[00:00:02]
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. I FEEL GREAT.
GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. IT IS 10:04 AND I WOULD LIKE TO
[Pastor Rudy Rasmus of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston.]
CALL THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETING TO ORDER.COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> OUR PASTOR FOR TODAY IS RUDY RASMUS, PASTOR RASMUS. HE IS A HUMANITARIAN AND HE CO-PASTORS THE SAINT JOHN'S IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON WITH HIS WIFE.
THEY STARTED IN 1992 AND HAVE GROWN OVER 9,000 MEMBERS.
EVERY WEEK PEOPLE OF EVERY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUND SHARE THE SAME PEW. SENATORS AND THE HOMELESS, THE HOMELESS AND MILLIONAIRES AND EVERYONE ENJOYS IT.
PASTOR RUDY AND KWAU NITA -- JUANITA STARTED FEEDING THE HOMELESS MEALS. TODAY BREAD OF LIFE PROVIDES AN AWAY -- ARRAY OF SERVICES TO MEN AND WOMEN AND PRODUCES FRESH PRODUCE TO HUPG REFAMILIES. THE DOWNTOWN CAMPUS INCLUDES THE APARTMENTS TO PROVIDE PERMANENT LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AND MEN. FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS PASTOR RUDY WAS PART OF OPRAH'S "O" MAGAZINE.
AND HE IS A CURRENTLY FAITH BLOGGER IN HOUSTON CHRONICLE'S ONLINE EDITION. HE IS THE PROUD PARENT OF TWO DAUGHTERS AND HIS SON-IN-LAW AND AN AMAZING GRANDSON.
HIS MOTHER IS 91 AND STILL DRIVING.
HE POINTED IT OUT THAT SHE PASSED THE DRIVING STATE THAT THE STATE GIVES LAST WEEK. I WAS GIVEN THE SECRET ON HOW TO STOP MY DADDY FROM DRIVING. HE SAID SHE JUST PASSED THE TEST. WELCOME.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. >> SO GOOD TO BE WITH YOU ALL THIS MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS.
WHAT AN HONOR TO BE WITH YOU. WE'VE BEEN SERVING IN DOWNTOWN FOR 30 YEARS. THIS PAST YEAR WOULD HAVE KPW-PR FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. YOU HAVE BEEN A BLESSING TO THE BREAD OF LIFE AS WE ARE CONTINUED TO DO WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO DO HERE IN OUR GREAT COUNTY.
I THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU AND I APPRECIATE YOU.
LET US PRAY. TODAY WE CALL YOU BY MANY NAMES.
WE PAUSE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE FOR EACH OF US.
THANK YOU THAT YOUR LOVE IS POURED INTO EVERY INTRICATE ASPECT OF CREATION AND RELEASED TO LIVE WITHIN OUR HEARTS HERE AND IN ONE OF THE BEST COUNTIES ON EARTH, HARRIS COUNTY.
WE COME TOGETHER TODAY TO THANK YOU THAT YOUR LOVE CAN BRING GREAT CHANGE, HOPE AND LIFE TO ALL.
WE AWAKEN OUR MINDS TO NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR OUR COUNTY.
MAY WE CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GROW TOGETHER AS WE MEET TO EFFECT CHANGE ON THIS DAY LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
LASTLY, BLESS OUR JUDGE AND OUR COMMISSIONERS WHO ARE CHARGED WITH THE TASK AT HAND. AMEN.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.
>> THANK YOU, PASTOR. ALL RIGHT.
LET'S RECITE THE PLEDGE. >> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
>> HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE.
TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD. ONE, AN UNTKAU VISIBLE.
IT IS NICE TO SEE EVERYONE. COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR LEADING THE COURT LAST TIME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GRACE THIS PAST FEW WEEKS. I VISITED MY GRANDFATHER AND TOOK A MUCH-NEEDED VACATION. WELCOME, COMMISSIONER BRIONES.
I AM THRILLED TO HAVE YOU AND IT IS SPECIAL THAT WE HAVE TWO WOMEN ELECTED TO THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT AT THE SAME TIME. IT IS JUST SUCH AN HONOR TO
SERVE ALONGSIDE YOU. >> LIKEWISE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE BACK.
YOU LOOK GREAT AND REFRESHED AND WE HOPE YOUR GRANDFATHER IS
[Departments]
DOING WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
WE WILL START WITH RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER AND WE HAVE EIGHT. THE FIRST IS CLOSE TO MY HEART.
IT IS A RESOLUTION CELEBRATING DR. DIANA QUINTANA.
IS SHE HERE? SHE IS IN THE HALL.
WE WILL CALL UP DR. Q WHO HAS LEAD THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT ALONGSIDE DIRECTOR TKPWOPBSZ -- DIRECTOR GONZALEZ FOR AWHILE. AND IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH HER SINCE I CAME IN. DR. Q, WELCOME.
[00:05:05]
DIRECTOR, WELCOME. LET ME READ THIS RESOLUTION.I'M SO SORRY TO HEAR YOU ARE LEAVING US, BUT SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOUR WORK. WHEREAS DR. DIANA QUINTANA RECEIVED HER DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF FULL SAW -- TULSA IN 1982 AND DOCTORATE IN 1987, SHE WAS THE FIRST HIRED BY THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT IN 2001 AS AN AN ASSISTANT DEPUTY.
SHE CREATED THE FIRST DIVISION FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
IN 2023 AFTER 21 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY SHE IS RETIRING AS THE ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT CHIEF JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT. WE'LL SAY DR. Q.
WAS -- SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SCREENING TOOL TO IDENTIFY THE NEEDS OF YOUTH AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURT AND CENTRAL DATA.
HER WORK HAS LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CONTINUUM OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE DEPARTMENT.
SHE PIONEERED THE EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS LIKE MST AND MFT AND RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM THAT'S MET THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF VULNERABLE YOUTH. SHE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SUCCESSFULLY CREATING FOUR SPECIALIZED COURTS FOCUSING ON UNDERLING NEEDS OF YOUTH. SHE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING THE JUVENILE DE -- DETENTION POPULATION INCLUDING A SCREENING INSTRUMENT THAT REDUCED ETHNIC DISPARITY IN THE PROCESS.
SHE HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JUVENILE INVESTMENT FUND AIMED AT JUVENILE JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT.
SHE PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE TRANSFORMATION WITH INNOVATIVE THINKING AND STRONG ETHICS AND TENACIOUS EFFORTS.
BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY AND THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT WISHES TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE DR. QUINTANA.
AND FOR IMPROVING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, STAFF AND COLLEAGUES.
HER LIFE LONG FRIENDS WISH HER MUCH SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS.
DR. Q, THANK YOU. IT HAS BEEN WONDERFUL AND WE HAVE ACHIEVED SO MUCH. THERE IS A LOT LEFT TO DO.
THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE IN WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND YOU HAVE BEEN A KEY PART OF THAT. LET'S GIVE DR. Q A ROUND OF
>> THANK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION. I WANT TO THANK JUDGE HIDALGO FOR HER LEADERSHIP AS THE CHAIR OF THE JUVENILE BOARD.
AT A A TIME -- IT IS THROUGH COVID AT A TIME THAT IS UNPRECEDENTED AND TO THE JUDGES -- OUR JUVENILE COURT JUDGES WHO ARE PROVIDING A GREAT DEAL OF SUPPORT TO ME AND TO THE DEPARTMENT. I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE OR SAY THANK YOU TO JUDGE HIDALGO WHO HAS BEEN TREMENDOUS IN THE SUPPORT SHE PROVIDED ME AND THE DEPARTMENT.
I COULDN'T SAY THANK YOU TO HER. ADRIAN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
WE SHARE A PARTICULAR SPECIAL THING TOGETHER, RIGHT? WE WERE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN LEADERSHIP FORUM CLASS OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE. MAYBE THE FIRST ONE OR THE -- THE SECOND ONE. OKAY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE YOU GO RIGHT THERE.
>> AS A MEMBER OF THAT CLASS, WE HAD AN EXERCISE TO GO OVER A MOUNTAIN AND SLEPT ON A TARP, NOT TENTS, TARPS IN A THUNDERSTORM WITH A VOW OF SILENCE.
I REMEMBER THINKING WHETHER SCREAMING WOULD VIOLATE THAT.
I THINK IT WAS ONE OF THE FEW CLASS THAT'S DID THAT AND COMPLETED THE EXERCISE. I THINK IT WAS IN GREAT PART BECAUSE OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA WHO ADDING -- DRAGGED PEOPLE OVER THE MOUNTAIN. IT SHOWS YOUR LEADERSHIP.
HE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THAT AND THAT'S THE KIND OF PERSON YOU ARE. I THANK YOU AND THE DEPARTMENT THANKS YOU FOR THAT. ONE THING I WANT TO RECOGNIZE IS THE STAFF OF THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT AND THE LEADERSHIP OF THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING HENRY.
IT IS HARD TO RUN A LARGE AGENCY THAT, YOU KNOW, WHERE YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH REPORTS AND CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, BUT IT HAS BEEN HARD THROUGH COVID. I THINK LEADERSHIP IS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT HAVING THE RIGHT ANSWERS, BUT ABOUT PROVIDING DIRECTION
[00:10:04]
AND GUIDANCE AND THE VISION TO HAVE THOSE ANSWERS.IF -- IT WAS GREAT TO SERVE WITH A TEAM THAT WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE STATUS QUO AND HAS STRIVED TO DO BETTER WHICH IS WHY THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT, THE HARRIS COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT, IS STRONGLY RECOGNIZED AS A MODEL NOT JUST FOR THE STATE, BUT FOR THE COUNTRY.
THAT'S ALL TO SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN A GREAT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO SERVE FOR THE COUNTY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> BEFORE YOU STEP AWAY, I JUST WANT TO -- BOTH DR. Q AND DR. QUINTANA. AND THERE WAS A HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNIT YOU WANTED TO START.
AND WE TOOK 200,000 FROM ASSET FORFEITURE TO HELP KIDS START IT. LOOK.
I THINK THE DIRECTOR WILL ATTEST TO THE FACT THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS NOT THE SAME FOR A LOT OF REASONS.
BUT IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE OF YOUR PERSONAL COMMITMENT.
YOU HAVE BEEN A BALL OF FIRE. YOU HAVE BEEN TENACIOUS ABOUT LOOKING AT DIFFERENT APPROACHES AND TRYING TO BE COMPREHENSIVE IN THE TREATMENT THAT CLIENTS UNDER YOUR CARE AND CONTROL RECEIVE. I REMEMBER BEING INVOLVED WITH THE CAPITAL OFFENDERS PROGRAM AND GETTING STATE SCHOOL AND RECOGNIZING THE VALUE THAT TYPE OF TREATMENT AND HELP AND SO THERE'S NO DOUBT THAT ALBEIT, MAYBE NOBODY IS FIXED ENTIRELY, BUT WHATEVER MAY HAVE BROUGHT FOLKS TO YOUR CARE ARE NOT COMING BACK FOR THE SAME REASON OR WORSE.
THEY ARE COMING BACK FOR SOMETHING MORE MINOR.
YOU ARE ABLE TO GET THEM TO SEE THE WORLD A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY AND THINK THROUGH ISSUES THAT MAY HAVE OTHERWISE ESCALATED.
>> THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU WILL BE MISSED, BUT I STILL HAVE YOUR CELL NUMBER.
>> YOU SURE DO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DON'T BE
SURPRISED. >> AND I WILL ALWAYS ANSWER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU
HAVE DONE. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DR. Q.
DOCTOR, DID YOU WANT TO HAVE A -- DIRECTOR, DO YOU WANT TO
HAVE A FEW WORDS? >> I AM THE DIRECTOR OF THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US HERE, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BALL OF FIRE, TENACIOUS AND YOU KNOW DIANA VERY WELL.
THE PROCLAMATION LISTED A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT DIANA WAS INVOLVED IN AND GOT US TO THE DEPARTMENT WE ARE NOW.
IT IS REALLY A TRANSFORMED JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
ONE AREA I WANTED TO FOCUS ON AND IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US HERE AND THAT WAS DETENTION POPULATION.
THE YEAR BEFORE WE TOOK LEADERSHIP OF THE DEPARTMENT, OUR AVERAGE DAILY POPULATION IN OUR 210-BED DETENTION CENTER WAS 264 KIDS. TODAY, BECAUSE OF A LOT OF THE WORK THAT DIANA WAS INVOLVED IN, WE ARE UNDER 120 KIDS.
IT IS STILL HIGHER THAN WHAT WE WOULD LIKE FOR IT TO BE, BUT THAT IS A GREAT REDUCTION WHICH MEANS LESS KIDS OF COLOR ARE IN OUR DETENTION CENTER. THE DISPARITY STILL EXISTS, BUT WE'RE DOING ALL WE CAN TO WORK ON THAT.
AND SHE IS ON A CALL TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET THEM OUT.
SHE LOOKS AT THOSE KIDS AND HER AND A SPECIALIZED TEAM OF FOLKS AGAIN LOOK AT THEM TO DETERMINE WHO CAN WE GET OUT AND WHICH KIDS DON'T BELONG IN THERE? I THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE THAT IS THE BIGGEST IMPACT AND ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THAT DIANA HAS HAD, NOT JUST IN OUR DEPARTMENT, BUT IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND I WILL MISS HER.
IT'S BITTERSWEET, BUT THIS IS DEFINITELY WELL DESERVED.
SHE LEAVES A LEGACY FOR HARRIS COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE AND I THANK HER FOR THAT AND WE WILL MISS HER.
>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: MR. MC--
[00:15:08]
MS. MCGILL IS A SPEAKER AS WELL.>> THANK YOU FORGIVING ME THE CAREER -- THE OPPORTUNITY.
I NICKNAMED HER MACGYVER? DO YOU REMEMBER THE SHOW OR THE TERRIBLE RE-RELEASE? THE PREMISE OF THE SHOW IS MACGYVER SOLVED COMPLEX PROBLEMS BY MAKING THINGS OUT OF UNORDINARY OBJECTS. WITH DUCT TAPE AND OCCASIONALLY MATCHES HE WOULD COME UP WITH CLEVER SOLUTIONS TO UNSLOVABLE PROBLEMS. THAT IS THE EXACT TALENT DR. QUINTANA HAS. OFTEN -- OFTEN TIMES PROBLEMS WERE INTRODUCED TO THE DEPARTMENT AND SHE WOULD GO TO HER BAG OF TRICKS AND PRESENTING INGENUITY WITH NO EXTRA RESOURCES. I WOULD OFTEN COMPLAIN, WE CAN'T FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS OR THE STAFF NECESSARY TO DO IT. SHE WOULD STOP ME AND ASK ME, OLIVIA, TAKING ALL LIMITATIONS OUT OF YOUR MIND FOR A MOMENT, WHAT WOULD BE THE IDEAL SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM? OKAY. NOW, WORK BACKWARDS AND SEE HOW CLOSE WE CAN GET TO THAT. SHE TAUGHT ME --
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> WE REMAIN SO FOCUSED ON WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE YOU FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THE ASSETS IN FRONT OF YOU, ASSETS THAT CAN BE TAUGHT, GROWN OR ENCOURAGED. PARTNERSHIPS THAT CAN BE MADE, THINGS THAT ARE POSSIBLE -- THINGS THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO BE MADE POSSIBLE. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DR. QUINTANA FOR ALL SHE HAS GIVEN TO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AND ALL SHE WORKED WITH.
CONGRATULATIONSES ON YOUR RETIREMENT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE'LL TAKE THE NEXT RESOLUTION AND THAT IS CELEBRATING IN RECOGNITION OF CHARLES CLARK, THE SECOND. FOR MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY. WHEREAS CHARLES CLARK THE SECOND WILL RETIRE ON JANUARY 31ST, 2023 AFTER MORE THAN 21 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO HARRIS COUNTY, HE BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH THE OFFICE OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COURT ON OCTOBER 9TH, 2001 WHERE HE FAITHFULLY SERVED UNDER BEVERLY KAUFMAN AND DR. DIANE TROUTMAN AND NOW TIS SH* -- TISHA HUTSBUTH.
HE WAS A MAINFRAME OPERATOR AND THEN THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS A DATA SALES SUPERVISOR.
AS A DATA SALES SUPERVISOR HE DEVELOPED THE STANDARD RESPONSE SYSTEM AND WORKED ON THE NEWSLETTER AND THE COUNTY CLERK CONNECTION AND HELPED TO DESIGN MARRIAGE LICENSES THE OFFICE USES TODAY. CHARLES RETURNED TO THE ELECTION DEPARTMENT AS AN EDUCATION AND LOGISTICS COORDINATOR FOR A SHORT TIME FRAME BEFORE FINDING HIS WAY BACK TO THE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT AND AS A SPECIAL PROPBLG SKWREBLGTS DASH DARR PROJECTS KAORD TPHAEUDER *R -- COORDINATOR.
THEY ENSURED RECORDS WERE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY AND PLANS TO UTILIZE THE SKILLS WITH THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE WHILE TRAVELING THE WORLD AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT. WOW.
AFTERWARDS HE PLANS TO OPEN A YARN SHOP AND TEACH HAND CRAFTS AND CONTRIBUTE TO CREATIVITY TO THE WORLD.
THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE EXTENDS FOND WISHES FOR AN ENJOYABLE RETIREMENT. BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CON TKPWRAT -- CONGRATULATES CHARLES CLARK AND THANKS HIM FOR A JOB WELL AND FAITHFULLY DONE.
IT IS A GREAT THING AND EVERYBODY SHOULD DO IT.
GREAT HOBBY. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE WHOLE CLERK'S OFFICE. AND I HAVE BEEN PROUD TO BE A PUBLIC SERVANT FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS IMPORTANT IN PUBLIC SERVICE.
AND WE ALL HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT'S WHAT WE ARE DOING.
AND WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE, WHENEVER I MEET PEOPLE, PERSON, EVENT OR PLACE, I WANT TO LEAVE IT BETTER THAN I FOUND IT.
I HAVE TO SAY THAT I FEEL PRETTY CONFIDENT THAT I AM LEAVING THE CLERK'S OFFICE BETTER THAN I FOUND IT.
THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MR. CLARK, THE MARRIAGE LICENSE, IT IS THE ONE WITH A MAN AND WOMAN. AND THEN THERE WAS THE REDESIGN
BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY -- >> YEAH, WHEN THAT CAME OUT IN 2015, IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US TO REMEMBER THAT.
IT WASN'T RECOGNIZED ORIGINALLY, BUT CAME AROUND.
WHEN DR. TROUTMAN CAME IN SHE WANTED TO COMPLETELY REDESIGN IT. IT WAS NICE WORKING WITH HER AND I AM PROUD TO SAY THEY ARE STILL USING IT TODAY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: RESOLUTION COMMENDING SUSAN HICKEY FOR HER WORK WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AND SHE HAS DONE INCREDIBLE WORK AND CREATIVE WORK.
[00:20:03]
THIS IS -- ONE OF THE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT INITIATIVES THAT I THINK WAS JUST SO CREATIVE IS WITH REPUBLICAN RING DOOR BELL. THE MAKER OF VIDEO DOOR BELLS AND OTHER SECURITY DEVICES ANNOUNCED A PARTNERSHIP TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THAT INCLUDES A RING PRODUCT DONATION TO BENEFIT ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE PRIMARY MISSION IS TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. THE MODEL FOR THIS PROGRAM WAS STARTED RIGHT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.IT IS THANKS THE TIRELESS WORK OF ONE COMMITTED ADVOCATE, SUSAN HICKEY. RING LAUNCHED A DONATION PROGRAM WITH THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AFTER SUSAN WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL REACHED OUT TO RING AND REACHED A PROGRAM WITH THEIR DEVICES. SHE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SHARING SUCCESS AND POSITIVE FEEDBACK. THAT PROGRAM GREW INTO A STATEWIDE INITIATIVE. THE TEXAS SUCCESS LEAD TO AN INTEREST IN SCALING THE PROGRAM NATIONALLY WITH RING DONATING DEVICES TO SURVIVORS OF ABUSE AND THOSE INTERESTED IN USING THE DOOR -- DOOR BELLS AS PART OF THEIR SAFETY PLANNING IN THE UNITED STATES. IT IS NOT OFTEN THESE KINDS OF LOCAL PROGRAMS GROW TO BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS NATIONWIDE, WHICH IS WHY WE RECOGNIZE AND COMMEMORATE THE UH -- THE AMAZING WORK OF SUSAN HICKEY. SHE IS A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE WHOSE WORKS AND IDEAS WILL BENEFIT ALL THOSE WHO NEED SUPPORT AND SAFETY. THEREFORE, COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY CONGRATULATES AND THANKS SUSAN HICKE AND APPLAUD -- SUSAN HICK AND APPLAUD HER CONTRIBUTIONS.
>> THANK YOU. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HAPPENS AND STATISTICALLY, YOU KNOW SOMEBODY BEING ABUSED BY A LOVED ONE. WE CAN'T -- WE CAN HELP IT.
IF WE ARE OPEN AND TALK TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND KNOW YOU ARE A SAFE PERSON TO TALK WITH. THANKS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. APPRECIATE YOU.
>> MY SUPERVISOR HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ALSO.
>> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS AMY SMITH WITH THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL.
AND FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR. SCORT FOR ALLOWING US TO FACILITATE THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANT FUND.
IT IS A FANTASTIC PROGRAM AND WE HAVE 20 ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE RECEIVING THE MONEY. THANK YOU.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN SINCE WE HAD THE PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING THAT. WE DO APPRECIATE THAT.
AND JUST LASTLY, ADRIAN, WE NO -- WE KNOW ALF CLASS 4 WAS THE BEST. AND WE ARE AWFULLY PROUD OF SUSAN. WHEN SHE SAID I AM GOING TO EMAIL RING AND SEE WHAT THEY SAY, AND WE SAID YEAH, WHATEVER.
IT IS A NATIONAL PROGRAM AND WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER AND GLAD IT STARTED IN HARRIS COUNTY. APPRECIATE IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, WE HAVE A VIRTUAL
SPEAKER FOR THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, TIFFANY. GO AHEAD.
>> SPEAKER NUMBER FIVE, BARBIE BRASHEAR.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD.
>> GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS FOR MAKING THIS WONDERFUL COMMITMENT TO SUSAN HICKEY AND HER TIRELESS WORK TODAY.
IT STARTED WITH A PHONE CALL. WHEN I THINK OF SMALL-TOWN HEROS, SUSAN IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THOSE.
SHE IS IN A BIG TOWN SO SHE IS A BIG-TOWN HERO.
THANK YOU, SUSAN, FOR ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT. AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO FOR HONORING HER TODAY.
WE APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, BARBIE. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED WORK. THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE AND WE ARE RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND NOW MY FINAL RESOLUTION IS SO EXCITING. I GREW UP WATCHING MISS UNIVERSE. IT WAS SOMETHING YOU HAD TO DO.
I'M SO EXCITED TO CELEBRATE -- OH NO.
I LOST MY PLACE HERE. ARBONY GABRIEL WHO WAS CROWNED MISS 2023 AND STKPWRAOU UP IN -- GREW UP IN THE HOUSTON AREA.
SHE IS A DESIGNER AND A SEEM -- SEAMSTER -- SEAMSTRESS AND SHE IS WORKING ON CREATING REUSABLE FASHION.
WE HAVE A FEW FOLKS HERE TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION.
MS. GABRIEL IS IN NEW YORK CITY, AND THAT'S WHERE THEY GO FOR THEIR YEAR OF SERVICE -FRBGS BUT I BELIEVE WE HAVE SEVERAL FOLKS HERE TO CELEBRATE HER WIN. WHEREAS MISS UNIVERSE 2023 IS THE FIRST PHILIPPINE -- FILLIPINA AMERICAN TO WIN MISS TEXAS, MISS USA AND MISS UNIVERSE AND SHE ATTRIBUTES IT
[00:25:01]
TO HER UP BRINGING IN ARTS, SPORTS AND TRAVEL.AT THE AGE OF 15 WHILE A VOLLEYBALL PLAYER AT ELKIS HIGH SCHOOL SHE PIVOTS TO FASHION AND FELL IN LOVE WITH CONSTRUCTING WITH FABRICS AND TEXTILES. UPON GRADUATION SHE WENT TOUFRT OF -- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS WHERE SHE RECEIVED A DEGREE IN FASHION DESIGN AND CURRENTLY CEO OF HER OWN SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING LINE. ARBONY IS THE LEAD SELLING INSTRUCTOR AT A HOUSTON-BASED NON-PROFIT DESIGN HOUSE DEDICATED TO USING FASHION AS A FORCE FOR GOOD.
THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT.
IT IS A GUCCI CHANGE MAKER RECIPIENT FOR THEIR WORK OF UNWANTED TEXTILES AND FABRICS FROM LANDFILLS AND TURNING THEM INTO FASHION COLLECTIONS. WITHIN THE MAKER PROGRAM, ARBONY TEACHES SEWING CLASSES TO WOMEN WHO HAVE SURVIVED HUMAN TRAFFIC -- TRAFFICKING AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND WANTS TO BE REMEMBERED AS A HARD-WORKING, UNIQUE WOMAN THAT HAS EMBRACED HER PASSION FOR FASHION. SHE SHARES THE IMPORTANCE OF EMBRACING ONE'S CULTURE AND AS A VOICE FOR ASIAN-AMERICANS SHE OPENS THE DOOR FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS WHO SEE THEMSELVES IN HER, AND TO FEEL INSPIRED TO CONQUER THEIR GOALS BY OWNING WHO THEY ARE. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT CONGRATULATES AND COMMANDS OUR HOMETOWN LEADER AND MISS UNIVERSE, ARBONY GABRIEL ON BEING NAMED MISS UNIVERSE 2023 ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2023, IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ARBONY GABRIEL.
I KNOW WE HAVE FOLKS HERE TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION.
IF YOU WILL JUST COME FORWARD. COME TO THE PODIUM.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. ARBONY IS ONE OF THE SWEETEST, MOST HUMBLE PEOPLE YOU'LL EVER MEET.
SHE WAS WORKING WITH US IN THE WAREHOUSE IN EASTON UP TO THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER. SHE HAS WORKED SO HARD FOR THIS AND WE ARE SO PROUD OF HER AS I'M SURE THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HONORING OUR BABY WHO WE CALL MS.
UNIVERSE. >> STATE YOUR NAME AND
AFFILIATION. >> I AM THE VICE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR MAG PRIZE AND PEACOCKS AND THE
ONLY 501C3 DESIGN HOUSE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE ANYONE ELSE TO SPEAK ON THIS RESOLUTION?
>> YES. I HAVE THE DISTINCTION OF BEING HER MOTHER. HER DAD AND I ARE JUST SUPER PROUD OF HER. SHE IS A HARD WORKER AND SHE IS SO PROUD TO BE REPRESENTED HERE WITH THIS RESOLUTION.
AND I WISH SHE COULD HAVE BEEN HERE, BUT SHE IS BUSY UP IN NEW YORK WITH INTERVIEWS AND ALL THAT AND GETTING READY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL. I THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE
RESOLUTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
YOU MUST BE DANA GABRIEL? >> YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND
HAVING AN INCREDIBLE DAUGHTER. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE -- PLEASE SEND HER ALL OF OUR LOVE FROM HARRIS COUNTY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATION S.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN. COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I HAVE ONE QUICK RESOLUTION. THIS IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH, SO THIS IS A RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF THAT.
FEBRUARY 2023 IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH.
WE NEED TO RAISE AWARENESS TO PREVENT AND REDUCE HEART DISEASE. HEART DISEASE WAS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN HARRIS COUNTY FROM 2016 TO 2020.
ACCORDING TO OUR DATA, 27% OF THE DEATHS IN OUR COUNTY WERE A RESULT OF THAT. THE NUMBERS ARE HIGHEST IN PRECINCT 1. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
SECOND HIGHEST IN PRECINCT 2. THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION REC -- RECOGNIZING STRUCTURAL RACISM WITH THE DISPARITY OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. THEY ESTIMATE THAT 30% OF HOUSTONIANS HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND NEARLY 40% DO NOT HAVE A WAY TO CONTROL IT. EACH OF US CAN IMPROVE OUR HEALTH BY EATING NUTRITIOUS FOODS AND EXERCISING.
AS PUBLIC OFFICIALS WE CAN ENCOURAGE OTHERS.
FOR WHAT IT IS WORTH, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE WERE CLASS 2 AND WE MADE IT TO THE TOP OF MOUNT ELBERT.
THAT'S 14,443 SQUARE FEET, JUST SAYING.
AND WE WENT FOR THE LONGEST PACE.
[00:30:01]
YOU CHEATED. I DO THINK WITH OUR CYCLING AND WHAT WE DO, PARTICULARLY COMING AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, WE NEED TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO EAT HEALTHY.IT ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO KNOW THEIR OWN RISK FOR HEART DISEASE AND MAKE SURE AT LEAST ONE PERSON IN EVERY HOUSEHOLD IS TRAINED IN HANDS ON CPR. AND THERE MIGHT BE A REPRESENTATIVE HERE FROM THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION WHO WILL SPEAK OF IT WITH THEIR RED ON AND THANK YOU FOR COMING.
>> THANK YOU. ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR RECOGNIZING AMERICAN HEART MONTH IS FEBRUARY. THIS YEAR WE ARE FOCUSING EXTRA ATTENTION ON CPR. EACH YEAR OVER 350,000 AMERICANS DIE FROM CARDIAC ARREST. ABOUT 90% OF PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCE CARDIAC ARREST OUTSIDE OF A HOSPITAL WILL DIE.
IF YOU ARE CALLED ON TO GIVE CPR IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU WILL MOST LIKELY BE TRYING TO SAVE THE LIFE OF SOMEONE YOU KNOW OR LOVE. HANDS ONLY CPR IS A TECHNIQUE THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF PEOPLE PERFORMING CPR IN AN EMERGENCY.
THE TWO STEPS OF HANDS ONLY CPR ARE TO CALL 9-1-1 AND PUSH HARD AND FAST IN THE CENTER OF THE CHEST.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AND CHALLENGING EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN HARRIS COUNTY TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HANDS ONLY CPR TO BE THE BEAT FOR THEIR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS COURT, FOR YOUR HONOR.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY. >> THANK YOU.
>> MA'AM, CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> AND WE HAVE PINS FOR YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
WE WILL WEAR THE PINS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORK.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M EXCITED TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION.
I WANT TO ASK MATT LESLIE IF YOU ARE -- IF YOU CAN MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE PODIUM. I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT WE HAVE NADINE GREEN AND SARA MARINE AND ERIKA BEARD THAT ARE ALSO HERE AS WELL. THIS RESOLUTION IS A SPECIAL ONE, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE FOR SO LONG AND FOR SO MANY THIS RESOLUTION IS TO RECOGNIZE THAT ON -- THAT PRIDE CHORUS HOUSTON SANG WHERE THEY SWORE IN THE NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE JUSTICES AND OFFICIALS AS THEY BEGAN -- OR WE BEGAN OUR NEW TERMS. WHEREAS PRIDE CHORUS HOUSTON WAS ORIGINALLY FOUNDED AS THE MONTROS SINGERS IN AND A HALF -- NOVEMBER OF 1979.
LET ME JUST SAY, MATT, YOU WEAR IT WELL.
IT LATER BECAME THE GAY MEN'S CHORUS OF HOUSTON AND LATER TO INCLUDE THE BAYOU CITY CHORUS AND PERFORMING UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF BAYOU CITY PERFORMING ARTS.
AND WHERE AS AS PART OF THE CORE VALUES, THE CHORUS WORKS FOR MUSICAL EXCELLENCE AND IS KPEUT -- COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE PLACE FOR EVERYONE IN THE LGBTQ PLUS COMMUNITY.
THEY ARE A DIVERSE GROUP EMBRACING THE POINTS OF VIEW AND WELCOMING ALL AND DO NOT DISCRIMINATION -- DO NOT DISCRIMINATE. WHEREAS PRIDE CHORUS HOUSTON SUPPORTS EVERYONE'S RIGHT TO LIVE OUTWARDLY AS THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THE COURAGE IT TAKES TO DO SO. AFFIRMING AND HONORING THE DIFFERENCES. AND WHEREAS THE CHORUS LISTENS TO THE MEMBERS, THE AUDIENCE AND EACH OTHER TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES AND ADDRESS NEEDS. IT IS AN INVOLVED MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY AND GIVING BACK WHEN POSSIBLE AND WHEREAS THE GROUP'S MISSION STATEMENT EXPLAINS VERY WELL, STRIVES TO BE VOICES OF PRIDE USING THE POWER OF MUSIC TO MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY. AGAIN, TO MATT AND ALL OF THE OTHER MEMBERS HERE, THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TALENTS.
I WISH I COULD QUALIFY FOR A CHORUS, BUT I CAN'T.
BUT I DO KNOW GOOD MUSIC AND I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU GIVING YOUR TIME ON THAT DAY ON JANUARY 2ND.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU, GUYS.
IT WAS OBVIOUSLY AN HONOR TO PERFORM FOR YOU GUYS AND HONOR
[00:35:04]
THE PUBLIC SERVANTS AS THEY WERE BEGINNING THEIR CAREER OR CONTINUING IN THEIR CAREER. AND IT IS REALLY AN HONOR TO BE RECOGNIZED BY YOU GUYS TODAY. WE ARE IN OUR 44TH YEAR OF PERFORMING IN THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY.WE REALLY TRY AND SERVE THREE MAIN PURPOSES.
WE WANT TO BE AMBASSADORS FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY.
WE WANT TO SHOW A DEAD -- SHOW A DEDICATION TO MUSIC AND THOUGHTFUL CONCERTS AND TO PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE TO COME TOGETHER FOR FELLOWSHIP AND MAKE MUSIC AND SING. THERE IS NOT A LOT OF PLACES NECESSARILY PEOPLE CAN GOES SPECIALLY THAT AREN'T FOCUSED ON BARS AND DRINKING AND THAT KIND OF THING.
SO WE TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE FOR MEMBERS IN ALL OF HARRIS COUNTY TO COME TOGETHER TO MAKE MUSIC.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE RESOLUTION.
IF YOU WANT TO CHECK OUT WHAT WE'RE ABOUT, PRIDE CHORUS.ORG.
WE HAVE A CONCERT ON APRIL 1ST.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WANTED TO CHAT AND SAY THANK YOU AND TO YOU PRIDE CHORUS HOUSTON. CONGRATULATIONSES ON THE 44 YEARS OF SERVICE. AS A PROUD ALLY I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS TO COME AND THANK YOU FOR
WHAT YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY. >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US AND IT WAS A BLAST AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT NEXT YEAR.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. MATT, REAL QUICKLY, NO PRESSURE,
BUT ANY ACAPELLA? >> MAYBE THIS CAN BE YOUR
ADDITION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HEY, I'M FOR
IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU VERY
MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY. >> I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU SPENT YOUR SATURDAYS, BUT I WOULD GIVE UP AND TURN ON 740 AND SEE RA RANDY LEMON HAD TO -- RANDY LEMON HAD TO SAY.
TRAGICALLY WE LOST RANDY IN THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS.
THIS RESOLUTION IS TO PAUSE AND RECOGNIZE HIM.
HE WAS A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 3, BUT I THINK HE WAS A TREASURE FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY. WHEREAS LONG-TIME HOUSTON RADIO HOST AND GUARDIAN EXPERT RANDY REMMON DIED AFTER YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO THE COUNTY. HE HE WAS FROM WHITTIER AND HIS FAMILY MOVED TO TEXAS WHERE HE WOULD RECEIVE A DEGREE FROM TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY FOLLOWED BY A MASTER'S IN AGRICULTURE.
WHEREAS LEMMON WAS THE HOST OF "THE GARDEN LINE" FOR 25 YEARS, LEMMON WOULD SHARE TIPS, TRICKS AND SERIOUS SCIENCE FOR HANDLING THE AREA'S UNIQUE CLIMATE ON THE PROGRAM.
RANDY WAS CONSIDERED A GO-TO EXPERT WHEN DISASTERS OCCURRED SUCH AS HURRICANES AND DEEP FREEZES WHICH IMPACTED OUR GARDENS AND OUR YARDS. WE COULD ALWAYS DEPEND ON RANDY TO KIND OF STEP UP AND GIVE US A GOOD WORD.
WHEREAS RANDY -- WHEN RANDY WASN'T TELLING HOUSTON HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR GREENERY, HE WAS KNOWN FOR HIS PASSIONATE LOVE OR TEXAS AGGIE FOOTBALL, COOK -- COOKING AND ASTROS BASEBALL. HE WILL BE MISSED BY HIS WIFE, AND HIS CHILDREN AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WHICH HE SERVED FOR A QUARTER OF A CENTURY. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE
FAMILY OF RANDAL SCOTT LEMMON. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IF I COULD JUST ADD, I ALSO WANT TO OFFER MY CONDOLENCES. ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T GET TO KNOW RANDY, I DID HEAR THE SHOW QUITE A BIT.
"THE -- THE GREENTHUMB HAS NOT EMERGED YET, BUT RANDY WAS ALWAYS A GREAT COUNSEL ON WORKING ON THE YARD.
HOWEVER, I DO HAVE A CONNECTION WITH THE FAMILY AND THAT IS THROUGH YVONNE. YVONNE IS AN INCREDIBLE MARY KAY NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR AND HAS A RELATIONSHIP WITH MY WIFE.
ON THE DAY OF THEIR SERVICES FOR RANDY, I WANT TO THANK BOTH SHERIFF BAILEY AND SHERIFF GONZALEZ FOR PROVIDING SOME SUPPORT FOR THE FAMILY SO THAT THEY COULD REMEMBER RANDY AND NOT HAVE ANY CONCERNS. BUT YOU'RE RIGHT.
I REMEMBER HEARING THE SHOW QUITE A BIT.
HE WILL BE MISSED AND BLESSINGS TO HIS FAMILY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR DOING IT, COMMISSIONER.
IT WAS VERY THOUGHT -- THOUGHTFUL.
I DIDN'T KNOW HIM PERSONALLY, BUT WHEN MY DADDY HAD ALZHEIMER'S SET IN THE ONE THING HE ENJOYED WAS THE SHOW.
[00:40:02]
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE ANYONE HERE TO SPEAK ON THE RESOLUTION,
TIFFANY? >> TOM RAMSEY: I DON'T THINK SO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER BRIONES?
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WANTED TO PICK UP BRIEFLY ON SOMETHING JUDGE HIDALGO MENTIONED, AND JUST EVERYONE HERE, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. TODAY IS THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY THAT THERE ARE TWO WOMEN ON THE COURT AT THE SAME TIME.
THANK YOU. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS AND IT GIVES ME GREAT HONOR.
IT GIVES ME GREAT HONOR TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, WITH 44 YEARS IN THE FIELD OF CONSULTING AND ENGINEERING HAS BEEN SELECTED AS THE 2023 HOUSTON AREA ENGINEER OF THE YEAR BY THE HOUSTON ENGINEER'S WEEK COMMITTEE AND WILL BE HONORED DURING THE NATIONWIDE CELEBRATION OF ENGINEERS WEEK ON FRIDAY FEBRUARY 24TH 2023.
COMMISSIONER TOM RAMSEY ATTENDED TEXAS A AND M UNIVERSITY -- TEXAS TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. HE WAS A LICENSED ENGINEER IN 1979 AND SINCE THE BEGINNING OF HIS CAREER HE HAS PROVIDED ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR OVER 50 TEXAS CITIES.
HE HAS A SUCCESSFUL TRACK RECORD OF IMPROVING THE SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE LIVE BUILT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COMMUNITIES HE SERVES. AND WHEREAS COMMISSIONER TOM RAMSEY BELIEVES IN SERVING THE ENGINEERING COMMUNITY AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, HE HAS HELD LEADERSHIP POSITIONS INCLUDING MANY TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES SUCH AS THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION, THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS, NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS HE WAS A YOUNG HOUSTONIAN FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN 1986 AND THE PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON IN 2017. AND WHEREAS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS SERVED AS THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD MEMBER OF THE MAYOR'S COUNCIL ASSOCIATION FROM 2014 TO 2018 AS WELL AS THE MAYOR FROM 2012 TO 2020 AND CURRENTLY SERVES AS A HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER FOR PRECINCT 3, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SERVES AS DEACON AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND TREASURER OF THE BOARD OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. HE IS A FORMER BOARD MEMBER OF THE CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES AND THE ENGINEERING IS HONORED TO BE -- BESTOW IT TO YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS PROFESSION AND THE COMMUNITY. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY RECOGNIZES COMMISSIONER TOM S RAMSEY PE AS THE 2023 HOUSTON ENGINEER'S WEEK, ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AND EXTENDS ITS DEEPEST
CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
BEING HONORED BY A GREAT GROUP OF FOLKS IN THE HOUSTON AREA THAT I THINK SERVE THE COUNTY EVERY DAY IN WHAT THEY DO.
I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR WHAT THEY DO AND THEY CAN GIVE TESTIMONY TO THE GOOD JOB THEY DO DAY IN AND DAY OUT.
>> THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS.
>> CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER.
>> JUDGE, THERE IS A SPEAKER FOR THIS EYE -- ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> ALEXI SWARSKI.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> I AM PLEASED IN HONORING TOM
[00:45:02]
RAMSEY FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT IN BEING NAMED THE HOUSTON ENGINEER OF THE YEAR. THE HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE AND MR. RAMSEY'S FELLOW COMMISSIONERS WOULD KPWAOE WISE -- BE WISE TO HEED COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S GUIDANCE ON ISSUES NEEDING ACTION IN HARRIS COUNTY SUCH AS THE 2022 ELECTION. THE ILL ADVISED UPCOMING POLICIES OF USING MOSTLY ELECTRIC CARS FOR THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND THE OVERWHELMING NEED TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR THE SHERIFF AND THE D.A. DEPARTMENT. WE NEED YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIS WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND PUT HIS POLICIES INTO EFFECT FOR HARRIS COUNTY. COMPLETING AN IN DEPTH REPORT ON THE 2022 HARRIS COUNTIY -- COUNTY ELECTION.THE IRREGULARITIES IN THE REPORT INCLUDING THE REPORT BY CHANNEL
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT SHOULD BE IT FOR THE RESOLUTIONS. SO LET'S TAKE PICTURES WITH THE HONOREES.
[00:58:36]
>>> REAL QUICK BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO WHAT IS NEXT, I WANT TO TAKE
[00:58:39]
418 BECAUSE I NOTICED CLYDE FITZGERALD IS HERE AND HE HAS DONE AN INCREDIBLE JOB AT THE PORT.AND THE NUMBER OF CALLS, Y'ALL, THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE COMMUNITY AND FROM THE PORT MAKING SURE THAT CLYDE WILL REMAIN THERE SPEAKS VOLUMES I ASK COLLEAGUES IF WE CAN TAKE THIS ONE UP REAL QUICK. THAT'S ITEM -- EXCUSE ME, ITEM
418. >> I MOVE ON THE ITEM, JUDGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> THAT'S AS PRESENTED?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS?
>> THAT'S AS PRESENTED? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S AS
PRESENTED. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS IS MY LAST GO AROUND.
I HAVE REACHED MY LIMIT. I WANTED TO COME AND THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ON THE HOUSTON PORT AUTHORITY AND I WANT TO THANK THE PRESENT AND PAST COMMISSIONERS I HAVE WORKED WITH EVERY DAY WHO CARE ABOUT THIS PORT. AND WE ALWAYS REALIZE THE ECONOMIC BENEFIT THIS PORT CREATES FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
[01:00:04]
I WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM.I HAVE HAD 10 YEARS OF COOPERATION AND GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH EVERY ONE OF THEM.
BUT THE PORT IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY.
WE CREATE SO MANY JOBS. GOOD-PAYING JOBS FOR A DIVERSE GROUP THAT WORKS THERE EVERY DAY AND INDIRECTLY WITH THE PORT IT TOUCHES SO MANY PEOPLE. AND I'M HONORED IN MY LAST TERM TO BE ABLE TO REPRESENT THIS PORT.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING AN INCREDIBLE REPRESENTATIVE AND THANK YOU FOR THOSE WHO DO INCREDIBLE WORK OUT THERE.
AND ALSO I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING RESPONSIVE AND KEEPING US POSTED ON THINGS HAPPENING AND BEING RESPONSIVE TO EVERYONE IN THE PANDEMIC. HELPING US GET VACCINES TO THOSE WHO WANTED IT AND JUST ALL THE WAY AROUND.
YOU HELPED TO SUPPORT THE MINORITY WOMEN BUSINESS FOR THE PORT. THANK YOU AT EVERY TURN.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THANK YOU FOR BEING WHO YOU ARE.
>> THANK YOU. >> PROUD OF YOU.
>> IF I CAN TAKE ONE MORE MINUTE I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS ON A PERSONAL NOTE. I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IN 1959 WHEN I WAS 16 YEARS OLD, I CAME TO THE HOUSTON WATERFRONT.
I WENT TO WORK FOR THE PORT AUTHORITY.
THEY WERE THE FOLKS AT THE TIME THAT UNLOADED RAIL RAILCARS AND -- RAIL CARS AND WE PREPARED THE CARGO.
MY FIRST JOB WAS WITH THE PORT. AND TO BE ABLE TO END MY CAREER AS A PORT COMMISSIONER, IT IS JUST SO IMPORTANT TO ME.
I THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR THAT.
>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER BRIONES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS IT TWO MORE YEARS OR FOUR YEARS?
>> TWO YEARS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S BECAUSE OF THE STATE LEVEL. YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB.
IT IS NOT THE END. YOU ARE A YOUNG GUY.
YOU HAVE TWO GOOD YEARS WITH A LOT OF ISSUE THAT'S ARE COMING UP IN AUSTIN AND YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT PLAYER NATIONALLY.
JUST THANK YOU. WE WILL BE THINKING OF WHAT WE
CAN SUGGEST YOU FOR NEXT. >> GOOD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THEN COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DECADES OF LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE -FRBGS MR. -- MR. FITZGERALD.
WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOUR LEADERSHIP AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE AND GREAT YEARS WITH YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU, SIR.
>> THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONS.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR STEADY HAND.
IT IS REASSURING TO KNOW THAT THERE IS SOMEBODY YOU CAN CALL WHEN THE ISSUES GET COMPLICATED. YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT THE DIRECTION IS, BUT YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD SOURCE OF LEADERSHIP AND LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT YOU WILL DO IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. I THINK WE HAVE HAD A RECORD YEAR IN THE LAST -- IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
>> WE DEFINITELY HAVE. AND THERE IS MORE TO COME, BELIEVE ME. THE BOARD IS JUST BEGINNING TO
DON'T FORGET, MAN, I HAVE TO PUT IN MY TIME.
>> I KNOW THAT. >> I HAVE TO PUT IN MY TIME.
IF YOU CAN MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS.
WE'LL HAVE THE SPEAKERS NOW, TIFFANY.
>> FIRST IS SPEAKER NUMBER 11, MONICA FROM LONE STAR COLLEGE SPEAKING ON ITEM 421 IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM MONICA AND THE DIRECTOR OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AT LONE STAR COLLEGE.
TODAY I BELIEVE WE ARE GOING TO BE GRANTED MONEY FOR DOING A DISPARITY STUDY. WE ARE VERY EXCITED OF IMPLEMENTING THAT INITIALLY. THE COLLEGE IS -- HAS A PROGRAM AND WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO ENHANCE IT AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE DIVERSE MINORITY BUSINESSES THAT WE HAVE AROUND IN THE HARRIS COUNTY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANTED TO THANK YOU ALL FOR STEPPING UP AND OUT OF ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN HARRIS COUNTY, YOU ALL ARE THE ONLY ONE THAT AGREED TO DO A DISPARITY STUDY. THAT'S SOMETHING YOU OUGHT TO BE PROUD OF. MOST OF THEM WILL BUY AN AD IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND THEN BRAG ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING ON DIVERSITY. NONE OF THEM COLLECT THE NUMBERS. AND YOU HAVE A GREAT DIRECTOR AND A GREAT CHANCE. I'M SURE SOMEBODY WILL DO SOMETHING TO HONOR THE CHANCELLOR.
HE IS STEPPING DOWN. WHAT A GREAT WAY FOR HIM TO GO
[01:05:04]
OUT. THE REALITY IS WE DIDN'T HAVE IT IN HARRIS COUNTY EITHER. IT IS NOT A SHAME TO HAVE ONE.WHAT THE SHAME IS NOT TO ADMIT YOU DON'T COLLECT THE NUMBERS AND DON'T COLLECT THE NUMBERS AND THEN REFUSE TO SET UP A PROGRAM. I WANT TO COMMEND YOU AMONG YOUR PEERS AND IT IS NOTICED. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. OUR CHANCELLOR IS ADD LAW -- ADH
ALL OF YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A BIG DEAL. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS ROBERT CHOTE SPEAKING ON 431, 432 AND 435.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> MR. CHOTE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT OUTSIDE, IF SOMEONE CAN -- LET'S GO TO THE NEXT ONE, TIFFANY, WHILE SOMEBODY REACHES HIM.
ONE MINUTE. IT SEEMS HE IS COMING.
THANK YOU. AND WHO FROM THE TEAM IS MANNING THE DOOR? I CAN'T SEE IT.
I LOST MY GLASSES. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE LISTENING TO THE SPEAKERS SO YOU CAN GET THEM.
>> SORRY. I DIDN'T EXPECT TO BE SO EARLY.
MY NAME IS ROBERT CHOTE AND I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 4.
I REGISTERED TO SPEAK ABOUT ITEMS 431, 432 AND 435.
THESE ARE THREE CONTRACTS THAT SHOW ZERO MWDBE PARTICIPATION.
ALLOW ME TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO ITEM 431.
AN AGREEMENT WITH SECURIS TECHNOLOGY LLC FOR INMATE AND PUBLIC TELEPHONE SYSTEM. AGAIN, ZERO MWDBE PARTICIPATION.
NOTE THAT THIS IS A FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE OPTION OF THREE-YEAR RENEWALS FOR A TOTAL OF 14 YEARS THAT WE MAY BE DOING BUSINESS WITH THIS VENDOR WITH NO MWDBE PARTICIPATION.
FROM RESEARCHING THIS ITEM IT APPEARS THAT MWDBE WAS NOT A REQUIRE MEANT -- REQUIREMENT LISTED IN THE RFP.
AS A TAX-PAYING CITIZEN I HAVE TO WONDER WHY.
KEY POINTS, ONE YEAR, THAT'S HOW LONG THE BID WAS POSTED.
I SEE I AM RUNNING OUT OF TIME. THERE ARE FIVE TELECOM COMPANIES
INCLUDED IN THIS. >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS
UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU VERY
MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
GOOD LUCK. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, SIR.
>> NEXT IS ANDRE RODRIGUEZ SPEAKING ON 436.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> I AM AN ORGANIZER IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I WANT TO DO A SPOTLIGHT ON THE BAD PRACTICES HAPPENING IN DEALER APARTMENTS. THE APARTMENTS ARE OFF BELT WAY 8 AND BEAMER ROAD. I DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME SO I WILL GET TO THE TIME. WE WANTED TO SEE HOW COMMISSIONERS' COURT COULD HELP US PROVIDE OUR COMMUNITY -- ENSURE THAT OUR COMMUNITIES ARE PROVIDED WITH DOCUMENTS AND EITHER SIGNS IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH.
MANY OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE APARTMENT ARE [INAUDIBLE] SPEAKERS AND FORCED TO SIGN DOCUMENTS THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND.
THEIR BELONGINGS ARE BEING HELD HOSTAGE UNTIL THEY SIGN THEM.
SO WE WANT TO KNOW, LIKE, HOW COMMISSIONERS CAN HELP US.
NUMBER TWO, IS TO ENSURE OUR RESIDENTS ARE KEPT INFORMED REGARDING EMAIL ACCESS AND A NUMBER OF PEOPLE LOST THEIR HOME AND WI-FI IS LIMITED. YOU CANNOT ASSUME EVERYBODY HAS ACCESS TO UNLIMITED CONNECTION TO THEIR PHONE.
AND THE LAST IS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO WORK WITH
LOCAL AUTHORITIES. >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS
>> NEXT IS MARIE SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 439.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> HI. I AM MARIE AND A MEMBER OF PURE JUSTICE -- JUSTICE OF FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
STILL WAITING FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO CREATE POLICY HOLDING LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABLE FOR EXCESSIVE USE OF FORM -- FORCE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE 1977 WHEN JOE CAMPOS TORRES WAS BRUTALLY BEATEN AND THE OFFICERS GOT A YEAR PROBATION AND A DOLLAR FINE.
MANY HAVE BEEN WAITING MUCH LONGER.
THE COUNTY MUST ADDRESS THE DISPARITIES AND USE OF FORCE IN TRAFFIC STOPS OF BLACK MEN. WHAT CONSTITUTES PUBLIC SAFETY FOR MY GRANDSON WHO IS LEARNING TO DRIVE WITH MUCH DARKER SKIN THAN MINE AS MY TRUST OF PROTECT AND SERVE CONTINUES TO WANE.
WHERE MY GRANDSON VISITS DARK DRIVERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO DIE COMPARED TO LIGHT DRIVERS. IN 2020 THIS COURT STARTED TO
[01:10:02]
CREATE A MODEL POLICY AND WHEN WILL WE SEE IT.THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 20, JASON LILY, SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 439. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS JASON LILY AND HERE AGAIN. THIS BODY AGREED ON THE -- UNANIMOUSLY VOTED FOR A MORE EXTENSIVE USE OF FORCE POLICY.
WE ALL ARE SEEING WHAT HAPPENED TRAGICALLY WITH TYRE NICHOLS.
I AM REMINDING YOU THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ME.
IT COULD HAVE BEEN YOUR SON. WE ARE -- WE HAVE ALREADY DONE IT, WE JUST NEED HARRIS COUNTY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AND HAVE IT IN A WRITTEN OUT PAPER SO WE CAN SEE THIS POLICY.
THIS IS GOING TO CONTINUE TO HAPPEN IF WE DON'T ADDRESS IT AND JUST STOP SKATING OVER IT. AFTER THEY STOP SHOWING THE CLIPS ON TV WE WILL FORGET ABOUT IT.
WE NEED SOMETHING DONE AND IT NEEDS TO BE DONE DRASTICALLY AND NOW. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS JOY DAVIS WITH PURE JUSTICE SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> AS A MOTHER I I WAS ANGERED AND SADDENED AND HORRIFIED AS I WATCHED THE DEATH OF TYRE NICHOLS PLAY OUT FOR MILLIONS TO WITNESS.
WHEN IS IT ENOUGH? HOW MANY MORE OF US MUST CONTINUE TO DIE BEFORE CHANGE IS IMPLEMENTED.
WE ARE WATCHING INNOCENT UNARMED BLACK MEN AND WOMEN CONTINUOUSLY GETTING MURDERED AT HIGHER RATES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.
WHETHER IT IS MAKING NATIONAL NEWS ON CNN OR WHETHER IT IS APPEARING LOCALLY IN HARRIS COUNTY.
IF YOU KNOW YOU HAVE PROBLEMATIC OFFICERS IN YOUR DEPARTMENT, FIRE THEM SO YOU WILL NOT MAKE THE NIGHTLY NEWS OR END UP PAYING MILLIONS IN WRONGFUL DEATH CASES.
THE CODE OF SILENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT IS A CODE OF DEATH TO PEOPLE OF COLOR. WHEN IS IT ENOUGH? PEOPLE HAVE MARCHED, PROTESTED AND NOW IT IS TIME TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICIES THAT HAVE BEEN VOTED ON.
WE CANNOT CONTINUE LOSING UNARMED INDIVIDUALS TO LAW
ENFORCEMENT ANYMORE. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME
IS UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS LLOYD FORD SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> MY NAME IS LLOYD FORD.
I JUST THINK IT IS A LONGTIME THAT WE KEEP SPEAKING ABOUT THESE SAME ISSUES. WE TALK ABOUT IT AND WE SEE A LOT OF SMART PEOPLE HERE. IT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT IS A TASK FORCE OR A COMMISSION GOING INTO THE JAILS AND SEEING WHAT IS GOING ON AND BEING ABLE TO HELP.
THESE ARE THE THINGS WE NEED TO DO AS FAR AS GETTING THESE PEOPLE OUT AND EVALUATING THEM FOR NONVIOLENT CRIMINALS AND THINGS LIKE THAT. WE HAVE A LOT OF THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX TO DO. WE KNOW A LOT OF THAT CONSTITUTES TO A LOT OF VIOLENCE IN OUR JAILS.
WE GOTTA THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX WHEN IT COMES TO ELIMINATING THE PROBLEMS. WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GOING IN THE JAILS AND GOING ABOUT THESE THINGS THE RIGHT WAY AND JUST THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX.
WE HAVE A LOT OF SMART PEOPLE HERE.
LET'S GET IT DONE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR
COMING. >> NEXT IS VICTOR MEN DOUGH -- MENDOZA SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: MR. MENDOZA?
OH, HE IS MAKING HIS WAY. >> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS VICTOR MENDOZA AND A MEMBER OF PURE JUSTICE.
I AM HERE TO ASK, WHEN WILL WE SEE THE CHANGE THAT WE DESERVE.
AS A PERSON OF COLOR I WAS HORRIFIED AND SADDENED AS I WATCHED THE VIDEO OF MR. NICHOLS.
HE WAS BEATEN BY THE PEOPLE WHO TOOK AN OATH TO PROTECT AND SERVE. WHY THE DIVISION BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY. POLICE ABUSE AND EXCESSIVE FORCE ON UNARMED INDIVIDUALS CAUSE DEVASTATION TO COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND MENTAL HEALTH. HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD KEEP MOVING FORWARD WITH THE DEVELOPMENT AND I'M PHRAU MEN OF A -- AND IMPLEMENT A USE OF FORCE POLICY CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD AND ALTERNATIVE FIRST RESPONSE -- AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION PLANNING. THE DEATH OF MR. NICHOLS WAS PREVENTABLE. LET'S BRING IT FORWARD TO PREVENT ANYMORE DEATH LIKE THIS ONE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS ROBERT WILLIAMS OF BLACK LEADERS COLLECTIVE
[01:15:01]
SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.>> THANK YOU. THIS IS ROBERT WILLIAMS AND I DO WANT TO SPEAK ON THE OVERVIEW OF TRAFFIC STOPS LEAD LEADING TO EXCESSIVE FORCE AND WHAT STEM TR-Z THESE TYPES OF -- STEMS FROM THESE TYPES OF INCIDENTS. WE TALK A LOT ABOUT POLICY.
MEMPHIS HAD A DE ESCALATE AND NO CHASE POLICY IN PLACE AND IT STILL DID NOT SAVE THE LIFE OF TYRE NICHOLS.
BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACCOUNTABILITY.
I AM PRETTY SURE HARRIS COUNTY HAS IMPLICIT BIAS IN PLACE AND ONE IS THAT THE TRAINING WAS DONE FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE AND NUMBER TWO, IT IS DONE CONTINUOUSLY AND NUMBER THREE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THAT THERE IS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR NONCOMPLIANCE. HAD THERE BEEN ACCOUNTABILITY FOR NONCOME -- NONCOMPLIANCE BECAUSE WE KNOW GOOD AND WELL THE OFFICERS THIS MEMPHIS SHOWED THIS BEHAVIOR BEFORE, TYRE
NICHOLS WOULD BE ALIVE TODAY. >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS
UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR
CALLING IN. >> NEXT IS ETHAN GANT SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> MY NAME IS ETHAN MICHELLE GANT AND A MEMBER OF PURE JUSTICE. MY MOTHER TRUSTED THE POLICE.
MY BROTHER WAS A POLICE OFFICER. EVERY MORNING AT 5 A.M. MY MOM WENT TO MY GRANDMOTHERS TO HAVE COFFEE.
ONE MORNING SHE WAS STOPPED BY THE POLICE.
THEY SCREAMED AT HER TO GET OUT OF THE CAR.
WHEN SHE DID THEY HAD GUNS POINTED AT HER AND SCREAMING AT HER. SHE WAS ABLE TO CONVINCE THEM THAT SHE HADN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG.
LUCKILY SHE LEFT THAT INTERACTION UNHURT AND ALIVE.
SUPPOSEDLY THEY MISTOOK HER FOR A BANK ROBBER BASED ON THE LOOK OF HER CAR. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HER AND THE MANY FOLKS WHO END UP DEAD? MY MOTHER WAS WHITE. EVEN IN OUR OWN CITY, BLACK FOLKS ARE 5.7 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE KILLED BY THE POLICE.
I CAN'T KEEP WATCHING BLACK MEN BEING KILLED IN THE STREET.
I AM HERE TO ASK FOR A USE OF FORCE POLICY AND CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD AND ALTERNATIVE TO INCARCERATION AND THE EXPANSION OF ALTERNATIVE FIRST RESPONDERS AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS CARVANA SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> MAY IT PLEASE THE COURT, I AM CAV -- CRAVVAN.
I AM STANDING WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY -- DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WE PUBLICLY AND LOUDLY SAY POLICE BRUTALITY HAS NO PLACE IN AMERICA AND CERTAINLY NOT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I WAS 16 AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED AS I WATCHED LOS ANGELES PD BEAT RODNEY KING TO DEATH.
AND HERE WE ARE AGAIN 29 YEARS LATER AND WATCHING THE SAME STORY PLAY OUT. SO IT IS TIME TO TURN THESE FEELINGS INTO ACTION. WE HAVE TO HAVE A PLAN.
AS THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY IN AMERICA, THIS COURT CAN SET NATIONAL PRECEDENT BY COMMISSIONING A TASK FORCE, A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TASK FORCE TO TALK ABOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE HOL -- POLICY THAT MANDATES TRAINING FOR OFFICERS WHEN THEY ARE CADETS IN THE ACADEMY AND THROUGH THEIR CAREER ABOUT THE IMPROPER USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE SO THAT ACCOUNTABILITY WILL BE FACILITATED. I HAVE BEEN IN THIS SPACE FOR 17 YEARS AND I AM CLEAR WE ALL HAVE A HUMAN RATE TO 11 A LIFE FREE
OF VIOLENCE. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> IT WILL MAKE HARRIS COUNTY A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS JESSICA CARTWRIGHT SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> GOOD MORNING,. I AM HERE WITH PURE JUSTICE.
AS A BLACK MOTHER OF THREE SONS AND SEVEN GRANDSONS AND FIVE GREAT-GRANDSONS, I HAVE GREAT CONCERN FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY. I THINKER -- I THINK THAT WE NEED TO STEP UP OUR GAME HERE IN THE COUNTY AND GET THE POLICY THAT'S WE ARE VOTING ON, THE POLICIES THAT YOU GUYS ARE PASSING, YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE BEING ENACTED.
WHEN THEY ARE NOT, DON'T LAG AND DRAG YOUR FEET AND GET THE INFORMATION OUT TO THE PUBLIC. YOU HAVE THINGS ON THE BOOKS THAT WE HAVE NOT BEEN PRIVY TO SEE.
I THINK THE POLICE BRUTALITY IS A MAJOR ISSUE NOT JUST IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT IN THE WORLD. WE WANT TO LOOK AT THE GREAT COUNTY HERE THAT WE LIVE IN. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T HAVE A GEORGE FLOYD OR A TYRE HAPPEN.
[01:20:01]
>> NEXT IS TRACY BROWN SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> I STOOD LIKE THAT BECAUSE I AM A ABUSE IN THE 90S. I DID FOUR YEARS AND HAD 15 YEARS [INAUDIBLE] AND THIS IS WHAT I AM HERE TO TELL YOU.
I JUST WANTED YOU TO SEE A VISUAL OF AN INNOCENT OFFICER.
MY NAME IS TRACY BROWN. I AM A MEMBER OF [INAUDIBLE] JUSTICE. I LIVED CLOSE TO THE LOCATION WHERE TYRE NICHOL WAS MURDERED. THE BLACK MOTHER OF TWO SONS AND A FORMER HOUSTON POLICE OFFICER. I KNOW THE CULTURE.
I AM VERY FEARFUL OF MY SON BEING PULLED OVER.
I WITNESSED POLICE DISCRIMINATION AS A PROBATION -- PROBATIONARY OFFICER AND FROM ALL RACES AND COLORS.
I AM ASKING THAT THIS COMMISSION MOVE FORWARD WITH EXPANDING HOW WE VIEW COMMUNITY SAFETY AND IMPLEMENTING USE OF FORCE POLICIES. AND AGAIN, I WANTED TO GIVE UH VISUAL FOR WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE FOR A POLICE OFFICER --
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU, TRACY. >> NEXT IS TERRELL MALONE SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HI, EVERYBODY.
MY NAME IS DARRELL MALONE AND I AM THE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL POLICE DATA COALITION.
IT IS TO THE MY FIRST TIME APPEARING BEFORE THIS BODY.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME IN PERSON. I WAS HERE WHEN ACTUALLY THIS POLICY WAS UH -- WAS ADOPTED TO ADOPT A NEW USE OF FORCE AND MOVE THINGS FORWARD. IT MAKES SENSE THAT I AM HERE TO TRY AND KEEP THAT MOTION GOING FORWARD.
AS CHAIRMAN OF THE MPDC I SPEAK TO PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTRY WHO ARE ENGAGED IN THE FIGHT FOR A SAFER, MORE FAIR AND MORE EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
I HEAR ALL KINDS OF STORIES AND LOVING SMALLER COMMUNITIES EVEN HERE IN TEXAS. YOU CAN SEE A LOT OF FEAR FROM PEOPLE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS, OR FROM PEOPLE AGAINST THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS. SOME PEOPLE WOULD RATHER KEEP QUIET ABOUT BEING ABUSED OR INJURED RATHER THAN DEAL WITH ANY RES TRAU -- RET -- RETRIBUTION.
WE HAVE A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND I THINK WE COULD BE A LEADER AND PROMOTE A POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF
WHAT SHOULD BE POLICING IN 2023. >> THANK YOU.
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> A BETTER USE OF FORCE POLICY
AND AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW. >> THANK YOU, YO ARE TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS RASHAN EVANS SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HOW ARE Y'ALL DOING? I AM THE CO-FOUNDER AND ORGANIZING DIRECTOR OF PURE JUSTICE. I AM HERE TO ASK WHEN WILL WE SEE THE CHANGE WE DESERVE? AS A BLACK MAN IN AMERICA, THE DATA -- AND DATA AND WEAK PUBLIC POLICY REMINDERS REMINDS ME THAT LIFE IS AT-RISK WHEN I ENCOUNTER LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I WAS PUSHED AND SLAMMED TO THE GROUND AND ARRESTED FOR SIMPLY ASKING AN OFFICER WHY WERE THERE COUNTERPARTS KNEELING ON THE BACK OF THEEC NK OF ANOTHER MAN AFTER WE JUSTNE WITSSEDE GEORG FLOYD. FORCOULDAVE LOST MY LIFE ASKINGE A SIMPLQUESTION. WE HAVE N COLLECTEDEARLYRV 500 OF COLORM COMMUNITY THAT WE WORK IN AND THE DATA SHOWS THAT 36% OF OUR PEOPLE ARE PHYSICALLY AND VERBALLY ASSAULTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. 43 EXPERIENCE EXCESS OF FORCE AND 73% FEEL THEIRLI COMMUNITIES ARE OVERPOCED.
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> FEEL LAWO ENFORCEMENT IS NOT
NEEDED T KEEP US SAFE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS JOHNNY SALLY SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> HI THERE. I AM JOHNNY SALLY AND I AM A
[01:25:02]
MEMBER OF PURE JUSTICE. AS A VETERAN AND A BLACK FATHER OF SEVEN, WHICH I SAY VETERAN BECAUSE IT DOESN'T MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO POLICING, THERE WILL BE INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OR CHARGED AND EVEN STOPPED AND HANDLED LESS THAN WHAT I FEEL IS RESPECTABLE OR MADE TO FEEL SAFE.SO IF I'M APPROACHED BY OFFICERS WHO AUTOMATICALLY FEEL THEIR LIFE IS IN DANGER, HOW ARE THEY GOING TO REACT WITH ME? HOW ARE THEY GOING TO REACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE? WE KNOW HARRIS COUNTY DOESN'T HAVE CONTROL OVER HPD, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY HPD HAS THE HIGHER SHOOTING AND ARRESTS IN POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
I AM LOOKING FOR AN EXCESSIVE FORCE POLICY NOT ONLY PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY, BUT IT FOLLOWED UP WITH BECAUSE CAMPAIGN ZERO HAS DEVELOPED A MODEL USE OF FORCE POLICY THIS COMMISSION COULD ADOPT IN FULL. WE ARE JUST ASKING TO BE TREATED WITH THE SAME RESPECT YOUR OFFICERS WANT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS CRYSTAL JOY TURNER SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> MY NAME IS CRYSTAL JOY TURNER AND I AM WITH PURE JUSTICE. AFRICAN-AMERICANS ARE DYING BY THE HANDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. A STUDY FROM HARVARD SCHOOL PUBLIC HEALTH FOUND THAT BLACK PEOPLE ARE MORE THAN THREE TIMES AS LIKELY AS WHITE PEOPLE DURING A POLICE ENCOUNTER.
I WITNESSED SEVERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WHO SAY JUST COMPLY AND YOU WON'T BE HARMED. IF THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMPLYING AT A TRAFFIC STOP AND DYING AT THE HANDS OF EXCESSIVE FORCE, IT SHOULD NOT BE THAT.
I AM WATCHING LAW ENFORCEMENT GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER AND ONLY HAVING LEAVE. IT CAUSES A SERIES OF EMOTIONS AMONG BLACK COMMUNITIES AND A LEVEL OF DISTRUST FOR ALL ENTITIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. UNTIL THERE IS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS IT WILL CONTINUE.
FOR THIS WE ARE ASKING FOR AN EXCESSIVE FORCE POLICY TO BE PUT IN PLACE SO THERE IS SAFETY FOR ALL PEOPLE AND CREATE A LEVEL OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS TANUNIQUE SMITH. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM TANUNIQUE SMITH AND I AM HERE TO TALK ABOUT WE REALLY NEED A POLICY IN HARRIS COUNTY THAT TALKS ABOUT HOW POLICE INTERACTION WITH AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN ARE DEALT WITH.
I AM ASKING THAT YOU PLEASE CONSIDER US AS BEING HUMAN BEINGS. PLEASE RESPECT US LIKE WE RESPECT THE LAW. PLEASE WRITE THIS POLICY SO THAT WE ALL CAB -- CAN FEEL SAFE IN THE COMMUNITIES WE LIVE IN.
WE ARE CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY AND WE DESERVE TO BE RESPECTED AS WELL. THANK YOU.
>> SOPHIA CAMPOS SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> HELLO. MY NAME IS SOPHIA CAMPOS AND I AM SPEAKING OF THE ORGANIZATION PURE JUSTICE.
IT IS OUR ASK FOR COMPREHENSIVE POLICY -- I GET SO NERVOUS.
COMPREHENSIVE POLICY BE PASSED THAT WILL ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THE FORCE USED BY POLICE OFFICERS SO THE COMMUNITIES CAN BEGIN TO HEAL AND THE VIOLENCE BE PUT TO EANND.
WEVE BELIE WHATS PRECEED THESE TRAFFIC STOPSIV IS EXCESSE FORCL BY PICE OFFICERS AND THE IN SOCIALEDDED PERCEPTION. BLACK MEN ARE STOPPED UPWARDS OF 60% MORE OFTEN AND MAKE UP 28% OF TRAFFIC STOPS.DURING THE TRAUMA THAT THISUN INFLICTSN THE COMMITY OF COLOR CONTINUES IN GREATER DISTRUST.
CANNOT HAVE MORE OF THE SAME. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NICK BEZZLE SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> NICK BEZZLE. FOUNDER OF ELMER YES, SIR RAN -- ELMER GERANAMO PRATT. EVERYONE IS SPEAKING ON THE SAME TOPIC AND SO I WON'T HARP ON IT. HERE IS A LESS SEWN.
THESE STARS YOU SEE ON THESE POLICE OFFICERS' UNIFORM,ING LET ME HELP YOU, SLAVE PATROL. SLAVE PATROL ALSO KNOWN AS SLAVE PATROLLERS ARE PADDY ORGANIZERS OR ARMED MEN WHO MONITOR AND ENFORCE DISCIPLINE UPON SLAVES IN THE ANTEBELLUM U.S. STATES.
A SLAVE PATROL'S FUNCTION WAS TO POLICE ENSLAVED PERSONS ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ESCAPE OR WERE VIEWED AS DEFIANT.
THEY ALSO FORMED RIVER PATROLS TO PREVENT ESCAPE BY BOATS.
SLAVE PATROLLERS. PADDY ROLLERS.
[01:30:01]
HMM. PADDY WAGONS.HAVE WE HEARD THAT BEFORE? OCCUPATION TYPE, LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MILITARY. POLICE IN THE MOVEMENT OF BLACK PEOPLE. SLAVE PATROLS WERE EXPLICIT TO EMPOWER THE WHITE POPULATION. THEY WERE FIRST ESTABLISHED IN
SOUTH CAROLINA IN 1704. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS WADAM SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
MY NAME IS DR. GODNAYER AND I AM HERE AS A MEMBER OF PURE JUSTICE. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ABOUT ITEM [INAUDIBLE]. I AM ALSO A PROFESSOR AT TEXAS SOUTHERN. I WOULD BE EXTREMELY UPSET AND ANGRY IF SOMETHING LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO TYRE NICHOLS HAPPENED TO THEM. WHEN I SEE THE TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO I THINK OF MY STUDENTS. I HAVE BEEN TEACHING SINCE 2009 AND MANY OF MY STUDENTS HAVE TALKED TO ME ABOUT THE PERSONAL THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED WHEN BEING PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER. OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES BETTER THAN WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND WE DESERVE BETTER SAFETY MEASURES AND BETTER R*EUFPS WITH -- RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT. THE POLICIES PASSED BY THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT IN 2020 WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN 2023 SUCH AS USE OF FORCE POLICY AND THE CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD AND OTHER ALTERNATIVES AND FIRST RESPONDERS AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING. HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS NICKY LOU ELLEN SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> BEFORE -- NO STATE SHALL DEPRIVE A PERSON OF LIFE, LIBERTY AND PROPERTY WITHOUT DUE PROCESS OF THE LEONORE DENY -- NOR DENY EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW.
HARRIS COUNTY IS IN VIOLATION OF THE TEXAS U.S. CONSTITUTION AND THEREFORE WE NEED INDEMNITIES. BLACK PEOPLE MAKE UP [INAUDIBLE] AND ACCOUNT FOR 56% OF THOSE WOUNDED AND MURDERED BY HPD LAST YEAR. BLACK PEOPLE MAKE UP 50% OF THE PEOPLE INCOURSE RATED IN HARRIS COUNTY AND ILLNESS IS 80% IN HARRIS HARRIS COUNTY AND 60% OF THE PEOPLE IN TEXAS JAIL ARE IN PRE-TRIAL DETENTION AND TOO POOR TO AFFORD BAIL.
I STAND WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND DEMAND AN UPDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY. WE ALSO NEED IT TO BE COMPLETED WITH ATTACHMENTS ACCESSIBLE TO THE COMMUNITY AND ON ONE MAIN WEBSITE. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ALERTED VIA EMAIL WHEN THE REPORTS ARE RELEASED.
SINCE THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD HARRIS COUNTY HAS NOT IMPROVED IN ANY AREA OF POLICING. WE DEMAND RESULTS ANDOT N EMPTY
RHETORIC -- >> THANK YOU,R YOUTIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU.>> NEXT IS JOYCE JONES SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> GOOD EVENING. I'M JOYCE JONES, A MEMBER OF TEXAS ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE. WATCHING THE ONGOING BRUTAL AND CRUEL POLICE MURDER OF BLACK PEOPLES BRINGS BACK TO THE TIME WHEN I WAS A VICTIM OF POLICE BRUTALITY.
I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY -- I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FEAR FOR MY LIFE, MY SONS AND MY DAUGHTERS' LIFE AND WORRIED THAT AT ANY TIME THEY COULD BE PULLED OVER, HARASSED, BEATEN AND EVEN KILLED BY POLICE SIMPLY FOR THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN.
HARRIS COUNTY NEEDS TO DEVELOP A PUT IN PLACE A USE OF FORCE POLICY FOR POLICE. WE NEED MORE RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY, BE NOT JAIL. WE NEED CARE, NOT CAGES.
>> NEXT IS CHRISTOPHER RIVERA SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU.
MY NAME IS CHRISTOPHER RIVERA AND I LIVE IN PRECINCT 1.
I WORK WITH THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT [INAUDIBLE] IT IS APPARENT THAT TRAFFIC STOPS NEED TO BE ALTERED TO BE SAFER.
WHAT WE SEE NATIONALLY ALSO HAPPENS LOCALLY.
HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLES AND SHERIFF [INAUDIBLE] ARRESTS AND BRUTALIZE. THE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY TRAFFIC DASHBOARD ASSERTS BLACK DRIVERS ARE TWO TIMES MORE LIKELY THAN WHITE DRIVERS TO HAVE PHYSICAL FORCE. THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND WE NEED SUPPORT POLICY AND FIND ALTERNATIVES AND NOT INCARCERATION AND CRIMINALIZED -- CRIMINALIZES THE POOR COMMUNITY [INAUDIBLE] AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAM.
[01:35:01]
PROGRAMS LIKE THESE HELP KEEP BLACK BROWN AND POOR COMMUNITIES SAFE FROM OVERBEARING HANDS OF THE POLICE.I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE CONTINUE THE COMMITMENT YOU BEGAN THREE YEARS AGO TO END POLICE VIOLENCE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS OSIRIS SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> I AM OR -- OSIRIS. AS A BLACK MAN, FATHER AND EDUCATOR, I AM AGAINST ALL POLICE VIOLENCE.
WE NEED TO DEMAND AN IMMEDIATE END TO POLICE VIOLENCE.
WEED NEED -- WE NEED TO END QUALIFIED IN -- IMMUNITY.
WE NEED TO POLICE THE POLICE. WE NEED POLICE DISCIPLINARY RECORDS PUBLIC INFORMATION SO WE DON'T HIRE THESE POLICE OFFICERS WHO CONTINUE TO COMMIT ACTS OF MISCONDUCT.
WE NEED TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL DATABASE TO KEEP DISCIPLINARY RECORDS ON RECORD AND DOCUMENT THIS.
WE NEED TO RESETTER TPAOEU POLICE OFFICERS YEARLY.
WE MUST STOP KILLING BLACK PEOPLE.
BLACK PEOPLE DESERVE THE UTMOST RESPECT.
LIKE I SAID, I AM UNEQUIVOCALLY AGAINST POLICE VIOLENCE.
THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE. WE NEED POLICY THAT FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORMS POLICING INCLUDING THE RELATIONSHIP THE COMMUNITY. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS FRANKY MUHAMMAD SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> HELLO, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. IF YOU LOOK AT ME YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TELL WHAT RACE I AM. IF I GET PULLED OVER BY A COP I WON'T HAVE TO THINK TOO MUCH AND DON'T HAVE TO GO OVERALL OF THE STATS. IT HAS BEEN SPOKEN WELL ENOUGH.
YOU ARE LEADERSHIP OF HARRIS COUNTY SO HAVING THAT UNANIMOUS PASSING FOR THIS USE OFOR FCE POLICY IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU HAVE A VERYOP GOOD PORTUNITY TOTH MAKE E LIBERTY ANDWR SKUS -- JUSTICE FOR ALL AND ONE AN INDIVISIBLE.
WE STARTED THEAY MEETING TOD WITH THAT.
HOW CAN WE BE, YOU KNOW, LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL AS A PEOPLEN IF YOU HAVE EROSION OF PUBLIC TRUST? WE ARE TALKINGED ABOUT WHAT WE THEN WE WILL FOLLOW THROUGH AND SEE, WELL, WHAT DID OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS DO FOR US? AS LEADERSHIP Y'ALL HAVE AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY.
HARRIS COUNTY IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST COUNTIES IN THE COUNTRY, SO HOW DO YOU SAY YOU WILL SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS OR FAILURE BY HOW WE MOVE FORWARD AND START GETTING OUR POLICIES IN PLACE. IF ANYONE STARTS CHECKING RECORDS, IT IS AN EASY SPREADSHEET.
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THE DATA IS ALL THERE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS CARL DAVIS SPEAKING IN PERSON ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I'M CARL DAVIS, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF [INAUDIBLE], THE OLDEST BLACK DENOMINATION IN AMERICA. WE WAS FOUNDED BECAUSE OF DISCRIMINATION. IN 1787 IN PHILADELPHIA, WHEN THE ELDERS OF ST. GEORGE METHODIST CHURCH FORCEFULLY ASKED FREE SLAVES WHILE IN PRAYER.
THAT WAS 240 YEARS AGO. AS BLACKS TODAY, WE ARE STILL FACING DISCRIMINATION BY EXCESSIVE FORCE BY POLICE OFFICERS, NOT ELDERS OF THE CHURCH.
SINCE THIS POLICY WAS PASSED WE ARE STILL VICTIMS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE IT WAS PASSED IN 2020.
AFTER GEORGE FLOYD, MY [INAUDIBLE] WAS PUBLICLY KILLED AND NOW TYRE NICHOLS. THE TIME IS NOW TO IMPLEMENT POLICE REFORM. WE CANNOT WAIT ANY LONGER.
I ASK YOU TO STEP FORWARD AND LEAD THE CHARGE AND BE THE CHANGE AMERICA NEEDS. I STAND TODAY WITH MY FRIENDS AT PURE JUSTICE ASKING FOR THIS POLICY, ITEM 439 --
>> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS MO QUARTEZ SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I AM MO CORTEZ. I HAVE TWO SPECIFIC ASKS FOR TODAY. I SAID IT LAST YEAR AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN. DE-CARSERATE HARRIS COUNTY.
DO THE UNCOMFORTABLE WAYS TO FIGURE THIS OUT.
THEY DID IT IF OTHER COUNTRIES. WHAT LEGACY WILL YOU LEAVE BEHIND? WE HAVE LIFETIME BIASES WE DON'T THINK 20 YEARS, 40 YEARS, 60 YEARS IN THE FUTURE, BUT WHAT WILL WE LEAVE FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE LEFT BEHIND? DECARCERATE HARRIS COUNTY AND LET'S SOLVE IT IN HOUSE.
BIDEN HAS NOT FIGURED THIS OUT. WHATEVER HAPPENS IN HOUSTON AND
[01:40:04]
WHATEVER HAPPENS IN TEXAS ECHOES IN THE NATION.WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT. THAT'S MY SIMPLE ASK IS TO DO THAT. THE SECOND ASK ARE -- LIKE I SAID LAST YEAR, ARE TO DO QUARTERLY SAFETY ROUND TABLES WITH THE COMMUNITY. THE COMMUNITY HAS THE ANSWERS BECAUSE THEY ARE CLOSEST TO THE PROBLEM.
THIS IS NOT A NEW THING. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> NEXT IS SAVA BLANDING SPEAKING ON THE SAME ITEM.
>> I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 2 AND A MEMBER OF THE HOUSTON ABOLITIONIST COLLECTIVE. I AM SHOWING UP TODAY AS A MOTHER. WE NEED TO EXPAND OUR COLLECTIVE DEFINITION OF WHAT MAKES COMMUNITIES SAFE AND WHY.
AS A MOM WHEN KIDS ACT UP OR ANYTHING HAPPENS I DON'T CONDEMN THEM. I MAKE SURE THEY ARE WELL FED AND MAKE SURE THEY HAVE SLEEP AND FOOD.
IF WE INVEST IN THOSE RESOURCES, THAT'S WHAT KEEPS OUR COMMUNITY SAFE, HOUSING, ACCESS TO FOOD, ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER, ACCESS TO CONSISTENT WATER. WE KNOW THAT THIS WORKS, AND THAT'S WHAT THE SCIENCE SHOWS. WE HOPE THAT HARRIS COUNTY MOVES FORWARD WITH DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THEIR COMMITMENTS TO HAVING A USE OF FORCE POLICY, CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD, ALTERNATIVESO TINCARCERATION ANDAN EXPDING ALTERNATIVE FIRST RESPONDERS ANDNC VIOLEE PREVENTION PROGRAMS. WE CAN DO THIS, HARRIS COUNTY. WER ARE BETTETHAN WHAT WE AREG DOINRIGHT NOW. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS DIANA WILLIAMS SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON THE SAME ITEM. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING.
I AM DIANA WILLIAMS AND A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 2.
I HAVE A BLACK SON AND TWO GRANDSONS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I AM SADDENED TO SEE ANOTHER BLACK MAN BEING MURDERED BY THE VERY PEOPLE SOME OF YOU IN AMERICA WANT US TO BELIEVE UPHOLD THE LAW AND PROTECTS US. BLACK PEOPLE MAKE UP 22% OF THE POP -- POPULATION IN HOUSTON, BUT 63% OF THE PEOPLE KILLED BY POLICE IN -- 2013 AND 2021 WERE BLACK.
WHAT HAS TRANSPIRED WITH YOUR ORDER IN 2020 FOR JAD TO CREATE A CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD TO REVIEW POLICY AND ALLEGATIONS OF THE USE OF FORCE BY POLICE? DOES IT EXIST? IS THE SHERIFF AND CONSTABLES OFFICE SUBMITTING REPORTS ON OFFICERS USES OF FORCE? IF SO, WHAT IS BEING DONE WITH ANY OF THE NAMES ON THE REPORTS? THEY NEED TO BREAK DOWN THE SYSTEMIC CULTURE OF POLICING AS IT HAD TODAY WHILE INVESTING
RESOURCES INTO THE COMMUNITY. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS MARISSA HANSON SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 442.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> 9,307 MORE MAIL IN BALLOTS COUNTED THAN THERE ARE REGISTERED VOTERS.
121 POLLING LOCATIONS WITH NO PAPER BALLOTS.
$40 MILLION OF ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT RUNS ON, BUT OVER -- OVER 52 POLLING LOCATIONS ONLY RECEIVED HALF OF THE MAIL IN BALLOTS. THIS IS VOTER SUPPRESSION.
THIS IS NOT VOTER SUPPRESSION ON A SMALL LEVEL.
THIS IS VOTER SUPPRESSION ON OVER 50,000 VOTES.
WHY HAVEN'T YOU CALLED FOR AN ELECTION BALLOT MEETING? YOU ARE THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT.
AREN'T YOU, LINA? WHY HAVEN'T YOU CALLED FOR A MEETING? ARE YOU TOO BUSY IN THAILAND LOSING YOUR PHONE? INSTEAD OF CLAIMING YOU WERE IN COLUMBIA WHEN YOU -- DIDN'T YOU WORK IT THAILAND FOR GEORGE SOROS? DID YOU DITCH SECURITY WHEN YOU LEFT YOUR PHONE? YEAH.
HERE IS A LOT OF INFORMATION ON THE PHONE --
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> NEXT IS NEIL HANSON SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 444. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS NEIL HANSON AND I AM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DIRECTIVES AT BAKER RIPLEY.
I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THE CHILD CARE CONTRACTED SLOTS PROGRAM. BAKER RIP -- RIPLEY HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND PROVIDER AGREEMENTS AND RECRUITMENT PROCESSING THROUGH EFFICIENT OPERATIONS THE FIVE DIFFERENT HIVE VOLUME CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AND HEADSTART AND EARLY --
>> LINA HIDALGO: SIR, WE SEEM TO HAVE LOST YOU THERE.
>> OKAY. WE WILL CHECK BACK WITH HIM,
[01:45:03]
JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO
MUCH. >> NEXT MOVING TO NONAGENDA SPEAKERS, FIRST IS JACOB CLEMANTAGE SPEAKING IN PERSON
AND YOU GET TWO MINUTES. >> MY NAME IS.
>> CLEMANTAGE AND I WILL SHOW THANK YOU BOOK CALLEDIN INAUDIBLE]. AND I AMNG GOI TO ASK YOU ALL TO OK AT HOW THE AUTHORTO AUGRAPHED THE BOOK TO ME.
[INAUDIBLE]FE COMING UP BRUARY 11TH TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT LINA -- [INAUDIBLE] AND HE ALSO WANTS TO KNOW IF SHE WAS -- THE PUBLIC PAY FOR HER TRIP OR USED HER OWN PERSONAL MONEY. AND WONDERING -- HE WAS WONDERING WHETHER OR NOT SINCE SHE HAS TWO BODYGUARDS IF WE GET AT LEAST ONE BODYGUARD. HE ALSO GAVE ME GOOD ADVICE ON MY JOB AT AIR MARK. AND THAT IS TO ALWAYS [INAUDIBLE] AND THEN MY AIR MARK BOSS, SHE SAYS, INFORM ME THAT THEY ARE ALWAYS HIRING FOLKS AND IT IS VERY ANNOYING AS A CO-WORKER. WELL, I HAVE YOU -- SIX SECONDS LEFT. I THINK TOM RAMSEY SHOULD BE CELEBRATED AS A CIVIL ENGINEER FOR HARRIS COUNTY IS A-1.
HE DID A GOOD JOB. ALSO AND ARE YOU A GOOD MAN AND
YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.
>> NEIL HANSON IS BACK ON THE LINE AND SPEAKING ON ITEM TPAOU.
GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU.
GOOD MORNING, COUNTY JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I APOLOGIZE FOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS EARLIER.
AS I SAID, I AM NEIL HANSON AND THE SENIOR DIRECTOR AT BAKER RIK WITH THE COUNTY'S AGREEMENT ON THE CHILD CARE CONTRACTED SLOTS PROGRAM. BAKER RIPLEY HAS THE EXPERT TEAM WITH WORKING WITH PROVIDERS AND CUSTOMERS AND ELIGIBILITY TO EFFICIENT OPERATION OF FIVE DIFFERENT HIGH VOLUME CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AS WELL AS HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START.
THERE IS OTHER HIGH VOLUME ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT PROGRAMS IN DISASTER RECOVERY AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE AND THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE AREAS. ON THIS ITEM WE LOOK FORWARD TO LEVERAGING OUR DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE ON THE EXPERTISE OF OUR LONG-STANDING PARTNER, THE UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON TO CREATE 800 TO A THOUSAND ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM SPACES FOR CHILDREN. AND IT WILL REDUCE TEACH EVERY TURNOVER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS IMPORTANT ITEM. THANK YOU.
SKWAEU NEXT IS NONAGENDA -- >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER 2.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GLORY TO GOD ALL MIGHTY.
I WAS HERE 2010 TRYING TO TELL YOU ABOUT THE CORRUPT SITUATION WITH HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHICH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL HAS LET OUT A REPORT SAYING THERE IS AN AUDIT THEY ARE INEFFICIENT. WE ARE THE EVIDENCE OF THAT REPORT. WHAT ELSE? 2017 AND HARVEY HIT AND WE WERE ALSO LEFT HOMELESS.
I HEAR JUDGE HIDALGO ON THE NEWS CRYING AND SAYING -- AND THAT'S JUST A WAY OF EXPRESSION, BUT OH YOU DISCRIMINATED AGAINST US BECAUSE WE ARE LOW INCOME AND MINORITIES AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I BROUGHT THIS TO Y'ALL'S ATTENTION AND YOU ARE DOING NOTHING.
YOU SIT IN THE SEAT AND EXTEND THE TIME OF THOSE WHO COMPLIMENT YOU AND THOSE WHORE A HERE WE ARE A JOKE TO YOU AND YOU GIVE US A MINUTE. IE HOPYOU REPENT, REALLY.
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.HA >> TNK YOU.
[01:50:01]
>> NEXT IS FAVIOLA DELGADO SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.
I AMPO HERE FOR THE SAME PURSE. I HOPE YOU ALSO LISTEN TO USBO D DO SOMETHING AUT IT. REMEMBER THE TAXPAYERS ARE THE ONES PAYING YOUR SALARY. I AM HERE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BUYOUTRE PROGRAM WHICH HAS BEEN ALADY AND THR* IS A -- THERE IS A LACK OF COMPETENCE FOR EMPLOYEES.
38,000 MILLION DOLLARS WAS TAKEN FROM US.
YOU ARE GIVING US WHATEVER BECAUSE WE ARE THE MINORITY.
THIS IS ENOUGH. >> DOESN'T MATTER WHAT WE ARE, BLACK, WHITE, HISPANIC. YOU PAY, AND I PAY FLOOD INSURANCE FOR MY HOUSE AND THIS IS HOW YOU ARE DOING IT?
JUST GIVING US WHATEVER. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THE COUNTY OR THE TOWN AND YOU PROBABLY WOULD GIVE --
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> TO RECOMPENSE ALL WE ARE GOING THROUGH.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS DIANA GEAR SPEAKING VIRTUALLY. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
GO AHEAD, PLEASE. I AM REACHING OUT FOR MY CHILDREN AND IT IS IN REFERENCE TO MARK PERLA VERSUS DIANA GARA AND CUSTODY OF OUR CHILDREN. MARK PERLA HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY SENDING ME THROUGH MEDIATION SINCE OUR DIVORCE IN 2018 AND I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REACH OUT TO GET HELP WITH THE ATTORNEYS BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE ANY MONEY TO AFFORD AN ATTORNEY.
I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE WILL HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOW-UP
WITH YOU, MA'AM. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> NEXT IS MICHELLE CANTON SPEAKING IN PERSON.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING.
I AM MICHELLE CANTON AND I AM HERE TO SPEAK OF THE HARVEY BUYOUT PROGRAM. I REALIZE THAT I AM PROBABLY A SPECIAL CASE IN THAT I KNEW WHAT THE WORD EMINENT DOMAIN MEANT WHEN I READ THE LETTER. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COUNTY FOR THE PROGRAM. WE LIVED AT ALDING PLACE.
OUR HOUSE FLOODED 15 TIMES IN 10 YEARS.
THEY COMPLETELY DESTROYED OUR WATER SHED.
I WAS VIN DEBATE -- VINDICATED WHEN I HEARD THE PROPERTY WAS ADDED TO THE BUYOUT. IT HAS BEEN A BLESSING AND I HOPE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING THROUGH WILL LOOK LONG-TERM TO HELP UNDERSTAND THAT THIS GETS THEM OUT OF WHERE THEY ARE AT.
THEY HAVE A VALUED HOUSE AND NOT A INTOED -- FLOODED HOUSE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO SAY, JUST MAKE SURE SOMEBODY AT CSD TALKS TO THEM -- I KNOW MY STAFF HAS, TO MAKE SURE THE INFORMATION IS GETTINGO TSOME OF THEOC UNDUMENTED COMMUNITY.
I KNOW IT IS EMOTIONAL AND IT WASN'T THE TIME TO BRING IT UP.
>> NEXT IS LIONEL GARZA. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MR. GARZA? THANK YOU.
HE IS MAKING HIS WAY. >> I AM LIONEL GARZA.
[01:55:07]
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BUYOUT PROGRAM.IF IT WASN'T FOR THEM I WOULD STILL BE STUCK IN AN AREA THAT CONTAINS -- THAT CONTINUES TO FLOOD.
I WAS THERE FOR 10 YEARS AND EACH TIME IT WAS FLOODED IT WAS EXPERIMENTS THAT HAPPENED ABANDONED MY HOUSE AND NOT KNOWING IF YOU WERE GOING TO HAVE A HOME TO COME TO AND LIVE ON OR HAVE A HOME TO COME TO. LIVING ON SOCIAL SECURITY YOU CAN'T AFFORD FLOOD INSURANCE OR MOVE OUT.
NOW THANKS TO ALL OF YOU I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE AND I NEVER DREAMED OF HAVING AND NO MORE FRIGHTENING FLOOD EXPERIENCES.
I APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU.
>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL THE SPEAKERS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: QUESTION, FOLKS.
DO YOU WANT TO TAKE A 15-MINUTE BREAK OR LUNCH.
>> LUNCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL BE BACK
AT -- YES? >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN WE COME BACK, I AM HOPING WE CAN TAKE ITEM, THE REQUEST --
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL TAKE THAT OUT OF ORDER.
YES. THOSE ARE THE BUDGET ITEMS. THE ELECTION ITEMS. GOT IT.
SO LET'S BE BACK -- IT IS NOON. 12:45? ALL RIGHT. WE'LL BE BACK --
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE DO THE CONCEPT FIRST?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN WE COME BACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. IT IS 12:59 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. WE HAVE SEVERAL ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN REQUESTED FOR OUT OF ORDER. I PROPOSE WE START WITH BUDGET AND THEN WE GO OVER TORNADO, 436, AND COMMUNITY SAFETY PROGRAMS, 439, AND FINALLY THE ELECTION.
AND THEN WE GO BACK AND GO OVER THE CONSENT AGENDA AND THE REST OF THE AGENDA. DOES THAT WORK, COLLEAGUES?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THE TORNADO UP JUST
BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT IT HAS. >> LINA HIDALGO: TORNADO IS ITEM 436. THE LATEST ON THAT ONE, I VISITED THE COMMUNITIES -- THE DAY I LANDED I WAS IN PASADENA AND BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE MAYORS.
I DO WANT TO THANK AND THIS IS THE DAY OF, THE MEDIA.
FOLKS TOLD ME WHO WAS LITERALLY IN THEIR HOMES AND COMPLETELY DESTROYED HOMES, WHO SURVIVED AND WHOSE BABY SURVIVED AND WHOSE NEIGHBOR SURVIVED BECAUSE THEY KNEW FROM THE LOCAL PRESS AND THEY KNEW THAT A TORNADO WAS COMING AND THEY FOUND A SAFE SPOT IN THE ROOM. IT WAS NOTHING SORT -- SHORT OF A MIRACLE, BUT PART OF IT WAS THE ABILITY OF RESIDENTS TO ACT.
IT HAS BEEN WONDERFUL TO WORK WITH THE MAYORS AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE COMMISSIONER.
I KNOW YOU STEPPED UP ON DEBRIS REMOVAL AND CLOSE COORDINATION.
AND I WANT TO ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE THE RED CROSS WHICH HELPED ON ESTABLISHING RESOURCES. WE WORKED WITH THE TWO JURISDICTIONS MOST IMPACTED IN ESTABLISHING A JOINT DISASTER ASSISTANCE RECOVERY CENTER. AND WE SENT COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT NAVIGATORS THAT HELPED BRING PEOPLE TO THE RECOVERY CENTER AND THAT HELPED RESPOND TO INQUIRIES THE RECOVERY CENTER IS A STOP GAP SOLUTION TO HELP PEOPLE CONNECT WITH THE RESOURCES THAT ARE EXISTING.
REQUEST FOR FURNITURE AND RELOCATION AND FOOD AND CLOTHING. SOME FOLKS NEEDED CLOTHING.
THE JURISDICTION COMMISSIONER AND THE RED CROSS AND THE COUNTY ARE WORKING ON THAT. WE ALSO HAD THES HARRICENTER TO PROVIDEL MENTAHEALTH SERVICES TO CHILDRENLT AND ADUS.LK THE FOS I METHO WITH WERE SOK AND WERE RESILIENT ANDIT POSITI.
WASIR INCREDIBLY INSPING, BUT JUST THE SCENES, I MEAN,EV THE NOISE AND ERYTHING THEY DESCRIBED, I CAN'T IMAGINE SOMEONE BEING NOT H IMPACTED FOR THE LONGAUL.
APPROXIMATELY 1070 PEOPLE WENT FROM 570 HOUSEHOLDS.
IT WAS OPEN FROM THE 27TH OF JANUARY TO THE 29TH OF JANUARY. THERE WAS VARIOUS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FROM BAKER RIPLEY, RED CROSS, UNITED WAY, ET
[02:00:01]
CETERA, FAITH-BASED PORTIONS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SUPPORT WITH INSURANCE AND LEGAL, ET CETERA.ALL OF THOSE DESERVE A DEBT OF GRATITUDE.
THE FUNDS DO NOT JUST GO TO SMALL BUSINESSES.
IF WE RECEIVE SPA ASSISTANCE, IT MEANS THAT INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS AS WELL AS BUSINESSES CAN APPLY FOR LOW INTEREST LOANS. THAT HAS A THRESHOLD OF 25 HOMES OR BUSINESSES THAT EACH SUSTAINED UNINSURED DAMAGE -- UNINSURED LOSSES OF 40% OR MORE. THAT IS SOMETHING WE KNOW WE ALREADY CROSSED AND WE KNOW WE QUALIFIED FOR SBA ASSISTANCE.
THE APPLICATION WILL LIKELY BE SUBMITTED TOMORROW AND WE ARE WAITING TO DO THAT HAND IN HAND WITH THE STATE.
ALL OF THAT WE MOVE HAND IN HAND WITH THE STATE WE ARE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AS ALWAYS.
IF THE REQUEST IS APPROVED, INDIVIDUALS WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR LOANS IN 24 TO 48 HOURS AND IT IS A 2.4% INTEREST RATE AND UP TO $40,000 AND FOR HOMEOWNERS UP TO $200,000 EVEN WITH INSURANCE COVERAGE IN LOANS WITH A 2.4% INTEREST RATE.
BUSINESSES RECEIVE UP TO $2 MILLION WITH A 4% INTEREST RATE. THERE IS ANOTHER ONE WE TALKED ABOUT AND THAT IS THE FEMA DIRECT ASSISTANCE.
WE RECEIVED THAT IN THE PAST AND WE ARE ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH DISASTERS IN OUR REGION. AND THOSE ARE NOT LOANS.
THOSE ARE GRANTS. THE CONCERN WAS WE WOULDN'T MEET THE THRESHOLD AND IT WAS A GOOD CONCERN TO HAVE.
THAT MEANS THERE IS MORE OF AN IMPACT.
AS IT TURNS OUT THERE WERE TWO COMPLEXES AND MANY, MANY, MANY TENANTS IMPACTED BY THE TORNADO. AND SO THERE IS ACTUALLY -- UNLIKE WE INITIALLY THOUGHT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY WE MIGHT REACH THE THRERB -- THRESHOLD FOR FEMA ASSISTANCE AND IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE PAID BACK. WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THAT YET.
WHETHER WE MEET THE THRESHOLD IS NOT AS CLEAR CUT AS THE BUSINESS ASSISTANCE. ULTIMATELY IT IS UP TO THE PRESIDENT'S JUDGMENT. RIGHT NOW THEY HAVE DONE THE OFFICIAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS AND THE FOLKS ARE WORKING ON FINALIZING THE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON APARTMENT BUILDINGS. ONCE WE HAVE THAT, WE SHOULD -- WHICH SHOULD BE IDEALLY TOMORROW AND IRRESPECTIVE OF THIS THEY WILL BE FUNDRAISING WITH AROUND 500 TO $400,000 DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH THEY RAISE. I KNOW BAKER RIPLEY IS BEING SUPPORTIVE AND DEER PARK JUNIOR HIGHND A ALL OF THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS, BUT THE RED CROSS ISNE THE O WE HAVEIN BEEN CLOSEST TOUCH WITH AND IS SORT OF SET UPOR TO SUPPT.OW I KN THERE S HAVE BEENOME QUESTIONS UNSTKAOUPLTED -- UNDOCUMENTED POPULATION.
ASSISTANCE,E FEMA ONE MEMBER OF THE HOUSEHOLDE NEEDS TO HAV THEM TOS. RECEIVE THOSE GRANT AS FAR AS SMALL BUSINESS,RU THEY ARE STILL NNING DOWN IF THERE IS A WAY FOR HOUSEHOLDS IN WHICH NOT ALL MEMBERS HAVE LEGAL STATUS TO APPLY AND WE WILL FOLLOW-UP. WITH THE ANSWERS TO THAT AS YOU ALL KNOW, I SIGNED A DISASTER DECLARATION LAST WEEK AND EARLIER WE SIGNED ANOTHER ORDER THAT WILL ALLOW THE COUNTY TO AID PASADENA AND DEAR PARK WITH DEBRIS REMOVAL. THAT'S THE FIRST TIME HARRIS COUNTY HAS PROVIDED THAT KIND OF AID.
THAT MEANS WE ARE TAKING ON THE COSTS TO PROVIDE AND HELP SOME OF THE DEBRIS REMOVAL AND THAT'S GOING THROUGH COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND ENGINEERING. SO, YOU KNOW, IT WAS A SUDDEN TRAGEDY. IT WAS A TRAUMATIZING EVENT.
IT DEMONSTRATED OUR COMMUNICATIONS STRENGTH, IT DEMONSTRATED OUR COMMUNITY'S ABILITY TO COME TOGETHER, AND IT IS NOT OVER. IT IS NOT OVER UNTIL THE RECOVERY IS DONE. WE'RE GONNA KEEP WORKING TO BRING AS MUCH AS WE CAN AND THAT WILL BE DEFINED AS THE WEEK
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I LL MOVE TO APPROVE THE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ORDER.
[02:05:04]
JUST MAKE SURE IT IS FULLY ADOPTED.IT WOULD BE A GOOD RECOMMENDATION.
>> I WOULD SECOND THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE, I DON'T THINK WE HAVE APPROVED SIGNED ORDERS.
>> YOU DON'T NEED TO MOVE ON IT. YOU CAN JUST SIGN IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I SIGNED IT ALREADY, COMMISSIONER, JUST AS I
SIGNED THE EMERGENCY ORDER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT IS JUST TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS TOLD THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WANTED A MOTION ON IT. I ALSO WANT TO THANK MY TEAM FOR ALL THEIR WORK. THEY WERE NOT OUT THERE ON DAY ONE, BUT MINUTE ONE. I WANT TO THANK THEM ALL.
THEY WERE WORKING THROUGH THE IMMEDIATE PROCESS.
I WANT TO THANK MAYOR WAGNER AND MUTON AND TAPATIO FOR THEIR CONSTITUENTS AND IN COORDINATION WITH OUR OFFICE.
AND I WANT TO THANK THE NEIGHBORS.
THERE WAS A LOT OF NEIGHBORS TAKING CARE OF EACH OTHER.
THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO SEE. IT WAS HEARTWARMING TO KNOW THERE WERE HEROS OUT THERE. I WAS SHARING THE STORY OF MR. M ENCHACA WHO PULLED A WOMAN OUT OF HER HOME BEFORE THE TORNADO TOOK THAT PORTION OF THE HOUSE.
IT WAS NOT THE ROOF, BUT THAT PORTION OF THE HOUSE.
THE WALLS AND EVERYTHING INCLUDED.
I DO WANT TO ADD THE REPEATED REMARK I STARTED ON DAY ONE AND THAT IS TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE CAREFUL ABOUT WHO THEY DO BUSINESS WITH. BEING SURE THEY ARE NOT FALLING PREY TO JUST UNSKRAOUP AOU -- UNSCRUPULOUS PEOPLE WHO CLAIM TO BE CONTRACTORS. MAKE SURE YOU DON'T FALL PREY TO PRESSURE TACTICS BY GIVING CASH OR CASHIER'S CHECKS WITHOUT FULLY INVESTIGATING WHO YOU ARE DOING BUSINESS WITH.
THIS IS ALL TOO COMMON DURING THESE TYPES OF EVENTS.
AND SO JUST BE CAREFUL. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.
IF YOU ARE DEALING WITH A LEGITIMATE COMPANY THEY WON'T HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE QUESTIONS AND THE CONCERNS AND WANT TO SEE MORE INFORMATION. DEAL WITH SOMEONE YOU MAY HAVE DEALT WITH IN THE PAST, BUT BE VERY CAREFUL.
WE WERE OUT THERE GOING THROUGH THE DEBRIS REMOVAL, THERE WERE SIGNS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THROUGHOUT WITH THISON CTRACTING COMPANY.BE ANE GOOD IGHBOR AND TAKE CARE N OFEIGHBORS BEFORENK YOU THI ABOUT MAKING AOF BUCK OFF THE SITUATION.RE JUST BE CAFUL AND I WANT TO REPEAT THAT TO EVERYONE. LASTLY, I WANT TO THANK A CONGRESSWOMAN SYLVIA GARCIAND CONGRESSWOMAN BABIN FOR THEIR RESPONSIVENESS. THEY TOOK MY CALLS THROUGH THE EARLY MOMENTS OF THIS AND TO THINK OF THE RESOURCES.
THEY WERE ON THE PHONE WITH ME AS THINGS WERE HAPPENING TO THINK ABOUT WHAT HE COULD BRING TO THE TABLE.
AND SO I'M JUST VERY GRATEFUL FOR EVERYBODY WHO WORKED WITH MY OFFICE IN THE EARLY MOMENTS OF THIS.
AND IT WAS -- YOU KNOW, IT WAS TERRIBLE, THE DISASTER WAS HORRIBLE, BUT I JUST WANT TO BE THANKFUL TO THE GOOD LORD THAT HE DIDN'T DECIDE TO TAKE ANYONE DIRECTLY AS A RESULT OF THIS EVENT. JUST BE MINDFUL OF THE TIPS AND THE ADVICE THAT WE TRIED TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE.
AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO BE GETTING THROUGH THIS.
>> MR. GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR BEING A CATALYST ON THE EASTSIDE I KNOW A LOT OF THE FOLKS OVER THERE AND WORKED FOR -- WORKED WITH THEM FOR MANY YEARS. IT IS ENCOURAGING.
THEY CAME WITH ALVIN AND US AND THE COUNTY AND IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE WHEN WE HAVE THESE KIND OF SURPRISE EVENTS AND THEY CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.
[02:10:03]
>> THANK YOU. AND I WANT TO ADD THE STATE REPRESENTATIVES AND SHE AND I WERE TRADING CALLS EARLY AS WELL THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS. THANK YOU TO ALL.
>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I THINK I KNOW WHERE THE WIRES GOT CROSSED WITH OUR OFFICE. WHAT WE ASKED IS YOU RATIFY THE JUDGE'S ORDER. IF YOU CAN MOVE TO RATIFY THAT.
>> I MOVE TO RATIFY THE ORDER. >> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
IT IS TO RATIFY THE ORDER REGARDING THE TORNADO.
JAMES? >> AND THAT'S FOR THE PURPOSES
OF WHAT? >> IT IS NOT YOUR INITIAL EMERGENCY ORDER IT REQUIRES THE GOVERNING BODY SO JUST TO MAKE SURE -- IT HAS IMPLICATIONS FOR REIMBURSEMENT AND THINGS LIKE
THAT. >> WOULD WE BE ABLE TO QUALIFY
FOR REIMBURSEMENT? >> IT DEPENDS ON THE CERTAIN
THRESHOLDS BEING MADE. >> THAT'S 27 AND 28 AND 29 AND THEN PAGE 54. I WILL PASS IT TO DIRECTOR
RAMOS. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. CAN WE PULL UP THE PRESENTATION
AS WELL AS THE ATTACHMENTS? >> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM HERE TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON WHERE WE STAND AFTER THE FIRST QUARTER FOR THIS FISCAL YEAR. THIS IS AN ANNUAL LIESED PROJECTION SO WE TOOK WHERE WE ARE TODAY AND WE TRIED TO EXTRACT WHERE WE WILL END. I WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE FEMA.
THE GOOD NEWS -- SORRY. TWO MORE SLIDES, PLEASE.
JUST A QUICK UPDATE. WE RECEIVED $23 MILLION OF REIMBURSMENTS. THE BETTER NEWS IS WE HAVE $108 MILLION THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED, BUT STILL AWAITING THE FINAL APPROVAL FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. 51 MILLION OF THAT IS ACTUALLY GOING TO GO BACK AND REFUND AR -- ARPA.
WHAT THAT MEANS IS THERE WILL BE 50 ADDITIONAL MILLION TO INVEST IN THE PIC. AS A QUICK REMINDER THEY ADOPTED A NEW PIC POLICY. WE ARE SETTING A TARGET OF 12.5% OF THE CURRENT YEAR PROJECTED REVENUE.
AS WE CAN SEE, WE STARTED IN A STRONG POSITION OF FISCAL YEAR 21, COMBINATION RECOVERING FROM HARVEY AND ALL OF THE EXPENSES RELATED TO COVID. MUCH OF IT WE ARE EXPECTING TO GET REIMBURSED. WE STARTED TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRY TO GET THE CASH BALANCE BACK UP.
WE ARE AT 164 MILLION. AGAIN, WE ARE SHORT OF THE GOAL COMMISSIONERS' COURT SET OUT, BUT WE FEEL AS WE GET GOOD NEWS AND BUILD MOMENTUM ON THE FEMA REIMBURSEMENT THAT WE WILL SEE THIS BALANCE GO UP OR HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE BALANCE
GO UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT WAS THE GOAL? JUST CURIOUS.
>> 12.5% OF 2.1 BILLION SO IT IS ABOUT 246, I THINK.
IT'S ESSENTIALLY A MONTH AND A HALF'S WORTH OF CASH ON HAND TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
SO TO GET ON TO THE GOOD NEWS, LOOKING AT OUR PROJECTED REVENUES VERSUS OUR PROJECTED EXPENDITURES, THIS IS COUNTY WIDE. THESE ARE ALL -- IT IS ALL DEPARTMENTS IN THE GENERAL FUND AND FOR THE REVENUE IT IS ALL THE GENERAL FUND REVENUES. WE ARE PROJECTING A $9 MILLION SURPLUS. IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF MONEY, BUT IT IS ACTUALLY LESS THAN A HALF A PERCENT FROM WHERE WE ARE. SO WE ARE STILL RUNNING ON A VERY THIN MARGIN. THAT'S WHEN YOU LOOK AT OUR SPENDING VERSUS REVENUE. FLOOD CONTROL IS GONNA SPEND EVERY NICKEL THEY HAVE. IF THEY HAD GOTTEN THE PROPOSED BUDGET THEY WOULD SPEND EVERY NICKEL OF THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: TO PUT THE 9 MILLION IN CONTEXT, HOW DOES
THAT COMPARE TO PREVIOUS YEARS? >> THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE COUNTY HAS DONE A QUARTERLY PROJECTION LIKE THIS.
I WOULD HAVE TO DEFER TO THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR OR SOMEONE WHO HAS MORE HISTORY HERE. THIS IS A VERY THIN MARGIN COMPARED TO THE HISTORICAL SURPLUSES THAT WE -- THAT --
SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY LEAVE YOU
[02:15:05]
A LOT OF RECORDS? >> THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DID,
BUT BEFORE THAT IT IS SPARSE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN YOU SAY IT IS NOT MUCH, I JUST WANT TO GET A SENSE OF HOW TO COMPARE THAT.
>> FISCAL YEAR 22 WHICH IS THE LAST FULL FISCAL YEAR WE HAD IT WAS A $75 MILLION SURPLUS OVERALL.
AND LAST YEAR WE FINISHED IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 25 MILLION IN THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR. WE ARE OPERATING ON A MUCH TIGHTER MARGIN THAN WE HAD. THIS IS A CONSERVATIVE ESTIMATE.
BECAUSE IT IS THE FIRST QUARTER -- WE HAVE THREE QUARTERS TO GO. AS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTER WE EXPECT IT TO BE MORE REFINED AND MORE CERTAINTY AROUND IT. WE ARE PRO EXPECTING 6 MILLION MORE -- PROJECTING 6 MILLION MORE THAN WE ORIGINALLY PROJECTED. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY FEDERAL AID AND DOES NOT INCLUDE ARPA. TO GIVE YOU A FLAVOR OF WHAT IS DRIVING IT, THE BIGGEST IN TERMS OF NEGATIVE IS THE FEES OFFICE FROM THE COUNTY CLERK. AS INTEREST RATES RISE, REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS GO DOWN AND ONE OF THE PRIMARY FEES IS THE RECORDING OF DEEDS. SO IF TRANSACTIONS ARE DOWN, THE FEES ARE GOING TO GO DOWN. I'M GOING TO SKIP TO INVESTMENT INTEREST. THE GOOD NEWS IS AS THE FED RAISES RATES, WE HAVE SO MUCH CASH ON HAND, WE INVEST --
>> DANIEL, I'M SORRY. WHAT SLIDE ARE YOU ON?
>> ON THE INVESTMENT INTEREST, WE INVEST OUR CASH BALANCES ON SHORT-TERM SECURITIES AND MONEY MARKETS, ET CETERA.
AS THE FED RAISES ITS RATES WE GET MORE REVENUE.
THE DOWNSIDE OF THAT IS WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR BOND -- SORRY, OUR DEBT FOR NEXT YEAR IT IS LIKELY GOING TO BE A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE FOR A SIMILAR DEBT. THE JAIL HOUSE REIMBURSEMENT, WE ACTUALLY PAY HARRIS HEALTH UP FRONT TO MANAGE THE JAIL AND MEDICAL. THEY DID A RECONCILIATION AND THAT IS MONEY WE CAN COUNT ON FOR THIS YEAR.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. ON THE EXPENDITURE SIDE, WE ARE PROJECTING 2.137 BILLION IN SPENDING.
AGAIN, THAT'S 9 MILLION LESS THAN WE WILL RECEIVE.
IT IS 15 MILLION LESS THAN THE ADJUSTED BUDGET.
A COUPLE THINGS TO FLAG COUNTY WIDE, WE PUT A PLACE HOLDER AND I KNOW THEY WILL COME TO PRESENT A TRANSITION PLAN FOR IN-HOUSE COLLECTIONS. THERE WILL BE START UP COSTS.
IF YOU REMEMBER, WE BUDGETED $5 MILLION FROM THE PROPOSED BUDGET. WHATEVER THE COST IS IT WILL ACT AS A DEFICIT THIS YEAR. ON UTILITIES, WE ARE PROJECTING A 9.1 MILLION-DOLLAR TK*EF -- DEFICIT.
THAT WENT AWAY WITH NO NEW REVENUE.
THAT'S IN EXCESS OF THE HIGHER PRICE WE THOUGHT WE WERE DOING JUST SOME COUNTY-WIDE RISKS I AM NOT SAYING WE NEED MORE COUNTS AND THEY ARE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENTS.
THE PICK PAYMENTS ARE FALLING BEHIND THE 12 AND A HALF PERCENT. SOMETHING I WANT TO FLAG FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT, I THINK IT IS A LITTLE EARLY BECAUSE WE HAVE SO MUCH FINANCIAL RISK TO MAKE A RECOMMENDATION AND A KOPBLT -- CONTRIBUTION. THE OTHER IS THE HEALTHCARE FUND. THEY PRESENTED SOME OPTIONS ON COST SAVINGS TO HOLD THOSE. AND WE WILL LIKELY NEED TO MAKE AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT TO THE HEALTHCARE FUND AT SOME POINT.
HOW MUCH AND WHEN IS STILL UNDER DEBATE.
THIS IS SOMETHING WE WILL BE TRACKING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. ON THE SPENDING SIDE AND THE COUNTY COURT-APPOINTED FEES THEY ARE BOTH OUTSIDE COUNCILS WE APPOINT FOR FOLKS IN OUR SYSTEM. THERE IS AN INCREASE IN VOLUME
[02:20:03]
AND THERE IS A 30% INCREASE IN VOLUME.WHAT WE ARE HOPING IS IT IS THE LAST QUARTER OF THE TAX YEAR.
IT IS JUST PEOPLE SUBMITTING INVOICES AND IT IS HARD TO PARSE OUT HOW MUCH OF THAT IS TIMING VERSUS, YOU KNOW, LEGITIMATELY MORE VOLUME. THE COURTS ACTUALLY SET AND TRANSMIT TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT.
WE ARE PREDICTING A $1.8 MILLION DEFICIT AND THIS IS BECAUSE THERE WERE SOME RAISES THAT HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE ADOPTION OF THE TAX RATE AND THE BUDGET. THEIR PAYROLL WENT FROM -- SO WE
CAN TALK MORE ABOUT THAT. >> JUST CURIOUS, WERE THERE ANY OTHER UNALLOCATED RAISES? ANYTHING THAT WAS NOT ALLOCATED?
>> THEY ALL FIT WITHIN THEIR -- THERE WERE NO OTHER DEPARTMENT THEY PUT THEM OVER BUDGET AT THE NNR BUDGET, AT THE ADOPTED.
THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, THE STORY HERE IS THEY ARE JUST EATING -- BECAUSE THEY HAVE SO MANY EMPLOYEES, THEY ARE PAYING ABOUT $800 MORE IN HEALTHCARE AND THEY ARE EATING ABOUT 2 AND A HALF MILLION IN HEALTHCARE COSTS.
THAT'S BEING OFFSET BY ABOUT 120 VACANCIES.
IF YOU REMEMBER LAST YEAR WE MADE A RECOMMENDATION TO DO A SUPPLEMENTAL AND BECAUSE THEY HAD SO MANY EMPLOYEES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WAGE BRACKET, IT CREATED -- WE NEEDED TO RAISE EVERYBODY'S WAGES TO NOT CAUSE COMPRESSION.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. AND THEN -- SO THE GOOD NEWS ON THE SPENDING SIDE, UNIVERSAL SERVICES HAS THREE MILLION OF VACANCIES. THEY HIRE TECHNICAL PEOPLE AND WE COMPETE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TIGHTENING THEIR NON-LABOR BUDGET ON THINGS LIKE SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FEES.
PROJECTING ABOUT A $5.7 MILLION SURPLUS.
FOR CONSTABLES, PRECINCTS 4 AND 5 AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, THEY ARE JUST VACANCIES. THEY HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF FUNDED VACANCIES. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
SHERIFF PATROL 1.5 MILLION TO COVER THE DEFICIT.
WE ARE ALSO RECOMMENDING AN ADDITIONAL 4.1 TO HIRE AN ADDITIONAL 120 DEPUTIES. FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, 1.8 MILLION TO COVER THE EXISTING DEFICIT, AND THEN AN ADDITIONAL 2.5 MILLION TO COVER 30 NEW -- OR 30ADA'S TO RESTORE THEM TO THEIR SHORT FISCAL YEAR 22 STAFFING LEVELS.
AND THEN ON THE CIVILIAN SIDE, 1.2 MILLION, LIKE I MENTIONED BEFORE, 1.2 MILLION TO BRING THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR UP TO GET THEM TO NEUTRAL. FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY THIS IS A TWO-PART RECOMMENDATION. WE ARE RECOMMENDING A TOTAL OF FIVE NEW EMPLOYEES. TWO OF THEM ARE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS, THE TRANSITION FOR THOSE IN-HOUSE COLLECTION FOR DELINQUENT TAXES. IT IS A PROJECT MANAGER AND AN ATTORNEY. WE ARE ALSO RECOMMENDING THREE FTE'S IN THE CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION DIVISION.
WE BELIEVE THESE POSITIONS WILL EVENTUALLY BE COST MUTUAL AS -- IF WE HAVE MORE CAPACITY AND WE DON'T HAVE TO GO OUT OF HOUSE FOR THAT SERVICE WHICH IS CHEAPER TO USE IN-HOUSE ATTORNEYS RATHER THAN PRIVATE ATTORNEYS AND ALSO WE FEEL THERE IS GOING TO BE A DECREASE IN SOME OF OUR LIABILITIES, AND THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR WHEN THERE IS SUB PAR WORK OR ANY OTHER NECESSITY FOR LITIGATION THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO BRING ADDITIONAL REVENUE IN. AND THEN 450K FOR DEO.
THIS IS FOUR POSITIONS TO HELP SUPPORT THE NWBE PROGRAM.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SORRY. I GOT A COUPLE QUESTIONS HERE.
I WANT TO GO BACK TO -- ON THE EXPENDITURE SUMMARY, I WANTED TO ASK ABOUT MOVING THE TAX COLLECTIONS IN HOUSE.
CAN WE USE ARPA MONEY TO PAY FOR THE START UP?
[02:25:06]
BECAUSE WE ARE HEALTHY CASH RESERVES AND WHETHER WE ARE USING THE FUND BALANCE FOR ONE TIME, THEY ARE A LITTLEFUNGEABLE. >> DO YOU HAVE A ROUGH IDEA WHAT
YOU THINK IT WILL COST? >> I WOULD PREFER TO WAIT UNTIL THE FORMAL TRANSITION PLAN COMES FOR ADOPTION.
>> I JUST WANT TO STRESS WHEN WE ARE ON IT.
IT HAS BEEN THE DECISION OF THE COURT FOR SOME TIME TO BRING IT IN HOUSE AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD I THINK IT WILL INCREASE HOW MUCH COMES IN AND CLEARLY IT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE PEOPLE WHO
ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES. >> WE HEARD THE COURT LOUD AND CLEAR AND WE ARE WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE WHAT THEY NEED FOR A FULL IMPLEMENTATION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THEN ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT HEALTHCARE FUND, I THINK YOU MADE REFERENCE TO US DELAYING DECISIONS ABOUT CUTTING HEALTHCARE COSTS.
I THINK I MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE PERSON WHO SORT OF RAISED THAT ISSUE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE COURT IS AWARE THAT -- BECAUSE WE DIDN'T GIVE THE VAST MAJORITY AND THERE IS A CHALLENGE GETTING PEOPLE TO STAY OR COME AND WORK FOR THE COUNTY. THE LEAST WE CAN DO.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHEN IT COMES BACK, THAT I WILL BE LEERY OF SUPPORTING ANYTHING THAT MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT WHEN YOU GET OLDER YOU WILL APPRECIATE IT LIKE I DO.
AND WHEN YOU ARE MY AGE YOU WANT TO GET YOUR TESTS.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING THEM TO US EARLY.
I WANT TO LOOK AT THEM AND VET THEM AND MAKE SURE I AM
COGNIZANT OF WHAT WE ARE DOING. >> I BELIEVE HR IS SETTING UP A
BRIEFING. >> I WILL BE HITTING UP THE OLD PEOPLE'S CAUCUS ON COMMISSIONERS' COURT ON THAT SUBJECT. ON THE NEXT PAGE, I GUESS IT IS PAGE 9, AND I WANT TO STRESS THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE OF BUDGET WHICH I KNOW YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT, BUT THERE IS AN ISSUE OF FAIRNESS. I HOPE YOU WILL COME BACK WITH SOME OF THESE COURT APPOINTMENTS.
I HEARD RUMORS OF ASTRONOMICAL FEES.
I KNOW YOU HAVE TO SHOW WHAT PERCENTAGE IT IS OF YOUR PRACTICE. IS IT SOMEONE MADE A MILLION
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WAS THAT VERIFIED LAST YEAR? AND AS A STATE LAW YOU HAVE TO SHOW WHAT PERCENTAGE THAT WAS OF THEIR PRACTICE. I KNOW THE FELLOW WHO PASSED IT.
WE CAN LOOK AT THAT AND MAYBE THE AUDITOR OR SOMEBODY SHOULD GO IN AND VIEW THAT THEY CAN MAKE A MILLION DOLLARS OFF COURT APPOINTMENTS AND THEN GIVE QUALITY LEGAL REPRESENTATION.
>> THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT THAT.
>> ONE OTHER NOTE, ON THE DISTRICT COURTSIDE, THE FELONY SIDE, THERE IS A COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS THAT WE NEED TO CONDUCT ON THE STAFFING LEVELS OF THE PDO AND WE ARE WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER AND WE HOPE TO COME THE NEXT FEW MONTHS ON THE STAFFING MODEL WHEN WE DO OUR FORECAST HOW BIG THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT WAS IN THAT DIRECTION.
>> AND WE ARE PUSHING FOR A BIG ONE.
I AM GOING BRING IT UP. WE DID MAKE A COMMITMENT TO GET THE OFFICE UP TO 50%. I KNOW THERE ARE ISSUES THERE AND I WANT TO PUT A SPOTLIGHT ON THAT.
I WANT TO GO TO PAGE 11 TO MAKE SURE I GET A CLEAR SENSE OF WHERE YOU ARE HEADED HERE. WOULD IT ADDRESS THE BASIC NEEDS
[02:30:13]
OF THE COUNTY AND WE CAN'T DO THAT.WE WENT TO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE.
WE NEEDED FOUR PEOPLE, AND THAT'S HISTORY NOW.
SINCE WE DIDN'T DO THAT EVERY DEPARTMENT HAD TO CUT THE BUDGET. YOU CAN'T JUST WALK INTO HEB, YOU KNOW, WHOLE FOODS AND THE MONEY SHOWS UP.
YOU GOT ME? YOU GOTTA HAVE IT.
WE CUT IT AND THEN RETURNED IT BACK.
>> SO IF WE HAD ADOPTED THE PROPOSED BUDGET INSTEAD OF THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE, HOW MUCH MORE WOULD WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO INVEST IN HARRIS HEALTH, IN FLOOD CONTROL AND THE GENERAL
FUND, ROUGHLY? >> I BELIEVE THE FINAL RATES WOULD HAVE BEEN AN $80 MILLION DIFFERENCE FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND
THE GENERAL FUND WAS 92 MILLION. >> IF THE DEPARTMENT ASKS FOR MORE FUNDS WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY DOLLAR WE PUT IN SINCE WE WENT TO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE IS BEING USED THE WAY THEY ARE SAYING IT IS GOING TO BE USED WHEN YOU ASK FOR IT.
HOW DO YOU -- WITH ANY OF THESE DEPARTMENTS HOW DO WE ENFORCE THAT? HOW DO WE KNOW THIS MONEY IS GOING TO BE USED FOR PLACES WHERE THEY ARE SAYING THEY ARE GONNA USE IT WHEN THEY ASK FOR IT?
>> I THINK THAT'S THE UNFORTUNATE CONSTRUCT OF THE COUNTY. THE SHERIFF, THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR, THEY NEED THE MONEY TO HIRE WHICH IS WHAT I AM REQUESTING FROM COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO APPROVE. BUT ONCE IT IS OVER IN THEIR BUDGETS, WE HAVE LITTLE TO NO CONTROL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO BASED ON YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR TODAY, FOR THOSE INDEPENDENTLY-ELECTED OFFICIALS YOU SAY WE JUST WRITE A BLANK CHECK OR THERE ARE GUARDRAILS RAILS YOU ARE
RECOMMENDING WE PUT ON IT? >> WE ASK YOU COME BACK AND PROVIDE A REPORT ON TRACKING THE SPENDING.
THE FEEDBACK I HEARD BACK FROM COURT MEMBERS IS LOOKING FOR COMMITMENTS ON CHANGES TO THE INTAKE PROCESS SO WE CAN WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENTS THAT COME BACK AND REPORT ON IT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS YOUR RECOMMENDATION WE GET A REPORT ON HOW WE WILL DO IT? OR ARE YOU RECOMMENDING WE WRITE
A BLANK CHECK? >> I AM RECOMMENDING WE WILL -- WE MOVE FORWARD. MANY OF THE DEPARTMENTS ARE -- THE TWO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS ARE DOWN PEOPLE THIS YEAR COMPARED TO LAST YEAR. AND IT IS UNFAIR FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO ASK FOR A REPORT AFTERWARDS OR IF THEY ARE NOT COMFORTABLE DOING A PARTIAL FUNDING AND THEN COME
BACK -- >> I THINK THE QUESTION IS WHY ARE THEY DOWN PEOPLE. CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH EXACTLY HOW JUST JUMPING OFF THAT -- IF YOU DON'T MIND, COMMISSIONER
ELLIS. >> I WILL LET MR. RAMOS TALK ABOUT THE DETAILS, BUT THE HEART IS TWO DRIVING FACTORS.
ONE IS THE NO NEW REVENUE BUDGET.
THEY HAD TO EAT THE HEALTHCARE COST INCREASES SO THEY COULDN'T GET TO THEIR PRIOR STAFFING LEVELS.
THAT'S THE CASE WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HERE.
ANY OTHER AGENCIES FOR VARYING REASONS.
AT THE D.A.'S OFFICE WE ARE SEEING BOTH THAT AND MR. RAMOS CAN WALK YOU THROUGH IT AS WELL, BUT THERE WERE UNBUDGETED PAY RAISES THAT WOULD TIGHTEN THE DEFICIT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WOULD THEY HAVE KNOWN THAT THESE PAY RAISES
WEREN'T BUDGETED? >> THEY WERE DONE BEFORE THE TAX RATE HAD BEEN ADOPTED -- THE TAX RATE AND THE BUDGET WERE ADOPTED AT THE START OF THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR, THE D.A.'S BUDGET --
>> FOR FISCAL YEAR -- THESE ARE PEOPLE COMING INTO THE OFFICE AND GETTING A PAYCHECK FROM HARRIS COUNTY.
[02:35:01]
TO START THIS YEAR THE BUDGET A 97.8 MILLION.HALF A MILLION OF THAT WAS HEALTHCARE, INCREASES TO
HEALTHCARE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T GET THE POINT YOU ARE MAKING. .
>> FOR ESSENTIALLY THE SAME NUMBER OF PEOPLE THE PAYROLL WAS $3.5 MILLION HIGHER THAN IT WAS THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO WHAT YOU ARE SAYING FROM THE D.A.'S OFFICE THE SHORT FALL IS BECAUSE OF HEALTHCARE COSTS GOING UP OR WAS SOME OF IT HEALTHCARE COSTS GOING UP? IF THAT WAS THE CASE -- SOME OF IT GIVING RAISES?
>> HALF A MILLION WAS HEALTHCARE COSTS GOING UP AND 3.5 MILLION WAS UNBUDGEDDED -- UNBUDGETED RAISES.
>> FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WAS IT UNBUDGETED RAISES?
>> INCREASE IN HEALTHCARE COSTS. >> AND FOR OTHER DEPARTMENT WHAT'S DID WE DO IN TERMS OF HEALTHCARE COSTS?
>> $800 OF EMPLOYEE GIVE OR TAKE.
>> SO WITH THE DARK -- SO WOULD THE D.A.'S OFFICE NOT HAVE KNOWN THAT THE MONEY WAS NOT THERE FOR THE RAISES? AT THE TIME THEY HAD VACANCIES. ALL OF THE EMPLOYEES -- YOUR EXISTING PAYROLL AND ANY POSITIONS YOU WANT TO FILL FOR.
THEY TOOK THE POSITIONS AND USED THEM TO INCREASE THE SALARIES FOR THE FOLKS THAT EXISTED, THE FOLKS THAT WERE HERE.
WERE YOU AWARE OF THAT? >> THEY WERE DONE OVER MY OBJECTION. THAT'S THE UNFORTUNATE CONTRACT OF HARRIS COUNTY. THEY ARE INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED AND ONCE THE MONEY GOES THERE WE HAVE LIMITED --
>> BUT YOU WERE AWARE OF IT SO YOU LET THEM KNOW.
SO DID THEY KNOW? >> THEY WERE AWARE.
I SHARED IT. AND THEN I WROTE AN EMAIL TO THE
DISTRICT ATTORNEY STAFF. >> RODNEY ELLIS: FROM MY STANDPOINT, AS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO CAME, KNOWING I HAVE TO PUT MY NAME ON THE BALLOT, IT IS NEVER EASY IF SOMEONE CAN PAINT THE BUDGET LIKE YOU ARE BRINGING IN MORE MONEY.
I WAS PERFECTLY CONTENT TO DO WHAT THE COUNTY HAD DONE THE 20 YEARS BEFORE I GOT HERE. SO JUST TAKE THE GROWTH ON THE REVENUE. BUT THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
I'M JUST TRYING TO -- DO YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION ON HOW CLEARLY THE D.A.'S -- WHAT THE D.A.'S OFFICE DOES IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE DOES IS IMPORTANT AND WHAT ALL OF THESE OTHER COUNTY ENTITIES, WHETHERPP AOINTED, ELECTED, HOWEVER THEY GOTHE TRE, IT IS ALL IMPORTANT.
IF ALL OF THE OTHERS PLAYED BY THE RULES,UN AS FORTUNATE AS THEY WERE, N THEO NEW REVENUE RULE ISWE WHAT HAVE TO OPERATE UNDER. HOW WOULD WE --OU WHY CLDN'T THE TREASURERCH OR EA OF CONSTABLES OR EACH OF THE CONSTABLES OR THE COUNTY- TOEFY OR THENE COMMISSIOR'S OFFICE.
IF THEY HAD DONET IT -- WHAEN PERCTAGE OF THIS IS -- IS OF
BUDGET?ALL >> THEIR BUDGET IS ABOUT AD HUNDREMILLION AGAINST 2.1 MILLION I.
>> AND CAN EXPLAIN MY .RECOMMENDATION I DO THINKMO IT SETS UP A RALOR HAZARD F ALL DEPARTMENTS ASSC YOU ARE DERIBING.LL WHAT I WI SAY IS THE SINGLE-MOST EXPENSIVE THING THEU DO IS OUTSRCE PRISONERS.AT MY RECOMMENDION IS WE- BEAR DOWN - THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS DOWN ABOUT 30 ATTORNEYSTH FROM WHERE EY WERE LAST YEAR.
AT SOME POINT WE NEED TO HAVEOC WARM BODIES PRESSING CASES TO HAVE THE HOPE THATAC WE WILL REDUCE BKLOG.
THAT'S WHERE COMES FROM FROM A FINANCIALIN STAND -- STANDPOT AND APO GOVERNOR'S STANDINT THIS IS A HORRIBLE DECISION. I AM TRYING TO CHOOSE OF THE
LESS ERB OF TWO EVILS. >> IS THERE A WAY TO PUT GUARDRAILS ON IT? I GET IT, BUT HOW WOULD YOU KNOR 90 DAYS YOU WILL SUBMIT ARE REPORT?
>> CORCT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT WILL WE DO THEN?NE WHAT WOULD KEEP THE MOY FROM GOING INTO SOMEWHERE ELSE ONCE WE GIVE IT OUT? I AM TRYING TO SEE IS THERENG SOMEWAY YOU ARE SUGGESTI THAT YOU ARE MAKING A RECOMMEND TKAEGS --AR RECOMMENDATION THAT THERE E GUARDRAILS WHERE THE MONEY WOULD GO.
YOU ARE THE BUDGET GUY. YOU ARE SMARTER THAN ME.
I AM A GENERALIST. >> COMMISSIONER, WE HAVE LABORED
[02:40:01]
OVER THIS ANDY' TALKED WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNES OFFICE, AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO HAVE TRUE CONTROL OVER HOW MONEY IS SPENT.WHAT WE CAN DO AND I THINK WHAT MR. RAMOS WAS RECOMMENDING IS THAT IF COURT WANTS TO PROVIDE WITH THE SUPPLEMENTAL BASED ON A SPECIFIC REQUEST THEY CAN ASK FOR A REPORT BACK TO CONFIRM IT WAS USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOW, IF IT WASN'T, WHAT DO YOU DO ABOUT IT? I'M NOT SURE WHAT TOOLS YOU HAVE OTHER THAN CALLING PUBLIC SCRUTINY AND ATTENTION TO IT.
WE HAVE LABORED OVER THIS AND I WILL BE HONEST.
WE HAVEN'T COME UP WITH A SOLUTION OTHER THAN THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN DID YOU ALL KNOW THAT THE SHORT FALL WAS
COME STPH-G. >> I BELIEVE THERE WAS HOPE ALL THE WAY PAST AND INTO THE NEW FISCAL YEAR IN OCTOBER THAT WE COULD COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON THE TAX RATE AND THE BUDGET WHICH IS WHY WE RECOMMENDED DON'T DO THE RAISES IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER. WAIT UNTIL OCTOBER WHEN THERE IS ADOPTED. WE FOUND OUT AT THE SAME TIME AS THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT WHEN THERE WASN'T A QUORUM TO BE ABLE
TO ADOPT NEW RATES. >> IS THERE ANY OTHER MONEY THE D.A.'S OFFICE COULD USE FOR THIS?
>> THIS ARE HAVE ACCESS TO ASSET FORFEITURE, BUT A LIMITED
ABILITY FOR US TO DICTATE POLIC- >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW HOW
MUCH IS IN IT? >> I BELIEVE IT IS $9 MILLION
GIVE OR TAKE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO 9 MILLION IN
ASSET -- >> IT CANNOT SUPPLANT STAFFING.
THERE NEEDS TO BE A PROCESS TO GO THROUGH AND IDENTIFY ONE TIME OR A TIME-LIMITED NON-LABOR EXPENSE TO CHARGE THERE AND
REPLACE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COULD IT SUPPLANT SOMETHING ELSE WE CAN PAY FOR SO THAT MONEY COULD BE
USED FOR THIS? >> ON THE NON-LABOR SIDE, I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO TELL YOU OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD WHAT THOSE
THINGS WOULD BE OR HOW MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS A COMMENT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME ASK, MR. RAMOS --
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN PAY RAISES
BE CAPPED? >> I THINK THAT IS A QUESTION
FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN CAMPAIGN RAISES BE -- CAN PAY RAISES BE CAPPED.
>> CONDITIONS ON A PAY RAISE? AS MR. RAMOS MENTIONED, ONCE THE MONEY GOES OVER, AN INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED OFFICIAL HAS CONTROL OF THE BUDGET. THA*RZ -- THAT'S THE DIFFICULT
THING. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? I HAD SEVERAL QUESTIONS AND SINCE THE D.A. IS ON THE TABLE AND I HAD AN ITEM, 441, RELATED TO THAT.
I KNOW WE HAD THE SHERIFF COME IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY.
HE NEEDED MORE MONEY AND WE GAVE HIM MORE MONEY.
I DON'T REMEMBER QUITE THE SCRUTINY THEN AS WE GOT NOW.
IF WE DON'T FUND THE D.A., IT WILL PUT THE D.A. IN A POSITION TO CLOSE INTAKE ON THE WEEKENDS. YOU START CLOSING IT ON THE INTAKE YOU WILL HAVE A WHOLE NUMBER OF CASCADING ISSUE THAT'S WILL BESET LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHERS AS THEY TRY TO DO WHAT THEY CAN TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC. I THINK I WOULD PAY $4.4 MILLION REQUESTS HERE TO COVER THE INTAKE ISSUES.
I'M GONNA CALL IT SOME OF THE CONFUSION RELATED TO PAY RAISES.
THEY MAY BE CLEAR TO YOU, BUT NOT TO THEM.
WE HAD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS THAT WE FOCUS OUR PRIORITIES. I LOOKED AT YOUR SUPPLEMENTALS AND SAID, OKAY, WE HAVE SOME GOOD PRIORITIES FOCUSED FOR MAKING SOME CHOICES HERE IN TERMS OF WHAT WE CAN DO OR KAFPBT -- OR CAN'T DO. IN TERMS OF THE D.A., I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT WE DO THAT. WE ARE ON THE EDGE OF SHUTTING DOWN INTAKE ON THE WEEKENDS. I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE A PART OF
THAT. >> SO JUST SO WE'RE CLEAR, THESE ARE FOLKS THAT ARE ON OUR PAYROLL THAT ARE ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE DEFICIT WE ARE PRESENTING.
AND SO REALLY WHAT THEY ARE ASKING FOR IS THE AUTHORIZATION TO HIRE THE 30 ADDITIONAL ADA'S TO BACK FILL WHAT THEY LOST OVER
THE LAST YEAR. >> AND AGAIN I DO THINK THEY ARE
[02:45:01]
IN A BIT OF A CRISIS MODE. >> I AGREE.
>> AND I THINK THAT'S WHY YOU PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.
WAS THERE ANY -- I WILL BE CAREFUL WITH THE WORD I USE.
I WON'T CALL IT ROLL OVER. I WILL CALL IT CARRY FORWARD.
THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR IN OCTOBER, WAS THERE ANY CARRY
OVER? >> FOR THE NONCOMMISSIONER COURT
OFFICES IT WAS 26 TOTAL MILLION. >> TOM RAMSEY: 26 TOTAL MILLION.
OKAY. SO THERE WAS SOME DOLLARS --
>> AND I KNOW WE ASSESSED THIS, BUT FOR THE EIGHT CONSTABLE DISTRICTS THEY RECEIVED EVERYTHING THEY REQUESTED EXCEPT FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCT 1 THAT DIDN'T HAVE A SURPLUS TO CARRY
FORWARD. >> AND JUST A QUESTION RELATED TO WORKING CAPITAL, I NOTICED THAT YOU HAD LAST YEAR 1.3 BILLION IN WORKING CAPITAL. TODAY WE HAVE 448 MILLION IN WORKING CAPITAL. WHAT IS THE WORKING CAPITAL GOING DOWN SO MUCH? WE GET THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR REVENUE LATE DECEMBER THROUGH MARCH AND 80% OF OUR BUDGET IS
PROPERTY TAXES. >> SO THAT IS AN INDICATOR --
>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I ASSUME PART OF THE PROCESS TO CLEAR UP THE BACKLOG WOULD BE IF SOME OF THE RECOMMENDATION THAT'S CAME FROM THE [INAUDIBLE] --
>> I'M SORRY? >> RODNEY ELLIS: PFM DID A
REPORT TO IMPROVE INTAKE. >> YES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS IT YOUR RECOMMENDATION -- WOULD IT BE YOUR RECOMMENDATION THAT WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS, BUT IN ADVANCE OF IT ASK THE D.A.'S OFFICE FOR A WRITTEN PLAN TO SHOW HOW PFM IS RELATED TO INTAKE ONLY AND WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE OFFICE. THE PLAN WOULD ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS AND FILLING VACANT POSITIONS AND QUALITY CONTROLS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES.
TRACKING CASE OUTCOMES AND RECONCILE THE POLICIES
>> SO THAT'S WHAT YOU RECOMMEND? >> MY RECOMMENDATION IS IF COURT WANTED TO GO DOWN THE PATH DO THE 15ADA'S WITH THOSE UNDERSTANDINGS, AND THEN WHEN THE REPORT COMES BACK TO ALLOW
FOR THE OTHER 15. >> SO YOU SAY 15 NOW AND THEN HAVE THE REPORT COME BACK AND DO THE OTHER 15?
THAT'S YOUR RECOMMENDATION? >> YES.
>> TOM RAMSEY: CAN WE START -- DO YOU COVER WITH THE OVERTIME?
>> YOU COVER THE EXISTING DEFICIT AND THEN ALLOW FOR THE
ADDITIONAL 15 PROSECUTORS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO YOU WOULD BE
RECOMMENDING HALF OF THAT 3.7. >> SO -- SORRY.
THE SUPPLEMENTAL WE RECOMMENDED OR ONE OF THE OPTIONS IS 4.3 MILLION AND THAT WOULD HAVE COVERED THE DEFICIT AND ALLOWED FOR 30ADA'S TO BE HIRED TOMORROW.
WHAT I AM HEARING IS A DESIRE FOR STIPULATIONS AND COVER THE 1.8 MILLION AND THEN DO 1.3 MILLION TO ALLOW FOR 15 OF THOSE ADA'S TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE HIRING PROS -- PROS --
PROCESS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SPEND SO MUCH TIME AT THE CAPITAL SO YOU MAY NEED TO WORK THAT -- WORK IT INTO YOUR RECOMMENDATION. IF I SPENT MORE TIME AT THE LAW SCHOOL INSTEAD OF RUNNING AROUND THE CAPITAL, I DIDN'T CATCH IT ALL. DID YOU CATCH IT?
>> [INAUDIBLE] >> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY.
I KNOW IT IS A TOUGH JOB FOR EVERYBODY TO DO IT, BUT THE TOTAL INCREASE -- I THINK I HEARD -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT
PERCENT IS FROM HEALTHCARE. >> IT IS ABOUT 500,000 SO HALF A
PERCENT. >> SO 500,000 OF THAT IS HEALTHCARE RELATED. AND THAT IS WHAT IT IS.
[02:50:02]
CLEARLY WE HAVE TO ADDRESS THAT. I WOULD FEEL BETTER, I DON'T KNOW HOW THE COURT FEELS, BUT IF THERE WAS SOME GUARDRAILS ON IT.I KNOW IT IS A DIFFICULT JOB AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN WE HAVE USED ARPA MONEY TO ADDRESS MANY NEEDS.
HOW MUCH HAVE WE TAKEN FROM ARPA FUNDS TO HELP WITH BACKLOG
ISSUES THERE? >> THE TOTAL COMMITMENT IS -- I THINK IT WAS AROUND 30 MILLION. RO*D --
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT HAS BEEN PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL.
>> AND THAT WAS FOR TRIAGE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CLEARLY.
IT WAS IMPORTANT. WE DID NOT DO THAT ON THE OTHER SIDE. LIKE THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE OR TRYING TO DO THE MAC. WE ARE USING MONEY FROM AN ON
GOING SOURCE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MR. RAMOS, THANK YOU. WE NEED TO TAKE SOME ACTION AND BASED ON THE DISCUSSION, I AM GOING TO MOVE TO RECOMMEND OPTION A FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHICH IS THE 5.6 MILLION TOTAL THAT WOULD PROVIDE FOR TO REFUND THE OFFICERS AND TO -- WHICH WOULD RESTORE THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR 2022 LEVELS.
>> I WILL SECOND THAT ONE. >> MY SECOND MOTION IS TO ADOPT OPTION A FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WHICH IS THE 4.3 MILLION FOR THE 30ADA'S. AND THEN IT IS ASKING FOR STAFFING -- OR A REPORT -- WHATEVER THE REPORT LOOKS LIKE.
HOWEVER, BASED ON MY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE D.A.'S OFFICE I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OPTION WOULD PROVIDE FOR A STAFFING MODEL OF FIVE ADA'S TO BE DEDICATED TO INTAKE AT THE JOINT PROCESSING CENTER. FOR A TOTAL OF 30.
I THINK THAT WOULD BE MY SECOND MOTION FOR OPTION A FOR THE
DISTRICT ATTORNEY. >> I WOULD SECOND THAT.
>> THERE IS A SECOND ON THE TABLE AND I WILL NEED GUIDANCE.
I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF OPTION A FOR THE SHERIFF AND OPTION A FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY. I WOULD LIKE TO ALLOW FOR ALL OF THE REQUESTED POSITIONS FOR THE D.A. GIVEN THE TIME IT TAKES TO HIRE AND TO TRAIN AND TO ON BOARD BECAUSE THERE IS SUCH A SENSE OF URGENCY WITH THE BACKLOG BECAUSE I WOULD RATHER HIT GO AND WE NEED TO GET AS MANY PEOPLE DOING THAT JOB.
>> IF I MIGHT, MY PREFERENCE WOULD BE OPTION B ALONG THE LINES WITH THE GUARDRAILS AND WHAT HE WAS SUGGESTING.
THAT'S MY PREFERENCE. BECAUSE WE OUGHT TO HAVE SOME SENSE THAT THE MONEY IS GOING TO GO --
>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN I ASK SOME QUESTIONS? I HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO TEASE THIS OUT.
I THINK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY BRINGS UP A GOOD POINT.
THE SHERIFF AT SOME POINT -- LAST YEAR OR THE YEAR BEFORE HE CAME UP WITH A REQUEST AND I WANT TO HEAR THIS FROM MR. BERRY, BUT I THINK WE THINK IN THE SAME ORDER.
YOU ARE MUCH TOO SMART FOR ME, DIRECTOR RAMOS, SOMETIMES.
EXPLAIN TO ME, MR. BERRY -- I GUESS, LET ME POSE WHAT I UNDERSTAND AND THEN EXPLAIN TO ME IF THIS IS RIGHT.
MY UNDERSTANDING IS THISEE ND FOR ALMOST5 $MILLION.
PART OF THE NEEDS ISOMETHING THAT- -THATLD WOUE HAVPE HAPNED
[02:55:04]
LIKE THE COUNTYSS TAX AESSORFI NDS HERSELF IN.ITSI IS A TUATION WHERE SHENE EDS MORE FUNDS TO GIVES RAISETH AT THIS COURTRE REQUID.D HAS THE SHEFF'S OFFICE COSTS HE HASRO NO CONTL OVER. ARHOWEVER, PT IS OUT OFCO HER NTROL, IS MYDI UNDERSTANNG, BUTR THE LARGEPART OF IT IS ELENTIRELY SF-IMPOSED.Y IF THELY WERE NOT ON NOT NOT TO BEUT EXPRESSED GIVEN, H IF THE RAISESAD NOTEN THE FUNDSSURELY WOULD BE THERE FOR THESE 30S.
POSITION IS THAT NOT THE CASE?
>> THAT'S CORRECT, JUDGE.OF THE ISSUE DEALING WITH THE D.A.'S OFFICE IS DIFFERENTHE THN THE OTRS.E NOT ONLY WERTHERE SOMEOS HEALTHCARE CT INCREASEEA THAT'S -- INCRSES ARE SHOWING S A DEFICIT.
IT IMADE WORSE BY UNBUDGETED'S PAY RAISE THATD MR. RAMOS ADVISE AGAINSTJO AND THAT IS A MAR DRIVERUS BEHIND THIS DISCSION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL TOLE MAINTAIN STAFFING VELS.
>> MR. RAMOS, I IG REMEMBER SOMETHINWAS MENTIONED AND MAYBE YOU CAN CLARIFY. HOW MUCH OFRI THIS -- IS THE MAJOTY THE UN -- UNBUDGETED RAISES, AND THAT IS IF SHE HASN'T GIVE THESE RAISES AND UNBUDGETED IS A BIT OF A PUT IT NICELY. SHE KNEW WE COULDN'T AFFORD UNLESS WE HAD A QUORUM OF FOUR. HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD WE NEED TO
TRANSFER TO HER RIGHT NOW? >> THE EXISTING DEFICIT IS 1.8 MILLION. WE ARE REQUESTING FOR AN
ADDITIONAL 4.3. >> SO 4.3 MILLION OUT OF THE'M
TOTAL -- I'M SORRY. >> I SORRY.
THE INCREASE IN PAYROLL IS A TOTAL OF $4 MILLION FROM CERTAIN SHALY THE -- FROM ESSENTIALLY THE SAME FILLED POSSIBLE --
POSITIONS. >> FOR ONE MONEY, HOW MUCH MONEY
IS DUE TO THE UNBUDGETED RAISES? >> 3.5 MILLIONE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS TH MAJORITY OF BEING REQUESTED.
AND THAT'S MY CONCERN ABOUT THE PRESENT.
WE WOULD HAVE GIVEN THE RAISES, RIGHT? WAS PART OF THE PROPOSAL FOR THE BUDGET THAT WE HAVE CALLED -- I THINK IT WAS FIVE, SIX MEETINGS, COMMISSIONERS.
>> IT WAS FIVE. WE HAD FIVE MEETINGS INCLUDING THE SPECIAL MEETINGS. IT WAS TO PASS A BUDGET THAT INCLUDED RAISE -- RAISES FOR PROSECUTORS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
THE PROPOSED BUDGET WAS A LITTLE OVER A MILLION.
THE 105 MILLION THAT OMB RECOMMENDED, ABOUT A MILLION OF THAT WAS -- THERE IS REALLY NO OTHER WAY TO DO THIS.
WE HAD A PROPOSAL TO GIVE MONEY FOR RAISES.
[INAUDIBLE] AND THIS WAS BEFORE YOUR TIME.
TWO COLLEAGUES DIDN'T SHOW UP AND THEREFORE WE DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR RAISES ONE OF THE 20 SOME ODD DEPARTMENTS DECIDED TO GIVE THE RAISE ANYWAY INSTEAD OF USING THE FUNDS FOR POSITIONS AND NOW THE DEPARTMENT IS COMING BACK AND SAYING I NEED MORE MONEY FOR POSITIONS. NUMBER ONE, IT IS A TERRIBLE PRECEDENT. NUMBER TWO, TO THE POINT COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS ARE MAKING, WE GIVE MONEY FOR POSITIONS AND HOW DO WE KNOW IT IS NOT USED FOR MORE RAISES. LOOK, I WOULD LOVE FOR THERE TO BE MORE RAISES. THAT'S WHY I SHOWED UP FIVE TIMES BEFORE MY RE-ELECTION TO ASK FOR A LOWER TAX RATE CUT THAN WAS BEING PROPOSED. I KNEW IT WAS GOOD POLICY TO GIVE THOSE RAISES. HECK, I COULD GIVE MY WHOLE STAFF RAISES AND SAVE MY EMERGENCY STAFF.
THEY ARE VALUABLE THAT'S ALL VALUABLE.
THERE IS A WAY WE TAKE THIS BACK UP AT COURT AND PERHAPS YOU CAN FIND A WAY IN WHICH IF IT IS FROM THE ASSET FORFEITURE THAT
[03:00:01]
WE ARE NOT REWARDING -- IT IS BLATANT.FROM MY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS AN ATTRITION ISSUE WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. AND SAME WITH THE SHERIFF.
IT HAPPENS. THE POINT IS YOU ARE GONNA NEED THESE FUNDS TO HIRE PEOPLE AND THEN 30 WILL QUIT BY THE TIME THREE MONTHS IS UP. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?
>> THAT DEFICIT ASSUMES THEIR NORMAL ATTRITION WHICH IS ABOUT 10 ATTORNEYS. SO THE 30 WILL NOT BE THERE ANYMORE. SO WE ARE REWARDING SOME -- A TERRIBLE PRECEDENT. THIS WAS THE MARQUIS CONTEST.
WE WERE TRYING TO PROVIDE RAISES FOR ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ONLY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND GARCIA AND I SHOWED UP.
AND YET BEFORE WE KNEW WHAT IT WAS GOING TO BE, ONE DEPARTMENT DECIDED TO GIVE THE RAISES ANYWAY AND NOW IS HOLDING A KNIFE SAYING YOU GOTTA GIVE IT TO US.
THERE HAS TO BE A SOLUTION. YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS. TO MAYBE GIVE A POTENTIAL SOLUTION I HAVE TWO IDEAS. MY COLLEAGUE HAS AN IDEA ON FORFEITURE AND THE NEXT IS LOOK AT THE WAVE SO TO SPEAK OF THE ATTRITION. WE KNOW THESE ARE POSITIONS THAT ARE -- YOU KNOW, THESE FOLKS WILL QUIT IN A MINUTE.
OF COURSE, IF WE ARE GIVING THE RAISES AND GIVING THEM WHAT THEY PROPOSE IT WOULD BE BETTER, BUT TWO COLLEAGUES DIDN'T SHOW UP.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
THERE ARE TWO MOTIONS ON THE TABLE.
ONE FOR OPTION A FOR 5.6 MILLION FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
A SECOND FOR OPTION A FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR 30ADA'S AND 15 AS AN INITIAL ALLOCATION AND THEN PENDING A REPORT, AN ADDITIONAL 15 WITH OUT OF THE FIRST 15 FOR A STAFFING ALLOCATION FOR THE DRUG PROCESSING CENTER INTAKE AREA.
THOSE ARE THE TWO MOTIONS. COMMISSIONER BRIONES WOULD LIKE TO SEE AUTHORIZATION FOR ALL 30 OF THESE TO BE DONE.
I DO KNOW THAT THE HIRING PROCESS IS PRETTY CHALLENGING.
ONCE YOU GET THE FIRST 15 TO CRANK UP THE WHOLE PROCESS AGAIN FOR AN ADDITIONAL 15. I WILL BE SIM -- SYMPATHETIC TO THAT AND WILL WORK WITH COMMISSIONER BRIONES, BUT I WANT TO GO BACK TO SOMETHING I ASKED EARLIER.
FUL THE KOUPB -- THE COUNTY TURN'S OFFICE SAID WE CANNOT CAP PAY RAISES, BUT YOU AS A BUDGET DIRECTOR TRACK PAY RAISES?
>> YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO A THIRD MOTION IS TO REQUEST A QUARTERLY REPORT FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE ON PAY RAISES BY DEPARTMENT AND IF YOU CAN BE AS PRECISE IN A REPORT THAT COULD TELL US WHETHER IT IS ACROSS THE BOARD PAY RAISES OR SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS AND THE PERCENTAGE OF THE PAY RAISE I DON'T WANT T. I DON'T WANT TO CALCULATE PROMOTIONS. I DON'T THINK THAT IS A FAIR ANALYSIS. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE A REPORT ON PAY RAISES ACROSS THE COUNTY SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND.
MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE GOT LIKE 30% PAY BEFORE IT CAME IN. AND I DON'T KNOW WHETHER YOU ARE AWARE OF THAT, MR. BARRY, BUT THIS BODY SHOULD KNOW WHEN PAY RAISES AND STAFF EPL PWHROEUYS -- STAFF EMPLOYEES ARE DONE. I AM THE ELECTED OFFICIAL AND I AM WILLING TO OWN THAT, BUT JUST TO DO IT ACROSS AN ORGANIZATION
[03:05:01]
AND THINK IT IS BAD PRACTICE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE -- SO THERE WOULD BE A MOTION TO TRACK THE PAY RAISES.2, 3% IS AN AVERAGE, AN ACCEPTABLE MARGIN.
SO OUT OF CYCLE AND OUT OF BUDGET REQUESTS, I THINK THAT IS HELPFUL FOR US. THOSE WOULD BE -- THERE ARE TWO SECONDS -- THERE IS A SECOND FOR THE TWO MOTIONS I MADE EARLIER AND HOPE I GET A SECOND ON MY FIRST MOTION.
I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THE QUESTION.
>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> IF THREE COLLEAGUES WANT TO VOTE WITH A BLANK CHECK, SO BE IT. I WOULD PREFER WE PUT GUARDRAILS ON. IT THE MOTION I AM SUGGESTING IS REALLY A VERSION OF OPTION B I THINK, MR. RAMOS, SO THE MONEY WILL ALL GET THERE, BUT WE HAVE SOME SENSE THE MONEY WILL GO WHERE IT IS INTENDED TO GO. I KNOW WE CANNOT CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS.
I WANTED TO RAISE THAT TO MAKE A POINT.
THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT IT COULD BE USED FOR IN THE OFFICE.
AND THEN THE COUNTY MONEY COULD BE USED TO MAKE PAY RAISES.
TO ME TO GO AND GIVE A 3.7% INCREASE TO THIS DEPARTMENT, AS DIFFICULT AS IT IS AND WHEN OTHERS HAVE THE PROBLEM AS WELL, MAYBE WE OUGHT TO JUST THROW OUT A FOURTH MOTION.
WHY NOT JUST GIVE 3.7% TO THE OTHERS WHO PLAYED BY THE RULES? YOU GOT ME? THE PRECEDENT IT SETS, OUR NEW COUNTY TREASURER, FOR EXAMPLE, WHY CONTINUE -- COULDN'T A NEW COUNTY TREASURER GO IN AND SAY SPEND THE MONEY IN THAT OFFICE AND DECIDE WELL I CAN'T SIGN YOUR DOCUMENTS THAT SHE IS SUPPOSED TO SIGN BECAUSE NOBODY IS THERE.
I GUESS WE END UP GOING TO COURT TO FIGHT OVER IT.
SOMEHOW THERE SHOULD BE A GUARDRAIL.
I THOUGHT I HEARD FROM MR. RAMOS WAS A REASONABLE COMPROMISE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T SEE THE RUSH -- I THINK YOU GUYS CAN COME UP WITH SOMETHING THAT IS NOT A TERRIBLE PRECEDENT.
WE HAVE SEVERAL MORE ITEMS TO GO THROUGH.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE HURRY TO GIVE A BLANK CHECK TO A
DEPARTMENT -- I MEAN -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM TRYING TO AT LEAST SEE HIS LANGUAGE IF WE TAKE SOME OTHER ITEMS UP AND
COME BACK TO THIS LATER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE ARE TWO
MOTIONS ON THE TABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY HAS A COMMENT. >> TOM RAMSEY: I AM PREPARED TO SECOND IT, COMMISSIONER. NOW, CLARIFY THE 4.3 YOU SAID -- THERE WOULD BE 30 POSITIONS WITH FIVE COMMITTED TO INTAKE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: INTAKE AT THE JOINT PROCESSING CENTER.
>> TOM RAMSEY: AT THE JOINT PROCESSING CENTER.
AND THEN THE THIRD MOTION WAS RELATED TO INCREASES --
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: -- REPORT OF PAY RAISE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL SECOND ALL THREE OF THOSE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU GUYS CALLED IT A TERRIBLE PRECEDENT BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE. TO ME IT SEEMS LIKE EXTORTION.
I ABSTAIN FROM THIS MOTION AND BEG THAT Y'ALL COME UP WITH A BETTER SOLUTION. THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH IS THIS? WE HAVE THREE MOTIONS.
>> IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO RESTATE THE MOTION FOR THE CLERK'S OFFICE AND KNOW WHAT WE ARE VOTING ON.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE FIRST MOTION WAS TO GO WITH OPTION A
OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I SUPPORT THAT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: FOR 5.6 MILLION WHICH WOULD PROVIDE FOR 120 SHERIFF PAW THROL -- PATROL POSITIONS.
THAT'S NUMBER ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WOULDS NOT
SELF-IMPOSED. >> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> THAT IS ITEM 28? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ITEM 28.
WELL, THEY ARE BOTH GOING TO BE ITEM 28.
SO THIS IS 28B I GUESS. THE SECOND MOTION WOULD BE TO PROVIDE OPTION 8 OF 4.3 MILLION TO PROVIDE FOR 15ADA POSITIONS INITIALLY PENDING A REPORT FOR THE ADDITIONAL 15 POSITIONS.
[03:10:04]
BUT OUT OF THE INITIAL TRAUCH, A POSITION OF 5 -- AM I SAYING IT RIGHT? STACK -- STACKING MODEL FOR THEJOINT PROCESSING CENTER INTAKE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I ABSTAIN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: NO.
>> MOTION CARRIES 3-1. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTIO-
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND THEN, JUDGE, MY THIRD MOTION IS FOR A QUARTERLY REPORT FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE ON PAY RAISES BY DEPARTMENT TRACKING THE AVERAGE PAY RATE AND THEN ANY PAY RAISES
BEYOND THAT AND BY POSITION. >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THAT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: TO SEE HOW THE DEPARTMENT -- THE DEPARTMENT IS ALLOCATING PAY RAISES. ONE OF THE ISSUES IS IN PART DRIVEN BY PAY RAISES AS MR. RAMOS HAS INDICATED.
SO THE QUESTION IS -- WE CAN SEE WHERE IT IS GOING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT WAS PAY RAISES THAT WERE BUDGETED -- I AM AFRAID TO DO BUSY WORK, BUT I WILL SUPPORT IT FOR THE SAKE OF TRANSPARENCY. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE ONE NEW MOTION.
WE ARE MAKE SOMETHING ELECTED OFFICIALS HAPPY AND SOME NOT
HAPPY. >> W IILL SECOND IT, MMCOISSIONER. I DO SUPPORTOO GDER GOVNANCE RATHER THAN THEM T PANKORING. MOTIONED -- PANDORING.
LL WE WI CARRY T 2% TOHE DEPARTMENT.>>
AR TAKE PA MONEY IF WE >> WHY DON'T T WE NEEDO KNOW WHERE WE AREO GOING TGET THE MONEY FROM THE D.A.'SWE.
NG ARE GOI TO SEE IF WE WILLT GEIT FROM THE OTHER FUND.E
>> WCAN'T REBULLYING I FINDTE IT INRESTING WHERE WEDD ARE SUENLYRE CURIOUS WHE THE FUNDS ARE. COMING FROM
>> RODNEY ELLIS: LET'S NOT DONE THAT O.
IT WILL LEAVE OUTHE LAWEN ENFORCEMT SAGT SEES -- LAW-- ENFORCE NT LAW ENFORCEME. AGENCIES ALL OF THER AGENCIES OTHETHAN THOSE COVER I HAD BY 23.
I WILL LEAVE OUTOF THE D.A.'S FICE AS WELL.
>> O WE WILL HAVE THEMN THE 21ST.IK THE MOTION WAS WITHDRAWN.
>> SO YOU WILL COMENE BACK WITH THE W ONE? LATER ON IN THE DAY I WILL CLEAN IT UP AND MAKE THEW MOTION.
>>E CAN PUT IT TOGETHER CAREFULLY AS WE SHOULD DOS WITH
ALL MOTIONAND PRESENT IT. >> FOR NOW I WILL JUST SHOW
THREE. >> I WAS GOING TO GO BACK TO THE GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURE DEFICITS.
I WAS CONCERNED BLY -- BY THE 12.7 DISTRICT COURT OPERATIONS AND THE COUNTY FOR APPOINTED FEES.
THAT DEFICIT SEEMS LARGE AND PERHAPS IT IS I ATTRIBUTED TO WT ITS SAYING AND THE INVOICING. THAT COULDR BE A MORE SUSTAINABLE, FAI OPTION THAN SOME OF THESE VERY LARGE COSTS, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY GOING TO OTHERS. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE TO MAKE SURE IT IS SOMETHING SUSTAINABLE AND HIGH QUALITY. I WANT TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE IN THAT AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE.
>> I THINK WHAT I AM HEARING IS DIRECTING OMB AND THE AUDITOR WOULD NEED TO BE INVOLVED TO AUDIT THE EXPENSES -- THE ATTORNEY EXPENSES AS WELL AS PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE PUBLIC
>> IS THAT A MOTION, COMMISSIONER?
>> DOES IT NEED TO BE A MOTION? >> WELL, ANY MEMBER OF THE COURT CAN REQUEST AN AUDIT FOR THE STAFF.
>> IT IS -- IT DOES NOT NEED A MOTION.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS THAT YOU ALL HAD. IT IS FOLLOWING THE FISCAL
[03:15:06]
RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. 1.2 MILLION FOR THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE. 550,000 FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND $450,000 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY. CERTAINLY I WOULD HAVE SUPPORTED THE 1.8 MILLION FOR THE D.A.'S OFFICE.THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THINGS OUTSIDE HER CONTROL.
I JUST DON'T SUPPORT THIS KIND OF -- EXTORTION.
SO THAT IS MY MOTION AND SECONDED BY BREE YAWN -- BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I THE. >> MOTION PASSES TPHAPL --
UNANIMOUSLY. >> CAN YOU REPEAT THE MOTION?
>> $1.2 MILLION FOR THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE AND $550,000 FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE , $450,000 FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY PER THE BUDGET
DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION. >> THANK YOU.
>> ALL RIGHT. SO THAT IS WHAT --
>> REALLY QUICKLY WE HAD ONE MORE SLIDE TO JUST GO OVER THE CALENDAR FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> DO YOU MIND PUTTING UP THE LAST -- THE SECOND TO LAST SLIDE.
THANKS, TIFFANY. QUICKLY I WANT TO GO OVER THE BUDGET CALENDAR FOR THE REST OF THE FISCAL YEAR.
STARTING MARCH 20TH, WE WILL KICK OFF THE CURRENT LEVEL OF FORECAST AND THIS IS THE SAME WE PRESENTED ON.
WE WILL BE ASKING TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION SO WE HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW MUCH IT IS GOING TO COST TO RUN THE COUNTY THE EXACT SAME WAY. FROM THERE I WOULD IMAGINE DEPENDING ON THE VARIOUS LEVELS OF THE TAX RATE THAT WILL BE SHOWING EITHER EVEN OR A SMALL DEFICIT.
AT THAT POINT I WILL BE ASKING FOR COURT DIRECTION ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS ASK FOR THE BUDGET PROPOSAL THAT'S ARE 1% CUT AND 2% CUT DEPENDING ON WHAT THE SURFACE DEFICIT IS AT THAT POINT.
STARTING IN MAY WE WILL DO THE BUDGET KICKOFF.
WE WILL BE ASKING THE DEPARTMENTS TO SUBMIT BUDGET PROPOSALS AND WE ARE MEETING WITH THE DEPARTMENTS IN JUNE AND WORKING WITH THE COMMISSIONER'S REPORT OFFICE ON RAKING ALL OF THE CUTS AND ALL OF THE NEW PROGRAMMING REQUESTED AND IN COURT IN LATE JULY AND THERE IS HOPEFUL ADOPTION IN EARLY
HOPEFULLY WE CAN HAVE A QUORUM SO WE DON'T HAVE TO HAVE FIVE
MEETINGS. >> IS THIS THE SAME TIMELINE AS
EARLIER? >> WE HAD THE SEVEN-MONTH FISCAL
YEAR TPHOFG -- MOVING FORWARD. >> AND OUR OFFICE HAS IT SO WE CAN PLUG IT INTO OUR CALENDAR TOO?
AND IF WE CAN ADOPT ITEM 29. >> THAT'S A DEFICIT, CORRECT?
>> ONE ITEM WAS TO GET APPROVAL FOR THE SUPPLEMENTALS.
29 IS TO ACTUALLY MOVE THE MONEY AMONGST OTHER ITEMS.
>> MOTION AS PRESENTED. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> AND THEN NO ACTION ON ITEM 441.
>> THAT IS CORRECT. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> AND NO ACTION ON 441 SINCE IT WAS 28 AND 29.
COLLEAGUES, UNLESS YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE BUDGET WE COULD MOVE TO 439, COMMUNITY AND SAFETY PROGRAMS.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I'M SURE ALL OF US WERE SHOCKED AND APPALLED BY THE KILLING OF F -- OF TYRE NICHOLS IN MEMPHIS. IT COMES IN A LONG LINE OF CASES LIKE THAT THAT HAVE HAPPENED FAR TOO OFTEN IN OUR COUNTRY.
[03:20:02]
I AM REMINDED OF THE LARGEST DEMONSTRATIONS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS-RELATED ISSUES ON THE PLANET, I THINK, WHICH HAPPENED AFTER GEORGE FLOYD WAS KILLED. WE CAME TO THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT AFTER THE FUNERAL AND PASSED I THINK IT WAS 12 ITEMS. SOME WERE MINE AND SOME WERE FROM OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COURT.I APPRECIATE THE STAFF WORKING ON WHAT THEY WORKED ON.
THEY PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. THEY WERE THOUGHTFUL AND AT THE TIME I THINK THEY WERE SINCERE. ISSUES LIKE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND USE OF FORCE INCIDENT REPORTING AND STUDY ON A COUNTY-WIDE BASIS AND A STUDY OF VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION PROGRAM AND A LOOK AT THE INDIGENT DEFENSE SYSTEM.
THEY COULD HANDLE UP TO 50% OF INDIGENT DEFENSE CASES.
THE PLANS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE. I KNOW THAT DID NOT HAPPEN AN INDEPENDENT SAVILLE -- CIVILIAN AND OVERSIGHT BOARD AND A STUDY OF NO ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION AND A STUDY ON DISPARITIES ON FINES AND FEES AND ONE, COMMISSION EARLY GARCIA , THAT WAS YOURS AND WAS DISFUL -- WAS DEVELOPED A USE OF FORCE POLICY. THERE MAY BE A COUPLE OTHERS THAT I DID NOT MENTION. I THINK I LEAD THE EFFORT OF MY STAFF TO CREATE THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY TO COME UP WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR US ON ISSUES LIKE THIS.
I THOUGHT IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO ASK THE DEPARTMENT HEAD TO COME IN AND GIVE AS YOU SENSE OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED THREE YEARS LATER.
I BELIEVE THE INTENT WAS NOT JUST HAVING FLOWING WORDS.
I WANTED MORE THAN JUST THE RESOLUTION.
WHEN I GOT HERE I WAS DOWN ON THE RESOLUTIONS.
THEY DO MEAN SOMETHING TO PEOPLE.
MORE LATER ON, BUT I WANTED TO ADD SOME REAL SUBSTANCE.
AND ON THE USE OF FORCE WHEN IN PARTICULAR I AM GOING TO HAVE A MOTION AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO ASK THEM TO COME BACK WITH A POLICY IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
I WANT TO KNOW WHEN SO YOU CAN COME BACK WHETHER WE PASS IT OR NOT. YOU WERE ON THE ADVOCACY SIDE, BY THE WAY. MY STAFF TOOK EVERYTHING PEOPLE WERE TALKING ABOUT TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM THE DEPUTY COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR JUSTICE AND SAFETY.
THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY FALLS WITHIN MY PER VIEW.
I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE INTERIM DIRECTOR TO PROVIDE AN
UPDATE. >> I GUESS STARTING OFF I WILL GO OVER THE ITEM THAT'S HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED.
OUT OF THE 11 ITEM THAT'S WE WENT THROUGH, THAT YOU PASSED, FOUR HAVE BEEN COMPLETED. SO THE PARTS PAW TORE -- PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING REPORT, THE COUNTY LEVEL FIRST RESPONDER STUDY HAS BEEN SUBMITTED AND YOU PILOTED A PROGRAM OUT OF THE SHERIFF'S PROGRAM TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
[03:25:04]
AND THAT WAS WELL SUBMITTED. ON THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SIDE THERE HAVE BEEN SOME REPORTS SUBMITTED, BUT WE HAD TROUBLE IN THE OFFICE'S APPOINTMENT RATE. I WOULD SUGGEST WE CREATE A COMMITTEE TO ENGAGE IN STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR INDIGENT DEFENSE SO WE CAN GET -- EXPAND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE SO -- WHERE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH DEFENSE ATTORNEYS TO HANDLE THE CASE LOAD. IT IS ACTUALLY EVEN MORE ACUTE ON THE DEFENSE SIDE WHERE WE COULDN'T IMPLEMENT CASE LOADS BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE TO HANDLE THE CASES.I THINK IT IS -- >> I AM JUST CURIOUS ON THAT POINT. DO WE PAY, MR. RAMOS.
>> WE HAVE TO DO THE MATH. WE ARE PAYING FLAT SALARIES AS
OPPOSED TO HOURLY. >> I THINK WHEN THEY CAME UP WE ARPA MONEY TO RAISE THE SALARIES, BUT WE DIDN'T DO THAT
WITH THE PD'S OFFICE. >> AND THERE ARE PROBABLY EFFICIENCIES TOO. WE WILL DO THE MATH FOR COURT.
>> MOVING ON WITH THE NON-PUNITIVE ALTERNATIVES TO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, THAT REPORT WE RECEIVED A DRAFT FROM ON PFM.
WE HAVE SOME CHANGES SUCH AS REVISING THEIR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY SO THAT IT REALLY OUTLINES THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS INSTEAD OF JUST LISTING THEM. THAT WILL SAVE ALL OF YOU TIME REVIEWING IT. IF THAT IS SOMETHING YOU DON'T NEED, WE CAN SUBMIT IT TOMORROW TO THE COURT.
THEN WE HAVE TWO THAT WENT THROUGH THE VENDOR PROCESS THAT HAVE BEEN DELAYED IN TERMS OF GOING THROUGH PURCHASING AND CONTRACTING WITH THE THIRD PARTY TO HANDLE THE REPORT.
AND THERE IS THE RACIAL PROFILING, THE RACIAL DISPARITIES. IN BOTH CASES WE ENTERED A CONTRACT WITH A THIRD PARTY. THE RAND CORPORATION FOR RACIAL DISPARITIES. THEY HAVE THE DATA AND WE ARE UPDATING IT AND WE HOPE TO HAVE A REPORT EARLY NEXT YEAR WITH TEXAS APPLE SEED. THERE ARE SOMEWAYS IN IDENTIFYING THE CUSTODIAN OF THE INFORMATION THAT IS NECESSARY.
PART OF OUR OFFICE'S CHALLENGE IS FIGURING OUT WHO IS THE STAKEHOLDER OF THE INFORMATION WE NEED TO MEASURE WHAT IS OUT
THERE. >> USE OF FORCE YOU ARE TALKING
THERE ARE THINGS LIKE -- THAT'S WHEN YOU ARE ARRESTED AND BASICALLY BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T PAY YOUR FINES AND FEES.
IT IS HARD TO FIND WHERE IMPLEMENTATION IS ON OUR SYSTEM.
SO WE ARE GOING THROUGH AND FIGURING OUT WHAT DATA WE NEED FROM EACH DEPARTMENT. OUR TEAMIG RHT NOWAS H A PRETTY GOOD LIST. THERE ARE JUST F AEW ITEMS WHERE WE NEEDER PMISSIONM FROTHE DEPARTMENTT THAOWNS THE DATA TO GIVE IT TO US. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
>>DI WE D DO IT THREE YEARS AGOW >>E ASKED FOR ITEA THREE YRS THE BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ABILITY TOHE PROCESS T REPORT.
>>CK WAS IT LA OF MONEY OF WILL? T
>> IHINK ITAN WAS -- I ME,ON BASED THE INTERNAL WASTI A BUREAUCRAC WHERE IT TAKES AR LONGTIME FO THINGS TOPU GO THROUGH RCHASINGT UNFORTUNELY.
WITH THEAV ITEM THAT'S HE BEEN DELIVERED, PART BECAUSE THEYIN WERE HANDLED HOUSE.T THEY DIDN'HAVE TO GOE THROUGH TH PROCESS.
[03:30:08]
AREUE THERE ANY OTHER QSTIONS IOUT THOSE TWO ITEMS BEFORE MOVE ON? THEAR USE OF FORCE DASHBOD, THAT HAS BEEN I CHALLENGING BECAUSET IS A RIGHT NOW WE AREGO NEGOTIATE -- NETIATING A DATA USE AGREEMENTEN AND THEY HAVE BE GREAT PARTNERS.ONCE WE FINALIZE THAT AND I AM T HOPING TO FINALIZEHAT DURING FEBRUARY, YOU KNOW,E PROVIDE -- WE HAVA DRAFT THAT WEK HAVE CIRCULATED BACFI AND FORTHWITH THE OFCE AND THE LATEST VERSION WE RECIRCULATED THIS MORNING.
ONCE THAT IS IN PLACE, WE WILL START WORKING ON A DASHBOARD THAT WILL GO IN TO BETA TEST WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA WE HAVE TO CREATE A NEW MATRIX FOR COLLECTING INFORMATION ON USE OF FORCE AND IT IS BIG ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE -- THE DOJ HAS A DASHBOARD ON USE OF FORCE.
THAT IS DIFFICULT TO IMPLEMENT. IT LOOKS AT DOZENS OF VARIABLES AND IT TAKES AT LEAST 40 MINUTES TO ENTER INFORMATION INTO THE DATABASE. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WE ARE ASKING THINGS OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS THAT IT IS SOMETHING THAT THEY CAN ACTUALLY USE AND DO ONCE WE GET A FRAMEWORK, WE ARE USING A SIMPLIFIED VERSION OF THE DOJ MATRIX, AND THEN WE CAN START IDENTIFYING THE TECHNOLOGY AND SHAO*ER -- AND SHARED RESOURCES OUR COUNTY WOULD NEED TO
IMPLEMENT THIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MAY? ACCORDING TO THE NOTES FROM MY STAFF YOU HAVE ONLY RECEIVED DATA FROM THE FOLLOWING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO COMPLETE THIS REPORT. FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSTABLE FOR PRECINCT 1 ON
USE OF FORCE POLICIES. >> WELL, THAT'S THE USE OF FORCE POLICIES. WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT IS THE DASHBOARD. THAT'S SEPARATE AND WE HAVEN'T RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM ANYBODY YET FOR A HOST OF REASONS. THE CONSTABLES AGREED IF PRINCIPAL TO COOPERATE AND GIVE US INFORMATION ABOUT USE OF FORCE. BUT FOR ALL OF THE REASONS I EXPLAINED THERE IS A MAN POWER ISSUE AND THERE IS A TECHNOLOGY ISSUE THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO BRING THEM INTO THE CONVERSATION TO MAKE THIS DASHBOARD WORK UNTIL WE KNOW SPECIFICALLY WHAT INFORMATION WE NEED THEM TO COLLECT.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE USE OF FORCE POLICY AND THE PROCESS OF CREATING IT AND THE LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT AND ONGOING OWNERSHIP TRAINING-RELATED ITEMS
TO HAVING SUCH A POLICY. >> SO THAT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON FOR AWHILE. WE HAVE REVIEWED OVER 102 USE OF FORCE POLICIES THAT HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. WE HAVE BEEN, YOU KNOW, CONDUCTING A LITERATURE REVIEW ON BEST PRACTICES AND BASED ON ACADEMIC FINDINGS. WE HAVE A DRAFT, BUT I WANT TO -- WE NEED TO WORK ON IT -- WE NEED A LITTLE MORE TIME TO FINALIZE IT AND ROLL IT OUT. THAT'S ONE OF COMMISSIONER
ELLIS' -- BREE BREE -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: CAN YOU TELL US THE WAY IT WILL BE FUNDED? I IMAGINE IF YOU HAVE A DRAFT OF THIS POLICY, CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE COMMUNITY GROUPS AND THE STAKEHOLDERS AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT MIGHT BE REVIEWING IT AND GIVING
FEEDBACK IN WAYS TO IMPROVE IT. >> ONCE WE REVISE POLICIES WE WILL BE SENDING IT OUT TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR REVIEW. WE WERE WORKING WITH JENNIFER LAWRENCE WORKING ON USE OF FORCE AND POLICING ISSUES.
WE ARE WORKING WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS AND I THINK IT WAS PROJECT ZERO. THERE ARE A FEW ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE WOULD BE OBTAINING FEEDBACK FROM AS WELL.
>> AND WHAT IS THE PROJECTED TIMELINE FOR THIS PROCESS?
>> ABOUT FOUR MONTHS, 120 DAYS. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPORT.
[03:35:05]
I GUESS THIS IS -- DR. CORREA WAS HERE PRIOR TO YOU.I DON'T THINK, MR. PERRY, YOUR OPERATIONS WERE FULLY STAFFED.
IF ANYTHING, YOU LOST POSITIONS. SO ARE YOU AN OFFICE OF TWO NOW?
>> NO, WE HAVE, I GUESS, 17 EMPLOYEES AT OJS.
>> YOU STILL NEED SUPPORT TO BUILD OUT THESE POLICIES AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THEM AND WORK THEM.
>> YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD ASK YOU PROVIDE US A RECOMMENDATION FOR WHAT YOU NEED TO STAFF YOUR OPERATIONS APPROPRIATELY SO THAT , YOU KNOW, WE CAN GIVE REAL ATTENTION TO THESE ISSUES. SECONDLY, I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE SHERIFF AND I AM PROUD THAT HE IS THE ONE WHO HAS COMMITTED TO WORKING THROUGH THE PROCESS AND WORKING THROUGH TO COME UP WITH THE POLICY. NOT A PRINCIPAL, BUT HE IS DOING IT. HOWEVER, I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT -- AND I WOULD SUSPECT YOUR CONTACT WITH HIM TO SEE WHERE THEY ARE AT AND HE HAS ENGAGED --
>> YEAH. AND HE HAS HIS OWN USE OF FORCE
>> AND THAT'S ONE OF THE ONES WE HAVE REVIEWED.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD. HE HAS BEEN THOUGHTFUL AND HE IS A VERY DATA-DRIVEN INDIVIDUAL. I KNOW HE WANTS TO GET THERE.
HE IS ALSO VERY PRACTICAL WITH SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH THAT. SO I WOULD LIKE TO MAYBE HAVE A MEETING WITH THE TWO OF Y'ALL TO SEE WHAT IT MAY LOOK LIKE AND
HELP MOVE THE PROCESS ALONG. >> YEAH.
AND YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE USE OF FORCE DASHBOARD, RIGHT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. ONE THING TO CONSIDER IS BECAUSE USE OF FORCE HAS SO MANY DIFFERENT ISSUES, AND IT CHANGES SOMETIMES BY AGENCY. AND WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT A UNIVERSE OF 80 DIFFERENT LAWEN -- LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. WHAT IS WHAT AND HOW TO TRACK IT ALTOGETHER. HOWEVER, MAYBE WE CAN WORK WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TRACK RESISTANT ARREST.
THAT IS PROBABLY THE MOST UNIVERSALLY DEFINED TERM WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND WITH SOME DEGREE USE OF FORCE.
I WOULD -- IF YOU -- HAVE YOU EVER GONE DOWN THAT TUNNEL?
>> I HAVEN'T. RESISTING ARRESTS IS ONE OF THE DIFFICULT ISSUES TO LOOK INTO BECAUSE THERE ARE INSTANCES WHERE SOMEONE IS JUST CHARGED WITH RESISTING ARREST, AND THERE IS NO UNDERLING CHARGE I THINK WHERE THERE IS THE COMMUNITY'S
RELATIONSHIP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT, BUT I THINK THAT'S PART OF THE VALUE OF IT.
>> OKAY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO I WOULD LOOK TO HAVE A DISCUSSION AND SEE IF WE CAN'T GET THERE.
I THINK THAT'S PROBABLY THE MOST SINGULAR CHARGE THAT YOU CAN LOOK AT. BECAUSE WHEN I CREATED WHAT WAS CALLED THE PERSONNEL CONCERNS UNIT, IT WAS TO TRACK THE USE OF FORCE WITHIN A PERIOD OF TIME WHICH MAY GIVE US AN INDICATION OR NOT. IT MAY BE A PRIORITY OF DISCUSSION TO UNDERSTAND AND RESEARCH.
BUT I THINK THAT'S AN AREA WE CAN HAVE A DISCUSSION ON.
>> YEAH. I THINK EVERYBODY WOULD -- AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH EVERYBODY ON THIS.
IS THAT -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE, THREE YEARS LATER, THAT THERE'S STILL SOME MOMENTUM AND NOT JUST MORE DISCUSSION. ANYBODY WHO THINKS THAT MEMPHIS SITUATION CAN'T HAPPEN HERE IS NAIVE.
OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE -- ON LAW ENFORCEMENT JOB IT IS A TOUGH JOB TO DO, BUT WE SIMILAR UNITS AND MORE SENSIBLE NAME THAN SCORPION. I CALLED TO ASK THE POLICE CHIEF ABOUT IT, THE SHERIFF WOULDN'T, BUT WE HAVE THEM AS WELL AND WE DON'T WANT TO BE IN POSITION WHERE WE WAIT UNTIL IT IS HERE AND THEN WE COME IN AND WE WILL CALL FOR ALL OF THESE STUDIES AGAIN. I KNOW YOU JUST GOT THERE.
I KNOW THE CHALLENGES YOUR OFFICE WOULD HAVE AND THEY ARE
[03:40:06]
WELL AWARE OF IT. AND I KNOW THERE ARE THOSE WHO WOULD THWART THE EFFORT AND ARE WAITING FOR THIS INSTANCE TO PASS ALONG AND THEN GO BACK TO THE TRADITIONAL RHETORIC KWUPBS -- ONCE IT DIES OUT. I WANT TO PUT THESE ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. I THINK THEY ARE THOUGHT -- THOUGHTFUL, ALL OF THEM. YOU CAME UP WITH USE OF FORCE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION -- I KNOW THE SHERIFF HAS A POLICY -- I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF WE TRACK, MR. RAMOS -- DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE SPENT IN SETTLEMENTS FOR PEOPLE WHO SUED BECAUSE THEY WERE WRONGFULLY DETAINED OR BECAUSE THERE WAS VIOLENCE? DO YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW THAT>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT YOU TO COME UP WITH SOME REPORT THAT YOU GIVE TO US, YOU KNOW. THE DASHBOARD IS ONE THING.
ON THE USE OF FORCE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HERE IS A THOUGHT I HAD ON YOURS AND I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY IF YOU MAKE THIS MOTION, BUT WE OUGHT TO HAVE SOME DEAD -- SOME DEADLINE. IF IT IS THREE MONTHS, HOW LONG DOES IT COME -- TAKE TO COME UP WITH --
>> 120 DAYS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: I WAS GOING DOWN THE SAME ROAD, COMMISSIONER. WE OUGHT TO GET PRIORITIES AND GET DATES AND GET IT SCHEDULED. IT IS NOT FAIR TO Y'ALL TO SAY COME UP HERE EVERY THREE YEARS AND SAY WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN? YOU NEED TO SIT AND PUT IT ON A PIECE OF PAPER.
WE WILL GET THIS DONE FIRST AND THIS DONE SECOND UNTIL WE GET THROUGH THE 12. SO AT LEAST WE'RE AWARE.
OBVIOUSLY THERE'S NOT JUST THE SCHEDULE.
THERE ARE OTHER ENTITIES INVOLVED WITH YOU THAT YOU NEED TO HEAR FROM AND MAYBE WE CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT.
AND THEN THERE THE OLD COST SIDE OF IT THAT AS YOU LOOK AT THIS IN TERMS OF IMPLEMENTING IT, GET ON A PIECE OF PAPER AND SEE WHAT WILL BE DONE AND WHEN. I THINK IT WILL HELP Y'ALL AND
IT WOULD CERTAINLY HELP US. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND OF COURSE WE JUST SPENT MONEY TODAY, BUT WHEN IT IS THAT DEPARTMENT, YOU GOT ME, IT IS GENERALLY NOT A PRIORITY.
WHAT ABOUT THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REVIEW BOARD? I THINK THAT WAS ONE OF THE ITEMS.
>> THAT'S AN ITEM WE ARE READY TO SUBMIT.
WE HAVE A -- WE'VE RECEIVED THE REPORT FROM A CONTRACTOR WHO PUT IT TOGETHER AND WE CAN SEND IT TO THE COURT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO BEFORE I MAKE A MOTION, IF YOU SEND US SOMETHING AND I MAY PUT IT ON THE NEXT AGENDA, LIKE WHATEVER THE 11 OR 12 ITEMS WERE THAT WE PUT UP WITH SPECIFIC LANGUAGE, ARE ONCE IT WAS CLEAR THAT A FUNERAL WILL BE HERE, I THINK WE WERE ALL SCRAMBLING ON WHAT WE WANTED TO COME UP WITH AND WE COULDN'T TKAUBG -- COULDN'T TALK.
I THINK I ONLY TALKED TO ONE. I KNEW YOU WERE GONNA DO THIS ONE, THE MODEL USE OF FORCE. BUT WE PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO IT. INSTEAD OF RUSHING IN HERE WITH SOME OF THE STUFF MY STAFF THOUGHT, WE GAVE IT TO THE DEPARTMENT. THEY COULD COME BACK WITH A RECOMMENDATION. HERE WE ARE THREE YEARS LATER AND JUST GIVE AS YOU REPORT CARD ON WHERE WE ARE.
HERE IS THE MOTION I WANT TO MAKE ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S ITEM. I WANT TO GIVE HIM CREDIT FOR COMING UP WITH IT, BUT I DIRECT THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY TO RETURN TO THIS COURT WITHIN 120 DAYS WITH RECOMMENDATIONS ON A MODEL USE OF FORCE POLICY THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OPERATE WITH IN HARRIS COUNTY CAN ADOPT WHETHER AND HOW TO CREATE AN INDEPENDENT CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD AND WHETHER AND HOW TO EXPAND HOLISTIC ASSISTANCE RESPONSE TEAMS AND OTHER OPTIONS TO EFFECTIVELY ENHANCE COMMUNITY SAFETY AND REDUCE RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN THE CRIMINAL AND LEGAL SYSTEM.
AND I WILL PASS IT TO YOU IF YOU DIDN'T CATCH IT ALL.
>> THAT IS DO -- I MEAN, IT IS AN AGGRESSIVE SCHEDULE.
I'M NOT GONNA LIE. WE WILL HAVE TO HUSTLE TO MAKE
THAT HAPPEN, BUT IT IS FEASIBLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE STAFF IS GIVING OUT MONEY TODAY BEFORE WE GET OUT OF HERE.
>> KEY DEFINITELY -- WE DEFINITELY NEED MORE STAFF.
WE ARE DOWN A VERY SENIOR STAFF MEMBER.
IF WE COULD HAVE TWO SENIOR POLICY PEOPLE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET THAT ARPA MONEY.
I'M WATCHING IT FLOW. >> I HAVE A CASE TO MAKE ABOUT STAFFING US AS WELL. ONE OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO WORK WITH THE CJCC AND MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE -- EVERYBODY IN
[03:45:05]
THE COUNTY IS ON BOARD WITH OUR JUSTICE INITIATIVES.THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY OUT THERE THAT WE COULD BE AVAILING OURSELVES OF IF EVERYBODY WAS ON THE SAME PAGE.
THERE IS 150 MILLION IF FUNDING. BIDEN SIGNED A BILL THAT ALSO HAD FUNDING AVAILABLE. WE ARE GOING TO BE IN A BETTER POSITION IF WE CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN AND THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY OF US RIGHT NOW. IF YOU PUT MORE OF US HERE WE CAN HELP WORK WITH THE AGENCIES TO PUT TOGETHER PROPOSALS AND GET THIS MONEY. MY POINT IS THAT THERE IS A RETURN ON INVESTMENT HERE TO BE ADD.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THE MOTION AND REQUEST THAT THE FINANCE -- AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IF WOULD LIKE TO BRING A REQUEST IN TERMS OF WHAT YOUR OFFICE NEEDS TO BE POISED FOR SUCCESS SO THAT WE CAN MOVE MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVELY THAN WHAT WAS PASSED IN JUNE OF 2020. VERYPE ON TO CONSIDERING THESE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S FINISH VOTING ON THEIO MOTN.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADEOT A MION AND SECONDEDCO BY MMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AMVO IN FAR AND MOTION CARRIEN ANIMOUSLY.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: DIDAV YOU HE
ANYTHING TO ADD? >>NK I THIA SHE IS T HARD ACTO FOLLOW,HI BUT I TNK IT IS AEA GRT OPPORTUNITY FOR A PARTNERSHIP WITHST LOCAL, ATE AND FEDERAL LAW - ENFORCE- LAW ENFORCEMENTFO AGENCIES R AOF USE FORCE POLICY.
ANDNC TRANSPAREY ANDAB COLLORATION WITH OUR AND WETIESER THAT WE SVE ARE WILLING TOGE HELP PUT TOTHEL TOWN HL MEETINGS AND TALK ABOUT OUR POLICY ONCE WE DRAFT IT. IT IS ALSO GOOD FOR THEAN
COMMUNITY D IT IS US TO MAKE IT A>> SOLUTION.
COMMISSIONER?: >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MR. PERRY, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I WOULD SUGGEST GIVEN YOURTH RELATIONSHIPS AT IF YOU THINK ABOUT VISITING WITH THE R OFFICE OF CIVILIGHTS ANDTI THE COMMUNITY RELAONS OFFICE S AND MAYBE JUST GETOME, COUNSEL, YOU KNOWBASED ON WHAT WE TRIED TO DO HERE IF THEY KNOW HOW TO GET THERE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER OR IF THERE IS SUPPORT THAT CAN GIVE LIFE TOE SOME OF THE POLICIES W SEEM TO BE STRUGGLING WITH.
WHETHER IT IS A MODEL USE OF FORCE OR WHETHER IT IS A DASHBOARD ORIO COLLECTING THAT INFORMATN TOGETHER.
I REMEMBER A FRIEND -- WAS IT MARTINEZ? SO I THINK THOSE ARE TWO GOOD OFFICES.
I KNOW THAT THAT I USED TO SEEK THE COUNSEL OF -- OH, IT WAS BETSY -- HER LAST NAME ESCAPES ME, BUT WITH THE ACLU.
SHE WAS ALWAYS A REAL GOOD SOUNDING BOARD FOR THESE THINGS.
THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND WE HAVE THE ELECTION ITEM AS THE FINAL OUT OF ORDER ITEM.
WE ARE HITTING -- LET'S DO A 15-MINUTE BREAK AND WE WILL BE
BACK AT 3:05. >>> LET'S GET STARTED.
IT IS 3:21 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THE LAST ITEM WAS YOURS ON THE ELECTION,
442, THE LAST OUT OF ORDER ITEM. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I WANTED TO CONTINUE MY REQUEST FOR A MORE DETAILED REPORT FROM THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR. WE STARTED THIS CONVERSATION IN 2021. THE ELECTION THEN AND THE VOTING RESULTS WERE DELAYED. YOU EARLY VOTING RESULTS WERE POSTED AND THERE WERE EXTENSIVE WAIT TIMES.
THERE WAS A TRAINING ISSUE. THAT'S 21.
MARCH OF 22 LAST YEAR, NEW YORK POSTED A HEADLINE THAT 10,000 UNCOUNTED VOTES FOUND IN HOUSTON FOUND.
THIS IS HARRIS COUNTY AND THE LAST OF THE BIG CITY COUNTIES TO REPORT ELECTION DAY RESULTS. WE KNOW WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH A
[03:50:02]
LOT. WE CANNOT LOOK AT THE ELECTIONS AND SAY EVERYTHING'S FINE. EVERYTHING'S BEEN FIXED AND WE'VE -- WE'RE IN GOOD SHAPE. I PUT THIS ON TO ASK QUESTIONS AND IT IS NOT JUST FROM THE NEWS MEDIA, BUT IT IS FROM FOLKS OUT THERE THAT FOUND UNUSUAL THINGS. HOW MANY VOTERS WERE IMPACTED DUE TO LATE OPEN POLLS? THAT'S ONE QUESTION.TWO, ONE OF THE NEWS OUTLETS REPORTED YESTERDAY, LAST NIGHT, THAT THEY FOUND 121 VOTING CENTERS DIDN'T RECEIVE ENOUGH BALLOT PAPER. WHAT WAS THE CRITERIAEL RATEDO T HOW MANYAL BLOTS YOU SENTO T EACH POLLINGOC LATIONF IS THIIS WITHAR A PTICULAR POLLING LOCATION Y ANDOU SENT 600 BALLOTS, THATT JUSDOES PRESIDENT MAKE A LOT OF SENSE.WH AT WAS THEEG STRATY RELATED USINGRI HISTOCAL VOTINGAT DATA H E POLLS ANDRM IN DETEINING HOW MUCH BALLOT PAPERT. WAS SEN ACCORDING TO THE EARLY RESULTSIS WERE PUBLHED PRIOR TO THE POLLS CLOSING.HA IS TT LEGAL? AND WHEN CAN WE EXPECT REPORT INCLUDING SOLUTIONS?TH I THINK ERE ISN AN EXPECTATIO THAT THE REPORTND IS NOT DONE A THERENE IS MORE THAT EDS TO BE SAID TO SAY WE HAVE ADDRESSED IT. I DON'T THINK THIS IS ASU PARTIN ISE.Y THEY SAY THE TOO AREWI FRUSTRATD TH THE REPEATED MISHAPS IN A OUR ELECTIONND THEY TOO BELIEVE THE COUNTY MUST RESPOND, I'M Q COATING -- I'MUOTING, WITH URGENCY. IMO THINK GOING ON THREE NTHS ELECTION, I DON'T THINK ANYONE CAN SAY WHAT WEE E DOING IS DONWITH A SENSE OF URGENCY.
THE VOTERS DESERVE SOME ANSWERS.
MY QUESTIONG FOR THE THIRD MEETININ A ROW, WHEN WILL OUR REPORT BE COMMUNICATED AND AGAIN ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT I
THINK A LOT OF FOLKS HAVE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: YESNK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAY, YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSE FOR YOUR COMMENTS EVEN IF I DON'T OBVIOUSLY AGREE WITH ALL OF THEM.
I WANT TO SET A LITTLE CONTEXT AS WELL AND ASK THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AFTER I MAKE A FEW COMMENTS HOW MUCH OF THIS OUGHT TO BE DISCUSSED IN PUBLIC AS OPPOSED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.IO
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MY QUESTN AS WELL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DID WANT TO MENTION OUR GOOD FRIEND JAY AYER , HIS FATHER PASSED AND THEIR FAMILY HAS OUR CONDOLENCES. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNEW THAT.
I'M SURE HE IS WATCHING, BY THE WAY, BUT WHAT A GOOD GUY AND I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF MEETING HIS FATHER.
BEFORE YOU GIVE US YOUR COMMENTS ON THAT, I DO WANT TO SAY, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU MENTIONED PRESS ACCOUNTS.
I WANT YOU TO ALSO PULL THE PRESS ACCOUNTS WHEN HARRIS COUNTY WAS THE ENVY OF THE NATION.
WE PIONEERED EVERYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE. AND COUNTY ATTORNEY, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR IN THE RULES IF SOMEBODY IS EMOTIONAL AND HAVE AN OUTBURST THAT THEY BE ESCORTED OUT OF HERE.
>> WE CAN RESTATE THE RULES AFTER THIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE THE ENVY OF THE NATION AND THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT EVERYBODY TO VOTE.
THE STATE LEGISLATURE PASSED ONE OF THE MOST RESTRICTIVE VOTING LAWS IN THE COUNTRY. IT IS NOT ONLY TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE, BUT TO KEEP IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO REGISTER TO VOTE. AND WE ARE PROBABLY RUNNING A CLOSE TIE WITH GEORGIA ON WHICH IS THE WORST.
WITH THAT SAID, THE FACT THAT WE HAVE 778 SQUARE MILES AND 2.5 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS, THE LONGEST BALLOT IN THE COUNTRY WHICH ADDS TO CHALLENGES OUR BALLOT IS TWICE AS LONG AS LOS ANGELES COUNTY THAT HAS THE NEXT LONGEST BALLOT WITH ABOUT
[03:55:02]
40 CONTESTED RACES. WE RUN CIRCLES AROUND EVEN L.A.COUNTY. WITH THAT SAID, I WANT TO STRESS AND WHILE WE ARE SPENDING MONEY, MR. RAMOS AND MR. BERRY, FOR TOO LONG IN THIS COUNTY, OUR ELECTIONS DEPARTMENTS, WHEN THERE WERE TWO, WENT WITHOUT THE INVESTMENTS AND THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO MODERNIZE. IT WAS A GOOD THING.
WE DIDN'T NECESSARILY PICK THE VOTING MACHINES THAT WERE MY FIRST CHOICE. THAT DECISION WAS MADE AND WE DID PICK THAT MACHINE. IN SOMEWAYS, MAYBE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE OF A CHALLENGE IF WE HADN'T DONE THAT BECAUSE IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EVEN MORE DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE TO VOTE DOWN THE BALLOT. WITH THAT SAID I WANT TO ASK THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, HOW MUCH OF THIS OUGHT TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION, AND EVEN THEN IN CASE AN EXECUTIVE FORGETS AND REPEATS IT, HOW MUCH CAN WE SAY IN THERE AS WELL?
>> RIGHT. SO SOON AFTER THE NOVEMBER ELECTION THE REPUBLICAN PARTY FILED LAWSUIT AGAINST THE COUNTY THAT IS STILL PENDING. BECAUSE OF THAT WE HAVE GIVEN THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT GUIDANCE ON WHAT THEY CAN AND CAN'T ADDRESS IN PUBLIC. ON TOP OF THAT, A NUMBER OF ELECTED OFFICIALS CALLED FOR A KREULT -- CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR AND HIS OFFICE.
AS FOR AS WE KNOW IT IS PENDING, SO IT IS OUR ADVICE NOT TO SPEAK TO THAT ISSUE EXCEPT IN HIGH-LEVEL GENERAL TEES WHICH I'M SURE HE CAN DO TODAY. IN TERMS OF EXECUTIVE SESSION, WE CAN GO BACK WITH THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT TO DISCUSS THE PENDING LITIGATION AND NOT THE CRIMINAL MATTERS AND I RECOMMEND THAT ANYTHING THAT GETS DISCUSSED IN THERE STAY IN
THERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS PURSUING A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO THIS?
>> AS FAR AS WE ARE AWARE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, BECAUSE I DON'T WANT -- I DON'T WANT SOMEBODY TO SAY I REPEATED SOMETHING OR DO ALL OF US NEED TO GO OR CAN IT JUST BE YOU AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY BACK THERE?
>> IT IS PART OF THE MEETING SO IT HAS TO BE A QUORUM.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I WILL NOT BE PARTICIPATING IN A BEHIND CLOSED-DOOR MEETING ON THIS ISSUE.
EITHER WE ARE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE PUBLICLY ON WHAT WE CAN RATHER THAN GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE CAN SAY AND GIVE THE INFORMATION OUT THERE. I MEAN, SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS ARE PRETTY STRAIGHT FORWARD IN TERMS OF THE STRATEGY ASSOCIATED WITH HOW DO YOU DETERMINE HOW MANY BALLOTS WERE SENT TO POLLING LOCATIONS? IS THAT BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT VOTED? AND WHY WOULD YOU SEND FEWER BALLOT PAPER IF THAT HAPPENED? I THINK THAT IS PRETTY MUCH ANSWERING THE MAIL ON A LOT OF QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE ELECTION. AND IF THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS -- IF THAT IS THE ANSWER, THEN YOU ARE NOT TALKING BECAUSE OF LAWSUITS, THEN I GUESS THAT'S THE ANSWER.
THIS THING HAS GONE ON FOR THREE MONTHS.
I THINK WE NEED TO, AT SOME POINT, DEVELOP SOME KIND OF A COMMUNICATION WITH THE VOTERS SO THEY WOULD HAVE SOME INDICATION
OF WHAT'S GOING ON. >> AGAIN, MR. TATUM HAS SOME GUIDANCE ON -- OF WHAT HE CAN AND CAN'T TALK ABOUT.
HE WILL ADDRESS CERTAIN THINGS AND SOME THINGS HE CAN'T ADDRESS. IF THOSE PARTIES WERE TO DROP THEIR LAWSUITS OR THEIR INVESTIGATION, THEN WE COULD
MOVE FORWARD IN PUBLIC.ES >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: Y. >> RODNEY ELLIS: NOT QUESTIONING MR. TATUM, CALL, BUT HE HAS MORE SENSE AS THE LAWYER.
IF IT WAS ME -- IF I WAS HIS LAWYER I WOULD SAY ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN WRITING. THERE IS SEVERAL NO -- THERE IS CERTAINLY NO SECRET TO SOME ASKING QUESTIONS.
THEY ARE ASKING THE QUESTION TO GET A POINT OR TRIP HIM UP.
SO I WILL TELL HIM IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO ASK ME SOMETHING, I
WILL RE-- RESPOND IN WRITING. >> JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, HOW ARE YOU TODAY? THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME BEFORE THE COURT.
AS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY HAS EXPLAINED, BECAUSE WE ARE IN LITIGATION AND BECAUSE ALL OF THESE PARTICULAR ISSUES ARE ASSOCIATED TO THE ALLEGATIONS AND THE COUNTS WITHIN THE COMPLAINT, I AM SOMEWHAT HESITANT TO HAVE PUBLIC CONVERSATIONS BECAUSE AS I HAVE SEEN AND AS YOU'VE SEEN IN THE NEWSPAPER THAT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT I SAY PUBLICLY ARE MISCONSTRUED. BECAUSE THEY ARE MISCONSTRUED, I AM THEN HELD TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD WHEN WE GET INTO DISCOVERY PHASE OF THE LITIGATION.
[04:00:04]
AND COUNTY ATTORNEY, IF I MIGHT, WE ARE ACTUALLY IN THE DISCOVERY PHASE, AND SO THE BULK OF THE QUESTIONS THAT ARE BEING PRESENTED BY THE MEDIA IS ACTUALLY BEING ASKED BY THE CHALLENGERS AND WE ARE RESPONDING IN THE LEGAL PROCESS.AS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING OUR OPERATIONS, WE ARE PROVIDING INFORMATION THAT WILL RESPOND TO THE DISCOVERY. SOME OF THE INFORMATION WILL ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT THE MEDIA AND FOLKS HAVE PUT TO US AND THAT YOUR CONSTITUENTS HAVE PUT TO US.
WE ARE HAPPY TO LAY THIS TO REST.
I WILL SAY THE BULK OF THE MEDIA REPORTS YOU HAVE READ ARE INACCURATE. I WILL SAY THAT TO YOU.
THEY ARE INACCURATE. THERE WAS NOT 121 LOCATIONS THAT RAN OUT OF PAPER. THAT IS JUST INACCURATE.
WERE THERE LOCATIONS THAT CALLED FOR PAPER? ABSOLUTELY. DID WE DELIVER PAPER? ABSOLUTELY. THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW. AS I INDICATED, THE LAST TIME WE CAME BEFORE THE COURT OUR STAFF WAS CALLING OUR PRESIDING JUDGES AND OUR ALTERNATE JUDGES AND SOME OF THE JUDGES WOULD NOT COMMUNICATE WITH US FOR VARIOUS REASONS AS THEY PROVIDED TO OUR STAFF. SO THAT INFORMATION IS BEING SHARED WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. AND THAT WILL THEN BE SHARED WITH THE PARTIES IN THE LITIGATION WHICH WILL MAKE ITS WAY OUT TO THE PUBLIC. WHAT I CAN SAY TO THE PUBLIC IS THAT WE -- AS A RESULT OF THE REPORT AND AS A RESULT OF THE ANALYSIS THAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING , WE HAVE BEGAN IMPLEMENTING PROCESSES AND SYSTEMS THAT WILL ADDRESS ALL OF THESE ISSUES. WE ARE IN PARTNERSHIP RIGHT NOW WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO DEPLOY A NEW CALL CENTER SOLUTION. THAT CALL CENTER SOLUTION WILL ALLOW US TO TRACK THE TYPE OF CALLS THAT COME IN FROM THE LOCATIONS FROM THE VOTERS. IT WILL ALLOW US TO TICKET SYSTEM ANY CALL THAT COMES IN AND WILL ALLOW US TO CLOSE THE TICKET AS THE TECHNICIANS DELIVER WHAT IT IS OR PROVIDE WHATEVER SOLUTION THEY NEED TO PROVIDE AT THE POLLING PLACE SO WE CAN SEE IN REALTIME WHAT TOOK PLACE, WHAT WAS CALLED FOR, HOW IT WAS RESOLVED, WHEN IT WAS CALLED FOR, WHEN IT WAS RESOLVED AND WE'LL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AS MUCH TRANSPARENCY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. I UNDERSTAND AND I APPRECIATE TRANSPARENCY. I WILL BE AS TRANSPARENT AS I CAN UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
WHEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE, I WILL BE AS TRANSPARENT AS I CAN BE AD NAUSEAM. THE MORE WE KNOW, THE BETTER WE ALL ARE IN THE PROCESS. AS YOU SAW FROM THE BEGINNING, MY IDEA WAS TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC, HERE IS EVERYTHING THAT WE DO FROM A TO Z SO THAT THE PUBLIC KNOWS AND THE PUBLIC IS NOT SURPRISED ABOUT THE PROCESS.
THERE ARE FORMULAS AND A PROCESS THAT WE USE TO DELIVER EQUIPMENT. AS YOU RECALL, WE PRESENTED TO THE COURT AND TO THE ELECTION COMMISSION ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE METHODS IN WHICH WE DELIVERED EQUIPMENT TO POLLING LOCATIONS AND THE METHODS WHICH WE IDENTIFIED POLLING LOCATIONS AND SELECTED POLLING LOCATIONS. WE CALL THEM VOTE CENTERS NOW.
THERE IS A FORMULA TO ALL OF THAT.
WE CAN ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOW IS NOT THE
TIME FOR ME TO DO THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER
GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT HAVE THE NEXT CYCLES OF ELECTIONS COMING UP?
>> WE HAVE A MAY 2023 JOINT ELECTION FOR THE ENTITIES.
AS OF TO DATE WE HAVE HAD 50 ENTITIES EXPRESS INTEREST IN THE COUNTY OF THE ELECTION. THERE IS A SIGN UP AS THEY ARE PRESENTING THE BALLOT QUESTIONS AND CONTESTS TO US IN THE PORTAL. THAT WILL HELP US DETERMINE HOW MANY VOTE CENTER LOCATIONS WILL OPEN AND WHAT WE WILL NEED TO
SERVE THE VOTERS OF THE COUNTY. >> AND THEPBLG -- THEN HOUSTON
WILL BE THE NEXT BIG ONE. >> THE NEXT WILL BE THE MAY --
>> YOUR PRIMARY AND THE GENERAL ELECTION?
>> WILL BE MARCH OF 2024. >> I MENTIONED EARLIER AND I THOUGHT YOUR DEPARTMENT WAS UNDER INVESTED IN THE PAST.
EVEN WHEN IT WAS SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS, I THINK IT WAS A CHALLENGE BECAUSE OF THE HUMAN NATURE.
WHEN DEPARTMENTS WERE MERGED, THE ELECTIONS AND THE VOTING, PEOPLE -- IF I HAD A DEPARTMENT THEY DIDN'T WORK ON REGISTRATION OR ELECTIONS. IT IS HUMAN NATURE AND I GET
[04:05:04]
THAT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET NOT ONLY WHAT THE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS, BUT YOU ASK FOR THE HELP YOU NEED. I KNOW THERE ARE 75 BILLS TARGETING ELECTIONS AND VOTING IN AUSTIN RIGHT NOW.THE LEADERSHIP HAS MADE -- SOME OF THE LEADERSHIP HAS MADE IT A PRIORITY FOR SO-CALLED ILLEGAL VOTING WHICH OUGHT TO MAKE IT A CHALLENGE OF PEOPLE -- FOR YOU TO HIRE PEOPLE.
WE OUGHT TO COMPENSATE FOR THAT. I DON'T KNOW IF ARPA FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE BUDGET OFFICE KNOWS -- I MAY BE THE ONLY ONE, BUT I THINK YOU OUGHT TO GET THE INVESTMENTS YOU NEED, AND PARTICULAR -- PARTICULARLY AT THIS TIME. THERE IS NOTHING MORE PRECIOUS THAN RECOGNIZING PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO VOTE.
I KNOW THE COLOR OF MY SKIN OUGHT TO CLEARLY INDICATE THAT -- I HAVE A HISTORY OF KNOWING WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE COUNTED AS LESS THAN A HUMAN BEING WHEN IT COMES TO VOTING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SAME QUESTIONS.
I HAVE SEVERAL CITIES WITH AN ELECTION IN MAY.
I MEAN, ARE YOU IN COMMUNICATION WITH THEM AND COORDINATING WITH
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ANYTHING YOU NEED IN ADVANCE TO HELP THEM
WITH THOSE ELECTIONS. >> WE HAVE A TEAM CORRESPONDING WITH THOSE CITIES AND THEY ARE PROVIDING THE STREET MAPS TO MAKE SURE THE LINES MATCH WHAT WE HAVE IN THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM. WHERE IT DOESN'T MATCH, WE HAVE COORDINATED TO ENSURE WE HAVE A PROPER BOUNDARY SO THE BALLOT IS
LAID OUT PROPERLY. >> GOOD DEAL.
AND YOU HAVE THE NOVEMBER ELECTION FOR HOUSTON MAYOR WHICH WILL BE A BUSY ELECTION. SO IN ADVANCE OF THAT ONE I WOULD BE ECHOING THE SAME REMARKS TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE
THE RESOURCES THAT YOU NEED. >> AND WE ARE -- AS WE ARE PREPARING AND AS WE ARE GOING INTO THIS MAY ELECTION -- MINI ELECTION, SOME -- THE MAY ELECTION WE WILL TEST THEM AND SEE HOW THEY RUN AND MAKE TWEAKS TO THEM AS WE MOVE INTO THE LARGE -- LARGER ELECTION. WE ARE WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO IDENTIFY RESOURCES THAT WE WILL NEED TO WRITE LINE THE ORGANIZATION AS IT COMES TO RESOURCES AND STAFF.
AS MR. BERRY AND I CONTINUE CONVERSATION WE WILL SUBMIT A
PACK -- PACKAGE TO YOU ALL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.
AND AS ALWAYS, IF YOU NEED ANYTHING FROM MY OFFICE, LET ME
KNOW. >> AND JUST TO FOLLOW-UP ON COMMISSIONER ELLIS' POINT, WHATEVERIN [AUDIBLE] ISHA SRED WITH ME WE WILLHA SRE WITH YOU. WEON D'T WANT ANYTHINGOS LT IN COMMUNICATION. IHI TNK THAT'S BEEN THEE, CAS
BUT WE'LL MAKE SUREIS IT . >> GET ITON ON E PAGE.
DON'T GIVE ME THEG LONONES. GIVE ME THE BOTTOME. LIN>>
TR I'LL Y. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.
IF NOT, JUSTME CALL . >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU,MR . TATUM. ANYTHINGON ELSE THIS ITEM?
>> I -->> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I SHARE MYUE COLLEAGS' COMMITMENT TOUR YO BEST SUCCESS GIVEN THE FUNDAMENTAL OF VOTING INCR DEMOACY.
I LOOK FORWARDMI TO YOU CONG BACKNG AND LETTI US-- KNOW HOW D
[INAIBLE]. >>. THANK YOUDA AND MAM JUDGE, I THINK ITPO IS IMRTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TOTA UNDERSND THATOR WHEN AN GANIZATION TRANSITIONSO FROM TWUNITS,FF THE CLERK'S OICETA AND THE X ASSESSOR'S OFFICERE TRANSITION A PERIOD.
AMI GOOD FRIEND OF NED RECOMMENDEO A BOOK FOR ME T READ AND IT IS CALLED "GOOD TO W GREAT" ANDRITTEN BYAT JIM COX.
TH BOOK IDENTIFIES THE PROCESS FORIO MOVING AN ORGANIZATN FROM POINT AS TO POINT Z AND IT IHT T AN OVERNIG PROCESS.
THERE AREGE THINGS YOU WANT TO T RIGHT THED FIRST TIME.
ANTHERE ARE THINGSVE THAT SHOULD NER BE REPEATED AS WEE MOVE THROUGH THPROCESS.GH AS WE WORK THROUD THE PROCESSES ANIL THE DEVELOPMENT, WE WL GET TO A W GREAT ORGANIZATION, ANDE WILL CONDUCT ELECTIONSS AS HARRS COUNTY I USED TO SEEING ANDTI PROUD TO HAVE ELECONS CONDUCTED.OM
>> LINA HIDALGO: CMISSIONER RAMSEY I IN.
>> TOM RAMSEY:S THERE A PLAN B FOR THE ELECTIONS COMMISSIONER?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MEETING BEFORE UPCOMING
ELECTIONS. I >> TOM RAMSEY: THERES NO POST?
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS NOT WITHIN A WEEK.
I KNOW THERE IS ONE DEPENDING ON WHEN ELECTIONS COMING UP,
[04:10:01]
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY,TH BUT I DOT HAVE IT OFF E TOP OF MY HEAD.TS I'LL MAKE SURE MY STAFF GE IT TO YOU.>> THANKO YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: S LET'S MOVE
THROUGH THE REST OF THE AGENDA. >> THAT IS NOO ACTION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: NACTION, JAMES, THANK YOU.
LET ME WORK THROUGH ITEM THAT'S REQUIRE MINOR CHANGES.
OR NO ACTION. ITEM 79 ON PAGE 11, THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION. 80 ON PAGE 12, NO ACTION.
ITEM 179 ON PAGE 21, THERE IS A CORRECTION.
DELETE, QUOTE, SURVIVOR SERVICES AND IMMIGRATION LAW, SSIL, AND REPLACE WITH IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES FUND, ILSF.
SO IT READS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR JUSTICE FOR THE IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES FUND ILSF.
YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> IS THAT A SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE OR DOES IT NEED TO BE -- CAN IT GO FORWARD?
>> I THINK IT IS OKAY. >> ITEM 331 ON PAGE 41.
THERE IS A CORRECTION. WE NEED TO REPLACE JANUARY 27TH, 2024 WITH JULY 31. ITEM 352 ON PAGE 44, REPLACE EAST ALDING WITH WADE. IT READS, ITEMS IN THE WADE CAMP AREA FOR PRECINCT 2. ITEM 362 AND PRECINCT 4 REQUESTS NO ACTION. ITEM 395, WE ARE GOING TO NEED A MOTION FOR THIS PROJECT TO BE CANCELED.
SO THE MOTION, JAMES, IS MOTION TO CANCEL THE PROJECT AND SCHEDULE FOR ADVERTISEMENT OF RENOVATION AND EXPANSION FOR THE HAWKLEY CENTER 23022. PAGE 50, PRECINCT REQUESTS NO ACTION. THAT'S IT FOR THE CORRECTIONS.
AS FAR AS THE CONSENT AGENDA -- >> JUDGE? REALLY QUICKLY, WE ARE REQUESTING AND HAVE COORDINATED WITH JP21 TO HOLD ITEM 213. IT IS A REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL. THE COURT ADOPTED A POLICY AND ACCEPT PHRAU MEN -- SUPPLEMENTAL WILL COME THROUGH OMB.
>> 213 ON -- NO ACTION ON ITEM 213.
GOT IT. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS.
>> GOOD. SO NO NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE.
>> GOOD. >> 405, THE TERMS OF THE WOMEN MEMBERS 406, 407, JOHN HERNANDEZ.
408, CHRIS HOLLINS. 409 WE REQUESTED NO ACTION ON THAT ONE. 410.
>> ONLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? >> 417, ANOTHER APPOINTMENT AND CITY PLANNING COMMISSION. 418 WE ALREADY VOTED ON.
426 IS AN AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL COUNCIL SERVICES.
COUNTY ATTORNEY? >> ONLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
>> NO. >> 427, ALSO AN AGREEMENT FOR
SPECIAL COUNCIL. >> ONLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.
>> THAT MEANS WE HAVE NO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> JUDGE, BEFORE YOU MOVE ON TO GET A CLARIFICATION.
[04:15:03]
402 TO 408 AND 410 THROUGH 415 AND 417 ARE APPROVED ASTHOSE ARE THE APPOINTMENTS. THANK YOU.
REGULAR AGENDA. WE SHOULD DISCUSS ITEM 23 WHICH IS THE ALLOCATION OF THE R -- ROAD AND PARK BONDS.
WE SHOULD DISCUSS 24 -- WELL, I'M OKAY WITH APPROVING IT.
DO FOLKS NEED TO DISCUSS 24 ON BUSINESS COURT MEETINGS?
>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S FINE. I GOT MY QUESTION ANSWERED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL PUT 24 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> WHAT IS THE MOTION FOR 24? AS PRESENTED?
>> TOM RAMSEY: AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: 145, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? BAYOU NATURE CENTER?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 157, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YEAH. THAT'S THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD
RESILIENCE TRUST. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 158, THE TOLERATES.
THE TOLL ROAD RAIDS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ATNOPE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I DO NEED TO DISCUSS TH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 161, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, MWBE.
162, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, ESSENTIAL WORKERS BOARD.
163, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, 3-1-1. >> TOM RAMSEY: WE JUST NEED TO
VOTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION? MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER TKA*RB --
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS NOT SECURE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 163. THAT ONE GOES ALONG WITH 434.
SO MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- ON BOTH, COMMISSIONER
GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED. >> TOM RAMSEY: NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 4-1.
168, COMMISSIONER BRIONES, DID YOU NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE?
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: WE WANTED TO INVITE [INAUDIBLE].
>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. WE WILL DO THAT.
THAT'S 168. 169 AND 170 AND 171 AND 172.
WE WILL USE ALL OF THOSE FOR AN UPDATE FROM DIRECTOR ROBINSON.
178, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 179, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? THAT IS THE VERA INSTITUTE OF
JUSTICE. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO
VOTE. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES 4-1.
NUMBER 182, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 200, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
213 WE DID NO ACTION ON 213. 265, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
HGAC, BAY AREA BICYCLE -- -- >> YES.
>> AND ITEM 329, COMMISSIONER GARCIA THAT IS STORM WATER CONVEYANCE. 354 FROM THE FLEX FUND.
OH THIS IS FROM THE CRIME PREVENTION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL
>> LINA HIDALGO: 355ARMAN BAYOU NATURE CENTER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 381 COMMISSIONER BRIONES, THIS IS THE CBDG $750 MILLION.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 395, COMMISSIONER BRIONES, WE ALREADY CANCELED THAT ONE.
SO THAT ONE WAS CANCELED. 420 IS THE UPDATE ON THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT BOND PROGRAM AND SO WE'VE -- WE WOULD TAKE THAT UP WITH 157 WHICH IS FLAGGED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
421 WAS FLAGGED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THAT IS THE HALF
>> LINA HIDALGO: 422, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HARRIS COUNTY AND THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM ON THE HOSPITAL VIOLENCE
INTERRUPTION PROGRAM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 430, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT'S FUGITIVE EMISSIONS RULE.
>> TOM RAMSEY: MY ONLY QUESTION THERE WAS I WANTED TO SEE THE DOCUMENT -- BEFORE WE VOTED ON IT, IT IS NOT QUITE READY.
I HAVE GOTTEN AN OUTLINE ON -- OF IT, BUT THAT WILL BE A DOCUMENT LETTER SENT TO THE EPA AND I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT
THOSE BEFORE WE -- >> TYPICALLY WE TRY TO CIRCULATE THOSE. UNFORTUNATELY WE DIDN'T GET NOTICE IN TIME. THIS ITEM WAS SUBMITTED LATE ON FRIDAY AND I THINK THEY WERE WORKING ON --
>> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?
>> I THINK IT IS TOMORROW. I AM HAPPY TO SEND YOU THE DRAFT
[04:20:02]
BEFORE WE FILE IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S ALL.
IF I CAN GET THAT, THAT WOULD BE GOOD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO COMMISSIONER, DO YOU WANT TO
LEAVE IT -- >> TOM RAMSEY: PUT IT BACK ON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 430 IS BACK ON CONSENT.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: BEFORE WE GO
FORWARD, I NEED TO VOTE ON 368. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S GO TO 368. ONE MOMENT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON 368.
IS THERE A SECOND? I'LL SECOND IT.
ALL IN FAVOR OF 368 -- AND I SUSPECT THIS IS SOMETHING WE WOULD NEED TO DISCUSS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION IF WE NEED TO DISCUSS IT. JOHN?
>> YEAH. IF WE HAVE ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS WE CAN TAKE IT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO FOLKS HAVE LEGAL QUESTIONS ABOUT 368?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL FLAG 367, 368 AND 369 WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. I WILL PUT THAT BACK IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION LIST. LET'S KEEP GOING HERE.
430 WE PUT ON CONSENT AGENDA. 431, COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS ALSO RELATED TO SECURUS. 434, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
THIS IS PRECISION TASK GROUP FOR 3-1-1 AND WE VOTE OWED THAT.
>> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH. >> LINA HIDALGO: 440 IS THE RULES AND WE SHOULD DISCUSS THEM AND I THINK THEY ARE A GREAT IDEA, BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE WE NEED TO DISCUSS THEM.
443 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, JLL FOR MULTI-FAMILY BROKERAGE SERVICES.
>> TOM RAMSEY: JUST TALK BRIEFLY ABOUT THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN 444, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS THE CHILD
CARE CONTRACTED SLOTS PROGRAM. >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M GOOD WITH IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 444 IS BACK ON CONSENT.
HERE IS THE LIST, COLLEAGUES. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 267 -- EXCUSE ME, 367, 368 AND 369. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS 23, 145, 157, 158, 161, 162, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 178, 182, 200, 265, 329, 354, 355, 381, 420, 421, 422, 431, 440 AND 443.
ANYTHING I'M MISSING? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUDGE, I NEED TO VOTE ON 266. THERE'S A PFM ITEM THERE.
SO THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE VOTED ON SEPARATELY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THE MOTION IS FOR ALL ITEMS UNDER 266 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PFM ITEM. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, WOULD YOU LIKE TO -- OTHER COMMISSIONER ELLIS MAKE A MOTION? IS THERE A SECOND IN SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PFM ITEM.
WE'RE GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. AND NOW FOR THE PFM ITEM WITHIN 266 MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA.
>> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 4-1. THANK YOU.
THAT WAS FUNNY. ANYTHING ELSE?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT HE WAS BEFORE --
THAT HE WAS FOR IT BEFORE. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE AGENDA. JAMES, LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING
NEEDS CLARIFICATION. >> I DON'T HAVE ANY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL ITEMS 1 THROUGH 447 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEMS VOTED ON AND DISCUSSION ITEMS LISTS. MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS. AUF -- ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. LET'S START WITH ITEM 23 AND THAT IS THE ALLOCATION OF THE ROAD AND PARK BONDS.
IS THERE A PRESENTATION, MR. BERRY?
>> NO FORMAL PRESENTATION, BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE I CAN BRIEFLY
[04:25:03]
TEE UP THE ITEM THAT THE GUYS ARE LOOKING FOR.>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> THETE IM CONCERNS 2 THE022 ROAD P ANDARKS BONDS. THEY VOTED FOREE THR PROPOSITIONS ON THE BALLOT. PROPOSITION B WASMI $900 LLION OF ROAD AND DRAINAGE. BONDS AND-- WITH WITHIN THAT THERE WEREFI SPECICAM PROGRS WITH ROAI DRNAGE PARTNERSHIPS AND REHABILITATION TO KEEP THE BADAD ROS FROM S GETTINGO BAD YOU HADIL TO REBUD THEM. WHATEK WE ARE SEINGON GUIDANCE TODAYTI AND POTENAL ACTION IS A HOW TOLLOCATE THOSEAC BONDS ROSS PRECINCTS.OU OUR THGHT HERE WOULD BE IF COURT -- THE MAJORITY OFT THE COURN WOULD AGREE OONEFO OVERAL RMULA AND THEN COUNTY STAFF CAN WORKNT WITH DEPARTMES --E, PRECINCTSORK WITH TO SAY WHAT'S YOUR PRIORITY BUCKETS ANDIFFERENT THE DIFFERENTAL PROGRAMS. SO THE PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.AY SO WHEN WE S THE COUNTY IS I COMMITTED TONVESTINGIN $50 MILLION VISION ZERO, WHATAN DOES THAT ME? WHEN THEY SAY THEY AREIL INVESTG $2 MLION IN DRAINAGE, WHAT? DOES THAT MEAN ANDGR THEN THIRD, THE PROAM P MANAGEMENT ANDROCEDURES BOTHUD ESTABLISHING A BGET FOR THAT AND WE CONFERRED AND ARE RECOMMENDING CIRCLING 10% A FOR ADMINISTRATIONS WELL ASOA SETTING UP A DASHBRDG WHICH IS SOMETHINTHE COUNTY HAS FACTUALLY NEVER DONE BEFOREOR A WHOLEL BOND PROGRAM AND FINANCIA MEANS OF TRACKING.ON THOSE ARE THE QUESTIS WE ARE LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE ON TODAY.
WE WILL BE HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND. THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS
>> SO I HAVE -- I HAVES, A MOTIN TO MAKE ON THI BUT BEFORE I DO, I DO WANT TO FIRST THANK THE VOTERS FOR. THEIR APPROVAL OF TE BOND I BELIEVE WE RECEIVEDIT INCREDIE SUPPORT IN OPPOSION OF THE BOND.
PEOPLE ARE SEEING THAT THE MONEY THEY GIVE US IS GOING TO THE PROJECTS WE SAY THEY WOULD. IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING MADE AND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WERE HISTORICALLY WITHOUT ARE BEING THOUGHT OF AND BEING CONSIDERED. I WANT TO THANK THEM FOR THE CONFIDENCE IN COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND IN MY CASE, PRECINCT 2. WE ARE WORKING TIRELESSLY TO MAKE KEY IMPROVEMENTS IN AREAS OF THE PRECINCT THAT HAVE NOT SEEN A LOT OF PROGRESS. TO THAT END I HAVE A MOTION -- A FIVE-PART MOTION THAT WILL BEGIN WITH OF THE 1.1 BILLION AND THE ROAD AND PARKS BOND AND THAT IS THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND SECONDLY OF THE 1.1 BILLION ALLOCATE 63.64 PERCENT DISTRIBUTION AND 23.6% BASED ON DISTRIBUTION WITHIN THE PRECINCTS. PART 3, REQUEST THAT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND OTHER RELEVANT COUNTY DEPARTMENTS WORK WITH THE PRECINCTS TO ALLOCATE THE ABOVE AMOUNTS TO INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS CONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THE BOND AND RETURN TO COURT FOR APPROVAL.
PART 4, ADOPT THE OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ON PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND OTHER PROCEDURES RECOMMENDED IN THE REQUEST FOR THE COURT ACTION ITEM NUMBER 23T AND WOULD PUT A BUDGET TRANSFER ON THE 2021, 2023 COURT AGENDA.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO COMMISSIONER, IF I MIGHT, I DON'T HAVE THE NUMBERS. I HAVE SOME OTHERS.
SO COULD WE COME BACK TO THIS ITEM? WHAT I GOT EARLIER WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
CAN WE JUST COME BACK? I WANT TO MAKE SURE MY STAFF
[04:30:01]
LOOKS AT IT. I HAD OTHER NUMBERS FROMEARLIER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER IS THAT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE COMMITMENT WE MADE BEFORE THE ELECTION THAT IT WOULD BE AT LEAST 220 MILLION TO BE SPENT IN EACH PRECINCT AND 100 MILLION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY? SO IT IS WEIGHTED DISTRIBUTION. SO WE TOOK A PERCENTAGE APPROACH SO THERE WOULD BE EQUAL PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION AMONG THE PRECINCTS. SO THE BREAK DOWN IS THAT IT IS 175 MILLION PER PRECINCT AND THEN WITH THE SVI VARIABLE, THAT CHANGES BY THE SVI SCORE OF EACH RESPECTIVE PRECINCT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I GET IT NOW, COMMISSIONER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? WE LOOKED AT CERTAINLY THE BEST ANALOGY IS A TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND WE HAD LIKE FOUR BUCKETS AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE GOT BUCKET THAT'S WE WANT TO BE SURE THAT WE SPEND MONEY ON EQUAL DISTRIBUTION. WE KNOW THERE IS A CONVERSATION BEFORE THE ELECTION. BALLPARK 20% FOR A PRECINCT, AND OF COURSE WE WOULD RUN THROUGH THE NUMBERS AND MAKE SURE IT IS WHERE IT IS. HIGH LOOK AT THE NUMBERS IS GOING TO BE -- THERE WOULD NOT BE 20% IN PRECINCT 3.
THE ONLY OTHER FACTOR THAT IS WORTH NOTING, AND I KNOW WE KNOW THIS, BUT I HAVE THE MOST ROAD MILES IN TERMS OF THE DIRECT RESPONSE BUILT -- WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF IT.
IT IS ON MY ROAD LOG LIKE THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS IT ON THEIR ROAD LOG. WE HAVE BALLPARK 250% MORE THAN ANY OTHER PRECINCT. IT IS A SIGNIFICANT LIFT IN TERMS OF PRECINCT 3 AND THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO SLICE UP THE PIE. SO THAT IS GOING TO BE AN IMPACT
ON PRECINCT 3. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: AM I NEXT? I HADN'T LOOKED AT THIS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BUT I'M FINE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE A GENERAL COMMENT THAT I HAD LOOKED AT THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOW THIS MONEY HAS BEEN DIVVIED UP IN THE PAST. STARTING OFF IT WAS 25 FOR EACH AND THEN OVER TIME IT WOULD CHANGE.
THE LAST TIME THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE WAS AFTER I HAD GOTTEN THE NOMINATION TO JOIN THIS AUGUST BODY.
IT WAS BEFORE I TOOK THE OATH, AND THEY SQUEEZED IT A LOT LOWER FROM PRECINCT ONE AND THEY DO DAMAGE TO PRECINCT 2 AND THAT WAS POLITICS. BUT I MENTION AS A POINT OF REFERENCE IT STARTED OUT 25% EQUALLY AND THEN IT CHANGED OVERNIGHT -- OVER TIME. I AM TOLD, AND I DON'T KNOW.
YOU KNOW, WHEN PEOPLE ARE GONE -- WHEN WE GO, YOU WOULD BE AMAZED AT WHAT THEY SAY YOU DID AND SAID.
THE AGREEMENT WAS MY PREDECESSOR HAD OTHER THINGS.
AND WHEN I GOT HERE, THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME THE OTHER THINGS.
IT WAS JUST TAKE, TAKE, TAKE. LOOK, THERE WAS NO EQUITY LANGUAGE IN HOW A COUNTY DID FLOOD BOND MEASURES IN THE PAST.
AND AS A CONDITION FOR MY VOTING FOR IT, I WANTED TWO THINGS.
I WANTED THE COUNTY TO DO A DISPARITY STUDY, AND YOU HEARD ME TELL THE STORY. THEY SAID, FINE, YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I DID.
THE COURT CHANGED AND THEY GAVE ME THE MONEY BACK.
WE'LL GET A REPORT ON THAT A LITTLE LATER.
AND I WANTED SOME EQUITY GUIDELINES.
I DIDN'T FIND OUT WHAT EQUITY MEANT AND THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A SEPARATE FIGHT. AT LEAST WE AGREED THAT WE WOULD HAVE EQUITY LANGUAGE. I POINT OUT ALL THE TIME THAT EQUITY IS A SIX-LETTER WORD. GARCIA, YOU KNOW THE OTHER PART.
MOST PEOPLE TREAT IT LIKE A FOUR-LETTER WORD.
I AM FOR EQUITY ALL THE TIME. NOT JUST WHEN I GET MORE MONEY
[04:35:04]
FOR MY AREA. I REALLY DO BELIEVE IN IT.ONE REASON WHY YOUR PRECINCT WOULD HAVE MORE ROADS IS YOUR
PRECINCT WAS GIVEN MORE MONEY. >> MINE HAD MORE ROADS BECAUSE
THAT'S HOW YOU DREW IT. >> WE OUGHT TO FIND SOME METRICS TO BE FAIR AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE THE COURT AND I WILL SECOND THE MOTION TO THIS ONE, BUT GOING FORWARD WITH WHATEVER WE DO, IT SHOULD BE BASED ON HOW SOMEBODY'S PRECINCT GETS THE MOST. AND THAT'S DIFFICULT FOR SOMEBODY TO DO. FOR MOST OF THE TIME I WAS THERE I WAS NOT LOOKING OVER MY SHOULDER AND EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T HAVE A TYPO IN FRONT OF MY NAME.
I DIDN'T GO TO ENGINEERING SCHOOL, BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO BE BANKING ON SOME OFFICE -- HAVING TO HOLD SOME OFFICE TO FIND MY LIFE REWARDING. I JUST HOPE GOING FORWARD IN OTHER AREAS IT WILL TAKE THE SAME ATTITUDE.
WE CAN SLICE THESE NUMBERS DIFFERENT WAYS COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I AM NOT SURE WHO WILL HAVE THE MOST POVERTY, BY THE WAY. ONE METRIC WOULD BE, I HAVE OBVIOUSLY SOME OF THE RICHEST AND SOME OF THE POOREST.
SVI IS A GOOD MEASURE. ALL I I KNEW WAS LMI.
THAT WAS A MORE COMMON METRIC. JUDGE, YOU GOT HERE AND YOUR STAFF CAME UP WITH THE SBI. AS IT TURNED OUT GOVERNOR BUSH USED THAT IN TERMS OF STATE DISASTER ISSUES.
IT WAS A PRETTY GOOD METRIC EVEN WITH THE CORE OF ENGINEERS WHEN THEY TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO.
I AM FOR IT AND PROUD TO SECOND IT AND HOPE IT PASSES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, CAN YOU LIST OUT THE NUMBERS SO WE KNOW, LIKE, DOLLAR-WISE JUST BECAUSE --
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO AS I MENTIONED, THERE IS AN EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF 63.64% OF THE 1.1 BILLION WHICH -- SO THAT -- SO THERE IS AN EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF THAT.
WHEN YOU INCLUDE THE EQUAL PRECINCT DISTRIBUTION OF SVI IN ORDER TO COME UP WITH THE 1.1 BILLION OF 26.3 AND 36% THAT IS NOW 100% OF THE AVAILABLE BOND MINUS THE PUBLIC SAFETY.
AS YOU DIVIDE THAT IT IS 175 MILLION PER PRECINCT AND OF EQUAL DISTRIBUTION. AND THEN THE SVI DISTRIBUTION CHANGES BY PRECINCT BASED ON SVI SCORE.
THAT, COLLECTIVELY, WILL GET US TO THE 990 MILLION DOLLARS MINUS THE 10% FOR PROJECT ADMINISTRATION.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I JUST DID THE MATH, COMMISSIONER, AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU MEANT TO OR NOT, BUT IT IS PRETTY CLOSE WHEN YOU ADD THE 10% ADMIN TO EVERYBODY'S NUMBER AND I HAVE LOOKED AT THE EQUITY NUMBERS AND PRECINCT 3 IS CLOSE TO 20%.
MEANING WHAT YOU ASSUME -- THE 20% THAT WAS STATED BEFORE THE ELECTION, YOU DIDN'T -- YOU DID NOT BRING UP THE -- IT IS PROBABLY AS CLOSE AS WE ARE GOING TO GET.
>> EXACTLY. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THE WAY I AM SEEING THIS, OF THE 1.2 BILLION, 700 EQUAL DISTRIBUTION, 175 EACH, -RG AND THEN THE OTHER 500 MILLION IS THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS SVI AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CORRECT. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU HAVE AND THAT LEACHES PRECINCT 4 WITH 24.2%.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S CORRECT >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THERE IS A MOTION ON THE TABLE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE READY TO
VOTE ON THIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: UH-HUH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU GOT THE
THEY EMAILED IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
[04:40:02]
THAT WAS 23. WE WILL MOVE TO 145, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. I BELIEVE IT GOES ALONG WITHWITH THIS ACQUISITION, VERY, VERY KPHAOEUTED.
VERY, VERY EXCITED. IT WILL HAVE A THOUSAND NEW ACRES OF -- IT WILL BE ADDED TO ARMAND BAYOU WHICH WILL INDICATE THAT IT WILL HAVE OVER 3500-ACRES AND IT WILL BE NOW THE LARGEST URBAN NATURE CENTER IN NORTH AMERICA.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HARRIS COUNTY FOR HAVING THIS.
JIM, IF YOU HAVEN'T VISITED I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU.
RIGHT NOW IT IS A LITTLE CHILLY, BUT TAKE THE PONTOON BOAT RIDE OUT THERE. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, IF YOU RIDE YOUR BIKE OUT THERE, WE WILL HAVE BIKE TRAILS ALONG THE ARMAND BAYOU AND YOU MIGHT SEE SOME OF NATURE'S WILDLIFE OUT
THERE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND NO
MOSQUITOES TODAY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WATCH OUT FOR
THE ALLIGATORS IN THAT AREA. >> TOM RAMSEY: CAN YOU TAKE AN
AIR BOAT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOT AIR BOAT.
IT IS AN ELECTRIC PONTOON. NO AIR BOATS BECAUSE IT DISTURBS THE WILDLIFE. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IF YOU WERE TAKE THE PONTOON WHICH HAS AN ELECTRIC ENGINE, IT IS VERY SILENT AND IT DOESN'T BOTHER THE WILDLIFE.
YOU REALLY GET TO ENJOY A WHOLE LOT DIFFERENTLY.
I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT IT UNTIL WE WERE OUT THERE, THE BIRDS AND THE FISH AND ALL OF THE WILDLIFE OUT THERE ARE AMAZING.
TAKE THE ELECTRIC PONTOON. NEVER MIND THE AIR BOAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT YOU DO WITH THE ALLIGATORS ON YOUR BIKE
IS ZIGZAG. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH.
YOUO GFAST. SO MOVE ONHE T ITEM ASRE PSENTED
THAT ISLS AO WITH 355. >> LINA HIDALGO: SOIO MOTN BY COMMISSIONERCI GARA ON 145 AND 355 S ANDECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL INOR FAV?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?I AM IN FAVOR ANDS PASSE OUUNANIMSLY.
CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
YOU WILLTO HAVE TAKE ME SOME TIME.15 7. COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
IT GOES0 WITH 42ANDE BOTH AR ABOUTOD THE FLO BOND PROGRAM. A
>>DRIAN GARCIA: ON THIS -- ICULAR ITEM I WANT TO WANT TO HAVEN A DISCUSSIO ONHE JUST T FINANCIALF FRAMEWORK O PROGRAM.BOND VERY DIFFERENT TO HOW WE AREUP SETTING THE 1.2. WEA TALKED ABOUT DASHBOARD.
WE WORKED TO INCORPORATE A SVI D WERE -- YOU KNOW,WH WE CAN DO A OLE LOT MORE WITH IT, BUT WE ARE ONLY TALKING INRM SINGULAR TES OF THE 1.2 WHICH IST VERY DIFFEREN FOR HOW WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THE HARVEY BOND. WEEY TALKED ABOUT THE HARV BOND AS A $5 BILLION PROGRAM, BUTT E REALITY OF IIS, IS A THAT IT IS REALLY 2.5 WHEN YOUIT TALK ABOUT IT IN S BEAR ESSENCE.
BUT ALSO WITH THE RESILIENCY TRUST THAT WAS PUT IN PLACE, INTENTION OF TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO FUND THE PARTNERSHIP GAPS AND THE PROJECT AND CONTINGENCY NEEDS, THE QUESTIONS I HAVE ARE, ONE, HAS THERE BEEN A DETERMINATION OF WHERE THE PARTNERSHIP FUNDS WILL COME FROM? THERE HAS BEEN A DISCUSSION OF THE FACT THAT WE WOULD USE COUNTY FUNDS -- OTHER COUNTY FUNDS AND I BELIEVE -- NOT BELIEVE, BUT I WILL PREFACE THIS BY SAYING THIS IS ALL PRIOR TO DR. PETERSON'S ARRIVAL. ONE IS THAT WHERE WILL THE PARTNERSHIP FUNDS COME FROM? WHAT IS THE STRATEGY OR THE PLAN TO OBTAIN THESE FUNDS? I KNOW WE HAVE A BILLION AND CHANGE IN GRANTS THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED FOR IT.
AND I WAS INFORMED THAT WE HAVE NUMEROUS PROJECTS WITH SHORT
[04:45:03]
FALLS. HAS AN ANALYSIS BEEN MADE ACROSS ALL PROJECTS TO DETERMINE AND IDENTIFY AN ACCURATE ESTIMATE OF THE SHORT FALLS? SO MY REASON FOR PULLING THIS ITEM IS TO REVISIT IT AND MAKE A DETERMINATION AS TO WHICH PROJECTS OUGHT TO BE PAUSED TO STAY WITHIN THE ALLOCATED BOND BUDGET. ALSO IN REGARDS TO ITEM 381, RELATED TO THE 750 MILLION -- EXCUSE ME G FUNDS, THESE FUNDS WERE NOT INITIALLY PROGRAMED TO FUND ISSUES WE HAVE WITH SHORT FALLS OF THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM. SO I'M RECOMMENDING THAT WE DO NOT UTILIZE THESE FUNDING -- THESE PROGRAMS FOR SHORT FALLS.AND I ALSO WANT TO REQUEST A ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OPINION ON THE USE OF MOBILITY FUNDS BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PUT OURSELVES IN HARM'S WAY WITH THE LEGISLATURE.
AND RELATED TO HOW WE USE MOBILITY FUNDS.
IN -- AT THE END OF THE DAY WE HAVE TO CALL THIS BOND WHAT IT IS IN TERMS OF HOW IT WAS DISCUSSED AND HOW IT WAS SOLD TO ME WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE. AND WHAT THE REALITY OF IT IS.
AND SO MY MOTION ON THIS IS TO REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE UTILIZATION OF 64,000,809, 147.82 FROM THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST ON THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM PROJECTS ACCORDING TO THE METHODOLOGY PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THAT WOULD BE UNDER OPTION 1, WHICH IS APPROVAL TO ALLOCATE THE 64.8 MILLION FROM THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST TO THE 2018 BOND PROJECTS AND DIRECT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO RETURN WITH A PLAN TO COMPLETE THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM USING EXISTING RESOURCES, EXISTING RESOURCES AND UTILIZING A WORST FIRST APPROACH WITH A FOCUS ON EQUITY AND SERVING RESIDENTS, NOT RIGHT AWAY, BUT RESIDENTS AND STRUCTURES OF HARRIS COUNTY. THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION. J
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST -- >> RODNEY ELLIS:UST WANT TO -- IS DR. PETERSON HERE? SHE IS COMING ON VIRTUALLY.
DR. PEDERSON? >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAD A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS AND I WAS TRYING TO TAKE NOTES AS YOU WERE TALKING. ONE OF THE QUESTIONS WAS ABOUT PARTNERSHIP FUNDS. I CAN SPEAK TO THE PARTNERSHIP FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED AND SECURED.
AND TO DATE WE HAVE 1.428 DOLLARS THAT WERE SECURED.
AND WE HAVE SEVERAL DIFFERENT TYPES OF GRANTS AND ALLOCATION THAT'S ARE OUTSTANDING. 178 MILLION -- OR 172, PARDON ME BETWEEN WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD FUNDING AND FEMA BRICK AND FEMA FMA AND FEMA FMGP. SO WE HAVE A NUMBER OF PARTNERSHIP FUNDS IN PLACE. I THINK YOU WERE ALSO SPEAKING ABOUT A COUPLE OF OTHER TYPES OF FUNDING SOURCES RELATED TO THE FLOOD RESILIENT TRUST, COMMISSIONER.
THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST WAS CREATED FROM A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BUCKETS OF FUNDING. IT WAS ESTABLISHED BACK IN JUNE OF 2021 AND THE TRUST IS INTENDED TO BE THE BACKSTOP FOR THE BOND PROGRAM IN TERMS OF PARTNERSHIP FUNDING.
WHEN THE BOND WAS ESTABLISHED IT WAS $2.5 BILLION VOTER APPROVED BONDS. AND THEN THERE WAS A HOPE OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO BE SECURED AT A FUTURE DATE.
AND THE $1.4 BILLION IS WHAT HAS BEEN SECURED TO DATE.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS RIGHT. WE DO HAVE A GAP IN THE AVAILABLE FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM.
THAT'S WHAT THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST WAS INTENDED TO DO.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I THINK YOU ALSO MENTIONED, LOOKING AT MY
[04:50:01]
NOTES, SOME UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONTIN -- CONTINGENCY AND COST ESCALATION. ONE OF THE THINGS I NOTED ABOUT THE PROGRAM WHEN I CAME ON BOARD, THERE WAS A NEED TO GET A LITTLE BIT MORE REFINEMENT ABOUT HOW COSTS WERE BEING TRACKED.THAT IS BEING ADDRESSED. WE ARE WORKING TOWARD GETTING A FRAMEWORK IN PLACE TO HELP US ASSESS RISK AND HELP US TO ASSESS COST ESCALATION AND WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY TO BE ABLE TO ARTICULATE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE ON THAT FRONT. CERTAINLY IN THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE SEEN OUR ENGINEER ESTIMATES KPWAOE -- BE EXCEEDED.
SO THE ESTIMATES ARE A LITTLE BIT UNDER WHAT THE MARKET IS DELIVERING TO US RIGHT NOW IN TERMS OF IT.
AND THAT'S NOT ENTIRELY TO BE UNEXPECTED.
WE ARE FACING UNPRECEDENTED CONDITIONS WITH THE PANDEMIC.
THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF MARKET CONDITIONS AND A LOT OF LABOR SHORTAGES AND MATERIAL SHORTAGES WE ARE FACING, AND WE DIDN'T HAVE A MECHANISM IN PLACE TO CAPTURE AND CONVEY AND REALLY TRAP THOSE COST ESCALATIONS THAT WE ARE STARTING TO SEE COME IN THE PROGRAM. I AGREE WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER.
THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT AND SOMETHING THAT WE ARE WORKING ON. IN TERMS OF THE QUESTIONS AROUND THE FUNDING AROUND THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST, I KNOW OFFICE OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN WORKING ON THAT ISSUE TO TRY TO ADVANCE AND MOVE FORWARD AND GETTING SOME OF THAT FUNDING IN PLACE AND I DON'T KNOW IF DIRECTOR RAMOS WANTS TO JUMP IN
AND SPEAK TO THAT. >> I AM HERE.
WOULD IT BE HELPFUL TO WALK THROUGH THE RESOURCES?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SURE. >> IS MY MICROPHONE ON?
>> YES. AS DIRECTOR PETERSON SAID, IT IS 4.4 AND 4.5 MILLION SECURED WHEN YOU FACTOR IN SUBDIVISION.
THE BREAK DOWN IS 1.5.2 BILLION IN PARTNERSHIPS THAT WE HAVE SECURED. THAT'S MONEY IN HAND WHICH IS 1.42 CHANNEL FUNDING AND AN ADDITIONAL 93 MILLION IN SUBDIVISION AND 47 MILLION IS GRANT AND 46 MILLION IS PARTNER.
THERE IS FLOOD CONTROL COMMITTED AND THESE WERE PROPBLG -- PROJECTS BEFORE WE MOVED TO FINANCING THE MAJORITY OF OUR -- ALMOST ALL OF OUR PROJECTS. THERE IS 3.1 MILLION IN REIMBURSMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE ARMY CORE OF ENGINEERS AND ANOTHER HUNDRED K FROM A LOCAL ILA.
THERE IS 40 MILLION IN HCTR FUNDING WHICH AS YOU MENTIONED WE USE THE 730 DAYS OF CASH ON HAND AS THE THRESHOLD SO HCTRA WON'T GO BELOW THAT. IT IS IN THE CASH FLOW MODEL.
THERE IS 16 MILLION IN THE 2015 ROAD BONDS EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THERE IS 345 MILLION OF HCTRA AND 230 OF WHICH HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED AND 115 OF WHICH IS IN THE HURRICANES CTRA -- THE HCTRA CASH FLOW. THERE IS A TRANSPORTATION NEXT SUCCESS THAT WILL THEN HAVE THE FUNDING TO DO LATE MARCH OR EARLY APRIL. 30 MILLION IN SUBDIVISION PRECINCT FUNDING AND 86 MILLION IN FUTURE REIMBURSMENTS AND 46 MILLION HAS BEEN OBLIGATED BY THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS AND 40 MILLION BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT. LET ME JUST MAKE SURE I AM NOT FORGETTING ANYTHING. THOSE ARE ALL OF THE ONES WE
HAVE OUTSIDE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICKLY, MR. RAMOS, WHAT IS THE GAP? OR DIRECTOR --
>> WE HAVE 4.5 BILLION IN RESOURCES ON HAND AND READY TO
SPEND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DIRECTOR
PETERSEN, WHAT IS THE GAP? >> THE GAP RIGHT NOW, COMMISSIONER IS BASED ON CURRENT ANTICIPATED SPENDING, WHICH AS WE TALKED ABOUT, WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS SOME COST ESCALATION IN PLAY, BUT BASED ON WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE IN OUR SYSTEM, AND WE ARE LOOKING AT ABOUT A $667 MILLION GAP IN
[04:55:01]
FUNDING. IT IS LIKELY THAT THAT WILL INCREASE AS WE LOOK AT COST ESCALATION.>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOTCHA. AND FOR EITHER ONE OF YOU, WAS THERE -- OR MAYBE -- AND PERSONALLY I WILL BACK UP AND SAY I WANT TO THANK YOU, DR. RAMAN AND MR. TREVINO AND MR. BERRY FOR MEETING WITH ME. I THINK MR. RAMOS YOU WERE THERE AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR MEETING WITH ME AND MY STAFF. I WANTED TO TALK TO EVERYBODY AND HEAR FROM EVERYBODY. I GUESS THIS IS A QUESTION FROM MR. TREVINO. THERE WAS THE IDEA THAT SOME OF THIS GAP WOULD BE ADDRESSED THROUGH HCTRA FUNDING.
FROM THE VERY BEGINNING THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CONCERN THAT WE JUST COULDN'T GO GRAB IT AND SPEND IT ON A FLOOD BOND PROJECT BECAUSE OF THE PARTICULAR THRESHOLDS WE HAVE TO MEET TO STAY WITHIN THE LAW AND TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T JEOPARDIZE OUR SYSTEM. I WANT TO HEAR FROM MR. TREVINO IF HE IS ONLINE OR IF NOT, DR. PETERSEN, WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF OTHER COUNTY RESOURCES BECOMING HCTRA FUNDING
TO HELP COVER THIS GAP? >> COMMISSIONER, I'M ON THE LINE. I CAN ANSWER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. >> A QUICK CLARIFICATION [INAUDIBLE] NO PROJECT HAD BEEN -- NO HCTRA MONEY WAS TRANSFERRED OVER FOR THE NEXUS PROJECT.
WHAT WAS TRANSFERRED HAS BEEN A TRUE [INAUDIBLE] AND PART OF THE ROAD AND BRIDGE PROJECT. SO NO NEXUS WAS ESTABLISHED.
EVERYTHING USED TO DATE HAD A TRUE TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY FUNCTION THAT IS WELL WITHIN THE STATUTE OUTS.
STATUTES. WHEN WE GO BEYOND THAT AND DO FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS, WE HAVE TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL THAT A NEXUS IS IDENTIFIED AND THAT NEXT SUCCESS IS -- FEX -- NEXUS IS TRUE MOBILITY. A NEXUS DOCUMENT WAS CREATED AND IT WAS A PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT WHERE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WAS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE AND JURY AND ONCE IT OCCURRED IT MATCHED THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS. WE HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING THAT
HAD A NEXUS ASPECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT, I WOULD SUGGEST, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION IF WE START TALKING ABOUT ISSUE THAT'S COULD END UP IN LITIGATION. I DON'T THINK IN -- ANY OF US WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO CHOREOGRAPH TO POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS TO TAKE US THERE. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT ON THAT ISSUE WE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LET ME ASK THIS QUESTION, IF I ASK THE QUESTION OF WHETHER IT IS TIME FOR DR. PETERSEN TO REEVALUATE THE 2018 BOND, IS THAT -- IS THAT A QUESTION WE CAN -- THAT
SHE CAN RESPOND TO. >> THE ONLY THING WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON IS IF IT IS APPROPRIATE TO USE THE HCTRA
FUND FOR THIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.
DR. PETERSEN? >> THE BOND UPDATE WE PROVIDED AS A TRANSMITTAL TO COURT TODAY GIVES A SENSE OF WHERE THE FLOOD CONTROL IS ON THE BOND PROGRAM. WE HAVE COMPLETED A NUMBER OF PROJECTS AND WE HAVE A NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UNDERWAY AND/OR NEARING COMPLETION. THERE IS A REALITY THAT THE PROGRAM CAN BE APPROACHED WITH MORE FISCAL AND PROBLEMATIC DISCIPLINE IF THAT IS WHAT THE COURT IS LOOKING FOR.
WE WOULD CERTAINLY BE ABLE TO LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES TOAV SE AND LOOK ATRO PJECTS THATNV IEST ANDEN BEFIT THE MOST PEOPLE.
IT IS REALLY AT THEEC DIRTION OF THE COURT IF THATSO IS METHING OF INTEREST. CERTAINLY WE CAN'T DOT. THA
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL JUSTAD D MYIO POSITN THAT, , LOOKICA MPAIGNED FOR B THE 1.2ILLIONND BO. PROGRAMWE I NT OUT THERE AND HAD MEETINGS IN MYIE FACILITS AND MADE MYSELF AVAILABLE PUBLIC TO TELL THEM1. WHAT THE WOULBE USED ONAM. MY NE IS ON THATIT BOND.
ISEY NOT ON HARV.ER MY EXPIENCE WITH HARVEY Y PRIOR
[05:00:05]
TOOUR ARRIVAL WAS THATNE I JUST VER GOTOF A GOOD SENSE S WHAT I WABEING TOLD.AT AND NOW THAN YOU'VE ARRIVED DEN YOU'VE TAK A LOT OF -- YOU'VE TDONE A REVIEW OF IAT, AT LEAST WH I HEARD AT THAT THERE WAS SOMETH CONCERN AD EREES WAS A LOT OF PROMISAR MADE THAT WE E NOT SURE HOW WE ARE GONNA KEEP. SO A $667 MILLION GAP IST. NOT INSIGNIFICAN AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ASKED -- I WOULD ASK YOU TOA COME BACK WITH A PN AND TELLG US HOW WE ARE GOIN TO APPROACH THE BOND AS WITH THE EXISTINGRESOURCES WE HAVE.MI >> LINA HIDALGO: COMSSIONER ELLIS ANDEY THEN COMMISSIONER RAMS.TO
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DOCR, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE ON THIS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU LOOK AT COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION. I THINK I'M ALLT RIGHT WITH IT, BUT I DON' KNOW WHAT USING EXISTING RESOURCES MEAN.
I WANT TOIT MAKE SURE IT IS IN LINE WH WHAT YOU ARE PRESENTING. I HAD NOT READ IT.
I WANT TO. MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAD THAT HAVE I A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS -- I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS FOR YOU. CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE ON BOND PROJECTS SO FAR?
>> YES, COMMISSIONER. THERE ARE 181 PROJECTS THAT ARE IN THE BOND PROGRAM RIGHT NOW. AS OF RIGHT NOW THERE IS ABOUT 25 PROJECTS COMPLETED. TWO HAVE BEEN CLOSED BECAUSE WE WERE NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY BENEFITS.
REALLY WHAT THE BOND PROGRAM HAS DELIVERED IS WE ARE ABOUT FOUR AND A HALF YEARS INTO THE PROGRAM.
DESPITE THE CHALLENGE THAT'S HAVE EXISTED IN TERMS OF THE FUNDING, THE PROGRAM HAS STILLCO DELIVERED A LOT OF BENEFIT TO THE MMUNITY. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF HOMES AND THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES THAT ARE BEING PROTECTED AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECTS THAT ARE ALREADY IN THE GROUND.
THERE WERE NUMEROUS VOLUNTARY BUYOUTS TO BE OUT OF HARM'S WAY.
AND THE COMMUNITY CONTINUING -- CONTINUES TO BE ENGAGED IN KEY MILESTONES AND PROJECTS. AND WE ALSO HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORK OF THE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TASK FORCE.
THEIR WORK WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND THE COUNTY.
COMMISSIONER, I APPRECIATE YOU ACKNOWLEDGING THE TEAM.
I ALSO REALLY WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE TEAM AT HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. THEY WORK SO HARTD EVERY DAY -- HARD EVERY DAY TO DELIVER THESE PROJECTS TO MAINTAIN PROFESSIONALISM AND I VERY MUCH APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT ON THAT AS WELL AS THEIRS TO KEEP THESE PROJECTS MOVING.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: TWO PROJECTS IN PARTICULAR WHEN THE HARVEY PACKAGE CAME UP WERE DISCUSSED BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN NEGLECTED FOR YEARS. IN PART BECAUSE OF THE OLD COST BENEFIT RATIO AND IT WAS HALLS AND GREENS.
IT I'M PABSTED ALL OF US, BUT IN PARTICULAR -- IT IMPACTED ALL OF US, BUT IN PARTICULAR 1 AND 2. HOW MUCH FUNDING HAS GONE TO HALLS AND GREENS WATER SHED SINCE THE PASSAGE OF THE HARVEY
BOND ISSUE? >> ONE OF THE THINGS I CAN TELL YOU, COMMISSIONER IS THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST WITH THE INTENT TO BACKSTOP THE BOND PROGRAM. ONE OF THE THINGS IT HAS RESULTED IN IS QUITE A BIT OF FUNDING GOING TO HALLS AND GREENS. OVER 61 MILLION HAS GONE TO GREENS AND OVER 30 MILLION HAS GONE TO HALLS.
WHEN YOU ADD THAT TOGETHER, THAT'S OVER 60% OF THE FUNDING OUT OF THE FLOOD RE-- FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST.
SO WHEN WE LOOK AT CHANGES AND FUNDING GAPS, WE'VE SEEN SOME REALLY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES AND HALLS BAYOU AND GREENS BAYOU, THE FUNDING GAPS HAVE REDUCED QUITE A BIT.
MORE CAN BE DONE. WE STILL HAVE FAIRLY SIGNIFICANT FUNDING GAPS, BUT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN TERMS OF FUNDING
THE GAPS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LAST POINT, GOING TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S CONCERNS A PROCESS WAS STABBED -- ESTABLISHED ON WHEN WE WOULD USE THE
[05:05:04]
TRANSPORTATION-RELATED FUNDS. IS THERE ANY REASON WHY YOU WOULD NOT USE THE SAME PROCESS I THINK I HEARD MR. TREVINO ELUDE TO EARLIER ON THE PREVIOUS PROJECTS? IS THERE ANY REASON YOU WOULD USE THE SAME PROCESS TO FIND THENEXT SUCCESS ON THESE PROJECTS? >> BASED ON THE CONVERSATION I JUST HEARD I WOULD LOOK TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO GUIDE THAT
CONVERSATION. >> IF WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER
BRIONES. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
I AGREE WITH THE MOTION YOU PUT OUT HERE.
THE ONE THING WE DON'T WANT TO DO IS DIP INTO THAT NEW MONEY.
THAT'S ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. IT WOULD BE TEMPTING TO FIX OLD PROBLEMS WITH NEW MONEY, BUT THAT'S NOT WHY IT WAS THERE.
THEY WANTED TO SEE THERE WAS A CERTAIN POINT IN THE PROJECT AND SOMEBODY COMES TO YOU AND SAYS WE HAVE QUITE ENOUGH MONEY AND WE HAVE A REALISTIC LOOK OF WHAT WE GOT.
THERE IS A PRIORITIZATION OF WHAT WAS LEFT AND HOW WE CAN -- HOW WE CAN FINISH WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE MONEY WE HAVE.
I AM LOOKING CLOSELY WITH THE FOLKS IN AUSTIN.
THERE IS STATE MONEY LORD KNOWS WE CALL TPAOEU FOR A LOT OF IT.
THERE SHOULD BE RELATED TO THE PROJECTS.
AND THAT WOULD BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION GOING FORWARD.
WHAT I HEARD IS A GAP AND WITH THE 750 WILL THAT SOLVE ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS? AND WE SRAO -- WE HAVE A METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION. THERE IS SOME HOPE RELATED TO SOME HELP THAT THE 750 WILL APPLY GOING FORWARD.
I AM NOT GOING TO CASH THAT CHECK UNTIL WE SEE IT.
BUT IN ANY CASE -- >> WE THOUGHT THE GLO MONEY WAS
COMING. >> THAT'S WHAT I AM SAYING.
AT LEAST WE HAVE GOTTEN PAST THE MAUD.
IT IS A CON SROE LEWDED -- CONVOLUTED SITUATION.
WE HAVE THE BOND MONEY AND WE HAVE PARTNERSHIP MONEY.
I KNOW I'M REACHING OUT TO PARTNERS AND SAYING OKAY YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO COMMIT X NUMBER.
SO MAYBE YOU NEED TO COMMIT 2X NUMBER.
THERE SHOULD BE MULTIPLE. I DO SAY I WILL APPRECIATE GETTING BRIEFED BY DIRECTOR PETERSON AND MR. RAMOS AND MR. AMMAN. I FEEL LIKE OUR FOLKS KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. SO MANY TIMES IN THE PAST WE HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS AND I AM NOT REALLY SURE EVERYBODY
UNDERSTOOD WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. >> DID YOU.
DR. PETERSON, THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND FOR THE AMOUNT OF TIME YOU SPENT BRIEFING US.
AND THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO MY ATTENTION.
I AM SUPPORTIVE OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION AND THE 64.8 MILLION, BUT MY CONCERN IS WITH THE EXACT LANGUAGE OF THE MOTION BASED ON WHAT YOU JUST SAID ABOUT THE 667 MILLION-DOLLAR FUNDING GAP WITH THE LIST OF PROJECT THAT'S WERE INITIALLY CREATED WILL IT MEET THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK THAT I KNOW WE VOTED ON LAST MEETING.
AND SO MY QUESTION TO YOU IS I KNOW THIS TKR*US IS A BACKSTOP -- I KNOW THIS TRUST IS A BACKSTOP AND WE HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL FUNDING GAP. I KNOW OUR PARTNERS WILL HELP US FILL THAT. RIGHT NOW THE LANGUAGE AND THE MOTION THAT IS DIRECTING QUESTIONS IS TO RETURN WITH A PLAN TO COMPLETE THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM USING EXISTING RESOURCES. ONE IS THE EXISTING RESOURCES
[05:10:01]
AND TWO IS TO COMPLETE THE PLAN. I AM CURIOUS AND I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM AND I BELIEVE THAT'S WHAT MY COLLEAGUES WERE ASKING IS IF YOU COULD COME BACK AND APPLY THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK WITH THE LIST OF THE ORIGINAL PROJECTS AND SAYING, LOOK, THIS IS THE MONEY WE HAVE TODAY.THIS IS WHAT WE WOULD RECOMMEND IN TERMS OF THE IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY IN HELPING PEOPLE AND THE CRITERIA.
PERHAPS WE CAN MAKE A SLIGHT -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF YOU WILL, COMMISSIONER BRIONES, I WILL SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDLY AMENDMENT AND TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS' QUESTION ABOUT THE EXISTING RESOURCES DEFINITION, TELL ME IF THIS HELPS.
THE MOTION WOULD MOVE APPROVAL TO ALLOCATE 64.8 MILLION FROM THE FLOOD RESILIENCY TRUST TO THE 2018 BOND PROJECTS AND DIRECT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO RETURN WITH A PLAN TO COMPLETE THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM USING EXISTING 2018 BOND
RESOURCES. >> SO I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THAT. I'M PUZZLED ON WHAT EVERYBODY IS SAYING ON THE 750. DIRECTOR, MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THE 2018 FUNDING ASSUMED -- THE 2018 PROPOSAL ASSUMED A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PARTNERSHIP FUNDING THAT HAS NOT MATERIALIZED FROM VARIOUS PARTNERS. IT ASSUMED A BILLION DOLLARS FROM THE GLO THAT TURNED OUT TO BE 750 AND TO MY COLLEAGUES' POINT LET'S WAIT UNTIL THE CHECK ARRIVES, BUT ASSUME IT IS ARRIVING. AND IT DIDN'T TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASING COSTS, ET CETERA, ET CETERA.
MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT NOW WITH THE 750 AND WITH THE FUNDING YOU ARE SETTING UP, WE ARE ALL RIGHT.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE DEBATE IS ABOUT HERE.
AND -- I MEAN THE CONVERSATIONS I HAD WITH THE CITY AND THE STATE, IT GOES TO PROJECTS THAT ARE PART OF THE 2018 BOND.
WHEN YOU SAID BOND RESOURCES DOES THAT INCLUDE THE 750.
FROM ALL OF THE CONVERSATIONS -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE HAVEN'T
RECEIVED IT YET. >> SO IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 750? SO I THINK WE ALL AGREE.
WE ARE GOING IN CIRCLES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK SO.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT US TO BE IN A POSITION WHEN WE COME BACK THAT WE PASS SOMETHING AND THEN YOU ALL TELL US WE PASSED SOMETHING AND IT DOESN'T DO SOMETHING WE THOUGHT IT DID. I WANT TO ASK MR. BERRY, MR. RAMOS, MS. PETERSEN, DO YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE LANGUAGE AND THE WORDS OF THIS MOTION, IS THAT ANYWAY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU PUT ON THE AGENDA HOPING TO PASS?
AND IF SO HOW? >> I HAVE THE SAME QUESTION.
>> I WANT TO MAKE IT REAL SIMPLE.
I WAS NOTORIOUS FOR WRITING MY STUFF ON THE FLY AND THEN THEY FIGURE OUT, AND I WANT TO ASK YOU ALL DO YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT? WE'LL START WITH YOU, MS. PETERSEN OR THE LAWYERS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE.
>> SO WHAT I INTERPRET THE MOTION TO BE, AND THE EXISTING RESOURCES SEEMS TO BE THE AREA OF MOST -- IT IS NOT LACK OF
CLARITY ONE COULD SAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT WOULD YOUR
MOTION HAVE BEEN? >> I THINK WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA PROVIDED WAS RIGHT IN LINE WITH WHAT I THINK -- WHAT I THINK THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT CAN COME BACK AND DO WHICH IS WE CAN COME BACK AND BRING A PLAN AND SHOW YOU WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE USING EXIST -- EXISTING RESOURCES.
RECORD RECORD MR. BERRY, MR. RAMOS?
>> ALL GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND TO BE CLEAR, THE 750 IS NOT PART OF THIS.
>> TOM RAMSEY: IT COULD BE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: BUT NOT YET.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ONCE IT COMES, IT WOULD BE USED --
>> WHAT THIS IS GONNA DO IS FORCE THE ISSUE ON PRIORITIZATION. WE ARE GOING TO COMPLETE A PROJECT. IT IS NOT GOING TO BE PLAYING THE GAME THAT YOU REFERENCED A COUPLE OF TIMES, BUT WE'LL GET TO THAT WHEN WE GET THE GRANT MONEY IN HERE.
WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN DO. >> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE --
>> >> LINA HIDALGO: MY FINAL POINT IS WHAT I MAKE ON THIS. THIS IS PART -- NOW WE HAVE TO FOCUS ON TOMORROW. MY ONLY OTHER CONCERN, COLLEAGUES IS TO WHAT EXTENT -- YOU KNOW, IF THEY ALREADY HAVE THIS, WE ARE USING FLOOD CONTROL RESOURCES THAT SHOULD BE USED ON THE NEXT BOND, ON THE LAST BOND. IF THIS IS SOMETHING WE ARE GOING TO DO ANYWAY, DR. PETERSON, THAT'S REALLY MY THING. I WANT YOU WORKING WITH THE
[05:15:02]
CFRTF ON THE NEXT BOND. AT LEAST THE FOUR OF US WE HAVE EXPRESSED IN THIS COURT THAT WE KNOW WE NEED.AND THERE IS ONLY SO MANY HOURS IN THE DAY.
>> I THINK WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE. YOU KNOW, I LIKE TO BREAK UP THOSE TWO -- IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HARVEY.
LAND IN ANOTHER COUNTY AND A VEGETATION PROJECT.
WE SHOULD HAVE COVERED THIS MOTION A LONGTIME AGO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: JAMES DO YOU HAVE THE MOTION?
>> DO YOU MIND REREADING IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: TO APPROVE 64.8 MILLION FROM THE FLOOD RE-- FLOOD RESILIENCE AND TO DIRECT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RETURN WITH A PLAN FOR THE BOND PROGRAM USING BOND RESOURCES AND UTILIZING A WORST FIRST APPROACH WITH A FOCUS ON EQUITY AND SERVING HARRIS COUNTY.
MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IS THERE A SECOND?
>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
LET'S BREAK UNTIL 5 AND THEN THE HOME STRETCH.
>> ITEM 420 IS A TRANSMITTAL? >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
IT IS 4:48 AND WE WILL TAKE A 12-MINUTE BREAK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. IT IS 5:04 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. WE JUST DISCUSSED THE, THE ITEM ON THE FLOOD CONTROL, THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TRUST AND THE RELATED ITEM. WE ARE GOOD WITH THOSE.
AND LET'S MOVE ON TO 158. THAT'S THE POLICY RELATED TO THE TOLERATES. COMMISSIONERS GARCIA AND RAMSEY FLAGGED THAT ONE. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DID YOU
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I THINK THIS IS A GOOD PROGRAM.
I THINK I SPEAK FOR THE COURT IN A LOTF OWAYS THAT THISIV GES US CONFIDENCE INT WHATHE TOLL ROAD IS DOING.
YOU LOOK AT C THEONSISTENT REVENUES THEY GENERATE ANDN WHE YOU LOOK ATIR THE ABILITY TO COVER WHAT THEY DO- YOU - THEY DO, IT ISVY AN EN OF THE STATETH E WAY WEL ENROLL OUR TOLROADTH AUORITY. I WAS INAN AUSTIN D MET WITH THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONI ITSGO ALWAYS OD TO KNOW YOUR TRANSPORTATION PARTNERS THINKRE YOU DO A ALLY GOODAN JOB D THEY DOGO A REALLY OD JOB ON OUR TOLLS.O SO TGIVEYE THE TAXPARS A LITTLEIC DISCOUNT WHH IS WHATS, THIS I IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING IT IS OFE SIGNIFICANCWHEN PEOPLE LOOK AT THE NUMBERS, 894 MILLION DOLLARS OVER 10 YEARS.
THAT'SLI NEARLY 90 MILON A YEARK IN TAX BRES AND REVENUE BREAKS THAT WE ARE GIVINGXP TO THE TAAYERS. I I THINK THISS A GOOD ITEM. I AGAIN ACKNOWLEDGEFO THE GOOD EFRTS OF EVERYBODY INVOLVED.KS THIS ALSO SPEA WELL TO ROBERTO AND HIS LEADERSHIP THAT WE HAVE HE WILL CONTINUE THE GOOD JOB THAT HE'S DOING. I THINK THENT REVENUES WILL COINUE TO BE THERE. AND IT IS CERTAINLY FUNDING MUCH TRANSPORTATION IN THE HOUSTON AREA AND HARRIS COUNTYAN AREA.
I ACKNOWLEDGE D LOOK FORWARD TO VOTING FOR IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER LIELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELS: I KNOWAN COMMISSIONER GARCIA D OUR COLLEAGUE COMMISSIONER RAMY TOLD HIM, BUT I WANT TO CONGRATULATE IT A -- AS WELL AND GLAD TO SEE THE WORK YOU ARE DOINGER OPTIONS FOR CASH CUSTOMS. I THINK THAT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT IF WE CAN DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO HELP THE UNDER BANK.
YOU ARE DOING A GOOD JOB AND APPRECIATE ITNG AND GLAD TO SEE YOU BUILDI ON THE WORK THAT STARTED PREVIOUSLY WH*ER -- WHERE THIS COURT HAS THE PRICE OF THE EASY TAGS.
DURING THE PANDEMIC, I THINK IT WAS COMMISSIONER GARCIA THAT HAD TO STOP THE TOLLS COMPLETELY. YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, THANK
YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MR. TREVINO, I WANT TO ADD MY 2 CENTS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CREATIVE THINKING ON THE SYSTEM. AS I TOLD FOLKS BEFORE AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN, UNTIL YOUR ARRIVAL, THE TOLL SYSTEM WAS FOR OTHER PEOPLE. YOU HAVE BEEN VERY, VERY CREATIVE AND STRATEGIC ON HOW TO MAKE SURE THAT LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS, THOSE NEIGHBORHOODS INSIDE THE LOOP AND THE INNER CITY ARE ALSO RECEIVING A BENEFIT FROM THE
[05:20:01]
TOLL SYSTEM. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD WORK ON BEHALF OF YOU AND YOUR STAFF AND THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS KEEPING AN OPEN DOOR ALONG WITH AN OPEN MIND. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS. ALL CREDIT GOES TO -- IT STARTS AT THE TOP AND CREDIT GOES TO THE DIRECTION COURT PROVIDES US AND THE SUPPORT YOU PROVIDE ME AND THE TEAM.
THE HCTRA DID A GREAT JOB PUTTING THIS PROPOSAL -- BRINGING THIS PROPOSE -- PROPOSAL TO THE COURT.
IT IS BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THAT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK. YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO
MUCH >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVE ON THE
ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECOND -- YOU WILL HAVE TO FIGHT IT OUT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: HAVE I MOST OF THE TOLL ROADS IN MY PRECINCT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR.
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH TREVINO, WHICH PRECINCT HAS MOST OF THE TOLL ROADS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND CAREFUL
HOW YOU ANSWER THAT. >> THAT WOULD BE PRECINCT 1.
>> TOM RAMSEY: WE'LL HAVE TO TALK TOMORROW.AD
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE'LL GIVE YOU SOME TOLL ROS.
WE WILL BE BUILDING THEM IN PRECINCT 1.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, 161 AND THAT IS THE MWBE
PROGRAM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE FOR THE DIRECTOR TO GIVE US A REPORT.
IT IS ABOUT TWO YEARS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE -- I KNOW THE DEPARTMENT IS DOING A GOOD JOB AND I APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU ALL PUT INTO THIS, BUT I THINK SHE MIGHT HAVE A PRESENTATION
GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY. YES, WE'VE ACTUALLY BEEN IN THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE FOR 16 MONTHS.
NOT QUITE A YEAR AND A HALF YET. AND THIS IS OUR THIRD MWBI -- MWBE UTILIZATION REPORT AND COVERS THE SEVEN MONTHS OF THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR 2022. NEXT SLIDE? THIS REPORT HAS FOUR SECTIONS, BUT I'M ONLY GOING TO COVER THE FIRST THREE AND THE APPENDICES ARE INCLUDED FOR YOUR INFORMATION. NEXT SLIDE.
I WANTED TO START OUT BY PROVIDING YOU WITH SOME PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS WE HAVE MADE AFTER REVIEWING OUR FIRST 16 MONTHS OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS. I THINK FIRST AND FOREMOST, THE UTILIZATION OF MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IS STABLE AT ABOUT 19.5% OVER THE LIFE OF THE PROGRAM.
THAT'S HIGHER THAN THE 9% UTILIZATION PRIOR TO THE PROGRAM'S START, BUT WELL SHORT OF OUR 30% ASPIRATIONAL GOAL.
WHILE WE HAVE SEEN AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE COUNTY'S AWARDS TO BLACK-OWNED FIRMS, THE FACT THE SIZE OF THE PIE GOING TO THE MWBE'S ISN'T GROWING MEANS MWBE'S ARE TAKING BUSINESS FROM EACH OTHER INSTEAD OF BENEFITING FROM A LARGER PIE.
WE WANT TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE PIE.
WE NOT ONLY HAVE TO SET GOALS FOR THE MWBE UTILIZATION, BUT WE HAVE TO SPAWNED -- EXPAND MWBE FIRM CAPACITY TO COMPETE FOR CONTRACTS. THERE'S A LOT OF INFRASTRUCTURE MONEY COMING INTO PLAY THE NEXT FEW YEARS FROM REGION WIDE BOND PROGRAMS, FROM FEDERAL GRANT SOURCES, FROM THE FUTURE MOVEMENT ON THE IKE DIKE THAT WE WILL NEED TO GET MORE MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES CERTIFIED AND ABLE TO COMPETE AND CLOSE TO MEETING OUR GOALS. AND FINALLY, WE MUST ADD ENFORCEMENT MECHANISMS TO THE POLICY TO HOLD OUR VENDORS ACCOUNTABLE. NEXT SLIDE.
SO PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS REPORT IS STRICTLY ON THE COUNTY'S AWARDS TO MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES.
THE REPORT ON CONTRACT PAYMENTS WILL COME NEXT MONTH.
ALSO LET ME WARN YOU, THE REPORT IS A MIX OF GOOD AND AREAS THAT WE STILL NEED IMPROVEMENT. AND THERE ARE AREAS WHERE WE CAN'T QUITE TELL YET IF THERE IS A TREND.
WHILE I WOULD LOVE TO COME TO YOU TODAY AND TELL YOU THAT WE ARE CLOSE TO MEETING OUR AS SEPARATIONAL TKPWOELZ -- GOAL OF 30%, IT IS 16 MONTHS INTO THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND I CAN ASSURE YOU ONLY THAT WE ARE BEING TRANSPARENT WITH THE DATA TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE ALL HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR OUR OUTCOMES.
NEXT SLIDE. AS MENTIONED EARLIER WE ARE AT A STABLE 19.5% UTILIZATION RATE. WHILE THIS IS A 115% INCREASE FROM THE DISPARITY STUDY FINDINGS, IT IS STILL ONLY 65% OF THE WAY TO OUR UTILIZATION GOAL.
NEXT SLIDE. THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR SAW A DIFFERENT MIX OF CONTRACT TYPES WITH THE FEWER CONSTRUCTION VALUES AND SIGNIFICANTLY MORE GOODS AND SERVICES CONTRACT VALUES. WHILE THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
[05:25:03]
VALUES AWARDED DECREASED FROM THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD, THEY STILL MAKE UP THE BUMMING OF THE CONTRACT VALUE AWARDED.AND IF YOU NOTICE, MWBE'S MAKE UP THE BULK OF THE SUBCONTRACTORS, 193 OF THE 254 OR 76%, BUT THEY STILL COMPRISE A SMALL NUMBER OF PRIME CONTRACTORS.
IT IS 21%. BUILDING CAPACITY TO GET SUBCONTRACTORS TO SUCCESSFULLY BID AS PRIME CONTRACTORS WILL NEED TO BE A FOCUS OF OUR WORK GOING FORWARD.
NEXT SLIDE. WHEN WE BREAK UP THE AWARDS AGAINST THE VARIOUS TYPES OF MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES, WE SEE THAT THE BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES SHARE THE CONTRACT DOLLARS INCREASED. HOWEVER, AGAIN, BECAUSE THE SIZE OF THE AWARD TYPE GOING TO THE MWBE'S AS A WHOLE HASN'T INCREASED, ONE TYPE OF MWBE FIRM IS PAID FOR BY THE OTHER MW -- MWBE TYPES. WE ARE LOOKING INTO WHY THE HISPANIC UTILIZATION DROPPED SO MUCH.
IT MAY BE THE CONTRACT WORK AWARDED HAS SPEW -- HAS FEWER HISPANIC FIRMS AVAILABLE OR MAYBE THEY WERE BUSY AND DIDN'T BID FOR OUR PROJECTS DURING THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR.
WE WILL HAVE TO DIG INTO THE INDUSTRY CODES FOR THE CONTRACTS AND THE AVAILABLE MWBE VENDORS AS WELL AS LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF BIDDERS THAT WERE MWBE CERTIFIED TO TEASE THAT OUT.
IT WILL BE A MANUAL EFFORT. IT WILL TAKE US AWHILE, BUT WE ARE ALREADY STARTING TO LOOK AT THAT.
NEXT SLIDE. NEXT WE WILL LOOK AT PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARDS TO MWBE. HERE AGAIN WE ARE SEEING A STABLE 15.8% OF PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARDS GOING TO THE MWBE'S.
THIS IS ANOTHER AREA WE NEED TO FOCUS IMPROVEMENTS ON.
NEXT SLIDE. WHAT YOU SEE ON THIS SLIDE IS A COMPARISON OF THE PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARDS FOR EACH TYPE OF CONTRACT, CONSTRUCTION, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND GOODS AND SERVICES AND BETWEEN MWBE AND NON-MWBE FIRMS THE -- THE TOP BAR FOR EACH SET IS THE MOST RECENT REPORTING PERIOD.
SHORT FISCAL YEAR 2022 AND THE BOTTOM BAR IS FOR THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD. FOR GOODS AND SERVICES, YOU WILL SEE THAT THE MWBE PRIME CON -- CONTRACTOR REALIZED A LARGE INCREASE IN THEIR SHARE OF CONTRACT AWARDS FROM 9.2% LAST REPORTING PERIOD TO 13.6% THIS REPORTING PERIOD.
THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS AT THE FAR RIGHT OF EACH BAR CHART SHOWS THE DOLLAR VALUE OF THE PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARDS RECEIVED BY MINORITY AND WOMEN OFF OWNED FIRMS. THE SHARE OF MWBE'S RECEIVING PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARDS ONLY DECLINED FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS BY 11% FROM THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD. AS YOU KNOW THE PROCUREMENTS DIDN'T GO THROUGH THE USUAL PROCESS WITH THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT. THEY RESIDE WITH EACH PRECINCT OFFICE AND THE USER DEPARTMENT. WITH ONLY TWO DATA POINTS AND THAT IS TWO REPORTING PERIODS, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ASCERTAIN TRENDS YET. WE WILL REVIEW THE DATA AND DIGGING INTO IT TO GET AS MUCH INSIGHT AS POSSIBLE ON THE PROGRAM THAT IS CURRENTLY STRUCTURED AND IDENTIFY ACTION ITEMS TO SHORE UP WEAKNESSES. NEXT SLIDE.
SO KEEPING WITH THE PRIME CONTRACTOR AWARDS TOPIC, THESE PIE CHARTS SHOW MAJOR SHIFTS IN WHICH TYPE OF MWBE WAS SELECTED.
ASIAN, BLACK AND WHITE-WOMEN OWNED TPEURPLGS -- FIRMS RECEIVED CONTRACT AWARDS, BUT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE HISPANIC AND LATINA-OWNED BUSINESSES. THIS WAS WHEN THERE WAS NO SHARE OF THE MWBE SELECTED AS PRIME CONTRACTORS IS NOT WHERE WE WANT TO BE. IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE PIE HASN'T GOTTEN BIGGER OVER THE TWO REPORTING PERIODS.
NEXT SLIDE. AND HERE FINALLY ON THE PRIME CONTRACTORS YOU CAN SEE THE DOLLAR VALUES OF THE AWARDS BY THE MWBE TYPE. YOU ARE SEEING THE SHIFTING OF THE DOLLAR VALUES OF THE AWARDS WHILE THE ACTUAL PIE SHRANK FROM $148 MILLION IN PRIME CONTRACTS AWARDED TO MWBE IN THE FIRST REPORTING PERIOD TO $130 MILLION DURING THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR.
I DO WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR WAS SEVEN MONTHS LONG WHILE THE PRIOR REPORTING PERIOD WAS 9 MONTHS LONG. IT IS DIFFICULT FOR US TO TALE IF -- TO TELL IF THE CHANGE IN DOLLAR AWARDS IS DUE TO THE SHORTER REVIEW PERIOD. EVEN SO, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING
[05:30:02]
WE WANT TO SEE GOING FORWARD. NEXT SLIDE.AND NOW WE SWITCH TO SUB CONTRACT -- SUBCONTRACTOR AWARDS. THESE DECLINED FROM THE FIRST REPORTER PERIOD TO THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR.
THE AWARD VALUE DROPPED BY APPROXIMATELY $800,000.
AND IT COULD VERY WELL BE LINKED TO THE FACT THAT THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR IS A SHORTER REPORTING PERIOD THAN THE FIRST ONE. NEXT SLIDE.
WHEN LOOKING AT CON TRAPBGT -- CONTRACTOR AWARDS BY TYPE, WE CAN SEE THE SHARES OF AWARDS CHANGE ACROSS THE REPORTING PERIODS. SOME INCREASING AND OTHERS DECLINING IT IS REALLY HARD FOR US TO HAVE TRENDS WE CANDICE CERTAIN WITH THE DATA POINTS. IT IS A LOT OF MOVEMENT RIGHT NOW AND IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MORE REPORTS TO FIGURE OUT WHY THINGS MIGHT KEEP MOVING AND HOPPING AROUND LIKE THAT.
NEXT SLIDE. LOOKING AT THE DOLLAR VALUE OF THE SUB SUBCONTRACTOR AWARDS IT IS CLEAR THAT MWBE FIRMS ARE AWARDED A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE CONTRACT VALUES.
HOWEVER, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE BOTTOM LINE, THE $42 MILLION IN MWBE SUBCONTRACTOR AWARDS IN THE SHORT FISCAL YEAR EQUATES TO 6.4 % OF THE TOTAL CONTRACT AWARDS MEASURING THE REPORTING PERIOD. WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.
NEXT SLIDE. AND OWE -- AND ON THIS SLIDE I WANT YOU TO KNOW I CUTOFF THE OF THE -- LEGEND OF THE PIE CHART.
GRAY IS WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES AND THEN THERE IS RACE.
WE CAN SEE THERE ARE SHIFTS IN THE MWBE TYPE AWARDED SUBCONTRACTOR CONTRACTS WITH THE PRIMARY SHIFTS INVOLVING WHITE WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES LOSING SHARE TO BLACK AND ASIAN-OWNED BUSINESSES. NEXT SLIDE.
AND FINALLY HERE, THE DOLLAR VALUES OF THE SUBCONTRACTOR AWARDS BY MWBE TYPE, AGAIN WE ARE SHOWING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THE AMOUNT OF THE PIE NOT INCREASING.
BEFORE I LEAVE THE STATISTICS SLIDES DO YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO WANT TO
ASK YOU WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS? >> YES, SIR.
AND THAT WILL GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ALL RIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
BRIONES? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU, DR. RAMIREZ, SO MUCH. I AM EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT THE NEXT STEPS. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THIS. MY QUESTION AS A LATINA AND THE INTERSECTION ALITY, I WONDER IF WE HAVE DATA WE ARE TRACKING FOR WOMEN, MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES AS A SEUB SET -- SUBSET THE LATINO AND ASIAN AND BLACK OWNED.
>> AND I HAVE TO CHECK WITH STAFF ON THAT.
I HAVE HAD THAT QUESTION AS WELL.
I THINK IT DEPENDS ON YOU THEY -- ON HOW THEY GET CERTIFIED. SOMETIMES A FIRM IS CERTIFIED AS A MINORITY-OWNED FIRM AND IT DOESN'T WAIT WHETHER IT IS A MINORITY AND WOMAN-OWNED FIRM. WE'LL DIG INTO IT AND SEE IF THERE IS A WAY WE CAN TEASE THAT OUT.
I THINK IT DEPENDS ON HOW THE CERTIFYING FIRM IDENTIFIES THE
MWBE. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THAT MAKES SENSE. THANK YOU.
>> OF COURSE. AND SO AS I DESCRIBED IN OUR PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PRESENTATION WE CAN ALREADY SEE CHALLENGES, BUT WE ALSO HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH OUR PARTNER DEPARTMENTS AND EXTERNAL DEPARTMENTS ON ACTION ITEMS TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES. STPHEBGZ -- NEXT SLIDE.
FOR TODAY WANTED TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE THREE MAIN CHALLENGES WE SEE THAT WE NEED TO ADDRESS AGGRESSIVELY AT THIS TIME. THE FIRSTAL C -- CHALLENGE IS CLARIFYING ROLESND A RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION. SINCE WE NOW HAVE6 1MONTHS OF IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE, WE ARE UPDATING OUR PROCEDURES MANUALO T MORE CLEARLY ESTABLISHEDES ROL AND TIMELINES FOR EVERY FACET OF THE PROGRAM. WETO PLAN DISTRIBUTE A DRAFT TH ETM DEPARENT FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT IN THE NEXTEE FEW WKS.
FROM THERE, ONCE WETE INTEGRA ANYES RESPONS, WE WOULD LIKE TON BRG IT BACK TO COURT AND COURTLY BASICAL BLESS IT FOR US ANDOW LET US KN IF W YOU THINKE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK IN ADDRESSING THE RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
SECOND WE MUST IMPROVEAR TRANSPENCY AND REPORTING.
INK WANT TO THA UNIVERSAL SERVICESEL FOR THEIR HP ON THISE THEY HAV W A TEAMWORKINGITH USME TO IMPLENT INTERIM SOLUTIONSOU TO MEET R DATA NEEDS UNTILUR THE PROCE TO PAY PROJECT YOU PREVIOUSLY HEARD ABOUTTH GETS OF E GROUND.
[05:35:02]
WE WILL BE UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND THE THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE UHFF BITTER'S OICE AND THE --S THE AUDITOR'OFFICE AND THEEP PURCHASING DARTMENT AND THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHEN THE PROCUREMTTO RESPONSIBILITIES ENSURE THAT THE BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS ARE IDENTIFIED AND MET AS WE OUGH-- AUTOMATE ANDEM INTEGRATE SYST. MY GOAL IS TO GIVE LIVE PROGRESS TO THE INSPIRATION -- ASPIRATION GOAL.THIRD AND FINALLY, FOR NOW WE NEED TO BUILD CAPACITY AMONG THE MWBE'S AND ENSURE THAT MOREWN MINORITY AND WOMEN-OED BUSINESSES ARE APPROPRIATELY CERTIFIED.
BESIDES WORKING WITH OUR EXTERNAL PARTNERS ONEV THE OPPORTUNITIES TO LERAGE OURRO LIMITED RESOURCES TO PVIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES TO THE MINORITY AND WOMENWE OFF OWNED BUSINESSES, ARETY WORKING WITH THE COUN ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO SEE IF WEES CAN IDENTIFY ALTERNATIV TO TYPICAL HINDRANCES AND M -- MWBE'S FACE SUCH AS THE COST OF PAYMENT BONDS. WE HEARD FROM THAT -- WE HEARD ABOUT THAT FROM THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS AND THE FEEDBACK LOOPS WE SET UP. THOSE ARE SOME OF THE BIG AREAS THE MWBE'S ARE FACING RIGHT NOW. THEY ARE THE BIG PROBLEMS. WE ALSO ARE EXPANDING OUR OUT REACH IN COMMUNICATION EFFORTS INCLUDING THE BID OPPORTUNITIES WEEKLY.
NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. AND SO EACH WEEK MY TEAM TAKES THE BID OPPORTUNITIES AT THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT AND IT PUBLISHES IT IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER AND WE ADD INFORMATION TO THE NOTICES SUCH AS THE MW ABOUT -- SUCH AS THE MWBE GOAL ESTABLISHED FOR EACH OPPORTUNITY.
FURTHER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, WE ADD THE CODES SO THAT MWBE FIRMS HAVE A CLEARY SENSE OF WHAT SUB CON -- SUB CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES MAY EXIST FOR EACH PROJECT AND THAT WAY THEY KNOW IF THERE IS A SMALLER BID OF THE PROJECT THAT THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED TO BID ON.
NEXT SLIDE. FINALLY WE HAVE THE PARTNER EVENTS AND EMAIL IT TO ALL MWBE FIRMS REGISTERED TO DO BUSINESS WITH HARRIS COUNTY. WE ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS BECAUSE WE HAVE A LOT OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM THE MWBE COMMUNITY TO THIS ADDITIONAL LEVEL OF OUT REACH.
WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT IT AND OUR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND OUR DIRECTOR AND SOME OF HIS STAFF WORK HARD EVERY WEEK TO GET THIS OUT. NEXT SLIDE.
ON OUR PROGRAM REPORTING CALENDAR, WE WILL BE REPORTING AND PRESENTING YOU WITH THREE MORE UPDATES THIS CALENDAR YEAR.
WE ARE GOING TO START WORKING ON A REGULAR SIX-MONTH REPORTING PERIOD SO THAT ALLEYS -- SO THAT AT LEAST WE CAN GET THE DATA AUTOMATED AND GO LIVE WITH DASHBOARDS.
WE WILL HAVE THE PAYMENT REPORT ON FEBRUARY 21ST COURT.
IT HAS TAKEN US A BIT LONGER BECAUSE WE HAD TO GO MORE QA AND QC ON PAYMENTS. THEY ARE COMING FROM DIFFERENT SYSTEMS AND THEN WE ARE GOING TO GET ON TO A REGULAR SIX-MONTH REPORTING PROCESS WITH 6-MONTH REPORTING PERIODS.
SO JUNE 27TH, 2023, DECEMBER 19L GET ON THE COURT'S AGENDA AND PRESENT OUR UTILIZATION REPORTS FOR THE TIME FRAMES INDICATED ON THE SLIDE. THE NEXT SLIDE PLEASE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM JUST MINDFUL OF THE TIME BECAUSE WE HAVE QUITE A FEW ITEMS TO GET THROUGH.
ARE YOU ALMOST DONE? >> YES, I AM, ACTUALLY.
IT WAS JUST TO SAY THAT THE REST OF THE PRESENTATION IS JUST FOR YOU ALL TO REVIEW AND IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE REACH OUT TO US. AND IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS TODAY I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO COMMENT YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING AND I WANT TO SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WORK.
EVEN IF IT IS A LATE HOUR AND IT HAS NOT BEEN A PRIORITY.
WHEN I GOT HERE THE COUNTY SAID THE NUMBERS AT THE COUNTY WERE BETTER THAN THE CITY WITH A STRAIGHT FACE THEY SAID IT.
I THINK -- I WAS TRYING TO FIND THE TEXT, BUT THE CITY'S NUMBERS ARE WELL OVER 40% NOW. DO YOU KNOW?
>> THAT'S WHAT I'VE HEARD. SO WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO MEET WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES AS OPPOSED TO REINVENTING THE WHEEL. ONE OF THE THINGS I ENJOYED OVER MY CAREER, WHEN I GO TO THE CONFERENCES AND SEE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING, I GET IDEAS. SOMETIMES YOU CAN JUST CUT AND PASTE. THERE IS A LOT GOING ON HERE.
I TELL PEOPLE THAT AROUND THE COUNTRY.
IN PART, I GIVE CREDIT TO MY COLLEAGUES FOR BEING SO MEAN TO
[05:40:01]
ME WHEN I WAS PUSHING THIS ISSUE, IT REALLY GOT ME ANGRY.SINCE I DIDN'T HAVE MUCH ELSE TO DO THAN COME IN AND GIVE SPEECHES AND THEY CUT ME OFF, I LOOKED AT METRO AND FOUND OUT NONE OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE COLLECTING THE DATA AND NONE OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES. THE PORT DIDN'T DO IT, ALTHOUGH THEY HAD THE ABILITY AND METRO DIDN'T DO IT.
IF YOU COUNT THE STUDIES -- YOU KNOW, I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO NOT BE INULAR. INSULAR.
EVERYBODY THINKS THEIR PROGRAM IS THE BEST IN THE NATION.
WHEN YOU ASK WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS AND THEY DON'T COLLECT THEM, THEY GLOSS OVER THAT AND THEY READ -- THE ARTICLES THEY PAY FOR IN THE PAPER AND THEY GET THE MWBE AWARD OF THE YEAR BECAUSE THEY BOUGHT A BANQUET TABLE.
IT IS IMPORTANT. I WANTED TO BRING THIS UP IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE IT IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
YOU KNOW WHEN KING DIED THE LAST STRUGGLE WAS INTEGRATING MONEY.
TALKING ABOUT INTEGRATING MONEY AND THEN TALKING ABOUT PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND EDUCATION.
YOU TALK ABOUT INTEGRATING THE MONEY AND IT IS TOUGH.
IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LONGTIME AGO.
SOMEBODY SENT ME A LINK IN NEW YORK AND THEY GRADE THE PEUB -- THE PUBLIC ENTITIES. I CAN SEE YOU NODDING.
A, B, C, D, F. WE HAVE A LOT OF I AND LEAVE IT AS INCOMPLETE AND THEN TURN IT INTO AN F IN SIX MONTHS.
YOU TOLD ME YOU DIDN'T THINK YOU HAD THE CAPACITY, BUT WE NEED TO DO THAT. IF NOT I WILL DO IT OUT OF MY OFFERS. MR. BERRY, I WANT SOME OF THE ARPA MONEY AND I WILL PUT A PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE.
IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS MWBE POLICY APPLIES TO COMMISSIONERS OFFICES AS WELL. I AM TIRED OF SEEING IT ON THE AGENDA TALKING ABOUT CONTRACT AWARDED BEFORE THE MWBE POLICY WAS ADOPTED. AND THEN I FIND OUT THEY GOT A CONTRACT FIVE YEARS AGO AND THEY KEEP DOING RENEWALS.
YOU PUT THAT ON THE AGENDA, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
AT SOME POINT THAT HAS TO STOP BECAUSE THEY JUST KEEP THE OLD SYSTEM AND KEEP GOING. I REALLY -- IT JUST BREAKS MY HEART TO THINK THAT WHAT WE ARE DOING IS MAKING THE MWBE'S FOR WHAT YOU SAID FROM MY FIRST YEAR TO THE SECOND YEAR.
9% TO 19.5% AND WE ARE STILL AT 19.5%, BUT PEOPLE ARE MOVING THE CHAIRS AROUND. YOU END UP WITH THEM FIGHTING ONE ANOTHER INSTEAD OF EXPANDING THE PIE.
AND IF THE CITY IS OVER 40, I CAN'T REMEMBER, MIGHT BE RIGHT AT 50, AND THEIRS IS A SUB CONTRACTED PROGRAM, I'M GLAD WE DID NOT DO THAT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO RELEGATE THE MWBE'S TO THE BACK OF THE BUS. I WANT -- I WANT THEM TO BE A PRIME AT SOME POINT. BUT I WANT YOU TO BE AGGRESSIVE ABOUT IT AND EVERY YEAR I'M GLAD YOU WILL DO A DASHBOARD, BUT BRING THIS UP. AND THEN YOU LET US -- LET ME KNOW WHEN IT I WILL PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.
THE OTHER ENTITY WHEN'S WE PUT PEOPLE ON THE BOARD, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT METRO IS DOING A YEAR AFTER THAT DISPARITY STUDY AND WHAT THE PORT IS DOING AND WHEN HARRIS HEALTH GETS TO THE ONE-YEAR MARK WHAT THEY ARE DOING, NRG AND ALL OF THEM.
COME HERE AND SAY IT. YOU JUST LET ME KNOW AND I'LL PUT IT ON THE AGENDA. THANK YOU.
>> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: DIRECTOR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPORT. IT WAS VERY DETAILED.
I LIKE THAT. I WILL TELL YOU THAT SOMETIMES THE PROS -- THE PROCESS OF EVALUATING CONTRACTS GETS BOGGED DOWN. I WAS TALKING TO DR. AHMAN AND THE COUNTY ENGINEER AND HE WILL SEND SOMETHING TO GET PROCESSED THROUGH YOUR OFFICE AND THE CONTRACTS GET HELD UP.
SOME OF THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE CONDITION YOU GET IT.
IN ORDER, IT MAY NEED TO BE IN A BETTER FORM, BUT WE DON'T NEED THE SYSTEM BEING IMPACTED BY A SLOW REVIEW OF A CONTRACT OR WHATEVER. I CAN UNDERSTAND A DAY OR TWO, BUT IT SHOULDN'T TAKE THREE OR FOUR WEEKS.
TALK TO -- THAT CONVERSATION I HAD WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER, BE SURE WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING, EVEN FROM PRECINCT TO OFFICE TO THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE TO WORK WITH YOU TO BE SURE IF WE NEED TO GET YOU SOMETHING OR IF YOU NEED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER OR FLOOD CONTROL OR WHOMEVER, BETTER DIRECTION SO WE ARE NOT WAITING ON A CONTRACT BE IT CONSTRUCTION OR DESIGN OR WHATEVER. I THINK THERE MIGHT BE A BIT OF A PROBLEM THERE. JUST A HEADS UP THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO GET WITH -- START WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE AND
[05:45:03]
BE SURE WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE KNOW TO DO.>> YES, SIR. AND I HAVE HEARD FROM DR. RAHMAN ABOUT THAT. ONE OF THE ISSUES AND ONE OF THE REASONS OUR TOP PRY MAJORITY IS A CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY IS TO CLARIFY RULES AND -- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE NEEDS.
THE LEVEL OF DETAIL WE NEED TO SET A GOAL FOR EACH PROJECT AND THEN THE AMOUNT OF TIME WE NEED TO REVIEW OUR UTILIZATION PLAN.
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS INTO THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND WE HAVE TO TRACK SO MANY AREAS.
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A BIG EMPHASIS AT THE COUNTY ON SPEED, -RG SPEED TO GET TO -- SPEED TO GET TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE RFP'S AND THE IFB'S AND SPEED TO CONTRACTING.
ONE OF THE PROBLEMS OF BUSINESS AS USUAL IS WHAT GOT US HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT GETTING SQUEEZED FROM BOTH ENDS TO DO THE MIDDLE OF THE MWBE CERTIFICATION. WRAOEU HAVE -- WE HAVE THE NUMBER OF COURT DATES THAT FOLKS ARE TRYING TO HIT AND HOW SOON THEY WANT TO GET TO CONSTRUCTION.
AND SO ALL OF THOSE DATES GET SET UP AND IN THE MIDDLE WE ARE TRYING TO FIND A PLACE FOR OUR REVIEW TO OCCUR.
THAT'S WHY WE WANT TO HAVE THE PROCEDURES MANUAL THAT GETS EVERYBODY'S INPUT AND FEEDBACK SO EVERYBODY IS VERY CLEAR ON WHAT'S NEEDED THROUGHOUT -- WE DON'T WANT TO BE THE BIG, YOU KNOW, BARRIER IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS, BUT WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE PROVIDING AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR MINORITY WOMEN -- MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER
ELLIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. I WOULD STRONGLY ENCOURAGE TWO THINGS. ONE, RIGHT NOW WE ARE PRINCE -- PRINCIPALLY SELF-PERFORMING FOR MINORITY-OWNED FIRMS. I WANT TO UPDZ WHY WE ARE -- I I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION FROM THE MINORITY-OWNED FIRMS. WE SHOULD NOT BE PULLING THE LADDER UP. SECONDLY, I WOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE A CUSTOMER SURVEY FROM THOSE GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS TO GIVE YOU DIRECT FEEDBACK ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT MAY BE HINDERING THE DROP OFF OF YOUR NUMBERS. IT IS SOMETHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT AND TO UNDERSTAND. SO I WOULD STRONGLY ENCOURAGE SOME CUSTOMER SURVEYS TO SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING AND WHETHER THEY ARE FINDING THE PROCESS CUMBERSOME OR OVERLY DUPLICATED OR BURDENNENNING FOR SOME -- BURDENING.
JUST GENERALLY SPEAKING I WOULD ENCOURAGE CUSTOMER SERVICE TO UNDERSTAND HOW YOU PROS -- HOW YOUR PROCESS IS WORKING.
THANK YOU. >> THAT SOUNDS GOOD,
COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S POINT, I TOLD MR. BERRY EARLIER THIS WEEK, IF THERE'S A NEED FOR US TO HAVE MORE MEETINGS AND IT WOULD BE MEANINGFUL TO HELP MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES AS ONE WHO ENJOYS GETTING ON A PLANE, YOU KNOW, I WOULD STAY HERE TO DO THAT. AND IT HAS -- AND I LOOKED AT SOME OF THE COUNTY AND HOW THEY DO IT.
IT IT HAS TAKEN TO HROFPBG -- LONG TO GET HERE.
IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO BUILD IT.
THIS OUGHT TO BE INCLUSIVE FOR EVERYBODY.
AND THESE OTHER DEPARTMENTS GOT BUILT UP A LONGTIME AGO WITH PEOPLE IN IMPORTANT -- WITH PEOPLE IN THIS POSITION SAYING EVERYBODY WAS INCLUDED AND IT WAS A LIE.
ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED. IF WE ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR IT, THEN WE OUGHT TO BE WILLING TO NOT COMMIT TO THESE ISSUES.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. YES.
AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE BUDGET SUPPLEMENT THAT YOU ALL VOTED FOR TODAY. IT IS GOING TO HELP US.
WE WILL GET TO HIRE TWO POSITIONS WE HAD FROZEN BECAUSE OF THE BUDGET CUTS. WE ARE GOING TO GET TWO NEW POSITIONS AND THEN I JUST HAD A RESIGNATION FROM MY COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND AT THIS POINT, THAT'S A LUXURY.
SO I'M GETTING IT RECLASSIFIED AND MOVING IT OVER TO JACK THOMAS' SHOP. AND SO THEY ALL WILL BE GOING TO
HELP THE MWBE PROGRAM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SMART.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.
VERY THOROUGH AND VERY TRANSPARENT AND IT IS IMPORTANT WORK. COMMISSIONER, AOEUT RIGHT THERE
[05:50:01]
-- I'M RIGHT THERE WITH YOU AND CONTINUING TO PUSH FOR THIS. THANK YOU.>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT WAS ITEM 161.
162, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. IT IS THE TIPEND --
>> I SHOW 161 AS NO ACTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. IS THERE A SECOND ON THE STIPEND
>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.
COMMISSIONER GASH SEE YAW? COMMISSIONER GARCIA? I'M SORRY. OKAY.
I DIDN'T HEAR YOU. MOTION CARRIES 4-1.
168, COMMISSIONER BRIONES YOU REQUESTED AN UPDATE ON 168 TO
172. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES.
AND I KNOW DIRECTOR ROBINSON IS ONLINE.
I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU, DR. ROBINSON FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND CONGRATULATIONS ESPECIALLY ON THE $25 MILLION GRANT FROM THE CDC ONHE T PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE.
I'M THRELED ABOUT- -I'M THRILLEDBO AUT ACCESSEC BAUSE I KNOW THESE SERVICES ARE HAPPENING IN A FRAGMENTED AND SILOED WAYTO SO NE CONCT THEM WITH THISGM FRAENTEDEL MOD HAS SO MUCH PROMISE. IYO KNOW U WORKEDRS WONDE INCA LIFORNIA AND IT IS BECOMING ANA TIONAL MODEL THANKSUR TO YO VISION ANDRS LEADEHIP. AND SO IWA JUST NTED TO HEAR MORE FROM YOU,, PLEASE KNOW THERE IS DIFFERENT COHORTSR STTING SOON WITH THEE VIOLENC PREVENTION ANDHE INTERNAL ALTH AND HOMELESSTR AND RE-ENY. IF YOU CANIE PLEASE BRF US ON
WHAT IS TO COME Y AND THANKOU.D >> GOOEVENING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND COUNTY ATTORNEY ANDIR EXECUTIVE DECTOR, BARB ROBINSON.
APOLOGIES FOR I MY VOICE, BUT'M LOSING B IT AND I HAVEEEN UNDER THE WEATHER.F ON BEHALOF THE EXECUTIVE -- EXCUSE ME -- LEADERSHIP,RR MYSE, HAISE CENTER, JUVENIL PROBATIONOR AND RESOURCES F CHILDREN AND ADULTS ANDSU COMMUNITY PERVISION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION,TE WE AE EXCID TO BRING TODAY IN ADVANCING THE ACCESSRI HEIRESS -- HARS COUNTY INITIATIVE.AR COMMISSIONER GCIA BROUGHT FORTH A RESOLUTION TOAC ESTABLIH THE CESS INITIATIVEOU WHICH WAS UNANIMSLY PASSED BY YOUR COURT. THE ITEMS BEFORE YOU TODAY ARE CRITICAL TOWO BEGIN DOING THAT RK.
AND LOOKING AT THE SHARED POPULATIONS ACROSS OUR SAFETY NET SYSTEMS THAT RIGHT NOW ARE REQUIRED TO BASICALLY IN A SILENT WAY TRYING TO ACCESS THE SERVICES AND SYSTEMS. AND THIS MODEL ALLOWS US TO BRING TOGETHER THEHE FRONT LINE STAFF OF T DEPARTMENTS WHO ARE ALREADY DOING THE WORK, BUT IN A SILENT WAY TO CREATE COORDINATED CARE PLANS AND SHARED GOALS FOR THESE POPULATIONS AND BY THEIR NATURE ARE PERHAPS OUR MOST VULNERABLE. SO IT IS THE SUM OF US SERESPONSIBLE 4THOF JULY THE RVICES AND INTER SREPGSS AND OTHERS DIRECTLY --S SERVICES AND INTERVENTION WHEN WE DON'T PROVIDE THE SERVICES. AND THERE IS HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS. THIS MODEL ALLOWS US TO PROVIDE SERVICES AND NOT JUST TO GET PEOPLE INTO THE SAFETY NET, BUT GET THEM OUT OF IT TO A GREATER SELF-SUFL SEE -- SELF-SUFFICIENCY. IT ALLOWS FOR OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES IN THE PREFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF OR OGRAMS. AS YOU MENTIONED, WE ARE EAGER TO GET STARTED WITH OUR FRONT LINE STAFF THAT WE ARE BRINGING FORWARD TO LOOK AT -- TO WORK WITH OUR VIOLENT PREVENTION COHORTS. WE ARE DOING WORK TO PREVENT AND STEM THE TIDE OF VIOLENCE AND DISRUPT THOSE INSTANCES OF VIOLENCE, BUT WE ALSO WANT TO CHANGE THE LIFE TRAJECTORY OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS BY PROVIDING THE OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP A LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE PERSPECTIVE.
OUR RE-ENTRY COHORT AND INDIVIDUALS WITH CO-OCCURRING CONDITIONS AND OUR BLACK MOMS AND BABIES IN HARRIS COUNTY, COOK COUNTY AND WAYNE COUNTY ACCOUNT FOR STAGGERING STATISTICS OF BLACK MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY IN THIS COUNTRY. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SAYS IF OUR THREE COUNTIES WERE TO REDUCE OUR INFANT MORTALITY BY 9% THERE WOULD BE EQUITY IN MATERNAL INFANT MORTALITY IN THE COUNTRY. -- WE ARE FOCUSING ON NEW COHORTS THROUGH ARPA. ONE THAT PASSED IS THE TRANSITIONAL H YOUTH. A LOT OF THE INDIVIDUALS END UP IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND INTERFACING WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. WE WANT TO STEM THE TIDE THERE WE ARE PROPOSING OTHER COHORTS AND LOOKING AT, FOR EXAMPLE,
[05:55:01]
SOME OF THE CHRONIC DISEASES THAT ARE IMPACTING THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY, ET CETERA. AND SO WE LOOK FORWARD TO MOVING OUR -- MOVING THE BALL FORWARD WITH THIS WORK AND PROVIDING MORE UPDATES AS WE ADVANCE IN THE PROJECT.THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, DIRECTOR. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR ROBINSON.
I WOULD LIKE TO PHAEUGS A -- MAKE A MOTION TO PASS 168, 169,
170, 171 AND 172 AS WRITTEN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BREE YAWN KNOWS -- BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 178. BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: 178? 178 IS -- OH, SORRY.
178 IS -- I JUST WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS. I WANT TO THANK DIRECTOR CROSS -- DIRECTOR COSTAS FOR BRINGING FORTH THIS ITEM.
AND THEY ARE FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR SEXUAL ASSAULT AND IT IS CRITICAL THAT WE ENSURE A SAFE PLACE TO RESIDE FOR SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THEY ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR SEXUAL ASSAULT.
AND NOW WE WILL JUST -- I'M NOT SURE IF WE HAVE EVERYBODY FROM THE BRIDGE ONLINE. DEWEY? NO? OKAY.
THEN WE WILL JUST HAVE TO HEAR MY VOICE FROM WHEREVER THEY ARE AT, BUT JUST TO SAY I APPRECIATE THEM AND THEY HAVE DONE INCREDIBLE WORK AND I MOVE TO ACCEPT THIS ITEM AS PRESENTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
IS THERE A SECOND? SECONDED BY COMMISSION EARLY ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?
I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 182.
MOVE TO MEND THE AGREEMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FOR AN ADDITIONAL 75,000 FOR CDBG FUNDS. IT WILL HELP US DUE SOME NUISANCE ABATEMENT AND LEAD-BASED PAINT REMOVAL.
THIS IS, YOU KNOW, SOMETHING I WILL BE WORKING ON HOMEFULLY WITH OUR -- HOPEFULLY WITH OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS.
JUST THE NUMBER OF LEAD ABATEMENTS WE ARE DOING, IT IS REALLY JUST A DRIP OUT OF A RUSTY FAUCET.
IT JUST NEEDS SO MUCH MORE. MOST OF IT TENDS TO BE IN PRECINCT TWO. OBVIOUSLY ANYTHING THAT WE CAN GET IS VERY, VERY HELPFUL. AND THEN SECONDLY, THE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS SENSE ABATEMENT -- NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS SENSE ABATEMENT PROGRAM IS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF COMPLETED AND QUALIFIED HOMES FROM FOUR TO 12.
THAT'S AN INCREMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, BUT IT IS APPRECIATED NONETHELESS. I MOVE ON THE ITEM AS PRESENTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. THAT'S ITEM 182.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, ITEM 200.
THAT IS THE SECURES CONTRACT AND IT GOES WITH ITEM 431.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I BROUGHT IT ITEM TO THE COURT SHORTLY AFTER I GOT HERE TO SEE WHAT I COULD DO TO REDUCE THE COST OF PHONE CALLS, AND THE DEPARTMENT AND THE SHERIFF SHERIFF'S OFFICE DID A GREAT JOB AND THEY PUT A LOT INTO THIS.
WE DO HAVE NOW I GUESS THE SECOND LARGEST COUNTY JAIL IN THE COUNTY. COOK COUNTY I THINK IS SMALLER THAN US. THE NUMBER OF DEATHS, I THINK OURS ARE HIGHER THAN ANYONE ELSE INIT THE COUNTRY.
I DON'T KNOW. I HAVEN'T CHECKED .
I THINK IT IS TIME FOR US TO AT LEAST MATCH WHAT OUR FRIENDS UP THE ROAD IN DALLAS DO. I KNOW IT IS LATE AND I WILL MAKE MY MOTION AND I DON'T WANT TO GIVE A LONG SPEECH, BUT I MOVE TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT -- OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES AND RETURN WITH A PROPOSAL WITHIN 30 DAYS TO MAKE THE COST OF PHONE CALLS SO PEOPLE DETAINED AT THE JAIL AND HARRIS COUNTY AT LEAST ON PAR WITH DALLAS COUNTY. INCLUDING PROVIDING FOUR FREE PHONE CALLS PER WEEK AND REDUCING THE COST TO ONE CENT
[06:00:02]
FOR ADDITIONAL MINUTES. THE PROPOSAL MAY INCLUDE LIMITATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF CALLS WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD CONSISTENT WITH PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS AND BEST PRACTICESAND OTHER JURISDICTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT'S 30
DAYS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS THAT PRACTICAL?
>> WE CAN WORK WITH THE SHERIFF ON A COST ESTIMATE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW THE COST IS GONNA BE -- I'M TRYING TO -- I THINK IT IS ABOUT $600 AND I THINK I MENTIONED IT AND I CALLED HIM. I KNOW THE COUNTY IS GONNA GET ABOUT TWO MILLION FROM THIS CONTRACT SO I THINK THE COST IS
A LITTLE UNDER A MILLION. >> I WILL DEFER TO THE SHERIFF'S
DEPARTMENT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MY ONLY HESITATION -- OKAY.
GO AHEAD. >> THE TWO MILLION YOU MENTIONED, THAT GOES TO A COMMISSARY FUND.
THERE ARE NO COMMISSIONS COMING FROM PHONE CALLS.
IT DOES NOT GO TO THE GENERAL FUND.
THAT IS FROM TABLETS. THAT'S FROM THE SALE OF ITEMS TO THE INMATES. SO WHEN AN INMATE BUYS SOMETHING , THAT MONEY HAS TO BE SPENT -- IT IS UNDER STATE LAW UNDER LOCAL CODE 351 UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE AND THAT WILL BE USED FOR THE BENEFIT PROGRAM.
THAT MONEY IS SPENT BY THE SHERIFF AND IT WILL BE SPENT AND THAT'S WHERE THAT MONEY GOES. AND IT WAS STKAOEUFPB -- DESIGNED AND KEEP IN MIND HARRIS COUNTY NEVER GAVE FREE PHONE CALLS TO INMATES BEFORE. AT ONE TIME I BELIEVE IT WAS 35 CENTS A CALL AT ONE TIME. AND NOW WE ARE GOING TO BE GIVING THEM FREE PHONE CALLS, AND IN ADDITION TO THAT THERE IS VIDEO VISITATION AND IN ADDITION TO THE IN-PERSON VISITATION, SO NOW SOMEBODY IN CALIFORNIA CAN ACTUALLY VISIT SOMEBODY.
THAT'S NEVER BEEN DONE IN HARRIS COUNTY BEFORE, EXCEPT THE JOINT PROCESSING CENTER WHICH THERE ARE 500 INMATES THAT STAY OVER THERE. SO THAT IS GOING TO BE TWO FREE VISITS. IN ADDITION, ANYBODY CAN PAY FOR
ADDITIONAL VISITS PER MONTH. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE QUESTION WAS, WHAT WAS THE COST? I THINK THAT WAS THE QUESTION.
>> THE COST? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YEAH.
>> THE COST OF -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: TO MATCH WHAT
DALLAS DOES. >> I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH DALLAS IS PAYING FOR THOSE TWO ADDITIONAL COSTS, SO THEY ARE PAYING FOR TWO ADDITIONAL COSTS OUT OF THEIR GENERAL FUND.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW? >> THE FIGURES WE LOOKED AT IS IF WE TOOK 2 CENTS A MINUTE AND PAID FOR ROUGHLY 9500 INMATES AND TWO FREE CALLS IT IS $ 450,000 OR $500,000.
I WILL SAY IF WE ARE GOING BACK TO NEGOTIATE THE RATE TO BE ONE CENT PER MINUTE, THAT MAY CHANGE THE REVENUE AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO GO BACK AND DISCUSS THAT TO MAKE THUR -- MAKE SURE WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE WITH NEGOTIATIONS.
IF YOU WANT US TO GO BACK AND GET TO ONE CENT WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY AGREE UPON THE $2 MILLION REVENUE AND IT MAY REDUCE THE REVENUE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE THAT CLEAR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IN MY MIND, HOWEVER DALLAS DOES IT, I MEAN, WE GOT THE SECOND LARGEST JAIL. AND MAYBE IT WON'T BE A SECOND, BUT IT WILL MATCH WHAT DALLAS DOES.
I KNOW IT IS BETTER THAN IT USED TO BE.
IF WE CAN AT LEAST MATCH WHAT GOES ON IN DALLAS.
I AM NOT SUGGESTING WHAT THEY DO IN L.A. OR NEW YORK.
IT IS TOO LATE FOR ME TO GO THROUGH ALL OF THE TALKING POINTS, BUT I AT LEAST THINK IN HARRIS COUNTY, AS DANGEROUS AS OUR JAIL IS NOW, BOTH FOR KWRARE FOLKS WHO WORK THERE -- WE ALREADY KNOW THE ABILITY FOR SOMEBODY IN OUR JAIL TO TALK TO THEIR FAMILY MAY HAVE AN IMPACT ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY COME BACK
TO IT. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I
SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME ASK YOU, THIS IS A DEAL THAT'S BEEN WORKED UP.
THERE IS A WHOLE PACKAGE OF THINGS THAT THE INMATES GET AS A
>> TOM RAMSEY: YOU ARE RECOMMENDING YOU DO THIS.
>> YES. >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU GET TWO MILLION AND THAT GOES INTO THE COMMISSARY FOR TABLETS AND OTHER
THINGS THAT HELP BENEFIT. >> THE PROGRAMS.
>> TOM RAMSEY: THE PROGRAM. IT SOUNDS LIKE IN ORDER TO GET WHATEVER THAT MEANS DALLAS HAS WE ARE GONNA HAVE TO GO BACK TO SQUARE ONE AND RENEGOTIATE A DEAL AND HOW THAT IMPACTS THE INMATES AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE A GOOD
[06:05:03]
THING. WE DON'T KNOW.AS FAR AS YOU'RE CONCERNED, THIS IS PROBABLY A REALLY GOOD THING FOR THE INMATES IN TERMS OF -- I'M LOOKING AT TABLETS AND TEXT MESSAGES AND SONGS AND GAMES AND MOVIES AND ALL KINDS OF THINGS THEY CAN DO WITH THAT TABLET. IF WE GO BACK TO SQUARE ONE WE
MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE A TABLET. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME MAKE MY MOTION CLEAR BECAUSE IT IS GETTING LATE.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT COULD COME BACK AND EVEN IF WE PAY FOR.
I DON'T CARE WHERE IT COMES FROM, BUT IT IS TIME FOR US TO AT LEAST MATCH DALLAS. IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK AND TRY TO -- LOOK. THE ONLY REASON THE CONTRACT WASN'T APPROVED IS BECAUSE I HELD IT UP.
IS THAT ACCURATE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, I THINK WE ARE GOOD TO VOTE ON IT BECAUSE I SUPPORT IT TOO.
EVERY DAY THAT GOES BY, THE INMATES HAVE THE PRICIER CALLS MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECONDED BY -- I'M SO SORRY BRIONES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1.
>> AND THEN THAT IS ITEM 200? >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT.
AND THEN 441 -- EXCUSE ME 431. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I MOVE BOTH
ITEMS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE WE OKAY ON MAKING THE CHANGE THAT'S WE ARE MAKING?
I MEAN, PROCEDURAL WISE. >> IF YOU WANT US TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT IT MAY AFFECT THE REVENUE, SO WE NEED TO TALK WITH THE VENDOR TO MAKE SURE HOW WE WILL PAY FOR IT.
WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT THAT. IF WE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR IT ON THE COUNTY SIDE, THEN WE COULD APPROVE THE CONTRACT SUBJECT TO US NEGOTIATING THESE CHANGES, IF YOU WILL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN JUST BRING IT BACK.
WE ARE NOT GOING TO IMPLEMENT IT BEFORE THE 30 DAYS ANYWAY.
YOU CAN'T IMPLEMENT IT IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE COST.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO DO THIS IN A CLEAN
WAY? >> IF YOU WANT TO GET TO THE ONE CENT, WE NEED TO GO BACK AND -- IF WE CAN APPROVE -- I WOULD RATHER AND TALK TO THEM AND GET IT NEGOTIATED AND COME BACK IN 30 DAYS, THE 21ST, TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE BECAUSE I THINK YOU HAVE TO SET THE PHONE RATES AND THAT'S HOW THEY WILL BILL US FOR THE PHONE RATES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WOULD YOU KNOW IN TWO WEEKS?
>> YES, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO IF YOU WANT -- IF WE APPROVE THE MOTION TO BRING IT BACK IN TWO WEEKS.
I WAS PREPARED TO LET THE TIME FRAME GO.
WE JUST CAME UP WITH FIVE OR SO MILLION DOLLARS TODAY.
I WAS HERE EVERY TIME EVEN WHEN SOME OF US WERE ABSENT.
>> I WOULD PREFER IF WE APPROVE THE CONTRACT WITH THE OPTION TO COME BACK WITH CLARITY ON THE ACTUAL ITEMS YOU HAVE ASKED FOR.
THAT WAY WE CAN START THE PROCESS OF GETTING TABLETS LINED UP AND THOSE TYPES OF THINGS FOR THE SHERIFF.
THAT'S GOING TO BE AN EPL PHRAU MEN STATION THAT TAKES TIME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT IS THE MOTION?
>> TO APPROVE SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATION IS WHAT COMMISSIONER
ELLIS HAD ASKED FOR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELVIS -- LEGAL US. DID YOUET G THATOT MION?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: POINTF OORDER FOR THE COUNTYTT AORNEY, FOR THE PREVIOUS MOTION DO WEHD WITRAWAL THAT MOTION AND SUBSTITUTE WITH
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I GET IT RIGHT, THE MOTION WILL BEOV I ME TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO WORK WITH THEPR APPROIATEIE AGENCS ANDN RETURWITH ASA PROPOL WITHIN 30 DAYS TO MAKE THE COST OFNE THE PHO CALLSPL FOR PEOE DETAINED IN THE JAIL IN HARRISUN COTY AT LEAST ON PAR WITHLL DAAS COUNTYNG INCLUDIID PROVING FOUR FREELS PHONE CAL PER WEEK AND REDUCING THE CALL TO ONE CENTIO FOR ADDITNAL MINUTES. THE PROPOSAL MAY INCLUDE LIMITATIONSER ON THE NUMB OFWI CALLS THIN A CERTAINPE TIME RIOD CONSISTENT WITH PUBLIC N SAFETYEEDSAC AND BEST PRTICES ANDCT OTHER JURISDIIONSAT, AND TH THESE TWOOV ITEMS BE APPREDTO SUBJECT H NEGOTIATING WIT T THE VENDORO TRY AND COME UP R --TH COME UP WI THIS RECOMMENDATION.
>> YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECONDHI.
>> LINA DALGO: WHICH ITEME WOULD THAT BATTACHED TO?EL
>> RODNEY LIS: ITDO IS 200 AND I NEED TO ATTACH IT --RC
>> ADRIAN GAIA: 431.LI >> RODNEY ELS: TO 431 AS WELL?
>> YES, SIR. I AM LOOKING>> TO VERIFY.
RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS 200 AND 431. T
>> TOM RAMSEY:HIS REFLECTS THE SORIGINAL MOTION -- THIIG REPLAS
THE ORINAL MOTION.IA >> ADRIAN GARC: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT JUIGST ADDSO THE ORINAL MOTION.BE
>> I JUST WANT TO CLEAR. ITEM 200 AND WE RETURN WITH THEU
[06:10:03]
PROPOSAL THAT WILL PUTS ON PAR WITH DALLAS.WE ARE APPROVING THE AWARD FOR 431 SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATIONS BASED ON SO WHY RESCIND THE MOTION.
>> THEY ARE NOT CONFLICTING? >> SO WE JUST NEED TO ADD AND IT IS A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEMS 431 AND SUBJECT TO THE NEGOTIATIONS ON -- ON ITEM 200. DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT, DWIGHT.
>> IT DOES AND INSTEAD OF KR*UPD IT UP.
>> YES. >> YOUR MOTION SAYS DALLAS.
>> WE HAVE THE MOTION ON THE TABLE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND ITEM 431 AND SUBJECT TO THE NEGOTIATION OUTLINE AND THE MOTION ON ITEM 200. NOW THAT IS THE MOTION AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA, ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I AM IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> AND JUDGE, LET ME JUST BRING UP -- JUST A POINT THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KEEP IN MIND, TO WHAT THE MAJOR WAS SAYING EARLIER IS THAT THERE IS -- EARLIER THERE WAS A BIG DISCUSSION ABOUT ASSET FORFEITURE. WHAT CAN BE ENCOURAGED TO BE USED AS ASSET FORFEITURE, THE COMMISSARY IS ASSET FORFEITURE.
IT GOES TO THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF THE INMATES.
AND BY CHANGING THIS CONTRACT YOU WILL EVENTUALLY BE LOSING MONEY OUT OF THE COMMISSARY THAT THE SHERIFF COULD HAVE DIS-- DISCRETION OVER TO USE ON HIS OPERATIONS OVER THE PROGRAMS THAT HE IS IMPLEMENTING. SO AS LONG AS THIS BODY UNDERSTANDS THAT WE ARE GOING TO END UP COVERING THE BILL FOR THINGS THAT THIS -- LOOK, FOR THE RECORD, I WAS NEVER A SECURES FAN FOR THE PROCESS THAT THIS COURT PRIOR TO US INSTITUTED THE CON TRAPBGT -- CONTRACT.
BUT THAT BEING SAID IT DOES BRING A RESIDUAL AND IT DOES BRING A BENEFIT. THE SHERIFF HAS DISCRETION OVER IT AND THE SHERIFF USED IT FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF INMATES IN COUNTY JAIL. WHEN WE CHANGE THIS CONTRACT, THERE WILL BE LESS GOING TO THAT WHICH COULD HAVE A RESIDUAL.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT MY MOTION IS BROAD ENOUGH SO THAT THERE IS A POSSIBILITY, BUT IT IS NOT THE ONLY ONE.
IF MR. RAMOS DID A GREAT JOB ON THE RECOMMENDATION EARLIER, THIS COULD COME FROM A HOST OF PLACES UNDER MY RECOMMENDATION.
THAT'S NOT THE ONLY ONE. AT SOME POINT WE JUST HAVE TO DECIDE. AND SOME DEPARTMENTS COME IN AND MAKE A CASE AND WE GO AND GET IT.
WE COME RIGHT BACK IN THE SAME DAY, BY THE WAY AND WE CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN COME UP WITH A HALF MILLION DOLLARS.
SO SOME PEOPLE ARE INNOCENT. I AM THE GUY WHO HELPED A LOT OF THEM GET OUT WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED.
>> AND AS LONG AS WE CONTINUE REWARDING BAD ACCOUNTING THEY ARE GOING TO KEEP SQUEEZING US AND MAKING FOOLS OUT OF US.
AND THEN WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR THE HUMAN
RIGHTS STUFF. >> IT DOESN'T HAVE TO COME.
WE WILL SEE WHEN YOUR RECOMMENDATION COMES BACK.
I GET THAT FIGHT BETWEEN -- I KNOW WHAT Y'ALL LIKE -- I CAUGHT IT. ALL I KNOW IS I WANT TO MATCH DALLAS AND HOW WE PAY FOR IT, WE WILL HAVE THE DISCUSSION WHEN WE
COME BACK. >> THE SHERIFF'S POSITION IS INDIFFER RENT. DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO WITH THE CONTRACT. AT THE END OF THE DAY HE WILL COME BACK TO THE BODY AND ASK FOR MONEY.
>> HE WILL DO IT IN A WAY THAT IS APPROPRIATE.
HE DOESN'T WILLFULLY -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: REGARDLESS THERE WILL BE AN ASK TO SUPPLEMENT, BUT --
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND PEOPLE ARE SCARED OF SOMEBODY.
HGAC AND THAT IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON THIS ITEM, JUST EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE AGREEMENT WITH THE HOUSTON COUNCIL FOR THE BAY AREA
[06:15:01]
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY PLAN.THERE'S BEEN -- SINCE I GOT HERE , THE BAY AREA COMMUNITY HAS LONG BEEN ADVOCATING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BIKE LANES AND -- THE HIKE AND BIKE LANES IN AND AROUND THE BAY AREA.
THIS ONE WILL PROVIDE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY TO GET CLOSER AND CLOSER TO SEEING THE 40-MILE LOOP.
THE BAY AREA LOOP OF REALITY. AND SO JUST GRATEFUL TO HGAC FOR THE PARTNERSHIP AND EXCITED THAT WE ARE INITIATING THE STUDY AND THE DURATION FOR THE STUDY WILL BE ABOUT 12 MONTHS.
AND THEN WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET TO CONSTRUCTION.
BUT AGAIN, WE HAVE A LOT OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE LOOP DONE AND THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ADDITION TO IT.
SO MOVE ON THE ITEM AS PRESENTED.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON 265 AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR.
MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
ITEM 329, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. STORM WATER CONVEYANCE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS A QUESTION FOR DR. PETERSEN.
I SUPPORTED THE TUNNEL PROJECT THAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND RAMSEY HELPED TO FUND OUT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE PRECINCTS.
I'M JUST SIMPLY ASKING FOR WHERE IS THE -- WHERE IS THE EXIT PLAN? AND WE HAVE TAKEN SOME MONEY TO FUND THIS. AND THIS IS A ROUGHLY $30 BILLION PROJECT. WE STILL DON'T KNOW WHERE IT IS GOING TO COME FROM. DR. PETERSEN, I JUST WANTED TO ASK WHERE IS THE -- WHERE IS THE EXIT PLAN ON THIS ITEM? IF COMMISSIONERS WANT TO CONTINUE TO FUND IT THAT'S FINE.
BUT IN TERMS OF OTHER FUNDING -- FUNDING THIS WITH OTHER COUNTY RESOURCES, WHERE IS THE EXIT PLAN ON THIS?
>> COMMISSIONER, THAT IS -- THAT IS A FAIR QUESTION.
THIS IS A STUDY THAT ACTUALLY WAS INITIATED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER HURRICANE HARVEY TO INVESTIGATE, YOU KNOW, ADDICTS AND B HA RKER -- AND BARKER RESERVOIR.
SO THIS WAS INITIALLY A POOR-LEAD STUDY AND THE FLOOD CON -- CONTROL DISTRICT IS LOOKING TO CONTINUE THIS WORK AND WORK COLLABORATIVELY TO SEE THIS PROJECT TO COMPLETION.
AND SO WE ARE LOOKING AT A VERY TIGHT TIMELINE, ACTUALLY, TO GET THIS WORK DONE. WE ARE LOOKING TO WRAP UP THE ENTIRE STUDY NO LATER THAN THE END OF DECEMBER 2024 AND IN OUR TIMELINE -- OUR PREFERRED TIMELINE IS MUCH FASTER THAN
THAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: VERY GOOD.
SO IN TERMS OF ANYMORE FUNDING TOWARD IT, WHAT ABOUT THAT PIECE
OF IT? >> THIS IS -- WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDS BEING REQUIRED FOR THIS
PARTICULAR STUDY WITH THE COURT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL.
AND IF THE STUDY EVER DOES PROGRESS ANYWHERE, IT GETS TO MY PRECINCT, I DO WANT TO KNOW WHERE THOSE OUTFALLS WILL BE.
THANK YOU FOR THIS WORK ON THIS I MOVE ON THE ITEM AS PRESENTED.
>> I SEPBGD -- I SECOND. LET ME MAKE A POINT HERE, COMMISSIONER. GOOD QUESTION.
THE REASON THIS IS SO IMPORTANT, IT GETS THE FEDS INVOLVED WITH THE TUNNELS. THE CONNECTION TO FEDERAL FUNDING IS THROUGH ATTIKS AND BARKER.
THAT HAS TO BE THE FIRST. DON'T MISUNDERSTAND THAT.
THE FIRST TUNNELS THAT WILL BE LOOKED AT IS HUNTING HALLS AND GREEN. THIS WOULD BE OUR CONNECTION BACK TO THE CORE TO GET FEDERAL FUNDING AND GET INTO THE FEDERAL PIE TO HELP FUND WHATEVER THE ESTIMATE ENDS UP BEING.
THIS IS LINKAGE MORE THAN ANYTHING, THE FUTURE FUNDING.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA MADE A MOTION. IS THERE A SECOND? COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES FOR 329.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 354. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 353 AND 354, I
[06:20:04]
AM -- KPHAOEUT -- EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE STREETLIGHTS IN THE ORDER OF 200,000 IN ALDING AND 300,000 IN CLOVER LEAF.THIS IS PART OF THE ARPA COMMUNITY-ENGAGED DESIGN PROGRAM WHICH AIMS TO REDUCE VIOLENT CRIME THROUGH INTERVENTIONS AND SPECIFIC AREAS WITH THE HIGHEST RATES OF VIOLENCE THROUGH THE INSULATION OF SIDEWALKS, STREETLIGHTS AND GREEN SPACES.
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS REVIVE TO DRIVE.
THESE FUNDS WILL ALLOW THE INSTALLATION OF 45COBRA LUMARES AND SOLAR LIGHTS IN THE CASTLE WOOD NEIGHBORHOOD, 16COBRA LUMIN ARES. IN ADDITION, ITEM 396, THAT IS ALSO ON THE AGENDA TO ADVERTISE FOR SIDEWALKS AND IT WILL INCLUDE A THREE-MILE INPUT SHARED PATH USED ALONG FREE PORT STREET FROM I-10 TO ALDER SON STREET.
THEY ARE IN THE VISION ZERO HIGH INJURY NETWORK.
AND THE ADDITIONAL -- THE ADDITION OF SIDEWALKS AND LIGHTS WILL HELP IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRAFFIC SAFETY.
SO JUST WANT TO THANK BUSTAMAN T*E AND MY TEAM -- AND MY TEAM AND IN PARTICULAR I WANT TO THANK THE ALDINE AND CLOVERLEAF COMMUNITIES BECAUSE THESE PROJECTS CAME THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS AND THEY HAVE HELPED TO IDENTIFY THESE AREA -- THESE PRIORITY AREAS AND ISSUES.
SO I MOVE ON BOTH OF THESE ITEMS AS PRESENTS.
>> IT IS 354. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OH, 353 SHOULD
HAVE BEEN IN THERE TOO, BUT 354. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THIS IS INCREDIBLE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. THANK YOU.
COLLEAGUES, I DID NOT FLAG ITEM 380.
I WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN BRIEFLY MAKE A MOTION AND COMMEND DIRECTOR SHORT. THAT IS THE RE-- RESPONSE TO ROE V. WADE BEING OVERTURNED. WE REQUESTED THAT THE COUNTY LOOK AT IT. DIRECTOR OF -- THE ANALYST'S OFFICE BROUGHT BACK THIS REPORT AND I UNDERSTAND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS WORKING ON A COMPANION REPORT.
DIRECTOR SHORT'S RECOMMENDATIONS ARE THAT WE MONITOR AND EVALUATE CHANGING DEMANDS FOR EXISTING SERVICES AND CONSIDER INCREASES IN FUNDING WHERE CHANGES IN DEMAND DEMONSTRATE NEED.
WE EXPAND AGO -- ACCESS TO PLANNING SERVICES USING MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES AND WE INFORM RESIDENTS ABOUT ENHANCED HEALTH INSURANCE AFFORDABILITY. THERE IS FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT ENHANCED SUBSIDIES FOR AFFORD ALONG CARE ACT MARKETPLACE COVERAGE. AND SO I WANTED TO MAKE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER THE INVESTMENTS IN FAMILY PLANNING AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER COURT ANALYST OFFICE MEMO. AND YOU KNOW THIS SHOULD MAKE IT THROUGH THE PROCESS AND THE COMMITTEE CAN DECIDE, BUT I WANT TO FORMALLY SEND THAT OVER TO THE COMMITTEE.
SO I HAVE A MOTION AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. WE STARTED THIS CONVERSATION AWHILE AGO, BUT I JUST WANTED TO HAVE A DISCUSSION TOGETHER SINCE WE ARE NOW IN SUCH A DIFFICULT POSITION SINCE THE 2.2 BILLION OF OUR REGION NEVER CAME AND WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GET THE 1.1 BILLION FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND THE 1.1 BILLION TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND NOW WE HAVE THIS $750 MILLION FOR HARRIS COUNTY CITY OF HOUSTON 33 MU -- MU KNITS -- MUNICIPALITIES.
I HOPE AND REMAIN OP TAU -- OPTIMISTIC AND WE HOPEFULLY HAVE TO HELP THE STATE OF TEXAS DO THE RIGHT THING AND HARRIS COUNTY GET THE MONEY IT NEEDS. AND IN THE MEANTIME, I KNOW THERE ARE SO MANY PROJECTS AND WE NOW HAVE A $750 MILLION FOR THE REGION AND SO I HOPE WE CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR MORE, BUT IN THE MEANTIME, I WANTED TO DISCUSS IN TERMS OF THE APPROACH TO THE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS GIVEN THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING WE DO ANTICIPATE, THE $750,000.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I MAY, COMMISSIONER BRIONES, THANK YOU FOR STARTING THE CONVERSATION, AND YOU ARE SO RIGHT IN LAYING OUT -- LAYING IT OUT THE WAY YOU DID.
[06:25:03]
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY 750 WILL ADDRESS THE 2 BILLION OR 3 BILLION THAT WE WERE COLLECTIVELY EXPECTING.BACK THEN I REFERRED TO IT AS -- THAT WE WERE BE PUT INTO A "HUNGER GAMES" TYPE OF A SITUATION.
AND IT HAS KIND OF STARTED. I UNDERSTAND THE MAYOR IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE SITUATION THAT WAS LAID OUT.
THEY PUT US IN THE DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS WHICH IS TYPICALLY THEIR JOB. BUT THIS IS A GOOD DISCUSSION AND -- BUT I'M HOPEFUL THAT THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM THAT WE HAVE ESTABLISHEDND A GREAT -- ANDR. . HES IUTILIZING THE FRAMEWORK FOR THERO PCESS. IT WON'T BEER P -- PERFECT.
FOR THOSEHO W GO WITHOUTND A THEY WILL NOT BEAP HPY, BUTT I SISOMETHING THATE WHAVE TO FIGURE OUTND A AT LEAST TRY TO DOT IINHE T MOSTHO TUGHTFUL WAY SO THATYO, U KNOW,HE WREVER 750 GOES TO, WHATD KINOF PROJECT IT GOES TO MAKES SENSE ANDY M COMMITMENT WILL ALWAYS BEHA TT WE FUNDUC STRTURES ANDPL PEOE
AND NOT ANYTHINGE. ELS >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER
ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.
THANK YOU,MI COMSSIONER BRIONES FOR BRINGING IT UP.
IT IS IMPORTANT. I WANTST TO RESS HOW IMPORTANT ITFO IS R O ALLF US TO WORK WHATEVER CONTACTS WE HAVEN I AUSTIN AND IN WASHINGTON AND BE SENSITIVE TORI OUR FENDS DOWN THET STREEOVER ATHA CITY LLBE CAUSEHO THE SE COULD HAVE GONE THE OTHER WAY. YOU GOT ME? . AMS ALWAYCOGNIZANTAT OF TH FOR COSTAT ESCALIONS --
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HAVE YOU TWOSH OES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THREE! WITH COSTAT ESCALIONS IT MAKES ITMO EVEN RE DIFFICULT.I WANT-- TOEN CO TO ENURAGE YOU ALL TO G MAYBEO TO WASHINGTON FORAC THE NONG MEETI.
WHEN I AMER UP THE IF I THERES SOMETHING I TRY TO I WENT TOHI SOMETNG OVER THERE THE LASTI TIME WAS THERE AND IA WRY SECRETA FUDGE,R A FORMEGI LESLATORAR WAS SWEING IN AMU -- NEWN PERSOAT GOVERNMENTFA AFIRS.
SHE WAS THERE ANDME PULLED TO THE SIDE AND SAIDS , I GUESY'AL ARHAPPY A AND HOWRE THINGS GOING WITH THE IS ITNT IMPORTA TO GO AND BEEN SE AND MAKE THE CASERE WHEN MO MEMONEY COS OUT OF WASHINGTON T THEXTENT WE CANWE AND SO DON'T NEEDT TO FIGH WHAT --GH FIT WITH OUR FRIENDS AT THE BIG COUNTIES. WE NEED TO WORK ON HAVING THETI POLICAL CLOUT SO WE HAVECT WOULDLLOCATION AND THAT AVOID THATOR PROBLEM F US AND FOR THE STATE.NT ALL.G TO ENCOURE YOU I KNOW THERE IS A NACO COMING UP. I WILLAC SHOW MY FE AND BECAUSE THEREIN IS SOMETHG IN AUSTIN AS WELL.LL I WI LEAVE ON G SUNDAY TOO A BACKND GETRO READY TO ASTTH MS. OMPSON.TO TRY GOGT TO WASHINON. L
>>INA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER? >> TOM RAMSEY: N THE GOODEWS ISS COMMSIONER, WE DO HAVE A MODST FOR DIRIBUTION.D THE MOT SAYS -- ITARGETS20 THE 18MS BOND IN TER OF PROJECTS.
SO I F THINK IT ISAIRLY TARGETED TOS THE PREVIOUCONVERSATION WE HAD-- IN TERPBLS IN TERMS OF-- MAKINGMAKE SH-G -- SURE THE T GAPS -- ANDHE WHOLET CONCEPAN OF BENEFIT D WHO ISED IMPACT, I THINKND THE 2018 BOEV HELPS ERYBODYTY IN THE COUN.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBERR OF WATESHEDS AND THE NUMBER OFTS PROJEC OUT THERE,E I COULD MAK THE CASE THAT ITE COULD -- THERS ARE 34C' IN A HARRIS COUNTYND I THINK IT O BENEFITS MOSTF THEM O IN TERMSFE. THE BOND ISSUOD SO THE M HAS BEEN WRITTEN.IT APPROVED.AS BEEN I THINK WE HAVEIN MANAGED THAT TERMS OF GETTING THOSE DOLLARS HERE AS C QUICKLY AS WEAN.A
>> LINHIDALGO: SO FAR SO GOOD.U, THANK YO COMMISSIONER.MI
>> COMSSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU.A
>> LINHIDALGO: SO THAT -- >> ACCEPT THE TRANSMITTAL.HI
>> LINA DALGO: 440.ON COMMISSIER GAR SEE -- GARCIA, I SAW YOUR YACHTED --I IDEAS AD THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT.F I WONDER IWE CAN CONSIDER IT OVER THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS AND THENTL JUST HAVE A LITE BIT MORI TIME TO REEW IT ANDWI PERHAPS I LL BRING IT BACK ATCO THE NEXT URT.O I WANTED TD SEE IF FOLKS HAANY ADDITIONAL INPUT.
[06:30:05]
I'D AID --N >> ADRIAGARCIA: THIS IS -- THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I PROPOSEDT RULES.
DON'AN HAVE A PROBLEM DTU THIS S ACALLY A VERY SIMPLE I PROCESS THATS ALREADY BEING USED BY C THE ELECTIONOMMISSION.
AND -- >> WHAT IS THE OTHER ONE?GA
>> ADRIAN RCIA: BAIL BOND BOARD.AV I THINK WE HE HADWI EXPERIENCES TH IT.
IT IS REALLY -- UNLIKE ROBERTS' RULES, HERE IS ROSENBURGS RULES, 9 PAGES. B IF YOU WANT TORING IT BACKT -- IF YOU WANTO BRING ITTI BACK NEXT MEENG, FINE.G OR I WILL BRIN IT BACK. IF YOU WANT
THAT'S FINE.LG IT, >> LINA HIDAO: THANKON YOU,
COMMISSIER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE, THE OFFICE MAKE SURE ARE YOUOB LOOKING. VIOUSLY THREE VOTES CAN CHANGEMA ANYTHING, BUT KE SURE YOU ALL HAVENO LOOKED AT IT.
WAB THAT IT IS ON THE TLE, YOU KNOW,SE --
>> TOM RAMY: THAT WASTH THE ONLY THING AT CONCERNED ME.
YOU START DOING STRAW POLLS ON WHATER AGENDA ITEMS GET THE, YOU MAY GET CLOSE TOGS THE OPEN MEETINLG.
>> LINA HIDAO: THAT'S THEE ONE I WANTED MORTIME TO LOOK AT.
>> SO WE CAN HAVE AT DISCUSSION ABOUTHAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
THERE ARE WAYS TO DO IT TO AVOID THE EXACT ISSUES, BUT THEY HAVE
TO BE DONE CAREFULLY.O: >> LINA HIDALG SO IOR WOULD WANT TO WKOU OFFLINE TO SEE WITH Y GUYS WHAT YOU PROPOSE N AND THEN IN THEEXT MEETING HAVE SOME SPECIFICK OPTIONS.
I THIN ROSENBURG IS FINE. IDE DO THINK IT IS A GOOD IA, AND I THINK THE DECORUM, WE HAD SOME ON THERE, BUT ARESP YOU ADDING MORE ECIFICITYY AND UNFORTUNATEL I THINK WEY NEED -
>> RODNEELLIS: I KNOW WE COULD C GET -- I THINK YOUOULD GET SUED IF -- SO WHATEVER IT IS IN A QUORUM, AND PARTICULARLY WE WILL GET PEOPLE COMING IN [INAUDIBLE] AND T THEY -- SEEMS LIKEHEY PICKDO CERTAIN PEOPLE TO THAT ON, JUDGE, MORE THANS OTHERS. IT IIN THEEN RULES AND IT HAPPS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE T NOT ONLY ESCORTINGHEMM OUT, BUT KEEP THEOUTIA.
>> ADRIAN GARC: WE SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID OF THE RULES.
THEY ARE GOOD. I WILL HOPE TO SEE THEM ON THE
NEXTDA AGENDA. >> LINA HILGO: I'LL BRING R IT
BACK. >>ODNEY ELLIS: IMS LIKE THE IDEA IN TER OF THE AGENDA. I DON'T WANT TO PUT IT ON
SOMEBODY'S AGENDA. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WOULD LOVE TO GET THE INPUTND FROM THE ATTORNEY A OCA AND OTHERS JUST HOW TO OPERATIONAL LIES E CHANGES IF THERE IS GOING TO BE AN APPROVAL MECHANISM AND A LI --D LEGISLAR FOR A TIME PERIO AND HOW DO WE ACCOUNT FOR THE SHIFT SO OUR TEAM MEMBERS HAVE THE TIMEAT TO REVIEW IT AND DO WH NEEDS TO BE DONE PURSUANT
TO THE RULES M. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IAY HAVE ONE.
AS GREAT AS ITEO IS TO MAKE SURE THAT PPLE CAN PARTICIPATE, I KNOW WE ARE GOING THROUGH THIS, WHERE PEOPLE CAN CALL IN, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, WHEN WE GET TO THE ACTUAL ITEMS -- IN AUSTIN THE WAY IT WORKED, SOMETIMES THEY WOULD ASK PEOPLE, DO YOU WANT THEAR ITEM OR WANT TO BE HED? AND SOMETIMES IT WOULD SLOW DOWN 30 PEOPLE SAYING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. BECAUSE THEN WHEN WEVE GET TO TE ISSUES WE HA TO VOTEF ON, WE WILL SPEND ALL OTHE MORNING LISTENING TO GREAT FOLKS WHO ARE VERY EMOTIONAL ON ISSUES AND EVEN WHO CALL IN, AND THEN THEY ARE ANGRY WHEN I AM ON THE PHONE AND THEY ARE SITTING AT HOME IN THEIR PAJAMAS DIALING IN.HA I MAY HAVE THOUGHTS ON TT. I AM ABOUT TO RETHINK THAT ISSUE.OT I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE VES WILL BE, BUT THAT'S GETTING A LITTLE OLD AS I GET OLDER.L
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WIL BRING IT BACK AND THEN IN THE MEANTIME WE WILL WORK WITH COUNTY ATTORNEY ON A MECHANISM.
AND YOU ARE SAYING, COMMISSIONER, AND THE VIRTUAL, SO WE CAN HAVE A VOTE ON THAT NEXT TIME.E
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE AR REAL POPULAR, BUT IT MAKES IT WHEN WE GO THROUGH SO MUCH OF THAT AND THEN WHEN WE GET TO THE ISSUES, YOU KNOW, WE'RE BURNED OUT AND READY TO BITE ONE ANOTHER'S
HEADS OFF. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.
I WILL BRING THEM BACK. >> SO NO ACTION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION FOR NOW.
IT IS 4:43 -- 443 AND COMMISSIONER'M RAMSEY.
>> TOM RAMSEY: I FINE WITH THIS.
I'M ASSUMING THAT WHEN THEY IDENTIFY PROJECT THAT'S THOSE WOULD BE BROUGHT BACK'T INDIVIDUALLY.
THIS ISN A CART BLANCH TO GO OUT AND FIND 10 UNITS.
I'M GOING TO ASK THEM TO DO IT. I'M ASSUMING AND THAT'S MY ASSUMPTION IS THAT THEY WILL BRING BACK INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
AND IDENTIFY THEM INT. THE TRUS. >> THAT'S CORREC
>> TOM RAMSEY: I MOVE TO ACCEPTM IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO:OTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?
>>OS I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
[06:35:03]
THAT LEAVES US WITH THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS.>> JUDGE, WE SKIPPED OVER 421 AND 422.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OH GOSH. I'M SO SORRY.
COMMISSIONER BRIONES, 421 IS LONE STAR COLLEGE, HALF A
MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANT FUNDS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WILL BE BRIEF. WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT MWBE'S AND I AMD EXCITED ABOUT THE PROGRES ANTHANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. WE MET WITH DR. HEAD AT LONE STAR AND GLAD THEY ARE PARTICIPATING AND HOPE MORE WILL FOLLOW SUIT. I AM JUST VERY HAPPY THIS IS HAPPENING SO THANK YOU. AND SO I MAKE A MOTION ON 421.
>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 422.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. I OBVIOUSLY WANT TO SEE WORK BEING DONE TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
I WANTT TO UNDERSTAND -- I UNDERSTAND THA -- I THINK WE SAW AN ITEM WHERE HARRIS HEALTH HAS NOT YET SIGNED ON, SO I WANT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE -- I THINK HARRIS HEALTH HAS NOT SIGNED ON TO -- WHAT IS IT, DIRECTOR ROBINSON?
>> THE ACCESS INITIATIVE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.
SO I'M CURIOUS HOW YOU WILL IMPLEMENT THE VIOLENCE AND INTERRUPTION IF HARRIS HEALTH HAS NOT SIGNED ON.
ARE THESE TWO DIFFERENT PROGRAMS?
>> YEAH. SO THE VIOLENCE INTERRUPTER PROGRAM AS I MENTIONED, RIGHT, WE HAVE STAND ALONE PROGRAMMING WHETHER IT IS HOUSING PROGRAMS, EDUCATION, FOOD ASSISTANCE, ET CETERA. THIS IS A COMPONENT --
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M CURIOUS TO YOU WILL BE ABLE IMPLEMENT IT IN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM WITHOUT THE INTER LOCAL OR THE -- I GUESS THE MOU SIGNED WITH HARRIS HEALTH.
>> SO THAT IS A SEPARATE AGREEMENT RELATIVE TO DATA SHARING, ET CETERA. AND SO THIS PROGRAM IS JUST FOR THE HOSPITAL VIOLENCE INTERRUPTER PROGRAM TO BE INSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL TO HIRE THE STAFFING TO SUPPORT THE WORK THAT OUR COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERRUPTER TO WORK IN CONCERT WITH THAT. THAT'S WHAT THIS ITEM IS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH HARRIS HEALTH? WHY CAN'T THEY SIGN ON IT?
>> WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING THROUGH THE ISSUES.
I KNOW THAT FOR HCA WE NEGOTIATED THAT AGREEMENT IN APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH HARRIS HEALTH FOR AROUND 9 MONTHS TO TRY TO GET THIS AGREEMENT OVER -- THIS PARTICULAR AGREEMENT OVER THE HURDLE.
AND SO WE CONTINUE TO TRY TO WORK THROUGH WHATEVER THE ISSUES MAY BE. I DO THINK THAT IT IS PERHAPS A MORE APPROPRIATE QUESTION FOR DR. PORSA AS I AM NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR ON WHAT SOME OF THE BEAR KPWRER -- BARRIERS MAY BE OR
WHAT THE HOLDUP IS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M GONNA CALL HIM. MY STAFF TELLS ME THAT WITH THE HCA, WE ALREADY PREVENTED THREE RETALIATIONS.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. I WILL CALL HIM TONIGHT.
I WOULD LIKE TO MAYBE VISIT WITH YOU AND HIM AND SEE WHAT IS THE ISSUE THERE. I KNOW AROUND THEHE COUNTRY -- THIS IS THE RESULT OF ONE OF T THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT, THAT WE PASSED AFTER MR. FLOYD FUNERAL. IT TOOK A GOOD WHILE TO GET IT GOING, BUT, YOU KNOW, I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS THE HOLDUP FOR HARRIS HEALTH. I'LL CALL HIM AND ASK HIM.
MAYBE I'LL MEET WITH THE TWO OF YOU.
>> ABSOLUTELY. AND ACTUALLY WITH HCA WE WORKED
WITH 35 VICTIMS TO DATE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. IS THAT A MOTION COMMISSIONER
>> LINA HIDALGO: AS PRESENTED ON 4 YOUR 2 -- 422.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THAT SHOULD BE ALL EXCEPT FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.NK
>> LINA HIDALGO: THA YOU FOR THAT.
SO WE HAVE THREE ITEMS -- I'M SORRY?
[Executive Session]
IT IS 367, 368 AND 369 ARE ALL RELATED TO LITIGATION.>> RODNEY ELLIS: OH YES, YES.TH >> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED TO CONSULT WI OUR ATTORNEY. IT IS 6:28 AND WE ARE GOING TOOR EXECUTIVE SESSION TO CONSULT WITH OUR ATTNEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 6:40 FINE DASH 6:49 AND WE ARE BACK ON
ITEMS 367, 368 AND 369. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE THEM.
>> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON ALL THREE ITEMS,
[06:40:04]
COMMISSIONER? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS COVERING THE LEGAL FEES OF EMPLOYEES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO HAVE HAD TO EXPENNED FUNDS -- EXPEND FUNDS ON CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS SUBJECT TO INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS AND HAVE BEEN SEEN TO HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG. OBVIOUSLY THE -- IS THERE A SECOND FOR THE FEES? I WILL MAKE THE SECOND COMMISSIONER. THE REASON IS COVERING THE LEGAL FEES OF EMPLOYEE THAT'S HAVE DONE NOTHING WRONG IS COMMON PRACTICE, NOT JUST IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, BUT ALSO IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. IT IS NECESSARY, IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT ANY INVESTIGATOR COULD RUN PEOPLE FROM PUBLIC SERVICE JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T LIKE THEM.
I THINK WE CAN THINK OF ONE WHO MIGHT NOT LIKE SOME OF US, JUST BY RUNNING UP THEIR LEGAL FEES. WE DON'T WANT PEOPLE GOING BANKRUPT JUST BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE TO SERVE THE PUBLIC
RATHER THAN SERVING THEMSELVES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE DONE THIS.
THERE WAS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA AND WE DID IT FOR THE HEAD OF JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION I THINK IT WAS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE SEEING THIS KIND OF HARASSMENT IN HARRIS COUNTY. SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2021, AROUND $20,000 OR $30,000 WERE REIMBURSED TO JIM BETKEY WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT. $21,500 OF TAXPAYER MONEY.
HE FAILED TO RECOMMEND AND EVEN AN ADDITIONAL INCREASE TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. HE LEFT THE COUNTY AFTER THIS HARASSMENT. IN 2020, COMMISSIONER, I'M JUST GOING TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT DURING YOUR RE-ELECTION, YOU WERE THE VICTIM OF THIS KIND OF A PRACTICE.
HAVE I NO IDEA HOW MUCH YOUR LEGAL FEES ARE, BUT I HOPE YOU BRING THEM BACK TO COURT. THERE IS A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO CLIFF TATUM, OUR ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR AND RECENT THREATS BY THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO OTHER PUBLIC EMPLOYEES WORKING IN PUBLIC SAFETY.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE VERY CLEAR, FOR ONE, I AM NOT SCARED OF HER.
I HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. THESE PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND THEIR STAFF ARE BEING SUBJECTED TO EXTRAORDINARY PRESSURES WHETHER THEY ARE WORKING FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC OR WORKING ON PUBLIC SAFETY, WHATEVER IT IS, THEY ARE SUBJECTED TO TOO MANY PRESSURES IN ORDER TO SERVE AS A POLITICAL PROJECT FOR EITHERS -- FOR OTHERS.
I DON'T THINK THEY THAT BEAR THE BURDEN OF BEING SOMEBODY THE -- SOMEBODY ELSE'S POLITICAL PROJECT OR PAY THIS MONETARY PRICE BECAUSE SOMEONE IS ON A POLITICAL SEARCH AND DESTROY MISSION. PUBLIC SERVICE IS DEMANDING ENOUGH. AND SO IT IS TRAGIC AND IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT WE ARE HAVING TO REFUND $20,000 AND $200,000 PLUS. LET'S WAIT AND SEE HOW MUCH IS TO COME FOR THESE OTHER INVESTIGATIONS BECAUSE OF SOMEBODY'S POLITICAL SHENANIGANS.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC IS AWARE OF THAT AND MY COLLEAGUES WILL SUPPORT THESE REIMBURSMENTS.
I AM PROUD TO SECOND IT, COMMISSIONER.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AND THE RECORD SHOULD REFLECT THAT THERE IS HARRIS COUNTY POLICY OF PAYMENT OF CERTAIN LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND FEES THAT IS BASED IN COMMON LAW AS WELL THAT WOULD BE CONSISTENTLY APPLIED PURSUANT TO THE POLICY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND I MADE THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WOULD WE BE TAKING THESE INDIVIDUALLY?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY. WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS AGAIN?
>> LINA HIDALGO: 367 IS THE FIRST ONE.
THAT'S MA CLEEF'S LAW FIRM. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND I MAKE THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR.
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED?
>> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES
>> LINA HIDALGO: AS PRESENTED. 368, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THIS IS THE ONE YOU NEED TO ABSTAIN FROM.
>> I MOVE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY ELLIS AND I MAKE THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM TPA -- I AM IN FAVOR AND IT PASSES 3-1 ABSTAIN FROM GARCIA.
>> RAMSEY VOTED NO? >> LINA HIDALGO: VOTED NO.
THE FIRST IS 3500 AND THE SECOND IS 40 SECONDS,000 DOLLARS AND THE THIRD ONE IS $84,000. DO YOU HAVE A MOTION FOR 369? THE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND I'LL MAKE THE SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1 AND THAT IS OVER $200,000 THAT WE DIDN'T NEED TO SPEND.
WE ARE SUBSIDIZING A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.
THANK YOU. IT IS 6:54 AND COMMISSIONERS'
COURT IS NOW ADJOURNED. >> THANK YOU.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.