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CAPTIONER STANDING BY. >> IT IS NOW 9:02 AT COMMISSIONERS COURT IS IN SESSION FOR AUGUST 25TH, 2026 COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING FOR HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT. I'VE BEEN ASKED TO PRESIDE IN
[Appearances before court]
PLACE OF JUDGE TODAY. DO WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS SIGNED UP? FOR THE RESOLUTIONS.>> YES, SIR. >> WE DO THE SPEAKERS FOR THE NONRESOLUTION ITEMS FIRST. AND YOU CAN CALL THE SPEAKERS UP
IN ORDER FOR THE NONRESOLUTIONS. >> OKAY.
ALEXY ON ITEMS 3 AND 4. DORIS BROWN ON ITEM 112.
HENDERSON ON ITEM 112. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.
SPEAKER COME ON UP, MISS BROWN. WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE YOU.
ANY OTHER SPEAKERS? GOOD MORNING.
>> I CAME TODAY TO SUPPORT ITEM 112 ON THE AGENDA FOR A REQUEST BY THE OFFICE OF PURCHASING FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH LONE STAR LEGAL AID TO DECREASE THOSE FUNDS BY $1 MILLION WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED FOR HOMEOWNER PRESERVATION, LEGAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST 2026. THIS WOULD HELP THE CHILDREN AS IT MIGHT KEEP A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS BY ENABLING THEIR CAREGIVERS TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES WITH LEGAL REPRESENTATION THROUGH THAT IS FREE -- THIS WILL HELP THOSE WHO ARE BEING GENTRIFIED OUT OF THEIR GENERATIONAL HOMES, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD LEGAL HELP. THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED ARE BEING SWEPT UP IN BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE THAT THEY ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO UNRAVEL THROUGH A SYSTEM THAT HISTORICALLY DISCRIMINATES AGAINST THEM. PLEASE HELP THESE FAMILIES
MAINTAIN SOME QUALITY OF LIFE. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP HERE CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD?
>> MY NAME IS DORIS BROWN. >> THANK YOU MISS BROWN.
ANY OTHER SPEAKERS OTHER THAN RESOLUTIONS?
>> ITEM 3 AND 4. HENDERSON ITEM 112.
SHEILA JOHNSON ITEM 112. FELIX ITEM 112.
YOU EACH HAVE A MINUTE. >> WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS HAVE YOU GO THROUGH THE CORRECTIONS AND THEN WE VOTE ON THE AGENDA AND THEN GO TO THE SPEAKERS ON THE RESOLUTIONS.
IS THAT OKAY? >> THAT WOULD WORK, COMMISSIONER
WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS -- >> I'M SORRY WE HAVE A FEW MORE
SPEAKERS FOR NONRESOLUTIONS. >> KEEP GOING, NONRESOLUTION
SPEAKERS. >> ITEM 199 ANGIE, ITEM 212.
KELLY ITEM 212. >> I WANT TO CONGRATULATE COMMISSIONER ON PRECINCT THREE, TOM RAMSEY IN PRECINCT THREE ON HIS REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR THE ROAD ON THE SIDEWALK.
THERE'S A PRETTY GOOD THING TO DO.
AND NOW, I ALSO WANT TO CONGRATULATE COMMISSIONER FOR THE TOWN HALL MEETING THAT YOU HELD THE OTHER WEEKEND.
AND NOW FOR THE AUCTION AND THE CHAMBERS THEY ARE GOING TO PLANT. YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS TO THE LUMBERJACKS SHOUT "TIMBER! "BECAUSE THEY ARE CALLED THE LUMBERJACKS. THEY ARE CALLED THE LUMBERJACKS.
AND THEY CALL TIMBER. >> THANK YOU.
>> ALSO -- >> THANK YOU YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NEXT SPEAKER, PLEASE.
NEXT SPEAKER. >> GOOD MORNING MY NAME IS HENDERSON. I AM TALKING SPEAKING ON THE POLLUTION CONTROL. I LIVE IN THIRD WARD.
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DISTRICT D. I HAVE LIVED ALL OVER HOUSTON AS A YOUNG CHILD. AND I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF POLLUTION. EVEN WHEN WE HAVE THE STORMS, AND IT RAIN, WE HAVE POLLUTION RUNNING THROUGH THE STREETS, IN THE DITCHES, BACKING UP IN PEOPLE'S HOMES AND STUFF WE DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF CHEMICALS IT IS.YOU CAN'T REALLY PLANT ANYTHING IN YOUR YARDS ANY MORE BECAUSE OF THE POLLUTION. HAVING THE LANDFILLS, YOU HAVE THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE CHEMICALS AND METAL COMPANIES THAT'S IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT'S POLLUTING THE SOIL AND EVERYTHING. WE ALSO DID SOIL SAMPLING TO SEE HOW MUCH THE POLLUTION WAS TAKING OVER.
>> THANK YOU GOT YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU. I WILL HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOW UP
WITH YOU. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS MY NAME IS FELIX. I'M A MEMBER OF THE NORTH EAST ACTION COLLECTIVE. I HAVE LIVED ON THE EAST END FOR TWO YEARS BUT GREW UP GOING THERE FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS.
MEMBER OF THE PRECINCT TWO CONTINGENCY I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH ON THE COUNTY BUDGET.
BASICALLY I'M SUPER CONCERNED ABOUT THE CUTS PUBLIC HEALTH HAS BEEN FACING SINCE LAST YEAR AND THAT WILL BE UPCOMING IN THE FUTURE I KNOW THE BUDGET IS TIGHT, BUT IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO ME POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE PRECEDED IN PHASE -- PROTECTED AND NOT FACE ANY FURTHER CUTS PER THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME AND MY NEIGHBORS, ESPECIALLY RIGHT NOW, BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN ON THE NEWS WITHOUT HEARING OF A TERRIFYING PUBLIC HEALTH STORY LIKE TIRE FIRES IN THE EAST END. FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE ARE GETTING VERY SICK FROM LETTUCE DISEASES AND THOUGHT THEY WERE NO LONGER DANGEROUS LIKE MEASLES AND DISEASES ARE COMING BACK.
BASICALLY, I WANT US TO PROTECT THOSE DEPARTMENTS.
>> THANK YOU YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING.
WE WILL HAVE SOMEBODY FOLLOW UP WITH YOU.
>> THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE YOU. >> GOOD MORNING.
WE ARE ROLLING DEEP. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
I'M KELLY, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRECINCT FOUR FORWARD IT IS MY PRIVILEGE TO SUPPORT TODAY THE DONATION OF $11.353 MILLION FROM PRECINCT FOUR FORWARD TO PRECINCT FOUR ON BEHALF OF RENOVATIONS FOR THE PARK I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THIS IS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN THE MONEY. THIS IS THE VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION OF COMMISSIONER TO ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY HAVE ACCESS TO A WORLD CLASS PARK COMPARED TO THE THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF IDENTIFYING AND SECURING FUNDS FOR THIS DONATION FROM THE PRECINCT FOUR FORWARD STAFF FROM THE LEADERSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP OF THE PRECINCT FOUR FORWARD BOARD -- MANY OF WHO ARE STANDING BEHIND ME TODAY AND THE TIRELESS ADVOCACY OF THEIR RESIDENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE PARK IS A CORNERSTONE OF THE COMMUNITY FOR RECREATION, CONNECTION, ARTS AND CULTURE. THANK YOU.
I AM ANGIE WITH PRECINCT FOUR FORWARD.
I'M ALSO HONORED TO SPEAK TODAY ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZATION IN SUPPORT OF ACCEPTING THIS $11.35 MILLION DONATION FOR THE PARK. I STAND HERE WITH SOME OF OUR LEADERSHIP. AND WAS PRIVILEGED TO SECURE THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENTS WITH MANY OF THEM TO MAKE THIS MATCH POSSIBLE FOR THIS INVESTMENT AGAIN REPRESENTS MUCH MORE THAN DOLLARS. IT DEMONSTRATES WHAT'S POSSIBLE WHEN PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY COME TOGETHER AROUND A SHARED VISION FOR PRECINCT FOUR FORWARD WAS CREATED TO BRING COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO THE TABLE AND LEVERAGE PUBLIC RESOURCES PICK THIS DONATION IS A POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF THAT. FOR THE FAMILIES, THIS MEANS INVESTING IN A PARK THAT WILL BE MORE THAN A PLACE TO PLAY IT MEANS GREATER ACCESS TO SAFE, BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACE, OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION AND MORE.
AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO BRINGING ADDITIONAL PARTNERS TO THE TABLE AS WE BEGIN PHASE THREE FUND-RAISING EFFORTS AND FOR THIS PROJECT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR.
>> THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WHEN I HAVE MY 2 MINUTES, THIS IS THE ITEM I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON ITEM 212.
MAY I DO IT NOW? FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU, TEAM BURKE THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TO THE BOARD MEMBERS WHO ARE PRESENT HERE WENDY HALL, LANCE, ALLEN.
AND TO ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIRELESS EFFORT AND COMMITMENT. I AM VERY THANKFUL FOR THE ALWAYS HARD HUSTLE AND HIGHER STANDARDS OF THE TEAM PRACTICE
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$11.3 MILLION GRANT IS THE LARGEST EVER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. AND THE FOURTH LARGEST EVER IN THE UNITED STATES I'M VERY THANKFUL TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR THIS IS RUN BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE I'M VERY THANKFUL TO NUMEROUS FOUNDATIONS THAT HAVE ALREADY INVESTED. BROWN, SERAPHIM, POWELL, AND MANY OTHERS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD A MOMENTUM.AND WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ME IS TO ECHO ANGIE AND KELLY'S STATEMENTS FOR THE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN ASKING FOR THIS FOR YEARS.
AND US BUILDING ON THE COMMUNITY'S WORK AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY LITERALLY OVER 2000 FEET BACK POINTS FROM THE NEIGHBORS AND TO BE ABLE TO DELIVER NEARLY DOUBLE THIS GREEN SPACE FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, FLOOD MITIGATION, AND BEYOND IS SOMETHING SPECTACULAR. I THANK THE BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR SERVICE. I THANK ALL OF THE PARTNERS.
THIS IS WHAT PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS CAN DO TO DRIVE PROGRESS IN SOMETHING THAT IS TRANSFORMATIONAL FOR MY PROFOUND GRATITUDE AND TO THE PEOPLE, WE WILL KEEP DELIVERING.
WE ARE ABOUT TO FINISH PHASE ONE THIS FALL AND PHASE 22 IS IN DESIGN. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER
BURKE THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU, TEAM.
I AM ASKING YOU TO PLEASE STOP THE OVERTAXATION AND OVERSPENDING THAT HARRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS DOING PER STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS PROVIDING SAFE RULES AND JAIL SPACE BUT WE DON'T HAVE MANY FALLING OUT OF TREES TO PAY FOR EXTRAS SUCH AS DAYCARES AND SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENTS, PLEASE LOOK AT WHERE THEY CAN CUT THEIR BUDGETS FOR SOME OF THE HUGE SALARY INCREASES ESPECIALLY FOR OFFICIALS RECENTLY ARRESTED HAVE BEEN WAY OUT OF LINE FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE IN FEAR OF LOSING THEIR HOMES PARTLY DUE TO MORE TAXES THAN THEY CAN AFFORD ON THEIR HOMES TO ALL OF HARRIS COUNTY TO CUT THEIR OVERSPENDING GOING ON FOR COUNTY TAXPAYERS NOT TO CURTAIL FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE, CURTAIL EXPENSES SUPPORT FOR PROJECTS THAT ARE NOT BASIC SERVICES CURTAIL PERSONNEL INCLUDING ADMINISTRATION FOR HARRIS COUNTY NEEDS TO PLAN THEIR SPENDING AND NOT CONTINUE SPENDING --
>> THANK YOU YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING.
>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1.
I ACTUALLY WANT TO SPEAK FOR A NEIGHBOR OF MINE THAT COULDN'T MAKE IT TODAY. ONE OF THE DAYS THAT SHE WAS AVAILABLE THAT COULD SPEAK, BUT TODAY SHE HAD A PROBLEM WITH HER BREATHING SHE IS ASTHMATIC. I'M HELPING HER RIGHT NOW FOR THE BUDGET. I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS WE HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN SEVERAL PROGRAMS I WANT TO AT LEAST ADVOCATE FOR POLLUTION CONTROL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR FOLKS WHO HAVE ASTHMA IT RESTRICTS HER FROM GOING OUTSIDE GOING TO CERTAIN PLACES.
ONE THING PERSONALLY FOR ME THAT I'M UPSET ABOUT, THE BATCH PLANT THAT OPENED NEXT TO THE PARK. THAT MAKES IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA TO EVEN ACCESS THAT PARK.
A WAY FOR POLLUTION CONTROL TO START INVESTIGATIONS, TO PRESS LAWSUITS ON OUR BEHALF AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING.
>> MIRIAM ON ITEM THREE TRENT AND 4 SHEILA JOHNSON ON ITEM 112. AND ITEM 217.
>> GOOD MORNING. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT THE COUNTY BUDGET. I'M VERY CONCERNED THAT PUBLIC HEALTH AND POLLUTION CONTROL IS CURRENTLY FACING CUTS.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE BUDGET IS TIGHT, BUT IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT THESE DEPARTMENTS ARE PROTECTED, AND THE PEOPLE ARE ULTIMATELY PROTECTED AND SERVED.
HARRIS COUNTY IS EXTREMELY POLLUTED, AND WE'VE HAD SOME SERIOUS STRUGGLES WITH PUBLIC HEALTH AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, WE ALL KNOW THAT THE EPA IS ABANDONING ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO REGULATE THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECT US FROM INDUSTRY FOR MY COMMUNITY IS ALREADY FACING IMPACTS OF THE POLLUTION.
I HAVE LIVED NEAR REFINERIES THROUGHOUT MY TIME HERE IN HOUSTON I'VE LIVED HERE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS.
MY DAD AND MY ENTIRE FAMILY IS FACING CONSEQUENCES OF POLLUTION THROUGH ASTHMA COPD AND MANY OTHER HEALTH ISSUES.
POLLUTION MAKES OUR HEALTH WORSE.
THAT'S PART OF WHY I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT PUBLIC HEALTH MAY BE CUT. JUST LIKE HOW THE EPA IS GETTING
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CUT, THEIR PROGRAMS THAT PROTECT OUR HEALTH.>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP HERE CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR
NAME FOR THE RECORD? >> MIRIAM.
>> HELLO I'M A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 22.
I'M A MOTHER AND A VERY SMART CHILDREN WHO GOES TO THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY. IN MY COMMUNITY.
AND THOSE SERVICES ARE PAYING A LOT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL MEDALS BE A SAFE PLACE WHERE CHILDREN GO AND THE RESEARCH IS.
SAFE FROM AFTER SCHOOL WITH PARENTS WORKING.
ALSO, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE CUTTING FOR THE HEALTH.
I ALSO WANT TO STAND FOR SUPPORT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE MOTHER BECAUSE I AM A WOMAN AS WELL.
THE STATE HAS WAGED WAR ON WOMEN UNDER HEALTH SERVICES.
AND I'M MORE THAN WORRIED THAT THE FUTURE OF THE DAUGHTERS AND WOMEN OF HARRIS COUNTY WILL GET QUALITY SERVICE REGARDLESS OF INCOME I CALL ON YOU HAD MEN THAT WILL CUT THOSE SERVICES.
AND ALSO THE LIBRARY OF HIGH MEADOWS, IT IS A BIG HALL, LIKE A BIG SHOOT. IT IS EMBARRASSING.
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> THANK YOU FOR COMING HERE HASSELL YOU CAN COME AND READ TO THE CHILDREN OF THE LIBRARY.
I APPRECIATE IT. >> BARBARA, ITEM 93, SHEILA JOHNSON, ITEM 112. SPEAKER BARBARA DENSON.
THIS PROPOSAL LOOKS LESS LIKE PRUDENT TAXPAYER ADVOCACY AND MORE LIKE A POLITICALLY MOTIVATED ATTACK ON THE CURRENT FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION. SUING THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET KNOWING THAT FEDERAL AGENCIES PROVIDE HARRIS COUNTY BILLIONS IN GRANT FUNDING HARDLY SEEMS LIKE A SOUND STRATEGY FOR PROTECTING OR EXPANDING FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES.
THE GUARANTEED WINNER MAY BE THE LAWYERS WHILE TAXPAYERS ABSORB LEGAL BILLS, AND WE RISK JEOPARDIZING FUTURE FUNDING THROUGH BEFORE HARRIS COUNTY SPENDS MORE PUBLIC MONEY ON LITIGATION COST TAXPAYERS DESERVE TO EXPECT MEANINGFUL OUTCOME FROM THIS LAWSUIT. THIS EFFORT TRULY ABOUT PROTECTING HARRIS COUNTY TAXPAYERS, OR IS IT POLITICAL THEATER DRESSED UP AS PUBLIC POLICY? GIVEN THE COST AND POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES, IT'S REASONABLE TO QUESTION WHETHER THIS LAWSUIT IS DRIVEN BY SOUND FISCAL JUDGMENT OR BY THE POLITICAL PRIORITIES OF INTERIM COUNTY ATTORNEY.
THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER, AFTER THIS SPEAKER, THAT IS ALL THE NONRESOLUTION SPEAKERS.
>> OKAY. >> I'M GONNA MAKE THIS QUICK.
MY NAME IS SHEILA JOHNSON. I LIVE IN FIFTH WARD.
MY CONCERN IS ABOUT HOUSING STABILITY.
A LOT OF THE HOUSES OVER THE YEARS, THEY WERE PROBABLY BUILT IN 1969. I DON'T KNOW WHEN.
I KNOW A LOT OF THE HOUSES OVER THERE ARE RUN DOWN.
THE AREA BECOMES UNLIVABLE OVER THERE FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE LIVE THERE. A LOT OF TAXES HAVE GONE UP.
THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO GET THEIR HOUSES REPAIRED.
THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH LIVING IN WINDOW UNITS.
THEY NEED A LOT OF UPDATING IN THEIR HOUSES I'M REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR HEALTH. MY MOM DOESN'T HAVE MUCH INFORMATION OR MUCH INCOME OR WHATEVER SHE WAS PRETTY MUCH UNDERPRIVILEGED, OVERSEEN. AND HER LIVING THERE WAS FRUSTRATING FOR ME AS A MOTHER OF TWO, I ONLY HAD JUST ENOUGH INCOME TO PROVIDE FOR MY FAMILY. SO I JUST ASKED THAT THE COUNTY WILL SPEND MORE MONEY ON LOOKING AT HOUSING STABILITY FOR ELDERLY
PEOPLE AND OTHER PEOPLE. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
[Departments]
>> THANK YOU FOR COMING IN I WILL HAVE SOMEONE FOLLOW UP WITH YOU PRACTICES BUT I WOULD LIKE TO DO TODAY IF YOU'RE GOING
THROUGH CORRECTIONS. >> YES COMMISSIONER WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS THAT NEED CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS FOR ITEM 44, 112, 192. THERE WILL BE NO ACTION ON THOSE ITEMS. THERE'S A CORRECTION ON ITEM 234. IT SHOULD READ "REQUEST BY THE COUNTY JUDGE FOR APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER 2026 AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS. THERE'S A CORRECTION ON ITEM 247. REQUEST BY THE COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 4 FOR A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AUGUST 24TH, 2026 TO AUGUST 28TH, 2026 AS NATIONAL COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER
AWARENESS WEEK. >> IS THAT IT?
>> YES, THAT'S IT. >> IF I COULD JUST ASK TO TAKE
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ONE ITEM OUT OF ORDER. BECAUSE APPARENTLY, ONE OF OUR GUESTS IS IN A CERTAIN UNIFORM. AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO GETTHEM IN AND OUT. >> WHICH ONE IS THAT?
>> THAT IS ITEM 237. AND IF WE COULD HAVE THOSE FOLKS COME ON UP. JUST AS A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE AS THEY COME DOWN, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE ANTHONY EAGLETON FOR LONG TIME PRECINCT 2 EMPLOYEE APPARENTLY YOUR FIRST TIME TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
WELCOME TO YOUR COURT. GOOD TO SEE YOU.
ALL RIGHT. >> JUST STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. JUST SAY YOUR NAME FOR THE
>> THE FLOOR IS YOURS. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONERS COURT AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS THANK YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TODAY ON BEHALF OF EVERYONE AT DAIKIN, WE ARE HONORED TO BE RECOGNIZED ALONGSIDE OUR PARTNERS AT THE FOUNDATION AND TO CELEBRATE THIS INVESTMENT IN MOODY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER.
MOODY PARK IS THE SECOND RECIPIENT OF OUR COMMUNITY'S INITIATIVE, A PROGRAM CREATED BY DAIKIN AND THE ASTERISK FOUNDATION TO BRING COMFORT, RELIABILITY, AND LASTING SUPPORT TO SPACES THAT SERVE HOUSTON AREA RESIDENTS EVERY DAY.
WE ARE PROUD TO SEE THE PROGRAM CONTINUE TO GROW AND MAKE AN IMPACT IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS OUR REGION.
AS A COMPANY HEADQUARTERED IN THE HOUSTON AREA AND DEDICATED TO INDOOR COMFORT, WE KNOW THAT COMMUNITY CENTERS LIKE MOODY PARK ARE MUCH MORE THAN JUST ABOUT BUILDINGS.
THEY ARE PLACES WHERE FAMILIES CONNECT, CHILDREN LEARN CONNECT SENIORS GATHER, RESIDENTS ACCESS IMPORTANT SERVICES AND NEIGHBORS COME TOGETHER THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ENSURING THESE SPACES REMAIN COMFORTABLE, WELCOMING, AND DEPENDABLE TO HELP STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN MOODY PARK AND OUR COMMUNITY.
>> I WANT TO THANK YOU AND ALL OF DAIKIN.
I WANT TO THANK YOUR WATER DROP IN PARTICULAR.
BUT I WILL TELL YOU THAT $100,000 DONATION TO DAIKIN IS MADE IN THE FORM OF A NEW HVAC SYSTEM IS GREATLY, GREATLY APPRECIATED WHEN I WORKED WITH THE CITY TO TAKE ON THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF MOODY PARK, I HAD NO IDEA THE STATE OF THAT FACILITY. AND WE ARE LEARNING A GREAT DEAL. NOT ONLY DOES THE HVAC NEED TO BE UPGRADED, BUT APPARENTLY WE HAVE TERMITES THAT WANT TO CALL THE GYMNASIUM HOME. WE ARE WORKING THROUGH ALL THOSE THINGS. NONETHELESS, THE HVAC IS NOT JUST SOMETHING FOR COMFORT BUT DURING THESE DAYS, I HEARD ON THE NEWS, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT 109.
FOR SOME FOLKS WHO DON'T HAVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IN THEIR HOMES IN THE NORTH SIDE COMMUNITY -- WHICH IS VERY PREVALENT, MOODY PARK TENDS TO BE A COOLING CENTER FOR THEM.
SO I GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. I CAN'T THANK DAIKIN ENOUGH.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. LOOK, I WILL SAY THIS AS WELL.
KNOWING A LOT OF COMPANIES WHOSE NAMES HAVE ENDED UP ON PARTICULAR BUILDINGS AND STADIUMS. VERY FEW OF THEM HAVE REALLY, REALLY WORKED HARD TO MAINTAIN THAT PUBLIC RELATIONSHIP IF YOU WILL.
IF I JUST HAVING THEIR NAME UP THERE AND THAT BEING A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAYBE A SPORTS FACILITY OR TEAM AND THE COMPANY. BUT DAIKIN HAS REALLY BEEN PHENOMENAL. EARLY ON, YOU WORKED WITH COMMISSIONER BRIONES. BUT JUST OVERALL, YOU HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE TO US ALMOST AT EVERY TURN.
AND I JUST CAN'T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF THAT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF DAIKIN. YOUR WORK AND YOUR SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY IS GREATLY NOTICED.
>> COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS BACK I ECHO COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S WORDS CAN WE HAVE DEEP, DEEP GRATITUDE FOR EVERYTHING DAIKIN AND THE ASTERISK FOUNDATION DOES TO HELP.
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR OUR NEW HVAC SYSTEM.
IT ALSO SIMILARLY IS A COOLING CENTER, WARMING CENTER WE HAVE RELIABLE SYSTEM WHICH IS GAME CHANGING.
THANK YOU FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COOLING COMMUNITIES WHERE WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO HELP OVER 500 RESIDENTS AND PRIORITIZING OUR SENIORS AND DISABLED AND THOSE WITH VULNERABLE HEALTH CONDITIONS BUT WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR I'M EXTRA PROUD, AND ESPECIALLY THE STUDENTS HERE.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD. DAIKIN'S HEADQUARTERS HERE IS IN
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THE HEART OF PRECINCT 4. THEY EMPLOY OVER 10,000 PEOPLE PER PLUS, THEY ADD BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT TO OUR HARRIS COUNTY AND REGIONAL ECONOMY.I AM SO THANKFUL. OF COURSE EVERYTHING THAT ASTERISKS DO FOR THE COMMUNITY AND BRINGING CONNECTION TO THIS REGION. TO MY A LF SISTER, I APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR TEAM SO VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.
CHRISTY, THANK YOU. WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE YOU HERE
TODAY. >> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
>> THIS IS THE THIRD ECHO. WHEN I BECAME COUNTY COMMISSIONER, WE HAD DAIKIN IN THE PRECINCT.
PARTNERING WITH YOU IS JUST THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD.
YOU WOULDN'T THINK THAT AN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY WOULD BOND SO WELL AND UNDERSTAND SO CLEARLY THE NEEDS WITHIN A COUNTY. SO WHAT Y'ALL HAVE DONE, I REMEMBER WHEN YOUR CEO CAME OVER FROM TOKYO.
HE TOLD ME A LOT ABOUT TOKYO. I TOLD HIM A LOT ABOUT CROCKETT.
WE CLEARLY WERE ON THE SAME PAGE.
BUT JUST IMMEDIATELY UNDERSTOOD. BUT THANK YOU FOR THE HUMIDIFIERS THAT YOU HAVE DONE THE LAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS.
MY PUBLIC MEETINGS NOW, PEOPLE COME THINKING WE ARE GOING TO GIVE AWAY STUFF. THAT MAKES A BIG DEAL IN TERMS OF PEOPLE THAT GIVES A LITTLE COMFORT THERE IN SITUATIONS IN WHICH THEY WOULDN'T ORDINARILY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO.
THANK YOU FOR THE JOBS AS COMMISSIONER BRIONES INDICATED PURE Y'ALL DO A FABULOUS JOB OF DOING THAT.
IF YOU WANT A GREAT JOB, IF YOU WANT A GREAT CAREER, I HAVE SEEN WHAT Y'ALL DO OUT THERE. YOU COULD START ON THE FRONT LINE AND END UP BEING PRESIDENT OF THE COMPANY.
THAT IS THE KIND OF ATTITUDE Y'ALL HAVE WITH IT.
IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HARRIS COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ALL DO.
>> WE ARE GLAD THAT YOU ARE HERE I WAS JUST WITH YOU YESTERDAY WHERE YOU WERE GIVING OUT SOME PURIFIERS FOR COMMISSIONER RAMSEY TOLD ME THE GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS IS ACTUALLY IN OSAKA. BUT FOR THOSE OF US IN SUNNYSIDE OR CROCKETT, TOKYO OSAKA IS HARD TO SAY.
YOU DO A GREAT JOB. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE. COLLEAGUES, WE HAVE 250 ITEMS ON THE AGENDA MOST ROUTINE. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO PULL OFF ANY OF THOSE ITEMS FOR A SEPARATE VOTE?
>> COMMISSIONER, I WOULD LIKE TO PULL TO VOTE ITEM 10, 93, 113,
AND 120 PER. >> ITEM 10, RIGHT?
>> ITEM 10, 93, 113, AND 120. >> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE
THOSE THREE ITEMS FOR. >> FOUR ITEMS.
>> FOUR ITEMS. THAT IS 10, 93, 113, AND 123 COMMISSIONER GARCIA SECONDS. ALL IN FAVOR VOTE AYE.
THREE AYES AND ONE NAY. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE ITEMS
AND RESOLUTIONS. >> COMMISSIONER, I'M SORRY.
WE HAD A SPEAKER THAT JUST SHOWED UP.
>> SURE. >> SARAH ON ITEM 112.
YOU HAVE ONE MINUTE FOR. >> MAY I ASK FOR A POINT OF CLARIFICATION? I THOUGHT 120 WAS PULLED FOR NO ACTION JUST TO BE CLEAR HERE DID YOU SAY THAT?
>> I AM CHECKING MY NOTES. >> I WILL CHECK, COMMISSIONER.
ONE SECOND PICK THE ITEMS FOR NO ACTION WERE ITEMS 44, 112, AND 192. I THOUGHT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY HAD ASKED FOR A SEPARATE ITEM ON 120.
I'M A TEACHER AND ARTIST IN PRECINCT 4.
MY QUESTION TO YOU AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND ELLIS IS THAT, I THINK IT IS VULGAR AND OBSCENE THAT DURING AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN HARRIS COUNTY THAT ELECTED BUREAUCRATS WHO WERE MEANT TO BE IN SERVICE OF THE PEOPLE WITH THE PEOPLE WITH THE PROLETARIAT THAT THEY ARE MAKING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS MORE, SEVERAL OF THE COUNTY LEADERS HERE TODAY.
MAJORITIES OF THE RESIDENTS NEED UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME IMAGINE IF ALL THE MONEY WE GAVE TO COUNTY LEADERS, WE BROKE THAT UP AND GAVE THAT TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN HARRIS COUNTY ON AN ANNUAL LEVEL OR SUCH AS PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUSHING FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IN THIS BUDGET. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR COMING. >> I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT ONE OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS HAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT THAT RAISE.
SO THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER SPEAKERS OR ITEMS
OTHER THAN RESOLUTIONS? >> YES, SIR.
>> I WANT TO VERY QUICKLY RECOGNIZE ITEM 197.
I WANT TO THANK YOU COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR YOUR COLLABORATION ON THAT. THAT IS THE APPROVAL OF THE
[00:30:02]
CORNERSTONE CEREMONY IN COORDINATION WITH THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS I WANT TO THAT'S IN YOUR PRECINCT I'M A MEMBER.I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR COLLABORATING ON THAT.
>> I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING UP THERE WITH YOU AND WORK OUT
FOR ME TO BE A MEMBER. >> MAY I PLEASE AS WE JUST GOT A FLAG FROM HCD. THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE MAY HAVE RECEIVED IT BUT WITH REGARD TO ITEM 112, THEY ARE SAYING THAT IF WE DON'T PASS THAT TODAY, IT'S GOING TO DELAY THE PAYMENTS THAT ARE IN QUEUE TO THE ELLIS-L.A. PROGRAM UNTIL AND UNLESS THE AMENDMENT IS APPROVED PER OUR AUDITING RULES, THEY CANNOT MAKE FURTHER PAYMENTS.
IS THAT CORRECT? AND IF SO, I DON'T WANT TO DELAY THE PAYMENTS TO THE ORGANIZATION FOR.
>> WE COULD CHECK ON THAT. >> IF YOU COULD PLEASE CHECK ON THAT BECAUSE 112 WAS PULLED FOR NO ACTION.
>> RIGHT NOW IT'S PULLED FOR NO ACTION.
IF YOU WANT TO PASS THE REST OF THE AGENDA AS WE HAVE STATED AND GO IN A RESOLUTION, THEN THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR AND I WILL GO THROUGH AND MAKE SURE IF THAT DOES NEED FURTHER ACTION, AND WE
WILL COME BACK TO YOU. >> AND IF YOU WILL, J, CHECK AS QUICKLY AS YOU CAN PICK UP A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT.
>> UNDERSTOOD COMMISSIONER. WE WILL EFFORT TO DO THIS AS
QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. >> SO NOW, IS THERE A MOTION FOR OTHER ITEMS THAN THE ONES WE VOTED ON? MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER PER ALL OTHER ITEMS OTHER THAN RESOLUTIONS AND ONES WE'VE ALREADY VOTED ON FOR ALL IN
FAVOR VOTE AYE. >> COMMISSIONER, I'VE GOT RESOLUTION 243. WE'VE GOT A YOUNG MAN THAT REALLY NEEDS TO BE IN SCHOOL TODAY.
THEY ARE NOW SHAKING THEIR HEAD. >> WE WILL DO THAT ONE FIRST I WANT TO ASK FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO BE SHOWING VOTING FOR ALL OTHER RESOLUTIONS I'LL HAVE TO DIP OUT AND COME BACK.
IS THERE ANY OBJECTION? I WILL BE VOTING ON ALL THE RESOLUTIONS WE WILL GO TO 243. 243, COMMISSIONER SO WE CAN GET
THESE YOUNG FOLKS IN SCHOOL. >> IF YOU ALL CAN COME ON DOWN, WE CAN GET THIS DONE QUICKLY AND GET YOUR PICTURE DONE AND GET BACK ON THAT BUS AND HEAD BACK TO TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL COUGARS CATCHER DE 20, 2026UIL CLASS SIX A STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
THAT IN ITSELF IS A BIG DEAL. ANY TIME YOU CAN GO TO STATE AND WIN STATE, THAT'S A BIG DEAL. THEY HAVE WON TWO OF THE LAST THREE. I BELIEVE THAT'S RIGHT, COACH.
THIS IS YOUR THIRD ONE. BECAUSE YOU WON ANOTHER ONE IN 2013. JUST KIND OF FOR THE RECORD, THE TEAM THAT THEY BEAT THE LAST TWO YEARS, THEY PLAYED THE LAST TWO YEARS. YOU PLAYED MEMORIAL THIS YEAR YOU PLAYED KINGWOOD LAST YEAR. FOR THE RECORD, BOTH OF THOSE TEAMS ARE IN PRECINCT 3. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FROM ONE PRECINCT ARE PLAYED.
I THINK THAT IS EXTRAORDINARY. IT SPEAKS WELL OF WHAT YOU ALL DO OUT THERE. AND COACH RUSH HERE, I CAN'T IMAGINE A MORE SUCCESSFUL CAREER THAN YOU.
YOU'VE HAD 400 PLUS WINS AT TOMBALL.
600 PLUS WINS AS A CAREER. DO YOU COACH THIRD BASE?
>> I DON'T ANY MORE I USED TO. >> I'VE ALWAYS WANTED TO COACH THIRD BASE. SO YOUR RUNNER UP, STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS YOU'VE GOT C J. SAMSON.
IS CJ HERE? >> NONE OF THEIR GRADUATING
SENIORS. >> I GUESS HE'S NOT HERE CORRECT BECAUSE HE'S ON HIS WAY TO A AND M? THAT'S GOOD VERY GOOD FOR CJ. Y'ALL WON THAT AT DELL DIAMOND AGAINST MEMORIAL 9-1. I WATCHED IT ON STREAM.
STATE CHAMPION TOURNAMENT MVP WAS C J. SAMSON.
TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL, BASEBALL ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM.
SET A TOURNAMENT HIGH WITH SIX PLAYERS SELECTED TO THE STATE'S ALL TOURNAMENT. JUST A TREMENDOUS JOB, COACH.
I APPRECIATE THAT LEADERSHIP HERE I KNOW A BIT ABOUT YOUR YOUNG GUYS MAINLY FROM LANDON REED.
I DON'T KNOW HOW LANDON GRADUATED FROM TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL, BUT HE DID. HE HAS GONE ON AND DOES A GREAT JOB WITH US IN PRECINCT 3. HE WORKS WELL IN THE AREA.
[00:35:05]
BUT I KNOW Y'ALL. I KNOW WHAT Y'ALL DO IN THAT COMMUNITY. I KNOW WHEN THERE'S TRAGEDY LIKE YOU HAD IN YOUR BASEBALL. I WILL NOT GO INTO THOSE DETAILS. Y'ALL REALLY HAVE COME TOGETHER AS A TEAM. YOU HAVE ENCOURAGED AND COMFORTED FAMILIES AND MEMBERS, BASEBALL TEAM MEMBERS THAT WERE GOING THROUGH SOME TRAGIC THINGS.Y'ALL HAVE DONE MORE THAN JUST WIN A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HERE Y'ALL WILL REMEMBER THIS FROM NOW ON.
AND DON'T LOSE THAT SENSE OF AWE OF WHAT Y'ALL HAVE ACCOMPLISHED.
AND IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE WHAT Y'ALL DO AND CONTINUE TO DO. COACH, WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A
WORD BEFORE? >> I APPRECIATE THE HONOR AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING US HERE I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT ABOUT 95% OF THESE GUYS ARE ON THE AB HONOR ROLL.
THEY DO A GREAT JOB IN THE CLASSROOM IN THE COMMUNITY AS
>> COMMISSIONER RAMSEY THANK YOU IF I COULD SUPER BRIEFLY COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO CELEBRATE THE TOMBALL HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONS.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO POUR INTO OUR COMMUNITY AND TO OUR YOUTH. YOU ARE REMARKABLE.
AND TO COACH RUSCH'S', WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU.
CONTINUE BEING LEADERS ON THE FIELD AND OFF THE FIELD.
BECAUSE TOMBALL NEEDS YOU. THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS NEEDS YOU AND THE BEST IS YET TO COME CONGRATULATIONS.
>> WE WERE ALSO NAMED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.
THERE WE GO. >> CAN WE GET PICTURES QUICKLY?
>> YOU MAKE US SO PROUD. CONGRATS.
>> I JUST WANT TO OFFER, GUYS CONGRATULATIONS.
I KNOW IT TAKES A LOT OF HARD WORK I REMEMBER MY SPRING TRAINING DAYS. AND THE INSPIRING WORDS SOMETIMES YOU GET FROM YOUR COACH WHEN YOU ARE NOT JUST PICKING UP THE PACE. BUT I WILL TELL YOU, ALL OF THOSE EXPERIENCES ARE THINGS THAT I LEAN ON TO THIS DAY.
IT TEACHES YOU ABOUT YOURSELF, ABOUT CHARACTER, DISCIPLINE, PERSEVERANCE. AND IT TEACHES YOU HUMILITY.
BECAUSE NO ONE CAN GO THROUGH LIFE WINNING ALL THE TIME.
AND SO WHENEVER YOU TASTE SOMETHING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF WINNING, IT TEACHES YOU AS WELL. SO CONGRATULATIONS, AND COACH, ALL THE BEST TO YOU. AND THE WORK OF THESE FINE YOUNG MEN IS ONE THING. BUT THE ABILITY TO INSPIRE IS SPECIAL. SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.
>> COACH, ONE OTHER THING. I PLAYED BALL OVER 50 YEARS AGO HERE I STILL HAVE MY COACH'S CELL PHONE NUMBER.
HE IS 90 YEARS OLD. IF I WAS TO CALL HIM TOMORROW AND THIS AFTERNOON IN FACT HE WOULD ANSWER THE PHONE.
THIS IS A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN IMAGINE. LET'S GET OUR PICTURES QUICK.
>> LINE UP HERE AND WE WILL TAKE SOME PICTURES WITH YOU.
[APPLAUSE] IF I WAS TO CALL HIM TOMORROW
[00:41:33]
AND THIS AFTERNOON IN FACT HE WOULD ANSWER THE PHONE.THIS IS A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE YOU CAN IMAGINE. LET'S GET OUR PICTURES QUICK.
>> LINE UP HERE AND WE WILL TAKE SOME PICTURES WITH YOU.
[APPLAUSE] IF I WAS TO CALL HIM TOMORROW
[INAUDIBLE] >> WE WILL CONTINUE ON WITH
[00:45:01]
COURT. AND IF YOU WILL TELL ME WHERE WEARE AT. >> COMMISSIONER, WE ARE STARTING, I THINK -- SORRY. THE ANSWER ON ITEM 112.
>> FOR AUDITORS PURPOSES, HDD IS REQUESTING THAT YOU ALL AT LEAST CONSIDER A VOTE FOR APPROVAL SO THAT THEY CAN PAY LONE STAR LEGAL AID. YES, IT WAS PART OF A D OBLIGATION THAT THE COURT APPROVED APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO. ALL OF THOSE CONTRACTS HAD TO COME BACK AT SOME POINT. WHENEVER YOU WERE MAKING CHANGES TO REMOVE THE MONEY SO THEY COULD BE SPENT IN OTHER GREAT
PROGRAMS THAT YOU ALL SUPPORTED. >> WE HAVE SOME LEGAL LIABILITY IF WE DON'T PAY FOR WORK THAT WE HAVE ALREADY HAD THEM DO.
>> IF WE WOULD SAY, IT IS A CHOICE OF THE COURT -- WE WOULD PREFER TAKING A VOTE TODAY. BUT THERE IS NO LEGAL CONCERN IF IT WERE MOVED TO SEPTEMBER TO TAKE A VOTE.
>> COULD WE LOSE SOME MONEY? >> I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO AFFIRM AND SAY THAT I DON'T THINK WE WOULD LOSE MONEY.
WE ARE JUST NOT PAYING FOR SERVICES, AND THIS ORGANIZATION
IS ACCEPTING THAT PAYMENT FOR. >> MY UNDERSTANDING IS LOAN STAR LEGAL AID HAS TWO PAYMENTS REMAINING IF WE WANT TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS -- I KNOW I WANT TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS.
WE WOULD NEED TO PAUSE THIS TODAY SO THAT THEY COULD GET THE PAYMENTS. IS THAT CORRECT?
>> COMMISSIONERS, CAN I JUST SAY ONE THING? WITHOUT SPENDING A LOT OF TIME ON THIS, I DO THINK THIS IS A MESSAGE NOT TO Y'ALL BUT MORE TO THE DEPARTMENTS IT'S IMPORTANT FOR FOLKS WHEN THEY PLACE ITEMS ON THE BUSINESS COURT AGENDA TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THE MEMBERS COURT.
THEY SHOULD NOT BE TRYING TO PUSH THESE SHOULD BE ROUTINE ITEMS. IF THERE IS AN ITEM THAT REQUIRES DETAILED EXPLANATION, IT'S INCUMBENT UPON THE DEPARTMENTS TO INTERACT WITH COURT MEMBERS AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT THOSE ISSUES ARE CORRECT BECAUSE THIS IS CLEARLY TO SOME COURT MEMBERS NOT ROUTINE. I JUST WANTED TO LAY THAT OUT THERE. I APOLOGIZE TO THE COURT MEMBERS ABOUT HAVING TO DEAL WITH THIS. THAT'S A DEFICIENCY ON ALL OF OUR PARTS. BUT WITH THAT, IF WE COULD TAKE
A VOTE ON THIS. >> I'M GOING TO BE RESPECTFUL OF ALL OF THE COLLEAGUES IN THIS PROCESS IF ANY MEMBER WANTS TO PULL IT, WE WON'T VOTE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE AGREED TO.
ANY ONE OF THE FOUR OF US, ANY OF THE FIVE OF US CAN PULL IT.
>> I WANT TO VOTE TODAY MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IT HAD ALREADY BEEN PULLED BUT WE NEED TO VOTE.
I WANT TO VOTE TODAY. I WANT THEM TO GET THE PAYMENTS.
>> IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO A VOTE?
>> SO MOVED. >> ALL IN FAVOR VOTE AYE.
FOUR AYES AND NO NAYS. ITEM PASSES.
THANK YOU. >> ALL RIGHT JACK SO WE'VE GOT THROUGH ITEM 112. WHAT IS NEXT?
>> COMMISSIONER, WE ARE STARTING WITH RESOLUTIONS NOW THAT'S ITEM 234 -- WHICH IS A REQUEST BY COUNTY JUDGE FOR APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER 2026 AS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS.
>> SO WE HAVE THAT RESOLUTION. I DO NOT HAVE IT IN FRONT OF ME.
JUDGE ASKED THAT WE RECOGNIZE HER THREE RESOLUTIONS PICK THE FIRST ONE IS 234. RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 2026 AS SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY.
HER NEXT RESOLUTION WOULD BE HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IBN SINA FOUNDATION. AND A RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER 2026 AS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. IS THERE A MOTION ON THOSE THREE
ITEMS? >> COMMISSIONER, THERE SPEAKERS.
>> BRING THEM ON DOWN. >> GOOD MORNING MY NAME IS TIFFANY. I AM A DIRECTOR AT THE HARRIS CENTER OVER OUR SUICIDE CARE INITIATIVES.
AND WE ARE HONORED TO BE HERE TODAY TO ACCEPT THIS RESOLUTION ON BEHALF OF OUR ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS OUR NEW CEO WHO UNFORTUNATELY COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY DUE TO SOME PRIOR BOARD OBLIGATIONS. WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD TO CONTINUE SERVING HARRIS COUNTY THROUGH EXCELLENCE EVIDENCE BASED SUICIDE CARE. WORK IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER COUNTY AGENCIES, WITH COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS. AND BECAUSE OF THOSE, THE
[00:50:03]
PARTNERSHIPS THAT WE HAVE, WE ARE CONTINUING TO SEE A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SUICIDES OF THE CLIENTS THAT WE HAVE AT THE HARRIS CENTER OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS.WE HAVE SEEN A TREND DOWNWARD/WHICH IS REALLY EXCITING AS IT DESIGNATED 988 CALL CENTER FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS, WE CONTINUE TO ANSWER MORE THAN 150,000 CRISIS LINE CALLS AND 988 CALLS A YEAR. WE ARE PROVIDING IMMEDIATE SUPPORT TO PEOPLE IN THEIR MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS THANK YOU VERY
MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> WONDERFUL, THANK YOU. ANYONE ELSE?
THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS PICK I REPRESENT THE ASHLEY FOUNDATION -- WHICH IS A SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION ORGANIZATION NAMED IN HONOR OF ASHLEY DUNCAN WHO DIED BY SUICIDE AT AGE 17.
I AM HERE TO RESPECTFULLY SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION THAT HARRIS COUNTY RECOGNIZED SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH. THE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS THIS RESOLUTION, BECAUSE WHEN THE COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS SUICIDE AWARENESS, IT HIGHLIGHTS PRACTICAL ACTIONS MAKING CRISIS SERVICES MORE VISIBLE, SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS, AND ENSURING THAT PEOPLE KNOW WHERE TO TURN BEFORE A CRISIS BECOMES IRREVERSIBLE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING.
MY NAME IS DOCTOR JANICE, I AM A PRIVATE PRACTITIONER AND PRACTICING MENTAL HEALTH FOR OVER 30 PLUS YEARS I'M ALSO HERE REPRESENTING SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH.
STATING HOW PROUD I AM THE FACT THAT WE ARE GOING TO RECOGNIZE IT WITHIN OUR CITY AND OUR COUNTY FOR HAVING PRACTICED FOR SO LONG, I'M WEARING YELLOW TODAY, BECAUSE THAT'S A SIGN OF HOPE. WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL WELLNESS, IT'S SO IMPORTANT WE UNDERSTAND, IT'S AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ILLNESS.
THERE IS NO COLOR CHARACTERS NO CREED CHARACTERS NO SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS. WHEN PEOPLE CAN'T FIND HOPE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT CALL, I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF WORKING WITH 988 ON A NATIONAL LEVEL TO BE ABLE TO HAVE SOMEONE TO TALK TO. I'M ALSO SUGGESTING THAT WE ALSO FOLLOW UP WITH THOSE INDIVIDUALS AS MUCH AS WE CAN AND MAKE THAT PART OF WHAT IS PUT IN PLACE. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH FIRST THANK YOU FOR PUSHING FOR MENTAL HEALTH.
I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN A CAPACITY IN WHICH I DO.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. ALL RIGHT.
>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS COURT MY NAME IS EMILY, AND I'M A WELLNESS SPECIALIST WITH THE BENEFITS AND WELLNESS DIVISION HERE AT HARRIS COUNTY UNDER HRT I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON THE RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH. FOR OUR TEAM THIS RESOLUTION REFLECTS WORK THAT WE CARE ABOUT DEEPLY IT'S A POWERFUL REMINDER FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMUNITY BUT ALSO THE EMPLOYEES WHO SERVE THEM THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HARRIS COUNTY SUPPORTS EMPLOYEE WELLBEING THROUGH ALL LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP BY CHALLENGING STIGMA AND ENCOURAGING MENTAL HEALTH CONVERSATIONS WE HAVE ON SITE COUNSELORS MENTAL HEALTH CERTIFICATIONS, MONTHLY EDUCATION, PROMOTION OF THE 988 SUICIDE CRISIS LIFELINE AND THE WELLNESS POLICY YOU PASSED TWO WEEKS AGO ALLOWING 24 HOURS SICK TIME TO SUPPORT AND PRIORITIZE WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH.
OUR EMPLOYEES WORK HARD FOR THE COMMUNITY IN ALL FACETS OF LIFE ON THEIR BEST AND THEIR WORST DAYS.
IT'S VERY INTEGRAL THAT WE FOSTER A CULTURE OF SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY FOR THE WORKFORCE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUSTAINING OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS COURT. I AM SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CLINICAL POLICY AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE HACKETT CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH -- WHICH IS A REGIONAL CENTER OF MEADOWS MENTAL CENTER POLICY INSTITUTE. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS MONTH AND CONTINUING TO ELEVATE SUICIDE PREVENTION AS A PRIORITY IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THE 612 HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS WHO DIED BY SUICIDE LAST YEAR REPRESENTS MORE THAN A STATISTIC.
THEY REPRESENT INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES THAT WILL BE FOREVER IMPACTED BY THEIR LOSS.
WE KNOW SOMETHING CRITICAL. SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE.
EFFECTIVE SUICIDE PREVENTION REQUIRES A CONTINUUM OF SUPPORT.
IT MEANS PROMOTING MENTAL WELLNESS, IDENTIFYING RISKS EARLIER, MAKING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE EASY TO ACCESS.
AND MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE CONNECTED TO CARE RECEIVE THAT SUPPORT AFTER THAT CRISIS HAS PASSED.
[00:55:06]
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME THIS MORNING. I AM THE COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR OVER AT THE HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ON BEHALF OF OUR OFFICE, WE WANT TO THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TIME WHERE WE JOIN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED. NOT JUST FOR HURRICANES AND SEVERE WEATHER BUT FOR ALL HAZARDS.
THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT OUR COMMUNITIES PREPAREDNESS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
WE KNOW THE RISKS WE FACE FROM HURRICANES TO FLOODING TO EXTREME HEAT AND EXTREME COLD BUT PREPAREDNESS IS MORE THAN JUST KNOWING THAT A DISASTER COULD HAPPEN IT'S ABOUT TAKING ACTION BEFORE IT HAPPENS. NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND OUR RESIDENTS THAT PREPAREDNESS DOESN'T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED.
IT CAN START WITH MAKING A FAMILY PLAN, SIGNING UP FOR ALERTS, AND BEING INVOLVED. THROUGH FEMA'S READY CAMPAIGN THROUGH THE WORK OF OUR OFFICE THROUGH THE WORK OF OUR COUNTY'S FIRST RESPONDERS, AND OUR CITIZEN CORE PARTNERS --
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> MAKE PREPAREDNESS.
>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> WE WANT TO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR TAKING THE TIME TO RECOGNIZE NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH.
>> WONDERFUL, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TEXAS.
HARRIS COUNTY KNOWS THAT PREPAREDNESS SAVES LIVES.
DURING NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH, WE WANT TO HAVE EVERYONE BE PREPARED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WE ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE JUDGE AND THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR YOUR CONTINUED DEDICATION AND SUPPORT TO BUILDING STRONGER, SAFER, MORE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES. PLANNING AHEAD ALSO HELPS FAMILIES RECOVER FASTER BY KNOWING HOW THEY ARE GOING TO COMMUNICATE, WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO MEET, AND HOW THEY WILL EVACUATE IF NEEDED IN TIMES OF CRISIS.
WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO TALK ABOUT PREPAREDNESS AS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. BY WORKING TOGETHER, RESILIENCY WILL BUILD FAMILIES. IT WILL BUILD NONPROFITS.
IT WILL BUILD SCHOOLS. IT WILL BUILD CLERGY.
IT WILL ALSO BUILD AGENCIES LIKE YOURSELF TO HELP BUILD SAFER, MORE RELIABLE PREPAREDNESS COUNTIES LIKE HARRIS COUNTY.
THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS FOR YOUR
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM THE HEAD OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HOUSTON GALVESTON OFFICE.
HERE SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS RESOLUTION FOR HURRICANE SEASON ALTHOUGH BELOW NORMAL SEASON FORECASTED EL NINO, WE'VE ALREADY HAD 22 OF THE THREE NAMED STORMS THIS YEAR, ARTHUR AND BERTHA WE ARE HEADED TOWARD THE PEAK OF THE SEASON BUT WE NEED TO KEEP OUR EYE ON THE TROPICS THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. WE ARE MOVING INTO THE INFLUENCE OF EL NINO WITH A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF THIS BEING A STRONG EL NINO. THE INFLUENCE OF EL NINO IN HARRIS COUNTY WEATHER TENDS TO PEAK FROM OCTOBER THROUGH APRIL WE TYPICALLY SEE ABOVE NORMAL RAINFALL AND ABOVE NORMAL INSTANCES OF SEVERE WEATHER FOR PREPAREDNESS SHOULD BE A DAILY EXERCISE FOR ALL OF US. AS RESOLUTION STATES, ALL HOUSTONIANS SHOULD SECURE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT CREATE AN EMERGENCY PLAN, STAY INFORMED AND GET INVOLVED IN PREPARING THEIR COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
I'M EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH RESOLUTION BY COUNTY JUDGE. NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH IS A GOOD REMINDER THAT PREPAREDNESS SHOULD BE A YEAR ROUND PRIORITY FOR NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT WE FOCUS ON DURING HURRICANE SEASON HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY, FLOODING IS OUR NUMBER ONE NATURAL DISASTER -- WHICH MAKES US STAYING INFORMED AND BEING READY ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR A KEY PART OF PREPAREDNESS IS HAVING ACCURATE TIMELY INFORMATION WHEN IT MATTERS THE MOST FOR THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED SYSTEMS IN THE NATION PROVIDING CRITICAL INFORMATION TO HELP RESIDENTS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS. YOU COULD SIGN UP FOR CUSTOMIZED NOTIFICATIONS AT FWS ALERTS.ORG FOR HARRIS COUNTY ALSO HAS TWO METEOROLOGISTS ON STAFF WHO MONITOR WEATHER THREATS REFLECTING OUR COMMITMENT TO STAY AHEAD OF SEVERE WEATHER AND OTHER HAZARDS. AND THROUGH STRONG
PARTNERSHIPS -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND OTHER RESPONSE AGENCIES, WE CONTINUALLY WORK TO STRENGTHEN READINESS AND SHARE INFORMATION THROUGH COORDINATED RESPONSE. PREPAREDNESS STARTS BEFORE THE STORM ARRIVES AND NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE TO GET READY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS TO
[01:00:04]
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK ON THIS. IT IS A TRUE PASSION OF MINE.
BUT I WILL SAY, I'M FIRE MARSHAL.
THIS YEAR'S THEME IS STAND READY FOR HARRIS COUNTY, STANDING READY MEANS PREPARING FOR MORE THAN ONE KIND OF A BAD DAY.
NOT ONLY DO WE PLAN FOR HURRICANES AND FLOODING, WE HAVE INDUSTRIAL INCIDENTS, WILDFIRES, EXTREME HEAT, WINTER, STORMS. WE WORK ACROSS ALL OF IT. I'M THANKFUL THAT OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND OUR PARTNERS, WE ALL WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THIS WORKS ACROSS WELL. BUT IT IS NOT JUST A RESPONSE.
PREPAREDNESS IS NOT JUST THE WORK OF RESPONSE AGENCIES ALONE.
IT TAKES ALL OF US. IT TAKES OUR INDUSTRIES OUR BUSINESSES OUR SCHOOLS, OUR STAKEHOLDERS, OUR PARTNERS AND I REALLY WANT TO KEY IN ON OUR RESIDENTS.
NO AGENCY IS GOING TO BE FAST ENOUGH.
IT'S ABOUT OUR RESIDENTS BEING PREPARED.
WE TALK ABOUT NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH LET'S HAVE A KIT READY WE TALK ABOUT THAT QUITE OFTEN.
BUT I WILL ASK IF I CAN CONTINUE, BUILD A POWER OUTAGE INTO YOUR PLAN. THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK SOMETIMES WE DON'T TALK ABOUT ENOUGH.
IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. WE ARE SEEING IT ACROSS COUNTRY NOT JUST HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. BUILD THAT PLAN, KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO TO KEEP POWER TO YOUR CELL PHONES AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND AGAIN, I WANT TO THANK OUR PARTNER AGENCIES, AND I WANT TO THANK THE RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
GOOD TO SEE YOU. >> THANK YOU.
GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I'M SORRY -- THANK YOU.
GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR GIVING US AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE CO COUNTY. I AM THE CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER OF THE FOUNDATION CLINICS. WE HAVE FOUR CLINICS IN HOUSTON SERVING FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS. WE HAVE SERVED OVER 20 MILLION PATIENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND SAVED HUNDREDS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO THE HEALTH CARE. CURRENTLY, WE ARE SEEING ALMOST 90,000 PATIENTS PER YEAR AND TAKE CARE OF MEDICAL, DENTAL, CHILDREN'S, MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES.
WE ARE HEAVILY SUBSIDIZED. AND WE ARE ONLY CHARGED $49 AT A WALK-IN CLINIC THAT DOESN'T EXIST ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.
>> CONTINUE. >> WE HAVE NOW EMBARKED ON HEALTH CARE SERVICES. AS WE ALL KNOW WE HAVE A SHORTAGE OF HEALTH CARE, WORKFORCE WE HAVE JUST LAUNCHED OUR ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES WE HAVE NOW FOUR LOCATIONS OF ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES PREPRETTY SOON, WILL BE LAUNCHING ONE OF OUR RESIDENCY PROGRAMS. WE WILL BE BRINGING IN DOCTORS GLOBALLY TO SERVE THE COUNTY BIG THANK YOU FOR GIVING US AN OPPORTUNITY. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE OUR DIRECTOR OF THE PROGRAM TO COME FORWARD.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. A GREAT EXTENSION OF THE GREAT SUCCESS OF THE FOUNDATION IS THE LAUNCHING OF THE ALLIED HEALTH INSTITUTE. WE ARE IN FOUR LOCATIONS, CLEAR LAKE, SOUTH POST OAK, SHEPHERD, AND WILCREST.
THE GREAT THING ABOUT US IS, IF YOU COME TO OUR SCHOOL, YOU WANT TO LEARN HEALTH CARE, WE WILL FIND THE MONEY FOR YOU.
JUST COME TO US. WE WILL FIND A WAY FOR YOU TO GET YOU A GREAT CAREER AND TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY WITH OUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS. THANK YOU.
>> WONDERFUL. >> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR
NAME FOR THE RECORD? >> DAVID.
>> THANK YOU I APPRECIATE YOUR LONG TIME WORK ON BRINGING SO VALUABLE HEALTH CARE TO UNDERSERVED AREAS.
AND I WILL ATTEST TO THE WORLD THAT EVERYTHING YOU HAD TODAY S ABSOLUTELY TRUE I COULDN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR BRINGING ALL THESE INCREDIBLE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL INTO NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE PRECINCTS 2 THAT IS WHOLLY UNDERSERVED ON THE HEALTH CARE SIDE.
I COULDN'T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH. YOU ARE DOING THE GOOD LORD'S WORK. I APPRECIATE YOU.
>> I WANT TO BRIEFLY ECHO THE TEAM HERE CONGRATULATIONS ON THESE 25 YEARS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE SERVICE AND COMMITMENT. THANK YOU FOR DELIVERING HEALTH OF CARE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT THE MOST.
IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO GET TO PARTNER WITH YOU ON IMMUNIZATION DRIVES AND BEYOND. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT 25 YEARS AND THE CONTINUED IMPACT YOU WILL HAVE THANK YOU FOR YOUR
[01:05:01]
THANK YOU ALL. DO WE HAVE ANY MORE SPEAKERS?
NOT FOR THOSE ITEMS. >> ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?
>> COMMISSIONER, THE NEXT ITEM IS YOURS, ITEM 238.
>> THIS IS A RESOLUTION. WE ARE GOING TO RECOGNIZE FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER AWARENESS MONTH.
AND THEN WE HAVE DOCTOR YOLANDA OF THE FASD TEXAS NETWORK TO SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER AND THE IMPACTS ON THE BRAIN AND BODY OF INDIVIDUALS PRENATALLY EXPOSED TO ALCOHOL DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, THERE ARE EFFORTS NATIONWIDE TO BRING AWARENESS OF THESE EFFECTS EXPERIENCED BY MANY INDIVIDUALS AND THE CHALLENGES IN DAILY LIFE HARRIS COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING FASD AWARENESS AND HEALTHY PREGNANCIES. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
>> HI. I AM HERE TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER. SO WHAT IS FAS? THEY ARE A GROUP OF PHYSICAL BEHAVIOR, AND MENTAL CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY THAT OCCURS WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL, A MOTHER DRINKS WHILE PREGNANT.
SO THE GOOD NEWS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IS THAT FASD IS 100% PREVENTABLE. JUST DON'T DRINK WHILE PREGNANT, RIGHT? SO WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO KNOW? I AM A MOTHER WHO HAS AN ADULT DAUGHTER LIVING WITH FASD. AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT BENEFITED MY FAMILY WAS EARLY DETECTION, EARLY SUPPORT.
AWARENESS ABOUT FASD. WHEN I WAS PREGNANT, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT DRINKING CAUSED FASD. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO REDUCE STIGMA. MY TIME IS UP.
>> YOU CAN WRAP IT UP. >> TO REDUCE STIGMA.
MY COLLEAGUE HERE IS GOING TO SPEAK TO YOU MORE ABOUT IT.
>> THANK YOU. >> I AM DOCTOR SHERRY.
I AM A RESIDENT OF COMMISSIONER BRIONES' PRECINCT I'M A RETIRED DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICIAN WHO WORKED AT BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE FOR BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT TEXAS CHILDREN'S FROM 1997-2022. AND I SAW MANY CHILDREN WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS ALL THE WAY FROM INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY TO ORGAN PROBLEMS, HEART, BONE, KIDNEY PROBLEMS, AND ALL KINDS OF BEHAVIOR ISSUES.
AND THE THING THAT WAS SO HEARTBREAKING, IS WE HAD MANY OTHERS LIKE DOCTOR ROSS WHO REALLY DID NOT KNOW.
AND EVEN NOW, EVEN THOUGH THE OB-GYNS SAY FROM THEIR ORGANIZATION THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO REMIND MOTHERS, A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT WELL FIRST THANK YOU FOR THE AWARENESS, OKAY? VERY IMPORTANT, PREVENTABLE.
>> THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. >> THANK YOU, DOCTOR ROSS.
>> THANK YOU. NEXT RESOLUTION IS NUMBER 240.
THIS ONE IS TO RECOGNIZE TRACY HARRISON.
TRACY, ARE YOU HERE? THERE YOU ARE.
PRIOR TO HER NEW ROLE, HER NEW AND CURRENT ROLE, TRACY SERVED MORE THAN 11 YEARS WITH THE NORTH HOUSTON DISTRICT SERVING AS DIRECTOR AND VICE PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
FROM 2015 UNTIL 2026, SHE COMPLETELY REVAMPED THE DISTRICT OF'S APPROACH TO PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMING IMPLEMENTING THE MULTILAYERED SERVICE APPROACH FOR LEADING THE EFFORTS FOR EIGHT YEARS AGO RATHER TO HAVE HPD LOCATE THEIR NORTH FIELD DIVISION IN THE DISTRICT RATHER THAN SEVERAL MILES AWAY.
HAS RESULTED IN 100 PLUS OFFICERS BEGINNING AND ENDING THEIR SHIFTS RIGHT HERE IN THE DISTRICT INSTEAD OF ELSEWHERE.
RECOMMENDING AND FIGHTING FOR THE CREATION OF THE DISTRICTS, HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TASK FORCE WHICH HAS BECOME PERHAPS THE MOST POPULAR PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM IN THE AREA.
THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERS LIKE HOOPS AND HEROES, KNOCK AND TALKS, AND NATIONAL NIGHT OUT HELPING TO BUILD AND STRENGTHEN POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.
OTHER PUBLIC SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDES THE GREENBRIER POA AS VICE PRESIDENT, HOUSTON FOOD BANK ADVISORY COMMITTEE, INTERNATIONAL CITY COUNTY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION VETERAN
[01:10:05]
COMMUNITY RECENTLY APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR ABBOTT'S BOARD TO SERVE ON THE STATE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL MISCONDUCT.AND WORKED TIRELESSLY IN OVER 75 APARTMENT COMMUNITIES ON PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW ROLE AS THE CITY OF FREEPORT AS ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER.
CONGRATULATIONS, AND THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> THANK YOU AND WELCOME FOR HAVING ME HERE TODAY, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. I APPRECIATE THE INVITE.
AND THE DISTRICT WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. I HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WORKING IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND WE ARE ALWAYS ACHIEVING MORE AND DOING MORE TOGETHER AS LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ORGANIZATIONS WORK TOGETHER. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PRECINCT 2 HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL AND I CAN TELL YOU, SIR, THAT YOU HAVE SOME AMAZING STAFF MEMBERS.
THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH AND HOW DEDICATED YOUR STAFF ARE, JUST THE PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE COMPLETED IN THE NORTH HOUSTON AREA.
I THANK YOU, AND I APPRECIATE THEIR VALUE THAT THEY ADD.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN YOUR ENDEAVORS.
I AM ON AND WORKING ON FREEPORT. >> WE WILL MISS YOU BUT YOU WILL LEAVE A LEGACY BEHIND FOR YOU ABSOLUTELY WILL BE MISSED THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR YEARS OF DEDICATION TO PUBLIC SERVICE.
AND I HOPE THAT THE NEXT PERSON CAN FIT INTO YOUR SHOES.
ALL RIGHT OUR NEXT ITEM IS GOING TO BE ITEM 241.
THIS IS TO RECOGNIZE THE 2026 KAYLA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON. TALKING ABOUT LEGACY IN MOTION THAT WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 22ND.
AND IF YOU WOULD LEAD THE CONVERSATION.
>> COMMISSIONER, WE HAVE TWO SPEAKERS PICK MYSELF.
I WOULD LIKE THE DEAN TO SPEAK FIRST AND THEN I WILL SPEAK AND THEY WILL TAKE YOUR COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS.
>> COMMISSIONER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS GREG THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING THE CULLEN DAY WITH THIS PROCLAMATION IT'S A GREAT HONOR FOR US. YOU ARE ALL A FINE EXAMPLE OF WHAT CULLEN DAY STANDS FOR, FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION, LEADERSHIP, AND COMMUNITY. INSPIRING ENGINEERS COME FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS THEY RANGE FROM SINGLE MOMS WHO WORK TWO JOBS OR FRESHMEN WHO LIVE IN ONE OF OUR DORMS AND ARE DOING DOUBLE MAJORS. OUR COLLEGE BRINGS EDUCATION TO OUR COMMUNITIES IN THE WAY THEY NEED IT GRADUATES INCLUDE ONE OF THE FIRST FEW PIONEER WOMEN WITH AN ASTRONAUT AND A PROFESSOR.
AND HAS SPENT A RECORD TIME IN THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION.
AND WE HAVE MANY GRADUATES WHO HAVE LAUNCHED THEIR OWN BUSINESSES OR ARE CEOS OF MAJOR COMPANIES AND OF COURSE SOME HAVE GONE ON TO BECOME MAYORS AND LEADERS IN MAJOR CITIES, PRESENT COMPANY INCLUDED.
WE ARE NOT CONSIDERED AN ELITE INSTITUTE LIKE HARVARD.
ANY ALLOCATION FOR PRIZES THAT OUR COMMITTEE SCANNED FOR.
THEY CURRENTLY SERVE 10,000 STUDENTS GIVING THEM AN UNMATCHED OPPORTUNITY FOR UPWARD SOCIAL MOBILITY.
ENROLLMENT KEEPS GROWING. WE HAVE MUCH TO DO, AND THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE PICK RELATIVELY SMALL, AND WE KNOW WE CANNOT BE ALL THINGS TO EVERYONE BUT IN AREAS OF OUR STRENGTH, OUR GOAL IS TO BECOME THE DESTINATION OF COLLEGE FOR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY. I'M CONFIDENT THAT WITH YOUR SUPPORT, THE CULLEN BRAND WILL BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE SAME GLOBAL BRAND. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED
SUPPORT. >> WONDERFUL, THANK YOU.
>> COMMISSIONERS, I WANT TO FIRST THANK ALL OF YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO BE HERE AND TO CELEBRATE THIS CULLEN DAY AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF HARRIS COUNTY.
NUMBER THREE IN THE NATION AND NUMBER ONE IN TEXAS.
I THANK ALL OF YOU FOR TOM, YOU ARE A FELLOW ENGINEER.
SO YOU KNOW WHAT ENGINEERS GO THROUGH.
I'M AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT CULLEN CAN DO.
46 YEARS AGO I CAME HERE AS AN 18-YEAR-OLD.
AND I STARTED MY EDUCATION AS CULLEN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING.
TODAY I PROUDLY SERVE AS A BOARD MEMBER OF THE LEADERSHIP BOARD.
I'M ALSO THE GALA CHAIR FOR THE CULLEN GALA THAT IS COMING UP ON 22ND OF OCTOBER. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT, I THINK CULLEN IS IMPORTANT NOT JUST FOR HOUSTON OR HARRIS COUNTY, BUT I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE GREATER HOUSTON REGION.
AND HARRIS COUNTY AND HOUSTON MUST CONSIDER THEMSELVES AS A CAPITAL OF A LARGER REGION THAT GOES ALL THE WAY FROM HANSVILLE
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TO GALVESTON, BEAUMONT TO SEALY. WE NEED YOUR HELP.>> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP. >> CAN I FINISH THIS STATEMENT? WHAT WE DO NEED FROM HARRIS COUNTY IS TO OFFER US OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION TO OFFER US OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNSHIP TO OFFER US OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET WITH YOUR ENGINEERING. MAYBE WE CAN DO RESEARCH.
WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE EXECUTIVE EDUCATION FOR BOTH OF US ARE HERE FOR ANY COMMENTS OR ANY QUESTIONS THANK YOU.
>> I APPRECIATE THE OFFER TO DO RESEARCH.
I THINK I HAVE A PROJECT JUST FOR THE CAUSE.
WE WILL BE VISITING. ALL RIGHT.
>> THERE'S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAT HAPPENS IN HARRIS COUNTY THAN INFRASTRUCTURE. Y'ALL DO A GREAT JOB OF SUPPORTING IT I CAN'T THINK OF A MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE JOB THAT'S HAPPENED IN THE LAST 40 YEARS THAT NOT INVOLVED AT SOME LEVEL GREAT GRADUATES FROM CULLEN. I LOOK FORWARD TO PARTNERING WITH YOU AS THAT'S ONE OF OUR MAJOR INITIATIVES IN THE COUNTY.
INFRASTRUCTURE. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU ALL DO.
>> I ASK YOU THOSE THANKS THANK YOU FOR COMING THANK YOU, TEAM. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> ALL RIGHT THIS NEXT RESOLUTION IS ITEM 242. THIS IS TO HONOR THE LIFE OF SOMEONE IMMENSELY SPECIAL IN PRECINCT TWO.
>> INTERPRETER: ESPECIALLY IN THE MCNAIR BAYTOWN AREA.
THIS IS THE LIFE OF MR. J. WARREN SINGLETON.
HE PASSED RECENTLY. AND I WILL TELL YOU THAT THIS INDIVIDUAL VERY QUIETLY, VERY HUMBLY PROVIDED SUCH AN IMMENSE IMPACT ON THE MCNAIR COMMUNITY AND ABROAD.
YOU CAN'T GO TO MCNAIR AND NOT KNOW THE HISTORY.
BECAUSE OF THE DEDICATION THAT MR. SINGLETON GAVE EVERY SINGLE DAY. NOT ONLY WAS HE A HISTORIAN, HE WAS A COMMUNITY SERVANT, A LEADER, A MENTOR, AND A ROLE MODEL TO MANY STUDENTS IN THE AREA.
AND I AM JUST SO GLAD THAT WE WERE ABLE TO HONOR HIM ON THE JD WALKER FACILITY. HE IS PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED, HIS LIFE, HIS LEGACY, AND HIS WORK WILL LIVE ON I HOPE HIS LIKENESS ON THE BUILDING WILL INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT HIM.
RESEARCH HIM. AND THEN HOPEFULLY FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS. WE ARE JOINED BY STACY, THE BEAUTIFUL WIFE -- DAUGHTER, I'M SORRY, I'M SORRY I WAS GOING TO SAY, HE DID GOOD. [LAUGHS] BUT THANK YOU. STACY, THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> WE WILL SUSPEND YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
I WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS I CONSIDER YOU FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR HONORING MY DAD FOR THE COUNTLESS HOURS OF WORK THAT HE PUT TOWARDS PRESERVING HISTORY. AND ALSO FOR ASSEMBLING THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH DISPLAY FOR I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY YEARS.
THE LAST TIME HE ASSEMBLED THE DISPLAY WAS IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, HE WENT INTO THE HOSPITAL IN MARCH AND PASSED IN MAY.
THAT LETS ME KNOW THE SACRIFICES THAT HE MADE.
HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE HE DID IT ONE LAST TIME.
SO JUST THANK YOU FOR HONORING HIM AND HIS HARD WORK.
AND I WANT TO THANK THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
WE HAVE TWO OTHER LADIES OVER HERE THAT HE COACHED WHO WERE ALSO ON THE MURAL WITH US WHO ARE HERE IN ATTENDANCE AS WELL.
GOOD FRIENDS. [APPLAUSE] GREAT GRANDDAUGHTERS ARE HERE AS WELL.
>> ANTHONY. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE SUCH A GREAT MAN. MR. J. WARREN SINGLETON, HE WAS WIDELY RESPECTED AS A LOCAL HISTORIAN, AUTHOR, AN ADVOCATE
[01:20:01]
DEDICATED TO PRESERVING THE HISTORY OF BAYTOWN'S BLACK HISTORY COMMUNITY AND DURING THE LEGACY OF CARVER HIGH SCHOOL FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE J.D. WALKER COMMUNITY CENTER WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR MANY YEARS.HE FAITHFULLY CREATED A MUSEUM PRESENTED AN OUTSTANDING BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER TRANSFORMING THAT ROOM INTO A POWERFUL HISTORICAL SHOWCASE THAT CELEBRATED AND SHARED THE COMMUNITY'S RICH HERITAGE THROUGHOUT PRECINCT 2. MR. SINGLETON WILL BE FONDLY REMEMBERED BY ALL WHOSE LIVES HE HAS TOUCHED, HIS INFLUENCE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON ME AS THE COMMUNITY REGIONAL CENTER MANAGER AT THE J.D. WALKER COMMUNITY AND THE SENIORS OF THE J.D. WALKER COMMUNITY CENTER THANK YOU AGAIN, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE MR. SINGLETON. IT IS A GREAT HONOR THAT HIS FAMILY WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY RECEIVING THIS RESOLUTION TODAY.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
>> ANTHONY, STACY, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
LET ME JUST SAY TO YOU, ANTHONY. OUR FACILITIES ARE BRICK AND MORTAR STRUCTURES. BUT I THINK EVERY ONE OF US CAN ATTEST TO THE FACT THAT THE FOLKS WHO RUN OUR FACILITIES ARE REALLY THE WELCOME MAT IF YOU WILL RESPECTFULLY TO THOSE FACILITIES. I DON'T THINK MR. SINGLETON WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT OF BEING ABLE TO BRING OUT HIS COLLECTION AND SHARING IT WITH THE PUBLIC IF NOT FOR A WELCOMING, A WELCOMING TO THAT BUILDING. YOU PROVIDED THAT.
I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOU.
BECAUSE IF NOT FOR THAT, WE MAY NOT -- MR. SINGLETON MAY HAVE PASSED, AND WE MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN WHAT HE HAD AVAILABLE TO US. LET ME JUST TELL YOU.
THE FIRST TIME I EVER WALKED INTO THE J.D. WALKER BUILDING AND SAW HIS DISPLAY, I WAS ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY.
ANTHONY, WE'VE GOT TO GIVE THOUGHT ON HOW TO ENSURE, IT DOESN'T DISAPPEAR BUT THAT IT REMAINS THERE SO THAT MORE GENERATIONS CAN LEARN ABOUT MCNAIR.
LEARN ABOUT NOT JUST THE GEOGRAPHY OF MCNAIR.
BUT THE OUTPUT. THE OUTPUT OF THE MANY SUPERINTENDENTS AND PRINCIPALS AND COACHES, I THINK.
AND OTHER SUCCESS STORIES IN THEIR OWN RIGHT.
THANK YOU FOR DOING THAT. STACY, THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YOUR DADDY. AND I AM JUST SO GLAD THAT HE IS BEING HONORED FOR YEARS, AND YEARS, AND YEARS TO COME GOD BLESS YOU. TO THE COMMUNITY, GO AHEAD, ANTHONY. TO THE COMMUNITY, THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE. AND JUST TO KNOW THAT RARELY DO WE EVER KNOW THAT WE ARE IN THE COMPANY OF GIANTS.
BUT MR. SINGLETON WAS A GIANT IN HIS OWN RIGHT.
AND SO WE WERE SO FORTUNATE. I WAS SO FORTUNATE AND BLESSED TO KNOW HIM FOR THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US AND WE WILL BE
TAKING A PICTURE SHORTLY. >> COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS TO COURT. HE WAS RECOGNIZED IN THE BAYTOWN AREA AS AN HISTORIAN. THAT IS A WORD.
BUT THAT IS A PERSON THAT ASKS US TO REMEMBER.
AND WE HAVE COMMUNITIES LIKE THIS ALL OVER HARRIS COUNTY.
AND WERE IT NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOUR FATHER THAT REMINDS US OF WHERE WE CAME FROM, THERE IS NO WAY WHERE WE CAN FIGURE OUT WHERE WE ARE GOING FOR THANK YOU FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE AND WHAT HIS LEGACY IS. IT ALLOWS US TO BUILD ON THAT GOOD FOUNDATION. THANK YOU.
>> VERY BRIEFLY COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU ALSO TO TRACY AND ALL THE SINGLETON FAMILY OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR DAD, GRANDPA, GREAT GRANDPA WITH BAYTOWN AND BEYOND HE HONORED HISTORY, AND HE MADE HISTORY.
MAY WE CONTINUE TO SHAPE HISTORY IN HIS LEGACY.
MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND POWER. GODSPEED.
>> THANK YOU ALL AGAIN. NEXT ITEM IS GOING TO BE -- I THINK WE DID 243, COMMISSIONER. WE WILL GO ON TO 244.
COMMISSIONER BRIONES. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WANTED TO JOIN IN ON THIS.
DO YOU WANT TO GO FIRST AND I WILL ADD TO IT?
>> ROBERT WAS ONE OF MY FRIENDS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.
HE WAS FIRST MY INTERIM PASTOR AT BAPTIST CHURCH.
I KNEW HIM WHEN HE WAS PRESIDENT OF BAYLOR UNIVERSITY WHERE MY
[01:25:04]
OLDEST SON WENT I KNEW HIM WHEN HE WAS PRESIDENT OF THE TRUETT SEMINARY. I HAVE KNOWN HIM SINCE HE HAS BEEN BACK. AN AMAZING JOB HE HAS DONE THAT HOUSTON CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY. BUT ROBERT SLOAN WAS PROBABLY IN MY OPINION, THE GREATEST THEOLOGIAN THAT I EVER KNEW.YET HE IS NOT REALLY KNOWN AS THAT.
HE'S KNOWN AS PRESIDENT. HE'S KNOWN AS PASTOR.
HE'S KNOWN AS A LOT OF THINGS. WHEN HE GOT IN THE PULPIT, AND HE DELIVERED A SERMON, HE CHANGED LIVES.
THANK YOU FOR THIS. COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING DOCTOR SLOAN. HE LEAVES QUITE THE LEGACY.
>> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER RAMSEY.
TO DOCTOR SLOAN'S FAMILY TO ALL THE LIVES HE TOUCHED, THE STUDENTS, ALL OF THE PARISHIONERS, FAITH LEADER, EDUCATIONAL LEADER AND BEYOND. WE ARE LOSING GIANTS.
AND MAY THESE GIANTS CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US FOR YEARS TO COME.
AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE MISS SINGLETON.
ARE THERE ANY GUESTS FOR THIS RESOLUTION WHO WANT TO SPEAK? WELL, TODAY AND ALWAYS, WE RESPECT DOCTOR SLOAN, AND WE HONOR HIS LIFE. THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL MOVE ON TO ITEM 245. COMMISSIONER BRIONES.
>> I WILL JUMP TO 248 AND 249 WILL BE THE TWO THAT I WILL BE SPEAKING OF FOR FIRST OF ALL, 248.
THAT IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE SEPTEMBER AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. AND AS A MOM OF THREE, THIS IS ONE OF MY FEARS. THAT ONE OF MY BABIES WILL GET SICK OR THAT WE WILL LOSE THEM VIA SOME OTHER ACCIDENT.
AND CANCER STILL REMAINS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH BY DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES.
APPROXIMATELY THERE ARE 40 DIAGNOSES OF CANCER IN OUR CHILDREN EVERY SINGLE DAY. WE KNOW THAT THIS CREATES PROFOUND CHANGES IN FAMILIES LIVES AS THEY BATTLE THE CANCER, AS THEY BEAT THE CANCER. JUST THE EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES AND THE HEALTH CONSEQUENCES, BUT ALSO THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES FOR THE NATIONAL CHILDREN'S CANCER SOCIETY REPORTS THAT ONE IN FOUR FAMILIES LOSE OVER 50% OF THE FAMILY'S ANNUAL INCOME DUE TO TREATMENT RELATED CHALLENGES.
DID WE LOSE QUORUM? >> I APOLOGIZE.
COMMISSIONER DID STEP OUT FOR A MOMENT.
>> I WILL BE FAST. THERE ARE SO MANY GIANTS.
WE ARE BLESSED TO LIVE HERE IN HOUSTON HARRIS COUNTY WHERE WE HAVE TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, WHERE WE HAVE M.D. ANDERSON HERE WHERE WE HAVE THIS ECOSYSTEM OF NONPROFITS RANGING FROM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF SUNSHINE KIDS AND BEYOND.
WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS. AND I WILL NAME ONE WHO HAS GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR GUILLERMO FERNANDEZ WHO WAS A TWO-TIME CANCER SURVIVOR AND DOES THESE RIDES TO RAISE MONEY, THE GREAT CYCLE CHALLENGE. HE HAS RAISED NEARLY HALF A MILLION DOLLARS JUST HIMSELF. AND HE BRINGS IN PUBLIC FIGURES.
IF ANY OF YOU LIKE TO RIDE AND WANT TO GET INVOLVED, PLEASE REACH OUT. AND TOTAL, THE CHILDREN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND HAS INVESTED $18 MILLION IN SUPPORT OF PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH AND UNFORTUNATELY, WE KNOW THAT WE ARE STILL FACED WITH THIS ONGOING CHALLENGE FOR SO MANY FAMILIES. SO WITH THAT IN SEPTEMBER, LET US RECOGNIZE CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
AND I KNOW WE HAVE JENNIFER FROM SUNSHINE KIDS WHO'S GOING TO SHARE MORE ABOUT THE AMAZING WORK THAT YOU ALL DO.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.
MY NAME IS JENNIFER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUNSHINE KIDS FOUNDATION. SUNSHINE KIDS IS A HOUSTON BASED NATIONAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE POSITIVE GROUP ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE ORGANIZATION WAS STARTED INSIDE THE WALLS OF MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER IN 1992.
THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH HOSPITALS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, SUNSHINE KIDS CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN WHO STEP OUTSIDE THROUGH THEIR WORLD OF CANCER AND EXPERIENCE THE CHILDHOOD MOMENTS THEIR DIAGNOSIS SO OFTEN INTERRUPTS THEIR OUR PROGRAMS RANGE FROM WEEK LONG NATIONAL TRIPS AND FAMILY ADVENTURES TO LOCAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING HOUSTON ASTROS GAMES WITH OUR SPOKESPERSON.
WE ALSO PROVIDE FOR YOUR SCHOLARSHIPS AND HOST IN-HOSPITAL CELEBRATIONS TO BRING MOMENTS OF JOY TO KIDS AND FAMILIES IN THE CLINICAL SETTING WE WILL PROVIDE GOES FAR BEYOND
[01:30:03]
ACTIVITIES FOR SUNSHINE KIDS IS A COMMUNITY THAT BRINGS CHILDREN WITH CANCER TOGETHER WITH OTHERS THEIR SAME AGE WHO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BATTLE CHILDHOOD CANCER GIVING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO FEEL SUPPORTED AND MOST IMPORTANTLY SIMPLY BEKIDS AND JUST HAVE FUN. >> THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO TO SUPPORT THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND ALL OF THOSE CHILDREN WE'VE LOST AND TO ALL THOSE RIGHT NOW WHO ARE BATTLING AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SURVIVED. LET US CONTINUE TO UNITE TO DO MORE AND FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS BIG THANK YOU TO YOU
AND YOUR TEAM FOR. >> THANK YOU FOR COMMISSIONER BRIONES, THANK YOU FOR THAT RESOLUTION.
LET ME JUST SAY FOR FOLKS IN THE AUDIENCE AND FOLKS THAT MAY BE LISTENING, IF YOU HAVEN'T THOUGHT ABOUT VISITING MD ANDERSON, ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, YOU NEED TO GO PICK NOTHING WILL REMIND YOU MORE ABOUT OUR HUMANITY AND WHY WE SHOULD TRULY BE ABLE TO LOVE EACH OTHER IS TO SEE THOSE BABIES IN A PLACE LIKE MD ANDERSON WHO ARE BRAVELY FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVES. THE FIRST TIME I DID THAT, 30, MAYBE 40 YEARS AGO, IT WAS A TRUE AWAKENING FOR ME AND SO I JUST CAN'T THANK ALL THAT YOU DO TO BRING AWARENESS TO THIS.
I CAN'T THANK MD ANDERSON ENOUGH FOR THE CARE THAT THEY PROVIDE.
AND I SAY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF BABIES THERE WHOSE FAMILIES CANNOT JOIN THEM SURE THEY ARE THERE BY THEMSELVES. IF NOT FOR THE SUNSHINE ORGANIZATION AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS, THEY MAY NOT BE SAYING HI TO ANYBODY EXCEPT STAFF.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR MY SECOND RESOLUTION THAT I WILL BE DISCUSSING TODAY IS ITEM 249. RECOGNIZING AUGUST 2026 AS NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH. AND WE PROUDLY BRING THIS RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE RESILIENCE, THE INGENUITY, THE IMPACT OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURS. WE HAVE APPROXIMATELY 5 MILLION BLACK ENTREPRENEURS IN THE UNITED STATES THAT PROVIDE OVER 1.3 MILLION JOBS AND CONTRIBUTE OVER $207 BILLION TO OUR NATIONAL ECONOMY. AND WE KNOW THAT HERE IN OUR HOUSTON HARRIS COUNTY REGION, OUR GREATER HOUSTON BLACK CHAMBER HAS BEEN A KEY DRIVER TO DRIVE PROGRESS AND BRING ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITY THROUGHOUT THE REGION ADVOCATING FOR ECONOMIC AND CIVIC ADVANCEMENT OF OUR HOUSTON BLACK COMMUNITY. AND SO TODAY AND ALWAYS, WE HONOR Y'ALL, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS TO OPPORTUNITY, FINDING WAYS TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF US ARE RISING TOGETHER AND WINNING TOGETHER AND CREATING AS MUCH OF A COMMUNITY IMPACT AND BENEFIT AS POSSIBLE. HARRIS COUNTY IS STRONGER BECAUSE OF OUR BLACK ENTREPRENEURS AND BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES. AND WE THANK THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE JOINED US TODAY. IN PARTICULAR, YOU WILL HEAR FROM THEM IN JUST A SECOND BECAUSE WE HAVE ESTHER LEWIS FROM ESTHER'S CAJUN CAFE AND SOUL FOOD AND JUST READING THAT, I'M ALREADY GETTING HUNGRY I'M A HUGE, HUGE FAN.
WE WILL HEAR FROM A COUPLE OF OTHERS.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY AND THANK YOU FOR THE IMPACT YOU
HAVE ON OUR COMMUNITY. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.
I'M OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER OF ESTHER'S CAJUN CAFE AND SOUL FOOD HERE ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE ESTHER'S CAJUN FAMILY WE WOULD LIKE TO SINCERELY THANK YOU ALL ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER BRIONES AND PRECINCT 4 FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, RECOGNITION AND COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY. FOR 18 YEARS AND COUNTING, ESTHER'S CAJUN CAFE AND SOUL FOOD HAS BEEN HONORED TO SERVE THE HOUSTON COMMUNITY. WE ARE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE GROWING AND MAKING AN IMPACT RIGHT HERE AT HOME HERE AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE MISS ESTHER LEWIS, THE OWNER AND FOUNDER OF ESTHER'S CAJUN CAFE AND SOUL FOOD WHO WOULD LIKE TO SHARE HER REMARKS THANK YOU.
>> I WAS PUT ON THE SPOT HERE, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
I'M KIND OF NERVOUS HERE ANYWAY, I USED TO WORK FOR CENTERPOINT ENERGY. IT WAS USED IN LIGHT AND POWER AT THE TIME AT CENTERPOINT ENERGY NOW.
I WORKED THERE 25 YEARS. I TOOK MY RETIREMENT AND MY 401K AND INVESTED IN MY BUSINESS I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THANKS TO HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE WHEN I STARTED, I WAS MAKING $12,000 A YEAR.
WHEN I LEFT THERE IT WAS $25,000.
I LEFT THERE, AND I GAVE BACK -- GIVING B BACK TO THE COMMUNITY S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME FOR Y'ALL TO ALLOW ME TO OPEN UP A SMALL
[01:35:01]
BUSINESS BIG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GIVING US THAT OPPORTUNITY.THANK YOU, LESLIE I CAN'T SAY THE LAST NAME.
>> LESLIE IS PERFECT. >> GARCIA AND ALL THE COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU MISS LEWIS. WE HAVE A COUPLE OTHER GUESTS HERE CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE]
>> WE HAVE GONE THROUGH RESOLUTIONS.
>> WE HAVE TWO MORE SPEAKERS, YES.
>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS ANDRE HICKS I'M A PRIVATE RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 4. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COURT, COMMISSIONER J. WARREN FOR RECOGNIZING WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS AND THE WORK WE ARE DOING TO CONTRIBUTING TO BLACK LED ORGANIZATIONS DURING NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS IS A TEXAS BASED NONPROFIT WHOSE MISSION IS TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS THROUGH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY, ADVOCACY SUPPORT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WITH THE OBJECTIVE TO REDUCE STRESS, FOSTER CONFIDENCE AS FAMILIES NAVIGATE THE COMPLEX CARE SYSTEM. WE STAND AT THE INTERSECTION OF A MAJOR SHIFT IN WHAT WE CAN DO WITH TECHNOLOGY.
WE CAN LEAVE THE REDUCING OF DISPARITY CONFUSION CREATED IN THE HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES SYSTEM FOR IT WAS CREATED BASED ON OUR FAMILY'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.
AND WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE, EDUCATE, AND USE TECHNOLOGY TO INCREASE AND EMPOWER THE FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX NEEDS. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THIS
OPPORTUNITY. >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, MR. HICKS.
THANK YOU. >> TO JUDGE AND IN HER ABSENCE AND ALL COMMISSIONERS, GOOD MORNING THANK YOU FOR THIS VITAL RESIGNATION RECOGNIZING AUGUST AS NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH. I SERVE AS THE BOARD CHAIR OF THE GREATER HOUSTON BLACK CHAMBER.
I'M A PROUD LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER RIGHT HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 90 YEARS, THE GREATER HOUSTON BLACK CHAMBER HAS STOOD SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH OUR REGION'S ENTREPRENEURS AS THEY DRIVE INNOVATION, CREATE JOBS, AND BUILD GENERATIONAL WEALTH THAT STRENGTHENS OUR ENTIRE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
WE DEEPLY APPRECIATE PRECINCT 4 AND THIS ENTIRE COURT FOR CHAMPION LOCAL ENTERPRISES ENSURING OUR DIVERSE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS A SEAT AT THE TABLE WE KNOW THERE IS SIGNIFICANT WORK TO BE DONE TO ACHIEVE TRUE EQUITY AND OPPORTUNITY, WE ARE SO HAPPY TO HAVE YOU RIGHT ON OUR SIDE AS WE ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES TO DO THAT WORK.
WE PROUDLY ACCEPT THIS RESOLUTION AND LOOK FORWARD TO BRINGING AND BUILDING A STRONGER MORE PROSPEROUS HARRIS COUNTY TOGETHER. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP, THANK YOU.
>> ALL RIGHT THAT CONCLUDES ALL THE RESOLUTIONS.
WE RECOGNIZE JUDGE HILDALGO THREE RESOLUTIONS.
WHERE ARE WE AT? >> WE NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE
ALL RESOLUTIONS FOR. >> IS THERE A MOTION?
>> ALL OPPOSED MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY INCLUDING COMMISSIONER ELLIS. ANY OTHER ITEMS OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS? ALL RIGHT.
IT IS 10:40.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.