[00:00:05]
. >>> OKAY, COLLEAGUES IT IS 9:02. COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS NOW IN SESSION. DO WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS ON AGENDA ITEMS? SO LEGAL, ARE YOU HERE? CAN I DO THE CONSENT AGENDA? ARE THERE SPEAKERS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA? NOT ON THE RESOLUTIONS.
>> COMMISSIONER, THE SPEAKERS, THEY HAVEN'T SHOWN UP YET FOR
THE REGULAR ITEMS. >> OKAY DO I HAVE TO WAIT OR
CAN WE VOTE ON IT? >> IT IS 9 A.M., SO YOU CAN PROCEED IF THE SPEAKERS HAVEN'T ARRIVED YET.
>> OKAY. SO THERE ARE NO SPEAKERS TIFFANY ON THE CONSENT ITEMS? RESOLUTIONS WILL BE SEPARATE?
[Departments (Part 1 of 2)]
>> CORRECT. >> OKAY IS THAT MOTION FOR THE
>> SECOND. >> MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BRIONES. ALL IN FAVOUR SAY AYE.
>> FOR ITEM 24 IS THAT GOING TO BE APPROVED AS PRESENTED OR WAS THERE A CHANGE NEED TO BE MADE TO HAVE AGREE TO REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF A SETTLEMENT AND SO FORTH?
>> THE CORRECTION REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT.
>> OKAY. COULD WE GET THAT? ALL RIGHT. MOTION MADE AND PROPERLY SECOND ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR AYE. THREE AYE AND NO NAYS.
ITEM IS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. AND I'M ASSUMING IF THE JUDGE COMMISSIONER GARCIA THEY'LL BE ABLE TO SHOW UP TO ADD THEIR
VOTES. >> AND I'LL SHOW THAT TO BE ITEM 1 THROUGH 90 THAT DID NOT INCLUDE THE RESOLUTIONS.
>> SAY IT AGAIN. >> THAT WOULD JUST BE A MOTION FOR THE CONSENT WHICH WAS ITEMS 1 THROUGH 90.
WHICH DID NOT INCLUDE ANY OF THE RESOLUTIONS.
>> YES, THAT'S CORRECT. >> COMMISSIONER?
>> YES, SIR. >> JUST TO BE SURE WE MAINTAIN A QUO RUM, WE MAY NEED TO GO AHEAD AND APPROVE ALL THE
RESOLUTIONS. >> YEAH CAN WE DO THAT ALTHOUGH
PEOPLE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK? >> YOU SHOULD PROBABLY WAIT FOR THE ITEMS UNTIL THE SPEAKERS HAVE GONE.
>> AND IN RELATION TO THIS. BECAUSE THIS IS THE CONFUSING PART, CAN WE AT LEAST HAVE ALL THE SPEAKERS SPEAK WITHOUT TAKING THE RESOLUTIONS ONE AT A TIME.
IN OTHER WORDS HAVE ALL SPEAKERS SPEAK AGAIN TO BE SURE
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE WORKIN' ON. AND ALTHOUGH THE JUDGE IS GOING TO BE IN TEN MINUTE, I JUST HADN'T GOTTEN THE SCRIPT YET.
SO MAYBE THAT WAS IN IT. BUT I JUST DIDN'T KNOW.
BECAUSE WE TALKED ABOUT IT AT OUR LAST MEETING.
>> SO WE CAN TAKE ALL THE SPEAKERS, RESOLUTIONS ONE AT A TIME AND WE'LL COME BACK AND READ THE RESOLUTIONS AT THE
APPROPRIATE TIME. >> YES COMMISSIONER.
AT LEAST FOR THE THREE OF US. UNLESS SOMEBODY OBJECTS.
OBVIOUSLY YOU KNOW SOMETIMES YOU MAY MAKE A DISTINCTION IF SOMEBODY IS RETIRING YOU WANT TO STOP BECAUSE THEIR FAMILY
MEMBERS ARE HERE OR WHATEVER. >> PARDON.
JUST ONE THING. ENGINEERING SENT ITEM 39 THEY WANT TO PULL FROM TODAY. SO WE NEED TO REMOVE THAT FROM THE CONSENT. THEY JUST DID THAT THIS
MORNING. >> LET'S DO THAT-- ANYTHING I NEED TO RECONSIDER PREVIOUS MOTION?
>> IDEALLY, YES. >> OKAY, SO IDEALLY, COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MOVES THAT WE WILL RECONSIDER THE PREVIOUS MOTION TO PASS THE ENTIRE CONSENT AGENDA.
COMMISSIONER BRIONES SECONDS IT.
IS THIS OKAY. ANY OBJECTIONS HEARING NONE.
PREVIOUS MOTION IS RESCINDED. AND SO NOW WE'LL GO BACK AND WE'LL REMOVE ITEM 39 FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA.
>> NO ACTION. >> NO ACTION ON THAT.
AND NOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY MOVES THAT WE APPROVE THE
>> AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES SECONDS IT.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR SAY AYE. THREE AYES AND NO NAYS.
THE CONSENT AGENDA IS PASSED. >> THAT ITEM 39 REQUEST FOR APPROVAL BASIS OF OVERALL EVALUATIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS, SUPPLEMENTAL. CAN YOU DO-- RUN SOME TRAPS, AND BE SURE THIS IS NOT DELAYING PROJECTS?
>> YES. >> I ALWAYS GET CONCERNED WHEN I SEE WELL, WE'LL JUST NOT TAKE ANY ACTION ON THAT.
STHG SOMETHING'S GETTING DELAYED.
BECAUSE WHEN YOU DON'T DO THIS STEP.
THEN SOMETHING DOESN'T GET DESIGNED.
WHEN SOMETHING DOESN'T GET DESIGNED, IT'S NOT GOING TO BE BID AND IT'S NOT GOING TO BE BID IT WON'T BE BUILT.
SO CAN BE SURE THAT YOU CAN CONFIRM THE OTHER THINGS THAT MIGHT HAPPEN BECAUSE WE'RE NOT APPROVING THAT TODAY.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY KNOWS THAT I'VE GOT A TIP TO GO TO A PRESS CONFERENCE. BUT WE'LL KEEP A QUO RUM EVEN IF I HAVE TO GET LATE TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE, AND I'LL COME BACK, BY THE WAY. BUT I JUST NEED TO TIP OUT.
TO GO TO A PRESS CONFERENCE DOWN THE STREET FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. BEFORE WE GO TO THE SPEAKERS, JUST SO I DON'T INTERRUPT THINGS.
IF I GET A CHANCE TO TIP OUT, I KNOW THAT I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA WHO IS COMING SHORTLY HAS A RESOLUTION FOR DR. PURSE AND I JUST WANT TO SAY FOR THE RECORD, IN CASE I'M NOT HERE, HOW PROUD I AM OF HIS SERVICE OVER SO MANY YEARS.
[00:05:04]
AND MAKE NOTE THAT HE AND STEVEN WILLIAMS WHO WAS DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON WORKED CLOSELY TOGETHER FOR 21 YEARS AND STEVEN WANTED TO MAKE SURE LET ME KNOW I LET DR. PURSE KNOW HOW MUCH HE ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM TO GO THROUGH SO MANY CRISES OVER THE YEARS.INCLUDING COVID AND A NUMBER OF PUBLIC HEALTH CRISES.
STEVEN NOW WORKS FOR US AT PRECINCT ONE.
BUT WITH THAT, LET'S GO TO THE SPEAKERS ON THE RESOLUTIONS.
STEPHANIE YOU CAN CALL THEM UP. >> SPEAKING ON ITEM 91.
-- DR. KYA WALKER. ISA TORRES.
IGNACIO TORRES. AND ROBERT RULE.
>> MIGHT FORGET ALL OF THAT. LET'S AT LEAST GO TO THE FIRST SIX OR EIGHT THAT YOU MENTIONED.
>> GOOD MORNING. I'M DR. KIA WALKER CHIEF NURSING OFFICER FROM THE HARRIS CENTRE.
FROM MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD. I WOULD LIKE TO FIRST THANK JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONER COURT FOR THE RESOLUTION AND YOUR CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP MAKING MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD CARE ACCESSIBLE ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. IN PHYSICAL YEAR 2025 THE HARRIS CENTRE STARTED NEARLY 89,000 PEOPLE AND ANSWERED MORE THAN 304IC A SXES CRISIS LINE CALLS.
WE ALSO ANSWERED ABOUT ALL OF THE-- CALLS IN TEXAS PROVIDING 24/7 SUPPORT WHEN PEOPLE NEED IT MOST.
SINCE 988 LAUNCHED, YOUTH SUICIDE RATES HAVE DECLINEED.
THAT'S REAL PROGRESS. AND IT'S SAVED LIVES.
YOUR SUPPORT ALSO CHANGING THE OUTCOMES IN OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH DIE VERSION OVER 16 THOURGS
INDIVIDUALS HAVE RECEIVED. >> YOU GO CONTINUE IS IT QUICK.
>> HAVE RECEIVED CARE INSTEAD OF JAIL TIME IN 215 YOUTH HAVE BEEN DIVERTED AWAY FROM DETENTION AND YOUTH DIVERSION CENTRES. AS WE RECOGNIZE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND AUTISM ACCEPTANCE, THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH OUR COMMUNITY IN HELPING ENSURE ONE FACES NO
CHALLENGES ALONE. >> THANK YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING EVERYONE. MY NAME IS ANDREAS-- I'M HERE WITH-- MOMS OF HOUSTON. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO JUDGE LINA HIDALGO FOR THE INVITATION AND ALSO MENTION LESLIE BRIONES BECAUSE YOU HAVE DONE AMAZING JOBS WITH US DEPARTMENT AND CREATING WORKSHOPS AND DIFFERENT EVENTS.
ALSO THE COMMISSIONER AGENDA GARCIA HAS BEEN A HUGE PART OF THIS SPECIAL COMMITY. THIS IS VERY SPECIAL FOR US BECAUSE THIS MONTH IS THE MONTH OF AUTISM AWARENESS.
AND I FEEL LIKE WE ARE CLOSING TO BE HERE AND TALK ABOUT IT.
BEHIND ME I HAVE ALL THESE MOMS. THEY ARE ALL VOLUNTEER FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
THEY ARE THE ONES DOING THE WORK.
ALL OF THEM HAVE KIDS ON THE SPECTRUM AND THEY CAN BE FROM THE SEVERE SIDE AND THE HIGH FUNCTIONING SIDE.
AUTISM MOMS OF HOUSTON HAS BEEN ABLE TO CREATE A PROGRAM CALLED ALEX AUTISM ALLIANCE. AND I WOULD LIKE TO INVITATION IN PERSON FOR YOU TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT.
WE HAVE A LONG WAIT LIST. THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CREATED WITHOUT FUNDS. SO WE REALLY NEED YOU GUYS TO
COME IN WITH US AND HELP US. >> THANK YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS NANCY--.
I'M FROM-- KIDS ON THE SPECTRUM.
I'M THEOR SUPPORT THIS RESOLUTION AND BRING ATTENTION TO A DEEPER REALITY OF MANY FAMILIES ARE FACING.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN WHO NEED SERVICES TO COMMUNICATE TO SAFELY REGULATE THEIR BODY AND TOO OFTEN THOSE SERVICES ARE LIMITED OR NOT AVAILABLE. WHERE I LIVE AS A PROFICIENT IT'S IMPACT ENTIRE FAMILIES. WE HAVE SEEN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, LONG WAITING LISTS AND SUPPORT THAT PUT OUR CHILDREN AT GREAT RISK. BUT MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT.
ACCEPTANCE IS NOT ONLY ABOUT AWARENESS.
IT ALSO MEANS ACCESS TO EARLY INTERVENTION, ACCESS TO THERAPIES, ACCESS TO ELEVATION AND DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS THAT LOOKS AT THE WHOLE CHILD NOT ONLY BEHAVIOUR.
ACCESS TO A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM THAT ARE READY TO SUPPORT THEM.
THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY.
MY NAME IS--. I'M A MOTHER OF TWO TEENAGERS
[00:10:04]
ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND I'M ALSO A VOLUNTEER FOR AUTISM MOMS OF HOUSTON. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.OUR ORGANIZATION IS VERY UNIQUE BECAUSE WE'RE DRIVEN BY THE HEART AND PASSION OF OUR VOLUNTEERS.
WE WORK EVERY DAY TO CONNECT LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH FAMILIES WHO NEEDS US THE MOST.
WHETHER THROUGH DONATING ITEMS. VOLUNTEERING.
PARTICIPATING IN EVENTS, WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING SERVICES AND SUPPORT THAT ENSURES NO ONE IN OUR COMMUNITY FEELS ALONE.
TOGETHER, WE ARE COMMITTED TO TAKING MOMS OF HOUSTON TO THE NEXT LEVEL. AND WE INVITE YOU ALL TO JOIN US. FOR MAKING OUR CITY OF HOUSTON MORE INCLUSIVE FOR EVERY FAMILY.
HOW ARE YOU? GOOD MORNING, THANK YOU JUDGE.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. I'M MS.-- TORRES.
TOGETHER WITH MY HUSBAND WE ARE DEEPLY COMMITTED TO CREATE MORE INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. FOR US THIS IS STARTED IN A PERSONAL WAY THROUGH OUR FAMILY AND THROUGH A GROWING UNDERSTANDING THAT INCLUSION IS NOT JUST ABOUT SUPPORT.
IT'S ABOUT DIGNITY, PURPOSE AND BELONGING.
-- FROM SPAIN AND I'M FROM MEXICO.
HOUSTON HAS GIVEN US OPPORTUNITY.
AND WE BELIEVE STRONGLY IN GIVING THAT OPPORTUNITY FORWARD. THROUGH THE WORKPLACE WHERE INDIVIDUALS WITH IDD ARE PART OF THE TEAM.
NOT AS A PROGRAM, BUT AS COLLEAGUES.
WHEN WE CREATE REAL OPPORTUNITIES, PEOPLE DON'T JUST PARTICIPATE. THEY CONTRIBUTE.
THEY GROW, AND THEY LIVE. THAT'S WHY MOMS LIKE■TODAY MATTER. BECAUSE AWARENESS CAN OPEN DOORS THAT CHANGE LIVES. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORT.
>> HI, MY NAME IS QUINT. THANK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I WORK AT-- AND I PLAY AT THE GENUINE CUP. I REALLY LIKE MY JOB AND BEING PART OF THE TEAM GIVES ME DIGNITY AND PURPOSE.
ALLOWS ME TO MEET COOL PEOPLE. LIKE ATUVE OR THE QUEEN OF SPAIN. AND I LOVE PLAYING SOCCER.
THIS HAS HELPED ME FEEL MORE CONFIDENT AND ALLOWS ME TO BE HERE AND MEET COOL PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT TRY TO HELP US TODAY.
THANK YOU. >> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR
NAME FOR THE RECORD? >> OH-- QUINT.
>> THANK YOU, THANK YOU JOYCE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.
IT'S A PLEASURE. IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO BE HERE TODAY WITH ALL OF YOU. YES I KNOW MY WIFE WHICH IS THE OFFICIAL GOALKEEPER OF THE U.S. NATIONAL TEAM WHO IS GOING TO BE DEFENDING THE GENUINE CUP IN THE U.S. HERE HAPPENING IN ONE WEEK. ONE WEEK AFTER THE WORLD CUP.
WE WANT TO BE HAVING 50 TEAMS FROM 50 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HOSTING. LEGACY FOR THE WHAT HAPPENS HAPPENING BEFORE THE WORLD CUP THE FIFA WORLD CUP.
WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT FOR US? FOR FEW REASONS.
ONE, WE FEEL THAT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A LEGACY.
WE HAVE TO DO WORLD CUP. WE ARE GOING TO BE HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE WITH NEURODIVERSE INCLUSION. AND WHY NOT? TO GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THAT HOUSTON IS ONLY ONE OF THE BEST PROBABLY THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD FOR HOSTING EVENTS LIKE THIS. BUT IT'S ALSO VERY MAGNANIMOUS CITY. THANK YOU EVERYONE.
WE ARE GOING TO ALSO BE HOLDING AT THE SAME TIME NASA-- THE MISSION OF COURSE IF YOU WANT TO DO SOME SHOPPING.
WHOLE COMMUNITY IS TURNING AROUND TO HELPTOUS MAKE THIS QUITE AN EVENT. ONE OF A KIND EVENT.
AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
>> THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.
ELISION SCOMPLIS WELCOME COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM?
>> NOT FOR THIS ITEM, JUDGE. >> OKAY.
DID YOU READ IT IN FULL COMMISSIONER ELLIS? OKAY. SO LET ME-- LET ME GET TO THAT.
>> JUDGE, EXCUSE ME. WE WERE GOING TO TAKE ALL THE SPEAKERS AND THEN READ THE RESOLUTIONS AFTER WE TAKE.
>> AND THEN DO THE PICTURES? >> RIGHT.
>> I'D LIKE TO READ THIS ONE SINCE THE SPEAKERS ARE HERE AND THEY JUST SPOKE ABOUT IT. I MEAN IT DOESN'T MATTER.
>> WELL, WE DIDN'T WANT TO LOSE QUORUM.
WE'VE DONE THAT BEFORE. WHERE WE STOPPED AND WE READ EACH RESOLUTION, TOOK THE SPEAKERS, AND AT SOME POINT WE
MIGHT LOSE QUORUM. >> SO FOLKS ARE GOING TO LEAVE
SO IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TAKING ALL THE SPEAKERS.
I HAVE TO TIP OUT TO A PRESS CONFERENCE.
I PLAN TO MAKE IT BACK FOR THE PICTURES BUT I AM GOING TO TIP
[00:15:03]
WELL WE'LL READ THE RESOLUTION LATER, YOU GUYS, BUT THANK YOU.
AND ALL RIGHT. SO LET'S TAKE THE REST OF THE
SPEAKERS THEN. >> AND JUDGE, I DO THINK THAT I MIGHT MAKE A MOTION THAT YOU AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA BE SHOWN VOTING FOR THE CONSENT AGENDA IF YOU LIKE.
>> MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOUR.
ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
OKAY, LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE SPEAKERS.
>> NEXT IS WES MCCOY ON ITEM 93.
LENA FUENTES ON ITEM 96 AND DIANA KIRBY ON ITEM 96.
>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS MY NAME IS WES MCCOY CHIEF DEPUTY OF ADMINISTRATION.
AND WITH ME IS JUDING SNYBURY DEPUTY OF COURTS FOR THE DISTRICT CLERK. I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RECOGNIZE JURY APPRECIATION WEEK.
WHICH IS OBSERVED NATIONALLY. FROM MAY 4TH THROUGH MAY 8TH.
THIS WEEK IS A MEANINGFUL OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO ANSWER THE CALL TO SERVE AS JURORS AND PARTICIPATE IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM. JURY SERVICES A CIVIC DUTIY AND IN HARRIS COUNTY, EVERYONE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM DEEPLY APPRECIATES THE TIME, PATIENCE, AND COMMITMENT JUROR JURORS GIVE TO THIS PROCESS. THEIR SERVICE HELP ENS SURE FAIRNESS, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PUBLIC TRUST IN OUR COURTS.
WE ALSO WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THEIR RESOLUTION AND HELPING US SHOW APPRECIATION TO OUR JURORS.
YOUR SUPPORT SENDS A STRONG MESSAGE THAT JURY SERVICE MATTERS. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US RECOGNIZE AND HONOUR OUR JURORS DURING THIS SPECIAL WEEK.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
NICE TO SEE YOU GUYS. >> GO AHEAD.
>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS LENA FUENTES AND I'M GOING TO JUST SAY A COUPLE WORDS REGARDING A RESOLUTION FOR COACH IN A LITTLE BIT. SHE STARTED HER LEGACY IN WEST-- TEXAS BETWEEN THE HEART OF-- SMALL TOWN.
I WAS IN HER VERY FIRST YEAR OF COACHING.
THIS COACH HAD A VERY BIG IMPACT ON US.
ONE DISTRICT SEARCHTH EIGHTH AND THEN CROSS COUNTRY SAID WHAT IS THAT? IT'S A LOT OF MILES.
WHY WOULD I DO THAT? WELL COACH TOOK US AND TOOK US TO STATE OUR JUNIOR SENIOR YEAR.
DURING THAT TIME SHE TAUGHT US SO, SO MUCH.
WE BECAME FAMILY, DISCIPLINED, RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY.
WE LEARNED IT ALL FROM COACH. THEN WHEN WE GRADUATED SHE CAME TO HOUSTON WHERE THE KIDS FROM HOUSTON, MANY DIFFERENT SCHOOLS, WERE IMPACTED BY HER. SHE WAS NOT JUST A TEACHER OR COACH AND A PRINCIPAL. SHE WAS FAMILY.
41 YEARS LATER WE'RE STILL IMPACTED BY HER.
WITHOUT HER, I WOULDN'T HAVE COMPLETED THE BOSTON MARATHON AND PUT THREE GIRLS THROUGH COLLEGE.
SO WE ARE SO BLESSED. THIS RESOLUTION AND THE MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE FOR HER. AS A STUDENT.
SHE HAS HER OWN STORY. WE'RE JUST SO GRATEFUL THAT SHE'S HERE IN THIS WAY TODAY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING TIME TO
JOIN US. >> HELLO, MY NAME IS DIANA KIRBY. I-- IS MY AUNT AND VERY SPECIAL PERSON. AND AS YOU CAN SEE SHE HAS A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE FOR HER.
AND WE'RE GOING TO MISS HER DEARLY.
AND SHE WAS A VERY BIG, BIG PART IN THE ADMINISTRATION IN HOUSTON ISD WITH SO MANY OTHER SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA AND HERE IN TEXAS. AND JUST HAD A BIG IMPACT ON A LOT OF KIDS. LOT OF PEOPLE.
AND WE'RE GOING TO MISS HER DEARLY.
>> WE ARE PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE HER.
>> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. SHE ABSOLUTELY WAS A FIRE BRAND. I LOVED WORKING WITH HER.
AND I WOULD JUST SAY IT FEELS LIKE YESTERDAY THAT SHE AND I WERE VISITING ON HOW TO SAVE SAM HOUSTON AND HOW TO FIGHT THE ADMINISTRATION. SO IT WAS GOOD, GOOD DAYS.
SO SHE MAY NOT BE HERE WITH US. PHYSICALLY.
BUT SHE'S ABSOLUTELY HERE WITH US LIVING LEGACIES THAT SHE CRE CREATED.
SO THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.
>> YEAH, GO AHEAD. >> MARIA DELPH.
-- FLORES ON ITEM 97. MONA LISA GILES ITEM 98.
DAVID PURSE ITEM 99. DR. VIOLETTA VASQUEZ ITEM 100.
[00:20:44]
MY NAME IS MARIA. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMIS COMMISSIONERS.COMMISSIONER ADRIAN GARCIA, I APPRECIATE THAT YOU HAVE KEPT THE MEMORY OF MY SON JOSE FLORES MEMORY ALIVE FOR ALL THESE YEARS. MAY HIS DEATH NOT BE IN VAIN.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH COMMI COMMISSIONER ADRIAN GARCIA AND GOD BLESS YOU, THANK YOU.
ARE YOU SHARING SOME WORDS? >> OKAY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH GRACIAS. >> GOOD MORNING.
MY NAME IS STELLA-- I'M THE FOUNDER OF SAFE WALK HOME.
WE WERE FORMED IN 2016. ALONG WITH ME, OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS PHILICITA, MS. BLACKWELL, VENUS AND CARLY.
WE'RE HERE TO SAY AND GIVE OUR APPRECIATION TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED KEEP THE NORTH SIDE COMMUNITY SAFE.
AS WE WERE ALL WORKING TOGETHER FOR ONE COMMON CAUSE.
AND THAT WAS TO KEEP THE CHILDREN SAFE.
AS THEY WERE WALKING TO SCHOOL AND WALKING BACK.
AND WE CONTINUE DOING THIS EVERY SINGLE YEARS REMEMBRANCE OF THE FIRST DAY OF HISD. I JUST WANT TO TAKE THIS TIME TO THANK EVERY ONE OF OUR MEMBERS WHO ARE HERE.
AND THOSE THAT HAVE SINCE PASSED AWAY.
AND THIS TEN YEARS AS WE ARE CONTINUING TO ASK OUR ELECT OFFICIALS AND TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE OF KEEPING OUR STUDENTS
AND JUST FOR CONTEXT, EVERYONE. SAFE WALK HOME WAS A-- A WORK OF COMMUNITY THAT HAPPENED BECAUSE STELLA AND OTHERS DID NOT LET THE TRAGEDY GO IN VAIN. SHE JUMPED INTO ACTION.
THEY FOCUSED ON WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CASE IN JOSE'S CIRCUMSTANCE. AND NOW EVERY YEAR, STELLA AND THE SAFE WALK HOME GROUP CONVENES AT MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL. GO CATAMOUNTS AND THEY WELCOME EVERY CHILD ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.
TO MAKE THEM FEEL EXCITED AND WELCOME BACK AT SCHOOL.
SOMETHING THAT-- ABSOLUTELY EMBODIED AS WELL.
BUT ALSO TO COMMUNICATE TO THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY THAT EVERYONE HAS AN OBLIGATION TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR KIDS ARE SAFE COMING TO SCHOOL AND GOING HOME.
SO STELLA, THANK YOU FOR THIS INCREDIBLE PIECE OF WORK.
AND IT'S ALL IN THE MEMORY OF JOSE FLORES.
SO THANK YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU ALL.
AND DO YOU WANT TO SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT JOSE MAYBE? I KNOW FOLKS WANT TO TAKE THE RESOLUTION LATEER.
BUT I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT. >> YES, I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOMETHING. MY NAME IS MS. BLACKWELL.
AND DURING THAT TIME I WAS PART OF THE PTO AT MARSHALL.
AND JUST LET YOU KNOW I DIDN'T HAVE ANY CHILDREN, BUT I HAD NEPHEWS THAT WENT THERE. AND ALL I CAN SAY IS I WAS WORKING VERY, VERY DILIGENTLY IN THE PTO OFFICE.
AND THEY SAID THAT JOSE FLORES MADE A VISITATION TO THE PTO OFFICE ON THE DAY HE MADE A VISITATION, I THINK THAT WAS PROBABLY THE DAY I WAS SICK. SOMETHING HAPPENED, I NORMALLY DON'T NEVER MISS A DAY. BUT I PERSONALLY DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO SEE HIM. BUT THEY SAID HE CAME TO THE OFFICE THAT DAY. AND THEN SOMEWHERE LATER ON THAT FOLLOWING WEEK THEN THIS TRAGEDY HAPPENED.
BUT ONE THING I CAN SAY WHEN IT COMES TO THE NORTH SIDE THEY DON'T TAKE TRAGIC AND INCIDENTS LYING DOWN.
THEY GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
SO THEY TURNED THAT TRAGIC INTO TRIUMPH AND NEXT THING YOU KNOW
[00:25:01]
YOU SEE THE SAFE WALK HOME. THIS PROGRAM BEGAN.SO JUST LETTING YOU KNOW THAT WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THE NORTH SIDE, THEY ARE FIGHTERS. THEY ARE COMING BACK.
THEY ARE GOING TO TURN IT AROUND TO SOMETHING THAT'S GOING TO MAKE AN IMPACT. SO HOPEFULLY THIS WILL MAKE A GLOBAL IMPACT. NOT JUST LOCAL BUT WHEREVER.
ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.
>> HI, GOOD MORNING. VENUS RODRIGUEZ.
I WAS ACTUALITY PTO PRESIDENT AT MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL AT THE TIME. AND YES, JOSE FLORES CAME AND VISITED OUR OFFICE. AND HE WAS CRYING WHEN HE VISITED OUR OFFICE. BECAUSE HE HAD FOOD ON HIS PANTS. AND I TOLD HIM BABY DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, WE HAVE EXTRA CLOTHES.
JUST CHECK THE DRAWERS AND SEE IF YOU CAN FIND A PAIR OF PANTS. AND HE DID.
HE CAME OUT AT THE SAME TIME HE'S COMING OUT, ANOTHER STUDENT CAME FROM THE FOOD FIGHT AND WAS CRYING AS WELL.
HE TURNED AROUND AND LOOKED AT ME AND WANTED TO GIVE HIS PANTS TO THAT YOUNG MAN. TOOK THEM OFF.
WENT BACK IN THE CLOSET. TOOK THEM OFF.
GAVE THEM TO THAT YOUNG MAN. AND WHEN I SAW THAT, I WAS LIKE, THIS LITTLE BOY IS SOMEONE WITH HEART.
I DIDN'T KNOW HIS PARENTS AT THE TIME.
BUT I GOT TO KNOW THEM. AND WHEN I HEARD WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM, OF COURSE WE'RE GOING TO FIGHT.
WE FIGHT FOR OUR KIDS IN NORTH SIDE.
AND WE APPRECIATE YOU ADRIAN GARCIA FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR NORTH SIDE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU AGAIN EVERYONE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.
>> THANK YOU. AND HE WAS 1 1 YEARS OLD IS THAT RIGHT WHEN WE LOST HIM? THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE'RE GOING TO KEEP DOING WHAT WE'RE DOING. PLEASE HELP US AND SUPPORT US
ANY WAY YOU CAN. >> I KNOW YOU WILL.
>> MY CREW BACK HERE. GOOD MORNING.
HONOURABLE JUDGE HIDALGO AND HONOURABLE MEMBERS AT COMMISSIONER COURT. MY NAME IS DR. FRANCES-- I HAVE THE HONOUR OF SERVING AS PRESIDENT FOR HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE SOUTHEAST. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING NATIONAL-- MONTH AND CITY COLLEGES MATERIAL SCIENCE OF EXCELLENCE WELDING PROGRAM. I AM PROUD TO BE REPRESENTING ACC SOUTHEAST. AND ESPECIALLY PROUD OF OUR WELDING GRADUATES THIS YEAR. TO DATE WE HAVE OVER A THOUSAND STUDENTS INVOLVED IN A WELDING PROGRAM.
AND SINCE HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE WAS FOUNDED IN 1971, WELDING HAS BEEN ONE OF OUR LONGEST STANDING PROGRAMS FOR DECADES.
HE HAS OPENED DOORS FOR STUDENTS SEEKING MEANINGFUL CAREERS AND HELP MEET FIRST NEEDS OF OUR CANADIAN LEGION.
I ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE DR. -- RUBINA A WELDER BY TRADE AND DEAN VASQUEZ FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY WE HAVE VIP ONE OF OUR STUDENTS HERE WHO WILL BE GRADUATING WHO CAME.
THIS IS OUR FINALS WEEK. THIS MOMENT IS ALSO PERSONAL FOR ME. MY FATHER WAS A WELDER.
AND I REMEMBER WATCHING HIM IN OUR GARAGE AND HE WOULD MAKE CUSTOMIZE SAFETY GOGGLES FOR ME SO I COULD WATCH HIM WELD.
ON BEHALF OF ATC THANK YOU FOR HONOURING THIS PROFESSION.
OUR PROGRAM AND OUR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES WHO CARRY THE LEGACY FORWARD. THANK YOU.
>> WHILE YOU'RE AT THE PODIUM, LET ME JUST RECOGNIZE YOU AND YOUR AWESOME HUSBAND. WE JUST CELEBRATE FLEET WEEK WITH THE MARINES AND THE NAVY AND HERE DIDN'T KNOW THAT YOUR HUSBAND WAS ONE OF OUR ELITE MARINE THAT SERVED US INCREDIBLY WELL. AND THAT YOU WERE A MILITARY WIFE. MOVING AROUND THE BASES.
>> 22 YEARS SIR. >> SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID TO SUPPORT HIM. AND THANK HIM ALWAYS THAT WE
ARE A GRATEFUL NATION TO HIM. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER GARCIA. SEMPA-- PHI.
>> THANK YOU GUYS. >> WELCOME DR. PURSE.
IT'S NICE TO SEE YOU, BUT I DON'T LIKE THE OCCASION.
>> I DON'T KNOW THOUSAND TAKE THAT JUDGE.
>> USUALLY MEET AT GOOD TIMES. USUALLY DURING A DISASTER.
>> RIGHT, YEAH, OKAY FAIR ENOUGH.
BUT YOUR RETIREMENT IS. ANYWAY.
I WILL MISS YOU. >> WELL, THANK YOU.
AND JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
THANK YOU FOR SPEARHEADING THIS RESOLUTION.
IT'S MY FIRST JOB WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON BACK IN 1993.
SO IT'S BEEN AWHILE. I BELIEVE YOU WERE IN A POLICE OFFICER'S UNIFORM AT THAT POINT.
AND SOW AND I KIND OF GO WAY BACK.
BUT AT SOME POINT IT'S BEEN MY OBSERVATION BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COUNT THAT THESE TWO GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS.
SOMETIMES THERE'S SOP SIBLING RIVALRY THAT GOES ON.
[00:30:02]
AND-- BUT MOST TIMES ESPECIALLY DURING DISASTERS, IT'S LIKE SIBLINGS. WE HAVE EACH OTHER'S BACK.AND THAT'S WHERE I'VE BEEN INVOLVED MOSTLY.
WORKING WITH THE JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE.
BUT THEN MORE DAY-TO-DAY BASIS AND CERTAINLY DURING THE PANDEMIC. IT WAS WITH THE GREAT PROFESSIONALS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH.
WHO HAVE JUST BEEN AN OUTSTANDING JOB GOING BACK DECADES QUITE HONESTLY. IT'S BEEN AN HONOUR TO WORK WITH THEM SO THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING ME.
TODAY IS MY LAST DAY. I'M NOT GOING AWAY.
I'LL STILL BE IN THE COMMUNITY AND I EXPECT YOU ALL TO KEEP DOING YOUR JOB AND KEEPING ME SAFE AND HEALTHY.
AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DO.
THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING ME FOOP.
>> DR. PURSE, LISTEN, WE ARE AS MUCH A GRATEFUL NATION TO OUR MILITARY. WE ARE GRATEFUL CITY FOR ALL THAT WRUV DONE IN THE REGION. BECAUSE YOU JUST DIDN'T-- YORK WORK DIDN'T STAY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF HOUSTON. YOU HAD A PROFOUND IMPACT ACROSS THE REGION. AND I WOULD JUST SAY LIMITED TO THE JUDGE'S POINT. WE LOOK OVER OUR SHOULDER, AND YOU ARE THERE. AT EVERY TURN REGARDLESS OF WHATEVER THE CIRCUMSTANCE. WHETHER NATURAL DISASTER.
WHETHER THE PANDEMIC. YOU WERE A CONSISTENT AND CONSTANT VOICE. YOU WERE ALWAYS A STEADY HAND.
YOU WERE ALWAYS A PRACTICAL THINKER THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES. AND I REMEMBER WORKING WITH YOU WHEN I WAS SHERIFF. WORKING THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF THE MEDICAL IMPACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES THAT TAKE PLACE IN THE COUNTY JAIL. SO THANK YOU.
YOUR WORK, I DON'T KNOW-- I DON'T KNOW HOW WE FILL YOUR SHOES, QUITE HONESTLY. I REALLY DON'T.
BUT YOU KNOW, WHEN I BECAME SHERIFF AND WORKED WITH MY DOCTOR IN THE COUNTY JAIL, IT ALWAYS-- I WAS REALLY CONCERNED WHEN I MET HIM. AND THOUGHT-- WOW, WHAM WHA AM I GOING TO DO WHEN HE LEAVES? BECAUSE WHO WANTS TO GO THROUGH MEDICAL SCHOOL. AND GO THROUGH ALL OF THAT INTENSIVE TRAINING JUST TO WORK IN THE JAIL? AND YOU ARE AN EXAMPLE OF SOMEONE WHO COMMITTED TO YOUR CRAFT. JUST YOUR-- YOU'RE SECOND TO NONE IN TERMS OF HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMUNITY AND DISASTERS, MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. MEDICAL OPERATIONS.
THE LIKE. AND HOW DO WE FILL YOU.
SO I JUST HOPE THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO INSPIRE OTHERS TO CONTINUE IN YOUR VAN SXECHLT IN YOUR WORK AND IN YOUR IMAGE AND IN YOUR EXAMPLE. BECAUSE WE ARE A-- WE WILL BE A WEAKER COMMUNITY TOMORROW. BECAUSE YOU WON'T BE HERE.
SO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT.
BUT PART OF MY JOB IS MEANT TO TRAIN PEOPLE TO DO WHAT I DO.
AND I'VE BEEN DOING THAT FOR QUITE AWHILE.
SO THERE ARE PLENTY OF FOLKS WHO WILL COME IN.
THEY WILL LIKELY HAVE MORE HAIR.
AND IT WON'T BE QUITE AS GRAY BUT THAT'S A GOOD THING TOO.
>> OH YES, GO AHEAD. >> SHAUN MCELROY SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MONA LISA GILES WITH ME I HAVE DR. CHRISTIAN HOLMES.
IT IS A SAD DAY INDEED. BECAUSE MONA LISA GILES AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD WITH THE HARRIS CENTRE IS RETIRING AS WELL.
IF YOU CAN THINK ABOUT 30 YEARS OF SERVICE YOU'RE LOOK AT CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE OF WHAT MENTAL HEALTH IS IN HARRIS COUNTY. YOU ARE SPEAKING IN THE JAIL AND I KNOW YOU SPENT TIME WORKING WITH THE MONA LISA AT THE JAIL. SHE HAS SPENT A GOOD TIME THERE DEVELOPING PROGRAMS AND HELPING NOT ONLY THE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT. BUT ALSO THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY. WHICH NOT ONLY HAS AFFECTED ONE GENERATION. BUT MULTIPLE GENERATIONS.
AND I DON'T WANT TO TAKE UP THE ENTIRE TIME.
>> WE JUST WANT TO RECOGNIZE MONA FOR ALL OF HER EFFORTS.
SHE IS A MENTOR, LEADER, A DEVELOPER, A FRIEND, A DEVOUT CHRISTIAN. SHE PRAYS WITH YOU.
PRAYS FOR YOU FOR THIS COUNTY. SHE HAS DONE THINGS THAT ARE INCREDIBLE AND WE WALK WITH GREATNESS WITH HER.
AND SO I'M SO BLESSED TO GET TO LEARN FROM HER AND GROW FROM HER AS ARE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE JAIL AND IN HER COUNTY.
GRATEFUL FOR HER LEADERSHIP. SAD TO SEE HER GO BUT KNOW THAT SHE'S ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO IN RECOGNIZING HER TODAY. WE'RE JUST BLESSED TO HAVE HER.
>> THANK YOU. >> AND IT'S A-- MONA, GOD BLESS YOU GIRL. YOU AND DR. PURSE MUST HAVE BEEN HANGING OUT TOGETHER. BECAUSE YA'LL BOTH RETIRED.
THANK YOU. NOT ONLY DID WE WORK TOGETHER, BUT WE ARE ALS BUDDIES AND WE GOT OVER THAT MOUNTAIN
[00:35:02]
TOGETHER. REMEMBER THE EYE OF THE TIGER.GOD LOVE YOU. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR ALL THESE YEARS. AND ABSOLUTELY THE COMMENTS ARE JUST RIGHT ON POINT. YOU'VE MADE AN INCREDIBLE IMPACT. JUST LIKE-- A LOT OF LIVING LEGACIES BECAUSE OF YOUR HEART AND YOUR PASSION AND YOUR WORK.
WE WILL MISS YOU. >> MA'AM THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HER SERVICE. THANK YOU IT'S GOING TO BE A-- HI. NO-- YOU'RE OKAY.
BUT THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND I KNOW ALSO LEAVING AND DR. PURSE AND OF COURSE OVER HERE. DR. -- AND WE'VE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE RETIRE THIS YEAR. AND ACTUALLY YOU'RE RIGHT YOU CALLED ME OUT ON THIS. BECAUSE WHO IS ALSO NOT GOING TO BE HERE IN JANUARY. OOPS.
BUT I THINK I'M REALLY APPRECIATIVE OF THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS HAVE DONE. THESE ARE REALLY TOUGH, TOUGH FIELDS. AND I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE THE BEST CARE. SO I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE YOU ALL. I KNOW YOU KNOW.
THE TYPE OF PERSON IT TAKES. BUT SOMETIMES WE DON'T SEE IT ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND DR. PURSE.
THAT WE SEE THAT VICARIOUS TRAUMA.
THE EXPERIENCES THAT YOU HAVE. THROUGH THE EXPERIENCES OF THOSE THAT YOU SERVE. ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY.
THEY PUT ME DOWN TO SPEAK. I WASN'T GOING TO SPEAK BECAUSE I MIGHT END UP PREACHIN' THOUGH.
>> BUT I DO REMEMBER SOMEONE ONCE TELLING ME THAT HOW DO YOU LIKE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. WILD IDEAS.
WE WERE WORKING IN THE JAIL TOGETHER AT THE TIME.
AND I WAS LIKE HE DOESN'T PLAY, DOES HE.
SO I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH HIM PRETTY HONEST PERSONALLY. AND THE SUPPORT OF HILL DAGGER.
THIS TEAM AND CONTACT. ELLIS AND THIS TEAM.
ALWAYS ABOUT CHANGING LIVES. ALWAYS ABOUT ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO DO A BETTER JOB. TO BE THE BEST THAT THEY ARE.
THAT MY PASSION IS TO BE A LIGHT IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS.
AND FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER WALKED INTO A JAIL.
THAT'S DARKNESS. AND PEOPLE FEEL HOPELESS AND FAMILIES FEEL HOPELESS. SO THEY ARE RIGHT.
I DON'T MIND PRAYING WITH YOU. I DON'T MIND TELLING YOU THE TRUTH. AND I DON'T MIND COLLABORATING TO MAKE THINGS DIFFERENT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU MS. GILES. THANK YOU.
AND JUST THE LAST THING ON THIS BECAUSE I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT MONA AND HER WORK. IN THE MENTAL HEALTH SPHERE.
AND DR. PERSON WERE KIND OF JOKING.
SO DR. PURSE, AND I WORKED TOGETHER ALL THROUGHOUT COVID.
AND WHEN I TELL YOU GUYS. NOBODY KNEW WHAT IT WAS.
AND ALL OF US WENT THROUGH THAT AND I THINK WOULD LIKE TO PUT IT OUT OF OUR MINDS. I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT EVERYBODY HERE WAS IMPACTED IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.
AND SO AS WE WERE MAKING THE BEST DECISIONS THAT WE COULD.
ALONGSIDE THE LATE MAY TURNER. IT WAS DR. PURSE THERE.
FOLKS OVER AT THE COUNTY. WE DID THE VERY BEST THAT WE COULD. AND I KNOW IT WASN'T PERFECT.
I THINK WE ALL KNOW. BUT I THINK-- I'LL SPEAK FOR MYSELF DR. PURSE, I IMAGINE THIS APPLIES TO YOU AS WELL.
THAT-- I CAN BE VERY PROUD OF WHAT WE DID BECAUSE I KNOW THAT IT WAS WITH ALL THE HEART AND LOVE FOR THE COMMUNITY THAT WE POSSIBLY HAD. AND I'LL TELL YA'LL.
AND ONE OF THE MEMORIES I HAVE IS WORKING DAY AND NIGHT.
WEEKEND-- LEAVING LATE. AND THINKING-- THOSE SCIENTISTS BETTER BE WORKING THROUGH DINNER ALSO.
BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO HURRY UP AND GET US THAT VACCINE.
SO YOU KNOW-- IT IS A TIME. SO THANK YOU DR. PURSE AND OF COURSE WE'VE COLLABORATED ON OTHER ISSUES AS WELL.
BUT THAT'S WHO THAT GENTLEMAN IS BESIDES HIS COMMITMENT TO DARK PLACES LIKE THE JAIL AND THE PRISONS.
AND YOU KNOW AND THE CITY AND THE COMMUNITY.
[00:40:02]
SO THANK YOU, SIR. ALL RIGHT.LET'S MOVE ONTO ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS.
>> GRACIE CABFOR THAT ON ITEM 95.
ANGELINA HUDSON ON ITEM 101. ALEXIS SAM SAN MIGUEL ON ITEM
I'M GRACIE CABFOR THAT FOUNDER OF RECIPE FOR SUCCESS FOUNDATION. AND I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND COMMISSIONERS, FOR THE RECOGNITION THAT YOU'RE GIVING TODAY TO OUR HOPE FARMS AGRICULTURAL SHOWCASE AND TRAINING CENTRE.
IT MEANS A GREAT DEAL TO ALL OF US AT RECIPE FOR SUCCESS.
TEN YEARS AGO WE PLANTED MORE THAN A FARM IN SUNNYSIDE.
WE PLANTED A VISION. A VISION FOR A VIBRANT COMM COMMUNITY.
A FABULOUS COMMUNITY-WIDE ASSET.
WHERE ALL HOUSTONIANS COULD COME TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE, LEARN ABOUT, AND ENJOY HEALTHY FOOD.
TODAY HOPE FARMS IS EXACTLY THAT.
STARTING FROM NOTHING-- IT'S NOW A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN DISCOVER WHERE FOOD COMES FROM. WHERE FAMILIES LEARN TO COOK.
AND TO EAT WELL. AND WHERE NEW FARMERS ARE TRAINED. AND WHERE OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY CAN RE-CONNECT. -- WITH WHAT IT MEANS TO NOURISH OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER.
WE'RE PROUD OF WHAT WE'VE GROWN OVER THE PAST DECADE TOGETHER.
NOT JUST FRESH AFFORDABLE PRODUCE.
BUT A CULTURE OF HEALTHY EATING.
THAT IS JOYFUL, ACCESSIBLE, AND SHARED.
BUT THIS RECOGNITION IS ALSO A REMINDER OF-- THAT OUR WORK IS FAR FROM DONE. BECAUSE WHEN PEOPLE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO ACCESS AND ACCESS TO GOOD FOOD, EVERYTHING CHANGES. FOR THEIR HEALTH, THEIR FAMILIES, OUR COMMUNITY. WE CELEBRATED LAST SATURDAY WITH OUR EARTH DAY FESTIVAL. OVER 600 PEOPLE CAME.
AND THE DAY WAS FILLED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD, CLASSES, INSPIRING GARDENING WORKSHOPS AND FARM ADVENTURES.
WE WOULD LOVE FOR ALL OF YOU TO COME ALONG WITH ALL HOUSTONIANS. AND EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELVES. SO THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH US. AND LET US KEEP GROWING TOGETHER. THANK YOU.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS ANGELINA HUDZEN AND RIGHT NOW I SERVE AS THE CEO OF-- HOUSTON.
AND I JUST WANT TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT FOR OVER THE YEARS.
I'VE BEEN HERE IN HOUSTON AND THE HOUSTON AREA SINCE 1988, I'VE BEEN IN NAMI-- HOUSTON SINCE 25 YEARS.
AND MY HOW THE YEARS GO BY. BUT MENTAL HEALTH AND THE RESOLUTION TODAY IS REALLY GOING TO TAKE ALL OFTOUS DO OUR PART. TO MAKE SURE THAT NOT ONLY INDIVIDUALS ARE IN RECOVERY WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. BUT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE WE LIVE.
OR ZIP CODE WE COME FROM OR BACKGROUND WE'RE IN.
I COME FROM A FAMILY OF CIVIL SERVICE AND WHEN THIS THING HIT OUR FAMILY 25 YEARS AGO, THAT'S HOW IT STARTED WITH NAMI.
NOT AS AN EMPLOYEE OR SUPPORT. WITHOUT CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS AND THE WORKPLACE AND OUR PLACES OF WORSHIP, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK THAT WE'VE BEEN DOING IN CHANGING LIVES. ALWAYS SAY THE DOCTOR MAY GIVE YOU THE DIAGNOSIS. PHARMACY MAY GIVE YOU MEDICINE.
BUT IT'S GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE WHO SHARES HEART TO HEART BREAST TO BREAST. HOW TO LIVE AND BRING YOUR FAMILY BACK TOGETHER AGAIN AND OVERCOME THESE ILLNESSES.
AND SO IT DOESN'T HAVE TO END ON A SAD STORY.
WE TEACH FAMILY THOUSANDS LIVE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
AND WE DO THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE YOUR SUPPORT.
AND SO I APPRECIATE EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU.
I KNOW RECENTLY I'VE BEEN TALKING TO COMMISSIONER RAMSEY'S OFFICE. BIG THINGS COMING AND TOM BALL AREA BUT THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. AND I'M ON THE MONA TEAM TOO I
LOVE HER TOO. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
AND MONA JUST BRIEFLY ON-- TOOK A LEAVE OF ABSENCE IN 2023 FOR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION.
AND IT WAS-- I WAS LUCKY AT THE TIME THAT I WAS ABLE TO AFFORD THAT. AND I'LL TELL YOU GUYS, DIFFERENT CLASSES, RIGHT. SO EVERY DAY YOU'RE IN A GROUP WHICH IS HELPFUL. EVERY DAY WE HAD SHAME CLASS.
THAT WAS THE ONE THAT WAS CONSISTENT EVERY DAY.
AND SINCE I'VE BEEN BACK, TWOTH DAY, PEOPLE APPROACH ME TO TALK
[00:45:02]
ABOUT YOU KNOW, HOW THE FACT THAT I WAS PUBLIC ABOUT THIS HELPED THEM HAVE THE COURAGE TO SEEK CARE.BUT THERE'S STILL PEOPLE EVEN HERE WHO WILL SAY YOU'RE UNHINGED, YOU'RE CRAZY, YOU'RE THIS.
AND THAT'S WHY THIS SHAME CLASS WAS SO IMPORTANT.
IT SLIDES RIGHT OFF. BUT I THINK ABOUT EVERYBODY ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY. INCLUDING THE FOLKS THAT SAY THAT. THEY DON'T SEEK CARE.
THEY DON'T SEEK CARE. SO LET ME JUST SAY-- EVEN IF IT'S ONE PERSON LISTENING TO THIS.
JUST AS WE KNOW, IT'S THE FOLKS THAT MOST-- ATTACK A COMMUNITY.
THEY ARE THE ONES THAT ARE PART OF IT.
AND I THINK THAT IT'S SHAMEFUL. LIKE A CULTURE THING LIKE HAVING-- SURGERY USED TO BE SHAMEFUL.
THE FACT OF THE MATTER ESPECIALLY SINCE COVID THERE'S A HUGE INCREASE IN MENTAL ILLNESS.
SO IT'S NOT NORM TOLL FEEL DECEMBER RESPONDENT.
IT'S NOT NORM TOLL CRY ALL THE T TIME. IT'S NOT NORM TOLL FEEL REALLY ANXIOUS ALL THE TIME. THAT'S JUST AN ILLNESS LIKE ANYTHING ELSE. AND YOU CAN FEEL BETTER.
AND IF YOU ARE HAVING TO COVER IT UP BY WORKING ALL THE TIME OR TAKING SUBSTANCES OR WHATEVER IT IS, YOU CAN GET BETTER. AND THERE IS CARE.
SO ANYWAY I KNOW-- DOESN'T COVER IT AT MUCH.
WHAT WE OFFER PUBLICALLY MAY NOT BE THE EIGHT WEEKS OF CARE I RECEIVE. BUT THERE'S A LOT THAT IS OUT THERE FOR PEOPLE, WHATEVER KIND OF ACCESS THAT YOU HAVE. I'LL SHARE WITH YOU ALL.
TALKING ABOUT SIT SO LIBERATING.
AND I PROMISE YOU I FEEL EMBARRASSED FOR THE PEOPLE WHO CALL ME NAMES. OR SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
BECAUSE I KNOW IF NOT THEM, SOMEBODY IN THEIR FAMILY IS GOING THROUGH THIS. SO IT REALLY FEELS GOOD TO BE PUBLIC ABOUT IT. AND PEOPLE WILL APPROACH YOU TO SAY THANK YOU. SO ANYWAY.
I SEE-- ANYWAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
GO AHEAD. >> I'M ALEXIS SAN MIGUEL.
JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS THANK YOU FOR GIVING NE TIME TO SPEAK. TODAY I WANT TO HONER THE INDIVIDUALS WHO KEEP THIS COUNTY MOVING FORWARD.
WITH US ARE SOME OF THE SUPER INTENDANTS.
SOUP UH SUPER VISORS OF OUR PUBLIC WORKS.
BRINL BRIDGE DEPARTMENT. THEIR LEADERSHIP SUN AND WAIVERING COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE SET TONE FOR EVERYTHING OUR TEAMS ACCOMPLISH.
THEY GUIDE THE CREWS WHO DELIVER SOME OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL SERVICES IN OUR COUNTY.
AND TO THE OPERATOR, FORES~MAN, INSPECTOR SXENGS NEARS AND EVERY MEMBER OF OUR SUPPORT STAFF.
I HONOUR YOU AS WELL. THEY ARE THE BACKBONE OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE BECAUSE OF THEM OUR ROADS STAY DRIVABLE AND FACILITIES REMAIN OPERATIONAL AND COMMUNITIES STAY RESILIENT.
THIS YEAR'S THEME IS ROOTED IN SERVICE POWERED BY COMMUNITY.
SO I WANT TO THANK YOUR DEDICATION AND YOUR SERVICE.
>> ALEX THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND I THINK I CAN SPEAK ON BEHALF OF EVERY MEMBER OF EVERY PUBLIC WORKS TEAM IN THIS COUNTY. IN THIS CITY.
WHEN WE ARE GETTING READY FOR NATURAL DISASTERS AND FREEZES AND IN THE AFTERMATH LIKE TORNADOES OR HURRICANES.
WE THINK ABOUT OUR FIRST RESPONDERS LIKE DEPUTIES AND PARAMEDICS. IT IS PUBLIC WORKS INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE THE TRUE FIRST RESPONDERS.
COMING OUT WITH THE CHAIN SAWS. THOSE BACKHOES.
GRADE ALLS. GETTING THE STREETS CLEARED.
CLEARING THAT DEBRIS. GETTING OPERATIONS.
MOVING AGAIN SO THAT OUR ECONOMY CAN FLOW IN SPITE OF WHATEVER'S HAPPENED. SEW ALEX I JUST CAN'T TELL YOU HOW PROUD OF THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS DO FOR PRECINCT TWO.
BUT I KNOW THAT EVERY PART OF THIS COUNTY IS TOUCHED BY A DEDICATED PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE LIKE YOURSELF.
IN THE TIMES WE NEED YOU THE MOST.
AND BY THE WAY NOBODY LIKES A POTHOLE.
IT'S THESE GUYS THAT TAKE CARE OF THEM.
SO-- THANK YOU FOR THAT. AND YOU MAKE US ALL PROUD.
AND SO YOU REPRESENT YOUR INDUSTRY EXTREMELY WELL.
AND SO TO YOU, TO EVERY MEMBER OF MY PARTICULAR TEAM.
I SAY THANK YOU. BUT I ALSO SAY THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF EVERY PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE IN THIS COUNTY.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. AND FOLKS WE CAN NEVER FORGET
[00:50:04]
THESE INDIVIDUALS. BECAUSE THEY ARE OUT THERE.AND IN FACT-- DURING THE PANDEMIC, THIS WAS ONE AREA OF OPERATION THAT DIDN'T STOP WORKING.
THESE GUYS WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO GRADE DITCHES.
KEEP OUR DRAINAGE SYSTEM FLOWING.
NEVER MISSED A DAY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE
SPEAKERS. >> KIARA MARSHALL 104.
KIMBERLY YOUNG BLOOD ITEM 107. JULIOS ZAGI ITEM 107.
KIMBERLY SANIER ON ITEM 108. >> I'M KIARA MARSHALL HEAD COACH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL-- HIGH SCHOOL.
THIS IS MY SECOND YEAR TO MEET WITH YOU ALL.
LAST YEAR I WAS ABLE TO BRING ALL THE GIRLS.
THIS TIME THEY ARE IN CLASS. ALTHOUGH THEY WERE MORE THAN HAPPY TO GET OUT OF CLASS TO COME HERE.
WE MADE SURE THAT THEY STAYED, BUT THEY WERE EXCITED AND JUST ON BEHALF OF MY TEAM. ON BEHALF OF OB-- STATE WE JUST THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING THE HARD WORK AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR GIRLS WINNING BACK TO BACK STATE CHAMPION SHPS IS NOT AN EASY FEAT.
FOR US TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR DISTRICT, OUR TOWN AND ALSO THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS BEEN GREAT.
SO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING US AGAIN.
AND THIS FEELS GREAT TO BE BACK HERE.
SO THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH. >> CONGRATULATIONS.
>> COACH SEND GREETINGS BACK TO YOUR TEAM.
THIS IS AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT.
IT'S LIKE WINNING A MASTERS BACK TO BACK.
WHEN YOU WIN STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AS COMPETITIVE AS IT IS THESE DAYS, TO WIN BACK TO BACK IS JUST INCREDIBLE.
IT'S A GREAT CREDIT TO YOU. IT'S A GREAT CREDIT TO YOUR TEAM. AND ALL OF THEIR COMMITMENTS.
SO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE.
AND WE'RE LOOKING FOR A TRIFECTA.
AND THAT WOULD BE THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.
>> YES, SIR, THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, YOU KNOW THE COACH IN THE NBA HAS THREE-PEAT COPY WRITTEN. BUT YOU GOTTA' USE IT.
>> WE WILL, THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU ALL.
GOOD MORNING ALL. MY NAME IS KIMBERLY YOUNG BLOOD AND I STAND HERE TODAY ON BEHALF OF THE CRIME SURVIVOR SPEAK ORGANIZATION. AS THE ORGANIZING MANAGER REPRESENTING TEXAS. AS WELL AS A CRIME SURVIVOR MYSELF. FIRST UP I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE HONOUR LESLIE BRIONES.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND ALSO JUDGE HIDALGO FOR YOUR RECOGNITION DURING OUR CRIME SURVIVORS VIGIL HEALING THIS PAST WEEKEND. I STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ALL SURVIVORS OF CRIME. WE RECOGNIZE THAT THE WORK THAT WE DO IS HEALING OURSELVES AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY.
WE KNOW THAT THOSE CLOSEST TO THE HARM AND THE PAIN ARE ALSO THE ONES CLOSEST TO THE SOLUTION.
SURVIVORS RESERVE A SYSTEM THAT HAS PRIORITIZES HEALING, RECOVERY AND PREVENTION. ONE THAT INVESTS IN PEOPLE AND THE COMMUNITIES AND NOT JUST PUNISHMENT.
WE KNOW THAT THE TRAUMA OFTEN LEADS TO MORE CYCLES OF CRIME.
AND VIOLENCE. IN TEXAS, WE HAVE STARTED TO HEED THAT CALL BY ESTABLISHING THE STATE'S VERY FIRST TRAUMA RECOVERY CENTRE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS.
THAT'S SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO FOSTER HEALING IN THOSE COMMUNITIES MOST IMPACTED BY VIOLENCE.
AND NOW WE SEEK TO BRING THAT SAME HERE HOME TO HOUSTON.
THANK YOU. AS A SURVIVOR WE ONLY-- WE NOT ONLY SHARE OUR STORIES AS A REFLECTION, WE SHARE OUR STORIES TO CREATE CHANGE. SO AS WE CONTINUE THE STAND TOGETHER WITH SURVIVORS, RAISE OUR VOICES AND TO BUILD A HOUSTON THAT IS ROOTED IN SAFETY AND HEALING.
BECAUSE WHEN SURVIVORS SPEAK, CHANGE HAPPENS.
SO WE APPRECIATE YOUR RECOGNITION DURING THIS CRIME SURVIVOR'S VICTIMS WEEK. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> HI, GOOD MORNING.
MY NAME IS KIMBERLY SONNIER I'M THE SITE DIRECTOR WITH EMPOWER HOUSTON. AND I'M PROUD TO REPRESENT EMPOWER. AN ONGOING PARTNERSHIP WITH HARRIS COUNTY. THIS COLLABORATION IS ABOUT MORE THAN JOB TRAINING. IT'S ABOUT CREATING REAL
[00:55:04]
PATHWAYS TO ECONOMIC MOBILITY. THROUGH OUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM WE'RE EQUIPPING LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH IN DEMAND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS. HANDS ON EXPERIENCE, AND DIRECT CONNECTIONS WITH EMPLOYERS. AT THE SAME TIME, HARRIS COUNTY BENEFITS FROM A STRONGER, MORE DIVERSE TALENT PIPELINE READY TO MEET TODAY'S WORK FORCE NEEDS.TOGETHER WE ARE INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.
AND GIVING THEM THE TOOLS TO BUILD THEIR SUSTAINABLE CAREERS. THE RESULTS ARE ALREADY CLEAR.
HIGHER EMPLOYMENT RATES, INCREASED EARNING POTENTIAL, AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES. WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR HARRIS COUNTY'S LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION AND WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT. THIS PARTNERSHIP SHOWS WHAT'S POSSIBLE WHEN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AND NON-PROFITS COME TOGETHER WITH A SHARED VISION.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONTINUED SUPPORT.
>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE HIDALGO, COMMISSIONERS AND ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER LESLEY BRIONES FOR PUTTING FORTH A JOINT RESOLUTION FOR NATIONAL CRIMES WEEK. WE'RE REPRESENTING THE VICTIMS SERVICES ADDITION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE ALONG WITH-- AND MY NAME IS JULIO SAG SXICHLT I'M HONOURED TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION. NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS WEEK IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO HONOUR CRIME VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS.
RECOGNIZE THEIR EFFORTS OF VICTIM SERVICES PROVIDERS.
AND HIGHLIGHT THEIR COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE AND HELPING OTHERS.
THIS YEAR'S THEME, LISTEN, ADVOCATE PERFECTLY.
REFLECTS THE DIVISIONS DAILY WORK BEHIND THE SCENES.
WHICH OFTEN GOES UNNOTICED. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS AND SUPPORTING STAFF HELP THOSE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY CRIME WITH PASSION AND COMMITMENT.
BECAUSE OF THEM, WHEN CRIME VICTIMS FACE SOME OF THE MOST TRAUMATIC CONFUSING AND OVERWHELMING PERIODS OF THEIR LIFE, THEY DO NOT HAVE TO WALK THOSE PATHS ALONE.
VICTIMS SERVICES PROVIDERS ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. UNTIL WE LIVE IN A WORLD FREE OF CRIME, WE HAVE SERVICE PROVIDERS TO HELP US NAVIGATE THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER BRIONES THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK AND IN DOING SO, ADVOCATING FOR A SAFER HARRIS COUNTY.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
TIFFANY HOW MANY MORE SPEAKERS DO WE HAVE?
>> WE HAVE ABOUT 15 MORE. >> OKAY.
SO LET ME JUST TAKE A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE YOU GUYS.
MY COLLEAGUES HAVE VARIOUS TIMES ASKED THAT WE TAKE PERSONAL-- PARTICULAR RESOLUTIONS.
I STILL HAVE TO SIGN THIS COMMISSIONERS.
BUT I'VE SIGNED THESE. SO BY THE WAY WHAT I'M DOING HERE IS SIGNING EVERYBODY'S RESOLUTIONS SO WE CAN HAND THEM TO YOU. WHEN-- YOU KNOW.
WE TAKE THE PICTURES. SO ANYWAY.
I KNOW YOU'VE DONE THIS BEFORE BUT WHEN SOMEBODY HAS TO LEAVE, WE'LL JUST PAUSE FOR A MINUTE AND TAKE THE RESOLUTION.
AND TAKE THE PICTURE AND THEN WE'LL CONTINUE.
SO I'M JUST GOING TO ASK FOR SOME GRACE FOR FOLKS.
AND SO I'M GOING TO-- LET ME JUST GO BACK TO AN ISSUE THAT I KNOW IS REALLY IMPORTANT. AND WE MENTIONED AT THE BEGINNING, AND THAT IS AUTISM. AND INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT DISABILITYS. SO ONE THING I LEARNED JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO IS THAT WHILE WE HAVE STATISTICS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND YOU KNOW IT'S AN ENDO COUNT AND THIS AND THAT.
AND WE NORMALLY SORT OF LUMP THAT OVER WITH IDD.
WE DON'T ACTUALLY KNOW. LIKE NOBODY HAS TAKEN ACCOUNT IN OUR REGION OF HOW MANY FOLKS ARE DIAGNOSED WITH INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. AND OF COURSE IT'S A COMMUNITY THAT CAN LIVE A VERY FULL LIFE. AND CONTRIBUTE TO OUR LARGER COUNTY AND BEYOND. SO LET ME JUST READ THOSE.
APRIL'S AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH.
IT'S A TIME TO RIZ THE TALENT, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DIVERSITY WITHIN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS ARE COMPLEX. LIFELONG DEVELOPMENTAL CONDITION THAT TYPICALLY APPEARS DURING EARLY CHILDHOOD AND CAN IMPACT A PERSON'S SOCIAL SKILLS.
COMMUNICATION RELATIONSHIPS. AND SELF--- AND OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A SPECTRUM CONDITION. THAT AFFECTS PEOPLE TO VARYING DEGREES. AUTISM AFFECTS MORE THAN 5 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WHO EACH HAVE A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WITH AUTISM. AROUND 1 IN 36 CHILDREN IN THE RUS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM EACH YEAR IT IS MORE PREVALENT IN MINORITY GROUPS AND BOYS. BOYS ARE FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY AS GIRLS TO BE DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM.
EARLY AND ACCURATE DIE YA'ING KNOW SXIS APPROPRIATE EDUCATION AND INTERVENTION AND THERAPY ARE VITAL TO THE WELL BEING OF THOSE WITH AUTISM. ACCORDING TO SOME OF THE DISEASE CONTROL. SOCIAL ECONOMIC BARRIERS, STIGMA AND LACK OF HEALTH CARE MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR COMMUNITIES TO RECEIVE CRUCIAL SERVICES NECESSARY FOR
[01:00:01]
IDENTIFYING AND TREATING AUTISM.AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH BUILDS ON DECADES OF ADVOCACY.
BEGINNING AS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH IN 1970.
GAINING NATIONAL RECOGNITION THROUGH A PROCLAMATION PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN. INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM CONTRIBUTE MUCH TO OUR COMMUNITY.
AS FAMILY MEMBERS ADVOCATES KEYUATIVES AND MEMBERS OF THE WORK FORCE ACCEPTANCE STARTS WITH AWARENESS.
BUT IT FLOURISHES WITH ACTION. NOW BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY THEREBY DESIGNATED APRIL 2026 AS AUTISM ACCEPTANCE AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.
SO WE HAVE INVESTED MORE THAN $8 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING IN THE HARRIS CENTRE SO WE CAN PROVIDE CRITICAL SERVICES TO THIS COMMUNITY. WHERE WE HAVE A LOT MORE WORK TO DO. THE DATA JUST MENTIONED IS FROM 2014. THE DATA 2014-- 150,000 FOLKS IN HARRIS COUNTY WERE ON THE 90 DAY SPECTRUM.
HAVEN'T HAD DATA FOR 12 YEARS. SO WE'RE STILL WORKING ON THAT AND THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO EDUCATE FOLKS ON. THE GENUINE CUP, IT'S A HUGE DEAL. IF YOU FOLLOW SOCCER OR THE WORLD CUP AND THIS IS THE LAST THING I'LL SAY, THE TEAMS, THE SPECIFIC TEAMS SO LIKE WHATEVER THESE PROFESSIONAL GLOBAL SOCCER TEAMS, THEY ARE ONES THAT RECRUIT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE. YOUNG AND FRANKLY TO PLAY SOCCER. IN THE GENUINE CUP WHICH IS THE WORLD CUP FOR THIS COMMUNITY RIGHT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
IT'S AT RICE UNIVERSITY. IS IT STILL AT RICE UNIVERSITY THIS YEAR? YES.
AND RIGHT AFTER THE WORLD CUP. SO IT'S A HUGE DEAL.
THEY WEAR THE JERSEYS OF THE PROFESSIONAL TEAM.
WE HAVE PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS COME DOWN FOR IT.
AND IT'S REALLY A LOT OF FUN. IT'S JUST COOL THAT WE HAVE THAT HERE. SO ANYWAY, I WANTED TO JUST THANK EVERYBODY WHO CAME AND SPOKE.
A AND-- AND ISSA AND IF FOLKS DON'T MIND JUST TAKING A BRIEF PICTURE IF THEY HAVE TO LEAVE.
OH-- COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER BRIONES.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU JUDGE.
AND I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR CONSIDERATION TO MOVE UP THE RECOGNITION FOR NASA IN OUR ARTEMUS II GUESTS THAT ARE HERE. THEY HAVE TO LEAVE EARLY.
SO IF WE COULD TAKE THEM UP AT FAST AS APPROPRIATE TIME.
>> OKAY. GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER WE CAN
TAKE THOSE TWO TOGETHER. >> THANK YOU.
>> THESE FOLKS HAVE TO LEAVE AT 10:15.
>> CAN I MAKE COMMENTS PLEASE? JUDGE HIDALGO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS RESOLUTION. I KNOW AUTISM AWARENESS, EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY IS SO KEY.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE MOMS WHO HAVE COME.
KNOW THAT OWL F US ARE ALL IN. AND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT, TO JUDGE HIDALGO'S STATISTICS SHE READ, 1 IN 36 KIDS IN THE U.S.
ARE DIAGNOSED. THAT IS A STAGGERING NUMBER AND THEN IF YOU THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE NOT DIAGNOSED.
SO I KNOW FAMILY MEMBER, FRIENDS, JUST THE COMMUNITY THAT WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER AND TO MAKE SURE WE ARE SUPPORTING EACH OTHER IS SO NEEDED.
AND I ALSO WANT TO THANK MY TEAM FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CAN HELP US SPREAD THE WORD. WE HAVE A PROGRAM AN ALL ABILITIES HIRING PROGRAM AT PRECINCT FOUR WHERE WE HIRE ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.
AND WE'RE VERY PROUD OF THAT PROGRAM.
AND WE'RE HOPING TO GROW AND EXPAND IT.
AND SO IT HAS BEEN UNBELIEVABLE.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE PURPOSE THAT OUR TEAM MEMBERS AND ALL ABILITIES PROGRAM HAVE JUST GIVEN TO THE COMMUNITY.
AND GIVEN TO ALL OF US. SO THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY AND FOR YOUR ADVOCACY. AND MR. FLORES TO YOU AND MRS. FLORES THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.
THE GENUINE CUP AGAIN I HOPE EVERYONE HERE WILL HELP US JOIN US IN SPREADING THE WORD. IT'S REMARKABLE.
THAT YOUTH FROM AROUND THE WORLD COME FOR THEIR OWN WORLD CUP. THE GENUINE CUP.
AND SO TO GIVE THIS SPACE AND PLACE AND CELEBRATION IS TRULY REMARKABLE. AND WE APPRECIATE YOU MR. TORRES AND ALL OF YOUR TEAM.
SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU.
>> GO AHEAD COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> THANK YOU. SO I'D LIKE TO ASK-- MS. CLAYTON TO PLEASE-- WHERE ARE YOU? THERE YOU ARE. THANK YOU.
PLEASE. AND KATHERINE CLAYTON IS HERE ON BEHALF OF NASA'S LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS OFFICE.
SO WE WELCOME YOU. AND THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO JOIN US. AND TO ACCEPT THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS RESOLUTION TO BE PRESENTED.
CELEBRATING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE RECENT ARTEMUS II MISSION TO THE MOON. AND THE REMARKABLE WORK DONE BY CREW. ESPECIALLY AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER. MISSION CONTROL, AND ALL THE NASA SUPPORT TEAMS. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION. AND FOR CONTINUING TO MAKE PRECINCT TWO AN INCREDIBLE PLACE HERE ON EARTH AS WELL AS
[01:05:04]
ON THE MOON. AND SO I'M ESPECIALLY PROUD TO MAKE THESE COUPLE OF CONNECTIONS.ESPECIALLY THAT OUR COMMUNITY IS HOME TO MISSION CONTROL.
AND THE TEAMS THAT GUIDE THESE MISSIONS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
I'M ESPECIALLY PROUD OF THE FAMILIES IN PRECINCT II THAT GO TO WORK EVERY DAY CONTRIBUTING TO THESE RESPECTIVE MISSIONS.
WHETHER IT'S ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS, OR SUPPORT STAFF.
AND SO I'M ALSO VERY EXCITED THAT MISSION CONTROL IS THE PLACE THAT PEOPLE CAN CONTINUE TO VISIT AND I JUST LOVE HOW IT LOOKS DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
VERY, VERY BEAUTIFUL. BUT ALSO LET ME JUST SAY THAT THERE'S A SPECIAL CONNECTION. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW IS A MATURE SCIENCE PROFESSOR AT RICE UNIVERSITY AND HAS WORKED WITH NASA ON SOME OF THE MATERIALS TO HELP KEEP THOSE SHUTTLES COOL SO THAT THE HEAT DOESN'T RADIATE INTO THE SHUTTLE SPACE WHERE THE ASTRONAUTS ARE WORKING.
AND I'VE HAD THE HONOUR AND PLEASURE OF GETTING TO KNOW JOSE HERNANDEZ FROM A MILLION MILES AWAY.
AS WELL AS DANIEL-- AND A FEW OTHER OF THE ASTRONAUTS THAT HAVE BEEN THERE. IN FACT I'LL JUST WITH ANOTHER ASTRONAUT WITH MAYOR FOREMAN. IN THE CITY OF FRINGEWOOD.
SO THANK YOU, THANK YOU MS. CLAYTON FOR TAKING TIME TO DO THIS. I'VE JUST BEEN LITERALLY OVER THE MOON WAITING TO DO THIS RECOGNITION.
AND JUST SO PROUD THAT NASA HAPPENS TO BE NOT ONLY IN HARRIS COUNTY. BUT IN PRECINCT II IN PARTICULAR. AND SO THIS PARTICULAR RESOLUTION WILL READ THAT NASA, ARTEMUS II MISSION LAUNCHED ON APRIL 1ST 2026 MAKING A HISTORIC RETURN TO DEEP SPACE.
AS A FIRST CREWED FLIGHT OF THE ORION SPACECRAFT AND SPACE LAUNCH MISSION. SYSTEM RATHER IN OVER 50 YEARS.
AND WHEREAS ASTRONAUTS REID WISEMAN, VICTOR GLOVER, CHRISTINA KOCH AND JEREMY HANSON REACHED A RECORD-SETTING DISTANCE OF 252,756 MILES FROM EARTH.
TRAVELLING FURTHER INTO THE COSMOS THAN ANY HUMAN IN HISTORY WHILE CAPTURING UNPRECEDENTED HIGH RESOLUTION LUNAR IMAGERY. AND HOUSTON'S NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER AND MISSION CONTROL CENTER SERVED AS THE MISSION'S VITAL NERVE CENTER OVERSEEING THE LIVE SUPPORT, NAVIGATION AND 24/7 COMMUNICATIONS TO ENSURE THAT CREW'S SAFETY ACROSS 694,481 TOTAL MILES TRAVELLED.
THIS TEN-DAY VOYAGE VALIDATED DEEP SPACE OPERATIONS IN ADVANCED SCIENCE. COUNCILS SOLIDIFYING THE FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLE LUNAR EXPLORATION.
AND FUTURE MISSIONS TO MARS. AND NOT ONLY IS MISSION CONTROL AND JOHNSON SPACE CENTER IN PRECINCT II.
BUT I'M ALSO VERY HONOURED THAT I NOW OVERSEE CHALLENGER SEVEN PARK. AND THAT PARK IS GETTING SPECIAL ATTENTION AND LOVE BECAUSE WE NEED TO ALWAYS CONTINUE TO KEEP IN MIND THAT AS EXCITED AS WE ARE TO CELEBRATE MISSIONS LIKE THIS LIKE ARTEMUS II, WE CAN'T FORGET THAT THERE HAS BEEN TRAGEDY IN THE EFFORT TO REACH THE COSMOS. AND SO CHALLENGER VII WILL ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE SPECIAL. AND WE WILL DO ALL WE CAN TO TAKE CARE OF IT SO THAT OUR ASTRONAUTS WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WILL KNOW THAT THEY ARE ALWAYS HONOURED AND REMEMBERED BACK HERE ON EARTH.
SO MS. CLAYTON, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND YES, CONGRATULATIONS. IT'S SO EXCITING.
SO EXCITING. CONGRATULATIONS AND TO EVERYBODY WHO WAS PART OF THE TEAM.
AND YEAH, IT'S OUR COMMUNITY. THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPING THIS.
ASTRONAUTS THAT MOVE HERE FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD. AND THEY ARE STILL HERE.
BECAUSE THEY LOVE IT. SO WE HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE.
THE WHOLE WORLD IS WATCHING THIS.
AND-- BUT ACTUALLY IT IS OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE.
SO-- AND THE REST OF THE WORLD ON THIS ONE.
SO LET'S TAKE A PICTURE BRIEFLY WITH THE FOLKS ON THESE TWO RESOLUTIONS. AND THEN WE'LL CONTINUE WITH
THE REST. >> AND THESE WANT TO GET BACK
WELL WHY-- OKAY, ALL RIGHT, THANKS.
[01:10:06]
>> ALL RIGHT, IT'S 10:45. COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
>> PARDON, JUDGE. THIS IS ADMINISTRATOR CARTER.
>> CAN WE REQUEST ITEM 39 GO BACK ON CONSENT.
ENGINEERING DOUBLE CHECKED IT. >> I HAVE THAT.
JUST KNOW I WAS GOING TO DO THAT LATER BUT SURE.
JAMES, ITEM 39 IS BACK ON CONSENT.
DO WE NEED TO VOTE ON IT SEPARATELY?
>> YES, JUDGE. WHO IS MAKING A MOTION.
COMMISSIONER RAMSEY SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA, ALL IN FAVOR? MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE SPE SPEAKERS.
>> DOMINGO SMITH, SHENAE BROWN, NOAH FISHER, ALEX GUY, SHELLEY
BAKER. >> CHAIR: GOOD MORNING, MY NAME IS SHELLEY BAKER WITH THE TEXAS GULF COAST LABOR FEDERATION. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS OR THIS RECOGNITION AND TWO COMMISSIONERS COURT FURTHER LONGTIME SUPPORT IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I AM SO GLAD TO BE HERE DURING NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK.
A CELEBRATION OF REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP ACROSS THE COUNTRY. FOR THOSE UNFAMILIAR, THE PROGRAM THE BEGAN IN 2023 WHEN COMMISSIONERS COURT INVESTED ALMOST 11 MILLION IN FEDERAL DOLLARS INTO WHAT IS NOW A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED WORKFORCE TRAINING INITIATIVE.
THESE PROGRAMS THAT APPRENTICES RECEIVE FOR WORKFORCE TRAINING ACROSS 11 DIFFERENT TRADES LEADING TO CREDENTIALS WITHOUT THE BURDEN OF STUDENT LOAN DEBT. NOW NEARLY THREE YEARS LATER, THIS PROGRAM HAS PUT OVER 900 HARRIS COUNTY WORKERS ON THE PATH TO STABLE, GOOD PAYING JOBS AND GROWING INDUSTRIES.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND FOR INVESTING IN THE WORKING PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING.
MY NAME IS NOAH FISHER AND THIS WEEK IS NATIONAL PUNISHABLE A GANNETT LIKE TO SPEAK ON MY EXPERIENCE.
I AM A FOURTH-YEAR APPRENTICE WITH THE EYE DW PASSED MY STATE LICENSING EXAMINED HIM A FEW MONTHS AWAY FROM BECOMING A JOURNEYMAN. FOR YEARS AGO I WOULD'VE NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BE WHERE I AM TODAY.
THE APPRENTICE SHIP HAS GIVEN ME AND TAUGHT ME THINGS THAT I DIDN'T GET MY TWO YEARS IN COLLEGE THINGS LIKE A TRADE THAT I CAN TAKE ANYWHERE IN THIS COUNTRY, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT I'M PROUD OF, SKILLS IRONED WITH MY HANDS AND MY TIME.
A BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD OF TRADESPEOPLE THAT I HAVE -- THAT HAVE MY BACK ON EVERY JOB SITE AND A CAREER WITH REAL WAGES, BENEFITS AND WITHOUT THE STUDENT LOAN DEBT.
BUT MORE THAN ANY OF THAT, THEY GAVE ME SOMETHING I DID NOT EXPECT, CONFIDENCE. THAT I CAN WALK ONTO ANY JOBSITE AND ANY SET OF PRINTS AND GET THE WORK DONE RIGHT AND SAFE.
TO ANYONE OUT THERE WHO THINK THAT COLLEGE IS THE ONLY PATH, I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT IT'S NOT.
THE TRADES OR HIRING, THE PAY IS GOOD AND THE WORK MATTERS.
EVERY TIME YOU FLIP A LIGHT SWITCH, EVERY TIME A HOSPITAL STAYS POWERED AND EVERY TIME A BUILDING COMES TO LIFE THERE'S A UNION ELECTRICIAN BEHIND IT AND I'M PROUD TO BE ONE OF THEM.
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT CHAPTER OF MIKE WEIR HOLDS.
>> PROUD OF YOU, BROTHER. THANK YOU.
>> I'M ALEX GUY WITH THE LOCAL 22.
I'M A FOURTH-YEAR APPRENTICE AND A LITTLE BIT OF MY BACK STORY IS THAT I CAME FROM ONE OF THE PROGRAMS THAT YOU HAVE IN HARRIS COUNTY WHERE THEY HELP ME GET CLEAN AND HELP ME WITH MY MENTAL HEALTH AND WHEN I CAME OUT, I REALLY NEEDED HELP.
TO STAY GUIDED AND LIVE. I CAME TO THIS PROGRAM AND THEY HAVE REALLY HELP ME DEVELOP A SET OF SKILLS AND MAINTAIN THAT MENTAL HEALTH. IT HAS MEANT A LOT TO ME.
>> PROUD OF YOU. PROUD OF YOU, BROTHER.
KEEP IT UP. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
>> GOOD MORNING, I AM A SECOND YEAR APPRENTICE.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE BEAUTIFUL CITY THAT WE ARE ALL HELPING TO GROW.
I'VE BEEN A UNION MEMBER AND IT'S CHANGED MY LIFE IN VERY POSITIVE WAYS. THESE ARE SKILLS I CAN PASS ON TO MY CHILDREN AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MYSELF.
WITHOUT THIS UNION, IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY AND HAVE BENEFITS SUCH AS GREAT HEALTH CARE AND A SECURE FUTURE. THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION AND ACKNOWLEDGING APPRENTICESHIP.
>> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. PROUD OF YOU.
>> THANK YOU. BRIEFLY, I WANT TO SHARE, I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS WHOLE SECTOR.
I JUST HAD NO IDEA UNTIL WE STARTED WORKING ON THIS AND SO I
[01:15:02]
REALLY APPRECIATE THAT YOU ARE AMBASSADORS FOR APPRENTICESHIPS AND ALSO JUST FOR THESE CAREERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE BECAUSE I KNOW A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE, IT SUCH A GREAT PATH. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE, CERTAINLY MY BROTHER I WISH -- HE WISHES HE WOULD HAVE DONE THIS AND HOPEFULLY HE WILL GET INVOLVED AT SOME POINT, THANK YOU. GO AHEAD, TIFFANY.APOLOGIES FOR THE INTERRUPTION. >> NEXT IS DOCTOR ANTHONY MAYS, ITEM 109. ON GILMORE FOR ITEM 109 AND
SHALL BE FOR ITEM 109. >> GOOD MORNING.
WE SUPPORT MORE THAN 37,000 STUDENTS WHO SPEAK MORE THAN 100 IF IN LANGUAGES AND TODAY WE ARE COMMENTING ON OUR TEACHERS SO MONDAY MAY 4TH THROUGH FRIDAY MAY 8TH MARKS TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK AND IS NO SECRET THAT TEACHERS SERVE IN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLES IN OUR SOCIETY.
ALL THROUGHOUT HOUSTON IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEACHERS ARE MEETING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS. TEACHERS ARE ARRIVING EARLY TO MEET THE SAY THE STUDENTS HUNGRY FOR MORE TO LEARN AND GROW WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUTTING IN EXTRA HOURS TO CLOSE OPPORTUNITY GAPS THAT MAY EXIST FOR STUDENTS WHO FACE CHALLENGES.
ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY TEACHERS ARE RESPONDING TO THE CALL AND THE CALL IS SIMPLE. IT'S TO EDUCATE OUR YOUTH AND TAKE CARE OF THEM. WE ALL HAVE A FAVORITE TEACHER THAT WE CAN REMEMBER, MINE IS MS. CABELL SO I ALWAYS TRY TO REMEMBER HER AND CALL HER NAME. SHE WAS MY SIXTH GRADE TEACHER AND I STAND HERE TODAY BECAUSE SHE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY L LIFE. SHE KEPT ME ACCOUNTABLE AND CHALLENGED ME AND AGAIN I'M GRATEFUL TO BE STANDING HERE BECAUSE OF HER LOVE AND SUPPORT. TODAY WE OFFER APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE TO ALL OF OUR TEACHERS.
AGAIN, THANK YOU TO HER TEACHERS FOR SHOWING UP EVERY DAY DESPITE THE CHALLENGES. THANK YOU FOR DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS FOR OUR COUNTRY AND THANK YOU FOR FINDING JOY IN OUR CLASSROOMS. THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE JUDGE, THE COMMISSIONER AND THE TEAM OF COMMISSIONERS FOR HONORING AND CELEBRATING OUR TEACHERS. WE APPRECIATE YOU.
>> THANK YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
>> THANK YOU. I KNOW YOU HAVE TO RUSH BACK SO IF I COULD JUST TAKE A MOMENT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND TREMENDOUS SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO OUR FAMILIES. YOU ARE REMARKABLE AS OUR YOUR TEAM. I'M SO PROUD THAT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY WE HAVE 25 IST'S IN OVER HALF A MILLION STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT DAILY HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
IT'S AN HONOR TO KNOW YOU AND WORK ALONGSIDE YOU AND TO LEARN WITH YOU AND TO WORK WITH OUR STUDENTS.
EVERYTHING FROM SIDEWALKS TO ART AND FIELD TRIPS AND BEYOND.
WE ARE ALL IN FOR ANYTHING YOU EVER NEED AND FOR ALL OF THE TEACHERS AND ALL THE STAFF, Y'ALL ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SOCIETY AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN TEXAS IS LEADING AND TEACHER PAY AND ALL THE THINGS WE KNOW OUR TEACHERS DESERVE BUT UNTIL THAT DAY KNOW THAT WE HAVE NOTHING BUT LOVE AND RESPECT AND THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> WE LOOK FORWARD TO THAT DAY WHEN THEY ARE LEADING AND PAY BUT MEANWHILE, THANK YOU AND GRATITUDE GOES A LONG WAY AND
KUDOS TO YOU FOR DOING THAT. >> SUPERINTENDENT, IT'S WONDERFUL TO HAVE YOU HERE. I APOLOGIZE NOT CALLING ON YOU EARLIER. I TEND NOT TO WEAR MY GLASSES WHEN WE TAKE PICTURES BECAUSE I WANT TO LOOK CUTE BUT THEN I CAN'T SEE WHO'S IN THE AUDIENCE. ANYWAY, NO I APPRECIATE YOU AND I WOULD HAVE CALLED YOU UP EARLIER IF I HAD REALIZE THAT.
THANK YOU, SIR. >> WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL, THANK YOU. SPEE LOOK GOOD MORNING MY NAME IS ANNE GILMORE, IT'S AN HONOR TO BE HERE WITH THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, THIS COMMUNITY AND ALL OF OUR FELLOW EDUCATORS. COMING FROM A FORMER TEACHER, COMMISSIONER, IT MEANS A LOT TO US.
DURING TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK, PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECOGNIZES THE DEDICATION, THE PASSION AND THE IMPACT OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATORS. OUR TEACHERS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM EACH DAY GUIDING, INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL.
THEIR COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SUCCESS IN THE COMMUNITY. WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THE COUNTLESS HOURS OUR TEACHERS INVEST IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.
THEIR WORK NOT ONLY SHAPED MINDS BUT ALSO BUILDS CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE AND LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING.
WE CELEBRATE AND THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR THE DIFFERENCE OUR TEACHERS MAKE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
THEIR EFFORTS DO NOT GO UNNOTICED, THEY INFLUENCE EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THE CLASSROOM SO WE APPRECIATE THE RECOGNITION
AND THE APPRECIATION. >> THANK YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND LEADERSHIP. WE APPRECIATE YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> HELLO, MY NAME IS SHELBY, I WORK WITH THE TEXAS CHARTER SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION AND THANK YOU SO MUCH MISSIONARY FOR CELEBRATING AND HONORING THE
[01:20:04]
TEACHERS ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. THE TEACHERS AT HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DEDICATE COUNTLESS HOURS TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS ACHIEVE ACADEMIC, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND SUCCESS.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR CELEBRATING THE WONDERFUL HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT AND SKILLS THAT OUR TEACHERS PROVIDE TO THE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
STUDENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY. >> THANK YOU.
>> SHELBY, GOOD TO SEE YOU. SO PROUD OF YOUR SUCCESS.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> GOOD MORNING.
I AM ONE OF THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS AT LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL.
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE RECOGNITION THAT ALL OUR TEACHERS DESERVE. AGAIN, EARLIER, WE SPOKE OF ONE OF MY DEAREST COLLEAGUES. MY FATHER WAS AN EDUCATOR AND I COME FROM A LONG LINE OF EDUCATORS AND IT MEANS SO MUCH WHEN WE ARE RECOGNIZED BECAUSE IT'S NOT EASY.
WE TAKE EVERYBODY AND THAT IS THE BEAUTY OF IT.
THAT WE GET TO SEE THEM, WE GET TO SEE THEM GROW.
I WORK WITH A LOT OF 12TH GRADERS NOW SO IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING WHEN YOU GET TO SEE AND INSTILL THAT LOVE FOR SERVING OTHERS, LEARNING AND CARING FOR OTHERS.
I APPRECIATE WHAT Y'ALL DO. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE RECOGNITION. LAMAR, WE ARE FIGHTING THE FIGHT IN OUR LARGEST DISTRICT IN HOUSTON.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. >> WE APPRECIATE YOU, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL. THANK YOU.
AS A PROUD MOM OF THREE AND DAUGHTER OF AN EDUCATOR, EVERYTHING YOU DO, ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH. WE APPRECIATE YOU.
[Appearances before court]
>> THANK YOU, PRINCIPLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND JOINING US TODAY. ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?
>> YES, MA'AM. TWO ARRIVED A LITTLE LATE.
SUMMER HOLIDAY ON ITEM 23 AND JACOB ON ITEM 67.
YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> ARE THE FOLKS HERE WHOSE NAMES WERE CALLED? GO AHEAD, MA'AM.
>> GOOD MORNING, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
I JUST WANTED TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR THE RECOGNITION FOR THE THREE CONSTABLES THAT COME ON AND EVEN FOR THE APPRECIATION FOR THE 2 THAT WERE IN PLACEMENT.
THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> THANK YOU.
>> MISSED IT BY THAT MUCH. I COULD PLAY IT FOREVER.
ANYWAYS, I'M IN THE CHRONICLE. I SENT THEM A LETTER AND THEY PUBLISHED IT. I CAN READ IT FOR ME IF YOU WANT
ME TO. >> I THINK WE ARE OUT OF TIME
>> WE WILL LOOK INTO IT. ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?
[Departments (Part 2 of 2)]
>> I JUST WANTED TO TAKE A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.
FIRST, I WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR RESPECTIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE IMPACT YOU ARE MAKING.
AS THE JUDGE MENTIONED, WE LAUNCHED ON THIS EFFORT KNOWING THAT IT WOULD BE GOOD BUT THE IMPACT AND THE SUCCESS OF IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NATIONAL, IT'S BEEN GETTING NATIONAL ATTENTION.
SO FOR EVERYONE WHO IS INVOLVED WITH THAT, YOU SHOULD BE IMMENSELY PROUD BECAUSE IT'S A MAJOR CONVERSATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY, EVERYWHERE I GO PEOPLE ARE ASKING ME ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PROGRAM AND THEY ARE AMAZED THAT IT IS THE LARGEST ONE AND THE STRONGEST INVESTED ONE IN THE NATION SO VERY PROUD OF THAT SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
ON A SECOND NOTE, THE RESO RESOLUTION, I WANTED TO REFLECT A SECOND ON THIS ONE, THE FOLKS ARE GONE BUT IT STAYED WITH ME
[01:25:05]
AS I TALKED TO HER FAMILY. BACK WHEN I WAS ON COUNCIL, HST WAS ABOUT TO RECONSTITUTE SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL.IT WAS LOW PERFORMING AND IT'S ATTENDANCE WAS VERY, VERY CHALLENGING. AND SO HSD WAS GOING TO BE RECONSTITUTED AND TURNED INTO A CEP CAMPUS.
CEP, FOR THOSE THAT MAY NOT KNOW WAS ESSENTIALLY A PRIVATE CONTRACT AND THEY WERE EFFECTIVELY GOING TO TURN IT INTO A DETENTION CENTER FOR AT RISK KIDS.
AND I STARTED TO GET CALLS FROM THE COMMUNITY ABOUT SAM HOUSTON AND DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE IMPENDING CLOSURE AND RECONSTITUTION OF IT SO I STARTED TO MAKE SOME CALLS AND I CALLED A BOARD TRUSTEE WHO I HAD SUPPORTED IN HER ELECTION AND I ASKED HER WHAT WAS GOING ON. I WOULD TELL THE FOLKS, I'M NOT A BOARD TRUSTEE, I DON'T HAVE ANY JURISDICTION.
SO I CALLED THAT TRUSTEE AND ASKED HER WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND SHE WAS VERY MATTER-OF-FACT ABOUT IT.
WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS. HAVE YOU TALKED TO THE COMMUNITY? SHE GOES THEY NEVER SHOW UP FOR ANYTHING. I'M GETTING A LOT OF CALLS.
SHE SAYS, MAYBE THAT WILL FINALLY MAKE THEM SHOW UP FOR A MEETING. I TOOK OFFENSE TO THE TONE SO I WENT DOWN TO SAM HOUSTON. AS WE TALKED ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON, SHE WAS RELENTLESS AND JUST UNWAVERING FOR THE POTENTIAL OF HER STUDENTS AND JUST REALLY FELT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN NOT AS SUPPORTIVE OF SAM HOUSTON AS THEY COULD HAVE BEEN SO AS WE TALKED ABOUT IT, AND I CALLED THE SUPERINTENDENT AND ASKED HIM ABOUT IT AND HE WAS LIKE YES, ATTENDANCE IS DOWN AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IS LACKING AND SO WE HAVE OTHER PLANS FOR IT. I SAID WHAT IF I COULD DEMONSTRATE SOME COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR SAM HOUSTON AND HE WAS LIKE, IT'S NOT GOING TO MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE.
SO I WENT TO SAM HOUSTON BUT DIDN'T GRADUATE FROM THERE.
MY WIFE DID AND ALL OF HER FAMILY DID SO I START TALKING TO HER ABOUT IT AND WE STARTED MAKING CALLS TO OTHER ALUMNI.
WHAT EVENTUALLY HAPPENED WAS A STANDING ROOM AUDIENCE ONLY IN FRONT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT AND THE TRUSTEE WHO HAD VERY LITTLE FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY, IN THE SAM HOUSTON COMMUNITY AND SAM HOUSTON IN GENERAL SO AS WE STARTED WORKING TO THAT, THE PRESSURE STARTED MOUNTING, THE SUPERINTENDENT WAS FEELING IT.
PEOPLE WERE GOING TO BOARD MEETINGS AND SPEAKING ON THE CONCERN OF IT. AND ALL OF THE NONINTERESTED, THE TRUSTEE AND THE BOARD OR THE SUPERINTENDENT THOUGHT DIDN'T EXIST WAS DEMONSTRATED TO BE JUST THE CONTRARY.
SO THEN WE STARTED TALKING ABOUT -- BECAUSE THE TRUSTEE'S WAS COMING BACK UP AND SO SHE AND I WORKED TOGETHER AND SHE RECRUITED ABOUT FIVE TO TEN STUDENTS, SOME OF OUR TOP STUDENTS AND WE TURN THEM INTO VOLUNTEERED DEPUTY VOTER REGISTERS. EVERY MONTH THERE WOULD BE A PIZZA PARTY AND THEY WOULD REGISTER THE STUDENTS TURNING 18. THIS WAS MAKING THE TRUSTEE VERY NERVOUS. AND I SAID, WHY? IT'S CIVICS. FINALLY THE SUPERINTENDENT ASKED ME, WHAT DID I WANT OUT OF THIS? I SAID WELL I WANT SOME INVESTMENT AND ATTENTION INTO SAM HOUSTON.
AND HE GOES WELL, I HAVE TO RECONSTITUTE IT, I'M BEING GOVERNED BY STATE LAW. DOES RECONSTITUTION ONLY REQUIRED CLOSING AND HE THOUGHT ABOUT IT FOR A SECOND AND HE GOES NO. WELL, INNER-CITY KIDS RARELY FALL INTO THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY INTENTIONALLY.
AND I SAID BECAUSE I HAD JUST BEEN WORKING ON THE CITY FINANCE
[01:30:05]
COMMITTEE WITH THE CITY AND I WAS FRUSTRATED THERE WAS NO MINORITY PARTICIPATION THAT COULD BE A PART OF THAT CONTRACT SO I SAID I WANT A FINANCIAL SCHOOL, I WANT A BANKING SCHOOL AND HE THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND HE GOES IF YOU CAN FIND A BANK THAT WOULD BE INTERESTED. LET ME THINK ABOUT IT.I WORKED DONNA AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
COULD NOT GET A BANK INTERESTED AND SO JUST AS I MENTIONED EARLIER, A PROFESSOR AT RICE WHO HAD BEEN TELLING ME ABOUT IT AND EDUCATING ME ON IT. BARELY AN EMERGING CONVERSATION AT THE TIME. ULTIMATELY WE AGREED THAT SAM HOUSTON WOULD BE RECONSTITUTED AS A MATH AND SCIENCE SCHOOL WHICH IT IS TODAY.
BUT IT WAS HER CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO NEVER EVER LEAVE HER KIDS OUT THERE SUBJECT TO AN ADMINISTRATION'S WOMEN AND DESIRES AND THE FACT THAT THE DOORS OF SAM HOUSTON ARE OPEN TODAY AS A MATH AND SCIENCE SCHOOL IS ALL EXCLUSIVELY TO THE CREDIT OF HER COURAGE AND HER STRENGTH AND HER RELENTLESSNESS AND COMMITMENT TO HER STUDENTS. I JUST HAPPEN TO BE A SMALL PARTICIPANT IN THE PROCESS BUT SHE WAS THE PERSON WHO SHOULD BE REMEMBERED FOR KEEPING THOSE DOORS OPEN.
I HOPE THE ADMINISTRATION TODAY RECOGNIZES THAT THE CLOSURE OF THESE SCHOOLS IS CONCERNING, I UNDERSTAND THAT ENROLLMENT PLAYS A PART IN THE DECISIONS BUT I ALSO THINK THAT THE ADMINISTRATION NEEDS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF REACHING INTO THE COMMUNITY AND UNDERSTANDING WHY FAMILIES ARE PULLING OUT AND MOVING TO THE PLACES AND MAKE OUR SCHOOLS WHAT THEY'VE ALWAYS BEEN, A PLACE WHERE THEY PRODUCE AND HAVE PRODUCED INCREDIBLE TALENT AND LEADERSHIP FOR DECADES AND THEY CAN CONTINUE TO DO SO, SO LONG AS IT HAS THE RIGHT INVESTMENT AND SUPPORT IN THEM. MISS DEYO, I KNOW YOU'RE LISTENING. CALLED LOVE YOU, WE MISS YOU.
AND IT WAS REALLY, REALLY COOL REMEMBERING THOSE DAYS, THANK
YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH, MISS DEYO AND TAKE A COMMISSION FOR SHARING THAT STORY.
>> ON THE APPRENTICESHIPS, BECAUSE I KNOW MANY OF YOU HAVE TO LEAVE AND I APPRECIATE YOUR INCREDIBLE PATIENCE THIS MORNING, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I WERE SO PROUD TO BRING FORWARD THIS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 26 TO MAY 2ND, 2026 AS NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK AND TO HONOR THAT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. I LOVE ALWAYS MEETING OUR APPRENTICES AND HEARING THEIR JOURNEY AND TO ME, OUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM REPRESENTS WHAT IT MEANS TO GIVE EVERYONE A SHOT AT ECONOMIC FREEDOM.
A SHOT AT LIVING OUT THEIR AMERICAN DREAM AND SO TO THINK THAT OVER 1700 PEOPLE IN HARRIS COUNTY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM BOTH WITH OUR PARTNERS AT THE GULF COAST AND THE EMPOWERED PARTNERS, IT IS ENERGIZING TO MY SOUL, ESPECIALLY AS A FORMER TEACHER SEEING WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE OPPORTUNITY AND WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE OPPORTUNITY AND WHAT THAT MEANS TO CHANGE NOT ONLY THE APPRENTICES LIFE BUT THE WHOLE FAMILIES LIFE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. AND SO WE WERE VERY PROUD TO VOTE TO BRING THIS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM INTO THE FY27 FEDERAL FUND BUDGET BECAUSE HERE WE WANT TO CREATE GOOD JOBS, GOOD PAYING JOBS THAT GIVE US A PATH TO ECONOMIC FREEDOM AND SO THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORIES, OUR APPRENTICES.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS TODAY.
WE HAVE SO MANY. TO OUR GULF COAST PARTNERS, ARE PLUMBERS, ARE INSULATORS, OUR IBEW PARTNERS, MANY FOLKS FROM EMPOWERED, WE HAVE METRO HERE AND BEYOND SO THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT. WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO HAVE THIS REGION BE A PLACE WHERE FOLKS CAN AFFORD TO RAISE THEIR FAMILIES AND HAVE A SHOT AT ECONOMIC FREEDOM SO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. WE RECOGNIZE YOU THIS WEEK AND EVERY WEEK OF THE YEAR AND LET'S CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD AND WE ARE ENERGIZED TO BE A PART OF THAT.
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[APPLAUSE] ANYTHING ELSE, JAMES?>> VOTE FOR THE RESOLUTIONS 91. >> SO MOVED.
>> ALL IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ADMINISTRATION, EVERYTHING OKAY? ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU SO MUCH, APPRECIATE YOU ALL
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.