Apr 05, 2022 Commissioners Court

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>> LINA HIDALGO: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

IT IS 10:04 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS APRIL 5TH, 2022 MEETING OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO ORDER.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE REVEREND TO GIVE OUR INTRODUCTION -- INTRODUCTION IS PASTOR RANDY WILLIAMS, BUT TO BE INTRODUCED BY PRECINCT 2 WHO IS NOT HERE YET. DO WE KNOW HOW LONG HE WILL BE? I DON'T WANT HIM TO LOSE THAT OPPORTUNITY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S START WITH THE PLEDGE THEN.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDERGOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TO TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDERGOD, ONE AN INDIVIDUAL.

[Pastor Randy Williams of Sweet Home Baptist Church in Galena Park.]

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, I THINK YOU SHOULD JUST INTRODUCE

THE SPEAKER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IS PASTOR RANDY WILLIAMS HERE OR IS HE ON THE VIRTUAL?

>> HE IS ON THE LINE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: GOOD MORNING,

PASTOR. >> GOOD MORNING, SIR, HOW ARE

YOU STP. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I'M DOING GREAT. I WILL GIVE A LITTLE INTRODUCTION AND WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR COMING AND LEADING US IN OUR INVOCATION TODAY. PASTOR WILLIAMS WAS BORN AND RAISED IN SAN AUGUSTINE, TEXAS -- OH.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONTINUE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DIDN'T WANT TO JUMP TOO FAR AHEAD, BUT I'LL KEEP ROLLING.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SINCE WE JUST HEARD ABOUT IT TODAY.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: JESUS TOOK ROOT AT THE COUNTY LINE BAPTIST AND HE REDEDICATED HIS LIFE WHILE A COLLEGE STUDENT.

HE WENT TO SCHOOL IN GALENA PARK.

USED TO WORK WITH THE FOLKS FROM GALENA PARK WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN DOBEY. HE MADE HIS WAY TO BECOMING SENIOR PASTOR UPON THE RETIREMENT OF HIS MENTOR PAST -- PASTOR VW MCGEE. HE HAD HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY WITH HIS LOVELY WIFE, AMILIA AND THE PARENTS OF TWO CHILDREN.

PASTOR, IF YOU WILL LEAD US IN OUR INVOCATION, PLEASE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> MY GREAT HONOR, SIR.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER. GOD OUR FATHER HOW WE LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU AGAIN FORGIVING US A GOOD DAY.

WE WANT TO THANK YOU, FATHER, FOR GRACE AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR NEW MERCY, AND ALL OF US KNOW THAT IT IS BECAUSE OF YOUR MERCY FOR US THAT WE HAVE NOT BEEN CONSUMED.

WE WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK YOU FORGIVING US YOUR SON, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO DIE ON THE CROSS FOR ALL OF OUR SINS.

AND WE COME BEFORE YOU THIS MORNING THAT YOU WILL GIVE YOU GUIDANCE AND IMPART TO THESE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND THE CITY THAT YOU WOULD GRANT US YOUR WISDOM AND YOUR COUNCIL AND YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

WE CONFESS THIS MORNING, FATHER, THAT WE NEED DIRECTION FROM YOU.

WE REALLY CANNOT PROPERLY GOVERN WE DON'T HAVE THE WISDOM NOR THE WHEREWITH ALL TO ANSWER ALL OF THE QUESTIONS AND TO MEET ALL OF THE NEEDS. WE NEED HELP FROM YOU AND THAT'S WHY WE COME HUMBLY ASKING FOR THAT TODAY.

WE ASK YOU, GOD, YOU WATCH OVER OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND WE PRAY FOR CONTINUED BROTHERHOOD AND FELLOWSHIP AS THEY WORK TOGETHER. AND FATHER GOD,ING WE WANT TO ASK YOU THAT YOU PROTECT OUR CITY, PROTECT OUR COUNTY.

AND THEN BEFORE I CLOSE IN PRAYER, LET ME PRAY A WORD OF PRAYER FOR OUR PRESIDENT AND FOR OUR GREAT NATION AND WE ASK YOU FATHER, THAT YOU CONTINUE TO BLESS TEXAS AND YOU CONTINUE TO BLESS THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

FATHER, WE HUMBLY ASK THIS PETITION TODAY IN JESUS' WONDERFUL NAME WE PRAY. AMEN.

>> AMEN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

PASTOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,

PASTOR. >> IT IS MY HONOR.

THANK YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: PASTOR, WE AGAIN WANT TO THANK YOU FOR COMING.

YOU WERE REQUESTED BY THE STAFF OF PRECINCT 2 TO COME AND DO THIS TODAY, AND SO WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR STAFF FOR INVITING YOU TO LEAD US IN THIS INVOCATION.

>> MY GREAT HONOR. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE SEVERAL RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER, BUT I WOULD BE REMISS NOT TO MENTION AND HONOR THE MEMORY OF DEPUTY DARRIN AMENDARES AND DEPUTY CHAVES.

IT HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT WEEK FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

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AS A COMMUNITY -- AS A COMMUNITY WE STAND WITH OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. IT IS A DANGEROUS JOB THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS. IT IS EVEN TOUGHER THESE DAYS.

I HAVE SPOKEN WITH CON -- CONSTABLE WALKER AND SHERIFF GONZALEZ AND OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF THESE TWO VERY BRAVE PUBLIC SERVANTS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIGHT THIS CRIME WAVE. IT IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR ALL OF US AS A COMMUNITY AND AS A NATION AS WE SEE THESE ISSUES

THROUGHOUT THE NATION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, THANK YOU. I WANT TO THANK ALL OF THE FOLKS THAT ARE HERE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.

YOU ALWAYS WALK OUT OF YOUR HOME WITH A DEGREE OF CERTAINTY YOU WILL MAKE IT BACK, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE OUT THERE TRYING TO INTERVENE WITH THOSE PLANS. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU.

JUDGE, THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT MULTI-YEAR PERIODS IN OUR HISTORY. I WANT TO THANK THE SPOUSES WHO SUPPORT THEIR LOVED ONES TO DO THIS CRAZY JOB THAT WE ENJOY SO MUCH. JUDGE, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR VISITING WITH MRS. AMENDARES AND HER STRENGTH WAS INCREDIBLE, BUT IT IS ALWAYS PAINFUL. IT IS ALWAYS VERY PAINFUL.

SO TO ALL WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS TRAGEDY WHETHER IT IS FAMILY OR WHETHER IT IS WORK FAMILY, I KNOW THE FEELING ALL TOO WELL, AND WE KEEP YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, BUT PARTICULARLY TO THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE SUFFERED THE MOST, WE KEEP

THEM IN OUR PRAYERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,

[Departments ( Part 1 of 4 )]

LET ME READ THE RESOLUTION. WHEREAS RAMADAN, THE 9TH MONTH OF THE YEAR IN THE ISLAMIC CALENDAR BEGAN ON SATURDAY APRI.

UPON THE SIGHTING OF THE CRESCENT MOON AND ENDS ON MAY SECOND, INITIATING A CELEBRATION OF FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY MARKED BY WORSHIPING AND STUDYING THE CORAL -- THE KORAN AND FASTING.

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PRACTICE.

MUSLIMS ABSTAIN FROM FOOD AND DRINK FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET TO FORTIFY THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE SUFFERING OF THE POOR AND HUNGRY.

RAMADAN IS ONE OF THE HOLIEST MONTHS OF THE ISLAMIC CALENDAR AND A TIME OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND A TIME TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR BLESSINGS. MUSLIMS CONSTITUTE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF HARRIS COUNTY'S POPULATION.

APPROXIMATELY 117 OF TEXAS' 400,000 MUSLIMS LIVE IN HARRIS COUNTY EACH CONTRIBUTING IN A NUMBER OF WAYS INCLUDING ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND CULTURALLY, AND WE ARE SO PROUD AT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEMORATE RAMADA -- RAMADAN AND FOR A BLESSED AND HAPPY HOLY MONTH. DO WE HAVE SPEAKERS ON THIS

RESOLUTION? >> YES, MA'AM.

FIRST IS SHAREE GANI SPEAKING IN PERSON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> GOOD MORNING, HONORABLE JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SPEAK BEFORE YOU AS YOU RECOGNIZE THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY. I AM THE DIRECTOR OF THE MINRET FOUNDATION WHERE WE BRING MUSLIMS, JEWS AND CHRISTIANS TOGETHER TO CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND US.

RAMADAN IS MORE THAN JUST FASTING.

GOD SAYS FASTING IS A WAY TO DRAW CLOSER TO HIM.

IN THIS MONTH AS WE PARTWAYS WITH FOOD AND DRINK FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET WE REMEMBER GOD EVERY TIME WE FEEL HUNGER OR SEE OUR CO-WORKERS EAT. WE REMEMBER GOD EVERY TIME TO RESCHEDULE A LUNCH AND TO ADJUST OUR DAYS ACCORDING TO OUR MEALS.

IN THIS MONTH, MUSLIMS ALL OVER HOUSTON AND ALL OVER THE WORLD LIVE IN A CONSTANT STATE OF HEIGHTENED SPIRITUALITY AND REMEMBER -- REMEMBRANCE OF GOD. THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION.

IT IS AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE 200,000 MUSLIMS IN HOUSTON AND

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>> R. JACK CAGLE: WERE YOU DONE? >> I WAS JUST GOING TO END WITH

A PRAYER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: PLEASE DO.

>> MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU A STEADY HAND TO BENEFIT OUR RESIDENTS AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR BELOVED LAW ENFORCEMENT HERE TODAY.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WILL MOVE THE MOTION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A

COUPLE MORE SPEAKERS. >> NEXT IS FAITH SPEAKING IN

PERSON. >> GREETINGS AND PEACE BE UPON YOU ALL. MY NAME IS FAZON AND I AM HERE REPRESENTING THE LARGEST REGIONAL MUSLIM ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES. THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF GREATER HOUSTON. WE REPRESENT OVER 200,000 MUSLIMS THAT LIVE IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA WITH ABOUT 22 LOCATIONS ACROSS HARRIS OR MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 125 MOSQUES ACROSS ALL OF THE CITY, AND THEY ARE FULL AND THE COMMUNITY IS ALIVE RIGHT NOW.

WE ARE FOCUSED ON WORSHIPING GOD AND GOD ALONE.

IN A RECENT STUDY, 98% OF THE MUSLIMS BELIEVE THAT RELIGION WAS IMPORTANT AND 83 OF THEM SAID THAT THEY GO TO MOSQUE ONCE A WEEK AT LEAST. SO ON BEHALF OF THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY AND MOST OF THE MUSLIMS HERE I WANT TO THANK YOU AND THANK THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT TODAY FOR TAKING THIS RESOLUTION ON AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE PRESENCE OF THE LARGE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS DALIA SPEAKING IN PERSON.

>> GOOD MORNING. PEACE BE UPON AND YOU THAT'S HOW WE GREET OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. HONORABLE JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK BEFORE YOU AS YOU RECOGNIZE THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN. MY NAME IS DR. DALIA, A PHARMACY OWNER IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA.

DESPITE OUR EXTREME HUNGER DAY-TO-DAY IN THE HOLY MONTH AND OUR SLEEPLESS NIGHTS IT DOES NOT STOP OUR PHARMACISTS, DOCTORS, BUSINESS PEOPLE FROM CONTINUING ON AND BEING A PART OF THE LARGER FABRIC OF THE -- OF TEXAS, OF HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY. IN FACT, OUR CHARITY AND VOLUNTEERING EFFORTS INCREASE DURING THIS MONTH.

IN THE SAME SURVEY OF THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY 79% OF MUSLIMS VOLUNTEER TO SUPPORT SREUF SICK SOCIAL -- CIVIC, SOCIAL AND

RELIGIOUS ASSOCIATIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: PLEASE

CONTINUE. >> IT FOUND THAT WOMEN WERE MORE LIKELY TO VOLUNTEER THREE OR MORE HOURS A WEEK.

I AM SO PROUD OF THAT. IN THE SAME SURVEY, 86% BELIEVE THAT THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTES TO THE LOCAL AND SOCIAL SOCIETY. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO HIGHLIGHT OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: TALIA, THANK

YOU SO MUCH. >> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS

FOR THIS EYE -- ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. SECOND RESOLUTION IS DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH.

WHEREAS APRIL IS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, A TIME TO RAISE AWARENESS AND PROVIDE RESOURCES TO COMMUNITIES TO ENSURE CHILDREN ARE SAFE AND TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES. CHILDREN ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST RESOURCES IN TEXAS MAKING UP APPROXIMATELY 26% OF THE STATE'S POPULATION, AND RESEARCH SHOWS CHILDREN WHO EXPERIENCE TRAUMA SUCH AS CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT ARE AT A GREATER RISK OF EXPERIENCING AN ARRAY OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC HARDSHIPS LATER IN LIFE. VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE OFTEN DEVELOP EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS AND DO POORLY IN SCHOOL AND MORE LIKELY TO ENTER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAN THEIR NONABUSED PIERCE. THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO REDUCING RATES OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.

DURING APRIL HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY CHRISTIAN MENEFEE, AND THE CHILDREN ASSESSMENT CENTER AND TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND RESEARCH FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALONG WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITY PARTNERS JOIN FORCES TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHILD ABUSE. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY DESIGNATES THE MONTH OF APRIL 2022 AS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN HARRIS

COUNTY, TEXAS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: I CAN SEE SOME SPEAKERS HERE. I THINK I SEE JOEL LEVINE IN THE

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THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO. GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.

>> WE HAVE ASHLEY VESTOVICH SPEAKING IN PERSON.

>> GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF CHILD ADVOCATES.

THEY ARE PROUD TO BE SUPPORT TWOG,000 CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE THIS YEAR BY PROVIDING THEM WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL SPEAK UP FOR THEM WHILE THEY ARE GOING THROUGH THEIR FOSTER CARE JOURNEY. WE WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN THE RESOLUTION AND WE HOPE THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO BRING MORE AWARENESS TO THE ON GOING ISSUES OF CHILD ABUSE IN OUR COMMUNITY. CHILD ADVOCATES WOULD ALSO LIKE TO EXTEND A THANK YOU TO HARRIS COUNTY FOR THE CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGH GRANT FUNDING WE RECEIVE FROM THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEND A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES, FAMILY, JUVENILE COURTS THAT CONTINUE TO APPOINT US SO WE CAN PROVIDE MORE CHILDREN WITH MORE ADVOCATES AND GET THEM OUT OF FOSTER CARE AS FAST AS WE CAN AND TO A SAFE AND PERMANENT HOME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION.

>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER

SPEAKERS? >> THAT'S IT FOR THIS ITEM,

JUDGE. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE RESOLUTION, COUNTY JUDGE AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT. LATE LAST MONTH WE LAUNCHED CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH WITH CHILD RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS AND THE CHILDREN ASSESSMENT CENTER AND WE WORK HAND IN HAPPENED WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND VERY -- VARIOUS OTHER DEPARTMENTS AT THE COUNTY.

THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THIS MONTH.

ONE THING I LEARNED IS IT IS DEEPLY PERSONAL TO THE FOLKS INVOLVED IN IT. WE HEARD FROM A WOMAN WHO WAS AN INVESTIGATOR AT DFPS WHO CAME THROUGH THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM HERSELF AND SHE DOES THE VERY WORK PROTECTING THE KIDS WHO WERE ABUSED. TALKED TO THE BOARD WHO NOT ONLY WAS ADOPTED, BUT NOW ADOPT KIDS THEMSELVES.

THIS IS WORK THAT IS DEEPLY PERSONAL TO FOLKS.

THEY HANDLE THESE CHILD ABUSE CASES AND I AM PROUD OF THEM.

AS YOU HEARD WHEN SHE CAME AND RETIRED AFTER DECADES OF SERVICE WITH THE COUNTY, SHE IS GOING TO DO MORE OF THAT WORK.

THIS IS NOT WORK FOLKS DO FOR A FEW YEARS, BUT THEY DO FOR THEIR LIVES. THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT CHILD ABUSE AND

NEGLECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

AND TO YOUR ATTORNEYS, THANK YOU.

>> WE HAVE THE DIRECTOR OF HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF

CHILDREN. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

DIRECTOR LEVINE. >> JOEL LEVINE, HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

I AM HERE WITH MY PARTNER, MR. JOHN LEE WHO IS A PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR ADULTS NOT ONLY DURING CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, BUT YEAR-ROUND FOR OVER 50 YEAR HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS HAS PROVIDED RESOURCES, SUPPORTS AND SERVICES FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES AND THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR MANY PROGRAMS AND RESIDENTIAL CARE IN OUR PUBLIC EMERGENCY SHELTER TO INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE AND SERVICES IN FOSTER CARE. WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

AND I ALSO BRING THANKS FROM THE BORED -- FROM THE BOARD IN OUR DEPARTMENT. THANK YOU FOR OUR SUPPORT YEAR

ROUND. >> THANK YOU, SIR YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> WE HEARD -- CAN WE HEAR FROM JOHN LEE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS JOHN LEE AND I AM ONE OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP ADMINISTRATORS WITH TEXAS CHILD AND FAMILY PROTECTIVE SERVICES. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER AND THANK YOU, JUDGE AND THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO COME IN TODAY. I JUST WANT TO SAY OUR STAFF WORKED TIRELESSLY EVERY SINGLE DAY TO MAKE SURE THE CHILDREN ARE PROTECTED IN HARRIS COUNTY. A LOT OF TIMES YOU HEAR THE NEGATIVE STORIES ABOUT DFPS. OUR STAFF, OUR CASEWORKER THAT'S ARE OUT HERE IN THE FIELD, THEY GIVE AND SACRIFICE EVERY SINGLE DAY TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND OUR GOAL IS TO CONTINUE TO DO AND REPRESENT AND MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING WHAT IS IN THE BEST

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

>> I AM TIFFANY REEDY AND MANAGING ATTORNEY FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND HANDLE THE PROTECT SEUF SERVICES WORK AND MANAGE THE LAWYERS WHO DO CPS LITIGATION AND THE LAWYERS WHO DO DISABILITY ELDER AND MENTAL HEALTH.

WE APPRECIATE THE RESOLUTION TODAY.

MY BOSS IS AWESOME AND WONDERFUL, ALL OF THEM ARE.

I DIDN'T WANT THIS DAY TO PASS WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGING CARRIE MCCRACKEN FROM THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER WHO DOES AWESOME AND WONDERFUL WORK. IF SHE COULD -- SHE COULD USE

SOME OF MY TIME. >> THANK YOU, TIFFANY.

I WILL MAKE MY COMMENTS BRIEF. CHILD ABUSE COMES IN LOTS OF FORMS, PHYSICAL, SEXUAL, NEGLECT, TRAFFICKING, ALL PREVENT -- ALL HORRIBLE, AND ALL PREVENTABLE.

IT STARTS WITH PEOPLE RECOGNIZING IT AND TALKING ABOUT IT AND DOING THINGS LIKE CHILD UH BUYS PREVENTION MONTH -- CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH SO WE CAN START TO WORK TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY. I WILL SAY I THINK OF CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH, APRIL, AS A MONTH OF HOPE, HOPE FOR THE KIDS IN OUR LIVES. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT AND WORKING TOWARD PREVENTION. THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION AND FOR HELPING US TO BE FARTHER OF THE -- TO BE PART OF THE

SOLUTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS ONE THING THAT IS WORTH MENTIONING AND THAT IS CHILDREN, MANY TIMES THEY CAN'T SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. THEY DON'T KNOW HOW.

THEY FEEL INTIMIDATED. IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR EVERY ADULT IN THE ROOM AND I KNOW THE PRESS IS GOING TO HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ON, THIS BUT FOR EVERY ADULT THAT IS IN A CHILD'S LIFE TO LOOK OUT FOR THE SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE, TO SPEAK UP AND TALK TO THAT CHILD IF SOMETHING SEEMS OFF BASE BECAUSE THAT COULD CHANGING A CHILD'S LIFE FOR THE BETTER.

I SAY IT FROM CONVERSATIONS AND I SAY IT FROM EXPERIENCE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE HAD A MOTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

WE HAVE A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH AS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY AND IT HITS HARD THIS YEAR. WHEREAS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY WILL BE OBSERVED IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS ON WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH, 2022 AS PART OF POLICE WEEK TO HONOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES OR WHO HAVE BECOME DISABLED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTY.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ALL CITIZENS UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND MEMBERS OF THE LAW ENFORCE -- LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SAFEGUARD LIFE, COMMUNITY AND PROPERTY.

EVERY DAY PEACE OFFICERS SERVE AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY AND PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY. WITH THEIR SERVICE COMES RISK AND SACRIFICE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY. WHEREAS THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE OF TEXAS HAVE DESIGNATED A DAY IN MAY AS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY AND THE WEEK IN WHICH IT OCCURS AS POLICE WEEK. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT PROUDLY DESIGNATES WEDNESDAY, MAY 4TH AS PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY AND FURTHER DESIGNATES MAY 15-21, 2022 AS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND EXTEND APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE TO ALL OF THE DEDICATED PEACE OFFICERS WHO SERVE AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY.

DO WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS ON THAT RESOLUTION?

>> NO, MA'AM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ADDRESS ON THAT, BRIEFLY? I WAS JUST A LITTLE SLOW ON THE DRAW ON THE MOTION AND THE SECONDING ON THIS ONE, BUT I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING WE ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT WITH.

THE PRECINCT 4 WILL HAVE THIS YEAR ITS EIGHTH ANNUAL POLICE CEREMONY MONDAY MAY 16TH AT 9 A.M. AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER.

THIS IS A PROGRAM THAT WAS BEGUN BY THE THEN CONGRESSMAN SKWR*UPBLG TED POE AND WHEN HE RETIRED IT WAS PICKED UP BY PRECINCT 4. WE WILL CONTINUE THIS.

PREVIOUSLY IT WAS IN HUMBLE AREA , BUT THIS YEAR IT IS IN THE MEG AND RICHARD WEEKLY COMMUNITY CENTER AND IT IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DAY WE RECOGNIZE IN THE COUNTY.

I JUST WOULD LIKE FOR EVERYONE TO KNOW THEY ARE WELCOME TO COME

AND PARTICIPATE IN THAT AS WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: A SAD STATISTIC, BUT 91 POLICE OFFICERS HAVE DIED IN THE U.S. THIS YEAR.

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AS WE REMEMBER, WE HAVE TO ALSO REMEMBER THAT WE NEED ACTION TO BACK UP THE GENERAL SUPPORT TO YOU SO THE SUPPORT COMES IN THE WAY OF ACTION AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO BETTER SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OUT THERE DYE TO -- DAY-TO-DAY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.

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

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS MOTION.

JUST IRONICALLY I HAPPEN TO BE ON THE PHONE WITH OUR VENDOR, DA LIWAHL, AND HERE WE ARE PRAYING OVER THE LIVES OF DEPUTY CONSTABLE CHAVEZ AND SHERIFF DEPUTY AMENDARES.

I DO WANT TO BRING UP -- DAVE, I THINK THIS WOULD BE MOST APPROPRIATE IN YOUR OFFICE THAT DEPUTY AMENDARES WAS OFF DUTY, BUT HE TOOK POLICE ACTION. IN THE PAST THERE HAVE BEEN SITUATIONS 3* WHERE CASH DASH WHERE AN OFF DUTY DEATH MAY NOT BE INCLUDED AS A LINE OF DUTY DEATH.

THERE ARE PARTICULAR DETAILS THAT HAVE TO BE MET.

I ASK YOUR OFFICE GIVES THIS THE UTMOST ATTENTION TO ENSURE THAT HIS LIFE AND HIS FAMILY AND HIS COLLEAGUES ARE ABLE TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE FOR WHAT IT WAS, ONE LOST WHILE DOING WHAT HE LOVED TO DO, AND HE PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE TAKING A POLICE ACTION. I WOULD ASK YOUR OFFICE WORK WITH HR ON THAT TO ENSURE THAT WE DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT HE IS TO BE BESTOWED THE HIGHEST HONORS BY HAVING HIS NAME ENGRAVED ON THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL AND THAT WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT ALL OF THOSE DETAILS ARE ADDRESSED TO MAKE SURE HE RECEIVES THE FULLEST AND THE HIGHEST HONORS.

>> CERTAINLY, COMMISSIONER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

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

I DON'T BELIEVE -- I SEE COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS TWO RESOLUTIONS. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ROTTED

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. WHEREAS THE MONTH OF APRIL IS THE MONTH TO ELIMINATE -- RED LINING ENABLES RACIAL SEGREGATION AND EXCLUDED BLACK AND LATINO AMERICANS FROM ASSESSING HOME OWNERSHIP FOR 30 YEARS BY ALLOWING MORTGAGE CAPITOL -- CAPITAL TO BE WITHHELD FROM THEM.

THE FAIR HOUSING ACT WITH LEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND RENTAL AND HOUSING BASED ON RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, AND YET AMERICANS STILL FACE DISCRIMINATION ON THESE STATUS.

THE EFFECTS OF RED LINING POLICY STILL EXISTS.

WE MENTIONED A NUMBER OF NEIGHBORHOODS IN HOUSTON WITH THE HIGHEST RACE OF THIS PROBLEM.

CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION STILL RESTRICT AND DENY HOME OWNERSHIP FOR RESIDENTS OF COLOR SKPO EXPERIENCE DISPARITY IN APPRAISAL SYSTEM AND BIAS AND LIMITED ACCESS TO CREDIT. WHEREAS FINALLY RECENT INVESTIGATIONS BY A MAJOR NATIONAL BANK FOUND THAT NATIONALLY ONLY 47% OF BLACK LENDERS WHO COMPLETED MORTGAGE REFINANCE PAPERS WERE APPROVED AND ONLY 53% OF LATINO LINDHERS -- LENDERS WERE APPROVED.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO PAY HOM MAGE AND -- HOMAGE AND HOPE WITH THE ARPA DOLLARS WE HAVE WE WILL DO MORE THAN PASS THE RESOLUTION, BUT A HAVE A COMMITMENT TO TRY TO END THE IN HOUSING DISCRIMINATION. I DIDN'T PUT WHEREASES IN HERE, BUT I AM PROUD OF HUD FOR CITING A TITLE SIX ISSUE THAT LEAD TO

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SPEAKERS. >> YES, SIR.

FIRST IS ELAINE MORALES. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD MORNING. I AM ELAINE MORALES.

I AM DEDICATED TO THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOCIAL SERVICES INTO A MORE EMPATHETIC SYSTEM.

I AM THANKFUL FOR PRECINCT 1 FAIR HOUSING RESOLUTION.

IN A REGION THAT CONTAINS A RISK OF DISASTER, ENSURING A JUST AND EQUITABLE HOUSING RECOVERY FOR ALL SHOULD BE EVEN.

PEOPLE OF COLOR ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE DENIED AND GETTING THEIR APPLICATIONS APPROVED AND RECEIVE LOWER AMOUNTS OF DISASTER ASSISTANCE THAN THE WHITE COUNTERPART.

ON TOP OF THESE ISSUES, LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING CHALLENGES PLACE ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES AND TO RECOGNIZE AT COURT THAT HELPING IS A HUMAN -- HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT INSTEAD OF KAU PHOD STAOE AND IT IS SEN -- COMMODITY AND IT IS ESSENTIAL REMOVING BARRIERS AND ENFORCING THE CHOICE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS CRISHELLE PILLAY.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING.

I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE HOUSTON ORGANIZING MOVEMENT FOR EQUITY OR THE HOME COALITION.

I WANT TO THANK THE COURT FOR ISSUING THIS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FAIR HOUSING MONTH. ALTHOUGH IT WAS PASSED 50 YEARS AGO NEXT WEEK, SO MUCH WORK REMAINS TO BE DONE.

EVERY WEEK STORIES OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION MAKES THE NEWS.

FROM VAST DIFFERENCES ON RACE TO DISCRIMINATION OF RENTERS SEEKING A PLACE TO CALL HOME. AND FOR EVERY STORY THAT MAKES THE HEADLINES, SO MANY MORE GO UNTOLD.

I REALLY ENCOURAGE THE COURT TO USE THE FULL POWER TO SUPPORT THE PROMISE OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT THROUGH INVESTMENTS AND HEALTHY HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AND THOUGHTFUL PROGRAM DESIGNS AND TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HOW RED LINING CONTINUES TO HARM OUR COMMUNITY. AS WELL AS CONSIDERING LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION. PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO REACH OUT TO US IF YOU NEED ANYTHING. AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR

THIS RESOLUTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

YOU ALL DO GOOD WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> THAT'S ALL FOR THIS ITEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MOVE ADOPTION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: BRIEF DISCUSSION.

I RECEIVED THIS AT 8:47 THIS MORNING.

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO VOTE FOR IT IF BE WANTED THE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT WHERE WE JUST DO THE RESOLUTION WHERE IT SAYS HARRIS COUNTY COURT DECLARES HUMAN HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT AND STRENGTHEN AND INCREASE FAIR HOUSING EDUCATION ENFORCEMENT PROTECTIONS. I UNDERSTAND YOU MAY WANT TO DO THAT AND YOU WANT IT AS WRITTEN. IF THAT IS SO, I UNDERSTAND.

I CAN VOTE FOR IT IF WE JUST GO STRAIGHT TO THE FIRST WHEREAS AND THEN BE IT RESOLVED IN MY QUICK TIME TO LOOK AT IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. BUT I MOVE IT THE WAY IT IS.

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

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >>

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

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE SECOND IS IN SUPPORT OF PRESIDENT BIDEN'S NOMINATION OF JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON.

IT SAYS BECOMING THE NEXT JUDGE ON THE SUPREME COURT.

SHE HAS BEEN A U.S. COURT OF APPEALS AND DISTRICT COURT JUDGE AND VICE CHAIR OF THE U.S. SENTENCING COMMISSION AND A PUBLIC DEFENDER AND WHEREAS JUDGE JACKSON HAS DEMONSTRATED A COMMITMENT TO EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW AND UNDERSTANDING AND JUDGE JACKSON WAS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN AND THE SUPREME COURT -- SHE WILL BE THE FIFTH WOMAN TO SERVE AND HARRIS COUNTY SUPPORTS JUDGE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON'S NOMINATION TO THE SUPREME COURT AND URGES IT BE SENT ACCORDINGLY.

I AM PROUD TO SEE ON THE NEWS THAT SHE HAS BIPARTISAN SUPPORT BY THREE REPUBLICAN MEMBERS. I MAY HAVE A SPEAKER O -- SPEAKER O TWO AND THEN MOVE ADOPTION.

>> THERE ARE NO SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MOVE ADOPTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

[00:35:03]

>> I. LINE LEAN ANY OPPOSED?

-- >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND IT MOVES 3-2. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. WE HAVE ANOTHER IMPORTANT MONTH TO RECOGNIZE AND RESPECT FOR A LOT OF REASONS, SOME WE HAVE TOUCHED ON IN TERMS OF THE WORK THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT IS RESPONSE ALONG -- RESPONSIBLE FOR. THIS IS A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND I KNOW I HAVE THE SPEAKER FROM BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS.

TO UNDERSTAND SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE, INCLUDING ONLINE. THIS RESOLUTION WILL READ, WHEREAS THIS APRIL WE CELEBRATE THE 21ST AN -- ANNIVERSARY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH.

WE SHOW SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS BY WEARING TEAL, THE -- ON THE ANNUAL DAY OF ACTION, APRIL 5TH.

BY WEARING TEAL, WE SIGNAL OUR SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS AND SHOW THAT WE ARE A SAFE PERSON TO TALK TO IF THEY NEED TO REACH OUT. SADLY, MANY SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT, ASSAULT OR ABUSE HAVE NEVER SHARED THEIR STORY WITH US. AND WHEREAS WE HONOR SEXUAL SUR -- SURVIVAL AND THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ENACTED AND SERVED AS THE FIRST OFFICIAL PROTECTIVE LEGISLATION FOR WOMEN AGAINST SEXUAL VIOLENCE. IT PROVIDES PROTECTION TO WOMEN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, DATING VIOLENCE AND STALKING. WHEREAS THERE ARE HIGH RATES OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

MOST OF THESE ACTS ARE PERPETRATED BY SOMEONE THE VICTIM ALREADY KNOWS. ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, MORE THAN ONE IN THREE WOMEN EXPERIENCE SEXUAL VIOLENCE INVOLVING PHYSICAL CONTACT DURING THEIR LIFETIME.

AS THE FATHER OF A YOUNG LADY, THAT'S A DISTURBING STATISTIC.

THE CDC FINDS ONE IN FOUR MEN WILL EXPERIENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THEIR LIFE. PEOPLE OF COLOR, LGBTQIA PLUS AND OTHERS EXPERIENCE SEXUAL ASSAULT AT HIGH RATES.

AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FINDS 20% OF FEMALE STUDENTS AGE 18 TO 24 REPORT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SURVIVORS SHARE THERE ARE MANY BARRIERS TO REPORTING INCLUDING FEAR OF RETALIATION BY THE PERPETRATOR AND FEAR OF NOT BELIEVED AND SELF-BLAME. AND WHEREAS SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS IN HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY INCLUDE THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS WITH LOCATIONS IN BAY TOWN AND PASADENA, TEXAS, THE BRIDGE PREVENTS SEXUAL VIOLENCE WITH MANY PROGRAMS AND STARTS WITH CRISIS INTERVENTION AND A 24-HOUR HOTLINE.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT DESIGNATES APRIL, 2022 AS NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS PREVENTION MONTH. AND WE SUPPORT SURVIVORS.

THE COURT RECOGNIZES THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR SUPPORTERS AND HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS PROVIDING SUPPORT AND SEEKING TO ENGAGE OUR COMMUNITY IN WAYS TO PREVENT ACTS OF ABUSE AND VIOLENCE AND HELP SURVIVORS AND ENSURE THAT THE PERPETRATORS ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. I MOVE ON THIS ITEM AND I KNOW WE HAVE MS. RIVERS. ARE YOU HERE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE YOU WANT TO

MAKE A COMMENT? >> GOOD MORNING.

THANK YOU JUDGE HIDALGO AND THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEXUAL ASSAULT MONTH.

IT IS MORE THAN A FORMALITY. IT SYMBOLIZES HOPE AND REFLECTS A COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO THREE THINGS, SUPPORTING COURAGEOUS SURVIVORS AND PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY AND INCREASING PRIVACY AND PROTECTION FOR VICTIMS. AS STATED TODAY IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AND THE BRIDGE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT TIES AND OUR COUNTY JUDGE WITH A SCARF AND THE COLOR IN THE AWARENESS MONTH.

TEAL IS A COMMON COLOR THAT IN ANCIENT CULTURES REPRESENTS TRUTH AND FAITH. WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US IN TURNING TEXAS TEAL BY WEARING YOUR SCARF AND TIES ON TUESDAYS THROUGHOUT 9 MONTH OF APRIL IN SOLIDARITY WITH SURVIVORS AND

[00:40:03]

THANK YOU FOR THE PROCLAMATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COURT AND FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

SURVIVORS ARE WATCHING AND I AM SO GLAD WHEN THEY LOOK UP AND SEE A COMMUNITY, THEY WILL ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET FOR THEM ON

THEIR JOURNEY TO HEALING. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, MS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER FOR BRINGING THIS TO US.

I THINK I WILL TAKE A MINUTE AND RECOGNIZE THE EFFORTS OF OUR OFFICERS THAT ASSISTED COUNCILMEMBER POLLARD.

WE ATTACKED ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRAFFICKING AREA AND THAT'S THE BISONNETTE TRACKS. WE ALL KNOW WHAT THAT IS AND WHERE IT IS. AFTER WE PUT UP SIGNS ADVISING PEOPLE THAT SOLICITATION AND PROSTITUTION WAS A FELONY THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS ARRESTS MADE.

AND SO AGAIN I THINK THERE IS AN ACTION WE TAKE AND WE CAN DO AND THIS COURT SHOULD AND WE SHOULD TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR BRINGING THIS.

IT IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND MS. RIVERS HAS LEFT? OH THERE YOU ARE. I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR ALL YOU DO FOR THOSE VICTIMS THAT MAKE THEIR WAY TO YOU, UNFORTUNATELY, AND YOU PROVIDE THEM WITH CARE AND ATTENTION -- DELICATE CARE IF I MAY ADD.

BUT THANK YOU FOR BEING A PARTNER TO THE PRECINCT AND LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH YOU AND DOING ALL WE CAN TO SUPPORT YOUR EFFORTS AND THOSE OF ORGANIZATIONS LIKE YOURS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

AND THANK YOU FOR THE TIE. I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF I HAD ANYTHING TEAL-LIKE, BUT NOW I DO.

I GOT IT. THANK YOU.

I MOVE ON THIS RESOLUTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SECOND.

I WOULD MAKE THE BRIEF COMMENT THAT THE BRIDGE IS NOT JUST A NEW ORGANIZATION, BUT IT HAS BEEN AROUND BACK WHEN I WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AS AN ATTORNEY AND I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WORKING WITH A NUMBER OF FOLKS OVER THERE.

THANK YOU FOR NOT JUST BEING A BEACON TODAY, BUT FOR BEING THE

BEACON FOR DECADES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. YOU HAVE GREAT TASTE IN TIES.

SOMETIMES WE KIND OF LOSE TRACK WHEN THEY GET WIDER AND THINNER, BUT EVERYBODY CAN TIE ONE SITTING DOWN.

I USED TO HAVE TO WEAR ONE EVERY DAY IN MY PREVIOUS JOB AND NOW I ONLY DO IT TWICE A MONTH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HAVE YOU ONE MORE RESOLUTION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, JUDGE. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT TO ME FOR A LOT OF REASONS. IN PRECINCT 2 WE HAVE MANY SUCCESSES, AND I WILL TALK ABOUT ANOTHER ONE ALT LATER, BUT -- ONE A LITTLE LATER, BUT IN TERMS OF OUR EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT WE PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT ALSO AIR, WATER AND LAND.

THIS RESOLUTION IS TO RECOGNIZE EARTH DAY.

IT READS WHEREAS APRIL 22ND, 1970, MILLIONS OF AMERICANS RALLIED TOGETHER ON WHAT WOULD BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT KNOWN AS EARTH DAY TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF ALL TO LIVE FREE FROM ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND HARM. WE JOIN TOGETHER IN THE SAME SPIRIT TO CELEBRATE THE 52ND EARTH DAY AND TO RECOGNIZE THE NEED TO INVEST IN OUR PLANET AND PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR HEALTH AND OUR LIVELIHOODS. AND WHEREAS IN RECENT YEARS OUR REGION HAS EXPERIENCED RECORD COLD AND KNOCKED OUT THE ELECTRIC GRID, RECORD HEAT THAT LEFT MANY SEEKING RELIEF AT OUR COOLING CENTERS AND THE SEVERE STORMS WITH THE RECORD RAINFALL THAT DESTROYED HOMES. EXTREMES THAT DESTRUCTED THE LIVLIHOODS OF MILLIONS. WHEREAS WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO CORRECT THE HISTORIC WRONGS THAT HAVE LEFT THE COMMUNITIES OF COLOR DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE AND TO BUILD A FUTURE WHERE ALL PEOPLE HAVE CLEAN AIR TO BREATHE AND CLEAN WATER TO DRINK AND HEALTHY COMMUNITIES IN WHICH THEY CAN LIVE, WORK AND LEARN AND A MEANINGFUL VOICE IF THEIR FUTURE. AND WHEREAS EARTH DAY IS AN ANNUAL REMINDER OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN THE GLOBAL EFFORT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE AND TO ENSURE THAT THE MULTITUDE OF HONORABLE HUMAN COMMUNITIES AND DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS MAY BE

[00:45:06]

THEY EXTENDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO SURVIVE, THRIVE AND FLOURISH.

AND WHEREAS THE HARRIS COUNTY ENCOURAGES ALL BUSINESSES, INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO COMMIT TO CARING FOR THE PLANET AND DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS THAT INHABIT IT BY COMMITTING TO POLICIES AND PRACTICES THAT SEEK TO ELIMINATE HARMFUL POLLUTION AND ENCOURAGE RENEWABLE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SO THAT WE MAY ENSURE A BURDEN AND JUST FUTURE FOR OUR DESCENDANTS.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT DESIGNATES APRIL 2022 AS EARTH DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.

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

>> I. >> TOM RAMSEY: I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON ACTIVITIES RELATED TO EARTH DAY SINCE I GRADUATED IN 1974 FROM A AND M. I WILL TAKE A MINUTE AND DESCRIBE AN EXPERIENCE I HAD IN 1972.

I HAD BEEN WHAT SOME PEOPLE CALL A SCIENTIST.

THAT'S WHAT THEY CALLED DIRT KICKING CIVIL ENGINEERS IN SOME PLACES. OUR PROFESSOR AT TEXAS A&M HAD A GRANT TO EVALUATE THE CONDITION OF THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL.

WHAT HE NORMALLY DOES IS TAKES GRADUATE STUDENTS OR STUDENTS AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID. WE SAMPLED THE HOUSTON SHIP CHANNEL TWO YEARS AFTER THIS WAS RECOGNIZED.

ESSENTIALLY THE SAFETY PROTOCOL BEFORE WE COULD SAMPLE WILL -- THE SHIP CHANNEL IS THEY WERE AFRAID OF SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. IT WAS NEAR THE BASIN.

IT IS TEAMING WITH FISH AND ALL KINDS OF WILD WILDLIFE.

IT SEEMS LIKE NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.

MY GENERATION, 45 YEARS AND A THRIVING BODY OF WATER AND WE WILL BUILD ON WHAT GENERATION AFTER GENERATION AFTER GENERATION AND IF YOU ROLLED DOWN YOUR WINDOWS IN PASADENA, YOUR EYES WOULD WATER AND HAVING DONE AIR SAMPLING MADE ON OUR AIR, IT IS CLIMATE UNDERSTANDING THAT'S WHAT WE DO AS SCIENTISTS AND PEOPLE OUT THERE. WE ARE WORKING ON CLIMATE UNDERSTANDING. WE HAVE 90 YEARS OF PRETTY GOOD DATA. AND CERTAINLY THERE IS MILLIONS OF YEARS OF DATA YET TO BE EVALUATED.

I WILL NOT BE SUPPORTING THE RESOLUTION BECAUSE IT IS REALLY NOT FRAMED IN A WAY THAT I COULD KNOWING WHAT I KNOW.

SO I WILL BE NOT SUPPORTING IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW WHERE ARE WE COMING ON OUR COUNTY CLIMATE ACTION PLAN?

>> THREE PARTS OF THIS. ONE IS SHIFTING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY. LY --LY --LY -- LISA IS PREPARING AN RFP. AND THIRD IS A CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WITH EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND THERE IS AN INITIAL SCOPE FOR THAT AND LOOKING FORWARD TO PUTTING IT

OUT TO RFP SHORTLY. >> I KNOW YOU HAVE A GREAT TEAMWORKING ON IT. I THINK IN COUNTIES OF TEXAS -- WOULD WE BE FIRST? I JUST CAN'T REMEMBER.

I REMEMBER -- >> I AM NOT SURE.

I KNOW A COUPLE OF CITIES DO. I DON'T KNOW.

MOST DON'T. WE WILL BE AT THE FRONT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WON'T GO TOO FAR, CJ.

GETTING A LITTLE NERVOUS THERE. FROM ALL OF THE ACCOUNTS WE ARE LOOKING AT, I DON'T KNOW IF MY COLLEAGUES WILL GO TO THE CONFERENCE IN ALASKA. ONE REASON I AM GOING TO GO IS

[00:50:01]

FROM ALL ACCOUNTS, IT CERTAINLY WAS A MISTAKE FOR THE U.S. TO PULL OUT OF THE PARIS ACCORD. AND BEING HERE IN HOUSTON, THE ENERGY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, I SEE NO REASON WHY WE WON'T STILL BE THE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD EVEN WHEN IT IS CLEAN ENERGY.

AND TO HAVE IN MY POLITICAL LIFETIME GONE THROUGH RECORD FLOODS, HEAT, DROUGHT, AND THEN OF ALL THINGS IN HOUSTON, AN ICE STORM. I KNOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS THERE AND THE RESOLUTION IS IMPORTANT. BUT THE ACTIONS WE DO AND WE ARE

AN EXAMPLE OF OTHER PLACES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND BEFORE WE VOTE ON THIS, I DO WANT TO OFFER A THANKS TO DR. BABBITT AND HER TEAM IN THE POLLUTION CONTROL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

FROM WHAT WE INHERITED IN 2019 TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING TODAY IS IMPRESSIVE AND COMMENDABLE. I JUST WANT TO THANK DR. BABBIN FOR THEIR QUICK RESPONSE ON SO MANY ISSUES.

BUT ALSO IT WOULD -- I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T RECOGNIZE OUR FIRE MARSHAL. SHE ALSO RESPONDS TO THE EVENTS WHEN THEY TAKE PLACE. THIS WEDNESDAY, TOMORROW, WE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE ANOTHER BATCH CONCRETE PLANT IN THE ALDING AREA NEXT DOOR TO THE JAMES DRIVER INCLUSIVE PARK. AND SO I WOULD ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO IS HEARING THIS AND IF YOU LIVE NEAR OR STAND AROUND THE ALDING AREA, I INVITE YOU TO ATTEND OUR PRESS CONFERENCE.

IT WILL BE AT -- WHAT TIME? 3:30.

AND SO I ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO ATTEND AND THEN ON THIS THURSDAY AT 7 P.M. AT THE EAST ALDIG MANAGEMENT -- EAST OLDING -- EAST ALDING MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND I INVITE YOU TO COME BY AGAIN IF YOU HAVE TESTIMONY THAT TCQ CAN SHOOT HERE THAT WILL HELP GET THEIR ATTENTION AS TO WHY THE BATCH PLANT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA IN THE AREA THAT THEY ARE PROPOSING AND NEXT TO AN INCLUSIVE PARK. I WOULD WELCOME YOU TO BE THERE AT 7:00 ON THURSDAY. ACTUALLY GET THERE A LITTLE EARLY. WE ARE EXPECTING A LOT OF PEOPLE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THERE WAS A COMMISSIONER REPORT BY THE UNITED NATIONS AND INTER GOVERNMENTAL GROUPS A COUPLE DAYS AGO ON THE NEED FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE.

I DO SEE THE OBVIOUS QUESTION AS WHAT ARE WE DOING? OF COURSE THERE IS THE STORM SURGE EVENTS AND OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES A BREAK AND I SURE HOPE WE GET ONE THIS YEAR.

WE CAN'T JUST HOPE. I AGREE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, HAD A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS WITH INDUSTRY AND WE KEEP THE HUMAN CAPITAL AND THE PHYSICAL CAPITAL AND ALL -- THE FINANCIAL CAPITAL TO LEAD THE TRANSITION AND WE HAVE TO GET SMART ON BOTH.

WE ARE COMMITTED EVERY TIME THERE IS A FLOOD AND IT IS ENTIRELY TRAGIC FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND THERE IS A LOT WE

NEED TO DO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

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

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

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM A NO AND I SUPPORT THE COMMENTS FROM MY

COLLEAGUE OF PRECINCT 3. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2. COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ITEM 9 IS ONE THAT I THINK WE CAN ALL SUPPORT.

WE A CHANCE FOR EVERYONE TO LOOK AT IT AND IT IS AN EXAMPLE HOW GOOD THINGS CAN HAPPEN WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER.

PRESIDENT BIDEN SIGNED A BILL FUNDING INTO LAW WEDNESDAY MARCT INCLUDED $42 MILLION IN CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING FOR HARRIS COUNTY SECURED BY CRENSHAW, SHEILA

[00:55:02]

DAN CRENSHAW SECURED $23 MILLION FOR FIVE FLOOD PROJECTS, A DRAINAGE PROJECT WHICH IS A DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT OF $1.6 MILLION IMPROVEMENT ON INFRASTRUCTURE 1 TOWN 6 MILLION AND IMPROVEMENT TO DIVERT THE RUNOFF AND STONE WATER AND TC GESTURE STORM WATER DETENTION BASIN PROJECT 9.9 MILLION AND THE STORM WATER DETENTION BASIN 8.25.

IT -- REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE SECURED $10 MILLION FOR THREE FLOOD PROJECTS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THE STORM WATER DETENTION BASIN SKPEUPL PROVE MEANT BETWEEN LANGLEY ROAD AND LITTLE YORK ROAD THESE PROJECTS WILL PRODUCE FLOODING IN THE BIOS AND WHERE LIZZIE FLETCHER SECURED $10 MILLION FOR HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR THE MYERS GROVE DETENTION BASIN AND HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT WANTS TO THANK THE THREE BIPARTISAN MEMBERS FOR SUBMITTING FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS AND FIGHTING TO GET THEM APPROVED. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CELEBRATES THE ALLOCATION OF 42 MILLION IN COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING DOLLARS TO THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT IN HARRIS COUNTY.

I MOVE THIS RESOLUTION. ONE OF THE THINGS ABOUT IT WE SHOULD APPRECIATE IS THE DIRECT ALLOCATIONS WORK.

>> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM PROUD TO SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION. I WOULD SAY THAT WE APPRECIATE ALL OF THE WORK OF THE DELEGATION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ABSOLUTELY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: EACH ONE OF THEM PLAYED A ROLE IN GETTING SOME DIRECT ALLOCATIONS.

I AM PLEASED THIS ADMINISTRATION DID DECIDE TO GO BACK AND PERMIT THEM TO USE. THERE IS A LOT OF CONTROVERSY OVER THAT. PELOSI, I WON'T ADD HER NAME TO T BUT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR COMING BACK WITH THE EARMARKS. I AM TOLD IT MAY NOT BE AROUND

MUCH LONGER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WOULD INCLUDE CONGRESSMAN AL GREEN AND SILVIA IT WOULD BE GOOD. OR CAGLE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST A SUGGESTION.

THEY WATCH US SOMETIMES. YOU MAY WANT TO PUT THEIR NAMES IN. AM I SKIPPING ANYBODY?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THESE ARE THE ONES WE WERE ABLE TO SECURE THEIR EARMARKS. I WANT TO RECOGNIZE AND THANK

THEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST A SUGGESTION TO ADD THEIR NAMES IN.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT IS THE NAME?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: GREEN, GARCIA, ANYBODY ELSE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: DO YOU WANT TO DO A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT WE RECOGNIZE ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DELEGATION AND

WE CAN LIST THEM OUT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SOUNDS GOOD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE TRUST YOUR JUDGMENT.

>> JUDGE, WE HAVE ONE SPEAKER FOR THIS ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> NICOLE HARELL SPEAKING IN

PERSON. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK SHE IS

MAKING HER WAY, TIFFANY. >> FIRST LET ME THANK JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE PRESENT TODAY.

>> AMEN. >> AND WE NEED TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE WHITE HOUSE NECK AND DON'T LET UP.

TEXAS AND HARRIS COUNTY NEED MORE MONEY, 42 MILLION TO START.

NOT COMPARED TO THE PWH-LES -- BILLIONS PHRO*S WHEN THERE IS A NATURAL DISASTER. THE FLOODING INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE BEFORE OUR TIME.

TALKING ABOUT THE 1800'S. IT HAS TO BE UPDATED.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS TOO MANY TRACTOR-TRAILERS WITH THE TRUCK DRIVERS. NOT ENOUGH CONSTRUCTION WRECKERS. THE NUMBER OF VETERANS IS OUTRAGEOUS. THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE AND LOOK AT THE STATISTICIAN REPORT.

MY DAUGHTER, GODMOTHER ONCE TOLD ME, MAKING IMPORTANT DECISIONS, PRAY AND SLEEP ON IT AND DO WHAT THE LORD PUTS ON YOUR HEART.

[01:00:03]

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

>> I AM THAT D.N.A. -- >> I AM THAT ONE --

>> THE LINE OF WORK THAT GOES BEHIND THE SCENES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THE RESULTS AND UNDERSTAND THAT I MAKE EVERYBODY --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> SO KEEP DOING THE BEST THAT YOU CAN AND LET GOD DO THE REST. HARRIS COUNTY IS GOLD.

LET'S POLISH IT UP -- >> LINA HIDALGO: MA'AM, I AM

AFRAID -- >> REBUILD OVER AND OVER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENT. >> DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS

ON THIS ITEM? >> NO, MA'AM.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: FOR CLARIFICATION, THE MOTION -- I HAVE MADE THE MOTION ON THIS RESOLUTION AND WE ARE GOING TO ADD AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT A WHEREAS THAT WE WANT TO THANK ALL MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DELEGATION FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE IN THIS PROCESS AND THEN WE WILL GET FROM UNIVERSAL -- INNER GALACTIC AFFAIRS THEIR SUGGESTION AND MAKE SURE WE DON'T LEAVE OUT ANY OF OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEGAL --

DELEGATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE LANGUAGE CORRECT.

LET'S HOLD ON TO THIS ONE AND WHEN WE GET IT --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU WORK IT UP. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE'LL WORK IT UP AND I WILL ACCEPT THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT OF INCLUDING ALL OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DELEGATION FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND

ASSISTANCE. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME JUST PUT THAT ITEM 9 AS ONE OF OUR DISCUSSION ITEMS AND THAT WAY WHEN WE CAN VOTE ON IT IS ADDITION.

LET ME TAKE PICTURES WITH THE HONOREES.

[01:14:46]

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO HAVE A QUORUM SO LET'S CONTINUE.

[01:14:52]

>> JUDGE, IF I CAN HAVE -- IF I CAN HAVE A MOMENT?

[01:15:11]

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IN THE GREAT CIRCLE OF LIFE, THE GOOD LORD GIVES US MANY BLESSINGS. ONE OF THE BLESSINGS IS NEW GENERATIONS TO COME AND I WANTED TO RECOGNIZE MY DEPUTY CHIEF FOR HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 FOR HER STELLAR WORK, BUT THIS WILL BE HER LAST COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR AWHILE BECAUSE HER DUE DATE IS WHEN OUR NEXT COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS TO TAKE PLACE, AND SHE'S GOT ANOTHER PRESSING ENGAGEMENT THAT IS GOING TO OCCUR AT THAT TIME. KYLIE, STAND UP FOR US.

AND SO WE ARE ALL EXCITED. THIS IS SOMEBODY THAT, WOULDED ALL THE WAY TO THE -- THAT WORKED ALL THE WAY TO -- WHO KNOWS? MAYBE BY THE TIME COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS DONE WE COULD HAVE THE BLESSING COME OUR WAY.

WE ARE SO PROUD OF THE GREAT WORK THAT MY CHIEF AND MY DEPUTY CHIEF DO, AND I JUST FELT I WANTED TO GIVE A LITTLE RECOGNITION TO HER HARD WORK AS SHE IS -- THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME YOU WILL SEE HER IN COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR AWHILE.

AND THEN SHE WILL BE BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

HERE, HERE FOR THE LITTLE ONE. ANOTHER KWEUPL -- QUICK POINT AND I KNOW THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WANTS TO MAKE AN INTRODUCTION.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH JUDGE. IT IS A PLEASURE TO BE BEFORE YOU MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I WANT TO YIELD THE FLOOR TO AND INTRODUCE YOU TO JOE LAWSON.

JOE HAS BEEN OUR DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OUR LAW LIBRARY HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. OUR LAW LIBRARY IS A PLACE THEY CAN GO AND GET THE RESOURCES THEY NEED AND HAVE THEIR DAY IN COURT. WE RECENTLY REDEDICATED THIS INSTITUTION UNDER THE NAME OF ROBERT W HANES WORTH WHO IS A LOCAL CIVIL RIGHTS HERO. MARION SEARS, WE WILL RECOGNIZE HER. SHE WILL BE STICKING AROUND AND SHE WILL BE WORKING UNDER SKWHROE WHO -- JOE WHO WILL BE OUR LAW LIBRARY DIRECTOR. SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN DOING FANTASTIC WORK. WHAT I WILL SAY QUICKLY IS IT IS NOT TOO OFTEN IN THIS BUSINESS YOU MEET FOLKS WHO ARE TRULY PASSION NATIONAL -- TRULY PASSIONATE.

JOE IS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO THE JUSTICE SUCCESS STEM.

WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO JOE TO SAY A FEW WORDS.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COUNTY ATTORNEY MENEFEE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE AT THE COUNTY LAW LIBRARY AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THIS COURT FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR THE LAW LIBRARY, AND FINALLY I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE OUT GOING DIRECTOR MARION SEARS FOR HER LEADERSHIP AND EXPANDING THE LAW LIBRARY THAT IS TRULY OPEN TO EVERYONE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND IF THE LAW LIBRARY CAN BE OF

SERVICE LET ME KNOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR

YOUR WORK. >> THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATION S.

ALL THE BEST. >> JUDGE, THIS IS FOR --

[Appearances before court ( Part 1 of 3 )]

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL VOTE ON IT LATER BECAUSE COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS NOT HERE YET. THERE ARE A LOT OF SPEAKERS ON THE JWEB ITEM SO WE WILL TAKE THAT OUT OF ORDER AND TAKE THE BACKLOG AND OTHER JUSTICE-RELATED ITEMS OUT OF ORDER AFTER THAT TOO. LET'S START WITH JWEB.

IT IS A TOPIC WE WANT TO DISCUSS.

IT INCLUDES ITEM TWOZ 31 ON PAGE 30 -- ITEM 231 ON PAGE 30 AND 251 ON PAGE 32 AND 253 ON PAGE 32.

PUBLIC SAFETY IS A BIG CONCERN AND WE ARE CONCERNED WITH THE OUTAGE AND THE FOCUS NEEDS TO BE ON A ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS THAT IS TAKING PLACE. WE ARE EAGER TO HEAR FROM DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED AND THE FOCUS NEEDS TO BE ON COMMUNICATION AND WHAT THE NEEDS ARE OF THE DIFFERENT PLAYERS I'M EAGER FOR A THUR CONVERSATION -- THOROUGH CONVERSATION, AND OF COURSE IT IS TO THE SOMETHING WE ARE GOING TO SOLVE TODAY, BUT IT IS A DAY HOPEFULLY WE CAN BEGIN ASKING QUESTIONS AND WORKING TOWARD A SOLUTION IN TERMS OF HOW TO MAKE THIS MORE SUSTAINABLE. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BEGIN, MR. BER RY? ANY DEPARTMENT HEADS OR ELECTED

[01:20:04]

THEM. >> CERTAINLY.

THANK YOU, AND -- JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

GENERAL NORIEGA SHOULD BE AVAILABLE, BUT I WANT TO SHARE THREE THINGS IN MOTION. THIS IS SOMETHING WE ALL TAKE INCREDIBLY SERIOUSLY. ONE, UNIVERSAL SERVICES IS WORK *R WORKING ON -- IS WORKING ON A ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED. THAT SHOULD LEAD TO WHAT I HOPE IS DECISIVE ACTION TO MINIMIZE FUTURE SYSTEM OUTAGES.

NUMBER TWO, MY OFFICE AND I WILL ASK MR. BARRY TURNER TO CHAIR THIS, ARE AND WILL GET TOGETHER THE MOST IMPACTED DEPARTMENTS, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DISTRICT CLERKS AND THE COUNTY AND DISTRICT COURTS.

THEY WILL DO A PLAY BY PLAY TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED AND SEE IF THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK BETTER TOGETHER AND DEVELOP CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR FURTHER OUTAGES SO WE ARE NOT SO IMPACTED. AND THIRD I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN EFFORT TO REVIEW JWEB AND YOU GUYS CAN WORK ON THIS WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS POTENTIALLY UPGRADE IT ORE -- O*R REPLACE IT. NOTHING WILL BE DONE IN A VACUUM, BUT IT IS A SYSTEM THAT AFTER THIS EVENT CERTAINLY DESERVES THE RIGHT SCRUTINY. STPHA -- SO THAT IS UNDERWAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GENERAL NORIEGA?

>> JUDGE, HE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WILL YOU REACH HIM -- MAKE SURE YOU ARE REACHING HIM BECAUSE THIS IS WHEN WE ARE HAVING THE DISCUSSION SO HE NEEDS TO MAKE HIMSELF AVAILABLE.

IS DISTRICT CLERK BURGESS OR ANY OTHER STAKEHOLDERS WHO WOULD

LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE LINE. >> THE DISTRICT CLERK IS ALSO

NOT AVAILABLE AT THE MOMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER OTHER

STAKEHOLDERS? >> WE HAVE SOME SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. GO AHEAD.

WILL YOU TRY TO REACH FOLKS? I KNOW THEY RECEIVED VARIOUS CALLS THAT THEY WANT TO COMMENT ON AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY

HAVE THE COMMUNITY TO DO THAT. >> FIRST IS CHRIS DANIEL AND HE IS SPEAKING ON ITEMS 251 AND 253.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I BELIEVE THAT THE POLITICS OF THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE TAKEN OUTCOME PLEATLY. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT WE HAVE HAD SO MANY FOLKS THAT KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING EITHER FIRED OR BASICALLY LET GO OR FORCED INTO RETIREMENT OVER THE JWEB PROJECT AND UNIVERSAL SERVICES IN GENERAL.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT AGENCIES THAT WERE EITHER A PART OF THIS OR AFFECTED BY IT. THE FIRST THING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS TO BRING IN SOME OF THE ARCHITECTS OF JWEB HAS IT WAS DESIGNED AND WHEN IT WAS BEING CONVERTED FROM JIMS TO JWEB.

FOR EXAMPLE, MR. PETERSON AT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND TRACY HOPPER AT THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE AND MIKE, WHEREVER HE IS AT IN THE COUNTY. THEY NEED TO BE BROUGHT IN IMMEDIATELY TO HELP PREPARE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM.

THEY HELPED BUILD IT, AND THEY KNOW WHY IT HAS FAILED UNDER THE EXISTING AND THE NEW LEADERSHIP OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THIRD-PARTY VENDORS WHO HAVE ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM HAVE READ ONLY ACCESS.

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

>> TOM RAMSEY: CHRIS, DO YOU HAVE A FEW MORE COMMENTS TO WRAP

UP? >> I WILL MAKE IT QUICK.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE NEW DEPARTMENTS LIKE JAD AND SO FORTH HAVE PROPER TRAINING BEFORE THEY HAVE ANY KIND OF WRITE ACCESS TO JWEB AND MAKE SURE THAT THE BACK UPS ARE BEING MADE. WE NEED TO BRING BACK THE ABILITY TO WAR GAME OR PRACTICE FOR NATIONAL DISASTERS, ESPECIALLY A SYSTEM OUTAGE LIKE THIS.

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

>> NEXT WE HAVE ERIC BATTON OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY ORGANIZATION SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THIS ITEM.

>> COMMISSIONERS, GOOD MORNING. I AM AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY ASSOCIATION.

I WILL BE BRIEF. JWO -- JWEB IS FAILING AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THOSE MEMBERS IN THE PROCESSING CENTER.

WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS IS CREATES A BACKLOG IN AND OUT OF THE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE SYSTEM. UNNECESSARY DELAYS CAUSE THE PROCESS TO BE OVER LOADED AND A BURDEN ON OUR MEMBERS THAT STAFF

[01:25:03]

AS IT IS INCUMBENT ON YOU TO FIND THE NECESSARY RESOLUTIONS WE CAN MAINTAIN THE PROCESS AND FULFILL JOB ASSIGNMENTS.

I WILL CLOSE WITH A QUESTION. DOES THE DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES POSSESS THE TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND -- EXCUSE ME AND SKILL SET TO PROVIDE THE IMMEDIATE RESOLUTIONS NEEDED?

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS, JUDGE AND WE HAVE GENERAL NORIEGA ON THE LINE AND DISTRICT CLARK BURGESS IS COMING

TO THE 9TH FLOOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT.

[Departments ( Part 2 of 4 )]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: BEFORE THE GENERAL SPEAKS I HAVE A COUPLE OF POSED QUESTIONS. ONE OF WHICH IS PRIOR TO COMPUTERS WE USED TO HAVE FOLKS WHO WERE ARRESTED FOR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AND BOOKED. MY QUESTION IS CAN WE HAVE A PAPER SYSTEM IN AN EMERGENCY? IF AS WE HAVE BEEN TOLD WE ARE IN A WORLD THESE DAYS WHERE FOLKS MAKE ATTACKS ON COMPUTER SYSTEMS, RANSOMWARE, CRASHES AND NATIONAL DISASTERS AND THERE ARE THINGS THAT COULD OCCUR WHEN WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IF DISASTER STRIKES AND I THINK INTO -- AND I THINK THAT WAS SOMETHING MENTIONED BY MR. DANIELS THAT WE DO HAVE POTENTIALLY A PAPER SYSTEM TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING TO FALL BACK ON IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY.

I KNOW IT IS A SHOCK TO SOME FOLKS, BUT THERE WAS A TIME BEFORE COMPUTERS IT WAS DONE IN TRIPLICATE FORM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OFF THAT QUESTION, GENERAL NORIEGA, CAN YOU ALSO ANSWER WHY WE STOPPED HAVING A BACK UP SYSTEM AND A MANUAL SYSTEM? IN OTHER WORDS, IS IT POSSIBLE TODAY AND COULD FOLKS HAVE A POWER OUTAGE AND SOMETHING HAPPENS AND SOMETIMES THINGS ARE OUT OF FOLKS' CONTROL? WHY COOPERATE THEY USE A MANUAL SYSTEM AND IF IT IS NO LONGER AN OPTION, WHY DID IT STOP BEING A BACK UP OPTION?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: MY SECOND QUESTION COMES OF ONE TO NOTICE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. THERE WERE A NUMBER OF FOLKS WHO WERE DANGEROUS. I KNOW WE TALK ABOUT MANY OF THEM BEING NON-DANGEROUS, BUT THERE WERE A NUMBER THAT WERE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT, HEY, THERE IS A TECH ANYTHING -- TECHNICAL GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM SO WHEN FOLKS WERE BEING CUT LOOSE THEY CAN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WHEN THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM WAS CURED, LAW ENFORCEMENT COULD BE THERE TO REBOOK THEM AND BRING THEM IN AGAIN SO THEY WEREN'T WALKING THE STREETS AND HURTING THEIR NEIGHBORS.

THAT IS A A QUESTION THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE COMPUTER COME POEPB TPHEPT OF THIS, BUT MORE TO DO WITH THE MAGISTRATE AND THOSE PROCEDURES OF HOW IS IT AND WHEN IS IT THAT WE MAKE SURE THAT WHEN THERE IS A GLITCH THAT THOSE WHO MADE THE ORIGINAL ARREST ARE NOTIFIED AND THEY CAN BE THERE WHEN THOSE FOLKS ARE CUT LOOSE ON A TECHNICALITY SO THEY CAN PICK THEM UP AGAIN BECAUSE NOW THERE IS A MANHUNT. THAT IS INEFFICIENT AND DANGEROUS TO THE PUBLIC. THOSE ARE MY TWO QUESTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD MAJOR GENERAL.

YOU MIGHT BE ON MUTE. >> JUDGE AND COURT, TO FIRST BEGIN WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S QUESTION AND TO YOURS, JUDGE, AS TO WHEN AN ANALOGUE BACK UP PROCESS CEASED, I AM NOT ABLE TO ANSWER THAT BASED ON HISTORY, BUT WHAT I CAN SHARE WITH YOU IS THAT WHAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO RECOVER IS POST HARVEY THERE WAS AN EFFORT BEFORE THIS PARTICULAR JWEB INCIDENT, THERE WAS AN EFFORT TO LOOK AT DISASTER RECOVERY WITH THE JUSTICE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE. THIS WAS IN 2018 THE DISASTER RECOVERY TECH GROUP. I HAVE THE MINUTES AND THE ATTENDEES OF THOSE PARTICULAR MEETINGS AND ON THE WORKING GROUP, REPRESENTATIVES AND MOST ALL OF THE JUSTICE COMMUNITY WERE IN THOSE WORKING GROUPS. I AM NOT AWARE OF WHY THAT

[01:30:03]

UPON MY ARRIVAL, IT WAS QUICKLY NOTICED THAT AFTER SOME OTHER OUTAGES WE NEEDED TO REVIEW OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING HERE AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES. WE REVIEWED OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND CAME UP WITH AN ENTIRE PROCESS.

MANY OF THE FOLKS IN THIS COURT WERE REPRESENTED JUNE 23RD, 2021. COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS THERE.

I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD A REPRESENTATIVE THERE AS DID THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY SHOWED UP AND MANY, MANY OTHERS.

ONE OF THE INJECTS OF THE REHEARSAL HELD AT NRG, A VAST NUMBER OF OUR DEPARTMENT COLLIE -- COLLEAGUES, THE PURCHASING AGENT WAS THERE AND MANY OTHER SHERIFF REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHERS. WHAT CAME OF THAT WAS AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT PROCESS GAPS THERE WERE IN ADDITION TO THE APPLICATION BACK UP THAT EXISTS.

CURRENTLY THERE IS NO ALTERNATE JWEB.

HOWEVER, I WANTED TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN JWEB ITSELF AND THE SERVER APPLICATION. AS I SHARED WITH ALL OF YOUR OFFICES, PEOPLE WERE AWARE THAT THIS WAS AN OUTAGE OF ONE OF OUR MAJOR SWITCHES. MECHANICAL THINGS HAVE FAILURES.

OUR JOB AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES IS TO REDUCE RISK WHERE WE CAN SEE POTENTIAL SERVICES AND ALSO TO RESPOND AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AS WE DID IN THIS PARTICULAR INCIDENT AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE WITH A LOT OF THE OFFICES. WE ARE WORKING 24/7 NOW FOR AN EXCESS OF WEEKS TO RESTORE THE REPLICATION CODE THAT WENT MISSING WHEN JWE KPW-RBGS -- WHEN JWEB WAS BACK UP ON MONDAY, A WEEK AGO. WE ARE WORKING TO RESTORE THAT.

WE HAVE REQUESTED -- WELL, JUST TO LET YOU KNOW PART OF OUR APPROACH MOVING FORWARD, WE HAVE REQUESTED AND Y'ALL HAVE APPROVED THE GARDENER CLOUD STRATEGY CONCEPT TO MIGRATE THE TOP 25 APPLICATIONS OF THE MOST VULNERABLE.

THE PROCESS BEGAN IN FEBRUARY OF LAST MONTH.

IN ADDITION DATING BACK TO OUR BUDGET REQUEST IN DECEMBER OF 2021, QUALITY UH -- QUALITY ASSURANCE THAT WERE REQUESTED AND WE ARE HOPING WE CAN STILL GET OWED SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE AS WELL AS THE TOOLS WE NEED FOR BEING ABLE TO SEE WHAT WE CAN'T SEE AND FIX WHAT BREAKS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK MORE OF THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO GIVE YOU MORE DETAILS OF OUR EFFORTS TO HARDEN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO DISCUSS HOW WE MOVE JWEB TO WHERE IT IS A FALL OVER -- WE HAVE A FOLLOW OVER ABILITY WHICH IS A MASSIVE ABILITY.

I WILL SAY THIS. IF 2015 AND 2016 IT WAS A MOVE TO MOVE FROM MAIN -- MAINFRAME TO THE VIRTUAL SERVERS.

WHEN YOU HAD IT OPENED UP, IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AN ARCHITECTURE THE TEAM RECOGNIZES THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REARCHITECTURED.

[01:35:01]

NONETHELESS AFTER THE JWEB SYSTEM WENT DOWN WE CONTINUED TO REPLICATE SOME JWEB AND THE SERVICE.

WE FINISHED THE CLOUD ASSESSMENT AND WE ARE MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURT. THE PURCHASE OF DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS WE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING THAT WILL ALLOW US TO GET BETTER AT PROTECTION AND REDUCE RISKS. I WILL SAY TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S POINT THAT MECHANICAL THINGS BREAK AS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND I DISCUSSED YESTERDAY.

WHEN THEY DO, YOU HAVE TO PULL OUT A TABLET AND NUMBER 2 PENCIL. WHEN WE HAVE THE ROCK DRILL, THERE ARE A LOT OF COLLEAGUES IN THE FIELD AND OF -- AND THE UH -- FACILITIES HARDEN THE PLAN AND AS AN EXAMPLE THE CONSTABLE -- WHEN WE HAD THE OUTING WE WORKED THE RADIO AND DO THEIR JOBS THEY HARDENED THE PROCESS INTERNATIONALLY.

WE SAW A LOT OF MOVEMENT BY A LOT OF THE LEADERSHIP AND THE COUNTY AFTER WE CONDUCTED A REHEARSAL A LITTLE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. AT THAT DRILL, IT WAS MUCH OF THE LEADERSHIP THAT ARE GOING TO COME TO THE MICROPHONE TODAY.

I HOPE THAT ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DO TH*EURPBLE SEVERAL MORE QUESTIONS.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, GARCIA AND THEN RAMSEY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE YOU SAID IT OR I MIGHT HAVE MISSED IT.

YOU SAID HISTORICALLY YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THAT WAS A BACK UP SYSTEM? I WILL LET YOU ELABORATE ON THAT. DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS A BACK UP SYSTEM PWHU -- WHEN YOU GOT OVER THERE?

>> NOT A TECHNOLOGICAL BACK UP SYSTEM.

I WANT TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN APPLICATION AND DATA.

AS I MENTIONED, THE DATA WAS REPLICATEED DAILY.

REPLICATED DAILY. WHAT IS NOT THERE IS A MIRRORED APPLICATION AND THERE IS A GENERATOR THAT THEN -- IT THEN STARTS UP AGAIN. WE DID NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE OUR EUPBLGS -- WE HAVE

OUR INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM. >> SO I GUESS MY QUESTION IS DO YOU KNOW IF THERE WAS A BACK UP SYSTEM?

>> NO, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE WAS NOT

YOU ARE SAYING? >> THERE WAS NOT A BACK UP SYSTEM AND WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SHARE IS AFTER GOING THROUGH OUR PERSONAL CONCEPT THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT REVEALED ITSELF OF A GAP THAT WE COLLECTIVELY WERE WANTING TO ADDRESS AND WE HAVE TAKEN ACTIONS. IT IS TO IN TERMS OF OUR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON THE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SIDE AND ASKING FOR TOOLS IN TERMS OF THE DATA ARCHITECTS AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING JWEB AND TO CONFIGURE AS NECESSARY BASED ON OUR CUSTOMERS' NEEDS. IN ADDITION TO LOOKING AT A CLOUD STRATEGY THAT WE WOULD BRING TO THE COURT.

>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MAJOR GENERAL, THANK YOU SO MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

IN SOME CASES YOU ARE USING A CHISEL AND HAMMER.

WHEN I WAS A SHERIFF, WE HAD A NUMBER OF FAILURES.

[01:40:03]

I KNOW WE WORKED WITH THE COURTS AND WE ENGAGED THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. WE HAD THE PLANS AVAILABLE TO US BECAUSE WE HAD TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IF BUILDINGS WENT OFF LINE? WHAT IF WE HAD TO MOVE INTAKE. WE WENT THROUGH A GREAT DEAL OF EXERCISE. IT WAS IMPRESSIVE TO ME BECAUSE THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD SEEN A MULTI-AGENCY EFFORT TO IDENTIFY JUST HOW INNER CONNECTED OUR ENTIRE SYSTEMS ARE REGARDLESS OF AGENCY AND REGARDLESS OF DISCIPLINE AND IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT PEOPLE RECOGNIZE HOW DIFFERENT EVENTS CAN THROW A MAJOR WRENCH INTO THE SITUATION.

I THINK ONE TIME WHEN WE DID GO THROUGH -- THIS ISSUE IF I UNDERSTAND IT CORRECTLY STARTED WITH SHOULD HAVE BEEN A ROUTINE

MAINTENANCE INCIDENT, CORRECT? >> IT WAS A SCHEDULED

MAINTENANCE EVENT. >> AND SO WHEN THESE WERE DONE IN THE PAST, AT LEAST THERE WAS AN EFFORT HERE TO DO IT AT A TIME THAT THERE WAS THE LEAST AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC.

IN THE PAST IT WAS DONE RANDOMLY AND IT CREATED PROBLEMS FOR US.

WHAT SETS IT APART IS THE NUMBER OF DAY THAT'S IT TOOK OR THE NUMBER OF HOURS IT TOOK TO GET BACK ONLINE.

MAJOR, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET FROM YOU AND THERE ARE THREE THINGS WE NEED TO DO. IS THERE ANYTHING WE NEED TO DO TO PROMOTE -- PROPOSE ACTION? JWEB IS A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM. YOU TRULY HAVE TO HERD CATS.

IS THAT STAKEHOLDER COORDINATIOO ENCOURAGE OUR STAKEHOLDERS TO WORK WITH YOU? HOW SHOULD WE COMMUNICATE THAT?

>> AS YOU'RE AWARE -- WELL, FIRST AND FOREMOST AT THE OUTSET I DID WANT TO GIVE AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO OUR TEAM MEMBERS AND OUR DEPARTMENT SINCE.

SINCE 2017 WE CONDUCTED 8,000 BREAK FIXES.

WE HAD A FAILURE THAT WAS 9 YEARS OLD THAT FAILED AND THEN WE HAD A COLLATERAL FAIL. I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT 98% OF ALL APPLICATIONS WERE BACK UP -- WELL, FIRST THE SYSTEM WAS UP IN 45 MINUTES AND ALL OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR THE MOST PART WERE UP AND 98% WERE IN A 48-HOUR TIME FRAME.

FOLKS WERE STILL OPERATIONAL. WE CAN'T FIX WHAT WE CAN'T SEE.

WE REQUESTED THE TOOLS TO HAVE THE VISUALIZATION OF THE NETWORK CENTER, AN ORGANIZATION THIS SIZE IS CRITICAL, ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL. ALONG WITH THAT TO YOUR QUESTION

OF THE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE

[01:45:03]

>> I WAS JUST GOING TO REFER BACK TO WE HAD A GREAT PARTNER IN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. EVERYTHING TALKS ABOUT THE IDEA OF CENTRALIZATION. IT IS NOT JUST FOR EFFICIENCY, BUT FOR SECURITY. YOU ARE PROBABLY GOING TO HEAR THINGS ABOUT DATA OWNERSHIP AND THINGS OF THIS NATURE.

I WANT TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN CODE AND -- UNIVERSAL SERVICES IS LIKE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WITH A DELIBERATELY SWITZERLAND CASE OF CODE. IT IS AN ASSET MANAGEMENT WHERE IT IS YOUR CODE THE COUNTY OWNS. WITH CODE TO BE SHARED WHICH HAS BEEN REQUESTED ON OCCASION IS A BIG SECURITY RISK.

MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS USE THAT CODE.

SO IF AN ELECTED OFFICIAL IS AN EXAMPLE, TO HAVE THE SOURCE CODE, ONE IS THAT ELECTED OFFICIAL MAY ROTATED -- MAY ROTATE OUT AND OTHERS MAY NOT BE AWARE OF, ET CETERA, ET CETERA.

AND EVEN STEVE JOBS WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU DO NOT SHARE SOURCE CODE. IT IS FUNDAMENTAL.

IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE HAVE -- AND WE COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND ABOUT DATA STEWARD SHIP AND THEY ARE MANAGERS OF THE DATA.

WE OFTEN WITH A LOT OF OUR DEPARTMENTS WE MADE SURE THE DATA IS SAFE AND IT IS BASED ON ALL STATUTE OUT, ET CETERA, ET CETERA. THE CUSTODIANS OF DATA, WE HAVE RECOGNIZED. WE HAVE RECOGNIZED THAT OUR TECHNOLOGY MAKE UP, CURRENTLY HARRIS COUNTY DOES BRING RISK TO IT AND IT IS HIGHLY INY -- HIGH INEFFICIENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS QUESTIONS.

THE DISTRICT CLERK IS HERE. I HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS AS WELL, BUT I WILL SAVE MINE FOR AFTER WE HEAR FROM THE DISTRICT

CLERK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE, QUICKLY, I AM NOT SURE -- MAYBE YOU, MAJOR GENERAL, WILL GUIDE US WHAT WE SHOULD NOT BE TALKING ABOUT IN OPEN FORUM AND VERSUS WHAT SHOULD GO BACK TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, MS. BURGESS AND THEN I WILL ASK QUESTIONS AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS QUESTIONS

AS WELL. >> TOM RAMSEY: MINE IS PRETTY LENGTHY SO WHY NOT WE LET THE GOOD DOCTOR --

>> THERE IS A LOT TO UNPACK THERE, BUT FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE MY STATEMENT. THE RECENT NETWORK OUTAGE WAS A CATASTROPHIC SYSTEM-WIDE FAILURE.

IT DISRUPTED NOT ONLY THE JUSTICE STAKEHOLDERS, BUT ALL COUNTY AGENCIES. TELEPHONE SERVICE AND A 9-1-1 CALL CENTER WAS DOWN FOR 30 MINUTES.

IT OCCURRED IN THREE DISTINCT PHASES, THE IMMEDIATE OUTAGE THAT LASTED APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR.

SECOND, RESIDUAL AND RESULTING OUTAGES OF JWEB AND THE D.A.

IN -- INTAKE SYSTEM FOR SEVEN HOURS.

THIRD, THE INABILITY OF THE JUSTICE AGENCIES TO ACCESS THEIR OWN CURRENT DATA FROM WHICH WE ARE STILL RECOVERING TODAY.

MY TEAM AT -- HAD FOUR PEOPLE ON A CALL WITH MICROSOFT FOR 23 DAYS. THIS MEANT THE D.A. COULD NOT INITIATE CHARGES AND SO WE COULD NOT GET NEW CASES ON THE DOCKET FOR PROBABLE CAUSE HEARINGS. TO HAVE THE HEARINGS IS WHAT CAUSED THE NECESSITY TO RELEASE 104 ARRESTEES DUE TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS. THE RECENT HIGH TURNOVER AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES HAS LEAD TO A LACK --

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

>> THANK YOU. THE RECENT HIGH TURNOVER AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES HAS LEAD TO A LACK OF INTAOUGSAL -- INTAOUGSAL KNOWLEDGE AND OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE OPERATIONS BEEN THERE AND PROPER BADGE -- BACK UPS IN PLACE. THERE IS AN ABSENCE OF A SPIRIT OF COOPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND THE JUSTICE DATA OWNERS. THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION BY UNIVERSAL SERVICES OF THEIR ROLE WHICH IS A PROVIDER OF SUPPORT TO THE DATA CUSTODIANS AND NOT THE CONTROLLING AUTHORITY OF THE DATA. JWEB IS AN ENGINE THAT DRIVES

[01:50:02]

HE IS ADVOCATING FOR A MOVE AWAY FROM JWEB.

THIS IS NOT A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE AND NOT SUPPORTED BY THE FIVE DATA OWNERS. JWEB NEEDS TO BE RETURNED TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM EXPERTS ALL OF WHOM HAVE UNIQUE KNOWLEDGE, INSIGHT AND EXPERIENCE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE OPERATIONS AND OPERATIONS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE.

WE RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR YOU TO ESTABLISH FUND THE JUSTICE SYSTEMS POLICY BOARD MADE UP OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THE DEPARTMENT HEADS OF THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENTS AS REQUESTED IN OUR LETTER. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? AND MS. BURGESS, IF YOU WILL STAY.

I'M SURE THERE WILL BE QUESTIONS FOR YOU AS WELL.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, DR. BURGESS.

GENERAL, WE HR STARTING WITH A -- WE ARE STARTING WITH A BASIC UNDERSTANDING. WE HAD SOMETHING REALLY SEVERE HAPPEN IN OUR SYSTEMS. IT IS SO SIGNIFICANT AS TO GIVE US PAUSE AND THINK ABOUT PRIORITIES.

IT IS A PRIORITY TODAY. I DON'T KNOW WHY IT WASN'T A PRIORITY BEFORE TODAY. I WILL GO THROUGH AND I DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR THE DETAIL I'M GOING TO REVIEW BECAUSE I THINK THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS. AND THERE WAS A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DISCUSSED TO EXPAND THE BAND WIDTH IN THE DATA CENTER. THIS WAS A FAILURE AND A LOSS OF NETWORKON CNECTIVITY FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

THE LOSSSE CAUD CRUCIALDA TABASES OF KEYCA APPLITIONSAT THD REMAINEOFF LINE AFTER THE NETWORK A RECOVEREDT 7:55 P.M.

ON THURSDAY NIGHT AT 7:55 P.M. THERE ARE ONE OF THE I SYSTEMS IMPACTEDS JWEB. THERE ARE TWO MAJOR COMPONENTS TO THE JWEB SYSTEM. BOTH OF WHICH WEREK AFFECTED BY THE NETWOROUTAGE. THE FIRST COMPONENT OF JWEB IS THE APPLICATION ITSELF WHICH IS A WEB-BASED SYSTEM MAINTAINED BY UNIVERSAL SERVICES. THIS APPLICATION ALLOWS THE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY TO INPUT PERSON AND CASE DATA INTO JWEB DATABASES. THE SYSTEM WAS RESTORED AT 3:25 A.M. ON FRIDAY. THE SECOND CRITICAL COMPONENT IS DATA REPLICATION. IT WAS PUT IN BY THE JWEB APPLICATION AND REPORTING SYSTEMS. DATA PUT IN FOR APPLICATIONS LIKE THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND DEA AND DCO AND E FILING AND THE 24-HOUR PROBABLE CAUSE COURT DOCKING SYSTEM. OTHER SYSTEMS LIKE THE COUNTY AND COURT DOCUMENT SYSTEM AND THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 5019 REPORT TELLS THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHICH DEFENDANTS NEED TO BE IN COURT FOR THEIR MOST CURRENT SETTING.

SPECIFICALLY ON 3/29 AND 3/30, THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION OR TIME TO GATHER OVER 700 TK-FPT -- 700 DEFENDANTS.

IT IS CRITICAL TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR COURT HEARINGS THAT START AT 9 A.M. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE U.S.

RESTORED -- UNIVERSAL SERVICES RESTORED ON SUNDAY APRIL 3RD.

THE DAY BEFORE YESTERDAY. THAT'S WHEN THE APPLICATION AND THE REPLICATION, THAT'S WHEN THAT WAS RESTORED.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT DEPARTMENT MENTAL APPLICATIONS LIKE THE D.A.'S CHARGE AND THE DCO'S E FILING SYSTEM NARROWED IT DOWN. THESE APPLICATIONS FUNCTIONED.

WE WERE UP UNTIL THERE WAS NO MORE DATA TO FEED INTO THE SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH JWEB AND OTHER JUSTICE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPLICATIONS WERE RESTORED FRIDAY 3/25 AT 3:25 A.M. THE REPLICATION FUNCTION FAILED AS YOUING THE IN-- FAILED AND IT WAS NOT SOMEWHAT IMPACTED, SEVERELY IMPACTED. IT REFERS TO JWEB APPLICATIONS.

[01:55:02]

IT IS A MAJOR COMPUTER PROGRAM. COMPUTER PROGRAM PROBLEM.

IT IS A MAJOR OUTAGE. THIS IS SOMETHING WE FORE KNEW AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE COULD HAVE PARTICIPATED, BUT CHOSE NOT TO. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OUTAGES AND I HEARD IT AT LEAST THREE TIMES ALREADY.

THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE. I'M JUST A DIRT KICKING CIVIL ENGINEER, BUT GENERAL NORIEGA AND I HAD THE PAD AND PENCIL CONVERSATION TO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S POINT, BUT WHEN WE KNOW SOMETHING, WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING.

WHEN WE KNOW SOMETHING WE NEED TO ENGAGE NOT WHEN SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS, BUT BEFORE IT HAPPENS SO WE CAN BE MORE PREVENTATIVE.

THE DATA REPLICATION WAS COMPLETE FOR CRITICAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS TO ALLOW.

THIS ISN'T TRUE. THAT'S WHAT WAS SAID AND THAT'S NOT TRUE. THE FIRST DATA FEED DID NOT COME UP FOR DAO AT 14:27. THAT IS INCOMPLETE AND INCORRECT. THERE IS AN ATTEMPT TO BRING IT BACK UP, BUT ITNC WAS IOMPLETE AND INCORRECT.

THEFF DAO STA LEARNED THE DATA WAS WRONG AT.M ABOUT 7 P.E AND THARTICLESHE THAT FEED T DATA TOON THE REPLICATI HAD TO BE CORRECTED AND RE-RUN.RV UNIVERSAL SEICES HAD TO EDITN THE REPLICATIOSCRIPT AND RERUN ITE SO DATA FEEDS WOULD BIS CORRECT. TH IS COMPLICATED.

THIS IS NOT SOME COMPUTER GLITCH.

THIS IS REALLYHA COMPLICATED AND IT SHOULD VE BEEN TAKEN -- IT SHOULD HAVE HAD A LOT MORE FOCUS ON IT THAN BEFORE NOW.

THE FIRST TIME DAO, THE D.A., REPLICATION FEED CAME UP ON SATURDAY WAS 3-D -- 3/26 AROUND 2300.

AND THE SYSTEM THAT DIDN'T GO DOWN HAD DATA FROM JWEB AVAILABLE AT 3:26. THE ABILITY TO REPLICATE THE DATA BETWEEN APPLICATIONS IS BEING -- STILL BEING WORKED ON TODAY. I THINK WE SAID THAT.

WITH ALL THAT SAID, THE QUESTIONS THAT COME TO MIND, IT IS SERIOUS. YOU KNOW THAT, GENERAL, AND WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THAT. I KNOW EVERYBODY IN -- INHERITS EVERYTHING ELSE, BUT THIS IS ONE THING YOU KNOW IS A PROBLEM AND THAT EVEN THOUGH WE HAD SOME FOCUS ON IT AND SOME SESSIONS AND WHATEVER ELSE, YOU CAN HAVE A MEETING AND THEN GET OUT OF THE MEETING AND DO SOMETHING. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NO FUNCTIONAL BACK UP SO THE DATA REPLICATION FUNCTIONALITY IN JWEB. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT.

WHY WAS THE DATA REPLICATION NOT PART OF THE HIGH AVAILABILITY STRATEGY FOR JWEB. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT.

AND HAS BEEN REFERENCED BY A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE LEAVE UNIVERSAL SERVICES THAT KNEW A LOT ABOUT JWEB, AND WE HAVE TO REPLACE THOSE PEOPLE OR FIND THEM AND GET THEM IN THERE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE HAD TO LEAVE. AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW PEOPLE ARE BACK IN THERE THAT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND WE WON'T HAVE THE TECHNICAL DEPTH WE NEED. AND SO WHAT STEPS HAS UNIVERSAL SERVICES TAKEN TO THE DATA? THOSE ARE ALL KIND OF WILL YOU PLEASED -PL -- LUMPED IN THERE. IT IS THE THIRD FAILURE SINCE 2021. IT IS NOT LIKE, WELL, WE KNOW IT IS GOING TO FAIL. HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN TODAY.

WELL, WE ARE DOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND HOPE IT DOESN'T FAIL. IT IS ALMOST LIKE WE ARE SAYING WE HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN TODAY. THIS HAPPENED ON MARCH 24 AND THIS IS KIND OF AN INDICATION OF YOUR 9-1-1 RESPONSE.

I KNOW YOU WERE WORK TWOG 4/7. I THINK THIS WAS 7:30 P.M.

WHEN WERE YOU NOTIFIED ON THAT DAY, MARCH 24TH, 7:30? AND WHAT WAS DONE I'M ASSUMING PRETTY QUICKLY IN TERMS OF RESPONDING? THOSE ARE MY INITIAL ROUND OF

QUESTIONS. >> TO ONE OF YOUR LAST QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONER, OUR PHONE TREE AND RESPONSE ON SYSTEM OUTAGE IS ONE OF OUR INJECTS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

[02:00:02]

ALMOSTVE ERYTHING YOU MENTION I COULDN'T W AGREEITH MORE.AN D THAT'S WHY WHEN WEED CONDUCT OUR O REHEARSALF CONCEPTON BASED FOURBE INJECTS, CYR ATTACK,WN TOWER DO, FUEL TANK DOWN D AND SYSTEMOWN IT REPRESENTED THE SYSTEM DOWN.LL WE HAVE OUR OWN CAOUT FOR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. JWEB DOES NOT HAVE A -- AN ALTERNATIVE MIRRORED APPLICATION THAT YOU WOULD YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT AS SOON AS THE LIGHTS GO OUT THE GENERATOR KICKS ON. THAT CAPABILITY DOES NOT EXIST.

IT IS A CAPABILITY THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT SO WE CAN HAVE THE CAPABILITY. NOW THAT WE HAVE THESE -- THE DATA REPLICATED, THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS THAT WE WILL SHARE WITH YOU AND OUR CUSTOMERS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS, WE WILL GET TO UNDERSTAND WHY WHEN JWEB CAME BACK UP, THERE WERE CERTAIN WORK ORDERS OR CODES THAT DID NOT PERMIT US -- IT DID NOT REPLICATE THE DATA NECESSARY BY OUR CUSTOMERS TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR OPERATIONS. IN SOME INSTANCES THE OPERATIONS THAT ARE PERFORMED -- THEY ARE IN THEIR ORGANIZATIONS.

WE DON'T SEE AND/OR UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY DO ONCE THEY HAVE JWEB IN THERE IN TERMS OF THE WORK PROCESSES UNTIL THEY INFORM US OF HOW TO HELP SUPPORT SOME OF THE INTERNAL APPLICATIONS AND WORKFLOWS ET CETERA. IT DOES SPEAK TO A MUCH LARGER QUESTION ABOUT UNDERSTANDING -- ABOUT GETTING DETAILED ARCHITECTURE OF OUR COUNTY. THERE IS A LOT OF THINGS WE CAN'T FIX IF WE CAN'T SEE. WE CAN'T PREDICT AND PLAN FOR THINGS THAT WERE -- THAT WE ARE NOT NECESSARILY AWARE OF.

THOSE ARE THE TOOLS WE ARE ASKING FOR MOVING FORWARD.

AS I MENTIONED, Y'ALL APPROVED THE CLOUD STRATEGY OF OUR 15 MOST -- AS A RESULT OUR REHEARSAL OF CONCEPT THAT HAS NOT BEEN DONE TO MY KNOWLEDGE IN THIS ORGANIZATION BEFORE RECOGNIZING THE GAPS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

ONE WAS A FORENSIC AUDIT DONE AND Y'ALL APPROVED THE MOVE FORWARD AND LOOKING AT THE 15 MOST VULNERABLE APPLICATIONS OF WHAT THE CLOUD STRATEGY MIGHT LOOK LIKE.

WE ARE IN THE THROWS OF THAT RIGHT NOW.

IN ADDITION, YOU WILL SEE, I HOPE, ON THE COURT TODAY OUR CAPABILITY OF TRYING TO BUILD THE INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER AND VISUALIZE AND UNDERSTAND THE END OF LIFE FOR ADDER WEAR ISSUES IN THE 3,000 PLUS SWITCHES WE HAVE THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. THAT INITIATIVE HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THAT WAS ABSENT PRIOR TO MY ARRIVAL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GENERAL, I WILL ASK SOME QUESTIONS AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

WE HAVE ALL TALKED ABOUT THE VARIOUS INSTANCES OF CHALLENGES WITH JWEB IN THE PAST. YOU'RE SAYING YOU HAD DONE SOME EVALUATION, IF I'M HEARING YOU CORRECTLY, AND THAT IN FACT, YOU HAD BROUGHT TO COURT AND HAD RECEIVED APPROVAL FOR CERTAIN REMEDIAL MEASURES. MY QUESTION TO YOUS ITH IF IS ISSUE HAD P TAKENLACE SIXS MONTH FROM NOW,E ONCE THINVESTMENTS FROM THERE GARDENER PORT HAD ALL BEEN DONE, WOULDN THIS SITUATIO

[02:05:03]

>> OUR TEAM HAS JUST MOVED OFF OF THE REPLICATION 24-HOUR OPERATIONSUG THAT WE HAVE BEEN GOING THROH AS WAS DESCRIBED.

>> I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE 24 HOURS.

I HAVE SEVERAL QUESTIONS SO I ASK THAT YOU ADDRESS THINGS AS

TIGHT AS YOU CAN. >> IN THIS INSTANCE, MA'AM, WE HAVE NOT DONE THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS.

THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS WILL ALLOW US IN THIS INSURANCE DEPARTMENT -- THIS INCIDENT TO UNDERSTAND THE FAILURE TO COME

TO THE COURT TO FIX THAT. >> SO MY QUESTION IS SEEING AS JWEB HAS GONE DOWN BEFORE, BEFORE YOUR TIME AND IT SOUNDS LIKE MAYBE ONCE WHILE YOU HAVE BEEN LEADING THE DEPARTMENT HAVE YOU ADDRESSED WHAT LEAD TO THE OUTAGES AND ARE THOSE THE INVESTMENT THAT'S HAVE BEEN MADE? WHAT HAS BEEN DONE GIVEN THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SOME SHOTS ACROSS THE BOW SO TO SPEAK ON JWEB WEAKNESSES?

>> YES, MA'AM. A FEW ARE GOVERN TPHEPBS AND -- GO -- GOVERNMENT AND A FEW ARE PRODUCT.

YOU RECALL LAST SESSION OR SO ISSUES DEALING WITH DATA GOVERNMENTS AND THE DATA STRATEGIES ARE ENORMOUS.

WE CREATE THE STANDARDS AND THE ABILITY TO CONFORM TO NATIONAL STANDARDS AND INFRASTRUCTURE BEST PRACTICES.

I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU THE NEEDS BASED ON EXECUTIVE SESSION. THOSE AUDITS ARE OCCURRING RIGHT NOW WITH THE AUDITOR TO HELP US DEFINE SOME OTHER VULNERABILITIES. POST THE REHEARSAL OF CONCEPT AT A HIGH LEVEL, BUILDING THE CAPABILITY AND THE NETWORK OPERATION CENTER TO SEE ALL OF OUR SWITCHES AND SET THEM TO HAVE A POTENTIAL AND IN ADDITION TO OUR TOP 15 APPLICATIONS TO INCLUDE JWEB IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW WITH GARDENER AND THANK Y'ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THAT PARTICULAR EFFORT TO SEE WHAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE TO MOVE SOME OF THESE APPLICATIONS TO THE CLOUD SO THAT WHEN AN OUTAGE DOES OCCUR AND LIKE ALL LARGE ORGANIZATIONS UNTPOFRT NATALIE SOMETIMES -- ORGANIZATIONS UNFORTUNATELY SOMETIMES THEY DO BREAK AND WE CAN HAVE THE SWITCH THAT FLIPS TO CONTINUE THE CONTINUITY OF OPERATION ON THE TECH ANYTHING -- TECHNICAL SIDE.

IT IS NOT NECESSARILY -- OBVIOUSLY I CAN'T SPEAK TO THE BUSINESS PROCESSES ON THE ANALOGUE SIDE.

TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY WE CAN MOVE THAT ALONG, THAT'S OUR

INTENT. >> DO YOU KNOW WHY IT TOOK SO LONG TO BRING BACK THE REPLICATION CAPABILITIES?

>> YES, MA'AM. WE HAD TO REPLICATE 40 YEARS OF DATA IN EVERY ONE OF THE DEPARTMENTS WE SERVE.

IT WAS REWRITING THE CODE AND THAT DATAIN HAVG TO REBOOT, IF

YOU WILL. >> LINA HIDALGO: MY UNDERSTANDING, AND M CORRECTE IF I'M WRONG, AND THENE COMMISSIOR POINTED OUT IT WAS COMPLICATED. MYNG UNDERSTANDI WASUN THE COMMICATION BETWEEN EACH OFPA THESE DERTMENTS AND JWEB IS WHAT BROKE DOWN PERIOD I OF TIME.

SON OTHER WORDS. >> YES, MA'AM.LG

>> LINA HIDAO: SO IF THE DISTRICT CLERK RUNS ACROSS OR THE JPC OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, A CERTAIN INDIVIDUAL, THERE IS NO WAY FOR THEM TO INPUT THAT INDIVIDUAL'SM PROCESS THROUGHOUT THE SYSTE INTO THE SYSTEM TO COMMUNICATE WITH JWEB.

WHY COOPERATE THEY HAVE DONE THAT MANUALLY AND FILLED IT IN LATER? MAYBE THAT IS A QUESTION FOR MS.

>> I THINK THAT WAS A QUESTION THAT WAS ATTEMPTED TO BE

[02:10:01]

IT IS GOING TO TAKE A LOT OF WORK.

AND IT MAY BE THAT IT IS MAKING THE ASSUMPTION OF FOLKS MAE -- MAY KNOW WHAT THEIR CONTINUITY OF PLANS SHOULD LOOK LIKE, AND THEY MAY NEED SOME HELP WITH PUTTING THE PLAN TOGETHER.

IT IS COMPLEX. THE NUMBER OF TOUCHES THEY DO THROUGHOUT THE JUSTICE COMMUNITY.

I HAD ONE OF MY -- ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES DESCRIBE IT AS PULLING OUT A DRAWER OF INDEX CARDS AND EVERYTHING FALLS OUT ON THE FLOOR. THE FIRST THING WE HAD TO DO WAS COLLECT THE CARDS AND PUT THEM RIGHT SIDE UP AND ALL IN ORDER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT'S FROM YOUR SIDE.

ON THEIR SIDE PART OF WHAT I'M WONDERING IS, YOU KNOW, COME SUIT -- COMPUTER SYSTEMS TPA*EUL.

FAILED. WAS IT FLAWED OR WERE ASSESSMENTS NOT DONE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE? AND THAT'S PART OF THE ROOT CAUSE ASSESSMENT WE WILL GET AT.

BUT I WONDER IF THE TEAM HAVE A COMPUTER SYSTEM FAIL IN WASHINGTON, CONNECTICUT, MICHIGAN, CALIFORNIA, TENNESSEE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, DALLAS, INMATES RELEASED, MISTRIALS, DELAYS IN COURTROOM PROCEEDINGS AND UNNECESSARILY INCARCERATING PEOPLE AND IMPROPER ARRESTS. THIS KIND OF THING IF IT IS A TECHNOLOGY GLITCH OR HECK IT COULD BE A POWER OUTAGE.

WE COULD HAVE ANOTHER WINTER STORM.

SYSTEMS FAIL. TO ME PART OF WHAT THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS HAS TO GET AT, YOU I'M -- YOU NAMED IT, A CONTINUITY OF PLANS. IF YOU ARE STILL PUTTING YOUR INDEX CARDS BACK TOGETHER, CAN THEY NOT SIMPLY FILE WHAT THEY HAVE? WHY DO THEY HAVE TO BUILD 40 YEARS WORTH OF INDEX CARDS TO WRITE, HERE IS JOHN SMITH, HOWEVER THEY USED TO DO IT BEFORE.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS SOMETHING WE CAN ANSWER NOW OR SOMETHING FOR YOU TO ANSWER IN YOUR CONVERSATIONS WITH STAKE -- STAKEHOLDERS. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD?

>> TWO THINGS TO THAT POINT. TWO THINGS.

ONE IS THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR TAKE AWAYS WHEN WE DID HAVE A REHEARSAL. THEY WITNESSED AND UNDERSTOOD THERE WERE GAPS IN THE PLAN AND THEY WENT BACK.

THE CONSTABLES ARE AN EXAMPLE AND THEY WERE ABLE TO IMPROVE SOME OF THE WORKFLOWS IN THE EVENT THE SYSTEM GOES DOWN.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS DID TOO. THEY HAD GOOD PLANS POTENTIALLY IT IS A VERY OVERWHELMING THING TO TACKLEBE AND MAY SOME FOLKS DON'T KNOW HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER.HO ALL OF TSE MAY BE TRUE. TO YOUR POINT, YES, THINGS BREAK AND SYSTEMS GO DOWN REGARDLESS OF ALL OF THIS AT SOME POINT IN TIME SOMETHING MAY BREAK AND WE HOPE TO GET BETTER AS A RESULT.

THE EFFECTS OF WHAT OCCURRED OUR TEAM IS COMMITTED AND WE ARE

SENSITIVE TO THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WOULD BE CURIOUS TO HEAR FROM THE DISTRICT CLERK AND THE D.A.'S OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE AS TO THAT ISSUE.

WHY COULDN'T IT BE DONE MANUALLY? WHY SHOULD WE KEEP JWEB? AND I WILL ASK DIRECT ARE -- DIRECTOR NORIEGA OR DAVE WHAT IS THE TIMELINE TO REPLACE IT IF THAT IS THE OUTCOME AS WELL AS THE ALLEGATIONS OF TURNOVER BEING AN ISSUE, DIRECT ARE -- DIRECTOR NORIEGA, THAT WOULD BE GOOD TO KNOW AND THEN I WILL PASS TO MY COLLEAGUES, BUT I WANT TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE KEY ISSUES.

FROM WHERE I AM STANDING JWEB IS BUILT WHERE YOU GO AND IT IS NOT

[02:15:01]

KING. >> I AM VIVIEN KING AND FIRST ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF. I AM HERE TO ADDRESS THAT QUESTION. WE HAVE A MANDATE AND IT CREATED AN ONLINE SYSTEM. WE ARE TRYING TO FOLLOW THAT.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S PART IS WE CREATED AN E CHARGE SYSTEM THAT EVERYBODY PARTICIPATES IN. WE GET THE -- YOU HEARD MS. BURGESS TALK ABOUT THE JUSTICE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. ALL 80 POLICE OFFICER AGENT -- ALE ATE -- ALL 87 POLICE OFFICER AGENCIES INPUT INTO THAT SYSTEM.

IT IS LIKE AN ASSEMBLY LINE, BUT IT IS ELECTRONIC.

IT CREATES AN ELECTRONIC CHARGE, BUT IT IS PART OF AN E FILE MANDATE. AND WE ARE NOT ALTOGETHER.

WE USED TO BE IN THE CJC WHERE WE COULD RUN PAPERBACK.

A LOT OF US ARE AT 500 JEFFERSON WHICH IS A MILE AND A HALF FROM THE COURTHOUSE. WE ARE SCATTERED IN SEVEN LOCATIONS AND THE DISTRICT CLERK IS NOT DIRECTLY IN THEIR AREA, THE JPC ACROSS THE STREET. WE ARE OPERATING 24 HOURS A DAY.

WRAOE DO EVERYTHING BY -- WE DO EVERYTHING BY COMPUTER AND MONITOR AND ZOOM. WE ARE NOT SET UP TO DO THAT ANYMORE BECAUSE OF LOGISTICS AND THE E FILE MANDATE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT ABOUT -- AND THAT MAKES SENSE ABOUT MANUALLY, PERHAPS YOU COULDN'T BE RUNNING THINGS BACK ACROSS TOWN. WHAT ABOUT THE JWEB? I THINK I REMEMBER READING IN THE LETTER THAT YOU GUYS LIKE -- YOU DON'T THINK THE SOLUTION IS REPLACING JWEB.

WHY? TO ME AND OBVIOUSLY OTHER JURISDICTIONS HAVE THEIR VERSION, BUT ARE THEY NOT A GOLD STANDARD JWEB-TYPE THING THAT WE SHOULD HAVE.

>> THERE SHOULD BE. GARY IS OUR EXPERT AND HE HAS BEEN THERE 1992 WHEN THE D.A.'S OFFICE DIDN'T HAVE COMPUTERS.

THAT'S WHEN I STARTED AT THE D.A.'S OFFICE.

JWE BERKS TOOK ABOUT $-- JWEB TOOK ABOUT $20 MILLION TO BUILD.

WE REPLICATE INFORMATION FROM IT.

OUR I.T. PEOPLE DIDN'T THINK IT WAS THE BEST SYSTEM, BUT IT IS THE SYSTEME WHAVE. A LOT OFHE T ISSUE CAME-- IN IT IS BUILT BY MICROSOFT TOO.I THINK IT IS GOOD TECHNOLOGY.

IT HAS BEENHE PUT TOGETR OVER AND OVER AGAIN.RD IT IS HA TO EXPLAIN I.T.T ISSUES, BU TRACY IS OVER THERE AT I.T. AND HAS WORKED WITH IT FOR YEARS SO LET ME PASS IT TO

HER. >> TRACY HOPPER WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY I.T. OFFICE. IT IS A CUSTOM BUILT SYSTEM.

WE HAVE THE MAINFRAME. THE MAINFRAME SYSTEM WE BASICALLY -- WE CONVERTED THE PROGRAMS OVER TO A WEB-BASED APPLICATION AND BUILT JWEB. THEY HAD TO GET OFF THE MAINFRAME. IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE AND ALL OF THAT GOOD STUFF. AND THEN JWEB CAME ALONG.

IT IS CUSTOM BUILT. IT DOES EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED IT TO DO. WE HAVE BUILT IN DIFFERENT INTERFACES WITH ALL AGENCIES INVOLVED.

THAT'S FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE, THE DISTRICT CLERK, THE SHERIFF, THE COURT, THE COURT ADMINISTRATION, ALL OF THOSE AGENCIES INCLUDING JAD AND THE BUDGET MAC DEPARTMENT, ALL OF THOSE AGENCIES USE THE DATA THAT COMES FROM JWEB.

ONCE IT IS ENTERED INTO JWEB WHICH IT STARTS AT THE POLICING AGENCY, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, AND WHEN THEY ENTER THE CHARGES INTO JWEB, THEN THE D.A.'S OFFICE CAN SEE THE CHARGES TO FORMULATE WHAT THEY WILL CHARGE THE DEFENDANT WITH AND THEN THEY GIVE IT TO THE DISTRICT CLERK WHO TAKES IT ON.

ALL OF THOSE SYSTEMS, THE D.A. SYSTEM AND THE DAO SYSTEM WAS UP. WE WERE STILL HAVING PROBABLE CAUSE BECAUSE THEY LOOK AT OUR SYSTEM FOR THOSE CASES.

WE COULDN'T DO ANY NEW ONES BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.

IF THE BACK UPS WERE THERE AND IF THEY WERE SCRIPTED OUT AND BACKED UP, ALL OF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED.

IT WASN'T. WE WANTED TO RECREATE IT.

[02:20:01]

>> WHEN WAS THIS IMPLEMENTED? WAS IT 2015 AND 2016?

>> THEY STARTED CONVERTING IT IN 2012.

IT CAME UP IN 2019. >> 2019 IS WHEN THE CRIMINAL --

>> CORRECT. CIVIL WAS FIRST AND THEN THEY

DID CRIMINAL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW OLD WAS

JIM'S TO BEGIN WITH? >> IT STARTED IN THE 80S.

IT IS 30 YEARS OF PROGRAMMING THAT HAS BEEN CUSTOM BUILT FOR HARRIS COUNTY. AND THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF COUNTY THAT'S HAVE SYSTEMS LIKE WE DO AND WE HAVE A DIRECT FILING ORDER. WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT WE DO A LOT OF THINGS DIFFERENT IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THE CHARGES GET DIRECTLY INTO THE SYSTEM SO THAT WE CAN GET THOSE CHARGES IMMEDIATELY BECAUSE WE ARE 24/7.

A LOT OF THE COUNTIES ARE NOT 24/7.

PLEASE SPEAK TO THESE DISCUSSIONS AND THEY ARE NOT REALLY FOLKS WHO KNOW HOW TO ADDRESS ISSUES WITH JWEB.

THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN ATTRITION THERE.

IT HAS BEEN SOLID SINCE MY ARRIVAL.

AGAIN, ON AND OFF, WE HAVE HAD AS MANY AS 40 PERSONNEL DEDICATED TO JWEB EVERY DAY. OUR RESOURCE UTILIZATION TASK WHICH I SHARED WITH YOU, WE SPEND THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR TIMEE ON THSUPPORTB FOR JWE FOF ALL OUR CUSTOMERS.

AND I THINKD TOO TO AD TO THEEN COMMENTS, WH THE MAINFRAME AND COMMISSIONER THEUA MAINFRAME TO THE VIRTL SERVERS BUILDING IN THEAN REDUNDANCY AT THAT TIME D IN ADDITION TO THAT PRIMARILY.MI THE DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN LITED ON THE TURN TURNOVER ISSUE.

IT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY LIMITED. EVEN HAVING IN SOME INSTANCES A LIBRARY OF CODE FOR THIS PARTICULAR LARGE EFFORT IS OFTENTIMES NONEXISTENT. THERE HAVE BEEN NEW PRODUCTS THAT ARE OUTY COOK COUNTY HAS -- THAT ARE OUT.

COOK COUNTY HAS ONE. THEY HAVE BEEN PART OF REVISITING VWEB. TECHNOLOGY CHANGES EVERY DAY.

AND SO I THINK THE POSITION OF DOING THE SAME THING AND EXPECTING THE DIFFERENT OUTCOME, I KNOW THAT'S WHERE THE COURT IS ALSO IMPLYING RIGHT NOW. I COULDN'T AGREE MORE.

IT WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION. >> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM CURIOUS IF THERE IS SOMEONE IN ANOTHER COUNTY THAT HAS A SIMILAR

SYSTEM. >> TO JWEB? THERE ARE A LOT OF CUSTOM CITIES AND I CAN GET YOU THE LIST OF

THEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HOPE THEY ARE LOOKING AT IF THEY HAD PROBLEMS IN THE PAST HOW THEY SOLVED THEM. I HEARD THE REFERENCE TO THE ELECTRONIC MANDATE FROM THIS STATE.

I WAS THERE WHEN THEY PASSED IT. IS THERE SOMETHING THAT KEEPS YOU FROM HAVING IT? WE USED TO CALL THEM BAIL BOOKED. IS THERE ANYTHING IN THE LAW? I DON'T RECALL THAT. I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO HAD THE BAIL BOOKS. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT PREVENTS

YOU FROM GOING OLD SCHOOL? >> NOTHING PREVENTS IT, NO.

BUT THERE IS A SEPARATE LOCATION TO FILE PAPERS.

>> THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT THE LOCATION OF HARVEY.

IN NEW ORLEANS I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY USE, BUT I HOPE SOMETHING IS ELECTRONIC IN LOUISIANA BY MAIL.

[02:25:02]

>> REMEMBER JWEB IS A CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND EVERY COUNTY HAS A CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UNLESS THEY ARE REALLY SMALL WHICH THE STATE IS PROVIDING A UNIFIED CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE SMALLER COUNTIES.

THEY HAVE A COME SUITER SIS -- THEY HAVE A COMPUTER SYSTEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IN THE EVENT IT HAPPENS AGAIN WE HAVE AN OPINION ON HOW IT HAPPENS AND WE HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION ON HOW TO PAY FOR IT AND THAT'S A DIFFERENT DISCUSSION.

MAYBE WE SHOULD GO BACK A LITTLE OLD SCHOOL AND HAVE SOME PAPER

IN CASE THIS HAPPENS AGAIN. >> COMMISSIONER AND MEMBERS OF THE COURT, *ETD -- ED WELLS. WE DO HAVE A PROCESS IN PLACE THAT ALLOWS FOR THE USE OF PAPER THE EFFORT TOOK PLACE MANY YEARS AGO AND ACTUALLY STARTED AFTER IKE WHICH DURING IKEY THEDIDN'T GO DOWN.DU RING HARVEYDN WE DI'T LOSEST SYEMS. WE LOSTNS LOCATIO.

BUT I THE PAPERS ITS OWN BURDEN. ITOF TAKES MANY THE PEOPLEUR IN RESOCES OFFF OF RECOVERY OTHE SYSTEMS. AND THE DECISION WAS MADE NOT TO DO THAT BECAUSE WE KEPT BEING TOLD THAT SYSTEMS WERE UP. I GOT A CALL FROM GENERAL NOR -- NORIEGA AND THEN A TEXT INDICATINGD THAT THE OPERATIONS WERE UP AN RUNNING LIKE A NORMAL DAY.

THAT WAS NOT THE CASE AT ALL. THEY HAD TO DO THAT AND DISCOVER NOT ALL OF THE DATA WAS THERE. THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO TURN ON THE SYSTEM AND GO BACK AND CHARGE ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

WE NEED THE REPORTS AND THE AUDITS TO FIND OUT THE STRENGTHS OF THE SYSTEM AND WHAT ARE THE HOLES IN THE SYSTEM.

THE JUSTICE COMMUNITY CAN MAKE USE OF THE SYSTEM, BUT IT IS NOT THE BEST IDEA BECAUSE THE BURDEN ON THE SYSTEM IS SIGNIFICANT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: UNTIL THEN IT IS GOOD TO HAVE A PAPER PLAN IN

PLACE. >> AND KEEP IN MIND AS WE --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: [INAUDIBLE] >> WE HAVE A PLAN FOR UTILIZING PAPER, BUT IT IS CAPTURING THE INFORMATION ON PAPER.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN IT IS DOWN WE DON'T KNOW HOW LONG.

>> WE DON'T DO THAT IN THE SHORT-TERM LIKE THAT.

THE SYSTEM IS COMING BACK UP QUICKLY.

WHEN IT IS DOWN FROM AN EXTENDED PERIOD THE TIMING OF THE OUTAGE WAS BAD. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND DAVE'S OFFICE WILL TELL YOU THAT IT IS ONE OF THE BUSIEST TIMES FOR INTAKES TO THE JAIL. THAT MADE THINGS EVEN WORSE.

WE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT HOW DO WE KEEP THESE SYSTEMS UP.

THERE WERE SEVERAL ISSUES. WE DIDN'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BRING THEM BACK UP QUICKLY.

COMMUNICATION IS COMING BACK TO US FROM -- IT IS NOT WHAT IT SHOULD BE. IT LOOKS LIKE THE U.S. HAS BECOME A MORE FORTIFIED SILO AND NOT THE OPPOSITE.

IF THEY ARE A SERVICE PROVIDER WE NEED TO HAVE COMMUNICATION.

ONE OF THE ISSUES WITH ALL OF THE DEPARTURE OF STAFF IS THAT PEOPLE WHO HAD KNOWLEDGE NOT JUST OF THE TECHNOLOGY BUT OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS. WE HAVE IT ON OUR SIDE AND WE DON'T HAVE GOOD COMMUNICATION AND WE CAN'T TRANSITION THAT KNOWLEDGE BACK TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY HAVE PUT IT IN WRITING AND IT IS LIKE A JOB PROTECTION. I AGREE YOU RAISE A VALID POINT.

I WANT TO STRESS THAT. I HOPE THE COUNTY MANAGER'S

[02:30:04]

AND THAT IS A MISTAKE. >> TO CLARIFY ONE OTHER POINT, WITH THE BACK UPS AT JWEB, THERE IS A FAIL OVER SYSTEM.ON E OF THE THINGS THAT WASZZ PULING, THEME LONG-TI ITWH TOOK YTO DO WE HAVE REWRITE ANYWA CODE ANYY?HA WE SHOULD VE BEEN TO IT AND REPRODUCE THAT QUICKLC AS OPPOSED TO TUALLY WRITING CODE.HO I DON'T THINK THAT SULD HAVE BEEN THERE THE LAST 20 YEARS.

>> WE ARE BEING TOLD IT IS NOT. WEER NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT BETT. I AM NOT INSIDE UNIVERSAL

SERVICES -- SIR? >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN ONE OF US GO OVER THERE AND LOOK? HOW HARD IS IT TO FIND?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU ARE ON MUTE, GENERAL IF YOU WANTED TO

AT SOMETHING. >> A COUPLE THINGS.

THE COMMUNICATION SIDE IS CRITICAL.

OUR TEAMS THROUGHOUT THE INCIDENT -- OUR INCIDENT REPORTS AND OUR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WILL SEND THOSE OUT FOR FOUR HOURS AND HOWEVER I THINK -- AND FRANKLY WITH OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE FIELD, AND THEY WORK IN THE REPLICATION OF BACK UP.

THE COMMUNICATION WAS QUITE PLENTIFUL.

ON THE BACK UP OF THE APPLICATIONS MICROSOFT IS LOOKING AT THAT NOW. AND THEY ARE HELPING US UNDERSTAND. WHY IN THIS INSTANCE THE PARTICULAR CODE WE WILL NEED FOR BRINGING BACK UP THE REPLICATION OF DATA WAS GONE. WE HAD TO RE-DO IT AND WORK WITH OUR TEAM MEMBERS ON THE FIELD TO GET TO THE RECOVERY THAT IT WAS AND THIS ONE PARTICULAR COURSE IS GOING DOWN.

WHEN IT CAME BACK UP, THAT'S WHAT WE -- THAT'S WHAT WE

REALIZED WAS THE SITUATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

CAGLE. >> JUST TO TOUCH ON THE POINT OF COMMUNICATION, WITH REGARD TO THE PLANNED MAINTENANCE THERE WAS NO COMMUNICATION TO THE USERS.

THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT A TIME LIKE THAT VERSUS THE OPERATIONAL LOADS.

AND SO THERE IS A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THAT AREA AND IT IS IMPORTANT FOR BOTH OF US. WE ALL RECOGNIZE THAT JWEB IS A VERY CRITICAL SYSTEM. IT SUPPORTS SO MUCH OF WHAT WE DO IN JUSTICE. AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE AVAILABILITY OF IT AND THERE IS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF HOW WE UTILIZE IT AND WHAT IT DOES AND WHAT IT DOESN'T DO, WHAT HAPPENS WITH REPLICATION SERVICES AND WHY THAT IS SO CRITICAL.

KEEP IN MIND AS WE HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM A PAPER SYSTEM, YOU KNOW, THE CLERK'S OFFICE DOESN'T HAVE PAPER FILES ANYMORE.

WHEN THE SYSTEM IS DOWN, YOU CAN'T LOOK AT WHAT'S IN THE CASE ANY LONGER. IT IS JUST NOT AVAILABLE.

IN THE PAST, WE COULD TURN TO PAPER AND CONTINUE IT.

THAT CAN'T HAPPEN TODAY. WE ARE NOT UNIQUE IN THAT REGARD. COURT SYSTEMS ACROSS THE KREUD ARE THAT WAY TODAY. OVERSIGHTS ARE IMPORTANT AND HVAC IN THE DATA CENTER IS IMPORTANT.

THEY ARE CRITICAL. >> THE COMMUNICATION IS CRITICAL. EVERYBODY NEEDSO TCOME TO THE TABLE. EVERYBODY IS TRYINGDR TO ADESS THE SITUATIONSS AND AUME EVERYONE ISNG OPERATI IN GOOD FAITH. I WOULD A MOTION FOR ALLRS STAKEHOLDE HERE AND NOT HERE. REPORT BACK AND THERE ARE

[02:35:13]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: MY TWO PRONGS, SOME OF THEM CALL THEM THE BIG CHIEF MODEL. AND WE WOULD HAVE A PROTOCOL FOR WHEN THE PAPER SYSTEM KICKS IN. IF WE HAVE IT, WE NEED TO KNOW THE PROTOCOL FOR WHEN IT KICKS IN SO WE DON'T HAVE THE CONSEQUENCE WE HAD HERE. THAT IS 24 HOURS IS THE LAW.

IF IT IS NOT DONE IN 24 HOURS, IT IS CUT LOOSE AND IF IT IS NOT PROCESSED NO MATTER HEINOUS THE OFFENSE WAS, THEY ARE CUT LOOSE.

AND SO WE NEED TO HAVE THE PROTOCOL IS IMPLEMENTED BEFORE WE HAVE A CRASH. NO I -- NOW THE QUESTION IS HOW TO I'M PHRAU -- HOW TO IMPLEMENT THAT.

MS. KING SAID WHEN SHE CAME HERE IN THE 90S.

I AM AOLD -- OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THAT THEY MOVED FROM CARBON PAPER TO THE NEW FANCY FORMS WHERE YOU HAVE THE TRIP PHRAU KET FORMS -- TRIPLICATE FORM AND WHEN YOU WRITE ON THEM THEY GO THROUGH ALL THREE FORMS. THAT WAS A COOL THING AS A YOUNG LAWYER BACK IN THE COURT DAYS. MANUAL IS NOT BAD, BUT IT IS TIME-COMSUMING. WHEN YOU ARE ABOUT TO HAVE 180 PEOPLE PUT -- SET LOOSE, MANUAL IS A LIFE SAVER.

SOMEBODY FORWARDED ME P A COPY OF THE D.A.'S LETTER.

THE D.A. IS HERE. THANK YOU FOR THE LETTER.

MANY OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT WHO HAD GONE OUT THERE RISKED THEMSELVES TO MAKE AN ARREST AND FOUND OUT THE RISK FACTOR AND THEY WERE BACK ON THE STREETS. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TO MAKE SURE THAT THE SHERIFF WHO MADE THE ARREST AND NOW WE HAVE TO REARREST THEM AND IF POSSIBLE, THEY COULD HAVE BEEN WAITING THERE THE OPPOSITE OF THE PEARLY GATES SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE MANHUNT AND ENDANGER THEMSELVES.

THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING IN PLACE TO NOTIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND/OR THE VICTIMS OF THOSE CRIMES WHO WERE NOT NOTIFIED THAT THE PERSON WHO HURT THEM IS BACK ON THE STREETS.

WHERE DOES THIS FIT INTO THE PROTOCOL WHEN THE SYSTEM GOES DOWN AND I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS A MAGISTRATE'S RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THEY ARE MAKING A DECISION TO FOLLOW THE 48-HOUR RULE OR SOMETHING THAT IS ELSEWHERE AND MAYBE THAT IS SOMETHING THAT UNIVERSAL SERVICES COULD HELP WITH, ALTHOUGH IT MAY NOT BE IN THEIR PRIMARY MISSION, BUT IF THEY KNOW THE SYSTEM IS DOWN, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A WAY TO TRIGGER A NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TO ALL OF THE STAKEHOLDERS.

VIVIEN, FROM THE D.A. IS HOW I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS.

YOU ADDRESSHE T NOTIFICATION AND WHAT COULD LEGALLY BEE DONTO MAKE SURE THATWO THE T-ARRESTSY STEM WHERE WE ARE O PUTTINGURW GOINGRCEMENTF AT RISK O BACK AND RECAPTURING THESE INDIVIDUALS WHO HURT THEIRS NEIGHBORDO, WHAT CAN BE NE ON THAT BACK END OF IFOT THERE IS ANHER FAILURE TO MAKE SUREEA THAT THEY AT LST HAVETO A RUNNING START PROTECT THEHI

PUBLIC? >> I TNK THAT'S A GOOD POINT AND I POINT.TO ADDRESS THE FIRST WE DO NEED A TIME LIMIT IN WHICH WE GO TO A SEPARATE SYSTEM.

OUR I.T. DEPARTMENT AT THE D.A.'S OFFICE WAS TOLD IT WILL BE UP IN A FEW MINUTES. IT HAD GONE OUT ABOUT A MONTH BEFORE, AND IT DID COME RIGHT BACK UP.

WE WERE TOLD -- NO ONE ADD TIME LIMIT TO GO TO THE BACK UP.

THREE OF OUR I.T. PEOPLE WORKED 48 HOURS GUIDING MAJOR GENERAL NORIEGA'S PEOPLE ON HOW TO FIX IT BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE. SOME OF THE PEOPLE WITH THE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE ARE NO LONGER AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND

[02:40:02]

DEDICATED TO THE JWEB. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S INTERESTING BECAUSE GENERAL NORIEGA SAID THEY ARE THERE.

>> TRACY WOULD KNOW MORE THAN ME.

>> THERE WAS A GROUP OF 35 TO 40 THAT WHEN J W-RBG EB WENT -- JWEB WENT OUT THAT ARE THERE TODAY.

>> GARY OUR GUY WOULD TRY TO FIX IT, BUT WE DON'T GET TO ACCESS THE BOX. WE WERE GUIDING THEM ON HOW TO BRING IT BACK UP BECAUSE WE DIDN'T HAVE DIRECT AGO -- ACCESS WHICH I AM NOT SAYING WE SHOULD HAVE IT, BUT WE WORKED 48 HOURS.

THEY WORKED THE WHOLE FIRST WEEKEND.

I HEARD ABOUT IT AT 6:00 ON THURSDAY BEFORE LAST FROM JIM LITNER AT INTAKE AND HE SAID I CAN'T FILE CHARGES.

WHICH PEOPLE SHOULD WE LET GO FIRST, VIVIEN? WE HAD TO MAKE THAT DECISION BECAUSE THE SYSTEMS WERE ALL DOWN. WE DIDN'T KNOW.

THE FIRST POINT YOU MADE IS IF IT IS DOWN FOR A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME, THAT NEEDS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE PROTOCOL THAT WE GO TO PLAN B. EVERYBODY IS WAITING AND NOT GOING TO PLAN B. IT IS COMING UP AND COMING BACK

UP. >> IT NEEDS TO BE FULLY FLUSHED OUT. WE ARE ALL IN DIFFERENT BUILDINGS AND IT SOUNDS LIKE PLAN B IS NOT ENTIRELY UP AND RUNNING YET. I THINK WHAT YOU SAID BASED ON THE MOTION TO SAY TO NO MORE THAN 30 DAYS REGARDING THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS ON THE OUTAGE AND PROPOSED NEXT STEPS ON CONTINGENCY PLANS INCLUDING USE OF A PAPER SYSTEM AS WELL AS POTENTIAL UPGRADES TO A REPLACEMENT OF JWEB.

>> I THINK -- >> A NOTIFICATION SYSTEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS STILL NOT CLEAR EXACTLY WHO ALL WAS RELEASED, RIGHT? IT WAS MOSTLY MISDEMEANORS.

>> MOSTLY MISDEMEANORS. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HEAR A LOT OF DWI'S. I MEAN, IT IS NOT OKAY.

>> WE DON'T WANT THE DWI'S OUT THERE BECAUSE THEY ARE STILL

DRUNK. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND A NOTIFICATION SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER EL HREUGS, COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND

THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I TALKED TO THE ADMINISTRATOR AND I LIKE THE MOTION, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE NOT ANY OTHER THINGS YOUR TEAM HAS CONTEMPLATED DOING

THAT WE PUT THIS IN IT. >> I THINK YOU COVERED IT.

>> I THINK THERE IS ONE MORE ELEMENT TO THE MOTION AND THAT IS TO LOOK AT A DISCUSSION ON A REPLACEMENT SYSTEM.

>> IT IS ON THERE. >> IT IS ON THERE?

>> LET ME READ IT. I THOUGHT IT WAS SENT AROUND.

MOTION TO DIRECT UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO REPORT BACK IN NO MORE THAN 30 DAYS REGARDING THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS OF THE MARCH 2022JWEB OUTAGE AND PROPOSE NEXT STEPS ON CONTINGENCY PLANS INCLUDING USE OF A PAPER SYSTEM AND A NOTIFICATION SYSTEM. AS WELL AS POTENTIAL UPGRADES TO OR REPLACE PHEPBTS OF JWEB. AFTER CONSULTATION WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS. WE CAN VOTE LATER.

>> I ANDF I CANT JUSASK ANAD DENDUM TO THATT AND THAWOULD BEE HAVING THCY CONTINGEN PLANS ARE HELPFUL AND SO I WOULD ASK AT LEAST A COMMITMENT TWICE OR THREE TIMES A YEAR LIVE EXERCISE OTHERWISE IF WE WAIT TO FIND OUT THERE IS REGULAROU MAINTENANCE D THEN IT TURNS T TO BE A FAILURE, THEN WE GO TO PAPER AND THERE IS STILL A LOT OF CON FLICKS.

CON -- CON FLICKS -- COF -- CONFLICTION.

>> THE CONTINGENCY PLAN AND A REHEARSED SCHEDULE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WAS GOING TO SAY IT APPEARS WE ARE OPERATING IN A SRABG -- SRABG SAOUPL. -- VACUUM.

THEY HAVE GREAT INSIGHT IN WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO FIX THIS.

SO I DON'T WANT THIS CONSULTATION OF STAKEHOLDERS TO BE, WELL, WE WILL TELL YOU WHAT WE ARE FIXING TO DO.

WE NEED TO LISTEN TO THE STAKEHOLDERS FIRST AND THEN BRING TOGETHER SOLUTIONS. FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, THE EXPERIENCE AND THE UNDERSTANDING AND THE KNOWLEDGE, IT IS OVER THERE WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS. JOB ONE IS TO MEET WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS, THERE IS CLEARLY MORE OF A PROBLEM WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS. THE MOTION SHOULD BE WE WILL LET

[02:45:03]

WHOLE PROCESS.ES >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGT WE POSSIBLY COME BACK WITH TENTATIVE COST

ESTIMATES. >> LINA HIDALGO: OF COURSE.

I AM SENDING A MOTION AROUND. LET'S TAKE UP THE NEXT ITEM AND THEN WE CAN VOTE ON IT WHEN WE HAVE HAD A LOOK ON IT.

THANK YOU AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON THIS.

THE NEXT TWO ITEMS HAVE BEEN REQUESTED TO BE TAKEN TOGETHER.

THAT'S THE ITEM -- THIS IS THE LAST OUT OF ORDER.

ITEMS 200 AND ITEM 238. ADMINISTRATE TER BARRY -- ADMINISTRATOR BARRY WILL GO OVER THE CASE BACKLOG AND THEN 238 RELATED ITEM WHICH IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S ITEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICKLY, DID WE JUST VOTE ON THE REGULATION

FOR UNIVERSAL? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO.

THE MOTION IS BEING CIRCULATED. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

MR. BERRY. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

LET'S TAKE A BREAK. WE WILL IT IS 1:06 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.

PASS IT ON TO ADMINISTRATOR BARRY.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON NOW. I WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE TO UPDATE YOU ON THE CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG.

IT IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC WE NEED TO KEEP FRONT AND CENTER.

AS YOU KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT GOES ALL THE WAY BACK TO HURRICANE HARVEY AND DAMAGE TO FACILITIES.

IT WAS A PROBLEM MADE WORSE BY COVID THAT SHUTDOWN TRIALS FOR MANY MONTHS. AND IT IS A PROBLEM THAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN'T SOLVE ON ITS OWN BECAUSE IT IS AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE COURTS AND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER AND THE CLERK AND OTHER AGENCIES. OUR JOB IS TO MAKE INVESTMENTS AND MY TEAM'S JOB IS TO KEEP TRACK OF THE INVESTMENTS AND HOW THEY ARE DOING. WE TRANSMITTED TO COURT A REPORT ON WHERE WE ARE ON THESE INVESTMENTS.

I AM NOT GOING TO GO THROUGH THE PRESENTATION, BUT I DID WANT TO HIT A FEW HIGH POINTS. THE NEWS IS MIXED, BUT I'LL START WITH THE GOOD NEWS. WE HAVE MADE SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS. WE ADDED A NEW PERMANENT DISTRICT COURT. WE ADDED SIX EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS. WE FUNDED A PROGRAM OF SIX ASSOCIATE JUDGES. ALL OF THEM COME WITH THE ASSOCIATED STAFF, BAILIFFS AND PROSECUTORS.

WE INVESTED IN EXPANDED JURY SELECTION AND OPERATIONS.

WE INVESTED IN PEOPLE AND TECHNOLOGY TO MOVE FORWARD AND HELP RE-- RESOLVE THE EVIDENCE BACKLOG.

ALL TOLD IT WAS $45 MILLION TOWARD THE BACKLOG AND THAT'S OVER A MONTH THEY WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BUT A $45 MILLION INVESTMENT. WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS SUCCEEDED IN BENDING THE CURVE. THE BACKLOG IS FLAT AND IN THE LAST MONTH THAT WE HAVE DATA FOR ITS IDOWNLI SGHTLY FOR MISDEMEANORS F ANDELONIES.TH EY COUNTCOURTS 120% INE RATE OF FEBRUARY.

THE DISTRICT COURTS WERE LOWER AND WE DID SEE THEMLO PRIORITIZE BACKG CASES. THE BACKLOG TICKED DOWNTO SLIGHTLY. DUE THEY DEVELOPED A BETTER PROCESS, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE D.A. AND THE NUMBERS WE HAVE IS THEY ARE PROCESSING 70% MORE VIDEOS TO BE READY FOR TRIAL. JURY OPERATIONS, BACK DOWNTOWN.

NO MORE COMMUTE TO NRG. I WAS TELLING CLERK BURGESS THAT I RECEIVED A COUPLE OF COMMENTS ON THE EXPERIENCE, UNSOLICITED.

THE UTILIZATION RATE IS UP, PARTLY IN PART BECAUSE OF THAT MOVE. PANEL JURIES IS UP TO 30 PER WEEK COMPARED TO 14.5 THE MONTH BEFORE.

THERE IS A LOT LEFT TO DO. THE COURTS STILL HAVE A BACKLOG OF 24,000 MISDEMEANOR CASES, THAT'S CASES MORE THAN SIX

MONTHS OLD. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SAY THAT

AGAIN. >> 24,000.

WE STILL HAVE 18,000 FELONY CASES MORE THAN A YEAR OLD.

I MENTIONED THE INVESTMENTS WE MADE.

LOOKING BACK AT THE LAST FISCAL YEAR WE SPENT 2 THRAE% OF THE -- 23% OF THE FUNDS ALLOCATED. IT IS NOT 100% TO BE EXPECTED

[02:50:03]

WE NEED TO KEEP LOOKING AT THE INVESTMENTS AND TROUBLESHOOT THEM. OBVIOUSLY WE ARE IN A TREMENDOUSLY CHALLENGING LABOR MARKET.

I DEALT WITH IT IN MANY DEPARTMENTS THAT IS UP TO ME.

IF THAT IS THE ISSUE, LET'S IDENTIFY IT AND TACKLE IT.

AND THIS MAY TAKE MORE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS BEYOND THE 45 MILLION ALREADY ALLOCATED. I DO THINK THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT SOURCE OF FUNDING, ARPA FUNDS.

IT IS THE RIGHT SOURCE OF FUNDING BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE TO CUT OTHER GENERAL FUND PRIORITIES LIKE PUBLIC HEALTH OR CYBER SECURITY OR VIOLENCE PREVENTION OR HOMELESS ASSISTANCE. AND THERE IS A VERY DIRECT LINK BETWEEN COVID AND THE BACKLOG. I THINK THIS IS THE KIND OF INVESTMENT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAD IN MIND WHEN THEY SENT US $900 MILLION TO ADDRESS THE IMPACTS OF COVID.

I KNOW THE DISTRICT COURTS ARE WORKING ON A STRATEGIC PLAN TO ADDRESS THE BACKLOG. MR. WOODS, THE NEW MANAGER, WORKING WITH JUDGE PAYNE AND JUDGE JOHNSON.

I THINK THE COUNTY COURTS ARE LOOK LOOKING AT NEW INITIATIVES.

I JUST WANT TO CONVEY SPEAKING FOR MYSELF IN ADDITION TO HELPING TROUBLESHOOT THE INVESTMENTS WE HAVE, I THINK WE SHOULD BE OPEN TO MORE. WHEN THEY ARE COORDINATED INVESTMENTS ACROSS THE SYSTEM AND COURT CAPACITY AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AND TECHNOLOGY, I CERTAINLY HOPE TO BRING MORE OF THE PROPOSALS BECAUSE AS I MENTIONED THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF WORK LEFT TO DO. THAT'S THE UPDATE I HAVE AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.

MR. BERRY, DID WE INCREASE THE D.A.'S BUDGET OR NOT?

>> YES, WE DID. >> RODNEY ELLIS: GIVE ME SOME SENSE HISTORICALLY OF WHAT THAT BUDGETAS H GOT.

>> W IILL LET R MR.AMOS HANDLE THE BUDGET QUESTIONS. R

>>ODNEY ELLIS: WELCOME TO ALLERGY SEASON, MR. RAMOS.

>> I THINK I AM OUTSIDEY OF ALLERGSYSTEM NOW, BUT THANK YOU. THE D.A. HAS GROWNLI OVER -- 12 MILON OVER THE LAST TWO FISCAL YEARS NOT INCLUDING ARPA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: TO BE CLEAR THE ANNUAL LIESED BUDGET -- I THE ANNUAL LIESED BUDGETS MORE THAN 99 MILLION, RIGHT?

>> YES, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON TOP OF THE GENERAL FUNDS WHAT DID WE GIVE IN ARPA FUNDS TO THE L.A.'S

OFFICE? >> I BELIEVE 9 MILLION ANNUALLYI

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO 9 MILLION -- >>N ADDITION TO THE GENERAL

OBLIGATION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THERE MAY BE

A PROPOSAL -- >> WE ARE OPEN TO DISCUSSINGTE

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IN RMS OF THE ROLL OVER I AGREE WITH US ENDING THE POLICY, BUT DID WE TAKE ANYTHING FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE OR DID THEY FIND A WAY TO MAKE

SENSE TO GIVE THE MONEY BACK. >> THE 3.5 MILLION IN ROLL OVER WAS REAPPROPRIATED AS PART OF A TRIAGE PROGRAM.

THE LATEST WAS APPROVED AT THE LAST COURT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ALL OR SOME? >> ALL OF IT, 3.5 MILLION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DID WE DO MORE FOR TRIAGE OR WAS THAT IT?

>> THAT WAS IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: APPROPRIATED IT

TO WHOM? >> THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS ROLL OVER MONEY AND WE PUT IT BACK.

>> CORRECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE SHIFTING GEARS HERE, COMMISSIONERS. I WAS GOING TO ASK MR. BERRY ON THE BACKLOG ISSUE ABOUT THE CLEARANCE RATES, BUT I CAN FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU OFF LINE. AND YOU WILL HAVE TO GO OVER SHIFTING TIME 2:38 AND YOU WENT OVERALL THIS BEFORE, BUT IF YOU WANT TO COVER IT AGAIN ABOUT -- EVERYTHING YOU COVERED AT THE

LAST COURT ADNAUSEAM. >> [INAUDIBLE].

HRAOPB -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU TALKING TO MR. BERRY?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HAVE I A COUPLE

MORE QUESTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE WE ON 238

OR BIKE PATH ITEM? >> LINA HIDALGO: ON BACKLOG? LET'S ASK QUESTIONS ON BACKLOG AND THEN MOVE TO 238.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO ASK A LITTLE ON THE ARPA MONEY.

WHY DO YOU THINK -- FIRST OF ALL I SHOULD POINT OUT WE MADE A DECISION, THIS COURT COLLECTIVELY, ON HOW MUCH MONEY

[02:55:03]

>> I'M SORRY. I MISSED THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHY ARPA MONEY? WHY ARPA FUNDING IF WE TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO MORE ON THE BACKLOG?

>> FIRST AND FOREMOST IT IS A TIME LIMITED RESOURCE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE SPENDING THE TIME LIMITED RESOURCE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. AS MR. BERRY STATED, THERE IS A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN THE BACKLOG AND COVID.

WE THINK IT IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE SOURCE.

WE ARE NOT SAYING THAT THERE MAY NOT NEED TO EVENTUALLY BE PERMANENT RESOURCES ACROSS THE ENTIRE JUSTICE PORTFOLIO, BUT FOR THIS MOMENT IN TIME AND OUR ABILITY TO CUT INTO THE BACKLOG, WE FEEL THAT ARPA IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW MANY POSITIONS HAVE WE APPROVED FROM THE ARPA FUNDS TOO TKOEUT -- TO DATE AND HOW MANY HAVE BEEN

FILLED? >> I BELIEVE THERE ARE 28

AVAILABLE AND IT WAS 80 OVERALL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY.

I KNOW -- >> I'M SORRY.

THE LATEST NUMBER IS 89 APPROVED AND THERE ARE 60 FILLED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW THERE HAD BEEN SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE STANDARD LENGTHTH- -LENGTH OF A CONTRACTPA COMRED TO THE ARPA MONEY MADELE AVAILAB. IHE THINK T COMMENT WAS MADE T THATHAT WAS AT ISSUE. HOW MUCH WOULD IT COST TO EXTEN> THOSE? IT IS 7.5 MILLION TO ADD THE

ADDITIONAL YEAR. I >> RODNEY ELLIS:S IT ME OR

WE -- >> IT IS 7.5 MILLION TO EXTEND THOSE POSITIONS FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY.IO >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSNERIO RAMSEY, DID YOU HAVE QUESTNS ON THE BACKLOG?

>> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH, I MEAN, THERE WERE SEVERAL THINGS BROUGHT UP HERE FROM BUDGET TO HOW MUCH WE HAVE BEEN INVESTING AND HOW MUCH WE HAVE -- SO IT IS NOT JUST BACKLOG, BUT I WILL ASK THE QUESTION BECAUSE YOU BROUGHT UP THE TOPIC.

YOU MENTIONED THE D.A.'S OFFICE HAS BEEN INCREASED IN FUNDING

OVER WHAT PERIOD OF TIME? >> IT IS $29 MILLION OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS AND IT IS 12 MILLION OVER THE LAST --

>> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT PERCENT OF THE BUDGET IS THAT?

>> OF THEIR BUDGET OR THE OVERALL HARRIS COUNTY BUDGET?

>> TOM RAMSEY: THEIR BUDGET. BALLPARK.

>> IT IS THE 12% OVER TWO YEARS AND IT IS ABOUT 6%.

>> TOM RAMSEY: 6% PER YEAR. THAT'S A LOT LESS THAN THE CRIME RATE SO I WOULD THINK IF WE WERE INCREASING THE BUDGET ABOUT EQUAL TO THE CRIME RATE WE MIGHT BE PRETTY CLOSE TO WHAT WE NEED.

THAT'S ONE. AND AGAIN WE WILL TALK MORE ABOUT THIS ON ITEM 238, BUT I WANTED SINCE YOU BROUGHT UP THE BUDGET, I WANT TO MAKE THAT POINT ON THE BUDGET AND IT IS 6%. AND OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE MUCH MORE

THAN A 6% PROBLEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE JUST START WITH THAT ITEM THEN. WHY DON'T YOU REHASH WHAT WAS ALREADY EXPLAINED AT THE LAST COURT AND IT IS OKAY TO TAKE THE TIME TO GO BACK THROUGH IT. JUST GO BACK OVER IT AND ESPECIALLY, YOU KNOW, LIMITED RESOURCES ET CETERA.

>> GOT IT. IF THE CRUX OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S MOTION THERE IS A REQUEST FOR 6.2 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO THE D.A.'S EXISTING BUDGET TO THE CURRENT APPROPRIATION.

SOME OF THAT IS ROUGHLY 50 POSITIONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY FUNDED. WE WENT THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR.

WE GAVE A TARGET NUMBER FOR LABOR.

THEY SAID YOU HAVE 100 MILLION FOR LABOR AS AN EXAMPLE AND TELL US THE SALARIES OF ALL OF THE POSITIONS YOU CURRENTLY HAVE FILLED AND THE PROJECTED SALARIES FOR POSITIONS THAT YOU WANT TO BE ABLE ON FUND -- TO BE ABLE TO FUND AND THERE WAS A BOWL -- A BALANCE OF POSITION THAT'S IF TO FUND THEM WOULD HAVE GONE ABOVE WHAT THIS COURT APPROVED AS AN APPROPRIATION.

IN THE INTEREST OF FLEXIBILITY FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY WE HAVE COMMUNICATED TO THEM AND HAVE SUBMITTED TO HRM OUR REQUEST TO INCREASE THE BUDGET MAXES FOR THOSE 50 POSITIONS THAT WERE UNFUNDED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.

WE FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY HAD THE FLEXIBILITY TO FILL THE POSITIONS TO GET AHEAD OF

[03:00:04]

IT IS RUFPLY -- IT IS ROUGHLY 50 POSITIONS.

THEY ARE -- THE BUDGET INCREASES HAVE GONE THROUGH.

THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO FILL TOMORROW.

I ALSO WANT TO NOTE THAT THERE IS ABOUT 250 RAISES THAT WERE UNBUDGETED FOR. WHAT THIS COURT DID APPROVE WAS INCREASES TO THE ENTRY LEVEL PROSECUTORS UP TO 87,000.

AGAIN, WE STAND READY TO APPROVE THOSE AS SOON AS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUBMITS THE PAPERWORK WHICH HAS NOT COME THROUGH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT IT WOULDN'T HURT TO GO BACK OVER HOW MUCH HAS BEEN FUNDED AND WHY ARE THERE POSITIONS THAT ARE UNFUNDED AND HOW MANY FUNDED POSITIONS ARE UN -- UNFILLED.

BASICALLY REHASH EVERYTHING FROM LAST QUARTER BECAUSE THE ALLEGATIONS ARE BEING REPEATED SO THE RESPONSE MATE BEAT REPE -- RESPONSES MAY BE REPEATED.

FROM TNGHE BEGINNI TO THE END, JUST WALK US THROUGH HERE.

>> I'LL TA THIS. T I'LL TRYO BOIL IT DOWN BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES GOING AROUND.

FIRST ISSUE IS OVERALL FUNDING. PEOPLE TALK ABOUTHE WORD DEFUNDING WHICH I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT MEANS ANYMORE.

FUNDING FOR THE D.A.'S OFFICE HAS GONE UP.

IT HAS GONE UP 12 MILLION FOR TWO YEARS AND 27 MILLION OVER 12 YEARS. WE CAN HAVE DEBATES, BUT THE FUNDING HAS GONE UP. ANOTHER TOPIC IS RAISES.

IT CAME OFF THAT THERE WASN'T ADEQUATE FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT THE RACES THAT WERE APPROVED FOR THE ENTRY LEVEL PROSECUTORS.

THE HEART OF THIS IS THAT IN THE BUDGET THERE WAS 582,000 FOR THESE RAISES THAT WAS BASED ON THE EXISTING POSITIONS FILLED.

WE HEARD FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE THAT THEY THINK IF ALL OF THE POSITIONS WERE FILLED IT WOULD BE ABOUT 750.

IF THEY WERE ALL FILLED IT COULD BE DEALT WITH.

AND THEN THE THIRD TOPIC HERE IS POSITIONS.

I THINK DANIEL TOUCHED ON SOME OF THIS, BUT WE WENT THROUGH A PROCESS THIS YEAR BECAUSE WHICH POSITIONS ARE FUNDED AND WHICH AREN'T HAS BEEN A PAIN POINT FOR THIS COUNTY SINCE I GOT HERE AND PROBABLY BEFORE. WE WENT THROUGH A PROCESS THIS YEAR WHERE WE ACTUALLY ASKED THE DEPARTMENTS TO SPECIFY WHICH POSITIONS WERE FUNDED. WE RECEIVED A FILE FROM EVERY DEPARTMENT AND FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND IT WAS -- FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, I THINK IT WAS A COUPLE WEEKS THERE WAS A MISMATCH SPECIFIED AND SOME OFFERS THAT WENT OUT.

AND ONCE I THINK IT WAS UNDERSTOOD DANIEL MENTIONED, HEY, LET'S MAKE SURE WE DON'T SLOW DOWN HIRING.

I THINK IT WAS A GROWING PAIN AND IT IS BEHIND US NOW.

AS I MENTIONED, THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN AND SHOULD DO TO TACKLE THE BACKLOG. I CAN'T SUPPORT RIGHT AFTER THE BUDGET IS APPROVED OF A $6.2 MILLION INCREASE SOME OF WHICH IS UNFUNDED RAISES AND SOME OF WHICH IS UNFUNDED POSITIONS. THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSED TKPR -- FROM MY OFFICE OR MR. ROMOS ON ADDRESSING THE BACKLOG.

I WANTED TO PRESENT ON THAT FOR A REASON.

IT REMAINS AN URGENT PROBLEM AND IF WE CAN FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT FUNDING AND STRATEGY TO TACKLE IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THESE QUOTES IN THE BACKLOG, AND THE ISSUE IS -- AND THIS IS WHAT I WANTED TO ASK, IF THERE IS A BACKLOG IT IS NOT BEING PROCESSED. SO FOLKS THAT ARE NOT GUILTY -- SO FOLKS WHO ARE GUILTY AND SOME OF THEM ARE RELEASED PRETRIAL.

THE EVIDENCE DOESN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO MOVE THROUGH.

I DO AGREE THAT IT IS AN INCREDIBLY CRUCIAL ISSUE AND THE CLEARANCE RATES SOUNDS LIKE IT IS 120%.

IF WE GO THAT RATE WE WILL REDUCE IT AS PROJECTED.

THE FELONY SIDE, THE RATES NEED TO INCREASE.

YOU SAY IF ANYTHING, FUNDING SHOULD BE ON THE BACKLOG.

ARPA FUNDING IS FOR ONE-TIME EXPENSES.

I REMEMBER SOMETHING ABOUT THE BUDGET.

>> I THINK EVERYONE LOSES WITH THE BACKLOG.

YOU HAVE THE JAIL POPULATION GROWING.

[03:05:01]

EXDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE ANDER THEN COMMISSION ELLIS.AG

>> R. JACK CLE: SINCE WE ARETH TALKING ABOUT E D.A.'S BUDGET, WOULD THE D.A. LIKE TO WEIGH IN ON THIS?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO CALL VIVIEN KING AND THESE OTHER LEADERS IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THEY WILL TRY TO KEEP THEIR COMMENTS BRIEF, BUT I THINK THEY HAVE RELEVANT EVIDENCE FOR THIS

COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. BERRY, IN ADDITION TO THE D.A.'S OFFICE AND IF THERE IS AN EFFORT TO PUT MORE ARPA FUNDS IN, PRE-TRIAL SERVICES AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN IT IS GONE? OF COURSE I MENTION ALL THE TIME WE MAKE THAT DECISION WHEN THE BUDGET WAS ADOPTED.

>> WE MAY NEED TO INCREASE CAPACITY.

WE WILL NEED SOME ADDITIONAL CAPACITY FOR THE TIME PERIOD AND THAT'S WHERE ARPA FUNDS ARE APPROPRIATE.

I THINK THIS IS AN URGENT PROBLEM.

IT IS COSTING US ELSEWHERE IF WE DON'T MOVE FORWARD ON THE BACKLOG. FOR EXAMPLE, WHAT WE HAVE SEEN

IN THE JAIL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN THE ARPA MONEY IS GONE, IF WE THINK IT IS MARE FOR -- MERITORIOUS WE WILL

HAVE TO CUT SOMEWHERE ELSE. >> AGREED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. MR. BERRY, I WANT TO FOCUS ON THE BACKLOG. BY LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE IN SPITE OF BEING ABOUT 110% CLEARANCE RATE AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL STILL TAKE US TWO YEARS TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH THE BACKLOG. IS THAT AN ACCURATE STATEMENT?

>> IT DEPENDS ON IF BACKLOGGED CASES ARE PRIORITIZED.

I WOULD SAY FROM THE MATH I HAVE SEEN WE HAVE TO BE WELL OVER

100% BEFORE WE CAN CATCH UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: REMIND ME ON THE ARPA MONEY WHAT ARE THE TIME PERIODS FOR ARPA MONEY?

>> IT HAS TO BE ALLOCATED BEFORE 2024.

IT CAN GO OUT THROUGH THE END OF 2026.

SO WE HAVE, I TKPW ES, FOUR YEARS AND 9 MONTHS NOW.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE BACKLOG IS CRITICAL AND THE ARPA MONEY IS THE ONE-TIME INVESTMENT AND INFUSION WEAN C DO.

AND SO I ENCOURAGE THAT YOUCO NTINUE TO LOOK AT WHAT MOREIN VESTMENTS CAN BE DONE TO ACCELERATELL SPECIFICAY THELO BACKG. D HOW ARE WEOING WITHIN THE BACKLOG CONTRAST TO NEW CASES COMING IN?ER

>> I THINK, COMMISSION,ES IF I UNDERSTAND YOUR QUTION

[03:10:03]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE OVER -- THE OVERALL CLEARANCE RATE.

>> I SHARED THE BACKLOG STATISTICS WE HAVE WHICH ARE SIX MONTHS AND 12 MONTHS. THE OVERALL CLEARANCE RATE WOULD

INCLUDE NEW CASES COMING IN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO I WILL BE -- LET ME JUST GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO THE ASSOCIATE JUDGES. HE IS HITTING AT A PRETTY HIGH PEAK WITH HIS CASES. IT JUST SHOWS THAT THAT PARTICULAR INFRASTRUCTURE WE CREATED -- NOW REMIND ME.

IS THAT A PERMANENT MIX -- FIXTURE OR ARE WE USING ARPA

MONEY FOR THAT? >> ARPA MONEY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BUT THE ASSOCIATE JUDGES, I GUESS THEY CAN BE TEMPORARY IF WE SO CHOOSE , BUT I THINK IT IS A BUSINESS MODEL FOR US TO CONSIDER.

ANYWAY, I JUST WANT TO GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO THE JUDGES BECAUSE THEY ARE HELPING TO ACCELERATE THE CASES THAT -- AND THEY ARE SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED ON BACKLOG, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> THERE ARE OTHERS HERE THAT MAY KNOW MORE THAN ME, BUT I THINK THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS ARE PRIORITIZING THE BACKLOG CASES. THE ASSOCIATE JUDGES ARE PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO THE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES SO THEY CAN FOCUS THEIR EFFORTS LESS ON ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS AND MORE

ON MOVING CASES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOTCHA.

THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB JUST THE SAME.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL HEAR FROM

OUR SPEAKERS. >> I'M SORRY.

DO YOU WANT US TO TIME THEM? >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M SORRY?

>> ARE WE GOING TO TIME THESE SPEAKERS?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ALWAYS TIME THE SPEAKERS.

>> JUST DOUBLE CHECKING. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S ALWAYS

THE RULE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF I MAY, I AM JACK AND IT IS MY RETURN. I ASKED THE D.A. TO RESPOND AS -- NOT AS AN INDEPENDENT SPEAKER AND THEN YOU GAVE MY TURN TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN YOU GAVE ME TURN TO

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAD ALREADY BEEN IN THE CUE FOR DISCUSSION ON THE BACKLOG.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE RE-- REHASHING A CONVERSATION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: LET ME LISTEN TO THE D.A.'S RESPONSE PLEASE.

>> ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.

I WANT TO ADDRESS FIRST THE INCREASE IN THE BUDGET.

WHEN WE CAME IN IN 17 THAT WAS THE 2018 BUDGET.

IT WAS 78,590 AND I CAN GIVE THIS TO YOU, MR. RAMOS.

THERE WAS NO BUDGET FOR NONLABOR.

IN 2019 WE ASKED FOR A BUDGET FOR NONLABOR.

4 MILLION WAS GIVEN TO US. THE LABOR PORTION STAYED THE SAME. THE INCREASE WAS ZERO FROM 18 TO 19. WHEN IT COMES TO 2020, IT WAS AN 8% -- AN 8.3% INCREASE IN THE LABOR PORTION.

IN 2021 IT WAS 6.7% IN THE LABOR.

THE AVERAGE OF THESE YEARS HAS BEEN 3.8 IN LABOR.

I CAN EMAIL THAT TO EACH OF YOUR CHIEF OF STAFF AND I CAN GIVE UH COPY -- I CAN GIVE YOU A COPY OF THAT.

IT SEEMED LIKE A LARGE INCREASE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND CAGLE

BECAUSE OF THE LABOR PART. >> TOM RAMSEY: PLEASE CONTINUE.

>> ON THE ARPA FUNDS, LET ME TALK TO YOU ABOUT THAT.

THERE ARE 55ARPA POSITIONS FOR THE D.A.'S OFFICE.

WE HAVE ABOUT FIVE PEOPLE PER COURT AND LET ME TELL YOU HOW MANY COURTS THERE ARE. THERE ARE THREE EMERGENCY FELONY COURTS WHERE THEUD JGES AREO T PRIORITIZEEF HOPULLY THENT VIOLE OFFENSES.SI NCE ALL 23JU FELONY DGES ARE SENDENDENTLY, ELECTEDTHEY WHATEVER T COURT CASESHEYTO WANT SEND. THEREIA ARE SIX ASSOCTEIN COURTS FELONY COURT AND EACH ONE IS F STAFFED WITHIVE PEOPLE'S FROM THE D.A. OFFICE ORAS THE ALLOCATION W MADE FOR FIVE.

THAT'S 9 COURTS AND TWO MISDEMEANOR EMERGENCY COURTS.

THERE AREE NO MISDEMEANOR ASSOCIAT COURTS.

THAT'S 11 TIMES 5 EMPLOYEES TO STAFF THEM AND THAT'S 55.

33 OF THOSE ARE PROSECUTORS. 11 OF THEM ARE PARALEGALS AND 11 ARE INVESTIGATORS TO MAKE UP THE 55.

33ADA POSITIONS. THOSE ARE DIFFICULT TO FILL BECAUSE PEOPLE DON'T WANT A TERMED JOB.

THE EMERGENCY COURTS ARE FOR VIOLENT OFFENSES LIKE MURDER AND AGGRAVATED ROBBERY. IT TAKES THREE TO FIVE YEARS TO TRAIN A PROSECUTOR TO HANDLE A CASE THAT DIFFICULT WITH ALL OF THE DIFFICULT EVIDENCE THAT COMES WITH THAT.

YOU KNOW, THEY START AS BABY PROS KITERS DOING DWI'S AND NO TESTS AND NO ACCIDENTS AND THEN THEY MATRICULATE TO THE D.A.'S

[03:15:03]

OUR NORMAL PROSECUTORS HAVE BEEN MANNING THOSE COURTS FOR THE MOST PART. WE HAVE 11 NEW INVESTIGATORS AND WE HAVE 11 NEW PARALEGALS. THOSE ARE EASY TO GET BECAUSE THE PARALEGALS COME AND GO. THEY ARE TRAINED OUT OF PARA-- PARALEGAL SCHOOL WITH US AND THEN THEY MOVE ON TO CIVIL COURTS, YOU KNOW, CIVIL LAWYERS THAT PAY A LOT MORE.

THERE IS A LOT OF TURNOVER. THERE IS VERY LITTLE TURNOVER WITH INVESTIGATORS. THEY TRADITIONALLY RETIRED AND THIS IS LIKE THEIR SECOND JOB AND THEY STAY THE LONGEST.

THEY ARE THE HARDEST TO REPLACE. THE REGULAR PROSECUTORS ARE MANNING THOSE POSITIONS. WE WORK THE TRIAGE PROGRAM FROM 5 TO 9, THE PROSECUTORS DO, AND USING OUR OWN MONEY FROM THE ROLL OVER. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD IF IT WAS THE ARPA MONEY. IT IS FROM THE ROLL OVER.

AND WE JUST GOT THE SECOND TRANS.

ONE TRANS WAS A MILLION AND I THINK AT THE LAST COMMISSIONERS' COURT YOU APPROVED 1.2. SO THERE IS STILL ABOUT A MILLION LEFT THAT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN TO US.

WE TRY TO SEND REPORTS WEEKLY. IF YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANY LATELY, LET OUR PEOPLE KNOW AND WE WILL TRY TO COME UP WITH

SOMETHING. >> THANK YOU FOR THE REPORT.

>> WE GIVE THEM A REPORT EVERY MONDAY.

WE DO IT MANUALLY AND THEN WE GET THE CYBER PEOPLE TO DO IT ON THE COMPUTER. WE HAVE THE MANUAL CALCULATIONS

AT ANYTIME. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: VIVIEN, THANK YOU. I WANT TO GO OVER A COUPLE OF THINGS REAL QUICK. I THINK I JUST HEARD YOU SAY THAT YOU HAVE GOTTEN THE SECOND CHARGE OF THE TRIAGE MONEY.

>> TWO WEEKS AGO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM TOLD WE GAVE THEM THE THIRD. WHICH ONE IS IT?

SECOND OR THIRD? >> I THINK THEY MEANT IT WAS

APPROVED. >> IT WAS APPROVED TO GO AS NEEDED. ONCE THE 1.2 IS EXHAUSTED --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO WE APPROVED THE THIRD --

>> THE SECOND IDAHO -- >> THE SECOND.

>> IT IS ONLY ACTUALLY TRANSFERRED IS 2.2 IN TOTAL.

THERE IS 1.3 ONCE THE EXISTING HAS GONE THROUGH AND APPROVED TO

BE SET ASIDE FOR THAT PURPOSE. >> WE JUST GOT THE SECOND ONE.

WE HAVE A SEPARATE TIME SHEET THAT WE KEEP UP WITH MANUALLY AND WE TRY TO GIVE IT TO THEM WEEKLY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU MENTIONED -- WHAT WAS YOUR

NUMBER YOU MENTIONED? >> THE TOTAL00 WAS 82,0,903.WH AND EN PEOPLE CALCULATE IS CALCULATING THE CHANGES WHICH WA 78,590 TO 2019 WHICH WASAN 82,000 -- I MEES 82 MILLION.

THE ARE INOU MILLION. OF LABOR WAS THE SAME. I AM JUST LETTINGR YOU KNOW THE LABO PORTION AND WE KEEP IT THE LABOR PORTION IN 18 AND 19 WAS 78 MILLION 590.

THE DIFFERENCE WAS ZERO FOR NON-LABOR AND IN 2019 IT WAS 4,000,313 IN LABOR. NON-LABOR, I'M SORRY.

>> MY NUMBERS ARE SAYING FY19 WAS 88.7 MILLION AND THERE WAS

ALMOST 6 MILLION NEW MONEY. >> I HAVE THAT FOR 2020.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT F -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS THAT

FY2020? >> WE DIDN'T COME PREPARED WITH THOSE NUMBERS. WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. IF YOU CAN VALIDATE THIS NUMBER, I AM LOOKING AT INCREASES FROM FY2019 TO FY23, THE NUMBER I

HAVE IS 17.5 MILLION. >> JUST TO WALK THROUGH IT, IN THIS -- FISCAL 18 TO 19 WAS 83 MILLION AND THESE ARE ALL GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS WHICH INCLUDES LABOR AND NONLABOR. 21 TO 22 IS 96 MILLION WITH AN ADDITIONAL THREE MILLION IN ARPA AND THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR WE

[03:20:03]

>> THANK YOU. >> AND MY NUMBERS MAY NOT HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR ADJUSTMENTS. WE DID COME FORWARD TO ASK ABOUT THE CIVIL RIGHTS PROSECUTORS. I HAD THEM DO IT BASED ON WHEN IT WAS PUBLISHED. THERE MAY BE ADJUSTMENTS THAT I DON'T SHR DOWN -- THAT I DON'T HAVE DOWN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: I BELIEVE YOU

HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS. >> WE ARE NOT ON 238 YET.

I THOUGHT WE WERE STILL DEALING WITH 200.

I AM COMMENTING ON 200, BUT IF YOU ARE READY FOR 238 I WILL

START WITH THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

>> SO WE ARE STILL OPERATING ON A CRISIS MODE.

AND, YES, WHAT MR. RAMOS SAID WAS TRUE.

THEY DID RELEASE THE POSITION -- THE 50 POSITIONS WE COMPLAINED ABOUT. THEY WERE FROZEN FEBRUARY 21ST AND THEY WERE RELEASED ON APRIL 1ST, LAST FRIDAY. WE DID NOT GET TO HIRE PEOPLE.

WE CAN HIRE THEM NOW. BUT BECAUSE WHAT Y'ALL CALL OUR ROLL OVER WAS TAKEN MARCH 1ST OF 2021, WE ARE STILL -- WE ARE GOING TO BE SIX MILLION IN THE HOLE.

WHEN WE ADD THE 50 POSITIONS BACK IN THAT WERE ZEROED OUT WE ARE 6,000,170 THOUSAND -- 60170 IN THE HOLE.

WE HIRE TWICE A YEAR IS OUR BIG HIRE.

TAKE THE FEBRUARY BAR AND THEY START IN MARCH.

THEY TAKE THE JULY BAR AND THAT'S WHERE WE GET 20 NEW PROSECUTORS TO START THEN. WE DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY.

WE WERE OPERATING AT A DEFICIT. WE WERE KEEPING THE BUDGET OFFICE INFORMED OF THAT. AND SO THERE ARE NEW RULES THAT SAY WE WILL ZERO THEM OUT IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE BUDGET FOR IT.

THE MONEY WAS TAKEN. IN 2020 THE COMMISSIONERS APPROVED 16 NEW POSITIONS. 11 WERE FOR THE BACKLOG.

THEY WERE ADMINS TO HELP US PRON CAMERAS.

NONE OF THAT WAS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.R OUINCOMED BETTEREFUNDS --ER INCUMBED FUNDS, WE HIRE TWOHE TIMES OF T YEAR. WE HAVEE ABOUT 20 PEOPLE WWANT TO HIRE WHEN THEY TAKE THE BAR IF MAY.E THE POSITIONS ARTHERE. WE AREHE ASKING EITHER BALANCE T BUDGET AND GIVE USHETE SIX MILLION OR JUST LL US THAT YOU ARE DEFUNDING US AND TAKING THE POSITIONS AWAY.

I DON'T THINK IT IS INTENTIONAL ON THEIR PART, BUT THAT'S THE RESULT AND WHY ARE WE USING THAT AS OUR BACKLOG?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: VIVIEN, WHERE DID THE 288,000 THAT I PUT INTO

YOUR BUDGET, WHERE DID THAT GO? >> THAT WENT TO THE TEMPORARY STAFF AND TO THE PIC FUNDS. THOSE WERE BEING PAID BY PIC

FUND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WAS PAID

BY MY BUDGET. >> I WAS TRYING TO GIVE YOU THE BEGINNING OF IT. THOSE PEOPLE WERE NOT PART OF

OUR GENERAL FUND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHERE DID THE

$288,000 GO. >> IT WENT SPECIFICALLY TO THOSE SALARIES AND IT PAID THEM FROM MARCH 1ST TO SEPTEMBER 30TH FOR THE SHORT-TERM.

THEIR JOBS WERE OVER THAT DAY. I WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN BECAUSE I WAS PANICKING THAT FRIDAY.

CHIEF BRADFORD CALLED YOU AND YOU SAID YOU WOULD SEND THE MONEY AND THEY SENT IT THE NEXT MONDAY, $288,000.

>> LINA HIDALGO: REPEAT THE EXERCISE FROM THE LAST COURT.

SAME ALLEGATION AND SAME RESPONSE, PLEASE.

>> THE 6 MILLION THAT SHE IS DESCRIBING, IF EVERY POSITION IS FILLED FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR, NO DEPARTMENT OR ESPECIALLY ONE OF THIS SCALE HAS 100% OF ITS POSITIONS AT THE HIGHEST SALARY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE YEAR. WE PROVIDE THE FLEXIBILITY FOR THOSE POSITIONS AND IT IS EUPBLT FOR THE MONTHLY BURN RATE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE UNDER THAT OVERALL APPROPRIATION AT THIS -- THAT THIS COURT APPROVES. THE ASSUMPTION THAT IS BEING MADE IS THAT FROM TOMORROW THROUGH THE REST OF THE FISCAL YEAR THERE IS GOING TO BE 100% OF POSITIONS AT THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SALARY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE YEAR.

WE GAVE THE FLEXIBILITY SO YOU COULD GET AHEAD OF ATTRITION.

>> LET ME JUST SAY THIS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO FINISH THE RESPONSE. AGAIN, REHASHING AT THE LAST COURT. IT IS UNFILLED POSITIONS THAT --

>> I DON'T HAVE TO CARRY THAT NUMBER, BUT WE HAVE A 25% ATTRITION RATE THIS YEAR IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

[03:25:04]

THEY WILL LEAVE AND WE SHOULD HIRE FOLKS AND IT SHOULD NORMALIZE OUT TO BE UNDER THE EXISTING APPROPRIATION.

AND AGAIN, ON THE ROLL OVER THE FULL 3.5 MILLION WAS REALLOCATED

TO THEIR BUDGET. >> ONLY TO BE USED FOR THE OVER

TIME PROGRAM. >> LINA HIDALGO: TELL US AGAIN HOW IT WAS FROM THE LAST COURT. HOW DID WE END UP WITH THE

POSITION. >> WITH RESPECT TO THE, I'LL CALL IT UNSPENT APPROPRIATION. IT WASN'T A MATTER OF MONEY.

IT WAS JUST BEING TAKEN, IF YOU WILL.

THERE WAS A PROCESS WHERE THE DEPARTMENTS PREPARE PROPOSALS.

SO RATHER THAN KEEP THE MONEY NO MATTER WHAT, IT IS PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WHAT YOU WILL USE IT FOR.

AND IN THE CASE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THEY PROPOSE -- RAW POSED THE TRIAGE -- THEY PROPOSED THE TRIAGE PROGRAM. I AGREE WITH MS. KING THAT IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO FILL POSITIONS, BUT I THINK WE THEN GO TO A TOPIC IS THAT ROLL OVER WAS NEVER INTENDED TO COVER POSITIONS OVER THE LONG RUN. MOREOVER, AT LEAST ON THE VACANCY RATES WE HAVEN SEE LASTE AR BY OURT MATH, IDEPENDS ON THEN, POSITIO BUT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYL COULD FILAN AVERAGE3% OF 9 FROM F THE GENERALUND POSITIONSBU FROM THEIR DGET.R LAST YEATHAT NUMBER WAS AROUND 91% IN OUR VIEW THERE IS NOT A MAJOR DISTRICTS -- DISCONNECTLL WITH THE BUDGET FIED.

AND AS MR. RAMOS STATED, IF THERE IS AT ANY POINT IN TIME A SMALL DISCONNECT, WE WILL COME TO THE TABLE YOU AND WORK THROUGH IT. I WANT TO BE VERY CLEAR.

DESPITE SOME OF THE THINGS SAID, WE DON'T WANT TO HOLD BACK HIRING. WE NEED TO HIRE FOR POSITIONS WE HAVE. WE NEED TO SPEND THE MONEY WE HAVE, AND I THINK THAT'S WHERE I HOPE WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO 0 DOWN ON THE DIFFERENCE OF DEFINITION OF ROLL OVER. HOW DID SHE DEFINE ROLL OVER FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, FOR PUBLIC WORKS, ENGINEERING AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS? I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE CONSISTENT IF THERE IS A DIFFERENT DEFINITION OF IT.

>> THE ROLL OVER WAS A COUNTY-WIDE POLICY THAT TOOK THE UNSPENT APPROPRIATION AND IT MOVED IT TO THE NEW YEAR BUDGET.

IF YOU OWN A BUSINESS AND YOU HAVE A BUNCH OF EMPLOYEES, EACH EMPLOYEE IS ADDING TO A SAVINGS ACCOUNT YOU ARE COUNTING TOWARD YOUR CASH ON HAND. BUT THEY ARE UH -- THEY ARE ACCRUING IT AND ONE DAY THEY MAY SPEND IT.

SO IT IS A RISK TO A JURISDICTION TO HAVE SOME DEPARTMENTS HAVE EXCESS IN TOTAL APPROPRIATION FOR THE YEAR.

TO HAVE THAT OUTSTANDING RISK THEY APPROVED A NEW POLICY AND THAT IS A MORE STRATEGIC LENS. THERE ARE TWO ELIGIBLE USES.

THERE IS A TIMING ISSUE WHERE THE INVOICE HITS THE WEEK AFTER THE FISCAL YEAR CLOSES, BUT FOR SERVICES RENDERED IN THE PRIOR YEAR OR IF THERE IS A PROJECT AND THEY WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT HOW WOULD YOU USE IT IN A ONE-TIME MANNER?

>> I AM LOOKING AT HOW IT IS DEFINED.

THEY DEFINE IT DIFFERENTLY AND I ASSUME WE HAVE TO DEFINE IT

DIFFERENTLY. >> IT WAS CONSISTENT ACROSS THE

COUNTY DEPARTMENT. >> MAY I ADDRESS THAT, PLEASE? FOR THE DEPARTMENTS THAT REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE BUDGET OFFICE, I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE THEIR JOBS ARE IN PERSON FEW TEE. THE -- PERPITUITY.

I KNOW FORMER SHERIFF GARCIA AND COMMISSIONERS GARCIA KNOWS THAT THEY HAVE A THREE-YEAR PROGRAM AND WE HAVE LAW SCHOOL GRADUATES. THEY CAN TAKE THE FEBRUARY BAR IN MAY. WE HIRE THEM AT DIFFERENT TIMES.

PEOPLE ARE MATRICULATING OUT GOING TO WORK AT CIVIL FIRMS AND

[03:30:04]

OUR MODEL IS DIFFERENT. THERE WAS NO PRE-DISCUSSION FOR THAT. WE THOUGHT IT WAS THERE TO HIRE THE PEOPLE AND IT WASN'T. I MEAN, I CALCULATE OUR MONEY EVERY MONTH, AT THE END OF EVERY MONTH.

ONCE THAT WAS GONE WE WERE RUNNING AT A DEFICIT.

UNDERSTAND THEY REPRESENT ALL 23 COURTS AND NOW THEY DON'T.

THEY MAY HAVE JUDGE JORDAN'S COURT AND THEY ALL HAVE 500

CASES PENDING IN EACHOU CRT >>E IF THDEFINITION CONSISTENT,ON THAT'S E THING.EY TH HAVE TO CHANGE THE DEAF --FI THE DENITION FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY,SO THE TAX ASSESR THERI CHAIR -- SHEFF. UNLESS THERE IS SOMEAS COMPELLIG REONSH, I DON'T WANT TO REHA WHAT WE WENTAG THROUGH TWO WEEKS O.T I AM HAPPY TO DO I IF WE WANT TO, WE'LL HAVE TO TAKE A BREAK. DID ANY OF THIS COME UP THEM ON

HOW IT WAS DEFINED? >> THERE WAS TALK ABOUT UNSPENT FUNDS, BUT I DON'T RECALL THIS ISSUE COMING UP.

>> AND I WANT THE COURT TO KNOW IT WASN'T ADDRESSED WITH US AND WITH ME. RELEASING THE FUNDS, WE HIRED TWO WEEKS WORTH OF PEOPLE. WE ARE AT A DEFICIT OF 1.7 MILLION. EVERY TIME WE IMPROVE THE COURT IT IS CALCULATED. WE HAVE HIRED 15 PEOPLE OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS. IT WILL STAY THAT WAY.

THOSE 50 PEOPLE ARE NECESSARY TO MAN THOSE COUNTS.

MAN THOSE COURTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MA'AM, I WANT YOU TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE BECAUSE IT GAVE ME TIME TO VISIT WITH THE SHERIFF AND DANIEL AND GET SOME CLARITY TO SOME THINGS. I HEARD YOU MENTION IT TWICE ALREADY THAT SINCE THE MONEY HAS BEEN RELEASED.

THE DEBATE OF WHAT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HAD BEEN BUDGET FOR AND THEIR ABILITY TO HIRE AND IS THERE A COURT ACTION

TODAY OF ANY SORT? >> NO.

NO COURT ACTION IS NEEDED. THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS MAKING IS THAT EVERY POSITION IS FILLED FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE YEAR. IT IS THE SAME AS THE SHERIFF.

HE HIRES A CADET CLASS. THEY HAVE A CADET CLASS OF 30 TO 40 AND THEY LOSE SOMEWHERE FROM 10 TO 20 DEPUTY --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I GET IT. THE D.A.'S OFFICE HAS FUNDING,

RIGHT? >> YES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S BEEN RESOLVED AS OF FRIDAY.

>> YES, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT DOES THAT REALLY -- WHAT DOES THAT MEAN IN PRACTICAL TERMS FOR THIS OFFICE.

>> IT WILL SAY, YES, YOU CAN FILL THIS.

>> THE POLICY IS IF YOU ARE 5% OVER THE BUDGET THEY WILL STOP US AGAIN. AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE TRYING TO DEAL WITH THIS. IT WAS 2% AND YOU INCREASED IT TO 5% LIKE THE REST OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE 1.7 IS NOT 5% YET. WE HAVE 16 OFFERS TO MAKE TO THOSE TAKING IT -- TAKING THE BAR IN JULY.

ELIZABETH IS HERE TO SPEAK AND SHE IS OVER IN HR.

WE STILL HAVE POSITIONS WE WE HAVEN'T FILLED WE WANT TO MAKE OFFERS FOR. WE JUST HAVE A CRISIS WE WANT TO DEAL WITH AND WE ARE WILLING TO SIT DOWN AND TALK ABOUT HOW THE OPERATIONS ARE. WE HAVE DONE THAT WITH MS. GARGE AND WE ARE WILLING TO DO THAT MORE.

EITHER FUND THE POSITION THAT'S WERE AULSZ FUNDED -- THAT WERE ALWAYS FUNDED OR TELL US WE CAN'T HAVE THE POSITIONS WHICH IS BASICALLY DEFUNDING. I SHOWED THEM OUR POSITION WORKSHEET, EVERY POSITION TOTALED 78,590.

[03:35:01]

THAT BEFORE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ANDN THECOMMISSIONER CAGLE.

ANDOM RAMSEY: YOU SIT HERE ANDEN TO THE CONVERSATION WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SIXIO MILLN, 7 MILLION, 5 MILLION. M IT REMINDSE OF WHAT I HEARD MANY TIMES.

I THINK WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS AMU FAILURE TO COMNICATE.

NOT EVERY DEPARTMENT, EVERY ENTITY OPERATES THE SAME.

>> RIGHT.NA >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M GONER START WITH THE D.A. IS VY DIFFERENT THAN THE OTHERS THAT ARE TRYING TO BUDGET. WE OUGHT TO LISTEN WHEN THEY BRING UP THESE ISSUES. I WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS BEYOND EAST TEXAS STUPID IS HIRING TERM PEOPLE.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? YOU HAVE TO RECRUIT -- I KNOW WHEN YOU GO OUT AND RECRUIT PEOPLE TO WORK IN THE D.A.'S OFFICE, OH BY THE WAY, OUR MONEY IS GOING TO RUN OUT IN ABOUT 18 MONTHS SO YOU CAN COME AND WORK HERE.

NOBODY WOULD GO TO WORK THERE. THEY WOULD GO TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY OR THE OTHER COUNTIES. SO THE WAY WE TREAT THE D.A.'S OFFICE SHOULD BE MUCH DIFFERENT. I DON'T THINK WE ARE DOING THAT.

I DON'T THINK WE ARE LISTENING AND WE ARE NOT COMMUNICATING.

THE THIRD THING I WOULD SAY RELATED TO HOW WE LOOK AT THIS GOING FORWARD, WHAT WE HAVE AGREED ON IS A 6% BUDGET INCREASE. WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A CRIMEDEMIC. THAT'S JUST ANOTHER REASON TO TREAT THE D.A. WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF METRICS AND DIFFERENT KINDS OF CONSIDERATION. LISTEN TO WHAT IS BEING SAID.

WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT 60 MILLION.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 6 MILLION. I THINK THEY PUT A PRETTY MEASURED REQUEST IN IN TERMS OF -- MEASURED REQUEST IN TERMS OF WHAT CAN BE DONE. IT SEEMS LIKE A REASONABLE

REQUEST, 7.5 MILLION. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND I REMIND EVERYONE THAT THIS IS A COURTROOM AND SO LET'S LISTEN TO THE DISCUSSION, BUT IT IS NOT THE PLACE FOR REACTIONS TO SPEAKERS AND INTERRUPTIONS. THANK YOU.

YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE

TO MOVE ITEM 238. >> YOUR MIC, COMMISSIONER.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS STILL

OFF, COMMISSIONER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM PREPARED TO MOVE 238 AFTER THIS DISCUSSION.

DO YOU WANT TO MODIFY 238 OR ARE YOU REQUESTING WE MOVE IT AND ADOPT IT THE WAY IT IS PRESENTED?

>> I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO MOVE AND ADOPT IT THE WAY IT IS

PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, I BELIEVE WE HAVE OTHER SPEAKERS SIGNED UP JUST SO YOU KNOW.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: OKAY. I WILL WAIT FOR THE OTHER SPEAKERS TO GO AND THEN I WILL MOVE THE ADOPTION.

>> THE ONLY OTHER POINT IF YOU WOULD LIKE -- IF YOU WOULD ALLOW ME IS TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THEY DECIDED THAT WE ONLY HAD 109 NEW MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTORS, AND WE HAVE 127.

THE PROBLEM WE GAVE THEM, THE BUDGET 427, BUT SOMEONE PICKED A DAY AND TIME TO SEE HOW MANY WERE FILLED.

THE PROBLEM IS LAWYERS CAN MAKE 200,000 WHEN THEY START.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO MAKE 66,000. WE WERE TRYING TO GET THEM IN THE 80S BECAUSE MONTGOMERY COUNTY -- WE WERE LOSING BABY PROSECUTORS AFTER TRAINING THEM SIX MONTHS TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE $78,000. FORT BEND, $72,000.

WE ARE AT 66. WE WANTED TO KEEP THE ONES WE HAVE SO THEY CAN MOVE UP TO FELONY AND ATTRACT THE NEW ONES.

WE CAN'T MAKE THAT OFFER AND WE HAVE NOT USED THE AMOUNT 409 PWAU -- BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO PICK AND CHOOSE.

I LIKE AND YOU NOT YOU AND SO I WILL PAY YOU 85 AND NOT YOU.

WE CAN'T DO THAT. WE HAVE TO HAVE IT FOR ALL.

THEY DECIDED TO GIVE US 581,000 BECAUSE THEY LOOKED AT OUR BUDGET AND SAY THEY HAVE 109 FILLED SO WE WILL CALCULATE THEIR SALARIES ON 109, BUTHA TT WASN'T THE REQUEST.

ITAS W FOR ALL SO WE O CANFFER HIGHERTH SO EY G DON'TO TOMO NTGOMERY COUNTY ANDND FORT BE.EY TH ONLY GO TO COURT WEEK.DAYS A ANDTO OUR PROSECURS SIT ALL DAY LONG T AND THEY HAVEO GET READY FOR THE NEXT DAY. D IN FORT BENDHAT BECAUSE THE ONE JUDGEOB DEALS WH PRATE, MISDEMEANOR CIVILS CASES.

IT I NOT LIKE OURS WITH A POPULATION OVER A MILLION PEOPLE. I JUST WANT TO BRING THAT UP AND THAT IS IT AND I WILL LET THE NEXT SPEAKER GO.

[03:40:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: TIFFANY, IF YOU CAN CALL YOUR SPEAKER SKWRAOZ I

NEXT IS -- >> NEXT IS ELIZABETH STEVENS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IF IT IS INTERNAL -- YEAH.

I THOUGHT THESE WERE COMMUNITY SPEAKERS.

PLEASE. WE WILL TAKE SOME DISTRICT ATTORNEY SPEAKERS, TIFFANY. GIST STATE YOUR NAME AND UH -- JUST STATE YOUR NAME AND AFFILIATION.

>> ELIZABETH STEVENS AND HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. HAVE I A -- I HAVE A FEW THINGS TO SAY. IT IS INTERESTING WE HEARD ABOUT THE INVESTMENT MADE AND ASSOCIATE COURTS AND THE PERSONNEL FOR OUR OFFICE. AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE BEEN TOLD WE CAN'T FILL ALL OF THE POSITIONS AND MEET OUR BUDGET.

EVERY DAY WE LOOK AT THE CHART WE HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY BUDGET MANAGEMENT THAT SHOWS EACH POSITION WE ARE FILLING WE ARE GOING FARTHER AND FARTHER INTO THE RED.

IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT POSITION FOR US TO BE IN IN HR.

NOT FULLY FILLING OUR POSITIONS IS HAVING A NEGATIVE AFFECT ON OUR PROSECUTE EITHERS. WE HAVE TO BE -- THEY ARE BEING ASKED TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE WHICH IS TO HANDLE AN UNSUSTAINABLE AND UNMANAGEABLE CASE LOAD. THE COUNTY IS SHORT SIDED.

IF WE CAN'T FILL OUR POSITIONS AND GIVE RELIEF TO OUR PROSECUTORS BECAUSE WE ARE HAVING PEOPLE IN OUR OFFICE THAT THE COUNTY IS INVESTING TIME AND MONEY AND TRAINING AND ARE DEVELOPING INTO THE PROSECUTORS WHO CAN HANDLE MORE SERIOUS

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

IS UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> CAN I FINISH? WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS READ THE LETTER WE RECEIVED LAST WEEK FROM A PROSECUTOR THATTEN CAPSULE LIESES THE SITUATION WE ARE IN.

BECAUSE OF THE DEMANDS BEING PLACED ON OUR EMPLOYEES.

I WILL READ THIS LETTER THAT WE RECEIVED FROM A PROSECUTOR WHO PUT IN HER TWO WEEKS RESIGNATION.

IT IS WITH HEAVY HEART I ASK YOU TO CONSIDER THIS FORMAL LETTER OF RESIGNATION. I WANT TO EXPRESS HOW THANKFUL I AM FOR THE TIME I HAD AT THE HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. I ENJOY THE WORK WE DO.

I AM ABLE TO WALK AWAY AND SAY I TAKE PRIDE IN THE WORK I WAS ABLE TO DO HERE. I HAVE MADE THIS DIFFICULT DECISION BECAUSE I NEED TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH MY FAMILY.

I HAVE DEDICATED MYSELF TO THIS JOB AND COMMITTED TO PUTTING IN THE LONG HOURS REQUIRED TO STAY ON TOP OF MY WORK.

I CANNOT CONTINUE TO DO IT. THE REALITY OF OUR CURRENT CASE LOADS DURING THIS UNPRECEDENTED TIME IS UNSUSTAINABLE FOR MY FAMILY. I AM TRULY SORRY TO LEAVE MY FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES WITH EVEN MORE WORK IN MY ABSENCE.

I HAVE TO THINK ABOUT MY FAMILY. THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE.

WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FILL EVERY POSITION WE HAVE.

WE NEED PROSECUTORS IN EVERY COURT AND FULLY STAFFED.

WE CAN'T DO THAT WHEN EVERY TIME WE FILL A POSITION WE ARE GOING FURTHER AND FURTHER INTO THIS HOLE OF A BUDGET THAT SIMPLY

DOESN'T WORK. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> GO AHEAD. >> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE, DEPUTIES. HAPPY TO BE HERE.

IN 2017 I WAS THE MISDEMEANOR DIVISION TEAM WHEN KIM OGG WAS ELECTED. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH HARVEY AND BEEN THROUGH COVID AND I MANAGE THE BACKLOG EVERY SINGLE DAY.

LET ME TELL YOU AGENTS PROGRESS ON THAT -- TELL YOU A LITTLE PROGRESS. THE BACKLOG HAS GONE FROM 44,000 TO OVER 40,000, 40,700 IN MISDEMEANOR COURTS.

SO ALMOST A 10% REDUCTION IN ABOUT 9 MONTHS.

WHY IS THAT? THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE TRIAGE PROGRAM WE DO FROM KNIFE TO - 9- 5 TO 9H EACNIGHT.

THAT'S BECAUSE OF OUR WORK WITH THE DEFENSENE ATTORYS TO GET THE CASES RESOLVED.AT TH'S WHERE THE WORK IS DONE.

IT ISMA NOT SOME GICALTH COURT AT IS HAVING NIGHT DOESN'TIT EXIST. IS HARDUN WORK ON THE GRODLE WHERE PEOP WORK A WEEK ALREADY AND THEN WORK FROM 5 TO 9 AFTERWARDS. IN MARCH OF 2019 I SPOKE WITH EVERYBODY AND I ASKED YOU THEN WITH 28,000 ACTIVE CASES AND 65 PROSECUTORS TO HANDLE THAT IN THE 400,000 JP TICKETS FOR RESOURCES THEN. I OFFERED YOU TO COME WITH ME AND SPEND A DAY WITH MY PROSECUTORS.

NONE OF YOU DID. NOT ONE OF YOU DID.

TODAY I HAVE 40,700 CASES AND I HAVE 55 PEOPLE TO HANDLE THAT AND THE 400,000 PLUS MISDEMEANORS.

THE PROSECUTORS DO NOT FEEL SUPPORTED.

THEY DON'T FEEL RESPECTED. THEY DON'T FEEL VALUED, AND LET ME TELL YOU THE FACTS. IF YOU GO TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY

[03:45:02]

DO YOU KNOW WHAT OUR STARTING SALARY IS RIGHT NOW? $67,000 WITH THE 1% RAISE WE JUST GOT.

AND THIS IS NOT A GAME, MR. BERRY, OR MR. RAMOS -- HOLD ON. LET ME FINISH.

WHEN YOU SIT IN A ROOM OF 48 PEOPLE WHO YOU ARE SUPERVISING AND THEY SAY WHY CAN'T I GET PAID WHAT THE -- WITH THE RAISE THAT WAS APPROVED TO BE PAID, AND WHAT IS MY RESPONSE TO THEM?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE RESPONSE IS -- I MADE A MOTION TO RAISE YOUR STARTING SALARIES TO $87,000.

>> WE HAVE TO GIVE IT TO EVERYBODY, COMMISSIONER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: STARTING SALARIES.

YOUR POINT WAS JUST STARTING SALARIES.

STARTING SALARIES AT MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS X.

WE FOCUSED ON STARTING SALARIES. >> FOR 100 PEOPLE AND NOT 127.

WE NEED THAT MONEY NOW. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: STARTING

SALARIES, CORRECT? >> YES, SIR.

LET ME RESPOND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT MOTION WAS MADE AND PASSED. YOU GOT 87,000 FOR STARTING

SALARIES. >> WE NEED IT FOR ALL OF THEM.

IF THE COMMISSIONERS ARE WILLING TO GRANT THAT TODAY WE WOULD BE COMPLETELY HAPPY TO LEAVE FOR THAT FOR ALL 127.

YES, SIR, THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GIVE ME THAT

NUMBER AGAIN. >> I BELIEVE IT IS 127?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: 127 AND THOSE ARE NEW PROSECUTORS YOU GOT?

>> THOSE ARE THE NEWER, YOUNGER, LESS EXPERIENCED PROSECUTORS.

>> THAT'S ALL MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTORS.

>> IT INCLUDES EXISTING PEOPLE WORKING AT THAT LEVEL.

YOU CAN'T RAISE PEOPLE TO 88 AND LEAVE THE ONES WHO ARE ALREADY

WORKING THERE AT 66. >> WE ASKED FOR IT FOR EVERYBODY

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE BUDGET OFFICE IS WORKING TO CREATE AN ADJUSTMENT NOT JUST FOR YOUR OFFICE, BUT FOR OTHERS AS WELL BECAUSE OF THE SALARY INCREASE THAT I GOT TO THE DEPUTIES. 87,000 HAS BEEN APPROVED AND PASSED FOR YOUR STARTING PROSECUTORS.

>> AS LONG AS IT IS FOR 127, WE APPRECIATE THAT, COMMISSIONER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, MR. BERRY.

>> WHAT I CAN SAY FOR SURE ON THIS ISSUE, AND IN FACT ALL OF THEM, IS THERE IS NO SCHEME, IF YOU WILL, TO KEEP THESE RAISES FROM BEING IMPLEMENTED. THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN ASSUMPTION IN A CALCULATION THAT IS ABOUT $150,000 DIFFERENCE.

I WAS THE BUDGET DIRECTOR THEN AND DANIEL IS NOW AND IT WAS PROPOSED AND IT IS BASED ON A CURRENT OCCUPANCY RATE OF POSITION WHICH WAS WHAT WAS FILLED.

WE HEARD FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE, WELL, WE MIGHT HAVE 100% -- EXCUSE ME, 100% FILL RATE ON ALL OF THOSE POSITIONS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. THE DIFFERENCE IS $150,000, RIGHT? WHETHER YOU WANT TO SAY OH THE D.A. CAN ABSORB IT IN THEIR BUDGET AND WE WANT TO ALLOCATE IT, THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN AND IT HAS MY SUPPORTO THAPPEN, I AND DON'T --TL HONESY, I THINK WE OND TOT GET IDONE AND MOVE

HERE>>. MIGHT, GARCIA: IF I THERE IS AVE MOTION I HA CONSTRUCTED, AND IT DOES ADDRESS THIS. THE MOTION IS TO THE BUDGET OFFICE FOR CONSIDERATION OFS FUTURE BUDGET PROCESSE. EXTENDING ARPA MONEY, THE ARPA FUNDED POSITIONS TO THREE YEARS TO COINCIDE WITH YOUR TYPICAL CONTRACT PERIOD AT ANIMATED COST OF 7.5 MILLION AND REQUEST THAT THE D.A.'S OFFICE IMPLEMENT THE RAISES FOR ENTRY LEVEL PROSECUTORS AS APPROVED BY THE COURT AND DIRECT ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THESE RAISES AND DIRECT THAT IF THE COST OF THE APPROVED RAISES FOR THE ENTRY LEVEL PROSECUTORS EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT BUDGETED THAT THEY PREPARE A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

TO ADDRESS SUCH SHORT FALLS. >> IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS A MOTION I'M MAKING TODAY.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AFFIRM THE WILLINGNESS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO USE ARPA BEYOND THE INITIAL ALLOCATION OF 23 MILLION TO REDUCE THE CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG INCLUDING THE ADDITION OF PROSECUTORS IF APPROPRIATE.

DIRECT OMB AND HR TO CREATE A REPORT AND DASHBOARD OF THE NUMBER OF FUNDED AND UNFILLED POSITIONS IN EACH COUNTY DEPARTMENT. THIS WILL HELP US UNDERSTAND THE BURN RATE OF ALL OF THE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY.

THAT'S A MOTION THAT I AM MAKING BECAUSE THIS IS -- I APOLOGIZE.

I DIDN'T CATCH YOUR NAME IN THE BEGINNING.

>> NATHAN BEATLE, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NATHAN, THANK YOU. I THINK THIS MULTI-POINT MOTION WILL ADDRESS A MULTITUDE OF THESE ISSUES BEING RAISED.

[03:50:05]

>> THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WORKED WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE TO LOOK INTO THIS AND THERE IS COLLABORATION.

I MOVE ON THAT MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THIS 238?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A FEW MORE SPEAKERS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: BECAUSE YOU WERE READING IT I DIDN'T CATCH IT. DOES THAT INCLUDE EXISTING AND NEW? STP -- IF YOU ARE AN ENTRY LEVEL GUY -- THE ONE THAT HAS BEEN THERE --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE WAY IT READS IS IMPLEMENT THESE RAISES.

IF THE COST FOR ENTRY LEVEL PROSECUTORS EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT BUDGETED, THEN FOR THE BUDGET OFFICE TO PREPARE AN ADJUSTMENT

TO ADJUST SUCH SHORT FALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WERE ALREADY ADDRESSING THAT, NO?

>> YES, MA'AM. >> I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE SUBMITTED IT AND IT GOT REJECTED.

>> AGAIN, I WOULD SAY THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT FULLY ADDRESSED IF THE FILL RATE FOR THOSE POSITIONS IS 100%.

I THINK IT IS A GOOD MOTION BECAUSE I AM HEARING FROM MR. BEATLE AND HE WANTS CONFIDENCE THAT EVERY ENTRY LEVEL PERSON MAKES THE SAME SALARY AND I WHOLLY SUPPORT

THAT. >> I WANT TO TELL THEM TODAY.

>> SO THEY STOP QUITTING. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF I GET A SECOND ON MY MOTION YOU WILL -- YOU CAN TELL THEM TODAY.

>> ARE YOU GOOD WITH THAT? I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SECONDING ON AND I DON'T DO YOUR PORL MEN TREE -- PARLIAMENTARY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WITH WHAT YOU READ.

>> -- >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HERE FROM THE REST OF THE SPEAKERS BEFORE WE TAKE THE MOTION.

I THINK THERE WERE SEVEN SPEAKERS AND WE HAVE -- TWO MORE AND THEN WE HAVE COMMUNITY SPEAKERS.

>> I NEED TO FINISH QUICKLY IF POSSIBLE.

THERE ARE ABOUT 70 LAWYERS HANDLING THE MOST HORRIFIC CASE THAT'S ARE FILED IN HARRIS COUNTY RIGHT NOW.

70 LAWYERS THAT ARE TRAINED AND SOME THAT WE ARE TRAINING TO DO CAPITAL MURDERS AND MURDERS AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULTS OF A CHILD. YOU NAME IT, THE MOST HORRIFIC.

WE CANNOT LOSE THOSE PEOPLE AS A RESOURCE TO THEHI TRD LARGEST COUNTYN ITHE UNITED STATESY B POPULATION.

ITIL WL ENDANGER THE PUBLIC. IF WE DON'TE MAKTHERE CORCT BUDGET ALLOTMENTRE TO TAIN THE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE WHICH IS WHAI VIEN KING IS ASKING FOR. TOY PROPERLDIVERT THESE CASESER DWIAREAN MISDEMEORS LIKE AND ASSAULT FAMILY MEMBERS.

AND T LAST YEARHAT RESULTED11 IN ,924 SUCCESSFUL DIVERSIONS.

>> I AM THE DIVISION CHIEF OF ADULT SEX CRIMES ANDG.

TRAFFICKIN IFRO ANYONE IN THIS OME THINKS THBACKLOG CAN BE CLEARED INOU TWO YEARS, Y ARE WHOAFULLY MISINFORMED. A I JUST TRIED CASEE INVOLVING THSEXUAL ASSAULTR- OF AN 18-YEAOLD GIRL BACKF IN FEBRUARY O THIS YEAR.WA AND THAT CASE S SIX YEARS OLD.

I GOT ON THE CASE INNE JULY TO ASSIST O OF MY PROSECUTORS T AND WE WENT BACKO COURT REPEATEDLYJU TRYING TO GET A RYS SOMETIMES TWO WEEK AT AT TIME TRYING TO GEA JURY TO TRY THE CASE FORHO THIS YOUNG WOMAN W HAS BEEN. TRAUMATIZED SEVERELY ANDR, IMAGINE HAVING TO TELL HE I'M SORRY, THE CASE C WAS RESET BECAUSE WEOULDN'T GET A JURY. THAT WAS VERY DIFFICULT.

IT WAS DISTURBING AND TRAUMATIC. SHE IS NOW 24 ANDHE WE SUCCESSFULLY TRIED T CASE IN FEBRUARY.

THE PERSON IS IN PRISON NOW. WE TAKE SERIOUS HOM --

>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> 30 JURIES ARE I'M PANELED PER WEEK AT THE KRIS JUSTICE SEN -- AT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER AND I DISPUTE THAT. T I WAS THERE LAST WEEK TRYINGO TRY A TRAFFICKING CASE IN WHICH A VICTIM HAD BEEN HELD AT GUNPOINT BY A FAMILY MEMBER SO THAT SHE WOULD PROSTITUTE FOR HIM, AND HE IS A VIOLENT INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS BEEN TO PRISON ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET A JURY. WE WERE THIRD BEHIND THE CARRY OVER FROM THE PREVIOUS WEEK. WE COULDN'T GET A JURY.

THESE CASES NEED TO BE TRIED AND THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT.

[03:55:03]

THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DIVISION, THERE WERE 37 INTER PERSONAL HOMICIDES IN 2020, UP 6% FROM 2019.

THEY HANDLE 6,000 CASES AMONG 13 PROSECUTORS.

THE CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN DIVISION HANDLES ALMOST 2,000 CASES. IT INVOLVES CHILD ABUSE.

MY DIVISION HANDLES 2200 FELONIES.

WHO ARE THOSE OFFENDERS? THEY ARE THE RAPISTS AT MEMORIAL PARK. THEY ARE THE RAPISTS ON WHITE OAK THAT ARE -- THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT IS TRYING TO APPREHEND AND THEN WE PROSECUTE. THEY ARE THE CHILD POUR NOTHING TKPWRAU TPERS AND THEY -- A CHID POUR NOTHING TKPWRAU TPERS AND THEYRE THE SEX OFFENDERS TROLLING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AE PIMPS COMMUNICATING WITH THE HIGH SCHOOL YOU ARES -- WITH THE HIGH SCHOOLERS RIGHT NOW. IT IS TO GET THEM TO PROSTITUTE FOR THEM SO THEY CAN EXPLOIT THESE GIRLS, SOMETIMES BOYS, AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO WORK. THAT IS WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE MY OFFICE IS AFTER. THEY INVOLVE DNA, CELL PHONES, TEXT MESSAGES, THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF PAGES OF TEXT MESSAGES. I HAD A CASE RECENTLY THAT I HANDLED THAT HAD 100,000 PAGES OF INSTAGRAM RECORDS.

WHO LOOKS AT ALL OF THAT? WHO PREPARES THAT FOR TRIAL? YOUR PROSECUTORS, OUR PROSECUTORS ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE MAKING SURE THAT THE PERSONS WHO ARE VIOLENT, WHO MIGHT TRY TO KILL A POLICE OFFICER STAY IN JAIL.

WE HANDLE INTAKE. WE HANDLE REVIEW OF SEARCH WARRANTS. WE BOND ISSUES.

WE HANDLE GRAND JURY. WE HANDLE DISCOVERY.

WE HANDLE TRIALS. WE TAKE OUR JOBS VERY SERIOUSLY.

THESE PROSECUTORS ARE OVERWHELMED.

I HAVE HAD PROSECUTORS CRYING IN MY OFFICE.

LAST YEAR WE WERE FULLY STAFFED A YEAR AGO IN MY DIVISION.

NOW, WE ARE MISSING SIX PROSECUTORS.

I I HAVE SEVEN PROSECUTORS INCLUDING MYSELF DOING OUR OWN JOB AND ANOTHER PROSECUTOR'S JOB.

IT IS UNTENABLE TO EXPECT ANYONE TO DO THE WORK THAT WE ARE DOING AND NOT SUFFER PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND NOT LOOK FOR ANOTHER JOB AND NOT BE UNHAPPY. WE HAVE LOST SUPPORT STAFF.

LAST YEAR I LOST THREE CRIMINAL ANALYSTS.

THE ANALYSTS HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT TO INVESTIGATE THEIR TRAFFICKING CASES. WE KNOW HOW TO HELP TAKE SIX-MONTH TO TWO-YEAR INVESTIGATIONS AND GET A CASE RESOLVED IN TWO WEEKS. THOSE ANALYSTS ALSO HELP THE PROSECUTORS REVIEW INSTAGRAM RECORDS AND PREPARE FOR TRIAL.

WE NEED MORE SUPPORT STAFF. WE NEED SUPPORT STAFF ASSIGNED.

WE NEED THE FC -- THE PCN FOR THE SPECIALTY DIVISIONS.

OUR WORK CASES ARE SO COMPLEX AND SO DIFFICULT THAT THE MAJORITY OF OUR THREE DIVISIONS, WE OFTEN HAVE VICTIM THAT'S REFUSE TO COME TO COURT. THEY RUN AWAY.

THEY MOVE TO NEW YORK. THEY DON'T WANT TO COME BACK TO TEXAS. SHOULD I DISMISS THOSE CASES? IF I DON'T HAVE A PROSECUTOR TO HANDLE THE CASE THAT I WAS WORKING ON LAST WEEK, BUT I PICKED IT UP, SHOULD I JUST DISMISS THAT CASE PWAU -- BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A PROSECUTOR TO HANDLE IT? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

WE ARE GOING TO WORK HARD TO MAKE SURE WE PROSECUTE CASES EVEN WHERE A VICTIM DOESN'T WANT TO COME TO COURT, AND EVEN IF THERE IS NOT A PROSECUTOR ASSIGNED TO THAT CASE, HE JUST QUIT THE WEEK BEFORE. WE WILL PICK IT UP AND TRY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED FOR OUR OFFICE. OUR PROSECUTORS -- WE TIMED IT.

THEY SPEND AN HOUR EACH DAY TRAVELING FROM 500 JEFFERSON OVER TO THE CJC. ONE HOUR.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT WE COULD DO IN ONE HOUR? WE COULD CALL OUR VICTIMS, PROBABLY TWO VICTIMS IN ONE HOUR. WE COULD LOOK AT -- I BET I KNOCKOUT 1,000 PAOEPBLG -- PAGES OF CPS RECORDS IN AN HOUR.

WE CAN DO A LOT IN ONE HOUR. THEY STILL WORK IN CUBICLES.

[04:00:02]

WE NEED TO INCREASE SUPPORT STAFF FOR PROSECUTORS.

WE NEED MORE PROSECUTORS IN THE TRIAL BUREAU AND WE NEED MORE PROSECUTORS IN THE SPECIALTY DIVISIONS.

REDUCE CASE LOADS WILL HELP THIS COUNTY IN THE FUTURE TO REDUCE THE BACKLOG AND MAKE SURE DEFENDANTS ARE PROPERLY TREATED AND DID WE GIVE APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS AND WE FIGURE OUT THIS PERSON MIGHT BE INNOCENT BECAUSE WE DO GO THROUGH THESE THOUSANDS OF PAGES OF RECORDS? PROSECUTORS, THE 2'S AND THE 3'S IN FELONY COURTS, THEY NEED RAISES AND THEY NEED THEM NOW. I HAVE HEARD MANY RESOLUTIONS TODAY IN THIS COURT INVOLVING CHILD ABUSE, INVOLVING SEXUAL ASSAULTS. I HAVE A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO SAY TO HIM IS TALKIN AND DOING ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS. LET'S WORK TOGETHER.

EVERY ONE OF Y'ALL, WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR THE THE SAFETY -- FOR THE SAFETY OF HARRIS COUNTY FOR OUR FUTURE IN HARRIS COUNTY. I SURE DON'T WANT TO BE LIKE SAN FRANCISCO AND OTHER CITIES WHERE PEOPLE ARE LEAVING THE CITY BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS, WHERE COMPANIES ARE PULLING OUT BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS BECAUSE CASES AREN'T BEING PROSECUTED. IT'S YOUR MOMENT TO FEEL

GALVANIZED TODAY TO TAKE ACTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A FEW MORE SPEAKERS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MEAN, TO HER POINT, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE MOTION -- I MEAN, I MADE THE MOTION AND I WOULD LIKE TO VOTE

ON IT. >> I WOULD LOVE THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND THEN YOU CAN GO BACK TO DOING.

AND JUST MOVE ON BECAUSE THIS REALLY JUST -- YOU KNOW, FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH. APPRECIATE YOUR COMMITMENT.

>> THANK YOU. >> IF YOU ARE READY I JUST HAVE

A FEW THINGS FOR YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MOMENT.

WE HAVE SPEAKERS FROM THE COMMUNITY IS WHAT I AM SAYING.

LET ME CHECK WITH TIFFANY. IT LOOKS LIKE WE DO AND WE NEED TO HEAR THEM BEFORE WE VOTE. YES, MADAM D.A.?

>> IN THE INTEREST OF TIME I BROUGHT THESE EXPERIENCED PROSECUTORS BECAUSE THEY DO KNOW THE SYSTEM.

I ASKED THE CONSTABLES TO APPEAR TODAY AND THEY ARE HERE IN FORCE I WANT TO START BY TELLING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT THAT ON BEHALF OF EVERY SINGLE MEMBER, EVERY LAWYER, EVERY INVESTIGATOR EVERY INTAKE WORKER, EVERY PARALEGAL, JUST HOW SORRY WE ARE ABOUT THE LOSS OF TWO GREAT DEPUTIES. JUDGE, I REMIND YOU JENNIFER CHAVEZ WAS KILLED BY A DWI DRIVER.

WE RELEASED -- >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A HUGE

TRAGEDY. >> WE RELEASED MANY, MANY OFFENDERS OVER THE COURSE OF THE JWEB FAILURE.

YOU HEARD A LOT OF EXPLANATION, JUST LIKE ABOUT THIS BUDGET.

DO YOU THINK IF THE PROBLEM WERE FIXED WE WOULD BE HERE? WE ARE DEDICATED LAWYERS. WE BELONG IN COURT.

HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY IS NUMBER ONE IN MURDER AND NUMBER ONE IN DWI DEATHS. AND NO, THEY ARE NOT OKAY.

NUMBER ONE IN HIGHWAY DEATHS. IT IS A HECK OF A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MESSAGE FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

SO IF EVERYTHING WERE JUST FINE WE WON'T BE HERE.

WE ARE NOT FINE AND I KNOW THERE IS CONFUSION IN TALKING ABOUT THE BUDGET, BUT WE ARE NOT FINE BECAUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFUNDING MUST STOP. AND WHEN YOUR OFFICE OF

MANAGEMENT BUDGET -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL REMIND EVERYBODY, PLEASE, EVERYBODY WANTS TO HEAR WHAT EVERY SPEAKER HAS TO SAY AND THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR REACTIONS OR NOISES.

SO PLEASE. >> WHEN YOUR OFFICE OF BUDGET

[04:05:01]

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU MENTIONED WE ARE ALL CONNECTED AND THAT'S TRUE. LET ME EXPLAIN HOW THE OUTAGE AT JWEB WORKED. WE COULDN'T MEET OUR TIMETABLES AND WHEN THE DATA DIDN'T FLOW FROM UNIVERSAL SERVICES JWEB SYSTEM AFTER THE POLICE PUT IN THEIR CHARGES, THESE POLICE OFFICERS WERE TOLD, HEY, LET'S GO ON AN EMERGENCY SITUATION LIKE WE DID DURING HARVEY. DO NOT JAIL THE NONUH -- THE NON-VIOLENT OFFENDERS. THEY LET THEM GO KNOWING THEY WOULD HAVE TO REARREST THEM. THAT LEFT OVER 300 PEOPLE IN THE JPC OVER THE WEEKEND IN A FACILITY DESIGNED TO HOLD 180.

THAT ENDANGERED DEPUTIES IN THE JAIL WHO I WILL REMIND YOU, WE HAD A DEPUTY RAPED WHILE ON DUTY.

THEY ARE UNDERSTAFFED. THESE OFFICERS DID WHAT WE ASKED AND THEY ONLY BROUGHT THE MOST DANGEROUS OFFENDERS TO THE JPC.

SO THE 300 WERE NOT JUST DWI OFFENDERS, ALTHOUGH WE CONSIDER DWI OFFENDERS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THEY KILL PEOPLE.

THEY KILL LAW ENFORCEMENT. THESE FOLKS ARE HERE BECAUSE THEY ARE LITERALLY GIVING THEIR LIVES.

THEY ARE GIVING THEIR LIVES. OUR PROSECUTORS IN THE 14 DAY THAT'S HAVE LAPSED WE LOST THREE.

IN THE 14 DAYS THAT THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND MR. RAMOS WERE GETTING TOGETHER WITH SOMEBODY, WE LOST THREE PROSECUTORS. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU ASKED WHAT WAS THE COMPELLING REASON TO GIVE US OUR ROLL OVER FUNDS BACK, BECAUSE WHAT YOU DESCRIBE AS ROLL OVER FUNDS WAS INCOME BETTERED MONEY. IT WASN'T LEFT OVER.

IT WAS INCOME BETTERED TO HIRE OUR SECOND CLASS OF PROSECUTORS.

IT WAS INCUMBERED FOR 16 POSITIONS THAT WE HAVE TO FIRE PEOPLE TO GET OUT OF THE RED AND HIRE PEOPLE AT THE INCREASED SALARIES, OR WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO RUN IN THE RED, AN INRESPONSIBLE WAY TO RUN A COUNTY, MR. BERRY.

THE JWEB FAIL -- FAILURE, I KNOW GENERAL NORIEGA REPORTS TO YOU AND I KNOW OTHER UNELECTED OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS REPORT TO YOU, THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR FOR EXAMPLE, UNIVERSAL SERVICES DIRECTOR, FOR EXAMPLE.

YOU HAVE SUGGESTED THAT ARPA FUNDS BE USED.

OUR LAWYERS AND OUR CFO HAVE SAID WE CAN'T HIRE LAWYERS.

THE THREE-YEAR EXTENSION MAY HELP, BUT IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. LAWYERS HAVE LOST FAITH IN THIS GOVERNMENT BODY TO APPROPRIATELY FUND THEM.

THEY LOST FAITH THAT ANYBODY CARES WHAT TROUBLES THEY FACE.

I THINK LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS LOST FAITH.

I KNOW THIS DEFUNDING ISSUE, I CAN'T SAY ALL IT HAS DONE TO THE CONSTABLES OR THE SHERIFF, BUT I CAN TELL YOU WHAT IT HAS DONE TO MY AGENCY. IT BROUGHT IT TO A STAND STILL.

SO THE PROGRESS THAT WE'VE MADE ON THE TRIAGE PROJECT [EXPLETIVE]. OUR LAWYERS ARE TIRED OF FORCED OVERTIME. THE ROLL OVER FUNDS ARE FOR NEW WORK. THEY STILL HAD OLD WORK.

YES, WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS BUT IT I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUTHE WRE HAS SOME OF THEON MEY GONE? IIL WL SUGGESTT THAARPADS FUN COULD BE USED FOR THE NEWY COUND MINISTRATOR'S OFFICE.AR PA TPUPBGDZ - COULD- FUNDS COULD BE USEDEW FOR N A HIREST THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT.D ANIT COULD BER USED FOAT LEASTSE ONE OF VEN STUDIES PERFORMED TO SEE IF WE NEED MORE PEOPLE.S

[04:10:07]

EYD HAVE INCREASE 23%. I DON'TTT KNOW COUNTY AORNEYS HAVENC INKRAOETSZ -- IREASED, BUT THE OLD BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE HAVE INCREASED 23%. AND MR. BERRY, WHILE OURAN PROSECUTORS D OUR LAWAR ENFORCEMENT E STRUGGLING FOR EVERY PENNY, MR. BERRY RECEIVEDE A $100,000 INCASE TO HIS SALARY JUST LAST YEAR.ES HE IS THE HIGHT PAID PUBLIC SERVANT IN HARRIS COUNTY AT $383,000 A YEAR.

WE NEED HELP, COMMISSIONERS. WE NEED REAL HELP, JUDGE.

WE NEED PEOPLE TO HELP OTHERW PEOPLE.

AND LA ENFORCEMENT NEEDS THE SUPPORT OF THIS COMMISSION.

THEY HAVE THECT SUPPORT OF THE DISTRI ATTORNEY'S OFFICEHI BECAUSE WE SHARE SOMETNG IN COMMON.

WE HAVE BEEN DEFUNDED. WE ARE LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THEY CAN'T MAKE CASES WITHOUT OUR LAWYERST TO PROSECUTE AND WE CAN' PROSECUTE WITHOUT THEM TO MAKE CASES.

THIS ADDS UP TO PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON.

THAT'S WHAT OUR SYSTEM IS. WE ARE COMPLETELY CONNECTED.

AND FUNDING ISN'T A GAME. IT IS MONEY IN THE BANK.

IT IS NOT MONEY YOU DOLL OUT TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS LIKE THE D.A.'S OFFICE, LIKE ANSA ALLOW - ALLOWANCE.

YOU Y WE HAVE A $98 MILLION BUDGET, BUT I I CAN ONLY HAVE A 12TH OF IT 5% AT A TIME. I NEED CONTROL OF THE MONEY AND SUFFICIENT FUNDING. MS. KING HAS TRIED TO EXPLAIN AND GONE BACK AND FORTHWITH MR. BERRY -- FORTH WITH MR. BERRY. WE NEED OUR BUDGET RESTORED TO NOT AN ADDITIONAL 6.9 MILLION. IT IS THE SAME $6.9 MILLION THAT WE HAD AND WAS TAKEN OR PROMISED BY THIS COUNCIL AND NOT PROVIDED

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDS YOU THE SUPPORT. STOP DEFUNDING LAW ENFORCEMENT.

IF THIS COMMISSION DOESN'T MEAN TO DO IT, THEN MAKE YOUR OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT BUDGET STOP DE -- DEFUNDING US.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS CLEAR THAT THE FUNDING HAS ONLY GONE UP. I DON'T THINK REPEATING A SOUND BYTE MAKES IT TRUE. LET'S MOVE ON TO THE REST OF THE

SPEAKERS. >> THANK YOU.

I APPRECIATE THIS COURT'S ATTENTION AND TIME.

AND ESPECIALLY THE MOTION THAT HAS BEEN MADE, IF IT PROVIDES US ANY RELIEF WHATSOEVER, IT WILL BE BETTER THAN WE HAVE TODAY.

[Appearances before court ( Part 2 of 3 )]

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, D.A. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHERS?

>> NEXT IS PATRICIA MOORE SPEAKING ON ITEM 238.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TIFFANY, I'M SORRY.

YOU MAY HAVE TO REPEAT THAT. >> OKAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MA'AM, ONE MOMENT WHILE WE HEAR YOUR NAME

AND UH UH-HUH -- UH 5 KWRAEUGS. >> PATRICIA MOORE, SPEAKING ON ITEM 238. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES.

MY NAME IS PATRICIA MOORE. I APPROVE TO FULLY FUND OUR PREVIOUSLY APPROVED DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND RETURN THE BUDGET MAX FOR ALL POSITIONS ZEROED OUT BY THE BUDGET OFFICE.

THIS YEAR YOU CAN LOOK AT CHICAGO, L.A., NEW YORK, THEY ALL CRY OVER THIS ON GOING CRIME WAVE AND EROSION OF COMMUNITY AND IT MUST BE RESOLVED. I URGE YOU TO APPROVE THIS REQUEST AND THIS DE FUNDING -- DEFUNDING OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT CEASE. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS MARISSA HANSON

SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THIS ITEM. >> YOU TALKED ABOUT DEFUNDING LAW ENFORCEMENT. THIS WEEK -- HOLD ON, THERE IS A MONUMENTAL BACKLOG OF CASES. YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO MAKE HER BEG FOR THE RESOURCES YOU NEED SO BADLY AND YOU EXPECT HER TO BE ON HER KNEES -- HER NEEDS ON A MONTH TO MONTH BASIS LIKE A CHILD ON AN ALLOWANCE. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF

[04:15:03]

>> MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> MAY I CONTINUE?

>> TOM RAMSEY: SURE. >> 325 FOR ONE HOUR AND 232 FOR ONE HOUR. 176 FOR ONE HOUR OF COVID RELIEF FUNDS. GUIDE HOUSE LLP, 717,000 DOLLARS. CHATTANOOGA THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH PFM CONSULTING. THEY STARTED OFF WITH 324,000 IN A CONTRACT AND IT BALLOONED OUT TO OVER $600,000.

THERE IS A PATTERN WITH PFM CONSULTING AND BOSTON GROUP CONSULTING. WE KNOW THAT THIS IS ORGANIZED CRIME AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING. IT WILL BE EXPOSED ON A VERY, VERY SOON BASIS. DO YOU THINK $500 AN HOUR IS AN APPROPRIATE AMOUNT TO BE GIVING OUT TO PEOPLE WHO MAKE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR COVID RELIEF FUNDS, WHEN THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE COULD USE THAT $500 MILLION TO SAVE PEOPLE'S LIVES.

HAVE YOU NO RESPECT FOR ANYONE EXCEPT FOR YOURSELF.

I HAVE BEEN TOLD TODAY IT IS THE SIN AND NOT THE SINNER, BUT YOU ARE SINNING AND YOU HAVE SO MUCH BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS.

I PITY YOU. I PITY ALL THREE OF YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT AND ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOURSELF AND ENRICHING YOUR CRONIES. YOU SHOULD BE UH -- BE ASHAMED

OF YOURSELF. >> JUDGE, THE FINAL TWO SPEAKERS WERE WITH THE D.A.'S OFFICE SO I AM NOT SURE IF THEY LEFT WITH HER, BUT IT IS ROBERT JACKSON AND JIM LAYTNER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DID THEY SPEAK? >> NO.

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

SORRY. I THOUGHT THEY WERE MOVING ON THE MOTION. I DIDN'T THINK WE WOULD KEEP SPEAKING. I AM HAPPY TO DO SO.

MY NAME IS ROBERT JACKSON. I AM CURRENTLY THE CHIEF INVESTIGATOR ON THE HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. I PREVIOUSLY SERVED FOR 25 YEARS IN THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.

I HAVE BEEN A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ABOUT A DOZEN YEARS AND I SERVED FOR A COUPLE YEARS AS AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE IN THE HOUSTON MUNICIPAL COURTS. THERE ARE 100 CLASSIFIED PERSONNEL LICENSED BY THE TEXAS COMMISSION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE INVESTIGATION BUREAU IN THE D.A.'S OFFICE.

THE VAST SKWRORBT OF -- MAJORITY WERE CERTIFIED AS MASTER PEACE OFFICERS BY THE STATE OF TEXAS. ALL OF THEM HAVE SERVED HONORABLY IN OTHER AGENCIES BEFORE COMING TO THE D.A.'S OFFICE. AS RECENTLY AS ONE YEAR AGO, THE INVESTIGATIONS BUREAU WAS EXPERIENCING, LIKE YOU HEARD EARLIER SOME RETENTION AND ATTRITION TROUBLES.

HOUR THAN 20% OF INVESTIGATORS I TOLD YOU ABOUT HAVE LESS THAN ONE YEAR IN THE D.A.'S OFFICE. 30% HAVE LESS THAN TWO YEARS.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> CAN I CONTINUE OR NO?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU CAN, BUT I THINK -- I WANT JIM TO STAY

WITHIN ONE MINUTE. >> I PROMISE YOU I WON'T GO ONE

MORE. >> THEY DEVELOPED A PROGRAM FOCUS OWED RETAINING INVESTIGATORS AND IMPROVING MORALE WHICH I DID. THE PROGRAM WAS FULLY FUNDED WITHIN THE D.A.'S OFFICE BY WHAT WE HAVE HEARD MANY TIMES REFERRED TO AS THE DEPARTMENT ROLL OVER FUNDS.

THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET'S DECISION IF THEY WERE COMMITTED TO OTHER EXPENSES HAS CREATED A ROAD BLOCK.

ALTHOUGH D.A. OGG IS WORKING, THEY ALSO PREVENT.

PREVENT THE TIER. IN LIGHT OF THIS I RESPECTFULLY ASK THE COURT TO RESOLVE THIS IMPASSE AND TO DO SO QUICKLY.

SO FINALLY JUST ON A PERSONAL NOTE I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR NOT ONLY TODAY'S MOTION, BUT ALSO FOR YOU THE MOTION HE MADE WITH THE ACTION TO INCREASE PAY FOR HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF AND CONSTABLES AND DEPUTIES -- CONSTABLE DEPUTIES.

[04:20:03]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. AND THOSE PAY RAISES GO TO SOME

OF YOUR GUYS TO. >> I THINK THAT IS A MESSAGE THAT NEEDS TO BE DELIVERED TO THESE GENTLEMEN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT WAS CLEAR IN MY MOTION.

IT GOES TO YOUR INVESTIGATORS AS WELL.

>> THAT WOULD BE SINCERELY APPRECIATED.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, MY NAME IS JIM LAYTNER AND THE BUREAU CHIEF OF INTAKE.

I HAVE WORKED SOME FORM OF INTAKE SINCE CAROL VANCE WAS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY. SO I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CHANGES AND A LOT OF GROWTH AND A LOT OF PROBLEMS OVER THE YEARS.

I WILL TELL YOU THAT I HAVE SEEN THE STATISTICS OF THE VIOLENT CRIMES, ESPECIALLY MURDERS, AS BAD AS THEY ARE RIGHT NOW, BUT WHAT I TELL THE GRANTED JURIES -- THE GRAND JURIES, BACK THEN IT WAS BAD PEOPLE AT BAD PLACES AND AT BAD TIMES CREATING THE CRIMES. A LOT OF TIMES THEY ARE COMMITTING CRIMES AGAINST EACH OTHER.

TODAY IT IS 24 HOURS A DAY, ANY PLACE IN THE COUNTY.

YOU CAN HAVE A CHILD ASLEEP IN THE TKPWED -- BEDROOM AND THERE IS A GUN FIGHT OUTSIDE AND BULL -- BULLETS COME IN.

THE HUSBAND AND WIFE WESTBOUND GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE.

YOU CAN GO ANYWHERE. IN THE WHOLE TIME I HAVE BEEN IN THE SYSTEM, I HAVE NEVER SEEN IT AS DANGEROUS AS IT IS RIGHT NOW.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. >> CONTINUE.

>> I WANT TO TELL YOU THAT I THINK THE ONLY THING FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF WHEN WE COULDN'T TRY ANY CASES, THE ONLY THING THAT KEPT IT AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE IS THESE OFFICERS DIDN'T STOP ARRESTING PEOPLE. THEY DIDN'T SAY THIS WON'T GO ANYWHERE ANYWAY. I WILL BE DEJECTED AND NOT DO MY JOB. THEY PUSHED AS IF THE CASE WAS BEING PROSECUTED EVERY DAY IN THE COURTS AND THE COURTS WERE THERE. WE FILED THE CHARGES.

BUT IT DIDN'T STOP THERE. AND BECAUSE IT DIDN'T STOP THERE, IT KEPT US AS SAFE AS WE CAN POSSIBLY BE DURING THE CRIME PANDEMIC. I KNOW THAT WHEN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAD TO GO TO THE DRIVE BY SITUATION WHERE THEY COULD ONLY BOOK THE VIOLENT CRIMINALS THERE THAT THE DOWNSTREAM EFFECT ON THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM LIKE THE POLICE AND LIKE INTAKE WERE GREATLY AFFECTED.

THE WARRANTS INCREASED BY THOUSANDS.

WE WERE DYING ON THE VINE AND I HAVE TO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR PULLING US OUT THEN AND GIVING US PEOPLE THAT KEPT US GOING. INTAKE WORKS 24 HOURS A DAY LIKE THE POLICE DO. THE POLICE ARE OUT THERE WORKING AND WE DON'T STOP FOR HURRICANES AND WE DON'T STOP FOR FREEZES AND WE DON'T STOP FOR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

WE WORK THREE 8-HOUR SHIFTS OVER THE WEEK.

WE WORK 12-HOUR SHIFTS BECAUSE YOU CAN STAFF IT WITH LESS PEOPLE. A LOT OF THE PEOPLE ARE HAVING TO WORK OVER TIME ON ESPECIALLY THE WEEKEND SHIFTS TO GET BY.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING Y'ALL DO AND I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING AND ESPECIALLY THE WAY YOU HAVE COME AND HELPED US. WE WOULDN'T BE ALIVE AT INTAKE IF YOU HADN'T HELPED US WHEN YOU DID.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT THE D.A.'S OFFICE LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, WE JUST NEED PEOPLE. YOU CAN SPEND HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON A SYSTEM, BUT PEOPLE AND WHAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE OUT THERE ON THE STREET AND IN THE COURTS TO GET THE JOB DONE AND FOR US TO -- WE WERE GROWING UP AND IT IS TO BE SAFE LIKE THAT. I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO AND I ASK THAT YOU KNOW WE NEED MORE PEOPLE.

WE DON'T NEED THE WORK TO BE EASIER.

WE JUST NEED PEOPLE. THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR DOMING DOWN -- FOR COMING DOWN.

THANK YOU FOR YOU AND YOUR SON FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PHENOMENAL WORK TO ME AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU CONTINUE TO DO. I HAVE A MOTION TO HELP YOU MOVE ALONG AND LOOKING FORWARD TO VOTING ON IT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONER, I HAD THE CHANCE

[04:25:04]

>> IT IS IMMEDIATE HELP, BUT IT IS TEMPORARY AND IT IS NOW.

WE APPRECIATE THE MOTION AND THE SECOND.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I'LL SECOND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THE ONE THING THAT SEEMS TO BE LEFT OUT OF THE SOLUTION, AT LEAST THE SHORT-TERM ARE THESE TEMPORARY POSITIONS. UNTIL WE ADDRESS THE TEMPORARY POSITION ISSUE WE WILL BE BACK HERE IN A MATTER OF MONTHS HAVING THESE SAME CONVERSATIONS. I WOULD THINK WE NEED A RESOLUTION, MR. BERRY, IN TERMS OF --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S A CORRECTION, COMMISSIONER.

THIS MOTION HAS THE ADJUSTMENT THAT THE D.A. IDENTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE TWO-YEAR LANGUAGE OR TEMPORARY LANGUAGE MAKES IT HARDER THAN USUAL TO RECRUIT TALENT.

MY MOTION HAS IT TO EXTEND TO STANDARD CONTRACT LANGUAGE OF

THREE YEARS! >> TOM RAMSEY: IT GOES FROM TWO

TO THREE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS ARPA

FUNDING. >> TOM RAMSEY: I KNOW IT IS ARPA FUNDING. YOU WORK FOR TWO YEARS --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THREE. >> TOM RAMSEY: I KNOW THAT, BUT WHAT I'M SAYING IS YOU GET TO WORK FOR THREE YEARS AND I AM STILL PROBABLY GONNA TAKE ANOTHER JOB AND NOT COME HERE.

>> IT HAS BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO FILL THE POSITIONS.

WE JUST HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO. THAT'S WHY YOUR ASSOCIATE COURTS AREIL FLED WITHXI ESTING PROSECUTORS AND THE REGULAR COURTS ARE LESS FULLIT WH PROSECUTORS.

WE NEED A REALIX F AND THAT IS SOMEWHATF OA FIX, BUT WE NEED TOOU BE T OF THE RED. THAT'S WHYNE WE EDED THE 6.9 MILLION RETURNED. IT IS N NOTEW MONEY.

TO RETURN ITTE WITH MPORARY MONEY, I DON'T KNOW IFIS THAT THE FIX OR NOT.I' M NOT. A CPAI AM NOT THE CFO. I CAN TELL YOU THAT SOMETHING. W IFE CAN HAVE THEUT MONEY P IN OUR ACCOUNTS AND NOT DOLLED OUT WHENNA WE CAN MAGE TO CONVINCEBO SOMEDY TO WORK FOR US FOR THREE YEARS00 FOR $87,0.

WERE -- WITHE. A LAW DEGREDR >> AIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.OM

>> T RAMSEY: THANK YOU.MI >> COMSSIONERI RAMSEY, IF MIGHT, I WOULD BET HAPPY TO SI DOWN WITH MY TEAM AND THE D.A.'S OFFICE.TH FILLING ESES ARPA POSITIONARET.

IMPORTAN IEY UNDERSTAND TH AREES CHALLENG, BUT I WOULDWO LIKE TO RK WITH YOU ON THAT BECAUSE IT

IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL OF US. >> ANY OTHERNY SPEAKERS, TIFFA?A

[Departments ( Part 3 of 4 )]

>> LINA HILGO: NO, MA'AM. NO, L MA'AM.

>>INA HIDALGO: WILL YOU REREAD THE MOTION?RC

>> ADRIAN GAIA: THE MOTION READS TO REFER OFFICEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDTN FOR CONSIDERATIO AND FUTURE BUDGET PROCESSES. EXTEND ARPA FUNDED POSITIONS TO THREE YEARS ATOF AN ESTIMATED CT 7.5 MILLION.

REQUEST THE D.A.'S OFFICE TO IMPLEMENT THELE RAISES FOR ENTRY VEL PROSECUTORS OF 87,000 AS APPROVEED BY COMMISSIONER ES COURT AND DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT RAISES.T DIRECT THAT IF THE COSOF THE APPROVED RAISES FOR ENTRY LEVELE PROSECUTORS EXCEEDS TH AMOUNT BUDGETED THAT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET PREPARE AND PROPOSE ARE BUDGET ADJUSTMET TO ADDSS SUCH SHORT FALL OF AFFIRM THEER WILLINGNESS OF COMMISSIONS' COURT TO USE ARPA FUNDING BEYOND THE INITIAL ALLOCATION OF 23 MILLION TO REDUCE THE CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG INCLUDING THE PROSECUTORS IF APPROPRIATE.

DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES TO CREATE A REPORT AND DASHBOARD OF THE NUMBER OF FUNDED AND UNFAILED POSITIONS IN EACH COUNTY DEPARTMENT.

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? COMMISSIONER ELLIS? I AM GOING TO ABSTAIN FROM THIS ONE.

I BELIEVE THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR IS WORKING -- HAS BEEN WORKING THROUGH THESE ISSUES AND WOULD HAVE -- IS WORKING THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN RAISED AT EVERY COURT AND HAS MADE A GOOD FAITH EFFORT TO WORK WITH THE D.A. AND TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN RESOLVED WITHOUT A MOTION AND WITHOUT THE THEATRICS.

IT IS ALREADY BEING RESOLVED. THE FACT IS THE FUNDING FOR THE D.A. HAS INCREASED. THE COURT HAS MAIDEN TREE LEVEL -- MADE ENTRY LEVEL PROSECUTORS THE HIGH -- HIGHEST IN THE REGION. THE FUNDING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IS 1.4 BILLION, WITH A B, THE HIGHEST IT HAS EVER BEEN IN HARRIS COUNTY. THE RATE OF INCREASE FOR LAW

[04:30:02]

THE WORD DEFUNDING IS BEING THROWN AROUND IN A THEATRICAL FASHION WHEN YOU MOW FOR A FACT, YOU -- PWHU KNOW -- WHEN YOU KNOW FOR A FACT, SO OUT OF INTELLECTUAL HONESTY AND KNOWING IT IS BEING ADDRESSED AND WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER ROUND OF THEATRICS AT THE NEXT COURT, I WILL ABSTAIN.

THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING THIS. I'M SORRY FOR THE FOLKS THAT ARE BEING MISLED. IT IS REALLY SAD.

I'M SORRY YOU ARE WASTING YOUR TIME.

LET'S BREAK FOR LUNCH. IT IS 2:50 AND WE WILL BREAK

UNTIL 3:30. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 3:34 AND

[Appearances before court ( Part 3 of 3 )]

TIFF -- TIFFANY, IF YOU CAN GO AHEAD AND TAKE THE SPEAKERS,

PLEASE. >> YES.

FIRST IS MARK RODRIGUEZ FROM OAK LAWN FULLERTON CIVIC ASSOCIATION SPEAKING UNDER COVID-19. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

IS THE MICROPHONE ON FOR THE PODIUM?

>> I AM MARK RODRIGUEZ AND I AM A BUSINESS OWNER IN SECOND WARD.

ONE OF THE BUSINESSES IS A CAR LOT.

A MONTH AGO THEY STOLE A CAR FROM THE CAR LOT.

HPD SAID THEY CAUGHT THE INDIVIDUAL AT 1:30, 2 IN THE MORNING. WHEN I GO UP THERE, THE TRUCK DOES NOT HAVE CATALYTIC CONCERTERS -- CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND A BUSTED PATE. HARRIS COUNTY DID NOT WANT TO TAKE CHARGES ON THE GUY. EVEN THOUGH IT WAS REPORTED STOLEN. THAT'S ONE ISSUE I HAVE.

ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE, ALSO A LANDLORD.

I OWN APARTMENTS. RIGHT NOW HE IS STILL FREE AND HARRIS COUNTY WANTS US TO PAY TAXES AND CHARGE US PENALTIES AND LATE FEES. IT IS NOT MY FAULT AND IT IS NOT

YOUR FAULT THAT THE -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> CAN I HAVE 10 SECONDS? IT IS NOT OUR FAULT THE JUSTICE THE PEACE COURT WERE DRAGGING THEIR FEET AND THAT'S WHY IT TOOK EXTRA TIME.

THOSE ARE TWO OF MY CONCERNS. CLOSING THING, THE HPD OFFICER TELLS THE GUY IF HE WAS IN ANY OTHER COUNTY THAT HE WOULD BE GOING TO JAIL, BUT SINCE HE IS IN HARRIS COUNTY HE GETS TO GO HOME AND THAT'S SAD AS A BUSINESS OWNER.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL HAVE

SOMEONE FOLLOW-UP. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

THANK YOU, KPHEUGERS. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 14, KPRARLS -- CHARLES CRUZ SPEAKING UNDER ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS CHARLES CREWES.

I WOULD LIKE TO CUSTOM TAYLOR TO THE RECIPIENT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE YOU SERVED AS JUDGE OF HARRIS COUNTY COURT OF LAW. YOU EXPECT COUNSELORS TO ARRIVE PREPARED. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, ARE YOU A LICENSED ENGINEER AND YOU MUST HAVE DETAILED -- DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU WERE FORMER SHERIFF AND YOUR DEPARTMENT PLACED DEPUTIES TO PROVIDE MENTOR SHIP. AS SUCH YOU PASS LEGISLATION THAT INCLUDED TIMELINES AND EXPECTATIONS OF HONEST REPORTING. JUDGE HIDALGO, YOU ARE TRI-ATHLETE. AS SUCH YOU UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF PACING GOALS AND HONESTLY MEASURING YOURSELF AGAINST THOSE GOALS. UNFORTUNATELY IT APPEALS THE -- IT APPEARS THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE WAS FORMED WITHOUT ANY OF THESE GUIDANCE.

IF ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA IS REPLACED OROT N, ONLY BY ESTABLISHINGRO PPER EXSPEC TAKES OF PREPAREDNESS AND SPECIFICATIONSND A MENTORHI SP AND GOALSAN C WE EXPECT IMPROVEMENT FROM THECT ELEIONS ADMINISTRATOR

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

POINT TAKEN. >>T NEXIS BRYCE RITSON SPEAKING ON12 ITEM 3 UNDERIO ELECTNS ADMINISTRATOR.

YOU HAVEIN ONE MUTE. KWROEU -- HI. THE FACT THATID JUDGE HALGO ISIL STLD EMPLOYE--OY IS EMPLINGNG LOORIA FORE TWO MOR ELECTIONS

[04:35:05]

WE MUST A INSTALL THE TRUSTND FULL FAITH IN -- THE ELECTION CLERK. THEY ARE PROVEN THAT THEY DO NOE BELONG IN THES ROLES AND THEY MUST RESIGN FOR TURNING OURLA COUNTY INTO A UGHING STOCK. THANK YOU.

>>R NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBE 16 OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATICN PARTY SPEAKING O ITEM 123 UNDER ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

YOUGO HAVE ONE MINUTE. AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> I AM A VOLUNTEER FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

I SERVE AS THEMY LEAD NEGOTIATOR FOR PARTY AND SELLING POLLING LOCATIONS. I AMSE SPEAKING HERE TODAY BECAU I WANT THIS COURT AND THE T GENERAL PUBLIC TO KNOWHAT I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE MAY 24TH, ELECTION.

AS YOU ALL KNOW,G MAY WILL BE A CONFUSINMONTH FOR VOTERS AND A CHALLENGING MONTH FOR ELECTIONS OFFICIALS WITH A MAY 7THD GENERAL ELECTION FOLLOWE BY MAY 24TH RUNOFF ELECTION.

WITH THIS IN MIND THEY ASKED THE EA'S OFFICE TO RELEASE POLLING LOCATIONS USING THE MAY 7TH LOCATION WITH A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING THAT THE BEST WAY TO REDUCE THE VOTER CONFUSION AND TO KEEP IT AS CONSISTENT AS POSSIBLE.

THE EA'S OFFICE COMPLIED WITH THIS COMPLETELY AND WER REVIEWED THE LIST IN SHORT ORDE SUGGESTING TWO CHANGES.

AS WE SPEAK HERE RIGHT NOW, THE -- WE ARE STILL WAITING ON THE REPUBLICAN COUNTERPARTS TO DO THE SAME WORK.

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

MAY I CONTINUE? >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M CURIOUS -- YES, SO YOU ARE STILL WAITING FOR WHAT, SORRY?

>> I AM WAITING FOR MY REPUBLICAN COUNTER PARTS TO ANALYZE A LIST OF POLLING LOCATIONS SO WE MAY CONTINUE OUR WORK TO SET POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THE MAY 24TH ELECTION.

OUR DEADLINE WAS LAST TUESDAY. THE INITIAL LIST HAS BEEN OUT FOR ALMOST TWO WEEKS NOW, AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A COMPLETE LIST FROM MY REPUBLICAN COUNTERPART.

I FEEL MORALLY COMPELLED TO CALL THEM OUT IN PUBLIC FORUM TO URGE THEM TO PUT PARTISAN SHIP ON THE SHELF AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROFOUND AND SOLEMN OBLIGATION WE ALL SHARE AND COME TO THE TABLE IN GOOD FAITH TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR OUR DEMOCRACY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL CIRCLE BACK WITH THE ELECTIONS

ADMINISTRATOR. >> NEXT IS NOLAN SHULSZ SPEAKINN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE, SINCE LONGORIA ANNOUNCED HER RESIGNATION AND BY THE TIME SHE WILL ACTUALLY LEAVE OFFICE, SHE WILL RECEIVE 70,000 IN TAXPAYER DOLLARS.

THE MEDIAN AMERICAN ANNUAL INCOME IS $51,000 A YEAR.

THE MEDIAN AFRICAN-AMERICAN INCOME IS $30,000 A YEAR.

IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT LONGORIA WILL RECEIVE NEARLY TWICE THE MEDIAN BLACK INCOME WHILE YOU, LENA, SIT ON YOUR PERCH OF PRIVILEGE AFTER YOU LOCKED DOWN MILLIONS OF HOUSTONIANS FOR OVER A YEAR. I FIND IT HIGHLY UNSETTLING THAT AN UNELECTED BUREAUCRAT CAN BE THIS INCOMPETENT AND KEEP THEIR JOB FOR SO LONG. LET ALONE ANOTHER TWO ELECTIONS TO RUN. NO ONE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE GIVEN THIS LEVEL OFLY YEN SEE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THAT PERSON IN QUESTION IS PAID $$200,000 A YEAR TO DO A SINGLE JOB. ISABEL LONGORIA NEEDS TO BE FIRED AND REMOVED AND UNTIL A COMPETENT ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR CAN BE FOUND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE COUNTY CLERK, OR LORD WILLING, GIVE THEM BACK TO THE COUNTY CLERK.

IF THIS IS NOT FIXED IMMEDIATELY, JUDGE, VOTERS WILL TAKE IT OUT AT THE BALLOT BOX. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS JAMES HONEY SPEAKING ON ITEM 127 UNDER COUNTY ATTORNEY.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN.

JUDGE HIDALGO, YOU TOOK OFFICE WITH THESE LOFTY PROMISES YOU WERE GOING TO ELIMINATE CRONYISM , BUT ALL YOU HAVE DONE SINCE YOU HAVE TAKEN THE POSITION IS PUSH SOCIALIST AGENDA, THE SAME AGENDA THAT IS DESTROYING THIS COUNTRY AND CREATING CHAOS AND MAYHEM. EVERYTHING WE HEARD THIS MORNING

[04:40:04]

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 19, ALEXI SWARSKY SPEAKING ON 227 AND 250 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> ALEXANDER HAMILTON ON -- ONE OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SAID IN 1788, QUOTE, THE TRUE PRINCIPAL OF A REPUCK -- REPUBLIC IS THE PEOPLE SHOULD CHOOSE WHO GOVERNS THEM.

THIS POPULAR ELECTION SHOULD BE PERFECTLY PURE AND THE MOST UNBOUNDED ALLOWED, UNQUOTE. THIS INSIGHT BY ALEXANDER HAMILTON WAS IGNORED BY CERTAIN OFFICIALS IN THIS ROOM.

INSTEAD OF THE ELECTED COUNTY CLERK RUNNING ELECTIONS, ISABEL LONGORIA WAS PUT IN A MADE UP OF OFFICE OF ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR. THERE WAS -- THE COUNTY CLERK HAD 17 YEARS EXPERIENCE AND ISABEL LONGORIA WITH NO EXPERIENCE. THE ELECTION WAS ONE OF THE MOST MISMANAGED IN THE UNITED STATES. THE RESIGNATION OF LONGORIA WAS TO TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY AND THE REGULAR ELECTIONS RETURNED TO THE ELECTED OFFICE OF COUNTY CLERK.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS TOMARA BELL SPEAKING ON ITEM 227 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HEY, MO.

HOW DARE YOUR FAKE HIPOCRITICAL SPEAK OF THE UNDER REPRESENTATION OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN WHEN YOU LEAD THE BETRAYAL OF THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE AGAINST THOSE DULY ELECTED AND PUT AN INCOMPETENT AND INEXPERIENCED DIMWITTED INDIVIDUAL UNABLE TO COUNT TO 10 WHILE TAKING OFF HER SHOES.

THE DISRESPECT YOU HAVE FOR INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND MORE ENLIGHTENED TODAY THAN EVER. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE 300 PEOPLE OUT THERE ON THE STREET BECAUSE YOU PUT ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR KRAOEPB KNEES -- YOUR CRONIES AT I.T.

ISABEL NEEDS TO GO. AND THEN YOU STUPIDLY ALLOWED HER TO STAY TO MESS UP TWO MORE ELECTIONS BECAUSE IT IS MAJORITY, MAJORITY, MAJORITY, MINORITY AND Y'ALL DON'T CARE.

Y'ALL ARE WORKING LESS AND THIS DEFUNDING THE OFFICERS GOT TO STOP. ALL LEVELS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Y'ALL STRAIGHT UP DON'T CARE. YOU DON'T CARE.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL DIE. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> YOU DON'T CARE. >> TOM RAMSEY: ARE YOU ABOUT

DONE, TAMARA. >> I'M ALMOST DONE.

I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT WHAT Y'ALL DID. EXCUSE ME.

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO TALK ABOUT SOMEBODY BEING DISINGENERAL WEUS WITH THEATRICS. YOU HAVE THEATRICS EVERY DAY, THIS IS SO DRAMATIC. GIRL, LOOK, YOU HAVE THE IQ OF A CLOWN STUFFED SHOE. YOU SHOULD NOT EVEN BE TALKING ABOUT WHAT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENTS BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW THEM. YOU GOT RID OF EVERYBODY WHO DID. YOU THINK YOU CAN GO BUY PEOPLE.

THAT'S WHY THE TEXAS RANGERS ARE OVER THERE LOOKING IN YOUR OFFICE BECAUSE YOU BOUGHT SOMEBODY.

AND NOW THEY ARE LOOKING AT HOW THEY GOT THERE.

NOW I'M DONE. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 34, DELL MARTINEZ SPEAKING ON ITEM 252 UNDER SUPPLEMENTALS IN PERSON.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU.

I DID HAVE TO FOLLOW THAT ONE. I AM HERE TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT A COMMUNITY WARNING AND IT IS THE I-45 MONIES FOR THE EXPANSION PROJECT. 25 YEARS AGO IN 1997 I WAS LITERALLY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE AT THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP TESTIFYING IN AUSTIN FOR THIS PROJECT. I WAS ALSO PORT COMMISSIONER.

THE I-45 WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE PORT TOO.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE TO GET QUALIFIED FOR ON A TECHNICAL BASIS AND AUTHORIZED FOR IT AND THEN YOU HAVE TO GET FUNDED. WE GOT ALL THREE OF THOSE THINGS FOR 8 BILLION AND THE CHRONICLE SAYS ALMOST 9 BILLION.

WE ARE THE ONLY COUNTY THAT EVER HAS TURNED AROUND AND SUED TEX-DOT. AND WE ARE ABOUT TO LOSE THESE $8 BILLION. WE DON'T GET A CHANCE TO RENEGOTIATE THIS. THE METRICS ARE TENS OF THOUSANDS THAT WENT INTO THE STUDY FOR THIS FUNDING.

IT TOOK DECADES. NOW WE ARE DOING 24, 20 -- 2040

[04:45:02]

AND 2050 MOBILITY. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

WE ARE NOW FIGHTING FOR FUNDS 20 AND 30 YEARS OUT AND THAT'S THE ROTATION YOU HAVE. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THE CITIES OF DALLAS, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, THE VALLEY, WEST TEXAS, THEY ARE ALL WAITING FOR TEXDOT TO GET TIRED OF IT AND THEY WILL RELEASE THAT $8 BILLION. IT IS THE LARGEST FUNDING WE HAVE EVER HAD FOR OUR COMMUNITY. IT CREATES JOBS.

THEY DID THE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND THEY DID THE SOCIAL IMPACT STUDIES. MUCH OF WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS I'M SORRY HE IS NOT HERE, BUT MUCH OF WHAT HE SAID IS FALSE REGARDING THE INFORMATION AS THEY WERE PUTTING THROUGH THE MONIES. IT TAKES 20 YEARS FOR WIDENING AND DEEPENING. THIS IS A LONG PROCESS.

WE NEED TO ACT LIKE THE BIGGEST COUNTY IN THE STATE, THE ONE THAT NEEDS THE MOST TRANSPORTATION.

LET'S GET OUR ACT TOGETHER AND LET'S GET IT SETTLED IN AUSTIN AND IN WASHINGTON. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER ONE, JACOB CLEMETAGE SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> I GOT SOMETHING HERE FOR ALL OF Y'ALL.

>> READING ON BEHALF OF JACOB CLEMENTAGE.

THE RAPPER HELPED AN ARMED ROBBERY VICTIM.

HE WAS WITH MATTRESS MACK. I BET TREY WOULD HELP THE LONE SURVIVOR GOLF TOURNAMENT TOO LIKE GALLERY FURNITURE.

I SAW COMMISSIONER CAGLE AT A PUBLIC SAFETY FUNCTION AND I BEGAN ORIENTATION AT MINUTE MAID PARK.

WOULD YOU KNOW IT IS COUNTY OWNED AND THE DATE OF THE LONE SURVIVOR GOLF TOURNAMENT IS THIS FRIDAY THE 8TH.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, JACOB.

>> HI, GUYS. OKAY.

Y'ALL ARE GOING TO GET AUTOGRAPHED BASEBALLS FROM MATTRESS MAC. HE WILL WIN MONEY! BECAUSE, WELL, HE WON A BET TODAY. $11 MILLION, WHOA.

IMAGINE WHAT IT COULD DO FOR THE COUNTY.

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

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

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER KAREN HOLMES.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HI, MY NAME IS KAREN HOLMES. I AM A SURVIVING VICTIM OF A TERRORISTIC ATTACK HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.

I REACHED OUT TO CITY HALL AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WHICH I AM DOING TODAY.

I HAVE ALSO REACHED OUT TO MR. GONZALEZ.

I HAVE BEEN EMAILING AND CALLING, BUT I HAVE NOT GOTTEN A RESPONSE YET. I AM REQUESTING A MEETING SOMEONE THAT CAN LISTEN TO MY STORY AS WELL AS SEEK JUSTICE FOR WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH. IT STARTED IN APRIL OF 2020.

I JUST -- I NEED HELP. I NEED HELP.

I NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE THAT IS GOING TO HEAR ME OUT AND I AM GOING TO GET JUSTICE BECAUSE I DON'T DESERVE WHAT I WENT THROUGH. BY MAKING A COMMENT FROM THAT DAY FORWARD, I HAVE BEEN HARASSED BY AIRPLANES.

I HAVE BEEN HARASSED BY POLICE OFFICERS, BY PEOPLE THAT THAT THAT -- KNOW SOME PEOPLE HAVE BEEN PAID.

>> THANK YOU. >> AM I --

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU.

>> YOU WILL FOLLOW-UP? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 10, TKOR ADVICE A -- DORIS ABSTIN.

>> HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS ABSTIN.

I WAS IN YOUR COURT IN 2019 ON BEHALF OF MY SON IN HARRIS COUNTY JAIL. HE IS CURRENTLY STILL IN HARRIS COUNTY JAIL. THE CHARGE HE HAS IS HE WAS MENTALLY ILL AND STILL HAS A MENTAL ILLNESS AND HE IS NOT GETTING ANY SERVICES. THE JUDGE AND COURT HAS KEPT HIM IN JAIL ON CRIMINAL CHARGES AND NOT GETTING ANY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. THIS JANUARY 19TH, THEY DECIDED TO MAKE HIM INCOMPETENT AND NOW THEY ROLLED HIM OVER TO THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT. HE IS STILL SITTING THERE WHICH IS ALMOST FOUR YEARS WITHOUT EVER BEING OUT.

[04:50:01]

I REQUESTED THAT THE ATTORNEY THEY HAD WHICH WAS INEFFECTIVE AND NOT COUNSEL TO BE REMOVED, AND THAT PARTICULAR JUDGE DECLINED TO REMOVE THE ATTORNEY. AGAIN IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR --

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

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

WE WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU. THANK YOU.

>> KWRUPBLG -- JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKER THAT'S WERE

AVAILABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

DO YOU HAVE AN ETA ON COMMISSIONER ELLIS? OKAY. LET'S NOT GO THROUGH THE CONSENT

[Departments ( Part 4 of 4 )]

>> YES, MA'AM. SHE IS ON THE LINE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, TIFFANY.

I HAVE A BRIEF UPDATE AND THAT IS THAT THE NEW OMICRON VARIANT ACCOUNTS FOR 75% OF THE CASES IN OUR AREA.

IT IS A LITTLE MORE TRANS MISSABLE -- YES? WE NEED TO DISCUSS IT WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS SO I WILL WAIT FOR HIM TO RETURN AND THEN WE'LL GO BACK.

THANK YOU. IT IS A LITTLE MORE TRANS MISSABLE, BUT IT HASN'T POSED A MORE SERIOUS CHALLENGE THAN OMICRON. WE ARE STARTING TO SEEES CAS AND THEY HAVELI A SGHT INCREASE. THE CONCERN IS WATCHING WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ASIA ANDTE WESRN EUROPE WITHTA HOSPILIZATIONSBE GINNING TOAS INCREE, PARTICULARLY IN ASIA.EU ITE T SEEMSO BE HANDLING OKAY.

THE QUESTION ISL HOW WIL ASE TO HANDLE THE NEXT WAVE FAR ASPI OUR HOSTALS ARE CONCERNED?WA THE Y TO GETWI THERE IS TH THE BOOSTER AND THE VACCINES.

WE NOW HAVE AS OF LAST THURSDAY, HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS OFFERING THE SECOND BOOSTER ATEI ALL THR SITESOF.

ALL THEPE SITES ARE ORABLESO, BUT ME HOURSUT HAVE BEEN CAI AT CERTN SITESSN WHERE THERE I'T MUCHTH DEMAND.

AT SAID HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS READYHE TO ACTIVATE T THE DEMANDURS IF INCREASES.RE HELP US SPAD THE WORD.FO RIGHT NOW LKS QUALIFY FOR THE BOOSTER IF THEY ARE 50 OR OLDER OR. IMMUNOCOMPROMISED AND IT NEEDS TO HAVE BEEN FOUR T MONTHS SINCEHE LAST BOOSTERET IN ORDER TO G THE SECOND BOOSTER. WE ARE TAKING RESERVATIONS AND WALK INS. THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT.LE COMMISSIONER CAG, I THINK YOU FLAGGED THIS ITEM.:

>> R. JACK CAGLEYES, DO YOU WANT TO TAKE UP MY ITEM 196 WITH

THIS ONE?ET >> LINA HIDALGO: L'S GO THAT.

MY ITEM IS -- BASED OND THE CONVERSATION WE HA AROUND THIS HORSESHOE AT OUR LASTND COMMISSIONERS' COURT A IN FACT COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD SAID WE OUGHT TO PUT THIS I TO A VOTE, I THINK ITS TIME THAT WITH US BEING IN YELLOW LEVEL AND WITHT PRESIDENT BIDEN SAYING I IS TIME TO MOVE ON WITH THE FACT THAT THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT WE DO HERE WHERE WE MEET EVERY TWO WEEKS AND WE CAN HAVE AN EMERGENCY MEETING IN 72 HOURS, IT IS TIME THAT WE END THE EMERGENCY POWERS OF YOUR OFFICE. I MOVE THAT WE DO THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE -- COMMISSIONER IF YOU ARE MAKING REFERENCE TO SOMETHING I SAID AND MAYBE YOU HAD A SEPARATE ITEM I DIDN'T SEE. MAYBE IT WAS PEOPLE BEING ABLE TO SPEED VIRTUALLY, BUT IF IT RELATES TO THE JUDGE'S EMERGENCY

POWERS -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT TRYING TO IMPLY YOU WERE IN FAVOR.

YOU MADE A COMMENT THAT I PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IN THIS -- [INAUDIBLE] LOOK, THE MAYOR WILL STILL HAVE EXECUTIVE POWERS. THE COUNTY JUDGES AROUND US WILL HAVE EXECUTIVE POWERS. I JUST THINK IT IS PRETTYE RIDICULOUS. JUDGE, I THINK YOU HAV DONE A GREAT JOB UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.

I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN FAVOR OF YOUR PREDECESSORS WHETHER THEY WERE IN MY PARTY OR NOT, HAVING THE POWER THAT'S OTHER MAYORS AND COUNTY JUDGES WHO ARE IN THE GOVERNOR'S DECK -- DECLARATION WOULD HAVE. I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ALL OF US

[04:55:02]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I REMEMBER WHAT ITEM THIS WAS.

IT WAS ISSUING THE LAWSUIT AGAINST THE STATE AND I BELIEVE IT WAS YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THAT SAID I CANNOT DO THAT BECAUSE WE ARE AN EXTENSION OF THE STATE.

THE JUDGE GETS HER POWERS PRECISELY BECAUSE SHE IS AN EXTENSION -- THIS BODY IS AN EXTENSION OF THE STATE.

I AM ASSUMING YOUR ITEM IS NOT COMPLETE AND YOU WOULD WANT TO END THE GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY POWERS AS WELL.

IS THAT -- AM I CORRECT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT IN THE LEGISLATURE. I AM A COUNTY COMMISSIONER.

WE SHUT THIS DOWN TWO WEEKS AFTER HARVEY.

THIS IS NOT ABOUT THIS JUDGE. THIS IS ABOUT ANY JUDGE.

WE ARE NOT IN AN EMERGENCY ANYMORE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DID YOU PROPOSE THIS BACK THEN DURING

HARVEY? >> R. JACK CAGLE: TWO WEEKS AFTER HARVEY, TWO COURT SESSIONS OF -- AFTER HARVEY THEY WERE

DONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DID YOU

PROPOSE THEM? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I TKEUFPBT HAVE TO. I DIDN'T HAVE TO.

WE MADE IT CLEAR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HYPOCRISY KNOWS NO BOUNDS. LET'S VOTE ON THIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AGREE WITH YOU AND JUST BECAUSE IT IS LATE IN THE DAY I WILL SPARE US ALL THE THEATRICS AND MAYBE IT WILL HELP YOU WITH ANY EFFORTS YOU HAVE GOING ON, BUT IT WAS NOT RAINING AGAIN AFTER HARVEY. YOU DIDN'T HAVE AN OPTION.

THE GOVERNOR DID NOT GIVE THE COUNTY THE OPTION.

THE GOVERNOR HAS GIVEN US AUTHORITY TO JUDGE SO LET'S JUST

VOTE ON IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: I SECOND AND THE REASON I SECOND IS SIMPLY -- IT WOULD SEND A GOOD MESSAGE OUT THERE, , -- THERE JUDGE, THAT IT MAY BE A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT THAT MAYBE WE CAN MOVE FORWARD TO THE NEXT STAGE.

I KNOW WE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THINGS IN EUROPE AND OTHER PLACES, BUT I THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD SIGNAL TO THE FOLKS IN HARRIS COUNTY THAT IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND SECOND BY RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> YES. >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION FAILS 2-3.

>> AND THIS IS FOR 196, CORRECT? >> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS FOR 196. IF WE GO BACK TO ITEM 16, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DID YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE? ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON ITEM 16 BROAD COVID ITEM? COMMISSIONER ELLIS WE SKIPPED THE CONSENT AGENDA SO WE ARE

GOING BACK. >> NO ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. ALL RIGHT.

HERE ARE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. ITEM 224, DO FOLKS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON APPOINTING

VERONICA? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 225, REAPPOINTING LINDALL MURFF?

>> NO. >> UNLESS ANYONE FROM THE COURT THAT WANTS TO TALK ABOUT IT, NO NEED TO GO BACK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO FOLKS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION?

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 231, WE ALREADY DISCUSSED JWEB AT LENGTH AND IT IS BY THE ADVICE OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY THERE IS NOT MUCH TO DISCUSS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 231 IS A TPHOFPLT TO THE -- IS A NO. ON TO THE REGULAR AGENDA.

DO WE HAVE THE MOTION YET ON ITEM 9? WE WERE GOING TO REWORK THE RESOLUTION TO INCLUDE THE

LANGUAGE OF ALL MEMBERS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PASSED AROUND AND IT WAS JUST HANDED TO ME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED TO REREAD IT OR DO YOU HAVE IT?

>> WE HAVE THE NEW RESOLUTION. IF YOU CAN READ IT JUST TO

VERIFY THAT IT IS CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU MIND,

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DO NOT MIND READING IT. THE RESOLUTION IS EXACTLY AS IT WAS BEFORE, EXCEPT WE ADD A ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, 5, ARE SIXTH WHEREAS THAT SAYS HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS'

[05:00:01]

THIS WAS CIRCULATED AND EVERYONE WAS FINE WITH IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT A MOTION?

>> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES AND THAT WAS MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. HERE IS ITEM 16 WE DISCUSSED AND THAT WHAT NO ACTION. HERE ARE ALL OF THE OTHER ITEMS LISTED FOR DISCUSSION. DO FOLKS NEED TO DISCUSS ITEM 17 I BELIEVE WE SHOULD TAKE ITEM 17.

IT IS ONE OF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR ITEMS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 21, COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLE. DEPARTMENTAL CARRY FORWARD REQUEST. ITEM 44.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF YOU COULD ADD 22 TO 21, 22 AND 21 ARE COUSINS AND RELATED AND I INADVERTENTLY FAILED TO ADD IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL ADD ITEM 21 AND 22.

ITEM 44. CONTRACT WITH BEAR SERVICES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 79, REAFFIRMATION OF MINIMUM MEASURES FOR THE COMMUNITIES IN

HARRIS COUNTY. >> YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 33. >> YES HRAOERPB --

>> LINA HIDALGO: 90. COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> YES. [INAUDIBLE]

>> LINA HIDALGO: 98 -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 90 THROUGH 98?

>> LINA HIDALGO: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICE AGREEMENTS.

110, COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLE.

THE IMMIGRATION. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 123 WE SHOULD DISCUSS.

IT IS RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

125, A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 188, DONATIONS FOR A ROTARY FISH FRY,

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 196, COMMISSIONERS -- COMMISSIONER -- WE ALREADY DISCUSSED AND VOTED ON ITEM 196.

THAT WAS THE ITEM COMMISSIONER CAGLE POSTED.

197, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: VERY BRIEFLY.

I WILL COMMEND CHRISTIAN MENEFEE'S OFFICE BECAUSE I WAS TALKING WITH HIM ON THAT AND WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE SO IT WILL

BE VERY BRIEF. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

ITEM 200 WE DISCUSSED. THAT WAS THE BACKLOG DISCUSSION.

212 WE DISCUSSED. THAT WAS THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. LAWSON AS DIRECTOR OF THE HARRIS COUNTY LAW LIBRARY.

227 WE DO NEED TO DISCUSS ANOTHER ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR ITEM AND I CAN UPDATE YOU AS TO THE TIMELINE FOR THE ELECTIONS

COMMISSION. >> TOM RAMSEY: PUT 250 WITH

THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL HAVE 17, 123, 227, 245 AND 250 ALTOGETHER.

229, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. A DISPARITY STUDY ON THE GRANT

PROGRAM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE CAN JUST

VOTE ON THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A

MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIES 3-2. 230, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MADE MY POINT >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL NOT BE DISCUSSING 230. 232, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

DATA SHARING AGREEMENT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 238 WE HAVE ALREADY DISCUSSED.

239. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I NO LONGER NEED TO HAVE THAT ON THE -- WE ARE REQUESTING NO ACTION BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. I THINK THERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT NEED TO BE LOOKED AT. IF MY COLLEAGUES DON'T MIND WE CAN PUT IT AS A NO ACTION FOR NOW.

[05:05:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON 239.

240, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, SERVICE NOW IMPLEMENTATION FOR

3-1-1 RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 245, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, FORCE MARCH

GROUP. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 249, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DISPERSE MEANT OF $750 MILLION IN CDBG MINT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 250 WE HAVE LIVE FOR DISCUSSION. 251 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WE DISCUSSED. 252, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I-45?

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE ARE NO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TODAY'S AGENDA.

LET ME GO THROUGH THE ITEMS FLAGGED FOR DISCUSSION.

I HAVE NO EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS 17, 21, 22, 44, 79, 83, 90, 91, 92,ING -- 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 110, 123 , 125, 188, 197, 227, 232, 240. 245, 249, 250 AND 252.

LET ME GO OVER ANY CORRECTIONS. >> BEFORE CORRECTIONS, I THINK WE STILL NEEDED TO GET A VOTE FOR 251.

I BELIEVE YOU WERE GOING TO COME BACK.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO. >> WAS THE MOTION PASSED?

>> I DON'T THINK THERE WAS AN ACTUAL --

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT WAS 4-0. FOUR IN FAVOR AND ONE

ABSTENTION. >> THAT WAS A DIFFERENT ONE,

MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: DID WE PASS --

WHAT WAS -- WE CAN DO IT AGAIN. >> I BELIEVE THAT'S WHY I WANTED CONFIRMATION. THEY WEREN'T ALL --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS A DISCUSSION ITEM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S JUST DISCUSSION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS NO ACTION.

>> NO ACTION FOR 231 -- I MEAN 251.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS NO ACTION. THE JWEB DID PASS ALREADY.

THANK YOU THOUGH. LET ME GO BACK TO ANY CLARIFICATIONS. WE TOOK NO ACTION ON ITEM 8.

CORRECTION ON ITEM 40. ADD AN S AFTER PRECINCT AND THEN ADD TWO AND BEFORE THE 3 IN PRECINCT 3.

IT SHOULD READ PRECINCTS 2 AND 3 FOR THE COLONIAL PIPELINE COMPANY. ITEM 68, ENGINEERING REQUESTS NO ACTION. ITEM 80, ENGINEERING REQUESTS NO ACTION ON GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS FOR NEW BUILDING.

ITEM 89, NO ACTION ON THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ITEM.

ITEM 132, NUMBER 48 OF THE TEXAS TRAVEL AND TRAINING.

PLEASE CHANGE THE LOCATION FROM SUGARLAND TO SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

ITEM 239 WE DISCUSSED. NO ACTION.

ITEM 245EM ROVE THE WORD PERSONAL AND REPLACE IT WITH THE WORDRO PFESSIONAL. IT READS PROFESSIONALER SVICES AGREEMENT. THOSE ARE THE CORRECTIONS.

WENE HAVE GO THROUGH THE CONSENT AGENDA AND THEREPU ARE NO BLICAR

HEINGS. L >>INA HIDALGO: IS THERE AON MOTI FOR ALL OF THE ITEM 1 THROUGH 254 WITHTI THE EXCEPON OFE ITEMS VOTOWED ANDUS DISCSION ITEMS JUST LISTED.ED MOTION BY GARCIAD AND SECONDE BY RAMSEY. F

ALL INAVOR? >> I L.

>>INA HIDALGO: ANY MOTION CARRIES. UNANIMOUSLY AND NOW W WE WILL STARTITH THE FIRST ITEM, 21JA.

>> R. CK CAGLE: I THINK 21 N WE MOSTLYEED TO VOTE.D I FORWARDE V A MOTION THAT IOTES WE APPROVEIX OF THE ITEM THAT'S WERE LISTED I'M CONFIDEN THAT SOMEBODON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HORSESHOE WILL MOVE THEAF EAR -- OTHERS TERRS WE TAKE THE FIT VOTE. I MOVE FOR THE SIX EXCEPT FOR AN

[05:10:02]

>> TOM RAMSEY: SOND. T >> LINA HIDALGO:HIS IS A MOTION AS TO ALL BUT THESE AND THEN WE WILL MAKE A MOTION AS TO THE REST? ARE YOU OKAY? SO THERE ISON A MOTION BY COMMISSIER CAGLE APPROVING ALL DEPARTMENTS EXCEPT FOR THE ONES LISTED AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> CAN WE GET CON FIR --UM

CONFIRMATION ON THE ITEM NBER? >> LINA HIDALGO: 23.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS MOVES THE REMAINING DEPARTMENTS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.ED

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOS? >>IN NO.

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

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ON ITEM 22 WE HAVE CIRCULATED A SIMILAR MOTION THAT IN ESSENCE SAYS THE SAME THING.

THIS IS THE TRANSFER OF THE FUNDING AFTER WE VOTED ON ITEM 21 AS IT TALKS ABOUT THE CREATION.

ITEM 22 I MOVE WE APPROVE ALL AUTHORIZED BUDGET APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS AS PRESENTED EXCEPT FOR THE CARRY FORWARD ITEMS FROM 21. COMMISSIONERS' COURT ANALYST OFFICE AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS AND ELECTIONS OPERATIONS AND THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION. SO I MOVE FOR THOSE FOR WHAT IS

LISTED.A >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND.

>> LINHIDALGO: MOTIONED BY CAGLE AND SECONDED BY RAMSEY.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED IN -- ANY OPPOSED? I WOULD SAY COMMISSIONERS GARCIA AND ELLIS ARE IN FAVOR AND I AM IN FAVOR. COMMISSIONER ELLIS MOVES THE ITEM AS TO THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

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

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK YOU MA I BE OPPOSED?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I'M SORRY. I AM UH POISE -- OPPOSED 88

WE'LL TAKE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE'LL TAKE

THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIES 3-2. THE NEXT ITEM IS ITEM -- I'M SORRY. I SKIPPED ITEM 17.

ITEM 17 GOES WITH 123, 245 AND 250.

THOSE ARE THE ITEMS RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR. VOTE ON THAT.GLE: I JUST NEED TO

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL MOVE ITEM 17. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR.

MOTION CARRIES 3-2. AS FAR AS ITEM 1 TWRO -- 123, I WOULD ASK THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BROUGHT UP PWHR -- ABOUT THE LIST? ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA, IF YOU WOULD ADDRESS THAT.

>> HE IS CORRECT. IT IS AS Y'ALL KNOW UP TO THE PARTIES BECAUSE IT IS A PRIMARY ELECTION JUST LIKE IN THE MARCH 1ST LOCATION TO SELECT THE LOCATIONS.

THE PARTIES ASKED US TO SUBMIT AN INITIAL THOUGHT.

PART OF THIS ISSUE IS THAT ON MAY 7TH WE HAVE AN ELECTION AND FOR THE SAKE OF THE VOTERS AND NOT CONFUSING THE VOTERS WE SUBMITTED TO EACH PARTY THE LIST WE ARE USING SAYING FOR THE SAKE OF THE VOTERS AND FOR THE SAKE OF THE EQUIPMENT AND THE TURNOVER WE HAVE TO DO, HERE IS WHAT WE RECOMMEND YOU USE AND STICK TO IT AS CLOSELY AS YOU CAN.

WE ASKED MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE PARTIES SUBMIT TO US THE AGREED UPON LIST. WE KNOW THINGS CHANGE A LITTLE BIT AND IT IS TRUE THAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS YET TO AGREE TO ANY LOCATIONS OBJECT SUBMIT TO MY OFFICE KIND OF ANY INTENT OR INTEREST IN THE LOCATIONS THEY ARE INTERESTED IN. WE ARE WAITING ON THE HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY. IT IS NOT JUST LOCATIONS.

WE CANNOT PLACE JUDGES AND CANNOT SEND JUDGE PLACEMENT LETTERS. IT IS DIFFICULT TO BEGIN TRAINING THE JUDGES AND ELECTION WORKERS AND IT IS EVEN DIFFICULT TO PACK THE SUPPLIES FOR THE ELECTIONS WITHOUT THE LIST OF LOCATIONS. WE ARE WAITING ON THE HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY TO WORK WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN WHAT THEIR FINAL LOCATION WILL BE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING, EA, THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY K*PB -- REPUBLICAN PARTY WOULD LIKE TO USE THE SAME POLLING LOCATION THAT'S WE HAD ON MARCH 1ST WHICH MAKES

[05:15:03]

THESE LOCATIONS THAT WE HAVE NOW DON'T MAKE SENSE.

>> THAT IS INCORRECT. IT IS A COUNTY WIDE ELECTION AS DICTATED BY THE STATE. THERE ARE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND THERE ARE *R -- THERE ARE MULTIPLE PLACES WE HAVE PLANNED FOR MAY 7TH. THE PARTIES ASKED US -- AND TO BE CLEAR THEY ASKED ME, BOTH PARTIES, TO SUBMIT TO THEM A LIST OF LOCATIONS TO START WORKING FROM.

THAT IS THE LIST I GAVE THE PARTIES WITH A CLEAR INDICATION THAT IT IS UP TO THE PARTIES TO DECIDE WHICH LOCATIONS THEY WOULD LIKE TO USE. THE REPUBLICAN PARTY RESPONDED IN AN EMAIL SAYING I DICTATED WHICH COULD BE USED AND I IMPOSED A DEADLINE WHICH AGAIN IS UNTRUE, SIR.

THE ONLY RECOMMENDATION I MADE IS THAT WE HAVE TWO COUNTY WIDE ELECTIONS IN ONE MONTH WHICH I CANNOT REMEMBER IN HARRIS COUNTY HISTORY AS HAPPENED. I RECOMMENDED THAT THE PARTIES CONSIDER NOW -- FOR THE SAKE OF THE VOTERS AND BEING ABLE TO USE EQUIPMENT AND THOSE VOTING LOCATIONS TO CONSIDER AND IT IS ABSOLUTELY THEIR RIGHT TO CONSIDER IT OR NOT USING THE SAME EARLY VOTE LOCATIONS WHICH FOR A VAST MAJORITY OF THE COUNTY AND WHAT THE PARTIES ARE REQUESTING ARE THE SAME LOCATIONS. THE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS REQUESTED 90 EARLY VOTE LOCATIONS AND AND 375 ELECTION LOCATIONS INSTEAD OF THE 260 THAT WE PROPOSED.

TO BE CLEAR, THE 260 ELECTION DAY SITES I PROPOSED AND THE 52 EARLY VOTE SITES I PROPOSED ARE MORE THAN DOUBLE -- DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF PRIMARY LOCATIONS EVER ALLOCATED IN A RUNOFF.

SO IF THE CONTENTION IS THE PARTY S WHO LIKE US TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF VOTING LOCATIONS, THEY HAVE ABSOLUTELY EVERY RIGHT TO ASK THAT. THAT'S SOMETHING THEY HAVE TO

WORK OUT WITH EACH OTHER. >> TOM RAMSEY: WHICH IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS SAYING.

THEY ARE SAYING LET'S USE THE OLD LOCATIONS FROM MARCH 1ST. IT IS NOT CORRECT TO SAY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HADN'T TOLD YOU SOMETHING.

THEY HAVE TOLD YOU SOMETHING. YOU JUST DON'T LIKE WHAT THEY

TOLD YOU. >> THEY CAN DECIDE WHATEVER THEY WANT AS A PARTY. THAT IS WHAT I AM SAYING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID.

>> SO THE TWO PARTIES HAVE TO AGREE.

MAYBE THE NEXT LOGICAL QUESTION WOULD BE WHAT IF THEY DON'T

AGREE? >> I CANNOT MOVE FORWARD IN OUR CONTRACT AND WITH THE LAW UNTIL THE PARTIES AGREE.

THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THE COUNTY HOSTS.

THE PARTIES CONTRACT WITH US INDEPENDENTLY.

I CANNOT MOVE FORWARD UNTIL THE PARTIES COME TO AN AGREEMENT.

RO*RD RO*D SO IF -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO IF THEY DON'T AGREE THEY WON'T HAVE ELECTIONS, I GUESS.

>> CORRECT AND THE NUMBER OF EARLY ELECTION LOCATIONS WAS DISCUSSED FOR MONTHS. I CAN'T REMEMBER A RUNOFF LOCATION WHERE THERE WERE AS MANY LOCATIONS AS THERE WERE ON ELECTION DAY. THAT IS THE ONLY REASON WE RECOMMENDED A A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF LOCATIONS IF THEY WANT TO SWITCH THAT THAT'S SOMETHING THEY HAVE TO DECIDE AND AGREE TO PAY FOR AND THE STATE AGREE TO PAY FOR.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO THEY HAVE AN OPTION OF -- OF CONTRACTING WITH

SOMEONE ELSE? >> NEITHER PARTY HAS TO CONTRACT WITH US. IF THE PARTY IS ASKED TO CONTRACT WITH ME, I HAVE TO SAY YES.

THE PARTIES COULD SEEK AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AND THEY COULD SAY WE JUST WANT THE TPH-PB -- THE MACHINES FROM YOU AND NOTHING ELSE. THEY DO NOT HAVE TO CONTRACT

WITH ME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WELL, I AM NOT ON THE BALLOT. I WOULD SUGGEST, AND I'M SURE YOU ARE, REKWREUT -- REITERATE IN AN EMAIL AND SAY HERE IS THE LAW. IT IS A PANDORA'S BOX.

[05:20:01]

IT IS UP TO THEM. IF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY CAN SIT DOWN AND THEY BOTH HAVE TO AGREE.

THEY HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TANGO OR WE WILL FIGURE OUT WHO WILL BE THE NOMINEE. MAYBE THEY CAN PULL A STRAW.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HEARD THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED A PROPOSAL FROM THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

BUT AM I ALSO HEARING ACTUALLY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DID SEND A PROPOSAL, BUT IT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS? IN OTHER WORDS THEY WANT THE MARCH 1ST LOCATIONS AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WANTS THE MAY

7TH LOCATIONS? >> I AM LOOKING AGAIN -- WE SUBMITTED THE NAME OF EACH LOCATION WHERE IT WOULD BE IN THE COUNTY AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY REVIEWED IT AND SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONSIDER. I AM TRYING TO PULL UP THE EMAIL. IF YOU ALLOW ME 10 SECONDS TO MAKE SURE I HAVE ALL OF THE CORRECT WORDING HERE.

I AM TRYING TO DOUBLE CHECK IF THEY SENT A SPREAD SHEET IN THE LAST EMAIL. I WILL GET THAT TO YOU.

THE CULMINATION IS I BELIEVE THEIR PROPOSAL WHAT -- PROPOSAL WAS WE WANT EVERYTHING TO BE READY MARCH 1ST.

THAT WOULD REQUIRE 90 EARLY VOTE LOCATIONS AND 375 ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS AND, YES, THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SENT A GENERAL LIST OF NAMES OF PLACES THEY WOULD LIKE TO BE CONSIDERED.

IT DIDN'T INCLUDE THE POLL CODES AND THE ADDRESSES.

IT IS AN INCOMPLETE LIST AS FAR AS WHAT WE CAN ACT ON.

SO WHY ARE WE VOTING ON SOMETHING WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO

VOTE ON. >> YOU VOTED ON THE MAY 7TH ELECTION WHICH IS RUN BY THE COUNTY.

WHAT YOU ARE ASKING ME NOW IS THE MAY 24TH PRIMARY RUNOFF WHICH IS THE PRIMARY ELECTION THAT THE PARTIES DECIDE.

IS THIS OFF A TIMELINE SOMEHOW ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA COMPARED TO WHAT THEY NORMALLY AGREE ON. IT IS A GIVE AND TAKE.

>> IN A PERFECT WORLD WE WERE DEDICATED TO JUST ONE ELECTION AND WE MAY HAVE HAD A LITTLE MORE WIGGLE ROOM.

WE ARE CONSIDERING WE WILL HAVE TO SPEND THREE WEEKS, IT STRAINS THE CAPACITY OF MY TEAM TO WAIT. NONE OF THE JUDGES CAN BE PLACED IN THE MAY 24TH ELECTIONS. WE CAN'T START PREPARING SUPPLIES FOR THE MAY 24TH ELECTION.

WE ARE, CALL IT, WAY PAST THE DEADLINE THAT I FEEL COMFORTABLE. AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS POINTED OUT, WHETHER I FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THIS OR NOT, I AM AT THE MERCY OF THE PARTIES BEING ABLE TO AGREE.

>> WHAT IS THE ACTUAL DEADLINE? COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> THE AGENDA ITEM TODAY IS FOR THE MAY 7TH ELECTION. I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYBODY COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE SITES THAT HAVE BEEN PROPOSED FOR MAY 7TH.

IF I VOTE FOR THIS TODAY SO WHAT IS THE LATEST WE CAN COME BEFORE YOU OR PUT ON THE AGENDA TO MAKE A CHANGE IN TERMS OF THE MAY

7TH, ELECTION. >> THERE ARE STATUTORY DEADLINES THAT SAY TECH -- TECHNICALLY YOU CAN'T REQUEST A CHANGE UNTIL THE EMERGENCY PERIOD, BUT IF YOU RAISE IT TO ME NOW WE CAN TRY OUR BEST TO CHANGE THOSE LOCATIONS AND BRING IT BACK UP TO YOU. I WILL SAY TWO WEEKS BEFORE ELECTION DAY IS MY INTERNAL DEADLINE TO GIVE US ENOUGH TIME TO PREPARE AND CHANGE THE LOCATION AND CHANGE THE ASSIGNMENTS AND PREPARE THE SUPPLIES AND DELIVER IT

APPROPRIATELY. >> SO IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT IF AN ISSUE ARISES AS LONG AS WE GET IT TO YOU TWO TO THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE NEXT ELECTION WE SHOULD BE FINE.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT MY TEAM IS CLEAR THAT WE NEED TO

[05:25:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION ON 1 TWOE -- 123.

MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR. IT CARRIES 4-1.

NEXT IS ITEM 227. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT I AM NOT OPPOSED TO THIS MAY 7TH, BUT I AM NOT BY ANY MEANS CONSENTING TO THE RUNOFF ELECTION.

THAT'S AN ISSUE WE STILL NEED TO ADDRESS.

YAK. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT JUSWANT PEOPLE OUT THERETE LISNINGT THA MY VOTE WAS NOT DEALING WITH THE RUNOFFIO ELECTN.TH ERE IS SOMEOV CONTRERSY ON THE RUNOFF ELECTIONAN DATE D THELO CATIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.TE SO IM 227 AND SO BASICALLY-- THAT ONE WORKSN IN CONJUNCTIOWITH THE THAT THERM APPROVAL ELECTION COMMISSION WILL T CONSIDEROMORROW. AND SOKE THIS KIND OF MAS ME HOL DOWN A LITE BIT TO FILL YOU GUYS IN ON WHAT ISRR COMING TOMOOW.DI MY UNDERSTANNG.

OCA CAN GET STARTEDTI AFTER THE ELECON COMMISSION MEETS AND WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXS ANYTHINGS -- COMMIIONERS' COURT TO GET THE HIRING STARTED. THE WAY THIS HAS WORKED, WE ARE TRYING TO FIND A TIME THAT WORKS FOR THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION.

SOME CAN ONLY MAKE IT VIRTUALLY AND ONLY ONE CAN BE HERE VIRTUALLY.KS WE FOUND TIME THAT WOR AND IT IS TOMORROW MORNING. ON THE AGENDA IS A TIMELINE AND PLAN FOR HIRING AN ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

THE USE OF A FIRMTI TO RECRUIT POTENTIAL ELECON ADMINISTRATOR CANDIDATES AND MANAGE THE HIRING PROCESS.

AS WELL AS THE ELECTIONSN ADMINISTRATOR JOB DESCRIPTIO THERE -- THAT CAN BE I POSTED. AND SO YOU KNOW THISS THE TIME - TODAY IDEALLY COMMISSIONERS' COURT APPROVES THE HIRING OF A SEARCH FIRM. TOMORROW IDEALLY THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION WILL BEGIN THE SEARCH PROCESS AND SO HUMAN RESOURCES CAN POST THE JOBE DESCRIPTION ONLINE AND DISTRIBUT IT BROADLY NEXT WEEK THE COUNTY WILL GET THE HIRING -- WILL GET THE SEARCH FROM ONLINE AND THAT PUTS US AT THE END OF JUNE TO A POINS ADMINISTRATOR WHICH IS ON TIME AFTER ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA'S

.RANSITION PERIOD >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS GOING TO

MAKE A MOTION.ON >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD

COMMISSIER. >> TOM RAMSEY: A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS, JUDGE. WHY WAS THIS PARTICULAR FIRM

CHOSEN? >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU MA I BE GOING TO THE NEXT -- YOU MAY BE GOING TO THE NEXT ITEM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: ARE WE ON 227? >> LINA HIDALGO: THE SEARCH HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED YET. THAT IS SOMETHING THAT COMMISSIONER -- THAT ADMINISTRATOR BERRY WILL IDENTIFY. WHY DON'T I LET YOU ANSWER THE

QUESTION. >> IT IS IN THE BACK UP.

>> WE HAVE A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE FIRM TO HIRE THAT WOULD BE

-- >> YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION?

>> APOLOGIES. >> TOM RAMSEY: THERE IS SOMEONE IDENTIFIED AND TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS.

THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION RUNS THE ELECTION WHICH IT SEEMS LIKE THEY SHOULD BE MAKING THESE DECISIONS AND THEY DO NOT WORK FOR THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, CORRECT? THIS IS A FAVOR TO THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION AND IT WILL BRING

[05:30:03]

>> I WOULD HOPE WE WOULD AGREE. WE WILL MAKE A RECOMMENDATION WHICH I HOPE THEY WILL APPROVE, BUT I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE THE BUY IN AND APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSION FOR WHOEVER WE

HIRE. >> TOM RAMSEY: SO RECOGNIZING IT IS REALLY THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION AND I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND, IS THIS THE FIRST TIME THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION

HAS MET? >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAD THE SAME SERIES OF MEETINGS WHEN IT WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED.

WE RETAINED A SEARCH FIRM AND THEY FOUND SOME GREAT CANDIDATES AND THEN THERE WAS A MEETING. AND THERE WAS A MEETING TO ACCOMPLISH A JOB DESCRIPTION AND THERE WAS A MEETING TO COVER THE TIMELINE. AND THEN THERE WAS A MEETING TO SELECT THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

NOW THAT WE ARE FINDING A NEW ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

FOR WHATEVER REASON -- AND I DON'T KNOW THE DETAILS.

>> WHAT WAS YOUR CRITERIA, MR. BERRY, IN FINDING THE SEARCH

>> I WILL SEE IF MS. DOUGLAS IS AVAILABLE TO ANSWER THAT.

ARE YOU ON THE LINE? >> MR. BERRY, SHE IS NOT ON THE

LINE. >> WE HAVE A NUMBER OF SEARCH FIRMS AND WHEN WE FOUND OURSELVES IN THE SITUATION WE

WOULD HAVE SOMEONE READY. >> TOM RAMSEY: FOR THIS?

>> IT WAS AN RFP FOR EXECUTIVE SEARCHES.

WITHOUT A POSITION NAMED. >> BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE RFP OUR CHIEF TALENT OFFICER WAS ASKED TO DISCUSS THIS WITH A NUMBER OF FIRMS AND CONFIRM THEIR INTEREST LEVEL AND THEN THIS FIRM WHICH IS RSI IS THE ONE THAT SHE AND I ARE RECOMMENDING FOR THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION TO ENGAGE.

THEY HAVE DONE WORK FOR US AND DONE WORK FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON. AND THEY HAVE DONE A NUMBER OF

SECTOR SEARCHES BEFORE. >> TOM RAMSEY: DO WE VOTE ON SOMETHING THAT IS ACTUALLY THE DECISION OF THE ELECTIONS

COMMISSION? >> HONESTLY, THE VOTE IS TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO RETAIN THE SEARCH FIRM AND COME UP WITH A RECOMMENDATION.

THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE WILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY UNDER THIS AGENDA ITEM TO GO BACK AND LOOK FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

>> THE CLOCK IS TICKING. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE MOTION IS AS PRESENTED. ALL IN FAVOR?

ITEM 227. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.

THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2. >> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT IS ITEM 245. THEY ARE ALTOGETHER.

250 AS WELL. 245 AND THEN GO TO 250.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE CAN SKIP 197.

WE DID 117 AND 123 AND WE JUST DID 227 AND NOW WE ARE ON 245.

AND THEN THE FINAL ONE IS 250. THAT'S IT FOR ALL OF THE OTHER ELECTION ITEMS. SO 245.

YOU COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> I THOUGHT THIS WAS MORE OF AN ASSESSMENT. WE GET HUNG UP IN THE SEMANTICS OF IT ALL. WE ALREADY TALKED ABOUT THE FIRM. IT WAS SOMEONE MAYBE FROM A JAW -- FROM A GENERIC PLACE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEIR

[05:35:02]

DO WE KNOW? >> COMMISSIONER, FIRST OF ALL, TO CLARIFY AND THE PREVIOUS ITEM WE ARE DISCUSSING A SEARCH FIRM TO IDENTIFY A NEW ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS THE SAME FIRM.

>> NO. IT IS A DIFFERENT FIRM.

WE ASKED FOR A REVIEW OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MARCH PRIMARY INCLUDING INTERVIEWS FOLKS AND TALKING TO PRECINCT JUDGES AND POLL WORKERS AND BEST PRACTICES IT WOULD BE SO THE NEW ELECTIONS AT STRAIGHTER CAN BENEFIT FROM -- ADMINISTRATOR CAN BENEFIT FROM IT. THERE ARE SOME INDIVIDUALS THAT DO HAVE CURRENT CLIENTS. THE ELECTION ASSISTANT COMMISSION AND THE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE -- ASSISTANTS.

THEY ARE EXPERTS IN ELECTIONS. IT IS NOT GENERIC CONSULTANTS.

WE DO WANT TO BE CLEAR WHAT THEY ARE NOT DOING.

THIS IS NOT A OPERATIONAL CONSULTING TEAM TO RUPBLG -- TO

RUN THE ELECTION. >> SO THEY HAVE DONE THIS

BEFORE? >> THEY HAVE DONE SIMILAR WORK BEFORE, YES. LOAN --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS A MOTION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICKLY, JUST TO UNDERSTAND QUICKLY, MR. BERRY, WE HAVE TAKEN A VOTE ON PROCESS HAD -- PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS OFFICE.

IS THIS PART OF THAT OR IS THIS SPECIFIC TO THE MAY ELECTION.

>> THIS IS A REVIEW OF WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PRIMARY.

WE HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF ISSUES OCCUR WITH THE IDEA INCLUDING INTERVIEWS AND WHERE YOU WOULD SURVEY IT AND SO FORTH AND WITH THE IDEA OF GENERATING RECOMMENDATIONS.

I DOUBT A LOT OF THAT WILL BE READY FOR MAY.

FOR NOVEMBER THE HOPE IS THAT IT WOULD BE READY TO BE USED BY THE

NEW EA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE ALSO APPROVE -- WELL, WE APPROVED A HOST OF CONSULTANTS FOR YOUR OFFICE. AT THE LAST COURT.

SOME OF THOSE SEEM TO BE PROFICIENT IN, FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM, MACKENZIE-LIKE WORK.

WHY NOT USE ONE OF THE ONES WE APPROVED?

>> THE TEAM DID REACH OUT TO THOSE FIRMS AND ASKED THEM FOR BASICALLY THE QUALIFICATIONS TO DO THE ELECTIONS WORK.

I THINK WE WILL CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION AND WE WILL HAVE MORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND SUPPORT.

PERHAPS ONE OF THOSE FIRMS WILL HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD TO BE CLEAR. THESE ARE EXPERTS AND NOT PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO BE ON THE GROUND RUNNING THE ELECTION.

OR HELPING RUN THE ELECTION. >> AND THIS FIRM, I CAN SEE A FEMALE LISTED OR ARE WE NOT ASKING FOR ONE?

>> I KNOW THE PURCHASING COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS BEEN INVOLVED.

I WILL ASK THEM TO RESPOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: COUNTY

ATTORNEY? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS THERE AN

MWBE RELATED? >> I WILL DEFER TO PURCHASING.

THERE IS A PERSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BASED ON THE INDIVIDUALS. IT IS NOT LIKE THERE IS A KNOWN FIRM WITH THE COP -- COMPENSATION.

I AM NOT AWARE OF THE POLICY APPLYING TO PERSONAL SERVICES

AGREEMENTS. >> LINA HIDALGO: DIDN'T THEY

CHANGE IT? >> THE RECOMMENDATION --

>> I APOLOGIZE. >> THE RECOMMENDATION IS WE WOULD DO THIS AS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THIS FIRM. AND I THINK THEY REACHED OUT TO THE FIRMS AND FIND THE ONE MOST QUALIFIED.

[05:40:02]

WE WOULD HAVE TO GO BACK AND GET INFORMATION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS 120 GRAND, SO I URGE THAT WE WANT TO HOLD IT UP, BUT I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE MWBE ELEMENT.

>> NORMALLY ON THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WE --

>> I AM AWARE OF THAT. WE ARE JUST TRYING TO --

>> UNDERSTAND. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IN MY MIND, THE RATIO OF IMPLICATIONS BEHIND SENATE BILL 1, IT IS A GOOD TIME TO MENTOR SOME MWBE'S IN THIS STAYS.

I HOPE YOU WILLEN -- YOU WILL ENCOURAGE THEM.

IN MY MIND, IT IS BROAD ENOUGH TO ALSO LOOK AT WHETHER OR NOT THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE WAS ADEQUATELY RESOURCED WHEN THEY WENT THROUGH THE PAST ELECTION.

WHEN THEY DO THIS REVIEW IT IS BROAD ENOUGH TO LOOK AT.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS BROAD ENOUGH AND IF NOT I WILL

MOVE TO AMEND THE MOTION. >> WE'LL REVIEW THE SCOPE WITH THAT IN MIND TO MAKE SURE IT IS INCLUDED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS ON THE

TABLE. >> I AGREE.

GOING BACK TO THE FIRST ITEM, ITEM 17, HAVE YOU GONE THROUGH THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT FROM THE OFFICE AND EVALUATED THAT THE RESOURCES ARE THERE FOR BOTH MAY ELECTIONS?

>> YES. >> IT IS A CONTINUING CONVERSATION. WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES THAT ARE COMING IN OR HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED AFTER THIS MEETING AND WHAT THE PROJECTED EXPENSES ARE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I I WANT TO BE CLEAR ON THIS.

IT WOULD BE THE ONE-TIME EXPENSES.

SO IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ARPA FUNDING.

AND IF THERE ARE MORE NEEDS THAT ARE CLEAR, PLEASE DON'T BE BASHFUL ABOUT IT. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT IS BECAUSE OF A LACK OF RESOURCES OROT N. I JUST WANT TOHE CCK OFF POSSIBLE SOURCES OF THERO PBLEM AND I ALSO HEARDDM AINISTRATOR LONGORIA SAYOM SETHING ABOUT, YOU KNOW,HA IT S BEENER A VY LONGTIME SINCE THEY HAD TWO ELECTIONS LIKES THIIN MAY AND

SHE FEELS OVERSTRETCHED.>> UNDERSTOOD.>> RODNEY ELLIS: [INAUDIBLE]. AS WE T MOVE TOHE NOVEMBEREC ELTION, I JUST WANT TO MAKERE BE ANTLD THERE COU AND WEDENTED TURNOUT MAKE SUREAR ARPA FUNDS EBL AVAILAE FOR THAT AS WELLK. YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS 245 AND NOW

>>OT WHAT IS THE MION FOR 245?A >> LINHIDALGO: I THOUGHTD. WE VOTE IT IS B AS PRESENTED,UTE WE MAE THTWEAK.OF IT IS A PRESSIONALCO SERVICES NTRACT.ER COMMISSION ELLIS MAKES THE IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND BYRC COMMISSIONER GAIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >>A I.

>> LINHIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>>M LINA HIDALGO: I A IN FAVOR.S MOTION CARRI 3-2.

>> ANDTE FOR 227, JUST WANDIF TO GET CLARICATION.SC THERE WAS A DIUSSION ANDN. POSSIBLE ACTIO I WANTED TO WHAT THE MOTION WAS FOR 227LG.

>> LINA HIDAO: IT IS TO RETAIN A SEARCH FIRM TO ASSIST IN THE HIRING OFMI THE ELECTIONS ADNISTRATOR.

250, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.EA >> TOM RAMSEY: HRING TO CONTINUE TO INFE GENERAL, I STILL DON'T EL COMFORTABLE WITH EA LONGORIA HANDLING THAT.

I HAD PUT IN HERE MAYBE TAU KNE. THE COUNTYD ATTORNEY CALLED KNE ANHE IS -- CALLED ME ANDY HE IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEAND HE SAID YOU CAN'T HAVE AN OFFICIAL SERVING IN THE EA ROLE.

I DID NOT KNOW THAT. YOU CAN'T HAVE THAT.

AN OPTION, T AND A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TOHAT AND I HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT IT, BUT MAYBE IT COULD BE DRAFTED ON A NARROW

[05:45:04]

HE RAS RUN ELECTIONS IN -- HE HAS RUN ELECTIONS IN TRAVIS COUNTY AND HARRIS COUNTY. HE WOULD HIT THE GROUND RUNNING MAKING SURE WE CROSS OUR T'S AND DOT OUR I'S.

HE WOULD BE A FABULOUS EA UNTIL WE GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF HIRING A NEW ONE. THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION.

GO AHEAD AND SEND EA LONGORIA HOME AND BRING MICHAEL NGUYEN IN. AND THAT'S PART OF THE FIX I

THINK.EL >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

.IS >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO ASK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, WHAT IS THE PROCESS? DOES THIS BODY MAKE A DECISION ON WHO IS THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR OR DOES THIS PARTY DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO HAVE AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR? AND I GUESS IT IS CALLED AN

ELECTIONS BOARD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I GUESS IS

THIS A LEGAL PHOEBGS -- MOTION? >> THE MOTION WOULDN'T HAVE ANY EFFECT. AS YOU SAID, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THEY DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO CREATE THE OFFICE AND THEY CAN RATIFY, BUT THEY HAVE NO ROLE IN SELECTING THE ELECTIONS

ADMINISTRATOR. >> TOM RAMSEY: IT WOULD BE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE ELECTION COMMISSION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK MR. NGUYEN WOULD BE AN ABLE CANDIDATE. WE SHOULD GO THROUGH THE PROCESS. MAYBE THE NEXT COURT WE HAVE ABOUT 10 RESOLUTIONS ANYWAY AND MAYBE WE PUT IT IN THE RESOLUTION. WE SEEM TO BE RESOLVING A LOT WITH THESE RESOLUTIONS ANYWAY. SO BRING IT UP THERE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I GUESS THERE IS NO ACTION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: BY THE WAY, THEY WILL BE MEETING TOMORROW.

DO THEY ALLOW PEOPLE TO SPEAK VIRTUALLY AS WELL AS IN PERSON?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T KNOW THAT.

I KNOW THEY HAVE TO BE IN PERSON EXCEPT FOR ONE.

WHAT ABOUT SPEAKERS? >> I BELIEVE THEY ARE ONLY

PERMITTED IN PERSON. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THOUGHT YOU BOYS WERE AGAINST ALL THIS VIRTUAL STUFF?

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST ASKING. I JUST WANT TO BE CONSISTENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO, YES, WE WILL MEET TOMORROW AND I'LL KEEP

YOU POSTED. >> SO NO ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: TO -- NO ACTION.

THOSE ARE THE ELECTION-RELATED ITEMS. LET'S GO TO ITEM 44, BEAR SERVICES.

THIS IS JUST A RAH, RAH FOR THE COMMUNITY.

WHEN WE CAME IN IN 2019 WE WERE WORKING TO IMPROVE A TRANSIT SYSTEM WE HAD CREATED TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF THE DEVASTATION RELATED TO HURRICANE HARVEY.

WE GOT THE SYSTEM UP AND RUNNING THANKS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES AT THE TIME. AND THEN WE CONTINUED TO MOVE ON BECAUSE THE STOPS WERE -- WE HAVE WORK -- WORKED TO COLLABORATE TO CREATE THE BUS STOP PADS AND THE SHELTERS SO PEOPLE CAN CONTINUE TO USE THE SYSTEM.

WHAT A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE IS IT IS LARGELY OUTSIDE THE METRO SERVICE AREA. IT HELPS PEOPLE TO CONNECT TO METRO AND SO ULTIMATELY SOMEONE FROM THE FAR REACHES OF PRECINCT TWO CAN ULTIMATELY MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE MEDICAL CENTER AS AN EXAMPLE. IT MAY BE A LONG DAY UNFORTUNATELY, BUT NONETHELESS THE SUPPORT IS THERE.

I WANT TO THANK MY TEAM FOR THEIR WORK ON THIS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THEIR COLLABORATION AND THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.

WE ARE INSTALLING SIX BUS STOP PADS AND SHELTERS AT THE VARIOUS STOPS AND JUST EXCITED TO GIVE THE FOLKS A LITTLE INFRASTRUCTURE WE TAKE FOR GRANTED IN THE CITY.

AND NOW PRECINCT TWO IS GETTING THAT AS WELL.

SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA ITEM 79. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

DRAINING. >> TOM RAMSEY: IF THE COUNTY ENGINEER IS ON TAP, JUST A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.

[05:50:04]

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE THE COUNTIEN -- THE COUNTY ENGINEER

ON THE LINE? >> GOOD TO SEE YOU HONORABLE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS?

>> TOM RAMSEY: SO A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.

I UNDERSTAND THE REAFFIRMING PART, BUT WHY -- YOU CAN'T REAFFIRM ENOUGH. I GET THAT.

WHY NOW? WHAT DROVE YOU TO PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA? IS THERE A PROBLEM?

>> NO, SIR. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, MAY OF 2020, THE COURT ADOPTED THE POLICY AND THEN IN THE LAST COURT WE HAD A PROJECT WITH WEST UNIVERSITY UNDER THIS AGENDA, PRECINCT 1.

WE HAD A DISCUSSION AND WE HAD A VERY POSITIVE DISCUSSION AS THEY ARE SETTING OUT THE COMMITTEE AND THE BUILDING OFFICIALS.

THIS IS TO REAFFIRM THE POLICY AND 17 OF OUR AGENCIES HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED THE STANDARD AND PARTNER UP WITH HARRIS COUNTY ON THE PARTNERSHIP FUNDING. THIS IS TO ENCOURAGE THE OTHER FOLKS THEY HAVE NOT ADOPTED YET. AND TO LET THEM KNOW WE HAVE THE

TECHNICAL SUPPORT. >> TOM RAMSEY: REMINDING FOLKS OF THIS IS A GOOD THING. I CAN TELL YOU SOME PEOPLE ON THE LIST ARE NOT ADOPTING ATLAS 14.

THEY DON'T KNOW THEY HAVEN'T ADOPTED ATLAS 14 SO A LITTLE OUT REACH WOULDN'T HURT. THAT WOULD BE A GOOD THING.

I MAKE THE MOTION TO SUPPORT THIS ITEM, AND I APPRECIATE YOUR

LEADERSHIP ON THIS. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. HOW MANY HAVE NOT -- 17 HAVE COME IN. HOW MANY HAVE NOT COME IN?

>> COMMISSIONER, IN TERMS OF -- [INAUDIBLE].

WE HAVE 34 CITIES IN OUR JURISDICTION SO HALF OF THEM HAVE NOT ADOPTED. WE ALSO HAVE SEVERAL JURISDICTIONS THAT DRAINS THEIR WATER TO HARRIS COUNTY.

SOME OF THEM HAVE NOT ADOPTED THE POLICY YET.

ALSO WE LOOK AT THE FACT THAT SOME OF THE AGENCY DO NOT RELY ON OUR PARTNERSHIP. WE DON'T PARTNER THEM IN TERMS OF THE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION. IT MAY BE A LITTLE TOUGH TASK FOR THEM TO COMPLY. AS YOU KNOW, SOME.

AS YOU KNOW, SOME OF THE RURAL COUNTIES, THEY ARE LESS COMPARED TO OURS. WE ARE REACHING OUT TO THEM IN TERMS OF THE PLAN. WE CAN ENCOURAGE THEM AND YOU

MAY ADOPT THIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING. IF THERE IS A ROLE THAT ANY OF US CAN PLAY, I WOULD CALL THE JURISDICTIONS AND IF YOU THINK OF ANY OTHER INCENTIVES THAT WE CAN ALSO PUT IN, EVEN WHEN WE GET TO THE OTHER ITEM, 83 WILL BE A DISCUSSION AT SOME OTHER POINT. I KNOW I AM GOING TO TAKE THE POSITION AND WE WILL PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA WHEN IT COMES TO ANY PLAN TO GO IN AND REDUCE FLOODING COMING IN FROM THE GULF. I KNOW THE STATE LAW HAS HARRIS COUNTY BEING ASKED FOR A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF THE MONEY. I CERTAINLY WOULD OPPOSE AND WOULD GO TO THE VOTERS TO MAKE THE CASE IF THOSE ENTITIES ARE NOT SENSITIVE TO THE MWBE ISSUE AND ALSO THIS ISSUE THEY WILL

[05:55:03]

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE THEM AND WE ARE ALL IN IT TOGETHER.

I'M GLAD YOU ARE DOING IT. IF YOU LOOK AT OTHER INCENTIVES IN TERMS OF PROJECTS WE DO NOT JUST WITH THE BOND MONEY, BUT ANY OTHER MONEY THIS ATLAS 14 WAS A FORWARD-THINKING PROCESS AND WE OUGHT TO ENCOURAGE OUR PARTNERS TO JOIN IN.

>> WE WILL DISCUSS WITH OUR STAFF TO SEE IF THERE ARE OTHER INCENTIVES THE COURT CAN GIVE THEM.

PARTICIPATING IN THE FUND IS A BIG INCENTIVE.

A LOT OF FOLKS DON'T EVEN KNOW THE PARTICIPATION THEY CAN DO WITH US. WHEN WE PARTNER THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, A LOT OF FOLKS DIDN'T EVEN KNOW.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT COMMISSIONER ALL OF YOU CAN HELP IS NOTIFY THE JURISDICTIONS THAT HAVE NOT MET THE MINIMUM IN YOUR PRECINCT THAT WE MAY HAVE FUNDING AVAILABLE IT WILL INCENTIVIZE THEM TO ADOPT THE POLICY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THINGS LIKE I WILL RAISE IT IN TERMS OF IMPERVIOUS COVER WHETHER IT IS A ROAD OR BIKE TRAIL OR SIDEWALK.

I WILL LOOK FOR OTHER AVENUES FOR FOLKS TO PARTICIPATE IN

SOLVING THE PROBLEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK AND MENTIONING THE PARTNERSHIP PROJECT.

I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T MENTION YOU WERE THE ARCHITECT

OF THAT PLAN AND THAT PROGRAM. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: ONE OTHER THING AND WE HAVEN'T SPOKE, AND AT SOME POINT WE SHOULD VISIT.

ARE YOU SATISFIED THE CRITERIA TO DO WORK AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE CRITERIA IN THE COUNTY? WE DON'T WANT THE TWO LARGEST ENTITIES SITTING THERE FUSSING OVER DETAILS WHILE PROJECTS DON'T GET DONE. I HAVE SEEN THAT IN THE PAST.

I HOPE IT HAS BEEN RESOLVED. I GET WORD MAYBE IT HAS BEEN, BUT I FEEL BETTER IF YOU CAN TOUCH BASE WITH THOSE IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND WE NEED TO GET ON THE SAME PAGE.

>> YES, SIR, ABSOLUTELY. WE HAVE A MEETING AND CAN START THIS KOFRPB -- CONVERSATION AND WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK INTO OUR REGULATIONS CLOSELY AND AT THAT TIME IF WE HAVE DIFFERENCES WE CAN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE IT DOES NOT DEFER

SIGNIFICANTLY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DR., RAHMAN.

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

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

>> AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: AS PRESENTED.

ITEM 83, COMMISSIONERS GARCIA AND RAMSEY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I WANTED TO SAY I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE PROJECT.

THE POINTS COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE ASIDE WHEN I SUPPORT AND I HAVE ACTUALLY RAISED THE ISSUE AT THE TABLE BUT I AM EXCITED TO MOVE FORWARD AND WE ARE STRATEGICALLY THE LAST TO PUT IN OUR MONEY AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY ELSE IS PARTICIPATING. THIS WILL ALLOW FOR RICE UNIVERSITY, THE CITY AND THE PORT AND THE COUNTY TO PROVIDE THE GALVESTON BAY PARK STUDY PROJECT THAT WILL HELP TO DEVELOP A PLAN THAT WILL PROVIDE STORM SURGE WATER PRO -- PROTECTION TO THE AREAS OF THE PENINSULA AND THE PORT AUTHORITY AND THE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEXES THAT LAY LARGELY IN PRECINCT 2.

THE SEVERE STORM PREDICTION, EDUCATION AND EVACUATION FROM DISASTERS AND CENTER SPEED AT RICE IS SPEAKING -- SEEKING FUNDING TO DEVELOP THE PLAN AND IN EACH OF THE PARTNERS I MENTIONED, THE PORT, THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND OURSELVES ARE CONTRIBUTING 250,000 ALONG WITH AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS MAKING A SIMILAR CONTRIBUTION. SO THIS IS EXCITING TOEL HP MOVE

[06:00:02]

WAS.GER TO REMEMB WHO IT EVERYBODY AGREEDPL THAT ONE AN IS NOT WHATNE OUR REGION EDS. THE C IDEA FOR THISAME FROM HURRICANE IKE.O I WANT TDO MAKE SURE WE N'T IMPEDEET PROGRESS, BUT GL THE COASTASPINE DONE.

JIM BLACKBURN SCENARIO OF WHAT A PERFECT STORM COULD LOOK COASTAL SPINE IN PLACE.

WE ALMOST HAD HIT US, BUT IT DIVERTED TOUN LOUISIANA UNFORTATELY FOR US ANDM. UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE IT FURTHER MAKES A POINT WHYRT THIS STUDY IS IMPOANTK AND WE SHOULD LOOFOR CONTINUE ETD -- CONTINUEDWI RESOURCES.

AND I LL CLOSE WITH THIS,AR JUDGE, THAT WHAT WE E DOING WITH THIS COASTAL SPINE STUDY, IN A LOT OF WAYS IT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT LEADERS BACK IN I THINK IT WAS 1911 WHEN THE IDEA OF A DREDGING FROM GALVESTON BAY INTO THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

THIS IS BOLD. IT HAS TAKEN A LOT OF HEAVY LIFTING. THAT'S WHY I AM EXCITED TO BE A PART OF IT. I HOPE I CAN SEE IN MY LIFETIME MUCH OF THE PROGRESS TAKEN -- TO BE TAKEN ACTION ON AND WE ARE INITIATING TODAY. I PRESENT THE ITEM ASOM PRESENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER, I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENTS AND WANT TO ENCOURAGE THE SENATOR TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE AS DIVERSE AS POSSIBLE I AM THINKING OF U OF H OR U OF TEXAS SOUTHERN THIS STATE IS FAR DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IT WAS BACK THEN.

I DO KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO PASS THE BOND ISSUE.

ON THE OTHER PROPOSAL, THE STATE PUT NOTHING DOWN.

A PWROEUT -- A BRIGHT IDEA, BUT THE BULK OF THE MONEY WILL COME FROM HARRIS COUNTY. AND I THINK I KNOW HOW TO KILL A BOND ISSUE. FROM LOOKING AT THE POLLING DATA YOU CAN GET A SENSE OF WHO VOTES FOR IT AND WHO DOESN'T.

IT IS IMPORTANT THEY TKRAOES -- THEY ADDRESS THE OTHER ISSUES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT STARTED WITH THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: FOR ALL THOSE REASONS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I AM NOT GOING TO SUPPORT THE MOTION.

I HAVE ALMOST WORKED ON THE IKE COASTAL SPINE SIX MONTHS AFTER IKE HIT. THE FOCUS WE NEED AND THIS WILL BE BUILT IN CHAMBERS COUNTY AND THEY OPPOSE IT.

THERE IS A LOT OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS IN THE CITY THAT OPPOSE IT. WHEN YOU COME TO ISSUES LIKE THIS AND THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO DO SUPPORT THE COASTAL SPINE AND WE COME TO A BOND ISSUE ON THAT COASTAL SPINE AND I THINK THIS WILL BE A DISTRACTION AND FOR THOSE REASONS I WILL VOTE

AGAINST IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MUST SAY THAT FOR TOTALLY OPPOSITE REASONS I

[06:05:05]

THEY ADDRESS THE ISSUES. >> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION? MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.

THAT WAS ITEM 83. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1. ITEM 93, 98 COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS ONE AND IF WE CAN BRING THE -- I AM LOSING MY VOICE BECAUSE I ROAD MY BIKE WITH ALL OF THOSE OAK TREES AND ALL OF MY ALLERGIES. IF SHE IS THERE, I WANT TO RAISE THE ISSUE THAT PRIOR TO 2020 WHEN WE TPUPBGDED -- FUNDED THE SAME SIX DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH 381 AGREEMENTS, I DON'T KNOW HOW THEY WERE PICKED.

IT MAY HAD TO DO MORE WITH POLITICS THAN ANY CRITERIA HOW THEY WERE SELECTED. I WANT TO MAKE SURE GOING FORWARD, THIS IS THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS THEY ARE COMING UP WITH CRITERIA ON WHAT WE WOULD EXPECT WE ARE DOLING OUT MONEY TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS AND I WANT THE DIRECTOR TO GIVE US A SENSE OF WHAT HER THOUGHTS ARE ON THIS PROCESS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND ECONOMICS -- AND COMMISSIONERS.

YES, SIR. WE ARE TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW TO LOOK AT THE POLICY. WHEN WE STARTED LOOKING AT THE POLICY AND LOOKING AT REAUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENTS WE REALIZE THE POLICY WAS ADOPTED IN 2012.

WITH THIS SHORT FISCAL YEAR WE ARE PRORATING THE AGREEMENTS AND ADDING PERFORMANCE METRICS TO EACH AGREEMENT.

WHAT WE DISCUSSED WITH THE CURRENT RECIPIENTS IS THAT WE WILL BE MOVING TO BRING TO COURT A CHANGE IN THE POLICY TO MAKE THIS A COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM MOVING FORWARD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I LOOKED AT THE ITEM OR RESOLUTION THE COURT VOTED ON WHEN IT PASSED AND I THINK IT CALLED FOR A THREE-FOURTHS VOTE TO CHANGE ANY OF THEM.

LET'S MAKE SURE TO CORRECT THAT. SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE AN INSOMNIAC. YOU READ STRANGE THINGS WHEN YOUR STAFF PUTS IN THE FOLDER. I I WILL MAKE THE MOTION TO APPROVE, BUT IF I MIGHT, TO GO BACK TO THE DISPARITY FUND, IF I MIGHT. WE VOTED AND IT PASSED 3-2 OR 4-1, I CAN'T REMEMBER. CAN YOU GIVE US AN UPDATE ON WHERE YOU ARE GOING WITH THAT? I KNOW WHEN I PUT IT ON THE AGENDA I ASKED COMMISSIONER GARCIA TO TABLE AND HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO PUT UP 100,000 OUT OUT OF HIS BUDGET AND OUT OF THE PRECINCT 1 BUDGET. I MADE THE COMMENT THAT IF IT QUALIFIES FOR ARPA MONEY WE WOULD GO AFTER ARPA MONEY OF TH.

I AM CONFIDENT. HISD PASSED A RESOLUTION AND THEY ARE GOING TO PARTICIPATE. I FORGOT TO GET IT ON THE AGENDA. I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO PARTICIPATE. LONE STAR HAS TAKEN THE LEAD.

I HAVE GONE TO HCC ONCE WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO PARTICIPATE.

I DO WANT TO MAKE A PITCH. IT IS BOLD AND I SENT IT TO PEOPLE AROUND THE COUNTRY. I THINK THEY HAVE A CERTAIN CONVENING POWER AND THEY ALL USE THEIR PROCESS WHETHER OR NOT THEY PUT MONEY OR NOT. EVEN GOING THROUGH THE CITY'S APPARATUS. I JUST WANT TO GET A SENSE.

[06:10:05]

>> YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF THEY ALL PARTICIPATE $200,000 WOULD NOT GO FAR.

JUST GIVE US SOME SENSE OF WHERE YOU ARE IN THAT PROCESS.

>> BASICALLY IT ASKS FOR US TO BE ABLE TO GET LETTERS OF INTEREST FROM ALL OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS.

WE ARE GOING TO -- WE ARE SENDING AN INFORMATIONAL PACKET TO THE 25 SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND THE FOUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND IT IS FOR US TO GET MORE INFORMATION FROM EACH OF THE ORGANIZATIONS AND TO GET A FEEL FOR THE SIZE OF THE ASK.

200,000 IS NOT A LOT OF MONEY FOR THIS PROGRAM.

ONCE WE HAVE THE LETTERS OF INTEREST AND WE UNDERSTAND HOW MANY ORGANIZATIONS ARE INTERESTED, WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS COME BACK TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

WE HAVE BEEN KEEPING THE BUDGET APPRISED OF THE PROPOSAL THAT WE WERE PUTTING TOGETHER. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION AS WELL.

OMBE IDENTIFIES FUND SOURCE. THE IDEA IS THAT ONCE WE HAVE A BETTER FEEL FOR WHAT THE COST MIGHT BE, WE WILL COME BACK TO COURT. THERE ARE DIFFERENT OPTIONS THAT THE COURT CAN TAKE AT THAT TIME. THEY CAN AGREE TO FUND THE REQUEST AMOUNTS AND SET AN UPPER LIMIT.

YOU CAN AGREE TO SPREAD IT OUT SEVERAL YEARS AS AN IMPLEMENTATION PRACTICE TO SPREAD THE COST OUT.

THERE ARE SEVERAL OPTIONS THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN TAKE.

WE ARE WORKING ON THE IN NEXT PHASE FOR SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE UNDER ARPA FUNDS TO PRESENT TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE AND OUR FOCUS TEAM. ONE OF THE IDEAS THAT WE ARE PROPOSING IS SUBMITTING THE IDEA OF THE DISPARITY STUD DYE -- STUDY FUNDS. THAT'S THE UH PHROFD -- THAT'S THE APPROVED PROCESS. WE ARE HOPING WE CAN IDENTIFY ALL OF THE -- IF ARPA IS AN APPROPRIATE FUND SOURCE IT WILL HAVE TO COME BACK TO THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND YOU FOR THE THOUGHT YOU PUT INTO THIS. YOU ARE LOOKING AT CLAW BACK RESCISSIONS -- CLAW BACK REVISIONS.

IF THERE IS A DISPARITY THEY SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

I DON'T WANT TO STUDY FOR THE STAKE OF STUDYING.

YOU PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO IT.

IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TO PARTICIPATE, THE MONEY COULD BE ROLLED INTO MENTORING A REVOLVING LONG FUND.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE ON 903 -- 93 AND 98.

>> WE VOTED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

BUT I GUESS -- >> I AM ASSUMING WE WILL TAKE ALL OF THESE TOGETHER. MY QUESTION IS ON 93.

THAT LOOKS LOW. FROM MY RULE OF THUMB, LOOKING AT -- THAT'S A PRETTY BIG POT OF MONEY BEING DISTRIBUTED AND KNOWING THE WORK THAT GROUP DOES AND HOW ORGANIZED THEY ARE AND HOW EFFECTIVE THEY ARE IN THE COMMUNITY.

THAT JUST LOOKS LOW. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE CRITERIA TO DETERMINE WHAT EACH GROUP GOT.

>> YES, SIR. BECAUSE THE AGREEMENT WAS COMING UP, WE WANTED TO HOLD EVERY ORGANIZATION HARMLESS.

WHAT THESE NUMBERS REPRESENT IS A PRO RATED AMOUNT OF THE AMOUNT THEY RECEIVED LAST YEAR. WE DIDN'T INCREASE OR DECREASE.

WE PRORATED IT. THAT'S WHY THE NUMBERS LOOKED

LOW. >> TOM RAMSEY: I GOT THE SEVEN-MONTH. EVEN UNDER A 12-MONTH THAT NUMBER LOOKS LOW. I WOULD ASK THAT YOU LOOK AT THAT IN TERMS OF DELIVERY OF SERVICE AND WHAT PEOPLE WILL DO AND HOW AFFECTED THEY ARE IN THE COMMUNITY.

I CERTAINLY THINK -- NOT THAT THE OTHERS COULDN'T, BUT I THINK

[06:15:02]

THEY DO A FABULOUS JOB. >> ANOTHER THING WE ARE LOOKING AT TOO IN THE DEPARTMENT AND WITHIN OUR EXISTING BUDGET IS WE MAKE SURE THAT WE SET ASIDE SOME MONEY FOR MEMBERSHIP.

WE HAVE MEMBERSHIPS TO SOME CHAMBERS AND WE HAVE THESE AGREEMENTS WITH SOME OTHER CHAMBERS.

AND WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS REALLY TAKE A LOOK AT THE WHOLE ECOSYSTEM OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACROSS THE COUNTY.

SO WE CAN BE SURE AND BE FAIR AND TRY TO GET MEMBERSHIPS IN AS MANY AS POSSIBLE THAT WE HAVE THE FUNDING FOR SO WE CAN REACH OUT TO THEM AND BUILD ON THE PARTNERSHIP.

>> TOM RAMSEY: IN THIS PARTICULAR CHAMBER THEY ARE TRYING TO HIRE A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE AND VISITING WITH THEM.

HOW CAN THEY SUSTAIN THAT? I KNOW THEY ARE DOING A LOT OF WORK IN MY BRAND-NEW PRECINCT. IT MAY BE THAT I AM WILLING TO -- IS THIS WIDE ENOUGH TO WHERE IF I WANTED TO PUT IN EXTRA MONEY TO HELP THIS CHAMBER WE CAN DO IT FROM OUR OWN PRECINCTS? OR I WILL MAKE A MOTION THAT WE INCREASE THIS BY ENOUGH FUNDS TO HIRE THE EXTRA EMPLOYEE.

>> YOU COULD ON EACH OF THEM IF YOU WANT TO.

IT IS WIDE ENOUGH TOO. IT IS WIDE ENOUGH TO.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OUT OF YOUR BUDGET.

IS IT WIDE ENOUGH? I WILL THROW IN A FEW TOO.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO PUT IN?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: HALF MILLION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT DOING HALF A MILLION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW ABOUT A MILLION?

>> TOM RAMSEY: IF YOU DO0, 5 I WILL DO 50.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: DO YOU WANTO T JOIN US?

>>O SIT ISOT A MION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE TO ADD

$50,000 >> R. JACK CAGLE: OUTMY OF

BUDGET >> AND $50,000 FROMSS COMMIIONER

RAMSEY'ST. BUDGE >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLED TO AD$5 0,000 OUT OF HIS BUDGET $50,000 OUT OF COMMISSIONERMS RAEY'S BUDGET.CO

SENDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.>> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE YOU

TO JOIN US? R >>ODNEY ELLIS: NO, I SECOND

YOU. L >>INA HIDALGO: JUST 93.

ANY OPPOSED? CARRIESFAVOR AND MOTION UNANIMOUSLY.RE IS THE APP MOTION TO AROVE --OD

>> RNEY ELLIS: A COMMENT FIRST.EC AS I RALL2 I THINK FOR 1AR OR 13 YES,E THE ONE ON THWESTE WERE THBAY AREA, ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AND BAY TOWN AND WEST CHAMBER. I T THINK YOU ADDEDHEAL ECONOMIC LIANCE. I ADDEDOU THE DEVELOPMENT CNCIL AND THE HISPANICTH CHAMBER WAS ERE.

WE ADDED THE HOUSTON MINORITY SUPPLYTA COUNCIL, HRO*EP SR WAS -- LONE STAR WASE THERE. I HAD THN WOMEN'S CONTRACTORS IH PART BECAUSE OF E GREAT WORK THEY DID COMINGR IN ADVOCATING FO US TO DO A DISPARITY STUDY. I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU ADDED THE LIST. I KNOW WE ARE NOTNE A MEMBER OF THE PARTRSHIP. WHEN WE JOINED, I THINKE IT MAKS SENSE TO HAV A CRITERIA. IT LOOKS MORE TO ME LIKE SOMEBODY WORKING TO GET A FEW POLITICAL POINTS.

THAT'S WHY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I DIVERSIFY WHAT WE DO OFFERING TO PUT OUR MONEY TO SET UP THE DISPARITY FUND AND WHY WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WHEN YOU DO YOUR MWBE COMPLIANCE IT INVOLVES WHAT COMES OUT OF THE PRECINCTS AS WELL.

AND I WILL HAVE SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA AT THE NEXT COURT TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW. AT LEAST I WANT TO KNOW IF SOMETHING IS KOPLT -- COMING OUT OF THE PRECINCTS.

I WILL PUT THAT ON THE NEXT AGENDA AND HOPE TO HAVE UNANIMOUS SUPPORT. I MOVE THESE ITEMS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S 90 THROUGH 98 AS PRESENTED.

WE ADDED AN ADDITIONAL MOTION ON 93.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> WHO SECONDED THE MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHO WAS THE SECOND? GARCIA WAS THE SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECONDED

[06:20:02]

AND CAGLE. >> WE JUST NEED TO VOTE.

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

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

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

ITEM 125. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE WHEN WE GOT HERE THERE WAS -- LOOK, MY PRECINCT HAS -- I HAVE MANY FENCE LINE COMMUNITIES AND I HAVE THE HIGHEST RATES OF CANCER IN THE STATE AND ASTHMA IN THE COUNTY. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF DISCUSSION ABOUT SOME REFINERIES MAYBE PUT IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

YOU CAN GET THE WELL-INFORMED INFORMATION.

YOU HAVE ALL OF THE AIR MONITORS AND THE READINGS AND IT LEAD US INTO THE DISCUSSION OF THE PRECINCT 2 GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY.

I RESPECT IMMENSELY THE INDUSTRY FOR THE JOBS THEY CREATE FOR THE INDUSTRY THAT THEY ARE A PART OF AND THAT THEY GENERATE.

I THINK THE SENTIMENT WAS IT IS NOT PERMISSION TO HURT OUR ENVIRONMENT. SOME OF THEM ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES AND SOME FOR ECONOMIC REASONS DON'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO ELSEWHERE. IT LEAD ME ON A JOURNEY TO FIND WAYS TO BRING THE COMMUNITY AND THE INDUSTRY CLOSE TOGETHER.

MOTT -- NOT ONLY DID THE AMERICAN CHEMISTRY COUNCIL AND THE EAST HARRIS COUNTY MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZE THE EFFORTS, BUT THIS IS HOW WE GOT A MILLION DOLLARS TO THE PRECINCT FOR AIR MONITORS AND OTHER INITIATIVES AND THE PARTNERSHIP PARK AND OUR MOBILE AND HANDHELD MONITORS.

THIS PARTICULAR ITEM SHOWS THAT THE GOOD WORK THAT CAN HAPPEN AND I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND I WANT TO THANK A COUPLE OF THE ATTORNEYS WHEN WE FIND THEIR NAME HERE.

>> I BELIEVE IT IS SARA UTLEY AND ISABEL.

>> EXACTLY. >> I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR WORK WITH CHEVRON. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WORKING THROUGH THIS PROCESS. CHEVRON COULD HAVE MADE THIS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT THAN IT WAS, BUT WE WORK TOGETHER AND WE HAD SEVERAL MEETINGS WHICH I HELP TO BRING TOGETHER.

THIS IS PROOF THAT OUR GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY WORKS AND GOOD NEIGHBORS TALK TO EACH OTHER AND WORK THROUGH THE DIFFICULTIES.

THIS IS THE RESULT OF A TRULY COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TKWEPB TKAUB -- BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND OUR NEIGHBORS.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK DR. BAB BBOT -- DR. BAR BOUGHT AND HER -- DR. BAR -- BABBOT AND HER TEAM.

THEY WILL HAVE AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA AND INFORMATION SHARED AT THE COMMUNITY MEETINGS AND ADVANCED NOTICE OF POLLUTION CONTROL OF SIGNIFICANT PROJECT MILESTONES.

A BIG THANKS TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, POLLUTION CONTROL, MY OFFICE AND THANK CHEVRON IN PARTICULAR FOR THEIR

[06:25:05]

BIG, BIG, BIG DEAL TODAY. I REMEMBER WHEN VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN LEANED OVER AND SAID SOMETHING TO PRESIDENT OBAMA WITH THE AMERICAN CARE ACT, I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THAT, BUT I WON'T BECAUSE WE ARE ON AIR, BUT THIS IS A BIG DEAL.

IT IS A BIG, BIG DEAL AND I WANT TO THANK CHEVRON FOR THEIR PARTNERSHIP AND THAT ARE -- AND FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND I HOPE OTHERS WILL LOOK TO CHEVRON AND FOLLOW IN THEIR EXAMPLE AS WELL.

I MOVE ON THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

IS THERE A SECOND FOR THE ITEM? >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU KNOW WHAT? LET'S WAIT UNTIL COMMISSIONER RAMSEY RETURNS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 188.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, 188 IS A COMMERCIAL.

A NON-PAID FOR COMMERCIAL OF THE NORTH SHORE ROTARY FISH FRY AND CRAWFISH BOIL. I WANT TO INVITE FOLKS TO BUY TICKETS. THEIR RESOURCES HAVE GONE A LONG WAY TO HELP THE PRECINCT OVER THE MANY YEARS THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND. IN PARTICULAR THEY HAVE BEEN HELPFUL TO ME IN HELPING US CREATE OUR OPERATION YELLOW BIRD PTSD MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS. THEY HAVE SUPPORTED OUR VETERAN SERVICES OFFICES AND COUNSELING ROOM AND OUR CHILDREN'S SHOPPING SPREE AND OUR SENIOR HOLIDAY PARTY.

THIS WILL BE ON MAY 14TH. AND JUST INVITING EVERYBODY TO COME OUT AND SUPPORT AN INCREDIBLE ORGANIZATION LIKE NORTH SHORE ROTARY. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION?

>> I WILL SECOND THAT MOTION AND I WILL POINT OUT TO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY THAT IN HIS NEW PRECINCT TPHR* -- THERE IS A TOM BALL ROTARY THAT PUTS ON A GREAT FISH FRY.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS ABOUT THE ROTARIES.

BUT THEY PUT ON A GOOD FISH FRY. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 188.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

AS TO 125ION MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? THAT'S THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH PASADENA REFINING CHEVRON. I AM IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 197.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO THANK MR. MENEFEE. JONATHON, LET'S SEE IF YOU CAN RECALL WHAT WE CHATTED ABOUT. I WILL LET YOU RUN WITH IT.

>> IN RESPONSE TO THE LANGUAGE IN YOUR MOTION, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING THE EXISTING CONTRACT THAT WAS TERMINATED WITH ELEVATE AND MAKING SURE THAT THE COUNTY RECOVERS EVERY PENNY PURSUANT TO THE CONTRACT. AND OF COURSE CERTAIN FACTS THAT DEVELOPED LATER FOR OTHER CAUSES TO RECOVER ADDITIONAL DOLLARS, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WILL REVIEW THEM AND PURSUE

THOSE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: PERFECT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST A QUESTION, JONATHON, LET'S SAY COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD RAISED TO ISSUES ABOUT THIS.

IN TERMS OF TRYING TO RECOVER EVERY PENNY.

WOULD WE HAVE DONE THIS ANYWAY? >> IT IS IN THE PURSUE OF OUR OFFICE TO REPRESENT THE COUNTY IF IT DOESN'T MEAN JUST THE MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT OR THEIR VOTES IN ANY CIVIL AND LEGAL ACTION RECOVERING MONIES OWED TO THE COUNTY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: WHILE ON THIS TOPIC, I WANT TO GIVE THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONFIRM THAT -- YOU KNOW, YOU READ A LOT IN THE NEWSPAPER. IT IS TO CLARIFY WHAT HAPPENED OR WHAT DID NOT HAPPEN. AS FAR AS YOU ARE CONCERNED, MRD CONTROL AND THERE WASN'T ISSUES THERE.

IT WAS ELUDED TO IN THE PAPER, BUT YOU'RE AWARE OF TRANSFERS

[06:30:04]

>> I WILL LOOK TO SEE HOW FAR THIS DISCUSSION WILL GO, BUT I WILL SAY ABSOLUTELY I THINK EVERYTHING IS OF IMPORTANCE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST WANTED YOU TO GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONFIRM

THAT. >> THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ON MY ITEM I DON'T THINK ANY ACTION IS NECESSARY. I WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR WORKING WITH ME.

THANK YOU. >> FOR 187?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. 240.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT IS THE 3-1-1 CONSTITUENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SOLUTION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE WERE GOING TO DO A STUDY AND I GUESS WE HAVE DONE THE STUDY AND NOW COMING BACK AND READY TO MOVE FORWARD.

AT THIS POINT IS IT THE 3-1-1, IS IT MANDATORY OR OPTIONAL BY

PRECINCT? >> I THINK GENERAL NORIEGA SHOULD ADDRESS THESE. HE IS CLOSER TO THE PROJECT THAN

I AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU

GO AHEAD. >> COMMISSIONER, IT IS OPTIONAL WE ARE LEANING WITH THIS PROJECT OBVIOUSLY WITH OUR ENGINEER COLLEAGUES AND FLOOD CONTROL AND DATA THAT HCTRA DID AS WELL THAT DID A SIGNIFICANT STUDY OF ASSETS A LITTLE WHILE BACK.

I THINK WHAT WE WILL EVENTUALLY ARRIVE AT IS BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME. I THINK THAT THE TOOL AND THE USAGE OF 3-1-1 THE SIN KROPBIZATION -- SIN KROPBIZATION IS IN SMART COUNTY AND THIS PARTICULAR CHANGE ORDER HAS TO DO WITH WHAT YOU MENTIONED IN AN EARLIER DISCUSSION REGARDING LISTEN TO THE FOLKS IN THE FIELD.

AND SO WHEN WE WERE ON THE CALL TOGETHER AND YOU WERE ABLE TO JOIN US WITH THE UNDERSTANDING PHASE THAT WE WENT THROUGH EACH PRECINCT AND DEPARTMENT TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PARTICULAR BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND WHAT THEY WANTED AND NEEDED OUT OF THE PROJECT. THAT PROCESS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A PHASE OF THREE WEEKS. IT WENT TO 14 WEEKS BECAUSE WE WERE LISTENING AND WORKING WITH EACH OF THE DEPARTMENTS TO GET IT THE WAY THEY WANTED. AND EACH DEPARTMENT WRAOE HOPE THAT -- DEPARTMENT WE HOPE THAT EVERYONE WILL BE ABLE TO USE THIS TOOL THAT I THINK WILL MAKE THE COUNTY BETTER.

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

SO MOVE AS PRESENTED, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS NOT MINE. YOU FLAGGED --

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU FLAGGED IT. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? YES?

>> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE VOTING ON ITEM 240, THE 3-1-1. ANYONE OPPOSED?

>> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> R. JACK CAGLE: NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM INAV FOR. MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

>> IF M IAY JUST OFFER A CLARIFICATION3- ON 1-1.

THE SYSTEMOP IS TIONAL FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS, BUTM I A ASKING EVERYAR DEPTMENT THAT REPORTSME TO TO PARTICIPATE IN 3-1-1TH WITH E GOAL OF HAVING AO RE UNIFIEDM SYSTE FOR THE

.UBLIC >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DID WE SKIP 239?>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON THAT ITEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND 232 WEIP SKPED.>> LINA HIDALGO: WE VOTED ALREADY.

>> I DON'T HAVE A VOTE FOR 232.L >>INA HIDALGO: I CONFUSED THAT WITH THE ELECTIONSAT ADMINISTROR ITEM.S

LET'DISCUSS 232. A >>DRIAN GARCIA: THANKJU YOU, DGE. K AS YOUNOW, I TOOK OUTOM MONEY

[06:35:01]

IT I DETECTED CASINGS AND 37 GUNS CONFISCATED AND 42 ARRESTTO THAT'S ARE LEAD 55 CHARGES. IT IS THE SYSTEM THAT HELPS TO CONNECT AND I AM PROUD OF THIS AND THANK MY TEAM.

THE BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THIS IS FOR AROUND --K FOR AN AGREEMENT WITH FLOC.

IT IS A NICE COMPLEMENT TO WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH SHOT SPOTTER AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING IT IN OTHER AREAS OF THE PRECINCT. JUST EXCITED ABOUT IT AND I MOVE

IT AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL SECOND THAT. A COUPLE OF COMMENTS.

WE HAVE HAD TASK MEETINGS AND SHERIFF DEPUTIES AND POLICE OFFICERS. IT IS LIKE THE FACILITATOR GETTING ALL OF OUR DIFFERENT ENTITIES TALKING AND VISITING AND NOTHING IS OF MORE CONCERN TO THEM RIGHT NOW THAN.

WE NEED TO WORK TO SEE IF WE CAO WORK THROUGH THOSE DETAILS.

SO WE ARE WORKING THROUGH ENGINEERING AND I THINK WE HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH CONSTABLE EAGLETON.

THIS IS A BIG DEAL IN THAT IT GETS A LOT OF AGENCIES WORKING TOGETHER TO FIGURE THIS OUT AND WE END UP BEING THE FACILITATOR.

I AM HAPPY TO SECOND THIS MOTION >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY RAMSEY.

ITEM 232. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

I GOT IT CONFUSED WITH THE OTHER SO CONTRACT.

249. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

IT IS THE CDBG-MIT FUNDS. >> TOM RAMSEY: HAVE WE SEEN THE 750 MILLION? HOPEFULLY THE CHECK WILL BE COMING IN SOON. I KNOW THAT THOSE MONIES WILL BE ALLOCATED TO PROJECTS AND THEY WILL BE VETTED.

I KNOW FLOOD CONTROL, WHEN WE DID THE BOND ISSUE, THE 2018 BOND ISSUE I KNOW THAT IS A PRIORITY.

I THINK THE PRIORITIES OF UNDER SERVED NEIGHBORHOODS AND OTHER ISSUES, BUT CERTAINLY AS WE LOOK THROUGH THE TK*EUS -- THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE DOLLARS, I WOULD SAY THAT IS A WELL-DONE BIPARTISAN PURSUIT AND I HOPE THAT THE DETERMINATION OF HOW THESE DOLLARS WILL BE BEST SPENT WITHIN THE COUNTIES WILL BE EQUALLY BIPARTISAN AS WE TRY TO FIGURE OUT -- I AM A WORST FIRST KIND OF A GUY. I DON'T THINK IT IS HARD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WORSE. THERE ARE NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY THAT NEED HELP.

OBVIOUSLY WE START WITH CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE 2018 BOND ISSUE. SO JUST AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT IT IS GOOD WE CAN START IDENTIFYING HOW THESE DOLLARS WILL BE SPENT SO IT COMPLEMENTS EVERYTHING ELSE WE HAVE DONE.

I REMAIN PROUD OF HARRIS COUNTY AND WHAT IT DOES TO ADDRESS SPECIFICALLY FLOODING AND HOW THEY ARE PLANNED.