Aug 23, 2022 Commissioners Court

>> I AM THE DIRECTOR FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE. JENNIFER AND I WERE CO-INCIDENT COMMANDERS FOR TWO YEARS. WE WANT TO THANK THE COURT AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO SERVED UNDERNEATH US.

THE RECOGNITION IS FOR THE PLETHORA OF THE COUNTY.

WE NEEDED YOUR SUPPORT AND YOU STEPPED UP AND GAVE IT TO US.

WE HAD HARD DECISIONS TO BE MADE AND WE MADE THOSE.

THAT BEING SAID, THANK YOU AGAIN BECAUSE WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT

WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

AND I THINK THESE THREE FOLKS AND THEIR TEAMS DESERVE THE RECOGNITION AND WE ARE TALKING TODAY ABOUT COVID, BUT ALL THREE OF YOU WERE DEEPLY INVOLVED IN THE ITC FIRE AND THE AIR MONITORING AND NOW WITH MONKEYPOX.

SO MANY ISSUES TOUCH ON PUBLIC HEALTH.

SO MANY THINGS TOUCH ON THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SIDE THAT MARK SLOAN HELPED LEAD. LET'S GIVE THESE FOLKS A ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.A >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANTED TO GIVE YOU SHOUTOUT TOO. I GOT A TEXT FROM DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND I KNOW SHE HAS HEALTHCARE ISSUES AT HOME.

I THINK SHE IS IN LITTLE ROCK. SHE IS UP WORKING BECAUSE I GOT A TEXT LATE LAST NIGHT AND THEN SHE RESPONDED EARLY THIS MORNING. ALL OF US APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO AND WE KNOW IT HAS BEEN CHALLENGING, PARTICULARLY UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. WE LOVE YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THE NEXT RESOLUTION IS -- I DON'T THINK I NEED TO REMIND ANYONE THAT WE ARE APPROACHING THE ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE HARVEY.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO COMMEMORATE AND TO MAKE OUR REGION RESILIENT AGAINST FLOODING AND STORMS. WHEREAS ON AUGUST 25TH, 2017, HURRICANE HARVEY MADE LANDFALL IN THE UNITED STATES RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC FLOODING, DEVASTATING DAMAGE AND A TOTAL OF 1 TRILLION GALLONS OF RAINFALL ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY ACROSS A FOUR-DAY PERIOD. HURRICANE HARVEY DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CLAIMED THE LIVES OF 88 TEXANS IN WHICH THE MAJORITY OF TK*ELT -- DEATHS WERE CAUSE ETD -- CAUSED BY WIND, RAIN AND FLOODS. IT CAUSED DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE RESULTING IN ONE OF THE COSTLIEST DISASTERS. IN HARRIS COUNTY ALONE, MORE THAN 120,000 STRUCTURES WERE FLOODED.

MOREOVER HARRIS COUNTY EXPERIENCED 50% OF TOTAL STATEWIDE DAMAGE. NEARLY $100 MILLION WAS SPENT TO FLOOD CONTROL INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE WORK IS ESSENTIALLY COMPLETE. ON AUGUST 25TH, 2018, HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS APPROVED A $2.5 BILLION BOND TO FINANCE

[00:15:02]

FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION PROJECTS. SINCE THEN ALL 181 PROJECTS OF THE BOND PROGRAM HAVE BEEN INITIATED.

WHILE BOND PROJECTS MOVE THROUGH THEIR LIFE CYCLE OF DESIGN, PROCUREMENT AND DESTRUCTION, WE SPENT $1.1 BILLION SINCE 2018 THROUGH AUGUST OF 2022. HARRIS COUNTY PASSED THE MOST STRINGENT FLOOD REQUIREMENTS AS POSSIBLE SO NEW DEVELOPMENTS WON'T FLOOD RESIDENTS DOWN THE STREAM.

AND IT ALLOWS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO PURSUE VIOLATORS OF FLOOD PLAIN REGULATORS MORE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY. WHERE HARRIS COUNTY HAS MADE STEADY PROGRESS INCLUDING PROJECT BRACE THAT IS 20 YEARS IN THE MAKING AND PROTECTING PORTIONS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE CAUSE FLOODING. HOME -- WITH THE HOMEOWNERS REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM, THEY HAVE MET OR EXCEEDED THEIR ORIGINAL RECOVERY GOALS BY DISTRIBUTING MORE THAN $30 MILLION IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND EXPENDING MORE THAN $95 MILLION IN DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDS. OTHER CBDGR PROGRAMS ARE ON TRACK TO MEET GOALS SET BY THE GOVERNMENT.

SIGNIFICANT STRIKES HAVE BEEN MADE FOLLOWING HURRICANE HARVEY, BUT THERE IS STILL MORE WORK TO BE DONE.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY WILL COMMEMORATE THE ANNIVERSARY OF HURRICANE HARVEY ON AUGUST 25TH, 2022 BY REMEMBERING THE LIVES LOST. KPHEPDING THE RE-- COMMENDING THE RESILIENCY OF RESIDENTS AND REAFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO CONTINUE THE RECOVERY EFFORTS AND PROTECT THE COMMUNITY IN FUTURE DISASTERS.

THAT'S THE RESOLUTION. THE WORK CONTINUES.

THE WORK CONTINUES. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MY RESOLUTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE TWO AND I WILL WAIT FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND FOR HIM TO SHOW UP. OUR COUNTY CLERK IS HERE AND WE WERE IN COLORADO FOR THE TPHOL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY OFFICIALS -- FOR THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY OFFICIALS CONFERENCE. I WAS PROUD TO WALK IN THE BALLROOM AND THERE SHE WAS GETTING AN AWARD BECAUSE HER TEAM DID A GREAT JOB. IT IS A STRAIGHT FORWARD RESOLUTION. THEY PUT TOGETHER A NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED BACK TO SCHOOL BIRTH CERTIFICATE PILOT PROGRAM TO ASSIST WORKING FAMILIES WHO MEET THIS RECORD FOR SCHOOL REGISTRATION AND UNABLE TO RETAIN IT.

THE RESOLUTION SIMPLY MAKES NOTE THAT THE CLERK -- WHEN THEY STARTED THIS PROGRAM THEY OPENED THEIR OFFICES TWO CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS ON THE -- IN 2021 TO ISSUE BIRTH CERTIFICATES.

MORE THAN 300 BIRTH CERTIFICATES WE ISSUED IN EIGHT HOURS.

IT WAS IN REGULAR BUSINESS IN 2020 AND ON THE 2021 CAL 11 -- CALENDAR. I KNOW THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO GET A BIRTH CERTIFICATE I WAS IN GRAD SCHOOL TRYING TO GET A PASSPORT AND THE FIRST THING I SHOWED THEM WAS A BIG THING THAT HAD MY FOOTPRINT ON IT. EVERYBODY LAUGHED AND TOLD THEM, WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY ISSUED THOSE STILL.

I HAPPENED TO KNOW SOMEONE AND LOOKED TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AS AN INTERN. IT WAS TRAUMATIC.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING SO MANY WORKING CLASS FAMILIES.

THEY NEED THAT PASSPORT. THANK YOU.

AND IT LOOKS LIKE THAT IS A GOOD BIT OF YOUR TEAM.

EVERYBODY WAS TALKING ABOUT IT IN DENVER AT THE CONFERENCE.

THREE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE CALLED ME WHO HEARD ABOUT IT. THERE ARE OTHER PLACES THAT WILL EMULATE WHAT THEY DID. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER AND THANK YOU, JUDGE, AND ALL THE COMMISSIONERS. LAST YEAR YOU TOLD ME, YOU NEED TO GET TO THE NACO CONFERENCE. ONE YEAR WE ATTEND AND THE NEXT YEAR WE ARE RECOGNIZED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL AWARD.

I HAVE MY TEAM HERE. THIS IS NOT EVERYBODY.

THIS IS NOT ALL 260 OR SO, BUT THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN DO THE JOB SERVING CONSTITUENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY WITHOUT THESE PEOPLE HERE. I WANTED THEM TO BE A PART OF THIS DAY. I WAS RAISED BY A SINGLE MOTHER.

SHE WORKED TWO OR THREE JOBS. ON THE WEEKDAYS, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8 TO 4:30, THERE WAS NO WAY SHE COULD GET TO A COUNTY OFFICE TO GET THE RECORDS SHE NEEDED FOR HER DAUGHTER.

THIS IS A PERSONAL MATTER FOR ME, BUT EVEN MORE SO THAT IT HAS OPENED OUR OFFICE FOR TWO ATE -- FOR TWO SATURDAYS.

WE HAVE SERVED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE.

THESE FOLKS HERE NOT ONLY ARE WORKING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, BUT THEY ARE DECIDING TO COME IN ON A SATURDAY AND GIVE OF THEIR TIME. AS A RESULT WE HELP THE WORKING CLASS FAMILIES, HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS THOSE TWO SATURDAYS, AND I THINK WE WILL HAVE BACK TO SCHOOL BIRTH CERTIFICATE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, YOUR

[00:20:03]

FACILITIES AND OUR COUNTY FACILITIES.

YOU CAN SEE DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS AND YOU CAN SEE CLERKS AND YOU CAN SEE EVERYBODY.

YES, I'M THE CLERK, BUT HERE IS THE TEAM THAT GETS IT DONE.

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

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOCUSING ON THE BASICS.

NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GETTING OUR KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY. THANK YOU FOR TENDING TO THOSE DETAILS. WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU. LAST YEAR WE DIDN'T HAVE BACKPACKS, BUT WE HAD A COUPLE OF OTHERS THAT SAID, HEY, YOU WILL BE AT MY SIDE INCLUDING THE COMMISSIONER STAFF.

WE ARE JUST TRYING TO GO AROUND TO AS MANY ANNEXES AS WE CAN.

WE DID BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND BACKPACKS THIS YEAR.

THAT WAS REALLY COOL AND KIND OF JUST ANNIEED UP THE TRACK RECORD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR OFFICE'S

SUPPORT. >> I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE WERE ALSO PROUD THAT YOU GAVE US AS A COUNTY THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THIS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.

YOU HAVE A GREAT TEAM. I DIDN'T KNOW THEY WERE ON YOUR STAFF. I SAW THEM COMING IN THIS BUILDING DURING THE PANDEMIC WHEN I THOUGHT PEOPLE WERE STAYING OUT OF THERE. I SHOWED UP IN MY BIKE GEAR WITH

SPANDEX ON. >> AND LOOK, OUR OFFICE IS ONE OF THOSE OFFICES WHO DIDN'T STOP WORKING IN THE PANDEMIC.

WE HAVE TO KEEP OUR DOORS OPEN BECAUSE PEOPLE NEED TO RUN BUSINESSES. THEY NEEDED TO GET MARRIED.

NOT ABOUT THEY WERE EXCITED ABOUT MARRIAGE, BUT THEY NEED INSURANCE TO SURVIVE. THOSE ARE THE STORIES YOU WILL NOT HEAR DAY-TO-DAY. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE THERE. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO MAKE IT WORK.

>> HUGE CONGRATULATIONS. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU AND SO GRATEFUL TO YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

LINE LEAN PAYING -- >> LINA HIDALGO: PAYING HOMAGE TO THIS MONTH IT IS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH.

IT TALKS ABOUT THE VAST WEALTH RACIAL GAP.

BLACK INCOME IS 63% OF WHAT WHITE INCOMES ARE.

LATINO HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS ONLY 71% WHAT IT IS FOR THE WHITE COMMUNITY. THE RACIAL GAP IS MORE ALARMING IN HOUSEHOLDS WHERE IT IS 7 CENTS COMPARED TO EACH DOLLAR FOR THE WHITE HOUSE HOLD. I KNOW WE MADE TREMENDOUS STRIDES TO TRY TO OVERCOME THAT GAP.

THERE IS MORE WE CAN DO. I AM JUST SO PROUD THAT AT LEAST DURING THIS ONE MONTH WE FOCUS ON BLACK BUSINESSES AND THE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES. I AM PROUD OF THE DISPARITY STUDY THE COUNTY DID AND THE FACT THAT WE CREATED A DISPARITY FUND TO ENCOURAGE OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ALSO SET UP PROGRAMS. I WANT TO APPLAUD IN PARTICULAR LONE STAR COLLEGE, HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE, ALDING ISD, SPRING ISD FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY.

EVEN IF THEY DON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT WE WILL COLLECT THE DATA. SO MANY ENTITIES ARE DOING WHAT THIS COUNTY IS DOING FOR DECADES.

CLAIMING IT HAD A BETTER RECORD, BUT IN NO WAY COLLECTING THE DATA AND MEASURING THE NUMBERS. JUST SORT OF PULLING IT OUT OF THIN AIR. UNFORTUNATELY THAT'S WHAT OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES DO.

I'M GLAD THE STATE OF TEXAS STARTED IN 1991.

WE NEED TO DO MORE TO BREAK THE GAP DOWN TO SOMETHING IN THIS CENTURY. I THINK I MAY HAVE A SPEAKER OR

TWO SIGNED UP VIRTUALLY. >> THE FIRST IS JACOB CLEMENTAGE

[Appearances before court (Part 1 of 3)]

SPEAKING ON THIS AND 7, 8, 10, 12, 234, THE ASTROS AND AERMARK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS, YOUR RESOLUTION NUMBER 6 ISEX [PLETIVE].

YOU DID A GREAT JOB. YOU ARE WONDERFULOR FOI DNGHI TS FOR BLACK BUSINESSES AND YOU SHOULDHO BE NORED.

I WISHIA ADRN GARCIA WAS HERE. I WOULD TALK ABOUT HIS RESOLUTIONOM AND CMUNICATION AND SHARINGEN BETWE B HRHP --ETWEEN HPAND W THAT ISILLING TO BENE DOMM.

[00:25:03]

COISSIONER RAMSEY WANTS SEPTEMBER TO BE AS LIBRARY.- AND YOU, COMMISSIONER ARE T TALKING ABOUTHE FIRST RESPONDERS -- [INAUDIBLE]IN AND THE ABSORBG OF EASY FLOODS.

SO THAT CAN HAPPEN AND I CAN PLAN TO WORK TONIGHT ANDLO LUCKY FOR MY EMPYER AND I AM GOING TO COMMUNICATE WITH THIS SCHOOL -- THIS SCHOOL SHOOTINGR INVOLVING -- WHAT'S HE NAME?

-- >> SIR, YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> CAN I GO? AND NICOLE --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE GET THE DRIFT.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 7, DANIELLE SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 6. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM THANKING YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING BLACKRT BUSINESS MONTH.

AS A FOUH GENERATION ENTREPRENEUR, MY GREAT-GRAND GRAND -- GREAT-GRANDFATHER A PREACHER IN THE SOUTH AND MY GRANDMOTHER A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OF A DINER IN THE SEGREGATED SOUTH AND MY MOTHER, AFRICAN-AMERICAN APPRAISER WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF LBJ TO BE THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN APPRAISER ON THE V.A. LIST. I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF ENTREPRENEUR SHIP IN AMERICA. WE THANK HARRIS COUNTY THIS MORNING FOR ITS PROMOTION OF BLACK BUSINESSES AND IT IS INTENTIONED TO BE A LEADER IN DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AND EQUITY. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FOR BLACK BUSINESS. WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOU CHAMPIONING THIS ITEM MOVING FORWARD ON BEHALF OF BLACK BUSINESSES. AGAIN, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, FOR THIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT. WE APPRECIATE THE COUNTY

SUPPORT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 8, NICOLE HUNT OF THE CARIBBEAN WOMEN'S EXPO SPEAKING ON THIS ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HELLO, GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. MY NAME IS NICOLE HUNT.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I AM THE CREATOR OF THE CARIBBEAN WOMEN'S EXPO HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS WHERE WE HIGHLIGHT BUSINESSES AND ALSO CAREER PATHS OF WOMEN OF COLOR AND WOMEN FROM THE CARIBBEAN.

WE WORK TO PROMOTE LOCAL BUSINESSES HERE IN HOUSTON.

THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE ALL FROM THE CARIBBEAN, BUT WE ARE VERY BIG ON PUSHING FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESSES AND BLACK BUSINESSES AND ALSO AS I SAID BUSINESSES FROM THE CARIBBEAN.

I WAS ALSO HONORED TO BE A PART OF THE DISPARITY STUDY.

THANK YOU ALL FOR CONTINUING TO PUSH THIS AND GIVING US ALL AN OPPORTUNITY AND I APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 9.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.

>> TP*EURSZ OF ALL -- FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY AND RECOGNIZE THE HARD WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE WITHIN THE PRECINCT 1 AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND HIS TEAM.

I REPRESENT THE NETWORK OF AFRICANS WHO ARE A GROUP OF BUSINESS MEN HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS FOCUSING ON THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE YOUNG BLACK MAN IN HOUSTON AND CREATING THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND THE -- AND WORKING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

I REPRESENT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHO HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN BRIDGING THE GAP IN THE BUSINESS WORLD BETWEEN THE U.S. AND AFRICA -- SUB SAHARA AFRICA FOR THE MOST PART.

WITHIN HOUSTON AND WITHIN THESE ORGANIZATIONS I HAVE MENTIONED

[00:30:02]

WE HAVE SEEN A HUGE RISE IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN BUSINESSES WITHIN -- IN THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, MOST --

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

>> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 10, KATHY LEVEY SPEAKING ON THIS ITEM.

HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YES, GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS KATHY LEVEY AND SECOND GENERATION OWNER OF A PROPERTY MANAGE MANAGEMENT K-PT -- COMPANY THAT IS APPROXIMATELY 80 YEARS OLD AND WE OWN A HUNDRED RENTAL PROPERTIES IN THE FIFTH WARD. AS A MEMBER OF ALPHA SIGMA THETA WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN BUSINESS OWNERS.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY.

WE APPRECIATE COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND HIS CONTINUED SUPPORT AS WE PROMOTE SMALL BUSINESSES ACROSS THE CITY AND IN THE SUBURBS.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO MAKE A RESOLUTION ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE AND PROMOTE WEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE HARRIS COUNTY AIR -- AREA.

THANK YOU FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HAVE A GOOD

DAY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> THOSE ARE THE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL WAIT ON THE OTHER ONE UNTIL AFTER COMMISSIONER GARCIA RETURNS.

[Departments (Part 2 of 4)]

NEXT IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE FIRST RESOLUTION IS RELATED TO OUR LIBRARIES.

THIS IS NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN UP AND I WILL READ THE RESOLUTION AND RECOGNIZE, I THINK, THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT THIS MEANS TO A LOT OF FOLKS OUT THERE.

WHEREAS, SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL LIBRARY CARD SIGN UP MONTH.

IT IS CELEBRATED SINCE 1987 AS A TIME TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT A LIBRARY CARD IS A GATEWAY TO KNOWLEDGE AND SUCCESS.

HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVES THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY THROUGH 26 BRANCH LIBRARY LOCATIONS AND MOBILE OUT REACH SERVICES. WHEREAS JOINING THE 1.7 MILLION HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CARD HOLDERS, IT IS THE FIRST STEP ON A PATH TOWARD ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT WHERE THE LEARNERS OF ALL AGES CAN ACCESS IMPORTANT RESOURCES AND NOT JUST BOOKS, BUT ABUNDANCE OF TAX SERVICES AND GENEALOGY AND ESL PROGRAMS FROM THE EARLY LITERACY TO HOMEWORK HEALTH AND ADULT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND BEYOND.

SO FAR THIS YEAR, HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WELCOMED MORE THAN 123,000 PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS BRIDGING THE DIVIDE BY PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES AND DISTRIBUTING 15,000 CHROME BOOKS AND 40,000 WI-FI AND HOTSPOTS IN 2022. THE LIBRARY SYSTEM IS EXPANDING MATERIALS TO MEET THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY WITH ON GOING CLASSES PRODUCING 20 NEW U.S. CITIZENS AND 21 ADULT HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE GRADUATES IN 2022 AND WHEREAS THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ASSISTED WITH 168,000 INFORMATION REQUESTS IN 2022, OPENING THE WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES TO HELP PEOPLE LIVE MORE ABUNDANT AND PURPOSE-FILLED LIVES.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT ACKNOWLEDGES AND PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER LIBRARY CARD SIGN UP MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND I THINK WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS.

>> GOOD MORNING, COUNTY JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS.

DIRECTOR OF HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE LIBRARY.

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GET A LIBRARY CARD.

IT IS FREEWAY -- IT IS FREE AND IT PROVIDES ACCESS TO SO MANY RESOURCES. IT IS NOT JUST BOOKS.

WE HAVE WI-FI DEVICES AND WE HAVE CHROME BOOKS AND AUDIO BOOKS. SO IF YOU DON'T LIKE TO READ, YOU CAN LISTEN TO THE BOOKS. WE HAVE VIDEOS AND MUSIC.

WHATEVER YOUR LEISURE IS, THE LIBRARY CAN PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION. WE ALSO HAVE A WEALTH OF EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES. YOU CAN GO TO OUR SITE TO ACCESS AND GET PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEARN THE SKILLS AND THE TALENTS. THAT LIBRARY CARD HELPS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVES AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE. I WANT TOEN -- I WANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY. ESPECIALLY EMPLOYEES.

GET A LIBRARY CARD AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RESOURCES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU. APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERSHIP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO THANK YOU AND I NOTICE YOU BROUGHT YOUR -- ONE OF YOUR LIBRARIANS OVER THERE WITH YOU

[00:35:01]

IN THE BACK. OTHER FOLKS FROM THE LIBRARY WAIVE. WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO.

IN ADDITION TO CHECKING OUT BOOKS YOU ARE STARTING TOOL LIBRARIES. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT GETTING ONE OF THOSE TOOL LIBRARIES IN THE NEW 4.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS SO CREATIVE.

YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOUND THE FEDERAL MONEY.

AS MUCH AS WE ENJOYED PASSING OUT THE HOTSPOTS AND THE CHROME BOOKS, YOU AND YOUR TEAM CAME UP WITH THAT AND IT IS SO CREATIVE.

I HOPE THERE IS ANOTHER GROUP COMING.

I DIDN'T MAKE IT TO MAYOR TURNER'S BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT, BUT THE STAFF TOLD ME THEY WERE THERE WELL AFTER THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO SHUTDOWN. THEY WERE GIVING THEM TO FOLKS WHO REALLY NEEDED THE HOTSPOTS. YOU DID A GOOD JOB FIGURING OUT HOW TO TARGET IT AND GET IT TO THE FOLKS WHO NEED IT.

IT WAS CREATIVE TO FIND THAT GRANT.

HOW DID YOU FIND T BY THE WAY? >> WE STAY IN TUNE WITH FEDERAL FUNDING IN TERMS WITH THE MERCY CONNECTIVITY FUND.

THAT'S HOW WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THAT.

ONE THING THAT WAS UNIQUE, WE CHECKED OUT FOR THE LIFE OF THE DEVICE. WITH THAT, PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HOW THEY RETURN A DEVICE BECAUSE IT IS FOR THE LIFE OF THE DEVICE. MY EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH PEOPLE IN CHECKING OUT DEVICES, WHEN THEY TAKE THOSE DEVICES HOME THEY UTILIZE THEM AND THEY MAY BREAK THEM AND WHATEVER MAY HAPPEN, THEN WE LOSE A CUSTOMER, SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T WANT TO USE THE LIBRARY. WITH THIS, NOW THEY HAVE THE OWNERSHIP OF THE DEVICE AND IT ALLOWS THEM TO USE IT FREELY.

WE HAVE BEEN SEEING HOW PEOPLE ARE REALLY UTILIZING THE DEVICES, WHETHER IT IS FOR EDUCATION, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES AND WE DO HAVE ANOTHER 15,000 CHROME BOOKS WITH THE WI-FI BUILT IN COMING IN SEPTEMBER AS PART OF THE --

>> HOW MUCH WAS THE FIRST GRANT FROM THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION?

>> IT IS IN THE MILLIONS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS, BUT IT IS IN THE MILLIONS IN TERMS OF THE CONNECTIVITY AND THEN THE SUBSCRIPTION TO CONTINUE THE CONNECTIVITY IN TERMS OF THE

WI-FI DEVICES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE LUCKY TO

HAVE READERS ON THERE. >> WE WILL.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR. THANK YOU TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, THE NEXT GROUP IS THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSION. THANK YOU TO THE COURT FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS AND YOUR NOMINATION OF FOLKS TO SERVE ON THAT. THEY WERE ALL EXTRAORDINARY AND THEY ARE HERE TODAY WHICH MAKES IT EVEN MORE OF AN EVENT TO CELEBRATE. IF ALLOWED I THINK THEY WOULD LIKE A FEW MINUTES TO SPEAK ABOUT THEIR WORK THERE BEFORE I READ THE RESOLUTION ON THE SAFE SCHOOL COMMISSION.

ALLOW EACH ONE OF THEM TO SPEAK IN TERMS OF WHAT THEY DO.

THEY CAN SAY IT MUCH BETTER THAN I COULD.

THERE'S NO PARTICULAR ORDER HERE , BUT I WILL HAVE TO CALL OUT SAM FIRST. HERE IS A STUDENT AT JOHN COOPER HIGH SCHOOL. HE HAS DONE A GREAT JOB ON THE COMMISSION. I WILL GO AHEAD AND MENTION ALL OF THEM AT THIS POINT. THERE IS COLANDRA KIM, AN ADVOCATE AND A EURPBT PA. SHE HAS QUITE THE STORY.

A JOY TO BE THERE. THERE IS TRACY LADSEN.

TRACY HAS MADE ME WANT TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

SHE IS A TEACHER. SHE IS COMMISSIONER ELLIS' APPOINTMENT AND SHE IS A WONDERFUL LEADER.

BY HER YOU HAVE THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, DR. ELIZABETH FAGEN. AND SHE IS QUITE A LEADER.

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT SOME OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.

AND FINALLY LISA ALBY, ISD TRUSTY AND BRINGS THAT ELECTED TRUSTY PERSPECTIVE. I WILL NOT GO ON.

I WILL JUST START WITH SAMMY. I THINK THAT WOULD BE A GOOD PLACE. DO YOU WANT TO START?

>> WE KIND OF MADE OUR OWN -- >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS THE COMMISSION. I WILL TURN IT OVER TO THE COMMISSION. THANK YOU.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALLOWING US THIS OPPORTUNITY. IT WAS A GREAT LEARNING

[00:40:01]

EXPERIENCE. AS YOU ALL KNOW ON MAY 24TH, 2002, THE NATION MOURNED A SENSELESS MASS SHOOTING OF 21 INNOCENTS IN UVALDE, TEXAS. THIS EVENT, AGAIN, FOCUSED OUR ATTENTION ON HOW TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN AND OUR TEACHERS SAFE EVERY DAY IN OUR CLASSROOMS. WE CERTAINLY APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER. WHAT WE DID THIS SUMMER WAS VERY CONTENTS -- CONDENSED. YOU GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY AFTER UVALDE HAPPENED AND WE MET VERY INTENSELY AND MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE MONTH OF JULY BECAUSE WE WANTED TO PREPARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO UTILIZE IN GETTING BACK TO SCHOOL. SO I WILL FOCUS, I GUESS, ON WHAT MY PART WAS JUST AS IT IS THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT'S JOB TO

KEEP ITS CITIZENS -- >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU CAN CONTINUE.

>> JUST LIKE IT IS YOUR JOB TO KEEP THOSE IN HARRIS COUNTY SAFE, IT IS OUR JOB TO KEEP THE CHILDREN SAFE EVERY DAY WHEN THEY GO TO SCHOOL. HOW DO YOU DO THAT? WE FIRST FOCUSED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HARDENING OUR PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, LOCKING OUR FRONT DOORS AND HAVING A SINGLE POINT OF ACCESS. FIDELITY TO KEEPING OUR CLASSROOM DOORS LOCKED EVERY DAY DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME, AND MAKING SURE WE PRIORITIZE REPAIRS OF THEER PIMETER GATES AND LOCKS ANDHI TNGS LIKE THAT. MOST OF THOSE THINGSON D'T COST ANYMORE MONEY. HERE IS THE OVERALLND A THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. SAFETY IS A CULTURE.

SAFETY-- RE SAFETY IS RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE.WE HAVE TO FORETH SAKE E CONVENIENCE OF DROPPING OUR KID OFWHEREVER WE WANT EVERY MORNING, ORIN COMING A SIDE GATE I BECAUSET IS A LOT CLOSER TO THE CLASSROOMMI WE ARE CONG TO IN ORDERO TO COME TTHE FRONT AND CHECKT IN AND GEA BADGE AND THATTHAT FIDELITY TO SAFETY CULTURE.AL IT IS LIB OUR RESPONSILITIES AND WE HAVER TO DO IT FOOUR CHILDREN. T I WILLURNR MY TIME OVENOW TO DR. LIZTH FAGEN. ANK YOU VERY MUCH.,

>> MA'AMCAN YOUAN PLEASE NOUNCE YOUR NAME?

>> SURE.NO I DIDN'T KW THEY NEEDED IT.

>> THE LADY THAT JUST SPOKE. >> IF YOU WILL ADD YOUR NAMEIO D

AFFILIATN. >> LISA ALFI AND I AM AN ATTORNEYID AND THE VICE PRESENT OF THE SPRINGBO BRANCH SCHOOL

ARD.LG >> LINA HIDAO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> I AM LIZ FAGEN ANDDE THE SUPERINTENNT FOR UMBLE ISD. THEY F WORKED HARD ON SAFETYOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. IT TOOK ME A LITTLE WHILERE TO FIGURE OUT WHE I REALLY NEEDED TO BE IN MY LIFE.

I WASRS IN COLORADO FOR SIX YEAT WHERE THERE IS A L OF SCHOOLHA SAFETY STUFF THAT PPENS THERE. I LEARNED A LOT THERE.

AND I BRING THAT INFORMATION WITH ME.

WE TALKED ABOUT SO MANY THINGS AND RECOGNIZE WE ARE ON THESU SAFETY JOURNEY AND WE PPORT EACH OF THEM IN TAKING THE NEXT STEP FORWARD. THAT'S WHAT OUR REPORT IS ABOUT IS GIVING SOME PRIORITIES TO SOME THINGSN THAT SCHOOL DISTRICTS CA LOOK TOWARD. ONE OF OUR MILLERS -- ONE OF ON YOU PILLARS -- ONE OF OUR PILLARS ISAT ON COMMUNICATION.

COMMUNICION CAN BE A REALLY SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE HOPE HARRIS COUNTY MOVES FORWARD WITH AND WENS KNOWS THERE ARE CONSIDERATIO BEING HAD IS

INOPERABILITY --UE >> TOM RAMSEY: PLEASE CONTIN.

>> AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL. WE WORK IN OUR SILOS AND OUR ISOLATIONS SOMETIMES. WE WEBBING ROG -- WE RECOGNIZE THAT IT WILL NOT WORK. WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP ALL OF OUR CHILDREN AND ALL OF OUR STAFF SAFE.

AND THAT MEANS EVERYTHING FROM BASIC COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURES WHERE OUR TRANSPORTATION CENTERS AS WELL AS ALL FIRST RESPONDERS HAVE ACCESS TO UP TO THE MINUTE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES, BUILDING MAPS, ET CETERA, ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO PRINCIPALS UNDERSTANDING WHO ALL THEIR JURISDICTIONAL PARTNERS ARE. WE HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT RANGE FROM GETTING TOGETHER AS A COUNTY AND MAKING SURE WE HAVE QUALITY COMMUNICATION AND GIVING WHAT WE ARE CALLING CPR WHICH IS COFFEE, PRINCIPALS AND RESPONDERS.

ANYONE CAN HAVE MULTIPLE JURY -- JURISDICTIONS THAT SUPPORT THEM.

THE FIRST TIME SHOULDN'T BE IN AN EMERGENCY.

WE NEED TO KNOW THEM AND THEY NEED TO KNOW US.

WE ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDING THAT THAT HAPPENS.

ONE OF THE WAYS WE DO THAT IS FIRST RESPONDERS WHO COME AND EAT LUNCH AT OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, WE BUY THEIR LUNCH.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW

[00:45:02]

OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS AND REALLY FRANKLY OUR FACILITIES.

SOME OF OUR FACILITIES ARE COMPLICATED.

A LOT OF COMMUNICATION PIECES IN THERE AND IT IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITIES FOR ALL OF US TO WORK TOGETHER AND MAKE SURE WE HAVE THAT RIGHT. I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE TRACY WHO IS A TEACHER WHO I WOULD LOVE TO RECRUIT AND HAVE DONE SO UNSUCCESSFULLY. SHE IS AN ON THE GROUND KIND OF A GAL. WELCOME, TRACY.

>> I LOVE HER. MY NAME IS TRACY LADSEN AND I AM A TEACHER AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL. FIRST I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER ELLIS. IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE PRECINCT 1 AND I ALSO WANT TO THANK ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE. IT IS AN HONOR TO SERVE HARRIS COUNTY. I REALLY, REALLY WANT TO THANK YOU, TO START OUT. AND SO AS YOU CAN SEE THERE IS AN ONGOING THEME HERE WITH THIS COMMISSION THAT THIS WAS NOT BY NO MEANS A GOTCHA MOMENT. KWHA DASH CASH WHAT I WANT TO -- WHAT I WANT TO FOCUS ON IS THERE WAS NO --

>> PLEASE CONTINUE. >> FOR SAFETY PROTOCOL AMONG ALL OF THE STAKEHOLDERS I'M TALKING ABOUT FROM THE SCHOOL LEVEL TO ISD POLICE AND OFFICERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS AND DISPATCH. THERE IS NO ONE SINGLE PLAN.

THAT'S SCARY TO ME. THAT CAN BE EASILY FIXED.

I UNDERSTAND HOW IT CAN HAPPEN. EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN JURISDICTION. BUT WE ARE HOPING THAT WE CAN COME TO ONE SYSTEM WITH COMMON LANGUAGE THAT EVEN THE CHILDREN CAN UNDERSTAND. THE NEXT POINT I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT IS THE PRACTICE. IT IS THE PRACTICE ASPECT.

EVERYONE IS PRACTICING IN THEIR OWN AREA.

I AM HOPING THAT AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR WE CAN ALL COME TOGETHER AND PRACTICE. I KNOW THIS IS UPPED COULD OF -- I KNOW IT IS A RISK TOPIC AS FAR AS ELEMENTARY WITH THE LITTLE KIDS, BUT MAYBE WE CAN DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON THE WEEKEND WHERE WE WOULD ALL PRACTICE.

EVERYONE SETS A PLAN AND IF THAT PLAN IS NOT PRACTICED, HOW WOULD WE KNOW THE OUTCOME. THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT ON MY END.

I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE OUR STAR STUDENT, SAMMY.

>> GOOD MORNING. I WANTED THANK YOU FOR THIS

OPPORTUNITY. >> I WANTED TO PROVIDE STUDENTS AND PARENTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

IT IS IMPORTANT THEY HAVE THE TOOLS TO DEAL WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISTRESS BY PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH DISTRESS TRAINING AND STUDENTS AND PARENTS WILL BE BETTER INFORMED ON HOW TO HELP THOSE GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME. OTHER RESOURCES THAT STUDENTS CAN BE PROVIDED WITH ARE REPORTING SYSTEMS AND COUNSELING SYSTEMS. IT ENABLES STUDENTS TO SEEK HELP IF THEY SEE SOMETHING TROUBLING AND NOT ABLE TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT IT. OFTEN TIMES STUDENTS CAN HAVE DIFFICULTY TALKING TO PARENTS OR SOME OTHER PERSON.

BY USING AN ONLINE REPORTING SYSTEM, THE STUDENT CANNOT ONLY REPORT ACTIVITY THEY BELIEVE IS DANGEROUS, BUT THEY CAN CONSULT A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING A MEN TAL.

THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF PROTECTING KIDS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF SCHOOLS IS THROUGH OUR FIREARM SAFETY AND STORAGE EDUCATION. MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS BUSINESS ID FOR RESEARCH SHOWS HAVING ACCESS TO A BAR ARM -- A FIREARM INCREASES ACCIDENTS. HAVING SAFE STORAGE WE CAN PREVENT CHILDREN GETTING ACCESS TO A FIREARM IF THEY INTEND TO DO HARM TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT HARRIS COUNTY AS THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY CAN SET AN EXAMPLE FOR SAFETY AND GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

[00:50:10]

>> GOOD MORNING. I AM THE FOUNDER OF THE MOTHER OF GEORGE KENT, JUNIOR MURDERED IN 2013 BY COMMUNITY GUN VIOLENCE. AND I AM THE FOUNDER OF NO WEAPON, ONE LIFE EMPOWERMENT FOR YOU.

AS WELL AS I AM A MEMBER OF MOMS IN ACTION FOR CITY GUN VIOLENCE AND I AM A SURROGATE SPEAKER FOR EVERY TOWN FOR SAFETY.

FIRST I WANT TO THANK ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS.

THE LAST TIME I CAME I WAS A CRYING MESS.

I WAS REALLY, REALLY BAD. AND THEN TO BE ABLE FROM ADRIAN GARCIA TO BE APPOINTED TO THIS COMMISSION WAS ANOTHER WAY THAT I CAN STKAPBD UP -- I CAN STAND UP.

I SAID MY SON, AS LONG AS HE LIES IN A 10-FOOT HOLE, I CAN GET UP AND DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.

IT IS NOT ABOUT GEORGE. IT IS ABOUT THE CHILDREN WE HAVE TODAY. IT IS ABOUT STUDENTS LIKE SAMMY OFFERING HIS VOICE AND WHAT IS HAPPENING REALTIME ON THE GROUND LEVEL. AND I AM JUST SO HONORED THAT THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT WE SAT DOWN WITH REAL ISSUES AND WE CAN SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE ISSUES THAT ARE HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY AND HOW TO KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE.

YOU THINK ABOUT UVALDE, RIGHT? NOBODY THOUGHT ABOUT THE BODY BAGS, RIGHT? THE PARENTS HAD TO -- THAT'S HOW THEIR CHILDREN CAME BACK. THEY WENT TO SCHOOL WITH BACK -- BACKPACKS, BUT NOBODY THOUGHT ABOUT HOW THE CHILDREN WERE CARTED OUT OF THERE. AS A MOTHER, I WANT TO TELL YOU ALL THAT IT IS ABOUT ACCOUNTABILITY.

ALL OF THIS STUFF IS GOOD THAT WE PUT TOGETHER, BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PUTTING THE RESOURCES BEHIND TO IMPLEMENT, TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WE ARE SEEING, RECOMMENDATIONS WHETHER YOU ARE A BLUEPRINT OR LOCKED INDOORS AND WHETHER YOU DON'T HAVE ANYWAY OF DOING ANYTHING, BUT WE ARE COMING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ADDING MEAT TO WHAT WE ARE SEEING. I BELIEVE THAT WE NEED TO HIRE THE INCIDENT COORDINATOR TO ENSURE ALL THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT GOING ON SHALL DOUGH -- SHALLOW GROUND.

I WANTED TO BRING A PART OF GEORGE TODAY.

I WANTED TO GIVE YOU WHAT THIS IS LIKE AS A PARENT.

IT IS MY JOB TO DO THIS. COME HERE, SAMMY.

SAMMY IS ONE IN A MILLION, RIGHT? I WANTED TO BRING YOU THE BAG YOU DON'T SEE.

YOU GET THE BODY BAG, BUT YOU DON'T GET -- YOU DON'T SEE THIS BAG. THIS IS THE BAG THE FUNERAL HOME WILL GIVE YOU. THIS BAG SAYS MY SON WAS -- MY SON WAS 20 YEARS OLD. IT SAYS MR. GEORGE KENT, JUNIOR.

I NEVER THOUGHT OF MY SON AS A MISTER.

THE WORLD SAW HIM AS A MISTER, BUT HE WAS MY SON.

IN THIS BAG, YOU GET A REGISTRY BOOK OF EVERYBODY THAT CAME.

PEOPLE GIVE YOU TONS OF SYMPATHY CARDS.

I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT SYMPATHY CARDS DON'T WORK.

WHAT THIS COMMISSION PUT TOGETHER AND WHAT THE COMMISSION HAS ALLOWED US TO DO TO SAY WE HAVE TO COME TOGETHER TO SAVE OUR CHILDREN, THIS IS WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

DON'T MOVE, SAMMY. THIS IS ABOUT YOU.

MY SON GOT A CHANCE TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL.

SAMMY, WHAT YEAR ARE YOU IN? >> I'M A JUNIOR.

>> YOU'RE A JUNIOR. SAMMY, THIS COMMISSION IS HERE BECAUSE WE GOTTA MAKE SURE THINGS ARE PUT IN PLACE AND WE ARE COMMUNICATING AND FIRST RESPONDERS, ALL OF IT.

ACCOUNTABILITY. I CAN'T SAY IT ENOUGH.

DON'T YOU WANT ACCOUNTABILITY? >> YES.

>> THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOU TO DO.

THIS IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS MY SON'S GRADUATION ROBE. HE MADE IT.

SAMMY, GIVE ME A PIECE OF PAPER. GET IN HERE, SAMMY.

I'M YOUR MAMA TODAY, SAMMY. GET IN.

>> JUST STEP IN? >> JUST STEP ON IN.

YOU CAN GET THIS BEFORE GRADUATION.

THIS IS ABOUT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

>> HOPEFULLY IT FITS. >> THIS IS WHAT YOUR PARENTS HAVE HOPED AND DREAMED FOR YOU SINCE YOU WERE BORN.

>> FITS LIKE A GLOVE. >> LET ME ZIP YOU UP.

COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS WHAT WE WANT, RIGHT? THAT'S WHY THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER IS VERY IMPORTANT. IT IS SO SAMMY CAN WALK ACROSS

[00:55:05]

THAT STAGE. ISN'T THAT RIGHT, SAMMY? NOT THE BAG. HOLD THAT.

IF SAMMY CAN'T GET HERE AND THIS NAME CHANGES TO SAMMY, THEN WE HAVE ALL FAILED. WE HAVE ALL FAILED.

IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU OR I, BUT IT IS ABOUT -- MY GRANDKIDS, I HAVE FOUR. MY KIDS ARE LISTENING AND THEY ARE COUNTING ON EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

MY GRANDKIDS GOT READY TO GO TO SCHOOL AND THEY SAID HUH-UH -- THEY SAID NANA, ARE WE GOING TO BE SAFE? I DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY WERE PAYING ATTENTION.

THEY HEAR AND SEE THAT CHILDREN ARE BEING MURDERED IN SCHOOLS.

THEY ARE CONCERNED. I SAID, GUESS WHAT.

YOU ARE GONNA BE SAFE BECAUSE YOUR NANA, I HAVE GOTTEN UP AND WE ARE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT. SAMMY, TURN AROUND AND TAKE A BOW. NOW GIVE ME THAT.

THIS IS WHAT IT IS ABOUT. THANK YOU.

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY THANK EVERYONE WHO CAME TOGETHER TO PUT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS TOGETHER AND WE WILL DO AN EXCELLENT JOB TO STAY ON THE FRONT LINES TO MAKE SURE ALL OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE.

NOW GET OUT OF HERE. GIVE ME THAT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JULIA, WOULD YOU LIKE TO PUT A FOOT NOTE ON THAT?

>> I AM JULIA WITH HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL TODAY, ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. WHEN I GOT THE CALL I WAS EXTREMELY EXCITED. I HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING THREE YEARS LAST WEEK AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME MY DIVISION HAS BEEN VERY BOOKED AND BUSY. THE CULTURE OF SCHOOL SAFETY IS A PRIORITY IN OUR SCHOOLS. WE ARE WORKING TIRELESSLY WITH OUR COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO OPEN AND REMAIN SAFE THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR.

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR THE RESOURCES THEY ARE PROVIDING AND EACH OF YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR COMMISSIONS REPORT BOOKLET.

I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AGAIN FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE WORK AHEAD. THANK YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S THE REPORT AND I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE LORI CHRISTIANSON HERE AS WELL. LORI SPENT A LOT OF TIME AS A RESOURCE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A GROUP COME TOGETHER LIKE THAT. I WILL BE READING THE RESOLUTION AND ACKNOWLEDGING THEM AND THEIR WORK.

IT IS EXTRAORDINARY TO GET PEOPLE IN A ROOM THAT LEAVE THE POLITICS AT THE DOOR AND FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS.

THEY TRULY DID THAT. THE HARRIS COUNTY SAFE SCHOOL COMMISSION WAS CREATED IN THE WAKE OF THE UVALDE TRAGEDY TO PREPARE SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR THE 2022/23 SCHOOL YEAR.

WHEREAS THE COMMISSION WAS COMPRISED TO FIVE MEMBERS WHO REPRESENTED DIFFERENT AREAS OF EDUCATION, SAMMY, A HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR, A MEMBER OF MARCH FOR OUR LIVES,OU HSTON, TRACY A TEACHERT ATHEID MDLE SCHOOL. DR. ELIZABETH FAGEN ANDA LIS ANDREWSY ALBH WITSPRINGNC BRAH ISAN SD D MINISTERIS -- D.AN D MINISTERON SIMPSWE KIM, NEED TO GET YOU GET ONE YOU SOMA SPKINGEN ENGAGEMTS TO OUTLINE THE DETAILS.G ALONWITH THEN COMMISSIOTHAT WAS TASKEDTI WITH CREANG RECOMMENDATIONS ON BASICDA STANRDS OF CAREG BY WORKIN WITH SCHOOL A DISTRICTSND THE FIRE MARSHALND AND JULIA AREWSNT THE CEER FOR SAFE AND SECURE SCHOOLS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.

AGENCIES WHEREAS THE MEMBERS SCHOOLS COMMISSION TOOK TIME AWAY FROM THEIR PERSONALES AND FOCUS HOW LIVES TO TO KEEP THE CHILDREN IN OUR SCHOOL SAFES , RECOMMENDATIONON IMPROVED SAFETY RANGE FROM FACILITY ENHANCEMENT TOAL MENTAL HETH RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS IN THIS GROUP ANDGR DIVERSE BACKOUNDS AND UNIQUE IDEAS A WERE ABLE TO WORKS AA TEAM TOWARD COMMON GOAL.

NOW THEREFORE BE ITIS RESOLVED HARRS' COUNTY COMMISSIONER COURT EXTENDS APPRECIATION TONT THE HARRIS COUY SAFESI SCHOOL COMMISON FOR YOUR WORK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. T >> LINA HIDALGO:HANK YOUUR ALL

[01:00:06]

SO MUCH FOR YO INCREDIBLE WORK.

IT IS IMPORTANT. WE ARE SO, SO PROUD.

THE TIME THAT YOUAS SPEND, THE REPORT W WELL DONE AND I WILL BE CURIOUS --T COMMISSIONER, I DON'KNOW IF YOU WANT TO TAKE

THE ACTION ITEM WITH THIS C ONE? >> TOM RAMSEY:OULD WE?HI

>> LINA HIDALGO: I TNK WE COULD SO OUR DEPARTMENTS CAN DO THE FOLLOW-UP TO SEE WHAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH US.

I'M A PROPONENT OF BEING ABLE TO SIT DOWN WITH YOU AND SAYING THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO AND THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT ARE OUTSIDE OF OUR CONTROL. YOU CAN HELP US ADVOCATE BY MEETING WITH THIS AND THIS AND THISST PERSON, WHATEVER THE NEXT EPS ARE. OBVIOUSLY IT IS ACTIONABLE AND IT IS THOUGHTFUL. THE RADIO FREQUENCY RECOMMENDATION I THOUGHT WAS VERY IMPORTANT.

THE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW THERE IS A $20 MILLION INVESTMENT OF ARPA DOLLARS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND THAT'S VERY EXCITING. HOPEFULLY THERE IS MORE TO COME.

AND OF COURSE WE CAN -- IT IS SORT OF THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, RIGHT? IT IS A LACK OF COMMON SENSE GUN SAFETY LAWS. WE HAVE TO DO THIS AND WE HAVE TO DO THAT. JUST KNOW WE HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING AND THE COUNTY WE ARE WORKING ON GUN VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION PROGRAM. YOU GO TO THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL AND SOMEBODY IS THERE WITH A GUNSHOT WOUND AND AS THEY FIGURE OUT HOW TO STOP THAT TIT-FOR-TAT GAME.

YOUNG BOYS AT-RISK OF BEING INVOLVED IN GUN VIOLENCE.

THE GUN BUY BACK, COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS LEADING THAT.

WE ARE NOT JUST GOING TO SIT ON OUR HANDS AND WAIT FOR THINGS TO CHANGE. WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN AND WE ARE GOING TO TRY TO CHANGE THE FRAMEWORK. THANK YOU EACH OF YOU FOR THIS AND FOR THE WORK THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU DOES IN THE COMMUNITY. SUPERINTENDANT, IT IS A TREAT TO HAVE WORKED WITH YOU ALL DURING COVID.

I APPRECIATE EACH OF YOU. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANT TO THANK THEM AS WELL FOR THE WORK THEY DID. AND IT IS IMPORTANT.

I'M ASSUMING FROM MY REVIEW, YOUR RECOMMEND -- YOUR RECOMMENDATION, YOU CAN LOOK AT WHERE YOU CAN FIND CONSENSUS.

I KNOW YOU LIKE TO SAY, YOU STAY AWAY FROM POLITICS, BUT EVERYTHING IS POLITICS. I TELL MY CHILDREN THAT ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO IN LIFE, IF WE JUST FOCUS ON THE THINGS THAT WE AGREE ON, WE WILL GET MUCH DONE. I'M JUST GUESSING AND I WON'T ASK THE QUESTION. I'M JUST GUESSING IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK, WOULD ANY OF YOU OPPOSE -- SAMMY, 16 OR 17?

>> 17. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WOULD ANY OF YOU OPPOSE SAMMY HAVING TO WAIT UNTIL HE IS 21 IF HE WANTED TO LEGALLY BUY AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON? I KNOW THE ANSWER.

I HOPE YOU WILL USE YOUR VOICE. I HOPE YOU GO TO SOME CITY COUNCILS. USE YOUR VOICE ON THIS COMMISSION AND COME UP WITH THINGS THAT WILL TAKE SOME MONEY THINK ABOUT IT IN THIS COUNTRY. MORE GUNS ARE IN THE HANDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS. GOOGLE IT.

I KNOW THE UVALDE CITY COUNCIL AND THE SCHOOL BOARD AND THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND ALL OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS SOMEBODY ASKED THE GOVERNOR TO CHANGE THE LAW.

TAKE IT BACK UP TO 21, BUT EVEN IF ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE DONE -- I NEVER HAD TO DUCK AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON, BUT SOME PEOPLE HAVE. IF YOU GET ALL OF THEM, YOU WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME COMING OUT ALIVE.

I DON'T WANT YOU TO FEEL BAD FOR INJECTING POLITICS, BUT IT IS ALL POLITICS. WE WOULDN'T HAVE MORE GUNS THAN ANY NATION ON THE PLANET, ANY OF THEM, IN THE HANDS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS, IF IT WERE NOT FOR PEOPLE LAYING BACK AND NOT WANTING TO TOUCH THAT ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, AS YOU REFERRED TO. YOU HAVE A PLATFORM NOW.

YOU GO TO AUSTIN AND YOU CAN SA. A COUPLE OFK YOU I HAVE SEEN AT

[01:05:17]

THAT EVENT. I WANT TO THANU.YOU AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO KEEP PUSHING. THANK YO

>> THANK YOU. MOTION.RAMSEY: LET ME MAKE A I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE AT THIS POINT TO CONTINUE WHAT I WILL CALL BOLD. A LOT OF PEOPLE TALK ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS, BUT YOU TALKED ABOUT BOLD ISSUES.

THE MOTION IS TO EXTEND THE SAFE SCHOOLS COMMISSION.

UNDERSTAND, THEY DID THIS IN A MONTH.

IT WAS ONE MONTH. THIS IS AN EXAMPLE WHEN YOU GET IN THE ROOM AND FOCUS. MY MOTION IS TO EX -- EXTEND THE HARRIS COUNTY SAFE SCHOOLS COMMISSION AND THE APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMISSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR SO THEY MAY FOLLOW-UP AND MONITOR THE SUCCESS OF MANY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THEY MAKE.

THAT'S THE MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM PROUD TO SECOND THAT, AND MAYBE WE SHOULD ADD GIVING EXPENSES TO GO TO AUSTIN AND MAKE THESE POINTS AND THIS LAST ONE I MADE AS WELL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COULD I ADD A PROPOSED ADDITION THAT THE OFFICE ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET IN CONSULTATION WITH OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS EVALUATE AND REPORT BACK ON THE BUDGET IMPACT AND FEASIBILITY OF RECOMMENDATIONS? HERE IS WHAT IT WOULD READ IN ITS ENTIRETY IF WE PUT ALL THREE THINGS TOGETHER. THAT WE EXTEND THE HARRIS COUNTY STATE SCHOOL COMMISSION AND THE APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMISSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR SO WE MAY FOLLOW-UP AND MONITOR ON SUCCESS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. THAT WE COVER EXPENSES --

COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER? >> RODNEY ELLIS: GO TO AUSTIN

AND TESTIFY ON SAFETY ISSUES. >> LINA HIDALGO: EXPENSES FOR THEM TO GO TO AUSTIN AND TESTIFY ON GUN SAFETY ISSUES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW ABOUT MAKE IT MORE SPECIFIC AND BANNING SEMIAUTOMATIC WEAPONS UNLESS YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT.

WE WON'T GO THAT FAR. JUST SAY RAISING IT TO THE AGE

OF 21 BEFORE SAMMY CAN BUY ONE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE REASON THE COMMISSION WAS PUT TOGETHER WAS TO GET THINGS ON A PIECE OF PAPER. MY MOTION IS TO EXTEND THE COMMISSION FOR A YEAR SO THAT THEY CAN MONITOR WHAT THEY ADVOCATED. I THINK TO ADD MANDATES -- WE MANDATE THEM OR DIRECT THEM TO DO ANYTHING SPECIFIC.

WE SAID Y'ALL GET IN A ROOM AND YOU HAVE A CONVERSATION AMONGST YOU AND REACH A CONSENSUS AND DECIDE TO BEGIN TO DIRECT POLICY TO THE COMMISSION. I THINK --

>> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST REALIZED WE ARE MISSING A MEMBER WHICH IS WHY I HAVEN'T TAKEN ANY OF THE RESOLUTIONS.

WE WILL TAKE ALL THREE RECOMMENDATIONS SEPARATELY WHEN WE HAVE A FULL COURT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID HE IS

RUNNING LATE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW YOU SAID EXTEND IT FOR A YEAR. SO THAT MEANS THEY COULD STILL MEET AND IF THEY WANTED TO VOTE ON THAT ITEM, JUST SAYING SAMMY COULDN'T GET AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON LEGALLY UNTIL HE HE WAS 21, IS -- IF THAT WAS ON THE AGENDA WOULD YOU BE FOR IT THEN?

>> TOM RAMSEY: PUT IT TO THE COMMISSION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA RETURNS WE WILL VOTE ON THE MOTION TO APPOINT FOR A ADDITIONAL YEAR AND MOTION FOR OFFICE AND MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO IDENTIFY THE BUDGET IMPACT. AND THEN THE COMMISSION HAS A CHARGE TO -- IF YOU HAVE FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO BRING THEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SAMMY, YOU KNOW YOU WON'T BE 21 UNTIL YOU GET TO BE 21 NOW. YOU MAKE THAT MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANYWAY, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK AND THE THOUGHTFUL REPORT.

DID YOU HAVE ANOTHER ITEM, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THAT'S IT >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S IT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE TWO ITEMS. THE FIRST IS A RETIREMENT OF SOMEONE THAT HAS WORKED WITH HARRIS COUNTY FOR QUITE AWHILE AND THAT IS QUINCY ALLEN, AND WE HAVE OUR COHORT COMING ON DOWN.

MR. QUINCY ALLEN BEGAN HIS DEPARTMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF -- WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN 1985.

MR. ALLEN HILLARY -- WILL RETIRE ON AUGUST 31ST, 2022.

A 6TH GENERATION HOUSTONIAN WHO GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS IN 1984, NOT A LOT OF ENGINEERS FROM THERE, WITH A BS IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING AND EASTERNED A BS IN -- EARNED A BS IN CIVILLEN -- CIVIL ENGINEERING.

[01:10:01]

HIS OFFICE ADMINISTERED THE CONTRACTS TO REMOVE THE BAY TOWN TUNNEL THAT WAS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER OF 1999 AND THE RECONSTRUCTION BECAME THE DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE FOR THE HOUSTON DISTRICT IN 2009 AND OVER SAW THE COMPLETION OF THE JOHN W JOHNSON FERRY. THE FIRST PERFORMANCE-BASED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS FOR THE HOUSTON DISTRICT.

IT WAS PROMOTED TO THE DEPUTY DISTRICT ENGINEER AND WAS THE ENGINEER IN APRIL OF 2015. AND WHEREAS MR. ALLEN WAS THE CURRENT DIRECTOR OF DISTRICT OPERATIONS, A POSITION HE HELD SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 2019 WHICH HE OVERSEES THE 25TEXDOT DISTRICTS IN PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN TEXAS.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT CONGRATULATES MR. QUINCY ALLEN FOR HIS MANY YEARS AND

GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. >> THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK YOU THAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE PHONE LINE OPEN.

IF I HAD AN ISSUE OR A QUESTION OR A DIS-- DISAGREEMENT I WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO PICK IT UP AND CALL YOU.

WE HAD A CUP OF COFFEE AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE -- THE COMMENT EARLIER WAS HAVING COFFEE SOMETIMES IS THE BEST THING. SO IF YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH IT IS A BETTER WAY TO GO.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE WILLINGNESS TO TALK AND HAVE A

CUP OF COFFEE ALONG THE WAY. >> COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU.

IT HAS BEEN MY PLEASURE TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS IN THIS JEB. IN THIS JOB ESPECIALLY THE ONES THAT LIVE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THAT'S WHERE MY HOME IS.

HOUSTON DISTRICT HAS SIX COUNTIES AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THAT AND THE PEOPLE THERE AND THE PROJECTS WE HAVE IN THIS AREA. VERY MUCH APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMISSION AND THANK YOU AGAIN FTOREK COG TPHAOEUZING ME.

-- FOR RECOGNIZING ME. VERY DEDICATED EMPLOYEES.

THIS ORANGE RIBBON REMINDS ME TO BE SAFE IN WORK ZONES.

IF I HAVE ONE ASK, I ASK YOU TO ENCOURAGE THOSE THAT YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH TO TAKE IT EASIER AND SLOWER AND A LITTLE MORE DILIGENTLY, ESPECIALLY GOING THROUGH WORK ZONES.

WE HAVE A BIG LIFT THERE TRYING TO REDUCE THE FATALITIES ON OUR SYSTEM. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR RECOGNIZING

ME. >> THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO OUR REGION.

WE APPRECIATE YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: QUINCY, WHAT IS NEXT?

>> I WAS LISTENING TO A KENNY ROGERS SONG THAT SAYS "I'M HAPPY FOR WHATEVER THE NEXT LIFE BRINGS." ANYWAY, THERE ARE A LOT OF FOLKS THAT WANT ME TO VISIT WITH THEM, BUT RIGHT NOW I AM FOCUSED ON THE FINISH LINE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO TAKING A REST OR MAYBE A VACATION WITH MY WIFE AND DO SOME OTHER THINGS. A LOT OF YOU THAT KNOW ME KNOW THAT WE GO PRETTY HARD WHERE WE ARE AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO

A BREAK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SAW YOU EARLIER. COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING IN YOUR OFFICE, BUT HE CAME IN MINE.

I THOUGHT HE LOOKS FAMILIAR. >> OUR CHILDREN GREW UP TOGETHER AND IT WAS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOU.

YOU WERE CRITICAL IN US OVERCOMING SOME SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES AND WE ARE THA*PLG -- THANKFUL FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WAS IT OUR KIDS IN POLIO?

>> I'M SORRY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: KIDS, WHERE

WERE THEY TOGETHER? >> WE LIVED ON ADDISON.

NICOLE LIVED ACROSS FROM WILL, MY SON.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ROBERTS. >> ROBERTS WAS THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. ANYWAY, WE TRY TO KEEP UP WITH NICOLE. SHE IS VERY ACCOMPLISHED.

IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURABLE EXPERIENCE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SHE KEEPS UP WITH YOUR SON AS WELL.

SOMEBODY SENT A NOTE AND SAID YOU ALL WILL DO SOMETHING WITH THE TOURISM TRAILS. DID YOU GET FEDERAL MONEY? SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN WITH THE STATEWIDE TRAIL NETWORK?

>> ELIZA IS HERE AND CAN SPEAK MORE TO THE DETAILS OF THAT.

I HAVE HEARD OF IT, BUT I AM NOT FAMILIAR ENOUGH TO SPEAK AT THIS

POINT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO GIVE YOU CREDIT. DO YOU BIKE RIDE?

>> I DO AND MY FATHER HAS MILLIONS OF MILES ON A BICYCLE.

THE BUYS -- BICCYCLING KPHOPBT IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE WOULD LIKE TO FIND OTHER WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I ALWAYS ENJOYED WORKING WITH QUINCY.

HE COULD BE AT ANY PUBLIC MEETING AND YOU COULD ASK HIM ABOUT THE MOST OBSCURE PROJECT IN YOUR 6-COUNTY AREA AND HE

[01:15:04]

WOULD KNOW EVERYTHING. HE WOULD KNOW THE STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION AND HE WOULD KNOW THE STATUS OF THE CHANGE ORDINANCE. THAT ATTENTION TO DETAIL, QUINCY, IS WHAT WE CELEBRATE HERE.

WE THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.

>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DO WANT TO RECOGNIZE YOU ALL.

THANK YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: WITH YOUR

INDULGENCE? >> LINA HIDALGO: PLEASE.

>> I WANT TO CONGRATULATE QUINCY FOR ANXC EELLENT CAREER.

WELLON DE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU HAVE TO

SAYOU YR NAME. >>LI EZA PAUL I WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT FORIN GIVG USS THIACCOLADE W ANDE REALLY APPRECIATEAN IT D LOOK FORWARD

TO WORKINGY' WITH ALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> I APOLOGIZE.

IT DIDN'REALIZE SHE SLIPPED BEHIND ME.U YOHAVE A VERY CAPABLE LEADER IN ELIZA,DE SMART, DICATED,NA TECIOUS. SHE H AND HERUSBAND MAKE THEIR HOME IN OUR C DISTRICT,ERTAINLYM THE OUNT OF WORK TXDOT HAS ISAN CRAZY DG SHE IS DOIN AN AMAZING JOB.

I AMR PROUD OF HEAND THANKFUL TO BE ONAM THE SAME TE WITHTH H.

ANK YOU.A >> LINHIDALGO: THANK YOU.R ANY OTHE SPEAKERS FOREM THIS IT? COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S FINALON RESOLUTI.CK

>> R. JA CAGLE: OUR LAST ITEME IS ALSO ONAR THAT IS VERY NE AND DEAR TO MY HEART WHEN TROUBLE COMESL AND FOLKS FROM AO PLACES COME GETHERER TO WORK TOGETH AND TO OVERCOME THOSES TROUBLES, IT IA BEAUTIFUL THING TO SEE EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY. WE ARE HERE TO HONOR -- AND BRIDGE CREWSIN LIKE BRIDGE CREWS OTHER PRECINCTS DON'T GET A LOT OF RECOGNITION. OUR PARKS GUYS DON'T GETY RECOGNITION, BUT THEARE THETH ONES THAT MAKE SURE ET TREES ARE CLEARED OUOFER THE WAY SO THAT OTH FIRSTER RESPONDERS CAN GET THE. THEY MAKE SURE THE BARRICADES FOLKS DON'T GO THROUGH THE HIGH WATERS.

AND WHEN THERE IS AN EPISODE LIKE THIS THEY JUMP UP ON THE DOZERS TO CREATE THE FIREBREAKS AND THEYOT PARTNER WITH ALL OF E HER GREAT FIRST RESPONDERS WE HAVE IN THE MIX.

WHERE IS THE ICE MAN? PATRICK, I'M NOT GOING TO MAKE YOU SPEAK, BUT I DO WANT YOU TO STAND OVER HERE.

PATRICK, WE CALL HIM THE ICEMAN AND DURING THE STORM WE HAD, HE WAS THE LEAD. HE HAS BEEN THE ICEMAN EVER SINCE. HE DOESN'T LIKE TO TALK, JUDGE.

HE DOES LOOK PRETTY. IS THAT A FAIR ENOUGH TRADE? WHEREAS OUR FIRST RESPONDERS STAND READY TO PROTECT AND SERVE THE CONSTITUENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY WHEN TROUBLE ARISES.

AND IT IS DUE TO EXTREME DROUGHT CONDITIONS A DEADLY WILDFIRE BROKE OUT IN THE CYPRESS AREA ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 4TH, AND WHEREAS THANKS TO THE RAPID RESPONSE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENTS OF CYPRESS CREEK, ROSE HILL, CLON, TOMBALL, MAGNOLIA, OUR OWN HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE AND THE SHERIFF OFFICE, THE TEXAS A AND M FORESTRY SERVICE TOM RAMSEY AND HIS TEAM FOR LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, THEY BROUGHT THE COLD WATER AND THE HEAT. THE HARRIS COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE PARKS AND TRAILBLAZERS PERSONNEL.

THIS WILDFIRE WAS DISTINGUISHED BEFORE IT COULD GROW OUT OF CONTROL AND THREATEN MORE LIVES AND PROPERTY.

WE HAD A TRAGIC LOSS, BUT MORE COULD HAVE BEEN LOST.

WE WANT TO PERMANENTLY RECOGNIZE THAT THEY ARE ALWAYS STANDING READY. THESE BRAVE INDIVIDUALS CREATED A FIREBREAK USING AVAILABLE RESOURCES.

CHRIS, ERIC, BRAD HILL, DAVID, PETE, MIKE CONNOR, JUNIOR.

MIKE CONNOR, SENIOR, JOEY, DARRIN MOORES, LANG, CHRISTOPHER SHARP, JULIO GONZALEZ, PATRICK THE ICEMAN, LITTLE LEE, JACOB LEE, DANNY PIPES -- WHERE ARE YOU? STAND UP. MARK NOSKY.

[01:20:02]

WHERE IS NOSKY? HE HAD TO HOLD THE FORT DOWN.

STAND UP TRAVIS. GRANT -- STAND UP WHEN I CALL YOUR NAME. TRAVIS KELLY, DAVID, HECTOR, BRANDON, SANTOS MORENO, JACOB, ANTHONY, RONNIE MURPHY, ISAAC TEJADO, DAVID ROMERO, RON BLACK. THAT IS THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF ROAD AND BRIDGE.

I DON'T THINK I HAVE SEEN YOU WITHOUT YOUR HAT.

AND SERGEANT TOMMY ATKINSON OF PRECINCT 4 CONSTABLE.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HONOR THE FIRST RESPONDERS TO THE CYPRESS WILDFIRE.

SHARE EXEMPLARY SERVICE WAS A SHINING LIGHT IN OUR COMMUNITY ACROSS TEXAS. ORDERED THIS RESOLUTION BE PUT

ON THE MINUTES TODAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL

SO MUCH. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR FORGIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE RECOGNIZED. I AM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PRECINCT 4 AND WE WANTED TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE FOR ALLOWING US TO COME DOWN HERE AND HAVE THIS RESOLUTION.

RECOGNIZE THE HARD WORK THAT OUR TEAM DOES.

EVERY DAY IT IS TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR CONSTITUENTS.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

JOCK

>> R. JACK CAGLE: NONE OF THE OTHER ROAD AND BRIDGE GUYS WANT TO TALK? THIS GENTLEMAN DOESN'T LIKE TO TALK A LOT, BUT HE MAY BE SURPRISED.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE RECOGNITION.

WE DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO HELP THE COMMUNITY WITH WHATEVER MEANS. WHATEVER PARTNER WE HAVE TO CALL

IN BE IT OTHER AGENCIES. >> THANK YOU.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: YOU KNOW YOU ARE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE MICROPHONE THAN THESE OTHER FOLKS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO. LORI CHRISTIANSON, YOUR HARRIS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL. I SIGNED UP IF YOU HAD ANY QUESTIONS, BUT THIS TEAM HAD -- IT WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE TO SEE THEM KEEP THE FARE TO 27-ACRES. I KNOW WHAT HE DID TO BRING EVERYBODY TOGETHER, IT IS ALL ABOUT -- WE TALKED ABOUT INCIDENT COMMAND AND WE TALK ABOUT UNIFIED COMMAND AND THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED. EVERYBODY COMING TOGETHER MADE THIS WORK. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THEM AND GRATEFUL FOR THE RAIN RIGHT NOW.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH.

WHEN WE HEARD ABOUT IT IT WAS THE NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND THE EFFICIENCY YOU WOULD GET THIS UNDER CONTROL.

IT IS VERY CLEAR HOW SEEMLESSLY EVERYBODY WORKS.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART COMMUNITY, BUT IT IS CLOSE TO ME BECAUSE I RIDE MY BIKE OUT THERE

ALL THE TIME. >> YOU KNEW EXACTLY WHERE I WAS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE KEEPING US ALL SAFE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS IT FOR THE RESOLUTION AND LET'S TAKE SOME PICTURES AND HOPEFULLY COMMISSIONER GARCIA WILL BE

BACK. >> R. JACK CAGLE: GUYS,

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 12:06 AND I SUGGEST WE BEGIN TAKING THE SPEAKERS. WHEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA RETURNS WE CAN TAKE HIS ITEMS AND GO OVER THE LIST OF DISCUSSION

[Appearances before court (Part 2 of 3)]

ITEMS. DO YOU HAVE SPEAKERS READY TO

GO, TIFFANY? >> YES, MA'AM.

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

>> FIRST IS SPEAKER NUMBER 20 -- I'M SORRY.

YEAH. SPEAKER NUMBER 23, APRIL AGUIRRE SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 21 UNDER COVID-19.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HELLO, EVERYBODY.

[01:25:03]

I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE, BOY, DO I WISH WE TREATED CRIME LIKE WE DID COVID-19. WE HAVE ANALYZED IT ON A WEEKLY BASIS TO SEE WHERE WE WERE AND WHAT WORKED AND DIDN'T WORK.

NOT ONE INDIVIDUAL HAS ALL THE ANSWERS.

HOWEVER, WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING AND THE LIVES THAT ARE BEING CAUSED BY THIS, IT ANGERS ME.

WE HAVE SO MANY RESOURCES GOING TOWARD THE LIBRARY AND THINGS LIKE THAT. OUR NIECE, MY SISTER'S DAUGHTER, WILL NEVER GO TO THAT LIBRARY. THE SIDEWALKS, SHE WILL NEVER WALK THEM. FOR US TO SEE MONEY SPENT LIKE THAT IS INSULTING. WHEN YOU LOSE LIVES, IT IS A LIFE-LONG LOSS. OUR OTHER FRUSTRATION IS WE ARE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND A SYSTEM THAT WE DON'T TRULY UNDERSTAND UNTIL TODAY. BUT WE'RE TRYING.

AND IT IS SO COMPLICATED. >> TOM RAMSEY: PLEASE CONTINUE.

>> I WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT LITTLE I HAVE FOUND AND THAT IS THAT THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE WAS INCREASED 91%.

THAT WAS CRAZY TO ME BECAUSE I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR A D.A. AS WELL. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW OUR CASE, BUT THE PERSON THAT KAOELD ARLENE AND PUT A BULLET IN HER HEAD WAS [INAUDIBLE] AND A LOT OF PEOPLE THOUGHT I WOULD BE UPSET WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

I AM SAD AND UPSET. I AM WOMAN ENOUGH TO STAND HERE AND PUT MY DIFFERENCES ASIDE EVEN THOUGH THEY IN A SENSE FAILED OUR FAMILY AND SAY I HAVE DOZENS OF FRIENDS THAT HAVE BECOME FAMILY TO US THAT STILL NEED JUSTICE.

HAVING 130,000 BACKLOG CASES IS UNACCEPTABLE.

VIVIEN KING WAS HERE AT LAST COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

THE $7 MILLION THAT KIM OGG FOUGHT FOR SHE RECEIVED $798,000. YOU CANNOT ADEQUATELY RUN A DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WITH THOSE AMOUNT OF FUNDS.

THE OTHER ISSUE I HAVE IS THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE WERE GOING TO DO TO HELP WITH THE COURT BACKLOG, BUT WE WANT TO FIGHT CRIME THROUGH OTHER METHODS THAT ARE NOT NORMAL. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH THIS. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION -RPBGS AND -- AND WE STILL HAVE $565 MILLION FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE RECOVERY FUNDS THAT WE HAVEN'T USED.

SO WHY NOT -- NOBODY CAN SIT HERE AND ARGUE WITH ME THAT COVID WASN'T THE FACTOR FOR WHY COURTS ARE BACKLOGGED.

WHY NOT THROW EVERYTHING AT IT. IF WE CAN THROW $50 MILLION TOWARD INTERNET, IF WE CAN THROW $50 MILLION TOWARD LEAD TESTING, IF WE CAN THROW $50 MILLION TOWARD HOMELESSNESS, WHY CAN'T WE GET $50 MILLION TO KIM OG. YOU WOULDN'T HAVE ME UP HERE FIGHTING WITH YOU OR UPSET IF I SAW YOU ADEQUATELY FUNDING THESE PEOPLE TO RECOVER FROM COVID DID TO THE COURTS.

NOW, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A TEMPORARY PROBLEM AND WE CAN'T GET PROSECUTORS FROM NOW TO THE FUTURE, BUT WHAT WE CAN DO IS TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE.

I JUST DON'T SEE IT. YOU HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE.

AND I'M LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS. AGAIN, I DON'T SEE WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. YOU WENT ON TWITTER AND YOU SAID , WELL, IF SOMEBODY IS LYING, POINT THEM OUT.

I'M SORRY. I AM LOOKING AT THESE NUMBERS AND DON'T SEE THEM. YOU PAID HALF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR A STUDY FOR THEM TO FIGURE OUT HOW MANY PROSECUTORS YOU NEEDED. ONE STUDY SAID 57.

THE OTHER SAID OVER 30. THERE THERE WAS 18 GIVEN.

THEY ARE NOT THERE. THEY ARE NOT THERE.

THE ONE THAT IS LYING TO THE COMMUNITY IS YOU BECAUSE I'M LOOKING AT WHAT YOU ARE PUBLICIZING AND IT IS NOT THERE.

HELP ME UNDERSTAND. MAYBE I'M THE DUMB ONE.

MAYBE EVERYBODY ELSE IS WRONG. HAVE I SEEN CONSTABLES, THE SHERIFF, THE D.A. AND I AM JUST A REGULAR PERSON PLEASE, IS EVERYBODY ELSE WRONG OR YOU WRONG? WHO IS IT? CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME HOW MUCH MONEY WE ARE GOING TO PUT TOWARD THE D.A. TO TRY TO FIX THIS BACKLOG PROBLEM FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE FUNDS?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> I HAVE A QUESTION. CAN YOU ANSWER MY QUESTION? HOW MUCH ARE WE PUTTING TOWARD THE D.A. FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN. IT IS SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO TELL THE PUBLIC. IT SAYS THAT YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE COUNTY OPERATION JUSTICE AND SAFETY COURT BACKLOG.

BESIDES THAT $7 MILLION WHICH I BELIEVE ONLY RECEIVED $798,000, HOW MUCH MORE ARE WE GOING TO GIVE OUR COURT BACKLOGS.

[01:30:02]

THERE IS A REASON FEDERAL FUNDS WERE IMPLEMENTED TOWARD THE CITIES TO HELP RECOVER FROM COVID.

DEFENDANTS WILL WAIT FIVE YEARS BEFORE THEY GO TO JAIL.

THAT MEANS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF REOFFENDING IS VERY HIGH. NOW I'M GONNA TELL YOU ONE OTHER THING. YOU HAVE PRIVATE SECURITY, SWEETIE, WE DON'T. NOT EVEN THE CONSTABLES ARE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU. WE VOTED FOR YOU, LINA.

WE'RE DISAPPOINTED. WE ARE A DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE SHIFTING TO THE REPUBLICAN WORLD.

THE PEOPLE WE VOTED FOR ARE TPHOPT --

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED AN INTERPRETER TO TRANSLATE WHAT

SHE SAID IN SPANISH? >> ANY TIME WE HAVE --

>> IN SPANISH I SAID IT IN ENGLISH.

I JUST SAID IT TO THE JUDGE IN SPANISH BECAUSE SHE FORGETS WE ARE HISPANIC AND WE ARE THE PEOPLE SHE TARGETED FOR A VOTE.

>>EA YH. ANY TIME SOMEONEPE SAKS IN SPANISHT INEEDS TOE B TRANSLATED SO EVERYONEAN C UNDERSTAND. WE SHOULD GENERALLYAV HE AN INTERPRETER. I WILL SAYT THAANY OF THE ISSUESTE IN RMSRE OF SPONSES TO SPEAKER IF IT IS RELATEDAN TO AGENDAM ITEYOU CAN ADDRESS THOSEIN DURG THE AGENDA ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS T GOINGOU GGEST -- THANK YOU.

ARE YOUHE FINISD? WEO CAN GBACK TO THE

RESOLUTIONS?>> CA WHEN N I GETSW AN ANER TO

MYN. QUESTIO >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU CAN

WITHIO COMMISSNER RAMSEY. >> HE ISCO NOT MY MMISSIONER.

HEOM IS MY CMISSIONER.NE I ED. ANSWERS THESE FAMILIES NEED ANSWERS. I ENCOURAGE EVERY ONE OF YOU TO COME TO APP PARENT SUORTER ORTH- EY ARE HELD EVERY -- SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH ATTO CRIMESPPERS.

COME AND SEE OUR PAIN. W ARLENEAS SUPPOSEDE TO START TH 5TH GRADEN' AND SHE DIDT.T IT IS NOJUSTNS US.

CHILDREN. WE LOST 33 SINCEAT 2022.

TH'S MORE THAN UVALDE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> JUDGE, DO YOU WANT TO KEEP

GOING WITH THE>> SPEAKERS? RODNEY ELLIS: NO.

IF WE CAN I MOVE WETH GO BACK TO E RESOLUTIONS.

[Departments (Part 3 of 4)]

>> LINA HIDALGO: SURE.LI >> RODNEY ELS: HAVE I AMM RESOLUTION, COISSIONERI GARCIA, WHERE WANT TO HONOR FROM YOUR PRECINCT. YOU GOT THE NACO AWARD AND I WA OUT THERE YELLINANDU. SCREAMING FOR YO IN DENVER COMMISSIONERAM GARCIA AND HIS TE WERE PRESENTED WITH AN ACHIEVEMENTTI AWARD FROM THE NAONAL OFFICIALS.ON OF COUNTY IT WAS -- THEY GOT FOUR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS.E THEY HONOR INNOVATIVRO, EFFECTIE COUNTY PGRAMS THAT PROVIDE MODEL PROGRAM THAT'S CAN BEE ADOPTED TO SERVE PEOPLAROUND THE COUNTRY.

THE RESOLUTION SAYS WHEREAS PRECINCT 2 IS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS COMMITMENTS TO COMMUNITIES OF GOVERNING, WAS PRAISED FOR ENABLING 500 VACCINES AND ALLOWED OUR TEAM TO ADMINISTER 100,000 COVID TESTS AND OVER 10 LOCATIONS.

ALL OF THE EVENTS WERE FREE OF CHARGE AND DID NOT REQUIRE ANY ID OR INSURANCE. DURING WINTER STORM YURI PRECINCT 2 TURNED TRAGEDY TO AN OPPORTUNITY TO SECURE EQUAL -- QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS TO REPAIR THE BURSTS WATER PIPES AMID THE VAST LABOR AND MATERIAL SHORTAGES.

AND PRECINCT 2 LAUNCHED TO EMPOWER E TO E PROGRAMS THAT ARE LIVING INEN RAMP -- LIVING IN ENCAMPMENTS AND MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC PROPERTIES. THEY ARE CONNECTED TO HOUSING SERVICES AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING.

THE PROGRAM SUCCESS WAS BEING REPLICATED ELSEWHERE IN THE COUNTRY. AND WE TRY TO DO IT IN PRECINCT 1NACO AWARDED PRECINCT 2 RECOGNITION FOR ITS INNOVATIVE RIM OF VIOLENT SERVICES THROUGH PARK INSTALLATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENT SOLAR LIGHTS AT CHANNEL WOOD PARK AND ADDRESSED SAFETY CONCERNS AND EXTENDED HOURS FOR RESIDENTS.

THE LIGHTS WERE TRYING TO, A, HELP BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEAL WITH PROBLEMS THEY HAD IN THAT COMMUNITY. IT INCREASED BRIGHTNESS TO 30% AND IT INCREASED LIGHT INTENSITY IF MOTION IS DETECTED WHICH DETERS UNWANTED ACTIVITY. I JUST WANTED TO DO SOMETHING TO HONOR YOU AND YOUR STAFF, COMMISSIONER, FOR DOING A GREAT JOB. I KNOW I GAVE UH KUDOS IN FRONT OF OUR COLLIE -- OUR COLLEAGUES AND SO PROUD OF YOU.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. SEVERAL OF MY TEAM MEMBERS ARE HERE THAT WENT UP TO DENVER FOR THAT OCCASION.

I WANT THEM TO PLEASE STEP UP. JOSE, HE -- JOSE IS AT THE TIP OF THE SPEAR AND TIFFANY AND CHARRA.

WE HAVE CHRIS AND THEN THIS CHARACTER WHO IS A VERY, VERY

[01:35:06]

QUIET INDIVIDUAL, BUT HE IS A PHENOMENAL CONTRIBUTOR TO OUR SUCCESS. JOSE, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM. WHEN WE WORKED ON THE VARIOUS ISSUES, COMMISSIONER, THERE WAS NO PLAYBOOK FOR ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. WHEN I FIRST INTERVIEWED WITH FOLKS ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR JOB I MENTIONED THAT WE HAVE THE LOWEST MEDIUM INCOME OF ALL OF HARRIS COUNTY AND THE LOWEST HOME OWNERSHIP RATE. MORE PEOPLE RENT THAN OWN A HOME. THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE.

THE HIGHEST RATES OF DIABETES, HIGHEST RATES OF ACUTE ASTHMA IN HARRIS COUNTY AND HIGHEST RATES OF CANCER AND THEN THE HIGHEST MORTALITY RATE. EVERYTHING WE WORK TO DO, COMMISSIONER IS BASED ON HOW DO WE IMPACT THOSE RESPECTIVE ISSUES THAT KEEP ME UP AT NIGHT AND I GO TO BED THINKING ABOUT IT. I WAS TELLING THE TEAM MEMBERS THAT THE SUCCESS TO PRECINCT 2 ARE -- I MEAN, I HAVE BRILLIANT PEOPLE. EVERY ONE OF THESE FOLKS HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE INCREDIBLE INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY.

THEIR VALUE IS TRANSLATING THAT INTO ACTION.

IT IS INTO PROM MAT -- PROGRAMATIC AND SYSTEMATIC RESPONSE. AS I LOOK TO OUR PARTS, OUR PREMIERE, THE ALL-INCLUSIVE PARTS, CHRIS, YOU HAVE BEEN A PHENOMENAL ADDITION TO THE TEAM. I WANT OUR PARKS TO BE AS PRISTINE AS THEY ARE OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTY.

THEY DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF VISIBILITY JUST YET.

SLOWLY PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING TO NOTICE, WOW, WE HAVE OUR PARKS BEING BETTER KEPT THAN THEY EVER WERE BEFORE.

CHARA, YOU HAVE TAKEN ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TRANSLATING.

GOOD THING TO DO HISTORICALLY, BUT WITH A BIT ON CREATING A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY. I AM SO PROUD.

THERE IS AN ITEM THAT SPEAKS TO THE HEALTH KIOSK THAT IS GOING INTO THE RESPECTIVE FACILITIES AND THAT WAY PEOPLE CAN MAKE OWNERSHIP ON THEIR HEALTH AND HAVE THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THEM. AND, I MEAN, THE LIST GOES ON.

SMART PODS ENSURING THAT VACCINES AND TESTS WERE AVAILABLE DURING THE PEAK OF THE PANDEMIC.

AND THEN MAKING SURE THAT NOW BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT ARE CARRYING SOME OF THE LOAD.

BUT NOW WORKING WITH HARRIS HEALTH -- OR THE HARRIS CENTER RATHER TO ENSURE -- TIFFANY, WE HIRE TEENAGERS AND IT IS A STEADY HAND TO MR. JIMENEZ AND WE APPRECIATE OUR SENIORS AND OUR COMMUNITY CENTERS ARE NOW MORE WELCOMING.

BUT ALL OF YOU COLLECTIVELY, ALL OF YOU, WHATEVER WE ARE DOING, THE SOLAR LIGHTS IN THE PARKS AND YOU LEAD THE CHARGE ON DELIVERING I THINK IT WAS OVER FOUR TONS -- FOUR TONS OF FOOD TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN DURING THE PEAK OF THE PANDEMIC IN A VERY SAFE WAY. DURING WINTER STORM YURI WITH A NICE DONATION FROM PERRY HOMES TO HELP US REPAIR THE HOMES FOR THE SENIORS AND THE MOST DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.

WHEN I ACCEPT THOSE AWARDS, YOU ARE REALLY THE TEAM THAT I

[01:40:02]

CREDIT AND I AM GRATEFUL TO WORK ALONGSIDE.

CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL TELL YOU, RECOGNITION OF ANY OF US IS RECOGNITION OF ALL OF US. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE EFFORT TO GET THE WORD OUT THERE. WHAT GOES ON IN HARRIS COUNTY IS PRETTY SPECIAL. TO TELL OUR STORY NATIONWIDE IS A GOOD THING. THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF RESOLUTIONS?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT FOR A LONGTIME. I WORKED ON IT WHEN I WAS NOT ONLY SHERIFF, BUT I WORKED ON IT WITH MAYOR BROWN WHEN I WAS WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON. BEFORE I EVEN TOOK THE HELM AT CITY COUNCIL, I WAS SPEAKING TO FOLKS ABOUT THE VALUE OF TECHNOLOGY LIKE SHOT SPOTTER THAT ACTUALLY HELPS US DO A MUCH BETTER JOB AND REACHES AREAS THAT ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO US.

THE -- OH I NEED THE RESOLUTION FOR -- [INAUDIBLE] THE VALUE OF THE TECHNOLOGY IS CRITICAL TO SOLVING CRIMES AND CREATING EFFICIENCIES. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO GET THE DIGITAL EVIDENCE TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY MUCH FASTER SO THAT SHE CAN TRY HER CASES AND HOLD INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE.

BUT THAT HAD TO COME THROUGH A HUMAN -- HUMANISTIC APPROACH BY GETTING THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT BETTER COORDINATED AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO BETTER FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF DATA. IT SPEAKS TO THE IDEA OF ONE OFFENSE REPORT AND REPORT SYSTEM THAT WILL ENABLE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO LOOK AT ONE FORMAT OF INFORMATION AND THEY ARE FOR ALL AGENCIES, POTENTIALLY.

I HAVE BEEN VISITING WITH MAYOR TURNER ABOUT THIS.

HE SUPPORTS THE IDEA AND CHIEF FENOR IS ALSO SUPPORTIVE OF THE IDEA. THIS RESOLUTION IS THAT WE ARE GETTING CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE BRINK OF HAVING MUCH BETTER COORDINATION BETWEEN THE TWO LARGEST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE COUNTY. AND WE HAVE ALREADY GOTTEN THERE IN A COUPLE OF WAYS. THE MOST RECENT IS THE JOINT PROCESSING CENTER. WE ARE GETTING READY TO TRANSFER THINGS OVER TO THE COUNTY IN A MUCH BETTER WAY TO HELP TRY AND SOLVE TIME -- SAFE TIME FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AS THEY ARE DOING THEIR WORK OUT THERE. THIS PARTICULAR RESOLUTION IS FOR THE IDEA OF A UNIFORM OFFENSE REPORT.

AND THIS RESOLUTION READS, WHEREAS FOSTERING THE DISSEMINATION OF WIDESPREAD USE OF INFORMATION SHARING TECHNOLOGIES ACROSS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IS AN IMPORTANT WAY LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN BUILD TRUST AND CONFIDENCE WITH THE COMMUNITIES THAT THEY SERVE.

WHEREAS CREATING INTER AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH HONEST ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EACH OTHER'S ISSUES IS KEY TO SUCCESSFUL INFORMATION SHARING.

WHEREAS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES INCREASINGLY DEMANDS SOPHISTICATED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT THE OPERATIONS, THESE CAPABILITIES DEPEND ON RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WHICH MAINTAIN AGENCIES AND CASE HISTORIES AND COMPUTER-AIDED DISPATCH AND CALLS FOR SERVICE AND A CALL RESPONSE AND HISTORY. WHEREAS OFFICERS WILL BE BETTER POSITIONED TO EFFECTIVELY RESPOND TO A CRISIS WHEN ARMED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT INFORMATION THEY CAN AND SHOULD BE COLLECTING ON THE SCENE AND HOW TO ACCESS PERTINENT INFORMATION ON THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED.

WHEREAS SUCCESSFUL LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION REQUIRES EFFECTIVE DATA SHARING ACROSS THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SUCH AS WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SECURELY AND EFFICIENTLY. WHEREAS IT IS CRITICAL THAT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTORS BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE ACROSS AGENCY BOUNDARIES DURING EVENTS TO EXCHANGE DATA SUCH AS CALLS

[01:45:01]

FOR SERVICE AND ROWDY DISPATCH REQUESTS AND SUBMISSION OR CRIME INCIDENT DATA TO THE FEDERAL DATABASES.

AND WHEREAS HAVING ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE INFORMATION QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY MEANS THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES CAN RESPOND TO CRISIS SWIFTLY AND OFTEN PREVENTS FURTHER ESCALATION OF SITUATIONS INVOLVING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THIS RESOLUTION IS REALLY JUST AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO GET THE AGENCIES TO GET CLOSER TOGETHER AND SHARE THE OPPORTUNITY OF JOINT PROCUREMENT AND COORDINATION WITH TECHNOLOGY. I THINK IT WILL GET US TO A MUCH BETTER PLACE. WE NOW HAVE INOPERABILITY AND WE SAW THAT AS AN INEFFICIENCY AFTER 9/11.

I BELIEVE WE CAN GET TO THIS ONE AND I THINK THERE IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY AND I WHAT -- AND I WANT TO THANK TERRACE -- TERRENCE BRADFORD. I AM JUST EXCITED TO SUBMIT THE RESOLUTION AND CAN SHOW IT TO MAYOR TURNER THAT WE WANT TO BE BETTER COORDINATED WITH THE CITY ON THIS AS WELL.

THAT'S MY MOTION. >> SECOND.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED 1234* MOTION CARRIES FAN -- MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

I DON'T BELIEVE -- THE OTHER RESOLUTIONS -- DOES ANYONE NEED TO VOTE ON THE OTHER RESOLUTIONS?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE ONE MORE, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS A RES LOOSE -- RESOLUTION AND NOT JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE PERRY TURNER WITH US TODAY, BUT JUST BECAUSE OVER MY YEARS I HAVE HAD A LOT OF INCREDIBLE RELATIONSHIPS AND THE PARTNERS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ARE -- AND ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS IS A RETIRED SPECIAL AGENT IN CHARGE. WE REFERRED TO HIM AS BULLET BOB CASEY. WITH ALL THINGS THAT ARE OCCURRING, I WANT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE THEIR BACKS. THIS RESOLUTION READS, WHEREAS THE WORK OF FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IS VITAL TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRESERVATION OF DEMOCRACY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WHETHER THE ROLE OF THE INVESTIGATIVE -- INVESTIGATING OF FEDERAL LOSS -- LAWS INCLUDING THE LAWS TO SAFEGUARD NATIONAL SECURITY OR PROTECTING THE FACILITIES AND THE PEOPLE NECESSARY FOR GOVERNMENT TO FUNCTION. WHEREAS WHEN SUPPORTERS OF THEN PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP INCITED BY TRUMP VIOLENCE ON THE CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6TH, 2021 TO PREVENT THE PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER FOLLOWINGHE T FREE AND FAIRLE ECTION IN02 20ND A THE POTENTIAL GOALF OARMINGLE ECTED LEADERSON CDUCTING THE COURT, A FEDERAL LAWOR ENFCEMENT AGENCY, THE. U.S - CAP-IT CAPOL POLICE, WAS AT THE FOREFRONT TO THE RESPONSE.

ONEIT CAPOL POLICEIC OFFER WAS KILLED DURING THEK ATTACAND 70 WEREED INJUR. ONE DIEDIC BY SUIDELY SHORT AFTER AND MANY OTHERSTE REPORD SIGNIFICANTA. TRAUML ALIN THEOF COURSE PERFORMING THEIR DUTY TO D PROTECTEMOCRACY AGAINST SCORES OF THEIR FELLOWTI CIZENS T WHO HADURNED INTOEN VIOLT INSURRECTIONISTSSU IN PPORT OF FORMER PRESIDENTP' TRUMS ATTEMPT TOHE SUBVERT TTI ELECON.

ANDHE WHEREAS T U.S. DEPARTMENT OFRE JUSTICE PSENTED SUFFICIENTE EVIDEN TO SHOW PROBABLETH CAUSE AT EVIDENCE OF CRIMESE INCLUD-- INCLUDING VIOLATION OF ESPIONAGEFO ACT COULD BE UND ATO THE MAR-A-LAG RESORT F OWNED BYORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP ANDAU THE BURE EXECUTEDWA A SEARCH RRANT ON AUGUST 8TH, 2022 AND FINDINGIF DOCUMENTS CLASSIED AT THEF HIGHEST LEVEL O TOP SECRETOR AND POLITICAL ACTS AND IT LEGIT MYSELFED THE --E LEGITIMIZED THJU DEPARTMENT OF STICE AND DRIVINGST THE AGENCIES INEAD OF THEIR MISSION TORA ENFORCE THE FEDEL LAWS TO PREVENT THE THEFT ANDSF THE ILLEGAL TRANER OF DOCUMENTSON PERTAINING TO NATIAL SECURITY. AND UNDERMINING THE ABILITY OF THE AGENCY TO PERFORM ITSG DUTS BY DAMAGINPUBLIC TRUST.

AND WHEREAS THE POLITICAL RHETORIC HAS INCLUDED SITTING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, CALLING FOR THE FBI TO BE DEFUNDED AND DIS -- DISMANTLED. IN THE WAKE OF THE SEARCH OF TRUPL -- TRUMP'S MAR-A-LAGO RESORT, THE DOJ AND THE FBI HAVE REPORTED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DEATH THREATS AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS AND IN ONE INSTANCE AN ARMED MAN BREACHED A CINCINNATI FBI FIELD OFFICE'S SCREENING FACILITY AFTER STATING THAT HE WAS MOTIVATED TO DO SO BY THE ACTIONS OF THE FBI.

[01:50:05]

I SUPPORT THE FBI. I WAS PROUD TO WORK ALONGSIDE THEM IN MY CAREER AT THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THROUGH MY TIME AS THE CHAIR OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE AND DURING MY TIME AS SHERIFF.

THEY HELPED ME WITH MANY SENSITIVE INVESTIGATIONS DEALING WITH PUBLIC CORRUPTION AND OTHER ISSUES.

I THINK AT A TIME LIKE THIS, THIS RESOLUTION IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT WE SUPPORT THEM. I MOVE ON THIS RESOLUTION.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE RESOLUTION AND A SECOND.

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

>> NO.VO >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M ALSO IN FAR AND IN SUPPORT OF THE FBI, COMMISSIONER.

MOTION CARRIES 3-2. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED TO VOTE ON ANY OF THE OTHER RESOLUTIONS OR CAN WE TAKE THEM WITH THE CONSENSUS ITEMS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I DO HAVE A SUGGESTION THAT THE RECORD REFLECT THAT EACH PERSON THAT PRESENTED THE RESOLUTION WOULD BE NOTED AS BEING THE ONE MAKING THE MOTION FOR IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU DO THAT STP -- DO THAT?

>> I COULD IF YOU NAME EACH AGENDA ITEM AND THEN WHO MADE THE MOTION AND WHO SECONDED THE MOTION.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I MOVE ITEMS 11 AND 12 WHICH WERE MINE.

YOU MOVE YOURS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE THEM.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL THOSE I DIDN'T VOTE AGAINST I WILL

SECOND. >> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION --

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE MAY AS WELL VOTE.

>> IT WOULD BE EASIER.T' >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 2 UNDER RESOLUTION THAS IS COMMENDING APPRECIATION TO WANDA HATTON.

>> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS. ALL INS FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIE UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 3, A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2022 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH.

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

COMMEMORATING THE HARVEY ANNIVERSARY.

>> MOTIONED. >> SECOND.

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

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

ITEM 4, COMMISSIONER ELLIS MOTIONED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ITEM 6? >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, 4, 5 AND 6 UNDER ELLIS.

MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSE STPHED MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DO YOU HAVE

A MOTION FOR ITEM 8? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS THE DATA SHARING INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE VOTE OWED THAT ONE. >> YES.

THAT WE VOTED ON. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DO YOU HAVE A MOTION ON YOUR RESOLUTION?

>> TOM RAMSEY: MOTION ON 9 AND 10.

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ON 9 AND 10 AND MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.

ONE IS TO EXTEND THE HAIR R-S COUNTY SAFE SCHOOLS COMMISSION.

THAT IS ON 357 AND IT IS TO EXTEND THE HARRIS COUNTY SAFE SCHOOLS COMMISSION AND THE APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMISSION FOR AN ADDITIONAL YEAR SO THEY MAY FOLLOW-UP AND MONITOR THE SUCCESS AND RECOMMENDATION. THE SECOND MOTION IS FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE OFFICE OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS AS NEEDED TO EVALUATE AND REPORT BACK TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT ON THE BUDGET IMPACT AND FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING

RECOMMENDATIONS. >> SECOND.

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

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

>> IS THAT CONSIDERED ONE MOTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: SURE. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU HAD TWO RESOLUTIONS?

>> MOVE. >> SECOND.

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

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

SO THAT TAKES US TO -- THROUGH ALL OF THE MOTIONS.

WE CAN CONTINUE WITH THE SPEAKERS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WERE WE DOING A RESOLUTION ON ITEM 167, THE MONKEYPOX RESOLUTION THAT WAS CIRCULATING.

>> -- WE CAN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO YOU WANT TO

JUST VOTE ON IT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT SURE WHO CIRCULATED THIS PARTICULAR RESOLUTION AROUND.

SINCE WE ARE ON RESOLUTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN TAKE THE MONKEYPOX ITEMS AND I CAN GIVE YOU THE UPDATE ON MONKEYPOX

[01:55:03]

SINCE WE ARE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT IS MY RESOLUTION. YEAH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE MONKEYPOX IS JUST A BRIEF, BRIEF UPDATE ON THAT AND TODAY AT 8 A.M. WE HAVE NOT NORMALLY UPDATED ON WEEKDAYS SO THIS IS FROM FRIDAY. 451 CASES IN HARRIS COUNTY INCLUDING THE CITY OF HOUSTON. WE HAVE ADMINISTERED AS HARRIS COUNTY 2,209 VACCINES -- 2,000 FIRST DOSES AND FOUR SECOND DOSES. THAT'S HARRIS COUNTY.

THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS THEIR OWN DOSES.

WE HAVE ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED.

TWO PIECES OF NEWS FOR THIS MORNING.

ONE IS THE YOUNG CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF TWO IDENTIFIED AS HAVING MONKEYPOX, THE CHILD WAS TESTED TWICE LOCALLY TO MAKE SURE, YOU KNOW, THAT IT WAS MONKEYPOX. THEN THE SAMPLE WAS SENT TO THE CDC BECAUSE WE SENT 10 TO 15% SO THEY COULD DO ADDITIONAL TESTING AND STUDIES WITH COVID THEY USE THAT TO TELL US WHAT THE VARIANTS ARE. IN THIS CASE WHEN THEY RAN THE MORE SENSITIVE TESTS THEY GOT A FALSE POSITIVE THAT THE CHILD DID NOT HAVE MONKEYPOX. IT IS GOOD NEWS.

I KNOW THE COMMUNITY HAS A SIGH OF RELIEF IN THAT SENSE.

IT DOESN'T MEAN A CHILD CAN'T GET MONKEYPOX, BUT A -- BUT AT THIS POINT IN OUR COMMUNITY WE HAVE NOT IDENTIFIED A CASE AND WE ARE RELIEVED TO HEAR THAT. THE FAMILY IS VARY LEAVED.

VERY RELIEVED. THEY ASK WE NOT CONTINUE TO DISCUSS SO THEY CAN PUT IT BEHIND THEM.

THAT'S THE UPDATE ON THE CHILD. ON THE VACCINE, WE WERE TOLD WE COULD ADMINISTER -- WE WOULD RECEIVE FIVE TIMES AS MANY DOSES BECAUSE EACH VIAL CONTAINED FIVE DOSES.

THEN THEY SAID THEY WOULD SEND US FEWER VIALS.

AND NOW WE ARE ON THE SIDE OF THINGS LOOKING UP AND WE HAVE TO TRUST THAT THIS LATEST COMMITMENT WILL STICK.

THE LATEST COMMITMENT IS THAT ONCE WE HIT THE DISTRIBUTING OF 85 TO 90% OF THE DOSES WE HAVE ON HAND THAT THEY, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WILL SEND US MORE DOSES.

AND SO THE APPROACH RIGHT NOW WITH HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS TO CONTINUE FOCUSING ON GETTING ALL OF THE DOSES OUT AND NOT HOLD BACK SECOND DOSES SO THAT WE CAN GET TO THAT 85, 90% AND GET AN ADDITIONAL SHIPMENT. IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE HAVE EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY. AS OF THIS MORNING HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON ARE NOW ADMINISTERING THE VACCINE TO ANYONE WHO IS A MAN WHO HAS SEX WITH MEN.

MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN IN ADDITION TO THE FOLKS THAT QUALIFY ALREADY WHICH IS FOLKS LIVING WITH HIV AND THOSE HIV AND DIAGNOSED WITH GONORRHEA AND CHLAMYDIA.

WE MULTIPLIED THE NUMBER OF VIALS AND WE HAVE ON HAND ABOUT 9,000 DOSES. WE ARE REALLY CALLING ON THE COMMUNITY THAT QUALIFIES TO GO AND GET VACCINATED SO WE CAN GET THROUGH THOSE DOSES AND GET MORE DOSES AND KEEP IT FROM REACHING OUR CHILDREN, FOR EXAMPLE. THE LAST THING I WILL SAY IS EVEN THOUGH WE WERE TOLD WE SHOULD GET FIVE DOSES OUT OF EACH VIAL, IN REALITY WE ARE ONLY GETTING FOUR.

WE ARE HEARING THAT FROM OTHER JURISDICTIONS AS WELL.

THE EXPLANATION IS THAT WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT SUCH SMALL AMOUNTS WHICH ARE JUST AS EFFECTIVE PER THE RESEARCH THAT HAS BEEN DONE, EVEN A DROP OF THE VACCINE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN A DOSE. AND WHEN YOU HAVE A DROP STICKING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE VIAL, YOU CAN'T USE IT AND THEN YOU DON'T HAVE A FULL FIFTH DOSE.

WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET FOUR DOSES OUT OF EACH VIAL.

THE CASES ARE NOT GROWING AS QUICKLY, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE DATA TO SAY THE TRAJECTORY IS CHANGING IN ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER. SO WE HAVE -- THAT'S ALL THE UPDATES AND PUBLIC HEALTH IS ON THE LINE FOR ADDITIONAL

QUESTIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.

JUDGE, TO PIGGYBACK ON YOUR REPORT, I HAVE THIS RESOLUTION AND IF PERMISSIBLE I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT IT NOW.

THIS RESOLUTION READS, WHEREAS, ARTHROPOX VIRUS ENDEMIC TO

[02:00:05]

CENTRAL AFRICA THAT CAUSES A DISEASE COMMONLY CALLED MONKEYPOX BEGAN SPREADING TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, AND WHEREAS WHILE THE THREAT OF MOST HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS REMAINS LOW, THE NUMBER OF CASES IN HARRIS COUNTY HAS STEADILY MULTIPLIED.

AND WHEREAS A VACCINE EXISTS FOR MONKEYPOX, BUT IT IS IN SHORT SUPPLY AND IT HAS BEEN TIGHTLY CONTROLLED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WHICH RECENTLY ALLOTTED 9,000 DOSES OF 25,000 EXPECTED DOSES TO HARRIS COUNTY. AND IT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND THE BEST TIME TO VACCINATE POPULATIONS IS BEFORE THE VIRUS IS WIDESPREAD. AND SO THIS RESOLUTION CALLS FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO IMMEDIATELY MAXIMIZE THE RELEASE OF MONKEYPOX VACCINES TO ALL JURISDICTIONS.

I WANT TO SUBMIT THIS, BUT I WANT TO SAY THAT I AM GRATEFUL TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR ALL THEIR WORK ON THIS.

I THINK THEY ALSO NEED TO HEAR THAT THERE IS A CONCERN AND A URGENCY FROM US AT THE LOCAL LEVEL THAT WE NEED THE VACCINE.

PLEASE GET THE SUPPLY CHAIN RAMPED UP AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.

THANK YOU. I MOVE A -- ON THIS ITEM.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: ON THE LAST RESOLUTION IT SAYS 2 AND HAS

JURISDICTIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SUPPORT

THAT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE ARE TALKING

ABOUT US. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE RESOLUTION IS AS PRESENTED, BUT IT WILL SAY MONKEYPOX VACCINES TO HARRIS COUNTY AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS?

DOES THAT WORK? >> WILL JOHN BE ABLE TO PROVIDE US WITH THE UPDATED RESOLUTION? I'M SORRY.

AND I WAS GOING TO SAY THE UPDATE YOU WERE GIVING WAS FOR

ITEM 351 OR 439? >> LINA HIDALGO: 439 AND I WILL CONTINUE TO PUT THAT ITEM ON THE AGENDA, COLLEAGUES, AS WITH

COVID. >> SO IT IS NO ACTION?

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. RIGHT, FOR PUBLIC HEALTH? WE CHECKED WITH THEM AND THEY ARE GOOD WITH WHAT WE GRANTED THEM LAST TIME. COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE A MOTION ON HIS RESOLUTION. THAT IS ITEM 351.

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: 167.

167 AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> JUDGE, WE HAVE A SPEAKER FRO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. GO AHEAD.

>> SPEAKER 37, BEVERLY ROBERTS SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 439 ON SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M BEVERLY ROBERTS AND I AM SPEAKING ON MY OWN BEHALF, ALTHOUGH I AM INVOLVED IN GROUPS THAT ARE AFFIRMING SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT SEXUAL ACTIVITY THAT IS DANGEROUS.

I FEEL LIKE THIS IS AT THE BOTTOM OF WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE, AND I DEFINITELY APPLAUD THAT YOU ARE TARGETING THE GROUPS THAT ARE MOST LIKELY TO CONTRACT THIS DISEASE.

SO THAT'S A GOOD THING. OUR CULTURAL MOVE IS TOWARD DANGEROUS SEXUAL ACTIVITY. AND UNTIL WE STOP AFFIRMING ACTIVITY THAT LEADS TO THIS, IT IS JUST GOING TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD. WE HAVE PRIDE PARADES AND PRIDE THIS AND PRIDE THAT THAT AFFIRM ACTIVITY THAT IS NOT CONDUCIVE TO THE GOOD HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND NOT CONDUCIVE TO STRONG FAMILIES. THANK YOU.

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

COMMISSIONER, ITEM 351. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, MA'AM.

JUDGE, ON 351, I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE A MOTION.

THE MOTION WILL READ THAT -- I MOVE TO DIRECT HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO DEVELOP A MONTHLY REPORT REGARDING MONKEYPOX TO INCLUDE AVAILABLE VACCINES AND WHETHER DISTRIBUTION OF VACCINES HAS CHANGED.

I DID THE SAME WITH COVID-19 VACCINES AND THIS WILL HELP US JUST GET THE TRANSMITTAL ON A REGULAR BASIS SO WE CAN TRACK

THE ACTIVITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: COULD YOU READ THE MOTION?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOTION READS I MOVE TO DIRECT HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO DEVELOP A MONTHLY REPORT REGARDING MONKEYPOX TO INCLUDE AVAILABLE VACCINES AND WHETHER DISTRIBUTION OF VACCINES HAS CHANGED.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I'M IN FAVOR OF THAT.

DID THAT GET CIRCULATED? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT SHOULD

HAVE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU HAVE IT?

[02:05:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONERAR GCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL INAV FOR?

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

MOTION CARRIESNI UNAMOUSLY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT WAS IT FOR THE RESOLUTIONS.

[Appearances before court (Part 3 of 3)]

WEL WILTAKE THE REST OF THE SPEAKERS THEN.>> FIRST IS R MAJOROB WEBB SPEAKING ON ITEM 17 UNDERCO VID-19 IN PERSON. YOUON HAVE E MINUTE.

>> [INAUDIBLE].TH >> IS EOP PODIUM MICRHONE ON?

WE CAN'T HEAR. >> LINA HIDALGO: APOLOGIES.

GO AHEAD.AF >> GOOD TERNOON, JUDGE ANDMI COUNTY COMSSIONERS. MY NAME IS MAJOR ROB WEBB, THEOF COMMANDER THE SALVATION ARMY OF. GREATER HOUSTON I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR AOR VOTE IN FAV OF AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 17TH WHICH WILL AMEND E CURRENTE CONTRACT OR AGEMENTSS AND ALLOW FUND THAT HAVE BEEN STRATEGICALLYAD ALLOCATED TO DRESS HOMELESSNESS INO HARRIS COUNTY TCONTINUETH TO DO THAT FOR E NEXT TWO YEARS.MY THE SALVATION AR ALONG WITHR THE COALITION FOTHER HOMELESS AND OTHEPROVIDERS IN OUR COMMUNITY WILL TOUCH O AND IMPAT HUNDREDSF THOUSANDS OF LIVESBE WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HOMELESS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.JO

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MAR, THANK YOU FOR COMING TODAY AND THANKE YOU FOR MEETING WITH MOK BACK WHEN YOU WERE LOING TO MAKE THIS PARTICULAR REQUEST. I AM PROUD TO SUPPORT IT AND I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR CEO FOR WORKING ON ME FOR THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT. WE KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A LITTLE BIT OF ANXIETY, IF YOU WILL, WITH THE NORTH SIDE COMMUNITY, BUT YOU ARE A VALUED PARTNER IN OUR EFFORTS TO END HOME -- HOMELESSNESS. YOU DO IMPORTANT WORK AND WE NEED TO KEEP YOU AT THE TABLE. THIS AMENDMENT DOES GO A LONG WAY IN PROVIDING A COMMUNITY WHO HAS FELT UNHEARD AND UNSUPPORTED FOR DECADES. IT WAS WAY BEFORE YOUR TIME WITH THE SALVATION ARMY. I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH ME. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HOSTING COMMUNITY MEETINGS AT YOUR NEW FACILITY, BUILDING THE COMMUNITY TRUST. THE ITEM WE WORKED ON I THINK SPEAKS VOLUMES TO YOUR WILLINGNESS TO RECOGNIZE PASTIT CHALLENGES AND DEVELOP NEW OPPORTUNIES.

I WANT TO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR

YOUR COUNCIL AND SUPPORT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND EVERYTHING YOU DO. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS KENNETH BOCK SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 17. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHICH SPEAKER NUMBER IS THAT, TIFFANY?

>> HE IS NOT ON THE LIST. HE SIGNED UP BEFORE THE MEETING

STARTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> I AM KEVIN FAULK AND I AM HERE FOR HEALTHCARE FOR HOUSTON.

WE ARE A MEMBER OF THE WAY HOME AND A FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER THAT IS PART OF THE COUNTY'S HOMELESS RESPONSE SAFETY NET SYSTEM. UNDER THE COMMUNITY COVID HOUSING PROGRAM, HHH PROVIDE SORE SERVICES, SSI OR SSDI AND OUT REACH SERVICES TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY HOMELESSNESS ACCESS SERVICES FOR WHICH THEY ARE ELIGIBLE.

I AM HERE TODAY TO OFFER SUPPORT FOR ITEM 17.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 19 MIKE NICHOLS SPEAKING ON ITEM 17. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD. >> JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFFS FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE HOUSTON A MODEL IN PUTTING FORMERLY HOMELESS PEOPLE IN SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.

IT HAS BEEN A REMARKABLE JOURNEY AND WE JUST WANT TO CONTINUE WITH THE ITEM NUMBER 17 WITH THE COVID HOUSING PROGRAM PHASE 2.

THIS COULD NOT BE DONE WITHOUT THE WORK OF YOU AND YOUR STAFF AND CSD AND HARRIS CENTER AND HARRIS HEALTH AND SO MANY OTHER GREAT HARRIS COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS.

THIS IS A CHANCE TO INCREASE OUR SUPPORT FOR ANOTHER 7,000 INDIVIDUALS. IN LISTENING TO OTHER COMMENTS

[02:10:01]

TODAY, I KNOW THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF DEMAND FOR FUNDING.

AND WE JUST HAVE TO KEEP REMEMBERING THAT WITHOUT THE --

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

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MIKE, THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

YOU GOT A FEW MAURY MARKS YOU WANT TO -- A FEW MORE REMARKS?

>> JUST TO FINISH THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY -- HOUSING IS NOT ONLY THE HUMANE THING TO DO FOR PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, BUT IT IS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE.

OUR HOUSING SERVICES THAT YOU SUPPORT COST ABOUT $18,000 PER YEAR PER PERSON WHICH IS SO MUCH LESS OF THE COST TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE TAXPAYERS WITH EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC SANITATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED TO HOMELESSNESS.

THIS IS NOT ONLY THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT IT WORKS FOR THE

COUNTY AND THE TAXPAYERS. >> MIKE, I JUST WANT TO OFFER MY CONTINUED APPRECIATION FOR YOUR WORK.

YOU ARE CREATING -- I AM EXCITED BECAUSE YOU HELPED TO CREATE A NATIONAL DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH A CHALLENGE THAT EVERY MAJOR CITY AND EVERY MEDIUM-SIZED CITY AND SEVERAL SMALL CITIES CONTEND WITH AND COUNTIES AS WELL, SO WE JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP AND WE APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK BEING DONE COLLECTIVELY BY YOU AND SO MANY OTHERS, BUT IN A MUCH BETTER COORDINATED MANNER.

>> IT HAS BEEN MY HONOR TO WORK ESPECIALLY THOSE IN HARRIS COUNTY. IT HAS BEEN A HUGE HONOR.

IT HAS BEEN A SUCCESS FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND FOR OUR REGION.

MOREOVER, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE OFF THE STREETS.

THEY ARE NOT IN JAIL AND NOT HAVING TROUBLES AND THEY ARE GETTING THROUGH THEIR SUBSTANCE YOU ARE AOUS AND THE OTHER ISSUES. IT'S BEEN GREAT.

WE JUST NEED TO KEEP THE PRESSURE ON TO KEEP DOING THE

GOOD WORK. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 20, BARBETTE SPEAKING ON ITEM 17.

>> THANK YOU AND GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM BARBIE AND I HAVE THE HONOR OF SERVING WITH THE WAY HOME. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND YOUR LEADERSHIP IN MAKING THIS A PRIORITY FOR SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE FAMILIES.

AS OF TODAY WE HAVE 500 VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WHO ARE WAITING FOR ACCESS TO A HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

THESE FUNDS ARE CRITICAL TO THOSE SEEKING SAFETY.

WE KNOW -- RESEARCH TELLS US THAT THIS KIND OF SUPPORTIVE HOUSING WITH SERVICES REDUCES THE USE OF PUBLICLY FUNDED CRISIS SERVICES AND THAT INCLUDES OUR JAILS AND HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS. TO ECHO MIKE NICHOLS, THIS IS A FINANCIAL INVESTMENT THAT IS A GOOD USE OF RESOURCES.

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

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

BARBIE. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 21, KELLY YOUNG OF CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES SPEAKING ON ITEM 17.

>> JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK. I AM KELLY YOUNG.

I AM ONE OF THE HUNDREDS OF AGENCIES WITH THE WAY HOME.

WE PROVIDE SERVICES TO THOSE NAVIGATED OUT OF HOMELESSNESS AND I WANT TO SHARE MY SUPPORT. I PROVIDED PUBLIC COMMENT FOR 1.0 AND 2.0 AND NOW PHASE 2. I DO THAT BECAUSE WE ARE ON A PATH TO CREATING HOUSING AND ECONOMIC STABILITY.

THE CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR 2.0 MEANS THAT WE CONTINUE TO HAVE A SYSTEM THAT WORKS AND GETS BETTER AND BETTER AND PEOPLE CAN COUNT ON IT TO BE FAIR AND A JUST PROCESS AND THERE ARE QUICKER TIMELINES TO GET PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS.

AND CONSTITUENTS ARE NOT TO HAVE A STRENGTH AND SAFETY NET OR GAIN THE ABILITY TO HAVE HOUSING I SPEAK BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN TH.

ANY SECOND CHANCE REQUIRES THE HOME OF A HOME.

IT IMPROVES ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

EVERY TIME I SPEAK I MUST -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, KELLY.

THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU AND CRR DOES. KPHAOEUT -- EXCITED ABOUT THE

PARTNERSHIP. >> THANK YOU.

[02:15:01]

I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS.

I REALLY DO. YOU DO AMAZING WORK.

IT IS VERY HARD WHAT YOU DO. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 17.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM THE SERVICE IMMIGRATION MANAGER WITH HOUSTON AREA COMMUNITY SERVICE.

WE HAVE 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS. AND WE HAVE THREE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAMS. AND WE HAVE AN INCOME-BASED PROGRAM. OVER THE PAST YEAR AND WE ARE

MAINTAINING HOUSING ITEM 17. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 24 IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY ORGANIZATION AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IT IS FANTASTIC. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE ADDITIONAL 175 MILLION YOU ARE PROPOSING FOR THE SHERIFF IN THE BUDGET CYCLE. UNFORTUNATELY -- HERE COMES THE VINEGAR. THE 2% YOU ARE PROPOSING FOR RAISES FOR DEPUTY SHERIFF AND CONSTABLES IS UNSATISFACTORY AND WE WILL SUGGEST YOU GO BACK TO THE DRAWING ROOM AND PUSH IT FORWARD. RIGHT NOW THEY ARE 25% HIGHER PAY THAN WE ARE. I UNDERSTAND THE VALUE YOU -- IN

WHAT YOU ARE DOING. >> YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMING.

SHOULD WE RESCIND THE 2%? >> I SUGGEST YOU RESCIND THE -- I AM NOT SUGGESTING YOU RESCIND THE 2%.

I SUGGEST WE GO BACK AND CAN'T FIND ANOTHER 8%.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WITHOUT A DOUBT AND --

>> I HAVE BEEN GONE OUT OF TOWN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MY REMARKS AND I WILL REPEAT THEM. MY REMARKS ARE WHEN I WAS SHERIFF I TRIED TO CREATE A MULTI-YEAR CONSECUTIVE MULTI-YEAR STRATEGY TO CREATE PARITY.

5% IS WHAT MEN AND WOMEN IN HARRIS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE GETTING. IT IS NOT 2%.

IT IS 5%. 3% UNDER THE CURRENT BUDGET AND 2% ON THE NEXT BUDGET. THAT'S 5% OVER TWO CONSECUTIVE YEARS THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT -- ALL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS GOTTEN CONSECUTIVE PAY RAISES. I AGREE WITH YOU.

I WILL SAY THAT 5% IS NOT ENOUGH.

SO MY GOAL IS TO STILL WORK WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE TO BRING MORE TO THE TABLE. IT IS JUST BECAUSE OF THE STRATEGY OF HOW WE GOT THERE TO FIND NEW MONEY TO INVEST INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE BOTTOM LINE IS YOU ARE GETTING 5%, 5% IN TWO CONSECUTIVE BUDGET YEARS.

THAT HAS NOT HAPPENED BEFORE. I WANT TO GET TO -- I WANT -- MY STRATEGY BACK IN 2012 I THINK IT WAS -- THEY DIDN'T SUPPORT IT.

THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO GET BACK TO PARITY.

I APPRECIATE YOU BE THERE AND NOT ASKING US TO RESCIND THE 2%

BUT GROW MORE. >> HAVE I BEEN HERE FOR 30 YEARS. THE LARGEST PAY RAISE WAS IN 2002. I MAY STAND CORRECTED.

IT WAS 11% WE GOT ACROSS THE BOARD.

WHETHER -- WHEN WE ARE TALKING HISTORIC, THAT WAS IT.

IT HAS BEEN 20 YEARS SINCE WE HAVE RECEIVED ANOTHER ONE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND THIS IS HISTORIC IN RECENT TIMES IS THE

POINT. >> OVER 31 YEARS, COMMISSIONER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU ARE SAYING -- DON'T PUSH IT THEN MAKE A MOTION AND I WILL SECOND. IT IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR MEN AND WOMEN TO GET A RAISE, THEN IT SURE SOUNDS --

[02:20:03]

>> ARE YOU TAKING IT OUT OF CONTEXT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT SOUNDS LIKE ARE YOU SAYING IT IS NOT ENOUGH.

>> I AM SAYING WE NEED MORE. DON'T SWITCH THE WORDS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YOU LOOKED AT THE BUDGET THIS YEAR?

>> YES, SIR. >> TOM RAMSEY: ARE THERE ANYMORE BOOTS ON THE GROUND WITH THIS BUDGET?

>> I DON'T -- I CAN'T SPEAK TO WHAT SHERIFF GONZALEZ HAS FORMULATED AS FAR AS HIS PLAN FOR THE 75 MILLION SO I CAN'T SPEAK TO THAT. I'M CERTAINLY DAVID CUEVAS HAS, BUT I AM NOT AWARE OF CONVERSATIONS SO I CAN'T SPEAK

WITH AUTHORITY ON THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: LIEUTENANT, HOW MUCH MORE IS BAY TOWN

OFFERING? >> ROUGHLY 25%.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: HOW MUCH MORE IS CITY OF PASADENA OFFER

STPH-G. >> THEY ARE ALL WITHIN 23 TO 25%

MORE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND HPD IS --

>> YES, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DOES THAT INCLUDE WHAT IS GOING AROUND THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES OR IS THAT WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IN HARRIS COUNTY.

>> WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IN OUR REGION, IN THE IMMEDIATE HARRIS

COUNTY REGION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: 2% IS NOT 25%,

IS IT? >> NO, SIR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICK QUESTION.

DO YOU CARE HOW WE COME UP WITH THE PAY RAISE?

>> YES, I CARE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU DO?

>> I DO. IT DEPENDS ON THE STRUCTURE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU HAVE YOUR GUYS THAT ARE GETTING 2% THROUGH A CAPITALIZATION STRATEGY. IN OTHER WORDS, IF WE COULD DO MORE OF THAT WOULD YOU SUPPORT --

>> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT A EXPANDED PERIOD OF TIME?

>> IM AJUSTAY SING THE STRATEGY OF ITSELF.

DOES ITAT MTER TO YOU HOW WERE A COMING UP TO DIRECT THEAR SALY

OF LAWOR ENFCEMENT. >> THATEN DEPDS.

ILD WOU HAVE TO LOOK AT IT IN ITSAL TOTITY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WEAL CAPITIZE SALARIES AND WETO MOVE SALARY LINESE TO THAL CAPIT IMPROVEMENT PLANT AND IFREED UPAL GENER FUND. DOLLARSES DO THAT MATTERPU TO YOU TTINGNE

MOY IN? POCKETS >>F A LOT OTHINGS COMMISSIONER.OU IF Y ARE DIRECTING TOWARDRY UNNECESSA ITEM MORE BE DIRECTED ADEQUATELYW TOWARD LARC ENFOEMENT --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS ISTE A STRAGY THATTH TXDOT AND OERME GOVERNNTS DO. THAT'ST NEW MONEY THAWE DID NOT HAVE AT THE TABLE.OW THAT'S H I. GOT TO THE 5%PO DO YOU SUPRT THE PROCESS, WHATEVER IT MAY BE, TOGH CREATE

HIER SALARIES FOR MEN AND>> WOMEN.

WE ALWAYS SUPPORT THE PROCESS.

BUT ITPR DOESN'T MEAN THE OCESS CAN'T BE UP FOR GETS DONE. HOW IT WE DO SUPPORT THE PROCESS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO CAGLE VOTEY AGAINST YOUR P RAISE.

>> WELL, I CAGLE VOTED AGAINST --T FROM TE CONTEXHE VOTED AGAINST THE WAY IT WAS BEING DISTRIBUTED.IA

>> ADRIAN GARC: NO. NO.

HE VOTED AGAINST THE PAY RAISE. SO IF WE COMETE UP WITH THIS STRAGY AGAIN, ANDNG I'M PUSHING TO BRI MORE MONEY TO THE TABLE , HOWEVER I CAN FIND IT, AND PUT THEM INTO YOUR SALARIES BECAUSE I'M HELL BENT ON GETTING YOU PARITY, DOES IT MATTER TO

YOU? >> YES.

THE PAY MATTERS TO US.ST >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JU WANT TOAT

MAKE SURE WE AGREE ON TH.SS >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMIIONER

CAGLE.S >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IALWAYS FUN WHEN SOMEONE ELSE SPEAKS FOR YOU.

I VOTED AGAINST BORROWING MONEY WHICH IS WHEN YOU CAPITALIZE R SOMETHING TO PAY FOR A PAYAISE AS OPPOSED TO TAKING IT OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND. IN THIS INSTANCE IF WE BORROW -- BORROWED MONEY BY CAPITALIZING, WOULD THAT BE AN ISSUE FOR THE

SHERIFFS. >> BECAUSE THAT -- BECAUSE IT IS

BORROWED, MONEY, YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU.RD

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET THE RECO REFLECT THERE WAS STILL A NO VOTE ON PAY RAISES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WASN'T THE WAY -- THE WAY TO RAISE THE PAY.

THERE WAS AN ITEM ON THE TABLE AND THEY VOTED NO.

AND WE VOTED YES. NEXT SPEAKER.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 28, WANDA LICQOR.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.

[02:25:01]

>> MY NAME IS WANDA AND I AM -- I LOVE AT 363.

I AM AN APPLICANT WITH THE STATE CHAIR BECAUSE OURS IS VACANT.

WHAT I AM REQUESTING FROM THE COURT IS WE CONSIDER HAVING AN EARLY VOTING LOCATION IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ONE. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ONE.

I WORKED IN EARLY VOTING IN MAY AND THERE WERE TWO LOCATIONS IN THE CROSBY AREA WHICH IS ACROSS THE RAILROAD TRACKS.

I'M ASKING AND BEGGING AND PLEADING THAT THE COURTS WILL CONSIDER HAVING A LOCATION. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ONE.

THAT IS EARLY VOTING AND ELECTION DAY.

THANK YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: MS. LIQOR.

>> YES, SIR. >> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU AND WE WILL FOLLOW BACK UP WITH YOU TODAY.

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

MUCH. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 5, ALYSSA BAEZ. SHE SHOULD BE ACTUALLY SPEAKING ON 269 UNDER PURCHASING. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> HELLO. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE SPEAKERS THAT ATTENDED HERE TODAY. THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER ADRIAN GARCIA FOR INVITING US TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MY ORGANIZATION, TEXAS CONSERVATION CORPS. SPEAKING ON MY EXPERIENCES SINCE HAVING JOINED TEXAS CONSERVATION CORPS, THIS WORK HAS BEEN DIFFICULT AND LABOR INTENSIVE. THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE MEMORIES THAT I HAVE MADE WITH THE TWO CREWS THAT I HAVE WORKED ON HAVE BEEN INSIGHTFUL AND UP LIFTING AND LEAD TO PERM AS -- PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MY THREE MONTHS OF SERVICE. AS I STAND BEFORE THE PODIUM TODAY I CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY THE WORK WE ARE DOING FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND WITHIN PRECINCT 2 IS NECESSARY AND UTMOST IMPORTANCE. COMMUNITY CENTERS AND PARKING -- AND PARKS ARE A PUBLIC VENUE THAT OFFER MANY SERVICES VITAL TO PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH AND RECREATION.

THEY HOUSE MULTIPLE EVENTS FOR THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND.

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

>> WOULD IT BE OKAY IF I CONTINUE SPEAKING? THANK YOU. WITHOUT THESE IMPORTANT ESTABLISHMENTS PUBLIC SERVICES IN HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY WOULD NOT BE AS EFFECTIVE AS EDUCATING THE PUBLIC.

WITH THAT BEING SAID THE WORK WE DO AT THESE COMMUNITY CENTERS AND ARE VITAL TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND ENRICHMENT.

OUR WORK REQUIRES FUNDING NOW MORE THAN EVER.

SOME OF THE EXAMPLES OF THE WORK WE HAVE DONE INCLUDE PLANNING 200 TREE IN PARTNERSHIP PARK IN TWO TO THREE DAYS ALONE.

WE PLANTED HUNDREDS OF FLOWERS ACROSS ALL OF PRECINCT 2.

AND WE HAVE ASSISTED WITH THEN STANCE AT CHALLENGER 7 MEMORIAL PARK. THE IMPACT WE HAVE AS INDIVIDUALS IS EVERLASTING AND EVERY PROJECT WE HAVE COMPLETED HAS BEEN PRAISED BY THE PUBLIC AND OUR HARD WORK HAS NOT GONE UNNOTICED. RENEWING THIS PROGRAM WILL GIVE OTHERS LIKE MYSELF THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH PUBLIC SPACES AND SERVICES WHILE ENRICHING THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO DEDICATE TIME AND ENERGY INTO BEAUTIFYING OUR NATURAL LANDS.

I ENCOURAGE OTHER COMMISSIONERS TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROGRAM FOR OUR SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES AS IT ENTICES THE TEXAS YOUTH TO GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITIES AND FORM LONG-LASTING IDEALS BOTH PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL THAT WILL CARRY ON WITH THEM INTO ADULTHOOD. FUNDING WOULD ALLOW FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DO SO MUCH MORE SUCH AS PURCHASING MORE EQUIPMENT THAT WILL IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AT PROJECT SITES AS WELL AS ALLOW MORE CREW MEMBERS TO BE HIRED ON AND TO UH S*EUT WITH -- TO ASSIST WITH PROJECT WORKS. WORKING FOR CACC HAS BEEN PURPOSEFUL AND ENLIGHTENING. I LEARNED NOT JUST FROM MY TEAMMATES, BUT THE PROJECT SITES WE WORK WITH AND HOW HARD WORK PAYS OFF IN WAYS YOU COULDN'T IMAGINE.

THANK YOU FORGIVING ME THE TIME TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MY

ORGANIZATION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE, MAY I? THANK YOU SO MUCH, ALYSSA.

HOLD ON, GIRL. DON'T LEAVE.

DON'T LEAVE. COME ON.

WILL THE REST OF THE TEAM MEMBERS PLEASE STAND TO BE RECOGNIZED. THESE ARE THE CURRENT ALUMNI OF THIS INCREDIBLE PROGRAM. I'M PROUD OF YOU.

I'M LOOKING AT -- STAY STANDING. I'M LOOKING AT THE WORK YOU ARE DOING AT CHAPTER 7 PARK, A NEW PARK FOR PRECINCT 2.

[02:30:03]

ELZORA ROBINSON IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HEAT GROUP.

AND ALYSSA IS A CURRENT CREW LEADER.

AND I'M JUST VERY, VERY EXCITED BECAUSE THESE FOLKS HAVE BEEN WORKING -- WELL, WE HAD THE AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS PROGRAM FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS DOING HAVE VERY, VERY VITAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND IN THE PAST THREE YEARS SEVERAL PROJECTS AND COUNTLESS HOURS OF LANDSCAPING WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THESE VERY SAME YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH THIS PHENOMENAL PROGRAM. THEY PLANTED OVER 2,000 TREES IN PRECINCT 2 PARKS. THEY CREATED A TREE-TRIMMING PROGRAM IN THE PARKS AND REPLACED THOUSANDS OF TREES.

THEY PLANTED 36,000 SEASONAL FLOWERS IN OUR PARKS AND COMMUNITY CENTERS AND BUILDING A NEW MONARCH STATION AT OUR NEW CHALLENGER 7 PARK. I'M JUST EXCITED.

JOSE, YOU DIDN'T GET TO SPEAK EARLIER.

COME BACK WITH ALYSSA AND JUST GIVE AS YOU PERSPECTIVE AS TO THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAM. WE HAVE HIRED FOLKS WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS PROGRAM.

AND IT IS JUST SOME OF THE TANGIBLE OUTPUTS THAT THIS

PARTICULAR PROGRAM HAS PROVIDED. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT. THREE YEARS AGO WE WORKED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THIS NEW CONTRACT.

SINCE THEN WE HAVE PW-PBG -- BEEN ABLE TO PARTNER WITH AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS. THEY CAME OUT WITH THE LAY -- THE LAYOUTS. THEY ARE DEVELOPING THE NEW CONCEPTS AND THE NEW PLANS FOR HOW WE CAN TREAT OUR SEASONAL PLANTS. THEY CAN LAST LONGER AND BECOME MORE EFFICIENT. ABOVE THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HIRE SOME OF OUR GRADUATES FROM THE PROGRAM TO BE PART OF OUR TEAM. THE INSPIRATION THAT THERE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WANT A CAREER IN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND IN LANDSCAPING AND HORTICULTURE SERVICES AND THEY LEAD US IN COMING UP WITH NEW WAYS OF THINKING.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THIS AND WE THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO

WORK WITH THEM. >> AND THANK YOU, JOSE.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BEING -- FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM TO ME ALMOST FOUR YEARS AGO NOW AND DESCRIBING ALL OF THE INCREDIBLE THINGS THAT CAN COME OUT OF IT. IT HAS DONE THAT AND MORE.

THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADIES FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE TOOK OUR PICTURE EARLIER, BUT FOR THE FOLKS STILL HERE AND STILL WATCHING, THIS IS WHY WE TOOK THE PICTURE EARLIER. JUST BECAUSE OF HOW AMAZING YOU ARE. I JUST ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT YOS THAT DO LANDSCAPING WORK, BUT LET ME JUST SAY THAT YOU PUT -- I DON'T WANT TO USE THE WORD TO SHAME, BUT YOU GUYS DO SOME VERY, VERY, VERY IMPRESSIVE AND PRISTINE WORK THAT YOU WOULD NOT KNOW IT IS THIS TYPE OF PROGRAM WHO HAS DONE IT.

>> WITH NO EXPERIENCE PRIOR. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S RIGHT. THAT'S RIGHT.

>> I WANT -- I WANTED TO SAY IF THE REST OF THE TEAMMATES WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THEMSELVES FOR THEIR HARD WORK.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES! GO TEAM LEADER! THERE YOU GO.

COME ON DOWN. >> HONESTLY, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE KIND WORDS AND, YOU KNOW, THANK YOU FOR THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT. LIKE ALY HAS SAID, NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE, BUT REALLY AND TRULE RIGHT WORDS, BUT REALLY AND TRULY IT IS WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE PEOPLE WE HAVE STATIONED WITH PRECINCT 2.

YEAH, HONESTLY, I LOVE THIS. I WILL CONTINUE.

I'M KAILEY, BY THE WAY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

KAILEY. >> MY NAME IS HANNAH COLEMAN.

THANK YOU GUYS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> I AM SHAHEEK AND I AM ONE OF THE CREW LEADERS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WONDERFUL. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOOD WORK.

COMMISSIONER, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND TO YOUR TEAM FOR THIS

AND SO MANY OTHERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN YOU SEE THIS TALENT, IT IS EXCITING AND IT IS REVITALIZING AND

[02:35:05]

INVIGORATING. THANK YOU.

>> I THINK WE ALSO HAVE SOMEBODY ONLINE THAT IS GOING TO SPEAK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.

>> YES, WE DO. FIRST IS PARK SMITH OF AMERICAN

YOUTH WORKS WHO IS IN PERSON. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. APPRECIATE THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I'M PARK SMITH AND CEO FOR AMERICAN YOUTH WORKS AND I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR 27 YEARS. BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE'S LIVES CHANGED AND A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON BOTH THE COMMUNITY PARKS HERE LOCALLY AND NATIONAL FOREST AS WELL AND WATCHING YOUNG PEOPLE BE ASKED TO DO SOMETHING INCREDIBLE OR SOMETHING IMPORTANT AND SIG -- SIGNIFICANT.

YOU CAN'T TELL ME THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT MOTIVATED TO DO SOMETHING HARD. I CAN SEE THESE YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING HARD BUILDING HOUSES FOR THE HOMELESS.

HERE IN HOUSTON WE ARE IMPROVING THESE PARKS.

IT IS A TREMENDOUS IMPACT. WE COULDN'T DO THIS AND WE HAVE BEEN TKROE -- GROWING THIS PROGRAM.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS INITIALLY.

WE HOPE ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS WILL SEE THIS AS A RESOURCE FOR YOUR PARKS. WE HAVE A COUNTY-WIDE AGREEMENT THAT COULD BE APPLIED IN ANY OF YOUR DISTRICTS AND PRECINCTS.

JACK WE WANT TO -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE WANT TO

VISIT WITH YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: PARK, ANY NAME

THAT LEAD YOU TO THIS WORK? >> THERE HAS BEEN SOME OF THAT.

YES. I AM NOT A BLACKSMITH FIXING METALS. I AM PARK SMITH FIXING PARKS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR WORK.

27 YEARS DOING THIS AND YOU ARE TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES AND CHANGING LIVES AND YOU ARE GIVING THE NEXT GENERATION A DIRECTION TO PURSUE A PASSION THEY DIDN'T KNOW THEY MAY HAVE HAD. VERY PROUD AND YOUR WORK IS TRANSFORMATIONAL AND I'M EXCITED TO SEE THE WORK YOUR LEADERSHIP IS PROVIDING FOR COMMUNITY. AND LIKE A FEW OTHER PROGRAMS, WE STARTED WITH THE PRECINCT AND WE RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS VALUABLE TO THE ENTIRE COUNTY. THIS IS NOW A COUNTY-WIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR MY COLLEAGUES TO LEVERAGE.

THE YOUNG PEOPLE WE HAVE MET THROUGH THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAM, IT HAS JUST BEEN -- I MEAN, EACH ONE OF THESE IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG OF THE FOLKS THAT HAVE COME THROUGH AND HAVE MADE THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN. THERE IS A TREE -- YOU MAY NOT KNOW IT, BUT EACH OF YOU HAVE CREATED A LIVING LEGACY BECAUSE THOSE FLOWERS YOU PLANTED, THE TREES YOU PLANTED, ALL OF THEM ARE YOU. I WANT TO THANK YOU, BUT PARTICULARLY THE SPEED OF THE PACK IS THE SPEED OF THE LEADER.

CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I WILL JUST SAY ONE LAST THING. IN ADDITION TO THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT THEY ARE DOING IN PARKS, THEY ALSO LEARN DISASTER RESPONSE SKILLS. IT ENHANCES THE CAPACITY OF THE COMMUNITY TO HAVE MORE OF THESE YOUNG PEOPLE.

THEY ARE HERE HERE TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY.

YOU CAN CALL ON US IN TIMES OF DISASTER AND WE WILL RESPOND AS

WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER ON THIS

ITEM, TIFFANY? >> YES.

ALZOR ROBINSON SPEAKING ON 269. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES, I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE MY TESTIMONY ON THE TCC. I WORKED FOR TSCC, AN EXPERIENCE MOST PEOPLE DON'T EXPERIENCEN I A LIFETIME.

TSCC WAS MY FIRST JOB. I KNEW I WANTED TOO DSOMETHING IN CONSERVATION, BUT IN' DIDT KNOW WHERE TO START.

I FELTKY LUC WHEN THEY TOOK A CHANCE ON ME AND TRUSTEDWI ME TH THEPO RESNSIBILITIES THAT CAME ALONGH WITBEING A CREW MEMBER AND A CREW LEADER.MA NY CURVE BALLSMY CAME BUT IT WAS TO T SATISFYHE AND MADE S ME FEELTRONGER PREPAREDTH FOR ANYING.UN I FOD MYSELFOR MORE COMFTABLE INS. INTERVIEW THEY WANT TO KNOWR ABOUT YOUER LEADSHIPNG AND WORKIDI WITH FFERENT EQUIPMENT ABILITY TO ADAPT. CSCC GAVE ME AE CRASH COURSIN ALL OF THOSEAS AREAS AND H BEEN CRUCIAL INND MY PERSONAL AON

PROFESSIAL DEVELOPMENT. >> THANKOU YOU, MA'AM, YR U TIME

[02:40:02]

ISP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.E DO YOU HAV W FINAL WORDS YOUANT TO SHARE?

>> YEAH.T THE LAST PARIS THANKS TO TSCC'S HELP WITH IMPROVING MY DEDICATION TO I EARNED AN INTERN -- AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE CITY AS A CLIMATE SUMMER.ADOR OVER THE

SO THAT'S BEEN COOLRC. >> ADRIAN GAIA: VERY GOOD.H.

THANK YOU SO MUC PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR A KOLL -- COLLEAGUESREER APPLAUDING YOU OV HERE.

JUDGE, THEREEA IS -- I MENTIONED RLIER THERE IS A QUIET, QUIET, QUIET GUY WHO IS HERE. MIKE, I'M GONNA ASK YOU TO SPEAK. HE ALWAYS SMILES,AK BUT I WANT M TO SPE. HE HELPS TO LEAD THIS PARTICULAR INITIATIVE. MIKE, IF YOU CAN GIVE US SOME PERSPECTIVE AS TO WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN.

YOU ARE AAT YOUNG GUY YOURSELF D WH IT MEANS TO HAVE WORKED

ALONGSIDE THESE YOUNG PEOPLE. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU. IT IS A VERY DIFFICULT JOB.

THEY ARE OFTEN OUT THERE IN HUNDRED-DEGREE WEATHER.

WE ARE -- WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM AND IT IS AN HONOR TO LEAD A LOT OF DEDICATED PEOPLE IN THE FIELD TO MAKE OUR PARKS BEAUTIFUL AND WELCOMING TO OUR CONSTITUENTS. THEY PUT IN A LOT OF HARD WORK.

I GET TO SEE THEM AND THEIR DEDICATION TOWARD THE PARKS.

THANK YOU, MIKE.: WONDERFUL. I APPRECIATE YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL>> CONTINE WITH THE SPEAKERS.

NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 34, KIM WASHINGTON SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 405 UNDER TRANSMITTALS.

HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. KENI WASHINGTON.

WHEN I LEFT ON AUGUST 2ND RECEIVED MESSAGES ABOUT THE BOND PACKAGE ON INTPRAU -- INTPRAU STRUCK STAOUR SINCE WE WERE FINDING FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY PROJECT.

1.2 BILLION IN ROADS, PARKS AND POLICE.

WHAT IS THIS MONEY FOR? CAN WE AS VOTERS GET A BREAK DOWN ON HOW THIS WILL BE APPLIED BEFORE WE ACTUALLY VOTE ON IT? YOU DIDN'T WANT TO FUND THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE, BUT NOW THE INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE WILL SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE COUNTY? THE FUNDING PREVIOUSLY APPLIED IS NOT WITH OTHER AGENCIES. WHERE IS THE FUNDING WITH REGARDS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT? HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY DIDN'T WANT TO SELL TO UMBLE ISD.

THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM FOR 2.5 BILLION MEASURED THAT THAT WAS TO GO TO FLOOD PLAIN PROJECTS WOULD BE PROGRAMS BRINGING IN BILLIONS OF FUNDING FOR THE COUNTY.

WHERE IS THE OVERSIGHT OF THESE BOND MEASURES TO SHOW THAT THERE IS SOME ACCOUNTABILITY FOR HOW THESE BONDS ARE BEING SPENT OR BETTER YET WHY. IS AN AUDIT IN ORDER ON THE PREVIOUS BONDS TO SEE IF WE CAN FIGURE OUT HOW THE BONDS ARE BEING APPLIED AND WHAT THEY ARE BEING APPLIED FOR.

DON'T JUST RUBBER STAMP FUNDING. FOCUS ON THE HARRIS COUNTY ISSUES AND NOT JUST EVERYONE ELSE'S.

IT ISN'T EASY SPENDING -- IT IS EASY SPENDING MILLIONS WHEN IT DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. NEXT IS SPEAKER 35.

ALLEN WATKINS FROM THE HOUSTON HOUSING COLLABORATIVE SPEAKING ON 411 UNDER EXECUTIVE SESSION. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> HI, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

MY NAME IS ALLEN WATKINS AND I SERVE AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE HOUSTON HOUSING COLLABORATIVE WHICH IS A DIVERSE MEMBER ORGANIZATION KOFRPB -- CONSISTING OF MANY WHO CARE ABOUT THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF THE HOUSTON REGION. HARRIS COUNTY'S APPROVAL OF COMMUNITY LAND TERRORIST GOES A LONG -- LAND TRUST GOES A LONG WAY IN SOLVING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS WE FACE.

COMMUNITY LAND TRUSTS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE OF THAEUFR VERY NATURE -- BECAUSE OF THEIR VERY NATURE.

IT WILL GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REALIZE HOUSING FOR ALL.

IT IS AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION AND IT MUST BE GIVEN THE PROPER ATTENTION AND THE PROPER RESOURCES TO BE VIABLE.

I URGE THE COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER ADDING KINGSMAN PARK THROUGH ARPA FUNDS. THIS EFFORT WILL CLOSE THE GAP OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING THAT IS DESPERATELY NEEDED IN HARRIS COUNTY. I AM IN SUPPORT OF ITEM 411.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 36, KAREN KNAPP OF MOMS DEMAND ACTIONS SPEAKING ON 419 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

[02:45:01]

>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY ON BEHALF OF HARRIS COUNTY VOLUNTEERS WITH MOMS DEMAND ACTION.

GUN VIOLENCE IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND OUR VOLUNTEERS COMMITTED TO PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE AND SAVING LIVES.

WE NEED RIGOROUS RESEARCH THAT SUPPORTS EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY DEVELOPMENT AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE. THAT'S WHY WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO WORK WITH BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE.

COLLECTING AND ANALYZING THE FIRE ON CRIME DATA IS THE FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPING TARGETED INTERVENTION EFFORTS.

IT IS FOR SUICIDE AND UNINTENTIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TRAFFICKING AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

MOMS DEMAND ACTION VOLUNTEERS SPURS OUR COMMISSIONERS TO SUPPORT THE LIFE-SAVING GUN VIOLENCE AND TO KEEP OUR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES SAFER. THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 38, ALEXI SWARSKY.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THERE NEEDS TO BE AN HAHN -- HONEST ELECTION AND THE MACHINES NEED TO BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. ANYTHING ELSE IS PLANNED ELECTION FRAUD. SINCE THE CURRENT REGIME HAS BEEN RUNNING, A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF POLLING LOCATIONS THEY WERE ALLOCATED TO THE DEMOCRAT AREAS.

IN THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION SIX OUT OF SEVEN DRIVE-THRU LOCATIONS WERE IN THE DEMOCRAT AREAS.

ON MAY 7TH IT WAS A LOW TURNOUT ELECTION AND THERE WAS NOT A WORKING SCANNER AT THE POLL.

MY HUSBAND VOTED AT 7:45 IN THE MORNING IN PRECINCT 3.

I ASSUMED THE MACHINE WAS BROKEN AS HE WAS INSTRUCTED TO PUT THE BALLOT IN THE BOX. MAYBE IT DID NOT GET A SCAN TO BEGIN WITH WHICH COULD BE A FORM OF ELECTION FRAUD.

IF THE BALLOT CANNOT BE COUNTED, THE VOTE WAS DISSEN FRANCE KHAOEUSED -- I WAS DISENFRANCHISED.

I RECEIVED A CALL ASKING ME TO WORK AT A POLL IN PRECINCT 1.

I TOLD THE CALLER I WASN'T DRIVING EIGHT MILES.

I WANTED A STAFF AND VOTING LOCATION IN MY PRECINCT AND TO SCHEDULE THAT. HE DIDN'T KNOW OF ANY LOCATIONS NEAR ME AND DID NOT CALL BACK. THERE HAS NOT BEEN A VOTING LOCATION IN MY PRECINCT 597 SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2020.

STACKING THE POLLING LOCATIONS AND VOTE WORKING MACHINE IN DEMOCRAT PARTS OF THE COUNTY IS ELECTION FRAUD.

WORKING ELECTION MACHINES IN POLO LOCATIONS NEED TO BE EVENLY DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT ALL PARTS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND NOT CONCENTRATED IN PRECINCTS 1 AND 2.

ANYTHING ELSE THAN THAT IS PLANNED ELECTION FRAUD.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER ONE WALTER PROTHERO SPEAKING IN PERSON. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

>> YES. MY NAME IS WALTER PROTHRO.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, I WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO INTRODUCE THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF HARRIS COUNTY ON WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN USING HARRIS HEALTH FACILITIES FROM EXPERIENCE.

THE FOLLOWING IS A POSSIBLE EXAMPLE OF WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION WHEN DEALING WITH HARRIS HEALTH.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE PUBLIC WHO USE HARRIS HEALTH SERVICES ARE ADVISED THAT THEIR MEDICAL INFORMATION MIGHT BE SOLD TO MARKETING COMPANIES.

I CAN STATE THE FOLLOWING AS A FACT.

AFTER GOING TO APPOINTMENTS AND CARDIOLOGY UNITS I RECEIVED A BROCHURE FOR THE MEDICATION LIPITOR.

EVEN THOUGH I WAS NEVER PER -- PRESCRIBED TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION BY THE CARDIOLOGY RESIDENTS, IT WAS ONLY A FEW WEEKS AFTER MY VISIT THAT I RECEIVED THIS IN THE MAIL.

I DID INFORM HARRIS HEALTH ABOUT IT AND AFFORDED THEM ALL THE INFORMATION I HAD INCLUDING THE COPIES OF THE MATERIALS I RECEIVED. I DID WAIT FOR A RESPONSE FROM

HARRIS HEALTH. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> PLEASE? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER THREE, R LEE SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

[02:50:22]

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS MR. LEE ON THE LINE OR PRESENT?

>> HE SHOULD BE THERE, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: R LEE? IF YOU ARE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK, GO AHEAD AND SPEAK.

RIGHT NOW EVERYONE IS GETTING ONE MINUTE, SIR.

WE HAVE OVER 25 SPEAKERS. >> TIFFANY?

>> YES. >> HE IS SAYING HE GETS THREE

MINUTES TO SPEAK? >> NO.

AS FAR AS WE KNOW EVERYONE GETS 1 MINUTE EXCEPT JACOB.

JACOB WAS THE ONLY ONE. >> THANK YOU.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, SIR.

>> MY NAME IS R MICHAEL LEE AND I AM A 70-YEAR-OLD SENIOR CITIZEN ON A FIXED INCOME. WHAT DOES COUNTY JUDGE LINA HUH -- LINA HIDALGO DOING TO PROTECT SENIORS IN HARRIS COUNTY. HAVE I NOT RECEIVED RESPONSES TO MY LETTERS SENT TO JUDGE HIDALGO OVER 60-DAYS AGO.

FLOOD CONTROL VIOLATED MY CIVIL RIGHTS IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER 12898 FORCING ME TO ENGAGE CIVIL ENGINEERS FOR $28,000 TO CORRECT DEFECTS IN PLANS AND THUS VIOLATING THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS.

I LIVE IN A ARCHITECTURALLY ENGINEERED HOME FOR 40 YEARS THAT IS PROTECTED BY A NATIONAL PRESERVATION ACT.

FLOOD CONTROL IS PLACING A 16-FOOT STORM INLET AT THE ENTRANCE AND THE MIDDLE OF THE HOMESTEAD THAT NOT ONLY NEGATIVELY AFFECTED THE AESTHETICS, BUT IT DEVALUED THE HOME BY $150,000. I REPORTED THAT FLOOD CONTROL --

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

>> CAN I GO ON? I WAS SUPPOSED TO GET THREE

MINUTES. >> NO.

THEY HAD ME OUT OF ORDER. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, SIR.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THE COUNTY JUDGE.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO PROTECT SENIOR CITIZENS FROM

ABUSES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS IN FRONT OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE RIGHT NOW.

>> IT HAS BEEN IN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR TWO YEARS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A LITIGATION ISSUE.

>> IT IS NOT A LITIGATION ISSUE. IT HAS TO DO WITH GETTING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO DISCUSS AN ISSUE. THAT'S ALL I'M ASKING.

I CANNOT GET A RESPONSE FROM FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.

I HAVE REQUESTED OVER 20 MEETINGS WITH THE NEW DISTRICTER. THEY HAVE ALL BEEN IGNORED.

I AM ASKING THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE TO SET UP A MEETING SO THAT ALL OF THE PARTIES CAN GET TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE.

INSTEAD OF PUSHING IT UNDER THE RUG.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM BEING ADVISED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THAT THEY NEED TO ADDRESS IT.

IF JAY AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY --

>> THEY HAVE NOT ADDRESS -- ADDRESSED IT FOR TWO YEARS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. AND WE WILL -- PLEASE FOLLOW-UP WITH THEM AND THEY WILL MAKE SURE --

>> ARE YOU GOING TO RESPOND -- IS YOUR OFFICE GOING TO RESPOND

TO THIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE RESPONSE THEY SENT IS THE RESPONSE WE CAN SEND PER THE ATTORNEY'S ADVICE.

>> ARE YOU GOING TO SEND A LETTER TO THAT EFFECT?

I AM ASKING THE COUNTY JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE YOUR REMARKS. THANK YOU.

>> I HAVE MADE MY REMARKS, BUT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 4, REBECCA BRIDGES SPEAKING IN PERSON.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS REBECCA BRIDGES. I AM A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY IN PRECINCT 1. I AM A SIX-YEAR VOLUNTEER FOR HARRIS COUNTY PETS. I HAVE A BLOG CALLED HOUSTON DOG MOM AND I AM A VIDEOGRAPHER FOR URGENT SHELTER PETS HOUSTON WHICH IS A NETWORKING PAGE FOR THE SHELTER.

NOW, THIS IS MY FIRST TIME APPEARING AT COMMISSIONERS' COURT. I HAVE BEEN VERY IMPRESSED BY THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME FORWARD WHO HAVE -- WHO ARE SKILLED IN THEIR POSITION SUCH AS THE FIREFIGHTERS WE HAD EARLIER. I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH IS ABOUT TO HIRE A NEW DIRECTOR FOR VET

[02:55:02]

RAW -- VETERINARY PUBLIC HEALTH. THEY APPEAR NOT TO HAVE A HIRING PROCESS THAT WOULD APPEAL TO PEOPLE WHO ARE SKILLED IN MANAGING AN ANIMAL SHELTER. IN FACT, THE PUBLISHED JOB OPENING THEY HAVE IS 100% FOCUSED ON DISEASE CONTROL AND IT MENTIONS NOTHING ABOUT MANAGING THE SHELTER.

MY REASON FOR COMING HERE TODAY --

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

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> I EDITED MY THREE MINUTES TO ONE MINUTE SO I WILL -- I WILL DEFINITELY DO THAT.

THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 5, DANA JONES. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES.

SINCE I ONLY HAVE ONE MINUTE, MY NAME IS DANA JONES AND I LIVE AT 1270 HARPER. I AM NOW A -- I AM IN ADRIAN GARCIA'S DISTRICT, BUT MY PREVIOUS WAS RODNEY ELLIS.

WELL, I HAVE A FLOODING ISSUE IN MY -- AT MY HOUSE.

WHAT HAPPENS IS BECAUSE OF THE EROSIONHE T WATER SITSN IMY YARD AND MY NEIGHBOR'SAR YD. IUS JT FOUND OUT IN THEAS LT FOUR YEARS THAT MY NEIGHBOR HAS AAG SEWEHO MANLE.

SO WHEN OUR YARDSOD FLO WE HAVE DOO-DO O COMING OUT.TH ECA CITY MEND OUT A PUT A GRATE TO STOP THE C PAPEROMING OUT, BUTVE WE HA FECES I WATERN OUR YARD COMING OUT.W NOITAG HAS DAMEDPE OUR PRORTY. I TALKED TO ELLIS ABOUT IT MANY A TIMES. I HAVEN'T HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET WITHRC ADRIAN GAIA BECAUSE I AM JUST NOW INNC HIS PRECIT.N' I DOT THINK IT IS FAIRTK YOU OPBL GET TWO MINUTES.

IAD HEARD THE LY TALKINGEL ABOUT ECTION FRAUD.DR

>> AIAN GARCIA: MS. JONES. >>? CAN I GO ONNG I'M HAVI TO LIVE IN SEWAGEEI AND MY NGHBOR A --

>>DRIAN GARCIA: MS. JONES.S. MS. JONE MS. JONES. CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> A YES. >>DRIAN GARCIA: THISSI IS COMMISONER GARCIA.OF I HAVE SOME THETE ISSUES RELAD TO YOURYO CHALLENGE. U LIVE INON THE CITY OF HOUST,

IS THAT CORRECT? >> IY LIVE INSIDE THE CIT OF HOUSTON.IN COMMISSIONER, ITIALLYBO WHEN WE FIRST UGHT THE HOUSE WE WERE A COUNTY.

AND THEN THE CITY TOOK OVER. BUT WE STILL HAVE SOME COUNTY

ISSUES.: >> ADRIAN GARCIAI --

>> I DON'T THINK IT IS FAIR I GET A SHORTERTE AMOUNT OF TIME O LL WHAT THE STORY S BUT WHAT I AM LETTING YOU GUYS KNOW --MS

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: . JONES. MS. JONES -- MS. JONES.

>> CAN I SAY ONE THING AND THEN I WILL LISTEN TO YOU.

I NEED TO LET THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT KNOW THAT MY NEIGHBOR, HER CHILDREN, ALL FOUR OFLE HER CHILDREN HAVE PROBMS. THOSE PROBLEMS, ONCE IT COMES OUTBE THAT THOSE PROBLEMS IS CAUSE HER CHILDRENAG HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO SEWE, THEN WHAT IS THE COUNTY AND THE CITY GOING TO SAY? I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I LET IT BE KNOWN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOTCHA. THANK YOU FOR CALLING.

I'M GONNA HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU FROM MY OFFICE, BUT I WAS JUSTE ASKING THAT QUESTION BECAUSI WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ALSO HAVE SOMEONE FROM THE CITY PARTICIPATE SO THAT YOU ARE NOT -- WE ARE NOT NOUNSING YOU AROUND -- NOT BOUNCING YOU AROUND. LET ME WORK ON THIS A LITTLE BIT

AND WE WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU. >> YES, SIR.

TOUGH -- THANK YOU SO MUCH.LC >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU'RE WEOME. THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 6, AARON PODIER.

>> HI, GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M AARON AND I HAVE SPOKEN ON ZOOM CALLS TO YOU GUYS A FEW TIMES BEFORE.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I SPOKE WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR OFFICE THIS PAST WEEK -- OR LAST WEEK ON THIS ISSUE.

YOU HELPED ME PREVIOUSLY WHEN I WAS DEALING WITH THE TENNIS COURT ISSUE. I AM TALKING ABOUT THE BACKLOG AT THE COURT. I HAVE A COUPLE OF CASES PENDING RIGHT NOW. I WAS TOLD JUST TO GET A DEFAULT JUDGMENT HEARING IN JP COURT, I WAS JP1 AND PLACE 1, THEY ARE JUST NOW GETTING TO 2019 AND 2020 CASE CASES.

WHAT IT DOES IT GIVES A HUGE INCENTIVE TO THE DEFENSE NOT TO RESPOND OR DO ANYTHING. I AM WONDER FIGURE COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN EASE THIS BACKLOG OF CASES.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU WERE A JP YOURSELF AND YOU SHOULD

[03:00:01]

UNDERSTAND THIS ISSUE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS IS TOM RAMSEY. WE WILL FOLLOW BACK UP WITH YOU.

I AM INTERESTED IN SOME INFORMATION YOU GOT THERE.

I WILL FOLLOW BACK UP WITH YOU. >> OKAY.

I APPRECIATE IT, SIR. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 16IRA FROM MEDICARE FOR ALL.

>> THANKS VERY MUCH. GOOD DAY, COMMISSIONERS, AND JUDGE UH HALL -- JUDGE HIDALGO. HAVE I SPOKEN WITH YOU BEFORE SO I AM MAKING THE REQUEST AGAIN. I AM REQUESTING YOUR STAFF HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND I CAN PROVIDE IT AGAIN.

THE ISSUE IS TO GET -- TO BE ON RECORD IN SUPPORT OF UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE. THE FEDERAL MONEY WILL COME.

I AM JUST ASKING YOU PASS AN ACTIVE RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MEDICARE FOR ALL AND UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT IS ROBERT CHOTE SPEAKING IN PERSON.

>> WHICH NUMBER IS THIS? >> HE JUST SIGNED UP BEFORE THE

MEETING STARTED. >> THANK YOU.

I DIDN'T THINK I WAS GOING TO GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE DINNER.

I HAVE BEEN AN ELECTION WORKER AND AN ALTERNATE ELECTION JUDGE AND PRESIDES -- PRESIDING JUDGE. I HAVE HAD MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THE HARRIS.ORG WEBSITE. IT IS THE ONE THING IN THIS COUNTY THAT WORKED VIRTUALLY PERFECTLY FOR YEARS.

HELPED A JUDGE CANDIDATE WITH SOME ISSUES I WENT ON THERE AND FOUND OUT IT'S BEEN CHANGED. WHY? HOW MUCH MONEY WAS SPENT ON THAT? ANYBODY KNOW? ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR, MR. TAX LIEN, Y'ALL JUST HIRED HIM, RIGHT? HOW MUCH? NO ANSWER? PEOPLE REPORT TO YOU AND YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THEY SPENT ON THIS WEBSITE? LUBE --

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

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE

SPEAKERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. ARE YOU OKAY IF WE TAKE A LUNCH BREAK AND THAT WAY WE CAN DISCUSS WHEN WE HAVE THE FULL COURT WHAT THE DISCUSSION ITEMS AND WHICH ONES ARE NOT FOR DISCUSSION? SO IT IS 1:45 AND LET'S BREAK FOR AN HOUR UNTIL A QUARTER TO 3 TO TAKE A LUNCH BREAK.

AND THEN WE WILL RETURN AND GET ON WITH THE DISCUSSION ITEMS. THANK YOU AND THANK YOU TO THE SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. IT IS 2:56 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. I'M GOING TO START WITH THE CORRECTIONS WHILE COMMISSIONER GARCIA GETS HERE.

THERE WE GO. COMMISSIONER, WE'RE JUST TAKING

[Departments (Part 4 of 4)]

UP THE CORRECTIONS. ITEM 17, CSD STAFF HAD TO REWORD THIS ITEM. ONE AMENDMENT IS NO LONGER BEING INCLUDED IN THE ITEM. SO SEVERAL WORDING CHANGES AND THIS IS HOW THE ITEM IS SUPPOSED TO READ, REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR FIVE AGREEMENTS AND ONE INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HARRIS COUNTY AND NUMBER ONE THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY FOR HOUSING SERVICES.

AN INTERMEDIARY/MONITORING SERVICES.

TWO, THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS HOUSTON/HARRIS COUNTY FOR SOLE SOURCE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT.

3, THE SALVATION ARMY FOR PCH PRESERVATION.

4, A SAFE PLACE FOR THE 22.1 PROGRAM.

AND 6 THE HAIR HARRIS SEN -- CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. THAT'S THE CORRECTION.

SKY AT THIS POINT I WOULD -- >> AT THIS POINT I WOULD MAKE THE CORRECTION THAT SINCE IT DEALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH THAT AT THE CONCLUSION OF TODAY WE ADJOURN IN HONOR OF JAY ROOTS.

HIS FAMILY SAID THERE WERE IN LINE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

IN LIGHT OF THE AGENDA IF WE CAN UH -- ADJOURN IN HIS HONOR.

[03:05:04]

>> LINA HIDALGO: OF COURSE. THANK YOU.

EXCUSE ME, ITEM 150 ON PAGE 19. THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION. IT WAS WATER SAID -- WATER SHED- RELATED SERVICES. ITEM 183 FROM PAGE 23, THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION ON CONTRACT NUMBER THREE ON THIS ITEM. SO WE CAN REMOVE NUMBER 3, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 3 FOR LMI SIDEWALKS AND TRAIL PROJECT.

>> WHAT ITEM? >> 183 ON PAGE 23.

EYE ITEM -- ITEM 184. THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION ON THE AGREEMENT WITH HCRCA REGARDING THE CASE CENTER PROJECT. AND ITEM 59, THE DEPARTMENT

REQUESTS NO ACTION, PAGE 34. >> IF YOU CAN PULL ITEM 22.

>> WE ARE MAKING CORRECTIONS. >> WE SAID 259 AND NO ACTION ON PAGE 34. 423, NO ACTION ON PAGE 52.

THAT'S THE D.A. ITEM. 423, 423 ON PAGE 52.

>> JUDGE, I DID HAVE A QUESTION IN LIGHT OF THAT.

I KNOW IT IS NO ACTION, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE DISCUSS IT, JAY?

>> COMMISSIONER, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING TO DO?

I APOLOGIZE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS HAS TO DO WITH -- [INAUDIBLE]. THE QUESTION IS -- [INAUDIBLE].

>> I THINK WE COULD DISCUSS THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 424 ON PAGE 52.

THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION.

425, THERE IS A CORRECTION. CHANGE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY TO ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE. THAT SHOULD BE IT FOR THE

CORRECTIONS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT IS THE

CORRECTION ON 425? >> LINA HIDALGO: CHANGE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY TO ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE.

>> HERE ARE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. DO FOLKS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON ITEM 202, A SETTLEMENT IN THE 157TH JUDICIAL COURT?

>> NO NEED. >> WHAT ABOUT 203?

IT IS ALSO A SEAT TELL MEANT. >> NO NEED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 204, A SETTLEMENT AS WELL?

>> NO NEED. >> LINA HIDALGO: 365 ON NHHIP.

>> NO NEED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT IS ONE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A QUICK UPDATE ON ON WHERE WE ARE

ARE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO WE WILL GO

TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT.

408, REAPPOINTMENT OF LACEY WOLF TO THE SPORTS AUTHORITY.

>> NO NEED. >> LINA HIDALGO: 409? APPOINTMENT OF DR. MAX MILLER TO THE HARRIS CENTER.

>> NO NEED. >> LINA HIDALGO: 410, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE REAPPOINTMENT OF TWO INDIVIDUALS TO THE SOUTHEAST

REGIONAL MANAGEMENT DISTRICT. >> NO NEED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 411, AN AGREEMENT WITH KINGS LAND PARK.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK WE JUST NEED TO VOTE ON THAT.

THIS IS AN ITEM IN PRECINCT 4 THAT IS A LAND TRUST.

[03:10:02]

ALTHOUGH I SUPPORTED THE LOW INCOME HOUSING UNIT, I AM NOT IN SUPPORT OF THE LAND TRUST APPROACH.

I THINK COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD INDICATED THAT MY DESIRES ARE IRRELEVANT WHEN IT COMES TO THESE ISSUES SO WE JUST NEED TO

VOTE ON IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S A MOTION ON ITEM 411 ON PAGE 50. ALL IN -- A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

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

>> I OPPOSE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 3-2. 412 ON PAGE 51.

>> NO NEED. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A SPECIAL COUNCIL AGREEMENT. ITEM 413 ON PAGE 51, SPECIAL

COUNCIL AS WELL. >> NO NEED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

SO THOSE ARE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. THE ONLY ITEM FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION IS THE NHIIP DISCUSSION SO FAR. AND NOW FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS --

>> JUDGE, I'M SORRY, REAL QUICK, ON NUMBER 410, ARE YOU GOING TO

JUST A MOTION TO REAPPOINT? >> LINA HIDALGO: THOSE TWO

INDIVIDUALS. >> WHATEVER Y'ALL DECIDE, I JUST

NEED TO KNOW. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WILL BE ON CONSENT. THAT'S ALL RIGHT, RIGHT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO ITEM 17, I ALREADY ISSUED THE CORRECTION.

DID FOLKS NEED TO DISCUSS ITEM 17?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOPE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT ABOUT ITEM 19? COMMISSIONER GARCIA MIGHT HAVE

FLAGGED THIS ONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

AND I HAVE ANOTHER ITEMHA TT NEEDS TO BE PULLED UP FIRST, ITEM 352. THAT'S BEFORE WE CAN VOTEN O19.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 19 AND52 3.

LETE MMAKE SUREE WHAVE THAT AS WELL.

SO 352S IAN URBMI FARNG OPERATION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE ON ET-- L'S

DO THAT NOW >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS ALREADY LISTED FORCU DISSSION. WE CAN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST AE NOT THAT IF IT HAS TOIN GO FRONT OF 19 I, SO WILLE MOVON ITEM. 352 ASSE PRENTED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA ANDON SECDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> IN MEA--

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THAT2. IS 35IS .THERE A MOTION ON 19

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SOED MOV. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?MO TION CARRIES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.I WANT TO APPLAUD ROW BLESSFO R --S ROBLEAS THEIR INCRIBLE WORK.TH EY CAME IN AS AY. FAMIL IT IS A TRUEY, FAMIL ALL BROTHERS WORKING. THERE THEY HAVESO DONE ME PHENOMENALWO RKRT CONVEING A IE BROWN FLD INTO AN YOU ARE-- KPWAPB AN URBANN GARDEAND GROWINGCR ANDIBLE VEGETABLES SHARING THEM WITH THERR SUOUNDINGTY COMMUNI.EY TH BRING IN SPECIES FROM ALL OVERLD THE WOR. I ITS INCREDIBLE STUFF.EY TH HADAB SREPBLGLES FROM --GE VETABLES FROM COLUMBIA AND FROMI INDIA, BELIEVE.D AN O BECAUSEF OUR, CLIMATEIT IS CONDUCIVE TO T SOME OFHOSE. THEY HAVE BEENE. INCREDIBLAS AND WE HAVE BEENO WORKING TTR CONSUCT THE SHERIFF AND YOU --SH THE ERIFF A NEWTI INVESTIGAVE PROPERTY ROOM,D THIS WOULHAVELA DISPCED THIS FAMILY AND THIS. WORK IAD HAD BEEN AMANTG AT WORKINENO THATTHAT THIS, CONTINUES THEIR WORK. CONTINUES I WANT TO THANK JOHN BLOUNTUS BECAE I MET WITH HIM WHENME I CA TO OFFICE TO ENSUREIS THERE A STRATEGY F TO KEEP THEAMILY WHOLE.

THEYE WORKED THSOIL AND AKE AND M TO MA SURE IT WAS A STUFF.D ALL THAT GOOD THEY JUSTCR DID SOME INEDIBLE THINGS ON IT.R, HOWEVE I DOM SUPPORT ITET 19, BUI DO WANT TO FLAG THISWO, THE RK WITHNK THE FOOD BA AND THEPL SMALL ACES AND THEHA URBAN RVEST.Y, MR. BERR IF I CANU SPEAK TO YO ONS. BEHALF OF M BARTON.L

[03:15:05]

KIDS MEAWAS NOT THISI REGARD.

DON'T WANT TO BE SHORT CITED -- SHORT-SIGHTED. P WHAT THEANDEMIC HAS TAUGHT US IS WE NEED MORE PROVIDERS AND NOT LESS.QU THEIR REEST WAS FORTR THE CONSUCTION. OF A BUILDINGT BUT IF IES GOES TO THE RILIENCY OF THE COMMUNITY, IHA THINK WE VE NOT HAD A VISION FOR WHATO WE NEED TO DO T MAKE -- TOD CREATE MORE FOO SECURITYY. IN HARRIS COUNTFL I WANT TO AG A DISCUSSION WITH T MS. BARTONOWE MAKE SURE THAT ARE LOOKING AT KIDS'AD MEAL AND DING THEM TO THE EQUATION. T AND I WANTO MAKE SURE WE DON'T STOP THERE.R THERE'S OTHEPROVIDERSOU IN HARRIS CNTY THAT AREIB DOING INCREDLE THINGS.IK AND JUST LE WE HAVE DONE WITH HOMELESSNESS, I THINK WE NEED TN NEED TO BRINGFOLKS AND CREATE E PEOPLE TO THE TABLE ANDIS HAVE A COMMSION ON FOOD SECURITY,NG MAKE -- MAKI SUREAR WHEN THINGS E COORDINATED THAT THERE ISN'T AE REINVENTING OF THWHEEL, IF YOU WILL ON THESE THINGS. I'M ADVOCATING FOR KIDS' MEALKE AND I WOULD LIUS TO HAVE A DISCSION ON ITWA AND I DON'T NT TO HOLD THIS UP,PP BUT I AM DISAOINTED THAT KIDS MEAL WAS NOT INKORPLCO OPERATED -- INRPORATED.LG

>> LINA HIDAO: COMMISSIONER ELLISEL.

>> RODNEY LIS: THERE WERE A LOT OF GOOD APPLICATIONS THAT CAME INE AND WE ARE FORTUNATAL O HAVE FEDER MONEY THAT CAN DO ANYTHING.RA WHEN THAT FEDEL MONEY IS GONE WE WON'T HAVE IT.Y DOES SOMETHING AS WELL.HE I WOULD LIKE TME DEPARTMENT TO ET WITH THEM AND GIVE THEM A SENSE.

SOME PEOPLE ARE BETTER ATT APPLICATIONS, BUIT WAS A COMPETITIVE THE SECOND TIME WEAN HAVE DONE T D A MUCH SMALLER ONE YEARS AGO.IA

>> ADRIAN GARC: YEAH, AND I THINK THE QUESTION OF COPS TEE BUILDING -- OF CAPACITYON BUILDING, IT IS E THING TO MAINTAIN OPERATIONS,K BUT I DOT THINTHAT WASED FULLY INCORPORAT INTO THIS PROCESS AND KIDSA MEAL COULD HAVE DONE LOT TO MOVE US ALONG. KIDS MEAL WASN'T EVEN IN MY BUT I RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF THE WORK THAT THEY DO.

THE FOOD BANK WANTS TO EXPAND THEIR FACILITIES AND I SUPPORTE THAT. WHEN W ARE DOING THEM ON ONE OFFS, I DON'T THINK WE W ARE LOOKING AT THEHOLE PLAYING FIELD.T I WOULD RATHER JUSMAKE SURE WE ARE HAVING STILL HAVE FEDERAL MONEY.

THAT EVEN WHEN THAT MONEY IS GONE WE CAN DO MORE.

TRUST ME, I KNOW THE VALUE OF -- YOU NEVER HAD A PROBLEMHA WITH WEIGHT, BUT I VE ALL MY LIFE. WHEN YOU ALL WERE EATING, I WAS.

WALKING, BY THE WA THAT'S WHY I WAS LATE.

I KNOW IT IS A BIG CHALLENGE. THERE ARE SO MANY FOOD DESERTS OUT THERE. A LOT OF IT IS EDUCATION,GU GETTING PEOPLE TO FIRE OUT HOW WE CAN HAVE IT TASTE F GOOD AND NOT BE BADOR O YOU AND GET THE SALTUT.

YOU GOT ME?PA FRESH FOOD IS A BIG RT OF IT.EX

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ACTLY. >> LINA HIDALGO: GEMRATEFUL FOR THESE ITS THEY ARE IMPORTANT STEPS.

I WILL FLAG 21 FOR A BRIEF UPDATE ON COVID.

ITEM 22, YOU WANT TO DISCUSS. COMMISSIONERS ELLIS -- WELL, THIS IS THE TAX RATE SO WE HAVE TO DISCUSS IT.

ITEM 25, SAME THING. ITEM 30, COMMISSIONERO GARCIA, O

YOU WANT T DISCUSS THAT?DO >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I .

>> LINA HIDALGO: 31 COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLE,

DO YOU WANT TO DISCUSS 31?E >> R. JACK CAGLE: THISSUE OF A MILLION DOLLARS FOR A ENGINEERIG I DON'T HAVE PROBLEM WITH.

THAT WE WILL DO IT WITH CAPITAL WHICH IS IN ESSENCE A LOAN

MECHANISM I'M AGAINST SO WE JUST NEED TO>> VOTE.

>> MOTIONED. SECONDIO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTNED BY ELLIS AND SECOND BY GARCIA.

>> ALL IN FAVOR? >>PP I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OOSE STPHED. >> A NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

ITEM 38 WAS FLAGGED BY PRECINCT 1.

DO YOU STILL NEED TO DISCUSS THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO WE NEED TO VOTE ON IT PRESENTLY?

SHOULD I SAY NOT PRESENT? >> WE'LL TAKE A SEPARATE VOTE ON THAT ONE. DO YOU WANT TO MOVE IT?

>> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE A MOTION LOAN --D

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONEBY RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.

>> PMV.FA >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN VOR.

[03:20:02]

THE MOTION CARRIES 4-0. ITEM 167 --

>> FOR CLARIFICATION -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 167, ANY OTHER ITEMS ON THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA?ET

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN WE G TO THE ITEM LATER IN TERMS OF OUR SCHOOL SAFETY COMMITTEE, WE WILL GET TO THAT ITEMSU LATER.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE RE, I KNOW WE VOTED AS A COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO SUPPORT PEOPLE NOT BEING ABLE TO GET AUTOMATIC WEAPONS UNTIL THEY ARE 21, AND I GUESS WHEN THE BROAD ITEM COMES UP I WANT TH*EPL -- THEM TO TAKE THAT UP AND I WANT THEM TO MAKE A DECISION ON IT. SHOULD I DO THAT NOW OR WHEN WE

GET TO THE ITEMDI LATER. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE SCUSSED THE SCHOOL COMMISSION ITEM SO IT IS BETTER IF YOU BRING IT UP NOW

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN WE VOTED BEFORE, WAS THAT THE ITEM WE

VOTED ON?E >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, WE VOT OWED -- NOT ON THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE VOTED TO, ONE, EXTEND IT FOR A YEAR SO THEY COULD MONITOR THE IMPLEMENTATION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I CAN DO IT THATEQ WAY.

I THINK THEY HEARD THE RUEST. I JUST LIKE FOR THEM TO TAKE A POSITION ON THAT. AND EVEN IF IT IS IN SUFPL -- SUCH A WAY THAT WE GET TO -- IF THEY WANT TO ASK THE LEGISLATION TO GIVE US THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE A DECISION AS A COUNTY WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO BE 21 BEFORE THEY CAN GET AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON.

I WANT THEM TO USE THEIR VOICES TO WEIGH IN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NO ACTION ON 167.

>> JUDGE, FOR CLAIRE GNAW LOCATION --MO CLARIFICATION, WE WILL HAVE TWO TIONS ON 167, THE RESOLUTION VOTED ON EARLIER, THE MONKEYPOX THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA PRESENTED?

AND THEN NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST THE'S MONKEYPOX RESOLUTION. THAT THE ONLY ACTION ON 167.

>> SO YOU WANT ME TO SHOW NO ACTION AND 167 OR JUST LEAVE IT

WITH Y THE RESOLUTION? >> LINA HIDALGO:OU CAN LEAVE IT WITH THE RESOLUTION. THANK YOU.

NUMBER 200 IS ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR AND WE WILL TAKE THAT UP ALONG WITH THE OTHER ELECTION ITEMS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: 200 WILL GO WITH 443 AND 451 . START WITH THAT. AND WE WILL I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WANTED TO TAKE ELECTION AS THE FIRST OF OUR DISCUSSION ITEMS. 201 IS ALSO RELATED TO ELECTIONS.WE 207 --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: CAN GO BACK TO 201?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE HAVEIN REVIEWED THIS AND THIS IS DEALG WITH A MANAGEMENT SYSTEM THAT IS AN OLD SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH I AM NOT PRONE TO VOTE FOR THINGS DEALING WITH THE EA, THIS SYSTEM WOULD BE NECESSARY WHETHER THE EA EXISTS OR NOT. SO I'M GOING TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE SYSTEM, BUT I AM NOT NECESSARILY VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE EA'S OFFICE, EVEN THOUGH IT CAME UNDER THEIR DEPARTMENT.

SO WE CAN PUT IT BACK ON CONSENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO IS THERE A MOTION FOR -- SORRY.

NO DISCUSSION, GOT IT.WA >> R. JACK CAGLE: HE MAY STILL

NT TO VOTE ON IT.RA >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER MSEY, DO WE NEED TO VOTE ON IT NOW?

>> TOM RAMSEY: NO .

ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.L LEAVE IT ITEM 207, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, I HAVE AN AMENDMENT TO MAKE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 208, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DO YOU STILL

NEED TO DISCUSS ITEM 208?ED >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES.

WE JUST NE TO VOTE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.SE >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY GAR E JAW AND SECOND BY ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR.

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

NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR OF 208. MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

ITEM 210, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 212, COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.ER >> LINA HIDALGO: 231,

COMMISSION RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: WE NEED TO

DISCUSS. >> LINA HIDALGO: 258,

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: NEED TO DISCUSS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 345, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? THAT'S THE ELECTION ONE. AND 351 WE ALREADY DISCUSSED.

CORRECT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 351 WE HAVE.

WE VOTED ON IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 356, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID WE DISCUSS THAT ONE?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 415,

COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLE? >> TOM RAMSEY: NEED TO DISCUSS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 420, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 423, OH YOU HAD THE QUESTION AND WE WERE GOING TO ASK IT LATER.

425 IS HR IS H -- >> SO MOVED.

[03:25:05]

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECOND BY GARCIA ON 425.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 3-2.N

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S THE 2.5 MILLIO FOR VOTEROUT REACH FOR ELECTIONS -- VOTER OUT REACH FOR42 ELECTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. 7, COMMISSIONERS 3 AND 4.

>> JUST NEED TO VOTE. $350,000 FOR COMMUNITY OUT REACH

FOR THE BOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA ON 427.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

WHAT ABOUT 428? >> JUST NEED TO VOTE.

>> 50,000 FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUT REACH FOR THE

BOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHO MADE THE

MOTION? C >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ME.

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

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR.

MOTION CARRIES 3-2. AND THERE IS A FINAL -- NO.

OKAY. SO FOR -- 429 RELATED TO 3-1-1.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 433 WE ARE TAKING OUT OF ORDER WITH THE OTHER ELECTION ITEMS. 450, KPWHEUGS -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I SUSPECT YOU WANTED

TO -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IS JUST A BRIEF REQUEST. IN SEVEN MONTHS THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES AND I WOULD LIKE THE ELECTED OFFICIALS TO PRESENT TO US. MY REQUEST IS THAT WE PROVIDE THOSE ELECTED OFFICIALS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THEIR

ADDITIONAL BUDGET REQUESTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I WOULD JUST SAY I THINK THE DIRECTION BY THE BUDGET DIRECTOR WAS VERY CLEAR, AND I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE THE BUDGET DIRECTOR TO MEET WITH WHOEVER'S GOT QUESTIONS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD JUST -- IF I MIGHT ASK, IS THERE ANYTHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS CYCLE THAN WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN

THE PAST? >> JUST AS A REMINDER THAT AS PART OF THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT, THE TWO BUDGETS EQUAL TO 19 MONTHS, THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR BUDGET WHICH IS ENDING THIS SEPTEMBER, AND THEN A FISCAL YEAR 23 PLANNING BUDGET AND THINGS HAVE CHANGED DRAMATICALLY IN TERMS OF INFLATION AND HEALTHCARE COSTS, ET CETERA. THE IDEA WAS ALL OF THOSE HEARINGS, FOLKS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME AND REQUEST FUNDING AND THEN THAT WOULD CARRY OVER.

AGAIN, ALL INDEPENDENTLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS CAN SIGN UP AND MAKE REQUESTS. SOME HAVE COMMUNICATED TO ME AND I COMMUNICATED THAT TO THEM THAT THEIR REQUEST CAN BE HEARD.

IF THIS COURT WOULD LIKE TO DESIGNATE A SPECIFIC TIME, WE JUST NEED TO IDENTIFY IT ON THE CALENDAR.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW TIGHT IS OUR TIMETABLE? IF YOU WOULD JUST WALK ME THROUGH THE TIMETABLE WE HAVE, WHEN SOME DECISIONS HAVE TO BE MADE OR THE DECISIONS WILL BE

MADE. >> THE MOST LYNN -- LYNN -- LYNN TIMETABLE WE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE -- ACHIEVE IS THE COURT COALESCE AROUND A TAX RATE WE ARE ABLE TO POST AND PROPOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 6TH. THAT WOULD BE THE PUBLIC HEARING RELATED TO THE TAX RATE AND THEN WE WOULD HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE BUDGET ON THE 13TH AND POSSIBLY MOVE TO ADOPT ON THAT DATE. AT ALTERNATIVE IS SEPTEMBER 6TH IS WHEN COURT WOULD COME TO SOME LEVEL OF AGREEMENT ON THE RATE. WE WOULD MEET ON SEPTEMBER 13TH WHICH IS THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE BUDGET AND THE TAX RATE, AND WE WOULD ADOPT THE 19TH OR 20TH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO I KNOW WHEN I FIRST CAME TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I THINK FOR SOME TIME WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THIS BODY WHO WOULD SIT IN ON THE MEETINGS.

SINCE I WAS NEW I JOINED HIM. WHEN OUR OTHER TWO KOLL -- COLLEAGUES CAME WE HAVE DONE IT. I THINK WE HAVE A PRETTY TIGHT TIMETABLE. FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, AND I KNOW IT IS A BROAD DISCUSSION LATER, BUT AT SOME POINT I THINK WE HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT OUR TAX RATE.

IF NOT, IF I CAN COME UP WITH AN ANALOGY IT WOULD BE LIKE GOING TO HEB AND ROLLING UP AND DOWN THE AISLE WITH A SHOPPING CART, AND THEN WHEN YOU HAVE EVERYTHING ON IT THAT YOU THINK YOU WANT TO EAT, IF YOU ARE ON A DIET, I MIGHT ADD, YOU GET TO THE COUNTER AND CALL THE BANK AND SAY HOUFPL -- HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE? WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IS JUST HAVE YOU ALL RUNNING AROUND IN CIRCLES.

I THINK THE WAY THIS WORKS IS YOU HAVE TO DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY WE WILL HAVE. IF WE DON'T DO THAT WE ARE

[03:30:09]

SPINNING OUR WHEELS. COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I HEAR YOU.

IF YOU WANT THAT INFORMAL PROCESS, I THINK YOU ARE THE ONE THAT SUGGESTED I COME. I DID COME.

OF COURSE THREE OF US CAME. >> R. JACK CAGLE: OTHER COURT MEMBERS WOULD COME FOR CERTAIN HEARINGS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE NEVER HAD THREE AT A TIME.

I THINK THEY WERE STAFF MEMBERS. STAFF MEMBER S WHO SIT THERE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: OCCASIONALLY WE WOULD HAVE ALL FIVE OF US.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WOULD HAVE TO POST THAT.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: THEY WERE ALL POSTED.

>> IF YOU DON'T MIND IF I LEVER IN ON HAVING NEW BUDGET HEARINGS. OBVIOUSLY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN SET UP THE MEETINGS THEY WANT.

NEW REQUESTS ARE EFFECTIVELY OUT OF TIME AT THIS POINT.

WE HAD A PROCESS TO ASK FOR NEW FUNDING FOR NEW PROGRAMS. THAT LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BUDGET AND SPARRED CHOICES.

THEN THEY CALLED THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE TO UPDATE BUDGETS BASED ON INCREASED COSTS.

WE CAN HAVE DISCUSSIONS, A BUNCH OF NEW REQUESTS FROM A BUNCH OF PEOPLE AT THIS POINT IN THE PROCESS IS OUT OF TIME AND RUNS RISK OF SENDING US BACK WARTED -- BACKWARDS.

YOU WILL HEAR FROM US IN A MINUTE, BUT MY RECOMMENDATION A MORE PRODUCTIVE WAY TO PROCEED IS IF COMMISSIONERS WANT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE BUDGET AND CAN SUPPORT IT, THEY CAN PROMOTE -- PROPOSE AMENDMENTS AND INNING CHAS RATHER THAN SWIRLING AROUND

AND TRYING TO UPDATE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST A QUICK QUESTION FOR MY BENEFIT. MR. RAMOS, WHEN YOU INDICATED WHAT THE PROCESS WAS GOING TO BE, DID YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WAS THERE ANY CONCERNS EXPRESSED OR WAS THERE ANY PUSH BACK THAT YOU RECEIVED TO THE PROCESS?

>> I DID NOT GET ANY FORMAL FEEDBACK.

WE WERE CLEAR ON THE CERTAIN LEVEL SERVICE FORECAST THAT THIS WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE NORMAL BUDGET CYCLE.

I HOPE TO MOVE BACK ON TO THAT CALENDAR.

FOR THE TRUNKATED TIMELINE, WE STARTED WITH A DEFICIT AND WORKING BACKWARDS FROM THERE. SO HAVING NEW PROGRAMMING OUTSIDE OF THE THINGS THAT WERE LEGALLY MANDATED OR ALREADY APPROVED BY THIS COURT IT DIDN'T SEEM SUPER PRODUCTIVE.

>> AND WE DEALT WITH TWO BUDGETS AT ONCE.

WE GOT TO A 5% PAY INCREASE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT BECAUSE WE KNEW HOW WE WOULD DO THE 3% AND KNEW WE PLANNED FOR A 2%.

I MEAN, WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS.

I AM JUST TRYING TO -- >> THAT'S RIGHT, COMMISSIONER.

MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO NOT HAVE TWO FULL BUDGET PROCESSES.

THAT IS SO MUCH WORK TO DO. AND THEN THERE IS AN UPDATED COST. A FULL SET OF NEW HEARINGS WOULD BE OUT OF TIME. THE COURT CAN HAVE THE DISCUSSIONS THEY WANT TO SR-FPLT.

>> I DON'T KNOW I WAS REQUESTING WE HAVE A FULL SET OF HEARINGS.

WE WANTED A PRELIMINARY IDEA AND THINGS HAVE CHANGED.

I WOULD LIKE SOME OF OUR ELECTED S TO SAY THIS IS CHANGED.

FOR EXAMPLE, I KNOW THE JUDGES -- I WAS AT A MEETING AND THEY WERE CONCERNED ABOUT TECHNOLOGY ISSUES AND SOME OTHER THINGS THEY WANTED TO PRESENT. A -- I DON'T KNOW WE HAD FULL HEARINGS AND WE HAD DONE THE PRELIMINARY.

THERE ARE ENTITY THAT'S I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO

PRESENT WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE JUST

NEED TO TAKE A VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT, JUDGE? WE HAVE TWO OPTIONS.

THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE OR THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE.

IF THERE IS A VOTER APPROVED RATE THEY ARE ALL GREAT THINGS THEY CAN DO. WE KNOW THAT.

IS THAT A FAIR COMMENT? >> I AGREE.

WE CAN MAKE A DECISION ON WHAT WE DO.

I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM HEARING EVERYTHING.

I KNOW IT IS THE SEASON THAT COMES AROUND EVERY COUPLE YEARS.

[03:35:08]

WE CAN DO WHAT THIS COURT DID BEFORE YOU TWO CAME DASH YOU GOT ME? YOU GOT ME? AND WE ARE MAKING REAL CUTS IF WE EXERCISE THE LATTER OPTION.

ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO COME IN, COME ON IN.

THEY CAN SIGN UP AND DO IT AND WE HAVE TO DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY WE WILL HAVE TO SPEND. I DON'T WANT TO GO TO THE CHECKOUT COUNTER WITH A CART FULL OF STUFF AND SAY, OH, LET ME CALL AND SEE HOW MUCH MONEY I HAVE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: OR SAY I WANT THIS AND HERE IS WHAT I GOT.

>> JUST SO YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL OF THE NEEDS AND THE DEPARTMENTS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THIS BUDGET. YOU HAVE NO ISSUES BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS.

YOU ARE GOOD TO GO WITH YOUR BUDGET AND THEIR DEPARTMENTS.

>> WE HAVE A BUDGET WE THINK IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE COUNTY'S NEEDS. THERE CAN BE THINGS THAT COME UP OVER TIME AND MR. RAMOS WILL TAKE A MEETING TO TRY TO ADDRESS THEM. BUT WE FEEL CONFIDENT IN THE

BUDGET WE HAVE PROPOSED. >> SO WHAT IS YOUR MOTION?

>> IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ELECTED OFFICIAL -- [INAUDIBLE].

>> COMMISSIONER, YOUR MIC. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU.

MY MOTION IS THAT WE PROVIDE ONE OR TWO DAYS SELECTED BY THE BUDGET OFFICE TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THE DEPARTMENT HEADS TO COME IN AND PRESENT ANY ADDITIONAL NEEDS THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED AND WE NEED TO KEEP THE TIMELINE SHORT. I GATHER THAT.

SO AS TO MAKE THIS BODY AWAY -- AWARE OF THE CHANGES AFTER

PROVIDING THE BUDGET. >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE IT. >> YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SECOND BY RAMSEY.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM OPPOSED AND THE MOTION FAILS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ALL OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS HAVE THE OPTION OF GETTING ON THE AGENDA AT ANY TIME.

THEY HAD THAT OPTION TODAY AND THEY HAVE IT NEXT WEEK.

ANY TIME WE MEET ANY DEPARTMENT HEAD CAN COME IN.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IS THAT TRUE? I THOUGHT DAVE BERRY WAS

RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEPARTMENTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS A -- I THOUGHT I KWA -- I REQUESTED AN ITEM TO BE ADOPTED.

WHEN WE SET OUR BUDGET WE HAVE A CAPABLE BUDGET DIRECTOR TO WORK THROUGH ANY ISSUES. IT DOES NOT REQUIRE OR NEED IT TO HAVE IT COME BEFORE THIS BODY LIKE WE MET YESTERDAY, WE WERE ABLE TO WORK THROUGH SOME THINGS THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE COURT ACTION. I THOUGHT WE PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA WHEN WE ADOPTED COURT WE DISCOURAGE WITH BUDGET DIRECTOR. YOU WOULD BRING IT TO THIS BODY IF IT MEETS THAT TYPE OF ACTION. OTHERWISE I WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO WORK WITH THE BUDGET DIRECTOR AND WORK THROUGH THOSE ISSUES AND MY TONE IS ALWAYS ON AND I AM ALWAYS WILLING TO WORK THROUGH MEETINGS AND I WOULD JUST ASK PEOPLE TO BE RESPECTFUL WHEN WE START THE BUDGET, WE START THE BUDGET.

TO MAKE UNPLANNED REQUESTS, THAT IS SOMETHING THAT EACH DIRECTOR

[03:40:03]

OR DEPARTMENT HEAD HAS TO WORK WITH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW WE VOTED ON T BUT RULES PERMIT ANYBODY TO SPEAK. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WHEN YOU WERE SHERIFF, DID YOU EVER COME ON THE AGENDA? ANYBODY CAB -- ANYBODY CAN SIGN UP.

THE MEETINGS WERE SHORTER WHEN I GOT HERE AND I NEVER REMEMBER A DEPARTMENT SAID TWO YEARS BEFORE YOU ALL CAME.

I CAN'T REMEMBER A SINGLE TIME THE BUDGET WOULD COME UP OR ANY OF THEM COMING IN HERE TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND ASKING.

I'M GLAD ARE YOU HERE AND THEY ALL PUT ON AN ACADEMY AWARD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MORE EYE -- ITEM IS 451 AND IT IS AN ELECTION ITEM. THE FINAL ITEM IS 371 AND THAT IS A PUBLIC HEARING. HERE IS A LIST OF THE DISCUSSION

ITEMS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DID WE PULL 23?

THE NRG? >> LINA HIDALGO: NO.

LET ME PULL THAT ONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WAS THERE NO

ACTION PUT ON IT? >> LINA HIDALGO: HERE ARE THE VARIOUS DISCUSSION ITEMS FROM THE TOP.

EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 365. REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 200, 207, 210, 212, 231, 258, 345, 356, 415, 420, 423, 429, 443, 451 AND 371. DID I MISS ANYTHING?

>> DID YOU ALSO HAVE 201 ON THERE ALSO?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WAS -- >> MOVE TO --

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO WE VOTED ON THAT ONE ALREADY IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN. IT IS THE ELECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. THAT'S WHERE COMMISSIONER CAGLE

MADE A COMMENT. >> IT WAS MOVE TO CONSENT.

>> I NEED FOR ITEM 237, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON B2G THERE IS NO FURTHER ACTION NEEDED ON THIS ITEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU NEED A PHOEBGS?

>> I WILL LEAVE 237 ON THERE IF THEY NEED A MOTION.

>> WE WILL CONTACT THEM TO SEE. >> JUST TO SEE IF HE WANTS US TO

MOVE IT. >> ON ITEM 365 IT SHOWS AS A DISCUSSION, BUT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IS THAT A NO ACTION?

>> IMENT 357 -- I MEANT 357. >> 410 IS MOVED TO THE CONSENT

AGENDA. >> LINA HIDALGO: 410 AND WE

VOTED ON THAT ALREADY. >> 365, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 200, 207, 210, 212, 231, 237, 258, 345, 356, 414, 420, 423, 429, 443, 451 AND 371. IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL OF THE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 451 WERE THE EXCEPTION OF ITEMS ALREADY VOTED AND THOSE ALREADY LISTED. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

WE WILL START WITH ITEMS 200, 443 AND 451, THE ELECTION ITEMS.

[03:45:02]

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M SORRY?

>> LINA HIDALGO: 200, 443 AND 451.

THE FIRST ONE, ITEM 200, IS THE ITEM ABOUT THE POLLING

LOCATIONS. >> THE QUESTIONS I HAD AND THE CONCERNS I HAD WAS WHEN THEY LOOKED AT THE POLLING LOCATIONS AND OBVIOUSLY LOOKING AT PRECINCT THREE, I HAVE THE MOST NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN PRECINCT 3.

ON ELECTION DAY I HAVE THE LARGEST NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS I HAVE THE -- I HAVE A LEASE NUMBER -- WELL, I HAVE THE LEASE NUMBER VOTING LOCATION. IT IS 18% OF THE VOTING LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTY? OR IS IT THE MOST POPULATED? WE HAVE 744,000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN PRECINCT 3.

I HAVE 104 VOTING LOCATIONS. I WELL -- I WILL COMPARE THAT TO PRECINCT 1 WHICH HAS 659 REGISTERED VOTERS IN 202 ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS. SO THERE IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED THERE IN TERMS OF BEING SURE THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH VOTING LOCATIONS IN ORDER TO SERVE THE CONSTITUENTS.

I AM BEING VERY CLEAR HERE IN TERMS OF PRECINCT 3.

IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE WHOEVER IS DECIDING AND PUTTING TOGETHER THESE VOTING LOCATIONS THAT IT IS IN ANYWAY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE PRECINCT.

SO I HAVE SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS TO PROPERLY PROVIDE OUR LARGEST PRECINCT WITH THE MOST REGISTERED VOTERS AN OPPORTUNITY

TO VOTE. >> I WILL SAY HOW PLEASED I AM THAT AS A COUNTY WE HAVE MADE ALL OF OUR POLLING PLACES SUCH THAT PEOPLE HAVE THE OPTION TO GO ANYWHERE TO ANY OF THOSE POLLING LOCATIONS AND VOTE UP AND DOWN THE BALLOT UNLIKE WHAT HAPPENED IN THE PAST. I AM ALSO GLAD WE HAD AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA EARLIER WHERE WE WILL DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE EDUCATED. IS IT OKAY? ABOUT HOW THESE NEW VOTING MACHINES WORK AND SO I THINK WE ARE MAKING TREMENDOUS STRIDES. IF THE FOLKS FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE CAN COME ON, WE WILL WORK THROUGH THE RATIONAL.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF MR. TATUM -- I KNOW WE HAVE THE FINAL ITEM ON THIS COURT. WE JUST VOTED FOR IT.

ALL RIGHT. WELCOME MR. TATUM.

CONGRATULATIONS. WE VOTED ON WHAT --

>> IT WAS WHAT? >> ACCEPTING THE BOND.

I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH YOU HAVE EXCHANGED THE ROPES AND LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AS THE INTERIM. WE WERE OUT SO QUICK WITH THE EA MEETING THAT WE TPAEULTD -- WE FAILED TO MENTION THAT.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE REINS THE PAST COUPLE MONTHS OR WEEKS.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US TODAY.

YOU ALL JUST VOTED ON THE BOND THAT MR. TATUM SIGNED OFF ON.

CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY? WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF WORKING THROUGH THAT AND SO YOU HAVE US BOTH HOPEFULLY TO ANSWER ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS. WE ARE PREPARED TO WALK THROUGH HOW WE SELECT POLLING LOCATIONS TO PROVIDE TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. WE PREPARED A VERY SHORT POWER POINT THIS AFTERNOON, IF WE MIGHT PLAY THAT, TIFFANY.

>> AT SOME POINT I WOULD LIKE TO ASK QUESTIONS.

>> AND I WOULD HAVE A A FEW. >> MAY WE PROCEED OR DO YOU WANT

TO ASK QUESTIONS NOW? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD IF YOU WALK US THROUGH IT.

IT MAY ANSWER SOME OF MY QUESTIONS, AT LEAST.

[03:50:02]

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A -- I HAD A VERY POSITIVE CONVERSATION WITH THE EA AND WITH BETH. IF I CAN JUST GET ON THE TABLE THOSE NUMBERS THAT WE HAD, THAT WE DISCUSSED ON FRIDAY, I BELIEVE IT WAS, THAT WE TALKED AND THAT WAS HOW MANY EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS ARE IN PRECINCT ONE? HOW MANY ARE IN PRECINCT TWO? HOW MANY ARE IN THREE AND HOW MANY ARE IN FOUR? Y'ALL PROVIDED THAT DATA ON FRIDAY. IF I CAN USE THAT AS A FOUNDATION FOR WHERE WE ARE TALKING.

ONCE WE HAD THOSE, I HAD THE ASSURANCE OF THE EA'S OFFICE THAT IF WE CAN ASSIST ON FINDING ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO COMMIT WITHOUT THE VOTING LOCATIONS IN PLACE TO GIVE IN PRECINCT 4 THE SAME NUMBER OF HURRICANE -- SAME NUMBER OF MACHINES THE OTHER PRECINCTS WERE HAVING.

CANDIDLY, WE HAVE THE FEWEST MACHINES FOR EARLY VOTING OF ANY OF THE PRECINCTS. IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS MACHINES AND LOCATIONS THAN THE OTHER PRECINCTS.

IF WE CAN FIND BY WORKING TOGETHER TO HAVE ADDITIONAL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE EA AERBGS OFFICE -- EA'S OFFICE HAS TRIED TO HAVE THE SAME NUMBER OF MEANS IF WE CAN HAVE LOCATIONS TO HOUSE THEM, IS THAT CORRECT?

>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WE HAVE ACTUALLY APPLIED IN THE PRESENTATION HOW WE WILL GO OVER MACHINE ALLOCATION.

IF WE MIGHT GO THROUGH THAT AND SEE IF THAT ANSWERS THE

QUESTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND ACTUALLY, BY SAYING THAT, LET ME SPEED IT UP JUST A TOUCH, PRECINCT 1 HAS 199 EARLY VOTING MACHINES. PRECINCT 2 HAS 179 EARLY VOTING MACHINES. PRECINCT 3 HAS 165 EARLY VOTING MACHINES AND PRECINCT 4 HAS 140 EARLY VOTING MACHINES.

IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE OTHER PRECINCTS.

I THINK AT THIS POINT, LET'S HEAR THE PRESENTATION, BUT I THINK THAT ONE OF MY BIGGEST CONCERNS WAS ALLEVIATED WHEN THERE WAS A REPRESENTATION THAT IF WE CAN HELP FIND ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS THAT THE INEQUITY OF 140 MACHINES FOR THE SAME POPULATION, BUT HAVE IT REDISTRICTED AS THE SAME POPULATION AS THE OTHER PRECINCTS, THE INEQUITY WOULD BE

ADDRESSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I ONLY HAVE LOCATION NUMBERS. DO WE HAVE MACHINE NUMBERS AS

WELL? >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE DO NOT HAVE MACHINE NUMBERS, BUT THEY CAN ONLY HAVE A MACHINE IN A LOCATION. YOU MAY HAVE ONE LOCATION THAT WILL HAVE 64 MACHINES BECAUSE IT IS A SUPER VOTING LOCATION.

AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE ANOTHER LOCATION WHICH YOU AND I, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WORKED TOGETHER ON BECAUSE THERE WOULD BE HISTORIC VOTING LOCATIONS, BUT THERE IS A VOTING POLL THERE FOR YEARS. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT LOCATION IS STILL OPERATIONAL. THERE WILL BE FEWER MACHINES IN SOME LOCATIONS. ULTIMATELY THERE WILL BE A MIX OF SUPER VOTING AND EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS AND SMALLER EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS. THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO HOUSE THE SAME NUMBER OF MACHINES. YOU CAN LOOK AT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE DO, BUT I THINK WE MAY BE IN THE LARGEST JURISDICTION IN THE COUNTRY WHERE EVERY VOTING PLACE IS ONE WHERE EVERYBODY CAN VOTE THERE. THAT WAS A CONSIDERABLE

INVESTMENT. >> THAT'S ONE OF THE WEIRD THINGS WE ARE IN AGREEMENT ON. FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, THEY AREN'T THE LONGEST LINES AND NOR HAVE THEY EVER BEEN.

>> YES, SIR. >> AS YOU ALL KNOW, IT IS THE DISCUSSION ABOUT LOCATION THAT DESERVES AN EXPLANATION OF WHERE WE GET THESE LOCATIONS TO SEND TO YOU FOR CONSIDERATION.

YOU HAVE THE LIST HERE IN FRONT OF YOU, BUT I'LL RUN THROUGH THEM QUICKLY. WE UTILIZE HISTORIC LOCATIONS.

MEANING LOCATION THAT'S WERE UTILIZED IN THE PAST THAT THE VOTERS ARE USED TO VOTING AT AND WILL VOTE IN IN THE UPCOMING LOCATIONS. THEY WILL SHOW A VISUAL OF HOW WE LOOK AT THAT. WE ANALYZE FOR ADA ACCESSIBILITY

[03:55:03]

OF SPECIFIC LOCATIONS. WE DO IT GENERALLY SPEAKING AND WE ARE UNDER THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENTS OF JUSTICE TO MAKE SURE THE LOCATIONS ARE ADA ACCESSIBLE.

>> IT INCLUDES THE STAFF MEMBERS AND THE BOTH MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES. WE HAVE BEEN GOING OVER THE PROCESS FOR THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS UTILIZING AN INITIAL LIST AND IT IS A MAP THAT SHOWS THE LOCATIONS SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTY AND OBTAINING FEEDBACK FROM THE STAKEHOLDERS SO THAT, WHERE POSSIBLE, AS IN THE LOCATION IS AVAILABLE AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS FOR THE TIMES THAT WE NEED, WE CAN ADD THOSE IN THE LIST. WE WANTED TO MENTION THOSE.

WE USE IT TO OVER -- OVER LAY THE POTENTIAL MAP WITH A HEAT MAP THAT WILL SHOW THE REGISTERED VOTERS BY POPULATION ACROSS THE COUNTY. AND IT ALLOWS FOR OTHER MAPS TO BE OVER LAYED LIKE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES AT COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND AT HOUSE DISTRICT.

GOOGLE MAPS ALLOWS FOR SOME OF THAT LAYERING AND IT PROVIDES FOR THE ABILITY TO SHARE WITH STAKEHOLDERS THE PLOTTING OUT OF THE POTENTIAL LOCATIONS AS WELL AS THE ABILITY TO TURN ON AND OFF THE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES THAT THEY FIND RELEVANT TO THEIR ANALYSIS. AND THEN FINALLY WE HAVE A TOOL THAT WE UTILIZE THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS.

IT IS FOR THE CENTER OF INCLUSIVE DEMOCRACY.

AND THEY HAVE A TOOL THAT SUGGESTS LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTY BASED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT DATA POINTS.

THEY ARE LISTED HERE, BUT IT INCLUDES REGISTERED VOTER POPULATION, VOTER TURNOUT AND THINGS LIKE THE CLOSENESS OF A BUS -- A BUS LINE OR A METRO LINE, SUCH THAT VOTERS WHO DON'T HAVE EASY ACCESS TO A VEHICLE ARE STILL ABLE TO GET ON THAT LINE AND GET THE LOCATION THAT IS SUCCESSFUL IN THAT WAY.

THAT'S OUR LIST. THIS -- EXCUSE ME.

THE NEXT SLIDE -- TIFFANY, IF YOU WILL GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE.

THIS GIVES YOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE MAP THAT SHOWS THE DENSITY OF THE VOTER POPULATION ACROSS THE MAP.

THE DARKER AREAS, THE DARKER REDS IN THE DOWNTOWN AND HOUSTON AREA ARE THE MORE DENSELY POPULATED AREAS.

THEY ARE OVERLAYED AND THAT'S THE DOTS YOU CAN SEE THERE.

WE ARE UTILIZING THESE TOOLS TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS BOTH INTERNAL WITH THE DIFFERENT POTENTIAL POLLING LOCATIONS AS WELL AS THE STAKEHOLDERS THAT I MENTIONED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PROVIDING TO YOU ALL A LIST THAT -- I WANT TO REFERENCE THE SPEAKER FROM EARLIER WHO TALKED ABOUT THE LOCATION FROM BARRETT AND THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE ON THE LIST FOR EARLY VOTING AS WELL AS ELECTION DAY. THERE ARE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT LOCATIONS AND THEY HAVE GENERATED CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MACHINE ALLOCATION AND HOW DO WY MACHINES ARE DEPLOYED TO A PARTICULAR LOCATION. AND SO WE WANTED TO GO THROUGH WITH YOU ALL THE THINGS THAT WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DECIDING MACHINE ALLOCATION. TIFFANY, IF YOU'LL GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. THE PROCESS HAS SEVERAL VARIABLES. IT INCLUDES EXAMINING THE ROOM SQUARE FOOTAGE. WHAT IS THE PHYSICAL SPACE AVAILABLE TO HOLD THE MACHINES AT A PARTICULAR LOCATION.

IT INCLUDES POWER OUTLETS AND IT MEANS LITERALLY HOW MANY OUTLETS ARE IN THE ROOM SO THAT HELPS DETERMINE HOW MANY LINES OF MACHINES WE CAN PLUG IN IN THE PHYSICAL SPACE WE LOOKED AT HISTORICAL VOTER TURNOUT IN THE AREA.

WE HAVE SOME INDICATION OF VOTER TURNOUT FOR SPECIFIC AREAS IN THE COUNTY WIDE POLLING AND THEN WE HAVE MORE HISTORICAL DATA THAT IS TIED TO THE SPECIFIC PRECINCT, THE VOTER REGISTRATION

[04:00:02]

PRECINCT WE CAN EXTRAPOLATE FROM.

WE ARE LOOKING AT MANEUVER BUILT WITHIN THE ROOM.

CAN WE MANEUVER A WHEELCHAIR OR A WALKER THROUGH THE SPACE SO THEY ARE NOT CRAMMED SO CLOSE THAT YOU CAN'T MANEUVER THE FOLKS THROUGH THE ROOM. THAT'S WHAT WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT TO DECIDE HOW MANY MACHINES GO TO EACH LOCATION.

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A DISCUSSION TOPIC WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO HAVE WITH YOUR OFFICES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.

THE KEY THING HERE IS DECIDING HOW MANY MACHINES ARE DEPLOYED TO EACH LOCATION IS THAT WE HAVE THE LOCATIONS THEMSELVES UH APPROVED -- APPROVED BY COURT. SO THIS LONG LIST OF LOCATIONS YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU TODAY, TO BE ABLE TO START THE ALLOCATION PROCESS AND TO START THOSE DISCUSSIONS, YOU NEED THE APPROVAL BY COURT OF THE LOCATIONS THEMSELVES SO THAT WE CAN TAKE THAT NEXT STEP. TIFFANY, IF YOU WOULD STOP SHARING SCREEN. HAPPY TO HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL

DISCUSSION ON THAT. >> AND IF I MIGHT -- THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS. AND THANK YOU FOR THAT PRESENTATION. AS WE HAD WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THE DISCUSSION, WHAT WE FOCUS ON AND WHAT WE TRY TO DO IS MAKE THE DECISIONS BASED ON DATA.

IT IS BASED ON THE DIFFERENT DATA POINTS THAT WE HAVE.

WE ARE NOT ANECDOTALLY ASSIGNING ANY NUMBER OF PRECINCTS TO ANY NUMBER OF MACHINES TO ANY PARTICULAR PRECINCT OR TO ANY PARTICULAR LOCATION. WE ARE ACTUALLY LOOKING AT THE DATA AND FOLLOWING WHAT IT SHOWS.

AS WE SPOKE ABOUT WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WHILE HE HAS THE LEAST NUMBER OF POLLING LOCATIONS THE QUESTION OR THE DISCUSSION THAT WE HAD WAS IF WE CAN FIND A QUALITY LOCATION THAT CAN HOUSE MORE MACHINES THAT SOME OF THE SMALLER LOCATIONS, IT MAY ACTUALLY TAKE CARE OF -- AND THEN WE ARE OPEN TO PROVIDING THE PHYSICAL LOCATIONS THAT CAN SUPPORT THOSE MACHINES.

WHILE THE DISCUSSIONS TYPICALLY TURN TO A ONE TO ONE MACHINE ALLOCATION, THE FACTS ON THE GROUND DON'T NECESSARILY SUPPORT THAT. WE ARE OPEN TO DISCUSSING THE FACTS AND THE LOCATIONS AND TO BEING AS EQUITABLE AS WE CAN TO THE HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS. COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH HOW OUR PEER COUNTIES GO ABOUT SELECTING POLLS AND PLACES.

L.A. COUNTY AND COOK COUNTY, DO THEY USE A SIMILAR METHOD FOR DECIDING WHERE TO PUT THESE LOCATIONS?

>> WE HAVE ACTUALLY RUN A COMPARISON TO WHAT THE NEIGHBORS ARE DOING. THE VARIABLES WE USE ARE STANDARD INDUSTRY PRACTICES. WHAT'S THE SPACE? WHAT'S THE POWER GRID SUPPORT AT ANY OF THOSE LOCATIONS, HOW MANY MACHINES DO WE DEPLOY AND HOW MANY DO WE KEEP IN RESERVE.

QUITE HONESTLY, WHAT IS THE TURNOUT AT THESE LOCATIONS.

WE CAN SEND 50 MACHINES AND A THOUSAND VOTERS SHOW UP THEN WE HAVE MISS ALLOCATED. EVERYONE INDUSTRY WIDE OR NATIONWIDE GOES THROUGH THIS SAME TYPE OF ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE THE BEST LOCATIONS THAT WILL SERVE YOUR POPULATION -- YOUR REGISTERED POPULATION.

AND EVERYONE LOOKS TO YOUR PRECINCT CAPTAINS AND YOUR PRECINCT JUDGES. WE TAKE FEEDBACK FROM THOSE FOLKS. IT IS NOT THAT THE LOCATION DOESN'T SUPPORT THE REQUEST ITSELF.

>> AND HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO PREVIOUS CYCLES? IN SHORT, IF WE DON'T GIVE THE GO AHEAD ON ALL OF THESE -- YOU CAN ADD THEM, BUT IF WE DON'T AT LEAST APPROVE THIS TODAY DOES IT

PUT YOU IN A BIND. >> I LOOKED BACK AT COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR 2020 AND THIS IS WHEN YOU APPROVED THE INITIAL LOCATION. SO MANY THINGS IN THE ELECTION PROCESS ARE DRIVEN BY POLLING LOCATIONS INCLUDING THE CODES THAT WE USED TO BUILD THE BALLOT WHICH WE WILL BE ALLOWED TO DO IN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO. AND WE WILL BRING BACK ANY

[04:05:05]

CHANGES. IF THEY BACK OUT AND SAY IT CAN'T BE UTILIZED ANYMORE, OUR PROPOSED REPLACEMENT ANY ADDITIONAL LOW -- LOCATION THERE'S ARE SOME TO BE

DETERMINED. >> THIS IS THE STUFF THAT FLOWS

OUT OF THE LOCATION. >> IN L.A. DO THEY DO THESE MEGA VOTING CENTERS? I DON'T KNOW IF COOK AND L.A. DO

IT ORB -- OR NOT. >> THEY DO.

THEY HAVE BEEN USING LARGER VENUES FOR MANY YEARS.

THE IDEA OF THE SUPER CENTER WAS NOT NEW TO SOME JURISDICTIONS, BUT BY AND LARGE ACROSS THE COUNTRY IT IS A NEW CONCEPT.

>> IF WE VIOLATE THE ADA SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT, WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO US? I KNOW WE HAD ISSUES COME UP IN THE PAST. I HAVE HAD PEOPLE ANGRY BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T GET THEIR TRADITIONAL PLACE, BUT, YOU KNOW, ARE THERE CONSEQUENCES OR POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES IF WE KOFPBT TO IGNORE -- CONTINUE TO IGNORE THE ADA SETTLEMENT?

>> WE ARE UNDER THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR A LITTLE LONGER AND THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE DOJ TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT.

THERE IS NOT A SITUATION WHERE WE THINK WE ARE CLOSE TO THE END SO LET'S VIOLATE ADA. THAT'S NOT THE SITUATION THAT WE RECOMMEND BY ANY MEANS. WE ARE NEARING THE END OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT. THE DOJ COULD CONTINUE THE AGREEMENT AND THEN THE DOJ HAS THE ABILITY TO COME BACK AND A FINAL LAWSUIT AGAINST HARRIS COUNTY FOR LACK OF ADA ACCESSIBILITY. THAT'S A CRUCIAL FACTOR IN

CONSIDERING OUR LOCATION. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE.

EA, WELCOME TO HOUSTON. MY QUESTION REMAINS THE SAME.

YOU HAVEN'T ANSWERED IT. IN TERMS OF -- YOU TALK ABOUT HEAT MAPS. YOU TALKED ABOUT MOST REGISTERED VOTERS, BUT LET ME SAY AGAIN AND I WOULD LIKE AN ANSWER TO THIS SPECIFIC QUESTION, THERE ARE 744,346 REGISTERED VOTERS IN PRECINCT 3. THERE IS 659,000 VOTERS IN PRECINCT 1. PRECINCT 1 ON ELECTION DAY HAS 202 VOTING LOCATIONS. PRECINCT 3 ON ELECTION DAY HAS 104. CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW A HEAT MAP, WHERE THE MOST REGISTERED VOTERS, AND BY THE WAY WHEN WHEN I LOOK AT THE 2020 PRIMARIES -- THE 0220 PRIMARIES AND THE 2020 NOVEMBER ELECTIONS, THE TOP THREE OF FOUR VOTING LOCATIONS WERE IN PRECINCT 3. SO WE HAVE A GREAT HISTORY IN TERMS OF HISTORY OF PEOPLE TURNING OUT TO VOTE.

BUT IT SURE LOOKS LIKE SOMEBODY IS LIMITING THE ABILITY TO VOTE IN PRECINCT 3. I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND WHY THAT IS BEING DONE. IT CAN'T BE BECAUSE OF A HEAT MAP. IT CAN'T BE BECAUSE OF LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. SO PLEASE EXPLAIN.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THANK YOU.

THE MAP OF PRECINCT 4 AND WHERE IT IS ACROSS THE -- EXCUSE ME, PRECINCT 3 AND WHERE IT IS ACROSS THE TOP OF THE COUNTY, IT HAS, UH KNOW, MORE RURAL AREA -- AS YOU KNOW, MORE RURAL AREAS.

THE AVAILABILITY OF POPULATION CENTERS AND CENTERS OF COMMERCE IS NOT THE SAME ACROSS THE DIFFERENT COMMISSIONER PRECINCTS. WE CAN LAYER ON TO THAT EXAMPLE MAP THAT I PROVIDED TO YOU THE DIFFERENT LAYERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT PRECINCT AND THE DENSITY OF THE AREA, AND THERE ARE MORE CENTERS OF THE POPULATION IN PRECINCT 1.

THAT IS A GREAT CONTRIBUTOR. THAT SAID, WE ARE INTERESTED IN CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUR -- WE HAD SEVERAL BACK AND FORTHS WITH YOUR OFFICE OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST FEW WEEKS TO TALK ABOUT POTENTIAL LOCATIONS SO THAT WE CAN ADD TO YOUR PRECINCT. WE DO AIM TO PROVIDE AN EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR VOTERS ACROSS THE COUNTY.

IT IS TRULY THAT THE COUNTY IS NOT SITUATED IN THE SAME WAY

[04:10:01]

PRECINCT BY PRE -- PRECINCT BY PRECINCT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I UNDERSTAND HOW THE LINES ARE DRAWN AND HOW COMPLICATED IT IS, BUT YOU ARE CREATING A SITUATION WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO DRIVE A SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER WAY TO VOTE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY MAY LIVE IN AN UNINCORPORATED AREA.

AGAIN, TO GET BACK TO -- YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT POPULATION CENTERS, THERE IS -- THE MOST REGISTERED VOTERS ARE IN PRECINCT 3. THEY MAY BE SPREAD OUT, BUT THE MOST REGISTERED VOTERS ARE IN PRECINCT THROUGH -- 3.

YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIND ADA ACCESSIBLE AND FIND ENOUGH THAT WOULD BE STRATEGICALLY LOCATED.

THANK YOU FORGETTING BARRETT STATION BACK -- FOR GETTING BARRETT STATION BACK ON. IT WAS TAKEN OFF IN YEARS PAST.

BUT I AM GLAD TO SEE THAT BACK. CAN YOU GIVE ME ASSURANCES THAT IF IT IS 104 TODAY AND IF THE MARK IS AS STANDARD LIKE IT IS IN PRECINCT 1, CAN WE GET HALF OF THAT, 50 MORE AT LEAST.

>> ARE YOU REFERRING TO ELECTION DAY?

>> -- >> TOM RAMSEY: I SURE AM.

>> LET ME ADD ON. THIS MAY HELP US OUT.

I THINK WHAT WE WILL DO IS SHARE A DIFFERENT LAYER OF THE MAPPING WITH YOU THAT SHOWS ACTUALLY THE PHYSICAL LOCATIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS SO YOU CAN GET A SENSE OF WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT. WHILE WE TALK ABOUT POPULATION DENSITY, WE GET TO WHAT LOCATIONS ARE AVAILABLE THAT WILL MAKE THEPLTZS -- MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE TO US AND IT WILL ALLOW US TO COME IN AND SET UP MACHINES AND USE FACILITY FOR THE ELECTION DAY THEMSELVES. IF YOU ARE WELLING -- WILLING TO SHARE WITH US WE CAN CONSIDER THAT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I HAVE A WAITING LIST OF OVER 50 TODAY THAT WOULD HELP WITH THE ELECTIONS. WE JUST NEED TO GET ON THE SAME PAGE AND BE SURE THAT WE ARE AT LEAST SOMEWHAT EQUITABLE.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE NOT. >> AND I WOULD SAY POINTING OUT THAT YOUR VOTERS HAVE HIGH TURNOUTS IN THE COUNTY.

THAT PRESENTS THE SUGGESTION THAT THEY ARE VOTING AT OTHER LOCATIONS OTHER THAN THEIR HOME. GIVEN THAT HARRIS COUNTY IS NOW A VOTE ANYWHERE LOCATION, THEY ARE HROEUBGLY VOTING -- LIKELY VOTING AT WORK OR COMMUTING THROUGH AN AREA AND MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE LEAVING FROM THEIR HOMES TO DRIVE A GREAT DISTANCE FROM THE POLLING PLACE, BUT WE'RE OPEN, COMMISSIONER.

WE ARE OPEN TO EXPANDING -- >> I PROMISE YOU, IF IT WAS REVERSED AND THERE WERE 202 VOTING LOCATIONS IN PRECINCT 3 AND 104 IN PRECINCT 1, THIS WOULD BE A LOT DIFFERENT CONVERSATION. JUST BE FAIR.

THAT'S ALL WE ARE ASKING. >> ABSOLUTELY.

AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. I CAN COMMIT TO THAT, WITHOUT QUESTION. I WILL BE EQUITABLE AND FAIR IN THE ELECTIONS PROCESS FOR HARRIS COUNTY.

AND WE ARE OPEN TO TALK WITH ANY COMMISSIONER OR ANY COMMISSIONER'S STAFF TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE DOING THE MOST THAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUR PARTICULAR PRECINCTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT I KNOW THAT ISD'S ARE SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR PLACES AND MOST COMPLY WITH ADA. SO IF THE NUMBERS WERE REVERSED, I WOULD DO ALL I COULD, IF I HAD THE INFLUENCE, TO GET MY SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO STEP UP. I KNOW SPRING BRANCH IN KATY, THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO CONFORM BUILDINGS.

MAYBE YOU CAN HELP THEM WITH THAT.

>> SPRING BRANCH ISN'T A PROBLEM.

THAT'S NOT WHERE THE -- I WILL CALL THEM THE POLLING DESERTS.

IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, WE HAVE THEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE THE EASIEST PLACES. I GET A LOT OF CHURCHES WHO HAVE HAD IT IN THE PAST, BUT THEY ARE NOT ADA COMPLIANT.

THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE. THAT'S WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WERE

YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: PLEASE WORK WITH ME. THIS HIT ME -- I WAS SURPRISED.

I WAKE UP EVERY DAY THINKING, WELL, PEOPLE WILL AT LEAST GET A MAP OUT AND THINK ABOUT LOCATION AND REGISTERED VOTERS AND WHERE THEY SHOULD BE. I'M HALF OF WHAT IT SHOULD BE.

>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY -- GO AHEAD.

>> GO AHEAD. >> I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I THINK WE SHOULD TOUCH BASE OFFLINE.

[04:15:03]

I HAVE THAT YOU HAVE 160 ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS THE NUMBER THAT YOU INDICATED.

I'M WONDERING IF WE'RE -- >> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD THANK YOU

YOU ALREADY FOUND ME 60. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SEE, I'LL WORK

WITH YOU. >> TOM RAMSEY: WELL, THANK YOU.

>> I WAS ABOUT TO SAY THAT I WA. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE ISSUE IN PRECINCT 4 IS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT.

SAME PROBLEM, BUT SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT IN THAT OURS IS EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS AS OPPOSED TO ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY. I GAVE THEM THE WRONG NUMBER.

IT SAYS 228 IN 1. THAT'S ON ELECTION DAY.

204 IN 2. 190 IN 3.

163 IN 4. EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IT IS 29 IN 1. IT IS 25 IN 2.

24 IN 3. 21 IN 4.

>> EARLY VOTING, 29 IN 1. 29, 25, 24, 21.

>> THAT'S WHAT I HAVE. >> I HAVE 20 ON EARLY -- PARDON ME. 29, 25, 24 AND 20.

>> TOM RAMSEY: BETH, ARE THOSE CONFIRMED LOCATIONS?

163 CONFIRMED OR UNCONFIRMED? >> IT IS BOTH.

CAN I BACK US UP A LITTLE BIT? THE NUMBERS THAT WE'RE -- THAT WERE PRESENTED, I THINK, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, ARE UPDATED SINCE LAST THURSDAY. THE LIST IS WHAT WE SUBMITTED TO COURT LAST THURSDAY EVENING. THERE ARE CHANGES THAT WERE MADE THAT WE WILL BRING BACK TO COURT THAT HAPPENED SINCE THEN.

I WOULD ASK US TO LOOK AT THE LIST OF LOCATION THAT'S WERE PROVIDED TO COURT LAST THURSDAY BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IS BEFORE YOU, EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED SLIGHTLY SINCE

THEN ON THE TOTAL NUMBERS. >> TOM RAMSEY: THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY CONFIRMED. LIKE THE 163 IN PRECINCT 3, ELECTION DAY, THOSE MAY NOT BE CONFIRMED?

>> THAT'S RIGHT. I HAVE TOTAL NUMBERS OF

CONFIRMED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY ARE. ALL 106 COULD BE IN ONE AS FAR

AS I KNOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

I WANT TO CHANGE THE CONVERSATION A LITTLE BIT.

MR. TATUM, WELCOME TO HARRIS COUNTY AND LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. I TEND TO VOTE FOR ALL THINGS RELATED TO THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR OFFICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT JOB. OUR ENTIRE DEMOCRACY IS IN YOUR HANDS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM SUPPORTIVE AND WORK WITH YOU TO ENSURE THAT YOU GOT THE RESOURCES THAT WE NEED AND NOT JUST VOTE NO JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO. TO THAT END, I DID PUT A -- I DID MAKE A MOTION WHEN YOUR PREDECESSOR WAS STILL IN OFFICE REGARDING THE BALLOT RECEIPT. IN THE LAST ELECTION, THE BALLOT RECEIPT PRINTED OUT IN TINY FONT TWO PAGES.

I THINK THERE WAS A PRINTOUT THAT WAS JUST LIKE A PARAGRAPH WITH A TOTALLY EMPTY SHEET THEREAFTER.

AND THEN THE SAME THING FOR THE SECOND PAGE.

I MADE A MOTION TO HAVE YOUR OFFICE WORK WITH THE VENDOR AND WORK WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN NARROW

THAT DOWN TO ONE PAGE. >> COMMISSIONER? THIS ITEM WAS NOTICED FOR POLLING LOCATIONS SPECIFICALLY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL VISIT WITH YOU, MR. TATUM AND

FOLLOW-UP ON MY POINT. >> SORRY ABOUT THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: FOR POLLING LOCATIONS WHAT I AM HEARING IS YOU ARE DEVELOPING A LIST AS BELL AS HOW MANY VOTING MACHINEY VOTING MACHINES WILL FIT IN ONE LOCATION.

IT IS AN ONGOING CONVERSATION, BUT YOU NEED THESE TO BEGIN WITH AND IN THE FUTURE YOU WILL LET US KNOW WHAT IS THE UPDATED LIST. IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE ALL LOOKING AT DIFFERENT LISTS FROM THE NUMBERS.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK I HAVE THE UPDATED NUMBERS.

29 EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN PRECINCT 1, 25 IN PRECINCT 2, 24 EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN 3, AND 20 EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN PRECINCT 4. TWO-THIRDS OF WHAT OUR LEADING EARLYOT VINGOC LATION OFFICE HAS, BUTHE WRE'M I GOING IS I'M

[04:20:06]

GOINGO T-- WE'RE GOING TOOR WK. I HEARHA TT THEOM CMITMENT IS IS THAT IF WEAN C FIND THE FACILITY THAT'S CANOU HSE THE MACHINES, TPHEPB --HE TN YOU WILL MAKE SUREF OTHEUS D THATE WHAVE -- DUOS WEAV HE AND THE CONTROLLERS AND THE SCANNERSHA TT THERE WILL BE ANQU EITABLE DIVISION OFHE T MACHINES TO ALLOW EVERYBODYO T

HAVE AN OPPORTUNITYO TE VOT. >>T THAIS AR FAIASSESSMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THE MOTION YOU NEED AN APPROVALTH OF ESE LOCATIONS T ANDHEAI DETLS RELATED TO THEER GENAL ELECTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED >> R. JACK CAGLE: FOR CLARIFICATION, WHEN WE VOTE FOR THESE LOCATIONS,S THIIS FOR THE VOTETH -- EAT LOCIONS UP TO THIO INT AND THEY AREG ADDINFROM

THIS POINT F GOINGORWARD. >> SAS YOUAID THERE IS A LIST TO BE DETERMINED AND LOCATION SAID THEY UNAVAILABLE. WEHA WILL VE TO COME BACK

COURT TO ADD THOSEIO LOCATNS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SO WHEN I'M TALKING TO MYRA DEMOCTICY AND ME PUBLICANS JUDGE WHO WERE INTERESTED IN KNOWINGHE WHERE T VOTING LOCATIONSIS ARE, TH IST

NOTHET. FINALIS THIS IS THETO LIST DAY.>> THAT'S CORRECT.TH WI THE CAVEAT W THAT WEILL STARTHE USING T LIST OF THOSEAT TH AREIE SOLIDIFD TO STARTIN DOG THE THINGS THATIN I DICATED.'L WEL HAVE TO START MACHINE ALLOCATIONS AND WEVE WILL HA TO START TO BUILDLO THE BALT AND WL WI STARTGN AN ASSIMENT FOR THE EARLYWO VOTING RKERS.L ALTHAT WORK NEEDST THE LISTO

CONTINUE F TO MOVEORWARD. >> WAND YOURORK WILLE CONTINU BASED ON THE CONFIRMED SITES?10 THE 4 ARE THE CONFIRMED HAS THE POTENTIALUP TO GET 16 TO 3, BUT WE HAVE NOT CONFIRMEDE

THOSYET? >> THAT'S RIGHT.

IFHA THE LIST ST THE AMOUNTHAT IS TBED, DETERMINE WE WILL STILL HAVE TO BRING T THAT BACKO YOU.

>>NE COMMISSIOR ELLIS DID YOU A MAKE MOTION? R

>>ODNEY ELLIS: I'LL MAKE THEON MOTI.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERECO A SEND.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONEDLI BY ELS AND SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL

>> I.INOR? >> LA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSE

STPHED. >> IOR AM IN FAV WITH THES CAVEATWEHA EXPRESSED WT IS THE LAST DATE TONS ADD LOCATIO?

>> THE LIST OFRE LOCATIONS A GENERALLY CAVEATED BECAUSE UP UNTIL E THE WEEK OFARLY VOTINGE SAYS WCAN'TRE DO IT ANYMO. W AND SOENT CAVEAT UP UILWE THEN. HAVE TO NOTICE THE ELECTION LOCATIONS AT LEAST 20FO DAYS BERE ELECTION DAY.HA AND SO TT IS THELD -- THAT WOU BE THELA VERY, VERY ST T TIME.

>>HE SOFTYS DATE IS 20 DALE BEFORE ECTION DAY.

THANK YOU., ITEM 200? THAT FOR

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, ITEM 200. DOTI YOU HAVE ADDIONALON DISCUSSI OR ACTION ON3 ITEMS 44 OR 451?

>> I DO NOT.UG >> ALTHOH I DOT. HAVE A COMMEN

>> ICT BELIEVE THE ELEIONSIN ADD -- ADMISTRATION, THE DUTIES SHOULD BEHELD BY AED DULY-ELECTD COUNTY CLERK ANAED DULY-ELECT COLLECTOR.SOR I VOTE NO ON THE ELECTIONSTE ADMINISTRAD -- ADMINISTRATORFE BECAUSE I EL REMOVING THESEM DUTIES FROTHE DULY-ELECTED GHOFFICIALS WHO RIT NOW B HAPPEN TOEER BOTH AFRICAN-AMICAN FEMALE DEMOCRATS, AND TO AN ELECTIONNO ADMINISTRATOR IS T THE WAY WHO ARE TO THE PUBLIC. V THAT'S WHY IOTETA NO. I UNDERSND THE NEED TO TRY TO MOUTH, BUT IMY THINK I CAN ARTICULATE MY OWNER REASONS BETT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,. COMMISSIONER

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD LIKEAR TO VOTE SEPATELY ON 345.EL

>> RODNEY LIS: I'LL MOVE.GA >> ADRIAN RCIA: SECOND.

>> SO THERE IS NO ACTION L FOR - >>INA HIDALGO: NO ACTION OR 443 OR 441.34 LET'S GO TO 5.

MOTIONEDLL BY COMMISSIONER EIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>>HI I. >> LINA DALGO: OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> NO.LG

>> LINA HIDAO: I'MON IN FAVOR. MOTI CARRIES 3-2.

LET'S GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THEU AGENDA, THE RELAR AGENDA OF --

[04:25:05]

THANK YOU, MS. MARTIN.LG >> LINA HIDAO: SODA WE HAVE AN

UPTE ON COVID. >>

>> WHICH ITEM?O: >> LINA HIDALG 21.

REPORTED CASES REMAIN RELATIVELY HIGHY AND IT MIGHT BE SLOWL HEADING BACK TO GREEN. WE ARE IN THAN WE WERE BEFORE.NG WITH SCHOOL STARTIOO UP AGAIN, THAT'S GD NEWS. AND IT SEEMSCT LIKE WE HAVE IN FA MADE IT THROUGH WITHOUT HOSPITAL SYSTEM IN THE WAY WE DID BEFORE. WE DON'T NEEDAS ACTION, BUT JUST AN UPDATE, THE CDC HAS UPDATEDAN GUIDANCE THAT QUARTINING IS NOND LONGER REQUIRED A MASKS ARE HIGHLYEX ENCOURAGED. POSED INDIVIDUALS SHOULDDA TAKE A TEST FIVE YS AFTERTI EXPOSURE INDIVIDUALS SHOULD ISOLATE. AND THEN THE BOOSTER, WE ARE WAITING TO HEARBO CONFIRMATION, BUT A OSTER THAT TARGETS OMICRON VARIANTS INCLUDING BA4 AND BA5 IS EXPECTED IN THE FALL.

WE DO HAVE DOSES OF THE NOVAVAX VACCINE HERE AND WEEM ARE ADMINISTERING TH AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE MRNA WHICH IS PFIZER AND MODERNA. IF ANYBODY ISNT UNVACCINATED AND WAS A VACCINE WITH THE MORE TRADITIONAL PROTEIN TECHNOLOGY, THEY CAN TAKE AN APPOINTMENT --N MAKE AN APPOINTMENT D GET THE NOVAVAX. THOSE ARE MY ONLY UPDATES RIGHT NOW. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.NE

>> TOM RAMSEY: THE O QUESTION I HAD, ARE OUR LIBRARIES STILL

AT 75%?ON >> LINA HIDALGO: I D'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT, DO YOU GUYS KNOW, DIRECTOR BARRY OR MR. ROBINSON?

>> I DON'T.ST >> TOM RAMSEY: WE ARE ILL

YELLOW? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

I DON'T KNOW THE LIMITATIONS.IS >> TOM RAMSEY: MY ASK PARTICULARLY WITH SCHOOL OPENING BACK UP, WE NEED FULL ACCESS TO OUR LIBRARIES AT ALL TIME. THAT WOULD BE MY ASK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IF DIRECTOR ROBINSON WOULD CONFIRM, BUT THAT MAKES SENSE, COMMISSIONER. WE WILL SEE IFEF WE CAN GET THE

ANSWER BORE COURT IS UP. >> WE'LL GET IT SHORTLY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON THAT ITEM.

ITEM 22, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I THINK YOU ASKED TO FLAG ITEMS 22

AND 23. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

THIS IS AN ITEM THAT IS COMING FROM MY BUDGET.

I DID WANT TO SPEAKWE ON IT ANDI DON'T KNOW IF IS HAVE THE GOOD DOCTOR THAT DOING THIS WORK. I WANTED TO JUST TALK ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP THAT I'M EXCITED TO HAVE WITH UT HEALTH TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE CENTER AS WE WORK TO SERVE VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE TRAUMA.

OUR FRIENDS AT THE UT HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER USED EVIDENCE-BASED TRAUMA-BASED FOCUS CARE TO DETERMINE THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR THE PATIENTS. WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT DEFICIT IN THE ACCESS TO QUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN HARRIS COUNTY. THIS FUNDING WILL PROVIDE SERVICES FOR FOLKS WHO NEED IT THE MOST.

WHETHER -- WHEN I WAS SHERIFF I SAW THE NEED FOR THIS TO BE EXPANDED, BUT THE PROGRAM IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE VIA TELE MEDICINE AND WHETHER ON A COMPUTER OR PHONE OR TABLET.

HE LOST STATE FUNDING AND HE IS AT-RISK OF HAVING TO SHUTDOWN HIS OPERATIONS. THIS IS A SERVICE THAT FOLKS FROM ALL ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY, PRECINCTS 1, 3 AND 4 CAN USE AND PARTICIPATE WITH. I'M GLAD TO DO IT.

IT IS FOR EVERY FIRST RESPONDER AND FORUD EVERY MILITARY VETERA.

I AM PRO TO -- ONE HOW COST EFFECTIVE $75,000 CAN GO AND HOW IT CAN HELP PEOPLE. AND IT IS JUST TO THANK HIM FOR HIS WORK IN THIS VERY CRITICAL AREA.

[04:30:07]

THERE WILL BE ANOTHER ITEM THAT I WILL BE SPEAKING ON.

I AM PROUD OF THIS AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OUR MILITARY VETERANS KNOW THAT THEIR SERVICES -- THAT THERE ARE SERVICES AVAILABLE IF YOU NEED THEM.

THIS DOCTOR HAS SOME OF THE BEST OUTCOMES IN HIS WORK, AND I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO VISIT WITH HIM.

I MOVE ON THIS ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY KPHEUGTS -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ITEM 23.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ON THAT ITEM, I ASKED FOR US TO PULL IT.

IT IS A VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO HELP NRG SAVE SOME MONEY.

IT IS A 32, $33 MILLION ISSUANCE OF BONDS.

I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE MWBE GOAL.

I APPRECIATE THE WORK THAT NRG PARK PUT INTO THIS.

I WANT TO ASK MR. RAMIREZ A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.

I KNOW YOU ALL HAD CONCERNS ABOUT STRENGTHENING THE MWBE COMMITMENT. WE CAN MAKE SURE IT WAS REAL AND I HOE -- I I KNOW JOHNSON'S CONNECTICUT TROLL DIDE SOME WORK AROUND THE COUNTRY. AR YOU COMFORTABLE WITH US

MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS? >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

I AM WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY.

WHEN WE INITIALLY READ THE CONTRACT AND THE UTILIZATION PLAN FROM THE VENDOR, WE DID HAVE SOME CONCERNS WITH THE LACK OF SOME OF THE LANGUAGE IN THE CONTRACT.

NOW WE FEEL WE ARE IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE SHORING UP THE CONTRACT. THE CONTRACT INCLUDES 30% MWBE GOAL AND LANGUAGE TO FOLLOW CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE COUNTY'S

MWBE POLICY. >> AND HOW TO COUNT MWBEU'S AND HOW DOES IT DETERMINE THE FUNCTION OF A SUBCONTRACTOR.

THE CORPORATION STAFF WILL HELP THEM IMPROVE THEIR UTILIZATION PLAN TO HELP THEM MEET THE GOALS THEY ARE COMMITTED TO IN THE CONTRACT. THE STAFF IS COMMITTED TO REPORTING TO DEEO ON THE VENDOR'S PROGRESS IN MEETING THE GOAL. WE ARE HAPPY ABOUT THAT.

THEY ALIGN WITH THE COUNTY'S MWBE POLICY AND THE STAFF HAVE ACCEPTED IT. WE THINK IT IS A WORKABLE OUTCOME AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE CORPORATION

STAFF. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON A BROADER ISSUE, WILL YOU BE COMING BACK TO US WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR GOALS ARE ENFORCEABLE.

I WAS TOLD OTHER PLACES IN THE STATE HAVE SOME OTHER KIND OF PROVISION TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARE TAKING THEM SERIOUSLY AND WE DON'T JUST END UP WITH THESE NUMBERS WHEN THEY COME BEFORE US AND NO REAL ABILITY TO MAKE SURE IT IS A GOOD FAITH EFFORT.

THE CITY OF HOUSTON IS SLIGHTLY UNDER 30%.

IT WILL BE EASIER TO GET THERE, BUT WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SOME CHANGES. I KNOW YOU HAVE A SENSE OF A CHAIR AND A BOARD AND THEY PUT TOGETHER A POLICY AND WE DIDN'T HAVE THE SKILL SET. WE TALKED ABOUT IT AND DIDN'T DO IT. WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN NEXT IN TERMS OF THEIR POLICY AND YOUR POLICY.

>> THEY AUTHORIZED AND DIRECTED THEIR STAFF TO LOOK AT THE

[04:35:02]

POLICY AND USE HARRIS COUNTY'S 2020 DESPAIR -- DISPARITY STUDY FOR POLICY CHANGES. WE WANT TO WORK WITH THEM AS WE GUIDE THEM THROUGH AND GIVE THEM ADVICE ON HOW WE USE THE DISPARITY STUDY TO DEVELOP OUR POLICY.

ONE OF THE ISSUES IS IF A CONTRACTOR HAS A GOAL INCLUDED IN THEIR CONTRACT, THAT GOAL IS TO SURVIVE THROUGH THE CONTRACT.

THERE ARE NO SANCTIONS FOR A BAD ACTOR.

SOMEBODY WHO SAYS, YES, WE ARE GOING TO MEET 20% GOAL AND THESE ARE CONTRACTORS WE WILL USE. THEY HAVE ALL SORTS OF REASONS FOR IT AND THEY HAVEN'T MET THE GOAL.

WE ARE LOOKING INTERNATIONALLY TO SEE IF THERE WERE EXISTING POLICIES OR CONTRACT TERMS WE CAN USE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

WE HAVEN'T FOUND ANY YET AND NOW WE ARE STARTING TO LOOK AT OTHER COUNTIES IN TEXAS TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLE IT.

TRAVIS COUNTY'S HUD PROGRAM, -- THE HUB PROGRAM HAS THREE SECTIONS THAT ARE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST.

ONE IS A SECTION ON POST CONTRACTOR AWARD FOR CHANGING SUBCONTRACTORS THAT ARE MWE'S AND THEY REQUIRE PRIOR APPROVAL.

THERE IS ANOTHER ONE WHICH IS TIMELY PAYMENTS BEING REQUIRED.

AND THEN ANOTHER SECTION ON NONCOMPLIANCE AND SANCTIONS.

THOSE ARE THE ONES THAT WE WILL BE PULLING AND SHARING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO DO THE LEGAL RESEARCH AND MAKE SURE THAT THOSE ARE APPROPRIATE TO LOOK AT THE LANGUAGE THAT WILL

APPROVE THE POLICY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I WANT TO SECOND THE MOTION ON THIS ITEM.

I THINK THIS IS A PROGRAM IN TERMS OF MAKING REAL DIFFERENCES. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE CHAIRMAN GETTING ENGAGED AND GETTING US ON BOARD IN TERMS OF DEFERRED MAINTENANCE. I PUT SOME IN THE DEFERRED MAINTENANCE CATEGORY. THIS IS A CREATIVE WAY TO GET THINGS ON BOARD WITH IT. WE CAN DO BETTER REWARDING PEOPLE BETTER THAN PENALIZING PEOPLE.

I HAVE SEEN IT FOR 40 YEARS IN THE CONTRACTING BUSINESS.

>> JUDGE, THANK YOU. I THINK THIS IS GOING TO BE MORE FOR MR. BARRY OR FOR -- WHO WILL OVERSEE THE WORK DONE BY JCI THEY WILL BE REVIEWING THE PERFORMANCES.

>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING A REGULAR REPORT ON THE SUPPOSED SAVINGS. I DID THIS WITH THE CITY, BUT WE DIDN'T GET REPORTS TO REFLECT WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS AN OUTPUT TO SAY THIS IS A BIG CASH OUTLAY.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE COMMITTED TO HOLDING JOHNSON

ACCOUNT -- ACCOUNTABLE? >> WE RECORDED TO BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THAT. I WANT TO MAKE JUST ONE QUICK CLARIFICATION TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS' COMMENT.

IT IS NOT NRG HAVING THE SAVINGS.

IT IS THE COUNTY HAVING THE SAVINGS BECAUSE WE DO PAY THEIR

UTILITY BILLS. >> WHEN -- AND WHERE DOES THE

MONEY COME FROM? >> THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX.

>> ALL OF THE MONEY? AND THEN THE LION'S SHARE AND I WOULD SAY CLOSE TO 88, 99% GOES TOWARD PAYING THE UTILITY BILLS WHICH WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IF WE DON'T COLLECT ENOUGH REVENUE.

>> PEOPLE HAVE THE CONTRACTS AND THEY GAVE THEM ANOTHER ONE.

THE MWBE NUMBERS ENDED UP BEING 9% EVEN IF WE DIDN'T COLLECT THEM. I MEAN, ONCE THEY WERE COLLECTED

[04:40:01]

WE FOUND OUT IT WAS 9%. AS IT RELATES TO JOHNSON'S CONTROL AND THERE ARE OTHER MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. I MEAN, THEY ARE A BIG PLAYER AND THERE ARE SEVERAL OF THEM. ALL ARE CUSTOM TO THE MWBE COMPONENT. IN OTHER PLACE ITSELF HAS GONE WELL. I WILL MAKE A MOTION.

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOUR QUESTION ON THE LIBRARIES, IT IS IN PROGRESS.

THEY ARE WORKING WITH PUBLIC HEALTH TO REASSESS THE CAPACITY OF THE VARIOUS BUILDINGS BECAUSE THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW AND TO EXPAND. IF IT IS NOT 100% CAPACITY RIGHT

NOW, IT WILL BE. >> THE QUESTION WE HAD ABOUT THE COUNTY AUDITOR'S ITEM, THE B2G ITEM 237, WE HAVE CONFIRMATION THAT WE DON'T NEED ANY ACTION ON ITEM 237.

THAT WOULD BE A NO ACTION. WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO THE TWO-HOUR MARK. THE NEXT ITEMS ARE THE BUDGET AND TAX ITEMS. MAYBE WE WILL TAKE THAT 10-MINUTE BREAK NOW AND THEN WE CAN COME BACK AND GET GOING ON THE TAX RATE IF THAT IS OKAY? ALL RIGHT.

WE ARE BACK AT QUARTER TO 5

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 5:09 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. WE ARE GOING TO START WITH ITEMS 24 AND 25. MR. RAMOS AND MR. BERRY.

>> I WILL GIVE A FEW INTRODUCTORY MARKS.

>> GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I WOULD LIKE TO START -- FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH A NOTE OF GRATITUDE. THANK YOU FOR MEETING WITH MR. RAMOS AND MYSELF. THANK YOU TO YOUR STAFF AND THE BUDGET TEAM WHO HAVE TAKEN GREAT STRIDES FORWARD WHO HAVE PROVIDED THE PRESENTATION. AND THE COUNTY DEPARTMENTS, THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF WHOM WERE VERY GOOD PARTNERS IN PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. WHERE THERE IS DISAGREEMENT IN PUBLIC THEY WILL BE MAKING PROGRESS.

I WILL LET MR. RAMOS MAKE THE COMMENTS, BUT I WANT TO AGREE ON THE PRIORITY THAT'S ARE REFLECTED IN THE BUDGET.

THE FIRST IS FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.

WE ARE PRESENTING A BALANCED BUDGET.

WE ARE SHIFTED TO ALIGNING THE FISCAL YEAR WITH THE TAX RATE SETTING AND THAT HAS NEVER BEEN MORE ESSENTIAL.

SO WE HAVE A TAX RATE TO BACK WHATEVER BUDGET COURT AGREES UPON. TO BE CANDID, WE HAVE NOT PULLED ANY TRUCK -- ANY TRICKS. WE ARE NOT UNDER FUNDING THE HEALTH FUND AND NOT USING ARPA MONEY TO PLUG A PENSION GAP.

WE ARE NOT USING ONE-TIME FUNDS TO COVER RECURRING COSTS.

YOU DO SEE A LOT OF GOVERNMENTS DO THAT.

HONESTLY, IT MAKES THE PRESENCE EASIER.

YOU CAN SAY YES TO MORE THINGS AND YOU CAN CUT TAXES MORE.

THAT'S NOT WHAT WE PRESENTED AND THAT'S NOT WHAT THE COUNTY HAS DONE. I DON'T RECOMMEND WE START DOING IT. THE OTHER PRIORITIES IN THIS BUDGET ARE PUBLIC SAFETY. YOU WILL HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE INCREASES IN THE BUDGET. I WOULD LOOK AT THE BUDGET BOOK, PAGE 51. HOW ARE WE WORKING TO REDUCE VIOLENT CRIME. THERE ARE A LOT OF SMART INITIATIVES AND FUNDING. INFRASTRUCTURE, WE ARE PROPOSING RAISING THE FLOOD CON RATE EVEN AS WE CUT THE COUNTY RATE AND KEEPING UP THE MAINTENANCE AND THE BOND PROGRAM.

THE THIRD IS EMPLOYEES. WE ARE COVERING THAT AS A COUNTY. AND WHILE I CERTAINLY WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE WE WILL HAVE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS FOR THE CERTAIN EMPLOYEES WE MENTIONED. THAT WILL TURN IT OVER TO MR. RAMOS. WE PROPOSED A BUDGET THAT WE THINK IS BEST FOR THE COUNTY. WE HOPE IT REFLECTS YOUR PRIORITIES. WE ALSO HOPE THERE IS ROOM FOR DISCUSSION AND NEGOTIATION. TWO YEARS IN A ROW THIS COURT HAS BEEN ABLE TO COMPROMISE ON THE TAX RATES AND WHILE NO ONE GOT ANYTHING THEY WANTED, WE ARE IN A BETTER SPOT IF THERE WAS NO COMPROMISE. WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR ACTION, BUT TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK AND DISCUSSION AND WE HOPE TO CHART

[04:45:03]

A PATH FORWARD. WITH THAT I WILL LET MR. RAMOS TALK ABOUT THE DETAILS IN THE PRESENTATION.

THANK YOU. >> CAN WE PULL UP THE PRESENTATION? THE PRESENTATION FOR RIGHT NOW? THANK YOU FOR WELCOMING ME, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE FOR WELCOMING. I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THEM QUICKLY. THIS IS MY MANAGEMENT TEAM.

I WANT TO THANK THEM AND I KNOW I HAVE BEEN WEARING YOU OUT THE LAST FEW WEEKS. I AM VERY PROUD OF THE WORK WE HAVE COLLECTIVELY DONE. WITHOUT ANYMORE ADIEU, IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. IT IS JUST A QUICK OVERVIEW.

I AM GOING TO FOCUS ON TPHRAD CONTROL AND THE -- ON FLOOD CONTROL AND THE GENERAL FUNDS. THOSE ARE THE TWO BUDGETS I HAVE PER VIEW OVER. YOU WILL HEAR FROM DR. PORSA ABOUT HARRIS HEALTH. WE ARE LOOKING AT A NEARLY 4% DECREASE IF TAXES. I ACTUALLY WENT BACK AND LOOKED.

THIS TAX RATE WE ADOPT WILL BE THE LOWEST IT HAS BEEN AND THIS WILL BE THE LOWEST TAXES WE WILL HAVE ON THE GENERAL FUND.

IF YOU LOOK AT JUST THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THE CONSTABLES AND THE SHERIFF AND THE FIRE MARSHAL, THAT ACCOUNTS FOR 44% OF OUR BUDGET, ABOUT 11% OF THE GROWTH IN THE BUDGET FROM FISCAL YEAR 22.

I WANT TO PUT THAT IN CONTEXT. INFLATION IS GOING UP 10%.

OUR HEALTHCARE CLAIMS ARE GOING UP 14% AND REGIONAL GROWTH IS 6%. AND OUR ASSESSMENT VALUES ARE GOING UP BY 12%. TO TRY AND KEEP IT IN CONTEXT, WE ARE TRYING TO BE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AT ALL DUE COSTS.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THE JUSTICE AND SAFETY GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSPORTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

WE ARE SPENDING SOMEWHERE AROUND 64% OF THE BUDGET IS FOR JUSTICE AND SAFETY. AND THAT'S ABOUT 10.7% OR 11% ABOVE WHAT WE ARE SPENDING IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR WHICH IS FISCAL YEAR 22. THIS COURT ADOPTED AS PART OF THE FISCAL 22 PLANNING BUDGET AND IT INCLUDES AN ADDITIONAL 1% FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE SHERIFF AND THE CONSTABLES AS WELL AS THE TENSION OFFICERS ACROSS ALL RANKS.

IT REFLECTS ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN THE JAIL.

THERE IS 11 MILLION MORE IN STAFFING AND ADDITIONAL INNATIONARY ITEMS. INFLATIONARY ITEMS. I I DO WANT TO -- I DO WANT TO INCLUDE ARPA FOR THAT.

IT IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE LA SALLE CONTRACT AND WE ARE USING THE FUND BALANCE OR CASH RESERVES. WE DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE IT IN THE REQUIRED BUDGET. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

I WANT QUICKLY SOME COST DRIVERS.

THIS COURT HAS SEEN A TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN NOT JUST THE NUMBER OF FOLKS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR JAIL, BUT ALSO THE COMPETITION -- THE COMPOSITION OF THE FOLKS WE ARE TRENDING TOWARD HIGHER RISK. IT IS ALL THAT REQUIRES US TO FUND SAVE -- TO FUND STAFFING. THERE ARE 20 ADDITIONAL SUPERVISORS AND THAT'S ON TOP OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR. WE ARE SPENDING NEARLY $30 MILLION ON OUT -- ON SOUT SOURCING.

I SAID IT PRIVATELY AND PUBLICLY TO ALL OF YOU.

THIS IS A FISCALLY UNSUSTAINABLE THING AND WE NEED TO LEVERAGE THE COURT BACKLOG TO BRING THOSE FOLKS HOME.

OUR MEDICAL COSTS, IF I COULD RANK OWL -- RANK ALL OF THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE COUNTY'S BUDGET THIS WOULD BE NUMBER ONE.

WE ARE SEEING A NEARLY 20% INCREASE IN OUR COSTS YEAR OVER YEAR. IT IS AN UNSUSTAINABLE MODEL.

OUR PROJECTED COSTS WERE SET TO GO UP 28 MILLION.

WE ARE FUNDING AN ADDITIONAL 13 WITH THE ASSUMPTION AND THE DIRECTION TO HRM THAT THEY NEED TO COME BACK FOR SAVINGS.

[04:50:02]

I WILL DEFER TO THE DIRECTOR FOR SOME OF THE MORE SPECIFICS WHEN WE GET INTO THE Q&A. WE DO NEED TO BEND THIS COST SERVE TO REMAIN FINANCIALLY STRONG.

AND INFLATION, WE ARE SEEING HUGE AMOUNTS OF INFLATION ACROSS EVERY DEPARTMENT. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

IN SUMMARY, WE ARE RECOMMENDING A BUDGET OF 2.24 BILLION ON THE GENERAL FUND AND 2.23 BILLION OF THAT IS REVENUES AND WE ARE DOING A TRANSFER OF EIGHT MILLION FROM THE FLEET FUND.

WE HAVE, OVER MANY YEARS ACCUMULATED A CASH BALANCE OF THAT FUND WE WILL TURNOVER TO DR. PETERSON AND WE WILL GO TO THE 137 MILLION GOING INTO RESERVES.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE? I KNOW WE WILL GO INTO THE TAX RATE DISCUSSION. BUT THE THING IS UP AND DOWN AND THIS IS LOWER THAN ALL PROCEEDINGS IN 29 YEARS.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. WE ARE RECOMMENDING THE VOTER APPROVED RATE WHICH IS THE HIGHEST AMOUNT WE ARE ALLOWED TO GO BY LAW. AS WE HAVE SEEN WE HAVE SEEN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY OF OUR CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE AS WELL AS BUILDING NEW FLOOD INSTRAW -- INFRASTRUCTURE.

THE COSTS ARE GOING UP THE SAME DUE TO PERSONNEL COSTS THAT WE THOUGHT IT WAS NECESSARY TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GETTING ALL OF THE REVENUE. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK ABOVE THE INTEREST PAYMENTS AND YOU CAN SEE THE DEBT SERVICE IS ABOUT TO GO DOWN. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE DEBT RATE IT IS A SIMPLE CALCULATION. HOW MUCH DEBT DO YOU EXPECT TO PAY IN THE FIRST FISCAL YEAR AND SO THE SUMMATION OF ALL OF THE PROPERTY VALUES IN HARRIS COUNTY.

NEXT SLIDE. I WANT TO SPEND A COUPLE MINUTES EXPLAINING HOW WE GOT HERE. WE PASSED THE FISCAL 23 PLANNING BUDGET. WHAT WE HAVE SEEN IS THINGS HAVE CHANGED. IT IS MOSTLY DUE TO INFLATION OR INCREASE. THEOU CRT APPROVED $22 MILLION OF ADDITIONAL SPENDING. 11 OF THAT IS IN THE JAILND A THERE ISN AADDITIONAL 3 MILLION FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYND A I CAN PROVIDE THE FULLIS LT. BECAUSEHE T MARKET RETURNAS W SO FARBO AVE THE BENCHMARK WERE A CONTRIBUTING LESS.

AT THE C AREONTRIBUTING TO THE PENSION SYSTEM.

THESE ARE ALL OF THE THINGS I PRESENTED ONRT COU.

WE ARE SPENDING ABOUT0, $70000 MOREAU BECSE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BARGAIN WASH SUCTHAT WE HAD TO INVEST IN THETI JUSCE DEPARTMENT TO MEET IT. GROUPLT HEAH, 13 MILLION.

AND THENAD AN DITIONAL 10 MILLION T FORHEPU 1% BLIC SAFETY.WE OFFSET SOME OF THIS TO THE BALANCEOR BI-LOING OUR -- BO WERING OURGE BUDTARYVE SERS. B UDGETVE RESERS.AS WE GET BETTERDG AT BUETINGAN D AS THEME APARTNTS GET MOREFA M -- FAMILIAR WITH THEIR OWNBU DGETS, HOPEFULLY IT IS ONLYUS ED IN DIREMS CIRCUTANCES ANDNO T WHATST IS HIORICIC PRACTE. IF YOU CANTW SKIP O SLIDES, PLEASE.WA I NT TOQU MAKE A ICK NOTE

[04:55:03]

NOTLE'S PENSIONS DID CHANGE.WE 7%. STILLIB CONTRUTING WELL ARE STIEE GUARANTING -- WE AREUA STILL GRANTEEING FOLKS A SEVERAL R PERCENTETURN ON THEIR 7%UT CONTRIBIONS. A ORE STILL MATCHING 2.25 -- 225% M AND THEARKETD RETURNESO MUCH OFCH THE BEN BENCHMARKIT.

IS AIO $434 MILLN PROPOSED BUDGET.E THERIS AIO $3.7 MILLN INVESTMENT FOR PRE-TRIAL MONITORING.AV WE HEN $3 MILLIOINL ADDITIONA STAFFINGUD FOR OUR BGET FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO FOCUS ONKE INTA.E THERISIO $1.2 MILLN FORHA THE RRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.LL 1.9 MIION OF A SUSTAINED INVESTMENT THAT WAS MADE FOR LANGUAGEHE ACCESS IN T SYSTEM.L AND $650,000NA FOR ADDITIOLON POSITIS INTS COUNTY COUR.

NEXTSE SLIDE, PLEA.FE FOR SATY WE ARE NEARLY -- NEARLY DOLLARS.ON ANDTH WHAT MAKES IS UP ISER THE SHIFF AND THE- CONSTABLE -ER THE SHIFFS AND THE CONSTABLES AND THEL FIRE MARSHA, WE AREIO $11 MILLN FOR ADDITIONAL A STAFFINGND 3.5 MILLIONTI FOR ADDIONALRS INVESTIGATO -- SORRY.IO 3.6 MILLNON FOR 35 ADDITIAL INVESTIGATORS AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.MI AND 1.6 LLION FOR KIND OF EQUIPMENTPLACEMENT ACROSS THE LAW ENFORCEMENTNT DEPARTMEZE FOR BREATHALYRS ANDET TASERS, CETERA.DE NEXT SLI, PLEASE.E I'LL BREEZT THROUGH THE RESOF THIS. WE HAVE AR PLACE HOLDER FOAN I ADDITIONALNVESTMENT TO BRING IN HOUSEN THE COLLECTIOFR OF TAS OMRN THE COUNTY ATTOEY TO MAKERI SURE THEY GHT SIZEAV THAT.

WE HENV A $10 MILLION IESTMENTER IN THE GENAL FUNDSE ON CYBER CURITY. S AS WE HAVEEEN IN MY SHORTENE YOUR, THERHAS BEEN TWOTT SEPARATE AACKS FOR VARYING WERE WANT TO MAKE SU WE GETHA AHEAD OF TT.

TO PREVENTAYS CHEAP THEM THAN IT IS TOTH DEAL WITH EM. WE,0 HAVE NEARLY 70000 WHICH ISD COURT APPROV DURINGSC THE SHORT FIAL YEAR FOR ADDITIONALCH TECH -- TENICIANS TO SUPPORT ISTHE ELECTION ADMINTRATOR.IO AND 1.5 MILLN THAT YOU APPROVEDON TODAY TO TRANSITITI O THE ELECONA ADMINISTRATOR TO NEWN VOTER REGISTRATIO SYSTEM.

WE ALSOON INCLUDED $3 MILLITO TO BE ABLE DEAL WITH OVERAGES IN FUEL.G WE ARE SEEINFUEL COSTS GO DOWNTH SHORT FISCAL YEAR, BUT THEY AREMP STILL UP COARED TO WHEN IT WAS DEVELOPED.

WEN INVESTED 1.2 MILLIO C IN INCREASEAPACITY TOT DO CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION.

>> 1.7 MILLION ANDIN AN ADDITIOL VESTMENT OF 14 MILLION FORAT ACCESS HARRIS AL THE PUBLIC HETH DEPARTMENT.N AND 1.7 MILLIO TONK SUPPORT THE MOEYPOX OPERATION.

FOR THERT ENVIRONMENT, THIS COU UH -- APPROVED A 1 PILOT PROGRAM TO PURCHASE THE ELECTRICN VEHICLES FOR CERTAI LAW ENFORCEMENTKN DEPARTMENTS. I OW WE WANT TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM.VE THIS COURT APPROD THE $34 MILLION IN BONDS TOVE BE ABE TO ACHIE ENERGY SAVINGS AT NRG. NEXT SLIDE? I WILL O BLOW THROUGH THE RESTFN THESE.

HOUSG ANDPM ECONOMIC DEVELOENT.

WE HAVE $1.7 MILLION TO HELP FOLKS IMPACTED THROUGH. COMMUNIY SERVICES WE ARE ALSO ADDING CAPACITY AND DEPARTMENT OF EQUITY ANDTY ECONOMIC OPPORTUNI TOAN ASSIST WITH VETERS AND MINORITYGR SMALL BUSINESS PROAM.

DR. PETERSON, IF YOUN' ARE ON,F YOU DOT MIND TAKING THIS ONE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON,ER JUDGE AND COMMISSIONS.

THANK YOU FOR THEK OPPORTUNITYO SPEATODAY.

FLOODING IS OUR NUMBER ONE NATURAL DISASTER HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. FLOODS HAVE IMPACTED EVERY DAY

[05:00:03]

SINCE THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.

THE CORE FUNCTION IS TO REDUCE FLOOD RISK AND INCREASE RESILIENCY FOR HARRIS COUNTY. OUR BUDGET ASTA DANIEL HAS ALREY LKED ABOUT IS REQUESTING $137 MILLION AND THATED BUDGET S REALLY FOCUS ON DELIVERING THE SIX CORE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THE DISTRICT HAS. IT IS FOCUSED LARGELY FOR THE O AND M BUDGET FOR THE CHANNELS AND THE TRIBUTARIES WE HAVE, ALL 2500 MILES OF THEM. AS DANIEL HAS BEEN WALKING THROUGH, WEA DO SEE THAT THERE ARE NUMBER OF INFLATIONARYHE ELEMENTS INCLUDED IN T BUDGETS.

IN THE CASE OF THEE FLOOD CONTRL DISTRICT W IDENTIFIED A 7% INCREASE IN OUR BUDGET DUE TO I INFLATION.

AND THISS MAINLY 8AS TRIBUTABLE TO THE INCREES AND THE COSTS --EA ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INCRSE IN COSTS AND THE PAY ITEMS AND THE SERVICEY AGREEMENS FOR PRIMARIL INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE SERVICES. THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ARE FOCUSED DIRECTLY ON EITHER MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE THE FUNDS TO MAINTAIN THE LEVELED OF SERVICE THAT WE PROVID IN THE PAST FISCAL YEAR IN TERMS OFCE INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENAN.

>> DIRECTOR PETERSON, THE LAST COUPLE SLIDES, FOR TRANSPORTATION, THE BUDGET ASSUMES A $175 MILLION TRANSFER AND 60 MILLION FROM ROAD BONDS AND 115 MILLION IN HCTRA SURPLUS TO HELP SUPPORT THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S ROAD AND P THE NEIGHBORHOOD DURING THISROGRAM WE ARE FUNDING 11 ADDITIONAL PROJECT MANAGERS AND INSPECTORS AT THE COUNTY ENGINEER.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE? QUICKLY, I DO WANT TO SHOW THATD THE BUDGET BOOK DID NOT INCLE ANY CARRY FORWARD OR ROLL -- ROLL OVER. I WANT TO SHOW BUDGETS AND THEY REMAIN LARGELY UNCHANGED NEAR OTHER T ITEMS. I WANT TO TALK ABOUTHE CALENDAR AND I KNOW I TALKED ABOUT IT BRIEFLY AND ON AN EARLIER ITEM.

THE MOST LINEAR OPTION WHICH I AM HOPEFUL, BUT DOES NOT NEED TO HAPPEN TODAY, BUT THAT IT COALESCE AROUND A TAX RATE THAT THE TAX ASSESSOR COULD POST. WE WOULD HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 6TH AND THE PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING ON THE 13TH AND MOVE TO ADOPT BOTH ITEMS ON SEPTEMBER 13TH.

THE NEXT MOST LINEAR PATH WOULD BE TO COALESCE AROUND A TAX RATE ON SEPTEMBER 6TH. WE WOULD HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR BOTH THE BUDGET AND THE TAX RATE ON SEPTEMBER 13TH AND ADOPT ON EITHER THE 19TH OR THE 20TH.

THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER SCHEDULES THAT WE COULD GET INTO , BUT THOSE ARE THE KIND OF THE TWO PATHS.

ONE THING I HOPE FOR TODAY IS TE MEETINGS THREE DAYS FROM NOW TO BE ABLE TO MEET THE 6TH DAY. JAY, HELP ME OUT HERE.

WE COULD MEET IN 72 HOURS AND STILL BE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME TO BE ABLE TO POST THE RATES FOR THE 6TH AND BE ABLE TO ADOPT BOTH ON THE 13TH. KPWOT IT.

-- GOT IT. UNDERSTOOD.

NO WORRIES. WHAT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL -- AND I WILL TURN IT OVER TO DR. PORSA FOR HIS PRESENTATION, WOULD BE FOR THIS COURT TO SET TARGETS FOR DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF BUDGET AND TAX KULGTS -- TAX CUTS.

WE ARE AT THE POINT EVERY DOLLAR WE DON'T COLLECT WE WILL HAVE TO CUT. WE ARE DIRECTED TO CUT $10 MILLION -- OR FIND $10 MILLION OF TAX SAVINGS OR THERE IS A COMBINED RATE FOLKS ARE COMFORTABLE VOTING FOR WE CAN SAY WHAT OUR RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE.EL

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER LIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WOULD YOU PREFER I ASK QUESTIONS NOW OR

AFTER DR. POUR SAW -- PORSA. >> I WOULD SAY AFTER DR. PORSA.

WITH THAT I WILL TURN IT OVER TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU. CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY?

[05:05:03]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> TIFFANY, WILL I BE ABLE TO

SHARE? >> YES.

I JUST GAVE YOU AUTHORITY. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY.

HOPEFULLY YOU CAN SEE THE SCREEN >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN SEE IT.

THANK YOU, DR. PORSA. >> THIS IS A SHORT PRESENTATION AND I BELIEVE ALL OF YOU ALREADY HAD THIS PRESENTATION.

THERE IS A LITTLE BIT OF A DIFFERENCE ON THE LAST SLIDE.

DO YOU WANT TO JUST COVER THAT WHEN I GET TO THAT POINT?

ABOUT THE VAR? >> YES.

THAT WOULD BE GREAT AND I CAN HELP FILL IN.

>> I APPRECIATE THAT. I DON'T THINK THIS IS NEWS TO ANY OF YOU, ACTUALLY. I COVERED IT ANYWAYS.

KWR*PLG AS ALL OF YOU ARE AWARE -- I THINK AS YOU ARE AWARE OUR SITUATION AT HARRIS HEALTH IS VASTLY DIFFERENT FROM A YEAR AGO. IT IS IN SOME SIGNIFICANT WAYS.

OUR REVENUES HAVE DRAMATICALLY DECREASED.

OVER THE LAST TWO COVID YEARS WE RECEIVED CARES -- CARES ACT MONEY AND WE RECEIVED MONEY FOR THE CARE OF COVID PATIENTS.

THOSE FUNDING, ALTHOUGH DIDN'T COVER THE ENTIRE COST OF CARE IN TOTALITY WE HAVE SEEN SOMETHING AROUND $250 MILLION.

THE TOTAL COST OF CARE FOR US WAS A LITTLE OVER $300 MILLION.

THIS FUNDING STOPPED IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR.

THERE IS NO MORE REVENUE COMING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EVEN THOUGH WE TAKE CARE OF 50 TO 60 COVID PATIENTS IN THE SYSTEM ON A DAILY BASIS. OUR TAX RATE HAS BEEN CUT TWICE.

AND THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THAT HAS BEEN CLOSE TO $50 MILLION ANNUALLY OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS.

AT THE SAME TIME AND AGAIN I THINK YOU HEARD THIS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY THAT OUR EXPENSES HAVE SKY ROCKETED.

I THINK MR. RAMOS SAID THE INCREASE IN THE HEALTHCARE COSTS ARE THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT WORRIED HIM.

OBVIOUSLY AS THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM IN HARRIS COUNTY, WE ARE NO EXCEPTION TO THAT. OUR COSTS ON AVERAGE HAVE INCREASED 26%. IT INCLUDES A 26% INCREASE TO THE TUNE OF $250,000,025% INCREASE IN THE SUPPLIES COST AND $155 MILLION AND ALSO 30% IN SERVICES OR $150 MILLION IN ADDITION. ALL IN ALL, 420 MILLION ADDITIONAL DOLLARS. I THINK YOU ARE ALL AWARE, HARRIS COUNTY HAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF UNINSURED IN TEXAS.

THAT NUMBERS CONTINUES TO GROW. TODAY THAT NUMBER IS ABOUT A MILLION PEOPLE. LIKE I SAID, THE NUMBER IS INCREASING EVERY DAY AND DISPROPORTIONATE TO THE INCREASE IN THE POPULATION AND IN THE COUNTY.

AS THAT HAPPENS OUR COSTS GO UP. AS YOU KNOW WE HAVE A MANDATE TO TAKE CARE OF THE UN-- THE UNINSURED AND THE INDIGENT.

I THINK I BROUGHT THIS UP LAST TIME I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAR IN FRONT OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT THAT OUR HOSPITAL SYSTEM HAS THE LOWEST TAX RATE AND THE LOWEST PERES DENT TAX SUPPORT AND THE LOWEST -- LOWEST PER RESIDENT TAX SUPPORT COMPARED TO THE LARGE HOSPITAL DISTRICTS.

WE ARE RECEIVING HALF OF WHAT BEXAR COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT IS RECEIVING IN TERMS OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE CARE OF THE UNINSURED. IT IS $400 LESS PER UNINSURED COMPARED TO DALLAS COUNTY. HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM IS MORE THAN PROVIDING CARE TO THE INDIGENT.

OUR IMPACT IN HARRIS COUNTY AND IN THE COMMUNITY IS VAST AND IT IS STEEP. YOU CAN CONTINUE TO BE ONE OUT OF TWO ADULT LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER AND ONE OUT OF 1 LEVEL 1 STROKE CENTERS TAKING CARE OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND NOT JUST THE INDIGENT. THEY ARE MAJOR ACADEMIC PARTNERS

[05:10:01]

AND OVER 40 NURSING SCHOOLS ANNUALLY TRAINING MORE THAN 5,000 DOCTORS AND NURSES AND ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS MANY OF WHOM END UP STAYING IN HARRIS COUNTY.

I HAD THIS CONVERSATION WITH A COUPLE OF THE COMMISSIONERS.

WE ARE LOOKING AT THE AT THE BUDGET FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR THAT IS STARTING IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS.

THE FOLLOWING YEAR IT IS A $150 MILLION LOSS.

THIS SITUATION CONTINUES TO GET WORSE AGAIN AS I HAVE MENTIONED IN THE REVENUES AND THE COSTS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO LOOKING EVERYWHERE TO SEE HOW WE CAN BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND CUTTING COSTS. AT THE END OF THE DAY AS WE ARE LOOKING OVER THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS IN A $200 MILLION SHORT FALL, THERE IS NOT A LOT OF COSTS WE CAN REDUCE TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED BUDGET IN A SMALL MARGIN.

ESPECIALLY AS WE BRING NEXT YEAR A GOOD FINANCIAL FOUNDATION.

NOBODY WANTS AND WHAT YOU DON'T WANT IS FOR US TO BE A COST -- OR A CUT SERVICES. IN A SITUATION LIKE THAT, EITHER IT WILL GO UNMET OR WE WILL BE FORCED TO FIND OTHER HEALTHCARE.

THAT HAS MADE FOR MORE EMERGENCY ROOMS AND WAIT TIMES AND OTHER HEALTH SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE THE TIMELY, EFFICIENT, HIGH QUALITY AND SAFE CARE. AND SO NOBODY WANTS THAT.

THE THING THAT IS DIFFERENT IS THIS IS A SLIDE THAT ALL OF YOU RECEIVED PREVIOUSLY. WHAT A WONDERFUL -- IT CHANGED RATHER DRAMATICALLY. WE DISCOVERED ON FRIDAY, THREE DAYS AGO, FOUR DAYS AGO WAS A MISCALCULATION IN THE BUDGET AND LAST NIGHT THEY RECALCULATED THE TRUE VOTER APPROVAL RATE WHICH -- IT IS ACTUALLY .01978 INSTEAD OF .016875.

WHAT THAT WILL DO IS CLOSE THE GAP NOT JUST FOR NEXT YEAR, BUT THE FOLLOWING YEAR AS WELL. IT WILL COVER THE ENTIRE SHORT FALL. WHY IS THAT AN IMPORTANT ADDITION TO THE FACT THAT THEY DON'T WANT -- WE DON'T WANT TO OPERATE IN THE NEGATIVE MARGIN? ALL OF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE FACT THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT OUR STRATEGIC PLAN THAT INCLUDES REPLACING OUR CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE HAVE HOSPITALS FALLING APART AND SEWER BACKING UP TO OUR PHARMACIES AND HOSPITALS AND CT SCANNERS AND MRI'S.

I THINK EVERYBODY ELSE THAT KNOWS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES WE HAD LAST YEAR WITH THE PLUMBING SITUATION, WE HAD COLD WATER, HOT WATER AND STEAM PIPES BURSTING.

IT RESULTED IN INJURY TO OUR PATIENTS.

YOU WILL OF -- ALL OF THOSE THINGS COST.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT EXPANDING SERVICES WITH THE LARGER HOSPITALS TODAY, WE ARE 160 BEDS SHORT.

THAT ANYBODY IS 400 AND IT IS SHORT TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES THAT WE NEED. IN ADDITION TO THAT, LBJ HOSPITAL, THE LEVEL 3 TRAUMA CENTER IN HARRIS COUNTY IT STILL DOES NOT PROVIDE STROKE CARE OR PEOPLE HAVING HEART ATTACKS.

IT IS NOT WHERE WE SHOULD BE IN IN THIS DAY AND AGE.

ALL OF THOSE SERVICES WHICH THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY DO DESERVE WITH THE REST OF HARRIS COUNTY, THAT COSTS AND THE COSTS

[05:15:07]

GO UP. LET ME STOP HERE AND I CAN STOP SHARING AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU ALL HAVE.

AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTENING TO ME.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, DR. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS?. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE A SERIES OF QUESTIONS IF I MIGHT, MR. RAMOS OR MR. BERRY, SHALL WE SAY THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM AND STAY AWAY FROM THE POLITICS, OBVIOUSLY, BUT WALK THROUGH THE ISSUES OF THE CONSTABLE'S BUDGETS.

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I PRESUME YOU ARE REFERRING TO THE COMPTROLLER'S LETTER DATED YESTERDAY AND JUST TO SET GROUND RULES ABOUT THE DISCUSSION, WE CAN TALK ABOUT IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ADOPTED BUDGET. WE SHOULD NOT TALK ABOUT ANY POTENTIAL ACTION -- YOUR QUESTION IS OBVIOUSLY FINE AND IF THERE IS NEED FOR LEGAL ADVICE WE CAN GO TO EXECUTIVE

SESSION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF IT GOES TOO FAR, JUST STOP US. I JUST WANT TO WALK THROUGH THE NUMBERS. DON'T GET INTO ANYTHING ELSE.

>> AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE PROPOSED BUDGET ON COMMISSIONERS' COURT INCREASES FUNDING JUST FOR THE SHERIFF AND THE CONSTABLES BY $95 MILLION. IT IS KHRO TO -- IT IS CLOSE TO $96 MILLION. OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER IMPORTANT INVESTMENTS INCLUDING AN INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WE WOULD WALK THROUGH. THE COMPTROLLER SENT THE COUNTY A LETTER LAST NIGHT SAYING THAT IT COULD NOT ADOPT THIS BUDGET AS PROPOSE -- AS PROPOSED. WE CAN DISCUSS THE REASONS WHY IF YOU WANT TO. THAT'S THE CONCLUSION.

IF THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, WE WILL REVERT TO THE PRIOR'S YEAR BUDGET. THE CONSTABLES LOSE AND AND THE

-- >> ON THIS POINT I JUST WANTED TO ASK WHO WOULD BE THE BIGGEST LOSER, IF YOU WILL IF WE WERE TO GO BACK BASED ON WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING AND WHAT IF WE HAVE TO

REVERT BACK DOWN. >> IT WOULD BE 75 MILLION ACROSS ALL FUNCTIONS. AND IT IS JUST A BREAK DOWN OF THE 96 MILLION NUMBER. THAT IS 21 MILLION FOR THE CONSTABLES AND ABOUT -- THE BALANCE OF 75 MILLION IF THEY ADOPT A BUDGET. THERE IS AN INCREASE TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY. THERE IS AN INCREASE TO THE FIRE MARSHAL. IT WOULD BE ACROSS THE BOARD CUTS UNTIL WE ARE BACK TO THE 22 BUDGET.

PUBLIC SAFETY WOULD TAKE OUT THE LION'S SHARE BECAUSE THEY MAKE A

SIGNIFICANT PORTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE SHERIFF?

>> THE SHERIFF IS 75 MILLION AND THE CONSTABLES ACROSS ALL OF THE PRECINCTS IS 21 MILLION. THERE IS A $9 MILLION INCREASE FROM THE FULL FISCAL YEAR FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

>> AND THE FIRE MARSHAL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT ARE OTHER

COUNTIES DOING ON THE TAX RATES? >> THE LOCAL ONES, THE ONLY TWO THAT HAVE ADOPTED A TAX RATE SO FAR HAVE BEEN FORT BEND WHICH KEPT THEIR TAX RATE FLAT. THEIR RATE STAYED FLAT FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. THAT MEANS THEIR RESIDENTS ARE BEARING THE FULL VALUE INCREASE OF ASSESSMENTS.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS IN A SIMILAR POSITION TO US AND BECAUSE ASSESSMENTS GREW BEYOND WHAT SB2 ALLOWS, THEY CUT THEIR RATE VERY KHRO -- CLOSE TO THEIR VOTER APPROVAL RATE.

>> HOW DO OTHER COUNTIES DEFINE THEIR TAX CUT?

>> WHEN YOUR RATE GOES DOWN. THEY CUT THE RATE AND SO PEOPLE MADE MORE THAN THEY DID BEFORE AND THEY WOULD PAY MORE IN INCOME TAX LESSON SO THAN WHEN THE TAX STAYED THE SAME.

[05:20:03]

WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THE RATE.

>> HOW HAS HARRIS COUNTY DEFINED A TAX CUT PREVIOUSLY?

>> I'M NEW HERE, BUT I BELIEVE THE SAME WAY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF I COULD ADD , I PROPOSED WE PASS THE FIRST THREE CONSECUTIVE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION INCREASES FOR SENIORS AND DISABLED. FIRST ONE WAS IN 2020, I BELIEVE IT WAS THE FIRST ONE WE HAD PROPOSED I THINK IN SEVEN YEARS PRIOR. I I WOULD LIKE TO DO ANOTHER ONE, BUT WHAT IS THE VALUE OF RAISING YET AGAIN OR IS IT POSSIBLE TO RAISE AGAIN THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION.

>> THIS COURT HAS ALREADY MOVED TO INCREASE AND IT IS PAST THE DEADLINE TO BE ABLE TO INCREASE IT.

OMB DID THE ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDED WE INCREASE IT BASED ON THE ASSESSMENT GROWTH WE HAVE SEEN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH. I PUT THAT IN MOTION I THINK PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL. WHAT'S THE VALUE OF IT?

>> $ -- 269,000, I BELIEVE FROM 250.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN AGGREGATE. WHAT IS THE TOTAL VALUE THAT WE ARE GIVING BACK SENIORS THE DISABLED.

>> THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD -- THE AVERAGE HOUSE IS ASSESSED AT $300,000 OR MAYBE MORE THAN THAT.

300,000 IS THE HOMESTEAD FOR SENIOR AND DISABLED IS 269,000.

PEOPLE WOULD ONLY BE PAYING TAXES ON THE $31,000 DELTA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I GET IT. BUT WHAT IS THAT TOTAL NUMBER TOWARD THE BUDGET? IF WE HADN'T PASSED THAT, HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD WE BE TAKING IN?

>> THAT'S A HARD QUESTION TO ANSWER.

WHAT IT REALLY DOES, THE HOMESTEAD, IS IT PUSHES THE TAX RATE OR THE BURDEN ON TO FOLKS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE HOMESTEAD.

>> IT IS RELATIVELY BUDGET NEUTRAL.

I BELIEVE OUR ASSESSMENTS HAVE GROWN BY ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE ABOVE WHAT THE REVENUE CAPS WERE EVEN BEFORE SB2.

ANYTHING CLOSE TO A VOTER APPROVED RATE IS NEUTRAL.

IT WAS TPHARPBLG -- MARGINALLY INCREASED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO SHALL WE SAY PRIOR TO -- I GUESS COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND I WOULD BE THE OLD TIMERS.

YOU ARE THE OLD, OLD TIMER. >> I AM ONE OF THE YOUNGEST

MEMBERS OF THE COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU AGE RAPIDLY. PREVIOUSLY A TAX CUT WAS DEFINED AS LEAVING THE RATE FLAT PRIOR TO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA COMING THAT'S HOW YOU DEFINED A

TAX CUT. >> I DON'T KNOW IF FOLKS CHARACTERIZE IT AS A TAX CUT. IT WAS THE LONG-STANDING TAX RATE OF THE COURT AND THEY HAVE SEEN INCREASES OF 8 OR 10% PER YEAR WHICH IS A DIFFERENT RANGE THAN WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT NOW

EVEN WITH THE HIGHER COSTS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU CAMPAIGNED ON THE OTHER TAX. AND SINCE THE FLAT RATE YOU LOOK AT THEM AND YOU STIR UP THE NUMBERS WAS IT ALWAYS A

UNANIMOUS VOTE? >> THE TWO YEARS BEFORE I GOT HERE, THERE WAS A FLAT RATE AND IT WAS UNANIMOUS.

DO YOU SEE ANYWHERE IN THERE I GUESS YOU SEE 10 OR 20 YEARS?

>> I ONLY HAVE WHAT WAS ADOPTED AND I WOULD REFER TO A TAX

ASSESSOR COLLECTOR ON THE VOTE. >> YOU WERE HERE.

>> NO. IT WAS UNANIMOUS EACH TIME I WAS

HERE AND VERY LITTLE DISCUSSION. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOUR MIC.

[05:25:02]

>> THERE WAS A YEAR THERE WAS DISAGREEMENTS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DURING YOUR TENURE HERE, OTHER THAN ONE TIME

YOU KEPT A FLAT RATE? >> NO --

>> R. JACK CAGLE: NO. THAT'S NOT QUITE TRUE.

WE WOULD HAVE THREE PROPOSITIONS WE DID IT ONE YEAR WHERE WE WERE

A 4-1 VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: BUT IT WAS

UNANIMOUS? >> WE WOULD COME TO A UNANIMOUS

AGREEMENT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WAS IT SOMETHING OTHER THAN A FLAT RATE?

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN YOU MEAN THE RATE STAYED THE SAME?

IT VARIED. >> AND THE 10 YEARS I HAVE BEEN HERE I THINK THAT WE HAD SOME -- WE HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH THREE DIFFERENT CHOICES AND WE WOULD CHOOSE BETWEEN THE THREE

CHOICES. >> AND GOING BACK TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S QUESTION, MR. RAMOS CAN PULL THE DATA, BUT THE INCREASE IN THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION WOULD BE $100 A YEAR TO AN OVER 65 OR DISABLED HOMEOWNER THAT IS HOLDING THE RATE CONSTANT. I THINK THAT'S A GOODIA BALLPAR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARC AND THEN RAMSEY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW THAT NUMBER WE HAVE NOT TAKEN IN OVER THESE THREE YEARS? WAS IT 600 MILLION? WAS IT 400 MILLION? AS WE RUN DOWN THE ISLES OF THE

HEB, WHAT WOULD WE HAVE ADDED? >> LET ME LOOK UP THE EXACT NUMBER FOR YOU. LET ME GET YOU THE EXACTUN NUMB.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WERE THROWING AROD 800 MILLION.

>> I THINK THAT'S RIGHT AROUND THE CUMULATIVE BASIS.

AND THEN THE LOWER NUMBER EACH YEAR.

>> MR. RAMOS OR MR. BERRY, HOW MUCH OF THIS BUDGET IS INFUSED WITH ANY OF OUR FEDERAL MONEY, ARPA OR ANY CARES MONEY?

>> ON THE GENERAL FUND? NONE.

WE ARE LEVERAGING ARPA FOR THE GARZA OUTSOURCING CONTRACT WHICH IS A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE COURT BACKLOG AND THE OVERCROWDING IN OUR JAIL AND THE NEED TO OUT SOURCE INDIVIDUALS TO A DIFFERENT JURISDICTION. THERE -- THE CONTRIBUTION INTO HEALTH RESERVES FROM ARPA AND WE ARE NOT TRANSFERRING RECURRING BUDGET ITEMS TO ARPA IN THE SHORT-TERM.

THIS COUNTY TO BE CLEAR IS IN FOR A REC -- A REC CON -- RECDONING. WHEN WE HAVE -- RECKONING AND WHAT DO WE WANT TO KEEP AND WHAT DO WE WANT TO WIND DOWN.

>> THE BASIC PRINCIPAL IS ONE-TIME MONEY FOR ONE-TIME COSTS. WE HAVE NOT USED ONE-TIME MONEY TO FUND WHAT WE DEEM A RECURRING COST.

OBVIOUSLY THAT MAKES THINGS HARDER.

IF YOU START DOING THAT, YOU END UP IN A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN

QUICKLY -- >> AND THAT WAS MY QUESTION.

WHY NOT PLUG HOLES IN THE BUDGET? OUR NEIGHBOR DOWN THE STREET IS. THERE IS A MAJOR CLIFF TO USE THAT MONEY FOR REOCCURRING COSTS.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. I WILL LET YOU PROCEED, BUT THAT PLUS A REVENUE CAP MEANS YOU NEVER REALLY CAN RECOVER IF YOU GET IN THAT HABIT. THAT'S NOT WHERE WE WANT TO END

UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: VERY GOOD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: MR. RAMOS AND MAYBE DAVID, YOUR REFERENCE TO THE LETTER FROM THE CONTROLLER SAID THERE IS ONLY ONE POSSIBLE RESPONSE AND THAT IS TO POTENTIALLY ADOPT A BUDGET AND COULD YOU NOT ADDRESS THE CONSTABLE BUDGET AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE? IT SEEMS LIKE THERE WAS A WINDOW

OF OPPORTUNITY IN THERE. >> I WILL LET JONATHON PUT THE HOOK IN ME. TO BE CLEAR THE LETTER WAS LIGHT ON DETAILS. WE HAVE MADE A DATA REQUEST TO THE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE TO LOOK AT -- WE FRANKLY DON'T DON'T KNOW HOW THEY DEFINED IT AND WHAT THEIR BASELINE IS AND WHETHER THEY PRO-RATED THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR.

[05:30:05]

OUR BELIEF AND IT IS CLEAR AS DAY THAT THE OFFICIAL PROPOSED BUDGET THAT YOU ARE REVIEWING IS $MILLION FOR MORE FOR THE CONSTABLES THAN IT WAS IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR.

>> THERE ARE STILL SOME QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED THROUGH JOHN AND JONATHON AND OTHERS BEFORE WE REALLY KNOW THE ANSWER. SO I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY WE DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER RIGHT NOW IN TERMS OF THE BUDGET.

>> AND I WOULD JUST ADD, COMMISSIONER, WE DON'T HAVE THE DETAILS ON WHAT SHORT FALL THEY ARE CALCULATING.

WE ARE GOING TO TALK WITH THEM AND WE NEED THE COMPTROLLER TO RESCIND THE LETTER. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF POTENTIALLY MAKING A CHANGE. THEY NEED TO TAKE AN ACTION TO

SAY YOU CAN ADOPT THE BUDGET. >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: DOES THE PROVISION OF THE LETTER FROM THE COMPTROLLER AND THE PROVISIONS OF THOSE THAT BE AFFECTING US HERE ALLOWS US TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSTABLES AND WE AGREE AND NOTIFY THE COMPTROLLER TO DRAW?

>> THEY ALLOW US TO REACH AN AGREEMENT, BUT THERE IS NO SPECIFIC AGREEMENT ON THE IMPACT OF SUCH AN AGREEMENT ON THE COMPTROLLER AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO.

>> BACK TO THE OLD DAYS I WOULD JUST APPROVE IT.

HE WOULD ISSUE THE LETTER IN THIS BODY AND THE COMPLAINANTS AND THE CMPLAINT HAD AN AGREEMENT I DON'T SEE WHY THEY

WOULDN'T RESCIND THE LETTER. >> WE HAVE NO VISIBILITY INTO

WHAT THE COMPTROLLER WOULD DO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: BEFORE WE GO INTO MORE DETAIL, I JUST WANTED TO THANK MR. RAMOS AND MR. BERRY FOR THEIR WORK. THIS IS THIS YEAR'S BUDGET PRESENTATION. IT GIVES A LOT OF DETAIL AND IT GOES INTO COUNTY MEDICAL CLAIMS PROVIDING A COUPLE OF PAGES ON HEALTHCARE COSTS. I CAN STILL SEE DR. POUR -- DR.

PORSA ON THE SCREEN. IT LAYS OUT THE BUCKETS ON THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN INVESTMENTS AS WE HAVE MADE AND WE ARE MAKING. IT LAYS OUT IN A VERY TRANSPARENT WAY HOW THE REVENUES WERE BEING IDENTIFIED OR WHAT REVENUES WERE BEING IDENTIFIED AND WHERE THEY ARE BEING PLACED.

THE REVENUE DEFINED -- THE DEFINED REVENUE HISTORY.

IT IS A GREAT DEAL OF THE DEBT SERVICE AND THE HISTORY OF THE DEBT SERVICE AND THE DIRECTION WE ARE MOVING IN, THE TOLL ROAD AND BONDED SERVICE. THIS IS THIS YEAR'S.

THIS IS THE BUDGET ADOPTED BEFORE I CAME ON TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT. NO INFORMATION ABOUT THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTY AND CHALLENGES OF OTHER COUNTIES.

THIS IS THE LARGEST COUNTY IN TEXAS -- THIS IS THE THIRD LARGEST BUDGET. I WANT TO COMMEND YOU BOTH FOR YOUR RESPECTIVE WORK TO LAYOUT HOW MUCH DETAIL AND TRANSPARENCY THERE IS. OUR DOLLARS CAN BE TRACKED WHERE THEY ARE BEING SPENT AND WHERE THEY ARE BEING PROPOSED.

THE WORK OF BEING FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE BY THIS BODY, IT IS A NEW DAY AND I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR THAT WORK. I AM JUST LOOKING FOR SOME DIRECTION HERE. WITH DR. PORSA'S OPERATION IN PARTICULAR, -- I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE I AM VERY, VERY FOND OF OUR PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS WHETHER IT BE THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT OR MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY OR THE HOSPITAL

[05:35:07]

DISTRICT. I TELL PEOPLE HOW I GOT MY DENTAL WORK DONE AT A TRAILER AT A PARK BECAUSE THE CITY OF HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND I GOT MY VACCINES AT A CLINIC ON LYONS AVENUE AND I WENT TO VISIT MY BROTHER WHO HAD A RUPTURED APPENDIX AND ALMOST DIED FROM IT.

GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEMS AND THOSE WHO WORK WITHIN IT. IF WE END UP WITH A NO NEW REVENUE RATE, DR. PORSA, HOW CATASTROPHIC IS THAT TO YOUR OPERATIONS? WHAT IS THE TENDONS YOU HAVE TO

CUT INTO TO BALANCE YOUR BOOKS? >> THANK YOU, TKPHEUGS -- COMMISSIONER GAR SEE. I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DON'T SAY I APPRECIATE MR. BERRY AND MR. RAMOS AND IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING FOR ALL OF THE STAFF THE LAST FEW YEARS, INCLUDING THIS YEAR. TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I DON'T REALLY WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF OPTIONS IN FRONT OF US OTHER THAN CUTTING SERVICES. IN PREPARATION OF WHAT MIGHT COME, WE HAVE LOOKED AT THINGS WE MAY HAVE TO DO WITHOUT.

THE EASIEST THING WOULD BE THE OUT-- THE OUT SOURCING SERVICES WE ARE DOING PROVIDING PREVENTIVE CARE SCREENING AND EXAMINATION TO RESIDENTS. I SAY IT IS EASIEST BECAUSE YOU STOP IT ON A DIME AND YOU IMMEDIATELY CUT COSTS AND IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST DEVASTATING THINGS YOU CAN DO.

K COULD -- IT COULD BITE US IN TERMS OF LIVES LOST.

>> AND IF WE DO GO TO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE, WE EITHER VIOLATE A PRINCIPAL WE JUST TALKED ABOUT AND THAT IS COSTS WITH ONE-TIME DOLLARS. AND WE COULD FACE THIS CLIFF AGAIN AND WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE.

HOPEFULLY IT WOULD BE BETTER. AT THE END OF THE DAY IT IS CUT VITAL SERVICES. POTENTIAL HRAE CONTRIBUTE TO A -- POTENTIALLY CONTRIBUTE TO A MORE TALL TEE RATE THAT IN SOME PRECINCTS IT IS THE HIGHEST. OR USE ONE-TIME REOCCURRING COSTS WHICH ISN'T GOOD TO DO. I AM NOT SURE, JUDGE, IF WE MAKE A MOTION NOW TO AT LEAST GIVE THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT A SENSE THAT THERE IS SUPPORT FOR THEIR WORK.

I'M NOT SURE IF WE NEED THAT MOTION NOW OR -- JONATHON?

>> NOT TODAY. I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT THE TROPL -P TROLLER'S -- THE COMPTROLLER'S LETTER WOULD NOT BE FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT. JUST THE COUNTY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE COUNTY AND THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OR

JUST THE COUNTY? >> JUST THE COUNTY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ON THAT POINT AND I WANTED TO GET MY WORDS

STRAIGHT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM JUST SAYING IF WE END UP WITH A NO NEW REVENUE RATE, THERE ARE

PROBLEMS. >> WOULD IT BE HELPFUL TO WALK

THROUGH THOSE NUMBERS? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> FROM OUR PROPOSED BUDGET WHICH IS ON THE GENERAL FUND TO THE MMR IS 92 MILLION IN REVENUE.

IT WOULD GO DOWN TO 1.715 BILLION IN REVENUE TAX FUND CASS DOWN FROM 1.807 AND FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL THAT I THINK IS A LARGER PORTION OF THEIR OVERALL BUDGET WOULD GO FROM 137 DOWN TO 114. IT IS A $23 MILLION DELTA.

THE REASON IT IS LARGER THAN THE GENERAL FUND IS BECAUSE THEIR DEBT SERVICE IS GOING UP. WE WOULD HAVE TO STAY UNDER THE OVERALL TAX RATE AND THE DEBT WOULD EAT INTO THE MAINTENANCE

[05:40:02]

OPERATION. I BELIEVE I HAVE THE NUMBERS RIGHT, BUT CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG.

HARRIS HEALTH, THEIR VAR -- >> LINA HIDALGO: BEFORE WE GO ON TO THAT BECAUSE I WANTED TO MAKE A POINT OF WHAT YOU MENTIONED AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS ON THE NNR. DO YOU MIND IF I JUST --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SURE. I JUST WANT TO -- I'M NOT SURE IF IT IS THROUGH A MOTION OR DIRECT MR. RAMOS TO WORK WITH DR. PORSA TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HIS CUTS ARE DOING -- ARE GOING TO LOOK LIKE AND WHAT MAY BE THE OPTIONS THAT YOU REPORT BACK TO

US. >> LINA HIDALGO: IN YOUR QUESTION ABOUT THE LETTER, IS IT NOT UNSUSTAINABLE IF WE REACH A QUOTE, UNQUOTE, AGREEMENT. IF WE ARE FORCED TO REACH AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CONSTABLES EVERY TIME THEY WANT TO FORCE INCREMENTAL FUNDING LIABILITY WITH WHATEVER THEY WANT TO UNDER CUT THE BUDGET WITH. WHAT WOULD STOP A CONSTABLE FROM UNILATERALLY DECIDING THAT THEY WANT TO ADD A COST TO HARRIS COUNTY IN PERSON FEW TEE -- PERPITUI WHY.

AND THEN YOU ADD IT TO THE NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET AND THE NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET. THEN YOU CAN SAY 90% OF THE NUMBER WE HAVE IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE PERMANENT.

SUDDENLY THE BUDGET DOUBLED THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

HOW IS THIS NOT AN UNSUSTAINABLE --

>> IT IS A BETTER QUESTION FOR BUDGET.

AS A LEGAL MATTER, YOU'RE RIGHT. FIRST OF ALL WE WOULDN'T HAVE PRECEDENT HERE. THE ONLY PRECEDENT IS WHAT HAPPENED HERE. AND THERE IS NO OTHER

INTERPRETATION OF THAT. >> I WILL SPEAK MORE FILL LAW SOF CLEAR -- PHILOSOPHICALLY. WE HAVE CAREFULLY LOOKED AT EVERY BUDGET. IF WE HAD TO MAKE CHANGES TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW, THAT'S ONE THING.

IF WE ARE GOING OUTSIDE OF THAT BASED ON SOMETHING ELSE, I WOULD BE CONCERNED. THERE IS BEING PRACTICAL AND MOVING FORWARD, BUT IF WE START TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE LAW IN WAY THAT'S DON'T MAKE SENSE, I DO WORRY ABOUT IT.

IT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DO EVERY YEAR.

AGAIN, WE WANT TO FOLLOW THE LAW AND BE PRACTICAL AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE WILL RESOLVE THE SITUATION AND I AM CONCERNED.

>> IT IS NOT CLEAR WHAT THE CONDITIONS ARE FROM THE LETTER EITHER. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY WANT US TO DO. THERE IS SOMETHING IN FISCAL YEAR. I CAN CONSIDER MYSELF SMART.

I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS. >> IT IS SHORT ON DETAIL.

ALL WE HAVE -- >> JUST TO BE CLEAR, THE BUDGET FOR EVERY SINGLE CONSTABLE PRECINCT WENT UP FROM FISCAL YEAR 22 WHICH IS WHEN THE LAW WAS ADOPTED.

>> RIGHT. THAT'S PART OF WHY IT IS NONSENSICAL. COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN

COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> I KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF UNKNOWNS ON THIS. LOOKING AT THE WORK OF THE COUNTY CLERK AND IT SET A CHANGE OF THE ELECTION LAW INTO MOTION.

I THINK WE ARE AT THE BRINK OF BECOMING A CASE STUDY FOR THE STATE BECAUSE THEN THIS COULD BE REPLICATED IN OTHER COUNTIES AND WE ARE LOOKING AT WHAT TRANSPIRES AND IT COULD CREATE A

RUN ON THE BANK. >> SURE.

IT IS HARD TO SPECULATE. LIKE YOU SAID, IT IS A TEST CASE

BECAUSE IT IS A BRAND-NEW LAW. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> I FOUND THE COMPTROLLER TO BE A REASONABLE PERSON FOR A VERY LONGTIME.

WE SAVED ON A COUPLE OF COMMITTEE COMMITTEES TOGETHER.

[05:45:05]

IT IS THE SEASON OF POLITICS, BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF ALONG THE WAY.

I SPOKE TO THE COMPTROLLER ON A PURELY PERSONAL MATTER BECAUSE I HAVE KNOWN HIM FOR A LONGTIME. I AM HOPING THAT THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUST LOWER THE TEMPERATURE.

>> IF WE CAN'T ADOPT A TAX RATE EVERYBODY LOSES, THE CONSTABLE LOSES, THE SHERIFF LOOSES -- LOSES, THE PUBLIC LOSES.

IF WE CAN DO REASONABLE THINGS WE WILL DO IT AND COME BACK WITH

THE SOLUTIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS GOING TO ASK ABOUT YOUR THOUGHTS ON HOW TO PROCEED WITH THE TAX RATE IN

THE BALANCE. >> A COUPLE THINGS.

AS I MENTIONED, WE DON'T HAVE A NOTICED ITEM TO DISCUSS WHAT ACTION TO TAKE WITH RESPECT TO THE LETTER.

WE WANT TALK ABOUT IT NOW AND I THINK THAT IS A BETTER DISCUSSION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION TO THE EXTENT WE WANT TO TALK OF THE IMPACT ON THE TAX RATE. I SUGGEST WE GO TO EXECUTIVE

SESSION TO TALK ABOUT THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE COULDN'T DO THAT BECAUSE THE ITEM IS NOT POSTED FOR IT, RIGHT?

>> RIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY AND THEN CAGLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: A JUST MORE? I HADN'T FINISHED. I WOULD HOPE THAT IF THOSE PRIVATE DISCUSSIONS DON'T GO WELL AND THERE IS A NEED FOR US TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, AS WE HAVE TO MEET THESE DEADLINES, WE HAVE TO MAKE THE DECISION TO POST SOMETHING AND THEN COME BACK AND DO IT. WHICH TAX RATES AGAIN WOULD THE

COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE APPLY TO? >> JUST THE COUNTY.

>> DOES THAT INCLUDE FLOOD CONTROL?

>> I'M SORRY TO JUMP IN. I WANT TO BE CLEAR.

IT IS NOT JUST THE TAX RATE AFFECTED.

IT IS THE BUDGET. WE CAN NOT ADOPT THE BUDGET AND NOR CAN WE ADOPT SOMETHING OUT OF THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE.

THEY ARE BOTH A CONCERN. THEY ARE BOTH IN PLAY HERE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM GOING TO ASK.

I THINK WHERE COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS HEADED EARLIER, YOU CAN MAKE A MOTION TODAY, BUT YOU GAVE US SOME DEADLINES THERE THAT WE HAVE TO MEET. I WOULD ASK MY COLLEAGUES IF THERE IS A CONSENSUS ON ANY OF THESE TAX RATES SO THAT CAN COME OFF THE TABLE, I'M FINE WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL RATE AS YOU ARE ALL RECOMMENDING. I'M FINE WITH HARRIS -- WITH THE HARRIS HEALTH RATE. OBVIOUSLY IT IS A STRONG POLL.

IF PEOPLE KNOW, IT WILL HELP YOU NOT TO GO THROUGH A LOT OF HOOPS THAT MAY BE ENTIRELY UNNECESSARY.

IS THAT A PROBLEM? >> NO.

THAT IS APPROPRIATE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM JUST ASKING. IF AT LEAST NOT THOSE TWO, I WILL ASK -- NO PROBLEM. I AM FINE WITH THE RATE FOR HARRIS HEALTH. I GET IT.

I WISH WE HAD MORE. THERE IS STILL A LOT OF UNMET NEED OUT THERE. IT IS PRETTY SCARY WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT HOW WE ARE COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES.

IF THEY DON'T GO TO HARRIS HEALTH, THEY WILL GO SOMEWHERE.

DOCTORS HAVE THE OATH. AND THEY CAN'T GO SOMEWHERE LIKE LBJ, THEY WILL GO TO THE HOSPITALS THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE

THE INSURANCE GO TO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEY'LL GO TO

9-1-1. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU ALL KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, I'M JUST SAYING, SPEAK NOW OR, YOU KNOW, -- IF YU

KNOW WHERE YOU ARE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND THEN QUICKLY I WANT TO ASK A QUESTION SO I CAN PIGGYBACK ON YOU.

WE ARE HERE TALKING ABOUT THE PAY RAISE FOR DEPUTIES, THE 5%, 3% THIS YEAR AND 2% NEXT YEAR, WHAT HAPPENS TO THAT IF THIS

GOES BACK? >> AND TO BE CLEAR, FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IT IS A 2% TOTAL INCREASE FROM -- SO MOST DEPUTIES -- THE FRONT LINE STAFF WILL SEE 6% OVER THE 19-MONTH PERIOD. EVERYBODY ELSE WILL BE AT 5% AND

[05:50:04]

ONE THING -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT HAPPENS

TO THE PAY RAISE? >> IT GOES AWAY.

THAT'S THE SIMPLE WAY TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

IF WE DO HAVE TO ADOPT -- IF WE DO REVERT BACK TO THE FISCAL 22 BUDGET, IT IS NOT JUST A CUT IN THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS ACROSS THE SERVICES. EACH ONE OF THE POSITIONS IS MORE EXPENSIVE FROM THE KRARBGS -- FROM THE COLAS GIVEN PRIOR. WE ARE SPENDING MORE ON HEALTHCARE. THAT IS JUST ON THE LABOR SIDE.

AND THEN WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NON-LABOR SIDE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE SUPPLIES AND THE OTHER SERVICES, THAT SAME DOLLAR AMOUNT BUYS A LOT LESS TODAY. I SUSPECT WE WILL DO WORK BETWEEN NOW AND SEPTEMBER 6TH TO PUT SOME NUMBERS AROUND IT. IT WOULD REQUIRE LAYOFFS FOR

PRETTY MUCH EVERY DEPARTMENT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M JUST THINKING IT IS ALMOST PUTTING PUBLIC SAFETY AT-RISK.

>> IF WE ARE GOING TO SPEND A GOOD BIT OF TIME, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE AS IT RELATES TO HARRIS HEALTH?

>> CAN WE MAKE A MOTION ON THAT TODAY.

>> WE CAN'T MAKE A MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: OTHER FOLKS HAVE BEEN WAITING TO MAKE COMMENTS.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WHEN I LOOK AT THE BUDGET AND OBVIOUSLY THIS LETTER FROM THE CONTROLLER ROSE A BIT OF UNCERTAINTY, BUT IF ANYBODY IS SURPRISED BY SOMEONE CALLING SOMETHING DEFUNDING WHEN THAT HAS BEEN A CONVERSATION FOR 2 YEARS I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU ARE SURPRISED BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TWO YEARS.

WITH THAT SAID, YOUR BUDGET -- THERE IS A $92 MILLION INCREASE IN TAX REVENUES. IT GOES FROM 1.7 BILLION GIVE OR TAKE TO 1.8 BILLION GIVE OR TAKE.

I'LL CALL IT A HUNDRED MILLION. IT APPEARS THAT YOUR BUDGETING PROCESS IS NOT AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS DESCRIBED, GOING TO HEB AND THROWING THINGS IN THE BASKET.

P WAS MORE OF -- IT WAS MORE OF HOW MUCH MONEY DO I HAVE BEFORE I GO INTO HEB. BEFORE THIS BUDGET WE HAD WOUPB .7. 1.7.

AFTER THE BUDGET WE HAD WOUPB -- 1.8.

IT IS A MANAGEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS.

IT APPEARS THE BUDGETING PROCESS WAS FIRST.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN WE GET WHICH IS THE VAR RATE.

WE'LL DO A BUDGET BASED ON THE VAR AND THAT'S WHAT YOU DID THE BUDGET ON. RATHER THAN YOU HAVE NOT ONCE ADDRESSED SPENDING. I HAVE GONE THROUGH HERE AND IDENTIFIED AND THEY ARE NOT CUTTING LIBRARY AND THEY ARE NOT CUTTING THE THINGS THAT WOULD BE CERTAINLY KEY AND CRITICAL IMPACTS. I KA GONE THROUGH THIS BUDGET AND I CAN GET TO 100 MILLION PRETTY QUICK.

THE THOUGHT TO ME -- IT IS INTERESTING IF WE FUNDED LAW ENFORCEMENT. BY THE WAY, KWHA -- WHAT I CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT IS 26% OF THE BUDGET.

IT IS A NUMBER FOR THE JAIL, 16%.

LAW ENFORCEMENT, DEA, CONSTABLE, SHERIFF AND THE FIRE MARSHAL.

THAT'S 27%. WHEN YOU LOOK AT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN IN TERMS OF FUNDING THEM TO THE LEVEL THAT THEY ASK FOR IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY THAT NUMBER IS CLOSE TO 100 MILLION. WE DON'T HAVE 1MILLION I GET THAT PART. WHEN WE ARE THROWING AROUND NUMBERS I DON'T REALLY HEAR US TALKING ABOUT DOING ANY KIND OF SURGICAL CUTS. NOT DRASTIC CUTS, BUT VERY THOUGHTFUL REVIEW OF WHERE WE COULD SAVE MONEY.

WE STARTED MANY, MANY, MANY NEW PROGRAMS AND IT SEEMS TO ME TO SAY CAN WE AFFORD THE NEW PROGRAMS AND IF WE CAN'T THEN MAYBE DROP BACK ON SOME THINGS. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING OTHER THAN WE NEED TO GO TO THE VOTER-APPROVED RATE AND IF WE

[05:55:08]

DON'T THERE IS MAJOR AND SEVERE PROBLEMS THAT WILL OCCUR.

A MORE THOUGHTFUL BUDGET WOULD BE TO SEE IS THERE PLACES WHERE WE LEGITIMATELY CAN SAVE MONEY BEFORE WE DEFAULT TO THE VOTER

APPROVED RATE. >> ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO POINT OUT, IF YOU LOOK AT MUNICIPAL BUDGETS OR COUNTY BUDGETS AND STATE BUDGETS YEAR OVER YEAR, UNLESS THERE IS A MAJOR REFORM, A JURISDICTIONAL- WIDE MAGNITUDE LIKE PENSION REFORM AND HEALTH REFORM, YOU WILL ALMOST NEVER SEE FLAT BUDGETS. THINGS COST MORE AND THERE IS INFLATION. MOST JURISDICTIONS DO COLAS TO KEEP UP AND RAISE WAGES. HEALTHCARE COSTS GO UP BETWEEN 6 AND 12% ANNUALLY. THIS BUDGET IS A CURRENT LEVEL BUDGET. IT IS THE SUMMATION OF WHERE ALL OF THE COURTS ARE MADE. I'M SORRY IF THAT IS THE MESSAGE I AM CONVEYING. LIKE I MENTIONED EARLIER, WHAT WOULD BE MOST PRODUCTIVE FOR ME IS FOR THE COURT TO COALESCE AROUND A TARGET OF CUTS THAT MY OFFICE CAN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS

ON WHERE WE WOULD TAKE IT FROM. >> AND IF I MIGHT, WHEN WE RUN THROUGH THE EXERCISE OF STARTING WITH THE PLANETT BUDGET AND DOING WHAT MR. RAMOS TERMS WELL, THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS, WHAT DOES IT COST TO DO THE SAME THING? WE START WITH THE DEFICIT OR EVEN THE TAX RATE WE PROPOSED.

I WILL ADD AND I TRIED TO SAY THIS IN THE REMARKS.

WE HAVE BEEN CLEARED AND THE TWO OF US THINK IT IS THE BEST FOR THE COUNTY. WE HAVE BEEN CLEARED AND THE NO NEW TAX FORM AND IT IS BAD FOR THE COUNTY AND ARE THERE CUTS TO SERVICES WE CAN MAKE IN THE INTEREST OF COMPROMISE? WE CAN'T TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO FACILITATE THAT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YOU HAVE TAKEN WHATEVER TIME YOU'VE GOT TO SIT THERE AND GO THROUGH THE DETAILS SO I APPRECIATE DR. PORSA AND THE NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS AND CONVERSATIONS WE'VE HAD.

AND A BIT OF PERSPECTIVE. DR. PORSA WAS DOING HIS BUDGET LAST YEAR, IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHEST REVENUE TIME WE WERE GETTING. I THINK THE TAX REVENUES FROM THE COUNTY IS 36% TO THE TOTAL REVENUES.

TYPICALLY WHEN YOU DO YOUR BUDGETING IN FEBRUARY, THAT IS IS -- THAT IS YOUR HIGHEST TAX LEVEL MONEY REVENUE IN THE BANK.

AND NOW IT IS THE LOWEST LEVEL. I AM NOT SAYING THAT'S EVERYTHING, BUT THAT IS A BIT OF THE SEASON.

I LIKE THAT THEY CHANGED IT TO OCTOBER 1ST AND THAT WORKS OUT WELL. PART OF THE REASON DR. PORSA HAD RESERVES WHEN HE DID BUDGETING IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR WAS THE TIME OF THE YEAR HE DID IT. WHEN HE LOOKED AT THE RESERVES AND HE SAYS I FEEL PRETTY GOOD THAT WE CAN DO X, Y, Z, NOW THE RESERVES ARE NOT THERE. WE ARE NOT GETTING THOSE DOLLARS AND THOSE REVENUES NOW. CLEARLY THERE IS A LOT TO BE DIGESTED BOTH ON THE HEALTHCARE SIDE AND FLOOD CONTROL SIDE AND THE COUNTY BUDGET SIDE. IT IS MORE THAN I HAVE SEEN AT

THIS POINT. >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR VISITING WITH ME.

I THINK I HAD 14 ISSUES AND WE TALKED ABOUT THEM.

ONE OF THEM DEALT WITH FLOOD CONTROL AND THE 23 MILLION ALSO INCLUDES A RESERVE THAT IS ADDED INTO IT.

THE REAL DELTA IS 14 MILLION IS WHAT WE HAVE COME TO THE

CONCLUSION OF. >> IF BE WERE TO DO AWAY WITH THE RESERVE. AND CAN I PROVIDE A LITTLE CONTEXT TO WHY WE HAVE MADE THAT RECOMMENDATION? FLOOD CON MAINTAINS A TOTALLY SEPARATE SET FINANCIALS.

THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CREDIT RATING.

[06:00:01]

THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CASH FLOW. BECAUSE FLOOD CONTROL'S TAX RATE HAS NOT KEPT UP WITH THE AMOUNT OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE THAT THEY ARE EITHER BUILDING OR REPLACING, THE GENERAL FUND HAS HAD TO, QUOTE, UNQUOTE, LOAN FOR THEM TO MAINTAIN THEIR LIQUIDITY DURING THE END OF THE YEAR BEFORE THE TAX RECEIPTS START TO COME IN. IT HAS A PRACTICAL IMPACT THAT THEY MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE GENERAL FUNDS AND WE MAY NEED TO COVER IT. I WILL LET DR. PETERSON PROVIDE

SOME DETAIL. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE 14 MILLION WAS THE NUMBER I WALKED AWAY FROM.

>> THE 14 MILLION WOULD COVER THE OPERATIONAL BUDGET.

CORRECT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND THIS DISCUSSION ALSO TRIGGERED A REMEMBRANCE OF WHERE THE DISAGREEMENT OCCURRED BEFORE. HISTORICALLY THERE WAS A PERIOD OF TIME WHERE FLOOD CONTROL WAS RECEIVING A LOT OF FEDERAL GRANTS AND FEDERAL SUBSIDEES. THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT WAS NOT RECEIVING OTHER GRANTS. SO A SHIFT OCCURRED WITH REGARD TO THE OVERALL TAX RATE FROM FLOOD CONTROL OVER INTO THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND THEN THE NUMBER OF -- THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING DRIED UP AND THE BLOOM PAYMENTS WERE DUE.

THEY HAD MASSIVE AMOUNTS THAT WERE CAUSING GREAT AMOUNTS OF DIS--IS DTRESS. THEY WEREEC REIVING FED GRANTS AND FUNDING. THE DISAGREEMENT WAS TO GO BACK TO THE ORIGINALAL BANCE BETWEEN THEWO TNT EITIESND A THEY ARE MATCHING THE DOLLARS THATRE A COMING IN.

IT ISRO PBABLY EIGHTR O9 YEARS AGO.

AND I WANTEDO TREVEALT WHAI WANTEDDO TO AND I HAVE TWO OBGSS TO THAT. I HAVE TWOBJ OECTIONS TO THAT.

FIRST OF ALL I NEED TO W SEEHAT THEPO PROSITIONS ARE BEFORE I SAY I'M GONNA DOS THIOR GONNA DO THAT.

SECOND OF, ALLTHAT SAME OLD LAW THAT WAS ON THEKS BOO AND ALLOWED M TWOEMBERSCO OF URT TO IN ESSENCEO VETTHE TAX RATE AND IT GOES TO THENE NO W SREF KNEW. THE NO R NEWEVENUE.

THENT COUY JUDGE COULDUA ACTLLY ISSUE A -- AN ORDERE TO TH AERIFFSME TO CO AND HAVE MEMBER OFRT COUES ARRTED AND HAULED IN.EV EN IF I WASDE CONSIRING POSSIBLYG VOTINWITH MY FEET AND IT MAY HAVETE ARRESDAU AND HLED HIM DOWN HERE AND IKE WILL EP HAIR DRY ANDL I WILKEEP POWDER DRY AND I AMNI LISTENG.D ANAY THERE M BE A SECOND ONEOU ANDEIGHT OR 9GO YEARS A THE T PLAN ISO KEEP THE RECORD EXCEPT FOR THEIS ONE I MSED.W NOTHAT CAN BE FUN.IF AND A I WERE TOSK IF THERERE IS FERENCE MADE TOES -- I SUGGT D WEO IT I AND THERES A PROSPECT OF FILLING THESEH HOLES WITRA FEDEL MONEY. IF WE DID DO THAT,D THAT WOULAP NOT PLY TO THE STATE LAWTE IN RMS OF U HAVING TOSE THATG

GOINFORWARD I. >> THINK IF WEET WANT TO G D INTOTAIL WE SHOULD GO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO WANTY TO SATHAT NOT KNOWING -- KNOWINGDE THE FERAL MONEY WILL NOT BE RSTHERE DR. POA ANDNS THE COTABLE AND THE D.A.YB OR ANODY, ITA WOULD HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACT. ITTH WOULD MEAN AT EVEN THATAD DOWN THE RO DEPENDS ON ECONOMY.ENS WITH THE EVEN THED VOTER APPROVETH RATE F EO LAW APPLIED TIT COULD A DECIDEDROBLEM IF WE TO GO ANDHO FILL ALL OF TSE HOLES AND THEN I KNOWVE OUR FRIENDS OR AT THE

[06:05:04]

CITY, THEYBE WOULD REALLY CR UP THE EEK.

>>NE AND COMMISSIOR, I THINKTO - NOT PUT WORDS IN YOURBU MOUTH, T WE AREND CIRCLING AROU IS THERE IS NO A WAY TO CLOSE THIS GAP. N IT WOULDOT SOLVEOU IT.

IT WLD JUSTDO KICK THE CAN WN THE ROAD, AND NO FOR VERYO LON.

>> TTHE EXTENTM ANYBODY -- I' BUT ANYBODYWOULD, PLAYINGHI POLITICS WITH TS ISSUE, AND YOU CAN KICK THE CANA DOWN THE RD AND THEN WHENON THE ELECTI IS OVER WITH,PU THEN YOU TCE THE CUTS IN PLA.DE WHEN THIS ADLINE COMES UP,E WHAT IS THDROP DEAD DATE SINCE WESH ARE -- SINCE A OWWE OF HAN, VE ARE GOING TO HA TO COME IN AND SET A RATE AND ADOPT S A BUDGET THEAME DAY. ANCE WETO MADE REFERENCE

DATE. >> SEPTEMBER 13TH -- SORRY.TH TO COMPLY WI THE TIMELINE,TH SEPTEMBER 13 WOULD BE THEY DROP DEAD DAFOR THIS COURT TO TO POST IT INE TIME FOR A MEETING ON THE 19TH TO ADOPTER ON -- SOMEWHE BETWEEND THE 27TH ANTHE 30TH.

>> AND COMMISSIONER, IF I MAY, ON THE 13TH,RK FOR THAT TO WO WITHLY CONFIDENCE, WE REAL HAVE TO KNOW THATTE THERE IS A RA THAT THREE MEMBERS - WILL VOTE FOR- A RATE THREE MEMBERSAN WILL VOTE FOR D A BUDGET THREEOT MEMBERS WILL VE FORER AND FOUR MEMBS WHO WILL SHOW UP FOR THAT TAX RATE VOTE.

SAY THAT WE CAN REALLY WAIT PAST THAT DAY TO FORGE WHATEVER CONSENSUSR IS POSSIBLE OT REALIZE THERE IS NOO GOING TO BE A NSENSUS.VE IF WE DON'T HA ALLGS OF THOSE THIN ON THE 13TH, IN MY JUST ROLLING THE DICE ABOUT HOW THINGS COME TOGETHER.

WE HAVE MORE TIME LEGALLY, BUTOU IT IS NOT LIKE Y CAN POST FIVE DIFFERENT RATES, IT IS NOT LIKE YOU CAN GO BACK AGAIN.

THE STATUTE IS DESCRIPTIVE THAT ONCE YOU HAVE ITWI YOU HAVE TO O TH IT. THE DEADLINE ISO SEPTEMBER 13TH THAVE P WHATEVER DEAL ISOSSIBLE OR NOT

HAVE A DEAL. >> AND ONE WHERE WE DO HAVE TO UP LOAD OUR BUDGET IN PEOPLE SOFT TO DO THINGS LIKE PAY FOLKS, ET R CETERA.

>>ODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IF WE DO T DRAG THIS OUT, WE OUGHTO MAKE A DECISION AND LAID OUT THE OPPORTUNITY FORR FOLKS TO PUT THEICARDS ON THE TABLE. WORST THING WE CAN DO IS WAIT UNTIL THE 13TH. THAT IS THE HEIGHT OFSP FISCAL U ARE REONSIBILITY.T WAIT UNTIL THE LASLD MINUTE AND IT WOU LOOK -- IF THES BOND RATING AGENCIEHI ARE LOOKING AT ANYTNG, THAT WILL LOOK REAL SHARP -- SHABBY.

WE ARE THROWING IT TOGETHER AND TAPING ITE TOGETHER.

AT THE RAT WE ARE T GOING AND FOLKS WANTO DRAG THATRE OUT -- I GUESS WE A GOING TO BE SITTING IN HERE AT 11:45 RIGHT BEFORE MIDNIGHT FIGURING OUT WHAT TO DO. I

THAT WOULD BE PRETTYNSANE. >> AND CERTAINLY COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I UNDERSTAND NOT WANTING TO SHOW CARDS,N BUT I WANT TO EXPLAITHAT WE AS COUNTY STAFF WE NEED SOME SHOWING OF CARDS FROM AT LEAST FOUR MEMBERS OFA THIS COURT OF HERE IS TAX RATE WILLING TO CONSIDER. HERE ARE CUTS I WOULD BE WILLING TO CONSIDER OR THE PROPOSED BUDGET IS ADOPTED BECAUSE IF WE CAN PREPARE SCENARIOS AND WORK WITH DEPARTMENTS, WHO KNOWS? WE MIGHT GET SOMEWHEREER REASONABLE, COMMISSION RAMSEY,

WITH SURGICAL CUTS. W >> TOM RAMSEY: SO WEANT TO POST THE RATE BEFORE THE 13TH MEETING?

>> NO, AFTER THE 13TH. LET'S ASSUME -- OUR HOPE WAS THAT -- THE IDEAL CASE, THERE WAS AN THE'T BUDGET TODAY.ATE IN IT DOESN SOUND LIKE WE'RE THERE. ON THE 13TH WE WOULD HAVE AN EFFECTIVE AGREEMENT ON A SET OF TAX RATESR THAT THREE WILL VOTE FO AND FOUR MEMBERS WILL SHOW UP UP TO VOTE ON THE TAX RATES AND THE MAJORITY OFLD COMMISSIONERS' COURT WOU APPROVE THIS BUDGET. THERE IS A PROCESS AFTER THAT TO RATIFY IT, BUT I THINK WE NEED THE AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPAL ON THAT DATE AND WE ARE HAPPY TO PREPARE SCENARIOS AND OPTIONS THAT COULD BE LOOKED AT. THE MORE FEEDBACK THE BETTER.

>> ON THE 13TH, WE WOULD AGREE ON THE TAX RATES THAT YOU WOULD THEN HAVE TO GO AND POST IN THE NEWSPAPER AND THEN WHEN DO WE DO THE PUBLIC HEARING?TW THOSE THINGS HAVE TO BE BEEEN

THE 13TH AND THE 30TH? >> THERE ARE MOREER DETAILS, BUT

[06:10:06]

YES. THE IS A SUBSEQUENT PUBLICE HEARING AND THEN A SEPARAT MEETING TO ADOPT.

AND THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE A FORMAL ADOPTION AFTER THE PUBLIA HEARING. IF THERE IS ANGREEMENT IN PRINCIPAL ALL OF THIS CAN PROCEED SMOOTHLY.

IF NOT, WE ARE ROLLING THE DICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN THE 30TH IS THE DROP DEAD DEADLINE WHERE WE HAVE TO MAKE A MOTIONVE AND ADOPT IT AND THEN E HA TO NOTICE THE PUBLIC HEARING, HAD A PUBLIC HEARING AND POSTED RATES TO THE NUMBER.

THE NUMBER, ET CETERA, ET CETERA.

IF WE WANT TO PROPOSE SOMETHING BY THE 13TH -- I DON'T THINK WE EVER JUST DISCUSSED ACTUAL NUMBERS JUST ONCE.

>> AND THAT AGAIN IS THE LATEST. THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY -- IF WE CAN COALESCE AROUND A TAX RATE ON THE 6TH TO HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 13TH AND ADOPT BOTH RATES ON EITHER THE STPHAEUPB TEENTH -- ON EITHER THE 19TH AND 20TH

PENDING THIS BODY'SOM SCHEDULE. >> LINA HIDALGO: CMISSIONER H

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS:AVE YOU ALL HEARD ANYTHING -- MAYBE I MISSED IT, BUT HAVE YOU ALL HEARD ANYTHING TODAY THAT GIVES UH SENSE OF WHAT TO DO, OTHER THAN

PRAYER? >> TKPHO.

TPHOFPLT RESPECTFULLY, BUT NO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: RESPECT SUGGESTED, IF WE CAN TAKE HARRIS HEALTH'S AND FLOOD CONTROL OVER -- OFF THE TABLE, AT LEAST FOR ME, SINCE I AM MISSING SOMETHING, I MEAN I PASSED A FEW BILLS THAT MAYBE WEREN'T SUPPOSED TO PASS, AND MIGHT I ADD MOST OF THE TIME I WAS IN THE MINORITY, IN TERMS OF MY LEVERAGING I NEVER TRIED TO HOLD EVERYTHING ON THE STATE LEVEL WHERE I CAN IMPACT AND HOSTAGE

TO GET THE ONE THING I WANTED. >> COMMISSIONER, IF IIG MIGHT --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE B ISSUE IS WHAT DO WE DO ON THE PARTS INVOLVING LAW ENFORCEMENT OR THE COUNTY'S PART? WHO WOULD DO THAT? CAN YOU GET HARRIS HEALTH OUT OF

THE WAY? >> I'M SORRY TO JUMP IN, BUT THE COUNTY'S PAST PRACTICE IS TO HAVE ONE TAX RATE VOTE MEETING.

WHILE I AGREE THE NEGOTIATION HAS TO COME TOGETHER PIECE BY PIECE, WE HAVE NOT IN THE PAST SORT OF OFFERED AN A LA CART MENU IN TERMS OF DIFFERENT TAX RATE HEARINGS.

WE CAN CHANGE THAT, IT WOULD BE PROS AND CONS.

IN A WAY THE MEETING FORCES PEOPLE TO COMPROMISE MORE EFFECTIVELY. THAT IS A COMMISSIONERS' COURT

DECISION, BUT I CAN SEE IT. >> RESPECTFULLY IT WORKED TWO YEARS IN A ROW. I WILL REMAIN OPTIMISTIC.IN

>> LINA HIDALGO: MAYBE WE CONTUE WITH THE AGENDA AND SEE IF ANYONE IS INSPIRED TO GIVE GUIDANCE.

>> AND I MIGHT JUST OFFER THAT MR. RAMOS AND I, IF ANY COURT MEMBERS WANT TO TALK OVER A BREAK AND BRAINSTORM ABOUT WHAT MAY BE USEFUL GUIDANCE TO GET ON THE RECORD WE ARE HAPPY TO DO THAT. WE HAVE TO PROCEED IF NOT AT THE HORSESHOE, THEN ANOTHER WAY. DAVID AND I WILL NEVER SHARE WHAT WE HEARD FROM ONE MEMBER TO ANOTHER, BUT MAYBE WE CAN

FACILITATE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU KNOW, I THINK IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT INFLATION IS A REAL THING.

LIKE I MENTIONED, I -- I'M HUNGRY TO SUPPORT OUR SENIORS AND DISABLED, BUT THE THREE CONSECUTIVE INCREASES IN HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS HAVE DONE US WELL AND DONE THE COMMUNITY WELL. THE CALCULUS HAS CHANGED BECAUSE OF INFLATION. EVEN IN MY PRECINCT OFFICE.

I'LL GIVE YOU MY DIRECTION, BUT I'M OPEN AS I HAVE BEEN IN THE PAST TO TRY TO FIGURE SOMETHING OUT THAT'S REASONABLE.

WHEN YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF A GAPING HOLE AND A SYSTEM THAT WE COUNT ON TO SAVE A LIFE, I WILL TAKE THAT ONE OFF THE TABLE AND SIMPLY SAY I WILL APPROVE A RATE FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND THEN FIGURE OUT WHERE TO GO FROM HERE.

[06:15:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NO ACTION FOR NOW ON 24 AND 25.

WE WILL MOVE ON TO ITEM 30. COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON 30, I AM JUST EXCITED TO SEE THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA. I ACTUALLY PUT THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA. I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW LONG AGO.

IT WAS MAYBE OVER A YEAR TO ENSURE THAT WE WERE DOING ALL WE CAN TO CONDUCT A STUDY AND MAKE SURE ALL PARKS ARE ADA ACCESSIBLE. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS PARK MOVING FORWARD. I MOVE AS PRESENTED.

>> SECOND.ON >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S WAIT FOR COMMISSIER CAGLE TO RETURN BEFORE WE VOTE.

207, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAD QUESTIONS ON THAT ONE AS

WELL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 207?

>> LINA HIDALGO: TRAVEL ANDNT TRAINING.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. I WAED TO TAKE OUT A FEW ITEMS. THESE TWO PUBLIC SERVANTS WON'T BE IN SUB -- PUBLIC SERVICE ANY LONGER.

I THINK WE SHOULD INVEST IT IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

I MOVE THAT WE TAKE NO ACTION ON 58 AND 59 AND 60 AND 61 WITHIN THE TRAVEL AND TRAINING BUDGET. I GUESS WE CAN PASS IT WITHOUT THOSE ITEMS, WHATEVER THE MOTION IS NEEDED ON THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SECOND, BUT DO YOU WANT TO VOTE NOW?

>> IT DOESN'T MATTER. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE SHOULD WAIT FOR HIM TO COME BACK.

AT LEAST WE KNOW WHAT THE GENERAL ISSUE IS.

THE NEXT ONE WOULD BE TWOE -- 210 AND ALSO COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ACTUALLY, JUDGE, I AM GOING TO BE MOVING ON ALL OF THESE ITEMS. HOW ABOUT WE -- I DON'T KNOW IF WE NEED TO GIVE COMMISSIONER CAGLE A 10-MINUTE BREAK TO COME BACK SO THAT WE CAN -- IS HE -- HE IS HERE. GREAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S GO BACK UP THEN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION ON ITEM 30?

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

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

>> I. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF YOU DON'T MIND REPEATING ITEM 207.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON 207, IT WAS TO TAKE NO ACTION ON 58, 59, 60 AND 61, BUT MOVE ON THE REST OF THE ITEM AS PRESENTED.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: WHICH JP -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEY ARE NOT IN OFFICE ANY LONGER. THIS TRAVEL IS TOWARD THE END OF THE YEAR AND I THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER TO MOVE THAT MONEY SOMER

ELSE -- SOMEWHERE ELSE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SO YOU ARE REQUESTING NO ACTION AT THIS TIME?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO ACTION ON THOSE PARTICULAR ITEMS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOTION FOR --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL ITEMS EXCEPT 58, 59, 60 AND 61.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. IS THERE A MOTION ON 58, 59, 60

AND 61. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WILL MAKE THOSE MOTIONS FOR THE JUDGES GOING OUT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND?

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> FOR CLARIFICATION CAN YOU

REPEAT THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MADE BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND SECOND BY RAMSEY AND IT WAS TO APPROVE ITEMS 58, 59, 60 AND 61 TRAVEL AND TRAINING.

>> SO IT IS NOT A NO ACTIONG THEN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE SPLITTINIT IN TWO PARTS.

I AM OPPOSED SO THAT MOTION FAILS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 210. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IN MY CASE, THE

[06:20:08]

COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS BEEN SPENDING AND THEY WILL CERTAINLY SAVE THE TAXPAYERS SOME MONEY. I WOULD LIKE TO CAN SELL A LOT OF PROJECTS. I WILL WATCH IN CASE THERE ARE ANY CHANGES HEREAFTER THE ELECTION.

I HAVE SEEN IT OVER THE YEARS. IN AUSTIN THERE IS SOME POLICIES. IT WAS CLOSELY SCRUTINIZED.

SOME -- SOMETIMES THAT HAPPENS IN THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE GET ON A SPENDING SPREE AT THE END. I DON'T THINK THAT'S THE CASE WITH THESE ITEMS. IF I HEAR FROM THEM AND THEY CAN MAKE A CASE TO ME I WILL CHANGE MY POSITION.

I THINK IT IS A GENERAL RULE THAT THERE IS SOME POSITION ON THAT BECAUSE DURING A COUPLE OF THEM -- IN MY CASE IT IS A BIT LONGER. SOME ARE GOOD AND SOME DON'T MAKE SENSE IN MY JUDGMENT. IT IS WISE TO DO THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AGREE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ITEM 210, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE ONE OF THESE I WAS MOST CONCERNED ABOUT IS THE JUDGE'S RETREAT AND JUDICIAL CONFERENCE. A LOT OF TIMES WE HAVE AN OUT GOING JUDGE AND THAT'S WHEN EVERYBODY SAYS GOODBYE AND HANDS THEM A CAKE AND PASSES ON THE BATON.

THE OTHER THREE AREN'T AS MUCH OF A HEARTBURN, BUT THAT -- I THINK IT IS THE 61 IS THE RETREAT WHERE THEY ALL GET

TOGETHER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF THEY DON'T GET IT IN ADVANCE THEY CAN GET IT REIMBURSED.

>> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IS $631 AND MAYBE THEY CAN PULL IT OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET. BY NO MEANS DO I THINK IT IS THE INDICATION THAT WITH SOMEONE GOING OUT THE DOOR, THEY WANT TO KEEP THEM AND HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET THEIR CAKE AND THEIR ROASTING AS THEY HEAD OUT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU CHECK ON IT?

WE CAN ALWAYS REIMBURSE THEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON 210, JUDGE, I AM EXCITED TO SEE THIS PARTICULAR ITEM.

THE FACT THAT THIS GRANT RENEWAL OF OVER $6 MILLION WILL ALLOW HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CARE BY REDUCING UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES AND OVERALL HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR WOMEN IN UNDER SERVED COMMUNITIES. THIS GRANT WILL ENABLE US TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE CONTRACEPTIVE SERVICES AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED AND COUNSELING AND TREATMENT AS WELL AS CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND EXPANDING HEALTHCARE IS VALUING HUMAN LIFE. THIS PROGRAM IN ADDITION TO THE 7.7 MILLION WE RECENTLY ALLOCATED TO FIGHT MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY IS THE LATEST PROOF OF HOW WE PRY YOUR AGO -- PRIORITIZE ACCESS TO WOMEN'S HEALTHCARE.

THEY HAVE UNDER FUNDED THESE TYPES OF FUNDING PROGRAMS FOR FAR TOO LONG AND THIS WOULD HELP US GET US BACK ON TRACK AND I JUST WANT TO COMMEND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR WORK AND THEY ARE GOING TO HELP THE IN NEED AND THIS IS THE $6 MILLION THAT WILL GO A LONG WAY IN THOSE PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE CARE ABOUT WOMEN'S HEALTH AND I AM HAPPY TO

MOVE THIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S A MOTION ON ITEM 210 AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

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

ITEM 212, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 212, THE BE WELL BAYTOWN PROGRAM WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE KIDS TO EXERCISE AND LIVE HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES IN PRECINCT 2. THIS PROGRAM HAS CREATED HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES BY GETTING KIDS OFF THE COUCH AND OFF THEIR SCREENINGS -- SCREENS AND INTO PARKS AND SCHOOLS.

[06:25:02]

THE BE WELL BAYTOWN PROGRAM HAS KIDS WHO WALK OR BIKE TO SCHOOL EVERY DAY AND WE PURCHASED DOZENS OF BIKE RACKS TO INCREASE THE HUES -- THE USE OF BIKE LANES AND DEVELOP HEALTHIER HABITS OF EXERCISE AND SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS.

THE THING THAT MOTIVATED ME TO SPEAK ON THIS ASIDE FROM ALL OF THESE GREAT THINGS THAT I MENTIONED IS THE FACT THAT I'M EXCITED TO SEE THEM EXTENDING THEMSELVES OUTSIDE THE MEDICAL CENTER AND OUTSIDE WEST HARRIS COUNTY.

WE NEED TO DO MORE. WE NEED TO DO MORE.

I AM GLAD THAT THEY ARE AT LBJ, ALTHOUGH I'M NOT SURE WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEIR CAPACITY OR THEIR ABILITY IF SOMETHING CHANGES WITH THE TAX RATE, BUT THE FACT THAT THEY ARE IN BAYTOWN IS EXCITING. I JUST WANT TO SEE MORE OF THEM BECAUSE MORE PEOPLE NEED THEIR SERVICES AND THEIR EXPERTISE.

I MOVE ON 212. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

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

>> JUDGE, THEY WANTED ME TO LET YOU KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A BLUE SCREEN IT IS STILL SHOWING LIVE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> THEY ARE TRYING TO GET IT

RESTARTED, BUT IT IS STILL LIVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOOD TO KNOW.

231, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO

VOTE. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND.IS >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELL AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> I AM IN FAVOR AND 231 PASSES 3-2.

>> OPPOSED. >> NO.

ITEM 258, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO VOTE

>> SECOND. >> MOTIONED BY KPH-GSER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO.

I'M IN FAVOR OF ITEM 258 AND MOTION CARRIES 3-2.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, ITEM 356. I'D --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. I MENTIONED IT EARLIER AND I WELCOME MEMBERS OF COURT TO VISIT SOME OF THE FACILITIES WHERE THEY CAN SEE THE ACCESS TO HEALTH KIOSKS.

THEY ARE THE NEWEST PACES OF -- THE NEWEST PIECES OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY WE ARE DEPLOYING TO CREATE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE. THESE KIOSKS WILL TAKE YOUR PULSE, YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AND YOUR WEIGHT AND OXYGEN LEVEL AND IT CAN BE USED BY FOLKS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH.

WE ARE PLACING THE HIGH-TECH MACHINES AT THE ANNEXES AND RAUL MARTINEZ ANNEX. IT GIVES HEALTHCARE OPPORTUNITIES TO SPECIFIC NEIGHBORHOODS BY COMPILING DATA -- DATA-DRIVEN REPORTS THAT HELPS US TO TAILOR IT IN HIGH-NEED COMMUNITIES. MY TEAM FINDS WAYS TO FIND WAYS TO OVERCOME THE BARRIERS. THEY WILL SAVE LIVES BY PROVIDING ANY SENSE, REGARDLESS OF INCOME, WITH THE VITAL HEALTH AND INFORMATION THEY NEED TO LIVE A LONGER AND HEALTHIER LIFE. THESE MACHINES IN ADDITION TO THE ACCESS OF HEALTH, SMART PODS AND IT HELPS US CORRECT THE STRUCTURAL DISPARITIES FACED BY THE LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES.

AND SO I JUST WANT TO -- MATT GARY AND CHARA BOUEY, THEY ARE THE DRIVERS OF THE INITIATIVES, BUT I WANT TO LET FOLKS KNOW, COME AND GET YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE.

HOPEFULLY YOU CAN TAKE BETTER CONTROL.

I MOVE ON THIS ITEM. >> SECOND.

IT IS A GREAT IDEA, COMMISSIONER.

AS LATE AS THESE MEETINGS GO, CAN YOU PUT ONE IN HERE?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS GOING TO BRING ONE OVER HERE, BUT IT

DIDN'T QUITE GET HERE.E >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE THMOTION AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

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

ITEM 415, COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND CAGLE.

IT IS A FACILITY FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR THE BOND --

>> JUST NEED TO VOTE. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER EL HREUGS ON 415. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I.IN >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> NO. >> LA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR.

ITEM 415, MOTION CARRIES 3-2. ITEM 420, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE THE GOOD WORK THAT CORE CONTINUES TO DO. IT IS AN AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM FOR MANY YEARS. THEY JUST CONTINUE TO EXCEL.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN PROPERLY PARTNER

[06:30:01]

WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND EFFECTIVELY ADDRESS NEEDS.

I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.

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

GOOD WORK TO THE TEAM. NEXT IS 423, COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE QUESTION THERE, AND I KNOW THIS IS NO ACTION REQUESTED, BUT I THINK THE DATE FOR THE D.A. MOVING IN IS IN SEPTEMBER?

DO YOU KNOW THAT? >> NOW.

>> TOM RAMSEY: NOW? >> THEY ARE MOVING.

>> TOM RAMSEY: MOVING IN NOW? THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S GREAT NEWS.

THANK YOU. NO ACTION ON THAT ITEM.

429, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT'S THE 3-1-1 ITEM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO VOTE.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.IS

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR.

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

>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 3-2 ON 429. FINALLY A PUBLIC HEARING AND THAT IS ITEM 371. I OPEN PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE UH APPROVAL OF A PLAT ENTITLED SAINT CHARLES PLACE PARTIAL REPLAT NUMBER 13 TO CODE 232.009-KR-1.

SINCE THERE ARE NO SPEAKERS, ANY DISCUSSION?

>> I MOVE WE CLOSE. >> I CLOSE THIS PUBLIC HEARING.

IS THERE A MOTION ON THE ITEM. >> SO MOVED.

>>ON SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.