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* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.

[00:00:02]

IT IS 10:05 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS JANUARY 25TH 2020 MEETING OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO ORDER. BEFORE WE START I DO WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HONOR OF CORPORAL CHARLES GALLOWAY WHO WAS PWRAOEU TALLY -- BRUTALLY MURDERED THIS WEEKEND AND IN REMEMBER -- REMEMBRANCE OF SAR -- SERGEANT

GUTIERREZ WHO DIED ON SUNDAY. >> CAN Y'ALL HEAR ME?

>> WE CAN HEAR YOU, DAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS JUST A TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE SET OF TRAGEDIES.

I VISITED WITH CORPORAL GALLOWAY'S SISTER IN THE EARLY HOURS OF SUNDAY. HIS COLLEAGUES AND EVERYTHING IS HEART PWROEURBGEN -- HEART BROKEN.

THE VIOLENCE IS OUT OF HAND, AS WE ALL KNOW.

OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FACE ENOUGH CHALLENGES EVERY DAY THAN TO HAVE TO FACE THIS KIND OF FEAR THAT IS MORE AND MORE REAL AT EACH PASSING DAY.

I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT AND TO RECOGNIZE ALL OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AS WE DO THAT.

[Pastor Garry Blackmon of Crossway Christian Fellowship in Houston.]

THANK YOU. WITH THAT WE WILL MOVE ON TO OUR PRAYER, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE WILL BE BLESSED BY PASTOR GARRY BLACKMO IN. BLACKMON.

HE WILL DO THE INTEREST -- INTEREST -- INTRODUCTION OUT OF THE OLD PRE SINK 3. HE IS IN THE NEW PRECINCT 4 AND SO I WILL GET TO SERVE HIM AND HIS CONSTITUENTS MOVING FORWARD. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS A PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE PASTOR GARRYBLACKMON. YOU LOOK AT THE COMMUNITY LEADERS AND YOU CAN SEE THOSE OUT THERE QUIETLY DOING GREAT THINGS TO MAKE IT A COMMUNITY.

THIS IS WHAT PASTOR BLACKMON DOES EVERY WAY.

HE IS AT THE CROSS WAY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP.

BORN IN HOUSTON AND FIRST 17 YEARS OF HIS LIFE WAS UNDER THE TEACHING OF PASTOR SHERMAN WEST.

ANOTHER GREAT COMMUNICATOR OF THE GOSPEL.

THE FOUNDER AND PASTOR OF SOUTH -- SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CHURCH. AND PASTOR GARRY AND HIS WAIVE, KENDRA -- AND HIS WIFE, KENDRA ARE HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS. MARRIED IN 1981 AND BLESSED WITH FOUR WONDERFUL CHILDREN. WE ARE SO BLESSED TO HAVE PEOPLE LIKE THE PASTOR OUT THERE DOING THE LARGE -- DOING THE LORD'S WORK. PASTOR, GIVE US THE WORD.

>> PRAY WITH ME FOR JUST A MOMENT AS YOU BOW YOUR HEADS.

MOST HOLY AND ALL LOVING GOD WE COME BEFORE YOU GIVEN THIS DAY'S WORK. WE PAUSE TO GIVE YOU GRACE AND MERCY AND YOU ARE THE SOURCE OF OUR LIFE AND OUR LOVE AND OUR JOY AND HOPE AND PEACE AND WE THANK YOU, FATHER, FOR THE FRESH START AND THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES OF THE GLORIOUS DAY. FATHER, WE RECOGNIZE THAT YOU CARE FOR EACH OF US AND WE PRAY THAT ALL OF US ESPECIALLY THE COMMISSIONERS AND OUR COUNTY JUDGE WHO ARE YOUR SERVANTS WILL JOIN TOGETHER IN THIS COUNTY WE CALL HOME.

AND JUST AS YOU LOVE THIS PLACE AND THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE. FATHER, I REMEMBER THE WORDS IN THE SONG, WE ASK YOU GIVE OUR LEADERSHIP JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AND WISDOM AND COURAGE.

MAY THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT LISTEN TO YOU, LORD AND TO THIS COMMUNITY AND WYNN -- AND ONE ANOTHER.

HELP THEM TO SPEAK AND AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY. ES SPECIAL HRAE THOSE WHO -- ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE VULNERABLE AND RARELY HEARD.

WE LIFT UP THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND REPRESENTS EACH COUNTY TODAY, LORD AND WE PRAY THAT YOUR AGENDA -- THAT THEIR AGENDA IS YOUR AGENDA. THAT WE CAN LIVE UNITED IN OUR BELOVED COMMUNITY, FATHER. AND WE BRING YOU OUR GRIEF IN THESE TIMES OF SUFFERING. WE PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES OF THESE TWO PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES SERVING THIS

[00:05:02]

COUNTY. FATHER, WE PRAY FOR THESE FAMILIES AND I PRAY THAT YOUR LOVE AND PEACE AND COMFORT WILL BE UPON THEM, GOD. KNOWING THAT THEIR SERVICE IS NOT IN VAIN. WE PRAY YOU PROTECT THEM AND GIVE THEM COMFORT. LORD WE PRAY FOR THE UNBORN AND THAT YOU GIVE THE COUNTY AND THE JUDGE THE WISDOM THEY NEED TO KEEP US SAFE. AND LORD WE TRUST THEIR GUIDANCE AND EVERYTHING THEY DO.

WE PRAY YOU LEARN AND TEACH US HOW TO PIVOT FROM THIS PANDEMIC. SO, FATHER, WE ASK THIS AND TO MEET OUR NEEDS. WE GIVE GLORY, HONOR AND PRAISE AND ALL OF GOD'S PEOPLE SAID AMEN.

>> AMEN. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU,

PASTOR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: PASTOR, I NOTICED MARRIED IN 1981. WHAT MONTH?

>> MAY 23RD. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU GOT ME BEAT BY A FEW. I JUST CELEBRATED 40 YEARS IN

DECEMBER. >> I'M NOT GONNA LET YOU CATCH

ME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: PASTOR, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS. I WANT TO THANK YOU AS WELL.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF MEMBERS IN PRECINCT 1 OUT THERE.

NEXT TIME I WILL TRY TO DRAW THE LINE TO GET YOU IN PRECINCT 1. WE WOULD BE GLAD TO HAVE YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, COUNCILORS AND COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR

JOINING US AND ALL YOU DO. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL NOW RECITE THE PLEDGE.

>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA [INAUDIBLE] ONE NATION UNDERGOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH

LIBERTY -- [INAUDIBLE]. >> HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG.

YOU PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE.

TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDERGOD. ONE INDIVISIBLE.

[Departments (Part 1 of 5)]

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE 14 RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER THIS MORNING SO LET'S GET STARTED.

THE FIRST ONE IS VERY CLOSE DO HEART.

I KNOW FRANCISCO SANCHEZ IS HERE.

I JUST SAW HIM EARLIER. THERE HE GOES.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: MAY I? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

SKWRAOEBG JACK WE HAVE AN NTZ ITEM ON THE AGENDA THAT YOU GRACIOUSLY AGREED TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER.

THEY HAVE A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT IS STARTING AT 11.

I AM NOT ONE TO BUMP THEM UP TOO FAR AHEAD, BUT IT WOULD BE NICE IF THEY GO INTO THEIR PRESS CONFERENCE THEY COULD HAVE IN THEIR HAND THAT RESOLUTION -- OUR ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OF COURSE. LET'S GO OVER THIS ONE AND THEN WILL MOVE TO THAT. IT DIDN'T MAKE IT TO MY NOTES, COMMISSIONER. APOLOGIES.

FRANCISCO IS A LONG-TIME EMPLOYEE OF OUR OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

HE HAS SEEN THIS COUNTY THROUGH SO MANY DISASTERS.

HE IS AN INCREDIBLE COMMUNICATOR AND HAS REPRESENTED US IN GROUPS NATIONALLY.

THE LEADERS OF THE FEDERAL LEVEL CAUGHT ON TO HIS TALENT. THEY ARE TAKING HIM TO DC TO DO INCREDIBLE WORK. I KNOW FRANCISCO WILL BENEFIT EVERYBODY INCLUDING US HERE. SO WE ARE VERY PROUD AND VERY GRATEFUL FOR YOU. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW POSITION. LET ME JUST READ THIS BRIEFLY. WHEREAS FRANCISCO SANCHEZ BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH HARRIS COUNTY AS THE ASSISTANT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER IN 2003. IN 2008 HE TRANSITIONED TO OEM TO SERVE AS THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER.

AS A PIO FOR OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HE HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE COUNTY'S RESPONSE TO COUNTLESS DISASTERS INCLUDING SHELTER OPERATIONS FOR HURRICANES KATRINA, RITA, IKE AND HARVEY AND THE WINTER STORMS AND MULTIPLE FLOODS.

HE WAS ON THE COMMAND STAFF FOR THREE WORLD SERIES AND A SUPER BOWL AND LESS WE FORGET A GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

HE ESTABLISHED A REGIONAL JOINT INFORMATION CENTER AND IMPROVED EMERGENCY PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVELS. HE ENGAGED -- HE LEAD ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES WITH THE THEFT OF RECOVERY PARTNERS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS TO ENSURE DIRECT ASSISTANCE WAS AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS OFTEN LEFT BEHIND.

PRESIDENT BIDEN HAS APPOINTED FRANCISCO SANCHEZ TO A FEDERAL LEADERSHIP ROLE IN OUR NATION'S DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS. ON MONDAY, JANUARY 10TH, HE WAS SWORN IN AS THE ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE

[00:10:02]

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

HE WILL OVERSEE THE OFFICE OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE.

THAT IS FOR THE ENTIRE NATION.

HE WILL LEAD A TEAM THAT HELPS BUSINESSES OF ALLS SAYS AS WELL AS PRIVATE NONPROFITS AND HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS RECOVERING FROM THE DISASTERS AND PANDEMIC.

HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WILL BE MISSED BY FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING ME. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT COMMANDS AND CONGRATULATIONS FRANCISCO SANCHEZ FOR 21 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY AND EXTENDS BEST WISHES FOR SUCCESS IN HIS NEXT AND ALL FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU, FRANCISCO AND SO GRATEFUL.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW

WORDS? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE NEED TO LET HIM SPEAK BECAUSE AIR FORCE ONE IS STILL WAITING ON THE TARMAC. THE SECRET SERVICE IS ABOUT TO

-- >> IT IS MORE OF AN UBER, BUT I APPRECIATE IT, COMMISSIONER.

FRANCISCO SANCHEZ AND USED TO BE OEM AND HONORED TO BE AT THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION NOW.

I CAME TO THE COUNTY PROMISING TO BE HERE A YEAR.

EIGHT MONTHS LATER WE WERE OPENING THE ASTRODOME FOR KATRINA AND THEN JUDGE ECCLES SAID TAKE THAT AND HANDLE THAT AND DOING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT EVER SINCE.

FOR ME IT WAS 1 OF THE MOST HUMBLING EXPERIENCES PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY.

THANK Y'ALL AND THANK YOU FOR THE COMMUNITY TO TRUSTING ME TO BE AT MY BEST WHEN THE COMMUNITY WAS GOING THROUGH SOME OF THE WORST. AS I LOOK BACK AT MY TIME IN THE COUNTY AND PEOPLE SAID, YOU KNOW, HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO GO? AND I SAID, WE ARE BETTER PREPARED YESTERDAY -- PREPARED TODAY THAN YESTERDAY.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY. THERE IS AN INCREDIBLE TEAM IN

PLACE -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> THANK Y'ALL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOUR PRECINCTS AND THE ENTIRE COUNTY AND THE TRUST YOU PLACED IN ME.

IT MEANS A LOT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. FRANCISCO, I HAVE SEEN YOU GROW IN THIS ROLE, AND IT HAS BEEN WITH IMMENSE PRIDE.

I WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ONE OF THOSE JUST GET IT DONE KIND OF PEOPLE. DIDN'T SAY A WHOLE LOT.

ACTUALLY FROM THE TIMES I GOT TO WITNESS YOU, YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO BE TOLD WHAT TO DO. YOU KNEW INSTINCTIVELY WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT NEEDED TO START HAPPENING.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU. I AM PROUD OF YOU AND JUST GO OUT AND MAKE US PROUD. AND THE FACT THAT YOU WERE PUT IN CHARGE OF THE BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PORTION OF THIS, I'M GLAD THE ADMINISTRATION IS THINKING ABOUT THIS.

THAT'S ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO TO RECOVER FROM ANYTHING AND THAT'S TO MAKE SURE OUR ECONOMY IS WORKING.

AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS AND CONTINUE FOR -- AND DON'T FORGET THE LITTLE PEOPLE. CONGRATULATIONS.

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I I JUST WANT TO ECHO THE COMMENTS OF MY COLLEAGUES.

I REMEMBER WHEN THE JUDGE AND MAYOR WHITE DECIDED TO OPEN UP THE ASTRODOME AND THE BUS GOT THERE A LITTLE EARLY.

OBVIOUSLY THEY MUST HAVE HEARD IT WAS BEING OPENED ON THE RADIO. HAVING GONE TO COLLEGE IN NEW ORLEANS I KNOW THAT IS A FIVE-HOUR DRIVE.

IT WAS TWO HOURS LATER. THEY CALLED US -- I WAS IN THE SENATE AND I WAS HOME AND THE MAYOR SAID CAN YOU GO AND GREET THEM. THE ISSUE CAME UP WHICH NOBODY THOUGHT ABOUT, WITH PEOPLE IN A TRAGIC SITUATION LIKE THAT, DID YOU CHECK FOR [INAUDIBLE].

YOU WERE CALM AND YORE DEMEANOR, OBJECT -- AND YOUR DEMEANOR AND OBVIOUSLY WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING.

IT MAY HAVE BEEN 20% FULL TO WORK IT OUT.

THE OTHER STORY I REMEMBER WAS WHEN CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON-LEE WAS UPSET AFTER HARVEY BECAUSE WE WERE HAVING CHALLENGES GETTING THE JUDGE'S OFFICE TO -- NOT YOU, JUDGE, BUT TO DECIDE WHICH CENTERS TO USE.

AND IT WAS LIKE THREADING A NEEDLE THROUGH THE POLITICAL TERRAIN. THAT WHIM COME IN -- THAT WILL

[00:15:02]

COME IN HANDY WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WORKING WITH PEOPLE IN ALL BACKGROUNDS. WE WILL MISS YOU AND IT HAS BEEN A DELIGHT TO WORK WITH YOU.

YOU KNOW, WITH THE DISASTERS WE HAVE, I SUSPECT THAT WE ARE SENDING YOU DOWN HERE AGAIN QUICKLY.

YOU ARE IN A NICE, COMFORTABLE PLACE.

WE TALKED ABOUT THAT. YOU CAN ENJOY THE EAST COAST WHEN THERE THERE -- WHEN THERE IS NOT A DISASTER IN DC.

>> FRANCISCO, I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH YOU AS A VOLUNTEER AT SECOND BAPTIST AND WITH KATRINA.

I HAVE SEEN YOU FROM THAT VANTAGE POINT AND YOU ARE CONSISTENT. I HAD THE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH YOU IN A DISASTER AS MAYOR IN SPRING VALLEY AND NOW AS COMMISSIONER. IT DIDN'T MATTER IF I WAS A VOLUNTEER, A MAYOR AND A COMMISSIONER, YOU TREATED EVERYBODY THE SAME. YOU ALWAYS HAD GOOD, SOLID, JOHN WAYNE KIND OF ANSWERS IN THE MIDDLE OF A DISASTER.

I APPRECIATE YOU. >> I NEVER THOUGHT OF YOU AS

JOHN WAYNE. >> I WOULD HAVE WORE MY BOOTS

TODAY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND JOE BEHIND YOU DECLINED ON MAKING COMMENTS WHICH IS PROBABLY GOOD FOR ALL OF US. OUR PERSONAL LOSS IS THE NATION'S GAIN. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER AND THANK YOU ALL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AND BE PART OF THIS COUNTY.

I HAVE APPRECIATED AND JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. I WILL MISS YOU GUYS, BUT I WILL BE BACK OFTEN. HOPEFULLY NOT FOR DISASTERS,

BUT I WILL BE BACK OFTEN. >> LINA HIDALGO: FRAN SUCCESS SKOE, I WILL MISS -- FRANCISCO, I WILL MISS YOU.

SEEING THE TRANSITION AND HELPING THROUGH THE DISASTERS AND CALM AND READY FOR THE WORK.

YOU CAN SEE WHO PEOPLE TRULY ARE IN THOSE MOMENTS AND YOU ARE AN ACE. THANK YOU.

CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOUR RESOLUTION.

>> IT WAS A FEW COURT SESSIONS BACK THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW HIS OFFICE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF $7,160. I DON'T EVEN KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THAT NUMBER CAME FROM OR HOW IT CAME UP, BUT AT THE TIME I HAVE TRIED TO JOIN IN AND YOU KNOW THAT SOME OF OUR OTHER COLLEAGUES TRIED TO JOIN IN AND IN ONE OF THE RARE MOMENTS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY SAID YOU CAN'T DO THAT.

IT IS A SPECIFIC NUMBER AND YOU CAN'T JOIN IN.

I HAVE BROUGHT THE RESOLUTION BACK AND MADE IT BROAD ENOUGH FOR MY COLLEAGUES TO JOIN IN IF THEY SO CHOOSE.

IT IS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND NOW I PROUDLY THROW PRECINCT 4'S $7,160 INTO THE MIX AND LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN SO THAT MY COLLEAGUES CAN JOIN US IN STOPPING -- COMMISSIONER, WHAT IS THE

MOTION TO PARTICIPATE? >> THE MOTION IS --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: FOR ME TO PIGGYBACK ON YOUR ITEM.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU JUST NEED TO SAY I DO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL HAVE

TO ADD TWO AND THREE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS IT LEGAL TO SAY TWO AND THREE IN THE

LANGUAGE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IS THE CONTRIBUTION AND FROM EACH MEMBER OF COURT AT THEIR DISCRETION. SO WE CAN SAY I AM DISCETING.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IT WAS THE AMOUNT OF THE SPECIFIC EVENT. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN WE WERE TRYING TO -- SINCE IT WAS UNPRECEDENTED, WHATEVER THE AMOUNT WAS TO DO THE ONE EVENT AND THAT'S PROBABLY WHY IT WAS $7,100 AND SOMETHING. EVERYBODY WANTED TO CHIME IN,

BUT YOU COULD NOT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE TOTAL AMOUNT WOULD NOT EXCEED $30 TPAEUF,800.

$35,800. THAT'S FIVE TIMES 760 WOULD

GET YOU THERE. >> THE JUDGE DOESN'T HAVE A BUDGET LIKE WE DO. YOU MADE YOUR MOTION.

THE FOUR OF US JUST DIVIDE THE $35,000 AND WHATEVER THAT COMES TO AND THAT PUTS ME IN AND I WILL GIVE A COUPLE

THOUSAND MORE. >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST WANT TO CONFIRM WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.

IS IT JAY THIS MORNING? >> IT IS.

I AM HERE, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: JAY, I AM NOT CLEAR ON THE MOTION. DO THEY JUST SAY THEY WANT TO JOIN IN? IS THAT ENOUGH?

>> I THINK TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S POINT, IF ALL FOUR MEMBERS OF COURT ARE JOINING IN, I THINK YOU CAN SIMPLY STATE IT IS -- YOU CAN LIST OUT THE INDIVIDUAL PRECINCTS WHO ARE PARTICIPATING AT THIS DOLLAR AMOUNT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IF IT IS ALL THE SAME AND THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PRECINCTS,

[00:20:02]

1, 2, 3 AND 4 AND FOR AUTHORIZATION OF AN TKOEURBL -- OH NO. 1, 2, 3 AND 4 TO BREAK THE CYCLE. IS THAT WHAT I AM HEARING?

>> THAT'S CORRECT, JUDGE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND WE HAVE

A SPEAKER SIGNED UP TOO. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

[Appearances before court (Part 1 of 4)]

ALL RIGHT. SO LET'S TAKE THE SPEAKERS FIRST THEN. IT IS FOR NTV.

>> WE HAVE JUDGE BONNIE HELLUM.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU. WELL, USUALLY WHEN I HEAR I DO, I DO I USUALLY SAY NOW YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE.

I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT ALL OF YOU GUYS ARE BEING WILLING TO JUMP IN AND HELP ON THIS. IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF PROTECTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND PROTECTING FOLKS THAT DON'T HAVE CONTROL OVER THEIR OWN LIVES.

I CANNOT THINK OF A BETTER WAY FOR YOU ALL TO BE LEAFING THIS COUNTY THAN TO BE DOING THIS. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE IT AND HOW HARD WE ARE WORKING.

WE HAVE A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT IS STARTING IN ABOUT 30 MINUTES. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THE SCHOOLS THAT WE ARE WORKING WITH AS WELL.

IT ISN'T JUST WITHIN OUR -- WITHIN NRG STADIUM.

IT IS ALL ACROSS THE CITY AND WE HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY OTHER STATES EVEN NOW TO COME AND HELP TEACH THEM TO PROTECT THEIR CITIZENS. YOU ALL HAVE REALLY PARTICIPATED A LOT IN HELPING GET IT OFF THE ROAD.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM THE BOTTOM OF ALL OF OUR HEARTS.

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

I SAID JACKIE DIDN'T HAVE TO RUSH DOWN HERE.

BUT WE APPRECIATE IT. NORMALLY AFTER THEY SAY I DO,

THEY TAKE PICTURES. >> TRUE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT NEVER GETS ANY BETTER.

I WILL GET -- [INAUDIBLE] IT NEVER GET BETTER.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING.

IT IS EXCITING AND POWERFUL. THANK YOU FOR LEADING THIS.

>> YOU BET. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. LOVE TO HEAR YOUR VOICE.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ARE CONTINUING TO DO.

>> YOU BET. WE ARE KICKING IT, BABY.

WE ARE GONNA BREAK THIS CYCLE.

THANK YOU AGAIN, GUYS. BYE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, TIFFANY, ON THIS

ITEM? >> THAT'S ALL FOR THIS ITEM,

JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

THE MOTION -- DID YOU GET IT? >> I WAS GOING TO ASK TO

REPEAT IT FOR CLARIFICATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: FOR APPROVAL OF A $7,160 CONTRIBUTION FROM PRECINCTS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 TO BREAK THE CYCLE INCORPORATED TO ASSIST WITH NTV GAME OVER, ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING EFFORTS DURING THE NFL FAT BALL SEASON WITH A TOTE -- FOOTBALL SEASON WITH A TOTAL NOT TO EXSAID -- TO EUBGZ -- EXCEED. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER KAY -- CAGLE. IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE ON THIS RESOLUTION BEFORE WE GO BACK

TO THE TOP? >> R. JACK CAGLE: LET'S STOP IT. HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A BLITE ON OUR SOCIETY AND A GREAT EVIL, AND IT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE THE DUTY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO STOP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S RIGHT.

[Departments (Part 2 of 5)]

ALL RIGHT, THE NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 4 I WILL SKIP UNTIL 11:00. THAT IS TO HONOR DR. HOTEZ AND DR. BOTTAZZI. THEY ARE AVAILABLE AT 11.

ITEM 5 IS A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING DEUCE JANUARY 25TH AS VOTER REGISTRATION DAY.

IT CAME FROM THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

WE WANT TO RAISE AWARENESS TO EVERYBODY ABOUT THE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE COMING UP.

WHEREAS THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HOUSTON HAS SERVED THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY BY PROVIDING NONPARTISAN AND PARTIAL AND RELIABLE VOTER PURPOSES.

THE LEAGUE'S HONORABLE AND WELL-EARNED HISTORY HAS THE PROMINENTLY INCLUDED SERVICES SUCH AS FORUMS AND CONVERSATIONS AND A LEGENDARY VOTER INITIATIVE.

THE WOMEN LEAGUE OF VOTERS ARE STEDFAST IN BELIEVING EVERY QUALIFIED CITIZEN TO REGISTER AND VOTE IS A VIRTUE THAT LEADS TO A MORE INCLUSIVE DEMOCRACY AND A BETTER LIFE FOR EVERYONE. THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICANS WILL CONDUCT THEIR ELECTIONS ON TUESDAY, MARCH 1ST, 2022 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

THE LATE DAY TO VOTE IN THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS IS

[00:25:02]

JANUARY 31ST, 2022. BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT RECOGNIZES JANUARY 2 TPAEUFTH, 2022 -- JANUARY 25TH, 2022 AS VOTER REGISTRATION DAY. MARKED BY VOTER REGISTRATION ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

SPECIAL VOTER REGISTRATION PROJECTS WILL BE STAFFED BY CERTIFIED VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRARS AND THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HOUSTON. I BELIEVE WE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE JOINING US FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS.

IS THAT RIGHT, TIFFANY? >> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OH HE IS HERE.

WELCOME. WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS MORNING. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS? GO AHEAD.

>> I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IN HOUSTON. ON BEHALF OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS I THANK THE COURT AS DESIGNATING JANUARY 25TH AS HARRIS COUNTY VOTER REPBLG STRAOEUGS DAY. WE WILL -- REGISTRATION DAY.

WE WILL HAVE REGISTRATION OPPORTUNITIES AT HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND WEST HOUSTON YMCA.

THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS IS A NONPARTISAN CIVIC ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO EMPOWER VOTERS AND THAT IS THROUGH THE REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION PROCESS.

AND WE DEFEND DEMOCRACY BY SPEAKING OUT IN SUPPORT OF VOTING RIGHTS FOR ALL CITIZENS.

EVERY CITIZEN HAS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A POLITICAL PROCESS THROUGH VOTING AND WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT EVERY OPPORTUNITY IS AVAILABLE TO REGISTER AND VOTE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION MARCH 1ST PRIMARY AND JANUARY 31ST IS THE LAST DAY IN WHICH A PERSON CAN REGISTER TO VOTE.

WHEN WE HAVE VARIED ACTIVITIES --

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH YOU.

A GREAT ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENERGY AND YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT. THIS IS A TIME TO GET THE FOLKS OUT AND Y'ALL DO A GREAT JOB OF STAYING FOCUSED ON THE

ISSUE OF VOTING. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR THE ORGANIZATION AS AN INSTITUTION AND NOT JUST HERE, BUT OBVIOUSLY THOSE WHO HELP NEW CITIZENS AND THE EXISTING ONES WHO PARTICIPATE AND A KEY PART OF OUR DEMOCRACY IS CRITICAL.

LET ME JUST ASK IF THE ORGANIZATION IS DOING ANYTHING TO HELP GUIDE FOLKS AND HAVING THE REAL BALLOTS REJECTED.

THEY ARE NOT FILLING THEM OUT ACCURATELY AND WE ARE HAVING A HIGH RATE OF RETURN. SO I KNOW WE ARE GETTING A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND WE ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN.

IT IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS WORKING TO PROVIDE DIRECTION AND EDUCATION ON THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: EXACTLY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU CAN

COME UP TO THE MIC. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAY THE FOLKS ONLINE WILL HEAR YOUR COMMENTS AS WELL.

>> OKAY. A FRIEND OF MINE GAVE ME AN APPLICATION DIRECTED TWICE AND THEY WOULDN'T TELL US WHAT WAS WRONG. SHE REGISTERED IN 1973.

IN 1973 WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE PUT ON A VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION TO REGISTER TO VOTE COMPARED TO WHAT SHE PUT ON A DRIVER'S LICENSE TODAY. IT WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND IT WAS REJECTED. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TELL YOU WHAT IT IS THAT IS WRONG SO YOU CAN TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION. THAT'S THE DOWNSIDE.

IF THEY ARE ENCOURAGING YOU TO VOTE BY MAIL, THAT WOULD BE A

VIOLATION OF THE LAW. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN YOU SAY THEY DON'T TELL, CAN WE HAVE SOMEBODY FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE -- JAY, YOU THERE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU MAY BE ON MIGHT -- MUTE.

>> I ALL -- I APOLOGIZE. YES.

I AM HERE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN THEY SAY THEY DON'T TELL WHY AN APPLICATION IS REJECTED, I KNOW THAT IS A FUNCTION OF OUR ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE. CAN I ASK THAT YOU AS THE

[00:30:02]

COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK WITH THE EA TO SEE IF THERE IS A WAY THAT WE COULD ALLOW THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN REJECTED TO FIND OUT FROM OUR ELECTION ADMINISTRATION'S OFFICE SO THEY CAN FIND THAT INFORMATION.

>> ABSOLUTELY, SIR. WE WILL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW SHEILA JACKSON-LEE IS HAVING A PRESS CONFERENCE AND DON'T LET ME HOLD YOU IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET THERE. I AM AT THAT AGE WHERE YOU -- WHERE I CAN DO IT ANNUALLY AND GET A MAIL IN BALLOT EACH TIME. I AM TRYING TO DECIDE EACH TIME I WILL RUN THE RISK WITH MY AGE AND MY CHALLENGES OF COVID AND JUST GO AHEAD AND VOTE IN PERSON BECAUSE I COULDN'T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I DID MY DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IF I DID EMAIL, WHICH EMAIL AND IF I DID A PHONE NUMBER, WHICH PHONE NUMBER. IT WAS THE HOME NUMBER.

IT REALLY IS A CHALLENGE. I KNOW THE CONGRESSWOMAN IS HAVING A CONFERENCE AND THEY ARE FILING A COMPLAINT WITH DOJ. I WILL CERTAINLY ASK THE COUNTY TO JOIN IN ON THE LEGAL PROCEDURE TO SHOW SUPPORT.

IT IS WORTH ENGAGING IN THE FIGHT.

YOUR GROUP IS NONPARTISAN. >> WE ARE A NONPARTISAN

ORGANIZATION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS IMPORTANT. AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID, IT IS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND YOU ARE JUST A POWERFUL FORCE. THANK YOU FOR COMING.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK AND FOR DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE VOTER REGISTRATION TODAY. IT WILL HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE AS WELL TO MAKE SURE FOLKS REGISTER AHEAD OF THE

DEADLINE. >> JUDGE, I HAVE A MINOR POINT

TO ADD IF YOU HAVE A SECOND? >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE ASKED IF WE WILL WORK WITH THE EA TO FIGURE OUT IF THERE IS A WAY TO REACH OUT TO FOLKS AND LET THEM KNOW WHY THEIR APPLICATION WAS REJECTED. ONE OF THE REASONS WE ARE TRYING TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL THERE -- WE WILL DO IT, BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE THE LAW MAKES IT A CRIME FOR THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR OR ANY EMPLOYEE TO SOLICIT FOLKS TO VOTE BY MAIL. THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS THE LAW IS SO BAD. YOU PUT PEOPLE AT CRIMINAL RISK. THEY DO SOMETHING THAT COULD BE INTERPRETED AS SOLICITING SOMEONE.

IT INCREASES THE BURDEN ON OUR OFFICE ABOUT -- AND WE DON'T WANT TO SUBJECT SOMEBODY TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.

WE ARE LOOKING AT IT, BUT WE ARE TRYING TO BE CAREFUL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS, TO THAT POINT IT IS A CHALLENGE BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY THEIR LEGAL FEES. WE COULDN'T IF THEY DO SOMETHING SINCE THE LAW IS PRETTY MURKY AND UNTESTED.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR DILIGENCE TO THE EXTENTS YOU CAN DO

ANYTHING. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COUNTY ATTORNEY. THAT'S IT FOR MY RESOLUTIONS.

LET'S MOVE TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

I WILL ASK MY COLLEAGUES WHEN WE HIT 11 IF WE CAN SHIFT OVER BRIEFLY TO DR. HOTEZ AND -- THEY ARE AVAILABLE AT THAT

TIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS 6 AND IT IS TO REQUEST AN APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF ADDRESSING A MATERNAL HEALTH INEQUITIES AND REC COG -- RECOGNIZING JANUARY 23RD, 2022 AS MATERNAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY.

IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THIS COUNTRY.

WE ARE THE ONLY DEVELOPED NATION TO HAVE AN INYEARS -- AN INCREASE IN MATERNAL HEALTH MORTALITY IN DECADES.

IT DOUBLED BETWEEN 1987 AND 2016.

THERE WERE 18.5 MATERNAL DEATHS PER 100,000 LIVE BIRTHS IN TEXAS IN 2018. APPROXIMATELY 60% OF MATERNAL DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE. THE RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MATERNAL HEALTH ARE STAGGERING.

IN 2016 TO 2020 THE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE FOR BLACK WOMEN IN HARRIS COUNTY WAS 5.5 TIMES HIGHER THAN THAT FOR WHITE WOMEN. HISPANIC WOMEN WERE 1.4 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE DURING BIRTH THAN ANGLO WOMEN.

THESE PERSISTENT DISPARITIES ARE SHAMEFUL PARTICULARLY IN A DEVELOPED NATION. I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THE FACT THAT WE HAVE NOT TURNED DOWN MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS ADDS TO THE ISSUE. WE HAVE DEDICATED STAKEHOLDERS WHO ARE WORKING TO ADDRESS THE CRISIS AND SEVERAL FOUNDATIONS INCLUDING THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT AND THE EPISCOPAL HEALTH FOUNDATION. THEY FUNDED THE INITIATIVE OF IMPROVING MATERNAL HEALTH IN HOUSTON AND IT INCLUDED A HUNDRED AREA OF MEDICAL LEADERS AND IT DEVELOPED A COMMUNITY PLAN TO IMPROVE THE MATERNAL HEALTH.

I SERVED ON IT AND IN FACT YOU HELPED WHEN WE COULDN'T MAKE

[00:35:02]

IT TO THE MEETINGS. HERE PUBLIC HEALTH ADDRESSES MATERNAL HEALTH THROUGH THE 10-K CLINIC THAT'S SERVES 39,000 PARTICIPANTS EACH MONTH, BUT WE CAN DO MORE.

ESPECIALLY TO HONE IN AND ADDRESS THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN MATERNAL HEALTH.

PUBLIC HEALTH WANTS TO TAKE ON THIS ISSUE AND I HOPE WE WILL SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS. THEY WILL SUBMIT AN APPLICATION THROUGH THE ARPA PROCESS AND I WILL BE A STRONG ADVOCATE FOR IT AND I HOPE ALL OF US WILL.

I MOVE ADOPTION ON THE RESOLUTION.

THERE MIGHT BE A SPEAKER. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THAT IF I COULD. I THINK IT HITS TO AN IMPORTANT ISSUE, COMMISSIONER.

THAT'S LIFE. WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT LIFE ON ONE THING AND NOT TALK ABOUT LIFE ON ANOTHER THING.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE BIRTH OF A CHILD. THIS ISSUE, WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP THE MOMS WHO WANT TO DELIVER BABIES. I THINK THAT IS A WONDERFUL, BLESSED THING WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE.

FOR THAT WE NEED TO FIND OTHER THINGS WE CAN DO TO HELP MOMS AND DELIVER CHILDREN AND NOT JUST IGNORE THE ISSUE.

YOU PUT SOME PRETTY CLEAR AND WELL-DEFINED FACTS ON THE TABLE. WE SHOULD DO MORE AND LET'S FIND A WHAT I TO DO MORE. I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU

ON THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU. WHEN I WAS IN MY OTHER JOB I WAS NOT A BIG FAN OF RESOLUTIONS.

THE RUNNING JOKE IS RODNEY WILL BE DOWN FROM HIS OFFICE WHEN WE ARE DONE WITH THE RESOLUTION.

I AM A FAN OF RESOLUTIONS THAT RESULT IN SOME MONEY BECAUSE MOST OF THE PROBLEMS THAT COME ACROSS OUR DESK, UNFORTUNATELY YOU CAN'T DO MUCH ABOUT UNLESS YOU PUT SOME MONEY IN THERE.

THERE IS SOME YOU CAN IN TERMS OF SETTING A TONE, BUT WHEN IT GOES THROUGH THE ARPA PROCESS WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR A PILOT PROGRAM. I THINK IF THERE IS A MATCH FROM THE COMMUNITY IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

LET'S WATCH FOR IT. THANK YOU.

AND I GUESS I WON'T MAKE THE MOTION UNTIL AFTER THE

[Appearances before court (Part 2 of 4)]

SPEAKER. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY SPEAKERS

ON THIS, TIFFANY? >> YES, MA'AM.

WE HAVE ONE. ALICIA LEE OF THE MARCH OF DIMES. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO.

MY NAME IS ALICIA LEE AND I AM THE IMPACT DIRECTOR FOR MARCH OF DIMES WE BELIEVE EVERY MOM AND BABY SHOULD BE BORN HEALTHY AND HAVE A HEALTHY OUTCOME.

AS YOU JUST HEARD THAT'S NOT THE CASE FOR MANY.

IF 2021 THE MARCH OF DIMES REPORT CARD GAVE HARRIS COUNTY A GRADE OF F WITH A PRE-TERM BIRTHDAY RATE.

ONE OUT OF EIGHT BABIES IS BORN PRIOR TO 37 WEEKS GESTATION AND IT IS WORSE FOR MOM AND BABIES OF COLOR WITH ONE IN SIX BEING BORN PREMATURE.

WE ARE USING AN EBG HUA TEA AND SOCIAL DETERMINED LENS AND BUILDING A COMMUNITY COLLABORATIVE TO ENSURE ALL WOMEN OBTAIN OPTIMAL HEALTH. WE HAVE FOCUSED OUR WORK IN THREE AREAS, INCREASING ACCESS TO EQUITABLE AND AFFORDABLE CARE AND ENSURING WOMEN AND BABIES ARE EMPOWERED WITH CONNECTIONS AND WE ARE HELPING FAMILIES ACHIEVE ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE. WE APPRECIATE YOU FOR DESIGNATING JANUARY 23RD AS MATERNAL HEALTH UH WEURNESS

DAY -- AWARENESS DAY. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

I MOVE UH DONGS. I MOVE ADOPTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WANTED TO SECOND. IS THAT OKAY.

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

>> PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR

[Departments (Part 3 of 5)]

WORK. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

WE DO HAVE SOME VERY IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS, BUT I DO SEE THAT WE DO HAVE SOME SPECIAL GUESTS HERE.

I ASK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IF YOU WANTED TO MOVE UP THE FAMILY OF SKWROERB HUA SANDOVAL -- OF JOSHUA SANDOVAL

SO WE CAN DEAL WITH THAT. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. IT IS WITH HEAVY HEART THAT WE TAKE A MINUTE AND TELL THE STORY OF JOSHUA.

THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS WE WILL DO IN COMMISSIONERS' COURT. THERE ARE 300 AND SOMETHING ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. THERE IS MOB MORE IMPORTANT THAT WE WILL DO ALL DAY THAN TO TELL JOSHUA'S STORY.

AT THIS POINT WE NEED TO TELL THAT.

THERE IS A LESSON THERE. WE ALSO NEED TO ENCOURAGE Y'ALL. I SAY THIS ALMOST EVERY TIME WHEN WE RECOGNIZE AND -- AND THERE IS A LOSS IN A FAMILY.

MATTHEW CHAPTER 5 SAYS BLESSED ARE THOSE THAT MOURN, FOR THEY

[00:40:04]

SHALL BE COMFORTED. WE ARE HERE TO COMFORT AND ENCOURAGE AT A TIME OF YOUR LOSS.

MANY GO THROUGH JOSHUA'S STORY AND I THINK THE FAMILY WILL HAVE TIME TO SPEAK. WHEREAS JOSHUA XAVIER SANDOVAL WAS FOLLOWED HOME ON THE EVENING OF MAY 27TH, 2021.

WHEN JOSHUA ARRIVED HE WAS ROBBED AND MURDERED BY A DEFENDANT WHO WAS AFFILIATED WITH A BURGLARY RING THAT HAS COMMITTED NUMEROUS CRIMES INCLUDING MURDER AND WHEREAS JOSHUA'S LIFE WAS TAKEN BY A MEMBER OF A CRIME RING, THE SAME GANG THAT IS CONNECTED WITH THE HORRENDOUS MURDER OF THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE DETECTIVE, EVERETT BRISCO.

14 OF THE 24 SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN THE CRIME RING HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. 10 SUSPECTS ARE CONNECTED WITH A KRAEUPL RING ARE -- CRIME RING ARE STILL WALKING FREE.

WHEREAS, AT THE TIME THE DEFENDANT WAS OUT ON ONE BAND AND TWO FELONY BONDS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THE DEFENDANT IS CHARGED WITH ANOTHER CAPITAL MURDER AND THIS TIME IN GALVESTON COUNTY.

WHEREAS JOSH WILL BE MISSED BY HIS LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND REMEMBERED BY SIBLINGS AS A HAPPY YOUNG MAN WITH A GREAT DRIVE, A GRADUATE OF MILL V HIGH SCHOOL, HE BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE BOXING INDUSTRY AND COACHING YOUNG BOXERS AND SHOWING THEM THE ROPES. SKWROERB HUA IS -- JOSHUA IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS INFECT FEW US WITH -- INFECT FEW US WITH SMILE AND HIS LOYALTY TO FRIENDS.

AND WHEREAS JOSHUA WAS A CARING SON TO HIS MOM, HIS MOTHER, HE WAS HER ONLY CHILD.

FOR EVERY HOLIDAY AND CELEBRATION, JOSHUA WAS ALWAYS SURE TO WRITE A CARD TO HIS MOTHER.

HE HAD ONCE TOLD HER, WHEN I START MY FAMILY, I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE YOU. A SENSELESS ACT OF VIOLENCE ROBBED JOSHUA OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULFILL THAT PROMISE. WHEREAS JOSHUA WAS JUST ABOUT TO TURN 29 AND SHOWED THE WORLD A PROMISE, HE HE WAS TAKEN BY A SENSELESS CRIME. JOSH -- JOSHUA WAS ONE OF THE 600 IN HARRIS COUNTY IN 2021. THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND THE FRIENDS OF JOSHUA XAVIER SANDOVAL.

YOU HAVE OUR EXTREME CONDOLENCES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

I AM SO PROFOUNDLY SORRY FOR ALL OF YOUR LOSS.

ALL OF US ARE. THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN SAY THAT KA MAKE THIS BETTER OTHER THAN TO SAY OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND EVERYTHING WE CAN DO ON THIS MATTER WE ARE DOING.

IT IS A TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE TIME FOR VIOLENCE IN THIS COUNTRY, INCLUDING IN OUR COUNTY.

WE ARE SO VERY SORRY. WOULD YOU GUYS -- WOULD

[Appearances before court (Part 3 of 4)]

ANYBODY LIKE TO SAY ANY WORDS? GO AHEAD, PLEASE. AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS MORNING. I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT IT IS

EASY. >> GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS AMY CASTILLO. FIRST, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, FOR HONORING MY BROTHER JOSHUA XAVIER SANDOVAL. MY BROTHER, JOSH, SHOULD STILL BE ALIVE. HE WAS VIOLENTLY MURDERED BY SOMEONE WHO WAS NOT ONLY OUT ON PWOPBTD -- BOND FOR OTHER FELONY OFFENSES, BUT MISSED A MANDATED COURT DATE THE WEEK PRIOR. A WARRANT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED AND ON MAY 27TH HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN JAIL.

HE TOOK PART IN THE MURDER OF MY INNOCENT BROTHER.

THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN HARRIS COUNTY IS BROKEN.

HARRIS COUNTY NEEDS BOND REFORM.

ANYONE THAT IS OUT ON BOND WITH A FELONY CHARGE AND MISSES THEIR COURT DATE NEEDS TO IMMEDIATELY BE ARRESTED.

FURTHERMORE, ANY SUSPECT OUT ON BOND PREVIOUSLY AND THEN ARRESTED FOR ANOTHER FELONY SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED BOND AGAIN. JUDGES HAVE THE DISCRETION TO DE NAY BOND IN HARRIS COUNTY. JUDGES HAVE THE DISCRETION TO DENY BOND FOR CAPITAL MURDER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND HARRIS COUNTY NEEDS TO BE JUST AS TOUGH ON VIOLENT CRIMINALS AND IN OUR COMMUNITY. BUT DUE TO OUR FAILED JUSTICE SYSTEM I NOW HAVE A CROSS TO BEAR.

I PROMISE JOSH JUSTICE. HARRIS COUNTY HAS TO DO BETTER. NO OTHER FAMILY SHOULD ENDURE THE TRAGEDY OF BURYING THEIR 28-YEAR-OLD BROTHER, A MAN WHO

WAS JUST STARTING HIS LIFE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU

[00:45:02]

FOR BEING HERE. THANK YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY.

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. I WISH THAT NO FAMILY, YOURS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, WOULD HAVE TO ENDURE SOMETHING AS HORRIFIC AS THIS. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND HAVE TALKED TO MANY VICTIMS OVER MY YEARS AND HAVE HELD SOME LOVED ONES AS WELL, BUT I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY, VERY CAREFUL NEVER TO SAY THAT I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH BECAUSE I DON'T. I AM FORTUNATE THAT IT HAS NOT TOUCHED MY FAMILY, ALTHOUGH I HAVE LOST MANY LOVED ONES, BUT THIS IS DIFFERENT. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE IS ALWAYS A PRAYER FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND ALL OF THE OTHERS WHO HAVE GONE THRAU SOMETHING -- GONE THROUGH SOMETHING SIMILAR. THERE IS NOT A DAY THAT IS NOT DEDICATED TO FINDING BETTER WAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE THAT ARE -- THAT COMMIT CRIMES ARE BEING DEALT WITH AND THEN TRYING TO THINK AHEAD SO THAT WE WHITE -- WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO SAVE A LIVE -- A LIFE. KNOW OUR PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES ARE WITH YOU AND A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO HONOR YOUR FAMILY, JOSHUA AND TO HOPEFULLY PREVENT OTHER TRAGEDIES. GOD BLESS YOU.

THANK YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK WE HAVE MORE SPEAKERS HRAEPB LEAN ANY OTHER SPEAKERS --

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?

>> TWO MORE IN-SPERPB SPEAKER -- IN-PERSON SPEAKERS. LYNDSAY AND GLENDA.

IS. >> PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.

WHEN WILL THIS COURT ACKNOWLEDGE THE SURGE AND THE TRIALS BEING HELD IN OUR CRIMINAL COURTS? WE EXAMINE THE NUMBER OF TRIALS HELD IN THE CRIMINAL COURTS. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY WERE HELD COMPARED TO PAST YEARS? DOES HARRIS COUNTY NEED INCREMENTAL JUDGES OR ELECTED JUDGES TO HOLD TRIALS? ARE THE LACK OF THESE TRIALS BECAUSE OF COVID, HARVEY OR FLOODED COURT BUILDINGS? THOSE ARE ALL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. IT IS SAID JAILS ARE FULL AND WE KNOW ACCUSED, VIOLENT OFFENDERS ARE ON THE STREETS FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. IS THE BACKLOG BECAUSE JUDGES DECIDE NOT TO HOLD TRIALS? WHAT ORGANIZATION OR BUSINESS HAS NOT HAD TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO OPERATE DURING COVID.

WE WANT TO BE SAFE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SHOULD BE A MAJOR PRIORITY. HOPEFULLY OUR ELECTED JUDGES WILL HOLD A MENINGFUL NUMBER OF TRIALS IN 2022 UNDER YOUR WATCHFUL EYES. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

AEUTD -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND PLEASE GIVE YOUR SECOND BETTER HALF MY REGARDS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY.

I KNOW YOUR ACTIVISM WITH CRIMESTOPPERS IS MUCH APPRECIATED. I UNDERSTAND THE 10,000 THAT I DONATED TO CRIMESTOPPERS IS TO GO TO A KWAUPBTS TPAOEUABLE RE-- QUANTIFIABLE RESEARCH PROJECT.

I WOULD RATHER PUT THAT MONEY TO TIPS TO SOLVE THESE CRIMES. IF YOU CAN COMMUNICATE YOU HAVE 10,000 OF MY MONEY, I WOULD LIKE TO PUT IT TO TIPS FIRST AND FOREMOST. SECONDLY, I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE WEBSITES THAT WE HAVE CREATED.

WE HAVE BEEN PUSHING FOR TRANSPARENCY AND IF IT LEADS TO ACCOUNTABILITY, SO BE IT, BUT TRANSPARENCY ON HOW THE DOCKETS ARE MOVING OR NOT. LOOKING AT THE NUMBER OF JURY TRIALS BECAUSE THIS IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT UPPED CATER -- INDICATOR IF THEY ARE GETTING THEIR DAY IN COURT AND THE BAIL MONDS -- BAIL BOND MEN.

AND I HOPE YOU WILL LOOK AT THE BAIL BOND INDUSTRY TO SEE WHO IS BONDING OUT THE VIOLENT OFFEND EVERIES THAT -- OFFENDERS THAT BY LAW DO GET A BOND AND LOOK AT THE CATEGORY OF NO BOND TO SEE HOW THAT IS WORKING.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS WHEN THIS KRAEUPL EPIDEMIC -- WHEN

[00:50:04]

THIS CRIME EPIDEMIC STARTED TO OCCUR, I WAS HEARING THESE DISCUSSIONS OF FELONY AND REPEAT OFFENDERS BEING OUT ON BOND AND IT DIDN'T REGISTER IN MY HEAD.

THAT'S THE STANDPOINT OF WHERE I HAVE BEEN.

I THOUGHT IT WAS COMMON SENSE YOU WOULD GET NO BOND.

IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE NOT SEEING THAT AS MANY FAMILIES SHOULD.

AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR THE FAMILY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR

ENGAGEMENT. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR

SUPPORT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR COMING. I KNOW WE ALL FEEL THE PAIN THAT YOU EXPRESSED SO CLEARLY.

AS YOU KNOW, ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL THEY HAVE NO CASH BAIL.

TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, THAT REMOVES THE ISSUE OF EQUITY.

BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WHEN IF ALL OF US IN THIS ROOM ARE ACCUSED OF A CRIME AND HALF OF US HAVE MONEY AND THE SAME PROFILE, BUT THE ONES WHO HAVE MONEY CAN GET OUT.

THE ONES WHO DON'T CANNOT. OBVIOUSLY YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GUILTY OR NOT.

WOULD YOU BE AN ADVOCATE FOR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO WHAT WE HAVE ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL WHERE IF SOMEONE IS A DANGER IN THE JUDGE'S MAINED, THERE COULD BE -- MIND, THERE COULD BE ISSUED, BUT IN THE JUDGE'S MIND, THEY DECIDE IF THEY THINK SOMEONE IS A DANGER TO SAW SAY TEE -- TO SOCIETY OR THEMSELVES AND THEY CAN KEEP YOU.

IN THIS STATE AS IT INDICATES IN MANY STATES THE BAIL BOND ADVOCATES SOME SYSTEM WHERE THEY CAN MAKE MONEY.

IS THAT SOMETHING CRIMESTOPPERS WOULD TAKE ON TO STOP. NO MONEY BAIL, PERIOD.

>> I THINK I NEED TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT I AM HERE THAT I AM HERE AS A CITIZEN SO I AM NOT IN-- INCLINED --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AS A COMMENT --

>> I HAVE NO COMMENT ON -- AT THIS TIME.

>> HE PAID IN FORT BEND AND HE PAID IN HARRIS.

WE ARE ASKING WHY NOT A NO BOND.

OBVIOUSLY THAT IS A DECISION FROM THE JUDGES AND WE DON'T KNOW THE SPECIFIC DETAILS AND PERHAPS LEGALLY THERE WAS SOMETHING THERE FOR ALL THREE COUNTIES TO REACH THE SAME DECISION, BUT WHAT THEY -- IF THEY COULD PAY THE MILLION

DOLLAR BOND. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULDN'T GET INTO THE SPECIFICS OF THE CASE AND MAYBE THERE ARE THINGS I DON'T KNOW. BUT I AM INTELLECTUALLY CURIOUS. SOME PEOPLE ARGUE IF WE DO WHAT THE FEDERAL LEVEL DOES, THEN EVERYBODY GETS KEPT.

OR AT SOME POINT CHANGING THE STATE LAW.

I THOUGHT IT WAS 10%. I DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL LAST YEAR THEY OFFERED A PAYMENT PLAN WHERE YOU CAN POST SOMETHING LESS THAN THE 10%. SOMETIMES THAT'S HOW YOU FIGURE IT OUT. EVEN IF SOMEBODY HAD A MILLION-DOLLAR BOND, USUALLY THE ONES IN THE CIRCLE AND DOING ILLEGAL ACTIVITY, THEY HAVE AGO SETS TO MONEY.

THEY HAVE ACCESS TO MONEY. YOU KNOW, MAYBE SOMETIME GIVE ME A CALL AND I WOULD LOVE TO TALK.

WE MAY NOT AGREE ON EVERYTHING, BUT --

>> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME JUST SAY AGAIN, I APPRECIATE YOUR TELLING THE STORY. I KNOW WE HAVE HAD THESE OTHER DISCUSSIONS ABOUT FAMILY IN A STORY AND IT IS SO IMPORTANT.

WE ARE GONNA FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO.

WE ARE GONNA DO SOMETHING. IT IS GONNA BE BECAUSE WE LISTENED TO THE STORIES OF JOSHUA AND THE OTHER STORIES THAT WE HAVE. I LOOK FORWARD TO -- I KNOW ON MANY OCCASIONS WE WILL HAVE THIS WEEK, I WILL COMMIT TO YOU THAT I WILL TELL JOSHUA'S STORY MORE THAN ONCE THIS WEEK. IT IS WORTH TELLING.

IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING. WE ARE NOT GOING TO FORGET AND SOMETHING WILL BE DONE AS ENCOURAGEMENT.

I THANK YOU PERSONALLY FOR WHAT YOU DO TO TELL THE

STORIES. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH JOSHUA. THE POINT IS THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE HURTING PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING ALLOWED TO WALK AROUND AND THEY SHOULDN'T BE, PERIOD.

THAT'S THE POINT. JOSHUA'S NAME, HIS LOSS NEEDS TO NOT BE IN VAIN AND WE NEED TO SHINE THE LIGHT ON THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE HURTING PEOPLE AND ARE ALLOWED TO WALK AROUND AND THAT IS THE

POINT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER, TIFFANY, IS THAT RIGHT?

[00:55:02]

>> YES, MA'AM. GLENDA MARTIN SPEAKING IN

PERSON. >> I WOULD JUST LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO STAND HERE ON BEHALF OF MY SON, JOSHUA SANDOVAL. HE WAS A WONDERFUL BOY.

YES, HE WAS TAKEN TOO SOON. MY THOUGHT PROCESS WITH THE BONDING ISSUE, I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE REMITTED.

THE PEOPLE ARE COMING OUT, AND I THINK IT IS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS A RE-- REVOLVING DOOR.

THEY MURDER AND THEN THEY GO IN AND THEY COME OUT AND THEY GO IN AND THEY COME OUT. I THINK IT IS A HORRIBLE THING. WE NEED TO, YOU KNOW, LEAK AT MY SON AND THINK ABOUT PUTTING YOURSELF IN MY SITUATION OR SHOES AND SAYING, YOU KNOW, IT IS JOSHUA TODAY, BUT IT COULD VERY WELL BE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER TOMORROW.

WHAT WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND IS IT IS NOT A RACE ISSUE.

IT IS A MORAL ISSUE. IT NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE TODAY.

>> THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR JOINING US AND HAVING THE STRENGTH TO COME AND SHARE THIS STORY AND OUR HEARTS TKPW OUT TO YOU.

YOU ARE RIGHT. WE CANNOT POSSIBLY UNDERSTAND, BUT WE CAN TRY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, SHOULD WE

GO BACK TO YOUR RESOLUTIONS? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THERE IS SOMETHING AT 11.

[Departments (Part 4 of 5)]

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, LET ME TAKE A MOMENT TO JUST GO OVER

THIS ITEM 4. >> JUDGE, I'M SORRY TO INTERRUPT WE JUST GOT WORD THAT PETER HOTEZ WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL 11:10 TO SPEAK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I TRIED TO TAKE A LITTLE OF THE EDGE OFF THE PAIN. I AM SO HONORED TO RECOGNIZE THIS YOUNG MAN WHO I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH BEFORE I STARTED MY ELECTED CAREER.

ANDY HAS BEEN A PHENOMENAL STEWARD OF THE APARTMENT INDUSTRY. HE HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE LEADER AND VERY THOUGHTFUL. IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU THE ENTIRE TIME.

IN THE EARLY DAYS IT WAS FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE FUN.

YOU ARE HELPING US TO UNDERSTAND HOW VALUABLE APARTMENTS ARE NEEDED LAKE WITH KATRINA AND RITA.

AND THEN WHEN THE PANDEMIC HITS AND PEOPLE'S JOBS ARE PUT IN JEOPARDY AND AS A CONSEQUENCE AND THE ABILITY TO PAY RENT. IT IS HOW TO CON -- CONSTRUCT A MEANINGFUL PROGRAM. I CALLED YOU UP AND I SAID, HEY, LOOK, I AM THINKING ABOUT THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE THING AND I WANT TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS ON IT.

YOU IMMEDIATELY POURED A FIVE GAL LON BARREL OF -- FIVE GALLON BARREL OF WATER ON IT. YOU MADE ME UNDERSTAND THE SHORT COMINGS. AND THE FACT THAT WE HAVE NOT THOUGHT OF APARTMENT OWNERS AS BUSINESSES.

WE WERE JUST KIND OF -- THEY WERE KEPT INVISIBLE AND ALL WE WERE DOING IT THINKING ABOUT THE TENANTS.

THE SUBSEQUENT RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM THAT WE PUT ON THE TABLE WAS MORE THOUGHTFUL BECAUSE IT DEALT WITH THE ISSUES OF THE UH REARS AND IT DEALT WITH THE ISSUES GOING FORWARD. AND IT ENDED UP BECOMING A NATIONAL MODEL. WE COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN THERE WITHOUT YOUR HELP. WHEN I HEARD ABOUT YOUR IMPENDING DECISION TO MOVE ON TO A NEW CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE, I FOUGHT TO BE THE ONE TO SUBMIT THE RESOLUTION FOR ALL OF THE REASONS I LAID OUT. ANDY, I WILL DO MY BEST TO EMBARRASS YOU HERE. THIS RESOLUTION READS AS SUCH, WHERE -- WHEREAS AFTER 32 YEARS WITH THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, ANDREW TEAS, ANDY, IS RETIRING AS VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND -- ANDY JOINED THE STAFF IN 1989 AS DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS.

[01:00:04]

HE PLANS TO CONCENTRATE ON TEACHING GOVERNMENT FOR HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND WHERE HE BEGAN TEACHING AS A MEMBER OF THE ADJUNCT FACULTY IN 19905.

AND -- IN 1995. AND HE IS THE SON OF JOE AND CAN -- JOE AND WANDA. HE AND HIS SISTER, WENDY, ATTENDED THE VALLEY OF -- THE VALLEY OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND SPRING BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL.

ANDY PLAYED SACKS SAW -- SAXOPHONE.

YOU KNOW THAT IS ONE OF THE SEXIEST INSTRUMENTS ANYONE CAN PLAY, ANDY. AND ANDY WAS IN THE MARCHING BAND AND THE JAZZ ENSEMBLE AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM. THAT STAYED WITH YOU, LET ME JUST SAY. WHEREAS ANDY ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, GO HORNS, MY BABY AND MY MONEY WENT THERE, AND GRADUATING FROM THE PLAN 2 HONORS PROGRAM WITH A MAJOR IN GOVERNMENT AND EARNED A MASTER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEGREE FROM THE LYNDON B JOHNSON PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. AND HE WORKED HIS WAY THROUGH COLLEGE AND GRADUATE SCHOOL AS A LEGISLATIVE AID AND COMMITTEE CLERK, FIRST TO STATE SENATOR JACK OGG.

HAE WAS A DEMOCRAT AT THE MOMENT AND THEN GEORGE PIERCE. AND THE URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HE CHAIRED AND WORKED IN THE OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL -- LIAISON OF THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

THAT I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU.

VERY COOL. AND WHEREAS ANDY, AS PROUD AS WE ARE TO HAVE RECRUITED AND SUPERVISED AN AMAZING PUBLIC AFFAIRS TEAM AT THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, SOMEBODY AS YOU ARE MAZING -- SOMEBODY AS AMAZING AS MERCEDES HERE. MAYBE WE CAN HOOKUP WITH YOU TO DO SOME OF THAT. HE USES AN ELECTRIC BIKE.

HOPE YOU ARE DOING THE MORE OLD-FASHIONED STUFF.

LOOK FORWARD TO COMPLETING HIS SECOND TEXAS CHALLENGE.

3,612-MILE RIDE. I THINK I'M UP FOR THAT CHALLENGE. IT MATCHES THE BORDER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. THRAE,6 -- 3,612 MILES.

THAT IS PRETTY COOL. HAVE YOU THOUGHT HOW LONG IT

WILL TAKE YOU TO DO THAT? >> A LONGTIME.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BE IT RESOLVED THAT THIS BODY, THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY CONGRATULATES MR. ANDREW PARKER TEAS ON HIS RETEAR MEANT AND RECOGNIZES HIM FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND KPWROPBD. CON TKPWRAT -- AND BEYOND.

CONGRATULATIONS, ANDY. >> JUDGE HIDALGO.

THANK YOU FOR THAT. THE LAST 32 YEARS I AM ESPECIALLY PROUD OF THE STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK FOR ME INCLUDING MERCEDES SANCHEZ WHO I STOLE FROM COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA. IN FAIRNESS YOU WERE TERM LIMITED. HE WAS ABLE TO STEAL HER

BACK. >> HAE ACTUALLY STOLE HER FROM SHERIFF GONZALEZ. I UNDERSTAND THAT HE HAS DRAFTED UP A WARBTS OF SOME -- WARRANT OF SOME SORT.

>> I HAVE TRIED TO STEER CLEAR OF THAT.

THANK YOU ALL. I WANT TO SAY THE REASON I AM LEAVING THIS JOB I LOVE TO TAKE THIS OTHER JOB THAT I LOVE, TEACHING, IS THAT THERE IS A WHOLE GENERATION OF PEOPLE THAT DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT GOVERNMENT IS NOT WHAT THEY SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT GOVERNMENT IS DEDICATED PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELVES WHO ARE TRYING TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY WHILE KEEPING TAXES AT A SUSTAINABLE LEVEL. IT IS NOT EASY TO DO.

THAT'S WHAT GOVERNMENT IS. THAT'S NOT WHAT MY STUDENTS THINK IT IS UNTIL WE TALK ABOUT IT.

YOU HAVE LOVED WHAT I WAS ABLE TO DO.

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THE NEEDS OF MULTI-FAMILY

[01:05:02]

HOUSING. I KNOW YOU WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT. I WILL BE LEANING ON YOU TO GUEST LECTURE FROM TIME TO TIME.

AND SO WE WILL BE PREPARED FOR THAT.

THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER KAY -- CAGLE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. IT IS A LOT TO PROCESS.

I WAS HEADED TO AUSTIN ABOUT THE SAME TIME YOU CAME ON BOARD SO I DIDN'T GET TO WORK WITH YOU MUCH WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL, BUT YOU WERE ALWAYS A DELIGHT TO WORK WITH. WHICH CAM -- CAMPUS WILL YOU BE ON? OR WILL YOU FLOAT?

>> THEY MOVE US AROUND. BUT MY OFFICE IS THE KATY FREE

AND SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY. >> I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE A FAN OF CYCLING. WE SHOULD DO THAT BIPARTISAN BIKE RIDE AROUND THE COUNTRY. I WILL HIT YOU UP TO PAY TO GET THE BICYCLES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND GET THE OVERWEIGHT LEGISLATORS LIKE ME INTO CYCLING.

I DID A RIDE ACROSS TEXAS WITH SENATOR ALVARADO WHEN SHE SHE WAS PRO TEM. IT WAS FROM ORANGE TO PRESIDIO. WE DID IT IN 14 DAYS.

YOU DO IT BORDER TO BORDER IT IS MORE BECAUSE YOU ARE IN AND OUT OF THE BORDER. GARCIA IS SHOWING OUT.

I WAS BRAVE WHICH WAS 50 MILES.

HE WAS SHOWING OFF WHAT HAE DID.

I WOULD LOVE TO GET SOME OF YOUR STUDENTS, BY THE WAY.

AT OUR AGE WE CAN ENCOURAGE THEM TO GET INTO CYCLING AND IT MAY ENCOURAGE US TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO TRAILS AND NOT JUST ROADS AND SIDEWALKS. THANK YOU.

>> ABSOLUTELY. AND I COMMEND ALL OF YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO IMPROVE THE SIGHING HREUG INTPRAU -- THE CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE.

I KNOW THAT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL CONTINUE TO DO.

THERE IS STILL ONE SEGMENT WE NEED TO DO IN GEORGE BUSH PARK. IT IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO GET PEOPLE -- IT IS GOOD FOR PEOPLE'S HEALTH AND IT IS GOOD FOR AIR QUALITY AND IT IS GOOD FOR TRAFFIC.

I COMMEND YOU ALL FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK ON THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SITTING HERE I REALIZE IT HAS BEEN 22 YEARS YOU AND I WORKED TOGETHER IN THE SERVICE OF THE PUBLIC.

THE FIRST 11 OF THAT, 12 OF THAT WAS MY ROLE AS COUNTY JUDGE. YOU DO A GOOD JOB REPRESENTING YOUR ASSOCIATION. NO MATTER HOW THIN A PANCAKE GETS THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO THE PANCAKE.

A LOT OF TIMES WE APPEAR FROM ONE SIDE AND YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE A GOOD JOB MAYBE -- MAKING SURE THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PANCAKE WAS REPRESENTED SO WE HAVE SOMETHING HEALTHY AND APPROPRIATE FOR THE PUBLIC IN THAT PROCESS.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A CALM, REASONED, RATIONAL VOICE IN OUR SOCIETY FOR THE 22 YEARS I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING

WITH YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

I APPRECIATE IT. ONE GOOD EXAMPLE OF THAT AND TO ECHO SOMETHING COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID, THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM YOU PUT TOGETHER WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS BEEN A MODEL FOR THE NATION.

BY FAR THE MOST SUCCESS -- SUCCESSFUL GOVERNMENT RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF ANY. MY COLLEAGUES FROM APARTMENT ASSOCIATIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE VERY ENVIOUS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO -- THAT OUR CITY AND COUNTY WERE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER AND CREATE THIS VERY SEEMLESS PROGRAM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE VERY PROUD OF IT.

>> AS WELL YOU SHOULD BE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY AND YOU ARE A PERSON WE DEPENDED ON.

NOW YOU HAVE TO GIVE YOUR CELL PHONE NUMBER TO SOMEBODY ELSE AS YOU TEACH. I AM NOT FAR FROM VALLEY OAKS ELEMENTARY AND YOU AREN'T EITHER PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE AT THAT CAMPUS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN. WE DID JUST OPEN UP A MAJOR SEG -- SEGMENT AT GEORGE BUSH PARK AND WE HAVE OTHERS PLANNED. WE WILL TALK NOW ABOUT -- TALK

TO YOU ABOUT THAT. >> A WAY TO CONNECT THE FREEDOM PARK TO THE SFPS FIELDS IS A HIGH PRIORITY FOR

MY CYCLING TRIBE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN HE SAID

THAT HE MEANS FOR PRECINCT 7. >> YES, SIR.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE OVER THE YEARS. I HAVE ENJOYED HAVING THE CHANCE TO WORK WITH YOU OVER -- THE RECENT YEARS.

I APPRECIATE YOU. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE IT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATIO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I BELIEVE YOU HAVE A COUPLE MORE RESOLUTIONS, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO.

I WAS SEE FIGURE THIS WOULD WORK HERE.

I AM SO PROUD OF IT. LET'S SEE IF IT WORKS, JUDGE.

[01:10:18]

I WAS TRYING TO FIND THE NORTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL FIGHT SONG.

LET ME JUST CONGRATULATE NORTH SHORE AND THE MUSTANGS HAVE YET DONE ANOTHER INCREDIBLE THING BY WINNING ANOTHER STATE 6A CHAMPIONSHIP. VERY EXCITED.

WE HAVE HAD THEM UP HERE BEFORE, JUDGE.

THEY PERSEVERED, THEY HAD A PHENOMENAL SEASON SINCE WE JOINED THEM IN 2019. AND THEY CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE FOOTBALL PROGRAMS IN THE REGION, AND WE ARE SO, SO VERY PROUD OF THEM.

DO WE HAVE HIM ON THE LINE, LUCINDA?

>> YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME JUST SAY CONGRATULATIONS. COACH JOHN K WAS SELECTED AS COACH OF THE YEAR! CONGRATULATIONS.

AND COACH, THANK YOU FOR THE SWAG.

I GOT THE NEW NORTH SHORE STATE CHAMPIONS CAP AND MY HOODIE. THIS WILL COME IN HANDY WHEN I GET ON MY BIKE LATER IN THE WEEK.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND TO YOUR STAFF.

MOST IMPORTANTLY TO THE YOUNG MEN THAT HAVE WORKED HARD UNDER YOUR TOOTELEDGE TO RUN THE PLAYS AND TO TRAIN AND TO PREPARE AND TO UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES THEY FACE.

THANK YOU FOR BUILDING ANOTHER GENERATION OF LEADERS FROM OUR COMMUNITY. WITH THE HONOR, AND PRIDE AND PREUFL HREPBL I WANT -- PRIVILEGE I WANT TO READ THIS FOR YOU, COACH. WHEREAS WINNING THE TEXAS 6A DIVISION 1 FOR THE SCHOOL'S THIRD STATE TITLE IN FOUR YEARS THE NORTH SHORE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSTANGS FOOTBALL TEAM DEFEATED THE DUNCANVILLE PANTHERS 17-10.

BOY, TALK ABOUT SWEATING IT A BIT.

ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2021 IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS.

THE MUSTANGS DEFENDED THEIR TITLE IN THE STATE'S LARGEST CLASSIFICATION. AND WHEREAS AS REPORTED IN THE NORTH CHANNEL STAR, FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK CALEB BAILEY THREW A 39-YARD PASS TO DIVE INDIVIDUAL A -- TO DAVID AMADOR IN THE LAST THREE MINUTES OF THE GAME TO SCORE THE WINNING TOUCHDOWN. BAILEY WAS NAMED THE GAME'S OFFENSIVE MVP. RONALD WILSON, PART OF THE DEFENSE EFFORT BY THE MUSTANGS, WAS NAMED THE GAME'S DEFENSIVE MVP. WHEREAS HEAD COACH JOHN KAY SPOKE ON HIS TEAM'S RESILIENCE AGAINST A STRONG DUNCUNVILLE SQUAD. THIS WAS A SLUG FEST.

WE KNEW THAT COMING IN. I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF BOTH PROGRAMS. THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THE POWER HOUSE PROGRAM HAS WON THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP UNDER COACH T. 2018, 2019 AND OBVIOUSLY 2021. WHEREAS THE MUSTANGS FINISHED THE SEASON 15-1. WHAT A SEASON.

AND WITH COACH KAY SELECTED AS THE 2020-2021 SOUTHWEST SECTION BOYS FOOTBALL, COACH OF THE YEAR.

THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF STATE AND HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION COACHES ASSOCIATION SELECTED COACH KAY BASED ON HIS PERFORMANCE DURING THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR. IT IS SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF COACHING AND HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STUDENTS OF THE NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY.

AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT HONORS THE NORTH SHORE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MUSTANGS FOR THEIR ATHLETICISM, LEADERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION TO

[01:15:04]

THE KPHAOEUPBT OF -- COMMUNITY OF HARRIS COUNTY.

CONGRATULATIONS, COACH KAY. CONGRATULATIONS.

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, MAN. >> THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.

ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE IN THE NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT OF OUR KIDS AND COACHES. AS AN EDUCATOR I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT FOOTBALL OR ANY EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM IS A WAY TO PRODUCE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS IN THIS GREAT CITY OF OURS. OUR SCHOOLS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF THE COMMUNITY AND I AM CONFIDENT THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUR EXTREMELY IMPORTANT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.

ON BEHALF OF THE EASTSIDE OF HOUSTON, GREAT TO GO UP TO DALLAS AND DEFEAT ANOTHER DALLAS TEAM.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION, NORTH SHORE FOOTBALL TEAM. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: COACH, THIS IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

I WATCHED THE ENTIRE GAME. I EVEN TAPED IT AND WATCHED IT AGAIN. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU PLAYED DUNCANVILLE IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP?

>> THIS IS THE THIRD TIME. WE PLAYED THEM IN 2018 AND 2019 AND AGAIN IN 2021. IT IS THE THIRD TIME WE WERE

ABLE TO HOOKUP. >> TOM RAMSEY: I DON'T BRING YOU UP WHEN I GO TO THAT DUNCANVILLE.

WILL -- WELL DONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK THEY

HAVE A BOUNTY FOR YOU, COACH. >> LINA HIDALGO: CONGRATULATION.

GOOD WORK. CONGRATULATE YOUR TEAM.

WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD. >> WE CERTAINLY WILL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND, COACH, IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND, YOU ARE IN HALF TAME AND -- YOU ARE IN HALF TIME AND YOU ARE TIED.

WHAT WAS THE SPEECH IN THE LOCKER ROOM AT HALF TIME?

>> I THINK OUR SPEECH HAS BEEN PRETTY KWAN SIS -- CONSISTENT. IT HAS BEEN TO RELAX AND FOCUS AND TRUST YOUR TRAINING AND DO WHAT YOU DO.

I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF OUR KIDS.

THERE WAS NO PANIC AND I THINK OUR COACHES DID A PHENOMENAL JOB AND REPRESENTED OUR COMMUNITY AND THE ENTIRE CITY OF HOUSTON WELL AND I AM PROUD OF THEM FOR THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. ONE MORE THING, COACH.

I WANT YOU TO TAKE A LOOK AT A JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM CALLED THE HOUSTON TEXANS. THEY NEED SOME COACHING OVER THERE. CAN YOU HELP THEM OUT?

>> WE SUPPORT THE TEXANS ANYWAY WE CAN.

WE WILL BE HERE IF THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN HELP WITH.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. MAY LAST RESOLUTION IS SOMETHING WE CAN THINK ABOUT AND THERE IS A COVID WALL OF MEMORIES THAT IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE BEAUTIFUL PART OF WHAT MUHAMMAD AND RUTH NASRULLAH HAVE.

WE HAVE ON THE PHONE THE LESSER BETTER HAVE HEAR.

RUTH IS ON THE PHONE. IT IS A PHENOMENAL INDIVIDUAL. THIS IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO SAY YOUR LEADERSHIP DURING THIS PANDEMIC HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND A COMMITMENT TO FOLLOWING THE SCIENCE AND LISTENING TO THE DOCTORS BECAUSE IF NOT FOR YOU AND THE EFFORTS OF THOSE IN THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY, THIS COVID WALL OF MEMORIES MIGHT HAVE MORE ENTRIES THAN IT DOES TODAY. THE FACT THAT MUHAMMAD REACHED OUT AND SAID I AM THINKING ABOUT THIS AND I SAID ABSOLUTELY. ABSOLUTELY.

GO FORWARD AND DO IT. WHATEVER WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT IT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE, JUDGE, WE DO WHAT WE CAN TO MAKE SURE IT IS POSTED AT THE HARRIS COUNTY LIBRARIES AND THAT ANY FAMILY CAN GO IN THERE AND DO ANEN TRAE AND MAKE SURE THEY KNOW IT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM.

IT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL -- IT IS ART.

IT IS NOT A WEBSITE. I DON'T EVEN WANT TO CALL IT A WEBSITE. IT IS MORE ART THAN IT IS TECHNICAL. THAT'S BECAUSE OF THE THOUGHT AND THE INSPIRATION AND THE THOUGHT PUT INTO IT.

OBVIOUSLY THE CARETAKERS OF THE IDEA AND THE FACT THAT WE ARE GRIEVING FOR OTHERS AS THEY WERE THINKING ABOUT THIS. I WANT TO PRESENT THIS

[01:20:02]

RESOLUTION WITH A LOT OF PRIDE, A LOT OF HONOR AND IMMENSE PRIVILEGE. THEY LAUNCHED AN ORGANIZATION CALLED COVID-19 WALL OF MEMORIES THAT MAINTAINS A WEBSITE DEDICATED TO HONORING AND REMEMBERING AND MEMORIALIZING VICTIMS OF COVID-19 IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE MISSION IS TO MEMORIALIZE AND AMPLIFY THE LIVES OF COVID-19 VICTIMS WHILE SERVING AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISEASE, THE EPIDEMIC AND THE IMPACT ON OUR COUNTRY. WHEREAS THE HEART OF THE WEBSITE IS A VIRTUAL SCROLLING MEMORIAL WALL CONTAINING THE VICTIMS' PICTURES AND NAMES. WHEN THE CONVERSATION AROUND COVID-19 -- WITHIN THE CONVERSATION AROUND COVID-19 WAS SO OFTEN -- WHICH SO OFTEN FOCUSES ON THE NUMBERS AND THE STATISTICS, THIS WEBSITE REMINDS US OF THE HUMANITY AND THE VALUE OF EACH PERSON WE HAVE LOST.

COLLECTED ON EACH PHOTO -- CLICKING ON EACH PHOTO TAKES YOU TO THEIR STORY. IT HELPS PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE FULL SCOPE OF THE PANDEMIC. TO THIS DAY THE WEBSITE HAS HONORED 10,000 OF OUR FELLOW AMERICANS ON THE WALL OF MEMORIES. WHEREAS THE MEMORIAL WEBSITE TELLS THE STORY OF COVID-19 IN AMERICA ONE STORY AT A TIME, THIS VIRTUAL SITE HAS HONORED AMERICANS FROM ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES AND ALL AGES, ETHNICITIES, RELIGIONS AND NATIONALITIES, THE WEBSITE IS SO VALUABLE THAT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS HAS CHOSEN IT TO BE ITS CORONAVIRUS WEB ARCHIVE TO BE IN ITS CORONAVIRUS WEB ARCHIVES.

AND WHEREAS RUTH AND MUHAMMAD AND THE ENTIRE COVID-19 WALL OF MEMORIES TEAM HAVE WORKED DILIGENTLY OVER THE PAST YEAR TO BUILD AND PRESERVE THE NAMES AND THE STORIES OF OUR LOVED ONES. THEIR WORK HAS BEEN TPAE TOURED THROUGHOUT OUR -- FEATURED THROUGHOUT OUR

COMMUNITY BY THE NEWS MEED. >> AND NUMEROUS ELECTED OFFICIALS. BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT SUPPORTS THAT COVID-19 WALL OF MEMORIES WEBSITE COMMANDS AND THANKS RUTH AND MUHAMMAD NASRULLAH FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY.

GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU. PHRAES, MUHAMMAD -- PLEASE, MUHAMMAD IF YOU WOULD JOIN US AT THE MIC.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

MY NAME IS MUHAMMAD NASRULLAH, I AND ALONG WITH MY WIFE, RUTH, ARE CO-FOUNDERS OF COVID-19 WALL OF MEMORIES, NONPROFIT. JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COVID-19 WALL OF MEMORIES AND ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS AND OUR SUPPORTERS FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND HONOR. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND YOUR OUTSTANDING STAFF THAT HAVE BEEN HELPING US WITH THIS PROJECT THROUGH THE -- TO THE LAUNCH OF THIS PROJECT. WHEN WE STARTED PLANNING THE PROJECT WE DID NOT IMAGINE WE WOULD BE HERE AND BEING HONORED AT COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

A YEAR AND A HALFBACK THE WALL OF MEMORIES MEMORIAL --

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

>> WE NEVER IMAGINED WE WOULD BE IN A SITUATION LIKE THIS.

WE HAVE LOST SO MANY PEOPLE SO MANY COUNTRY MEN TO THIS DISEASE. WE ARE DETERMINED TO HONOR AND MEMORIALIZE AS MANY OF THEM AS POSSIBLE.

WHEN YOU GO TO THE MEMORIAL YOU CAN SEE THEIR FACES AND YOU CAN SEE THEIR NAME AND YOU CAN SEE THEIR STORIES.

THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE MESSAGES AND THOEUR STORY. YOU MENTIONED -- AND THEIR STORY. THEY INCLUDED IN THE ARCHIVE

[01:25:04]

THIS TRAGEDY AND IT WILL BE SRAOEUBL THIS MAY.

ONCE AGAIN -- AVAILABLE THIS MAY.

I ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO HAS LOST A LOVED ONE TO THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE, WE WOULD BE HONORED TO MEMORIALIZE YOUR LOVED ONE ON OUR VIRTUAL MEMORIAL.

ONE MINOR ADD I HAVE FOR THE COURT IS PLEASE SHARE THIS WEBSITE, SHARE THIS PROJECT ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR AS MANY OF OUR COUNTRY MEN AS POSSIBLE ON THIS VIRTUAL MEMORIAL.

AS OF LAST NIGHT WE HAVE HONORED 10,350 COUNTRY MEN SO FAR AND IT IS REALLY SAD IT DOES NOT REPRESENT 2% OF THE TOTAL IN OUR COUNTRY. OUR GOAL IS TO HONOR AS MANY AS WE CAN. THE ONE THING ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AND VOLUNTEERS AND THE SUPPORTERS, I WANTS TO THANK

YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

RUTH, ARE YOU ON THE LINE? >> YES, I AM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: RUTH, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE A FEW

WORDS? >> YES, INDEED.

JUDGE HIDALGO AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT MY HUSBAND AND I ARE VERY HONORED BY THE RESOLUTION PROPOSED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA RECOGNIZING OUR COVID-19 WALL OF MEMORIES. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ON GOING SUPPORT AND KINDNESS.

IT HAS TAKEN THE EFFORTS OF MANY FOR THIS ENDEAVOR TO BE MORE THAN A VISION. WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE AN ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE THIS PROJECT A REALITY.

WE CAN ONLY ACKNOWLEDGE THIS HONOR IN MEMORY OF TWHOS LOST THEIR LIVES AND IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SUFFER THE EFFECTS OF COVID AND SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO STRUGGLE AND GRIEF AND FRUSTRATION.

IN TEXAS ALMOST 900 PEOPLE DIED OF COVID IN THE PAST WEEK. EACH OF THOSE LIVES MATTERED.

EACH SHOULD BE REMEMBERED AS SHOULD ALL VICTIMS OF THE PANDEMIC. THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, RUTH.

THANK YOU AGAIN MUHAMMAD AND RUTH.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA? I MEAN, OBVIOUSLY WE KNOW THAT SO MANY WERE STRUGGLING AND SUFFERING IN HOSPITALS AND AT HOME AND FUNERALS TAKING PLACE OR NOT TAKING PLACE AS THE CASE MAY BE.

>> THE BASIC IDEA WAS WHEN WE WERE LOOKING AT THE NEWS OF THE VIRUS IN EARLY 2020, IT WAS MOSTLY NUMBERS.

IT WAS NUMBER OF CASES AND NUMBER OF DEATHS.

WE REALIZED THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE BEHIND THESE NUMBERS.

THERE ARE PEOPLE, DOCTORS AND NURSES AND TEACHERS AND OUR NEIGHBORS THAT WERE BEHIND THE NUMBERS.

NOT A LOT OF THE NEWS MEDIA WAS TALKING ABOUT WHO THESE PEOPLE WERE. OUR VISION WAS TO REMEMBER THESE PEOPLE AND MEMORIALIZE THEM AND HONOR THEM THE BEST WAY WE CAN. WE THOUGHT OF THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL. SINCE WE COULD NOT MAKE A PHYSICAL MEMORIAL WE THOUGHT IT COULD BE A SREUR TALL MEMORIAL THAT WILL HAVE PICTURES AND THEIR STORY AND PEOPLE CAN VISIT THEM AND LOOK AT THE PICTURE AND READ THEIR STORY AND LEAVE MESSAGES AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.

THAT'S THE IDEA BEHIND THE PROJECT.

>> BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> WE HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER

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

TIFFANY. >> YOU'RE WELCOME.

THE FINAL SPEAKER IS SAMUEL ALIX.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YES. TO ALL OF THE DISTINGUISHED LEADERS ON THE LINE AND TO MY BROTHER AND SISTER RUTH AND MUHAMMAD, I AM A VOLUNTEER SUPPORTER AND OF THE COVID WALL OF MEMORIES, I AM THANKFUL FOR BEING A BOARD MEMBER AND THANKING THEM FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.

THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR BESTOWING THIS HONOR ON SUCH AN AMAZING POWER COUPLE THAT IS DOING GREAT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, ALEX.

GOOD TO HEAR YOUR VOICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE -- BEAR WITH US. THERE ARE 14 RESOLUTIONS TODAY. IT IS A RARE INSTANCE SO WE DO HAVE QUITE A FEW MORE TO GET THROUGH.

[01:30:02]

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: THERE WAS A LOT OF COMPETITION AMONG THE COURT AND I THINK EVERYBODY WANTED TO HONOR THIS NEXT PERSON, JOSH STUCKEY.

SO I AM DOING IT ON BEHALF OF OUR COLLEAGUES.

I WILL JUST GO TO THE RESOLUTION BECAUSE WE KNOW JOSH. PRESIDENT KENNEDY SAID ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY. I THINK YOU HAVE ANSWERED THIS CALL, JOSHUA STUCKEY. HE ENLISTED AS A MEDIC IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY WHILE ATTENDING SOUTHWEST TEXAS STATE. FOLLOWING GRADUATION HE HE WAS COMMISSIONED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AS A MEDICAL SERVICES CORPS OFFICER AND HELD VARIOUS LEADERSHIP POSITION IN MEDEVAC AND DEPLOYED TWICE TO IRAQ.

AS A MEDEVAC PILOT SKWRO*EURB AND HIS TEAM -- SKWROERB AND HIS TEAM FLEW BLACKHAWK HELICOPTERS TO ENSURE THE TIMELY TREATMENT AND TRANSPORT OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS AND MARINES. WHEREAS JOSHUA'S DEDICATION TO A LIFETIME OF SERVICE CONTINUED WHEN HE WAS HIRED AT THE HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.

THROUGH JOSHUA'S LEADERSHIP, ENGINEERING MODERNIZE EDZ THE -- MODERNIZED THE PERMIT SYSTEM AS THE COUNTY'S FLOOD PLAIN ADMINISTRATOR HE OVER SAW THE EFFECTIVE APPLICATION BY FLOOD PLAIN REGULATIONS. JOSH WAS A MEMBER OF THE WHITE HOUSE TECHNICAL MAPPING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND BRINGING FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE AND COUNCIL TO PEOPLE MA'S FLOOD MAPPING AND THE FLOOD INSURANCE -- TO FEMA'S FLOOD MAPPING AND FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAMS. JOSHUA'S PERFORMANCE WAS AT ITS BEST WHEN NATURE WAS AT ITS WRO*RS -- WORST. HE SUPPORTED RESPONSE AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS FOR NUMEROUS NATURAL DISASTERS IN RESPONSE TO HURRICANE HARVEY. JOSHUA SERVED AS THE RECOVERY DEPUTY INCIDENT COMMANDER FOR TKAU -- FOR DEBRIS ASSESSMENT. IT RESULTED IN THE INSPECTION OF 500,000 RES DEN -- RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES AND THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF 1.2 MILLION KAU -- CUBIC YARDS OF DEBRIS. WHILE HE HAS HELPED THE COUNTY IN COUNTLESS WAYS HE SERVED HONORABLY 11 POSITIONS IN FIVE DEPARTMENTS OVER HIS 12 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY.

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT HIS SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP HAS LEFT A LEGACY TO THE PUBLIC HE SERVED AND THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT SINCERELY THANKS JOSHUA STUCKEY FOR HIS 12 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY AND A LIFETIME OF SERVICE TO HIS NATION.

CONGRATULATIONS, JOSH. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND I WANT

TO JUMP IN TO BE THE SECOND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE ARE PROUD

OF EVERYTHING. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE WISH YOU THE BEST IN YOUR NEW

ENDEAVORS, MAN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SAVE YOU MONEY OVER THAT BIG MONEY. DON'T SPEND IT ALL.

>> YES, COMMISSIONER. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY COMMENTS,

JOSH? >> R. JACK CAGLE: WAIT, WAIT.

I WANT TO COMMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: SORRY.

I THOUGHT YOU JUST WANTED TO SECOND.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I DO WANT TO SECOND, BUT I HAVE SEEN JOSH IN THE FIELD. I HAVE SEEN HIM ON A HORSE.

I HAVE ACTUALLY SEEN HIM IN A HELICOPTER WHEN WE WERE FLYING OVER THE FIELDS THAT CONTAINED WATER AND THAT HAD HOMES DURING HARVEY. HE BROUGHT HIS OWN HELMET WITH HIS BLOOD TYPE PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE HELMET.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT COMFORTED ME THAT HE WAS MY BLOOD TYPE OR DISQUIETED SATISFYING THAT HE CAME WITH HIS -- SEEING THAT HE CAME WITH HIS OWN HELMET WITH THE BLOOD TYPE ON THE BACK. WHEN THERE WAS A PROBLEM OR A CRISIS, IT WAS WITH A PERMIT OR IT WAS WITH FLOODS OR WITH -- HE GOT -- PREVIOUSLY PRECINCT 4 AND NOW 7/3, A SELF-HELP SITE. PEOPLE NEEDED A DUMP TRUCK TO CLEAR OUT DEBRIS FROM THEIR HOME, BUT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO WAIT FOR THE MONSTER TRUCKS TO COME THROUGH.

WHICH BY THE WAY TWO-THIRDS OF THE NATION'S BIG TRUCKS JOSH GOT HERE SO WE WERE ABLE TO GET DONE SOONER.

IN TERMS OF PEOPLE -- HE ALLOWED US TO GET HEM WITH FEMA TO ALLOW US TO HAVE PEOPLE SELF-HELP.

WE WOULD BE RAEPL BUSKERRED TO -- REIMBURSED.

THE FOLKS THAT COULD COULD HELP THEIR NEIGHBOR AND LOAD THEM IN THE TRUCK AND JUST TAKE THAT ONE OR TWO LOADS SO WE DIDN'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO COME.

[01:35:04]

THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF IT FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THEIR NEIGHBORS. JOSH WAS AT THE POINT OF GETTING THAT DONE AND VERY HELPFUL FOR US.

I AM SAD TO SEE HIM GO, BUT I KNOW THOSE THAT ARE GETTING HIM WILL BE DELIGHTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,

JOSH. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

I APPRECIATE IT. I WASN'T EXACTLY TO BE IN THAT HELICOPTER. YOU KNOW THAT.

I WANTED TO SAY JUST TWO THINGS.

ONE IS ALL THE THINGS THAT WAS SAID IN THE RESOLUTION, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES AND TEAMMATES THAT ALLOWED ME TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND IT REALLY GOES TO THEM.

EVERY ORGANIZATION I JOINED I HAD A PRESENTATION I WOULD GIVE THEM. AND I WANTED TO GIVE 30 SECONDS OF THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT THINGS.

HOPEFULLY FOLKS WILL TAKE IT WITH THEM.

AS A BUYER ROW -- BUREAUCRAT, OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO WITH FIDELITY EXECUTE THOSE APPOINTED OVER US.

TO DO SO WITHOUT PERVERTING IT OR TAINTING IT WITH YOUR OWN VISION AND YOUR OUTSIDER VISION OR BELIEF IS WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE DEMOCRACY. WHEN YOU DO THIS ALSO FROM A POSITION OF AUTHORITY, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND --

>> YOUR TIME IS UP, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: KEEP GOING,

JOSH. >> IN ORDER TO DO THIS FROM A POSITION OF AUTHORITY YOU MUST ALSO UNDERSTAND THE HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS OF YOUR TAEPL MATES.

TEAMMATES AND SERVE THEM IN A WAY THAT MAXIMIZES THE ABILITY TO SERVE THEIR DREAMS AND EVEN IF THAT MEANS SUBORDINATING YOUR OWN. THAT IS WHAT TRUE SERVICE IS ABOUT. DON'T BREAK DEMOCRACY AND TAKE

CARE OF YOUR PEOPLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JOSH. WE NEED TO PUT THAT ON A WALL SOMEWHERE OR AT LEAST PUT IT ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

I CAN TELL YOU THE 12 YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN HERE, I WILL CONSIDER THOSE DOG YEARS AND SO THAT MEANS YOU HAVE BEEN HERE ABOUT 50 YEARS. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: JOSH, THERE IS ADDITIONAL WORK YOU HAVE DONE THAT I WANT TO RECOGNIZE AND THAT IS JOSH HAS HAD A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN PRETTY MUCH EVERY MAJOR DISASTER.

THREE MONTHS INTO MY TERM, WE WERE TRYING TO PUT TOGETHER AN AIR MONITORING REGIME THAT DIDN'T EXIST AND RESPOND WITH AN EXTREMELY UNDER-FUNDED DISASTER RESPONSE MECHANISM WHEN IT CAME TO THOSE KINDS OF EMERGENCIES.

AND JOSH HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

ON COVID HE WAS THE MASTER -- THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE VACCINE ROLLOUT. THE ONLY COMMUNITIES I KNOW OF WHERE I KNOW IT WASN'T LIKE THE HUNGER GAMES.

IT WAS A SYSTEM THAT WAS RANDOMIZED AND FAIR AND IT WASN'T ABOUT WHO THAT -- WHO HAD A FRIEND DOWNTOWN AND PRIORITIZING THE FOLKS ON THE FRONT LINES AND WERE OLDER AND HAD PREEXISTING CONDITIONS AND NOBODY HAD TO STAND IN LINE FOR HOURS AND HOURS AND THEY COULD CALL AND GO ONLINE AND JOSH DID THAT. WHEN WE HAD A TRANSITION IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THAT'S WHEN HE WAS THERE.

TRANSITION COMMUNITY SERVICES HE MADE SURE WE COULD KEEP ABOUT $900 MILLION FROM THE GLO AND CERTAINLY THE CITY DIDN'T GET TO KEEP. JOSH, THIS IS BUT A SMALL MENTION OF ALL OF THE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE DONE JUST IN THE TIME THAT I HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE.

AND IT IS A JOY TO WATCH YOU DO YOUR WORK AND THE COMMITMENT AND WE APPRECIATE EVERY MOMENT AND TO WHICH YOU SERVED YOUR COUNTY AT THIS TIME OF NEED.

HECK, I REMEMBER -- WE WERE ALL ON THE PHONE.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I APPRECIATE IT .

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: OUR FIRST RESOLUTION IS TO MARK THE PASSING OF A GREAT CITIZEN AND THAT IS COACH DAN HART.

WE WERE SITTING IN THE OFFICE AND COME TO FIND HE PASSED AWAY. MY MEMORY IS OF HIM COMING AND

[01:40:10]

HIGH -- HE WAS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LECTURER.

HE WOULD YELL AT ALL OF US. AND IT IS THE SAME LECTURE THAT ALL OF US HAD GOTTEN IN TERMS OF OUR NEED TO DO BETTER WITH OUR PROPERTY TAXES. HE DID IT IN A LOVING AND GRACIOUS WAY THAT EARNED RESPECT AND YOU WOPBTS KNOW -- YOU WOULDN'T KNOW. MY RESOLUTION, COACH DAN HART, DEVOTED HUSBAND, COACH, TAEFPER AND ADVOCATE PASSED AWAY ALMOST A YEAR AGO. ON THIS DAY OUR COMMUNITY LOST A PASSIONATE FRIEND FOR THE FRUITFUL CAUSES OF OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR NATION. HE GRADUATED FROM MILLBY HIGH SCHOOL AND RECEIVED HIS MASTER'S DEGREE FROM RICE UNIVERSITY. HE WAS A WORLD WAR I VET AND SERVED IN THE COAST GUARD RESERVES.

IN 1955 MARRIED THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE, BETTY LEE PARISH.

WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND HER, BUT SHE HAS MOVED.

SO WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT SO WE CAN PRESENT THIS TO HER. SHE WAS SO HELPFUL TO HIM, ESPECIALLY AFTER HIS STROKE AND HE COULDN'T TALK WELL.

WHERE COACH'S LIFE LONG PASSION WAS COACHING FOOTBALL AND TEACHING MEN GENERATIONS OF KINCAID STUDENTS HE CONSIDERED HIS CHILDREN, A PROUD MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN COACH ASSOCIATION AND THE TEXAS TAXPAYERS FREE CALL APPRAISAL. COACH HEARTEN.

>>ED FISHING AND TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD.

HE LOVED ATTENDING FOOTBALL GAMES AND ASSISTING THE HARRIS COUNTY CONSTITUENTS WITH THEIR PROPERTY TAXES AND ASSISTING US IN UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES.

HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AND WELL LOVED BY HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND STUDENTS AND COMMUNITIES.

WE RESERVE WE HONOR COACH DAN HART FOR HIS LIFE OF SERVICE TO HIS KPHAOEUPBT AND DEDICATION TO HIS COUNTRY AND HIS GOVERNMENT. AND HIS FAITHFUL FRIENDSHIP TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM. THAT IS MY RESOLUTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

HE WILL BE MISSED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE NEXT SET, AND I DON'T -- WE WEREN'T ABLE TO GET MS. HART AND SO WE DON'T HAVE SOMEONE TO RECEIVE THAT AT THIS TIME.

OUR NEXT SET OF RESOLUTIONS ALL DEAL WITH HOW IT IS A NEW YEAR AS EXPRESSED IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES, BUT IN PARTICULAR WE HAVE THREE COMMUNITIES THAT WE ARE GOING TO HONOR TODAY. IT IS THE NEW LUNAR YEAR.

THE FIRST RESOLUTION AND WE HAVE A SPEAKER WHO WILL BE RECEIVING THIS FROM THE HOUSTON CHINESE COMMUNITY CENTER. MAE LEE, I THINK I AM PRONOUNCING IT CORRECTLY. IS SHE ON THE LINE?

>> SHE IS ON THE LINE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: EXCELLENT.

HERE IS THE RESOLUTION. WHEREAS THE LIEU -- THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WILL COMMENCE ON FEBRUARY 1, 2022 AND USHERING IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER. I MAY ADD FOR THOSE WHO ARE FANS OF THE YEARS AS THEY GO THROUGH, I HAVE A COLLECTION IN MY OFFICE OF ALL THE YEARS. I AM MISSING TWO OF THE ANIMALS. IT IS A 12-YEAR CYCLE.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THE CHINESE WAY OF DOING THE YEARS IS A MARVELOUS WAY. YOU CAN GUESS SOMEONE'S AGE WITHOUT OFFENDING THEM. YOU ASK THEM WHAT YEAR ARE YOU? IF THEY SAY YOU ARE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER YOU KNOW WHAT 12-YEAR SPAN.

THEY MAY MISS ME BY THINKING I AM 12 YEARS OLDER, BUT AS A GENERAL YEAR YOU CAN GUESS SOMEBODY'S AGE WITHOUT OFFENDING THEM. THIS IS A CHERISHED CELEBRATION INCLUDING OUR OWN COMMUNITY.

THE HOUSTON CHINESE COMMUNITY CENTER HAS BEEN THE BEATING HEART OF THE LOCAL CHINESE COMMUNITY UP LIFTING THE CHINESE TRADITIONS AND HOSTING THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. THEY WILL HAVE THE DRAGONS AND WE CAN FEED THEM LIKE WE DID IN KWRAERS PAST.

YEARS PAST. WE HONOR THE CHINESE COMMUNITY CENTER DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

MAE LEE ARE YOU THERE? >> YES I AM.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. MY NAME IS MAE LEE FROM THE CHINESE COMMUNITY CENTER. ON BEHALF OF CCC I WANT TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION TO THE SUPPORT AND THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE 2022 LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION FROM THE COMMISSIONER. AS YOU MENTIONED, THIS YEAR THE NEW YEAR IS ON FEBRUARY 1ST, BUT OUR CELEBRATION IS FEBRUARY 5TH, ON THE SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

THE EVENT IS OUTDOORS AND WE WELCOME EVERYBODY TO COME AND

JOIN THE CELEBRATION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND YOU WILL

[01:45:03]

HAVE THE DRAGONS AGAIN SO WE CAN TPAED THE DRAG -- FEED THE

DRAGONS? >> ABSOLUTELY.

DRAG -- DRAGONS AND HRAO*EURPB DANCE.

SKWRAOBG JACK THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU AND

SEE YOU SON -- SOON. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PHENOMENAL WORK. WE LOOK FORWARD TO ATTENDING THE FUTURE EVENTS. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU

DO. >> THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS. NEHA MA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HIS VOCABULARY IS A LITTLE

BROADER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A SPEAKER ON THE LINE -- OH. WE HAVE A SPEAKER ON THE LINE FOR THE NEXT ITEM WHICH IS FOR TEXASIA.

THAT IS NUMBER 15. THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WILL BE ON FEBRUARY 1ST AND IT IS A CHERISHED CELEBRATION FOR MANY AROUND THE WORLD AND IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THE ORGANIZATION TEXASIA, THE HOUSTON ASIAN-AMERICAN FESTIVAL FOUNDATION HAS BECOME A STRONG VOICE FOR PAN ASIAN CULTURAL ARTS INCLUDING THEIR WORK HOSTING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND THE HOUSTON CELEBRATION OF THE -- CELEBRATION AT THE VIETHO CENTER.

WE HERE BY HONOR TEXASIA DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

WE HAVE GLENDA JOE ON THE LINE TO RECEIVE THE RESOLUTION.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE SELL PWRAOEUGS.

CELEBRATION. >> HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYBODY.

WE WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO FOR THIS RECOGNITION OF OUR 2022 LUNAR NEW YEAR IN HOUSTON. AND JUST TO CORRECT YOU, WE ARE NOT A NEW ORGANIZATION. WE ARE OLD AS DIRT.

WE HAVE BEEN DOING AN ANNUAL EVENT FOR 40 YEARS.

WE HAVE MOVED TO SOUTHWEST ON THIS EVENT.

OUR COMMUNITY COMMEMORATES A 2,000 YEAR OLD CELEBRATION FOR US. THIS WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER. OUR LIONS AND DRAGONS WILL CHASE AWAY THE BAD LUCK OF THE PAST YEAR, THANK GOODNESS.

AND WE WILL WELCOME IN GREAT FORTUNE AND THIS NEW YEAR.

OUR ASIAN COMMUNITIES DEEPLY APPRECIATES YOUR RECOGNITION.

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> AND IN VIETNAMESE THE NEW YEAR IS

>> AND IN CANTON IT IS -- THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE WILL BE THERE TO SEND HIS NEW YEAR GREETINGS. JUDGE HIDALGO WILL BE THERE TO HELP US LIGHT THE FIRST FIRECRACKERS.

AND WE HAVE FIRECRACKERS. THAT IS THE 2,000-YEAR-OLD TRADITION WITH THE LIONS AND THE DRAGONS IS TO BLOW UP THE FIRECRACKERS AND CHASE AWAY THE BAD LAST YEAR.

WELCOME ALL OF YOU AND PLEASE COME.

IT IS FEBRUARY 5TH AND 6TH FROM 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M. IT IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT.

AS COVID STATES, IF WE CAN MAKE IT, I WILL COME EVERYONE TO COME AND JOIN US TO CELEBRATE.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU AND

SEE YOU SOON. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. OUR THIRD RESOLUTION WITH THE NEW YEAR IS FOR THE LOCAL KOREAN COMMUNITY.

ON TUESDAY JANUARY 13TH, 1903, THE FIRST IMMIGRANTS ARRIVED FROM KOREA IN THE U.S. TERRITORY IN HAWAII SEEKING TO MAKE AMERICA THEIR NEW HOME. WHEREAS WHAT BEGAN AS A FEW HUNDRED GREW TO THOUSANDS EPL GRATING TO THIS COUNTRY FOLLOWING THE CONGRESSIONAL ACT OF 2005 WE COMMEMORATE THEIR ARRIVAL EVERY JANUARY 13TH AS KOREAN AMERICAN DAY. WHEREAS THE KOREAN COMMUNITY HAS QUICKLY BECOME A STRONG AND VITAL PART OF THE AMERICAN FABRIC WITH LEADING FIGURES AND CINEMA AND CULINARY ARTS AND FASHION AND FINANCE AND THE JUDICIARY AND GOVERNMENT, WHEREAS HARRIS COUNTY IS HOME TO MORE THAN 10,000 MEMBERS OF THE KOREAN COMMUNITY AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE RICHNESS WE SHOULD NOT OVER LACK. WE HERE BY COMMEMORATES KOREAN

[01:50:02]

AMERICAN DAY AND OUR OWN LOCAL KOREAN COMMUNITY IN HEAR REUS COUNTY. THAT IS THE RESOLUTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

DO WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS ON THAT RESOLUTION ON KOREAN

AMERICAN DAY, TIFFANY? >> NO, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. ANY OTHER RESOLUTIONS,

COMMISSIONER? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME GO BACK TO MY -- LET ME NOT SPILL MY WATER AND GO BACK TO THE RESOLUTION HONORING THE TWO DOCTORS. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE ON THE LINE, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO DO THIS.

ON BEHALF OF OUR COUNTY, I AM JUST SO PROUD TO PRESENT THE RESOLUTION HONORING DR. HOTEZ AND DR. BOTTAZZI.

THEY ARE THE TEAM AT TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL THAT DEVELOPED A COVID VACCINE THAT IS BEING SHIPPED AROUND THE WORLD. THEY CALL IT THE PEOPLE'S VACCINE BECAUSE IT IS AFFORDABLE TO PRODUCE AT SCALE.

IT IS VERY EFFECTIVE AND IT IS HELPING FIGHT COVID THE WORLD OVER. WHEREAS DR. PETER HOTEZ IS WITH THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR VIROLOGY AND BIOLOGY AT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HE IS THE CO DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPITAL CENTER FOR VACCINE DIRECTOR AND ENDOWED CHAIR OF TROPICAL PEDIATRICS.

DR. MARIA BOTTAZZI IS THE DIVISION CHIEF OF PEDIATRIC TROPICAL MEDICINE AND THE CO-DIRECTOR OF TEXAS CHILDREN HOSPITAL CENTER FOR VACCINE DEVELOPMENT AND A PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS AND MOLECULAR VIROLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY. AS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED SCIENTISTS AND NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES AND VACCINE DEVELOPMENT, BOTH DOCTORS LEAD A TEAM IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP FOR DEVELOPING NEW VACCINES FOR DISEASES AFFECTING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS WORLDWIDE. WHILE CHAMPIONING VACCINE ACCESS GLOBALLY AND IN THE UNITED STATES.

RECENTLY TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE ANNOUNCED THAT THEIR COVID VACCINE -- COVID-19 VACCINE CO-DEVELOPED BY BOTH DOCTORS WAS GRANTED EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION IN INDIA WITH OTHER UNDER SERVED COUNTRIES TO FOLLOW. NICKNAMED THE WORLD'S COVID-19 VACCINE IT WAS CREATED AS PART OF THEIR TK-FPL -- TEXAS CHILDREN HOSPITAL CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO DEVELOP AND TEST NEW LOW COST VACCINES THAT ARE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE AND AFFORDABLE FOR USE IN UNDER SERVED AREAS OF THE WORLD. FOLLOWING THE EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION THE MANUFACTURER IS PRODUCING 100 MILLION DOSES PER MONTH AND THEY HAVE ALREADY SOLD 300 MILLION DOSES TO THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT COMMANDS DR. HOTEZ AND DR. BOTTAZZI AT THE CENTER OF VACCINE DEVELOPMENT FOR THEIR ROLE IN REDUCING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ACROSS THE GLOBE. AND FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN HARRIS COUNTY. ARE THE CONSIDERS -- ARE THE DOCTORS ON THE LINE, TIFFANY? TIFF TIFF WE HAVE BOTH OF THEM. DR. PETER HOTEZ, YOU CAN GO

FIRST. >> IT IS AN HONOR TO BE SPEAKING TO YOU AND TO THE COURT.

WE ARE EXTRAORDINARY -- YOU HAVE BEEN EXTRAORDINARY SUPPORTERS OF OUR WORK SINCE THE BEGINNING.

AND THE ONLY WAY WE WILL END THIS PANDEMIC IS TO VACCINATE THE ENTIRE WORLD. IT IS A TOUGH YEAR FOR ALL OF US AND WE ARE THRILLED TO BE HONORED THIS WAY.

I KNOW DR. BOTTAZZI WILL SPEAK NEXT.

IT IS AN INCREDIBLE GIFT TO THE WORLD.

THANK YOU MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

THIS IS BEYOND A DREAM FOR ALL OF OUR SCIENTISTS.

I CARRY THE MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. TEXAS CHILDREN AND BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE IS PROEUFL LEDGED TO BE POWERING A SOLUTION FOR THE WORLD AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO SLOW THE

[01:55:14]

INEQUITY GAP. AS A SIDE NOTE, GRACIAS.

SHE WAS SAYING THANK YOU FOR THEIR WORK.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. GRACIAS AND THANK YOU DR. HOTEZ. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO JOIN YOU AND YOUR BRIDE FOR DINNER WHEN WE WERE GREETING THE AMBASSADOR FROM INDIA. WE HAVE MUHAMMAD HERE AND HE AND HIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDE. YOU MAY HAVE SEEN THE COVID 19 WALL OF MEMORIES. IF NOT FOR YOUR WORK AND YOUR TRAINING AND YOUR SCIENCE, THAT WALL OF MEMORIES WEBSITE THAT MUHAMMAD AND RUTH CREATED, THAT MAY HAVE CRASHED. KWAOEZ -- WE ARE SO PWRAEUTFUL TO YOU. GRATEFUL TO YOU.

I ENJOYED THE COMMENTARY WHEN I GET A CHANCE TO WATCH IT.

I KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS THAT LIKE DR. BOTTAZZI AND OTHERS THAT ARE NOT ON THE CAMERA AS OFTEN AS SOME OF US ARE, BUT THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

AND ON THESE OCCASIONS WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE ENTIRE MEDICAL COMMUNITY KNOWS THAT WE ARE A VERY, VERY GRATEFUL NATION FOR YOUR WORK. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU BOTH. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND BEFORE WE HAD THE VACCINES AND EARLY ON IN THE PAN DEPP -- PANDEMIC, EVERYBODY WAS WORKING DAY AND NIGHT AND SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND MAKING DO WITH WHAT WE HAD, WE HAD LIMITED TESTS AND LIMITED PPE. I REMEMBER US SAYING THE SCIENTISTS BETTER BE WORKING AS HARD AS WE ARE ON A VACCINE. AND IT IS CLEAR THAT YOU GUYS WERE. I REMEMBER THINKING THEY BETTER NOT BE GOING HOME AT 5.

ALL OF THESE PUBLIC HEALTH FOLKS AND THE DOCTORS AND THEY ARE MAKING IT HAPPEN FOR THE GLOBE.

THANK YOU AGAIN AND TO YOUR TEAMS AS WELL.

PLEASE PASS ON OUR REGARD AND OUR APPRECIATION FOR THE

EFFORTS. >> THANK YOU.

WE WILL. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND IT IS GREAT ON BEHALF OF OUR NATION.

IT IS GREAT FOR THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT OTHER NATIONS LIKE THIS. THANK YOU.

THAT SHOULD BE ALL FOR OUR RESOLUTIONS.

WHY DON'T WE TAKE PICTURES IF THERE ARE FOLKS THAT ARE HERE FOR PICTURES AND THEN WE WILL TAKE A BREAK AFTER THAT.

WE WILL START WITH THE SANDOVAL FAMILY.

WE WILL TAKE PICTURES RIGHT NOW.

[02:11:38]

IT IS 12:35 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

[Appearances before court (Part 4 of 4)]

[02:11:42]

WE WILL TAKE THE SPEAKERS, TIFFANY.

[02:11:46]

>> SPEAKER NUMBER 16 LISA CARUTHERS.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM LISA CARUTHERS DIRECTOR OF HARRIS COUNTY AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATION CASE FOR KIDS.

I AM SERVING AS A RESOURCE THAT WILL PROVIDE COUNTY CONNECTIONS AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGES TO SUPPORT THE SUMMER PROGRAMMING AS A CRITICAL PART OF KEEPING YOU SAFE AND WARM AND HELPING FAMILIES RETURN TO WORK. AFTER TODAY'S MEETING WE WILL BE PROMOTING THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SERVICE NONPROFITS ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. WE WANT TO MAKE EVERYONE AWARE THAT THE FIRST PART OF THE PROCESS IS THE ABILITY TO UH PLAY FOR FUNDING IS FEBRUARY 22D 2022.

AS SUCH WE ARE ACTIVELY PROMOTING THIS AND MAKING NONPROFIT CALLS AND IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THIS OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO REACH OUT TO ANY NONPROFITS PLEASE LET US

KNOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 7 TAEPB, TODD COSTAS SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI.

I AM TAO COSTAS AND I AM WITH ONE OF MORE THAN 100 HOMES FOR WAY HOME, THE LOCAL HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM.

IT HAS 34 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN HELP SOMETHING OF THE CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS MOVE FROM THE STREETS TO JOBS AND STABLE LIVES. I WANT TO EXPRESS SUPPORT AND ADVOCATE FOR SPACE TWO. I WANT TO HELP MORE THAN -- ACTUALLY 7,000 PEOPLE AND WE INITIALLY THOUGHT THAT WE COULD ONLY HELP 5,000. CLEARLY WE HAVE DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB OF HELPING PEOPLE MOVE FROM HOME AND ON THE VERGE OF HOMELESSNESS. WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE TO PROVIDE HOMES. TO HAVE HOUSING IS TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE AND IT IS ABOUT COMMUNITY HEALTH.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN AND FOR YOUR WORK.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I MIGHT? THANK YOU FOR CALLING AND SPEAKING IN.

YOU ARE HITTING SOMETHING THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

I APPRECIATE YOUR ADVOCACY FOR THIS AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 18, JOHN HUCKABEE SPEAKING ON COVID-19.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU AND GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO. I AM JOHN HUCKABEE AND I AM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR AIDS FOUNDATION HOUSTON.

AS YOU KNOW WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THE HIV PANDEMIC FOR 40 YEARS. AND ONE OF OUR SINGLE LARGEST INVESTMENTS IS IN SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.

THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT THE DATA HAS CONSISTENTLY SHOWN A CORRELATION BETWEEN HOUSING STABILITY AND HEALTH

[02:15:02]

OUTCOMES. WE SKR -- WE HAVE PARTNERED FOR MANY KPWRAOERS -- WE HAVE PARTNERED FOR MANY YEARS.

AND WE ALSO KNOW THAT HOUSING STABILITY IMPACTS THE PUBLIC HEALTH. AND THAT IT IS ESPECIALLY YOU ARE -- URGENT. WE SUPPORT THE AGENDA ITEM AND WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN AND FOR ALL YOU

DO. >> NEXT IS VICTORIA FONG SPEAKING ON COVID-19. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO. I AM VICTORIA FONG AND HERE WITH THE BEACON SUPPORT FOR THE COVID HOUSING PROJECT.

WE ARE PART OF THE WAY HOME SYSTEM AND WE ARE OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE FRONT DOOR OF THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY.

IT UTILIZES ADVOCATORS TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS FOR EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE HOUSING SYSTEM. AND WE HAVE PREVIOUS MENTIONED WE SURPASSED THE GOAL OF THE PROGRAM.

WHILE THE PROGRAM IS INCREDIBLY SUCCESSFUL WE FEEL THERE IS A NEED FOR FURTHER SERVICES TO KEEP PEOPLE HOUSED AND TO HOUSE INDIVIDUALS. WE WANT TO REITERATE THAT IT HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATED BY THE COVID PANDEMIC AND BELIEVE A SURGE IN OMICRON CASES AND CONTINUING IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC, MORE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES ARE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS. AND WITH THIS RESOURCE THAT WILL BE PROVIDED TO HELP MOVE --

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

>> SAFE HOUSING IT HILLARY LEAVE THE BURDEN -- WILL RELIEVE THE BURDEN ON OUR HOUSING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOUR TIME IS UP.

THANK YOU SOFRP. >> NEXT WE HAVE NUMBER 20 KELLY YOUNG OF CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SPEAK.

I AM KELLY YOUNG AND WITH CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES. ONE OF THE 100 AGENCIES.

WE PROVIDE HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT TO THOSE ADVOCATING FOR HOMELESSNESS. I PROVIDED PUBLIC COMMENT AT CHIP 1.0 AND MENTIONED THAT WE WERE AT THE PRESS -- PRECIPAS AND THIS INVESTMENT WAS A TURNING POINTS BY TURNING 7,000 INDIVIDUALS IN THE LAST YEAR.

TO USE ANOTHER CLICHE, WE ARE AT THE CROSSROADS AGAIN WITH ONLY ONE TRUE NORTH. THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF 2.0 MEANS WE CAN SOLIDIFY A HOMELESS SYSTEM THAT WORKS.

IT IS NOT PERFECT, BUT IT GETS BETTER AND BETTER.

IT IS A SYSTEM YOUR CONSTITUENTS CAN UNDERSTAND AND COUNT ON A FAIR AND JUST PROCESS AND A QUICKER AND QUICKER TIMELINE OF GETTING INDIVIDUALS OFF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY STREETS.

MORE IMPORTANTLY FOR OUR CON STITCH -- CONSTITUENTS, IT STRENGTHENS THE SAFETY NET OF MAINTAINING HOUSING.

IT ENSURES STABILITY AND HOUSING --

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

JUST THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> TOM RAMSEY: KELLY, THIS IS

TOM RAMSEY. >> HELLO!

>> TOM RAMSEY: HOW ARE YOU? >> [INAUDIBLE]

>> TOM RAMSEY: PROUD TO SERVE ON YOUR BOARD FOR MANY YEARS.

PROUD TO SEE YOU CONTINUING THE TRADITION OF VERNON SWISHER. THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

>> OF COURSE. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 21, FRANCIS FROM HEALTH CARE FROM THE HOMELESS SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME SPO SPEAK TODAY. I AM FRANCIS ISABEL AND WITH HEALTH CARE FOR HOMELESS HOUSTON.

WE ARE A SPECIAL POPULATION OF THE HEALTH CENTER PROVIDING SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LITERALLY HOMELESS OR AT A HIGH RISK OF HOMELESSNESS. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC WE HAVE WORKED WITH THE COUNTY AND THE CITY TO PROVIDE COVID-RELATED CARE TO PEOPLE INCLUDING SYSTEMATIC TESTING AND VACCINATIONS. WE ARE ALSO THE NAVIGATOR TO THE HOTEL FOR QUARANTINING. ONE STUDY FOUND -- PARDON ME.

THE AGE-ADJUSTED MORTALITY RATE FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS WAS 3.5 TIMES GREATER THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION AND ANOTHER STUDY FOUND IT WAS THREE TIMES HIGHER THAN THE GENERAL POPULATION AND SIX TO 10 TIMES HIGHER FOR WOMEN. IN A SECOND STUDY THE AVERAGE AGE PER DEATH WAS BETWEEN 42 AND 52 COMPARED TO --

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

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

MUCH. >> NEXT IS ALLISON BOOKER BROOKS AT NORTHWEST ASSISTANCE MINISTRY SPEAKING ON ITEM 17

[02:20:03]

ON COVID-19. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS IS ALLISON BOOKER BROOKS. WE OFFER HOUSING PROGRAMS TO HELP FAMILIES WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS. WE HAVE OFFERED 600 CLIENTS UNDER THE CURRENT CCH PROGRAM DIRECT SERVICES TO CLIENTS.

WE ARE IN COMPLETE SUPPORT AND WE KNOW WE ARE IN THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE CITY AND IT IS A GREAT NEED IN THIS AREA AND WE WANT THE FUNDING TO GO THROUGH AND CONTINUE TO OFFER SERVICES TO THOSE WHO ARE AT RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS YOLANDA JACKSON OF VOLUNTEERS FOR AMERICA -- OF AMERICA SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS YOLANDA JACKSON AND I AM THE DIRECTOR FOR PERMANENT SUPPORT PROGRAM AND I SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM BECAUSE ONE THING I HAVE SEEN DIRECTLY IS WHAT THE NAVIGATION CENTER CAN OFFER AND WHILE THEY ARE UNSHELTERED IT HELPS PUT THEM IN A BETTER POSITION TO LET THEM KNOW THE OTHER BARRIERS.

IN MOST CASES WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO FIND SOMEPLACE TO LIVE WE CAN'T FIND THEM BECAUSE THEY HAVE GOTTEN AWAY FROM US. WHAT THE NAVIGATION CENTER HAS DONE IS GIVING THEM SOMEWHERE TO STAY AND PROVIDING THE WRAPL AROUND SERVICES -- WRAP AROUND SERVICES OR ANY OTHER SERVICES THEY MAY NEED. WE SUPPORT THE COVID COMMUNITY HOUSING PROGRAM 100% TO CONTINUE TO HELP US WITH THESE

SERVICES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS MIKE NICHOLS FROM COALITION OF THE HOMELESS SPEAKING ON 17 UNDER COVID-19.

HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. >> MY NAME IS MIKE NICHOLS.

I GREATLY APPRECIATE THE JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONERS' SUPPORT THE WAY HOME OF HARRIS COUNTY IS NOW NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY COVID HOUSING PROGRAM PHASE 1. IT IS FOR HOUSING HOMELESS PEOPLE, PALM FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY -- PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY ARE NOT ONLY COPYING OUR PHILOSOPHY, BUT THE PROCESS. THE PROCESS IN ACCOUNTING, FINANCE, OUT REACH, LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT AND ESPECIALLY IN COLLABORATION AMONG HARRIS COUNTY AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY OF HUH STOPB AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF HARRIS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE COMMUNITY.

WE BELIEVE THE HOMELESS COUNTY RESPONSE SYSTEM IS A MODEL COLLABORATION SHOWING GOOD GOVERNMENT IS A REALITY IN

HARRIS COUNTY. >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONTINUE,

MIKE. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. AS YOU KNOW, WE SAID WE WOULD IMPACT TPAEUF,000 PEOPLE IN A -- 5,000 PEOPLE IN A YEAR AND TWO YEARS, BUT SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2021, WE HAD IMPACTED 7 THOUSANDS -- 7,000 PEOPLE.

MORE THAN 7,000 PEOPLE HAVE RECEIVED SOME ASSISTANCE.

IT IS THE NEXT PROCESS THAT WILL CONTINUE OUR WORK.

I KNOW THE COMMISSION IS VERY INTERESTED IN TWO ISSUES.

ONE IS THE THE HEAT RESOURCES ON HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY ROOMS AND INFUSION OF RESOURCES NEEDED.

HOUSING HOMELESS PEOPLE REDUCES BOTH OF THOSE EXPENSES. WE APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU DID WHEN YOU UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE HARRIS COUNTY HOMELESS TASK FORCE REPORT AND THIS IS HOW WE CAN BETTER USE OUR RESOURCES TO BE FISCALLY MORE RESPONSIBLE RATHER THAN FORCE THEM TO THE EMERGENCY HOSPITALS AND INTO THE POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WE ARE DEEPLY, DEEPLY

APPRECIATIVE. >> THANK YOU, MIKE.

MIKE, IN FACT, I WAS COINCIDENTALLY SPEAKING YOUR NAME THIS WEEKEND AND TALKING ABOUT ALL OF THIS INCREDIBLE

[02:25:05]

WORK. I AM SO THANKFUL YOU TOOK ON THE CHALLENGE TO HELP LEAD THE COAL DECISION.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU WERE ABLE TO DO.

YOU BROUGHT IT INTO A REAL BUSINESS WELL -PL.

THAT'S WHAT IT HAD NEEDED FOR SO LONG.

THE COORDINATION AND THE RESULTS MY STAFF KEEPS ME ABREAST OF ARE IMPRESSIVE. AND IT IS MAKING THE CASE EVERY DAY WHY THIS IS A WISE INVESTMENT.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOU DO, MIKE.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. AGAIN, NONE OF THIS IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GREAT WORK OF THE EMPLOYEES IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THE COMMISSION.

WE COULDN'T DO ANY OF THIS WITHOUT YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM AS

WELL. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MIKE, THANK YOU AND TO ALL OF THE SPEAKERS WHO ARE SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THIS AND HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS, ESPECIALLY -- I APPRECIATE THE NEW EVALUATION COMPONENT ON THIS NEW PROPOSAL AND IT WILL SHOW MORE OF THE DIFFERENCE WE ARE MAKING ON THE HOMELESSNESS ISSUE. BUT TO YOU AND TO ALL OF THE DIFFERENT PARTNERS THAT HAVE SPOKEN AND WILL BE SPEAKING WE ARE PROUD TO BE IN IT WITH YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKING UNDER COVID-19, ITEM 17.

GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I AM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF AVENUE 360 HEALTH AND WELLNESS. WE PARTNERED WITH THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AS PART OF THE WAY HOME FOR MORE THAN 13 YEARS AND ADDRESSING HOMELESS ES IN IN -- HOMELESSNESS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA.

WE HAVE 425 UNITS OF SCATTERED HOUSING ACROSS THE REGION AS WELL AS HOLD EIGHT SA*EUTS. EIGHT SITES.

HEALTH IS APPROPRIATELY DEFINED AS NOT MERELY THE ABSENCE OF DISEASE, BUT PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SOCIAL WELL BEING AND HOUSING IS A CRITICAL ELEMENT OF THIS.

WE KNOW THAT HOUSING PAIRED WITH ESSENTIAL SUPPORT OF SERVICES HELPS PEOPLE AVOID POLICE CONTACT, ARREST, MINIMIZES TPWHRAO*EURPB-1-1 CALL -- MINIMIZES MENTAL HEALTH 9-1-1 CALLS. PHASE 1 AS YOU HEARD IS EXCEEDINGLY SUCCESSFUL IN MEETING ITS GOALS.

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

>> WE ARE IN FULL SUPPORT OF PHASE 2 OF THE PROGRAM.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 26, BARBETTE SP*PLS -- BRASHIRE. GO AHEAD.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER.

THIS IS BARBIE BASHIRE. I WILL BE VERY BRIEF BECAUSE I WANT TO ECHO THE INCREDIBLE WORK OF ALL OF THE COLLEAGUE THAT'S HAVE SPOKEN BEFORE ME. YOUR COMMITMENT TO ALLOCATING RESOURCES TRULY ENSURES THAT HOUSING IS A SOLUTION TO SO MANY THINGS INCLUDING FOR THOSE WHO ARE DEALING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE HOUSING RESOURCES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> YORE AE WELCOME.

THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS CYNTHIA CULVERT OF CATHOLIC CHARITY AND SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19.

HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HI. CAN YOU HEAR PHAE?

ME? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> HI. THIS IS CYNTHIA CULVERT, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES.

AS YOU MAY KNOW WE SERVE THE COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH HARRIS COUNTY AND THE WAY HOME TO SERVE THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY, THE HOMELESS.

AS A MEMBER OF THE WAY HOME, WE PLAY AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN HELPING THE HOMELESS SECURE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RELATED SERVICES. I JUST WANTS TO ECHO THE SUPPORT MY COLLEAGUES PROVIDED URGING YOU TO SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM. I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I THINK THROUGH THIS WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE EVEN MORE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FROM THE STREETS AND SHELTERS TO PERMANENT AND SAFE HOUSING WHICH WILL IN FACT HELP RELIEVE THE BURDEN ON LAW ENFORCEMENT.

IT WILL CONTINUE THE COLLABORATIONS FROM HOUSTON AND MORE THAN 100 PARTICIPATING AGENCY THAT'S WERE SO EFFECTIVE OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS.

[02:30:04]

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

>> WE STRONGLY SUPPORT FUNDING FOR PHASE 2 AND WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND YOUR SUPPORT AND JUDGE HUH -- HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR

OUR COMMUNITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS PRESTON WITT OF HARMONY HOUSE INC. SPEAKING ON EYE 1017 UNDER COVID-19 -- ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> MY NAME IS PRESTON WITT WITH HARMONY HOUSE AND I SAT ON THE PST STEERING COMMITTEE AND WE WERE ABLE TO HOUSE OVER 25,000 PEOPLE SINCE 2012.

YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN THIS BILL IS ECHOING WHAT WE ARE CONTINUING TO DO AND WILL ALLOW ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR HOUSING IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE HOUSE 210 INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC ISSUES AS WELL AS PROVIDING AND RUNNING THE NAVIGATION CENTER AND TAKING PEOPLE DIRECTLY OFF THE STREETS. PLACING THEM IN HOUSING AND GIVING THEM A SAFE PUBLIC TO LIVE IN.

I ECHO WHAT MAY COLLEAGUES HAVE SAID.

I THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT IN THIS MATTER AND CONTINUING TO SERVE THE MOST VULNERABLE OF OUR COMMUNITY.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS JILL FUEN IT AS SPEAKING -- FUENTAS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER'S KWOURT AND -- COURT AND JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND OUR CEO AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

INSTEAD OF JUST TALKING ABOUT WHAT OUR AGENCY DOES I WANT TO EXPRESS WHAT WE CAN DO TO CONTINUE ON.

SOME OF THE GREAT THINGS WE HAVE DONE IS LEVERAGING VARIOUS FUNDING STREAMS TO COMBAT COVID-19.

IT IS NOT JUST THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

INCREASING THE LEVEL OF HEALTH AND PSYCHIATRIC CARE INCLUDING MEDICATION AS A TREATMENT AND PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS AND CARE VIA TELEHEALTH. WE ENSURE HOUSING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH BEHAVIOR HEALTH ISSUES AND CONCERNS.

THEY CERTAINLY WERE NEVER PART OR HEARD OF THE WAY HOME.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> I'M SORRY. AS WELL AS PUTTING OUT -- OH.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR

CALLING IN AND FOR YOUR WORK. >> NEXT IS MARISSA HANSON SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 17 UNDER COVID-19.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. YOU.

>> I WANTED TO GET TO THE ROOT CAUSE OF WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE HOMELESSNESS. CURRENTLY OUR KOUPB TEA IS EXPERIENCING 61,000 PEOPLE GETTINGY -- GETTING EVICTED.

ON 11/19/21 YOU ALLOCATED 460,000.

ON 11/17/21, JUDGE HIDALGO YOU SUBMITTED $125 MILLION FOR THE PROGRAM ON 11/17/21 YOU GAVE 2.2 MILLION TO BAKER RIPLEY AND YOU AWARDED 21.4 MILLION TO THE CATHOLIC KHAOEUR TEES FOR RENTAL -- CHARITIES FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

24MILLION TO THE PROGRAM. AND ON 6/22 ANOTHER 32.7 MILLION TO THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES.

SO I WANTED TO UNDERSTAND HOW THIS MONEY ISN'T BEING RECEIVED BY THE PEOPLE THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GETTING IT. HAVE YOU NOT ASKED FOR AN AN AUDIT FROM CATHOLIC CHARITIES?

>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> I FOUND $THRAE00 MILLION

-- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING BECAUSE IT IS NOT GOING IN THE POCKETS OF THE PEOPLE THAT IT SHOULD BE GOING TO.

AND I AM AWARE THAT BAKER -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> HE SITS ON THE SAME BOARD OF THE COMMUNITIES AND THE SCHOOLS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 31, CHRIS MUNDRY SPEAKING ON ITEM 25.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S OFFICE FOR THANKING ME TO SPEAK. I WOULD LIKE TO ASSIMILATE TO OUR COMMUNITY. TWO MONTHS IN WE ARE STILL AT THE RUDAMENTARY STAGE OF VACCINATING AND ENROLLING

[02:35:02]

CHILDREN IN SCHOOL. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THE PARTNER FAMILY COMMUNITY IS VAST.

APPROXIMATELY 80% CHILDREN. THERE ARE BENEFITS THAT WILL SOON EXPIRE AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED.

LET'S CONTINUE WITH HASTE AND URGENCY.

HISD HAS RESOURCES TO REGISTER AND ENROLL ON A LARGE SCALE, BUT THE VOLUNTEER BUSES CAN ONLY VACCINATE 30 KIDS AT A TIME. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO HOST LARGER EVENTS INCLUDING THE USE OF COMMUNITY CENTERS PAIRED WITH SOCIAL SERVICES AND ENROLL -- ENROLLMENTS AND JOB FAIRS FOR EACH PRECINCT. THEY NEED THIS IN ORDER TO EMPOWER. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS SERVICE PASS YOU BY. --

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

>> FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT. WE HAVE TO STOP YOU.

YOU ARE OUT OF TIME. THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 32 UNDER SHERIFF.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> I THINK YOUR MIC IS OFF.

>> THERE WE GO. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? OKAY. YES.

GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS, AND JUDGE HIDALGO.

I AM MO CORTEX AND I AM A TRANS AND POLICY RESEARCH LEON -- LIAISON AT TEXAS ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE.

I WANTED TO SAY THAT ONE, PLEASE CANCEL THE CONTRACT FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL TO LA SALLE, LOUISIANA.

DE CARCERATE HARRIS COUNTY AND AS WAS SAID EARLIER TO PUT A HUMAN FACE ON THIS, BASICALLY ABOUT FAMILY SEPARATION AND TRAUMA. I LOST MY FATHER IN 2002 AND HE DIED IN HUNTSVILLE. IT WAS TRAUMATIC FOR ME AND PEOPLE THAT ARE INCARCERATED IN OTHER PLACES ALSO EXPERIENCE A LOT OF TRAUMA. A LOT OF TIMES WHEN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE CHILD -- CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES LIKE PHYSICAL ABUSE, SEXUAL ABUSE, VIOLENCE IN THE FAMILY, A PARENT DYING, A PARENTS ADDICTED OR MENTALLY ILL --

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. I KNOW IT IS A DIFFICULT ISSUE AND AS WE HAVE SAID BEFORE, IT IS NOT A POSITION WE WANT TO BE IN, MO. WE REALLY HAVE LOOKED AT ALL OF THE OPTIONS. ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, TIFFANY?

>> YES. NEXT IS CLAUDIA MUNOZ SPEAKING ON ITEM 203. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> I AM CLAUDIA AND I WAS BORN IN -- BORN AND RAISED IN MONTEREY, MEXICO. I HAVE CALLED THIS HOME.

I WAS DETAINED BY A MONTH AND AWAY FROM MY FAMILY.

[INAUDIBLE] IT IS HORRIBLE TO SEE HOW PEOPLE ARE BEING CUTOFF AND COMMISSIONERS ARE NOT EVEN PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT WE ARE SAYING. WRAOE ARE TALKING -- WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SENSITIVE THINGS THAT BRING UP TRAUMA, BUT WE HAVE TO SHOW UP OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

AS A VICTIM OF CRIME I WAS RAPED AS A CHILD AND OUR VOICES ARE NOT PRIORITIZED. THE ONLY VOICES THAT ARE PRIORITIZED ARE THOSE THAT FIT THEIR AGENDA.

I FEEL THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE COMPLEX SYSTEM.

THE PLAN TO SEND PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY TO LOUISIANA WITH A TRACK RECORD OF HARMING PEOPLE IS HORRIBLE.

[INAUDIBLE] FUNDING HRAOUGS -- SOLUTIONS --

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

>> I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS IN ONE.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> INSTEAD --

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

WE HEAR YOU. THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS BETHANY CARSON OF GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP SPEAKING ON ITEM 203 UNDER SHERIFF. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP. I WANT TO SPEAK TO THE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT THE WELL BEING OF PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY JAIL. THIS MUST BE ADDRESSED BY DIVERTING PEOPLE ON THE FRONT END.

AS FAR AS CONDITIONS ARE CONCERNED WE ARE SENDING 500 PEOPLE OUT OF THE FRYING PAN AND INTO THE FIRE.

FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS I WORKED AS AN ADVOCATE INCLUDING THE PRISON INDUSTRY.

LA SALLE IS KNOWN AS THE WORST OF THE WORST WITH MANY RECENT SERIOUS ABUSES THAT LEAD TO SUCCESSFUL LITIGATION FOR DAMAGES. AT IRWIN DOZENS OF WOMEN WERE SUBJECTED TO FORCED STERILE EYE -- STERILIZATION.

ONE HAD TO REMOVE A STITCH FROM HIS STOMACH TO PREVENT INFECTION BECAUSE THE NURSES REFUSED TO TREAT IT.

A 20-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DIED OF DIABETIC -- [INAUDIBLE].

A WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT WAS FILED IN FEBRUARY OF 2021.

[02:40:06]

[INAUDIBLE] WHILE GUARDS JUST WATCHED.

THEY ARE SUBJECTED TO THE CONDITIONS FOR SEVEN YEARS.

>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> THINK ABOUT IT THERE ARE

WAYS -- >> NEXT IS --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

>> NEXT IS DIANA COMO WILLIAMS OF GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP SPEAKING UNDER SHERIFF. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS DIANA WILL -- WILLIAMS AND I AM WITH GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP.

I UNDERSTAND MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE DEFENDANTS WERE TRANSFERRED TO LA SALLE. FROM MY RESEARCH IN THAT FACILITY SAFETY IS AS MUCH OF AN ISSUE THERE AS IT IS IN HARRIS COUNTY JAILS. I ASKED THE COURT FOR A SWIFT RETURN. RATHER THAN SEPARATING IN HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES ACROSS STATE LINES, YOU FOCUS THE EFFORTS AND THE RESOURCES AND THE FUNDING OF SAFE TARGETED RELEASES OF THE MANY WHO WERE IN-- INCARCERATED THAT WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR SUCH RELEASES.

THERE ARE TPHAEPB P -- THERE ARE MANY ADVOCACY GROUPS THAT CAN HELP WITH THAT. I FAIL TO SEE HOW TRANSFERRING HUNDREDS OF DEFENDANTS OUT OF THE COUNTY JAILS WILL DO ANYTHING TO SOLVE THE OVER CROWDING PROBLEM.

THE MOVE IS AN EFFORT TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS AND DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE TRAUMA CAUSED TO THE FAMILIES.

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

>> OKAY. AND I WANTED TO COMMEND COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON THE RESOLUTION FOR THE NORTH SHORE MUSTANGS. I AM A 30-YEAR RESIDENT OF NORTH SHORE AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS WONDERFUL.

THEY LOOK OUT NOT ONLY FOR THE ACADEMICS --

>> LINA HIDALGO: EVERYBODY IS AT TIME.

AS MUCH AS I LOVE IT. >> THE @LET -- THE ATHLETICS AND THE ACADEMICS OF THE KIDS IN THE DISTRICT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE SPOKEN TO THE OUT SOURCING THAT THE SHERIFF IS UNDERTAKING. THERE IS NO ONE HERE THAT LIVED THAT BEYOND MYSELF. WHEN I WAS SHERIFF IN 200 TPHAEUPB WE HAD 2 -- 2009 WE HAD INMATES SHIPPED OUT TO THE JAILS AT THE TIME IN LOUISIANA. I I DIDN'T LIKE IT BECAUSE AT THAT TIME WE HAD NOT DONE ANYTHING TO THINK ABOUT ANY PRACTICES OR PROCEDURES TO UNDERTAKE.

WE INSTITUTED SOME WORK PROGRAMS THAT ALLOWED INMATES TO BUILD CREDIT AND ALLOWED THEM TO EARN EXTRA CREDIT AND BE RELEASED A LITTLE SOONER. AND THEN WE STARTED JAIL DIVERSION PROGRAMS THAT KEPT PEOPLE THAT WERE MENTALLY ILL FROM MAKING IT INTO THE COUNTY JAIL.

WE WERE ABLE TO DO A LOT. THE CHALLENGE THE SHERIFF IS UNDER IS THAT ALL OF THOSE PROGRAMS ARE STILL IN PLACE.

HE HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE VOLUME OF PEOPLE THAT COME TO HIS FACILITY. COVID HAS MADE HIS CHALLENGES GREATER. HE HAS TO THINK ABOUT HIS STAFF AS MUCH AS HE HAS TO THINK ABOUT THOSE THAT ARE INCARCERATED. IN THE MANY CONVERSATIONS I HAD, THIS WAS NOT AN EASY OR WELCOME DECISION ON HIS PART.

THE ALTERNATIVE IS NOT GOOD TO HAVE PEOPLE IN A FACILITY THAT WILL CROSS CONTAMINATE EACH OTHER AND IMPACT THE EMPLOYEES. THIS IS NOT A WELCOME CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC IT'S WHERE WE ARE AT. WHEN I SHUTDOWN THE CONTRACTS -- AND I WOULD WELCOME -- AND REMEMBER THE SHERIFF PREVIOUSLY SHUTDOWN THE CONTRACTS.

I WELCOME THE DAY HE DOES IT AGAIN.

WHEN I SHUTDOWN THOSE CONTRACTS, THERE WAS A COMMISSIONER HERE THAT WAS SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER BECAUSE I DID. I BROUGHT THEM BACK AND I WAS ABLE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS IN TEXAS BECAUSE CAPACITY WAS STILL AN ISSUE. WE HAD PEOPLE SLEEPING ON THE FLOORS AND WE HAD PEOPLE SLEEPING ON WHAT ARE OFTEN CALLED LOW RIDERS. THOSE ARE THE TEMPORARY BEDS.

THE JAIL COMMISSION THANKS TO MY COLLEAGUE HERE,

[02:45:01]

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, SENATOR EL -- SENATOR ELLIS AT THE TIME, WAS ASKING FOR BETTER APPROACHES TO THIS.

AND SO WE DEPARTMENT WITH ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

THE DIFFERENCE IN TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC IS JAILS ARE SAYING, OH WE'LL TAKE YOUR INMATES, BUT SEND YOUR STAFF AS WELL. THAT'S NOT PRACTICAL.

AND SO THIS IS NOT A WELCOME SITUATION FOR ANYBODY.

FISCALLY BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY, NUMBER ONE. I DEFINITELY DON'T LIKE SPENDING IT IN ANOTHER STATE LIKE IT WAS BEING DONE PREVIOUSLY. IN CONSIDERATION OF OUR EMPLOYEES AND IN CONSIDERATION FOR THOSE THAT ARE ACCUSED, BUT NOT YET FOUND GUILTY, IT IS NOT A WELCOME SITUATION BY ANYBODY. JUST TO SHARE A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE, IF THIS WAS NORMAL AND WE WERE IN NORMAL TIMES THAT THESE THINGS WOULD -- THERE WOULD BE PROBABLY A DIFFERENT RESPONSE.

THE REFORMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THE SHERIFF HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN. HE IS EXERTING EVERY SINGLE ONE. WE HAVE A BACKLOG IN THE COURT SYSTEM THAT IS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROBLEM.

WE ARE PUTTING A LOT OF MONEY INTO THAT SYSTEM AND TRYING TO MOVE IT AND GOAT IT MOVING. I GIST HAD A -- I JUST HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION JUDGE TO TALK ABOUT THESE ISSUES. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE A WEBSITE THAT IS TELLING US WHAT COURTS ARE MOVING AND WHAT COURTS ARE NOT AND WHAT COURTS ARE HOLDING JURY TRIALS AND WHAT COURTS ARE NOT. TRUST ME.

BECAUSE OF, NUMBER ONE, A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T THINK ABOUT HURRICANE HARVEY, BUT THAT CREATED AN IMPACT ON OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. AND THEN THE PANDEMIC JOINED US SOON THEREAFTER. IT COMPLICATEY THE CIRCUMSTANCE OF HURRICANE HARVEY.

WE HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR, BUT IT IS -- I DON'T ENVY THE SITUATION THE SHERIFF IS CURRENTLY UNDER.

IF YOU CAN COME BACK AND HELP ADVOCATE -- TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE ON THE DOCKET. IF THE COURTS AREN'T MOVING, THOSE INMATES DON'T HAVE MUCH OF AN OPPORTUNITY ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. I WELCOME YOU TO LOOK AT THAT WEBSITE AND IF YOU SEE SOME COURTS THAT ARE PERFORMING INCREDIBLY WELL, SING THEIR PRAISES.

IF THERE ARE SOME THAT NEED TO DO A LITTLE BETTER, HOLD THEM

ACCOUNTABLE. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT RESPONSE. IF I CAN SAY REAL QUICKLY, I

DO WATCH THE DASHBOARD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD.

>> THE JAIL POPULATION. THAT'S PART OF WHAT I DO.

I AM IN TUNE TO -- I THINK YESTERDAY WE HAD LIKE 9,000 PEOPLE. I HAVEN'T SEEN 9,000 IN A VERY LONGTIME. THERE IS SOMETHING THAT IS BROKEN AND MANY OF THE THINGS YOU JUST TALKED ABOUT.

I DO AGREE ABOUT THE DEPLORABLE CONDITIONS IN JAIL. I WAS THERE IN AUGUST.

I AM PART OF A VOTER REGISTRATION THERE.

I WAS THERE AND HAD FIRSTHAND WITNESS OF WHAT THE CONDITIONS ARE. AND THEN AS FAR AS THE BACKLOG, I DO HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO IS INCARCERATED AND HAS BEEN THERE SINCE MARCH OF 2021 AND HAS YET TO HAVE A TRIAL.

I UNDERSTAND ALL THAT, BUT, YOU KNOW, I'M JUST REALLY COMING FROM A FAMILY AND A PERSONAL SIDE OF, YOU KNOW, OF WHAT MY TESTIMONY IS ALL ABOUT.

I APPRECIATE YOU ELABORATING. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK -- AND TO ALL OF THE SPEAKERS, EVERY TIME YOU GUYS BRING THIS UP, TRUST ME, IT PAINS ME THAT THIS IS THE SITUATION.

ALSO AS COMMISSIONER SAID FROM A FISCAL STANDPOINT I THINK THERE ARE DIVERSION PROGRAMS. OUR MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM HAS HELPED WITH THAT AND THE COURT-APPOINTED -- THE INDEPENDENT COURT-APPOINTED MONITOR FOUND BY A BUSH-APPOINTED JUDGE. INDEPENDENT UH POINTED MONITORS -- APPOINTED MONITORS HAS LEAD TO THE COST EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THIS. THAT'S PART OF IT.

OF COURSE THERE IS ALWAYS MORE WE CAN DO ON MENTAL HEALTH AND ON HOUSING. WHICH WE ARE DOING.

WE NEED A SYSTEM THAT CAN DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LOW-LEVEL FOLKS AND REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS.

SO MUCH IS LEGISLATION AND THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

FROM WHERE WE ARE STANDING TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO THE BACKLOG TO SPEED THAT UP.

THE BODY CAM PROCESSING WHICH COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND 9-1-1

[02:50:02]

AUDIO PROCESSING AND NOT TO MENTION THESE KINDS OF INVESTMENTS. REMEMBER, WE PUT A CLAUSE IN THE CONTRACT WITH THE LA SALLE FOLKS THAT SAYS IF THE POPULATION COMES DOWN BEFORE THE CONTRACT TERMS ARE BACK UP, WE WILL BRING THOSE FOLKS BACK OVER AND EVEN IF WE HAVE TO PAY EXTRA. WE KNOW IT IS NOT RIGHT AND NOT IDEAL FOR THEM NOT TO BE HERE.

WE HAVE TO ABIDE BY THE CDCJ -- OR THE JAIL STANDARDS FOLKS THAT SAY THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS CERTAIN POPULATION.

I KNOW YOU GUYS AND YOU GUYS SAID HERE ARE OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO, BUT THE LIST ALL HAS TO DO WITH JAW ADDITIONAL DIS-- JUDICIAL DISCRETION. WE CANNOT TELL THE D.A. NOR THE JUDGES WHAT TO DO. LEGALLY THAT IS NOT OUR PLACE. AS FAR AS HOW IT WAS SELECTED, MO, I KNOW THE SHERIFF AND EVERYBODY LOOKED INTO IT.

I DON'T THINK ANY OF THESE PLACES HAVE A GOOD TRACK RECORD. WE HAVE OUR OWN SHARE OF TRAGEDIES. IT IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION, BUT EVERYTHING CONSIDERED THIS IS SORT OF THE LEAST BAD OPTION. UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS NOT A POINT OF PRIDE NOR SOMETHING WE DEFEND AS RIGHT.

IT IS SIMPLY THE ONLY OPTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST TO REPEAT AGAIN, THIS WAS NOT WELCOMED BY ANYONE INVOLVED.

THE SHERIFF LOOKED AT THIS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF HIS I'M -- HIS EMPLOYEES ARE UNDER A LOT OF PRESSURE.

UNLIKE MY CIRCUMSTANCES -- THE REASON I WAS ABLE TO DEPOPULATE THE JAIL SIGNIFICANTLY WITH ALL OF THESE WORK PROGRAMS I PUT IN PLACE IS THAT I HAD A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF LOW-RISK OFFENDERS IN MY CUSTODY.

THAT'S NOT HIS CIRCUMSTANCE TODAY.

HIS CIRCUMSTANCE IS THAT THE BULK OF HIS FOLKS ARE -- THE GREAT MAJORITY ARE HIGH-RISK OFFENDERS.

SO HE DOES NEED TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO MITIGATE THE RISKS AND THE DANGER TO EVERYBODY INVOLVED, EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS THE INMATES. SKPWH -- AND HE IS GETTING PRESSURE FROM THE STATE AS WELL.

IT IS NOT WELCOME AND NOT WITH ANY INTENTION OTHER THAN STANDARDS TO UH -- TO OBLIGE BY.

THIS IS SOMETHING I PREFER TO BE CHEAP ON.

THERE IS NOT ANOTHER OPTION AVAILABLE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE EXPLANATIONS.

ONE OF THE MEMBER -- ONE OF THE THINGS I WANTED TO SAY, THE EXPANSION ON THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE DASHBOARD 78% OF THE PEOPLE INCARCERATED HAVE BEEN ASSESSED TO HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS PROBLEM.

BEING PATIENT IN JAIL IS NOT THE PLACE THEY NEED TO BE.

>> WE KNOW IT. WE ARE WORKING ON MORE MENTAL

HEALTH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO MUSTANGS!

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY, TIFFANY.

>> NEXT IS MELISSA MARTINEZ SPEAKING ON ITEM 203 UNDER SHERIFF. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI.

MY NAME IS MELISSA MARTINEZ AND I AM A RES -- RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 4. I JUST WANTED TO ADDRESS REGARDING THE TEXAS DO IT LAWSUIT -- DOT LAWSUIT OVER THE I-45 EXPANSION. AS THE LAWSUIT IS ESSENTIAL FOR RESIDENTS ON ACCOUNTABILITY FROM TEXAS DOT, I UNDERSTAND THAT CURRENTLY THE LAWSUIT HAS BEEN EXTENDED AND I APPRECIATE THE ENGAGEMENT THEY HAVE.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE CHANGE IN THE LAWSUIT.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ON THE UPDATE ABOUT WHAT PROGRESS WAS MADE FOR THE 30-DAY EXTENSION AND HOW WAS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THIS COURT ENGAGING WITH IMPACT TO COMMUNITY WHEN DETERMINING WHAT ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT THEY ARE GOING AS TO COMPROMISE ON. AND I THANK Y'ALL AGAIN AND ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY CONSENSUS IN SUPPORT.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS RACHEL MACKEY SPEAKING ON ITEM 320 UNDER COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 2.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.

>> HI, THANKS SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME.

I AM FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES WHERE I AM THE LIAISON FOR THE VETERANS AND MILITARY SERVICES

[02:55:04]

COMMITTEE. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO GIVE YOUR SUPPORT TO THE OUT REACH ACT IT WOULD PROVIDE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR STATE TO BOWL ST-R CB -- BOLSTER CBSO'S IT WOULD BE THE THE FIRST TIME THEY WILL INJECT FUNDS.

WE COULD USE MORE TO GET IT OVER THE FINISH LINE.

I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOU SUPPORTING THIS MEASURE WITH YOUR DELEGATION IN CONGRESS. THANKS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. AND LISTEN, THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN. WE APPRECIATE YOUR WORK.

I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT I HAD ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING MEETINGS AND THAT IS WITH GENERAL FUNK THE SECOND.

WE ARE DOING SOME PHENOMENAL THINGS AND WE ARE DOING THINGS WITH OUR VETERANS. WE ARE LOOKING TO TAKE IT UP.

A NATURAL. WE CAME UP WITH WITH SOME CRAZY AND EXCITING IDEAS. AND AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY. WE OFTEN DON'T TALK ABOUT THE VETERANS AND WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT THEM MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. WE TRY AND I AM PROUD THAT WE HAVE MANY VETERANS EMPLOYED IN MY OFFICE.

TODAY WE CELEBRATED A VETERAN WHO IS GOING OFF TO ANOTHER ENDEAVOR AND THAT SAME TOKEN WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ALL GETTING THE SERVICES AND THE BENEFITS THAT THEY SO RIGHTLY DESERVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR ADVOCACY AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT THIS ITEM AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. HAPPY TO CALL IN.

HAPPY TO FOLLOW-UP WITH ANY OF YOU IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MEASURE. I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S STAFF HAS MY CONTACT INFO.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS ALEXANDRA SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 383 UNDER EXECUTIVE SESSION. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, I AM ALEXANDRA MUELLER AND RUNNING TO BE THE NEXT HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE.

I AM HERE AS A MOM AND CITIZEN IN SUPPORT OF COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S AGENDA ITEM 383. AS WE SPEAK OUR COUNTY IS BEING OVERWHELMED BY VIOLENT CRIME AND BEING COMMITTED LARGELY BY REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS.

PROGRESSIVE JUDGES ARE RAOU -- ROUTINELY RELEASING THESE VIOLENT OFFEND FENDERS AND USING THE O'DONNELL CONSENT DECREE TO JUSTIFY THEIR ACTIONS.

THAT'S WHY TODAY I FILED A BRIEF WITH JUDGE LEE ROSETHALL FOR DISMISSING THE RUSSELL FELONY BOND CASE AND DISSOLVING THE O'DONNELL CONCEPT DECREE.

THESE ARE THE LEGAL ARGUMENTS.

OUR COUNTY JUDGE SO MAKE TO THE DISTRICT COURT JUDGE.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH WITH THE CRIME IN THE COMMUNITY.

IT IS TIME TO TAKE ACTION. OUR VICTIMS, OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OUR CITIZENS DESERVE BETTER.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

I APPRECIATE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR

YOUR SERVICE. >> NEXT IS JENNIFER HERNANDEZ SPEAKING ON ITEM 395 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS 0705.

HELLO AND GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I AM JENNIFER HERNANDEZ WITH DISTRICT COUNCIL 88, THE PAINTER'S UNION. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THE TIME TO SPEAK TODAY. I AM HERE IN SUPPORT OF REESTABLISHING THE INTERNAL COUNTY WORKING GROUP ON THE COMMUNITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND WORKER PROTECTION PROVISION. WE KNOW MUCH OF OUR WORK TO EXTRACT DUE TO COVID TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE, BUT WE URGE THE COUNTY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS IN 2022.

ESTABLISHING THE EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE CONSIDERATION FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND DEVELOPING A POLICY AS WORKERS -- EXCUSE ME, AS WORKERS ARE COUNTING ON YOU TO DO -- TO DO THIS.

WE URGE COUNTIES TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS IN 2022.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> NEXT IS CADO WOODARD SPEAKING ON 395. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM PART OF UNION 60.

[03:00:06]

68. WE SUPPORT WHOLEHEARTEDLY THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND IT IS TIME TO PUT THE STALLING LANGUAGE INTO THE PROVISION AND SENDING A MESSAGE AND THE WORKERS.

IT IS CRITICAL TO ESTABLISH THE CRITERIA.

LET'S NOT LET THOSE WHO SAY THEY HAVE THE COUNTY AUTHORITY TO DO THIS WHEN. THE WORKERS ARE DOING THE WORK AND THEY ARE COUNTING ON YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR

TIME. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT IS JEREMY HENDRICKS ON 395 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND I WAMT -- WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK. WE WILL BRING BACK THE WORKING GROUP AND WE HAD COMMISSIONERS WITH COVID, BUT IT IS TIME TO GET BACK ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.

TEXAS IS THE MOST DANGEROUS STATE FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND IT IS CRITICAL THAT THIS JOB GETS DONE QUICKLY.

SO THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE STAFF AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. WE FULLY SUPPORT ALL OF THE IMPLEMENTED ITEMS HERE THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT INCLUDING ESPECIALLY THE TRAINING AND THE APPRENTICESHIP AND STANDARDS CRITICAL TO HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS ITEM AND I URGE YOU TO MOVE IT FORWARD QUICKLY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> JEREMY, THANK YOU.

APPRECIATE YOUR ADVOCACY. >> NEXT IS HONNI KHALIL SPEAKING ON 395 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY ATTORNEY. IT IS GOOD TO BE WITH YOU.

WE WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGAIN FOR PASSING SEVERAL PROPOSALS THAT THE BILL OF HOUSTON COALITION MADE TO THE COURT TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKERS ON THE COUNTY CONSTRUCTION JOBS. WE THANK YOU FOR ACTING SWIFTLY FOR ONE OF THE PROPOSAL WHICH IS A $15 MILLION PREVAILING WAGE RATE.

OTHER PROVISIONS WERE DEEMED TO REQUIRE MORE PLANNING BEFORE THEY COULD BE IMPLEMENTED AND THEN AS WE ALL KNOW THE PANDEMIC GOT IN THE WAY AND SLOWED DOWN THE PROCESS. IT HAS BEEN TWO AND A HALF YEARS SINCE THE COURT PASSED THOSE POLICIES.

WE FULLY SUPPORT ESTABLISHING THIS WORKING GROUP TO GET TO WORK ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS. IT IS REALLY TIME FOR THE COUNTY TO USE ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS.

IT IS THE POWER OF THE PURSE. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> YOU CAN DO THAT --

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CALLING.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR CALLING, MAN.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 1, ELIZABETH GRAY SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO ADDRESS THE COURT AND SPECIFICALLY COMMISSIONER TKPWARZ SEE YAW AND RAMSEY -- GARCIA AND RAMSEY. I AM HERE REGARDING A DRAINAGE DITCH PUT IN BY HARRIS COUNTY AND HAS NOT BEEN MAINTAINED.

THEY ALLEGE THE WATER IS OFF LAKE HOUSTON.

THE WATER COMING THROUGH THESE PIPES ARE COMING FROM OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. UNDER OUR STREET THEY ARE PUTTING ANOTHER NEW NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE WOODS BEHIND AND TIE THAT TO OUR DRAINAGE SYSTEM.

IT HAS ERODED OUR YARD AND OUR NEIGHBOR'S YARD.

IT IS GROWING SNAKES AND ALL KINDS OF URBAN -- WE NEED -- IT WAS LOCATED AROUND THE PIPES AND DOWN THE SIDES AND ACROSS THE FRONT. THAT'S ALL SINCE WASHED AWAY.

EVERY TIME I HAVE TRIED TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE I WAS TOLD THAT HARRIS COUNTY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE.

YET, WE ARE PAYING TAXES IN HARRIS COUNTY.

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

>> HARRIS COUNTY PUT THE TYPES IN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMING IN.

I WILL HAVE MY TEAM -- WE ARE IN TRANSITION BETWEEN TWO AND THREE, SO MY COLLEAGUE AND I WILL SHARE WHATEVER EFFORTS WE HAVE DONE TO MOVE THAT ALONG. IT IS ONE OF THE HEADACHES OF HAVING RESIDENTS LIKE YOU IN THE ETJ.

I JUST WISH IT WAS EASIER TO GET DONE, BUT THE MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL ISSUE GETS IN THE WAY QUITE A BIT IN TERMS OF PROGRESS AND YOU END UP SUFFERING MORE THAN

[03:05:03]

ANYBODY. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ALONGSIDE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TO HELP MAKE THAT A THING OF

THE PAST FOR YOU. >> YOUR ASSOCIATE VANESSA BARNES HAS COME OUT AND SAID THE WATER BELONGS TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON. THE LAKE WATER DOESN'T COME IN THERE UNLESS THERE IS A BIG STORM AND IT BRINGS ALL KINDS OF DEBRIS. MY PROPERTY IS IN HARRIS COUNTY. THE DITCH DRAINS ALONG THE SIDE OF HER HOUSE AND THE ONE BEHIND US, THEY HAVE A THREE-FOOT HOLE IS -- THAT IS LIKE THREE FEET DEEP.

THEY HAVE GRANDKIDS THAT COME OVER.

IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

OUR REQUEST IS THAT EITHER THE PIPES CAN BE EXTENDED TO THE LAKE OR THE SIDES BE CEMENTED SO WE DON'T KEEP LOSING SO

MUCH OF OUR LAND. >> YOU KNOW, MY COLLEAGUES HAVE PERMISSION TO DO A STUDY THAT I SUPPORT AND THE OUTLETS ARE PROPERLY DONE SO THEY WON'T WASH OUT ANYMORE COMMUNITIES IN PRECINCT TWO. I CAN HEAR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

AGAIN I LOOK FORWARD TO MRS. RAMSEY TO HELP YOU ON THIS

ISSUE. >> JUST A QUICK CONFIRMATION.

WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY AND HANDING OFF PROJECTS.

I HAVE A PICTURE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

SO WE WILL WORK WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S STAFF IN KNOWING WHAT'S HAPPENED AND WHAT WE CAN DO GOING FORWARD.

WE WILL BE IN TOUCH. >> APPRECIATE YOU ALL.

>> THANK YOU FOR COMING IN. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA-RELATED SPEAKER NUMBER 2, GARY LYNN OF THE GARY J LYNN FOUNDATION AND HE WILL BE SPEAKING FOR TWO MINUTES DUE TO AN ADA ACCOMMODATION. YOU CAN GO AHEAD, SIR.

>> YES. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I [INAUDIBLE] PARK THAT WAS BUILT WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA AT SAM MEMORIAL HERMAN AND I DEBATED THE DONOR -- AS A DONATEDDER, I ADVISE TO SEE MORE OF THOSE POSTS THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY. AND ALL OF THE PRECINCTS WILL BE A BETTER COMMUNITY AND WE MAKE FOR AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY AND REALLY GRATEFUL THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA WOERBG TOGETHER -- WORK TOGETHER I HOPE TO SEE MORE OF THAT IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU ALL FOR ALLOWING ME

TO COMMENT ON THAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HARD

>> COMMISSIONER YOUR MIC. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR CALLING AND YOU HAVE REALLY TOUCHED ME.

THAT PARK IS SPECIAL IN SO MANY WAYS.

I AM GLAD YOU HAD A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE IT.

IN FACT, I'M COMMITTED TO YOUR CALL TO ACTION THAT WE SHOULD SEE MORE PARKS LIKE THAT IN HARRIS COUNTY.

IN FACT, THAT IS MY TPHRAING SHIP PARK.

FLAGSHIP PARK. BUT EVERY PARK WE ARE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW AND THAT WE HAVE BEEN SINCE WE STARTED THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT, EVERY PARK IS GOING TO HAVE INCLUSIVE AMENITIES ADDED TO THEM TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LAND PROVIDES AND TO THE EXTENT MY BUDGET PROVIDES.

I AM COMMITTED TO IT. THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

YOU TOUCHED MY HEART TODAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I APPRECIATE YOU CALLING. >> YOU'RE WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR DOING IT FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT PARK IS YOURS, MAN.

[03:10:01]

YOU COME AND USE IT AS OFTEN AS YOU WANT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: GARY, THIS IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

JUST KNOW THAT THAT IS ONE ISSUE I THINK WE ALL AGREE ON IN THIS COURT. I KNOW WE HAVE A GREAT HISTORY OF THAT IN THE COUNTY. MARY JOE PECKAM PARK WE HAVE A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THERE, AN ADA ACCESSIBLE PROGRAM AND LYNDSAY LIONS -- LYONS PARK. THIS IS AN ISSUE IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US AND APPRECIATE YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT TO US TO LOOK AT THE TARGET PARKS AND EXPANDING THIS.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS JACOB CLEMENTAGE SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> I AM JACOB CLEMENTE --

SORRY. >> I JACOB CLEMENTEGE HAVE BEEN INCARCERATED IN JAIL. IT WAS NOT UNTIL BAIL WAS DENIED ME DID I SEEM TO LEARN BEING INCARCERATED WITH OTHER CRIMINALS IS NOT SOMETHING TO TREAT WITH INDIFFERENCE.

I HAVE BEEN IN MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITALS AND BEING IN JAIL IS A CAKE WALK COMPARED WITH THEM.

>> AND NOW I HAVE A SHIRT FOR COUNTY JUDGE HIDALGO AND

ANOTHER ONE READ BY LUCINDA. >> MATTRESS MAC WAS ASKED WHAT ISSUE SHOULD BE MENTIONED BEFORE COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON JANUARY 25TH. HE STATED WITHOUT ANY INKLING OF HESITATION, KEEP CRIMINALS IN JAIL.

THEY ARE KILLING OUR -- MY PEOPLE.

HE DID NOT ELABORATE ON THAT POINT.

HE JUST STATED EMPHATICALLY WHEN QUERIED BY JACOB

CLEMENTAGE. >> I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THAT AND ENJOY THAT SHIRT, JUDGE. I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR SHIRTS BECAUSE ALL OF Y'ALL ARE GETTING THE SAME SHIRTS.

KEEP THE CRIMINALS IN JAIL SO THEY DON'T KILL OUR GOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OVER HERE AND OVER THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, JACOB.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JACOB.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER GLADYS HOUSE ELLE.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> PEACE.

TWO ISSUES. ONE IS I'M REQUESTING AN AUDIT OF THE TEXAS TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICER REGARDING MY ACCOUNT.

FOR 26 YEARS I HAVE HAD ISSUES WHEN PAYING PROPERTY TAXES.

AND IT IS ALWAYS SOMETHING. IT IS LIKE THEY CREATE THESE INVISIBLE TAXES OUT OF NOWHERE.

THE SECOND CONCERN IS WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY AND IN TRYING TO ASSIST SOMEONE WHO IS THERE TO GET OUT, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET ANYONE TO RESPOND TO THE ADMINISTRATION. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

I DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO GO INTO IT AND I WOULDN'T IF I HAD, BUT I WOULD APPRECIATE SOMEONE AT COMMISSIONERS' COURT ADDRESSING MY TWO CONCERNS AND CONNECTING ME TO THE APPROPRIATE PERSONS WHO CAN ASSIST ME WITH MY CONCERNS

AND EVEN THE -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS. GLADYS --

>> HI, ROD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL HAVE SOMEBODY CALL YOU ON THE SECOND MATTER.

ON THE FIRST ONE YOU WILL HAVE TO CALL MS. BENNETT'S OFFICE.

I WILL CALL THEM AND LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO THEM. WE WILL GET SOMEBODY, THEY

WILL CALL AN HOUR OR TWO. >> IS THERE ANYWAY YOUR CHIEF OF STAFF CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST ISSUE.

I AM JUST GETTING THE RUN AROUND.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M NOT SURE, BUT WE WILL TRY.

>> I APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU.

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

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 5, MICHAEL MORRIS.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HEY Y'ALL. GOOD AFTERNOON.

I AM MICHAEL MORRIS AND A RESIDENT IN PRECINCT 2.

IT HAS COME TO THE COMMUNITY'S ATTENTION THAT THE STAY OF

[03:15:04]

COUNTY LAWSUIT HAS BEEN EXTENDED 30 DAYS.

THE PUBLIC HAS A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT WENT ON AND WHAT EXTENDED THE STAY. I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND COUNTY ATTORNEY NOT TO NEGOTIATE WITHOUT OUGHT PROFESSIONAL AND CONSENSUS BY THOSE WHO HAVE MOST TO LOSE, THAT BEING THOSE WHO LIVE NEAR THE FREEWAY. IT NEEDS TO BE TRANSPARENT.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE ACTIVELY ENGAGED AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE COUNTY'S GOALS ARE AND WHAT PROMPTED THE EXTENSION. PLEASE ENGAGE WITH THE NEIGHBORHOODS ADJACENT TO THE FREEWAY ON WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE. I AM FOR COUNTY OFFICIAL HAD THAT STAY THE COURSE ON INFRASTRUCTURE JUSTICE.

WE WANT TO PRIORITIZE WALK BUILT AND INCORPORATE NO ADDITIONAL RIGHT OF WAY AND DESIGNED WITH COMMUNITY CONSENSUS. DON'T KEEP US IN THE DARK ON THIS, PLEASE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS CHRISTOPHER RIVERA FROM THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER RIVERA AND IN PRECINCT 1. SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN THERE IS A DECREASE IN PUBLIC SAFETY.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS STRUGGLED WITH LOSS OF EMPLOYMENT AND LOSS OF HEALTH CARE. WE NEED TO REIMAGINE WHAT PUBLIC SAFETY IS. THE COUNTY INVESTED 60% OF THE BUDGET OF PUBLIC SAFETY THAT INCLUDES MASS INCARCERATION AND OVER POLICING AND A BIAS JUSTICE SYSTEM.

WE NEED TO INVEST IN PROACTIVE PROGRAMS THAT GIVES FIRST PRIORITY. THE WAY HOME HAS PROVIDED HOUSING FOR OVER TWOEPT,000 PEOPLE -- 20,000 PEOPLE.

THIS IS WHAT PUBLIC SAFETY LOOKS LIKE.

RUNNING WATER, ELECTRICITY. I BELIEVE THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S BUDGET.

WE HAVE SEEN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET INCREASE FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS BUT STILL MIRED IN CRIME.

>> WAYS THAT ADDRESS THE PEOPLE.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.

THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 9, CHLOE COOK. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, Y'ALL.

THIS IS CHLOE COOK FROM PRECINCT 1.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE LAWSUIT REGARDING TEXDOT'S ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS. THE LAWSUIT IS CRITICAL FOR RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY THE DANGEROUS AND REGRESS SEUF I-45 EXPANSION AND REMINDS TEXDOT THEY ARE BOUND BY FEDERAL LAWS [INAUDIBLE] COSTLY AND DEADLY.

20 STWO -- 2021 SAW THE MOST DEATHS.

IF ANY CHANGES CAME FROM THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE LAWSUIT THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE MADE AWARE.

IF WE HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING BECAUSE THERE IS NO MEANINGFUL PROGRESS, THE LAWSUIT SHOULD BE REINSTATED.

TEXDOT SHOWED THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN MAKING CHANGES TO THE PROJECT. I AM CONCERNED MULTIPLE STATES OF THE LAWSUIT WEAKEN THE COUNTY AND HAVE MORE TO DO WITH THE POLITICAL DONORS. THE I-45 EXPANSION IS SHORT SIGHT -- SHORT SIDED AND I URGE YOU TO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE BASED ON THE COMMUNITY'S CON -- CONSENSUS.

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

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

>> JUDGE, WE ARE STILL TRYING TO GET IN TOUCH WITH SOME OF THE VIRTUAL SPEAKERS. WE WILL JUMP TO THE NEXT IN PERSON SPEAKER, STEVE RAD -- STEVE RADACK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: HE IS NOT IN PERSON, BUT HE CALLED IN BEFORE. OH.

WELCOME, COMMISSIONER. >> THANK YOU, GOOD AFTERNOON.

GOOD TO BE HERE. I SPENT A FEW DAYS HERE IN MY LIFE. I PRESENT BASICALLY A QUESTION OF WHAT I WAS GOING TO TALK PW-FPLT LAW ENFORCE MINT OFFICERS ARE NOT SUPPORTING SOME COURT MEMBERS AND BASICALLY WHY. LET ME SAY THIS.

I NEVER DREAMED THAT AFTER SERVING 32 YEARS ON THIS COURT THAT THERE WOULD BE THREE MEMBERS OF THIS COURT, HUH DAHL -- HIDALGO AND GARCIA AND ELLIS WHO KISS THE REARS OF CRIMINALS WHO VICTIMIZE LAW ABIDING CITIZENS INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. I AM CALLING ON YOU THREE TO RESIGN FROM OFFICE SO THE HEALING CAN BEGIN.

STOP ACTING LIKE YOU ARE SHEDDING TEARS WHEN YOU SHOW UP AFTER CITIZENS INCLUDING POLICE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN KILLED. IT IS NOT GOOD TV.

LET ME JUST EXPRESS THIS AND THIS IS AS SINCERELY AS I CAN. YOU ARE A DISGRACE.

WHAT Y'ALL ARE ALLOWING TO HAPPEN AND THEN BLAMING JAIL AND DOING THIS AND DOING THAT, WHAT IT IS -- WHAT IT IS IS

[03:20:04]

SKWRO*US A LACK OF CONCERN -- JUST A LACK OF CONCERN OF THE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY.

YOU SPEND MONEY EVERYWHERE ON THE DUMBEST THINGS.

IT REALLY GETS DOWN TO PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTY. YOU ARE AWOL.

I CAN TELL YOU THIS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SO MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING KILLED AND INJURED IN THIS COUNTY.

THE REASON LAW ENFORCEMENT DOESN'T LIKE Y'ALL, AND I DON'T CARE HOW LONG YOU WERE SHERIFF OR HPD, YOU ARE NOT THE SAME AS YOU USED TO BE. YOU USED TO CARE ABOUT CATCHING CRIMINALS. AND HANDLING THEM.

INSTEAD OF ALL OF THIS KISS THEIR REAR.

I AM SICKENED BY IT. AND I HOPE THE PUBLIC TURNS OUT AND GETS RID OF Y'ALL IF YOU DON'T QUIT.

BECAUSE YOU HAVE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS AND IT IS NOT GOING AWAY UNTIL Y'ALL ARE GONE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER, I HAVE A QUESTION.

>> YES, SIR. >> TOM RAMSEY: HAULING WERE

YOU IN HPD. >> 11 YEARS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: AND YOU WERE CONSTABLE?

>> FOUR. >> TOM RAMSEY: AND

COMMISSIONER? >> 32.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I SEEM TO REMEMBER BECAUSE I LIVED IN THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE SAME PRECINCT.

IT LOOKED LIKE ALL THOSE YEARS YOU WERE IN COMMISSION I THINK YOU HAD SUPPORT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.

>> I HOPE I DID. I THINK I DID.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S WHAT I REMEMBER.

THE STORY I GET AND THE INFORMATION I GET IS THEY SUPPORTED YOU BECAUSE YOU SUPPORTED THEM.

I WANT TO THANK YOU PUBLICLY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OVER DECADES. IT MAY HAVE CAUSED YOU COUNTY COMMISSIONER, BUT I KNOW YOUR NUMBER ONE FOCUS ALL THOSE MANY YEARS FROM THE TIME YOU WERE HPD AND CONSTABLE WAS SAFETY AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS.

THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS IN RESPONSE TO WHAT YOU JUST SAID.

WHEN I RAN FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER IN 1988, MY OPPONENT, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY, WHEN I TALKED ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT SAID COMMISSIONERS DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT. YOU ARE CONFUSED WITH COMMISSIONERS, WHATEVER, IN NEW YORK.

AND I HAVE A BROCHURE THAT SAID ACROSS THE FRONT.

WHAT DOES A COUNTY COMMISSIONER HAVE TO DO WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT? THE ANSWER IS EVERYTHING.

EVERYTHING. THIS IS WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT -- THIS IS WHERE PEOPLE WITH BACKBONE GET SUPPORT, NOT CRITICISM, NOT FINDING FAULT WITH THEM.

THAT'S THE WAY IT WAS. AND BY THE WAY, DURING KATRINA, A BUNCH OF PEOPLE FROM LOUISIANA CAME HERE.

I'M FROM LOUISIANA. I CAN TELL YOU THIS -- I'M GLAD YOU CAN AND I AM PROUD OF IT.

LET ME TELL YOU THIS, JUST SO YOU WILL KNOW, A LOT OF THEM WANTED TO GO TO JAIL IN KATRINA IN LOUISIANA BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE THEY ARE FROM. THEY CAME HERE FROM KATRINA AND THEY GOT TO SMOKE IN JAIL WHICH THEY CAN'T DO HERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER KATHLEEN CHRISTMAN.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.

>> HI. CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO AHEAD -- GO AHEAD, MA'AM.

>> I WAS JUST CALLING IN TO TALK ABOUT THE LAWSUIT AGAINST TEXDOT AND JUST TO SAY THAT I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU GUYS HAVE DONE TO SUPPORT HOUSTONIANS AND PEOPLE WHO CALL THIS PLACE HOME. IT WILL BRING MORE AIR POLLUTION AND MORE ACCELERATED -- I WANTED TO CHECK IN AND SAY WHAT IS GOING ON WITH TEXDOT? ARE THEY SHOWING GOOD FAITH IN THIS? I JUST WANT YOU TO CONTINUE TO PRIORITIZE THIS LAWSUIT AGAINST THIS PROJECT. REALLY IT IS JUST OVER A BIG CHUNK OF HOUSTON. I ASK YOU FOR A BETTER

PROJECT. >> I KNOW WE -- TEXDOT IS NOT ON THE AGENDA. I'M AFRAID I CAN'T COMMENT,

BUT THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 13. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> I AM SANDRA BLANDING AND I

[03:25:06]

AM A CONSTITUENT IN COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S DISTRICT. I WOULD LIKE TO ARTICULATE WHAT CHRISTOPHER GARCIA SAID. HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD NOT INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT NOR EXPANSION OF THE D.A.'S OFFICE.

INSTEAD THE INCREASES SHOULD BE DIVERTED TO FUNDING SERVICES TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS.

AS LEN LMS GRADUATE I WANT TO SPEAK OF SUPPORTING ENCOT TEAMS AND DECREASING CERT TEAMS. WE HAVE A -- WE NEED A ROBUST, NONVIOLENT RESPONSE.

TOO LONG THEY HAVE CRIMINALIZED MENTAL ILLNESS.

THANK YOU FOR THE COUNTY TO MOVE AWAY FROM THAT AND WE CAN DO MORE. THE MORE WE CAN INVEST IN MENTAL ILLNESS THE SAFER OUR COMMUNITY WILL BE.

WE CANNOT HAVE MORE VICTIMS LIKE MARCELLA GARCIA.

MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT A CRIME.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS NONUH GENE -- NONAGENDA SPAEBGER --

NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 7. >> I AM ALEC AND RES TKEBT OF PRECINCT -- RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1.

I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE PHONE AND I KNOW OTHERS COMMENTED ON IT. I THANK THE COUNTY FOR PURSUING THE LAWSUIT AGAINST TEXDOT AND FIGHTING FOR BETTER PROJECTS. I AM STILL CONFUSED ABOUT THE PURPOSE OF THE STAY AND I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE STAY WAS EXTENDED AND WHAT THE GOALS THE COUNTY WANTS AND SOME ENGAGEMENT WITH THE AFFECTED COMMUNITY.

I WANT TO HAVE THE COUNTY, YOU KNOW, HAVE THAT -- DO THAT PROCESS BECAUSE THIS IS -- THIS IS A BAD PROJECT AND I AM FIGHTING FOR THAT. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE STAY WAS DONE AND THERE WAS NOT COMMUNICATION OF THE IMPACTED TKPWROEUPS -- GROUPS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> AND THE NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 14 BENJAMIN PETERS.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> CAN EVERYONE HEAR ME OKAY? CAN YOU HEAR ME?

HELLO? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO AHEAD.

>> OKAY. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS BEN AND I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1 AND ALSO CALLING ON THE I-45 EXPANSION.

I ALSO SUPPORT THE COUNTY'S LAWSUIT BECAUSE IT VALIDATES THE COMMUNITIES LIVING NEAR THE FREEWAY.

IT IS AN ESSENTIAL OPPORTUNITY TO DEMAND TRANSPARENCY TO TEXDOT. I TOO UNDERSTAND THE STAY WAS EXTENDED AN ADDITIONAL 30 DAYS.

WE ARE TRYING TO ENGAGE WITH TEXDOT IN GOOD FAITH, BUT I AM CONCERNED THEY HAVE BEEN MISLEADING WITH THEIR LAWSUIT TO COMMIT TO THE CHANGES. WHAT PROGRESS HAS NOT BEEN MADE? ARE THEY ENGAGING IN GOOD FAITH? HOW IS COMMISSIONERS' COURT GOING TO ENGAGE AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE ABLE TO GET

THEIR NEEDS MET. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING.

>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS WE WERE ABLE TO

REACH. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT, THANK

[Departments (Part 5 of 5)]

YOU SO MUCH. SO LET'S GO THROUGH THE CONSENT AGENDA. THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY WHO SPOKE. LET'S GO THROUGH THE ITEM THAT'S REQUIRE MINOR CHANGES. ITEM 16 ON PAGE 3, REPLACE APPROVAL OF WITH APPROVAL TO TKPWOEURB KWRAEUT AND ADD -- NEGOTIATE AND ADD FROM AVAILABLE ARPA FISCAL RECOVERY

FUNDS AFTER THE WORD MILLION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS IS 16?

WHRAOEPB LEAN I BELIEVE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I BELIEVE

EVERYBODY HAS THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE THAT FOR DISCUSSION, BUT NOW THAT WE CONFIRMED IT IS ARPA FUNDS, BUT IT CAN GO ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL NOTE THAT.

AND THEN THERE IS 8 TESTIMONY 50.

COULD BE DASH THERE IS ITEM 50 AND CORRECTION TO CHANGE THE WORD PLAN TO THE WORD PARKS. ITEM 174 IS AN IGA ITEM AND NO

[03:30:04]

ACTION TAKEN ON THIS ROUTINE ITEM.

ITEM 214, ROW 18 AND THAT IS FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCT 2 AND WE NEED TO CHANGE THE AMOUNT FROM 593 TO 448.

ITEM 251, THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION.

THIS IS THE RENEWAL OPTION. ITEM 254 AND WE NEED TO REPLACE THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE WITH ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR. THIS IS FOR TECHNICAL ELECTION SUPPORT. ITEM 311 ON PAGE 37 CHANGE 210058 TO 210056. SO WE ARE CHANGING THE 8 TO A 6. ITEM 314, THE PURCHASING AMOUNT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED FROM 4 MILLION 733 THOUSAND 402 TO 760,000. THE SUBMISSION IT CONFUSED THE MATCH VERSUS THE AMOUNT OF THE TOTAL FUNDING WE WOULD BE

RECEIVING. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT IS THE

TOTAL AMOUNT AGAIN? >> LINA HIDALGO: IT SHOULD SAY 760,000. IT SHOULD NOT SAY 4 MILLION 733,402. THOSE ARE THE CORRECTIONS.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE CORRECTIONS BEFORE I MOVE

ON TO THE CONSENT AGENDA? >> NO, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S START WITH EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. ITEM 379, COMMISSIONER ELLIS? DO WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? OKAY.

380, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, TO REAPPOINT MR. JAMES LYKES TO

THE HARRIS CENTER BOARD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOT AT ALL.

I HAVE BEEN GETTING GREAT REPORTS ABOUT HIS WORK AND PARTICIPATION AND WOULD LOVE FOR HIM TO STAY ON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 381, COMMISSIONER GARCIA TO

REAPPOINT DR. GEARING. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: LIKE

WAO*EURZ, A PHENOMENAL JOB. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, ITEM 382, REAPPOINTMENT TO THE HARRIS COUNTY SPORTS

AND CONVENTION CORPORATION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DO NOT NEED TO GO BACK. A LITTLE KNOWN FACT IS HE PLAYED THE FIRST DOWN FOR THE HOUSTON OILERS IN THE

ASTRODOME WHEN IT OPENED UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S AMAZING. ITEM 383.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU REQUEST A DISCUSSION AND I IMAGINE THIS NEEDS TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AS TO THE O'DONNELL CONSENT DECREES AND THE DAVES DECISION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THE REQUEST IS TO GO TO SKAOUT SEUF

SESSION. >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THEY -- 384 AND THIS IS THE RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNTY ENGINEER. I RECEIVED THE RECOMMENDATION AND I DON'T NEED EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THIS OR 38 TPAEUF. ARE MICHAEL -- 385.

ARE MY COLLEAGUES OKAY WITH THAT?

I'M SORRY? >> TOM RAMSEY: [INAUDIBLE]

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON 384 AND 385 AS WELL. 396.

SPECIAL COUNCIL SERVICES. DO FOLKS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION OR COUNTY ATTORNEY?

>> IT IS UP TO THE COURT IF THERE NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSION ABOUT IT, BUT THERE IS NO REASON TO UNLESS YOU HAVE A REQUEST TO. WHRAO*EUPB LEAN DO MICHAEL --

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO MY COLLEAGUES NEED TO DISCUSS THAT? WE WILL LEAVE IT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EYE -- ITEM 402 IS MY

REAPPOINTMENT OF FRANCIS DYESS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOT AT ALL.

THINK THE WORLD OF HER. CONGRATULATIONS TO HER AND TO HER WORK. SO FOR SQUAT TIFF SESSION WE -- EXECUTIVE SESSION 379, 383, 384 AND 385.

FOR THE REST OF THE AGENDA THERE IS ITEM 16 THAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE WE NO LONGER NEED TO DISCUSS.

ITEM 17 IS CHIP 2.0. DO FOLKS -- COMMISSIONERS

RAMSEY AND CAGLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A QUESTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 21, THE TESTING POLICY AND I KNOW YOU WANTED TO DISCUSS THAT AS WELL.

ITEM 24, EIGHT VISITING JUDGES COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

[03:35:02]

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 25, I I MEAN I CAN GIVE UH ONE-MINUTE UPDATE.

I WILL GIVE YOU A QUICK ONE. ITEM 26 THE MOU ON FACILITY SECURITY AGREEMENTS, COMMISSIONERS RAMSEYS AND CAGLE HAD QUESTIONS ON THAT. ITEM 39, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, HURRICANE NICHOLAS PAYMENT. OKAY.

ITEM 66. COMMISSIONER GARCIA AN AGREEMENT WITH GREATER NORTH SIDE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BRIEFLY. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 70.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LIKEWISE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 126, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING REMODEL.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: MY ONLY COMMENT THERE IS I HAVE FIRST TKEUBS ON THIS -- ON -- DIBS ON SOME OF THIS SPACE. I JUST NEED FIRST DIBS.

I THINK I HAVE THE SMALLEST AMOUNT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU REALLY DON'T.

I HAVE THE SMALLEST AMOUNT. >> TOM RAMSEY: DO YOU?

>> CONCEDE TO THAT, COMMISSIONER.

WE WILL HAVE A BROADER DISCUSSION.

WE CAN DISCUSS THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU ARE

LEAVING IT ON? >> TOM RAMSEY: OKAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: LEAVE IT ON? >> LINA HIDALGO: HE SAID LEAVE IT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. ITEM 150.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF LA

PORT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 164, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE ARE GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: TECHNICAL ENGINEERING. PUT IT ON CONSENT?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL MOVE 164 TO CONSENT AGENDA. 202, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, A

PROGRAM BY A CONSTABLE HEAP. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A REQUEST.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 203. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THE FUNDING FOR THE INMATE TRANSFER.

>> TOM RAMSEY: HAD A QUESTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 206 COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RAMSEY , THESE ARE LITIGATION

EXPENSES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE HAVE THE AFFIDAVIT TO NOT VOTE ON THAT SECTION RELATED TO OUR LITIGATION TO WHERE WE ARE A PARTY.

I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS ONE AND I HAVE ONE.

I DON'T KNOW THAT THE JUDGE HAS ONE ON THE LAWSUIT THAT WE

FILED ON REDISTRICTING. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE WE CAN

JUST MOVE IT SO YOU CAN VOTE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I CAN'T VOTE ON THE ONE PART. THE REMAINDER YOU CAN MOVE ON.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: PERHAPS I WILL MAKE A MOTION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I AM NOT GOING TO VOTE FOR THE 20,000 --

[INAUDIBLE] >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN I MOVE IT AND YOU WILL VOTE ON THE WHOLE THING.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I MOVE FOR THE WHOLE THING BUT FOR THE I-45 EXPENDITURE AND THE -- THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE

REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A

SECOND? >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN FAVOR.

YOU WILL MOVE ON THE TWO REMAINING ITEMS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES, RIGHT? IT CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. AND NOW THERE IS A MOTION ON THE REMAINING ITEMS BY COMMISSIONER EL LITS.

-- ELLIS. A SECOND?

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

TPAOEUFR. >> LET THE RECORD REFLECT ON

THE ITEM -- >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 3-2 WITH COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RAMSEY OPPOSED,

CORRECT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I NEED YOU TO VOTE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE ARE TWO ITEMS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE FIRST PASSED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S DO IT AGAIN.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE. WHAT IS YORE MOTION?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL ITEMS EXCEPT FOR THE TWO ISSUES.

ONE IS THE I-45 ISSUE AND THE OTHER IS THE REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT. I AM A NO ON THE I-45.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THEN WE NEED TO MAKE A MOTION.

YOU MADE A MOTION AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ALL IN

FAVOR? >> I.

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

IS THERE A MOTION ON THE I-45 ITEM -- EXCUSE ME ON THE

REDISTRICTING ITEM AND THE -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: DO THEM

SEPARATELY. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A

MOTION ON THE REDISTRIBUTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: A SECOND ON THE REDISTRICTING ITEM ONLY BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED. >> ABSTAINED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TWO ABSTENTIONS.

WE NEED A MOTION ON THE ITEM BY ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

[03:40:02]

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT CARRIES 3-2. GOOD.

THANK YOU. THAT WE ARE GOOD WITH AND THAT WAS 206. NEXT IS 208.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU NEED TO DISCUSS THIS ITEM? ITEM 210.

ONE-TIME LUMP SUM SALARY PAYMENTS FOR PROBATE COURT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THE ATTORNEY ANSWERED THAT QUESTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL PUT 210 ON THE CON SENT AGENDA.

218 COMMUNITY SERVICES NEEDS TWO POSITIONS, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DID YOU HAVE A YES -- QUESTION.

245 APPROVAL OF PAYMENT FOR AUDITOR CLAIMS, COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WAS WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING FROM PFM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE STILL WAITING? JACK SKPRABG THERE IS AN EYE -- SKRABG JACK THERE IS AN ITEM FOR PFM? I MOVE THE ITEM WITH EXCEPTION OF THE PORTION RELATED TO PFM HALLOWEEN LEAN --

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONERS ELLIS AND GARCIA ARE IN FAVOR.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. IS THERE A MOTION FOR THE PORTION OF THE AUDITED CLAIM THAT INCLUDES PFM?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

TPA*EUFR -- FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 3-2. ITEM 251 --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER ONE GOT BEHIND ME. PUT 64 ON THE NON-CONSENT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: 64? >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHICH

NUMBER? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 64.

IT IS FOR A BRIEF DISCUSSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN THERE IS 251 RENEWAL WITH -- THAT HAS NO ACTION.

264 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? DO YOU NEED TO VOTE ON THIS?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: DO YOU WANT TO VOTE OR DISCUSS?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I HAVE A QUESTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 265.

AID -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 268. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SAME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 8 TESTIMONY 2 -- ITEM 270, SAME THING?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SAME THING. >> LINA HIDALGO: 277.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LIKEWISE. >> LINA HIDALGO: 282 MULTIPLE VENDORS FOR MATERIAL TESTING COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 283 AND THAT IS DEMA CONSULTING COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, CAN YOU PLEASE TURN YOUR MIC ON?

>> LINA HIDALGO: 291 IS AN AMENDMENT TO RENEW OPTION WITH PFM. COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND

RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT.

SKWRAOEBG JACK I JUST NEED -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: I JUST WANT

TO VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY UH --

OPPOSED. >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CARRIES 3-2. 314 AND THIS IS THE VACCINE FOR REFUGEE HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DID YOU STILL HAVE A QUESTION ON

THIS? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO.

NOT ON THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL PUT THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

8 TESTIMONY 315. ITEM 315.

MAIL VOTER REGISTRATION SETTER SETS.

-- CERTIFICATES. IS THAT TO BE DISCUSSED OR

JUST VOTE? >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU WANT

TO VOTE NO OR PUT ON CONSENT? >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION FOR ITEM 315? MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ONE QUICK SECOND, PLEASE.

I NEED TO REVIEW MY NO ON THAT.

SKW REQUEST >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN LEAVE

THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: LET'S

DISCUSS IT PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: 321 IS A

RYE -- REDISTRICTING UPDATE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 322 THE CRIME TASK FORCE AND I ASSUME WE LEAVE IT IN THE DISCUSSION. ITEM 387, CONSIDERATION OF SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS.

[03:45:04]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I SENT A MOTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ON A REDISTRICTING MATTER IS THAT ANYTHING THAT WOULD INVOLVE LITIGATION?

>> NO. NOT AT ALL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. AND THEN ITEM 395 IS THE COMMUNITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND WORKER

PROTECTION PROVISIONS. >> TOM RAMSEY: I JUST HAD

QUESTIONS ON THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE IS

395. >> TOM RAMSEY: 395.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I SENT THAT ORDER -- IS THAT ORDER YOU SENT AROUND? I JUST NEED TO VOTE ON THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU WANT ME TO MOVE IT?

SO MOVED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON 395.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> NO. NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

ITEM 398 IS AN AGREEMENT WITH HARDIGRAPH FOR A WORK ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED

THIS. >> TOM RAMSEY: IS THIS FOR ONLY ONE AND TWO OR FOR -- IS THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ONLY ONE AND TWO? THAT WASN'T CLEAR TO ME.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I BELIEVE IT IS FOR EVERYBODY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. >> [INAUDIBLE].

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY NEED TO MAKE A CORRECTION?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL GET DWIGHT TO CONFIRM OR NOT

WHETHER IT IS -- >> I WILL CONFIRM, COMMISSIONER, WITH THE UNIVERSAL SERVICES IF IT COVERS ALL PRECINCTS. I WILL GET YOU AN ANSWER

SHORTLY. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL LEAVE IT ON THE DISCUSSION AGENDA FOR NOW.

THANK YOU. AND ITEM 403, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. DISCUSSION ON EMPLOYMENT -- UH -- APPOINTMENT CANCELLATIONS FOR THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR. WE DON'T HAVE PUBLIC HEARINGS TODAY. WE ARE DISCUSSING ITEMS THRAOEU -- 379 EXECUTIVE SESSION AND 383 EXECUTIVE SESSION AND 384 AND 385 IN SKAOUT SEUF SESSION.

OPEN COURT IS ITEM 17, 21, 24, 25, 26, 39, 66, 70, 150, 202, 203, 208, 218, 264, 265, 268, 270, 277, 282, 283, 315, 321, 322, 387, THRAE 98 -- 398 AND 403.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AND 404. THAT WAS MY OWN ITEM I WANTED TO DISCUSS AND I FORGOT TO PUT THAT INTO THE MIX.

>> AND WAS IT ITEM 64? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 64,

CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND 404.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DWIGHT, ARE YOU READY? YOU ARE ON SCREEN. THAT'S WHY I SAID THAT.

>> THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DON'T FORGET

TO MUTE IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE CAN PUT 282 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. WHRAOEPB LEAN LET ME --

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME GET THAT DOWN TO -- COMMISSIONER,

WHICH ITEM DID YOU SAY? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 282.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR FLOOD CONTROL WE WILL PUT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

ANY OTHER CHANGES BEFORE I READ IT ANOTHER TIME? SO JUST TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE, 379, 383, 384, 17, 21, 24, 25, 26, 39, 64, 66, 71, 150, 202, 218, 264, 265, 268, 270 TWORBGS 77, 28 -- 273, 322387, 398, 403 AND

404. >> CORRECT -- CORRECTION, JUDGE. IF WE CAN KEEP 282 ON THE

DISCUSSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

[03:50:03]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU SURE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND 282. ANY CORRECTIONS OR QUESTIONS?

>> JUDGE, I HAD A QUICK QUESTION.

YOU SAID YOU WOULD LEAVE 402 ON CON -- CONSENT.

IT SAYS FOR POSSIBLE APPROVAL FOR THE REUH POINT MEANT FOR

FRANCIS CASTANEDA. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE MOTION WOULD BE TO APPOINT HER ORIE APPOINT HER.

ARE ON REAPPOINT HER. THANK YOU.

IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL ITEMS 1 THROUGH 406 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE ITEMS ALREADY VOTED ON.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: DWIGHT IS RAISING HIS HAND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> YOU CAN TAKE OFF THE ONE FOR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. IT IS TO COVER THE ENTIRE COUNTY. IT IS REFERENCING PRECINCT TWO BECAUSE THEY ARE ORIGINALLY WHERE THE CONTRACT IS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT WAS ITEM --

>> LET ME LOOK. THRAE 98.

398. >> LINA HIDALGO: I FEEL LIKE I

SHOULD GO OVER IT AGAIN. >> I'M SORRY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS OKAY. IT IS LIKE THE RADIO DISCLAIMER. 379, 383, 384, 385, 17, 21, 24, 25, 26, 39, 64, 66, 70, 150, 202, 203, 208, 218, 264, 265, 268, 270, 277, 282, 283, 315, 321, 322, 387, 403 AND 404. IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL OF THE ITEMS? IT FOR NOT THOSE ALREADY VOTED ON. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. I PROPOSE WE TAKE A LUNCH

BREAK UNTIL 3:15. >> I WOULD LIKE THE RECORD TO REFLECT I HAD ONE RESOLUTION AND PULL IT OFF THE CONSENT

AGENDA. >> WE CAN BE BACK AT 3:15.

THANK YOU. ITEM AND THEN BE CAN HAVE THE DISCUSSION IF CAGLE AND RAMSEY HAVE QUESTIONS.

IT IS 3:TPHAEUPB TEEN AND COMMISSIONER'S -- 3 AOEUPB -- 3:19 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

IT IS 19, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. THAT IS THE RFP PROCESS FOR THE CHIP PROGRAM 2.0. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

IT SHOULD BE PAGE 3. I HAVE --

>> TOM RAMSEY: I HAVE HEARD SOME PRETTY GOOD METRICS IN TERMS OF SERVICES. I WANT TO MAKE SURE IN AFFIRMATION THAT THE MONEY WE ARE SPENDING WE FEEL LIKE WE ARE GETTING VALUE. PEOPLE HAVE LOOKED AT THAT AND SAID THIS IS A BENEFIT. I GUESS MY QUESTION AND I KNOW THAT WE HAVE LEAH SPARTAN HANDLING THIS AND SHE DOES A GOOD JOB WITH THE DETAILS. AND I KNOW WHERE THIS IS HEADED, BUT ARE WE PARTNERING WITH ANY NONPROFITS ON THIS AND IT WOULD BE MY SIMPLE QUESTION.

DO WE HAVE NON-PROFIT PARTNERSHIPS ON DOING THIS WORK? I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE LEAH ON BOARD OR NOT? MAYBE NOT.

AND THEN FROM A COUNTY BUDGET STANDPOINT ARE WE CREATING ANYTHING THAT WILL HAVE SOME LONG-TERM BUDGET ISSUES WE WILL HAVE TO SUSTAIN? WE ARE RECEIVING FEDERAL MONEY AND DO YOU SEE THIS WHEN THE GRANT RUNS OUT IS THIS GOING TO BE A PROGRAM THAT THE NONPROFITS WILL PICK UP? WHAT DO YOU SEE AS AN END GAME TO THIS?

[03:55:02]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU TALK, MR. BERRY? I THINK YOUR MIC IS NOT WORKING.

YOU MAY HAVE TO GO OUT AND COME BACK IN, DAVE.

I KNOW THE COUNTY PUT IN 20 MILLION.

A TOWN IN WISCONSIN, 16 MILLION.

L.A. COUNTY STEPPED UP IN A BIG WAY.

OF COURSE THEY HAVE MORE. THEY GOT 468 MILLION IN ARP, A FUNDING -- AORBGS RPA -- ARPA FUNDING.

I KNOW THEY HAVE MORE OF A HOMELESS PROBLEM THAN WE HAVE. BUT THE COUNTIES ARE USING THE ARPA MONEY TO FUND IT. YOU HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO -- I THINK WE CAN HEAR YOU NOW?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. >> HOLD ON.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, TO YOUR FIRST QUESTION --

>> LINA HIDALGO: DAVE. WE LOST YOU AGAIN.

I CAN CALL YOUR PHONE TOO IF IT IS NOT WORKING.

>> PERFECT. I CAN COME DOWN, BUT IF YOU CAN CALL ME THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME JUST CALL YOUR PHONE.

>> HOW IS THIS? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S GOOD.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TORQUES YOUR FIRST QUESTION, YOU DID A DEEP DIVE -- THE RESULTS OF THE PROGRAM WERE FAVORABLE AND SOME PROGRESS SHOWN. WE ARE SPENDING MONEY ON EVALUATION WHICH I THINK IS APPROPRIATE.

I FEEL VERY GOOD ON THAT POINT.

AS TO WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THIS MONEY GOES AWAY WE IS CERTAINLY NOT CREATING A BUDGET POSITION THAT WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE TO BE FUNDED.

OBVIOUSLY WHEN YOU DO SOMETHING FOR THE COMMUNITY AND THE MONEY RUNS OUT THERE IS A DISCUSSION OF WHO IF ANYONE CAN PICK UP THE SLACK THERE.

I DON'T WANT TO SAY WE HAVE ALL OF THAT FIGURED OUT.

I THINK LEAH HAS JOINED AND CAN ANSWER YOUR FINAL QUESTION ABOUT THE SPECIFIC NONPROFITS WHO I PARTNERED WITH.

>> TOM RAMSEY: DAVE, HOW LONG OF THE 29 P-L THAT IS PERMITTED, HOW LONG DO YOU THINK THAT WILL LAST?

>> WHY DON'T YOU TAKE OVER, LEAH?

YOU ARE THE EXPERT HERE. >> OKAY.

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

YES. IT IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR TWO YEARS. WE WILL GO THROUGH THE CONTRACTING PROCESS THIS SPRING AND GET THE CONTRACTS IN PLACE BY THIS SUMMER. THE GOAL OF THE RFP WOULD BE TO IDENTIFY THE RIGHT NONPROFITS TO PARTNER WITH.

SO THE FOLKS WHO SPOKE THIS MORNING WERE REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT THAT WAS THE PHASE 1 PROGRAM.

WE HOPE WE GIVE SOME SMALLER NONPROFITS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S THE PROPOSAL PROCESS WE ARE GOING

THROUGH? >> YES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THOSE THAT CALLED IN TODAY, THAT'S WHO WE WORK? IT SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE A TWO-YEAR DATE TO SUSTAIN IT. AND WE CAN WORK THROUGH THE DETAILS. WHEN WE CREATE HOUSING IT IS ANY NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SCENARIOS IN TERMS OF TYPE OF

HOUSING THAT WE ARE CREATING? >> SOME OF THE PRIMARY EXPENSES HERE ARE REALLY THE CASE MANAGEMENT AND THE NAVIGATION AND JUST APARTMENT FEES AND A WHOLE PORTFOLIO OF SERVICES INCLUDED HERE. THERE IS A VARIETY OF

SOURCES. >> YOU CAN HEAR AND SEE OTHER CITIES. SOME CITIES BOUGHT APARTMENT BUILDINGS AND THEY CREATED A WHOLE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THOSE FOLKS IN THERE. AND THAT MAY BE ONE WAY TO DO IT. OBVIOUSLY THAT IS A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE. THAT IS ONE THING.

AND THEN POLICIES RELATED TO I THINK LAW ENFORCEMENT FREE ZONES WHERE THEY DON'T GET IN TROUBLE.

[04:00:04]

I GUESS I USE THAT WORD. SOME OF THAT -- THAT'S NOT WHAT WE HAVE HERE. WE ARE JUST -- IT IS LIKE A ONE ON ONE INDIVIDUAL HELPING. THE HOMELESS OUT THERE WITH

THEIR CASE BY CASE SERVICE. >> YES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: APPRECIATE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

MR. BERRY, IF LEAH IS NOT RUNNING THE PROGRAM WOULD YOU GIVE ME A HEADS UP? WE HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND I KNOW YOU ARE PARTNERING WITH THE

CITY OF HOUSTON ON THEIR PART. >> YES, WITH THE CITY AND THE COALITION AND WITH OUR COMMUNITY SERVICES

DEPARTMENT. >> TOM RAMSEY: SO WHATEVER THE CITY PUTS IN, THAT WILL ALL GO INTO ONE POT, AND IT IS

MANAGED BY YOU? >> WE WILL DO OUR OWN CONTRACTING. AND THEN WE WILL JOINTLY DECIDE WHICH NONPROFITS WE WANT TO CONTRACT WITH AND EACH OF US WILL HAVE THE CONTRACTS WITH THE NONPROFITS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LEAH, QUICK QUESTION.

WHEN DO YOU THINK THIS WILL BE UP AND RUNNING.

I GUESS RIGHT NOW WHAT IS THE OVERLAP BETWEEN 1.0 AND 2.0 AND WHAT HAPPENS IN BETWEEN AND WHEN WILL 2.0 RUN?

>> CHIP 1 WILL RUN THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE SUMMER AND THEN WE WILL DO THE RFP CONTRACTING PROCESS BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE AND JULY AND THE NEW CONTRACTS WILL KICK IN.

WE ALREADY HAVE THE FIRST $5.5 MILLION.

THAT WAS APPROVED LAST SUMMER TO PROVIDE THE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO THE FOLKS USING THE ARPA EMERGENCY HOUSING VOUCHERS. THAT IS UP AND RUNNING ALREADY. THIS INCREMENTAL MONEY WILL BEACON TRACTING WITH THE NONPROFITS BETWEEN NOW AND THE

SUMMER. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND DO YOU HAVE -- I KNOW WHEN WE WERE DOING THE QUARANTINE OR THE ISOLATION SPACE FOR THE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FOLKS WHO DIDN'T HAVE A PLACE TO ISOLATE, THE CITY WAS IN CHARGE OF PAYING FOR THE FACILITY AND WE WERE IN CHARGE OF PAYING FOR THE STAFF, SOMETHING LIKE THAT? DO YOU HAVE A DIVISION OF LABOR LIKE THAT FOR THIS?

IS IT KIND OF -- >> THE SPLIT MAY BE BETWEEN WHO CONTRACTS WITH WHICH NONPROFIT SO WE DON'T HAVE CONTRACTS WITH THE SAME NONPROFIT.

WE TRY AND MINIMIZE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONTRACTS, BUT WE'LL WORK THAT OUT IN THE RFP PROCESS.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR THIS ITEM AND FOR YOUR PRESENTATION.

I AM EXCITED BECAUSE THIS CONTINUES TO MOVE THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON FORWARD IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND CHIP 1.0 SURPASSED OUR EXPECTATIONS, ESPECIALLY MINE.

WE HOUSED 3,000 PEOPLE AND WE SERVED OVER 7,000 HOUSEHOLDS FAR BRRRR -- FAR GREATER THAN OUR GOAL OF ASSISTING 5,000 HOUSEHOLDS OVERALL. WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE DIVISION SERVICES AND PREVENTING THEM FROM FALLING IN THE CRACKS AND ENTERING THE HOMELESS SYSTEM.

I WILL JUST SAY THAT IT DEMONSTRATES OUR COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THOSE WHO ARE MUST VULNERABLE AND TO DO ALL WE CAN TO PROVIDE PERMANENT AND SAFE HOUSING TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND PROVIDE THE RESOURCES NECESSARY TO PREVENT ADD RISK INDIVIDUALS FROM FALLING INTO IT.

MY SCOPE IS THAT WE WERE WORKING WITH CSD.

I KNOW WE ARE WORKING TO BRING ON A HOUSING HOMELESS CZAR AND WE NEED TO GET THAT GOING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

I ASK US TO VISIT AND WE HAVE TRIED TO BRING IN A NUMBER OF CONVERSATIONS. WE HAVE A LONG LINE FOR [INAUDIBLE] HOUSE -- HOUSING. I WOULD ONLY SAY THAT THAT IS WHERE SOME OF MY ANXIETY IS. THERE ARE STRATEGIES, BUT WE HAVE TO THINK THROUGH THEM AND SEE HOW WE CAN MOVE THOSE

[04:05:02]

FORWARD. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER ELLIS RAISED PART OF MY CONCERN WITH THIS PROGRAM.

I I SUPPORTED THE 5.5 MILLION THAT WE BROUGHT INTO THE FIRST BITE AND PART OF THIS WAS BECAUSE WE WERE DEALING AND RESPONDING TO WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH COVID.

WE ARE DEALING WITH ARPA FUNDS THAT WILL RUN OUT AND WE NEED TO MAKE VERY SURE WHEN WE ARE UTILIZING THE ARPA FUNDS THAT WE ARE JUDICIOUS WITH REGARD TO THAT.

THE MODEL OF KING COUNTY AND L.A. COUNTY IS NOT A PERSUASIVE MODEL TO ME BECAUSE THEY ARE LOOKING TO GET THE MORE THEY PUT IN, THE MORE DEMAND THEY SEEM TO CREATE.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T PUT OURSELVES IN THE ZONE WHERE WE WILL START TO ATTRACT MORE OF THE HOMELESSNESS ISSUES THAT ARE HERE AS OPPOSED TO SOLVING THEM.

I AM IN FAVOR OF US FIGURING OUT HOW TO WORK WITH THE NONPROFITS TO ASSIST FOLKS TO WHERE THEY ARE GETTING OUT OF THE SYSTEM AND THEY ARE SELF- SELF-SUFFICIENT.

AND I WILL NOT SUPPORT THE MONEY ADDED TO THE 5.5.

I VIEW THIS AS A -- AS MAYBE THE L.A. MODEL AND THE KING COUNTY MODEL IS NOT THE MODEL AND THE DIRECTION THAT WE NEED TO GO TO THAT WE NEED TO BE A LITTLE MORE STRATEGIC.

I THINK IN WORKING WITH OUR LOCAL NONPROFITS AND EASING OUT OF THE SYSTEM NOT FROM GOVERNMENT DEPENDENCE, BUT UPON ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS THAT MAY FIND THEMSELVES IN

DIRE STRA*EUT -- STRAITS. >> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK YOU WERE DOING. YOU ARE FULFILLING THE MISSION DESIGNED. THERE IS NO CRITICISM THERE.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T FOLLOW THE PATHWAY OF

L.A. AND KING COUNTY. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> I AM PROUD TO MAKE A MOTION.

I APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU ARE DOING.

L.A. COUNTY, NOT ONLY ARE THEY USING ARPA MONEY, BUT THEY ARE STEPPING UP IN A BIG WAY WITH THE LOCAL FUNDS.

WE PASSED A 1.4 CENTS SALES TAX THAT THE VOTERS APPROVED IN 2017 TO PAY FOR STREET OUT REACH AND SUPPORT SERVICES AND IT HAS AN IMPACT ON CRIME, BY THE WAY.

THERE ARE A LOT OF REASONS WHY YOU HAVE A LARGE HOMELESS POPULATION IN L.A., BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS BECAUSE OF THE HOMELESS CAN GO TO GET SERVICES.

I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE. I RESPECT THE WORK YOU ARE DOING AND I AM PRAUD TO -- PROUD TO MAKE THE MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON ITEM 17.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THAT MOTION CARRIES 3-2. LEE, DO YOU HAVE -- LEAH, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ON HOW YOU REDUCE HOMELESSNESS AND I THINK IT IS A FAIR QUESTION.

>> YEAH. I THINK HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR TAKING A HOUSING FIRST APPROACH. AND IT IS HOUSING PEOPLE AND KEEPING THEM HOUSED. ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO DO IN THIS SECOND PHASE IS REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE ARE BECOMING HOMELESS AND UNDERSTAND THAT PIPE HRAO*EURPB -- PIPELINE OF WHERE PEOPLE ARE COMING FROM.

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

SO THAT WAS ITEM 17. NEXT IS 21.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND CAGLE AND THIS IS THE TESTING

POLICY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE COUPLE QUESTIONS I HAD ON THAT. OBVIOUSLY THE CDC CHANGES PROT -- PROTOCOL AND CHANGES GUIDELINES.

ARE WE KEEPING UP WITH THAT? ARE WE FOLLOWING THE CDC? IT SEEMS LIKE EVERY DAY ALMOST THEY CHANGE IT.

[04:10:08]

ONE OF THE THINGS I THINK THEY ADDED TO THEIR MENU OF SOLUTIONS WAS RECOGNIZING THAT IN FACT WHEN PEOPLE HAVE COVID THEY HAVE SOME NATURAL ANTIBODIES.

I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS IN THE COVID PROTOCOL TO A SAFE

OPENING. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL LET BARBIE OR DAVE TAKE THAT ONE. I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE WEEDS WITH THE QUESTIONS AND THE CDC INFORMATION.

WE MAY NEED TO WAIT FOR DIRECTOR ROBINSON TO GET ON THE LINE. IS SHE ON THE LINE OR HER

TEAM? >> SHE'S ON THE LINE, JUDGE.

>> HI, JUDGE. GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY ATTORNEY, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR.

CAN YOU PLEASE REPEAT THE KPWE, COMMISSIONER? REPEAT THE QUESTION, COMMISSIONER?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THE CDC HAS RAOEPBTSLY ACKNOWLEDGED -- RECENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE IS A BENEFIT AND A VALUE VALUE OF FOLKS THAT DEVELOPED COVID AND HAS NATURAL ANTIBODIES. I DON'T SEE IN OUR PROGRAM HERE ANY RECOGNITION OF THAT, PARTICULARLY THOSE EMPLOYEES IN HARRIS COUNTY THAT MAY HAVE HAD COVID HAVE TREMENDOUS ANTIBODIES TO FIGHT EQUAL TO THE VACCINE.

I WAS JUST WONDERING IF OUR PROGRAM ANTICIPATED DO --

DOING THAT LIKE THE CDC? >> SORRY ABOUT THAT.

I HAD SOME TROUBLE UNMUTING. WE CAN LOOK INTO THAT.

WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY TEAM IS THE LEVEL AND THE AMOUNT OF ANTIBODIES THAT ARE CREATED MAY NOT BE ENOUGH OR SUFFICIENT. SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE GUIDANCE WE PROVIDE TO THE COMMUNITY REALLY IN FACT IS PROTECTING THEM FROM THE VIRUS.

WE CAN LOOK INTO IT AND GET BACK TO YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH. I LOOK AT THE KROERBGS DC AS -- THE CDC AS -- THEY ARE USUALLY THE LAST TO DO ANYTHING, BUT THEY HAVE BEGUN TO LOOK AT THAT AND OBVIOUSLY WE TALKED ABOUT BEFORE THE PROBLEM WITH THE PCR TEST IN THAT IT TAKES 72 HOURS. THOSE EMPLOYEES THAT ARE NOT VACCINATED HAVE TO GET TESTED EACH WEEK.

I JUST DO NOT BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE TESTING PROTOCOLS MATCH UP WITH SOME KIND OF LOGICAL MANAGEMENT.

I DON'T KNOW HOW OUR EMPLOYEES ARE DEALING WITH IT.

IT JUST SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE YOU TEST ON ONE WEEK AND YOU DON'T GET IT UNTIL 72 HOURS AND TPHEPB -- AND THEN GET ANOTHER ONE. HOW IS THAT WORKING?

>> TO ADDRESS YOUR FIRST ISSUE, WE ARE DOWN TO 24 TO 48 HOURS FOR TURN AROUND ON TESTING.

WE CAN TAKE YOUR FEEDBACK AND GET WITH --

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT IS PCR TESTING?

>> YES, SIR. AND SO WE CAN TAKE YOUR REMAINING COMMENTS AND WORK WITH HRM TO TKRAOES THE OTHER CONCERNS YOU RAISED -- TO ADDRESS THE OTHER CONCERNS YOU

RAISED. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

YES, DAVE. >> I MIGHT JUST ADD THAT WE PULLED THE STATISTICS THIS MORNING AND FOR THE FIRST THREE WEEKS IN JANUARY 187 EMPLOYEES TESTED POSITIVE IN THE PROGRAM WHO WERE PRESUMABLY ASYMPTOMATIC.

MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO CONTINUE THIS BECAUSE THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO MIGHT HAVE COME TO WORK AND MIGHT HAVE INFECTED THE TEAMMATES AND THE PUBLIC.

WE WILL REEVALUATE IN FEBRUARY, OBVIOUSLY, BUT I

THINK IT MAKES SENSE. >> TOM RAMSEY: ARE YOU LOOKING AT THE TYPE OF JOB THEY HAVE OR IS THIS A BLANKET DEAL?

>> THE POLICY APPLIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES --

>> TOM RAMSEY: AND APART BY THEMSELVES DON'T COME IN CONTACT WITH COLLEAGUES, THEY ARE IN THE SAME CATEGORY AS SOMEBODY IN AN OFFICE WITH MULTIPLE PEOPLE?

>> THE ONLY DISTINCTION IS WHETHER -- IF AN EMPLOYEE WORKS FOR AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, THE ELECTED OFFICIAL IS MAKING THEIR OWN CHOICE IF THEY PARTICIPATE.

BUT EVERYBODY COVERED BY THE POLICY IS IN THE SAME BOAT AS FAR AS THE TESTING REQUIREMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS JUST GOING TO MAKE A MOTION AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME.

BUT I DO ASK, I ASSUME YOU HAVE TO GO INTO THE SHOP AND

[04:15:06]

GET THE LAWN MOWER. YOU ARE GOING TO RUN INTO SOMEBODY IF YOU MOWING ON AN ISLAND.

EVEN WHEN THINGS WERE SEGREGATED, I RAN INTO PEOPLE. EVEN WHEN IT WAS AT A TIME WHEN WE AVOIDED ONE ANOTHER, WE RAN INTO PEOPLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WASN'T THE SON OF A YARD MAN.

I WAS A YARD MAN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: [INAUDIBLE].

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THE PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE PROGRAM THE FIRST TIME WAS IT WAS MANDATORY INSTEAD OF ASSUMING OUR EMPLOYEES WILL TAKE CERTAIN ACTION AND MY OPINION HAS NOT CHANGED. I THINK WE WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE AND I APPRECIATE WE GOT THE INSTANT TESTS ORDERED AND SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO OUR EMPLOYEES.

WE WERE ASKED FOR OUR INPUT ON THAT AND I DO UH PRAERB KWRAEUT MAKING -- I DO APPRECIATE MAKING EVERYTHING AVAILABLE, BUT I AM NOT A FAN OF MANDATES, NEVER BEEN.

I AM READY TO VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

ITEM 24 IS NEXT, THE EIGHT VISITING JUDGES.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES, QUICKLY, JUDGE. THIS IS AN ITEM THAT IS GOOD AND I LIKE T BUT WE HAD ASKED FOR INFORMATION FROM OUR DISTRICT COURTS TO PUT ON THE DASHBOARD.

I THINK IT COMES UP NEARLY EVERY MEETING, RIGHT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? HERE WE ARE DOING MORE GOOD THINGS FOR THE DISTRICT COURT.

I FEEL LIKE IN MANY WAYS WE ARE IN THE DARK.

I WILL USE AS AN EXAMPLE THE COUNTY COURTS.

THEY ARE DOING AN EXTRAORDINARY JOB AS ILLUSTRATED IN THE RECENT BUDGET DISCUSSIONS.

AND AS YOU FINALIZE THE DETAILS ON THE BUDGET, IT IS RELATED TO WHAT THE DISTRICT COURTS ARE DOING.

THE METRICS AND THE NUMBERS AND IN MANY CASES THERE IS TRANSPARENCY. IF WE CANNOT GET THEIR ATTENTION ANY OTHER WAY AND LORD KNOWS THEY NEED RESOURCES , BUT IF WE NEED INFORMATION WE MAY NEED TO LOCATE WHO GETS

SUPPORTED IN THE BUDGET. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SECOND

YOUR MOTION IF YOU MAKE IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE A MOTION

RECORD -- RODRIGUEZ SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO MUTE THEIR COMPUTER. I THINK WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING MORE DATA ON THAT, MR. BERRY.

THANK YOU. ITEM 25 IS THE BROAD COVID ITEM. WE HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS HERE.

THE CASES SEEM TO HAVE PRETTY FIRMLY BEGUN COMING DOWN.

THE HOSPITALS ARE TRENDING DOWN AND IT IS THE PAST WAVE OF THE ICU AND PRETTY HIGH FOR THE GENERAL BEDS.

THERE ARE NURSES THAT ARE COSTING US ALL OF THESE DOLLARS AND THEY ARE LOOKING IT INTO A FIVE-WEEK CONTRACT DO WE DO A THREE-WEEK ONE RIGHT NOW? THE POPULATION IS COMING DOWN AND IF WE ARE ABLE TO CLOSE IT DOWN ANY SOONER AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT AND THEY ARE CHECKING CONSISTENTLY FOR THAT QUESTION.

THE ONLY OTHER PIECE IS THE RAPID TEST.

IT IS HARD TO GET AHOLD OF THEM.

OTHERS WE ARE RECEIVING SOON. THE OTHER WE LAUNCHED WHICH IS

[04:20:03]

GREAT NEWS. IT IS FOUR TESTS PER HOUSEHOLD. THE SENSE IS THERE ARE LARGER, MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLDS AND HOUSEHOLDS WHO DON'T GO ONLINE TO REQUEST THIS. IT WILL BE GOOD FOR US TO HAVE RAPID TESTS THAT WE CAN DISTRIBUTE AS WELL.

WE ARE STILL NOT GOING TO GET MORE ASIDE FROM WHAT WE ALREADY APPROVED. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT WAS AN EXCELLENT IDEA ON YOUR PART TO GET THE RAPID TESTS IN THE SCHOOLS.

I HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND PARENTS ABOUT HOW PORPBTS THAT WAS -- IMPORTANT THAT WAS.

IS KWRO*EUPBG THEY ARE GOING TO DO SOME -- I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO DO SOME TESTING. I WANTED TO WORK THAT OUT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT IS A GOOD INDICATOR.

RODEO IS ON TRAB -- TRACK TO GO AS PLANNED AT THIS POINT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE DO WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO?

WEAR OUR MASKS AND GET OUR -- >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS HARD TO PREDICT WHAT IT WILL LACK LIKE IN A MONTH, BUT I AM HOPEFUL.

>> TOM RAMSEY: BASED ON THE RECENT WEEK IN TERMS OF THOSE NUMBERS, AT LEAST IT IS HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ABSOLUTELY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

IT IS POSITIVE TO KNOW, AND I HESITATE TO SAY A-OKAY BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT OUR HOSPITALS ARE FACINGING.

WE DIDN'T KNOW A MONTH AGO WHAT THIS WEEK WAS GOING TO LOOK LIKE AND NOW WHAT IT SHOWS IS IT COULD BEA TREADING LIGHTLY. IF WE DO THAT, THEN THINGS COULD GET WORSE AGAIN. RIGHT NOW, I MEAN, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY THINGS ARE IMPROVING AND WE ARE NOT WHERE WE WERE SIX MONTHS AGO OR A YEAR AGO OR TWO YEARS AGO.

>> TOM RAMSEY: CERTAINLY WE HAVE TWO YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH IT AND THAT IS HELPFUL. WE HAVE SOME NATURAL IMMUNITY OUT THERE NOW WHERE PEOPLE ADVOCATE.

WE TRUST OUR PEOPLE AND WE TRUST OUR DOCTORS.

I KNOW WHEN I SIT IN THE STADIUM WITH 109,000 PEOPLE AT A AND M, THAT WAS -- AND WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE MAJOR EVENTS IN THIS SEASON AND WITH COVID GOING UP AND THE COVID GOING DOWN. THE ONLY OTHER THING I WOULD OFFER, JUDGE, LOOK AT THE METRICS.

I KNOW THERE IS ONE IN PARTICULAR, BUT THE METRIC OF A HUBD -- A HUNDRED NEW CASES PER 100,000.

IS THERE A LOT OF SCIENCE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT NUMBER? 100 PER 100,000 COULD CATCH A LOT OF PEOPLE IN A LOT OF CATEGORIES. THAT LOOKS PRETTY INTERESTING

IF IT IS ONE OF THE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU MEAN

CASES PER 100,000? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

RIGHT NOW IF IT IS IN RED IT IS 100 PER 100,000 IT KEEPS US IN THE RED. I'M TRYING TO BE SURE THAT LIKE THE CDC IS DOING, THEY ARE MODIFYING AS THEY UNDERSTAND MORE AND KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS DISEASE AND THE VARIANTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE THEY CHANGE ALMOST EVERY WEEK. THERE IS CONFUSION OUT THERE.

AT LEAST OF TERMS OF WHEN WE ARE RED AND WHEN WE ARE GREEN AND WHATEVER. THAT PARTICULAR METRIC I WOULD

CALL OUT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO HAVE OUR DATA EXPERT TALKING ABOUT THIS.

AND EVERYBODY IS LEARNING ABOUT IT.

WE LOOK AT OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND WHAT EVERYBODY USES.

THE LATEST CONVERSATION IS THEY FEEL IT WORKED WELL.

IT WAS CALIBRATED WELL. WHEN THINGS WERE HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION IT TOLD US WE NEEDED TO SHIFT LEVELS AND IT TURNED OUT WE DID. WE SAW THE IMPACT OF THE HOSPITAL SOON AFTER. FOR NOW IT SEEMS TO BE WELL CALIBRATED. I AGREE WITH YOU AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT SEVERAL TIMES. OUR METRICS ARE WORKING AND WE

MAY NEED TO TWEAK IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS

[04:25:05]

PROBABLY THE WORST EXAMPLE I COULD GIVE, BUT WE THOUGHT WE KNEW EVERYTHING IN THE HUNDRED YEAR FLOOD PLAIN.

AND NOW WE DISCOVERED THE OLD 500 IS NOW THE NEW HUNDRED.

AND THAT IS BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND MORE DATA AND INFORMATION. I WILL JUST CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE US TO LOOK AT THE METRICS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT IT IS AN APPROPRIATE QUESTION ABOUT THE RODEO.

OBVIOUSLY TICKET SALES ARE DOWN, BUT I WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT JUDGE HIDALGO CANNOT CONTROL WHAT THE NUMBERS ARE. ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO COLLECTIVELY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BUY THEIR TICKETS TO THE RODEO. IF SOMETHING CHANGES THEY WILL GET THEIR MONEY BACK. I KNOW FOLKS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THAT. THAT'S WHY I REACHED OUT AND YOUR OFFICE WAS RESPONSIVE. IF YOU HAVE A SUPER BOWL CROWD INSIDE NRG STADIUM AND THEY ARE GETTING TESTED, AT LEAST THERE IS SOME SCIENCE THAT INDICATES EVEN IF SOMEBODY IS ASYMPTOMATIC, AT LEAST YOU KNOW YOU ARE PASSING IT ON AS OPPOSED TO A STADIUM FULL OF PEOPLE NOT GETTING TESTED.

I THINK IT GIVES PEOPLE SOME COMFORT TO GO AHEAD AND BUY THEIR TICKETS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

YOU CAN'T CONTROL IT. WE CAN'T CONTROL IT.

THE PUBLIC DOES. FOLKS FOLLOW THE SCIENCE AND

DO THE BEST THEY CAN. >> TOM RAMSEY: AND I WOULD COME AT IT DIFFERENTLY, COMMISSIONER.

WE NEED TO FOLLOW THE SCIENCE AND FOLLOW ALL THE SCIENCE.

WE DON'T NEED TO FOCUS ON ANY ONE POLITICS.

SO IF WE KEEP POLITICS OUT OF IT, WHETHER IT IS POLITICS IN AUSTIN OR THE POLITICS IN WASHINGTON AND FOCUS ON THE SCIENCE, ALL OF THE SCIENCE AND I THINK THE KROERBGS DC -- THE CDC IS KIND OF WAKING UP IN THAT THEY ARE RECOGNIZING THIS I'M PHAUPB TEE YOU MAY HAVE IF -- THIS IMMUNITY YOU MAY HAVE HAD IF YOU HAVE HAD IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THE

BROAD COVID ITEM. >> ANY ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ANYTIME LINE WHEN YOU THINK WE MAY GO TO ORANGE?

LEAN HRAEPB I DON'T THINK -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE THAT KWROET. USUALLY IT IS BECAUSE WE CAN'T TELL, BUT I THINK IT IS TRENDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THE NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 26.

THAT IS THE MOU ON THE STREAM LINE TO ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS FOR FACILITY SECURITY AGREEMENTS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: MY QUESTION IS SIMPLE.

WHAT PROBLEM ARE WE ADDRESSING HERE?

WHY DID WE DO THIS? >> IT WAS UNDERTAKEN AFTER A COURT'S REQUEST AT A NOVEMBER MEETING.

IT IS THREE-FOLD. ONE IS RIGHT NOW WE HAVE DOZENS OF DIFFERENT AGREEMENTS BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE SECURITY. IT IS HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF THOSE. IT IS HARD TO KEEP TRACK OF THE MONEY. THOSE ARE TWO PROBLEMS. THE THIRD PROBLEM IS THEY WILL HAVE IT -- THEY WILL HAVE TO NEGOTIATE A NEW AGREEMENT AND BRING IT TO COURT AND IT TAKES TIME. BY HAVING ONE MASTER AGREEMENT AND IF THEY WANT TO ADD SQUATTER IT IS MORE STREAM

LINED FORWARD. >> I THINK YOU MISSED THE CONVERSATION AND THAT MAY BE WHY.

I HAVE A NOTE THAT THERE IS A SENTENCE BEING REMOVED AND IT

WAS CONSIDERED CONFUSING. >> IT WAS A MINOR CHANGE.

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

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2. AND THE CONFUSE -- THE CONFUSING SENTENCE IS BEING DELETED.

>> 39. >> AND I UNDERSTAND TALKING WITH MR. BERRY AND OTHER THAT'S IT IS THE PURPOSE OF

[04:30:04]

THE P -- PIC IS TO DO THESE THINGS.

DAVID, WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE PIC? I'M SURE WE'LL COVER ALL THIS, BUT WHEN -- WHAT IS THE UPDATE

ON THE PIC. >> I'LL GET BACK WITH YOU

SHORTLY. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL SECOND IT, BUT I JUST NEED TO KNOW THE PIC.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU MAKE A MOTION I WILL SECOND.

>> TOM RAMSEY: MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS ITEM 39.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 64 IS NEXT.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JUST WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT.

IT IS IN THE CITY OF SEA BROOKE.

IT REUL ADD SIX -- IT WILL ADD SIX FEET WIDE TO NORTH MIRE AVENUE AND IT WILL ADD PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FROM SEABROOK INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL AND THE HARRIS COUNTY LIBRARY AND THE REST OF THE SYSTEM. WE DID A 50/50 SPLIT WHERE WE CONTRIBUTED $435,000 APIECE TO MAKE THIS PROJECT -- JUST TO GET IT DONE. THE PROCESS OF HOW WE DO THESE PARTNERSHIPS IS GREAT. WHEN I CAME IN HERE I WAS TOLD ABOUT ALL OF THE WISHES AND THE PROMISES THAT MAYORS HAD BEEN GIVEN BY THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION AND COULD NOT FIND ANYWHERE THAT WAS ACCURATE.

MOST THING THE MAYORS THOUGHT THEY WERE GETTING WERE NOT EVEN IN THE PLANNING STAGES. AND NOW THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT PROCESS IS TRANSPARENT AND CITIES GET TO PARTICIPATE AND WE WORK COLLECTIVELY TOGETHER TO SET THE PRIORITIES OF THE PROJECT OF WHO WILL FUND WHAT AND HOW TO DETERMINE WHICH GO FIRST. I AM EXCITED AND I MET WITH THE MAYOR OF WHAT I INHERITED.

WHEN I WAS TALKING THEY SAID, OH WE ARE READY TO PUT IT ON A FEW THINGS. VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS

PARTICULAR ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY AND THEN ELLIS. >> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THAT'S GOOD. ANYTIME WE CAN PARTNER WITH THE 33 CITIES AND HOUSTON IT IS GOOD.

WHO IS DOING THE CONSTRUCTION OF IT? ARE THEY MANAGING THE PROJECT OR WE MANAGING THE PROJECT?

AID. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I ASSUME WE ARE DOING IT, BUT THAT'S WHAT THE STAFF TELLS ME. WE ARE LEADING THE PROJECT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THAT IS GOOD.

MY UNDERSTANDING OF PROJECTS GETTING BID IN THE COUNTY WE HAVE A PRETTY GOOD RECORD OUT THERE.

CONTRACTORS MAY WORK BETTER THAN OTHER ENTITIES.

NOT THAT SEABROOK WOULDN'T, BUT I KNOW IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON IF WE BID A PROJECT AND IF IT IS A JOINT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY, WE SHOULD RUN THAT PROJECT BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO GET BETTER BIDS.

GOOD PROJECT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER, DO WE HAVE INTER LOCALS? IF WE DON'T WITH THE NEW T -- WITH THE NEW ENGINEER WE OUGHT TO.

WHETHER THEY ARE DOING A PROJECT OR NOT, THE FIRS TIME I DID ONE WAS THE DISPARITY STUDY AND I WAS TOLD IT WOULD TAKE THREE MONTHS. THE MAYOR WAS KIND ENOUGH TO

EXPEDITE IT. >> I THINK THAT IS AN EXCELLENT IDEA. THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT CAME UP LAST YEAR, I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS REQUIRED US TO DO AN INTER LOCAL THAT WE HAD PREVIOUSLY NOT REQUIRED.

AND BECAUSE WE WERE DOING IT FOR THE PROJECT IT WOULD DELAY THE ENTIRE THING. WE WERE WONDERING WHY WERE WE REQUIRING IT WHEN IT WAS NOT REQUIRED BEFORE.

IT WILL TAKE SOME LEADERSHIP TO CLEAN THOSE THINGS UP SO THE PROJECTS CAN MOVE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IT IS A ROAD FOR LEGAL, BUT SOMETIMES

[04:35:01]

THE INNER LOCAL CAN TAKE SO GONE THE LOCAL MONEY IS GONE BY THE TIME IT IS DONE. I SECOND IT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON ITEM 64. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 66, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I AM EXCITED ABOUT THIS PROJECT AS WELL. ONE IS THE PERSON LEADING THE GREATER NORTH SIDE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT IS REBECCA REYNA.

AND REBECCA WAS ON MY STAFF WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL AND SHE HAS GONE ON TO BE A PHENOMENAL LEADER.

SHE BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER AND ROLLS HER SLEEVES UP AND ADDRESSES THE ISSUES AND THE CONCERNS AND GOES TO ALL OF THE MEETINGS. SHE IS A PHENOMENAL ADVOCATE.

I DON'T KNOW IF SHE IS ON THE LINE OR NOT, BUT SIM PHRAOY TO SAY AS SOMEBODY WHO -- BUT AS SOMEBODY WHO HAS SEEN HER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT I AM PROUD OF HER.

SHE IS A LEADER OUT IN THE COMMUNITY AND DOING GREAT THINGS. SHE IS RUNNING ONE OF THE LARGEST DISTRICTS IN THE CITY AND THIS IS MY HOME TUR.

MY HOME TURF. WE PUT IN 100,000 AND WE WILL PUT IN ANOTHER 100,000 AS WE CREATE A SHARED VISION.

I JUST WANTED TO BE A CHEERLEADER.

GO REBECCA. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO REBECCA.

MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? COMMISSIONER CAGLE ITEM 66.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT IS WHAT WE JUST DID.

>> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 70, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AGAIN I WANT TO THANK THE PORT OF HOUSTON AND TEXDOT FOR PARTNERING ON THE PROJECT. THE PRE -- THE PRECINCT IS AWARE THAT -- THE PORT ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WRITER 38 OF A GRANT FOR 100 MILLION 16,00037 DOLLARS.

I WANT TO COUNT EACH PENNY. THE TOTAL PROJECT IS 2.5 MILLION AND YOU CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE KEY PARTNERS.

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

>> REAL QUICK, COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS YOUR MIC ON?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO YOU WANT ME TO SAY THAT AGAIN WORD FOR WORD? I MOVE ON THIS ITEM.

HOW IS THAT? >> LINA HIDALGO: MA'AM, IS EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT? ARE YOU OKAY? COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WE ARE VOTING ON ANOTHER OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S ITEMS. ARE YOU IN FAVOR?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THAT IS 70. ITEM 150, COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

THIS IS ANOTHER RAH-RAH MOMENT.

THEY ARE GREAT PARTNERS AND I WANT TO THANK THE CITY OF LA PORTE AND THE HOME TO THE HISTORIC SOUTHERN BEACH FOR PARTNERING WITH US FOR THIS MUCH-NEEDED DRAINAGE PROJECT.

THIS IS APPROXIMATELY A $12 MILLION PROJECT AND IT IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF HOW THE CITY AND THE COUNTY AND THE STATE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS. THE BROOKLYN SUBDIVISION INCLUDES 464 RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.

MORE THAN 100 OF THESE STRUCTURES HAVE HAD MULTIPLE FEMA FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIMS DATING PWAING TO JUNE OF -- DATING BACK TO JUNE OF 1981. THIS PROJECT ALONG WITH THE OTHER TWO PROJECTS IN THE AREA AND THE TWO DETENTION BASINS WILL PROVIDE FLOOD REDUCTION FOR 500 STRUCTURES.

[04:40:08]

THEY ARE PUTTING IN 2.9 MILLION AND LA PORTE IS PUTTING IN FIVE MILLION. THE GLO IS PUTTING IN APPROXIMATELY $4 MILLION. IT IS GOOD TO WORK WITH FOLKS AND I AM EXCITED TO SEE THIS BECAUSE THE CITY OF LA -- LA PORTE HAS HAD ITS CHALLENGES AND EXCITED TO SEE THAT

PROJECT COME TO FRUITION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM -- GO

AHEAD. >> TOM RAMSEY: QUICK QUESTION, WHO IS TAKING THE LEAD, COMMISSIONER?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE'LL GET BACK TO YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: NOT IMPORTANT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GENERAL HRAE SPEAKING, WHOEVER PUTS IN THE LION'S SHARE GENERALLY TAKES THE LEAD. I SUSPECT IT MIGHT BE --

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THAT ON BEHALF OF THE -- MAYOR BUBBA. WE IS -- HE IS A GOOD ONE.

MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW GREW UP IN LA PORTE AND SO ON BEHALF OF MY DAUGHTER AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW I WOULD LIKE

TO SECOND THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. I THINK THE NEXT ONE IS 202.

LET ME SEE -- NO. 150.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- NO. SO IT IS 202.

THAT IS THE CONSTABLE HEAP'S PROPOSAL AND COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION ON THIS ONE. I THINK WE ALL KNOW THE WEEK THAT CONSTABLE HEAP HAS HAD. BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HIM.

IT HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH.

HE IS GOING THROUGH IT SO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THAT

MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH ITEM IS

THIS? >> LINA HIDALGO: 202,

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS IS HE IS COMING THROUGH US.

IT IS AN OVERTIME INITIATIVE AND 47% INCREASE IN PARK CALLS AND INCREASE IN TRAFFIC. 557 TRAPPED CYCLIST ACCIDENTS. THE CONSTABLES ARE DOING A LOT IN THE PARK. THIS IS WHAT THE MONEY IS GOING FOR, KIND OF FRONT LINE SECURITY AND POLICING.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE WANTS TO SECOND. BUT NOTED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I TOO WANT TO ECHO YOUR COMMENTS, COMMISSIONER, ON THE STRESS CONSTABLE HEAP IS HAVING.

I SPOKE WITH HIM YESTERDAY AND LEFT A MESSAGE AFTER I HEARD ABOUT THE TRAGEDY. MR. BERRY, THIS IS IN HIS

BUDGET, CORRECT? >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO DOES HE REALLY NEED TO --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO DOES HE REALLY NEED TO BRING THIS TO US? CAN HE JUST DO IT SINCE IT IS

IN HIS BUDGET? >> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION, COMMISSIONER. THE ISSUE RIGHT NOW IS UNDER CURRENT MONTHLY -- CURRENT POLICY, WE DEFAULT TO COMP TIME AND WE DON'T DEFAULT TO OVERTIME.

THE SHERIFF MASS -- HAS HAD A PREVIOUS COURT ORDER HIM THAT ALLOWED HIM TO DIRECTLY PAY OVERTIME.

AND SO THIS WOULD BE ALLOWING FOR THAT.

THE COURT IS GONNA I THINK NEXT MONTH -- HRM IS COMING BACK WITH A NEW SET OF COUNTY PERSONNEL POLICIES.

I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING MR. PW-RBS ERRY AND -- MR. BERRY AND HIS OFFICE IS LOOKING AT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I APPRECIATE THE CONSTABLE RUNNING THIS FLEW -- RUNNING THIS THROUGH THE FRAMEWORK EVEN IF HE DOESN'T HAVE TO. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE CORPORAL'S FAMILY AND THEN -- AND THE ENTIRE PRECINCT 5.

I WON'T GO INTO COMMISSIONER RADACK'S TIRADE, BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IS IN MY HEART.

HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT I FEEL FOR MEN AND WOMEN HIS 11 YEARS DON'T COMPARE WITH MY TIME AND WHAT I HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH.

I DON'T KNOW IF HE HAS BEEN HITTING THE SAUCE ALREADY, BUT I WILL SAY THAT I DO FEEL FOR THE CONSTABLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: EUGSER LEGAL -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I APPRECIATE THE CONSTABLE PUTTING THIS FORWARD. SO THE REASON HE COMES IS BECAUSE OF SOMETHING THIS COURT DID?

IT IS NOT STATE LAW. >> RIGHT.

[04:45:02]

IT IS NOT A STATE LAW REQUIREMENT.

RIGHT NOW IT DEFAULTS TO COMP TIME.

THIS IS AN EXCEPTION TO THE POLICY AND IT CREATES AN OVER

TIME OBSTACLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THERE A PROGRAM THAT IS IN ADDITION TO THIS, BUT IS THERE SOME PROGRAM THAT IS PUT TOGETHER THROUGH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO GO AND HIT THESE HOTSPOTS AS WELL SO OTHER PRECINCTS WHO DON'T HAVE THE MONEY CAN APPLY? MY STAFF TOLD ME SOMETHING ABOUT A PROGRAM, BUT I AM NOT SURE. MAYBE I AM KIND OF --

>> THERE IS A PROGRAM CALLED HARRIS COUNTY SAFE WHICH IS ADDING ADDITIONAL POLICING TO HOTSPOTS.

THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS TAKEN THE LEAD TO PUT THAT TOGETHER. THEY RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW OFFICERS CAN PARTICIPATE. THE SHERIFF AND MYSELF AS WELL ARE HOPING THEY WILL. FOR THE PROGRAM TO WORK WE NEED THE MAN POWER AND THE WOMAN POWER AND THE HUMAN

POWER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THERE ARE METRICS SO WE WILL KNOW WE ARE DOING SOMETHING.

SOMETIMES IN THIS BUSINESS YOU CAN DO IT WITHOUT A TWEET OR A PRESS CONFERENCE AND JUMP TO A RESOLUTION.

>> I AM LOOKING TO SEEING THE RESULTS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I RAISE IT BECAUSE THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE THE MONEY -- MONEY IN THEIR BUDGET BECAUSE THERE ARE DISPARITIES BETWEEN OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS, OTHERS CAN APPLY TO THAT SO THEY CAN DO THIS AS WELL.

THANK YOU. I SECOND IT YOU MADE A

MOTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST WANTED TO ALSO MENTION TO CONSTABLE HEAP, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM, BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING ANOTHER ECHO OF UH PRAERB KWRAEUGS FOR HIS -- APPRECIATION FOR HIS WORK AND AS HE CARRIES THE BURDEN OF NOT JUST THE FAMILY OF CORPORAL GALLOWAY, BUT THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT AND I THINK IT IS SMART THE CONSTABLE IS USING THESE FUNDS AHEAD OF THE FISCAL YEAR-ENDING AND HE IS USING IT ON OVERTIME WHICH IS ONE-TIME EXPENSES THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT.

I AM GLAD YOU CLARIFIED, JAY. IT FEELS LIKE HE IS EXPLAINING TO US AND A TECHNICALITY. IT ALL GOES WITH THE BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS. VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THAT.

PERHAPS, DAVE, IN LOOKING INTO THIS I WAS ASKING THE TEAM ABOUT HOW THE FISCAL YEAR END APPLIES -- IT MAY NOT HURT FOR YOU TO COVER NOW AND LATER WITH THE DEPARTMENTS IN A MESSAGE OR SOMETHING WHEN THEY NEED TO SPEND THE FUNDS BY OR GIVE THEM BACK. CLEARLY CONSTABLE HEAP GETS IT, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY GETS IT.

>> HAPPY TO SEND OUT A MESSAGE.

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

SO THERE WAS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED 1234 MOTION CARRIES --

>> MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THAT WAS 202. NEXT IS 203.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THIS IS ON THE INMATE TRANSFER.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK I HAVE HAD MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED ON THIS THROUGH THE DAY. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF CONVERSATION ON THIS AND KPWR-PL FINE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION ON 203?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BAY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.

I ALWAYS STUTTER BEFORE CALLING YOUR NAME BECAUSE I ALWAYS WANT TO SAY RADACK SO I'M SORRY.

IT IS A GREAT NAME. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL TAKE

THAT AS A FINE COMPLIMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST KNOW THAT IS WHY. ITEM 208.

YAK -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT IS ONE OF THE GIFTS COMMISSIONER ELLIS PROVIDED TO ME.

UNTIL HE CAME ALONG I WAS THE PERSON COMMISSIONER RADACK HAD THE GREATEST FRICTION WITH, LET'S PUT IT THAT WAY ON COMMISSIONERS' COURT. AND THEN WHEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS CAME IT ALLOWED HIM TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FOCUS ON SOMEBODY ELSE AND WE ULTIMATELY BECAME FRIENDS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I'M AWARE THAT THIS THING COMMISSIONER RADACK HAS FOR ME IS A BADGE OF HONOR.

I CAN THINK OF NO HIGHER CALLING.

IT MAKES ME EVEN MORE POPULAR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 208 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

[04:50:06]

THIS IS THE WATERS OF THE UNITED --

>> TOM RAMSEY: I'M SORRY. I TRY NOT TO COME TO COURT TO BE AN ENGINEER, BUT I AM GOING TO HAVE TO BE HERE.

THE WATERS OF THE U.S., THAT HAS BEEN A TOPIC UNDER DEBATE FOR 40 YEARS. IT IS NOT CLEAR TO ME KPHA -- WHAT THE COMMENTS ARE. I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE SEEN THE COMMENTS ON WATERS OF THE U.S.

WATER OF THE U.S. IS DEFINED EVERYTHING FROM THE RIVER TO TWO INCHES OF WATER IN A ROAD SIDE DITCH.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WILL INTERRUPT YOU.

WE HAD A PROBLEM A COUPLE YEARS AGO WHERE IT WAS NOT A ROAD SIDE DITCH. BUT WE HAD TO GO TO GREAT EXPENSE BECAUSE WE HAD TRUCK RUTS IN A DIRT ROAD THAT WERE DECLARED TO BE WATERS OF THE U.S.

YOU ARE ON A STEAMROLLER AND SORRY TO INTERRUPT YOU, BUT I AM 100% WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE ON A ROLL.

RUTS FROM A TRUCK BECOME WATERS OF THE U.S. AND THAT IS

A PROBLEM. >> TOM RAMSEY: I CANNOT SUPPORT THIS WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THE COMMENTS ARE HRAOERPB

LEAN CAN WE HOLD -- >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE HOLD ON THIS UNTIL THE NEXT COURT, FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE THEY CAN WALK US THRAU IT AND GIVE US A SENSE OF -- WALK US THROUGH IT AND GIVE US A SENSE -- WHEN WOULD OUR COMMENTS NOT BE --

[INAUDIBLE]. >> DO YOU WANT TO ADDRESS

THIS? >> I WILL LET YOU JUMP IN, JONATHON AND I CAN ANSWER SOME OF THE TKAE TAILS.

SOME OF THE DETAILS. >> THE REASON WE HAD TO HAVE THIS ON THIS AGENDA IS BECAUSE THE COMMENTS ARE DUE THE DAY BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING. WE ARE HAPPY TO WORK WITH YOUR OFFICES. ALLEN CAN GO INTO DETAIL WITH WHAT WE ARE SUBMITTING, BUT IT IS IN LINE WITH WHAT THE PAST HAS SUBMITTED. I WILL TURN TO THE EXPERTS TO EXPLAIN EXACTLY WHAT THE CONCERNS ARE.

>> THE GIST, THERE ARE TWO SPECIFIC COMMENTS THAT WE ARE CARRYING FORWARD FROM THE LAST TWO TIMES WE SUBMITTED COMMENTS TO THE EPA AND ENGINEER THE -- ENGINEERS THE IN INFRASTRUCTURE SAYS THEY ARE NOT PART OF THE WATERS OF THE U.S. THE EPA AND THE CORE ARE CONDUCTING ROUND TABLES REGARDING WATERS OF THE U.S.

AND WE SUBMITTED OUR EXPERT AS NOT A NEED TO BE A PART OF THAT. THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRY TO

GET US ON THAT TABLE AS WELL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WANTS TO AVOID SLOWING DOWN THE BRIDGE BECAUSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAYS IT IS OVER TROUBLING -- TROUBLED WATERS WE WOULD BE WISE TO PASS THIS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: HE JUST SAID HE AGREES WITH ME THAT THE PREVIOUS DEFINITION OF FROG PONDS ARE NOT THE WATERS OF THE U.S. CAN YOU GET THAT OUT OF HERE

TOMORROW? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: AND I AM BASING IT ON WHAT YOU ARE TELLING

ME. >> AND THAT IS WHAT THE LETTER

SAYS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> I LINE LEAN COMMISSIONER

-- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA IS NOT HERE. >> I AM AN I AS WELL.

WOULD YOU SEND THAT LETTER TO OUR OFFICE AND THE OTHER OFFICES SO WE CAN LOOK AT IT AGAIN?

>> WE ARE COORDINATING THAT AND WILL CIRCULATE TO

EVERYONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: DAVE HAS AN UPDATE ON THE PIC FUND BALANCE.

>> I WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD THE LATEST NUMBERS.

I WILL LOOK AT THESE TOGETHER, COVID RESPONSE AND RECOVERY RESPONSE AND THE PIC. TOTAL IS 89 MILLION.

>> TWOGT -- TOGETHER? >> TWO TOGETHER.

WE ARE MOVING EXPENSES FROM ONE TO THE OTHER AND THEN EXPECTING 200 MILLION OF FEMA REIMBURSMENTS.

OBVIOUSLY THAT IS TAKING TIME.

WE HAVE SOME PROJECTS OPENED AND IT IS GOING TO BE MANY

[04:55:06]

MONTHS. >> YOU THINK 2MILLION IF ALL GOES WELL? 200MILLION IF ALL GOES WELL?

>> MY HOPE IS IT WILL BE OVER THAT.

>> WE HAVE A PATH OF FEMA REIMBURSMENTS TO GET IT BACK TO THE TARGETED BALANCE, BUT WE ARE MONITORING THE TIMING AND IT IS A GOOD QUESTION TO ASK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE TARGETED BALANCE?

>> THE HISTORICAL UNWRITTEN POLICY IS $250 MILLION TO -- 300 MILLION. IT IS ROUGHLY CALCULATED TO COVER TWO LARGE NATURAL DISASTERS.

THE COUNTY WOULD HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 89? OKAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WITH 200 IN THE PIPELINE.

>> I WILL MAKE ONE MORE COMMENT ON THIS TOPIC.

WE HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL UNSPENT ARPA BALANCE.

WE HAVE NOT HAD TO USE TO RESPOND TO COVID WHICH IS A GOOD THING. YOU DON'T WANT TO USE FEDERAL MONEY YOU CAN SPEND ON OTHER THINGS.

IF IT CAME DOWN TO IT THAT WE HAD AN EMERGENCY AND HAD TO

TAP THAT, THAT'S OUR RESPONSE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU GOING

TO WAIT OR GO TO ANOTHER ONE? >> LINA HIDALGO: I WAS GOING TO GO TO ITEM 264 WHICH IS THE ONE --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS GOING TO PASS, BUT WE CAN GO ON TO

ANOTHER ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL SKIP 218 FOR NOW AND GO TO 264. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ASKED FOR

AN UPDATE ON THIS ITEM. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS AN ON GOING DISCUSSION. I THINK I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE 97 MILLION WE WERE HOPING TO SET ASIDE FOR O'DONNELL.

WE WERE NOT ABLE TO SET ASIDE SPECIFICALLY.

I WILL ASK MORE OF A GENERAL QUESTION.

HOW MUCH HAVE WE SPENT TODAY ON O'DONNELL?

>> I DO NOT HAVE THAT NUMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS -- IS IT IS A FRACTION OF THE 97 MILLION. I WILL PUT TOGETHER A NUMBER

FOR YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THAT IS A NUMBER WORTH TRACKING. I KNOW COMMISSIONER EL -- ELLIS KNOWS WHAT WAS COMMITTED TO.

I DON'T REALLY AGREE WITH THIS PARTICULAR DEAL, BUT IF WE SAY A NUMBER AND START MANAGING TO IT, AND I KNOW THAT IS BIG ON YOUR LIST, JUDGE, BUT IF WE MANAGING TO A CERTAIN NUMBER WE SOME -- WE SHOULD KNOW WHAT O'DONNELL IS.

>> AND WE DO HAVE SOME FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS IN THE CONSENT DECREE, BUT NOT FOR 97 MILLION.

>> THAT IS CORRECT. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF SMALLER COMMITMENTS. 850,000 A YEAR FOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF A CERTAIN STUDY.

97MILLION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A HOLISTIC ATTEMPT TO PROJECT WHAT THE TOTAL COMPLIANCE COST WOULD BE FOR THE COUNTY.

THEY ARE NOT TO SPECIFIC AMOUNTS.

>> WE WILL GET THAT NUMBER FOR YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE ARE VOTING ON ITEM 264 THAT THE REQUEST -- OUR -- OR A PROJECT SCHEDULED CONSENT RELATED TO THE O'CONNELL -- O'DONNELL

DECREE. >> SO MOVED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES THRAE-2.

3-2. LET'S GO BACK AND WE DID NOT FINISH VOTING ON IT. THAT IS COMMENTS FLOOD CONTROL

IS SUBMITTING. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MADE A

MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> I.

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

ITEM 218, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU FLAGGED THIS ONE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS GOING TO TALK ABOUT T BUT MY

QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A

MOTION? >> MOTION.

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL THOSE IN

FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ITEM 265, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

J RIVAS TRUCKS. >> COMMISSIONER YOUR MIC.

[05:00:06]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M SORRY. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT REDISTRICTING COMES WITH SOME PLUSES AND MINUSES.

THE MINUS HERE IS THAT BARRETT IS A HISTORIC COMMUNITY AND I AM PROUD OF THE 50 MILLION I PUT INTO THAT COMMUNITY.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I WOULD JUST ASK YOU TO CONTINUE IS A EUFPB -- CONTINUE TO INVEST INTO BARRETT.

IT WAS HERE LONG BEFORE I WAS HERE.

WE PURCHASED PROPERTY THERE. WANT TO SEE THE HEALTH CARE CLINIC BUILT. THEY TALKED ABOUT A TOWN CENTER THAT THEY WANT TO SEE BUILT.

THE CONSTABLE WANTS TO SEE A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY BUILT AT THE TOWNSHIP OR THE TOWN CENTER.

HAD BIG, BIG, BIG DREAMS. THE 50 MILLION IS A DROP IN THE BUCKET FOR WHAT THEY NEED AND DESERVE.

THIS PARTICULAR ITEM SPEAKS TO THE FACT THAT 8 MILLION IS GOING INTO BARRETT EVEN THOUGH REDISTRICTING IS ABOUT A DONE DEAL SO TO SPEAK. I STILL WANT TO SEE THIS MOVE FORWARD AND I AM PROUD OF THE WORK MY OFFICE DID FORBEAR RET IN THE SHORT TIME THEY WERE -- FOR BARRETT IN THE SHORT TIME THEY WERE HERE. I THINK THEY GOT BLACKTOP AND THAT WAS IT. IT HADN'T BEEN DONE IN 10, 20 YEARS I THINK. WANT TO SEE THAT CONTINUE.

THE COMMUNITY PLAN, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, HOLD IT NEAR AND DEAR. I WAS GOING TO PUT IT ON MY WEBSITE BECAUSE I WANTED THEM TO SEE THE WORK BEING DONE AND THE PROGRESS BEING MADE. THERE SAW LOT OF HISTORY IN THE COMMUNITY. I WAS STRIVING FOR A WORLD HERITAGE DESIGNATION. IT DIDN'T HAVE WHAT THEY CAME WITH. WE DID START THE PROCESS FOR THE OTHER HISTORIC DESIGNATION AND HOPE THEY WILL CONTINUE.

THIS IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT I AM GLAD TO SEE THIS PARTICULAR WORK BEING DONE. THE FACT THAT IT IS COMING

WITH A 17% AND I MOVE ON IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO IF I MIGHT? SKWROUPBLG I WANT TO SAY -- JUDGE, I WANT TO 8 DASH AD -- DASH TO SAY COMMISSIONER GARCIA I AM AWARE OF THE COMMUNITY'S HISTORY.

IT WAS A COMMUNITY THEY HAD A FONDNESS FOR.

YOU SAID 50 MILLION AND I THINK IT WAS 55.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WAS IT 55, MIKE?

IT WAS JUST OVER 50. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM PROUD TO PUT IT FOR ANOTHER 7.5, 8 MILLION.

IT SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> GROWING -- GOING BACK TO THE GOOD THINGS, IF YOU WANTED TO GET A GI BILL IF YOU WERE BLACK YOU HAD TO MOVE INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD. IT WAS PART OF THEIR -- THEIR INHERITANCE. IT SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOU.

THAT COMMUNITY WAS NEGLECTED FOR SO LONG IN TERMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT. THANK YOU, SIR.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

I AM PROUD TO SECOND IT. I HAVE MADE CONTACT WITH FOLKS AND FOUNDS I CAN GO TO BARRETT STATION WHEN I GET HOMESICK OR CROCKETT. THAT IS MORE LIKE CROC KRET THAN ANYTHING I HAVE BEN -- CROCKETT THAN ANYTHING I HAVE SEEN. WE WILL MAKE A SMOOTH TRANSITION. THIS IS A GOOD ONE.

THIS IS THE PROJECT WE SHOULD BY DOING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 265, ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED 1234 MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. 268, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. AND I WILL TALK ABOUT 268 AND

[05:05:02]

270 IN THE SAME CONTEXT. IT IS THE SAME CONTRACTOR DOING THE WORK. LET ME JUST THANK AIDAN FOR BRINGING A LOT OF VALUE-ORIENTED WORK TO THE PRECINCT MY PRIDE IN THESE ITEMS IS WITH MORE THAN $10 MILLION WE ARE BRINGING 29 MILES OF ROAD REPAIR TO THE PRECINCT. *R.

29 MILES IN EAST ALDING AND EIGHT MILES IN THE BAY TOWN SOUTH AREA. THE ROAD REPAIR DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING UNTIL YOUR TIRE MEETS A POTHOLE.

I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE WORK BEING DONE AND WHERE IT IS BEING DONE AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE WORK THAT HAYDEN IS DOING. 29 MILES WITH THIS MONEY IS WHAT IS HAPPENING AND THE IMPROVEMENT IT WILL BRING TO TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY IS EXCITING FOR ME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANTED TO SAY ON THE PLAQUE WHERE YOU PUT THE NAMES UP, MAKE SURE YOU UNDER LINE MY NAME.

I HAD TO TAKE A LOT OF HEAT FOR MAKING THE ARGUMENT TO INVEST NOT JUST MONEY, BUT TOLL ROAD MONEY IN AREAS WHERE WE WERE DEVELOPING NEW COMMUNITIES.

WE OUGHT TO BE INVESTING IN COMMUNITIES THAT WERE PASSED OVER. IT WAS MORE MONEY FOR YOU THAN IT DID FOR ME. AS WE MOVE FORWARD, EQUITY AND MOBILITY SHOULD BE MORE. I SAY IT SHOULDN'T BE JUST A SIX-LETTER WORD. I I WAS AFRAID TO SAY TREAT IT LIKE A FOUR-LETTER WORD. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHEN THE EQUITY TOPIC CAME BACK ON THE TABLE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVE ON BOTH THESE ITEMS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON ITEMS 268 AND 270. IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN

FAVOR? >> I.

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

277 COMMISSIONER GARCIA. AS WE WILL LIKELY HAVE DISCUSSIONS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION ABOUT LEADERSHIP FROM THE COUNTY, I WANT TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO GIVE ANYBODY COMING IN A THAT THEY HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW.

THERE IS, NUMBER ONE, NO DOLLARS ACTUALLY ATTRIBUTED TO THESE CONTRACTS. IS THAT ACCURATE, MR. BERRY?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS UP TO A NUMBER.

>> MR. BLACK WILL BE CLOSER TO THE CONTRACT SO I WILL LET HIM ANSWER THAT QUESTION IF HE IS AVAILABLE.

>> COMMISSIONER AND JUDGE, ALLEN BLACK.

THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION. THE DOLLAR AMOUNT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AGREEMENT IS UP TO 5.9 MILLION.

THAT IS BASED ON A SAMPLE DISASTER.

PO'S ARE NOT BEING CUT FOR THE DOLLAR AMOUNT.

THEY WILL BE CUT ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS.

WE STILL HAVE DISASTER RECOVERY WORK GOING ON RELATED TO HARVEY AND AMELDA. IF AND WHEN THE NEXT DISASTER HITS, WE CAN ISSUE A PO BASED ON THAT AS WELL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND ALLEN, HOW MUCH ARE YOU EXPECTING TO SPEND IN THE NEXT SEVEN MONTHS.

>> WE WILL RAMP UP BASED ON THE 250 MILLION WE PHOFL -- REMOVAL. PROGRAM.

>> I AM STILL CONCERNED WITH HOW THIS HAS BEEN STRUCTURED.

[05:10:02]

>> YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW WHEN I SAW IT I HAD SOME CONCERNS.

I AM TRYING TO REMEMBER. I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS NOT CREATING ANY PROBLEMS AND THE PROCESS THAT THEY WENT THROUGH BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE AN MWBE POLICY WHEN IT WAS CREATED.

I PROUDLY SUPPORT YOUR MOTION, BUT IS THERE A CONCERN? IS THERE A HARM TO DELAYING THIS? WE HAVE BEEN HERE TOO LONG. I CAN'T REMEMBER.

>> COMMISSIONER, DELAYING THIS PARTICULAR AGREEMENT WOULD DELAY OUR WORK BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS AGREEMENT EXPIRES IN MID-FEBRUARY. WE DO NEED THIS AGREEMENT APPROVED FOR CONTINUATION OF SERVICES AND THE NEXT THINGS THAT COME UP. IT IS A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW UP TO FOUR MORE YEARS.

>> AND WHAT I WANT TO DO COMMISSIONER ELLIS IF YOU CAN CONSIDER THIS, I DON'T WANT TO NECESSARILY DELAY THE ITEM, BUT I DO THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR IT NOT TO COME WITH FOUR RENEWALS. I DON'T MIND THE WORK HAPPENING THE NEXT SEVEN MONTHS WHICH IS THE ENTIRETY OF THE FISCAL YEAR AND AS SOON AS YOU CAN GIVE ME A BUDGET FOR THE SEVEN MONTHS WE CAN INCORPORATE THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: EVEN IF YOU DELAYED IT TWO WEEKS BECAUSE YOU MAY FIGURE UT ON WHAT YOU WERE THINKING BRRRR -- THINKING ABOUT DOING. I WAS CONCERNED BECAUSE IT WAS

A RENEWAL. >> I WILL JUST SAY, ALLEN, YOUR PICK. SEVEN MONTHS OR A TWO-WEEK

REVIEW. >> AND YOU MAY COME BACK AND

DO SEVERAL MONTHS. >> COMMISSIONER IF THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF BEING ANAL -- BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE AGREEMENT AS IT IS, I PREFER THAT.

IT WAS A SIX-MONTH PROCESS FOR THE RFQ -- EXCUSE ME THE RFP TO GO THROUGH TO FOLLOW FEDERAL PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES. IF WE WERE TO SHORTEN THAT TO A SEVEN-MONTH AGREEMENT WITH NO ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTENSION BEYOND THAT, WE WOULD HAVE TO START THE RFP PROCESS TODAY BASICALLY. IF THERE IS AN OPTION TO PROVIDE A LITTLE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BRING THIS AGREEMENT BACK ON THE 8TH, THAT STILL GIVES ME A WEEK BEFORE THE CURRENT AGREEMENT EXPIRES AND I HAVE A LITTLE

WORK TO WORK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALLEN, I WOULD JUST SAY YOU DON'T HAVE A VOTE FOR THAT.

JUST THE UP TO PART FOR THIS IS CONCERNING.

AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE NEW LEADERSHIP.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN ADVOCATE TO ALLOW FOR THE NEW LEADERSHIP TO LOOK AT THINGS. I WILL GIVE YOU AT MOST SEVEN MONTHS AND THEN WE WILL GO FORWARD WITH ANYTHING ELSE AFTER THE NEW DIRECTOR ARRIVES.

>> COMMISSIONER GOOD. I SUGGEST IF YOU WAIT TWO WEEKS -- IT SEEMS LIKE I SAID SOMETHING ABOUT A TPA*EUF- -- A 5-YEAR DEAL. AND THEN GO SIMULTANEOUSLY AND DO THIS PRO -- PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CONTRACT. DID YOU SAY FOUR OR FIVE

YEARS? >> FOUR YEARS.

>> I DID ASK YOU ABOUT THAT. I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT YOU TOLD

ME. >> SO COMMISSIONERS THE AGREEMENT IS FOR ONE YEAR AND THE EXTENSION HAS TO BE APPROVED BY COMMISSIONERS' COURT AT THE CONCLUSION OF EACH INDIVIDUAL YEAR. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO NOT EXTEND

THE AGREEMENT. >> YOU CAN START THE RFP PROCESS SO WE DON'T WAIT AND BE IN THE SAME POSITION A YEAR FROM NOW. THAT IS CORRECT.

I WOULD WORK WITH DWIGHT'S OFFICE TO START THE RFP OFFICE FOR A NEW PROCUREMENT IMMEDIATELY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU HOLD IT TWO WEEKS THEY WILL LOOK AT IT AND COME BACK. THEN DECIDE IF IT IS SEVEN MONTHS OR ONE YEAR OR WHATEVER.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T BLOW ANYTHING.

>> I AM OPEN TO THAT. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST TO BE CLEAR HE WOULD HAVE TO START OVER.

FEDERAL DOLLARS REQUIRES THAT.

[05:15:02]

WE DO HAVE A PAUSE OR STOP OPPORTUNITY AFTER ONE YEAR.

WE CANNOT DO THE AGREEMENT AND STOP IT ACCORDING TO WHAT'S

BEEN PROPOSED. >> IF YOU STOP IT THEN IT MEANS THE PROCUREMENT STARTS? CAN YOU HAVE SIMULTANEOUS TRACKS? WE --

>> OR WE CHOOSE TO GO WITH THE RENEWAL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ISN'T IT FUNCTIONALLY SEVEN MONTHS BECAUSE WE CAN RENEW IT. THAT'S ONE QUESTION, ALLEN.

WHAT IS THE -- WHAT IS THE DELAY? WHEN YOU SAY THE RFP AGAIN WHAT ARE WE DELAYING?

>> THE AGREEMENT IS FOR DISASTER RECOVERY SERVICES, STEWARD CONSULTING PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR US ON IDENTIFICATION DISASTER AND THE CORE OF ENGINEERS.

THE REMOVAL PROGRAM PROVIDES THOSE SERVICES AND THEY HAVE BEEN PROVIDING THE SERVICES. THEY ARE WORKING FOR US AND EXPECTED TO REMOVE THE PROGRAM. IF COURT MOVES THAT, IT IS

THEIR PREROGATIVE. >> JUST SO I AM CLEAR AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS A QUESTION AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS. SO YOU WANT AN OPPORTUNITY FOR

SOMEBODY LITTLE TO DO THIS? >> I WAFPBT THE DIRECTOR -- I WANT THE DIRECTOR -- THEY MAY HAVE DIFFERENT THOUGHTS.

AND THEN SECONDLY I AM STILL HAVING ISSUES WITH THE FACT THAT THERE IS A DOLLAR AMOUNT AND THEY ARE NOT ASSIGNED TO THE CONTRACT. THAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND.

THAT SOUNDS LIKER AN OPEN CHECKBOOK -- THAT SOUNDS LIKER

AN OPEN CHECKBOOK TO VENDORS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I DON'T GET, ALLEN, IF WE WANT TO SEE WHETHER -- ARE YOU SAYING THAT FUNCTIONALLY THE NEW DIRECTOR COULD CHOOSE INTO THE TO RENEW AN OPTION AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND PICK A DIFFERENT VENDOR AT THAT POINT? OR ARE YOU SAYING THAT UNDER THIS AGREEMENT THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE?

>> THE RENEWAL OPTION IS ONLY FOR THE FIRM THE AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO. THE SELECTION OF THE NEW FIRM WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE RFP PROCESS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE REALLY COULD DO -- WE COULD GO FORWARD WITH THIS AND AT THE SAME TIME THE NEW DIRECTOR COULD DO ANOTHER RFP, AND THEY COULD DECIDE TO NOT EXERCISE THE RENEWAL OPTION AND THAT WAY THEY COULD -- IF THEY CHOOSE SOMEBODY ELSE, THEY COULD HAVE THE OPTION TO CHOOSE SOMEBODY ELSE AND NOT DELAY THIS AGREEMENT.

ISN'T THAT -- IS THAT -- IS THAT RIGHT OR WHAT AM I

MISSING? >> SKWR-PBLY SPEAKING -- GENERALLY SPEAKING THAT IS CORRECT.

I SHOULD NOTE THAT THE OPTION TO RENEW IS NOT AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR, BUT THE DIRECTION OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT. IT IS THE EVALUATION OF A SELECTION COMMITTEE THROUGH A SCORING PROCESS THAT IS TRANSPARENT AND THROUGH THE NEW BONFIRE SYSTEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I MIGHT BE MISSING SOMETHING HERE.

OBVIOUSLY I AM NOT THE ENGINEER, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME LIKE THERE IS SOME LEEWAY HERE AND MAYBE I MISUNDERSTOOD.

>> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME OFFER THIS.

WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHAT WE TALK ABOUT.

WE HAVE NEGOTIATE THE DEAL, RIGHT?

>> COMMISSIONER, THIS IS AN RFP AND NOT AN RFQ.

SO WE SELECT IT BASED ON -- WE SCORE BASED ON QUALIFICATION

AND INVEST IN FINAL OFFER. >> TOM RAMSEY: BUT WE HAVE NOT

NEGOTIATED THE FINAL DETAIL? >> THEY PROVIDE THEIR BEST AND FINAL OFFERING. IT IS THE TOP THREE AND SO THE HIGHEST SCORE BASED ON A COMBINATION OF BEST AND FINAL PRICING AND I AM GETTING INTO DWIGHT'S TERRITORY SO MAYBE IT IS BETTER FOR HIM TO DESCRIBE THAT.

>> COMMISSIONER, CORRECT. THIS IS AN RFP.

WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE NEGOTIATIONS AND BASED ON THE HIGHEST SCORING VENDOR. AND THIS IS THE RECOMMENDATION BASED ON THE HIGHEST SCORING VENDOR IN THE NEGOTIATIONS OF THE CONTRACT. JUST SO THE COURT UNDERSTAND

[05:20:02]

UNDERSTANDS THIS IS A NEW AWARD AND NOT A RENEWAL.

IF THE COURT CHOOSES TO RUN IF FOR -- RUN IT FOR A YEAR WE WILL BRING IT BACK FOR RENEWAL.

I ASK IF WE DO THAT, WE NEED IT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER SO WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO GET THE NEW PROCUREMENT BACK IN TIME.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT APPEARS TO ME WE HAVE GONE THROUGH A PROCESS AND WE PICKED SOMEBODY TO DO IT.

THIS WAS ALL THROUGH YOUR OFFICE.

YOU WENT THROUGH YOUR PROCESS AND YOU PICKED SOMEBODY.

WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THEY PICKED SOMEBODY. I DON'T KNOW THAT -- I WAS PRESIDENT IN -- I WASN'T IN THE ROOM AND I DIDN'T KNOW THIS FIRM ANYWAY. THERE WAS A CONCERN THAT THIS WAS GOING TO BE SOMEBODY THAT WE ARE GOING TO WANT TO REPLACE AND THEY HAVEN'T EVEN GONE TO WORK.

IT SOUNDS LIKE WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH HOW WE PICKED THEM. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS HOW WE PICKED THEM OR WHO WE PICKED. IT SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS AND IT LOOKS LIKER ONCE A YEAR WE WILL GET TO SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? I DON'T LIKE THE WAY THEY ARE DOING THIS AND I HAVE

CONCERNS. >> LINA HIDALGO: MAYBE WE SHOULD HOLD OFF TWO WEEKS ON THIS.

>> I WAS JUST -- IF I COULD JUST ADD TWO THINGS AND MAYBE I CAN ADD SOME CLARITY TO WHAT MR. BLACK IS SAYING.

THE BEST WAY TO VIEW THE CONTRACT IS A SERIES OF SINGLE-YEAR CONTRACTS. AND SO EVERY YEAR THEY HAVE TO RENEW THE CONTRACT. WHAT MAKES THIS UNUSUAL AS OPPOSED TO THE USUAL PROCUREMENTS IS BECAUSE IT IS A FEDERALLY PROCURED CONTRACT IT IS MUCH GREATER.

IT IS SOMETHING YOU COULD DO, BUT AGAIN I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT YOU ARE NOT COMMITTING TO FOUR OR FIVE-YEAR TERMS. YOU ARE COMMITTING TO A SEAR -- SERIES OF ONE-YEAR CONTRACTS THAT YOU HAVE TO RENEW EACH CYCLE.

I CAN WORK WITH THE DELAY, BUT I WOULDN'T MIND GETTING A CONTRACT WITH NO WORK PREDEFINED.

IT IS GOOD FOR A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THIS.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PROCEEDING WITH CAUTION.

>> I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IT IS ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE. FIRST OF ALL, ALLEN, THANK YOU FOR THE JOB YOU HAVE DONE. I SHOULD HAVE SAID THAT EARLIER. WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP, IF I WAS STEPPING IN AND ANY MAJOR CONTRACTS DECIDED ON THE DAY I AM HOPING I WILL GET APPOINTED, I SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH A TWO-WEEK APPROVAL.

SO IN ANYBODY'S MIND TO THINK THERE IS ANYTHING SINISTER, I WAS GOING TO SAY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOUR PREDECESSOR DENIED HE HAD ANYTHING TO DO -- HE WAS MR. UBIQUITOUS.

HE WAS EVERY WHERE. I KNEW THAT BEFORE I GOT HERE. I COULD NEVER SEE HIS HAND, BUT I HAD THE SENSE WHEN I WAS IN THE SENATE THAT IT WAS EVERYWHERE. THERE IS CERTAINLY NOTHING SINISTER HERE. WHEN A NEW PERSON IS COMING IN

THAT IS APPROPRIATE. >> TOM RAMSEY: I AGREE WITH THE NEW DIRECTOR. I WOULD SAY THAT A LOT.

THERE IS A LOT OF QUESTIONS IN TERMS OF TIMING ON ALL OF THESE HIRES. WE WILL GET BACK INTO THAT.

WE CAN WAKE TWO WEEKS AND THAT'S FINE.

WHEN I WAS SWORN IN I MADE THE CALL TO JOHN BLOUNT AND I SAID

[05:25:01]

STOP EVERYTHING. STOP THE WHEEL BARRELS, JUST

STKOP -- STOP THEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE? >> RODNEY ELLIS: HOLD FOR TWO

WEEKS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE WILL HOLD FOR TWO WEEKS, BUT I AM SCRATCHING MAY HEAD OVER HERE. WHEN WE DEAL WITH DISASTER RECOVERY MANAGEMENT SERVICES, THIS IS LIKE HAULING AWAY DEBRIS AND THOSE KINDS OF SERVICES PAST DISASTER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NOT QUITE. LET HIM DESCRIBE WHAT IT IS.

>> THAT IS THE PERFECT ANALOGY.

IT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT TETRA TECH IS PROVIDING FOR THE COUNTY. THEY ARE SERVICES TO HELP MANAGE OUR RECOVERY. IT IS NOT FOR DEBRIS REMOVAL.

THAT'S A TOTALLY DIFFERENT TYPE OF A CONTRACTOR.

THIS IS TO HELP US MANAGE THE WORK WE DO AND ASSESS OUR DAMAGES. FOR EXAMPLE, AFTER HARVEY AND THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT, WE WERE ABLE TO DO IN THREE WEEKS WHAT TAKES A YEAR. THAT IS TO ASSESS OUR CHANNELS ACROSS THE COUNTY. THEY PROVIDE THE RESOURCES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T WANT ANYBODY TO THINK I AM SINGLING

ANYBODY OUT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH NOT KNOWING THE STORMS BEFORE WE HAVE HAVE THEIR NAMES, BUT I DO LIKE THE SAFETY NET TO MOVE IF WE NEED

TO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK SO.

A STORM COULD BE AN ICE STORM DESPITE THOSE WHO SAY IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. WILL TWO WEEKS CAUSE

IRREPARABLE DAMAGE? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON 277.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND SIMILARLY ON 282, IF THAT IS THE NEXT ITEM, I ALSO HAVE THE SAME CONCERNS ON 282.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NO ACTION ON 277 AND 282 WITH THE HOPES WE GET IT WORKED OUT SO THERE IS NOT A LAPSE IN SERVICE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NO CONCERN WITH TWO WEEKS ON THIS?

>> TWO WEEKS IS CUTTING IT CLOSE, COMMISSIONER BECAUSE WE HAVE A NEED TO GET THE SECONDARY RFQ PROCESS GOING ON OUR FEDERALLY FUNDED PROJECTS, BUT WE'LL MAKE IT WORK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WANT TO MAKE SURE.

I DON'T WANT ANY OF US TO GET BURNED.

I AM ASKING IN YOUR OPINION IS TWO WEEKS -- IF NOT I THINK WE WILL HAVE A SPECIAL MEETING ON THE BUDGET.

I DON'T WANT A NEW PERSON TO COME IN AND HIS HAIR IS ON

FIRE. >> WE CAN MAKE TWO WEEKS WORK, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU FOR ASKING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM -- >> [INAUDIBLE]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MATE HAVE A SCAM LIKE YOURS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 283 AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS A ACTION TO HEAR DEMA.

I UNDERSTAND DEMA IS OUT OF SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA.

IT IS NOT CLEAR TO ME. THEY ARE BEING BROUGHT IN TO SUPERVISE HART. IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THEY ARE EXPERIENCED IN DOING THAT KIND OF WORK.

I WON'T EVEN GET INTO THE FACT THAT, AGAIN ARE THERE ANY FIRMS IN THE HARRIS COUNTY AREA THAT CAN DO THIS? WHY ARE WE BRINGING SOMEBODY IN FROM SANTA ROSA WHO IT IS NOT CLEAR THAT THEY HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN SUPERVISING A HART-TYPE PROJECT.

THOSE ARE MY DEMA QUESTIONS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THEY ARE COMING ON. THERE IS A PERSON WHO POINTS ON PUSHING FORWARD. I WANTED US TO TAKE THE BEST WE COULD FIND IN THE COUNTRY. I APPRECIATE THE INPUT FROM THE SHERIFF AND CHIEF FENNER. I THINK THEY WOULD ALSO AGREE ANYTIME YOU CAN USE SOMEBODY LOCALLY IT MAKES SEFPBGS.

YOU -- SENSE. I WENT THROUGH MOST OF THE ENGINEERING AND THE FIRMS WE TALKED ABOUT, THE LOCAL FOLK ON -- TOO, BUT I WANT THIS TO WORK.

I MAKE A MOTION AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.

IF YOU WANT TO ASK YORE QUESTIONS TO BARBIE ROBBINS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU ON THE LINE, DIRECTOR ROBBINS? YOU MAY BE ON MUTE, DIRECTOR. IS SHE THERE?

I AM GOING TO CALL YOU, OKAY? >> RODNEY ELLIS: EVERYBODY'S

[05:30:09]

WE -- EVERYBODY'S WI-FI WENT DOWN BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN IN

HERE SO LONG. >> CAN YOU HEAR PHAE NOW?

HEAR ME NOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, GO AHEAD. GOOD AFTERNOON.

I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT THIS WAS A COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESS WITH A MULTI-DISCIPLINED REPRESENTATION ACROSS HARRIS HEALTH, PUBLIC HEALTH, THE COMMUNITY SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE HARBOR GOVERNMENT FOR FAMILIES LAB AND SERVED IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY ALONG WITH COHORTS FROM PHOENIX, ARIZONA. THE APPLICATIONS WE RECEIVE -- RECEIVED WERE FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY AND NOT JUST HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. BECAUSE -- BASED ON WHAT WE HAD TO EVALUATE THE PROPOSAL, DEMA HAD THE BEST QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS WORK. THEY HAVE MULTI DISCIPLINES AND DO NOT JUST FOCUS ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES, BUT PARAMEDICS AND REGISTERED NURSES AND SOCIAL WORKERS, CASE MANAGERS AND THEY DO EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND THEY HAD A TRACK RECORD AND DEMONSTRATED THE TRACK RECORD DURING THE PROPOSAL VALUE -- EVALUATION AND PRESENTATION

PROCESS. >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU WORKED WITH

THEM BEFORE, MS. ROBINSON? >> YES.

THEY ACTUALLY HAVE A CONTRACT RIGHT NOW IN PRECINCT 2 WHERE THEY ARE RUNNING THE START TPAEUF FOR THE COUNTY -- START 5 FOR THE COUNTY IN PRE SINK 2 AND THEY RUN A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS THEY SPOKE TO IN THEIR PRESENTATION AND APPLICATION RELATIVE TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS RELATED TO DISASTERS AND RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE HOMELESS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: DID YOU WORK WITH THEM IN CALIFORNIA?

>> I HAVE WORKED WITH THEM AND WORKED WITH THEM IN HARRIS

COUNTY AS WELL. >> TOM RAMSEY: OKAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

MS. ROBINSON ON THIS PARTICULAR FIRM I KNOW THEY ARE THE SECOND LOWEST BID, BUT THE FIRST ONE -- THE FIRST BID THAT CAME IN -- AND THIS IS NOT A LOW BID PROCESS, RIGHT?

>> NO, SIR. THIS IS THE QUALIFICATIONS AND THE SKILLS TO DELIVER THE SERVICES.

YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND I UNDERSTAND FROM MAY NOTES THAT THE VENDOR THAT WASE LIMB TPHAET -- WAS ELIMINATED BECAUSE THEY FOCUSED ON ONE SUB POPULATION AND THE EXAMPLE PROVIDED DIDN'T HAVE THE LEVEL OF DETAIL TO MEASURE A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME FOR THE PROPOSED INTERVENTION. IS THAT ACCURATE?

>> THAT'S CORRECT, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.

THANK YOU, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. THIS IS A BIG DEAL FOR US TO TACKLE AS SOME OF THE BILLION DOLLARS WE ARE PUTTING INTO CRIME. WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE SUPPORTING

FIGHTING CRIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN MOTION AND -- I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

UP NEXT IS 315. THE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY --

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH.

A QUICK COMMENT HERE. AS WE CONSIDER THIS 42,000 I KNOW I WENT ON THE EA WEBSITE LAST NIGHT AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE UPDATED PRE SINK MAPS YET AND WE ARE HEADED INTO AN IMPORTANT PRIMARY ELECTION. YOU CAN GO TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND SEE IS -- I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN FIND THE CURRENT PRECINCT MAPS. I THINK IT IS 2019 IF THAT IS

A DATE. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, WE HAVE THEM UP ON THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S WEBSITE.

WE WILL GET THEM OVER THERE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT WAS JUST A REMINDER WE NEED TO GET THAT ON THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THIS A MOTION ON THIS ITEM?

SKWRAOEBG JACK THIS WAS AN -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS WAS AN ITEM YOU ALLOWED ME TO LOOK AT.

THE ISSUE HERE IS ALTHOUGH I AM ONE WHO NORMALLY DOES NOT VOTE FOR ITEMS COMING OUT OF OR IN SUPPORT OF THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE. THIS IS NOT RELATED TO THE OFFICE. THIS IS WHETHER WE MAILED THE

[05:35:01]

REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES WHICH WOULD BE AN EXPENSE WE HAVE WHETHER OR NOT THIS IS DONE THROUGH THE CLERK'S OFFICE OR THE D.A.'S OFFICE. I THINK IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE GET THE VOTER REGISTRATION CARDS IN THE HANDS OF OUR CITIZENS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THEY WILL KNOW WHO TO VOTE FOR IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ELECTIONS AND THEREFORE I WILL SUPPORT THIS ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM NOT

MAKING THE MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THEN I MOVE

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

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN I ADD THE MAIL IN BALLOTS TO IT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, REDISTRICTING UPDATE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THOUGHT WE SHOULD HAVE ONE.

REDISTRICTING HAS TAKEN UP, AS IT SHOULD, A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF OUR DIRECTIVE TIMES.

I APPRECIATE KWRAOEUT THE COOPERATION AND I AM CURRENTLY RECEIVING FROM NOT ONLY PRECINCT 2, BUT PRECINCT 4 THAT INVOLVES ALLOTS -- INVOLVES A LOT OF WHAT WE ARE DOING. I WANT TO DESCRIBE IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES THE AMOUNT OF EFFORT THAT WE ARE PUTTING FORTH IN ADDRESSING THE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECENT REDRAWING OF LINES WITH PRECINCT 3 AND PRECINCT 4 BEING MOST IMPACTED. MR. BERRY AND I ARE TALKING EVERY OTHER DAY AS WE WORK THROUGH THE DETAILS OF WHAT ALL HAS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF. IN NEW PRECINCT 3, THE ONE WE JUST MOVED INTO, MY ROAD MILES WILL INCREASE 60%.

THAT SPEAKS TO -- THE GOOD NEWS IS I WILL NOT INCREASE MY STAFF BY 60%. WE ARE PRETTY EFFICIENT AT WHAT WE DO. OF COURSE WE WILL WORK THROUGH CLOSELY WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA IN PRECINCT 2 AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE PRECINCT 4.

WE ARE SETTING UP ESSENTIALLY THREE NEW CAMPS.

WE NEED TO MOVE ALL OF OUR EQUIPMENT FROM TAKING CARE OF 4,000 MILES OF ROAD IN THE OLD PRECINCT 3 TO TAKING CARE OF 6,000 MILES IN THE NEW PRECINCT 3.

JUST GIVING NUMBERS A REPORT TO THE COURT, A SHOUTOUT TO MR. BERRY AND HE HAS BEEN HELPFUL IN TERMS OF WHAT IF WE DID THIS AND WHAT IF WE DID THAT? MOST DAYS HE HAS ANSWERS. THE OTHER ONES AND THE REASON I PUT THIS ON HERE, OUR EMPLOYEES ARE ESSENTIALLY DOING TWO JOBS. I I WANT TO CELEBRATE THEM FOR A MINUTE. NOT ONLY ARE THEY TAKING CARE OF THE PRECINCT RESPONSIBILITIES THAT THEY ARE IN, BUT THEY ARE ALSO WORKING NIGHTS TO PLAN FOR THE NEW RESPONSIBILITIES. AND EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE ANSWERS YET OUR EMPLOYEES HAVE UH SAUPLED THE BEST. AND -- ASSUMED THE BEST.

AND EVEN THOUGH IT IS CON -- CONFUSING, EVERYONE I TALK TO IN PRECINCT 4 AND EVERYONE I TALK TO IN PRECINCT 2 IS NOTHING BUT HELPFUL TO US. IF WE DON'T SAY THINGS LIKE THAT TO OUR EMPLOYEES, WE HAVE 5 TAEPB,000 AND A LOT OF THEM -- 15,000 OF THEM AND A LOT OF THEM ARE IMPACTED BY THE CHANGE. 800 EMPLOYEES HAD THEIR JOBS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY. THE FACT THAT WE ARE WORKING WITH EACH ONE OF THEM AND RAEPBS -- ANSWERING QUESTIONS, WELL YOU USED TO DO THE PARKS IN THE KATY AREA AND NOW IT IS THE SPRING AREA. WORKING THROUGH THE DETAILS, AND SOME HAVE TO DRIVE FARTHER AND THERE WILL BE A TRANSFER OF EMPLOYEES FROM ONE PRECINCT TO ANOTHER PRECINCT.

I WILL LET YOU TALK TO MR. BERRY IN TERMS OF THE DEVIL AND THOSE DETAILS AND WHAT EFFORT THERE IS.

ALSO -- AND I WILL WRAP IT UP ON THIS.

I MEET FREQUENTLY WITH MY NEW CONSTITUENTS.

I HAVEN'T FOUND A SINGLE ONE THAT IS HAPPY WHETHER IT IS PRECINCT 2 OR PRECINCT 4. PEOPLE DON'T LIKE CHANGE.

WHEN THEY SAY WHAT HAPPENED? I SAID IT HAPPENED IN A BOAT AND I SIMPLY SAY COMMISSIONER ELLIS PROPOSED A MAP AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA LOOKED AT SEVERAL OPTIONS IN TERMS OF WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS PUT ON THE TABLE AND CHOSE TO GO IN A PARTICULAR WAY. AND THEN THE JUDGE LOOKED AT THOSE AND SAID I AM JUST QUOTING YOU, BUT I AM GOING TO

[05:40:04]

SUPPORT THIS BECAUSE OF OUR POSITION ON TAX INCREASES.

I AM WOERBGING WITH THE EMPLOYEE -- I AM WORKING WITH THE EMPLOYEES AND THE 2.3 MILLION PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THIS. I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT NOT ONLY TO OUR INDIVIDUAL PRECINCT TEAMS, BUT DAVID BERRY AND HIS STAFF. THEY ARE DOING DOUBLE DUTY IN TERMS OF WE ALREADY HAVE ONE SYSTEM IN PLACE AND NOW WE HAVE TO GET READY FOR THE NEW SYSTEM.

I WANTED TO TAKE FIVE MINUTES JUST TO SIMPLY STATE THAT THE 68 PARKS THAT WE WILL BE WORKING IN AND GETTING STAFFED AND GETTING THEM WORKED IN, THAT IS ON TRACK.

I THINK WE WILL MEET OUR DATES THAT'S BEEN PUT FORTH AND THE ATTITUDE THAT EVERYBODY BROUGHT TO THE TABLE I THINK

IS EXTRAORDINARY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. AS A PERSON WHO OBVIOUSLY HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT AND RIDICULED THROUGH THIS PROCESS, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT MY FOCUS WAS NOT ON STUFF. AS I SAID MANY TIMES, ALL OF US REPRESENT EVERYBODY IN THIS COUNTY.

EVEN IF I HAPPEN TO HAVE A PRIVILEGE OF BEING ELECTED BY A PRECINCT CALLED 1, I ALWAYS FELT I WOULD BE SOMEONE WHO WOULD LOOK OUT FOR PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTY.

I DID THAT FOR 26 YEARS IN THE SENATE AND SIX YEARS ON CITY COUNCIL. I THINK IF IT WOULD BEHOOVE ALL OF US. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS PROCESS AND IT WILL BE FINE. IT MAY LEAD TO DISCUSSIONS ON HOW WE CAN SAVE SOME MONEY BY FIGURING OUT HOW TO POOL RESOURCES IN GENERAL. I ALREADY MADE A NOTE TO TRY AND CALL YOU AND TAKE YOU TO BREAKFAST TO TRY AND FIGURE THAT OUT, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT REALLY IS ABOUT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTY BECAUSE IT IS THEIR STUFF. MY INTEREST GOING THROUGH THIS REDISTRICTING PROCESS IS REALLY TO FOCUS ON PEOPLE WHOSE PHILOSOPHICAL PREFERENCES HAD THEM ESSENTIALLY DISENFRANCHISED FOR DECADES.

EVEN IF THERE WAS SOME GREAT PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES THAT I LOST, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THAT WAS MY FOCUS AND I THINK WE WILL BE A BETTER COUNTY FOR IT.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER

QUESTIONS ON THIS TOPIC? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO THANK THE EMPLOYEES WHO WORK IN PRECINCT 4.

WHEN THE STORMS WERE OUT THERE , THEY WERE ON THE STREETS PROTECTING THE CITIZENS. DURING THE ICE-POCOLYPSE THEY WERE ON THE STREETS PROTECTING THE CITIZENS.

OFTEN TIMES OUR ROADS AND BRIDGE CREWS AND THE PARKS CREWS I REFER TO THEM AS THE CB'S, THE CONSTRUCTION BATTALIONS, AND THEY WENT AHEAD TO THE SHORES SO OTHERS CAN GET THERE. OUR EMERGENCY VEHICLES CAN'T GET PLACES IF THE ROADS AREN'T CLEAR.

THEY ARE OUT THERE IN THE RAIN, THE HURRICANE, THE STORM, THE ICE STORM CLEARING THE ROAD AND MAKING THE WAY.

THE SAME ATTITUDE WHERE THEY WENT ON YOU -- WENT OUT AND FOUGHT TO PROTECT US IN OUR STORMS AND ICE STORMS AND OTHER EVENTS AND THEY ARE PUTTING IN THE SAME EFFORT RIGHT NOW. EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A FREAKY FRIDAY SWITCH BETWEEN PRECINCT 3 AND PRECINCT 4, THEY ARE OUT THERE SERVING THE PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY CARE ABOUT THE CONSTITUENTS THEY REPRESENT AND I'M PROUD OF THEM.

THEY ARE DOING A GREAT JOB AND WE ARE MAKING SURE NOBODY LOOSE -- LOSES SERVICE AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE ACTIONS

TAKEN BY THIS COURT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GASH -- GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I APPRECIATE THAT, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. I TOO WANT TO THANK OUR EMPLOYEES. THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH A LOT OF CHANGES. REDISTRICTING AND LOTS HAPPENING IN MOST EVERYBODY'S LIFETIME.

THEY MANAGE THAT TRANSITION. BACK THEN PRECINCT 2 TOOK ON TEAR -- TEAR FORE -- TERRITORY THAT WAS PRECINCT 4.

I DON'T REMEMBER ANY COMPLAINTS OF HOW IT HAPPENED BACK THEN. IT WAS OUR EMPLOYEES THAT MADE IT HAPPEN AND MADE IT WORK. MORE IMPORTANTLY I WANT TO THANK THE CITIZENS FOR ENDURING DEMOCRACY.

[05:45:01]

ALTHOUGH WE MAY HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS ABOUT IT WE ARE SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY. I WENT OUT AND GOT TO MEET MY NEIGHBORS AND THE REASON WE HAD TWO MILLION LINEAR FEET IN DRAINAGE IS BECAUSE THOSE CITIZENS DIDN'T CARE WHAT WAS NEXT TO MY NAME, A D OR AN R. THEY JUST SAID OUR DITCHES HAVEN'T BEEN MAINTAINED. I HEARD 10, 20, 30 YEARS HAVEN'T SEEN IT OUT HERE AT ALL.

AND THEN WE GOT TO WORK ON WHAT I HAD BEEN HEARING AND IT BRINGS ME BACK TO THE EMPLOYEES.

EMPLOYEES DRIVING PICKUP TRUCKS WITH HOLES IN THEM.

WE WORKED TO GET OUR EMPLOYEES THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

VERY FEW DIDN'T HAVE IT. IT WAS THE CITIZENS WHO GAVE ME FEEDBACK AND ALLOWED US TO WORK HARD AND WITH THE DIRECTION AND THE INPUT THE COMMUNITY HAS GIVEN US THEY HAVE GIVEN UT -- US TWO LINEAR FEET.

OF THE TORRENTIAL RAINS, ZERO REPORTED FLOODING AND I DON'T THINK THAT IS BY ACCIDENT. WE FOCUS ON MAKING OUR WORK SYNCHRONIZED AND STRATEGIC. AS I SHARED WITH MR. BERRY, THAT'S WHY I PAY ATTENTION TO INFRASTRUCTURE.

WHEN I HEAR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND THERE IS TRUTH TO IT, THEN IT IT JUST LIGHTS A FIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

REGARDLESS WHETHER THEY VOTED FOR ME OR NOT.

I JUST WANT TO THANK THE CITIZENS.

THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR HOMES AND THEIR COMMUNITY AND THEIR NEIGHBORS AND THEY WANT GOVERNMENT TO WORK.

WANT TO THANK THEM FOR PROVIDING ME THE DIRECTION TO

MAKE IT WORK. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A FINAL WORD.

EVERYBODY IS WORKING HARD. BE SURE THAT OUR CONSTITUENTS ARE ALL -- ALL OF THE CITIZENS IN HARRIS COUNTY ARE TAKEN CARE OF. THE GOOD NEWS IS IN 2022 WE GET TO VOTE. WE ARE GOING TO HEAR BACK FROM EVERYBODY IN THE COUNTY IF THEY THOUGHT EVERYTHING WE DID WAS A GOOD IDEA OR IF WHAT WE DID IS A BAD IDEA.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO, QUOTE, UNQUOTE, OUR REPORT CARD IN THE ELECTION IN TERMS OF WHAT WE DID AS THAT MAKES SENSE AND THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD DO.

WE ARE ALL WORKING HARD TO SERVE OUR CONSTITUENTS.

THE GOOD THING IS THEY CAN VOTE IN 2022.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S A GOOD POINT.

IT WILL BE HARDER TO VOTE. ALL OF US -- I WILL DO ALL I CAN TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE KNOW THE RULES.

IT IS MORE DIFFICULT TO GET A MAIL IN BALLOT AND THE CONSEQUENCES IF YOU GET SOMETHING WRONG WHEN YOU DO IT, BUT WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE.

THAT'S THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE -- THAT OUR GRADES ARE REFLECTIVE OF THE WORK WE HAVE DONE.

WHEN JIM CROWE STEPS IN THERE --

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 321 AND THAT WAS NO ACTION AND SIM PHRAOY A DISCUSSION. THANK YOU.

322 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: AN UPDATE ON THE CRIME TASK FORCE. LAW ENFORCEMENT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CRIME-DEMIC. THEY WANT TO DO WHAT THEY CAN EVEN IF THERE IS NO MONEY TO BE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE.

I ENCOURAGED AND THEY ENCOURAGED ME.

THERE ARE A GROUP OF CONSTABLES IN 3, 4 AND 5 AND HUMBLE PD AND SPRING VALLEY PD AND KATY AND TOMBALL.

WE EVEN ASKED AN EXPERT FOR TRAVIS COUNTY TO TALK ABOUT PAPER TAGS. HE MET WITH THE FOLLOW -- HE MET WITH THE TOLL ROAD FOLKS. IT WAS IN TERMS OF CRIME AND THERE IS A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN PAPER TAGS AND CRIME IN THE COUNTY. THE THING I AM RECOGNIZING

[05:50:08]

HERE IS THAT GROUP OF FOLKS TALKING ABOUT WHAT EACH AGENCY IS DOING AND HOW THEY CAN WORK BETTER TOGETHER AND NOT COSTING ANYBODY ANYTHING AND WE RECEIVED CALLS FROM OTHERS AND WE HAVE A BIG TENT FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES AND THE OTHERS THAT WOULD PARTICIPATE WITH US.

OF COURSE CHIEF FENNER, AS ALWAYS HIS FOLKS ARE A GREAT SUPPORT FOR ALL OF US. I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT SITTING OUT THERE ON THEIR HANDS.

THEY ARE INTERESTED IN DOING WHAT THEY CAN IN TERMS OF TRYING TO ADDRESS WHAT I CONSIDER THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THAT IS THE CRIME WE ARE GOING THROUGH. I WANT TO GIVE THAT UPDATE.

IT IS IMPRESSIVE THAT THE 33 CITIES IN HARRIS COUNTY AND I AM EXCLUDING THE BIG CITY OF HOUSTON, BUT THE BIG CITIES MANY OF THEM IF NOT MOST WILL HAVE PD'S.

AND THOSE ARE STPH-FT -- SOME OF THE SAFE OWES NEIGHBORHOODS. YOU TALK ABOUT LA PORT AND YOU TALK ABOUT DEER PARK, AND GETTING THOSE AGENCIES TO HAVE INPUT TO US, THEY ARE ALL DOING A GOOD JOB OF THAT AND HOW WE CAN SHARE THE RESOURCES, JUST WANT TO GET A BIT OF AN UPDATE ON THAT. NO ACTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 387. AND H RORBGS R WANTS TO TALK ABOUT SALARIES FORE HREBLGTED OFFICIALS.

ARE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS. >> I MOVE THE COMPENSATION OFFICE AND THE TRAVEL EXPENSES AND THE OTHER ALLOWANCES FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE SHOULD BE 179,244.

THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR OF 2022.

THAT'S THE CONCLUSION. I ADDED IN WHAT I SENT AROUND WHAT THE FACTORS WERE. IT CAME INTO WHY I CAME UP WITH THE NUMBER. WE PAID THE CLERK'S OFFICE 164,000 AND IT MAY BE RAISED. AND THERE SHOULD BE SOME COST OF LIVING INCREASES SINCE THEN.

MY MOTION IS SPECIFICALLY IN THIS TIME AND THIS ERA WITH THE PRESSURE ON THERE WITH REGARD TO THE CONSTABLES.

WE ARE PAYING $199,000. >> I WAS GETTING THAT AMOUNT AND THEN THE COMMISSIONERS CHANGED THEIR SALARIES BACK

THEN. >> AND THEN THE CALCULATION -- IF IT IS 10% ABOVE NEXT COMMAND IN ANY PARAMILITARY ORGANIZATION IT IS NOT LIKELY FOR THOSE UNDER THE BOSS TO BE MAKING LESS. THAN THE INFRASTRUCTURE.

I BELIEVE THE 179 IS AN INCREASE -- IS A FAIR INCREASE. THEY HAVE NOT HAD ANY INCREASE SINCE 2016 AND WE MAY OR MAY NOT WANT TO DISCUSS INCREASES FOR OTHERS. BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS WAS PUT ON BY HR ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AND IN PART BECAUSE WE HAVE POST WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IF WE WILL DO ANYTHING. AND WE HAVE TO GET THOSE NUMBERS OUT AND IT WILL BE A WHOLE OTHER KWRAER WITH THE RISING WITH THE COST OF LIVING. THAT'S MY PHOEGSZ -- MOTION.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. MR. BERRY WHEN I SAW THIS ITEM , WHO REQUESTED THIS. WHERE DID THIS COME FROM? THIS IS THE BREAK DOWN. IT IS HARRIS COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIAL SURVEY. WHEN I WENT THROUGH IT I DID NOTICE THERE IS AN EXAMPLE THAT IS HIGHER THAN THE

[05:55:09]

AVERAGE TEXAS COUNTY. I CAN'T SEE BECAUSE IT IS LATE IN THE DAY. TAX ASSESSOR WAS HIGHER AND DISTRICT COURT WAS HIGHER AND COUNTY TREASURER LUBES LIKE IT WAS LOWER. CONSTABLES.

AT 133, THE AVERAGE AMOUNT WAS 114.

WHO ASKED FOR THIS? DID YOU PUT -- WHY DIDN'T YOU PUT IT ON FOR ALL OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS OR EVERYONE? I JUST KNOW IF WE ARE AS SENSITIVE TO THIS ISSUE WHAT DOES IT SAY TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND EMPLOYEES WHO HAVEN'T GOTTEN A RAISE. WHERE DID THIS COME FROM IS MY

QUESTION? >> WE ARE DOING A REVIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS. WE NEED TO MAKE A FEW ADJUSTMENTS. BUT IT IS A DIFFERENT PROCESS IT HAS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET MEANING IT HAPPENS ONCE PER YEAR. THE BUDGET THAT COMMISSIONER COURT'S -- COMMISSIONERS' COURT NOTES ON.

THE HR TEAM WOULD HAVE GUIDANCE ON WHAT TO PUBLISH IF ANYTHING. IT WOULDN'T PRECLUDE THE

DEPARTMENT HEADS. >> I HAVE BEEN HERE FIVE YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS COME UP LIKE THIS.

I DIDN'T KNOW, DID SOMEBODY ASK FOR IT? FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, I MAKE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN I MADE AS A STATE SENATOR, I MIGHT ADD.

AND I PUT A LOT MORE TIME INTO THE JOB, OBVIOUSLY.

I'M JUST CURIOUS WHERE DID THIS COME FROM?

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WE HAVE HAD QUESTIONS HERE AND THERE ABOUT THE PROCESS AND INCREASES ACROSS DEPARTMENT HEADS. IF WE ARE GOING TO CONSIDER IT, WE HAVE TO CONSIDER IT NOW BECAUSE OF THE REQUIREMENTS THAT HAS TO BE IN THE BUDGET. IF I WAS A DEPARTMENT HEAD I WANT TO BE IN THE MIX. I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL MYSELF. I KNOW I WAS ASKED TO BE SUPPORT -- SUPPORTIVE OF THE TAKE.

TO BE HONEST -- I STILL FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT SIGNAL IT SENDS OUT TO THE PUBLIC IN PARTICULAR WITH ALL OF THESE CHALLENGES.

WE CUT TAXES THREE YEARS IN A ROW AND WE WANT TO RAISE OUR SALARIES. I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. MR. BERRY, HAS THIS ITEM BEEN GIVEN TO THE BUDGET OFFICE TO UNDERSTAND THE FISCAL IMPACT

OF IT? >> NOT COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S PROPOSAL SPECIFICALLY, BUT IT COULD BE RELEVANT TO THE

DECISION. >> AND AS I HAVE BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THE BUDGET PROCESS AND WITH THE TRAGEDIES WE HAVE ALL HEARD ABOUT AND THE FACT THAT IT JUST REMINDED ME OF THE DAY COMMISSIONER RADACK WAS PROBABLY ABSENT FROM COURT, I PROPOSED A PAY INCREASE.

I PROPOSED A PAY INCREASE PLAN TO TRY TO CREATE PARITY.

WE HEARD THE SHERIFF SAY FOLKS ARE LEAVING HIS ORGANIZATION TO GO TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. I DON'T MIND ENTERTAINING THIS ITEM, BUT I RATHER CHALLENGE OURSELVES THAT -- LACKING -- LOOKING INTO A PAY INCREASE THAT IS ALWAYS AT THE FRONT LINE. NOT TO SAY THE CON -- THE CONSTABLES ARE NOT. AND COINCIDENTALLY, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE OF THIS SALARY INCREASE OF WHAT IT IS TODAY

[06:00:02]

VERSUS WHAT IT WOULD BE IF IT WAS APPROVED.

IS IT 10% OR A DIFFERENT NUMBER?

>> AS I UNDERSTAND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S PROPOSAL IT IS 10% UNDER THE SHERIFF'S PAY.

THAT PROPOSAL OF 179,000 COMPARES TO THE CURRENT SALARY WHICH, CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, IT IS $133,000 FOR THE

CONSTABLES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXISTING AND FUTURE SALARY?

>> APPROXIMATELY A 35% INCREASE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: 35% INCREASE?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS PROPOSAL IS A 35% INCREASE?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS TRYING TO THINK OF A 14% PAY INCREASE AND I COULDN'T GET SUPPORT FROM COMMISSIONERS' COURT. AND THAT WAS OVER A THREE-YEAR

PERIOD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THERE

INFLATION THEN? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS EVERY YEAR, I THINK. LET ME JUST TAKE A MINUTE TO SAY THAT I APPRECIATE CONSTABLE SANDLIN IS THE ONLY ONE TO PROPOSE A PAY INCREASE FOR HIS STAFF.

I DON'T MIND TALKING PAY INCREASES AND I AM NOT LOOKING FOR ONE FOR MYSELF, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PAY INCREASE FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS.

MY STAFF IS WORKING ON THAT AND WE WERE GOING TO SUBMIT IT FOR DISCUSSION DEBATE. EVERY TIME A PAY INCREASE FOR EMPLOYEES COMES UP, IT IS A ONE OFF.

WE DO IT ONE TIME. COMMISSIONER ELLIS RE-- REMINDS US THERE IS A 2% PAY INCREASE.

I WANT TO DO SOMETHING MORE MEANINGFUL FOR OUR EMPLOYEES.

I WAS TALKING WITH FOLKS AND IT REMAINEDDED ME THAT I SUBMITTED -- IT REMINDED ME I HAD A PAY INCREASE PLAN AND IT GOT NOWHERE. I WANT TO SEE WHERE THAT GOES. OUR CONSTABLES DO AN INCREDIBLE JOB, BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE.

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

>> TOM RAMSEY: DAVE, WHAT WAS 305% -- 35%?

THE CONSTABLES? >> IF I CAN UNDERSTAND IT, AND CORRECT ME IF I MISS -- MISSTATE IT, BUT GOING TO $179,000 IS A 35% INCREASE OVER THE CURRENT SALARY.

THE COURT CAN SET IT WHERE IT WANTS, BUT THAT'S THE PROPOSAL

ON THE TABLE. >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU AND I TALKED ON FRIDAY. AND THIS IS ONE OF THE ISSUES WE WILL NOT DO A FRIDAY SUPPLEMENTAL POSTING AND TALK ABOUT IT ON TUESDAY AND MOVE FORWARD.

WE HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF CONVERSATION AND WHETHER WHO IS COVERED AND WHO IS NOT COVERED.

I AM NOT A SOCIALIST. I DID NOT BRING MY BUSINESS WITH 5%, 10% ANYTHING. I I WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ACROSS THE BOARD. I AM A MERIT-BASED KIND OF A GUY. I DO NOTICE THAT THE CONSTABLES ARE -- WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHAT THEY CURRENTLY MAKE AND LOOK AT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES THAT IS A PROBLEM. I AM GOING TO SECOND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION. I THINK WE CAN LOOK AT THESE ONE AT A TIME AND MAYBE THAT IS MOST APPROPRIATE.

CERTAINLY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING RELATED TO ME OR ANY OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS AT THIS POINT.

I DO THINK THERE ARE COMPELLING REASONS WE COULD LOOK AT THE CONSTABLES RIGHT NOW.

I THINK YOU TOLD ME ON FRIDAY THAT IT WAS REALLY THE PRIMARY REASON YOU PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.

IT HAD TO DO WITH WORKING WITH THE CONSTABLES AND TRYING TO BE SURE THAT WE GOT A BUDGET TOGETHER THAT WOULD MAKE SENSE THROUGH THE YEARS. IS THAT RIGHT?

>> WELL I HAVE GOTTEN CALLS FROM DIFFERENT ELECTED OFFICIALS ABOUT THIS, BUT IT IS REQUIRED THAT COURT CONSIDER THIS EVERY KPWRAOER. SOME YEARS WE HAVE DONE IT MORE INFORMALLY AND SLIPPING IT INTO THE BUDGET.

I THOUGHT IT WAS APPROPRIATE IF WE HAVE TO GET NOTICE.

>> IF WE DO IT *EFR -- EVERY YEAR WHY NOT A MONTH AND A

[06:05:02]

HALF AGO? >> ELECTED OFFICIAL DIDN'T

ASK. >> I DIDN'T ASK FOR IT.

>> I THINK MORE ADVANCED NOTICE IS A REASONABLE PROPOSAL. I PERSONALLY DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS FOR SETTING IT UNTIL I CONFIRMED WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY LAST WEEK.

I AGREE IN THE FUTURE WE CAN ALLOW MORE TIME.

IT WAS NOT INTENTIONAL. >> TOM RAMSEY: SO I DO SECOND

COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND JUST TO NOTE THIS IS A DISCUSSION ITEM RIGHT NOW SO I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN MAKE A MOTION RIGHT NOW.

WE ARE MAKING GOOD TIME. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I GOT CLEARANCE FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFTS AND THIS IS A TWO-STEP PROCESS. YOU FIRST HAVE TO SAY WE ARE GOING TO CONSIDER THIS AND IT MAY BE THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO CONSIDER IT. I REMEMBER WHEN THE ISSUE OF OUR PAY RAISE CAME UP AND WE DIDN'T EVEN POST IT.

WE DIDN'T EVEN GET TO CONSIDER ANYBODY ELSE'S PAY RAISE, WHO ARE THE OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS.

WE HAVE CONTROL OVER WHAT OCCURRED -- WHAT OCCURS WHEN -- WITH THE DEPARTMENT HEADS AND WE HAVE TO POST SOMETHING FOR US TO CONSIDER IT TWO WEEKS FROM NOW AND 10 DAYS FROM NOW. IF WE DON'T POST SOMETHING TODAY WE DON'T GET TO CONSIDER SOMETHING IN TWO WEEKS.

THIS IS A GATEWAY FOR A FUTURE DISCUSSION.

A VOTE DOES NOT MEAN WE CAN VOTE FOR IT WHEN WE DISCUSS

THE BUDGET IN 10 DAYS. >> THAT IS CORRECT.

YOU ARE NOT APPROPRIATING THE DOLLARS TODAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD SAY THIS, THIS ITEM SEEMS TO BE CONSUMING A LOT OF TIME THIS IS ALMOST LIKE THE TWO HOURS ON RESOLUTIONS THIS MORNING. I DO JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT WITH THE INFLATION AND ALL OF THE CHALLENGES GOING ON THE LAST TWO YEARS WE ARE NOT SPENDING A COUPLE HOURS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GIVE ALL OF THOSE HARD-WORKING COUNTY EMPLOYEES EVEN A 3% PAY INCREASE.

I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH IT. TAKE IT TO THE VOTERS.

LET THEM DECIDE. WE DECIDED TO CUT TAXES THREE YEARS IN A ROW. THAT'S WHETHER WE GIVE UP FOR A YEAR. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE NUMBERS.

WAS IT 2, 200? >> I THINK WHAT WE SHARE IS THE CUMULATIVE IMPACT AND IT WAS OVER 200 MILLION

ANNUALLY. >> IT WAS THE OLD LANGUAGE.

WE CUT TAXES AND SOME OF THE VERY PEOPLE ARE SAYING WE WANT TO RAISE SALARIES FOR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS.

I MADE THE CHOICE TO BE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.

I CAN MAKE A LOT MORE MONEY IF I DIDN'T DO IT.

I PROBABLY COULD MAKE A LOT OF MONEY UNDOING THE STUFF I PUT IN PLACE. I FEEL TREMENDOUS DISCOMFORT WITH THAT. WHAT SIGNALS TO -- ALL OF THEM WORK HARD. ELECTED ONES, THE APPOINTED ONES, BUT THE ELECTED ONES HAVE A BIT MORE LEEWAY AND THEY -- WHAT THEY GET FROM US SOMETIMES, THEY ARE TAKING JABS FROM US. I CAN FRY A -- TRY A MORE BLUNT WORD. AND WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN THE BUREAUCRACY? ALL OF THE PEOPLE HERE FOR TWO HOURS WRITING DOWN OUR DISCUSSION ABOUT THE RESOLUTIONS WE HAVE. I FEEL A TREMENDOUS DISCOMFORT WITH IT AND I DON'T THINK THAT IS THE WAY TO DO IT.

NOR DO I THINK WE SHOULD TRY AND ACT WHRAOEUBG -- ACT LIKE

THIS IS JUST ADULTS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR POINT. I THINK WE ARE SPENDING A LOT OF TIME FOR THIS DISCUSSION. FOR MY PART I DEFER TO BUDGET ON WHAT WE CAN AFFORD. AND I DID SAY -- LIS -- LISTEN TO THE BUDGET HEARINGS AND LIMITED RESOURCES AND TOP OF THE PRIORITY IS TO MAKE SURE WE CAN HELP THE DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE LOSING FOLKS BECAUSE WE ARE OFFERING LOWER PAY THAN OTHER EQUIVALENT JOBS AND HELP THEM MAKE THAT UP.

I DON'T HAVE A POSITION ON THIS RIGHT NOW.

[06:10:04]

I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF WE CAN AFFORD IT AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE ACROSS THE BOARD. THIS PROPOSAL IS STANDING ON ITS OWN -- TWO MORE ITEMS AND THEN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO INCORPORATE A 35% SALARY INCREASE IS PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL. AND YET HISTORICALLY -- SHANE, WHAT HAS BEEN THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE AND SALARY INCREASES WE HAVE GIVEN THE IN -- INCREASES.

I WOULD JUST SAY A 3% SALARY INCREASE.

BUT I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU ON A PARITY PAY PLAN.

I WANT TO THINK ABOUT THE EMPLOYEES AND I WANT TO THANK THE CONSTABLE FOR PROPOSING THAT IN HIS PWUPBLETT.

AND -- IN HIS BUDGET AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE THINKING OF THE EMPLOYEES ON THE FRONT LINES AND DOING THE

HEAVY LIFTING. >> NO ACTION.

I THINK WE HAVE A CONSENSUS HERE THAT PUTTING SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA IS LIKE WHEN WE CREATED THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE. IT WAS ONE OF THE FRIDAY SURPRISES. THAT'S WHAT I FELT LIKE.

I DIDN'T KNOW WHO PUT IT ON AND I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY PUT IT ON. IT WAS ONE OF THE FRIDAY SURPRISES. THE PUBLIC IS FED UP WITH IT.

SO PERSONAL WE CAN START ADVOCATING.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE STANDARDS ARE TO GET NOTICE.

LACKS LIKE WE WON'T BE -- LOOKS LIKE WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT UNTIL NEXT YEAR BECAUSE OF THE TIME ELEMENT.

DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT ONE, BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE DIRECT

ACTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHOEVER ASKED FOR THIS SHOULD KNOW THE PRO IS SUCCESS.

THERE IS NOT A LOT OF TRANSPARENCY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE IT TOO ON FRIDAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT CAME FROM EITHER.

NO ACTION ON THIS ONE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: MAY I RESPOND TO A COMMENT MADE BY MY COLLEAGUE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ALWAYS SAY

DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DISTINGUISHED.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET OUR TEFRPLS -- TERMS CORRECT. I THINK I HAD THIS CONVERSATION IN THE AMOUNT BEING REFERRED TO.

THE TALE DOES NOT SIGNIFY ANYTHING.

IT IS THE TAX RATE AND IT COSTS 600 MILLION.

THE FIRST YEAR WILL BE 8% AND THAT IS 220 MILLION.

THAT YEAR PLUS THE NEXT YEAR PLUS THE THIRD YEAR IS 660 FROM THE FIRST YEAR. AND THEN YOU HAVE THE SECOND YEAR THAT CREATES THE NEW BASE AND YOU ADD 200 MILLION IN THE THIRD YEAR. AND THEN YOU ARE AT 900 MILLION THAT YOU COST THE TAX SPENDERS.

OR DID NOT TAKE FROM THE TAXPAYERS.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE WITH REGARD TO THE NUMBERS. RODRIGUEZ --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: PUT IN YOUR RESOLUTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE TWO MORE ITEMS AND I PROPOSE WE TAKE THOSE AND TAKE A BREAK AND THEN GO TO EXECUTIVE

SESSION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: MAY I ASK A QUESTION? I THOUGHT I MADE A MOTION AND

I THOUGHT THERE WAS A SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU DID, BUT THE ITEM DOESN'T SKR -- DOESN'T HAVE ACTION.

[06:15:02]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THIS MOTION WAS PREPARED BY THE COUNTY

ATTORNEY. >> THE CONSIDERATION ALLOWS -- UNDERSTAND THAT WHEN AN ITEM IS POSTED FOR CONSIDERATION YOU CAN HAVE AGO, BUT NOT DOLLARS.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE IS TO SET IT FOR THE 10-DAY PERIOD.

IT SOUNDS LIKE TO ME THAT THE WILL OF THE COURT WAS TO NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS. SO THE MOTION IS EFFECTIVELY TABLED. OR IT CAN BE WITHDRAWN.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT WITHDRAWING IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE HAVE BE ABSTAINED.

-- I THINK WE HAVE ABSTAINED. >> [INAUDIBLE].

>> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION TO SEND THIS TO THE BUDGET OFFICE

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: 403,

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I POSTED THIS ITEM BECAUSE WE GOT A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT -- WE ARE ON 403.

IT WAS ABOUT THE OPERATIONS AND THE SCHEDULE FOR THE TAX OFFICE AS IT RELATES TO THE ANNEX.

THEY WERE CLOSED WITHOUT WARNING AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS JUST MY PRECINCT. THE TAX OFFICE LOCATIONS WERE ANNEXED IN THE BAY AREA WERE CLOSED FOR MOST OF THIS YEAR.

ONLY OPENING YESTERDAY AFTER BEING CLOSED FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. THREE IN SOME CASES.

THE FONTINO OFFICE CLOSED THE VOTE ARE REGISTRATION WINDOW SO PEOPLE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REGISTER TO VOTE.

THEY WERE TRYING TO USE THAT LOCATION AND WITH A DEADLINE TO VOTE AND THE PRIMARY LOOMING NEXT WEEK THAT IS OF CONCERN. AND THEN PEOPLE HAD MADE APPOINTMENTS AND ARRIVE TO FIND THE DOORS CLOSED WITHOUT ANYONE TO ASSIST THEM AND WITHOUT ANY NOTIFICATION THAT THEY HAVE BEEN CANCELED OR CLOSED.

AND THEN FOLKS TYPICALLY STILL DO BUSINESS THE OLD WAY.

I MEAN, I WILL TEND TO BUY THINGS ONLINE AND I WILL MAKE SOME APPOINTMENTS ONLINE, BUT PEOPLE STILL GO INTO BUILDINGS AND WAIT IN LINE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE COMFORTABLE WITH. FOR US TO ASSUME THAT THEY COULD IMMEDIATELY GRAVITATE TO A DIFFERENT MEDIUM TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS IS NOT ENTIRELY PRACTICAL.

THE WEBSITES ARE NOT ENTIRELY FRIENDLY.

AND THEN THEY HAVE BEEN COMING INTO MY OFFICE AT THE ANNEXES VERY ANGRY BECAUSE THEY STAYED ON THE PHONE TO GET AN ANSWER AND NO ONE PICKS UP. THEY ARE FURIOUS.

THERE ARE DOZENS COMING BY THE DAY.

MAY STAFF HAS HAD TO TAKE TIME OUT OF THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES TO DO THEIR BEST TO HELP THE FOLKS COMING IN WITH QUESTIONS AND FRUSTRATIONS.

NOT EVERYBODY CAN PAY THEIR TAXES OR HANDLE THEIR BUSINESS ONLINE, AS I MENTIONED. SOME PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE ACCESS A WE FOUND THROUGH THE -- AS WE FOUND THROUGH THE PANDEMIC, AND SOME PEOPLE -- NOT FOR ME TO QUESTION, BUT SOME DON'T HAVE BANK ACCOUNTS AND CREDIT CARDS AND STILL WANT TO DO BUSINESS IN CASH. I JUST HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE TAX OFFICE IF SOMEONE IS ONLINE TO WALK US THROUGH

THAT. >> I'M HERE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHO ARE WE SPEAKING WITH?

>> THIS IS WENDY CEASAR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MS. CEASAR, IS THERE A PROCESS FOR YOU TO NOTIFY PEOPLE WHO HAVE MADE APPOINTMENTS THAT THEIR UH POINTMENTS -- APPOINTMENTS

THAT THEY WERE CANCELED? >> YES, THERE IS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHY IS THAT NOT HAPPENING?

>> IT IS HAPPENING, AND I CAN GIVE YOU THE REPORT ON ALL OF THE EMAILS THAT WE SEND OUT. WE SEND OUT A MASS NOTIFICATION WHEN WE DETERMINE WHAT BRANCH WE NEED TO CANCEL THE APPOINTMENTS FROM. THAT'S THE WAY WE HAVE BEEN DOING IF FOR THREE YEARS. I DO REALIZE THAT SOME PEOPLE

[06:20:04]

MAY NOT CHECK THEIR EMAILS, BUT THEY HAVE THE OPTION TO EITHER GET IT VIA TEXT MESSAGE OR GET IT VIA AN EMAIL.

WHICH EVER WAY THEY SIGN UP AND WHATEVER MEDIUM THEY PROVIDE TO US. IF THEY PROVIDE A PHONE NUMBER AND AN EMAIL THEY GET BOTH WAYS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.

BUT I REALLY ASK YOU TO REVIEW YOUR SYSTEM BECAUSE I'M NOT GOING TO JUST -- I DON'T WANT TO CHUNK OFF OR BITE OFF FOR THE CITIZENS THEY ARE NOT TOLD THE OFFICES ARE CLOSED AND THEY ARE JUST -- THEIR HANDS ARE TIED.

I WILL ASK IF THIS -- IF I COULD ASK OF YOU TO REVIEW YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SYSTEMS AND MILWAUKEE SURE THAT WHAT THEY NEED TO BE. THAT OR HAVE SOME STAFF AT THE ANNEXES AND WITH A SIGN SAYING THEY ARE THE TAX OFFICE AND DIRECT THEM TO YOU INSTEAD OF MY OFFICE BEING ON THE RECEIVING BRUNT OF MANY, MANY, MANY PEOPLE'S FRUSTRATIONS.

I TAKE ENOUGH BULLETS FOR MY WORK.

SINCE YOU ARE REPRESENTING THE ELECTED OFFICIALS, I WOULD ASK FOR SOME HELP IN MAKING SURE OUR CITIZENS ARE WELL ATTENDED

TO. >> IT IS NOT -- IT IS NOT FOR YOU AND CONSTITUENTS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT GETTING THE HELP THEY ARE LOOKING FOR. BECAUSE WE ANTICIPATE THE DISRUPTION -- AND LET ME JUST SAY EXACTLY WHY THE OFFICES WERE CLOSED. WHETHER -- WHEN THE ORIGINAL COVID STRAIN AND THE DELTA HIT IT WAS A MINIMUM AFFECT TO THE TAX OFFICE. WHEN OMICRON CAME IT WIPED US OUT. IT DEVASTATED OUR STAFF AVAILABILITY. IT COST US TO OPERATE UNDER A CRISIS MANAGEMENT PROT -- PROTOCOL AND THAT FORCED US TO DIVERT THE CAPITAL TO THE MOST CRITICAL INCIDENTS.

WE EXTENDED RESPONSE TIME TO NONCRITICAL SERVICES.

WHAT WE DID WAS CREATED AN INFORMATIONAL FLIER WHICH WE SENT OUT TO ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS' STAFF THAT LISTS THE OTHER SERVICES THAT THE CONSTITUENTS CAN USE SUCH AS THE 200 GROCERY STORES THAT ARE WITH THE TAX OFFICE TO DO REGISTRATION STICKERS. AND I AGREE.

NOT EVERYBODY IS COMPUTER SAVVY AND NOT EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO ONLINE AND PURCHASE THEIR REGISTRATION STICKER.

BUT WE ALSO HAVE 200 STORES. WE HAD 60 EMPLOYEES WHO HAD COVID THAT REALLY TOOK US OUT.

ONE OF THE MAJOR ISSUES WE ARE SEEING AND CURRENTSLY -- AND CURRENTLY, THE TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES AND WE CAN'T COMPETE ANYMORE. I AGREE WITH YOU.

WE CREATED AN APPOINTMENT SOFTWARE SO THAT WHEN THE CUSTOMER COMES IN THEY CAN GO ON OUR WEBSITE.

WAY -- WE ARE AT LEVEL ONE. IF WE CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE THAT WAS DIRECT OR CONSTITUENTS AND THEY CAN HAVE SOMETHING THEY CAN SEE AND THAT, YES, THEY HAVE AN UH POINTMENT AT -- AN APPOINTMENT AT 10:00 AND WE KNOW THEY ARE HERE. GRANTED NOT EVERYBODY WILL USE

[06:25:07]

THAT SYSTEM. I WILL LOOK AT ALL CUSTOMER SERVICE PROGRAMS AND DETERMINE WHAT WE CAN FIX.

GRANTED THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.

I REC COG TPHAEUZ THAT. TKAOERB DASH I REMEMBER COG TPHAOEUZ THAT AND I DEFINITELY WILL LOOK INTO THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND ONE OF THE THINGS I CONSTANTLY DO WHEN I FEIGNED MYSELFS LEANING ON AND TALKING TO CITIZENS ABOUT PARTICULAR SYSTEMS IS I WILL MAKE PHONE CALLS OR GO ON THINGS -- GO ONLINE AND LOOK AT THINGS.

RIGHT NOW YOUR VEHICLE REGISTRATION LINK IS DOWN.

AND THEN TO YOUR POINTS OF -- TO YOUR POINT OF GOING TO GROCERY STORES, ONE OF THE THINGS YOU CAN'T DO AT A GROCERY STORE IS PAY TAXES. AND THEN I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO IN MY STAFF THE NOTICES WERE SENT TO.

AND I DON'T THINK WE ENTERTAINED MR. BERRY CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, BUT I DON'T THINK WE ENTERTAINED A FUNDING REQUEST, AN EMERGENCY COVID-RELATED FUNDING REQUEST FOR THE TAX OFFICE AND FOR MORE TEMPS?

>> I WILL CONSULT MY NOTES, BUT I THINK WE DID APPROVE A

SMALL REQUEST. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHO WAS THAT? WHEN WAS THAT?

>> LAST COURT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD.

SO WE ARE HERE TO HELP. I CAN FORWARD YOU THE REFERENCES THAT I'M MAKING AND THE COMPLAINTS AND THE FRUSTRATIONS AND THE EXAMPLES OF FOR EXAMPLE A SENIOR CITIZEN THAT HAD CASH IN HER HAND BECAUSE SHE DOES NOT TRUST THE MAIL. SHE DOESN'T HAVE CREDIT CARDS AND SHE WALKED INTO THE OFFICE TRYING TO MAKE A PAYMENT.

SO I'M JUST ADVOCATING FOR OUR FOLKS WHO STILL LIKE DOING BUSINESS THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR POSTING THIS ITEM.

MS. CEASAR, THANK YOU FOR THE WORK THAT THE FOLKS ARE DOING. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO -- IF YOU HAVE IT, DON'T FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ALONE.

WORK WITH THEM ON WHAT YOU CAN DO AND I KNOW WE ARE COMING CLOSE TO THE TIME WHEN PEOPLE HAVE TO GET THEIR PROPERTY TAXES IN AND WHAT IS GOING ON.

WE DON'T WANT PEOPLE IN TEFRPLS OF THE -- IN TERMS OF THE PENALTIES AND HOW IT ACCUMULATES AND CREATES A PROBLEM. WE CANNOT LET THAT HAPPEN.

I DON'T KNOW WHO YOU SENT THE NOTICE TO ON MY STAFF, BUT I HAVE GOTTEN COMPLAINTS TOO. NEXT TIME I WILL DO A TELETHON NICK TOWN HALL MEETING. I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT ON THE ALTERNATIVES. WE CAN SEE WHAT OTHER TAX OFFICES ARE DOING IN THE STEUT AND AROUND -- IN THE STATE AND AROUND THE COUNTRY. ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO OPEN IT UP, YOU KNOW, I HAD MY TAXES DROPPED OFF.

I DON'T TRUST THE MAIL EITHER.

I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE I AM TRYING TO ARGUE ABOUT -- AS MUCH AS I AM PAYING IN PROPERTY TAXES, IF I COME UP WITH THE MONEY I DON'T WANT TO PAY A PENALTY BECAUSE IT DIDN'T GET THAT IN THE MAIL.

THE POSTAL SERVICE HAS DELAYS BECAUSE OF THE OMICRON AS WELL. WE DROPPED MINE OFF, BUT FIGURED WE COULD FIND A DAY YOU WOULD BE OPEN.

MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ALL OF THE PENALTIES THAT WILL BE TRIGGERED. SOMETIMES YOU MAY HAVE TO CALL ONE OF US -- ONE OF THESE COMMISSIONERS.

WE WILL MAKE SURE TO GET THE WORD OUT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: TWO THINGS. ONE IS I WILL SEND YOU A PHONE NUMBER THAT IS IN MY OFFICE. ONE OF MY STAFF MEMBERS JUST TEXTED ME SAYING OUR PHONE RINGS ALL THE TIME BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS THE NUMBER FOR THE TAX OFFICE.

I WILL GET YOU A NUMBER. >> PLEASE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND YOU CAN HELP US CORRECT IT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WOULD YOU GIVE US THAT NUMBER TOO?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH. AND THEN SECONDLY I WOULD ASK

[06:30:01]

YOU TO CONSIDER EITHER ONE OR BOTH THINGS.

ONE IS THAT WHEN YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO SHUTDOWN OPERATIONS OR YOU ARE MAKING A DECISION, PUT OUT A NEWS ADVISORY SO YOU CAN GET HELP FROM THE LOCAL MEDIA TO SAY THE TAX COLLECTOR AND ACCESS -- AND ASSESSOR IS SHUTTING DOWN OPERATIONS. OR WORK WITH HER SO SHE CAN HELP AMPLIFY THAT. MORE IMPORTANTLY I WOULD ASK FOR THE THINKING THAT YOU ARE AN ESSENTIAL OFFICE.

I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY WOULD GET BUSINESS DONE AND THEN THEY GET A TICKET OR NOW THEY ARE TKAU RINK -- DELINQUENT IN THEIR TAXES. I DON'T WANT TO PUT CITIZENS IN THAT CIRCUMSTANCE. I WILL ASK THAT YOU ARE ESSENTIAL AND SO CLOSING OPERATIONS CANNOT BE UP FOR CONSIDERATION. I WILL SAY THAT AS A CITIZEN AND AS A PARTNER YOU ARE AN IMMENSELY IMPORTANT OPERATION. AND THEY HAVE TO COUNT ON ANY EXAT THE PRESENT TIME POSSIBLE.

EXTENT POSSIBLE. >> ONE OF THE THINGS YOU MENTIONED IS THAT THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR HAS THEIR OWN CODES SO THEY CAN OPEN THE OFFICE THEMSELVES.

AND WE HAVE DROP BOXES SO IF YOU COME TO PAY A PROPERTY TAX YOU CAN DROP IT IN THE DROP BOX AND HONOR IT LIKE IF YOU WALKED IN THE DOOR THE SAME DAY.

WHEN WE CLOSE THE BRANCHES IT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO STAFF.

WHAT I MEAN BY THAT, RAUL MARTINEZ HAS TWO EMPLOYEES ONLY AND THEY GET 400 TRANSACTIONS THAT DAY, AND ALL THE STAFF WERE TRICKLING IN FROM BEING UNDER QUARANTINE.

WE DIDN'T HAVE ANYBODY TO MAN THE OFFICES BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC THEY WERE DOING TRANSACTIONS.

THEY WERE DOING COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS.

BECAUSE OF THE LEVEL ONE HOMELAND SQUATTER COMMERCIAL -- HOMELAND SECURITY COMMERCIAL WE HAD TO BORROW FROM OTHER BRANCHES TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MS. CEASAR, JUST LET US KNOW AND LET DAVE KNOW OR MY OFFICE IF THERE IS ADDITIONAL ONE-TIME RESOURCES YOU NEED. HAVE YOU GUYS IMPLEMENTED THE TESTING POLICY AND THE SILVER STICKER AND ALL OF THAT?

>> YES. WE IMPLEMENTED THE SILVER STICKER. WHAT GOT US IN THIS BIND IS WE SEND AN EMAIL TO THE EMPLOYEES SAYING WE RECOMMEND TO GO GET TESTED. THEY ALL WENT AND GOT TESTED.

HALF OF THEM DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAD THE VIRUS.

THANK GOD WE DID THAT BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE WIPED THE OFFICE COMPLETELY OUT IF WE HADN'T DONE THAT.

THAT'S WHEN WE WERE UP TO LIKE 60 EMPLOYEES AT A TIME WITH

THE OMICRON. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M GLAD YOU DID THAT AND COMMISSIONER THANK YOU AGAIN FOR RAISING THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS.

WE ARE ON STAND BY IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE WE CAN DO TO BE

SUPPORTIVE. >> AND WE WANTED TO SHARE SOME STATS IS THAT POSSIBLE REAL QUICK FOR THE LAST FOUR DAYS? FROM THE 18 TO THE 21ST I WANTED TO SHARE SOME STATS WITH YOU SO YOU CAN GET AN IDEA WHAT IT IS WE HAVE DONE.

WE HAVE DONE 23,751 TRANSACTIONS FROM JANUARY 18 TO THE 21ST. 579 OF THAT WERE EMAILS.

957 WAS VOICEMAILS. WE HAD 13,587 APPOINTMENTS.

WE DID 19,699 APPOINT MEANT -- APPOINTMENT AUTO

[06:35:07]

TRANSACTIONS. WE DID 1,644 DEALER PACKAGES AND WE DID 6,984 PROPERTY TAX TRANSACTIONS.

ON THAT SAME FOUR-DAY PERIOD WE ASKED -- WE ANSWERED 7,000 PHONE CALLS. 1,921 WAS AUTO.

1 TPHOURBGS 90 -- 1,907 WAS OPERATOR PHONE CALLS.

CAN WE DO MORE? ABSOLUTELY.

IF WE GET MORE CAN WE IMPROVE? ABSOLUTELY. MORE STAFF AND DEFINITELY DOUBLE THE NUMBERS. YES, THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR

IMPROVEMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MS. CEASAR AND THE FINAL ITEM IS 404.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: 404 --

>> I'M SORRY. IS THAT NO ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S RIGHT.

IT IS JUST A DISCUSSION. THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: 404 IS A COMPANION TO 291.

THIS BODY ON A 3-2 VOTE VOTED TO EXTEND THE RENEWAL OF THE PFM CONTRACT. PART OF THAT I DID AGREE WITH IS THAT THEY ALSO DROPPED THE CHARGE THEY HAD FOR THE REVIEW OF THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE. THAT PART WAS SHIFTED TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE RENEWAL. WHAT I HAVE IN MY HAND AND HAS BEEN FILED IS THE 153-PAGE REPORT THAT A LOT OF FOLKS WEREN'T AWARE THE CONSTABLES WENT OUT AND SPENT MONEY AND HAD A REPORT DONE AND THEY ATTEMPTED TO PROVIDE TO PFM, BUT WAS REJECTED FOR SOME REASON OR ANOTHER AND THEN ULTIMATELY THE CONSTABLES WERE NOT PART OF THE CONTRACT.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THIS AS PART OF THE RECORD, THIS 153-PAGE REPORT THAT WAS SUBMITTED.

ALTHOUGH I KNOW WE HAVE LOTS OF READING WE ALL DO, BUT I WILL DRAW ATTENTION TO PAGE 16 WHERE IT TALKS ABOUT THE BEST PRACTICES AND IT SAYS THE CONSTABLE OFFICE REVIEW BEST PRACTICES AND INCURRED INDUSTRY STANDARDS REGARDING LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM VARIOUS SOURCES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS. AND THEN THEY LIST 19 AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS. SOME ARE NONPROFIT.

SOME ARE COMMUNITY LEADER-TYPE ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHERS ARE NATIONAL STANDARDS WITH REGARD TO THEIR ACTIVITY.

I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THEIR REPORT DIDN'T GET LOST IN THE SHUFFLE. I AM HANDING MY 153-PAGE REPORT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WHO TELLS ME I DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ANYMORE BECAUSE IT IS DONE ELECTRONICALLY.

BUT THE OLD LAWYER/JUDGE IN ME MEANS I HAVE TO HAND IT OVER AND IT CAN BE PART OF THE ELECTRONIC RECORD AS IT REGULARLY OCCURS. THAT IS THE PORTION OF 2-404.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT.

THERE IS A LOT OF HARD WORK THAT WENT THAT THAT.

WE OUGHT TO READ IT. AT NEXT COMMISSIONERS' COURT -- NOT HERE, BUT NEXT I WILL LOOK AT WHAT IT COST THEM TO DO IT. IF WE ARE GONNA START RECONCILING THE BOOKS HERE ON WHO SPENT MONEY DOING WHAT, WE SHOULD AT LEAST CONSIDER WHAT THE CONSTABLES SPENT TO PUT IT TOGETHER AND IT HAS BEEN IGNORED.

WE CAN TALK MORE ABOUT THAT AT THE MEETING WHEN I KNOW MORE

ABOUT WHAT THE EXPENSES ARE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA TOO? I DID A REPORT AND IT COST MY MONEY A LOT AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED.

A LOT OF THE THINGS WE PROPOSED YOU ADOPTED THEM AND I HOPE YOU PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK WE NEED TO TAKE A BREAK SO THAT MY DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE CAN GET A LITTLE SOMETHING TO EAT BECAUSE I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND A WORD OF WHAT HE JUST SAID.

>> JUDGE, I'M SORRY. I THINK YOUR MIC IS OFF.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I UNDERSTOOD WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID.

I THINK IT IS A FAIR ASK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU DIDN'T PICK IT UP OVER THERE AT RICE.

THAT'S SOMETHING I LEARNED AT TEXAS SOUTHERN AND I WILL

EXPLAIN TO YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WELL THAT IS IT FOR THE ITEMS EXCEPT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS.

>> JUDGE, I DO NEED CLARIFICATION AGAIN ON ITEM 387. WERE WE TAKING BOTH VOTES -- BOTH MOTIONS INTO CONSIDERATION OR JUST THE SECOND ONE THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE? IF HE DID, IF YOU CAN PLEASE REPEAT THE MOTION FOR US

WHRAOEPB LEAN WE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: WE TOOK UP COMMISSIONER ELLIS' MOTION TO REFER COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S

[06:40:01]

PROPOSAL TO THE BUDGET OFFICE.

THAT MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND IT PASSED 3-2 WITH MY SUPPORT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IT WAS A SUBSTITUTE MOTION WHICH IS WHY SUBSEQUENTLY WE DID NOT VOTE ON THE ORIGINAL MOTION.

>> AND THAT'S WHAT WE WANTED KHRA YOU ARE TPAU LOCATION ON

ON OUR END. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? ROM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: DID WE VOTE ON 3 TPHAEUPB 8?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE PUT IT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA, RIGHT?

>> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHOEVER FLAGGED IT SAID IT WAS OKAY AFTER ALL.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? SO HERE IS OUR -- WE ARE GOING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON ITEMS 379, 383, 384 AND 385 ON PERSONNEL MATTERS AND TO CONSULT WITH OUR TURN.

IT IS 6:08. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK. IT IS FREEZING IN THAT ROOM AND I KNOW THERE WILL BE A LOT OF HOT AIR IN THERE IN A MINUTE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 7:06 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. WE'LL START WITH ITEM 379.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE APRIL OFLY PH-RB -- ASHLEY PH-RB

GEIS. >> A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDS -- SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GAR KWRAOE --

GARCIA. >> R. JACK CAGLE: BRIEF STATEMENT. THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN THE RESUME IS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

I HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO VET THIS INDIVIDUAL SO I WILL BE A NO VOTE, BUT IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT I DON'T KNOW WHEN -- KNOW WHETHER THEY ARE GOOD OR NOT, BUT NOT HAVING A CHANCE TO VET THIS INDIVIDUAL IN ORDER TO CALL DR. WEST MYSELF -- I

THINK THEY GO TO THE CHURCH. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HE DOES.

AND I DIDN'T SEND A RESUME TO ANYBODY.

I WOULD BE CONCERNED I WOULD BE ACCUSED OF VIOLATING OPEN MEETINGS. SO I SIMPLY DID NOT DO THAT.

THE KOUPB TEEN -- COUNTY ATTORNEY, CAN I IN THE FUTURE? CAN I SEND THE RESUME AROUND?

>> YES. YOU CAN.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY. >> SEND IT TO -- YEAH.

YOU CAN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST DON'T SAY WHO YOU ARE VOTING FOR. SHOULD I SEND THE APPLICATION OR WOULD THEY JUST GET THE RESUME?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I LOOKED AT EVERYBODY WHO SENT ME A RESUME.

>> IF THERE IS INDIVIDUALS YOU WAFPBT TO -- WANT TO NOMINATE GOING FORWARD -BGS -- THE INDIVIDUAL SHOULD CONTACT THE OFFICES AND SEND THEIR SAYS MAY.

-- RESUME. YOU SHOULD NOT BE ADVOCATING.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE SENT IT, BUT IF SOMEONE WANTS MY VOTE,Y THEY NEED TO -- MY VOTE, THEY NEED

TO -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND LIKE THE PERSON THAT YOU GAVE ME, I DIDN'T GET THAT ONE, BUT SOME PEOPLE WOULD BE RELUCTANT IN CASE THEY DIDN'T GET.

IT CASH DASH THEY TKEUBTS -- THEY DIDN'T GET IT.

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

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: A YOU POSED? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TKWR-PL IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES 4-1.

THE NEXT IS ITEM 383. IS THERE A MOTION TO REFER 383 TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MAKE THAT MOTION.

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

I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> I'M SORRY MOTION TO REFER?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.

MOTION CARRIES 3-2. AND NEXT IS 384.

ON THAT ITEM IS THERE A MOTION TO RATIFY -- OH, TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF MILTON RATHMAN AS HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEER AND DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF COUNTY ENGINEER.

[06:45:02]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM HONORED TO MAKE THAT MOTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION IS AUTHORIZED TO FINAL -- FINALIZE HIS COMPENSATION AND START DATE AS ALLOW BELIEVE UNDER HARRIS COUNTY POLICY AND ALL HARRIS COUNTY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO ANY AND ALL THINGS NECESSARY OR CONVENIENT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS ORDER.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> I.

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

AND THEN ON THE FOLLOWING ITEM -- I WOULD BE REMISS NOT TO THANK LLOYD WHO HAS BEEN HOLDING DOWN THE FORT.

LLOYD, THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. HUN.

GOOD POLICY AND GOOD GOVERNING DE -- DEPENDS ON GOOD PEOPLE AND WE ARE LUCKY GOOD PEOPLE ARE TAKING UP THE MANTLE OF P-B SERVICE NO MATTER -- OF PUBLIC SERVICE NO MATTER HOW HAD -- HARD. AND DO WE HAVE A MOTION FOR PENA PETERSON OF THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE A MOTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TO FINAL HIS HER COMPENSATION BENEFITS AND START DATE AND ALL HARRIS COUNTY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES ARE AUTHORIZED TO DO ANY AND ALL THINGS NECESSARY OR CONVENIENT TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSE OF THE ORDER.

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO ALLEN

BLACK. >> ABSOLUTELY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WISH WE HAD ALL OF THE PEOPLE HERE FOR A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. I HOPE FOLKS ARE NOT GOING

ANYWHERE COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME FIRST THANK THOSE WHO YOU -- AS YOU JUST TOUCHED ON THAT HAVE HELD THE SHIFT TOGETHER AND HAVE WORKED FOR THE COUNTY OVER THE YEARS. I WOULD BE REMISS IF WE DIDN'T JUST RECOGNIZE WHAT HAPPENED. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF HARRIS COUNTY AND I DON'T KNOW HOW OLD WE ARE, 181 OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT? THERE WILL BE A WOMAN, A FEMALE ENGINEER WHO IS LEADING THAT ORGANIZATION.

IT IS EXCITING. IT HAS BEEN A LONGTIME COMING. AND FOR THE FIRST TIME SIMILARLY, THE COUNTY ENGINEER IS A SOUTH ASIAN.

IT IS NOT JUST A PERSON OF COLOR, BUT A PERSON OF SOUTH 8 SHEPT DECENT -- SOUTH ANCIENT -- SOUTH 8 SHEPT -- SOUTH ASIAN DECENT. THAT'S PRETTY COOL.

IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THE DIFFERENCE IT MAKES TO OPEN THE DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY TO ALL PEOPLE.

AND SO AT THIS MOMENT I AM IMMENSELY PROUD TO SIT AT THIS

TABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR STOPPING TO MAKE US STOP AND REFLECT.

IT IS A NEW DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY.

I LOVE THIS LINE JESSE JACKSON ALWAYS SAYS.

YOU NEVER KNEW HOW GOOD BASEBALL COULD BE UNTIL JACKIE ROBINSON GOT IN THE GAME. WE HAD NO IDEA HOW GOOD IT WAS UNTIL EVERYBODY COULD PARTICIPATE.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING US REFLECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: BEING AN OLD PE AND GETTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TONIGHT AND KNOWING THE HISTORY OF NOT ONLY HARRIS COUNTY, BUT PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING IN GENERAL AND I COULD SIT HERE FOR AN HOUR, BUT I WON'T.

I WILL SAY ONE THING AND BOTH OF THOSE FOLKS' CASES THERE WAS SOMEBODY, MAYBE, IN A POSITION OF HIRING IN THESE FIRMS MANY YEARS AGO THAT SAYS YOU KNOW WHAT? WE WANT TO GIVE THEM A CHANCE.

SO THIS IS A CULMINATION. IT IS NOT SKR*US -- IT IS NOT JUST WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE, BUT ALL OF THOSE COMPANIES THAT HIRED AND TOOK PEOPLE ON BOARD TO GET THEM THERE AND I AM PROUD OF THOSE CONSULTANTS AS WELL.

I KNEW WHEN I HAD MY BUSINESS IF WE COULD HIRE A LADY IN ANY CAPACITY THAT WE DID. THERE JUST WASN'T A LOT COMING OUT. AND NOW WE CAN SEE THE FRUITION OF THOSE BOLD STATEMENTS BEING MADE BY THOSE ENGINEERS, MANY OF WHICH ARE NO LONGER WITH US.

THIS IS A POINT TO REMEMBER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: KUDOS TO MR. BERRY AS WELL. IT IS CERTAINLY DIFFICULT

[06:50:02]

PROCESS, BUT THESE ARE PEOPLE YOU RECOMMENDED.

OBVIOUSLY WE HAD TO VOTE ON THEM, BUT YOU RECOMMENDED IT.

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE TO STRIVE, WE ALL NEED TO, TO MAKE THIS A DIVERSE COUNTY AND LOOK LIKE THE PEOPLE WE SERVE. THEY HAVE TO BE EQUAL FILED -- QUALIFIED, OF COURSE, AND THEY ARE ALL QUALIFIED.

>> QUICKLY THANK YOU TO -- THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT OF MY NOMINEES AND I CAN SHARE THAT WE HAVE FINALIZED PLACING A NEW BUDGET DIRECTOR. HIS NAME IS DANIEL RAMOS.

I THINK EITHER YOU OR ALL OF YOUR OFFICES HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO MEET HIM. HE COMES TO US FROM THE CITY OF BALTIMORE. HE WAS THE DEPUTY CITY ADMINISTRATOR THERE AND A BUDGET DIRECTOR.

I'M EXCITED TO HAVE HIM ON THE TEAM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHY NOT MAKE HIT -- HIS NOMINATION

TONIGHT? >> IT IS DELEGATED TO ME.

SOME HAVE TO COME TO COURT AND INVOLVE Y'ALL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WELCOME TO DANIEL AS WELL.

AND THAT IS HISTORY TOO. THE FIRST BUDGET DIRECTOR, DON'T THINK THERE HAS BEEN A PERSON OF COLOR THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

SKWRAOEBG JACK TPHRAD CON -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: FLOOD

CONTROL PETERSON? >> DR. PETERSON.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK FLOOD CONTROL TITLE IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN OUR CONTEXT.

DIRECTOR MILTON, ROLL YOUR SLEEVES UP.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO REAL FAST.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MR. BERRY.

ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. GREAT.

SO THOSE SHOULD BE ALL OF THE ITEMS IF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY

DOESN'T HAVE ANY. >> NOTHING, JUDGE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE WITH ALL OF YOU ALL. WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 7:17 AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW APPOINTEES. COURT IS

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.