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COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS WILL MAKE THE INTRODUCTION.
[Rabbi Oren Hayon of Congregation Emanu EL in Houston]
HE RECEIVED HIS DEGREE AT A JEWISH COLLEGE AND INSTITUTE IN CINCINNATI.
RABBI HAYON WORKED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON IN SEATTLE.
HE HAS HELD NUMEROUS LEADERSHIP ROLES IN A REFORM ROLE AND IS THE CONTRIBUTOR OF THE HEBREW TEXT AND POETRY.
HE AND HIS WIFE, JULIE, HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS AND WE ARE PROUD HE IS GOING TO BLESS US TODAY.
>> I THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER AND GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY.
IT IS AN HONOR TO BE WITH YOU ELECTRON -- ELECTRONICALLY.
PLEASE KNOW MY PRAYERS ARE HEART FELT AND I AM HAPPY TO OPEN WITH YOU.
ALL MIGHTY GOD, LOVING GUIDE OF ALL HUMANITY, WE ASK YOUR BLESSING ON THIS GATHERING THIS MORNING AND ALL OF THOSE WHO SERVE OUR COUNTY AND ALL OF THOSE WHO MAKE IT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE TO THE WELL-BEING OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK HERE.
WE WERE CALLED FOR THE SUCCESS OF OUR WORK FOR THE ABILITY TO LISTEN AND LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER.
AND SO THIS MORNING WE PRAY THAT WE MAY BE GRANTED THE GIFT OF LISTENING HEARTS.
HEARTS OPEN WIDE TO HEAR THE VOICES OF OUR NEIGHBORS AND THEY MAY OTHERWISE GO UNHEARD.
IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS, WHERE THERE IS NO VISION OTHER PEOPLE PARISH.
AND SO WE GIVE THANKS TO THE VISION THAT TKPWOEUDS -- THAT GUIDES ALL OF US PRESENT THIS MORNING.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE MORAL CONSCIENCE IMPLANTED IN US WHICH URGES US TO MAKE AND PRESERVE OUR COUNTY AS A PLACE OF DIGNITY AND A PLACE OF RESPECT AND SAFETY AND SUCCESS WHERE EVEN THE VULNERABLE CAN THRIVE.
I PRAY YOU WILL BE BLESSED WITH INSIGHT AND HUMILITY, REASON AND RESPONSIBILITY AND THE GIFTS OF THE HEART ON WHICH PRINCIPALLED LEADERSHIP HAS ALWAYS BEEN BUILT. I PRAY YOUR SERVICE WILL BE EXECUTED FAITHFULLY AND HONESTLY AND YOUR LEADERSHIP WILL RESULT IN A SAFE, PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY FOR US ALL.
IN THAT SPIRIT WE PREPARE TO BEGIN TODAY'S WORK IN ACCOMPANIMENT WITH OUR NEIGHBORS AND COLLEAGUES AND IN THE PRESS ACCEPTS -- PRESENCE OF GOD, MAY IT BE GOD'S WILL THAT THE WORDS OUR MOUTHS AND THE WORK OF OUR HANDS WILL BE VIBRANT AND VISIONARY.
>> THANK YOU, RABBI. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
IT WAS GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU SKWRAOFPLT I GOOD TO BE WITH --
>> WE HILLARY CITE THE -- WE WILL RECITE THE PLEDGE.
>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER UNDERGOD -- UNDER GOD, ONE NATION,
[Emergency/Supplemental items ]
WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDERGOD -- UNDER GOD ONE, AN INDIVISIBLE.
FIRST WE WILL BE TAKING ITEM 268 OUT OF ORDER.
I CAN SEE THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY CONSTABLE JENNIFER CHAVIS IS IN ATTENDANCE.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> JUDGE, THANK YOU.
JUDGE AND MEMBERS WE WERE ALL SADDENED BY THE TRAGIC LOSS OF JENNIFER LAUREN CHAVIS.
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER AND HER FAMILY AND HER YOUNG SON WHO IS WITH US TODAY AS WELL.
WE HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS NEWS REPORTS AND JUDGE HIDALGO, YOU WERE VERY ELOQUENT WHEN YOU SPOKE ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US AT THE FUNERAL.
DEPUTY CHAVIS HAD BEEN A CONSTABLE OF PRECINCT 7 FOR TWO YEARS AND SHE SERVED IN THE UNITED
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STATES ARMY PRIOR TO THAT.SHE WAS A BELOVED DAUGHTER, SIBLING, MOTHER AND WIFE OF A FOUR-YEAR-OLD SON.
SHE WAS PROTECTING HER COMMUNITY ON APRIL SECOND WHEN SHE PARKED ON THE TOLL ROAD WAITING TO STOP A REPORTED DRUNKEN DRIVER TO PROTECT OTHER MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS.
SADLY SHE LOST HER LIFE WHEN AN ALLEGED DRUNKEN DRIVER CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF HER PATROL CAR.
SHE WILL BE REMEMBERED FOREVER FOR DEDICATE -- DEDICATING HER LIFE TO PUBLIC SERVICE.
IT IS MY HOPE HER MEMORY INSPIRES FUTURE GENERATIONS TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN PUBLIC SERVICE, TO PROTECT THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AND BELIEVE IN SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES.
TO HONOR AND BUILD ON HER LEGACY OF SERVICE I AM ASKING THIS COURT TO APPROVE THE RENAMING OF THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD PLAZA AT 1858 SOUTH SAM HOUSTON TOLLWAY, SOUTH PLAZA IN MEMORY OF THE DEPUTY CONSTABLE.
AND SHE GOT HER BACHELOR'S AND MASTERS AND WAS WORKING ON HER PH.D.
>> IS THE FAMILY OF DEPUTY CHAVIS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE A FEW REMARKS? RIGHT OVER HERE, GRANDMOTHER.
WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE YOU HERE.
>> AND JUST SAY YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO TAKE THIS REQUEST.
WE SHOULD HONOR THEIR SACRIFICE TODAY.
NOT ONLY JENNIFER'S SACRIFICE.
MOST PEOPLE WHEN THEY LOOK AT OUR TOLL ROADS, THEY KIND OF TAKE IT FOR GRANTED AND MAYBE ASSUME THAT MANY OF OUR PEACE OFFICERS ARE JUST ENFORCING THEIR JOB AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
THEY COME TOGETHER TO MAKE THE CITY WORK.
AND JENNIFER WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THAT.
MY NAME IS ATTORNEY ROXELLE RICHARDS AND A ATTORNEY HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS AND AN ATTORNEY FOR THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN SHERIFF DEPUTY LEAGUE AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE ORGANIZATION IS SMOKY BILLUPS.
>> OKAY. WE WANTED TO URGE THAT THIS REQUEST BE MET.
WHEN SHE LEFT THE MILITARY SHE JOINED THE RANKS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT BY ATTENDING THE PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY AND OBTAINING FULL STATUS IN THE HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE DIVISION PRECINCT 7.
WHILE EMPLOYED AT PRECINCT 7 SHE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE TOLLWAY DIVISION.
SHE JOINED PRECINCT 7 IN NOVEMBER OF 2020.
SHE SPENT NIGHTS LOOKING OUT FOR SPEEDERS AND DRUNK DRIVERS AND INVESTIGATING ROAD RAGE SHOOTINGS.
TODAY WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FROM AASLD, THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY ASSOCIATION.
ONE OF THE THINGS OUR RABBI TALKED ABOUT WAS LISTENING.
I HEARD COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAY THAT WHEN ONE OF OUR BELOVED COMMUNITY SERVICE MEMBERS PASSED AWAY, HE MENTIONED THAT WE ALL HAVE TO KEEP GOING.
AND I ALSO HEARD COMMISSIONER CAGLE SAY THERE ARE NO WORDS.
BY PRESENTING THIS PARTICULAR BUILDING IN HER NAME IT WOULD NOT ONLY PAY TRIBUTE TO THE SACRIFICE SHE MADE, BUT IT WOULD SEND A MESSAGE THAT ALL PEACE OFFICERS ARE RISKING THEIR LIVES FOR ALL OF THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY.
AND IT WOULD SEND A MESSAGE THAT WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PUTTING PUBLIC SERVICE IN YOUR CHILD'S HEART.
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SHE CARRIED ON THAT LEGACY BY ACTUALLY DOING THE JOB OF A PEACE OFFICER.AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, THAT SPIRIT WILL LIVE ON AND IT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER, AND EVER AND EVER.
I WANT TO SAY THAT BY DEDICATING THIS ROAD WE CAN ALL PLAY A PART IN THAT VISION AND SAY THANK YOU.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO YOU, COUNSELOR AND SMOKY WHO DID CALL ME AFTER A MURAL DEDICATION.
I THINK MY COLLEAGUES WILL AGREE.
>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS RESOLUTION.
THAT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SERVICE AND I WANT TO ADD TO THE CLARIFICATION THAT WE ARE MOVING TO ALL ELECTRONIC.
THIS IS THE PLAZA AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE TOLL ROAD UNDERSTANDS THAT WE ARE DEDICATING THE PLAZA AND IT IS THE WHOLE GANTRY AND SECTION THAT BECAUSE WE ARE MOVING TO ALL ELECTRONIC AND WE REMOVE THAT PIECE OVER THERE THAT WE ARE NOT REMOVING OUR DEDICATION.
AND FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, ARE WE GOOD ON THAT? DO WE NEED TO CHANGE IT FROM PLAZA TO SECTION OR SOME OTHER WORD?
I THINK THEY UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE.
>> WE DON'T WANT THE NAME TO GO AWAY WHEN WE MOVE TO ALL ELECTRONIC.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I APPRECIATE THE COMMENT.
I CALLED AND ASKED BECAUSE WE ARE MAKING THAT CHANGE WOULD IT BE A PROBLEM AND HE SAID NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOLLOWED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
TO THE FAMILY, OUR PRAYERS REMAIN WITH YOU.
AND THANK YOU FOR BEING A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE FAMILY.
I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS GONNA SPEAK AT MY DAD'S FUNERAL AND IT WAS -- I NEVER FELT MY LEGS SO HEAVY.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS REMAIN WITH YOU.
DR. SAVILLE AND OTHERS FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THANK Y'ALL -- AND CHAP -- CHAPLAIN, THANK YOU FOR EMBRACING BOTH FAMILIES FOR ALL YOU DO.
WE WILL TALK ABOUT ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL FAMILY HERE IN A SECOND.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS AND I WANT TO THANK SMOKY.
SMOKY, YOU CALLED ME AS WELL AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT AFTER YOU CALLED ME, I MADE ME CALL TO MR. TREVINO AND MR. TREVINO SAID I ALREADY HEARD FROM COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
TRUST ME, THE TOLL ROAD DIRECTOR AND HIS STAFF, THEY KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS.
THEY ARE GOING TO DO THIS IN THE MOST RESPECTFUL AND LONG-LASTING WAY SO JENNIFER'S MEMORY WILL CONTINUE TO BE WITH US AND HELP EDUCATE OTHERS.
I AM PROUD OF THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR DOING WHAT WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT LIVES CONTINUE ON.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I APPLAUD YOU.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR QUICKLY BRINGING THIS.
THE FAMILY KNOW, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE STORY.
THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE AT THE END OF THE DAY IS A GREAT MEMORY.
IT IS A STORY THAT ENCOURAGES US TO DO BETTER AND FOCUS ON THE THINGS WE NEED TO.
WE LOOK FORWARD FOR WHAT WE HOPE TO COME OUT OF THIS THANK YOU SO MUCH.
WE HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER ON THIS ITEM.
>> IT IS HANS MARTICHEK SPEAKING IN PERSON.
[00:15:05]
YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY CONSTABLE ASSOCIATION.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT OF DEPUTY KHAU -- CHAVEZ.
SHE WAS ONE OF OUR MEMBERS AND I PERSONALLY SIGNED HER UP AND IT IS CERTAINLY A TRAGEDY.
WE APPRECIATE THE HONOR YOU ARE GIVING HER AND HER FAMILY AND THE FAMILY NAME.
HOWEVER, I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MENTION THAT WE HAVE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT COULD USE SUPPORT.
THIS MAY NOT BE THE APPROPRIATE VENUE, BUT OFFICERS ARE TO THE GETTING BACK UP CALLS AND NOT GETTING THE RESPONSES THEY NEED FROM OTHER DEPUTIES ON THE CALLS THEY RUN, EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS IS AN ISSUE.
I ENCOURAGE YOU TO HONOR THOSE LIVING, THOSE BOOTS ON THE GROUND EVERY DAY AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO BE ABLE TO GET HOME AND THE PROPER BACK UP TO BE ABLE TO GET BACK AT NIGHT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT IS A HEAVY MEETING WITH THE TRAGEDIES WE ARE REMEMBERING TODAY. I WANT TO SAY HELLO TO THE FAMILY AGAIN AND YOU CONTINUE TO BE IN OUR PRAYERS.
IT IS A SAD THOUGHT, BUT I THINK IT REMINDS YOU OF WHO SHE WAS, AND IT GIVES YOU HOPE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE THE SAME CALLING.
I WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS FOR SHARING HER WITH US TO KNOW THAT WE CONTINUE TO STAND BY YOU, AND THAT THIS IS A SMALL TOKEN IN WHAT WE CAN DO AND CERTAINLY DON'T THINK IT IS AN APPROPRIATE FORUM TO GET INTO POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS.
OF COURSE IT IS AN ELECTION YEAR AND I WOULD HATE TO BRING THAT INTO A SAD AND HEAVY DAY AS THIS.
I INVITE FOLKS TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THAT.
WE CAN HAVE POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS AT ANOTHER TIME.
>> >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S TAKE A VOTE AND THEN MOVE ON.
MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY CAGLE.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THERE IS -- EXCUSE ME? >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE TAKE THAT PICTURE IF THEY WANT TO LEAVE?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: IN LIGHT OF THE LAST COMMENT, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU RAISE A GOOD POINT.
LET'S LOOK AT THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO HONOR THOSE OTHER FALLEN DEPUTIES AS WELL AND MAYBE OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY CAN LOOK AND MAYBE MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO US OR TO OUR STAFF ABOUT HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE WE HONOR OUR OTHER FALLEN DEPUTIES AS WELL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL -- WOULD YOU RATHER WE TAKE A PICTURE FIRST?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH. I'M GOOD WITH THAT.
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LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A HEART-BREAKING SITUATION.COMMISSIONER GARCIA, GO AHEAD.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I WANT TO PRESENT A RESOLUTION THAT WILL SPEAK TO ANOTHER HERO OF OUR COMMUNITY.
IT IS A GUT PUNCH WHEN YOU HAVE TWO INCREDIBLE HEROS WHO ARE DOING WHAT THEY LOVE TO DO AND COMMITTED TO IT AND PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ENTIRE ALMENDAREZ FAMILY FOR THEIR STRENGTH AND TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE STILL HERE WITH YOU.
THIS RESOLUTION WILL SPEAK TO THE LIFE OF FLOR AND DARREN AND THEIR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. I WANT TO THANK MY STAFF FOR BEING HERE AND SUPPORTING THEM AS WELL YOU HAVE BEEN KEEPING YOURSELF BUSY.
I UNDERSTAND YOU WERE MAKING PAP -- PAPOOSAS FOR A FUNDRAISER.
I LOOK FORWARD TO VISITING AND MAYBE ENJOYING ONE OF THOSE WITH YOUR FAMILY.
THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS ABOUT WAYS TO KEEP DARRIN'S LIFE IN FRONT.
AND WE ARE GOING TO DO THAT AND I WILL BE VISITING WITH YOU.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK YOU, FLOR, BECAUSE I DIDN'T FORGET THAT YOU GOT A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE JAMES DRIVER INCLUSIVE PARK.
I REMEMBER WHAT YOU TOLD ME THAT DAY.
YOU AND DARRIN HAD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE LACK OF ATTENTION ALDEAN HAD GOT OVER THE YEARS.
HE SAID MAYBE WE SHOULD THINK ABOUT MOVING.
I'M HOPING THAT AN INVESTMENT CAN BE MADE IN JAMES DRIVER AND IT MADE HIM PROUD AND IT MADE HIM HAPPY AND THAT IT WILL BE ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU IN THE COMMUNITY WITH US.
YOU ARE PART OF THAT BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEEN DOING, MAJOR VOLUNTEER TIME AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN SUPPORTIVE TO THE COMMUNITY FOR.
AND SO TO THIS RESOLUTION -- AND AGAIN I JUST WANT TO THANK THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FAMILY IN PARTICULAR TO CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER THE FAMILY, SERGE AND ALL OF THE OTHERS, CHAPLAIN, THANK YOU FORGIVING THEM THE STRENGTH.
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YOU HAVEN'T LEFT THEIR SIDE AND CONTINUE TO HOLD WATCH AT THEIR HOME.VERY GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU GUYS ARE DOING.
THANK YOU. THIS RESOLUTION WILL READ, HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DEPUTY DARRIN -- DARREN ALMENDAREZ -- AND BY THE WAY, I AM GETTING ONE OF THE WHATTABURGERS, FRIES AND PICK KELZ WAS KILLED ON MARCH 31ST IN THE ACT OF STOPPING MEN STEALING A CATALYTIC CONVERTER FROM A PARKED VEHICLE.
HE GREW UP IN HOUSTON'S EAST END AND GRADUATED FROM AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL AND ATTENDED HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND SAN JAC COLLEGE. HE GRADUATED FROM THE POLICE ACADEMY AND DEPUTY ALMENDAREZ WORKED IN DISTRICTS 1 AND 3 AS A FIELD TRAINING OFFICER AND AN -- INVESTIGATOR FOR THE MULTI-AGENCY TASK FORCE THAT INCLUDED THE FBI.
HE WAS ASSIGNED AS AN INVESTIGATOR FOR THE AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE.
WHEREAS DEPUTY ALMENDAREZ SERVED THE HONOR GUARD HONORING HIS FALLEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WAS THE FIRST HARRIS COUNTY HONOR GUARD TO DIE IN THE LINE OF DUTY.
AND LET ME JUST SAY TO THE HONOR GUARD, THANK YOU FOR THE PRECISE AND RESPECTFUL WORK YOU DO AND DOING EVERYTHING TO HONOR THE FAMILY AND DARREN AND THE WHOLE DEPARTMENT IN THOSE DIFFICULT TIMES. YOU NEVER MISS A BEAT, MAN.
YOU ALL LOOK SO SHARP. WHEREAS SHERIFF GONZALEZ CALLED ALMENDAREZ A HERO AND WAS DEVASTATED TO LEARN OF THE KILLING, THE SHERIFF OFFICE COLLEAGUES RECALL DARREN AS A JOVIAL AND FRIENDLY DEPUTY WHO WORKED HARD AND LOVED HIS JOB HE ENJOYED SALT -- SALTWATER FISHING, BARBECUING AND WOODWORKING AND WAS A FOOTBALL FAN CHEERING FOR BOTH THE HOUSTON TEXANS AND THE DALLAS COWBOYS.
WE WILL ALWAYS BY -- ALWAYS BE FORGIVING FOR THE DALLAS COWBOY PART DEPUTY ALMENDAREZ IS SURVIVED BY HIS BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND FOUR CHILDREN, ANDREA, AYLA AND DANNY AND MOTHER MARY HELEN MARTINEZ AND FIVE SISTERS AND THREE BROTHERS, EXTENDED FAMILY MEMBERS AND FINALLY BY HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN BLUE.
AND LET ME JUST SAY THAT IN MY COLLECTIVE YEARS WHETHER AS A MEMBER OF HPD, AS A COUNCILMEMBER, AS THE SHERIFF AND NOW IN THIS ROLE, WHETHER IT BE JENNIFER OR DARREN OR SANDEEP, THERE IS ALWAYS A PIECE THAT GOES MISSING FROM ME.
I CAN'T FEEL THE BURDEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FEEL TO KNOW THAT IN ROOMS YOU ARE NOT IN, THAT YOUR FAMILY IS NOT IN, THERE IS A LOT OF DISCUSSIONS, HOW TO HONOR, HOW TO PROTECT, HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR HUSBAND'S COLLEAGUES AND OTHERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IN HARRIS COUNTY. THERE IS ALWAYS A BURDEN WE TRY TO SHARE.
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BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY HONORS THE LIFE OF DEPUTY DARRIN ARMEDAREZ.>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS ON THE ITEM, TIFFANY?
I APOLOGIZE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO.
NO. NO. >> TO ME, I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU GUYS. I DIDN'T REALLY PREPARE ANYTHING.
TO ME EVERY DAY IT IS A STRUGGLE STILL.
TO BE AT HOME AND HE IS NOT THERE.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AND I AM HONORED TO RECEIVE THIS ON BEHALF OF MY HUSBAND, DARREN ARMENDAREZ. HE TRULY LOVED HIS JOB.
I REFER TO HIM AS A MAN WITH MANY HATS.
HE SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, EVER.
PLEASE DON'T EVER FORGET HIS FACE.
EVER. DON'T FORGET MY FACE BECAUSE I AM GOING TO DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE A CHANGE AND TO MAKE A CHANGE IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM. THIS TIME IT WAS HIM AND I DON'T WISH THIS UPON ANYBODY TO WITNESS YOUR HUSBAND GET KILLED. HE TRULY LOVED HIS JOB.
BELIEVE ME. HE GAVE 110% ALWAYS.
MY HUSBAND WAS A POLICE OFFICER AND HE WAS ALWAYS FOR THE PEOPLE.
HE PROTECTED THE HOME, HIS KIDS, EVERYONE AROUND HIM.
I WANT TO THANK ALL OF HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN BLUE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR DARREN AND FOR US.
I THOUGHT ABOUT COMING HERE AND NOT SHOWING UP.
I WANT TO MAKE CHANGES SO NOTHING LIKE THIS EVER HAPPENS TO ANYONE.
THE PEOPLE I THINK THE MOST OF ARE THOSE KILLERS' PARENTS.
IT IS NOT THEM, THEIR PARENTS.
THEIR MOMS. HOW WOULD THEY FEEL IF THIS WAS THEIR FATHER, WHAT THEY DID TO MY HUSBAND? HOW? PLEASE, IF IT IS IN YOUR POWER TO DO ANYTHING TO CHANGE THE LAWS TO PUNISH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BUYING THESE THINGS, DO SOMETHING AND I WILL BE RIGHT THERE BECAUSE THIS IS NOT FAIR.
IF YOU CAN DO SOMETHING, CHANGE THESE LAWS AND PUNISH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BUYING THESE THINGS.
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>> LINA HIDALGO: WE SEE YOUR PAIN.
WE SEE HOW HEAVY YOU CARRY THIS BURDEN AND WE ARE WITH YOU, OKAY? YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AROUND YOU AND THEY ARE ALL SUPPORTING YOU.
THEY ARE HERE AND SURROUNDING YOU WITH LOVE AND SUPPORT.
OKAY? WE HAVE TAKEN STEPS ALREADY ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.
WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP SOME OF THAT.
WE ARE LOOKING TO SEE WHAT MORE WE CAN DO.
WE WILL MAKE SURE TO KEEP YOU POSTED.
RIGHT NOW YOU NEED TO FOCUS ON STAYING STRONG FOR YOURSELF AND FOR YOUR FAMILY AND REMEMBERING HIM.
EVERYTHING WE CAN DO AND EVERYTHING WE CAN ADVOCATE FOR ON THIS ISSUE.
>> WE LOVE DARREN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE STILL NEED A VOTE ON THE ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THANK YOU. WE'LL CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE AGENDA.
[Departments (Part 1 of 4)]
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE ANOTHER RESOLUTION IF THERE IS NOT ANOTHER ONE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE A COUPLE OF THEM, COMMISSIONER.
FIRST IT IS HURRICANE DISASTER WEEK.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERYBODY TO BE AWARE.
IT IS ITEM 1 UNDER RESOLUTIONS.
HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1ST AND ENDS NOVEMBER 30TH, AND THE 624-MILE TEXAS GULF COASTLINE, OUR AREA IN PARTICULAR AND HUNDREDS OF MILES INLAND ARE VULNERABLE TO THE DANGERS OF HIGH WINDS AND STORM SURGE AND FLOODING AND TORNADOES IN CON -- CONJUNCTION WITH A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM.
IT IS IMPERATIVE FOR PEOPLE IN HURRICANE PRONE AREAS TO PREPARE FOR EACH TYPE OF HAZARD.
TAKE THE TIME TO DEVELOP A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN AND CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT.
STAY AWARE OF WEATHER -- OF CURRENT WEATHER SITUATIONS.
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THE BEST DEFENSE IS PREPAREDNESS.BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COURT DESIGNATES WEEK MAY 1-7 AS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND URGES CITIZENS TO PRO PAIR IN HURRICANE PREPARED ACTIVITIES.
WE ARE ALWAYS READY TO RESPOND, BUT WE ARE MOVING THE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN AND WE HAD AN ITEM ON THE COASTAL BARRIER THE LAST COURT, BUT WE NEED THE KPHAOUFPBT AS PART -- THE COMMUNITY AS PARTNERS.
IT AS REMINDER FOR EVERYBODY TO STAY ALERT AND MAKE A KIT AND MAKE A PLAN AND REMEMBER THAT ULTIMATELY WHEN IT COMES TO WEATHER AND WHEN IT COMES TO DISASTERS, ALL OF US ARE FIRST RESPONDERS. I KNOW WE HAVE A COUPLE OF SPEAKERS HERE.
GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. >> THE FIRST IS MARK SLOAN SPEAKING IN PERSON.
>> THANK YOU. >> SORRY, JUDGE.
APPRECIATE THE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK.
FOR MANY RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY, IT IS A REMINDER TO BE PREPARED.
WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED ALL YEAR-ROUND.
JUNE 1ST THROUGH NOVEMBER 30TH IS HURRICANE SEASON.
WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED FOR WHAT THE TROPICAL WEATHER MAY BRING OUR WAY.
WE HAVE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE MOVED HERE FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE TRUE RISK OF TROPICAL WEATHER.
I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THIS RESOLUTION.
YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND PREPAREDNESS WITH OUR FIRST RESPONSE COMMUNITY AND THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND IT IS UP TO EACH RESIDENT TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILY AND PROTECT THEIR PROPERTY FROM THOSE POTENTIAL RISKS AND THREATS.
THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR THE RESOLUTION.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE READY AND PREPARED FOR WHATEVER WE MIGHT BE CONFRONTED WITH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND YOUR OFFICE FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK THAT ALL OF Y'ALL DO COLLECTIVELY. I THINK THIS IS THE FIRST RODEO I WASN'T ABLE TO UH -- TO ATTEND.
AND THEN THE FIRST ONE I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND WAS THE -- WE HAD EVERYBODY PARTICIPATING.
THANK YOU FOR LEVERAGING THE WISDOM AND THE KNOWLEDGE YOUR OFFICE HAS THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY.
WE HAD OUR 15TH RODEO AT THE SHERIFF'S ACADEMY.
SORRY WE MISSED EVERYBODY, BUT WE HAD TO POSTPONE DUE TO COVID.
THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
I ALSO WANT TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU AND THANK YOUR TEAM.
>> THANKS, JUDGE. >> AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AS WELL.
WERE YOU KIND ENOUGH TO TAKE MY CALL OVER THE WEEKEND.
I WAS CYCLING, I DIDN'T CYCLE OUT THERE, BUT I DID GO OUT THERE.
>> AND AS I UNDERSTAND IT, IT IS THE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE WATER WELL GOES OUT.
SOMETIMES IT IS FINDING OUT WHO IS RESPONSIBLE SO WE CAN DIRECT THOSE FOLKS.
SOME FOLKS MAY NOT BE WILLING TO SPEAK UP.
WE SHOULDN'T JUST TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY.
IMAGINE IF IT WAS AN AREA WITH MORE HOMES IF IT IS THE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY.
>> MY PHONE RINGS 24/7, COMMISSIONER.
ANYTIME YOU CALL ME, I HOPEFULLY WILL ANSWER.
IT IS A 24/7, 365 JOB, UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE EMERGENCIES HAPPEN AT ALL TIMES.
[00:45:09]
I AM GLAD THE STAFF REACTED AS QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY AS THEY DID.IT IS COMPLICATED WHEN THE OWNER OF A UTILITY FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AND THE STATE STEPS IN AND EVERYBODY PASSES THE BUCK, BUT IN THE END THERE IS OVER 4.7 MILLION RESIDENTS THAT WE SERVE AND THEY DESERVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EQUAL WATER OR POWER OR WHATEVER IT IS EVEN THOUGH THE END GAME IS RESPONSIBLE AND THEY ARE THE ONES BEING PAID AND SHOULD REACT.
I AM GLAD MY STAFF COULD REACT AND GET THEM OUT TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS.
>> I THINK THIS IS A KEY TO PREPAREDNESS.
HAVING MARK SLOWN OUT THERE -- HAVING MARK SLOAN OUT THERE, I KNOW BEFORE I BEGAN THIS I CALLED YOU OUT OF THE BLUE AND YOU DIDN'T KNOW ME FROM ADAM, BUT WITHIN TWO HOURS YOU HAD PEOPLE ON THE GROUND AND DEALING WITH THE ISSUE.
THAT'S THE KEY I THINK TO OUR EMERGENCY PREPARATION.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA?
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. ALWAYS APPLAUD THE WORK OF YOU AND YOUR STAFF.
ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE ALL OF THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES THAT COME INTO OEM AT THOSE EMERGENCIES, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE FIRE PHA*R -- FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE.
WHEN ITC HAPPENED WE WERE THERE 24/7.
I JUST WANT FOLKS TO RECOGNIZE JUST HOW ELABORATIVE WE HAVE BECOME IN THOSE UNFORTUNATE SITUATIONS AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HURRICANE SEASON AND SO FLOODING IS A FREQUENT VISITOR HERE.
AGAIN, JUST WANT TO APPLAUD EVERYONE THAT HAS TO STEP INTO THE OEM WHEN THE EMERGENCIES ARRIVE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK THERE.
>> APPRECIATE THAT, COMMISSIONER.
>> AND ALSO, MR. BARRY, QUICKLY IT REMINDS ME REGARDING THE DISCUSSION ON THE WELL, BACK IN 2019 WE HAD A WELL FAILURE IN BAY TOWN.
IT WAS A SIMILAR SITUATION AND SERVED A MUCH LARGER COMMUNITY.
MY TEAM HAD TO GET OUT THERE AND PERSONALLY DELIVER WATER TO THE COMMUNITY.
I MADE A MOTION AND THEY WERE TO SET ASIDE FUNDING TO HELP DEAL WITH THIS. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT HAPPENED OR NOT AND DO YOU HAVE ANY BACKGROUND ON THAT? ARE YOU AWARE OF IT?
>> I AM NOT, BUT I WILL LOOK INTO IT AND GET BACK TO YOU.
WE ARE CONVENING WITH OUR PARTNERS.
MY STAFF CAN'T HANDLE ALL OF IT.
WITHOUT BIG BLUE AND BIG RED AND ALL OF THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS ALONG WITH OUR NONPROFIT PARTNERS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER WE WOULD NOT BE SUCCESSFUL IN WHAT WE DO.
CONVENING THE INDIVIDUALS AND GETTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE CONNECTED.
THANK YOU FOR THAT. >> YOU DO A GREAT JOB.
THERE IS A LOT OF FINGER-POINTING AND I WANTED TO SAY HOW MANY HOUSES WERE OUT THERE? I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD WE DO AND ARE WE DELIVERING THE WATER? WE GAVE WHAT WE HAD AND YOU TOOK MORE AND THEY ARE TAKING IT OUT THERE EVERY DAY.
IT DOES MEAN THEY ARE NOT DOING SOMETHING ELSE THEY WOULD BE DOING.
IT IS SOMEBODY'S RESPONSIBILITY.
YOU GOT ME? THOSE ARE THE BROADER ISSUES OF WHAT DO WE DO TO REFORM THIS RESPONSIBILITY.
>> WE HAVE A THOUSAND OF THEM IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> AND I KNOW CONNECTIVE IS HERE.
[00:50:04]
WE ASKED THEM TO BE THE RECIPIENT OF THE RESOLUTION TODAY.I KNOW SHE MIGHT HAVE A FEW WORDS AS WELL.
>> HELLO. MY NAME IS ELAINA WHITE.
THANK YOU TO THE COUNTY JUDGE FOR INTRODUCING THE RESOLUTION AND FOR DECLARING NEXT WEEK HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK, AND TO THE COUNTY OEM AND ESTEEMED COMMISSIONERS.
I AM ACCEPTING THIS ON BEHALF OF MY INCREDIBLE CONNECTIVE TEAM AND MORE BROADLY ON BEHALF OF THE HUNDRED PLUS NONPROFIT PARTNERS WE WORK WITH AS MARK SPOKE ABOUT THAT HIS OFFICE WORKS TO CONVENE AS WELL AROUND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE.
OUR ORGANIZATION GOT OUR START AFTER HURRICANE HARVEY.
IT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT TRANSFORMED OUR COMMUNITY AND WE ARE WORKING TO TRANSFORM SOCIAL SERVICES AND HELP CONNECT RESIDENTS TO SERVICES IN A DIGNIFIED, CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY WAY.
THE RESOLUTION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE AS YOU ALL KNOW, WE FACED SIX FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTERS AND UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS OUR NEW NORMAL. I ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO BLOCK OFF AN HOUR NEXT WEEK AND TO --
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> OKAY. >> TO HELP YOUR FAMILIES PREPARE AND COLLECT SUPPLIES AND MAKE A PLAN.
WE MUST BUILD RESILIENCE IN WHAT WE DO.
IT IS ALL OF THE TIME WITH OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLICIES PROGRAMS. WE ARE PROUD TO CONTINUOUSLY LEARN AND GET BETTER AND BETTER EVERY YEAR IN THE REALM OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE.
IT IS DIFFERENT WITH THE MASK ON.
IT ONLY SHOWED UP A MONTH AFTER YOU WERE BORN.
THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO.
IF THEY DON'T COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER, ALL OF US HAVE TALES OF POSSIBLE INEFFICIENCIES.
THE WORK YOU DO IS INVALUABLE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER ELLIS? THAT IS 265 AND IT IS ABOUT THE MURAL.
JUDGE, I WAS PROUD AND I APPRECIATE YOU COMING OUT FOR THE UNVEILING OF THE MURAL LAST WEEK.
THIS IS A HOUSTON-BASED PAINTER.
I HOPE I DIDN'T BUTCHER YOUR NAME.
SHE DOESN'T DO PUBLIC SPEAKING, BUT SHE DOES GREAT WORK AROUND THE COUNTRY.
PUBLIC ART CAN ENRICH ENVIRONMENTS AND ENCOURAGE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND FOSTER COMMUNITY PRIDE AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AND BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMIES BY PROVIDING SITES THAT ATTRACT VISITORS AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
WHEN I CALLED HERSHEY -- HER SHE WAS IN PENSACOLA.
THE RECENT MURAL HONORS KETANJI BROWN-JACKSON AND SOTO -- SEW -- SOTOMAYOR AND JUDGE BADER GINSBURG.
SIX YEARS OLD SHE DID T MIGHT I ADD.
ABOUT FOUR MONTHS YOUNGER THAN I AM.
IT CELEBRATES JUSTICE JACKSON TO THE HIGHEST COURT IN OUR NATION WHILE ACKNOWLEDGING THE COLLECTIVE STRUGGLES AGAINST RACIST AND SEXIST OPPRESSIONS TO LEAD US IN A COMMON STRUGGLE TOWARD GREATER EQUALITY.
AND THEN IT SAYS WHEREAS THE MURALS AND THE OTHER PUBLIC WORKS CONNECTS TO THE SHARED HISTORIES AND THE DOCUMENTATION AND CELEBRATION, I AM JUST SO PROUD OF WHAT SHE DID AND I APPRECIATE BEING ABLE TO PARTNER WITH YOU.
I THINK YOU HAD FIVE DAYS, BUT IT RAINED ONE DAY.
[00:55:02]
SHE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME GO OUT THERE AND ACT LIKE I WAS DOING SOMETHING.I REMEMBER PRESIDENT BUSH MAKING A COMMENT THAT THERE IS A LITTLE PICASSO IN ALL OF US.
AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME I WILL VOTE FOR THE RESOLUTION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, AND ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY.
>> I MEAN, YOU CALLED ME ON SATURDAY NIGHT AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I WAS COMING FOR.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. IT IS MY FIRST TIME HERE.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING MY DEEDS.
I AM A MURAL ARTIST, A STREET ARTIST.
IT IS MOSTLY FOR THE COMMUNITY AND I LOVE TO GIVE BACK.
I THINK IT REALLY SHOWS HOW YOU CAN OPEN UP AND DIVERSIFY AND INCLUDE OTHER PEOPLE IN THAT CAUSE.
IT SENDS THE MESSAGE TO A BROADER AUDIENCE AND NOT JUST THE SAME POPULATION SO THANK YOU AND I HOPE IT IS A DESTINATION FOR PEOPLE TO COME AND SEE AND TAKE INSTAGRAMABLE PHOTOS.
THANK YOU AND I WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT I DO.
>> WAS IT FOUR DAYS OR FIVE DAYS?
THREE DAYS? >> IT WAS TWO HOURS.
IT WAS TWO HOURS. >> JUDGE, SHE IS A NATIVE OF ISRAEL, BUT GOT TO HOUSTON AND ROBERT HODGE IS THE ONE WHO DID THE COMPETITION AND SELECTED YOU, BUT THANK YOU.
I MOVE ADOPTION. I THINK THERE MAY BE SPEAKERS.
>> DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS ON THAT ITEM?
>> FIRST IS JOANNE GNAW STEVENSON OF THE FIFTH WARD SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD.
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO.
MY NAME IS JOANNE GNAW STEVENSON AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE GREATER FIFTH WARD SUPER NEIGHBORHOOD.
I WOULD LOVE TO SAY RIGHT NOW THAT I CAN NOT EXPRESS THE LOVE AND ADMIRATION FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY MURAL THAT HAS BEEN CREATED WITHIN THE HISTORIC FIFTH WARD ON THE WESTERN WALL OF FINISH GNAW -- FINNIGAN PARK.
THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS POWERFUL AND TO GAZE UPON THE BEAUTIFUL FACE OF THE SOLIDLY MADE AND FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN-JACKSON IS VERY POWERFUL AND IT IS GREAT FOR THE FIFTH WARD, FOR HOUSTON, FOR TEXAS AND FOR THE UNITED STATES.
HER PICTURES ALONG WITH JUDGES RUTH BADER GINSBURG AND SONYA SOTOMAYOR AND CONSTANCE BAKER --
>> YOUR TIME IS UP. >> YOU CAN CONTINUE.
AND I JUST BOW DOWN TO THAT ARTIST.
SHE STILL HAD PAINT ON HER WHEN WE ARRIVED THERE FOR THE UNVEILING.
ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT WAS A HARD-WORKING ARTIST THAT WAS SUPER TALENTED.
MY PHONE LINES WERE BLOWING UP OVER THE FEW DAYS IT TOOK HER TO DRAW THE PICTURE.
THEY WERE PHROEING THEM UP -- THEY WERE BLOWING THEM UP SAYING SHE IS OUT THERE PAINTING UP A STORM.
WHEN I SAW IT, MY HEART MELTED.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
THANK YOU ALL OF YOU COMMISSIONERS.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HOUSTON TRULY, TRULY NEEDS.
>> AND I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLKS THAT WERE THERE WHEN THE UNVEILING HAPPENED, COMMISSIONER.
IT WAS JUST LEGENDS OF THIS COMMUNITY AND YOU CAN SEE IT TO THE ARTISTS HOW TOUCHING IT IS.
COMMISSIONER, THIS IS SO POWERFUL.
I SAID LET'S JUST TELL PEOPLE.
YOU CAME AND I THINK I CALLED YOU THE DAY BEFORE.
I'M NOT SURE. I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS COUNCIL DAY.
I CALLED THE MAYOR AND SAID HOW CAN I GET OUT OF GOING? CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON-LEE WAS THERE.
WRAOE -- WE DIDN'T PUT A CALL OUT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT WORD GOT OUT SOMEHOW AND THEY WERE THERE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M SORRY, TIFFANY.
GO AHEAD. >> NEXT IS MADDIE JACKSON OF TOP.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
[01:00:03]
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, JUDGE HIDALGO.I APPROVED -- I APPROVE OF THE RESOLUTION HONORING THE ARTIST.
I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR ABOUT FIVE YEARS.
TO ME THE MURAL REPRESENTS A BEACON OF LIGHT FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
IT RESEMBLES ANYBODY ON THE MURAL AND WHEN THEY WALK BY THEY SHOULD HAVE THE THOUGHT OF IT IS POSSIBLE IT SHOULD OPEN A CAN OF POSSIBILITIES FOR THEM.
WE HAVE TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN THAT THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS ANGEL JOHNSON OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD GULF COAST.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> THANK YOU. HIGH, GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK IN A HISTORIC MOMENT 200 YEARS IN THE MAKING JUDGE JACKSON WAS APPOINTED AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN ON THE NATION'S HIGHEST COURT.
JUDGE JACKSON'S CONFIRMATION IS PART OF THE CRITICAL WORK TO REBUILD OUR CORE.
WE ARE AT A CRITICAL MOMENT FOR CIVIL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND CASES OF FUNDAMENTAL LIBERTIES.
CASES LIKE THE RIGHT TO HAVE AN ABORTION IS MAKING ITS WAY THROUGH OUR LEGAL SYSTEM.
JUDGE JACKSON'S CONFIRMATION IS ONE MORE STEP TOWARD MAKING THAT A REALITY.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND VISION AND CONTINUOUS COMMITMENT TO THE ART.
THE MURAL WILL SERVE AS A REMINDER THAT WE PERSEVERE.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.
I DO WANT TO REMIND FOLKS THAT WE ARE IN A COURTROOM.
BE RESPECTFUL AND REMEMBER THAT WE ARE IN A COURTROOM.
GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. >> UP NEXT IS LEAH.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION.
IT IS FOR PEOPLE WHO GO BY THERE EVERY DAY AND THEY WILL SEE THE MURAL TO INSPIRE AND UP LIFT AND REMIND THEM OF THE TRUE NATURE.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
I AM CARL DAVIS AND A MEMBER OF THE HARRIS COUNTY AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE HERITAGE COMMISSION.
I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE AMAZING MURALS OF JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON PLACED IN THE FIFTH WARD AREA BY COMMISSIONER RAD KNEE ELLIS. -- RODNEY ELLIS.
IT SPEAKS VOLUMES TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TAU TAN GEE -- KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE NOMINATED TO THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE LAND. AND IT IS A TEST MEANT TO YOUNG BLACK GIRLS THAT YOU CAN ACHIEVE GREATNESS.
MANIFEST YOUR DREAMS IF YOU CAN GIVE IT YOUR ALL.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, FOR GIVING INSPIRATION FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, CARL.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, CARL.
>> NEXT IS E -- EK SHEPHERD. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.
I AM JUST THANKFUL THAT I COULD EVEN COME ON HERE AND THANK RODNEY.
I JUST LOVE THAT HE HAS THE VISION.
I APPRECIATE HE BROUGHT IT TO VISION THAT QUICK.
HE PUT IT UP AND THEN HE INVITED US ALL.
WE DIDN'T MISS IT. I'M OVER THERE BY THE PARK AND I DIDN'T EVEN SEE THEM PAINTING IT.
I LOVE THE FACT THAT HE MADE IT A BIG CELEBRATION.
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A SECOND OR THIRD ONE.
I LOVE THAT HE BROUGHT THIS TO FRUITION IN THREE TO FOUR DAYS.
IT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME AND ESPECIALLY FOR MY BLACK COMMUNITY AND FOR MY YOUNG BLACK GIRLS.
[01:05:01]
EVERYBODY ELSE IS WAITING FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO DO.IT I LOVE THE FACT THAT RODNEY SAID, I'M DOING IT.
I'M GETTING IT DONE. IT IS BEAUTIFUL, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.
I LOVE THE ARTIST AND I LOVED THE CEREMONY AND TO BE A PART OF IT.
I LOVE IT AND I WAS INVITED AND I LOVED TO HAVE SEEN IT.
I COMMEND YOU. HATS OFF TO THE COMMISSIONER.
>> THANK Y'ALL. >> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I HAVE A SPECIAL ONE THAT MAYBE IN A FAMILY'S RIGHT DESERVES HIS OWN MURAL.
LET ME JUST WELCOME THE REVEREND MALCOLM BARRETT UP TO THE PODIUM, PLEASE.
AND HE IS JOINED BY HIS FIANCEE DOROTHY AND DAUGHTER CATINA AND BROTHER DWIGHT SMITH.
MALCOLM, LET ME JUST SAY, YOU ARE MR. BARRETT, BUT LET ME JUST SAY THANK YOU.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE SERVICE AND TO THE COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU FOR ALL HAVE YOU DONE FORBEAR RET STATION ALL -- FOR BARRETT STATION AND THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE LEG -- THE LEGACY OF THE FAMILY BEGINNINGS IN THE FOREFRONT.
WHEN I CREATED THE COMMUNITY PLAN AND GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT YOUR FAMILY HAS DONE.
WHEREAS CELEBRATING HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 29 YEARS IN PRECINCT 2, MALCOLM BARRETT BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE COUNTY AS A BUS DRIVER AND WITH HARD WORK AND DEDICATION HE WAS A COMMUNITY COORDINATOR AND DIRECTOR OF SUPPORT SERVICES.
MALCOLM IS MORE THAN AN EMPLOYEE OF PRECINCT 2.
HE IS A DIRECT DESCENDANT OF THE BARRETT STATION FOUNDING FATHERS.
AND WHEREAS ON FEBRUARY 11TH OF 1960 MALCOLM WAS A BABY AND BORN IN HOUSTON, TEXAS TO PELTON AND WILLY MAE. HE WAS MARRIED TO DIANE AND THEY RACES -- RAISED CATIA AND -- CATINA AND GRANDSON CADE.
HE ATTENDED HOUSTON COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES WHERE HE EARNED A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN THEOLOGY AND FOLLOWED HIS CALLING TO THE LORD.
HE IS A YOUTH MINISTER AND WHEREAS HIS GREAT-GREAT GRANDFATHER HARRISON BARRETT WAS BORN INTO SLAVERY. FOLLOWING THE EMANCIPATION OF ENSLAVED PEOPLE IN TEXAS, JUNE 19TH, 1865, HARRISON PURCHASED LAND IN NORTHEAST HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS A COMMUNITY KNOWN TODAY AS BARRETT STATION.
WHEREAS THE LEGACY OF THE FORMERLY ENSLAVED HARRISON BARRETT FREED ON JUNETEENTH IS SEEN ACROSS THE CROSBY TEXAS AREA IN THE BARRETT STATION COMMUNITY.
OVER THE YEARS HARRISON BUILT SEVEN HOUSES, A CHURCH WHERE MALCOLM CURRENTLY IS A YOUTH PASTOR.
IN 1947, A HIGH SCHOOL AND POST OFFICE BRANCH KNOWN AS BARRETT STATION.
WHEREAS MALCOLM TAKES GREAT PRIDE IN THE HISTORIC RICH HERITAGE OF BARRETT STATION AND HOPES TO SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD, MALCOLM SHARES HIS TIME, TALENT AND ENERGY BY ENGAGING, EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY.
HIS LIFE WORK CONTINUES TO BENEFIT ALL THROUGH THE BARRETT FAMILY LEGACY.
BARRETT, WITH INCREDIBLE PRIDE, PRIVILEGE AND HONOR, BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CONGRATULATES MR. MALCOLM BARRETT ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE COUNTY AND COMMANDS HIM FOR HIS NEARLY 30 YEARS OF SERVICE.
CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU.
[01:10:02]
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.IT IS MOST DEFINITELY A PLEASURE AND MOST APPRECIATIVE TO BE ABLE TO BE HERE TODAY.
JUDGE UH -- JUDGE HIDALGO, EACH OF THE COMMISSIONERS, I APPRECIATE YOU AND EVERYTHING GOING ON AND THE BUSINESS YOU HAVE TO ADDRESS AND TAKING TIME OUT TO HONOR MY RETIREMENT.
I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE SERVED HARRIS COUNTY CONSTITUENTS AND IN LIGHT OF WHAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE COURT TODAY, I AM REMINDED THAT BECAUSE I AM SUCH A MAMA'S BOY AND MY MOM PASSED AWAY IN 1986, IT TOOK A HOST OF MOMS TO ERASE THE STING OF HER ABSENCE.
I WAS BLESSED WITH A JOB TO TAKE CARE OF A HOST OF MOTHERS AND SENIORS.
FOR THE PAST 29 YEARS I HAVE NOT WORKED.
>> CONTINUE, PLEASE. >> BUT I DID FULFILL A PASSION OF CARING FOR PEOPLE AND TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE.
AND SO I AM MOST APPRECIATIVE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE WORKED WITH PRECINCT 2 FOR THESE PAST 29 YEARS SUPPORTING YOUTH PROGRAMS, AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND SUMMER PROGRAMS. IT HAS BEEN A PASSION FULFILLED.
I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOD BLESS YOU, MAN.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I CALL YOU PASTOR, PASTOR BARRETT.
YOU HAVE A CALLING WITH THE COUNTY AND WE APPRECIATE THAT CALLING.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR KINGDOM CALLING TOO.
I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH FUN I AM HAVING IN BARRETT.
>> OKAY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND THE PEOPLE I HAVE MET THERE AND SPEAK OF YOU AND SPEAK OF THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL, KAREN THOMAS AND PAM NORMAN AND REVEREND TOM TOM -- TOMMY JOHNSON AND JERRY LEWITT AND THE CROSBY MAYOR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS PAULA PATTERSON, WHO IS A PROUD -- SHE CALLS HOME BARRETT.
>> YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND I LIKE THAT COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE IN CROSBY AND IN BARRETT WHERE YOU HAVE A WHOLE GROUP OF FOLK OUT THERE JUST REALLY LOOKING TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
I TOLD THE MAYOR OF CROSBY, MS. PAULA, IF SHE IS THE MAYOR I MUST BE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: PASTOR, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NEXT CHAPTER.
THE RESOLUTION IS A WELL-DESERVED AND A TREMENDOUS HONOR.
HE DIDN'T REPRESENT THE AREA, BUT YOU ALL LOOKED TO HIM AS YOU LOOKED TO OTHERS WHO ARE ALLIES.
I WANT TO COMMEND YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
I KNOW YOU HAVE INVESTED IN ADDITION TO THE RESOLUTIONS AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF MONEY IN BARRETT STATION WHICH HAS BEEN NEGLECTED AND REJECTED TIME AND TIME AGAIN WHEN PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUTTING MONEY IN THERE.
IT IS A GREAT LEGACY FOR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TO BUILD ON AND IT IS $55 MILLION.
I MAY DO A RESOLUTION FOR YOU.
THAT IS UNPRECEDENTED AND IT WAS NEEDED. IT STILL WON'T MAKE UP FOR THE NEGLECT OVER DECADES THAT COMMUNITY HAD.
BUT THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR FIANCEE.
>> CONGRATS. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE TO THE COUNTY AND TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
YOU GUYS ARE LEGENDARY AS A COMMUNITY.
IT IS AN HONOR TO HAVE A CHANCE TO MEET YOU AND FOR THE COUNTY TO HAVE BENEFITED.
THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVE TO ADOPT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATIONS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS AN HONOR TO RECOGNIZE ONE OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOLKS FOR SIMPLY WHAT THEY DO EVERY DAY I WILL JUMP RIGHT TO THE RESOLUTION.
[01:15:09]
SERVES AS A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.SHE PROVIDES A VARIETY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT-RELATED SERVICES TO THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS TO THE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND WHEREAS ALONG WITH THESE LAWEN FOR -- LAW ENFORCEMENT-RELATED DUTIES, DEPUTY FI -- FUENTES CAN PROVIDE ACTS OF KINDNESS TO THOSE SHE INTERACTS DAILY.
SHE WORKS WITH STUDENTS AND STAFF BRINGING A PERSONAL TOUCH OF PASSION AND COMPARING FOR OTHERS.
WHERE THIS IS OFTEN DISPLAYED WHEN DEPUTY FUENTES HELPED A STUDENT WHO SUFFERS FROM A SEVERE FORM OF EPILEPSY AND EVERY MORNING HANNAH IS FASCINATED WITH DEPUTY FUENTES AND LOOKS FORWARD TO EACH DAY SHE CAN SEE HER.
THEY HAVE A SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP.
WHEREAS THE ACTIONS OF DEPUTY FUENTES BUILDS THE TRUST IN THE COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, IT IS A CENTERPIECE OF OUR COMMUNITY AND HAS THE POWER TO BRING US TOGETHER.
IT IS GREAT THAT WE CAN RECOGNIZE SOMEONE THAT DOES THE LITTLE THINGS.
AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT END UP BEING BIG THINGS.
WOULD YOU COME AND SPEAK IF YOU WILL?
THANK YOU FOR HONORING ME AND RECOGNIZING ME, ESPECIALLY HANNAH'S MOM AND HER GRANDPA WHICH IS A CAPTAIN FOR US.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING.
>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA? DEPUTY, WE HAVE COMMENTS.
FIRST OF ALL CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING RECOGNIZED.
HOW DID YOU AND HANNAH COME TOGETHER?
SHE DOES THIS. WE GOT ALONG AND I SAID I AM GOING TO BUY HER SOME HANDCUFFS.
WE WILL GET YOUR HANDCUFFS IF YOU EAT YOUR FOOD.
IT IS AN HONOR HANGING OUT WITH THEM AND KNOWING THAT -- BESIDES ME JUST BEING A POLICE OFFICER I AM THEIR FRIEND AS WELL.
I CARE FOR THEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SERVING PRECINCT 3?
>> PRECINCT 3, THIS WILL BE MY FOURTH YEAR IN MAY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS THIS WHERE YOU STARTED CAREER?
>> NO, SIR. I STARTED IN PRECINCT 5.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE COUNTY IN GENERAL?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WELL, I APPLAUD YOU.
JUST THE STORY REMINDS ME OF THE INSPIRATION OF THE JAMES DRIVER INCLUSIVE PARK.
MAYBE TAKE HANNAH OVER THERE AND ENJOY THE PARK.
IT WAS DONE WITH THE HANNAHS OF THE WORLD IN MIND AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE KNOW IT IS A WELCOMING PLACE FOR EVERYONE THERE, BUT PARTICULARLY HANNAH.
I WILL TELL YOU -- I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND HOW SIGNIFICANT OF AN IMPACT YOU ARE MAKING.
TRUST ME. YOU ARE LEAVING GOLDEN NUGGETS AROUND AS YOU ARE DOING MAJOR -- DOING YOUR JOB.
CONTINUE TO DO THAT, BUT ALWAYS BE CAREFUL.
>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK.
LET'S GIVE HER A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH!
>> JUDGE, WE HAVE A COUPLE MORE SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, THANK YOU.
>> FIRST IS CAPTAIN GANEY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3 OFFICE SPEAKING IN PERSON.
[01:20:12]
WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR RECOGNIZING LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THIS ROLE ALSO.I REALLY APPRECIATE THEM BRINGING RECOGNITION TO NOT ONLY DEPUTY FUENTES, BUT IT IS ONE OF THOUSANDS THAT HAPPEN ON A DAILY AND WEEKLY BASIS WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT TAKES THE TIME TO INTERACT WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND TO BRING A POSITIVE LIGHT TO NOT ONLY OUR YOUTH AND ADULTS.
I HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR 34 YEARS.
I ENJOYED IT SO MUCH I RETIRED AND CAME BACK.
THE LITTLE THINGS LIKE THAT ARE WHAT MAKES THIS JOB IMPORTANT TO US.
IT IS BEING ABLE TO INSTILL THE TRUST IN THE COMMUNITY TO LET THEM KNOW WE ARE THERE FOR THEM.
IN VIOLENT TIMES WE WILL ALSO BE THERE FOR THEM TO HELP THEM WITH THE LITTLE THINGS.
THANK Y'ALL FOR YOUR TIME. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN. AND ANYTHING YOU HAVE SEEN BESIDES WHAT WE ARE SPEAKING OF, ANY COOL FEATS YOU HAVE SEEN DEPUTY FUENTES DO?
>> I AM A PATROL COMMANDER FOR PRECINCT 3.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS MAYBE BECAUSE SHE SEES EYE TO EYE WITH THEM, MAYBE, BUT I HAVE SEEN -- BEING A PATROL COMMANDER I HAVE TO MAKE MOVES AND MOVE DEPUTIES FROM ONE LOCATION TO ANOTHER, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY HEAD WOULD BE ON A CHOPPING BLOCK BY CROSBY HIGH SD IF I CONSIDER MOVING DEPUTY FUENTES FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
WE HAVE SEVERAL JUST LIKE HER, BUT SHE IS ONE OF THE SPECIAL ONES.
WE APPRECIATE THAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.
THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT FOR THIS ITEM IS AMBER LOWE SPEAKING IN PERSON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M SORRY, TIFFANY.
>> YES, MA'AM. AMBER LOWE SPEAKING IN PERSON.
>> SO A LITTLE ABOUT HANNAH, WHEN SHE LOVES, SHE LOVES BIG.
SHE OBVIOUSLY LOVES OFFICER FUENTES AND OFFICER FUENTES MADE QUITE THE IMPRESSION.
SHE WAS BORN WITH A RARE GENETIC EPILEPSY DISORDERS AND SHE HAS SEIZURES EVERY DAY AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS AND SHE HAS UH -- AUTISM.
I HAVE TO GIVE THANKS TO OFFICER FUENTES.
YOU LOOK BEYOND HANNAH'S SPECIAL NEEDS AND YOU SHOW HER KINDNESS AND A CARING SPIRIT.
>> SHE CARRIES THEM WITH HER EVERYWHERE AND AT HALLOWEEN THIS - BOUGHT STORIES LIKE THIS GET TO ME.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME.
THERE IS A YOUNG MAN WHO IS ON THE SPECTRUM AND HAVING DEPUTIES UNDERSTAND SOMETHING IS GOING ON AND THEY BRING LOVE AND GENTLENESS IN A DIFFICULT PLACE AND TIME, YOU ARE GOLDEN AND I PROUDLY SECOND THIS MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
I BELIEVE YOU HAVE ANOTHER RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
[01:25:01]
>> TOM RAMSEY: THIS WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER AND THIS IS -- AS WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT THE SEASON WE ARE IN, WE WISH WE WEREN'T IN THIS SEASON, IT IS A SEASON OF CRIME, IF YOU WILL.
IT IS APPROPRIATE WE TAKE A TIME-OUT AND RECOGNIZE WE HAVE DONE THAT IN TERMS OF RECOGNIZING VICTIMS AND UNFORTUNATELY IT HAS BEEN THE CASE OF OFFICERS THIS RESOLUTION IN TERMS OF RECOGNIZING AND REMEMBERING WHAT VICTIM RIGHTS ARE I THINK IS IMPORTANT.
SO WHEREAS THE NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK WE CELEBRATED THIS YEAR BEGINNING ON APRIL 24TH AND ENDING ON APRIL 30TH, THIS EFFORT LEAD BY THE DOJ OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME HAS BEEN HELD EACH YEAR SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1981.
AND WHEREAS THE GOALS OF THE 2022 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS WEEK PRAY PHOET THE IMPORTANCE OF VICTIMS RIGHTS AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO SERVICES AND ENSURING INCLUSION FOR ALL AND HARRIS COUNTY HAS A WIDE ARRAY OF VICTIM ASSISTANCE.
THE CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE UNIT OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AND THE VICTIM SERVICES OFFICE AND THE VICTIM SERVICES OFFERED BY ALL EIGHT CONSTABLES AND WHEREAS HARRIS COUNTY IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE MULTIPLE ADVOCACY GROUPS AND THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR VICTIMS ASSOCIATION, NOVA, MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING, MADD, THE TEXAS COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES, CASA, CRIME VICTIMS RIGHT WEEK BEGINS AND IT HAS BEEN A BIT DISHEARTENING TO ME TO TO SEE THE DISPARAGING COMMENTS IN LOCAL AND NATIONAL MEDIA ABOUT CRIMESTOPPERS.
THE LARGEST AND FRANKLY THE MOST EFFECTIVE VICTIM ADVOCACY GROUP I KNOW OF.
THE VICTIMS OF HARRIS COUNTY OVERCOME THE TRAUMA THEY HAD FACED AT THE HANDS OF CRIMINALS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MISSIONED -- MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE SPEAKERS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I LOOKED AT THE RESOLUTION AND I AM GOING TO OFFER AN AMENDMENT.
I WILL MOVE TO AMEND TO STRIKE FROM THE FOURTH PARAGRAPH, EVERYTHING BEGINNING WITH AS CRIME VICTIMS WEEK BEGINS. THE REASON I AM DOING THAT AND TAKING THE REST OF THAT OUT IS BECAUSE IT IS AN IMPORTANT WEEK TO PAY HOMAGE TO, BUT BASED ON THE ACCOUNTS BY TWO WELL RESPECTED PUBLICATIONS, THE "NEW YORK TIMES" AND PAPER OF RECORD FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY, THEY CONDUCTED A MONTH'S LONG INVESTIGATION AND THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE CONDUCTED AN IN DEPTH INVESTIGATION AND FOUND SIMILAR INFORMATION, DAVID FARENTHAL, AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER AND ALSO REPORTED AT THE "WASHINGTON POST" FOR 21 YEARS AND CARRIE BLANKENSHIR IS NOW AT THE MARSHAL PROJECT A NONPROFIT NEWSROOM THAT HAS WON PULITZER PRIZES FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM.
ST. BERNARD SMITH, AN AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST AND IS WRITTEN BY THE STATE'S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND COVERED NATURAL DISASTERS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION IN TEXAS.
I KNOW IT IS POPULAR FOR PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT THE BIG LIE AND TRY TO DISCREDIT THE MEDIA, BUT IN MY JUDGMENT, WE SHOULDN'T SHY AWAY FROM FACT-BASED JOURNALISM.
I FURTHER SAY WHEN WE GET TO THE OTHER ITEM THAT IS UP, I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OR THE COUNTY MANAGER OR THE AUDITOR TO LOOK INTO THE ALLEGATIONS TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY MERIT TO THEM OR NOT.
[01:30:01]
THERE SHOULD BE SOME INDEPENDENT ENTITY AND NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED.I KNOW I THINK OF YOU AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAVE GIVEN SOME MONEY OUT OF YOUR BUDGETS FROM CRIMESTOPPERS, BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR ANYONE WITH A NOT FOR PROFIT STATUS, A TAX EXEMPT STATUS TO GET ENGAGED IN PARTISAN POLITICS.
I THINK THERE ARE ENTITIES THAT HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE LOOKING INTO THAT ABOVE ME AND WHO OUGHT TO LOOK INTO THAT AND SEE WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS ANYTHING MARE FOR -- MERITORIOUS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
TOM -- >> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL NOT AGREE WITH THAT.
MY PERSPECTIVE IS DRIVEN BY SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE SINCE DAY ONE.
THAT IS DAVE WARD. DAVE WARD WOULD CATEGORICALLY DISAGREE WITH YOU ON WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.
THE OTHER THING I WILL SAY IS ARE WE GOING TO INVESTIGATE EVERY NONPROFIT IN HARRIS COUNTY THAT YOU DON'T AGREE WITH? I JUST DON'T THINK THAT IS APPROPRIATE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I REMIND FOLKS THAT WE WILL SPEAK -- YOU WILL SPEAK AT THE PODIUM OR ONLINE OR THE DIAS. WE NEED TO CONDUCT BUSINESS THE WAY ONLY SPOKES -- FOLKS SPEAKING OR YOU ARE DISTURBING THE COURT.
WHEN PEOPLE HAVE A CHANCE TO SPEAK WE WON'T HAVE FOLKS CLAPPING AND HOLLERING.
THAT IS OUT OF RESPECT NOT JUST FOR WHO IS SPEAKING, BUT FOR THE FACT THAT IT IS A COURTROOM.
>> TOM RAMSEY: MY RESOLUTION STANDS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WHAT IS NOT IN DISPUTE IS CRIMESTOPPERS.
GOOD WORK. THE TIP LINE ET CETERA.
WHAT I AM CERTAIN -- WHAT CONCERNED ABOUT WITH THE LANGUAGE SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THE REPORTING AND THE LANGUAGE IN THE OTHER RESOLUTION PRAISING A PARTICULAR REPORTER AND A PARTICULAR MEDIA OUTLET.
I WOULD SAY FOR THE RECORD I LIKE RANDY WALLACE AS WELL.
HE AND I SHARE A LOVE FOR ANIMALS.
THEY CALL THE MEDIA THE FOURTH ESTATE FOR A REASON AND I DON'T THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE.
I VOTE WITH MY COLLEAGUES ON THIS.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: BEFORE WE GO, I DO HAVE A QUESTION.
I CAN SEE THAT WE HAVE A POLL IN THE AUDIENCE.
MAY I ASK A QUESTION BEFORE WE VOTE ON THIS?
GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R.
JACK CAGLE: YOU MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE AUDIT AND THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO ASK.
I WILL RESERVE MY COMMENTS, BUT I WANTED TO ADDRESS THE AUDIT QUESTION.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: STATE YOUR NAME.
>> MICK COAL -- NICOLE KRISTOFF.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: HAS CRIMESTOPPERS EVER BEEN AUDITED?
>> AUDITED TWICE PER YEAR AND SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THE REWARDS FUNDS THAT THE TWO ARTICLES THAT YOU RESPECTFULLY MENTIONED.
THOSE FUNDS ARE AUDITED TWICE PER YEAR.
ONCE BY THE STATE OF TEXAS WHICH DETERMINES OUR CRIMESTOPPER CERTIFICATION.
NOT ONE TIME HAS THERE BEEN A DISCREPANCY OR AN ISSUE WITH THE AUDIT.
THAT'S THE ONE WITH THE STATE.
WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THOSE AUDITS ONCE A YEAR ALSO.
SO TWICE A YEAR THOSE FUNDS ARE AUDITED.
NOT ONCE, NOT ONE TIME HAS THERE BEEN AN ISSUE WITH ANY OF THOSE AUDITS.
NOT ONE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT WAS MY QUESTION.
THANK YOU. WE CAN VOTE ON IT NOW.
>> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ONLY WANT TO --
[01:35:06]
RIGHTS WEEK BEGINS.>> LINA HIDALGO: BASICALLY DELETE THE LAST SENTENCE ON THE PARAGRAPH, CORRECT, COMMISSIONER?
>> SO THERE WILL BE A NEW RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO US.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL JUST AMEND THIS ONE.
I WILL TAKE OUT THE REFERENCE, AFTER CASA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU CLEAR ON WHAT HE IS PROPOSING TO STRIKE?
YOU WANT TO LEAVE THE RESOLUTION AND DREW -- DRAW A LINE THROUGH IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2.
COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I BELIEVE YOU HAVE ANOTHER RESOLUTION.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: SO WE VOTE NOW ON THE MOTION NOW THAT THE AMENDMENT HAS BEEN RULED ON.
THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE ACTUAL UNDERLING MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, AND WE VOTED ON THE MOTION.
WHAT WE VOTED ON WAS A VOTE TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION AS PRESENTED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE STILL HAVE TO VOTE --
>> YES, NOW ON THE AMENDED INVESTIGATION OF IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
JACK CAGLE: I AM FOLLOWING THE LEADER.
ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF IT AS AMENDED?
>> NO. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE IN FAVOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE IF YOU WILL ALLOW US A MINUTE.
THEY ARE ONLY AVAILABLE AT 12:45.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THE GOVERNOR OF THE GREAT STATE OF NUEVO LEON.
THANK YOU. IF YOU WILL COME TO THE PODIUM.
AND IF YOU WILL ALLOW ME TO PROPERLY INTRODUCE YOU.
AT FIRST SAMUEL GARCIA WAS BORN IN MONTEREY.
HE STUDIED LAW AND FINANCE AND A MASTER'S DEGREE IN PUBLIC LAW BOTH AT THE ESTUDIO SPANISH] IN MONTEREY.
HE STUDIED A DOCTORATE IN PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION AT THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND PUBLIC POLICY AT THE TECHNOLOGICAL DE MONTEREY AND TAX LAW AT THE ITAC CH UNIVERSITY.
-- ITACH. AND HE HAS A THIRD DOCTORATE IN CONSTITUTION ALLAH FROM -- CONSTITUTIONAL LAW. HE WAS A LOCAL DEPUTY FOR DISTRICT 18 FROM 2015 TO 2018.
HE A SENATOR FROM 2018 TO 2021 AND SINCE OCTOBER 3RD, 2021, HE IS THE CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NOVO LEON.
HE IS A GOVERNOR IN A RAPIDLY GROWING POLITICAL PARTY AND HE IS THE AUTHOR OF THREE BOOKS AND HE HAS BEEN A SPEAKER AND WRITER IN VARIOUS MEDIA IS AS WELL AS A PROFESSOR IN THE MASTER OF TAX LAW AT THE UANL UNIVERSITY.
GOVERNOR, LET ME JUST ALSO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK WITH GOVERNOR ABBOTT.
IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS, HE WAS AEUBLG -- WAS ABLE TO MASTERFULLY REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH GOVERNOR ABBOTT TO REDUCE THE INSPECTIONS OF FREIGHT TRUCKS CROSSING INTO TEXAS FROM THE STATE.
AND HE IS FOCUSED ON CROSS-BORDER VACCINATIONS AND FOCUSING ON CHILDREN, UNIVERSAL CANCER COVERAGE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS, UNIVERSAL CANCER COVERAGE FOR WOMEN, ISSUES I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT AS WELL.
NEW CONSTITUTION FOR THE STATE IS ADVANCING IN CONGRESS WITH ITS DEPUTIES WITH A VISION TO 2050.
[01:40:07]
METRO LINES IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF THE MONTEREY SLUM YAW -- MONTEREY COLUMBIA HIGHWAY.WE KNOW YOU ARE HERE ON BUSINESS AND I BELIEVE YOU ARE VISITING WITH THE MAYOR AS WELL.
WE ARE GRATEFUL AND I AM GLAD TO SEE MY FRIEND, MANUAL -- MANUEL, WITH YOU.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO COME AND VISIT US.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A FEW WORDS?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH I'M VERY HONORED AND FLATTERED TO BE HERE WITH SUCH RECOGNITION AND ALSO VERY HAPPY TO SEE THAT YOUR PUBLIC OUTINGS AND YOUR CONSOLES ARE MANAGING IN A STRATEGIC WAY.
THIS WEEK WE ARE GOING TO BE AROUND TEXAS LAW RARE DOUGH AND SAN SAN AN -- LAREDO AND SAN ANTONIO AND AUSTIN AND DALLAS. I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT MATTER I AM TRYING TO EMPHASIZE IS FOR YOU TO KNOW BETTER NUEVOLEON AND MONTEREY.
MY GRANDFATHER WAS BORN AND MANY OF MY FAMILY LIVE IN THE VALLEY -- SORRY?
>> I WILL NEED MORE TIME THAN THAT.
WE CAME TO TEXAS BECAUSE WE ARE HAVING A LOT OF COMPANIES JOINING US. FOR EXAMPLE, YESTERDAY WE VISITED TESLA THERE ARE HUGE FACTORIES, THE BIGGEST ONE IN THE WORLD HERE IN TEXAS.
SURPRISINGLY THEIR BRAIN, THE CHIP TECHNOLOGY THAT THEY HAVE IN THE CARS, THEY ARE OWNED BY A COMPANY CALLED QUANTA COMPUTERS IT AND HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN MONTEREY.
IT BROUGHT US A GREAT IDEA THAT OUR COLUMBIA BORDER MAKE A STRATEGIC LANE THAT CROSSES IN FIVE MINUTES INSTEAD OF BORDERS THAT CAN LAST FIVE OR SIX HOURS.
IT HAS A LOT OF ENFORCEMENT FOR US.
SIX MONTHS AGO WE TOOK OFFICE AND WE STARTED A LOT OF HIGHWAYS THAT WE HAD BEEN PLANNING FOR MANY YEARS, 20 OR 30 YEARS AND IT WILL CONNECT EVEN MORE WITH U.S.
AND TEXAS, THREE HIGHWAYS SPECIFICALLY AND THEY WILL ACCOMPLISH TO HAVE THE BEST BORDER OF ALL MEXICO IN THREE YEARS.
WE ARE MODERNIZING OUR BORDER, OUR BRIDGE AND OBVIOUSLY I WOULD BE PROUDLY INVITING YOU ALL WHEN YOU WANT.
REVOLUEON IS LIKE THE CAPITAL OF MEXICO.
MONTEREY IS A STATE CITY WHERE 93% OF THE POPULATION LIVES IN THE CENTER AND IN THE CITY.
WE ARE IN FIRST PLACE IN EVERY TOPIC.
EMPLOYMENT, LABOR FORCE AND FORMALITY AND TAXES.
THEY ARE VERY QUALIFIED FOR THESE NEW CLUSTERS AND YESTERDAY I WAS SAYING WE ARE THE SEVENTH ECONOMIC REGION OF THE WORLD AND WE CAN GO EVEN MORE FASTER -- FASTER AND IN A BIGGER SCALE AND WE ARE JOINING THEM.
[01:45:11]
WE HAVE THE MOST REMARKABLE COMPANIES.KIMBERLY CLARIC AND DAL TILE AND WE HAVE COMPANIES HERE IN TEXAS AND IT IS A MONTEREY COMPANY.
WE ARE VERY WELL ATTACHED AND I AM VERY HONORED TO AND YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
THAT'S WHY WE WILL FINISH TODAY AND WE PRESENTED THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, THE TEXAS DOT THAT WE ARE MAKING THREE HIGHWAYS THAT WILL REDUCE 120-KILOMETER DISTANCE.
IT IS AROUND -- IT IS ONE HOUR AND A HALF FOR ALL OF THE MERCHANDISE GOODS AND SERVICE THAT'S COME FROM SOUTH AMERICA AND MEXICO AND THEY WILL BE EXPORTED IN A SAFER MANNER.
IT WILL BE A STATE BUDGET WITH NO TOLLS AND NO FEES.
WE ALWAYS PRESUME THAT WE WILL HAVE THE BEST HIGHWAYS FOR FREE AND SECURE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME JUST SAY ONE THING.
WELCOME AGAIN AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.
MUCH OF WHAT YOU ELUDED TO IN TERMS OF THE CONNECTION IS IN PRECINCT 2, MY PRECINCT.
I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU AND THE PORT OF HOUSTON AS WELL.
EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR AGENDA AND YOUR TIME IN TEXAS IS GREAT EXCEPT ONE THING.
>> I ALSO LIKE TO ADD SOMETHING.
IN MEXICO WE HAVE A LOT OF GARCIAS.
THEY SAY -- THANK YOU FOR THE RECOGNITION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN ELLIS.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: TWO QUICK THINGS.
ONE OF WHICH I WANT TO COMMEND YOU ARE WORKING WITH TEXAS AGRICULTURAL ADMINISTRATOR SID MILLER.
IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH STATES.
THANK YOU FOR THAT. NUMBER TWO, ONE OF THE GROOMS MEN IN MY WEDDING WAS FROM MEXICO CITY.
DO YOU HAVE ANCESTORS FROM MEXICO CITY?
THE SEPULVEDA -- WELL, IT IS A SPANISH TRADITION, BUT THERE ARE TOO MANY SEPULVEDAS.
MY OTHER GRANDFATHER IS HECTOR SEPULVEDA SEPUVEDA SELULVEDA.
I WILL LOOK FOR THE NAME LATER AND SEARCH FOR IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND RAMSEY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR COMING, GOVERNOR.
COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR PAUSING AND JUDGE, TO RECOGNIZE.
WE KNOW MEXICO IS OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER.
IT IS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MARKET TO US.
I AM GLAD MAYOR DID A TRIP DOWN THERE.
AND YOU WILL ORGANIZE SOMETHING.
IT IS A TREMENDOUS CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR STATE AND THIS STATE.
I LOOK FORWARD TO GIVING REGARDS TO THE CAMPAIGN ADVISER AND THE GREAT INFLUENCER.
AND THEY HAVE SEVEN MILLION FOLLOWERS AND HIS SPOUSE.
>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> GOVERNOR, THANKS FOR COMING BY.
THESE RELATIONSHIPS ARE SO IMPORTANT.
OUTSTANDING. AS YOU CONSIDER NETWORKS AND RELATIONSHIPS OUR UNIVERSITY HERE IN THE TEXAS AREA STARTING WITH TEXAS A&M -- ANYWAY, IN THE GREATER TEXAS AREA THEY COULD WELL NETWORK WITH I THINK WHAT YOU HAVE GOING THERE IN MONTEREY.
[01:50:01]
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND WELCOME TO HARRIS COUNTY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN WE TAKE A PICTURE WITH HIM AND THEN CONTINUE WITH THE AGENDA?
WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR FOCUSING ON THESE ECONOMIC TIDES.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO VISIT US AND THE ON GOING CONVERSATION THAT WILL BRING OUR COMMUNITIES AND OUR STATES CLOSER.
WELCOME TO HARRIS COUNTY AND TO HOUSTON.
WE WILL TAKE A PICTURE REAL QUICK.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU HAVE TWO RESOLUTIONS.
WOULD YOU RATHER A BREAK AND THEN DO THE RESOLUTIONS OR DO THE RESOLUTIONS AND THEN THE BREAK?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ON OWE -- OWE -- OKAY.
CAN WE DOT TWO RESOLUTIONS? LET'S DOT PICTURES AND THEN FINISH THE RESOLUTIONS AND THEN TAKE A BREAK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T SEE MY COLLEAGUES HERE SO I WILL TAKE A BREAK UNTIL 12:20.
THANK YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: TIFFANY, ARE YOU THERE?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: DO YOU HAVE LORI GARCIA AVAILABLE? I THINK THAT'S THE NEXT ONE WE ARE GOING TO TAKE UP WHEN WE COME BACK HERE IN A MINUTE.
>> SHE IS NOT ON THE LINE, BUT WE CAN GET HER ON.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF YOU CAN WORK ON GETTING HER HERE.
SHE IS TO RECEIVE THE NEXT AWARD AND IT IS UP NEXT.
[01:59:21]
IT IS SUPPOSED TO START IN ONE MINUTE FROM NOW.>> THANK YOU. >>> IT IS 12:26 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
[Departments (Part 2 of 4)]
COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF RESOLUTIONS.>> PRECINCT 4 HAS TWO RESOLUTIONS.
THE FIRST ONE DEALS WITH AN EVENT TOMORROW EVENING.
IT MARKS A DAY CALLED -- IT IS FOR THE HOLOCAUST.
I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE RESOLUTION AND THEN I HAVE QUICK COMMENT AFTER I READ THE RESOLUTION.
I DO HAVE MY CANDLE I HAVE PUT UP HERE ON THE HORSESHOE.
[02:00:07]
WHEREAS THE HOLOCAUST IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR IS A HISTORICAL FACT THAT MUST BE REMEMBERED AND RETOLD SO WE AS A SOCIETY MUST BE ON GUARD TO PREVENT BRUTAL AND CALLUS ATTEMPT TO EBGSZ TERMINATE -- EXTERMINATE A PEOPLE AGAIN.IT IS NEEDED AS CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY OCCURS.
IT TEACHES THE DANGERS OF HATRED, PREJUDICE AND APATHY TO CREATE A BETTER WORLD AND YOM HASHOAH COINCIDES WITH THE LARGEST ACT OF RESISTANCE AGAINST THE NAZIS WITH ROUGHLY 700 JEWS RISING UP AND REFUSING TO BE DEPORTED AND WHEREAS EACH 27TH DAY OF THE MONTH WHICH THIS YEAR IS APRIL 28TH SIRENS WILL CALL FOR SILENT REMEMBRANCE.
THEY JOIN US TO REC -- TO REMEMBER THOSE LOST AND THOSE WHO RESISTED.
AND THEREFORE WE RESOLVE THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT STANDS IN SILENCE FOR YOM HASHOAH.
OUR OWN JEWISH COMMUNITY HELD A COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION -- NOT A CELEBRATION, BUT A CEREMONY THIS PAST SUNDAY AT CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL.
IT WAS A MOVING SERVICE AND I AM SAD TO REPORT THAT WE HAD 16 HOUSTONIANS THAT SURVIVED THE HOLOCAUST AND HAVE PASSED AWAY OFFER -- OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS AND LEAVING A FEW REMAINING.
I WOULD LIKE TO READ THE NAMES OF THE 16 AS WE REMEMBER THEM.
BAST, BADAGAUER, RUTH BROWN, AL MARKS, AGGIE, LOTTY SPINNER, RISA -- PARDON ME.
TISIBOUK, REBECCA AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO KEEP THEIR MEMORY ALIVE.
I BELIEVE WE HAVE SOMEONE FROM THE MUSEUM TO SPEAK.
PH*S GARCIA -- MS. GARCIA, ARE YOU THERE?
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON IS DEDICATED TO EDUCATING STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST AND REMEMBERING THE SIX MILLION JEWS AND THE OTHER INNOCENT VICTIMS MURDERED AND HONORING THE LEGACY OF SURVIVORS.
THE CRUCIAL MISSION OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE DANGERS OF PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION AND HATRED AND APATHY REMAINS VITAL IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES, ESPECIALLY WITH THE RISE OF ANTI-SEMITIC HATE SPEECH AND INCIDENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE.
IN 2021 THERE WERE 2,717 INCIDENCES OF ASSAULT, HARASSMENT AND VAN TKAU -- VANDALISM AGAINST JEWISH INDIVIDUALS, COMMUNITIES AND INSTITUTIONS.
THIS IS AN AVERAGE OF SEVEN --
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: PLEASE CONTINUE.
>> SO THIS ALARMING TREND HAS IMPACTED THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY.
IT IS VITAL FOR US TO REFLECT ON THE LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE HOLOCAUST AS IT CAN PLAY A ROLE IF THEIR COMMUNITY TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE RIGHTS AND DIGNITY AND HUMANITY OF ALL AND BECOMING LEADERS IN ADVANCING POSITIVE CHANGES IN OUR SOCIETY.
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HONORS YOM HASHOAH.
IT WILL REFLECT ON THE DANGERS OF HATRED AND PREJUDICE AND HONORING THE STORIES AND LEGACIES OF THE VICTIMS AND EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS TO BUILD INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH THE HUMANITY OF ALL IS UP LIFTED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I MOVE THE RESOLUTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?
ALL IF FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: OUR SECOND RESOLUTION, I WILL JUST JUMP RIGHT IN.
THE INCREASE IN CRIME IN HARRIS COUNTY IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYBODY'S MIND.
[02:05:04]
THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC IS OUR TOP PRIORITY AND ESSENTIAL FOR THE PRESERVATION OF ORDER AND OUR CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, PARKS, SYNAGOGUES AND PLACES OF BUSINESS.WHEREAS FOX 26 BREAKING BOND SERIES IS AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT THE CRIMINAL COURTS GRANTING MULTIPLE BONDS TO DEFENDANTS COMMITTING INCREASING CRIMES.
CRIMESTOPPERS OF HOUSTON SERVED ON THE FRONT LINES OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, AWARENESS, CAMPAIGNS AND OUT REACH ARE TO MORE THAN 40 YEARS -- AND OUT REACH FOR 40 YEARS.
CRIMESTOPPERS HONORED FOX 26 WITH THE JOHNNY KLEVENHAGEN AWARD AND THE MONTH OF APRIL IS CRIME VICTIM AWARENESS MONTH, BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY RECOGNIZES FOX 26 FOR ITS MEDIA PRODUCTIONSEN -- ENHANCING THE AWARENESS OF OUR COMMUNITY. I MOVE THE MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM FORWARD.
ANYTHING TO HELP US HIGHLIGHT GOOD WORK THAT IS BEING DONE IS IMPORTANT.
I DO WANT TO MAKE A COUPLE OF CHANGES.
IT IS NOTHING THAT IS ANY -- THAT IS OF ANY MAGNITUDE.
I AM JUST TRYING TO FOLLOW THIS -- IT SHOULD BE IN -- I THINK I HAVE THE WRONG RESOLUTION. IT IS IN THE FIRST PARAGRAPH AND TO ADD VIOLENT TO CRIME AND THEN IN THE THIRD PARAGRAPH IT IS TO STRIKE CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGES GRANTING MULTIPLE BONDS TO DEFENDANTS AND REPLACE WITH DEFENDANTS ON MULTIPLE BONDS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT A MOTION, COMMISSIONER?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
JACK CAGLE: LET ME MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND.
THE FIRST ONE IS THE INCREASE OF VIOLENT CRIME IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THE SECOND IS ON THE THIRD PARAGRAPH WHERE IF WE CHANGE WHERE IT SAYS SERIES AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT JUDGES GRANTING CRIMINAL BONDS YOU SUGGEST WE JUST PLACE DEFENDANTS ON MULTIPLE BONDS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S CORRECT.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: IF I MAKE THOSE ADDITIONS THIS IS A MOTION YOU CAN SUPPORT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL. >> R.
I WILL ACCEPT THAT AS A FRIENDLY MOTION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE REPORTS THAT CAME OUT BY TWO RESPECT -- RESPECTIVE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO VOTE FOR IT TODAY.
I WOULD LIKE TO DELAY THIS ITEM AND ASK FOR THE AUDITOR AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATE AND GIVE AS YOU DETAILED ACCOUNTING OF ALL COUNTY FUNDS -- ALL THE FUNDS THE COUNTY COLLECTS SUCH AS COURT FEES AND ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE VARIOUS COUNTY ENTITIES TO CRIMESTOPPERS EACH YEAR OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE INTENDED PURPOSE IS -- THE PROVISIONS OF THE FUNDS AND TRANSFER THE COUNTY ENTITIES HAVE BEEN AND HOW THE FUNDS WERE UTILIZED BY CRIMESTOPPERS AND WHETHER THE PROVISION AND THE USE OF THE FUNDS COMPLY WITH, NUMBER ONE, THE INTENDED USE OF THE COUNTY ENTITY AND ANY ASSOCIATED COUNTY AGREEMENT AND NUMBER TWO, ALL APPLICABLE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ON PROVISIONS AND THE USE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS BY A NONPROFIT.
I THINK THESE WERE SERIOUS CONCERNS I WILL RAISE.
THERE ARE MANY GOOD THINGS CRIMESTOPPERS DOES.
I AM CONCERNED THAT AS OF LATE THERE HAS BEEN A TURN TOWARD MORE FOCUSING ON POLITICS.
OFTENTIMES IN A PARTISAN WAY AS OPPOSED TO THE GREAT WORK THAT THIS ORGANIZATION WAS FOUNDED TO DO IN NEW MEXICO AND IT DOES AROUND THE COUNTRY.
IN NO WAY AM I SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT THE GREAT WORK THEY DO, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR YOU GETTING THEIR HEADQUARTERS, BUT I DON'T THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE WHEN THEY DIP INTO POLITICS.
I KNOW IN TERMS OF THEIR FUNDING FROM THE COURT FEES, IT IS A $50 FEE AND THE JUDGES ARE REQUIRED THE DEFENDANTS TO PAY HAVE DROPPED DRAMATICALLY FROM A HIGH OF 630,000 IN 2 WR-R 17 -- 2017 TO A LOW OF 85,000 IN 2020
[02:10:09]
AND I WONDER IF THAT HAS DRIVEN IT.IT WOULD BE INTERESTING IF SOMEBODY LOOKED AT THE TEXTS AND EMAILS TO WHAT EXTENT THEY HAVE TAKEN A GREAT ORGANIZATION FOR GREAT INTENT AND SOMETHING THEY COULD USE AS A POLITICAL CLUB.
I MAKE A MOTION THAT WE DELAY THIS ITEM UNTIL THE AUDITOR CAN GO AND LOOK AT IT AND SEE WHETHER OR NOT -- I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THIS BE DELAYED UNTIL THE AUDITOR GOES IN AND COMES BACK AND GIVES US A REVIEW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD NOT AGREE WITH DELAYING IT.
I THINK THIS IS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT SETTING MOVE.
I THINK WHEN YOU -- YOU INTRODUCED THE POLITICS IN CRIMESTOPPERS.
THEY DIDN'T. I THINK THEY HAVE BEEN VERY CLEAR ON THEIR MISSION -FRPT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT -- YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT JOURNALISTS AND THE AWARD-WINNING, MOST RECOGNIZED JOURNALIST ON THE PLANET AGAIN IS DAVE ORR.
I SAW HIM AT A RECENT EVENT AND HE KPWAEUF -- AND HE GAVE MUCH CREDIT AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE GOOD WORK OF CRIMESTOPPERS. I THINK THIS DOES NOT -- TO DELAY THIS MOTION AND TO FURTHER NOT JUST DELAY IT, BUT TO DO SOMETHING KIND OF AN AUDIT, ARE WE THEN TO AUDIT EVERY NONPROFIT THAT YOU MAY NOT AGREE WITH POLITICALLY? I DON'T THINK SO.
I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A POLITICAL ORGANIZATION.
I THINK FROM WHAT I HAVE GROWN TO APPRECIATE IS THEY ARE THE LAST SOURCE OF SUPPORT FOR MANY OF THESE VICTIMS WHO HAVE NO ONE ELSE TO GO TO.
IF YOU CALL THAT POLITICS, I AM NOT CALLING IT POLITICS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE -- GO AHEAD.
[Appearances before court]
>> FIRST IS CHIVAS WATSON SPEAKING IN PERSON.
>> I AM A RETIRED RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY.
SORRY, RODNEY, I WILL NOT GIVE THEM MUCH CREDIT.
IT IS AN ABSOLUTE DENIAL OF THE 6TH AMENDMENT RIGHT TO A FAIR AND IMPLICIT PROCESS, IMPLICIT JURY TO LET THIS SHOW CONTINUE TO AIR.
I WONDER IF YOU READ THE CONSTITUTION.
I HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOU FOR MONTHS ALL YOU DO IS GO AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION.
I WILL AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
WE NEED TO DELAY THIS UNTIL THERE IS A FULL AUDIT OF THE GROUP AND BOTH OF YOUR OFFICES.
WHAT YOU JUST SAID, I CAN TELL YOU PROBABLY GET SOME KIND OF FINANCIAL KICKBACK FROM CRIMESTOPPERS.
Y'ALL PROBABLY GO TO CORAL ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS.
I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK I AM PROJECTING.
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK --
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. FOLKS.
IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE TO BE HOLLERING AT EACH OTHER HERE.
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A DISCUSSION OF OPINIONS AND POLICY AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DO.
WHO IS THE NEXT SPEAKER? >> NEXT IS HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER ALEX BUNEN.
>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, I'M ALEX BUNEN, CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
WHEN I STARTED CRIMESTOPPERS WELCOMED ME AND I SPOKE AT THEIR LUNCHEON.
FOX 26, I HAVE ALWAYS COOPERATED WITH THEM.
THE ISSUE OF BAIL HAS BECOME TOO PAW LIT SIZED.
IN TRUTH THEY CARE ABOUT AND ARE ENFORCING THE LAW IN THE CONSTITUTION.
THEY ARE DOING WHAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO.
I THINK IT IS BEING TOO PAW LIT SIZED.
THE OTHER ISSUES, YOU HAVE ARTICLES --
[02:15:02]
>> THANK YOU, SIR. YOUR TIME IS UP.
BUNIN. >> CRIMESTOPPERS BEGAN AS AN ORGANIZATION THAT PAID PEOPLE FOR PEUP -- FOR TIPS.
LAST YEAR THEY PAID LESS OUT FOR TIPS THAN THEY DID THE SALARY OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
I THINK IT HAS BECOME A POLITICAL ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION.
THAT'S FINE, BUT I DON'T THINK THE COURT SHOULD RECOGNIZE IT IN THAT WAY.
THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS ANDY KAHN OF CRIMESTOPPERS SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, FOR THAT LAST RESOLUTION AS A MEMBER OF THE JEWISH TRIBE.
I AM ANDREW KAHN WITH VICTIM SERVICES AND VICTIM ADVOCACY FOR CRIMESTOPPERS OF HOUSTON.
I HAVE BEEN A VICTIM ADVOCATE FOR 30 YEARS.
I WAS IN THE MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR OVER 18 YEARS, SERVED MAYOR BOB LENIER AND MAYOR BROWN AND MAYOR BILL WHITE, PARKER AND THEN WENT TO HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ADRIAN, YOU AND I USED TO WORK TOGETHER.
STILL REMEMBER THAT. THIS WEEK IS NATIONAL CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS WEEK.
IT IS RIGHTS, ACCESS AND EQUITY FOR ALL VICTIMS. CRIMESTOPPERS HELPS CRIME VICTIMS FIND THEIR JUSTICE.
LET'S BEGIN WITH THE FACT THAT FOR 40 YEARS CRIMESTOPPERS OF HOUSTON STAYED TRUE TO ITS MISSION TO SOLVE AND PREVENT CRIME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITIZENS, MEDIA AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
DURING THIS TIME WE STUDIED CRIME TRENDS --
>> THANK YOU. APPRECIATE THAT.
WE NEVER DEVIATED FROM THAT MISSION.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD SOLUTIONS WITH YOU ALL.
AS YOU HAVE ELUDED TO TODAY, SADLY COMMUNITY SAFETY IS NO LONGER A COMMON GOAL.
I GET IT. YOU SAID THIS REPEATEDLY.
IT IS A SEASON WHERE CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY IS NOW POLITICAL.
IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT FOR SOME CRIMESTOPPERS GOT IN THEIR WAY.
YOU WENT TO ENFORCE A 10% BAIL REFORM.
I WILL QUOTE SEVERAL OF OUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL OFFICIALS ABOUT CRIMESTOPPERS.
SHE SAID FOR DECADES I SERVED COMMUNITIES IN NEED AND HAVE ALWAYS ADVOCATED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL.
CRIMESTOPPERS HAS BEEN A LONG-TIME PARTNER AND ALLY IN THIS EFFORT.
MAYOR TURNER, CRIMESTOPPERS IS OUR PARTNER IN PUBLIC SAFETY.
I COMMEND THE ORGANIZATION ON ITS TIRELESS WORK AND ON BEHALF OF VICTIMS I CONGRATULATE THEM FOR A JOB WELL DONE. SENATOR WHITMEYER.
FOR 40 YEARS I WORKED TO KEEP THE PEOPLE IN TEXAS SAFE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND THROUGH THE NUANCE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IT HAS BEEN HELP TO ME.
CHIEF TROY FINNER, A LEADING PARTNER OF CRIMESTOPPERS SAYS AS A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN AND YOUR POLICE CHIEF, I STAND PROUD TO SUPPORT CRIMESTOPPERS AND WORKING WITH HPD TO STOP FELONY CRIME IN ITS TRACK.
ANY CITY IS LUCKY TO HAVE AN ACTIVE CRIMESTOPPERS.
WE ARE UNIQUELY PROUD TO HOST THE LARGEST IN THE COUNTRY AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO DOING MORE TOGETHER.
HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE LINA HILL -- LINA HIDALGO.
WORKING TO TAKE REPEAT VIOLENT OFFENDERS OFF THE STREET IN A TARGETED ZONE AND WE ARE ABLE TO MAKE A DENT IN THE REGIONAL CRIME.
YOU STATED, WE HAVE THIS INCREDIBLE WAVE OF GUN VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT OUR COUNTRY AND THE TRUTH IS TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO SHOULD BE BEHIND BARS ARE OUT REOFFENDING.
[02:20:05]
THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT.ON BEHALF OF CRIMESTOPPERS WE UNANIMOUSLY AGREE WITH YOU ON THAT COMMENT.
YOU WILL FIND THERE IS MORE AGREEMENT THAN DISAGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC SAFETY.
SHERIFF ED GONZALEZ, IT IS INEXCUSABLE CUTTING LOOSE DANGEROUS REPEAT OFFENDERS ON BOND.
CRIMESTOPPERS IS HERE HERE TO WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY, CONTRARY TO RECENT NEWS REPORTS.
AS YOU JUST HEARD FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS.
BY THE WAY, THEY ARE ALL DEMOCRATS.
NO MATTER WHAT DE ROG -- DEROGATORY COMMENTS ARE MADE ABOUT US, WE WILL STAND AND WORK FOR WHO WE WORK FOR AND THAT IS THE PEOPLE OF HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY AND THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME.
I WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT I DID.
I GET IT. WHEN YOU ADVOCATE ON BEHALF OF ONE FACTION YOU WILL INFURIATE THE OTHER FACTION.
AND THAT JUST COMES WITH THE TERRITORY.
YOU KNOW WHAT? WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND FIRM IN DOING WHAT WE DO BEST AS CRIMESTOPPERS.
I DO HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE WORKING WITH THIS ENTIRE BODY OF HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE YOU GIVING ME THE ADDITIONAL TIME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS MY HOPE TOO IS FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND IF I MAY, ANDY, GOOD TO SEE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LIFE-LONG WORK.
I AM NOT SURE WHAT YOUR STATEMENT WAS AND WE FOUND WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE PAPER PLATES AND THE TAGS GOING THROUGH THE TOLL SYSTEM AND IDENTIFYING PEOPLE WHO ARE WANTED FOR CRIMES AND I HAVE GIVEN MONEY TO THE ORGANIZATION AT THE LAST GALA AND I MUST HAVE MISSED SOMETHING.
>> NO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOLD ON ONE SECOND, ANDY.
I HAVE THE FLOOR. I THINK WHAT I -- ALL I HEARD WAS THE COMMISSIONER TO HOLD THE ITEM.
I HAVE NOT HEARD ANY LACK OF SUPPORT FOR CRIMESTOPPERS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I MENTIONED MY APPRECIATION AS WELL FOR THE TIP LINE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I CAN'T REMEMBER IF IT IS A MILLION OR A -- 1.5 MILLION TO HELP BUILD A BUILDING.
I THINK THE COMMISSIONER HAS A PREROGATIVE AND SOMETIMES WE EXERCISE IT ON OCCASION.
I HAVE NOT HEARD THAT WE DO NOT SUPPORT CRIMESTOPPERS.
>> I WILL RESPOND VERY BRIEFLY.
IN OVER 30 YEARS I HAVE NEVER SEEN A RESOLUTION FOR NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS BE STRUCK DOWN.
THAT'S PRETTY MUCH -- I WAS JUST KIND OF STUNNED.
I SAW A RESOLUTION BASICALLY ENDORSING NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK NOT PASS.
LET ME SAY TO YOU THAT JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY DISAGREES WITH ME, I DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY.
WHAT I DON'T THINK IS APPROPRIATE IS THE MIND-SET THAT NOBODY CARES ABOUT CRIME BUT YOU OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL. THAT'S NOT APPROPRIATE.
MY REGRET IS A GREAT ORGANIZATION AND I AM WELL AWARE OF THE HISTORY OF CRIMESTOPPERS, WORK WITH YOU ON THE ISSUES IN MY PREVIOUS LIFE. BUT THIS ATTITUDE THAT SOMEBODY DOESN'T AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAY OR I SAY AND SOMEHOW YOU DEMONIZE THEM, THAT'S NOT MY WAY OF OPERATING.
MY REQUEST IS THAT WE DELAY IT.
TWO CREDIBLE NEWS OUTLETS THAT ARE WELL RESPECTED RAISED SOME ISSUES.
I THINK IT IS VALID TO LOOK INTO THEM.
THANK YOU. >> YOU BET. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE SPEAKERS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. >> NEXT IS RANIA FROM CRIMESTOPPERS OF HOUSTON.
YOU WITH -- YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION AND CON TKPWRATING FOX 26 -- CONGRATULATING THE FOX 26 NEWS.
[02:25:05]
I AM VERY CLOSE TO THE BUILDING.WE RAISED OUR CONCERNS FOLLOWING THIS WRITING TV SEGMENTS LIKE "BREAKING BONDS." WHILE WE ARE NONPARTISAN AND WORKING WITH ALL WE KNOW WE ANGERED THOSE TRYING TO INFUSE POLITICS AND ULTIMATELY PLACES POLITICS ABOVE SAFETY.
CRIMESTOPPERS GARNERED A BIAS REPORT BY PAPERS FIX SAY THED ON -- FIXATED POLICY AND WE WERE WARNED.
WE WERE FINE WITH IT. WE DIDN'T HOLD ANYTHING BACK FROM THE PAPERS.
IN THE MOST RECENT YEARS AS CRIME SURGES CONTINUED.
THE REPORTS ANGERED COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND ANGERED VICTIMS. IT DIDN'T HURT CRIMESTOPPERS.
TO SUMMARIZE, THE VERY ISSUE WE BROUGHT UP IN 2019.
IT WAS THE VERY ISSUE THAT HAS CAUSED THIS HIGHER PROBLEM.
WE APPRECIATE HER SAY THING THAT.
IT HAS BEEN OUR PHILOSOPHY FROM THE BEGINNING THAT WE WORK BETTER TOGETHER.
WE WORK BETTER WHEN WE ARE ARM IN ARM.
IT GOES WAY BEYOND THE TIP LINE THAT EVERYBODY IS FIXATED ON.
WE ARE IN HUNDREDS OF SCHOOLS AND REACHING MILLIONS OF STUDENTS AND REMOVING WEAPONS INCLUDING GUNS BEFORE WE HAVE AN ACTIVE SHOOTER ON OUR CAMPUSES. [INAUDIBLE] WE WORK ON ILLEGAL DUMPING. THERE IS SO MUCH THE ORGANIZATION DOES AND IT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND ALL OF THE ISSUES WE ARE ADDRESSING TODAY AND REALLY HELPING VICTIMS. A MAJORITY ARE THE UNSPOKEN PART OF THE ENTIRE SITUATION.
WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DO THE GREAT WORK WE ARE DOING.
ANYTHING YOU NEED FROM US, WE WILL PROVIDE TO YOU WITHOUT QUESTION OR HESITATION OR ISSUE.
OUR GOAL IS TO CONTINUE WORKING TOGETHER.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
I WOULD LIKE YOUR HELP WITH SOMETHING.
I HAD MADE MENTION TO MY TEAM THAT -- OF THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT I HAVE GIVEN I THINK IN 2 INJURE 1 -- 2019 AND WE DID THE ANNUAL -- I GUESS IT IS THE ANNUAL 25,000 PER PRECINCT I THINK AND MOST RECENTLY AT THE GALA I DID ANOTHER 10,000.
BUT MY DONATION WAS NOT REFLECTED ON YOUR REPORT.
IF YOU COULD MAKE SURE THAT IS THERE.
I WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT I HAVE FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED CRIMESTOPPERS.
>> COMMISSIONER, I AM SO HAPPY YOU MENTIONED THAT.
THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS YES I WILL ABSOLUTELY LOOK AT THAT.
WE ARE AUDITED BY THE LARGEST OUGHT -- AUDITING FIRM IN THE COUNTRY.
HERE IS MY BIGGEST FRUSTRATION WITH THE QUESTION YOU ASK.
WHEN WE SAT WITH THE CHRONICLE REPORTER, WHEN WE GAVE THE "NEW YORK TIMES" ANSWERS UPON ANSWERS UPON ANSWERS AND I HAVE IT IN WRITING AND I HAVE IT RECORDED, MULTIPLE TIMES THE BUILDING CAME UP.
EVERY TIME I SAID, YOU KNOW WHO THE BIGGEST GIFTER TO THAT LAND WAS? THE BIGGEST GIFT TO THAT LAND CAME FROM THEN SHERIFF ADRIAN GARCIA.
WE ARE NOT PLAYING TO REPUBLICANS.
I QUITE FRANKLY DON'T KNOW WHY THIS CONVERSATION HAS BEEN GIFTED TO REPUBLICANS.
AS IF THEY ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT'S CARE ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY.
[02:30:02]
YOU KNOW, THE ONE FACT NEITHER PAPER WOULD RECOGNIZE IS YOUR GIFT TO CRIMESTOPPERS.THAT SHOT THEIR AND DISMANTLED THEIR ARGUMENT THAT WE ARE PARTISAN.
WE SHARED THAT YOU WERE INVOLVED IN THE CREATION OF THE MEMORIAL GARDEN.
YOUR GIFTS TO US, THE HISTORY WE HAVE HAD WITH YOU AND WITH SO MANY OTHER DEMOCRATIC LEADERS UP UNTIL LAST WEEK WHEN WE HAD THE CONGRESSWOMAN IN OUR BUILDING AND SENATOR WHITMEYER IN OUR BUILDING.
ALL OF THAT WAS LEFT OUT OF THESE BIASED REPORTS THAT WE WERE TOLD WERE COMING.
IT IS NONSENSE. THE COMMUNITY DOESN'T WANT IT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU COULD JUST HELP MY DONATIONS TO BE VISIBLE, THAT WOULD HELP ME.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND AT THE GALA, ONE THING DID STRIKE ME WHEN YOU WERE SITTING WITH THE VICTIMS OF CRIME I GUESS AT THE MID-- MIDDLE PART OF THE GALA, YOU MADE MENTION OF FELONY BAIL REFORM.
WHY IS THAT? >> WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE IMPACT -- I WILL TAKE IT BACK A SECOND.
MISDEMEANOR BOND REFORM, WE HAVE BEEN ON RECORD SAYING IT FROM THE BEGINNING.
WHAT WE SAID WAS THE IMPLICATIONS, THE THEORY AND THE THOUGHT BEHIND MISDEMEANOR BOND REFORM WE FELT WERE BEING FORGOTTEN ON ACCIDENT OR PURPOSE PURPOSEFULLY WE DON'T KNOW.
BUT THE EFFECTS WERE APPLIED TO FELONY CASES.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WOULD YOU AGREE THAT NO FELONY BAIL REFORM HAS HAPPENED?
>> WE AGREE THERE HAS NOT BEEN FELONY BAIL REFORM.
BUT THIS BODY, THIS COMMISSIONER HAS NOT TAKEN A VOTE ON FELONY BAIL REFORM.
IS THAT ACCURATE? >> NOR HAVE WE SAID THAT YOU HAVE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND THE 10,000 I RECENTLY GAVE, I THINK YOU CALLED IT THE TRANSPARENCY PROJECT?
>> I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A TRANSPARENCY PROJECT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU CALLED IT SOMETHING AT THE GALA THAT -- THERE IS MONEY BEING RAISED THAT NIGHT WOULD GO TO HIGHLIGHTING ISSUES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
>> OUR GALA RAISES FUNDS FOR -- THERE'S TWO WAYS WE RAISE FUNDS FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: OR WAS IT A PUBLIC POLICY PROJECT, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
THE GALA RAISES FUNDS FOR GENERAL OPERATIONS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL HAVE TO GO -- I WILL HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK.
I UNDERSTOOD THAT NIGHT WHETHER -- WHEN THEY WERE ASKING FOR 10,000 PADDLES TO GO UP AND THAT'S WHEN I GAVE MY MONEY THAT IT WAS FOR A VERY SPECIFIC PROJECT.
I APOLOGIZE. I WILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO MY NOTES AND CHECK ON THAT.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. >> NEXT IS LYNDSAY ARANSTEEN.
I AM IN SUPPORT OF THE RESOLUTION AND THE HARD WORK OF CRIMESTOPPERS.
CRIMESTOPPERS AID IN THE APPREHENSION OF ACCUSED CRIMINALS THROUGH THE TIP LINE.
[02:35:04]
THEY FOCUS ON PREVENTION AND TRAINING SCHOOL STAFF AND OFFER STUDENT PRESENTATIONS AS WELL AS PARENT AND COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS.THE COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR 40 YEARS.
THIS WEEK IS CRIME VICTIMS WEEK, THE ADVOCACY PROGRAM IS TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND HEALING AND JUSTICE AND RIGHTS FOR CRIME VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS. THANK YOU ALL FOR RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANT, MEANINGFUL WORK OF SUCH AN IMPORTANT ORGANIZATION.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE FOR PROVIDING THE RESOLUTION.
>> NEXT IS JUSTIN VIC -- VICRERY SPEAKING IN PERSON.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I AM JUSTIN VICCE -- VICRERY.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER CAGLE FOR THE AWARD.
AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU THROUGH THE REPORT.
THE POLITICIZATION OF VIOLENT CRIME HELPS NO ONE.
IT IS NOT A CONSERVATIVE OR LIBERAL ISSUE.
IT AFFECTS EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION.
CRIMINALS DON'T DISCRIMINATE WHO THEY TARGET.
WHY KEEPING VIE -- VIOLENT OFFENDERS FROM HURTING OTHERS NO THE AN ISSUE.
CONSIDERING REPEAT VIOLENT FELONY OFFENDERS AND THE REAL VICTIMS THEY BROUGHT HARM TO OR KILLED WILL ADD MULTIPLE BONDS AS A --
>> THANK YOU, SIR YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS APRIL AGUIRRE SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> I AM APRIL AGUIRRE AND I AM REPRESENTING THE ARLENA ALVAREZ FAMILY.
I AM JOINED BY HER GRANDPARENTS AND CRIMESTOPPERS.
WE FAILED TO PROTECT ARLENE DESPITE BEING IN REACH OF HER.
CRIMESTOPPERS HAS GIVEN A VOICE BACK TO HER.
THEY WERE DRIVING TO DINNER AS A FAMILY ON VALENTINE EVENING.
WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF CRIMESTOPPERS WE WOULD BE LOST.
YOU YOURSELF, LINDA HIDALGO, HAS FACED SLANDER OF YAWNING -- WRONGDOING IN THE MEDIA.
I ADMIRE THAT. ADRIAN GARCIA WHO IS A STRONG DEMOCRAT, MY FAMILY AND CRIMESTOPPERS STOOD BEHIND HIM TO HELP PASS ON VIOLENT OFFENDERS.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR PLAYING A PART IN THIS MOVEMENT.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> CONTINUE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR SOMETHING THE CHRONICLE REPORTS.
THE REALITY OF THE MATTER IS CRIMESTOPPERS WILL BACK ANY POLITICIAN REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT WILLING TO STAND FOR A CHANGE TO PREVENT NEW VICTIMS. LET'S NOT LOSE SIGHT THAT THIS IS A HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE.
CRIMINALS ARE KILLING WITHOUT CRITERIA.
I PRAY YOU NEVER NEED CRIMESTOPPERS AS ME AND MY FAMILY DO NOW.
NO ONE HAS KPWEUFP A DIME TO CAPTURE -- NO ONE HAS CAPTURED -- HAS GIVEN A DIME TO HELP CAPTURE THOSE WHO TOOK MY NIECE. YOU PEOPLE HOLD SO MUCH POWER IN OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE A CHANGE AND TO MAKE THINGS BETTER FOR EVERY CITIZEN IN HARRIS COUNTY.
LET'S NOT GET LOST IN THIS POLITICAL ARGUMENT.
I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF A SINGLE POLICE OFFICER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WOULD IT HAVE DETERRED THAT ROBBER? IF WE HAD MORE POLICE PRESENCE WOULD ASH -- DASH WOULD ARLENE BE HERE TODAY? IN 2019 COMMISSIONERS' COURT KIM OGG'S PITCH FOR MORE PROSECUTORS AND FAST-FORWARD TO MARCH OF 2022 AND WE APPROVE THE BUDGET SHE NEEDS TO CATCH UP WITH THE CURRENT BACKLOG.
OUR CRIMINAL SKWRUS -- JUSTICE SYSTEM NEEDS TO GROW.
IT IS A PIVOTAL POINT WITH AN UPCOMING BUDGET IN OCTOBER.
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS LET'S WORK TOGETHER.
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WORKS IN MANY PARTS.
LET'S FIND OUT WHAT EVERYBODY NEEDS TO WORK AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY THERE IS 95% OF THE POPULATION HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. WE JUST NEED TO WORK ON CONTROLLING THE 5%.
[02:40:01]
I AM ALL FOR REFORMING AND REHABILITATING PEOPLE.LET'S DO THAT IN CUSTODY BEFORE WE GO BACK OUT TO THE PUBLIC AND REINJURE PEOPLE.
THIS IS MY NIECE AND THESE TWO PICTURES WERE TAKEN THE SAME WEEK.
PEOPLE NEED TO SEE OUR CHILDREN.
THIS IS WHEN WE DISCONNECTED HER.
NOT EVEN 23 HOURS LATER HER MURDERER WAS OUT -- HER MURDERER WAS BACK ON THE STREETS.
THEY SAID HE WASN'T A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY.
HE WAS SURE A DANGER TO MY NIECE THAT NIGHT.
THIS IS MY NIECE. TAKE A GOOD, HARD LOOK.
WE HAVE TO BE A VOICE FOR THEM.
MY FAMILY AND I WERE PUSH NEED THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
WE WERE WATCHING EVERYTHING FROM A FAR, BUT WE NEED HELP.
EVERYBODY NEEDS HELP, WHITE, BLACK, BROWN FACES, WE ALL NEED HELP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
THANK YOU, CRIMESTOPPERS FOR ALWAYS HOLDING THE HAND OF EVERY CRIME VICTIM.
CRIMESTOPPERS WALKS CRIME VICTIMS THROUGH THE SCARY PROCESS SO VICTIMS KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.
THEY WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY KNOW SOMEONE CARES.
THEY ALWAYS ATTEND PAROLE HEARINGS AS A CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE ADVICE ON HOW THE PAW PROCESS WORKS.
THANK YOU, CRIMESTOPPERS FOR TEACHING ALL HOUSTON CHILDREN ABOUT CRIME PREVENTION.
MY CHILD LOOKS FOR SURROUNDINGS THANKS TO YOUR SAFE SCHOOL PROGRAM.
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> NEXT IS BETHANY CARSON FROM GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP.
HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING.
I AM HERE THIS AFTERNOON BECAUSE AS A RESEARCHER I AM DISMAYED THAT RESEARCHERS WOULD CONSIDER AWARDING THIS "BREAKING BOND ISSUE." THE SERIES INSIGHTS FEAR BY LOOKING AT CASES WITH TRAGIC OUTCOMES, BUT NOT STATISTICALLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INDIVIDUALS RELEASED ON BOND.
A STUDY FOUND 60% OF DEFENDANTS WHO APPEARED IN SIMILAR MEDIA PIECES HAD ONE OTHER CHARGE ASSIST.
MOST OF ALL IT DISTPRABGT -- IT DISTRACTS FROM MASS INCARCERATION --
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.
I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO TAKE A MOMENT TO LOOK AT THAT.
WE ADDRESSED EVERY SINGLE QUESTION THEY HAD, WE ANSWERED THEM.
THEY CHOSE NOT TO UTILIZE THE INFORMATION THEY WERE GIVEN.
ON THIS TOPIC I WOULD LIKE TO SAY ON BEHALF OF THE 171 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN -- AND UNBORN CHILDREN THAT WERE ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY SUSPECT THAT'S WERE OUT OF JAIL ON MULTIPLE VIOLENT FELONY BONDS, I THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING THIS RESOLUTION AND FOR HOPEFULLY PASSING IT.
HOPEFULLY YOU WILL CHANGE YOUR POSITION ON THIS.
WE DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO HIDE AND WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO HIDE.
WE HAVE AUDIT THAT'S WE WILL BE HAPPY TO SHARE WITH YOU, IF YOU WOULD LIKE.
I THINK WE COULD ALL AGREE ON THAT.
I DECIDED TO HAVE MY ROLE IN THIS SYSTEM WHEN I TOOK THIS JOB.
JUDGES DECIDED AND POLICE DECIDED AND ATTORNEYS DECIDED.
THEY JUST WENT ABOUT THEIR DAILY BASE -- BUSINESS.
[02:45:03]
YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION SHOULD IS -- SHOWSS -- SHOWS YOU SUPPORT THESE FAMILIES.IT IS NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK.
>> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I CALL TO QUESTION AND MOVE THAT THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I ASKED FOR IT TO BE DELAYED.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU ALLOWED ME TO HAVE IT DELAYED?
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE DELAYING IT SO THE COUNTY AUDITOR AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY CAN DO AN INVESTIGATION, A DETAILED ACCOUNTING, ALL COUNTY FUNDS OR FUNDS THE COUNTY COLLECTS OR ASSESSES SUCH AS COURT FEES AND ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS AND OTHER FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED BY VARIOUS COUNTY ENTITIES TO CRIMESTOPPERS EACH YEAR OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE EUFPB -- THE INTENDED PURPOSE.
HOW THOSE FUNDS WERE UTILIZED BY CRIMESTOPPERS AND WHETHER THE USE OF THE FUNDS COMPLIED WITH, NUMBER ONE, THEIR INTENDED USE OF THE COUNTY ENTITY AND ANY ASSOCIATED COUNTY AGREEMENT AND NUMBER 2 ALL STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ON THE PROVISION AND USE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS BY A NONPROFIT.
>> AGAIN, I HAVE GOT CONCERNS RELATED TO CLEARLY THE TIMING OF THESE ARTICLES ALL COMING OUT WITHIN DAYS OF EACH OTHER.
THAT'S INTERESTING. AND THE FACT THAT WE WOULD AUDIT SUCH A RECOGNIZED NONPROFIT IN THE AREA, AND I THINK IT JUST DOES OPEN THE DOOR FOR POLITICAL AUDITS OF OTHER ENTITIES THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY NOT AGREE WITH.
I THINK IT IS A DANGEROUS ROAD TO GO DOWN.
COMMISSIONER, I CAN UNDERSTAND CONCERNS RELATED TO THAT.
CLEARLY THEY HAVE AN IMPECCABLE REPUTATION IN THIS CITY.
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT NEW YORK CITY.
BUT IN TERMS OF THIS CITY THEY EARNED A GREAT REPUTATION AND THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT AND I WOULD HATE TO SEE ANYTHING THAT WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT THAT GOOD WORK.
I DON'T WANT THAT TO BE IMPACTED BY NEGATIVE NEWS.
THE MOTION HERE AS I UNDERSTAND IT IS TO AUDIT CRIMESTOPPERS.
I WILL NOT SUPPORT AN AUDIT OF CRIMESTOPPERS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE TREMENDOUS RESPECT FOR THE COUNTY AUDITOR.
I DON'T KNOW WHO MADE THE REQUEST, MAYBE YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, BUT WE AUDITED THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AFTER THE DIRECT ASSISTANCE CASH PROGRAM WAS ESTABLISHED FOR COVID.
I WOULD BE HARD-PRESSED TO SAY THAT DESPITE MY FEELING OF THEM DOING A GOOD JOB, I CAN SAY JUST GO AND LOOK. I AM NOT SAYING WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS.
I HAVE MY CONCERNS, BUT I DON'T KNOW.
I AM DOING IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE ARE DEALING WITH THREE ISSUES.
AND AS AMENDED AS A FRIENDLY ON THE VOTE.
[02:50:04]
AN AUDIT? IT WOULD NEED TO BE NOTICED FOR THE PUBLIC.>> A FORMAL MOTION ISN'T SOMETHING THAT IS NEEDED.
AS I UNDERSTAND IT, THE COMMISSIONER IS TRYING TO REQUEST THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO DO SOMETHING.
THE BODY CAN DO THAT, BUT YOU ARE CORRECT THAT THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS RESOLUTION THAT SPEAKS TO THE ABILITY TO DO AN ACTION ITEM. NOW, THE MOTION TO TABLE OR THE MOTION TO POSTPONE THE RESOLUTION ITSELF WOULD BE JERMAINE -- GERMAIN.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST REQUEST IT TO BE DELAYED AND THEN AN AUDIT CONDUCTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: FROM EVERYTHING I AM HEARING AND YOU MADE A GOOD POINT COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
IF THE AUDIT CAN BE REQUESTED REFERRING YOU TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND REQUESTING THAT TO -- THAT'S WHAT I AM HEARING, JAY, THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE A MOTION RIGHT NOW? SEPARATE AND APART FROM THE MOTION BEING DELAYED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME BE FULLY TRANSPARENT.
IN TERMS OF THE MOTION ON THE TABLE, EVEN WITH THE RESOLUTION AND THE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO THE RESOLUTION, I CONTINUE TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE KHARBGT TEUR -- THE CHARACTERIZATION OF THE REPORTING IN THE SENSE THAT I HAVE A A PHILOSOPHICAL OBJECTION TO PRAISING A NEWS ORGANIZATION, AS MUCH AS I RESPECT MR. WALLACE AND APPRECIATE THE WORK CRIMESTOPPERS HAS DONE AND THAT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SAID THAT.
I JUST HAVE A PHILOSOPHICAL OPPOSITION TO THAT.
I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO VOTE FOR THAT RESOLUTION EITHER WAY.
I AM JUST SAYING IF EVERYBODY IS EXPRESSING THEIR OPINION IT IS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO PASS.
WE MAY AS WELL DELAY IT AND CHANGE IT WITH SOMETHING ELSE.
I JUST WANT -- IN THE INTEREST OF TIME HERE.
SO WHETHER THE RESOLUTION IS DELAYED OR HOWEVER, WE CAN TAKE A VOTE ON THAT ONE SEPARATELY, BUT AS FAR AS THE AUDIT CAN COMMISSIONER ELLIS ASK THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO LOOK -- AM I UNDERSTANDING CORRECTLY?
YOU CANNOT. IT HAS NOT BEEN NOTICED THAT WAY.
THIS ITEM IS RELATED TO A RESOLUTION, THIS PARTICULAR RESOLUTION.
AS IT RELATES STPES PHYSICALLY -- SPECIFICALLY TO THE RESOLUTION WHETHER IT IS A MOTION TO DELAY OR TABLE THE ITEM, THE RESOLUTION, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT COULD BE DONE.
IF ANY MEMBER OF THIS COURT WANTS TO MAKE A REQUEST TO THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO DO SOMETHING, THEY ARE WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS TO DO SO. IF AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING ANY MEMBER OF THE COURT WANTS TO PLACE AN ITEM TO REQUEST THE COUNTY AUDITOR DO SOMETHING, THEY ARE WELCOME TO DO SO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO CAN WE ASK TWO QUESTIONS? FIRST, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, ARE YOU OR WILL YOU BE REFERRING --
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WON'T MAKE A MOTION.
I AM JUST REQUESTING IT IN PUBLIC.
>> AGAIN, THAT'S YOUR REQUEST TO MAKE.
IT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE DONE AND OTHER MEMBERS HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW PEOPLE DO IT WHEN THERE IS NO ITEM ON THE TABLE.
VOTING ON IT IS A SEPARATE MATTER.
I JUST MADE THE REQUEST HERE IN PUBLIC.
>> IF I MIGHT, TO BE CLEAR, THIS BODY CANNOT MAKE A FORMAL REQUEST COLLECTIVELY AT THIS MEETING FOR THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO DO ANYTHING.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ONE MEMBER CAN OR MAYBE TWO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS MAKING A REQUEST AS ONE MEMBER.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ONE MEMBER AND AS A COURTESY WHICH COLLEAGUES HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.
I AM SAYING I WANT THIS ITEM DELAYED UNTIL THE AUDIT COMES BACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION TO DELAY THE ITEM? IS THERE A MOTION TO PASS THE ITEM AND A SECOND FOR THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IN THE PAST I HAVE SEEN SOMEBODY PULL THE ITEM, UNLESS THE RULES HAVE CHANGE.
IN THE PAST WHEN A MEMBER HAS COME TO THIS TABLE AND SAID I WANT TO DELAY THAT ITEM.
I CAN REMEMBER WHEN I WAS HERE IN A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT PEOPLE DELAYED MY STUFF.
WILL SOMEONE MAKE THE MOTION AGAIN ON THE ITEM OR AGREE TO TAKE NO ACTION.
[02:55:03]
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND AS AMENDED.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS A MOTION TO HOLD, I PRESUME.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS MAKING A REQUEST.
TO GET US OUT OF HERE I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO DELAY IT.
LEAN HRAOPB MOTIONED BY COMMISSION --
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION ELD BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO DELAY IT.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> ALL OPPOSED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND SO THE MOTION TO DELAY CARRIES 3-2.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I SUGGEST WE DO THE CONSENT AGENDA AND TAKE LUNCH?
WE WILL TAKE 278 AND DISCUSS THE CONSENT AGENDA AND THEN BREAK FOR LUNCH.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I KNOW MY COLLEAGUE WOULD AGREE.
THE WASTE PITS ON THE SAN JACINTO RIVER ARE LEGENDARY.
THEY HAVE BEEN IN MY LIFE FOR 45 YEARS.
I WOULD LIKE TO INVITE JACKIE METCALF TO THE PODIUM.
>> COMMISSIONER -- [INAUDIBLE].
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.
SHE SEEMED TO BE TELLING ME TO ASK YOU TO STOP.
>> TOM RAMSEY: NO ONE HAS WORKED HARDER ON THIS ISSUE.
LET ME JUST SAY MY EXTREME APPRECIATION FOR EPA AND WHAT THEY HAVE DONE IN THE LAST WEEK NOT TO LET THE FOLKS THAT CREATED THAT PROBLEM DELAY IT.
OUR OWN HARRIS COUNTY POLLUTION CONTROL HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH EPA.
I THINK JACKIE WILL TELL YOU THEY HAVE BEEN A CRITICAL PART OF THAT.
THIS IS PROBLEM BLOW ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS WE HAVE IN HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY.
THIS COULD IMPACT THE ENTIRE GALVESTON BAY IF THAT CELL WAS RUPTURED AND THE CHEMICAL CARCINOGENS THAT ESCAPED WOULD DEVASTATE THE BAY.
GIVE A LITTLE OF YOUR STORY RELATED TO THESE PITS.
WE WERE FOUNDED OUT OF NECESSITY.
UNKNOWINGLY AT THE TIME WAS STRUGGLING WITH MY OWN HEALTH.
MY DAD WAS BATTLING BLOOD AND BONE MARROW CANCER.
THE EFFECTS OF LIVING NEAR THE WASTE PIT AFFECT OUR LIVES.
WHEN I WAS FIVE MONTHS PREGNANT I ALMOST LOST MY SON.
I WAS RUSHED INTO EMERGENCY SURGERY BECAUSE OF A SURGERY I HAD YEARS PRIOR.
WHEN WE ASKED THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES TO STUDY THE CANCERS --
THAT WE COMMONLY SEE THEY FOUND 14 IN ABNORMALLY HIGH RATES.
THE RECENT DELAY THAT THE EPA STRUCK DOWN AND WE ARE APPRECIATIVE OF THAT, ONE OF THE REQUESTS THAT WAS INCLUDED WITH THE DELAY WAS BY THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES WAS TO TRY TO GET OUT OF CLEANING UP THE SITE FOR A LEVEL A CHILD COULD REC CREATE IN THE AREA.
I ASK YOU SUPPORT THE EPA AND STANDING OFFICIAL ON THE RECORD OF -- STANDING FIRM ON THE RECORD TO CLEAN UP THE SITE SAFE FOR A CHILD IN THE AREA.
WE KNOW OUR SEAFOOD IS CONTAMINATED.
[03:00:02]
IF THIS SITE IS NOT REMOVED IT COULD REMAIN TOXIC FOR 750 MORE YEARS.IT IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX CLEAN UPS IN THE COUNTRY, AND IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE.
THANK YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: A QUICK FOLLOW-UP.
THE POINT IS THERE HAS BEEN AN ADVOCACY FOR CONTAINMENT.
WE DON'T WANT TO DO CONTAINMENT.
WE WANT THAT TAKEN OUT OF THERE.
THE RATE AT WHICH IT MOVES THROUGH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTAIN.
OUR MOTTO IS WE ARE NOT GO -- DOING CONTAINMENT.
THAT'S THE PUSH. WE'LL DO WHAT THE STUDIES DO.
THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM UP.
YOU HAVE BEEN STEDFAST AND FOCUSED AND RELENTLESS AT MAKING SURE THIS GETS DONE AND I APPLAUD YOUR WORK. SHE HAS JUST BEEN -- SHE TOOK UP A FEEBLE ORGANIZATION AND TURNED IT INTO A MACHINE TO BE RECKONED WITH AND I APPLAUD HER WORK.
AND THEY HAVE BEEN MEETING FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THEY FORCED US TO BE REMOTE.
AND IT IS ONE DETERMINED BY THE EPA AND THE PROCESS THAT IT WAS DELAYED IN THE PAST WHEN PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATORS GAVE THE FOLKS A LOT OF LATITUDE TO DRAG THEIR FEET, SOMETIMES FOR DECENT REASONS.
I WANT TO THANK HER TEAM AND I WANT TO THANK THE EPA FOR FINALLY BEING ON OUR SIDE. THE SCHEDULE IS THERE AND I WANT TO FINALLY SEE THOSE PITS FULLY REMOVED AND TAKEN OUT OF THERE.
I HATE HAVING HAD THE NO FISHING AND NO SWIMMING SIGNS IN THE AREA. AND SO IT WILL TAKE FOLKS LIKE YOU, JACKIE AND AN EPA THAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE A RESOLUTION OR SOMETHING.
>> IT IS MORE OR LESS WHAT YOU JUST SAID.
THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE I WANT TO RECOGNIZE AT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
THEY GOT SOME REAL ALL-STARS IN THE GROUP.
>> AND DON'T FORGET PRECINCT 2 HAS A BA ON MY TEAM TOO.
>> I AM JUST A CIVIL ENGINEER, BUT I KNOW THAT IT WILL BE THE MOTION TO WORK WITH DR.
BABIN CLOSELY AND BE SURE THAT THOSE MEETINGS ARE HAD.
BE SURE THAT THERE IS NOT ANY -- THE FOLKS THAT I AM -- THE RESPONSIBLE MATTERS -- PARTIES --
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: FOR CLARIFICATION ON THE MOTION WHAT IS PRINTED IS WE REQUEST THE HEAD OF POLLUTION CONTROL ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE TO REMOVE THE TOXIC WASTE FROM THE SUPER FUND SITE.
IF WE VOTE FOR WHAT IS PRINTED --
BECAUSE BRRRR -RB A DASH BECAUSE DR.
B -- BECAUSE DR. BABBIT IS FULLY ENGAGED I SUPPORT THE MOTION COMMISSIONER RAMSEY JUST SAID.
>> TOM RAMSEY: DO WE SUPPORT BABBIT?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU RAISE A VALID POINT.
WHAT A CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION BRINGS.
I WANT TO THANK THE EPA ADMINISTRATOR WHO WAS ONE OF OUR APPOINTEES WHO CAME OUT OF PRECINCT 1.
THEY ARE THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR.
IN ADDITION TO THE GREAT MOTION -- I'M FINE WITH IT, BUT WE ASK YOU, JACKIE
[03:05:04]
AND YOU MAY WANT TO TALK TO DR.BABBIN. WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO? AT THE END OF THE DAY IT SHOULD BEHHOVE -- WHO PUTS THE MONEY UP? WE ARE WAITING FOREVER TO DO IT AND THERE ARE CONCERNS ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT SOMEBODY WOULD DECLARE BANKRUPTCY AS I RECALL IT.
>> THOSE ARE SOME PRETTY GOOD FOLKS OVER THERE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK HAVING A REAL ALLY OVER THERE WITH DR.
NANCE, AND SO MAYBE GIVE US A STHOT.
I KNOW YOU WILL BE IN DC AND I WILL BE THERE AS WELL, BUT IT IS A REAL PUSH, YOU GOT ME? THERE WAS CONCERN ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THAT ENTITY WOULD FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY, BUT THEN WHO WOULD PAY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY THEN CAGLE AND I FORGOT ABOUT THE SPEAKERS.
>> AND CAN I RESPOND WITH THE RECOMMENDATION? INCREASED TECHNICAL SUPPORT IS REALLY NEEDED I HAD HOPED DR.
BABBIN WOULD ASK FOR THAT AND AGREE AS WELL.
THE COMPANIES WHO ARE TASKED WITH THE CLEAN UP, THEY ARE TWO OF THE LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE WORLD.
BUT THEY FOOT THE BILL AND PRESENT EVERYTHING TO THE AGENCY.
THEY HAVE AN AGENDA AND WE KNOW IT IN BLACK AND WHITE.
THEY HAVE BLANK CHECKS TO PUSH THEIR AGENDA.
I ASK WE CONTINUE TO OFFER AN INCREASE TO THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT BEING OFFERED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS FIGHT FOR A LONGTIME.
>> A LONGTIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND ARE YOU CLEAR?
>> NO, MA'AM. CAN YOU PLEASE REPEAT THE MOTION.
>> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE A MOTION TO ASK DR.
BABBIN TO CONTINUE TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THESE SITES AND WORK WITH JACKIE METCALF AND EPA AND BEING SURE THAT WE HAVE -- THAT THE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN STATED.
>> SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA?
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR.
WE WILL GO AHEAD AND HEAR FROM THE REST OF THE SPEAKERS.
GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. >> UP NEXT IS I WHY SPEAKING -- ILY SPEAKING ON ITEM NUMBER 10 UNDER COVID-19.
>> I JUST WANT TO CONFIRM THE INTERPRETER IS ON THE LINE.
THE REASON I AM HERE IS I HAVE BEEN TO CITY HALL A COUPLE TIMES WITH REGARDS TO EVICTION. I SPOKE TO THE CITY HALL ATTORNEY AND THEY ARE STATING THAT THEY WANT TO SUE ME WITH THEIR CITY HALL ATTORNEYS BECAUSE I APPLY FOR RENT ASSISTANCE.
I WAS DRIVING AROUND TOWN AND I WAS AWARE OF THE SITUATION THAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE PANDEMIC.
I DIDN'T APPLY FOR ANY UNEMPLOYMENT AND THE REASON WHY THEY ARE SO UPSET IS I MADE FUN OF THE PROCLAMATION HE GAVE TO THE LADY -- THE OTHER REASON HE DOESN'T WANT TO TRUST ME NOR THE COUNCILMEMBER.
THEY TOLD ME THIS IS A CIVIL CASE AND THAT'S WHY I AM HERE.
IT IS TO JUDGE HIDALGO AND ANY OF YOU.
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> YOUR ASK IS TO HELP SETTLE THE -- YOUR ASK IS TO HAVE US HELP WITH YOU A CIVIL CASE?
>> YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SUGGEST SOMEBODY WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS SOMETHING WE CAN TOUCH OR NOT.
>> MY SPOERBL MEDIA -- MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ARE FOR MY PERSONAL USE.
MANY OF THE SITUATIONS AROSE --
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY WILL GET WITH YOU WHEN THIS IS OVER.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T WANT TO RAISE EXPECTATIONS, BUT WE WILL SEE IF THERE IS
[03:10:09]
THANK YOU SO MUCH. IT SEEMS THAT THE RETALIATION AND THEY SAID I AM UNDER INVESTIGATION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DON'T WANT TO SAY ANYTHING.
>> I HAVE ALL OF THE PAPERWORK AND I AM READY TO PRESENT IT TO WHOEVER IS WILLING TO LOOK AT IT.
>> NEXT IS NICKY LOUELLEN OF GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP SPEAKING ON 169 UNDER PURCHASING IN PERSON.
>> I AM NICKY WITH TEXAS OLD -- ADVOCATES.
SOMEONE IS SITTING IN JAIL FOR 13 YEARS IN PRE-TRIAL INSTEAD OF INVESTIGATING WHY SO MANY PEOPLE INCARCERATED IN HARRIS COUNTY ARE MENTALLY ILL AND BLACK YOU CONTINUE TO BLAME ABOUT THE RISE IN CRIME.
YOU HAVE CRIMINALIZED BEING MENTALLY ILL, POOR AND BLACK BY CONSTANTLY PROMOTING CAGES INSTEAD OF CARE AND ALLOCATING MORE MONEY TOWARD INCREASING POLICING AND MAKING BONDS HIGHER TO PAY. ARE YOU ALL GUILTY OF PLAYING AN INTAU KET ROLE ON PEOPLE OUTCAST IN SOCIETY.
YOU FAILED TO ADDRESS THE MAIN FACT THAT CONTRIBUTED TO CRIME SUCH AS RACISM, POVERTY, DISCRIMINATION AND THE LACK OF WELLNESS RESOURCES FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES.
FINALLY, THE PEOPLE NOT POLITICIANS HAVE THE ANSWER AND WE DEMAND CARE AND NOT CAGES.
AND I DO SEE SEVERAL SPEAKERS SIGNED UP FOR THIS ITEM.
OBVIOUSLY WE ARE CONCERNED WITH THE JAIL TRANSFERS AS WE HAVE ADDRESSED BEFORE.
THIS HAS NOT TO DO WITH THIS TOPIC, CORRECT, MR.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR? >> I AM NOT AWARE IT IS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: BRIEFLY, I CAN SEE SEVERAL SPEAKERS AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE -- THEIR POINT IS VALID, BUT I WANT THEM TO MAKE THEY KNOW WHAT THE ITEM IS ABOUT.
>> THIS ITEM IS FOR LUBBOCK COUNTY AND UTILIZING A CONTRACT.
THEY DON'T HAVE THE MAN POWER TO DO THE PROCUREMENT SO THEY ARE UTILIZING SOME OF OUR CONTRACTS.
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE INMEATS OR THE JAIL POPULATION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS NOT JUSTICE-RELATED CONTRACTS.
IT IS NOT RELATED TO JUST JUSTICE.
>> WE HAVE HEARD WORD THAT YOU ALL ARE LOOKING INTO TRYING TO SHIP MORE PEOPLE TO LUBBOCK.
THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE SPEAKING ON.
OTHERWISE, JAIL TRANSFERS OR ANY OTHER CONTRACTS WE REQUEST THAT YOU ALL WORK ON THE OVERCROWDING OF THE JAILS BY THE FINDING A BETTER SOLUTION RATHER THAN SHIPPING PEOPLE TO LA SALLE.
THANK YOU. NOTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.
NEXT IS CHIVAS WATSON AND HE WANTS TO SPEAK ON 169 UNDER PURCHASING.
I HEARD WHAT YOU JUST SAID, JUDGE, BUT I STILL STAND WITH WHAT NICKY SAID.
WE NEED TO REDUCE CRIMINAL EYE -- CRIMINALIZATION.
I HEARD YOU SAY THAT BEFORE. STOP QUALITY OF LIFE POLICING AND ARREST IMMEDIATELY LIKE THIS AFTERNOON.
HOW ABOUT YOU ALL TAKE A WALK THROUGH THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL, THE HARRIS COUNTY ZOO AND THINK ABOUT YOURSELVES.
[03:15:03]
WOULD YOU WANT TO BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER PRISON? WOULD YOU WANT TO BE TRANSFERRED SOMEWHERE ELSE, INNOCENT AND BEING HELD AGAINST YOUR WILL AND DENIED OF THE 8TH AMENDMENT? WOULD YOU? PROBABLY NOT. WHITE SEE PREPL SEE CONTINUES -- WHITE SUPREMACY CONTINUES TO REIN, RIGHT? WE SHOULD HAVE ANOTHER TRANSPARENT PROCESS OF WHAT THIS ITEM PARTICULARLY MEANS.>> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS JOYCE JONES SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
I AM JOYCE WITH TEXAS ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE.
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE PEOPLES WHO ARE LOCKED UP.
THE HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE THEY FACE.
WHILE BEING LOCKED UP I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER WOMAN WHO WAS MENTALLY ILL ATTACK ANOTHER PERSON BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T GET THEIR MEDICATION.
I WAS MADE INTO A CRIMINAL BECAUSE I HAD A DRUG ADDICTION.
HEARING ABOUT BILLY DAVIS' DEATH AND HOW NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM AFTER HE WAS TRANSFERRED IS HEARTBREAKING.
I URGE YOU TO DO SOMETHING IN YOUR POWER.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. JUDGE, I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID AS WELL, BUT I AM A MEMBER OF TEXAS ADVOCATES FOR SKWRUS TEUSZ -- JUSTICE. AS A MOTHER AND TEACHER I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY KIDS AND STUDENTS' FUTURES.
KNOWING THAT OVER 67% OF THE POPULATION DETAINED IN HARRIS COUNTY IS BLACK AND BROWN, I REALLY WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE GENERATIONS BEING TARGETED SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE MINORITIES. I WANT TO ENFORCE THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING CARE AND NOT CAGES.
IN -- INCARCERATED PEOPLE HAVE NOT LEAD TO A SAFER SOCIETY.
>> NEXT IS MAXIMO X CORTEZ OF GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP.
>> THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK TODAY.
I HEARD THAT Y'ALL ARE GOING TO START SENDING PEOPLE TO LUBBOCK.
CANCEL THE CONTRACTS YOU HAVE AND TAKE CARE OF THIS IN HOUSE.
WE DON'T NEED TO SEND PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF OUR STATE.
I DID SEE THAT -- I DO WANT TO SAY THAT I SEE Y'ALL COMMITTED $1 POUPB -- $1.2 MILLION TO THE HOLISTIC AREA RESPONSE TEAM. I APPRECIATE THAT.
WE DON'T LIKE TO TALK OUTSIDE OF TEXAS, BUT IN THE NETHERLANDS THEY SHUTDOWN JAILS AND PRISONS.
THEY DON'T HAVE CRIMESTOPPERS BECAUSE THEY ARE PREVENTING CRIME.
I ASK YOU TO RECONSIDER YOUR PRIORITIES.
1.2 -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS GILDA SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 201 UNDER PURCHASING.
HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: SHE IS MAKING HER WAY, TIFFANY.
>> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK.
I AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE WEST LANE CIVIC ASSOCIATION.
WE ARE BETWEEN HIGHLAND VILLAGE AND AFTON OAKS.
[03:20:10]
INCREASE OF CRIME OF ANY ZIP CODE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.THE EPICENTER OF CRIME IS THE CVS STORE THEY SAID AT THE CORNER OF 610 AND WESTHEIMER WHICH IS THE SAME CENTER WHERE THE DETECTIVE FROM NEW ORLEANS WAS MURDERED AND HIS FRIEND EVENTUALLY DIED AT THE TKPWROT TOE -- GROTTO RESTAURANT.
THAT IS EXACTLY LESS THAN HALF A MILE FROM THE ENTRANCE TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
IT IS TWO LIGHTS AWAY ON WESTHEIMER.
WE ARE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE RIVER OAKS DISTRICT, ANOTHER SOURCE OF CRIME.
WE SEE PLENTY OF HCAD CARS GOING AROUND AND TRYING TO RAISE OUR TAXES AND TRYING TO FIND SOME REASON THAT -- IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD TO RAISE OUR EVALUATIONS, BUT WE NEVER SEE POLICE. WE NEVER HAVE ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IT IS UP TO US TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.
WHEN I GOT THE NEWS THAT YOU GUYS WERE PLANNING TO SPEND $121,000 ON PRIVATE SECURITY FOR I AM NOT SURE WHO, HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT.
THEN I FOUND OUT, NO, IT IS REALLY ON THE AGENDA.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO GET YOURSELVES PRIVATE SECURITY.
NOT EVEN DEPUTIES OR CONSTABLES.
IT IS AN OUTSIDE FIRM FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND.
I THINK IT IS A TERRIBLE IDEA.
I AM OPPOSED TO IT AND SO ARE THE 800 OTHER PEOPLE I REPRESENT.
THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS THERESA KELLY SPEAKING ON PURCHASING.
LOAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: SHE IS ON HER WAY, TIFFANY.
THANK ALL OF YOU FOR LETTING US SPEAK TODAY.
I AM LOSS -- CLOSER THAN SHE IS AND WE NEVER SEE A COP AND THERE HAS BEEN BURGLARIES AND THERE HAS BEEN CAR PARTS STOLEN AND IN THE RIVER OAKS DISTRICT THERE IS A MOTORCYCLE GANG THAT GOES THERE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
I CAN HEAR THEM AND IT IS OFFENSIVE AND MANY OF THE STORES HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEIR BUSINESS IS GOING DOWN BECAUSE OF THE CRIME IN THE AREA. I HAD THE SECURITY TELL ME NOT TO GO TO THE GALLERIA BECAUSE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> IT IS APPALLING AND ONE OF THE NICEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN HOUSTON.
I AM FROM ONE OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF OUR GREAT NATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES IN AMERICA, THOMAS JEFFERSON IN 1782, HE SAID THE TIME TO GUARD AGAINST CORRECTION AND TEAR RAW -- TIERNEY IS BEFORE THEY HAVE GOTTEN AHOLD OF US.
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONTRACT AND COMMISSIONERS -- CERTAIN ONES.
ONLY SOME PEOPLE ARE TOLD WHO THIS PRIVATE CONTRACT IS FOR.
A SITUATION WAS CREATED WITH DEFUNDING THE D.A.
AND CONSTABLES AND THERE IS A RISE IF CRIME.
NOBODY IS LOOKING OUT FOR THE CITIZENS.
SOMEBODY IS LOOKING OUT FOR SOMEBODY WITH SOME OF THE MOST EX EXORBITANT.
THUZ,000 A WEEK FOR -- 2,000 A WEEK FOR THE CAR? HOW ARE THE COMMISSIONERS GOING TO VOTE WHEN THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO THEY ARE GUARDING.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU. >> THE NEXT SPEAKER WAS HERE EARLIER.
[03:25:02]
IT IS SHARON FISHER SPEAKING ON ITEM 201 UNDER PURCHASING.>> THIS IS MY FIRST TIME HERE.
FIRST OF ALL, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT Y'ALL DON'T TAKE BIDS ON EVERY DIME YOU SPEND.
I JUST RAN TOO MANY BUSINESSES.
ALL RIGHT. THIS BROUGHT UP MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.
FIRST OF ALL WHY THE SECURITY? SECOND OF ALL, WHY JUST THREE MONTHS? IS IT JUST AUTOMATICALLY BROUGHT ON AFTER THREE MONTHS? WHY JUST A THREE-MONTH CONTRACT.
THIRD, WHY THIS COMPANY AND FOURTH WAS IT EVEN CONSIDERED THAT OFF DUTY HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTIES CAN HAVE A DETAIL FOR THIS? IN THIS ECONOMIC TIMES, THEY COULD USE THE MONEY, THAT'S FOR SURE.
I KNOW I WOULD FEEL SAFER WITH SOMEBODY IN MY OWN HOUSE THAN WITH STRANGERS AS MY SECURITY.
>> THE NEXT SPEAKER IS KENNETH WILLIAMS SPEAKING ON ITEM 228 UNDER TRANSMITTALS.
>> MY NAME IS KENNETH WILLIAMS AND I AM THE CHAIR OF THE COMMUNITY FLOOD AND RESILIENCE TASK FORCE.
I WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR ENSURING THE INVOLVEMENT OF COMMUNITY VOICES AND SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS IN THE COUNTY'S EQUITABLE FLOOD RESILIENCE EFFORTS.
OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS THEY CONVENED AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE THE PROPOSED 2022 PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK AND SUBMITTED A LETTER WHICH IS TRANSMITTED AS ITEM 228.
IT IS BASED ON FULL CONSENSUS.
THE TASK FORCE IS ON THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK AND IT REFLECTS THE KEY TASK FORCE PRIORITIES AS FOLLOWS.
NUMBER TWO, FOCUS ON COUNTY-SPECIFIC PRIORITIES FROM LOCALLY CONTROLLED FUNDING.
ENSURE THE METRICS WE ARE USING ADVANCE EQUITY IN BEST PRACTICES.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THE COURT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO EQUITABLE FLOOD RESILIENCE IN HARRIS COUNTY. WE ARE HONORED TO REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY AND WE WANT TO SAY THAT WRAOE -- THAT WE WANT TO WORK WITH YOU TO LEAD HARRIS COUNTY FORWARD TOGETHER WITH EQUITABLE SOLUTIONS.
THANK YOU. >> APPRECIATE YOUR WORK.
>> THANK YOU AND TO THE TASK FORCE FOR YOUR HARD WORK.
WE APPRECIATE YOU. WE NEED MORE.
THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 31, TOM NOVIS SPEAKING ON ITEM 264 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONERS FOR HEARING ME.
I AM TOM NOVIS FROM PRECINCT 314, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S DISTRICT.
I HAVE BEEN A PRESIDING JUDGE AND ALTERNATE JUDGE AND CLERK IN MANY ELECTIONS.
REGARDING THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR I REQUEST THIS COURT TAKES STEPS TO PLACE THE FUNCTION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR BACK UNDER THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE AND ELIMINATE THE POSITION. IN THE EVENT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN, I SUGGEST A QUALIFIED PERSON IS HIRED WHO CAN MANAGE THE DEPARTMENT.
THE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL WOULD NOT NEED A CONSULTANT TO TRANSITION AND RIGHT THE SHIP.
THE PERSON COULD TAKE THE STOCK IN THE DEPARTMENT AND RETURN THE STEPS NEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD.
THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 40, KYLE SCOTT SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 276 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS.
HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. >> IN THIS DOCUMENT $1.4 MILLION WASE ROEPB YOUSLY -- WASE ROEPB YOUSLY PAID FOR STRATEGY. THAT IT WAS PAID DEMONSTRATES INSUFFICIENT CONTROLS IN THE COUNTY TREUR -- TREASURER'S OFFERS AND MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.
[03:30:08]
THEY WERE TOO BUSY FIGURING OUT HOW TO DEFUND LAW ENFORCEMENT TO REALLOCATE TO PRIVATE SECURITY PERSONNEL.GOVERNMENT EXISTS TO OVERCOME PROBLEMS OF COLLECTIVE ACTIONS.
WHEN THEY CAN ADDRESS THE NEED, THE GOVERNMENT STEPS IN.
THIS IS THE NATURE OF THE SOCIAL CONTRACT AND THE COVENANT TRADITION MORE BROADLY.
WHEN THE GOVERNMENT ACTS AGAINST THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE IN ORDER TO FURTHER ITS OWN INTEREST DE EXPENSE OF THE -- AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PEOPLE AND LEGITIMATE -- LEGIT MYSELFS ITS OWN AUTHORITY.
IT UNDERMINDS THE PUBLIC TRUST AND STABILIZES OUR CIVIL ORDER.
THERE IS HOPE. ON NOVEMBER 8TH THERE WILL BE A REC CONNING -- A RECKONING AT THE BALLOT BOX.
>> NUMBER ONE NON-AGENDA RELATED SPEAKER.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: HE IS MAKING HIS WAY, TIFFANY.
>> COUNTY CHICKS -- COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I WOULD LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT USING HARRIS HEALTH FROM MY EXPERIENCE.
AS I SAID, THIS IS HOW IT REALLY WORKS.
CONTINUED WITH ISSUES ON INTERNAL MEDICINE.
DURING FURTHER CONTACT IT WAS DISCOVERED I HAD SEVERE MEDICAL CONDITIONS CONCERNING STENOSIS OF THE SPINE. WE DISCUSSED THE CONDITION AND HE TOLD ME HE DID NOT RECORD THIS CONDITION IN MY MEDICAL RECORD AS EVERYONE HAS.
THE CONDITION GOT WORSE AND I HAD TO GO TO AN OUTSIDE PHYSICIAN WHO DETERMINED I NEEDED SURGERY.
I WAS SENT TO A SPECIALIST FOR CORRECTIVE SURGERY.
I HAD THE CONDITION PLACED IN MY MEDICAL RECORD.
>> I WOULD LIKE FOR THE REST OF THIS TO BE PLACED IN THE RECORD.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I RECEIVED THE REST OF THE STATEMENT AND I AM HANDING IT TO THE CLERK TO MAKE SURE IT GETS INTO OUR RECORD.
>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER THREE ART SMITH SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> I JUST WANTED TO COME AND SAY MY WIFE AND I, WE WAS HERE FEBRUARY 22ND OF 2022.
WILLIAMS WHO FILED FALSE DOCUMENTS IN PROBATE COURT NUMBER 1, JERRY'S COURTROOM, THIS IS PRETTY MUCH JUST USING THE COURTROOM AS A PLAYGROUND TO FILE FALSE DOCUMENTS.
HER AND HER HUSBAND RAN A SCAM AND IT IS BEING ASSISTED BY THE HARRIS COUNTY APPRAISER DISTRICT.
THE LAST TIME WE WERE HERE, FEBRUARY 22ND, MS. HIDALGO YOU AND THIS GENTLEMAN WITH THE TAN SUIT OUT -- ON SAID YOU WOULD HELP ME OUT AND I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM ANYONE.
ANYTIME A PERSON CAN GO TO A HARRIS COUNTY -PL KRAO -- COURTROOM AND FILE FALSE DOCUMENTS THEY OWN PROPERTY IN THE FIFTH WARD -- EVERYBODY IN THE FIFTH WARD IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE WHOLE GENTRIFICATION IN THE FIFTH WARD.
CAN YOU HELP AND FIGHT THE FACT THAT --
>> THANK YOU, SIR YOUR TIME IS UP.
IT INVOLVES MILLIONS OF DOLLARS COLLECTED IN TAX -- IN TAXES.
>> ARE YOU OUT OF TIME, BUT THANK YOU FOR COMING BY.
>> Y'ALL SAID THAT THE LAST TIME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL MAKE SURE --
>> YOU SAID THAT THE LAST TIME.
Y'ALL FOLKS WILL CHECK ON SOMETHING.
>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER -- HRO*PB --
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHO IS THE BEST DEPARTMENT TO VISIT WITH THESE FOLKS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM TRYING TO THINK.
>> THIS IS A SITUATION -- I DID SPEAK TO THE GENTLEMAN.
THERE IS AN ACTUAL DISPUTE AS TO WHO OWNS THE PROPERTY.
>> I UNDERSTAND THE GENTLEMAN TO BELIEVE THAT.
LEAVE ME YOUR INFORMATION AND I WILL LOOK INTO IT AND WE -- AND YOU WILL GET A RESPONSE.
[03:35:05]
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN YOU VISIT WITH HIM.
>> MR. GARCIA I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON BEING NOW JUST UH -- AWARDED OF HEART OF THE STREET COMMUNITY. I APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU ARE ALREADY DOING THAT YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED THAT PARTICULAR AREA.
I DEFINITELY WILL MEET WITH HIM AND CLARIFY EVERYTHING.
ONE LAST THING I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS.
JUST BECAUSE YOU PAY TAXES IN HARRIS COUNTY, IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU THE DEED OWNER OF PROPERTY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU ARE RIGHT, ART.
THIS HAS COME UP SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST.
IN ORDER TO HELP YOU ADDRESS THIS, PLEASE VISIT WITH MR. IRE. HE CAN GET SOME INFORMATION AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN PUT YOU WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO DO THIS.
>> SOUNDS GOOD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS NONUH -- NONAGENDA SPEAKER SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HELLO.
FIRST I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
WE WERE AT THE -- MY HUSBAND SAID HE WAS COMING HERE AND YOU SAID YOU WOULD BE OUT OF TOWN.
EVERYBODY CAMPAIGNING FOR VOTES THEY CAN TALK TO EVERYBODY.
WHEN YOU GET IN THE SEATS YOU HAVE TIME FOR NOBODY.
HARRIS COUNTY APACE -- APPRAISAL DISTRICT IS ASSISTING PEOPLE IN ORGANIZED CRIME.
THEY ARE CHANGING STREET ADDRESSES WITHOUT AN AFFIDAVIT UNDER A DEAD MAN'S NAME.
THERE IS NO LEGAL DOCUMENTATION ON ANYBODY.
THIS IS HAPPENING IN HARRIS COUNTY DEALING WITH TAX DOLLARS AND EVERYTHING.
YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING? THESE PEOPLE IN THESE POWERFUL POSITIONS ARE COMMITTING ORGANIZED CRIME AND THEN THROWING THINGS UNDER THE TABLE OR HIDING THEIR HANDS LIKE THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> SOMEBODY IS GETTING PAID UNDER THE TABLE.
>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER SIX JACOB CLEMENTAGE.
IT IS AUTISM AWARENESS ON APRIL 19TH.
THERE IS AN AUTISM PROMO THIS THURSDAY.
I WORK FOR AIR MARK AT MID-LAND PARK.
AND THEN I DO A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO BATHROOM ATTENDANT AND DIRECTIONS TO GIVING DIRECTIONS AT THE FACILITIES.
A PERSON CAN LOOK AT ME AND SEE THAT I HAVE A PHYSICAL DISABILITY FRIENDS OF MINE [INAUDIBLE] U.S.
>> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> TWO MINUTES, RIGHT? I GET 2 MINUTES?
>> A PERSON WHO KNOWS -- KNOWS OF MY DISABILITIES AND WHILE HE WAS A BEN GNAW FACTOR -- BENEFACTOR, THEY ARE HAVING FUNDRAISERS ON SATURDAY EVENING AND HAVING AN UH -- HAVING A BAZAAR. END THE DEATH PENALTY.
>> YES. THIS IS KAREN HOLMES IN REGARDS TO THE TERRORIST ATTACK THIS HOUSTON TEXAS.
I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE REACHED OUT TO AND NO ONE EVER CALLED ME.
I WILL TAKE THIS TIME TO SEE WHEN SOMEONE WILL CALL ME TO GET FURTHER DETAILS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MS.
[03:40:04]
HOLMES. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.>> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS.
>> THAT'S NOT AN OPTION ANYMORE.
I WENT THROUGH THAT, THROUGH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND EVERYTHING.
NOW I AM GOING THROUGH COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
>> I TRIED TO CONTACT MR. GONZALEZ AND HE NEVER CALLS PWA -- CALLS BACK.
HAVE I BEEN CALLING AND REACHING OUT TO HIM.
I AM GOING IN CIRCLES WITH THIS.
>> NEXT IS IRA DENVER FOR MEDICARE FOR ALL.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
I AM CALLING TO AGAIN -- THANK YOU FOR THE TIME.
I AM PART OF A GROUP THAT HAS ASKED BEFORE FOR THE COMMISSIONERS TO SIMPLY ADOPT A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FEDERAL ACTION ON MEDICARE FOR ALL THAT WOULD BENEFIT ALL HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES AND THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF.
IT WOULD REDUCE THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND THE COUNTY'S MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR EMPLOYEES.
ONCE AGAIN, ASKING YOU TO PLEASE TAKE ACTION ON THIS.
IT IS JUST ADOPTING A RESOLUTION.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS AVAILABLE.
LET'S GO OVER THE CONSENT AGENDA AND THEN WE WILL GO FOR LUNCH.
BEGINNING WITH -- MINOR CHANGES ON THE AGENDA.
NO ACTION ON ITEM 117 WHICH IS THE BROAD LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ITEM.
ITEM 183, CON -- CON TRACKED -- CONTRACT WITH WADE CON CHANGING PRECINCT 1 TO PRECINCT 2.
SO AS FAR AS THE ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION, EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 201, I BELIEVE WE NEED TO TAKE THAT TO EXCUSE -- EXECUTIVE SESSION AND PERHAPS THERE IS SOME BROAD DISCUSSION THAT CAN TAKE PLACE IN OPEN COURT.
I WILL FOLLOW THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S ADVICE.
JACK CAGLE: I DON'T NEED TO GO BACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 251, COMMISSIONER CAGLE? JUSTICE MEDINA?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: 251 NOR 252 DO I NEED TO GO BACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL TAKE 252 OFF AS WELL.
WE WILL KEEP IT ON THE CONSENT.
258, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JACKSON WALKER LLP.
>> JUDGE, WE DON'T NEED TO GO BACK UNLESS THERE ARE QUESTIONS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DOES ANYONE HAVE TO GO BACK TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? 259, A SETTLEMENT.
DOES COUNTY ATTORNEY OR MEMBERS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION?
>> UNLESS THERE ARE QUESTIONS WE DON'T NEED TO GO BACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 260, ANOTHER SETTLEMENT.
WE'LL KEEP THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
266, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THE APPROVAL OF JASON MCLEMORE.
267, ELAINE MORALES, APPOINTMENT TO THE HOUSTON LAND BANK.
276 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, SAME THING.
WE WILL FOLLOW COUNTY ATTORNEY'S ADVICE ON WHAT CAN BE DISCUSSED.
I BELIEVE THERE IS A PORTION THAT NEEDS TO BE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I REQUEST THE PERSONAL PRIVILEGE OF A QUICK TWO-MINUTE BREAK.
VERY QUICK. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 2:12 AND WE ARE BREAKING JUST UNTIL 2:14.
[03:45:05]
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL GO THROUGH THE REST OF THE AGENDA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS ANOTHER ONE WE WILL KEEP ON BOTH AGENDAS.
THE REGULAR AGENDA, COVID-19, AN AGREEMENT WITH GRAY SOLUTIONS.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY YOU FLAGGED THIS ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 9 ON PAGE 2?
>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST A BRIEF COMMENT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 10 I HAVE A VERY MINOR UPDATE ON THE LATEST ON THE PANDEMIC.
ITEM 11. >> R. JACK CAGLE: [INAUDIBLE]
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER -- SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT.
THERE ARE THREE THINGS TO COVER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 15, COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLE.
THIS IS THE JOINT PROCESSING AGREEMENT WITH THE CENTER OF HOUSTON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 16 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. I HAVE THAT ANSWER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL PUT THAT BACK ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
A STUDY REPORT FOR TWO COMMUNITY PLANS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 111, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, VERSA INFRASTRUCTURE LL, KR.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I RECEIVED -- FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK DAVE BERRY AND OUR DIRECTOR OF HCTRA.
WE GOT AN EMAIL AT 9:32 LAST NIGHT THAT ADDRESSED OUR QUESTIONS MY CONCERN IS WE WILL BE PAYING EXTRA MONEY.
THE EMAIL CONFIRMED THAT ALTHOUGH THESE LISTS OF DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT'S NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS OF THE COUNTY TAXPAYERS WILL BE INCURRED BY THESE ITEMS. DAVE, DO YOU CONCUR WITH THAT?
>> TO CLARIFY, UM -- UPDATING THE BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT LEAVE A CHANGE IN THE CONTRACT.
THERE MAY BE OTHER CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT WHICH WOULD HAVE A FINANCIAL COST.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S NOT WHAT I GOT LAST NIGHT.
THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL COSTS TO THESE THREE CONTRACTSS IN PLACE IS MY UNDERSTANDING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S LEAVE THEM ON THE DISCUSSION AGENDA.
IF YOU CAN MEET OFF LINE AND IF NOT WE WILL DISCUSS IN OPEN COURT.
WE WILL LEAVE 111, 112 AND 113 UP FOR DISCUSSION.
THE POLLING LOCATION FOR MAY 7TH, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
[03:50:03]
>> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT CAN GO BACK ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL PUT 146 BACK.
THAT IS THE JUICE TEUS COMMUNITY -- JUSTICE COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT FUND.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE NEED TO DISCUSS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 201 WE HAVE IT UP FOR DISCUSSION.
208 AND THAT IS THE UPDATE FROM THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT WOULD BE WITH 275.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 275? I THINK THOSE ARE VERY DIFFERENT ITEMS.
THE UPDATES TO THE COMMUNITY FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE FRAMEWORK.
I'M SURE WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT.
229. TRANSMITTAL -- ANOTHER TRANSMITTAL ON THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK.
WE HAVE TO TAKE THOSE TOGETHER.
THE MEMO ON THE TEMPORARY TAGS AND WE WILL DISCUSS THAT BRIEFLY.
>> 233 AND WE NEED TO DISCUSS IT.
YELLOWSTONE LANDSCAPE, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
I. >> THERE IS A POINT TO BE MADE THERE.
I NEED TO DISCUSS AND WE WILL DISCUSS IT ALONG WITH 275.
THIS CAME OUT OF OUR MEETING WITH THE ELECTION COMMISSION.
OVER TIME PAY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 275, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND AGAIN THIS IS THE -- THIS IS ITEM 264 TO DISCUSS THE ELECTION TOPICS.
HERE IS OUR LIST AND I CAN SEE DIRECTOR RAMOS REQUESTED THE DISCUSSION ON ITEM 254.
THAT'S THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND ON SITE
FACILITIES. >> HERE IS OUR LIST.
EXECUTIVE SESSION -- THE THREE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS INCLUDE THE DISCUSSION AT THE TABLE.
FOLLOWED BY ITEMS 9, 10, 14, 15, 96, 111, 112, 113, 136, 162, 201, 208, 216, 228, 229, 232, 233, 254, 263, 264, 273, 275.
DID I MISS ANYTHING? >> -- ON THE CONSENT?
>> IS THAT THE LEGISLATIVE ITEM?
>> DID YOU SAY 234? I HAVE 233 AND 254.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHAT DIRECTOR RAMOS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT WENT BACK TO THE CONSENT AGENDA.
THAT'S THE HARRIS HEALTH JAILS ITEM.
>> BEFORE YOU MAKE A VOTE -- IF Y'ALL CAN GIVE ME A MOTION FOR 253.
THAT WAS THE EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR SUSAN SANTOS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT.
ANYTHING ELSE COLLEAGUES? NO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE AGENDA.
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSE STPHED.
>> -- OPPOSED NO IT IS 2:22 AND WE WILL BREAK UNTIL 3:00.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE GROWING TO START GOING DOWN THE REGULAR AGENDA.
IT IS 3:07 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
[03:55:02]
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU HAD A QUESTION ON --[Departments (Part 3 of 4)]
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION ON ITEM 9? SECOND BY COMMISSIONER -- MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THE CASES ARE PRETTY STAGNANT IN HARRIS COUNTY.
WE HAVE STILL BEEN IN YELLOW AND THERE HASN'T BEEN AN INCREASE YET.
THERE IS NO STATE DECREASE EITHER.
THERE IS A GLIMMER OF HOPE THAT WE ARE DOING BETTER THAN JURISDICTIONS, BUT THEY ARE STILL WAITING TO SEE, YOU KNOW, AS THE WAVE CONTINUES TO SURFACE IN WESTERN EUROPE AND ASIA AND PARTS OF THE NORTHEAST, IS IT GOING TO HIT US AND HOW WILL IT HIT US? IT IS A LITTLE BIT OF A WAIT AND SEE.
VACCINES CONTINUE TO BE AS -- OUR STRONGEST DEFENSE AGAINST THE VIRUS.
FOLKS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SECOND BOOSTER IF THEY ARE OVER 50 OR HAVE IMMUNE ISSUES.
I'M AFRAID IT IS QUITE THE BRIEF UPDATE.
JACK CAGLE: WHAT IS YOUR TIMELINE -- I USED TO SAY WHEN ARE WE WITHOUT COLORS, BUT IT IS GREEN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: BECAUSE IT IS FLAT TO RISING AND FALLING THERE ISN'T A GREEN TIMELINE.
THE LATEST INDICATOR FROM YESTERDAY, THE 25TH, ACTUALLY HAS HOSPITAL POPULATION AND CASE COUNTS RISING AS OPPOSED TO FALLING.
BUT IF YOU WERE TO LOOK AT IT ANOTHER DAY THEY MAY BEFALLING.
RIGHT NOW WE ARE JUST AT YELLOW UNTIL IT GOES ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER DIRECTION.
WE DON'T NEED ACTION ON THIS UNLESS MY COLLEAGUES HAVE AN ACTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON ITEM 10.
NUMBER 14. THIS IS ABOUT THE PIC FUND, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
THERE ARE THREE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ON THIS ITEM.
THE FIRST I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH DAVE AND IT WAS SUGGESTED I BRING MY IDEAS FORWARD AND IT IS UP TO THE BODY TO DECIDE IF THEY LIKE MY CONCEPT.
WE HAVE CONSISTENTLY CALLED THIS THE PIC FUND FOR AGES.
THE SUGGESTION FROM WHAT WAS OPPOSED IN DAVE BERRY'S REPORT, INSTEAD OF SAYING JUST CONTINGENCY FUND, WE JUST CALL IT THE PUBLIC CONTINGENCY FUND.
THAT WAY WE CAN STILL CALL IT THE PIC TKWARB -- THE PC.
MY SUGGESTION IS WE DROVE THE WORD IMPROVEMENT AND WE STILL CALL IT PUBLIC CONTINGENCY AND THAT WOULD BE A FRIENDLY SUGGESTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.
I DON'T CARE WHAT WE CALL T BUT I JUST WANT IT TO BE A TRUE RESERVE ACCOUNT FOR REAL EMERGENCIES.
I JUST WANT THE SUBSEQUENT POLICIES TO BE ATTACHED TO IT SO WE KNOW IT REQUIRES THE POTENTIAL OF A DECLARED EMERGENCY AND MAYBE ONE BY THE STATE OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAY NOT BE IT.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER IT IS THAT WE CALL IT, THAT IT COMES WITH THE TRUE POLICY THAT WILL KEEP US FROM SEEING A BANK ACCOUNT THAT WE CAN GO TO AT ANY GIVEN TIME.
>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> THANK YOU, MR. RAMOS. I AGREE THAT THIS IS A NEEDED THING.
AS WE DISCUSSED WHEN WE MET, OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO GET THIS UP TO $268 MILLION.
[04:00:08]
I THINK THAT'S ROUGHLY 12.5% AND IT IS REFERENCED IN THE ITEM.ROUGHLY WHAT IS THE AMOUNT NOW, MR.
RAMOS? >> TO RUN IT DOWN THERE IS 9.2 MILLION IN THE PIC THAT IS AVAILABLE.
THERE IS 6 MILLION IN HARVEY AND WE ARE RECOMMENDING A $75 MILLION CONTRIBUTION AND THERE IS 30 MILLION IN FEMA AND IT IS A JOURNAL ENTRY TO THE FEMA FUND.
AND THEN 22.5 MILLION THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED FUNDING AND WE ARE JUST WAITING FOR THE FINAL AUTHORIZATION FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FOR A TOTAL OF 175.8 MILLION IN EXPECTED CASH AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE A LOT OF THINGS TO RECONCILE.
I DID NOT ASK THIS YESTERDAY, BUT IS THIS THE FUND THAT WE WILL PUT MONEY THAT IS LEFT OVER IN DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS? LET ME BE MORE SPECIFIC.
IF MONEY IS LEFT OVER IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE, THE D.A.'S OFFICE AND THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE, IF MONEY IS LEFT OVER IN THE BUDGET, IS THIS WHERE THAT MONEY IS DEPOSITED?
>> WE ARE RECOMMENDING OF THE 75 MILLION, 55 MILLION IS COUNTY WIDE THE SURPLUSES FROM THE LAST FULL FISCAL YEAR.
WHEN WE GET TO THE FULL BUDGET YEAR AND I WILL BE RECOMMENDING A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTIONS ANNUALLY.
I JUST WANT TO SAY 55 MILLION IS COMING FROM THE PREVIOUS FISCAL YEAR.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WHEN WE SET THE BUDGET WE REALLY DID EVERYTHING WE KNEW TO DO AND TO BE SURE THOSE FUNDS WERE BEING SPENT WITHIN LAW ENFORCEMENT AS BUDGETED. I THINK THAT IS THE DEFINITION TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT IN AN UNFUNDED MODE.
WHEN WE MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WE BUDGETED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IS BEING SPENT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND NOT PUT IN ANOTHER FUND, YOU ARE ASSURING ME THAT'S NOT GOING TO BE THE CASE?
>> IT CAN WOMAN BACK -- IT CAN COME BACK AS A COURT ACTION.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAD THREE POINTS.
THE FIRST WAS THE NAME AND THEN THE AMOUNTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN GARCIA.
JUST STICKING ON THE NAME ISSUE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I DID KNOW IT WAS 3:12 AND CONSIDERABLY FROM THAT NOW, BUT WHAT DO PEOPLE CALL THAT? DO YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON THAT ISSUE?
>> SO THERE IS DIFFERENT NAMES FOR DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS.
THE RAINY DAY FUND IS COMMON KNOW MEN CLAY -- KNOW MEN CLAY SURE.
I HAVE NO QUALM WITH IT BEING CALLED THE PIC.
YOU DON'T HAVE A PREFERENCE? SO DON'T TOUCH IT UNLESS IT IS AN EMERGENCY FUND?
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER CAGLE --
THERE ARE THREE -- IT IS JUST ON THE NAME.
>> TO NAME IT THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT -- EXCUSE ME, THE PUBLIC CONTINGENCY FUND.
[04:05:02]
MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> MY THIRD POINT WHICH WAS TOUCHED ON BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS THAT ON ITEM 3 ON THE REPORT THAT WAS FORWARDED TO US IT TALKED ABOUT HOW YOU WOULD USE THE MONEY FROM THE SURPLUS FROM THE DEPARTMENT'S CARRY FORWARD NOT INCLUDING COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
I WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK. THAT MEANS YOU WILL TAKE THE CARRY FORWARD FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY SHERIFF, CONSTABLE, DA, THEIR DEPARTMENTS.
>> I THINK IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO CLARIFY THAT THERE IS NO CARRY OVER BALANCE AND I WILL LET MR. RAMOS CONTINUE. THEY HAD AN ANNUAL APPROPRIATION AND THAT EFFECT -- THAT EFFECTIVELY EXPIRED AND THEY GOT A NEW ONE. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT REFILLING THE PIC, THERE IS NOTHING TAKEN AWAY.
TO THE PIC. >> MR. RAMOS AND MR. BERRY, IF THERE IS MONEY THAT THEY COULD NOT SPEND FOR WHATEVER REASON CAN WE MAKE A DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO DO IT?
MY GOD HONEST HOPE IS THAT ALL DEPARTMENTS CAN SPEND THEIR ENTIRE APPROPRIATION -- THEY CAN SPEND IT PRIOR TO COMING BACK. WE WILL PROVIDE AS MUCH FLEXIBILITY AS POSSIBLE AND THEY ARE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE IN ORDER FOR DEPARTMENTS TO SPEND THEIR DOLLARS, THIS COURT APPROVED A POLICY THAT ENDED THE PRACTICE OF ROLL OVER.
THAT ROLL OVER POLICY, WE HAD AT THE TIME THAT IT WENT AWAY, WE HAD OVER $100 MILLION IN THE EVENT OF A HARVEY OR ICE STORM IT COULD NOT OTHERWISE BE REDIRECTED.
WE RECEIVED A FOR -- A FORMAL LETTER AND WE ARE WORKING ON A FORMAL RESPONSE AND WE WILL BE PROPOSING SOLUTIONS TO ALLOW FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO SPEND DOWN THE ENTIRETY OF THEIR PROBE OPERATIONS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL RESPECTFULLY VOTE AGAINST THE MOTION.
I THINK THERE SHOULD BE SOME TRUTH IN BUDGETING.
I DON'T WANT DEPARTMENTS TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY MAKE A REQUEST FOR MORE THAN THEY THINK THEY NEED WITH AN EYE TOWARD BEING ABLE TO HAVE THAT SOME TIME DOWN THE ROAD.
I DON'T WANT TO TALK OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF MY MOUTH AND SAY I DON'T WANT MORE REVENUE AND THEN BE THE NEXT ONE TO SAY, BUT I DO WANT MORE GOING INTO THE PROGRAMS THAN I CARE ABOUT.
I JUST THINK THAT IS A NON-SEBG HUA TER -- NON-SEQUITER.
IS THERE ANY REASON YOU, MR. RAMOS, OR MR. BERRY, WHY THIS ITEM AS YOU PROPOSED IT AS IT RELATES TO THIS IS GOOD FISCAL POLICY?
>> SO FIRST AND FOREMOST, THIS IS A FINANCE OFFICER ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDED POLICY.
THIS FALLS IN LINE WITH OTHER LARGE TEXAS COUNTIES THAT HAVE DONE THIS.
DALLAS COUNTY SETS AN ANNUAL GOAL OF 10 AND A HALF PERCENT AND BEXAR COUNTY 15% AND TRAVIS IS 12%.
[04:10:06]
WE ARE RIGHT IN LINE WITH OUR PEERS.WHEN WE GO AND LET'S SAY WE DO WANT TO GO TO A BOND OR WHEN WE GET AUDITED THAT WE ARE NOT COUNTING MONEY THAT IS SITTING WITH THE DEPARTMENTS AND WE ARE ALSO COUNTING OUR TAX RESERVE AND THERE IS A CLEAR POLICY WE CAN ARTICULATE TO THE AUDITORS AND THE CREDITORS THAT WE HAVE A FENCED OFF DOLLAR AMOUNT IF WE HAVE THE CASH READY.
LEAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
MR. RAMOS, I WAS HERE WHEN THE ROLL OVER POLICY WAS INSTITUTED.
I NEVER AGREED WITH IT HAVING COME FROM CITY COUNCIL.
YOU HAVE A BUDGET AND YOU HAVE -- AS A DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR YOU HAVE -- YOU PLAN AND YOU SET YOUR BENCHMARKS AND YOU WORK YOUR BUDGET AND YOU TRACK YOUR BUDGET -- IF YOU OVER SPEND YOU HAVE TO BEHELD ACCOUNTABLE.
AND IF YOU UNDER SPEND SOME OF IT, YOU KNOW, IT MAY HAVE MADE SENSE.
MAYBE YOU HIRED SOMEONE AND THEY DIDN'T WORK OUT.
I DON'T KNOW WHY WE HAVE MONEY LEFT OVER AND TRYING TO HAVE THE RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO DO.
WHAT DOES YOUR OFFICE PLAN TO DO TO HELP ALL DEPARTMENTS? I CREATED BURN RATE REPORTS WHEN I WAS SHERIFF.
I DID A NUMBER OF THINGS TO PLAN FOR MY BUDGET.
AS A CONSEQUENCE I HAD VERY LITTLE ROLL OVER.
NOW I WANT TO MAKE SURE THINGS I WANT TO DO GET DONE IF A TIMELY MANNER.
ONE OF THE THINGS IN A PROJECT HAS TO OCCUR.
WHAT WILL YOUR OFFICE PLAN TO DO TO PROVIDE THAT SUPPORT TO THE DEPARTMENTS SO THEY MEET THEIR BUDGETS.
ONE SO IF THEY ARE OVER SHOOTING THEIR BUDGET WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHY.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS OF ANYTHING IN THAT NATURE?
IN OUR OFFICES AND THE FISCAL STAFFS AND THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, WE GET REGULAR REPORTS OF THE SPEND RATE OF ACTIVE INCOUPLE PWREPBS -- ACTIVE INCOME PWREPBSS AND WE ARE WORKING PLUS OR MINUS A COUPLE OF PERCENTAGE POINTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ON TRACK GOOD OR BAD.
I DO WANT TO INSTITUTE THIS -- WE ARE ABOUT TO CLOSE OUT THE QUARTER IN MAY AND I WANT TO INSTITUTE FORMAL QUARTERLY PRO SECTIONS -- PROJECTIONS WHERE MY STAFF WORKS WITH QUARTERLY PROJECTIONS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FISCAL YEAR.
AND THEN I COME HERE AND PRESENT THOSE PROJECTIONS TO THIS BODY.
THE NOTIFICATION WENT OUT THAT I AM STARTING A FORECAST AND I HOPE IT RAISES TRANSPARENCY TO THIS COURT AND TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE DEPARTMENTS WHAT THE TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP FOR RUNNING THE COUNTY IS.
THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR WHEN YOU FACTOR IN INFLATION AND ELECTRICITY AND FUEL AND BE ABLE TO GAIN DIFFERENT SCENARIOS. THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS I WANT TO BRING TO BRING THE TRANSPARENCY THAT WILL HELP THE DEPARTMENTS AND MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT IN A
[04:15:07]
SCENARIO WHERE THERE ARE HUGE SURPLUSES OR DEFICITS IN THE YEAR.THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE BUDGET IS LABOR SO WE CAN QUICKLY GET PEOPLE IN.
WE DON'T HAVE LARGE BALANCES OF VACANT PCN'S AND WE CAN PROCURE QUICKLY AND MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE SPENDING MONEY ON A MORE REGULAR BASIS FOR NECESSARY ITEMS. THOSE ARE THINGS THAT ARE GOOD, BASIC PRACTICES THAT I HOPE TO INSTITUTE AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVE.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE ROLL OVER TO ME, THAT LIMITS THE COUNTY'S ABILITY ON THE FINANCES. I WANT TO FALL IN LINE WITH OUR PEERS AND TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE FISCAL HEALTH OF THE COUNTY.
BUT WHEN THEY ARE IN APARTMENTS THAT ARE CARRYING HUGE SUMS OF MONEY OR APPROPRIATIONS, THAT LIMITS THIS BODY'S ABILITY TO GO AND INVEST IN THE PRIORITIES, WHETHER IT IS PAYING NO CAPITAL OR RAISES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, THOSE ARE ALL THINGS THAT AS WE TIGHTEN UP AND CONTINUE THE FISCAL DISCIPLINE THAT THIS BODY IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO ENACT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE PROPOSAL FROM BUDGET IS TO APPROVE AS IS THE FIRST CLAUSE.
WE ALREADY DEALT WITH THE RENAMING, CORRECT?
IS THERE A MOTION ON THAT? >> R.
JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND --
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S RIGHT.
JACK CAGLE: THAT WE INCLUDE OR NOT INCLUDE LAW ENFORCEMENT.
THERE ARE 3 MILLION FUNDS FOR CONSTABLES AND WE GOT THEIR LETTER APRIL 19TH.
I THINK BY ADDING LANGUAGE AND NOT INCLUDING COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT WE KEEP OURSELVES OUT OF THE UPCOMING LITIGATION AND ISSUES OVER THOSE MATTERS.
>> I WILL MAKE A SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT WE ADOPT IT AS IS.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR SUBSTITUTE MOTION IS WE DO IT AS WHAT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS PRESENTED.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DID WE VOTE ON THE NAME CHANGE?
>> R. JACK CAGLE: THE THIRD POINT I DON'T THINK REQUIRES A VOTE, BUT I WANTED TO CLARIFY WITH MR. RAMOS THAT ON THE FORM IT SHOWS THAT THE CURRENT BALANCE FOR THE PIC FUND WHICH WE CAN CALL THE PIC FUND, BUT IT WON'T HAVE AN I ON IT IS $4 MILLION.
WE HAD 3 BILLION AND A HARVEY FUND THAT WAS SIX MILLION NOW.
IF YOU LIKE I CAN RUN THROUGH THE NUMBERS.
THIS IS THE MOST UPDATED I HAVE IF IT IS HELPFUL.
>> I DON'T KNOW IF I NEED THAT.
WE HAD 312 AND NOW WE HAVE 304.
WE HAD A -- WE HAVE A NUMBER AND I MAY HAVE SAID TO GIVE THAT TO ME.
IF YOU CAN SO I HAVE MY APPLES TO APPLES.
THAT IS A NEW FUND THAT WE HAVE AND IF I WAS TO PUT MY COLLEAGUES WITH SOME LATIN IT WOULD BE A NON-SEQUITOR, SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW.
THOSE WITH MY THREE POINTS. THANK YOU.
THAT IS THE INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON WITH THE JPC.
COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RAMSEY BOTH HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS ITEM.
[04:20:03]
>> LINA HIDALGO: 15 ON PAGE 3.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE JUST NEED TO VOTE ON THAT FOR ME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NUMBER 15 ON PAGE 3.
THIS IS ONE WHERE WE ARE PAGING A LARGER SHARE AND I URGE WE VOTE NO ON THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE ADOPTION.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, ITEM 96 ON PAGE 11.
THIS IS OUR PLAN FOR THE NORTH SHORE AND CHANNEL VIEW COMMUNITIES.
FIRST I WANT TO THANK MY TEAM FOR THEIR WORK.
I AM EXCITED ABOUT ADOPTING THESE PLANS, JUDGE, BECAUSE PART OF REVIVE TO THRIVE, MY INITIATIVE, THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT WAS TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY-LEAD PLANS AND OTHER COMMUNITIES IN THE PRECINCT.
THESE PLANS ARE VERY ORIENTED TOWARD IMPLEMENTATION.
SO MUCH SO THAT WE HAVE ALREADY KICKED OFF SEVERAL PROJECTS SINCE THE COMMUNITY PLANS WERE STARTED.
THEY INCLUDE PLACE-MAKING MONUMENTS TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY PRIDE.
WE WILL START IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR.
WAY FINDING, SIGNAGE FOR PEOPLE TO FIND WAYS TO OUR FACILITIES.
AUGUST IS WHEN THAT KICKS OFF.
WORK ON THE CARPENTER'S BAYOU TRAIL, A MILE AND A QUARTER OF 10-FEET LANES -- OR TRAILS.
WE WILL START IN AUGUST AS WELL.
THAT WILL BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY OF NEXT YEAR THE -- THE WOOD FOREST STREET SIDEWALK.
AND WE WILL BE WRAPPING THAT UP LATER THIS YEAR.
THAT IS TWO MILES OF SIX FEET OF SIDEWALKS FOR THE COMMUNITY AND WE LOOKED TO WRAP THAT UP IN OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR. AND WE HAVE A RAISE OF FEDERAL GRANTS AND FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE COMMUNITY LEADERS THAT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED, TAKING THEIR TIME OUT OF THEIR BUSY SCHEDULE AND PARTICIPATING IN MEETINGS AND WE ARE TRYING TO GET IN-PERSON MEETINGS GOING.
I AM VERY, VERY EXCITED ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING AND EXCITED THAT THE INPUT OF THE COMMUNITY IS TAKEN TO HEART AND BEING PUT TO WORK THROUGH REVIVAL -- REVIVE TO THRIVE IN TERMS OF BRINGING TO LIFE THE THINGS THAT COMMUNITIES HAVE LONG WANTED AND NEVER GOT. NOW THEY ARE GETTING THEM WHILE THEY LIVE THERE AND GENTRIFICATION IS NOT THE SOLE REASON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
THAT IS EXCITING. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: THEY WERE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND I JUST NEED TO MOVE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
IS THERE A SECOND? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> IS THIS ALL THREE ITEMS OR 111.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 111, 112 AND 113.
ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 136, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
THESE ARE THE EARLY VOTING ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS FOR MAY 7TH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
[04:25:09]
I WILL BE VOTING YES, BUT NOT THAT I DISAGREE WITH COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.>> RODNEY ELLIS: MS. LONGORIA, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING, I WILL LET YOU DO THAT.
>> FOR THE MAY 7TH, AS THE LOCATIONS HAVE BECOME UNAVAILABLE THEN WE HAVE TO REPLACE THEM.
IT IS REPLACING THE LOCATION THAT'S WERE NOT AVAILABLE PREVIOUSLY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS OPPOSED AND I AM IN FAVOR SO IT PASSES 4-1.
ITEM 162 AND THIS IS THE YOUTH INVESTMENT COMMUNITY --
>> R. JACK CAGLE: WE ARE OKAY WITH THAT.
WE JUST NEED SOMEBODY TO MOVE IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
WAS THERE ANYTHING THAT THE DIRECTOR NEEDED TO ADD? I DON'T SEE HER ON THE LINE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
I THINK WE ALL WANT TO HEAR THIS UPDATE.
HOW IS IT PREPARING FOR THE MAY 24TH ELECTION?
>> TO TAKE A STEP BACK WE ARE IN DAY TWO OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE MAY 7TH ELECTION.
WE LOOK ON TRACK TO BLOW PAST THAT TODAY.
THAT IS EXCITING. AS FAR AS MAY 24TH, WE HAVE FINALLY GOT IN THE -- GOT THE PARTIES TO AGREE TO THE VOTING LOCATIONS SO WE WILL HAVE 260 VOTING LOCATIONS FOR THE MAY 24TH ELECTION AND 52 EARLY VOTE SITES.
AS A REMINDER THE PARTIES HAVE CHOSEN ONCE AGAIN TO DO A SPLIT PRIMARY WHICH MEANS DURING EARLY VOTING DIRECTED BY OUR OFFICE, A VOTER CAN CHECK IN AT ANY VOTING LOCATION AND VOTE.
THEY JUST HAVE TO SAY REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT AND THAT'S IT.
ALL MACHINES AT THOSE LOCATIONS WILL BE PROGRAMED FOR BOTH PARTIES.
ON ELECTION DAY THE ROOMS WILL BE SPLIT.
AS FAR AS STAFFING, THE LATEST NUMBERS, WE ARE GOOD FOR EARLY VOTING.
ALL LOCATIONS ARE STAFFED WITH ELECTION JUDGES AND ALTERNATE JUDGES FOR EARLY VOTING.
FOR ELECTION DAY I BELIEVE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS ASSIGNED 258 OF 260 AND AT LAST COUNT THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ASSIGNED I THINK IT IS 137.
I THINK THEY ARE MISSING ABOUT 113 JUDGES.
THEY HAVE A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO DO THAT.
AS ALWAYS IF THEY WOULD LIKE OUR HELP, WE ARE AT THE READY TO HELP THEM FILL THOSE SPOTS.
WE HAVE OUR NEXT PLANNING MEETING TOMORROW WHERE WE WILL GO OVER THESE UPDATES.
MS. LONGORIA, I KNOW THAT SENATE BILL 1 HAS CREATED A NUMBER OF OBSTACLES. IT IS PRETTY MUCH DOING WHAT THE PEOPLE PUSHING IT INTENDED IT TO DO.
THIS IS JUST A REQUEST THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM COME UP WITH WHATEVER BEST PRACTICES YOU CAN COME UP WITH WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THAT FIT IN THE REALM OF THE LAW SO WE CAN DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO REGISTER TO VOTE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS.
I SAY THAT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO VOTE FOR ORGANS ME OR -- FOR OR AGAINST ME OR ANYBODY ELSE.
I FOR ONE HAVE ASKED MY STAFF TO LOOK INTO IT.
YOU CAN CLEARLY LOOK INTO THE STATES WHERE SIMILAR EFFORTS ARE GOING ON.
I FOR ONE WILL PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA AND SAY WE OUGHT TO SPEND THE MONEY AND DO THAT.
IT LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE COMING BACK.
I WOULD ADVOCATE THAT THE LOCAL MONEY BE PUT UP TO HELP STOP SOME OF THE SUPPRESS TIFF TACK
[04:30:01]
-- TACTICS.CALL YOUR PEERS AND AROUND THE STATE WHERE THERE ARE SUPPRESSION EFFORTS GOING ON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I KNOW YOU MADE THE COMMENT SB1 IS DOING WHAT IT INTENDED TO DO.
SINCE IT WAS INTENDED TO IMPROVE THE VOTER EXPERIENCE AND MAKE OUR VOTING MORE SECURE AND TO IMPROVE ITS INTEGRITY, ON BEHALF OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE, I'M SURE THEY APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HOPE THEY HEARD THEM.
IF THEY DIDN'T, MAYBE YOU WILL WRITE THEM DOWN AND SEND THEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WE ALL HAVE A PERSPECTIVE IN TERMS OF WHAT IS SUPPRESSION AND WHAT ISN'T.
I THINK A CHAOTIC-RUN ELECTION IS A WAY TO SUPPRESS VOTES.
I WILL MOVE MY 275, UP, JUDGE, IF I COULD.
I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD AN ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING.
AS Y'ALL LOOK AT ELECTIONS GOING FORWARD, ARE YOU CLEARLY IDENTIFYING HOW OUR ELECTIONS WILL BE HANDLED GOING FORWARD AND RECOGNIZE -- AND RECOGNIZING THE PROBLEMS WE HAD IN THE LAST THREE OR FOUR, AND ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT THE ELECTION COMMISSION IS DOING TO ADDRESS THOSE CONCERNS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I WANT TO TAKE 264 WITH 275.
I HAVE A QUESTION ON MS. LONGORIA AND MR. BERRY ON THIS.
DO YOU MIND IF WE FINISH THAT AND THEN WE CAN MOVE TO 275 AND 264? ON THE FUNDING FOR THE UPCOMING RUN OFF, ARE YOU BOTH COMFORTABLE THAT THE -- THAT THERE IS ENOUGH FUNDING AVAILABLE AND RESOURCES AND STAFF, ET CETERA TO RUN THAT ELECTION SMOOTHLY? WE HEARD THE COMPLAINT FROM LAST TIME, PARTICULARLY THE ELECTION JUDGES WANTED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND ADDITIONAL TRAINING.
THERE SEEMS TO BE NEEDS IN TERMS OF THE TURNING IN THE VOTING EQUIPMENT AT THE END OF THE NIGHT.
I KNOW SOME ELECTION JUDGES, THERE WAS TROUBLE FILLING THOSE SLOTS.
IN OTHER WORDS, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM MS. LONGORIA AND FROM MR. BERRY ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE VARIOUS ISSUES THAT ARE WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATOR'S CONTROL HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED IN TERMS OF RESOURCES AND AND LOGISTICS FOR MAY 24TH.
AS A REMINDER, THE EARLY VOTE PROCESS WENT SMOOTHLY.
THAT WAS UNDER OUR FULL CONTROL.
THE TRAINING WAS MORE RELATED TO JUST THE NEW VOTING MACHINES.
JUDGES ARE BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH THE NEW VOTING MACHINES.
I WILL SAY I FIRED OUR TRAINING DIRECTOR ON THE FIRST DAY THAT I COULD FOR THE MARCH PRIMARY.
SHE DID NOT LIVE UP TO STANDARDS.
AND HE WITHIN TWO WEEKS COMPLETELY TURN HAD AROUND THE TRAINING PROGRAM.
WE GOT NOTHING BUT POSITIVE THINGS FROM JUDGES NOW.
SO OUR LON -- OUR LONG-TIME JUDGES ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE MACHINES AFTER SIX OR SEVEN ELECTIONS.
AS AN INDICATOR, AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF EARLY VOTING WE HAD 60 PEOPLE ON OUR PHONES.
THAT'S ONE PERSON FOR EVERY EARLY VOTE LOCATION READY TO ANSWER CALLS.
I THINK WE GOT AT BEST A DOZEN CALLS.
THE TRAINING TEAM IS GOING GREAT.
I OVERHAULED THE SUPPLY TEAM AND NOW THERE ARE CHECKS AND BALANCES ON WHAT IS BEING PREPARED AND WHEN IT IS BEING PREPARED AND WE ARE NOW AHEAD OF SCHEDULE WITH THE SUPPLY TEAM AND THE WAREHOUSE TEAM FROM PREPARING THE EQUIPMENT AND NOT ONLY THE MAY 7TH, BUT AHEAD ON EVEN PREPARING AND HAVING THOSE CHECKS IN PLACE FOR THE MAY 24TH. THAT'S TRAINING, ELECTION JUDGES AND THEY ARE FEELING MORE COMFORTABLE.
WE OVERHAULED THE TRAINING MANUAL TO MAKE IT MORE USER FRIENDLY.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WE ARE ACTUALLY AT THE FOREFRONT OF WHAT WE ARE DOING TO HELP VOTERS BOTH IN OUR OUT REACH PROGRAM WHERE -- THE VOTER OUT REACH PROGRAM THAT YOU FUNDED LAST YEAR.
A TWEFPT-PERSON -- A 20-PERSON TEAM TO INCREASE REGISTRATION.
WE INCREASED THE VOTER REGISTRATION IN AN ODD-YEAR ELECTION WITH THAT TEAM LAST YEAR.
THEY CONTINUE TO DO THAT WORK.
[04:35:02]
AND THEN WE HAVE DEDICATED -- WE HAVE CONTINUED TO DEDICATE AN INCREASED MAIL BALLOT TEAM THAT SPENDS LITERALLY THEIR ENTIRE WEEKEND AND EVERY FREE MOMENT CALLING VOTERS AND LETTING THEM KNOW HOW TO CURE THE MAIL BALLOT AND HOW TO BRING IT BACK.THAT'S WHY WE ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PARAMETERS.
I APPRECIATE ANY OPPORTUNITY YOU HAVE AND THE 130 PEOPLE PWHO* -- WHO HAVE SIGNED UP SO FAR.
I WOULD FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE IF 150 PEOPLE SIGN HAD UP FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION SO WE CAN TRY OUR NEW METHOD OF PICKING UP VOTING EQUIPMENT FROM THE ELECTION SITE. IT IS USUALLY AFTER A LONG DAY.
THEY ARE WORKING AND THEY ARE TIRED AND THEY ARE WORN OUT.
WE ARE CUTTING THEM OUT AND CUTTING THEM SOME SLACK AND GETTING CONSTABLES AND DEPUTIZED ELECTION OFFICERS TO PICK UP THE EQUIPMENT SO WE ARE NOT CHASING THE JUDGES FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAM.
WE ARE FIGURING OUT THE COMPENSATION PROGRAM WHETHER IT IS COMP TIME OR PAYMENT.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE THANK OUR PEERS IN THE COUNTY FOR HELPING US OUT ON ELECTION NIGHT AS WE DOT CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHO HAVE JOINED IN AND CONTINUE TO MAKE SURE THE OFFICES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP.
I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE BUDGET FOR TWO MORE CLERKS PER EVERY VOTING LOCATION.
I UNDERSTAND THAT MIGHT NOT BE WITHIN OUR FISCAL REACH FOR THIS YEAR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ON THE TOPIC OF THE 150 FOLKS TO SUPPORT THE MATERIALS PICK UP AT THE END OF THE NIGHT, I URGE YOU GUYS TO MAKE SURE YOU GET TO THE NUMBER AND IF IT IS NOT THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, IT IS THROUGH ANOTHER INITIATIVE. I CERTAINLY DON'T WANT TO GO INTO IT UNDERSTAFFED.
WHAT ABOUT THE CALLS FOR SERVICE? I REMEMBER THE JUDGES BRINGING UP THE ISSUE THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE MACHINE AND FOLKS WERE NOT SHOWING UP QUICKLY ENOUGH.
>> THERE ARE MORE ELECTION THAT'S THE JUDGES FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH AND I PUT IN A REQUEST FOR MORE TECHNICIANS.
WE CAN USE THEM ON ELECTION DAY.
I BELIEVE THE BUDGET OFFICE IS STILL REVIEWING OR CONTEMPLATING THE REQUEST.
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE REQUEST FOR THE CLERKS AND THE TECHNICIANS? I'M SORRY, MR. RAMOS, BEFORE YOU ANSWER THAT, IF I CAN JUST CLARIFY FROM MS. LONGORIA, WHY DO YOU BELIEVE TWO MORE CLERKS ARE NEEDED FOR THIS RUNOFF?
>> THEY HAD A PRESIDING JUDGE AND ALTERNATE JUDGE AND SIX CLERKS AT HIGH ELECTION SITES.
THAT'S BECAUSE THE PRESIDING AND THE ALTERNATE JUDGE ARE IN CHARGE OF FILLING OUT THE PAPERWORK AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE MANAGING THE LOCATION AND TAKING CARE OF VOTERS AND PROVISIONAL BALLOTS AND NOW WITH SB1 WE SEE AN INCREASE IN CANCELED BALLOTS.
AND THERE ARE TWO IF NOT THREE CHECK IN CLERKS.
LAST YEAR FROM THE BUDGET RESTRICTIONS THAT WERE CIRCULATED, IT WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST BUCKETS IS LABOR AND WE WERE ADVISED TO GET DOWN TO FOUR CLERKS INSTEAD.
WE EXISTED WITH FOUR CLERKS THROUGHOUT THE NOVEMBER 2021 ELECTIONS AND INTO MARCH.
I THINK IT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HURT US.
[04:40:01]
WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CLERKS IT MEANS YOU DON'T HAVE AN APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF PEOPLE DOING CURBSIDE VOTING FOR THE ADA AND DISABLED FOLKS.THAT MEANS YOU SACRIFICE YOUR CURBSIDE PERSON, THE GREETER AND THE PERSON STANDING BY THE BALLOT BOX MAKING SURE PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO USE IT. AT THE END OF THE DAY, OUR ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS I WOULD FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE IN A BEST PRACTICE OF HAVING ONE CLERK PER EACH OF THE STATIONS.
I JUST HAVE A COUPLE OF QUICK QUESTIONS.
ACTUALLY, THE LAST ONE FOR MS. LONGORIA, THE COUNT STAFF.
I REMEMBER SOME FOLKS WERE SAYING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH STAFF AT THE COUNT, WAS THAT ANNOUNCED?
THE REPUBLICANS AND THE DEMOCRATS, WE CLEAR THEM FROM ANY STAFF THEY NEED.
THERE ARE ONE SHEET OF PAPER INSTEAD OF TWO SHEETS OF PAPER.
THERE WILL THOUGHT BE THE EMERGENCY BALLOTS WE NEED TO REVIEW AND REPLICATE, ET CETERA.
THE LIMITING FACTOR IS INTERNAL.
THERE ARE ONLY SIX MEMBERS OF THE STAFF WHO ARE TRAINED TO BE IN THE CENTRAL COUNT ROOM WHO KNOW THE COUNTING EQUIPMENT AND WHO MEET THE VERY TECHNICAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS OF DOING THE WORK.
THAT IS ANOTHER ITEM I HAVE SUBMITTED TO YOUR OFFICES AND THE BUDGET OFFICE FOR CONSIDERATION.
>> AND YOU THINK WE NEED THAT AHEAD OF THE RUNOFF OR AHEAD OF THE NEXT BIG ELECTION.
>> THEY CAN TRAIN THEMSELVES AND BE PREPARED FOR -- TIME IS TICKING HERE.
WE ARE ALREADY IN THE MAY 7TH ELECTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WILL YOU ADDRESS THOSE -- I THINK THERE ARE THREE POINTS THAT MS. LONGORIA RAISED. IT WAS THE COUNT STAFF AND THE ADDITIONAL CLERK AND I BELIEVE THERE WAS ONE MORE THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON YOUR OFFICE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY CAN FUND THEM.
>> SURE. FIRST AND FOREMOST, I JUST WANT TO FLAG THAT MY STAFF AND STAFF FROM THE OCA MEET WITH THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR AND HER FISCAL FOLKS TO TROUBLESHOOT THESE ISSUES AND MAKE SURE WE ARE RECONCILING THE EXPERIENCES.
THERE IS NOT A LOT OF DISAGREEMENT THAT THERE WERE RESOURCES WORKING ON A PACKAGE TO COME TO COURT.
I AM HOPING IN JUNE WE CAN GET THROUGH WHAT IS A HISTORIC NUMBER OF ELECTIONS THAT IS OCCURRING.
THERE IS A LOGISTICAL CONCERN TO HAVING THAM IN POSITIONS CASH -- HAVING THEM WHERE THEY ARE IN POSITIONS A FEW EVERY OTHER YEAR.
>> IEN URGE K YOU TO WORK ON THAT.
IF IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE BY MAY, THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY RESOURCES AND YOU NEED TO FIGURE THAT OUT.
I URGE THAT YOU TAKE ANOTHER LOOK.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
DID I UNDERSTAND YOU TO SAY THE REPUBLICANS HAD NOT FILLED THEIR HUNDRED POSITIONS?
>> CORRECT. OF THE 260 POSITIONS THEY NEED TO FILL FOR THE MAY 24TH ELECTIONS, THEY WERE JUST OVER A HUNDRED THAT THEY HAD YET TO SUBMIT TO OUR OFFICE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S NOT ACCURATE BECAUSE I HAVE DONE IT.
I WILL SAY PUBLICLY THAT THEY HAVE DONE THAT AND THEY MET THE DEADLINE.
DEMOCRATS PROBABLY HADN'T, SO YOU MAY NEED TO LOOK INTO THAT.
THE REPUBLICANS HAVE MET THE DEADLINE.
TO MAY 24TH. >> TOM RAMSEY: I AM TALKING ABOUT THE RUNOFF.
>> I LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR EMAIL WHERE THEY CLARIFY THAT.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THEY HAVE SENT IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: MS. LONGORIA, YOU MENTIONED ON THE CONSTITUTION ALI ELECTION THAT IT IS -- CONSTITUTIONAL ELECTION THAT IT WAS ON ONE PAGE.
[04:45:05]
WE WERE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF WE COULD RECONFIGURE THE BALLOTS SO ALL COULD BE ON ONE PAGE IN TERMS OF WHAT GETS PRINTED OUT.HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO FIND SPHEUG OUT?
>> THE -- HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING OUT? IT WILL BE TWO PAGES.
IT IS A MATTER OF WHETHER OR NOT IT IS THE SHORT VERSUS LONG PAGES.
IF YOU REDUCE THE TEXT -- IF YOU REPROGRAM THE MACHINES TO REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE TEXT OUR VENDOR, HART, THE MACHINE VENDOR, STRONGLY URGES AGAINST THAT TO FIT IT ON ONE PAGE.
IT IS SO LONG NEITHER THE VOTER COULD REASONABLY READ UNLESS THEY HAD VERY STRONG MAGNIFYING GLASSES TO CONFIRM THEIR CHOICES AND IT WOULD MAKE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR THE MACHINE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE LINES OF TEXT.
THE MACHINE IS AN OPTICAL SCANNER AND IT READS EACH LETTER.
THERE IS NO BAR CODE OR FANCY CODING ON THE BACK END.
IT IS AGAINST THE PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION OF MYSELF AND THE PROGRAMS AT THE HART -- AT THE VOTING MACHINE, SORRY, THAT WE WOULD REPROGRAM IT TO BE SO MAUL -- SO SMALL IT CAN FIT ON ONE PAGE.
>> THAT IS SOMETHING FOR THEM TO LOOK INTO.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THEY HAVE SUBMITTED THE NAMES ON MAY 7TH AND THE 24TH RUNOFF.
THERE IS A DISCONNECT THERE SOMEWHERE AND I SUGGEST YOU LOOK INTO THAT.
>> IT IS ONE OF MY AGENDA ITEMS WITH THE PARTY, SIR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MR. RAMOS, WILL YOU LET US KNOW WHERE YOU LANDED ON THESE BUDGET QUESTIONS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON THAT UPDATE.
THERE ARE TWO ADDITIONAL ITEMS RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS, 264 AND 275.
LET ME JUST GIVE YOU GUYS AN UPDATE ON THE MEETING OF THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION.
WE HAD EVERY MEMBER ABLE TO JOIN.
AND WHAT WE DID WAS WE GOT THE JOB DESCRIPTION DONE WITH SOME INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY.
WE GOT THE JOB POSTING LAUNCHED AND WE APPROVED THE HIRING OF A SEARCH FIRM TO HELP IDENTIFY CANDIDATES. WE ALSO IDENTIFIED A TIMELINE SO THAT IF BY A CERTAIN TIME WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED SATISFACTORY CANDIDATES FROM THE SEARCH FIRM, AND WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT WILL BE THE CASE, BUT IF -- THEN WE WOULD BE ABLE TO APPOINT AN INTERIM ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
PRODUCTIVE MEETING AND I WAS HAPPY WITH HOW EVERYONE WORKED TOGETHER.
ONE THING THAT CAME UP THAT IS THE SOURCE OF ITEM 264 IS ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION REQUESTED THAT WE BEGIN WORKING TO RETAIN AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT THAT CAN HELP THE NEW ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR GET THROUGH THE TRANSITION AND OTHERS LIKED THAT.
I PROMISED TO BRING IT TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT BECAUSE WE WOULD HAVE TO ALLOW THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO GO AND IDENTIFY SOME FIRM OPTIONS AND SOME FUNDING SOURCES SO THAT THEN THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION CAN CHOOSE ONE OF THEM OR THE NEW EA CAN CHOOSE ONE OF THEM WHEN HE OR SHE IS SELECTED. THAT'S THE EXTENT OF MY UPDATE.
AS FAR AS OTHER CHANGES TO OR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE VERY SYSTEMS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I KNOW WE ARE STILL WAITING ON AN ASSESSMENT OF WHAT TOOK PLACE ON MARCH 1ST.
I WILL DEFER TO THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ON WHERE THAT IS.
OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE WORKING THROUGH THE SYSTEMS FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION.
THE LAST BIG PIECE IS THE HIRING OF A NEW ADMINISTRATOR.
COULD WE TAKE UP THIS VOTE ON THE CONSULTING FIRM, THE TRANSITION CONSULTING FIRM OPTION? DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ON THAT?
>> TOM RAMSEY: SO HOW IS THAT FIRM IDENTIFIED?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WOULD HAVE MR. BERRY TO IDENTIFY.
[04:50:07]
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK I HAVE ASKED THIS A COUPLE TIMES BEFORE, DID WE NOT APPROVE VARIOUS CONSULTANTS FOR YOUR OFFICE FOR THE ELECTIONS?
A SMALL AGREEMENT WHICH WAS A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT TO LAUNCH THE INITIAL REVIEW OF WHAT HAPPENED IN MARCH.
A SMALL GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE.
SEPARATELY THERE WAS A LARGER RFP OR GENERAL OPERATIONAL AND POLICY CONSULTING THAT IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF QUALIFY -- QUALIFIED FIRMS. THOSE WOULD BE CANDIDATES AND WE LEARNED WHAT THE POSSIBLE SCOPE WOULD BE AND WE CAN PRESENT TO THE NEW ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WITHOUT HAVING TO DO THE RFP.
THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE FIRM APPARENTLY HAD SOME INTERESTING AND IN DEPTH ELECTIONS EXPERIENCE.
>> THAT'S CORRECT. THAT'S THE FIRM WE HIRED IN THE SMALL SERVICES CONTRACT.
THEY DO THINGS LIKE MARKETING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN KPHEGS -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO IDENTIFY OPTIONS KWH -- WHICH THE NEW ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR ONCE APPOINTED COULD SELECT TO PROVIDE TRANSITION UH SIS -- ASSISTANCE.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A SECOND QUESTION.
WE ARE MAKING A RECOMMENDATION TO THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
HOSPITAL -- SHOULDN'T THEY BE THE ONES MAKING A SUGGESTION TO THIS BODY?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT HAPPENED AT THE COMMISSION MEETING, THE SENSE WAS -- AND JUMP IN, MR. BERRY, IF YOU REMEMBER IT DIFFERENTLY, THEY WANTED A MENU AVAILABLE SO THAT AS SOON AS THE NEW PERSON COMES ON,ING THEY CAN HIT THE GROUND RUNNING WITH THE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT SUPPORT I SAID LET ME DO IT SO WE HAVE THAT OPTION.
LET ME EXPLAIN IT TO MY COLLEAGUES SO WE CAN HAVE THAT OPTION.
I I WOULD PRESUME IF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE OPTION OR WHATEVER, THEY COULD COME IN AND SAY WE NEED ANOTHER OPTION AND IT WOULD TAKE A LITTLE LONGER, BUT THAT'S THEIR PREROGATIVE.
I'M AFRAID I DON'T MORE BEYOND THAT.
IT WAS QUITE THE BRIEF CONVERSATION.
WE SAID LET'S JUST IDENTIFY SOME FOLKS FOR THEM TO PICK.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THE MOTION -- I WAS TRYING TO PRESENT IT AS I THINK IT IS SUGGEST ELD HERE.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE, IT IS BROAD ENOUGH, BUT THE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT HAVE THE MONEY.
THEY DON'T WANT -- IT THEY DON'T WANT IT DONE -RB, THEY CAN OPT NOT TO DO IT.
IT HAS BEEN A LONG DAY AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET OUT OF HERE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T THINK WE TOOK A VOTE ON THIS.
ONE MEMBER BROUGHT IT UP AND EVERYBODY ELSE SAID YES.
I SAID I'M GOING TO BRING IT TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
THEY SAID OKAY, THANK YOU, JUDGE.
NO ONE EXPRESSED OPPOSITION TO IT.
EVERYBODY NODDED AND SAID THANK YOU.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT IS WHAT THE SOURCE OF MY 275 AND HOW IS THE ELECTION COMMISSION -- WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE ADMINISTRATOR BEFORE JULY 1ST.
IN ANY CASE, THE CLOCK IS TICKING AND I KNOW YOU ARE FEELING THAT FROM THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION AND WHATEVER WE NEED TO DO TO HELP BE SURE THAT WE DON'T PUT AT RISK THE BIG ELECTION COMING UP IN NOVEMBER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: TWO MORE THINGS THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE COMMISSION MEETING THAT ARE RELEVANT.
[04:55:07]
OR APPOINT AN INTERIM ADMINISTRATOR.>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S A GO, NO GO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, MID TO LATE JUNE AND A TIME THAT FITS WITH EVERYBODY'S SCHEDULE.
WE AGREED TO WORK TOWARD HAVING CONSISTENT MEETINGS IN TERMS OF RIGHT AFTER THE JUNE MEETING WE WILL RECEIVE A REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATOR LONGORIA ON HOW THE ELECTION WENT SO WE CAN BE A LITTLE MORE AWARE THE WORK THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR IS DOING AND THE GOAL IS TO HAVE A DE BRIEF MEETING LIKE THAT WITH THE NEW ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR BEFORE THE OTHER
ELECTIONS. >> TOM RAMSEY: SO WE HAVE HIRED -- MARCH -- MARSH -- THEY ARE ON
>> TOM RAMSEY: SO WHEN WE HAD THIS ELECTION AND THE ONE COMING UP IS MAY 7TH, WILL REPRESENTATIVES FROM THERE BE -- I GUESS I AM SUGGESTING FROM AN ELECTION COMMISSION STANDPOINT, I PREFER A BEST PRACTICES REPORT BEFORE, AND IT DIDN'T TURN OUT THAT WAY.
IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE SOME THIRD-PARTY AND IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS FIRM COULD POTENTIALLY BE THERE MAKING OBSERVATIONS AND REPRESENTING THEY -- THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION AND THE PROCESS OF THE MAY 7TH ELECTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN IS THE AFTER ACTION REPORTER ASSESSMENT OF MARCH 1ST GOING TO COME BACK? AND WHO IS DOING THAT ONE?
IT IS A CONTRACT THAT IS REVIEWING WHAT WENT WRONG TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS GOING FORWARD.
WE WILL SEE INITIAL RUPTS IN MAY -- INITIAL RESULTS IN MAY, BUT I WANT TO SET EXPECTATIONS AND REALLY THIS IS A PROJECT TO PREPARE FOR NOVEMBER IN TERMS OF THE REPORTS COMING BACK.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT WOULD MAYBE HELP TO SEE WHAT THEY SAW.
>> WE WANT INSIGHTS AS SOON AS WE CAN, BUT IT TAKES TIME TO TALK TO WHO YOU
NEED TO. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO SAY THE NEW ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE THE ONE THAT ULTIMATELY DECIDES FROM THE OPTIONS.
I DO THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE SOMEONE OBSERVE THE MAY 7TH ELECTION AND MAY 24TH SO WHEN WE BRING ON THE NEW ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR THEY CAN SAY, BY THE WAY, HERE IS THIS. I WONDER IF THE FIRM COULD DO THAT.
AND MAYBE WE CAN DISCUSS IT AT THE NEXT COURT AS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SAID.
THE COURT HIRED THE FIRM AND IT WAS NOT THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION.
>> WE'LL LOOK INTO IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
SO ON ITEM 264 WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THAT MOTION CARRIES 4-1.
ON ITEM 275, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DID YOU HAVE ANY MOTION OR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ?
>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK WE HAVE COVERED IT.
THE ONE QUESTION I HAD, AND THIS IS PROBABLY FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, WHEN THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION MET, YOU HAD TO BE IN PERSON TO GIVE TESTIMONY, BUT WHEN WE ARE MEETING YOU CAN DO IT VIRTUALLY.
SO IT IS NOT WITH THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
>> I CAN HANDLE THAT, COMMISSIONER.
IT IS A CHOICE OF THE COMMISSION.
IT IS NOT THAT IT WAS NOT ALLOWED.
IT IS NOT REQUIRED THE VIRTUAL OPTION BE GIVEN.
THE CHOICE WAS TO ALLOW ONLY PARTICIPATION IN PERSON.
>> IS THERE ANY -- NO ACTION FOR THIS ITEM?
SO THEN -- WE ARE GOING BACK UP.
>> TOM RAMSEY: ARE WE CONSIDERING 201 EXECUTIVE?
[05:00:01]
>> TOM RAMSEY: IS THAT FOR SURE EXECUTIVE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL DISCUSS WHAT WE CAN HERE AND THE REST IN EXECUTIVE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: ARE WE DEALING WITH THAT LATER IS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?
>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. AND WE NEED TO HEAR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S ADVICE ON THAT.
THE QUESTION IS WHETHER OR NOT ANY OF IT CAN BE HANDLED OUT HERE.
WHEN YOU GET TO THE POINT WHERE THE AREA GOES INTO EXECUTIVE, WE WILL LET YOU KNOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: I JUST NOTICED WE SKIPPED IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE IT ON THE EXECUTIVE SESSION LIST.
WE ARE GOING TO GET TO THOSE WHEN WE GET TO THE EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT IS PAGE 27, COMMISSIONER.
IT IS ON THE NEW DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION OF REQUEST FOR COURT ACTION.
>> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, I UH -- APPRECIATE IT.
I TALKED TO MR. BERRY. I JUST WANT TO BE SURE THAT THE DEADLINES WE HAVE ADOPTED WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY TWO DAYS AFTER THIS MEETING AND EVEN THOUGH THAT IS -- THAT MAY BE A GOOD PLANNING TOOL, I AM THINKING OF THE MANY DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE TO GET READY FOR COUNCIL AND KNOWING WHAT THE DEPARTMENTS WOULD GO THROUGH.
WE JUST NEED TO BE REAL SURE THAT THIS DOESN'T CREATE, NUMBER ONE, A BURDEN ON THE DEPARTMENTS.
MY RULE OF THUMB IS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK WOULD BE A GOOD BALLPARK NUMBER.
TO TELL THEM TWO DAYS AFTER WE MEET TODAY, THEY HAVE TO GET THE AGENDA ITEMS READY AND THAT'S WHY I PULLED THIS ONE LANDSCAPING OUT OF 263 UP.
Y'ALL MADE AN ACCOMMODATION FOR THAT THAT WE CAN PUT IT ON HERE.
IT ENDS UP BEING AN EXCEPTION AND NOT A RULE.
I WOULD JUST ASK MR. BERRY THAT YOU ARE SURE WITH THE DEPARTMENTS THAT THIS IS A GOOD THING AND NOT A POLICY THAT WILL SLOW THINGS DOWN.
NUMBER ONE, THIS IS A POLICY AND NOT OUR DEADLINE.
WE ALREADY MADE EXCEPTIONS TO KEEP PROJECTS MOVING.
DR. RAMAN IS NOT SHY TO ASK TO GET SOMETHING MOVING AND YOU SHOULDN'T BE EITHER.
LET'S TRY IT. IF IT IS CAUSING A BIG HARDSHIP, WE WILL REEVALUATE AND IT.
>> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE SURE IT IS NOT SUPPLEMENTAL.
IN MY OPINION IT IS HELPING GET ITEMS IN ON TIME AND SO YOUR OFFICE CAN START REVIEWING THEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- TKPHRAR -- GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MR. BERRY, I JUST REMIND THEM THAT THEY WORK FOR US AND SO DO YOU.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS BODY GETS REVIEWED -- I HAD NO DISCUSSION WITH YOU THAT YOU WOULD TRY TO IMPLEMENT THIS KIND OF MEASURE AND WHAT IS COMMUNICATED TO ME, MY STAFF TELLS ME THAT THIS WILL BE A PROBLEM.
IT IS GOING TO SLOW MY WORK DOWN.
I WOULD UH -- APPRECIATE THIS BODY IF YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE A WHOLESALE CHANGE TO HOW THE DEPARTMENTS WORK THAT THIS BODY SIGNS OFF ON THAT POLICY, NOT AN ARBITRARY DECISION BY YOUR OFFICE.
WHEN IT TRANSLATES TO MY PROJECTS NOT GETTING DONE, THEN I WILL HAVE A PROBLEM.
[05:05:04]
IF I AM HERE COMMUNICATING TO PEOPLE THAT I -- I JUST GAVE A WHOLE LIST OF SCHEDULES ON MY COMMUNITY PLANS.THE BIGGEST ISSUE AND I THINK DR.
RAMEN IS DEALING WITH THAT WE HAD IS ACQUISITION DIDN'T START WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE STARTED OR IT STARTED WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE STARTED AND THEN NEGOTIATIONS FELL BY THE WAY SIDE.
MY BRAND IS ALL OVER THESE PROJECTS.
WHEN I AM OUT THERE TALKING TO FOLKS AND THEY ARE COMMUNICATING TO ME THAT THEY NEED THE SIDEWALK AND THIS DRAINAGE PROJECT AND THEY NEED THIS ROAD PROJECT AND I GO WITH MY STAFF AND MY STAFF AND I SIT AND WORK AND WE WORK SOMETHING UP AND WE COME UP WITH GETTING THIS STARTED AND IF ALL OF A SUDDEN THAT AIN'T HAPPENING, THEN NOBODY OUT THERE KNOWS DAVE BERRY.
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE REST OF THE BODY.
YOU WORK FOR ME AND SO DO THE DEPARTMENTS.
SO WHEN PROJECTS ARE HAVING MY NAME AND MY COMMITMENT TO MY COMMUNITY OVER THEM, I DON'T NEED TO START WONDERING WHY IS THIS NOT BEING DONE AND IT IS BECAUSE YOU ARE ASKING FOR AN ACCELERATED PROCESS THAT THE DEPARTMENTS REPORT -- DEPARTMENTS AREN'T -- HAVEN'T DONE.
BUT IT IS MISSION DRIVEN SO I JUST GOT SOME MAJOR ISSUES WITH THIS.
I AM INCLINED TO MAKE A MOTION ON THIS, BUT I WANT TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS.
I WORK FOR ALL FIVE OF YOU, AND YOU INDIVIDUALLY.
THESE NEW DEADLINES, WE DIDN'T APPLY THEM TO THE PRECINCTS THEMSELVES OR OFFICIALS FOR THIS REASON.
IF WE DID WE WOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT HERE.
I AM HAPPY TO BRING ANY FUTURE CHANGES IN DEADLINES TO COURT.
LOOK, THE LAST THING I WANT TO DO IS SLOW PROJECTS DOWN.
I HAVE HAD DIRECT CONVERSATIONS AND IF A PROJECT IS ABOUT TO SLOW DOWN WE WILL GET IT THROUGH AND WE WILL ADJUST THE DEADLINES AND THAT CAN'T HAPPEN.
IF THAT IS CAUSING A PROBLEM WE SHOULD FIX THAT.
I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND WHERE I AM COMING FROM.
THEY DON'T ALWAYS GET THE FULL BUDGET AND REVIEW AND WE ARE SCRAMBLING AT THE TABLE.
I AM HAPPY TO WORK ON THAT BALANCE AND WORKING FOR YOU TO ADVANCE YOUR PROJECTS.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOTION, I WILL SECOND.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE MOTION THAT I NOTED HERE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE MAKE A MOTION UNDER THIS ITEM, JAY?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET'S JUST --
>> RODNEY ELLIS: LET'S JUST DELAY IT IF THAT'S YOUR ISSUE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK THE MOTION -- IT JUST MAKES THE POINT THAT I AM SPEAKING TO -- IT WON'T DELAY IT, AND THIS MOTION ISN'T INTENDED TO DELAY IT.
IT IS JUST INTENDED TO CREATE POLICY ON YOUR POLICY MAKING.
MY MOTION WOULD READ ANY DEPARTMENTAL POLICY CHANGES BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BE BROUGHT TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT 60-DAYS IN ADVANCE FOR APPROVAL BEFORE BEING PUT INTO EFFECT.
THAT GIVES YOU A DEADLINE, IF YOU WANT TO THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS, YOU WANT TO BRING THEM TO THIS BODY AND GIVE US TIME TO REVIEW IT AND ASSESS IT, AND THEN WE AS A CONSEQUENCE WOULD MAKE -- THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION.
>> JUDGE, IF I MIGHT SUGGEST, COMMISSIONER I THINK THE JUDGE'S POINT IS CORRECT IN THE WAY THIS ITEM IS STYLED IT DOESN'T ALLOW FOR THAT KIND OF A MOTION.
I THINK THAT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR PROBABLY RECOGNIZES THAT YOU CAN CARRY THAT OUT.
[05:10:04]
WILL SIMPLY AGREE TO IT BASED ON THAT.>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR.
THIS IS STICKING TO DEADLINES.
I AM MAKING A MOTION SPECIFIC TO THE DISCUSSION GERMAINE TO THE ITEM.
>> I UNDERSTAND. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS A REQUEST FOR A DISCUSSION.
I AM NOT SUGGESTING OTHERWISE.
IF SOMETHING NEEDS TO COME BACK CERTAINLY FOR SOMETHING TO CAUSE THIS MUCH CONSTERNATION.
THAT'S NOT THE WAY TO DO BUSINESS EITHER.
IF YOU'RE GOING TO CONTEMPLATE POLICY, THIS BODY SHOULD BE THE ONE DECIDING THAT POLICY BECAUSE ULTIMATELY IT IMPACTS OUR QUALITY OF LIFE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR CONSTITUENTS.
THERE ARE DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE INTIMIDATED BY THE PROCESS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THE INTENT BEHIND IT WAS WORTHY.
COMMISSIONER, I THINK IT MERITS SOME DISCUSSION.
HAVE I BEEN AN ADVOCATE -- I HAVE BEEN AN ADVOCATE OF MEETING TWICE A MONTH.
TODAY WE HAD SOME OUTSTANDING RESOLUTIONS AND WE HAD GREAT PARTICIPATION FROM THE PUBLIC.
I THINK WE STOPPED ABOUT 2:00 OR 1:30 AND THEN WE WOULD COME AND I AM ACCUSTOMED TO BEING OF A BODY WHERE PEOPLE WILL FILL LOSS -- PHILOSEPHY ALL HOURS OF THE NIGHT.
IT IS MORE COMPLICATED WITH FIVE OF US.
WHEN WE ARE MEETING TWICE A MONTH AND EVERYBODY WANTS TO WORK THEIR POLITICS AND THAT'S ALL IMPORTANT, AS I SAID FROM TIME TO TIME, I HAVE BEEN IN THIS A LONGTIME AND AS GOOD AS IT MAY MAKE ONE FEEL, WE HAVE TO HAVE SOME TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE POLICY ISSUES WE ARE MAKING DECISIONS ON.
IN MY JUDGMENT, THE WAY WE DO IT IS NOT THAT EFFICIENT.
WHEN WE DECIDE IF WE WANT TO HAVE SOME DEPARTMENT HEADS COME IN HERE AND DO THE THEATER, IT JUST LIMITS THE AMOUNT OF TIME WE HAVE TO FIND A CONSENSUS WHETHER WE AGREE OR NOT.
TRUST ME, YOU ARE ALL WONDERFUL PEOPLE.
MEETING WITH YOU TWICE A MONTH IS ENOUGH.
I KNOW IT IS TOUGH ON OUR STAFF WHEN THEY ARE SCRAMBLING.
AND THEN I COME IN HERE AND GET TO BITE SOMEBODY'S HEAD OFF BECAUSE I AM EXHAUSTED.
I THINK IF YOU VISIT THERE MAY BE SOMETHING -- I'M NOT SURE WHAT IT IS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS HERE FOR FIVE OF THOSE FIVE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL DISCUSS IT OFF LINE AND FIND A GOOD BALANCE.
NO ACTION ON THAT. THAT WAS A DISCUSSION ITEM.
NEXT IS ITEMS 228 AND 229, MR. BERRY IF YOU COULD PLEASE JUST GIVE US A PRIMER.
I WANT TO THANK THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE.
SAW THEM EARLIER AND THEY GAVE GREAT INPUT.
IT IS AN EXAM ELF FLOOD CONTROL -- AN EXAMPLE OF FLOOD CONTROLLEN AND GIN NEARING -- AND ENGINEERING WORKING TOGETHER.
WE NEED TO TAKE THIS UP IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR SUBDIVISION PROGRAM IN THE FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM AND THERE WILL BE A FUNDING ITEM THE NEXT COURT. I WANTED TO MOVE THAT FORWARD.
AND IT IS RELATED TO THE CDGB FUNDING.
[05:15:04]
SO IT IT IS WITH FLOOD CONTROL FUND WILL.GASH -- FLOOD CONTROL FUNDING.
THE ONLY OTHER POINT I WANTED TO MAKE IS AS WE STARTED TO TALK ABOUT THE CDGB FUNDING WE NEED TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE IS A PROCESS TO GO THROUGH.
THERE IS A METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION AND WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT WE ARE SUBMITTING PROJECTS THAT ARE NOT FUNDED AND THAT WE ARE JUSTIFYING ANY DECISION TO EFFECTIVELY ALLOCATE MONEY TO THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.
I JUST ASK YOU TO KEEP THAT IN MIND AS YOU DISCUSS IT.
WE ARE IN A PROCESS THAT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS THOUGHTFUL.
I TIPPED OUT WHEN THE CHAIRMAN OF OUR TASK FORCE COMMITTEE WAS SPEAKING.
I DID CATCH HIM AS HE WAS WALKING OUT OF THE ROOM, BUT IT IS A THOUGHTFUL POLICY.
I THINK WE OWE A TREMENDOUS DEBT OF TKPWRAT -- GRATITUDE TO THE TEXAS HOUSERS.
THAT TITLE 6 COMPLAINTS THEY FILED CREATED A LOT OF ATTENTION AROUND THE COUNTRY.
A PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO RUN UH FOUL -- RUN AFOUL.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE FOLLOW THROUGH ON OUR COMMITMENT TO THE EQUITY GUIDELINES THAT WE CAME UP WITH, AND I THINK THIS IS A BIG STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.
>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I AM LOOKING AT BOTH OF THESE ITEMS. I WANT TO SAVE TIME ON BOTH.
IT APPEARS IT IS THREE ITEMS. YOU TOUCHED ON IT, COMMISSIONER.
WE HAVE TO BE SURE THAT THE 750 MILLION THAT IS SITTING THERE THAT WE COMPLY.
AND THEN THERE IS A COMMITMENT COUGH -- COVENANT THAT WE MADE THERE.
AS I UNDERSTAND THE OBJECTIVE IS TO BE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY FOR THE BOND.
>> THE THIRD ISSUE IS THE TRUST FUND THAT IS BEING SET UP AS A ACCOUNT AND WE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RECEIVE FUNDS OR THERE IS A DELAY AND IT ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS ISSUES OF THE EVERYTHING IS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE 2018 BOND.
THIS IS A MECHANISM TO BE SURE THAT I THINK THIS COURT HAS SAID MORE THAN ONCE.
WE NEED TO MAKE SURE EVERY PROJECT WE HAVE IDENTIFIED IN THE 2018 BOND AND AS AFFIRMED BY CRITERIA IN 2019 AND THE ADDITIONAL CRITERIA THAT WE DO THAT.
THE FUND ISN'T SET UP TO DO NEW PROJECTS.
IT IS SET UP TO BE SURE WE GET THE MONEY -- ENOUGH MONEY WE COMMITTED TO DO IN THE 2018 BOND.
I AM MISUNDERSTANDING BECAUSE THOSE ARE THREE IMPORTANT THINGS.
SATISFY THE GLO AND ACHIEVE WHAT WE SAID WE WOULD AND USE A -- USE THE FUND DARK -- THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST TO BE A BACK UP -- DON'T WANT TO USE THE WORD RAINY DAY IN THE CONTEXT OF FLOODING, BUT THE FUND THAT WILL HELP ADDRESS PROJECT THAT'S MAY NOT BE -- WHETHER IT IS FEDERAL FUNDING OR OTHER FUNDING, SO IT IS MY FOCUS ON THE 2018 -- BEING ABLE TO DO THE PROJECTS WE SAID THERE, IS THAT WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE? ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS AND THE NEW PROJECTS?
>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS A TRANSMITTAL.
YOUR OFFICE PUT THIS TOGETHER?
>> IT IS A FLOOD CONTROL ITEM THAT WE ALL WORKED ON.
THE FIRST QUESTION IS I HAD BEEN VERY FOCUSED ON
[05:20:01]
HELPING STRUCTURES THAT HAVE FLOODED.IS THERE A CASH DASH -- DASH MY KPWE QUESTION IS WITH EFFICIENCY MATRIX.
HOW WILL THE STRUCTURE BE BENEFITED.
HOW IS THAT QUANTIFIED? THE SECOND QUESTION IS JUST LIKE WE ARE TALKING WITH REGARDS TO THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR, WE TOOK IN FEEDBACK FROM THE ELECTIONS JUDGES.
WE TOOK FEEDBACK COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO HAD VOTED.
WE TOOK ALL THAT INPUT IN, BUT ARE WE NOT TAKING IN SERVICE REQUEST CALLS THAT COME IN EITHER TO THE PRECINCTS OR TO THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES WHETHER IT BE THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OR THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND THERE IS ALWAYS COMMUNITY INPUT THAT DOESN'T GET EFFECTIVELY MODELED TO SOME OF THESE PROJECTS.
AND LASTLY IN REGARDS TO THE EXISTING CONDITIONS METRIC, MY UNDERSTANDING IS WILL UTILIZE MATNIX DATA.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OR CHALLENGES RASHING -- REGARDING THIS TYPE OF ANALYSIS.
MATNIX IS VERY NEW AND I DON'T THINK THERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS OR EXAMPLES RELATED TO THE EFFECTIVENESS AND WHETHER OR NOT THAT WILL MAKE SENSE GIVEN THE FACT THAT WHEN IT DOES RAIN IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY RAIN ALL OVER THE COUNTY AT THE SAME TIME.
WHAT IS THE THOUGHT GIVEN TO USING MATNEX?
>> I AM HAPPY TO -- GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
Y START -- STARTING WITH PEOPLE AND STRUCTURES, THE PEOPLE METRIC WAS CAL LATE -- CALCULATED -- WE REALLY DON'T HAVE THE DATA IN THE GRANN AOU LAIR TEE WE WOULD -- GRANULARITY WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FOR PEOPLE.
WE CAME UP WITH AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN A STRUCTURE OR WATER SHED.
WE ARE FOCUSED ON THAT METRIC FOR THE PEOPLE BENEFITED.
FOR THE STRUCTURE BENEFITED WE HAVE A GOOD HANDLE.
THAT'S WHAT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT HAS AND WE CAN KEEP IT UPDATED.
WE CAN USE THAT INFORMATION AND IT IS VERY, VERY SOLID INFORMATION.
THOSE TWO ITEMS TOGETHER ARE REALLY INTENDED TO LOOK AT THE COST PER PEOPLE AND COST PER STRUCTURE.
COST PER STRUCTURE IS LOOKING AT THE FIRST FLOOR BENEFITS OF A PARTICULAR PROJECT.
SO LOOKING AT WHAT ACTUALLY COULD GET FLOODED WHEREAS THE PEOPLE IS REFLECTING THE INDIVIDUALS WHO COULD BE IMPACTED ON HIGHER FLOORS IF WE ARE IN AN AREA WHERE THERE IS MULTI-LEVEL BUILDINGS.
THAT'S THE PEOPLE IN STRUCTURES.
THE TASK -- THE TASK FORCE ASKED US TO LOOK AT SOMETHING ELSE OTHER THAN FEMA.
AND SO THEY ASKED US TO LOOK AT SOMETHING OTHER THAN USING THE FEMA DATA.
WE LOOKED AT A NUMBER OF OPTIONS AND THE ONE THAT STOOD OUT TO US THAT SEEMS DEFENSIBLE WAS USING THE MAPNEX INFORMATION. THE REASON IS WE HAVE A LOT OF CUTTING-EDGE DATA WITH THIS GRID MODEL.
WE CAN LOOK AT WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE CHANNELS, AND AS YOU POINTED -- AS YOU POINTED OUT, IT IS UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS GOING ON OUTSIDE THE FLOOD PLAIN. THAT IS SOMETHING IT CAN HELP US QUANTIFY.
[05:25:04]
THE OTHER BENEFIT OF THE MAPNEX MODEL IS IT ALLOWS US TO PUT THE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WITH THE DRAINAGE PROJECT.WE CAN LOOK AT CHANNEL AND LOCALIZED FLOODING.
THE BENEFITS OF THE EFFORT ARE WE GET TO USE WHAT WE FEEL IS VERY DETAILED INFORMATION. FROM THE TASK FORCE PERSPECTIVE, IT GIVES US INFORMATION THAT MAYBE WE WOULD NOT GET.
THE CONCERN ABOUT THE SERVICE REQUESTS -- I WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW-UP WITH THE TEAM TO CONFIRM SPECIFICALLY WHETHER OR NOT THAT WAS AN ITEM THAT WAS REVIEWED. WHAT I DO KNOW IS THERE WAS A LOT OF VALIDATION THAT WENT INTO BOTH THE MAPNEXT EFFORT AS WELL AS THE DECISION-MAKING PROGRESS MOVING FROM FEMA CLAIMS TO SOMETHING ELSE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T WANT TO LOSE INFORMATION.
ON THE MAPNEX MODEL IN TERMS OF ACCURACY, WE HAVE A WHOLE HOST OF INFORMATION THAT WE CHECKED.
FOR EACH MODEL WE LOOKED AT THREE STORMS. HARVEY WAS ONE STORM.
WE HAVE TWO OTHER STORMS WE LOOKED AT.
WE HAVE THE HIGH-WATER MARKS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY WE COMPARE TO.
WE HAVE THE PEAK FLOW RATES AND PEAK FLOW ELEVATIONS.
WE HAVE CRITERIA FOR I BELIEVE EVERY USGS GAUGE IN THE COUNTY.
IN TERMS OF VALIDATING WHAT IS GOING ON OUTSIDE THE CHANNELS, WE LOOKED INTO ADDITIONAL DATA AND TEAMWORKING ON THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK.
REPORTED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOT YOU.
DR. PETERSON, THANK YOU FOR THAT.
I WOULD ASK TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO TAKE A LOOK AT THE CALL FOR SERVICE DATA.
>> ABSOLUTELY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD ALSO ASK WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN DO ANY QUICK MODELING OF ALL OF THE PROJECTS TO SEE HOW THIS WILL AFFECT EACH PRECINCT BEFORE WE FINALIZE THE PRIORITIZATION CRITERIA.
WHAT I HAVE SEEN IS 70% OF THE STRUCTURES THAT FLOODED ARE CURRENTLY NOT GETTING ANY BENEFIT FROM THE BLOOD BOND.
I DON'T WANT TO REPEAT THAT EXERCISE AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PUSHING TO TAKE AS MANY PEOPLE OUT OF THE FLOOD WAY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
IF THERE IS A WAY TO DO SOME MODELING OR SOME PROJECTIONS OR MAYBE WE CAN CHANELIZE HOW THIS CRITERIA WILL IMPACT EACH PRECINCT, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT BEFORE WE ULTIMATELY FINALIZE THIS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. >> ABSOLUTELY, COMMISSIONER.
I WILL JUST I THINK ECHO WHAT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR SAID EARLIER.
WE ARE WORKING TO PULL TOGETHER -- WE KNEW THERE WAS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED.
WE ARE WORKING TO PULL TOGETHER A LIST OF THE PROJECT THAT'S HAVE FUNDING GAPS AND GO THROUGH THE PROCESS TO APPLY MAYBE -- I WOULD SAY AT A HIGH LEVEL THIS FRAMEWORK.
THERE IS LIKELY A LOT OF WORK THAT COULD BE DONE, BUT AT A SCREENING LEVEL WE CAN PROBABLY PULL SOMETHING TOGETHER RELATIVELY QUICKLY. WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON THAT.
WE JUST DIDN'T HAVE IT READY TO BRING TO COURT TODAY.
AND I DO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING WITH RASHED -- WITH REGARD TO STRUCTURE THAT'S FLOODED.
WE WILL LOOK AT THE DATA SERVICE REQUEST AND MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS NOT SOMETHING THERE THAT ISN'T REFLECTED ALREADY IN THE MAPNEXT MODEL.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, DOCTOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
SORRY, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN RAMSEY.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: 228 AND 229 ARE TRANSMITTALS.
WE DO NOT GET TO VOTE ON THEM.
I WOULD IF I COULD VOTE WOULD BE VOTING AGAINST THE UNDERLING RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ARE IN THIS.
ONE OF OUR APPOINTEES WRITES AN ARTICLE REDUCE FLOODING.COM.
[05:30:05]
IT IS AMONG THE ISSUES HE RAISED CONCERNING THESE PRIORITIES AND THAT IS WE ARE ELIMINATING THE PARTNER FUNDING AS A FACTOR.IT IS SOMETHING WE TALKED ABOUT IN HERE AND THEY VALUED WITH REGARD TO THE SCORING CRITERIA AND MAINTENANCE IS ONLY GETTING A 5% CONSIDERATION WHICH WE ALL TALKED ABOUT.
IF YOU BUILD IT, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN IT.
MAYBE IT WILL GET A HIGHER CRITERIA THAN IS THERE.
THIS DOES NOT TALK ABOUT THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF THE $750 MILLION THAT IS COMING IN.
WHERE WILL IT GO WITH PRIORITY TO THE HUD FUNDS.
AND THEN CSD GETS TO HANDLE THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTING DEPENDING ON IF YOU SAY TOMATO OR TOMATO, NOT FLOOD CONTROL.
THESE ARE SEVEN CONCERNS THAT ARE VERY IMPORTANT AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS YOUR SECOND POINT THERE.
THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION WOULD COME TO THIS BODY FOR A VOTE.
IF FLOOD CONTROL IS A RECIPIENT, THERE SHOULD BE SOME RECIPIENT YOU OF WHO GETS THE MONEY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN I PIGGYBACK ON THIS? MR. BERRY, I REALLY ENCOURAGE WORKING WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OR DR.
RAMEN'S OFFICE TO EMBED EITHER CSD INTO THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OR EMBED AN ENGINEER INTO CSD SO THAT THEY CAN WORK PARALLEL.
INCREDIBLE RESPECT FOR CSD, BUT THERE WILL BE NUANCES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T FIND OUT TOO LATE THAT THERE ARE SOME ISSUES AND CHALLENGES.
>> AGREED. I HAVE HAD THAT CONVERSATION WITH MR. PETERSON AND RON. CAN WE FIND THE RIGHT RESOURCE AND I'M BED THEM IN THE CSD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, SOME OF THE ISSUES YOU ARE RAISING AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WERE RAISING, I THINK THAT THIS PROPOSAL, PRIORITIZATION MODIFICATION WILL ADDRESS SOME.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO POINT OUT THE 2018 PACKAGE, $2.5 BILLION WOULD IN NO WAY HAVE FUNDED ALL OF THE PROJECT THAT'S PEOPLE TALKED ABOUT.
IT WAS A SHORT FUSE IF YOU REMEMBER.
I WAS WORRIED ABOUT HAVING IT IN AUGUST.
I DIDN'T WIN THAT BATTLE AND IT PASSED, DESPITE MY MISS GIVINGS.
WE WERE ON A SHORT TIME FRAME AND I WAS TOLD YOU CANNOT LAYOUT THE SPECIFIC PROJECTS BECAUSE IF A PROJECT -- IF YOU PUT IN 20 MILLION AND IT COSTS 50 MILLION, YOU ARE UP THE CREEK.
OR PUT IN 50 MILLION AND IT COSTS 40 MILLION.
THAT DIDN'T QUITE SOUND RIGHT TO ME.
UNLESS THE CITY DID A BETTER JOB OF PROJECTING WHAT PARKS AND THESE COMMAND STATIONS WOULD COST, YOU KNOW, INFLATION, THAT'S WHAT WAS SAID AND I WAS NOT GOING TO ARGUE WITH IT.
2.5 BILLION WOULD NOT FUND ALL OF THE ITEMS THAT WERE ON THE RADAR, SHALL WE SAY.
THE DECISION WAS MADE NOT TO LAY THEM OUT WITH SPECIFICITY.
THEY HAVE TO DO A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
AND I WANT TO SAY TO MY KNOWLEDGE OR MAYBE OTHERS, TWO PROJECTS COME TO MIND THAT WERE ON THE RADAR.
THE VEGETATION PROJECT AND THERE IS AN ISSUE THERE.
ANOTHER ONE WAS IN ANOTHER COUNTY, COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S AREA.
THEY HAD SOME POLITICAL GRAVITOS TO IT.
[05:35:02]
I ARGUED FOR TWO THINGS WHEN THE BOND ISSUE WAS COMING UP.ONE I WANTED TO DO A US -- TO DO A DISPARITY STUDY.
THEY WANTED SOMEBODY TO DO A PHYSICAL CAL ANALYSIS.
I WAS TOLD YOU WOULD PAY FOR IT AND YOU CAN DO IT.
PRECINCT WON GOT ITS $650,000 BACK AND IT SHOWED THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS DISPARITY.
WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO LIS TONE HARRIS HEALTH'S DISCUSSION ON THURSDAY.
IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE WHAT IT CAME UP WITH, BUT THAT'S HISTORY.
GOING FORWARD, WE ARE DOING BETTER AS WE ARE DOING BETTER HERE.
THE OTHER ITEM I WANTED WAS EQUITY GUIDELINES.
ONCE IT PASSED THERE WERE THOSE WHO THOUGHT EQUITY MEANT JUST SPLIT THE 2.5 BILLION FOUR WAYS.
THAT WOULD BE HIGHLY INEBG HUAABLE -- INEQUITABLE IF THOSE THAT MET ALL THE TIME DIDN'T GET FUNDING.
REGARDLESS OF WHY, CHASING FEDERAL MONEY THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED.
SO WHEN ALL OF THESE STARTED WE KNOW THREE BIG ONES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IN YOURS AND MINE. WE WERE CHASING GLO MONEY OR FEDERAL MONEY THAT NEVER CAME.
SO IT WAS CREATED IN A WAY TO FILL UP THE GAP.
WHETHER OR NOT IT WILL FILL IT ALL UP, I DON'T KNOW.
I FOR ONE WILL NOT JUST TALK THE TALK.
IF YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR IT, PAY FOR IT.
OR FIND A WAY TO PASS A RESOLUTION AND SAY YOU HILLARY SOLVE TO DO IT DOWN THE ROAD.
WE DO NOT CONSIDER PARTNER FUNDING AS A FACTOR BECAUSE WHO HAS PARTNER MONEY? WHO HAS PARTNER FUNDING? THE NEIGHBORHOODS PRIVILEGED, LIKE THE ONE I AM IN NOW.
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE 100-YEAR MAP FLOOD PLAIN.
I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL YOU BRING IT UP.
I WILL VOTE FOR IT WHEN IT COMES UP.
I HOPE THE CITY GETS ITS BILLION.
IF WE DON'T FOLLOW THE FRAMEWORK LIKE, THIS I WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO FIND SOMEBODY TO FILE A LAWSUIT AND RAISE ALL KIND OF HELL AT HUD BECAUSE WE WILL CONTINUE TO NEGLECT THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ON THE BACK OF THE BUS.
OTHER THAN THAT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL ECHO TO A DEGREE WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS TALKING ABOUT.
I WILL END WITH WHAT I STARTED WITH.
YOU HAVE SEVERAL BALLS TO BALANCE.
YOU HAVE THE GLO AND SEVERAL WE WANT TO COMPLY BECAUSE WE WANT THE 750 MILLION.
WE ALSO HAVE EXPECTATIONS RELATED TO THE 2018 BOND.
IF WE DECIDE NOT TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS CLEARLY AND SPECIFICALLY LAID OUT IN THE BOND, WE OUGHT TO AT LEAST HAVE THE TRANSPARENCY TO SAY THAT.
WHEN WE TALKED EARLIER THIS PAST WEEK WHEN YOU SAID THIS IS A PLAN TO GET THE PROJECTS BUILT.
THEY WILL BE PRIORITIZED AND I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE ON THE 5% MAINTENANCE.
THAT'S A NUMBER WE NEED TO LOOK AT.
I ALWAYS LIKE PARTNERSHIP FROM THE STANDPOINT OF BRINGING MONEY.
[05:40:01]
MAYBE THEY ARE THE LAST THING WE DO, BUT IF SOMEBODY IS BRINGING MONEY TO THE TABLE, THAT SHOULD MEAN WE WOULDN'T DO PROJECTS.I HAVE SEEN FOR DECADES FLOOD CONTROL WOULD GET A NICE FEMA GRANT AND WE SPEND ALL OUR MONEY DOING THE GRANT PROJECT WITH FEMA AND THERE WOULDN'T BE ANYTHING ELSE LEFT TO DO PROJECTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR OTHER THINGS.
I THINK YOU'VE HEARD WHAT YOU GOT TO JUGGLE IN TERMS OF COMING BACK WITH THE PRIORITIZATION.
BUT I APPRECIATE THE FACT YOU PUT IT ON THE TABLE.
WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IT NOW AND VOTING ON IT LATER.
USUALLY WE DON'T GET THAT OPPORTUNITY.
USUALLY IT IS BROUGHT HERE AND SAYS ARE YOU GOING TO VOTE FOR IT NOW AND -- SO THIS IS GOOD.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
>> IF I COULD JUST ADDRESS, THE PARTNERSHIP FUNDING CAME UP A COUPLE TIMES.
AND I WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT IT WAS A DIRECTION FROM THE TASK FORCE TO CONSIDER DROPPING IN.
SOME OF THE BENEFITS THE BENEFIT-COST RATIO IS A CONCERN AND THE ONE THING I ADD IS THAT, YOU KNOW, FROM MY PERSPECTIVE THE REASON WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST IS BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE PARTNERSHIP FUNDING.
IT IS TO CONSIDER PROJECTS WITHOUT PARTNERSHIP FUNDING AND THEY HAVE THE GAP.
THE OTHER THING I WANTED TO NOTE IS IN OUR PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF PROJECTS, SO FAR WE ARE SEEING THE SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE PROJECTS AND THE LOCAL PROJECTS SCORING VERY MUCH ON PAR WITH THE SUBDIVISION CHANNEL PRONG SKWREBGTS -- PROJECTS.
WE WILL HAVE MORE WHEN WE SHARE THAT, BUT I WANTED TO SHARE THAT INSIGHT ON WHAT WE ARE SEEING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR AND TO THE TASK FORCE.
I KNOW THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING INCREDIBLY HARD ON THIS.
SO THOSE ARE BOTH TRANSMITTALS.
ITEM 232, COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
WE WERE DISCUSSING THIS THIS MORNING.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
APPRECIATE YOUR WORK AND IT WAS A GOOD DISCUSSION THIS MORNING.
I WANT TO BEGIN FIRST BY THANKING DIRECTOR KATIE SHORT AND ROBERTO TREVINO WITH THE TOLL ROAD.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK, BUT MS. SHORT IN PARTICULAR, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR METICULOUS WORK AT COMPILING THE INFORMATION AND WORKING WITH THE EVER SO THOUGHTFUL DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND GETTING THE INFORMATION NECESSARY. I RAISE THE ISSUE AS WE TALK TO VICTIMS OF CRIME AND WE LISTENED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT BRRRR -- ABOUT THE RATE OF FRAUDULENT TEMPORARY TAGS THAT WERE BEING CREATED IN HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS I'M PAVE -- IT IS IMPERATIVE WE KNOW THE IMPACT OF THE TAGS.
WE FOUND THAT WE ARE LOSING APPROXIMATELY 80 TO 88 MILLION IN COMBINED TOTAL REVENUE CRIME IS EASILY PERPETRATED WHEN A CAR CAN'T BE TIED TO AN HONE -- OWNER.
AND FROM 2016 TO 2021, AS YOU TOUCHED ON, JUDGE, THERE HAS BEEN A 306% INCREASE IN CRIME INVOLVING TEMPORARY TAGS.
SOME ARE FRAUDULENT INCLUDING THEFTS AND BURGLARIES.
WHILE YOU MENTIONED THAT THE STATE'S ACTIONS ARE A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, ARE YOU ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THOSE STEPS TOTALLY ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF PAPER TAGS WHEN IT COMES TO LOST REVENUE OR THE NEXT SUCCESS TO CRIME?
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
KATIE SHORT WITH THE ANALYST OFFICE.
I WANT TO THANK THE TEAM THAT WORKED ON THE PROJECT AND THANK OUR COUNTY PARTNERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS IN THE PROJECT.
TO YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AS WE DISCUSSED EARLIER THE STATE PASSED LEGISLATION IN
[05:45:08]
2021 ALLOWING THE DMV TO ADOPT NEW RULES TO ADDRESS THE STATE-WIDE ISSUE THAT COUNTIES ACROSS THE STATE ARE DEALING WITH. THE RULES WENT INTO EFFECT IN FEBRUARY AND WE DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE.I THINK THERE ARE SOME CONCERNS FROM FOLKS THAT THE RULES MAY NOT GO FAR ENOUGH.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH. I AGREE.
MS. SHORT, WHAT IF ANY CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE PUTTING TOGETHER THIS REPORT? I THINK I KNOW THE ANSWER TO THIS.
HOW RESPONSIVE IS THE STATE AND WHAT CHALLENGES DOES THE COUNTY RECORD KEEPING HAVE IN REGARDS TO FULLY UNDERSTANDING THIS?
AS YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER GARCIA WE FACED CHALLENGES ACQUIRING THE DATA FROM THE DMV.
THAT DATA IS CRITICAL FOR THIS REPORT.
WE FACED INTEGRITY ISSUES AND WE ARE APPRECIATIVE FOR THE ISSUES AND WE FACE DELAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN HELPING US ADDRESS THE LOG JAM.
IN TERMS OF YOUR SECOND QUESTION, THE COUNTY'S RECORD KEEPING, FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT VERY MUCH APPRECIATED THE COLLABORATION WITH HCTRA AND OMB AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND CONSTABLES PRECINCTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 AND 8.
WE DID HAVE ISSUES WHEN IT CAME TO CALCULATING POTENTIAL LOST REVENUE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE ASKED PREVIOUSLY AND IT DIDN'T COME UP IN YOUR
FIRST OF ALL WE DIDN'T INCLUDE LIRAT FOR TWO REASONS.
WHILE WE HAVE TOTAL FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE COUNTY FOR THE LIRAT PROGRAM, WE DIDN'T HAVE THE FEE SCHEDULE AVAILABLE.
THE FEE COULD HAVE BEEN $2 OR $6.
ADDITIONALLY IT ENDED IN 2018 AND HARRIS COUNTY COLLECTED THE FEES IN 2018 FOR THAT PROGRAM.
THE POTENTIAL LOST RECEIVE FEW DUE TO THE UNCOLLECTED FEES THOUGH, BECAUSE IN 2016 AND 2017 THAT WERE ANALYZED, THOSE TWO YEARS HARRIS COUNTY DID NOT SHOW A LOSS IN REVENUE DUE TO TITLE AND REGISTRATION -- OR DUE TO TEMPORARY TAGS NOT TRANS -- TRANSFERRING TO TIGHT -- TITLE AND REGISTRATION.
WE ONLY SHOWED A LOSS IN 2018 AND THE LOSS WAS RELATIVELY MINIMAL WE USED THE FY21 FEE SCHEDULE WHICH IS THE ONLY SCHEDULE WE HAD AVAILABLE TO US TO CALCULATE THE FULL REVENUE -- THE FULL POTENTIAL REVENUE LOSS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOUR REPORT SUGGEST THAT'S IT IS IN OUR BEST INTEREST TO SUPPORT TRAININGS AND PUBLIC MESSAGING CAMPAIGNS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES CONCERNING FRAUDULENT TEMPORARY TAGS AS WELL AS COLLABORATIONS BETWEEN HCTRA AND THE DMV AND LAWEN -- AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
CAN YOU GO MORE IN DEPTH OF WHAT COULD BE SOME OF THE RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES YOU MAY HAVE?
[05:50:02]
EMPLOYING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.THE FOR POLICY ACTIONS THAT WE INCLUDE IN THE REPORT WERE THE CONSISTENT PRACTICES THAT OTHER JURISDICTIONS WERE EMPLOYING TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE.
THE ADDITIONAL PRACTICE THAT WE DIDN'T CAPTURE COULD BE SOMETHING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO CONSIDER.
IT JUST -- THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IT WAS UNKNOWN.
SOME JURISDICTIONS UNCOVERED INVESTIGATIONS TO IDENTIFY A LEGITIMATE DEALER ACTIVITY.
I THINK THE PRACTICES WE OUTLINED ARE CURRENT WORK UNDERWAY SO HCTRA HAS A GREAT PROGRAM THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AND ALSO HARRIS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS -- THE OFFICES REPORT OFFERING TRAINING TO OFFICERS ON IDENTIFYING FRAUDULENT TAGS.
I JUST CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH.
I WANT TO THANK THE VARIOUS CONSTABLE OFFICES THAT PATROL OUR SYSTEM.
AND I WANT TO THANK THE DIRECTOR FOR HIS WORKS IN MAKING SURE THAT THE TOLL READERS ARE CONNECTED TO THE RESPONSE SYSTEM.
OUR DEPUTY CONSTABLES HAVE A WANTED INDIVIDUAL OUT OF THE COUNTRY HUNGARY.
AND JUST LIKE IN ANYTHING ELSE WHETHER IT IS A CITY, COUNTY OR STATE GOVERNMENT, BUT IN PARTICULAR HERE AT THE COUNTY LEVEL.
YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS FIRST AND THEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE A TEAM TO STUDY IT AND ASSESS IT, AND THEN YOU NEED GOOD STAFF WHO ARE LIKE A PIT BULL.
THAT GUY JUST WOULDN'T UNHINGE OFF A PAPER TAG BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM HE UNDERSTANDS.
WE UNDERSTAND IT IS A PROBLEM IN THE COMMUNITY.
DOING SO IT ALLOWS US TO FIX IT TO THE EXTENT WE CAN.
IT MAKES IMPROVEMENTS NOT JUST IN PUBLIC SAFETY, BUT IT IN-- IT ENSURES A TOLL SYSTEM MUCH LIKE OUR LICENSE AND REGISTRATION PROCESS IS ABLE TO COLLECT THE REVENUE IT RIGHTFULLY DESERVES.
AND THEN HOPEFULLY THE STATE GOVERNMENT WILL EVENTUALLY GET US THE MONEY THAT WE OUGHT TO BE GETTING AS A MATTER OF GENERATING IT FROM OUR COMMUNITY.
SO AGAIN, I JUST WANT TO COMMEND EVERYONE INVOLVED.
AND I WANT TO THANK MR. TREVINO BECAUSE HE UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF THIS WORK.
AT 80 MILLION, 88 MILLION, WHICH EVER IT IS, IT IS A BIG NUMBER.
>> IT IS AS MUCH AS 80 MILLION.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS MUCH AS 80 MILLION.
AND JUST SO FOLKS CAN IN TERMS OF A PUBLIC SAFETY CONTEXT, ONE ACADEMY CLASS FOR 60 DEPUTIES IS APPROXIMATELY $2 MILLION.
THINK ABOUT HOW MANY ACADEMY CLASSES WE COULD FUND WITH THIS.
80 MILLION COULD COVER A LOT OF OVERTIME TO GO AFTER VIOLENT OFFENDERS.
80 MILLION CAN GO A LONG WAY TO HELPING US TRACK THOSE ANKLE BRACELETS THAT ARE ON INDIVIDUALS THAT WE SHOULD KNOW WHERE THEY ARE AT.
80 MILLION CAN GO A LONG WAY IN TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
THERE IS NO HOPE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO RECOVER IT.
WHAT WE CAN DO THANKS TO THIS REPORT IS TO DO AND PUT THINGS IN PLACE FOR THE NEXT SIX YEARS.
THANK YOU, MS. SHORT AND THANK YOU TO DIRECTOR TREVINO AND THANK YOU TO THE CONSTABLES AND TO MY TEAM IN PARTICULAR FOR ALL THEIR WORK
[05:55:08]
IN RELATION TO THIS.SHORT. THANK YOU AGAIN. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: MS. SHORT, THANK YOU FOR THE REPORT.
THUS FAR WE HOSTED TWO TRAINING CLASSES AND HAVE ANOTHER ONE PLANNED IN MAY.
AND OVER 120 DEPUTIES ARE TRAINED ACROSS 20 AGENCIES.
THAT'S JUST WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING IN PRECINCT 3.
THAT'S SHERIFF AND CONSTABLES AND THE NEIGHBORING COUNTIES HAVE GOTTEN INVOLVED.
SERGEANT ESCOVADO HAS LEAD MANY OF THEM.
IN ADDITION LAW ENFORCEMENT CONFIRMED THAT OBVIOUSLY THESE WILL BE HELPFUL IN FIGHTING CRIME.
AND WE ARE WORKING WITH THE PURCHASING AGENT AND CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3 AND TO SECURE A BEST LICENSE PLATE READER TECHNOLOGY FOR KIND OF A PILOT PROGRAM THERE IN PRECINCT 3, CONSTABLE OF PRE THINK -- PRECINCT 3.
I THINK THE TECHNOLOGY IS BEING UTILIZED IN HARRIS COUNTY.
SINCE 47% OF THE UNINCORPORATE AREAS ARE WORKING THROUGH THE ISSUES OF PUTTING UP THESE KINDS OF CAMERAS AND THE COUNTY ENGINEERS ARE WORKING ON THE PERMITTING PROCESS AND THAT SEEMS TO BE A SOLVABLE PROBLEM AND WE ANTICIPATE GETTING THAT DONE.
WE FOUND THERE IS GRANT FUNDING UP TO $20,000 FOR MUNICIPALITIES.
YOU THINK 33 CITIES, AND HUE -- HOUSTON CAN DO IT TOO.
33 CITIES AND IF WE COULD MATCH THAT, THAT'S REALLY MONEY WE CAN GET INVOLVED QUICKLY.
JUST KNOW THAT IS WHAT WE ARE DOING.
TO WRAP THIS UP, I WOULD EVEN THINK WE NEED A TASK FORCE TO FOLLOW IT UP.
GET 40 OFFICERS OUT THERE FOCUSED ON THIS ISSUE.
I AGREE WITH YOU. IT IS THAT BIG A DEAL.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: PAYS FOR ITSELF.
>> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH. IT PAYS FOR ITSELF.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, I AM SO GLAD YOU REQUESTED THIS.
WE CAN'T, AS MUCH AS WE DO LOCALLY WE CAN'T SOLVE A STATE PROBLEM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND LIKE WE TALKED ABOUT, JUDGE, YOU'RE RIGHT.
I DIDN'T BRING THE CONTEXT OF THE STATE INTO IT, BUT IMAGINE -- THE STATE HAS A TOLL SYSTEM.
IMAGINE HOW MUCH MONEY IS BEING LOST STATEWIDE IN REGARDS TO THIS.
I THINK THIS WAS IN 20 JUAN -- 2019 OR SOONER, I HEARD THE STATE OF NEW YORK WAS SUING THE STATE OF TEXAS OVER THESE PAPER TAG THAT'S COULD BE PRINTED UP IN NEW YORK.
AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS TIME FOR A BREAK --
>> SORRY TO INTERRUPT AND BE A GRUMPY BUDGET DIRECTOR, BUT I DO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE DIRECTOR SHORT'S WORK ON THIS IS VERY, VERY COMPELLING DATA ON THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM.
WHAT I WILL SAY IS WE ARE PROBABLY NOT READY TO START RECOGNIZING THE REVENUE OR BUILDING IT INTO OUR BUDGET BECAUSE A LOT OF THE ENFORCEMENT -- THE NUMBER ASSUMES THAT THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF ENFORCEMENT AND THERE IS A ONE TO ONE TRANSLATION ON THE TAG THAT IS BEING -- THAT IS ILLEGAL WITH A VEHICLE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN REGISTERED I WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT LEAVING THE MEETING THAT WE HAVE $80 MILLION OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS TO PLAY WITH SHOULD WE ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM.
THAT'S WHY I SAID WE HAVE TO KEEP FROM POTENTIALLY LOSING ANOTHER $80 MILLION IN THE FUTURE.
THE LOSS OF REVENUE IS UNBILLED AND FRAUDULENT TAX COMBINED.
>> AND THIS IS SOMETHING WE CAN LOOK AT TO BUILD ADDITIONAL ENFORCEMENT INTO THE NEXT BUDGET.
[06:00:06]
>> I LOVE MONEY SO WE WILL BE WORKING TO MAKE SURE THERE IS ENFORCEMENT CAPABILITY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT'S 5:28 -- 5:29 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
WHILE MY COLLEAGUES COME BACK, I WANTED YOU TO KNOW I SPOKE TO DIRECTOR PETERSEN ABOUT THE ACTION -- THE ACCIDENT THAT TOOK PLACE NEAR BUFFALO BIO ON THE I-10 ON THE WEST SIDE.
WE HAVE BEEN GETTING MEDIA IN -- MEDIA INQUIRIES.
THE THREE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES ARE DOING FINE.
THEY WERE DOING SOME SORT OF ROUTINE INSPECTION ON THE BAYOU.
THEY WERE TRYING TO CLEAR THE BAYOU.
THEY DON'T KNOW EXACTLY THE CONDITION, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE -- THEY WERE JUST SHORT OF SHAKEN UP.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THEY WERE DOING MAINTENANCE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: THEY WERE TRYING TO CLEAR THE BAYOU AND THEY HIT DEBRIS ON THEIR BOAT.
[Departments (Part 4 of 4)]
ITEM 233, THAT IS THE INITIAL JWEB STAKEHOLDER MEETING.IS HE ON THE LINE? I LEFT MY GLASSES IN THERE SO I CAN'T SEE.
GO AHEAD, DIRECTOR. YOU MIGHT BE ON MUTE.
I'M GOING TO TRY TO DIAL YOU, MAJOR GENERAL.
>> HELLO? >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU JUST FINE.
I SAID GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONER -- JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
ON APRIL 5TH THE COURT INSTRUCT -- INSTRUCTED UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO REPORT BACK IN 30 DAYS REGARDING THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS OF THE MARCH 2020JWEB OUTAGE AND PROPOSED NEXT STEPS.
THAT WAS THE FIRST THING. THE SECOND THING IT WANTED US TO PROMOTES -- PROPOSE THE NEXT STEPS ON CONTINGENCY PLANNING INCLUDING THE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM.
AND THIRD 3, POTENTIAL UPGRADES TO OR REPLACE MEANT -- OR REPLACEMENT OF JWEB. SOME OF YOU MAY HAVE MET OUR CIO WHO IS OVERSEEING THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS TO REPORT ON THE STATUS WHERE WE ARE AT
THIS POINT. >> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
THE FIRST IS AFTER THE -- AFTER THE DIRECTIVE UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENTS HAD THE FIRST STAKEHOLDER MEETING THAT WAS LEAD BY MR. TURNER. THERE WERE ACTION ITEMS AND NEXT STEPS DISCUSSED IN THAT MEETING AND WE ARE WORKING ON THOSE NEXT STEPS.
ON THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS OUR VENDOR, MICROSOFT, HAS DEVELOPED A ROOT CAUSE DOCUMENT.
THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN SHARED WITH THE ANALYST FROM GARTNER.
AS YOU MAY KNOW GARTNER IS THE RESEARCH FIRM ON TECHNOLOGY.
[06:05:02]
THAT'S THE STATUS ON THE ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS.THERE ARE NEXT STEPS THAT ARE IN PROGRESS THAT CONCLUDES A FOLLOW-UP MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS AGAIN AND LOOKING INTO THE PAY -- PAYLOAD AND RECOVERY PROCESS AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE ARCHITECTURE.
THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR THAT BRIEF UPDATE.
AS A PART OF YOUR REVIEW OF ROOT CAUSES, HAVE Y'ALL TALKED TO GARY ZAILER AND TRACY WELLS?
>> THEY WERE PART OF THE FIRST STAKEHOLDER MEETING.
>> TOM RAMSEY: DID YOU TALK TO THEM, GENERAL?
>> IN THE STAKEHOLDER MEETING, YES.
THE ANALYSIS ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE SIDE AND OUR VENDOR, MICROSOFT, IS WHAT WE HAVE COMPLETED.
THE SECOND STAKEHOLDER MEETING WE WILL SHARE WITH THEM THE DRAFT DOCUMENTS WE HAVE TO BRING EVERYBODY'S INPUT BEFORE WE BRING IT TO THE COURT.
>> I THINK THE STAKEHOLDERS CAN BE VERY HELPFUL IN IDENTIFYING THE ROOT CAUSE.
I KNOW THERE WAS AN APRIL REPORT TO YOU, GENERAL, FROM MANY OF THE STAKEHOLDERS ON WHAT THEY CONSIDER ISSUES AND THINGS TO BE LOOKED AT AND THINGS ANTICIPATED.
THEY EVEN HAD A LESSONS LEARNED SUMMARY THERE.
I ASSUME YOU ARE GATHERING THE DATA AND SORBT -- GATHERING THE DATA AND SORTING THROUGH IT.
>> YES, AS IT APPLIES TO THE INCIDENT.
ABSOLUTELY TAKING ALL OF THAT INFORMATION IN TO SEE HOW IT APPLIES TO THE INCIDENT.
AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW WE DO THINGS BETTER.
IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THERE WERE 23 EMPLOYEES WORKING IN JWEB THAT WERE NOT WORKING.
I THINK YOUR NUMBER TO ME EARLIER -- MAYBE IT WAS YESTERDAY IT WAS LIKE SEVEN.
SO WE GOT A DISCONNECT FROM THOSE NUMBERS.
THE REASON I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT AND YOUR ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS IS THE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE THAT MAY NOT BE THERE NOW AND THE IMPACT OF THAT ON THE INSTANT THAT WE HAD AND THE FUTURE SOLUTIONS THAT WE MAY HAVE PLANNED.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DO RECONCILE THAT NUMBER.
>> THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT UP.
YOU ARE A CHAMPION FOR EMPLOYEES AND I WANT TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO DECOUPLE THE ASSUMPTION THAT THERE IS A CAUSE AND EFFECT BASED ON THE EMPLOYEES AND WHAT OCCURRED IN MARCH SPECIFICALLY AND WHAT EXISTED IN THE KNOWLEDGE BASE OF THIS INFORMATION -- OF THIS ORGANIZATION AND SOME THINGS THAT WE ARE NOT PRIVY TO. FROM THE TIME THE COURT PUT ME IN THIS POSITION AND AS I BELIEVE I SENT YOU A SCREENSHOT OF THAT.
OF THOSE WE HAD ONE MANAGER POSITION ASSIGNED BEFORE 2019 IN MY ARRIVAL THAT WERE BACK FILLED.
THE OTHER SIX EMPLOYEES, THREE OF THEM RESIGNED DUE TO HIGHER WAGES AND COMPENSATION AND THEY HAVEN'T FILLED OUT THE SURVEY.
ALL OF THE REMAINING POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WE CAN CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION WHEN WE MEET.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I UNDERSTAND OUR NEW CHIEF OFFICER, YOU HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THIS KIND OF WORK.
THERE ARE A COUPLE OF DECADES, AT LEAST.
AND SO I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY THAT THEY ARE HEADING UP THE AFTER ACTION
[06:10:09]
REPORT AND WHAT TO IMPROVE.>> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT DO YOU HAVE A SENSE OF THE NEXT UPDATE? WHEN DO YOU THINK THAT WILL BE?
>> WE ARE WORKING ON THE DATES AS WE SPEAK.
THE DOCUMENT IS EXPECTED BACK AND ONE OF THE REQUESTS WAS THAT WE REVIEW THE DOCUMENT BEFORE IT IS PRESENTED. AS SOON AS THE REVIEW IS COMPLETE WE CAN PRESENT IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER COMMENTS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GENERAL AND -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPECTIVE WORK.
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON JWEB.
WE KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN PATCHED TOGETHER FOR YEARS IF NOT DECADES AND THERE IS -- I THINK WE STILL HAVE -- IT IS FIXING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AND NOT JUST UNIVERSAL SERVICES, BUT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. I LOOK FORWARD TO BEING ABLE TO HELP AND TRYING TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER ON THAT.
THAT'S REALLY THE TOTAL SOLUTION.
IT IS NOT JUST THE UNIVERSAL SERVICES SIDE.
THERE IS ANOTHER PIECE OF THE EQUATION AND I THINK YOU WOULD AGREE TO THAT.
THANK YOU BOTH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THIS IS MERELY A TRANSMITTAL.
THANK YOU. 254, I KNOW YOU ASKED FOR THIS TO BE DISCUSSED ON THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS.
THIS IS ONE THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE TAG TEAMING.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME DIRECTION FROM THE COURT AND CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, DIRECTOR, BUT THESE ARE FOR WASTE WATER ACCEPT -- WASTE WATER SEPTIC TANKS AND WHERE THEY ARE NOT CONNECTED TO A WASTE WATER SYSTEM.
THE KOUPB TAOEP ENGINEER -- THE COUNTY ENGINEER IS BEING PUSHED AND TAKING ON A HUGE PORTFOLIO OF PROJECTS. THE REQUEST IS FOR THE PRECINCTS TO RESUME THE PAYMENT OF THESE ITEMS OR DR. ROMAN AND I WILL NEED TO COME BACK WITH OFFSETS IN THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S BUDGET.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
RAMEN FOR RAISING THE QUESTION.
THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE WEAPONS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT PRIVATELY OWNED AND THEN NOT MAINTAINED AND THEN AS A RESULT AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS WAS TALKING ABOUT WE HAVE TO GIVE WATER TO PEOPLE BECAUSE THE WELL IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING.
THEY BELONG TO THE COUNTY, BUT ARE NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
THEY CREATE A PUBLIC SAFETY PROBLEM.
AND THEN THE PRIVATE ROADSER -- ROADS WHERE HOA DON'T WANT TO PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE OF THE MAINTENANCE. THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY ISSUES THAT EXIST IN OUR COUNTY.
WE ARE HOME TO NASA AND HOME TO THE PORT, THE SPACE PORT AND THE THIRD LARGEST CITY IN PHAERBG, AND WE -- IN AMERICA AND HOME TO DEFICIENCIES THAT WE WOULD OTHERWISE TAKE FOR GRANTED.
I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
IT IS NOT AS EASY AS THERE IS A COST
[06:15:02]
TO THAT. DANIELLE -- DANIEL, MY OFFICE HAS THE CAPACITY TO TAKE IT ON AND WE WILL IF IT COMES WITH A CORY SPOPDING BUDGET -- CORRESPONDING BUDGET TO ADDRESS.ONE, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS OFFER BEING MADE, SO TO SPEAK? AND DR. RAMEN IF YOU CAN GIVE US AN IDEA OF THE MAGNITUDE AS YOU SEE IT.
>> COMMISSIONER AND HONORABLE JUDGE.
THE COUNTY CURRENTLY HAS 38 FACILITIES.
SOME ARE A LITTLE MORE AND SOME ARE A LITTLE LESS.
WE NEED TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE.
WE NEED TO GET A PERMIT AND DO AN EARLY INSPECTION.
SOME OF THE FACILITIES ARE MAINTAINED BY FDM AND SOME OF THEM -- THE HEAVY MAINTENANCE IS DONE BY THE PRECINCT, BUT THE MAINTENANCE IS DONE BY THE COUNTY ENGINEERING RIGHT NOW.
TYPICALLY IN THE PAST WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE COUNTY ENGINEERING HAD THIS COMPLIANCE ISSUE TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.
OUR STREAMS ARE CLEAN AND THE FACILITY IS NOT OVERTHROW -- OVER FLOWING AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
THE ISSUE WE HAVE WHEN WE DID THIS YEAR'S BUDGET, THERE WAS A GAP IN THE COUNTY ENGINEERING BUDGET.
THERE WAS 290,000 GAP FOR ONE OF THE FACILITYIES -- FACILITIES WE RECEIVED THE FUNDING CODE.
FOR THE OTHERS IT COMES FROM THE ROLL OVER BUDGET THAT THE COUNTY ENGINEER HAD. THIS YEAR WE DIDN'T HAVE THE ROLL OVER BUDGET.
WE ARE GOING BACK TO THE BUDGET OFFICE AND ASKING, ASKING ENGINEERING TO TAKE CARE OF THIS OR WE GO TO EACH PRE -- PRECINCT AND SAY THIS IS THE FUNDING CODE.
YOU ASKED FOR THE MAGNITUDE, COMMISSIONER.
THE BALLPARK FIGURE OF EARLY MAINTENANCE IS $477,000 AND WE OF COURSE ADDED INFLATION OVER THE YEARS.
SO ABOUT HALF A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR WOULD BE THE OVERALL COST FOR WHAT WE PROVIDE.
I WOULD RECOMMEND COUNTY ENGINEER BE THE LEAD FOR THE CONSISTENCY OF THE SERVICE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY GO AHEAD, AND THEN WE WILL HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TO CLARIFY, THE SCOPE IS ABOUT HALF A MILLION FOR A FULL FISCAL YEAR.
OF THAT, ABOUT 150,000 OF IT IS PROGRAMED INTO THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S BUDGET.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S FOR ALL OF THE FACILITIES?
>> SORRY. FOR THE FACILITIES THAT FPM MANAGES, AND NOT FOR THE PRECINCT FACILITIES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM NOT SURE I AM CLEAR. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: TO BE CLEAR, SOME OF THIS HAS TO DO WITH REDISTRICTING.
I KNOW THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE HAS TAKEN OVER SOME THINGS.
WE HAD 20 OF THESE IN PRECINCT 3.
CERTAINLY THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AS WE GO THROUGH THIS TRANSITION.
20 OF THOSE THAT WERE IN PRECINCT 3 ARE NOW IN PRECINCT 4.
PRECINCT 4 WASN'T SET UP TO DO THAT.
I THINK THAT IS PART OF THE BUDGET ISSUES IN THIS YEAR.
JUST KNOW THAT WE STILL HAVE PEOPLE THAT MAINTAIN THE 20.
AND IF TH*E -- AND IF THEY NEED PEOPLE TO HELP WITH THAT, JUST GIVE US A CALL.
[06:20:02]
I WOULD GLADLY ACCEPT YOUR OFFER TO HELP SOME OF THE FACILITIES THAT MOVE FROM PRECINCT 4.
WE WILL COORDINATE WITH YOUR OFFICE ON THOSE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: HOW MANY WERE YOU SUSTAINING THAT YOU NEEDED A ROLL OVER FROM THE GENERAL FUND OR THE PRECINCTS? HOW MANY FACILITIES AND HOW MUCH?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SOUNDS LIKE OUR FIRST CONTINGENCY FUND ITEM.
>> SO WE HAVE TOTAL OF 40 FACILITY THAT'S WE PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.
IF WE GET HELP FROM THE PRECINCT 3, THERE IS PRECINCT 4 AND 8 IN PRECINCT 3.
THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE.
WE CAN TAKE CARE OF THE PRECINCT THAT NEED HELP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DIRECTOR RAHMAN, I'M AFRAID I MAY JUST BE DENSE RIGHT NOW.
WHAT'S THAT NUMBER AND HOW MUCH IS X?
>> JUDGE, WE ARE PAYING ALL OF THE FACILITIES USING THE ROLL OVER BUDGET IN THE PAST.
THIS YEAR WE DIDN'T HAVE THE ROLL OVER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN YOU SAY 18, ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ALL 40 OR 18? I GET THAT -- IS IT AN ANNUAL MAINTENANCE?
>> ANNUAL INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO IT IS ALL 40 THEN.
>> THE TOTAL COST FOR THE SEVEN MONTHS IS $345,000 AND SOME CHANGES, JUDGE.
HOWEVER, PRECINCT 4 HAS DONE A FUND TRANSFER AND PAID FOR THE BEAR -- BEXAR CREEK FACILITY.
IF YOU DEDUCT THAT THAT IS $290.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND GOING FORWARD WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHERE DO WE GET ANOTHER HALF A MILLION ANNUALLY FOR THIS, CORRECT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY IF I MISSED PART OF IT.
DO WE HAVE FACILITIES IN PRECINCT 1?
>> YOU HAVE THREE FACILITIES IN PRECINCT 1.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WELL, WE'LL FIGURE OUT HOW TO PAY FOR OURS.
I WOULD ASSUME, WHATEVER PRECINCT HAS THEM, PAY FOR IT.
MONEY IS NOT COMING FROM HEAVEN.
WHEN WE ARE DOLING OUT THE MONEY, SOMEONE HAS TO BE WILLING TO PAY FOR IT.
SEND ME THE BILL IS MY SUGGESTION.
>> THAT IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS DIRECTOR RAMOS WAS MAKING.
IF THE COURT WISHES TO GO THAT ROUTE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: RAMOS, YOU ARE GETTING PRETTY GOOD THERE, RAMOS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK I FIGURED THAT ONE OUT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHERE WOULD YOU PULL IT FROM OERBZ -- OTHERWISE?
>> WE WOULD NEED TO TAKE A FINE-TOOTH COMB THROUGH THE REST OF THE BUDGET AND WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT OTHER SUR PHRASS IN OTHER -- SURPLUSES IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND THEN THERE IS A FUND BALANCE OR A CAPITAL WORKING FUND.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL PAY MINE IF THEY PAY THEIRS IF NOT, DON'T COME TO ME.
THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL EQUITY IN FINANCING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH GUIDANCE?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE MOTION THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR TO DATE?
[06:25:05]
YOU PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA SO WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDATION?>> AND GIVE US THE NUMBER OF FACILITIES PER PRECINCT.
>> YES. PRECINCT ONE HAS THREE FACILITIES.
PRECINCT 2 HAS THREE FACILITIES.
PRECINCT 3 HAS EIGHT AND PRECINCT 4 HAS 22 ON SITE FACILITIES.
HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING HAS TWO ON SITE FACILITY AND ONE TREATMENT PLAN WHICH IS THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IN PRECINCT 4.
MOST AS YOU CAN SEE, 22 -- 24 FACILITIES IN PRECINCT 4.
>> TO PUT DOLLAR AMOUNTS FOR THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR WOULD BE $10,000 FOR PRECINCT 1 AND 10,000 FOR PRECINCT 2, $26,000 FOR PRECINCT 3 AND $180,000 FOR PRECINCT 4.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVE ON THE RECOMMENDATION AS LAID OUT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: FOR THE PRECINCTS TO PROVIDE THE BUDGET CODE TO THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENTS FOR THEM TO EXECUTE THE WORK FOR THE WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS AND THE ON SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES IN THEIR PRECINCTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: LET ME GET THOSE.
PRECINCT 1 WILL COST THEM BY YOUR RECOMMENDATION $10,000.
PRECINCT 2 WILL COME THEM 10,000.
>> PRECINCT 3 IS 26,000 AND PRE -- PRECINCT 4 IS 180,000.
>> REDISTRICTING, THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON TAKING.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE MOTION IS LET THE MONEY COME FROM WHERE THE MONEY WENT.
MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> NO. NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM JUST GETTING MY COFFEE AND WAKING UP NOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 263, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
THIS IS MOWING AND MAINTENANCE.
>> WE COVERED THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: DID THAT GET VOTED ON?
>> MOTION. >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
ON THIS ITEM THERE WAS SOME REPORTS TO INDICATE THE FORMER POLICE CHIEF OF SPRING VALLEY VILLAGE AUTHORIZED ABOUT 285,000 OF OVERTIME FOR HIMSELF BETWEEN 2020 AND 2021.
OBVIOUSLY THIS RAISED RED FLAGS FOR ME.
AS WE HAVE WORKED THROUGH THE BULK OF THE PANDEMIC WITH OUR CITIES AND OTHER PARTNERS.
WE'VE HAD GUIDE HOUSE AND TETRA TECH TO PROTECT THEM FROM CALL BACKS.
SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KNOW WHERE WE DISTRIBUTED THE DOLLARS TO THE CITIES WITHIN HARRIS COUNTY FOR COVID-RELATED EXPENSES.
I UNDERSTAND HE WAS OVER THE CARES MONEY -- ARE YOU THERE?
>> YES, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU, SHANE.
>> YES, COMMISSIONER THEY WERE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALMOST THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY.
DID SPRING VALLEY VILLAGE SUBMIT ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THEY UTILIZED THOSE FUNDS?
[06:30:06]
>> YES, THEY DID, COMMISSIONER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND WHAT KIND OF OPERATIONS OR WHAT KIND OF WORK WAS IN DETAIL --
>> IT WAS A PAYROLL COST FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY EMPLOYEES.
ALL OF IT WAS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL PAYROLL RELATED?
>> IT WAS A REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM, COMMISSIONER.
SPRING VALLEY WOULD HAVE SUBMITTED THEIR PAYROLL RECORDS AND EVERYTHING TO GUIDE HOUSE.
AUDIT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.
ARE YOU COMFORTABLE THAT THE PROPER AUDIT HAS BEEN DONE?
I WENT BACK AND LOOKED AND WE HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION AND THE PAYROLL RECORDS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT AUDIT WAS DONE BY SPRING VALLEY?
>> NO, SIR. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN PART OF THEIR ANNUAL AUDIT, YOU KNOW, FROM THE OUTSIDE AUDITOR.
THEY HAD TO SUBMIT THE EXPENSES TO US FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
GUIDE HOUSE WOULD HAVE GONE THROUGH ALL THAT BEFORE WE CAN SUBMIT IT TO THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE REGARDING THIS FOR A FUTURE COURT MEETING AND I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO VISIT WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNTY HAS DONE AND IS DOING WHAT IT NEEDS TO DO TO PROTECT OURSELVES.
THIS IS NOT LIKELY THE LAST TIME THEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTING FUNDS, SO I WANT TO -- OR FEDERAL FUNDS.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE EVERYTHING WELL BUTTONED UP.
IF YOU WILL MEET WITH THE AUDIT EVERY'S OFFICE TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO IN LIGHT OF THE NEWS REPORTS SO THAT WE WILL KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER STEPS WE NEED TO TAKE.
NO ACTION, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS NO ACTION ON 277.
EXECUTIVE SESSION. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT, BEFORE WE GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S START IN OPEN COURT.
IF MR. PERRY TURNER COULD COME ON THE LINE SO HE COULD COVER IT AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
IF HE IS NOT ON THE LINE -- THERE IS MR.
TURNER. GO AHEAD. >> CAN YOU HEAR ME?
CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SIR, MR.
TURNER. WE CAN HEAR YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU HEAR US? CAN YOU HEAR US, MR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN HEAR YOU, BUT YOU CAN'T HEAR US.
>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU SEND ME HIS NUMBER.
HAVE I IT -- CAN YOU SEND ME HIS NUMBER?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE IT HERE.
SITUATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE IT, ACTUALLY.
I THINK I GOT HIM. TKPWOEU MR. TURN -- I GOT MR. TURNER. GO AHEAD, MR. TURNER.
HAVE I YOU HERE ON THE MICROPHONE.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
MY PREVIOUS ROLE AS THE SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE OF THE HOUSTON OFFICE WHERE WE SERVE THE SD -- [INAUDIBLE]. I HAVE EXPERIENCE IN -- [INAUDIBLE].
COMMUNICATION. OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS WE HAVE SEEN A RISE IN DOMESTIC TERRORISM INCIDENTS TO INCLUDE ACTIVE SHOOTERS, THREATS AND WORKPLACE VIOLENCE AND INCREASING THREATS TO ELECTED OFFICIALS A FEW -- OFFICIALS.
[06:35:08]
A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS ASKED TO GO TO THE FIRE PHA*R -- FIRE FIRE MAR -- FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE TO -- [INAUDIBLE] ON THE OUTSIDE.[INAUDIBLE] TO CONTINUE ON THE PROCESS AND WITHDREW THEIR PROPOSAL.
X AMOUNT OF PROTECTION SERVICES WAS SELECTED AND IT PROVIDES FOR HIGHLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED SECURITY PERSONNEL WHO WERE AVAILABLE TO KEEP HARRIS COUNTY SAFE.
THEY ALL HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THE MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
THEY WANT $60 PER HOUR FOR THE DEPUTY CONTRACT.
WE WERE ALSO PUT IN SECURITY SERVICES IN SHORT ORDER.
[INAUDIBLE] HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE -- ANY FUTURE FIRMS BE AVAILABLE FOR USE -- [INAUDIBLE] THIS FIRM ALLOWS HARRIS COUNTY THE FLEXIBILITY OF RESOURCES -- THEY CAN PROVIDE IN THE EVENT THERE ARE DEPARTURES IN THE COUNTY STAFF. ONCE AGAIN WE ARE WORKING IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES AT A REASONABLE PRICE.
THE OFFICE AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATION -- INAUDIBLE
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THE QUESTIONS I WILL ASK AND I DON'T THINK I WILL GET INTO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION, BUT JAY, THROW A PENCIL AT ME IF YOU NEED TO. IT IS GOOD TO SEE YOU, MR. TURNER. APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP.
WE'LL START WITH WHY DO WE NEED A PRIVATE FIRM AS OPPOSED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT WHERE WE HAVE MANY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE COUNTY AND WHY DID WE FEEL WE NEEDED A PRIVATE FIRM?
>> THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PROTECTION -- [INAUDIBLE] TO THE FIRE MARSHAL AS OFFICE.
NON-ELECTED OFFICIAL MANAGE THE SECURITY DETAIL AND AT THIS TIME THE FIRE MARSHAL HAS CAPACITY TO ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE DETAIL.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL JUST SAY, I AM GOING TO START WITH I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BERRY, AND TIP -- TYPICALLY ON A MONDAY CONVERSATION WE GO OVER THE AGENDA.
WHEN I ASKED ABOUT 201, THIS WAS THE DAY BEFORE AND ROUGHLY 11:00 IN THE MORNING AND I WAS TOLD HE CANNOT TALK TO ME AT THIS POINT AND HE WOULD HAVE TO CHECK WITH SOMEBODY.
I WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE A PROBLEM FOR ANYBODY THAT SITS ON THIS COURT HERE.
IF YOU PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA BY MONDAY AND A COURT MEMBER SAYS PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT THIS IS AND GO INTO DETAIL AND THERE WAS NO INFORMATION PROVIDED.
I DIDN'T APPRECIATE IT AND I TOLD MR. BERRY THAT. HE INDICATED THAT THERE WILL BE A FOLLOW-UP AND THERE WAS AN EMAIL AFTER 8:00 LAST NIGHT RELATED TO THIS ISSUE.
I AM NOT GOING TO BE SUPPORTING A NO BID CONTRACT WITH A PRIVATE FIRM WITH NO INFORMATION ON.
IT SOUNDS LIKE A LAST-MINUTE DEAL, NO TRANSPARENCY.
I DON'T TRUST THIS KIND OF A PROCESS.
[06:40:02]
ONE. >> DO -- GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
BEFORE I DO THAT, LET ME SAY THAT WE DO OPERATE IN A VERY TOXIC ATMOSPHERE.
I HAVE BEEN IN POLITICS FOR A LONGTIME AND FROM TIME TO TIME MAYBE WHEN CERTAIN ISSUES WERE BROUGHT UP I CAN REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME IT CAME UP IN TERMS OF SECURITY FOR ME WAS WHEN I WAS CARRYING THE HATE CRIMES BILL.
THEY HAD PICTURES OF THE INTERIOR OF MY OFFICE.
SOMETIMES IT IS NOT THOSE THAT ARE A LITTLE STRANGE TO CALL RATHER THAN NOT CALL. IN MY RACE THEY MAILED OUT A PICTURE OF MY HOME.
THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE ADDRESS, BUT WE SAW THE HIGH-PROFILE.
I ASSUME MY COLLEAGUES HAD A HAND IN PAYING FOR THAT.
BE THAT AS IT MAY, I DON'T KNOW IF THEIR INTENT WAS TO PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER.
BUT THEN I HAD THESE STRANGE PEOPLE OUT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE WITH SIGNS PROTESTING, AND I TOOK IT FOR GRANTED AND DID MY BIKE RIDE AND DIDN'T TELL THEM, BEING THE SON OF A YARD MAN, THEY HAD A RIGHT TO BE ON MY SIDEWALK, BUT STAY OFF MY GRASS.
IT WOULD MAKE MY FATHER HAPPY IF THEY DIDN'T TRAMPLE THE GRASS.
MY WIFE CALLED AN HOUR LATER AND SAID OUR DAUGHTER HAD FOUR OF HER FRIENDS OVER AT THE HOUSE AND ONE OF THOSE NUT JOBS OUT THERE HAS A RIFLE ON HIS SHOULDER AND SENT ME A PICTURE.
I WENT BACK HOME. MY POINT IS YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.
I WOULD HATE TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE SOMETHING DID HAPPEN -- I HOPE SOMEBODY OF YOU -- HOPE IT DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ME BECAUSE THEN YOU WOULD BE VOTING ON A RESOLUTION WHETHER YOU AGREE OR NOT.
DEAN OF LBJ SCHOOL JUST LEFT MY OFFICE.
I CAN REMEMBER WORKING ON A GRADUATE LIKE A THEE -- THESIS PROJECT AND THEY HAD A SHOOTOUT IN CITY HALL IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.
MR. RAMOS, YOU MIGHT REMEMBER THAT.
YOU ARE TOO YOUNG, BUT IN BALTIMORE AND HOW TRAGIC THAT WAS FOR ME AS A GRADUATE STUDENT TO BE IN CITY HALL IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND AND SOMEBODY GOT SHOT.
FOR THE LIFE OF ME I CAN'T REMEMBER IF THE PERSON SURVIVED.
I THINK IT WAS A COUNCILMEMBER WHO GOT SHOT.
FOR BE IT FOR ANY OF US IN MY JUDGMENT TO PLAY POLITICS.
DID MAY HAVE BEEN A CONSTITUENT, OR A THREAT ON ME.
I WON'T GOOD SPECIFICS OF A CASE I KNOW ABOUT, BUT POLL TRICKS -- BUT POLITICS HAVE TKPWOFPB -- GOTTEN PATRIOTIC.
IF PEOPLE WILL ATTACK CAPITOL, AND SOME FROM TEXAS WITH A LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUND.
IF IT CAN HAPPEN THERE AT THAT CITADEL OF DEMOCRACY, IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE.
I AM PROUD TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ITEM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL SECOND THE ITEM.
LET ME JUST ADD THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU HAVE LEAD ON A LOT OF THINGS THAT REPRESENTED THE LIVES AND THE CHALLENGES THAT SOME MAY WANT TO FORGET ABOUT.
SO YOUR WORK UNDOUBTEDLY GOT THE ATTENTION OF THOSE RESENTFUL OF US MOVING FORWARD.
I RESPECTED AND ADMIRED YOUR WORK.
WHEN I WAS SHERIFF THERE WAS A DISTRICT DISTRICT ATTORNEY THERE WAS MURDERED -- A DISTRICT ATTORNEY THAT WAS MURDERED, SHOT IN THE DAYLIGHT.
I AM TRYING TO REMEMBER WHAT TOWN IT WAS.
[06:45:03]
IMMEDIATELY UPON THAT HAPPENING I TOOK THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY ANDERSON, MIKE ANDERSON AND HIS FAMILY UNDER MY PROTECTION, BUT I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT WE WERE NOT CAPABLE AT THE TIME TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY EXECUTIVE PROTECTION.AND I DID. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT.
THE MAYOR HAS ALWAYS ENJOYED THAT PROTECTION.
WHEN A PREVIOUS PRECINCT COMMISSIONER TOOK ISSUE WITH IT, JUDGE EMMITT DECIDED TO RELINQUISH THE NEED FOR THE PROTECTION.
ONE WAS A REAL THREAT AND THE OTHER WAS A LUXURY, FOR THE MOST PART.
NO THREAT, NOTHING THAT I CAN RECALL.
I AM NOT ABOUT TO SECOND GUESS.
I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD REAL THREATS AND I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHY WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THIS IN OPEN COURT, TO BE QUITE FRANK.
I AM NOT ABOUT TO SIT HERE AND TAKE ANY CHALLENGES, THE SAFETY OF COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS OR MYSELF.
THERE ARE JUST SOME THINGS THAT SHOULD BE ABOVE DEBATE.
THE REACTION I HAVE WHEN I HEARD OF THAT DISTRICT ATTORNEY BEING MURDERED IS ONE OF WHAT I THOUGHT COMMON SENSORY ACTION. THE D.A.
CALLED AND THANKED ME FOR MY CONCERN.
I SAID I WOULD NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.
JUDGE, I FEEL THE SAME WAY TODAY, AND I WOULD NOT SIT HERE AND DEBATE THE ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IN THE ENVIRONMENT.
I JUST DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING BEHIND THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: THERE ARE THREE THINGS IN THE MATTER THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO ME.
FIRST OF ALL, I DON'T THINK ANY OF US THINK WE SHOULDN'T BE SECURE IN OUR JOB.
I KNOW THERE ARE SOME WHO MAY DISAGREE WITH ME ON THAT, BUT IF ANY MEMBER OF THIS COURT FEELS LIKE THEY ARE UNDER THREAT, THEY SHOULD GO TO THE CONSTABLE OF THEIR CHOICE OR SHERIFF OF THEIR CHOICE TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE SECURITY IN PLACE OR IF OUT OF THEIR BUDGET THEY WANT SOMETHING ADDITIONAL THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO.
I HAVE ALWAYS SUPPORTED AND CONTINUED TO DO THAT.
WHAT I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IN THIS PARTICULAR ITEM ARE TWO FACTORS.
WHY IS THE FIRE MARSHAL INVOLVED IN SECURITY? THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME.
AND NUMBER TWO, I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
HAVE YOU READ THIS ARTICLE THAT WAS PUT OUT BY BILL KING.
HE IS AN INDEPENDENT AND HE WAS NOT A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN.
[06:50:03]
HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW THE ARTICLE?>> YES, SIR. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DID NOT HAVE THE CAPACITY OF WORKING HAND IN HAND AND THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE.
THEY HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THEY ALL HAVE TWO AND THREE WHO SERVED AS AIR MARSHALS.
THEY ARE START UP COMPANIES, THEY HAVE A LOT OF EXPERIENCE AND THEY MET ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS.
IT WAS THE PURCHASING AGENT AS WELL.
[INAUDIBLE]. I APOLOGIZE FOR THE BACKGROUND NOISE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I DO THINK THERE IS A LOT OF INNUENDO ABOUT WHY THE SHIFT HAS HAPPENED FROM PRECINCT 1 TO THE FIRE MARSHAL.
I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND THE EXTREME GOOD WORK THAT PRECINCT 1 DEPUTIES DO.
THE SECURITY DETAIL AROSE AND PRECINCT 1 WAS UP FOR THE TASK. THEY ROSE TO THE OCCASION WHEN THAT HAPPENED.
WHEN THAT WAS STOOD UP THE QUESTION CAME UP FOR THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND NOW FOR MR. PERRY TO INSTITUTIONAL LIES THAT.
THERE WAS NOT SOMETHING FORMALLY DONE COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
IT WAS THOUGHT SOMETHING THAT WAS THOUGHT THROUGH FOR THE GOAL OF ANY COUNTY JUDGE THAT MIGHT SIT IN THIS CHAIR AND ANY COMMISSIONER THAT MAY SIT AROUND OR ANY OTHER CURRENT OR FUTURE OFFICIALS AND THEY AVOID AS MANY CONFLICTS AS POSSIBLE.
IT IS CLEAR THAT SECURITY, BROADLY SPEAKING IN THE UNFORTUNATE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT WE ARE IN IS SOMETHING THAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE INSTITUTION AS OPPOSED TO AD-HOC FOR ONE ELECTED OFFICIAL OR THE OTHER AS OPPOSED TO THE PERSON. THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND NOW UNDER MR. TURNER HAVE BEEN REVIEWING THIS AND LANDED ON THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE MANY MONTHS AGO.
CLOSE TO YEAR AGO AT THIS POINT.
IT IS HARD BECAUSE THIS HAD NEVER BEEN STOOD UP BEFORE TO BRING IT TOGETHER.
AND NOW, YOU KNOW, I WILL INVITE MR. PERRY TURNER IN FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ON WHY THIS STOP GAP MEASURE IS NECESSARY, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS IT IS ON THE PATH OF MAKING SURE WE HAVE CONSISTENCY AND NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
THE JENSEN SUCCESS -- THE GENERAL CENSUS IS GOOD PRACTICE AND IT IS THE PART OF HARRIS COUNTY THAT IS IN CHARGE NOT TO BE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT WAS DISCUSSED FOR MONTHS.
IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS OR ALLEGATIONS, PLEASE ASK THEM OF MR. TURNER. I WILL ASK THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND PURCHASING TO CHIME IN AND EXPLAIN THAT YOU FEEL TOTALLY COMFORTABLE WITH THIS OR IF THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE YOU WANT TO RUN DOWN, LET'S CHECK WITH MR. TURNER. STUFF NEEDS TO BE AIRED OUT NOW AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO GO TO SKAOUT -- EXECUTIVE SESSION THEN WE NEED TO DO THAT.
THIS IS NOT SOMETHING -- ANYWAY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR THAT THE FIRM HAS THE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND THAT ETHICALLY THERE ARE NO ISSUES AND THAT IT IS COST EFFECTIVE.
[06:55:07]
I KNOW BILL KING. I PRACTICED LAW WITH HIM.
WE SPENT ENOUGH TIME ABOUT WHAT SOMEBODY -- LET'S VOTE ON IT AND GO HOME.
>> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM GOOD WITH THAT.
I AM IN FAVOR FOR VOTING FOR THE SHERIFF OR VOTING FOR ANY CONSTABLE YOU WANT TO WORK WITH.
THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: MR. COUNTY ATTORNEY AND DWIGHT, IF YOU WILL CHIME IN.
>> JUDGE, I KNOW THERE ARE QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE PURCHASING PROCESS.
ABSOLUTELY APPROPRIATE TO USE IT FOR THIS PARTICULAR INSTANCE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND JUDGE I UNDERSTAND IT IS BROAD ENOUGH IF SOMEONE ELSE ON THE COURT OR THE COUNTY TEAM MOVE TO ACCESS SUCH SERVICES WE CAN DO THAT.
IS THAT CORRECT? >> IT WOULD REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION, BUT IT IS BROAD ENOUGH.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I APPRECIATE YOU GIVING ME A HEADS UP.
OF COURSE, WE ALL HAVE FOLKS WHO DO SECURITY AT THE PARKS.
BY THE WAY, THEY STILL DO THAT AT MY HOME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DOES THIS HAVE YOUR ASSESSMENT OF THE PROCESS -- DOES THE FIRM HAVE THE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED OR ANY ETHICAL ISSUES OR ANY COST ISSUES OR PROCESS ISSUES? IS IT CLEAR TO YOU WHY THIS IS A TEMPORARY MEASURE?
MR. DOPSLAV? >> I WAS ON MUTE, APOLOGIES.
WE REACHED OUT TO THREE OR FOUR FIRMS BESIDES THE TWO MR. PERRY BROUGHT UP EARLIER -- OR MR. TURNER BROUGHT UP EARLIER. IT WAS IN LINE WITH THE OTHER AGENCIES WE TALKED TO.
I RELIED ON MR. TURNER TO LOOK AT THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INDIVIDUALS BECAUSE HE HAS THE BACKGROUND IN THAT.
AS FAR AS THE PROCESS WE FOLLOW THE SAME PERSONAL SERVICES EXEMPTIONS WE DO FOR OTHER SPECIALTIES.
WE WILL RELEASE AN RFP FOR THE SERVICES FOR A FULLTERM NEXT WEEK.
THAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST CURIOUS MR. DOPSLAUF, ANYTHING DIFFERENT WHEN THEY PICKED ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS OR ENGINEERING FIRMS?
>> IT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT IS SPECIALIZED FOR A SPECIFIC TASK.
THEY ARE TO THE ACTUALLY A FIRM.
THE PROCESS IS SIMILAR TO OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES AGREEMENTS WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 3-2.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU, MR. TURNER. I WILL LET YOU GO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE ONE MORE ITEM AND THE SAME THING, JAY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND HOPEFULLY MR. BERRY AND MR. -- COUNTY ATTORNEY CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS AND DOSLOUF.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WHO APPROVED THE PAYMENTS?
>> THE PAYMENTS WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS WHERE THE INITIAL APPROVAL WAS FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AND THEN THEY WENT TO THE AUDITOR AND THEN COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THEN THE TREASURER.
THEY DID WANT TO CLARIFY SOMETHING IN THE AGENDA ITEM, COMMISSIONER AND HAS COME UP IN THE MEDIA IS THERE WAS ACTUALLY NO APPROVALS FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AFTER THE CONTRACT WAS CANCELED.
ALL OF THE APPROVALS WERE FROM BEFORE.
I SUSPECT IF THERE ARE MORE DETAILS NEEDED IT NEEDS TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
[07:00:02]
>> LINA HIDALGO: UNDERSTANDABLY THERE IS A CONCERN TO MAKE SURE THE COUNTY RECOVERS EVERY CENT.
MY UNDERSTANDING IS ABOUT $200,000 HAS BEEN RECOVERED AND THERE IS MORE YOU ARE PURSUING IDEALLY IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, BUT THAT REMAINS TO BE DETERMINED IN THE DISCUSSIONS YOU ARE HAVING WITH THE COMPANY, CORRECT?
>> IT IS IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS IN TOTAL AND WE ARE TRYING TO WORK WITH THE COMPANY TO COME TO A CONSENSUAL RESOLUTION OF THE ISSUE AND EXPLORING AND RETAINING ALL LEGAL OPTIONS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU CAN KEEP YOU POSTED ON THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM CURIOUS, IS THIS ITEM BROAD ENOUGH WE ARE TALKING ABOUT REIMBURSEMENTS AND TALK ABOUT WHAT WOULD BE REIMBURSED FROM THAT BILLION-DOLLAR BRIDGE BOOM OPENING UP THE SHIP CHANNEL?
>> I DON'T THINK SO, COMMISSIONER.
>> IS THIS A NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?
>> IT WAS JUST A DISCUSSION SO NO ACTION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER ITEMS, FOLKS FOR EXECUTIVE ITEMS ?
[Executive Session]
ALL RIGHT.SO MR. COUNTY ATTORNEY, CLERKS OFFICE AND MR. BERRY. ALL RIGHT.
THOSE ARE ALL OF OUR ITEMS. RECORD TIME. THANKS, EVERYONE SO MUCH.
IT IS 6:30 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS NOW ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.