Feb 21, 2023 Commissioners Court

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>>> GOOD MORNING. IT IS 10:07 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS FEBRUARY 21ST, 2023 MEETING OF THE HARRIS

[Kevin Spivey, Minister of Prayer & Connection at Houston’s First Baptist Church]

>> I AM SO EXCITED THAT WE HAVE PASTOR KEVIN SPIVEY JOINING US.

HE GREW UP IN SUGARLAND AND HE IS MARRIED TO MARLIN SPIVEY ALL OF 10 YEARS NOW. THEY HAVE TWO CHILDREN, GRACE, 7, AIDAN 4. HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART.

HE WAS BORN IN LONG VIEW, TEXAS OR GREW UP THERE AND MADE WAY WAY DOWN TO HOUSTON DOING MISSIONARY WORK.

>> YES, SIR. >> HE IS WITH HOUSTON FIRST BAPTIST AND BEEN ON STAFF THERE FOR 12 YEARS.

HE IS VERY ACTIVE IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT NEED SPECIAL ATTENTION MINISTRY. I LIKE THAT ABOUT YOUR CALLING.

YOU DO SPEND TIME IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT MAY BE UNDER SERVED AND MAY NEED A SPECIAL BIT OF ATTENTION.

APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO. I LIKE THE FACT THAT YOU KNOW YOUR BIRTHDAY WHICH IS OCTOBER THE 22ND, 2009 WHEN YOU ACCEPTED JESUS. YOU GRADUATED FROM THE COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES AND CHRISTIAN COUNSELING.

JUST SO PLEASED THAT YOU CAME AND GET US STARTED RIGHT THIS

MORNING. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I CONSIDER THIS A HUGE HONOR AND ARI PVILEGE TO BE CHOSENO TLEAD US IN PRAYERHI TS MORNING. IAN WT TO THANK EACH OF YOUOR F YOUR SERVICE TO THIS GREAT CITY THAT WE ALL GET TO CALL HOME.

THE SCRIPTUREAY SS INIR FST TIMOTHYHA CPTER 2, FIRST IRG UE THAT SUPPLICATIONS, PRAYERS, INTERCESSIONS ANDHA TNKSGIVING BE MADE FORLL AEO PPLE, FOR KINGS AND ALL WHORE A INIG HH POSITIONS,HA TT WE MAY LEAD A PEACEFUL AND QUIETIF LE, GODLY ANDIG DNIFIED INVE ERY WAY. LET'SRA PY.

FATHER IN HEAVEN, IT WANTO THANK YOU FORMI COMSSIONER LESLIERI BONESDG, JUE HIDALGO, COMMISSIONERCI GARA, COMMISSIONERNE RODY ELLIS AND COMMISSIONERSE RAMY.

FOR ALL THEYAN DO D THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE, FORTHAT THEY REMEMBER THEY ARELY FUL KNOWN AND FULLYED LOV BY YOU.

MAY THISTH TRU CONTINUE TO GOVERN THEIR LIVESLY DAI.

LORDUS JES, THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU CALLEDH EACOF THEM TO DO. WE KNOW EACH OF THESE ROLESCA RRY A CERTAINT. WEIGH MAY THEYAR NOT CRY THIST WEIGH ALONE,IV BUT GE EACH OFM THEA SUBS MISSEUFT SPIRI--SU BMISSIVE SPIRIT.WH EN THE BURDENS AND THE TASKS SEEM TOOTH MUCH AT YOU WOULD ENCOURAGE EACH OF THEM AND REMIND THEM NOT TOCT NEGLE PEOPLE OVER TASK.FA THER, GRANT IN THEM UNDERSTANDING MIND DIFFICULTIES A ARISEND IN THIS LIFE YOU SAID WE WILL FACETR OUBLE AND WHILENT ENCOUERINGDI FFICULTIES ANDDI TRAGEES, WE KNOW THEOR HEART WK IS THE HARD WORK.LT CUIVATE A IN THEM UNIFIED HEART ASCO THEY LLABORATE TO FINDND NEW A CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKEY THE CITOF HOUSTON BETTER FOALL. I PRAYE EVERYONIN THIS ROOM NOTD DRAWO CLOSE TYOU TO LEAN ON OURER OWN UNDSTANDING, OURTO TRUST YOU WITH ALL OF HEART ANDOW TO ACKNLEDGE YOU IN ALLWA OF OUR YS SOU THAT YOWILL CONTINUE TO MAKETH EACH PARA STIGHT. LORD, Y I THANKOU FOR THEIRVO INLVEMENT ING BRINGINCO RENCILIATION TO HOUSTON.Y BELL THEIR EFFORTS D EXPRESSETHROUGH LOVE AND IN THE WORDS OF E MICAH6:8,NABLE T THEMOUS EXECUTE JTICE AND LOVERC WITHND TO WALK HUMBLY YOU, OH T LORD, ALLHE THEIR LIVES.AY I PR THIS INME JESUS' NA..

AMEN >> AMEN.K THANYOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US THIS MORNING.S LET'STAND AND RECITEPL THE EDGE.ED I PLGEE ALLEGIANCTO THE FLAG OFD THE UNITESTATES OF AMERICA.

ANDPU TO THE REBLIC I FOR WHICHT STANDSN ONE NATIOUNDER GOD,SI INDIVIBLE,Y WITH LIBERTST AND JUICE FOR ALL.R HONOTHE TEXAS FLAG.GE I PLED ALLEGIANCE TOTE THEE, XAS, ONE G STATE UNDEROD, ONEIV AN INDISIBLE.AN I DO WT TOOR MENTION BEFE WE GETT STARTED THAOUR HEARTST GO OUTO THE FAMILY IN THE HEINOUS CRIME A [INAUDIBLE]ND ATTENTIVENZALEZ WAS AND LEADINGTI THE INVESTIGAON ANDG ARE SUPPORTINLAWEN ENFORCEMT THERE.

IT IS AN ABSOLUTE TRAGEDY ANDIF THE SHERFNE SAYS IT WAS O OF

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IT IS ITEM 522,TI THE APPRENCESHIP INITIATIVE, ITEMS 6, 220UR AND 222, THE COTIT EXPANSION EMS AND ITEMS 217 AND 500, THE TAX COLLECTIONAN ITEMS. D THIS IS BECAUSE THEYEA SAID HAVE TO LEAVE

BEFORE A CERTAIN TIME.RC >> ADRIAN GAIA: AND I WANT TO ADD ITEM NUMBER 4, ANDSP IF WE N REECTFULLY PUT TOP SO THAT THIS IS AOF RECOGNITION A LOST, BELOVED HOUSTONIAN. THE OTHERS ARE WORK-RELATED SO K WOULD JUST LE TO ASK FOR A POINTFO OF CONSIDERATION R THER

[Departments (Part 1 of 2)]

FAMILY MEMBETHAT'S HERE.DA >> LINA HILGO: OKAY.

LET'S GET STARTED WITH ITEM NUMBERTA 4 AND THEN WE WILL KE

522, 6, 220, 222 AND 17 AND 500C >> ADRIAN GAIA: THANK YOU.

THIS RESOLUTION IS TOLO RECOGNIE A BEVED HOUSTONIAN SIMPLY KNOWN AS POLO. POLO IS SOMEONE FOR MANY YEARS, SINCE MY -- EVEN BEFORE MY ELECTEDTE CAREER GOT STARDO. ALWAYS A GUY T HELP ME FEEL WELCOME, MY FAMILY FEEL WELCOME AND ALWAYS WANT TO LEND SUPPORT, ADVICE -- EVEN THE ADVICE I WASN'T LOOKING FOR.

POLO WASDI A PHENOMENAL INVIDUAL.

THERE ARE TWO FOLKS HERENE THAT PROBABLY KW HIM THE BEST, HIS SON JOSE AND ADRIANNA GONZALEZ. LET ME READTH THE RESOLUTION SO OSE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING POLO WILL KNOWS. WHO THIS HUMAN BEING WA WHEREAS CHEF AND BUSINESS OWNER POLO BECERRA'S PASSING ON A JANUARY 18TH, 2023T THE YOUNG AGE OF 60 IS A F GREAT LOS TO HISAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. BORN AND RAISED IN THE OUTSKIRTS OFHI PUERTO VALLARTA HE BEGAN S CAREER AT THE AGE OF 13,HE RISIG FROM DISHWASR TO HEAD WAITER, COOK, CHEF ASSISTANT AND EXECUTIVE CHEF IN PRESTIGIOUS HOTELS INCLUDING THE CAMINO BERA. IN 1990 HE CAME T TO THE UNITED STATESO IMPROVE HIS COOKING SKILLS WHICH BECAMEON A PERMANET RELOCATI TO HOUSTON. THOUGH A LANGUAGE BARRIER FORCED HIM TO BEGIN AS AOR KITCHEN HAN, AN OPPTUNITY AT THE POST O GRILL, THE MOST PROMINENT 5-STAR RESTAURANT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THSHAPED HIS FUTURE. WIIN A YEAR HE BECAME CHEF,S KITCHEN MANAGER AND WA LATER ABLE TOIL PURCHASE THE POST O GRL RESTAURANT WITH THE HELP OF A MEXICAN BUSINESSMANLY SIDING IN -- BUSINESSMAN RESIDING INF HOUSTON.

AND THEN CHE BECERRA WAS EXCLUSIVE OWNERSHIP.

CHEF POLO'S PERSONAL ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS SET HIM APART FROM THE COMPETITION. MANY DIGNITARIES DINE AT HIS RESTAURANT, INCLUDING PRESIDENT BUSHSECRETARY OF STATE BAKER, HALL OF FAME ATHLETE ALVIN HAYES, CORPORATE EXECUTIVES, LEADERS AND PROFESSORS. HE GENERAL -- GENEROUSLY GAVE TO COUNTLESS HOUSTON AREAFI ORGANIZATIONS AND NONPROTS THAT HELPED CHILDREN AND FAMILIESOD INCLUDING THE HOUSTON FO BANK AND HUNGER NETWORK, HOSPITALS, CLINICS, THE ARTS, LEARNING CENTERS AND MORE. AFTER HURRICANE RITA IN SEPTEMBER OF 2005, CHEF POLO PROVIDED SHELTER AND FOOD TO HIS EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILI. LATER HE PREPARED AND SERVED MEALS TO FIRST RESPONDERS AND EMERGENCY WORKERS IN AUGUST OF

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CHEF POLO RECEIVED MANY ACCOLADES DURING HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER. AND CHEF POLO IS SURVIVED BY HIS SON, CHEF BECERRA, AND HIS STAFF WHO HE CONSIDERED HIS CLOSEST FAMILY. AND HE IS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE DEEPLY MISSED. JOSE AND ADRIANNA, WOULD YOU LIKE TO STEP FORWARD AND SHARE A FEW WORDS?

>> GOOD MORNING. >> GOOD MORNING.

>> OUR FRIEND CHEF POLO BACERRA PASSED AWAY WEDNESDAY THE 18TH OF JANUARY OF 2023 IN HOUSTON AT THE AGE OF 60, FIGHTING LONG-TIME CANCER. CHEF POLO WAS BORN ON THE 20TH OF JUNE OF 1962 ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO, MEXICO. IT IS AN HONOR TO STAND IN FRONT OF YOU AND RECOGNIZE HIM AND BEING WITH HIS SON, JOSE BACERRA. WE HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF POLO. IF YOU TAKE SOMEBODY TO LUNCH FOR BUSINESS HE WOULD PULL A CHAIR AND SIT WITH YOU AND ASK YOUR GUESTAS QUESTIONS THAT YOU WOULD NEVER K.

LIKE HOW ARE YOU? TKWR -- WHY ARE YOU HERE? BY THE TIME HE LEFT THE TABLE, YOUR BUSINESS WAS DONE.

HE WAS A MAN OF FEW WORDS, BUT EXHUMED A GREAT PRESENCE WHEREVER HE WAS. HE WAS EXTREMELY LOYAL AND KIND

WITH A BIG HEART HE PROVIDED -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

>> 700 MEALS AT THE HEALTH FARE. HE TOOK MEALS TO THE POLICE [INAUDIBLE] HE PROVIDED FOOD DURING HARVEY TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. HE ENCOURAGED ALL OF HIS SUCCESS STORIES AND TRIALS ALONG THE WAY.

HE TOLD HIS EMPLOYEES TO SET GOALS, SEE THEMSELVES AT THE NEXT HIGHER RANK OF THE LADDER. HE WAS A MAN OF HIS WORD.

HE STARTED THE CAREERS OF MANY COOKS, WAITERS, CHEFS, OWNERS, MANAGERS AND OTHERS. HE TOLD HIS COOKS TO THINK THEY ARE CHEFS. WHEN YOU MAKE THE GOAL TO BECOME A CHEF, THINK AS AN OWNER OF YOUR OWN RESTAURANT.

WHEN YOU DO THAT, THINK UP AND ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS. HOUSTON AND THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY WILL MISS HIM, BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS. THANK YOU.JO

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. SE, GOD BLESS YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.NK JUDGE --

>> LINA HIDALGO: THA YOU.ER THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR FATH AND YOUR FRIEND WITH US. IT IS WONDERFUL TO HEAR THESE STORIES ABOUT HIM AND HE WILL BE MISSED.

THANK YOU. TAKING SPEAKERS FOR THOSE ITEMS I LISTED AND THEN WE WILL DISCUSS [INAUDIBLE].

REPEAT THEM. >> JUDGE, THERE ARE NO SPEAKERS

FOR ITEM 522. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT ABOUT ITE.

WHAT ABOUT ITEM 6 -- >> YES.

WE HAVE SPEAKERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO 6, 220, 222,

217 OR 500. >> JUST SPEAKERS FOR ITEM 6 AND

ITEM 500. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

LET'S HEAR FROM THOSE SPEAKERS. THANK YOU.

>> FOR ITEM 6, FIRST IS REPRESENTATIVE ANNE JOHNSON SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.UL

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I COD? I WOULD LIKE TO SUSPEND -- MAKE A MOTION TO SUSPEND THE TIME RESTRAINT SO WE CAN ALLOW REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON TO SPEAK

WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M FOR THAT.

REPRESENTATIVE, HAVING BEEN IN THE LEGISLATION SOMETIMES WE REMEMBER MORE THE QUICKER YOU SAY THAT.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

MAY I PROCEED? >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THIS PROPOSAL TO ADD DISTRICT -- ADDITIONAL DISTRICT COURTS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THIS IS TRULY A HISTORIC MOMENT. WHEN YOU LOOK AT ADDING SIX ADDITIONAL COURTS, IT SHOWS A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND OUR PUBLIC SAFETY ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN DONE SINCE 1984.

IF WE WERE TO HOVER OVER HARRIS COUNTY FROM THEN UNTIL TODAY, WE WOULD SEE ROBUST INVESTMENTS IN SCHOOLS AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND FLOODING, IN EDUCATION AND IN HEALTHCARE.

YET, WE HAVE ONLY HAD ONE NEW DISTRICT COURT ADDED SINCE THAT TIME AND IT IS AGAIN THANKS TO MOST OF YOU WHO MADE THIS PUSH LAST SESSION. HAVING SPENT NEARLY 20 YEARS IN

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TODAY'S JUDGES PRESIDE OVER FIVE TIMES THE NUMBER OF CASES THEIR PREDECESSORS FROM THE 90S HANDLED.

TODAY'S DOCKETS HAVE ROUGHLY FIVE MINUTES THAT A JUDGE CAN SPEND WITH AN INDIVIDUAL IN FELONY COURT, A PERSON FACING CONVICTION AND CONSEQUENCES FOR LIFE, AND VICTIMS SEEKING JUSTICE. THIS IS UNTENABLE, UNJUST AND UNFAIR TO ALL PARTIES. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FAILURE TO INVEST IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALMOST FOUR DECADES ARE VERY REAL. FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND PRACTICAL REASONS WE CANNOT HOLD EVERYBODY PRE-TRIAL.

THE JAIL IS FULL. MORE THAN 30% OF OUR CASES ARE TAKING MORE THAN A YEAR TO GET THROUGH THE PROCESS, AND THIS MEANS THAT FOLKS CHARGED WITH SERIOUS, ARE VIOLENT CRIMINAL OFFENSES WILL CIRCULATE IN OUR COMMUNITY UNTIL THEY RECEIVE THEIR DAY IN COURT. I KNOW FAMILIES OF VICTIMS WILL ASK THE QUESTION OF WHAT IF? WHAT IF THAT DEFENDANT HAD BEEN PROCESSED DIFFERENTLY? WOULD MY LOVED ONE HAVE NOT BEEN KILLED, RAPED OR HARMED? LIT -- LET ME BE CLEAR.

IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT LOCKING UP THE BAD GUYS.

IT IS ABOUT MOVING CASES THROUGH OUR SYSTEM EFFICIENTLY SO THAT PEOPLE CAN GET THE HELP THAT THEY NEED AND GET ON WITH THEIR LIVES. IN MY WORK AS YOUR FORMER CHIEF HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROSECUTOR I OFTEN WORKED IN SPECIALTY COURT.

I GOT TO WORK IN JUVENILE, MENTAL HEALTH AND REHYBLE DAY TIFF -- REHYBLE DAY TIFF PROGRAMS FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING. I REMEMBER ONE SUCH CASE IN SAFE COURT THAT INVOLVED A YOUNG WOMAN CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION.

SHE ALWAYS HAD A GUY THAT WAITED FOR HER OUTSIDE THE COURTROOM AND HE WAS NOT ALLOWED IN. EVENTUALLY SHE GAB -- BEGAN TO CRY AND DISCLOSED THAT SHE NEEDED A PLACE TO STAY AND A PLACE TO GO, AND SHE HAD AN EXCESSIVE ATTACHMENT TO MAKING SURE WE COULD FIND A PLACE AND SHE COULD GET HER DOG.

ONCE SHE LEFT AND THE COURT LOOKED AROUND AND SAID WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE DOG? I WAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN THAT OFTENTIMES EXPLOITERS WILL GET THE WOMAN A PUPPY IF THEY DON'T WANT TO BEAT HER AND THEY WILL BEAT THE DOG TO KEEP HER IN COMPLIANCE. BECAUSE OF THAT TIME AND BECAUSE OF THAT COURT, SHE GOT THE SUPPORT TO GET AWAY AND WAS NEVER CONVICTED. THIS YOUNG WOMAN WAS A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING. SHE WAS NOT A CRIMINAL, BUT BECAUSE SHE HAD HER DAY IN COURT, SHE WAS ABLE TO START REBUILDING HER LIFE WITH THE TIME AND ATTENTION AND COLLABORATION THAT IT TOOK FOR ALL OF US IS A LUXURY TODAY IN COURTS TODAY ARE RARELY GIVEN. ADDING NEW COURTS WILL NOT ONLY REDUCE YOUR CRIMINAL BACKLOG, REDUCE YOUR CASE COUNT, BUT IT WILL ALSO ALLEVIATE THE OVERCROWDING IN THE JAIL, THE OVERTIME COSTS AND THE OUTSOURCING COSTS.

MY COMMITMENT TO YOU AS ONE OF YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE THAT'S IS PUSHING THIS INITIATIVE IN AUSTIN IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE STATE IS WILLING TO ADVANCE DISCUSSIONS ON ASSISTING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.

I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR CONSIDERING THIS INITIAL AND MOST IMPORTANT STEP TO ALLOW US TO DO THAT WORK COLLECTIVELY ON BEHALF OF THE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY.

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

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I MIGHT, FIRST I'D LIKE TO SET SOME WHEELS IN MOTION BY MAKING A MOTION TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION, ITEM 6, THAT READS WHEREAS ARTICLE 5, SECTION 7 OF

THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, WE ARE ON SPEAKERS RIGHT NOW. WE WILL GO TO SPEAKERS AND THEN WE'LL GET TO THE ITEM. THAT'S HOW WE HAVE DONE IT HISTORICALLY. OTHERWISE THEN WE CAN JUST START THE DISCUSSION. LET'S FINISH THE SPEAKERS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: VERY GOOD. BEFORE YOU STEP AWAY, ANNE, I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS FOR YOU REAL QUICK, PLEASE.

CAN THE COURTS BE DESIGNATED AS SPECIALTY COURTS IF ADOPTED?

>> SO ONCE THE STATE AND THE COUNTY AGREE TO THE CREATION OF OUR DISTRICT COURTS AND THEY COME BACK TO YOU ALL, YOU GET TO MAKE THE DETERMINATION OF WHERE YOU SEE NEED.

I WOULD AGREE WITH YOU THAT SPECIALTY COURTS ARE A GREAT PROGRAM. I WOULD SAY THAT ALL OF THE SPECIALTY COURTS, MOST OF WHICH THAT WE HAVE NOW, ARE ACTUALLY BEING RUN BY OUR DISTRICT COURT JUDGES.

OUR DISTRICT COURT JUDGES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HANDLING THE

DOCKET AND TRYING CASES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEY DEVELOP A

SPECIALTY THEMSELVES. >> ANY JUDGE CAN CREATE A

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>> CAN YOUR LEGISLATION REQUIRE A HOTELING MODEL FOR THE

MANAGEMENT OF THE COURTS. >> I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND THE

QUESTION. >> HOTELING, MEANING THAT IF A JUDGE HAS GONE THROUGH THE DOCKET FOR THE DAY, ANOTHER JUDGE CAN USE THE SAME COURTROOM , OR IF THEY ARE ON VACATION, SOMEONE ELSE CAN USE THAT COURTROOM.

>> ABSOLUTELY. SO JUST LIKE THE OTHER COURTS THAT ARE UP AND RUNNING NOW, THAT COURTROOM SPACE CAN BE USED BY ANY JUDGE, ANY ASSOCIATE JUDGE, ANY INDIVIDUAL TO KEEP WORKING THE DOCKETS. WHAT IT DOES GIVE YOU IS THE DISTRICT JUDGE TO BE ABLE TO PRESIDE OVER MATTERS THAT ONLY THEY CAN DO. OFTENTIMES IT MAY BE JURY TRIALS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH IS PART OF WHAT IS CLOGGING US UP.

YOU CAN DO THE ADDITIONAL STUFF WITH THE ADDITION OF THE

POSITIONS.AT >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU BUILD AND REQUIRE TH A JUDGE SHARE THE COURTROOM AND PUT THAT IN

THE BILL? >> HAVE I TO LOOK AT THAT -- I HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT. I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN.

BUT I HOPE THAT ALL THE JUDGES ARE OVERWHELMED WE WILL PLAY

WELL TOGETHER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HOPE THE

SAME. >> WE NEED TO KEEP EVERY HEARING ROOM OPEN AND THE LIGHTS ON AND PEOPLE WORKING.

I DO KNOW AN ESSENTIAL CALL TO KEEPING THOSE GOING IS A JUDGE PRESIDING OVER CERTAIN MATTERS. THAT'S THE KEY PERSON.

IF THEY CAN'T BE THERE NOBODY ELSE CAN EITHER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND LASTLY, I KNOW THE BIGGEST CONCERN WE HAVE WITH THIS PARTICULAR ITEM IS THE COST.

CAN WE STAGGER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE COURTS?

>> YES. WE CAN STAGGER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COURTS TO GIVE THE COUNTY A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO ADD ON AND BRING ON ONE OR THREE AND BRING ON ANOTHER GROUP THROUGH THIS PROPOSAL. I WOULD ALSO SAY AS MANY FOLKS ARE WELL AWARE OF, RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT OUT -- OUT SOURCING OF INDIVIDUALS. AS YOU SHIFT THIS INVESTMENT TO THIS MODEL OF GETTING PEOPLE THROUGH THE COURT SYSTEM THAT OVERTIME YOU WILL SEE IT BALANCE OUT AND YOU WILL REDUCE WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT OF HOUSING PEOPLE AND RETRIAL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LASTLY -- WELL, SECOND TO LASTLY, YOU AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING FOR QUITE SOME TIME.

WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT THIS BEFORE THE SESSION BEGAN.

YOU HAVE BEEN VERY, VERY PATIENT IN HAVING THE DISCUSSIONS AND MAKING SURE THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN GATHERED.

IT GIVES MY STAFF TIME TO FURTHER STUDY THIS AND UNDERSTAND IT. GETTING THIS PASSED IS NOW ESSENTIAL. I MEAN, BASED ON YOUR TIMELINE AND YOUR WORK, IS THAT AN ACCURATE STATEMENT?

>> ABSOLUTELY. WHEN YOU LOOKED AT ADDING JUST THREE COURTS THE LAST CYCLE, WE SENT A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR AND WE EXPLAINED THAT IF WE ADDED JUST THREE MORE CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURTS, WE COULD GET OUT OF TODAY'S BACKLOG THAT IS INCREASING PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS AND CRIME IN TWO AND A HALF YEARS. IF WE DID NOTHING AND STAYED STATUS QUO, IT WOULD TAKE 15 YEARS.

I WISH WE HAD HAD THE STATE INITIATIVE TO PURSUE THAT WHEN YOU ASKED US TO LAST TIME, BUT HERE WE ARE AGAIN.

WE ARE BACK IN AUSTIN AND HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVISIT, BUT WE ARE SOME ONE YEAR PAST THAT POINT.

I DO WORRY ABOUT THE COMPOUNDING EFFECT OF CONTINUING TO HAVE THIS OVERLOADED CASE BACKLOG AND I KNOW THE COUNTY HAS DONE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT TO REDUCE IT. EVEN WITH THAT, OUR JUDGES TODAY ARE HANDLING FIVE TIMES THE CASES THAT WERE BEING HANDLED BY CASES IN THE 90S. AND I DO THINK AS SOMEBODY WHO HAS BEEN THERE, ARE WE HAVE BEEN FUNCTIONING ON THE RED LINE FOR SOME TIME. I KNOW WE ARE GETTING TO A POINT

WE NEED TO ACT. >> TAKING ACTION ON THE ITEM IS

IMPORTANT TO YOU? >> ABSOLUTELY.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE ACTION BECAUSE WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TIME IN SESSION TO RAISE THESE ISSUES WITHOUT KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD. THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU WERE FOUR YEARS AGO. SOME OF US WEREN'T EVEN HERE.

THIS IS THE LAST TIME WE'VE HAD POLITICIAN THAT'S HAVE BEEN WILLING TO MAKE THIS COMMITMENT TO ACTUALLY ADDRESS THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN HARRIS COUNTY.

IT IS LONG OVER-- OVERDUE AND I CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH.

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>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND TPREUGSER BRIONES --

COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DEFER TO THE

JUDGE. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU FOR CHAMPIONING THIS. FOR A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, TO THE EXTENT THE COURTS ARE STAGGERED UNDER THE LEGISLATION

IS THERE A TIME COP [INAUDIBLE]. >> I THINK WE CAN GIVE YOU A YEAR AND I WILL VERIFY AND MAKE SURE THAT'S CORRECT, BUT I THINK WE CAN GIVE UH YEAR WHERE YOU CAN BRING THREE ON IN YOUR BUDGET FOR ONE YEAR AND THEN ADD THE ADDITIONAL THREE TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE TIME TO SHIFT OVER THOSE COSTS.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR COMING AND I KNOW YOU HAVE A TOUGH JOB.

OF COURSE YOU KNOW WE DO TOO. >> YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DURING MY TIME IN AUSTIN I LEARNED A FEW THINGS I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF CHAIRING A SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE FOR ONE SESSION. BACK THEN UNDER GOVERNOR BUSH, THEY WERE JUDICIARY. AT THE END OF THE DAY, I FOUGHT AGAINST THE MONEY AND YOU HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST THESE MEASURES AND AN UNPRECEDENTED THING HAS HAPPENED IN TEXAS.

AT THE STATE LEVEL, OUR STATE PARTNERS HAVE PUT RESTRICTIONS ON OUR ABILITY TO RAISE REVENUE AND TO PLACE -- YOU KNOW, WHEN WE RAISE IT, IT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT POLITICALLY PLACE TO ASK FOR MONEY. THE PLACE WHERE STATE RAISES ITS MONEY IS POLITICALLY ONE OF THE EASIEST PLACES TO RAISE IT.

ONE OF THE INITIATIVES FROM THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS IS THAT HE IS GOING TO TAKE SOME OF THE SALES TAX REVENUE THAT HAS CREATED A RECORD SURPLUS AND GIVE THAT BACK TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE FORM OF A TAX RELIEF.

AND HE WANTS TO PASS MEASURES TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CUTS THAT HAVE BEEN PUT INTO PLACE ARE PERMANENT.

ONE THING WE SHOULD AGREE IS THAT WE SHOULD EXPECT MORE MEASURES TO MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT ON A LOCAL LEGAL -- LOCAL LEVEL FOR US TO RAISE MONEY IN A POLITICALLY DIFFICULT AREA IN WHICH WE RAISE MONEY. YOU UNDERSTAND THE REVENUE CAPS?

>> NOT AS WELL AS YOU DO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I APPRECIATE

YOU VOTED AGAINST IT. >> I DID.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS REALITY. THE WAY THESE COURTS ARE FINANCED, THE STATE PUTS UP -- IT MIGHT BE 2% OF THE MONEY.

THE STATE PAYS FOR PART OF THE SALARY.

AND WE PAY FOR EVERYTHING ELSE RELATED TO IT.

THE STATE HAS ALSO PUT RESTRICTIONS ON HOW LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT CAN SPEND THE MONEY WHICH SUN PRECEDENTED.

FIRST I CHAIRED WAGS INTER GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS.

WE HAVE NO EARTHLY IDEA WITH THE LITIGATION GOING ON WITH THE COMPTROLLER RIGHT NOW WHAT IS GONNA HAPPEN IN TERMS OF THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE THAT CAN COME IN.

THE ONE THING I LEARNED A LONGTIME AGO IN THIS BUSINESS IS THAT MOST PEOPLE JUST ASSUME WHATEVER THEIR SPACE IS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SPACE BECAUSE IT MATTERS TO THEM.

AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. THE FIVE OF US ARE CHARGED WITH RESPONSIBILITY OF TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WORKS FOR ALL OF THE NEEDS IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND IN ADDITION TO THE REFERENCE YOU MADE TO THE NEED FOR MORE COURTS, WE GOT MORE NEEDS IN VIRTUALLY EVERY CATEGORY YOU CAN THINK OF.

IN PART, I THINK OF THE STATE NEVER DRAWING DOWN FEDERAL MONEY. THAT'S OUR MONEY FOR HEALTHCARE WHICH WOULD HELP US DEAL WITH THE HEALTHCARE COSTS IN THAT JAIL BY THE WAY WHICH IS STILL THE BIGGEST MENTAL HEALTH WARD, FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, IN TEXAS. I'M JUST SAYING I UNDERSTAND THE LAW WHEN I WAS THERE. ONCE THESE COURTS ARE CREATED WE ARE OBLIGATED ON A LOCAL LEVEL TO CREATE IT.

THE REFERENCE IS STAGGERING, BUT IT IS NOT THAT OLD SONG "STAGGER LEE." YOU ARE TOO YOUNG TO REMEMBER

THAT. >> I REMEMBER IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU HAVE TO CREATE THOSE COURTS I THINK THE PARADIGM OUGHT TO BE CHANGED. FAR BE IT FOR ME TO SECOND GUESS WHAT HAPPENS IN YOUR BODY, GUT -- BUT I WAS THERE 27 YEARS.

I THINK THE STATE OUGHT TO CHANGE THE PARADIGM AND INSTEAD OF PUTTING RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT WE CAN DO AND HOW WE CAN DO IT AND WHEN WE HAVE TO DO IT, GIVE US SOME LATITUDE AND CHANGE THE PARADIGM ON PAYING FOR COURTS. I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO CREATE THEM IN AUSTIN WHICH IS WHY IT IS A TRADITION TO

[00:30:07]

THE LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERNMENT SHOULD, NOT ALWAYS, BUT SOMETIMES THEY WILL CREATE THEM EVEN WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON IT. SOME PLACES THEY WOULD DO IT.

THERE IS NO REASON THE STATES ONLY PUT UP 2, 3, 4, 5% OF FUNDING, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE STATE IS GIVING THE MONEY BACK.

FOR ME THAT IS THE CHALLENGE. AS DIFFICULT AS IT IS TO SAY THAT FOR MY FRIENDS WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.

AT SOME POINT WE COULD EXERCISE THE OPTION THAT I THINK TARRANT COUNTY HAS. WE COULD TAKE IT TO THE VOTERS AND MY FRIENDS AND THE JUDGES WHO CALLED, IF LEGAL DIDN'T TAKE UP A POSITION THEY CAN CREATE THE VOTES AND CREATE A SALES TAX IN THE DISTRICT IF WE HAVEN'T ALREADY KICKED THE CAP.

MY POINT IS MONEY IS A PROBLEM. HERE AT THIS TABLE ALTHOUGH THERE IS A TENDENCY TO JUST GIVE IT OUT AT THE MOMENT, WE HAVE TO PAY THE PIPER. THERE'S A RULE ON THE SENATE SIDE WHICH YOU PROBABLY HAVE ON THE OUTSIDE, WHEN SOMEBODY PUTS A BILL UP -- IS THAT STAGGER LEE? WHEN YOU PUT THE BILL UP -- WHEN YOU PUT THE BILL UP, YOU GOT TO SAY WHERE THE MONEY WILL COME FROM.

SO THAT'S THE CHALLENGE. I WOULD JUST SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES AND YOU, BE UNDERSTANDING.

IT IS NOT LA-LA LAND. THERE ARE TOUGH DECISIONS YOU ARE GONNA HAVE TO MAKE. IT IS FAR MORE CHALLENGING THAN THE TOUGH DECISIONS I HAD TO MAKE IN AUSTIN.

AND BECAUSE WE ARE SO CLOSE TO THE PEOPLE THAT WE REPRESENT.

GREAT JOB IN AUSTIN AND A CHALLENGING JOB.

I DO REMEMBER SOMETIMES PEOPLE SAY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN TOWN? I THOUGHT -- USUALLY THEY SAID WASHINGTON.

I SAY LEAVING IN THE MORNING. HERE THEY SEE US.

THERE ARE SO MANY UNMET NEEDS OUT THERE.

I SAY TO MY COLLEAGUES, BE CAREFUL.

THAT BILL IS NOT GOING TO PASS ANY TIME SOON, BY THE WAY.

AND FROM MY EXPERIENCE, AS MY POWER WANE, A BILL MAY HAVE MY NUMBER AND NAME ON T BUT BY THE TIME IT GOES THROUGH THE PROCESS IT MAY LOOK NOTHING LIKE THE BILL THAT I WAS CARRYING.

USUALLY TRADITION WAS YOU HAD THE OPTION OF PULLING YOUR BILL DOWN IF IT HAS YOUR NAME ON IT. MOST LIKELY THIS WILL BE ROLLED INTO AN OMNI BUS BILL UNLESS SOMETHING CHANGED.

A LOT OF COURTS IT WILL BE THE FINANCE APPROPRIATIONS OR WHATEVER JUDICIARY THAT WILL CARRY THE BILL.

I KNOW YOU HAVE A TOUGH JOB, BUT TRUST ME.

THIS ONE IS TOUGHER. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, IF I

MAY -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN AUSTIN.

YOU UNDERSTAND VERY MUCH THE COMPLEXITIES BETWEEN THE TWO SYSTEMS. YOU UNDERSTAND THE WAY THAT THE STATE CAN PASS THINGS, LIKE REVENUE CAPS, THAT IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT DO ON THE COUNTY.

YOU SUFFERED THAT. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE LIMITED WITH HOW MUCH YOU CAN SPEND ON YOUR RELATIVE FAMILY MEMBERS. WE CAN HAVE THESE DISCUSSIONS WITH REGARD TO MEDICAID EXPANSION AND THE EXORBITANT AMOUNT THAT FAM -- THAT FALLS ON THE COUNTY.

I AGREE WITH YOU. WHAT I CAN TELL YOU NOW IS THAT THE STATE HAS MONEY. FOR MANY YEARS WHEN THESE PROVISIONS COME UP, A LOT OF TIMES THE STATE WILL SAY I DON'T HAVE MONEY AND THIS IS A NONSTARTER.

WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT MOMENT WHERE THE STATE HAS THE MONEY AND IT IS HARD TO SAY I CAN'T EVEN CONSIDER THIS PUBLIC SAFETY FOR YOU, HARRIS COUNTY, BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE MONEY ON THE STATE SIDE. I DO SEE WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT POSITION THAT YOU MAY HAVE BEEN WHEN YOU WERE A SENATOR AND WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT REVENUE AVAILABLE.

THE STATE WILL TAKE ON $178,000 AND CHANGE TO PAY FOR THE JUDGE.

I DO KNOW THAT WHAT YOU ARE BATTLING IS WHAT IS THE COST TO ACTUALLY IMPLEMENT THE COURTS AND HOW MUCH WILL IT MAKE? AISLE AEL TELL YOU FROM -- I'LL TELL YOU FROM MY LOOK AT THE NUMBERS IT IS 1.2 OR $1.3 MILLION FOR THE COUNTY TO TAKE ON THE EXPENSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL THAT'S HAVE TO GO TO SUPPORT AND SUPPLEMENT THAT COURT.

CLEARLY 1.2 VERSUS 178 AND WE'RE TAKING THE BULK ON THE COUNTY.

THE ONE THING I WOULD ASK YOU TO CONSIDER IS I HAVE BEEN IN THE STAIRWELLS AND I HAVE BEEN IN THE COURTROOMS, AND FOR 20 YEARS I HAVE SEEN FOLKS THAT WILL GET OVERWHELMED AND TIRED OF WAITING AND TAKE A CONVICTION WHEN MAYBE IF WE HAD MORE TIME THEY COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING MORE CREATIVE LIKE DEFERRED OR SPECIALTY PROGRAM WHEN IT OPENED.

AND WE ARE PAYING AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT AS A COUNTY FOR PEOPLE TO CARRY THAT CONVICTION WHEN THEY COULD HAVE GOTTEN A BETTER OPTION. I KNOW THERE ARE NO EASY COSTS I

[00:35:04]

THAT'S WHAT WE CAN HOPE FOR. AND I WANT TO THANK YOU.

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR DECADES, YOU'RE WILLING TO TAKE THAT ON. I KNOW IT IS A BIG ASK AND I DON'T TAKE IT LIGHTLY AND I AM PROUD TO BE A PARTNER WITH YOU

ON IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY, DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR PUTTING THIS RESOLUTION OUT THERE, ONE.

TWO, YOU COULD HAVE SENT US A TEXT.

YOU COULD HAVE SENT US AN EMAIL, BUT YOU CAN'T.

THAT'S A BIG DEAL. A LOT OF TIMES WE GET TALKED AT AND A LOT OF TIMES WE DON'T GET TO TALK WITH.

THANK YOU FOR COMING AND HAVING THIS CONVERSATION.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PASSION BECAUSE WE'VE GOT A CRIME PROBLEM IN HARRIS COUNTY. IT'S NOT GETTING ANY BETTER.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS START DEALING WITH THESE KINDS OF ISSUES. THERE IS A SENSE OF URGENCY AROUND THIS, AND WE COULD FIND A HUNDRED DIFFERENT REASONS WHY WE SHOULD NOT DO SOMETHING. I THINK YOU LAID OUT A PRETTY COMPELLING CASE IN TERMS OF THE URGENCY, IN TERMS OF NOT ONLY BEING SURE THAT WE DON'T HAVE VIOLENT OFFENDERS ON THE STREETS, BUT EVERYBODY HAD THEIR DAY IN COURT.

THAT'S IMPORTANT. I WILL BE SUPPORTING THE RESOLUTION AND THANK YOU FOR COMING.

LOOKING FOR A LITTLE BIPARTISAN CONVERSATION.

WE DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TO GO TO OUR CORNERS AND ARGUE WITH EACH OTHER. WHY DON'T WE AGREE THAT, YEAH, THIS IS IMPORTANT. WE OUGHT TO FIX IT AND LET'S GIVE IT SOME PRIORITY. THANK YOU FOR COMING.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME. AND TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS' POINT, MY COMMITMENT AS I HAVE MADE IT TO VICTIMS OF CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND PEOPLE THAT ARE FACING CONVICTION LONG-TERM AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF THAT, MY COMMITMENT TO THIS ISSUE WILL NOT STOP WHEN I WALK AWAY FROM IT.

MY COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THAT WE DO GOOD THINGS LONG-TERM NOT ONLY NOW, BUT IN THE LONG RUN. I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU.

I WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR THE ISSUES AND I UNDERSTAND WHAT A BUDGET COMMITMENT IS AND YOU HAVE MY WORD THAT I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN. AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE ON THIS BILL. YOU HAVE A LOT OF OTHER HARRIS COUNTY FOLKS THAT HAVE STEPPED UP AND IT IS A BIPARTISAN BILL AND I AM GLAD TO SEE IT AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THE BILL IS BIPARTISAN, BUT THE FIGHT FOR THE FUNDING TO PAY FOR THE BILL IS NOT.

VIOLENT CRIME IS DOWN 10%, FOR THE RECORD.

LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE SPEAKERS AND WE'LL HAVE THE FULLER DISCUSSION. JUST A REMINDER THAT THE MONEY HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE. SOME OF US ARE HERE TRYING TO GET A HUNDRED MILLION MORE DOLLARS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SOME OF US WERE NOT HERE AND NOW WANT TO GET MONEY TO RAIN FROM THE SKY. GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.

>> NEXT IS BOB HARVEY SPEAKING IN PERSON ON ITEM 6.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M BOB HARVEY AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP.

IT IS MY FIRST TIME TO APPEAR IN FRONT OF THIS GROUP IN 10 AND HALF YEARS. SENATOR ELLIS, IT IS PROBABLY LONG OVERDUE FOR ME TO SHOW UP. I AM HERE TO URGE YOUR SUPPORT OF THE RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF CREATING THE SIX DISTRICT COURTS. IT IS AN HONOR TO FOLLOW REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON ON THAT TOPIC.

THE PUBLIC SAFETY IS CRITICAL TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND OUR ABILITY TO ATTRACT CUSTOMERS OR REACH ALL ESTABLISHMENTS AND UH -- ATTRACT EMPLOYEES AND NEW INVESTMENT TO THE REGION.

A YEAR AND A HALF AGO THE BOARD ASKED PAUL HOBBY ON OUR BOARD AND FORMER U.S. UH SUCCESS ASSISTANT ATTORNEY AND ME TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE OF THE RISING VIOLENT AND PROPERTY CRIME WE WERE SEEING. PAUL AND I MET WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS, JUDGES AND OTHER COURT ADMINISTRATORS AND PROSECUTORS AND MANY OTHERS INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON AND WHAT WE SAW COMING OUT OF THE PANDEMIC WAS THAT EVEN AS MAJOR CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY WERE SEEING A RISE IN CRIME, --

>> THANK YOU, SIR YOUR TIME IS UP.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO UH H*ED -- AHEAD AND FINISH.

>> WHAT WE HEARD WAS A NEAR CONSENSUS THAT WE NEEDED TO ADDRESS THE BACKLOG OF FELONY CASES AND THAT TIED DIRECTLY INTO OUR NUMBER OF COURTS. WE WANT TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANT STEPS THE COUNTY HAS ALREADY TAKEN TO ADDRESS THE BACKLOG AND THE RESULTS ARE BEGINNING TO SHOW, AS YOU MENTIONED, IN TERMS OF A POSITIVE MOVEMENT AND THE

FIGURES. >> LINA HIDALGO: A 10% DECREASE

IN VIOLENT CRIME. >> THAT'S RIGHT.

AND THE BACKLOG -- >> LINA HIDALGO: 24% DECREASE IN

THE BACKLOG. >> SURE.

[00:40:01]

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE FACTS THAT WE ADDED ONE COURT SINCE 1984 AND WE HAVE INKRAOEED -- INCREETSED OUR POPULATION SINCE 75% AND ADDED ONE COURT. A RECENT ANALYSIS SUGGESTED 39 NEW CRIMINAL COURTS, BUT THAT IS NOT FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE.

WE ARE NOT HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR 39.

WE ARE HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR SIX. SO WE SUPPORT THE CREATION OF THE SIX NEW CRIMINAL COURTS AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE RESOLUTION TODAY. WE ARE COMMITTED AT THE PARTNERSHIP TO HELP ADVANCE THIS RESOLUTION IN AUSTIN AND INCLUDING THE DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDING THAT MIGHT BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PARTICULAR ATTEMPT.

LET ME END IT WITH THAT IN CASE THERE ARE QUESTIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR COMING. IT'S BEEN 10 YEARS?

>> 10 YEARS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MISS YOU.

I WISH I HAD KNOWN. I USED TO ANSWER MY CELL PHONE.

I WOULD SAY WE WERE TRYING TO SET A TAX RATE.

BOB, COME AND GIVE US SOME INPUT ON IT.

YOU CATCH MY DRIFT. HERE IS THE CHALLENGE ON THE MONEY. YOU ARE WELL AWARE OF THE REVENUE CAPS WE HAVE ON US AND THE RESTRICTIONS ON HOW WE SPEND THE MONEY. I THINK IN THE PAST THE PARTNERSHIP TOOK A POSITION AS AN EXAMPLE TO HELP US FUND THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND DRAW DOWN THAT FEDERAL MONEY THAT IS OURS.

HERE IS THE CHALLENGE. IF OUR STATE PARTNERS HAVE A RECORD AMOUNT OF MONEY FROM SALES TAXES AND THEY OPT TO GIVE THAT BACK, GOOD. IT MAKES FOR GOOD POLITICAL THEATER. ON OUR PART, HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT? IF YOU'RE AROUND FOR THE DISCUSSION I WILL ASK THE BUDGET OFFICE THAT THERE WILL BE MORE THAN REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON THINKS THERE WILL BE.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE SPACE TO DO IT.

YOU SAID YOU WOULD BE AN ADVOCATE FOR ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDING. WOULD YOU BE AN ADVOCATE FOR MAKING THAT CLEAR NOW? I'M GOING TO OFFER WHAT I HOPE IS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT MAKING A CREATION OF THEM CONTINGENT UPON THE CHANGING AN OLD PARADIGM. THAT WAS NOT THE CASE WHEN THE ADDITIONAL COURT WAS CREATED IN THE 80S.

THAT OLD GOVERNMENT -- IF THEY HAD THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE HEAT , THEY ASKED THE TAXPAYERS TO PAY FOR IT IS ONE THING.

WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS GONNA HAPPEN UNTIL THE COURTS RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF WHAT WE DO WITH OUR BUDGET NOW.

WE MAY HAVE TO MAKE EVEN MORE CUTS.

IT IS ALL UP IN THE AIR. WOULD YOU BE SUPPORTIVE OF

MAKING THAT CLEAR? >> COMMISSIONER, IN THE BROAD SENSE, YES. I WON'T STATE ANY SPECIFIC PROPOSAL, BUT RECOGNIZING THE STATE AND PARTICULARLY IN THIS INSTANCE IT SHOULD PICK UP THE GREAT SHARE FOR THE SIX NEW

COURTS. >> IT IS BUSINESS FIRST.

YOU GET IT AT THE END OF THE DAY.

WHEN YOU WERE BACK IN THE INDUSTRY YOU HAD TO MEET THE BOTTOM LINE. YOU KNOW, WE GOT -- IN OTHER WORDS, WE HAVE TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS.

YOU DON'T ALWAYS MAKE FRIENDS WHEN YOU DO THAT.

IT WAS A HECK OF A DEAL WHEN I AM A FISCAL CONSERVATIVE.

ONCE THE MONEY IS THERE ALL YOU CAN DO IS DECIDE HOW TO ALLOCATE THE RESOURCES BASED ON WHAT YOU HAVE.

>> WE REFERRED TO THE 1.2 AND 1.3 AND THAT'S TIMES SIX

RECORD -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHERE DID YOU GET IT FROM? I WON'T PUT IT IN NOW, BUT JUST

TO KNOW WHAT THE NUMBER IS. >> IT ADDS UP TO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT. YOU KNOW, IT IS A REAL DECISION ON THE COUNTY'S PART. WE CAN GET SOME STATE SUPPORT

FOR THAT. >> THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO CALLED ME AND I SAID I'M FOR ALL OF THAT.

I'M FOR THAT, BUT WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT.

THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN. THANK YOU FOR TAKING MY CALL TO HAVE YOU SHARE THOUGHTS ON THIS MATTER.

I GUESS TO USE ANOTHER BUSINESS ANALOGY, FOR A GOOD BEAR LINE SOUTHWEST MADE INVESTMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY.

THEY MAY NOT HAVE HAD SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THEY HAD AND COUPLED WITH THE FACT THAT THE PANDEMIC SHOWED US JUST HOW VULNERABLE A LOT OF OUR IN-- INFRASTRUCTURE IS, BUT OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFRASTRUCTURE IN PARTICULAR.

[00:45:03]

I WOULD LOVE TO THINK THAT IN ALL MY YEARS OF CARRYING A BADGE AND GUN I WOULD HAVE -- I BELIEVE I MADE A CONTRIBUTION TO NOT SEEING THE GROWTH OF CRIME CONTINUE THAT IT IS.

NOW, I KNOW THAT THERE IS HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF MORE POLICE OFFICERS THAT HAVE THE SAME COMMITMENT AND EFFORT IN THAT REGARD, BUT IT DOES NOT STOP.

AND TO THE POINT THE REPRESENTATIVE MADE EARLIER, JUSTICE COMES IN TWO FASHIONS. I THINK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS BEEN VERY VOCAL ABOUT JUSTICE FOR OUR VICTIMS. FIRST AND FOREMOST. THAT'S WHERE I'M AT.

OBVIOUSLY BEING A FORMER GRAND JURY FOREMAN FOR THEN JUDGE TED POE, I HAPPENED TO PRESIDE OVER A CASE WHERE A YOUNG MAN WAS INNOCENT AND HAD SAT IN THE COUNTY JAIL FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS UNTIL HIS CASE WAS HEARD. THIS WAS WAY BEFORE THE PANDEMIC. THAT KID SAT THERE THAT LONG.

SO I DON'T MAKE THIS DECISION LIGHTLY, BUT I MAKE IT WITH A LONG LENS INTO THE FUTURE PRIMARILY FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME AND PRIMARILY FOR THOSE WHO ARE FALSELY INCARCERATED OR IMPROPERLY INCARCERATED. JUSTICE COMES IN A LOT OF WAYS.

AND SO I THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

AND I WOULD ASK YOU TO PLEASE STAY TRUE TO YOUR WORDS ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR MORE FUNDING FROM THE STATE TO HELP US TAKE ON THIS RESPONSIBILITY. WE NEED IT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU GOING FORWARD. AND BY THE WAY, I KNOW YOU HAVE ANNOUNCED YOUR RETIREMENT, BUT THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. I HAVE WORKED WITH YOU SINCE MY DAYS OF SHERIFF AND I APPRECIATE OUR CONVERSATIONS.

>> AND I WILL BE HERE THROUGH THE SESSION, COMMISSIONER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU WILL BE NEEDED.

DON'T BE HERE. BE UP THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM?

>> THAT'S IT FOR ITEM 6 AND THE SPEAKERS FOR 500 WERE ALL

[Emergency/Supplemental items (Part 1 of 2)]

UNAVAILABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. LET'S MOVE ON TO EACH OF THE ITEMS AND THE DISCUSSION. THANK YOU, MR. HARVEY.

FIRST IS ITEM 522 AND THIS ONE IS VERY EXCITING.

THE COUNTY IS PUTTING IN OVER $30 MILLION, 31.5 MILLION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: POINT OF ORDER, SINCE WE HAVE CONCLUDED, CAN WE NOT TAKE A VOTE ON THE MOTION I STARTED THE CONVERSATION WITH TAKING A MOTION ON 6.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE TOOK ALL OF THE SPEAKERS FOR ALL OF THE -- OUT OF ORDER ITEMS AND NOW WE ARE TAKING THE OUT OF ORDER ITEMS ONE BY ONE, COMMISSIONER. I MENTIONED THIS BEFORE WE STARTED THE DISCUSSION AND THE ORDER OF THE ITEMS IS 522 AND THEN 6 AND THEN 220 AND 222, 217 AND 500.

IT IS ABOUT THE THIRD TIME I MENTIONED THAT ORDER.

SO ON ITEM 522 -- WE STARTED WITH ITEM 522 AND THAT WAS 31.5 MILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENT. IT IS THE LARGEST INVESTMENT THE COUNTY HAS EVER MADE AS BEST WE CAN TELL IN JOCK -- IN JOBS AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. IT IS A BIG DAY AND A PROUD DAY FOR HARRIS COUNTY. WE APPROVED ALREADY ABOUT $9 MILLION IN APPRENTICESHIPS AND WE APPROVED $13 MILLION IN UPSCALING AND THEN THIS COURT IS ON THE TABLE FOR $9 MILLION MORE IN APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING. WHAT THIS DOES IS IT OFFERS TRAINING AND IT OFFERS JOBS TO FOLKS IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR TYPICALLY FOLKS NOT INTERESTED IN A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE TO WORK IN HIGH-PAY, HIGH-NEED JOBS AND JOBS THAT WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST IN THE FUTURE. THAT IS NURSING.

THAT IS I.T. THAT IS CLEAN ENERGY, GREEN TRANSPORTATION, MANUFACTURING, PLUMBING, ET CETERA.

IT IS INCREDIBLY EXCITING. IT IS GOING TO BE A HUGE DEAL NOT JUST FOR THE WORKERS AND THE FAMILIES WHO ARE GONNA HAVE THESE HIGH-PAYING JOBS, BUT FOR THE EMPLOYERS AND THE FOLKS THAT COME THROUGH THESE APPRENTICESHIP AND UPSCALING PROGRAMS. THERE IS A LOT LESS TURNOVER AND THERE IS VERY, VERY STRONG TRAINING.

THIS IS ALL BEING DONE WITH AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN DOLLARS.

IT IS VERY, VERY EXCITING. YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS A GREAT ITEM AND I WAS OUT AT A LABOR HALL THIS MORNING AND THEY HAD A

[00:50:04]

THE TEST. THE TEST SAYS IT SHOWS YOU WOULD BE A GREAT BRICKLAYER. BEING THE SON OF A YARD MAN AND A MAID I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT HOT SUN IF I TOOK A BRICK MAKER.

I SAID DO YOU MEAN THE TEST SHOWS I WILL OWN A BRICK COMPANY I TOLD THEM AS I LOOK BACK ON MY LIFE IT WOULD BE UNAFFORDABLE TO GET THREE COLLEGE DEGREES NOW. I MEAN, I HAD SCHOLARSHIPS AND SOME SUPPORT AND I WAS LUCKY, BUT THAT'S JUST OUT OF REACH FOR MOST FAMILIES. IF I HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN AND I HAD STUDIED BRICK LAYING, I THINK WITH A LITTLE TENACITY I MIGHT HAVE OWNED A BRICK COMPANY.

I CAN TELL MR. BOB PERRY THIS IS ELLIS HOMES INSTEAD OF PERRY HOMES. I DIDN'T.

THESE ARE GOOD-PAYING JOBS AND THE MEDIAN RETURN ON INVESTMENT IS $144 FOR EVERY $100 INVESTED IN UH PRAEPB TEUS SHIP -- APPRENTICESHIPS. I ENCOURAGED THE YOUNG WOMAN.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET IN ALL THAT DEBT TO GO AND GET THREE DEGREES. YOU WILL OWN THE IRON MAKING COMPANY. I APPRECIATE MY STAFF.

THEY TOOK THE LEAD ON THIS AND THE ARPA COMMITTEE.

I WON'T CALL THE NAMES, BUT THEY DID A GOOD JOB.

I KNOW THREE OF US HERE WHEN WE WERE RUNNING MADE COMMITMENTS AND COULDN'T TALK TO YOU ABOUT IT, BUT THREE OF US MADE COMMITMENTS THAT WE KNEW WHERE THE MONEY WOULD COME FROM.

I APPRECIATE THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND OUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO VOTED FOR THIS FEDERAL FUNDING, AND THE ONES WHO DIDN'T VOTE FOR IT. I HOPE THAT IF IT WORKS, THERE WILL BE FEDERAL INVESTMENTS DOWN THE ROAD TO DO IT AGAIN.

IT IS A GREAT DEAL AND I WOULD BE PROUD TO MAKE A MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER

GARCIA. >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU DID A LITTLE BETTER ON THAT COUNSELING THAN I DID, COMMISSIONER.

I WAS PROGRAMED TO BE IN THE AUTO PARTS STORE.

THE QUESTIONS I HAVE HAVE TO DO WITH SCOPE.

I AM LOOKING AT 15 PROPOSALS. WAS EVERYBODY BIDDING ON THE SAME SCOPE OF WORK. IS THE SCOPE OF WORK DIFFERENT? THE BIDS WERE COMPLETELY, THEY WERE VERY DIFFERENT.

IS IT THE SAME? WERE THEY ALL BIDDING ON THE

SAME SCOPE OF WORK? >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THERE IS EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY AND, YES, SIR, THEY WERE ALL BIDDING ON THE SAME SCOPE OF WORK THE WAY THAT THE SCOPE OF WORK WAS WRITTEN UP FOLKS COULD FOCUS ON CERTAIN AREAS OVER OTHERS.

AND SO EVERY AGENCY THAT SUBMITTED WAS FOCUSING ON THE AREAS THEY HAD EXPERTISE IN. AND THAT'S WHY YOU SAW THE BIG DIFFERENCES IN HOW THEY WOULD -- HOW THEY WERE PLANNING TO

ADDRESS OUR NEEDS. >> SO THEY COULD PICK AND CHOOSE

WHAT TO BID ON? >> IT WASN'T SO MUCH A PICK AND CHOOSE AS WE WANTED THEM TO GIVE US WHAT THEY HAD THE GREATEST EXPERTISE IN BECAUSE THE SCOPE OF WORK WAS RELATIVELY BROAD.

WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WEREN'T GOING INTO AREAS THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE EXPERTISE IN AND THEY REALLY FOCUSED ON AREAS WHERE THEY DID HAVE EXPERTISE IN.

SO FOR EXAMPLE, LAST COURT YOU APPROVED THE FIRST OF THE CONTRACTORS WHICH WAS WITHIN POWER, AND THAT WAS A $1.9 MILLION -- OR A $1.8 MILLION CONTRACT.

IT IS FOR APPRENTICESHIP, TRAINING IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. THAT'S WHAT THEY FOCUSED ON.

IT WAS A SMALLER AMOUNT. FOR THIS CONTRACT IT IS WITH THE TEXAS GULF COAST AREA LABOR FEDERATION.

AND THEY HAVE A BIG CONDOR -- CONSORTIUM OF UNIONS AND THEY WILL BE DOING TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS IN EIGHT DIFFERENT AREAS AND ALSO INCLUDE TWO NEW PROGRAMS THEY WANT TO GET DOL CERTIFICATION FOR SO THEY CAN BECOME DOL REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS. THAT'S WHY THIS ONE IS BIGGER.

IT HAS A BIGGER SCOPE AND IT COVERS MANY MORE APPRENTICESHIP

PROGRAMS. >> TOM RAMSEY: ARE THEY SUB

[00:55:02]

OR IS THIS ALL GOING TO ONE? >> THIS IS ALL GOING TO THE LABOR FEDERATION, BUT THEN THEY ARE WORKING -- THEY HAVE A GROUP OF DIFFERENT UNIONS THAT WILL BE DOING THE TRAINING SPECIFIC TO THEM. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY ARE GOING TO BE DOING IRON WORK AND PIPE FITTING AND PLUMBING, AND ELECTRICAL, ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION, HEAT AND FROST INSULATION, FINISHING TRADES AND SHEET METAL.

AND THEN IN ADDITION THERE IS A NEW PROGRAM WITH METRO TO TRAIN THEIR MECHANICS THAT ARE WORKING ON ZERO EMISSION BUS FEET IN THE FUTURE. THEY ARE WORKING TO GET COHORTS IN TO GET THAT APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE THE MECHANICS READY TO GO TO FULL ZERO EMISSION ON THE BUSES.

THAT'S GREAT TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE AND FOR HOW BIG FEATS GOING TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES. AND THEN THERE IS ANOTHER PROGRAM FOR STAGE HANDS THAT IS ALSO GOING TO BE WORKING TO HAVE A BIG DOL REGISTERED CERTIFICATION.

>> AND FINALLY FOR THIS IT IS COMING FROM WHERE?

>> FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT?

>> TOM RAMSEY: ARPA? IT HAS A THREE-YEAR, FOUR-YEAR?

>> THROUGH 2026. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU.

>> PHR-PB INAUDIBLE -- [INAUDIBLE]

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER

BRIONES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO SAY I AM EXCITED TO HAVE THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

I WANT TO THANK MY STAFF WHO WORKED TIRELESSLY ON THIS EVER SINCE WE GOT INTO OFFICE. I WANT TO MAKE SURE I CAN'T TAKE CREDIT FOR ANY OF THIS BECAUSE LABOR HAS REALLY BEEN THE ONE WHO HAS FOUGHT FOR THIS AND FINALLY THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THIS HAPPEN AND I JUST WANT TO THROW A BIG SHOUTOUT TO ALL OF LABOR AND PAUL FOR HIS LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE TO ADVANCE THIS AND BE AT THE TABLE EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO MONEY.

EVEN WHEN WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE ALL OF THIS HAPPEN. ALL -- ALTHOUGH NOT AN APPRENTICESHIP IN PARTICULAR, THIS WEEKEND I JUST HAD A GRADUATION OF MY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND GOT TO MEET SOME INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEINGS AND THAT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM, THESE FOLKS ARE ALREADY SEEING A CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES FOR HAVING GONE THROUGH THAT, AND IT WAS HEARTWARMING. I WANT TO THANK MY STAFF FOR THEIR WORK ON THIS. BUT ALL THAT BEING SAID IS THAT JUST AS WE'VE BEEN SAYING, THIS IS AN INVESTMENT INTO THE FUTURE OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, IT'S COURTS OR PEOPLE, IT IS INVESTING INTO THE FUTURE AND I AM JUST EXCITED THAT WE ARE ABLE

TO FINALLY MAKE THIS HAPPEN. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

BRIONES. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES.

FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU TO MY COLLEAGUES.

I KNOW YOU SPENT MONTHS AND MONTHS WITH YOUR TEAMS WORKING ON THIS AND THE LABOR LEADERS AND PRESIDENT BIDEN THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. I USED TO TEACH 8TH AND 10TH GRADE AND I THINK OF MY STUDENTS WHO WOULD HAVE TREMENDOUSLY BENEFITED FROM THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A GOOD JOB, GOOD PAY AND GOOD BENEFITS AND BUILD A LIFE AND I ENTHUSIASTIC LIE LOOK -- ENTHUSIASTICALLY LOOK FORWARD TO THIS AND MAKE SURE WE ARE PREPARING OUR COMMUNITIES FOR THE EMERGING AREAS AND THE INDUSTRIES. THANK YOU FOR THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT AND THANK YOU TO LABOR AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE RESULTS. THANK YOU ALL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SHOULD WE MOVE IT NOW?

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S MOVE IT. DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOTION?

>> MAY I BE RECOGNIZED? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, SORRY.

I FORGOT. >> GIVEN THERE WAS A DISCUSSION, I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE RECORD FOR THE PURCHASING AGENT COUNTY ATTORNEY -- [INAUDIBLE] IN THE ISSUE IN

APPROVING THE ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

YES. I'M SORRY.

WE TOOK THESE OUT OF ORDER SO GENERALLY THE OUT OF ORDER ITEMS

[01:00:01]

WE VOTE THEM ONE AT A TIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: BUT LET ME TAKE DAVE'S COMMENT FIRST.

YOU SAID -- LET'S HEAR FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY, PURCHASING AND

THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE? >> I DON'T KNOW THE AUDITOR WOULD BE INVOLVED, BUT PURCHASING AGENT AND COUNTY ATTORNEY WERE INVOLVED AND REVIEWED THE PROCURE MEANT.

I THINK THAT WOULD BE PROEP -- APPROPRIATE FOR THE RECORD GIVEN

THE DISCUSSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

OUR OFFICE WAS INVOLVED HEAVILY IN THE PROCUREMENT, IN THE CONTRACT-DRAFTING PROCESS. WE WORKED WITH PURCHASING AND WE WERE HAPPY WITH THE OUTCOME. I THINK IT IS A GOOD PROCESS FOR

THE COUNTY. >> LINA HIDALGO: PURCHASING?

GO AHEAD, DWIGHT. >> I DON'T HAVE MUCH ELSE TO ADD OTHER THAN WHAT JAY JUST MENTIONED.

WE WORKED CLOSELY FOR THEM. THE REASON FOR THE DELAY IS TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS IN COMPLIANCE.

TO OUR UNDERSTANDING THE PROCUREMENT WAS TIMELY AND TO THE REQUIREMENTS WE NEED TO DO. WE ARE COMFORTABLE WITH THE

PROCUREMENT. >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU ARE OKAY WITH THE VARYING LEVELS OF RESPONSE? THEY GOT TO PICK AND CHOOSE ON WHAT TO DO? YOU'RE GOOD WITH ALL THAT?

>> YES, SIR. WE WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS AND LOOKED AT THE REQUIREMENTS OF EACH VENDOR AND WHAT THEY COULD AND COULDN'T DO AND WHO OFFERED THE BEST VALUE.

WE FELT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT. MOVING FORWARD WE MAY LOOK AT OTHER AREAS, BUT I DON'T SEE ANY ISSUES BEING WITH THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE GOALS OR WHAT WE NEED TO DO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: QUESTIONS, COLLEAGUES? THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION ON ITEM 522? IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

LET'S MOVE ON TO ITEMS 6, 220 AND 222, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: A QUICK QUESTION ON SIX IF I MIGHT.

FROM THE BUDGET OFFICE, DO YOU HAVE A NUMBER -- GIVE US SOME NUMBERS ON WHAT TOTAL COST OF EACH COURT.

>> FOR THE SIX CRIMINAL COURTS, THE BUDGET DIRECTOR FOR THE COUNTY, THE TOTAL COST IS 16.8 MILLION FOR SIX AND THEN THERE WOULD BE AN ESCALATOR EVERY YEAR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU CLARIFY THAT.

>> THE TOTAL COST FOR SIX NEW CRIMINAL COURTS WOULD BE

16.8 MILLION. >> LINA HIDALGO: 16?

>> YES. 16.8 MILLION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU TAKING FACILITY --

>> THIS IS JUST OPERATING COSTS. THIS IS NOT THE FACILITY COST.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO WE HAVE FACILITIES NOW?

>> I DEFER TO THE KOUPB TEENEN -- THE COUNTY ENGINEER ON

THE FACILITY QUESTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICKLY, MY

NOTES SAID IT WAS 4.6. >> FOR THE SIX?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: FOR THE SIX COURTS AT ONCE.

>> LET ME DOUBLE CHECK. MAYBE I'M LOOKING AT AN OLDER VERSION. SORRY.

THE REASON -- THERE'S A -- EACH COURT IS 2.1 MILLION, BUT THERE IS AN OVERHEAD COST TO THE -- TO HAVING SIX COURTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHEN YOU SAY THERE IS AN ESCALATOR, CAN YOU

EXPLAIN THAT? >> THE COST OF HEALTHCARE.

IT WOULD GROW OVER TIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: 16.8 THE FIRST

YEAR OR TWO YEARS? >> IF WE START OCTOBER 1 OF THIS YEAR, THE TOTAL COST IS $ -- 16.8 MILLION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IF YOU STAGGER IT, IT IS 6 THIS YEAR AND 16

NEXT YEAR? >> I BELIEVE THE PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE WOULD BE 3 AND 3. SO IT WOULD BE 8.4 MILLION IN FISCAL YEAR 24 AND THEN AN ADDITIONAL 8.4 IN FISCAL YEAR

25. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? FROM LEGAL, DEPARTMENT -- LEGAL DEPARTMENT SIDE, IF THE LEGISLATURE CREATES THESE, ARE WE OBLIGATED TO DO IT?

>> YES. CORRECT.

SO WE ARE -- IF THE LEGISLATURE CREATES IT, IT'S A SHALL.

MEANING, THE COURT -- THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS TO FUND

IT, HAS TO PROVIDE FOR IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND WHAT IF WE DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY? WHAT WOULD WE DO? WOULD WE HAVE TO CUT SOMETHING ELSE TO DO IT?

>> YES. >> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE STAGGERING, DO WE HAVE

CONTROL -- >> IN TERMS OF STAGGERING, IT WOULD BE -- IT WOULD HAVE TO BE PLACED WITHIN THE STATUTE ITSELF THAT CREATES THE COURTS. IN PREVIOUS ITERATIONS ARE TO DIFFERENT COUNTY ITSELF WILL OFTEN OFTENTIMES BE STAGGERED

[01:05:02]

OVER PERIODS OF TIME. >> IT WOULD HAVE TO BE IN THE

STATUTE OUT. >> AND YOU WERE THERE FOR AWHILE. I AM TRYING TO DO THIS BASED ON MEMORY. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS LIKE A TRADITION THAT SOMEBODY STARTED THAT THE LEGISLATURE WOULD NOT PUT IT IN A BILL. IS THERE SOME REQUIREMENT THAT

WE PASS IT? >> IT IS A TRADITION.

THE LEGISLATURE LOOKS TO A RESOLUTION FROM COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO DIRECT US TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE A -- WHETHER THEY BLOCK IT OR NOT. JUST TO BE CLEAR IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE -- FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO KNOW THE INTENT OF HAIR

COUNTY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW LATE DID WE DO THIS? DO YOU REMEMBER?

>> I DON'T. PERHAPS FOLKS FROM MY GO MAY KNOW, BUT WE DID DO IT LATER. I THINK WE DID IT LATER, BUT I'M

NOT SURE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DR. RAMEN, ARE YOU THERE? DR. RAHMEN? GOOD MORNING. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SPACE.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HEARD THE QUESTION.

DO WE HAVE SPACE FOR SIX COURTS RIGHT AWAY OR STAGGERED THREE AND THREE? ARE THERE FACILITIES? WOULD WE HAVE TO CONSTRUCT NEW FACILITIES?

>> WE DO NOT HAVE A SPACE RIGHT AWAY.

WE DO HAVE SOME DEPARTMENT WITH LEASED SPACE AND SO WE HAVE -- WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DO A REALLOCATION OF A SPACE.

IT MAY BE FINE FOR THREE -- WE HAVE TO GET SPACE AND THAT IS

THE QUICKEST WAY TO DO IT. >> WOULD WE BUILD IT OUT? WOULD WE LEASE SOMETHING AS IT EXISTS? OR WOULD THERE BE A MODIFICATION TO A BUILDING?

>> REGARDLESS OF ANY BUILDING WE WILL HAVE TO DO SOME

MODIFICATIONS. >> DO WE HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THAT

WOULD COST? >> I DON'T HAVE A BALL -- BALLPARK, COMMISSIONER. 550 TO 650.

[INAUDIBLE]. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT WAS THAT AGAIN? WAS THAT PER COURT OR OVERALL

AMOUNT, SQUARE FOOTAGE? >> YEAH.

550 TO 650-DOLLAR TO START WITH, AND WE ARE THINKING 5,000 TO

6,000 OF SPACE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM TRYING TO GET A DOLLAR AMOUNT. I KNOW YOU MAY BE GUESSING, BUT I'M TRYING TO GET A DOLLAR AMOUNT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS YOU ARE DOING THAT, ARE THESE CAPITAL COSTS OR GENERAL FUND COSTS OR OPERATING COSTS?

IS IT CAPITALS IN THE COURT? >> THESE WOULD BE CAPITAL COSTS.

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS DID A QUICK MAP AND THIS WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION TO 4 MILLION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IN TOTAL OR PER COURT?

>> PER COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO CAN YOU GIVE

ME A ROUGH NUMBER. >> THAT'S BASED ON -- --

>> SAY IT AGAIN. >> IT WOULD BE BETWEEN 12,000,016,000,000 FOR THREE COURTS.

>> SORRY, FOR ALL SIX. SORRY FOR ALL SIX IT IS BETWEEN

18 AND 24 MILLION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU SAD -- ARE YOU ADDING THIS TO THE 16.8? SO IT WOULD BE 18 TO 24 AND YOU TALK -- YOU TAKE THE LOWER NUMBER AND THAT IS ABOUT 26 IF MY MATH IS RIGHT, ABOUT 26 MILLION.

IF YOU TOOK THE HIGHER NUMBER YOU BETTER ADD ANOTHER SIX.

THAT'S 24 TO 30. IS MY SLIDE RULE RIGHT?

>> FOR THE FACILITY -- SO 18 PLUS THE 16 MILLION FOR STAFFING

WOULD BE 34 MILLION. >> LINA HIDALGO: FOR SIX?

>> FOR SIX. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S TO START IT OUT. AND THEN ONGOING IS HOW MUCH?

>> 16.8 MILLION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ONGOING EACH

YEARS I16.8. >>OR CRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: FOR THEIX S. >>ES Y.

>> LINA HIDALGO: EACH YEAR IS 16.8.

[01:10:03]

AND -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WOULD LIKE TOUG SGEST THAT WE CAN'TOL HD THISO SAT LEAST WE KNOW. I HAVEO NPROBLEMPE SNDING MONEY WEON D'T HAVE, BUT I WOULDIK LE TO KNOW HOW MUCH'M I SPENDING.

I DON'T THINKT IKILLS ITF IWE WAIT THREE WEEKS, BUT AT LEAST

WEW. KNO >> ADRIAN GARCIA: FIRST OF ALL, IDI AM SAPPOINTED IN THEGE BUDT OFFICE.

I HAD ONE SETNU OF MBERSND A THEN ANOTHERET S OF NUMBERS AND NOW WE ARE WORKINGBE NUMRS ON THE FLY.

THERE REPSENTATIVE IS ASKING FOR THIS TO MOVEED BAS ON THE DYNAMICS SHEWS KNO WELL. LLI WI STAND WITHPO PROSING THAT

WE MOVE FORWARD. >> LINA HIDALGO: COLLEAGUES, I HAVEN'T HADHA A CNCE TO COMMENT ON THISCA SO N I JUMPAN IN D THEN WE WILLR HEAFROM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY B ANDRIONES.

I DID MEET WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE YESTERDAY AND MY TEAM D ANDAVE ANDT WHAWE HEARD IS IT IS OKAY TO T BE --O GOTH REE MORE WEEKS.I DID HAVET THAQUESTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IFEC YOU RALLTH FROM E LAST LEGISLATIVEON SESSI ITT WASN'IN FEBRUARY THAT WE WERECI ADVANNG THIS.LO OK.

I SUPPORT MORE COURTSLL AS WE FOR SURE.

I I THINKT IS A GOOD IDEA. HOWER, I THINK WE DO NEED LOOKHO MORE LISTICALLY AT THEQU ESTION OF THE BUDGET.

WE, VISITEDIO COMMISSNER BRIONE ANI, ONE OF THEIE FACILITS.TH E WAIT LIST FOR KIDST TO GE MENTAL HEALTHCARE IS INTO YEARS.

SOMETIMES ITEA IS 10 YRS.D ANSO WE HAVEDE TO DECI, RIGHT? 18,WE GONNA PUT 12, 16, 24 MILLION DOLLARS INTO KEEPING THEOM KIDS FR GETTING TO THEUR AREIN THE FIRST PLACE, OR WE GOING TO DO ITCO IN THE URTS? WE SAY IT IS AN URGENT PROBLEM AND WE HAVES TO ADDRESIT.QU THE ESTION I HAVENO AND I CANT GET A CLEAR ANSWER QUESTION AS ITH MET WITH EPR REESENTATIVE AND THE LEADERSUR OF O JUDICIAL WECE HAVE REDUD THE BACKLOG 24%. W AND YET HODO WE KNOW THAT IFOV WE ME --TH WE BRING E NEW COURTSS THAT CASEWILL -- NUMBER ONE F WILL MOVEASTERR AND NUMBE TWO THAT THE BACKLOG WILL TRANSLATE INTO A REDUCTION IN THETI JAIL POPULAON.

AND SOD WHAT I WOULLIKEHA IS TO COUNTYOFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR TO WORK OFFICENT OF MANAGEME AND BUDGET WITH THE COURTS. THAT'S THE CONVERSATION HAVE BEGUNND WEEKS AGO A WEUE CONTIND YESTERDAY ANDRE OTHER LEVANT D ENTITIES TOETERMINEIC SPECIFALLYTI TO THE ADDIONAL A COURTSND THEN REDUCTION IIL THE JA POPULATION.

THAT REDUCTION IS NOT THEREW. RIGHT NO AND NUMBERWH TWO, EXACTLY ERE -L WHERE WOD THIS MONEYOM COME FR?DO WE JUST N'TIL KNOW HOW WE WL PAY FOR THESEN COURTS, AND ITHO INTERESTF THE COUNTY ANDAN BEING TRSPARENT TO THE COMMUNITY, I WANT TO BE ABLE TO SAY,VE IF WE HA NO NEWIL REVENUE, WE WLVE STILL HA TO PAY SALARIES T WE HAVEO PAY WE PAYAL FOR PUBLIC HETH OR WETH PAY FOR E COURTS. KI JUST WANT TONOW CLEARLY WHAT WE ARERE DISCUSSING HE. AND JUST TO LAY IT ALL OUT ON A CULTURETHERE WAS WHEN WE HEADED-E TO THE RELECTION, BRIONES -- [INAUDIBLE], BUT THEY DID M WANT TO ASK FORORE O MONE. WEUGHT TO HIRE 1,000 POLICE

OFFICERS.N >> ADRIAGARCIA: JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'MCO SPEAKING, MMISSIONER.

WE OUGHTWE TO DO THIS AND OUGHT TO A DO --

>>DRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS --HI >> LINA DALGO: AND EVENAT THOUGH TH IS HAPPENING, YOU KNOW, THEYAB FEEL VERY COMFORTLE AND THEY CREATE A CULTURE T LEADING INTOHE ELECTION SAYING, YOUNT KNOW, I WA THIS, AND THEY -- [INAUDIBLE] WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TURNING RIGHT AROUND NOT APPROVE [INAUDIBLE]. PAY FOR THAT THAT IS GASLIGHTING, GOOD OLD BOYT' CULTURE. LES BE REAL.

ALL OF US ARE SMART PEOPLE. LET'S HAVE A TRANSPARENT CONSA SRER -- CONVERTION.AN OF COURSE WE WT ALL COURTS.

LET'S FIND OUT WHAT ITT COSTS D NODO WHAT WE DID LAST TIME.

$5 MILLION WE GAVE FOR NOEV REAN RUSHED THROUGH WITHOUT DISCUSSION AND THAT $5 MILLION COULD HAVE GONE. TO THOSE KIDSE THEY COULD HAVGONE TO THESE

[01:15:03]

COMMISSIONER BRIONES. I >> TOM RAMSEY: FIND IT INTERESTINGME THAT ANY TIME SOBODY DOESN'TTH AGREE WITH SOMEING THEY CAUGHT IT POLITICAL.

THEY CALL IT POLITICAL.O: >> LINA HIDALG I R AGREE.

>> TOMAMSEY: IA THINK THERE IS SENSE OF URGENCY.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A BUDGETIN THAT WILL BE DONE SEPTEMBER.

WE DON'T EVENWE KNOW THE REVENUS ARE TALKING ABOUT.

SO EVERYBODY IS ASSUMING THERE WILL BE NO MORE REVENUES.

MAYBE THAT IS THE ASSUMPTION EVERYBODY SHOULD MAKE I HOPE BETWEEN NOW AND SEPTEMBER WHEN WE DO THE BUDGET WE WILL HAVE A LEGITIMATE WASTEFUL SPENDING CONVERSATION THAT WE SPEND -- I CAN FIND $16 MILLION T WE SPENDN THINGSHAT ARETO REALLY NOT IN THE P 10. THIS IS IN THE TOP 10.

AGAIN, I APPRECIATEN WHAT HAS BEEN PUT O THE TABLE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SECONDING THE MOTION AS COMMISSIONERTH GARCIA HAS PUT OUT ERE. I THINK IT'S CLEAR THAT WE NEED TOTU BE CLEAR WITH THE LEGISLARE I THINK -- IN A BIPARTISAN WAY.

THE REPRESENTATIVEO CAME HERE TODAY TO G BACK TO AUSTIN AND COMMUNICATE IN A BIPARTISAN WAY THAT, YES, WE WANT TO DO COURT.

YES,T WE WILL HAVE TO FIGURE OU HOW TO PAY FOR IT.

ONCE WE FIGURE OUT THE REVENUESR WE DON'T KNOW WHAT O REVENUES WILL BE IN SEPTEMBER. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT OUR BUDGET WILL BE IN SEPTEMBER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING A BUDGET CONVERSATION IN SEPTEMBER WHEN WE DEAL WITH OUR PRIORITIES BUT TO SAY, WELL, WE ARE NOT GOING TO DO SOMETHING TODAY FOR WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN SEPTEMBER I THINK IS IRRESPONSIBLE.MI

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMSSIONER BRIONES AND THEN COMMISSIONER

ELLIS.NE >> COMMISSIONER BRIOS: THANK YOU. A COUPLE OF QUICK POINTS.

IN ADDITION TO CLEARING THE BACKLOG, FUNDAMENTALLY Q IMPORTT TO ME IS THEUALITY OF JUSTICE BEING ADMINISTERED HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY BOTH TO VICTIMS, BUT EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO THE INDIVIDUALS ACCUSED AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE UPHOLDING THEIRFI CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. VE MINUTES TO DEPOSE A CASE I WOULD ARGUE IS NOT THE LEVEL OF JUSTICE WE ASPIRE TO.

AS A FORMER JUDGE, I KNOW THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED FOR ADDITIONAL COURTS. FRANKLY, MORE THAN SIX.W WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT HO WE WOULD PAY FOR SIX IF THAT IN FACT GARNERS THE MAJORITY VOTE. WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT ARE THE CAPITAL COSTS THAT MAYBE WE CAN USE ARPA FOR VERSUS ONGOING COSTS. AND BETWEEN THE 27LL YEARS THAT COMMISSIONER EIS ANDAN ALL OF THE RELATIONSHIPS DY THE EXPERIENCE AND MAYBE M EXPERIENCE AS A JUDGE, HOW CAN WE TRY TO GO TO AUSTIN TO MAKE THIS CRITICAL INVESTMENT.

AND EVEN IF WE DIDN'T HAVE A BACKLOG, I ARGUE THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE, A.

B, POPULATION GROWTH. WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN AMPLE COURTS GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS GROWTH. AND EVEN IF EVERYTHING WERE FROZEN TODAY WE NEED THEM, BUT IT IS NOT FROZEN.

IT IS CONTINUING TO GROW. I HAVE MANY THOUGHTS ON THIS, BUT OUT OF RESPECT TO EVERYONE'S TIME I WOULD LIKE TO PLEASE INVITE JUDGE PAYNE, IF YOU ARE ON, WOULD YOU SHARE THE PERSPECTIVE FROM THE JUDICIARY AS TO THE NEED AND THES POTENTIL

IMPACT THESE COURT WOULD HAVE K. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND TO BEHRE I AGREE THAT WE NEED THIS. I AGREE THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT NEEDS TO BE PAID MORE AND I DID LAST TIME AND THAT'S WHY I PROPOSED A HUNDRED-DOLLAR INCREASE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT COLLEAGUES DIDN'T SHOW UP FOR.

I AM JUST SAYING LET'S NOT RUSH FORWARD AND FIGURE OUT WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY NO TO TO SAY YES TO THIS.

THERE IS NO REASON WE HAVE TO PASS THIS RIGHT NOW, RIGHT NOW, RIGHT NOW TODAY WITHOUT KNOWING THE INFORMATION ENTIRELY.

SO OF COURSE WE NEED MORE COURTS.

OF COURSE WE NEED DUE PROCESS. TO ME IT IS NOT ABOUT THE BACKLOG. IT IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE IN THE JAIL AND DUE PROCESS. IT IS ABOUT ALL OF IT.

IT IS ALSO ABOUT COST. TIFFANY, DO YOU HAVE JUDGE PAYNE

ON THE LINE? >> SHE IS ON THE WEBEX.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

>> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. I -- [INAUDIBLE]OU

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: CAN Y SPEAK UP?

>> I'M SORRY.. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE YOU GO

>> LET ME TURN UP THE VOLUME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN HEAR YOU

[01:20:02]

NOW. >> WONDERFUL.

I HAVE BEEN HERE SINCE THE BEGINNING WATCHING ALL OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND HEARING THE REMARKS OFEY REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON AND HARV. I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THIS DISCUSSION. IN MY PRIOR DISCUSSIONS EVERYONE HAS BEEN SUPPORTIVE OF THE SITUATIONS WE FIND OURSELVES IN.

AFTER MORE THAN 40 YEARS TO THE COURTS AND ADDITION TO THE DOCKETS, THE DOCKETS HAVE BALLOONED.

THAT MEANS ACROSS ALL DIVISIONS IT IS SUB PAR AND NOT TO THE LEVEL THAT THEY SHOULD GET BECAUSE OF THE TIME IT TAKES TO REACH THIS POSITION. AND I KNOW THAT HARRIS COUNTY -- THAT YOU ARE INVOLVED IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE YOU SHOWED US THAT. YOU WERE MAKING SURE WE COULD TRY CASES IN THE PANDEMIC. SO WHAT I WOULD SAY ABOUT THE REASON WHY YOU ARE PRESENTING -- I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND WE ARE TALKING SIX, BUT THE RESOLUTION WE PROVIDED TO THE COURT ASKED FOR 16 DISTRICT COURTS JUST TO START ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. WE PRESENTED IT EARLY BECAUSE WE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE LAST CYCLE, THE LATE SORT OF RUSH TO APPROVE COURT -- THE ONE COURT THAT WAS APPROVED, THE LAST CYCLE THAT YOU ALL WOULD HAVE APPRECIATED GETTING THIS INFORMATION SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. AND THAT'S WHY WE PUSHED TO GET THIS BEFORE YOU TO START THE DISCUSSION AND GET AS MANYE INFORMATION TO YOU AS POSSIBLE. TH LAST THING I'LL SAY IS THE NUMBERS ARE SOMETHING I LEAVE TO YOU TO FIGURE OUT.

I'M NOT DELVING INTO THE DETAILS OF ACCOUNTING'S BUDGET.

I SAID BEFORE, I DON'T KNOW WHERE ALL THE POCKETS ARE.

I LEAVE THAT TO YOU, BUT I DO ADVOCATE FOR THE ADDITION OF THE COURTS. WE NEED THEM ACROSS ALL LOCATIONS BECAUSE THE DOCKETS HAVE GROWN BY A HUNDRED PERCENT IN THE LAST 40 YEARS. AND I AM HERE TO ANSWER ANY

QUESTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU

JUDGE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS. I DON'T HAVE A QUESTION, BUT I APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE. WHEN WE CHATTED BRIEFLY I WOULD SAY THE SAME THING TO MY COLLEAGUES AS I SAID TO YOU.

WE DO HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. I SAW SOMEBODY IN AUSTIN AND THEY SAID THIS IS NOT HEB. WITH HEB YOU HAVE TO COME IN WITH THE MONEY. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A CREDIT CARD.

YOU JUST ROLLED DOWN THE AISLE AND PICKING UP STUFF WITH HEB.

YOU HAVE TO PAY TPO*R. IT IT PASSED ON APRIL 13TH, TWO YEARS AGO. I'M GUESSING.

FROM MY EXPERIENCE THERE WERE PEOPLE AT HARRIS COUNTY EVEN IF THEY DIDN'T PASS A RESOLUTION AND SOMETIMES YOU JUST GET A CALL. THE COUNTY WAS ASKING FOR COURTS IN THE PAST AND COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF THE LEGISLATURE.

IT DOES NOT COME THAT EASILY. I WOULD JUST RESPECTFULLY ASK MICHAEL -- ASK MY COLLEAGUES BECAUSE THE WAY THE LAW WORKS ONCE A COURT PASSES THE LEGISLATURE YOU FUND IT.

WE ALREADY HAVE A NUMBER OF UNFUNDED MANDATES.

I WOULD RESPECTFULLY SUGGEST THAT WE WILL TAKE THE BREAK TO A COUPLE WEEKS TO FIGURE IT OUT. I HEARD RUMORS ABOUT A REQUEST FOR COURTS BEING ON THE AGENDA AND THE JUDGES WILL CALL THEM I.

THAT'S WHERE I HEARD THE RUMOR. BECAUSE WE ARE WHERE WE ARE, WE HAVE TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS. I'M RUNNING THE NEXT GO AROUND.

IF WE HAVE TO ASK THE VOTERS FOR MONEY, I'LL TAKE MY HITS.

YOU HAVE TO PUT IT ON THE BALLOT TO DO IT, BUT THAT WILL BE A LONELY CONVERSATION. IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO WATCH AND THERE WILL BE ALWAYS SOME REASON, I WOULD BE FOR IT, BUT, OR IT WAS FOR THIS. BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED, IT IS NOT A BIPARTISAN DECISION, MIGHT I ADD.

MAY BE ONE OR TWO THAT VOTED FOR IT.

THE LAW IS WHAT THE LAW IS. I AM ACCUSTOMED TO FOLLOWING LAWS I DON'T AGREE WITH. BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS.

AND IF WE CAN DELAY T I JUST SEND -- IF WE CAN DELAY IT, I WILL JUST SEND AROUND SOME LANGUAGE.

IT IS A BIG RUSH TO DO SOMETHING TODAY.

[01:25:01]

WHEREAS THE LEGISLATURE IMPOSED REVENUE CAPS ON THE SENATE BILL TO PREVENT REVENUE AND NUMEROUS VITAL NEEDS FACING OUR REGION.

NOT JUST HEALTHCARE, YOU NAME IT, WHATEVER IT IS.

IT IS MORE DIFFICULT TO DO THAT. BE IT RESOLVED THAT LEADS TO THE ADDITION OF CREATION OF COURTS IS CONTIN SKWREPT ON A STATE LEGISLATURE PROVIDING 70% OF THE FUNDING FOR THE COSTS OF OPERATING NEW COURTS. STATE FUNDING SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOTLY LIMITED TO FUNDING FOR ALL -- BUT NOT LIMITED TO FUNDING FOR ALL SUPPLIES AND ASSOCIATED CAPITAL COSTS IN CREATING NEW COURTS FOR A PERIOD OF NO LESS THAN 10 YEARS WHEN THE AFOREMENTIONED REVENUE CAPS ARE REPEALED.

THAT COULD BE TWEAKED AND CHANGED.

JUST KNOWING THAT WHEN OUR DISTINGUISHED FRIENDS THAT WE THINK A LOT ARE CALLING, IT DOESN'T RUSH TO DO SOMETHING.

THIS YEAR AS LATE AS TWO YEARS AGO, NO ONE IS IN THE EMERGENCY CALL. ANYBODY CAN RAISE A POINT OF ORDER IN AUSTIN BECAUSE IT IS NOT IN THE CALL.

>> REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON, I AM HAPPY TO CALL HER AGAIN, BUT CAN WE HAVE THREE WEEKS SO WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE SAYING NO TO BY SAYING YES TO ALL OF THESE COURTS? AND SHE SAID YES, YOU CAN HAVE THREE WEEKS.

>> AND I THINK SHE -- I AM JUST ASKING MY COLLEAGUES, WAIT.

IF YOU WOULD HAVE ASKED ME THE BEST WAY TO TRY AND GO GET THE STATE TO PUT IN MORE MONEY INSTEAD OF THE TRADITIONAL MATCH I WOULD SAY GO TALK TO THEM BEFORE YOU PUT IT IN A RESOLUTION. YOU GOT ME? THEY MAY NOT AGREE AND THEY DON'T KNOW.

THE EASIEST THING FOR SOMEBODY TO SAY IS IT IS DEAD ON ARRIVAL UNLESS YOU DO IT THE WAY I WANT IT DONE.

IT IS DIFFICULT. A LOT OF THINGS WE WANT TO DO ON THE LOCAL LEVEL ARE DEAD ON ARRIVAL BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE

THE MONEY. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVE TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION AS

PRESENTED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I WANT TO OFFER A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT AND GET IT VOTED ON.

IT MAY GO DOWN, BUT I WANT TO OFFER A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT, A MOTION TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION UNDER ITEM 6 WHICH I THINK I

PASSED OUT. >> THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT IS TO BASICALLY SAY IF YOU'RE GONNA IMPOSE A REVENUE CAP -- I MEAN, WHAT IF WE HAVE A REVENUE CAP -- IF COLLEAGUES ARE IN A RUSH DESPITE -- WHATEVER. WHAT WOULD IT MEAN IF A REVENUE CAP IS IMPOSED AND WE HAVE TO PAY $34 MILLION PLUS FOR STARTING IT UP AND 16.8 MILLION EACH YEAR 1234* THE CAPITAL COSTS WOULD BE CALCULATED AND THE ONGOING OPERATING I THINK AT THIS POINT WE ARE CLOSE TO IF WE ADD NEW SPENDING WE HAVE TO CUT

SOMEWHERE ELSE. >> YOU KNOW THAT SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE? THAT'S IMPRESSIVE.

>> IS IT ASSUMING IT IS WITHOUT COMPTROLLER?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE HEARING IS IN TWO WEEKS AND SO WE CAN WAIT

THREE WEEKS. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN I MAKE A SUBSTITUTE MOTION THAT WE TAKE IT UP AT THE COURT WHEN WE HAVE PROPER NUMBERS TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD SECOND THAT, BUT I WAS JUST TRYING TO, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, SEE IF WE CAN WAIT.

OR EVEN IF YOU WANT TO COME BACK IN TWO WEEKS.

I REALLY THINK RESPECTIVELY WE ARE VOTING BLIND RIGHT NOW.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHAT THE PAST COURT USED TO DO.

IT WAS THE SAME GOOD OLD BOY THING AND VOTE FOR EVERYTHING.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND ALL FIVE OF US.

AT LEAST WE OUGHT TO KNOW, TOM, WHERE WE ARE.

>> TOM RAMSEY: REFERENCES TO GOOD OLD BOY, COMMISSIONER,

THAT'S NOT NEEDED. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS THE TRUTH

OF IT, COMMISSIONER. >> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS NOT NEEDED.

WE CAN HAVE A HEALTHY CONVERSATION WITHOUT NAME CALLING. AND I WOULD APPRECIATE US DOING THAT. WE HAD A SESSION ON DECORUM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T TAKE BACK WHAT I SAID.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I KNOW YOU DON'T. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM TRYING TO

CHANGE THE CULTURE.AN >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I THINK IT IS IMPORTT WE FOCUS ON THE WORK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE WORK IS LET'S GET THE INFORMATION.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I AM STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF THE COURTS AND I WANT TO FIND A VERY CLEAR WAY, WHAT WILL BE ONE-TIME FUNDING AND WHAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO ASK THE STATE BOARD AND ONGOING EXPENSES AND THE COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS VERSUS OPPORTUNITY COSTS. AND SO I AM STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF THE COURTS AND STRONGLY IN FAVOR OF KNOWING WHAT THE SOLUTION IS.

SO I AGREE THAT MOVING THIS TO THE NEXT MEETING AND THEN MAKING

[01:30:01]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I WILL FOLLOW YOUR LEAD.

LET ME JUST OFFER A COUPLE OF COMMENTS.

NUMBER ONE, IT WAS NOVEMBER 14TH OF LAST YEAR THAT REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON FILED THIS BILL.

IT WAS DECEMBER 6TH THE OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATION RELEASED A WORKLOAD ANALYSIS SAYING HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURTS HAVE A DEFICIT OF 56 JUDICIAL LAW CLERKS.

IT WAS LATE JANUARY OF THIS YEAR THAT THE DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATION MADE ROUNDS TO COURTS AND THE COURT OFFICES TO MAKE THE CASE FOR 16 COURTS. THE FACT THAT THE BUDGET OFFICE ISN'T READY FOR THIS OR THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR IS NOT READY FOR THIS ISN'T BECAUSE THIS JUST DROPPED OUT OF THE SKY. I WILL FOLLOW THE JUDGE'S LEAD AND I WILL ACCEPT A DELAY FOR THE NEXT COURT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO WANT TO SAY, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF WE WANT TO COME BACK IN TWO WEEKS OR A WEEK, YOU KNOW, I WOULDN'T -- YOU KNOW, THERE ARE A LOT OF BILLS BEING FILED AND ALL KINDS OF STUFF.

OF COURSE OUR TEAM, THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE BUDGET

OFFICE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF WE CAN PUT THIS ON AN EMERGENCY MEETING I'M HAPPY TO DO THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THREE WEEKS WILL WORK, BUT -- THERE IS A HOUSING ITEM WE HAVE COMING UP BY THE WAY WHERE THEY ARE TRYING TO WORK OUT SOME LANGUAGE SO THE VERY FOLKS WHO HELPED FILE THE TITLE 6 COMPLAINT WHO HELPED US GET THIS MONEY DOESN'T FILE ONE ON US. IF THEY DON'T WORK IT OUT I MAY SUGGEST THAT. IN NO WAY AM I TRYING TO STOP THE ISSUE. I AM JUST SAYING WE GOT SOME TOUGH -- FORGET THE ELECTIONS. I GET THAT.

I'VE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS OF CAM PAN -- CAMPAIGNING FOR AND AGAINST PEOPLE. BUT WHEN IT IS OVER WITH, HAVE I TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE IT WORK.

AND WE HAVE SOME TOUGH DECISIONS.

WHAT I SEE, RESPECTFULLY, WE WILL COME IN ALLOW OUR FRIENDS TO LEAN ON US. THEY FORGET THEY HAVE A CREDIT CARD FOR HEB AND THEY ARE LOOKING FOR THERAPIES OF IT.

WE -- THEIR PIECE OF IT. WE LOOK AT HOW WE HANDLE INDIGENT DEFENSE AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, GO DOWN THE ROAD, JUVENILE JUSTICE. THEY ARE TOUGH ISSUES.

WE HAVE TO SEE IF THERE ARE THREE OF US THAT WILL LET THE

PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY. >> TOM RAMSEY: APPRECIATE YOU BRINGING IT TO THE TABLE, AGAIN. I THINK THERE IS A SENSE OF URGENCY HERE. I THINK WE ARE SENDING THE WRONG MESSAGE TO AUSTIN, TEXAS WITH THE DELAY.

IF THE INTENT IS TO KILL IT, DELAY IS ONE WAY TO DO IT.

DELAYING IT A COUPLE WEEKS IN SOME PEOPLE'S MIND MAY NOT BE A PROBLEM. I JUST THINK WE'RE SENDING THE WRONG MESSAGE AND IF WE NEED TO -- I THINK WE DO, WE NEED TO SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE TO AUSTIN THAT WE DO NEED MORE COURTS.

IT IS IMPORTANT. SEND A BIPARTISAN MESSAGE TO AUSTIN THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DO THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AGREE. T >> TOM RAMSEY: THE REPRESENTATIVE DIDN'T HAVEO COME HERE TODAY.

SHE CAME HERE TODAY. IF WE WANT TO DELAY, WE ARE NOT GONNA KNOW -- I'M TELLING YOU WE WON'T KNOW MORE ABOUT THE BUDGET THREE WEEKS FROM NOW THAN WE KNOW TODAY.

I'M SAYING WE DO THE BUDGET IN THE SUMMER.

WE WILL KNOW REVENUE AND KNOW MORE ABOUT REVENUE AND KNOW MORE ABOUT COSTS. BUT AGAIN, I'M JUST SITTING HERE AND AGREE WITH YOU THAT WE NEED TO DO IT TODAY FOR A LOT OF GOOD REASONS TO TRY TO GET US SIX MORE COURTS.

I DON'T AGREE WITH DELAYING, BUT IF THAT'S WHAT IT IS, IT IS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: JUST SO WE ARE CONNECTING APPLES AND APPLES, THERE WAS A WORKLOAD ANALYSIS DONE THAT THE ANALYST OFFICE SENT AROUND. NOTHING IS BEHIND WHERE IT WAS TWO YEARS AGO. WHEN WE FILED A RESOLUTION TWO YEARS AGO IT WAS IN APRIL AND RIGHT NOW IT IS FEBRUARY 21ST. I KNOW MY BIRTHDAY WAS TWO DAYS AGO, AND SO THAT WAS APPLES AND APPLES.

WORKLOAD IS DECEMBER 6TH. THE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS, I HAVE IT AND I CAN SHOW IT TO THE COURT.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I KNOW -- AND THIS IS WHAT I'M GONNA MOVE THIS COURT PAST. YOU SOUND REALLY NICE WHEN YOU SAY SIX COURTS, BUT I REMIND YOU THAT THIS IS $30 MILLION AT MOST. THAT'S THE START UP COST.

AFTER THAT IT IS 16. WE HAVE ON THIS TABLE $100 MILLION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY WHICH DIDN'T HAPPEN BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T SHOW UP TO VOTE. WE HAD FIVE MEETINGS, THE THREE

[01:35:03]

WE HAD PHONE CALLS AND PERSONAL PHONE CALLS.

I'M NOT GONNA STOP REMINDING PEOPLE THAT THIS CULTURE OF SAYING ONE THING WITH ONE SIDE OF YOUR MOUTH AND ANOTHER THING WITH ANOTHER SIDE OF YOUR MOUTH, NO MORE GASLIGHTING.

WE WOULD HAVE MORE MONEY IF FOLKS HAD BEEN HERE TO SET AN APPROPRIATE TAX RATE. WE DON'T HAVE THAT MONEY, AND SO YOU CAN'T JUST WITH A STRAIGHT FACE AND A SMILE SAY I WOULD LOVE FOR THIS TO EXIST. AND I WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBATE COURTS AND DISTRICT COURTS BROUGHT THEIR OWN ITEMS AS WELL. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED WHETHER OR NOT COMMISSIONER GARCIA PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.

I SUPPORT IT AS MUCH AS YOU DO, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BUT I BELIEVE WE NEED TO MOVE PAST HAVING CONVERSATIONS IN A WAY THAT IS GASLIGHTING THE COMMUNITY.

WE SHOULD HAVE LEFT THAT BEHIND IN NOVEMBER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK THE COMMISSIONERS AGREED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL HOLD ON 6, 220 AND 222.

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD?AN >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I JUST WANTED TO THK YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THE JUDGES, FOR BRINGING IT FORWARD.

WE ASK IF WE CAN HAVE VERY CLEAR INFORMATION ABOUT THE ONE-TIME IN -- ONE-TIME INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED COSTS AND WHERE KEY -- WHERE WE CAN FUND THAT FROM BASED ON THE INFORMATION WE HAD TODAY. I AM GOING TO BE READY IN THE NEXT MEETING TO VOTE ON IT BECAUSE I FUNDAMENTALLY KNOW WE

NEED THE COURTS. >> TOM RAMSEY: CLEARLY WE WON'T FUND THAT UNTIL THE NEXT BUDGET YEAR?

>> THAT WOULD BE CORRECT. JUST TO BE CLEAR, FOR THE 6

CRIMINAL COURTS? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE GENERAL JURISDICTION, SIX GENERAL JURISDICTION THE WAY THE ITEM CURRENTLY READS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DISTRICT COURTS.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: IF YOU WANT TO MODEL OUT -- SORRY, THIS IS ME THINKING LIKE THE LSAT EXAM, TRAP A, TRAP B, TRAP C.

>> WE HAVE THE COST PER -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: TO BE CLEAR, WHERE WILL WE PUT THEM AND WHAT WOULD THE COSTS BE FOR TECHNOLOGY, ET CETERA. AND I KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE COSTS FOR THE D.A. AND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER AND THE BAY -- BAILIFFS AND THE COURT REPORTER, JUST MAKING IT CLEAR SO WE CAN

UNDERSTAND. >> I'M SORRY, FOR CLARIFICATION,

WE ARE GOING TO HOLD -- >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION.

>> NO ACTION FOR 6, 220 AND 222. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT.

LET'S MOVE TO 217 AND 500. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE TAKE -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BY THE WAY. WE NEED A 10-MINUTE BREAK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S BREAK UNTIL NOON.

IT IS 11:44.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. IT IS 12:02 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. AND NOW WE WILL CONTINUE WITH

[Departments (Part 2 of 2)]

TO PRESENT? >> YES.

I'M RIGHT HERE, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THERE SHOULD BE A PRESENTATION ON THE SCREEN, TIFFANY? OKAY. WE ARE HERE FOR TWO REASONS.

ONE IS TO DESCRIBE WHERE WE ARE ON THE STUDY OF TAKING THE DELINQUENT ADELORUM DISTINCTS IN HOUSE.

WE WERE ASKED TO STUDY IT IN-HOUSE AND GIVE A PROGRESS REPORT AND SEEKING APPROVAL TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS IF THE COURT CHOOSES TO GO IN THAT DIRECTION. THE NEXT STEPS ARE GOING TO BE APPROVE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF POSITIONS FOR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THAT'S ITEM 217.

AND THEN TO GIVE DIRECTION ON PRESENTING A FINAL TRANSITION PLAN PROBABLY AT ONE OF THE NEXT TWO COMMISSIONERS' COURTS.

WITH ME I HAVE TIFFANY BINGE -- TIFFANY BINGHAM WHO IS A MANAGER IN OUR OFFICE AND AMY HAHN WHO IS OUR TAX COLLECTION AND COLLECTION GURU. SHE RUNS THE TOLL ROAD PROGRAM.

AND SHE IS ALSO HERE TO MAKE SURE WHAT I SAY IS NOT COMPLETELY INCORRECT. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

THE PREVIOUS COURT ACTIONS ON THIS AND I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND THE COURT THAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR A FEW YEARS IN 20 KWUPB -- 2019. THERE WAS A CREATION OF THE WORKING GROUP AND THEN THE PANDEMIC HIT AND THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SUBMITTED A REPORT ON THAT ISSUE. WITH THE PANDEMIC IN FULL SWING IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BRING IN-HOUSE AT THE TIME.

LAST MAY THEY HAD A PLAN TO BRING THE TAX COLLECTIONS IN HOUSE. WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS BRING YOU

[01:40:01]

THIS INVOLVES A LOT OF DIFFERENT GROUPS IN THE COUNTY.

IT IS THE COUNTY AND PORT OF HOUSTON AND HOSPITAL DISTRICT AND FLOOD CONTROL AND MEETING WITH THE STAKEHOLDERS INCLUDING THE TAX OFFICE TO IDENTIFY ITEMS AND START TO DEVELOP OUR LEGAL TEAM. THIS IS A LARGE-STAFFING OPTION WE WILL NEED 56 NEW LAWYERS AND STAFF TO BRING THIS IN HOUSE, 56. AND DEVELOP A CALL CENTER.

THE NEXT STEP IS TAKING THIS PIECE OF WORK AND BUILDING ON IT AND TRANSITIONING AT SOME POINT WHEN THE COURT DECIDES IT'S TIME. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TAKING THIS IN HOUSE. I KNOW THE PAST HAS BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THE AUTOMATIC PENALTY THAT ATTACHES ON JULY 1ST AND IT IS A PENALTY THAT IS CONTRACTED WITH THEM.

THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE WON'T BE COLLECTING A 15% PENALTY IF WE HAVE TO FILE SUIT ON THESE TAXES, BUT IT GIVES THE COUNTY A LOT MORE FLEXIBILITY TO DEVELOP PAYMENT PLANS FOR FOLKS WHO FOR WHATEVER REASON MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PAY THEIR TAXES AND TO DO IT

OUTSIDE THE COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN I MAKE A

POINT HERE, JUDGE? >> YEAH.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: UNDER THE CURRENT STATE LAW WE ARE COMPENSATED FOR LEGAL EXPENSES IS THAT CORRECT? WHOEVER COLLECTS IT, IF SOMEBODY IS NAIVE ENOUGH TO THINK YOU CAN ARGUE THAT YOU DID -- IT IS BLACK AND WHITE, PARDON THE PUN.

YOU PAID OR YOU DIDN'T PAY. >> RIGHT.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO DO IT. WE WOULD FOLLOW SUIT AND WE WOULD GET A 15% AND PENALTIES AND INTEREST.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF THEY GET THE 15% PENALTY AND LEGAL FEES, IS

THAT CORRECT? >> IT IS ONE OR THE OTHER.

BUT THEY GET THE LEGAL FEES AUTOMATICALLY.

AND SO THAT'S THE 50% AUTOMATIC PENALTY THAT ATTACHES WHEN THE FILES ARE TURNED OVER BY THE TAX OFFICE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW HOW OFTEN SOMEBODY IS NAIVE ENOUGH TO ARGUE THAT THEY DID OR DID NOT PAY?

I MEAN, THAT IS KIND OF CLEAR. >> I WILL ASK ABOUT THAT.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

THE AUTOMATIC PENALTY IS ASSESSED ON ALL 100,000 ACCOUNTS. AUTOMATICALLY ON JUNE 1.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUNE 1 OR JULY 1?

>> JULY 1. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC PENALTY.

15% ACROSS THE BOARD TO ALL OF OUR DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ONLY IF YOU CONTRACT WITH AN OUTSIDE LAW

FIRM. >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: UNDERSTATE LAW THAT PASSED FOR A WHOLE HOST OF REASONS WE WON'T GO INTO NOW. IT IS OBVIOUS THERE WAS A VENDOR

BILL. >> THAT IS CORRECT, COMMISSIONER, BUT I DID GO TO AUSTIN AND TRIED TO CHANGE THAT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: GOOD LUCK. >> THERE WERE A LOT WHO SPOKE

AGAINST IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: BUT THE PENALTY FOR THE LEGAL FEE IS SOMEBODY -- LIKE IF I OWE A THOUSAND DOLLARS. COME JULY 1ST AND I HAVEN'T PAID IT, HOW OFTEN DO PEOPLE -- YOU'RE GONNA GET THE 15% PENALTY THERE. HOW OFTEN WILL PEOPLE ARGUE THAT THEY DID PAY WHEN THE AGENCY IS SAYING THEY DIDN'T PAY?

>> THEY SAY THEY PAID BEFORE JULY 1?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NO. HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO

COURT? >> OH, HOW OFTEN DO THEY GO TO

COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SOMEBODY ARGUED

I DID PAY. >> THEY GO TO COURT FOR A DIFFERENT OF REASONS. THE LAWSUIT IS 400 TO 500.

>> YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT DO THEY SAY? EITHER YOU PAID OR DIDN'T PAY.

>> THAT IS CORRECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT DO THEY

SAY? >> THE ODDS ARE AGAINST THEM, RIGHT? EITHER YOU PAID OR DIDN'T PAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO I GUESS YOU WANT TO DRAG IT OUT ALT BIT BEFORE YOU LOSE -- DRAG IT OUT A LITTLE BIT BEFORE YOU LOSE YOUR HOUSE. YOU PAID IT AND DROPPED IT OFF IN CASH AND THEY DIDN'T GET IT. WHAT DO THEY SAY IN THOSE CASES?

>> YOUR HONOR, IN THOSE CASES WHEN THEY DID NOT PAY AND THE

[01:45:03]

THEY WILL SEE TREMENDOUS FEES ATTACHED TO THE PROPERTY TAX.

YOU ARE LOOKING AT OUR REGULAR PENALTIES AND INTEREST THAT HARRIS COUNTY ASSESSES, AND THEN YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE ADDITIONAL THIRD-PARTY LAW FIRM. SO IT IS AROUND 38% BY THE TIME

JULY 1 HITS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY.

>> COMMISSIONER TO O -- COMMISSIONER, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, THE REASON YOU FILE SUIT IS YOU CAN COLLECT AND SAYING HERE IS A BILL WON'T GET YOU THERE.

YOU HAVE TO GET A JUDGMENT FROM COURT AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE THE JUDGMENT IS IT WILL ATTACH TO THE PROPERTY.

IT WILL BE A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY.

THAT'S WHY EITHER WE OR THE THIRD-PARTY LAW FIRM HAS TO DO THAT. IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT I WAS GETTING AT, I ASSUME WHEN SOMEBODY TAKES IT TO COURT, IT IS TO DELAY THEM BEING PUT OUT OF THEIR HOUSE BECAUSE THE ODDS OF THEM WINNING OR WEATHER --

>> NO. IT IS TO BE ABLE TO GET A JUDGMENT IN ORDER TO GET A TAX LIEN ON THE HOUSE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHY WOULD THE HOMEOWNER GO TO COURT?

>> THE HOMEOWNER DOESN'T GO TO COURT.

THEY GET SUED BY THE TAX -- WHETHER BY THE TAX COLLECTION

LAW FIRM OR THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS CLEAR EITHER YOU PAID IT OR DIDN'T PAY.

YOU ARE JUST GOING TO COURT TO GET --

>> THAT'S GENERALLY RIGHT. I DON'T THINK THERE ARE A LOT OF CASES WHERE SOMEBODY SAYS I PAID IT, BUT YOU DIDN'T GET IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YEAH. YOU LOST IT.

>> OKAY. SO THAT'S THE MAIN ADVANTAGE.

WE CAN SEE THE FLEXIBILITY OF THE NOTICE AND THE INTERVENTION OF FOLKS NOT ABLE TO PAY THEIR TAX BILLS.

THERE IS ADDITIONAL TIME TO ENTER INTO THE PAYMENT PLANS.

WE HAVE CONTROL OVER THAT. THE THE COURT IS WORKING TO SAY HERE ARE THE GOALS IN TAX COLLECTION.

YES, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE REVENUE COMES IN, BUT FOR THE FOLKS WHO CANNOT PAY IT, LET'S WORK WITH THEM.

THAT'S TURNED OVER TO THE THIRD PARTY FIRST.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I CAN, THE WAY THE SYSTEM IS SET UP RIGHT NOW, THERE IS NO INCENTIVE FOR THE PRIVATE FIRM TO GET YOU TO PAY BECAUSE THEY DON'T GET ANY MONEY UNLESS YOU ARE LATE.

SO THEY WON'T BE LIKE THESE PEOPLE WHO WILL DIAL MY PHONE IF I SWITCH CREDIT CARDS AND THEY DON'T GET PAID.

YOU KNOW, THEY ARE NOT DOING ALL OF THE CALLS OR SAYING, YOU KNOW, GET YOUR MONEY IN. THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO THAT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. WE TAKE DIRECTION FROM THE COURT ON THAT AND THAT'S SOMETHING WE WANT TO IMPLEMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT RIGHT AWAY RUNNING TO THE COURTHOUSE AND FILING SUIT AND GETTING THE AUTOMATIC 15%.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M ASSUMING THIS MODEL COMES FROM WHAT

TRAVIS COUNTY DOES. >> WE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH TRAVIS COUNTY. I THINK THERE WOULD BE DIFFERENCES. WE ARE LARGER AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL NEEDS ARE GREATER. IN THE END TRAVIS COUNTY CAN DO THIS WITHOUT THIRD-PARTY LAW FIRMS AND TRAVIS COUNTY HAS BEEN ABLE TO CONTRACT OUT WITH OTHER TAXING UNITS TO DO THEIR TAX COLLECTION IN HOUSE TOO. THERE IS HOPEFULLY SOME OF THE ECONOMIES TO SCALE HERE ONCE WE START DOING IT FOR THE TAX -- SORRY, THE COUNTY TAXING UNITS. NEXT SLIDE PLEASE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO AHEAD. I WILL LET YOU FINISH YOUR

PRESENTATION. >> WE PREPARED AN INITIAL IN-HOUSE BUDGET ANALYSIS. YOU WILL SEE ON THE RIGHT THAT THE BIGGEST RECURRING COST IS STAFF.

LIKE I SAID, IT IS AROUND 56 POSITION THAT'S ARE NECESSARY.

AND AGAIN, THOSE ARE ATTORNEYS, HAVING A CALL CENTER, PARALEGALS, RUNNERS, THINGS LIKE THAT.

THEN YOU WILL SEE AN ASTERISK. EARLIER TODAY THERE WAS AN EMAIL CIRCULATED TO THE CHIEFS INDICATING THAT IF WE WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THE PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE WE WOULD HAVE TO DO IT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION BECAUSE THAT CONTRACT IS STILL BEING NEGOTIATED. WHAT I WILL SAY IS THE THE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENT AND WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING IS WE WOULD HAVE TO START PAYING FOR A SOFTWARE THAT THE TAX OFFICE USES AND IT IS REALLY THE BASIS FOR ALL OF THIS TAX COLLECTION ACTIVITY. IT IS A SOFPT -- A SOFTWARE THAT HAS TO BE SPECIALIZED. WE ARE NEGOTIATING TO REACH THE CONTRACT. WE ARE NOT THERE YET AND WE ARE HAPPY TO TALK ABOUT THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE OTHER ITEMS OBVIOUSLY ARE FAIRLY SMALL.

THINGS LIKE OVERHEAD. ONE THING TO NOTE TOO AT THE BOTTOM IS WHEN THINGS GET TURNED OVER FROM THE CURRENT THIRD-PARTY LAW FIRM TO THE COUNTY, WE WILL INHERIT ALL OF THOSE ACCOUNTS THAT AREN'T COLLECTED YET.

WHERE THE BILLS ARE OUTSTANDING, BUT THE MONEY HASN'T BEEN COLLECTED BY THE FIRM, THAT MONEY WILL COME TO THE COUNTY PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT.

SO THERE WOULD BE A ONE-TIME -- WE THINK IT IS A $3.5 MILLION RECEIPT BY THE COUNTY. AND THEN YEAR ON YEAR --

[01:50:11]

AGAINST DELINQUENT HOMEOWNERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT A TPHEG TEUFP -- NEGATIVE? I AM CONFUSED ON THE LAST ROW.

>> IT IS NEGATIVE BECAUSE IT IS INCOME.

IT IS A ONE-TIME 3.5 MILLION. THAT'S WHAT WE INHERIT FROM THE FIRM. AND THEN WHEN IT DOES COME TO THE COUNTY WE HAVE TO FILE SOME LAWSUITS TO COLLECT ON TAXES, BUT HOPEFULLY NOWHERE NEAR AS MUCH.

WHEN WE DO FOLLOW SUIT, BY STATUTE OUT WE COLLECT 15% IN

ATTORNEY'S FEES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE ONE ON THE -- THE ONE-TIME, WHY IS JUST TRANSFERRING ACCOUNTS INCOME FOR

US? >> IF A LAW FIRM HAS A BUNCH OF BILLS OUTSTANDING AND THEY HAVEN'T COLLECTED ON THEM, THE CONTRACT WE HAVE WITH THE LAW FIRM HAS A CLAUSE IN IT THAT SAYS IF IT DOES COME BACK TO THE COUNTY --

>> LINA HIDALGO: OH BECAUSE LINEBARGER HAS BILLS OUTSTANDING. OKAY.

GOT IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE YOU DONE?

>> YEAH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. 1 IS ON WHAT YOU JUST SAID IN TERMS OF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE COLLECTING THE REVENUE,

IS THAT THE -- IS THAT THE 1.5? >> YES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IS THAT AN ANNUAL AMOUNT.

>> IT WAS BASED ON THE NUMBER OF SUITS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND WHERE DOES THAT MONEY GO?

HOW DOES IT -- >> IT WOULD GO BACK TO THE

GENERAL FUND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COME BACK TO THE GENERAL FUND? THE OTHER THING IT WAS EITHER ROSORIO COUNTY THAT RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH ITS COLLECTIONS.

I DON'T REMEMBER IF IT WAS A FAULT OF HCAD OR A FAULT TO THE COUNTY OR THE CITY. REMIND ME WHAT THAT WAS.

>> THAT WAS AN APPRAISAL ISSUE SO THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH

IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN THAT REGARD , SINCE RIGHT NOW IF THERE WERE TO BE AN ISSUE IN THAT REGARD IT WOULD BE LINEBARGER THAT WOULD ADDRESS THAT,

WOULDN'T THAT? >> I AM NOT FOLLOWING.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF WE HAD A -- >> FOR THAT SPECIFIC INSTANCE WHAT ENDED UP HAPPENING WAS THEY HAD PASSED A TAX RATE THAT ASSUMED TOO MUCH MONEY BECAUSE THEIR APPRAISALS WERE HIGHER THAN WHAT THEY ENDED UP BEING. IT WAS A TAX RATE ISSUE WHERE THEY LEFT MONEY ON THE TABLE AS OPPOSED TO ANY SORT OF

COLLECTIONS ISSUES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY.

AND THAT'S -- I THOUGHT I REMEMBER SOMETHING ULTIMATELY IMPACTING THE GENERAL FUND. THE QUESTION BECOMES WHAT IS OUR SAFEGUARD THAT WE DON'T RUN IN THE SAME DIRECTION?

>> SO THAT HAD -- THAT IS UNRELATED TO --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: UNRELATED? >> THAT'S A QUESTION OF WHAT DOES YOUR TAX BASE LOOK LIKE AND WHAT ARE YOUR APPRAISALS IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU CAN ANTICIPATE TO COLLECT IN REVENUE.

THAT'S BASED ON WORK THAT HCAD DOES.

COLLECTIONS IS THE -- THE TAX BASE IS SET AND THE COUNTY SETS A RATE. THE RATE IS IMPOSED ON RESIDENTS AT THAT POINT IT IS UP TO THE COUNTY TO MAKE SURE THEY PAY OR WE COLLECT FROM FOLKS WHO AREN'T PAYING.

SO SEPARATE PROCESSES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOW THAT THIS WILL BE INTERNALIZED IS THERE -- WHAT WOULD BE THE PROTECTION OF A NONPROFIT, YOU KNOW, A WEALTHY BUSINESS OWNER CALL IN AND SAYING, YOU KNOW, HEY, YOU'RE DOING THIS WRONG OR CHARGING TOO MUCH OR I OWE TOO MUCH AND THIS IS RIDICULOUS.

HOW DO WE ENSURE THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WON'T GET CAUGHT UP IN SOME TYPE OF, YOU KNOW, CHALLENGE WITH THAT.

RIGHT NOW, AGAIN, LINEBARGERS ARE THE BUFFER.

ANY THOUGHT GIVEN TO THAT? >> SO WE HAVE A MODEL FOR THIS WITH TOLL ROAD. WHEN WE TOOK THE TOLL ROAD COLLECTIONS IN HOUSE WE CREATED A CALL CENTER AND THESE ARE PEOPLE WHOSE JOB IT IS TO ANSWER CALLS FROM PEOPLE WHO MIGHT HAVE GRIEVANCES ABOUT THEIR TOLLS. THIS WOULD BE THE SAME THING.

WE ARE PROPOSING -- AND WE HAVE DIFFERENT MODELS FOR CREATING THE CALL CENTER. IT WOULD BE ANSWERED BY STAFF AT

A CALL CENTER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I GUESS MY QUESTION IS MORE ALONG THE LINE, DOES INTERNALIZING CREATE ANY CHALLENGE OF A NON-STANDARD PROCESS OR SAY THE -- OR

[01:55:05]

IS THERE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MANIPULATE ANY PROCESS? HOW WOULD WE KNOW THAT SOMEONE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ECONOMIC SPECTRUM, IS BEING TREATED EVENLY?

>> WELL, WE TRY, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, TO TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY. I DON'T THINK THE MODEL WE ARE ENVISIONING IS DIFFERENT THAN LINEBARGER IN THAT REGARD AND I WOULD THINK WE TRAIN OUR FOLKS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS TREATED EQUALLY WHEN THEY CALL IN AND THERE ARE NO SPECIAL FAVORS AFFORDED TO FOLKS JUST BECAUSE THEY KNOW SOMEONE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I KNOW THIS IS MORE ON THE HCAD SIDE, BUT THE TAXATION, WOULD THIS -- DOES THIS GIVE US ANY GREATER FOOT HOLD TO ADDRESS THAT? THAT'S BEEN MY MAIN ISSUE WITH HCAD. DO WE HAVE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO

AFFECT THAT? >> WE HAVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO -- IN FACT, BY STATUTE HCAD IS DISTINCTLY SEPARATE FROM THE COUNTY AND THERE ARE CLEAR RULES ON HOW WE CAN INTERACT.

WE DO HAVE THE OPTION WHEN WE TAKE IT IN HOUSE TO ADDRESS SOME OF THOSE ISSUES IN THE COLLECTION PROCESS.

BUT THAT'S NOT ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF TAXPAYERS IN TERMS OF HOW WE ASSESS TAXES OR HOW WE TAX THEM.

IT IS ABOUT THE COLLECTION PROCESS.

>> AND WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO NUISANCE PROPERTIES, HOW WILL THIS PROCESS HELP THE COUNTY TO BETTER DEAL WITH THOSE NUISANCE PROPERTIES? DO THEY BECOME FASTER? DOES IT BECOME SLOWER? IN OTHER WORDS, FOR A DELINQUENT PROPERTY THAT WE CAN'T FIND AN OWNER FOR, DOES THIS PROCESS MAKE THE ABILITY FOR US TO ABATE THAT PROPERTY ANY FASTER?

>> IF I UNDERSTAND YOUR QUESTION, ARE WE MORE QUICKLY ABLE TO FORE -- FORECLOSE ON SUCH A PROPERTY THAN LINEBARGER, WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO LOOK AT THAT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: PLEASE DO. AND THE BILIGUAL STAFF, HOW CULTURALLY COMPETENT CAN WE EXPECT YOU AND YOUR OPERATIONS

TO BE? >> CAN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW THE

TOLL ROAD WORKS? >> ABSOLUTELY.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WE -- JUST TALKING ABOUT TAKING TOLL ROAD IN-HOUSE COLLECTIONS ON OUR TOLL ROAD TEAM, MORE THAN HALF OF OUR FOLKS SPEAK DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, SPANISH, POLISH, VIETNAMESE.

WE ARE COG GNAW SENT OF THE PEOPLE WE REPRESENT AND THE CUSTOMERS WE HAVE AND THE PEOPLE WE SERVE.

THAT IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE A COLLECT SEUF CUSTOMER SERVICE -- COLLECTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE FOLKS THAT HAVE THOSE TYPES OF SKILLS.

WE HAVE LOOKED TO THE EXPERIENCE OF THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. THEY HAVE BEEN GREAT PARTNERS AND THEY HAVE A GREAT CALL CENTER UNDER ROBERTO TREVINO.

THERE ARE SPEAKERS INVOLVED TO HANDLE THE CUSTOMER CALLS THAT

WE HAVE. >> GOOD DEAL.

AND THEN LASTLY IN TERMS OF USING A -- SINCE WE ARE IN THE SESSION RIGHT NOW, USING THE STATE EXAMPLE, THE GOVERNOR HAS SAID WE ARE GONNA GIVE YOU SOME MONEY BACK BECAUSE WE GOT A SURPLUS. YOU'RE IDENTIFYING AN $8.4 MILLION SAVINGS TO TAXPAYERS.

IF WE ANNUAL LIES THAT, I KNOW WE ARE GOING TO -- THE MODEL IS GONNA KEEP US FROM COLLECTING IT, CORRECT?

>> I AM NOT SURE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE MODEL WILL KEEP US FROM COLLECTING 8.4 MILLION?

>> IT IS NOT THAT IT KEEPS US FROM COLLECTING.

THESE ARE PENALTIES INCURRED BY THE TAXPAYERS IN A NORMAL TAX YEAR THAT ARE NO LONGER GOING TO BE INCURRED BY THE TAXPAYERS BECAUSE WE ARE GOING IN HOUSE. SO IT IS NOT MONEY THAT --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO WE ARE NOT GETTING IT ANYMORE.

>> THAT'S RIGHT. OBVIOUSLY IF -- WE DON'T GET IT ANYWAY. THE AUTOMATIC PENALTY DOESN'T

EXIST FOR THE COUNTY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOTCHA.

THANK YOU. >> THE SAVINGS ARE TO THE HOMEOWNERS. IT IS NOT MONEY THE COUNTY

REALIZES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER BE YAWNNESS -- BRIONES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS.

I KNOW YOU WEREN'T LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE TO DO.

THIS MATTERS. THE 8.4 MILLION WAS BEING CHARGED TO THE PEOPLE WHO CAN LEAST AFFORD IT.

[02:00:04]

WE ARE TRYING TO ELIMINATE I THINK A FAIR -- AN UNFAIR PENALTY ON FOLKS. THAT DOESN'T SOLVE ANYTHING.

MAYBE THAT GIVES US A FEW MORE DOLLARS TO GO OUT THERE AND ADDRESS SOME OTHER ISSUES. DOES THIS IN ANYWAY, KIND OF TAKING OFF ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DOES THIS AFFECT OUR PARTNERS? IN OTHER WORDS, WE COLLECT TAXES FOR MORE THAN JUST HARRIS COUNTY.

DOES THIS IMPACT -- HOW -- I KNOW IT IMPACTS IT.

I KNOW Y'ALL THOUGHT THROUGH THIS, BUT WHAT IS THE PLAN IN TERMS OF THE PARTNERS WE COLLECT TAXES FOR.

>> THE PLAN IS FOR THE COUNTY TAXING ENTITIES.

THESE OTHER TAXING ENTITIES WE DON'T DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY WILL

DO. >> TOM RAMSEY: THEY MAY SAY IT

THAT WAY. >> THEY MAY SEE OUR PROGRAM AND SAY THEY WILL TAKE PART IN IT. THE LESSON WE LEARNED FROM TRAVIS COUNTY IS THEY WERE ABLE TO USE THEIR PROGRAM TO, YOU KNOW, EXTEND IT TO ISD'S AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS IN AND OUT OF TRAVIS COUNTY. IT IS REALLY HARD TO FORECAST THAT! IT IS CERTAINLY SOMETHINGHA TT

CAN HAPPEN. >> TOM RAMSEY: WE HAVEN'T COMPLETED THESS IUE RELATED TO SOFTWARE YET? THAT ISSUE HASOT N BEEN ADDRESSED YET.

WE ARE WORKING ONHA TT. >> IT IS ADDRESSEDND A WE ARE IN FINAL NEGOTIATIONS. WEAN C'T COME WITH AIN FAL PLAN UNTILE WKNOW WHAT THE COST OF THATS IGOING TO BE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THENOM CMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: E,ON FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOUOR F YOUR WORK ON THIS.

IN MY JUDGE DAYS I SAW MANY OF THESE CASES THAT HAVEE MADIT TO COURT. I THINKVE PERRSE INCENTIVE IS SOMETHING THATS ACOMMISSIONERS' COURT IF WEAN CMP CHAION THOSE TAXPAYERS WHO NEED IT THET, MOS BY THE END OF ONE YEARRE THE CAN BE 43%ER INTEST ON WHAT THEY COULDN'T PAYBE TO GIN WITH, RIGHT? SO THESE FEES ARERU ACCING EVERY H.MONT I LOVE THEA IDETHATS THIWILL BE RESOLUTIONVE DRIN IN HOUSE VERSUSFI PROT DRIVEN WITH THIRD PARTY AND THEN P THEEOPLE WHO NEED IT M THEOST ARE -- CANPR BE OACTIVE AND WE G CANET .ORE FROM THEID INDIVUALS MANY CASEES STUDI. ONEBO WAS AUT THE OTHER TAXINGAU THORITIES AND IF WE KNEW WHICH DIRECTIONOU BUT YSS ADDREED THAT.BA SED ON THE TOLL ROADG MOVININ HOUSE,PR WHAT OJECTIONS DO WE ILHAVE WL GET ADDITIONAL REVENUE. W DOE HAVEEL ANY MODING? OF THATD ANTHEN MY LASTN QUESTIOTO THE EXTENTLL YOU A GETEN A GRE

LIGHT, T WHAT ISHEES TIMELIN IN TERMS OF THENT IMPLEME>>.

PO THEY RERTED SOME GREATER FLEXIBILITIES. W THEE TALKING MORE ABOUT INCREASED REVENUE THAT GIVEN TO USNG BY HAVI THE FLEXIBILITIES.AT THAI SAID AGN, A WE WILLCHIEVE A R QUICKERESOLUTION.

I DON'T KNOWIL IF IT WL BE MORE BUIT MIGHTKE BE QUICR.

WEAL WANT TO TK W ABOUT HOWE WERE ABLE TO DOTH THAT WI THE

TOLL ROAD. S >>URE.LU ABSOTELY. GOOD AFTERNOON.IS COMMSIONER BRIONES. T WITHHE TOLL ROADTE WE SUSPECD IT ANDVE NOW WE HA THE DATA FOR IT S.

WEUSPECTED ITER IF WE LOW THELT PENAIES FOR OUR CUSTOMERTH FOR E PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTYAT, TH BILL WHEN ITIT IS LOWER ISER EASI TO PAYOFF. IF YOUNG ARE LOOKI FOR A BILL THAT IS $75 INS TOLLS VERSUAHA BILL TT WAS $75 IN TOLLSPL AND US ATTORNEYSPL FEES AND US COURT COSTSL AND PLUS ALOF , IT ISTHER THINGS DIFFICULT TO PAYOFF THAT BILL.FO AFTER UR YEARS OF DATA WEE REALIZREDUCINGOU PENALTIES, RFE ADMIN ES AND THE COLLECTION FEESD IT INCREASEOUR TRANSACTION.TO IT USED E COST -- USED, TO COSTFOR EVERY $1 WOULD COST $5.83TO IN PENALTIES THE THIRD PARTY LAW FIRM IN S COLLECTION FEETO THE THIRD LAW FIRM. AND SOIN IF YOU ARE GOG TO IAH , RIGHT,ND YOU PASS THREE TOLLS,OF INSTEAD PAYING $3 PLUS ALE REASONAB FEE, YOU AT THREE TIMES $7 OR $6ON IN

[02:05:01]

ABSOLUTELY ACCORDING TO THECE DATA WE REIVED THEY COLLECT 95% OF THE REVENUE BY JANUARY A OF 31.

WERE HOPINGO IF WE OUT REACH TY OUR COMMUNITAND SEND MORESE NOTICES AND ND MORE IN-- D INVOICES ANDO MOREOU COMMUNITY T REACH, OUR KPI WOULD NOT COULD IT BENIGN 6?. THAT'S A WIN ANY BIT O THAT WE CAN REACHUR COMMUNITY O AND TAKE THEM OUTF THE COLLECTION PROCESS, THAT'S A WIN FOR US IN REVENUE.E THERE WILL BSOME ACCOUNTS THATTO WILL FALL IN THERE COLLECTION ALM. OUR GOALIS IN THAT INSTANCE TO HAVE AOR FAIR RESOLUTION F THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.AT MAKE SURE TH WE REACH OUTAK TO THEM AND ME SUREPA WE GIVE THEM YMENT PLANS. RHELP THEM RESOF THEITH -- RESOE EIR CASES'S AND HAVE FEE THAT ARE REASONABLE.

A COUPLE YEARS BACK, COMMISSIONER ELLIS MENTIONED HAVE YOU LOOKED AT LOSTL ANGELE, SEATE, MIAMI? D THAT'S WHAT WEID. T WE LOOKED INTOHE OTHER LARGE COUNTIES LIKE HARRIS COUNTYOT AD THEY DID N HAVE THE ADDITIONAL PENALTIES THATER ARE AT THE SUFFING OF THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS T COUNTY. CAN WEAKE THIS IN-HOUSE? ABSOLUTELY.OT WE HAVE SEEN A LO OF TALENT COME T HARRIS COUNTY. I KNOW IT CAN BEPA DONE.

IT IS A BIRTISAN ISSUE ANDON I HEARD COMMISSIERIS RAMSEY AND COMMSIONER ELLIS AND THE JUDGEAR AND COMMISSIONER GCIA ANDOU NOW TODAY WITH Y, COMMISSIONERS. WE DON'T HAVE THEAT NUMBERS, BUT TH IS OUR HOPE. WE ARE WORKING WITH THETI COUNTY

ADMINISTRAON. >> AND THE BIG POINT HERE IS THAT 15% ATTACHING NO LON -- NO LONGER ATTACHES.

THAT BUYS YOU A FEWK MONTHS. WE CAN TAL ABOUT HOW MUCHAI TIME WE WANT TO WT UNTIL WE FILE SUIT.

SPH-BG MIGHT -- SOMEBODY MIGHTTH BE UNEMPLOYED AND EYA ARE ABLE TO MAKE AI PAYMENT PLAN. CERTNLYTU IT IS A BETTER SIATION FOR THEAS TAXPAYER. AND YOU KED ABOUT THE TIMELINE BECAUSE THIS IS A LARGE HIRING EFFORT, WE CAN'T SAY EXACTLY WHAT THAT SAID. IF WE DO IT OND JULY 1ST WHICH WOUL INVOLVEBE TERMINATING 60-DAYS FOREUL THAT, WE THINK WE WOD BE ABLE TO AT LEAST HAVELE THE BULK OF THE PEOP NEEDED IN THEHI PROCESS. WE DON'T TNK IT WOULD C MASSIVELY IMPACT THEOLLECTION OF REVENUES IF THEY ARE NOT FULLY STAFFED UP BY THEN. WHAT I PROPOSEPR IS WE COME BACK IN AIL WITH A FINAL TRANSITION PLAN.

WE WILT -- WEOV WILL HAVE THEM IMPRED TODAY AND SEE HOW THAT GOES. WE WILL SAY, YES, WE ARE READY AND PULLWE THE TRIGGER AND MAYBE NEGOTIATE A TRANSITION AGREEMENTS RECORD FOR SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED AND THERE ARE

A >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND

COMMISSIONER GARCIA.AN >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WT TO THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK IN THIST WHEN YOU MENTIONED THEOLL ROAD, IT MADE ME THINK ONE OF THE ITEMS SAID YOUR PREDECESSOR AND I AGREED ON IT WAS THE LAST COURT THAT COMMISSIONER RAD -- RADACK WAS HERE AND HE MADE A MOTION TO NOT RENEW IT OR CANCEL IT, AND I SECONDED IT.

I MENTIONED I WAS GOING TO THE AIRPORT ON A REGULAR BASISEO ANI WAS ONE OF THOSE PPLE READY TO TAKE IT TO COURT BECAUSE IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WAS ON MY CREDIT CARD.

I WAS PAYING. YOU WERE GETTING ALL OF THESE NOTICES AND SAY I WILL JUST TEAR THEM UP.

I TPOUPBGD OUT SENATOR BORIS MILES WAS ENJOYING THE LICENSE PLATES. HE DIDN'T KNOW HELS WAS PAYING R SOMEBODY EE'S OF COURSE I SAID PUT IT IN THE TRACKER CAN.

THE FEE IS HIGHER ON THE TOLLS --

>> AS A PERCENTAGE. THEY USED TO BUILD UP TO A VERYI

[02:10:03]

VERY -- >> RODNEY ELS: UNDER THE STATE LAW I ASSUME IT IS A HIGHER NUMBER.

20, 30, WHATEVER THE PENALTY WAS.

>> DO YOU REMEMBER THE PENALTY? >> FOR A TOLL ROAD IT IS PER TRANSACTION AND IT WAS COURT ORDERED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS HITTING THE TOLL ROADS UH -- A LOT.

I REMIND MY COLLEAGUES THAT YOU SENT THE NUMBERS OF THE TOTAL 71.8% OF THE ACCOUNTS -- TWRO 8 -- 28,850 DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX ACT -- ACCOUNTS. PRECINCT 3, 14% AND PRE SIKH 4 -- PRECINCT 4, 13%. THE NUMBERS ARE REVERSED.

IT IS TIME TO DO IT AND WE TALKED ABOUT IT A LONGTIME.

I ALREADY SAID IF YOU HAVE TO USE ARPA MONEY TO DO IT, WE SHOULD. TRAVIS COUNTY WERE OUT SOURCING AND BROUGHT IT IN-HOUSE AND IT HAS BEEN A CON DISTANT POLITICAL BATTLE TO MOVE IT AGAIN. I REMEMBER IN 85 WHEN THE CITY OF HOUSTON DECIDED TO USE AN OUTSIDE LAW FIRM.

IT WAS A DIFFERENT FIRM AT THE TIME.

IT WAS THE WORST PORK BARREL LEGISLATION I HAD EVER SEEN.

THE OUTSIDE LAW FIRM TOOK A SMALL PERCENTAGE AND IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON THEY TOOK THE REST OF IT.

IT WAS A HIGHER PENALTY. AND THEN FOLKS IN POWER CHANGED THE LAW. AND SO A GOVERNMENT ENTITY COULD NOT SPLIT THAT FEE AGAIN. IT IS TIME TO DO IT AND I SENT AROUND A COUPLE OF MOTIONS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I GOT ANOTHER QUESTION.

IT JUST OCCURRED TO ME, WHERE ARE WE WITH THE TAX ASSESSOR'S

OFFICE? >> WHAT DO YOU MEAN,

COMMISSIONER? >> DOES THIS HAVE AN IMPACT ON

THE OFFICE? >> THE BIGGEST IMPACT IS ABOUT THE SOFTWARE AND THAT'S WHAT IS STILL BEING NEGOTIATED.

THEY RELY ON THE SOFTWARE FOR THE OVERALL COLLECTION PROCESS

THAT DOES START WITH THEM. >> SO WHERE ARE WE WITH THE TAX

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE? >> YOCOMMISSIONER --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: U CALLED HIM HONOR AND ME COMMISSIONER.

>> WE MET WITH THE OFFICE OF BENNETT AND WE ARE WORKING IN THE TRANSITION PLAN. WE HAVE PRESENTED THE TRANSITION PLAN TO THEM AND TAKEN THEIR FEEDBACK.

WE HAVE COLLABORATED WITH THEM. THEY ARE AN INTEGRAL PART IN THIS TRANSITION. AS MENTIONED BEFORE THE ACT SO*FT -- SOFTWARE IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT WITH THE TAX OFFICE.

AND THAT IS IN THE NEGOTIATION PHASE RIGHT NOW.

WE HEAR THEM LOUD AND CLEAR. IF WE TAKE THIS IN HOUSE, IT

WOULD BE A SEEMLESS TRANSITION. >> WHAT ABOUT THE STAFF SHE HAS

THAT IS DOING THAT WORK? >> THAT IS IN NEGOTIATIONS RIGHT

NOW. >> SO WE DON'T HAVE THAT PIECE

BESIDE IT AT THE MOMENT? >> WELL, COMMISSIONER, IF I WOULD, ON THE -- ON THAT PIECE, THE TAX OFFICE IS THE -- IT HAS VERY MUCH BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR SELECTING A NEW -- A SOFTWARE SYSTEM.

THEIR OFFICE HAS LEAD THAT CHARGE.

THEIR OFFICE AND OUR OFFICE ARE NOW WORKING ON FINALIZING THAT.

AND SO THEY ARE VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN THAT PROCESS.

THE DELINQUENT TAX QUESTION IS SEPARATE AND OUTSIDE OF THAT.

>> IS THAT SOMETHING WE SHOULD WAIT ON BEFORE WE VOTE ON THIS.

>> THAT'S WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING TODAY THAT WE COME BACK IN APRIT THESE POSITIONS IN HOUSE SO WE CAN START BUILDING THIS THING.

AND THEN WE WILL COME BACK WITH A FINAL PLAN.

I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT WE WON'T HAVE A FINAL CONTRACT.

>> YOU SAID MARCH OR APRIL? >> I AM THINKING APRIL.

THAT'S BECAUSE OF THE 60-DAY TERMINATION DEADLINE.

IT GETS US TO JULY 1ST. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SHOULD I SAY

APRIL OR A DATE IN APRIL. >> A DATE IN APRIL.

WHEN ARE THE MEETINGS? >> MARCH 14TH IS THE NEXT MEETING AND LET'S LOOK AT THE APRIL MEETING.RI

>> RODNEY ELLIS: APRIL, WHAT DATE IN APL?

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY?N

>> TOM RAMSEY: COMMISSIONER, I HAVE SEEYOUR DRAFT MOTION.

A POINT OF CLARIFICATION, IS IT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THAT'S GONNA PUT TOGETHER THE TRANSITION PLAN IN CONCERT WITH

[02:15:01]

>> IT IS BEING LEAD OUT OF THE BUDGET OFFICE SO IT DOESN'T MAKE

SENSE. >> THEY HAVE TO COLLABORATE.

I CAN CHANGE IT, BUT THEY WOULD HAVE TO COLLABORATE.

THEY ALL HAVE TO BE INCLUDED. >> THE LAST WILL BE THE COUNTY

ATTORNEY. >> THE LAST MOTION WAS ON THE BUDGET AND COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND OTHER RELEVANT

OFFICES. >> DO WE NEED ALL OF THEM IN

THIS. >> IT IS FINE IF YOU DO IT WITH

US. >> ARE YOU SURE?

>> WE ARE NOT WORRIED. >> WE HAVE BEEN IN LOCK STEP THE

ENTIRE PROCESS. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE A QUICK QUESTION BEFORE WE READ THE MOTIONS.

I THOUGHT IT WAS POWERFUL WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT THE TOLLS.

SOMETIMES THE INSTINCT IS TO SAY THE FOLKS NOT PAYING TAXES NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE. YES, THEY OBVIOUSLY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE SYSTEM SHOULDN'T BE SO EXPLOY TIFF AS TO ULTIMATELY HARM FOLKS WHO WOULD HAVE PAID OTHERWISE AND ALSO SERVE A COUNTERPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION OF KEEPING THEM FROM ULTIMATELY PAYING THEIR TAXES.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND, IF YOU HAVE IT, AND IT IS OKAY IF YOU DON'T, WHAT IS THE EQUIVALENT DOLLAR AMOUNT TO WHAT YOU OFFERED WITH THE TOLL ROAD. YOU SAID FOR EVERY DOLLAR OF TOLLS YOU WOULD PAY $6 IN PENALTIES TO THE LAW FIRM.

IS THERE AN EQUIVALENT-TYPE -- >> I DON'T THINK WE HAVE THOSE NUMBERS, BUT THE PENALTIES CAN AMOUNT TO -- IT WAS BETWEEN 38 AND EVEN ABOVE 50% OF THE INITIAL TAX BILL.

>> JUDGE, IF YOU DON'T MIND, COMMISSIONER BRIONES HAD A NUMBER OF 43% AND IN THE PAST IT HAS BEEN AS HIGH AS 48% AND THAT'S AFTER ONE YEAR. IF IT TAKES SOMEONE LONGER TO PAY THEIR TAXES THAT COMPOUNDS OVER TIME.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS 1 PERCENT A MONTH COMPOUNDED.

>> AND THEN WITHOUT -- HOW MUCH WOULD IT BE AFTER ONE YEAR?

>> THAT'S WHATEVER THE PORTION THE TKAU LINK -- DELINQUENT TAX

FIRM HAS COLLECTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHICH IS 15 FOR US. IT WOULD BE 43 MINUS 15.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: UNLESS THEY FIGHT.

IT UNLESS SOMEBODY IS NAIVE AND YOU HAVE TO PAY THE LEGAL FEES.

>> THOSE ACCOUNTS GOING TO LITIGATION DOES NOT CHANGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THEN IT GOES TO 40 PURSE -- 40%.

I HAVE THE AVERAGE 70 -- 75% OF THE ACCOUNTS, THE RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTS HERE, 37,000 RESIDENTIAL ACCOUNTS AND DOES

THAT SOUND ABOUT RIGHT? >> I BELIEVE THAT IS DATA THAT WAS GIVEN TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT? >> 75% HAVE AN AVERAGE BILL AND THEY ARE VALUED AT $150,000 IS THE VALUE.

AND THE AVERAGE BILL IS $383. AND SO THAT IS A RELATIVELY SMALL BILL THAT FOLKS COULD PAY, BUT WHEN YOU ARE HAVING TO MULTIPLY THAT BY -- AD ANOTHER 43% ON THAT AND AFTER A SECOND

YEAR WHAT WOULD BE BE ANOTHER -- >> HOW IT WORKS, JUDGE IS COME FEBRUARY THEY ARE LOOKING AT 6% VERSUS 1%.

THIS IS A COUNTY P AND I. AND THEN THAT ADDS.

THAT'S 7% PLUS 2% AND APRIL IS 8% PLUS 3%.

AND THEN ONCE YOU HIT TO JULY 1 WITH THAT TURNOVER, YOU ARE LOOKING AT 18% PLUS THE COUNTY'Y LAW FIRM'S ADDITIONAL 15%.

>> THE REASON I AM ASKING THIS IS I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THIS CONVERSATION REQUEST -- WITH FOLKS SEVERAL TIMES.

BUT I WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PUBLIC WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE.

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN AS CLEARLY AS YOU HAVE EXPLAINED THE TOLL ROAD. YOU HAVE A $383 BILL.

IF YOU DON'T PAY IT FOR A YEAR WHAT ARE YOU PAYING?

>> IF YOU DON'T PAY FOR A YEAR, YOU ARE LOOKING AT -- CAN YOU PUT IT ON THE THOUSAND-DOLLAR BILL?

>> YEAH. THE MATH FOR ME -- I'M JUST SAYING THIS MONTH AND THAT MONTH AND THAT MONTH.

>> WE CAN DEFINITELY GET THAT TO YOU, JUDGE, WITH THE WHOLE BREAK DOWN OF WHAT YOU WOULD BE SAVING IF WE WERE TO TAKE THIS IN HOUSE MINUS THE ADDITIONAL AUTOMATIC THIRD-PARTY LAW FIRM PENALTY AND WE CAN SHOW YOU WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHEN THE BILL IS TKAU LINK WEUPBT AND WHAT IT -- DELINQUENT AND WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WITH THE

THIRD-PARTY LAW FIRM PENALTY. >> GO AHEAD, DAVE.

[02:20:02]

>> AND I AM ABLE TO GIVE YOU THE PROXIMATE NUMBERS.

>> IS YOUR MIC ON? >> IT IS.

BUT I AM LEANING BACK. >> CURRENTLY IF YOU HAVE A THOUSAND DOLLAR BILL AND 12 MONTHS LATE, THAT WOULD BE 1,480

>> IF -- SO 480 EXTRA. MOVING IT IN HOUSE WOULD BE REDUCED BY $150. WOULD -- I WOULD SAY THE OTHER BENEFIT WOULD BE IS IF WE HAVE STAFF DEVOTED TO GETTING PEOPLE ON PAYMENT PLANS IF THAT HAPPENS SOON ENOUGH IT CAN REDUCE THOSE FURTHER. IF IT IS SPREAD OUT SUCH THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY TAKE ON AN AMOUNT THEY CAN AFFORD TO PAY

OVER TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> THEY CAN DO THINGS LIKE -- I WAS WITH SOMEONE IN WASHINGTON A MONTH AGO FROM MISSOURI AND HE PULLED OUT HIS PHONE AND HE HAD GOTTEN AN ALERT TELLING HIM HE HADN'T PAID HIS PROPERTY TAXES AND THEY HAD A BREAK DOWN ON IT.

I DON'T KNOW. I THINK IT IS ONLY TO MAKE MONEY IF THEY ARE LATE. HOWEVER THEY DID THAT AND IT POPPED UP ON HIS PHONE WHEN I WAS EXPLAINING THE TEXAS STAT -- STATUTE OUT. I THINK THE VIDEO YOU HAD WAS 300 AND SOMETHING DOLLARS. IF THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE $300 I KNOW PEOPLE WHO WOULD GIVE UP VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING THEY HAD TO KEEP THEIR OWN. AND FOR THESE 28,850 THERE IS A REASON WHY 71.8% ARE IN PRECINCTS 1 AND 2.

WITH ME THIS IS NOT PERSONAL. I THOUGHT IT WAS A PAYDAY LENDING OPERATION. IT IS JUST NOT RIGHT.

THE GOOD FOLKS WHO DO IT AND I WISH THEM WELL AND THAT CONTRACT IS A LONGTIME AND IT IS NOT -- CONTRACT IS A LONG TIME AND IT IS NOT RIGHT. STARTING ON MY RIGHT AND ALL OF YOU WHO ARE SO HONORABLE, HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU? I DO.

THE MOTION IS TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT TO FINALIZE DELINQUENT TAXES TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO BE PRESENTED AT THE APRIL -- APRIL 2023 MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THE SECOND POSITION -- THE SECOND MOTION WOULD BE TO APPROVE THE ITEM AS PRESENTED AS IT RELATES TO THE POSITIONS. TWO MOTIONS.

>> I SECOND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: A QUICK QUESTION. I KNOW THERE IS STAFF THAT LINEBARGER PAYS FOR. DOES YOUR BUDGETARY TPHREBGT WHAT THE NEW -- BUDGET REFLECT WHAT THE NEW COST WILL BE?

>> YOU ARE TALK -- TALKING ABOUT STAFF THAT WORKS ON THE

SOFTWARE? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO SECOND IT. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE MOTION I THINK I SECOND LIKE MANY, MANY TIMES BEFORE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THREE YEARS AGO.

>> TOM RAMSEY: WE'LL NEED THREE SECONDS ON THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ON ITEM 217 THE MOTION IS TO APPROVE AS PRESENTED AND SO WE CAN HAVE COMMISSIONER BREE -- COMMISSIONER BREE YAWNNESS, DO YOU WANT TO SECOND IT? MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

ON ITEM 500 IS THE MOTION COMMISSIONER ELLIS READ OUT.

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES FAN --

UNANIMOUSLY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I JUST WANTED TO ASK ON THE ISSUE THAT YOU TALKED ABOUT FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION, DO WE NEED TO INCLUDE THAT? I HAVE SOME IDEAS IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS.

>> SO WE COULD GO G SPEAK -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW YOU HAVE

TOO TO COURT. >> NO.

WE HAVE A NOTICE TO TALK ABOUT THE CONTRACT SUCCESS PHYSICALLY -- SPECIFICALLY EXCEPT THE ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL DO IT NEXT TIME.

THANK YOU WHO ALLOWED US TO TAKE THOSE ITEMS BECAUSE OF COURT.

WE WILL MOVE TO THE RESOLUTIONS AND I KNOW COMMISSIONER BRIONES

WE WANT TO START WITH YOURS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES.

PLEASE. AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 9, HE HAD TO LEAVE SO I WILL SKIP THAT ONE, BUT IT IS RECOGNIZING SANJAY RAM TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND HE IS THE METRO CHAIR AND HE HAS BEEN A LEADER IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR DECADES.

THAT RESOLUTION IS TO HONOR HIM. THANK YOU, SANJAY, FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. NEXT RESOLUTION AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO IS HERE FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

[02:25:02]

THE CHAO FAMILY RESOLUTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.

I WILL BEGIN READING IT, BUT IT IS MY HONOR TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION TO THE CHAO FAMILY WHO EARLIER THIS MONTH, THEY RECEIVED THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP 2023 MCNAIR CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD TO THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY LEADERS, THE CHAO FAMILY. AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME EVER IN THE HISTORY OF THE AWARD THAT IT WAS AWARDED TO A FAMILY AND NOT JUST AN INDIVIDUAL. THIS SPEAKS VOLUMES.

I WILL READ A PORTION OF THE RESOLUTION, WHEREAS AFTER A STORIED 60-YEAR CAREER IN WHICH HE FOUNDED NUMEROUS SUCCESSFUL, PET TROE CHEMICAL -- PETROL COMPANIES ACROSS THE GLOBE AND THE WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION, MR. CHAO AND HIS WIFE AND THEIR THREE CHILDREN, DOROTHY, JAMES AND ALBERT, HAVE PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO EXPAND HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION AND VARIOUS CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY. AND WHEREAS AGAIN ON FEBRUARY 2ND, 202 THRAE, THE GREATER -- 2023, THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP RECOGNIZED THE CHAO FAMILY FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY. WHEREAS THE CHAO FAMILY IS WELL KNOWN FOR THE VOLUNTEER EUFRPL AND GENEROSITY AND COMMITMENT TO ALL FACETS OF THE COMMUNITY. AND YOUR FAMILY'S INSPIRATIONAL STORY HAS TOUCHED THE HEART OF OUR MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY.

I AM PROUD THAT WESTLAKE IS IN PRECINCT 4, AND WHILE LEADING THIS FORTUNE 500 COMPANY, WESTLAKE CHEMICAL CORPORATION CONTINUES TO GROW AND INNOVATE IN AN EVER CHANGING BUSINESS, THE CHAO CHILDREN ARE CARRYING ON THE LEGACY OF THEIR FIRST GENERATION I'M -- IMMIGRANT FAMILY AND ARE ROLE MODELS FOR EVERYONE HERE IN THE COURT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU FOR BEING TRUE PUBLIC SERVANTS AND SO INCREDIBLY GENEROUS AND FORWARD THINKING IN THE WAY YOU ANSWER OUR COMMUNITY. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HONORS THE CHAO FAMILY THE 2023 RECIPIENTS OF THE MCNAIR AWARD PRESENTED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP BECAUSE OF YOUR INSPIRING GENEROSITY AND IMPACT ON HARRIS COUNTY. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I THINK ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY, WE JUST WANT TO THANK THE GREATER CITY OF HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY FOR HONORING US IN THIS WAY.

WE ARE VERY FLATTERED. WE JUST HOPE TO CONTINUE TO DO OUR PART TO HELP THE CITY GROW. THANKS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALBERT, YOU ARE VERY SHY, MAN.

>> I'M DAVID. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M SORRY.

>> DAVE IS HIS SON AND ALBERT I- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU GIVE HIM OUR BEST. THE FAMILY IS PHENOMENAL.

DON'T BE SHY, MAN. YOU GUYS HAVE DONE AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF GIVING AND SUPPORT OF THIS GREAT COMMUNITY AND IT IS

SO GOOD TO SEE YOU HERE. >> THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL RIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A WAY WE CAN TAKE A QUICK PHOTO SO THEY CAN LEAVE BEFORE I DO MY

NEXT ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU.

[02:34:17]

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. LET'S CONTINUE CELEBRATING SOME FOLKS HERE. WE JUST MET ELIZABETH BETSY RUNGE. I DO WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AT THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER.

BETSY IS RETIRING FROM THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER ON FEBRUARY 28TH, 2023 AFTER 22 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE.

SHE BEGAN HER CAREER AT THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER ON SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2001 BRINGING A WEALTH OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISE AS A CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

AS A CPA AND GRADUATE OF RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING FUNCTIONS FOR A PUBLIC-PRIVATE

[02:35:04]

SHE ASSISTED THE DIRECTOR ON STRATEGIC PLANNING, HIGH-LEVEL DECISION MAKING WITHIN THE STRICT ALIGNMENT OF THE OBJECTIVES. SHE LEAD A TEAM OF FINANCE FACILITY I.T. AND HR MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A PHYSICAL AND DIGITALLY SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR SAVE, CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND PARTNERS.

AND ENSURED THAT THE INTEGRITY AND FAIRNESS OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND COMPENSATION WERE IN KEEPING WITH ORGANIZATIONAL STANDARDS. SHE HAS CONSISTENTLY PROVIDED EBGSZ -- EXCEPTIONAL REPORTING AND EXPERTLY MANAGED ROUTINE COMPLIANCE OF FINANCIAL AUDITS AND INTER -- INTERNAL CONTROLS.

THE CACC RELIED ON AND TRUSTED HER BUSINESS ACUMEN.

IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PROFIT -- PROFITABILITY AND HER SUCCESS.

THE BUDGETING ALLOWED STAFF TO CARRY OUT THE MISSION OF THE CACC WHICH MIGHT I ADD ADDS OUR MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN.

SHE HAS EARNED THE ADMIRATION AND RESPECT OF HER COLLEAGUES.

SHE IS DEEPLY COMPASSIONATE ABOUT THE CACC'S MISSION AND SHE CAN RETIRE KNOWING THAT ALTHOUGH HER ROLE WAS, QUOTE, UNQUOTE, BEHIND THE SCENES, SHE TRULY IMPROVED THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN HARRIS COUNTY.

AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY CONGRATULATES AND COMMANDS ELIZABETH REUTER RUNGE ON 22 YEARS OF UNWAIVERRING AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CHILDREN'S SAW SUCCESS MEANT -- CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER AND OFFERS BEST WISHES AS SHE BEGINS A NEW CHAPTER.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. GO AHEAD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS COULD BE A ROAST, YOU KNOW?

>> IT COULD BE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FORGIVING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY DASH TKAORB FOR GIVING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I WILL TRY TO BE BRIEF, BUT IT WILL BE HARD BECAUSE THIS IS AN AMAZING WOMAN. THANK YOU ALL.

COMMISSIONER BREE YAWNNESS -- COMMISSIONER BRIONES, WE HAVEN'T MET YET, BUT I AM WITH THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER.

I HAVE KNOWN BETTY FOR FIVE YEARS, BUT IN THAT FIVE YEARS I AM GOING TO BE A BETTER PERSON HAVING KNOWN HER.

I WILL BE A BETTER LEADER AND A BETTER EXECUTIVE AND A NICER PERSON AND MAYBE A MORE PATIENT PERSON.

I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH FROM HER IN THE BUSINESS SENSE AND PERSONALLY. SHE IS EVERYBODY'S MENTOR.

SHE IS EVERYBODY'S FRIEND. SHE IS WICKED SMART, BUT SHE DOESN'T TALK TO YOU TO MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE THE DUMMY THAT YOU ARE IN COMPARISON SHE IS JUST -- YEAH.

I DON'T HAVE TIME TO SAY IT ALL. BUT I WILL SAY WHEN YOU ARE LEADING ANY TYPE OF ORGANIZATION, THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT YOU FEAR IS THAT SOMETHING WILL GO WRONG FINANCIALLY THAT WILL -- CAN I HAVE A FEW MORE SECONDS? THAT WILL PROHIBIT YOU FROM DELIVERING THE SERVICES YOU WANT TO DELIVER TO YOUR CLIENTS. AND I NEVER LOST A NIGHT'S SLEEP KNOWING THAT BETTY WAS TAKING CARE OF -- BETSY WAS TAKING CARE OF OUR FINANCES. THERE WAS 25 STAFF AND WE HAVE GROWN TO 95 STAFF. I CAN TELL YOU THAT SHE IS THE -- YOU NEED ONE OF HER IN EVERY DEPARTMENT.

SHE IS SO FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE WITH THE RESOURCES YOU HAVE GIVEN US. SHE'S JUST AMAZING.

LIKE I SAID, I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT HER.

I THANK HER FOR THE TIME THAT SHE GAVE TO THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER, BUT I WANT TO SAY ONE LAST THING.

SHE IS NOT MOTIVATED BY NUMBERS AND -- I MEAN, SHE IS, BUT WHAT REALLY MOTIVATES HER IS THE WORK WE DO.

SHE WAS AT A BIG FIRM AND MAKING BIG MONEY, BUT THAT'S NOT WHO SHE. SHE WANTS TO GIVE BACK.

SHE IS DRIVEN BY HER MISSION AND SHE DOES WHAT SHE DOES SO THAT OUR STAFF THAT IS GIVING THE DIRECT SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES HAVE ALL OF THE RESOURCES THEY NEED AND THE TRAINING THEY NEED AND THE TOOLS THEY NEED, AND SHE NEVER SAYS NEVER, NEVER SAYS NO. HER MOTTO, IF SHE HAS ONE, IS WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP? I WANT TO THANK HER.

I NEED ANOTHER HOUR, BUT I WILL PASS THE MIC TO HER.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.

THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN AND SPEAKING ON HER BEHALF.

IT MEANS A LOT. IT REALLY SPEAKS VOLUMES.

I WILL JUST ALSO SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, THE MISSION OF THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER IS AN INCREDIBLE ONE.

AND ALTHOUGH YOU MAY BE ON THE FINANCIAL SIDE, YOU ARE ENSURING THAT THE FRONT LINE SIDE GETS TO DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU DO AND HAVE DONE. BECAUSE SHE SPOKE SO WELL ABOUT YOU, I THINK I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION TO SUSPEND YOUR

[02:40:03]

RETIREMENT. >> NO THANK YOU, SIR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CONGRATULATION S AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING

YOU HAVE DONE FOR US. >> THANK YOU.

SO ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I WANTED TO JUST GIVE UH PERSPECTIVE ON WHERE I COME FROM , WHEN I WAS IN MY 20S I THOUGHT I WAS ALL THAT. MY SISTER SAID, YOU'RE NOT ALL THAT. YOU HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO MAKE YOUR BOSS LOOK BETTER, YOUR CONSTITUENCY LOOK BETTER AND YOUR WORLD AND HIGHER AUTHORITY BE BETTER.

THAT'S WHAT I HAVE DONE AND I HAVE BEEN ENTITLED TO BE A PARTICIPANT IN CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FROM PRICEWATERHOUSE TO PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND TEXAS COMMERCE BANK AND PEACE CORP AND CHASE BANK AND ULTIMATELY TO THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER.

HARRIS COUNTY'S ASSESSMENT CENTER FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN AND FARE FAMILIES, IT IS AT MY CORE AN IMPORTANT CENTER OF EXCELLENCE TO SUPPORT FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. TWO SECONDS MORE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: KEEP GOING. >> IF THERE IS ONE WISH FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT, IT IS THAT YOU CONTINUE TO UNDERSTAND THE ASSESSMENT OF THE CHILDREN'S ASSESSMENT CENTER AND NOT JUST IN A MISSION-DRIVEN SETTING, BUT WHEN WE HAVE A FUNDRAISING EVENT, IF YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THOSE AND COME TO THOSE SO YOU CAN SEE HOW WE INTERACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND HOW THE EXTERNAL RESOURCES SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY PROGRAM AND THEN ALSO -- DANIEL IS NOT HERE TO -- OH, SORRY.

DANIEL, WE ALSO WANT FUNDING TOO.

THE THING IS, IT IS A BEAUTIFUL INTEGRATION.

WE HAVE HAD QUALITY BOARD MEMBERS WHO HAVE HELPED US TO BE AS GOOD AS WE ARE. IT IS A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE AND I HOPE IT CONTINUES TO SHINE LONG AFTER I'M GONE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR THE --

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOD BLESS YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> I ACTUALLY STARTED AT THE CAC IN 2000.

THE COUNTY THANKFULLY PICKED UP MY POSITION IN 2001.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THANK YOU AND ALL OF THOSE ENTITIES, WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE YOU.

IT SHINES SO BRIGHTLY HOW -- HOW BRIGHT YOU ARE.

IT IS CLEAR. SO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR RETIREMENT.

SO THAT IS -- MY RESOLUTION -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE A

RESOLUTION I NEED TO DO JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL GO IN ORDER, DON'T WORRY. I HAVE ONE MORE RESOLUTION AND THEN WE WILL MOVE TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

MY RESOLUTION IS DESIGNATING FEBRUARY OF 2023 AS SPAY AND NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY.

THE AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO PAY -- TO SPAY AND NEUTER THEIR PETS. LET ME JUST READ THIS BRIEFLY AND WE'LL BE DOING PROMOTION ALI VENTS AS -- PRAU PHROEGSAL EVENTS AS ALWAYS WITH HARRIS COUNTY PETS.

FEBRUARY IS KNOWN AS NATIONAL SPAY AND NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH.

WHEREAS THE UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY REGION AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS EXPERIENCED MANY HOMELESS PETS THAT CAN PRODUCE MORE THAN ONE LITTER DURING THE YEAR CONTRIBUTING TO AN OVERPOPULATION OF DOGS AND CATS IN MANY LOCAL SHELTERS.

AN AN ALTERED PET MAKES FOR A HEALTHY PET AND PREVENTS THE BIRTH OF UNWANTED ANIMALS SURRENDERED TO A SHELTER OR ABANDONED IN NEIGHBORHOODS. WHERE ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF SPAYING OR NEUTERING YOUR PET IT WILL LIVE A LONGER AND HEALTHIER LIFE. NEUTERING A MALE PET CAN ALSO REDUCE ROAMING AND MOUNTING AND SPRAYING OR MARKING AND AGGRESSION. THE COST OF YOUR PET'S SPAY AND NEUTER SURGERY IS FAR LESS THAN HAVING A CARING FOR A LITTER.

HARRIS COUNTY PETS AND HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH OFFER LOW COST SPAY AND NEUTER SERVICES IN UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY.

BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY DESIGNATES FEBRUARY OF 2023 AT SPAY AND NEUTER AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.

I CAN SEE WE HAVE FOLKS JOINING US FROM THE TEAM.

OH! OH MY GOSH. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE.

[02:45:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH FURRY FRIEND.

>> WE BROUGHT ONE OF OUR PETS DOWN AND WE JUST WANTED TO REEMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF SPAY AND NEUTER.

WE HAVE OUR LAST EVENT ON FEBRUARY 25TH OUT AT OUR SHELTER FOR $25, YOU CAN HAVE YOUR ANIMAL SPAYED AND NEUTERED.

YOU CAN GET CORE VACCINES AS WELL AS RABIES SHOTS AND A HR-PBGS -- A LICENSE FOR ONE YEAR.

AND SO WE REALLY WANT TO ENCOURAGE FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING NOT JUST OF OUR ANIMALS, BUT OF OUR COMMUNITIES THAT FOLKS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY AND PLEASE COME OUT ON FEBRUARY 25TH AND WE BROUGHT ONE OF OUR FRIENDS DOWN.

WHAT'S THE NAME OF OUR PET HERE? >> SHE DOESN'T HAVE A NAME YET.

>> GREAT. WE ARE WAITING FOR SOMEBODY TO ADOPT HIM AND MAKE A FOREVER HOME.

THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THIS MONTH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. WE HAVE JUST A COUPLE MORE RESOLUTIONS. I ACTUALLY DO WANT ANOTHER ONE, BUT THERE AND NO WAY MY PARTNER WOULD LET ME.

WE MISSED YOU IN THE PICTURES. AFTER WE READ THE RESOLUTIONS CAN YOU HANG TIGHT FOR FIVE MORE MINUTES?

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

WE WILL HELP SPREAD THE WORD. THANK YOU GUYS.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I -- KENNETH, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND IF YOU WOULD PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM. THIS RESOLUTION JUST IS AN IMPORTANT ONE. IT IS AN IMPORTANT ONE FOR SO MUCH AND FOR SO MANY REASONS. IT PAINS MY HEART TO HERE THE GOVERNOR TALKING ABOUT DOING AWAY WITH DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION, OR TRYING TO AND THE LEAST OF THE CONVERSATION FOR WHAT IT INDICATES. RECENTLY I WAS AT A RESTAURANT AND THE YOUNG LADY WHO OWNS IT CAME OVER TO ME AND STARTED TO TELL ME ABOUT HER GDP IS 5 MILLION ANNUALLY.

OVER 70 EMPLOYEES FROM ALL OF HER RESTAURANTS.

AND SHE WAS IN TEARS TO HEAR OF WHAT GOVERNOR ABBOTT WAS TALKING ABOUT. WE'RE BETTER THAN THAT.

AND SO I JUST WHAPBT THE CHINESE COMMUNITY TO KNOW THAT WE STAND WITH YOU AND APPLAUD YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE HOUSTON HARRIS COUNTY A MUCH BETTER, MUCH STRONGER CITY AND COUNTY AND FOR BRINGING SO MUCH OF YOUR CULTURE AND YOUR EXPERIENCES. IT IS WHY WE ARE ONE OF THE STRONGEST ECONOMIES IN THIS REGION IN TEXAS.

SO THIS RESOLUTION READS, FILED IN NOVEMBER, TEXAS SENATE BILL 147 IS A PROPOSAL TO BAR CITIZENS OF CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES FROM BUYING LAND IN THE STATE.

THE PROPOSAL WILL ALSO BAR LEGAL PERMANENT U.S. RESIDENTS, VISA HOLDERS AND ASYLUM SEEKERS FROM BUYING LAND.

THE EXPANSIVE BILL WHICH EXTENDS TO ALL REAL PROPERTY COULD EASE THE WAY FOR BROADER DISCRIMINATION.

THE GOVERNOR RECENTLY SAID HE WOULD SIGN THE BILL WHICH WOULD HURT PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK HERE NOW, OWN HOMES AND PROPERTIES AS THEY WORK THROUGH THEIR CITIZENSHIP PROCESS, OFTEN 10 YEARS OR LONGER, AND THEN DRIVE THEM FROM TEXAS TO PURSUE CAREERS AND LIVES IN OTHER STATES.

AND IF APPROVED, THIS NEW LAW DISCRIMINATES AGAINST PEOPLE TRYING TO FLEE OPPRESSION AND FIND SAFETY IN AMERICA.

BEING ABLE TO BUY A HOME HELPS PEOPLE BUILD A LIFE HERE AND IN THE NATIONWIDE CLIMATE OF RISING ANTI-ASIAN HATE CRIMES AND SENTIMENT, THIS HAS DIRECT I'M PHRAU -- IMPLICATIONS FOR INVESTMENTS AND HOME PURCHASES. AND SUCH BIGOTED LEGISLATION SUPPORTS EXCLUSION AND FOSTERS HATRED AND VIOLENCE AGAINST CITIZENS OF CHINESE AND ASIAN DECENT.

THE BILL DOES NOT LIMIT CHINESE PEOPLE WHO ARE CITIZENS OR INTEND TO BECOME CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES INCLUDING SKILLED WORKERS, BUSINESS OWNERS AND REAL ESTATE INVESTORS MANY OF WHOM MAY HESITATE TO MOVE THEIR BUSINESSES TO TEXAS.

AND THIS BILL IS TARGETING CHINESE PEOPLE AND COULD GIVE RISE TO MORE ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AND NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR COMMUNITY, PREVENTING FAMILY MEMBERS FROM THE DREAM OF BUYING HOMES IN TEXAS AND JOINING THEIR FAMILIES.

IT VIOLATES THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THOSE WISHING TO LIVE IN TEXAS AND THESE RIGHTS SHOULD BE PRESERVED.

[02:50:03]

SO I FEEL STRONGLY TO SUBMIT THIS RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF ALL OF THE BEAUTIFUL AND GIVING CHINESE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

IF I MAY, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, IT JUST MADE ME FEEL BACK TO HOME.

THERE ARE A LOT OF GOOD PEOPLE, NICE PEOPLE HERE.

I AM HERE TO REALLY THANK HARRIS COUNTY.

HARRIS COUNTY TO US IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSIFIED COUNTIES IN THE COUNTRY. BECOME ONE OF THE FAIR PLACE FOR PEOPLE LIVING OUTSIDE TEXAS TO COME TO HOUSTON, ESPECIALLY HARRIS COUNTY. I THINK THIS RESOLUTION WILL REALLY -- I WANT TO THANK MY FRIEND WHO IS WORKING ON THAT AND A LOT OF LEADERSHIP HERE, INCLUDING YOU.

IT IS NOT ONLY TEXAS. I THINK THIS MOVEMENT IS SPREAD OUT ACROSS THE NATION FROM WEST COAST TO EAST COAST.

EVERYBODY WORKING TOGETHER. I REALLY APPRECIATE HARRIS COUNTY COURT AND THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND REALLY APPRECIATE

IT. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: MR. LEE , THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. I KNOW MANY OF US CALL YOU MAYOR, MAYOR LEE, FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU FOR PRESENTING THIS. WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY AND I AM VEHEMENTLY OPPOSED TO SENATE BILL 147 AND PROUD TO STAND WITH

REPRESENTATIVE WU AND OTHERS. >> THANK YOU.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF YOUR DISTRICT.

>> IN TEXAS AND THE COUNTRY. THIS IS NOT ONLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL, BUT IT IS MORALLY REPREHENSIBLE.

WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY AND ANYTHING WE CAN DO, PLEASE REACH OUT AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.

>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL.

THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU,

BROTHER. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO

MUCH. >> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY AND I THINK THIS BILL HADN'T BEEN COMPLETED.

I THINK THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE ON IT.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING A MORE REASONABLE LOOK AT THIS.

I WILL SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION, BUT WITH -- BUT WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF WHAT I KNOW TO BE THE BILL ISN'T DONE YET, WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY WRITTEN. AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS REMINDED US ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, THESE BILLS ARE NOT DONE UNTIL THEY GET DONE. I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT BEING SIGNIFICANTLY MODIFIED OVER THE ORIGINAL VERSION.

AND IT IS IN THE SPIRIT OF WHAT THIS RESOLUTION POINTS TO.

THANK YOU FOR COMING. >> THANK YOU.

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

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVE ON THE RESOLUTION.

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

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

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: I HAVE TWO RESOLUTIONS. QUICKLY, ONE I WANT TO REC -- RECOGNIZE, YES, I AM A BASEBALL FAN.

I WILL ADMIT I WAS TELLING COMMISSIONER GARCIA EARLIER THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON I WENT TO HEB ON FRIDAY NIGHT AND I SAW JOSE ALTUVE. I GUESS HE WAS LOADING UP WITH GROCERIES BEFORE HE HEADED OFF TO SPRING TRAINING.

BEING A FAN I, OF COURSE, HAD TO GIVE A BIG SHOUTOUT TO JOSE.

I LOVE BASEBALL. ONE GUY THAT HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR ASTRO BASEBALL IN HARRIS COUNTY HAPPENS TO LIVE IN MY PRECINCT. HE WAS JUST INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME. HIS NAME IS BILL BROWN.

HE IS AS NICE A GUY AS YOU WOULD EVER WANT TO KNOW.

WHEREAS BILL BROWN WAS INDUCT NEED THE HOUSTON ASTROS HALL OF FAME, BROWN WAS THE PLAY BY PLAY BROADCASTERS FROM 1987 TO 2016 AND WHEREAS BILL LEARNED OF HIS GIFT FORAYED KWROE -- FOR RADIO DURING A TOUR OF VIETNAM IN 1971.

DURING HIS TIME STATIONED IN VIETNAM BROWN WAS ASSIGNED TO RADIO AND TELEVISED BROADCASTING FOR THE TROOPS.

AND WHEREAS UPON RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES, BROWN BEGAN HIS 36-YEAR TV AND RADIO BROADCASTING CAREER.

IN 1987, BROWN WAS HIRED TO BE THE PLAY BY PLAY TV ANNOUNCER FOR THE HOUSTON ASTROS. AND WHEREAS BROWN HAD THE GIFT OF ALLOWING THE AUDIENCE ENJOY THE ENORMITY OF A TOWERING HOMER WHILE THE BEAUTY OF A DOUBLE PLAY WITHOUT COMMENTARY, A GIFT

[02:55:03]

AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO BILL BROWN.

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

SECOND ON IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE MAY AS WELL CLAP IT UP. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> TOM RAMSEY: AND MY SECOND ONE IS WE RECENTLY HAD COMMISSIONER LAURA RYAN RETIRE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> TOM RAMSEY: SHE LIVES IN MY PRECINCT AS WELL. WE ARE BLESSED WITH SOME REGOOD FOLKS IN -- VERY GOOD FOLKS IN THAT AREA.

WHEREAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT APPOINTED LAURA RYAN TO THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION THAT OVERSEES A STATEWIDE ACTIVITY OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN JULY OF 2016, RYAN WAS REAPPOINTED MARCD BY THE SENATE ON APRIL 19, 2017 FOR A FULL SIX-YEAR TERM. WHEREAS DURING HER TENURE -BGS COMMISSIONER RYAN WAS A CHAMPION OF THE IN THE STREET CAMPAIGN FOCUSING ON ENDING THE 22-YEAR PERIOD WHERE ONE PERSON HAS DIED ON TEXAS ROADS SINCE 2017. THAT'S EVERY DAY.

IN 2019, THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION HAD A GOAL OF ENDING ALL FATALITIES ON TEXAS ROADS AND IN LARGE PART DUE TO COMMISSIONER RYAN'S DEDICATION.

WHEREAS COMMISSIONER RYAN HAS BEEN AN OUTSTANDING PARTNER TO HARRIS COUNTY. SHE HAS HELPED WORK WITH HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS AND LEADERS TO FIND THE BEST PATH FORWARD ON MULTIPLE PROJECTS INCLUDING STATE HIGHWAY 19 AND EXPANSION.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT EXTENDS THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO COMMISSIONER

LAURA RYAN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND THAT.

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

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

COMMISSIONER BRIONES? >> DO NUMBER 9 AGAIN, MR. SANJAY HAD TO LEAVE, AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP NOT ONLY IN THE GREATER HOUSTON PARTNERSHIP, BUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE METRO BOARD SINCE 2015 AND OUR CURRENT CHAIR OF THE METRO BOARD. FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE TEXAS LYCEM. YOU ARE AN EXTRAORDINARY LEADER AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON. THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, SANJAY.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I MOVE TO NUMBER 11 AND IT GIVES ME GREAT PRIDE AND IT IS IN OUR 2023 BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND IT IS A CELEBRATION OF 365 DAYS A YEAR AND NOT JUST THIS MONTH, BUT I WILL READ THIS RESOLUTION HONORING OUR COLLEAGUE, COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS. WHEREAS, AS PART OF OUR 2023 CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH, THIS MONTH AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WE HONOR THE ROLE AND IMPACT OF BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR CONSTITUENTS, AND WE RECOGNIZE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS, A TRUE SERVANT LEADER AND CIVIL RIGHTS CHAMPION WHO SPENT A LIFETIME FIGHTING FOR EQUITY, OPPORTUNITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL PEOPLE. WHEREAS, AS A HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMEMBER, TEXAS STATE COMMISSIONER A HE HAS STRENGTHENED AND UP LIFTED COMMUNITIES THROUGH FIERCE ADVOCACY AND STRATEGIC POLICY AND PUBLIC SERVICE.

WHEREAS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS' COMMITMENT TO ADVANCE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IS EVIDENT IN HIS WORK TO ESTABLISH THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY, STRENGTHEN WORKER PROTECTIONS THROUGH FAIR CHANCE HIRING, STRONG WAGES AND THE CROWN ACT AND MANY OTHER INITIATIVES, TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR BUSINESSES OWNED BY PEOPLE OF COLOR AND WOMEN AND TO BRIDGE THE ECONOMIC DIVIDE FOR WORKING FAMILIES ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. WHEREAS COMMISSIONER ELLIS' STEDFAST DEDICATION TO BUILDING A SYSTEM OF EQUAL JUSTICE THAT MAKES COMMUNITIES SAFER, INCREASES ACCOUNTABILITY AND UPHOLDS THE CONSTITUTION HAS HELPED ADVANCE THEIR DEFENSE BY ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE AND HARMFUL

[03:00:04]

FOR THE FIRST RESPONDER PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH, POVERTY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. WHEREAS COMMISSIONER ELLIS' VISION FOR A HARRIS COUNTY WHERE EVERY COMMUNITY IS SAFE, HEALTHY AND THRIVING IS REFLECTED IN HIS LEADERSHIP ON FLOOD RESILIENCE AND EQUITABLE DISASTER RECOVERY, CLIMATE ACTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND TENANT PROTECTIONS, HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND EQUITABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE BY CONNECTING PEOPLE TO PARKS AND GREEN SPACE, SAFE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS AND

UNTOLD OPPORTUNITY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT HERE BY RESPECTFULLY HONORS COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS FOR HIS WORK TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF HARRIS COUNTY CONSTITUENTS THROUGH A DEEP COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE, RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE AND

EQUALITY FOR ALL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ABSOLUTELY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN WE MAKE THIS A ROAST? THIS ONE IS DESERVING OF A ROAST.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THANK YOU. I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT I AM NOT HISTORY YET. I MAY BE GETTING OLD, BUT I AM GOING TO BE AROUND A LONGTIME AND IT IS AN HONOR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BREE YAWNNESS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I AM JUST USED TO SAYING IT. I AM IN FAVOR.

MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. ALL RIGHT.

SO THOSE ARE ALL THE OUT OF ORDER RESOLUTIONS.

LET'S TAKE A PICTURE WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH FOLKS AND THEN DO YOU GUYS WANT TO BREAK FOR LUNCH AND COME BACK FOR THE SPEAKERS? P WE WILL BE BACK AT 2:15, OKAY? IT IS 1:26 AND WE ARE B

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. IS ITS 2:18 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. LET'S CONTINUE HEARING FROM THE

SPEAKERS, TIFFANY. >> FIRST IS SPEAKER 7 SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 16 UNDER COVID-19.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

REVIEWING SOME OF THE AGENDA ITEMS SOME SOME REQUESTS CAME UE UP ON THE SEVEN POSITIONS TITLED [INAUDIBLE] ARPA ON -- FOR THE COUNTY. THE QUESTION CAME UP IN REGARDS TO THE FUNDING IF $5.9 MILLION FOR THESE POSITIONS AND WHAT IS UNDERSTOOD AFTER REVIEWING THEM WHY THESE POSITIONS WERE BEING EXPANDED WHEN THAT SAME FUNDING FROM MY UNDERSTANDING ARPA IS NEEDED IN OTHER AREAS SUCH AS THE COUNSELOR OR COMMUNITY CENTERS OR EVEN THE DEPUTIES. THAT MONEY COULD FUND 20 TO 30 POSITIONS IN REGARDS TO THE DEPUTIES IN THE COUNTY AND GOING THROUGH AND SPEAKING TO SOME OF THE COMMUNITY CENTERS THEY NEED ASSISTANCE THERE AND IT IS NOT BEING FUND -- FUNDED.

SOME OF THE RESIDENTS I TALKED TO --

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

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

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 9, AVIS CHASEN SPEAKING ON COMMUNITY SERVICES. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT. I AM EVA AND WITH DEVELOPMENT.

I AM HERE TO SPEAK ON ITEM 178. IT IS A 9% HOUSING TAX CREDIT DEVELOPMENT IN COMMISSIONER BRIONES' DISTRICT.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY AND REQUEST YOUR SUPPORT WITH A $5 HUSZ -- $500 DEPOSIT FOR APPLICATION FEE WAIVERS THAT WAS NOT NOTICED IN THE ITEM.

IT IS IN A GREAT LOCATION AND IT IS A MIXED INCOME DEVELOPMENT WHERE THERE ARE JOBS AND TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

WE HOPE TO GET YOUR SUPPORT AND I AM AVAILABLE FOR QUESTIONS

WHEN THE ITEM COMES UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 10 SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 338 UNDER PURCHASING. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND

[03:05:04]

I AM PROUD TO SPEAK ON 338 TO RENEW AGREEMENTS FOR THE COUNTY'S IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES FUND.

AS PART OF THE FUNDING BAKER RIP PLEA CREATED AN INNOVATIVE AND ONE OF A KIND SYSTEM THAT CONNECTS LEADERS WITH COUNTY-FUNDED ATTORNEYS. IT REMOVES A BARRIER TO ACCESSING LEGAL REPRESENTATION AT 60% -- AND 60% OF PENDING CASES DO NOT HAVE REPRESENTATION.

IN ONE YEAR THIS PROGRAM HAS PROOF TO BE -- PROVEN TO BE INDISPENSABLE IN THE COUNTY AND OVER HUNDREDS HAVE RECEIVED LEGAL CONSULTATIONS AND APPROXIMATELY 195 HAVE RECEIVED LEGAL REPRESENTATION. IT AFFECTS THE DUE PROCESS RIGHTS THAT THE PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTY.

WITH THIS WE ENSURE THAT OUR NATION'S PRINCIPALS ARE UPHELD AND THAT EVERYONE TRULY HAS THEIR DAY IN COURT.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS IMPORTANT ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS STEPHANIE VALDEZ SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 489. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS STEPHANIE VALDEZ.

I AM THE WATER DISTRICT ORGANIZER OVERSEER.

WE HAVE A COALITION OF 27 ORGANIZATIONS FIGHTING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY AND RESILIENCE AND I AM HAPPY TO SPEAK ON AGENDA ITEM 489. IT IS FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT MITIGATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSIONERS SHOULD NOT VOTE BEFORE THE PUBLIC COMMENTS HERE ARE OVER BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANT FEEDBACK OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY CAN BE MISSED. THE PROGRAM IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE OUT HIGH-IMPACT PROCESS IN HIGH-RISK AREAS FOR FUTURE CATASTROPHES AND LOSSES.

THE PURPOSE IS TO FUNDING FOR INITIATIVE THAT'S ARE FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE AND TO ENABLE COORDINATING THE ACTION TO LOWER THE FUTURE RISK. A LARGE PERCENT SHOULD FOCUS ON THE RISKIEST AREA AND THE MOST WONDERFUL AREAS AND THE MOST PEOPLE. PROJECTS SHOULD BE GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY BY THE AREAS WHERE SOCIAL AREAS AND VULNERABILITY.

THE TASK FORCE ENCOURAGES ADOPTING THE SAME STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOUND IN THE 22 PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK FOR

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

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS MICHELLE SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 493.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE HOME COALITION. TODAY I AM TALKING -- HERE TO TALK ABOUT THE APPROVAL MITIGATION OF THE FLOOD MITIGATION FUND. THE GLO REQUIRES AN ADHERENCE TO THE PARTICIPATION PLAN AND IT ALLOWS THE PUBLIC TO WEIGH IN ON HOW THESE FUNDS ARE SPENT AND TO SUB -- SUBMIT COMMENT IS TODAY AT 5 P.M. WHILE IT IS NOT THE FINAL VERSION IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THEY REVIEW AND INCLUDE REASONABLE PUBLIC COMMENT TO THE GLO.

WE ARE ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE SUGGESTION THAT HARRIS COUNTY PRIORITIZES SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS BECAUSE THIS APPROACH LEAVES OUT PROJECTS FOR SOCIALLY VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES WITHOUT THE PLANNED SUPPORT AS THOSE IN SHOVEL-READY COMMUNITIES.

THEY HAVE RECEIVED PRIORITIZATION WITH A $5.2 MILLION BOND. THESE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE IN

GREATEST NEED -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 16, CYNTHIA COLE SPEAKING VIRTUALLY ON ITEM 516.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANK YOU. HELLO.

GREETINGS TO YOU JUDGE AND ALL COMMISSIONERS.

I RECOGNIZE THAT THERE IS A BUDGET CHALLENGE AND A BUDGET CHALLENGE WAS THROUGH THE -- ABSOLUTELY IMPACTED BY THE EVENTS IN 2022 WHEN THERE WASN'T ANY INCREASE FOR ANYONE.

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SUPPORT WHERE AVAILABLE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL OF THOSE DEPARTMENTS LIKE THE FLOOD CONTROL AND LIKE PARKS AND REC AND LIKE THE TOLL AUTHORITY AND LIKE THE JAIL HOUSE DETENTION OFFICERS THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN THERE CAN BE A BALANCE OF THE BUDGET AND AN INCREASE IN THE RATE THAT THEY ARE INCLUDED IN THAT AS WELL BECAUSE A LOT OF MY MEMBERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR JOB SECURITY.

THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL HAVE WAGE INCREASE, AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO ASK THAT THE COURT REALLY CONSIDER ALL OF THOSE OTHER DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE ANXIOUSLY

[03:10:01]

>> NEXT IS ALEXI SWASRSKY SPEAKING ON ITEM 520.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> YES.

WHEN IS THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS COMMISSION GOING TO MEET? THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR THE NOVEMBER 22 ELECTION TO BE THOROUGHLY EVALUATED AND CORRECTIONS MADE. THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE AND TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE AND GOVERNOR ABBOTT AND THEY EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE ELECTION WAS NOT LEGALLY CONDUCTED.

THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND DEMOCRAT KIM OGG AND TEXAS RANGERS ARE INVESTIGATING. MATTRESS MAX WHO ENDORSED SILVER SISTER TURNER A DEMOCRAT FOR MAYOR OF HOUSTON IN THE LAST MAYORAL ELECTION. 20 CANDIDATES ARE SUING OVER THE ELECTION. AS YOU CAN LEARN AS A CHILD IGNORING A PROBLEM DOES NOT MAKE IT GO AWAY.

THAT IS TO ASSUME YOU WANT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF A FRAUDULENTLY-RUN ELECTION. THE ELECTION COMMISSION NEEDS TO MEET ASAP AND DO WHAT THEY CAN TO CORRECT THE RESULTS OF THE 2022 ELECTION. THIS IS NOT A REPUBLICAN VERSUS DEMOCRAT ISSUE. THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER ONE, WALTER PROTHE ON SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, MY NAME IS WALTER PROTHERO.

I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO HARRIS COUNTY ON WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN USING HARRIS HEALTH FACILITIES FROM MY EXPERIENCE. AS I HAVE REPORTED TO HARRIS HEALTH OF AN INCIDENT CONCERNING THE ONE-TIME RESIDENT DR. SCOTT BASSET, NOW AT MEMORIAL HERMAN AND DR. LAKIS AT THE CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BAYLOR MEDICINE. IT INVOLVES HIS NOTES AND A FOLLOWING FALSE REPORT BY DR. LAKIS WHO MADE -- STATING THAT HE HAD EXAMINED ME, DISCUSSED THE RESULTS AND CONCURRED WITH THE NOTES OF DR. BASSET.

HOWEVER, I HAVE NEVER MET DR. LAKIS.

I REPORTED THIS AND EVEN GAVE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, HARRIS HEALTH DID NOTHING. BY REPORTING THIS INSTEAD I WAS BANNED FROM THE CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT.

ONLY RECENTLY I FOUND OUT THAT THE NOTES THAT WERE FRAUDULENTLY

PLACED IN MY MEDICAL RECORD -- >> THANK YOU, SIR.

YOUR TIME IS UP. >> I WOULD LIKE THE REST OF THIS

TO BE ENTERED INTO THE RECORD. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL ENTER IT INTO THE RECORD, SIR. THANK YOU.

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

>> EARLIER YOU GUYS MENTIONED HOW THE BUYING A HOME WAS THE AMERICAN DREAM. FOR ME AND MY FAMILY IT HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE IN 1996 AND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE WAS A FARM HOUSE AND A POND.

A DEVELOPER WAS ALLOWED TO COME IN AND DREDGE THE POND AND DEVELOP IT AND IMMEDIATELY REGRADED IT I'M -- IMPROPERLY.

WE HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS.

OUR FOUNDATION HAS FAILED AND ALL OF HIS WATER RUNS THROUGH MY BACKYARD, FOUNDATIONS FAILED AND OUR DRIVEWAY WASHED OUT.

WE FINALLY RETURNED TO HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING.

IT WAS AT THE END OF 2021. THEY SAID OH MY GOD, HOW DID THIS GET PUT BACK HERE LIKE THIS? THEY MAY HAVE HAD A RETENTION POND, BUT THERE IS NO DRAINAGE CONNECTING THE BACK OF THE DEVELOPMENT TO THE RETENTION POND SO IT COMES INTO THE SUBDIVISION.

THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE IT AND FILE KRAEU STATIONS AGAINST THE -- CITATIONS AGAINST THE PEOPLE.

THE CHIEF ENGINEER FOR CYPRESS CREEK UTILITY DISTRICT PULLED UP A LIGHTER MAP THAT SHOWED THE GEOGRAPHICAL LANDSCAPE AND SHOWS IT SLOPES DIRECTLY INTO MY BACKYARD.

IN JANUARY OF 2022 -- >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> CAN I FINISH? THANK YOU. THE HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING CALLED ME AND SAID THEY ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE THE CASE AND RESCINDED THE CITATION. THEY SAID IT IS MY WORD, EVEN WITH PLENTY OF EVIDENCE, AND SAID IT WAS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THEM TO TAKE. I CANNOT AFFORD A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLAR LAWSUIT AGAINST THESE PEOPLE.

WE HAVE HIRED LAWYERS AND THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO US.

WE HAVE TRIED FOR YEARS TO DEAL WITH THIS.

WE PUT EXTENSIVE DRAINAGE UP TO OUR YARD AND THAT GOES OUT TO OUR STREET WHERE IT IS SUPPOSED TO GO AND THEN THE STREET RISES.

THE TREAT FLOODS SEVERELY AND SO I CAN'T DRAIN THE BACKYARD INTO THE STREET BECAUSE THE STREET IS FLOODED.

>> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU AND GET THE DETAILS.

WE WILL FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU FOR COMING UP.

APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER 6, PETER CONTRERAS SPEAKING IN PERSON.

YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> ONE MINUTE, MY WIFE ALWAYS

[03:15:04]

>> I AM HERE TO SPEAK FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE A VOICE, THE INNOCENT AND VULNERABLE. THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF CHILDREN THAT NEED MORE GUIDANCE AND EDUCATION.

HARRIS COUNTY HAS IN ITS CRADLE A NUMBER OF ORPHANS NEEDING MORE LOVE AND SUPPORT. HARRIS COUNTY HAS IN ITS CRADLE POTENTIAL ONLY -- ENOUGH POTENTIAL, BUT ONLY IF WE GIVE THEM MORE OPEN INSPIRATION. YEARS AGO I VOLUNTEERED AT AN ORPHANAGE AND AS I WAS WALKING AWAY ALL I COULD SEE WERE THEIR FACES STUCK TO THE WINDOW AND WONDERING, YOU KNOW, WHEN WAS THE NEXT TIME I WAS GOING TO BE THERE.

ALL I COULD THINK ABOUT WAS GIVING MORE OF MY MENTOR SHIP AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS. ONE ASPECT, FOR ANY WALK OF LIFE, CONFIDENCE IN SPEAKING AND WITH CONFIDENCE IN GROUPS IN THE WORKPLACE. I THINK THAT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL FOR THESE KIDS. SO EACH NATION, EACH CITY AND

COUNTY -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: EXCUSE ME, SIR? THANK YOU FOR YOUR REMARKS.

I DIDN'T GET TO HEAR AN INTEREST.

WHAT WERE YOU HOPING TO ACCOMPLISH? I MEAN YOUR POINTS ARE VERY SIGNIFICANT, BUT WHAT WERE YOU HOPING TO DO? VOLUNTEER?

>> YEAH. I NEED FUNDS TO KIND -- I WANT TO BE A MENTOR TO THESE KIDS AND HAVE THEM, YOU KNOW, NOT ONLY HAVE SOMEBODY TO PLAY SOCCER WITH THEM, BUT TO SHARE, YOU KNOW, HOW IT IS TO BE OUT IN THE WORLD AND HAVE CONFIDENCE.

IT TOOK ME AWHILE TO DO THAT, AND I WANT TO SPEAK TO MY OWN CHILD AND SAY, HEY, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WOULD YOU CONSIDER BEING A PART OF ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION OR ARE YOU LOOKING TO START YOUR OWN?

>> I'M STARTING MY OWN. I WORK FULL TIME FOR THE COLLEGE

OF MEDICINE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

I WILL GIVE THIS SOME THOUGHT AND I APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE

TODAY. >> THANK YOU.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 8, JACOB CLEMENTAGE SPEAKER -- SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.

>> I HI, GUYS. HI, GUYS.

I MENTIONED I WAS COMING HERE AND I WANTED TO KNOW FROM HIM IF HE WANTED ANY [INAUDIBLE] AND HE SAID TELL THEM A LIGHT AND SHINING BROUGHT INTO THE COUNTY. WHAT I WANTED TO SAY IS I WANT TO TELL RODNEY ELLIS THAT MUST WE NICE TO HAVE A PROGRAM, AND IT JUST MAKES NO SENSE BECAUSE AFTER ALL, IT IT HAS COME BACK FOR A CHEAP PRICE. YOUR MAX WAS $200 AND IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. THEY CAN EASILY USE THE WEAPON TO DO MORE -- WELL, ARE I WILL SAY GOOD FOR THEMSELVES AND THEN FOR SOCIETY. THAT WOULD BE LIKE -- WELL, THEY COULD EASILY GET LIKE A THOUSAND DOLLARS OFF OF [INAUDIBLE] OR FOR $200. IF THERE IS NO QUESTIONS ASKED, THAT'S EVEN MORE LUDICROUS. SO I AM TOTALLY AGAINST IT.

I MUST SAY THAT WHEN I APPROACHED MATTRESS MAX ABOUT THIS, HE GAVE IT A THUMBS UP, A CHECK MARK SYMBOL, LIKE HE LIKED IT. FLEECE CONSIDER THIS -- PLEASE CONSIDER THIS, BUT IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 10, YVONNE SILVA SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS YVONNE SILVA.

I HAVE BEEN IN FRONT OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT BEFORE.

I AM STILL COMPLAINING BECAUSE I WAS DENIED DUE PROCESS, AND I WAS ALSO DENIED A TRIAL BY JURY IN MY DOUBLE FORECLOSURE THAT I REPORTED TO EVERY STATE AGENCY AND FEDERAL AGENCY RIGHT DOWN THE STREET. WHEN THE OCC IGNORES THAT I AM GOING THROUGH MY SECOND FORECLOSURE BY PNC FOR PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR AND THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT HAS THREE OWNERS ON MY PROPERTY AND IGNORES THAT I HAVE BEEN ILLEGALLY FORECLOSED, THAT IS A TRAVIS -- TRAVISTY FOR EVERYBODY.

[03:20:01]

BACK. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM, YOUR TIME

IS UP. >> AND JOHN WHITMEYER.

>> NEXT IS SPEAKER NUMBER 13, ANDRES RODRIGUEZ SPEAKING IN PERSON. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE.

>> THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON MY NAME IS ANDREAS AND A HOME COLLISION -- COALITION ORGANIZER.

THE STORM HAS AFFECTED MANY. THE NEEDS OF THE TENANTS ARE YOU ARE -- YOU ARE KWREPBT. I ASK YOUR OFFICE TO REACH OUT TO HOMES AND PARTNERS TO BETTER STRATEGIZE AND ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES FACED BY THOSE AFFECTED INCLUDING THOSE WHO CAME TODAY TO SPEAK AND THOSE WHO COULDN'T MAKE IT AS THEY ARE FACING EVENTS LIKE WORK, PARENTING, FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE. WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN ENSURE THE NEEDS OF YOUR CON -- CONSTITUENTS ARE MET.

WITH MY REMAINING TIME I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR SOME UH COME -- ACCOMMODATIONS AND DEMANDS. WE WOULD LIKE THE ATTORNEY TO PROSECUTE LANDLORDS WHERE INFORMATION WAS ONLY GIVEN IN ONE LANGUAGE. RESIDENTS WERE BEING FORCED TO SIGN DOCUMENTS EVEN IF THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND, USING EMAIL AS THE ONLY FORM OF COMMUNICATION AND THAT RESTRICTS THOSE WITHOUT

ACCESS TO INTERNET. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ANDREAS?

>> YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN. ONE, THANK YOU FOR ADVOCATING FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FOR THE PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE TORNADO. WE ARE WORKING TO -- WITH FEMA AND EVERYBODY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE RESPONSE WILL BE TO ALL OF THIS. I WILL TELL YOU THAT I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE WHAT SOME OF THE NEIGHBORS HAVE GONE THROUGH AND SEEN SOME OF THE HOUSES TORN TO PIECES.

I APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE AND ADVOCATING FOR THEM.

KNOW THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS. THE BEAMER APARTMENTS, I KNOW SOME PEOPLE ARE HERE TO SPEAK SPECIFICALLY ABOUT BEAMER, UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND I THINK Y'ALL ARE PLANNING TO GO TO COUNCIL, SO THAT WOULD BE VERY IMPORTANT.

KNOW THAT WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS AND HOPING TO PROVIDE SOME RELIEF AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS.

THANK YOU. APPRECIATE YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST AN UPDATE ON THAT AS WELL FOR FOLKS, I KNOW WE ARE VISITING ON ANYTHING THAT WE MIGHT BE MISSING AND WE ARE WORKING WITH THE NONPROFITS AND THE RED CROSS. HAPPY TO TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE FORM OF AID WOULD BE THE FEMA DIRECT ASSISTANCE AND THAT IS AT FEMA AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL RIGHT NOW.

AND SO WE WERE AT THE WHITE HOUSE -- WAS IT LAST WEEK? IT WAS THE WEEK PRIOR THE REQUEST WAS SENT FROM MYSELF AND THE GOVERNOR. WE HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH EVEN TODAY WITH THE FOLKS AT FEMA. THEY ASKED FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE MAYORS PRODUCED THAT PROMPT INFORMATION. SO WHAT'S LEFT FOR US TO DO IS CONTINUE TO SOUND THE ALARM FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SEND THOSE FUNDS. WE WILL BE WORKING ON A LETTER WITH OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION.

WILL -- DELEGATION. ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU GUYS CAN HELP US DO ON THAT END, THAT WILL BE -- THAT WILL BE VERY IMPORTANT AS WELL. I'M HOPING THEY WILL TURN THAT AID AROUND SOON OR -- OR THEY WILL TELL US THEY ARE NOT GOING TO GET IT. THAT WAS MY ASK FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND CERTAINLY WE'VE HAD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP SO FAR AND I AM HOPING THAT THEY WILL GET BACK TO US SOON.

I KNOW HOW MUCH OUR COMMUNITIES ARE HURTING.

AND THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH THAT WE AND OTHER NON-PROFITS CAN DO.

GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. TIFF TIFF YES, MA'AM --

>> YES, MA'AM. NEXT IS 14, GUADELOUPE SPEAKING VIRTUALLY WITH THE INTERPRETER. INTERPRETER, YOU ARE UNMUTED.

YOU ALL HAVE TWO MINUTES. >>

>> LINA HIDALGO: SPEAKING SPANISH.

IS THE INTERPRETER PRESENT? >> HI, MY NAME IS SANDRA AND I WILL BE YOUR SPANISH INTERPRETER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: HE ALREADY STARTED, DID YOU CATCH THAT?

>> NO. OKAY.

[03:25:05]

>>

>> OKAY. HONORABLE JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTENING TO ME.

I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST, YOU KNOW, ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITD APARTMENTS, I WOULD LIKE TONO KW IF THERE IS SOMETHINGOU Y CANO D IN REGARDS TO THE TORNADOESN I THE COMMUNITY.

MAYBEOT N ALL THE AREA ISAR PT OF THEOU CNTY, BUT WELL A PAY TAXESAN, D I WOULD LIKE TONO KW IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOROU Y TO DECLARE D AISASTER ZONE. A LOTF OFAMILIES WEREEC AFFTED DUE TO THISD , ANWE WOULD LIKE TO REQUESTP HEL A ANDSSISTANCE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >>INA HIDALGO:

SPEAKINGNI SPASH]. >>

>>GE JUD TO CLARIFY, C YOUAN RESPOND AND HAVEVE A CONRSATIONU T CAN'T GO PAST THAT. WE D CAN'TO ANYTHING ON ANO N-AGENDA ITEM.BU T YOU CAN RESPOND

>> LINA HIDALGO: I R CANESPOND ABOUTOP THE TIC?>> IF YOU WANT TO-- HAVE JUST TOER LET H KNOW THAT WE WILL

ADDRESSOU IT, Y CAN DO THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: BUT I CAN'T SAY

WE-- HAVE GET INTO DETAILS? >> RIGHT.NO . WE CAN'T GODE INTO TAIL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO, AHEAD TIFFANY.>> NEXT ISER SPEAK NUMBER CARMEN YVONNEIN SPEAKG PERSON, AND SHE WILL ALSO USING THEPR INTERETER.YO

U HAVE TWO MINUTES.>> KI

>> HOD GO AFTERNOON, HONORABLE JUDGE, LENAD LESLIE ANNE COMMISSIORS,ME I CO HERE TOBE SPEAK ON HALF OF BEAMER PLACES. APARTMENT I AM CARMEND YVONNE ANI AM ANNI

ORGAZER OF HOUSING. >>

>> WELL, TODAY I'M HERE TO ASKK, YOU OW, ABOUTR, THE DISASTE ABOUT THEOU TORNADOES, ABT THEAR HOUSTON EA, ABOUT THE PEOPLE.E THERE ARA LOT OF PEOPLE THATVE DON'T HA A PLACE TO HAS TO START FROMF ZERO, A LOT O PEOPLE THAT, H YOU KNOW, AREERER ASKING F FOOD. THEYOD EITHER PUT FO ONE THE TABLOR A H ROOF ON THEIREAD.NO THEY'RE T -- YOU

[03:30:05]

>> LINA DALGO: ANY OTHERTI SPEAKERS, FFANY?

>> YES,XT MA'AM. NE IS SPEAKER 19 SPEAKINGHE VIRTUALLY AND S WILLI ALSO USE THENTERPRETER.WO

YOU HAVE T>> MINUTES.

>> CAN YOU HEAR THE INTERPRETER: >> LINA HIDALG WE CAN HEAR THE W INTERPRETER, BUTE KNOW THERETH IS TROUBLE WITH EL SPEAKER.

WE WILHAVE TIFFANY REACH BACKRE OUT.

INTERPTER, CAN YOU INTERPRET WHAT YOU>> DID UNDERSTAND.

I WILL. I AM MARIA FLOREZ AND I AM A RESIDENT OF BEAMER APARTMENT,EC AND I WAS ALSO AFFTEDO. DUE TO THE TORNAD AND I DID GIVE MY DEPOSIT AND I AM LEAVING -- I'M ACTUALLYI TRYING TO SEE HOW OU CAN ACTUALY GET T AND THEY CAN GIVE ME MY DEPOSIT OF $660.

>> A SHE MENTIONED SOMETHINGBOUT HER DOG DYING, BUT I DIDN'TEC QUITE UNDERSTAND BAUSE THE LINE WAS CUTTING IN AND OUT. D

>> LINA HIDALGO: IIDN'T UNDERSTAND EITHER.

TIFFANY, LET US KNOWCK WHEN SHE COMES BA IF THAT'S ALL RIGHT.

>>ET OKAY. WE'LL TRY TO GTE HER BACK AND

CONNECD. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

THANK YOU, INTERPRETER. >> YOU'RE WELCOME.

>> NEXT IS DICKKI TYSON AND HE S SPEANG IN PERSON.

HAVE YOU ONE MOMENT.S >> LINA HIDALGO: IOM MR. TYSON N THE RO? HE'S MAKING HIS WAY.

>> WE ALL -- WE KNEW IT EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID ABOUT IT WAS TRUE. HE MADE HOUSTON A BETTER PLACE..

I AM HAPPY TO GET HERE SOME OF YOU MAY KNOW THAT THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND GAVE ME ONE OF THE HONORARY 300 KEYS.

MY JOB WAS TO GET THERE AND DEFEND THAT CASTLE AT ANY COST.

I COULDN'T GET THERE. OUR STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS I AMA UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR MURDER.

I CAME UP HERE AND THE FORMER SHERIFF, WE HAVE A POLICE OFFICER THAT CAME TO A COURT OF APPEAL.

IF THETY POLICE CHIEF AND THE COUN ATTORNEY TRIES TO TELL

THE COURT OF APPEALS HE WAS -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> SOMETHING'S WRONG.

BUT WHY AM I THAT WAY -- >> THANK YOU, SIR, YOUR TIME IS

UP. >> I COOPERATE GET THERE AND IN THE OLD DAYS IT CAPTURED ME AND PUT ME UNDER A GILL GILL LAW -- GUILLETINE. I DID NODO MY JOB.OU

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK Y. >> WHY CAN'T WE INVESTIGATE SOMETHING? JUDGE, I ASKED YOU TO COME UP HERE MANY TIMES AND INVESTIGATE SOMETHING.

HOW ABOUT FAT LEONARD. HE WAS UP HERE ALL THE TIME.

THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND SAID WHO II THIS GUY.

[03:35:03]

>> LINA DALGO: THANK YOU FOR COMING ALL THE WAY DOWN AND FOR SHARING THAT. I AM AFRAID YOU ARE OUT OF TIME.

>> WE ARE GOING TO RECONSTRUCT ONE MORE TIME --

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

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

>> WE HAVE MARIA FLOREZ BACK ON THE LINE.

INTERPRETER, I AM UNMUTING YOU NOW.

JEW -- THANK YOU. >>

>> SO THE DEPOSIT WAS FOR $660. MY DOG DIED AND I NEVER HAD ACCESS TO HAVE MY DOG THERE. I SIGNED AN AGREEMENT FOR 260 AND A DEPOSIT OF 300. THE TOTAL AMOUNT WAS 660.

THE BEAMER APARTMENTS HAS TO GIVE ME BACK.

>> ARE YOU THERE? >> SO --

>> SO I WANT TO KNOW WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET THE DEPOSIT BECAUSE

WE ARE WAITING FOR THAT DEPOSIT. >> I THINK THAT ALL THE PEOPLE FROM BEAMER APARTMENTS WOULD LIKE, YOU KNOW, LIKE AN ANSWER AND HAVE THEM NOT CONTINUE PLAYING WITH US.N

>> LINA HIDALGO: INTERPRETER, CAYOU PROMPT THE SPEAKER?

IT SHOULDN'T BE MY JOB. >>

>> SO WHEN ARE YOU GONNA GIVE US THE ANSWER FOR THE DEPOSIT?ND

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T UNDERSTA WHAT -- DOES THE DEPOSIT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TORNADO?

>> SIGNED A PAPER. IT STATED THAT THEY WERE GOING TO GIVE US OUR DEPOSIT BACK RA*RD LESS OF THE -- REGARDLESS OF THE FACT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS DAMAGED OR NOT.

WE SIGNED THE AGREEMENT IN ENGLISH AND LATELY THEY GIVE US

THE AGREEMENT IN SPANISH.. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH WE WILL LOOK INTO THIS.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID THE APARTMENT IS IN THE CITY AND MAYBE THERE IS SOMETHING MORE WE

CAN DO AND WE WILL LOOK INTO IT. >>

[03:40:06]

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE

SPEAKERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU, TIFFANY.

THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS. IS COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON THE WAY? THAT WAY WE CAN GO THROUGH ANY CHANGES IN THE CONSENT AGENDA. PWHRET -- LET ME GO OVER THE CHANGES WHILE HE IS HERE. COMMISSIONER ELLIS WELCOME.

ITEM 26 ON PAGE 5, THERE IS A CORRECTION.

DELETE DISCLOSURE COUNCIL. ITEM -- ITEM 40, DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION ON THIS ITEM. THAT'S ON PAGE 6.

ITEM 50 ON PAGE 8, DEPARTMENT REQUESTS NO ACTION.

ITEM 72 REQUESTS NO ACTION. ITEM 166, NO ACTION IS NEEDED ON THE BROAD LEGISLATIVE ITEM. ITEM 170 ON PAGE 20, NO ACTION.

ITEM 337 ON PAGE 42, NO ACTION. ITEM 417 ON PAGE 42, NO ACTION.

ITEM 480 ON PAGE 57, NO ACTION. ITEM 521 ON PAGE 62, NO ACTION.

I DON'T SIGH -- SEE ANY OTHER CORRECTIONS.

AM I MISSING ANY? >> I WAS JUST LOOKING AND THEY HAD SENT AN EMAIL FOR NUMBER 15. I BELIEVE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU WERE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT ONE ABOUT A CHANGE ON THAT

ONE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, ITEM 15.

>> LINA HIDALGO: PRESUMABLY THAT IS ON THE DISCUSSION AGENDA.

LET ME GO OVER THE DISCUSSION ITEMS THEN.

>> DO FOLKS NEED TO GO ON ITEM 475?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH IS THAT? >> LINA HIDALGO: GULF COAST RAIL

NOMINEES DR. CAROL LEWIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL PUT THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.

WHAT ABOUT 476, ARTHUR SMILEY TO THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD? NO NEED TO DISCUSS?

477. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S ANOTHER APPOINTMENT.

478, AN APPOINTMENT TO THE GALVESTON SUBSIDANCE DISTRICT

BOARD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON THIS ITEM, UNLESS IT IS TIME SENSITIVE, I WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE DISTRICT AND THESE APPOINTMENTS JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MORE TIME TO REVIEW IT AND SEE IF THERE IS ANOTHER NOMINEE TO

BE MADE. >> LET ME CHECK TO SEE IF IT IS TIME SENSITIVE SO I'LL KEEP IT UP FOR DISCUSSION FOR NOW.

NOT TIME SENSITIVE. SO WE WILL DO NO ACTION ON 478.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN MY TEAM MAKE A NOTE TO VISIT ABOUT THAT. 79 IS AN APPOINTMENT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: 480 WE DO NEED

ACTION ON THAT ONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE NO

ACTION ON THIS ITEM. >> YOU SAID NO ACTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S ONE YOU PULLED.

I GOAT -- I GOT A NOTE THAT SAID ACTION NEEDED.

WE DON'T NEED ACTION? LOOK AT WHAT IT SAYS.

>> SO YOU DID ME TO PULL IT? >> LINA HIDALGO: 480 SAID NO ACTION, BUT YOU ARE SAYING WE DO NEED ACTION?

>> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO DISREGARD THE NO ACTION. WE DO WANT TO UPDATE THIS GENTLEMAN TO THE HARRIS COUNTY BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

ARE YOU OKAY OR DO WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THIS APPOINTMENT? SO WE WILL PUT IT BACK ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MARISELA DISREGARD THE NO ACTION. WE WILL PUT THIS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. 481, AN APPOINTMENT TO THE

[03:45:05]

ON CONSENT. 482, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AN APPOINTMENT TO HARRIS HEALTH. WE'LL PUT IT ON CONSENT.

483, BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP STANDARDS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

484, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, AN APPOINTMENT TO THE HARRIS COUNTY

HOUSING AUTHORITY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DO NEED TO

GO BACK ON THAT ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO NEED TO GO BACK ON THAT ONE? OKAY.

SO WE WILL PUT 484 UP FOR DISCUSSION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

485, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, AN APPOINTMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY. WE WILL PUT THAT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. 486 AND THAT IS THE ONE THAT WE

SAID -- >> UNLESS THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS

WE DON'T NEED TO GO BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL PUT 486 ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM WE ONLY

HAVE 484. >> I'M SORRY.

THOSE ARE APPROVED AS ACCEPTED? >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT.

APPROVED AS PRESENTED. HERE ARE THE OTHER ITEMS PULLED FOR DISCUSSION. ITEM 12, PULLED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ABOUT EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM.

DO YOU NEED TO DISCUSS THAT STILL?

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 15, OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE HOUSING PORTFOLIO.

16, CLASSIFYING POSITIONS FOR GRANT ADMINISTRATION,

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 22, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY YOU FLAGGED THIS ITEM ABOUT A DEDICATED CORE OF COUNTY WORKERS FOR ELECTIONS.

ITEM 37 WE NEED TO DISCUSS ABOUT THE SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE PROGRAM. ITEM 41A COM PRAEUPL -- FRAME -- FRAMEWORK FOR DETENTION FACILITIES.

I SUGGEST WE TAKE THIS WITH ITEM 514.

ITEM 64, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THIS IS ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLE

CHARGING STATIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 71, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, METRO BUS

STOP SHELTERS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 89, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WEST GULF

BANK ROAD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 92, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, STUDY AND

DESIGN OF SIDEWALKS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 93 AND THAT IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: LIBRARY ITEM.

167 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, EQUITY INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM.

>> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 169 COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 177 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AFFORDABLE HOUSING TAX CREDIT. SADDLE CREEK VILLAGE.

190, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, LATE FEES FOR LIBRARY CUSTOMERS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 223, SEVERAL OFFICES HIGHLIGHTED THIS AND THAT IS ABOUT THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, $3 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY SKWRUS SYSTEM. JUSTICE SYSTEM.

SO FOLKS NEED TO DISCUSS THAT? 277 IS UH POINTMENT, JUSTICE -- APPOINTMENT, JUSTICE AND ACTION PLAN, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND PRECINCT 3, 257, AUDITED CLAIMS. 267 IS THE SECURIST AGREEMENT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: DOES THAT NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION OR CAN WE DISCUSS IN OPEN COURT,

COUNTY ATTORNEY? >> FOR NOW, DEPENDING ON WHERE THE CONVERSATION GOES WE MIGHT HAVE TO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 338, AN AGREEMENT WITH BAKER RIPLEY AND OTHERS FOR THE IMMIGRANT LEGAL DEFENSE FUND.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 398, THAT IS THE RULES OF CONDUCT AND DECORUM, AND WE CAN TAKE IT UP WITH ITEM 406 AS WELL.

420 IS A -- ALSO RELATED TO THE SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE PROGRAM AND WE'LL TAKE THAT UP WITH ITEM 37. 489 IS THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION AND WE'LL DISCUSS THAT.

502 -- WASTE OF TEXAS LANDFILL INC.'S APPLICATION TO TCEQ,

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> YES.

>> 503, TCEQ COMMENTS ABOUT THE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND

CLIMATE CHANGE. >> YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 508, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THE

SETTLEMENT WITH JUUL. W >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CANE DISCUSS THAT IN OPEN COURT?

>> YES, WE CAN. >> LINA HIDALGO: 50 FINE -RPBGS COMMISSION -- FINE -- 509, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, EQUITY

[03:50:05]

INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 514 IS MY ITEM ON THE JAIL CONDITIONS.

I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THAT AND TAKE IT ALONG WITH ITEM 41.

516, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, INCREASED COMPENSATION FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES. 518, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, COMPLETION OF 2018 FLOOD BOND PROJECTS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 519, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, A DEBARMENT POLICY.,

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 520 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ON THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION MEETING.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 521 IS NO ACTION AND COMMISSIONER RAMSEY FLAGGED IT.

522 IS I THINK ALREADY PASSED. WE TOOK IT OUT OF ORDER.

523, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE

TO REVISIT 522. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA WANTS TO TALK ABOUT 522 AGAIN.

523 IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY RAND CORPORATION.

WE DO HAVE ONE PUBLIC HEARING ON TODAY'S AGENDA, BUT IT WAS

REQUESTED AS NO ACTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THAT 104 -- 1480 I WANT TO TAKE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. WE'LL TAKE THAT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

>> NO, JUDGE. NOT AT THE MOMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: HERE ARE THE DISCUSSIONS I SR-FPLT EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 480 AND 484. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS 12, 15, 16, 22, 37, 41, 64, 71, 89, 92, 93, 167, 169, 177, 190, 223, 227, 257, 267, 338, 398, 406, 420, 489, 502, 503, 508, 509, 514, 516, 518, 519, 520, 522 AND 523. DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL THE ITEMS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: 1 THROUGH 523 WITH THE EXCEPTIONS OF THE ITEMS VOTED AND THE ITEMS JUST LISTED.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

LET'S START WITH THE REGULAR AGENDA EYE -- ITEMS.

ITEM 12, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: SIMPLE QUESTION HERE IS COULD THIS BE HANDLED OR WHY SHOULDN'T IT BE HANDLED WITHIN THE HARRIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION? I THINK THEY DO A FINE JOB WORKING WITH ALL OF THE DIFFERENT ISD'S IN THE COUNTY. WOULD IT BE HELPFUL IN TERMS OF RESOURCES WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COUNTY

>> LET ME MAKE SURE I HAVE A CLEAR ANSWER AND WE CAN GET BACK

TO YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL COME BACK TO THAT ONE. LET US KNOW, ARE MR. BARRY, WHEN

YOU HAVE AN ANSWER? >> I WILL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 15, COMMISSIONERS RAMSEY AND ELLIS HAD QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GUIDELINES FOR THE ARPA AFFORDABLE HOUSING PORTFOLIO ACQUISITION PROGRAM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THE QUESTION I HAD ON THIS ONE WAS THEY WOULD IDENTIFY PROPERTIES TO ACQUIRE, AND I SIMPLY WOULD WANT THEM COMING BACK TO COURT. THIS IS A GENERIC AUTHORIZATION FOR THEM TO FIND PROPERTIES AND BUY THEM.

I WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD, APPROPRIATE STEP FOR THIS TO COME BACK TO COURT. AS IT STANDS NOW, THAT'S NOT WHAT THIS SAYS. THIS IS GIVING THEM THE ABILITY TO MOVE FORWARD BEFORE THEY CLOSE THE DEAL.

THAT'S MY ISSUE. >> SKPHEUGSER ELLIS --

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MY CONCERN IS I WANT TO MOVE IT AND I KNOW IT IS A GOOD PROGRAM AND I KNOW THERE ARE DEADLINES ON WHEN WE NEED TO SPEND THE MONEY. THERE IS A TREMENDOUS HOUSING SHORTAGE. NATIONALLY WE HAVE ABOUT

[03:55:01]

WE NEED 150,000 MORE THAT ARE AFFORDABLE TO THE LOWEST HOUSEHOLDS. I KNOW ALL OF OUR STAFF HAS WORKED ON THIS, AND MINE IN PARTICULAR.

I THINK IT IS A MAJOR INVESTMENT AND I WANT TO MOVE FORWARD AT

THE APPROPRIATE TIME. >> I WOULD BE ABLE TO VOTE FOR IT IF JUST THE REMOVAL OF 1.6 WHICH HAD TO DO WITH BRINGING MULTIPLE MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING HERE --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: FROM MY STANDPOINT -- I DON'T WANT TO SLOW US DOWN SO I DO NOT FAVOR THAT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I DON'T KNOW THAT I WOULD.

>> I'M SORRY. I CAN'T GET MY VIDEO TO WORK.

THIS IS TAO COSTAS. WE ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, AND ARE GOOD WITH TAKING THAT PARTICULAR STATEMENT OUT. AND THE MAJORITY APPROVAL

ALLOWING IT TO MOVE FORWARD. >> SO EACH WOULD COME TO US.

>> YES ON THE MULTI-FAMILY. >> NOT THE SINGLE-FAMILY, BUT

THE MULTI-FAMILY. >> CORRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO CAN YOU SEND US THE UPDATED MOTION THEN BEFORE THE END OF COURT SO THAT WE CAN GET THIS PASSED OPEN --

HOPEFULLY? >> I CAN DO THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL COME BACK TO 15 AS WELL.

>> I AM READY TO ADDRESS THE OTHER ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> THE TEAM IS WORKING ON THE COUNTY CONNECTIONS PROGRAM ALREADY.

IT FITS IF THEIR AREA OF EXPERTISE.

THESE ARE FOR CHILD CARE QUALITY AND FACILITY INVESTMENTS AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE NUMBER TO ADDRESS AND THAT'S WHY IT WAS FOR THE COUNTY TO MANAGE ARPA INVESTMENTS.

>> SO HARRIS COUNTY EDUCATION DON'T HAVE THE BAND WIDTH TO

TAKE IT? >> FOR ALL OF THE PROGRAMS? MY UNDERSTANDING IS NO. IT IS SOMETHING RELATED TO WHAT THEY DO AND THEY ARE VERY INVOLVED.

>> THEY ARE INVOLVED? >> IN THAT PROGRAM, YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'LL MOVE IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

THAT WAS ITEM 12 AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR. >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. WE WILL SKIP 15 FOR NOW.

ITEM 16, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANT

ADMINISTRATIONS. >> TOM RAMSEY: SO THESE POSITIONS, AS I UNDERSTAND, TO CLARIFY, THESE 13 POSITIONS WOULD BE TO MANAGE THE ACQUISITION OF WHAT AMOUNTS TO BE $100 MILLION OF PROPERTIES AND 80 MILLION ON MULTI-FAMILY AND 20 MILLION GIVE OR TAKE ON SINGLE-FAMILY.

IS THAT WHAT THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR?

>> THESE POSITIONS ARE FOR -- YES, IT IS FOR THE ENTIRE ARPA-RELATED MULTI-FAMILY AND SINGLE-ACQUISITION AND QUALIFYING FOR SINGLE-FAMILY. IT IS FOR THOSE WHO MEET THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF REPORTING AND THE DEVELOPMENT.

>> ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC WITH THESE ACQUISITIONS WE CAN OBTAIN 100 MILLION OF PROPERTY IN HARRIS COUNTY?

>> IT IS RELATED TO THE MULTI-FAMILY AND YES THAT

PORTION WE ARE. >> BECAUSE THERE IS A DEADLINE ON WHEN YOU HAVE TO SPEND THE MONEY.

>> THE TEAM ALONG WITH COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND STAFF AND MULTIPLE EXPERTS WERE PLANNING THIS OUT DELIBERATELY.

YES. >> THAT WAS MY QUESTION.

>> AND THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY QUESTION.

I THINK WHEN WE CAME IN IT WAS MY CONCERNS TO CSD AND HOW QUICKLY THINGS MOVE. HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ANY KPI'S

FOR THESE POSITIONS? >> THAT IS BEING -- AND WHILE WE

[04:00:09]

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS. >> I HEAR YOU.

YES. OUR WORK HAS BEEN FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS REALLY ACCELERATING AND SMOOTHING OUT OUR PROCESSES AND IT WILL CONTINUE. THAT WORK ON THE DISASTER RECOVERY SIDE, IT IS PROGRESSING ON THIS SIDE WITH ARPA IT ALLOWS US TO MOVE EVEN FASTER BECAUSE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENT ARE MUCH LOOSER. WE ARE OPTIMISTIC WITH THE STRUCTURE AND THE WORK THAT THE GROUP HAS BEEN WORKING ON FOR THIS PIECE AND, YES, KPI'S AND PERFORMANCE NEEDING IT IN A TIMELY MANNER IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE.

>> THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: BEFORE I MAKE THE MOTION, IS IT FAIR TO SAY YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO MOVE FASTER?

>> YES. WE ARE WORKING WITH A LEAN TEAM NOW. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO DO IT MORE

EFFICIENTLY. >> NOT -- NOTHING WOULD BE MORE EMBARRASSING AND DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE.

SO THE QUESTION IS THIS ENOUGH OR DO YOU THINK YOU WILL HAVE TO COME BACK AND ASK FOR MORE OR DO YOU NOT KNOW?

>> I DO NOT HAVE THE FULL ANSWER ON THAT.

>> [INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: FOLKS.

SOMEBODY MAY BE UNMUTED. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE TRYING TO COMMENT AT COURT OR IF YOU ARE -- IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY

UNMUTED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MOVE IT

IF THERE ARE NO MORE QUESTIONS. >> THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR. >> I.

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

I RECEIVED YOUR MOTION COMMISSIONER RAMSEY ON ITEM 15.

THAT WILL LET US KNOW IF THIS IS APPROPRIATE.

COULD THERE BE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE GUIDELINES WITH THE REMOVAL OF 1.6 ON PAGE 5 OF THE MULTI-FAMILY ACQUISITION PROGRAM? IS THAT APPROPRIATE?

>> THAT IS APPROPRIATE. I KNOW THAT THE CURRENT PRACTICE IS FOR ALL MULTI-FAMILY WHACK -- ACQUISITIONS TO GO FORTH FOR

YOUR APPROVAL BEFORE WE ACT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE A QUICK

QUESTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM, BUT I WANT YOU TO MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE OLD COURT POLICY WAS EACH COMMISSIONER UNILATERALLY DECIDED THEY WOULD NOT HAVE MULTI-FAMILY IN THEIR PRECINCTS. AS A RESULT OF THAT, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE PROJECTS IN PRECINCT 1 AND PRECINCT 2, SO THE COURT DOES NOT BRING IT BECAUSE A COMMISSIONER SAYS THEY DON'T WANT IT OR BECAUSE THAT'S JUST UNFAIR TO PEOPLE WHO NEED HOUSING WHEN IT IS ALL -- I'LL TAKE IT IN PRECINCT ONE AND WELCOME THEM. BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH EVERY PRECINCT. WE GET OURSELVES IN A LAWSUIT AT ONE POINT. SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS

CLEAR. >> SO WE WILL PRESENT PROJECTS AND WE WILL BE SEEKING MAJORITY SUPPORT.

>> SO YOU ARE OFFERING AN AMENDMENT?

>> TOM RAMSEY: MOVE FORWARD AS AMENDED WITH REMOVAL OF SECTION

1.6. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

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

>> JUDGE. I'M SORRY CAN YOU REPEAT THAT FOR CLARIFICATION FOR THE RECORD, THE MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TO APPROVE THE GUIDELINES WITH REMOVAL OF SECTION 1.6 ON PAGE 5 OF THE MULTI-FAMILY ACQUISITION PROGRAM I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

THAT'S ITEM 15. LET'S MOVE ON TO ITEM 22 AND WE'LL TAKE 22 AND 520 TOGETHER AS THEY RELATE TO ELECTIONS.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, WOULD YOU TALK ABOUT ITEM 22?

>> CERTAINLY, JUDGE. THE PROPOSAL HERE IS TO BUILD ON THE COUNTY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, THE EMPLOYEE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

[04:05:03]

ADMINISTRATOR DAY -- TATUM AND MY TEAM SAYS A WAY TO IMPROVE THE PROGRAM IS TO HAVE A CONSISTENT GROUP OF COUNTY EMPLOYEES WHO CAN WORK ELECTIONS, WHETHER THAT IS HELPING WITH MACHINES AND WHETHER THAT IS HELPING WITH PROCESSING AND FINDING A GROUP OF PEOPLE WE CAN RELY ON WHO ARE PROPERLY TRAINED. WE THINK THAT WILL TAKE PAYING THEM AND COMPENSATING THEM APPROPRIATELY.

WE ARE REQUESTING APPROVAL TO FLUSH OUT THE PROGRAM OF HOW IT CAN BE COMPENSATED APPROPRIATELY.

WE HAVE SPOKEN WITH ADMINISTRATOR TATUM AND HE OUTLINED THE TYPES OF PEOPLE HE NEEDS AND ENGAGED WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THIS IS TO MAKE SURE THE COURT IS SUPPORTIVE AND WE CAN BRING BACK A FULL FISCAL NOTE IN ADVANCE OF THE MAY ELECTION WE WOULD LIKE TO ROLL OUT AT THAT

TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: DO YOU WANT TO GO FIRST? I KNOW YOU PULLED IT AND HAVE QUESTIONS.

>> GO AHEAD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO ASK MR. TATUM TO GIVE US INPUT. I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD HAVE DONE, BUT KNOWING THAT IN THIS ENVIRONMENT, COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS PUT THEMSELVES AT RISK, SOMETIMES BODILY RISK AND THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING HAULED INTO COURT, A HOST OF ISSUE AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T STOP HERE AND THAT IN ADDITION TO THIS SOME REQUESTS ARE COMING FORWARD IF NECESSARY! I FOR ONE AM WILLING TO SAY THAT I WOULD SUPPORT PAYING FOR IT IT'S WITH FEDERAL MONEY OR OUR MONEY. I JUST THINK IT IS IMPORTANT.

I WANT MR. TATUM TO COMMENT ON THAT IF HE'S AVAILABLE.

>> WE HAVE BEEN WORKING TO IDENTIFY WITH THE PROGRAM AND IT IS -- AND SECONDARY TO THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE IS WORKING TO DEVELOP THE PLAN WHICH WILL BE BRINGING TO THE COURT ON A DIFFERENT DAY RELATED TO THE BUILDOUT OF THE ORGANIZATION

ITSELF. >> I ASSUME THERE HAS BEEN A BIT OF BURNOUT AND TREPIDATION ON THE PART OF PEOPLE TO TAKE THESE POSITIONS. MR. BARRY AND MR. RAMOS, I HOPE YOU ARE ALL -- I HOPE -- ARE YOU CONSIDERING PAYING THEM OR GIVING THEM COMP TIME? HOW WOULD IT WORK, OR BOTH?

>> I THINK WE NEED TO MOVE TO PAYMENT TO MAKE THIS MOST EFFECTIVE. THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO WORK THROUGH IN LIGHT OF THE JOB DUTIES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU DON'T PLUG IN NUMBERS NOW? YOU MAKE THAT BASED ON WHAT THE MARKET REQUIRES?

>> YES. THE PLAN WOULD BE TO COME BACK WITH SOMETHING THAT IS SUFFICIENT TO GET FOLKS TO SIGN

UP AND COMMIT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: GOOD TO SEE YOU, MR. TATUM. WE HAD A CONVERSATION THE OTHER DAY. I KNOW THAT A WEALTH OF INFORMATION AND EXPERIENCED EXPERTISE EXISTS WITHIN THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE AND THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.

SO I THINK AS Y'ALL LOOK AT WAYS TO FURTHER SUPPORT ELECTIONS, YOU PROBABLY CAN TALK TO SOME PEOPLE THAT HAVE ACTUALLY DONE A PRETTY GOOD JOB OF THAT. I THINK SOME OF THOSE STILL EXIST AND HOW THEY DID IT, SEVERAL -- HOW THEY DID IT SEVERAL YEARS AGO, AND EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME MODEL IT IS THE SAME POSSIBILITY OF HAVING COUNTY EMPLOYEES FOR A PERIOD OF TIME HELPING WITH ELECTIONS.

SO I ENCOURAGE YOU TO SPEND A LITTLE TIME WITH BOTH OF THOSE ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO HAVE A WEALTH OF INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS AS YOU TRY TO SET UP A PROGRAM.

>> YES, SIR. AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT THERE AND HAVE FOLLOWED -- WE HAVE TAKEN ACTION TO FOLLOW-UP WITH THE TAX ASSESSOR AS WELL AS THE COUNTY CLERK TO DISCUSS WAYS FOR US TO COLLABORATE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

SORRY. 4-1.

I'M SO SORRY. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS OPPOSED.

THAT'S 22. AND NOW 520, COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: REL MR. TATUM REPORTS TO THE ELECTION COMMISSION AND NOT THIS COURT.

AND I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION TO MEET THE MAY ELECTION IS UPON US. WE NEED TO KNOW THAT WE'VE GOT A

[04:10:02]

ROW FOR THE MAY ELECTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, SO THE MOTION THAT PASSED AT THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION IS THAT WE MEET THREE WEEKS BEFORE AND AFTER EACH ELECTION AS WELL AS QUARTERLY, AND SO WE ARE WORKING TO SCHEDULE A MEETING IN MARCH OR EARLY APRIL WHICH WILL BE THE QUARTERLY/THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE ELECTION.

WE DON'T HAVE A PUBLISHED SCHEDULE AHEAD OF TIME.

IT IS QUITE HARD TO ALIGN ALL OF OUR SCHEDULES, BUT WE ARE WORKING TO FIND A TIME WHERE WE CAN MEET.

>> THE ONLY QUESTION IS RECOGNIZING THE ISSUES IN THE PAST THAT IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO GET A JUMP ON THE MAY ELECTION AND BEING SURE THAT WE ARE READY TO TAKE THAT ON WOULD BE MY ONLY

ANSWER. >> LINA HIDALGO: MY INTENT IS TO MEET IN MARCH, COMMISSIONER. IT WILL JUST BE DEPENDING ON MY COLLEAGUES' AVAILABILITY. I WILL PUSH FOR THAT.

>> TOM RAMSEY: OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON THIS ITEM, COMMISSIONER? OKAY.

SO THAT WAS 520. ITEM 37.

THAT'S THE SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE PROGRAM AND WE WILL TAKE IT WITH 420 AND THEY BOTH RELIGHT -- RELATE TO THE SUBDIVISION

DRAINAGE PROGRAM. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: CAN WE PLEASE HAVE DR. RAHMAN UPDATE THE COURT BEFORE WE DELVE INTO

DISCUSSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU ON THE LINE? GO AHEAD.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND MEMBERS OF THE COURT. [INAUDIBLE].

COMMISSIONER, YOU WANTED A BIT ON THE ITEM 37?

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES, SIR.

>> SO THIS PROGRAM, MEMBERS OF THE COURT, WE HAVE 96 PROJECTS INITIALLY AND WE HAVE 93 PROJECTS, BUT SOME PROJECTS ARE BIG. WE SPLIT IT TO 96 PROJECTS.

THE PROJECT ORIGINALLY WHEN THE 2018 BOND PROGRAM WAS LISTED AT A COST OF 460 SOMETHING MILLION DOLLARS.

AS WE HAVE PROGRESSED TO THE FRIEND PHASE, THE DISARMAMENT STRUCTURE, THE CURRENT ESTIMATED COST FOR THE TERM PROGRAM.

THE COST IS 792 MILLION AND IN DETERMINES OF THE PROGRAM EXECUTION AND MANAGEMENT, IT IS 40 MILLION.

TO DATE, WE HAVE FUNDED UP TO $550 MILLION SO THAT IS KEEPING IT $276 MILLION. IN TERMS OF THE PROJECT, COMMISSIONER, A LOT OF THE PROJECTS ARE IN DIFFERENT PHASES. AT THIS TIME WE HAVE PROJECTS THAT HAVE COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION WE HAVE A PROJECT UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND 14 PROJECT THAT WILL BE BIDDING IN THE NEXT 90 DAYS IF FULLY FUNDED BY THIS COURT AND WE HAVE 32 PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN. WRAOE -- WE DO HAVE A GROUP OF PROJECTS ON HOLD FOR VARIOUS REASONS.

WHEN THE DEPARTMENT IS NOT WILLING TO PARTNER UP AT THIS TIME OR THE PROJECT DOES NOT HAVE A LOT OF VALUE WE HAVE RESCINDED SEVERAL OF THE GROUPS. THESE PROJECTS -- WE PUT THESE PROJECTS ON HOLD AND THERE IS NOT A SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT OR NO BENEFIT AND IT IS NOT FEASIBLE TO BUILD THIS PROJECT.

ON THIS LIST WE HAVE 13 PROJECTS AND IF WE DON'T FUND THE PROJECTS, WE WILL BE SPENDING $45 MILLION.

SO ON THE SECOND GROUP OF PROJECTS WE HAVE BASICALLY

[04:15:06]

THESE SEVEN PROJECTS, IF THE COURT DECIDES NOT TO FUND IT IT WILL HAVE A $58 MILLION COST REDUCTION.

ON THE THIRD TABLE, WE HAVE ON THE RCA WHAT WE HAVE PRESENTED, MEMBERS OF THE COURT, THE COUNTY SAID DO WHAT YOU CAN DO, AND THESE ARE THE PROJECTS THAT WILL GET IMPACTED.

WE RECOMMENDED THAT BUILT ON THE FLOOD CONTROL CRITERIA, WE PRIORITIZED THIS PROJECT AND WE PUT THIS PROJECT ON HOLD UNTIL WE HAVE FUNDING AVAILABLE. I WILL PAUSE HERE AND TAKE

QUESTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD,

COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU.

DOCTOR -- DR. RAHN -- RAHMEN, THANK YOU.

WHEN YOU SAY THE PROJECT HAD -- PROJECTS THAT HAVE LITTLE VALUE, DO THEY HAVE A SCORE OF LESS THAN FIVE OR FIVE AND LESS? SOME OF THIS PROJECT THAT HAS LITTLE VALUE, YES, IT DOES HAVE LOW SCORE. SOME OF THE PROJECT BECAUSE OF UNWILLING PARTNERS. A FEW OF THEM HAVE HAD A SCORE OF 8.6 AND 7.2 AS YOU CAN SEE, BUT THE PARTNERS AT THIS TIME AND SAYING WE DO NOT HAVE FUNDING AT THIS TIME.

SIMILARLY WE ARE LOOKING AT -- THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PARTNER UP AT THIS TIME WITH AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT.

WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO COMPLETE IT AT THIS TIME.

SO WE ASK IT BE PLACED ON HOLD. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS. AND ALSO THE -- LET'S SEE.

I HAVE MY NOTES HERE, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE USING -- THIS IS GOING TO A SPECIFIC ROAD AND BRIDGE SUBDIVISION PROJECT.

THAT'S THE PRIORITY, CORRECT? >> YES.

ALL OF THE PROJECTS HAVE A NEXT SUCCESS -- HAVE A NEXUS.

>> AND THEN THE OTHER CHALLENGE THAT WE ARE ALL UP AGAINST IS COST ESCALATION. IS THAT ACCURATE?

>> SO THE PROGRAM BACK LAST YEAR IN APRIL WHEN WE ESTIMATED THE COST OF 687 MILLION AND NOW THE COST WENT TO 792 MILLION THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE SAVED BASED ON THE CURRENT MARKET AND WHAT WE HAVE IN ADVERTISING AND THE RATE WE ARE DECEIVING.

SO THIS IS THE ESTIMATE. WE HAVE SEEN ALMOST A 13% INCREASE SINCE LAST YEAR IN TERMS OF OUR OUTCOME.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: VERY GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER

RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: DR. RAHMAN, APPRECIATE THE UPDATE YOU GAVE TO OUR TEAM.

THE ONE ITEM YOU ADDED YESTERDAY WAS NUMBER THREE ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHERE YOU SAID YOU WOULD PUT SEVEN PROJECTS AT A COST OF 59 MILLION ON HOLD AND THE PROJECT SCORED UNDER FIVE.

I DON'T AGREE WITH YOUR SCORING. AT LEAST TWO OF THESE ARE READY TO GO ON CONSTRUCTION. THAT'S WHAT THE TASK FORCE MISSED. THEY HAD MUCH BENEFIT NOT JUST IN PRECINCT THREE, BUT DOWNSTREAM IN PRECINCT THREE.

[04:20:06]

IT WOULD BE A SHAME TO SHUT THOSE DOWN NOW WHEN WE ARE SO CLOSE TO BIDDING WHAT I CONSIDER, AND WHAT I WOULD THINK TO BE VALUABLE PROJECTS. I KNOW YOU AND I -- I KNOW WE TALKED ON PUTTING SEVERAL PROJECTS IN PRECINCT THREE ON HOLD THAT WERE HIGHLY RATED. BUT WE DIDN'T HAVE OUR PARTNERSHIPS ALL LINED UP. UNTIL WE DO THAT, WE ARE NOT REALLY GOING TO MOVE FORWARD. I DO THINK USING THE TERM ON HOLD IS GOOD. MY MOTION IS TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH IS PLACING THE 7 PROJECTS WITH AN ESTIMATED COST TO COMPLETE A 59 MILLION ON HOLD BECAUSE THERE IS A COUPLE OF THOSE THAT YOU COULD FORESEE AND OF COURSE WE COULD PROCEED UNTIL WE HAD THE DOLLARS AND I THINK THERE IS PROBABLY MORE MONEY COMING FROM HCTR. WE JUST DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH AND WHEN. THAT'S MY CONCERN AND THAT'S MY

REQUEST. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN

COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL JUST MAKE THE MOTION FOR APPROVAL, BUT I WILL DO THAT AFTER

QUESTIONS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WAS

GOING TO RESPOND MORE BROADLY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES.

I WAS GOING TO ADD IF WE CAN BRING YOUR CONCERNS, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY -- DR. RAHMEN, CAN WE PUT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S ITEM ON A SUBSEQUENT AGENDA SEPARATE AND APART FROM TODAY'S DISCUSSION? I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE THAT OFF THE TABLE. I THINK HE IS MAKE SOMETHING IMPORTANT POINTS. BUT BASED ON THE DISCUSSIONS I HAVE HAD I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T CHANGE IT TOO MUCH, BUT RESPECT THE PROJECTS HE IS SPEAKING TO.

IS THAT POSSIBLE? >> YES.

THAT'S UP TO THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT.

I THINK COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S POINT, THE TWO PROJECTS HAVE RECEIVED [INAUDIBLE] BASED ON PERSONAL PLAN.

IT IS CLOSE TO DESIGN COMPLETION STAGE AT THIS TIME AND IT IS BASED ON THE CRFT TEAM. THEY CAME UP WITH THIS STORY BASED ON THE CODE THEY ADOPTED A FEW MONTHS AGO.

BUT THAT IS UP TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT AT THIS TIME.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IF YOU ARE UP TO IT, I WOULD LIKE TO WORK ON IT WITH YOU, BUT MOVE THE ITEM AS WE ARE THANK -- THINKING AND THEN COME BACK FOR A SEPARATE ITEM FOR THE

TWO PROJECTS. >> IF WE COULD.

AND TAKE THOSE OFF THE TABLE IN TERMS OF WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE.

JUST BRING IT BACK FOR ANOTHER --

>> >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: WOULD YOU PLEASE REPEAT WHAT YOU WANT TO TAKE OFF?

>> TOM RAMSEY: CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES AND DOULA LANE.

THOSE ARE BOTH WITHIN 90 DAYS OF BEING BUILT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST ON THOSE TWO?

>> TOM RAMSEY: DOUA LANE IS TOTAL 820 -- ROUGHLY 829,000.

CYPRESS CREEK IS 10.4 MILLION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST CURIOUS.

WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM? >> TOM RAMSEY: I THINK THE WAY DR. RAHMAN DESCRIBED IT TO US, WE ARE NOT SURE HOW MUCH AND WHEN. THE MORE WE KNOW ABOUT THAT, I WOULD -- RATHER THAN -- AT SOME POINT WE MAY HAVE TO DECIDE WE CAN'T GO OUT FORBID. GIVE IT ANOTHER MONTH OR TWO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BASED ON WHAT I HEARD FROM DR. RAHMAN, YOU ARE DISPUTING THE SCORING, BUT YOU ARE ALSO ARGUING THAT THEY ARE READY FOR BID AND BASED ON THE IDEA OF THE SCORING I WANT TO WORK WITH THE TWO OF YOU ALL TO SEE IF WE CAN'T FIND RESOLUTION FOR THOSE PROJECTS. IF WE CAN -- HAVE YOU MY SUPPORT TO TRY TO ADVOCATE FOR THAT TO FIND A RESOLUTION.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I MEAN THERE'S -- RECOMMENDATION THREE IS SEVEN PROJECTS AND FIVE ARE IN PRECINCT 3.

[04:25:10]

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE DO THEM ONE BY ONE TOMB --

>> TOM RAMSEY: TPH-PL FINE WITH ONE AND TWO.

THERE ARE MORE PRECINCT PROJECTS THAN ONE AND.

I'M FINE WITH THAT. I AM TRYING TO WORK WITH OUR COUNTY ENGINEER AND NOT CHERRY PICK, BUT IN THOSE CASES, THERE MAY BE A BENEFIT. IT IS WORTH AT LEAST HAVING THE CONVERSATION THAT IF WE CAN BRING IT BACK, AND IF IT DOES MERIT -- MAYBE IT DOES MERIT SOME REGIONAL CONSIDERATION, THEN WE SHOULD AT LEAST TALK ABOUT IT.

Y'ALL CAN VOTE IT DOWN -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM IN UH -- AGREE -- AGGREANCE, BUT I WANT TO BRING BACK PRECINCT 1.

THAT'S FAIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER BRIONES, BUT I WANT TO JUST NOT COMPLICATE IT BASED ON THE FORMULA THAT THERE RAHMAN WAS SAYING.

THE COMMISSIONER IS MAKING A*RG PHEPBTS ON SOME -- ARGUMENTS ON SOME ITEMS I WOULD LIKE TO WORK OFFLINE.

IF IT MAKES SENSE I WOULD LIKE TO WORK ON YOUR ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM TRYING TO CATCH ON HERE AND JUST MAKE SURE I AM UNDERSTANDING EVERYTHING CORRECTLY AND FOR THE PUBLIC AS WELL. ITEM 1 IS THESE ARE PROJECTS THAT HAVE ADVANCED INTO CONSTRUCTION PHASE OR BEYOND.

SO YOU ARE SAYING WE GO -- I GUESS WHERE THIS FUNDAMENTALLY COMES FROM AND AS YOU MENTIONED IN YOUR PRESENTATION IS THERE IS A CERTAIN BUDGET FOR THIS WHICH HAS GONE WAY, WAY, WAY HIGH.

IT WAS 435 MILLION AND NOW WE ARE AT, WHAT IS IT, 800?

>> STARTED AT 460 AND NOW 800. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE WAY WE WILL TACKLE THIS IS FUND 26 THAT ARE ALMOST DONE.

THAT'S RECOMMENDATION 1. RECOMMENDATION 2 IS TO PUT ON HOLD 45 MILLION WRO*RT -- WORTH OF PROJECTS WHO DON'T HAVE PARTNERS. WE ARE ON BOARD WITH THAT.

AND THEN RECOMMENDATION THREE IS TO PAUSE SEVEN PROJECTS WHICH SCORE BELOW FIVE ON THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR MOTION SO I AM CLEAR?

>> TOM RAMSEY: MOVE FORWARD WITH ALL RECOMMENDATIONS EXCEPT THREE. LET'S HAVE ANOTHER LOOK AT THAT

AND BRING IT BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THEN YOU WOULD LOOK AT THREE AND THEN COME BACK.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AFTER YOU ARE DONE, JUDGE I WOULD LIKE

TO CHIME IN. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND WHAT IS RECOMMENDATION FOUR? I AM TO THE CLEAR ON

RECOMMENDATION FOUR. >> TOM RAMSEY: [INAUDIBLE] TO REVIEW SUR PLUS -- SURPLUS OF HCTRA REVENUE UNDER SECTION 284 [INAUDIBLE] MAKE RECOMMENDATION -- MAKE A

RECOMMENDATION -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THE PROGRAM COSTS 1.82 MILLION. WE APPROVED -- THERE IS A 270 MILLION-DOLLAR GAP. IF WE PAUSE GROUPS TWO AND THREE, WE SAVE 106 MILLION DOLLARS.

WE STILL HAVE TO MAKE UP $160 MILLION.

AND SO WHAT DR. RAHM SA* N IS SAYING -- RAHMAN IS SAYING WE WILL TAKE FUNDS FROM HCTRA TO MAKE THAT DONE 160 MILLION GAP.

AM I UNDERSTANDING THAT CORRECTLY?

>> YES. IT IS PROBABLY HIGHER THAN

77 MILLION TO BE EXACT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 177 MILLION.

I GOT IT. THANK YOU FOR CLARIFYING.

COMMISSIONER BREE I DON'T KNOW -- COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW THINGS OF THE ORIGINAL LIST OF 96 PROJECTS.

SIX ARE IN PRECINCT 4. IT IS ONLY SIX.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE SPENDING THE TAXPAYERS' RESOURCES ON DATA-DRIVEN EFFORTS.

I DON'T NEED TO REWIND THE CLOCK TO 2018 WHETHER OR NOT THE LIST WOULD BE THE LIST IF WE WERE APPLYING THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK TODAY. BUT TO ME IT IS A -- IT IS FUNDAMENTAL WHEN WE HAVE A FUNDING GAP TO MAKE SURE WE ARE MAKING DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS AND ADDRESSING THE NEED.

SO I WOULD -- I'M IN FAVOR OF VARIOUS THINGS, BUT WITH REGARD TO THE DIFFERENT TABLES OF PROJECTS, TAKE -- TABLE 1 AND TABLE 3 AND THEN WE CAN DISCUSS THE TWO THAT YOU BROUGHT UP, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO THOSE. I WOULD RECOMMEND PUTTING THEM

[04:30:01]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND THAT. IF THAT'S A MOTION I SECOND IT.

I WOULD JUST ADD TO IT THAT WE ALLOCATE THE ADDITIONAL MOBILITY TRANSFER PROPOSAL BY RECOMMENDATION 4 TO THE PRECINCTS REPORTING TO THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION AND PERCENTAGES USED FOR THE 2022 ROAD AND PARK BOND.

DO YOU ACCEPT THAT? >> YES.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT ALLOCATES THE ADDITIONAL MOBILITY TRANSFER PROPOSED BY RECOMMENDATION NUMBER FOUR TO THE PRECINCTS ACCORDING TO THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION PERCENTAGES USED FOR THE 2022 ROAD AND PARKS BOND THAT WE JUST PASSED.

YOU CAME UP WITH A METHOD FOR THAT BOND AND APPLY THAT SAME

METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND JUST SO WE KNOW, WHAT IS THAT METHOD? WHAT WOULD THAT AMOUNT TO PER

PRECINCT? >> WE HAVE THAT, COMMISSIONER.

FOR THE ECONOMICSER -- FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 127% AND PRECINCT 2 IS 30%, PRECINCT 3 IS 19% AND PRECINCT 4 IS 24%.

SKPWH -- AND TAKE OVER THE ENGINEERING COSTS AND THE REMAINDER WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED ON THAT.

>> AND TO BE CLEAR, THIS WOULD BE IN THE HCTRA MOBILITY FUNDS

COMING IN? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SUPPORT THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. LOAN --

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE PAUSE THE ONES NOT GETTING PARTNERSHIP.

WE WOULD PAUSE PRESUMABLY SOME OF THE ONE THAT'S WERE SCORING UNDER FIVE BECAUSE YOU WILL WORK ON THAT.

AND THEN THE ONES THAT DON'T -- THE ONE THAT'S ARE LEFT OVER, WHICH PROJECTS ARE THERE -- ARE THOSE, DR. RAHMAN? AND CONSTITUENTS WERE PROVIDED A LIST.

I'M WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

NONE OF US WERE PART OF -- I DON'T THINK, OF THE DESIGN OF THE SELECTION OF THESE PROJECTS AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF WORTHY PROJECTS. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE PROJECT THAT'S WERE PROMISED UNLESS THEY ARE NO LONGER FEASIBLE. BUT HAVE I A REALLY TIME SORT OF CHANGING THE LIST. I WOULD RATHER SPEND OUR TIME FIGURING OUT WHAT THE NEXT BOND IS BECAUSE WE DID PROMISE THE -- CERTAINLY AT THE TIME THE CONSTITUENTS WERE PROMISED THOSE PARTICULAR PROJECTS AND I HAVE BEEN VERY CLEAR WHEN WE FIRST CAME UP WITH THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK THAT HAS GOTTEN US TO WHERE WE R-FPLT THE QUESTION IS ARE WE GO -- THE QUESTION IS ARE WE GOING TO DO THE LIST? I WAS CLEAR THAT, NO, MY INTENTION IS NOT TO COME UP WITH A DIFFERENT LIST.

IT IS SIMPLY TO COME UP WITH AN ORDER IN WHICH THIS LIST IS GONNA GET DONE TO WHERE WE ARE NOT PRIORITIZING THE WEALTHY AREAS SIMPLY BY THE FACT THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE A FRIEND DOWNTOWN. SO THAT'S KIND OF MY STRUGGLE.

THAT'S A QUESTION FOR -- I'M SO SORRY, DIRECTOR RAHMAN.

WHAT ARE THE PROJECT THAT'S END UP IN BUCKET NUMBER FOUR AND THE RECOMMENDATION NUMBER FOUR BUCKET?

>> SKPHEUGS -- COMMISSIONER OR HAHN -- HONORABLE JUDGE, THAT WOULD BE A LIST IF WE TAKE THAT ONE OUT OF THE LIST WE ACCEPT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S RECOMMENDATION AND ONLY TAKE FIVE OUT. THAT WOULD BE THE PROJECT LIST OR THE 188 MILLION AND THAT SHOULD BE -- THAT 188 MILLION-DOLLAR PROJECT, THAT NEEDS TO BE FUNDED THROUGH THE RESOURCES. THAT LIST IS ON TABLE FOUR.

I'MOR SRY. IT ISAB TLE THREE, COMMISSIONER AND JUDGE. THAT IS THERO PJECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ON HOLD. THAT LISTNC ILUDES THE PROJECT ON TABLEWO T. WE JUST NEED TO TAKE THE FIVE

PROJECTS OUT OF TABLEHR TEE. >> LINA HIDALGO: SOF IYOU TAKE OUT -- SO ITS ITHEUL BK OF BLTAE 3 IS BASICALLY WHATAL FLS

[04:35:03]

>>ES Y, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: MY CONCERN WOULD BE --EA I HR WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

MY CONCERN IST WHADO I SAY TO THOSE CONSTITUENTSN WHETHEY SAY, HEY, YOU PROMISED USHI TS LIST AND YOU PROMISED THAT YOU YOU WEREN'T GOING TONG CHAE IT. I O WASUT THERE20 IN 19 AS THE FACETH OF EOR PRIITIZATION FRAMEWORK AND WHAT HAS BECOME SVI AND ALL OFT THAWITH THE PROMISE THAT INO AM TNG GOI TO RELITIGATE B THEOND LIST. NOT BECAUSE I LIKE IT, BUT BECAUSE AT THAT POINTAR WE E STARTINGK BACATAR SQUE ZERO.

I MIGHT JUSTE HAVTO ABSTAIN ON THIS I ONEF Y'ALL REACH ANAG REEMENT BECAUSE I NEED TO KEEP MY COMMITMENTTH WITH E

.ONSTITUENTS >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF I, MAYI WANT TO ADDPA THAT USING THEPR OJECTS IS NOT DOINGWI AWAY TH THE PROJECT.FO R LEGITIMATEEC PERSPTIVE, ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ISID ENTIFYING FOR US THAT IT GOING TO BE VERYCU DIFFILT DELIVER THESECT PROJES ANYWAY.WH ,LE IT MOVES TO THE PRECINCT I DOTO COMMIT IN ADDRESSG FLOODING.AM I O GOING TBE LOOKING TO THISST LI --JE THE PROCT LIST OPINION ANDN BASED OMY DISCUSSIONS G DOESN'TOE. ANYWHER IT DOESN'T GET. CHANGED ITEL IS NOT IMINATED.NE MOY IS THE DRIVING FACTORRE HE. THE GLO HAS LEFT IT OUT.

AND UNTIL WE T RESOLVEHAT, ITLO ALWS US A VERY STRATEGIC METHODG FOR MOVINFORWARD ANDES ADDRSING THE NEEDS OF THEIN PRECCTSS AS WELL AG ADDRESSIN THE PROJECTS. L

>>INA HIDALGO: I MIGHT BE MISSING SOMETHING.OK I'M AY WITH THEGH PAUSE, RIT, THEF PAUSING OTHE ONES THAT DON'T HAVE FUNDING.AV WE HE DONE THAT BEFORE AND THETH ONE AT'S DON'T HAVE PARTNERSHIP FUNDING OR THERE IS NOT AN EASEER MEANT OR WHE THEYT ARE NOYM FEASIBLE ANORE.

I AMAM OKAYS -- I OKAY PAUSE.THE USINGER BUCKET NUMB FOUR NORMB - NUER FOURS FOR PROJECTONND THE BO. YOU SEE WHAT I'M SAYING IF IF -? SAYINGHA AND YOU LIST EIGHT HAVEN $180 MILLIO BUT USE IT WITH A NEW LIST, THEN YOU AREYO JUST -- U NEVER GET LIST A DONE.Y CONCERN. AM I MISSING SOMETHING,AN

DR. RAHM?, >> JUDGENO.

I R THINK YOU AREIGHT. BUT IT WOULDCT BE THE PRECINS CHORES IRI WHAT I AM HEANGMM FRM COISSIONERTH GARCIA.

E MONEY GOESCT TO THE PRECIN ANDDE THE PRECINCT CIDESTO WHETR

S FUND FROM THI LIST --A >> LINHIDALGO: OR SOMETHING ELSE. D YEAH.

ANI CAN SEE -- I MEAN, I UNDERSTAND THE LOGIC.

IWH AM JUST SAYING AT MY COMMITMENTOD IS.

>> RNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET IT RIGHT, AND SO WE ALLAN CLEARLY UNDERSTD WHAT WE O ARE VOTINGN.Y SIMPLISTICF IT IN TERMS, RAR LESS OF WHAT -- O REGARDLESSF WHAT WASWE SAID, IF DON'TNO HAVE THE MONEY W, WE HAVE I TO COME UP WITHT.ID HILLARY DO YOU EVERY WOMAN IN YOUR HOUSE, YOU RE-DO EVERY ROOM IND THE HOUSE ANYOU DON'T. HAVE ENOUGH MONEY YOU NEED 30% OF EVERY ROOM AND TO LIVE INLL GOING THE HOUSE? LET'S DOT BATHROOMS LATER.E LET'S LET TH GARAGE WAIT.SE

>> TOM RAMY: I THINKON THE CONCERN THIS IS NOT JUST, OKAY WE ARE GOING TO PAUSE IT. WE WILL PAUSE IT.DE WHEN YOU GRA SOMETHING BELOW 5, DOES THAT PUT IT IN OBLIVION? DOES THAT PUT IN A CASE OF WE ARE NOT GONNA DO THAT ONE. L THAT'S MORE ORESS WHAT I AM ODSAYING.

>> RNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT TRY TO RESPOND, TWOHE POINTS.

WHEN T LIST WAS PUT TOGETHER -- I AM NOT TRYING TOBU REVISIT THAT, T I DON'T THINK OF SCIENCE PUT INTO THE LIST WHEN ITER WAS PUT TOGETH.

WEES KNOW NOW SOME OF THE M PROJECTS DON'TAKENO AS MUCH SENSE W AS PEOPLEDI THOUGHT THEY D BACKUM THEN.

THAT'S NBER ONE. AND THEN WE CAN ALWAYS ARGUE ABOUT THEI GRADING SYSTEM. E GET THAT.

[04:40:05]

THEY WERE NOT DOING ANY FAVORS FOR OLD RODNEY WHEN IT WAS DRAWN

UP. I >> TOM RAMSEY: CAN SAY THATTH TOO. BUT I INK TORC COMMISSIONER GAIA'S AND THE JUDGE'S POINT, THERE WAS A BIT OF A COMMITMENT MADE TO FOLKS FOR WHATEVER REASON.

AND UNDERSTAND, WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TO GET THESE PROJECTS UP TO S THIS POINT TO JUSTIMPLY SAY, WELL, WE'RE NOT THAT AND LET'S FIND SOMETHING ELSES:.

>> RODNEY ELLI I THINK WE ARE SAYING THE SAME THING RESPECTFULLY. THE DIFFERENCE IS IF ANYBODY MADE A COMMITMENT AND THEY CAN COMMIT STPHA -- THAT THE COST OF THE PROJECT WOULD NOT GO UP BETWEEN THEN AND NOW, B THAT PERSON WAS AIT DELUSIONAL. I MEAN, YOU WOULDN'T KNOW.I

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THINKIS THE MOTION AS COMMSIONER BRIONES SAID MADE AND IEN ADDED A FRIENY AMDMENT IS TO ADOPT TWO AND

TPHO*UR?2 >> TOM RAMSEY: 1, AND 4.IO

>> COMMISSIONER BRNES: IT WOULD BE A MOTION TO ADOPTCH RECOMMENDATION 1 WHI IS TO FUND THE COMPLETION OF ALLCE PROJECT THAT'S ADVAND INTO THER CONSTRUCTION PHASE OBEYOND.

IT IS TO ADOPT THEDA RECOMMEND - RECOMMENTION.

THOSE ARE THE FEASIBILITY AND THE NONCOOPERATING PARTNERS.

MY MOTION IS TO PAUSE TABLE THREE WHICH ARE THOSE THAT HAVE A LOWER SCORE AND I WILL CARVE OUT OF BECAUSE OF P COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'SOINT HE CAN VIEW THOSE D PROJECTS SEPARATELY.

ANIT WOULD INCLUDE DIRECTING TO WORK WITH HCTRA TO REVIEW THE SURPLUS REVENUE AND ALLOCATE. FUNDING TO THE PRECINCTS AND THE MOBILITY FUNDING IS BASED ON THE NEW $1.2 BILLION BOND. THERE IS DISTRIBUTION AND THE

SVI COMPONENTSE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I COND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE MOTION IS TO ADOPT A RECOMMENDATION, 1, TO ADOPT RECOMMENDATION 2, AND THEN TO ADOPT RECOMMENDATION 3 WITH DOULA LANE AND CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES? I

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES:T WOULD BE ESSENTIALLY REPLACING TABLE 2 WITH TABLE 3. TABLE 2 IS ASSUMED IN TABLE 3.SE

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN E IT ON THE BOTTOM OF PAGE 1.

RA -- IT IS TO FUND THE COMPLETION OF ALL 26 SUBDIVISION PROJECTS. EVERYONE DEGREES ON THAT.

IT IS TO PLACE 13 PROJECT THAT'S NO LONGER HAVE PARTICIPATING PARTNERS ON HOLD. EVERYONE AGREES WITH THAT.

RECOMMENDATION 3 IS TO PLACE SEVEN PROJECTS ON HOLD.

AND THAT'S WHERE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY IS SAYING YES BUT DON'T HOLD DOULA LANE AND CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES.

AND THEN COMMISSIONERS GARCIA AND BRIONES ARE SAYING TO ALLOCATE THE ADDITIONAL MOBILITY TRANSFER PROPOSED BY RECOMMENDATION FOUR ONDI ITEM 37 TO THE PRECINCTS ACCORNG TO THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION PERCENTAGES USED IN THE 2022 ROAD AND PARKS BOND. DO YOU MIND IF WE VOTE ON THESE SEPARATELY? I CAN'T VOTE ON THE FINAL ONE.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AND TO CLARIFY, I WOULD MODIFY RECOMMENDATION 3 RATHER THAN JUST THE PROJECTS IN TABLE 2 AND

REPLACING TABLE 2 WITH TABLE 3. >> JUDGE, I DON'T NORMALLY DO THIS, BUT IT WOULD -- IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND, CAN WE TAKE A TWO-MINUTE BREAK SO I CAN GET THE SPECIFICS? BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THIS PARTICULARAT PROJECT, I WANT TO MAKE SURE TH WE HAVE THE ORDER CORRECT ON THE PROJECTS.

SO CAN I JUST GET IT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN I SUGGEST WE DOT REST OF THE AGENDA AND THEN COME BACK TO THIS?

>> THAT'S FINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: BECAUSE SWITCHING THIS TABLE WITH ANOTHER TABLE, --

>> I AGREE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I WOULD

LIKE TO SEE IT ALL. >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE

NOT MISSING ANYTHING. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AGREE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND TOM, WITH THE TWO OF YOURS YOU WANT TO KEEP FOR CONSIDERATION SEPARATELY I WANT TO MAKE SURE I PUT MINE IN THERE AS WELL WHILE YOU ARE WORKING IT OUT.

WORK ON THAT AS WELL. >> TOM RAMSEY: DIFFERENCE WITH THOSE IS WHEN YOU PUT ON SOMETHING ON HOLD THAT IS ABOUT TO BE BID YOU ARE GOING INTO SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY.

[04:45:05]

>> I WOULD PUT MINE IN THE CATEGORY.

>> IT IS ALL ON PAUSE WITH THE IDEA THAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WILL BE WORKING WITH THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT.MI

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE ARE CONG UP WITH MORE MONEY.

>> TABLE 3 IS PAUSED. PERIOD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEN WE CAN DO THE REST.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS TABLE 3 RECOMMENDATION 3?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: TABLE 3 -- >> SEPARATE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WHAT IS -- WHICH RECOMMENDATION IS TABLE 3?

>> JUDGE, IF I MAY, TABLE 3 INCLUDES -- [INAUDIBLE] THE 45 MILLION PROJECT IS BAD PARTNERS OR BAD PROJECT IS ON PAUSE AND WE DO NOT HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL REVENUE COMING IN.

AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY RESOURCES TO DO.

THAT'S TABLE 3. TABLE 3 ALSO INCLUDES THE

PROJECT FROM TABLE 2. >> SO TABLE 3 ARE PROJECT THAT'S FALL UNDER RECOMMENDATIONS 2, 3 AND 4?

>> SO TABLE 3 IS IF WE DIDN'T GET A SINGLE ADDITIONAL DOLLAR FOR THIS PROGRAM, THESE WOULD BE ALL THE PROJECTS THAT WOULD NEED

TO BE PAUSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT.

BUT WE WANT TO CORRECT THAT WITH VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONSMM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MAKE THE RECOENDATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MAYBE WE CAN GET A NEW DOCUMENT.

WE ARE HERE REPLACING TABLES AND IT IS A RECIPE FOR CONFUSION.

I'M GONNA KEEP THAT AS A DISCUSSION ITEM.

THOSE TWO -- THOSE TWO ITEMS. THAT'S 37 AND 420.

>> JUDGE, QUICKLY, ABOUT THE HCTRA SURPLUS, I WANT TO SETTH EXPECTATIONS. WE WOULD BE WORKING WI HCTRA AND WORKING WITH THE CASH FLOW. THE MONEY WOULD NOT COME ALL AT ONCE. IT WOULD BE OVER TIME.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: TAKE A 5-MINUTE BREAK?

>> LINA HIDALGO: SURE. IT IS 4:03 AND LET'S BREAK UNTIL 4:10. 4:15.

4:15.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 4:16 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. SO WE ARE MOVING ON TO ITEM 41 WHICH GOES WITH ITEM 14. BOTH RELATE TO THE COUNTY JAIL.

I BROUGHT 514 BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WE PUT IN ENORMOUS VENTS TO OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM, BUT THE JAIL CONTINUES TO BE SO DANGEROUS.

SO MY QUESTION IS WHY. MY TEAM AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES' TEAM FOUND AN UPDATE IMPORTANT ABOUT THESE INVESTMENTS AND THERE WAS PENDING ITEMS AND I JUST WANTED ALL OF US TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE BUDGET OFFICE AND WHAT'S TO COME AND WHAT MORE CAN WE DO. MY OFFICE SENT AROUND FIVE MOTIONS, SO LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED THEM AGAIN.

I WILL PASS IT ON TO DAVE BARRY. -- DAVE BER WHY.

>> AND I WILL BE BRIEF. TO SUMMARIZE SOME OF THE THINGS THE COURT HAS DONE ON JAIL HOUSE AND SAFETY AND WE UNDERSTAND THERE IS MORE WORK TO DO AND IT IS NOT THE OUTCOME EVERYONE WANTS. SINCE FISCAL YEAR 2020 THERE HAS BEEN OFFED MORE ADDED IN OUR BUDGET PROCESS.

WE OPENED UP THE WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CENTER KNOWN AS LITTLE BAKER AND THEY CAN TAKE THE EDGE OFF THE POPULATION ISSUES AND BY NECESSITY AND NOT DESIRE AND WE HAVE MADE 10S OF

[04:50:02]

THERE WAS $39 MILLION OF ARPA FUNDING THIS COURT APPROVED FOR THE BACKLOG. MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM HAS REDUCED THE JAIL POPULATION I KNOW MR. RAMOS HALLS -- HAS BEEN HELPING THEM TO HELP RETAIN FOLKS.

AND REVIEWING THE TRAINING THAT'S R.

-- THAT'S A SHORT SEPL REOF WHAE DO.

THERE IS STAFFING DONE BY OUTSIDE EXPERTS AND WE SHOULD HAVE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS SHORTLY.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: BY SHORTLY, WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE?

>> WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GET A DRAFT HERE IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. UNTIL IT IS FINALIZED I DON'T WANT TO COMMIT UNTIL THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND OUR TEAM HAS SEEN THE DRAFT. WE HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED BODY CAMS FOR ESSENTIALLY ALL OF THE SHERIFF'S PATROL OFFICERS AND THE MAJORITY OF THE CONSTABLES. ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES TO ADD BODY CAMERAS? THAT'S SOME GROUP OF THEM.

AND DR. RAHMAN IS WORKING WITH THE FACILITIES RENOVATION PLAN BOTH IN TERMS OF HOW IT SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED AND WHAT OPPORTUNITY THERE'S ARE TO MAKE RENOVATIONS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY CONDITIONS THERE.

ONE THING I NEGLECTED TO MENTION IS THE TRANSITION TO HARRIS HEALTH. I THINK THAT HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND EXPERTISE TO CARE FOR THE JAIL POPULATION AND HELPING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

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

WHAT I PICKED UP FROM THE UPDATES FROM MR. BERRY IS THINGS ARE MOVING. WE ARE AT A POINT OR MAYBE EVEN PASS THE POINT WHERE WE ARE SEEING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE INVESTMENTS AND THE RESULTS AS PERTAINED TO THE JAIL.

WE ARE LOOKING AT THE VIOLENT CRIME RATE AND THAT'S PROGRESS.

WHAT I ASK THEM IS WHAT DO YOU THINK THE GAPS ARE AND WHAT IS OUR THEORY OR THE HYPOTHESIS AS TO WHY WE ARE NOT SEEING THE REDUCTION IN POPULATION AND THAT SAFER SITUATION.

AND THEY HAVE CAMERAS FOR THE OFFICERS THAT ARE OUT ON THE STREET. ONE OF THE PLANS IS BODY WORN CAMERAS IN THE DETENTION FACILITY, AND SO IT WOULD BE SORT OF SETTING A DEADLINE ON THAT.

THE SECOND ONE GOING BACK TO -- IT IS 600 DETENTION OFFICERS, BUT WE AS A COURT HAVE HAD SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCEMENT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU WERE ONE OF THE FOLKS AND PUTTING THEM ON A TRACK.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A FINALIZED PROPOSAL.

THE THIRD ITEM GETS TO THE POINT OF WHY IS THE BACKLOG DOWN AND THE JAIL POPULATION IS UP? THE FOURTH IS JAIL HEALTH AND THE FIFTH ONE I JUST RECEIVED THE MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND WE ARE GETTING TO THE SAME POINT.

WE KNOW OUR JAIL CAN BE IN BETTER SHAPE.

JAILS ARE LIKE HIGHWAYS, IF YOU BUILD T YOU FILL.

IT I AM NOT TRYING TO HAVE 10,000 CAPACITY.

THERE IS A REVIEW AND THEY ARE LOOKING AT OUR FACILITIES.

[04:55:02]

I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE THE BORROWING LEEWAY FOR THAT BECAUSE OF THE NO NEW REVENUE. I WANT TO LEAVE THIS ONE AS A

DETENTION FACILITY. >> THANK YOU.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ON THESE MOTIONS BECAUSE THE SHERIFF IS WORKING ON A LOT OF THIS.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE FOUND THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND THE SHERIFF TO SOMETIMES BE ON TWO PAGES.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T CREATE MORE CONFUSION THAN MAY BE OUT THERE. RIGHT NOW I JUST WANT TO HEAR

FROM THE SHERIFF. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE SOMEBODY FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WE CAN GET ON THE LINE? WE'LL LET TIFFANY WORK ON THAT. COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: A COUPLE OF OBSERVATIONS. I THINK AND I THINK WE ARE FOUR OR MORE PEOPLE AND MOST OF THE STUFF I READ A TOP PRIORITY OUGHT TO BE TO REDUCE THE POPULATION AND IT IS INTERESTING AND WE ARE THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY.

L.A. IS 14,235 INCARCERATED. I DON'T HAVE COOK ON HERE.

MARE RAW -- MARICOPA, 7,901. I THINK FROM THE RESEARCH I HAVE SEEN, 80% OF THE CURRENTLY DETAINED INDIVIDUALS HAVE MENTAL HEALTH INDICATORS WHICH ADDS TO THE COMPLEXITY OF THE PROBLEM AS WELL. EVEN IF THERE WERE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT BUILDING A NEW JAIL. IS THAT CORRECT, MR. BERRY?

>> IT DEPENDS. >> WE STILL HAVE TO SERVICE THE DEBT THOUGH. IT IS NOT AS THOUGH WE HAVE A BOND AND SOMETIMES PEOPLE TREAT IT LIKE IT IS SOMETHING OTHER THAN A CREDIT CARD. AT SOME POINT IF THE SERVICE AND THE DEBT COST TOO MUCH WE HAVE TO GO TO VOTERS.

WHICH MEANS ON THE BACK END WE HAVE TO DO IT.

I THINK IT TAKES FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, EVEN IF WE BUILT A NEW JAIL. WE ARE MAKING TOUGH DECISIONS ABOUT PATCH UP AND AS YOU DO THAT, I THINK IN NEW YORK CITY -- I KNOW WHAT THEY DID. THEY MADE A DECISION TO DE COMMISSION RIKERS AND THEN BUILT THREE OR FOUR AND THEN THEY RAN INTO AN ISSUE ON WHERE DO YOU PUT IT IN EACH OF THE BARRELS, BUT THEY ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH IT.

OBVIOUSLY THEY CAN CHANGE THAT. I DO IT -- I TOURED THE NEW FACILITY IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SPACE MAKE NOTE OF THAT.

IS IT ONE OR TWO? AND THEN TIME RAN OUT AND I COULDN'T GO ACROSS THE STREET WHICH IS THE ONE THAT IS MUCH MORE OF A PROBLEM. I THINK THEY ARE PUTTING TOGETHER SOMETHING THAT I CAN LOOK AT THE NEWER FACILITIES.

MOST PLACES ARE IN PRETTY BAD SHAPE.

THEY WERE BUILT FOR A DIFFERENT ERA AND NOT FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS WE HAVE NOW AND SO IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE WHO IS PRONE TO VIOLENCE, AND THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE TO ASK THE SHERIFF, I WAS WITH HIM OVER THE

WEEKEND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND IF I CAN

[05:00:03]

I KNOW WE ARE WORKING WITH AID CONSOLES.

THREE AND FOUR WAS SOMETHING THIS BODY CAN MOVE ON WITHOUT THE -- HE IS WORKING ON THESE AND I WOULD WANT TO BE MINDFUL OF HIM. I WOULD LIKE TO AND I WOULD WANT

TO SEE THESE COME ON HIS AGENDA. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S WAIT FOR HIM TO GET ON. AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS WE ARE WORKING WITH HIM. WE HAVE HAD MANY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE DETENTION OFFICERS IN PARTICULAR AND WE ARE COMMITTING FUNDS TO ONE THING AS OPPOSED TO ANOTHER THING.

WHAT IS IT? CERTAINLY WE TRIED TO TAMP DOWN ON REKRAUTING. AND SO I WANTED TO BRING BACK TO US WHAT IS IT THE SHERIFF NEEDS. THIS WAS BEYOND A YEAR AGO.

I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS -- SORRY OF THE.

I'M BEHIND TODAY. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE LOOK A LOT ALIKE.

I CAN SEE THE RESEMBLANCE. >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M MUCH OLDER.

WHAT WE'VE DONE HERE FOR THE LAST YEAR, PLUS IS WELL INTENDED. AND FIGURING OUT WHAT IS NEEDED AND IN TERMS OF LISTENING TO THE SHERIFF I AM LOOKING AT WHAT HE SHOULD CONSIDER THE NEXT THING WE SHOULD DO.

I THINK WE TALKED ABOUT THIS OVER TIME DEVELOPING A PLAN AND CERTAINLY I WOULD BE LOOKING TO YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

IT IS NOT LIKE YOU HAVEN'T -- I WAS GOING TO ASK YOU THE 1301 FRANKLIN IS AN EMPTY BUILDING. AND THERE IS PROBABLY A LONG STORY THERE, BUT IN TERMS OF PLACES THAT MAYBE THAT BUILDING COULD GO AWAY AND MAYBE A NEW FACILITY COULD BE BUILT AND IT TAKES A LOT OF EFFORT TO GET ANYTHING IN TERMS OF PLANNING AND DOES THIS -- MAYBE BUILD SOMETHING STATE-OF-THE-ART AND AT LEAST YOU HAVE STATE-OF-THE-ART.

SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE AND PARTICULARLY THE ISSUE OF IT NOT BEING STANDARD IS GIVEN -- WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET IT TO MEET STANDARDS. AND I LOOK TO THE SHERIFF TO COME BOOK ON -- TO COMPLETE ON THOSE ISSUES.

THE POPULATION WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE.

AND HOPEFULLY THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE A BIGGER JAIL.

MAYBE IT DOES. THINGS HAPPEN.

OUT SOURCING, THAT IS JUST NOT TENABLE.

AND THERE IS A DRAINING ON OUR BUDGET.

I THINK THAT'S WHY I MADE THE MOTION THAT THE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON STANDARDIZE -- STANDARDIZING TO MEET THE STANDARDS IN THE COUNTY. SOME OF WHAT THE JUDGE IS TRYING TO COME UP WITH HERE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT THE SHERIFF HAS TO SAY AND MAYBE WHAT MY MOTION WOULD BE MORE LONG-TERM, BUT UNDERSTAND THAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT LONG-TERM PLANS FOR AT LEAST A YEAR NOW IN TERMS OF WHAT WE ARE

[05:05:03]

I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WAS HIRED. MAYBE THE SHERIFF HAS, BUT I THINK IT IS TIME TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SOME KIND OF A -- ALL RIGHT, HERE IS OUR NEXT STEPS. AND THIS IS HOW WE ARE GOING TO GET OUT OF THE CURRENT SITUATION WE ARE IN.

THIS IS HOW WE ARE GOING WITH LONG-TERM CARE.

I CAN'T IMAGINE ANYTHING BEING A HIGHER PRIORITY IN DEALING WITH THAT AS YOU CORRECTLY STATED, COMMISSIONER AND PEOPLE ARE DYING IN THE JAIL. SO I WOULD BE FORWARD -- IN FAVOR OF MOVING FORWARD WITH THE PLAN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHERE I AM MISSING AND TRYING TO BE STRAIGHT FORWARD. YOU ALL REMEMBER THE CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE HAD AT THIS TABLE.

CERTAINLY NOT WITH COMMISSIONER BRIONES, BUT THE FOUR OF US AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE, ABOUT THESE ISSUES.

WHEN I SEE THESE DEATHS, AT FIRST I THOUGHT, WELL, MAYBE THE FACT THAT THE JAIL POPULATION IS SO LARGE.

THE DEATH PER POPULATION ARE UP DRAMATICALLY.

THERE WAS X NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE JAIL AND WE ARE AT 23 NO I.

23 NOW. I FEEL AN URGENCY TO SAY LET'S PUT A DATE ON THIS. OBVIOUSLY WHEN THE RECOMMENDATIONS COME BACK IF THE SHERIFF DOESN'T ENDORSE THEM WE WOULDN'T SUPPORT THEM. THIS IS NOT THE SECOND TIME OR THE THIRD AND FOURTH TIME IN WHICH WE MEET AND WE SAY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, PLEASE WORK WITH THE SHERIFF AND BRING SOMETHING BACK. WE HAVE GIVEN TENS OF PH-LGS -- 10S OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR STAFF AND GIVEN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR CAMERAS AND THE FACILITIES.

WE HAVE BUILT A LOT OF FUNDING FOR VISITING JUDGES AND THE ASSOCIATE JUDGES AND ET CETERA AND ET CETERA.

THERE IS SOMETHING MISSING THERE.

AND SO I AM TRYING TO BRING MORE SPECIFICITY.

CAN YOU CLARIFY? MY UNDERSTANDING IS YOU HAVE TALKED TO THE SHERIFF ABOUT ALL OF THIS.

WE CAN WAIT UNTIL THE END TO SEE IF HE GETS ON THE LINE.

THAT'S IF HE IS NOT ALLERGIC TO THIS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HE IS -- HE TEXTED ME THAT HE IS NOT

AVAILABLE. >> WE HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THESE TOPICS, BUT DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO REVIEW THE MOTION IN DETAIL. I AGREE THAT THERE IS NO SENSE IN COMING BACK WITH A REPORT WITHOUT THE PARTNERSHIP.

THEY HAVE TO IMPLEMENT IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: FIRST OF ALL, IF I MAY, NO ONE HAS A GREATER SENSE OF URGENCY THAN ME.

I HAVE LIVED THIS AND I DON'T WANT TO SEE OUR CURRENT SHERIFF GOING THROUGH THE SAME THINGS. WHEN I TOOK OVER THE COUNTY JAIL IN 2009, IT HAD THE HIGHEST DEATH IN CUSTODY RATE IN THE NATION. NOT A PLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCE TO COME INTO. YOU CAN WALK OUT ON MY HEALTH INSURANCE -- I MEAN MY HEALTH CONTRACT AND LEFT ME WITH ABOUT A 300-INMATE WAITING LIST TO BE SEEN.

PEOPLE DYEING IN CUSTODY IS -- PEOPLE DYING IN CUSTODY IS HORRIBLE, ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. THE SHERIFF DOESN'T BRING THEM TO THE JAIL. I GOT TO A SITUATION WHERE WE GOT ONE PERSON WHO DIED IN CUSTODY WHICH IS STILL TOO MANY, BUT IT WAS BECAUSE OF JUDGES THAT WERE WILLING TO DISMISS CHARGES ON PEOPLE WHO ARE LIKELY NOT TO SURVIVE BECAUSE OF THEIR MEDICAL CONDITIONS. WHAT I DO HATE THE MOST IS THAT DEATHS IN CUSTODY SEEM TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS DOING SOMETHING WRONG.

THAT IS NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE TRUTH.

EITHER WE HAVE HEARD OF CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THERE HAS BEEN WRONGDOING, AND SO I JUST WANT TO BE CAREFUL FOR THE SAKE OF THE GREAT DEAL OF WORK HE IS DOING, AND WE WILL ALLOW HIM TO BRING THIS ITEM TO THE COURT AND HEAR FROM HIM AND HEAR WHAT HE NEEDS. WHEN I SAY THAT WE HAVE RAISED -- WE ARE ABOUT TO PAY FOR THE DE -- THE DETENTION OFFERS, WE HAVE RAISED THEIR PAY.

IT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THE JOB THAT THOSE FOLKS HAVE TO DEAL WITH. REMEMBER WHAT I HAVE ALWAYS SAID

[05:10:03]

IT IS NOW A MAXIMUM SECURITY FACILITY.

MAYBE JOHN WHITMEYER SHOULD RECRUIT FOLKS TO COME OVER AND MAYBE WE CAN TURN THEM INTO POLICE OFFICERS.

THAT'S WHERE THE REAL CHALLENGE IS.

I JUST WANT TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THE SHERIFF.

I KNOW HE HAS A LOT OF THINGS IN FRONT OF HIM AND I WOULD JUST WANT TO SEE HIM GIVE A PRESENTATION TO THE COURT.

>> CAN I JUST RESPOND TO THAT? I DON'T MEAN TO BE DISRESPECTFUL TO THE SHERIFF. REPEATEDLY I HAVE SAID WHAT YOU JUST SAID. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE SHERIFF IS NOT THE JUDGE AND THE SHERIFF IS NOT THE PROSECUTOR.

I'M HAPPY TO ADD THAT -- IF WE VOTE ON IT THIS TIME OR NEXT TIME OR WHATEVER, MY POINT IS WHAT CAN I HELP CONTROL.

I CAN CONTROL THE PURSE STRINGS.

I CANNING SEE TWO SOURCES OF URGENCY.

ONE IS THE CONTINUOUS DEATH. TO ME IT IS LIKE BETWEEN NOW AND HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES FOR THIS REPORT TO COME BACK, I WANT A SOLUTION SOON BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN OWED -- WE HAVE GOT EVERYONE SOME SOLUTIONS AND WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS, BUT THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE. THAT'S ONE SOURCE OF URGENCY.

THE SECOND SOURCE OF URGENCY IS I CAN'T MAKE THE JUDGES MAKE CERTAIN DECISIONS. I CAN'T INFLUENCE THEIR DISCRETION. I CAN'T INFLUENCE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S DISCRETION. HOWEVER, I CAN GIVE THE SHERIFF THE RESOURCES HE NEEDS TO DEAL WITH THE HAND THAT HE HAS BEEN DEALT. TO YOUR POINT I AGO ACAPULCO -- I ACKNOWLEDGE THIS IS THE HAND THAT HE WAS DEALT.

WE ALL KNOW THAT THE OFFICERS ARE IN A BAD PLACE.

WHY HASN'T THAT COME BACK? I SAY LET'S PUT A DEADLINE FOR THEM TO WORK WITH THE SHERIFF'S NUMBERS PEOPLE AND GET US A NUMBER. THE SHERIFF WILL HAVE TO WORK WITH THEM ANYWAY. IF WE DON'T PUT A DATE ON T WE HAVE BEEN ASKING THIS QUESTION FOR A YEAR AND A HALF.

YES THE FACILITY CAMERAS WERE INSTALLED.

I'M WORRIED BY THE TIME IT GETS BACK TO US IT WILL GO TO THE COURT OR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND WE WON'T HAVE MONEY FOR THE

DETENTION OFFICERS. >> I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT WE BRING IT UP AT THE NEXT MEETING AND ASK THEM TO WORK IN YOUR OFFICE AS WELL WITH THE SHERIFF IN THE INTERIM.

AND HAVE HIM COME HERE WITH ALL INDEPENDENT ELECTED OFFICIALS, OBVIOUSLY. I APPRECIATE -- KNOWING THE PREDICAMENT WE ARE IN. THE MONEY IS NOT JUST LAYING AROUND AND THE EASY THING IS TO MAKE A REQUEST KNOWING THAT WE CAN'T COME UP WITH IT. ALL OF OUR PARTNERS ARE NOT AS UNDERSTANDING. TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, HE HADN'T BEEN -- IT WOULD BE REAL EASY, ANY TIME THERE IS A DEATH, EACH CASE IS SEPARATE, BY THE WAY. SHERIFF GARCIA, I GET IT.

YOU REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN THE LEGISLATURE I WAS ALWAYS SINKING, AND DON'T THINK THEY DON'T CALL ME NOW.

PEOPLE SAY HEY, SENATOR, NOW THAT YOU ARE A COMMISSIONER YOU ARE NOT CALLING. I FEEL T BUT I -- I FEEL IT, BUT KNOW WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I SAY WHY NOT GET THE SENATORS TO SEND US SOME OF THE MONEY, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, TO HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE SHERIFF KNOWING THE RESTRICTIONS EVERYBODY IS INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED.

WE HAD THE PURSE STRINGS ON ALL OF THEM AND THE COURTS TOO.

AND WE DIDN'T PUT RESTRICTIONS ON THEM.

WE TALKED ABOUT, CAN YOU SPEED UP THE BACKLOG AND TALKED ABOUT A WHOLE LOT OF THOSE THINGS AND THE D.A. AND THE OTHER FOLKS AS WELL. I THINK WE OUGHT TO GIVE HIM -- OBVIOUSLY HE IS RESTRAINED LIKE OTHERS ARE.

HE CAN'T TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE DEATHS WHILE THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION. I THINK WE OUGHT TO GIVE HIM THAT COURTESY. I KNOW THE STAY FOR FOLKS IS LONGER HERE -- WHAT IS THE AVERAGE STAY SOMEBODY IS IN THE JAIL? IS IT 200 DAYS?

290? >> THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY IS

200 DAYS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: 200 DAYS AND WHAT IS THE NORM AROUND THE COUNTRY, IF YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER? DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS IN SOME OTHER COUNTY? I HEARD SOMEONE SAY THE STAY IS

LONGER HERE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE JUST HAD SOMEONE IN JAIL FOUR YEARS THEN THE CASE WAS DISMISSED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SOMETIMES THEY ARE LEFT THERE LONG ENOUGH SO THEN WHEN IT IS SET FOR TRIAL YOU JUST MISS IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I MEAN, ONE THING WE COULD DO --

[05:15:05]

THESE ARE CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE HAD WITH THE SHERIFF IN THIS FORUM. I KNOW HE WANTS TO PAY HIS DETENTION OFFICERS MORE. I KNOW HE NEEDS TO RELIEVE THEM OF OVERTIME. WE WERE UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT HE WOULD COME TO THIS COURT.

I'M SURPRISED TO HEAR HE IS NOT AVAILABLE.

THAT'S A SURPRISE TO ME. I'M FINE PUSHING IT.

THERE IS SOME THAT FOLKS SAID THEY WERE OKAY, BUT I THINK WE BETTER BRING THEM ALTOGETHER. WHAT I WOULD SAY IS WHEN YOU ARE PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR PRO SECTIONS -- YOUR PRO -- PROJECTIONS OF PAYING FOR THE COURT, WE HAD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT EACH OF THESE TOPICS. I DON'T THINK ANY OF THEM ARE ALLERGIC AND NEITHER THE -- AND NEITHER IS THE SHERIFF.

AND SO TO SAY OKAY, WOULD WE HAVE MONEY FOR SIX MORE COURTS AND BODY CAMS AND THE RACE FOR DETENTION OFFICERS AND, AND,

AND. >> AND THE NEW JAIL AS WELL ANOTHER LEAST -- AT LEAST WE KNOW WHAT DOLLARS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AND ARE WE COMMITTED IF WE HAVE TO TO ASK THE VOTERS WILL

THEY PAY FOR IT? >> AND WE WILL MAKE SURE HE IS AVAILABLE, BUT WE DID CHECK WITH HIM ON THIS COURT.

THIS AIN'T MY FIRST RODEO AND I AM ALWAYS VERY CAREFUL ABOUT THE SHERIFF. WE WORK WELL WITH HIM.

HE IS AN INDEPENDENT ELECTED. WE ARE ABLE TO GIVE HIM

RESOURCES. >> TOM RAMSEY: ITEM 41 INCLUDES HIRING A CONSULTANT. DOES THE SHERIFF -- IS HE IN THE

MIDDLE OF THAT? >> YES.

DR. RAHMAN HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE SHERIFF'S TEAM.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THAT'S A GOOD FIRST STEP.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I SHARE IN THE SENSE OF URGENCY.

WE CAN'T NOT PRESS A FIFTH YEAR ON THIS WHEN MORE PEOPLE CONTINUE TO DIE. 80% OF THE PEOPLE IN OUR JAIL HAVE MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESS AND 75% ARE PEOPLE OF COLOR AND WE CAN GO ON AND ON. I SHARE YOUR CONCERN.

AND I'M NEW HERE AND YOU HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS CONVERSATION.

EVEN AS SOMEBODY NEW THIS CONSULTANT IS WORKING ON THIS AND WE ARE LOOKING AT THE FACILITY.

AND THERE ARE ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT LEVERS AND THEY ARE ALL INTER INTERCONNECTED. I KNOW SHERIFF GONZALEZ IS INCREDIBLY THOUGHTFUL AND WRESTLING WITH ALL OF THESE THINGS. I WOULD LOVE A HOLISTIC HERE IS ALL THE WAYS WE ARE RUNNING AT THE PROBLEM AND HERE IS HOW WE PROPOSE TO PAY FOR IT AND HERE IS HOW WE WILL PRIORITIZE AND HERE IS THE TIMELINE AND HERE IS THE GO LIVE DATE FOR EACH OF THE THINGS. TO ME A PIECEMEAL APPROACH, WE NEED TO BE FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS BECAUSE THIS IS A TOP PRIORITY AND THE FBI INVESTIGATION AND NONCOMPLIANCE.

I MEAN IT IS LAYERING AND WE NEED TO RIGHT THE SHIP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I KNOW SHERIFF GONZALEZ SHARE IS THE SENTIMENT, BUT TALKING ABOUT IT IN A TOTALITY AS OPPOSED TO APPROVE THIS CONTRACT AND DO THIS, TO ME THE INTEGRATION OF THE SOLUTIONS IS FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE BECAUSE WE DO HAVE ANOTHER THREE-WEEK BREAK, IS THAT RIGHT? IF WE COME BACK AND THERE ARE 500 ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AGAIN, I DON'T WANT TO JUST RUSH THROUGH IT AND I DON'T CARE IF IT IS ON THE TOP, AND IF WE HAVE 15 RESOLUTIONS, I HOPE YOU COME UP WITH ONE HONORING ME AND ANYBODY CAN TALK ABOUT MY SENATE CAREER BECAUSE I LEFT SO QUICK, AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, IF WE WANT A SPECIAL MEETING EARLIER THAT WEEK OR LATE THEIR WEEK OR BEFORE THAT WEEK ON BOTH OF THESE ISSUES, BECAUSE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY, ARE BUT I WANT TO GIVE IT THE TIME IT DESERVES.

I DON'T WANT TO DO IT NEXT WEEK, BUT IF YOU WANT TO DO IT SO WE JUST FOCUS ON THOSE COURTS AND THE JAIL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE TO PUT IT FIRST.

THAT WAS MY INTENT ON THIS WAS TO PUT IT ALTOGETHER.

THAT'S WHY THEY PREPARED A PRESENTATION AND IT WENT OVERALL OF THE DIFFERENT PIECES. WHAT IS DRIVING THE SITUATION AND WHAT HAVE WE DONE? WE HAVE DONE MEDICAL CARE TRANSITION AND INCREASED THE BUDGET.

IS IT TENS OF MILLIONS AND HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS? WE ARE USING LITTLE BAKER AS A WOMEN'S CENTER AND OUT SOURCING INMATES TO LOUISIANA AND GARZA COUNTY.

WE MADE CIP INVESTMENTS IN THE COUNTER SYSTEM AND THE DETENTION CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADES AND THE JAIL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

IT IS TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE COURT BACKLOG.

THAT'S THE INTENT BEHIND THIS. OUR PURSE STRINGS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND WHERE ARE THEY AND WHAT IS MISSING? I GUESS IN MY MIND WHAT WE NEED TO DO AT THE MIX -- NEXT MEETING DIFFERENT FROM THIS MEETING TRY AGAIN FOR SHERIFF TO BE PRESENT.

[05:20:03]

IT NOT TO BE PIECEMEAL. >> I THINK WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE. I JUST, A, WHERE ARE WE PAYING FOR ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT THINGS WHETHER IT IS THE CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE, THE FEASIBILITY STUDY, IS THAT ENCOMPASSED IN THAT AND IS THAT SEPARATE? AND THEN IF WE HAVE THESE 10 ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS, WHAT IS THE COST AND HOW ARE WE FUNDING THEM AND WHAT IS THE RATE ORDER PRIORITY AND THE TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTING THEM SO THAT WE SEE ALL OF THIS GREAT WORK THAT'S BEEN DONE AND THE GREAT INVESTMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE. WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED AND WHEN IS THAT GOING TO HAPPEN AND HOW? I THINK I HEARD YOU MAKE A REFERENCE TO HEALTHCARE AND IF IT IS TRANSITIONED AND PEOPLE ARE DYING IN THE JAIL, IS THERE SOME ROLE THAT WE SHOULD ASK HARRIS HEALTH, IS THERE A NEED THERE? YOU SUPPORTED IT, BUT THE COURT DIDN'T I THINK YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD ENOUGH ON YOUR PLATE HANDLING THE JAIL.

I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A COMMENT OR DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT

ROLE IF ANY HARRIS HEALTH HAS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S ONE OF MY MOTIONS IS TO PREPARE THE COURT ON MEDICAL JAIL STAFFING AND THE POLICY IF NEEDED. SO DO YOU WANT TO MOVE FORWARD

WITH 3 AND 4. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVE ON THEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN THE OTHER THREE CAN COME BACK BASED ON THE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SHERIFF?

OR 3, 4 -- I'M SORRY? >> INCLUDING -- [INAUDIBLE]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO YOUR MOTION IS 3, 4 AND 41.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S MAKE A MOTION ON ITEM 41.

MOTIONED BY GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR. >> I.

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

IS THERE A MOTION ON -- MY MOTIONS 3 AND 4.

>> SO MOVED. >> SEPBGD.

>> DO YOU NEED ME TO READ THEM? >> 3 IS TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF SAFETY TO WORK WITH THE SENATE JUDICIARY AND COORDINATION AND ANY OTHER STAKEHOLDERS FOR TRIAL DECISIONS AND JAIL DATA AND PREPARE A REPORT ON WHY THE JAIL POPULATION IS CONTINUING TO INCREASE WHILE COURT BACKLOG IS DECLINING AND DEVELOP RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING THE JAIL POPULATION WHILE INCREASING PUBLIC SAFETY. AND NUMBER 4, DIRECT THE COUNTY OF OFFICE ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH HARRIS HEALTH FOR MEDICAL STAFFING AT THE JAIL AND IMPACT ON PUBLIC SERVE -- SAFETY IF ANY. IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE MARCH 14TH, 2023 COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETING.

MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER

ELLIS. >> ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. AND NOW I'M TEMPTED TO, BASED ON WHAT COMMISSIONER BE I DON'T KNOWNESS SAID -- BRIONES SAID, JUST SO THAT IT IS CLEAR WHAT WE ARE ALL EXPECTING AT THE NEXT MEETING. AT THE NEXT MEETING IS THIS RIGHT COLLEAGUES TO SAY WE WOULD LIKE FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TOGETHER PRESENT AN UPDATE ON THE VARIOUS INVESTMENTS AND PROJECTED INVESTMENTS AND THE COST AND TIMELINE FOR THOSE PROJECTED

INVESTMENTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD SUPPORT THAT WITH A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT THE SHERIFF WORK

WITH THE OCA. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO IT IS THE WORK -- IT IS A MOTION THAT SHERIFF WORK WITH OCA ON CURRENT INVESTMENTS, THE PROGRESS OF THOSE PROJECTED INVESTMENTS AND THE COST AND TIMELINE OF THOSE. AND SO THAT WE CAN GET A HOLISTIC VIEW AT COST AND RESULTS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS NOT PART OF THE --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IT IS NOT PART OF THE MOTION, BUT I SUGGEST WE MAKE IT FIRST ON THE AGENDA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I MADE A NOTE. >> IS THIS ALSO 514?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> CAN YOU REPEAT THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THE SHERIFF SHERIFF'S OFFICE WORK WITH COUNTY -- ONS -- OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION ON CURRENT INITIATIVES AND THEIR PROGRESS AS WELL AS PROJECTED INVESTMENTS AND THEIR COSTS AND TIMELINE OF COMPLETION SO THAT WE CAN GET AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF THE INVESTMENTS, THEIR COSTS AND THE

RESULTS. >> TOM RAMSEY: THIS INCLUDES KNOWING -- GETTING A DATE ON WHEN AE COM WILL BE COMPLETE WITH THEIR STUDY. SO THE MOTION --

[05:25:06]

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I LOVE YOUR DEADLINE IDEA.

MAKING SURE THEY PROPOSE THEIR DEADLINES AND THEN WE CAN JUST

-- >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY AND I MADE A NOTE TO PUT THAT FIRST AND CERTAINLY WE CAN ACCOMMODATE THE SHERIFF'S SCHEDULE AS WELL.

ALL RIGHT. THAT WAS 515 AND 41.

THANK YOU ALL. LET US KNOW, PLEASE, WHEN THE MOTION IS READY ON 37. I'M AWAITING THAT ON THE SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE. ITEM 64, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

THAT'S THE VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST SIMPLY TO THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED TO HELP US MOVE ALONG ON OUR EV STRATEGY THESE WILL BE ALONG THE WASHBURN TUNNEL THAT WILL PROVIDE THE FOLKS AN OPPORTUNITY TO USE THESE CHARGING STATIONS AND THE FLEET BEING CONVERTED AND ANOTHER SHOUTOUT TO KRISTEN LEE FOR HER WORK ON THESE ITEMS.

SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSION -- SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR.

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

CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER. NEXT IS ITEM 71.

THAT IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. YOURS AS WELL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO THANK SANJAY TODAY, BUT I HAVE SPOKEN TO HIM ABOUT THE COLLABORATION WITH METRO ABOUT BUILDING A HUNDRED NEW METRO STOPS.

THEY WILL BE THROUGHOUT THE PRECINCT WHICH IS VERY EXCITING.

THIS IS A TOTAL OF ABOUT A 2.6 MILLION PROJECT OF WHICH PRE SINKER -- PRECINCT 2 IS PROVIDING 1.1 TO IT.

I AM VERY EXCITED BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN CHEWING ON THEM ABOUT HOW TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH INCREASING RIDERSHIP.

AND UNLESS YOU MAKE THE STOPS MUCH MORE WELCOMING AND COMFORTABLE AND SAFE, THEN INVISIBLE.

I AM LOOKING AT THE MAP WHERE THE BUS STOPS WILL BE AND I AM EXCITED TO SEE THEM. WE NEED MORE OF THEM.

AGAIN, KUDOS TO METRO FOR THEIR COLLABORATION.

MOVE ON THE ITEM AS PRESENTED. >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND.

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

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 89, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS ITEM I AM VERY, VERY EXCITED ABOUT.

AND I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR HIS OFFICE'S COLLABORATION. THIS IS THE SECTION OF WEST K*L GULF BANK THAT CAME TO ME VIA REDISTRICTING.

YOUR OFFICE WAS ALREADY WORKING -- DOING SOME WORK AND WE PARTNERED ON THAT. THIS STRETCH OF WEST GULF BANK AND THE ULTIMATE VISION IS TO GO FROM I-45 ALL THE WAY TO THE HARDY TOLL ROAD. THIS PARTICULAR PHASE 1 HAS SOME KEY RESIDENTS INCLUDING CAROL ACADEMY AND KEEBLER KINDERGARTEN WHICH ARE TWO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS THAT THE PARENTS HAVE TO NAVIGATE OPEN DITCHES AND THE KIDS TEND TO USE THE GOAT PATHS AS THEY CALL THEM ALONG THE DITCHES.

AND WE HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CRASHES AND FACIAL FALL TEES -- AND FATALITIES IN THE AREA.

ON PHASE TWO WE HAVE HAD A CHILD FATALITY THERE, AND AGAIN ONE OF THOSE IS WAY TOO MANY. BUT I JUST WANT TO TELL THE FOLKS ALONG GULL BANK -- GULF BANK, THANK YOU FOR THEIR ADVOCACY. I CAME TO YOU SAYING LET'S WORK ON THIS AND I HAVE SOME IDEAS AND WE STARTED SITTING DOWN.

AND THEN I REALIZED THAT IT WAS IN PRECINCT 1 AND NOT 2.

THERE IS A PWAOUFPLT -- BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING I WANT TO THANK BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN THE LONE VOICE ADVOCATING FOR THIS PROJECT FOR THE MOST PART. HE'S BEEN SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS NEIGHBORS AND IT IS DR. JESUS MEYOR.

I LOVE THAT MAN. THE ULTIMATE RESPECT FOR HIM.

HIS SON HAS A FAMILY CLINIC THERE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF

[05:30:05]

I AM PROUD THAT THIS IS FINALLY GETTING DONE AND HOPEFULLY HE WILL GET TO SEE SOME OF THIS WORK IN HIS LIFETIME AND HOPEFULLY HE WILL GET TO SEE IT ALL.

I WILL BE WORKING ON A WAYO T RESPECT HIM FORIS H CONTRIBUTIONS TOHE T COMMUNITY ON THAT STRETCH.

I AM PROUD TO MOVE ON THIS ITEM AS PRESENTED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONERAR GCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONERLL EIS.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIESNA UNIMOUSLY.

ITEM2, 9 COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SIMILARLY REVIVE TO THRIVE IS OUROR WK TO MAKERE PCINCT 2EI NGHBORHOODS SAFER AND MAURY SRAOEUTSE LIED ANDE MORIV THRING.

OBVIOUSLY WE CAN'T GET THERE UNLESSHE TY ARE MORE WALKABLE.

I AM PROUDT THATHESEEW SIDALKS, THIS PROJECT IS FOR APPROXIMATELYAL A HF MILE OF SIX-FOOT SIDEWALKS AND IMPROVE TMENSHAT -- I ANDMPROVEMENTS THAT WILL BEE MADON THE EASTSIDE OF THECI PRENCTTH IN E BAYN TOWA AREAND THIS IS A NEIGHBORHOOD I GET TOIT VIS ON A REGULARIS BAS.

AND SEEING THEEW SIDALKS AND HOW IT IS CONNECTINGM HARLEEL EMENTARYE TO THPRECINCT 2 MCNAIRS ALENACOMMUNITYT AND I IS ONE OF THETH ITEM AT'S CAMETH ROUGH THE COMMUNITYIN PLANNG PROCESS. THIS IS A TRUED GROUNUP RECOMMENDATION BYOM THE CMUNITY ANDAM SO I T PROUDO MOVE ON

THIS AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BYCO MMISSIONER GARCIA. IS THEREON A SECD? SECONDMM BY COISSIONERES BRION. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR IEAND CARRS UNANIMOUSLY.MM

COISSIONERIT RAMSEY EM 93. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE BALDWINET BOTCHER LIBRARY BETWEEN PRECINCT 1 AND 3, IT WAS OUT WITH HARVEY. IT WAS. FLOODED WEGO HAD TO BACK AND TOTALLY RENOVATE IT.EN WH I BECAMEIB RESPONSLE FOR THATLA PARTICUR AREA I NOTICED THAT THE LIBRARYTI WAS OPERANG OUT OF WHAT AMOUNTED TOST A ORAGE AND YET THESE PEOPLE,NT VOLUEERS, LIBRARY FOLKSIN, MATAINEDE ALMOST THSECOND HIGHEST CIRCULATION COUNTY.N' THAT,KNOW IF YOU KNOW COMMISSIONER, O BUT A LOTF PEOPLE GOIB TO THAT LRARY.ER WE WE ABLE TOHE OPEN UP TTO VISIR CENTER THERE AT WE CREATEDFO THREE OR UR ROOMSTH FOR EM TO OPERATE THEREWE UNTIL CAN GET F THE LIBRARYINISHED.

ON THAT WANTO BRAG LIBRARY ANDO WHAT THEY DTHERE.E THEY ORATEDA OUT OUT OF CLOSETAN FOR A YEAR D A HALF ANN MAINTAED CIRCULATION AND A GREAT SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY .

JUSTANTTH TO BRAG ON EMKE AND MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONEDMM BY COISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECONDEDMI BY COMSSIONER GARCIA. ALL

>>>> I.OR? LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTIONNI CARRIES UNAMOUSLY. THANK YOUS. TO THOSE FOLK ITEM 167.TA LET'S KE THAT ITEM ALONGSIDE.

ITEM 509 EDBOTH ARE RELAT TO THEIN EQUITY PLATFORM. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? R

>> TOMAMSEY: THIS IS THE DATA SHARING.

I JUSTUN NEED TO VOTE LESS THERE AREO --

>> SMOVED. SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONEDIS BY COMMSIONER GARCIA ANDBY SECOND

ELLIS. ALL IN>> FAVOR?

IIN. >> LA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.

OPPOSED? >> NOIN.

>> LA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

THAT IS ON 167. AND THEN 509 IS ALSO A RELATED ITEM. WAS THAT A MOTION FORIS BOTH,

COMMSIONER?AM >> TOM RSEY: YES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT PASSES ITEMS 167 AND 509, MARISELA.HI

>> LINA DALGO: LET'S MOVE TOSS 169, COMMIIONER ELLIS.Y

>> RODNEELLIS: THAT ISEP THE MWBE RORT.

I JUSTOR WANT THE DIRECT TOOU WK US THRGH IT AND DON'TS WANT TO

GLOSOVER THIS. >> THANK YOU.

I KNOW WE HAVE A -- WE HAVEEN A SHORT PRESTATIONYO AND I KNOW U HAVE A. LOT TO TALK ABOUT I WILLLI HIGHLIGHT THREE SDES.

IF WE CAN GO TO I T WANT TO MAKE SUREHAT YOUSE

[05:35:01]

WE ARE LOOKINGRA AT PRIME CONTCTORS AND NOT.

SUBCONTRACTORS THEIS SUBCONTRACTOR DATA ANA INCOMPLETE DAT SET. IT IS A LIMITED DATA REVIEW.

AND THEN THE THE APPENDIX AT THE BACK.

NEXT? SO FOR PRELIMINARYE OBSERVATIO, THTWO BIG THINGS AREF THE PERCENTAGE O PAYMENTS MADE TO NWBE -- MWBE PRIME CONTRACTORSOM TRIPLED.

FR THE PRE-PRAEUPLTO DISPARITY STUDY THE -- PRE-PROGRAMTO DISPARITY STUDY THE MARCH TO SEPTEMBER FISCAL YEAR, IT IS AT 26.7% OF PAYMENTS TO PRIME CONTRACTORS WENT TO MWBE'S THAT'S REALLY GOOD NEWS. WE THINK THAT IS LOW RIGHT NOW.

AND SO WE FEEL THATAR IN THE FUTURE WE EEI GOING TO START SENG HIGHER NUMBERS AS WE GO FORWARD.TH FINALLY, THE LAST INGN' OF NOTE IS WE HAVET FOUND ANY OTHER A ORGANIZATIONS THATRE PUBLISHING PAYMENT DATA.AW EVERYBODY PUBLISHES ARD DATA, BUT NOT PAYMENT DATA.

WE ARE HAPPY ABOUT THAT AND WE ARE PUSHINGTH THE INDEPENDENT IN E AREA. NEXT SLIDE.

THE NEXT ONE. THIS IS THE LASTG SLIDE THAT IM GOINTO TALK ABOUT RIGHT NOW. I THINK THE INTERESTING THING IS HERE IS THAT IF YOU LOOK AT FOR THE WHOLE PERIOD SINCE WE STARTED THE PROGRAM FROM JUNER F 2021 TO SEPTEMBE OF 2022, YOU CAN SEE THE LAG EFFECTDS HERE BETWEEN THE AWAR AND THE PAYMENTS, AND FOR THAT LONGER PERIOD, WE HAVE 13.7% OF ALL PAYMENTS MADE TO MWBE'S, AREE T WHEN YOU GO FOR THMARCH TO SEPTEMBER TIME FRAME OF PAYMENTS MADE DURING THAT SHORT FISCAL YEAR, IT IS FOR ALL AWARDS T SIE THE INCEPTION OFHE PROGRAM IN JUNE AND THEN YOU CAN SEE THE BIG UP TICK IN THE PERCENTAGE OF PAYMENTS MADE TO MWBE'S. WE ARE SEEINGRM THAT LAG AND ITS NOAL ANDNS IT HAPPENS A LOT IN COTRUCTION AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND TAKES AWHILE FOR A PROJECT TO GET RAMPED UP AND FOR THE CONTRACTORS TO START BILLING US.

IT IS ALL NORMAL W AND ROUTINE D WE THINKE ARE GOING TO SEE BETTER NUMBERS AS WE MOVE FORWARD.

I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

>> I WAFPBT TO THANK YOU -- I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR YOUR WORK. IT SHOWS THAT COLLECTING THE DATA AND HAVING THIS TRANSPARENCY DOES MAKE AWA BIG DIFFERENCE. I NT TO ASKD YOU TO PUT UP A DASHBOAR WHENEVER YOU CAN. I KNOW THERE ARE STILLED SOME ISSUES AND I MENTION THIS TO MR. BERRY THE OTHER DAY, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A DASHBOARD. I ALSO TALKED TO YOU ABOUT -- I THINK I SENT YOU AN ARTICLE IN NEW YORK AND I THINK IT WAS THE CITY COMPTROLLERED SOME YEARS AO THAT START DOING THESE REPORT CARDS WITH ALL OF THE ENTITIES IN NEW YORK.

THEY DO IT IN TERMS YOU CANIT UNDERSTAND LIKE STATES DO IN SCHOOLS. A, B, C, D, F.

I MAY COME BACK. D I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TOO IT. I KNOW NO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE COUNTY COLLECT THE DATA.

UNIVERSITIES DO BECAUSE THE STATE REQUIRES IT.

COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS DON'T.

ONE COMMUNITY COLLEGE HAVING ACCEPTED OUR OFFER TO TAKE MONEY. SEVERAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS, THE BIGGEST ONES, DROPPED OUT, FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH.

BUT I WANT YOU TO GIVE ME SOME THOUGHT ON WHO OUGHT TO DO IT AND WE CONTRACT WITH AN ENTITY. A, B, C, D, F.

GIVE ME SOME THOUGHT. I THOUGHT ABOUT GIVING IT TO THE TREASURER. IT IS MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE.

IT IS KUDOS AND TO ALL OF THOSE FOLKS SITTING AT THE TABLE AND SAYING THE COUNTY'S NUMBERS WERE BETTER.

[05:40:03]

>> CORRECT. IT IS NOT A TRANSMITTAL.

IT IS JUST A DISCUSSION. SO NO ACTION?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NOTI ACTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACON ON 169. THANK YOU, DIRECTOR.

ITEM 177, KPHEUGTS -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.

>> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SENT A LETTER OF NO OBJECTION

AND I MOVE TO PASS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH IS THAT?N

>> TOM RAMSEY: 177. >> LA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY RAMSEY AND SECONDED BY GARCIA ALL IN FAVOR?

>> >> LINA HIDALGO: PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. 190 ON LATE FEES FOR LIBRARY

CUSTOMERS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR TO WALK US THROUGH IT.

I KNOW THE CITY REDUCED ITS FINES AND I KNOW WE DID IT DURING THE PANDEMIC. IT IS ASSUMED WE JOIN THE CITY OF HOUSTON, NEW YORK, SAN DIEGO, NASHVILLE, BALTIMORE AND SAN FRANCISCO WHICH ARE CITY/ COUNTIES AND LEAGUE CITIES IN OUR REGION. I WANT TO ASK MR. MILTON TO GIVE US A SENSE OF THE IMPACT IT WILL HAVE AND HOW QUICKLY YOU CAN PUT IT IN PLACE. I THINK I I SEE YOUR FACE, BUT

YOU MA I BE MUTED. >> EDWARD MILTON WITH THE HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

WE ARE ELIMINATING THE FINES AND THE FEES IT IS LESS THAN 1% OF OUR FISCAL BUDGET. DURING THE PANDEMIC WE STOPPED TAKING FINES AND SO IT IS REALLY A MINOR IMPACT WE HAVE ON OUR BUDGET. WE DO SEE PEOPLE ARE MORE PRONE TO BRING BACK MATERIALS AND USE THE LIBRARY.

PEOPLE ARE NOT COMING BACK BECAUSE OF FINES THEY MAY ACCRUE. WITH THIS WE ARE JOINING OTHER LIBRARY SYSTEMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN TERMS OF ELIMINATING

OVERDUE FINES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE MOTION? DROP THE FEE?

>> WHAT IS THAT AGAIN, SIR? >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT SHOULD THE

MOTION BE? >> RIGHT.

THE MOTION IS TO ELIMINATE OVERDUE FINES SO WE CAN OFFICIALLY NOT CHARGE PATRONS FOR BRINGING AN ITEM --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THE MOTION IS TO ELIMINATE THE LATE FEES.

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

IF THERE IS A SECOND. >> SECOND.

>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: MY PARENTS ARE BOTH EVENING -- ENGLISH TEACHERS SO LIBRARIES ARE PARAMOUNT SPORPBS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER AND SECONDED BY BREE I DON'T KNOW KNOWS ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. THAT IS SO EXCITING.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS THAT ITEM.

MOVING ON 223. MR. BERRY, DID THIS ITEM GO

THROUGH YOU? >> THIS ITEM DID NOT COME

THROUGH ARPA. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THIS IS FOLKS ASKING THAT SOMETHING BE PUT IN FRONT OF THE ARPA

STEERING COMMITTEE? >> I THINK THE REQUEST IS TO BE FUNDED. OUR REQUEST OR MY REQUEST WOULD BE THAT THIS GET TABLED AND REWILL REFER BACK TO OMB TO GO

THROUGH THE PROPER PROCESS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE DON'T NEED A MOTION ON THAT.

THERE IS NO ACTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST NO ACTION,

OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN YOU GUYS KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO? YOU CAN PUT IT THROUGH THE PROPER PROCESS? THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. DID YOU GET THAT, MARISELA?

>> YES. NO ACTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: 227. COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THE

EMPLOYMENT ACTION PLAN. >> TOM RAMSEY: MY QUESTION IS WHY IS IT BACK IN THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND WHY NOT THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE?

>> COMMISSIONER THIS IS ACTUALLY A GRANT TO HELP DEVELOP THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN WHICH IS BEING RUN OUT OF THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY. SO THAT'S WHY THE GRANT WOULD GO

THERE. T >> TOM RAMSEY: SO IS IT BEING RUN OUT OFHE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY?

>> THAT'S CORRECT. IT WAS INCORRECTLY CODED WHEN IT CAME IN INITIALLY. SO IT WOULD -- IT WOULD CODE IT TO OMB AND WE ARE ASKED IT IS MOVED TO OCA UNDER THE

SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSE STPHED. >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, 257. >> SO MOVED.

[05:45:06]

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL -- EXCUSE ME FOR

THE PFM ITEMS WITHIN 257? >> YES.

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

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

>> A MOTION TO APPROVE? >> I WAS ON THE FIRST -- OKAY.

NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1. IS THERE A PHOEBGS FOR ALL.

-- FOR ALL OF THE ITEMS ON 257. ALL IN FAVOR?

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

-- MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 267, COMMISSIONERS ELLIS

AND RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT, THIS IS THE SECURIST CONTRACT. I DID WANT TO ASK MR. BERRY OR MR. RAMOS GO INTO THE COMMISSARY FUND NOW.

>> SO WITH RESPECT TO THE PHONE CONTRACT THERE'S NOT ANY REVENUE

CURRENTLY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THAT'S BEEE FOLKS PUSHING ON THIS ISSUE SO SINCE WE SUSPENDED IT, THE COST FOR CAUSE IS SUSPENDED FOR HOW LONG A YEAR, TWO YEARS?

SINCE COVID? >> I THINK IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL

YEARS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SEVERAL YEARS.

AND SO UNDER THIS PLAN I KNOW THAT IT WOULD BE BRINGING IN A NUMBER OF SCENARIOS. THE ONE I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION ON WOULD BE MAKE A MOTION DIRECTLY TO THE PURCHASING AGEN2 PRESENTED BY THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT AND FOR THE COUNTY TO COVER THE COST OF AN ADDITIONAL TWO, THREE CALLS PER INMATE AT THE RATE INCLUDED UNDER OPTION TWO.

AND THE REASON THAT I AM MAKING THE MOTION THAT WAY IS BECAUSE I KNOW WE HAVE THE LON -- THE LONGEST STAY FOR PEOPLE IN THE STATE. I THINK IT IS THE LONGEST STAY IN THE COUNTRY. THIS WILL PUT SOME MANY IN THE COMMISSARY FUND KNOWING THAT THE MONEY WILL COME INTO THE COMMISSARY FUND BECAUSE THE OPTIONS WHO ARE COMING FOR INMATES THAT ARE THE BETTER OFF OF THOSE WHOE ARE IN JAIL.

WHO ARE IN JAIL. WE ARE TOLD THEY MADE THE CALLS FROM THEIR IPAD. THERE COULD BE ISSUES OF THE EARPLUGS AND IF THEY ARE TALKING TOO LOUD.

THEY CAN DO NOTEWORTHY AND CREATIVE THINGS.

IF THE SHERIFF WANTS TO DO OTHER CREATIVE THINGS THAT HE WAS NOT ABLE TO DO OR SINCE HE HAS NOT HAD MONEY IN THE COMMISSARY

FUND. >> I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS A QUESTION AND THEN COMMISSIONER BREE I DON'T KNOW -- AND THEN COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

GO AHEAD. >> AND SO WAS IT FULL UTILIZED?

>> IF EVERY INMATE USED -- >> WITH TWO ADDITIONAL CALLS.

>> AND THEN WE NOW HAVE TO ADD IT TO THE SHERIFF'S BUDGET?

>> THAT WOULD BE CORRECT. >> AND TO GIVE YOU SOME COMFORT EVEN IF WE DECIDED WE ONLY WOULD SPEND THE 250 PER YEAR WHILE WE HAVE ARPA MONEY, SO IF YOU JUST SAY FOR TWO YEARS WE ARE GONNA DO IT THAT'S FINE WITH ME. WE WILL DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN AND

I THINK IT HELPS. >> I WAS LEANING ON THE VISITATION THAT WAS WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES.

I AM JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE COST.

>> AND I'M FLEXIBLE WHETHER WE DO IT AFTER TWO YEARS WHILE OUR ARPA MONEY WAS THERE AND YOU CAN GET THE EXTRA COST.

>> WE HAVE FOUR YEARS OF ARPA LEFT.

>> AND THEN WE CAN CROSS THAT BRIDGE ON WHETHER OR NOT WE WANT TO GIVE THE ADDITIONAL CALLS OR NOT.

>> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER BRIONES.

>> TOM RAMSEY: I AM GOING THROUGH THE MATH.

THE ORIGINAL OFFER WOULD PROVIDE $2 MILLION TO THE COMMISSARY

[05:50:04]

$2 MILLION. IF IT COSTS $250,000 FOR TWO EXTRA PHONE CALLS, TO ME IT LOOKS LIKE --

>> JUDGE, IF -- IF WE ARE GOING TO GO INTO SOME OF THE DETAILS ON THE OPTION -- ON THE CONTRACT WE NEED TO DO THATLL IN EXECUTIE

SESSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WI SAVE THIS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION, 267. LET ME MARK IT REAL QUICK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL BE WITH YOU A LONGTIME IN THAT EXECUTIVE SESSION. CAN WE HAVE BREAKFAST BEFORE WE

GO IN? >> LINA HIDALGO: HOW ABOUT WE JUST BE EFFICIENT. 338.

COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO

VOTE. >> SO MOVED.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

OPPOSED ON 338? >> NO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA WHAT IS YOUR VOTE ON 338? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1.

OKAY. ITEM 398.

THAT GOES ALONG WITH 406. YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A A RED LINE VERSION OF THE RULES TODAY WITH THE RATIONAL FOR THE ADDITIONS THIS INCORPORATES ALL OF THE COMMENTS THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD MADE AND THAT WE DISCUSSED LAST TIME EXCEPT FOR ON PAGE 2 THE PROCESS FOR REVIEWING ITEMS SUBMITTED TO THE AGENDA, WE TALKED TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND THE SENSE WAS THAT THE EASIEST WAY TO DO THIS IS TO HAVE THE DEPARTMENTS GO THROUGH THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.

ANYWAY, WE CAN RUN THROUGH THEM. BASICALLY WE'RE ADDING --

>> I WOULD ACTUALLY RECOMMEND FOR BUDGET ITEMS THEY GO THROUGH

THE BUDGET OFFICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

LET ME GO THROUGH EACH OF THEM AND THERE ARE AREN'T MANY.

ON F, SECTION 2F UNDER MEETINGS, THIS -- THESE ARE EDITS BASED ON WHAT WE APPROVED ON JANUARY 31ST TO ADD VARIOUS OTHER PAYMENTS OF AUDITED CLAIMS AND APPROVAL OF PLATS TO BUSINESS C -- COURT MEETINGS. ON SECTION 4A WE ARE SAYING WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUNDING REQUESTS AS ADDRESSED IN 4B BELOW SO THAT THOSE WOULD GO TO OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET.

ON B ALL AGENDA ITEMS REQUESTING ADDITIONAL FUNDING EXCLUDING GRANT FUNDS BY A DEPARTMENT AND ELECTED OFFICIAL MUST BE FIRST APPROVED AND PLACED ON THE AGENDA BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COURT.

AND THEN C, WE ARE ADDING I THINK COMMISSIONER -- THIS CODIFIES WHAT COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS RECOMMENDED TO DO WITH THE NEW FUNDING FROM THE COURT WHICH IS TO WORK WITH OMB.

IT REQUIRES ALL DEPARTMENTS TO WORK WITH OMB.

OBVIOUSLY THE WORK AROUND IS COMMISSIONERS THEMSELVES COULD STILL PUT THE ITEM, BUT FOR THE SAKE OF MEMORIALIZING WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO HERE. ITEM C WOULD STREAM LINE THE COURT PREP PROCESS FOR DEPARTMENTS AND THE COURT OFFICE STAFF BY GIVING ADDITIONAL TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE DISCUSSION.

AND THIS, I THINK, CAME FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

THE CONSENT AGENDA SHOULD BE -- WE ALL SHOULD BE AWARE OF IT IN THEORY 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING.

PRIOR CONSIDERATION OF CONCEPT ITEMS AND A MEMBER OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT CAN REMOVE FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.

THAT'S OUR PRACTICE, BUT WE WRITE IT DOWN.

THE TYPICAL ORDER FOR BUSINESS -- THE ORDER OF BUSINESS FOR MEETINGS OF THE COURT SESSION! THAT'S SECTION D UNDER AGENDA. THAT IS THE RUN OF SHOW THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE, BUT IT WILL LET THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC KNOW WHAT THE RUN OF SHOW IS. AND THEN WE HAVE A SECTION 5, A NEW SECTION 5 WHICH IS COURT PROCEDURE.

WE ARE ADOPTING ROSENBURG RULES OF ORDER WHICH ARE THE 1S WE HAVE -- WE HAVE USED IN THE ELECTION SUB COMMISSION MEETING WHICH IS WHAT WE ALREADY DO AND A GREAT CATCH BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ITEM 6, WE HAVE BY AFFIRMATIVE VOTE FROM THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT, COMMISSIONERS' COURT MAY PROHIBIT VERBAL COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT IN THE COURTROOM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEES. THAT IS IN CASE FOLKS WANT TO PROHIBIT VIRTUAL COMMENTS. I FOR ONE AM IN FAVOR OF VIRTUAL

[05:55:01]

THIS ONE IS UP FOR DEBATE. AND SO WE HAVE APPEARANCE REQUEST FORMS ON PART 2 AND WE CAN COME BACK TO THAT, COMMISSIONER. ON PART 2 IT REQUESTS THAT SPEAKERS SIGN UP TWO HOURS BEFORE COURT WHICH WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR OCA STAFF AND COURT OFFICES TO TRACK PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WITHOUT SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. AND THEN FINALLY ON TIME LIMIT, THIS IS THE SUGGESTION THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD MADE, LIMITING SPEAKERS TO ONE MINUTE AND SAYING THAT SPEAKERS CAN BE GIVEN ADDITIONAL TIME UPON A MOTION OF THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT. I DON'T KNOW HOW REALISTIC THAT IS. YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES WHEN THERE IS SORT OF TRAGIC COMMENTS OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT WOULD WE REALLY STOP AND MAKE A MOTION? I AM NOT SURE.

WE MIGHT STILL KEEP IT SORT OF INFORMAL.

IT ALSO ADDS THIS POINTE-CLAIRE TPAOEUING RE-- POINT CLARIFYING THE RESPONSIBILITY THE BAY -- THE BODY LIVE HAS WHEN THE -- THE BAILIFF HAS. SORRY, SECOND TO LAST POINT IS PROPER CONDUCT REQUIRED AND WILL FURTHER CLARIFY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND WE DISCUSSED THIS AT LENGTH.

AND THEN FINALLY IT AGAIN REITERATES THE BAILIFF'S ROLE AND GIVES THE CAO FLEXIBILITY TO SEND OTHER FOLKS AND NOT JUST THE FIRST ASSISTANT AND COUNTY ATTORNEY.

I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS WANTS TO TALK ABOUT VIRTUAL DISCUSSION. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE FOLKS

WANT TO TALK ABOUT? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I THINK

ALL OF US HAVE SOMETHING, BUT -- >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S GO DOWN

THE LINE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE VIRTUAL PIECE, JUDGE, FIRST OF ALL, LET ME MAKE THE COMMENT THAT JUST BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE, THE LONGER PEOPLE MEET, THE MORE TENSE PEOPLE GET, AND SOMETIMES HAS A TENDENCY TO VOTE A CERTAIN WAY BECAUSE -- I WISH THERE WAS A MORE DIPLOMATIC WAY OF SAYING IT, BUT ARE YOU TICKED OFF AS OPPOSED TO THINKING THROUGH THE ISSUE. THE ISSUES WE TAKE ARE REALLY IMPORTANT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY. AS MUCH AS IT MAY SEEM LIKE IT IS -- YOU KNOW, YOU COME DOWN AND YOU HAVE ALL FIVE OF US HERE. FROM MY OBSERVANCE, WHAT WE DO SOMETIMES, WE WILL GO THROUGH THE CEREMONIAL PART WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT. SOMETIMES IT MATTERS MORE TO PEOPLE LATER THAN IT DOES AT THAT MOMENT.

BUT IT DOES MATTER. AND THEN WHEN WE GET TO THE PART WHERE WE GOTTA MAKE REALLY TOUGH DECISIONS, NERVES, STRESS, PEOPLE ARE RUSHED AND THEY WANT TO GET OUT.

I FOR ONE, YOU KNOW, JUST COMING FROM A LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND, WHERE IT HELPS A LITTLE BIT IF YOU HAVE A LITTLE DISCUSSION AND AIR IT OUT AND SOMETIMES YOUR MIND IS CHANGED.

NOT THAT OFTEN, BUT SOMETIMES MINDS ARE CHANGED AT THE TABLE OR ON THE FLOOR OF A LEGISLATIVE BODY AND IT TAKES TIME TO DO THAT. I THINK IF I LOOK AT WHEN WE MEET, I DIDN'T NOTE COUNTY GOVERNMENT MET TWICE A MONTH.

NOT A BAD GIG IF YOU CAN GET IT. I SAID THAT IF YOU WANT TO MEET MORE, WE CAN LET EVERYBODY SPEAK, DIAL IN, COME IN, WHATEVER. FROM MY EXPERIENCE, A VERY EXPENSIVE AND LIFE-CHANGING AND ALTERING ISSUES WE END UP DOING IT AT 5:27 IN THE EVENING. A COUPLE TIMES IT HAS BEEN LIKE 10:57 AT NIGHT. WE ALL THE -- WE ALL WENT THROUGH THE DISCUSSION AND THE STATE LAWS WERE CHANGED AND YOU HAVE TO HEAR FROM ALL OF THE SPEAKERS.

YOU KNOW, WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE BEFORE THE LAW CHANGED THEY WOULD TELL FOLKS, GO OUT THERE AND FIGURE IT OUT.

TWO OR THREE OF YOU SPEAK. YOU HAVE X NUMBER OF MINUTES ON IT. ALTHOUGH THE MEETING WAS RUSHED, I THINK WE HAVE TO FIND SOMEWAY WHEN WE ARE MAKING THESE DECISIONS, AND AS ONE OF THE OLDER ONE HERES I AM GUILTY OF IT AS WELL. I DO MY BEST TO THINK ABOUT T BUT SOMETIMES Y'ALL REALLY DO KIND OF -- Y'ALL CAN MAKE IT TOUGH ON AN OLD MAN. THAT'S WHY I THINK THE VIRTUAL OPTION, I AM TOLD NO OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY DOES IT.

IS THAT CORRECT? DID YOU LOOK AT IT? NO OTHER COUNTY OR CITY DOES THAT.

>> IN TERMS OF VIRTUAL SPEAKERS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.

>> YEAH. SO EVERYONE -- SURE.

IN THE PAST OBVIOUSLY DURING COVID TIMES EVERYONE HAS GONE TO IT. AND NOW EVERYONE HAS RETURNED TO IN-PERSON EXCLUSIVELY. WE ARE ONE OF THE RARE HYBRID.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT IS NOT EASY FOR ME TO SAY AND YOU ALREADY WANT TO DO T DO IT. I WILL BE IN MY OFFICE VIRTUALLY

[06:00:03]

LISTENING. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU WANT TO

MAKE A MOTION? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES.

UNLESS A MEMBER ASKS TO MAKE AN EXCEPTION, ANY MEMBER.

I AM NOT EVEN ASKING FOR A VOTE, BUT IF SOMEBODY ASKS FOR SOMEONE , I WOULD GRANT THE COURTESY TO ANYBODY.

I THINK THAT HAPPENED EVEN WHEN I WAS IN AUSTIN.

SOMEBODY ASKED A LEGISLATOR FROM OHIO DIAL IN AND THEY WOULD LET THEM DO IT. BUT THIS IDEA OF -- WITH A LOT OF MY DEAR FRIENDS WHO USE THE SYSTEM AND THEY ARE AT HOME HAVING COFFEE AND THEY GET A CALL AND LET ME TELL THEM WHAT I THINK. I WOULD LIKE TO STOP THAT.

I WOULD LIKE TO END THE VIRTUAL DISCUSSION -- THE TESTIMONY

ABSENT A MEMBER REQUESTING IT. >> CAN YOU SIMPLIFY THAT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: TELL THEM TO CALL ME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IF YOU END IT AND THE MAJORITY VOTES FOR IT THAT'S HOW MY RULES PROPOSE IT. LET ME JUST MAKE A POINT THAT 14% OF EACH MEETING'S FULL DURATION RANGING FROM 4.7% TO 22.2% OF THE -- ACROSS THE FIVE RECENT REGULAR COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SPEAKERS.

THE REST OF IT IS US. SO I'M JUST SAYING --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME MAKE THIS POINT.

IT IS ONE OF THE FIVE OF US. I MEAN AS MUCH AS I WANT TO PERSUADE THE PUBLIC, IF IT DOES IN I GOOD, I'M TRYING TO SWAY ONE OF THE FOUR OF YOU. SO AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT'S

WHAT IT AMOUNTS TO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU ARE ABOUT TO LOSE MY VOYT -- MY VOTE IF YOU KEEP GOING.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MAKE AOP MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION TO ST THE VIRTUAL SPEAKERS.

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

LESS -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I AM IN FAVOR IF THERE IS AN EXCEPTION. AS A WORKING MOM AND WORKING FAMILIES IF THEY REALLY WANT TO SPEAK, BUT THEY CAN'T BE IN IN

IN PERSON -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS TRYING TO

WORK IT IN. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AS LONG

AS THERE IS AN EXCEPTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF A LEGISLATOR WANTS TO SPEAK OR A LEGISLATOR CONSTITUENT.

YOU HAVE TO PUT RAILS ON IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WELL, GOSH.

I GOT RAILROADED ON THIS ONE. I WILL VOTE IN FAVOR OF IT TOO.

>> CAN YOU REPEAT? >> LINA HIDALGO: TO STOP THE VIRTUAL SPEAKERS AS UH PROSED IN THE RULES -- AS PROPOSED IN THE RULES. RIGHT NOW THE LANGUAGE PRESENTED IT SAYS THAT -- LET ME FIND THE ITEM REAL QUICK.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: BUT A COMMISSIONER CAN REQUEST AN

EXCEPTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT SAYS WITH THE EXCEPTION -- WHICH ITEM IS THAT.

>> JUDGE, IF I MIGHT ON 6A, RIGHT NOW YOU HAVE IT LISTED AS BY PERMANENT VOTE FROM THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT.

WHAT YOU COULD SAY IS MAY ALLOW VERBAL COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT. AND THAT WOULD BE THE EXCEPTION

HE IS LOOKING FOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN THE

RULES. >> YEAH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SECTION 6A. YEAH.

IT SAYS THE BUSINESS OF HARRIS COUNTY IS CONDUCTED BY AND BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY STAFF AND ELECTED OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS AND CONSULTANTS AND EXPERTS AND/OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REQUESTED TO BE PRESENT AND PARTICIPATE. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS OF THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT EXCEPT EXECUTIVE SESSION. BY BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE BY THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT COMMISSIONERS' COURT MAY PROHIBIT VERBAL COMMENT FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT IN THE COURTROOM WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND THAT'S WHAT WE ARE TAKING NOW.

>> I THINK WHAT -- AS I UNDERSTAND WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND WHAT THE COURT JUST VOTED ON, IT IS SHAEPBLLY FLIPPING IT. -- ESSENTIALLY FLIPPING IT.

THEY MAY ALLOW VERBAL KPHEUPBTS -- COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT. IF YOU ALTER MAY PROHIBIT

INSTEAD OF MAY ALLOW. >> LINA HIDALGO: WITH THE

EXCEPTION OF HARRIS COUNTY -- >> CORRECT.

THE DEFAULT BECOMES YOU HAVE TO BE PRESENT, BUT THERE IS AN

EXCEPTION IF YOU WANT TO BE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THINKING OF THE LOGISTICS OF THIS. SAY COMMISSIONER BRIONES KNOWS A CONSTITUENT WHO IS A WORKING MOM AND CAN'T COME, THE WORKING MOM WOULDN'T KNOW UNTIL WE COME TO COURT AND VOTE ON IT IF SHE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SPEAK OR NOT. THAT MAKES ME THINK WE SHOULD MAKE IT TO WHERE EACH MEMBER CAN SPONSOR THEIR OWN SPEAKERS OR SOMETHING, YOU SEE WHAT I'M SAY STPH-G.

>> I DO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST DON'T

SEE -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I THINK IT IS A CHANGE TO THE BY AFFIRMATIVE VOTE FROM THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT THERE BY ALLOWING THE COMMISSIONER OR THE JUDGE TO GRANT THE EXCEPTION FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO MIGHT HAVE AN

ACCESS CHALLENGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE SAY EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT MAY ALLOW VERBAL COMMENTS FROM A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT IN THE

COURTROOM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD ASK IF WE DO THAT, IF ONE OF US JUST DECIDED -- Y'ALL GET ME IN A BAD MOOD AND I BUS THEM DOWN HERE. I BUS THEM TO MY HOUSE OR

[06:05:05]

WE OUGHT TO -- YOU EITHER SAY TWO OR ONE PER MEETING OR JUST HAVE SOME HONOR. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN HONOR AMONG POLITICIANS THAT WE DON'T ABUSE IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN SAY -- MAY ALLOW TWO TO A MAXIMUM OF -- I MEAN WE CAN STILL BACK TO THIS NEXT COURT.

>> WE CAN USE THIS AS A WORKING SESSION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MAY ALLOW VERBAL COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT IN THE COURTROOM, BUT WITH NOTICE OF AT LEAST TWO

HOURS PRIOR, OBVIOUSLY. >> TOM RAMSEY: NOTICE TWO HOURS PRIOR. OUR MEETINGS START AT 10.

SO IF SOMEONE WANTS TO COME DOWN HERE THEY HAVE TO GET HERE

BEFORE 8. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT CALLING IN. IF SOMEBODY WANTS TO CALL IN WE COULD MEET A 10 AND SOMEBODY CAN MAKE THE MOTION --

>> TOM RAMSEY: THIS ISN'T -- IS THAT --

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY ARE LETTING PEOPLE DIAL IN.

>> TOM RAMSEY: THE TWO HOUR I AM TALKING ABOUT IS IF PEOPLE WANT TO APPEAR ON THE DAY OF THE COURT WILL THEY HAVE TO BE HERE

BEFORE 8. >> LINA HIDALGO: MAYBE WE DO IT ONE-HOUR PRIOR TO PROCESS IT. HERE IS WHAT IT SAYS.

IT SAYS, EACH -- THE LAST -- FOR THE LAST SENTENCE ON SECTION 6A TO READ AS FOLLOWS, EACH MEMBER OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT MAY ALLOW VERBAL COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT IN THE COURTROOM WITH NOTICE OF AT LEAST ONE HOUR PRIOR. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE WELCOME TO CALL IN VIRTUALLY.

DO YOU WANT TO VOTE ON THAT SENTENCE?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH COMING HERE THIS LATE. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE ARE

VOTING ON. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS WHAT YOU WANTED. WE CAN READ IT AGAIN.

IT SAYS EACH MEMBER OF COMMISSIONER'S KOEURT MAY ALLOW VERBAL COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT PRESENT IN THE COURTROOM WITH NOTICE OF AT LEAST ONE HOUR PRIOR.

THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE WELCOME

TO CALL IN VIRTUALLY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE'LL TRY THAT.

>> DOES THAT ALSO INCLUDE THE MOTION TO STOP VIRTUAL SPEAKERS

OR IS THAT TAKEN OUT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE MAKING THIS THE LAST SENTENCE ON SECTION 8 AND THAT IS TAKEN OUT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS TRYING TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T HAVE A SITUATION WHERE IF I AM HELPING COUNTY EMPLOYEES GET A PAY RAISE AND THEY GO HOME AND I HAVE A THOUSAND OF THEM DIAL IN.