Apr 28, 2020 Commissioners Court

IT'S 10:01 A.M.

[00:00:02]

[Call to Order]

GOOD MORNING, YOUR HONOR.

THIS WEEK IT IS THE PRIVILEGE OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO INTRODUCE OUR PASTORS.

AND SO I'LL LET HIM DO THAT INTRODUCTION.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

WE'RE BLESSED TO HAVE TWO PASTORS TODAY.

AND WITH ALL THIS GOING ON IN THE WORLD, WE NEED A DOUBLE OR TRIPLE BLESSING, WHATEVER WE CAN GET.

THE WRIGHTS, A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM THAT CO PASTORS OF THE FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE CHURCH.

THEY LET THE CHURCH OF MORE THAN 24,700 MEMBERS SINCE ITS FOUNDING BACK IN 1991.

BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND CIVICALLY ACTIVE, LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.

PASTOR REMUS WRIGHT SERVES ON THE BOARD OF THE MADISON HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE, THE WESTLAND YMCA.

HE ALSO SERVES AS THE SPIRITUAL ADVISOR TO OUR NEIGHBORING FRIENDS OVER AT THE FORT BEND COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AS WELL AS ADVISOR TO MANY ENTERTAINERS AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES. HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN ESTABLISHING THREE CHURCHES IN ZIMBABWE WHILE SUPPORTING THE FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE IN NIGERIA.

FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE IN BAHIA, BRAZIL.

AND MANY LOCAL CHURCHES PAST.

AMIRIGHT IS ALSO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY AT THE FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE, AND SHE LEADS THE VOLUNTEER MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH.

SHE'S ALSO A DIRECTOR OF METAMORPHOSIS INCORPORATED, A WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION.

SHE PARTICIPATED IN A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM ON THE HISTORY AND RELEVANCE OF THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH IN TUNISIA, NORTH AFRICA.

SHE WAS NAMED AS ONE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON'S CONVERSATIONALISTS HOUSTON'S TOP 30 WOMEN.

ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL PERSONS IN OUR CITY OF THE YEAR, NOMINATED BY STREAMING FAITH INC., WAS A FEATURED CITIZEN IN 2010 WHO'S WHO AND IN BLACK HOUSTON.

THEY'RE BOTH GREAT SPIRITUAL LEADERS AND DEAR FRIENDS.

WOULD YOU PLEASE WELCOME THEM TO GIVE US OUR PRAYERS? GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE HIDALGO.

WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO BE ABLE TO PRAY FOR TODAY'S MEETING AND AS WELL FOR OUR CITY AND OUR NATION.

SHALL WE PRAY? HEAVENLY FATHER, WE KNOW THAT THE WORD OF GOD SAYS BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.

AND SO TODAY, OUR HEARTS ARE TURNED TO YOU AS OUR GUIDE, OUR HELPER, OUR STRENGTH IN TIMES OF CRISIS, SUCH AS TODAY, WHERE OUR WHOLE WORLD IS FACING A PANDEMIC AND WE ARE STILL UNCERTAIN OF WHAT THINGS SHOULD BE DONE, WE KNOW THAT YOUR WISDOM WILL GUIDE US.

WE KNOW THAT YOUR HAND IS MERCIFUL.

SO WE PRAY TODAY FOR YOUR HEALING UPON OUR LAND.

WE PRAY TODAY FOR PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN HOLE TRAJECTORY HAS BEEN UPROOTED BECAUSE OF THIS ILLNESS, WHETHER IT'S BEEN ECONOMIC OR HEALTH WISE OR JUST THE DISTANCING, WHATEVER IT HAS BEEN, WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TOUCH THEM IN THAT PLACE OF NEED THAT THEY HAVE. YOU ARE A GOD WHO HEALS.

YOU ARE A GOD WHO MAKES A WAY.

YOU ARE A GOD WHO HELPS US TO OVERCOME OUR SHORTCOMINGS AND OUR FAILURES.

AND SO TODAY WE CALL UPON YOU IN THE SAME MANNER THAT THE WISEST MAN LISTED IN THE BIBLE, SOLOMON CALLED UPON YOU.

WE DID NOT ASK FOR RICHES.

WE DID NOT ASK FOR LAND.

HE DID NOT ASK FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE WISDOM OF GOD TO GUIDE HIM AS HE LED THE PEOPLE.

AND OH GOD, WE PRAY NOW THAT SPECIFICALLY YOU MIGHT GIVE WISDOM, GRANT, WISDOM TO OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

WE PRAY THAT YOU GIVE THEM CONTINUAL INSIGHT AND GOOD DECISION MAKING SKILLS SO THAT AS THEY WATCH OUT OVER OUR COMMUNITIES, LORD GOD, WE MIGHT NOT ONLY PROSPER BUT BE SAFE. THEN WE PRAY THAT YOU BLESS ALL THOSE THAT WORK WITH THEM, THOSE THAT WORK IN LOCKSTEP WITH THEM, PROBABLY TO SEE TO IT TO ENSURE THAT MANY OF THE POLICIES THAT THEY PASS ARE GIVEN TO THE COMMUNITY.

THEY PRAY THAT YOU BLESS THEIR FAMILIES AND THAT YOU BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM.

AND THEN IN PARTICULAR, LORD GOD, WE PRAY THAT YOU BLESS OUR COUNTY JUDGE, JUDGE LINA HIDALGO.

WE PRAY THAT YOU MIGHT CONTINUE TO CROWN HER LORD GOD WITH GRACE AND GRIT AS SHE TAKES THE RESPONSIBILITY.

LORD AND THE ROLE OF LEADING THIS PEOPLE, LORD GOD, OUT OF THIS STORM THAT WE'RE FACING RIGHT NOW.

AND THEN, FATHER, FINALLY, WE PRAY THAT HE'LL BLESS THE FIRST RESPONDERS AND THE REST OF OUR NATION.

BLESS THOSE LORD GOD WHO ARE ON THE JOB EVERY DAY.

STAND TO IT AND ENSURING THAT, LORD GOD, WE HAVE THE PROPER FOOD AND WE HAVE THE PROPER NOURISHMENT AND WE HAVE THE PROPER HEALTH AND CARE.

THE FATHER, WE PRAY THAT YOU'LL CONTINUE TO BLESS US AND BRING US THROUGH THIS SO THAT ON THE END OF THIS WE MIGHT SEE A BLESSING AND BE STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE.

WE PRAY THIS IN JESUS NAME A MAN.

AMEN. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

[00:05:01]

MIA, I DIDN'T HEAR FROM REMUS ON SATURDAY MORNING.

I WAS GOING TO TAKE HIM ON A 35 MILE SOCIALLY DISTANCED BIKE RIDE.

BUT THERE'S ALWAYS NEXT SATURDAY.

YEAH, I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT, RODNEY.

I GOT I GOT A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT IT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU GUYS DO.

ALL RIGHT. SO WE'LL MOVE ON TO THE CORONAVIRUS RELATED ITEMS.

[Item I (Part 1 of 7)]

I DON'T KNOW IF HE'S ON THE LINE ALREADY.

NO, MA'AM, HE'S NOT.

OKAY. WE'LL TAKE THAT UP AS SOON AS HE LOGS ON.

AS YOU GUYS REQUESTED, THE LAST COURT.

WE HAVE A SECTION ON THE AGENDA NOW FOR COVID 19, AND SO WE'RE GOING TO BE TAKING ALL THE ITEMS REGARDING COVID 19 OUT OF ORDER, INCLUDING AND WE'LL ADD IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.

SO WE'LL JUST GO DOWN COVID 19 BY DEPARTMENT, STARTING WITH BUDGET MANAGEMENT.

IF WE GO TO PAGE 26, THAT'S UNDER THE COVID 19 SECTION.

ITEM ONE IS DISCUSSION AND UPDATE IN CONNECTION WITH COUNTY FINANCES.

BILL. YES.

JUST A QUICK UPDATE.

SINCE OUR LAST MEETING, WE HAVE RECEIVED TWO CHECKS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, ONE TO HELP OUT ON NRG.

CLOSE TO 60 MILLION OF WHICH WE WILL NOT BE.

WE WILL HAVE SOME KIND OF MATCH ON THAT.

BUT ANYWAY, WE GOT THE FULL 60.

THE OTHER CHECK WE GOT WAS FOR 426 MILLION AS PART OF THE CARE ACT, WHICH WE WILL START LOOKING AT THE EXPENSES THAT WE HAVE AND TRANSFERRING THOSE EXPENSES OUT OF THE DEPARTMENTS WHICH FIT THE GUIDELINES FOR THE 26.

AND THAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE NEXT COMMISSIONERS COURT.

IN THE SHORT RUN, WE ARE STILL IN GOOD FINANCIAL SHAPE.

WE ARE VERY MUCH TAKING A LOOK AT THE MID RANGE NEXT FISCAL YEAR AND ON OUT AND WHAT THE IMPACT OF ALL THIS IS ON THE APPRAISALS.

SO WE ARE CONSTANTLY WORKING ON THAT PIECE.

ANY QUESTIONS? YES, COMMISSIONER ROSE.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. BILL SO HOW MUCH IS IT TO PICK NOW? WE SENT THAT OUT TO YOU YESTERDAY.

THERE IS, AS FAR AS THE CASH BALANCE, ABOUT 260 MILLION.

WE DO HAVE ENCUMBRANCES ON THAT.

AND SO WE'RE STILL IN VERY GOOD SHAPE.

NOW, WHAT WE'LL NEED TO BE ABLE TO DO.

WE'LL HAVE TO BRING IT TO COURT IS REIMBURSE THE PIC FOR ANY OF THE 426 THAT'S OUT THERE.

THAT GIVES YOU MORE LATITUDE TO USE THE PIC FOR ANY LEGAL PURPOSE.

WHEREAS THE 426 I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT WE DO IT THAT WAY BECAUSE THE 426 HAS LIMITATIONS TO IT TO ONLY BE SPENT ON VIRUS RELATED EXPENSES. AND IF I MIGHT JUST GIVE US SOME SENSE OF, YOU KNOW, WHAT I KNOW.

SO WE'RE GOING TO GET SOME OTHER FOLKS TO HELP US ON IT.

BUT WHAT KIND OF STRINGS ON THE 426 AND WHAT'S THE DEADLINE? SO THE THE THE THIS IS ALL SPELLED OUT AT THE US TREASURY ON THEIR WEBSITE UNDER LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

BUT AS FAR AS THE DATE, IT'S FROM MARCH 1ST, WHICH JUST HAPPENS TO BE OUR FISCAL YEAR TO DECEMBER 31ST OF 2020.

AND SO THAT'S WHEN IT CAN BE SPENT.

IT'S FAIRLY BROAD RANGING, AS LONG AS IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COVID VIRUS.

AND SO IT CAN GO TO HOSPITALS, HEALTH CARE.

THE WAY I READ IT AGAIN, WE'D HAVE TO GET THE INTERPRETATION OF THE ATTORNEYS, BUT THINGS LIKE HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES OUT, FOOD AND A VARIETY OF ITEMS. WHAT IT DOES NOT COVER, AND IT'S VERY SPELLED OUT IN THERE, IT IS NOT TO BE USED TO SUPPLANT LOST REVENUE.

AND THIS YEAR WE DON'T ANTICIPATE A GREAT AMOUNT OF LOST REVENUES BECAUSE WE'RE ABOUT 80% PROPERTY TAX AND 20%, BUT IT CANNOT BE USED FOR THAT.

THAT'S WHAT PUTS US IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION THAN A LOT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

AND SO ANYWAY, SO THAT'S THAT'S JUST THE BROAD RANGE.

AND I WILL MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET A COPY OF THOSE GUIDELINES TODAY.

OBVIOUSLY, WE HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS CHALLENGE OF DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC WILL END.

BUT THE 426 WAS BASED ON A.

JUST A GUESSTIMATE. ALL FORMULA.

YOU HAVE ANY IDEA AT THE RATE WE'RE BURNING? WHAT? JUST. I'M TRYING TO GET SOME SENSE OF WHAT THE 426 MEANS IN TERMS OF WHAT'S YOUR BEST GUESS.

[00:10:07]

BUT I JUST WANT TO GET SOME SENSE OF JUST HOW HOW MANY CARTWHEELS WE OUGHT TO FLIP OVER FOR 26.

WELL, I DO THINK THAT WHAT WE'VE RECOMMENDED, I THINK WE'VE BEEN TALKING TO YOUR STAFF IS THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT SET UP A COMMITTEE TO START LOOKING AT THE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT YOU CAN SET IT FOR AND THE GUIDELINES.

I WOULD THINK SINCE WE SHOULD BUDGET EVERY DIME OF IT BEFORE 26 AND MAKE SURE THAT AND I THINK YOU CAN DO IT WITHIN THE GUIDELINES THAT YOU HAVE. AGAIN, SOME OF THE QUESTIONS I HAD IS THE HOSPITAL, FOR INSTANCE, DOES THIS INCLUDE THE 426? IS THIS FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT? ALSO, SINCE IT'S UNDER THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.

SO THERE'S WAYS OF BEING ABLE TO SPEND IT THAT WAY.

FOOD BANK THAT YOU AND I HAVE COMPLIED A LITTLE BIT.

AND AGAIN, THERE'S AN ITEM IN THERE TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES OUT THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS.

SO I THINK THERE'S ENOUGH WIDE VARIETY THAT A COMMITTEE MADE BY COMMISSIONERS COURT SHOULD BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THESE THINGS, PRIORITIZE THEM, AND THEN START GETTING THE FUNDS OUT THERE AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE.

I THINK THAT THE WHITE HOUSE AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO HELP US THROUGH IT, BUT I GUESS I'M JUST ASKING YOU AS A PERSON, I'M ASSUMING RENTAL ASSISTANCE IS INCLUDED.

UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS ARE UP THROUGH THE ROOF.

I'M JUST TRYING TO GET A SENSE OF WHETHER OR NOT WE OUGHT TO FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT 426 IS GOING TO I DON'T THINK 426 IS GOING TO COVER IT ALL, WHICH IS WHY THEY'RE STILL TALKING ABOUT OTHER STIMULUS RELATED ISSUES.

BUT I'M JUST TRYING TO GET SOME GENERAL SENSE BEFORE WE GIVE THE PUBLIC SOME IMPRESSION.

EVERYTHING'S FINE. WE GOT 426 MILLION FROM THE FEDS.

I THINK THE DAMAGE, FINANCIAL DAMAGE HERE WILL BE ABOVE THAT HALF HALF BILLION DOLLARS.

WELL, CERTAINLY, I THINK THAT'S WHY YOU HAVE TO COME UP WITH PRIORITIES ON THIS.

I ALSO THINK THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT AS YOU SET THE PRIORITIES, YOU CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PUBLIC CONTINGENCY FUND THAT WE HAVE.

I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS MAY BE A MORE ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON.

AND SO, AGAIN, WE ALWAYS SHOULD LOOK AT THAT.

AGAIN, I CAN SEE THAT IF THIS GOES ON A LOT LONGER, THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD PROBABLY COME BACK AND HELP US OUT MORE.

BUT I THINK THIS WAS A WAY TO GET US MONEY.

I MEAN, THEY ACTUALLY GAVE US THE MONEY BEFORE THEY GAVE US ANY GUIDELINES, WHICH IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

YEAH, THAT WAS MUCH APPRECIATED.

AND WE'VE GOT IT SET UP WORKING WITH THE AUDITOR TO MAKE SURE THAT WE IDENTIFY THESE EXPENSES.

FOR INSTANCE, THERE'S A LOT OF EXPENSES THAT HAVE BEEN OCCURRING IN THE DEPARTMENTS WHICH WE SENT TO ALL THE CHIEFS YESTERDAY THAT ALL THOSE NEED TO BE REIMBURSED TO EACH DEPARTMENT AND SO THAT THEY CAN OPERATE THEIR NORMAL OPERATIONS AND HAVE THE ORIGINAL BUDGET THAT YOU ALL APPROVED.

SO SAY OTHER THINGS THAT ON THE AGENDA TODAY WE'RE TALKING LIKE FACE MASK.

AND IF WE DECIDE WE WANT TO GIVE OUT PROTECTIVE SHIELDS OR WHATEVER, THOSE THINGS WOULD BE INCLUDED UNDER THIS, ALL THAT IS INCLUDED ANYTHING THAT HAD TO DO WITH THIS EVENT, THIS HEALTH EVENT. AND I THINK IT'S VERY, VERY BROAD.

BUT AGAIN, WHAT WE FOUND IN THE PAST IS, IS THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE IN WORKING WITH GUIDEHOUSE AND OUR AUDITOR AND ALL THAT, OUR INTERPRETATION IS SUCH BECAUSE AGAIN, THEY AUDIT THESE THINGS TWO OR THREE YEARS DOWN THE LINE AND IF WE'VE SPENT SOMETHING THAT IS DISALLOWED, THEN WE WILL OWE THEM MONEY BACK TO CLAW BACK, RIGHT TO CLAW BACK.

HOWEVER, I DO THINK BECAUSE THIS IS SUCH A UNIQUE EVENT AND ALL THAT, WE JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT FITS THE GUIDELINES.

I ACTUALLY NUMBERED THE GUIDELINES IN THE OFFICE HERE, AND SO I CAN SAY THAT'S A NUMBER FOR A AND CODE EACH ONE OF THESE AS THEY COME UP ON THE AGENDA SO THAT YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES WERE.

AND WE SPEND IT ON THAT ACCORDINGLY.

AND AGAIN, WE'LL WORK WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AUDITOR AND EVERYBODY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE MEETING THE INTENT OF THAT THAT LAW.

THANK YOU. YES, COMMISSIONER RUDDOCK.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT FINANCE.

WE COULD TALK ABOUT TOLL ROAD FINANCE HERE, TOO.

CAN WE, BILL? THAT WOULD BE UP TO ROBERT SHORT.

ROBERT SWORD. AND DO THEY? AND MY ANSWER IS, TO THE EXTENT IT RELATES TO COVID, THEN YES, WE CAN TALK ABOUT.

COVID. WE.

SUSPENDED TOLLS WERE SUSPENDED ON THE TOLL ROAD.

AND I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION TO START COLLECTING TOLLS AGAIN TOMORROW MORNING, WEDNESDAY MORNING AT 6 A.M..

[00:15:01]

SO I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT, COMMISSIONER REDDICK.

IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING.

I THINK I SECOND THAT MOTION.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S WHEN I SECOND IT.

IT WAS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT WAS FOR 30 DAYS, AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRITTEN UP, BUT IN MY MIND I WAS SICK.

I WAS SICKENING. A 30 DAY SUSPENSION, WHICH I THINK ENDS TODAY.

I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE 30TH DAY OR NOT.

MAYBE THE KEY IS ON THE LINE, BUT I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH REINSTITUTING THE ROLLS, THE TOLLS.

I'M ASSUMING THEY'D BE REINSTITUTED ANYWAY.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE LANGUAGE WAS IN THE RECORD, BUT WHEN I SECOND IT, IT WAS FOR 30 DAYS.

AND I ASSUME NOW WE WILL GET REIMBURSED FOR THAT.

MR. JACKSON. MR. KEYS, DO YOU KNOW? JUDGE.

THIS IS PETER KEY WITH THE TOLL ROAD, THE ORDER THAT WAS WRITTEN UP IN RELATION TO THE SUSPENSION OF TOLLS.

STATES THAT TOLL ROAD TOLL SHALL BE SUSPENDED FOR THE DURATION OF THE COUNTY JUDGE'S DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.

>> WE ARE NOW ON DAY 36.

THE COUNTY HAD TOTALS IN THE PAST IN RELATION TO EMERGENCY EVENTS.

WE HAVE GONE BEYOND THE 30 DAYS AND THAT'S WHY I WILL MAKE MOTIONS TO START COLLECTING TOLLS.

I THINK IT IS CLEAR THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THEY WANTED TO SPEAK FOR A LITTLE BIT.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID YOU WANT TO SPEAK?

>> I'LL DEFER TO GARCIA.

YOU'RE MUTED, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU'RE GOOD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS PLANNING TO MAKE A MOTION TO REINSTATE THE TOLLS.

IF COMMISSIONER RADACK WANTS TO DO IT I'LL SECOND IT.

EFFECTED -- EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY BY THE WAY.

>> I WAS SAYING 6:00 A.M.

TOMORROW MORNING.

COMMISSIONER RADACK, GO AHEAD.

>> STEVE RADACK: THAT WILL CLARIFY.

THEY HAVE TO ANNOUNCE IT SO TO SPEAK AND THAT'S WHY I WAS BROUGHT UP.

IF YOU WANT TO START NOW, THAT'S FINE.

I WAS SAYING 6:00 A.M.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THEY SAID IT WAS FINE TOMORROW MORNING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RADACK AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> JUDGE, I WAS GOING TO CONTINUE ALONG THIS LINE.

IS PETER STILL LISTENING? MR. SWORD WE HAVE ON THE AGENDA -- THIS IS THE COVID THING, BUT WE ARE DEALING WITH TOLL ROAD FINANCE.

I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT IF I MAY, MR. SWORD.

>> I'M FINE WITH THE COMMENT.

>> PETER, ARE YOU THERE?

>> I AM, SIR.

>> WOULD YOU INFORM THE COURT, PLEASE, ABOUT THE SECRET MEETINGS THAT YOU HAVE BEEN HAVING IN REFERENCE TO SOME TYPE OF REFINANCE OR SALE THAT WAS GOING ON THAT HAS NOT BEEN SHARED WITH ME, BUT I THINK IT HAS BEEN SHARED WITH SOME MEMBERS OF THE COURT DEALING WITH GOLDMAN SACHS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND LAWYERS THAT WORK WITH THE TOLL ROAD AND CONTRACT.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT YOU ARE DOING?

>> COMMISSIONER, I WOULD NOT CHARACTERIZE IT ASSI CREATE MEETINGS -- AS SECRET MEETINGS.

I HAVE BEEN ON THREE PHONE CALLS TRYING TO FORMULATE A PLAN THAT COULD BE PRESENTED

[00:20:08]

AND WHAT HAS BEEN PRESENTED ON THREE PHONE CALLS IS A CONCEPT.

>> THERE ARE SOME MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT THAT THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED WITH, CORRECT?

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> STEVE RADACK: OBVIOUSLY -- I MEAN I FOR ONE -- NO ONE SAID A WORD TO ME.

I DON'T KNOW IF THEY TOLD THE COUNTY JUDGE.

I DON'T BELIEVE THEY TOLD COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: THEY DID NOT.

STEVE WELL SOME >> STEVE RADACK: SOME PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT AND SOME PEOPLE DON'T.

AND YES, PETER KEY, SOME PEOPLE WERE TOLD NOT TO TALK ABOUT THIS.

WHEN PEOPLE ARE TOLD NOT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING IT MEANS IT IS SEE -- SECRET SO I WILL TAKISH -- TAKE ISSUE WITH YOU ON THAT.

MY POINT IS WHY WASN'T THIS SHARED PUBLICLY? OBVIOUSLY THERE IS GOING TO BE TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS, TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF FEES ATTACHED TO WHAT YOU ALL ARE TALKING ABOUT, AND I WANT TO KNOW WHY? WHY HAS THIS GONE ON WITHOUT PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OR EVEN BEING SHARED WITH MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

>> WHAT HAS BEEN SHARED WITH ME IS A CONCEPT, COMMISSIONER AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE FORMULATED FOR COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS A PLAN VETTED BY COUNTY STAFF.

WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF WORKING THROUGH NUMBERS TO EVEN SEE IF SUCH A PLAN WAS FORMULATED FOR COURT.

I TAKE ISSUE WITH THE ASPECT OF SECRET MEETINGS.

THIS IS A CONCEPT THAT WAS GIVEN TO US AND WE ARE WORKING THROUGH IT.

>> STEVE RADACK: I TALKED TO BOB COLLEAGUE LAST NIGHT AND I BELIEVE IT IS MORE THAN A CONCEPT.

HE SAID I HAVEN'T TALKED TO EVERYBODY ABOUT IT AND I WAS INQUIRING WHY, BUT WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH SOMETHING LIKE THIS, THIS SIGNIFICANCE, THIS IS PATHETIC THAT CERTAIN COMPANIES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS.

COMPANIES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS THAT STAND TO MAKE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY.

THAT'S MORE THAN A CONCEPT WHEN THIS IS NOT BEING SHARED PUBLICLY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

LOOK, I HAVE GOTTEN A BRIEFING OF WHAT THIS WOULD LOOK LIKE.

IT WAS AN ENTIRE CONSPIRACY-TYPE MEETING THAT LASTED ALL OF ABOUT TWO MINUTES ON WHETHER THERE WAS WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER SOME RESHAPING, IF YOU WILL OF THE SYSTEM.

I SAID, YEAH, BRING IT TO ME AND I'LL TAKE A LOOK ALT -- AT IT AND GO FROM THERE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IF THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, NOBODY STANDS TO MAKE MONEY.

IT IS NOT SECRET.

THE STAFF HAS TO HAVE THE CAPACITY TO WORK.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT COMES TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

IT CAN'T BE ANYMORE SECRET ABOUT HOW PEOPLE CAME TOGETHER TO TALK ABOUT, YOU KNOW, REBUILDING THE TOLL BRIDGE OVER THE SHIP CHANNEL.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE MAKING A LOT OF MONEY OVER THAT.

I IMAGINE THERE IS A TON OF MEETINGS YEARS AGO AS TO WHO WOULD GET WHAT CONTRACT AND HOW IT WAS GOING TO WORK OUT AND WHO WOULD DO WHAT PART.

IT CAN'T BE ANYMORE SECRET THAN THAT, BUT ULTIMATELY THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT CAME TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND IT WAS VOTED ON.

UNLESS YOU HAVE HARD EVIDENCE, COMMISSIONER RADACK, I TAKE OFFENSE THAT YOU WOULD OPENLY TRY TO INSINUATE THAT STAFF IS WORKING IN SECRET, AND YOU

[00:25:01]

I THINK THAT IS POOR JUDGMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: WHEN DO I GET MY TWO-MINUTE BRIEFING?

>> COMMISSIONER, YOU CAN GET A TWO-MINUTE BRIEFING WHEN WE CAN VALIDATE A CONCEPT.

I AM NOT BRINGING YOU OPEN-ENDED CONCEPTUAL STUFF FROM PEOPLE WHO CALL US ON THE PHONE.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I JUST -- I HAVE A CONCERN THAT AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF COURT GETS HIS TWO-MINUTE BRIEFING, AND I WORKED WITH YOU FOR A LONGTIME.

I'M DISAPPOINTED.

>> YOU HAVE WORKED WITH ME FOR A LONGTIME AND I FOUND MYSELF IN SOMEBODY'S OFFICE GOING OVER OTHER THINGS AND IT CAME UP IN CONVERSATION.

THIS WAS NOT SECRET MEETINGS.

COUNTY STAFF ALONG WITH THE COUNTY'S FA HAS TO DO SOME TYPE OF VALIDATION BEFORE ANYTHING COMES TO THE COURT'S AGENDA TO SEE IF THIS CONCEPT HAS ANY TYPE OF MERIT.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: LET ME ASK MY QUESTION AGAIN.

WHEN DO I GET MY TWO MINUTES OF CONCEPT?

>> WE WILL BE CALLING YOU SOON.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER RADACK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I UNDERSTAND A LITTLE ABOUT FINANCING.

I DON'T KNOW ALL OF THE DETAILS OF THIS FINANCING, BUT FROM THE MOMENT I STARTED RUNNING FOR COMMISSIONER'S COURT I TALKED TO A NUMBER OF BANKERS IN NEW YORK AND AROUND THE COUNTRY WHO HAVE KNOWN ME FOR A VERY LONGTIME.

ONE IDEA THAT WAS HASHED AROUND SOME YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS IN THE BUSINESS IS THE IDEA OF SELLING THE TOLL ROAD.

IT WAS LIKE $20 BILLION, SOMETHING LIKE THAT, I DON'T KNOW.

10 YEARS AGO, 12 YEARS AGO.

AND I WAS APPROACHED WHEN I WAS RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION ABOUT THE IDEA.

I THINK IT WAS A SPANISH COMPANY.

I AM NOT SURE.

IT WAS BEFORE PETER WAS OVER THERE AND THEY WERE INTERESTED IN MAKING AN EFFORT TO BUY THE TOLL ROAD.

IT WAS BEFORE YOU AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WERE ELECTED.

ONCE PETER DID GET THERE I DID TELL HIM IF THERE ARE ANY IDEAS THAT COME UP ABOUT HOW WE CAN GENERATE MORE MONEY FROM THE TOLL ROAD LET ME KNOW ABOUT IT.

I I DON'T CONSIDER THAT A SECRET MEETING, BUT AS COMMISSIONER CAGLE OR COMMISSIONER RADACK OR YOU, JUDGE, OR COMMISSIONER GARCIA MAY HEAR ABOUT SOMETHING BEFORE I HEAR ABOUT IT, AND YOU CLEARLY CAN'T TALK TO THREE MEMBERS OF THE COURT ABOUT IT NOR WOULD I.

IF IT IS A GOOD FINANCING FOR THE COUNTY, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE CHALLENGES FINANCIALLY.

OUR FRIENDS AT CITY HALL ARE LOOKING AT LAYOFFS AND HIRING FREEZES AND A WHOLE HOST OF ISSUES.

I SUGGEST IN THE FUTURE VALUE WHEN THE PROPERTY VALUES AND APPRAISALS COME IN FOR NEXT YEAR, WE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT SERIOUS DRAW CONE YEN MEASURES AS WELL.

AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA SETTED -- SAID, I'M SURE HOWEVER THE IDEA CAME UP ABOUT A BILLION DOLLAR TOLL ROAD EVERYBODY ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT DIDN'T NECESSARILY HEAR ABOUT IT AT THE SAME TIME.

THAT'S THE NATURE OF THE BEAST.

IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED ABOUT THAT, THEY SHOULD CALL AND ASK.

I THINK, PETER, IF MY MEMORY SERVES ME CORRECT, I THINK EVEN BEFORE YOU GOT THIS POSITION WHEN YOU WERE FINANCE DIRECTOR, THE ONE TIME I MET WITH YOU I SAID I HAVE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON FINANCE ISSUES.

TALK TO ME IF IDEAS COME AROUND.

I HEAR FROM BANKERS ALL THE TIME, AND IT IS NOT A BIG DEAL.

IF IT IS GOOD FINANCING DOWN THE ROAD, WE SHOULD LOOK AT IT.

IF THERE IS SUPPORT ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT I HOPE WE WILL DO.

IT IF SO IT SHOULD BE A BIPARTISAN ISSUE, BUT IF NOT WE'LL CROSS THAT BRIDGE WHEN WE GET THERE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK?

>> STEVE RADACK: COMMISSIONER SOARD, ARE YOU THERE?

>> YES, SIR.

I AM HERE.

>> STEVE RADACK: ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY MEETINGS THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE?

>> I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY ONE OF OUR ASSISTANT COUNTY THORPS THAT THERE -- COUNTY ATTORNEYS THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MEETINGS.

I DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE TELEPHONE MEETINGS OR IN PERSON MEETINGS.

>> STEVE RADACK: WOULD YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AND GET BACK WITH ALL OF US IMMEDIATELY AND TELL US HOW MANY MEETINGS WHETHER IN PERSON OR ON THE PHONE? THIS TO ME SOUNDS FAR MORE THAN SOME CASUAL LITTLE CONVERSATION ON THE PHONE FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES.

BASED UPON WHAT BOB TOLD ME THERE IS A PLAN.

HE WANTED TO EXPLAIN IT TO ME WHEN I CALLED HIM AND ASKED HIM WHY SOME MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT DIDN'T KNOW A THING ABOUT THIS.

FRANKLY IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING YOU NOR VINCE RYAN KNEW ANYTHING BRRRR IT

[00:30:03]

>> WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT IT IN ADVANCE, THAT'S CORRECT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? MR. SOARD WHILE YOU'RE AT IT WILL YOU INVESTIGATE THE JENNA THIS OF THE BILLION DOLLAR -- THE GENESIS OF THE BILLION DOLLAR TOLL ROAD? WHAT WAS THE PROCESS? WHO KNEW? DID ALL MEMBERS OF THE COURT FIND OUT ABOUT IT AT THE SAME TIME.

IT WOULD BE INTERESTING.

I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INVESTIGATIONS AS WE CAN.

>> WE CAN CERTAINLY DO THAT.

WE CAN INCLUDE THAT IN OUR REPORT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO TALK TO YOU SO WHENEVER WE HAVE A CHANCE TO DISCUSS WITH PETER THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

BUT I UNDERSTAND SOMETIMES -- A LOT OF TIMES DEPARTMENT HEADS WILL WALK IN AND SAY, HEY, YOU KNOW, I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THIS WITH OTHER COMMISSIONERS AND I'M LIKE, WAIT, WHY AM I THE LAST ONE OR SOUNDS LIKE THE LAST ONE? ROBERT HAS SOME MARCHING ORDERS.

WE HAVE PLENTY OF ITEMS TO MOVE DOWN ON.

I DID WANT TO SAY I AM -- OH WHAT I MENTIONED TO PETER.

SORRY LONG MORNING ALREADY.

DO REACH OUT TO ME FOR DETAILS ON THAT, PLEASE, PETER.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

WE WILL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S GET TO THE OTHER EYE -- ITEM ON BUDGET MANAGEMENT.

THAT WAS ITEM 1.

ITEM 2 IS THE APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

ANYTHING TO MENTION THERE?

>> NOME.

NO, MA'AM.

IT IS JUST AN APPLICATION.

BEFORE WE MOVE TO ITEM THREE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAD A RESOLUTION YOU WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, THANK YOU.

I WOULD BE HONORED TO DO THIS RESOLUTION.

I APOLOGIZE BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY COMPUTER.

JUDGE, WHETHER IT BE OUR BRIGADE THAT IS SEWING -- OR HELPED TO SEW MASKS FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND FOR OUR CITIZENS OR WHETHER IT BE ILA WHO HAS COME TO THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS TO HELP US FEED THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING OR THE COMMUNITY LOOKING TO HELP ONE ANOTHER, THERE ARE PEOPLE DOING INCREDIBLE THINGS, BUT SOME HAVE A UNIQUE WALK OF LIFE THAT IS WORTH MENTIONING.

AND SOMEONE WHO DOES WELL FOR THEMSELVES AND HAS AN INCREDIBLE DREAM LIFE BY BEING ABLE TO COMPETE AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL OR THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL SPORTS AND REALLY KIND OF HAS IT ALL, AND THERE IS NO NEED TO THINK ABOUT OTHERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING AND COULD SIMPLY ASSUME THAT GOVERNMENT WILL HANDLE IT ALL.

THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT.

WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS LIKE MICHAEL WHO HAS DONE WELL FOR HIMSELF, AND HE HAS CREATED INVESTMENTS FOR HIMSELF.

THOSE INVESTMENTS ARE IN PART APARTMENT COMPLEXES.

HE HAS A NUMBER OF PEOPLE RESIDING AT THESE APARTMENT COMPLEXES.

YOU KNOW, EARLY ON WE ALL WONDERED WHAT THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 WOULD BE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND TO OUR ECONOMY.

MICHAEL DIDN'T WAIT TO GET ANY ECONOMIC OR ECONOMIST REPORT OR ANALYSIS.

HE DIDN'T WAIT FOR THE GOVERNOR OR US QUITE FRANKLY TO PROVIDE A DIRECTION.

MICHAEL DID SOME INCREDIBLE THINGS AND I WOULD BE HONORED TO READ THE RESOLUTION.

WHEREAS COUNTLESS HOUSTONIANS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE EXPERIENCING LAYOFFS AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AFFECTING THEIR ABILITY TO PAY FOR MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES SUCH AS HOUSING, FOOD, MEDICAL CARE AND OTHER DAILY NEEDS RESULTING FROM THE IMPACT OF COVID-19.

THE FORMER ASTROS CENTER FIELDER MICHAEL BOURNE SEES THIS HAPPENING ALL-AROUND

[00:35:01]

BECAUSE AS HE SAYS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

WHEREAS THE ALUM AND OWNER OF SEVERAL AFFORDABLE INCOME APARTMENT COMPLEXES DECIDED TO WAIT -- TO WAIVE APRIL AND MAY REPRESENTS -- RENTS TO 60 TO 70 TENANTS AND WHEREAS INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY HE LEARNED FROM HIS PARENTS, MAMA AND DADDY, WHO HELPED HIS SMOKY JASPER LITTLE LEAGUE WITH MEAL EXPENSES WHEN THEY SAW A NEED.

TODAY HE CREDITS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AND BROTHER FOR KEEPING HIM GROUNDED AND THINKING OF HOW HE CAN HELP OTHERS AND WHEREAS THE HOUSTON NATIVE PREVIOUS PREVIOUSLY A HOUSTON COUGAR ATHLETE BELIEVES THAT BEING ABLE TO HELP, HE HOPES TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY TO AFFORD TENANTS THE ABILITY TO BUY GROCERIES SUPPLIES AND WHATEVER THEY NEED THE MOST.

WHEREAS NEVER MENTIONING HIS ACCOMPLISHED ASTROS CAREER, THE 2009 ASTROS MVP, MULTIPLE GOLD GLOVE AWARDS AND ALLSTAR HONORS, MICHAEL CONTINUES TO PARTICIPATE IN AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE GREATER HOUSTON AREA WHERE HE PROUDLY LIVES TODAY.

AND NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT RECOGNIZES AND COMMANDS MR. MICHAEL BOURNE FOR HIS ACT OF KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY IN HARRIS COUNTY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

MICHAEL, WE'RE PROUD OF YOU.

>> SECOND.

>> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: OH, YOU'RE ONLINE.

MICHAEL!

>> YES, I'M HERE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WONDERFUL, MAN.

I WISH WE COULD BE DOING THIS IN PERSON, BUT OBVIOUSLY WE CAN'T.

I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THINKING ABOUT THOSE FOLKS IN YOUR COMPLEXES.

HOW DID IT COME TO YOU THAT THIS NEEDED TO BE DONE?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, AS EVERYBODY KNOWS GOING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC, I WAS JUST THINKING ABOUT IT.

ME AND ONE OF MY FRIENDS WAS TALKING ABOUT IT.

WE WERE TALKING ABOUT IT I JUST ALL OF A SUDDEN WAS LIKE, MAN, YOU KNOW WHAT? I WANT TO DO SOMETHING FOR MY TENANTS.

HE SAID THAT WILL BE NICE.

HE HELPED ME GET THERE.

AFTER THAT I CALLED MY BUSINESS TEAM AND WE TALKED ABOUT IT.

THEY LOVED IT.

AFTER THAT I CALLED THE MANAGER OF MY PROPERTIES IN HOUSTON.

WE WENT BACK AND FORTH A LITTLE BIT BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU HAVE APARTMENTS THE MANAGEMENT TEAM LOOKING OUT FOR THE MONEY YOU ARE MAKING AND WHAT YOU WILL NEED IN THE FUTURE.

FOR ME I WAS TELLING EVERYBODY, LOOK.

IF WE WANT TO STAGGER THIS THING, WE COULD AND THAT WILL BE FINE AND DANDY, BUT THESE PEOPLE NEED THIS NOW.

THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT JUST -- WE KNEW WAS COMING.

THIS HAPPENED RIGHT AWAY.

THEY NEED THIS RIGHT NOW.

I'M WILLING TO DO IT FOR APRIL AND MAY.

THEY SAID OKAY.

IT'S YOUR CALL.

YES, IT IS MY CALL.

I DON'T NEED NO ADVICE ON THIS.

I WON'T NOT TAKE YOUR ADVICE, BUT THIS NEED IS BIGGER THAN THAT.

LIKE YOU SAID, THIS IS A THING THAT -- WELL, LIKE I SAID, EVERYBODY IS IN THIS TOGETHER.

IT IS NOT JUST ONE PERSON, THAT PERSON, THIS PERSON.

IT IS ALL OF US IN THIS TOGETHER.

EVERYBODY IS LOSING MONEY.

ALL BUSINESSES ARE SUFFERING.

FOR ME, IT IS LIKE THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT DON'T EVEN HAVE A PLACE TO SLEEP AT NIGHT.

FOR ME, I LOOKED AT IT LIKE, I HAVE BEEN BLESSED.

HAVE I BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A GREAT LIVING FOR MYSELF.

THE LEAST I CAN DO IS DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS.

I LOOKED AT IT AND SAID I'M ALL IN.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MICHAEL, WE ARE VERY, VERY PROUD OF YOU AND VERY GRATEFUL.

PLEASE TELL YOUR FAMILY THAT WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT THEY KEPT YOU GROUNDED.

I KNOW THE FRUIT DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE.

WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PARENTS.

>> YES, YES, YES, THANK YOU.

[00:40:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> YES, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR HONORING ME.

I APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO MOVING ON -- >> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: BACK TO BUDGET MANAGEMENT PAGE 26 AND ITEM 3 AND THAT IS OPTING INTO 457B.

BILL DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING?

>> IT IS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE DEFERRED COMP PLAN OR LATITUDE IF THEY NEED RESOURCES THEY CAN TAKE SOMETHING OUT.

I RECOMMEND IF SOMEBODY HAS EMPLOYEES THEY CONTACT OUR HR DEPARTMENT AND WE WILL BE SENDING OUT SOME INFORMATION.

IF THEY NEED HELP FOR THAT WE CAN WORK WITH THEM ON THAT.

AND SO WE ARE VERY PLEASED THAT IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO GET THE LOANS OUT AND NOT HAVE BOUNDARIES.

>> DO YOU TELL THEM HOW TO DO IT?

>> WE WILL SEND THE NOTICES TO THOSE WHO HAVE THE ACCOUNTS.

THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ELECTED FOR A 457 DEFERRED COMP PLAN.

NOT ALL EMPLOYEES DO THAT.

THE ONES THAT DO WILL SET OUT THE GUIDELINES FOR THAT.

WHAT IT DOES IS IT BASICALLY -- THESE ARE LIKE IRA'S AND THE SAME CHARACTERISTICS.

USUALLY YOU CAN'T TAKE THE MONEY OUT WITHOUT A PENALTY.

AND THIS HAS SOME MORE LENIENCE.

IF SOMEBODY IS NEEDING FINANCIAL CUSHION, IT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO TAKE MONEY.

>> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOVING TO ITEM 4.

BILL, I BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME THING WE HAVE AUTHORIZED FOR BEFORE.

IT IS SO EMPLOYEES CAN BE AUTHORIZED FOR THE DISASTER OVERTIME.

CORRECT? ITEM 5, A TRANSMITAL RELATED TO COVID AND WORKERS COMPENSATION.

YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? AIDE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE GOAL IN THIS REGARD WAS TO MAKE SURE THAT COVID-19 WOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS A PRESUMPTIVE DISEASE FOR OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND OUR EMPLOYEES IN GENERAL.

AND SO THIS WILL -- THERE IS LANGUAGE TO SUPPORT THIS ALREADY.

AND I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS WAS CLEARLY DEFINED SO THAT WE WOULDN'T HAVE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES HAPPENING IN OTHER AGENCIES IN THE REGION.

I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT IF OUR EMPLOYEES WALKED IN AND SAID THAT THEY WERE AFFECTED BY COVID-19 THAT WORKMAN'S COMP WOULD RESPECT THEM AND RECOGNIZE THEIR DECLARATION.

>> I WILL SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

I HAVE A QUESTION.

SO THE TRANSMITAL, WE DON'T NECESSARILY KNOW THAT WE CAN DO IT OR CAN YOU WALK ME THROUGH IT? CAN THEY QUALIFY FOR THE WORKER'S COMP RIGHT NOW?

>> IS SHANE ON THE LINE?

>> YES, BILL.

>> GO AHEAD, SHANE.

>> TEXAS HAS A PRESUMPTIVE STATUTE OUT THAT IS IN THE MIDDLE.

THE STATUTE OUT WAS SET UP TO BEGIN WITH THE FIREFIGHTERS, BUT THEY HAVE EXPANDED TO THE FIRST RESPONDERS AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA MENTIONED EARLIER.

BASICALLY IT MEANS YOU ARE PRESUMED TO HAVE RECENT ON THE JOB AND THE ONLY WAY THEY WOULD NOT GET IT IS IF THERE WAS SOME OVERWHELMING CASE WHERE THEY GOT IT SOMEWHERE ELSE.

FOR THE MOST PART IT WAS TO QUALIFY WHEN THEY APPLIED FOR WORKERS COMP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S GREAT NEWS.

THAT'S FANTASTIC.

WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I.

>> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED.

IT CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

>> DID YOU WANT THE PREVIOUS MOTION WITH BILL JACKSON?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST FIGURED WE WOULD TAKE IT WITH THE AGENDA IF THAT WORKS FOR PEOPLE.

SO MOVING DOWN THE ITEMS ON SUPPLEMENTAL THEY HAVE ITEM 11 ON PAGE 28.

[Item II (Part 1 of 7)]

[00:45:01]

ANYTHING TO ADHERE?

>> JUDGE WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL UP THE SPEAKERS.

>> JUDGE WE DO NOT HAVE ANYBODY SIGNED UP FOR THIS ITEM.

FOR 22D1.

>> LINA HIDALGO: Y'ALL JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN WE GET TO IT.

YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: BILL, WALK US THROUGH IT.

YOU WANT EACH PERSON ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND THE JUDGE TO APPOINT A PERSON IN HOUSE, SOMEBODY ON THE STAFF, OFF THE STAFF? WHAT'S YOUR SENSE?

>> I THINK IT IS UP TO Y'ALL.

I WOULD AT LEAST HAVE ONE PERSON FROM EACH COURT MEMBER AND THEN IT IS UP TO Y'ALL.

YOU MAY WANT TO HAVE SOME OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON THERE.

AGAIN AS YOU SAID 426 WILL NOT GO TO ALL OF THE NEEDS.

IT IS A BASIS OF PRIORITIZING.

WHEN I WORKED ON THE CO CHAIR ON HURRICANE HARVEY, THERE WERE CERTAINLY A LOT MORE NEEDS THAN THE MONEY WE HAD AND THAT'S BASICALLY HOW WE DID IT ON THAT.

WE HAD A SENIOR COMMITTEE BOARD WHICH MYSELF AND TONY CHASE CHAIRED AND THEN WE HAD A COMMITTEE UNDER THAT CALLED THE GRANTS COMMITTEE THAT REALLY WENT OUT AND TOOK A LOOK AT WHAT THOSE NEEDS ARE.

THE WHOLE HURRICANE HARVEY THING WAS TO GET THE MONEY OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

WE GOT IT ALL OUT IN 12 MONTHS IN ALL.

JIM WAS THE SENIOR PERSON WORKING ON THE GRANT.

YOU MAY WANT TO HAVE A SINGLE GROUP LIKE THIS, BUT THERE COULD BE A SUBCOMMITTEE THAT ACTUALLY WORKS LOOKING A GRANTS AND ALL OF THAT.

YOU COULD ALSO WORK WITH OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS, NONPROFITS TO HELP DISTRIBUTE THE MONEY.

IT IS VERY, VERY DIFFICULT TO DISTRIBUTE MONEY TO INDIVIDUALS.

IT IS EASIER TO DISTRIBUTE TO NONPROFITS WHO THEN ARE ACCOUNTABLE BACK.

THOSE ARE THINGS WE HAVE TO LOOK AT LEGALLY, BUT THAT WOULD BE MY RECOMMENDATION.

THE MODEL WORKED VERY, VERY WELL ON HURRICANE HARVEY, SO SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THAT CAN WORK.

>> WAS THAT FEDERAL MONEY OR NOT FOR PROFIT MONEY IN PHILANTHROPIC MONEY THAT CAME IN FROM THE FOUNDATION?

>> THAT PARTICULAR ONE WAS 120,000 PEOPLE GAVE $115 MILLION.

THERE WAS NO FEDERAL DOLLARS IN THAT.

>> AND I AM ONLY RAISING THAT BILL TO MAKE SURE WE GET A SENSE OF THE DISTINCTION.

SO HERE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT $426 MILLION IN CARES MONEY WHICH IS FEDERAL MONEY WHICH WILL HAVE A HOST OF STRINGS ATTACHED TO IT.

I KNOW I TALKED TO ONE OF THE BIG DONORS TO THAT RELIEF FUND EARLIER TODAY AS IT RELATES TO THE ITEM I HAVE ON THE AGENDA I WAS CHATTING WITH MR. SOARD ABOUT AND MR. RYAN ABOUT EARLIER TODAY.

BECAUSE THIS IS FEDERAL MONEY, IT IS GOING TO BE A REAL CHALLENGE TO MAKE SURE WE KNOW THE STRINGS AND WE DON'T HAVE A CLAW BACK.

WE HAD MONEY COMING IN FROM AROUND THE CITY AND AROUND THE NATION AND AROUND THE WORLD.

HARVEY WAS A UNIQUE EVENT, AND EVERYBODY SAW THAT TRAGEDY UNFOLDING IN HOUSTON.

IN THIS CASE IT IS A PANDEMIC.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE A POINT.

THIS IS NOT FEDERAL MONEY.

THIS IS MONEY THAT HAS A LOT OF STRINGS AND COMPLICATIONS AND THERE MAY BE STRINGS, I THINK MY STAFF IS LOOKING UP EARLIER ON THE CARES ACT AND EVEN FOR OUR FRIENDS IN THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY, AND EVEN IF IT IS JUST ONE PERSON IN THE HOUSEHOLD WHO MAY NOT HAVE PAPERS, THEY WOULD BE INELIGIBLE TO GET THIS MONEY.

JUDGE, I AM LEADING TO THIS ITEM OF MINE.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE, AND MAYBE YOU HAVE DONE THIS ALREADY.

HAVE WE LOOKED AT WAYS THE COUNTIES AND THE CITIES ARE DOING THIS? I AM GETS -- GUESSING 426 TO HOSPITAL, MAYBE NOT THE TOLL ROAD, OVERTIME.

I MEAN, THERE WILL BE A LOT OF THINGS COMING IN ON THIS.

I LOST MY PIECE OF PAPER, BUT DID YOU SAY 12/21 WE HAVE TO SPEND THIS MONEY OR 1/1?

>> 20.

>> 12/20, THE 20TH OF DECEMBER?

>> NO, IT IS DECEMBER 31ST, 1920.

AT THE -- 2020.

AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

>> I AM GOING TO MENTION AND SUGGEST YOU DO AND IT IS NOT CRITICISM, BUT LOOK AT HOW L.A.

COUNTY, AND I THINK THIS IS BASED ON A FORMULA.

[00:50:02]

THE BIGGER YOU WERE, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A POVERTY INDEX IN IT OR A COVID -- >> SO THE WAY IT WAS SET UP IT WAS BASED ON POPULATION, AND THEN THERE WERE FACTOR THAT'S CAME THROUGH THE STATE, THE CALCULATION.

AND THEN IT CAME DOWN.

I THINK THE CITY OF HOUSTON GOT 450.

SO WE WILL CERTAINLY LOOK AT THAT.

I WOULD WANT TO WORK WITH GUIDE HOUSE ALSO BECAUSE THEY ARE MORE OF AN EXPERT IN THIS AREA.

BUT IN ORDER TO DRINT -- DISTRIBUTE $426 MILLION YOU WILL HAVE TO USE SOME AGENCIES TO ALLOW TO GET THAT MONEY OUT THERE.

AGAIN, I THINK THE GUIDELINES I READ, THEY WEREN'T REAL STRICT.

IF IT DID TAKE GIVING IT OUT TO A NONPROFIT THAT IT IS TOTALLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR AND YOU CAN LIST OUT THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED AND ALL OF THAT.

I AM JUST SAYING I WANT TO EXPLORE THAT JUST TO SEE.

FOR US TO STAND UP AND TRY TO DO THIS AND GIVE MONEY TO INDIVIDUALS YOU RUN INTO THE

PROBLEM -- >> >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT.

I JUST SAY LOOK AT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY WAS REALLY THEIR MONEY.

THEY USED GENERAL REVENUE MONEY.

BUT THEY GAVE OUT AN ANGELINA CARD OR ANGELES CARD, BUT THEY DIDN'T DO IT WITH THE MONEY BECAUSE OF THE STRINGS ATTACHED.

>> THIS IS UNIQUE AND I WAS SURPRISED IT IS ONLY A THREE-PAGE DOCUMENT.

IT DOES SAY THAT YOU CAN, FOR INSTANCE, WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO REIMBURSE THE TOLL ROAD FOR LOST TOLLS.

YOU CANNOT SUR PLANT REVENUES.

YOU CAN ONLY USE EXPENSES.

IF IT IS SOMETHING RELATED TO THE VIRUS PANDEMIC, THEN WE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT.

BECAUSE THE GUIDELINES ARE SO LOOSE AS FAR AS WHAT YOU CAN SPEND IT ON, IT REALLY WILL TAKE SOME HELP OF ATTORNEYS AND GUIDEOUTS AND ALL OF THAT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE IN THE SPIRIT OF WHAT THE LEGISLATION WAS WRITTEN, OR THE ORDER OF THE EXECUTIVE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT SOUNDS LIKE IF WE CAN GET -- WE NEED TO LOOK INTO THE BEST PRACTICES AND PRESUMABLY THE COMMITTEE CAN BRIEF US AS A COURT WHEN THEY HAVE LOOKED AT OTHER PLACES.

AM I HEARING IT CORRECTLY OR ARE YOU MODIFYING THE ITEMS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WOULD COME BACK TO US TO REIMBURSE THE MONEY.

>> THIS IS ALL THE COMMITTEE THAT MAKES THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR YOUR APPROVAL AND THEN GETS DISPERSED.

BUDGET MANAGEMENTS ROLE IS TO FACILITATE AND SET UP THE MEETINGS AND THE NOTE TAKERS AND THEN WORK WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND JUST MAKE SURE WE HAVE OUR T'S AND I'S DOTTED ON THIS.

ROOD ROD -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: THE ONLY ISSUE I TALK ABOUT BEST PRACTICE IS THERE IS AN -- A DISTINCTION WITH NOT FOR PROFIT MONEY WHERE THERE ARE NO STRINGS.

I THINK THE ADMINISTRATION SAYS THE TREASURY WILL STILL DEVELOP RULES ON HOW THE MONEY CAN BE SPENT.

AM I RIGHT OR AM I MISTAKEN?

>> THEY SAID A GENERAL GUIDELINE AND THEY WILL COME BACK WITH MORE SPECIFICS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T GET DELAYED, JUDGE OR BILL, BECAUSE SIX MONTHS TO SPEND THE 426 UNDER GUIDELINES THAT MAY BE COMING, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ANYMORE BELL AND WE DON'T HAVE A BURE ROCK RAW -- BUREAUCRACY WAITING TO GET IT DONE.

NOTHING IS MORE EMBARRASSING KNOWING WE WILL SPEND HALF A BILLION DOLLARS -- THERE IS CERTAINLY MORE THAN HALF BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE.

NOBODY QUESTIONS THAT, AND IT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO COVID, AND IT IS STILL COMING IN.

THE WORST THING WOULD BE LIKE BACK WHEN I WAS IN THE CITY, BUT NOTHING IS WORSE WHEN YOU DON'T SPEND SOME OF THE MONEY.

YOU REALLY ANGER PEOPLE AND I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY.

>> SO URGENCY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME ON THIS THING JUST LIKE HURRICANE HARVEY.

AND WE NEED TO GET IT UP AND RUNNING AND BACK TO YOU.

WE HAVE ONE MEETING IN MAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ON A SEPARATE ISSUE, JUDGE, AT LEAST WE ARE DOING IT -- WHEN I LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE AGENDA SINCE WE HAVEN'T MET IN THREE WEEKS, ON MY ITEM BECAUSE AFTER TALKING TO LEGAL THIS MORNING THERE ARE SOME CHALLENGES ON THE FUND I WANT TO USE, PICK MONEY WILL GO INTO IT AND I DON'T WANT STRINGS.

I WANT TO HELP THE POOREST OF THE POOR THAT KEEP US FUNCTIONING, BUT I DON'T WANT TO WAIT THREE WEEKS SO THAT ALL OF THE I'S ARE DOTTED AND T'S ARE CROSSED SO LEGAL FEELS COMFORTABLE.

THIS IS A SEPARATE ISSUE, BUT I SUGGEST, WE ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE ANYWHERE -- ANYWAY AND WE ARE GETTING ALONG SO WELL AND AS INDICATED AS HOW WE KICKED

[00:55:06]

IF NOT I WILL SEND IT TO LEGAL AND SAY YOU ALL FIGURE IT OUT.

I DON'T THINK THAT PAIN IS GOING TO WAIT UNTIL WE GET ALL OF THE NUANCES WORKED OUT.

THAT'S MY CONCERN, BILL, RESPECTFULLY, WITH THIS COMMITTEE.

WE CAN DO IT, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT.

WE MAY HAVE TO INTER -- INTERCEDE AND GET THIS DONE.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET SOME STRINGS FROM TREASURY.

I HOPE I'M WRONG.

>> AND THE COMMITTEE IS ONLY -- COURT MEMBERS CAN PUT AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I PUT MYSELF ON IT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

YOU CAN PUT THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA AND VOTE FOR IT.

THE COMMITTEE IS JUST THAT IT TAKES TIME TO GATHER SOME OF THE INFORMATION.

MAYBE IT IS A TWO-TIER-TYPE THING THAT YOUR INDIVIDUAL OFFICES IDENTIFY THINGS AND PUT THEM ON THE COURT AS SOON AS YOU CAN.

>> AND I WILL CLOSE WITH THIS, THAT'S JUST FROM MY EXPERIENCE OF BEING A CITY COUNCILMEMBER AND BEING SO EMBARRASSED WITH ALL OF THE POVERTY WE HAD THEN AND WE HAVE MORE NOW.

AND BECAUSE THE STRINGS -- YOU REMEMBER THE HORROR STORIES, BILL JACKSON.

YOU WITH AROUND.

YOU WERE AROUND.

>> AND I HAVE SEEN WHEN THE COUNTY SPENT $7 MILLION YEARS AGO AND IT GOT CLAWED BACK.

WE HAD TO WRITE A CHECK FOR $7 MILLION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IN MANY WAYS IT COULD COVER THE EXPENSES WE'VE ALREADY MADE JUST IN OVERTIME AND SO MUCH OF THAT.

I THINK WE ARE CAUGHT UP TO THAT NUMBER.

I DO THINK -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAD SOMETHING TO ADD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO, SIMPLY JUDGE TO SAY THAT IT IS CRITICAL WE GET THIS RIGHT.

I KNOW WE HAVE FOLKS ON BOARD NOW TO HELP US THROUGH THE PROCESS.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO NOT REVISIT THE SLOWNESS WE WERE CHALLENGED BY WITH HURRICANE HARVEY RECOVERY.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE PROCESS DONE RIGHT.

GUIDE HOUSE IS ATTACHED TO THIS.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GIVING THE LEEWAY TO DO THE JOB WE HIRED THEM TO DO UNLIKE THE CHALLENGES THAT THEY HAD DURING HURRICANE HARVEY.

THEY HAD PROPOSED A LOT OF FRAMEWORK AND PROCESS SYSTEM THAT'S WOULD HAVE ALLOWED US TO BE MUCH MORE EFFICIENT EARLY ON.

THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING VERY THOUGHTFUL THAT WE HAVE SOME BRIGHT MINDS ATTACHED TO THIS RECOVERY PROCESS.

OUR SUCCESS WILL ONLY BE AS GOOD AS WE ALLOW GUIDE HOUSE AND THEIR EXPERTISE TO FLOURISH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, I HAVE A PROP -- PROPOSITION.

NO ONE KNOWS A PRECINCT BETTER THAN THE COMMISSIONER OF THAT PRECINCT.

PERHAPS WHAT WE MAY DO IS TAKE THESE FUNDS AND INSTEAD OF CREATING A BIG COMMITTEE TO WORK ON EVERYTHING ON A COUNTY WIDE APPROACH THAT WE DIVIDE IT IN FIVE PARTS AND HAVE EACH MEMBER OF COURT RESPONSIBLE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE TO TRY TO COME UP WITH THE BEST AND MOST EFFICIENT WAY WITH THE PRECINCTS TO DO IT.

AND YOUR HONOR, THE FIFTH SECTION I WOULD HAVE YOU APPROACH TO AGENCIES OR OTHERS THAT ARE COUNTY WIDE THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO A PRECINCT THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE.

I THINK THAT MIGHT BE SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE A WAY TO SPEED THIS PROCESS.

I DON'T KNOW WHO NEEDS IT THE MOST IN PRECINCT 1.

I DON'T KNOW WHO NEEDS IT THE MOST IN PRE -- PRECINCT 2.

BUT I KNOW WHERE IT IS NEEDED IN PRECINCT 4, AND THAT MAY BE A WAY FOR US TO TRY TO HELP TAKE WHAT'S BEEN GIVEN TO US, AS LONG AS WE FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES AND AS LONG AS WE FOLLOW THE RULES AND EACH OF US WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THOSE COUNSELORS TO DO THAT.

I'M JUST THROWING THAT OUT AS A FRAMEWORK FOR MAYBE MAKING THIS PROCESS GO A LITTLE QUICKER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MAYBE WHAT I PROPOSE IS WE NEED TO TALK TO GUIDE HOUSE.

WE DO NEED TO SIT DOWN AND TALK TO THE FOLKS WITH THE INFORMATION.

THE HARVEY FUNDS WERE DELAYED DURING THE ACTIVITY IN LARGE PART BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE RED TAPE.

WHEREAS THIS ONE WE GOT THE DISPERSE MEANT.

I AGREE WITH THE COMMENTS THAT WE HAVE THE FUNDS.

WE JUST NEED TO BE SMART ABOUT IT.

I THINK IF WE TAKE A WEEK OR A COUPLE WEEKS TO -- FOR THE GROUP TO GET TOGETHER

[01:00:05]

I'M WITH YOU IN THAT I DON'T KNOW.

THERE ARE JUST SO MANY NEEDS.

BUT THEN WE ALSO NEED TO TAKE A PORTION OF THE FUNDS AND DIVIDE THEM ACROSS PRECINCTS FOR WHAT YOU JUST MENTIONED.

I WOULD BE HESITANT TO MAKE THE DECISION BETWEEN US RIGHT NOW AT THE TABLE WITHOUT HAVING THE STAFF DIG IN AND TALK TO GUIDE HOUSE AND TALK TO BUDGET, ET CETERA, ET CETERA.

I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS THAT IT SHOULDN'T GO BEYOND A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

THAT'S KIND OF WHERE I'M AT.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, WITH HARVEY, I MET WITH THE FOLKS FROM GUIDE HOUSE, AND I DO RECALL THEY HAD A LOT OF IDEAS DEALING WITH THE EQUITY LENS WHEN I RAISED THAT ISSUE WITH THEM.

I THINK IT WAS FROM NEW YORK.

I'M NOT SURE.

I THINK THE PERSON I WAS TALKING TO WAS FROM PHILADELPHIA.

WHEN THIS SECOND FUND WAS SET UN -- SET UP, THIS WAS A NOT FOR PROFIT.

THE DO YOU -- ENDOWMENT PUT MONEY IN AND THE GOVERNMENT OF QATAR PUT MONEY IN.

MR. JACKSON, THE FIRST TIME I TALKED ABOUT THAT COMMITTEE, EACH COMMISSIONER, THE MONEY WAS GOING TO BE DIVIDED BETWEEN THE FOUR PRECINCTS, AND THEN SOMEHOW THAT WENT AWAY.

TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS ONE OF THOSE MEETINGS THAT NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT, BUT I DIDN'T RAISE IT OR GET OFFENDED BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THAT DECISION CHANGED.

MAYBE WHEN OTHERS KNEW, BUT IT CHANGED.

I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT WHATEVER WE DO WE KEEP THE SAME EQUITY LENS THAT WE HAVE TRIED TO HAVE THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE TOUGH DECISIONS THAT WE'VE HAD TO MAKE.

I WOULDN'T NECESSARILY WANT SOMETHING BECAUSE I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD GRASP OF MY PRECINCT AS EACH OF THE COMMISSIONERS DO, AND WE ARE ALSO INFLUENCED BY POLITICS TO SOME EXTENT AND IT OUGHT TO BE TRANSPARENT, BUT I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT KNOWING THIS 426 IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH, AS YOU SAID, JUDGE, YOU CAN TAKE OVERTIME AND THE HOSPITAL.

A LOT OF THINGS HAVE BEEN DONE ALREADY THAT CAN EAT UP A GOOD PORTION OF THIS.

WE DON'T KNOW.

HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE ANOTHER FUNDING CYCLE COMING UP.

WE CAN EXPAND COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PROGRAM.

THIS IS ELIGIBLE.

I ASSURE YOU OWN BUSINESSES OUT THERE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE DO IT FOR THE WORKERS.

PEOPLE HAVE TO CLEAN THE DISHES AND SERVE THE FOOD.

WITH THAT EQUITY LENS, I WOULD BE VERY RELUCTANT FOR US TO PUT SOMETHING IN PLACE WHERE EACH OF US WHO ARE COMMISSIONERS IN OUR OWN MIND MAKE A DECISION WHEN WE ARE INFLUENCED BY THE POLITICS AS WELL.

I DO KNOW SOME OF THE PEOPLE IN THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY WERE A LITTLE TAKEN UH BACK BY SOME OF THE PRESSURE THEY GOT FROM THE HARVEY RELIEF MONEY.

DIDN'T GET ANY FROM MY OFFICE, BUT I THINK THEY WERE GETTING PRESSURE FROM PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

I WAS NOT TOLD FROM WHO, BUT THAT WAS AN ISSUE.

I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE A PUBLIC MEETING AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN GET GUIDE HOUSE ON THE PHONE LATER TODAY, MAYBE THEY HAVE SOME SENSE AND I WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM DOING IT TODAY.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T SET UP SOME BUREAUCRACY AND THEN WAITING FOR THEM TO ACT BEFORE WE ACT.

WE NEED TO SPEND ALL 426 AND BE IN A POSITION TO ASK FOR MORE AND BE STAUNCH ADVOCATES WITH ALLIES AROUND THE STATE AND THE COUNTRY TO GET AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO GET OUT OF THIS MA -- MALASE WE ARE IN.

>> LINA HIDALGO: EVEN IF WE PUT TOWARD SOME TOWARD RENTALS AND RELIEF FUND WE NEED TO RUN IT THROUGH THE ATTORNEYS.

I PROPOSE MAYBE WE MODIFY TO SAY THIS GROUP COME BACK WITH A PROPOSAL, AND WE ALL HAVE INPUT TOWARD IT, RIGHT? SO COME BACK WITH A PROPOSAL IN TWO WEEKS OR WHATEVER IT IS THAT FOLKS ARE OKAY WITH, AND THEN BASED ON THAT WE CAN MAKE EDITS.

YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD -- OBVIOUSLY I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE ALL 400 MILLION BROUGHT TO MY PRECINCT, I THINK WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT SLICING IT UP.

AT THE END OF THE DAY THERE ARE SYSTEMS LIKE PUBLIC HEALTH THAT TODAY ARE IN THE

[01:05:03]

AND I AM JUST SO GLAD THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GIVE PUBLIC HEALTH THE FUNDING THEY NEEDED.

ALTHOUGH WE DIDN'T GIVE THEM THE TIME TO DO IT, BUT TO HIRE THE EPIDEMIOLOGISTS THAT THEY NEED TO HAVE ON THEIR STAFF.

THERE ARE GOING TO BE SYSTEMS THAT MAY CHALLENGE US IN OUR THINKING AND THEY MAY NEED A GREAT DEAL OF THIS FUNDING.

IT IS KNOTS -- IT IS NOT ONE PRECINCT'S CAPACITY TO DO ALONE.

LIKE YOU JUST SAID, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THIS COME TOGETHER AND COME UP WITH A GOOD, THOUGHTFUL PROPOSAL.

I REALLY HOPE WE WILL BE LOOKING AT THIS THROUGH THE LENS THAT ADDRESSES THE ENTIRE COUNTY AND NOT NECESSARILY LOOKS INTO PARTICULAR PRECINCTS.

THERE IS JUST SO MUCH OF AN IMPACT THIS VIRUS HAS HAD, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE THOUGHTFUL TOWARD WHAT SHOULD BE THE RESILIENCY TOWARD VIRUSES IN THE FUTURE.

I SPLIT UP A FACILITY TASK FORCE AND THEY NEED GREAT ASSISTANCE.

YOU LAUNCHED A STRIKE FORCE TO HELP DO THE TESTING, JUDGE, WHICH IS CRITICAL.

THERE ARE BROAD, BROAD THINGS THAT NEED TO HAPPEN THAT IS NOT TO ONE PRECINCT'S DECISION ALONE.

SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE BEING VERY THOUGHTFUL ABOUT HOW WE SUPPORT OUR ENTIRE COUNTY.

IF ONE PRECINCT GOES UNDER SO GOES THE REST OF THE COUNTY.

SO WE HAVE TO BE THOUGHTFUL ABOUT HOW WE MAKE THE ENTIRE COUNTY RESILIENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT LOOKS LIKE -- YEAH, BILL.

GO AHEAD.

>> JUST TO CLARIFY, THE HURRICANE HARVEY, ED EMMITT AND THE MAYOR GOT TOGETHER ON THAT, AND IT WAS AGREED IT WOULD BE SPLIT 50/50.

THE MAYOR AND THE COUNTY JUDGE WERE HELPING RAISE THE MONEY FOR THAT.

THERE WAS NEVER ANY DISCUSSION I WAS AWARE OF SPLITTING THAT 50% IN THE PRECINCTS.

AND SO I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT IT WAS 50% FOR THE COUNTY AND 50% FOR THE CITY.

WHEN THE NUMBERS WERE ALL DONE IT WAS FAIRLY CLOSE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE?

JUDGE >> LINA HIDALGO: JUDGE -- I DIDN'T WANT TO CUT SOMEBODY OFF.

>> SHE ADDRESSED YOU FIRST SO I DEFER TO THE JUDGE.

JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER.

>> THE FOUR-WAY SPLIT WAS NEWS TO ME AND I DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT THAT STARTING OR

FINISHING, SO I DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT WAS, BUT I DO LIKE THE IDEA OF US -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WAS ONE OF THE SECRET MEETINGS, COMMISSIONER.

>> SECRET TO ME.

BUT AS WE LOOK AT THIS I THINK WE ARE ALL ON A SIMILAR PAGE.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONSIDER, JUDGE, THAT MAYBE A PART WILL GO OFF TO GLOBAL COUNTY WIDE, BUT THEN ALLOWING US BECAUSE WE KNOW OUR PRECINCTS TO GET INVOLVED.

I AM PRETTY SURE THAT EACH OF US WILL TAKE CARE OF THE NEEDS IN OUR PRECINCTS AS THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES AND FOLLOWING THE RULES AND FOLLOWING THE THINGS THAT ARE THERE, AND I THINK WE CAN BRING TO COURT -- WHAT IS THE PHRASE? MANY HANDS MAKE THE LOAD LIGHTER.

WITH FIVE OF US PITCHING IN WITH THOSE ITEMS TO BE PUT ON THE AGENDA ON HOW TO USE THIS TO DIRECTLY IMPACT OUR COMMUNITIES.

I MEAN, THE IDEAS ARE FLOWING IN MY MIND.

I JUST THINK IT WILL BE A FASTER WAY OF HELPING THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED INDISPED -- INSTEAD OF GOING SUPER LONG-TERM VIA COMMITTEE.

I JUST ECHO MAYBE WE PUT PART TO THE SIDE FOR GLOBAL USE AND COMMUNITY APPROACH AND ANOTHER PART WE SAY HALF OF THIS WILL WE PUT RIGHT NOW INTO THE PRE SINKS TO -- PRECINCTS AND HALF WE WILL KEEP FOR COUNTY WIDE.

I RECOMMEND THAT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WE GET DOWN TO THE NITTY GRITTY THAT WHAT CAN WE DO IN EACH OF OUR PRECINCTS TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THOSE IN THOSE PRECINCTS.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAD TO LEAVE SO I CAN ASK MY STAFF REAL QUICK, BUT, BILL, I WAS

[01:10:03]

EACH COMMISSIONER WOULD TAKE THE LEAD ON WHAT WOULD BE DONE WITH THEIR PORTION FOR THEIR PRECINCT.

SO NOW MAYBE THINGS CHANGED, BUT THAT IS -- I JUST HAVE TO ASK BRANDON WAS I DREAMING? BUT THAT'S WHAT I WAS LEAD TO BELIEVE.

BE IT AS IT MAY, I WILL NOT ARGUE THE POINT.

HAVE I NO PROBLEM WITH US MEETING EVEN IF WE NEED TO MEET NEXT WEEK WITH GUIDE HOUSE.

GUIDE HOUSE ALSO SAID IT WAS SOMETHING DIFFERENT THEY RAN INTO AFTER DISASTERS IN OTHER PLACES WHERE THEY CAN GET IN A ROOM AND TALK TO FOLKS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THE MONEY.

AS I SAID EARLIER, MY FOCUS WAS ON EQUITY.

AND THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS IT OUGHT TO BE THERE.

BUT I DON'T I DON'T WANT US TO BE -- I DON'T WANT US IN A POSITION WITH THIS MONEY WHERE WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SPEND IT ALL.

I THINK MORE STRINGS ARE COMING.

I ALSO WANT TO MAKE THE POINT THAT WHEN THE MONEY WAS RAISED, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO GREAT LEADERSHIP, TO THE COUNTY JUDGE THEN AND THE MAYOR, HARVEY, YOU KNOW, ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE IN PAIN IS WHAT RAISED THE MONEY.

PEOPLE AROUND THE GLOBE LOOKING AT FOLKS AND PITCHING IN TO HELP ONE ANOTHER AND JUMPING ON BOATS.

IN THIS GO AROUND, WE WON'T HAVE THAT PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT OUT THERE BECAUSE IT IS A PANDEMIC.

A LOT OF FOLKS WHO WROTE CHECKS -- YOU KNOW, I AM TOLD THEY RAISED ABOUT 10 MILLION WITH THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GROUP AND THEY WILL BE LUCKY IF THEY GET ANOTHER 10 OR 15 MILLION IN BECAUSE ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO WROTE CHECKS FOR THAT 150 -- OVER $100 MILLION WE GOT IN FROM FILL AN -- FROM PHILANTHROPIC CORPORATIONS, YOU KNOW, BIG COMPANIES, IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THAT WILL HAPPEN THIS TIME.

WE WILL HAVE FAR MORE NEED THAN WE WILL HAVE MONEY, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT GOES TO THE MANY PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T GET THE PPP CHECKS BECAUSE THEY WERE TOO POOR TO FILE INCOME TAXES.

I THINK WE SHOULD USE THE EQUITY LENS.

THERE WERE SOME PEOPLE WHO HAD A VIRUS BEFORE CORONA CAME AND THAT WAS THE VIRUS OF INEQUALITY.

WE OUGHT TO USE THIS AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRY TO HELP SOME OF THOSE MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES WHEREVER THEY ARE AND WHATEVER PRECINCT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, DID YOU SAY WE HAVE SPEAKERS AFTER ALL?

>> YES, WE HAVE DANIEL STOKER.

MR. STOKER? GO AHEAD, SIR.

>> YES.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I AM DANIEL STOKER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE ALLIANCE.

WE ARE A NONPROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION.

WE CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR REFUGEES AND UNDER SERVED RESIDENTS TO ACHIEVE GOALS OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND IMPROVING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR HOLDING THIS HEARING TO ENSURE EQUITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL RESIDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

AND ALSO THE RESULT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS.

THAT IS GROWING NOW SIGNIFICANTLY EACH WEEK.

WE KNOW THAT FOR THE COMMUNITY TO PERSEVERE THROUGH HARDSHIP, ALL SEGMENTS OF SOCIETY WITH NEEDS MUST HAVE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCES.

WE ALL SUFFER AND STUMBLE WITH RECOVERY.

WE ALSO DON'T WANT TO HURT RESIDENTS WHO ARE FOREIGN BORN AND MAYBE THOSE WHO ARE TRYING TO OVERCOME LANGUAGE AND EQUITY BARRIERS TO GET RESOURCES.

AND MANY SOME ARE HERE FOR MANY GENERATIONS ARE ALSO FACING CULTURAL BARRIERS DUE TO INEQUITIES.

DISCRIMINATION.

MANY PEOPLE WERE LEFT OUT OF THE STIMULUS CHECKS AS YOU HEARD SOME OF THE COMMISSIONERS SHARE ALREADY.

NEWLY ARRIVED REFUGEES HAVE BEEN INVITED HERE AND LEFT OUT.

MIXED STATUS FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO DIDN'T HAVE INCOME TO FILE TAXES AND OTHERS WHO ARE HERE BY INVITATION TO WORK, BUT DON'T HAVE THE DOCUMENTATION STATUS TO GAIN ACCESS TO DISASTER BENEFITS.

THEY ARE ALL STRUGGLING.

WE'VE SEEN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY BECAUSE THE ALLIANCE SERVES ALL OF THE COUNTY AND WE HAVE OFFICES IN THE SOUTHWEST AND MAGNOLIA AND EAST ACRE HOMES.

WE SERVED 3,000 PEOPLE WITH 73% OF THEM ARE SPEAKING 24 LANGUAGES AND 75% ARE LOWER INCOME.

THE TOP FIVE NEEDS ARE THE THINGS YOU TALKED ABOUT, RENTAL ASSISTANCE, UTILITY ASSISTANCE, DESPERATION OF WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE, JOB SEARCHES.

WE ARE HELPING PEOPLE WHO ARE OUT OF WORK TO JOBS AND FOOD ASSISTANCE WHICH IS GROWING BY THE DAY.

AND THE LAST AREA OF HELP IS SMALL BUSINESSES WHICH WE CALL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

[01:15:01]

THOSE ARE PEOPLE WHO GENERALLY SERVE AND THERE IS A CRISIS THERE TOO.

SO WE HAVE BEEN GETTING REQUESTS FROM PEOPLE WHO LOST JOBS AND TRYING TO HELP THEM REGAIN EMPLOYMENT.

GUS IS A SINGLE FATHER OF TWO AND WORKING AS A JANITOR IN A MESS HALL.

HE HAS BEEN OUT OF WORK FOR A MONTH.

HE USED HIS LAST DOLLARS TO PAY HALF OF HIS BILLS IN MARCH.

HE REACHED OUT SEEKING ASSISTANCE AND WHEN HE HAD NOTHING LEFT OF FOOD TO HELP HIS CHILDREN, WE ARE ROCKER -- WE ARE WORKING HARD TO HELP HIM AND MANY LIKE HIM.

SO THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE SUPPORT NOW -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> AND FINANCIAL INSTABILITY.

SO THANK YOU AND WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

APPRECIATE YOUR COMMENTS AND YOUR EFFORTS TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU.

>> NEXT WE HAVE MINISTER JACQUELINE HAYLEY.

MS. HAYLEY?

>> YES.

GOOD MORNING JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS MINISTER JACQUELINE.

GLALATIANS 6:2 SAYS CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS AND IN THIS WAY YOU WILL FULFILL THE LAWS OF CHRIST.

HARRIS COUNTY IS RECEIVING $400 MILLION -- MORE THAN $400 MILLION FROM THE CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND.

I AM HERE TO URGE YOU TO CONSIDER OUR MOST VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS.

AS YOU KNOW THE MONEY MUST BE SPENT BY DECEMBER 30TH.

IT MUST BE USED FOR EXTRA NON-ORDINARY EXPENSES RESULTING FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, AND IT MUST BE USED FOR EXPENSES NOT ALREADY IN THE CURRENT COUNTY BUDGET.

AND OUR CHURCHES AND OUR PASTORS ARE HEARING ABOUT THE NEED FOR RENT AND UTILITIES AND FOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH.

ALSO OVER THOWRT -- 40,000 CALLS WERE MADE TO THE 2-1-1 SYSTEM FROM MARCH 1ST THROUGH APRIL 19TH, 15,600 WERE CALLERERS ASKING FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

THEY SAID THERE ARE OVER 70,000 FAMILIES IN HARRIS COUNTY LAST MONTH WHO COULD NOT PAY THEIR RENT.

THERE WILL BE EVEN MORE IN PAY.

PUTTING $160 MILLION OF COVID-19 RELIEF MONEY INTO RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE WILL EASE THESE URGENT ISSUES.

AND SO AS THE CITIES OF AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO AND DALLAS HAVE ALREADY DONE, TMO IS ASKING HARRIS COUNTY AND THE PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNITY TO INVEST $160 MILLION LOCAL, FEDERAL FUNDS USING CODE -- COVID DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS AND PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM RENTAL ASSISTANCE OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS.

SO BEFORE MAY 1ST, COMMUNITY MEMBERS NEED GUIDANCE.

IN OTHER WORDS, COUNTY JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, IF YOU AGREE PUTTING 160 MILLION OF COVID-19 RELIEF MONEY INTO RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE, THIS NEED HAS TO BE DONE.

IT HAS TO BE BY MAY 1ST.

HARRIS COUNTY WILL NEED TO INVEST PUTTING 160 MILLION CO -- COVID-19 FUNDS IN RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

HEBREWS 6:10 SAYS GOD IS NOT UNJUST.

HE WILL NOT FORGET YOUR WORKS AND THE LOVE YOU HAVE SHOWN HIM AS YOU HAVE HELPED HIS PEOPLE AND CONTINUE TO HELP THEM.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.

>> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, ANYBODY ELSE? LUCINDA? WE CAN'T HEAR YOU.

>> SCHNEIDER.

MS. SCHNEIDER?

>> YES, I'M HERE.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> GOOD MORNING.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH Y'ALL.

MY NAME IS DENISE SCHNEIDER.

I AM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS AND SENIOR ADULTS AT THE METHODIST CHURCH AS WELL AS THE LEADIER OF THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION.

I WANTED TO SPEAK TO YOU ALL ABOUT THE NEED FACING OUR SPECIFIC COMMUNITY DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS AND THE STAY AT HOME ORDERS.

THE PEOPLE IN OUR AREA ARE ACROSS PRECINCT 3 AND PRECINCT 4, AND MANY OF THEM ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING WITH MEETING THE NEEDS THEY HAVE IN THEIR HOUSEHOLD DUE TO LOW WAGES.

THE SCHOOLS THAT ARE IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDING OUR CHURCH ARE TITLE 1 SCHOOLS, AND MANY OF THOSE FAMILIES ARE LIVING AT OR BELOW THE POVERTY LINE.

[01:20:03]

ON ANY GIVEN WEEK TYPICALLY WE RECEIVE 10 TO 15 REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THOSE AREAS.

OVER THE PAST FIVE WEEKS THAT HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE POINT WE CAN NO LONGER MEET THAT NEED.

TYPICALLY WHAT WE DO IS WE GO THROUGH A VETTING PROCESS OF THOSE ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE, AND WE WORK WITH NONPROFITS AND OTHER CHURCHES TO HELP MEET THEIR NEEDS.

BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IS SO GREAT AND THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY ARE REQUESTING TO BE ABLE TO PAY THEIR RENT AND THEIR Y -- THEIR UTILITY IS SO HIGH WE FIND OURSELVES UNABLE TO MEET THOSE NEEDS.

TYPICALLY IN THOSE SITUATIONS THE NONPROFITS IN OUR AREA ARE ABLE TO STEP IN AND HELP RELIEVE THE FINANCIAL STRESS.

HOWEVER, THOSE WHO DO EXIST DO NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO BE ABLE TO DO SO.

WE ARE IN A POSITION WHERE WE NEED GREAT NEED.

WE NEED TO HUMBLY ASK FOR TO YOU CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE.

WE HAVE A CHURCH MEMBER WHO IS A SENIOR ADULT, 72 YEARS OLD, AND SHE RECEIVES SOCIAL SECURITY AS WELL AS WORKS PART-TIME AT KOHL'S.

DUE TO THE STAY AT HOME ORDER SHE WAS RELEASED FROM HER POSITION, AND SHE IS STRUGGLING TO FIND A WAY HOW TO PAY FOR HER RENT TO STAY IN HER HOME.

THOUGH THERE IS OPPORTUNITY TO -- FOR HER TO LET HER PAY HER RENT LATE, THERE ARE LATE FEE THAT'S ARE GOING TO ACCUMULATE.

THE QUESTION IS HOW CAN SHE AFFORD THE LATE FEES ALONG WITH TRYING TO STOCK UP FOR NEXT MONTH'S BILLS? WE ARE ASKING YOU THROUGH THE METRA POLITIC -- METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION HOW TO ALLOCATE THE MONEY BEING GIVEN YOU HIGHLY CONSIDER MAKING RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE A RYE YORT, AND WE ARE ASKING FOR YOU TO APPROVE $116 MILLION OF RELIEF TO GO TOWARD THAT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I BELIEVE THOSE ARE THE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM, RIGHT, LUCINDA?

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO MAKE AN EDIT TO THIS ITEM THAT BUDGET MANAGEMENT HAS PUT ON AND ADD ON AT THE END THAT THE COMMITTEE BRING TO OUR NEXT MEETING A FRAMEWORK AND SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO ASSIGN THE FUNDS SO THEY ARE SPENT ON BEST PRACTICES BEFORE THE DECEMBER DEADLINE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I SECOND THAT MOTIONED ITEM, BUT ALSO ADD TO THAT THAT EACH OF US CLEARLY HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO IN AND PUT OUR OWN ROAM DECISION -- RECOMMEND DECISION -- RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL.

I GUESS THIS TREASURY MONEY IS NEW, AND I DIDN'T WANT TO SAY IT WHEN SOME OF THE OTHER SPEAKERS WERE UP, BUT AUSTIN PUT UP 15 MILLION, AND THIS WAS THEIR MONEY TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THESE ISSUES, RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

SAN ANTONIO 25 MILLION.

DALLAS 6.1 MILLION.

LOS ANGELES 10 MILLION WHEN THEY DID THE ANGELINA CARD.

THEY DID ALL OF THIS BEFORE THE MONEY CAME THROUGH.

AND SOMEBODY CAN PROBABLY HELP US SORT THROUGH AND SEE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING.

BUT I'M SURE MOST CITIES AND COUNTIES AND STATES FOR THAT MATTER IN THE COUNTRY, IF THEY LOOK AT ALL OF THE DAMAGE IT IS GOING TO GO WELL ABOVE THIS 400 AND SOMETHING MILLION DOLLARS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T DO ANYTHING THAT SLOWS IT DOWN.

OBVIOUSLY WE WANT TO BE ANYMORE BELL ENOUGH NOT TO SPEND IT SO QUICK.

WHAT IF WE COME OUT OF LOCK DOWN AND GOD FORBID SOMETHING HAPPENS AND WE HAVE TO GO BACK IN? CERTAINLY WE ARE WATCHING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, THAT'S THE CHALLENGE.

MAYBE IN GERMANY THE ISSUES ARE COMING UP.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH.

I THINK WE SHOULD LOOK AROUND THE COUNTRY.

I JUST WANT TO STRESS THE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOT FOR PROFIT MONEY AND THE FUND THAT WAS SET UP.

THE FEDERAL MONEY WITH THE STRINGS AND THE ANTI-NEPOTISM RULES AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST RULES, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF THINGS THAT CAN TRIGGER A FALL BACK.

THAT'S WHY YOU WERE SMART TO SUGGEST THAT AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND JACKSON SOMEBODY FROM GUIDE HOUSE HELP US SORT THROUGH HOW TO GET OUT OUT OF THIS.

SECOND YOUR AMENDMENT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR -- >> CAN YOU REPEAT THAT SO FOR THE COURT RECORD IT IS CLEAR.

WHAT IS THE ACTUAL AMENDMENT?

[01:25:03]

>> LINA HIDALGO: AT THE VERY END OF THE ITEM THAT THE COMMITTEE BRING TO THE NEXT MEETING A FRAMEWORK AND SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION ON WHERE TO ASSIGN THE FUNDS SO THEY ARE SPENT BASED ON BEST PRACTICES BEFORE THE DECEMBER DEADLINE.

AND I TAKE IT HERE WHEN IT ALL THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS, THAT TAKES TO MEAN GUIDE HOUSE AND WHO THEY NEED TO TALK TO, PRESUMABLY THE NONPROFITS.

I AM THINKING WE SOUGHT TO GO AND SIT DOWN WITH FOLKS.

THE COMMITTEE OUGHT TO DO A LITTLE RESEARCH SO WE ARE QUICK, BUT THOUGHTFUL.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF MONEY, BUT IT IS REALLY NOT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM SECONDING YOUR MOTION SO WE CAN VOTE ON THE ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: JAMES, DID YOU GET IT?

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE MAKING A COMMENT?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE YOU GO.

I THINK COMMISSIONER ELLIS NEEDS TO MAKE THE MOTION AND I WILL SECOND IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I MAKE THE MOTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DID THE COMMISSIONER HAVE A COMMENT?

>> NO, YOUR HONOR, BUT I DO THINK $426 BILLION IS A YOU -- IS A LOT OF MONEY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

[Item I (Part 2 of 7)]

THE NEXT ITEM -- WE ARE DONE WITH COVID ITEMS SO BACK ON 26 UNDER THE COVID-19 SECTION THERE IS A MEMO ABOUT BEST PRACTICES FOR RELIEF FUNDS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHICH PAGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: 26, COMMISSIONER, 22B UNDER THE COVID-19 SECTION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY, YES.

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THIS IS KATIE SHORE -- >> YOUR HONOR?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN KATIE.

>> A POINT OF ORDER, WE HAVE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NUMBERING SYSTEM THAN YOU HAVE.

WHAT WAS PRESENTED TO US HAS THE OUT OF ORDER COVID ISSUES STARTING ON PAGE 1.

AND THEN WE HAVE THE REGULAR AGENDA THAT STARTS UP AND IT HAS A DIFFERENT SORT OF NUMBERING SYSTEM TO THEM.

I'M SORT OF HANGING WITH YOU, BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE -- HANG ON A SECOND, JUDGE.

>> I WILL CHECK AS WELL.

>> WHEN I HAVE HERE ON THE ANALYST OFFICE ON PAGE 1 AND ITEM B -- WE ARE ON A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT NUMBERING SYSTEM.

DID WE GET THIS FROM THE JUDGE'S OFFICE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK MAYBE THE WAY WE CAN BE CLEAR IS WE ARE IN SECTION 22 WHICH IS THE COVID-19 SECTION.

THAT'S WHAT IT IS TITLE ELD.

TITLED.

DO YOU ALL SEE THAT?

>> I AM WITH YOU NOW, JUDGE.

WE JUST REPRINTED THAT AND BROUGHT IT UP FRONT.

I AM WITH YOU NOW.

PRETTY MUCH I NEED TO GET ON THE SAME PAGE EVERYBODY ELSE IS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: KATIE YOU WERE SAYING SOMETHING?

>> I WAS JUST -- KATIE SHORE WITH THE ANALYST OFFICE.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I KNOW WE WERE TAKING MY ITEM 22B JOINTLY WITH THE SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM 15 SO I DEFER TO YOU.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE IF WE CAN TAKE THEM TOGETHER, BUT I KNOW YOU ALL ARE TIRED OF HEARING MY SOUTHERN DRAW SO I WOULD LIKE TO LET KATIE WALK THROUGH WHAT HER RESEARCH CAME UP WITH AND I WILL PRESENT MY ITEM WHICH IS SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM ON PAGE -- 16?

>> NUMBER 15 ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL.

IS THAT OKAY, JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, GO AHEAD, KATIE.

>> THANK YOU.

AGAIN KATIE SHORT WITH THE ANALYST OFFICE.

THIS TRANSMITAL IS IN RESPONSE TO THE APRIL 7TH REQUEST FROM COMMISSIONER ELLIS' OFFICE AND THEN APPROVED BY THIS COURT.

THE AM -- THE ANALYST OFFICE REVIEWED THE ADMINISTRATION OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS AND THEN CONSIDERED COMMON CRITERIA AND ANY IDENTIFIABLE BEST PRACTICES AND THEN FINALLY ASSESSED AS WAS AMENDED ON APRIL 7TH, ASSESSED THE ABILITY UP TO $15 MILLION TO MEET LOCAL NEED IN HARRIS COUNTY.

BEFORE CONTINUING I WANT TO THANK OUR PARTNERS AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AND REID'S TEAM.

[01:30:02]

SO NOTABLY FOR EXAMPLE IT DOESN'T INCLUDE THE $25 MILLION FUND SPENT BY THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, BUT GIVEN THE TIME CONSTRAINTS WE WERE INTERESTED IN LOOKING AS IN DEPTH AS POSSIBLE AS THE FUNDS SET UP AND I COULD GIVE CONTEXT FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND HOW TO SET UP SUCH FUNDS.

THE MEMO INCLUDES FUNDS WITH DIFFERENT ATTRIBUTES.

SO IT WOULDN'T INCLUDE FUNDS WITH SIMILAR OR IDENTICAL ATTRIBUTES FOR THE CLARITY OF THE MEMO.

THE ATTRIBUTES INCLUDE FUNDS MORE COMMONLY ADMINISTERED BY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SO PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE MUNICIPALITIES AND FUND STRUCTURES INCLUDE A FORMAL COMMITTEE WITH GRANT-MAKING DECISIONS.

FOR FUNDS THAT WERE ADMINISTERED WITH -- FOR FUNDS THAT WERE GRANTED DIRECTLY TO NONPROFITS AND THEN INDIVIDUALS, SO 9 OF THE FUNDS REVIEWED AND AWARDED TO RECIPIENTS THAT HAD A PROVEN TRACK RECORD SERVING VULNERABLE RESIDENTS.

AND THE FUNDS TARGETED KEY POPULATIONS TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS IN MORE WAYS.

13 OF THE 13 FUNDS TARGETED LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS.

ALTHOUGH THOSE INDIVIDUALS WERE DEFINED DIFFERENTLY ACROSS THE MUNICIPALITIES, AND THAT IS CLARIFIED IN THE APPENDIX OF THIS MEMO.

AND THEN 8 OF THE 13 FUNDS FOCUSED ON HOUSING AND STABLE RESIDENTS.

AND IT INCLUDES SENIORS AS ONE OF THE VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WHICH THEY FOCUSED.

ALL 13 FUNDS GRANTED TO NONPROFITS AND FOUR OF THE 13 FUNDS GRANTED TO INDIVIDUALS AS WELL AS NONPROCHT.

AS WELL AS NONPROFIT.

THE RELIEF FUND WHICH THIS COURT DISCUSSED TODAY REFLECTED MANY OF THE COMMON AT THRAW BEAUTS AND ALSO REFLECTED -- ATTRIBUTES.

TURNING TO THE PROPOSED $15 MILLION THIS COURT DISCUSSED ON APRIL 7TH THE ANALYST OFFICE HAS 15 MILLION REACHED ABOUT 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS FOR RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

THIS COST CALCULATION WAS DONE IN COLLABORATION WITH BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND WITH COMMUNITY SERVICES USING TYPICAL RENTAL AND UTILITY AMOUNTS FOR HOUSEHOLDS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND TYPICAL USER RATES FOR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

HOW MANY OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS -- FOR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE, HOW MANY OF THE INDIVIDUALS ARE TYPICALLY NEEDING UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

THE COST CALCULATION WAS DONE WITH TYPICAL ASSISTANCE AMOUNTS FOR OUR REGION.

BUT FOR CONTENT, WHAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED TODAY, SINCE MARCH 15TH IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 290,000 INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS COMING FROM HARRIS COUNTY RES -- RESIDENTS.

THIS IS A REVISION FROM THE 170,000 INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS THAT WAS ESTIMATED IN THE REPORT THAT WAS CIRCULATED, BUT THAT WAS A WEEK AGO.

THIS $15 MILLION WOULD ONLY REACH A FRACTION OF THE HOUSEHOLDS ESTIMATED TO NEED RELIEF TODAY.

I THINK THAT SUMMARIZES THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS REPORT AND I'LL TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I THINK -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD.

SORRY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO KATIE, THANK YOU, AND IT WAS A VERY GOOD REPORT, ABOUT 2 THREE-PAGE -- 23 PAGES.

I THINK I STEPPED IN ON A PHONE CALL MY STAFF WAS DOING WITH YOU WHEN YOU WERE KIND ENOUGH TO WALK THROUGH.

A COUPLE OF POINTS.

I NOTICED SOMEWHERE IN THE DOCUMENT HERE YOU POINTED OUT ABOUT $115 MILLION WAS RAISED AS A RESULT OF HARVEY.

I WAS READING THAT SOMEWHERE HERE.

I KNOW FROM MY TALKING POINTS THAT IF WE WERE ABLE TO SET UP THIS FUND I WANT TO SET UP, THEY WOULD CHARGE THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ABOUT 7% ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.

[01:35:07]

KEY ATTRIBUTES OF THE HARVEY RELIEF FUND.

114 MILLION RAISED.

THIS IS INTERESTING.

126,000 DONORS, INDIVIDUAL, CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

I MEAN, PEOPLE SAW THAT FLOODING AND THEY WERE JUST SENDING CHECKS IN.

HARRIS COUNTY DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THIS FUND.

THE FUND IS ESTIMATED TO HAVE 439,000 INDIVIDUALS AND 115,000 HOUSEHOLDS.

OF THOSE SERVED 56%, 41 WERE AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND 37% HISPANIC AND 15 NONHISPANIC AND 7% OTHER ETHNIC GROUP.

IT IS INTERESTING THAT THEY KEPT THAT KIND OF DATA.

WHAT MY HOPE WAS, AND I WANT LEGAL TO JUMP IN AT THE PROP -- APPROPRIATE TIME, I WANT TO LAYOUT WHAT I WAS CONTEMPLATING PROPOSING AND THAT IS WE SET UP A HARRIS COUNTY COVID RELIEF FUND AND WE WOULD ESSENTIALLY GIVE THIS MONEY TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, THE GREAT HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.

IT WOULD BE 7%.

WE DID TALK TO MR. STUCKEY AND MISS LIMEAUX.

THEY DON'T HAVE THE CAPACITY TO GO INTO IT.

I THINK WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED ON THE MEMO, THE FEDERAL MONEY, THE $426 MILLION, WAS NOT ON THE TABLE.

WHEN I MADE THE MOTION AND ASKED YOU TO DO IT, OF COURSE, WE WERE ON A LEAP OF FAITH.

WE KNEW BUSINESSES WERE HURTING AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU WERE INSISTENT.

I SECONDED THE MOTION.

TO GO AHEAD AND DO IT AND NOT KNOWING IF WE WOULD GET REIMBURSED OR NOT.

I THINK YOU COULD FEEL THE PAIN FROM PEOPLE HURTING.

I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE, AND I MADE THAT POINT THEN THAT WE ARE SENSITIVE TO BOTH OUR SMALL BUSINESSES, BUT ALSO THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO CATCH THE EARLY BUS TO GO AND WASH THE DISHES AND BUS THE TABLES.

THEY HAVE TO TAKE THE STUFF TO TAKEOUT.

I KNOW THIS 15 MILLION, IT WAS ARBITRARY BECAUSE YOU HAD 10, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AND I THINK YOU WERE WORKING ON GETTING IT UP TO 20 EVEN BACK THEN BECAUSE YOU KNEW THERE WAS MORE NEED OUT THERE THAN WE HAD CAPACITY.

BUT WE WANT TO DO SOMETHING.

I ARBITRARILY TRIED THE 15 MILLION JUST AS A PLACE MARKER.

WHETHER IT WAS 5 MILLION, 10 MILLION OR 20 MILLION AS A PLACE MARKER.

I THINK WE OUGHT TO DO SOMETHING.

MOST OF THESE FUNDS -- KATIE, THIS IS A QUESTION FOR YOU, ALL OF THEM.

NONE OF THEM WERE WITH FEDERAL MONEY, RIGHT? ALL OF THESE FOLKS SET THIS UP ESSENTIALLY USING MONEY THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY, SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN -- AUSTIN WERE NOT USING FEDERAL MONEY, AM I RIGHT?

>> I AM NOT -- I AM NOT SURE THAT THEY WEREN'T USING ANY FEDERAL MONEY, BUT THEY WERE ALL USING LOCAL DOLLARS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO IN OTHER WORDS, IF AUSTIN CAN GET REIMBURSED FOR RENT, MORTGAGE, UTILITY, THEY'LL TAKE IT, BUT WHEN THEY SET IT UP, THEY DIDN'T KNOW IF THEY WOULD GET THAT BACK FROM THE FEDERAL LEVEL.

>> I WOULD HAVE TO CIRCLE BACK WITH MY TEAM TO CONFIRM THAT, BUT THEY WERE USING -- BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE EXACTLY WHAT BUCKETS, IF THEY WERE USING LOCAL DOLLARS FOR CERTAIN ACTIVITIES, I AM NOT AT THIS JUNCTURE CLEAR IF THERE WERE LIMITATIONS LIKE THAT IN THE FUNDS STRUCTURE.

SOME OF THE INFORMATION WE WERE GETTING WAS AS THEY WERE DEVELOPING THEIR FUND STRUCTURE.

AND SO WE DID THE BEST WE COULD TO GET AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE.

SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS WERE NOT EVEN ANSWERED IN THE JURISDICTIONS WE WERE REVIEWING AT THE TIME WE PRODUCED THE REPORT.

THAT SAID, YEAH, HAPPY TO CIRCLE BACK WITH YOUR OFFICE ON THAT QUESTION.

BUT I KNOW THAT ALL OF THESE FUNDS INCLUDE LOCAL DOLLARS.

>> AND DO YOU KNOW WHETHER OR NOT THEY PUT IN RESTRICTIONS AS IT RELATES TO IMMIGRATION STATUS?

>> FOUR OF THE 13 FUNDS SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS WERE A TARGETED POPULATION FOR THE RELIEF EFFORT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU JUST REMEMBER OFF THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD.

I CAN LOOK IT UP.

>> YES, SIR.

SO THE 400 WERE THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, THE SACRAMENTO REGIONAL RESPONSE, LOUISVILLE AND THE CITY OF UH -- AUSTIN.

[01:40:05]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE REASON I RAISE THAT IS BECAUSE SOME OF THEM MAY NOT HAVE SAID IT, BUT I AM TOLD BY A FEW ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT SOME HAVE WANTED TO DANCE AROUND THE ISSUE, BUT THAT'S WHY THEY WERE USING GENERAL REVENUE BECAUSE MOST OF THE FEDERAL PROGRAMS WILL HAVE THAT STIPULATION THAT IT WOULD KNOCK THEM OUT OF BEING ABLE TO USE ANY FEDERAL MONEY FOR IT.

MY HOPE, COMMISSIONERS, IS TO MAKE A MOTION AND SET IT AS COVID RELIEF FUND AND HAVE THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT VET IT SO THAT THEY HAVE A COMFORT LEVEL AND WE MOVE FORWARD WITH 15 MILLION, AND IF THEY CAN'T DO IT, WE WON'T DO IT.

MY INTENT WAS TO TRY TO SET IT UP IN SUCH A WAY THAT WE COULD GET SOME IMMEDIATE RELIEF PARTICULARLY IN THE AREA OF RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE PRETTY SOON, HEY, I AM SENSITIVE TO THE LANDLORDS WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TOY -- TO EVICT SOMEBODY NOW.

AT SOME POINT THEY WILL BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO PAY THEIR RENT.

I'M SENSITIVE TO THOSE FOLKS WHO HAVE TO PAY UTILITIES, AND I WANT US TO MOVE FORWARD.

WE COULDN'T GET ALL OF THE I'S DOTTED AND THE T'S CROSSED, MR. SOARD AND I THINK THEY WERE TALKING TO ME AT 8:00, 8:30 THIS MORNING, AND WE JUST CAN'T WORK IT OUT.

BUT AS A POLICY MAKER, AT LEAST FROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF THIS ONE IN MY MIND I'M COMFORTABLE AS A POLICY DECISION WITH MOVING FORWARD, WITH SETTING UP A FUND AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET REIMBURSED.

IF WE CAN'T, THERE ARE JUST SOME PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO NEED HELP, WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS ECONOMY.

IT IS NOT ALL OF THEM, BUT THEY WILL FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS.

THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY IS PART OF IT.

THE HOMELESS COMMUNITY, YOU WILL NOT HAVE A LOT OF DOCUMENT -- DOCUMENTATION TO SUBMIT TO GET REIMBURSED FROM THE FEDS ON THAT.

AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME I WILL ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, BUT THAT'S WHAT I'M GONNA PROPOSE.

AND IF WE CAN COME BACK NEXT WEEK, I DON'T WANT TO WAIT TOO LONG, COME BACK AND FIGURE OUT IF WE CAN DO SOMETHING.

IF WE COME BACK AND MAKE A POLICY DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT WE WANT TO DO IT EVEN

IF WE ARE NOT -- [INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE CLEAR ON WHAT BATCH OF FUNDS WE ARE USING FOR THIS PROGRAM.

IF WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE DONATIONS, AND I OFFENDS -- UNDERSTAND WHEN WE RECEIVED DONATIONS BEFORE WITH HARVEY, WE WERE HIT, BUT THERE WERE OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY THAT WERE LEND A HAND AND HELP US, AND THERE WERE COMPANIES THAT WERE NOT AS BADLY HIT AND THEY WERE ABLE TO DONATE INTO THE SYSTEM WHO THEY RIGHT NOW ARE SUFFERING AND AREN'T ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE.

I GET THAT.

THERE ARE FUNDS WE USE FROM THE NONPROFITS.

THERE ARE FUNDS LIKE THIS 426 MILLION WE ARE RECEIVING FROM THE FEDS, AND THEN THERE ARE FUNDS THAT WOULD HAVE TO COME OUT OF EITHER OUR PICK FUND OR OUT OF OUR PROPERTY TAX, AND I THINK THERE THERE WAS AN ILLUSION TO IT THAT WE MAY HAVE A LONG, HARD WINTER AHEAD OF US AND WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT WE DO WITH OUR PROPERTY TAX FUNDS WHERE WE MAY OR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HELP EVERYBODY WE WANT TO, BUT IF WE HAVE TO RAISE OUR TAXES WHICH I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF, WE WILL HURT THOSE THAT ARE RIGHT NOW HURTING THE MOST.

AND SO I WANT TO BE VERY CAREFUL IN OUR DISCUSSION THAT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THESE FUNDS, WE KNOW WHERE ARE THE FUNDS COMING FROM? I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE CLEAR.

ONE THING IS A REPORT FROM THE ANALYSTS COMING IN AND THAT'S GOOD.

THE NEXT TWO ITEMS WHICH I DON'T KNOW IF WE ARE CON FLATTING THEM -- CONFLATIG THEM OR NOT, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WHERE THE FUNDS ARE COMING FROM AND GOING TO AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE VOTING ON TODAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I KNOW CSD FOR EXAMPLE IS ALREADY DOING A UTILITY ASSISTANCE FUND THAT IS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF OVER FOUR MILLION.

WILL THIS WORK TOGETHER, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, OR WILL THIS BE FOR THAT FOUR

[01:45:06]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: NO.

IT WILL BE FEDERAL MONEY AND WILL HAVE RESTRICTIONS.

MY HOPE WITH THIS IS TO USE MONEY THAT COMES OUT OF THE PICK.

THE MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS I WANT TO PUT IN PLACE ARE THREE FOLD.

ONE, BE A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY.

TWO, HOUSEHOLD INCOME BEFORE MARCH OF 2020 MUST BE 70% OF AMI OR QUALIFY FOR ONE OR MORE FEDERAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SUCH AS NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM, HEAD START, SUPPLEMENTAL SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME, HOUSING ASSISTANCE, MEDICAID, GOLD CARD, SNAP, WIC, V.A.

PENSION, TRIBAL ASSISTANCE, IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH ACTIVE CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS, HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN SHELTERS, YOUTH WHO HAVE AGED OUT OF FOSTER CARE AND DO NOT HAVE THE MEET OF FINANCIAL HELP AND THOSE WITH ECONOMIC IMPACT RELATED TO COVID.

WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO IS WHAT AUSTIN DID, I THINK COUNCILMAN GREG KAZAR CAME ON LAST TIME, AND WHAT THEIR COUNTY IS TRYING TO DO, MAYBE SOME OF IT CAN BE REIMBURSED.

I AM NOT JUST FOCUSED ON THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT LEFT OUT BECAUSE YOU KNOW THEY PAY A LITTLE UNDER 500 MILLION IN SALES TAXES.

I THINK THE FIGURE ON OTHER TAXES COMES CLOSE TO A BILLION DOLLARS.

HAVE I TO LOOK AT MY NOTES -- I HAVE TO LOOK AT MY NOTES, BUT THEY ARE A BIG PART OF THIS ECONOMY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND SO THE -- SO AS I UNDERSTAND IT WOULD BE IN PART TO DISPERSE THE FUNDING AMONG THE NONPROFITS THAT ARE ALREADY DOING THIS WORK.

WILL THE NONPROFITS ADD AN ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TO THIS BECAUSE WHEN I DID THE BUSINESS LOAN AND THE REASON WE DIDN'T GO WITH LIFT IS THEY WERE CHARGING A FEE AND A CLIMATE FEE WHICH WOULD HAVE LEFT A LOT OF MONEY ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE SIDE AND REALLY LIMITED I THINK ABOUT $3 MILLION THAT WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE GONE TO HELP PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WHO DID THIS FOR HARVEY ASSESSED A 7% FEE.

AM I ON, ADRIAN? AM I MUTED?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU ARE GOOD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT WAS MINE.

THEY WILL CHARGE -- THEY WILL ASSESS A 7% FEE.

I DON'T KNOW IF GROUPS LIKE BAKER RIP -- RIPLEY, WHEN THEY GET A GRANT, I DON'T KNOW.

I WOULD HAVE TO ASK.

IF WE SET THIS UP, I WAS GOING TO SUGGEST THAT WE HAVE SOMEONE FROM -- THAT THE COUNTY APPOINTS AS A REPRESENTATIVE WITH A TASK FORCE TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

I WAS GOING TO SUGGEST WENDY MCCLUNIN.

SHE CAME FROM THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE MADE A REFERENCE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE.

I CHATTED WITH ONE OF THE BIG FUNDERS WHO MADE A COMMENT AND SO FAR THEY RAISED $10 MILLION.

MAINLY IT WAS FROM PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATIONS IN OUR AREA.

AND THEY THINK THEY MAY GET ANOTHER 10 MILLION ON A GOOD DAY.

IT WILL BE NOWHERE NEAR THE $114 MILLION THAT CAME IN.

YOU WON'T HAVE A HUNDRED AND SOMETHING THOUSAND DONORS COMING IN THIS GO AROUND.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER, JUDGE, IF I MIGHT, ON THE SMALL BUSINESS LOAN WE REQUIRED PEOPLE TO PROVIDE A COVID ECONOMIC IMPACT TO THEIR BUSINESS OPERATIONS SO THAT WE WEREN'T JUST SUBSIDIZING A BUSINESS THAT WAS DOING WELL REGARDLESS THAT THEY WEREN'T GETTING MONEY.

HOW WILL WE DISTINGUISH THOSE FOLKS WHO ARE HAVING UTILITY OR RENTAL CHALLENGES AS PART OF THE PANDEMIC IMPACT TO THE INDIVIDUAL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S WHY, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WANT TO GIVE IT TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.

[01:50:01]

EVEN BEFORE THEY PASSED IT OUT IT IS BECAUSE THEY GAVE A GRANT TO BAKER RIPLEY, OR THEY GAVE IT TO SOME ABUSED WOMEN'S SHELTER.

AND THEY WENT THROUGH THEIR PROCESS TO DO IT BECAUSE I'M JUST TRYING TO GET IT ON THE GROUND.

IF THE CONCERN IS THEY PAID THE RENT FOR SOMEBODY LIVING LIKE WE LIVE, I MUST ADMIT THAT WE KIND OF BANKED IT ON THEM.

WHATEVER THE PROCESSES ARE, YOU TRY AND DO IT.

IF YOU SAY SOMEBODY MAY GO OUT THERE ON A BIKE, YOU GET ME ON A BAD DAY UNSHAVEN AND MY HAIR WAS GROWN AND I GET ON A BIKE AND SHOW UP, SOME OF THAT MAY HAPPEN, BUT I DON'T THINK MUCH OF IT.

I THINK THEY HAVE A PRETTY GOOD SYSTEM.

AND I WAS JUST BUILDING OFF THE MODEL WHEN IT WAS PHILANTHROPIC.

WE MAY HAVE SOME SENSE OF HOW THEY WENT THROUGH THAT BEFORE.

WHEN IT WAS A BATTERED WOMEN'S SHELTER NEXT TO MY PRECINCT CAMP, I AM NOT SURE WHAT VARIABLES THEY GO THROUGH, BUT I BET THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T FALL IN THE CATEGORY OF NEED WHO WANT TO GO IN THERE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I THINK IT IS A GOOD POINT YOU HIGHLIGHTED THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERSPECTIVE.

AS YOU RECALL WHEN WE WERE ALL FIGHTING TO HELP VICTIMS OF CRIME, WE HAD A LOT OF THE NONPROFITS AND ACTUALLY PRECINCTS 3 AND 4 WHO HADN'T GOT ANY HELP, AND MAYBE THIS WILL BE A MECHANISM TO HELP THEIR CLIENTS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I AM DOING A TOWN HALL MEETING LATER THIS WEEK AND DOING IT ON MENTAL HEALTH.

SOME OF THE MEDICAL EXPERTS THAT HAVE BEEN ADVISING ALL OF US HAVE BEEN TELLING ME THERE IS A BIG SPIKE IN DOMESTIC ISSUES THAT ARE COMING UP BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE IN THEIR HOMES.

LOOK, I WANT TO BE CANDID.

I AM TALKING ABOUT HITTING COMMUNITIES WHETHER IT IS 5, 10, 15 OR EVEN IF THE COURT AGREES TO 1 MILLION.

WHATEVER IT IS.

I AM TALKING ABOUT SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WHERE WE RUN THE RISK THAT WE MAY NOT GET REIMBURSED.

I THINK THIS 426 IS PHENOMENAL AND I AM APPRECIATIVE TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND ALL OF OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND THE LEADERS OF THE SENATE AND ALL OF THEM.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, I AM CONVINCED THAT THE NEED IN HARRIS COUNTY, UNINCORPORATED, NOT EVEN TALKING ABOUT THE CITY, IS OVER $426 MILLION ALREADY.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE ONE MORE POINT, AND I WOULD ASK COMMISSIONER ELLIS TO CONSIDER WORKING WITH THE ANALYST OFFICE TO MAYBE FIND AN OVER LAP BETWEEN WHAT ARE THE NEW, RECORDED UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS IN THE COUNTY AS A WAY TO AND DURING THE PANDEMIC TIME FRAME, IT MAY BE PROBABLY THE BEST WAY TO DETERMINE WE ARE IMPACTING THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF DISADVANTAGED VICTIMS AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC.

WE HAD A SPIKE IN OUR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, AND I THINK THOSE MAY BE THE FOLKS WHO ARE USING THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT ALL, AND IT MAY BE ONE OF THE WAYS TO IDENTIFY THE COMMUNITIES MOST AT NEED AND MAYBE USING THAT AS A PARTICULAR PRPK [INAUDIBLE] RATHER THAN LETTING EVERYBODY APPLY.

IF THE INTEREST IS TO HELP THOSE IMPACTED BY THE PANDEMIC AND AGAIN GOING BACK TO THE SMALL BUSINESS WE ASKED FOLKS TO PROVIDE AN IMPACT STATEMENT AS IT RELATES TO HOW COVID-19, THE STAY AT HOME ORDER, IMPACTED THEM.

MAYBE THE NEWLY IDENTIFIED SPIKES MAY BE A GREAT PLACE TO START.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GAY BE GASH GASH >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HE CHATTED WITH ME EARLIER AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN WE WILL MEET AGAIN.

WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE FOUNDATION AND OTHERS TO COME UP WITH THIS ITEM.

WHEN I TALKED TO ROBERT AND VINCE RYAN EARLIER, THEY WERE ALSO CONCERNED.

[01:55:03]

I THINK I EXERTED ALL OF THE BAND WIDTH.

I WANT TO FIND SOMETHING TO HIT THOSE COMMUNITIES.

I KNOW IN A LOT OF WE -- WAY IS -- IT IS A DROP IN THE BUCKET.

IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE IF L.A.

OR THE OTHER FOLKS WILL GO THAT HIGH.

I DON'T THINK SO, BUT IF SO I WILL COME BACK AND CHANGE MY ATTITUDE.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHEN WE LOOK AT THESE NUMBERS THAT WE HAVE DONE SOMETHING.

IF LEGAL CAN TAKE THE FRAMEWORK I GAVE THEM AND WORK WITH IT, IF IT WON'T WORK, FORGET IT.

DON'T DO IT.

AS MR. SOARD SAID, MR. RYAN, I DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING THAT IS NOT LEGAL.

BUT I AM SAYING PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP, AND I THINK WE HAVE A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP THEM WHETHER WE GET REIMBURSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR NOT.

I THINK THE 5 TO 15 MILLION I TALKED ABOUT BEFORE WAS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT WE WOULD PROBABLY NOT GET REIMBURSED.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I DIDN'T THINK WE WOULD GET REIMBURSED FOR THE 10 WHEN I SECONDED YOUR MOTION.

I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO DO IT.

I RAISED A POINT WITH YOU, BUT WHAT WILL THE CITY DO? I HOPE THE CITY WILL COME UP, IF THEY CAN, AND MATCH SOME OF THIS.

I AM NOT JUST RESTRICTING IT TO FOLKS UNINCORPORATED.

EVEN IF THEY CAN'T DO IT.

KAZAR WAS SAYING WHEN HE CAME ON THE LINE, THE COUNCILMEMBER, BUT HE HOPED THEY WERE GOING TO PUT IN SOME MONEY.

I DON'T KNOW IF THEY DID OR NOT.

I DID CALL A COUNTY JUDGE LAST NIGHT, BUT I DIDN'T CATCH HER TO ASK WHETHER OR NOT THEY PUT ANY IN OR NOT.

I THINK WE HAVE IT.

THIS IS AS MUCH OF AN EMERGENCY IN MY JUDGMENT AS HARVEY, AMELDA OR A BLOW UP AT A CHEMICAL PLANT, AND OTHERS MAY COME DOWN THE ROAD, BUT I THINK WE OUGHT TO DO SOMETHING.

IT DEPENDS ON THE COMFORT LEVEL OF THIS COURT EVEN IF -- HEY, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY $500, DO IT.

I AM SUGGESTING 15 MILLION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, JUST TO CLARIFY AND I KNOW WE WANTED TO HEAR FROM ROBERT, BUT THE WAY I UNDERSTAND IT IS IT IS SIMILAR TO WHAT WE DID WITH AMELDA IN THAT THE GREATER USE FOUNDATION KNOWS IT IS A NON-PROFIT.

THEY CAN WORK WITH TRUSTED NONPROFITS TO ASSESS WHERE IS THE BIGGEST NEED AND HOW DO WE GET THE MONEY TO THE PLACES WHERE IT NEEDS TO GO, WHERE IT IS BEING TRACED AND WE KNOW THAT EVERY DOLLAR IS GOING WHERE IT NEEDS TO GET.

FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH MY STAFF LOOKED AT THE QUESTION THAT I HAD WHICH WAS WHAT WILL PUT US ON PAR WITH THE OTHER COUNTIES AND THE OTHER CITIES AS FAR AS AN AMOUNT? THEY THINK IT IS AROUND 30 MILLION.

I THINK IF WE DO 15 AND THEN HOPE THE CITY WILL PUT IN SOME MONEY, WE WOULD BE DOING HALF OF WHAT WE WOULD NEED TO TO BE ON PAR WITH THE SMALLER COUNTIES AND THE SMALLER CITIES.

I GUESS WENDY SEEMS LIKE A GOOD IDEA TO ME.

WE NEED TO RUN IT BY LEGAL, AND I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA TO PUT IT ON THE FOUNDATION FOR THEM TO DO LIKE WHAT THEY DID WITH AMELDA AND FIGURE OUT -- THEY FIGURE OUT, YOU KNOW, WHERE IS THE MOST NEED AND HOW DO WE DO THIS IN A ROBUST WAY THAT HAS CHECKS ON ANY POSSIBLE FRAUD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

WE CAN ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN IF WE HAPPEN TO USE SOME OF THE 400 MILLION TOWARD THIS, GREAT.

SOME MAY NOT QUALIFY BY VIRTUE THAT THE FEDERAL FUNDS WILL NEVER COVER THEM.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I SHOULD SAY UNLIKE COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I THINK I HAVE KNOWN THE ATTORNEY SINCE HE WAS SLY AND WE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL.

I SHOULD HAVE CALLED HIM, BUT I DIDN'T LAST NIGHT.

I DON'T WANT TO PUT -- IF THEY CAN DO IT, I HOPE THEY WILL.

I'M JUST SUGGESTING, AND I WANT TO LET ROBERT SPEAK, AND I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO THE MAYOR.

I SHOULD HAVE CALLED.

INSTEAD OF THE COUNTY JUDGE, I SHOULD HAVE CALLED.

IT WOULD BE A SIMPLE MOTION TO CREATE HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND TO BE MANAGED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND THE UNITED WAY WITH A $15 MILLION INITIAL INVESTMENT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY WILL APPOINT WENDY MONTOYA-CLUNIN TO THE ADVISORY BOARD OR WHATEVER IT IS AND BE OUR POINT PERSON AND CONTENTION ON THE LEGAL SIGNING OFF ON IT.

[02:00:02]

FROM THE TONE EARLIER, I DIDN'T HEAR ANYBODY JUMPING AT THE BIT.

I HEARD SOMEBODY SAY TWO WEEKS.

I JUST WANT TO HELP SOME OF THESE FOLKS.

WE ARE NOT L.A.

WE ARE FOUR TIMES THE SIZE OF TRAVIS COUNTY, BUT I WANT US TO DO SOMETHING.

COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WISH I WAS AS THOUGHTFUL AS YOU WERE.

I SHOULD HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE MAYOR.

WHEN WE FINISH IT WE WILL CALL.

>> JUDGE, IF I COULD -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER, THAT'S -- WHEN I LOOK AT THE HEAT MAP OF THE SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM, THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF BUSINESSES THAT ARE INSIDE THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

I KNOW THROUGH OUR CONVERSATION THAT'S THEY ARE CONSIDERING PARTICIPATING ONCE THEY -- ONCE THEIR CARE DOLLARS ARRIVE.

I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE THEIR PARTICIPATION.

I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN CARVE OUT THE CITY OF HOUSTON AT THIS PARTICULAR POINT BECAUSE THERE WILL BE SO MUCH NEED ACROSS THE AREA.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I HAVE TO DO THAT TO GET THE SUPPORT, COMMISSIONER -- GRANTED I AM 30% UNINCORPORATED.

LIKE WITH YOUR PROGRAM, I HINTED AT THAT, DIDN'T I? I COULD FEEL THAT CLUB YOU WERE THROWING THROUGH THIS CAMERA, SO I DIDN'T -- BUT IF THAT'S WHAT IT TOOK I WOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IT.

AND EVEN IF WE TRY TO DO A SWAP WITH THE CITY FOR SOME ASSETS, THEY GOT MORE FISCAL CHALLENGES THAN WE HAVE RIGHT NOW.

WE MAY GET THERE SO I DON'T WANT TO START SEEMING TOO UPPITY BECAUSE WE MAY GET THERE, BUT WHATEVER WE CAN DO, YOU KNOW, WE WILL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'LL WAIT TO HEAR FROM MR. SOARD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE TO BY FOR INDICATE THE MOTION -- BIFORCATE IT.

ONE PLACE FOR NONPROFITS TO CONTRIBUTE AND ONE PLACE FOR THE 426 MILLION THAT IS COMING IN OR A SECTION OF THAT THAT WE MAY NOT USE WITH REGARD TO THE PRECINCTS.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THAT AS A SEPARATE MOTION FROM WHETHER OR NOT WE PUT PROPERTY TAX FUNDS OR PICK FUNDS INTO THIS ACCOUNT.

I AM SUPPORTIVE OF THE CREATION OF THIS ENTITY.

I AM NOT SUPPORTIVE OF TAKING PROPERTY TAX FUNDS AND PUTTING THAT INTO IT.

I WOULD BY TO BIFORCATE THE MOTION IF I COULD.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT, JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I AM NOT -- IF SOME OF WHAT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DOES IS ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT WHETHER IT IS FROM THE 426 OR FROM OTHER CDBG, ANY MONEY WE GET, THAT'S GOOD.

I'M REALLY NOT TRYING TO SET UP THIS FUND WITH WENDY AS OUR ADVISER TO GO AFTER DISPERSING THE 426.

I DON'T KNOW THAT THERE IS A NEED TO BIFORCATE IT.

THE PREVIOUS ITEM WE DID I THINK IS MORE DIRECTED AT THE 426.

I'M JUST TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO SOMETHING WITH THE IDEA OF 7% OUR LABOR FORCE FILING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IN FOUR WEEKS, AND THAT FIGURE WILL GO UP.

SOME OF THE 426 MIGHT GO AT THAT -- REMEMBER THE ANGELINA CARD IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY? IT WAS NOT A LOT OF MONEY.

L.A.'S BUDGET I THINK IS SOMETHING LIKE $30 BILLION.

THEY DO MEDICAID ON COUNTY LEVEL IN CALIFORNIA.

IT IS A NICE PLACE TO LIVE, BUT I DON'T KNOW IT IS $30 BILLION WORTH OF GOOD LIVING TO BE IN L.A.

THEY PUT UP 10 MILLION FOR THE ANGELINA CARD.

IT IS A CREDIT CARD THROUGH MASTERCARD OR SOMEBODY AND IT GOES DIRECTLY TO LOW INCOME PEOPLE.

I AM NOT TRYING TO COMPETE WITH WHAT THEY DO, BUT DO THAT WITH THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE BECAUSE IN L.A.

THEY KNOW THAT A LOT OF THE MIGRANT COMMUNITY, THE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY BY THE WAY, IS THE BACKBONE OF THAT COUNTY.

THEIR SALES TAX, FIXING ROADS, SUBCONTRACTORS.

SOME OF THE PROJECTS WE DO, NO MATTER WHAT WE SAY, SOME OF THOSE FOLKS ARE WORKING ON THOSE PROJECTS MAY NOT BE CITIZENS.

BUT THAT'S WHY L.A.

AND THE OTHER COUNTIES, SOME WANTED TO DANCE AROUND THE ISSUE.

I AM NOT TRYING TO DANCE AROUND IT.

I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THAT COMMUNITY IS TO THIS ECONOMY.

[02:05:02]

I KNOW SOME OF THE PEOPLE I WANT TO GET HELPED BY THIS WILL NOT QUALIFY FOR THE 426.

I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW MANY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED TO HEAR FROM ROBERT AS WELL.

ROBERT, DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD?

>> FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO SAY THAT VINCE RYAN CERTAINLY DOES SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM IN GENERAL TERMS. THE CHALLENGE AS A LAWYER IS CREATING A PROGRAM AND HAVING SUFFICIENT DETAILS SO THAT THERE ARE ADEQUATE CONTROLS IN PLACE SO THAT THE TAXPAYERS KNOW WHERE THEIR MONEY IS GOING.

THE OVER ARCHING CHALLENGE IS WHETHER PROPERTY TAX WILL BE SET UP.

AT THIS TIME WE DON'T HAVE A CLEAR ANSWER.

THAT'S ONE REASON WE WANT TO TALK TO THE CITY OF BOSTON AND OTHERS TO DETERMINE WHAT THE SOURCE OF THAT FUNDING WAS.

OUR CHALLENGE IS WE DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH INFORMATION AND WORKING ALMOST CONTINUOUSLY SINCE SUNDAY TO PUT THIS TOGETHER.

AT THIS MOMENT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TO CREATE A DETAILED PROGRAM.

I APPRECIATE AND WE CAN MOVE FORWARD FROM THE DISCUSSION WE HAVE HAD TODAY.

THE POLICY DECISIONS YOU FOLKS HAVE MADE TODAY CREATE A PROGRAM THAT WE CAN BRING BACK TO COURT AND BE CERTAIN THAT WE CAN SUPPORT THE PROGRAM FROM A LEGAL VIEW POINT SO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE VOTING FOR.

THAT'S WHY I MENTIONED TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS THAT IT WOULD BE VERY NICE IF YOU

HAVE A COURT VERY SOON SO WE CAN BRING IT BACK AND GET THIS THING -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: ROBERT, I APPRECIATE YOU ALL.

I THINK IT WAS 8:00, 8:30 WE WERE TALKING.

YOU AND VINCE WERE IN THE OFFICE.

I WAS DRIVING IN.

WHAT I WANT TO DO IS PRETTY MUCH PUT THE BALL IN YOUR COURT.

THAT MATTER WITH THE JUDGE'S OFFICE, ANY OF US, TALKING TO MY STAFF, WHOEVER.

AND HOPE LOOFL -- HOPEFULLY, JUDGE, IF ARE YOU WILLING -- YOU CAN CALL US BACK, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HELP THESE PEOPLE.

EVEN IF IT IS THE ONLY ITEM ON THE AGENDA, I AM HOPING BACK WE CAN COME BACK NEXT TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY AND LEGAL WILL TELL US, HEY, WE GIVE YOU SOMETHING AND IT LOOKS GOOD.

10-MINUTE MEETING.

EITHER YOU ARE FOR IT ORGANS IT.

YOU KNOW IT -- FOR IT OR AGAINST IT AND THEN FLIP BACK OFF ZOOM AND GO BACK TO HELPING FOLKS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE IT TO LEGAL FOR THEM TO REVIEW.

AS SOON AS WE KNOW -- AS SOON AS THEY ARE GOOD WE CAN CALL A MEETING AND APPROVE IT.

THAT'S FINE.

WE ARE CERTAINLY -- I AM SUPPORTIVE OF IT ANYWAY.

MY CONCERN IS JUST THE -- LET'S HAVE A DISCUSSION.

IF WE HAVE A WHOLE OTHER 12-HOUR DAY NEXT WEEK, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, I NEED THE LAWYERS TO WORK ON ALL OF THIS PURCHASING.

>> THE MOTION I MENTIONED EARLIER SUNT -- SUBJECT TO LEGAL MAKING ANY CHANGES THEY WANT AND BRINGING IT BACK TO THE AGENDA FOR OUR NEXT MEETING WHICH I HOPE IS BEFORE THREE WEEKS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: AS SOON AS FOLKS SAY WE ARE GOOD TO GO, I AM HAPPY TO CALL A MEETING AND JUST FIGURE OUT WITH YOUR GUYS' STAFF WHAT TIME WORKS FOR EVERYBODY AND WHETHER IT IS A COUPLE DAYS OR A WEEK, THE TIMING WILL BE WHETHER FOLKS -- HOW QUICKLY FOLKS HAVE A CHANCE TO REVIEW IT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT ALL RIGHT WITH YOU? I HATE I DIDN'T CALL YOU BACK.

I HAVE BEEN SITTING HERE THINKING ABOUT IT SINCE WE TALKED.

I THINK WE GOT OFF THE PHONE WE WENT INTO COURT ABOUT 20 MINUTES LATER.

>> AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR, COMMISSIONER.

WE HAVE THE GUIDANCE AND NOW WE CAN GO TO WORK AND FILL IN THE DETAILS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT RESTATE THE MOTION, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PRINT IT OR E-MAIL TO YOU.

JUDGE, DO YOU WANT ME TO RESTATE IT?

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MOTION TO CREATE HARRIS COUNTY COVID 19 RELIEF FUND TO BE MANAGED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND THE UNITED WAY WITH A $15 MILLION INITIAL INVESTMENT SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO COME BACK TO THE COURT WHEN LEGAL IS READY.

>> JUDGE, EXCUSE ME.

WE DO HAVE A FEW SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS.

>> ELIZABETH PETERSON.

>> HI, YES.

I'M HERE.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

>> GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU.

I GUESS, GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS COVID-19 RELIEF FUND.

MY NAME IS LIZ PETERSON AND I COORDINATION -- COORDINATE COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE HOUSTON COALITION AGAINST HATE.

[02:10:02]

OUR COALITION IS COMMITTED TO FIGHTING FOR SAFETY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL REGARDLESS OF LEGAL STATUS OR SOCIETAL PRIVILEGE.

WE BELIEVE THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF EACH OF US IS INEXTRICK BELLY CONNECTED TO THE HEALTH AND WELL BEING OF OUR NEIGHBORS.

MANY OF OUR INDIVIDUALS SERVED BY THIS FUND HAVE BEEN ON THE FRONT LINE PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND INCREASING THEIR RISK OF EXPOSURE TO COVID-19.

WITHOUT HARRIS COUNTY'S HELP THEY WILL ALSO FACE HOMELESSNESS, HUNGER AND ABUSE DUE TO THEIR INABILITY TO ACCESS FEDERAL RELIEF BENEFITS.

SEVERAL OF OUR MEMBERS WORK DIRECTLY WITH SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND THEY SAY THAT THEY ARE FEEDING THE UNUSUAL STRESS RESULTED IN INCREASED VIOLENCE IN HOME.

IN HARRIS COUNTY, REPORTS OF AGGRAVATED FAMILY ASSAULTS HAVE INCREASED 150% FROM FEBRUARY TO MARCH.

CHILD ABUSE EXPERTS BELIEVE CASES OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT WILL INCREASE AS WELL AS FAMILIES FACE INCREASING FINANCIAL DISTRESS.

THE SITUATION IS ESPECIALLY DIRE FOR THE NEARLY HALF A MILLION HOUSTON CHILDREN WHO HAVE AT LEAST ONE NONCITIZEN PARENT AND WHOSE FAMILIES CANNOT ACCESS FEDERAL BENEFITS.

THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF HARRIS COUNTY'S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE COALITION, AND IT SHOULD BE A TOP PRIORITY FOR YOU AS WELL.

WE URGE YOU TO [INAUDIBLE] OF ALL PEOPLE AND SUPPORT THE CREATION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND.

THANK YOU.

>> ANDREA.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

JUST BEFORE IT COMES UP I WANT TO MENTION TO THE COMMISSIONERS AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE QUITE A FEW SPEAKERS ON THE ITEM THAT I WAS JUST INFORMED.

SO JUST SO FOLKS KNOW.

GO AHEAD.

>> ANDREA GOOTIN.

>> I AM THE LEGAL DREGHTER FOR THE HOUSTON IMMIGRATION AND COALITION TO CREATE A FUND WHICH IS TO SAW PORLT -- SUPPORT ALL FAMILIES FOR FEDERAL RELIEF.

AS YOU ALL KNOW THE HEALTH BRINGS THE IMMIGRATION LENS TO ALL OF THE WORK WE DO AND TRY TO INFORM THE WORK YOU ALL DO.

I WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT IMMIGRANTS MAKE UP THE POPULATION AND HAVE A VARIETY OF STATUSES.

SOME ARE DOCUMENTED NATURALIZED CITIZENS AND FACE A LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL BARRIER TO ACCESSING FEDERAL AID.

IN ADDITION TO THAT FAMILIES MAY NOT WANT TO ACCESS THE FEDERAL AID THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR BECAUSE OF FEARS AROUND PUBLIC CHARTERS HAVE LEAD TO A NUMBER OF U.S.

CITIZENS DROPPING OUT OF MEDICAID AND FOOD STAMPS WHICH AGGRAVATES EVERYTHING WITH COVID-19.

OUR IMMIGRANT HOTLINE HAS RECEIVED MANY CALLS FROM FOLKS.

78% IS CALLS RELATED TO THE PANDEMIC AND THEY NEED HELP PAYING RENT AND UTILITIES.

THEY WANT TO FILE UNEMPLOYMENT FOR BENEFITS.

WE HAVE THOSE NEEDING ACCESS TO INTERNET FOR KIDS' SCHOOL LESSONS.

H -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS MENTIONED EVICTIONS AND LANDLORDS ARE STILL THREATENING TO EVICT FOLKS DESPITE THAT BEING IN PLACE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.

I KNOW YOU HAVE A LOT OF OTHER TESTIMONIES SO I WILL CUT IT SHORT, BUT I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANYTHING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

>> SYDNEY VALLEY.

>> HI, HOW ARE YOU GUYS DOING? YES, I'M HERE.

>> GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> YES, GOOD AFTERNOON.

THIS HAVE A VERY ESSENTIAL SUBJECT WE ARE DISCUSSING AND I AM VERY GLAD THAT IT WAS BROUGHT FORTH.

I'M SURE MANY EXPERIENCED THE SAME THING I DID WITH THE MONEY.

THE PROBLEM WITH THAT WAS WHEN YOU ARE IN BETWEEN JOBS AND YOU HAVE MULTIPLE BILLS TO PAY IN ADDITION TO TAKING CARE OF PERSONAL BUSINESS FOR YOURSELF, YOU NEED TO

[02:15:01]

I HAVE TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.

IT WAS GONE IN A WEEK.

I'M SURE A LOT OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THAT.

IN ADDITION TO THAT THAT -- THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THE FAMILIES OF THOSE INCARCERATED AND THE ONE THAT IS IN -- INCARCERATED I'M SURE THEY WERE GOING THROUGH SERIOUS AND VERY, VERY ROUGH TIME.

FUNDING FOR COME -- COMMISSARY, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO HELP THOSE GUYS INCARCERATED.

AND THE ONES RELEASED, YOU KNOW, THAT WAS A GREAT IDEA, BUT THE PROBLEM IS WHAT DID THEY GO TO WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED? WHAT KIND OF CONDITION DID THEY WALK INTO? IF THE MIND-SET IS NOT CHANGED THEN THE CRIME RATE WAS GOING TO GO BACK UP.

IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO RELEASE SOME OF THOSE GUYS, BUT LOOK AT THE CONDITIONS THEY WERE RELEASED TO.

MY HEART GOES OUT TO THOSE GUYS.

I WAS FORMERLY INCARCERATED MYSELF AND I TRY TO UNDERSTAND THOSE GUYS.

I TALK TO THEM IF I GET A CHANCE WITH RECOVERY FROM DRUGS AND ALCOHOL AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE, BUT IT SHOULD BE MENTIONED THAT IT WAS JUST NOT ENOUGH.

I AM NOT THE PERSON TO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT MONEY, BUT IT IS SURVIVAL.

IT IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO CONSIDER THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT'S HAVE TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.

IT WENT FASTER THAN EXPECTED.

MY INSURANCE LAPSED ON MY TRUCK.

THERE WERE SOME ADDITIONAL FEES I HAD TO PAY TO GET MY INSURANCE POLICY REINSTATED.

I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE RIDING AROUND WITH NO INSURANCE.

THAT'S DANGEROUS TO BE DOING THAT, BUT THAT'S THE THING THAT WE HAVE TO SUFFER FROM BEHIND THIS PANDEMIC.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, SIR.

WE WILL HAVE TO STOP THERE.

WE HAVE SO MANY SPEAKERS.

WILL YOU REMIND US YOUR NAME AND YOUR AFFILIATION JUST FOR THE RECORD? WE DIDN'T CATCH IT AT THE BEGINNING.

>> MY NAME IS SIDNEY, VALLIE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU JUST SPEAKING FOR YOURSELF?

>> YES, MA'AM.

SO I HAD A HARD TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME.

I A -- APPRECIATE IT AND APPRECIATE YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

WE WILL HEAR FROM THE NEXT SPEAKER NOW, LUCINDA, IF YOU CAN CALL THEM UP.

>> EASY -- ISMAEL GARCIA.

ISMAEL GARCIA.

>> GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING, MY NAME IS MR. ISMAEL GARCIA.

>>

>> THIS IS THE INTERPRETER SPEAKING.

I AM HAVING A HARD TIME UNDERSTANDING HIM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: HE SAID HE IS CALLING FROM LIVINGSTON.

>> THANK YOU.

>>

>> I AM A PART OF THE MAYOR'S PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES GROUP.

>>

>> AND MY COMMENT IS THAT US AS IMMIGRANTS, WE ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY.

>>

>>

>> THIS PANDEMIC ALSO AFFECTS US IN MANY CASES, IN MANY DIFFERENT FORMS.

>>

>> WE DON'T RELY ON A GOOD FORM OF HELP.

[02:20:01]

>>

>> AND THE RATE OF BEHAVIOR IS HIGHER BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF WORK WE DO.

>>

>> THE TYPE OF WORK WE DO IS IN OPEN AIR, PLUS THE PHYSICAL EFFORTS AND THE PHYSICAL LABOR WE HAVE TO DO.

>>

>> IT TRANSFORMS INTO THE TIREDNESS.

>>

>> IT MAKES OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM VULNERABLE.

>>

>> IT TRANSFORMS ITSELF INTO A MORE VULNERABLE SITUATION WITH THIS COVID-19.

>>

>> AND IT IS BEING REFLECTED IN HIGH LEVELS OF CONTAGIONS IN THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY.

>>

>> IT ALSO AFFECTS THE BUSINESSES WHERE WE BUY AND REALIZE OUR HYGENIC RE -- RECREATIONS.

>>

>> I'M SORRY.

WHERE YOU ALSO SEE THAT IT IS AFFECTING NOT ONLY THE IMMIGRANTS -- I'M SORRY.

>> WHERE YOU ALSO SEE IT IS AFFECTING THE IMMIGRANTS AND NOT ONLY AFFECTING THE IMMIGRANTS.

>>

>> ALSO IT IS AFFECTING NOT JUST THE IMMIGRANTS, BUT THE WHOLE FAMILY.

>>

>> I ALSO BRING A CASE OF A CO-WORKER.

>>

>> FROM LIVING HOPE.

>>

>> HER HUSBAND BECAME DISABLED AS OF LAST WEEK.

>> BURNS.

>>

>> AND NOW HER BEING A PERSON HAS TO MAKE A TRIP EVERY WEEK TO GALVESTON.

>>

>> PEOPLE THAT GAVE THE BEST YEARS OF THEIR LIFE TO THE CITY.

>>

>> AND WHEN THEIR BODIES ARE SICK OR GET SICK IT FEELS WE ARE NOT VALUED OR CARED FOR.

>>

>> EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING WE HAVE CONTRIBUTED OR PROVIDED.

>>

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

GRACIAS.

WE PROMISED FOLKS A BREAK EVERY TWO HOURS AND IT IS 12:27.

PERHAPS WE WILL DO A 10-MINUTE BREAK AND COME BACK AND LISTEN TO THE REST

[02:25:02]

WE HAVE ANOTHER 10 OR 12 OR SO PEOPLE.

>> A BREAK, JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, LET'S COME BACK AT 12:40.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

IT IS 12:41 AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE THREE MEMBERS OF COURT.

CAN YOU HEAR ME ALL RIGHT? LET'S GET GOING WITH THE REST OF THE SPEAKERS.

LUCINDA, IF YOU WILL CALL UP THE NEXT SPEAK.

>> JOHN ABODILI WITH HOUSTON ART ALLIANCE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYBODY.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WORK YOU ARE DOING WITH THE PANDEMIC, BEFORE AND AFTER.

I AM THE CEO OF THE HOUSTON ARTS ALLIANCE.

WE ARE AN ORGANIZATION WHOSE JOB IS TO HELP ARTISTS AND NONPROFIT DOES THEIR JOB.

SPECIFICALLY WE BUILD THE PUBLIC ART SECTOR.

RIGHT NOW AS YOU CAN IMAGINE BY -- BY PROVIDING THE DISASTER RESILIENCE TO THE CULTURAL COMMUNITY.

I AM HERE WITH YOU FOR TWO REASONS.

FIRST AS YOU KNOW THE COUNTY PROVIDES NO INVESTMENT STRATEGY FOR THE ARTS THOUGH WE ARE A 1.1 BILLION INDUSTRY THAT DRIVES COUNTY INCOME.

IT IS FUNDED BY THE STATE AND THE CITY.

WHILE MANY KNOW US FOR ONE-TIME PROJECTS I AM HERE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OIR COMIENT IN LIGHT OF A LACK OF INVESTMENT.

WE ARE REPORTING A 7% LOSS OF INCOME.

THE MAJORITY ARE REPORTING A 100% LOSS OF INCOME AND ONLY 5% ARE ABLE TO ACCESS UNEMPLOYMENT.

THIS MEANS OUR PEOPLE ARE FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS.

IT INCLUDES SOME OF THE SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FUND THAT DOES NOT REACH FREELANCERS ADEQUATELY ENOUGH.

I AM HERE TO URGE YOU TO INCLUDE ARTISTS AND THE CULTURAL COMMUNITY AND FREELANCERS IN PARTICULAR AND ANY RELIEF FUND YOU LAUNCH.

I URGE YOU TO CREATE THE RELIEF FUND.

AS WE HAVE SEEN OUR ARTISTS HAVE SUFFERING FROM HOUSING INSECURITY AND FOOD INSECURITY ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY.

I AM NOT HERE TO PUT US BACK TO WORK.

HAA HAS YET TO RECEIVE THE PPP REQUEST THROUGH BANK OF AMERICA AND AS SUCH THE LITTLE BIT WE WERE ABLE TO DO TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS FED AND HOUSED AND HEALTHY IS LIKELY TO DRY UP PRETTY SOON.

WE APPRECIATE ALL OF THE WORK YOU DO.

WE URGE YOU TO PASS THE RELIEF FUND, AND WE URGE YOU TO INCLUDE FREELANCERS FULLY IN ALL YOU DO.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING THAT UP.

WE'LL CIRCLE BACK ON YOUR RECOMMENDATION AND ALSO ON THE PPE.

THANK YOU.

>> PONCHO ALBREAS WITH LIVING HOPE.

>> YES, I AM HERE.

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, SIR, GO AHEAD.

>> OKAY GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND HARD WORK YOU HAVE BEEN DOING TO HELP US FACE THIS CRISIS.

I THINK THE FACT THAT OUR REGION IS DOING BETTER THAN MOST IS BECAUSE OF YOU AND I WANT TO THANK YOU.

I HAVE BEEN HERE 20 YEARS AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AN ORGANIZATION FOR ANY WHO SUFFER SPINAL CORD INJURIES.

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE THIS IS AN EXTREMELY VULNERABLE COMMUNITY AND POPULATION THAT IS FACING A LOT OF CONDITIONS EVEN BEFORE THIS PANDEMIC HIT.

AS YOU CONSIDER THE FUND, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO IT IN A WAY THAT INCLUDES THOSE WHO ARE MORE VULNERABLE AMONG US.

I HAVE BEEN FOR HUMAN RIGHTS FOR MANY YEARS AND SEEN MANY TYPES OF CRISIS.

WHEN A BIG CRISIS [INAUDIBLE] OR ANY OTHER CRISIS HIT, WE COME OUT OF THAT BETTER AS INDIVIDUALS, AS COMMUNITIES AND AS SOCIETY AND WE COME OUT WITH WORSE.

[02:30:01]

WE COME OUT WORSE IF WE FIND REASONS TO DO LESS THAN WE CAN DO.

THE RESOURCES YOU ARE CONTINUING TO CONTRIBUTE ON THIS FUND BELONG TO THE COMMUNITY AND I CONSIDER WOULD THAT MEAN THEY ARE ESSENTIAL WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE LIVES AND HEALTH AND WELL BEING WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR COMMUNITY.

REGARDLESS OF RECOGNIZING EVERYBODY WHO IS LIVING AND WORKING IN OUR SOCIETY, WE ALL BELONG AND WE LIVE AND LOVE AND DIE TOGETHER AND WE CAN COME OUT A LOT STRONGER IF WE ARE INCLUDED PARTICULARLY WITH THOSE WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE.

I CAN TELL YOU WE HAVE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO SUPPLY YOU CITIZEN -- THE CITIZENS.

THERE ARE CITIZENS WHO DON'T HAVE THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU ARE DOING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT WE HAVE CLAIRE WITH KIDS IN NEED OF DEFENSE.

I THINK SHE HUNG UP, JUDGE.

NEXT IS BRANDON LEWIS WITH TEXAS ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE.

BRANDON LEWIS?

>> YES, HOW ARE YOU DOING? HI, EVERYONE, HOW ARE YOU DOING? MY NAME IS BRANDON LEWIS.

I AM A MEMBER OF TEXAS ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE.

I ALSO WANT TO THANK YOU AND COMMEND HARRIS CITY AND THE COMMUNITIES FOR WHAT WE HAVE DONE SO FAR.

WE ARE HERE TO DISCUSS THE RELIEF FUND FOR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN DEEMED NOT ELIGIBLE.

THE ECONOMIC PAYMENT EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE WAS AFFECTED HAS ONLY BEEN GIVEN TO CERTAIN GROUPS, BUT EVERYONE HAS BEEN AFFECTED AND IN SOME CASES IT HAS ENDED WHICH IS UNFORTUNATE.

EVERYONE IS ASKED TO MAKE NECESSARY SACRIFICES FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.

I THINK IT WOULD BE IN EVERYONE'S BEST INTEREST IF EVERYONE WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE AID AND THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEEDED.

IT IS A SMALL FINANCIAL SACRIFICE COMPARED TO THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITIES WE AS HUMAN BEINGS AND HOUSTONIANS AND AMERICANS HAVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

IN TIME WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS.

BUT IF WE DON'T TAKE THE PROPER PROCESSES AND THE PROPER STEPS TO MAKE THUR -- MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS TAKEN CARE OF, IT WILL BE A PROBLEM IN THE FUTURE.

AS A VETERAN MYSELF WE HAVE CERTAIN DISABILITIES AT TIMES THAT WHEN WE COME BACK THERE ARE COMMUNITIES THAT ARE LIKE AT A DISADVANTAGE.

IT IS A TIME TO TAKE CARE OF THE COMMUNITIES AND GET EVERYBODY ON PACE TO BE TOGETHER.

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.

AND TO BE ABLE TO COVER THEIR BASIC NEEDS WHILE WE WORK TOGETHER TO RESERVE THE CURRENT CRISIS WE ARE IN.

AND WITHOUT PEOPLE HAVING TO WORRY OR BECOME DESPERATE.

THE BEST WAY TO GO IS FOR EVERYBODY.

[INAUDIBLE].

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M AFRAID THE CONNECTION IS NOT REALLY GOOD, SIR.

WE CANNOT HEAR YOU VERY WELL.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, WHY DON'T YOU KEEP GOING AND WE'LL SEE IF -- >> YEAH, I'M SORRY.

I WAS JUST SAYING AS A PERSON IN THE COMMUNITY I HAVE SEEN THE MAYOR

[02:35:11]

[INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: THE CONNECTION IS QUITE POOR.

I THINK MAYBE LUCINDA IF YOU WANT TO TRY HIM AGAIN LATER.

I THINK WE ALL HAD TROUBLE HEARING THE LAST PIECE OF THAT.

>> YES, MA'AM.

WE'LL CALL HIM BACK.

THANK YOU, MR. LEWIS.

THE NEXT CALLER IS GLORIA MCNEIL.

>> HELLO? THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT ON THE COVID-19 RELIEF FUND.

I AM GLORIA BROWN MCNEIL AND I AM PART OF THE HOUSTON JUSTIN -- HOUSTON JUSTICE CHAPTER.

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WORK BEING DONE.

THERE ARE SOME NOT ELIGIBLE.

TO START WITH PEOPLE ARE VULNERABLE AND GOT THE SHORTENED OF THE STICK AND SOMETIMES THEY WILL STICK IT OUT.

NOW WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, SOME PEOPLE ARE BEING PUSHED BEYOND THE POINT OF RETURN.

MANY WHO DO NOT QUALIFY HAVE NO WAY TO PAY BILLS.

IF THEY HAVE CHILDREN THEY ARE STRUGGLING -- [INAUDIBLE].

THEY ARE NEEDING TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AT HOME.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS.

HOWEVER, SOME OF THEM ARE UNRECOGNIZED FROM INDIVIDUALS AND THEY MAY NOT EVEN HAVE A HOME NOW.

SOME OF THEM [INAUDIBLE] OF BEING RECOGNIZED AS THEY TRAVEL FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION FOR FOOD, WATER AND CLEANING SUPPLIES.

IF WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, NOW IS THE TIME TO START GETTING OVER THE REPRESSION.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND WOULD BE A POSITIVE STEP.

WE ASK THAT YOU VOTE ON THIS FINAL STEP, THIS GREAT STEP TODAY.

DO ALL YOU CAN TO ASSURE THOSE NOT RECEIVING A FEDERAL STIMULUS CHECK IN HARRIS COUNTY BE PROVIDED AN AMPLE AMOUNT OF RELIEF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

VOTE FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY FOR ALL.

PLEASE ACT TODAY.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> JUDGE WE HAVE BRANDON LEWIS BACK ON THE LINE.

MR. LEWIS?

>> YES.

SORRY ABOUT THE CONNECTION EARLIER.

YEAH, MY NAME IS BRANDON LEWIS ONCE AGAIN AND I AM WITH TEXAS ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE.

WE ARE HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS.

AS I HAVE BEEN LISTENING, A LOT OF COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.

EVERY COMMUNITY HAS BEEN AFFECTED.

WE HAVE ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO AID PEOPLE WITH FOOD RELIEF.

THERE HAS BEEN MASS HANDOUTS BY THE CITY AND BY OTHER CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES AS WELL.

WE JUST NEED TO CONTINUE TO TAKE FURTHER STEPS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE COVERING ALL BASES.

THIS STIMULUS CHECK OR THIS STIMULUS PACKAGE THAT WAS PRESENTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS A BIG THING.

IT IS A REALLY, REALLY GOOD THING FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE TAKING CARE OF EVERYBODY.

IF WE DON'T TAKE CARE OF EVERYBODY, THEN THE PROBLEM IS ONLY HALF RESOLVED.

IT WILL CREATE FUTURE PROBLEMS. AS A MEMBER OF THE THIRD WARD COMMITTEE, I HAVE SEEN THE BAD AND THE GOOD.

IT IS LIKE PEOPLE ARE GETTING DESPERATE AND THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHETHER THEY CAN FEED THEIR FAMILIES AND VOTING ON THE ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT TO REACH THE INELIGIBLE COMMUNITIES AND IT WILL PUT A FINISHING TOUCH TO RESOLVE THIS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[02:40:02]

BYE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU.

>> WE'VE GOT CLAIRE DUTRY WITH KIDS IN NEED OF DEFENSE.

>> THANK YOU.

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO.

GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS CLAIRE DR -- DUTRY AND THE MANAGER OF KIDS IN NEED OF DEFENSE.

AS KINDS CHECKS IN, ALL EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT NOT HAVING ENOUGH FOOD AND ABOUT PAYING RENT.

NOT JUST BECAUSE THEY LOST THEIR JOBS, BUT SOME CAREGIVERS ARE SICK.

THE UNDOCUMENTED MOTHER OF ONE OF KIND'S 10-YEAR-OLD CLIENT WAS SO SICK SHE COULD NO LONGER WORK AND COULD NOT LEAVE THE HOUSE TO WAIT IN THE LONG FOOD PAN LINE.

-- FOOD PANTRY LINE.

THE FAMILY WAS RUNNING OUT OF FOOD SO KIND COORDINATED WITH THE FAMILY TO BUY GROCERIES.

HOWEVER, THIS CHILD AND HER FAMILY NEED MORE SUPPORT.

BECAUSE OF OUR CLIENT'S EXPERIENCES, KIND SUPPORTS THE CREATION OF THE HIRED COUNTY COVID-19 EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.

SINCE 2009 KIND HAS PROVIDED FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND PRO-BONO SOCIAL SERVICES FOR ACCOMPANIED AND REFUGEE CHILDREN WHO COME TO THE U.S.

UNACCOMPANIED REFUGEE CHILDREN HAVE NO REPRESENTATION.

WE HOPE TO HAVE THEM QUALIFY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.

HARRIS COUNTY AND TEXAS STATE ARE CONSISTENTLY ONE OF THE TOP TWO COUNTIES AND STATES IN WHICH UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN ARE RELEASED FROM FEDERAL CUSTODY TO SPONSOR.

CURRENTLY KIND STAFF AND PRO-BONO ATTORNEYS IN HOUSTON WORK WITH OVER 650 CHILD CLIENTS.

DURING THIS TIME MY OFFICE AND OUR PRO-BONO NETWORK HAVE REACHED OUT TO ALL 650 CHILDREN GET THEM THE RESOURCES THEY NEED.

WE KNOW THERE ARE MANY MORE CHILDREN WE NEED TO HELP.

FEDERAL PUBLIC CHARGE EFFECTS HAVE SET IN AND THE PANDEMIC HAS EXACERBATED EXISTING VULNERABILITIES, HEALTH DISPARITIES AND BARRIERS TO SERVICES.

SEVERAL CLIENTS AND CAREGIVERS WHO NEED THE FUND TO ASSIST WITH LINGUISTICALLY, APPROPRIATE AND CULTURALLY SERVICES AND COVERING THINGS LIKE RENT, UTILITIES, FOOD AND CHILD CARE.

INCREASE THE ACCESS TO TESTING AND VACCINES AS WELL AS OTHER MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH CARRIE SOURCES.

TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST WITH TELE-HEALTH AND DISTANCE LEARNING OPTIONS FOR THE MANY FAMILIES WITHOUT ACCESS TO THE INTERNET AND COMPUTERS.

MANY OF OUR CLIENTS WITH FREE COUNSELING THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICT, BUT THEY HAVE LIMITED ACCESS RIGHT NOW DUE TO THE SCHOOL CLOSURES.

SUPPORTING ON GOING PROGRAM THAT'S WORK WITH IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES WHILE PROGRAMS ARE CLOSED TO MONITOR THE POE PEN -- POTENTIAL INCREASE IN CHILD ABUSE AND VIOLENCE.

THEY ATTEND OUR SCHOOLS AND PLAYS AND OUR PARKS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I'M AFRAID I HAVE TO STOP YOU RIGHT THERE SO WE CAN MOVE ON TO THE NEXT SPEAKER, BUT THANK YOU FOR YOUR NOTE AND THE WORK YOUR ORGANIZATION DOES.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> ADAN FEW WEAN -- FUENTAS.

MR. FUENTAS?

>> HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> AWESOME.

SO, HELLO, I AM A MEMBER OF THE [INAUDIBLE] AND I AM HERE TO REPRESENT MY COMMUNITY.

FIRST AND FOREMOST I WANTED TO THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS FOR A CHANCE TO SPEAK ON THE COVID-19 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FUND.

I AM STUDENT AND 20 YEARS OLE.

I AM TRYING TO GET -- YEARS OLD AND TRYING TO GET A MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE.

AS A STUDENT, YOU KNOW, COVID-19 REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE.

IT GAVE ME A HANDICAP.

IT IS ON THE MATTER THAT MY CLASSES WERE CHANGED TO ONLINE, RIGHT? IT IS A VERY BIG TRANSITION.

ESPECIALLY ME AS A STUDENT WHO IS USED TO BEING IN CLASS.

PLUS I AM NOT GETTING A REFUND OR ANY EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.

IT REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY AFFECTED ME REALLY HARD, ESPECIALLY MY FAMILY.

MY FAMILY GOT LITTLE HANDY P QUAS DUE TO COVID-19 -- HANDICAPS DUE TO COVID-19.

MY FAMILY IS UNDEUMGHTED -- UNDOCUMENTED AND NOT ABLE TO PAY RENT FOR ALMOST TWO

[02:45:01]

WE WEREN'T ABLE TO PAY MOST OF OUR BILLS.

THEY WERE VERY, VERY, VERY DELAYED.

THIS COVID-19 REALLY AFFECTED US IN MANY WAYS, ESPECIALLY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE DOCUMENTED AND CANNOT GET A JOB.

WE ARE ALL PEOPLE AND ALL HUMAN BEINGS AT THE END OF THE DAY.

AS MY FAMILY ALWAYS SAYS, EVEN THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT SUPPORT US AT ALL TIMES, WE ARE ALWAYS GRINDING AND WE ALL NEED SOME TYPE OF HELP AT SOME TIME.

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE TIMES THAT WE ALTOGETHER SHOULD BE COMING ALONG AND GETTING THIS ASSISTANCE.

THE ONLY THING IS OUR GOVERNMENT DOESN'T APPROVE IT.

I'M A STUDENT.

I AM THINKING OF MY FUTURE HERE, RIGHT? IF I AM NOT ABLE TO GET SOME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE, I AM NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION, RIGHT? I KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF PROBLEMS OUT THERE FOR THE STUDENTS, BUT SOME PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THAT LUXURY TO BE ABLE TO GET ACCEPTED TO THESE PROGRAMS. THESE ASSISTANCE FUNDS WILL BE A HELP FOR SO MANY OF THE COMMUNITIES.

I'M SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THEM.

NOT EVERYBODY HAS A LUXURY TO MOVE ON.

EVEN WITH THE SETBACKS OF COVID-19.

MY COMMUNITY DOES CONTRIBUTE A LOT TO SOCIETY.

FOR EXAMPLE, WE MAKE UP 25% OF THE IMMIGRANT POPULATION.

WE FACE LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL BARRIERS.

WE GO THROUGH EVERYTHING.

HALF OF OUR CHILDREN HAVE AT LEAST ONE NONCITIZEN PARENT.

BECAUSE OF THAT THE LAW SAYS WE CANNOT GET ASSISTANCE OR ANY TYPE OF FUNDS OR ANY CHECKS BECAUSE THE SPOUSE IS AN IMMIGRANT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> WE HAVE KELLY SANCHEZ WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

MS. SANCHEZ?

>> YES?

>> GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> HELLO.

MY NAME IS KELLY SANCHEZ, AND I'M HERE TO SHARE THE ISSUE OF MY FAMILY THAT ARE FACING WITH THE ROAN -- R THE CORONAVIRUS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE RELIEF FUND.

MY PARENTS HAVE A SMALL BUSINESS.

THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR US IN THE PAST YEARS.

WITH THIS SMALL BUSINESS THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PAY BILLS AND GET GROCERIES AND ANY ESSENTIAL THINGS.

THEY HAVE ALSO PAID THEIR TAXES AND THEY HAVE FILED EVERY YEAR.

THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO QUALIFY FOR THE STIMULUS CHECK THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROVIDING.

WITH THIS CORONAVIRUS MY PARENTS [INAUDIBLE] AND NOT MAKING THE INCOME TO BUY PURE ESSENTIALS.

IT IS UNFAIR FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHER FAMILIES OUT THERE GOING THROUGH THIS SIMILAR SITUATION WITH WORK.

THEY HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS MAKING THEM STRUGGLE EVERY DAY AND WE NEED TO BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY TOO.

SOME OF THE FAMILIES ARE NOT ABLE TO QUALIFY FOR THE CHECKS BECAUSE OF THE STRICT REQUIREMENTS, AND IT IS UNFAIR FOR THEM TO GO THROUGH THIS SITUATION.

[INAUDIBLE] WE NEED THE RELIEF RIGHT NOW.

I HOPE THAT YOU TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> MARIA BASERA.

>>

>> WE ARE ALSO AFFECTED WITH EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING ON.

>>

>> MY WHOLE FAMILY WITH EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING ON.

MY FAMILY IS ALSO UNEMPLOYED.

>>

[02:50:08]

>> I HOPE THAT WE ARE HEARD.

I HOPE THAT YOU CAN HEAR US.

WE ARE PEOPLE WITH LOW RESOURCES.

WE DON'T HAVE THE BACKING OF THE GOVERNMENT.

WE ALSO NEED THE ASSISTANCE.

>>

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THE INTERPRETER -- I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE MUTED.

>> SORRY.

HELLO?

>> YES, WE ARE OLDER PEOPLE AND WE HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME, YOU KNOW, IT IS NOTES A -- NOT AS EASY FOR US TO FIND JOBS THAT COME EASY FOR PEOPLE OF OUR AGE.

WE ARE ALL UNEMPLOYED AND DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL ABILITY TO PAY FOR OUR BILLS, OUR FOOD, THE BENEFITS WE REQUIRE LIKE MEDICAL BENEFITS.

I MEAN, WE ARE JUST ASKING YOU GIVE US SOME TYPE OF HELP TO BE ABLE TO LEND US A HELPING HAND AT THIS MOMENT.

>>

>> TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THAT WE ARE HUMAN, WE ARE A HARD WORKING PEOPLE AND WE CONTRIBUTE TOO.

HELP US TOO.

I MEAN, WE NEED THE BENEFITS.

WE DON'T ASK FOR MUCH.

BUT WE ARE ASKING FOR JUST A LITTLE BIT OF HELP.

>>

>> I JUST WANT TO MENTION AND REITERATE THAT WE ALL CONTRIBUTE.

WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES.

WE ARE PART OF THIS COUNTRY.

WE ARE WORKING, AND THE THING IS WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME BECAUSE WE ARE NOT RECEIVING ANY TYPE OF BENEFITS IN.

THIS SITUATION MORE THAN ANYTHING, I WANT YOU GUYS TO CONSIDER WE DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY TO PAY OUR BILLS.

EVERYTHING IS COMING ON TOP OF US.

WE HAVE TO PAY OUR BILLS AND WE HAVE TO PAY OUR RENT AND WE HAVE NO MONEY FOR RENT AND FOOD AND ALL OF THIS IS COMING ON TOP OF IT.

IT FEELS LIKE IT IS CRUSHING US.

AND WE HAVE NO MONEY TO GET -- WE HAVE NO WAY TO GET OUR MONEY.

ON TOP OF THAT, I HAVE KIDS.

HOW AM I GOING TO PROVIDE FOR MY KIDS? I HAVE KIDS WHO HAS KIDS AND NONE OF US ARE WORKING.

I AM NOT WORKING AND THEY ARE NOT WORKING.

ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN MY SITUATION, THEY CAN'T WORK AS LONG AS THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT ASSISTING US.

>>

>> HOPEFULLY YOU HEAR US OUT AND LISTEN TO OUR VOICES AND LISTEN TO US AND RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE HUMAN.

[02:55:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT WE HAVE DONNA MURPHY, DR. DONNA MURPHY.

>> HELLO?

>> DR. MURPHY?

>> YES.

>> GO AHEAD, PLEASE.

>> THANKS.

GOOD AFTERNOON.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK TODAY.

I AM A PHYSICIAN SCIENTIST ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR DOCTORS AND A MEMBER OF THE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMITTEE.

WE HAVE A PRODUCT LIFELINE FOR OUR CHILDREN.

I ALSO LOOK THROUGH THE LENS OF HEALTH.

TODAY I AM LOOKING FOR FEDERAL RELIEF DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THIS INCLUDES UNDOCUMENTED AND MIXED STATUS FAMILIES WHO SUFFER PROFOUNDLY DURING DISASTERS.

AMERICANS AND ESPECIALLY TEXANS HAVE CREATED LITTLE IN THE WAY OF SAFETY NETS FOR THEM.

WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE PRACTICAL REALITY THAT FAILURE TO SUPPORT THE HEALTH AND ECONOMIC NEEDS OF OUR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES WILL IMPEDE THEIR ABILITY TO SUPPORT EVERYONE ELSE.

IMMIGRANTS HOLD 29% OF THE JOBS IN HOUSTON ACCORDING TO THE MIGRATION POLICY INSTITUTE.

IN 2018 DURING HURRICANE HARVEY WHILE THE HOUSTON STRONG EFFORT VALIANTLY MANAGED THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF THE HARDEST HIT HOUSTONIANS, FEDERAL ASSISTANCE NEVER CAME TO THE UNDOCUMENTED COMMUNITY WHO SUSTAINED DAMAGE OR LOST WAGES FROM THE STORM.

THIS COMMUNITY WAS PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE THEY WERE ALREADY STRUGGLING WITH A LACK OF HEALTH CARE ACCESS.

THE STORM RENDERED THEM HELPLESS.

THEY ARE US FAKING THE SAME CHALLENGES THEN AS THEY ARE NOW DURING THE CURRENT CRISIS.

NOW EXISTING ANTI-IMMIGRANT POLICIES HAVE FEAR OF THE NEW PUBLIC CHARGE RULE THAT THE FEDERAL ADVISORY WON'T APPLY TO COVID-19 SERVICES AND AGAIN WITH MANY WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED FAMILIES CANNOT MAKE RENT.

HALF OF THE CHILDREN IN HARRIS COUNTY HAD ONE NONCITIZEN PARENT AND VULNERABLE TO NOT HAVING SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO WEATHER THE STORM.

DURING HARVEY I STARTED A FUND WITH A FEW IMMIGRANTS ACTIVIST THAT'S RAISED $80,000 FOR UNDOCUMENTED AND IN THE LAST WEEK I GOT CALLED FROM TWO OF THE FAMILIES WHO RECEIVED THE GRANT.

BOTH SINGLE HOUSEHOLDS.

ONE WITH A SICK CHILD FACING EVICTION AS THEY ARE OUT OF WORK DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.

THE REASON I LEFT CLINICAL CARE AND THE REASON THAT OVER 40% IN THE PROFESSION OF MEDICINE BURN OUT IS RENDER US IMPOSSIBLE.

WHEN OUR PATIENTS ARE STRUGGLING WITH INTERRELATED CHALLENGES THAT POVERTY AND LACK OF SECURITY AND HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES THEY COME TO US VERY SICK AND OFTEN UNABLE TO GET BETTER.

OUR ABILITY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR DIVERSE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY IN HARRIS COUNTY WILL DEPEND ON YOU.

I URGE YOU TO VOTE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF A LOCALLY FUNDED PROGRAM FOR HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

IF EVERYONE ELSE CAN TRY AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON MUTE.

IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE MAY BE SOMEBODY THERE IN THE BACKGROUND WITH A MICROPHONE ON.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, DR. MURPHY.

>> MEREDITH WITH THE TYREE JUSTICE CENTER.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> YES, MA'AM, GO AHEAD.

>> THANKS.

HI MAY NAME IS MEREDITH AND A LEGAL ADVOCATE WITH THE JUSTICE CENTER IN HOUSTON.

I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THE RESOLUTION THAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED TO SUPPORT OUR HARRIS COUNTY FAMILIES.

I AM CALLING TO EXPRESS MY SUPPORT FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA FOR FAMILIES NOT ABLE TO ALONG -- ACCESS THE STIMULUS.

WE PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES FOR THOSE WITH GENDER-BASED TRAUMA.

AS A VICTIM ADVOCATE DAY AFTER DAY ME AND MY TEAM HELP THOSE SEEKING GUIDANCE EXPAIF TEE AND -- SAFETY AND NAVIGATING THE CRIMINAL JUS -- JUS -- JUSTICE SYSTEM.

THEY ARE A VOL -- VULNERABLE POPULATION WITH NO ABILITY TO HAVE ACCESS TO RESOURCES.

HOMES ARE NO LONGER SAFE AND TRAUMAS ARE EXACERBATED AND HEALTH CARE IS NOT COVERED,

[03:00:06]

I CAN SPEAK ABOUT THE EXAMPLES HOW THIS IMPACTED THE COMMUNITY.

ONE OF THE SURVIVORS LOST HER JOB AT THE BEGINNING OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

SHE AND HER FAMILY WERE NOT ABLE TO GET ASSISTANCE AND SHE WAS NOT ABLE TO PAY.

THE LANDLORD DEMANDED PAYMENT.

SHE COULD NOT AND HE DEMANDED SEX WORK AS PAYMENT.

WHEN SHE SAID SHE COULD NOT HE EVICTED HER.

SHE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE -- SHE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACCESS FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.

SHE IS HAPPY -- SHE HAS BECOME DEPENDENT ON AN ABU -- AN ABUSIVE PARTNER FOR FOOD AND SHELTER FOR HER AND HER CHILDREN.

SHE IS FEARFUL FOR HER SAFETY.

THIS IS THE HARDSHIP THAT SURVIVORS IN OUR COMMUNITIES ARE FACING.

THERE IS A THREAT OF CONTINUED ABUSE AND HOMELESSNESS AND UNSCREW PEW LESS ACTIONS.

A COUNTY FOUND FOR THESE SURVIVORS AND COUNTLESS OTHER HARRIS COUNTY FAMILIES TO ACCESS SAFETY FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

JUST TO CONCLUDE I WOULD SAY A COUNTY FUND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WOULD HELP THOSE IN THIS SITUATION.

THEY PROVIDE SAFETY AND PROVIDES HELP TO SO MANY OTHERS FACING ECONOMIC AND EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES DURING THIS TIME.

I SUPPORT AND URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THE CREATION OF A PUBLIC FUND TO PROVIDE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO RESIDENTS UNABLE TO HAVE [INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND WORK.

>> SANDRA VAW 11 SEE -- VALECIA.

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> WITH THE WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT.

>> OKAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THE INTERPRETER ON THE LINE?

>> IT WAS MUTED ON THE OTHER END.

>> I DO APOLOGIZE.

I HAVE THE BEGINNING QUESTION.

MY NAME IS HECTOR VALENCIA.

I WANT TO SPEAK ON THE POINT WE ARE SPEAKING ON TODAY.

>>

>> YES, I WANTED TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE AND WHAT I AM GOING THROUGH TODAY.

I THINK IT IS A LITTLE SAD.

IT IS NOT A LITTLE BIT SAD.

IT IS ACTUALLY A LOT SAD, AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE GOING THROUGH IT.

I FEEL LIKE A LOT OF US ARE ACTUALLY IN THE PROCESS OF GOING THROUGH THE SITUATION.

I AM A SURVIVOR OF -- >>

>> I AM A SURVIVOR OF COVID-19 AND A SURVIVOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON BEHALF OF MY HUSBAND WHO IS A U.S.

CITIZEN.

>>

>> I HAVE NOT WORKED FOR THE LAST SIX WEEKS BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY I GOT SICK WITH THE VIRUS, AND I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO WORK.

I SPENT THE MONEY THAT I DID HAVE.

>>

>> YES, IT CAME TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD NO FOOD.

[03:05:02]

I HAD NO MONEY FOR ANYTHING.

BECAUSE I WAS TRYING TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND NOT, YOU KNOW, SPREAD THE VIRUS TO ANYONE ELSE, AND I WANTED IT TO KEEP FROM OTHER PEOPLE, BASICALLY I HAD TO BE AT HOME AND I WAS AT HOME PASSING SOME DIFFICULT TIMES NOT ONLY WITH MYSELF, BUT WITH MY UNDERAGE CHILD.

>>

>> I WAS VERY DESPERATE.

HOW CAN I SOLVE THIS PROBLEM WHERE I BRING FOOD TO THE HOUSE? HOW DO I BRING THE NECESSITIES I NEED FOR MY HOME? THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR ME.

I AM NOT USED TO DEPENDING ON ANYONE ECONOMICALLY.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN INDEPENDENT PERSON.

AT THIS MOMENT MY STATUS IS JUST BROKEN.

>>

>> YES, I FEEL LIKE THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION, AND A LOT OF IT HAS TO DO WITH THE ECONOMIC FACTOR.

IT HAS BEEN -- I FEEL LIKE WHEN I HAVE BEEN AT HOME I FEEL LIKE I HAVE DONE SOMETHING BAD.

NOT ONLY DO I HAVE TO, YOU KNOW, CONTINUE MYSELF, BUT HAVE I TO SHUT MYSELF OFF FROM THE WORLD.

I HAVE TO BE SHUT IN INSIDE MY HOME OF FOUR WALLS AND HAVE 0 CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD.

>>

>> I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WORSE? AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPRESS MYSELF BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN SUCH A DIFFICULT TIME.

THERE ARE NIGHTS I COULDN'T SLEEP BECAUSE I STAY AWAKE AND I WORRY IF I AM ABLE TO PROVIDE, BUT I ALSO WAS WORRYING BECAUSE I DIDN'T KNOW IF I WAS GOING TO WAKE UP THE NEXT MORNING BECAUSE I WAS HAVING SUCH DIFFICULTY BREATHING.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WORSE.

THE SICKNESS THAT HIT ME SO HARD OR THE WORRY THAT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO COVER MY EXPENSES.

I MEAN, I'M NOT WORKING.

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FEED MY CHILD AT THIS MOMENT AND I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO FEED MYSELF AND FEED MY CHILD.

I HAVEN'T WORKED IN THE LAST SIX WEEKS, AND I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

>>

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> I FEEL LIKE MY MOST URGENT THING AT THE MOMENT IS TO BE ABLE TO PAY MY RENT AND BE ABLE TO PAY MY BILLS.

IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN I DON'T HAVE ANYWHERE TO GO.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SPEAKING --

>> ONE MORE MINUTE PLEASE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I CAN'T GIVE HER ANY EXTRA TIME.

>> THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO ME.

HAVE A GOOD DAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, I THINK YOU ARE MUTED.

>>

>> I THINK SHE IS OFF THE CALL.

[03:10:04]

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO WORRIES.

THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> WE HAVE CHELEY GLEYS -- IGLACIAS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

I AM THE HOUGHTON -- HOUSTON CAMPAIGN FOR WORKERS DEFENSE.

IT IS AN ORGANIZATION OF LOW WAGE WORKERS AND IMMIGRANT FAMILIES.

WE HAVE OFFICES IN HOUSTON AND AUSTIN AND DALLAS.

I AM ALSO A PRESIDENT OF PRECINCT 4.

OUR MEMBERS ARE CONCESSION WORKERS, ELECTRICIANS, HOUSECLEANERS AND MORE.

SOME ARE MEMBERS -- SOME OF OUR MEMBERS ARE WORKING IN ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES, BUT FEAR THEY WILL BE CLOSE TO COVID-19 ON-THE-JOB.

SOME OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR NEARLY A MONTH NOW AND FEAR THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO FEED THEIR FAMILY.

COVID-19 HAS AFFECTED OUR COMMUNITY IN MANY WAYS AND MORE PHYSICALLY FINANCIALLY AND MOST OF THE MEMBERS WORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN THE PANDEMIC.

AT WORK CONSTRUCTION WORKERS HAVE HISTORICALLY FACED HARD HEALTH AND SAFETY CONDITIONS AT WORK.

COVID-19 HAS MADE IT WORSE.

OUR MEMBERS ARE TELLING US THEY DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO SOAP AND WATER AND RESTROOMS AND PROPER PRO -- PROTECTIVE PERSONAL EQUIPMENT AND HAVING TO PUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES AT RISK.

FINANCIALLY IN TWO WEEKS, 1,506 FAMILIES WITH WORKERS DEFENSE GAVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY.

WE WERE ABLE TO HELP OUT SOME, BUT NOT ALL.

THEY NEED HELP PAYING RENT, FOOD, WATER AND THEIR ELECTRIC BILL.

MANY FAMILIES HAVE BARRIERS IN GETTING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF ANY SORT.

FINALLY BASED ON THE EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT GOVERNOR ABBOTT ISSUED YESTERDAY WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE PRIORITIZE WORKER SAFETY PROTECTIONS.

IN THE PAST WEEK WE LEARNED OF WORKERS TESTING POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 ON CONSTRUCTION SITES HERE IN TEXAS.

THIS IS EVIDENCE THAT EVERYBODY NEEDS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY RULES AND ENFORCEMENT, ESPECIALLY IN HARRIS COUNTY, HOME TO 4.7 MILLION PEOPLE AND ONE OF THE LARGEST WORSE FORCE IN THE COUNTRY.

THE GOVERNOR'S ORDER WILL PUT MORE LIVES AT RISK.

WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS ESSENTIAL WORKERS HAVE FACED IN TEXAS FOR MONTHS.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WHO RISK THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY ON THE ON-THE-JOB SITE WITHOUT ADEQUATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT OR MEASURES TO PROTECT FROM THE VIRUS.

HARRIS COUNTY MUST ACT NOW.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

WE URGE FOR TO YOU VOTE FOR ITEM 15 TODAY.

IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> NEXT WE HAVE EL -- ELVA DIAZ WITH WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT.

MS. DIAZ?

>> YES, MA'AM.

OKAY.

>> HELLO.

MY NAME IS ALVA AND I AM A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY.

I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN AND I WANTED TO MENTION THAT THIS SITUATION HAS AFFECTED ME A LOT.

I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN AND I HAVEN'T WORKED FOR TWO MONTHS.

>>

[03:15:02]

>> YES, THE THING IS I HAVEN'T WORKED.

I HAVEN'T WORKED IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS.

I USED TO WORK IN THE GALLERIA.

I HAVE A SON THAT WORKED IN THE GALLERIA.

I HAVE TWO CHILDREN WHO ARE UNDERAGE AND I HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR THEM.

THIS HAS AFFECTED ME BECAUSE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO WORK WHICH MEANS I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE.

I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSITIES AND THE HOUSEHOLD NECESSITIES.

>>

>> AND THE THING IS I BASICALLY WANTED TO ASK FOR HELP.

YOU KNOW, WHEN I GO OUT TO LOOK FOR HELP, IF YOU GO, FOR EXAMPLE, TO A CHURCH, EVERYTHING IS KIND OF SO FULL THAT IT GETS TO A POINT WHERE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

YOU FEEL DESPERATE.

YOU ARE ANXIOUS BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

I AM USED TO WHEN YOU GET TO WORK YOU ARE USED TO MAKING YOUR OWN MONEY.

YOU GET A CHECK AND USE IT FOR EXPENSES.

I GET TO A POINT I AM I'M PAW -- IMPOTENT AND CAN'T PROVIDE FOR MY CHILDREN.

WHEN MY CHILDREN ASK FOR SOMETHING AND THINGS THEY NEED PROVIDED FOR THEM -- >>

>> THERE IS OTHER FAMILIES AROUND ME WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING.

THERE ARE OTHER SINGLE MOTHERS AROUND ME.

I DON'T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN IT, BUT BESIDES US, WE CAME HERE.

WE FEEL DESPERATE AND WE FEEL AT A LOSS AND HOPELESS BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

WE ARE USED TO WORKING.

WE CAME TO THIS COUNTRY AS HARD WORKERS LIKE THE TYPE OF PEOPLE WE ARE.

WE ARE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY, AND WE FEEL LIKE AT THIS MOMENT WE FEEL UNDIGNIFIED.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THIS SITUATION.

THIS SITUATION HAS REALLY AFFECTED US.

IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN WE WOULDN'T KNOW WHERE TO GO.

THIS IS A TOUGH SITUATION AND I AM TRYING TO POINT THAT OUT TO YOU.

>> WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IS BASICALLY NEED HELP WITH THE LIGHT, THE RENT, THE PHONE BULL -- PHONE BILL, CAR INSURANCE.

I CAN GO ON ET CETERA, ET CETERA WITH THE THINGS WE NEED.

WE WILL NEED THE HELP.

I SAY TO THE COMMISSIONERS TODAY TO VOTE YES ON AGENDA NUMBER 15, THE ARTICLE YOU HAVE NUMBER 15 ON THE AGENDA TODAY.

PLEASE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

GRACIAS.

>>

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR LISTENING TO ME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I REALLY SINCERELY THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

>> JUDGE, THERE ARE NO OTHER SPEAKERS AVAILABLE TO SPEAK AT THIS TIME ON THIS ITEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU.

SO BEFORE WE LEARN ABOUT THE SPEAKERS WE WERE CONSIDERING A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

I DON'T KNOW IF HE IS AROUND.

[03:20:06]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ARE YOU BACK ON ME?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

AS I STATED EARLIER, I THINK I MADE THE MOTION AND I DID PUT IN THE PROVISION ON WHO I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IF IT WORKS.

I THINK ALL OF THAT CAN BE WORKED OUT.

I HOPE IT WAS BROAD ENOUGH.

I DID CALL ROBERT SOARD WHILE ON BREAK TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T MISLEAD HIM FROM WHEN WE TALKED EARLIER.

I THINK THE LANGUAGE IS BROAD ENOUGH AND WITH THOSE CONFINES I MAKE A MOTION AT THIS TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T THINK IT WOULD HURT, COMMISSIONER TO -- I KNOW YOU READ IT TWICE, BUT SINCE WE ARE ABOUT TO VOTE ON IT IF YOU DON'T MIND.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU WOULD DO THAT, WOULDN'T YOU? I MOVE TO CREATE THE HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND TO BE MANAGED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND THE UNITED WAY WITH A $15 MILLION INITIAL INVESTMENT.

THIS FUND WILL BE ESTABLISHED IF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH YOUR OFFICE AND OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS SIGN OFF ON IT.

>> SECOND.

>> DID I GET THAT RIGHT? IT WAS A LITTLE KING'S ENGLISH.

>> SOUNDED GOOD TO ME.

WE WILL BRING IT BACK TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT AS SOON AS IT IS READY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN COME BAG -- BACK TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE? IT LOOKED LIKE YOU HAD A COMMENT.

YOU MAY BE MUTED, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU GOT MIGHT SECOND, RIGHT, JUDGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

>> CAN'T HEAR YOU, JACK.

>> LINA HIDALGO: TODAY IS TECHNOLOGY DAY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SOMETIMES THE WI-FI GETS CRAZY IF HE IS OUT AT HIS CAMP.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN'T HEAR YOU, COMMISSIONER.

WE CAN SEE YOU, BUT WE CAN'T HEAR YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL TRY AND CALL HIM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MAYBE GET A LITTLE CLOSER.

>> 7 MILLION IS THAT WHAT IT IS? 7 MILLION?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM CALLING HIM, BUT HE IS NOT ANSWERING.

>> HE IS TOO BUSY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I CAN WALK TO THE OFFICE NEXT DOOR.

GO ON SPEAKER.

GO AHEAD.

>> THIS 7 MILLION INVESTMENT [INAUDIBLE] >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL REPEAT IT.

YOU SAID SOMETHING ABOUT 15 MILLION INVESTMENT.

>> IN YOUR MOTION YOU SAID A 15 MILLION -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: INITIAL INVESTMENT.

>> PROPERTY TAX INVESTMENT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WOULD COME OUT OF THE EMERGENCY FUND.

>> PROPERTY TAX.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I ASSUME THAT'S WHAT IS IN THERE, YES, SIR.

CAN YOU ALL HEAR HIM, ADRIAN?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: HE COMES IN SPORADICALLY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU WANT US TO HOLD OFF AND COME BACK TO THIS LATER?

>> [INAUDIBLE] >> RODNEY ELLIS: HE IS A NO ON IT.

HE IS A NO ON IT.

>> [INAUDIBLE] >> RODNEY ELLIS: HE IS NOR -- FOR THE NON-PROFIT DOLLARS AND OTHER DOLLARS, BUT HE IS NOT FOR COUNTY DOLLARS GOING INTO IT, IS THAT FAIR?

>> THAT'S FAIR.

AIDE AIDE I MEAN, >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE ARE GOING TO BE USING THE PICK, RIGHT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SIR.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE SMALL BUSINESS LOAN.

I DON'T WANT TO OFFEND COMMISSIONER CAGLE BY PUTTING THIS PROGRAM IN

[03:25:04]

HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THE MONEY ISN'T SPENT IN PRECINCT 4?

>> I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU CAN JUST SEGREGATE IT BY PRECINCT, BUT WE CERTAINLY CAN LOOK INTO THAT.

>> -- AIDE AIDE IF YOU -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU WOULD, PLEASE.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A MOTION AND WE HAVE A SECOND AND IT IS BASICALLY FOR IT TO COME BACK AS SOON AS IT IS READY TO COME BACK THAT IT CAN COME BACK.

WHY DON'T WE DO THAT FOR NOW.

AND THEN ONCE IT IS BACK WE CAN DISCUSS FURTHER.

WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I HAVE A QUESTION.

ARE YOU SAY WHG IT COMES BACK -- SAYING WHEN IT COMES BACK TO DETERMINE THEN HOW MUCH MONEY TO PUT IN IT OR ARE YOU DETERMINING HOW MUCH MONEY TO PUT IN IT BEFORE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THAT IS AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION.

THE FIRST TIME WE RAN IT -- >> CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU'RE BACK.

GO AHEAD, JUDGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, DID YOU INCLUDE THE 15 MILLION IN YOUR MOTION THIS TIME?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I INCLUDED THE INITIAL INVESTMENT OF 15 MILLION.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: OKAY, JUDGE, I HAVE A COMMENT.

IT IS IN RESPONSE TO WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID.

SO YOU WANT TO TAX THE PEOPLE OF PRECINCT 4, BUT BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE OF PRECINCT 4 SHOULDN'T BE TAXED, YOU ARE GOING TO TAX THEM, BUT NOT ALLOW ANY OF THE REVENUE DRAWN FROM THE PEOPLE OF PRECINCT 4 TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TAXED.

ISN'T THAT LIKE A DOUBLE TAX? ARE YOU GOING TO TAX THEM AND THEN DENY THEM WHAT HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM THEM FORCIBLY? IS THAT WHAT THE RESOLUTION WAS FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA? THE DOUBLE TAX? THE DOUBLE WHAMMY ON THE PEOPLE IN PRE SINK -- PRECINCT 4?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JACK, I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO SUPPORT YOUR VOICE FOR YOUR CONSTITUENTS.

YOU DON'T THINK THAT THE TAXPAYER DOLLARS SHOULD BE USED IN THIS MANNER AND SO I JUST DON'T WANT TO OFFEND YOU BY SEEING THIS PROGRAM BEING IMPLEMENTED IN YOUR AREA IF YOU ARE OPPOSED TO IT.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: IF WE EXEMPT THE FOLKS OF PRECINCT 4 FROM THE TAX FOR IT, THEN I THINK THAT WOULD BE GREAT.

BUT IF THEY ARE GOING TO BE TAXED FOR IT, THEN TO PUNISHMENT THEM ON TOP OF TAXING THEM BY DENYING THAT BENEFIT, THAT IS A DOUBLE WHAMMY.

I THINK IT IS PATENTLY ILLEGAL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU ARE IN SUPPORT OF THE PROGRAM? YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR CONSTITUENTS BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I DON'T WANT LOCAL TAXPAYER DOLLARS BEING PUT INTO THIS PROGRAM.

PERIOD.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF THEY DO, YOU ARE NOT OPPOSED TO BENEFIT FROM IT?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: IF THEY ARE GOING TO BE TAXED, IF YOU WILL FORCE THE MONEY FROM THEM, THEN THEY SHOULD AT LEAST BE ABLE TO RECOVER SOME OF WHAT'S BEEN TAKEN FROM THEM.

IF YOU'RE GONNA TAKE IT FROM THEM, THEN YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE IN THE PROGRAM.

WHAT I'M SAYING IS IT WILL BE TAKEN FROM THEM.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM JUST TRYING TO BE CLEAR.

YOU WANT YOUR CONSTITUENTS TO BENEFIT FROM THE PROGRAM -- I GOT IT.

I GOT IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK, DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO ADD?

>> STEVE RADACK: I WAS JUST TRYING TO CLARIFY.

SO YOUR MOTION INCLUDES THE 15 MILLION?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SIR.

>> STEVE RADACK: I AM READY FOR YOU TO CALL THE QUESTION.

GO AHEAD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE'VE GOT A MOTION AND A SECOND FOR THE 15 MILLION USING THE FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY WITH WENDY AS A LEADER AND FOR IT TO COME BACK TO COURT AS SOON AS IT IS READY UPON THE COMMUNITY ATTORNEY REVIEW, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR OF THAT MOTION?

>> I.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED?

>> AGAINST.

>> I AM VOTING NO.

ONE OF THE REASONS I AM VOTING NO IS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT ANALYST WAS ASKED QUESTIONS SHE COULDN'T ANSWER.

WE ASKED COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS, AND YOU ARE ALLOCATING 15 MILLION BEFORE WE EVEN KNOW WHAT THE PROGRAM IS GOING TO BE AT THE END BECAUSE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WON'T TELL US UNTIL LATER WHEN THEY COME UP WITH A LEGAL AGREEMENT SO I VOTE

[03:30:02]

>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR OF IT SO THE MOTION CARRIES.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU JUDGE, AND THANK YOU MEMBERS, ALL MEMBERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL MOVE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH ITEMS UNDER COVID ON PAGE 27.

AND IT IS UNDER PUBLIC HEALTH.

NO COMMENTS THERE AND THERE IS A SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM ON COVID-19 THAT HAS BEEN PUT ON THERE BY PUBLIC HEALTH AND THAT IS ITEM 12 ON PAGE 28 OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA.

AND THIS I WILL GIVE THE BRIEF CONTEXT.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING AND I HAVE SPOKEN TO -- I THINK ALL OF YOU IF NOT ALL OF YOU ABOUT THE PLAN THAT WE HAD GOING ON FROM WHEN WE OPENED BACK UP.

AND SO THAT PROS -- PROCESS WAS NOTWITHSTANDING ANY DECISIONS BY THE GOVERNOR.

THIS ITEM WAS BEFORE HIS ANNOUNCEMENT YESTERDAY.

THAT SAID WE ALREADY ARE WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK, BUT IF THERE IS ANYWAY TO DO IT FASTER THAT'S WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW.

THE TIMELINE HAS BEEN SPED UP.

AND SO HAD IDEA IS AND WE UNVEILED THIS TODAY.

IF WE WANT TO CONTAIN THE VIRUS ONCE WE BEGIN REOPENING THE ECONOMY WE HAVE TO DO ENOUGH TESTING AND NIGH TRACING AND WE HAVE TO HAVE -- ENOUGH TRACING AND WE HAVE TO HAVE SPACE IN OUR HOSPITALS.

THE LADDER IS A LITTLE BIT OUT OF HOUR HANDS RIGHT NOW.

THE HOSPITALS ARE ADMITTING ABOUT 200 PATIENTS A DAY WHICH IS HIGHER THAN WHERE THEY WANT TO BE, BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS.

WE'LL DEAL WITH IT.

IN TERMS OF THE TESTING, WE HAVE DONE VERY WELL WITH THE SUPPORT PROGRAM, THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, WITH YOUR GUYS' SUPPORT AND WITH THE MOBILE SITES AND NOW THE STRIKE TEAM WE HAVE GOING INTO NURSING HOMES, AND THEN ON THE TRACING PIECE, THAT'S THE OTHER PIECE THAT WE'VE GOT TO RAMP UP FASTER THAN HUMANLY POSSIBLE, TRUELY.

AND SO WE ARE AIMING THIS NUMBER DEVELOPED BY PUBLIC HEALTH ALONGSIDE THE RESEARCHERS AT RICE, AND THE MET CENTER FOLKS, AND PEOPLE EVEN IN OTHER COMMUNITIES WE HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR GUIDANCE ON AND THAT IS THAT WE NEED ABOUT 300 CONTACT TRACERS.

THIS IS FOR 43 FULL TIME POSITION THAT'S WILL BE MOSTLY SUPERVISORS, THE MANAGERS AND THE EPIDEMIOLOGISTS AND THE TEAM LEADER THAT'S WILL SUPERVISE THE REST OF THE CONTACT TRACERS THAT WE ARE QUICKLY MOVING TO RECRUIT.

WE ARE TRYING TO LOOK AT EXISTING COUNTY STAFF.

WE ARE TRYING TO LOOK AT VOLUNTEERS.

WE ARE DOING WHATEVER KEY -- WHATEVER WE CAN WELL AND QUICKLY.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS A GOOD PLAN AND WITH THESE PHYSICIANS, I HAVE OFFERED ANY SPACE, OPENED MY OFFICE IF THEY NEED THEM.

THEY NEED TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO HOUSE THOSE PEOPLE QUICKLY.

I AM ALSO IMPORTANT THAT AS THINGS BEGIN TO OPEN UP WE FIND SOME COMPANY OR HELP SET UP SOME COMPANY TO CHECK TEMPERATURES AND THAT KIND OF THING AS WE HAVE IN THIS BUILDING.

I AM DOWNTOWN ON PRESTON.

I THINK BILL JACKSON TOLD ME THE STORY WHEN THEY STOPPED HIM.

HE PUTS THE AIR ON FREEZING IN HIS CAR.

SO HIS TEMPERATURE WAS NOT -- I GUESS IT WAS TOO LOW.

WE SHOULD FIGURE HOW WE CAN HAVE SOMEBODY CHECK AT OUR LOCATIONS AND NOT NECESSARILY SOME OF OUR EMPLOYEES BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT STOP CERTAIN PEOPLE.

IT IS KIND OF NICE THE PEOPLE THAT STOP ME COMING HERE TO PRESTON.

SO AS WE OPEN UP WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO DO THAT SO WE ARE PROTECTING OUR EMPLOYEES AS WELL.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LIKEWISE I WANT TO ALSO -- PRECINCT 2 HAS A LOT OF VULNERABLE FOLKS.

WE HAVE THE HIGHEST DIAGNOSED CASES.

THIS IS ONE OF THE FACTOR THAT'S PLAYS INTO THE COVID VIRUS.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CONSIDERING HOW TO COLLABORATE WITH US ON DOING THE SAME TESTING TESTING AND MONITORING OF THE PRECINCT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: JOHN, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ON THE EVALUATING FOLKS AS THEY WALK INTO BUILDINGS?

>> JUDGE, JOHN BLUNT, WE ARE DOING IT FOR COUNTY BUILDINGS AND I KNOW THE PRECINCTS HAVE REACHED OUT.

THE ISSUE IS GETTING RESOURCES OR STAFFING TO DO THAT.

WE ARE HAVING ENOUGH TROUBLE KEEPING THE COUNTY BUILDING STAFFED.

AS RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE, WE WILL REACH OUT TO THE PRECINCTS AND SEE IF

[03:35:06]

>> RODNEY ELLIS: DID YOU GET SPACE? I KNOW I TALKED TO YOU ABOUT MAKING SPACE AVAILABLE.

ARE YOU WORKING SOMETHING TOUT -- SOMETHING OUT WITH TEXAS SOUTHERN?

>> THEY ARE MEETING TOMORROW AT TEXAS SOUTHERN TO LOOK AT THE SPACE, COMMISSIONER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

GLAD YOU GOT YOUR MASK ON SINCE SOMEBODY IS IN THERE.

>> YES, SIR.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT, DOES PUBLIC HEALTH HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD?

>> MIGHT BE MUTED.

SHOULD HAVE GREAT COMMENTS ALTHOUGH WE CAN'T HEAR THEM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WELL THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT THAT IS.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU GUYS POSTED AS WE TRY AND RAMP UP AS QUICKLY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE.

DO I HAVE A MOTION ON THAT ITEM?

>> SO MOVED.

>> SO MOVED.

>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR?

>> JUDGE, THIS IS JAMES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, JAMES.

THERE IS A CORRECTION.

YES, THANK YOU.

THE ITEM SHOULD READ REQUEST BY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE PERMISSION TO CREATE 43 NEW FULL TIME POSITIONS FUNDED WITH THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CONTINGENCY FUNDS TO SUPPORT THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTACT TRACING TEAM FOR THE COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY.

WE ADDED FUNDED WITH PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CON -- CONTINGENCY FUNDS AFTER THE WORD PHYSICIANS.

THAT'S THE CORRECTION.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE THAT AS THEY UNFOLD THESE EMPLOYEES THAT THEY WILL STILL BE ELIGIBLE -- THAT IT BE DONE IN A WAY THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT FROM FEMA AND THAT THEY DOUBLE CHECK THE LEGAL PARAMETERS.

THAT WE REFER THIS TO LEGAL TO MAKE SURE AS THEY OBTAIN THESE FOLKS THAT THEY DO GET REIMBURSED UNDER THE FEMA PROGRAM THAT IS THERE AND WE DON'T LOSE OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL AMEND IT TO THAT AFFECT SO THAT ALSO THIS BE REFERRED TO LEGAL TO ENSURE TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE IT IS REIMBURSABLE.

DOES THAT WORK, ROBERT?

>> YES, MA'AM, THAT'S FINE.

WE WILL REVIEW IT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

WE HAVE AN AMENDED MOTION.

WE WILL SEE COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU MADE -- OR WAS IT -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

ALL IN FAVOR?

>> I.

>> I.

>> I.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.

ALL RIGHT.

SO LET'S MOVE ON TO COMMUNITY SERVICES.

PAGE 26 AND 27 UNDER THE COVID-19 SECTION.

26 ITEM 1 AND THIS IS TO TRANSFER A HALF A MILLION FUND TO THE EMERGENCY RENTAL UNDER CSD.

DO WE HAVE A SPEAKER ON THIS ITEM?

>> YES, MA'AM, WE DO.

CARMELO HERNANDEZ.

>> YES, GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS CARMELO HERNANDEZ.

I AM WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WHICH IS A HUGE MIGRANT PARISH.

I SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE [INAUDIBLE] AND WE WANT TO ASK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS [INAUDIBLE] THROUGH THE HEALTH CRISIS.

AND I ON THE OTHER HAND, I SPEAK ON THE SIDE OF THE PEOPLE.

[INAUDIBLE].

WHO DON'T HAVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

[INAUDIBLE] TO FIND OUT THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.

ALL OF THE MONEY FOR RENTAL AND FOR THE TEAM'S ASSISTANCE.

WE ARE THE ONES CLOSE TO PEOPLE.

[03:40:06]

THEY REALLY NEED HELP.

TO PAY THE ELECTRICITY.

THE DOCUMENTATION [INAUDIBLE] AND EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

PLEASE HELP THEM.

HELP THE PEOPLE P WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.

PLEASE HELP THEM.

[INAUDIBLE].

AGAINST THOSE WHO CHEAT EMPLOYEES OUT OF WAGES AND THOSE WHO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WIDOWS, ORPHANS ORGANS THOSE WHO ARE NOT RESPECTING.

PLEASE [INAUDIBLE].

THANK YOU.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

DO YOU FOLKS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS ITEM.

IT IS ITEM 1 ON PAGE 26? OTHERWISE MOVING ON ITEM TWO IS AN UPDATE TO THE ANNUAL ACTION PLAN.

ITEM 3, MEALS ON WHEELS.

AND ITEM 4 IS ALSO MEALS ON WHEELS.

ITEM 5 IS ON FUNDS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMERGENCY CENTER AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE A SPEAKER, RIGHT, LUCI IDA?

>> -- LUCINDA?

>> JUDGE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES.

ONE SECOND, LUCINDA.

IF WE CAN HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER CAGLE.

ON THE ITEM UNDER COMMUNITY SERVICES D1 I WANTED TO MAKE SURE WHEN IT SAID IT WAS A TEMPORARY TRANSFER, THAT THAT IS, THAT WE ANTICIPATE THAT HALF A MILLION DOLLARS WILL BE REIMBURSED, IS THAT CORRECT? IS THAT WHAT TEMPORARY MEANS?

>> YES, COMMISSIONER.

JACK CAGLE: THAT WOULD BE A QUESTION FOR JOSH.

>> YES.

IT IS ANTICIPATED TO BE TEMPORARY.

HOWEVER, WE DO NEED THAT CASH FLOW UNTIL SUCH TIME ALL FUNDS ARE EXPENDED AND WE GET THE REIMBURSMENTS FROM HUD AND WE WILL GIVE THAT BACK TO THE PICK.

JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, JOSH.

LUCINDA WE'LL CONTINUE WITH THE SPEAKER ON ITEM 5 ABOUT THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER.

>> DANA INC.

>> I AM THE -- THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WE ARE A COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION THAT HAS SUPPORTED SOUTH ASIAN AND SIMILAR IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE SINCE 1996.

WE PROVIDE SERVICES INCLUDING TRAUMA COUNSELING AND LEGAL ADVOCACY AND HOUSING AND SHELTER SUPPORT AND FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT AND CASE MANAGEMENT.

I WANTED TO SPEAK TO THE FUNDS BEING SET ASIDE HOPEFULLY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND ALSO FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR THE COVID-19 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FUND.

I WANTED TO SHARE A HEARTBREAKING, YET INCREDIBLY COMMON TREND WE ARE SEEING WITH OUR CLIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THE MAJORITY OF OUR CLIENTS HAVE COME TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON ON A VALID WORK VISA SO THEY ARE PART OF THE WORK COMMUNITY WHICH 25% OF HOUSTONIANS MAKE UP.

MANY HAVE CHILDREN THAT WERE BORN HERE IN HOUSTON WHO ARE HUE STONE -- HOUSTONIANS.

HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THEIR ABUSE, EMOTIONAL, FINANCIAL, PHYSICAL ABUSE AND SEXUAL ABUSE THEY ARE EXPERIENCING INCREDIBLE INEQUITIES.

MOST IMPORTANT, MANY OF THE TIMES THEIR SPOUSE AND THEIR ABUSER HAS KEPT THEM FROM ACCESSING VALID IMMIGRATION OPTIONS SO THEY ARE LEFT TO FALL BETWEEN THE CRACKS.

WHAT WE ARE SEEING ESPECIALLY WITH COVID-19 IS THAT MANY OF THESE CLIENTS, THE STIMULUS TAX THAT THEY WERE VERY MUCH ENTITLED TO BEING THE HOUSTONIANS HERE, THEY EITHER DID NOT GET THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS CONTROLLED BY THEIR ABUSE -- ABUSER, OR IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO GET THEM, THE MONEY WENT TO THE

[03:45:01]

THIS MAKES AN INCREDIBLY HARD SITUATION EVEN HARDER.

AS YOU ALL KNOW FROM THE RESEARCH THAT HAS COME OUT FROM MANY PLACES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS ARE FACING INCREASED CHALLENGES AT THIS TIME BEING STUCK AT HOME WITH ABUSERS AND VIOLENCE IS INCREASING.

THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY FLED ARE FINDING THEMSELVES LOSING JOBS AND WORKING IN RESTAURANT INDUSTRY AND CHILD CARE AND THEY ARE FACING INCREDIBLE LACK OF FINANCES AND LACK OF ACCESS TO ANY SUPPORT.

SO FOR THIS REASON WE ARE ADVOCATING FOR THE COVID-19 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FUND AND FOR FUNDS ESPECIALLY FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS TO ENSURE THAT OUR COMMUNITY STAYS SAFER AND THAT ABUSERS ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND EVERY VICTIM REGARDLESS OF THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND REGARDLESS OF THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS IS KEPT PROTECTED IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON.

I REALLY WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND WOULD HOPE THAT YOU WOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SUPPORTING THESE FUNDS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

SO THAT WAS UNDER COMMUNITY SERVICES.

P K -- THERE IS ONE MORE ITEM UNDER COMMUNITY SERVICES AND THAT IS NUMBER 6, AGREEMENT FOR MEALS DELIVERED TO SENIORS IN PRECINCT 2.

FOLKS DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER COMMENTS THEN WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE SHERIFF'S ITEMS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE DO YOU WANT TO VOTE ON THESE ITEMS AS WE GO OR JUST WAIT TO TAKE IT IN ALL OF THE AGENDA?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I WAIT WE CAN -- I FIGURE WE CAN WAIT FOR THE AGENDA.

IF THERE ARE COMMENTS WE CAN VOTE.

BUT WHATEVER YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL RIGHT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THEN, THE FIRST ITEM UNDER SHERIFF IS JUST A PICK FUND -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT PAGE?

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS PAGE 27 AND ITEM E1 AND 2 UNDER THE COVID-19 SECTION.

AND THEN ITEM TWO IS AN ORGANIZATION -- IS AN AUTHORIZATION TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS TO 1307 BAKER.

THIS IS A BIT OF A SAGA.

EITHER SHERIFF OR COUNTY ATTORNEY, PLEASE ADD IF I AM WRONG, BUT WE ARE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO -- WE WOULD LIKE TO REMODEL LITTLE BAKER AND THE CENSUS COUNTY ATTORNEY NEEDS TO WORK OUT A RESOLUTION WITH COMMUNITY SUPERVISION ON THIS SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FORWARD, CORRECT?

>> YES, MA'AM, THAT'S CORRECT.

IN EFFECT UNDER THE CURRENT AGREEMENT WITH CSD, THE COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT AND SO WE NEED A LONGER TERM COMMITMENT THAT WILL JUSTIFY THE COST OF A REMODEL.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED TO EDIT THIS ITEM TO SAY WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY?

>> THAT WOULD BE FINE.

WE CAN SAY SUBJECT TO OBTAINING A LONGER TERM COMMITMENT AND JOHN MAY HAVE TO CHIME IN.

I THINK WE ARE LOOKING FOR SIX MONTHS COMMITMENT, IS THAT CORRECT, JOHN?

>> YES, ROBERT.

>> SO I THINK WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IS A COMMITMENT FROM CSD THAT THE COUNTY WOULD HAVE POSSESSION OF 1307 BAKER FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY.

SO WE WILL ADD SUBJECT TO ATTAINING A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT THROUGH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

IS THAT APPROPRIATE?

>> YES, MA'AM.

WE WILL CERTAINLY KEEP WORKING ON THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

WE SHOULD PROBABLY VOTE ON THIS SINCE IT HAS BEEN EDITED.

>> JUDGE, THIS IS JOSH STUKEY.

IF WE CAN CLARIFY I BELIEVE HE IS TALKING ABOUT CSCD AND NOT CSD.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMUNITY SUPERVISION AND NOT -- SO IT IS TO WORK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ENGINEER AND COMPLETE THE REPORT AT 1307 BAKER STREET SUBJECT TO OBTAINING A LONGER TERM COMMITMENT THROUGH THE CON TEEN ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

DO WE HAVE A MOTION? I DON'T KNOW IF SOMEBODY MADE THE MOTION AND THEY ARE MUTED.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I WAS CONTEMPLATING MAKING A MOTION.

OUR OFFICE HAS BEEN WORKING TO ESTABLISH A NAVIGATION CENTER, AND I JUST WANT SOME

[03:50:06]

>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THE INTENTION IS TO USE -- AND JOHN PLEASE CHIME IN OR ANYBODY ELSE.

MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE INTENTION IS TO USE THIS TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE THE CONGESTION OF THE JAIL TO MOVE CERTAIN INMATES AND ALL OF THE IDEAS AND THE OPTIONS WE EXPLORED FROM MOVING FOLKS DIDN'T QUITE PAN OUT.

NOBODY WANTED THEM IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS FOR SAFETY REASONS AND THIS WAS THE ONLY OPTION WE HAD.

IT IS TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO REDUCE THE OCCUPANCY AT THE LARGE JAIL, AT THE MAIN JAIL, BUT PRESUMABLY AFTER THAT WE WOULDN'T BE NEEDING IT FOR THOSE PURPOSES ANYMORE.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WONDER WITH THE BAKER STREET FACILITY, IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY THAT THE STATE COULD COME IN AND TAKE THAT FACILITY? MAYBE THIS IS A QUESTION FOR -- I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WOULD KNOW, YOUR HONOR OR IF JOHN BLUNT WOULD NOTE.

THAT WAS MY RELUCTANCE TO MAKE A MOTION.

IF WE SPEND $6 MILLION ON IT, IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT THE STATE WOULD COME IN AND TAKE IT OR WILL WE GET THE 6 MILLION BACK?

>> I CAN ANSWER THAT, JUDGE.

I THINK AT SOME POINT WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THIS BECAUSE IT IS SUBJECT TO ON GOING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE STATE.

THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE STATE COULD RECLAIM THAT PROPERTY.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I KNOW WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING, BUT JUST TO MAKE SURE WE KNOW,

COULD WE HOLD THAT ONE UNTIL -- >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HOLD IT AND DISCUSS IT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

IDAHO >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE THAT VERY MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL HOLD THAT, ITEM 2 FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

THE NEXT IS ON VOTE BY MAIL.

WE HAVE SEVERAL SPEAKERS.

DO YOU WANT TO PLOW FORWARD WITH THIS ONE OR BREAK FOR LUNCH AND COME BACK?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS ONE IF WE CAN.

I AM FLEXIBLE.

I'M HUNGRY TOO, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY SPEAKERS WE HAVE IF WE WANT TO KNOCKOUT ONE MORE.

WHATEVER YOU ALL -- >> WE HAVE 11 SPEAKERS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WELL LET'S EAT.

I WANT TO HEAR THE SPEAKERS, BUT I HAVE TO EAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE WILL BREAK FOR AN HOUR AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK AND DISCUSS THIS COUNTY CLERK AND IT WILL BE THE COUNTY CLERK COVID SECTION.

LET'S COME BACK AT 3:10.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU HEAR ME ALL RIGHT?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I CAN HEAR YOU, JUDGE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> LINA HIDALGO: I CAN HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR.

IT IS 3:11.

WE WERE ABOUT TO HEAD TO THE COUNTY CLERKS AND LET'S START TALKING ABOUT THAT.

IT IS PAGE 27 AND ITEM 22F.

IT IS UNDER THE COVID SECTION.

I KNOW WE HAVE SOME SPEAKERS.

DR. TROUTMAN, DID YOU WANT TO SPEAK FIRST?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WOULD BE GOOD SO WE CAN -- SO THEY CAN HEAR HER EXPLANATION IF SHE IS AVAILABLE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU, DR. TROUTMAN.

GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP US SAFE.

AS I'M SURE YOU KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF VOTED -- VOTER FEAR AND CONFUSION RIGHT NOW.

I THINK VOTERS JUST WANT TO BE REASSURED AND GIVEN CLEAR ANSWERS ON HOW THEY WILL BE ABLE TO VOTE.

MY FOCUS RIGHT NOW IS BEING ON PREPARED THAT'S WHY I AM NOT WAITING ON THE STATE FOR ANSWERS.

I AM PREPARING FOR AN EXPANDED MAIL IN PROGRAM.

IN ADDITION TO A HEAVIER LOAD.

[03:55:04]

THAT'S WHY I AM HERE TO GIVE YOU A COST ESTIMATE OF THE PROGRAM AND AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF COURT CASES.

I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW IN PREPARATION FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN THE LAST MONTH MY TEAM AND I HELD VIRTUAL MEETINGS COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS AND THE U.S.

ELECTIONS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION AND THE BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER AND THE CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND THE HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, RICE UNIVERSITY AND POLITICAL PARTIES AND WE ARE LOOKING AT A VARIETY AND THEY WILL ENSURE TO PREPARE A SAFE ELECTION AND TO PROTECT OUR CO-WORKERS WITH THE NECESSARY PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO DO THAT AND MEET THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN JULY AND NEVER THEY WILL BE INCREASED COSTS AND WE ARE ASKING FOR FUNDING TO COVER THE COSTS.

WE HAVE SPOKEN TO THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE COSTS AND SENT YOU A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE COURT RULINGS.

WITH THAT MR. WYNN AND MR. RAY AND I ARE HAPPY TO TAKE QUESTIONS OR WE CAN GO TO THE SPEAKERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. RAY GIVE US A QUICK OVERVIEW OF THE JUDGE'S RULING IN TRAVIS COUNTY AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DOING WHATEVER WE HAVE TO DO TO COMPLY WITH THAT RULING.

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, CAN YOU HEAR ME? ON THE 17TH OF APRIL THERE IS A HEARING IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE IN TRAVIS COUNTY AND THE QUESTION BEFORE THE STATE COURT IS HOW DO YOU INTERPRET THE DEFINITION DISABILITY UNDER THE ELECTION CODE.

IT READS IF YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL CONDITION THAT -- WHICH MIGHT BE INJURED BY APPEARING IN PERSON AND THEY ARE DESCRIBING IN COURT THAT THEY WILL FIT ANYBODY THAT FEARS CORONAVIRUS AND THEY PRESENTED A COUPLE OF MEDICAL FOLKS AND THE JUDGE WENT ALONG WITH THEM.

FROM REFUSING TO ACCEPT AN APPLICATION FOR A MAIL IN BALLOT OR TO ACCEPT A BALLOT ON THE BASIS THAT THE PERSON WAS CLAIMING A DISABILITY BECAUSE OF COVID.

THAT PARTICULAR ORDER WAS 10 ERRED BY THE COURT -- WAS ENTERED BY THE COURT AND THE STATE THAT INTERVENED IN THE CASE AND THEY HAVE FILED AN APPEAL.

THE EFFECT OF THE APPEAL IS THAT ALL PROCEEDINGS CURRENTLY STAY.

HOWEVER, WE DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER GUIDANCE FROM ANY OTHER COURT THAT WOULD INTERPRET THAT PARTICULAR PROVISION OF THE LAW DIFFERENTLY.

SINCE THE LAST TIME WE MET IN COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT CASE, A SECOND CASE INVOLVING SIMILAR ISSUES FROM FEDERAL COURT IN SAN ANTONIO, AND SO WE COULDN'T ASK FOR PERMISSION TO INTERVENE IN THAT CASE THE SIMILAR WAY WE INTERVENED IN THE STATE COURT CASE.

THE FEDERAL COURT CASE IS BASING ITS CON TENSION THAT -- CONTENTION THAT ANY INTERPRETATION OF THE DISABILITY QUALIFICATION IN ORDER TO VOTE BY MAIL WHICH WOULD EXCLUDE PEOPLE ACCORDING TO AGE OR ANY OTHER STAT -- STATUS OF VOTER WOULD VIOLATE THE VOTING ACT.

[04:00:03]

THEY MAY HAVE A HEAVY IMPACT ON AFRICAN-AMERICAN VOTERS, FOR EXAMPLE, AND HISPANIC VOTERS, AND THEY FELT IT WAS A VIOLATION OF PEOPLE'S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND THE VOLTE -- VOTING RIGHTS ACT TO INTERPRET THE LAW.

I THINK NOW THAT THE FIRST COURT HAS MADE ITS INTERPRETATION OF STATE STATUTE OUT -- STATUTE IT GIVES THE ABILITY OF THE FEDERAL COURT TO TAKE SOME ACTION TO FORCE THE FEDERAL PARTS THEY MAY HAVE.

I CAN ANSWER WE -- QUESTIONS BECAUSE OF THE AFFECT OF THE COURT ORDER, BUT DR. TROUTMAN HAS RESPONDED.

THEY ARE MAKING APPLICATIONS FOR BALLOTS BY MAIL AND THEY ARE MUCH LARGER NUMBERS THAN WHAT THEY ARE USED TO.

AND I THINK IT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR A BALLOT BY MAIL EXISTS AND THERE ARE PEOPLE ENCOURAGING VOTERS OUT THERE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE ALSO HAD A COMMENT.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU MADE REFERENCE TO THE FEDERAL COURT.

I THINK THEY WERE IN SUPPORT OF THE PLAINTIFFS IN THE STATE COURT SO I AM WONDERING IF AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO ASK YOUR OFFICE TO DO AN AMICUS IN SUPPORT OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT AND FOR PEOPLE TO REQUEST A MAIL IN BALLOT GET IN AS WELL.

>> AND WE HAVE AN AGENDA ITEM.

IT IS THE NEXT AGENDA ITEM ON PAGE 27 REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO THAT VERY THING.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> AND I WANTED TO EXPAND ON THAT A LITTLE BIT, COMMISSIONER.

THERE MAY BE OTHER CASES OUT THERE THAT WE WOULD SIMILARLY LIKE THE COMMISSIONERS TO ALLOW US TO PARTICIPATE IN IN THIS COURT.

I THINK THAT IT GAVE US GENERAL PERMISSION AND THAT MIGHT HELP AS WELL.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL ASK MR. SOARD WHILE WE ARE FINISHING THIS ITEM IF WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT ITEM IS BROAD ENOUGH.

>> YES, SIR, IT IS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I HAVE QUESTIONS AND I THINK THEY WOULD BE BEST ADDRESSED BY DR. TROUTMAN AND I WILL STATE THEM OUT BECAUSE YMG -- I THINK IT IS EASIER IN THIS FORMAT.

CAN YOU WALK US THROUGH THE BREAK DOWN OF COSTS BETWEEN OUR JULY ELECTION AND THE NOVEMBER ELECTION IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING? NUMBER TWO, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF OVERALL OUTPUT YOU MAY BE ANTICIPATING IN THIS JULY ELECTION IN TERMS OF HISTORIC NUMBER OF FOLKS THAT ARE IN THE TYPE OF ELECTION WE HAVE WITH REGARD TO THOSE NUMBERS? AND NUMBER THREE IS HAVE YOU TIED IN TO GUIDE HOUSE TO HELP US BETTER UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH FUNDING THE COUNTY CAN ANTICIPATE FROM THE CARES ACT TO HELP PAY FOR THESE ADDITIONAL NEEDS THAT MAY COME TO THE COUNTY BY THE ADDITIONAL VOTE BY MAIL COSTS.

AND THE 40 EDITION DEALS WITH THE KOREAN MODEL.

I UNDERSTAND THEY JUST HAD A VERY LARGE ELECTION.

EVERYTHING THERE WENT QUITE WELL, AND THEIR WHOLE COUNTRY WAS IN A LOCK DOWN EVEN TO A -- SOME WOULD ARGUE MORE AND SOME WOULD SAY LESS OR SOME WOULD SAY SAME CIRCUMSTANCES TEXAS IS RIGHT NOW.

BUT TO MAYBE SHARE WITH US WHAT, IF ANYTHING, YOU HAVE LEARNED OR GLEAMED FROM THE BEST PRACTICES THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN SOUTH KOREA.

AND THEN I WOULD GO AHEAD AND LET YOU KNOW WHERE I AM GOING WITH SOME OF THIS AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY WE COULD NOT, WHILE YOU ARE MAKING THESE ADDITIONAL REQUESTS, FOCUS FIRST ON JULY AND SEE HOW THAT WENT BEFORE WE COMMIT TO MAKING FUNDING FOR NOVEMBER WHEN WE HAVE TIME TO PLAN FOR NOVEMBER?

[04:05:02]

AND SO THOSE ARE MY FOUR QUESTIONS, AND SO DR. TRAUTMAN, ARE YOU THERE?

>> I AM HERE.

LET'S START WITH YOUR FIRST ONE AGAIN BECAUSE I HAVE ALREADY FORGOTTEN IT.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: THE FIRST ONE IS THE ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL REQUEST THAT YOU ARE MAKING BETWEEN THE JULY -- YOU KNOW, WHAT MORE MONEY ARE YOU ASKING FOR FOR JULY VERSUS HOW MUCH MORE MONEY ARE YOU ASKING FOR FOR NOVEMBER.

>> MR. WYNN IS MUCH MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE COSTS AND HOW THEY ARE SEPARATED OUT.

IT WASN'T A BALLOT COST.

MR. WYNN, CAN YOU ANSWER THE FIRST QUESTION.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?

TIFF TIFF GENE >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU.

>> I WANTED TO SHARE WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN PREVIOUS ELECTIONS LEADING UP TO JULY AND WHY WE ARE ASKING WHAT WE ARE ASKING AND THE THINGS YOU TALKED ABOUT THAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING THE STAIR STEP EFFECT AND GETTING US TO NOVEMBER.

LET ME BEGIN BY SAYING IN 2006 WE DID ROUGHLY 112,000 BALLOTS.

OF THOSE BALLOTS 92,000 OF THOSE BALLOTS WERE FOLKS 65 AND OLDER.

AND THEN ANOTHER 20,000 OF THOSE BALLOTS WERE FOLKS WHO WERE ABSENT FROM THE COUNTY.

IN 2018 WE DID ROUGHLY 117,000 BALLOTS BY MAIL.

AGAIN, 65 AND OVER WERE ROUGHLY 95,000.

THOSE WHO WERE ABSENT FROM THE COUNTY WAS AROUND 13,000.

LOOKING AT THIS PAST PRIMARY ELECTION WE DID SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 63,000 BALLOTS BY MAIL.

AS OF RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE REQUESTS IN THE HOPPER FOR 75,000 BALLOTS BY MAIL.

WE ARE DEFINITELY BEING ASKED TO PROCESS MORE AND OUR ANTICIPATION IS THAT WE MAY LOOK AT TOPPLING OVER 100,000 BALLOTS BY MAIL FOR THIS JULY ELECTION.

WHEN WE GO BACK AND START SAYING WHAT IS OUR NEED FOR RIGHT NOW AS WE LOOK DOWN THE BARREL FOR NOVEMBER.

WE WILL GET THE INCREASE, HOWEVER IN PREPARATION FOR NOVEMBER THERE IS SOME

EQUIPMENT -- >> R.

JACK CAGLE: I'LL BACK YOU UP TO JULY.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER WHEN YOU MULTIPLY IT ALL OUT, HOW MUCH IN ADDITIONAL FUNDS ARE YOU ASKING FOR THIS JULY? CAN I GET YOU TO SUM THAT UP? I KNOW YOU MAY NOT BE THE MATH GUY.

THAT MAY BE MS. HUDSBETH THAT IS THE MATH PERSON IN YOUR OFFICE.

>> I CAN GIVE YOU AN IDEA.

WE ARE CROSSING ABOUT A MILLION, A MILLION AND A HALF WE WILL NEED IN ADDITION TO PREPARING FOR JULY.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: WHEN WE DO THAT ARE WE GOING TO HAVE A REDUCTION IN WHAT WE NEED AT THE POLLS OR IS THIS NOT GOING TO BE A TRADE FROM ONE TO THE OTHER.

>> IT IS NOT GOING TO BE A TRADE FROM ONE TO THE OTHER.

I BELIEVE, AND WE BELIEVE WE WILL HAVE AN INCREASE DUE TO THE INTEREST AND WE WILL STILL CONDUCT VOTING IN PERSON DURING THE JULY RUNOFF AND I THINK WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS PREPARE WITH THE EQUIPMENT WE NEED IN ORDER TO STAND -- TO SCAN AND PROCESS AND IF NECESSARY HAVE THE EQUIPMENT TO PROCESS ALL OF THE INCOMING MAIL.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: IF I CAN SUM IT UP, YOU ARE SUMMING -- YOU ARE ANTICIPATING 1,000,001.5 MILLION -- 1.5 MILLION ADDITIONAL DOLLARS FOR THE ELECTION.

>> CORRECT.

>> WE DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL BE A NICE NOVEMBER OR NOT OR HOW PEOPLE WILL BE FEELING.

WHO KNOWS WHAT OUR SOCIETY WILL BE AT THAT TIME.

[04:10:05]

I KNOW THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW, BUT WHAT IS YOUR GUESTIMATE FUNDS YOU WILL NEED FOR NOVEMBER?

>> DEPENDS.

WE LOOKED AT A STAIR STEP EFFECT.

WE DO KNOW A COUPLE OF THINGS.

ONE, WE WILL STILL CONDUCT IN PERSON VOTING.

WHAT WE HAVE TO EXPECT IS A CHANCE THAT YOU WILL HAVE MILLIONS OFFED VOTERS WHO WANTS A BALLOT BY MAIL IN NOVEMBER.

WHAT WE DID WAS STAIR STEPPED IT.

WE DID AN ASK -- AN ASK IF WE HAD TO PROCESS TWO MILLION VOTERS.

WE HAD WHERE WE HAD A PROCESS A MILLION .

2 VOTERS AND ANOTHER WITH 700,000.

IN THIS STAIR STEP EFFECT WITH PPE'S AND WITH RESOURCES AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS INCLUDED, THE ADDITIONAL ASK IS WE HAVE TO PROCESS TWO MILLION VOTERS AND WE ARE LOOKING AT AN ADDITIONAL $12 MILLION.

IF WE ARE LOOKING TO TRY TO PROCESS A MILLION -- 1.2 MILLION VOTERS, THE ASK IS $8 MILLION.

IF IT IS 700,000, WE THINK THE ADDITIONAL ASK IS ABOUT $3 MILLION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER KEYING GEL, CAN -- CAGLE, CAN I ASK A QUESTION?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: ABSOLUTELY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT YOUR PER BALLOT COST, AND DOES THAT INCLUDE SOMEHOW BOTH THE COST FOR A MAIL IN PLUS THE COST OF THE -- FOR THE HYPER SANITIZED IN PERSON VOTING?

YOU MADE IT SOUND LIKE HOW YOU FACTORED BOTH OF THOSE THINGS INTO EACH -- >> WE DID.

YES, MA'AM, IT DOES.

IT INCLUDES THE STAFFING AND THE RESOURCES AND THE EQUIPMENT AND THE PROTECTIVE GEAR, THE MEDIA CAMPAIGN WE HAVE TO PUT OUT.

NOW YOU ARE GONNA HAVE SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND TO A COUPLE MILLION PEOPLE WHO MAY BE VOTING BY MAIL WHO HAVE NEVER DONE IT BEFORE.

THAT'S GOING TO BE A VERY BROAD STROKE OF MAKING SURE ALL OF THESE INDIVIDUALS WHO GET THE INFORMATION AND HOW DO WE DO IT THROUGH TV AND MEDIA AND THROUGH PSA'S.

IT IS THE WHOLE GAMUT OF EVERYTHING INCLUDED IN THAT PROCESS.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: SO IN TERMS OF MY FIRST QUESTION WHICH IS HOW MUCH IN JULY, 1 MILLION TO 1.5 MILLION.

IN TERMS OF NOVEMBER IT IS ANYWHERE FROM 2 MILLION TO 8 MILLION DEPENDING ON WHERE THOSE NUMBERS COME DOWN AND AS NOVEMBER APPROACHES.

THE CLARIFICATION -- ARE YOU ASKING FOR APPROVAL FOR THE TWO TO EIGHT MILLION TODAY, OR ARE YOU JUST GIVING US THE INFORMATION THAT IT MAY BE COMING TO US OVER THE HORIZON?

>> I AM GIVING YOU THE INFORMATION NOW SO YOU WILL HAVE IT WELL BEFORE WE GET TO THAT POINT.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: VERY GOOD.

>> CAN I JUST SAY SOMETHING REAL QUICK? IN AN ELECTION SUCH AS NOVEMBER, WE SHOULD HAVE HAD ALL OF THIS DECIDED BY APRIL 15TH.

SO WE ARE BEHIND ALREADY.

WE MUST BE PREPARED.

YOU CAN'T DECIDE ON A DIME ABOUT THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.

NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS WITH A COMMENT?

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANTED TO MAKE A POINT, JUDGE, THAT I BELIEVE THIS MONEY IS REIMBURSABLE UNDER THE NEW FEDERAL RULES, IS THAT CORRECT, MR. SOARD?

>> LINA HIDALGO: BILL, IF YOU ARE TALKING -- YOUR MICROPHONE IS NOT QUITE WORKING.

>> THEY NEED TO TURN THEIR SPEAKERS OFF IN THE BACKGROUND.

WHOEVER IS SPEAKING NEEDS TO TURN THE SPEAKERS DOWN IN THE BACKGROUND, PLEASE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE SPEAKERS?

>> IT SOUNDS LIKE CHIPMUNKS ON THIS CALL.

[04:15:08]

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN YOU MUTE EVERYONE REAL QUICK? THAT WAS COMMISSIONER ELLIS ASKED A QUESTION ABOUT WHAT IS REIMBURSABLE.

IF WE WILL JUST UNMUTE BILL AND SEE, CAN YOU TRY THAT?

YEAH, BILL, YOUR MICROPHONE IS ACTING -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT'S UP, DOC? BUGS BUNNY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE THAT WAS ONE OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND I KNOW YOU HAVE OTHER ONES.

LET'S GO THROUGH OTHER QUESTIONS WHILE BILL FIGURES OUT THE MICROPHONE.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: THAT WAS MY THIRD QUESTION THAT WAS THE REIMBURSEMENT -- >> I WANT TO ANSWER TO THE REIMBURSEMENT QUESTION.

I THINK AND I'M SURE BILL JACKSON CAN ANSWER THIS MORE ADEQUATELY, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS FROM THE CARES ACT WE ARE LOOKING AT APPROXIMATELY AT ONE OF OUR LAST MEETINGS WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE CALL, SOMEWHERE AROUND 1.3 MILLION.

YOU CAN CORRECT ME ON THAT, BUT OF COURSE FROM THIS NEW $426 MILLION THAT IS NOW AVAILABLE WE UNDERSTAND THAT SOME OF THAT COULD COME FROM THAT.

>> THIS IS BILL JACKSON.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT SOUNDS LIKE YOU.

>> SO THE 426 THAT WE GOT LAST WEEK, THERE IS A REVISION UNDER OPTION NUMBER SIX THAT SAYS ITEMS RELATED TO THIS HAVE TO BE SPENT TO CONTINUE GOVERNMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT.

THAT'S VERY VAGUE, BUT I WOULD MAKE THE CASE THAT WE COULD NOT BE DOING THIS IF IT WASN'T FOR THE VIRUS, AND SO THAT IT WOULD BE A REIMBURSEMENT EXPENSE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HEARD BETWEEN 2 AND 8, BUT WE HEARD IT IS UP TO 12 MILLION, CORRECT?

>> IT IS A QUESTION OF HOW PREPARED DO WE WANT TO BE? IF WE DID AND IF THE GOVERNOR DID DECIDE AND EVERYBODY HAD TO VOTE BY MAIL WE NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR THE LARGEST TURNOUT.

>> YOUR HONOR THIS GOES TO AN ANCILLARY QUESTION PREPARING FOR NOVEMBER.

THAT IS HOW MUCH TIME DO WE NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT.

IT GOES A LITTLE TO THE SOUTH KOREA QUESTION.

BUT IT ALSO GOES TO THE QUESTION OF IF WE ARE GOING TO PREPARE FOR NOVEMBER THERE MAY BE RAW MATERIALS IN THINGS THAT WE CAN ACQUIRE WITHOUT PRINTING THE BALLOTS, BUT HAVE THE PIECES OF PAPER AND THE EQUIPMENT AND THE MACHINERY, ET CETERA, THAT'S IN PLAY SO THAT IF WE DO HAVE A BOOST IN OUR NUMBERS OF BALLOT BY MAIL THAT WE -- I MEAN IF WE DON'T HAVE THE BOOST, THOSE PAPERS AND THOSE DOCUMENTS AND THOSE SUPPLIES CAN THEN BE FUNNELED INTO OUR NEXT ROUND OF ELECTIONS THAT WOULD BE COMING UP AFTERWARDS.

IN OTHER WORDS, SOME OF THE SUPPLIES -- SOME OF OUR SUPPLY THAT'S CAN'T BE USED FROM ELECTION TO ELECTION UNLESS THEY ARE NOT PRINTED ON, AND THAT'S WHERE I AM TRYING TO GO.

LET'S PREPARE IN A WAY THAT WE ARE WISE WITH OUR DOLLARS AND NOT PREPARED IN A WAY THAT WE WILL HAVE FUNDS THAT WILL GO TO WASTE.

THAT'S WHY I LIKE THE STAIR STEP APPROACH IS THERE ARE MEASURED RESPONSES AND WE ARE NOT FLAT FOOTED AND WE ARE NOT CAUGHT WITH LONG LINES OR PROBLEMS LIKE THAT, BUT WE ARE PREPARED FOR THOSE THAT WE DON'T SPEND MONEY THAT THEN BECOME WASTED IF IT DOES NOT BECOME -- COME TO PASS.

>> AND JUST A REMINDER THAT WE HAVE SPEAKERS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ONE MORE POINT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DID FIND A LITTLE HAND THING.

DID YOU NOTICE? DO YOU SEE IT IS ON AND NOW IT IS OFF? IT IS OFF AND NOW IT IS ON.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: I DON'T SEE YOUR HAND.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE A POINT THAT WE AS A COURT MIGHT HAVE

[04:20:03]

I RESPECT EVERYONE'S OPINION AND THEIR RIGHT TO HAVE THEIR OWN OPINION.

BUT WE HAVE HAD TWO ISSUES WITH THE LAST ELECTIONS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WITH THE RECORD TURNOUT WE ARE GIVEN THE POSSIBILITY OF A RECORD TURNOUT.

WE ARE GIVING DR. TRAUTMAN AND MR. WYNN AND OTHERS THE SUPPORT THEY NEED.

I AM IN SUPPORT OF THE RECOMMENDATION THAT DR. TRAUTMAN IS MAKING, AND I HEARD HER SAY EARLIER THERE WAS SOME DATE YOU NEED TO PLAN FOR NOVEMBER.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE A LOWER COURT -- THE LOWER COURT'S DECISION TO BE OVERTURNED.

I WANT US TO DO WHAT WE CAN DO AND WHAT WE OUGHT TO DO TO IMPROVE THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WHO VOTE.

PRECISION PEOPLE WHO VOTE IN THIS COUNTY ARE EMBARRASSING.

THERE ARE A LOT OF BARRIERS THE STATE HAS PUT UP OVER THE YEARS.

IT HAS BEEN A HISTORICAL PROBLEM FROM THE STATE LEVEL, BUT DR. TRAUTMAN, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.

I PUT IT ON THE AGENDA AND LET FOLKS VOTE IT DOWN.

WE WILL GIVE YOU THE SUPPORT YOU NEED.

THERE IS NOTHING WORSE, AND IN A PRESIDENTIAL YEAR, THAN FOR US TO HAVE LONG LINES.

WE CAN'T GAMBLE ON THE WEATHER.

WE CAN'T WAIT FOR A WEATHER REPORT.

WE WON'T KNOW THAT FOR A -- UNTIL A FEW DAYS BEFORE.

IT IS TOO LATE TO GIVE OURSELVES THE OPTION.

I KNOW THE FEDERAL LEGISLATION SAID THE MONEY IS REIMBURSABLE.

I KNOW THAT.

I WAS JUST ASKING TO BE RHETORICAL, BUT I KNOW IT.

NOW THERE ARE OTHER THINGS WE CAN SPEND THAT $426 MILLION ON, BUT I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS AND THEN WE CAN GO INTO A DISCUSSION.

LUCINDA, IF YOU CAN CALL THEM NOW.

>> TARA BUELL -- BUALA.

YOU WILL NEED TO TURN YOUR SOUND DOWN.

GO AHEAD, PLEASE, MA'AM.

>> CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> TURN DOWN YOUR SPEAKERS BEHIND YOU, PLEASE.

>> GO AHEAD.

>> IS THIS BETTER? HI MY NAME IS TARA BULA AND I AM CALLING TO SPEAK ON AGENDA -- SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ITEM 20 AND MAIN AGENDA ITEM 22K AND F.

I JUST DON'T AGREE WITH -- I CAN HEAR A LOT OF BACKGROUND NOISE.

>> ARE YOU ON YOUR COMPUTER, MA'AM?

>> NOME, I'M NOT -- NO, MA'AM.

I AM NOT.

HOLD ON.

I'M SORRY.

IS THIS BETTER?

>> WE HEAR AN ECHO, MA'AM.

>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IF YOU WANT TO JUST GO AHEAD.

>> ALL RIGHT.

SO I'M SPEAKING ON THE VOTING BY MAIL AND THE EXTENSION OF THE DECLARATION OF DISASTER, BUT I THINK THAT HAS BEEN COVERED BY GOVERNOR ABBOTT FIRST OFF I DON'T AGREE WITH THE VOTING BY MAIL.

I THINK THERE IS NO ACCURATE CHECKS AND BALANCES TO IT.

I THINK THERE IS HUGE ROOM FOR ERROR.

I HEARD THING LIKE BALLOT HARVESTING AND THINGS LIKE THAT AND I AM TOTALLY AGAINST IT.

AND THEN ALSO I HEARD SOME THINGS EARLIER AS WELL ON, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THANK YOU FORETELLING US POLITICS DO INFLUENCE HOW YOU DECIDE THINGS.

I MEAN, THAT'S KIND OF THE JOB.

BUT I DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU SAID.

YOU SAID THE VIRUS OF INEQUALITY.

I HOPE THAT IS NOT ANY KIND OF REASONING TO SPEND ANY OF THESE COVID-19 FUNDS.

I THINK THAT IS COMPLETELY I WILL LEGITIMATE.

ILLEGITIMATE AND TAKE ISSUE WITH THAT.

THE TRANS MEMO BY THE COUNTY ANALYSIS -- ANALYST, THERE WAS NO FOOTING IN WHAT SHE WAS SAYING.

THERE WAS NO SOLIDNESS.

IT LACKED SUBSTANCE.

I DIDN'T SEE THAT PUBLICLY ANYWHERE.

I WOULD LIKE TO -- I'LL LOOK SOME MORE FOR THAT TO BE AN ERROR ON MY PART, AND I AM

[04:25:01]

AND THEN ALSO ON THE MASK THING, JUDGE HIDALGO I DON'T THINK YOU MEANT IT AS MALICE.

HOWEVER, IT IS A TOTAL JUST STRIPPING OF OUR FREEDOMS AND I THINK SAYS A LOT HOW YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS IS.

AND THEN ALSO I JUST DON'T AGREE WITH IT, AND I APPRECIATE YOU AMENDING YOUR ORDERS.

AND THEN ALSO, GOVERNOR -- WELL WHEN Y'ALL VOTED EARLIER, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RADACK AND CAGLE FOR VOTING NO ON TAXPAYER FUNDS BEING PUT IN THAT FUNDING POOL OF COVID-19, THE $426 MILLION.

I THINK -- I MEAN, CAN YOU KEEP TRACK OF THAT TAXPAYER MONEY THAT IS PUT IN THERE AND THEN POSSIBLY DO NOT LET OUR COURTS SEEK REIMBURSEMENT FOR THAT.

I MEAN, THAT TO ME IS NOT -- IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

I REALIZE I COULD BE TOTALLY LIKE, YOU KNOW -- I'M SORRY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

I MEAN WE HAVE HAD QUITE SOME TROUBLE WITH THE MICROPHONE.

DO YOU WANT -- JAMES, CAN WE GIVE HER AN ADDITIONAL 30 SECONDS?

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> IS THAT OKAY.

THANK YOU.

I APPRECIATE IT.

SO ALSO I MEAN I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE -- ALL THAT YOU ALL ARE DOING, AND IT JUST REALLY CONCERNS ME SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON IN COMMISSIONER'S COURT, AND I'M VERY CONCERNED WITH SOME OF THESE THINGS THAT ARE JUST PASSING BY AND NOBODY IS SAYING ANYTHING.

AND NOBODY IS -- I MEAN, SOMEBODY PEOPLE ARE, OF COURSE.

I HEARD THE OPPOSITION AND EVERYTHING, BUT I JUST WANT TO RESPECTFULLY SUBMIT MY, YOU KNOW, FREEDOM OF SPEECH TO YOU GUYS AND LET YOU KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, WE ARE WATCHING, AND WE'RE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU ARE DOING, BUT PLEASE DO IT WITH INTEGRITY.

OKAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> KRISTINA QUINTERO WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

MS. QUINTERO?

>> YES, GOOD AFTERNOON.

I HOPE EVERYBODY HAD A GOOD LUNCH.

I KNOW I NEEDED IT.

MY NAME IS KRISTINA QUENTERO.

I AM A TEXAS VOTER.

WE FIGHT TO HELP COMMUNITIES OF COLOR AND AND ORGANIZING AND ENGAGEMENT.

I FELT RELIEVED THAT A TEXAS STATE DISTRICT JUDGE ISSUED A TEMPORARY INJUNCTION ALLOWING VOTERS LIKE ME TO UTILIZE THE VOTE BY MAIL DURING THE PANDEMIC CITING THE DISABILITY OPTION.

THIS NEWS WAS A BIG RELIEF FOR ME BECAUSE I WAS STRUGGLING TO CHOOSE BETWEEN PHYSICAL SAFETY AND CASTING A BALLOT.

THANK YOU.

HONESTLY, THANK YOU FOR POSTING PUBLICLY THE JUDGE'S RULING AND LET -- LETTING VOTERS KNOW THAT YOU WILL ACCEPT VOTE BY MAIL APPLICATIONS.

FOR THOSE WHO CLAIM A DISABILITY ON THEIR APPLICATION.

I AM CONCERNED THOUGH THAT THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IS THREATENING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION DESPITE A COURTROOM LOSS.

I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN.

I HAVE A FOUR-YEAR-OLD SON THAT HAS AUTISM AND HAS MORE NEEDS.

I AM ALSO A CAREGIVER OF MY GRANDMOTHER WHO IS 81 YEARS OLD THAT HAS MOVED IN WITH US BECAUSE SHE LIVED WITH MY PARENTS.

BOTH OF THEM ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS.

MY MOTHER IS AN ICU NEWS AND WORKS WITH COVID PATIENTS.

I SHOULDN'T LIVE IN FEAR FOREGOING TO JAIL FOR VOTING.

WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHTS AS A CITIZEN? I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY FAMILY'S LIVES AT RISK, AND I DON'T -- I ALSO DON'T WANT MY VOTE EXCLUDED.

I AM GOING TO ASK ALL OF YOU FOR CLARITY ON HOW TO GET MY VOTE COUNTED? WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO LET MORE VOTERS KNOW WHAT THE OPTIONS ARE TO APPLY FOR VOTE BY MAIL APPLICATIONS FOR THE PRIMARY RUNOFF AND FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

I DON'T KNOW, DR. TRAUTMAN IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING IN RESPONSE?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT WAS A GOOD QUESTION BY THE LAST SPEAKER AND I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM DR. TRAUTMAN.

>> YES, THAT WAS A VERY GOOD QUESTION.

THANK YOU, MS. QUINTERA.

THAT IS PART OF THE ASK WE ARE MAKING IS FOR VOTER OUT REACH AND VERY STRONG AND

[04:30:08]

WE NEED TO DO A MEDIA BLAST ON THIS IS WHAT WE NEED.

THAT'S PART OF THE FUNDING WE ARE ASKING FOR.

THAT HAS STARTED ALMOST RIGHT AFTER THE PRIMARY.

WE STARTED WITH A PRESS RELEASE AND SHARING THE SOCIAL MEDIA URGING 65 OR OLDER TO PLEASE, PLEASE PLAN TO VOTE BY MAIL FOR THE UPCOMING RUNOFF AS WELL AS NOVEMBER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

DR. TRAUTMAN, ON THE FINANCIALS YOU ARE ASKING THE COURT FOR DO YOU HAVE THE RESPECTIVE PLANS AND IT IS A COST FOR THE OUT REACH OF THE MAIL BALLOT.

DO YOU HAVE THAT DEFINED?

>> IT IS IN THE COST PER BALLOT PROCESS.

MR. WYNN COULD GIVE YOU A LITTLE MORE DETAIL ON THAT.

>> THAT WAS A GOOD QUESTION.

IT WAS A GOOD QUESTION FROM THE PERSON WHO CALLED IN.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE JULY ELECTION.

WE ARE MEETING WITH THE POLITICAL PARTIES AND SOME OF THE THINGS WE WANTED TO TRY REFERENCES BACK TO THE KOREA MODELS.

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE WE ARE LOOKING AT DOING SEVERAL THINGS.

ONE OF THOSE IS URGING THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE BY MAIL AND WE WANT TO UTILIZE THE PUBLIC MEDIA AND TWO NEWSPAPERS AND PSA'S AND SOCIAL NETWORKS AND FAITH-BASED NETWORKS AND MAKE SURE WE GET THIS INFORMATION OUT TO THE MASSES.

WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE SCWH -- AND IT IS WHAT COSTS ARE COVERED.

WE ARE BEING RUN BY SOME OF THE THINGS WE WANT TO DO AND SOME OF THE THINGS WE WANT TO ACQUIRE.

IT IS BASED ON OUR INFORMATION ALL OF THE THINGS WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO IS COVER UNDER THE EMERGENCY FUNDING.

WE ARE LOOKING AT POLLING LOCATIONS AND WHERE WE CAN DISTANCE THE EQUIPMENT OUT AND WE CANNOT ONLY MAKE A SAFE HAVEN FOR POLL WORKERS AND FOR THE VOTERS WHO COME INTO CONTACT AT THOSE LOCATIONS.

LOOKING AT THE GYMNASIUMS AND BEING ABLE TO UTILIZE THE PARKING LOTS AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE BUILDINGS AND PHASING THE EQUIPMENT OUT AND GETTING PPE'S FOR THE -- FOR THE CO -- FOR THE POLL WORKERS AND FACE MASKS AND THINGS THAT ARE REUSABLE AND REWASHABLE AND THEY CAN COME BACK AND USE IN LATER ELECTIONS.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SANITIZING THE EQUIPMENT.

WHEN WE DO THE TRAINING OF THE POLL WORKERS, HOW DO WE SANITIZE EQUIPMENT WHEN THE

VOTERS COME THROUGH AND USE THE EQUIPMENT -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MR. WYNN IF I COULD JUST INTERRUPT REAL QUICK.

>> SURE.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHAT THE MAIL BALLOT WILL LOOK LIKE VERSUS WALK IN TRAFFIC, AND DO YOU HAVE ANY REASON, ANY EVIDENCE TO INDICATE THAT THAT MAY NOT COME TRUE?

[04:35:06]

>> I DO NOT HAVE ANY EVIDENCE THAT IT MAY NOT COME TRUE.

ALL I KNOW, COMMISSIONER, IS THAT WE HAVE AN UP SWING IN THE MAIL BALLOTS.

AND WE KNOW THAT WE ARE GOING TO DO TWO PROGRAMS.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO THE REAL EMPHASIS AND IT IS IN THE MAIL IN SIDE OF THE PROCESS.

I SUSPECT YOU WILL COME BACK AND SAY WE HAD A THOUSAND PERCENT INCREASE IN THE MAIL IN BALLOT REQUEST AND SO WE MAY NOT NEED THE -- NEED TO STAFF SOME OF THE POLLING LOCATIONS AS ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED.

SOME MAY BE POLLING LOCATIONS ON THE BALLOT SIDE OF THE PROGRAM.

WHAT I AM TRYING TO GET TO IS THIS BEING -- [INAUDIBLE].

>> COMMISSIONER, I THINK WHEN WE -- WHEN WE UTILIZE THE POLL WORKERS WE WILL USE JUST AS MANY POLL WORKERS AS WE HAD IN THE PAST IS IN PERSON VOTING AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO CHANGE.

WHAT IS GOING TO CHANGE IS THE INCREASE IN THE MAIL IN BALLOT.

WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THAT AND SO WHEN WE START LOOKING AT AND PUTTING TOGETHER OUR FIGURES AND OUR NUMBERS, WHAT WE ARE SAYING IS IN COORDINATION WITH OUR IN MAIL AND IN PERSON PROGRAM, OUR PROGRAM WILL EXPLODE EXPONENTIALLY.

>> I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT WITH WHAT MR. WYNN SAID.

ALL OF THE ELECTION THINK TANKS WE HAVE BEEN SPEAKING TO IN THE LAST MONTH ALL AGREE YOU SHOULD NOT CUT BACK ON POLLING LOCATIONS.

THAT ALLOWS YOU TO SPACE PEOPLE OUT MORE TOO.

IT IS JUST LIKE YOU SAID.

IT PRETTY MUCH REMAINS THE SAME FOR IN PERSON, BUT THE EXPLOSION IS ON THE MAIL BALLOT SIDE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU HAVE DONE SOME WORK WITH A VARIETY OF ORGANIZATIONS AND ENSURING THAT WE HAVE THE BEST PROCESSES OUT THERE BOTH TO MAKE THE MAIL IN BALLOTS SAFE AND SECURE AND TO MAKE THE -- MAKE IT SAFE.

THAT'S WHAT HE IS GETTING OUT WITH THE SOUTH KOREA POINT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE APPLY THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

THERE IS A CORONAVIRUS TALK ABOUT HOW TO DO VOTE IN MAIL AND IN PERSON VOTING.

ARE YOU MAKING THE RECOMMENDATIONS ?

>> WE HAD A CALL AND THEY HAD TWO GOOD RECOMMENDATION THAT'S WE HAVE STARTED ON.

AND IT WAS TO FORM WORKING GROUPS.

ONE TO ESTABLISH POLLING LOCATIONS AND THE OTHER TO RECRUIT POLL WORKERS FROM PERHAPS A YOUNGER SOURCE THAT MIGHT NOT BE AS THREATENED.

DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS THAT WOULD BE ABLE TO HELP US WITH LARGER LOCATIONS TO SPACE PEOPLE OUT.

AND ESPECIALLY ON THE GROUP THAT RECOMMENDED GETTING THE SUPERINTENDENTS, THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS SO WE COULD SEE ABOUT USING ALL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUMS. THAT WOULD BE A BIG IMPROVEMENT AS FAR AS BEING ABLE TO SPACE OUT THE EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS THE VOTERS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: OUR PUBLIC HEALTH -- I CAN SEE THE COMMENT -- YES, WE HAVE MORE SPEAKERS.

COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS A COMMENT AND THEN WE HAVE MORE SPEAKERS.

BEFORE WE FORGET, ONE THING I AM THINKING ABOUT, DR. TRAUTMAN, IT IS GREAT YOU ARE INCLUDING THE PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS IN THIS.

PLEASE BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW WHAT WE HEAR BACK FROM OUR PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND HERE IS WHY -- THEY ARE HAVING TO RESPOND TO BOTH THE COMMUNITY SPREAD AND ALL

[04:40:02]

SO THERE ARE DETENTION FACILITIES AND NOW WHAT EXACT PARAMETERS WILL FOLKS RECOMMEND YOU GUYS USE IN THE POLLING BOOTHS.

I KNOW IN SOUTH KOREA THEY GAVE EVERYBODY GLOVES AND THEY HAD MARKERS ON THE FLOOR.

THAT KIND OF THING, THAT SPECIFIC PUBLIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHAT DO YOU SPECIFICALLY DO.

I WOULD JUST URGE YOU TO LET US KNOW AND WORK WITH PUBLIC HEALTH AND LET US KNOW IF WE NEED TO BRING IN AN OUTSIDE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISER FOR THIS.

I KNOW WE HAD TO DO SO FOR THE JAIL AND THE DETENTION FACILITY BECAUSE IT IS SUCH A BIG THING AND PUBLIC HEALTH IS VERY FOCUSED RIGHT NOW ON THE BROADER POPULATION.

THAT MAY BE SOMETHING FOR YOU TO CONSIDER AND TO KEEP US POSTED ON.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: TWO QUICK QUESTIONS.

DR. TRAUTMAN, I HAVE NOT TALKED TO THEM IN A WEEK, BUT WHEN I DID THEY SAID YOU WERE WORKING WELL.

TWO QUESTIONS, ARE THERE THINGS THAT THEY ARE SUGGESTING THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH? AND WILL THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA TODAY BE ALL YOU NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR NOVEMBER, OR YOU SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE APRIL SOMETHING DATE.

IS THERE SOMETHING YOU NEED DONE TO BE READY FOR NOVEMBER?

>> THIS IS OUR BEST ESTIMATE OF WHAT WE NEED GOING FORWARD FOR JULY AND NOVEMBER.

APRIL 15TH WAS THE DATE THAT THE CENTER AND OTHER GROUPS RECOMMENDED YOU HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE FOR NOVEMBER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE THERE THINGS THEY ARE SUGGESTING FOR US THAT YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH? YOU SAID EARLIER THEY HAD TWO RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WERE GOOD.

>> THOSE ARE THE TWO THAT WE DISCUSSED LAST TIME.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

WE WILL CONTINUE HEARING FROM THE SPEAKERS, LUCINDA.

>> TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

MS. WHITE, PLEASE GO AHEAD.

>> BEAUTIFUL EVENING.

I AM MAKAI WHITE.

I AM A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

I AM SPEAKING HERE TODAY BECAUSE I DON'T THINK TEXAN VOTERS SHOULD HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE AND OUR HEALTH OR THE HEALTH OF OUR FAMILY.

I APPRECIATE THAT THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE HAS ISSUED A NOTICE LETTING VOTERS KNOW THAT BASED ON THE JUDGE'S RULING, IF THEY FEAR BECAUSE OF THEIR HEALTH DUE TO COVID-19, RIGHT NOW IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT VOTERS KNOW THEIR RIGHTS TO VOTE BY MAIL AND WE ARE MAKING SURE WE HAVE A SYSTEM TO COUNT AND COLLECT EVERY VOTE.

I AM A SINGLE PARENT OF THREE UNDER 8.

I SAW THE LINES DURING THE PRIMARY ELECTION WHEN I WAS WORKING TO GET OUT AND VOTE.

I CANNOT IMAGINE WAITING IN THOSE LINES AND RISKING MY OWN HEALTH AS A CAREGIVER FOR MY CHILDREN.

BEING ABLE TO VOTE FROM HOME DURING THIS TIME IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME.

RIGHT NOW I FEEL LIKE MY VOICE AND MY VOTE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT MY VOTE IS COUNTED.

I KNOW THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY FEEL THE SAME.

AS YOU CREATE YOUR PLAN BY VOTING BY MAIL, HOW WILL YOU MAKE SURE THAT THE VOTES -- I MEAN THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE LIKE MINE AND IN MY COMMUNITY ARE INCLUDED IN CREATING THE BEST VOTE BY MAIL PROGRAM THAT WILL NOT LEAD ANYONE OR ANY VOTERS BEHIND.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

I THINK THAT'S PRETTY MUCH THE DISCUSSION IS WE WILL CONTINUE DISCUSSING WITH DR. TRAUTMAN THE SPECIFIC MEASURES.

DR. TRAUTMAN IF YOU WANT TO CHIP IN ANYTHING, OTHERWISE WE WILL CALL UP THE NEXT

[04:45:07]

>> ARNESIA SADLER.

>> HI.

GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS ARNESIA SADLER AND I AM A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.

TOP IS A COMMUNITY-BASED NONPROFIT AND FIGHT TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LATINO AND BLACK FAMILIES IN TEXAS THROUGH COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGE MINT.

ENGAGEMENT.

AS A TEXAS VOTER I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD HAVE TO CHOOSE IN PARTICIPATING IN THE UPCOMING PRIMARY ELECTION AND RISKING NOT JUST MY FAMILY'S, BUT MY OWN HEALTH AS WELL.

I PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN CARING FOR MANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS.

I HELP MY MOTHER IN RAISING MY NIECE AND NEPHEW BECAUSE SHE IS THEIR GUARDIAN AND SOMETIMES SHE NEEDS AN EXTRA HAND.

I AM THE ONE THAT STEPS IN TO CARE FOR MY MOTHER WHEN SHE GETS SICK BECAUSE SHE HAS SEVERAL HEALTH ISSUES.

WITH THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC, I HAVE TO TAKE EXTREME PRECAUTIONS WHEN VISITING MY MOTHER'S HOUSE BECAUSE SHE IS AT HIGH RISK OF CONTRACTING THIS TERRIBLE VIRUS.

IN ADDITION TO THAT -- MY HUSBAND HAS AN EVEN HIGHER RISK OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS BECAUSE HE IS ILL HIMSELF.

HIS HEART IS SO WEAK THAT HE IS REQUIRED TO WEAR A CPR VEST AT ALL TIMES.

HE SHOCKS HIS HEART EVERY TIME IT STOPS BEATING.

AND SO TODAY I AM TESTIFYING TO SHOW YOU ALL HOW VOTING IN PERSON PUTS ME AND SO MANY LIVES AT RISK.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE THAT CURRENTLY QUALIFIES GETS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE BY MAIL.

BASED ON THE JUDGE'S RECENT RULING IT WOULD INCLUDE SOMEBODY LIKE ME.

IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE GETS THEIR CHANCE TO VOTE, WE NEED TO MAKE THIS PROCESS EASY AND UNDERSTANDABLE FOR EVERYONE.

I AM ASKING THIS COURT ALONG WITH THE COUNTY CLERK IF YOU WILL COMMIT TO VOTE BY MAIL APPLICATIONS TO ALL HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS 65 AND OLDER, AND IF YOU WILL COMMIT TO SENDING VOTE BY MAIL APPLICATIONS TO ALL OTHER REGISTERED HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS SINCE WE CAN NOW ALL QUALIFY TO VOTE FROM HOME.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

I KNOW YOU WILL DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR OUR TEXAS VOTERS.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND YOUR FAMILIES.

BE SAFE AND STAY HEALTHY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

DR. TRAUTMAN.

IS THAT SOMETHING YOU ARE CONSIDERING?

>> I WILL DEFER TO MR. WYNN ON THAT TO SEE IF THAT IS ACTUALLY FEASIBLE.

AS I SAY, YOU REALLY ARE -- [INAUDIBLE] TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE -- [INAUDIBLE] THE ENTIRE ELECTION STAFF HAS BEEN WORKING ON FROM HOME, AND WE ARE NOT SURE WILL BE BACK.

I DON'T KNOW.

I HAVE TO DEFER TO MR. WYNN AND SEE IF THAT'S POSSIBLE.

>> CAN YOU ALL HEAR ME?

>> YES.

>> THAT'S ANOTHER GOOD QUESTION BY THAT LAST SPEAKER.

I THINK WHAT WE CAN COMMIT TO IS LOOKING AT DOING THE APPLICATION TO ALL OF THE VOTERS WHO WERE OVER THE AGE OF 65.

I THINK THE OTHER TASK IS A BIT MORE OF A CHALLENGE BECAUSE BECAUSE THERE HAS TO BE SOME LEGISLATION THAT NEEDS TO TAKE PLACE AND SOME MORE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

THE GOVERNOR DOES HAVE SOME LATITUDE TO MAKE A DECISION IN THAT RECORD, BUT I DO THINK IN TAKING CARE OF OUR VOTERS WHO WERE OVER THE AGE OF 65 WE CAN DO IT.

>> AND COULD WE ALSO ASK MR. WRIGHT IF THAT PASSES THE LEGAL PROCESS AS WELL? MR. SOARD?

>> JUDGE BASICALLY THERE IS NO PROHIBITION AGAINST SENDING AN APPLICATION BY MAIL, BUT THERE ARE ABOUT 2.4 MILLION VOTERS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

IT WOULD BE A TREMENDOUS ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN ON THE COUNTY.

I THINK MR. WYNN WILL TELL YOU IT COSTS A COUPLE MILLION DOLLARS TO DO THAT.

[04:50:10]

WE ARE REQUIRED TO SEND ONE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS FOR ONE, BUT NOTHING TO SENDING OUT ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS IF WE WANT TO.

I THINK IT WOULD BE A TREMENDOUS BURDEN AT THIS TIME TO PREPARE THAT MANY MILLIONS OF APPLICATIONS AND SEND THEM OUT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST THOUGHT IT WAS AN INTERESTING SUGGESTION IN TERMS OF INFORMING PEOPLE.

AS YOU SAID THOSE OVER 65.

I HADN'T HEARD OF IT.

IT PERHAPS NEEDS MORE STUDY, BUT IT PEAKED MY INTEREST.

>> I THINK IT DOES BEAR LOOKING INTO.

I THINK PARTICULARLY SENDING THE VOTERS 65 AND OVER BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE ONES WE DON'T WANT IN LONG LINES ON ELECTION DAY.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE OTHER SPEAKERS, LUCINDA?

>> YES, MA'AM.

ALLEN VERA WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY.

MR. VERA, PLEASE GO AHEAD.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON.

IN PREPARING CONTINUOUS PLANS FOR THE ELECTIONS UNDER THE COVID-19 CLOUD, THE LION'S SHARE OF THE FUNDING HAS BEEN FOCUSED ON EXPANDED USE OF MAIL BALLOTS.

I AM UH -- OBLIGED TO POINT OUT TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT THE EXPANDED USE OF MAIL BALLOTS IN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WILL CREATE A LOGISTICAL NIGHTMARE AND A HIGH POSSIBILITY OR PROBABILITY THAT ELECTION RESULTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR DAYS OR EVEN WEEKS FOLLOWING THE ELECTION DAY.

HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN IN THE NEWS FOR THE WRONG REASONS, AND WE DON'T NEED TO REINFORCE THE GROWING PERCEPTION OF THE NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF OUR ELECTIONS.

THERE IS ANOTHER APPROACH THAT YOU HEARD ABOUT AND IT IS AN IMPROVEMENT APPROACH.

WE DON'T HAVE TO REINVENT THE WHEEL.

ON APRIL 15TH, JUST 13 DAYS AGO, THE COUNTRY OF SOUTH KOREA HELD A NATIONAL ELECTION AT THE PEAK OF THEIR COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

THE HANDOUTS I SENT EACH OF YOU BY E-MAIL YESTERDAY INCLUDE A LENGTHY ARTICLE FROM THE WALL -- "WALL STREET JOURNAL" ON HOW THEY DID IT.

IT INCLUDED A 10-STEP SUMMARY OF THE KEY TO SOUTH KOREA'S SUCCESSFUL ELECTIONS.

HERE IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

WITH ONLY ONE EXCEPTION, THE SOUTH KOREAN MODEL COMPLIES WITH THE TEXAS ELECTION CODE.

THERE IS NO NEED TO GO TO DISTRICT COURT TO GET APPROVAL FOR THIS APPROACH.

THERE IS NO NEED TO BE WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SEE WHAT THE COURTS DECIDE.

IN CONTRAST THE ALTERNATIVE PREFERRED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AT LEAST FOR NOW FOR THE EXPANDED USE OF MAIL BALLOTS WILL BE TIED UP IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS FOR SOME TIME AND THERE IS NO KNOWING WHEN A FINAL DECISION WILL BE ISSUED.

JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS, ONE OF THE LAST COURT DATES IS DISCUSSING WITH THE PRIMARY ELECTION AND BOTH EXPRESSED FRUSTRATIONS TO THE COUNTY CLERK TO WIT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DON'T KNOW.

WELL, HERE WE ARE AGAIN.

WE BELIEVE THIS COURT DISCI SERVES -- DESERVES MORE THAN ONE OPTION FOR HANDLING ELECTIONS IN THE COVID-19 ENVIRONMENT.

WE RESPECTFULLY RECOMMEND THE COURT DIRECT THE COUNTY CLERK TO RETURN PROMPTLY WITH A BUDGET AND METHODOLOGY THAT EMULATES PRECISELY THE SOUTH KOREAN MODEL.

THAT WAY YOU WILL KNOW WHAT -- MORE THAN YOU KNOW NOW AND THEN THE COURT WOULD HAVE MORE THAN ONE OPTION TO CONSIDER REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE COURT DECIDES.

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> KRISTEN WILLIAMS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE HASY REQUESTS.

HAS QUESTIONS.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: ALLEN, WOULD YOU WALK US THROUGH EXACTLY WHAT THE SOUTH KOREANS DID? I KNOW MANY OF US HAVE READ IT THE MEDIA AND A FEW OTHER THINGS, BUT CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IT IS THEY DID AND WHY YOU BELIEVE THAT WAS SUCCESSFUL? ALLEN, DID YOU HEAR ME, SIR?

>> MIGHT HAVE DROPPED OFF, SIR.

>> NO, I'M STILL HERE.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: ALLEN, DID YOU HEAR MY QUESTION.

>> I THINK I WAS MUTED BY THE HOST.

HELLO.

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: IF YOU WILL TELL US -- >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU.

PLEASE GO AHEAD.

>> ALL RIGHT, VERY SIMPLE, 10 STEPS.

THE FIRST IS THE ONE THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH TEXAS ELECTION CODE.

PEOPLE WITH CORONAVIRUS CAN VOTE BY MAIL INCLUDING A DOCTOR'S STATEMENT AND A PHOTOCOPY WITH THEIR KOREAN ID WITH THE BALLOT.

NUMBER TWO, PEOPLE WITHOUT SYMPTOMS AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF SICK PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED

[04:55:01]

THREE, WORKERS SPRAY DISINFECTANT IN THE POLLING STATION.

FOUR DOOR HANDLES ARE CLEANED AND WINDOWS OPENED.

FIVE, VOTERS MUST STAND AT TAPE MARKED SPOTS PACED ONE LITER A YOU PART.

SIX, WHEN VOTERS ARRIVE THEIR TEMPERATURE IS CHECKED.

SEVEN, VOTERS ARE FIRST GIVEN HAND SAN GNAW TIDESSER -- SANITIZER AND THEN GLOVES.

EIGHT, PRESENT A PHOTO ID AND THEN PULL DOWN MASK BRIEFLY TO IDENTIFY IDENTITY AND THEN SIGN IN.

IN KOREA THAT IS ALSO CONFIRMED BY FINGERPRINT, BUT NOT HERE.

9, VOTERS TAKE THEIR BALLOT TO THE VOTING BOOTH AND THEN DROP THE BALLOT AND THEN THEY CANDICE CARD THEIR GLOVES AS THEY LEAVE.

IT IS VERY SIMPLE.

AND IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY.

DOES THAT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, COMMISSIONER CAGLE?

>> R.

JACK CAGLE: IT DID.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> LINA HIDALGO: CAN I JUMP ON THAT ALSO? JUST TO BE CLEAR, DR. TRAUTMAN BECAUSE I AM CURIOUS AS TO THE PROCEDURES AND THAT'S WHERE MY POINT EARLIER IN TERMS OF CHECKING TO SEE IF PUBLIC HEALTH HAS THE BAND WIDTH OR HOW WE CAN HELP YOU AND CERTAINLY WE CAN WITH GETTING A PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERT WHOSE SOLE FOCUS COULD BE THIS, BUT I AM CURIOUS TO I KNOW WHAT I DON'T KNOW.

WHAT IS YOUR PLAN, WELL WE WILL ASK EVERYONE TO WEAR GLOVES AND WE WILL PUT TAPE HERE AND THERE, AND WE WILL RECRUIT YOUNGER PEOPLE AT LESS RISK.

ARE YOU PLANNING ON BRINGING THAT TO US AT THE NEXT COURT? AND DO YOU NEED THE FUNDS APPROVED AT THIS COURT, OR CAN BOTH COME NEXT COURT? WHAT IS THE TIMELINE THERE?

>> WE ARE ASKING FOR APPROVAL NOW, AND ALL OF THOSE ITEMS ARE INCLUDED.

WE DID NOT PUT TEMPERATURE CHECKS ON THERE, AND I THINK THAT WOULD BE A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE.

DEFINITELY THE SPACING OUT AND WITH TAPE EVERY SIX FEET, I MEAN ALL OF THE THINGS -- THESE ARE ALL THINGS THE CENTER SUGGESTED THAT WE HAVE ALREADY DISCUSSED.

THE SOUTH KOREAN MODEL IS REALLY PRETTY CLOSE TO WHAT THE BRENIN CENTER RECOMMENDS.

THAT'S ALREADY IN OUR PLAN.

ALL OF THE GLOVES, AND WE HAVE ORDERED THE FACE SHIELDS.

MR. WYNN CAN TELL YOU ABOUT THAT ORDER.

ALL OF THAT IS IN THE PROCESS.

WE ARE PREPARING FOR THE MOST AND WE HAVE TO BE.

WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED FOR THE INCREASE AND THAT'S WHAT IS ON THE WAY.

MR. WYNN DO YOU WANT TO GO INTO MORE DETAIL ON THAT?

>> I CAN.

PART OF THAT DISCUSSION THAT I WAS HAVING WHEN I WAS TALKING AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WANTED SOME SPECIFICS, IT DID INCLUDE ALL OF THOSE THINGS.

YOU'RE RIGHT, DR. TRAUTMAN.

THE ONLY THING IT DID NOT INCLUDE WAS THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE PROGRAM.

BUT ALL OF THE THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT WILL BE WHAT WE TALK ABOUT TOMORROW WHEN WE HAVE THE BI-WEEKLY MEETING WITH THE OFFICIALS.

WE IDENTIFIED ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WE CAN DO IN TERMS OF MAKING THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE NOT ONLY FOR THE CO-WORKERS, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY WITH THE VOTERS.

IT DOES INCLUDE GLOVES.

IT DOES CL PPE'S.

IT DOES INCLUDE DISTANCING OUT THE EQUIPMENT.

YOU KNOW, MARKING THEM OFF EVERY SIX FEET.

THAT'S PART OF THE DISCUSSION WE WILL HAVE TOMORROW.

>> LINA HIDALGO: HOW DIFFICULT, JOHN, WOULD IT BE TO DO THE TEMPERATURE CHECKS? I KNOW YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN DOING A LOT OF THAT.

>> I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A GUESSTIMATE FOR THAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT.

>> CHECK WITH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING IT AT BUILDINGS.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS A QUESTION FOR JOHN BLUNT.

I'M SORRY.

>> OH, OKAY.

>> JUDGE, IT WOULD BE A MATTER OF -- [INAUDIBLE] AND US BEING ABLE TO ORDER THE EQUIPMENT IN TIME.

>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE POLL STRATEGY IN CASE YOU -- WE NEED SOMETHING.

I WILL TELL YOU -- AND THE REASON I BRING THIS UP IS WE WERE IN A CALL WITH A JUVENILE BOARD LAST WEEK, AND THEY SAID THEY REALLY NEED SOME PPE.

DWIGHT AND I WERE ON THE CALL.

I I KNOW WE HAD PPE, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW THEY NEEDED SOME.

I DON'T WANT TO PUT US IN A POSITION AND IT IS THE EVE OF THE ELECTION AND YOU NEED THERMOMETERS AND IT TURNS OUT WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN SOME.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW WHAT IS THE ACTUAL PLAN AND WHAT DO WE NEED TO HURRY UP AND GET BECAUSE PER EVERYBODY'S POINT, EVERYBODY HAPPENS WITH THE VOTE BY

[05:00:01]

>> YES, WE HAVE THAT, AND WE CAN GET THAT TO YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT.

LET'S FINISH WITH THE SPEAKERS.

>> KRISTEN WILLIAMS.

>> HELLO.

THANK YOU AND GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNTY JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS KRISTEN WILLIAMS AND I AM THE FIELD ORGANIZER IN HOUSTON FOR MOVE TEXAS.

TODAY I AM URGING YOU TO PREPARE FOR AN INCREASED VOTE BY MAIL FOR THE 2020 ELECTION.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING CONCERNS AND ASKING PRO ACTIVELY TO PROTECT OUR ELECTIONS.

COVID-19 FORCED OUR COMMUNITIES INSIDE AS WE DISTANCE OURSELVES SOCIALLY.

ACTIVITIES WE ONCE THOUGHT OF AS STANDING NEXT TO OTHERS AND BEING IN PUBLIC AND TOUCHING SURFACES ARE DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY.

ESPECIALLY DURING THIS TIME OUR CITIZENS DESERVE FREE, FAIR ELECTIONS.

IF WE DON'T OFFER THE VOTE BY MAIL WE ARE SIGNAL -- SIGNALING TO THEM AN OUTCOME.

WE START ACROSS COLLEGES WITH PAPER VOTING FORMS. IT IS A LEGIT PARTICULAR -- -- LOGISTIC CAL CHALLENGE AND WITH THE CAMPUSES SHUTDOWN IT IS IMPOSSIBLE.

SO MANY THINGS ARE ONLINE FROM CLASSES TO WORK TO SOCIAL LIDSING WITH FRIENDS, SO I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE WITH THE RESOURCES IN TEXAS IN 2020 WE CAN'T FIND A WAY TO IMPLEMENT SO LINE VOTER REGISTRATION.

PUBLIC SERVANTS MUST SERVE THE PUBLIC IN THE TIMES OF CALM AND IN TIMES OF CRISIS.

THIS IS OUR MOMENT TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY, THE MOST ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS FOR OUR ELECTION INCLUDING UNIVERSAL SCROAT BY -- VOTE BY MAIL INCLUDING BALLOTS ELECTRONICALLY AND REGISTRATION.

WE ALL HAVE A SAW SEPTA BUILT TO COVID 19 AND MUST GIVE EVERYBODY THE RIGHT TO A MAIL IN BALLOTED BY CHECKING THE DISABILITY.

I WORRY ABOUT.

>>> FRIEND AND NURSE ON THE FRONT LINES OF THE PANDEMIC.

I WORRY NOT ONLY FOR HER SAFETY, BUT THE PROSPECT OF SCANT ELECTION MEASURES THAT INCREASES THE RATE OF COVID-19 AND STRESSES THE HOSPITAL AND THE STAFF.

I WORRY ABOUT THE ELDERLY AND THE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE INCREASED RISK.

IF WE SHARE THE CONCERNS WE MUST PLAN FOR INCREASED CAPACITY TO VOTE REMOTE -- TO VOTE REMOTELY.

IT PRESENTS UNIQUE AND UNIVERSAL CHALLENGES AND WE MUST RESPOND WITH THE EXTREME FLEXIBILITY AND RAPID TURN AROUND THIS SITUATION WARRANTS.

WE MUST INCREASE THE CAPACITY FOR VOTE BY MAIL AND THE PRINTING AND PACKING THE HIGH VOLUME OF MAIL IN BALLOTS.

WE MUST PRIORITIZE AND SCALE THE ONLINE BALLOTS.

WE SHOULD INCORPORATE DROPOFFS FOR A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS.

WE SHOULD INCREASE STAFFING TO FULFILL THESE REQUESTS AND PREPARE FOR A DRAMATIC SHIFT IN THE POLL WORKER PROGRAM.

I THANK YOU FOR SHARING THESE CONCERNS AND MEETING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF COMMUNITY DURING THIS TIME OF CRISIS.

THANK YOU.

>> NICHOLAS LITTLE WITH MOVE TEXAS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HUH -- JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS NICHOLAS LITTLE I AM A MOVE TEXAS VOLUNTEER.

I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT ONE.

I AM SPEAKING TO YOU TO URGE YOU FOR AN INCREASE VOTE BY MAIL.

AS AN ADVOCATE I FIND MYSELF PROMOTING ADVOCACY.

I WANT TO THANK YOU ABOUT INVESTING IN MAIL IN BALLOTS.

AS A NATION BEING IMPACTED MORE THAN EVER WE SHOULD DO AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO PROTECT THOSE AT RISK.

I FEEL A MAIL IN BALLOT WILL BE AN ACCENT MORE THAN A HINDRANCE TO THE COMMUNITY.

I SAW THEIR EFFORTS ACROSS THE BOARD AND I CONTINUE ENGAGING STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE VOTING PROCESS.

[INAUDIBLE] THERE I MET A BOARD MEMBER IN THE HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE.

SINCE THEN THEY HAVE TALKED TO SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE REGION TO UNDERSTAND THE ROSS SUCCESS OF VOTING.

IT IS THE -- THE PROCESS OF VOTING.

IT IS THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF EVERYONE'S RIGHT TO VOTE.

DO NOT RISK THEIR WELL BEING.

[INAUDIBLE] WITH COVID-19 WE SHOULD NOT BE FOCUS OWED POLITICAL INFORMATIONS, BUT SAFETY BY AMERICANS.

WE HAVE A CIVIC DUTY TO VOTE AND IT IS YOUR JOB TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A RIGHT TO

[05:05:09]

YES ASKING YOU TO PROTECT US DURING THIS DANGEROUS TIME.

I TOO AM A FRONT LINE WORKER.

I GO OUT IN SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PANDEMIC, THERE IS A RISK KNOWING OTHERS CARE BAY THEIR SAFETY AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IN JEOPARDY TOO.

HAVE I BEEN HERE 40 YEARS AND SEEN HARRIS COUNTY DEFEAT DISASTERS AND SO MUCH MORE.

I DEFINITELY DON'T WANT TO BE EXPOSED IF I DON'T HAVE TOVMENT -- TO.

I HOPE THAT WE ALL CAN WORK ON ANTICIPATING AN INCREASE IN DESIRED STAFFING AND INDIVIDUALS QUARANTINE AT HOME IN.

CONCLUSION I AM ASKING EVERY CITIZEN AND FRONT LINE WORKERS TO PUT ASIDE POLITICAL PARTY VALUES AND DO THAT TO ENHANCE OUR COMMUNITY.

I BELIEVE AS SO MANY OTHER OF US DO AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND COOPERATION AND CONSIDERATION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU FOR DWROR COMMENTS.

FOR YOUR COMMENTS.

>> JULIA SEGURA WITH MOVE TEXAS.

>> HELLO.

GOOD AFTERNOON.

COUNTY JUDGE TAU DAHL GO -- HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 1 AND STUDENT.

I AM SPEAKING TO URGE YOU TO PREPARE FOR AN INCREASED VOTE BY MAIL FOR THE JULY RUNOFF AND NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

BECAUSE COVID-19 HAS HAD IMPLICATIONS ON THE GENERAL ELECTIONS I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ACCESS OF PREPARING HARRIS COUNTY.

VOTING BY MAIL WILL KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE BY NOT MAKING PEOPLE WAIT IN LONG LINES DURING THIS PANDEMIC AND INSTEAD LETTING THEM VOTE FROM THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOME.

DURING THE MARCH PRIMARY ELECTIONS THERE WERE CROWDED LINES IN THE POLLING LOCATIONS.

THE CORONAVIRUS MADE THOSE PLACES UNSAFE, UNHEALTHY AND DANGEROUS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

MY WORK WITH MOVE TEXAS WILL INVOLVE ENGAGING WITH STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AND HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE ABOUT THE METHOD OF VOTING AND ALTERNATES TO VOTING IN PERSON.

I AM UNABLE TO BE A CAMPUS RESOURCE TO MY FELLOW CLASSMATES.

VOTERS SHOULD NO THE HAVE TO RISK THEIR HEALTH BY VOTING IN PERSON.

I AM ASKING AND REQUEST A MAIL IN BALLOT AND INFORM THEM THEY ARE ABLE TO APPLY FOR MAIL IN BALLOT BY CHECKING THE DISABILITY BOX ON THEIR APPLICATION.

THIS WILL ENSURE THAT COVID-19 WILL NOT IMPACT THEIR VOTE.

I NORMALLY LIVE ON CAMPUS IN HARRIS COUNTY.

I AM DISPLACED IN TRAVIS COUNTY AND CAN NO LONGER GO THERE IN PERSON.

DO WE HAVE THE CURRENT CAPACITY FORM OF PRINTING, SCANNING, MAILING, DROPOFF LOCATIONS TO FILL THESE REQUESTS? IT AFFECTS THE SENIOR CITIZENS.

MY GRANDPARENTS ARE IN THE HIGH RISK CATEGORY.

VOTING BY MAIL WOULD BE A SAFE COURSE OF ACTION FOR THEM.

FOR THOSE UTILIZING THE VOTING HOW IS YOUR OFFICE PREPARING WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES.

OUR VOTERS MUST BE SAFE -- BE A SAVE WAY TO HAVE THEIR -- TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE AND THIS IS WHY I AM ASKING YOU TO GUARANTEE THE RIGHT OF ALL CITIZENS VOTE BY MAIL.

I AM ASKING YOU TO BEGIN PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT OUR DEMOCRACY FROM THIS PANDEMIC.

THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: DR. TRAUTMAN.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THAT? AND SOMEBODY BROUGHT UP THE ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION.

THAT'S THE STATE, RIGHT?

>> RIGHT.

VOTER REGISTRATION IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE TAX OFFICE.

ONE THING BEING OUT OF THE COUNTY IS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT WOULD ALLOW YOU TO VOTE BY MAIL.

THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS YOU CAN CHECK ON THE APPLICATION.

LIKE SHE SAID, I THINK IT IS A MATTER OF GETTING THE WORD OUT, AND THAT WILL BE PART OF THE VOTER OUT REACH PROGRAM THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST FOR THIS EMERGENCY FUNDING.

I THINK TOO GOING BACK TO THE TEMPERATURE CHECKS AND MR. DOUG RAY MAY WANT TO

[05:10:03]

DO YOU NOT ALLOW THEM TO VOTE AND WHERE WILL THE STAFFING COME FROM? IT IS NOT OUR JUDGES AND POLL WORKER THAT'S ARE CHARGED WITH TAKING TEMPERATURES.

THERE ARE A LOT OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS AND WHAT IF SOMEONE REFUSES TO HAVE THEIR TEMPERATURE TAKEN? THESE ARE NOT TYPICALLY WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT IN VOTING.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF SOMEBODY HAS A HIGH TEMPERATURE?

>> I APPRECIATE MR. -- MS. BARRETT BRINGING FORWARD THE CREATIVE MODEL, BUT WE COULD NOT EXECUTE THAT UNDER PRESENT TEXAS LAW.

THE KOREAN MODEL WITH REQUIRE A CERTIFICATION THAT YOU WERE POSITIVE FOR COVID TO GET A MAIL IN VOTE.

IT IS POSSIBLY YOU FRAUDULENTLY AND INTENTIONALLY MISREPRESENTED THAT YOU HAVE A DISABILITY THAT YOU COULD BE PROSECUTED AT SOME POINT, BUT THE COUNTY CLERK DOES NOT HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY NOR ABILITY TO EVALUATE ANYBODY'S CLAIM FOR DISABILITY.

THAT'S ONE PROVISION OF THAT THAT WE COOPERATE FORCE AT ALL.

THE SECOND THING IS THERE IS NO PROVISION PREVENTING SOMEBODY FROM COMING INTO A POLLING PLACE TO VOTE IF THEIR TEMPERATURE IS TOO HIGH.

BASICALLY IF YOU ARE COMMITTING A CRIME YOU STILL HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO VOTE AND YOU CAN'T PREVENT A PERSON FROM VOTING EVEN IF THEY ARE SUBJECT TO ARREST.

THE LAW PROVIDES YOU ALLOW THEM TO VOTE FIRST.

WE MAY WANT THEM TO BE ON A AN ADVISORY PROVISION, BUT WE HAVE NO POWER TO PREVENT THEM FROM COMING INTO THE POLLING PLACE FOR VOTING.

THAT'S THE SECOND THING WE WOULDN'T DO.

THAT WOULD REQUIRE CHANGING THE LAW BEFORE WE CAN DO THAT.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT ONE I DID HAPPEN TO READ ABOUT AND I DON'T THINK THEY EVER TURNED ANYBODY AWAY, BUT THEY HAD A SEPARATE MACHINE HOWEVER THEY VOTED.

THERE WAS A SEPARATE SPOT IF SOMEBODY CAME BACK WITH A TEMPERATURE.

THIS IS JUST WHAT I'M SAYING WE SHOULD RUN DOWN WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH PEOPLE.

I AM COMFORTABLE APPROVING THIS CONTINGENT ON RECEIVING A WRITTEN PLAN WITH WHAT THE CONSENSUS WAS ACROSS THE PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERT, THE BRENIN CENTER AND THE COUNTY CLERK AND WHATEVER THE LAWYERS FIGURED OUT.

SO AT LEAST WE KNOW WHAT THE PLAN IS.

DO WE HAVE ANYMORE SPEAKERS?

>> YES, MA'AM.

KYLE [INAUDIBLE] KYLE? KYLIE, I'M SORRY.

>> HELLO AND GOOD AFTERNOON COUNTY JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERERS.

I AM A IS -- I AM A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.

I AM SPEAKING TO YOU TODAY TO PREPARE FOR AN INCREASED VOTE BY MAIL FOR THE JULY PRIMARY RUNOFF AND NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.

THANK YOU FOR BEING PRACTICAL IN THE VOTING BY MAIL.

IT HELPS KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE FROM THE RISKY ENVIRONMENT.

[INAUDIBLE] VOTERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO RISK YOUR OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY WAITING IN LONG LINES, WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO OTHERS.

DURING OUR MARCH PRIMARY ELECTIONS WE EXPERIENCED LONG POLLING PLACE WAIT TIMES WHERE THEY CONGREGATED.

THIS WOULD BE DANGEROUS AND FORCE VOTERS BETWEEN CHOOSING THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE AND THEIR HEALTH.

I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING AND REGISTERING STUDENTS TO VOTE IN PERSON.

BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO INTERACT WITH CLASSMATES IN PERSON, I AM ASKING YOU THAT OUR CITIZENS CAN REGISTER AND VOTE AS SAFELY AS POSSIBLE.

IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY AND HEALTH OF THE CITIZENS OF OUR COMMUNITY WE MUST HAVE A MAIL IN BALLOT RIGHT NOW.

WE ASK THAT YOU NOTIFY VOTERS THEY CAN CHECK THE DECEMBER BUILT -- THE DISABILITY BOX IN THE APPLICATION AND REQUEST A MAIL IN BALLOT.

THIS WILL GUARANTEE COVID-19 WILL NOT IMPACT THE VOTES.

[05:15:05]

SHE IS ONE OF THOSE ON THE FRONT LINE.

I DO NOT RISK PEOPLE SHOULD RISK THEIR SAFETY IN LONS LINES.

LONG LINES.

THEY CAN CHECK THE DISABILITY BOX ON THE APPLICATION.

VOTER DOES NOT HAVE TO PRINT OR MAIL THE REQUEST.

INSTEAD THEY CAN DO IT ELECTRONICALLY.

[INAUDIBLE] SCANNING AND DROPPING OFF LOCATIONS TO FILL THIS REQUEST.

WE ALL DESERVE A SAFE WAY TO EXERCISE A RIGHT TO VOTE AND THIS IS WHY I AM ASKING FOR THE RIGHT OF ALL CITIZENS TO VOTE FOR MAIL.

I AM ASKING YOU TO BEGIN PREPARATIONS IMMEDIATELY TO PROTECT OUR DEMOCRACY IN THIS PAN DE -- PANDEMIC.

THANK YOU.

SAID SOMETHING TOO ABOUT PROVIDING DROPOFF LOCATIONS FOR MAIL BALLOTS AND MR. RAY AND MR. WYNN, I DO NOT THINK THAT IS ALLOWED IN TEXAS.

THE LAW WOULD HAVE TO BE CHANGED ON THAT.

>> YES, JUDGE, THE LAW PROVIDES A MAIL IN BALLOT CAN BE MAILED BACK OR SENT BACK TO THE CLERK BY A COMMON CARRIER OR DELIVERY SERVICE OR DROPPED OFF AT THE CLERK'S MAIN OFFICE DOWNTOWN.

THERE IS NO OTHER PROVISION UNDER PRESENT LAW FOR THE RETURN OF A MAIL IN BALLOT.

WE WOULD HAVE TO GET A MODIFICATION TO ALLOW THE DROPOFF BOXES.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU.

>> MEGAN BLACKWELL WITH FREEDOM TEXAS NETWORK.

>> HELLO.

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS MEGAN BLACKWELL AND I AM A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS NETWORK AND A MEMBER OF TEXAS RISING.

WE ARE A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FIGHTING FOR THE POWER OF YOUNG TEXANS AT THE BALLOT BOX.

I AM HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR ALL PEOPLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT.

I DON'T THINK IT SHOULD BE A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION DUE TO COVID-19.

IT SHOULD NOT RISK THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OTHERS AND OUR FAMILY WHO MAY BE TAKING CARE OF PEOPLE WITH 9 CONDITIONS.

THAT'S WHY I AM ASKING THE COUNTY TO ENSURE IT DOES ITS BEST AND THAT ALL TEXANS CAN VOTE BY MAIL AND THAT THE COUNTY WORKS HARD TO ENSURE THAT THE NECESSARY RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE AND ALLOWED TO VOTE BY MAIL.

AROUND -- CAN I COUNT ON YOU TO ENSURE THAT VOTE BY MAIL IS AN OPTION FOR THEM? THANK YOU.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL THE SPEAKERS.

COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS A QUESTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER? JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, BECAUSE THIS JULY IS A RUNOFF ELECTION, AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE CONTRACT WITH THE TWO PARTIES.

AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THE CLERK'S OFFICE IS GOING TO VISIT WITH THE POLITICAL PARTIES TOMORROW, AND BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF VERY GOOD IDEAS ON THE TABLE THAT WE DON'T HAVE -- FROM WHAT I CAN TELL WE DON'T HAVE A SLAW LID PHO LOCATION -- SOLIDIFICATION TO GO JUST YET.

I RECOMMEND THAT WE APPROVE UP TO A MILLION OR THE JULY ELECTION IF IT TURNS OUT THEY NEED MORE MONEY THAN THAT, THEY CAN COME BACK GAUSS -- BECAUSE WE HAVE PLENTY OF TIME.

WE HAVE FIVE OR SIX WEEKS AND ANOTHER COURT SESSION THAT IS THERE.

AND WE THEN SEE AFTER THE PARTIES HAVE AGREED AND THIS ELECTION THAT COMES IN AND WE CAN SEE THE DIRECTION THAT IS THERE, THEN IN OUR VOTE THAT COMES IN IN THE BEGINNING OF THE -- AFTER OUR JULY ELECTION WE PROCEED TOWARD WHAT WE ARE GOING TO

[05:20:01]

>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS.

>> I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE WITH MY COLLEAGUE.

WHAT WE CAN DO THROUGH NO FAULT OF ANY OF US HERE ON THIS VIDEO IT IS AN UNPERCEIVED CIRCUMSTANCE AND THEY ARE CHANGES SO THAT IT CAME IN LATE AND PEOPLE WERE UPSET.

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR DEMOCRACY.

THAT'S WHY I GO WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT DR. TRAUTMAN HAS LAID OUT.

IF SHE WANTS TO MAKE SOME CHANGES TO IT WE CAN MAKE THE CHANGES.

KNOWING THAT A GOOD BIT OF THIS MONEY IS REIMBURSED.

THERE ARE OTHER THINGS WE CAN ASK FOR, BUT I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY.

I SAY THAT FROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF SOMEONE WHOSE RIGHTS HAVE BEEN TRAMPLED ON.

IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

WE SHOULD DO IT BEFORE WE GET TO COURT KICKING AND STREAM -- KICKING AND SCREAMING TO DO THE RIGHT THING.

>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

I THINK THIS IS -- AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS JUST ELUDED TO, THIS IS ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL THINGS WE HAVE TO DO AND ENSURE THAT NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCE WHETHER IT IS A FLOOD OR PANDEMIC, THE PROCESS OF EXERCISING OUR DEMOCRACY IS PROTECTED AND WE ARE THINKING THROUGH ALL OF THE DETAILS.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT DR. TRAUTMAN'S PLAN.

THERE WILL BE A GREAT DEAL OF FRUSTRATION ON MY PART IF ALL OF A SUDDEN WE COME THROUGH AND THERE ARE PLANS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THOUGHT THROUGH AND THEY WEREN'T LAST MINUTE.

I WILL DEAL WITH THAT AND HOPEFULLY IT DOESN'T BY THE SAME TOKEN I CAN'T SEE HOW WE CAN'T PIECEMEAL THIS PROCESS AND EITHER WE TRUST IN DR. TRAUTMAN'S ABILITY TO DO IT AND GET RID OF THE RESOURCE TO DO IT.

IF SHE DOES PRESIDENT NEED -- IF SHE DOESN'T NEED EVERYTHING SHE HAS BEEN ALLOCATED IT WILL COME BACK TO THE GENERAL FUND.

WHETHER IT IS A WEEK TO WEEK DECLARATION LIKE WAS TO THE THROUGH EARLIER OR A MILLION DOLLARS AT A TIME TO IMPLEMENT COUNTY WIDE UNPRECEDENTED MAIL BALLOT

PROGRAMS, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT DR. TRAUTMAN HAS RESOURCES TO DO WHAT -- >> LINA HIDALGO: DR. TRAUTMAN WHAT IS IT EXACTLY YOU ARE ASKING FOR UNDER THIS ITEM?

>> I DO WANT TO SAY ONE THING TOO.

IT IS THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ASK, BUT MR. WYNN CAN GIVE YOU THAT AND ALSO [INAUDIBLE] I WANTED TO SET THIS.

THE AMOUNT WE ARE ASKING FOR DOES NOT INCLUDE SENDING MAIL BALLOT APPLICATIONS TO VOTERS 65 AND OVER AS HAS BEEN SUGGESTED DURING THIS MEETING.

THAT IS ANOTHER I BELIEVE COUPLE MILLION.

MR. WYNN DO YOU WANT TO GIVE THAT FIGURE WE ARE ASKING FOR?

>> I CAN, DR. TRAUTMAN.

AS I SKATED -- STATED EARLIER, I THOUGHT A MILLION AND A HALF WOULD BE ENOUGH, BUT THAT WAS NOT UNDER THE PREMISE OF MAILING OUT BALLOTS TO 65 AND OVER.

>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS SOMETHING YOU WERE GOING TO RUN DOWN.

I DON'T THINK ANYBODY IS SAYING THAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS TO HAPPEN.

>> WE CAN GET BACK TO THE OFFICE OF BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND PURCHASING AND KIND OF GET YOU THOSE FIGURES AND GET YOU EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED.

[05:25:01]

>> LINA HIDALGO: 1.5 BILLION?

>> MR. WYNN I THINK THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT JULY AND NOVEMBER, EVERYTHING.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S WHATY ASKED FOR JULY AND NOVEMBER.

>> IF WE HAD TO PROCESS TWO MILLION VOTERS, IF WE HAD TO PROCESS A MILLION.-- 1.2 MILLION IT WAS -- WE DID DID DO THAT AND THERE ARE THINGS WE HAVE TO ACQUIRE IMMEDIATELY WITH JULY IN TERMS OF THE SORTERS AND ALL OF THE EQUIPMENT.

>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WHAT IS THE ASKING?

>> 12 MILLION.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MAKE THAT MOTION, YOUR HONOR IF IT IS APPROPRIATE.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, AND I WOULD SAY IT IS CONTINGENT ON A PLAN.

I HAVE THE REPORT HERE IN FRONT OF ME.

IT IS 13.5 MILLION AND THAT IS NOT 12 MILLION.

I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IF WE WAIT UNTIL JULY, MY UNDERSTANDING.

WE CAN DO IT IN APRIL.

IF IT IS SOMETHING LIKE WE DO JULY NOW AND MAYBE YOU COME BACK WITH A PLAN FOR THE NEXT COURT.

DID YOU SIT DOWN WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME IS WE HAD A FEW THINGS AND IT SOUNDED LIKE EVERYTHING WAS UNDER CONTROL.

>> I KNOW I HAVE DONE A LOT OF TALKING ABOUT THIS AND I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT IT IS 4:45 AND WE ARE HALFWAY THROUGH THE COVID AGENDA.

WE NEED TO TRY TO GET A RESOLUTION ON THIS SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I MOVE DURING THE NEXT COURT THAT MAY BE NEXT WEEK OR WHENEVER THE COUNTY ATTORNEY GIVES US THE OTHER ITEMS, DR. TROUTMAN AND YOU TELL US IF YOU NEED THE OTHER 12 OR THIS 10 AND I DON'T WANT YOU TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE IT IS TOO LATE TO ORDER THINGS BUT I WILL PREPARE TO GIVE YOU THE WHOLE AMOUNT.

I KNOW THE STAIR STEP IS NICE, BUT TELL US WHAT YOU THINK.

>> LET ME JUST SAY ONE THING.

THE THING WE HAVE TO ORDER NOW THAT WE ARE IN THE PRO IS SUCCESS OF ORDERING IS A BALLOT TRACKING PROGRAM FOR $500,000.

THAT EATS UP HALF OF THE MILLION RIGHT AWAY.

WE NEED POSTAGE, PRINTING, STAFFING.

I WOULD MUCH RATHER GO WITH THE FULL AMOUNT AND WE WILL GET YOU THE PLAN.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE FULL AMOUNT? IS IT 13-POINT -- IS IT 13.5 OR IS IT 12?

>> MY UNDERSTANDING IT WAS 12, ALL INCLUSIVE OF THE ONE MILLION ALTOGETHER.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: 1 FOIN -- 1.5.

>> YES.

MR. WYNN?

>> YES, THAT'S CORRECT.

$12 MILLION ASK IS ALL INCLUSIVE.

HOPEFUL -- HOPEFULLY WE WON'T SPEND ALL THAT MONEY, BUT WE DON'T KNOW.

I AM JUST TRYING TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT THE COST WILL BE.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION FOR UP TO 12 MILLION SO THAT IF THEY DON'T NEED THE 12 THEY DON'T DO IT.

I DON'T WANT US TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE IT IS TOO LATE.

IF YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD AND THEN WE WILL HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER RADACK.

>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE GIVE THEM THE AUTHORIZATION TO SPEND UP TO 12 TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER FROM THE COURT IN AUSTIN AS WE KNOW IT NOW FOR THE UPCOMING TWO ELECTIONS, THE RUNOFF COMING UP AND THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.

>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, COMMISSIONER RADACK.