* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning. [00:00:08] WHRAOEPB LEAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE IT IS 10:10 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS MARCH 14TH, 2023 MEETING OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' [Pastor Edward Rios, resident of Precinct 2.] COURT TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF YOU COULD PLEASE INTRODUCE OUR GUEST. >> YES. I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE EDWARD , EDDY, RIO. HE STUDIED THEOLOGICAL STUDIES AT BIBLE SCHOOL IN ELOTES,EX TAS AND ADMINISTERED AS AIS MINTER AT S THEAN ANTONIO FOR CHRIST MINISTRIES. HEAS WORKED AN EVANGELIST THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO SHARING THE GOSPEL. HE TOOK ON A PASTORAL ROLE AT DIFFERENTT CHURCH THAT'S LOS THEIR PASTOR FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. EDWARD'S PASSION IS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO PLEASE THE LORD I GOT TO KNOW EDDIE YEARS BACK. I THINK I WAS ON COUNSEL AND EDDIE WAS -- HE WORKED AS A DEPP FEW TEE -- DEPUTY CONSTABLE FOR PRECINCT ONE. I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP AND YOUR LEADERSHIP AND YOUR WORK. PROUD TO HAVE YOU AS OUR FAITH LIAISON. SO EDDIE, IF YOU WOULD LEAD US IF PRAYER, PLEASE. >> YES, SIR, COMMISSIONER. THANK YOU. HEAVENLY FATHER, I COME BEFORE YOU RIGHT NOW, LORD. AS ALWAYS BEFORE ANYTHING I GIVE YOU THANKS, LORD, BASE YOU ARE GOOD TO US, FATHER. AS A COUNTY WHO HAS GONE THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS, WE ARE HERE BECAUSE OF YOUR GRACE AND MERCY. FOR THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE JUDGE, FATHER, THAT YOU GIVE THEM THE WISDOM, FATHER, TO EXECUTE THE DUTIES TO WHICH THEY ARE HOLDING, FATHER. WE ASK FOR EACH MEMBER OF THIS COURT, FATHER THAT YOU BLESS THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES IN A SPECIAL WAY. ALL OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE ARE VETERANS, FATHER. WE ASK FOR A SPECIAL BLESSING AND WE GIVE THEM THANKS FOR THEIR SERVICE FATHER. I ASK THIS IN THE MIGHT -- THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. AMEN. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE'LL RECITE THE PLEDGE. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION, UNDER GOOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE. TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE FIVE [Departments] RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE OUT OF ORDER THIS MORNING. I DON'T HAVE ANY RESOLUTIONS OUT OF ORDER. I WANTED FOLKS TO KNOW THAT THE -- WE HAVE THE BUDGET ITEM, COURTS, JAIL, VARIOUS OTHER BUDGET-RELATED ITEMS, BUT COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I THINK YOU HAVE ITEMS RELATED TO THAT. MY UNDERSTANDING IS SHERIFF GONZALEZ AND DR. PORSA ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL 2:30. I RECOMMEND WE TAKE THOSE ITEMS AT 2:30. WE DO HAVE THE SCHEDULED BREAK AT 1:00. WE HAVE A PRESS EVENT IN THAT BREAK. SO IF WE COULD TAKE AN HOUR AND A HALF BREAK AND COME BACK AT 2:30 AND TAKE THEM UP. YES, COMMISSIONER? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WITH THAT, I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO EXTEND OUR LUNCH BREAK. WOULD THAT BE APPROPRIATE? >> THAT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. EXTEND OUR LUNCH BREAK AND I HAVE THREE ITEM THAT'S DID NOT MAKE IT ON THE PULL LIST, ITEM 87 AND 88. >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MOMENT, COMMISSIONER. SO 87 ADDED TO THE DISCUSSION. >> AND 88. AND MOVE 204 TO CONSENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN ADD ITEM 204 TO CONSENT. GOT IT. GOT IT. ALL RIGHT. AND SO THE RULES SAY IT IS AT 1:00. THAT'S WHY JAY SAID IT IS TOTALLY FINE. THE -- I DO WANT TO -- YOU KNOW, WE WILL JUST BRIEFLY BEFORE WE START THE RESOLUTIONSE, ON THING [00:05:06] WE DIDN'T TALK ABOUT LAST TIMEWA S, SO WE HAVE-M THIS 10INUTE TIME LIMIT. WHATSE ABOUT PRENTATIONS?BO WHAT AUT PRESENTATIONS FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS.OU I KNOW Y HAD MADEMM THAT RECOENDATION. >> YEAH. M IF YOU DON'TINDUR TURNING ON YO -- >> THANK YOU. MY HOPE WOULD BE THE 10-MINUTE LIMITATIONS ARE FOR DISCUSSION AND THAT ANYBY PRESENTATION GIVN ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS OR OTHERWISE IS OUTSIDE OF THAT 10-MINUTE LIMIT. >> MOVE TO ADOPT. >> WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGES AT THAT TIME. >> OKAY. PERFECT. IT IS A TRANSMITTAL THOUGH, ISN'T IT? >> NO. WE ACTUALLY MOVED IT -- IT IS AN ACTION ITEM NOW IN THE EVENT, FOR THIS EXACT REASON IN THE EVENT THERE WERE SOME CHANGES THAT NEEDED TO BE MADE. >> GREAT. AND IT IS ON THE -- WHICH ITEM IS IT, JAY? JUST TO MAKE SURE IT IS ON THE DISCUSSION LIST. >> IT IS -- I THINK IT IS ON THE DISCUSSION LIST. I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD IT ON THE DISCUSSION LIST. >> WHICH ITEM IS IT? >> WHICH ITEM IS THAT? >> I BELIEVE IT IS 178. >> IT IS IN THE DISCUSSION LIST. SO THAT'S QUESTION NUMBER ONE. AND THEN QUESTION NUMBER 2 IS ON THE HOW WE SPLIT THE TIME AMONG US. I GUESS WE CAN PLAY IT BY EAR. WHAT I WAS THINKING IS I CAN KEEP TWO MINUTES AND SO AT LEAST IF ONE OF US WANTS TO SAY I DON'T HAVE TWO MINUTES WORTH OF THINGS TO SAY WE CAN, BUT IT IS ONLY FAIR WE GIVE EACH MEMBER OF COURT TWO MINUTES TO USE AS THEY SEE FIT. DOES THAT WORK? LET'S TRY IT. IF IT IS CONFUSING WE CAN CHANGE IT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. MY FIRST RESOLUTION IS TO HONOR OUR COMBAT VETERANS ASSOCIATION AND OUR VETERANS IN PARTICULAR. SOME OF THEM ARE WITH US TODAY. FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO JUST RECOGNIZE THAT THESE VETERANS WILL ALWAYS, ALWAYS HAVE A WARM WELCOME ANYWHERE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND PRECINCT TWO IN PARTICULAR. YOU WEREN'T WELCOMED AS YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN BACK IN THE DAY. AND SO WE WILL ALWAYS, ALWAYS LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE RESPECTED AND YOU ARE APPRECIATED AND YOU ARE HONORED AND YOU ARE WELCOME ANYWHERE IN HARRIS COUNTY IN PRECINCT 2. WITH THAT BEING SAID I DO WANT TO RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE FOLKS -- I WILL READ SOME THINGS BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO YOU. I DO WANT TO READ THAT WE DO HAVE SOME DISTINGUISHED FOLKS. BRIG TKAU -- BRIGADIER GENERAL BUDDY IS HERE. AND STAFF SERGEANT ROBERT SCHLITZBERG ARE. WHERE ARE YOU? AND WE WILL HEAR FROM SERGEANT WINSLOW BEN GUTIERREZ AND JOINED BY SERGEANT DENNIS LOOP AND SERGEANT DAVID RAMOS. THIS RESOLUTION READS, WHEREAS THE VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS ASSOCIATION IS A PRIVATE NONPROFIT VETERANS ASSOCIATION FORMED IN 2018 AND HONOR -- TO HONOR THE 544 FALLEN VIETNAM VETERANS FROM HOUSTON AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES. WHEREAS FOUNDER SERGEANT WINSLOW BEN TKPWAOUT TKPWAOEUT -- GUTIERREZ RECRUITED LOCAL VETERANS TO CREATE THE VIETNAM FALLEN WARRIORS MONUMENT IN HOUSTON. UNTIL NOW THE ONLY PLACE WHERE FAMILIES MAY SEE THE NAMES OF THEIR LOVED ONES IS IN WASHINGTON D.C. OVER A THOUSAND MILES AWAY. WHEREAS THE VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS ASSOCIATION IS AN ACTIVE ASSOCIATION HELPING WITH SUNDAY CHAP TELL SERVICES. AND SOME HAVE FEWR ONO VISITORS. WHEREAS THE VETERAN'S ASSOCIATIONS AS -- ACTTO THE APPROPRIATE VETERAN ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES INCLUDING THE AMERICAN LEGION, THE VFW, AM AMERICAN VETERANSNS, TEXAS VETERA COMMISSION AND FOR MEMORIAL DAY THE VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS ASSOCIATION PLACES FLAGS AT EACH OF THE 85,000 GRAVESITES AT THE HOUSTON V.A. NATIONAL CEMETERY. AND DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON MEMBERS PLACE WREATHS AT THE GRAVESITES AS WELL. [00:10:01] THEIR WORK HELPS HOMELESS AND AT-RISK VETERANS AT THE V.A. HOSPITAL. I AM HONORED THAT ON NOVEMBER 10TH, 2020, THE VIETNAM COMBAT VETERANS SEWS -- ASSOCIATION COMPLETED THEIR FOUR-YEAR MISSION OF BUILDING THE VIETNAM FALLEN WARRIORS MEMORIAL LOCATED AT VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK AT 1896TIDWELL ROAD. THIS MONEY AOUMENT STANDS IN HONOR -- TO HONOR THE LOCAL VETERANS WHO WERE KILLED IN THE VIETNAM WAR. BEN, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AND MAY SALUTE YOU, SERGEANT AND YOU HAVE THE PODIUM. >> OKAY. MY NAME IS BEN GUTIERREZ. THIS MONUMENT THAT WE BUILT, NOBODY HAS ATTEMPTED TO BUILD ONE FOR US, BUT WE DID IT WITH ALL OF THE DONATIONS THAT WE RECEIVED, SOME BIG, GENEROUS DONORS. AND NOW THE REASON WE DID IT IS BECAUSE WE WANT THE RELATIVES AND THE FRIENDS OF OUR GUYS THAT GOT KILLED IN VIETNAM TO BE ABLE TO GO TO THE MONUMENT AND PAY THEIR LAST RESPECTS TO THEM AND WRITE THEIR NAMES ON THE WALL THAT WE'VE GOT THERE ON THE MONUMENT. IT'S BEEN TOUGH. THERE IS A SMALL GROUP, USED TO BE 20. WE LOST THREE TO COVID. WE DID IT WITH THE HELP OF OUR DONORS. >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND THANK YOU FOR SERVING US SO PROUDLY AND HONORABLY. I AM SO VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY KPHAOEUT -- EXCITED THAT THIS MEMORIAL IS IN A PRECINCT TO A SHARED PARK WITH VETERANS MEMORIAL. YOU HAVE OTHER GUYS THAT TOOK A HILL BACK IN MY DAY IN COUNCIL AND EXCITED THAT MEMORIAL IS NOW THERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? ONE MOMENT, SERGEANT. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR PUTTING THIS ON. I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANYMORE MOVING PLACE THAN THE WALL IN WASHINGTON, D.C. I THINK THE WALL YOU HAVE CAUSED TO HAPPEN HERE WILL BE THE SAME. THOSE ARE MY GENERATION. THOSE ARE PEOPLE I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH. THEY ARE ON THAT WALL. WHAT I THINK ABOUT WHEN I LOOK AT THAT WALL THIS WASHINGTON IS WHAT WOULD THE LEADERSHIP LOOK LIKE IN AMERICA WITH THOSE GUYS? SO IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE TKPWOB BEFORE US -- WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. THANK YOU AND I'M PROUD TO SECOND THAT. >> ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SERVICE. AND I DO THINK THIS DESERVES A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER FOR BRINGING THIS ITEM. WE ARE PROUD AND GRATEFUL FOR YOU. NOOL RESUTIONSM FROCOMMISSIONER ELLIS AND NOUT RESOLIONS OUT OF ORDER BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. ID JUST HATHAT ONER UNDER YOUDA AGEN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO HAVERE OE MO, ITEM 4,ST BUT I UNDERANDON COMMISSIER BRIONES HAS A MOTION RELATED TO THIS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES.E IF I CAN MAKA TAKE I UP ITEM 4 ALONGSIDETEM 334, 336 AND 335.4 >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM . SO WE WILL DISCUSS ALL OF THOSE ITEMS RELATED TO FUNDING AT 2:30. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. 190 TO BE INCLUDED WITH COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I HAVE IS AND WE WILL BRING IT BACK AT 2:30 IS 4, 15, 17 -- WE WILL START WITH THE FIVE-YEAR REVENUE AND EXPENSE FORECAST AND GO TO 415, 19, 176, 188, 321, 334, 335, 336 AND 399. POSSIBLY 18. I MEAN, IT IS ALL THE SAME POT OF MONEY. >> AND 190. >> WHICH IS ONE -- 190? [00:15:07] >> RIGHT. THE ONE THE DISTRICT COURTS HAVE PUT ON THERE. HAVE I ADDED THAT. WE'LL -- I HAVE ADDED THAT. WE'LL DO THAT AT 2:30. ANY OTHER RESOLUTIONS? >> NO. >> NO RESOLUTIONS OUT OF ORDER. COMMISSIONER BRIONES? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU. FOR ALL OF THE VETERANS WHO JOINED US TODAY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. TO CONTINUE IN THIS THEME OF SERVICE AND SACRIFICE, I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE DEPUTY LLOYD BURKE. IF YOU WOULD PLEASE JOIN US TO RECOGNIZE YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE. WHEREAS IN MARCH 1991 DEPUTY LLOYD BURKE BEGAN HIS LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER WITH HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 CONSTABLE'S OFFICE AND HONORABLY SERVED THE CON STIFF WENTS FOR OVER 32 YEARS, AND DEPUTY BURKE SHOWED EXTRAORDINARY COMMITMENT TO THE CONSTABLE OFFICE AND THE CONSTITUENTS HE FAITHFULLY SERVES. HE EMBODIES THE COMMUNITY POLICING AREA AND DEPUTY BURKE SPENT TIME IN THE PARKS DIVISION WHERE HE FAITHFULLY PATROLLED AND PROTECTED THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC IN OUR PARKS. AND WHEREAS DEPUTY BURKE HAS BEEN A STEADY LEADER UPON WHO KNEW PERSONNEL AND SUPERVISORS RELIED ON ASSISTANCE, DEPUTY BURKE HAS CONSISTENTLY EXHIBITED A RECORD OF EXCELLENCE, A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND A DEEP LOYALTY TO THE DEPARTMENT AND TO THE COMMUNITY HE PROTECTED FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES. AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT RESPECTFULLY HONORS OUR OWN LOCAL HERO AND IT IS ORDERED THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. >> THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I'M USED TO DOING. I'VE HAD A GOOD RUN SO I WILL QUOTE SOME SCRIPTURE, I GUESS. I FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT. I FINISHED MY COURSE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND YOU KEPT THE FAITH. >> KEPT THE FAITH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU M. >>AY I N MOVE TO THEEXT ONE? >> YES. >> T STICKING WITHHESE THEME OF RVICE, J WOULD YOU LIKE TOOIN US PLEASE? MOVING ALONG QUICKLY AND HEALIN WELL. IT MAKES MHAPPY. >> SO WE ARE HONORING ONE OF OUR HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 HEROS. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. AND TO HIS FAMILY, YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN. TO HIS TWIN BOYS, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. >> THEY HAVE SERVED THE CONSTITUENTS FOR HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 SINCE JUNE OF 1989. WHERE HE BEGAN HIS CAREER AS A ROAD AND BRIDGE OPERATOR AT THE AGE OF 19. THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER FREDDY HAS SERVED IN A VARIETY OF POSITIONS AS AN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND ASSISTANT CAM -- CAMP SUPERINTENDENT AND CAMP SUPERINTENDENT AND AFTER A PROMOTION HE WAS THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ROAD AND BRIDGE FOR PRECINCT 4. AND WHEREAS FREDDY'S DECORATED 33-YEAR CAREER BEGAN WITH TASK ASSIGNMENTS SUCH AS REMOVING TRASH FROM ROADS AND MAKING SIGNS AND PAYROLL ADD STRAEUGTS -- ADMINISTRATION FREDDY SERVED OUR COMMUNITY IN SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING TIMES IN OUR RECENT HISTORY, DURING THE FLOODS AND HURRICANES OF ALLISON, IKE AND HARVEY, FREDDY WAS A FIRST RESPOND OTHER 24-HOUR SHIFTS. DURING THE ICE STORMS IT WAS FREDDY'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THE PRECINCT 4 ROADS SAFE TO TRAVEL ON. AND WHEREAS FREDDY HAS DEMONSTRATED HIS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY BY COACHING LITTLE LEAGUE, BASEBALL , COMPETING IN WINNING BARBECUE COOKOFFS INCLUDING WINNING THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO TWICE. HE HAS BEEN MARRIED TO WENDY, WENDY THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, FOR 22 YEARS AND THE PROUD DAD OF TWIN SONS, LUKE AND LANE. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. [00:20:04] NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT RESPECT OF -- RESPECTFULLY HONORS AND CONGRATULATES FREDDY FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR HIS EXCELLENCE AND LEADERSHIP WITHIN HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 AND ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM HARRIS COUNTY. SO AS A COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 4, I SPEAK FOR MYSELF AND THE PREVIOUS COMMISSIONERS YOU WORKED WITH, YOU HELPED MAKE PRECINCT 4 WHAT IT IS AND I AM THANKFUL FOR EVERYTHING YOU TAUGHT ME AND THE WARMTH AND OPENNESS AND EVERYTHING YOU TAUGHT ALL OF US. YOU ARE REMARKABLE AND WE WILL MISS YOU DEARLY. WITH THAT IT IS HERE BY ORDERED THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT THIS 14TH DAY OF MARCH 20. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RETIREMENT. >> WOW. THAT WAS PRETTY AMAZING. I APPRECIATE THIS. I WORKED MY ENTIRE CAREER IN THE ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT, AND IT'S BEEN AMAZING. LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING TIME WITH MY KIDS. THEY ARE SENIORS THIS YEAR, SO TIME BEFORE THEY GRADUATE AND GO OFF TO SCHOOL. AGAIN, I THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND APPRECIATE IT. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GET MY KNEE HEALED. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> FREDDY, I AM GONNA SECOND THIS, BUT JUST LET ME SAY THAT WE INHERITED A LOT OF WHAT YOU WORKED ON BECAUSE A LOT OF WHAT WAS IN PRECINCT 3 IS NOW IN PRECINCT 4. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR THE COUNTY. YOU HAVE DONE AN AMAZING JOB AND NOW YOU EARNED SOME SPECIAL TIME. I HOPE YOU CAN GO FISHING SOON. >> THANK YOU. CONGRATULATIONSESND A CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR FAMILY THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US FOR MANY YEARS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IE HAVE ON QUESTION FOR YOUR BOYS. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU LOOK MORE LIKE, MAMA OR DADDY? >> CONGRATULATIONS.LG >> LINA HIDAO: GOOD LUCK WITH SENIOR YEAR. GOON AHEAD, COMMISSIONER BRIES.O >> COMMISSIONER BRNES: THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. SO THE NEXT RESOLUTION AS WE ARE IN THE MONTH OF MARCH, IT IS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH. AND SO IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO TAKE A BRIEF SECOND TO CELEBRATE ALL OF THE WOMEN WHO FOR DECADES AND FOR CENTURIES HAVE CONTINUED TO FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND FOR PROGRESS AND WHO HAVE BROKEN SO MANY CEILINGS AND CONTINUE TO BREAK THEM. AND AS A MOM OF THREE LITTLE GIRLS WHO ARE LOOKING UP TO EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM AND BEYOND AND FOR THE FIRST TIME I HAVE TWO WOMEN -- TO HAVE TWO WOMEN ON THIS BODY'S HISTORY. SO A RESOLUTION TO HONOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH. WHEREAS THE U.S. CONGRESS DESIGNATED MARCH AS WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, WHEREBY OUR NATION RECOGNIZES THE VITAL AND DIVERSE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN WHILE RAISING AWARENESS OF THE CONTINUED STRUGGLES FOR WOMEN'S CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS. WHEREAS WOMEN OF EVERY RACE, CLASS AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND IN THE UNITED STATES HAVE BEEN LEADERS NOT ONLY IN SECURING THEIR OWN RIGHTS OF SUFFERAGE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, BUT IN THE ABOLITIONIST MOVEMENT AND THE EMANCIPATION MOVEMENT AND CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND MORE TO CREATE A MORE FAIR AND JUST SOCIETY FOR ALL. AND WHEREAS IN TRUE TEXAN SPIRIT THE TRUE EPL BLAZENNED -- EMBLAZENED OF -- WOMEN ASCENDING TO THE HALLS OF CONGRESS AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT AND WHEREAS HARRIS COUNTY BOASTS OF THE WOMEN WHO SERVED AS NASSAU DIRECTORS AND -- NASA DIRECTORS AND CEO'S AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND SURGEONS AND ACTIVISTS AND ARTISTS PERFORMERS , TEACHERS, MOTHERS, MILITARY GENERALS AND PROUD IN PRECINCT 4 TO HAVE SO MANY BRILLIANT, BOLD WOMEN SERVING ON OUR TEAM INCLUDING OUR CHIEF OF STAFF [INAUDIBLE] AND WHEREAS DESPITE THESE NUMEROUS ACHIEVEMENTS, THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY OVER LOOKED AND UNDER VALUED AND THERE CONTINUES TO BE NUMEROUS GENDER GAPS IN HEALTH, ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES AND I KNOW WE ARE GOING TO BE TALKING ABOUT THIS IN TERMS OF PAY EQUITY LATER. WHEREAS NATIONALLY WOMEN HAVE [00:25:02] ONE-THIRD -- ONE-THIRD OF THE WEALTH COMPARED TO MEN AND WOMEN RECEIVE ONLY 81 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR A MAN IS PAID. AND IN TEXAS THE DISPARITIES ARE EVEN WIDER. TEXAS WOMEN BRING IN ONLY 80 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR A MAN MAKES AND WOMEN IN HARRIS COUNTY ARE 50% MORE LIKELY THAN MEN TO LIVE IN POVERTY. AND WHEREAS WOMEN ARE STILL LARGELY UNDERREPRESENTED IN POSITIONS OF POWER IN TEXAS ONLY 27% OF JUDGES ARE WOMEN. ONLY 17% OF CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ARE WOMEN. AND ONLY 26% OF BUSINESS EXECUTIVES ARE WOMEN. HARRIS COUNTY IS WORKING TO BUCK THAT TREND AND WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS HERE AND HAVE A LOT MORE PROGRESS TO MAKE. IN HARRIS COUNTY, WOMEN MAKE 70% OF JUDGES AND 30% OF OUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES. AND WHEREAS HARRIS COUNTY IS DEVOTED TO IMPROVING OUR INVESTMENT TO CAREGIVING INSTRAW TRUCK -- INFRASTRUCTURE AND FAIR WAGES AND BENEFITS TO MEET THE URGENT NEED TO FIX THE STRUCTURAL INEQUALITIES THAT WOMEN FACE,IT BE RESOLVED THE COMMISSION -- THE COMMISSIONERSO URT HONOR AND CELEBRATES ALL PAST,C OF HARRISOUNTY PRESENTFO AND FUTURE R THEIRRD EXTRAOINARY ACHIEVEMENTS, EXCELLENCE, LEADERSHIP AND SACRIFICE IN OUR COMMUNITY.GA >> ADRIAN RCIA: SECOND.D SECOND. ANLET ME, JUDGE, IF I MAY, LET ME JUST SAY IN HONOR OF YOU AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES, AND TO ALL OF THE WOMEN. I'VE GOT SOME PRETTY AMAZING FOLKS ON MY STAFF AS WELL, AND -- BUT I SEE ONE YOUNG LADY WHO HAS BEEN ONE OF THOSE TRAILBLAZERS HERE AND SO THIS IS IN HONOR OF YOU ALL, BUT COMMISSIONER BREE KNOWNNESS, -- COMMISSIONER BRIONES, THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS FORWARD AND WE SHOULD REALLY TAKE NOTICE OF NOSE -- OF THOSE CHANGES AND THOSE ISSUES YOU LAID OUT, BUT HOW INCREDIBLE THINGS HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY ARE HAPPENING. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: >> COMMISSIONER, WE HAVE ONE SPEAKER FOR THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. >> JACOB CLEMENTAGE SPEAKING ON ITEMS, 1, 7 AND 333. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE -- I'M SORRY. TWO MINUTES. >> GOOD MORNING INAUDIBLE] AN AUTOGRAPH FOR ME. ANYWAY, WOMEN ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US. WITHOUT THEM WE WOULDN'T BE HERE. I WANT TO SAY THIS, AND THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT WOMEN HAVE COME FROM [INAUDIBLE] AND I WANT TO SAY THIS AND THAT IS -- THE FIRST ELECTED BLACK OFFICIAL ON THE SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND THEN WE HAVE SAOUZ -- SUSAN [INAUDIBLE] LIKE LINA HIDALGO SHE WAS AN ASTRONAUT ON THE DISCOVERY MISSION AND SHE WAS A DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL SPACE CENTER. NOW WHAT I HAVE FOR YOU, LESLIE, REMEMBER JESUS CHRIST SAYING DO NOT LET YOUR LEFT HAND KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT HAND IS DOING, ARE BUT HAVING A PHILANTHROPICALLY SAY -- LIAISON IS BOGUS. IT IS LIKE YOU ARE WANTING TO HAVE AN OVERWHELMING WORLD AND IT JUST DOESN'T WORK. ESPECIALLY IN A CAPITALISTIC SYSTEM. WHAT ELSE? [00:30:05] >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MORE RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THEN A RESOLUTION FROM COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. COMMISSIONER BRIONES, YOUR MIC IS OFF. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: LASTLY, THIS FINAL RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE MARCH 18TH AS PUBLIC DEFENSE DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY IS A PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THE PRECINCT 1 TEAM. SOE WARE PROUD TO PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION TO THERT COU. WHEREAS 60 YEARS AGO ONRC MAH 18TH, 1963 THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ISSUED A LANDMARK OPINION IN GIDDEON RIGHT -- WAYNE WRIGHT HOLDING THE U.S.VI CONSTITUTION PRODED A RIGHT TO COUNCIL FOR THOSE WHO COULD NOT UH -- AFFORD IT IN CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES WHERE THEIR LIBERTY WAS AT-RISK. WHEREAS ALL PEOPLE PREFER TO HAVE THEIR RIGHTS EQUALLY PROTECTED WHEN THEIR FREEDOM IS ON THE LINE AND THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE SHOULD NOT BEACON TIN GENT ON -- BE CONTINGENT ON MONEY, WEALTH AND PRIVILEGE. WHEREAS THE UNANIMOUS GIDDEON COURT REASONED THAT WITHOUT COUNCIL TO PROPERLY ARGUE A DEFENDANT'S CASE, JUDGES ARE UNABLE TO DISPENSE JUSTICE. WHEREAS JUSTICE SYSTEM, WHEREAS A STUDY BY THE RAND CORPORATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA LAW SCHOOL FOUND THE HOLISTIC DEFENSE SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES INCARCERATION RATES, SENTENCE LENGTH AND PRE DETENTION DOLLARS AND IMPROVES PUBLIC SAFETY. WHEREAS THE ATTORNEYS, THE SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE MITIGATION SPECIALISTS AND ADVOCATES AND INVESTIGATORS AND OTHER HARD-WORKING PROFESSIONALS TASKED WITH PROVIDING LEGAL SERVICES TO THOSE WHO OTHERWISE COULD NOT AFFORD IT ARE TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKED AND THEIR EFFORTS GO UNSUNG. WHEREAS, THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO COULD NOT AFFORD COUNCIL AND WORK TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE OF FAIRNESS IN THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM AND ENSHRINE THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUE OF ALL TEXANS TO UPHOLD FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO DEFEND THE LAW AND TO PROTECT GOVERNMENT OVERREACH. WHEREAS MULTIPLE AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN HARRIS COUNTY PROVIDE THESE CRUCIAL SERVICE THAT'S MAKE OUR COUNTY A BETTER AND MORE EQUITABLE PLACE FOR ALL TO LIVE. WHEREAS THESE AGENCIES PROVIDE AN UNTOLD BENEFIT TO ALL PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY AND PARTICULARLY TO THOSE FROM UNDER SERVED AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES. WHEREAS THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' COURT SEEKS TO HOLD GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE TO OUR TAXPAYERS BY USING BEST PRACTICES IN INDIGENT DEFENSE TO ADVANCE SAFETY AND JUSTICE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT MARCH 18TH, 2023 SHALL BE KNOWN AS PUBLIC DEFENSE DAY IN HARRIS COUNTY -- EXCUSE ME. IT IS HERE BY ORDERED THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT THIS 14TH DAY OF MARCH, 2023. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER BRIONES FOR BOTH RESOLUTIONS. I HOPE HERE AT THIS TABLE WE'LL DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO BREATHE LIFE, SOME MONEY AND EVEN MORE GRAPH -- GRAVITOS TO YOUR RESOLUTIONS WHEN THAT COMES UP WITH PAY EQUITY. THIS ONE, THIS WAS A GOOD WEEKEND FOR BIKE RIDING BY THE WAY. AND THEN THE ALLERGIES FLARED UP, AS YOU CAN TELL. WHAT I DO WHEN I COULDN'T SLEEP WAS DIG UP THE AUDIO WHICH YOU COULD HEAR OF THAT COURT ON THE WAYNE -- WAYNE RIGHT DECISION. AND I RAN ACROSS THIS QUOTE FROM ROBERT KENNEDY ABOUT THE CASE IN 1963. IF AN OBSCURE FLORIDA CONFLICT NAMES CLARENCE EARL GIDDEON, HAD NOT SAT DOWN IN PRISON WITH A PENCIL AND PAPER TO WRITE A LETTER TO THE SUPREME COURT, AND IF THE SUPREME COURT HAD NOT TAKEN THE TROUBLE TO LOOK AT THE MERITS IN THAT ONE PETITION AMONG ALL OF THE BUNDLES OF MAIL , THE VAST MACHINERY OF AMERICAN LAW BO -- LAW WOULD GO ON UNDISTURBED. [00:35:03] THE COURT DID LOOK INTO THIS SECA AND HE WAS RETRIED WITHHE T HELP OF A COMPETENTEF DENSE COUNCILND A FOUND NOT GUILTYND A RELEASED FROM PRISONER AFT TWO YEARSPU OF NISHMENT FOR AME CRI HE DID NOT COMMIT. AND THE WHOLERT COUS -- AND THE WHOLERS COUE OF LEGAL HISTORY HAS CHANGED.IT IS REALLYNG AMAZI.I MISS GETTING ALL OF THOSELE TTERS ITO USED GET IN PREVIOUS JOB.WO I ULDEM SEND TH OFF FOR FOR PROFIT. ITG IS AMAZINHOWRY AN ORDINA HUMANLD BEING WOU CHANGE THET. COURN' I CAT REMEMBER IF IT WAS 1,000 OR 2,000 WEREOM RELEASED FR PRISON.IM IT IS PORTANT TO KNOW THAT WEAD GRAVITOS A LOT MORE TO WHAT WEVE DO THAT WE HAR THE IN HARRISHERE COUNTY.GE AFTER GEORE FLOYD FUNERAL W MADE G A COMMITMENT TOET IT A UP TO 50%ND TO GET THIS MAC UP AND ROLLING.OT THERE IS A L MORE TOAN DO THAN WE CAN CONTROL. THK YOU FOR THE RESOLUTION. S I'M PROUD TOECOND IT IF ITH MIGHT. ANK YOU.LG >> LINA HIDAO: THANK YOU. THANK YOUS. COMMISSIONER BRIONE: >> TOM RAMSE THANK YOU FOR C BRINGING THIS,OMMISSIONER. I THINK IT ISK IMPORTANT. THANYOU FORLT INCLUDING THE MUIPLE AGENCIES ANDD ORGANIZATIONS ANHA INDIVIDUALS N RRIS COUNTY WHO HELPEDAN SUPPLEMENT THAT D HELPED PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.OU RAND WAS TALKED ABT AND I THINK IN THE BRONX OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD AND IIN GUESS WHT HAPPENS THE BRONX YOU CAN MAKE APPLICABLE HERE. ALL OF THE AGENCIESAR IN HARRIS COUNTY THAT E PART OFDI OUR COURT SYSTEM INCLUNG THE D.A. IS GOOD. IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT WE TAKE TIMEYB AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERODY HAS PROPER DEFENSE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, I BELIEVE YOU HAVE A >> TOM RAMSEY: IT IS NOT AST RESOLUTION, BUT HAVE I GUES HERE I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE. THEY ARE ALUMNI OF THE LAKE HOUSTON GROUP. I'M GONNA ASK THEM TO STAND AS I CALL THEIR NAME. JENNIFER WOODSON, CITY OF HUMBLE, DR. TEDDY FARRES, SAN JACINTO COLLEGE AND CASEY CRISTMAN, HOUSTON CONTRACT ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN AND VISITING US. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS THEG RESOLUTIONS. WHAT WE ARE GOINTO DO DIFFERENTLY IS WE WILL SIGN THE RESOLUTIONS AFTER WE TAKE THE PICTURES. SO FOR FOLKS WHO ARE HERE TO BE HONORED, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE RESOLUTIONS TODAY BECAUSE WE WILL STILL NEED THE COUNTY CLERK'S SIGNATURE AND SHE'S NOT HERE TODAY. BUT YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR RESOLUTION MUCH FASTER THAN IF WE WEREN'T SIGNING IT AT THE DIOSCE. WE WILL TAKE PICTURES NOW AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HONOREES. [00:50:48] >> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE BEGIN WITH THE SPEAKERS? [00:50:51] WE'LL DO SPEAKERS AND THEN GO OVER DISCUSSION ITEMS. [00:50:55] GO AHEAD, TIFFANY. >> FIRST IS AJANEDA DAVIS SPEAKING ON ITEM 1. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> SHE IS MAKING HER WAY. >> IS IT JUST ONE MINUTE? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, MA'AM. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS. I AM ALJANEEDA DAVIS. I AM A LICENSED LAWYER FOR 48 YEARS AND FORMER GENERAL COUNCIL FOR THE PORT OF HOUSTON AUTHORITY AND VOLUNTEER WHO ENDED UP WITH 460 PLUS HOUSES AND THE PAST PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION, ONE OF TWO GRADUATES AND THE THIRD WOMAN TO HAVE THAT POSITION. NONE OF THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE HAD MY GRANDMOTHER NOT BEEN IN THE 1927 ENTRY CLASS FOR PHYLLIS AND VOTED FOR [INADDABLE] [INAUDIBLE]. MY MOTHER TAUGHT THOUSANDS OF HISD STUDENTS AND HAD I NOT ATTENDED PHYLLISEE WDLEY AND TOLD MYEA TCHERS THAT I COULD DO ANYTHING ANDRE CATED ORGANIZATIONS AND PUSHED MEN I DEBATES AND LET MENO KW THAT THE LEADERSHIP ANDUN VOLTEERISM ARE IMPORTANT. THOSE ARE R THEEQUIREMENTS OF PHYLLISDL WEEEY. THEY ARE ANCHORS OF THE COMMUNITY ANDWE THEY RE AND ARER AINING GROUNDSHE FOR T FUTURE. THEY STATETA THAT KE OFFICERS DO T IMPROVEL SCHOO-- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FORMI CONG.DI I D NOT KNOW THAT Y PART OFOURTH MOER'S HISTORY, BUT IT SHOULD S YOURNSE GIVEN LEADERSHIP. >> AND OURE ATTENDANCATFO CRAWRD ELEMENTARY >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S RIGHT. GOOD TSEE YOU.NK >> THA YOU.OD >> RNEY ELLIS: GOOD TO SEE I MISSED B SOME OF IT,UTPU I'LL LL THE TAPE UPT AND WATCH I LATER. I CAN SEE THAT10 PICTURE FROM 0 YEARS T AGO. >>HAT'S LEADERSHIP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOURAN WORDS, AND THK YOUTI FOR POINNG THAT OUT. THE RESEARCH THAT SHOWST IT DOESN'S IMPROVE OUTCOME AND I VERY Y MUCH STAND WITHOU. WE KNOW IT OUTCOMESE AND WE KNOW THAT TH POINTS THAT WERE RAISED,BO THE CONCERNS AUT THEWE SCHOOL BOARD, LL, IT IS NOT THE SAME SCHOOLE BOARD. THCONCERNS ABOUT THE SCHOOLS -- THE SCHOOL'S SPERFORMANCE, WELL, THECHOOL IB PERFORMING A LOTETTER. AND SO THERE ISAS ABSOLUTELY NO REONN. WHY THIS SHOULD HAPPE I'M VERY CLEAR AND I HAVEND BEEN VERY CLEAR A I WILL CONTINUE TO BE VERY CLEAR ABOUT HOW THIS IS PART OF A PATTERN OF THE STATE TAKING OVER THE DUTIES AND THE DULY ELECTED LEADERSHIPLY IN HARRIS COUNTY SIMP BECAUSE THE VOTERS DIDN'T VOTE IN THE WAY THAT THE STATE LIKES IT. SO WEWI WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT TH EVERYTHING WE HAVE. THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP AND THANK YOU FOR HELPING LEAD THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS TAKE OVER THAT HARMS OUR CHILDREN. AND FRANKLY HARMS OUR DEMOCRACY. THANK YOU.D. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WELL SAI >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 5, RICHARD WELCH SPEAKING ON ITEM 23 UNDER MANAGE PHEFPT AND BUDGET -- UNDER MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> SO WE HAVE $40 MILLION TO SPEND ON EV'S IN THIS COUNTY, BUT STILL CAN'T FIND FUNDING FOR THESE COURTS. COMMISSIONER BRIONES, EARLIER I HEARD YOU MENTION THE 6TH AMENDMENT. ALSO PART OF THE 6TH AMENDMENT IS THE RIGHT TO A SPEEDY TRIAL. WE HAVE A BACKLOG AND SOME OF THESE PEOPLE ARE WAITING TWO YEARS FOR THEIR COURT DATE. [00:55:08] THEY ARE GETTING RESET AFTER RESET AFTER RESET. SOME OF THESE PUBLIC DEFENDERS ARE MAKING $400,000 OFF OF OUR TAX BUDGET BECAUSE OF THE BACKLOG. THE MONEY COMES FROM US AND FROM THE TAXPAYERS. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS EV MONEY TO BE REALLOCATED TO THE COURTS. WE HAVE IT AND Y'ALL WANT TO PASS IT. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 7 SPEAKING ON ITEM 155 UNDER COMMUNITY SERVICES. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I AM THE HOUSTON AREA OUT REACH ORGANIZER FOR TEXAS APPLE SEED. IT IS NO SECRET THAT HARRIS COUNTY HAS COUNTED ON FEDERAL FUNDS DISTRIBUTED FROM THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE TO BUILD PROJECTS IN LOW TO MODERATE INCOME AREAS. BUT WE ALSO KNOW THE COUNTY HAS PROMISED ON MANY OCCASIONS THAT CBDG MITIGATION FUNDS WILL BE USED. SO THE QUESTION IS, YOU KNOW, WHAT IS -- WHAT DOES THE COUNTY DO WITH WHAT IT HAS? WE SHOULD DO THREE THINGS. ONE, WE SHOULD GUARANTEE THAT 100% OF THE 750 MILLION DOLLARS WE HAVE BENEFITS LOW TO MODERATE INCOME AREAS AND IF THAT ENTAILS ASKING THE GLO AND HUD FOR EXTENSIONS, THAT'S WHAT WE SHOULD DO. TWO, WE SHOULD USE CRITERIA THAT PRIORITIZE EQUITY. THAT INCLUDES THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX AND FLOOD INDEX AND CONSIDERING A NEIGHBORHOOD INCOME LEVEL. THREE, WE SHOULD CONTINUE WORKING TO ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE TO ENSURE THAT THE REPORT ON EQUITY IS ON TRACK. AND IF YOU LIKE -- >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE WORK APPLE SEED DID. WE DID HAVE A MEETING IN COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PRECINCT EARLIER TODAY WITH THE NEW LAND COMMISSIONER, AND SHE DID AGREE TO A SIX-MONTH EXTENSION FOR THE CITY AND THE COUNTY. WE'LL FIND OUT LATER WHEN THE ITEM COMES UP IF THAT IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT. I THINK THEY HAD A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION, RIGHT? 2026. >> THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT 2033 -- >> OH, 2033. >> IS THE AMOUNT OF TIME. >> I KNOW YOU ALL HAD A MEETING WITH BOTH OF THE DIRECTORS. I HOPE THAT WAS HELPFUL. I KNOW AT MIDNIGHT, I DIDN'T SEE THE LAST EXCHANGE, BUT THEY WERE EXCHANGING EMAILS. I APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU ALL DID WORKING WITH THE NORTHEAST COALITION THAT I THINK PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN GIVING THE TITLE 6 COMPLAINT FILED. AND AS I TOLD THE DEPARTMENT, I DON'T MIND SAYING IT PUBLICLY, I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO WORK WITH PEOPLE AND IT HELPED US GET TO WHERE WE ARE. IT IS A NEW DAY WITH A NEW COMMISSION. OBVIOUSLY AS I STATED WE CAN'T GLOSS OVER THE PROBLEMS OF THE PAST. THE CITY GETS 1.1 BILLION. WE WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE GOTTEN 1.1 BILLION. SOME OF OUR PROJECTS WERE DELAYED IN THE LMI NEIGHBORHOODS IN ANTICIPATION OF THE MONEY. AND SO NOW WE'LL GET TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS KIND OF USE IT OR LOSE IT. SOME OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE NOT SHOVEL READY BECAUSE THEY WERE DELAYED. AND ALL THAT HAS TO BE WORKED INTO THE PROCESS BUT I APPRECIATE YOU WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENTS. THERE ARE SERIOUS ISSUES THERE AND IT IS FEDERAL MONEY AND AS A LAST RESORT I APPRECIATE THE FEDS STEPPING IN A BIT. I THINK THAT'S WHAT PLAYED A ROLE IN ADDITION TO SOME BIPARTISAN OUTRAGE LOCALLY INCLUDING AT THIS TABLE, BUT LOCALLY. I HAVE NEVER -- I AM NEVER GONNA LOSE SIGHT OF EVEN THE 1.1 BILLION FOR THE COUNTY AND THE CITY. WE STILL HAVE PROBLEMS, BUT I DON'T WANT TO DRAG IT OUT NOW. BUT WE HEAR YOU I THINK COLLECTIVELY AND I'M GLAD YOU CAME. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS BEN SPEAKING ON ITEM 155. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> YES. HELLO. GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME COME [01:00:01] HERE TO SPEAK. HERE IN THE NORTHEAST, WE DON'T NEED THE 50%. WE NEED 100%. WE DON'T HAVE SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS. WE HAVE ESTIMATOR PROJECTS READY. WE NEED IT DONE AND WE NEED IT DONE NOW Y'ALL TOLD US BEFORE THAT Y'ALL WOULD HAVE OUR SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS AND Y'ALL TOOK MONEY FROM THE NORTHEAST DEPARTMENT AND SAID WHEN WE GOT THIS MONEY THAT WE WOULD MAKE THINGS RIGHT. SO LET'S SEE IF THE CHECK Y'ALL WROTE, Y'ALL ARE GONNA BE ABLE TO CASH IT. WE NEED THE WORK DONE IN THE NORTHEAST. WE ARE LOSING LIVES. WE ARE LOSING PEOPLE. HERE WE ARE GONNA FACE ANOTHER HURRICANE SEASON. SO LET'S SEE WHAT THE BOARD IS GONNA DO. THANK YOU, MR. RODNEY ELLIS, FOR COMING OUT AND SPEAKING TO US. JUDGE HIDALGO, YOU SAID YOU HAD A VISION FOR NORTHEAST HOUSTON WHEN YOU GOT INTO OFFICE. WE GOT Y'ALL BACK INTO OFFICE AND Y'ALL ARE BACK ON THE BOARD. WHAT ARE Y'ALL GONNA DO? IF I CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE, WHY CAN'T YOU? >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: SORRY. JUST TO CLARIFY, WHAT IS YOUR ASK HERE TODAY? >> MY ASK HERE IS TO GET THE PROJECTS DONE IN THE NORTHEAST THAT Y'ALL PROMISED. Y'ALL TOOK MONEY AWAY FROM THE NORTHEAST DEPARTMENT WHEN Y'ALL FIRST GOT THE MONEY BECAUSE Y'ALL SAID YOU HAD SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS. WE HAVE EXCAVATOR-READY PROJECT READY TO BE DONE THAT HAVEN'T BEEN DUG. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO THANK YOU, FIRST OF ALL. I WON'T SPEAK ON EVERYONE, BUT, LOOK, WE HEAR YOU AND OBVIOUSLY IT IS EASIER TO GET HERE THAN IT IS TO GET TO AUSTIN. >> I HAVE BEEN TO AUSTIN, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: KEEP GOING. THERE IN LIES PART OF THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE A NEW COMMISSIONER, BUT I THINK -- I KNOW YOU LISTED MORE THAN MOST FOLKS, BUT LOOK, REMEMBER THAT YOU ALL DID A GOOD JOB AND YOU HELPED BREATHE LIFE BACK INTO TITLE 6. THAT PROCESS IS ONGOING. I CHATTED WITH YOUR CONGRESSWOMAN EARLIER TODAY AND A CONGRESSMAN WHO IS SENSITIVE TO THIS ISSUE. LOOK, I APPRECIATE YOU COMING. WE OUGHT TO FEEL YOUR OUTRAGE AND WE DO. IT'S GONNA BE TOUGH TO GET TO 100% BECAUSE THE MONEY WAS DELAYED, AND I GET IT. NOW I'M GONNA MAKE THE ARGUMENT WE SPENT THE OTHER MONEY BECAUSE SOME OF OUR MONEY WAS HELD IN ANTICIPATION OF GETTING THIS FEDERAL MONEY BECAUSE IT WAS A REQUIREMENT. NOW THAT WE HAVE THE 750, HERE IS THE CHALLENGE. THERE IS A DEADLINE. AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE EARLIER THEY MENTIONED MANY TIMES USE IT OR LOSE IT. WE WENT FOR A DO YOU MEAN YEARS HOLDING -- WE WENT FOR A COUPLE YEARS HOLDING MONEY BACK IN NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE YOURS ANTICIPATING THIS FEDERAL MONEY. AND THEN WE FINALLY GOT IT AND IT WAS NOT AS MUCH AS WE THOUGHT. WE HEAR AND YOU WE'LL DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN. WE APPRECIATE YOU COMING, ANY TIME YOU WANT TO COME. >> IF Y'ALL WOULD LIKE TO COME AND SEE SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT NEED TO BE DONE, YOU DON'T NEED TO HOLD ANYMORE MONEY. WE HAVE PROJECTS READY TO BE DONE, SIR. >> GOT YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 10, TKOR ADVICE -- DORIS BROWN SPEAKING ON ITEM 155. HAVE YOU ONE MINUTE. >> MY NAME IS DORIS BROWN. WE ARE THE ONES THAT FILED TITLE 6. WE DON'T WANT TO GET SHAFTED AGAIN FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT THERE IS NO EFFORT. THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD DISTRICT HAS -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE PW-PBLG -- HAVE BEEN DOING. WE NEED SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS -- I'M A LITTLE ANGRY RIGHT NOW. WHEN PEOPLE COME TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND TELL ME WHAT THEY ARE GONNA DO AND DON'T DO IT, YOU DON'T HAVE A WORD. THAT 2018 BOND HAS EQUITY IN IT. WE HAVEN'T SEEN EQUITY AT ALL. THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD DISTRICT, WE ARE GOING THROUGH ANOTHER ANOTHER THING. I KNOW YOU CAN GET AN EXTENSION ON THIS MONEY. WE ARE DOING VERY GOOD WITHOUT TITLE 6. SO THERE'S PROBABLY MORE MONEY COMING. I THINK EVERYBODY NEEDS TO GET UP AND DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING. >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 9, STEPHANIE VALDEZ, SPEAKING ON ITEM 155. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS STEPHANIE VALDEZ. I AM THE WATER JUSTICE ORGANIZER FOR THE COALITION OF 27 ORGANIZATIONS ADVOCATING FOR [01:05:04] ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY AND RESILIENCE. HARRIS COUNTY HAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEANINGFUL MITIGATION TO PROTECT PROPERTIES FROM FLOODING. THE COUNTY MADE IT CLEAR THE MIT FUNDS WOULD BE SPENT ON LOW AND MODERATE INCOME COMMUNITIES AND ALL PROJECTS FUNDED SHOULD BE PRIORITIZED USING THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT'S FRAMEWORK THAT TAKES BOTH VULNERABILITY AND SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INTO ACCOUNT. WE MUST USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE SYSTEMIC DENIAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IN LMI COMMUNITIES ANDEN SUR THAT 100 -- AND ENSURE THAT 100% OF THE FUNDS -- I URGE YOU TO PRIORITIZE PROJECTS AND THEY STAND FOR SDGB FUNDS AND WORK WITH THE FLOOD RESILIENCE TASK FORCE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE MAKING EQUITABLE INVESTMENTS IN OUR REGIONS. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 11, ELIZABETH LOOMIA SPEAKING ON ITEM 155. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HELLO. MY NAME IS BETH AND I AM A GRADUATE STUDENT OF SOCIAL WORK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AND A MEMBER OF THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE. I AM SPEAKING BECAUSE OF THE METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION FOR THE MITIGATION MONEY FROM HUD SET AT 53% GOING TO LOW AND MODERATE INCOME COMMUNITIES. THAT IS UNACCEPT -- UNACCEPTABLY LOW. WHEN VOTERS PASSED THE FLOOD BOND WE WERE PROMISED EQUITY. FLOOD CONTROL FAILED TO DELIVER EQUITY AND CLAIMED THEY NEEDED HUD MONEY TO PROTECT THE GREENS BAYOU AND OTHER COMMUNITIES. NOW YOU HAVE THE HUD MONEY AND AGAIN, WE ARE GOING -- EXCUSE ME. WE ARE AGAIN GOING TO DIVERT FUNDS AWAY FROM THE PEOPLE WITH THE MOST VULNERABILITY AND THE LEAST PRIVILEGED. WE NEED THE COURT TODAY TO DELAY THE MONEY -- DELAY SENDING THE MONEY TO HUD AND THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE TO SEND MORE AMBITIOUS TARGETS TO CENTER THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO FACED DISCRIMINATION FROM THE GLO. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU. >> THANKS FOR YOUR WORK. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 12, JULIA ORDUNEZ SPEAKING ON ITEM 155. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> HELLO. I AM JULIA ORDONEZ. WE IN THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE FILED A AT THIS TIME TELL 6 COMPLAINT AGAINST THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE FOR THE DISCRIMINATORY ACTION THAT LEFT HARRIS COUNTY WITH ZERO DOLLARS. BECAUSE THE LOW INCOME COMMUNITY STOOD UP AND CALLED OUT THIS INJUSTICE, HARRIS COUNTY HAS BEEN OFFERED THESE MITIGATION FUNDS. FUNDING TK*EUS GNAWINGSES SHOULS SHOULD TAKE IT INTO CONSIDERATION AND IT SHOULD GO TO LMI COMMUNITIES OR AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE THAT WILL CORRECT HISTORIC INJUSTICES OF INEQUITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS. SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS NOT BE NEXT IN LINE AND THAT IS TO AVOID ANY PROJECTS IN THE PAST. THE MOST AT-RISK MUST BE FIRST TO BE HELPED AS THE NORTHEAST ACTION COLLECTIVE HAS LOOKED OUT FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND WE HOPE YOU LOOK OUT FOR THESE UNDER SERVED COMMUNITIES WHERE THE MEMBERS LIVE AND LISTEN TO ADVICE. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. >> NEXT IS SPEAKER 14, ALEXI SWARSKI SPEAKING ON 392 UNDER SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> I'M OPPOSED TO THE COMPENSATION STRUCTURE FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTION WORKER PROGRAM BECAUSE I AM AGAINST THE PROGRAM TO BEGIN WITH. THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR [INAUDIBLE] IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY THIS PAST NOVEMBER. WHY WOULD WE WANT TO INSTITUTIONAL LIES THAT SCAM OF AN ELECTION. OCCUR IN HYPERS TEPBLG OF REPUBLICAN -- HIGH PERCENTAGE OF REPUBLICAN AREAS DASH [INAUDIBLE]. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT 9,000 MAIL IN BALLOTS WERE TURNED INND A MAILED OUTXC EEPT THROUGH FRAUD. WE ARE AOU CNTY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND NOT A THIRD WORLD COMMUNISTNT COURY. THESO REAN WORKERS ARE SPOB -- ARE TO BE SPLITTO IS MAINTAIN THECK CHES ANDAN BALCES AS OUTLINEDE IN THCONSTITUTION.NAUDIBLE]WI FOLLONG I WILL HRELG -- ILLEGAL ORDERSTH FROM E .LECTION ADMINISTRATION THE ELECTIONBL [INAUDIE] DULYEC --ED TAX ASSESSOR >> THANK YOU.UR YO TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU.EX >> NT IS NONAGENDA NUMBER 1, SARAL SHANTEL BELS. EDWARD YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. [01:10:07] >> I AM SARA SHANTEL BELL I WANT TOFY SPEAK ON IDENTI. TO I'D -- THE IDENTIFY I AMIS SPEAKING ON THECE DRIVER'S LINSE, MEDICAL, WATER ANDES WASTE, COVID TTING, LAB HAZARDVE MY IDENTIFY HA BEEN UNGODLYTH DISRESPECTED IN E CITY OF HOUSTON BY WHOEVER MONITORS THE CITY OF IDENTIFY WITH MEDICAL. THAT'S THE MAIN THING. THE LABOR LAWS, BENEFITS, PASSPORTS, IDS, VOTE, ALL OF THAT. THAT'S WHAT I AMOD STANDING FOR HERE TAY, THE RIGHT TO BEIC ABLE TO RECEIVE MEDAL ON WHAT I WORK FOR. I'M COMMISSION TOO. BY LAW, BY DEGREE, BY EDUCATION AND BY >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 2, MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ. I AM HERE BECAUSE I HAD A STUDY DONE BY HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATION'S OFFICE MARIA ELAINA -- SHE FALSIFIED MEDICAL RECORDS OF MY KIDS. SHE FALSIFIED DENTAL RECORDS. SHE ONLY DID MY TESTIMONY AND STATEMENTS. WHEN I CALLED TO REPORT MY GRIEVANCES, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EDWARDS INFORMED ME THERE WAS A PERSON STATED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. IT IS JUST AN UPSET PARENT. WHY ARE WE PAYING TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR -- AND SALARIES FOR THESE PEOPLE? MARIA ELAINA BALARGO -- >> ONE MOMENT, SIR. LET'S PAUSE THE -- IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED TO FIX THE SYSTEM SO LET'S TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK AND WE WILL TAKE IT NOW. EIGHT MINUTES. WE WILL BE BACK AT 11:30 AND WE'LL CALL YOU BACK UP, SIR. [01:27:48] >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. AND COMMISSIONERS' [01:27:50] COURT IS BACKE IN SESSION. WE WER LISTENING TO A SPEAKER. [01:27:57] IS THE TECHNOLOGY BACK ON TRACK? >> YES, MA'AM. S >> LINA HIDALGO: I'MORRY. I CAN'T HEAR YOU.SA >> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY ID THEY SOMEBODY ON THE CALL HAD THEIR PHONE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU? THINK THAT'S WHAT IT WAS GOOD -- GOT IT. WE'RE CALLING THE M SPEAKER BACK UP. >>Y QUESTION IS WHY IS HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND THE PROVIDER -- [INAUDIBLE] FOR BOND 531-0012 PROVIDES SAFE, STABLE AND NONVIOLENT ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CHILDREN. STOP THIS MODERN DAY SLAVERY OF HARD-WORKING MEN THAT GET PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREVENTING FATHERS IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN. STOP EXPLOITING VOICELESS CHILDREN. WHY ARE WE PAYING TAXPAYER FUNDED SALARIES AND PENSIONS TO HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC RELATIONS. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW, HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO HOLD A [INAUDIBLE] AND VIOLATION OF ETHICS AND INTEGRITY. THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN IS NOT FOR SALE AND YOU ARE NOT GOING TO USE A SYSTEM. >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. SIR. WE WILL MAKE SURE SOMEONE FOLLOWS UP WITH YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 4, SYLVESTER READER, THE THIRD. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> YES. GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK. I AM SYLVESTER READER. WE HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THE EPA ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BROWNSVILLE PROBLEM SOLVING GRANT. THE GRANT IS FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE HOUSTON 1 VOICE. IT REQUIRES A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY [01:30:03] AND THE CITIES. WE HAVE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH THE CITY THROUGH ITS -- THROUGH ALL OF THE MULTI-PURPOSE DISTRICTS WITHIN HOUSTON AND THE NEIGHBORHOODS AND THE CIVIC CLUBS AND THE HOA'S. WHAT WE ARE MISSING IS THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY. WE NEED IT DESPERATELY AND TIME IS NOT OUR FRIEND. WE NEED THAT PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT, THE NONFINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH YOU -- WITH US AND YOU BY THE 25TH SO THAT OUR GRANT WRITERS CAN HAVE A -- >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. WE'LL HAVE SOMEBODY FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU. >> NEXT IS NON-AGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 7. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. I WAS GONNA WRITE A SPEECH, BUT THEN I START TO REALIZE THAT MY SPEECH IS A LITTLE TOO POWERFUL, AND THEN -- SO I FIGURED IT WOULD BE LIKE CHEATING, LIKE IT IS NOT FAIR FOR ME. SO I'M GONNA JUST START OFF WITH A PRAYER. OUR FATHER, WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME. THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD AND FORGIVE US FOR OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SINS AGAINST US. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. FOR THOU IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. I'M GONNA SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THEE, TEXAS. ONE STATE, UNDERGOD, ONE AND INDIVISIBLE. >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 10, ADRIANNA MORALES. SHE WILL BE SPEAKING WITH THE INTERPRETER SO SHE HAS TWO MINUTES. >> >> GOOD MORNING. I AM ADRIANNA MORALES. I AM LIVING WITH MY FAMILY WITH MY KIDS FOR 15 YEARS. >> I DON'T WORK. THEY OFFERED ME $5,000 TO LEAVE THE HOUSE AND WITH THAT MONEY I CANNOT DO ANYTHING. >> NEED YOUR HELP. I CANNOT WORK AND WE APPRECIATE VERY MUCH ALL YOUR HELP. >> >> THIS SITUATION COMPLICATES ALL OUR HEALTH. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. WE APPRECIATE ANYTHING YOU CAN DO FOR US. >> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW THERE ARE A NUMBER BECAUSE HAVE YOU COME HERE. LET HER KNOW, SOMEBODY FROM THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT WITH YOU IF YOU HAVE TIME AS A GROUP BEFORE YOU LEAVE. >> THANK YOU. [01:35:02] >> NEXT IS NON-AGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 9, CARLOS ORTIZ, SPEAKING WITH THE INTERPRETER ALSO SO HE GETS TWO MINUTES. >> I AM CARLOS ORTIZ AND PART OF THE COUNTY OF HARRIS COUNTY. >> RECEIVE ANYTHING. I PAY MY TAXES AND I DO EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO BE DONE. AT THE BEGINNING THEY SAID THEY WOULD GIVE US 10,000 AND THEN THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT GOING TO GIVE ANYTHING. >> >> I CAME HERE TO ASK FOR HELP. BECAUSE OF I'M MA -- MIGRANT STATUS I CANNOT PAY FOR MY HOUSE. I CANNOT PAY THAT. >> >> AT THE BEGINNING THEY OFFERED TO PAY FOR 42 MONTHS, AND THAT IS NOT ENOUGH BECAUSE NOW THE RENT HAVE TRIPLED AND IT IS NOT GOING TO BE ENOUGH MONEY FOR US TO PAY. >> GROUP BECAUSE WE WILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND WE ASK FOR HELP TO HELP US TO GET THIS THE BETTER WAY IT CAN BE DONE. >> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T TALK ABOUT THE ITEM, WOULD YOU JUST TELL THEM SINCE MY SPANISH IS NOT THAT GOOD. JUST TELL ALL OF THEM THAT MY STAFF WILL ARRANGE FOR THEM TO MEET DURING THE LUNCH HOUR WITH SOMEONE FROM THE DEPARTMENT TO TALK TO THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE. THEY WILL HAVE AN INTERPRETER. >> >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH FLOOR MR? >> I THINK -- BUT WE WILL VERIFY. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I I WILL DO IS PUT AN ITEM AND WE WILL WORK ON AN UPDATE ON THE ISSUES ON THIS PROGRAM AND HOW THEY HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THESE FOLKS HAVE BEEN FINDING ISSUES. WE REPLACED THE DIRECTOR. I THOUGHT THE ISSUES WERE ADDRESSED AND IT SEEMS LIKE THEY CONTINUE. MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THEY WERE ADDRESSED. SO I REALLY -- YOU KNOW, I THINE THAT THIS HAS MOVED PAST THE DEPARTMENT. IT HAS REALLY COME BACK ENOUGH TIMES, MR. BERRY THAT I THINK YOUR TEAM SHOULD BE DIRECTLY DIGGING INTO THIS, AND AT THIS POINT, I THINK WE ARE OWED AN UPDATE AS TO WHY THESE FOLKS KEEP COMING BACK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE WRAP IT INTO A LEGISLATIVE ISSUE BY THE WAY SINCE IT IS NOT ON THE AGENDA. WE COULD TALK ABOUT A FEDERAL ET CROSS THE LINE. I CAN SEE YOUR MONEY WANDER THR-G. >> AND I KNOW WE CAN'T TALK, BUT I AM AND WE ARE AND I WOULD BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON THE FIFTH FLOOR. I KNEW CINCO BY THE WAY. THAT MUCH I KNEW. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 11TOMAS SANTANA USING THE INTERPRETER. TWO MINUTES. >> >> GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM GONZALEZ AND I WILL TALK INSTEAD OF MS. TOMAS SANTANA SHE HAD AN OPERATION AND SHE CANNOT SPEAK. >> [01:40:08] >> MS. TOMAS IS ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAS A VERY HARD TIME. SHE DOES NOT HAVE LEGAL DOCUMENTS. >> TOLD SHE WILL NOT RECEIVE BENEFITS AND SHE IS AFRAID SHE WILL LOSE [INAUDIBLE]. >> >> WE MET WITH THE COUNTY AND THEY TOLD US TO WAIT THREE WEEKS. THEY SAID IT HAPPENED MORE THAN TWO WEEKS AGO AND WE HAVE NO ANSWER FROM THEM. >> HELP BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY -- WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY OR THE MEANS TO BUY ANOTHER HOUSE. >> GOING ON BECAUSE WE FEEL THEY ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND THEY ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES AND THEY ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE LAW. PLEASE HELP US OUT. AND THE MAN SUPERVISING THE PROJECT BECAUSE THIS IS NOT ONLY FACING HOMELESSNESS, BUT THEY ARE FACING A LOT OF [INAUDIBLE] AND A LOT OF TIMES LACK OF INFORMATION FROM PEOPLE FROM THE PROJECT. SO IF WE HAVE A RESPONSE WE HAVE BEEN HERE SO MANY TIMES, BUT WE DON'T SEE ANYTHING BEING SEE SOLVED. THESE FAMILIES ARE SICK. LIKE YOU SEE RIGHT NOW SHE JUST HAD SURGERY FOR HER THYROID. MANY OF THEM SUFFER FROM CANCER. THEY ARE UNDER A LOT OF STRESS. >> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 12, MARIA LOPEZ. SHE IS SPEAKING FOR LUPITA GARCIA USING THE INTERPRETER. YOU GET TWO MINUTES. >> WAS RELOCATED BY THE PROJECT, BY YOU. >>SP D NOW I NOTICEER THAT THE ARE MORES BENEFITWE SHOULD HAVE RECEIVEDIL AND UNT NOW WE HAVE IT.RECEIVED WE WEREOR NOT INFMED OF THENE BEFITS. SPANISH].NG >> AND IF YOUD WERE RELOCATEIS N HARR COUNTY YOU WILL RECEIVE AN AMOUNT OF 19,835. >> ABOUT THISR SO I AM ASKING FO YOUR HELP. >> PERSON SO THEY WILL INFORM US FOR THIS KIND OF PROJECT. >> [01:45:07] GOT A LOT OF DEBT AND WE WERE NOT PREPARED TO PAY THEM OFF. WE WERE VERY FAST. >> >> SO THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE TO ASK FOR HELP, FOR YOU TO TRAIN YOUR PEOPLE. >> AND IT WAS TAKEN TO EACH ONE OF US SEPARATELY. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. GRACIAS. >> NEXT IS TPHO*RPB AGENDA -- NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 13. SHE IS ALSO USING THE INTERPRETER. YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES. >> I LIVE IN THE AREA OF THE GREEN ROAD. BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF LOSING MY HOME. DIDN'T HAVE A WAY TO PERFORM IT. >> >> I DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY HOUSE. I NEED YOUR HELP. I FEEL VERY NERVOUS ABOUT IT. BECAUSE AT THIS TIME I FEEL VERY NERVOUS. I DON'T KNOW. WAIT. GOOD HOME AND A DIGNIFIED HOME TO LIVE AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 14 GLORIA MENDACOA USING THE INTERPRETER. YOU GET TWO MINUTES. >> SO WHEN I SAW YOU COMING, I WAS VERY HAPPY BECAUSE THE PROJECT THAT YOU DID WAS VERY NICE. VERY PRETTY. I WAS HAPPY WHEN YOU CAME. >> AT THE END THAT PROJECT IS GOING TO BE FINE, BUT RIGHT NOW WE ARE ALL SUFFERING. RIGHT NOW THEY ARE JUST OFFERING ME TO LIVE WITH ONE OF MY KIDS. >> I MADE SOME CHANGES INTO MY TRAILER BECAUSE I PUT MORE BATH AND ROOM. IF YOU HAVE ANY KIND OF CHANGES OF PROBLEMS, THEN WE WILL HAVE TO GO AND MOVE AND WE WILL HAVE TO RECEIVE SOME OF OUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS. [01:50:22] 16 YEARS. I SELL TAMALES AND I SELL TAMALES IN THE STREET AND I AM PROUD OF DOING MY JOB. BUT NOW I NEED THIS -- I NEED THESE TABLES THAT I HAVE. THEY ARE WORTH SOMETHING. >> SO THEY ARE OFFERING ME AND I TELL MY KIDS YOU BETTER USE THIS MONEY BECAUSE I'M VERY SICK. YOU BETTER USE THIS MONEY TO BUY THE CEMETERY, THE PLACE WHERE THEY WILL BURY ME. WE RAN INTO YOU AND WE KNOW LINA YOU ARE DOING A GREAT -- LENA -D JOB AND WE WANT TO TELL YOU THAT WE NEED YOUR HELP TO TELL YOU. >> GRACIAS. >> WE LOVE HOUSTON. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 15 ALSO USING THE INTERPRETER. YOU GET TWO MINUTES. >> I HAVE BEEN LIVING 13 YEARS IN THE AREA OF GREEN ROAD. WANTED TO GET THE TITLE OF MY TRAILER. HELP, BUT WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE HELP. >> PLEASE HELP US OUT WITH A PLACE TO LIVE. >> LOSING OUR HOUSE AND LIVING UNDER STRESS. >> BLESSINGS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 16ARSELIA BOW KNEE YAW -- BONILLA SPEAKING IN TURN OF TOP. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING. IT HAS BEEN DECIDED WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMPLEX SITUATION OF EACH HOUSEHOLD. THEY ARE WORKING HARD AND PAYING OUT FOR A PLACE THEY CAN CALL HOME. MAYBE TO SOME PEOPLE -- BUT WE ARE SIMPLE PEOPLE THAT WORK HARD AND FAMILY ORIENTATED. WE NEED ACCORDING TO EACH ONE [INAUDIBLE] A LONG-TERM AND NOT A SHORT-TERM ASSISTANCE. THIS SITUATION IS A HARDSHIP FOR CITIZENS AND NONCITIZENS. I AM FIGHTING CANCER -- PLEASE INCREASE THE AMOUNT ASSIGNED TO SHARE WITH MY DAUGHTER AND HER CHILDREN. MR. ELLIS, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING -- >> THANK YOU YOUR TIME IS UP. [01:55:01] >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING. MR. BERRY, IF YOU CAN -- SO ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, CITH CO, DID I CINCO, DID I GET IT RIGHT? CINCO PESO. I'M WORKING ON IT. THEY HAD ME TAKE FRENCH. I'M SORRY. YES ON THE FIFTH FLOOR. WHEN WE TAKE THIS BREAK, YOU CAN GO DOWN. IS SOMEBODY DOWN THERE NOW? SOMEBODY WILL MEET YOU ON 5. SINCO PESO. DID I GET IT? >> >> NEXT IS NONAGENDA SPEAKER NUMBER 17, KATIE MIR STED. YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS KATIE MIRZA AND WORK FOR THE IMMIGRANT RESOURCE CENTER AND A MEMBER OF THE APRIL HREUGSIST -- ABOLITIONIST COLLECTOR. THE SHOT SPOTTER CLAIMS OF THE GUN DETECTION SYSTEM HAVE SHOWN TO BE FALSE. 89% OF DEPLOYMENTS TURNED UP NO GUN RELATED CRIME. THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO ENDED ITS CON TRAPBLGT -- CONTRACT BECAUSE OF THE INEFFECTIVENESS. IT SURVEYS THE LOW INCOME BLACK AND BROWN NEIGHBORHOODS SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM. CALLING LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THESE COMMUNITIES TO LOOK FOR A PERPETRATOR OF A CRIME THAT LIKELY DIDN'T HAPPEN IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER. RESIDENTS DESERVE GOOD PUBLIC SAFETY AND NOT DISPROOF ONE THAT'S CAN ONLY PROVIDE A POLITICAL BENEFIT. THEY NEED PROGRAM THAT'S ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF VIOLENCE FOR HOUSING AND HEALTH AND EDUCATION LIKE WE HEARD TODAY. PLEASE RESTORE THE VIRTUAL COMMENT OPTION. MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY CANNOT ATTEND IN PERSON AND MANY TIMES I CANNOT. ONLY ALLOWING IN PERSON HEARD BY COMMISSIONERS' COURT. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS JUDGE. >> GOT IT. LET ME GO OVER THE CORRECTIONS HERE. THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE SPEAKERS. ITEM 16 ON PAGE 3, THE DEPARTMENT HAS REQUESTED NO ACTION. ITEM 73 ON PAGE 10, THE DEPARTMENT HAS REQUESTED NO ACTION. 74 ON PAGE 10, NO ACTION. 274 ON PAGE 34, WE NEED TO CHANGE THE WORDS BARRETT STATION TO BERNADINE SUBDIVISION. SO IT READS THE AMOUNT OF 200,000 FOR THE BERNADINE SUBDIVISION DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT. ITEM 344 ON PAGE 43, WE NEED TO ADD, QUOTE, BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AFTER THE WORD TRANSMITTAL SO IT WILL READ TRANSMITTAL BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET OF A FISCAL NOTE, ET CETERA. SO THOSE ARE THE CORRECTIONS. ANY OTHER CORRECTIONS, JAMES? >> NO. NOT THAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW. >> THANK YOU. LET'S GO OVER THE DISCUSSION ITEMS. THESE ARE FLAGGED FOR DISCUSSION. THESE ARE THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. ITEM 340, REIMBURSEMENT OF LEGAL FEES. DO FOLKS NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT ONE? 386, THAT IS AN AWARD FOR THE COMMUNITY SUPERVISION CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT. >> CAN WE TAKE THE LEGAL FEES TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? >> LINA HIDALGO: 340 WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. WHAT ABOUT 386? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOPE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. AND THEN 387, SPARK LIGHTING. >> NOPE. >> LINA HIDALGO: 388 A TRANSMITTAL OF BIDS AND ADVERTISED JOBS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: 393, REUH POINE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMISSION. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: 394, AN APPOINTMENT TO THE HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOPE. [02:00:01] >> LINA HIDALGO: 395, HARRIS COUNTY SPORTS AND CONVENTION CORPORATION. OKAY. WE WILL BRING THAT ONE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION. 396,AR LRY LIPTONSI HOUNG FINANCE CORPORATION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: .NOPE >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 407.SP ECIAL COUNCILCE SERVIS. COUNTY ATTORNEY, DO YOU NEED TOO TO EXECUTIVEON SESSI ON THAT ONE?>> NO. UNLESS THERE ARE ANYNS QUESTIO.> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOPE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.D ANWHAT ABOUT 423 AND 424? THEY F ARE LEGALEES.DR >> AIAN GARCIA: MOVE BOTHAS ITEMS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THEM ALL TOGETHER IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.IA >> ADRN GARCIA: OKAY. ANDD IF I COULD ADAN ITEMUT FOR EXECIVE SESSION 166. >> LINA HIDALGO: 1 WEUBGZ --OK 166. AY. B THAT WOULDE RECLASSIFYING OF TWO POSITIONS. >>RE JUDGE, I'M NOT SU IF THISTA WAS ALREADY LKED38 ABOUT, BUT 9N DOES NEED TO BE IIO EXECUTIVE SESSN.LG >> LINA HIDAO: DOES NOT? >> DOES. M I JUST WANT TOAKE SURE.O: .> LINA HIDALG 389 ALL RIGHT. SO YOU DO NEED TO I DISCUSS THAT SO'M PUTTING THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. >> JUDGE? Y >> LINA HIDALGO:ES. NO QUESTIONS, THAT CAN GO ON THE CONSENT AGENDA.H. >> LINA HIDALGO: O >> IT DOESN'T -- >>K NO. I DO NEED TO TALABOUTO: IT. >> LINA HIDALG YOU DO NEED TO DISCUSS IT? >> OKAY.'S >> LINA HIDALGO: LET KEEP GOING. I'LL REVIEW THIS LATER AS ALWAYS. SO WE HAVE REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS. ITEM 4, ITEM 12. >> I NEED TO ADD 11. >> LINA HIDALGO: TO THE DISCUSSION? >> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. GOT IT. SO WE'RE PUTTING 11 ON THERE. 12, DO FOLKS NEED TO DISCUSS ITEM 13? >> TOM RAMSEY: RETURN TO CONSENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL PUT ITEM 13 ON THE CONSENT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MAY HAVE ONE ITEM ON 13. I'M NOT SURE. >> LINA HIDALGO: 13 ON CONSENT AGENDA? OKAY. 15 IS A DISCUSSION ITEM. 17 IS A DISCUSSION ITEM. 18, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU WANTED TO DISCUSS 18 AND 420? >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH. IF WE CAN DISCUSS THAT TOGETHER. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOT IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I'M SORRY. IS 16 PULLED? >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS NOT PULLED RIGHT NOW. LET ME ADD THAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WILL NEED TO PULL THAT FOR DISCUSSION. >> THAT WAS A NO ACTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH. I LISTED THE NO ACTIONS. 17 IS A DISCUSSION ITEM. 18 WE SAID WE'LL TAKE WITH 420. ITEM 19 WE NEED TO DISCUSS AS PART OF THE BUDGET CONVERSATION. ITEM 22, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DO YOU STILL NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE? >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO VOTE. >> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 3-2. EXCUSE ME, 4-1. HA. 73 ON PAGE 10, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU STILL NEED TO DISCUSS THAT? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 74. >> 73 WAS NO ACTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THOUGHT THAT WAS PULLED, 73 AND 74. I THOUGHT THEY WERE PULLED. I THOUGHT BOTH OF THOSE WERE PULLED. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME SEE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I TALKED TO THE DIRECTOR I THOUGHT HE TULD -- HE PULLED 73 AND 74. >> YES. 73 AND 74 WERE NO ACTION, COMMISSIONER. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: GOING [02:05:05] BACK TO 22, YOU SAID 4-1. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHO VOTED NO? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: COMMISS IONER RAMSEY. >> LINA HIDALGO: OH, THANK YOU -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: OH THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE ON PAGE 11? >> RODNEY ELLIS: WRECKING, JUNKYARDS, DONATIONS AND LICENSES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 88, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 88, YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 126 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: YOU CAN RETURN THAT TO CONSENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE RETURNING 126 TO THE CONSENT AGENDA. 142, WE WILL DISCUSS WITH THE BUDGET ITEMS. 143 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, DO YOU NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE AS THE PROCUREMENTS DIVISION? >> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 153, THAT IS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE. >> TOM RAMSEY: THAT CON RETURN TO -- THAT CAN RETURN TO CONSENT >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL RETURN THAT ONE. >> TOM RAMSEY: 154 AS WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 154. GOT IT. ALL RIGHT. 155. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE. 166 IS THE ONE WE ARE TAKING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. 178 IS WHERE DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE CHANGES TO THE MEETING. SO WHAT WE WANTED TO SAY THERE IS MAKE A MOTION THAT DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS BE EXCLUDED FROM THE 10-MINUTE LIMIT AND I WOULD SAY AND BE CAPPED TO 10 MINUTES. WE HAVE HAD VERY LONG PRESENTATIONS. ARE YOU OKAY WITH THAT? >> I SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'LL MAKE THAT MOTION AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES HAS THE SECOND. >> DO YOU NEED IT RE-- REPEAT STPHED. >> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE 10-MINUTE LIMIT AND THAT THEY BE CAPPED TO 10 MINUTES. I PHREUD -- I MADE THE MOTION AND SECOND BY BRIONES. ALL IF -- IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THAT IS THE MOTION ON 178. AND NOW 188 IS ALSO AN ITEM ON THE BUDGET SO WE'LL TAKE THAT ONE LATER. 189, THAT ONE HAS BEEN REQUESTED FOR DISCUSSION. I ALSO HAVE A QUESTION ON THAT ONE. 190 IS ALSO BUDGET ITEM. 193, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. THAT IS A GRANT. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. WE WILL DISCUSS THAT ONE. 243, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU FLAGGED THAT ONE. THOSE ARE VARIOUS AGREEMENTS FOR DATA ANALYSIS, ET CETERA. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS -- NEVER MIND. 321 IS ALSO RELATED TO THE BUDGET QUESTION. SO WE WILL DISCUSS IT. 325, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU FLAGGED THIS A THREE-MONTH ACTION PLAN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 326, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, A HARRIS COUNTY TRUCK ROUTE STUDY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 327, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, A MONTHLY REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE NUISANCE PROGRAM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 333 PHILANTHROPY LIAISON COMMISSIONER, BRIONES. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: 334, 335 AND 336 ARE ALL RELATED TO THE BUDGET ITEM. 343 IS A TRANSMITTAL BY OMB OF AN AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. CONGRATULATIONS COMMISSIONER BRIONES DID YOU WANT TO DISCUSS THAT ONE? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I DO. >> LINA HIDALGO: 344 IS ALSO RELATED TO THE BUDGET ITEM. 352, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: RETURN TO CONSENT >> LINA HIDALGO: LY 52 WILL RETURN -- 352 WILL RETURN TO CONSENT. 366 COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU DO WANT TO DISCUSS. OKAY. 392, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, YOU WANTED TO FLAG 39 TO -- 392. >> DO YOU NEED TO VOTE? >> JUST VOTE. MOVE ON IT. >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. [02:10:02] MOTION CARRIES 4-1. ALL RIGHT. AND THEN 399, THAT ONE IS ALSO RELATED TO THE BUDGET. 404, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, COMMENTS WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. >> TOM RAMSEY: YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DID YOU WANT TO VOTE? >> TOM RAMSEY: MY ONLY COMMENT IS I AM NOT NECESSARILY OPPOSED I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SEE THE COMMENTS, BUT I WOULD VOTE NO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU WANT TO DISCUSS IT TOO? I'LL MOVE IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 4-1. >> SO THAT IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: NOW WE ARE MOVING IS TO 405. >> TOM RAMSEY: SAME ISSUE. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSE STPHED. >> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1. 420, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY YOU HAVE ASKED TO DISCUSS WITH 419 AND 422, IT IS YOUR ITEM AND WE DISCUSSED IT. THOSE ARE THE ITEMS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: 420, DID YOU JUST WANT TO VOTE OR YOU WANTED -- >> TOM RAMSEY: YEAH, I MISSED THAT LAST TIME. IT WAS ON CONSENT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: NOT THAT ONE. NOT THE DEI ONE. THE 420 ONE, DID YOU WANT TO JUST VOTE ON IT. >> TOM RAMSEY: NO. I WANT TO DISCUSS. >> LINA HIDALGO: PERFECT. LET ME READ THE VARIOUS ITEMS. WE HAVE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 166, 340, 389, 395, 423 AND 424. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS 4, 11, 12, 15, 1718, 19, 87, 88, 142, 143, 155, 188, 189, 190, 193, 243, 321, 325, 326, 327, 333, 334, 335, 336, 343, 344, ARE 366, 399, 420 AND 422. DID I MISS ANYTHING? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T THINK SO LOAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: NO PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE AGENDA. JAMES, ANY QUESTIONS ON YOUR PART? >> YES, MA'AM. ITEM 2 LOOKS TO APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING -- SO I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS SOMETHING -- PRECINCT 1. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH ONE? >> 2. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY POSSIBLE ACTION OR JUST APPROVAL, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST APPROVAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO JUST THE APPROVAL. WE'LL LEAVE IT ON CONSENT, JAMES. >> AND THEN I HAVE A QUESTION FOR ITEM 418. THAT'S UNDER COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING UNSPENT HURRICANE HARVEY DISASTER RE -- RECOVERY FUNDS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, THAT IS NOT IN THE DISCUSSION AGENDA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO PUT IT ON THERE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL PUT THAT UP FOR DISCUSSION. ANYTHING ELSE? >> THAT'S ALL I HAVE, JUDGE. THANK YOU. AND JUST TO CLARIFY, THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS, THOSE WERE APPROVED AS PRESENTED? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. I WILL GO BACK THROUGH EVERYTHING SINCE WE MADE A CHANGE. WE HAVE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 166, 340, 389, 395, 423 AND 424. YEAH. THE ONE THAT'S WE VOTED ARE AS PRESENTED. >> 393, 394 AND 3 DASH -- AND 396. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. REGULAR AGENDA 4, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19, 87, 88, 142, 143, 155, 188, 189, 190, 193, 243, 321, 325, 326, 327, 333, 334, [02:15:10] 335, 336, 343, 344, 366, 399, 418, 420 -- 418 GOES BACK TO CONSENT. SO NO ACTION. IT IS SIMPLY NO ACTION ON THAT ONE. >> 418. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO 420 AND 422. GREAT. IS THERE A MOTION FOR ALL OF THE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 430 WITH THE ITEMS VOTED ON AND THE DISCUSSION JUST LISTED. MOTION BY GARCIA AND SECOND BY RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. SO NOW WE MOVE TO -- WE'LL BREAK AT 1 SO WE WILL GO UNTIL 1. THAT WORKS? OKAY. SO WE WILL MOVE TO THE REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS. WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT WITH COMMISSIONER BE I DON'T KNOWNESS IS I -- BRIONES IS I WILL HAVE A TIMER HERE AND JAY YOU WILL HELP ME KEEP TRACK IN CASE I MISS IT AS WELL. AND THEN LET'S JUST TRY TO BE COGNIZANT OF 10 MINUTES. IF IT ENDS -- IT ENDS UP TO TWO MINUTES EACH TO BE COGNIZANT AND SEE HOW THAT WORKS OUT. WE'LL START WITH -- THE FIRST IS ITEM 4, BUT THAT GOES AT 2:30. WE WILL START WITH THE FIVE-YEAR PROJECTION AND THEN MOVE TO SHERIFF AND HARRIS HEALTH AND DISCUSS IT TOGETHER. >> [INAUDIBLE]. >> YOUR MIC. >> MY GOODNESS, SORRY. THE 10-MINUTE AND THEN WE CAN EXTEND IT TWO MORE TRONCHES OF 10 MINUTES UPON THE MAJORITY VOTE. SOME ISSUES WE KNOW WILL REQUIRE A TON OF DISCUSSION, SO AS WE THINK OF THE TIME ALLOCATION OUT OF FAIRNESS, THINK IN YOUR HEAD WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE GONNA WANT TO ACTIVATE THE SECOND AND THIRD 10-MINUTE TRAUNCHES JUST OUT OF FAIRNESS. SOME DISCUSSIONS MAY NEED THE FULL 30 AND OTHERS IT MAY BE A 10-MINUTE ONE SHOT. WE CAN THINK OF THE OPTIONS ON THE TABLE. THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. SO LET'S START WITH ITEM1. 1 I THINK COMMISSIONERAR GCIA YOU MAY HAVELA FGGED THATNE O. I MAY BE WRONG >> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBEWA IT S COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >>MO SO VED. >>D. SECON >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN? FAVOR >> ANYED OPPOS? >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 4-1.EM IT 12, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. R >>ODNEY ELLIS: DO WE JUST NEED TOO VOTE OR DYOU WANT MEWA TO LK THROUGH IT?PU DID I LL IT?ED YOU NE TO VOTE ON IT? THROUGH WANT MEO WALK IT SO MOVEDDR. >> AIAN GARCIA: SECOND.A >> LINHIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> TOM RAMSE NO. >> LINA HIDAO: I'M IN FAVOR.UD VERY PRO OF IT. MOTION CARRIES 4-1.Y >> RODNEELLIS: JUDGE, I M APPRECIATEY -- THE WORK. MY STAFF TOOKI THE LEAD. APPRECIATE THEM AND I DIDN'T TAKE 10 MINUTESHI. >> LINA DALGO: THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. ITEM 18 GOES WITH 420. ARE SAVING FOR THE BUDGET DISCUSSION. WE WILLER GO TO 18 COMMISSION RAMSEY. ITEMS 18 AND 420. V >> TOM RAMSEY:ERY QUICKLY. IF YOU LOOK AT 420 AND I SHOULD HAVE DISTRIBUTED A MOTION BY NOW RELATED TO THE ITEM, BUTE. MY REQUEST IS SIMPL WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS LOOK AT THE SVI FORMULA WE ADOPTED FOR THE BOND. THIS IS THE 290 MILLION DISTRIC. REMEMBER, REDISTRIBUTED 175 MILLION BETWEEN PRECINCTS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHY DON'T YOUD JUST SEND THE MOTION AROUN. >> TOM RAMSEY: OKAY. AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THAT, I THOUGHT -- I ASSUMED THAT IT WOULD COVER THE SVI50% AND GREATER. IT WAS REALLY A MOTION FOR SVI 75% GREATER. AND THE DIFFERENCE IS SIGNIFICANT IN TERMS OF SVI NEIGHBORHOODS PARTICULARLY IN PRECINCTS 3 AND 4. WHEN I WENT BACK AND LOOKED AT IT AND IT IN FACT INCREASES THE [02:20:03] SVI NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE COUNTY BY A MILLION. SO IF YOU -- IF YOUR CRITERIA IS 75% OR GREATER, THAT WILL COVER ONE MILLION 300,000 FOLKS IN HARRIS COUNTY. IF YOU RAISE THAT TO 50% OR GREATER THEN ANOTHER 1 MILLION 36,000 WOULD BE ADDED. OBVIOUSLY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT WOULD BE THE SVI NEIGHBORHOODS IN PRECINCTS 3 AND 4 WOULD BE APPROVED. I LOOKED AT IT AND THE 50% WOULD MAKE SENSE BECAUSE THAT IS THE NUMBER WE USE IN OUR MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN LOOKER -- THAT'S WHY MY MOTION IS TO SIMPLY MODIFY THE BOND DISTRIBUTION MONEY. AND I WASN'T SURE EXACTLY ON ITEM NUMBER 18 WHERE IT SAYS COMMISSIONERS' COURT CANADA VIED EQUALLY ACROSS FOUR PRECINCTS, BUT ALSO CONSIDERING SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX FOR SOME PORTION OF THE ALLOCATION. IF YOU WENT BACK TO WHAT WE USED AND THE FORMULA WE USED ON THE BOND ALLOCATION WE ARE BACK TO 75% VERY SUCCESS 50%. IT IS A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF SVI NEIGHBORHOODS AND FOLKS THAT WOULD BE IMPACTED BY THE FORMULA. AND IT AFFECTS THOSE FOLKS IN PRECINCTS 3 AND 4 PRIMARILY. IT IS FROM 50 TO 75%. >> I'M SORRY. CHANGE WHICH PIECE FROM 75 TO 50%. I APOLOGIZE. I WAS DISTRACTED HERE BY MY TEAM. THE BOND PROPOSAL DISTRIBUTED 175 MILLION EQUALLY AMONG THE PRECINCTS. THAT WAS FAIR. THAT'S GREAT. IT IS BASED ON SVI PROPORTIONS. THE PROPORTION THAT WAS TARGETED OR USED WAS 75% OR GREATER. IT MEANS I WILL TARGET SVI75% OR GREATER. WHAT I'M SAYING IS LOWER THAT TO 50% AND YOU WILL PICK UP ANOTHER MILLION PEOPLE WITH A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PRECINCT 3 AND 4 OBVIOUSLY, BUT THE TOTALS -- TOTAL POPULATIONS ABOVE SVI AND PRECINCT 1 AND THERE ARE NOW 691,000 AND PRECINCT 2796,000. PRECINCT 3, 285. AND THEN PRECINCT 4, 566. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I LOOKED AT THE CHART. IT CAME UP BEFORE. I CAN'T SUPPORT THAT RIGHT NOW. I WILL SAY THIS, I GOT A LITTLE BACKGROUND, NOT MUCH MORE THAN MOST COLLEAGUES, BUT WHEN THEY FIRST STARTED DISTRIBUTING THE MONEY, WHATEVER IT WAS, SOMEBODY HAS TO HELP ME IF THERE ARE RECORDS AROUND AND AT SOME POINT IT CHANGED. PLEA -- PRECINCT 2 GOT THE SHORTEST END OF THE STICK. ACTUALLY PRECINCT 1 GOT THE SHORTEST AND PRECINCT 2 DID ONE BETTER. THERE IS A GUIDELINE ON HOW WE SPEND THE FLOOD MONEY. IT WAS LIKE WHO PUT THE LANGUAGE IN. WHEN PEOPLE DON'T NECESSARILY GET WHAT THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE GONNA GET AND WHAT THEY WANT TO GET. HOWEVER WE DEFINE IT. TRYING TO MAKE UP THOSE TIMES WHEN PRECINCT 1 GOT THE LEAST AMOUNT. I THOUGHT IT WAS CONSISTENT WITH THAT. I DON'T MIND SOME VERSION OF IT. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SVI OR LNI. I GET IT. [02:25:05] BRING IT BACK UP WHEN YOU HAVE A CHART. I REALLY DON'T KNOW. I I WANT TO SAY HECK NO. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE WORKING TOWARD. I MAKE THE ARGUMENT THAT ON THINGS LIKE THE BOND, THOSE ARE IN A VERY DIFFERENT LEVEL. THIS IS A -- AN ANNUAL ALLOCATION WE WILL GET FROM METRO. SO I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF EVEN DISTRIBUTION BECAUSE IT IS AN ANNUAL TRANSFER GIVEN ON DENSITY INCREASES AND RIDER USAGE IT COULD INCREASE AND AS A RESULT THE DISTRIBUTION INCREASES AS WELL. PART OF ME SAYS I DON'T WANT TO HAVE AN SVI FOR THIS AND SVI FOR THAT AND BE ON DIFFERENT SVI'S AND WE ARE NOT SURE WHICH ONE WE ARE WORK ON. IT WOULD BE KEEP IT AT AN EVEN DISTRIBUTION BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THE RESOURCE. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: COMPLET ELY PUTTING ASIDE 420 AND FOCUSED ON 18, I FEEL DIFFERENTLY AND ESPECIALLY BECAUSE INCREASING -- THE WAY I SEE IT IS THE METRO FUNDS SHOULD BE SERVICING AND FOCUSED ON THE METRO SERVICE TAXPAYERS AND I HEAR YOUR CONCERN, BUT IF WE SPLIT IT BY FOUR WHICH IS HISTORICALLY THE CASE WE ARE NOT FOCUSED ON THE METRO SERVICE AREAS AS HEAVILY. SO I PROPOSE A FLAT ALLOCATION AND THEN WE CAN HAVE A COMPONENT TO KEEP EQUITY IN THE FRAME. I AM SAYING THIS IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE PRECINCT 4 HAS THE MOST METRO SERVICE AREA AND WE ACTUALLY DON'T HAVE ANY OVERLAP WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY TRANSIT ROUTE. AND SO WE ONLY HAVE METRO INCREASING. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE FUNDS ARE BEING FAIRLY APPLIED. I DON'T WANT TO DISCUSS IN TANDEM THIS WITH 420, BUT IF AN EVEN SPLIT WON'T SERVICE EACH METRO SERVICE AS FAIRLY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AGREE WITH THAT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE METRIC OUGHT TO BE. I WANT EVERYONE IN FAIRNESS TO SEE WHAT IT MEANS. I DO KNOW THAT IN SAN ANTONIO, I I CAN'T REMEMBER THE CITY AND THE COUNTY, I THINK IT IS THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO WITH THE ALLOCATION THEY GET, THEY DO SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY WANT TO ENCOURAGE DOWNTOWN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FORMULAS ARE. COMMISSIONER, YOU MAY HAVE SOMETHING. I THINK EVERYBODY WANTS TO SEE WHAT IT AMOUNTS TO. I DON'T WANT TO WRAP THE TWO UP. I WAS REFERRING TO THE FIRST ONE MORE SO THAN THE SECOND ONE THAN THE FIRST ONE. I SAW WHAT WE WERE DOING. YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT ITEM -- WHAT WAS IT? >> 420. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU WANT TO CHANGE WHAT WE WERE DOING ON THAT SO I WANT TO FOCUS ON THAT ONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S TAKE THEM EACH ONE AT A TIME. >> TOM RAMSEY: 420. WHAT I DIDN'T WANT THE SVI FORMULA FOR -- SVI FORMULA TO BE IS THE DEFORM LAW GOING FORWARD. SO FOREVER MORE IT IS 75%. IF YOU LOOK AT THE MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN IT IS 50. WE HAVE REASON TO REFERENCE THE SVI AT 50. I WOULD LIKE THAT TO BE CONSIDERED GOING FORWARD IN THE FUTURE WHETHER IT IS GLO MONEY OR WHETHER IT IS OTHER KIND OF FUNDS THAT WE MIGHT BE LOOKING FOR. I DIDN'T WANT THAT TO BE WELL, WE WILL DO WHAT WE DID IN THE BOND PROGRAM. I THINK I CLEARLY COMMUNICATED THE PROBLEM WITH THE SVI ON THE BOND. THAT MAY BE WHAT WAS INTENDED AND WON BY THE COURT. WHAT I'M SAYING IS NOSE FAIR TO [02:30:03] THE SVI FOLKS WHO LIVE IN PRECINCT 4 AND 3. IT'S A MILLION OF THEM. THAT'S GOING FORWARD AND WE NEED TO TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION. I DID SEND OUT A CHART. IT'S SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO WHAT WE DID ON THE BOND ISSUE. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT WE LOOK AT THAT GOING FORWARD THAT WE DON'T SIMPLY SAY, WELL, WE'LL DIVIDE THAT UP LIKE WE ARE DOING ON THE BOND. >> I THINK WE HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. I HATE TO GO OLD SCHOOL, BUT THE WAY IT WAS DIVIDED IN THE PAST, OLD SCHOOL, TRUST ME THAT IS NOT CONSISTENT. >> THIS IS BRINGING THE SVI NEIGHBORHOODS IN ALL PRECINCTS TO THE TABLE AND BEING SURE THAT WE ARE IN FACT ADDRESSING THOSE NEEDS. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND WE ARE RUNNING AGAINST THE TIME HERE. SO IS THERE A MOTION TO EXTEND DISCUSSION BY 10 MINUTES? >> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY BRIONES ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. GO AHEAD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. I WANT TO TRY TO FIND WHERE THE COMMON GROUND IS AT. THE ONLY CHALLENGE I HAVE IS THAT GIVEN I HAVE BY VIRTUAL OF A VOTE IN 1978 THE LOWEST METRO SERVICE AREA, TRYING TO FIND A COMPROMISE WITH WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED DEVASTATES MY AREA. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT. I LIKE THE IDEA, COMMISSIONER BRIONES, THAT YOU ARE THINKING OF A COMBO-TYPE OF FORMULA IS THAT MIGHT BE WORKABLE. I DON'T HAVE THE NUMBERS IN FRONT OF ME RIGHT NOW. I DON'T WANT TO MAKE A DECISION BLINDLY. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: FOR ITEM 18 I PROPOSE WE COME BACK IN THE NEXT MEETING AND HAVE OMB WORK WITH THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO PROPOSE OPTIONS THAT ARE FAIR TO THE GOAL OF METRO AND EACH OF THE PRECINCTS BASED ON SERVICE AREA, SVI AND FLAT ALLOCATION. IF YOU CAN PROPOSE DIFFERENT OPTIONS WE CAN DIG INTO THAT WOULD BE HUGELY HELPFUL. AND FOR THE RECORD, I'M VERY MUCH ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS DEPENDING ON WHAT FUNDING SOURCE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. I DON'T THINK WE CAN EVER HAVE ONE FORMULA THAT WE APPLY TO EACH FUNDING SOURCE. I'M WITH YOU ON THE CASE BY CASE. I WOULD LIKE TO STUDY UP AND SEE WHAT YOU PROPOSE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I ADD TO THAT THEY LOOK AND SEE WHAT OTHER ENTITIES ARE DOING IN THE REGION AND THE STATE. AT LEAST WE HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK AT AND I AM TALKING ABOUT ITEM EYE -- ITEM 18. I SAID PASS IT OUT. YOU SAID IT AND MY FOLKS STILL HAVEN'T GOT IT. THEY MAY HAVE SENT IT TO THE STAFF THEY WERE WORKING WITH, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL DISCUSS THIS NEXT TIME. I THINK ULTIMATELY -- I MEAN, WE'RE GONNA CONTINUE HAVE -- TO HAVE ISSUES ON HOW TO DISTRIBUTE IT SO LONG WE HAVE THIS VULCANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS. I REMEMBER A DISCUSSION ON THE DAY OF THE REDISTRICTING MEETING AND I WILL ASK MR. BERRY TO CONSIDER THAT, BEST PRACTICES FOR THE COUNTIES EVERYWHERE AND HOW WE SHOULD ADMINISTER THESE FUNDS. EACH ONE IS ADVOCATING. COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WITH THE HEAVY TRUCKS. WE WILL HAVE THAT ARGUMENT IN PERSON FEW -- ARGUMENT IN PERSON FEW TEE AND -- PERPITUITY AND THEY WILL HAVE A MORE WITH THE TIMES WAY OF DOING THIS. ANDHE TY WILL PULL THAT DISCUSSION AND COMMISSIONER BRIONESPE, RHAPS WE CAN WORKN O THIS TOGETHER. >>O SLET ME JUST PROPOSE THIS. ON 4:20 M LETE PUSH THAT TO NEXT MEETINGER SO EVYBODY HAS TIMEGE TO DIST WHATAY I'M SING. AND I THINK I IT ISMPORTANT THAE ST UNDERAND WHERE SVI CONSTITUENTS LIVE. IT IS IN *EFRS -- IT IIN EVERYC PRINCT ANDS IT GIVEEVERYBODY [02:35:04] TIME TO LOOK AT THAT. R WITHEGARD TO METRO AND FUNDS AND HOW ITDI MIGHT BE STRIBUTEDK I WOEDY, MANY, MAN MANY YEARSET WITH MRO AND THOSE PEOPLE PAYING INTO METROIC IN THE SERVE AREA AND MANY OFE THOSE PEOPL PAYING IN GOT NOTHING AND SOE THERE ARA LOT OF PEOPLEIN PAYING TO METRO AND THEY GET NO A SERVICE ATLL IT IS NOT ONLYTI PEOPLE GETNG SERVICE, BUT AE LOT OF PEOPLAREN'TIC GETTING SERVE AND THEY ARE PAYING SALES TAX THROUGH METRO. THEY NEED TO KNOW WHO IS PAYING -- AND CERTAINLY THE SERVICE AREA AND CLEARLY THAT EASTSIDE HAS DRIVEN ME NUTS. I HAVE SAID FOR -- ALLOL OF MY EASTSIDE FKS WILL GET MAD WHEN I SAY WHAT I HAVE TO SAY, BUT I WILL SAY IT ANYWAY. WE NEED A METRO THAT INCLUDES EVERYBODYAN WHETHER IT IS SUGARLD OR PASADENA OR WHETHER IT IS BAY TOWN.CO THAT SHOULD BE AND OF URSE THAT IS A BIGGER CONVERSATION THAN THIS. WE TRIED TO USE DUCT TAPE TO PATCH TOGETHER A TRAN SIS. TRANSIT. WE HAVE A GOOD, REGIONAL TRANSIT AND EVERY TIME I BRING IT UP, THERE ARE 13 CITIES THAT PAY INTO IT. I ALWAYS THOUGHT ALL 34 OUGHT TO BE PAYING INTO IT AND THEN GETTING SERVICES. THA*SZ -- THAT'S ANOTHER. >> THAT'S THE ISSUE. WHEN THE OPTION CAME UP THEY OMDIDN'T VOTE. >> TOM RAMSEY: SE PEOPLE VOTED NOT TO GET INTO IT AND THEY STILL GOT INTO IT BECAUSE THEY WERE INCLUDED IN THE REGION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL DO NO ACTION ON BOTH OF THOSE AND THEN WE'LL WORK WITH THE OFFICES AND IT IS A TRICKY QUESTION AND IT IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE A TRICKY QUESTION. LET'S MOVE ON TO ITEM 87 COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SIMPLY ON THIS ITEM IT IS THE MOTION IS TO APPROVE THE LICENSE APPLICATION FOR JUNK -- JUNKYARDS, AUTO MOTIVE AND SALVAGE YARDS. >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? GOT IT. THIS IS A GOOD PROGRAM, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. I'M IN FAVOR. PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. NOW WE WILL MOVE ON TO ITEM 88, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I'LL BE BRIEF. I'M EXCITED THAT REVIVE TO THRIVE FOR PRECINCT 2 CONTINUES TO MOVE ON AND BE TRANSFORMATIVE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF PRECINCT 2. I AM EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE CLOSE TO STARTING CONSTRUCTION ON OUR PARTNERSHIP PROJECT. IT INCLUDES ONE AND A HALF FOOT WIDE SIDEWALKS, LANDSCAPING, PEDESTRIAN SCALE LIGHTING AND UPGRADED PAVING AND AMENITIES AT INTERSECTIONS AND BUS STOPS AND A A BI-DIRECTIONAL BIKE LANE. THE PROJECT IS AN EXAMPLE OF REVIVE TO THRIVE AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE HAVE PARTNERSHIPS AND LEVERAGE OUR RESOURCES TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY BETTER. AS WE KNOW PARTNERSHIPS TAKE SOME TIME AND THE PARTNERSHIP HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR A LONGTIME. I AM EXCITED TO SHARE WE ARE ON THE HOME STRETCH AND WE WILL START CONSTRUCTION THIS SUMMER. I WANT TO TAKE A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE AND THANK OUR PARTNER THAT'S INCLUDE THE GREATER NORTH SIDE MANAGEMENT DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND METRO. GIVE US MORE MONEY. THE MAIN GOAL IS TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR EVERYONE AND MAKING THE SIDEWALKS MORE WALKABLE AND PROVIDING LANDSCAPING FOR THE KIDS WALKING TO AND FROM SCHOOL AND THE CASTILLO CENTER. THE BIKE LANES ARE CONNECTING THE BAYOU TRAIL TO THE BIKE LANES AND BEYOND AND TRANSIT AND IMPROVE STOPS AND SHELTERS ALONG THE CORRIDOR AND MAKE DRIVING A [02:40:05] SAFER DESIGN THAT KEEPS ONE LANE EACH WAY. WE ARE WORKING TO ENSURE THAT PRECINCT 2 IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY. NO OFFENSE TO ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES HERE. I AM EXCITED. I AM JUST HAPPY TO -- THAT PRECINCT 2 WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE 50% OF THE FUNDING AND I AGAIN WANT TO THANK THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION. WE GOT A LOT OF COMMUNITY FEEDBACK AND OUR PARTNERS AS WELL. I KNOW I GOT A MEMBER OF MY TEAM WHO LIKES TO BIKE TO WORK ON OCCASION. I MOVE ON THE ITEM AS PRESENTED. >> WONDERFUL. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. AND NOW WE HAVE ITEM 142, BUT THAT WILL GO WITH THE VERY -- VARIOUS BUDGET ITEMS. IT PUTS US TO ITEM 143, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: MY QUESTION HERE, THESE TWO POSITIONS AND MY ASSUMPTION HERE IS THESE TWO POSITIONS WILL HELP PROCESS NEEDS WITHIN THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE AND OTHERS REQUESTING REVIEWS. I KNOW THAT IT HAS ENDED UP BEING A BOTTLENECK WHEN YOU NEED THINGS REVIEWED, WHETHER IT IS CONTRACTS COMING THROUGH THE KOUPB TEEN ENGINEER -- COUNTY ENGINEER'S CONTRACT OR OTHER OFFICES. MY QUESTION IS WILL THESE TWO POSITIONS HELP ADDRESS THE BOTTLENECK I THINK THAT IS EXISTING WITHIN DEO RIGHT NOW? >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THESE TWO POSITIONS WILL BE GOING INTO THE MWBE PROGRAM. SO THEY WILL BE PROJECT MONITORS WORKING ON THE GOAL SETTING AND REVIEWING OF THE UTILIZATION PLANS FOR ALL CONTRACTS COMING THROUGH. >> TOM RAMSEY: SO IT WILL IMPROVE THE BOTTLENECK ISSUES WE HAVE? >> IT SHOULD MAKE THINGS GO SMOOTHER FOR SURE. LINE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: YES? >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, DIRECTOR RAMIREZ. I KNOW MY DISH -- MY DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE REFERS TO IT AS A BOTTLENECK, BUT I WANT TO MENTION THE MINORITY WOMEN WERE TO THE GETTING ANYTHING OUT OF THE BOTTLE, SO TO SPEAK, PARDON THE PUN. IS PART OF THE ISSUE PEOPLE ADJUSTING TO HAVING THE GOAL OF A MWBE PROGRAM WITH SUBSTANCE, WITH SOME TEETH TO IT, AND WE HAVE NOT GIVEN YOU STAFF IN THE PAST SO YOU CAN HAVE FOLKS MAKE IT CLEAR EITHER YOU ARE GOING TO MONITOR -- YOU JUST HAVE TO DO IT. JUST WANTED YOU TO COMMENT ON THAT. WE CAN REFER TO IT AS BOTTLENECK. WE DIDN'T HAVE IT BEFORE. THE FOLKS WHO WERE GETTING THE CONTRACTS WERE FAT AND HAPPY. THE OTHER FOLKS DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE. IS THAT A FAIR COMMENT? >> YES, SIR. AND I THINK ON BOTH SIDES, BOTH OF YOUR COMMENTS ARE FAIR. I THINK ONE OF THE ISSUES HAS BEEN THAT THE PROGRAM GOT STARTED WHILE THE DEPARTMENT WAS GETTING STAFFED UP, AND BECAUSE OF COVID AND THEN LATER NOW JUST BECAUSE OF SALARY, WE KEEP HAVING TURNOVER AND JUST LIKE THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS ARE HAVING ISSUE WITH THAT. I THINK THERE IS JUST A LOT OF STABLIZATION WE ARE DOING RIGHT NOW. I THINK THESE TWO POSITIONS, WE ARE TRYING TO PUT AS MANY RESOURCES INTO THE MWBE PROGRAM SO IT IS STABILIZED AND STAFFED SO WE DON'T HAVE ANYMORE DELAYS OR ANYMORE ISSUES. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE WORK WE NEED TO DO WITH THE VENDORS. SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS WE NEED TO WORK WITH THEM. AND THEN WE WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION AND YOU WON'T BE HEARING SO MANY COMPLAINTS. >> HAVE WE GIVEN THE -- GIVEN YOU THE RESOURCES YOU NEED? I KNOW WE TALK ABOUT ALL THESE ISSUES AND WE PASS A POLICY PRONOUNCEMENT. I KNOW IT CAME UP IN TERMS OF THE BUDGET, BUT ARE WE GIVING YOU THE RESOURCES YOU NEED. >> WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE TKEURBLG -- FOR THE ADDITIONAL [02:45:02] FUNDING THAT THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT ALLOCATED ON JANUARY 31ST. WE THINK THAT IS GOING TO GET US TO THE NEXT PHASE OF STABILITY SO WE ARE WORKING TO GET THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS WRITTEN AND POSTED AND THE POSITIONS HIRED. SO WE ARE IN A GOOD PLACE RIGHT NOW. WE ARE MOVING FORWARD. WE'LL SEE AS THINGS PROGRESS AND AS OTHER PROGRAMS START GETTING IMPLEMENTED WHETHER WE WILL BE NEEDING ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IN THE FUTURE. FOR NOW, WE ARE APPRECIATIVE OF ALL THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS DONE FOR US. >> AND I WOULD MEASURE OUR SUCCESS IN SOMEWAYS BY WHATEVER HAPPENS AT THE CITY ON THE MWBE SIDE. I THINK THE NUMBERS MAY BE CLOSE TO 50%. WE DIDN'T HAVE A PROGRAM IN -- UNTIL THE NEW COURT TOOK OVER. I THINK IT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GROWING PAINS, BUT IN NO WAY BACKED UP TO HAVING AN MWBE PROGRAM AND MONEY -- AND MONITORING IT. >> YES. WE WANT TO STAY ON TOP OF THINGS AND MONITOR. WE ARE CROSS TRAINING STAFF AND MAKING SURE -- WE ARE MAKING THE MOST USE OF EVERYBODY'S TIME ON OUR STAFF AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT FOR AWHILE NOW, BUT WE ARE WORKING ON THE RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE OPERATIONS MANUAL. I THINK THAT WILL ALSO MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR EVERYBODY SO LONG AS EVERYBODY IS ON THE SAME PAGE, THEN I THINK IT WILL MAKE THINGS SMOOTHER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE A MOTION. >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. GREAT. LET ME FIND MY PLACE HERE. SORRY ABOUT THAT, Y'ALL. OKAY. 155. THAT IS THE MOD DOCUMENT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. SO AS WE KNOW THE -- THE 750 IS VITAL -- SAID VERY VITAL COMPONENT TO FUND FLOOD MITIGATION-TYPE PROJECTS. THIS ITEM WILL PROVIDE DIRECTION ON HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE APPROPRIATED AND ESTABLISH THE PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS AND IDENTIFY THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM CRITERIA. THE QUESTIONS THOUGH THAT I HAVE REGARDING THESE FUNDS ARE WHEN WILL WE HAVE A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR THE PLEA -- FOR THE PRECINCTS TO REVIEW. I KNOW PART OF THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT WE HAD THIS MORNING. I WANTED TO BE MINDFUL TO HAVE THE GLO LOOK AT THE ENTIRE SCOPE. NOW THAT WE'VE GOTTEN PAST THAT, WHEN WE CAN EXPECT TO HAVE THE LIST OF PROJECTS FOR THE PRECINCTS TO REVIEW WITH THE ANTICIPATED COST AND SCHEDULES, WHAT WILL BE THE PROCESS IN GETTING THE PROJECT APPROVED AND YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU NEEDED FLEXIBILITY WITH THE PROGRAM. AND SO JUST A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FLEXIBILITY NECESSARY. I I KNOW THAT'S PART OF THE PROCESS THAT WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE CAN TO THE HAVE TO GIVE AWAY AND GIVE BACK MONEY THAT WE ARE RECEIVING. AND IF IT IS SELECTED AT A LATER TIME AND DETERMINED THAT THE PROJECT IS NOT SHOVEL READY DUE TO ISSUES LIKE RIGHT OF WAY AND OTHER ISSUES, WHAT HAPPENS TO THAT PROJECT AND THE ASSOCIATED FUNDING. AND HOW MANY WOULD BE CONSIDERED SHOVEL READY? AND THEN IN THE CURRENT RECOMMENDED FUNDING DISTRIBUTION, 15 MILLION ARE SET ASIDE FOR OTHER COUNTY FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECTS. WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THAT. AND THEN LASTLY I KNOW -- I THINK IT WAS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MENTIONED THAT YOU DON'T HAVE MANY CITIES IN YOUR PRECINCT AND YOU HAVE MORE MUDS THAN THAT, BUT RIGHT NOW WE ARE WORKING OFF OF CITIES AS A PRINCIPAL PARTNER. SO ONE THING I WOULD PROPOSE IS TO GO BY THE BOND PARTNERSHIP DEFINITION WHICH WOULD BE CITIES, MUDS, PIDS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO BE ELIGIBLE TO [02:50:02] PARTICIPATE. AND THEN AT PRESENT, FIVE MILLION IS THE THRESHOLD FOR A CITY TO PARTICIPATE. AS A FORMER MAYOR, YOU WOULD APPRECIATE THAT MANY OF THE CITIES DON'T HAVE 5 MILLION LAYING AROUND. I WOULD SUGGEST LOWERING THAT TO THREE MILLION. I WOULD GO TO A MILLION, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR PARTNERS R-LSZ WE ARE -- REALIZE WE ARE ON TWO POTS OF MONEY. WE HAVE THE BOND AND WE HAVE THIS. THREE MILLION FOR THIS LIMITED AMOUNT OF MONEY WOULD BE APPROPRIATE SO WE DON'T, YOU KNOW, END UP -- AND BECAUSE OF THE SENSITIVITY OF IT BEING FLOOD MITIGATION, MANY OF THESE FLOOD-RELATED TYPE OF PROJECTS MAY NOT BE -- MAY BE ON THE MILLION DOLLAR MARK TO BEGIN WITH. SO THAT WOULD BE ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION I MAKE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, WE ARE HITTING ON OUR LUNCHTIME. WE COULD MOVE THE HRUFRP TIME -- LUNCHTIME OR TAKE THE LUNCH AND COME BACK AND DISCUSS THIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WELCOME THAT >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S BE BACK. WE WILL BE BACK AT 2:30 AND IT IS 1 P.M. LET'S BE BACK AT 2:30. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. IT IS 2:39 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. WE WILL START WITH ITEM 17 WHICH IS THE 5-YEAR REVENUE AND EXPENSE FORECAST AND ITEMS OF 15 AND 399, THE SHERIFF IS HERE AND THE SHERIFF'S UPDATE AND HARRIS HEALTH AND THEN THE OTHER RELATED ITEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS. AND LET ME KNOW IF I MISS ANYTHING. ALL OF THESE ITEMS ARE TOGETHER 188, 190, 334 AND 434, 335 AND 336 AND 399. THEY ARE ALL RELATED TO THE BUDGET. AND WE WILL STOP THE PRESENTATION AT 10 MINUTES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICKLY, BEFORE WE BROKE FOR LUNCH WE WERE DISCUSSING THE ITEM -- >> LINA HIDALGO: YES! >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN WE WRAP THAT ONE UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. I'M SO SORRY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO WORRIES. I WANTED TO PROPOSE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS' MOTION IN ADDITION TO HIS REQUEST I WANT TO MOVE TO DIRECT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD DISTRICT TO SUBMIT FOR THE APRIL 4TH COURT A LIST CONTAINING, NUMBER ONE, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROJECTS IN EACH COMMISSIONER PRECINCT AS WELL AS NUMBER 2, THE TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT IN EACH COMMISSIONER PRECINCT FOR EACH OF THE CRITERIA. I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE IT, BUT I STILL HAVE OLD SCHOOL SOMETIMES. U.S. ALL HAVE IT? I ASKED THE -- >> I ASKED THE FOLKS AT FLOOD CONTROL AND CSD TO MEET WITH THE FOLKS FROM APPLE SEED. I THINK THEY SENT A LETTER TO ALL OF US. I DON'T KNOW IF EVERYBODY SAW IT. I THOUGHT THEY HAD THOUGHTFUL POINTS AND THEY DID SO MUCH LEGAL WORK ON THE TITLE 6 COMPLAINT. I DON'T WANT US TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE WERE IN A ROLE OF GIVING THAT 750. IT PLAYED SOME ROLE. AND AS WE KNOW THE TITLE 6 COMPLAINT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT, BUT I KNOW THEY ARE IN THE DISCOVERY PHASE. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WILL BE DISCOVERED. THEY JUST DIE THERE. AND THAT WAS A BIG DEAL FOR HUD TO DO THAT. I WANT TO WALK THROUGH THE MOTION AND JUST READ IT OUT. I MEAN, YOU HAVE IT AS WELL. IT SAYS INSTRUCT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO FORMALIZE A FINALIST OF PROJECTS WITHIN THE 2018 BOND PACKAGE FOR COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR APPROVAL BEFORE SUBMISSION TO THE GLO FOR SBDG AWARD BY APRIL 25TH AS A PRELIMINARY LIST SHOULD BE -- A PRELIMINARY LIST SHOULD BE SUBMITTED FOR THE APRIL 4TH COURT. THIS LIST MAY BE REFINED PRIOR TO SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS AND SHOULD EXCEED OUR DOCUMENTED LNI [02:55:01] TARGET WITH A GOAL OF 70% OF ALL PROJECT FUNDS TO LMI AREAS. THE PROJECT LIST SHOULD NOTE IF LOW, PHOD -- MODERATE INCOME POPULATION MET AND IDENTIFY RECAP AND THAT MEANS RACIALLY AND ETHNICALLY CONCENTRATED AREAS OF POVERTY, AREAS. FLOOD BOND ID AND RELEVANT BAYOU AMEND THE PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK FOR PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS AND MOVE THAT TO BE CHANGED TO, ONE, REDUCE PROJECT COST SIZE LOWERIM LIT AND REDUCE TOM 3TO -- 3MM FRO5M AND SHIFTING PROJECTEF BENITSCH WHI FOCUS MORE ON COST BENEFIT TOPR OJECT EFFICIENCY AND BETTER MEASUREME OUTCOS OF DOLLARSPE RES DENT AND DOLLARS STRUCTURE. AMEND BENEFITNG INCLUDI COMMUNITYRU INFRASTCTURE BENEFIT FOR AMENITIES LIKELS HOSPITA, SCHOOLS ANDBU PUBLIC ILDINGS AND INCREASE ITNT TO 10 POIS. IE WOULD LIKTO ASK TINA AND TAO TO COMMENT I THINK THE FINAL DRAFT WENTOU T ABT MIDNIGHT, AND IN FACT THE RECAP LANGUAGE WAS ADDED T THE LASTIME I LOOKED AT IT.IT I THINK CAME FROM YOU, DR.O PE DERSIN. -- PEDERSON.YO WE'LL LET U COMMENT ON IT. ANDTS I GUESS THE EXPER WILLS E THE FOLKFROM APPLE. SEED AS WELL INSTEAD OF BRINGING THEMTH BACK UP, I INK THECO TWO OF THEM ULD DO IT. HERE'S WHAT WE DID. THERE WAS EBGLA KWAU -- EQUITY NGUAGE IN THE HARVEY BOND W PACKAGE. ITAS THE COURT ESTABLISHED AT THAT TIME. AND WHAT CAME IN AND WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED, WE CAME IN WITH THE SVI LANGUAGE. I THOUGHT LOW-INCOMER MI -- I THOUGHT LMI WAS THE WAY I THOUGHT ABOUT IT. BUT AS WAS ELUDED TO BY SOME OF THE SPEAKERS, FOR A LONGTIME WE WERE HOLDING BACK SPENDING MONEY FROM OUR BOND PACKAGE IN LOW TO MODERATE INCOME AREAS THAT FLOOD EVERY TIME. THEY HAPPEN TO BE LMI, BUT THEY FLOOD EVERY GO AROUND. AND WE WERE HOLDING IT BACK BECAUSE IT WAS SAID BY MR. POPPY IN PARTICULAR, THOSE ARE PROJECTS WHERE THAT MONEY IS BETTER SUITED. THE FEDERAL MONEY. SO WE WILL HOLD BACK SO WE CAN USE THAT MONEY AND WE'LL GO USE THAT MONEY AND THEN WE WILL HAVE SUPPLANTING INSTEAD OF SUPPLEMENTING. THAT WAS THE ARGUMENT. I MENTIONED THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND THAT'S WHY WE ARE IN THE DILEMMA WE WERE IN NOW. WE WERE BANKING ON 1.1 BILLION ASSUMING THE CITY WOULD GET THEIRS AS WELL. AND THEN WE WOULD PLUG IN THAT MONEY IN THOSE PROJECTS THAT WE WERE HOLDING BACK MONEY ON. AND THEN AT FIRST WE GOT ZERO. AND THEN THAT CHANGED TO 750. AND NOW THERE IS A RUSH TO SPEND THE MONEY. UNDERSTAND THAT. APPRECIATE THE LAND COMMISSIONER THIS MORNING GIVING US AND THE CITY A SIX-MONTH REPRIEVE. I WANT TO COMMENT ON IF THAT'S ENOUGH AND THE PROCEDURE AS THEY UNDERSTOOD IT BEFORE THE ANNOUNCEMENT. IF YOU ASK FOR AN EXTENSION IT WOULD BE ON A PROJECT BY PROJECT BASIS. THAT MEANS YOU CAN'T TEND SEND OVER LISTS AND SAY WE WILL HAVE MORE TIME ON THESE. YOU HAVE ALL OF THESE SHOVEL READY PROJECTS YOU WERE HOLDING BACK SPENDING ON. SO THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO SATISFY THE CONCERNS OF APPLE SEED AND THE DEPARTMENTS BECAUSE EVERYBODY WAS COMMITTED TO HELP IS -- TO HELPING THOSE COMMUNITIES. THEY WALK THROUGH THE LANGUAGE BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF VERBIAGE THERE. I UNDERSTAND AT THE END OF THE DAY NOBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT US TO LOSE THE MONEY BECAUSE WE COULDN'T SPEND IT. IF THE STATE PARTNERS HAD BEEN GIVEN UNTIL 2030, THEY FEEL PRESSURE ON THEM TO GET THE MONEY SPENT SO THEY PUT PRESSURE [03:00:02] ON US. BUT THE DELAY ON OUR PART TO SOME EXTENT WAS BECAUSE OF OUR STATE PARTNERS. I DON'T WANT TO BE USING A TERM PENCIL WHIPPED, BECAUSE THEY USED THE TERM, WE ARE BEING TOLD SHOVEL-READY PROJECTS AND THESE POOR AREA THAT'S FLOOD ALL THE TIME. THEY ARE NOT JUST POOR, THEY FLOOD ALL THE TIME. IT IS DOCUMENTED. MONEY WAS HELD BACK. AND THEN WHEN WE GET THE MONEY, THEN WE SAY YOU'RE NOT SHOVEL READY. WE CAN'T GET TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. THAT'S JUST NOT RIGHT. I WANT TO SAY FOR THE RECORD SO NOBODY IS UPSET LIKE THE PREVIOUS COURT WAS, NOT ONLY WOULD I ADVOCATE THAT THE FOLKS THAT FILED A TITLE 6 COMPLAINT AGAINST THE STATE FILED ONE ON US, I'LL SIGN IT. THAT'S JUST NOT RIGHT. BUT I WANT TO LET THE DEPARTMENTS TALK. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO YOU ALL KNOW WE ARE AT 6 MINUTES -- ABOUT 7 MINUTES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I ALSO JUST WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT THE PREVIOUS COURT HAD STRUCTURED THE USE OF OUR BOND MONEY IN A WAY THAT, NUMBER ONE, ONLY BENEFITED 30% OF THOSE WHO FLOODED, NUMBER ONE. AND THEN SECONDLY AS I HAVE GRACED HERE A COUPLE TIMES THAT THE -- THAT WE ARE BUYING RIGHT AWAY WITH OUR BOND MONEY AND THAT DOESN'T BENEFIT STRUCTURES. SO THIS IS AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION, BUT I ALSO WANT TO KNOW OR POINT OUT THAT -- YOU KNOW, THE PREVIOUS FLOOD CONTROL DIRECTOR STRUCTURED AND PREVIOUS COURT STRUCTURED OUR SIDE OF THE EQUATION IN A MANNER THAT IS CONTINUE DISTRICT TREE TO WHERE WE WANT TO GET TO AND WHERE YOU'RE GOING WITH THAT WE NEED TO BE MORE MINDFUL WITH SUPPORTING THE NEIGHBORHOODS, BUT WE GOT FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS AND STILL LIMITED MONEY TO THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE, AND SO WE HAVE TO BE MINDFUL ABOUT HOW TO USE IT ALL. AND MAKE SURE THAT IT IS BENEFITING STRUCTURES ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE IN CHRONIC FLOODING AREAS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: OF COURSE IT WAS PART OF THE TITLE 6 ARGUMENT THAT CARRIED A LOT OF WEIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND THEN COMMISSIONERYO RAMSEY. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK U, JUDGE. SOME POINTS FROM PRECINCT 4'S PERSPECTIVE. I SHARE YOUR CONCERNS THAT THE AREAS THAT NEED IT MOST MAY BE THE ONES THAT NOW STAND TO BE FIRST IN LINE GIVEN THE REQUIREMENTS. WE WILL NOT SEND ANY MONEY BACK BECAUSE WE WILL USE THE MONEY. WE HAVE MORE NEED THAN THE MONEY WE HAVE. AND SO WE ARE ALL GOING TO GET THIS DONE. MY CONCERN IS SEVERAL THINGS. ONE, THE LIST OF THE 2018 FLOOD BOND PROJECTS WITH REGARD TO PRECINCT 4 DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL OF THE AREAS WITH GREATEST NEED AND THE HIGHEST LMI AREAS. AND SO I NEED AND WOULD RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THERE IS SOME SMALL LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY IN THE LANGUAGE THAT ANY PROJECTS THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE QUALIFY THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ON THAT LIST HAVE THE POTENTIAL IN THIS LAST, YOU KNOW, TIME FRAME TO BE EYED. THAT'S ONE POINT. OTHERWISE PRECINCT 4 WILL GET LEFT BEHIND AND I CAN'T LET THAT HAPPEN. TWO, IN THE SPIRIT ALSO OF FLEXIBILITY AND FAIRNESS, I WOULD ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO PLEASE CONSIDER SHIFTING THE AMOUNT OF FINDING -- FUNDING THAT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED TO US. JUST SO EVERYBODY IS ON THE SAME PAGE, THE CURRENT BUCKET ALLOCATIONS ARE 502 TO FLOOD CONTROL AND 100 MILLION TO PARTNERSHIPS AND 90 MILLION TO ADMINISTRATION. IN ORDER TO BE FAIR AND TO HAVE FLEXIBILITY, WE MADE COMMITMENT TO BE GOOD PARTNERS IN THE REGION. I WOULD ASK WE CONSIDER MOVING THE 100 MILLION IN PARTNERSHIPS TO 250 MILLION. I KNOW IN PRECINCT 4 AND THERE IS ALREADY APPROXIMATELY 60 MILLION IN ELIGIBLE PROJECTS WE COULD GO IF THE PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIPS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY. TO THE EXAT THE PRESENT TIME -- [03:05:02] TO THE EXTENT THE BUCKET IS NOT USED FOR PARTNERS, IT WOULD REVERT TO THE FLOOD CONTROL AND IT WOULD GIVE THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED. BUT IF WE ARE SAYING PARTNERS OS THAT THE MONEY IS COMING AND IT DIDN'T COME, AS HARRIS COUNTY, I FEEL LIKE WE NEED TO BE A GOOD PARTNER AND MAKE SURE THAT AREAS THAT MIGHT BE UNDER SERVED GET THE FOCUS. AND/OR -- I AM ALWAYS AN AND, THE FLOOD RISK TO THE MITIGATION PROJECT, I WANT TO INCREASE THAT TO 150 MILLION SO WE CAN BE SURE THAT FLOOD CONTROL HAS THE FLEXIBILITY TO BE WORKING OFF THE BEST DATA DRIVEN LIST AS OF WHERE WE ARE TODAY IN 2023 AS OPPOSED TO BEING LOCKED IN. SO GIVING THEM THAT FLEXIBILITY TO HAVE THAT -- TO HAVE MORE MONEY TO BASE THE PROJECTS ON WHERE THE DATA SAYS. AND AS YOU KNOW WE ARE SPENDING 97 MILLION TO ADMINISTER THE MONEY I WOULD LIKE THE FLOOD RISK MITIGATION BUCKET TO BE AT LEAST THE SAME AS THIS MONEY. I WOULD LIKE IT TO BE REALLOCATED DIFFERENTLY. IT WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF 250 MILLION FOR THE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS AND IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS THAT GOES BACK TO THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. I WOULD LIKE THE 50 MILLION FOR THE FLOOD RISK MITIGATION TO BE UP TO 150 MILLION AND THEN THE 97 FOR ADMINISTRATION STAYS THE SAME AND THEN FLOOD CONTROL WOULD GET THE REST. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE AT 10 MINUTES. IS THERE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION? MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. AND SECOND BY BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THE BOTTOM LINE IS WE NEED TO USE ALL THE MONEY AND WE HAVE MORE NEED THAN MONEY AND WE ALSO HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY AND WE NEED TO BE FAIR. AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE USING DATA-DRIVEN APPROACHES TO SPENDING THE FUNDING. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: LET ME CONTINUE THAT FLEXIBILITY APPEAL. I WOULD WANT TO AMEND YOUR MOTION SLIGHTLY ALONG THE LINES OF WHAT COMMISSIONER BRIONES IS REFERRING TO IN TERMS OF FLEXIBILITY. THE BUCKET THAT'S COMMISSIONER BRIONES REFERRED TO I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH. COMMISSIONER GARCIA MENTIONED EARLIER TODAY THAT INCLUDING MUDS AND THE PARTNERSHIP, I HAVE TO MUCH IN MY PRECINCT. THAT'S MY HIGHEST POTENTIAL FOR PARTNERSHIP WOULD BE THERE. I THINK INCREASING THE FLEXIBILITY AND IN MY MIND THE MOTION WOULD INCLUDE PROJECT THAT'S -- THAT ARE AT 30% DESIGN AND THEY CAN GET DONE IN SIX MONTHS. RIGHT NOW THE WAY IT READS IS YOU NEED TO HAVE IT RIGHT AWAY AND RIGHT NOW. WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ABLE TO ADDRESS THE MOST CRITICAL NEEDS IN OUR PRECINCT. AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S AMENDMENT AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES' REFERENCE, I THINK IT WOULD COVER MUCH OF WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. WE'LL SEE WHAT THAT AMENDMENT WILL END UP BEING. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT NOT ONLY DO WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ADDRESS TITLE 6 ISSUES, WE NEED TO BE SURE IT IS FAIR. IN TERMS OF WHAT I DISCUSSED THIS MORNING, BE SURE WE DO ADDRESS LNMI NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY AND NOT JUST A COUPLE OF PRECINCTS. GOING FORWARD WE NEED TO BE SURE THAT AS WE APPLY THE CRITERIA AND WE LOOK AT THE PROJECT THAT'S WILL IN FACT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT IT IS FAIR. GLO WILL BE LOOKING TO BE SURE IT IS FAIR FROM THAT STANDPOINT. I WILL -- I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO PARTICIPATING IN THE AMENDMENTS. SOUNDS LIKE WE HAVE AN AMENDMENT COMING TO YOUR MOTION. BUT IT IS IN THE CONTEXT OF FLEXIBILITY. CAN I ADD SOMETHING HERE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN I ADD SOMETHING HERE? I THINK IT WILL BE HELPFUL TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADHERE AND THEN IT GOES BACK AND THEN COMES BACK AGAIN AND THEN THE CRITERIA. SO WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE. AND HOW MUCH FLEXIBILITY WE HAVE I THINK THERE IS QUITE A BIT THAT IS PER SCRIPT TIFF -- PRESCRIPTIVE GIVEN THE CONVERSATIONS WE HAD WITH GLO AND HUD, ET CETERA, ET CETERA. I JUST WANT TO DO THAT BEFORE WE KEEP TALKING HYPOTHETICALS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO HEAR FROM THEM TOO. WHAT I DID -- MY MOTION WAS TINKER AROUND THE EDGES OF WHAT THEY DID. WHAT YOU REFERRED TO SOUNDS MORE [03:10:03] SIGNIFICANT AND I WANT TO KNOW THE IMPACT OF IT OR I WOULDN'T VOTE FOR IT. I DON'T WANT TO BE IN THE POSITION WHERE I VOTED FOR IT AND -- I JUST WANT TO GET A SENSE OF THE DEPARTMENT. IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WOULD TAKE AWAY FROM SOME OF THE FLOOD PROJECTS THAT THEY ARE ALREADY LOOKING AT. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE -- I KNOW WE ARE ALL SAVING FOR TITLE 6, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ACCUSED THE STATE, GLO, OF THAT FORMULA VIOLATING TITLE 6. IT HAS TO BE LITIGATED. I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN GO LOOK TO GLO AND SAY THEY ARE GONNA TELL US WHAT'S FAIR. AT LEAST IT HASN'T HAPPENED YET. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND I I WANT TO BE MINDFUL OF SHERIFF'S AVAILABILITY. TELL US IF YOU HAVE TO RUN. GOOD. WHY DON'T WE HEAR FROM YOU GUYS, THE DEPARTMENT IS -- THE DEPARTMENT AND MR. BERRY IF YOU CAN GET US ALL ON THE SAME PAGE ABOUT THIS. >> IN TERMS OF THE PROCESS I THINK DIRECTOR COSTAS WOULD BE THE RIGHT PERSON. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. GO AHEAD, DIRECTOR. >> HI. SO ONE ADMINISTRATIVE THING WE NEED TO ACHIEVE TODAY IS YOUR VOTE TO ACCEPT THE MOD FOR THE GLO WHICH YOU DID LAST TIME THAT WE HAD OUR SPEAKER'S TIME AFTER THE MEETING. THAT'S ONE ASPECT. AS FAR AS THE RESTRICTIONS ON THIS FUNDING, THE MOD DEFINES SIMPLY THE TWO ENTITIES AND THE >> LINA HIDALGO: ADMINISTRATOR - - OR DIRECTOR, I JUST WANT TO BE VERY, VERY CLEAR ON THIS BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF ACRONMS. ACRONYMS. YOU MEED FLOOD CONTROL -- YOU MEAN FLOOD CONGRESS TROLL. >> 375 IS 375 MILLION. 50% OF THE DOLLARS MEET THE LMI EXPECTATION OF 50% OR MORE. SO THAT DOLLAR AMOUNT IS THE FLOOR. AND THEN WITHIN THOSE PARAMETERS WHAT THE PROJECT CAN BE. IT IS NOT DIFFERENT FROM WHAT ANYBODY IS CONSIDERING RIGHT NOW AS FAR AS FLOOD CONTROL AND DRAINAGE AND THOSE TYPES OF PROJECTS. BUT THEY HAVE TO BE BELOW 1 $00 MILLION. >> WHAT DO YOU MEAN 100 MILLION? >>AC EH PROJECTAS H TO BEEL BOW 100 MILLION. BECAUSE IF ITS GOEABOVE 100 MILLION IT GOES INTO A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO. AHEAD I THOUGHT YOU WERE DONE. >> I WAS GONNA SAY BEYOND THAT, THE-R TKPWRBGS LO- HAS -LO THE G HAS NOT DEFINED HOWLD WE SHOU ALLOCATE THE FUNDS.AT TH'S OUR REQUEST TO YOU, THE COURT, TO HELP US SHAPE THE AMOUNT. L >>INA HIDALGO: I MEAN, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE GOTTEN QUITE A BITCK OF FEEDBA FROMCO E URT MEMBERS.ND I WOER IF IT IS POSSIBLESE TO RETTER TPAOEU THE MOD --TI RE-CERFY THEST MOD FROM LA TIME AND THEN REVISIT WHEN YOU T RELOOK ATE TO THESE. FROM WHATWE I AM HEARING EN COUD SPD ALL DAY TRYING TONK CRANKINE CRERIA.A OF OPINIONSRIETY AND IT SOUNDS LIKE ITPE REQUIRES N TO PAPER.ON CAN IT WAIT E MORE COURT? >> I KNOWG WE ARE ALL WANTINTO MOVE. THE PROJECT ALONG IT ISE POSSIBLE TO WAIT ONMORE COURT. IL KNOW THE FLOOD CONTRONG DISTRICT IS TRYI TOST SHAPE UP THE LI. C I THINK THE MORELEAR WE CAN GET DIRECTION FROM YOU, THE SOONER THE BETTER TO. SHAPE UP THE LIST >> I AM JUST NOT SURE I KNOW -- I ESSENTIALLY HEARD FOUR MOTIONS UP HERE. I KNOW HOW WE WILL JUST BE ADDING ON ALL OF THOSE -- ALTHOUGH THEY SEEM FRIENDLY, I WOULD JUST HATE FOR ANY OF US TO BE IN A POSITION WHEN WE VOTED FOR SOMETHING AND HAD UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW. >> YES. COMMISSIONER GARCIA. I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE ON DEFINING THE CHANGE FROM 5 MILLION TO 3 MILLION AS A PARTNERSHIP FLESH HOLD AND TO -- THRESHOLD AND [03:15:01] DEFINE THE PARTNERSHIP BY VIRTUE OF THE BOND PARTNERSHIP DEFINITION THAT WOULD INCLUDE CITIES AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND MUDS AND PITS AND THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION. NOW ON THE FORMULA THAT WE ARE NIPPING AROUND THE EDGES, I WOULD SUPPORT GIVING YOU AND DRE BACK TO NEXT COURT JUST TO EVALUATE. BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS FAIR AS COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAS ELUDED TO. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T AGREE TO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW WITHOUT HAVING TO THUR RELOW -- THOROUGHLY LOOKED AT AND HELP OUR TEAMS MAKE SURE WE DON'T BITE OFF SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T HAVE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. I WOULD MOVE ON THOSE TWO FRIENDLY AMENDMENTS, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. AND THEN I WOULD SUPPORT JUDGE, TO YOUR POINT COMING BACK TO THE NEXT COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, CAN I -- I SECOND, BUT, DO YOU ALL HAVE -- YOU KNOW, I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM. THAT'S PRETTY MUCH THE WORKED OUT THE LANGUAGE HE IS TALKING ABOUT. AND I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT THIS TIMING. IS THIS A TWO OR THREE-WEEK BREAK? A THREE-WEEK BREAK? AND IF WE HAD TO I MAY HAVE TO BE THE ONE WHO IS VIRTUAL BECAUSE I'M OUT A BIT. , BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE MEET IN THE TIMETABLE, BUT I DON'T WANT US TO RUSH THROUGH SOMETHING AND THEN THERE IS A TITLE 6 COMPLAINT ON US AND AT LEAST I CAN'T VOTE -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M VOTING ON. I JUST PREFER TO JUST VOTE NO AND THEN IF THERE IS A TITLE 6 COMPLAINT IT IS I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WAS DOING WHEN I VOTED FOR IT. IS THE THREE WEEKS A PROBLEM? >> I THINK IT WILL BE ALL RIGHT. >> I'M SORRY. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.OR >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. I WOULD LOVE F US TO WORK ON SOMETHING THAT WE KNOW WOULD BE FAIR AND GIVE US THE FLEXIBILITY AND MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING AGGRESSIVE IN MEETING THE TIMETABLES AND THE DEADLINES. I NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE HIGHEST LMI AREAS AND THE HIGHEST AREAS OF NEED AND IMPACT ARE REFLECTED. AND SO IF WE HAVE SOME LEVEL OF DISCRETION TO WORK WITH FLOOD CONTROL AND DIRECTOR COSTAS, YOUR TEAM, THAT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND WE ARE READY TO HUSTLE AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THE INTENDED IMPACT OF THE DOLLARS HAS THE ACTUAL IMPACT. SO THANK YOU. >> I WOULD JUST -- AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM DR. PETERSON AND DR. AHMAN AS WELL. I WOULD ASK THE COURT TO CONSIDER AUTHORIZING STAFF TO GET GOING ON THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM WITH THE CRITERIA YOU LAID OUT AND START WORKSHOPPING THAT AND START WRITING IT UP AND HAVE DR. PETERSON PREPARE THE LIST OF PROJECTS AND COULD ADJUST THE EXACT ALLOCATIONS TO THE BUCKETS LATER? AGAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM DR. PETERSON AND DR. AHMAN. I WOULD RATHER NOT WAIT ON THAT WORK FOR THREE WEEKS. >> LINA HIDALGO: BUT THAT WOULD BE -- JUST TO MAKE SURE I AM HEARING EVERYTHING CORRECTLY, WE ARE CONSIDERING ALLOWING THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TO BEGIN MOVING AND THEN THE MODIFICATIONS THAT WE WOULD CONSIDER APPROVING TODAY WOULD BE TO LOWER -- REDUCE THE LIMIT, THE LOWER LIMIT AND -- AND THEN WHAT WAS THE SECOND ONE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> IT WAS THE 5 TO 3 AND THE PARTNERSHIP COMMISSION. >> THAT'S RIGHT. >> TO GO BY OUR RECENT BOND ELECTION PARTNERSHIP DEFINITION. WE ARE OPERATING UNDER THE BIG CRITERIA WHICH IS 70% OF ALL PROJECT FUNDS. THAT'S IN THE BIG PICTURE. UNTIL WE START SEEING PROJECTS SPECIFIC, IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO HAVE. WE END UP HAVING THIS GENERIC CONVERSATION AND ASSUMPTION. IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL AS WE DEFINE THE FLEXIBILITY GOING FORWARD THAT AT LEAST WE HAVE AN IDEA WHAT PROJECTS MIGHT BE THERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO ARE YOU SAYING YOU WOULD NOT SUPPORT THE TWO -- THE 5 MILLION TO 3 MILLION AND THE CHANGE IN THE DEFINITION? >> TOM RAMSEY: I WOULD SUPPORT THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU TOO COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF THERE SOMETHING WE ARE NOT IN AGREEMENT WITH WE SHOULD BUMP IT TO THE NEXT SESSION. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AND ON THE ANCILLARY BENEFIT DEFINITION , I WOULD PLEASE LIKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND PARKS. >> IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE ELUDING TO AS WELL. [03:20:02] >> LINA HIDALGO: NONE OF THE THREE HAS THE DEFINITION -- HAS AN UPDATED DEFINITION ON PARTNERSHIP TO MIRROR THE BOND ELECTION PARTNERSHIP DEFINITION. AND THAT WOK -- AND THAT WOULD BE LIKE A FOURTH ONE. SO WE ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT, REDUCE PROJECT COST SIZE AND LOWER LIMITS REDUCED FROM 5 MILLION TO THREE MILLION AND THEN IN TERMS OF THRARS -- DOLLARS PERES DENT AND DOLLARS PER STRUCTURE AND AMEND ANCILLARY BENEFIT TO INCLUDE HOSPITALS, BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC PARKS AND INCREASE IT TO 10 POINTS. THE DEFINITION OF PARTNERSHIP FOR THE DEFINITION USED IN THE BOND ELECTION. >> THOSE ARE THE THINGS WE WOULD BE OKAY WITH SO THEY CAN BEGIN WORKING ON THE PARTNERSHIP. >> TOM RAMSEY: WHAT DID YOU SAY ABOUT THE BOND ELECTION, JUDGE? >> THE BOND ELECTION DEFINITION. >> I'LL WRITE THAT. BY THE 2018 BOND ELECTION DEFINITION. AND I'LL REPEAT TO YOU, JAMES. DR. PETERSON AND ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANYTHING TO ADHERE, DIRECTOR COSTAS? DR. RAHMAN? SO THEN THE MOTION -- THERE'S TWO MOTIONS. THE FIRST IS TO APPROVE THE MOD AND SUBMIT THE FINAL MOD DOCUMENT. DOES THAT WORK FOR YOU, DR. PETERSON, UNDER THIS ITEM? I'M SO SORRY. I MEANT DIRECTOR COSTAS. IS THERE A MOTION? >> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. AND THEN THE SECOND MOTION HAS FOUR PARTS. IT IS TO REDUCE PROJECT COST SIZE FOR THE LOWER LIMIT TO BE REDUCED TO THREE MILLION FROM 5 MILLION TO SHIFT PROJECT BENEFITS WHICH FOCUS MORE ON COST BENEFIT AS PROJECT EFFICIENCY. SO WE'RE MOVING IT TO PROJECT EFFICIENCY FROM DOLLARS PERES DENT AND -- DOLLARS PER RESIDENT AND DOLLARS TO STRUCTURE? >> IT HAS TO MEASURE THE OUTCOMES OF DOLLARS PERES DENT -- PER RESIDENT AND DOLLARS PER STRUCTURE. >> I WANT TO BE CLEAR. WHAT ARE WE MOVING AWAY FROM AND WHAT ARE WE MOVING TOWARD? >> TOM RAMSEY: WE DON'T WANT TO DO COST BENEFIT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DON'T WANT COST BENEFIT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE DO WANT DOLLARS PERES -- PER RESIDENT AND DOLLARS PER STRUCTURE. NUMBER ONE, REDUCE PROJECT COST SIDE AND LOWER REDUCE FROM $3 MILLION FROM -- TO $3 MILLION FROM 5 MILLION AND SHIFT PROJECTS AWAY FROM COST BENEFIT AND TOWARD DOLLARS PER RESIDENT AND DOLLARS PER STRUCTURE AND AMEND ANCILLARY BENEFITS INCLUDING BENEFITS LIKE HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PARKS AND INCREASE IT TO 10 POINTS AND TO DEFINE PARTNERSHIP ACCORDING TO THE 2018 BOND ELECTIONS DEFINITION OF PARTNERSHIP. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: CAN I ASK A QUESTION TO CLARIFY? IN TERMS OF THE FUNDING ALLOCATIONS IN EACH SECTION, IS THAT SOMETHING WE'LL WORK ON FOR THE NEXT MEETING? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AND THEN ONE OTHER LANGUAGE CLARIFICATION, IN TERMS OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, TO QUALIFY, A PROJECT SHOULD HAVE A PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION OR WHERE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD AND SET UP BY THE HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING TO APPROVE PROJECT READINESS. JUST WANTED TO SEE IF THAT WAS GOING TO BE CAPTURED -- OR COULD BE CAPTURED AT THIS TIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT WILL BE THE IMPACT OF IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. DID YOU CATCH THAT, JAMES. >> YES, MA'AM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANTED TO ASK THIS, I'M JUST CURIOUS, DIRECTOR COSTA AND DR. PETERSON, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON THIS? THE REASON I ASK IS BECAUSE OUR STAFF GOT IT LAST WEEK. I THINK ON FRIDAY. I KNOW WITH APPLE SEED AND THE ROLE THEY PLAYED, I KNOW YOU TALKED, BUT THAT'S WHEN THEY GOT IT. IT IS TOUGH AND IT PUTS US AT A DISADVANTAGE. WE HOPE YOU WERE WORKING A COUPLE MONTHS INTERNATIONALLY. >> WE HOPE YOU HAVE TRIED TO SHAPE AND CLARIFY THESE. IT HAS BEEN IN THE EVOLVING CONVERSATION. AND SO I HEAR YOU. WE DON'T WANT TO PUSH AND RUSH AND EXCLUDE. >> MY POINT IS, IF THAT'S WHAT THE OTHER ITEM IS ON THE AGENDA IT PUTS US AT A DISADVANTAGE. [03:25:04] AT THE END OF THE DAY AS A PERSON THAT PUT THAT EQUITY LANGUAGE ON THE BROADER PACKAGE, I DON'T WANT TO BE IN THE POSITION WHERE I'M IN THE DARK. YOU KNOW, MY STAFF DID SOMETHING ON THURSDAY OR FRIDAY AND WE ARE SCRAMBLING TO FIGURE IT OUT. WE COME TO THE TABLE BECAUSE OUR FOLKS HAVE WORKED UP SOMETHING, AND WITH MY COLLEAGUES I HAVE TO QUESTION IT. I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE IMPACT. WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT. >> I SHARE THE SENTIMENT. AT THE SHARE THAT SENTIMENT. THE MORE INVOLVED IN AN ONGOING BASIS WE CAN BE SO WE CAN ALL MAKE, YOU KNOW, THE BEST DECISIONS POSSIBLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY WE NEED TO STAY INVOLVED AND ABREAST, PLEASE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IT IS OUR STAFFS, TO BE HONEST. I KNOW WE ARE NOT ALWAYS THE EASIEST PEOPLE TO CATCH. WE ALL RELY ON OUR STAFF TRAU MEN -- TREMENDOUSLY. >> AGREED. AND WE WILL STAY IN CLOSE CONNECTION WITH ALL OF YOUR STAFF, FLOOD CONTROL AND ENGINEERING. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THOSE ADVOCACY GROUPS. I RELY ON THEM SOMETIMES TO HELP US HOLD OUR FEET TO THE FIRE, YOUR FEET AND MINE. >> YEAH. I'M LEARNING NOW WHERE THEY DEFINITELY ARE INFLUENCING AND NEED TO BE PART OF THIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. >> I WOULD LIKE IF DIRECTOR WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THINGS FORWARD FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. I WOULDN'T LIKE TO BE AT A STAND STILL. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, COURT MEMBERS. I WOULD SAY I AM VERY CLEAR ABOUT WHAT -- WHERE WE HR GOING AND -- WHERE WE ARE GOING AND WHAT WE NEED TO GET DONE BETWEEN NOW AND WHEN THE APPLICATION FOR PROJECTS GO IN. THE STEPS WE WILL BE WORKING ON, TO YOUR POINT, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WE NEED TO BE WORKING TOGETHER WITH COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT STAFF AS DIRECTED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AT THE LAST COURT. AND WE WILL CONTINUE THAT TO KEEP WALKING THROUGH. WE HAVE FRIED -- WE HAVE TRIED TO RELY AND MAKE SURE THAT IT IS CLEAR AND IT MEETS THE CRITERIA FIRST AND FOREMOST OF THE GLO. IT IS CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR STAFF AND THEY ARE TO BEGIN WORKING ON THE DETAILS AROUND THE PROJECT LIST AND BRING THAT TO YOUR STAFF AND BRING IT BACK TO THE NEXT COURT. THAT IS OUR PATH. >> THANK YOU. >> LAST QUICK POINT SINCE THE NEXT ITEM WE WILL GO TO SPENDING THE MONEY. I WANT TO COMPLEMENT YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND YOU, COMMISSIONER. PART OF A NEW RELATIONSHIP IS MAKING SURE YOU LAY CARDS ON THE TABLE. THAT'S HOW YOU OPERATE. I BELIEVE WE WILL GET A BILLION, 450 MILLION MORE AND EVERYBODY EXPRESSED THE OUTRAGE AND THE CITY DIDN'T GET THE 1.1 AND WE DIDN'T GET THAT OTHER 350. FROM MY STANDPOINT, I WILL DO IT AS POLITELY AND DIPLOMATICALLY AS I CAN. BUT THAT'S ABOUT 1,000,000,450 -- 1 BILLION 450 MILLION. EVEN OURS WAS PREDICATED ON WHAT THE CITY WAS GONNA GET. I AM NOT POURING COLD WAR -- COLD WATER ON RUSS POPPY. BUT THE THIRD TIME IT WAS EXPLAINED I CAUGHT IT. THAT'S PART OF IT. THAT'S A HOLE IF WE START SPEPLDING OTHER MONEY, A DEEP HOLE. I DON'T WANT IT TO BE LOST ON US IT IS THE SAME THING OF WHAT PREVIOUS COURTS WERE IN OVERLOOKING EQUITY AND I WANT TO LAY THAT OUT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SEE RUSS EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE. BUT I REMEMBER BEING TOLD WE CAN'T MOVE TOO FAST ON SOME PROJECTS. WE WOULD EXCLUDE OURSELVES FROM FEDERAL FUNDING. I THINK THE WORK WE ARE DOING IS A GOOD EFFORT TO TRY TO SALVAGE [03:30:03] IT ALL. I HEAR YOU. >> WE WANTED TO ASK IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO FINALIZE THE PARTNERSHIP CRITERIA. AND TO DO THAT WE NEED TO DO TWO THINGS TO ADOPT IF THERE IS SUPPORT FOR IT. AND WE HEARD SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONBO AUT RIGHT OFAY W AND IFOS PSIBLE I WOULD LIKE TO FINALIZEHA TT SO THE TEAM CAN GET THIS ROLLING EVENF IWE ARE WORKING ON THE DOLLAR AMOUNT. IT WOULD BE TOOT VEIT EHER UP OR DOWNOU YRME ANDED PARTNERSHIP CRITERIA. AND ITOU WLDDD ARESS THE SUGGESTION WE HEARD ABOUT HAVING MORE TIME TO GET RIGHTF OWAY KWH -- WHICH TOE BHONEST WE HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEIO MOTN WOULD BE TO ADOPT THE COMPREHENSIVEON BD PARTNERSHIP DEFINITION WHICHLD WOU INCLUDE CITIES S ANDCHOOL DISTRICTS, MUDS,S PID >> LINA HIDALGO: DIDN'TVO WE TE ON THAT? WHAT IS L THEANGUAGE EXACTLY? >>WO IT ULD BEO TPT ADO -- ISCOMMSIONER GARCIA -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I GET IT APPENDIXPR AS OPOSED, BUT I THOUGHT WE APPROVED PART OFCO MMISSIONER' ELLISSA PROPOL. >> YOUVE APPROD PART OF IT, BUTO T THE ENTIRE THING. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS-- TO I AM JUSTNG READI IT SOOW WE KN WHAT WE ARENG TALKI ABOUT.IN STRUCT THE FLOOD CONTROLDI STRICT TO FORMALIZEAL A FINIST OF PROJECTS IN01 THE 28 BOND PACKAGE FORSS COMMIIONER COURTAP PROVAL BEFORE SUBMISSION TO THEOR GLO F A CGBD B AWARDYAP RIL 25TH PRELIMINARY LIST SUBMITTED BY 4 APRILTH. THISMA LIST Y BEED REFIN PRIOR TOTT SUBMIINGCA APPLITIONS ANDSH OULD EXCEED OUREN DOCUMTED LMI TARGET WITHOF A GOAL AL 70% OF L PROJECTO FUNDS TLMI AREAS. THE PROJECTSH LIST OULD NOTE IFO W, MODERATEUL AND POPATIONIT CRERIA ARE METNT AND IDEIFY RECAP POVERTYND AREAS A FLOOD BOND ID AND RELEVANT BAYOU.U YOARE SAYING T WE NEEDO SAYAT TH? >> THAT'S NOT W WHERE IAS GOING. OMIT WAS CMISSIONERAN ELLIS, D I MIGHTAR HAVE HEDO WRONG SWE CAN RKSKAT CLE, SETSK UP -- A THEER CLK. SET UPAR A NEW PTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH. THAT'SID WHAT WE DO TO MOVE TPR THE IORITIZATION. FRAMEWORK R >>ODNEY ELLIS: AND I AMOP PROSING AN AMENDMENT TO THENE PARTRSHIP PROJECT. I MOVE THEAT PRIORITIZIONEW FRAMORK BE CHANGED TO. DIDN'T READ THE FIRST PART.F >> IYOUVE SAY WHATERIS COMMSIONER ELLIS CIRCULATED T. >>HERT BOTTOM PA AND NOTTO THE P PART. >>DI WE MADE ETS. IT D IS SLIGHTLYIFFERENT.ED WE ADD PARKS ANDD WE REDEFINERS PARTNEHIPS TO GO BY THE 2018 BOND. PARTNERSHIPOM >> T RAMSEY: THE I OTHER ISSUE THINKAS DR. AHMAN H IS RIGHTY. F WA HIS CRITERIA TODAY SAYS YOU NEEH THE RIT OF WAY AND THE MOREIL FLEXIBITY WE PROVIDE THE KOUPB Y GINEEROU AND I HEARD Y SAY RIGHT OF WAY --HA RIGHT NOW TT'S AIV PRETTY HARD RAL. A PRETTY -- >> WHAT ISEN THE GAP BETWE WHAT WEAT PASSED AND WH YOUD NEED? ANISG THERE ANYTHIN-- >> A MAYBE HERE IS SUGGESTION.UL ATTORNEY THE COUNTY WRITE UP EVERYTHING THEY HAVED HEARD ANBRING IT BACK? >>LS IF ANYTHING EE IS NEEDED.WA WE JUST NT TO BE SURE'T WE DIDN. MISS ANYTHING >> I KNOW WE -- NOW IF WE HAVE TOIT FINALIZE THE CRERIA,EA I WOULD PLSE LIKE TO AMEND THEIT FIRST CRERIA TO READ TOPR QUALIFY A OJECT SHOULDEL HAVE A PRIMINARYOR ENGINEERING REPTBY THE TIME OF SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION OREL ENGINEERINGINARY REPORTLE ARE NOT AVAILAB BE APPROVED BYY BOARDS SET UP B C E HARRISOUNTY ENGINEERING T DEPARTMENTO REVIEW AND APPROVEAD PROJECT REINESS. THISNT GOES TO THE POI WE HAVE BEENO TELLING FOLKS TWAIT.OT THEY MAY N HAVE THAT ENGINEERINGEY REPORT, BUT IF TH CAN MEET WITH THETI BOARD AND SASFY THETH REQUIREMENT TO E FLEXIBILITY AND THE FAIRNESS F AMENDING THEIRSTER CRY -- CRITIA WOULD ACHIEVE THE FLEXIBILITY. >> I WHAT IS HAPPENINGS WER ARE NOT CLEA WHAT LEVELU OF GRANN AOLAIR TEE -- GRANULARITY-- [03:35:01] REQUIRES US MY I SPEAK FOR SELF.R I'M NOT CLEAWHICH ONEEN OF THESE AMDMENTSBS MAKES -- SUTANTIALLY CHANGES WHAT WETA KNOW TO BE STUS QUO. MY UNDERSTANDINGTE OF WHAT WE VOD ONE IS WHAT WE ALL AGREE ON AND WHAT W E ABOUT.EN TALKING BUT THERIS A FEW MORE CHANGES THAT WE NEED TO --CE THAT OUR OFFIS NEED TOGU WORK WITH YOU YS ON.U WE NEED FOR YOTO, EXPLAIN TO USAND I'LL LEAVE THIS ASOU AN ITEM FOR Y TO COME BACK LATERE TODAY, WHAT ARTHEOF REPERCUSSIONS US WHAT YOU WANT TO PASS, AND WHAT ELSE -- YOU W KNOW, WHERE DOE DRAW THES LINE ON THINGTHAT WES HAVE TO DISCUSLATER BECAUSE C IT IS GOING TOHANGE P THINGS. >> OURREFERENCE AND WE CAN BRING IT BACK WHEN COURT IS READY TORT FINALIZE THE PANERSHIP CRITERIA SO WE CAN T START DRAWING UPHEAR DOCUMENTS AND STT TALKING -- >> LINA HIDALGO: RHT. WHAT QUALIFIES AS PARTNERSHIP>> CRITERIA. FOR THE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMLG. >> LINA HIDAO: THAT QUALIFIES? >> THAT WOULD BE'S PART OF IT. THAT RIGHT.O: >> LINA HIDALG SO THENWH WE NEED TO KNOW AT OF ALL OF THE IDEAST THAT WERE BROUGHUP, WHAT OF CKTHAT -- YOU NEED TO BA UP ATO BIT AND EXPLAIN US -- THAT'SG WHAT I WAS TRYINTO GET DIRECTOR COSTAS TO DO.IN WHAT ARE WE WORKG ON AT THE DIOSCE.T WHAT PART OF THAIS PARTNERSHIP CRITERIA? WHAT EXACTLY DOES THATTS MEAN IN WHICH FACE IT HAS? I THINK Y'ALL NEED TO BACK WAY UP OR WE NEEDWE TO WAIT ONE MORE EK. >> IF YOU LIKE I CAN GIVE IT ARS SHOT AND THEN OTHE CAN WEIGH IN. WHATIS I HEARD FROM THE COURT THEY WOULD LIKE TO WAIT ON THE EXACT BUCKETS ACROSSAM PARTNERSHIP, PROGR AND FLOOD CONTROLO:. >> LINA HIDALG BACK UP MORE, DAVE. WE ARE APPROVING A MOD. >> UH-HUHO:. >> LINA HIDALG AND FROM WITHIN THAT WE NEED TO APPROVE PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA, RIGHT? CAN YOU BACK WAY UP?E I THINK THE REASON WKEEP GOING INF CIRCLES IS BECAUSE EACH O US IS MAKINGON A DIFFERENT ASSUMPTI. >> OUR PREFERENCE --O. >> LINA HIDALGO: N WHAT IS HAPPENING. >> WE ARE APPROVING A MOD TO GLO THAT SHOULD BE IN FINAL FORM. I THINK THERE WAST. AGREEMENT TO DO THA WE ASKED THE STAFF FOR GUIDE -- FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO ALLOCATE MONEY. FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS AND OTHER COUNTY PROJECTS. WHAT WE HAVE HEARD T IS COURT WOULD LIKEO WAIT ON THAT. I THINK WE AS STAFF CAN LIVE WITH THAT. WE CAN KEEP THINGS MOVING FORWARD. WE WOULD LIKE TO FINALIZE WITHIN THAT PARTNERSHIP10 PROGRAM WHETR IT IS 0 MILLION OR 250 MILLION. >>. WITH THE PARTNERSHIP BUCKET >> THE PARTNERSHIP BUCKET. W >> LINA HIDALGO: ANDHAT FALLS UNDER OTHER COUNTY PARTNERSHIPHI PROJECTS? >> I TNK WE COULD PROBABLY WAIT ON THAT. BUT WITHIN THAT BUCKET OF 100 TO 250 MILLION, IF WE COULD FINAL LIES THE CRITERIA, IT WOULD ALLOW DR. RAHMAN TO SAYEN LET'S FINALIZE THE DOCUMTS AND WORK WITH OTHERS AND BRING IN A CONSULTANT. WE NEED TOS -- I MEAN, THREE WEEK COULD MATTER FOR THOSE PROJECTS. W >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'REITHIN THE PARTNERSHIP'SMI BUCKET. WE HAVEN'T DETERNEDS HOW MUCH OF ALL OF IT I GOING TO GO TO PARTNERSHIPS BECAUSE COMMISSIONER BREE I DON'T KNOW -- BRIONES HAS SOMETHING AND WE ALL DO. WHAT ARETH THE VARIOUS SECTIONSN E BUCKET? ONE ISRS THE DEFINITION OF PARTNEHIPS, RIGHT? WHAT ELSE IS THERE? WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED? >> IT IS THE ENTIRETY OF THE APPENDIX IFO: POSSIBLE. >> LINA HIDALG WE HAVE APPROVED THE ENTIRETY OF THE APPENDIX, BUT. WE MODIFIED IT SLIGHTLY SO IS THAT PROBLEMATIC OR NOT? THE ENTIRETY OF THE APPENDIX BEGINS WITH THE -- TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ON THE SAME THING, BEGINS WITH THE WORD INSTRUCT. INSTRUCT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO FORMALIZE A LIST OF PROJECTS. AND IT ENDS WITH WHAT WEP ADDED ABOUT THE PARTNERSHI DEFINITION TO GO BY THE 2018 BOND ELECTIONS DEFINITION OF PARTNERSHIP. RIGHT? IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE CALLING THE APPENDIX? >> OUR REQUEST WOULD BE IF WE CAN TO FINALIZE ALL OF THE PARTNERSHIP CRITERIA SO WE EFFECTIVELY CAN GET STARTEDER. >> LINA HIDALGO: I UNDSTAND THAT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEAN BY ALL OF THE PARTNERSHIP CRITERIA. ISN'T THAT WHAT I JUST READ OR IS IT SOMETHING ELSE? >> IT WOULD BE THE ENTIRETY OF THAT SCORING THAT SAYS HERE IS WHAT THE CRITERIA ARE. THERE WERE DIFFERENT PIECES VOTED ON, BUT I AT LEAST AND DRD CLEAR, I DON'T HAVE IN MY HE WHAT THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT WOULD BE. IF IT HELPS WE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YEAH. DR. RAHMAN. CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH WHAT ARE THE PIECES YOU NEED TO HAVE APPROVED TODAY? >> HAHN -- HONORABLE JUDGE AND COURT. DR. AHMAN, COUNTY ENGINEER. WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HERE IS APPENDIX B AND THE DOCUMENT HAS BEEN CIRCULATED. APPENDIX B DEFINED IF WE HAVE TO START -- CALLS FOR PROJECT FOR ALL OF THE PARTNERS AND PART OF IT YOU VOTED AND THE PIECE COMMISSIONER GARCIA WANTED TO [03:40:05] ADD. HOW WOULD WE RANK THEIR PROJECT AND BRING IT TO THE COMMISSIONER'S KWOURT -- COURT AS PRIORITIZATION FROM THE LIST APPLIED. IN THE DOCUMENT WE HAVE TWO PARTS -- WE HAVE THREE PARTS. PART ONE IS WHAT WOULD BE THE PROJECT ELIGIBILITY. THE PARTNER WOULD HAVE TO SUBMIT A PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT BY THE TIME THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED. WE WILL KNOW WHAT ALTERNATIVES WE HAVE AND WE CAN REVIEW THE READINESS OF IT. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE A LITTLE AMBIGUITY. I HEARD COMMISSIONER BRIONES IS LOOKING TO SEE IF WE CAN ADD [INAUDIBLE] AVAILABLE AND ENGINEERING REVIEW AND APPROVE PROJECT READINESS. THAT'S WHY WE NEED A CONFIGURATION. THE SECOND PIECE ON THIS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, I HEARD THERE IS A DISCUSSION -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU ABLE TO PULL THAT OUT? I AM NOT SURE I AM LOOKING AT THE RIGHT DOCUMENT. YOU SAID APPENDIX B. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THIS -- COMMISSIONER EL -- ELLIS HAD A QUESTION. HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS SENT AROUND? RIGHT. SO WHY ARE THERE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS? WHY IS IT COMING FROM COMMISSIONER ELLIS? YOU'RE SAYING THIS WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS' MODIFICATIONS, THAT'S WHAT YOU ARE SAYING? >> YES, JUDGE. THAT IS CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. SO BECAUSE COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAD SOME MODIFICATIONS WHICH IS WHAT WE PASSED, I THINK THIS IS MAKING SENSE NOW. WE PASSED THE MODIFICATIONS, BUT WE HAVEN'T PASSED THE ACTUAL DOCUMENT. SO IF YOU NEED US TO PASS THE >>DOCUMENTS WITH HIS MODIFICATIONS. AND THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER CHANGES DISCUSSED TO THE DOCUMENT, WHICH I THINK DR. RAHMAN WAS WALKING YOU THROUGH, THAT WE NEED CLARITY ON. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO DR. RAHMAN, WE ALL HAVE PAW -- APPENDIX B CLEAN. SAY WE HAVEN'T VOTE OWED THE MOTION COMMISSIONER ELLIS BROUGHT. IT IS CLEAN AND KNOWED EDITS ANU BROUGHT OUT. RUN US THROUGH POINT BY POINT WHAT ARE THE CHANGES YOU HEARD US MAKE OR THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND WE MAKE AND THEN ONCE HE IS DONE WITH THE PRESENTATION WE CAN GO BACK AND DEBATE THE VARIOUS POINTS. I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR WHAT ARE THE CHANGES? >> ABSOLUTELY, JUDGE. THE CHANGE IS THE PARTNERS. THIS DOCUMENT IS CALLED AS PARTNERS. >> WHERE WOULD THAT BE IN THIS DOCUMENT? THAT CHANGE? >> SO THAT ACTUALLY IS IN THE RCA. WE CALL IT A MUNICIPAL PARTNERSHIP. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK Y'ALL SHOULD GET A CHANGES VERSION AND MOTIONS AND BRING IT BACK. I DON'T THINK THIS IS READY FOR US TO DISCUSS IN COURT. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT. RODRIGUEZ -- RODRIGUEZ -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE A LONG DAY. WORKUP WHAT YOU WANT AND THEN IT IS EASY -- EASIER TO SORT OUT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND DO IT OFF OF APPENDIX B AND NOT THE CHANGES TO APPENDIX B. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: EVERYTH ING IN ONE -- EVERYTHING IN ONE PLACE, PLEASE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU CAN BRING IT BACK, DOC, AND THAT WAY WE CAN MOVE ON IT TODAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK INCLUDING A DEFINITION OF PARTNERSHIP IN THIS ONE DOCUMENT SO EVERYTHING THAT IS CENTRAL IS IN ONE PLACE, THAT WOULD BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL, PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU CAN HEAR WHAT WE VOTED ON EARLIER AND PUT IT ON THERE DR. RAMAN AS A SUGGESTION. >> JUDGE ONE MORE CLARIFICATION WE NEED TO BRING THAT BACK WHICH IS THE RECOMMENDATION COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD ABOUT RIGHT OF WAY AND ABLE TO GET THE RIGHT OF WAY WITHIN SIX MONTHS. SO IF THE COURT MAKES A MOTION ON THAT, THAT WAY WE CAN DOCUMENT THAT UPDATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: PUT THAT AS AN OPTION ON HERE. WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND IS WHAT ARE ALL OF THE VARIOUS THINGS YOU WANT US TO CONSIDER AND IT IS HARD TO DO THAT WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE ACTUAL DOCUMENT THAT IS CHANGING. [03:45:01] >> AND GIVE US A SENSE OF THE IMPACT OF IT. I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW. WHAT IMPACT WILL IT HAVE? YOU CAN DO THAT WHEN YOU COME BACK. WE WILL BE HERE A LITTLE WHILE TONIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. WE'LL LEAVE THAT ONE FOR PENDING LATER. AND WE WILL GO BACK NOW TO THE BUDGET ITEMS. WE HAVE DIRECTOR RAMOS UP AND DOWN AND UP AND DOWN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. WE WILL START WITH ITEM 17 WHICH IS THE 5-YEAR REVENUE AND EXPENSE FORE KA*ES AND THEN 399 WHICH IS THE SHERIFF'S UPDATE AND THEN ALL OF THE OTHER ONES. GO AHEAD, DIRECTOR RAMOS. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS. I AM DANNY RAMOS AND THE COUNTY BUDGET DIRECTOR. DURING THE PRESENTATION -- DO YOU MIND PUTTING IT UP? IT IS FOR ITEM 17, THE POWER POINT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S HARRIS HEALTH THAT YOU HAVE ON THERE. >> DANIEL, I DIDN'T GET A PRESENTATION FOR ITEM 17. >> I'M SENDING IT TO YOU NOW. WHILE THAT GETS LOADED SOME INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS. I WANT TO REMIND FOLKS THAT AT THE END OF JANUARY I PRESENTED A FIRST QUARTER PROJECTION THAT SHOWED US ABOUT $9 MILLION OF SURPLUS. THAT IS A VERY CLOSE MARGIN ESPECIALLY FROM PRIOR YEARS. SINCE THAT POINT WE HAVE GOTTEN MIXED NEWS. THE $20 MILLION SETTLEMENT WE DID NOT FACTOR THAT REVENUE FROM JUUL INTO OUR PROJECTIONS AND THE COST OF THE IN HOUSE DELINQUENT TAX COLLECTIONS IS LOWER THAN WHAT WE HAD ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED. THE BAD NEWS IS WE WILL NEED TO SPEND 15 EXTRA MILLION TO RESTORE OUR HEALTH FUND. WE STARTED AT 9 MILLION AND WE APPROPRIATED 7 MILLION OF THAT TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND THEN FROM THAT POINT WE'VE GOTTEN ABOUT A $10 MILLION INCREASE TO OUR AVAILABLE RESOURCES. TIFFANY, DO YOU HAVE THE PRESENTATION? >> CAN YOU GIVE ME A FEW MINUTES TO GET IT READY, ARE PLEASE, YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT DO YOU MEAN? >> WE PROJECTED A $9 MILLION SUR PLUS -- SURPLUS. THIS COURT APPROPRIATED 7 MILLION TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT'S WAS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, THE SHERIFF AND THE DEO. FROM THAT POINT WE GOT SOME ADDITIONAL NEWS. ONE WAS THE MILLION DOLLAR SETTLEMENT FROM JUUL. THAT WAS NOT IN THE INITIAL PROJECTION. AND WE ARE PROJECTING THE COST FOR IN-HOUSE COLLECTIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 23 TO BE LESS, MILLIONS LESS THAN WHAT WE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECTION. THAT'S THE GOOD NEWS. THE BAD NEWS IS WE WILL PROBABLY NEED TO MAKE A $15 MILLION ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION INTO THE HEALTH FUND. SO THE NET OF THOSE TWO THINGS IS -- >> THE SURPLUS IS DOWN 10. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE JUUL SETTLEMENT IS A ONE-TIME FUND. >> THESE ARE ALL ONE-TIME ITEMS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU CALCULATED THAT. I PUT 9 AND MINUS 7 AND PUT US TO 2 AND THEN 20 AND DID I HEAR YOU MENTION -- >> IT IS ABOUT $5 MILLION LESS THAN WHAT WE INCLUDED IN THE PRE WILL NEED TO DO A 15 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AT THE END OF THE DAY IT SAYS 10 MILLION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE PRESENTATION SAYS DEFICIT OF 6 MILLION. >> I'M SORRY. I AM JUST GIVING AN UPDATE OF WHERE WE WERE. WE WILL SHOW THE FIVE-YEAR PROJECTION WHEN THE PRESENTATION COMES UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IN TERMS OF RIGHT NOW MONEY YOU ARE SAYING 10 MILLION? >> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: INCLUDING THE 20 MILLION FOR JUUL, WHY NOT THE BILLION FOR ARPA? I DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE USING ONE-TIME FUNDING. JUUL, IS IT 20 MILLION ANNUALLY? >> NO. IT IS ONE YEAR. WE DID A PROJECTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 23 BECAUSE WE GOT SO MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STATE OF THE COUNTY'S FINANCES MOVING FORWARD. WE DID A PROJECTION OF WHAT WE COULD POSSIBLY RECEIVE FROM TAXES USING THE VOTER APPROVED RATE VERSUS WHAT WE KNOW AND WHAT WE ARE MAKING ASSUMPTIONS ON FOR THE EXPENDITURE SIDE. THANK YOU, TIFFANY. [03:50:01] IF YOU COULD GO TO SLIDE 3, PLEASE. ONE MORE UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: BACK ONE PAGE. >> SO WE ARE GOING TO PRESENT THREE REVENUE SCENARIOS. ONE IS WORST CASE SCENARIO WHICH IS NO NEW REVENUE FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. ONE IS VOTER APPROVED FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND ONE IS IF WE WERE TO GO TO NNR FOR ONE YEAR AND WHAT THAT DOES FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. WE HAVE PROJECTING ABOUT A 2% INCREASE IN NEW PROPERTIES. THAT NUMBER HAS STAYED CONSISTENT THE LAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS. OUR NON-TAX REVENUE WILL GO UP THE SAME AS INFLATION. AND EMPLOYEE-PAID HEALTH WILL GO UP. WE ARE ASSUMING A 1.5% GROWTH. AS FOLKS MOVE HERE WE NEED MORE EMPLOYEES. THERE IS A 2.71 INFLATION RATE. AND GROUP HEALTH IS A 5.7% INCREASE. OUR COSTS ARE CLOSER TO 8. WE DECIDED TO USE -- CMS PUTS OUT AN INFLATION RATE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE USING INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY. WE MAY BE A TOUCH LIBERAL ON THAT. AND WE ARE NOT CHANGING OUR DEBT ASSUMPTIONS. THE NEXT SLIDE. AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE IS A BIG DELTA. THAT IS MMR FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND -- THAT IS NNR AND THEN IF WE WERE TO GO TO THE VOTER APPROVED RATE. THE NNR COMPILES ON ITSELF, SAME AS THE VOTER APPROVED RATE. THIS IS HOW COST IS GOING UP USING INFLATIONARY COSTS. AND THEN THE NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. THIS IS SURPLUS DEFICIT WE ARE PROJECTING WHEN YOU COMBINE THE TWO CHARTS. EVEN ONE YEAR OF NNR OR IN THIS CASE IT IS TWO YEARS IN A ROW OF NNR TAKES US ABOUT FOUR YEARS TO GET BACK TO BREAK EVEN. I WANTED TO SHOW WHAT YOUR AUTHORITY WOULD BE IF YOU DECIDED TO MAKE THE CHOICE. AND THE MIDDLE IS IF WE GO TO -- I'M SORRY. THE MIDDLE IS IF WE GO TO NNR AND THE BOTTOM IS IF WE CONTINUE TO GO TO INCOMER NR. BECAUSE THE NUMBERS COMPOUND ON ONE ANOTHER, THE PICTURE GETS A LOT WORSE THE MORE YEARS. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. KEEP GOING. THERE ARE ADDITIONAL RISKS. WE NEED AN ASSUMPTION ON INFLATION. INFLATION IS SICK LICK CAL. CYCLICAL. WE COULD EXPECT LESS REVENUE. ONE, THERE IS LEGISLATION BEING ARE KED THAT WOULD -- CONSIDERED THAT WOULD LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO RAISE REVENUE. THERE MIGHT BE A DOWNTURN WHERE WE KEEP PACE ON THE REVENUE SIDE. NON-TAX REVENUES COULD BE INCLUDED. PEOPLE STOP BUILDING CARS AND BUILDING BUILDINGS, ET CETERA. THERE IS ALSO UNFUNDED MANDATES AND THIS DOESN'T TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION AND WE HAVE SEEN THAT THE LEGISLATURE WILL TYPICALLY ADD REQUIREMENTS FOR US TO DO SOMETHING OR SHIFT THE RESPONSIBILITY FROM THEM BACK TO THE COUNTY. AND ARPA. ARPA WILL WIND DOWN AND THIS COURT WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DECISION WHETHER TO MAINTAIN THE PROGRAM. NEXT SLIDE. ONE THING I WANT TO EMPHASIZE, THESE FINANCIAL TROUBLES, THEY ARE HAVING IN PRETTY IDEAL CIRCUMSTANCES. WE HAVE A VERY STRONG HOUSING MARKET, INCREDIBLY STRONG LABOR MARKET. THIS IS REALLY THE TIME THAT A LOT OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS ARE STARTING TO RECOVER AND WE ARE STARTING TO FACE THE DIFFICULTIES THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH IN EARLY 2010. [03:55:03] AND AGAIN I WILL BE A BROKEN CLOCK. OUR HEALTHCARE COSTS THAT ARE SO FAR OUT STRIPPING OUR ABILITY TO RAISE MONEY. THOSE ARE THE RISKS AND THE KEY TAKE AWAYS. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU USE SOME NUMBERS? I DON'T HAVE MY GLASSES FOR ONE, BUT WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS? WHAT'S THIS YEAR, NEXT YEAR, WHAT ARE THE ACTUAL NUMBERS? >> SURE. IN TERMS OF GROUP HEALTH JUST TO GIVE CONTEXT TO THE NUMBERS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: NOT SO MUCH HEALTH. IN EARLIES IT OF DEFICIT -- IN TERMS OF DEFICIT PER YEAR, I THOUGHT THAT'S WHAT YOU WERE GOING TO GO OVER. >> IF WE WERE GOING TO CONTINUE ON A VOTER APPROVED RATE, OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS IT WILL GO FROM A $7 MILLION DEFICIT THIS YEAR -- SORRY. A $9 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL 24 AND THEN A $46 MILLION SURPLUS AND 110 AND 201. IF WE WERE TO GO TO NNR FOR FISCAL YEAR 23 IT WOULD BE A $53 MILLION DEFICIT AND THEN IT WOULD GO TO AN $81 MILLION DEFICIT AND 86,000,069 P-L -- MILLION AND THEN A 28 MILLION DEFICIT. IF WE WERE TO GO TO NNR, I THINK THIS IS THE WORST CASE SCENARIO. I'M ON SLIDE FIVE, JUDGE. >> PART OF THIS IS FOR THE PUBLIC TOO. GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. GO AHEAD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MR. RAMOS, YOU MENTIONED IT IN TERMS OF OUR HEALTH COSTS BEING THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT WE ARE FACING AND IT REMINDS ME WHEN WE WERE ON COUNCIL WE DEALT WITH THE SAME THING. BACK THEN IT WAS ABOUT A $300 MILLION CONTRACT. WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THAT CONTRACT TODAY? >> IT IS 408 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR, AND AGAIN THAT WILL GO UP TO 423 MILLION. WE'LL MAKE THE INITIAL CONTRIBUTION. >> AND IS THERE ANYWAY, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT THIS COUNTY CAN DO TO IMPACT THAT NUMBER. >> THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WAYS AND I KNOW THEY ARE WORKING ON OPTIONS THAT WILL BE BID AS PART OF IT. THOSE WILL ALL COME BACK FOR YOUR VOTE AND YOUR APPROVAL. BUT YES, WE ARE WORKING TO CURB THAT. >> HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK YOU CAN EFFECTIVELY AND REALISTICALLY IMPACT THAT NUMBER. >> WE CAN MAKE SOME CHANGES. IT DEPENDS ON HOW RADICAL YOU WANT TO GO. OUR BASELINE PLAN IS GOLD AND THEN FOLKS BUY IN. THE COUNTY IS SUBSIDIZING THE UP GRADE AND FOLKS ARE TO THE PAYING THE FULL VALUE GOING FROM GOLD TO PLATINUM. ONE OPLS IS -- ONE OPTION IS A SILVER OPTION AND ALLOWING FOLKS TO MOVE FROM GOLD -- GOLD OR PLATINUM. THERE ARE WAYS TO MOVE FOLKS INTO MANAGED CARE -- INTO A MANAGED CARE OPTION. THEY MOVED TO THE PLAN FOR 365 AND THOSE ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE FOLKS IN THE SYSTEM. THEY ARE STARTING TO DRAW DOWN -- SORRY. STARTING TO DRAW DOWN ON CARE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. >> SO THAT'S YOUR OVERALL -- SOME SIMPLE PLAN CHANGES COULD NET BETWEEN 15 AND 20ED A AID 1. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: 15 TO 20 MILLION? >> FOR A SIMPLE PLAN CHANGE THAT MOST WON'T NOTICE, DEPENDING ON HOW AGGRESSIVE COURT WANTS TO BE, I WOULD SAY 40 TO 50 IS ACHIEVABLE. AND SOME IS COST AVOIDANCE. IF WE CAN KEEP THE COSTS, THAT'S A HUGE WIN FOR THE COUNTY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. IN TERMS OF ARPA, YOU TOUCHED ON IT AS WELL, DO WE HAVE ARPA INTO REOCCURRING COSTS RIGHT NOW? >> NO. AND SO WE PUT ARPA INTO ONE-TIME EXPENSES AND WE HAVE CREATED PROGRAMS WITH THE ARPA MONEY -- AND WHEN IS ARPA EXHAUSTED? WHAT'S THE TIMELINE? >> AND SO IN 2026 WE WILL HAVE TO DECIDE HOW TO SUSTAIN THOSE PROGRAMS OR NOT. >> THAT'S CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER? [04:00:06] >> RODNEY ELLIS: SOME OF THE MONEY WE PUT INTO THE D.A.'S BUDGET, IT WAS ARPA, BUT ARE WE GOING TO STOP THAT? WILL WE HAVE TO LET THOSE PEOPLE GO? THERE ARE ARPA POSITIONS. >> SURE IF THERE ARE PUBLIC DEFENDER POSITIONS AND IT IS ACROSS A WHOLE -- AND WE CAN PROVIDE A REPORT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO STRESS. >> WE WILL HAVE REOCCURRING EXPENSES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL HAVE TO* STOP -- WE WILL HAVE TO STOP THOSE. >> THAT'S A REOCCURRING EXPENSE. >> IF I MIGHT, COMMISSIONERS, THOSE POSITIONS ARE SET UP AROUND EMERGENCY RESPONSE DOCKETS AND ASSOCIATE JUDGE PROGRAMS TO ASSIST WITH THE CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG. >> THE PRESUMPTION IS WE WILL GET THROUGH THE BACKLOG. >> THAT IS THE ASSUMPTION. >> THE ASSUMPTION IS THROUGH ATTRITION THEY MAY LEAVE. >> AND I THINK THAT IS THE OTHER PART OF THIS. >> IF YOU LOOK AT THE TURNOVER IN MOST OFFICES IF THERE IS A GLIDE PATH AND THE INITIATIVES CAN BE WOUND DOWN, WE ARE IN A POSITION OF ARBITRARILY FIRING PEOPLE. BUT THERE IS AN ASSUMPTION HERE THAT THESE INITIATIVES WILL HAVE RUN THEIR COURSE AND DONE WHAT THEY NEED TO DO. >> JUST AS AN ASIDE, I WOULD STRONGLY ENCOURAGE A DISCUSSION TO THE COURT AS A MATTER OF CONTROL TO THOSE REOCCURRING EXPENSES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EMERGENCY DIVIDED. >> IT WILL BE INTERESTING. THE OTHER ONE, I GUESS, IS PAGE 7. THE OTHER RISK FACTOR YOU DIDN'T MENTION WAS WE ARE ASSUMING THAT MAYBE LEGISLATION WILL NOT PASS AND IT REQUIRES FIVE OF US TO BE HERE OR YOU COULD END UP -- I GUESS YOU CAN LIST IT ON THE LEGISLATION. >> I WANT TO SAY THERE IS STILL SOME RISK THERE. >> THERE WAS ONE FILED LAST FRIDAY TO MOVE THE RATE FROM THREE AND A HALF TO TWO AND A HALF. THERE IS DEBT FOR THINGS CURRENTLY EXEMPTED. THERE'S A LOT THAT COULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AFTER THEY ADJOURN YOU MIGHT COME BACK AND -- YOU KNOW, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO UPDATE IT A LITTLE QUICKER. YOU CAN UPDATE JUNE. >> AND AS A REMINDER THE BUDGET PROCESS KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK WHERE WE WILL DO THE CURRENT LEVEL AND -- FORECAST AND I WILL BE BACK MID-JUNE TO PRESENT TO THE YEAR FISCAL YEAR 24 SURPLUS DEFICIT AND WHAT WE ARE PROJECTING R*D -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE ONE MORE COMMENT, BUT COMMISSIONER BRIONES? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: ON THE HEALTHCARE, IS THIS BEING SEEN BY OTHER JURISDICTIONS, AND IF SO WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THAT? AND GOD FORBID WE ARE HIT BY A HURRICANE THIS SEASON WHAT FISCAL IMPACT WOULD THAT HAVE? >> TO ANSWER THE SECOND QUESTION FIRST, I BELIEVE WHAT WE SAW DURING HARVEY WAS OVER 100 MILLION. WE HAVE BEEN 160 MILLION IN THE PIC THAT IS SHORT OF THE GOAL OF $225 MILLION THE COURT SET OUT, BUT WE ARE SEEMING REIMBURSEMENTS FROM FEMA AND IT GOES BACK TO THE PIC. ON THE HEALTHCARE SIDE MOST OF THE JURISDICTIONS MADE SIGNIFICANT REFORMS TO THE HEALTHCARE AND WENT FROM EIGHT PLANS TO FOUR AND MOVED OUR BASE PLAN FROM GOLD TO SILVER AND A LOT OF FOLKS TO BUY IN THE HIGHER TIER. MOST JURISDICTIONS HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS. IT WAS GROWING SO PROSPEROUSLY IT WAS NOT FACED WITH THE OPTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? >> TOM RAMSEY: WE HAVE TALKED MORE THAN ONE OCCASION OF TRACKING AR PAW-FUNDED TRAN -- ARPA-FUNDED TRANSITIONS. WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT BEING UPDATED MORE FREQUENTLY, SO MAYBE WE NEED TO BE MORE SPECIFIC IN TERMS OF QUARTERLY OR MONTHLY, WHAT DO WE HAVE THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY FUNDING THROUGH ARPA THAT WE MAY BE EXPECTED TO TAKE THAT BACK ON IN THE GENERAL FUND. WE SHOULD BE TRACKING THAT AND REPORTING TO COURT. THE OTHER THING WE TRACKED, WHAT PROGRAMS HAVE WE STARTED AND WHAT PROGRAMS MIGHT WE NOT WANT TO DO? IN THE CATEGORY OF DOING THINGS BETTER, THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE WANT TO START DOING AND SOME THINGS WE WANT TO STOP DOING. I THINK Y'ALL'S METRIC [04:05:08] STANDPOINT IS PRETTY GOOD. >> ON THE GRANT FUND POSITIONS, THERE IS THAT REPORT THAT WE SHARED, BUT WE'LL TRANSMIT IT TO COURT REGULARLY SO YOU WILL HAVE DIRECT ACCESS. IT IS BEING TRACKED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU HAVE A QUESTION AS WELL AND I WANT TO ASK ONE TOO BECAUSE I WANT TO BE CLEAR ON THE DEFICIT. CAN YOU RUN US THROUGH NUMBERS? I DON'T KNOWING -- I DON'T KNOW IF THE PUBLIC HAS THE PRESENTATION, BUT I AM TRYING TO DRAW THE LINE, BUT I DON'T HAVE MY GLASSES AND I WANTED TO UNDERSTAND. MY UNDERSTANDING IS IF WE DO NO NEW REVENUE IT IS A $6.6 MILLION DEFICIT. NEXT YEAR IS 50 MILLION AND THE YEAR AFTER THAT IS 153 MILLION AND THE YEAR AFTER THAT IS 270. I DIDN'T HEAR THAT. AM I WRONG? >> NO. AND OBVIOUSLY MR. RAMOS, I AM NOT THE BUDGET DIRECTOR SO I DON'T HAVE TO ALWAYS BRING THE BAD NEWS, BUT MAYBE I CAN WALK YOU THROUGH MY TAKE AWAY. IF WE ARE ABLE TO GO TO THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE OR SOMETHING CLOSE, THAT'S REVENUE GROWING AROUND 5% A YEAR . A -- A YEAR. A COUPLE PERCENTAGE FOR PROPERTY OR MAYBE EVEN A TAX RATE INCREASE. WE WILL HAVE A SMALL SUR PLUS IN THE FUTURE BASED ON PRO -- PROJECTIONS. IT WILL BE 9 MILLION IN FISCAL 24 AND 25 AND IT GOES UP FROM THERE THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO DO SERVICEN -- SERVICE ENHANCE -- SERVICE ENHANCEMENTS. OTHERWISE WE FIND THE PROGRAMS AND THERE HAS TO BE CUTS ELSEWHERE. WHETHER IT IS TO OTHER PROGRAMS OR WHETHER IT IS TO POSITIONS. THAT'S MY TAKE AWAY IF WE CAN GET BACK TO -- OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE A 9% REVENUE GROWTH. IF WE CAN GET BACK TO 4 TO 5% REVENUE GROWTH A YEAR IF WE GO DOWN THE PATH OF THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE NEXT YEAR WHICH COULD BE SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS AT THE LEGISLATURE AND THERE ARE OTHER THINGS GOING ON AND I DON'T THINK WE'LL END UP THERE, BUT WE WOULD START FROM A 50 MILLION DEFICIT. AND IF THAT WERE TO CONTINUE IN THE FUTURE, YOU GET TO A VERY BAD SPOT. WE CAN GO THROUGH THE NUMBERS, BUT IT IS NOT SUSTAINABLE AT A NO NEW REVENUE RATE. MR. RAMOS IS THE MASTER OF THE SPECIFIC NUMBERS, BUT THAT'S MY TAKE AWAY AS WE THINK ABOUT FUTURE BUDGETS AND NEW INVESTMENTS. >> LINA HIDALGO: IF WE WERE TO DO A NO NEW REVENUE RATE THIS YEAR AND THEN VOTER APPROVAL RATE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN? >> WE ARE ALREADY IN THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE FOR THIS BUDGET CYCLE BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR. IF WE WERE TO GO TO FISCAL YEAR 24, WE WOULD BE LOOKING AT A 53 MILLION DEFICIT AND THAT WOULD SLOWLY RECOVER OVER TIME AS MORE REVENUE CAME IN AS WE DON'T GET STUCK IN THE NO NEW REVENUE. >> IF WE END UP FACING NO NEW REVENUE THIS YEAR, EVEN IF WE DID THE MOST AGGRESSIVE HEALTHCARE THAT MR. RAMOS YOU SAID 40 MILLION TO 50 MILLION SAVINGS. WE KNOW IT IS REALISTIC TO DO THAT AGGRESSIVE HEALTHCARE FORM, WE WOULDN'T MAKE UP THE DEFICIT. AND THAT'S ASSUMING THAT WE CAN GO TO THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE EVERY YEAR AFTER THIS YEAR WHEN REALLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED IS WE GO TO VOTER APPROVAL OR NEAR IT. AT LEAST THIS YEAR. TWO IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS. OKAY. AND THEN NOW THAT THERE IS THAT LEGISLATION THAT ALLOWS THE STATE TO CAP US AT NO NEW REVENUE. COMMISSIONER ELLIS? THANK YOU FOR THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YEAH. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE POINT THAT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT REFORMS IN HEALTHCARE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT REDUCING BENEFITS OF PEOPLE GETTING THEM. I KNOW AT LEAST WHEN THAT HAS COME UP IN THE PAST I GET SENSITIVE TO IT. I WILL USE THE WORD REFORM WITHOUT A COST AND BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT MADE ADJUSTMENTS TO EMPLOYEES' SALARIES AND WE ARE LOSING PEOPLE IN PART BECAUSE OF THAT, THE ONLY REASON MANY PEOPLE STAY WITH THE COUNTY IS BECAUSE OF THAT HEALTHCARE PLAN. AT LEAST FROM MY VANTAGE POINT. I GET A RETIREMENT HEALTHCARE PLAN, BUT THE COUNTY KICKS IN FIRST. I THINK I GOT MORE FROM THE OLD HEALTHCARE PLAN. [04:10:01] I THINK BECAUSE I'M STILL WORKING, I WOULD GET MORE FROM MY VANTAGE POINT IF I WILL OWN THE STATE PLAN WHICH IS MY RETIREMENT PLAN THAT I GET ON THIS ONE. JUST AS WE MAKE THOSE CHANGES, THAT'S A SKO*S -- A COST ASSOCIATED. I KNOW WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE PAY ISSUE, BUT WE ARE LOSING A LOT OF PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE MORE. SOME OF THEM STAY FOR THE INSURANCE. NOT ALL OF THEM. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T USE THE WORD REFORM LIKE THAT IS THE EASY THING TO DO. >> UNDERSTOOD. AND THE IDEA WOULD NOT BE THAT THE COUNTY ABSORB THE SAVINGS. WE WOULD WANT TO DO IT BY RIGHT SIZING. OUR BENEFITS ARE STELLAR AND AT MARKET OR ABOVE MARKET IN MOST CASES, BUT OUR SALARIES ARE BELOW MARKET. >> AND OBVIOUSLY EVEN AROUND THIS TABLE WE HAVE GONE THROUGH IT. THE YOUNGER ONES NOT AS MUCH AS THE OLDER ONES. YOU GO TO YOUR DOCTOR AND FIND OUT THEY WERE KICKED OFF THE PLAN BECAUSE THEY ARE WORKING THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS. I FOR ONE HAVE BEEN VERY UPSET ABOUT IT. I'M AT THAT AGE WHERE EVERY DAY IS PRETTY SPECIAL. I'M GLAD TO BE HERE. >> I THINK WE HAVE A LOT OF QUESTIONS ESPECIALLY IN THE CONTEXT OF ADDING ADDITIONAL COURTS. WHAT I'LL SAY IS AS A COUNTY WE WILL NEED TO OFFSET SPENDING THROUGH A TAX RATE OR THROUGH SPENDING THE OFFSETS. IT IS NOT A BAD THING AND IT IS MY JOB TO HELP FACILITATE THE REALIGNMENT OF THE COUNTY SPENDING WITH YOU ALL'S PRIORITIES. AND YOU -- >> YOU CAN PRESENT OPTIONS AND THE COURT WILL GRAB THAT OPTION. WHEN I COME UP WITH STUFF THAT IMPACTS THEY ARE FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE. I FIGURE WHEN YOU CAN'T BEAT THEM, JOIN THEM. YOU GOT ME? IF YOU HAVE TO MAKE SOME CUTS AND COME UP WITH MORE REVENUE, NOT EVERYBODY WILL DO THAT. I JUST WANT TO STRESS THERE ARE A COUPLE ITEMS THAT COME HERE. WE DIDN'T HAVE MONEY AND THEN OBVIOUSLY IT IS PUTTING A PINCH ON SOMEWHERE ELSE. I I KNOW THE TRADITION AND I KNOW THE LAW. WHEN WE GET TO THAT ITEM, AND I SOUNDED THE ALARM A FEW WEEKS AGO AND IT DIDN'T GO TOO WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE REQUESTED A BREAK, SO LET'S TAKE A BREAK UNTIL 4:10 AND WE'LL HEAR FROM SHERIFF GONZALEZ. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE. WHEN YOU COME BACK BEYOND HEALTHCARE, CAN YOU PRESENT AN AWAY -- AN ARRAY OF OTHER OPTIONS WE CAN CUT? I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE EYES WIDE OPEN AND SEEING THE OPPORTUNITY COST BEYOND. I EMPATHIZE WITH WHAT YOU SAID. WE HAD TROUBLE RECRUITING AND RETAINING TALENT. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ARRAY OF OPTIONS PLEASE. >> SURE. AND SOME OF THE OTHER ONES AND I DIDN'T BE CAN TKEUT ABOUT THE ONE -- CAN TKEUT -- CANDID ABOUT WHAT FELL ON MY LIST. WE HAD THE OUT SOURCING OF PRISONERS AND IT IS ABOUT $100 PER DAY PER PERSON. IT IS EVERYTHING WE CAN DO TO R. AND THEN AFTER THAT WE HAVE FEES THE COUNTY CHARGES TO RECOUP OUR COSTS AND THEY HAVEN'T BEEN UPDATED. IN SOME CASES IT IS DECADES. WE ARE WORKING ON A LIST OF THAT AND IT IS GOING TO BE PRESENTED AS AN OPTION FOR COURT TO CONSIDER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FEES WOULD RAISE YET? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA? >> WE HAVE SOME IDEAS, BUT WE WANT TO BRING THEM TOGETHER AS A PACK TKEPBLG AND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE -- PACKAGE AND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COUNTY. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE NUMBERS. I THINK WE HAVE A TENDENCY TO SEE GLASS HALF FULL. LET'S HOPE WHATEVER COMES BACK DURING BUDGET SEASON, UNLESS WE MAKE SOME DECISIONS WE CAN PUSH SOME OF THOSE DECISIONS UNTIL THEN, BUT AT LEAST, YOU KNOW, FROM WHAT I'VE HEARD IN THE JAIL, THESE DEATHS ARE HAPPENING NOW. I DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN PUSH THE DECISIONS, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE WOULD THE MONEY COME FROM TO PAY FOR THESE THINGS. SAME WITH THE COURTS. I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF LANGUAGE IS BEING PROPOSED ON THE RESOLUTIONS, BUT IF WE NEED TO VOTE ON THAT NOW AND FIGURE OUT HOW WE WILL PAY FOR IT, I THINK. >> AND JUDGE, I KERPBL -- I CERTAINLY THINK MR. RAMOS CAN GIVE INDICATIVE IDEAS ON WHAT THESE COULD SAY. I WANT TO SAY RESPECTFULLY, OUTSIDE THE BUDGET PROCESS, IT IS PRETTY MUCH IMPOSSIBLE. I WOULD SAY IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE THE FULL MENU OF OPTIONS. YOU MENTIONED DEFERRING THINGS TO THE NEXT BUDGET. WHEN THAT'S POSSIBLE, WE WOULD [04:15:04] ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT IT. THERE MAY BE CASES WHEN SOMETHING IS SO URGENT AND WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE JAIL THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE. MR. RAMOS AND I WOULD GIVE YOU THE SAME ADVICE. DEFERRING TO THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE IS THE BEST PRACTICE. >> YOU CAN GIVE OPTIONS BECAUSE IT IS NOT THE BUDGET PROCESS. >> WE CAN PROVIDE SOME IDEAS AND SOME INDICATIONS. THAT'S WHAT THE BUDGET PROCESS IS FOR. UNFORTUNATELY LAST YEAR -- EUB -- I MEAN, I AM NOT SEEKING TO SAY WHY, BUT WE DID NOT GO THROUGH THE PROCESS WHERE THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL AMENDMENTS OF TAX RATES AND SPENDING. WE ALL KNOW WHERE WE ENDED UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S TAKE A BREAK UNTIL 4:10. >> ON THIS ITEM, 17, NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE STILL DISCUSSING. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. IT IS 4:21 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IN TERMS OF TRADEOFFS? BEFORE WE HEAR FROM THE SHERIFF? >> NO SKWRUPBG -- NO JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THE SHERIFF IS SPEAKING ON ITEM 399 WHICH IS JOINT ITEM WITH THE SHERIFF'S'S OFFICE AND OCA. >> GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONER AND -- JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. GRATEFUL TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE BEFORE YOU AND UPDATE YOU ON THE WORK WE ARE DOING TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS FOR THOSE IN WORK IN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL AND THOSE CONFINED THERE. EVERY YEAR THROUGH OUR DOORS AT THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL WE SEE JUST SHY OF 100,000 PERSONS EVERY SINGLE YEAR. TODAY OUR JAIL HOLDS NEARLY 10,000 PEOPLE. MOST OF THEM PRE-TRIAL, AWAITING TRIAL AS THEY AWAIT VIOLENT FELONY CHARGES. THE AVERAGE STAY IS 200 DAYS WHICH IS EXCEEDINGLY HIGH, MORE THAN OTHER COUNTIES AND EVEN THE COUNTRY. ONE-THIRD ARE TAKING PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS WHICH IS COSTLY. MANY ARE CHARGED WITH MURDER AND CAPITAL MURDER. IT IS TWICE AS MANY AS IN CUSTODY FIVE YEARS AGO. BUS -- BECAUSE OF OVERCROWDING HARRIS COUNTY PAX PAYER -- TAX PAY -- PAYERS ARE PAYING FOR HOUSING IN OTHER AREAS OF TEXAS. WE KEPT THE STATE'S LARGEST JAIL RUNNING IN THE WORST NATURAL DISASTER IN U.S. HISTORY, HURRICANE HARVEY, NUMBER TWO, THE MOST DEADLY PANDEMIC OUR WORLD ENDURED IN SKREPB RATIONS, AND THREE, CONSISTENTLY OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS. OUR DETENTION OFFICERS AND OUR MEDICAL STAFF AND SUPPORT STAFF REPORTED FOR WORK IN PERSON. ALL THE WHILE THE BACKLOG OF CASES GREW AS MORE PEOPLE CAME TO THE JAIL EACH DAY THAN THE NUMBER LEAVING. WE SAW SAW SAW THE CURRENT CRISIS COMING, AT LEAST WE SHOULD HAVE. IN JUNE OF 2020, COMMISSIONERS' COURT RECEIVED A REPORT FROM THE JUSTICE THAT HAD A GREAT WARNING. IT SAID AGGRESSIVE AND IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED BY HARRIS COUNTY ELECTED JUSTICE OFFICIALS TO ADDRESS THE CRISIS AND CREATE BALANCE. THE SOLUTION DEMANDS A CANDID CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE PRAGMATIC UNDERSTANDING THAT, ONE, EVEN THOUGH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER REOPENED AND WAS FULLY ACCESSIBLE, THE BACKLOG OF CRIMINAL CASES WOULD TAKE YEARS TO GO AHEAD -- TO GO AWAY. EVEN NEW JUDGESHIPS WERE ADDED, THE BACKLOG WOULD STILL TAKE YEARS TO GO AWAY. AND EVEN IF HARRIS COUNTY ADDED MORE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, COURT CLERKS, PUBLIC HR-FD -- PUBLIC DEFENDER ITSELF WOULD STILL TAKE YEARS TO GO UH -- TO GO AWAY. COMMISSIONERS' COURT HAS TAKEN ACTION. YOU MADE JAIL FUNDING A PRIORITY. WE RECENTLY OPENED OUR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT CENTER TO SERVE THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF WOMEN IN JAIL. AND FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T BEEN THERE -- I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN THERE COMMISSIONER BRIONES, I WELCOME YOU TO VISIT. IT IS A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN WE REIMAGINE. FRANKLY IT IS NOT ENOUGH. IT IS AN ENTRENCHED PROBLEM FOR DECADES. WE ARE CURRENTLY ON THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS LIST OF NONCOMPLYING JAILS. WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW IS THAT HARRIS COUNTY HAS BEEN ON THIS LIST FOR 14 OF THE PAST 20 YEARS. AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE WE STRUGGLED TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN ENOUGH QUALIFIED STAFF TO WORK IN THIS CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT. FOR $19.75 AN HOUR, THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER OPTIONS IN A MORE COMPETITIVE HIRING MARKET. EACH YEAR WE LOSE ONE-THIRD OF OUR DETENTION STAFF FROM ATTRITION. THE TRAINING ACADEMY NEVER STOPS PREPARING THE NEXT BATCH OF DETENTION OFFICERS. TODAY WE HAVE 150 UNFILLED DETENTION OFFICER VACANCIES AND WE'RE DOWN ABOUT 100 DEPUTIES [04:20:04] ASSIGNED TO WORK IN THE JAIL. FRANKLY THIS COMMISSIONERS' COURT COULD TKPWRAFPBT -- GRANT ME 1,000 MORE POSITIONS TODAY, BUT I COULD NOT FILL THEM BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH PERSONS WILLING TO DO THE WORK FOR THE PAY WE OFFER. A YEAR AGO THE COMMISSIONERS' COURT VOTED TO PARTNER WITH HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE JAIL. THEY WERE GIVEN A $93 MILLION BUDGET WHICH IS 23% MORE THAN WE SPENT IN 2021. IT IS CLEAR THAT HARRIS HEALTH IS MAKING IMPROVEMENTS AND I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE THEM AS A PARTNER. THE TRANSITION HAS BEEN ROUGH. WE SAW 27 DEATHS OF PEOPLE IN OUR JAIL, THE HIGHEST NUMBER WE HAVE SEEN IN DECADES. I DO WANT TO ADD CONTEXT TO THAT. CURRENTLY IN THE JAIL WE HAVE A HUNDRED PERSON THAT'S ARE 66 YEARS OR OLDER. 5% OF OUR POPULATION, OVER 472, ARE HOMELESS AND 1400 INDIVIDUALS, 19% OF OUR POPULATION ARE THERE WITH A BOND OF $10,000 OR LESS. BACK TO HARRIS HEALTH, THEY CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 80 -- THEY CURRENTLY NEED 80 NURSES NEEDED TO WORK IN OUR JAIL. THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS ALSO IN LINE WITH WHAT JAILS AND PRISONS ACROSS AMERICA ARE REPORTING. THE MORTALITY RATE IN 2022 WAS ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS A COMBINED MORTALITY RATE IN BEXAR COUNTY, TARRANT AND TRAVIS COUNTY JAIL. A UCLA LAW SCHOOL REPORT SHOWED DEATHS IN JAILS INCREASED AFTER THE PANDEMIC. THE REASON WAS INADEQUATE JAIL AND STAFFING. WE ARE TAKING ACTION. I WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR BERRY AND DANIEL RAMOS AND THEIR TEAMS TO MEET WITH US TO DISCUSS SHORT AND LONG-TERM STEPS TO IMPROVE THE SKWAEUGS. -- SITUATION. THAT'S WHAT I AM HERE TOIS DCUSS IN HOPES YOU WILLOT VE IN SUPPORT OF OURHA SRED PLAN. ITNC ILUDES $2,000 IN LONGEVITY INCENTIVES FOR ALL DETENTION OFFICERS. THEY WOULDEC REIVE THE FIRST THOUSANDOL DLARS IN SIX MONTHS AND THE SECONDHO TUSAND SIX MONTHS AFTER THAT. WE HOPEHI TS HELPS CONVINCE SOME TO STAY AROUNDO TSTABILIZE OUR WORKFORCE UNTILHE T COMMISSIONERS'OU CRT CAN IMPLEMENT FOR SIGNIFICANTAY P RAISES WE AGREERE A NEEDED. WENO KW WE MUST DOOR ME TOUI BLD PUBLIC TRUSTN ITHE OPERATION AND THAT'S WHYE WARE COMMITTED TO OUTFITTING OUR DETENTION OFFICERS WITHY BODWORN CAMERAS TO PROVIDEE MORINSIGHT INTO HOW THEY INTERACTH WITPERSONS IN THE JAIL. THESE CAMERAS WILLOM CE EQUIPPED WITH PANICTO BUTNATS TH DETENTIONIC OFFERS CAN USE TO SUMMON HELP IFY THETOO ARE IN DANGER. WE A ARESKING FOR THE COURT'S ASSISTANCE WITH S THETRATEGIC RESEARCH-BASED DETENTIONIC OFFER ANDRU RECITING EFFORT. WE BELIEVERO IMPVING THIS PROCESSL WILULTIMATELY SAVE TAXPAYER DOLLARSRE BY DUCING TURNOVER. IN ADDITION,AR WE E ASKING TO CREATE THE NEW POSITION OF DETENTION CAPTAINCH WHI HELPS CREATE A MORE ATTRACTIVER CAREEH O ARETT COMMIED TOIN SUSTA THE COURSETH IN E JAIL. IN THETE LONG-RM, I AMG ASKIN COMMISSIONER'S T COURTO MAKE THA IL BETTER FOR EVERYONE WHO LIVES AND WORKS THERE WE MUSTRE PLACE THEIN BUILDGS WITH THOSETH AT REFLECT OURD SHAREVALUES. WE NEED JAILSUS TO HOE HOLISTICCE SERVIS THAT PEOPLE NEED TOHE GET TIR LIVES ON TRACK. ANDE LET MBE. CLEAR IT IS MY INTENTIONTH THAT ESE NEWIT FACILIES BE BETTER THAN NOTONES WE HAVE NOW, NECESSARILY BIGGER. I AM ASKINGRT THE COU TO WORK WITHIN US TO FD A PARKING SOLUTION FOR OUR DETENTIONOF FICERS.TO DAY MANY OF THEM ARETO FORCED Y PATO PARKEY WHEN TH COME TO WORK T BECAUSEHERE ARE NO OTHERI OPONS IMMEDIATELYCE OR ADJANT TO OURY. FACILIT THAT'S JUSTR NOT FAIAND IT IS NOT HOW YOU SHOULDOU TREAT YR LOWEST PAIDES TEAMMAT. ANDAL NOW TO L OF THE FAMILIES WHOST HAVE LO O A LOVEDNE IN OUL JA, YOU HAVE MY AND OUR SINCEREY SYMPATHFOR YOUR YOUN'T IMAGINEEF THE GRI FEEL. YOU W HAVE MYORD THAT I THEINUE TO WORK TO ENSURE JAIL IS SAFE FOR EVERYONE. WE CAN A DO BETTERND WE MUSTPW O HRER. THANKTT YOU -- BEER. YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK MUCH.MM COISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. A >>DRIAN GARCIA: SHERIFF, THANK , ANDOR COMING BEFORE US THANK YOU FOR S PROVIDINGOME INSIGHT TO YOURS CHALLENGEYO AND UR OPERATIONSTM AND COMMIENT. IT IS GREAT TOAT HAVE YOU THE O HELMF THE O SHERIFF'SFFICE.HE IN T ITEM YOUIN LAID OUT YOUREN PRESTATION ARE VERY THOUGHTFUL.AN I DO WT TO SPEND SOME TIMEIN TALKG ABOUTHE THE HARRIS ALTHTI TRANSION AND MAKE SURE WE UNDERSTANDND THAT AND FI A WAYE THAT WCAN BE HELPFUL TO RESOLVE THAT AND MAKE SUREIT THT IS --S THAT IT GET SMOOTHER R [04:25:02] SOONERATHER THAN LATER.E SO GIVUS SOME MORE PERSPECTIVET ON THAMATTER. >>CO THANK YOU, MMISSIONER.YO THANK U FORE, YOUR KIND R MAS.AN REMARKS.ION -- KIND ITT IS A DIFFICULONE AND ITLE S CHALNGING TO TAKE OVER THE MEDICAL S OPERATIONS INUCH A COMPLEXNV CORRECTIONS EIRONMENT. WEPL HAVE MANY PEOE THAT COME F INTO OURACILITY THAT AREG GRAPPLINWITH MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION ISSUES AND JUSTAL POOR HETH IN GENERAL.MA WE HAVE NY INDIVIDUALS THAT AND HAVEER ADUL CHRONIC. DISEASE -FPLSHU THAT HAVEREDS DIABETES, FOR M EXAMPLE, THATUST BE MANAGED. WE HAVE SOMEONE IN HAS AS TERMINAL ILLNESWE HAVER. TO CARE FO WE HAVE ANAR OUTDATED INFIRMY.HE ONE OF T THINGS WE WOULD E LIKE TOXPLORE IS THE CREATION OFER A MORE MODN INFIRMARY INSIDE THEO FACILITY SWE CAN LESSEN THE TRANSPORTS AND CARE O IN THE CONFINESF THE FACILITY.AN BUT I DO WT TO POINT OUT THAT WHEN THIS COURT --CO WHEN THE DECISION TO TRANSFER TO HARRIS WAS A LOT OF WORK AS YOU P KNOW DONERIOR TO THAT POSITION BEING MADE. THIS COURT GOT ANNS OUTSIDE COULT AT THE PRESENT TIME TOOP OBSERVE THE ERATION MANAGEDT BY MYSELF ATHE TIME AND THE I TEAM WE HADN PLACE AND WE GOT FAIRLY GOODAT REMARKS. TH'S A WHY HARRIS HEALTHND THEIR BOARD FOUND ITAB FEASIBLEO SORB THOSE OPERATIONS. H SO WE DIDN'TAVE THEAT NUMBER OF DEHS WE HAD THIS PAST YEAR. TONG ME IT IS CONCERNIME AND WHN SO OF THE REMARKS MADE BY THE JAILO INSPECTOR'S POINT TTHE MEDICALRN CARE, THAT IS CONCEING TO ME.S I THINK IT I IMPORTANT FOR THE MEDICAL EXPERTS ORRR THOSE WITH HAISOS HEALTH TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. ITH DO LOOK FORWARD TO EM BEING PART OF THEI CONVERSATION. THINK THAT'S BEEN A MISSING PART OF IT. A LOT IS FOCUSED ON OURON JAIL POPULATI AND RIGHTFULLY SO. I WILL SAY THAT THERE ARE A LOT OFD KEY STAKEHOLDERS AN COGS TOT THE JUSTICE SYEM AND EVERYBODYSU NEEDS TO MAKE RE THEY ARE PRODUCING AS EFFECTIVELY AS POSSIBLE. IT IS NOT JUST ON OUR STAFF TOG. MANAGE EVERYTHIN THEY RECEIVED A 24% INCREASE TOP INCREASE AND IROVE SERVICES TO WHAT WE WEREWE DOCK -- DOING. WANT TO MAKE SURE THETE OUTCOMES ARE BETR. IN FAIRNESS TO THEM, THEY ARE WRORBGING,ME AND I AM NOT A DICAL PROFESSIONAL AND WE THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GIVING CARE TO THOSE I CUSTODY. ANIT IS SOMETHING THAT WE TAKE SERIOUSLY. MANY OF THERA DEATHS DUE TO NATUL CAUSES. THE REPORTS ARE COMINGRE BACK AD MANY A NATURAL CAUSES. AND I O WANT TO POINT OUT THREEF THE ONES LISTED, 27 WERE NEVER IN OUR JAIL. THEY WENT DIRECTLY FROM POINT OF ARREST TO THE HOSPITALE SYSTEM. AND BECAUSTHEY DIED WHILETO TECHNICALLY IN CUSDY,IS BY DEFINITION IT DOCTOR -- CONSIDERED A DEATH INIA CUSTODY. >> ADRN GARCIA: SHERIFF, LOOKING AT YOUR ITEMS AND YOU MAKE MENTIONNC TO A QUALITY ASSURAE COORDINATORRR TO OVERSEE THE HAIS HEALTH CONTRACT. T THAT'S NOT SOMETHINGHAT'S IN PLACE CURRENTLY? >> NOT AT THIS POINT. I WAS ADVOCATING FOR THAT AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THEE LARGEST N THE STATANDK THE COUNTRY, TO TRACTHE MEDICAL S DECISIONS AND MAKINGURE THERE IS A CHECK AND BALANCE IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE KPI'S AND THE KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ARE MET. THAT'S ONLY SOMETHING WITH A PERSON WITH A MEDICAL BACKGROUND CAN GIVE US A FEEDBACK TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ADJUSTING AND ASSESSING AS WE GO ALONG. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M UH AOUPLING THAT EVEN ON THE HARRIS HEALTH SIDE IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS NOT THERE? >> THEY HAVE THEIR TEAM. THEY WOULD HAVE TO SPEAK TO QUALITYHA CONTROL AND WHAT THEY VE IN PLACE. I DON'T KNOW.WA >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU NT SOMEBODY FROM YOUR SIDE? >> YES. WE AREFO ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE R THE CARE RECEIVED. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE SOMEBODY TS MEETING WITH THEM ATHE TABLE. WE MEET REGULARLY WITH THE TABL. WE HAVE GOOD, PRODUCTIVE O MEETINGS, BUT AT THE ENDF THE DAY, WE NEED A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OR SOMEBODY WITH A MEDICAL BACK TKPWROUPBGD -- BACKGROUND AT THE TABLE FROM OUR SIDE TO MAKE SURE ALL AS PEBGTS ARE -- ASPECTS ARE BEING MET. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU ARE 10,000 CURRENTLY? HOW MANY OUT SOURCING CONTRACTS [04:30:02] DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE? >> RIGHT NOW ABOUT A THOUSAND AIDE AIDE A THOUSAND --: AIDE - >> ADRIAN GARCIAA THOUSAND BEING OUT SOURCED. HOW MANY CONTRACTS? >> TWOMU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW CH? >> 40 MILLION BETWEEN THE TWO.WE >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO IF WERE TO BE ABLE TO REDUCESA YOUR POPULATION BY A THOUND THAT'S 40 MILLION WE CAN SAVE? >> CORRECT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN MY DAY THE AVERAGE STAY IN THE COUNTY JAIL WAS 30 DAYS. YOU MENTIONED EARLIER THAT THE AVERAGE STAY IS OVER 200? >> IT IS AT 200.Y >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN MY DA THE AVERAGE COST PER HEALTHY INMATE WAS 70 BUCKS. I THINK MR. RAMOS YOU TOLD ME THE OTHER DAY WE ARE AT ABOUT A HUNDRED HEALTHY INMATES. >> AND MANY -- AS YOU REMEMBER MANY ARE ON PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION THAT'S GO INTO THE HUNDREDS. >> USED TO BE ABOUT 200 AND YOU ARE CLOSER TO 300, 400. >> AND SO IN THEORY YOUR DAILY JAIL OPERATION COST IS A MILLION DOLLARS A DAY? >> YES.T. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE ABOU >> YES.IS >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOUR JAIL UNFORTUNATE --T UNFORTUNATELY S THE RECIPIENOF BODIES LAW ENFORCEMENT BRINGS AROUND AND THE 200 DAYS THAT IS THE AVERAGE STAY NOW, IN YOUR OPINION, WHERE ARE THE -- WHERE ARE THE BOTTLENECKS AND THE CHOKE POINTS WE CAN TALK ABOUT AND HOPEFULLY ADDRESS? >> I THINK WE ARE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY. I THINK THE NEW ASSOCIATE JUDGES WE HAVE PUT IN PLACE ARE HELPFUL. THE COORDINATORS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GETTING THE INEFFICIENCIES WORKED OUT. EVERY CASE HAS POTENTIAL TO GO TO TRIAL ONCE EVERY PIECE OF EVIDENCE IS PROCESSED UP FRONT. SO WE ARE SEEING AN EXPLOSION IN DIGITAL EVIDENCE THAT HAS TO BE CONDUCTED UP FRONT MUCH QUICKER. ALL RECORDS AND ALL KINDS OF STUFF HAS TO BE DEVELOP -- DEVELOPED SO YOU HAVE THE LARGEST AGENCY THAT FEEDS INTO THE COUNTY JAIL WHICH IS HOUSTON POLICE WORKING WITH THEIR CRIME LAB. WE HAVE OUR HARRIS COUNTY INSTITUTE FOR FORENSIC SCIENCES. EVERYBODY HAS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE PROS CEASING -- PROCESSING IN REALTIME. WE ARE TRYING TO WORK AS BEST WE CAN. TO ME IT IS NOT ABOUT POINTING FINGER, BUT THE TAXPAYERS DESERVE A WELL FUNCTIONING AND EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THE VICTIMS AND EVEN THOSE WHO STAND ACCUSED NEED THEIR DAY IN COURT. THE QUICKER WE CAN REDUCE THE TIMELINES -- NOW I AM OPTIMISTIC WHEN YOU LOOK AT PRE-TRIAL NUMBERS, THEY ARE STARTING TO TREND IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION INCREMENTALLY, BUT NOT AS FAST AS I WOULD LIKE. WE ARE SEEING RELIEF FROM THAT. NOW THAT THE COURTS ARE IN PLACE AND THEY HAVE THE CADENCE GOING WE ARE STARTING TO SEE SOME OF THAT RELIEF. AS JUDGE BRIONES STATED WE COULD HAVE ANOTHER HURRICANE AND SLOW DOWN AGAIN. EVEN NOW WE ARE NOT MOVING AT THE CLIP I WOULD LIKE TO SEE. EVEN IF SOMEBODY IS THERE FOR 200 DAYS, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT IS GOING TO BE A SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION. YOU CAN SEE IT IS NOT AT A CLIP FAST ENOUGH THAT WE ARE HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE, THOSE WHO WERE NOT SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THAT GO UP MORE. THEY HAVE ROOM IN THE STATE. WE DON'T. WE ARE MORE THAN DOUBLE IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. I MEAN OBVIOUSLY THEY DON'T WANT TO BE IN JAIL AND OUR STAFF HAS TO INTERACT DAILY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HOLDING THE LINE. >> AND THAT REMINDS ME. IS THE STATE PICKING UP YOUR INMATES? >> THEY ARE IN THE LIMITS THEY HAVE. WE HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN WORKING WELL WITH THEM. I DO THANK THEM. THEY UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGE WE ARE UNDER. THEY HAVE BEEN A PRETTY GOOD PARTNER IN TAKING THEM ON. >> I AM TRYING TO REMEMBER, BUT I THINK IT WAS TWO COURTS AGO NOW I APPROVED COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND I AND OTHERS HELPED TO APPROVE SOME STAFFING POSITIONS FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WHERE I INCLUDED A STAFFING MODEL FOR YOUR INTATE AT THE JAIL PROCESSING CENTER. HAS THAT BEEN ESTABLISHED YET? >> IT HAS NOT. I KNOW CONVERSATIONS WERE TAKING [04:35:03] PLACE GIVEN THAT IT IS A NEW ELEMENT. I APPRECIATE THE OUT OF THE BOX THINKING. THERE IS CONCERN ABOUT FOLKS STAYING THERE TOO LONG AND FOR THE CHARGES TO GET PROCESSED. SOMETIMES WE SEE THE PERSONS THAT COME IN THAT SHOULD BE DIVERTED TO OUR -- TO NOT OUR, BUT THE COUNTY DIVERSION FACILITY, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR -- OR A FEW OTHER ALTERNATIVES. SO EVERYTHING WE HOPE RIGHT NOW, I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS SET UP YET. I KNOW IT WAS IN THE WORKS. WE ARE WORKING WITH THE COURT ADMINISTRATORS TO USE THE SECOND ONE SO WE CAN GET PEOPLE ON DOCKETS QUICKER SO THEY ARE NOT SITTING AROUND AND WAITING FOR. >> WHEN YOU CAME TO OFFICE WHAT WAS YOUR AVERAGE STAY IN JAIL AT THAT TIME? DO YOU RECALL? >> I DON'T RECALL THE AVERAGE STAY. I STOPPED OUT -- OUT SOURCING. I DON'T BELIEVE IN IT IN PRINCIPAL. I BELIEVE WE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF PERSON THAT'S ARE INCARCERATED HERE. YOU WEREN'T AT 200? >> NO. IT WASN'T. IT DEFINITELY WASN'T. SO THE 200-DAY IS A NUMBER WE CAN IMPACT. >> ABSOLUTELY. WE NEED AN IMPACT. WE DEFINITELY NEED AN IMPACT. IT IS A METRIC WE FOLLOW CLOSELY. IN FACT, I DO THINK WE ARE NOW AROUND 190 SOMETHING WHICH EVEN THAT IS A POSITIVE THING. IT NEED TO BE LOWER. I THINK THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY IS IN THE LOW 60S. WE ARE EXCEEDINGLY HIGH WITH PEOPLE GETTING STUCK. AS YOU KNOW THERE TENDS TO BE AN UP TICK AGAIN. AND SO WE HAVE TO BE ANTICIPATING ALL OF THOSE THINGS COMING. OUR GOAL NOT ONLY IS THE SHORT OF IT TERM, BUT WE WOULD LIKE TO EVENTUALLY REDUCE THE COST OF OUT SOURCING BY BRINGING FOLKS BACK AND FOR CASES TO BE DISPOSED. WE WANT TO HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE THAT NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN THE COURT SYSTEM. THEN WE CAN TRANSFER TO A STATE FACILITY THAT IS MORE DESIGNED FOR A LONG-TERM STAY. IT WAS NEVER STKAOEUPBLGED -- DESIGNED FOR A LONG-TERM STAY. THEY DON'T HAVE THE TYPICAL RECREATION AND JUST TYPE OF FACILITY THAT'S WE WOULD HAVE IN A FACILITY DESIGNED FOR LONG-TERM STAYS. WE ARE REALLY IN A BIND BECAUSE OF THAT. >> AND THE CONTRACT SAID WE -- THE CONTRACTS WE HAVE ON OUT SOURCING, ARE WE USE -- ARE WE USING GENERAL FUNDS OR ARPA DOLLARS? >> IT IS A MIX. IT IS ARPA WHICH IS THE FACILITY FOR LA SALLE. IT IS GENERAL FUND. >> WE WERE TRYING TO PLUG -- THE SECOND FACILITY WAS AN UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE AT THE JAIL. THE ONLY FUNDING WE HAD WAS ARPA. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED A MOTION TO EXTEND THE DISCUSSION. >> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IF FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED 1234* MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ONE LAST POINT. FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU. YOU WORK HARD AND WE APPLAUD YOU AND WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU AT THE HELM. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND I KNOW WE ARE -- WE KNOW THEY ARE WELL THOUGHT OUT. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS TODAY. APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I TOO WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. I KNOW YOU HAD A TOUGH JOB. THESE ITEMS COST 7.5 MILLION. WHAT IS THE BREAK DOWN? AND THE BALANCE WOULD BE THE GENERAL FUND. >> DO THE -- WHAT DO YOU CALL IT, COMMISSIONER. >> WE ARE NOT CAPITALIZING. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> THESE ARE GENERAL -- THERE WAS A SET UP FEE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO CAPITALIZE. THE ASSET LASTED LONGER THAN FIVE YEARS, BUT IT IS A RECURRING SUBSCRIPTION. A COUPLE THINGS WE WANT TO NOTE, ONE I WANT TO THANK SHERIFF GONZALEZ. [04:40:01] WE WERE SEEING THE OVER -- THE OVERTIME EXPLODE IN THE JAIL. THEY WERE INCREDIBLY RESPONSIVE. WHAT WE HAVE SEEN THE LAST TWO PAY PERIODS, IF YOU ANNUAL LIES FROM THE BASELINE, IT IS FIVE MILLION ANNUALLY. I WANT TO COMMEND HIM AND HIS STAFF AND POLICIES PROCEDURES THAT THIS COURT HAS DONE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE JAIL. MY HOPE, YOU KNOW, FINGERS AND TOES CROSSED, THEY WON'T REQUIRE ONE FOR THINGS THAT ARE NOT SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES. QUICK ACTIONS WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE. SIMILAR TO THE HUNDRED DOLLAR PER PERSON INCARCERATED, ONE SHIFT, ONE PERSON SHOWING UP FOR THEIR REGULAR FOUR-DAY A WEEK SHIFT COST 91,000 OVER TIME. IT DOESN'T INCLUDE TRAINING COSTS. IF WE HAVE A WARM BODY SHOWING UP TO WORK AS OPPOSED TO CALLING SOMEBODY. IF WE CAN KEEP 37DO'S AND AGAIN I'M NOT -- I AM NOT -- WE HAVE A WHOLE LIST OF CONVERSATIONS WE CAN HAVE IN THE COUNTY, BUT THERE ARE IDENTIFIABLE BUDGET AND SAVINGS WE CAN TAKE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO MANAGE THAT STAFFING, THAT FLOW. AND IN TERMS OF THE OTHER THING WE ARE WORKING ON IS FMLA AND IT IS THE TO* MODEL -- AND IT IS THE MODEL FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND TO MAKE SURE WE ARE HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. AND THE LAST ONE, I CHECKED WITH THE ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY, WE PAID OUT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS BETWEEN USE OF FORCE AND IF WE COULD PEEL THOSE BACK, THEY ARE BUDGETED SAVINGS HITTING THE GENERAL FUND. WHILE SOME ARE A LEGITIMATE INCREASE IN COST, AND WE CAN GET THIS RIGHT. >> 2,000 PER YEAR FOR RETENTION PAY, THAT'S ARPA? >> THAT'S CORRECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THAT'S 3.1 MILLION? DO YOU THINK THAT WILL BE A PROBLEM? >> I THINK IT IS A COUPLE YEARS OUT. I THINK OUR GOAL IN REALTIME IS TO STABILIZE JUST THE PEOPLE COMING IN AND LEAVING THE WORKFORCE. IT WOULD BE A BIG HELP AND THEN LONG-TERM WE NEED A BROADER DISCUSSION ABOUT PAY COMPENSATION. HOPEFULLY BY THEN WE HAVE OFFSET IT AND STABLING LIESED IT. STABILIZED IT. WE COULD LOWER A LOT OF OUR COSTS AND RETENTION WOULD GO UP. IT IS THE BURNOUT RATE AND ALL OF THOSE FACTORS THAT IMPACT THE WORKFORCE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IT IS LOWERING THE POPULATION. YOU SAID A MOUTHFUL. YOU WERE GOING ON RELIANCE OF KREULTIZATION AND -- CRIMINALIZATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE AND HOMELESSNESS. YOU MADE REFERENCE TO THE PFM REPORT. CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> LINA HIDALGO: WAS IT IS JMI? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JMI. WE HAD A PFM REPORT TRANSMITTED IN 2022. THERE ARE 11,000 FILINGS AND RELATED TO THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE, POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU WANT FROM US? I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT SOME OF THE OTHER ACTORS AS WELL. IF WE GAVE UH BUNCH OF POSITIONS YOU COULDN'T FILL THEM RIGHT NOW. EVEN IF THE COURTS ARE CREATED, I THINK I HEARD YOU SAY THAT WON'T HELP, BUT WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU WANT FROM THE FIVE OF US. >> IT IS A BROAD QUESTION BECAUSE THERE IS NOT ONE EASY FIX. ULTIMATELY WE MANAGE A SICK POPULATION, I THINK THE COUNTY HAS GROWN AND MANY WILL BE IN -- INCARCERATED FOR MANY THINGS. WE NEED A MODERN UPDATED INFIRMARY. THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE DISCUSSED THAT WE FEEL WOULD BE NEEDED TO MANAGE THE HEALTHCARE -- THE CHRONIC HEALTHCARE ISSUES WE GET. AS A POLICY STANDPOINT, LOOK, [04:45:03] THERE ARE MORE -- THERE ARE BETTER ALTERNATIVES FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION. THERE ARE MANY THAT COME INTO THE JAIL SYSTEM THAT ARE COMING OFF DRUGS AND IT COULD LEAD TO NEGATIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES IN THE JAIL. THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING INTO DRUGS AND GOING INTO CARDIAC ARREST AND IT IS A DEATH IN CUSTODY AND THE RESULTS COME BACK THEY HAD TPEUPBT NIL -- FENTANYL IN THEIR SYSTEM OR COCAINE AND THAT'S WHAT WAS IN THEIR SYSTEM. WE DON'T HAVE A DETOX CENTER. WE HAD HUPBGDZ OF DEATHS -- WE HAD HUNDREDS OF DEATHS IN THE COMMUNITY. I AM NOT TALKING THE JAIL SYSTEM, BUT WE ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THAT. THE MORE WE CAN BETTER MANAGE -- HAVE BETTER -- YOU KNOW, HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE GRAPPLING WITH ADDICTION AND MENTAL ILLNESS TO GO WITH OTHER FACILITIES, I WOULD LIKE A MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION CENTER WHERE THEY GO INTO -- GO AND SEE THE WOMEN'S FACILITY. COMMISSIONER BRIONES WILL TELL YOU THAT IT IS INCREDIBLE. IT IS GREAT FOR THE STAFF AND THE WOMEN INCARCERATED. JAILS WERE NOT CREATED WITH WOMEN IN MIND. IT WILL MAKE US A MODEL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW MUCH DID THAT COST BY THE WAY? >> THE FACILITY WE REPURPOSED AND THE JUDGE'S OFFICE AND HER TEAM AND THE BUDGET OFFICE WAS HELPFUL. WE PUT PAINT AND HAVE TO MEET MINIMUM JAIL STANDARDS, BUT IT IS AN INCREDIBLE MODEL AND WE ARE PROVIDING COMPUTER CLASSES IN THERE AND WE WILL DO PROGRAMMING ALL DAY LONG AND I INVITE YOU TO COME AND SEE IT. WOMEN WERE IN TEARS WITH THE AVAILABLE MENU OF PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE FOR THEM AND EVEN THE PERSONNEL HAS BEEN CHOSEN WITH A CASE MANAGER PHILOSOPHY AND IT IS INCREDIBLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT DID IT COST? >> I DON'T KNOW THE HARD NUMBER BECAUSE WE ARE STILL WORKING TO GET A KITCHEN TO BUILD IN A CULINARY PROGRAM. COMMISSIONER, WE HAD THAT WHEN YOU WERE THERE, A CULINARY PROGRAM AND WE COULD USE THAT. I WOULD SAY IT IS A COUPLE PH-LN DOLLARS TOTAL. >> WHAT ELSE COULD THE CITY DO AND THE JUDGES? >> EVERYBODY NEEDS A SENSE OF FEELING THE BLUNT OF WHAT IS A SYSTEM-WIDE ISSUE. FRANKLY I DON'T ALWAYS FEEL THE URGENCY FROM OTHER PARTIES. AT THE END OF THE DAY WE LOOK AT JAIL POP -- POPULATION, BUT WE DON'T SEE WHAT IS LEADING UP TO THAT. EVERYONE IS WORKING HARD, SO I AM NOT SAYING IT AT A POINT OF POINTING FINGERS, BUT THERE NEEDS TO BE A WAY TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY IS WORKING TOGETHER. THE PASSAGES SAID IT WAS A CRISIS AND TO WOULD REQUIRE ACTION ON ALL OFFICIALS. NOT JUST THE SHERIFF OR NOT JUST ONE PIECE. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO WORK TOGETHER AND USE THE RESOURCES THEY HAVE. WE ALL WOULD WANT MORE RESOURCES. WE HAVE TO BE SMARTER WITH WHAT WE DO HAVE AND MAKE SURE WE ARE EFFECTIVE MANAGERS AND LEADERS AND WE ARE GETTING CASES MOVING AND WE ARE HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. AND I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT THIS IS NOT JUST LETTING PEOPLE OUT OF JAIL. THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M ADVOCATING HERE. LET'S BE SMART WITH THE ONES THAT DON'T NEED TO BE IN THERE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO THE D.A. ABOUT MAYBE USING THE RIP -- THE REINTEGRATION COURT FOR SOME BECAUSE SUCCESS RATE IS HIGHER THERE. AOEUT LIESING THE -- UTILIZING THE SPECIALTY COURTS WOULD BE HELPFUL. THERE IS A LOT THIS COUNTY COULD BE DOING. ASSOCIATE SKWRUPBLGZ -- ASSOCIATE JUDGES, I THINK WE ARE STARTING TO SEE THAT. JUDGE JOHNSON HAS A PILOT THAT THEY ARE STARTING AND MANAGED ASSIGNED COUNSELING. THAT'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO GET MOVING QUICKLY. I THINK YOU HAVE AN ITEM BEFORE YOU TO POTENTIALLY ADD MORE PUBLIC PUBLIC DEFENDERS. IF THEY CAN SEE MORE THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL. I BELIEVE HE HAD A RECENT MEETING AND THEY ARE DOING WELL BUT LET'S MAKE SURE THEY ARE PROCESSING THE EVIDENCE QUICKER AND THAT CASES ARE READY TO GO TO TRIAL MUCH QUICKER. AT LEAST 480 DAYS. THAT WAY THEN THE DECISIONS CAN [04:50:02] BE MADE ABOUT HOW THE TRIAL IS GOING TO GO INSTEAD OF IT GETTING BOGGED DOWN. 200 DYES IS THE AVERAGE. 200 DAYS IS THE AVERAGE. SOME GO WAY PAST THAT. IT IS NOT FREE. WE WOULD RATHER REDEPLOY THE OUT SOURCING TO PUTTING BOOTS ON THE GROUND AND PROTECTING CONSTITUENTS ON THE FIELD. LAW ENFORCEMENT IS DOING A GOOD JOB. ALL OF THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE BACKDROP OF INCREASED CRIME RATES. I'M HAPPY TO SAY THAT OUR DEPUTIES WORKING CLOSELY WITH OUR PARTNERSHIPS, WE ARE REDUCING CRIME IN UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY. ALL CATEGORIES ARE GOING DOWN. HOMICIDES IS DUE TO THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE AND THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GRAPPLING WITH. GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CENTER AND INVESTMENTS IN CRIME. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE MORE THAT OUR PEOPLE NEED TO BE PAID BETTER AND THAT'S SOMETHING WE WILL WORK WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE. THE GOOD THING IS WE HAVE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP. WE DON'T ALWAYS AGREE, BUT IT IS A GOOD EXERCISE IF DISCUSSION AND DEBATE AND MAKING DECISIONS TO BE STEWARDS OF THE TAXPAYER MONEY. WE DON'T WANT TO SEE WHERE WE HAVE 27 DEATHS IN OUR FACILITY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW MANY DO YOU HAVE WHO COULDN'T GET OUT? >> 19% OF 1400 INDIVIDUALS HAVE A BOND THAT IS $10,000 OR LESS. MEANING THAT'S BEEN AGREED AND IF THEY COULD PAY IT THEY WOULD BE OUT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE PROFILE? >> IT IS MIXED. OBVIOUSLY THE LAST FEW YEARS OUR PROFILE HAS GONE UP TO BE MORE MAXIMUM LEVEL. 8 -- 800 FOR CAPITAL MURDER AND MURDER. THE PROFILE HAS BECOME MORE MAX MUMMING -- MAXIMUM LEVEL. BUT SOMETIMES SOMEBODY $10,000 MAY BE A STATE JAIL FELONY AND NOT NECESSARILY A VIOLENT CHARGE. IT IS JUST BY CAT TPWOER -- CATEGORY IS A FELONY. MAYBE IT IS A MISDEMEANOR IN ANOTHER STATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION. >> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. MOTION CARRIES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE PARKING GARAGE, WHAT WOULD THAT COST? >> WE ARE TRACKING IT DOWN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE BEEN AFTER THAT FOR A LONGTIME. GOOD LUCK. >> YOU DON'T HAVE THE FMLA COORDINATOR OR DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE? >> NO. >> WE ARE WORKING ON THE JOB DESCRIPTION TO GET WHAT A COMPETITIVE SALARY WOULD BE TO FILL THOSE POSITIONS. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU. ONE THING I AM CONVINCED IS WE HAVE A STEADY MANNED -- STEADY HAND. WE ALSO HAVE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE PROBLEM. SO MANY TIMES IT IS HARD TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM UNLESS YOU KNOW THE PROBLEM. YOU HAVE BEEN VERY CLEAR -- I ALMOST CALLED HIM SHERIFF GARCIA, BUT COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND HIS INSIGHT AND I AM NOT GOING TO TO LEVEL OF DETAIL, BUT YOU MENTIONED A COUPLE TIMES A SENSE OF URGENCY. YOU TALKED ABOUT THE LOW-HANGING FRUIT IN TERMS OF WHAT WE CAN DO TO MITIGATE THE PROBLEM. IF IT WAS EASY YOU WOULD HAVE ALREADY DONE IT. AT THIS POINT IF THERE WAS A WAY TO PUT ON A PIECE OF PAPER, SHORT, HERE ARE FIVE OR SIX THINGS THAT THIS COURT NEEDS TO SUPPORT YOU IN DOING TO TRY TO HELP ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND THIS YEAR, I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT. THEN I THINK WE CAN BETTER SUPPORT YOU AND GO THROUGH THINGS THAT I THINK WE WOULD NEED TO DO. SEEMS SEEMS LIKE THE LAST YEAR OR TWO YEARS IT IS VERY REACTIVE. WE HAVE MORE PRISONERS THAN WE KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH. WE NEED TO GET ANOTHER CONTRACT AND BEGIN TO SHIFT. IF YOU CAN DO THAT AND HELP US AND TELL US WHAT WE CAN DO, BETTER TO HELP YOU. I THINK YOU HAVE A VERY WILLING COURT HERE. WE KNOW WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM. WE KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF MOVING PARTS. YOU ARE THE END PRODUCT OF A LOT OF OTHER THINGS. ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP YOU, WE WILL HELP YOU. >> YOU DID GIVE COMMISSIONER RAMSEY THE REQUEST FOR TODAY? OKAY. COMMISSIONER BRIONES. [04:55:02] >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WILL BE VERY BRIEF. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND YOUR SERVICE. I KPHEPD YOU AND YOUR -- I COMMEND YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR THE WORK YOU DO EVERY DAY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU BROUGHT FORTH TODAY. I SHARE AND I LIKE THIS ONGOING DISCUSSION AS WE PREPARE FOR THE NEXT BUDGET CYCLE AND WE SHARE YOUR URGENCY. MY SPECIFIC QUESTION IS IF YOU HAD TO SUMMARIZE SO THAT AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY OF 200 SEEMS OUT OF WHACK WITH TEXAS AVERAGES AND THE U.S. AVERAGE, IF YOU HAD TO SAY THE THREE -- AND I UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEX -- COMPLEXITY AND INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF THE SYSTEM, BUT IF YOU WERE TO SAY THE THREE KEY LEVERS/SOLUTIONS, THREE THINGS WE CAN DO TO REALLY BRING DOWN THE AVERAGE STAY UP TO 200 DAYS WHICH IN TURN WOULD HELP US INVEST MORE STRATEGICALLY IN THE ISSUE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE THREE THINGS THAT WOULD REALLY MOVE THE NEEDLE? >> I THINK NUMBER ONE MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL LOOKING AT EVIDENCE PROCESSING AND MAKING SURE ALL PARTS THAT PROCESS EVIDENCE ARE WORKING TO REDUCE THE PROCESSING TIME. WE ARE DOING WELL IN THAT AREA AND HELPING PROCESS THE DIGITAL EVIDENCE. THAT'S HELPFUL AND THAT IS IN THE WORKS. YOU MET WITH THE INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES. YOU PROBABLY RECEIVED A MORE RECENT UPDATE THAN I HAVE, BUT THEIR PROCESSING TIME, THEY FEEL THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT STAFF TO PROCESS THE EVIDENCE THEY RECEIVED. ALL OF THAT HAS TO GO BEFORE TRIAL AND IF NOT CASES ARE RESET. ON THE JUDGE'S SIDE AND I CAN'T SPEAK TO WHAT THEY DO, BUT DOCKETS THAT ARE BEING MANAGED, THE CASE MANAGERS CAN START GOING THROUGH THEIR DOCKETS. I KNOW THE COURT ADMINISTRATORS ARE HERE AND MAKING SURE THE CASES ARE WORKING AND THAT THE CASES ARE BEING SENT TO THE ASSOCIATE JUDGES AND EVERYBODY CAN BE MOVING CASES ALONG WOULD BE ANOTHER HELPFUL STEP. AND WE WILL LOOK AT THE SUB POPULATION TO SEE INDIVIDUALS WHO CASES HAVE BEEN STUCK AND MAYBE ARE NOT VIOLENT INDIVIDUALS. WE DO HAVE THEM IN THERE, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN IN THERE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND WE WOULD GIVE A SECOND LOOK TO THOSE CASES SO MAYBE THINGS CAN BE EXPEDITED OR THEY CAN RETHINK THEIR BOND AND I AM TALKING NONVIOLENT AND LOWER LEVEL OFFENDERS. IT COULD BE MUCH MORE THAN THAT. IT DEPENDS HOW WE WANT TO ATTACK THE ISSUE. IT REQUIRES EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER. >> THANK YOU, SHERIFF. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. COMMISSIONER, I KNOW YOU VISITED WITH OUR FOLKS QUITE A BIT. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME JUST MAKE SPH-L INITIAL -- SOME INITIAL COMMENTS. SHERIFF, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION. I APPRECIATE AND COLLEAGUES I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT WE TOOK VERY SERIOUSLY THE COMMENT LAST TIME ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT EVERYONE WAS WORKING TOGETHER. WE STARTED THE WORK AND THE WORK CONTINUED AND I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND BUDGET AND OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION. I THINK WE ALL SAW THE JAN MEYER REPORT WHEN IT CAME OUT. THE EL TPEPT IN -- ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM ARE THE STATE FELONIES AND THE CASE THAT'S ARE YOU NEVER GOING TO BE SURE THAT THE THOUSAND-DOLLAR BOND, YOU ARE NEVER SURE THAT THOSE FOLKS HILLARY SAID TKAU STRAIGHT. MAKE A DECISION. WILL YOU PAY THAT MONEY AND GROW THE JAIL OR BE MORE DIS-- DISCERNING IN HOW THE FOLKS ARE HANDLED. THAT'S NOT SOMETHING WE CAN CONTROL. THAT'S FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND FOR THE JUDGES. IN TERMS OF WHAT WE CAN CONTROL WE WORKED ON THE EVIDENCE PROCESSING AND GETTING EVERYBODY ON THE SAME BODY CAM SYSTEM. I KNOW THERE IS FASTER PROCESSING THERE. I KNOW WE HAVE ADDED CAPACITY AND WE ARE TRYING TO PUBLISH. I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU HAVE DRIVEN THE DASHBOARD SO WE CAN SEE WHICH COURTS ARE MOVING AND WHICH ARE NOT MOVING. AND IN THE CASES WHERE THE INDIVIDUALS ARE JUST STUCK THAT'S WHERE IT WILL GO, CORRECT? >> KP-BGTLY -- EXACTLY. YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M PLEASED TO SEE -- I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS THE RIGHT WORD BECAUSE IT IS A TRAGIC CONTEXT. I AM GLAD WE HAVE CONCRETE NEXT STEPS THAT ARE NOT GOING TO BE A SILVER BULLET. [05:00:03] NONE OF US HAVE A SILVER BULLET. ON TOP OF THE ISSUES WE WERE WORKING TO ADDRESS, THE BACKLOGS COME DOWN 24%. THE PD'S OFFICE CONTINUES. SOME OF THESE ARE NEW AND I AM RELIEVED TO KNOW THAT THERE ARE THESE OPTIONS. I WOULD BE EAGER TO HEAR THE PRESENTATION ON THE ADDITIONAL SALARIES. I KNOW THE COURTS, THE VARIOUS FOLKS HAVE ITEMS RELATED TO THE COURTS. FOR MY PART GIVEN THE LONG-TERM DEFICIT, ASSUMING NO NEW REVENUE AND EVEN ONE YEAR OF NO ENOUGH REVENUE. I THINK IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH. AND I THINK IF THERE IS ONE THING THAT I CAN SUPPORT -- YOU KNOW, I DIDN'T SUPPORT -- YOU KNOW CANDIDLY WE COULDN'T AFFORD THEM. YOU HAVE BEEN THOROUGH AND THOUGHTFUL. YOU ARE IDENTIFYING THE DETAILS. I WOULD BE PROUD TO MAKE THE MOTION FOR THE SHERIFF AND I WOULD BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT IT IS A DIFFICULT DECISION. WE ARE NOT IN A BUDGETARY POSITION TO PAY FOR THIS. THIS $5 MILLION WE HAVE TO PAY FOR. THIS 5 MILLION WE HAVE TO. I WANTED TO SHARE THAT WITH YOU. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND I WANTED TO POINT OUT BACK TO THE COLLABORATIVE WORK WE ARE DOING WITH THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TEAM IS TO FIND THE OFFSET. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DOLLARS WE DO GET. WE COULD OFFSET THE COSTS BY STABILIZED THE WORKFORCE. AND THEN IN SOMEWAYS WE WILL RECOUP THE COSTS BACK TO THE COFFERS THAT WE COULD REINVEST TO OTHER AREAS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. I COMPLETELY AGREE. SHERIFF, WE LOSE SIGHT WITH THE FACT THAT YOU GENERAL -- YOU GENERALLY COME IN FRONT OF US AND WE ARE POLICING THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF THE AREA AS WELL. IF THE DEPUTY SAVES A CAT OUT OF A TREE, BOY, WE ARE THROWING PARADES AND WE ARE THROWING RESOLUTIONS AND ALL THAT. IF A DO DOES SHOW UP FOR WORK DAILY AND TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS AND FOLLOWS THE RULES AND WORKS HARD AND COMPLIES THE POLICIES PROCEDURES WE DON'T SAY A WORD. WE DON'T GET TO SEE THEM AND SEE THEIR WORK. PLEASE LET YOUR DETENTION STAFF KNOW THAT THEY ARE THE UNSEEN HEROS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE OPERATION AND WE APPLAUD THOSE OUT THERE ON PATROL AND RISKING THEIR LIVES AND PUTTING THE HANDCUFFS ON THE DANGEROUS PEOPLE THAT FIND THEIR WAY TO YOUR JAIL OPERATIONS. COMMEND YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING. I'LL HAVE TO ARM WRESTLE YOU FOR THE MOTION ON HIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU CAN HAVE IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I COMMEND YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR THE KIND WORDS. I WILL RELAY THAT TO THEM. IT IS A THANKLESS JOB AND A HARD JOB THEY HAVE TO GRAPPLE WITH. WE END UP SEEING A THUPBD -- A HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE THAT COME THROUGH OUR DOORS EVERY DAY. THE VAST MAJORITY ARE STAFFED AND DO THE HEAVY LIFTING EACH DAY AND DO A GOOD JOB SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY. THEY TAKE CARE AND CARE FOR THE -- FOR THE LEAST AND THE LOST. IF ANYBODY DOES PRESIDENT DO THE RIGHT THING AND ACT ACCORDINGLY, WE WILL HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE. OUR GOAL WHEN WE EMERGE IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE TRYING YOU AND THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY. [05:05:07] AND IN MANY WAYS WE HAVE FOLKS THAT TRAVEL HERE ALL THE TIME TO VISIT MANY OF THE PROGRAMS WE HAVE. AND RIGHTFULLY SO WITH THE DIFFICULT THINGS WE FACE WITH. WE WERE FOCUSED OFF THE 960 CORRIDOR. WE DID HOLISTIC BALANCES WITH ENFORCEMENT AND THE PROCEDURAL WAY AND WE WENT DOWN TO NUMBER THREE. AND SO IT WORKS. I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO BE CONSIDERING A HOLISTIC RESPONSE TEAM. EMPLOY TO EMPOWER, MAKING SURE THAT IS A PROGRAM MOVING TO PRECINCT 4. AND MAKING SURE WE HAVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS MOVING AT THE SAME TIME. IT IS A LOT OF WORK, BUT WE'RE EXCITED AND WE'RE UP FOR THE TASK AND READY TO CONTINUE TO GET THE WORK DONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: PROUD OF YOU, SHERIFF. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 142, 188 AND 190 ARE ALL RELATED TO THE ADDITIONAL COURTS. HIGHWAY DO YOU -- HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TAKING THOSE -- WE HAVE THAT SET AND THEN WE'VE GOT EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND PAY EQUITY. AND THEN WE'VE GOT THE SORT OF MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS THAT COMMISSIONER BRIONES PUT ON THE AGENDA. DO YOU HAVE STRONG FEELINGS IN THE ORDER IN WHICH WE TAKE THOSE >> RODNEY ELLIS: DID WE MOVE THE SHERIFF'S ITEM YET? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA TO APPROVE. THAT WOULD BE TO APPROVE THE 7.415, 3.4 IS GOING TO COME FROM US AND THE REST FROM THE GENERAL FUND AND THAT WOULD BE FOR INCENTIVE PAY FOR DETENTION OFFICERS AND A DETENTION CAPTAIN AND JAIL SPECIALIST AND BODY CAMS WHICH WILL NOT BE CAPITALIZED, IS THAT RIGHT? >> IF WE CAN MOVE THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS, WE'LL COME BACK WITH THE BUDGET TRANSFER. IT WILL END UP BEING LESS THAN THAT BECAUSE WE ARE NOT DEPLOYING ALL OF THE BODY CAMS ALL AT ONCE. IT WILL BE PHASED THROUGH. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE MOTION TO BE? >> CAN YOU GIVE US ONE SECOND TO CONFIRM WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY? >> AND THE REASON I SAID TO WAIT UNTIL LATER IS -- MAYBE I'M WRONG, BUT I DON'T THINK WE CAN DO THIS AND MORE. I THINK IT IS A TRADEOFF, A MATTER OF TRADEOFFS. THAT'S WHY I FEEL LIKE WE HAVE THE FULL CONVERSATION AND FOR ME, THAT'S WHAT I THINK WE SHOULD SPEND THE MONEY ON. OTHER FOLKS THINK WE NEED TO DO THE COURTS. I DON'T THINK WE CAN DO THE RAISES AND THE COURTS. >> I AM JUST TRYING TO GET THIS TO PASS. >> DO YOU HAVE A MOTION? I HAVE A NOTE THAT HARRIS HEALTH NEEDS TO PRESENT. I THOUGHT THEY WERE NOT AVAILABLE, BUT THEY ARE. THEY ARE AVAILABLE. >> I CAN SEND AROUND THE MOTION IF THAT'S OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND WHAT IS IT, JAY? >> THE CAPTION OF THE ITEM ISN'T SPECIFIC ENOUGH. AND IT IS IN THE BACK UP. I JUST WANTED SO YOU CAN PLACE IT INTO THE RECORD FORMALLY. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT JUST TAKES A MOMENT. CAN YOU READ IT OUT? >> YEAH. >> AS I UNDERSTAND IT, IT IS A MOVE TO APPROVE -- WELL, I GUESS IT IS FOUR PARTS FOR THE 24-MONTH DETENTION OFFICER RETENTION -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M SORRY. MOVE TO APPROVE WHAT? >> MOVE TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING, 1, REFER THE 24-MONTH DETENTION OFFICER RETENTION TO THE ARPA STEER COVE. TO RETURN TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT FOR APPROVAL TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE BODY WORN CAMERA CONTRACT FOR THE HCSO DETENTION STAFF. THREE, TO DIRECT HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT AND THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO CREATE A NEW DETENTION CAPTAIN CLASSIFICATION AND FUND TWO POSITIONS AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $265,000 ANNUALLY. [05:10:05] FIVE JAIL POPULATION SPECIALISTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR CLASSIFICATION AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $550,000 ANNUALLY. THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE QUALITY ASSURANCE AND A COMPETITIVE SALARY AND WORKING WITH THE HAIR -- HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND DIRECTING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO RETAIN A THIRD-PARTY EXPERT TO REVIEW THE OFFICE'S HR PRACTICES RARTD -- REGARDING THE RECRUITING FOR DE TENSION STAFF AND IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: QUICK QUESTION , MR. RAMOS, ON THAT PARTICULAR ITEM, THE OUTSIDE CON TULT MEANT WOULD YOU SUPPORT THE USE OF ARM -- ARPA FOR THAT? >> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND HEALTHCARE QUALITY ASSURANCE, WHERE IS THAT ONE? IS THAT NUMBER FIVE? DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE QUALITY ASSURANCE. >> AND THEN THE DETENTION OFFICER INCENTIVE PROGRAM? >> IT IS ARPA FUNDED. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN SO ITEM 6 SHOULD WE SAY STEER TO ARPA. >> THIS IS GETTING THE RFP GOING SO WE COULD COME -- I THINK IT IS FINE. AND THIS IS THE BOTTOM OF THE RCA. >> YES. IT IS COMPLICATED AND EVERYBODY IS COORDINATED. >> THAT'S THE MOTION. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> AND THAT IS AS JAY READ IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. HE READ IT AND SENT IT AROUND AS WELL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HE READ IT. I MOVED IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO LET'S HEAR FROM HARRIS HEALTH FIRST THEN, COLLEAGUES. GO AHEAD. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE COUNTY JAIL. I AM MICHAEL HILL AND THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AT HARRIS HEALTH AND PART OF THE CORRECTIONAL HEALTH TEAM LEADING THE INITIATIVE AT THE JAIL. I HAVE WITH ME DR. REGGIE EGENS. HE IS THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AND WILL SHARE IN THE PRESENTATION. BEFORE I GET STARTED AND TIFFANR BRINGING THAT UP, TIFFANY. JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK AND RECOGNIZE SHERIFF GONZALEZ AND HIS TEAM FOR THEIR COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT AND PARTNERSHIP. THEY HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY CARE AND WE APPRECIATE THE TEAMWORK. TIFFANY, IF YOU CAN MOVE TO THE NEXT SLIDE. THIS IS THE BUDGET TO STAFFING PLAN. I WILL DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO THE NOTES. WE HAVE SEEN -- HARRIS HEALTH HAS SEEN A 22% INCREASE IN HIRED STAFF SINCE THE TRANSITION BACK IN MARCH OF 2022. BELOW THAT IS RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES STARTING OFF WITH A RETENTION BONUS AND AN INCREASE TO WORK IN THE CORRECTIONAL HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT AND A REFERRAL BONUS TO REFER OTHER FOLKS TO WORK WITH US. IN ADDITION TO THAT WE REACHED AN AGREEMENT WITH YES CARE WHO IS A CORRECTIONAL HEALTH STAFFING AGENCY AS WELL ASPIRATIONS AGENCY TO HELP US. THEY WILL BRING 44 -- [INAUDIBLE] TO AFFECTIONATELY MANAGE THE JOINT PROCESSING CENTER. ONE OTHER NOTE ON THIS SLIDE, THE PHYSICIAN ROW THAT YOU SEE, THOSE REPRESENT DENTISTS. THEY ARE ON THIS TABLE BECAUSE THEY ARE HARRIS HEALTH EMPLOYEES NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THIS SLIDE REPRESENTS THE PROVIDER STAFFING PLAN. OUR PROVIDERS ARE PROVIDED BY THOSE WHO TRANSITIONED FROM THE JAIL IN MARCH OF 2022 AND IN ADDITION WE USE CONTRACT LABOR TO ADD TO OUR FORCE GIVING US A TOTAL OF THE 49.6 PROVIDERS THAT YOU CAN SEE ON THE TABLE. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HAS AN INCREASE IN STAFFING AND IN ADDITION TO NURSING RESOURCES WILL ALSO BRING US 22 ADDITIONAL PROVIDERS TO OPERATE THE JOINT PROCESSING FORCE. THIS IS THE FIRST 12 MONTHS OF [05:15:11] THE TRANSITION AND STARTING WITH THE ENHANCED DELIVERY MEDICATIONS WE WORK ROUTINELY WITH THE SHERIFF AND HIS TEAM TO ENHANCE THE PROCESS TO MAKE SURE THAT THROUGH MEDICATION PATHS THAT HAPPEN TWICE A DAY AND THROUGH KEEP ON PERSON DEDICATIONS WE MAKE SURE THEY ARE RECEIVING APPROPRIATELY. WE IMPLEMENTED VIRTUAL CARE. NOT JUST FROM THE JAIL TO OUR FACILITY BUT WITHIN THE FACILITY BETWEEN BUILDINGS AND OUTSIDE THE BUILDINGS. WE HAVE ABOUT 230 VISITS DONE VIRTUALLY. MOST OF THOSE OCCUR WITHIN THE BUILDINGS, 701 AND 1200 PRIMARILY. WE WENT LIVE BETWEEN THE JAIL AND BENTOB AND WE WILL INTRODUCE CARDIOLOGY AND NEUROLOGY IN THE MONTH. WE CREATED A STEP DOWN UNIT TO TRANSITION PATIENTS OUT OF THE INFIRMARY AND INTO THE STEP DOWN UNIT. THEY ARE NOT READY FOR GENERAL POPULATION, BUT THEY QUALIFY FOR A STEP DOWN UNIT AND WE PRAISE 12 BEDS. WE HAVE MODIFIED THE CRITERIA OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS FIRST PRESENTED TO US AFTER THEIR ARREST TO MAKE SURE THAT THE -- IF THERE IS ANY INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE ANY TYPE OF CONDITION OR ACUTE ILLNESS, THAT WE DIRECT THOSE INDIVIDUALS FOR THE INTAKE PROCESS. NEXT SLIDE, TIFFANY. NONEMERGENT SICK CALL REQUESTS. AS OUR STAFFING IMPROVES, WE HAVE A DEDICATED STAFF THAT WORK SICK CALL REQUESTS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. IF YOU LOOK AT THE STATUS AND MONITORING TOOL AND THIS NUMBER HAS CHANGED OF NON-EMERGENT SICK CALL REQUESTS. AND FOR CONTEXT WE RECEIVED 250 AND 350 SICK CALL REQUESTS PER DAY. WE ARE RIGHT ABOUT TWO AND A HALF TO THREE DAYS OF BACKLOG. WE ARE VERY CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL BE WITHIN THE 24-HOUR STANDARD WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. AND WE MONITOR THIS ON A DAILY BASIS. THEY HAVE PROVIDED DEDICATED ESCORTS FOR THE TWICE A DAY MEDICATION PASS AND THE KOP'S. EVERYTHING WE DO INSIDE THAT JAIL REQUIRES US TO BE ESCORTED. THE FACT THAT THE SHERIFF WORKED WITH US LAB BRA TIFFLY -- COLLABORATIVELY HAS IMPROVED SUB SHAPB -- SUB -- SUBSTANTIALLY 701 AND WE GO LIVE NEXT WEEK IN 1200. AND I MENTIONED YES CARE A FEW TIMES. THEY WILL COME IN AND HELP OPERATE THE JOINT PROS -- PROCESSING CENTER SO WE CAN PROCESS THESE INDIVIDUALS QUICKLY AND START THEM WITH THE MEDICATIONS THEY NEED TO BE STARTED WITH AND MAKE SURE THE FIRST 48 HOURS WHICH ARE THE MOST CRITICAL HOURS IN AN INDIVIDUAL STAY IN THE JAIL, THOSE ARE MET AND ACCOMPLISHED. NEXT SLIDE, TIFFANY? I MENTIONED CARDIOLOGY THAT IS LIVE IN 2023. WE WILL -- WE HAVE BEGUN TO REDESIGN THE CASE MANAGEMENT PROCESS. UPON RELEASE WE WILL PROVIDE A MEDICAL HOME FOR THESE PATIENTS AND POTENTIALLY SET UP THEIR CLINIC WITH HARRIS HEALTH PROVIDERS. PERFORM FINANCIAL SCREENINGS SO IF IN FACT THEY ARE INDIGENT THEY PROVIDE FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND RECEIVE THAT ASSISTANCE THAT'S NEEDED. WE WANT A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PROVIDERS. WE WANT INDIVIDUALS UPON RELEASED TO HAVE HEALTHCARE AND NOT BE ONE OF THE CONCERNS THEY HAVE AS THEY PUT THEIR LIFE TOGETHER AFTER BEING IN-- INCARCERATED. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING QUALITY AND OPERATIONAL DASHBOARDS FROM METRIC REPORTING THAT WILL GIVE THE SHERIFF AND ALL ENTITIES A SNAPSHOT OF WHERE WE ARE AT WITH THE KEY PRIORITIES. WE WILL IMPLEMENT AN AUTOMATED PHARMA SEE PACKAGING SYSTEM -- PHARMACY PACKAGING SYSTEM. AGAIN, WORKING WITH THE SHERIFF ON THAT. [05:20:06] WE PLAN ON HAVING A MOBILE CT SCAN. MANY OF THE CAT SCANS WE DO ARE SCHEDULED CAT SCANS AND RATHER THAN HAVE THEM LEAVE THE FACILITY WE WILL HAVE THEM PERFORMED IN THE MOBILE CT SCAN ON THE PREMISES. AND FOR THE FEMALES WE CAN PERFORM AN ANNUAL MA MOB TKPWRAE FEMALES. I WILL TURN IT OVER SO WE CAN DISCUSS THOSE THINGS WE THINK OR HARRIS HEALTH THINKS WE WILL NEED TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF CARE AT THE JAIL. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. WHEN WE LOOK AT THE THINGS TO IMPROVE MEDICAL CARE. THE NEW MEDICAL UNIT AND RIGHT NOW REAL ESTATE IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT LIMITS WHERE WE ARE WITH AND HOW MUCH SPACE WE HAVE TO BRING PATIENTS DOWN AND THE SPACE WE HAVE TO SEE INDIVIDUALS. THIS MEDICAL UNIT SPECIFICALLY WILL SPEAK TO INFIRMARY BEDS. WE HAVE 94 BEDS WHICH IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WE HAVE INCARCERATED IN THE FACILITY. THESE PATIENTS WE WERE ABLE TO GET A 64-BED INFIRMARY UNIT. THIS WOULD HELP US EXPAND WITH MONITORING. YOU CAN SEE THE PATIENTS ON THE CARDIAC MONITORS AND WE WILL HAVE PLUG INS FOR ANY OF THE GASES THAT WILL BE NEEDED. WE COULD USE A 64-BED STEP DOWN UNIT. THIS IS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT REQUIRE CARE, BUT THEY COULD BE ON A STEP DOWN UNIT FOR OBSERVATION AND THEN WE NEED A 64-BED SPECIAL HOUSING UNIT. AS YOU HEARD THE SHERIFF SAY, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS, I THINK ABOUT 100, WHO ARE OVER A CERTAIN AGE. THOSE INDIVIDUALS ALONG WITH THOSE WHO NEED ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING BECAUSE THOSE INDIVIDUALS BECOME INCARCERATED AS WELL. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE CARE NECESSARY FOR THEM. WHEN WE LOOK AT EXPANDING OUR CLINIC AREA, AGAIN, REAL ESTATE IS SNOT -- IS NOT OUR FRIEND RIGHT NOW. IF WE COULD BRING IN EXAM ROOMS AND HAVE A SPECIFIED PROCEDURE ROOM AND BRING IN RADIOLOGY ALONG WITH A CT SCANNER. AS MR. HILL STATED WE ARE LOOKING AT BRINGING A CT SCANNER THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO KEEP PATIENTS ON THE FACILITY. WE WOULD HAVE TO WORK WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF ONS OFFICE TO SEE WHAT THE COST SAVINGS WOULD BE WHEN WE KEEP THE INDIVIDUALS IN THE FACILITY. IT WOULD PREVENT US FROM SENDING OUT OFFICERS FOR INDIVIDUALS. >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST A HEADS UP THAT WE ADOPTED A RULE TO LIMIT PRESENTATIONS TO 10 MITTS AND YOU ARE NOW PAST -- 10 MINUTES AND YOU ARE NOW PAST 10 MINUTES SO CAN YOU WRAP IT UP SOON? >> YES. WE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT EXPANDING OUR DENTAL CLINIC AND DEDICATED MEDICAL OFFICERS AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET THEM TO ESCORT TO AND FROM THE CLINIC THAT WOULD HELP AS IT RELATES TO CLINICAL OPERATIONS AND THEN IF WE COULD LOOK AT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER UNITS FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS GETTING SOME FUNDING TO INCREASE THE INDIVIDUALS WHO WORK WITH SUBSTANCE USE PATIENTS WE HAVE IN THE FACILITY AND THEN THAT WOULD BE VERY HAPPY -- VERY HELPFUL FOR US. AT THIS TIME WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS IF YOU HAVE ANY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DO. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, GO AHEAD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. QUESTION FOR YOU. THE SHERIFF MENTIONED -- YOU JUST MENTIONED YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH BEDS TO DEAL WITH THE CURRENT POPULATION YOU ARE SEEING. THE SHERIFF MENTIONED THAT THE AVERAGE STAY IS OVER 200 DAYS. IF THERE WAS A NORMAL STAGE THAT USED TO BE 30 DAYS AND OBVIOUSLY 200 DAYS IS AN ANOMALY OF SORTS, IF THAT AVERAGE STAY IN JAIL WERE NOT TO BE 200, WOULD THAT EASE THE NEED FOR MORE INFIRMARY BEDS? >> YES, SIR. [05:25:02] IT WOULD EASE THE NEED FOR MORE INFIRMARY BEDS. WHAT WE'RE FINDING WITH THOSE INCREASED LENGTH OF STAY AS YOU REFERENCED IS THAT THOSE PENSIONS ARE SICKER AND STAYING LONGER WHICH PREVENTS US FROM BEING ABLE TO HOUSE NEW PATIENTS AND WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PLACE THE NEW PATIENTS IN THOSE AREAS. SO SOME OF THE INDIVIDUALS HAVE TO GO OUT TO THE HOSPITAL. >> AND THEN I -- AND THEN I RECALL THAT THE SHERIFF MENTIONED -- I GUESS FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, THE AMBULANCE RUN, HAVING TO TAKE PATIENTS TO THE JAIL TO THE HOSPITAL. I AM TRYING TO RECALL. I THINK I USED TO AVERAGE LIKE 150 A MONTH. IS THAT -- WHAT KIND OF NUMBER ARE YOU SEEING? >> COMMISSIONER, WE ARE PROBABLY CLOSE TO 250 A MONTH RIGHT NOW. ONE OF THE THINGS IS WE HAD TO HOUSE AMBULANCES AND STAGING THEM AT THE JAIL SO WE WILL HAVE QUICKER RESPONSE TIME FROM THE AMBULANCES, BUT WE ARE AVERAGING 200, 250 PER MONTH. ARE YOU ALSO SUBJECT TO DIVERSION? >> WHEN WE HAVE TO TAKE A PATIENT OUT OF JAIL OUR FIRST JOYCE IS TO GO TO BENTAB. AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE ON DIVERSION AND WE WILL HAVE TO REROUTE THAT AND OBVIOUSLY IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY THEY GO TO THE CLOSEST EMERGENCY ROOM. >> AND THAT'S AT AN ADDITIONAL COST, CORRECT? >> YES. IF IT GOES OUTSIDE THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM. >> YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SHERIFF HAVING HIS OWN ADVISOR TO HELP MONITOR THAT. >> OVER THE COURSE OF THE FIRST YEAR WE HAVE REALLY GROWN AS PARTNERS AND CERTAINLY THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF THE TRANSITION WHEN WE TRY TO STABILIZE THE EMPLOYEE BASE IT WAS AN ISSUE. THE SHERIFF REFERENCED SOME IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE. AND THE IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING MADE AT A MORE RAPID PACE NOW NOW THAT WE HAVE A CASE WITH HIM AND HIS TEAM. CERTAINLY ANOTHER SET OF EYE THAT'S WE CAN -- THAT WE CAN WORK WITH THAT KNOWS THE DETENTION SIDE AND THE HEALTHCARE SIDE, I THINK IT WOULD ONLY BENEFIT AT THE END OF THE DAY THE PATIENTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. I WILL END WITH FIRST OF ALL THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ALL ARE DOING. THANK YOU FOR THE ATTENTION YOU ARE GIVING THIS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION. I WILL SAY WHETHER IT IS THE SHERIFF DE TENSION STAFF OR YOUR OPERATIONS, THE 200-DAY AVERAGE STAY IN JAIL IS A PROBLEM FOR BOTH OF YOU. WRAOE HAVE TO I'M -- WE HAVE TO IMPACT THE 200-DAY IN JAIL AVERAGE STAY. I UNDERSTAND IT. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. I KNOW SHERIFF GONZALEZ MENTIONED THAT THERE HAD BEEN TRANSITION ISSUES FROM THE SHERIFF RUNNING TO Y'ALL. DO YOU FEEL WITH THIS UPDATE AND HE APPRECIATES EVERYTHING THAT'S BEEN DONE, BUT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE BEYOND TRANSITION NOW AND YOU ARE STABILIZED AND I THINK THE WORD YOU USED YOU HAVE YOUR CADENCE DOWN. DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'VE GOT YOUN THERE? >> I DO, COMMISSIONER. WE WORKED WELL WITH THE SHERIFF AND A LOT OF THE SPEED BUMPS IF YOU WILL HAVE BEEN SMOOTHED OUT. WE HAD A WEEKLY MEETING WITH THE UH SIS ASSISTANT -- ASSISTANT CHIEF AND HIS TEAM WHERE WE GO THROUGH PROCESSES AND THINGS IN REALTIME. THEY ARE ABLE TO EFFECT CHANGE IN REALTIME AND MONITOR THOSE CHANGES AS WE GO. I THINK THE TRANSITION MARKS THAT AND I THINK WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY TO MAKING THIS JAIL ONE OF THE SAFEST AND THE HIGHEST QUALITY CARE JAILS IN THE COUNTRY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: I DIDN'T SEE COST ESTIMATES FOR THIS SO I [05:30:04] WOULD SAY SOME -- THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS IN THE CONTEXT HERE? >> THAT'S RIGHT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. ANDOW N JUDGEAY PNE IS HERE. I'M SO SORRY. YOUAV HE BEEN HERE AWHILEND A I DIDN'T WANT TOE BMISTAKEN. NOW INO KW. LET'S TAKE UPHE T COURT ITEMS. THAT WOULD BE42 118, 8ND A 190. ANDE WWILL BEGIN BYEA HRING FROM JUDGEAY PNE. >>HA TT LAST ITEMAS W 15 AND NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S AAR HRIS HEALTH ITEM? >>ES Y. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. NO ACTION. THANK YOU. >>D GOOAFTERNOON OR IS IT EVENING? I'M NOT SURE. I HAVEN'T KEPT UPH WITTHE TIME. I'M HAPPY TO BEE. HER LAST TIME I V WASIRTUAL AND YOU CALLED UPON B ME,UT I WANTEDO T MAKEE SURAS I W HEREN WHEWE ASK YOUSED THERT COU. I AMAS NATHAIS LEW PANE -- PAYNN D I AMRE THE PSIDING O JUDGEF OURIC DISTRT COURTS. I HAVE BEENIN RESIDG IN THAT COURT FOR ABOUTR FOUGOING ON FIVE YEARS NOW.I ALSO A SERVES THE ADMINISTRATIVE F JUDGEOR COURTS. THERE1 ARE 6STATE COURTS HERE. WEOF HAVE COURSE OURIC DISTRTTO UTERIS ADMINTRATION WHICH HAS A NUMBERUN OF COTYYE EMPLOES AS WELL.TO HELPAD WITH MINISTRATIVEDU TIES.SO I'M HEREPP TO SUORTUS OBVIOLY NEW COURTS.IT HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT GOAL OF OURST TO STAR THISIO DISCUSSND ANIT SEEMS TO ME H THAT ITASEN AND A LONG-AITED LONG-NEEDED DISCUSSION JUSTICEIS IN HARR COUNTY.D ANSOE I'M HERTO TALK ABOUTE THHARRISSY COUNTY STEM AS AOL WHE. WE ALLHE HEARD TJU PHRASE STICE DELAYEDIC IS JUSTE DENIED, AND THAT IS SOMETHING THATRE IS GULARLY ON MY C MIND AS IOME INTODO WORK AND MY JOB. INR PARTICULAWHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THEYS JUSTICE STEMHA IN HAVECOUNTY AND HOW WE GROWN IN TERMS OF THEN POPULATIT , TH ALSO MEANS WE ARE GROWING IN THE NUMBER OF CRIMINALT CASES THA ARE FILEDTH AND E NUMBERAB OF CHILD USES CASETHAT ARE BEING HEARDOU BY R FAMILYUM AND THE NBERWR OF ONGFUL DEATHS AND MASSAL CASUTY CASES THATOC ARE CURRING C IN HARRISOUNTY. OF THISHESE THINGS, ALL GROWTH IMPACTSR EVERY SECTOR OF OUJAWS TEUS O SYSTEM --F OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM.O IT ALSMAKES ME THINK ABOUT I, IT ISN THE BEST INTEREST OF THELL 4.7 MIION PEOPLEE HERE TO MAK SURE THAT THEY HAVET AN EFFICIEN AND. FAIR SYSTEMAT AND THTA MEANS QUALITIVEE. JUSTIC IT ISAN NOT JUST QUTITATIVE.NO IT IS TMB JUST THE NUER THAT T PASSESHROUGH OUR DOORS OR OUR KWOURTS --OW COURTS, BUT H MUCH CONSIDER A JUDGE AB TO THE SUPPORT A FAMILY A FAMILY IMPACTED BYPP WHAT HAENSNT IN HARRIS COUY.HE MY MOM WN I WAS IN COLLEGE BEINGLE A COLLEGE ATHTE ANDER DOING EVYTHING ELSE I WAS DOINGER AND WOULD NEV CALL HERE BACK, SHSENT ME A NOTEWA AND I ALYS I REMEMBER WHEN THINK ABOUTD BEING BUSY ANNOTEN HAVIG OUGH TIME. THERE ARE, REMEMBE ONLY 24Y HOURS IN A DAN'. YOU CAT GET MORE.TH I THINK WI THE JUDGES AND THE THAT'S WHATTEM, WE'REER FACING. THE ARE ONLY 24 HOURSY. IN A DA THERE AREF ONLY A NUMBER O W DAS ADMINISTERHERE TO JUSTICE. AND WE AREHO RUNNING OUT OF URS AND MINUTEAND SECONDS. AND AS YOUS KNOW, THE HARRITH COUNTY -- E STATE OFFICES ANTICIPATE AND PREDICTSIS THAT HARR COUNTY NEEDS 56 NEWFF JUDICIAL OICERS. AND NOW THE BREAK DOWN OF THAT IS 19 CIVILED COURTS ARE NEED ANDUR SEVEN FAMILY COTS ARE NEEDED. WHAT THATAT STATES IS THAT WHE E RECOGNIZWITH THE JUDICIARY NEEDSTO MORE JUDGS ADMINISTER JUSTICE.N THE DELAYS ITHEPU TRIALS ARE TTING VICTIMS AT GREATER RISK BECAUSE IT IS JEOPARDIZING THE ABILITY FOR THE COURTS TORI HAVA [05:35:05] FAIR TAL.E NOT THERE ANDIS IF THE WITNESSES ARE NOTN' THER, YOU CAT DISPOSE OF THE CASE. YOU CAN'T GET JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS. ITMI ALSO IMPACTS THE FALY COURTS. ATHE LONGER IT TAKES JU FAMILY COURT DGE TO ACTUALLY ISSUE A SUPPORT ORDER FOR A MOTHER, AHE LOW INCOME MOTR WHO CHOOSESIV TO FILE FOR DORCE,IT BUT HAS TO WA FOR THROUGH,DS THE LONGER THOSE KI ARE WITHOUT SUPPORTMO THE LONGER BE IMPACTED TO PROVIDE FOOD ONRO THE TABLE ANDA OF ON HER HEAD.UR FOR THE CIVIL COTS, THE IMPACT IS ON -- IS THE SAME. THERE ARE WRONGFUL DEATH CASES WHO HAVE VICTIMS WHO ARETI ANTICIPATING WAING ON VERY MUCH NEED THE SUPPORT THAT CAN BE PROVIDED BY AHI CIVIL CASE REACNG ITS DISPOSITION. NUMBERS AND SOME OF THE FACTS I'M GONNA TALKA ABOUT IS THE IDEOFTO WHAT HAS HAPPENED HE OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IN T LAST 10 YEARS. THE COURTS EXPERIENCED AER DOUBLING OF A NUMB OF CASER THAT'S A PARTICULAJUDGE HAS TO HANDLE. SOIN BEING A JUDGE AND HANDLGS A THOUSAND CASES I VERY DIFFERENTN THAFRPB -- THAN BEG A JUDGE IN 2023 AND HANDLING 3,000 CASES, AND THAT'S THEIN REALITY WE ARE DEALG WITH. PRIOR TO THE PANDEMICNG THE NUMR OF PENDI CASES IN TEXAS DISTRICT AVERAGE OF 5% PER YEAR HARRISEN COUNTY COURTS EXPERICED A 15.1% GROWTH IN ALL OF THE CASES PENDING IN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS. THE COURTS HAVE MANAGED AS BEST THEY CANOV WITH THE HELP YOU PRIDED AND DISPOSING AS MANY CASES THEY CANDICE POSE OF, AND -- DISPOSE OF AND EVEN CONSIDERING THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE HARVEY WHERE THE CIVIL AND THE CRIMINAL COURTS HAD TO SHARE COURTS. WHEN I CAME INTO OFFICE I DID NOT USE MY COURT AT ALL. I DID NOT HAVE ACCESS TO IT.D I THINK WE WORK AS HAR AS WE CAN TO DEAL WITH THEAI IMPACTS, BUT THEY REMN. THERE ARE OVER 122,000 CASES THAT ARE PENDING IN ALL OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COURTS ACROSS THE BOARD. 32% OF THOSE CASES ARE CRIMINAL FELONY CASES AND 68% ARE IN OUR FAMILY AND JUVENILE AND CIVILA COURTS. SO THE IDE -- SO I ASK YOU THAT THE OTHER AREAS -- I KNOW WE HAVE TALKED A LOT AND YOU HAVE HEARD COMMENTS ABOUT THE CRIMINAL SYSTEM, AND WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF DISCUSSION TODAY ABOUT IT, BUT THERE ARE OTHEROU IMPACS TO NOT HAVING ENGHTH COURTS HERE. AND AT'S WHY WE HAVE ASKED FOR 16 COURTS, AS YOU KNOW, IN OUR RESOLUTION. WRAOE -- WE UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL IMPACTS. AT THE VERY LEAST WE WILL ASK THE COURT TO OBVIOUSLY APPROVE THE SIX COURTS. REALLY WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU ALL ADD FOUR ADDITIONAL COURTS TO THAT. SO THE JUDICIARY HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE SURE ALL ASPECTS OF THE JUDICIARY IS GIVEN SOME TYPE OF RELIEF WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT ADDING COURTS. THE IMPACT OF NOT ADDING A COURT IN THE FAMILY SYSTEM OR THE CIVIL SYSTEM ALSO TRICKLES DOWN INTERSECT -- INTERCONNECTED. THE IDEA THAT YOU COULD IGNORE THE SECTORS IGNORES HOW CONNECTED THEY ARE. I'M PROUD OF THE HARRIS COUNTY JUDGES AND ALL OF THE HARD WORK THEY HAVE PUT IN. THEY ARE DEDICATED TO MAKING SURE THE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY RECEIVE QUALITATIVE JUSTICE. THEY RECEIVE FAIR JUSTICE IN HARRIS COUNTY COURTS. AGAIN, THERE ARE ONLY 24 HOURS IN A DAY. I KNOW YOU WILL NOT LIKELY GET TO OUR 16 KWORP INTERPRET QUEST -- CORPORATE QUEST, SO MY SPECIFIC REQUEST ONE IS TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT 10 NEW DISTRICT COURTS AND SPECIFY THEM TO BE GENERAL JURISDICTION COURTS. THAT WILL ALLOW HARRIS COUNTY TO BE IN CONTROL OF WHAT TYPES OF COURTS THEY ARE IF THE [05:40:10] LEGISLATURE DECIDES TO CREATE THE COURTS. AND THEN IF YOU CAN'T GO THAT FAR, I WILL ASK THE SIX COURTS, IF YOU DO APPROVE SIX COURTS, THAT YOU SPECIFY THAT YOU WANT THEM TO BE GENERAL JURISDICTIONL COURTS. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR L OF YOUR SUPPORT IN THE PAST FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY JUDICIARY, ESPECIALLY FOR THE NRG AND THE PANDEMIC. I'M HERE FORNK QUESTIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: THA YOU. COMMISSIONERYO GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK U, JUDGE PAYNE. I DID HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON LAST NIGHT AND THE COMMENTS I SHARED WITH YOU WERE THE POSITION THAT SHE HAD. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOUO ALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU S MUCH. SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT THE COMPENSATION ITEMS?ON COMMISSIONER ELLIS OR COMMISSIER BRIONES, WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO OVER YOURS? LIKE TO DISCUSS THE COURTS INULD CONJUNCTION SINCE I SEE THEM SO INTERRELATED WITH ITEMS 334, 335 AND 336 AS WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S GO OVER 334, 335 AND 336. >> JUST TO CONTINUE WE HEARD FROM JUDGE PAYNE AND WE ARE STILL IN A SITUATION THAT HAS YOU ARE -- URGENT NEED. SINCE 1985 WE HAVE GOTTEN ONE CRIMINAL COURT. POPULATION HAS RUN SUBSTANTIALLY AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO GROW. WE HAVE MADE BACKLOG AND THERE IS A 24% INCREASE. AT THE END OF THE DAY WE STILL HAVE A BACKLOG. AT THE END OF THE DAY WE HAVE PEOPLE WAITING TOO LONG FOR THEIR DAY AT COURT. AND IT IS MORE THAN JUST THE NUMBERS. IT IS THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE. AND THE JUDGES AS WE HEARD LAST TIME HAVE APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES PER CASE. I WILL ARGUE THAT IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SPEND ON A CASE. WE NEED TO UPHOLD PEOPLE'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS IN TERMS OF THE QUALITY OF JUSTICE THEY ARE RECEIVING HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. SO GIVEN THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTY AND GIVEN THE NUMBERS OF CASES THAT CONTINUE TO INCREASE AND BE FILED, WE NEED TO MOVE THE SYSTEM ALONG. MYSELF AND MY TEAM HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH MEMBERS OF BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE IN AUSTIN. WE ARE OP TAU -- OPTIMISTIC THAT WE CAN MOVE THIS FORWARD. WE NEED TO THINK OF THIS HOLISTICALLY WHICH I KNOW GIVEN THE DECADES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE DECADES YOU WERE ADVOCATING FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS, YEARS OF ACTIVISM AND SERVICE, WE SEE AS INTER -- INTERCONNECTED. MY OTHER ITEMS, THE HOLISTIC RESPONSE TEAM. HARRIS COUNTY JAIL SO NOT BE THE BIGGEST MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER AND ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE UNITED STATES. WE NEED THOSE PEOPLE NOT TO BE IN THE JAIL TO BEGIN WITH AND THE HOLISTIC RESPONSE TEAM WE HAVE BEEN A PILOT THUS FAR. MY ITEM IS TO EXPAND PARTS INTO THE DISTRICT THAT BASED ON PUBLIC'S HEALTH ANALYSIS IT WOULD HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT. SO AGAIN, KEEPING THOSE PEOPLE OUT OF THE SYSTEM. THAT'S THE FRONT END PIECE. FAST-FORWARD AND THOSE IN THE SYSTEM HAVE INVESTED IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THAT'S ONE LEG OF THE STOOL. CURRENTLY IT CAN HANDLE 20% OF THE CAPACITY. WE NEED TO BRING THAT UP. TOO MANY OF THE APPOINTMENTS ARE BEING DONE ON THE WHEEL SYSTEM. AND WE HAVE READ ARTICLES AND WE CAN GO THROUGH THE DATA ABOUT THESE PRIVATE ATTORNEYS BEING APPOINTED WITH FAR TOO MANY CASES AND GETTING FAR TOO MUCH MONEY OF HOW MANY DOLLARS AND THAT IS NOT JUSTICE. SO MY REQUEST IS THAT OMB WORK WITH THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE TO SEE HOW WE CAN GET THE PD'S OFFICE TO HANDLE 50% OF THE CASES THAT WOULD MOVE HARRIS COUNTY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. AND THERE WOULD BE A FISCAL OFFSET BECAUSE THE PRIVATE ATTORNEYS THAT HAVE FAR TOO MANY CASES AND SHOULDN'T BE GETTING THESE APPOINTMENTS, THAT WOULD BE MOVED OVER TO PUBLIC DEFENDERS WHO MAKE AN AVERAGE SALARY THAT IS FAR LESS THAN THESE APPOINTED ATTORNEYS. AND THEN MY LAST ITEM WHICH [05:45:01] AGAIN IS HIGHLY RELATED, WE'VE HEARD ABOUT THE IMPACT AND THE CASE MANAGERS AND THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS DONE AND REPORTS COMING FROM THE NATIONAL CENTER OF COURTS WHERE THERE ARE BEST PRACTICES THAT IF WE HAVE THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS WORKING IN CONNECTION WITH THE JUDGES USING THE ONE-TIME ARPA FUNDS WHETHER IT IS CASE MANAGE -- MANAGEMENT AND WHETHER IT IS CONTINUING THE ONE-TIME INFUSIONS TO MOVE THE NEEDLE AND DECREASE THE JAIL POPULATION. A MILLION DOLLARS A DAY WE ARE SPENDING TO RUN THIS JAIL WITH PEOPLE WHO DON'T NEED TO BE THERE. SO IF WE HAD A MORE ACTIVE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COURTS, WE COULD REALLY MOVE THE NEEDLE ON THIS. SO TO ME WE NEED TO ADD COURTS. IT'S BEEN LONG OVERDUE. WE NEED TO HAVE JUDGES TO HAVE THE RESOURCES. I WAS A JUDGE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. I KNOW HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO MOVE THE DOCKET. WE NEED THIS INFUSION OF CASE MANAGEMENT AND THEY NEED RESOURCES TO MOVE ALONG. THOSE PEOPLE DON'T NEED TO BE IN JAIL TO BEGIN WITH. LET'S KEEP THEM OUT AND THE PD'S OFFICE. IT IS LONG OVERDUE. WE SHOULD BE LEADING AND I HOPE WE'LL GET THERE WITH THE HOPE OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS, BUT AT THE VERY LEAST, COME UP WITH A PLAN TO GET TO 50. I SEE IT AS VERY INTERCONNECTED AND I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST YOUR CONSIDERATION, AND I APPRECIATE THE DISCUSSION LAST TIME, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND JUDGE HIDALGO, REALLY PUSHING FOR THE MULTI-FACETTED ANALYSIS BECAUSE YOU'RE RIGHT, THE KWOURTS -- THE COURTS ARE ONE PIECE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND I HOPE WE CAN MOVE FORWARD ON THIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN ELLIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. THE ITEM -- I THINK WE ARE AT THE POINT WHERE WE'RE TOUCHING AROUND IT, BUT I THINK THE WAY COMMISSIONER BRIONES LAID IT OUT AND THAT IS TO HAVE THE BUDGET OFFICE WORK WITH THE COURTS AND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE TO SEE HOW THOSE ITEMS CAN BE ESTABLISHED. AT THE END OF THE DAY WHICH I SUPPORT, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE ARE AT A POINT TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THE COURTS. AND SO I WOULD MOVE TO ADOPT ITEM 4 WHICH IS THE RESOLUTION. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I SECOND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. AND SIMPLY TO SAY THAT -- WE HAD A WHOLE DAY OF DISCUSSION ABOUT, YOU KNOW, COST AND GROWTH AND WHAT LIES IN THE FUTURE. RE -- THE REALITY IS WE WILL CONTINUE TO GROW. THE REALITY IS THERE IS COST SAVINGS TO STRIVE FOR AND ACHIEVE. IT WOULD AFFECT THE SUSTAIN MEANT OF THE INVESTMENTS THAT WE ARE MAKING TODAY AND THE REALITY OF IT IS WE HAVE A HAOEUPL -- WE HAVE A TIMELINE TO STRIVE FOR WITH THE LEGISLATURE IN SESSION. THAT'S BASED ON THE CONVERSATIONS I HAVE HAD WITH REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON. YES IT IS ALL MONEY. THERE IS AN INVESTMENT AND A COST TO BE THOUGHT OF, BUT AGAIN , AS COMMISSIONER BRIONES LAID OUT, IT IS ALL INTERSECT -- INTERCONNECTED. IT IS GETTING THE COURTS -- GETTING MORE COURTS TO FUNCTION AND TO OPERATE AND TO HAVE THE JUDGES CONDUCTING THEIR WORK IS PART OF THE INTER CONNECTION. BRINGING THE POPULATION DOWN IMPACTS THAT. IT IS ENSURING THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE MISTAKENLY INCARCERATED HAVE THOSE COURTS TO GET THEM THEIR JUSTICE AND HAVING THOSE SPECIALTY COURTS TO DEAL WITH THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE. I ALSO GO BACK TO THE PRACTICAL THING. THAT IS -- YOU KNOW, WHEN I TOOK OVER THE JAIL, WE HAD 12,000 IN OUR CUSTODY. AND THE DEPUTIES WERE MOVING A THOUSAND INMATES EVERY MORNING OF WHICH ONLY, IF I REMEMBER [05:50:06] CORRECTLY, IS SOMETHING LIKE 300 AND THEY WERE ACTUALLY SEEING A JUDGE. SO THAT'S A LOT OF WORK. THAT'S A LOT OF MOVEMENT. THAT IS A LOT OF JUSTICE DELAYED. SO AFTER A LOT OF THOUGHT ON THIS I THINK IT IS -- I THINK WE HAVE TO ENSURE THAT WE GIVE THOUGHT TO WHAT OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM OUGHT TO BE IN THE LARGEST COUNTY IN TEXAS, AND THAT'S WHY I MOVE ITEM 4. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WAS GOING TO SAY JUDGE BRIONES. COMMISSIONER BRIONES, MY UNDERSTANDING IS YOU WILL MOVE A FEW MOTIONS INTO THIS. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I WAS GOING TO ASK OUR PARLIAMENTARIAN AND COUNTY ATTORNEY, CAN YOU CONFIRM THAT UNDER THE NEWLY APPROVED RULES I WOULD -- WE WOULD HAVE TO VOTE ON EACH ITEM INDIVIDUALLY? IF SO I COULD READ THE MOTION FOR EACH OF THE ITEMS FROM HART. >> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN SHE EXPLAIN THEM OR DOES SHE HAVE TO READ ALLY THIS? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: CAN I BASICALL SAY I MOVE TO APPROVE ITEM 334, ITEM 335, ITEM 336 AND THEN I HAVE SOMETHING ON ITEM 142. >> I'M SORRY. YEAH. IF YOU ARE ASKING IF YOU CAN PROVE UH -- ALL THREE TOGETHER WE CAN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DON'T HAVE TO READ THEM ALL. AS LONG AS WE HAVE THE COPY. >> JUST AS PRESENTED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ALE AE -- I'LL PASS IT OUT. I DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT IT ON THE IPAD. THE ITEM COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS MOVING IS WITH YOUR AMENDMENTS. >> AND DOES EVERYONE HAVE A COPY >> IT IS NOT AMENDMENTS TO THE RESOLUTION. >> SO ITEM 142 HAS ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE THAT READS MOTION TO DISTRICT THE IGA, THE INTER GOVERNMENTAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION TO SUPPORT POTENTIAL STATE FUNDING FOR THE BUILD OUT OF ADDITIONAL PORTS. >> I THOUGHT WE COULD LOAD IT IN THERE. >> JUST TO BE CLEAR ALL FOUR HAVE ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE FROM THE INITIAL. SO DOES EVERYONE -- I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THEM. I DON'T THINK WE ARE ALL TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THING. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I MOVE TO PASS ITEM 4 MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> WELL, WHAT ARE THE OTHER -- I MOVED ON THAT ONE AND YOU SECOND IT. WE VOTE ON T RIGHT? >> RIGHT. THE MOTION ON THE FLOOR RIGHT NOW IS MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- [INAUDIBLE] >> YES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVE ITEM 4. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME JUST ASK A COUPLE QUESTIONS. I'M GONNA VOTE FOR IT BY THE WAY BECAUSE I CAN COUNT. I RAISED IT LAST WEEK BUT IT TPEF ON -- FELL ON DEAF EARS. GIVE US A ROUGH IDEA WHAT THIS WILL COST. >> IF ALL SIX -- IF ALL SIX ARE CRIMINAL COURTS IT WOULD BE 16.9. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT? >> 16.9 MILLION RECURRING ANNUALLY. >> AND WHAT ABOUT THE BUILDOUT. >> THE BUILD OUT THERE IS AN ESTIMATE BY THE COUNTY ENGINEER WORTH UP TO $30 MILLION IF WE WERE TO RENOVATE THE EXISTING FACILITY. THE COST FOR BUILDING A NEW FACILITY COULD BE UPWARDS OF -- UP TO 140 MILLION. 47 OR A HUNDRED. THAT'S 47 IF WE CAN BUILD IT OUT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL HAVE TO MOVE SOME FOLKS AROUND. SO WE WILL PROBABLY MOVE SOME PEOPLE. >> I WOULD DEFER TO THE COUNTY ENGINEER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW? >> YES WE WILL HAVE TO MOVE THE DEPARTMENT TO MAKE ROOM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN I KEEP MY OFFICE? WE HAVEN'T FIXED IT UP YET, BUT I JUST GOT IT. GIVE US SOME IDEA. >> WE HAVEN'T DONE THE STUDY [05:55:01] YET, BUT WHAT WE HAVE -- WE HAVE DONE THE ANALYSIS AND IF WE ARE TOLD WE HAVE TO A -- TO PUT A CODE BY THE END OF THE YEAR IT WILL HAVE TO BE AT THIS TIME. WE WILL HAVE TO MOVE TO THE BUILDING. IN TERMS OF WHO WILL BE LOOKING AT IT, WE HAVE NOT DONE THE STUDY. >> WHAT'S YOUR GUESS? D.A., COUNTY ATTORNEY? >> I WOULDN'T GUESS BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T DONE THE ANALYSIS YET. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO SAY THE WAY IT WORKS IN AUSTIN, THE RESOLUTION THAT REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON IS ASKING FOR IS A TRADITION. IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT. IT IS A TRADITION THAT IS NOT GENERALLY FOLLOWED BY THE WAY. AT LEAST IT MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE I LEFT, BUT WHEN I WAS THERE USUALLY THE COUNTIES WOULD ASK AND IT WOULD GET IGNORED, BUT THE TRADITION WAS IT WOULD PASS UNLESS THE ENTITY SAID THAT THEY WANTED IT. BECAUSE AS I UNDERSTAND THE LAW IF THEY PASS THE BILL WE WILL BE OBLIGATED UNDER LAW TO CREATE THOSE COURTS. I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD DO THAT TO US. AT THE JUST WANT TO LAY IT OUT. I WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT THAT ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS, THEY HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TIMELINESS OF CRIMINAL CASE PROCEEDING AND VIOLENCE FOR THE JUDGE. THE PRIMARY DRIVERS ARE THE NUMBER OF CONTINUE WEDNESDAYS PER CASE AND THE NUMBER OF HEARINGS PER CASE. SO IN SHORT, HOW COURTS OPERATE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW MANY COURTS WE HAVE. >> THAT'S IS WHAT ONE OF THE DRIVERS OF MY ITEM 335 TO MAKE SURE WE ARE IMPLEMENTING BEST PRACTICES INCLUDING CONTINUE WEDNESDAYS. >> AND THAT'S WHY I'M GLAD YOU ADDED IT AND I'M GONNA SUPPORT IT, BUT OBVIOUSLY WHEN THE COURTS ARE CREATED, AS YOU KNOW, WE ARE ALL INDEPENDENT PLAYERS. AND HARRIS COUNTY COURTS PER CAP TAU ARE IN LINE WITH THE -- PER CAPITA ARE IN LINE WITH OTHERS IN TEXAS. HARRIS COUNTY, 61 DISTRICT COURTS, DALLAS COUNTY 2.6 MILLION AND 39. BEXAR COUNTY, 2 MILLION PEOPLE AND 27. TRAVIS COUNTY 1.3 MILLION. HOW YOU OPERATE IS VERY IMPORTANT, EVEN IF WE CAN'T CONTROL IT. AND I DO WANT TO STRESS THAT WE WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES THAT COME BEFORE US I KNOW THERE WILL BE AN ATTEMPT WHEN I TALK TO PEOPLE IN AUSTIN TO ASK FOR SOME HELP IN TERMS OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. THEY HAVE ALSO TOLD ME GOOD LUCK. YOU GOT ME? THERE MIGHT BE MORE OF AN INTEREST IN TRYING TO MAKE SOME POLITICAL HAY BY GIVING THE SALES TAX MONEY MOST CAME FROM HARRIS COUNTY AND A GOOD PERCENTAGE ARE FROM PEOPLE WHO DON'T OWN A HOME, MIGHT I ADD. AND THERE MAY BE MORE OF AN IMPETUS TO USE THAT MONEY TO GIVE BACK IN THE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF THAN ANYTHING ELSE. BUT WE HAVE TO CROSS THE BRIDGE WHEN WE GET TO IT. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? I WILL LISTEN TO THE FORMER SHERIFF AND THE FORMER JUDGE AND MAKE -- IT IS CLEARLY A PRIORITY. WHEN I LOOK AT THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, OBVIOUSLY THE BOND MONEY IS AN OPTION. WE DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT. IT IS REALLY THE 16 MILLION THAT IS A NUMBER OF MOST CONCERN GOING FORWARD. I FULLY SUPPORT IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO WANT TO ASK WHEN WE REFERENCE THE BOND MONEY THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. IT IS NOT LIKE IT WAS IN THE OLD DAY WHEN'S WE COULD CONTROL THAT >> I'M SORRY? >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN HE MAKES REFERENCE TO THE BOND MONEY. HE IS TALKING ABOUT BONDS AND GOING INTO THE CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION. >> THE WAY IT IMPACTS OUR DEBT RATE IS OBVIOUSLY THE MORE DEBT YOU HAVE -- THE MORE DEBT YOU [06:00:01] NEED TO PAY, THE HIGHER THE RATE HAS TO BE SUPPORTED AT THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO FLOOD CONTROL THIS YEAR WAS IF YOU PASS A RATE YOU CAN PASS THE OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE RATE. IF YOU GO TO THE NNR THEY DON'T STACK ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. IT IS DEDUCTED FROM THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION RATE. >> IF YOU DON'T MIND -- [INAUDIBLE] IF WE ARE STUCK AT THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE FOR WHATEVER REASON, WE DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO RAISE THE TAXES BY CUTTING INTO OTHER THINGS TO PAY BACK JAIL RENOVATIONS. I HOPE WE DON'T END UP THERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE SAYING 17 MILLION ANNUALLY AND WE DON'T KNOW IF WE WILL HAVE THE MONEY FOR IT. RIGHT NOW WE ARE AT A 6.6 MILLION DEFICIT. IF WE DO NO NEW REVENUE IT WILL BE A $15.5 MILLION DEFICIT. WITH THE SHERIFF, PART OF IT WAS ARPA. AND IT IS 5 MILLION ANNUALLY AND HE IS CLEAR ABOUT THE COST SAVINGS. WURPB PERSON SAVES $91 MILLION IN OVERTIME AND IT IS RECOMMENDED BY THE BUDGET OFFICE. THAT'S THE PROCESS. I'M GLAD YOU ARE SUPPORTIVE OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS. I THINK THE IDEA TO SUPPORT JUDGES WHO ARE IMPLEMENTING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES, THE ARPA COMMITTEE CAN REVIEW T BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE COST BENEFITS. THE RESOLUTION ON IT -- THE RESOLUTION ON GETTING THE PUBLIC DEFENDER TO 50% PASSED -- I REMEMBER WHEN WE CAME BACK FROM MR. FLOYD FUNERAL AND THAT WAS THREE YEARS AGO. AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU BRING THIS TO COURT ABOUT EVERY SIX MONTHS. IT IS NOT THAT WE ARE NOT WANTING TO DO IT. SAME WITH THE BACKLOG. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT. IT IS NOT WE WISH TO WORK ON THESE ISSUES SO WE CAN AFFORD $17 MILLION A YEAR. WE CAN'T. SO THE ONLY WAY TO SUPPORT THIS IS TO ADD TO THE RESOLUTION SO LONG AS THE STATE WILL COVER THE COST. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO TIE IT TO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HAVING A HOLISTIC CONVERSATION TO STAFFING. 1,000 TWICE IS NOT GOING TO KEEP PEOPLE THERE. WE HAVE ISSUES IF FORENSIC SCIENCE. THEY MEET THE PROPER FOLKS. WE HAVE NOT GIVEN A RAISE TO OUR EMPLOYEES. NONE OF THE REST OF US DID. AND WE ARE PUTTING OURSELVES IN THE HOLE $17 MILLION. IT IS JUST NOT RESPONSIBLE. IT IS LIKE WE ARE CHOOSING ONE PROJECT THAT WE JUST DECIDED TO FUND. AND I ALSO -- I DON'T KNOW THE -- IF IT WERE ABOUT FASTER PROCESSING TIMES, WHY IS THE BACKLOG DOWN, BUT THE JAIL IS POPULATED. THAT WOULD BE -- THAT WOULD BE MY FRIEND -- FRIENDLY AMENDMENT AND I DON'T KNOW, MR. BERRY, IS THERE ANYWAY YOU CAN MAKE IT FEASIBLE? TO BE CLEAR, I SUPPORT THE IDEA, BUT WE JUST DON'T HAVE $17 MILLION. IF COLLEAGUES HAD SHOWED UP, ONE IS NOT HERE AND ONE IS HERE, IN OCTOBER AND SEPTEMBER AND AND -- AND AUGUST WHEN WE WERE HERE FIVE TIMES WE WOULD HAVE THE MONEY, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY. IS THERE A MOTION THAT WOULD MAKE THIS IN ANYWAY FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE? IF WE COULD SAY, YOU KNOW, A PHASED IMPLEMENT AND THE STATE PAYS FOR IT? I WOULD PROPOSE THAT TO ADD TO THE MOTION. >> SO WHAT I WILL SAY AS COURT CAN DECIDE WHATEVER IT WANTS TO INCLUDE IN THE MOTION. >> WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS IF THEY WERE PHASED IN IT WOULD HELP FOR US TO BE ABLE -- ESPECIALLY IF IT IS COMING FROM COURT TO MAINTAIN SOME -- A LEVEL OF A TAX RATE ABOVE THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE. THE OTHER ITEMS WE ARE BASICALLY COMMITTING OURSELVES NEXT YEAR AND SO THERE WILL BE LESS FLEXIBILITY OR ADDITIONAL ITEMS THAT WILL NEED TO BE -- >> THIS RETURN ON INVESTMENT -- I WOULD RATHER PUT MONEY ON THAT. THESE KIDS HAVE A HUGE APLGT -- HUGE AMOUNT OF HEALTH NEEDS. THEY WILL BE IN COURT. WE HAVE NO MONEY BECAUSE THEY [06:05:01] ARE HEALTH INITIATIVES AND EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES. LEAD IS TIED TO A HUGE CRIME RATE. YOU GUYS KNOW THE D.A. WILL COME ASKING FOR THE TESTIMONY POUR -- TEMPORARY POSITIONS. SO WHATEVER LEEWAY WILL GO TO THAT. NOR -- FOR SOME REASON EVERYONE VOTES FOR HER STUFF EVEN WHEN IT IS ILLOGICAL AND SHE IS OVER HERE THREATENING THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HART. SHE IS INVESTIGATING OUR HART PROGRAM. I MEAN, COME ON NOW. WE HAVE TO TALK HARD NUMBERS. IT IS AS SEPARATIONAL AND NICE TO EXPLORE THE PD OFFICE. I WOULD SAY LET'S DO AN AMENDMENT -- I WILL FINISH THIS SENTENCE AND THEN COMMISSIONER BRIONES WANTS TO SPEAK. LET'S DO AN AMENDMENT TO THE MOTION AND DO IT AND COMMIT OURSELVES TO BEYOND THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE. HELP ME CRAFT THAT AND I WILL MAKE IT. OTHERWISE I WILL ABSTAIN AND IT MADE MY STATEMENT CLEAR. I THINK WE ARE JUST GIVING -- IT PAINS ME -- IT PAIN PHAOEZ THAT JUDGE PAYNE IS HERE AND I WANT TO SUPPORT YOU. AND I WOULD MUCH RATHER GO BACK AND SEE YOU, MY FRIEND AND MY FRIENDS WHO ARE LAWYERS, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR IT AND SOMEBODY NEEDS TO CALL IT LIKE IT IS. I WILL CALL IT LIKE IT IS. WE CANNOT AFFORD THIS. IF YOU GIVE ME A PROPER MOTION, I WILL BE AS CLEAR AS I ALWAYS AM. I AM NOT MINCING WORDS. >> THERE IS A MOTION THAT HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED WITH REGARD TO ITEM NUMBER FOUR. I OFFER A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT AND I SECOND IT TO INCLUDE PASSAGE OF MY MOTION AS SENT UNDER ITEMS 142, 334, 335 AND 336. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND YOUR FRIENDLY AMENDMENT. TPOPL -- >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M PREPARED TO VOTE FOR ITEM 4. I THINK WE NEED TO TAKE THESE ONE AT A TIME. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU SAYING YOU CAN'T VOTE? >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS A MOTION FOR ITEM 4 BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA -- I'M SORRY. THE MOTION -- YEAH. COMMISSIONER, DID YOU MAKE THE MOTION FOR ITEM 4? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BE YAWNNESS. THIS -- COMMISSIONER BRIONES. THIS IS JUST ITEM 4. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF ITEM 4. I JUST WANT TO MAKE A NOTE BECAUSE IT IS FEELING EERILY -- ACTUALLY I WILL ABSTAIN. IT WILL BE 4-0. IT WILL BE LIKE THE D.A. VOTE. WE WERE ELECTED ESPECIALLY THIS NEW ERA TO SAY THINGS AS THEY ARE. I JUST DON'T THINK ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR US WANT TO SEE US JUST RUSH INTO A VOTE AND SHOVE IT UNDER THE RUG. WE DO NOT HAVE $17 MILLION. WE CANNOT COMMIT TO GOING TO THE VAR. WE MAY BE FORCED TO HAVE AN NNR. I THINK THE FOLKS THAT VOTED US INTO OFFICE EXPECT BETTER FROM US. I'LL BE HAPPY TO VOTE FOR THE OTHER MOTIONS. >> JUDGE, SO WE HAVE TAKEN A VOTE, RIGHT? >> IT PASSED 4-0. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION. >> I THOUGHT WE MADE A MOTION TO INCLUDE -- -- >> YOU WANT TO DO IT SEPARATE STP. >> HE ASKED FOR SEPARATE. >> FOR CLARIFICATION ITEM 4 WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT, 4-0. >> TO GO THROUGH THE ONES WE DISCUSSED. DO YOU WANT TO VOTE ON ALL OF THEM OR EACH SEPARATELY? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: 142, 334, 335 AND 3 THRAOEU -- 336. >> TOM RAMSEY: AND 142? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: DO YOU HAVE THIS, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY? IT WAS CIRCULATED BY MY TEAM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND I HAVE AN AMENDMENT TO MY MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED TO GO BACK TO ITEM 4? >> I'M SORRY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I HAVE AN AMENDMENT TO MY MOTION. >> FOR ITEM 4? THAT MOTION HAS BEEN PASSED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT WILL BE A SEPARATE MOTION. I WILL MAKE IT A SEPARATE MOTIONLESS LESS WITH REGARD TO EYE -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I MAKE A MOTION TO DIRECT IGA INTER GOVERNMENTAL AND GLOWAL -- GLOBAL UH -- AFFAIRS TO SUPPORT [06:10:03] POTENTIAL STATE FUNDING FOR THE BUILDOUT OF THE ADDITIONAL COURTS. >> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AS WELL AS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN DO THEM AT ONE TIME. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: IT IS STILL 142. AS WELL AS TO MAKE EFFECTIVE DATE OF OCTOBER 1ST AND TO PHASE THE COURT INTO COURTS IN A TIME OVER THE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER BE PWROPB -- BRIONES AND SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IF FAVOR? I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES 5-0. YOUR OTHER COMMISSIONER? >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I MAKE A MOTION TO PASS ITEM 334, AR MOTION TO DIRECT HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS TO RETURN WITH A PLAN BY APRIL 25TH TO FUND THE PROGRAM TO MAINTAIN CURRENT OPERATIONS AND EXPAND TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE HCSO DISTRICT 4 AND POSSIBLY OTHER DISTRICTS BEGINNING IN FISCAL YEAR 2024. THE PLAN SHOULD INCLUDE A BUDGET THAT INCORPORATES STAFFING AND OUT REACH AND OTHER OPERATIONS AND A TIMELINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND EXPECTED MEASURES. >> IS THAT PART OF THE BUDGET PROCESS? >> I THINK SHE IS ASKING TO DEVELOP WHAT THE COSTS WOULD BE. >> LINA HIDALGO: AS PART OF THE BUDGET PROCESS, RIGHT? THEN WE ARE NOT HAVING THE AD HOC CONVERSATIONS LENS LENS HENCE THE LANGUAGE -- >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: HENCE THE LANGUAGE IN 2024. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME ASK THE QUESTION. WE PAY FOR THE RESPONSE PROGRAM RIGHT NOW WITH THE ARPA MONEY, RIGHT? >> IT IS A MIX I BELIEVE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SOME OF IT CAN BE DONE WITH ARPA MONEY? >> THAT WOULD BE A DECISION THIS BODY WOULD MAKE. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU KNOW WHAT PERCENTAGE? >> I WOULD HAVE TO GET BACK TO YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THOUGHT IT WAS HALF. >> NO, IT IS LESS. WE'LL FOLLOW-UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED -- MOTIONED BY BRIONES AND I MISSED THE SECOND. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT WAS ME. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES 4-1. I'M IN FAVOR. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: 335, I MAKE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND SAFETY AND THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES TO CREATE A PROPOSAL FOR JUDGES WHO IMPLEMENT BEST PRACTICES TO RESULT IN FEWER ACTIVE CASES AND FEWER IN CUSTODY CASES AND PRE-TRIAL CONDITION THAT'S ALIGN WITH PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS AND A LOWER OVERALL BACKLOG OF CASES AND COST SAVINGS FOR THE COUNTY. THIS PROPOSAL SHALL INCLUDE STANDARDS FOR RESOURCES INCLUDING WHICH INNOVATIVE PROCESSES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR RESOURCES AND WHO THEY MUST REPORT TO COMMISSIONER COURT. >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY BRIONES AND SECOND BY GARCIA. IS THIS PART OF THE BUDGET CYCLE? >> THIS IS ARPA ONE-TIME INFUSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> AND I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION ON ITEM 336. MOTION TO DIRECT THE COORDINATING COUNCIL TO CREATE A COMMITTEE ON INTAU GENT -- INDIGENT PLAN AND RETURN ON JULC DEFENDER'S OFFICE TO AT LEAST 50% OF INDIGENT APPOINTMENT CASES BY THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 2024. >> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: PARDON ME. THEY SHALL IDENTIFY AND GIVE A STRATEGIC PLAN TO IDENTIFY BEST CASES ARE MET INCLUDING CASE LOW STANDARDS AND HOLISTIC SERVICES AND RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: WAS THAT PART OF THE BUDGET CYCLE? >> THAT WOULD BE PART OF THE BUDGET CYCLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOT IT. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND SECONDED BY -- >> ONE QUICK NOTE. WE HAVE THE $9 MILLION FIGURE, THAT WAS FROM THE LAST MASTER PLAN THAT CAME TO COURT. >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT. >> THIS WAS YEARS BEFORE THIS STARTED. >> IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE BUDGET CYCLE. >> I BELIEVE IT IS CLOSER TO NEUTRAL AT THE END OF THE DAY [06:15:02] BECAUSE THE RATES FOR ASSIGNED COUNCIL HAVE GONE UP. >> INTERESTING. >> MOVE IT UP 75%. >> I WILL BE ON THE DEADLINE. THE FORMER TEACHER IN ME. I AM TYPE-A ABOUT DEAD DEADLINE. >> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> ANY OPPOSED? >> NO. >> I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES 4-1. >> SO THE OTHER BUDGETARY LATED ITEMS -- BUDGET RELATED ITEMS ARE THE COMPENSATION ITEMS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS TIME FOR A BREAK. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. LET'S TAKE A BREAK. IT IS 6:20 AND WE WILL BREAK UNTIL 6:30. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE SOMETHING WE CAN BEGIN DISCUSSING? HOW LOOKING -- HOW IS IT LOOKING ON THE APPENDIX B SITUATION? AND IT HAS BEEN MARKED -- OKAY. GREAT. >> WE HADN'T SENT IT AROUND TO EVERYBODY. >> I THINK MR. BERRY SENT IT AROUND. I THINK IT IS COMMISSIONER BERRY'S POINT ON THE RIGHT OF WAY IS MY UNDERSTANDING. >> JUDGE, ARE WE IN SESSION OR STILL ON BREAK? >> LINA HIDALGO: WELL, GOOD POINT. TRYING TO SEE IF THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN TAKE WITHOUT COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IT IS 6:40 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. SO WE ARE GO -- GOING TO START WITH ITEM 19, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MEMBERS WE TALKED ABOUT IT SEVERAL TIMES TODAY. THE SHERIFF MADE REFERENCE TO US BEING AS STRONG AS OUR WORKFORCE. THE EMPLOYEE WAGES IN OUR COUNTY ARE NOT KEEPING UP WITH THE COST OF LIVING. IN THE LAST THREE YEARS INFLATION HAS GONE UP 17% NATIONWIDE BUT PROVIDE -- PROVIDED A 2-POINT 5 COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT. WE HAVE HARD-WORKING INDIVIDUALS. FUNDING RAISES FOR SOME EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN GIVEN. SO WE HAVE CREATED WINNERS AND USERS -- WINNERS AND LOSERS. AT THE LAST COURT MEETING I ASKED THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO LOOK INTO WHAT WE CAN DO FOR EMPLOYEES NOW. I GET IT. I UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET DEPARTMENT FEELS FISCALLY RESTRAINED, THAT WE SHOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. BUT WHEN I ASKED THIS, THERE WAS ANOTHER ITEM THAT CAME UP AND WE FOUND MONEY FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES WHICH IS WHY I ASKED FOR THESE OPTIONS. CAN I WALK YOU WITH -- THROUGH THE OPTIONS? YOU OUGHT TO LOOK THROUGH THE TWO MOTIONS. >> WE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR. I DO HAVE RELUCTANCE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU SAID IT. >> I APPRECIATE THAT WE HAVE FALLEN BEHIND. THERE ISN'T THAT -- THERE ISN'T ANYONE THAT WOULD DOUGH NIGHT THAT. ANYONE THAT WOULD DENY THAT. WE HAVE $5 MILLION TO DO AN EQUITY BALANCE ACROSS CLASSIFICATIONS. WE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR THAT IT WAS TARGETED TO FOLKS AT THE LOWER END OF THE PAY SCALE. IT WAS SOMETHING EBG WET -- EQUITABLE IN AN APPROACH AND WE LIMITED HOW MUCH WE WOULD PAY IN A CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. I SAID IT TO THIS COURT. I BELIEVE AND I'LL BE ASKING FOR GUIDE -- GUIDANCE ON HOW MUCH TO PLAN IN COLA. I THINK WE NEED A 3 OR 4% TO GET US BACK ON TRACK AND THEN DECIDE STRATEGIC -- STRATEGICALLY IF THERE ARE CERTAIN CLASSIFICATIONS WE WANT SPECIAL ATTENTION TO. OPTION 1 WOULD BE SOME SORT OF RETENTION INCENTIVE FOR FOLKS MAKING UNDER 75,000. WE SETTLED ON THE NUMBER 500 BECAUSE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE AVERAGE COLA FOR FOLKS MAKING UNDER 75,000. INER TMS OFPT OIONS, IF COURT WEREO TMOVE FORWARD WEOU WLD RECOMMEND OPTION 2 WHICH IS INCREASING THE BASE AMOUNTY B 500. SO IT ISAK MING THE COLAHE TY MISSED OUTN. O THAT FLAT AMOUNTRO PVIDES A BIGGER BOOST AS AER PCENTAGEOR F FOLKS AT THE BOTTOM OF THEAY P SCALEOM CPARED TO FOLKS ATHE T TOP *FT -- TOP OF THE PAY SCALE. WE HAVEAT CREED COMPENSATION [06:20:08] WHEREST WE RUGGLED TO INCENTIVIZEMO PROTIONS. WE SREPLLO EMPYEEST THA-- WE HAVE EMPLOYEES D WHOON'T THINK ITWO IS RTH WHILEAP TO PROACH. THET LASOPTION WOULD BE STARTINGT AS THIPOINT -- AT SOME POINT THIS YEAR. THOSE ARE THE THREEIO OPTNS WE PUT FORWARD.>> N' I DIDT JUMPRA AND GB THEON EWO THAT ULD COSTOS THE MT MONEY.IT WAS T GOINGO IMPACTLL A SMAER GROUP OFYE EMPLOES I'M GONNA MAKE A MOTIONTI ON OPON 2, BUT ALSOTE I WAND TO -->> OPTION TWO?>> OPTION TWO.SO HERE IS THEN. MOTIO I MOVECR TO INEASEY COUNTEM PLOYEE COMPENSATIONTI EFFECVE MAY 1ST, 2023 AS T OPPOSEDO --OS AS PROPED INN OPTIO2WH ICH ALLOWSR $500 PEEMPLOYEE P ASART OFTI A RETENONVE INCENTI PROGRAMED PRESENT BYIC THE OFFE FOR MANAGEMT AND BUDGET CIVILIANES EMPLOYE AND DETENTION OFFICERS WHO DID NOT RECEIVE ADDITIONALBE RAISES YOND COUNTYE WI COST OFAD LIVING JUSTMENTS F INISCAL YEAR 22 SHORT FISCAL YEAR 22 AND 23.AT WH I'M TRYING TO DO SHEP THES FOLK--O I -- TO DHE IS HELP T FOLKS E CATCH THEARLY ME?GOT I WANT TORE MAKE REFENCE TO ONE OTHER POINT.S IT I DIRECTING C -- IT HASOME TOIO MY ATTENTN THAT WE DON'T HAVE AT CONSISTENPOLICY ABOUTEN PAYMTIM FOR INTERRS DISTRICTE. I'M TOLD --IR INTERIM DECTORS. THERO ITEM IS BADND ENOUGH, A THEREFORE I HAVEON A MOTION WELL.S I'LL DORA THAT SEPATELY.LD SHOU IEP DO THAT SARATELY?OD >> RNEY ELLIS: I'LL DO ITTE SEPARA. I MADEAN OPTION 1 D PASSED IT OUT.IN >> LA HIDALGO: OPTION 2 YOU SAID.OD >> RNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY. MOTION NUMBER 1 ON OPTION 2. MOTION>> 1. LINA HIDALGO: ISIN IT TO CREASE THE SALARY INOU THE AMNT OF 500E FOR ELIGIBLEE EMPLOYS?OD >> RNEY ELLIS: YES. >>AI FOR THE REMNDER OF AND THEN IT IS 8 -- SORRY.IO 5.7 MILLN ANNUALLY. >>SA AND LET ME Y THIS. T I KNOWHAT YOU ALL'S POLICYTO IS NOT DO IT?RI OF OUR FENDS IN THE VICINITY HAVE DONE BY USING ARPA MONEY.RE IF I WE ONE OFPL THESE EMOYEESAS AND IF THIS W THE I ONLY WAY COULD GETTH IT, IF ERETI WAS JUST ONE MEDO I WOULD IT. THAT'SL YOU ALL'S CALIF YOUDO WANT TO ITEY WITH ARPA MONR AOR -- OGENERAL FUND. I JUST WANT TO WORKING INSE FOLKSUT THE PARKS AND THEY HURT. >> I SUPPORT YOUR MOTIONTE AS PRESEND.IN ON YOUR POT OF USING ARPA,N THERE IS AOPTION MR. RAMOS HAS PROPOSED THAT WOULD BE -- LET'S SEE. THE OPTION ONE. I WOULD SUPPORT THAT AS AN ARPA EXPENDITUREY . LET ME TELLS: AND YOU. IT DOESN'T BOTHERD ME. WE SHOUL TELL THEM IT'S NOT ONGOING.GA >> ADRIAN RCIA: OPTION ONE IS A ONE-TIME. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: ARE YOU SAYING OPTION ONE PLUS OPTION TWO?GA >> ADRIAN RCIA: NO.ON JUST OPTION E. TO USE ARPA FOR OPTION R 1. >> TOMAMSEY: BUT WE HAVE OPTION 2 ON THE C TABLE. >> IAN GO OVER MY -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: YEAH. MR. COUNTY W ATTORNEY. I'LLITHDRAW IT IF -- >>T NO. I JUST WAN TO CLARIFY. THE MOTION YOU MADE RIGHTNE NOW. >> RODY ELLIS: THE R MOTION I MADEIGHT NOW ISAN FOR OPTION 2 DAY GOING INTO EFFECT M 1ST. THAT G WOULD COME FROM THEENERAL FUND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WOULD BE THE ANNUAL SALARY WHICH ISI ONGOING. AM PROPOSING AS A U SUBSTITUTE TOSE OPTION 1ARPA MONEY AS WITH ARPA MONEY. >> THE REASON BEHINDSE OPTION 2S OPPOD TO OPTION 1, TYPICALLY OUR EMPLOYEES HAVE HIGH TURNOVER, ANDRE TYPICALLY THEY A LOOKING ATMB THE RECURRING NUERN AND YOUR [06:25:02] PENSIOIS PAID OUT AT AND O VACATION IS PAIDUT AT. I WANT FOLKS TO KNOW WE ARET. COMMITTED TO THA >> OR THERE TO USE ARPA MONEY TO DO IT? >> AS MR. RAMOS TALKED ABOUTE- BEFORE, IT IS A ONTIME EXPENDITURE. IT IS A ONE-TIME FEE OR TWO YEARS TECHNICALLY. >> BUT THEN IF THAT'S TO THE WHAT SOME FOLKS GOT LIKE WHAT DIRECTOR RAMOS IS SAYING IF IT IS A ONE-TIME INFUSE F MEANT IF YOU WORKORYO A CERTAIN OFFICE U GET A HIGHER PAY ANDND HIGHER VACATION A HIGHER. PENSION, ET CETERA IF YOU WORK FOR THE OTHER OFFICES YOU DON'T GET THOSE BENEFITSBU BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T LLY THE BUDGET OFFICE. SAY IT LIKE IT IS.OM >> RODNEY ELLIS: CMISSIONER GARCIA, I KNOW WHEN WE WERE, GOING THROUGH THISYOU. GAVE ME A REASON WHY I SAID I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF I WAS IN THAT CATEGORYNT WHIH ONE I WOULD WA. YOU WENT THROUGH IT WITH ME.WA WHICH ONE WOULD YOU NT? >> TYPICALLY MY EXPERIENCE AND I USED TO RUN LABOR -- LABOR FOR BALTIMORE CITY. >> WHEN I FIRST W LOOKED AT THE LIST IANTED THE 6.5, PERIOD. AND THEN YOU BACKED ME OFF OF IT THAT WOULD BE THE CONCERN. >> AND WE CAN'T CREATE DIFFERENT ROLES FOR DIFFERENTM EMPLOYEES R GIVE THE THE OPTION. I JUST THINK THISR IS A COMMITMENT TO OU FOLKSE'. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WLL GO BACK TO OPTION 2 AND EFFECTIVE MAYGA 1ST. >> ADRIAN RCIA: SECONDOT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MIONED BY S COMMISSIONER ELLIS ANDECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. O >> LINA HIDALGO: ANYPPOSED? I AM GOING TO ABSTAIN FOR THE SAKE OF CONSISTENCY. I SUPPORT IT, BUT WE ARE IN A DEFICIT AND WE JUST COMMITTED $16 PH-LG WE DON'T -- $16 MILLION WE DON'T HAVE. IT STARTED WITH BULLYING AND CAVING. >> AND THIS MOTION [INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE MOTION 22 DIRECT HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ON POLICY CLARIFYING THEAL PARAMETS TO AN INDIVIDU UH POINTED TO AN INTERIM ROLE IN THE LEADERSHIP OF A COUNTY AGENCY THAT THEY RECEIVE A SALARY INCREASE THAT ALIGNS WITH THE SALARY RECEIVED BY THE PREVIOUS. INDIVIDUAL FILLING THE ROL THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WILL BRING THIS POLICY BACK TO THE COURT FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL IN THE NEXT COURT. >> I SECOND.D >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONEBY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I-. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND - >> SORRY. ONE POINT, ON THE PRIOR MOTION, SHANE FROM HR TEXTED ME, IT WOK BEST TO START THE A INCREASE ON THE BEGINNING OF PAY HERD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN WOULD THAT BE? >> MAY 6TH. >> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY. MAY 6TH. CAN I JUST SAY CHANGE IT TO MAY 6TH. >>HE YEAH. THERE IS A MOTION ON T FLOOR AND IF WE CAN DEAL WITH THAT ANN THEN A MOTION TO RECONSIDER THE OTHER ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THIS PHOEBGS IS BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY BRIONES AND THIS IS ON INTERIM SALARIES FOR INTERIM DIRECTORS. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> I AM IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. WE'LL GO BACK TO MOTION ONE AND IT IS THE SAME SPHOEGS BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS, BUT STARTING MAY 6TH AS OPPOSED TO MAY 1ST. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I.? >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED MOTION CARRIES 4-0. THAT SHOULD BE THE BUDGET-RELATED ITEMS COLLEAGUES. >> I'M SORRY. YOU ABSTAINED, CORRECT? >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WAS 321 -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I AM NOT SPENDING MONEY, AND WHEN WE ARE SPENDING MONEY WE DON'T HAVE, PAY EQUITY, I WANT TO GET AN UPDATE, MARCH 14TH IS EQUAL PAYDAY AND IT REMINDS US FOR THE FIGHT OF PAY EQUITY BEING FAR FROM OVER. THE AVERAGE WOMAN WHO WORKS FULL TIME IS PAID ON AVERAGE 84% OF A TYPICAL MAN'S PAY. EQUAL PAY DAY SHOWS HOW FAR THE YEAR OF THE WOMAN WE HAVE COME, BUT HOW MUCH FARTHER WE STILL NEED TO GO. 73 MORE DAYS OF WORK TO BRING HOME THE SAME PAYCHECK OF WHAT WOMEN HAVE TO GO THROUGH. I KNOW THERE ARE OTHER DATES COMING UP WE WILL TALK ABOUT DISPARITIES. JULY 27TH IS BLACK WOMEN'S [06:30:03] EQUITY DAY. I DON'T KNOW WHO COMES UP WITH THESE DAYS. I WAS TOLD THE 5TH WAS FOR LATINA WOMEN AND NOVEMBER 30TH IS NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN. I KNOW I ASKED FOR THIS SOME TIME AGO. I JUST WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE ON WHERE WE ARE. WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT IT, WE RAISE EXPECTATIONS. ON THE OTHER HAND, I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS AND IT REMINDS ME OF A DISPARITY STUDY. WHEN YOU KNOW HOW BAD THINGS ARE, P PUTS PRESSURE ON TO MAKE CHANGES. WHEN I BROUGHT IT UP WAS IT TWO YEARS AGO OR A YEAR AGO? DO YOU REMEMBER? >> IN TERMS OF THE COMPENSATION IT IS MORE RECENT THAN THAT. >> I BET THERE WERE OTHER DISCUSSIONS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. >> ON THE ISSUE, WHAT WAS IT? DID WE SET ASIDE SOME MONEY IN THE BUDGET TO GO AND DO THE STUDY? >> THE HEART IS THE STUDY AND IT IDENTIFIED SOME LIKELY PAY DISPARITIES FOR PEOPLE DOING SIMILAR JOBS. HE WAS LEADING A PROJECT OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS SO WE COULD COMPARE BETTER AND WE SET ASIDE $5 MILLION IN THE BUDGET MR. RAMOS PROPOSED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE BUDGET THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT. >> CORRECT. >> WE WILL LIKELY BE RECOMMENDING SIMILAR. WE THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE PHO*RS -- MOST THINGS WE DO IN THE COUNTY. DON'T BE SURPRISED IF THERE IS A PLACE HOLDER TO TACKLE THIS WORK. THE ONE THING I WILL SAY, MY EXPERIENCE FROM A CIVIL SERVICE JURISDICTION IS A LOT IS ROOTED IN THE CLASSIFICATIONS WE HAD A 50% VARIANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH THE SAME TITLE. THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN DOING THE SAME WORK, BUT THEY HAD THE SAME TITLE. THERE WAS A HUGE DISKREPL PEN -- DIS -- DISCREPANCY. THERE IS NO SHORTCUT OF DOING THE WORK. DANIEL HAS THIS JOB DUTY. HE IS A CLERK 3 AND STEP 2. THAT'S THE WRORBG -- THE WORK WE ALL WILL HAVE TO DO. >> SO IT IS COMPENSATING FOR WOMEN MAKING UP FOR THE DISPARITIES? >> WHEN WE IDENTIFIED THEM, YES. WE FOUND FOLKS DOING SAME OR SIMILAR DUTY AND WE WOULD BRING THEM UP TO PAR. T >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THE 5 MILLION ISO MAKE THE PAYMENTS AND RAISE THE SALARY. SO IT WOULD HAVE TO BE ONGOING. >> CORRECT.BO RO*DZ -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK AUT THE MOTION ON YOUR ARPA MONEY. IT WOULD PUT PRESSURE ON. IF I WAS A WOMAN AND IF THE YEAR OF THE WOMAN WAS 2023, YOU PUT SOME PRESSURE ON IT TO GET IT. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL? I KNOW IT VIOLATES THE POLICY, BUT WE ARE VIOLATING. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE. WE HAVE TO RESTRAIN MYSELF. >> MY BUS DRIVERS, MY FEMALE BUS DRIVERS WERE PAID LESS THAN THE -- THAN THE MALE BUS DRIVERS. THEY WERE PAID LESS BECAUSE THEY TEBDED TO MISS WORK MORE BECAUSE THEY WERE CARE PROVIDERS. WE HAD TO MAKE SURE IT WAS EQUALIZED. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THIS IS FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT TO ME TOO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND THE MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO COME BACK IN THREE WEEKS. I WILL SAY BY THE WAY, COLLEAGUES, EVERYTHING WE FUNDED WITH ARPA WHETHER IT IS HART, ALTERNATIVE RESPOND DENTS, WHATEVER WE HAVE DONE WHEN WE NO LONGER HAVE THE MONEY WE WILL BE TELLING A LOT OF PEOPLE. I TKPWRET IT WHEN YOU -- I GET IT WHEN YOU MAKE THE ARGUMENT AND WE DO WHAT OTHER SKWRUS -- JURISDICTIONS HAVE DONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THEY SPLIT IT FOUR WAYS. THAT'S HOW WE WORKED OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS TO FOLLOW THE BUDGET AND WE ARE DEVOLVING. I KNOW YOU ARE MAKING A POINT, KPWHEUGSER -- COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO SEE HOW WE CAN CHANGE THAT. >> I WOULD APPRECIATE A LITTLE TIME. WHAT THEY DO IS HAVE A PLAN TO REVIEW A CLASS OF JOBS EVERY YEAR AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS IS SET [06:35:01] A LONGER TERM PAY PLAN. COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS BROUGHT IT UP. I AM ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO PROPOSED A PLAN TO YOU THAT I WOULDN'T -- I WASN'T SURE WE WOULD BE ABLE TO FUND. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST THINK SOMETIMES THOSE PROGRAMS THAT CREATE EQUITY, THERE IS SUCH A RELUCTANCE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SURE WE HAVE THE MONEY, BUT ALL OF THE OTHER STUFF THAT WAS INEQUITABLE, IT IS FUNDED REAL QUICK, YOU GOT ME? AND MAYBE IT IS BECAUSE OF THE POLITICAL MUSCLE. IN MY MIND, I WOULD BE CURIOUS TO KNOW IN THREE WEEKS IF SOME OTHER JURISDICTION HAS DECIDED TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE EQUITY PIECE FOR WOMEN IN PARTICULAR BY USING ARPA MONEY. BEFORE WE GET HOLIER THAN THOU. >> YOU HEAR FROM ME A FIRM COMMITMENT WE HAVE TO ADDRESS THIS. I'M GONNA DO THE WORK ALONG WITH SHANE TO PUT TOGETHER A PLAN FOR US TO FUND COLLECTIVELY. THERE IS AN ISSUE OF TIMING. THERE IS NO ISSUE GOING PERSON TO PERSON AND GETTING A JOB DESCRIPTION AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT THEIR LICENSES ARE AND YEARS OF SERVICE AND PUTTING THEM ON A SALARY SCALE. WE CAN'T DEVELOP THAT IN THREE WEEKS, NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO, SOME OF THE INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT CREATED SALARY SCALES IN THE DEPARTMENT, WE WILL ALSO HAVE TO ADJUST AND SET CLASSIFICATIONS. >> WHEN WE COME BACK IN THREE WEEKS, I JUST WANT YOU TO THINK OF SOMETHING. HOW DO WE PUT PRESSURE ON IT? EVEN IF YOU PUT THE 5 MILLION IN THERE YOU WOULD STILL HAVE THEAT ISSUE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, WH IF WE REFER THIS TO THE ARPA STEERING COMMITTEE BECAUSE IT MAY JUST BE FOR THEM TO COOK SOMETHING UP AROUND THIS PAY PARITY ISSUE. >> MY REQUEST IS TO SEND IT TO HRN AND THEY CAN CONSIDER ARPA FUNDING AS PART OF A SOLUTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN COMMISSIONER SEND IT TO HRRM? >> RODNEY ELLIS: GOD -- GOOD. >> OTHER RELEVANT COUNTIES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I LIKE THIS. WHEN MR. RAMOS CAME IN WITH THE PROPOSAL AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WORKED HIM PRETTY GOOD AND HE CAME ON THROUGH I OUGHT TO THANK YOU BECAUSE I PUT MY THINKING CAP ON. >> LINA HIDALGO: I SHOULD BRING MY -- I SHOULD JUST GIVE A RAISE TO ALL PHAOF I -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU CAN'T BEAT THEM, JOIN EM. >> LINA HIDALGO: JOIN EM. LET'S MOVE ON TO THE REST OF THE AGENDA. >> SORRY, JUDGE. THAT'S 321 AND NO ACTION? >> NO ACTION. IT IS BEING REFERRED TO A DEPARTMENT.O >> RODNEY ELLIS: REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT TCOME BACK NEXT COURT. >> SO NO ACTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE MOVE TO ITEM 155. HAS ALL OF THE MEMBERS RECEIVED THE DOCUMENT FROM ENGINEERING AND TEAM? THERE ARE THREE DOCUMENTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, BEFORE WE SEE THIS ITEM I HAD 142 ON THE LIST. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. I THOUGHT THAT WENT WITH THE COURT ITEMS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON 142 I MOVE TO DIRECT THE INTER GOVERNMENTAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH MEMBERS OF -- OH, WRONG ONE. THERE YOU GO. IT IS A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PASSAGE OF SB957 DESIGNATING A PORTION OF HIGHWAY 59 IN HARRIS COUNTY AS THE DEPUTY SHERIFF DARREN ALMENDARES MEMORIAL HIGHWAY. SANDRA ALVERADO IS WORKING ON THIS AND THIS RESOLUTION WILL HELP HER IN HER PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT THIS PORTION OF THE HIGHWAY IS NAMED IN HIS HONOR. >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE ONE. I KNOW WE EMAILED IT, BUT I'M GOING BACK OLD SCHOOL. THIS IS ON THE MEDICATED PROGRAMS OF DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE FOR OUR HOSPITAL DISTRICT. THE MOTION IS TO ADOPT THE RESOLUTION OF SENATE BILL 651 AND HOUSE BILL 2401 OF THE [06:40:04] 88TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE AND ANY OTHER PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT RISKS FUNDING FOR OUR HOSPITAL DISTRICT. I WOULD EMAIL TO YOU AND I WILL PASS IT OUT. >> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> ANY OPPOSED. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO -- >> TOM RAMSEY: NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. PASSES 4-1. ARE WE READY FOR 155? SO 155 IS THE GLO MOD FORMULA TOPIC. DIRECTOR RAHMAN WOULD YOU LIKE US TO LOOK -- PERHAPS THE TRACK CHANGES INCORPORATING ALL COURT MEMBERS? I PROPOSE WE GO THROUGH THAT DOCUMENT AND YOU GO THROUGH EACH OF THE EDITS AND LET US KNOW WHAT THE IMPACT WOULD BE. IT SOUNDS LIKE FROM THE DISCUSSION ALL OF US WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT IS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE. >> YES, JUDGE. LET ME UP LOAD THE DOCUMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND WE HAVE IT. I'LL TELL YOU A SECRET. EVEN IF YOU UP LOAD IT, MOST OF US CAN'T SEE IT ON THERE ANYWAY. >> WHEN WE MOVE DOWNSTAIRS WE MAY BE ABLE TO SEE IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN YOU ALL GET ON THERE I CAN'T SEE IT AND I'M CLOSEST TO IT. >> COMMISSIONER, LET ME TRY THIS >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DO HAVE A COPY AS WELL. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: I REVIEWED THE CHANGES AND IT DOES REFLECT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M FINE WITH IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU ALL FINE WITH IT? >> TOM RAMSEY: I'M GOOD. I UNDERSTAND THE RIGHT OF WAY ERB AOU. I WAS JUST TRYING TO GIVE A LITTLE MORE FLEXIBILITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON THE EDITS FROM ALL COURT MEMBERS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WAS A GREAT PRESENTATION, DR. RAHMAN. COURT MEMBERS SHOULD LEARN FROM YOU. >> WE HAVE THE APPENDIX, BUT WHAT IS THE MOTION? TO APPROVE THE APPENDIX? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS AMENDED. >> LINA HIDALGO: TO APPROVE APPENDIX B AS AMENDED. THIS WILL BE THE ONE WITH THE TRACK CHANGES INCORPORATING EDITS FROM ALL COURT MEMBERS, RIGHT DR. RAHMAN. >> YES, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: NICE. >> TO BE CLEAR, THE PREVIOUS MOTIONS ARE THEY STILL ON THE TAKE -- TABLE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY ARE ROLLED INTO IT. >> OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S 155. 189 THE PURCHASING AGENT BOARD. COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THIS AN UH POINTMENT MATTER? WOULD THAT GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? >> I APOLOGIZE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS THE PURCHASING BOARD AND IF IT IS AN APPOINTMENT ISSUE DOES THAT GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? >> I THINK AS I UNDERSTAND IT THE SPECIFIC ITEM RIGHT NOW JUST RELATES TO REAPPOINTING MEMBERS OF THE COURT. THE WAY THE STATUTE OUT READS RIGHT NOW, THERE IS NOTHING STATED IN THERE AS FAR AS HOW LONG THE TERMS ARE FOR MEMBERS OF THE COURT TO SERVE ON. AS I UNDERSTOOD WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING TO DO, THE DIRECTION THEY ARE TRYING TO GET IS TO MAKE SURE -- EITHER THE TWO -- YOU AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA ARE GOING TO REMAIN OR IF THE COURT IS GOING TO HAVE TWO OTHER MEMBERS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT WOULD THE MOTION LOOK LIKE? >> LINA HIDALGO: MOVE TO REAPPOINT AND I'M FINE WITH THAT MOTIONED LIE COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> MOVE TO REAPPOINT? >> LINA HIDALGO: THE MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS' COURT THAT ARE SERVING IN THE PURCHASING AGENT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND RODNEY ELLIS. >> LINA HIDALGO: 193, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THIS IS A GRANT FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY. >> TOM RAMSEY: THE QUESTION I HAD WAS RELATED TO THE PROCESS OF PICKING PROJECTS FOR THIS PARTICULAR GRANT. IT LOOKS LIKE THESE ARE STILL BEING -- WILL THE PRECINCTS BE INVOLVED IN THE SELECTION OF THESE PROJECTS? >> I THINK THIS IS A QUESTION [06:45:05] FOR DIRECTOR AND SO IF NOT WE'LL GET BACK TO YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU. WE WILL LEAVE THAT PENDING, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. LET'S MOVE TO 243. YOU FLAGGED THAT ONE AS WELL, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. IT IS VARIOUS RESEARCH CONTRACTS. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST NEED TO VOTE >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND IT CARRIES 4-1. 325, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IT IS A CSD TRANSITION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OH YEAH. I APPLAUD MS. COSTAS FOR TAKING ON THE ROLE, BUT THIS IS A MOTION TO DIRECT HER TO DEVELOP A TRANSITION PLAN FOR HER DEPARTMENT FOR HER FIRST 90 DAYS IN OFFICE AND A THREE-MONTH ACTION PLAN OUTLINING THE STEPS UNDERWAY TO RESTRUCTURE THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH JUNE 30TH, 2023. AND THAT THE DIRECTOR, MS. COSTAS PRESENT THE PLAN AT THE APRIL 4TH COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETING. YOU KNOW, THIS DEPARTMENT IS CRITICAL AS WE UNDERSTAND IN VARIOUS WAYS. WHETHER IT IS BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND RECOVERY HOUSING AND SO I THINK IT IS CRITICAL THAT WHILE WE HAVE AN INTERIM DIRECTOR THAT WE ALSO HAVE -- SHE ALSO HAS DIRECTION AT LEAST FROM WHAT THIS COURT MEMBER WOULD LIKE TO SEE COMING OUT OF THE OFFICE SO THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IS THERE A SECOND. SECOND BY RAMSEY. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> AND THAT'S AS PRESENTED? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, 326 IS THE TRUCK ROOTS STUDY. TRUCK ROUTE STUDY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT IN OHIO, I MOVE THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY UPDATE THE HARRIS COUNTY TRUCK ROUTE STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FUTURE FREIGHT NEEDS OF THE COUNTY AND IDENTIFY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAT WOULD ENSURE THE SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE REGION WHILE I'M MOVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS. THE STUDY SHOULD DETERMINE POSSIBLE ALIGNMENTS WITH THE TEXAS DELIVERS 2050 FREIGHT PLAN. THE PORT IS CRITICAL TO OUR ECONOMY, OUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND OUR STATE ECONOMY AND OUR NATIONAL ECONOMY AND I MAY EVEN SAY TO PORTIONS OF OUR GLOBAL ECONOMY. IT IS CRITICAL THAT I WAS ON COUNCIL AND I WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT TRAINS STOPPING AND AS A SHERIFF I WAS CHALLENGED WITH ISSUES THAT PEOPLE WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT AND AS A COMMISSIONER OF EAST HARRIS COUNTY, I CONTINUE TO HEAR THESE CALLS. OHIO SHOULD GIVE YOU -- SHOULD GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HAPPENED OVER THERE IS HORRIBLE, BUT WE SHOULD DO WHAT WE CAN -- WE SHOULD DO ALL WE CAN TO MINIMIZE OUR PEDESTRIAN AND OUR VEHICLE INTERACTIONS WITH MOVING FREIGHT ON RAIL LINES. THAT IS THE MOTION I AM MAKING HERE. IT IS MOVED AS PRESENTED.NE >> TOM RAMSEY: SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER BRIOS: CAN I ASK A QUESTION FOR MY OWN KNOWLEDGE? I COULDN'T AGREE MORE ON THE IMPORTANCE AND THE NEED TO DO IT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR RAISING THIS. MY ONLY QUESTION IS WHY HCTRA AND NOT THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT? I KNOW ENGINEERING HAS A TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND DID THE LAW STUDY. I CAN SEE IT IS A COLLABORATION, BUT GIVEN THEY NOR -- GIVEN THEY NORMAL -- GIVEN THE ENORMITY -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD ACCEPT A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO DIRECT BOTH HARRIS COUNTY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AND THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AS UPDATED. JAMES, DID YOU CATCH THAT? >> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONERS ELLIS AND GARCIA, YOU BOTH HAD QUESTIONS ON ITEM 327. [06:50:04] THAT'S COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S ITEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. IN LIGHT OF THE EXCITING WORK WE HAVE STARTED IN RELATION TO CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNING A -- AS YOU HAVE LADY, I REALIZED THAT WHEN WE WERE LOOKING AT THE NUISANCE ABATEMENT ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY, THAT IS SITS IN VARIOUS PLACES. THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS STATUTORY AUTHORITY, BUT LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS THE PRACTICAL THINKING OF CITIZENS TO REPORT IT TO. AND THEN THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS AN INTEGRAL PLAYER IN THE PROCESS. IT IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. SO THIS MOTION IS INTENDED TO DIRECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT ON NUISANCE ABATEMENT PROGRAMS AS WELL AS TO DIRECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO PREPARE A REPORT ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND COORDINATION. MY INITIAL THOUGHT WAS THAT IT SHOULD BE UNDER THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE. I WILL ASK THESE DEPARTMENT LEADERS TO COME UP WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS. THE REALITY OF IT IS WE ARE PUTTING 3 MILLION OF ARPA FUNDING TO ABATE 1100 PROPERTIES OVER THE NEXT 4 YEARS. ON THE AGENDA THERE ARE FIVE SETS OF -- FIVE SETS FOR ABATEMENT. THREE OF THOSE ARE -- THREE OF THE FIVE ARE COMING FROM PRECINCT 2. BUT THE REALITY OF IT IS THIS IS THE TIP OF THE ICE -- THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG AND WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THIS MORE EFFECTIVELY AND MUCH MORE COORDINATED. THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION. IT IS TO DIRECT THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR A MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT AND THEN DIRECT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, THE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO PREPARE A REPORT ON HOW TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND COORDINATION. >> SO IT IS THE SPOKEN MOTION AND NOT AS PRESENTED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS PRESENTED. >> OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? OH YES, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANTED TO SEE IF THE DEPARTMENT COULD WALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT. GIVE US A SENSE OF WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND WHAT ARE THE TIME -- TIMELINES YOU FOLLOW TODAY AND I WANT TO GET A SENSE OF HOW WE CAN KNOW WHERE WE ARE WITH EACH OF THESE ABATEMENTS. JUST GIVE US A SENSE OF HOW IT WORKS. I KNOW THE LEGISLATION IS IN SESSION AND THERE MIGHT BE AN AREA, COMMISSIONER, ASKING FOR KPHAEUPBGS -- CHANGES, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE WOULD ASK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE ONLY THING I ASK, COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS IT IS MY ANNIVERSARY AND I AM TRYING TO GET OUT OF HERE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I HAD KNOWN THAT I WOULD HAVE TOLD YOU EARLIER THAN TODAY. SO THIS SOUNDS LIKE IT WOULD BE A LONG -- >> TOM RAMSEY: I AM GOING TO SECOND THAT MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST GIVE AS YOU QUICK ONE. I JUST WANT A SENSE OF HOW IT WORKS. >> GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND -- COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY ATTORNEY AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR. BARBIE ROBINSON. I AM JOINED BY SCOTT JOHNSON, THE DIVISION DIRECTOR FOR ENVIRONMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. WE HAVE EIGHT QUICK SLIDES THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO GO THROUGH TO TALK ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND WHERE WE ARE AND THE IMPROVEMENTS WE HAVE MADE AND EXPLANATION FOR WHY WE HAVE HAD A SLOW START AND WHY WE ARE NOW PICKING UP QUITE A BIT OF STEAM IN TERMS OF MOVING FORWARD. BEFORE SCOTT JUMPS IN TO WALK US THROUGH, I WANT TO CLARIFY THAT WE ARE NOT ABATING 1100 PROPERTIES. WE ARE ABATING 1100 NUISANCES. A PROPERTY COULD HAVE MULTIPLE NUISANCES. WE JUST HAD A PROPERTY ABATED WITH 23 NUISANCES ON IT AND THAT'S THE METRIC WE ARE USING TO COUNT TOWARD THAT. I WILL TURN IT OVER TO SCOTT. >> IT -- THANK YOU, DIRECTOR ROBINSON AND GOOD EVENING. I WILL RUN THROUGH THIS QUICKLY. I'M AWARE OF THE 10-MINUTE TIME LIMIT AS WELL AND WE WILL GET STARTED. TIFFANY, IF I COULD HAVE THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. I WILL HIGHLIGHT WHAT ARE THESE NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCES. IT IS WEEDS ON A PROPERTY IN EXCESS OF THREE FEET IN HEIGHT. [06:55:05] THAT IS JUNK, TRASH AND DEBRIS WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ILLEGALLY DUMPED. STRUCTURES DEEMED UNSAFE OR UNSECURE. THAT COULD BE A SHELL OF A BUILDING THAT IS THE REMANENCE OF A FIRE OR A STRUCTURALLY SOUND BUILDING WITH OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS. ABANDONED OR UNSECURE SWIMMING POOLS SUCH AS THE ONE TPH-FT -- SUCH AS THE ONE IN THE PHOTOGRAPH HERE. THE MOST COMMON THOUGH ARE YOUR HIGH WEEDS, JUNK, TRASH, DEBRIS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. THE PURPOSE AS LISTED IN THE HARRIS COUNTY COURT ORDER THAT DIRECTS THE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES IS TO PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE DESIRABILITY OF THE PROPERTIES BUT ABATE THE OVERALL HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE COMMUNITY. YOU CAN SEE THE PHOTOGRAPH AND THIS IS THE RESULT OF SOME OF OUR ABATEMENT WORK HERE. THIS IS A PROPERTY THAT WE HAD A PROPERTY OWNER DO THE ABATEMENT ON OF SEVERAL ITEMS IN COURT. THERE WAS THREE SEPARATE NUISANCE PROGRAMS. IT IS A COMPLAINT AND RECEIPT BY CITIZENS AND WE WILL GET APPROXIMATELY 1200 COMPLAINTS A YEAR. AT THIS RATE WE ARE CLOSING OUT A LITTLE OVER A THOUSAND AND SO WE ARE LOOKING AT A 92% RESOLUTION RATE ON THESE. WHERE WE HAVE THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY ACTUALLY PERFORM THE ABATEMENT. THIS PROGRAM ACTS AS THE FUNNEL THAT FUNNELS THEM TO THE ABATEMENT PROGRAMS. IT WILL TAKE 30 TO 100 DAYS TO RESOLVE. ANYTHING OVER 30 DAYS IS BECAUSE IT IS INVOLVED WITH THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND THE COURTS. THIS PROGRAM'S GENERAL FUND HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE THE 90S. WHEN WA*E -- WHEN WE DON'T GET RESOLUTIONS THROUGH THE COURTS OR THE NUISANCE PROGRAM WE SEND THEM TO THE ABATEMENT PROGRAMS. PRIOR TO ARPA COMING ON, THE ONLY ABATEMENT IS FUNDED THROUGH CSD VIA AN GRANT OF $150,000. WITH THAT WE WERE ABLE TO ABATE 10 TO 15 HOMES PER YEAR. THESE WOULD BE STRUCTURAL ABATEMENTS. YOU ARE LOOKING AT A TURN AROUND TIME OF THE ABATEMENT BEING PERFORMED. THERE ARE LIENS PLACED ON THE PROPERTY SO RECOUP RATION COSTS CAN -- RECOUP RATION COSTS COULD BE HAD. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ARPA-FUNDED ABATEMENTS AND CSD IS FIRST OFF IT HANDLES ALL TYPES OF NUISANCE AND NOT STRUCTURAL DEMOS. WE HAVE NEVER HAD THAT OPTION BEFORE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS NEW WITH THE ARPA FUNDING. WE HAVE TO PERFORM THE SAME ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS AND IT TAKES 60 TO 90 DAYS AS DIRECTOR ROBINSON STATED EARLIER, THE BENCHMARK IS 1100 ABATEMENTS BY THE END OF 2026 AND IN COME BEAR SON TO THE CSD -- IN COMPARISON TO CSD THERE ARE NO ABATEMENTS ON THE PROPERTIES. NEXT SLIDE. SO OUR INVESTIGATION AUTHORITY AND NUISANCE ABATEMENT AUTHORITY LIES IN STATUTE OUT 341 AND BASICALLY DESIGNATES THE COUNTY THAT HAS ADOPTED PROCEDURES OF WHICH THE LAST ADOPTION OR UPDATED THESE PROCEDURES WAS IN JUNE OF 2008 THAT LISTS OUT THE PROCEDURE THAT'S THE COUNTY MAY ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE BY DEMOLITION OR ESSENTIALLY ANY FORM OF LEGAL WASTE MANAGEMENT DISPOSAL. NEXT. HERE ARE PROGRAM STATISTICS. SO ON THE FAR LEFT, YOU WILL SEE A LIST OF ALL OF THE PROPERTIES THAT HAD GONE THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE PROGRAM FOR THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS. WE HAVE RECEIVED 5,798 COMPLAINTS AND WE HAVE CLOSED OUT 5,332. SO SHAEPBLLY THOSE ARE -- SO ESSENTIALLY THEY WERE ABATED BY THE PROPERTY OWNERS AND NOT HARRIS COUNTY. THEY INVOLVED CRIMINAL CHARGES AND FORCED THEM TO DO THE ABATEMENTS. NONETHELESS, 92% OF WHAT WE HAVE RECEIVED IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS HAVE BEEN ABATED. THIS WILL SHOW THE STRUCTURAL ABATEMENTS PERFORMED UNDER THE CSD FUNDING FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS. YOU WILL SEE THOSE PROBING -- [07:00:04] BROKEN DOWN BY ACTUAL PRECINCTS. WE AVERAGE 10 TO 15 PROPERTIES PER YEAR ON THE STRUCTURAL ABATEMENT DEPENDING ON THE INDIVIDUAL COST. THE GRAPH ON THE RIGHT SHOWS THE NUMBER OF ABATEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN PERFORMED USING ARPA FUNDS. THIS IS THE DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURES ALL THE WAY TO PICKING UP TRASH AND CUTTING GRASS. THERE ARE UPDATES TO THE NUMBERS HERE THAT ARE NOT SHOWN. I DID NOT INCLUDE THE NUMBERS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH SINCE WE WERE STILL IN IT. BUT IF YOU INCLUDE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE SO FAR IN MARCH IT INCREASES FROM 36 TO 76. 42 ABATEMENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHERE THERE WAS 17 AND 5. THERE ARE SOME ROAD BLOCKS AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA DEFINITELY ELUDED TO. A LOT OF THESE AREAS ARE AREAS WHERE WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS, ESPECIALLY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT CAN HELP OUT, UNSIGNED NOTICES CAN BE A LENGTHY DELAY IN THE PROCESS. WHEN WE HAVE A PROPERTY OWN THAT IS UNFINDABLE OR UNREACHABLE OR UNABLE TO SIGN A NOTICE, IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROCEED. WE CANNOT CHARGES ON SOMEONE WHO WAS NOT PROPERLY NOTIFIED. AND WE HAVE ISSUES WITH INDIVIDUALS WHO WERE PROPERLY NOTIFIED. WE HAVE BEEN IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND COURTS AS TO HOW WE CAN ALLEVIATE SOME OF THE ISSUES. WHEN IT COMES TO SOME OF THE INITIAL DELAYS WITH THE ARPA PROGRAM ITSELF, WHEN THE PROGRAM WAS GETTING UNDERWAY LATE SPRING AND EARLY JUNE OF LAST YEAR, PUBLIC HEALTH WAS INFORMED THAT WE WERE ABLE TO USE LOCALLY PROCURED VENDORS. WE STILL HAD CHALLENGES FINDING APPROPRIATE VENDORS. SOME SAID WE HAUL TRASH OFF IN THE DUMPSTER, BUT WE WON'T GO OUT TO THE PROPERTY AND PICK UP TRASH. WE HAD TO WORK TO GET THROUGH VENDORS. WE HAD SEVEN ABATEMENTS AND WE ARE POISED TO CONTINUE MOVING ON THROUGH THE REST OF THE FALL. BUT WE HAD BREAKS PLACED ON THE PROGRAM WHEN WE WERE TOLD TO USE THE FEDERAL PROCUREMENT PROCESS SINCE THE LIENS WERE NOT ON ARPA FUNDED ABATEMENT PROPERTIES. AS TIME WENT ON WE WENT INTO THE MONTH OF DECEMBER AND WE ARE FINALLY GIVING CONCRETE DIRECTION AND INSTRUCTION THAT WE COULD USE THE BIDDING PURCHASE AND WE COULD SPEND $50,000 ON INDIVIDUAL ABATEMENT TYPES. WE STILL HAD TO GO THROUGH PURCHASING TO REACH OUT TO THE VENDORS AND GET THE PROPERTIES ABATED. AND THAT WAS TAKING A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. AT THE END OF JANUARY, SINCE WE HAVEN'T STARTED THE OFFICIAL BIDDING PROCESS YET, PUBLIC HEALTH CAN REACH OUT TO THE VENDORS. SO ONCE THAT HAPPENED AT THE END OF JANUARY, THE NUMBER OF ABATE -- ABATEMENT STARTED TO INCREASE. WE WENT FROM 5 IN JANUARY TO 17 IN FEBRUARY. AND THEN AS I STATED PREVIOUSLY 42 SO FAR FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH. NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE MINUTE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE YOU WRAPPING IT UP? MY WIFE WOULD APPRECIATE YOU. >> YES, SIR. I HAVE TWO MORE AND I'M DONE. HERE IS OUR PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS MEETING WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: 40 SECONDS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE GOT YOUR DRIFT. >> THE LAST SLIDE WILL SLOW THE DASHBOARD WE ARE CURRENTLY PRODUCING THAT WILL REPORT THE STATUS -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOUR BUDGET IS ABOUT TO GET CUT. I'M GONNA MAKE A MOTION TO CUT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET. THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S HELPFUL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE ONE THING THOUGH I WOULD ADD IN LIGHT OF THE NEWS ARTICLE YESTERDAY ABOUT THE POOR LADY WHO BOUGHT A TEXT CELL, BUT THEN THERE WAS ALREADY A DEMOLISHED -- A DEMOLISHMENT ACTION. I JUST MAKE SURE AS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND EVERYBODY ELSE WORKS ON THE ITEM TO PLEASE ENSURE THAT THAT KIND OF SITUATION DOES NOT HAPPEN AS WE IDENTIFY ABATEMENT PROPERTIES AND MOVE TO DEMOLISH THEM IF THAT'S THE CASE. WUT TOEN -- BUT TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS STILL NOT SOME COMMITMENT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RAMSEY AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> TOM RAMSEY: QUICKLY, THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE STRAY ANIMALS? THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE STRAY [07:05:03] ANIMALS? >> NO, SIR. THA*SZ -- THAT'S A SEPARATE DIVISION. >> TOM RAMSEY: DOES IT INCLUDE NOISE ABATEMENT? >> ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS ARE THE ONES THAT COLLECT STRAY ANIMALS. >> TOM RAMSEY: DOES THIS PROGRAM THAT YOU JUST PRESENTED DOES IT INCLUDE NOISE ABATEMENT. >> NO. IT IS PER SCRIPT TIFF -- PRESCRIPTIVE ON THE NUISANCES WE CAN ABATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS TOO LATE TO PUT A BILL IN NOW, BUT, LOOK, I REMEMBER COMMISSIONER GARCIA WHEN YOU WERE ON CITY COUNCIL, BUT IT IS A CITY OF HOUSTON BILL. BUT I CARRIED IT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT WAS FOR NUISANCE PROPERTIES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DID IT APPLY TO COUNTIES? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST CITIES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU HAVE TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE IT EASIER. I THINK THEY ARE DOING THE BEST THEY CAN. I KNOW WHEN I WAS -- IT WAS A HEADACHE WHEN YOU WANT TO GO AND GET SOMEBODY'S PROPERTY. I THINK THAT'S WHAT YOU GET. I AM IN THE CITY LIMITS. WE OUGHT TO JUST LOOK. MAYBE OUR OFFICES CAN COORDINATE AND THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN ADD ON TO. IT WAS FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON ONLY. MAYBE IT WILL PASS A MOW AND GO THING FOR HARRIS COUNTY. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: QUICKLY , WHEN WILL THE DASHBOARD BE LIVE AND HOW OFTEN WILL IT BE UPDATED. >> THE DASHBOARD WILL BE LIVE. WE ARE CLEANING UP NUMBERS AND WERE HOPING TO SEND IT OUT YESTERDAY. IT WILL BE LIVE TOMORROW. WE WILL BE SENDING IT OUT TO YOUR CHIEFS OF STAFF FOR FEEDBACK. AND THEN IF THEY HAVE NO FEEDBACK WE WOULD PUBLISH IT THE SAME DAY. IF THEY HAVE FEEDBACK WE MOVE QUICKLY TO TURN IT AROUND AND GET IT BACK AND THE DASHBOARD IS UP DATED DAILY. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. MOVE AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY RAMSEY. DIRECTOR, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT WITH THE MOTION? >> I WAS HOPING WE COULD ACTUALLY USE THE MONTHLY DASHBOARD AS THE MECHANISM FOR PROVIDING THAT UPDATE. MY DEPARTMENT IS REALLY GOOD ABOUT SHARING WITH COMMISSIONERS UPDATES ON VARIOUS INFORMATION AS COMING BACK BEFORE COURT ON A REGULAR BASIS IS SOMEWHAT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE DASHBOARD WILL INCLUDE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS REQUESTING, AND THEN WE CAN COME COME BACK WITH AN UPDATE ON WHERE WE ARE IN TERMS OF STRENGTHENING THE COORDINATION WITH OUR RESPECTIVE OFFICES. OR OUR DEPARTMENTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHY DON'T YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS FIRST OF STREAM LINING AND FINDING EFFICIENCIES AND THEN I HEAR WHAT YOU'RE SAYING AND I DON'T DISAGREE. WHY DON'T YOU GO THROUGH THE PROCESS FIRST TO SEE IF THERE IS NOT ANY PART OF THE PROCESS THAT WOULD NOT BE PART OF THE DASHBOARD FIRST. >> OKAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE ASK IS THAT YOU GUYS BASICALLY -- THREE COMMISSIONER? TWO AND THREE? THE FIRST IS THE DASHBOARD. YOU ARE SAYING PART TWO AND PART THREE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF THE DASHBOARD WILL ENCOMPASS ALL OF THIS IT WOULD NEED TO COME BACK TO US ON A REGULAR BASIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: EXACTLY. WHEN YOU COME BACK TO US WITH YOUR REPORT ON HOW TO IMPROVE IT, THEN LET US KNOW THEN AT THAT TIME WHETHER A MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT IS NECESSARY. SHOW US AND WALK US THROUGH THE DASHBOARD AND THEN IF THAT'S THE CASE, HAPPY TO MAKE THAT AMENDMENT AT THAT TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT SOUNDS LIKE DIRECTOR ROBINSON IT IS TO PRESENT THE DASH BOARD AND ANY COMMENTS ON EFFICIENT -- ON EFFICIENCIES. COULD THAT BE THE MOTION? >> THAT'S THE MOTION AND LET ME GIVE IT A TIMELINE. HOW ABOUT THE FIRST MEETING IN MAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. JAMES, DID YOU CATCH THAT. >> NO, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH TO RETURN THE FIRST MEETING IN MAY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MAKE IT THE SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE SECOND MEETING IN MAY WITH A PRESENTATION ON THE NUISANCE ABATEMENT DASHBOARD AS WELL AS EFFICIENCIES -- AND EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS THEY ARE IMPLEMENTING ALONGSIDE THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO SPEED UP THE PROJECT. THANK YOU. MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. IS THERE A SECOND. >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED. MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU, PUBLIC HEALTH. 333 -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, QUICKLY, WE SKIPPED 188. THAT'S CREATION OF THE FIFTH PROBATE COURT SO I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE ON THAT ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. [07:10:01] ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? WHAT IS THE COST OF THIS ONE. >> 1.7 MILLION. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANNUALLY? >> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M SORRY. I JUST -- I AM NOT REALLY CATCHING UP HOW WE CAN DO THIS. I WILL CONTINUE TO ABSTAIN. MOTION CARRIES 4-0. >> THAT'S AS PRESENTED? >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. DO YOU HAVE 193 -- WE HAVE 404, RIGHT? THAT WAS 193 WAS THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ONE. >> YES. THE SHORT ANSWER IS YES SHE WILL WORK WITH THE PRECINCTS AND A SPECIFIC STRATEGY AND GROUP OF PROJECTS WILL COME BACK TO COURT. >> TOM RAMSEY: MAKE A MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S 193, CORRECT? >> YES. >> LINA HIDALGO: SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> THAT'S AS PRESENTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT, JAMES. 333, COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: THANK YOU. I MAKE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET TO RETURN TO COURT ON APRIL 4TH FOR APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTION AND ON BOARDING OF A PHILANTHROPY LIAISON. THIS WOULD BE STANDARD IN OTHER MAJOR LARGE COUNTIES AND THAT WOULD HELP -- ONE INDIVIDUAL WOULD BE A MULTIPLY YES, SIR -- MULTIPLIER AND WE CAN BE, YOU KNOW, EVEN MORE INNOVATIVE IN THE FUTURE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS APRIL 4TH ENOUGH TIME? >> THAT SHOULD BE FINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND YOU HAVE THE BUDGET FOR IT? >> WE WOULD BE ASKING FOR A SUPPLEMENTAL, BUT WE -- THIS POSITION WOULD BE -- OUR HOPE WOULD BE IT PAYS FOR ITSELF. IF IT DOESN'T, THEN WE GET RID OF IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YEAH. THEY CAN PAY FOR THEMSELVES. I WAS ENERGIZED WHEN WE WERE LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS. L.A. COUNTY BETWEEN 2015 AND 2021, L.A. COUNTY'S PHILANTHROPIC RAISED 3.5 MILLION IN HEALTH, EQUITY AND COVID RELIEF AND MORE. THAT WAS W*UFPB -- ONE DATA POINT. IN TRUE SPIRIT WE CAN BEAT CALIFORNIA. >> LINA HIDALGO: THIS IS BRILLIANT. I ALWAYS FELT WE LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: WITH MY EIGHT YEARS IN PHILANTHROPY WE WOULD -- WE CAN DRIVE IT INTO HARRIS COUNTY. >> AND WE WILL BE ISSUING AN R5 FOR A FREELANCE GRANT WRITER. IT IS GOOD TIMING BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT POSITION WOULD BE MANAGING THAT. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. IT IS ABOUT THE MULTIPLY YES, SIR EFFECT. MULTIPLIER EFFECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. COMMISSIONER GARCIA WITH THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER BRIONES, 343. THIS IS THE DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: YES. I KNOW WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME TALKING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THAT WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO TRY TO MAKE PROGRESS ON, BUT I JUST WANTED TO TAKE A BRIEF MOMENT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS. THIS IS A HUGE AWARD AND I WANTED TO TAKE A MOTION -- MOMENT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND THANK YOU FOR MOVING HARRIS COUNTY FORWARD. THIS IS THE GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION AWARD. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS THAT HARRIS COUNTY HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR ITS BUDGET AND THIS IS VERY WELL DESERVED AND I HOPE WE CONTINUE THIS AWARD-WINNING BEHAVIOR IN HARRIS COUNTY. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO SAY AT THE RATE WE ARE GOING IT IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT WILL BE ANOTHER 25 YEARS BEFORE WE GET THERE. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: AGAIN, THE COMPETITIVE SPIRIT. LET'S WIN IT. >> THE AWARD IS BASED ON THE BUDGET THAT IT MEETS THE CRITERIA THAT IT IS TRANSPARENT AND BASED ON METRICS. THE KEY REQUIRE PENT -- REQUIREMENT IS IT QUALIFIES AS A POLICY DOCUMENT. >> COMMISSIONER BRIONES: WE WILL WIN WITH THE TRANSPARENCY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO THEY DO AN AWARD OR SOMETHING? A CEREMONY? >> WE DO GET A STAR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: BETTER FRAME IT >> WE GET A NICE FRAME AND THEN EVERY YEAR WE GET A STAR. >> LINA HIDALGO: WOW. CONGRATS. 366, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. THAT IS A TRANSMITTAL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE -- 366 IS A -- IT IS HOLDING IN HONOR OF YOUR ANNIVERSARY. I WANT TO DISCUSS IT. I WANT TO MAKE A REQUEST. WE CALLED FOR A NUMBER OF STUDIES INCLUDING THESE RELATED TO TO THE GEORGE FLOYD. I WILL ASK THE ANALYST'S OFFICE TO DO IT. [07:15:02] QUICKLY I WANT TO TELL YOU WHAT THE REQUEST IS. THE ANALYST'S OFFICE SHOULD WORK TO COMPLY THE LIST OF ALL STUDIES REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONERS' COURT DATED FROM JANUARY 1ST 2019 TO PRESENT. THE ANALYST'S OFFICE SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING, ALL STUDIES, THE STUDY'S REQUEST DATE, THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF MANAGING LEADING THE WORK WHEREVER IT IS BEING CONDUCTED BY A CON STULT -- CONSULTANT. AND FOR THE STUDIES BEEN COMPLETED. THE ANALYST'S OFFICE SHOULD WORK TO COMPILE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMPLETED STUDIES AND REPORT ON THE STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION. WHILE THEY HAVE SENSIBLE REASONS FOR IT, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERED RECOMMENDATIONS AND WHY THEY WERE NOT IMPLEMENTED. I WANT TO REQUEST A REPORT ON THIS MATTER COME BACK TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT ON JANUARY 27TH -- COME BACK UP FOR THE JANUARY 27TH COMMISSIONERS' COURT MEETING AND I WILL GIVE IT TO YOU. IN HONOR OF YOUR BIRTHDAY -- OR YOUR ANNIVERSARY -- I DON'T KNOW IF IF IT IS HERS, BUT IT IS YOURS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS MINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER? SO COMMISSIONER THE TRANSMITTAL NO ACTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST A REQUEST. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE TRANSMITTAL WILL BE FOR NEXT COURT. >> SO JUST A REQUEST? NO MOTION AND NO ACTION ON 366. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. WE WILL BRING IT BACK NEXT COURT. 422 COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. >> TOM RAMSEY: JUST VOTE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY ELLIS AND SECOND BY GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AND CARRIES 4-1. THOSE ARE THE REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS. LET ME READ THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS. >> FOR ITEM 422 WHAT IS THE MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AS PRESENTED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AS PRESENTED. >> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL BRING IT BACK UP. I DO WANT TO SAY THE LANGUAGE CAME STRAIGHT OUT OF THE 64 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT. IT IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE CALLING FOR. I AM MAKING NO CHANGES. THAT'S WHERE ALL OF THE PROGRAMS CAME FROM. ALL RIGHT. WHAT MAKES YOU AGAINST THE 64 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT? >> LINA HIDALGO: EXECUTIVE SESSION, 166, 340, 389, 395, 423 AND 424 AND WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO CONSULT WITH OUR ATTORNEYS. >> JUDGE, ON ITEM 389, I I KNOW I SAID IT NEEDS TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. MR. RAMOS SEPTEMBER OUT A MOTION THAT -- SENT OUT A MOTION UNLESS THERE ARE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ITEM -- THE MOTION IS TO ALLOW THE OFFICE OF COUNTY ENGINEER TO NEGOTIATE A SELF-PRICE AND DEVELOPMENT COST RELATED TO A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION IN SOUTHEAST HARRIS COUNTY AND TO ALLOW NEGOTIATIONS FOR A SUBLEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. IS THERE A SECOND? >> SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. SO THAT LEAVES US WITH 166, 340, 395, 423 AND 424. IT IS 7:42 AND WE ARE GOING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. IT IS 8:21 AND COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. ITEM 166 WILL BE NO ACTION. IS THERE A MOTION ON ITEM 340 AND 423 AND 424? THOSE ARE LEGAL FEES. >> MOVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. I WILL MAKE THE SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> ANY OPPOSED? >> NO. >> I'M IN FAVOR AND MOTION CARRIES. 3-1. 3-1. >> ARE YOU ABSTAINING? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. AND THEN ITEM 395 IS NO ACTION. ANYTHING ELSE, JAY? >> NO. I THINK THAT'S IT. NO ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT TO THE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION ON THOTHER TWO ITEMS. >> JUDGE I HAVE A FEW. JUST FOR COURT RECORD, ITEM 17 IS NO ACTION? [07:20:03] >> LINA HIDALGO: 17 IS -- THE FIVE-YEAR REVENUE, NO ACTION. >> AND THEN ON ITEM 190, THAT IS ALSO NO ACTION? >> LINA HIDALGO: CREATING 16 COURTS, NO ACTION BECAUSE WE APPROVED THE OTHER RESOLUTION. >> AND THEN ITEM 344 JUST FOR RECORD IS A TRANSMITTAL AND WE WILL ACCEPT IT, CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: CORRECT. IT IS A TRANSMITTAL ON THE FISCAL NOTE. >> THANK YOU,HA MA'AM. THAT'S ALL I HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: TNK YOU, JAMES. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. APPRECIATE IT. IT IS 8:23. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONERS' COURT IS NOW ADJOURNED. * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.