[00:00:08]
>> WE WILL GO AHEAD AND GET STARTED.
IT IS NOW FIVE AFTER, AND WE WILL CONVENE BUSINESS COURT, COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ORDER, AND I AM PRESIDING OVER TODAY IN LIEU OF JUDGE HAD ALL GO. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER.
[Appearances before court]
>> GOOD MORNING. >> WE WILL ADDRESS ALL SPEAKERS EXCEPT THOSE SPEAKING ON RESOLUTIONS WHICH REQUIRE A SEPARATE VOTE. TIFFANY, CAN YOU INTRODUCE OUR SPEAKERS WHO HAVE JOINED US THIS MORNING?
>> CHRISTOPHER JENKINS ON ITEM 90A.
>> GOOD MORNING, CHRISTOPHER JENKINS, NATIVE HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENT. PREVIOUSLY, LAST FEW YEARS, I SPOKE ABOUT MY OLD BUSINESS. OUR ISSUE IS IN REGARDS TO IT -- FORMER JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, RUNNING FOR REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COURT NUMBER THREE. I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THIS BECAUSE I RAISED THESE ISSUES AGAINST THIS INDIVIDUAL IN THE PAST. THIS PERSON'S CONDUCT HAS HARMED MANY LIVES THROUGH ILLEGAL EVICTIONS.
TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER, PERMANENT INJUNCTION.
WE NEED REAL TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY.
WHEN WE HAVE BAD JUDGES. I WILL CALL HIM A BAD JUDGE.
I KNOW THAT THIS IS OLD BUSINESS, LIKE I SAID.
PEOPLE'S LIVES HAVE CHANGED BECAUSE THEY GOT EVICTED INTO HOMELESSNESS. SOME PEOPLE -- GO.
>> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM A POLICY ATTORNEY WITH TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT. THIS COURT JUST APPROVED A BUDGET THAT PAYS ELECTED OFFICIALS OVER $300,000 NEXT YEAR. 129% INCREASE SINCE 2024, MORE THAN THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES MAKES.
NOW THAT IT HAS BEEN DEBATED, CONSTABLES ARE ATTEMPTING ANOTHER BITE INTO THE APPLE. 20 NEW CONSTABLE STUFF AFTER THE BUDGET HAS ALREADY BEEN FINALIZED IS VERY CONCERNING TO US IN THE COUNTY IS FACING A $130 MILLION BUDGET DEFICIT NEXT YEAR. WHERE THE FUNDING WILL BE ALLOCATED FROM NOT ONLY NOW BUT IN THE FUTURE.
EVEN IF THE CONSTABLES USE THE SURPLUS FOR THE PERMANENT POSITIONS THIS YEAR, IF THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH FUNDING IN THE FUTURE, THE COURT COULD BE ON THE HOOK TO FILL IN THE GAP, SO THE COURT COULD BE SETTING ITSELF UP TO ALLOCATE MORE FUNDING. IT COULD BE SPENT ON CRIME PREVENTION AND DEVELOPING THE COMMUNITY SAFETY DEPARTMENT --
>> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> COMMISSIONER, THAT IS ALL THAT HAVE SHOWN UP.
[Departments]
>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. >> WE HAVE 191 ITEMS ON TODAY'S AGENDA ALL OF WHICH ARE ROUTINE WITH POLICIES.
THERE ARE A FEW UPDATES ON THE AGENDA.
REQUESTING NO ACTION ON ITEM 123.
NO ACTION ON ITEMS 164 AND 165. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ANY OF THE REMAINING ITEMS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE RESOLUTION, PLEASE SAY SO NOW, AND THEY WILL BE PLACED ON THE NOVEMBER 12 MEETING SO THAT ALL MEMBERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION.
>> I HAVE GOT SOME. >> MOTIONED TO PROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE THAT COMMISSIONER RAMSEY WANTS TO HAVE A SECOND VOTE ON.
>> SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER, I APOLOGIZE.
IDENTIFY THE SPECIFIC ITEMS. >> 65, 84, 188.
WE WILL TAKE SEPARATE VOTES ON THOSE.
IS THERE A MOTION WITH EXCEPTION OF THOSE?
>> THE MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
[00:05:03]
>> 3-1 VOTE. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE?
>> VOTED YES ON THE RESOLUTIONS. DID WE JUST APPROVED GOES?
>> WE ARE ABOUT TO APPROVE THOSE.
SO WE HAVE RESOLUTIONS TO TAKE THE ORDER THIS MORNING, SO WE WILL BEGIN WITH SPEAKERS FOR ALL RESOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THE
YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> BLESS YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING, I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF OLIVIA RIVERS, CEO OF THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.
AS AN ADVOCATE ABOVE ALL ELSE, OLIVIA WOULD BE REMISS IF SHE DID NOT ALSO OFFER A CHALLENGE. STATISTICS OUTLINED REPRESENT AND SURVIVORS DESPERATELY SEEKING SAFETY IN A SYSTEM THAT OFTEN LACKS THE RESOURCES TO RESPOND.
AWARENESS IS IMPORTANT, BUT AWARENESS WITHOUT ACTION WILL NOT SAVE LIVES. AS OUR ORGANIZATIONS FACE UNPRECEDENTED FUNDING CHALLENGES, WE NEED STRONGER OFFENDER ACCOUNTABILITY AND DECEIT AT THE TABLE FOR FRONTLINE AGENCIES. DECISIONS AFFECTING SURVIVORS ARE BEING MADE, LET THIS RESOLUTION REFLECT NOT ONLY ARE CONCERNED THAT OUR COMMITMENT TO TANGIBLE ACTIONS THAT PROTECT AND HONOR SURVIVORS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. GOOD MORNING, BARBIE.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM GOING TO BE JUST A VERY BRIEF. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I WANT TO ECHO THE WORDS THAT WE HEARD BEFORE ME AND THE ACTION AND LEADERSHIP THAT YOU ALL HAVE SHOWN IN THIS COUNTY IS TRULY LEADING THE WAY. I JUST CAME FROM A CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN YESTERDAY AND WE PRESENTED ON FLEXIBLE FUNDING AND WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE. LOTS OF INTEREST.
AND OUR COUNTY IS INVESTING IN THIS WAY.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AS WELL.
>> I APOLOGIZE. I DID NOT SEE THE COMMISSIONER
ON CUE. >> I WILL SPEAK AFTER HER.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM THE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION MANAGER AT THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH. IT IS MORE THAN A STATISTIC.
IT IMPACTS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN THE WAY THAT IT CAN LAST A LIFETIME. WE PROVIDE ADVOCACY AND CRISIS SUPPORT. WITH MIDTERM ELECTIONS APPROACHING I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING ELECTED LEADERS LIKE YOU ALL, INCLUDING OUR COMMISSIONERS WHO STAND WITH SURVIVORS AND RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES. THE DECISIONS THEIR LEADERS MAKE ABOUT FUNDING, RESOURCES, AND COMMUNITY PRIORITIES ARE DIRECTLY AFFECTED. WHETHER FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO THE SUPPORT THAT THEY NEED. EVERY SURVIVOR DESERVES TO BE HEARD, AND EVERY CHILD DESERVES SAFETY.
EVERY FAMILY DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAL.
I HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT SUPPORT REMAINS A PRIORITY IN OUR COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND FOR STANDING WITH SURVIVORS.
>> RESOLUTION JOINTLY BY THEM. >> THANK YOU TO THE SPEAKERS WHO ARE HERE ON THIS CRITICAL TOPIC AND THANK YOU TO JUDGE HIDALGO AND HER TEAM FOR THEIR PARTNERSHIP ON THIS RESOLUTION.
ALL OF US ARE DEEPLY COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THIS WORK IN PARTNERSHIP. WE KNOW WE HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. HARRIS COUNTY LEADS THE STATE IN INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND HOMICIDES.
THE LARGEST SOURCE OF CALLS FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARE RELATED TO FAMILY VIOLENCE AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE.
AND WE KNOW THAT ONE IN THREE TEXANS WILL EXPERIENCE FAMILY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, AND WE KNOW THIS AFFECTS ALL OF OUR COMMUNITIES ACROSS RACIAL LINES, ETHNIC LINES.
ACROSS ECONOMIC LINES. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, AND IN ADDITION TO THESE INVESTMENTS WHICH WE HAVE ALL BEEN PROUD TO SUPPORT, INCLUDING THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE
[00:10:01]
FUND, $11.1 MILLION IS THE CURRENT BALANCE.DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. SEAN AND ALL OF HIS TEAM, I THINK THEM. $1.75 MILLION INVESTMENT.
THE CAMPUS EXPANSION. WE WERE PROUD TO INVEST THEIR FUNDS TO HELP WITH THAT. AND THE FAMILY VIOLENCE CORESPONSE TEAM THAT WE HAVE ACTIVATED RECENTLY WITH OUR HARRIS COUNTY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL.
$2.75 MILLION. I'M VERY THANKFUL.
WITH THESE NUMBERS, THEY ARE HELPFUL, BUT THEY ARE JUST NOT ENOUGH, GIVEN THE VOLUME OF A PROBLEM.
I APPRECIATE THAT YOU ALL ARE ON THE FRONT LINES EVERY DAY WORKING WITH NONPROFITS ACROSS THE REGION, WORKING WITH PLACES OF WORSHIP, SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION, BUT ULTIMATELY, THE EDUCATION PIECE, RIGHT? TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR KIDS KNOW WHAT IS HEALTHY AND WHAT IS NOT, WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE, WHAT PROTECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE SURVIVORS AND WHAT LOOKS HEALTHY AS OUR KIDS START ENTERING INTO RELATIONSHIPS.
I KNOW I AM SMILING AT THE DIRECTOR WHO I KNOW CHAMPIONS THIS, ESPECIALLY WITH OUR YOUTH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SO MANY OF Y'ALL, AND WE WANT TO DO MORE NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS BUT COALESCING RESOURCES SO THAT WE CAN JUST CONTINUE FIGHTING THIS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT AND CRITICAL ISSUE, SO WITH THAT, THANK YOU.
THERE'S SO MANY LEADERS IN THIS SPACE, SO I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE COLLABORATION. THE MORE WE WORK TOGETHER, HOPEFULLY THE MORE PROGRESS WE CAN MAKE.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS ONE OF THE MOST URGENT CHALLENGES FACING HARRIS COUNTY FAMILIES.
AS STATED, VIOLENT CRIME ACROSS THE COUNTY HAS DECREASED, DOMESTIC ABUSE AND HOMICIDES HAVE INCREASED.
THIS IS WHY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY IS JOINING WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THE PROTECTIVE ORDER EXTENDED TEAM.
IT IS A PROGRAM DEVELOPED BY THE DAS TEAM TO HELP SURVIVORS NAVIGATE THE PROTECTIVE ORDER PROCESS AND ACCESS CRUCIAL SERVICES. WE ARE BUILDING ONE TOGETHER, JOINING THEIR TEAM, DRAWING ON THEIR FRAMEWORK AND EXPERTISE TO HELP EXTEND SERVICES TO MORE SURVIVORS.
THAT IS OUR SHARED GOAL, TO PROTECT MORE VICTIMS, SUPPORT MORE FAMILIES, CREATE A UNIFIED RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE COUNTY. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR
ATTENTION TO THIS. >> THANK YOU.
THANKS TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR JOINING SOURCES WITH OUR DISTRICT ATTORNEY.
BECAUSE WE NEED TO BE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IN THIS PROGRAM. IT WILL BE INCREDIBLY IMPACTFUL,
>> ALSO I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO PRETRIAL SERVICES.
FOR THE SUPPORT AND OUR ENHANCEMENT OF OUR ELECTRONIC MONITORING, WHICH WILL NOW BE -- YES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THAT. GIVING OUR SURVIVORS AN ADDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION AGAINST OF THEIR OFFENDERS.
SO GRATEFUL THAT WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS.
AS THE COMMISSIONER SAID, MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE PARTNERS LIKE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, PRETRIAL SERVICES AND OTHERS, LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY, I THINK THAT PROGRESS IS WELL UNDERWAY, SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
NEXT, WE HAVE A RESOLUTION BY THE JUDGE AT --
>> THERE'S MORE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ONE.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM RECENTLY MARRIED.
I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -- THANK YOU FOR THE HARD WORK THAT YOU ALL ARE DOING TO SUPPORT THIS CAUSE.
OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.
IT DOES NOT STOP FOR US. IT IS SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR. SO WHEN THE WORLD STOPS BECAUSE OF A DISASTER OR THERE'S A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, TURNING POINTS AND OTHER AGENCIES ARE SERVING SURVIVORS BECAUSE IT IS WHERE PEOPLE CAN FIND SOME SOLACE IN THEIR HOMES, A LOT OF THOSE WHO WE SERVE CANNOT, SO WE ARE VERY THANKFUL FOR THE RESOLUTION.
[00:15:06]
IN THIS AWESOME COURT SYSTEM FOR INVESTING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO HELP US FIGHT THIS FIGHT. IF YOU NEED HELP, PLEASE CALL>> THANK YOU, MS. WARNER. >> GOOD MORNING.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM THE DIRECTOR OF THE ANTIVIOLENCE PROGRAM WHERE WE SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER FORMS OF VIOLENCE IN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES. IT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE BY GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR IDENTITY.
SURVIVORS OFTEN FACE ADDITIONAL BARRIERS TO SAFETY INCLUDING DISCRIMINATION, BEING MISUNDERSTOOD, AND LIMITED ACCESS TO AFFIRMING SERVICES. WE MUST ENSURE THAT SURVIVORS ARE -- AWARENESS MEANS RECOGNIZING THAT ABUSE CAN HAPPEN IN ANY RELATIONSHIP, AND EVERY SURVIVOR DESERVES SUPPORT.
WITHOUT FEAR, DISCRIMINATION, OR JUDGMENT.
RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE THAT EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE BELIEVED, SUPPORTIVE, REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY ARE OR WHAT THEY BELIEVE. I URGE YOU TO PASS THIS RESOLUTION. THANK YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING. HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE. THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH.
AS A BUREAU THAT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY ABUSE, WE DEEPLY APPRECIATE THIS ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
AWARENESS IS ESSENTIAL, BUT PAIRING IT WITH ACTION THROUGH SUPPORT, RESOURCES, THAT IS TRULY WHAT CHANGES LIVES.
WE ARE GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT TAKES THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY AND STANDS WITH SURVIVORS.
ALSO REFLECTS THE WORK OF THE PROTECTIVE ORDER EXTENDED TEAM.
IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING FOR SURVIVORS.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ABBEY CAYMAN AND THE D.A.'S OFFICE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BUREAU CHIEF, MARY MCFADDEN, WE HAVE STREAMLINED SUPPORT AND REDUCED BARRIERS TO OBTAINING PROTECTION. TOGETHER, THESE EFFORTS HELP
INCREASE -- >> THANK YOU, YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH. THIS YEAR, 25 YEARS OF SERVING SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
HOUSTON IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE CITIES IN AMERICA.
YET, SURVIVORS WHO ARE ASIAN, MIDDLE EASTERN, NORTH AFRICAN COMMUNITIES, LANGUAGE BARRIERS, IMMIGRATION CONCERNS MAKE IT MOST DIFFICULT. WE WANT TO BRIDGE THOSE GAPS AND MAKE SURE NO SURVIVOR IS LEFT BEHIND.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING EVERY SURVIVOR HAS A
PATHWAY TO SAFETY. >> WONDERFUL.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. ALL RIGHT.
ANYONE ELSE? >> COMMISSIONER, DID YOU WANT TO KEEP GOING WITH THE REST OF THE RESOLUTION SPEAKERS?
>> YES. >> OKAY, DR. ERICA BROWN ON ITEMS 181 AND 189. MARK ROBINSON.
DR. JAMIE HUGHES, ITEM 182. YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE.
>> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I HAVE TO SIGN OFF.
>> COMMISSIONER, I APOLOGIZE, BEFORE YOU LEAVE, IF YOU WILL JOIN US IN RECOGNIZING A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE INCREDIBLE AND AMAZING -- WE LOST HER YESTERDAY.
SO SHE WAS A FIXTURE HERE IN THE HARRIS COUNTY AREA, PROVIDING HER VOICE AND LEADERSHIP ON SO MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES OF LIFTING UP HARDWORKING FAMILIES AND SPEAKING FOR THOSE WHO FELT SILENCED AND MARGINALIZED. AND I KNOW THAT YOU KNEW HER
[00:20:05]
PERSONALLY, COMMISSIONER. I HAVE THE HONOR OF MEETING HER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. YOU NEVER IMAGINE LOSING THEM.BUT IT IS AN UNFORTUNATE REALITY THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH, SO AS WE SENT HER OFF TO A BETTER PLACE, I ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO RECOGNIZE A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN HER HONOR.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
>> BYE, COMMISSIONER. >> HELLO, THANK YOU TO THE JUDGE IN THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. IT IS ACTUALLY THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH. RECENT DIAGNOSIS AND SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT, IT IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE.
THERE HAVE BEEN TREMENDOUS ADVANCES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE.
MANY ARE HIGHLY TREATABLE ONE CAUGHT EARLY.
CIGARETTE SMOKING IS LINKED IT TO 80 TO 90% OF ALL CANCER DEATHS. THEY CAN RECEIVE A LOW DOSE CT SCANS AS A SCREENING TEST. TO REACH ALL THOSE WHO SHOULD HAVE THIS TEST, ONE OF OUR MAIN GOALS AT THIS.
WE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO QUIT SMOKING AND BEEPING.
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR HEALTH.
WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO HELP ANY RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM A LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY FOR HARRIS COUNTY, AND I AM HERE TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT PREMATURITY MONTH PERIOD STARTS IN NOVEMBER AND REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN NOT ONLY FOR OUR COUNTY BUT NATIONALLY AS WELL. UNFORTUNATELY IN OUR COUNTY IS A LEADER IN PREMATURITY AND INFANT MORTALITY.
SINCE 2024, 7,658 BABIES AND HARRIS COUNTY WERE BORN PREMATURELY. PRETERM BIRTH DOES NOT AFFECT ALL COMMUNITIES EQUALLY. SIGNIFICANT RACIAL AND ETHNIC DISPARITIES. ACROSS TEXAS, PEOPLE EXPERIENCE HIGHER RATES, MORE THAN WHITE BIRTHING PERSONS.
IT MEANS ENSURING THAT EVERY FAMILY CAN ACCESS THE CARE AND SUPPORT THAT THEY NEED, REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND OR CIRCUMSTANCES. DESIGNATING NOVEMBER 2026 AS PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH REAFFIRMS THE COMMITMENT TO RAISING AWARENESS AND ADVANCING HEALTH OUTCOMES.
>> GOOD MORNING. I AM DR. JAMIE HUGHES, DIVISION DIRECTOR FOR COORDINATED CARE WHERE I LEAD THE TEAM.
NOVEMBER RECOGNIZES NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH, PROVIDING AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT DIABETES AND THE IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES.
NEARLY ONE IN TEN AMERICANS HAS DIABETES.
ONE IN THREE HAS PREDIABETES, MANY UNAWARE OF THEIR CONDITION.
WE SUPPORT DIABETES PREVENTION THROUGH HEALTH PROMOTION AND EDUCATION. OVER THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE EDUCATED OVER 982 INDIVIDUALS THROUGH OUR NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAMS, WE'VE EDUCATED OVER 9,700 INDIVIDUALS. WE ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO KNOW THEIR RISK FOR DIABETES AND TALK WITH THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER ABOUT OPTIONS. THIS NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH LETS US REAFFIRM OUR COMMITMENT TO PROMOTING PREVENTION AND THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF HARRIS COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR RECOGNITION.
>> NEXT IS ESTELLA ON ITEM 183. AND KENDRICK ON ITEM 187.
JACOB, ITEM 188. VERONICA, ITEM 190.
YOU EACH HAVE ONE MINUTE. >> GOOD MORNING.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO BE HERE TODAY.
THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING THE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH. PROGRAM OF HARRIS COUNTY RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS RAISING AWARENESS OF LOCAL FOSTER CHILDREN WAITING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME.
WITH THE HELP OF LOCAL BUSINESSES AND VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS, WE BRING TO LIFE THE FACES OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. CAPTURING THEIR UNIQUE
[00:25:03]
PERSONALITY AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE.THEY ARE TYPICALLY OLDER, PART OF A SIBLING GROUP, OR HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS REQUIRING MORE TARGETED EFFORTS.
CURRENTLY, IN THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA, THERE ARE MORE THAN 300 CHILDREN WAITING TO BE ADOPTED.
THIS NOVEMBER, WE NOT ONLY CELEBRATE THE FAMILIES WHO HAVE OPENED THEIR HEARTS AND HOMES, BUT WE ALSO REMEMBER THOSE CHILDREN STILL WAITING FOR A PERMANENT, LOVING HOME.
WE BELIEVE EVERY CHILD DESERVES THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, STABILITY, AND BELONGING THAT THIS PROVIDES.
>> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD?
>> YES, ESTELLA. >> WOULD YOU QUICKLY IDENTIFY
THESE BEAUTIFUL FACES? >> THESE ARE TWO ACTUAL CHILDREN HERE IN THE HOUSTON AREA THAT ARE WAITING FOR THEIR FOREVER HOME. THEY ARE GOING TO BE OLDER, NOT BABIES. USUALLY TYPICALLY FOUR AND
MY NAME -- COMMISSIONER RAMSEY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECOGNITION AND FOR CREATING A WORK ENVIRONMENT THAT HAS ALLOWED ME TO TAKE ON A CHALLENGE LIKE THIS.
YOU ENCOURAGE US TO BE MINDFUL OF OUR PERSONAL TIME AND TIME WITH FAMILY AND TO DO THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO US.
AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT. TO MY SMALL AND MIGHTY TEAM, HAVING THE PEACE OF MIND THAT YOUR TEAM CAN HANDLE BUSINESS WHEN YOU STEP AWAY IS NOT A LUXURY OFFERED AT EVERY WORKPLACE, BUT IT SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT YOUR WORK ETHIC AND TRUST READINESS. AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT SUPPORT. THE COMPETITIVE SHOOTING COMMUNITY IS SOMETHING I'VE BEEN A PART OF FOR OVER 14 YEARS.
WHILE IT CAN BE A DAUNTING SUPPORT, IT IS FILLED WITH SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I'VE EVER MET.
SOME OF THE MOST ENCOURAGING, GIVING, AND PROTECTIVE AND STAND-UP PEOPLE. IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PUT IN THE
WORK TO BETTER YOURSELF -- GO. >> CONTINUE.
>> THERE IS SOMEONE WHO WILL SHARE GEAR WITH YOU, CHALLENGE YOU TO BE A BETTER PERSON. SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE LIKE THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AS IT HAS CHANGED MINE.
CHASING THE TITLE WAS A DREAM I BURIED YEARS AGO WHEN I BECAME A MOTHER. AT THAT TIME, I WAS TOP THREE AND TOP FIVE FINISHES ACROSS MAJOR MATCHES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. I WAS STILL CLIMBING BUT STEPPED AWAY ABRUPTLY WHEN I HIT MY BREAKING POINT.
I WANTED TO WITNESS EVERY BB MILESTONE WHILE BEING GOOD AT MY JOB, KEEP THE HOUSE CLEAN. I WANTED EVERYTHING.
WHEN I GAVE IT UP, I KNEW IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT I FELT LIKE I WAS MOURNING A PIECE OF MYSELF.
I DID NOT KNOW GOD HAD OTHER PLANS FOR ME.
I DID NOT KNOW HE WOULD LEAD ME DOWN THIS PATH AGAIN, ALLOWING MY KIDS TO WITNESS THE PROCESS AND TO BE MY LITTLE TRAINING BUDDIES. I DID NOT KNOW HE WOULD LEAD ME DOWN THIS PATH ALONGSIDE SOME OF THE GREATEST SHOOTERS THE GAME HAS EVER SEEN, ONCE I HAVE IDOLIZED AND FELT IMPOSSIBLE TO EVEN SHARE A STAGE WITH, BUT MY FAVE ALLOWED ME TO BE MORE PRESENT ALONG THE WAY, AND THE TRUST IN THE PROCESS MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE AND SOLIDIFIED THAT HIS PLAN IN HIS TIMING ARE ALWAYS PERFECT. THE OTHER PART OF MY STORY THAT EXPLAINS WHY THIS MEANS SO MUCH IS I AM A FIRST-GENERATION AMERICAN MAN LIVING PROOF THAT THE AMERICAN DREAM IS REAL.
BEFORE COMING TO THE STATES, MY PREGNANT MOTHER AND YOUNGER BROTHERS WERE HELD HOSTAGE BY GUNMEN AFTER NUMEROUS MURDER ATTEMPTS WERE ALREADY MADE ON MY FATHER'S LIFE.
THIS WAS BECAUSE OF POLITICAL DIFFERENCES WITHIN THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH.
THE CHURCH PROVIDED A PATHWAY FOR MY FAMILY TO COME TO THE UNITED STATES AND BECOME CITIZENS.
MY PARENTS WORKED HARD TO ENSURE I NEVER EXPERIENCED THE POVERTY AND VIOLENCE THEY GREW UP IN. WHILE REMINDING US OF OUR ROOTS, THEY MADE SURE WE KNEW THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SAVED US. THEY NOT ONLY NAMED ME AFTER AMERICA BUT INSTILLED THIS IMMENSE PRIDE IN ME.
I BELIEVE IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE.
SO TO FLY THOSE COLORS AND TO MAKE OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYING ON THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL STAGE FOR OUR SPORT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST HONORS OF MY LIFE. I WANT TO THANK MY IN-LAWS FOR HELPING CARRY THE LOAD AT HOME. MY FAMILIES LIVES WOULD BE VERY
[00:30:05]
DIFFERENT WITHOUT THEIR LOVE AND SUPPORT, AND I-10 OUT OF 10 RECOMMEND GRANDPARENTS TO BE CLOSE TO THEIR GRANDBABIES BECAUSE IT IS GREAT FOR EVE EVERYONE.TO MY HUSBAND, I FALTERED QUITE A BIT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS FOR THIS JOURNEY. I WAS NOT SURE IF I WAS PUTTING IN ENOUGH WORK, THE RIGHT WORK AT, AND I HAVE ENDLESS MOM GUILT. I WONDERED IF I WAS CAPABLE OR WORTHY. HE BELIEVED IN ME WHEN I DID NOT BELIEVE IN MYSELF AND HELP ME TOGETHER WHEN I WAS FALLING APART. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH FOR THAT.
I THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> CONGRATULATIONS.
[APPLAUSE] >> I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THE RESOLUTION IN JUST A FEW MINUTES, BUT THIS IS WHAT WE GET TO DO. WE GET TO WORK WITH PEOPLE LIKE HER. I HAVE HEARD TESTIMONIES FROM YOU ON THE PEOPLE THAT YOU GET TO WORK WITH.
WE GET TO WORK WITH SOME AMAZING PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY THAT SHOW UP EVERY DAY TO ANSWER THE PHONE.
NOT EVERYBODY IS ALWAYS HAPPY WHEN THEY CALL YOU.
NOT EVERYBODY IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGING WHEN THEY CALL YOU, BUT WHEN THEY HANG UP WITH ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES, WHETHER THAT IS INCREASING TO TWO, THREE TREND, FOUR, THEY HAVE BEEN LISTENED TO AND ENCOURAGED BECAUSE THERE'S PEOPLE LIKE AMERY ON THE OTHER END OF THE PHONE.
A WORLD CHAMPION. WE ALWAYS KIND OF THINK HARRIS COUNTY IS PRETTY TOP. WE THINK TEXAS IS TOPS.
WE KNOW AMERICA IS TOPS. BUT WHEN YOU ARE A PERSON THAT REPRESENTS US, GOING TO GREECE, WINNING A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, THAT'S JUST PRETTY AMAZING. I WILL READ THE RESOLUTION IN A MINUTE. AND IN THE SPIRIT OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WILL TRY NOT FOR IT TO BE A ROAST.
THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. >> LET ME ALSO SAY, I HAVE WITNESSED THIS YOUNG LADY IS SKILLS, AND CONGRATULATIONS.
I CANNOT IMAGINE JUST HOW MUCH IT TOOK TO GET THERE.
BUT THANK YOU FOR REPRESENTING US.
AND FOR DOING IT WITH INCREDIBLE STYLE.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
>> YES, CONGRATULATIONS. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WORDS.
POWERFUL AND DEEPLY MOVING TO MYSELF AND ALL OF US.
AND TO BRING HOME THE GOLD FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE PRIDE THAT YOUR FAMILY FEELS.
WE ARE HONORED TO KNOW YOU AND SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY ALONGSIDE YOU. CONGRATULATIONS.
ALL RIGHT, ANYONE ELSE? ALL RIGHT.
HEY, COME ON UP. GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> GOOD TO SEE YOU TOO. >> THANK YOU.
I AM HERE WITH MY FAMILY TODAY AND I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE RESOLUTION RELATED TO MY FATHER WHO RECENTLY PASSED.
I KNOW THAT MY FATHER WORKED WITH YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HONORING HIM.
HE W WAS A MAN BIGGER THAN ANYOE MAY EVEN KNOW OR CAN IMAGINE.
THE THINGS THAT HE DID AS A YOUNG CHILD GROWING UP, YOU DON'T ALWAYS NECESSARILY RECOGNIZE WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU ARE IN. I HAVE THE HONOR OF GOING UP TO THE CAPITAL WHEN I WAS IN SIXTH GRADE, WORKING AS -- WHAT DO THEY CALL THEM? ONE OF THE INDIVIDUALS ALONG THE PAGES -- AND TO GET TO SEE HOW AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE, AS MY FATHER WAS A STATE REPRESENTATIVE, THEY WORKED AND WORKED ACROSS THE AISLE. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS -- THANK YOU -- DO YOU SEE, TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE PANHANDLE AND BE A PART OF HIS MEDIA. AND AS I CONTINUE TO GROW, AND ALL OF US CAN SAY THAT'S GOING TO AND OPERATIONS, GETTING TO PARTICIPATE, IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO LEARN, AND THEN AFTER EVEN MY GROWTH AND AFTER COLLEGE, AS I'M WORKING ON MY CAREER, I THINK WE CAN ALL SAY FOR ALL OF US, MY FATHER WAS OUR
[00:35:01]
ROCK OF GIBRALTAR. THE ONE WE CAN ALWAYS RELY ON HIM. HE OUR PLUMBER.THEN WE STARTED TO LEARN THAT THE DATA WE KNEW, THE PLUMBER, THE STATE REP, THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE.
HE WAS AN INNOVATOR. HE WAS THE ONE THAT CREATED METHODOLOGIES THAT BECAME INTERNATIONAL WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE PLUMBERS UNION BECAUSE AS YOU MAY WELL KNOW, HE WAS A MANAGER FOR THE PLUMBERS UNION, SO NOT ONLY DID HE DO THAT, BUT IN THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY, THE LICENSING, ALL OF THAT EDUCATION. THAT WAS MY DAD.
SO I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR HONORING HIM TODAY BECAUSE I KNOW THIS IS A BIG LOSS FOR US. WE DON'T HAVE THAT MAN TO CALL ANYMORE. JUST RECENTLY I HAD PLUMBING ISSUES, AND I'M LIKE WHERE'S MY DAD? IT MEANS SO MUCH THAT YOU ALL ARE HONORING HIM BECAUSE HE IS PART OF US. MY SISTER, NIECE AND NEPHEW, OTHERS WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO JOIN US BECAUSE THEY ARE OUT OF TOWN.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RESOLUTION, HONORING MY FATHER,
THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE. >> THANK YOU.
LET ME JUST SAY THAT YOUR POP WAS JUST AN INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING. NEVER SAW HIM HAVE A BAD DAY.
ALWAYS KIND AND GRACIOUS WITH A SMILE.
AND LET ME JUST SAY, THE FRUIT DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.
YOU REPRESENT HIM SO WELL. I KNOW THAT HE IS JUST SO PROUD OF YOU. HIS SPIRIT LIVES IN YOU.
THANK YOU FOR BEAMING THAT OUT ON THE REST OF US.
>> YES, KENDRA, TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR FATHER WITH HARRIS COUNTY AND THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS.
I KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ADORE HIM. I KNOW HE IS SMILING DOWN FROM HEAVEN WITH SUCH LOVE AND PRIDE AT YOU.
TO THINK OF YOUR FATHER WHO SERVED OUR NATION IN THE NAVY, THEN SERVED SIX TERMS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND WHO WAS A LEADER WHEN HE WAS THERE, A LEADER AMONGST LEADERS, HELPING TO LEAVE THE MILITARY AND VETERANS COMMUNITIES, ALWAYS MAKING SURE HE WAS FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE AND MAKING THINGS BETTER. HIS QUESTION OF HOW ARE WE GOING TO FIX IT? TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT, ALWAYS FIGHTING FOR OTHERS. AS A UNION PLUMBER, FIGHTING FOR UNION FAMILIES, PROTECTIONS, FAIR WAGES, SAFETY, AND BEYOND.
PUBLIC SERVICE IN YOUR HEART AND IN YOUR BLOOD.
I GET TO SEE IT EVERY DAY BECAUSE WE GET TO WORK TOGETHER, AND TO SEE YOU AS ONE OF OUR TRUSTEES, HOW ARE YOU ARE JUST REPRESENTING OUR FAMILIES AND OUR STUDENTS, GIVES ME SO MUCH PRIDE TO CALL YOU A FRIEND AND TEAM MEMBER.
YOUR DAD, FOR THE 89 YEARS THAT HE BLESSED OF THIS EARTH WITH HIS SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP, I KNOW YOU MISS THEM SO VERY MUCH, AND I KNOW HE IS SMILING DOWN FROM HEAVEN WITH PRIDE, SO OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
GODSPEED, MY FRIEND. HE WAS SOMEONE WHO WHEN HE LED TO, HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE BENEFITED, AND I KNOW THAT Y'ALL HERE ARE DOING THAT, SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THAT IN YOUR MIND AS YOU GOVERN.
THE DECISION THAT YOU MAKE AND OTHER LEADERS MAKE CAN HAVE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE -- AS MY DAD SAID, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAVE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR LEADING IN THAT SAME FASHION.
LEADERS NEED TO BE THINKING ABOUT EVERYBODY.
>> THANK YOU. >> QUICKLY, DID NOT KNOW -- REPRESENTATIVE DID NOT KNOW YOUR DATA.
I KNEW OF HIM. HE REPRESENTED A LEGACY OF COMMON SENSE. A LEGACY OF WHY DON'T WE GET SOMETHING DONE? RATHER THAN MAYBE WHAT WE SEE TODAY. WHERE THERE IS MORE FUSSING AND
[00:40:01]
FIGHTING RATHER THAN ANYTHING PRODUCTIVE.WE WILL REMEMBER THAT. MAYBE ONE DAY TO THE POINT THAT WE ALL SHOW UP AND FUNCTION AS HE DID.
YOUR NAME HAS THAT ENCOURAGEMENT IN TERMS OF WHY DON'T WE FIGURE THIS OUT, MAKE GOOD, PRACTICAL DECISIONS.
ON BEHALF OF A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT DID NOT KNOW YOUR FATHER BUT KNEW OF HIM, KNEW WHAT HE DID, THANK YOU.
>> I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE TODAY'S RESOLUTION POSSIBLE AND EVERYONE WHO HAS TAKEN THE TIME TO BE HERE. ONE THING -- EXCUSE ME.
>> IT'S ALL RIGHT. >> ONE THING -- SORRY.
I DID NOT CRY WHEN I PRACTICE. [LAUGHS] ONE THING I WOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT MY GRANDFATHER WAS HIS VOICE. HE HAD A SOOTHING -- I CAN'T READ. HE HAD THIS DEEP VOICE, AND IT DID NOT PARTICULARLY MATTER WHAT HE WAS SAYING.
THERE WAS JUST SOMETHING COMFORTING ABOUT HEARING HIM SPEAK. WE ALL CARRY DIFFERENT PIECES OF WHO THEY ARE. SOME WILL REMEMBER HIS LEADERSHIP, OTHERS, HIS FRIENDSHIP, KINDNESS, OR THE DIFFERENCE HE MADE IN THEIR LIVES.
FAMILY WILL CARRY MEMORIES OF THE MAN WE SIMPLY KNEW AS PAPA.
I REMEMBER SEEING HOW MANY PEOPLE CAME TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE. IT WAS CLEAR THAT HIS IMPACT REACHED FAR BEYOND HIS FAMILY. REMEMBERING HIM ONCE AGAIN, ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL REMINDER OF THAT, SO THANK YOU FOR HONORING NOT ONLY THE WORK THAT HE DID BUT THE LIFE HE LIVED IN THE PEOPLE THAT HE TOUCHED ALONG THE WAY.
>> CAN YOU PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD?
>> LEXUS YARBOROUGH. >> ALL RIGHT.
>> IF YOU HAVE A LOT ALREADY, GO OUT AND VOTE.
THE RESOLUTION, SO CLOSE TO HALLOWEEN WHERE PEOPLE ARE CONSIDERED TO BE FREAKS AND OUT OF THE ORDINARY.
HERE GOES. >> WE SHOULD HAVE A GIANT
WELCOME MAT OUT FRONT. >> VOTED AGAINST CRACKING DOWN ON CARTELS. AGAINST SENTENCES FOR --
>> SORRY. >> IT IS NOT CANCELED PLANS.
>> CALLING IS FEELING THE PANIC OF ONBOARDING.
>> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU. YOUR TIME IS UP.
>> THANK YOU. HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN, SIR.
>> VERONICA. >> ANYMORE SPEAKERS?
ALL. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS COURT. I AM HERE TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR THE YEARS MY FATHER WAS ABLE TO WORK HERE.
UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF COMMISSIONER, LESLEY BRIONES.
THANK YOU FOR THE MANY TIMES HE WAS MADE TO FEEL LIKE FAMILY.
I KNOW HE WOULD WANT ME TO EXPRESS HOW PROUD HE WAS TO BE PART OF THIS. GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN PART OF YOUR TEAM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ACTS OF KINDNESS THAT HAVE EXTENDED BEYOND WORK.
IT HAS FELT LIKE AN EXTENDED FAMILY, AND FOR THAT, WE WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL. IF I MAY, LESLEY BRIONES, HE WAS SO PROUD TO HAVE MET YOU ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE.
BUT HE REALLY TOOK PRIDE OF WHERE YOU CAME FROM.
MY FATHER IS NATIVE, AND TO HAVE MET YOU, HE WOULD SPEAK OF YOU VERY HIGHLY. SO THANK YOU FOR TREATING HIM SO KINDLY. HE CHERISHED THAT.
[00:45:03]
I WILL SHARE SOME WORDS IN A SECOND, BUT HE MEANT SO MUCH TO
US. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS COURT. I AM FROM THE SENIOR EDUCATION CENTER. IT IS AN HONOR TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR -- AT THE SAME TIME, DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO WORDS WHAT THE LOSS MEANS TO US WHO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING HIM AND WORKING ALONGSIDE HIM. HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HIS COLLEAGUE FOR SEVEN YEARS, AND THREE OF THOSE AS HIS MANAGER.
I GET TO KNOW HIM NOT ONLY AS A COWORKER BUT SOMEONE WHO CARED ABOUT HIS WORK, HIS TEAM, AND THE PEOPLE AROUND HIM.
MARTIN WAS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO WENT BEYOND JUST BEING AN ASSISTANT. HE HELPED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CENTER WAS WELCOMING AND SAFE. HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HIS JOB IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST MAINTAINING A BUILDING.
HE MEANT SOMETHING TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE WHO DEPENDED ON HIM. AND HE DID THAT IN HIS OWN WAY.
THESE THINGS MAY SEEM SMALL TO SOME BUT NOT WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON PEOPLE. SOMETIMES A FRIENDLY FACE, GOOD SMILE, SMALL IMPACT OF KINDNESS IS EXACTLY WHAT SOMEONE NEEDS.
HE UNDERSTOOD THAT AND GAVE THOSE MOMENTS.
LOSING A COLLEAGUE IS NEVER EASY.
WHEN YOU WORK WITH SOMEONE DAY AFTER DAY, THEY BECOME A PART OF YOUR ROUTINE AND A PART OF YOUR LIFE.
SORRY. YOU GET USED TO SEEING THEM, TALKING WITH HIM, LAUGHING WITH THEM, KNOWING THEY ARE THERE.
THEIR ABSENCE IS FELT IN MANY WAYS.
MERTON'S ABSENCE IS CERTAINLY FELT AMONG HIS COWORKERS AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY HE SERVED.
HIS LEGACY LIVES ON IN THE PEOPLE THAT HE HELPED, THE COWORKERS HE SUPPORTED, AND THE FAMILY WHO LOVED HIM AND WILL CONTINUE TO CARRY HIS MEMORY FORWARD.
I'M GRATEFUL I HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ALONGSIDE OF MARTIN AND TO SERVE AS HIS MANAGER.
IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO KNOW HIM, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO REMEMBER THE WARMTH AND HUMANITY HE BROUGHT TO OUR TEAM.
AS WE HONOR HIM THROUGH THIS RESOLUTION, WE RECOGNIZE ONLY THE YEARS THAT HE GAVE TO HARRIS COUNTY BUT ALSO THE LIVES THAT HE'D TOUCHED ALONG THE WAY. HE MADE US BETTER AND STRONGER AND THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND HIM A LITTLE BETTER.
MAY HIS FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING HE WAS DEEPLY VALUED, THAT HE MADE A DIFFERENCE, AND HE WILL BE REMEMBERED.
>> IF YOU COULD PLEASE STAY FOR ONE SECOND, OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. TO YOU AND YOUR SISTERS.
SIGNORA MARIA, WE ALL LOVED HIM. MARTIN REPRESENTED THE BEST OF SERVICE WITH LOVE. HE REPRESENTED THE BEST OF FINDING JOY, TAKING SO MUCH PRIDE IN HIS WORK.
THE WAY HE MADE EVERYONE WHO HE INTERACTED WITH FEEL.
TRULY UNPARALLELED. THE WAY HE WOULD DRESS UP AS SANTA CLAUS FOR THE HOLIDAYS OR SUPERMEN FOR HALLOWEEN.
JUST CONSTANTLY BRINGING JOY IN BRINGING SMILES TO PEOPLE.
HE DID HIS WORK WITH SUCH TREMENDOUS LOVE.
WE TALK ABOUT HUSTLE AND HIGHER STANDARDS.
TO YOUR POINT, WE ARE FROM THE SAME PLACE.
TO COME FROM THE BORDER. TO THEN FIND OURSELVES, HAVE OUR PATHS CROSS, SOMETHING THAT I CHERISHED AND HE WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME ABOUT HIS DAUGHTERS AND GRANDCHILDREN.
HE WAS SO PROUD OF HIS FAMILY AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU ALL HAVE ACHIEVED AND WILL CONTINUE ACHIEVING.
I KNOW MY PURSE AND WITH SAME NAME, THINK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP. AND I KNOW HE IS MISSED EVERY SINGLE DAY, SO WE ARE HONORED TO HONOR YOUR FATHER AND WE HOPE THAT THE FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF THE PRECINCT BECAUSE WE HAVE NOTHING BUT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR YOUR FATHER AND APPRECIATE YOU SHARING HIM WITH HARRIS COUNTY.
I KNOW HE IS LOOKING DOWN FROM HEAVEN WITH SO MUCH LOVE AND PRIDE. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.
[00:50:02]
WE ARE HONORED TO HONOR HIM IN YOUR FAMILY TODAY.>> GOD BLESS YOU ALL. ALL RIGHT, ANYONE ELSE?
>> THAT'S ALL THE SPEAKERS, COMMISSIONER.
WE NEED A VOTE ON ALL THE RESOLUTIONS.
>> WE CAN TAKE THEM ALTOGETHER. >> 180 THROUGH 187, 188 HAS
ALREADY BEEN VOTED ON. >> THE RESOLUTIONS REMAINING.
THE MOTION HAS BEEN MADE. ALL IN FAVOR?
>> AYE. >> CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ALL RIGHT, IT IS NOW
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.