I WANT YOU TO LOOK AT THE FIVE OR SIX ITEMS THEY HAD. WE PUT AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

[06:05:08]

I BELIEVE LONE STAR IS TAKING THE LEAD.

I BELIEVE HISD HAVING DISCUSSIONS.

THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD I'M PRETTY SURE A LEAF IS DOING SOMETHING. METRO, THE PORT AND MS. HOLT IS DOING ONE FOR HARRIS HEALTH.

THAT'S EIGHT. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO BE MORE PROACTIVE AND GET A DIRECTOR.

THIS WAS NOT NECESSARILY YOU HAD DONE, BUT GET A DIRECTOR AND I SUGGEST YOU PASS SOME OF IT OFF TO SOMEONE ELSE.

WITH EIGHT ENTITYIES -- ENTITIES.

THREE WE KNOW ABOUT. THERE OUGHT TO BE A LOT OF COLLABORATION. EVERYBODY IS CERTIFIED WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON. I CAN ASSURE YOU I WORKED IT WHEN I WAS TRYING TO GET THIS PROGRAM.

I SENT A PRESSURE LIST TO GET THEM TO COME HERE AND ONLY A HANDFUL CAME. SOME ARE NOT CAPABLE.

YOU HAVE TO GET OUT AND BEAT THE DRUM.

GET THESE NUMBERS WHERE THE ASPIRATIONAL GOAL UH PIER -- ASPIRES TO GET. IT IS AN ASPIRATIONAL GOAL.

WE ARE NOT SITTING HERE FIVE YEARS, 10 YEARS FROM NOW.

WE HAVE TO GET THE WORD OUT. I AM PUTTING THIS ON YOU.

IF WORD WAS GETTING OUT, THEY WOULD PACK UP AND MOVE FROM MIAMI AND BEXAR COUNTY. BEXAR COUNTY IS SETTING UP A PROGRAM. I JUST SAW THEIR POLICIES PROCEDURES I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO GET AGGRESSIVE.

I DON'T THINK YOUR DATA REPORTING IS THE SAME WE GOT IN THE DISPARITY STUDY. I WANT TO ASK YOU ON THE NEXT ONE, TALK TO MS. HOLT THAT TO THE EXTENT WE CAN WE CAN COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES. THE ONE PROBABILITY TEST STUCK IN MY HEAD IS YOU HAVE TO COULD M PAIR APPLES TO APPLES. WHEN THESE STUDIES COME BACK, SOMETIMES PEOPLE ARE EMBARRASSED OVER THINGS THEY DIDN'T CONTROL. INSTEAD OF EXPLAINING THINGS THEY CAN CONTROL THEY ARE EXPLAINING THE NUMBERS.

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO FOLLOW THE NUMBERS IN THE DISPARITY STUDY. THAT WAS OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD. YOU ARE GOING ON THE -- ARE YOU GOING ON LESS THAN A YEAR, I GET THAT.

THAT NUMBER WHAT SUCCESS THEY HAVE HAD, THE CITY IS NOW 25, 26% OVERALL M/WBE OUT. -- OUT OF THE MONEY THEY CONTROL. IT IS A SUB CON -- CONTRACTOR PROGRAM. AS MUCH AS I HATE TO ADMIT IT WE WILL END UP WITH THE GREATEST NUMBERS ON THE SUBCONTRACTOR SIDE. THAT'S MY GUESS.

THERE IS NOT AS MUCH CAPACITY OUT THERE.

>> APPRECIATE THE GUIDANCE AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH MRS. -- MS. HOLT AND THE WAY WE ARE REPORTING AND CALCULATING THINGS. SOMETHING TO POINT OUT IN TERMS OF THE -- WE ONLY HAVE THREE MONTHS OF DATA, BUT WE HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF CRIMES IN OUR DATA.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP LOOKING AT THE DATA AND KEEP TRACKING IT ALONG THE WAY AND LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING

TO REPORT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HOPE YOU ARE WATCHING EVERYTHING THAT COMES ON THE AGENDA.

WHEN WE ARE GOING THROUGH IT, YOU MAY LOOK AT THAT HISD USED

[06:10:04]

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

[Emergency/Supplemental items]

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: 8 TESTIMONY 333 IS -- ITEM 333 IS SO EXCITING.

>> SORRY, TRANSMITAL? LEAN LIEN YES.

. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM GOING TO HOLD MY REMARKS. I WANT TO THANK DILLON OSBOURNE AND HIS TEAM AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS AS WELL.

I WILL SAVE MY REMARKS FOR LATER.

IT IS A TRANSMITAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO REQUEST BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT FOR APPROVAL OF THE INCLUSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BANK, WE DON'T NEED A MOTION?

WE DO NEED A MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION PASSES.

339. THERE IS A BRIEF PRESENTATION

ON THE HARRIS COUNTY CODE. >> UNFORTUNATELY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WASN'T ABLE TO STAY ON THE LINE.

I WILL MAKE IT BRIEF BECAUSE I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A LONG EVENING. THIS IS SOMETHING WE WORKED ON SINCE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TOOK OFFICE IN JANUARY ONE OF THE THINGS WE NOTICE IS THAT THERE IS A LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IN TERMS OF WHAT WAS AVAILABLE AND LOOKING BACK AT PAST COURT ORDERS. THE WAY IT OPERATED WAS ANTIQUATED. WHEN THIS COURT CAME AROUND IS WHEN IT STARTED HAPPENING. WE WANTED TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME IDEA OF CREATING A HIGH LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY THAT WE THOUGHT WAS IMPORTANT. WHAT WE HAVE DONE FOR THE FIRST YEAR IN HARRIS COUNTY IS TO ORGANIZE THE VARIOUS ORDERS AND REGULATIONS AND RULES OF THE COURT.

IT WAS COMMISSIONER ELLIS WHO MADE THE POINT OF SAYING WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT WE ARE VOTING ON VIS-A-VIS WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST. THERE IS NO WAYS TO CHECK.

WE WENT THROUGH AND PAINSTAKINGLY REORGANIZED OVER THE YEARS. THERE IS A COMBINATION OF EFFORTS FROM OUR OFFICE. WE WANT TO THANK THE OFFICES INSTRUMENTAL IN THIS. THE PERSON WHO REALLY HELPED SPEAR HEAD THIS PROJECT WAS MY PREDECESSOR, ROBERTS SORD.

HE IS THE HEAD OF ALL THINGS COUNTY KNOWLEDGE-WISE.

THEY COORDINATED THE PROCESS AND WE PUT THIS TOGETHER.

THE IDEA IS THAT WE ORGANIZED EVERYTHING FROM ENGINEERING, FLOOD CONTROL, FIRE MARSHAL REGS, EVERYTHING, PUT IT IN THIS FORM AND PARTNERED WITH MUNI CODE WHICH IS THE INDUSTRY LEADER AND PART OF THE GRANICUS PARK FAMILY.

WE WILL HAVE A SEARCHABLE DATABASE THAT WILL ALLOW MEMBERS OF COURT AND THE MEDIA TO ACCESS PRAYER ORDERS AND REGULATIONS. IT WILL HELP BUSINESS BUSINESSES -- BUSINESSES WHO WANT TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE COUNTY. I KNOW THAT LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY IS SOMETHING THEY COUNTED THEMSELVES ON.

WE ARE EXAITED TO BE A PART OF THAT -- WE ARE EXCITED TO BE A

PART OF THAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION. IT IS BASICALLY THE COUNTY'S MUNI CODE. IT IS GOING TO BE GOOD FOR EVERYBODY TO KNOW THE RULES AND REGULATIONS.

THIS IS EXCITING. AND TO THINK THAT WE HAVEN'T HAD THIS. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH AND TO MR. SORD.

HE KNOWS I AM A FAN. THANK YOU.

>> JUDGE IS THERE ACTION ON THIS OR JUST DISCUSSION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: JUST AN UPDATE.

NO ACTION. 351, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THIS

[06:15:01]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE THINKING ABOUT THE FACT THAT NRG WILL GO OFF LINE VERY SOON. THE RODEO IS GOING TO COME IN AND WE WILL LOSE THE JURY OPERATIONS AT NRG FROM FEBRUARY TO MARCH. TWO FULL TOES.

CASH DASH TWO -- TWO FULL MONTHS.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT ANYBODY ELSE IS THINKING, BUT WE ARE NOT GOING TO STOP HAVING JURY SELECTION AND JURY POLLS FOR A TWO-MONTH PROCESS. WE HAVE MADE TOO MUCH PROGRESS AND WE HAVE INVESTED TOO MUCH MONEY TO HELP OUR COURTS MOVE FORWARD. WE CANNOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO GET IN THAT KIND OF A PREDICAMENT.

I WANT TO HER FROM THE JURY TASK FORCE.

WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTIONS. I UNDERSTAND JUDGE HAWKINS IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN MAKE DECISIONS ON JURY OPERATIONS.

I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WERE TWO OPTIONS PRESENTED BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE TO THE JIG -- JUDGES AND THEY WERE DECLINE EXPID WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND WHY.

IF JUDGE HAWKINS WAS AVAILABLE I WOULD LOVE TO UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE AT WITH THAT AND WHAT THE THINKING IS.

THE SOLUTIONS BEING PROVIDED -- THE OPTIONS WE ARE PROVIDING AREN'T FEASIBLE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT THE JUDGE'S SOLUTIONS ARE. TO THAT END LET ME JUST SAY THAT WE HAVE THE EL FRANCO LEE OPEN AND I KNOW IT IS NOT ENTIRELY CONDUCIVE BECAUSE WE ARE IN THE PANDEMIC.

I KNOW WE CAN COME TO A GOOD ANSWER.

I KNOW YOU SHARE THERE IS A POTENTIAL OF A LEASE OPTION NEARBY. I DON'T THINK THE FRAN CO LEE CENTER AND THIS OPTION ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE TO EACH OTHER. AND THE SPACE BEING IDENTIFIED AT THE CJC. THAT SPACES BELONGS TO -- THAT SPACE BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE. WE HAVE TO DRIVE THESE DECISIONS TO MAKE GOOD PRACTICAL USE AND REASONABLE USE FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY IN OUR CORE BUILDING AND IN THE EL FRANCO LEE CENTER. WE ARE UP AGAINST THE CLOCK WITH NRG BEING OFF LINE. NO OPTIONS ARE THERE AND TELL

US WHERE WE ARE AT. >> ONE POINT OF CLARIFICATION. WE HAVEN'T HEARD THAT IT WAS DE KLEINED. WAS DECLINED.

WE HAVEN'T DECIDED. I THINK IT IS GOOD TO PURSUE BOTH OPTIONS. JURY ASSEMBLY IS NOT OPTIONAL. LET'S HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN IF THE PANDEMIC GETS WORSE AGAIN BECAUSE I FEAR THAT'S A POSSIBILITY. PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT JURY ASSEMBLY.

IT IS FAZABLE TO GO BACK DOWN THERE.

FOR EXAMPLE USING CIVIL COURTROOMS WHEN DOCKETS ARE VIRTUAL. WE CAN USE THE HELP OF CIVIL JUDGES. HOPEFULLY WE CAN USE A SHARED FACILITY RATHER THAN AN INDIVIDUAL FACILITY.

>> EXACTLY. >> THEY ARE IDENTIFYING A LEASE SPACE THAT IS A GOOD FIT.

LET'S GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT.

[06:20:04]

>> WITH THE PANDEMIC, DO WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO A

VIRTUAL MEETING? >> US?

>> YEAH. >> NO.

NO. >> I WAS GONNA PROPOSE THAT IF YOU CAN COME UP WITH A SLIETION AND -- SOLUTION AND WE CAN ORGANIZE I KNOW SOME OF US ARE GOING TO TRAVEL WITH THE HOLIDAYS COMING UP. IF A VIRTUAL MEETING WAS DOABLE TO APPROVE THIS AND WRAP IT UP.

I AM VERY, VERY CONCERNED WITH THE TIMELINE WE ARE AT.

AND WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO PUT ANY TECHNOLOGY WE NEED INTO ANY LEASE SPACE. I JUST WANT TO SOUND THE ALARM

THAT WE NEED TO MOVE ON THIS. >> I WANT TO SAY ONLY THREE OF US HAVE TO BE HERE. TWO CAN BE GONE.

I PLAN TO BE IN HERE. >> WELL, THAT'S AVAILABLE TO YOU, MR. BERRY, IF YOU NEED US TO ORGANIZE AN EMERGENCY MEETING, WE HAVE TO GET THIS THROUGH.

>> AND I KNOW YOU ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH

DEPARTMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 352 --

>> ACTION ON 351? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO.

NO ACTION. 352 IS ON TEMPORARY LICENSE

PLATES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I COULD I MENTIONED EARLIER HOW THERE IS A LOT OF AREA THAT'S PROHIBIT LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM MAKING EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS SUCCESSFUL. ONE OF THE AREAS IS PAPER PLATES. I NEVER FORGET ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING, BUT SUCCESSFUL INVESTIGATIONS I GOT WAS BECAUSE SOMEBODY REMEMBERED A LICENSE PLATE.

I WAS ABLE TO TRACK IT DOWN AND ABLE TO RECOVER A BUNCH OF DIAMONDS STOLEN FROM MONTGOMERY WARD'S BACK THEN.

AND ONE LICENSE PLATE LEAD ME TO A WITNESS AND A WITNESS LEAD ME TO A CAR. THE CAR LEAD ME TO THE PERSON PREVIOUSLY ARRESTED FOR STEALING DIAMONDS AT THE SAME MONTGOMERY WARD'S. IT WRAS -- IT WAS SUCCESSFUL.

I WAS TRAINING A ROOKIE THAT DAY.

HE WAS LIKE, WOW, IT IS LIKE TV.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SUCCESSFUL -- A PLIGHT TO SUCCESSFULLY TRACK DOWN, BAD PEOPLE CAN GET AWAY WITH BAD THINGS. AND WE HAVE A LOT OF MONEY THE COUNTY IS LOSING. EARLIER I WANT TO CORRECT MYSELF. IN ONE YEAR WE LOST 11 MILLION. AND IT IS ACTUALLY SINCE 2018 THAT THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY HAS LOST ABOUT $11 MILLION.

THAT'S REVENUE THROUGH PAPER PLATES THAT MADE IT THROUGH OUR RESPECTIVE TOLL SYSTEM. THERE ARE OTHER AREAS THAT THE PAPER PLATES ARE CREATING A PROBLEM.

YEN IF -- I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE DEPUTY WAIT ON THE LINE?

>> YES I AM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GREAT.

YOU ARE WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, IS THAT

CORRECT? >> YES.

AD -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NUMBER ONE, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON THIS AND TELL ME THE GLOBALNESS OF THE PROBLEM THAT PAPER PLATES AS PRESENTED TO YOU AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE

BEEN FACING. >> I WROTE UP SOMETHING SO IT WILL BE AS BRIEF AS I CAN BE. LET'S BE REAL LITS STICK -- REALISTIC. THE TAGS ALLOW PEOPLE TO

[06:25:01]

THEY ARE LOSING OUT ON BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

THEY BROUGHT PEOPLE -- THEY BOUGHT FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO UH VIED -- TO AVOID REGISTRATION, SALVAGE TRANSFER FEES AND IT ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO BE A GHOST.

PUTTING THE REST OF CITIZENS IN SOCIETY AT A HUGE RISK.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE ARE PULLING OVER ANYMORE.

IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE ONE OF YOU PERSONALLY ARE AFFECTED BY SOMEONE WITH A TEMPORARY TAG.

THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 10 PEOPLE ACTUALLY KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THIS FIELD WITH TEMPORARY TAGS AND TRYING TO PUT A STOP TO THESE. I ASK YOU DO PROVIDE THE FUNDING SO WE DAN TRY TO PUT A STOP TO THESE.

I KNOW I AM ONE OF TWO DEPUTIES IN HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE THAT KNOW WHAT'S TO DO WITH TEMPORARY TAGS ON A TRAFFIC STOP. THEY TIGHTENED THE LIMITS ON THE AMOUNT OF TAGS USED CAR DEALERS CAN GET.

WE STILL HAVE LOTS OF CHANGES.

I AM WORKING ON A MODIFIED CLASS TO TRAIN THE BASIC PATROL DEPUTIES. THAT BEING SAID MOST OF THE AGENCIES IN AND AROUND HARRIS COUNTY DON'T HAVE ANY CLASSES.

EVEN PUTTING IT OUT THERE WHERE WE CAN GET A BASE FORMAT AND WE CAN HAVE A MULTI-AGENCY TASK FORCE TO PUT A STOP TO THESE TAGS. I CAN TELL YOU ONE OUT OF

EVERY THREE TAGS ARE FAKE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND LET ME

POINT OUT THAT. >>> -- THAT MY STAFF AND HER WERE TALKING EARLIER AND TRYING TO GET HER ON THE LINE. IT DIDN'T COME UP UNTIL NOW, BUT HE GAVE HER A PAPER PLATE TAG ACROSS THE STREET.

WHAT WAS THE ASSESSMENT OF THE PLATE YOU WERE GIVEN, DEPUTY?

>> IT WAS A FRAUDULENT DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD THE PLATE TO A PERSON WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE AND HAS THREE WARRANTS

FOR THEIR ARREST. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE YOU GO. THAT WAS DONE THROUGH HER EXPERTISE OF NAVIGATING THIS COMPLEX SYSTEM.

DEPUTY, DO YOU HAVE ANY OPINIONS AS TO THE POTENTIAL OF JUST IN HARRIS COUNTY TOLLS ASIDE, HOW MUCH LOSS OF REVENUE DO YOU THINK IS TAKING PLACE IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT, IF YOU HAVE ANYWAY TO UH SEES OR GUESS?

>> EASILY FROM ONE FRAYED -- FRAUDULENT DEALERSHIP I DID A STUDY AND HE MADE $270,000 -- 270,000 TAGS.

THAT'S BASED OUT OF HOUSTON. AND THEY ARE ABOUT $100 A POP PER TAG HE MADE. THAT'S EASILY THOUSANDS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WE ARE LOSING OUT ON.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

YOUR NAME IS DEPP -- DEPUTY WAITS, AND WE DON'T WANT YOU TO WAIT ANY LONGER. I APPRECIATE YOUR DUE DILIGENCE. A LOT OF TIMES ON ISSUES LIKE THIS, YOU CAN FEEL LIKE CHICKEN LITTLE THAT THE SKY IS FALLING AND NO ONE PAYS ATTENTION.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR STAYING A STUDENT OF THIS AND AT LEAST I'M COMMITTED TO BRING YOU SOME SUPPORT.

I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT THE IMPACT OF THIS TO HAVE A TRUE

[06:30:02]

BUT I AM NOT SURE, MR. BERRY, HOW WE QUANTIFY THE REVENUE BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT. I WOULD BE WILLING TO STRONGLY CONSIDER A PUBLIC SAFETY FUND OF SOME SORT.

IF THEY ARE GOING TO FISH FOR THIS MONEY, IT OUGHT TO BE BACK IN A WAY WE CAN REINVEST PUBLIC SAFETY AND NOT FROM GENERAL FUND DOLLARS. DEPUTY WAIT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND WE WILL WORK TO GET YOU SOME SUPPORT.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING.

>> TOM RAMSEY: DEPUTY, THIS IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> YES, SIR. >> TOM RAMSEY: HAVE YOU TALKED TO ANY OF THE OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS? POLICE CHIEFS OF THE 33 CITIES, NOT NAMED HOUSTON.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE.

>> I HAVE GONE TO SIX OF THE CLASSES THAT JOE ESCABINO IN TRAVIS CONS TEE PUTS ON. TRAVIS COUNTY PUTS ON.

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHICH SCHOOLS USE TO VERIFY THEM.

WHEN YOU RUN A TEMPORARY TAG IT DOES PRESIDENT -- IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY COME BACK TO THE PERSON DRIVING.

IT UNLESS YOU VERIFY THE VIN NUMBER ON THE VEHICLE, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PULLING OVER AT THAT POINT.

I TRY TO GET AS MANY DEPUTIES AS I CAN BEHIND.

IT I AM ONE DEPUTY IN OLD TOWN KATY.

IT MAKES IT HARD, BUT I KNOW OTHER AGENCIES ARE INTERESTED AND WANT THE KNOWLEDGE. I HOPE IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS OR SO I CAN GET A FOUR OF HOUR CLASS GOING AND WE CAN TEACH EACH OUTSIDE AGENCY WHAT IS GOING.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU. EXPECT SOME PHONE CALLS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME ASK YOU.

THERE WAS A STATE TASK FORCE THAT WAS FUNDED TO DEAL WITH

THIS? >> THE CLEAR AIR FORCE TASK FORCE WAS BRIEFLY. NOTHING IMPLEMENTED IN HARRIS

COUNTY THOUGH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT

HAPPENED TO THE TASK FORCE? >> I THINK THERE ARE THREE DEPUTIES UP THERE. AGAIN, IT IS NOT ENOUGH NUMBERS COMPARED TO THE TEMP TAGS ON THE STREET.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COLLEAGUES, I HAD MY NOTES COVERED, BUT I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A REAL IDEA OF HOW SIGNIFICANT OF A PROBLEM TOWARD PIP SAFETY THIS -- PUBLIC SAFETY THIS IS. MAYBE BEFORE WE CONVENE TODAY BE MIGHT -- WE MIGHT WANT TO RECONSIDER THE EARLIER ITEM OF YOUR 5 MILLION. I FAILED TO MENTION THAT SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN SO EFFECTIVE, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, AT HIGHLIGHTING THE VICTIMS OF MURDER AND THOSE ON MULTIPLE FELONY BONDS BY THESE BAILS, THE PAPER PLATES HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH SOME SITUATIONS THAT WE HAVE COME ACROSS. FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAVE HAD AND I GOT TO SEE -- I MET AND WE GOT TO SEE PAUL CASTRO AT THE CRIMESTOPPERS GALA HIS SON'S MURDERER WAS DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH PAPER PLATES. I NAMED A BUILDING AT PRECINCT 2 AT THE CLEAR LAKE PARK AFTER THE MEMORY AND SERVICE OF OFFICER KAYLA SULLIVAN. IT WAS USING STOLEN PAPER TAGS. THE SUSPECT THAT KILLED THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE OFFICER THAT WE RIANTLY HONORED -- THAT RECENTLY WE HONORED AND HIS FAMILY AT THE GALLERIA HAD PAPER TAGS. THE 2020 KIDNAPPING DRIVEN BY A TRUCK WITH PAPER TAGS. THE NOTE HERE SAYS APPROXIMATELY 2 MILLION PAPER TAGS ARE ESTIMATED, BUT AS

[06:35:04]

HARRIS COUNTY OR TEXAS. >> CAN I ADD ONE THING?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SURE, PLEASE.

>> I WANT TO MAKE A NOTE THAT THERE ARE PROBABLY A LOT MORE VIOLENT CRIMES LINKED TO TEMPORARY TAGS.

BUT I CAN TELL YOU THERE IS NOT A SPOT FOR YOU TO KNOW TATE THAT THIS CRIME WAS COMMITTED WITH A TEMPORARY TAG. THE ONLY WAY TO DO THAT IS IF YOU PUT IT IN THE REPORT. YOU CAN'T EVEN RUN THE STATISTICS IF THE VIOLENT CRIME WAS COMMITTED WITH A TEMPORARY TAG. THAT IS IN --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT IS -- ERION --

>> I THINK WE HAVE IT UNDER OUR CONTROL.

BUT THE PROBLEM IS WHETHER THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE IN THE BACK END OF THE SYSTEM. I WAS GOING TO ADD THAT INTO MY MOTION. MY MOTION, JUDGE AND KOLL -- COLLEAGUES, APPROVE A STUDY ON THE COUNTY OF FRAUDULENT TEMPORARY PLATES AND THE CRIMES USED WHILE USING TESTIMONY POUR TEMPORARY PLATES AND A REVIEW OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS ARE USING INCLUDING WITH THE BEST PRACTICES AND ALONG WITH -- ACTUALLY I WITH I WILL MAKE THAT A SEPARATE MOTION. THAT'S THE FIRST MOTION.

THE SECOND MOTION IS TO ASK UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO WRORK AND SEE IF -- TO WORK AND SEE IF THERE IS A MODIFICATION ON THE REPORTING SYSTEM THAT CAN TRACK WHETHER TEMPORARY PLATES WERE A PART OF THE EVIDENCE THAT WITNESSES CAN IDENTIFY.

WITH THAT -- WOULD THAT BE HELPFUL, DEPUTY WAITS?

>> ABSOLUTELY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THOSE ARE MY TWO MOTIONS. ONE LAST APPEAL, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THAT 5 MILLION RIGHT NOW COULD GO A LONG WAY IF FUNDING THIS TASK FORCE. BASED ON THE RECENT CRIMES AND MURDERS THAT THE PAPER PLATES HAPPEN.

>> THAT'S FINE WITH ME. AND FOR THOSE FUNDING THE TASK

FORCE. >> I THINK WE CAN -- I THINK WE CAN FIND MONEY FOR THAT WHETHER IT IS FIVE MILLION OR OTHER. I THINK WE CAN -- WHETHER IT

IS THE CON -- CONSTABLES. >> I DON'T CARE WHOE DOES IT.

>> I TALKED TO THREE POLICE CHIEFS THIS WEEK.

>> I AM JUST APPEALING THE 5 MILLION --

>> I THINK WE CAN GET FUNDING ON THAT GYRE DEPUTY WAIT --

>> DEPUTY, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A LEADER ON THIS.

I HOPE THIS WILL BRING YOU A [I] THIS YARY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SEW WOO HAVE A MOTION -- SO WE HAVE A MOTION ON A SYSTEM THAT CAN TRACK IF PLATES ARE PART OF THE EVIDENCE. MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY CAGLE. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I LEAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION

CARRIED. >> AT 5:30 THIS MORNING I AM GOING TO EXERCISE AND TWO CARS PASS ME AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE LIGHTS ON AND PAPER PLATES. IT IS EVERYWHERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THE NEXT ITEM IS

YOURS, 354. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS WILL BE FAIRLY QUICK. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENCOURAGE OUR VETERANS IT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

THE WORK COLONEL DAVE LEWIS HAS DONE AND THE EFFORTS OF PAMELA CHAN ON THAT PART OF IT.

THE REQUEST IS TO HAVE THE DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY AND

[06:40:05]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THE MOTION.

WHEN I SAW THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA IT REMINDED ME THAT I MADE A PREVIOUS MOTION TRYING TO ENHANCE OUR BUSINESS WITH METRO NOME BUSINESSES THIS WAS BEFORE YOU JOINED THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT. THE PANDEMIC GOT IN THE WAY OF A LOT OF THINGS. THE WORK I HAD DONE SAYS THE WORK TO GET VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES INTO OUR PROCESS IS A LITTLE -- IT IS MUCH MORE Y NECK -- UNIQUE.

>> YOU DON'T HAVE THE CERTIFICATION.

>> THESE WILL BE ADDED TO STUDY AND WE COOPERATE GET IT PUT IN -- COULDN'T GET IT PUT IN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I ASK YOU CONSIDER THIS SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT THIS MATTER BE REFERRED TO VETERANS SERVICES OFFICES AND TO DIRECT THEY DEVELOP A PLAN BY THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR TO ASSESS CERTIFICATION FROM FEDERAL VETERAN PREFERENCE PROGRAMS FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND TO FURTHER WORK WITH A PURCHASING AGENT AND MS. CHANG'S OFFICE TO DETERMINE WAYS THE

CERTIFICATION CAN BE USED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO ADD TO THAT THAT SOMEONE WHO HAS DONE THIS AROUND THE COUNTRY, ADD THEM TO THE MIX, EVEN IF THEY NEED TO CONTRACT WITH THEM. I DON'T WANT TO OVER -- OVER LOAD VETERAN SERVICES. NOR DO I WANT TO OVER LOAD PAMELA CHANG. THEY ARE NOT LONGER POT-BELLIED ROAD COMMISSIONS. FOLKS WITH A LOT OF POLICY ISSUES, BUT WHEN WE COME UP WITH AN IDEA I WANT TO STOP THEM FROM GOING TO THE BLACK HOLE.

I SUGGEST A CONTRACT TO SAY IT IS CUT AND PASTE.

>> I GOT A TEXT ERLG -- EARLIER CALLED UNCOMMON BEES WHICH IS A VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS.

HE HAS A BUNCH OF GOOD HONEY HE IS MAKING AND IT MAKES GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS. IT IS A VETERAN-OWNED

BUSINESS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: BEFORE WE VOTE, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THE COURTS DON'T REQUIRE US TO DO A DECISION PARITY -- A DISPARITY STUDY.

FOLKS FORCE THAT, BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO SPEND $650,000

TO HAVE A VETERAN PROGRAM. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU

CLEARED ON THE MOTION? >> NO, MA'AM LEAN LEAN --

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD A MOTION.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT.

ARE YOU ABLE TO READ THE MOTION INCLUDING COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY'S AND YOUR AMENDMENT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE SUBSTITUTES MOTION IS TO REFER THIS MATTER TO THE VETERAN SERVICES OFFICE AND TO DIRECT THEY DEVELOP A PLAN BY THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2022 IN OBTAINING CERTIFICATION FROM FEDERAL VETERAN PROGRAMS FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND TO FURTHER WORK WITH THE PURCHASING AGENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY OFFICE TO BE -- TO DETERMINE WAYS THAT CERTIFICATION CAN BE USED IN HARRIS COUNTY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A CONSULTANT, COMMISSIONER ELLIS? MOTIONED BY GARCIA IS THERE A SECOND? MOTION -- MOTIONED BY RAMSEY.

>> I MAY HAVE CUT YOU OFF. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WOULD LOVE

TO. >> LINA HIDALGO: SECRETARY -- SECONDED BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

[06:45:04]

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. THE LAST ONE BEFORE EXECUTIVE SESSION IS 355. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK WE ALREADY HAD A DISCUSSION WITH MR. BERRY. NUMBER ONE I AM SIMPLY EXCITED TO SEE THIS ITEM. HOMELESSNESS, WE ARE MAKING INCREDIBLE PROGRESS. THIS IS ONE OF THE ISSUES THAT LONG PLAGUED EVERY CITY IN AMERICA.

I REMEMBER SAYING I WAS FASCINATED TO RECOGNIZE THAT HOMELESSNESS WAS REACHING INTO THE FAR AREAS OF THE COUNTY.