[00:00:02]
[Call to Order]
1001 MEETING IS BEING RECORDED.THIS MEETING OF COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ORDER.
CURRENTLY WE ONLY WE DON'T HAVE.
WE DO NOT HAVE COMMISSIONER REDDICK NOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WOULD YOU INTRODUCE YOUR GUEST? SURE. THANK YOU. JUDGE, TODAY WE'RE HONORED TO HAVE THE REVEREND LAURA MAYO.
IT MAY BE MAYO. SHE'LL CORRECT ME TO LEAD US IN PRAYER.
INTERFAITH WORK, INCLUDING MEMBERSHIP IN AMERICANS UNITED FOR THE SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE CLERGY ADVISORY GROUP, THE COALITION FOR MUTUAL RESPECT OF THE FAITH LEADER, COALITION INTERFAITH MINISTRIES, MULTI-FAITH COUNCIL.
SHE'S A CLERGY SURROGATE FOR A MEMORIAL HERMANN HOSPITAL.
LAURA HAS BEEN A PART OF MANY PANEL DISCUSSIONS, INCLUDING ONE HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, ABOUT WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT LGBTQ PLUS RELATIONSHIPS.
ROBERT MAY MY APPEAL CORRECT ME, IS REGULAR.
IT'S MAYO. MAYO THE BELIEF SECTION OF THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE AND HAS BEEN INTERVIEWED MANY TIMES ON THE POPULAR HOUSTON PUBLIC RADIO SHOW HOUSTON MATTERS RADIO SHOW.
SHE AND HER PARTNER HAVE TWO SONS AND GRAYSON, AND I'M SURE AFTER MEETING HER VISUALLY, IF I HAVE NOT MET HER PERSONALLY, WILL DO A SOCIAL DISTANCE BIKE RIDE WITH HER PARTNER AND ALSO AT SOME POINT, SOUNDS GREAT.
AND PERHAPS YOU CAN LEAD US AND THE JUDGE WANTS US TO NECESSARILY WAIT FOR THOSE OTHER TWO.
THEY'LL MAKE IT SO, BUT WE'RE PRAYING FOR THEM ANYWAY.
WOULD YOU ALL PRAY WITH ME, PLEASE? HOLY, ONE OF LOVE AND JUSTICE OF MUSIC AND LAUGHTER.
WE PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE OF OUR COUNTY, FOR THE COMMISSIONERS AND OUR COUNTY JUDGE.
WE PRAY FOR WISDOM, STAMINA, AND COMPASSION FOR ALL OUR LEADERS.
WE ASK YOU HOLY ONE TO BE OUR SHEPHERD.
REMIND US THAT WE CAN BE FAITHFUL AND FRIGHTENED.
HELP US TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.
HELP US TO SEE THE HOLY, THE SACRED IN THESE DAYS AS WELL.
GIVE US THE COURAGE AND STRENGTH WE NEED TO FOCUS ON LOVE, TO FIND NEW WAYS TO WORK FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE, TO MEET THE ONSLAUGHT OF THESE CHALLENGES. WE PRAY THIS DAY FOR OUR WORLD, FOR OUR COUNTRY, AND FOR OUR COUNTY, FOR OUR COMMUNITIES, AND FOR OURSELVES.
WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL.
WE PRAY FOR OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS.
OUR GROCERY STORE WORKERS ARE NOW UNEMPLOYED WORKERS.
WE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE WORKING TO KEEP THE LIGHTS COMING ON THE WATER, CLEAN THE ROADS READY.
WE PRAY FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ADJUSTING TO SO MANY CHANGES.
WE PRAY FOR ALL THOSE ALONE AT HOME, FOR THOSE WHO FEEL ISOLATED.
WE PRAY FOR THE RELATIONSHIPS.
IF THOSE AT HOME TOGETHER, WE PRAY FOR PATIENCE AND EMPATHY, FOR KINDNESS AND CALM.
WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHOSE SAVINGS ARE DISAPPEARING, THOSE WHOSE JOBS ARE NOW UNSTABLE.
WE PRAY FOR OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER AS BUSINESSES BEGIN TO REOPEN.
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WE PRAY FOR A WISE AND KIND AND JUST DECISIONS FROM OUR GOVERNMENT LEADERS.HOLY ONE FOR SCIENTISTS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS WHOSE EXPERTISE GUIDES LEADERS LIKE OUR COMMISSIONERS AND OUR JUDGE IN MAKING DECISIONS THAT IMPACT SO MANY LIVES. WE PRAY, ESPECIALLY TODAY, FOR EVERYONE IN THE CARE OF THESE LEADERS, FOR LIBRARIANS, FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN OUR JAILS, FOR WORKERS REPAIRING OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES, EVERYONE NEEDING OUR COURTHOUSES AND USING OUR PARKS, AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE OF HARRIS COUNTY.
WE PRAY FOR SAFETY, FOR STRENGTH, FOR EMPATHY, FOR CREATIVITY, FOR CALM AND CAREFUL DECISION MAKING.
WE PRAY THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK JUSTICE, COMPASSION, HEALTH AND PEACE FOR EVERYONE.
HOLY ONE. LEAD US AND PASS US PEACE.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE WORDS.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU. SO ONE OF THE THINGS THAT CAME UP IS THE FOLKS BEING IMPACTED BY THIS VIRUS.
AND WE'LL MOVE ON TO TWO RESOLUTIONS COMMEMORATING TWO HEROES IN OUR COMMUNITY
[Item I (Part 1 of 7 )]
WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE SERVICE, ONE OF THEM BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS.DO WE HAVE EITHER OF THOSE WHO WILL RECEIVE THE RESOLUTIONS ONLINE?
I WILL START WITH OFFICER JASON KNOX.
MANY OF US NOW COUNCILMEMBER KNOX HE HAS COME AND PARTICIPATED IN OUR CITY AND UR REGION AND VERY INSTRUMENTAL WAY.
NOT ALL OF US KNOW HE WAS AN HPD OFFICER AND HIS SON FOLLOWED IN HIS STEPS AND SO I THINK THAT IT APPROPRIATE TODAY AND IT WAS MOVING CEREMONY THAT THE CITY EXPERIENCED NOT TOO LONG AGO.
OFFICER KNOX JOINED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN 2012 AFTER SERVING SIX YEARS HARRIS DOWN YIL DEPUTY.
HE JOINED AIR MARINE DIVISION OF HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY OF 2019.
AND WHEREAS OFFICER JASON KNOX HAD A PASSION FOR FLYING AND BEGAN TO TAKE FLYING LESSON AT THE AGE OF TEN HE WAS ABLE TO PILOT A PLANE SOLO BY THE TIME HE TURNED 16.
HE WAS DRIVEN TO LEARN TO FLY HELICOPTERS BUT PUT THAT ON HOLD UNTIL HE BEGAN TO WORK FOR HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WHERE HE LEARNED THEY TRAINED THEIR PILOT AT NO CHARGE.
AND WHEREAS OFFICER JASON KNOX HAS APPRECIATION FOR POLICING HISTORY.
HE DREAMED OF PUTTING TOGETHER A SIMILAR EXHIBIT FOR THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.
HE RECENTLY COMPLETED RESTORING A 1996 CHEVROLET CAPRICE PATROL CAR AND BEGUN WORKING ON ONE FROM 1988.
AND WHEREAS OFFICER JASON KNOX WAS A DEVOTED HUSBAND LOVING FATHER, AND THE ONLY SON OF HOUSTON CITY COUNCILMEMBER MIKE KNOX THIS ISN'T IN HERE BUT HIS MOTHER HER SURVIVED BY WIFE AND CHILDREN NOW HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER CURE HEREBY OFFICERS JASON MICHAEL KNOX FOR PROTECTING AND SERVING THE RESIDENT OF HOUSTON.
HE EMBRACED HIS JOB AND DIED DOING WHAT HE LOVED.
THEREBYĆĀ --ĆĀ HEREBY ORDERS THIS RESOLUTION BE INCLUDED IN THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON 19TH DAY OF MAY 2020.
>>> I WANT THANK THE ENTIRE STATE.
GIVESĆĀ --ĆĀ IT'S BEEN TOUGH.
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BUT WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT HE WAS A CHRISTIAN AND IN THE ARMS OF JESUS TODAY.IF HE'S ALIVE TO BE PERSONALLY AND TO FAMILY THAT HIS EFFORTS ARE RECOGNIZE IN WAY.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER FOR PUTTING FORWARD THIS RESOLUTION FOR JASON.
>> ON BEHALF OF MY FAMILY AND I WE HAVE SEEN ALL TOO MANY OF THESE UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT HPD BUT LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERALL WILL BE RECOGNIZING ANOTHER IN A MINUTE.
BUT I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT IT WAS JUST INCREDIBLY HEART WRENCHING TO HAVE THE TRAGEDY THAT CAME DOWN ON THE DEPARTMENT AS A WHOLE ON YOUR FAMILY IN PARTICULAR.
>> WE ALWAYS FELT THATĆĀ -- >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
WE'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE GUYS UP IN THE AIR WERE ONES WITH THE SAFEST JOBS.
BUT, OBVIOUSLY, NO ONE IS NO ONE IMMUNE.
MY SINCEREĆĀ --ĆĀ MY WIFE WANTED TO MAKE SURE TO CONVEY TO YOU THAT MOST SINCEREST AND HEARTFELT PRAYERS.
NO FATHER SHOULD OUTLIVE HIS SON.
I COULD TELL YOU JASON WAS NEVER HAPPIER THAN WHEN HE WAS IN THE AIR.
HE DID DIE DOING WHAT HE LOVED.
>> COMMISSIONER I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT FORWARD.
IT'S JUST PAIN THAT NONE OF US CAN REIMAGINE.
BUT JUST KNOW WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
AND WE APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH.
COUNCILMEMBER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE YOUR FAMILY SACRIFICE AND TRULY AS YOU SAID THE ENTIRE COUNTY HONORS YOUR SON.
I APPRECIATE AND GOD SPEED TO ALL OF YOU.
>> COUNCILMAN, I'M VERY, VERY SORRY.
YOU KNOW IT'S ALWAYS BEEN NEED TO SEE HOW MANY POLICE OFFICERS FOLLOWED IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS OF THEIR PARENTS BECOMING HPD OFFICERS.
I KNOW YOUR SON WAS A GREAT ONE.
I COMMEND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR RAISING SUCH A FINE YOUNG GUY.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH COMMISSIONER.
APPRECIATE IT AND WE'RE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU AS WELL.
LUCINDA, THERE WAS A CAPTAINS GOING TO RECEIVE OUR NEXT RESOLUTION.
NEXT RESOLUTION IS ONE OF OUR BELOVED SERGEANTS.
AND OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND IT IS FOR SERGEANT RAYMOND SALINSKI.
HE LOST HIS LIFE LOST COURAGEOUS BATTLE WITH COVID-19 IN LINE OF DUTY DEATH AND THAT ADDITION.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR THAT CONTRIBUTION.
ON MAY 6TH, 2020 AFTER FIRST SHOWING SYMPTOMS IN MID-MARCH AND EVENTUALLY HOSPITALIZED ON MARCH 29TH, 2020 AND WHEREAS SERGEANT JOINED THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN 1979 AS RESERVE DEPUTY HE BECOME A FULL-TIME DEPUTY IN 1994 AND
[00:15:13]
CONTINUED TO SERVE DISTINCTION FOR THE NEXT 26 YEARS.AND RAYMOND SALANINKER FOR KINDING.
SERVED COMMUNITY PATROLLING THE NEIGHBORS AND PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT AND IN THE FIELD DURING HURRICANE TROPICAL STORMS AND OTHER DISASTER.
WHEREAS SERGEANT RAYMOND SALINSKY DEVOTED HUSBAND LOVING FATHER AND FATHER.
THERE FOR BE IT RESOLVE WE HONOR RAYMOND SALASINKY FOR DEDICATING AND SERVING HARRIS COUNTY WITH HONOR AND DISTINCTION.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE RESOLUTION BE INCLUDED IN THE MINUTES OF COMMISSIONER 19TH DAY OF MAY 2020.
THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE RESOLUTION AS WELL.
AND I THANK FOR INCLUDING MY AMENDMENT THAT SERGEANT SALASNSKY DEATH WOULD BE RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE FIRST AND HOPEFULLY THE LAST UNFORTUNATELY LINE OF DUTY DEATHS RELATED TO COVID-19.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WORKING WITH ME ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM.
AND CAPTAIN, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS AND THE FUNERAL AND THANK YOU FOR EMPHASIZING TO RAYMOND'S FAMILY AND YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN AND NOR WILL THEY.
AND ALSO I JUST WANT TO APPRECIATE I LEARNED A LITTLE BIT ABOUT RAYMOND.
I WILL SHARE ONE THING THAT I HEARD OVER AND OVER WAS HIS IMPECCABLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND PERFECTION THAT TRANSCENDED IN THE WORK AT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
I CONTINUE TO GIVE THE GUYS AND GALS OVER THE DISTRICT PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES AND GRATEFUL WE LOOK TO HIM AS THE HERO HE IS.
BECAUSE HE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.
>> LIEUTENANT, DID YOU WISH TO MAKE SOME COMMENTS AT THIS TIME?
I WANT TO THANK YOU AND THE ENTIRE COURT I WANT TO EXPRESS HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE FAMILY AND RAISE IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND HIS CHILDREN THE GREAT APPRECIATION WE HAVE FOR THIS.
HE'S A MAN OF HONOR, AND INTEGRITY.
I JUST WANT TO THANK THE COURT.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH LIEUTENANT.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE.
MOVING ON TO THE COVID-19 AGENDA.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELIS RECOMMEND WE TAKE ONE ITEM OUT OF ORDER.
SOME FOLKS HAVE TO LEAVE THIS MORNING.
THAT WOULD BE SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM 17 ON PAGE 30.
LET'S TAKE THAT ONE OUT OF ORDER AND THEN WE'LL GO THE COVID AGENDA FROM THE TOP.
[Item II (Part 1 of 7)]
>>> I DO HAVE A COUPLE OF PANEL THATTEST THAT WILL JOIN US.
I WOULD LIKE TO WALK THROUGH THIS.
I WILL TELL YOU WHAT THE MOTION IS AS WELL.
I THINK I SENT IT OUT TO EVERYONE.
THREE WEEKS AGO MADE A PROMISE TO HELP OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED BY COMMITTING THE COVID-19.
TODAY I'M ASKING MY SIGN THE CONTRACT ON THAT COMMITMENT AND A DISCUSSION THAT WE HAD.
WE WORK WITH THE GREATER HOUSTON AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO BUILD A RELIEF FUND THAT EQUITABLY TO COMMUNITIES ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY.
DO MY BEST TO MAKE SURE IT'S BALANCED AND FAIR AND FOR THOSE THAT NEED IT THE MOST.
IT'S NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO SOLVE OF THE PAIN THAT HAS BEEN CAUSED BY COVID AND ESSENTIALLY PUT IN OUR ECONOMY INTO A COMA.
TODAY I PROPOSE WE SET ASIDE 30 MILLION.
IF IT'S 30 IT WILL HELP 20,000 FAMILIES.
THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HAS CREATED BOTH FINANCIAL CRISIS IN THIS REGION.
MANY ARE HURTING IT'S OUR DUTY AS PUBLIC SERVANT TO HELP THOSELYING PAYCHECK TO
[00:20:11]
PAYCHECK.THE HOUSTON AREA HAS LOST MANY JOBS.
HARRIS COUNTY HASS LOST MORE THAN 130,000 INCOMES.
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MARCH, MORE THAN 277,000 HAVE FILED FOR UNEMPLOYMENT.
OUR FOOD SERVICE AND RETAIL WORKER WHICH ON THE BACKBONE OF THE WORKFORCE AND THEY WERE ALREADY STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET WERE HIT THE HARDEST.
I APPRECIATE THAT SUPPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE COALITION IN CONGRESS.
IT'S NOT ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK.
WITH EXPANDED EMPLOYMENT INSURES.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, AND PEOPLE WHO LEAD FORMAL JOBS WHO CANNOT APPLY.
AND WHO CAN NOT MAKE IT UNLESS WE GIVE THEM A LIFELINE.
TEMPORARY PAUSE AND LIFTED A FEW DAYS AGO.
I THINK, JUDGE YOU ASKED ME TO GET AN ESTIMATE AND MAYBE ONE OF THE EXPERTS WILL HAVE ONE.
I DON'T THINK WE REALLY KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE.
I THINK WE HAVE THE ABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP STRUGGLING.
I THINK WE ALL PULL THROUGH THE CRISIS.
WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE HELP MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE FIRST.
AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME I'M GOING TO ASK FOR A VOTE ON THIS MOTION.
I'M GOING TO MOVE THE HARRIS COUNTY IMPLEMENT HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND TO BE MANAGED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WITHIN 30 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM HARRIS COUNTY IN ADDITION TO ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
I WILL MOVE TO AUTHORIZE FOUNDATION DIRECT BUDGET MANAGEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENTS TO GET THE FUNDS TO THE FOUNDATION REPORT BACK WHENĆĀ --ĆĀ I WANT TO GIVE A BRIEF EXPLANATION.
I'M GOING TO ASK MY STAFF RIGHT NOW TO DROP IT.
THE EXPLANATION OF FUND EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR RESIDENTS WILL BE AS FOLLOWED.
THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ECONOMIC IMPACT TO COVID-19 AND BELOW 60% INCOME.
OR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OUT OF FOSTER CARE AND HOMELESS SHELTERS.
APPLICANTS CAN NOT BENEFITĆĀ -- >> I'M TRYING TO SEE IF IT'S ON.
>> THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIS MIC OR SOMETHING.
>> I THINK IT'S JUST CUTTING OFF.
I'M KIND OF THINKING THAT WE CANĆĀ --ĆĀ OTHERWISE COMMISSIONER YOU CALL IN VIA PHONE.
WE NEED TOĆĀ -- >> I'M HERE IN OFFICE.
WHEN YOU WERE SAY PART OF WHAT YOU WERE SAYING IS CUTTING.
HERE'S WHAT THE MOTION WILL BE.
AND I DID SEND IT TO YOUR OFFICE.
I WILL MOVE THAT HARRIS COUNTY IMPLEMENT THE HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 RELIEF FUND TO BE MANAGED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WITH A 30 MILLION ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT FROM HARRIS COUNTY IN ADDITION TO A 5% ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
AND I WILL ALSO MOVE TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT WITH THE FOUNDATION AND TO DIRECT BUDGET MANAGEMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO GET THE FUND TO FOUNDATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ACCOUNT FOR THE FUNDS AND REPORT BACK WHEN IT.
[00:25:01]
WE PUT IT IN E-MAIL TO YOU.AND THEN WE'LL WALK THROUGH ELIGIBLE AND HOW IT WILL WORK.
THE ELIGIBLE YOU HAVE TO HAVE EXPERIENCE ADVERSE ECONOMIC IMPACT RELATED TO COVID-19.
AND WHOLE 60% OF AREA MEDIAN INCOME.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, YOUTH AGE OUT OF FOSTER CARE ARE THOSE IN HOMELESS SHELTERS.
APPLICANT NOT HAVE RECEIVED BENEFITS FROM ANY CITY OF HOUSTON OR OTHER HARRIS COUNTY ADMINISTERED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.
PRIORITIZE AS APPLIED AND WILL TAKE TOO LONG TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE TO MEET BASIC NEEDS.
APPLICANT INELIGIBLE FOR CARES ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS OR HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED A PAYMENT AND CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS ASSISTANCE TO MEET THE BASIC NEEDS.
THE FUND WON'T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY RESIDENTS INCLUDING THOSE EXCLUDED BY CARES ACT.
THE FUND SOURCE AND AMOUNT I'M PROPOSING 30 MILLION AS I SAID EARLIER WITH THIS AMOUNT WE ARE ABLE TO ASSIST 20 TO 25 HOUSEHOLDS SELECTIVE APPLICANT DEPENDING ON HOUSEHOLD SIZE WILL RECEIVE 1200 OF 1500 ONE-TIME ASSISTANCE.
WE KNOW IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUT RESIDENTS.
MORE THAN 77,000 PEOPLE HAVING FILE FORD UNEMPLOYMENT
DIFFICULTIES] >> WE HAVE A BIG FUND FOR EMERGENCIES WE'RE IN THE MIDST OF GLOBAL PANDEMIC AND CRISIS.
I THINK IT'S APPROPRIATE FOR FUND.
I CAN PULL UP THE HISTORY OF THE FUND.
I KNOW IT WAS CREATED HARRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT IS WELL PREPARED TO RESPOND TO AND RECOVER FROM HURRICANES STORMS AND FLOODING EVENTS.
LOCAL TOPPOGRAPHY AND PROXIMITY TO GOLF MAKES SUCH PREPARATION NECESSARY.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WAS PASSED OUT WHEN WE DID THE HARVEY FUND.
IT SAID THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CONTINGENCIES FUND WAS ESTABLISHED YEARS AGO TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THESE EVENTS BECAUSE THEY OFTEN INCLUDE EXPENSES THAT AREN'T REIMBURSED BY FEMA OR INSURANCE.
SO IN SHORT IF THIS PANDEMIC DOES NOT QUALIFY SOMEONE OUGHT TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE FUND.
THE FUND STRUCTURE WILL BE HARRIS COUNTY WOULD BE MANAGED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON FOUNDATION THE FOUNDATION IS ALREADY MANAGING COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS AND COME FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR THEY GOT THE KNOWLEDGE, CAPACITY, THE VALUES AND THE COMMUNITY TRUST TO ADMINISTER THIS FUND.
I THINK AFTER HARVEY, I THINK IT WAS A LITTLE BIT OVER 115 MILLION THAT CAME IN AND THEY DISTRIBUTED THAT MONEY.
WE'RE WORKING WITH THE FOUNDATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE CAPACITY TO ENSURE THAT THESE DOLLARS REACH THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT MOST THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE COUNTY.
I OUR COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS DONE AN AMAZING JOB IN RESPONSE TO THIS PANDEMIC.
BUT THEY HAVE TOLD US AND WILL STATE TODAY IF ASKED THEY CANNOT TAKE ON MANAGEMENT OF THIS FUND AT THIS TIME.
I'M GRATEFUL FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE.
AND I'M CONVINCED BY COLLABORATING WE CAN ENSURE THAT COUNTY RESIDENT WILL BE SERVED.
THE FOUNDATION WILL MAKE SURE THEY REACH OUT RESIDENTS BY WORKING WITH THEM ON NETWORK OF NONPROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE ACCUSTOMED TO DEALING WITH THE VULNERABLE COMMUNITY.
SOME OF THE COMMUNITIES HIT THE HARDEST BY THIS PANDEMIC, IN PARTICULAR, THE MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES ARE IDENTIFIEDBASED ON THEIR LAWSUIT OF COVID CASES.
AND THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX THAT YOU AND YOUR STAFF CAME UP WITH FOR OUR EQUITY GUIDELINES ON OUR FLOOD PROJECTS.
ANY HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENT WHO MEETS FINANCIAL NEED CRITERIA CAN APPLY.
THIS FUND WILL ASSIST RESIDENTS TO PAY FOR THAT TOP NEEDS WHETHER IT'S RENT, FOOD, MEDICAL CARE, CHILD CARE OR OTHER COST.
JUST LIKE A CARES ACT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GET RESOURCES TO OUR RESIDENTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
AT TWO STAGES TO DISBURSE THE FUND.
ONE WILL BE THOSE THAT HAVE ALREADY IDENTIFIED RESIDENTS THAT NEED TO PUBLIC INTAKE PROCESS IN WHICH RESIDENTS WILL BE RANDOMLY SELECTED AND THEN VERIFY FOR ELIGIBILITY.
WE KNOW AS I STATED EARLIER THAT IS NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO COVER ALL OF THE NEEDS.
[00:30:01]
THAT'S WHY IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE START SOMEWHERE.HAVE A SELECTION, A GUARANTEE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION PROCESS ORDER.
I WILL CALL IT TOĆĀ --ĆĀ I WILL CALL IT THE FOUNDATION WHICH GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
VETTED 100-PLUS ORGANIZATION TO DISBURSE AID THROUGH PRIVATE FUND.
ROUND TWO GRANTEES WILL BE SELECTED THIS WEEK.
THESE ORGANIZATIONS WORK IN AREAS HIGHLY VULNERABLE THAT HAVE HIGHLY MOBILE POPULATIONS AND THEY SPECIALIZE IN SERVING HIGHLY SELECT VULNERABLE POPULATIONS.
THE FOUNDATION WILL INVITE THE ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY TO BE GRANTEES, FOR THE COVID-19 RELIEF FUND.
THE FOUNDATION WILL SELECT THE GRANTEE NONPROFIT THAT WILL PARTICIPATE.
ROUND ONE DISBURSEMENT WILL SELECT RECIPIENT WITH THE GREATEST NEED.
THE ORGANIZATION WILL DISPERSION 50% OF ALLOCATED AMOUNT TO HIGHLY VULNERABLE CLIENTS WITHIN THEIR PIPELINES AND THEN CONNECTĆĀ --ĆĀ CONDUCT EXTENSIVE OUTREACH TO INTAKE HIGHLY VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO MIGHT OTHER NOT BE ABLE TO PAY TO APPLY.
THEY WILL SELECT RECIPIENT WHOSE WILL DO FOUR THINGS.
ONE MEET THE COUNTY ELIGIBILITY FUND REQUIREMENT.
A PART OF PRIOR VULNERABLE POPULATION.
LIVE IN DISPROPORTIONATALLY IMPACTED COMMUNITY BASED ON THE COVID RATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE.
I WANT YOU TO KNOW THESE ARE DISPROPORTIONATALLY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES AND IN ALL FOUR COMMISSIONER PRECINCTS.
ROUND TWO THEY WILL HAVE A DISPERSION PUBLIC INTAKE PROCESS.
OUTREACH WILL BE THE FOUNDATION WILL CREATE A MESSAGE AND TOOL KIT ABOUT HOW AND WIN TO APPLY FOR THE FUND.
THEN THE FOUNDATION WILL SEND TEXT MESSAGES TO RESIDENTSLYING IN THE LOWEST INCOME CENSUS TRACKS WITH THE INFORMATION.
FOR INTAKE THE FOUNDATION USE DETECTIVE.
THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WE CREATED OR USED DURING THE HARVEY PROCESS.
IT WAS CALLED "HARVEY HOME CONNECT" TO MANAGE THAT INTAKE PROCESS.
DETECTIVE ALSO WORK WITH RIPLEY ON THE CITY-HOUSTON FUND.
DURING FOUR-HOUR WINDOW THE DATE AND TIME TO BE DETERMINED, RESIDENT MAY APPLY ONLINE OR BY PHONE FOR FUNDS.
SOME PEOPLE CANNOT GET ONLINE.
AS EVIDENCE BY MY MIC BEING MUFFLED EARLIER.
THE FOUNDATION IS HIRING A CALL THIS THAT WILL WORK WITH LOS ANGELES AND PROCESS 450,000 APPLICATION AND THE U.S.
STAFF WILLĆĀ --ĆĀ STAFF MEMBERS ARE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH EMPHASIS ON TOP FIVE LANGUAGES.
WAIT TIMES SHOULD BE 2-3 MINUTES AT MAX.
THIS IS NOT I WANT TO STRESS THIS.
THIS IS NOT A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE PROCESS.
IT WAS OVER WITH IN 90 MINUTES.
AND SOMETIMES THE PEOPLE WHO MORE ASPECT TO APPLY ON THE FIRST COME FIRST SAVE BASIS.
MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT BETTER OFF THAN THE MORE VULNERABLE.
ANY APPLICANT WHO CALLS WITHIN THE A LOTTED WINDOW ENTERS THE RANDOMIZED SELECTION PROCESS.
THIS HOW THE RANDOMIZED PROCESS WILL WORK.
EVERY APPLICANT RECEIVES A NUMBER.
APPLICANT WHO LIVE IN AREAS WITH HIGHER SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX WILL HAVE THAT NUMBER ENTERED INTO THE LOTTERY, MORE TIMES.
IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE THE CHANCES THAT THE LIMITED FUND WILL REACH PEOPLE FROM THE COMMUNITIES MOST IN NEED.
>> THIS DOES NOT ADD ANY ADDITIONAL TIME TO PROCESS.
IT'S CONSIDERED A BEST PRACTICE AND THE THEY CAN TALK A BIT AFTER I FINISH WITH ONE MORE PARAGRAPH ABOUT HOW IT IS WORK AND WHY THIS IS THE BEST PRACTICE.
APPLICANTS WILL BE SELECTED THROUGH A RANDOMIZED PROCESS.
IST ASKED NOT TO USE THE WORD LOTTERY SINCE I'M REALLY AGAINST THAT.
THEN IN TERMS OF VERIFICATION.
ONE APPLICANT SELECTED THE FOUNDATION WILL INVITE HER OR HIM TO FORMALLY APPLY BY SUBMITTING ALL OF THE VERIFICATION INFORMATION.
THEN THE FOUNDATION WILL MATCH THE APPLICANT WITH GRANTEE BASED ON LOCATION, LANGUAGE, AND WHETHER THE APPLICANT WORKS GRANTEE OR ORGANIZATION.
[00:35:02]
THE GRANTEE WILL VERIFY THAT APPLICANT IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FUNDS.ONCE VERIFIED, THE GRANTEE WOULD DISBURSE FUNDS TO THE APPLICANT.
IN CLOSING, THIS IS ALL USING EQUITY LENS WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT THROUGH THE TIME EYE I'VE BEEN HERE AND WHAT WE WENT THROUGH IN HARVEY.
I THOUGHT THAT AND LAST MEETING THREE WEEKS AGO I JUST TRIED TO FLIP TO COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND SAID WELL, FIGURE IT OUT.
AND THEY WERE VARIOUS IN BRINGING OUTSIDE COUNCIL.
ATTORNEY FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON WHO PUT A LOT OF TIME INTO THIS.
AND MR.ĆĀ RYAN AND THEIR ENTIRE TIME.
BUT IN PARTICULAR I WANT TO THANK TWO PEOPLE ON THE LINE ONE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE.
AND I JUST WANT TO LET HER BRIEFLY BECAUSE SHE WON'T BE READING THE NOTES.
I CAN SEE HIM READ ALL THIS AND ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS.
YOU KNOW PROBABLY ON PAR WITH THE GREAT DEPRESSION.
AND I WANTĆĀ --ĆĀ IF I CAN TURN TO RENNAE TO LET HER SAY WHATEVER SHE WOULD LIKE TO SAY, JUDGE, IF THAT'S OKAY.
AND THEN I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND HAVE HER AS BACK UP TO MAKE SURE I DON'T GET A WRONG ANSWER.
AND BUT I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU CAN SEE ME.
LET ME SEE IF I CAN MAKE IT SO I CAN BE SEEN.
>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONER AND COUNTY JUDGE.
WE'RE CERTAINLY HONORED TO HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH A CRITICAL ENDEAVOR FOR PEOPLE IN NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY.
COMMISSIONER ELIS DID A PHENOMENAL JOB OF LAYING OUT THE PROGRAM AS WE UNDERSTAND IT.
CERTAINLY OUR COMMITMENT AS A FOUNDATION TO FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES AND THE ELIGIBILITY WHICH YOU ALL AS COUNTY ARE ESTABLISHING TO REACH THE MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO DEVELOP A REALLY DATA DRIVEN PROCESS.
THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE GREATEST NEED OF THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND MOST SUL CHERLY SENSITIVE AND EFFECTIVE WAY WE CAN DO THAT.
WE CERTAINLY ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY TO TAKE QUESTIONS.
I WILL SAY I BELIEVE THE COMMISSIONER DID AN EXCELLENT JOB LAYING IT OUT.
FUNDMENT LS ARE THAT WE WANT TO USE ALL OF THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE'VE GAINED AFTER SERVING THIS COMMUNITY THROUGH SO MANY DISASTERS INCLUDING THE CURRENT COVID PANDEMIC TO ACCELERATE A PROCESS OF GETTING MONEY TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY AND TRANSPARENTLY.
BECAUSE WE'RE IN THE MIDST OF OUR PRIVATE GRANT-MAKING WITH THE UNITED WAY WITH THE COVID RECOVERY FUND.
WE HAVE EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE RIGHT NOW OF THE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE WORKING EFFECTIVELY ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY TO REACH THOSE MOST IN NEED.
THAT LEVERAGE AND KNOWLEDGE WILL ALLOW US TO MOVE MUCH MORE QUICKLY.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE MANY GRANTEE PARTNERS.
AND AS THE COMMISSIONER NOTED WILL BE ACTUALLY MAKING ANOTHER BIG ALLOCATION OF PRIVATE GRANTS THIS NEXT WEEK.
WHICH GIVES US A WINDOW INTO THE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE WORKING WITH RESIDENTS ALL ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY AND HAVE QUITE LARGE WAIT LIST OF PEOPLE WHO NEED RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND NEED FOOD AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE WHO NEED HELP WITH CHILD CARE AND WITH MEDICAL BILL WHOSEĆĀ --ĆĀ BILL WHOSE ARE REALLY HURTING.
BECAUSE OF THAT KNOWLEDGE WE WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE QUICKLY TO HELP THOSE IN NEED.
WE FEEL ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES BY THE COUNTY LAID OUT ARE CLEAR.
THEY ALLOW US TO GIVE CLEAR GUIDANCE TO OUR COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION PARTNERS ABILITY WHO THEY WILL SERVE.
WE ARE REALLY COMMITTED TO MAKING SURE THAT THIS PROCESS IS ACCESSIBLE FOR THOSE NEEDING HELP.
SO THAT WE ARE ABLE TO ENSURE THAT ARE NO BARRIERS TO ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP.
THUS OUR COMMITMENT TO MAKING SURE EVERYTHING IS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES OUR COMMITMENT TO WORKING WITH TRUSTED COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS FIRST TO REACH PEOPLE IN NEED AND THEN TO HAVE A REALLY AGGRESSIVE MARKETING AND OUTREACH CAMPAIGN USING THE NETWORK OF COMMUNITY-BASE ORGANIZATIONS USING
[00:40:03]
COMMUNITY ADVOCATES, USING TARGETED TEXT MESSAGING TO PEOPLE IN VULNERABLE CENSUS TRACK.USING THE MEDIA AND DOING ALL OF THAT IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES TO REALLY REACH THE PEOPLE WHO NEED THE MOST HELP.
WE BELIEVE IT'S REALLY FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT THAT IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE AN EQUITY LENSE THAT THIS SHOULD BE A PROCESS THAT IS MORE COMPLEX THAN JUST OPENING UP A PHONE LINE OR WEB SITE AND ALLOWING EVERYONE TO APPLY AT THE SAME TIME.
WHILE THEY MAY SEEM EASY ON ITS FACE.
WE DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS REALLY THE EFFECTIVE WAY TO REACH THE MOST VULNERABLE.
AND THUS WE HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME DEVELOPING A PROCESS THAT REALLY IS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX REALLY LOOKING AT THIS CENSUS TRACKS WHERE THERE'S IS THE MOST NEED.
WE HAVE STUDIED WHICH HAS THE MOST COVID CASES.
THE MOST FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX AS YOU KNOW DONE BY THE CDC.
LAYERING ALL OF THAT DATA, REALLY HELPS US UNDERSTAND WHO WE NEED TO TARGET FOR THESE FUNDS AND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE SEEING THE MESSAGE THE SUPPORT, THE HELP THEY WILL NEED TO APPLY.
AND RELYING ON OUR COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, WHO ALREADY HAVE THE TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WILL ALLOW US TO ENSURE THIS IS DONE WELL.
WE'RE COMMITTED TO A REALLY DATA DRIVEN PROCESS.
THAT IS VERY ACCESSIBLE FOR THE PEOPLE MOST IN NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND REALLY TO A VERY TRANSPARENT PROCESS IN THE BEAUTY OF HAVING UNIVERSAL INTAKE SYSTEM AND DATABASE THROUGH DETECTIVE IS THAT WE BE ABLE TO SEE AT ALL TIME EVERYONE WHO APPLIED.
ENSURE THEIR MATCH TO NONPROFIT APPROPRIATELY.
WE WILL BE ABLE TO ENSURE THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION HAS THE CAPACITY TO SERVE THEM AND WE'LL BE ABLE TO SEE WHEN THEIR DOCUMENTS ARE VERIFIED THAT THEY ELIGIBLE AND QUICKLY THE FUNDS ARE DISBURSED.
IT'S A WAY TO ALSO WHILE WE'RE MAKING SURE THERE'S ACCESSIBILITY AND CULL CHEFRL SENSITIVITY.
THERE'S A ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY FOR US TO KNOW HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM THE MOMENT ONE APPLIES TO DOCUMENTS OR VERIFIED TO THEY ARE SEEING ASSISTANCE WHETHER THAT BE UTILITY BILL BEING PAID.
RENTAL ASSISTANCEOR WHATEVER FORM OF ASSISTANCE THEY NEED.
THIS WILL BE DATA DRIVEN PROCESS WITH STRONG ABILITY TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO REALLY TRACK WHO IS SEEING THE FUNDS AND THERE'S NO DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS.
WE HAVE LINED UP A REALLY GREAT TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS TO WORK ON THIS PROCESS.
SO OBVIOUSLY THERE'S A DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS AT THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WHO WILL BE WORKING ON THIS FUND AND PARTNERS AT CONNECTY.
THERE WILL COMMUNICATION AND CALL CENTER COMMISSIONER ELIS REFERENCED AS WELL AS STRONG NETWORK OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION WE WILL BE SUPPORTING AND PARTNERING WITH.
AND OF COURSE WE WILL PARTNER WITH THE COUNTY AS WELL.
YOU ALL THROUGH YOURS OFS WILL BE PROMOTING THIS EFFORT.
I DON'T THINK THERE'S MUCH MORE FOR ME TO SAY IN THE WAY OF BACKGROUND.
AS HE NOTED I'M CERTAINLY HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS THAT ANYONE HAS AND I KNOW THE COMMISSIONER WILL TAKE QUESTIONS.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE IN PARTICULAR COMMISSIONER ELIS YOU WANTED ME?
HOW MUCH DID YOU ALL HAVE FOR HARVEY?
>> WE ADMINISTERED 114 MILLION IN PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY THROUGH PROCESS THAT WAS GOVERNED BY A TASK FORCE THAT INCLUDED CITY AND COUNTY REPRESENTATION.
AND I KNOW I'VE TALKED TO SOME OF OUR PHILANTHROPIC AND ALL OF US HAVE TALKED TO CORPORATE AND PHILANTHROPIC PEOPLE ABILITY WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WE CAN ANTICIPATE.
BECAUSE THIS IS A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO SAW HOUSTON ON THE NEWS AND HARRIS COUNTY AND SAW PEOPLE IN PAIN SENT MONEY.
OUR FRIENDS FROM QATAR, CORPORATE ALL AROUND THE GLOBE.
I QUOTED THE AMOUNT WHEN I WAS TALKING TO SOMEONE AT THE ARNOLD FOUNDATION.
WE ARE NOTĆĀ --ĆĀ IS IT SAY SAFE TO SAY WE WILL NOT GET THAT KIND OF MONEY.
>> PEOPLE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM.
THAT'S WHY I'M ADVOCATING SUCH A LARGE AMOUNT.
IS THAT FAIR? WE HAD 127,000 GENEROUS DONORS GIVE TO THE HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF FUND.
AS YOU SAID IT WAS GLOBAL PHENOMENON.
WE HAD MANY LOCAL DONORS BUT DONORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD.
AS YOU NOTED THIS GLOBAL PANDEMIC.
EVERY COMMUNITY IS SUFFERING BY COMPARISON FOR THE GREATER HOUSTON COVID-19
[00:45:03]
RECOVERY FUND WE ADMINISTER TODAY WITH UNITED WAY AS THE PRIVATE PHILANTHROPIC EFFORT WE HAVE RAISED 16 MILLION.AND WE ARE COMING TO THE END OF THAT FUND-RAISING.
AND I WILL SAY WE HAVE MORE THAN IN GRANT REQUESTS TODAY.
WE HAVE OVERFLOWING REQUEST FROM COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS ALL OF WHICH WE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET WITH THE PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY AND THE PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY IS JUST NOT GOING TO GO FAR ENOUGH.
I TRULY BELIEVE THIS MOMENT WHERE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SUPPORT ARE NEEDED TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY RECOVER.
THE JUDGE ASKED ME ABOUT THE TIMETABLE WHEN I CHATTED WITH HER YESTERDAY.
AND THERE WERE TWO DATES IN JUNE I DON'T WANT TO SHUFFLE THE PAPERS.
IN TERMS HOW QUICK THIS GETS OUT.
>> I THINK RATHER THAN THINK ABOUT THE DATES IN JUNE.
IT'S ALL GOING TO DEPENDING ON WHEN YOU ALLOCATE THE FUND AND WHEN THE PURCHASE ORDER AND ALL THOSE THINGS HAVE COME AS I LEARNED FROM THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT WE ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO WORK UNTIL WE GET THAT GO AHEAD FROM YOU.
OUR COMMITMENT IS THAT FROM THE MOMENT WE ARE ALLOWED TO BEGIN WORK THAT WE RECEIVED THAT PURCHASE ORDER THAT ALL OF THE FUNDS WILL BE SENT TO PEOPLE IN NEED WITHIN 45 DAYS.
FROM THE MOMENT THE PROCESS TRULY BEGINS UNTIL THE TIME PEOPLE RECEIVE FUNDING WILL BE FOR MORE THAN 45 DAYS.
AND I WOULD EXPECT THE FIRST HALF OF FUNDING BE IN LESS THAN HALF OF THE TIME.
WE ALSO HAVE TO MOVE EFFECTIVELY ACCOUNTABLY AND WE HAVE ENSURE THOSE BENEFITTING HAS BEEN VERIFIED.
OUR COMMITMENT IS TO DO ALL OF THOSE THINGS AND MOVE AS QUICKLY AS WE POSSIBLY CAN.
>> JUDGE, COLLEAGUES IT WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY ALONG WITH OUR PANELIST TO TRY AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE.
WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS FOR THIS ITEM.
ON PAGE 3, ITEM B THE COUNTY ONLY PROTECTED FOR $5 MILLION.
AND YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT $30 MILLION.
WHYĆĀ --ĆĀ THAT WOULD BE HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR US TO GET INTO A CONTRACT.
MR.ĆĀ SOARD, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO CHIME IN TOO.
I'M WORRIED WHY THAT WE MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE BASICALLY ENSURED OR WHATEVER FOR THE WHOLE 30 MILLION.
ISMLY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT 15 MILLION THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WAS ASKING IF WE COULD WE GET INSURANCE POLICY FOR UP TO MILLION.
WHEN THEY PUT IT 30 THE SUGGESTION MADE NICE FOR THE ENTIRE 30 AND THEY ARE TRYING TO DO THAT.
THAT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO DODD.
JUST AS THE CASE WITH THE 115 MILLION DOLLARS THAT THEY SPENT BEFORE, DID YOU ALL HAVE INSURANCE POLICY FOR THAT OR NOT?
>> >> WE DIDN'T HAVE INSURANCE FOR THAT.
>> I MEAN IT'S JUST GOES WITH THE COURSE AS PART OF IT.
OBVIOUSLY WE DON'T TRY TO PUT YOU IN JAIL.
THE SCENARIOĆĀ --ĆĀ THE FOR EXAMPLE PL IS WHAT IF NOT YOU, RENEE BUT IF SOMEONE OVER THERE ABSCONDED WITH THE YOU KNOW, 30 MILLION DOLLARS WE ONLY INSURED FOR FIVE.
THAT'S LIKE IF SOMEONE IN ONE OF OUR OFFICES ABSCONDS WITH MONEY.
AND OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT SIDE GROUPS AROUND THE COUNTRY YOU HAVE THE SAME ISSUE.
YOU COULDN'T GET AN ANSWER ON WHETHER OR NOT THAT WAS SUCH A THING AS GETTING A POLICY.
AND IN A QUICK TIME SPAN FOR 30 MILLION.
IS THATĆĀ --ĆĀ I WANT TO LET YOU COMMENT ON THAT.
THERE'S NO REGAL REQUIREMENT IT'S A POLICY DECISION THIS BOARD HAS TO MAKE.
>> AT THE END OF THE DAY YESTERDAY I BELIEVE WE RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT WE COULD RAISE THE INSURANCE.
OF COURSE THAT REQUIRES WE HAVE TO RAISE INSURANCE NOT JUST FOR THIS YEAR BUT FOR
[00:50:01]
ALL-TIME GOING FORWARD ACCORDING TO WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM THE INSURANCE BROKERS.THAT'S NOT AN IMPOSSIBILITY BUT IT'S A BURDEN.
TO BE HONEST WE HAVE TO MAKE JUDGMENT CALL WHETHER WE WANT INSURE YOU FOR 30 MILLION A YEAR.
YOU ADMINISTER FOR THIS COUNTY 113 MILLION.
WE TRY TO GO THROUGH PAGE AFTER PAGE OF CONTRACTS.
IT'S ALSO THE AMOUNT THAT THE FOUNDATION IS GUARANTEEING.
UNDER THE CONTRACT I HOPE ARTORO IS ONLINE.
UNDER THE CONTRACT THE FOUNDATIONĆĀ --ĆĀ YOU YOU ME WANT TO GET CLOSER TO YOUR MIC.
UNDER THE CONTRACT THE FOUNDATION IS ONLY AGREEING TO INDEMNIFY HARRIS COUNTY FOR UP TO $5 MILLION NO MATTER WHAT GOES WRONG.
I UNDERSTAND THE FOUNDATION WANTS INSURANCE.
BUT IN EFFECT THE COUNTY RISKING 25 MILLION IN THE FOUNDATION RISKING 5 MILLION.
AS ELIS POINTS OUT THAT'S A BUSINESS DECISION.
ARTORO COULD MAYBE TALK ABOUT THE NEGOTIATIONS THAT WENT BACK AND FORTH ON THAT PARTICULAR AMOUNT.
COMMISSIONER REDDICK HAD A COMMENT TOO.
I THINK THE CITY USEDĆĀ --ĆĀ CHARGED 4%.
I'M NOT SURE IF THEY IDENTITY THE COUNTY OR CITY.
MY POINT HERE IS THAT HOW DO WE KNOW WE'RE GETTING THE BEST DEAL FOR THE STANDPOINT THE COST OF ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM AND MAKING SURE THAT ARTORO COULD ADDRESS.
MAKE SURE WE'RE FULLY COVERED.
>> IT'S A BUSINESS JUDGMENT CALL.
TYPICALLY THE COUNTY REQUIRED INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION FOR THE FULL AMOUNT.
THAT'S ALSO WHAT THE CITY DID.
IT'S A BUSINESS JUDGMENT CALL.
WHAT THE INDEMNITY PROVIDES PROVIDES PROTECTION IN OTHER WORD THE FOUNDATION STEP IN THE SHOES OF COUNTY.
THE COUNTY CAN BRING OWN CLAIMS. THE COUNTY COULD PURSUE CLAIMS AGAINST THE FOUNDATION.
INDEMNITY IS THIRD PARTY INSURANCE.
IT'S TO COVER THOSE THAT MAY ARISE.
THE ONLY OTHER THING I COULD AS AS MR.ĆĀ SOARD AN ATTEMPT TO HAVE FOUNDATION RAISE THE AMOUNT.
I THINK YOU HEAR WHAT THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO AND WHAT THEY ARE FACING.
>> I DON'T MEAN TO CUT OFF COMMISSIONER RADACK.
WHILE WITH WE HAVE ARTORO ON THE LINE.
I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS, IF I MAY.
THE CONTRACT HAS GONE THROUGH A NUMBER OF CHANGES.
DOES THAT INCLUDE THE RECIPIENT.
WE HAVE PRIMARY AND THEN SUBRECIPIENT.
ARE THEY GOING TO BE AT THE FIVE OR ARE THEY GOING TO BE AT THE ORIGINAL 7?
>> I BELIEVE THAT IS GOING TO BE DETERMINED BY THEĆĀ --ĆĀ BY THE FOUNDATION.
IT MAY BE LESS IN SOME INSTANCES.
TINĆĀ --ĆĀ THE INTENT TO KEEP IT AT FIVE AND THEY WOULD COME OUT OF THE
[00:55:02]
PRIMARY APPROPRIATION.>> I GUESS MY QUESTION IS WE DON'T ARE WE GOING TO BE ON THE HOOK FOR A HIGHER PERCENTAGE THAT MAY BE CHARGED OR SUBRECIPIENT ADMINISTRATOR AND ALL THOSE PARTNERS.
IN SOME CASES GOVERNMENT ENTITY ADMINISTERS THEMSELVES.
THEY SAID THEY ARE NOT CAPABLE.
THEY ARE NOT RAMPED UP TO DO IT.
MAYBE THAT'S BECAUSE HISTORICALLY ON THE COUNTY'S PART THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INTEREST IN HAVING THAT IN-HOUSE CAPABILITY.
OBVIOUSLY MAKE THE INVESTMENT.
YOU WOULD KEEP RESOURCES THERE.
WHO ARE ADEPT AT DOING THAT EVEN WHEN THEY ARE NOT ADMINISTERING A PROGRAM LIKE.
BUT SO IT'S A MATTER OF IF YOU CAN'T DO IT IN HOUSE AND YOU HAVE TO OUT SOURCE TO DO IT.
JUST AS WE DO WITH THE OTHER ENTITIES YOU COULD HAVE AN IN-HOUSE.
THE ANSWER IT WOULD DEPEND ON THE NONPROFIT THAT THEY CONTRACTED WITH.
AND THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WHO HAS DONE THAT IN THE PAST WOULD BE THE ANSWER THAT WOULD MAKE THE DECISIONS.
>> THAT GOES BACK TO MY QUESTION.
SINCE THE ADMINISTRATIONĆĀ -- >> LET ME SEE IF I CAN REPHRASE THAT.
WE PAY ADMINISTRATION FEE ON TOP OF WHAT A NUMBER THAT THIS BODY VOTES ON PUTTING INTO THIS FUND.
>> AND MY QUESTION IS, IS IT A SET 5% THAT WE'RE GOING INTO THAT OR CAN THAT DEPENDING UPON WHO GET BROUGHT IN ON THE SUBS.
>> 5%-PLUS ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR THE GREATEST HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
IF WE DECIDE WE WANT THEM TO GET INSURANCE TO GO TO THAT LEVEL.
BUT OUT OF THE 30 MILLION IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEES TO THE GROUPS THAT THEY BRING IN TO GET THE MONEY OUT TO THESE COMMUNITIES WOULD COME OUT OF 30 MILLION.
RENNAE, I THINK I'M RIGHT ON THAT.
IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THE NONPROFIT WHOSE ARE DOING THIS WORK ON THE FRONT LINES.
THEY HAVE TO EMPLOY PEOPLE WHO ABLE TO INTERFACE WITH OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS.
THE WORK THEY ARE DOING IS NOTED A MINUTE ĆĀ --ĆĀ ADMINISTRATIVE.
UNDERSTANDING THEIR NEEDS DETERMINING HOW THOSE LIMITED RESOURCES CAN BEST BE USED BY THEM.
AS WE MAKE GRANTS TO THE TRUSTED NONPROFIT PARTNERS, THEY ARE ALLOWED TO SEND MAXIMUM OF 10% OF THAT GRANT ON PERSONAL AND ADMINISTRATION.
THERE'S TWO MAIN THINGS THAT DRIVE THAT COST.
NUMBER ONE IS PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CONTACT.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE THEM VERIFY DOCUMENTS TALKING WITH AND FOLLOWING UP WITH OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THE MOST ACCESSIBLE AND SENSITIVE WAY POSSIBLE.
SECOND THEY HAVE TO HAVE FINANCIAL CONTROL.
THEY HAVE TO HAVE AN ACCOUNTING TEAM THEY CAN ACTUALLY ACCOUNT FOR HOW MONEY IS SPENT AND REPORT BACK TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
SO WE CAN REPORT TO YOU THE COUNTY ON ALL OF THE COMPLIANCE AND ACCOUNTING THAT YOU WILL NEED.
IT'S ALWAYS THE CASE NO NONPROFIT CAN THIS FOR FREE.
WE ARE EXTREMELY ATTENTIVE TO THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION TO ENSURE THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEES THAT ARE PART OF THE GRANT MAKING ARE APPROPRIATE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
THAT COMES OUT OF 3 MILLION ALLOCATION.
WE WILL PAY 5% ON TOP OF 30 MILLION AND THEN THERE'S SOME AMOUNT TO DETERMINE THE FUTURE THAT WILL COME OUT OF THE 30 FOR OTHER FEES.
>> THAT'S THE POINT I'M MAKING.
THERE'S NOĆĀ --ĆĀ WITH ALL DUE RESPECT THEY CAN'T DO IT FOR FREE.
THEY HAVE TO HAVE HUMAN BEINGS THAT ARE UP KAABLE OF WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THEY HAVE TO PROVIDE REPORTING ABOUT HO THOSE FUNDS ARE SPENT.
WE ARE VERY, VERY ATTENTIVE TO FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP AND CARE VERY DEEPLY TO MAKE SURE EVERY NONPROFIT SELECTED IS DOING THEIR WORK IN THE MOST ACCOUNTABLE WAY POSSIBLE.
THEY HAVE TO BE PAID TO DO THAT WORK.
THEY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO EMPLOY THE PEOPLE THAT ARE NEEDED TO CARRY OUT THE PROCESS.
[01:00:01]
>> SAME METHODOLOGY USED IN HARVEY AND ALL PHILANTHROPIC FUNDS THAT GRANTEES ARE ALLOWED TO SPENT MAXIMUM OF 10% ON DIRECT PERSONAL AND COST ASSOCIATED WITH ADMINISTERING THIS GRANT TO OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS.
>> TWO MORE QUESTIONS FOR ARTORO.
THE CITY OF HOUSTON PROGRAM IS A RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM.
BECAUSE IT IS A RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM SOME OF THE ISSUES WITH REGARD TO TAPPING INTO THE CARES ACT THAT WE ARE DISCUSSING HER DON'T NECESSARILY APPLY.
ESPECIALLY IN THE ENVIRONMENT AS I UNDERSTAND IT WHERE IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN ALLOWED TO PROCEED UNTIL YESTERDAY, TODAY OR TOMORROW WITH REGARD TO EVICTION.
SOME OF THEM ARE IN JEOPARDY OF LOSING THEIR PROPERTY BECAUSE THEY CAN'T MAKE THEIR MORTGAGES.
BUT IN MOST INSTANCES, WE DON'T HAVE THE PROBLEM OF NOT HAVING THE LANDLORDS WHO WE WOULD BE PAYING RENTAL ASSISTNESS FOR NOT BE ABLE TO QUALIFY FOR THE 426 MILLION THAT WE GET UNDERNEATH THE CARES ACT.
AM I CORRECT IN THAT UNDERSTANDING?
>> ON THE POLICY SIDE LEGAL SIDE.
WE'RE FOLLOWING A TRUMP MODEL UNDER THE CARES ACT THEY GAVE OUT TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS.
WE'RE FOLLOWING AS YOU MADE REFERENCE TO KEENE COUNTY MODEL.
WE'RE FOLLOWING THE LOS ANGELES MODEL.
WE'RE FOLLOWING THE AUSTIN MODEL.
THAT'S A POLICY DECISION BECAUSE THE STATISTICS TO EXPERTS HAVE SHOWN THE BEST WAY TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES THESE INDIVIDUALS AND HELP THE ECONOMY IS TO DIRECT PAYMENTS TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS.
IT'S ONE OF THOSE FEW TIMES WE ASK PELOSI OR TRUMP.
BUT THE CARES ACT AUSTIN, L.A.
STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA; IT'S BEEN SHOWN THAT IS THE BEST WAY TO HAVE THE MOST IMPACT.
>> DO WE AGREE WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP.
>> COMMISSIONER I BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAID IS ACCURATE.
I THINK THAT'S CORRECT CHARGESIZATION.
IF I CAN GO TO THE POINT WE WERE DISCUSSING BEFORE.
EAST IN MY VERSION BOTTOM OF PAGE FOUR.
HAS THE 10% LIMITATION ON WHAT SOME RECIPIENTS WILL RECEIVE.
>> SO 5% WHICH WOULD BE THE FEE TO RENNAE'S ORGANIZATION AND THEN WE PAY UP TO 10% OUT OF WHATEVER NUMBER WE CHOOSE AND IN THIS INSTANCE WE DISCUSS 30 MILLION THAT WOULD GO TO THE SUBS.
>> MY NEXT QUESTION COMES TO WHAT MY COLLEAGUES SAID HE WAS NOT TO CALL IT THE LOTTERY IN THAT MODEL OF IF YOU MEET THIS SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX CRITERIA, YOU GET TWO TICKETS INSTEAD OF ONE TICKET TO A I MRI FOR THE RANDOMIZED SELECTION PROCESS.
>> WHO MAKES THE DECISION ON NOW MANY TICKET YOU GET TO LOTTERY.
IS THAT SOMEWHERE IN THIS CONTRACT? OR IS THAT SOMETHING THAT OUR NONPROFITS ARE GOING TO DECIDE.
WHO IS MAKINGĆĀ --ĆĀ WHO IS MAKING THE CHOICE OUT MANY TICKETS A PERSON GETS TO THE LOTTERY.
>> ITS GOING TO BE CONTRACT COMMISSIONER HAS LANGUAGE.
THE DETERMINATION IN AN INSTANCE WILL BE MADE BY THE FOUNDATION.
AND THE SUBRECIPIENT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION.
AND I THINK THAT GOES BACK TO COMMISSIONER RADACK'S QUESTION ABOUT INSURANCE.
>> IF THEY CHOOSE TO USE A SET OF CRITERIA NOT PERMISSIBLE UNDER THE LAW.
I'M SURE THEY WOULD TRY TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO NOT BE DISCRIPPLE DISCRIMINATION.
IT'S IMPORTANT WE HAVE INSURANCE IN THE PROCESS IF WE WILL BE IN THOSE FUNDS.
DO YOU SEE LIABILITY IF THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN DISCRIMINATION MANNER? .
>> KNOW THE FOUNDATION'S ROLE IN THIS TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE THE REPORTING AND TO REVIEW WHAT'S OCCURRING UNDER THE STANDARD THAT WE HAVE IN THE CONTRACT.
>> AND WHO WOULD BE LIABLE IF IT WAS FOUND TO BE A DISRIMINATORY OR REVERSE
[01:05:05]
DISCRIMINATION DISTRIBUTION?>> THE CLAIM WOULD GO AGAINST THE COUNTY.
YOU ALWAYS HAVE A POSSIBILITY OF THE LAWSUIT.
THAT HARRIS COUNTY'S POLICIES ARE WITH REGARD TO DISTRIBUTION AS AN EXAMPLE OF FLOOD BOND RELIEF MONEY.
HAS BEEN DISRIMINATORY OVER THE YEARS.
I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD GET ANYWHERE.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, COLLEEN, THESE ARE POLICY DECISIONS.
YOU KNOW I'M SURE ALL RAISED A GOOD FAITH.
I HOPE THIS IS A PROGRAM THAT YOU CAN SUPPORTED AND I'M PREPARED TO DISCUSS WITH YOU AND GET THRILL.
AT SOME POINT WITH THE PAIN GOING OUT.
THESE ARE BEST PRACTICES WHICH ARE BEING UTILIZED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY.
THAT QUITE HONESTLY IS STARKLY HAVE HAD MORE OF A SENSITIVITY TO OUR MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS.
THEN WE AS A COUNTY HAVE HAD IN THE PAST.
IF IT WASN'T A PROBLEM FOR KEENE COUNTY BUT L.A.
COUNTY, IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR AUSTIN RIGHT NOW.
FOR BARE COUNTY, IF WE GET SUED WE WILL BE IN GOOD COMPANY.
AND I THINK WE'LL HAVE A GOOD VIGOROUS DEFENSE.
>> TOWARD YOUR COMMENT, TO THE EXTENT IF WE MADE THIS AS RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM WHERE WE CAN DIRECTLY IMPACT LANDLORDS.
REDUCE THE FEES, REDUCE THE ADMINISTRATION, AND BE ABLE TO UTILIZE THE CARES ACT FUNDING, THEN I'M VERY HAPPY WITH THAT TYPE OF A COMPROMISE.
BUT WHERE WE ARE GOING TO TAKE PROPERTY TAX PAYERS FUNDS WHICH ARE NOT REIMBURSABLE AND PART OF THE CARES ACT AND SPEND THERE'S.
I HAVE VERY, VERY SERIOUS QUESTIONS.
>> I RESPECT THE REASONABLE MINDS CAN DISAGREE.
YOU WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY WITH THE CARES ACT MONEY BY THE WAY TO SPEND SOME OF THAT ON UTILITY ASSISTANCE.
TO BE HONEST WITH YOU I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR SUPPORT.
I HAD MY STAFF DIG ON THE MODEL.
I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU WHAT THEY FOUND.
IT SAYS NUMBER ONE DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO GET FUNDS TO PEOPLE WHO NEED THEM AS EVIDENCE BY FEDERAL CARES ACT AND ALL OF THESE OTHER PLACES THAT CAME TO THAT CONCLUSION.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS IS THAT WHEN FOLKS HAVE FUNDS AS FAR AS DIRECT ALLOCATIONS THEY INVEST IN THEIR MOST BASIC NEEDS FOOD HOUSING MEDICINE BUT THEY ALSO INVEST MORE IN THE ECONOMY.
WE'RE TRYING TO HELP THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.
DO PEOPLE ACTUALLY USE IT FOR THEIR NEEDS OR DO THEY SPEND IT ON THINGS THEY DON'T ACTUALLY NEED.
AND THE STUDIES SHOW THAT TEST TRANSFERS CAN LEAD TO BETTER HEALTH.
IT SAID THAT RESEARCHERS WHO RECEIVED CASH TRANSFERS HAD THE SAME IMPROVEMENT IN NUTRITION AND CHILD CARE, CHILD HEALTH MEASURE AS THOSE WHO RECEIVE FOOD.
THOSE WHO RECEIVED CASH HAD HIGHER DIDN'T SPEND MORE ON TOBACCO OR ALCOHOL.
THEY ALSO HAD PROGRAM IN KENYA ALSO LED TOWN CREASE IN HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION.
STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT MORE LIKELY TO IMPROVE SECURITY.
PROGRAM SAID THAT THE SAME THING TRANSFER DURING EMERGENCY CAN HELP SAFEGUARDLYING STANDARD AMONG POOR AND VERY POOR RESIDENTS.
THIS WAS SOMETHING A STUDY THEY DID DURING NUTRITIONAL EMERGENCY THERE.
11 STUDIES FROM AFRICA, ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA FIND ON AVERAGE CASH TRANSFERS HAVE
[01:10:02]
SIGNIFICANT NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON THE TYPE OF PATIENT.PEOPLE SPENT MORE OF THEIR INCOME ON FOOD, MEDICINE, ET CETERA.
NOBEL PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS FOR PROVING THE VALUE OF THE CASH PAYMENT APPROACH.
OF A SURVEY OF ECONOMIST 84% PAYMENT INCREASE WELFARE THAN IN KIND CASH VALUE.
THERE'S PLENTY OF WORLD RESEARCH ON IT.
THERE'SĆĀ --ĆĀ I GET WHY THE FEDS DID THIS.
THERE'S SO MUCH RESEARCH TO SUGGEST THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY GET FOLKS TO SPENDĆĀ --ĆĀ NOT ONLY ACTUALLY IN PRACTICE FOLKS SPEND THE MONEY ON WHAT THEY MOST NEED.
AND IT MAY THEY NEED FOOD MORE THAN THEY NEED A HOME.
BECAUSE THEY CAN GO LIVE WITH THEIRSITIONER OR FAMILY MEMBER.
BUT HELPS STIMULATE THE ECONOMY WHICH IS WHAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW.
THE LANDLORDS DON'T HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN EVICTED.
AND FORCED TO LEAVE THEIR HOME.
AND SOME ARE REFUSING THE PAYMENT ESPECIALLY IF THEY HAVE TO COMMIT NOT TO EVICT A TENANT.
THE RESEARCH SHOWS I ROUTE WE TAKE IS IF ROUTE THAT WORKS.
>> JUDGE, JUST REMINDER THAT WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS.
AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS THANKS FOR BRING THING FORWARD.
MAYBE RENNAE CAN HELP ADDRESS THESE.
ONE ON THE RANDOMIZED WHICH I SUPPORT THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX THE QUESTION IS HOW CLOSE DO YOU GET TO STUDYING BETWEE SOMEONE WHO IS JUST IN THE INDEX AND SOMEONE JUST OUT.
HOW DOES THEĆĀ --ĆĀ HOW DOES YOUR PROCESS END UP CONFLICTING OR ADDRESSING THOSE DECISIONS ABOUT HOW THE SELECTION PROCESS OCCURS.
>> THE CURRENT THINKING ABOUT THE RANDOMIZATION PROCESS IS AS YOU SUGGESTED EVERYONE GET A RANDOM NUMBER.
THE DATA ANALYSIS THAT WE WILL HAVE COMPLETED WILL LOOK AT THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX.
THE ACTUAL EVICTION DATA FROM HARRIS COUNTY.
AND UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS. I LAYER THE THREE DATA POINT ACROSS THE HARRIS COUNTY CENSUS TRACKS AND DETERMINE THE TOP 25 OR 30 MOST VULNERABLE CENSUS TRACKS AND TO PROVIDE WAITING TO THOSE PEOPLE.
USING A CENSUS TRACK THE ACCORDING TO RESEARCH IS MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO LOOK AT WHERE VULNERABLE PEOPLE ARE.
WE BELIEVE BY LAYERING THOSE THREE DATA POINTS, ON TOP OF ALSO A FOURTH BY THE KR THE VOVID CASES ARE.
YOU ENCOMPASS MULTIPLE LAYERS OF VULNERABLE.
THERE'S MORE WAITING GIVEN TO BE PERSONS.
THAT DOESN'T EXCLUDE THAT OTHERS ALSO WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
REMEMBER THAT THEĆĀ --ĆĀ BECAUSE YOU HAVE TWO-PART PROCESS, IN THE FIRST PART OF THE PROCESS THE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION ARE WORKING WITH VULNERABILITY.
THOSE PEOPLE WILL GO BEYOND THOSE SOCIAL VULNERABLY CENSUS TRACK.
INCLUDE FROM ALL DIFFERENT ASPECT.
BUT IN THE SECOND PART WHERE YOU REALLY HAVE TO MAKE VERY, VERY DIFFICULT DECISIONS, BECAUSE YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE APPLYING, THIS IS THE TYPE OF PROCESS THAT DOES PRIORITY EQUITY.
IN THE FIRST PART OF THE PROCESS THAT WAITING WON'T BE USED.
BUT IN THE SECOND PART IT WILL BE.
>> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WE ORIGINALLY TALK ABOUT COMMISSIONER HAVING A ROLE IN THIS.
I HAVEN'T HEARD YOU MENTION HER.
ON ADVISORY BOARD THE COMMITTEE WHATEVER IT IS.
[01:15:05]
>> WE'LL HAVE ADVISORY BOARD OF BOARD MEMBERS.
WE'RE HAPPY TO INCLUDE WENDY REPRESENTING THE COUNTY.
>> LASTLY, YOU KNOW WE'RE PROUD THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS ALSO DONE THEIR EFFORT.
I WANT TO MAKE SLUR THAT WE'RE CAREFUL TO NOT ALLOW TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE OR PEOPLE TO HAVE TWO BITES OF THE APPLE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE INCLUDE AN AMENDMENT TO THIS.
SO THAT WE ARE LEARNING OVER BAKER RIPLEY'S DALTA BASE SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT RENNAE AND HER TEAM CAN DEFLECT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN HELPED BY THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
>> I CAN'TĆĀ --ĆĀ SOMETHING ABOUT YOU COULD NOT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE CITY'S PROGRAM.
I DON'T WANT TO GIVEĆĀ --ĆĀ HIM GIVE ME SOMETHING THAT I DON'T HAVE HIS MASK ON.
I WILL SAY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
THE QUESTION OF WHETHER OR NOT HE CAN GET ORGANIZATION DATABASE IS SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT.
THEY MAY HAVE PRIVACY CONCERN REGARDING THAT.
THAT'S NOT SOMETHING I CAN COMMIT TO BEOUT US HAVING HAD THE CONVERSATIONS.
>> IT'S IN EXHIBIT A SECTION D.
>> I DON'T HAVE THE NUMBERS IN THE CONTRACT.
>> THE SECOND TO THE >> I'M SORRY.
I WOULD LIKEĆĀ --ĆĀ WOULD ASK ARTORO TO MAKE SURE THAT IS ISN'T AN ISSUE OF PRIVACY AS RENNAE ALLUDED TO THAT YOU WORK OUT THE DETAILS TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS AS WELL AS POSSIBLE.
ROBERT, DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO SAY EARLIER?
I WANTED TO GET THE CONVERSATION BACK ON TRACK.
BECAUSE ONE OF THE MAJOR CONCERNS THAT THE ATTORNEYS HAVE AS WE WORK THROUGH THIS IDEA OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS TO UNQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS AND ARTORO CAN YOU EXPLAIN BRIEFLY THAT FEDERAL LAW.
FEDERAL LAW APPLIES REGARDING THE SOURCE OF FUNDING WHETHER IT'S LOCAL FUNDS OR FEDERAL FUNDS, JUST SO THAT WE'RE ALL CLEAR ON WHAT THIS IS ATTEMPTING TO ACCOMPLISH.
CERTAINLY THE CONTRACT WAS WRITTEN IN A WAY TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAWS THAT WOULD SHOW INTENT OF THE PARTY FROM IF FOUNDATION AND THE COUNTIES.
ARTORO, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT PLEASE, SIR.
THIS IS WE WILL FIND THE LANGUAGE IN EXHIBIT A.
AND IT PROVIDES FOR A BROAD RANGE OF ABILITIES AND SO ON.
THE OPERATIVE LANGUAGE FOR WHAT THE RECIPIENTS THE LANGUAGE THAT PROCEEDS IN SHORT-TERM NONCASH INCOME.
>> WE'RE STARTING TO HAVE THAT SOUND PROBLEM AGAIN.
>> I'M GETTING A MESSAGE TO YOU FROM TECH FOLKS THAT SOMEONE CAN JUST MAKE SURE YOUR HAVE ALL YOUR MICS ON MUTE WHEN YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING.
I THINK WE'RE GETTING FEEDBACK IS PART OF THE PROBLEM.
GET A LITTLE BIT CLOSER TO MICROPHONE.
THE LANGUAGE THAT ADDRESSES WHAT MR.ĆĀ SOARD IS EXHIBIT A IN SECTION ONE.
IT PROVIDES FOR A BROAD RANGE OF USES FOR THE FUND.
MORTGAGES, UTILITIES, FOOD, ET CETERA.
THE ONLYĆĀ --ĆĀ OPERATIVE LANGUAGE IT FOR SHORT-TERM IN-KIND EMERGENCY DISASTER RELIEF.
THAT'S EXPRESSLY PERMITTED BY THE FEDERAL STATUE.
[01:20:11]
WE HAVE THAT LANGUAGE IN THERE.THAT'S WHAT THE FOUNDATION WILL BE OPERATING UNDER IN TERMS OF THE LIMITATIONS IN WHAT IT DOES.
JOINING INCLUDING GIFT CARDS, DISBURSEMENTS AND OTHER RELIEF.
>> IF THEY ARE GOING FOR THIRD PARTIES TO PAY FOR GOODS OR SERVICES, THERE'S A WIDE RANGE IN TERMS OF HOW THAT WORKS.
WE WILL TAKE THE SPEAKERS NOW.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.
I HAVE ONE FAMILY THAT HAS TWO HOUSEHOLDS.
MOST OF THEM LOST THEIR HOURS.
THEY ARE IN DIRE STRAIT AND THEY NEED ASSISTANCE.
I HOPE THAT SINCE I'M TALKING ABOUT ITEMS 17 ON THE COVID-19 RELIEF PROGRAM.
THE SECOND FAMILY I WOULD LIKE TO SINGLE FAMILY.
AND IT'S VERY CHALLENGING IN THAT SITUATION.
AS AN EDUCATOR, IT'S DIFFICULT TO TEACH THEM WHEN THERE ARE SOME WITHIN THE FAMILY.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
I WOULD LIKE ASK THE ECONOMYINGER APPROVE THE 15 MILLION RELIEF FUND FOR IMMIGRATION ILLEGAL DENSE.
IT WILL BE GREAT FINANCIAL HELP THOSE ARE THAT SUFFERING.
I'M WITH FAITH AND JUSTICE WORK CENTER.
WE HAVE SEEN MANY CALLS THAT DON'T QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT OR STIMULUS CHECK.
THEY ARE ABLE TO A235 DOMESTIC WORKERS.
IMAGINE IF THE GRANT APPROVED FAITH AND JUSTICE WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO HELP THE LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY.
FAITH AND JUSTICE HAVE PROVIDED EQUIPMENT TO LOW INCOME WORKER.
BUT THE REALITY IS THAT COMMUNITY NEEDS TO DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
WE AS THE ORGANIZATION CANNOT PROVIDE.
IF THE FUNDS ARE APPROVED WE WILL BE ABLE TO HELP PEOPLE FROM LOSING THEIR HOMES AND CARS DUE TO LATE PAYMENT.
WE WILL STOP FAMILY FROM PAY THEIR RENT OR FEED THEIR CHILDREN.
WE BEEN WORKING TO PROVIDE NEED TO HIGH I WILL VULNERABLE COMMUNITY.
WHAT WE HAVE FOUND IS UPSETTING.
THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS UNEMPLOYED AND DIDN'T QUALIFY IN NEED OF FOOD BUT NOT AT LOU IN FOOD DISTRIBUTION BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE VEHICLES TO DRIVE BY AND POP THEIR TRUNKS LIKE MOST REQUIRE.
THEY ARE NEED RENTAL ASSISTANCE LACK OF INTERNET.
NOT ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE FUNDS.
[01:25:03]
WE NEED MORE FUNDS.COMMUNITIES ARE SUFFERING AND THE MANY OF THESE BASIC NEED ARE NOT BEING MET.
THE MORE TIME PASSES BY THE WORSE EXPERIENCE GET.
IT'S TIME WE TACKLE WITH ISSUE WITH EQUITY.
WITH HOUSTON BEING ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE CITY THIS MEANS THAT EACH COMMUNITY HAS A DIFFERENT KIND OF NEED.
AND WE CAN NO LONGER GENERALIZE.
WE HAVE BEEN WORKING DIRECTLY ALL THE 33HUBS OF DAY LABORER AND DOMESTIC WORKER MOSTLY MADE UP OF HOUSE KEEPERS AND NANNIES.
THIS ENTIRE COMMUNITY GROUP IS EITHER MADE UP OF UNDOCUMENTED MEMBERS OR MIXED STATUS FAMILY.
THEY DO NOT QUALIFY FOR BENEFITS AND HAVE HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR TWO MONTHS NOW.
THESE ARE THOSE HIT WITH THE BARRIER FOR ANY KIND OF ASSISTANCE.
WITH YOUR HELP COMMISSIONER THIS COULD CHANGE.
I'M SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF TM GOLD.
WE WANT YOU TO CONSIDER GIVING THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF THE COVID-19.
WE WANT YOU TO CONSIDER THAT IN OTHER COUNTIES THIS HAS BEEN DONE AND WE BELIEVE THAT THE RENTAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS TO BE AROUND 100 MILLION DOLLARS.
THESE ARE SOME OF THE MOST VULNERABLE FAMILIES THAT ARE ON THE BRINK OF EVICTION, MANY ARE IMMIGRANT FAMILIES SOME WITH MIXED FAMILY STATUS.
AND THESE FUNDS NEED TO BE RELEASED FAST.
WE SAW WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE CITY'S FUND THEY WENT WITHIN A MATTER OF TWO HOURS.
AND SOME OF THESE FAMILIES ARE NOT JUST DEALING WITH THE VULNERABILITY OF RENTAL PAY BUT ALSO UTILITY AND OTHER BILLS.
WE WOULD ASK THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER DOING YOUR BEST TO GIVE AS MUCH AS NEEDED AND WE BELIEVE IT'S 100 MILLION NEEDED AND IF THE MONEY THAT YOU ALLOCATE, WE WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU COULD CONSIDER DOING IT THROUGH THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WHICH WILL USE MINISTRIES AND THOSE SET UP IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ALREADY ARE CLOSE TO PEOPLE ON THE GROUND SO THAT THIS CAN BE DISTRIBUTED IN A VERY EQUITABLE FASHION.
WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL BE VERY THOUGHTFUL IN THIS AND THAT YOU WILL DO WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP THESE FAMILIES THAT ARE IN DESPERATE NEED OF THIS VITAL RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO PUT BEFORE YOU TODAY.
NEXT WE HAVE JENNIFER HERNANDEZ BE PAINTER UNIT.
I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON THE COVID-19 FUND.
SUPPORT EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT EVICTION PROCEEDING UNTILIALĆĀ --ĆĀ UNTIL JULY 25TH.
TRADE SHOW MEMBERS WHO ARE AT THE CONVENTION SHOW INDUSTRIES.
COVID-19 HAS STRIPPED THE LIVELIHOOD OF MEMBERS.
MANY WITHOUT JOBS FURLOUGHS AND THERE'S NO EXPECTATION ON WHEN THEY WILL RETURN BACK TO WORK.
LAST THURSDAY THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT ENDED ORDER TO EVICTION PROCEEDINGS ACROSS THE STATE AND PUTTING THOUSANDS AT THE LOSS IN JEOPARDY OF LOSING THEIR HOMES BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
WORKER HAVE THE BEST INTENTION.
AND I KNOW OUR MEMBERS THAT WE REPRESENT WANT TO PAY THEIR RENT THEIR UTILITY AND HAVE FOOD ON THE TABLE.
BECAUSE OF NO WORK THEY HAVE FORCED TO MAKE HARD CHOICES.
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY TO PASS THE FUND THAT WOULD PUT MONEY IN THE POCKET OF WORKERS.
SECONDLY CALL ON YOU TO ENCOURAGE THE JUSTICES TO EXTEND EVICTION UNTIL JULY
[01:30:01]
25TH.BUT IT'S LEFT TOO MANY PEOPLE OUT IN THE COLD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE AND ONLY PROTECTED PEOPLE LIVING IN FEDERALLY BACKED PROPERTY THROUGH JULY 25TH.
THOSE LEFT BEHIND BY THE CARES ACT NEED TO BE PROTECTED DURING THIS CRISIS.
PLEASE PASS ASSISTANCE FUND TODAY AND CALL ON 16 HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE TO EXTEND THE EVICTION PROCEEDINGS UNTIL JULY 25TH.
THANKS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
>> PASSING OF COVID-19 RELIEF FUND.
WE UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THAT BECAUSE THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT LOOK AT MORATORIUM MANY OF THE FAMILIES OR GOING TO BE AT RISK OF EVICTION.
AND SO YOU KNOW IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE ALSO ASKING THAT AS YOU AREĆĀ --ĆĀ AS IT'S BEING CONSIDERED TO MAKE CONSIDER OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROGRAM DESIGNED.
WE ARE ASKING THAT IN THE PROCESS OF THIS PROGRAM DESIGN THAT IMPACTED COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE A PART OF THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS.
FOR HOW THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED.
FOR FAR TOO LONG THOSE WITH POLITICAL POWER OR ACCESS TOĆĀ --ĆĀ HAVE BEEN THE ONES MAKING UP THE RULE.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT AS THE FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED AND DISTRIBUTED IT'S DONE IN INTENTIONAL MANNER THAT BENEFIT THOSE MOST IMPACTED.
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION, AND PUBLIC SECTOR INDUSTRIES.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GO ON LABOR SUPPORTING COVID-19 RELIEF FUND AND ALSO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POSTPONEMENT OF EVICTION PROCEEDINGS IN HARRIS COUNTY UNTIL JULY THE 25TH.
FIRST WE APPLAUD THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO DRAFT ASSISTANCE FUND FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AND WE HOPE THIS ASSISTANCE WILL BE DONE IN AN EXPEDITIOUS MANNER.
THE EVICTION PROCEEDINGS SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED SOON TO RELIEF SENIOR.
YESTERDAY THE END OF THE EVICTION MORATORIUM FROM THE STATE.
THEY HAVE A HARD TIME FINDING NEW PLACES TO RENT AND LATER RUN INTO TROUBLE TRYING TO GET APARTMENTS OR MORTGAGES LATER.
LANDLORDS ALSO HAVE TO PAY FOR LEGAL FEES WHEN EVICTING AS WELL AS THE COST OF HAVING AN APARTMENT WITHOUT TENANT.
LET'S NOT ADD TO OUR HOMELESSNESS NUMBERS.
MATCH PROTECTION WITH THOSE PROVIDED BY THE CARES ACT.
JUDGE NEXT WE HAVE ZOE MIDDLETON WITH TEXAS HOUSERS.
>> HELLO, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE OBVIOUSLY THOUGHT AND CARE THAT WENT INTO THE PROGRAM DESIGN INCLUDING THE TARGETING WE'VE SEEN SEVERAL ISSUE WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON'S PROGRAM AND THE CENSUS ON SPEED OVER TARGETING.
THEY HAVE LIMITED POT OF FUNDS IT'S REALLY ESSENTIAL.
I WANT TO SEEK IN SUPPORT OF INCREASE FROM 15 MILLION DO 30 MILLION FIRST OF ALL.
THE REGIONAL MONTHLY RENT AROUND 1,100.
AND WE'RE ALREADY IN THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRICES.
TO THE EXTENT WE CAN GET EXPENDITURE.
EXTENT WE CAN INCREASE THE FUNDS IT WILL REALLY IMPACT A LOT OF HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS.
AND THEY ALSO WANT TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING INDIRECT FINANCIAL
[01:35:03]
ASSISTANCE BY THE JUDGE ALLUDED CERTAINLY A BEST PRACTICE INTERNATIONALLY.THEY CATCH UP IN THE UNITED STATES.
ADDRESS THE NEED OF THE SOCIAL VULNERABILITY INDEX.
I KNOW YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE FLOOD BOND.
WE TALKED ABOUT HOW IT IS CREATED FOR DISASTER.
IT WAS ALSO CREATED BY THE CDC IN CASE OF DISEASE.
KNOW USING THIS AS ONE OF MANY METRICS WILL HELP US ENSURE THIS MONEY GOES TO WHERE IT'S NEEDED AND FINALLY, I WILL JOIN MY PARTNERS IN MOVEMENT ON CALLING FOR AN ORDER TO SUSPEND EVICTION FOR FEDERAL PROTECTION AND CARES ACT.
MANY JUDGES THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY RESETTING DOCKET AND ISSUING CITATIONS STARTING TODAY WHICH MEANS THAT PEOPLE COULD BE IN COURT NEXT WEEK AND OUT OF THEIR HOMES WITHIN 7 TO 20 DAYS.
HERNANDEZ WITH TMO AND SAINT CATHOLIC CHURCH.
THANKS FOR THE TIME TO TALK TO YOU TO SHARE MY IDEAS WITH YOU.
OUR PARISH SERVES MORE THAN 6,000 PEOPLE.
THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE LOW-INCOME FAMILY.
IN FACT WE HAVE MORE THAN 1,000 CHILDREN IN RELIGIOUS PROGRAM.
MANY OF THEM ARE POOR FAMILIES WORKER BUT DURING THIS PANDEMIC THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK SO ARE NOT ABLE TO PATE RENT OR UTILITY.
FIRST GIVEN THE NEED WE ARE ADVOCATING RELIEF OF 100 MILLION.
WE THINK THAT 30 MILLION RELIEF FUND IS NOT ENOUGH.
WE SAW WHAT HAPPEN HOUSTON LAST WEEK.
WILL NEEDS TO BE MORE MONEY FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
THIS FUNDING MUST GO TO FAMILIES WITH A GREATEST NEEDS.
LOW INCOME AND PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T GET A STIMULUS CHECK.
THE SECOND WE CANNOT HAVE PEOPLE EVICTED FROM THEIR HOMES BEFORE THE RELIEF PROGRAM HAS BEEN STARTED.
WE DEVELOPED A JUDGE IN THE GP IN DOLLARS.
COUNTY HAVE AGREED NOT TO SET HEARING BEFORE JUNE 15TH.
WHY WANT WE DO THE SAME IN HARRIS COUNTY.
LET ME TELL YOU, EVEN IN THE OTHER RELIGIONS THE IDEA FOR HUMAN TO CREATE A SOCIETY IN FACT, THE PERSON CAME TO MY MIND HE DID NOT ASK ANYTHING.
ONE OF THEMES OF THE AMERICANS.
TAKE CARE OF THE MOST NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY.
RICH AND POWERFUL CAN TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.
PLEASE, PLEASE A LOT MORE MONEY FOR RELIEF FUND.
SYMPTOM EVICTION UNTIL THE CORONAVIRUS IS FINISHED.
THE LORD MAY GUIDE YOU TO COUNTY JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONERS.
REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR MIC ON MUTE WHEN YOU ARE SPEAKING.
THERE'S SOME BACKGROUND NOISE THERE.
[01:40:27]
INTERPRETER HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, JUDGE.WE NEED TO WAIT FOR THE INTERPRETER.
YOU LET ME KNOW WHEN THE INTERPRETER IS ON THE LINE.
I WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT THE URGENCY TO FUND THE 30 MILLION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.
THE PANDEMIC HAS HIT THE MOST VULNERABLE COUNTIES IN HARRIS COUNTY.
MANY HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS AND HAVE NO INCOME.
THEY DON'T HAVE MONEY TO PAY FOR RENT.
THANKS TO PRESIDENT TRUMP THE FAMILIES DIDN'T QUALIFY TO RECEIVE MONEY.
EVERY DAY I GET CALLS FROM COMMUNITY.
SOMETIMES THE LINES TOO LONG AT COMMUNITY CENTER.
MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO RECEIVE A BAG OF FOOD TO FEED THEIR FAMILY.
FAMILY WITH FOOD FOR DISABILITIES CAN'T AFFORD MEDICAL AT THIS POINT.
THE PARENTS CAN NOT PAY THEIR INTERNET.
THERE KIDS CAN'T TURN IN HOMEWORK OR JOIN IN VIRTUAL MEETINGS WITH THEIR TEACHER.
MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS DROP OUT OF SCHOOL BECAUSE THEY DON'T QUALIFY.
I AM HERE TODAY TO URGE YOU TO VOTE YES.
REGARDLESS OF COLOR, RACE, BACKGROUND OR IMMIGRATION STATUS.
I'M UNDOCUMENTED WOMAN EVER SINCE I STARTED WORKING AT AGE OF 16.
IN THE FAMILIES LIKE MINE PAY 742 IN TAXES AND 48 MILLION IN TAXES.
THE PEOPLE THAT ARE LEAVING IN MOMENT OF URGENCY DURING THIS CRISIS.
THEY NEED OFFICIALS TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION TODAY.
TOUGH TO SOME OF YOU CARE MORE ABOUT LANDLORDS AND PERCENTAGES RATHER THAN TO THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE HERE.
I WANT TO CLARIFY PEOPLE APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE DO NOT RECEIVE CASH IN HAND.
THEY WILL BE EVICTED FROM HOME IF THEY DON'T PAY RENT.
CHILDREN THAT GO TO BED WITH EMPTY STOMACH.
I CALL ON YOUR GOOD JUDGMENT TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE TODAY.
>> SABRINA PEREZ WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.
22 LATINO STUDENT ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON.
I COME BEFORE YOU TODAY TO SPEAK ABOUT MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE THAT PARALLELS THAT OF MANY OTHER YOUNG HOUSTONIAN.
AS A COLLEGE STUDENT THAT LIVES OFF CAMPUS AND INDEPENDENTLY I WAS WORRIED ABOUT HOW I WOULD PAY OFF MY TUITION FOR THIS SEMESTER AND HOW I WOULD PAY FOR UTILITIES AND RENT.
EVEN WHEN I WAS EMPLOYED WHILE ATTENDING SCHOOLIST LIVING PAYCHECK TO
[01:45:02]
PAYCHECK.I FOUND EXPLOIT THROUGH THE U.S.
BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO EVEN RECEIVE TRAINING THE CENSUS DECIDED LIKE MUCH OF THE NATION THAT THE THREAT OF THE VIRUS TOO GREAT TO RESUME IN PERSON AND ON THE GROUNDWORK.
I FOUND MYSELF IN PANIC LIKE MANY OTHERS.
MY WORK HAS BEEN CANCELLED HOWEVER MY RENT WEREN'T.
I DON'T QUALIFY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT.
AND EXCLUDED FROM THE RELIEF PACKAGE.
TWO MONTHS LATER NOTHING HAS CHANGE.
I'M STILL UNEMPLOYED DUE TO VIRUS.
DISQUALIFIED FROM BENEFITTING BENEFIT AND RENT AND UTILITY ARE DUE ON THE FIRST.
AS FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT I WAS TOLD GOING INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION WOULD BE THE SAFEST AND BEST STEP TO ENSURE SECURE FUTURE FOR MY SELF-.
OUR FUTURE ARE DERAILED AND WE ARE EXPECTED TO SACRIFICE SAFETY HEALTH TO SAVE THE ECONOMY.
THE SAME MESSAGE SENT TO ME AS RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY.
ELECTED OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN PRACTICING WAIT LIST WHILE HOUSTONIAN SUCH AS SUFFERING GREAT NEED.
I WOULD EXPERIENCING HOMELESS HUNGER AND POTENTIAL TO THE VIRUS WHICH MANY.
ALTHOUGH I'M PERSONALLY EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP DURING THIS TIME I'M FORTUNATE TO HAVE A ROOF OVER MY HEAD AND FOOD TO EAT.
SAME CAN'T BE SAID FOR MANY DURING TIME.
THE COUNTY HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH MONEY TO PROVIDE UTILITY AND RENT RELIEF.
THE COUNTY HAS A POWER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL THE RESIDENT AND POWER TO EXTEND EVICTION.
HOWEVER WE HAVE SEEN THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS CHOSEN TO AIR ON THE SIDE OF SUPPOSED RENT.
AS YOUNG I URGE YOU SUPPORT PUBLIC FUND PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED FINANCIAL RELIEF TO VULNERABLE COUNTY RESIDENT WHO ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN FUNDS.
INTERPRETER YOU'RE A LITTLE BIT FAR FROM THE MIC IF YOU WILL GET CLOSER.
WE CAN'TĆĀ --ĆĀ YOU SOUND VERY FAR AWAY.
THE LOUDER YOU CAN BE CLOSER TO MICROPHONE THE BETTER.
I WANTED TO SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT MY SITUATION.
I THEY ARE NOT WANTING TO GIVE ME MORE OPPORTUNITIES WHERE I LIVE.
[01:50:08]
LIKE I WAS SAYING ABOUT MY SITUATION I AMĆĀ --ĆĀ I'M A SINGLE MOTHER.
I HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS.
AND CONCREGATE AT THE ST. CHARLES PARISH.
THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE AVAILABLE HELP AND DID SCHEDULE FOR AN INTERVIEW AND I WENT TO THE INTERVIEW BUT THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE BECAUSE OF OUR SITUATION BECAUSE WE ARE IMMIGRANTS.
>> I WANTED KNOW AND SEE HOW I COULD HELP THE RENTĆĀ --ĆĀ DIFFICULTIES] I LIVE THERE AND PAY $500 A MONTH WITH THE BILLS I'M BEHIND THREE MONTHS WITH RENT AND I'M NOT BEGIN ANY MORE OPPORTUNITIES.
AND IF I NEED HELP, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HELP I COULD BE GIVEN TO SINGLE MOTHER LIKE MYSELF.
>> I WANTED TO KNOW HOW I COULD QUALIFY FOR THE HELP.
FOR THE HELP THAT'S OUT THERE.
AND I DON'T I DON'T HAVE A CAR.
I HAVE TO ASK FOR GIRLS TO DRIVE ME AROUND.
I AM BEHIND THREE MONTHS RENT.
THERE'S BILL INCLUDED IN THERE.
I WANTED TO SEE WHERE I COULD GET THE HELP FOR OTHER SINGLE MOTHERS LIKE MYSELF.
LUCINDA MAKE SURE IF WE HAVE ANY FUTURE SPANISH THAT THE INTERPRETER IS INTERPRETING
[01:55:15]
AND THAT THEIR CONNECTION IS ADEQUATE BEFORE WE CALL THEM UP.>> THE NEXT ONE WE HAVE SPANISH SPEAKER JOSLIN RAMOS WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.
>> WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE THE CONNECTION WITH THE INTERPRETER.
YOU MAKE SURE THE INTERPRETER IS STARTING AND STOPPING THE SPEAKER AT ADEQUATELY.
>> PLEASE WORK THAT OUT BEFORE WE CONTINUE WITH THE SPANISH SPEAKERS.
CAN YOU HEAR ME? GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
YES I'M WITH FAITH CITY CHURCH AND ALSO TMO.
AND ĆĀ --ĆĀ OUR CHURCH MEMBERSĆĀ --ĆĀ I WOULD LIKE TO JUST START BY FIRST ACKNOWLEDGING THAT MEASURES THAT YOU ARE ALL TAKING TO ENSURE THAT THE MOST VULNERABLE GET ASSISTANCE.
WE KNOW NOTHING WOULD HAVE PREPARED US TO LEAD AND NAVIGATE THROUGH THIS CRISIS.
WE ARE UNDERSTANDING AND MINDFUL OF OF HOW THINGS ARE.
I WANTED TO JUST BRING SOME CONCERNS THAT I HAVE AS A PASTOR BUT ALSO AT A LOCAL LEADER, WE HAVE RECEIVED A LOT OF REQUEST FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE NEEDING ASSISTANCE.
AND WE HAVE TO LOOK AT TRY TO ADDRESS IT'S NOT JUST BY FIXING THE ISSUE.
BUT TRYING TO MITIGATE EXACTLY AS POSSIBLE HOW IT COULD BE RESOLVED.
THIS CRISIS IS UNPRECEDENTED AND EFFECTED US ALL DIFFERENTLY.
ESPECIALLY THOSE MOST VULNERABLE.
MOST FAMILIES ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING FROM MY UNDERSTANDING.
JUST TALKING TO MANY PEOPLE THAT WERE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK, AS A RESULT THEY ARE IN MAJOR CRISIS.
THEY ARE NOT LAZY WELFARE DEPENDENT.
THEY ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE CITIZENS AND OTHERS WHO ARE IMMIGRANTS WHO ACTUALLY PAY TAXES LOCALLY IN THE COUNTY.
WE URGE THE COUNTY TO REALLY TAKE EXTREME MEASURES TO HELP.
THERE'S A GREAT NEED FOR US ON THE GROUND HEARING ABOUT THE NEW ESPECIALLY FOR FOOD SECURITY AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
THEN OF COURSE IT TRICKLES DOWN TO FOOD AND BEFORE YOU KNOW THEY ARE GOING TO BE EVICTED AS A RESULT BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS.
AND THE PROBLEM IS, THIS IS NOT DONE EFFECTIVELY WITH THE FOOD ISSUE AND THE EVICTION IT WILL LEAD TO THESE PEOPLE DOUBLING UP OR PUTTING UP A SMALL SPACE AND THAT WILL GO AGAINST THE ADVANCE WE HAVE FOR MANAGING THE COVID CRISIS.
NEEDLESS TO SAY, MOST OF THESE PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD INSURANCE.
THAT WILL CREATE A DISPROPORTIONATE DEMAND ON THE HEALTH SYSTEM.
WE ARE CONCERNED HOW LONG THE COUNTY IS TAKING TO RESOLVE AND IMPLEMENT THE FUNDS.
AND SO WE HAVE ASKED THE COUNTY MOVE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CALL.
>> SANTIAGO WITH MI-FAMILIA-BOTA.
I AM SANTIAGO AND THE COORDINATOR FOR MI-FAMILIA-BOTA.
WE PROMOTE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN THE LATIN COMMUNITY.
TODAY I URGE YOU TO PASS THE COVID 19 RELIEF FUND THAT WILL HELP THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION DURING THIS PANDEMIC.
DURING THIS PANDEMIC SOME OF THOSE SEVERELY IMPACTED BY THE HARDSHIPS OF THEIR
[02:00:03]
FAMILIES.SEVERAL STUDENTS LIVE IN MIXED STATUS FAMILIES AND BEING LEFT WITHOUT A STIMULUS CHECK.
SOME HAVE PARENTS WHO LOST A JOB AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS THAT ARE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL AND CONTINUED TO WORK.
OUR STUDENTS ARE IN A STAGE IN THEIR LIFE WHERE THEY WILL ATTEND COLLEGE AND THERE ARE SOME LONG-TERM NEEDS THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO ATTEND COLLEGE.
IT IS FORCING FAMILIES TO BE IMPACTED.
CHILDREN ARE FORCED TO ACT LIKE ADULTS AND TUTOR THEIR SIBLINGS WHILE PARENTS TRY TO FIND WORK TO OFFSET THE LOST INCOME.
FOR EXAMPLE, SOPHIA LIVES IN A MIXED STATUS HOUSEHOLD.
NO ONE IN HER FAMILY WAS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.
IT WILL HAVE IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES TO ARE HER FAMILY AS THEY HAVE TO PAY BILLS AND RENT, BUT ALSO LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES THAT MAKE IT HARD FOR THE COMMUNITY TO FLOURISH AND HAVE A QUALITY LIFE.
THEY WILL ENSURE ALL RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE HELP DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES.
I SUPPORT THE CREATION OF THE PUBLIC FUND TO PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE VULNERABLE HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN FEDERAL ASSISTANCE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> WHAT DO WE HAVE, DO YOU KNOW?
>> LINA HIDALGO: LOOKS LIKE ABOUT FIVE MORE, IS THAT RIGHT, LUCI IDA?
WE ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE INTERPRETER SO WE WILL HAVE TO GO BACK TO THEM LATER.
>> IF IT HELPS, JUDGE, I WILL SAY THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MOVE ADOPTION IF THEY WANT TO SHORTEN THEIR TESTIMONY BEFORE WE GO TO LUNCH.
IT IS UP TO THEM, BUT WE APPRECIATE THEIR INPUT.
UNLESS IT IS SOMEBODY THAT WANTS TO TESTIFY AGAINST THEM, I WILL JUST MOVE ADOPTION AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.
I JUST WANT THE SPEAKERS TO HEAR THAT.
>> IT DOES NOT STATE WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE FOR ORGANS THE ITEM -- FOR OR AGAINST THE ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEED TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE.
WE NEED TO GIVE EVERYBODY AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
SO LET'S JUST CALL THEM, LUCINDA.
RODRIGUEZ -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM NOT GETTING HUNGRY.
>> THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU TODAY.
I AM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSIONS AND SENIOR ADULTS AT CYPRESS METHODIST CHURCH AND SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION.
MY CHURCH IS LOCATED BETWEEN THREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ALL OF WHICH ARE TITLE 1 SCHOOLS.
THE PARTNERS AND NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS PRECINCTS 3 AND 4.
COMMISSIONER RADACK AND CAGLE, WE ARE THE COMMISSIONERS -- WE ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR PRECINCT.
IT IS COME PRIZED OF DOCUMENTED AND UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT FAMILIES WHO ARE LOW-WAGE EARNERS AND MANY ARE DOUBLED UP IN APARTMENTS SO THEY CAN HAVE A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE.
PRIOR TO THE STAY AT HOME ORDER MY CHURCH RECEIVED 10 TO 15 REQUESTS A WEEK FROM PEOPLE SEEKING EMERGENCY FUNDING.
WHEN BUSINESSES STARTED TO CLOSE DUE TO COVID-19, MANY PEOPLE WERE FURLOUGHED AND THEY LOST THEIR JOBS.
NOW MY CHURCH HAS HAD AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INCREASES TOEN -- TO 10 TO 15 PER DAY.
BEFORE COVID-19 PEOPLE ASKED FOR $300 TO $500 TO MEET THEIR FINANCIAL NEEDS.
NOW THEY ARE ASKING FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS AND BEYOND IN ORDER TO PAY FOR THEIR RENT AND FOR UTILITIES AND OTHER ESSENTIAL BILLS BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED A STIMULUS CHECK AND NOT APPROVED FOR UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE.
OUR COMMUNITY, THE CHURCHES AND THE NONPROFITS WORK TOGETHER TO APPEASE THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY NEED SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SAY IN THEIR HOMES.
NOW THE AMOUNT OF MONEY NEEDED IS SO GREAT THAT WE ARE UNABLE TO MEET THOSE NEEDS.
A MAJOR CONCERN OF OURS IS THAT THOSE SEEKING FINANCIAL RELIEF THIS MONTH WILL CONTINUE TO NEED ASSISTANCE IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS.
OUR SPECIFIC COMMUNITY IS LACKING THE RESOURCES TO SUPPORT PEOPLE SO THEY CAN DEAL WITH THIS FINANCIAL CRISIS.
RATHER THAN HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUT LOOKING FOR JOBS THEY WILL HAVE TO BALANCE FROM ONE ORGANIZATION TO THE NEXT LOOKING FOR FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO MEET THEIR IMMEDIATE NEEDS AS THE REBT COMES DUE AND THEY FACE EVICTION.
WE CAN NO LONGER CARRY THIS BURDEN ALONE.
NONPROFITS IN OUR AREA HAVE YET TO RECEIVE EXTRA FUNDING TO HELP SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY DURING THIS TIME.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT DOES NOT CONTINUE.
OUR COMMUNITY CANNOT BE FORGOTTEN.
WE HAVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE ASSISTED PEOPLE WITH FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR MANY YEARS.
[02:05:02]
AND WE ARE HOPING THAT THEY WILL BE INCLUDED AND THOSE THAT PARTNER WITH THE COUNTY TO BE ABLE TO HELP REACH THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.JUST BECAUSE BUSINESSES HAVE STARTED TO REOPEN DOES NOT MEAN THAT HAS CHANGED.
THINGS HAVE NOT GOTTEN BETTER.
PEOPLE ARE STILL LOSING THEIR JOBS.
PEOPLE ARE STILL OUT OF INCOME AND THEY ARE LEFT ALONE, SPIRALING INTO FINANCIAL PITS.
SO WE URGE YOU, COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE TO FIND MORE MONEY FROM THE CARES ACT AND FROM PRIVATE FUNDING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> NEXT WE HAVE JUDY MALONE STEIN WITH LOCAL 896.
GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.
I AM JUDY MALONE STEIN AND I AM THE BUSINESS AGENT OF IAGSC LOCAL 896, THE THEATRICAL WARDROBE UNION.
WE REPRESENT WARDROBE WORKERS FOR THE THEATER DISTRICT AND GAL -- GALVESTON.
WE HAVE STITCHERS AND MAKE UP ARTISTS AND SUPERVISORS AND PAINTERS AND CRAFT PEOPLE.
WE HAVE CONTRACTS WITH THE HOUSTON BALANCE -- BALLET AND HOUSTON GRAND OPERA AND BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA AND SOCIETY FOR THE PEARL FORMING -- PERFORMING ARTS.
OUR PERFORMANCES WERE CANCELED IN MARCH DUE TO COVID-19.
THERE IS NO SHOWS AND SO NO NEED FOR THE BACK STAGE WORKERS AND ALL THE PEOPLE I MENTIONED BEFORE.
NOW THEY HAVE NO INCOME AND LATE SUMMER AT THE EARLIEST.
PROBABLY NOT UNTIL THE WINTER.
THEY HAVE NO MEANS TO PAY FOR THIS RENT.
MANY ARE IN DANGER OF BEING EVICTED.
THERE IS CONCERN OF UNEMPLOYMENT.
I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO CALL ON YOU TO PASS AND FUND -- TO SUPPORT HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS.
MANY OF US ARE STILL STRAG -- STRUGGLING TO PERFORM BASIC NECESSITIES AND WE KNOW MANY OTHERS WERE NOT EL -- ELIGIBLE TO THE RELIEF OF THE CARES ACT.
IN LIGHT OF THE DECISION OF THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT TO BEGIN COVID-19 EVICTIONS I AM ALSO HERE TO ASK YOU TO ENCOURAGE HARRIS COUNTY JUSTICES OF THE PEACE TO SUSPEND EVICTION PROCEEDINGS.
THIS IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO AND WILL SAVE MANY PEOPLE FROM HOMELESSNESS DURING THIS CRISIS.
>> HI, I AM SEEKING -- WELL, PROBABLY AGAINST THIS.
I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH UTILIZING THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
I MEAN, YES, THE FEE HAS DROPPED FROM 7 TO 5%, I HEARD EARLIER, HOWEVER IT IS CONCERNING THAT IT NEVER WENT OUT TO BID.
WHERE IS THE COMPETITION FOR THAT? THERE IS A FEE.
AND IT WOULD SAVE MONEY FOR THE COUNTY.
AND THEN ALSO -- Y'ALL ARE GONNA THINK I'M MEAN.
BUT THIS IS BEING GIVEN TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THROUGH NON-PROFIT AND THAT'S VERY CONCERNING BECAUSE THAT IS TAXPAYER MONEY.
YOU KNOW, I MEAN, YES, I DO REALIZE THAT SOME OF THEM -- WELL, THEY DID NOT GET TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CARES ACT, BUT THERE IS A REASON FOR THAT.
I MEAN, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE SOCIAL SECURITY, AND OF COURSE I DON'T KNOW EVERY DETAIL, BUT IT'S VERY CONCERNING TO ME THE WAY THE MONEY IS JUST BEING FUELED AND FUNNELED THROUGH TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THE FACT THAT, YOU KNOW, THE SAYING GIVE A MAN A FISH HE WILL EAT FOR A DAY, BUT TEACH A MAN TO FISH, AND HE WILL EAT FOR A LIFETIME, WE ARE JUST FUELING THIS FOR THE NEXT EMERGENCY, FOR THE NEXT THING.
AND THERE IS ALWAYS GONNA BE A NEED.
IT IS JUST SOME CONCERNS I HAVE.
I WOULD LIKE TO PLACE BEFORE THE COURT FOR Y'ALL TO THINK ABOUT, AND THE MONITORING PROCESS ON THIS IS THE SHARING OF ALL THAT DATA ACROSS THOSE -- YOU KNOW, HOW ARE YOU GONNA CHECK THAT THEY DIDN'T RECEIVE FUNDS FROM TEXAS WORKFORCE? THAT THEY DIDN'T RECEIVE FUNDS FROM -- AND WHY ARE THEY TARGETED? IS THERE GOING TO BE A TARGET FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS AFTERWARDS? I MEAN, IT CONCERNS ME.
THANK YOU FOR LISTEN AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
[02:10:04]
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> THAT'S ALL THE SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM, JUDGE.
WE WILL HAVE TO CIRCLE BACK TO THE TWO SPANISH SPEAKERS AT THIS TIME.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA? YOU ARE MUTED, COMMISSIONER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS OR BETTER YET MR. SOARD, I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PLACE, IF NECESSARY, AN AMENDMENT JUST TO HAVE US NEGOTIATE WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON FOR THE DANA SHARING PIECE.
JUST WANT TO SEE IF YOU THINK WE CAN GET THERE WITHOUT THE AMENDMENT OR WHETHER THE AMENDMENT IS NECESSARY.
>> COMMISSIONER, I DON'T THINK IT IS NECESSARY.
CERTAINLY MR. MICHELLE AND I CAN REACH OUT TO THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND WORK THROUGH THAT AND TO THE EXTENT ANY AGREEMENTS NEEDED FROM THE COURT.
THE JUDGE DECIDES IT OR WE CAN BRING IT BACK TO COURT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO DO A CALL WITH THE MAYOR.
I GUESS WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING WE WE SHOULDN'T GO OUT THERE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JUST WANT TO ASK BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO SLOW THE PROCESS DOWN.
I SECOND THAT -- I SECOND THE MOTION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MOVE IT, JUDGE.
AND IT IS THE LANGUAGE I READ EARLIER.
IF ANYBODY WANTS ME TO READ IT AGAIN I WILL TRY NOT TO BUTCHER THE KING'S ENGLISH.
>> I MOVE THEY IMPLEMENT THE COVID-19 RELIEF FUND TO BE MANAGED BY THE GREATER HOUSTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION WITH A $30 MILLION INITIAL INVESTMENT FROM HARRIS COUNTY IN ADDITION TO A 5% ADMINISTRATIVE FEE.
I ALSO MOVE TO AUTHORIZE THE CONTRACT WITH THE FOUNDATION AND TO DIRECT BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS TO GET THE FUND FOUNDATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOR THESE FUNDS AND TO CLOSE OUT THE PROJECT AND REPORT BACK WHEN IT IS COMPLETE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
ANY OTHER COMMENTS? SO ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR.
COMMISSIONER RADACK, I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> DO YOU WANT TO CALL HIM OR SHOULD I CALL HIM?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE DIDN'T RECORD YOUR VOTE.
I DO NOT AGREE WITH PUTTING $25 MILLION AT RISK WITH TANGIBLE EVIDENCE THAT THEY CAN COVER US IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THE MONEY AND I DISAGREE WITH THE 5% FEE AND THIS IS NOT REIMBURSED.
IT IS NOT REIMBURSABLE TO OUR PROGRAM SO I VOTE NO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE IN FAVOR OF IT.
WOULD YOU GUYS LIKE TO TAKE A LUNCH BREAK NOW OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO BEGIN WITH THE REST OF THE COVID ITEMS?
I DON'T KNOW IF THE OTHER MEMBERS ARE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT MEANS YOU ATE BREAKFAST.
>> JUDGE, IF WE DON'T TAKE A LUNCH BREAK, CAN YOU GIVE ME AT LEAST A THREE-MINUTE BREAK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE JUST BREAK FOR LUNCH.
LET'S BREAK UNTIL -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WILL BE HERE UNTIL LATE TONIGHT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S BREAK UNTIL 1:15.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SOUNDS GOOD.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME LUCINDA? DID I SAY THE RIGHT THING?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: LUCINDA, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> I AM GOING TO MUTE MYSELF AND PUT MY COAT ON.
[02:15:02]
YOU WERE HAVING TROUBLE EARLIER.
IT IS LIKE HOW JAMES BROWN DOES IT.
>> SO, LUCINDA, CAN YOU HEAR WHAT I AM SAYING?
>> I CAN HEAR YOU, BUT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S GET STARTED.
IT IS 1:17 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
YOU HAVE A RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER, I'M SORRY.
CAN I INTERRUPT? I DO HAVE THE TWO SPEAKERS THAT WERE TRYING TO SPEAK WITH OUR INTERPRETER.
IF I CAN PUT THOSE ON FIRST, I WOULD APPRECIATE IT.
>> JOCELYN RAMOS WITH TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT.
>> I AM A MEMBER OF TOPS AND I AM HERE TO TELL YOU A BIT ABOUT MY STORY.
>> I AM A MOTHER OF A BEAUTIFUL BOY AND A WONDERFUL GIRL.
BECAUSE OF THEIR MEDICAL DISABILITIES, THEY ARE AT HIGH RISK OF BEING CONTAGIOUS OF THE CORONAVIRUS.
>> MY GIRLS ARE SPECIAL WITH DOWN SYNDROME.
SHE SEATS THROUGH A FEEDING TUBE IN HER STOMACH, AND SHE HAS PROBLEMS BREATHING.
>> BOTH OF MY CHILDREN HAVE ASTHMA.
>> FOR US AND THE FAMILY, THE SITUATION IS VERY WORSE.
>> MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF HAVE BEEN WITHOUT WORK FOR FIVE WEEKS NOW BECAUSE OF THIS CRISIS CREATED BY THE PANIC.
>> WE ARE VERY WORRIED BECAUSE THE VERY FEW SAVINGS WE HAVE, THEY HAVE -- THEY HAVE -- THEY ARE PRETTY MUCH GONE BETWEEN PAYING RENT AND BUYING FOOD AND PAYING FOR BASIC THINGS.
>> IT IS THE SADDEST THING FOR US IS WE HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELP FROM ANYBODY DESPITE HAVING CHILDREN BEING AMERICAN CITIZENS.
>> WE ARE ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF FAMILIES WHO ARE EXCLUDED FROM RECEIVING FEDERAL AID.
>> WE HAVE ALWAYS WORKED HARD TO BRING OUR FAMILY FORWARD, AND WE PAY TAXES.
>> AND IT IS UNFAIR THAT IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES WHEN WE ARE NEEDING THE HELP WE ARE BEING IGNORED.
[02:20:11]
>> TO BE IGNORED AND TO NOT RECEIVE AN ECONOMIC RELIEF REMINDS ME VERY MUCH OF THE SITUATION WE LIVED WITH IN HURRICANE HARVEY WHERE WE LOEWS OUR HOUSE AND LOST -- WHERE WE LOST OUR HOUSE AND LOST OUR JOBS AND WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY HELP.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DID SHE FINISH? DID YOU TELL HER WE UH -- WE APPROVE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THE INTERPRETER ON STILL?
>> LINA HIDALGO: INTERPRETER? I THINK WE DROPPED THE INTERPRETER.
>> HAVE A GOOD DAY AND THANK YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ALREADY APPROVED IT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DID I GET IT RIGHT? BE HONEST.
>> WE DO HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER.
INTERPRETER, ARE YOU AVAILABLE? SOUNDS LIKE WE DROPPED HER AGAIN.
DO YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD AND MOVE ON, JUDGE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, LET US TAKE THE RESOLUTION AND LET US KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE HER BACK.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU'RE MUTED.
[Item I (Part 2 of 7)]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ONE OF MY LONG-TIME EMPLOYEES WHO STARTED WORKING WITH THE COUNTY UNDER TOM BASS IS RETIRING ON FRIDAY.
COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA -- I MEAN COMMISSIONER CAGLE WE WERE TALKING ABOUT HOW HE WORKED WELL WITH HIS STAFF.
I DID A BIKE RIDE WITH HIM IN THE HEAT AND I HOPE TO DO ONE TODAY IF WE CAN GET OUT BEFORE THE SUN GOES DOWN.
IT SERVED HARRIS COUNTY WITH DISTINCTION FOR 45 YEARS.
HE JOINED HARRIS COUNTY IN 1975 AS A GENERAL UTILITY OPERATOR AND FLAG MAN.
HE ROSE THROUGH THE RANKS AND SERVED AS A MASKED OPERATOR AND A REGIONAL MANAGER OF THE HARVEY SERVICE CENTER AND BRIDGE SUPERINTENDENT AND SPANS MORE THAN FOUR DECADES AND 883 MILES OF PRECINCT 1 ROADS AND AN UNTOLD NUMBER OF BIKE LANES.
HIS EXPERTISE SAYS PROJECT COMPLETION IS TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS AND IN HIS OWN WORDS, WHATEVER THEY ASK ME TO DO, I JUST DO IT TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.
HE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS ASSET DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCIES DURING HURRICANE HARVEY AND IKE AND TROPICAL STORM ALLISON.
HE LEAD PRECINCT 1 WORKERS IN RESPONDING AROUND THE CLOCK IN HIGH-WATER RESCUES AND SUPPLY DELIVERIES.
HE WILL BE MISSED BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS IN PRECINCT 1.
HE WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS HUMILITY AND COMPASSION AND BEING AN ALL-AROUND GREAT HUMAN BEING.
I WILL ASK ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO SIGN AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME, AND WE WILL HAVE HIM COME BACK AT SOME POINT WHEN WE ARE MEETING IN PERSON.
JUDGE, WHAT A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING.
I KNOW HE AND COMMISSIONER FRANK -- FRANCO LEE.
WE WERE BIKE RIDING LAST NIGHT AND I SAID WHAT WAS TOM BASS LIKE? HE SAID I NEVER REALLY GOT TO KNOW HIM CLOSE UP.
HE ALSO TOLD ME WHEN HE STARTED IN 75, ALTHOUGH HE WENT TO AN INTEGRATED HIGH SCHOOL SOMEWHERE OUT IN THE SUBURBS IN A SMALLER TOWN, THINGS WERE SEGREGATED, WHICH IS HARD FOR ME TO BELIEVE.
I ASKED HIM WHAT WAS THE WORKFORCE LIKE? HE SAID THEY WERE SEGREGATED IN 1975 AND THEY THOUGHT HE WAS AN ANOMALY.
INSTEAD OF JUST SITTING OVER THERE WITH THE BLACK WORKERS, AND THERE WEREN'T MANY ON THE ROAD CREW OF PRECINCT 1 BACK THEN, HE WOULD MINGLE WITH EVERYBODY.
A GREAT HUMAN BEING AND I WILL MISS HIM.
AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME I WILL MOVE FOR ADOPTION.
[02:25:01]
JACK CAGLE: I WANTED TO ADD A THANKS.
I KNOW THE PEOPLE IN PRECINCT 4 HAVE APPRECIATED YOUR COOPERATIVE SPIRIT OVERALL OF THE YEARS.
AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS WAS SAYING AS THERE WAS A STREET THAT JUST ENDED IN THE MIDDLE YOU AND THE FOLKS OF PRECINCT 4 WOULD DIVEE UP THE LABOR BECAUSE THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY DIDN'T ALWAYS UNDERSTAND WHY WAS THAT TRUCK TURNED AROUND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND GO BACK.
YOU WOULD TRADE OFF STREETS AND DO THINGS LIKE THAT.
SO THE FACT THAT YOU TOOK THE ATTITUDE OF SERVICE OF THE PEOPLE FIRST AND TERRITORY SECOND IS SOMETHING TO BE COMMENDED AND IS APPRECIATED.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS LOSING A TREASURED EMPLOYEE, BUT WE AS A COUNTY ARE LOSING A TREASURED HAND AT THE TILL.
AND AS REPRESENTATIVE OF PRECINCT 4 WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SERVICE BEYOND JUST MY FOUR CORNERS NO MORE, BUT YOUR SERVICE TO THE WHOLE COUNTY.
>> JUDGE, WE HAVE THE INTERPRETER BACK ON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, DO YOU WANT TO MOVE ON THIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I VOTE ADOPTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? I AM NOT SURE IF COMMISSIONER RADACK IS ON THE LINE.
THE MOTION CARRIES AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COUNTY.
LUCINDA, WE WILL HEAR FROM THE SPEAKER AND THEN MOVE TO THE REST OF THE AGENDA.
SHOULD I RECORD THIS VOTE AS 4-0?
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, UNLESS COMMISSIONER RADACK, ARE YOU ON? I DON'T THINK HE IS ON.
JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK FOR CHICKS -- FOR COMMISSIONER RADACK, BUT I AM POSITIVE HE WOULD WANT TO BE IN FAVOR FOR THAT.
LET'S GIVE HIM AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE FOR IT.
JAMES WE WILL HOLD OFF ON RECORDING THAT.
[Item II (Part 2 of 7)]
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THE INTERPRETER ON?
>> LINA HIDALGO: INTERPRETER, YOU ARE FINE.
>> MY NAME IS LETICIA ALVAREZ.
>> MY HUSBAND IS 72 YEARS OLD.
[02:30:03]
>> HE HAS BEEN LIVING HERE FOR FIVE YEARS.
>> AND I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO WORKS TO SURVIVE.
>> TO PAY FOR HIS MEDICATIONS, TO PAY RENT.
ONLY THINKING ABOUT RENT IS ALMOST DUE AND IT IS VERY HARD FOR ME.
>> SOME NEIGHBORS COME AND HELP US SO WE CAN SURVIVE.
>> THEY ARE THE ONES WHO SUPPORT US.
THEY BRING US FOOD AND I HAVE TO WORK VERY HARD.
>> TO PAY RENT SOMETIMES I DON'T EVEN SLEEP.
I AM WORRYING AT SO MANY THINGS.
I HAVE TO PAY THE RENT, HIS MEDICATIONS, METRO TICKETS.
I DO, I DO NEED YOU TO HELP ME.
IT IS VERY HARD FOR ME, FOR ME AND FOR MY HUSBAND.
>> I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN CONTINUE TO GIVE TO MY HUSBAND.
[02:35:02]
WE HAVE TO CUT YOU OFF RIGHT AT TIME.>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, LET HER KNOW THAT WE VOTED FOR IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IF THE INTERPRETER CAN -- >>
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT COMMISSIONER GARCIA TO KNOW I COULD HAVE SAID ALL OF THAT, BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO SHOW OFF.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU DON'T WANT TO SHOW OFF THEM SKILLS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IN THAT CASE LET'S MOVE ON TO THE REST OF THE COVID ITEMS.
[Item I (Part 3 of 7)]
>> JUDGE, IS COMMISSIONER RADACK ON THE LINE SO WE CAN REVOTE ON THAT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T SEE HIM.
COMMISSIONER RADACK? I DON'T SEE HIM.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST MOVE MY ITEMS WHEN WE GET TO IT THEN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COVID AND STARTING ON PAGE 28 UNDER THE COVID-19 SECTION.
THE FIRST ITEM IS BY THE TOLL ROAD TO EXTEND AUTHORIZATION FOR THEM TO WORK ON MAINTAINING OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: DO WE VOTE SEPARATELY?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST IS STOPPED AT THE -- STOPPED AT THE ONES WE DISAGREE OR I CAN TAKE THEM HOW YOU LIKE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN DO IT THE WAY YOU DID BEFORE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT UP IS BUDGET MANAGEMENT.
>> JUDGE? I HAVE A QUESTION ON ITEM A.
WHY IS THIS -- IS MR. KEY AVAILABLE AND CAN SOMEBODY SAY WHY WE NEED THIS FOR THE WHOLE REST OF THE YEAR? I MEAN WE MEET EVERY COUPLE WEEKS.
WHY DO WE NEED TO HAVE THIS ITEM LAST FOR THE WHOLE YEAR?
>> WE WORKED ON THIS LETTER WITH ROBERT SOARD AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
THE CONCERN THAT WE HAVE OUT AT THE TOLL ROAD PERTAINS SPECIFICALLY TO PEOPLE THAT CAN SEE MONEY FOR TOLL VIOLATIONS.
THE TOLL VIOLATIONS AND THE RESOLUTIONS ARE WORKED THROUGH WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
IT IS POSSIBLE IN DEALING WITH THE TOLL VIOLATIONS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR.
I WOULD ALSO ADD THAT IN THAT LETTER THERE IS A SPECIFIC LINE IN THE LETTER THAT STATES IF THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE OR THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY REQUIRES SPECIFIC AUTHORIZATION FROM COMMISSIONER'S COURT THAT WE WILL BE RETURNED TO COURT FOR DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDED APPROVAL.
JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I MAKE A RECOMMENDATION THAT WE MODIFY THE ITEM TO BE WHAT PETER REQUESTED, AND THAT WE GIVE THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY AND FLEXIBILITY TO WORK WITH INDIVIDUALS AS IT PERTAINS TO COLLECTIONS.
I DON'T THINK HE IS NECESSARILY WANTING TO HAVE POWERS UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR.
I THINK HE WANTS TO DEAL WITH COLLECTION ISSUES, AND I AGREE WITH THAT.
I MEAN, IT COULD BE SOMETHING THAT TAKES A LITTLE WHILE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO JUST GO AHEAD AND MODIFY THE REQUEST TO WHAT HE IS ASKING FOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSION EARLY LIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO ASK PETER A LEGAL.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERENCE? WE A -- WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE ABILITY TO PUT IT ON THE AGENDA.
YOU WORKED WITH LEGAL ON THIS.
I WANT TO GET A SENSE -- I KNOW WE HAD TWO THREE-WEEK BREAKS AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MORE WE HAVE.
I AM FINE WITH THE WAY IT IS AND I WOULD LIKE PETER A CHANCE TO CHIME IN.
>> COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR ASKING.
THERE WAS TWO SPECIFIC REASONS WHY THIS ITEM IS ON THE AGENDA.
THE FIRST WAS BACK ON MARCH 17TH AND COURT AGREED TO A UP IN OF ITEMS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
[02:40:01]
AND ONE RELATED TO THE TOLL ROAD SYSTEM.AS THE TOLL ROAD WE ARE NOT TAKING CASH IN THE CASH LANES, BUT THAT AUTHORIZATION TO NOT ACCEPT CASH SEEMED FROM OUR VANTAGE POINT AND OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY AGREED THAT THE AUTHORIZATION EXISTED AS LONG AS THERE WAS AN EMERGENCY DECLARATION BY HARRIS COUNTY.
AND SO THIS ITEM WILL ALLOW US THE FLEXIBILITY TO NOT TAKE CARE EVEN IF THERE ARE EMERGENCY DECLARATION THAT'S WERE TO END AT THE COUNTY.
ALTHOUGH WE WOULD BE RETURNING OUR TOLL BOOTH OPERATORS INTO THE LANES AS SOON AS IT IS SAFE AND PRACTICAL.
AND THE SECOND ITEM IS WHAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE WAS MENTIONING WITH REGARDS TO TOLL VIOLATIONS.
KNOWING THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT OWE THIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT MONEY FOR TOLL VIOLATIONS AND KNOWING THE ECONOMIC STATE OF SO MANY IN OUR REGION, WE JUST WANT THE AUTHORIZATION TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, TO BE AS FLEXIBLE AND FORGIVING AS WE POSSIBLY CAN THROUGHOUT THE CALENDAR YEAR.
>> SO YOU PREFER WE GO WITH IT THE WAY IT IS ON THE AGENDA?
>> PERHAPS WHAT WE CAN DO AND MAYBE PETER IS UH MEANABLE TO THIS, BUT WE APPROVE IT AS IT IS LISTED AND IT IS NOT A PERPETUAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.
>> DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH COMING BACK TAILOR WHAT YOU ARE ASKING FOR AND HAVE A PESH PEACHULE -- PERPETUAL STATE IN 2021?
>> MAYBE A SUGGESTED COMPROMISE IS I WILL MAKE A MOTION WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT HE WILL WORK WITH YOU AND THAT'S THE LANGUAGE HE WANTS TO BRING BACK IN TWO WEEKS OR 30 DAYS.
>> IF I MAY MAKE A SUGGESTION THAT ALMOST ALL ISSUES RELATING TO THE TOLL VIOLATIONS AND PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT OWE MONEY.
THE LETTER STATES THAT WE WOULD BRING ANYTHING BACK TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO REQUIRE SPECIFIC COURT APPROVAL.
>> I THINK THE MOTION ENCOMPASSES IT.
AND IF SOMETHING COMES BACK THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE THE VOTES TO CHANGE IT.
>> IS THAT -- I REMEMBER I WAS DISCUSSING THAT EVEN BEFORE COVID IT SEEMS LIKE THE TECHNOLOGY WAS ACCELERATED BY THE FACT THAT WE ARE IN A PANDEMIC.
>> JUDGE, THIS IS TRUE AND IN THE INTERIM WE ARE CALLING IT A HYBRID METHOD FOR FOLLOWING.
WE HAVE ACTUALLY LEARNED SOME INTERESTING LESSONS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT IN THE FUTURE AS THEY TURN TO AN ALL ELECTRONIC ROADWAY, AND AT SOME POINT WE WILL BE ABLE TO ADDRESS THE COURT MEMBERS ABOUT GOING ELECTRONIC IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS OR SO.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MOVE THAT ITEM IN CASE THERE IS ANY DISSENTION ON IT, JUDGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> YOUR HONOR, I AM IN FAVOR AND I WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT PETER WILL GET WITH US AND WE WILL TRY TO COME BACK WITH SOMETHING THAT IS HOPEFULLY UH MEANABLE TO ALL.
OPPOSED? I AM FOR IT SO THE MOTION CARRIES.
>> JUDGE, IS COMMISSIONER RADACK ON THE LINE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I DON'T SEE HIM, JAMES.
WE WILL PROBABLY WATCH HIM COME ON WHEN HE COMES ON.
>> I WILL RECORD THIS AS A 4-0?
[02:45:01]
THAT'S ON PAGE 28 AND ITEM 1, DISCUSSION AND AN UPDATE IN CONNECTION WITH COUNTY FINANCES.
>> YES, CURRENTLY WE ARE STILL MONITORING THIS CLOSELY AND WE ARE WORKING WITH THE TRAINER'S OFFICE.
>> ROBERT, YOU NEED TO MUTE YOUR PHONE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MUTE MINE TOO.
>> CURRENTLY WE ARE WORKING WITH THE TREASURER'S OFFICE AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND LOOKING AT THE IMPACT ON REVENUES THIS YEAR AND IN FUTURE YEARS.
WE ARE WORKING ON THAT, BUT THERE IS NOTHING NEW TO REPORT FROM THREE WEEKS AGO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I DID BRING UP THE ISSUE OF A MINORITY WOMAN-OWNED FIRM.
I DIDN'T LOOK AND HE MAY BE ON THE LINE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THERE IS ONE, RIGHT? ROBERT, I FOR GET.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?
I WAS GOING TO SAY I SPOKE WITH THE TREASURER, MR. OSBOURNE, WHO INDICATED THAT HE TOO IS GETTING A WORKING GROUP TOGETHER TO WORK ON PROJECTIONS FOR THE COUNTY WHICH I THOUGHT WAS IMPORTANT AND I AM GLAD TO SEE HIM DO IT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ONE MORE I FORGOT.
IF JIM ROBINSON IS AVAILABLE, WE CAN GET A SENSE OF SOME OF THE PRO PRAISE -- THE APPRAISAL CHALLENGES THAT IMPACT THE COUNTY FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR, OR MAYBE MR. JACKSON YOU CAN DO IT.
I KNOW IN AUSTIN, JIM ROBINSON WAS THE EXPERT.
AND HIS IS THE SECOND PART OF THE QUESTION, HOW DOES A COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL APPRAISAL CHALLENGE UNDER THE UNIFORM RULE AFFECT THE APPRAISALS IN RELATION TO FAIR MARKET VALUE AND TAX RATES FOR HOMEOWNERS ? I JUST WANT HIM TO WALK THROUGH THAT BILL.
I KNOW HE CARRIED IT YEARS AGO.
I NEVER WAS QUITE SURE WHAT IT DID.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER LEE WOULD CALL ME TWO AND THREE TIMES A DAY ASKING HAD I PASSED IT.
IT HAD SUCH A STRONG LOBBY AND I COULD NEVER PASS IT.
I WANT HIM TO WALK THROUGH HOW THE WAY THIS SYSTEM IS RIGGED, IT PUTS MORE OF A BURDEN ON THE HOMEOWNERS.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IT HAS MORE TO DO WITH THE ISSUE YOU HAVE COMING UP LATER.
A LOT OF THESE BIG INDUSTRIAL COMPLEXES COME IN AND PAY VERY LITTLE.
I AM NOT GOING FOR THE OLD AG EXEMPTION.
YOU GO AND THROW SOME COWS AND HORSES OUT THERE.
SOME FOLKS HAVE BEEN HOLDING ON TO THE LAND SINCE RECONSTRUCTION.
I WOULD LIKE FOR EITHER YOU MR. JACKSON OR JIM ROBINSON TALK ABOUT THAT IN A LITTLE BIT.
AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT CHANGING THE LAW.
>> LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR FIRST QUESTION.
AS FAR AS PROPERTY TAXES GO, THE FIRST ROUND WE LOOKED AT AND JIM AND I TALKED ABOUT IT, BUT IT APPEARS THE OVERALL TAX BASE HAS GROWN ABOUT 5%.
THEY ARE BASED ON THE VALUES OF JANUARY 1ST, 2020.
AGAIN, HEARING NOTICES WENT OUT AND PEOPLE ARE PROTESTING AND THOSE ARE DUE SHORTLY AND THAT ERODES A LITTLE BIT.
BUT WE WILL NOT SEE AN IMPACT THAT WAY.
WE DID TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT WHEN WE SEND OUT THE TAX BILLS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, SOME OF THE BUSINESSES ON THE COMMERCIAL SIDE MAY NOT EXIST ANYMORE.
IN THE TOTAL OF THAT WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT IT IT WAS THAT THE BIG BUILDINGS AND ALL OF THAT HAVE MORTGAGES AGAINST THEM AND LOANS AGAINST THEM.
THE BANKING INDUSTRY AND THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY PRETTY MUCH MAKE SURE THAT THEY CAN PROTECT THEIR LEAN POSITION BY MAKING SURE THE TAXES ARE PAID.
THE QUESTION IS THE FOLLOWING YEAR AND WHERE ARE WE GOING TO BE ON JANUARY 1ST OF 2021, AND I DON'T THINK THAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN YET, AND WE HAVE TO SEE.
THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS TALKING ABOUT RECOVERY.
IF THINGS GO AS THEY ARE GOING RIGHT NOW, THAT WE WOULD SEE SOME RECOVERY OF
[02:50:03]
THREE AND FOUR THAT WOULD SET UP THE VALUES FOR NEXT YEAR.LUCINDA, DO WE HAVE JIM ON THE LINE TO TALK ABOUT THE LEGISLATION AND THE MARKET
IN -- FAIR MARKET VERSUS -- >> BILL, I AM ON THE LINE.
>> JIM, I WILL LET YOU TAKE IT FROM THERE.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, AS YOU RECALL THAT ISSUE IS REFERRED TO IN THE LAW AS UNEQUAL APPRAISAL.
IT HAS A BASIS IN THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION THAT SAYS -- THERE ARE TWO PROVISIONS.
ONE SAYS PROPERTIES SHOULD BE TAXED AS OF THE JANUARY 1ST MARKET VALUE.
AND THE OTHER SAYS THE TAXATION SHOULD BE EQUAL AND UNIFORM WHICH GENERALLY MEANS THAT YOU USE THE SAME METHOD -- METHODOLOGY FOR APPRAISALS AND YOU TREAT EVERYBODY THE SAME.
WHAT HAPPENED WAS A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO THE PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT LOBBY PERSUADED THE LEGISLATURE TO DRAMATICALLY CHANGE THE WAY UNEQUAL APPRAISAL WAS APPLIED TO THE PROPERTY TAX PROTEST.
AND WHAT IT FINALLY EVOLVED INTO IS AN UNFAIR SYSTEM WHICH BASICALLY SAYS -- SAY YOU REQUEST THE PROPERTY OF AN OFFICE BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON THAT YOU ARE ENTITLED IN YOUR PROTEST TO HAVE ITS VALUE REDUCED TO THE MEDIAN VALUE OF A GROUP OF COMFORTABLE PROPERTIES PROP -- APPROPRIATELY ADJUSTED.
THAT'S A PRETTY BROAD AND VAGUE TERMINOLOGY.
THE USE OF THE MEDIA VALUE MEANS THE MEDIAN IS ALWAYS THE VALUE IN THE MIDDLE.
WE FOUND THAT IN THE PROTESTS OF THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES THAT THERE ARE SOME PRETTY QUESTIONABLE PROCEDURES GOING INTO THE MAKING THE ADJUSTMENTS.
WHEN YOU ARE ADJUSTING DOWN AND SAY YOU PREVAIL ON THAT AND YOU ARE ADJUSTING DOWN TO THE MEDIAN LEVEL, EVERY TIME THE OWNER OF A MAJOR BUILDING WINS ONE OF THE PROTESTS, THE MEDIAN DROPS.
THAT MEANS IF YOU OWN THAT KIND OF PROPERTY THAT YOU ARE GOING TO PROTEST THE APPRAISAL AND YOU ARE GOING TO HOPE THAT YOUR PROTEST OR YOUR LAWSUIT.
IS THE LAST ONE IN LINE BECAUSE EVERY TIME THERE IS A SETTLEMENT AHEAD OF YOU, THE MEDIAN DROPS.
THAT MEANS THE TAX BASE CONTINUALLY ERODES AND CONSEQUENTLY IT MEANS THAT OVER TIME THERE IS MORE AND MORE OF THE TAX BURDEN THAT IS SHIFTED TO HOMEOWNERS THAT ARE THE PROPERTY OWNERS.
THE LEGISLATIVE -- THE HARRIS COUNTY LEGISLATIVE GROUP IS SOMETHING THAT WE PLAN TO TRY TO WORK ON AND BRING INITIATIVES TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT THAT YOU CAN INCLUDE IN YOUR LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE FOR THE 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
WE ARE GOING TO APPROVE IT AND HAVE SOME MEASURABLE STANDARDS GOING INTO WHAT IS [INAUDIBLE] AND THERE IS STILL A LOT OF WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.
WE HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF DISCUSSIONS ABOUT IT AND READY TO WORK ON IT FOR THE NEXT SESSION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JIM, ARE THERE BROKERS -- LIKE IN THE APPRAISAL LOBBY ARE THERE PEOPLE WHO MAKE A LIVING OFF OF GAINING THE SYSTEM?
>> THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO MADE MILLIONS AS PROPERTY TAX CONSULT AT THE PRESENT TIMES.
GENERALLY SPEAKING A PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT IS WORKING ON A CONTINGENCY.
THE MAURY DUCKS YOU CAN GET -- THE MORE REDUCTION YOU GET, THE MORE YOU MIGHT GET.
THE FACT IS YOU ARE GOING TO PROTEST EVERYTHING YOU HAVE.
FOR EXAMPLE WE HAVE ABOUT 360,000 CURRENT PROTESTS IN HARRIS COUNTY FOR THE 2020 TAX YEAR.
THAT IS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 13% OVER LAST YEAR AND MORE THAN 300,000 OF THOSE PROTESTS ARE FILED BY THE PROCHT -- PROPERTY TAX CONSULT TEPTS.
[02:55:03]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO SUGGEST, AND COLLEAGUES, THAT BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE HAVE PASSED 700 BILLS MOST OF WHICH FOLKS WOULD NOT HAVE THOUGHT WOULD PASS IS REALLY THE WORK DURING THE INTERIM TO GET THE PRESS ON THE ISSUE TO PASS IT.
JUST BECAUSE SOMEBODY HAS A BRIGHT IDEA DOES NOT BECOME LAW.
MOST OF THE BRIGHT IDEAS ARE IN THE TRASHCAN.
WE NEED TO GET AGGRESSIVE AND PUT A SPOTLIGHT ON THIS ISSUE BECAUSE TAKING ON THAT LOBBY IS DIFFICULT.
YOU KNOW, WE HAVE OUR FRIENDS IN THE LEGISLATURE WHO KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES GOING UP ON HOMEOWNERS AND SOME OF THEM WILL BE VERY MUCH INVOLVED IN MAKING A LIVING OFF PUTTING THE DISPROPORTION AND SHARING THE BURDEN ON HOMEOWNERS.
THEY PERPETUATE THE UNEQUAL SYSTEM.
JIM, YOU START THINKING ABOUT THE OP-EDS.
I GUESS I CARRIED YOUR BILL ONE TIME.
WHEN I GOT IT, I DON'T REMEMBER DETAILS FROM THERE, BUT I WAS GOOD AT WHIPPING IT UP.
WE NEED TO MAKE TON COMFORTABLE.
IF WE DON'T HAVE SOMEBODY IN THE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION WE NEED TO FIND SOMEBODY.
>> MAYBE WE CAN GET SENATOR BETTENCOURT.
>> WOULDN'T THAT BE INTERESTING?
>> PEOPLE MAKE A DOLLAR AND THEY HOLLER ON THE OTHER SIDE.
>> WITH THAT IN MIND AS PART OF A REFERENCE, JUDGE, SINCE WE ARE IN THAT CONVERSATION TO TAKE UP MY HOME STATE EXEMPTION ITEM.
I HAD A QUESTION ON BUDGET, BUT WE CAN BRING IT UP, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> IT IS UNDER MY SECTION AND IT IS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: GIVE US A PAGE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: ITEM 2 IN MY SECTION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT PAGE IS THAT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.
MY ITEM IS TO HAVE THE EXEMPTION FOR THE AD VALOREM FOR THE YEAR 2020 AND FOR THE COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND HOSPITAL DISTRICT, DBA, HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM TO -- IN THE FOLLOWING AMOUNT OF THE UH PRAISED VALUE OF RESIDENCE HOMESTEADS.
AND IT WOULD BE ONE 5,000 OR 20% OF THE UH -- UH PRAISED VALUE, WHICH EVER IS GREATER OF A RESIDENT HOMESTEAD.
B, 229,000 OF THE UH PRAISED VALUE OF A RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS DISABLED OR, C, 229,000 OF THE UH PRAISED VALUE OF THE OF THE RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD OF AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS 65 OR OLDER.
THIS ITEM HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
THAT WOULD BE MY MOTION, JUDGE.
HAVE I IT ON PAGE 31 UNLESS I AM LOOKING AT THE WRONG THING.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MY PAGES CAME UP DIFFERENT, BUT IT IS NUMBER TWO ON MY ITEM.
LEEP LEAN COMMISSION >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, YOU AND I DISCUSSED THIS MORNING.
ON MY PART, WE DISCUSSED THIS BEFORE.
I CAN'T REMEMBER IN IT WAS THIS YEAR OR LAST YEAR.
I KNOW IT CAME UP ABOUT PEGGING THINGS TO INFLATION.
JACK CAGLE: YES, JUDGE, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN UNDER DISCUSSION FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
IT WAS BROUGHT UP IN THE LAST SET OF A BUNCH OF HEARINGS.
I AM GLAD THAT IT IS BEING BROUGHT UP AGAIN.
I DO WANT TO ADD THAT THERE IS A SLIGHT -- I KNOW WE HAVE A REPORT SAYING THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE AN IMPACT ON REVENUES.
THAT'S ONLY IF YOU SHIFT THE IMPACT.
[03:00:05]
I AM IN FAVOR OF REDUCING THE BURDEN ON OUR PROPERTY TAXPAYERS AT THIS TIME.I KNOW THAT THREE OF YOU HAVE BEEN CRITICAL OF MY POSITION ON NOT WANTING TO RAISE TAXES POST HARVEY, AND I BELIEVE THE RELIEF WE CAN GIVE THE TAXPAYERS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
I THINK WHEN WE DO THIS, WE NEED TO WATCH WHAT WE DO WITH REGARD TO OUR SPENDING.
JUDGE, I AM IN FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSITION.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT BACK AND UP AGAIN ON THIS AGENDA.
I KNOW IT HAS ALREADY BEEN SECONDED.
THIS IS SOMETHING I AM IN FAVOR OF.
I WANT TO SAY WHEN WE ARE REDUCING THE BURDEN ON THE PROPERTY TAX PAYERS, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T KICK THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD BY INCREASING EXPENDITURES SO MUCH THAT WE HAVE TO UNDO WHAT WE ARE DOING.
WE HAVE TO WATCH AND TIGHTEN YOU ARE -- OUR BELT ESPECIALLY WITH THE DIMINISHED RETURNS.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS HERE IN A DIFFERENT ROLE.
AND THAT WAS BACK WHEN WE HAD TO HAVE OUR BELTS TIGHTENED.
WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL AND TIGHTEN OUR BELTS NOW SO WE DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM DOWN THE ROAD.
I AM IN FAVOR BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO REDUCING THE BURDEN ON THE TAXPAYER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE CLEAR AS TO THE NUMBER.
WHAT WE DISCUSSED LAST YEAR, AND IN MY MIND THIS IS SEPARATE AND APART FROM COVID.
ULTIMATELY IT IS RELIEF FOR OLDER FOLKS AND NOT FOR THE WORKING FOLKS WHO ARE SUDDENLY OUT OF A JOB.
WHEN WE FIRST DISCUSSED THIS, I THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA AND IT IS GOOD PRACTICE GENERALLY TO PEG THINGS TO INFLATION.
I BELIEVE THERE WAS A TYPE OF BUDGET THEY PUT IN 229,000.
THE INFLATION ADJUSTED NUMBER IS 208.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE CORRECTED NUMBER.
IT IS NOT ABOUT PULLING SOMETHING OUT OF A HAT AND TAKING -- PEGGING IT TO INFLATION.
BILL, WHAT IS THE INFLATION NUMBER?
>> SO THE INFLATION NUMBER -- THERE ARE TWO COMPONENTS HERE.
THERE IS 20% OF A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND AN AMOUNT THAT OVER 65 ARE DISABLED ON TOP OF THAT.
THE INFLATION NUMBER, SINCE THIS WAS SET UP ORIGINALLY WOULD BE HIGHER THAN THIS.
THIS WAS SOMETHING WE WORKED WITH ON PRECINCT 2.
MENTD -- THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WAS IN BETWEEN.
ORIGINALLY IT WAS ABOUT THE HOMESTEAD AND IT WAS BASICALLY OVER 65 AND DISABLED AND IT WOULD BE ABOUT TWAIS -- TWICE THE AMOUNT OF THE AVERAGE HOME.
THIS IS NOT TWICE THE AMOUNT OF THE AVERAGE HOME IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT ONCE YOU ADOPT SOMETHING LIKE THIS YOU PUT AN INFLATION FACTOR IN THERE.
IT WILL CONSTANTLY BE INCREASING OVER TIME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHETHER -- WHAT I HAVE IS WHEN YOU ARE PEGGING IT TO INFLATION IT IS A TOTAL OF 260,000 WHEN ACCOUNTING FOR THE 20% UH PRAISED VALUE COME -- VALUE COMPONENT.
IT MEANS 208,000 AND THE 20% OF UH PRAISED VALUE AND IT ENDS UP BEING FUNCTIONALLY 260,000 THAT IS UNTACHED.
AND THAT IS -- UNTAXED AND THAT'S HOW THE MATH WORKS OUT.
I KNOW THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ORIGINAL NUMBER.
IT WAS 260 AND THEN CORRECTED TO 280 SOMETHING.
I DON'T HAVE THAT -- >> IT WAS ECT RED TO -- IT WAS CORRECTED TO FIX THE TYPOS TO PUT IT FOR THE INFLATION NUMBER.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT MAKING POLICY BASED ON A TYPO.
>> LET ME GET YOU THE EXACT AMOUNT MOMENTARILY.
THERE WAS A PRELIMINARY DRAFT USING LAST YEAR'S NUMBERS VERSUS THIS YEAR.
AND WE DID SEND OUT THAT INFORMATION.
LET ME GET IT FOR YOU REAL QUICK AND WE WILL GO FROM THERE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: BILL, IT IS ESSENTIALLY -- AND I AM FOR IT.
IT IS ESSENTIALLY A TAX SHIFT.
WE GIVE A BREAK TO PEOPLE WHO ARE WHERE YOU AND I ARE.
OBVIOUSLY IT DOES NOT APPLY TO THOSE WHO DON'T HIT THE MAGIC NUMBER.
>> I AM NOT 65 SO IT DOESN'T APPLY TO ME.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU JUST KEEP LIVING LIKE I DO, YOU WILL GET THERE.
WHAT IT DOES -- AND IF YOU LOOK AT IT THIS WAY, IT IS A LITTLE BIT OF A CONCEPT YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR HANDS AROUND.
THE STATE HAS CAPPED IT AN EFFECTIVE RATE OR 3%.
[03:05:04]
THAT'S HOW MUCH MONEY IS IN THE BUCKET.THIS IS A SHIFTING INSIDE OF WHO PAYS THE TAXES.
WE LEVY 3.2 BILLION AND THIS IS A $36 MILLION SHIFT.
IT IS A 1% SHIFT FROM EVERYONE ELSE TO THE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE 65 OR DISABLED.
IT WILL ALLOW YOU TO SHIFT THINGS IN THE CENTURY.
THAT'S WHY THIS DOES NOT LOWER OR RAISE TAXES IN THE TOTAL.
I AM NOT SURE WHEN THE LEGISLATURE WILL PUT IT IN THERE.
DO YOU KNOW WHEN THEY DID IT? I GOT THERE IN 1990.
>> I WANT IN GENERAL THE MAIL IN BALLOTS.
NOT MAKING A COMMENT TOWARD YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BUT THEY ARE TRY -- TRYING TO PROTECT THEMSELVES IN OFFICE.
THAT'S WHY THEY ARE ALLOWING THE SHIFT.
AND THEN I WANT TO MAKE A POINT THAT HE SAYS HE DISAGREES WITH SOME OF US ON THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE AND HE WANTS TO ADD IT ON TO SPENDING.
IF YOU WANT TO BE SERIOUS, I PROPOSE A NUMBER OF ITEMS LIKE CONSOLIDATING SOME OF THE THINGS WE DO.
EACH OF US DON'T HAVE THE CAMPS AND THE ROAD CREWS AND THE PARK CREWS AND IT GIVES US UH TON ME.
IT IS ONE THING WHEN THEY TALK ABOUT CUTTING TAXES, BUT IT IS ANOTHER THING WHEN THEY DON'T WANT TO CUT SOME OF THE POWER TO DO IT.
AS WILL BE THE CASE ON THE FLOOD CONTROL PROJECTS.
I CAN'T REMEMBER HOW WE GOT TO THE $2.5 BILLION FOR THE HARVEY PACKAGE.
ONE POINT MY COLLEAGUE SUGGESTED IS AS HIGH AS 10 MILLION.
BUT IT DIDN'T MAKE THE MOTION.
I SHOULD HAVE MADE IT FOR HIM.
I WANT TO MAKE A POINT THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA THIS IS A GOOD THING.
PEOPLE WH -- WHO ARE OLDER AND ON A FIXED INCOME, IT IS NOT A LOT OF RELIEF, BUT IT IS A GOOD THING AND I SECOND THE MOTION.
>> LET ME JUST REITERATE THE TOTAL AMOUNT THAT WOULD BE EXEMPT IS 286, 250.
YOU GET 20% OFF FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND IT BRINGS YOU TO 229,000.
THE NEXT EXEMPTION IS OVER 60.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE A NOTE HERE THAT BUDGET MANAGEMENT IS STATING THE AGENDA ITEM FOR THE CORRECT INFLATED ADJUSTED NUMBER IS 208.
IT IS OKAY TO MAKE MISTAKES, I I JUST DON'T WANT US TO BE MAKING THIS BASED ON A MISTAKE.
IF YOU TELL ME THAT THIS IS WRONG AND NOBODY PUT IN THE -- IF IT IS 229 AND SHOULD BE 208, BUT THIS IS POLICY WE ARE MAKING HERE, SO IF YOU WANT T -- IF YOU WANT TO CONFIRM HERE WITH YOUR STAFF BECAUSE I AM HEARING A DIFFERENT THING.
I JUST GOT THE INFORMATION FROM MY STAFF AGAIN.
ORIGINALLY IN THE LETTER IT SAID 260 AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN 259.
YOU TAKE 20% OF THAT AND THAT IS 57 AND IT BRINGS IT TO 229,000 WITH THE EXEMPTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT, BUT YOU ARE STARTING FROM THE END.
YOU ARE STARTING FROM THE RESULT OF THE TYPO AND WORKING BACK -- BACKWARD INSTEAD OF WORKING FROM THE END -- ENDING.
>> YOU HAVE TO START WITH THE TOTAL BECAUSE OF THE EXEMPTION IS WHERE YOU GET 229.
I AM HAPPY IF YOU WANT TO POSTPONE THIS FOR A FEW MINUTES AND I WILL GET WITH MY STAFF AND WITH ALEX IN YOUR OFFICE AND WORK IT OUT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS IT OKAY, COMMISSIONER? I AM GAME.
IT IS IMPORTANT AND I AM GLAD YOU ARE BRINGING IT BACK.
[03:10:01]
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DO IT RIGHT.AID AITD -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS RIGHT.
THE TYPO WAS NOT CAUGHT AND IT TOOK A CHRONICLE REPORTER.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE NUMBERS ARE RIGHT TO MAKE SURE WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE PASSING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND YOU MAY BE RIGHT.
YEAH, MAYBE WE CAN COME BACK IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES.
>> GIVE ME ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND I WILL MAKE SURE IT IS CORRECT.
>> JUDGE BEFORE WE MOVE ON FROM THE COVID ITEMS FROM BUDGET MANAGEMENT WE HAVE A SPEAKER ON ITEM NUMBER THREE.
IN THE MEANTIME, I WAS WONDERING IF SOMEONE FROM GUIDE HOUSE WAS ON THE LINE BY CHANCE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THE QUESTION FOR GUIDE HOUSE, WHAT IS THE UPDATE ON TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT OUR CURRENT NEED WILL BE AND WHAT THE YEAR WILL BE AND FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR WHAT THE NEED WILL BE.
I UNDERSTAND BALLPARK WE ARE THINKING ABOUT 200 MILLION AT LEAST OF THE 400 MILLION ARE GONNA BE COMMITTED TO THE EXPENDITURE AND THE OVERTIME PPE THAT WE ARE HAVING TO PURCHASE.
HOW CLOSE ARE YOU? WILL YOU BE ABLE TO COME TO THE NEXT COURT? I KNOW THE STAFF MEMBERS ARE WORKING WELL.
I HEARD GREAT THINGS FROM EVERYBODY.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GUYS CAN COME BACK TO THE NEXT COURT WITH A CLEAR THIS IS OUR BEST GUESS AS TO HOW MUCH MONEY YOU NEED TO SET ASIDE FOR EXPENSES THAT WERE -- WE ARE ALREADY FRONTING.
AND THEN AN ITEM TO ASSESS THE NEEDS IN THE CITY.
HOPEFUL -- HOPEFULLY THAT WILL HELP AND THEN WE HAVE THIS MUCH LEFT OVER FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
>> JUDGE, TOM HALF -- TOM HOFFMAN.
>> AS IT RELATES WITH THAT, WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH SHANE'S OFFICE.
NEXT WEEK THE NUMBERS ARE STARTING TO COME TOGETHER SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO BROI YOU SOME DOSH -- TO PROVIDE YOU WITH SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.
WE ARE WORKING CLOSE WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE AS IT RELATES TO THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, THE ISSUE OF SPENDING MONEY WITH THE OTHER CITIES, HOW DOES THAT WORK AND BY WHAT PERCENTAGE? IS IT A PERCENTAGE BASED ON POPULATION? DO WE KNOW? SHOULD I JUST WAIT UNTIL WE HAVE A SEPARATE DISCUSSION TO GET TO THAT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT JUST LIKE WITH US IT CAN'T -- IT CAN ONLY BE FOR COVID-RELATED, RIGHT? NOT FOR ROUTINE EXPENDITURES.
WHAT THE STAFF HAVE KIND OF RUN INTO A LITTLE BIT IS WE DON'T HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW MUCH THE EXPENDITURES HAVE BEEN.
THERE MAY BE A WAY TO FACILITATE THE OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDING THAT THEY CAN QUALIFY FOR.
WE HAD THIS DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNTY JUDGES FOR THE 12 OR 15 LARGER COUNTIES IS WE ARE IN AN ENORMOUS PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION AND WE HAVE A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE STATE ALLOCATION.
THE FACT THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE SOME AND DISPERSE IT IS A BURDEN ON US.
WE WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE NEED IS SO WE CAN HELP MEET IT AT THE EXPENSE POSSIBLE.
>> JUDGE, JUST TRYING TO KEEP TRACK OF WHERE WE ARE.
ARE WE ON PAGE 32 ON THE SMALL CITIES ? DID WE MOVE OFF OF COVID? PAGE 30?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE STILL WITHIN THE BUDGET ITEM.
I THINK WE STARTED MOVING TOWARD THE SMALL CITIES QUESTION WHICH WE CAN TAKE UP -- WE CAN GET TO IT LATER.
[Item II (Part 3 of 7)]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I CAN WAIT, JUDGE.
ONLY WHEN YOU REFERENCED IT, THAT'S WHY I WAS ASKING.
SHOULD I BRING IT UP NOW OR WAIT UNTIL LATER? IF YOU PREFER TO WAIT, I CAN WAIT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: BOB, DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING ELSE ON THIS, ON THE STATUS OF THE ASSESSMENT OR ANYTHING ELSE ON SMALL CITIES?
>> PROPOSING DOING A NEEDS ASSESSMENT WITH THE SMALL CITY SO WE CAN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE.
[03:15:02]
SOME ARE THINKING BASED ON OTHER COUNTIES THAT YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH.A LOT OF NEED IS SUPPLY REIMBURSEMENT.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE SMALLER FEES HAVE HAD THEIR WORKSHEETS INTO FEMA AROUND THAT.
WE PROPOSED A NEEDS ASSESSMENT SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT THE NEEDS LOOK LIKE IN THE SMALLER CITIES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, WHILE WE'RE ON IT, WHAT I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IS WHO DECIDES? OBVIOUSLY -- I DOUBT IT WILL BE ENOUGH MONEY FOR ALL OF THEIR NEEDS AND ALL OF OUR NEEDS SO DO WE HAVE TO GIVE THEM A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE? HOW DOES IT WORK SO THAT AT LEAST BOTH THEY AND WE HAVE A SENSE OF WHAT THE NUMBERS ARE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THIS IS PAGE 30 ITEM 16 ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA.
>> ON SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM 16 MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE MOTION IS WE DO SOME RESEARCH AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHEN WE ARE DOING THE RESEARCH WE HAVE A MECHANISM OF ALLOWING THE SMALL CITIES TO PARTICIPATE.
I KNOW I HAVE TALKED TO THEM AND YOU HAVE TALKED TO THEM AND IF THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH RIGOROUS VETTING AND EXPENSE TO GET A SMALL RECOVERY BACK IT IS NOT GOING TO BE WORTH WHILE VERSUS THEY HAVE SERIOUS EXPENDITURES THEY WANT REIMBURSED AND WE ASSIST THEM WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE SIDE OF THE EQUATION AND WE HAVE A WIN-WIN TO BENEFIT US ALL.
I AM IN FAVOR OF THIS AS LONG AS YOU HAVE SOME MECHANISM THAT WE ARE WORKING WITH OUR SMALL CITIES AND INCORPORATING THEM IN THE RESEARCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
AND SIMILARLY I THINK I HAVE MOST OF THE SMALL CITIES IN THE PRE SINK.
IN THAT REGARD I HAVE I HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS.
THEY ARE ANXIOUS TO GET AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE, BUT ALSO A QUESTION FOR, FOR EXAMPLE, A SMALL PORTION OF THEIR CITY IS IN HARRIS COUNTY AND A SMALL PORTION OF BAY COUNTY IS IN CHAMBERS COUNTY.
WILL THE STUDY COME UP WITH WAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT GIVING THEM 100% ALLOCATION BECAUSE NOT ALL OF THEIR TERRITORY IS IN OUR COUNTY?
AND THE INTENT IS JUST -- WE WANT TO UNDERSTAND FIRST WHAT THEY DO NEED.
WE ASK THEY WORK WITH THE CITIES AND I CAN ADD A SENTENCE TO THAT EFFECT.
I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO THEM THROUGHOUT THIS INCIDENT, AND THEY HAVE DIFFERENT KINDS OF NEEDS.
WE SUPPORTED MANY OF THEM WITH PPE.
WE THINK THERE MAY BE OTHER MECHANISMS AND OTHER RESOURCES THAT THEY CAN TAP INTO.
WHETHER IT IS SUPPORTING APPLICATIONS TO FEMA AND REIMBURSEMENTS TO OTHER GRANTS, OBVIOUSLY PUBLIC HEALTH HAS BEEN SERVING.
IT IS THE DIFFERENT WAYS THEY CAN HELP THEM AND DIFFERENT WAYS OTHER ENTITIES CAN HELP THEM AND GIVING A LITTLE STRUCTURE AND ORDER TO SUPPORT THE CITIES WITH THE FUNDS WE RECEIVE.
>> IF TODD DOES NOT KNOW NOW BECAUSE WE ARE UNIQUE IN HARRIS COUNTY WHERE WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE IN UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY THAN IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
AIRING -- ARGUABLY THE LARGEST CITY IN TEXAS IS CALLED UNINCORPORATED HARRIS COUNTY.
TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE THE LINES OF DEMARCATION COME IN.
WON'T BE ENOUGH MONEY TO SATISFY ALL OF OUR NEEDS COMING FROM OUR FEDERAL PARTNERS NOR THE NEED OF ANY OF THE CITY'S.
SO WHO DECIDES WHERE IT STOPS? IS IT THE GOVERNOR? IS IT US? I KNOW WE ALL WANT TO COOPERATE, BUT IT IS BETTER TO HAVE THAT ON THE TABLE
[03:20:07]
AND KNOW WHAT THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT ARE.WHO PAYS FOR THE GUIDE HOUSE NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
DO WE TAKE IT OUT OF OUR MONEY? DO WE APPORTION SIMILAR FEES FOR THAT TO MY OTHER CITIES? I AM JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THAT IT WASN'T AN INTENT WHEN CONGRESS PUT IT IN.
HOW DO WE DIVIDE IT SO AT THE END OF THE DAY WE DON'T END UP WITH HARRIS COUNTY, UNINCORPORATED IN PARTICULAR, GETTING LESS THAN A RURAL AREA THAT IS CONSIDERABLY SMALLER THAN HARRIS COUNTY.
I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS A QUESTION FOR TODD OR THE BUDGET OFFICE OR WHO, JUDGE, BUT THAT'S MY QUESTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: TODD, DO YOU HAVE INPUT INTO THAT?
>> AS IT RELATES TO -- WHY -- YOU KNOW THIS ASSESSMENT IS THE DOLLARS YOU DO HAVE AS I STATED EARLIER, A LOT OF THAT COULD BE REIMBURSED THROUGH FEMA.
ONE OF OUR NORTH STARS OR PILLARS IS TO MAXIMIZE THE AMOUNT OF DOLLARS FOR HARRIS COUNTY, AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE THINKING THROUGH THE DUPLICATION OF BENEFIT ISSUE.
SO THE BAROMETER -- SO THE PROGRAM THAT WAS PASSED IS REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL CITIES, CORRECT, WITHIN HARRIS COUNTY.
IF THE MONIES GO TO THE SMALLER CITIES WITHOUT THE RIGHT LEVEL OF FOCUS, YOU COULD ACTUALLY DUPLICATE THE BENEFIT AND THEREFORE THERE WOULD BE A CALL BACK LATER AND A RISK TO HARRIS COUNTY, NUMBER ONE.
AND NUMBER TWO, THE POINT YOU MADE AROUND WHO -- I UNDERSTAND THE POPULATION ISSUE AND I DID READ THE LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR.
I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THE GOVERNOR AND HIS STAFF CALCULATED AS TO WHAT WAS GIVEN TO HARRIS COUNTY.
AND SO THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING -- THE COUNTY WOULD HAVE TO GO AND TALK TO THE GOVERNOR ABOUT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, AND THE CENSUS ULTIMATELY -- I MEAN, I THINK IT IS OUR BEST GUESS OF HOW MUCH WE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND THEN OBVIOUSLY DO IT FOR THE PARAMETERS.
CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, BUT OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THEY ARE NOT TELLING US EXACTLY HOW MUCH IT IS WE COULD GET.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NOW WE ARE PROVIDING THEIR PUBLIC HEALTH.
NOW THERE IS THIS FUND AND HOW MUCH DO WE NEED? YES, COMMISSIONER RAD -- RADACK?
>> STEVE RADACK: TODD, STEVE RADACK.
ON THIS PICK MONEY, THE REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT GOES INTO THE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT CONTINGENCY FUND -- ARE YOU WITH ME?
>> STEVE RADACK: MY QUESTION FOR YOU IS WHEN THAT MONEY -- WHEN WE TAKE FEDERAL MONEY THAT IS BEING REIMBURSED TO HARRIS COUNTY AND PUT IT TO THE PICK FUND, DO THE FEDERAL REGULATIONS PASS ON WITH THAT MONEY THAT HAS GONE INTO THE PICK? MEANING THE LIMITATIONS ON USE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: DID WE LOSE YOU, TODD? MAYBE YOU ARE ON MUTE.
>> IT COULD AND IT IS SOMETHING THE COUNTY NEEDS TO THINK ABOUT AS IT RELATES TO THE DESIGN AND THE PROGRAM USING THE CARES FUNDING.
>> STEVE RADACK: WHAT I WAS REFERRING TO WAS SOMETHING PASSED IN COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
SOMETHING COMMISSIONER ELLIS PUT ON.
I AM VERY CONCERNED WITH THE FACT THAT THE AUDITOR WOULD NEED TO BE INVOLVED AND LOOK AT THIS CAREFULLY ABOUT HOW THERE IS $30 MILLION WHICH SOME OF IT WAS REIMBURSED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL THAT WE FOLLOW ALL OF THE GUIDELINES IN SPENDING THE MONEY.
[03:25:03]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME JUST SAY, AND I KNOW TODD WILL JUMP IN, THE MONEY IN THE PICK, EVEN IF IT WAS REIMBURSED IT WAS GENERAL REVENUE THEY REIMBURSED.
WHATEVER STRINGS WERE ON IT WOULDN'T STILL BE THERE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE AN INCIDENCE OF REIMBURSEMENT MONEY.
>> I DON'T AGREE WITH YOU, BUT TODD A MINUTE AGO I THINK YOU SAID -- IS THERE A CONCERN, TODD?
>> MY ADVICE WOULD BE THAT WE TALK ABOUT INTEGRITY MONITORING AND CONTROLS AROUND THAT MONEY AND HOW IT IS SPENT THIS MORNING AND ONE REASON SPECIFICALLY IS THE DUPLICATION BENEFIT AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ANY OF THOSE DOLLARS THAT ARE USED FOR THE PROGRAM'S PAST THIS MORNING THAT INDIVIDUALS THAT RECEIVE THOSE DOLLARS ARE ACTUALLY RECEIVING DOLLARS IN ANOTHER PROGRAM.
THAT IS ONE THING I SAY WE ADVISE THE COUNTY THAT WE THINK ABOUT AND A MONITORING PROGRAM SHOULD BE PUT IN PLACE AND AS FAR AS THE FEDERAL FUNDING SIDE, THE AUDITORS WILL BE COMING THROUGH HERE AND I THINK THAT IS GOOD HYGIENE.
>> JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO -- I WOULD URGE THIS COURT TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE OF EARLIER ON THAT $30 MILLION.
ONCE AGAIN IT IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT THAT ISSUES LIKE THIS BE LOOKED INTO.
AND ALSO ONCE AGAIN I KNOW YOU PUSH FOR THE BEST PRACTICES, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO BEST PRACTICES I THINK A WORSE PRACTICE THAT HAS HAPPENED -- OR THAT I HAVE SEEN HAPPEN IS A VOTE LIKE A COMMISSION -- A COMMISSIONER'S COURT JEOPARDIZING $25 MILLION -- $25 MILLION, AND IT IS LEAVING MONEY ON THE TABLE.
MY POINT IS THIS, THAT'S NOT BEST PRACTICES.
WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THE COUNTY MONEY IS PROTECTED.
AND WHAT WE ARE DOING IS $25 MILLION OF TAXPAYER MONEY AND IT IS NOT GOING TO BE PROTECTED.
AND ONCE AGAIN I WANT TO SAY THAT IT IS OBVIOUS THAT WE PROBABLY COULD HAVE A LESS FEE BY LOOKING AROUND AND SEEING WHO ELSE COULD HANDLE THE PROGRAM.
I WANTED TO POINT THAT OUT, THANK YOU.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT A MOTION?
I WILL MAKE A MOTION TO RECONSIDER.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THIS IS A MOTION TO RECONSIDER.
>> I MADE A MOTION TO RECONSIDER AND I THOUGHT I HEARD SOMEBODY SAY SECOND.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, YOU MIGHT BE MUTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND? ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM ALSO OPPOSED ON THIS ONE.
I WILL SAY, COMMISSIONER ELLIS THAT THERE IS A MECHANISM -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THIS HAS BEEN FULLY VETTED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
I MEAN, I APPRECIATE MY COLLEAGUES AGAINST IT AND WAS GOING TO BE AGAINST IT WHEN HE GOT UP TODAY AND WILL BE AGAINST IT TOMORROW.
RM MINDS -- REASONABLE MINDS CANDICE AGREE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND TODD NEEDS TO WORK WITH THE DISTRICT.
MY ASSESSMENT IS THEY HAVE BEEN RUNNING THIS DOWN FOR A GOOD SIX WEEKS WITH THE FOUNDATION AND IT IS AS GOOD AS IT WILL GET AS FAR AS THE DESIGN AND GETTING -- AND BEING TARGETED AND HELPING TO RUN OUR ECONOMY AND BEING ACCOUNTABLE.
I THINK IF GUIDE HOUSE HAS ADDITIONAL INPUT, Y'ALL SHOULD GIVE IT TO THE FOUNDATION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE WOULD BE GLAD TO HAVE IT, JUDGE.
THE FOUNDATION WAS THERE FOR HARVEY, WELL RESPECTED AND I THINK WHEN THE NEXT CRISIS COMES ALONG THAT COULD BE LATER THIS SUMMER, THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN.
CAN WE VOTE ON THIS SMALL CITY IF FOLKS DON'T HAVE QUESTIONS?
[03:30:04]
AND THEN WE CAN MOVE BACK TO MR. GARCIA'S ITEM AND THEN GO TO BUDGET.>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM IN SUPPORT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON -- YES?
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME READ IT.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD A SMALL EDIT.
REQUEST BY THE COUNTY JUDGE THAT BUDGET MANAGE -- MANAGEMENT AND INTER GOVERNMENTAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS AS APPROPRIATE JOINTLY RESEARCH THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS ON HARRIS COUNTY WITH FEWER THAN 500,000 RESIDENTS ASSESSING INCREASED OPERATIONAL COSTS AS WELL REDUCED REVENUES FROM SALES TAXES AND OTHER FEES AND I WILL ADD WORK WITH MUNICIPALITIES.
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL REPORT BACK TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT NO LATER THAN JUNE 30TH, 2020.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THE CHANGE AFTER FEES IS WORK WITH OTHER MUNICIPALITIES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WORK WITH THE MUNICIPALITIES ON THIS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
NOW, LET'S GO BACK TO COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S ITEM ON THE TAX EXEMPTION.
[Item I (Part 4 of 7)]
I HAVE TO KNOW THAT YOU ALL CLARIFIED AND ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.WE HAD FIXED THE TYPO, CORRECT?
SO IT STANDS AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA READ IT.
DO FOLKS HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN PAVER? FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND NOW LET'S GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THE COVID ITEMS AND SO WE WERE ON BUDGET MANAGEMENT PAGE 28, A DISCUSSION IN CONNECTION WITH COUNTY FINANCES.
DOES ANYBODY ELSE HAVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE COUNTY FINANCES? IN THAT CASE WE WILL MOVE TO ITEM 2 UNDER BUDGET MANAGEMENT.
BILL, THIS IS ABILITY FOR FOLKS TO BE PAID FOR OVERTIME, CORRECT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 3, COMMERCIAL PAPER FUNDING FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES.
I KNOW WE HAVE A SPEAKER ON THIS ITEM.
>> AARON O'MALLEY WITH THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION.
>> HI, MY NAME IS ERIN O'MALLEY AND I SERVE WITH THE -- AS COMMUNITY ADVOCACY DIRECTOR FOR HOUSTON.
WE SUPPORT THIS PROPOSE -- PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE FUNDING FOR THE MOBILE HEALTH UNIT.
IT WILL INCREASE ACCESS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: MA'AM, YOU MAY WANT TO GET A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE MIC.
YOUR VOICE -- IT IS NOT VERY LOUD.
WE BELIEVE SUSTAINABLE FUNDING FOR THIS PROGRAM WILL BOTH HELP ADDRESS ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE DURING THE PANDEMIC AND ENSURE ON GOING FINANCIAL CARE TO LIMIT COVID 19 INFECTION IN THE VULNERABLE POPULATION.
THIS PANDEMIC IN ADDITION TO BEING A HEALTH CRISIS HAS HIGHLIGHTED LONG-STANDING HEALTH CRISIS ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE.
WE URGE THE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO EXPAND THIS MOBILE HEALTH UNIT PROGRAM AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONTINUE TO BRING HEALTH CARE AND MANAGE MEANT TO UNDER SERVED AREAS OF HARRIS COUNTY.
WE BELIEVE THIS PROGRAM IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT NOW BECAUSE NEW COMMUNITY MEMBERS MAY LACK TRANSPORTATION OR BE AT HIGHER RISK OF INFECTION WHEN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
THEY MAY LACK THE INTERNET CONNECTIVE TEE FORETELL LAW HEALTH -- FOR TELE HEALTH SERVICES.
[INAUDIBLE] TELE HEALTH IS ENGAGED IN AND ACCESS TO CARE IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTY.
AS WE ALL KNOW, MANY OF THESE COMMUNITIES ARE SHOULDERING THIS BURDEN BECAUSE OF UNDERLING CONDITIONS SUCH AS HEART DISEASE AND DIABETES AND BLOOD PRESSURE AND OBESITY.
THE COUNTY OF PUBLIC HEALTH BECAUSE OF OUR COMMUNITY HAS QUALITY CARE AND MANAGED HEALTH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS.
SO THAT WAS ITEM 3 ON PAGE 28 FOR PUBLIC HEALTH COMMERCIAL PAPER.
[03:35:01]
JACK CAGLE: I HAVE A A QUESTION FOR BILL.
ITEM NUMBER 3 AND I BELIEVE 5 ARE ALL COMING OUT OF THE CARES ACT POTENTIALLY?
>> ITEM NUMBER 3 IS COMMERCIAL PAPER BECAUSE IT IS A FIXED ASSET THAT PROBABLY I THINK WE TALKED ABOUT IN THE BUDGET PROCESS INSTEAD OF COMING OUT OF GENERAL FUNDS.
IT HAS A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF MORE THAN A YEAR AND SO THAT'S WHY THAT WAS ON THERE.
NUMBER FIVE, THESE ARE EXPENSES THAT WERE COVERED.
REMEMBER THE RULES ON THE 426 FUNDING FROM THE CARES ACT SAID THEY HAD TO BE EXPENDED FROM MARCH 1ST OF 2020 TO DECEMBER 31ST OF 2020.
AS LONG AS THEY ARE ALLOWABLE EXPENSES IT WILL BE LOOKED AT TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE CLASSIFIED CORRECTLY AND THAT'S WHAT THE 4.4 WOULD COME OUT OF THE 426.
JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS ITEM 3 AND ITEM 4, COMMERCIAL PAPER FUNDING FOR INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES.
ITEM 5 IS PUBLIC HEALTH, 4.4 MILLION FOR PUBLIC HEALTH -- FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT.
6 ACCEPTING A GRANT AND ITEM 7 IS ACCEPTING A GRANT.
AND THEN MOVING ON TO PUBLIC HEALTH COVID ITEMS. FOLKS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THOSE? PAGES 28 AND 29.
ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA PUBLIC HEALTH HAS A COVID ITEM THAT NEEDS A
[Item II (Part 4 of 7)]
CORRECTION.THEY HAVE TO CHANGE ACTIONABLE ITEM TO ACTION ACTIONABLE OPTION.
SO PAGE 30 WOULD READ REQUEST BY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE FOR AUTHORIZATION TO WORK WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ADOPT THE ACTIONABLE OPTION TO ESTABLISH NONCONGREATE SHELTER OPERATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC WHO TESTS POSITIVE.
I AM HAPPY TO RUN THROUGH THIS ITEM AS WELL IF FOLKS WOULD LIKE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M ALL RIGHT ON IT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY, TALKING ABOUT CONSOLIDATION, THIS IS PROBABLY ONE AREA WE OUGHT TO BE LOOKING AT.
[Item I (Part 5 of 7)]
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES UNDER THE COVID SECTION.THEY HAVE A CORRECTION ON ITEM 2 AND PAGE 29.
IT SHOULD READ AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE ALLIANCE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE MINISTRY FOR GRANT FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $139,575, ET CETERA.
SO WE CHANGED COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS TO ALLIANCE OF COUNTY ASSISTANCE MINISTRY.
FOLKS HAVE QUESTIONS ON CO -- COVID ITEMS? COUNTY ATTORNEY COVID SECTION.
COUNTY JUDGE I HAVE MY SAME ITEM IN TERMS OF THE COUNTY'S RESPONSES TO THE PANDEMIC.
I KNOW WE HAVE SOME SPEAKERS SO I WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS A CHANCE TO DISCUSS ANYTHING RELATED TO COVID.
LUCINDA, ARE THERE SPEAKERS ON THE LINE FOR THIS ITEM?
MY NEXT ITEM IS EXTENDING THE DISASTER DECLARATION.
ON THIS ONE WE CONTINUE TO USE THE DISASTER DECLARATION TO MAKE THE -- TO TAKE STEPS THAT WE HAVE TO TAKE TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND ADEQUATELY TO THE DISASTER.
OTHER COUNTIES IN MONTGOMERY EXPIRES ON JUNE 11TH.
TRAVIS COUNTY APPEARS TO BE ON GOING.
I KNOW THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO EXTENDED HIS, AND WHAT WE ARE USING IT FOR RIGHT NOW MOST IMPORTANTLY IS REIMBURSEMENT FROM PEOPLE MA BEING ABLE TO SUBMIT THOSE EASILY AND ALSO QUICK PURCHASING.
OBVIOUSLY IN TERMS OF ISSUING ORDERS THE GOVERNOR HAS TAKEN THE AUTHORITY.
RIGHT NOW IT IS A MATTER OF BEING ABLE TO DO THE PURCHASING.
[03:40:06]
COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU SUGGESTED JUNE 10TH.
WONDERING SHOULD YOU REQUEST THE 16TH? WHEN DO WE MEET AGAIN? SO IN OTHER WORDS YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE -- I THINK MR. SOARD SAID IF WE GIVE IT TO YOU, WE CANNOT TAKE IT BACK, BUT I HATE FOR IT TO END ON JUNE 10TH AND YOU NEED IT ON JUNE 11TH AND WE DON'T MEET UNTIL -- I WONDER WHY EL PASO SAYS JUNE 16TH.
>> I HAVE IT FOR JUNE 10TH WHICH IS THE DAY AFTER THE NEXT COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
IT SHOULD BE GOOD IN TERMS OF WE CAN DISCUSS IT THEN.
EL PASO HAS THEIR INDEFINITELY, BUT THERE ARE SOME OTHER COUNTIES THAT HAVE IT EXPIRING.
BEXAR EXPIRES ON JUNE 16TH AND I AM GUESSING THAT'S BECAUSE THEY MEET THAT TUESDAY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO SAY IF YOU NEED MORE TIME YOU WOULD SUPPORT IT.
I WILL LIVE WITH JUNE 10TH IF YOU ARE COMFORTABLE.
>> WHEN DOES SHE WANT TO STOP?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE IT GOING UNTIL JUNE 10TH WHICH IS THE DAY AFTER THE NEXT COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEETING.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD A COMMENT.
JACK CAGLE: IF LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE DONE A PRETTY GOOD JOB IN THE COUNTY WITH REGARD TO THE CURVE AND OUR PERCENTAGES THAT ARE BEING IMPACTED.
AS YOU SAID EVERYBODY NEEDS TO BE CAREFUL AND CAUTIOUS AND NEEDS TO BE SAFE.
WE STILL HAVE HOSPITAL BED AVAILABILITY.
WE HAVE A GREAT RECOVERY RATE COMPARED TO THE STATE AND THE REST OF THE NATION AND OUR PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IS FAIRLY LOW.
I THINK WE HAVE NOW STOPPED HAVING THE ELECTED OFFICIALS BRIEFINGS ON WEDNESDAYS BECAUSE WE ARE IN MORE OF THE RECOVERY PHASE AS OPPOSED TO THE CRISIS PHASE.
I KNOW THERE IS A NEED FOR US TO POTENTIALLY KEEP THIS IN ORDER SO DWIGHT CAN DO THE PURCHASING AND THERE CAN BE FEMA REIMBURSMENTS OF EXPENDITURES THAT WE HAVE THAT ARE OUT THERE.
AND I CAN MAKE A REQUEST THAT WHEN WE COME TO COURT NEXT TIME THAT WE HAVE A REPORT FROM DWIGHT AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AS WELL AS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OF WHAT ADDITIONAL ITEMS THAT WOULD BE POTENTIALLY BE OUR NEXT COURT MEETING IN TERMS OF A NEED OF HAVING AN ORDER SO WE CAN HAVE FINANCIAL REIMBURSMENTS.
I THINK WE ARE IN THE MODE IF YOU CALL A MEETING WE CAN BE HERE IN 72 HOURS.
WE ARE VERY EFFICIENT AND AVAILABLE BY TELE CONFERENCE AND I THINK WE NEED TO GET OUR ARMS AROUND WHAT IS EXACTLY THAT WE NEED TO HAVE FOR ON GOING ORDERS.
I REQUEST DWIGHT, THE AUDITOR AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND POTENTIALLY BUDGET OFFICE TO LIT US KNOW SPECIFICALLY WHAT THINGS WE ARE IN JEOPARDY OF LOSING IN TERMS OF THE PUBLIC'S FUNDS IF WE MOVE INTO RECOVERY PHASE AS OPPOSED TO THE EMERGENCY PHASE.
>> JUDGE, WE MAY HAVE A SPEAKER FOR THIS AS WELL.
>> I HAVE THE SPEAKERS READY FOR ITEM 25.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S FINISH THIS ITEM, LUCI IDA, AND -- LUCINDA, BUT THEN WE CAN GO BACK.
>> WE DON'T HAVE THAT CALLER ON THE LINE YET.
WE ARE TRYING TO CONTACT THE OTHERS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WELL HOW ABOUT WHY DON'T YOU CHECK IN WITH THE SPEAKERS BEFORE WE ARE ASKED TO CALL THEM UP.
AND THEN LET'S CONTINUE WITH THE DISCUSSION.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE THAT WORKS FOR ME.
ONE THING IS IF WE ARE NOT IN RECOVERY AND I THINK WE JUST HAD 118 NEW CASES YESTERDAY.
WE HAD 296 CONTACT TRACERS AT CLOSE OF BUSINESS.
WE ARE MEETING VIRTUALLY BECAUSE ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS CAME DOWN -- WELL, BECAUSE WE ARE -- WE KNEW THE VIRUS SPREAD FROM PERSON TO PERSON, BUT WE KNOW ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS CAME DOWN POSITIVE IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON.
THE VIRUS HAS NOT GONE ANYWHERE.
WE HAVE FALL -- FALLEN IN -- INTO A NEW NORMAL.
[03:45:01]
MAYBE WE ARE IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE.THAT'S WHAT I TELL THE COMMUNITY.
YOU LOOK AT THE CURVES FROM THE SPANISH FLU AND YOU CAN SEE ONE LITTLE CURVE AND THEN A MUCH BIGGER ONE.
I GUESS FOLKS THOUGHT THEY BEAT THE CURVE.
THAT'S WHAT WE CAN'T LET HOOP -- LET THAT HAPPEN.
I DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL HAPPEN.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A HALFWAY DISASTER DEC.
IF THINGS COME BACK I MAY NEED THIS AUTHORITY.
I FEEL AWKWARD ABOUT IT TOO, HONESTLY, BUT THE REALITY IS WE ARE IN THIS DISASTER I HOPE WE ARE REMAINING IN A STEADY STATE UNTIL WE FIND A VACCINE.
IT IS UNLIKELY THAT WE -- I HOPE THIS IS NOT THE CASE, BUT IT IS SPECIAL POSSIBLE THAT FOLKS GET OVERCONFIDENT AND THEN THEY SIMPLY -- AND THEN WE OPEN AND OPEN MORE AND THEN HERE WE HAVE -- YOU KNOW, I KEEP SAYING DON'T TEMPT FATE BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED THAT FOLKS WILL BE PUSHING AND PUSHING AND PUSHING UNTIL WE END UP IN A BAD SITUATION AND THAT'S NOT WHAT IT IS ABOUT.
WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED TO RESPOND TO THAT.
SO I THINK THAT'S WHY THE STATE AND THE MAJOR COUNTIES HAVE A DISASTER DECLARATION BECAUSE WE ARE STILL IN A DISASTER AS WEIRD AS IT IS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: YAG -- JUDGE, I WAS JUST LOOKING AT AN ARTICLE ON MY PHONE.
I DWONT -- I DON'T KNOW WHO WROTE IT.
IT HARRIS COUNTY AND TEXAS RESIDENTS HAVE RECEIVED AN F GRADE IN SOCIAL DISTANCING AMONG THE PANDEMIC ACCORDING TO A SCHOOL BOARD NAMED UNICAST.
THEY ARE SPECIALIZING AND DATA PRODUCTS FOR BUSINESS CLIENTS.
I ASSUME THEY ARE USING A NUMBER OF METRICS.
I GUESS THEY CAN TRACK WHO IS IN THIS ROOM WITH ME.
THEY CAN TRACK THE CELL PHONES TO SEE IF PEOPLE ARE IN HERE.
IN THE PRE-PANDEMIC UNIT THEY USE A BASELINE FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL AND IT IS DEFINED AS AVERAGE COUNTY DENSITY.
I DON'T SEE WHO WROTE IT, BUT HARRIS COUNTY RECEIVED A D.
I GUESS WE GOT A D FOR A GRADE AND DISTANCE TRAVEL, F GRADE IN REDUCTION TO NONESSENTIAL BUSINESSES AND AN F GRADE LEADING TO AN OVER ALL F SCORE IN SOCIAL DISTANCING.
WHAT THAT TELLS ME IS BRANDON BETTER PUT HIS MASK ON IF HE WILL SIT IN THE ROOM WITH ME.
DON'T BE ASHAMED OF ASKING FOR AUTHORITY.
I THINK IT IS BETTER FOR US ON AIR ON THE SIDE OF HELPING PEOPLE SEE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS.
I KNOW THE OFFICE OF COURT ANALYSTS WILL COME BACK AND REPORT ABOUT THE DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON MINORITIES.
I DID SOMETHING FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT THE OTHER DAY AND THEY GAVE ME A STAT.
IF YOU ARE BLACK YOU ARE THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO GET IT.
IF YOU ARE AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOU GET IT AND SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY TO DIE FROM IT.
I TAKE IT SERIOUSLY, AND I WILL BE HAPPY TO MAKE THE MOTION BECAUSE I KNOW I AM AT RISK.
I AM OLD AND I AM BLACK AND I WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY ARE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I AGREE THAT WE ARE NOT OUT OF THIS -- WE ARE NOT IN RECOVERY.
SOME OF THE REASONS USED IS THAT WITH GOVERNOR ABBOTT'S STRIKE FORCE GOING OUT TO TEST THE SENIOR HOME CARE FACILITIES, WHERE I HAD ONE OF MY CO-CHAIRS, MICHAEL MOORE'S FATHER, THE STAFF THERE HAS COME BACK, AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS OF THE STAFF HAVE COME BACK POSITIVE.
AND NOW THEY ARE MAKING SURE TO TEST ALL OF THE RESIDENTS THERE.
I THINK THEY WENT THROUGH A HUNDRED AND THEY HAD A HUNDRED MORE TO GO.
THERE IS CONCERN AND THEY ARE ASKING FOR A TESTING SITE IN HIS CITY BAY TOWN -- IN HIS CITY.
WE SAID WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GO MORE INTO THE MOBILE TESTING SITE STRUCTURE.
I DO NOT HAVE ANYBODY, ANY MAYOR SAYING I AM NOT INTERESTED IN TESTING AND I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT IT.
OBVIOUSLY WHEN YOU GET INFECTED WITH THIS STUFF, YOU ARE LIKELY TO BE MUCH
[03:50:03]
MORE CONCERNED ABOUT IT.I THINK THIS IS ONE OF THOSE AREAS WHERE WE HAVE TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS.
THE CONVERSATION YOU AND I HAD ABOUT HOSPITALIZATION AND WHAT THAT MEANS TO THE POTENTIAL OF A STRONG SPIKE IS PROBLEMATIC.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DOING ALL THINGS TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE TAKING CARE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND COMMISSION ELLIS' ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? COMMISSIONER RADACK, ARE YOU ON?
SO THE SPEAKERS, I AM GETTING A MESSAGE HERE, ARE -- THERE ARE SPEAKERS FOR ITEM 1, THE OVERALL RESPONSES TO THE PANDEMIC.
WE WILL CALL THEM UP FIRST AND THEN WE WILL CALL THE SPEAKERS ON THE WAY THE SYSTEM WORKS.
LUCINDA, IS THAT WHAT YOU NEED?
HOW ARE YOU DOING? CAN YOU HEAR ME?
MY NAME IS CRAIG RICHARDSON AND I AM THE OWNER OF TTC GLOBAL.
I WORK IN COORDINATION WITH QUESTA AND LAB CORP.
I WORKED FOR 10 YEARS AND I WORK WITH ONCOLOGY NURSES IN THE HARRIS COUNTY AREA.
THE BIGGEST CONCERN I HAVE RIGHT NOW IS TWO QUICK CONCERNS.
I WANT TO PUT IT ON THE BOARD HERE.
ONE IS THE FACT THAT WE HAVE LOOKED AT THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 WHICH ARE THE SAME AS RADIATION WHEN IT RELATES TO -- WHAT TOOK US THERE IS WE REALIZE A LOT OF COVID SYMPTOMS ARE THE SAME AS CANCER PATIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO OVERABUNDANCE OF RADIATION BECAUSE OF THEIR TREATMENT.
SO WHAT WE DID WAS, I DON'T KNOW WHY IT WAS A TABU.
WE WENT AROUND HOUSTON AND WE LOOKED AT THE RADIATION LEVELS IN AND AROUND HOUSTON.
IN THE BLACK AREAS OF HOUSTON, TEXAS AND HARRIS COUNTY, THE READ WILLINGS ARE OFF THE -- READINGS ARE OFF THE CHARTS.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RADIATION LEVELS IN HOUSTON? IT IS AN UNDERGROUND NETWORK OF 5G THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT.
AS WELL AS THE SYMPTOMS BEING THE SAME AS THE RADIATION AS COVID.
AND EVEN THE NEW SYMPTOMS THAT THEY KEEP COMING OUT WITH FOR COVID ARE THE SAME.
IS THERE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE AS IT RELATES TO INVESTIGATING THIS AS WELL AS UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE.
WE HAVE A LOT OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS DYING FROM COVID.
THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEMS ARE UNDER ATTACK BECAUSE OF RADIATION.
AFRICAN-AMERICANS HAVE ISSUES WITH -- DISEASE BECAUSE OUR SKIN PIGMENT IS DARK.
MOST OF US HAVE DEFICIENCY IN VITAMIN D WHICH CAUSES -- WHICH MAKES IT EASIER TO HAVE IMMUNITY ISSUES WHERE EVERYBODY CAN GET BY.
WE STRUGGLE MORE WITH THAT BECAUSE WE ARE HAVING A LACKING IN VITAMIN D WHICH MEANS THE WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT DOESN'T ALWAYS PERFORM THE WAY THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO PERFORM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
[03:55:01]
THIS IS MR. AKINOL WITH ENUF AND THE LEADER OF THE 50 FATHERS MOVEMENT.
I JUST WANTED TO REITERATE THAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT TESTING, TESTING, TESTING LATELY AND I WANT TO COMMEND YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO, FOR DOING A GREAT JOB.
YOU ARE UP AGAINST MORE FORCES THAN JUST COVID-19.
I DON'T WANT TO JUST PUT COVID-19 AT THE FRONT AND FORGET ABOUT ALL OF THE OTHER STUFF WE HAVE GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES.
I WANT TO SAY INIS IT -- INSTEAD OF TESTING, TESTING, TEGGING -- TESTING, LET'S GET INTO EDUCATING, EDUCATING, EDUCATING.
HOW THE HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE CAUSES HEART DEFECTS AND EDGE -- EDUCATE PEOPLE ON THE FAULTY TESTING AND THE OTHER TESTING KITS FROM THE DIFFERENT COMPANIES AND TESTING THAT MIGHT NOT WORK AND MAY BE GIVING FAULTY READINGS.
OR EVEN THE FALSIFIED NUMBER THAT'S ARE COMING BACK IN DEATHS AND PEOPLE SAYING IT IS COVID-RELATED CASES, AND NO ONE IS SAYING COVID-19 OR THE CORONAVIRUS ACTUALLY KILLED THESE PEOPLE.
AND INFORMING PEOPLE ABOUT HOW HOW 60% OF THE PEOPLE DIED IN THE HOSPITAL.
IT REALLY WASN'T BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS, BUT TERRIBLE HEALTH CARE SERVICE THAT WE HAVE ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
THEY WANT TO QUALIFY THEY HAVE TO GET THEM OFF THE BED.
A LOT OF PEOPLE DIED BECAUSE OF THAT.
EDUCATING PEOPLE ON WHAT IS GOING ON BEHIND THE SCENES AND IT IS NOT JUST SAYING TESTING, TESTING AND WE ARE OPENING UP TESTING SITES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
WE WANT TO BE MINDFUL TO SAY NOT TO FOR -- FORGET THE TRUE AGENDA BEHIND AND HOW 5G IS ACTUALLY CONDUCTING A PARTY TO INVESTIGATE ON HOW 5G RADIATION CAUSES CANCER, BUT NOT SAYING ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND THERE IS A PUSH FOR IT ON THE TV FOR ALL DEVICES AND ALL YOUR HOME DEVICES TO BE UPGRADED TO 5G.
IT MAKES IT LOOK LIKE WHO IS ON WHOSE SIDE? WHO DID THE LETTER GET PUSHED TO? WHEN WE SAY THESE THINGS DON'T TURN A BLIND EYE OR SAY WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT WHEN YOU DO HAVE THE MONEY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
CHILDREN WILL BE POPPING UP WITH CANCER AND THIS IS HAPPENING NOW.
LAST YEAR, MY DAUGHTER HAD AN:00 -- AN OCULAR TUMOR.
JUST SAYING -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, SIR FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> KNOW -- NOEL RAMIREZ WITH LIVING HOPE WHEELCHAIR.
I AM THE PRESIDENT OF BELIEVE IN HOPE PLN -- [INAUDIBLE].
I CAME TO THIS CAME 32 YEARS AGO AND I WORKED REALLY HARD FOR WHEELCHAIR.
I HAD AN ACCIDENT THAT LEFT ME UNABLE TO WORK AGAIN AND REMAIN IN A WHEELCHAIR FOR LIFE.
I ALWAYS LOOK FOR A WAY TO WORK.
[INAUDIBLE] AND TEACHING MUSIC.
I HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPENDENT ON THE GOVERNMENT AND ALWAYS PAID MY TAXES.
[04:00:04]
15 YEARS AGO [INAUDIBLE] LIVING HOPE ORGANIZATION.NOW THANKS TO GOD AND MY FRIENDS [INAUDIBLE] WITH MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SUCH AS WHEELCHAIRS [INAUDIBLE] PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES.
CLU -- INCLUDING AMERICAN CITIZENS.
I SAY THIS IS AN EXAMPLE THAT IMMIGRANTS EVEN WITH DISABILITIES AND HAVE THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS.
FOR ME IT IS HUMAN [INAUDIBLE] AND IT IS DIFFICULT FOR EVERYONE.
DUE TO EFFORT AND SACRIFICE WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY WE STILL ARE BROUGHT AGAINST THOSE WHO ARE DIFFERENT IF GOD LOVES EVERYONE NO MATTER WHAT.
I THINK WE DESERVE THIS HELP BECAUSE WE PAY TAXES.
WHEN WE PAY RENT FOR OUR FAMILY.
FOR OPPORTUNITY WE ARE NEVER INCLUDED IN THE MONEY PAID, BUT ARISES OUT OF THIS COVID-19.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
TO FINISH I WANT JUST TO SAY TO -- [INAUDIBLE] OKAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
AND I DO THINK THAT HOPEFULLY THE FUND WILL BE TARGETED ENOUGH TO REACH FOLKS OF ALL KINDS OF ABILITIES AND DISABILITIES.
DO WE HAVE ANYMORE SPEAKERS, LUCINDA?
>> I AM FROM TMO AND I WANT TO THANK FOR PROPOSAL AND FOR ADOPTING THE $30 MILLION FOR COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS.
THESE ARE DESPERATE TIMES AND THESE FUNDS ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED.
WHILE WE RECOGNIZE THIS, IT IS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT IS NEEDED.
WE ARE TALKING TO THOUSANDS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE AN INABILITY TO PAY REBT.
LANDLORDS ARE GIVING THEM EVICTION NOTICES.
SOME HAVE EXTRAVAGANT LATE FEES.
THE TRAUMA THESE FAMILIES ENDURE IS REAL.
THERE IS STRESS AND DEPRESSION.
THERE ARE SOME SUICIDAL THOUGHTS.
FOR THIS REASON TMO SENT YOU A LETTER ALLOWING THE LEGAL BASIS [INAUDIBLE] TO EXTEND THE MORATORIUM.
SIMILARLY OTHER PLACES, IF THEY CAN PROTECT THEIR FAMILIES WHY WE CANNOT DO THE SAME? IN THIS LETTER IT SHOWS, ONE, HOW TO TAKE A SUPREME COURT ORDER [INAUDIBLE].
BY USING THE WORD MAY INDICATES THAT IT IS NOT MANDATORY TO PROCESS THESE ADDITIONAL CASES.
TWO, [INAUDIBLE] A LOCAL MORATORIUM AND ADDITIONAL CASES IS NOT A ESSENTIAL SERVICE.
AND THREE, NOT STOPPING WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO A COMMUNITY.
IT WOULD INCREASE HOME LESSNESS.
THERE WOULD BE -- INCREASE HOMELESS NIECE --NESS.
THERE WOULD BE MULTIPLE FAMILIES LIVING TOGETHER AND MANY LOW INCOME FAMILIES AND MINORITIES WITH UNDERLING CONDITIONS SUCH AS DIABETES AND HYPER TENSION MAKES THEM MORE VULNERABLE TO COVID-19.
JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT, WE BELIEVE YOU CAN EXTEND THE ADDITIONAL MORATORIUM.
PLEASE EXTEND THE ADDITIONAL MORATORIUM TO THE END OF THE PANDEMIC.
PLEASE GIVE OUR FAMILIES ANOTHER MONTH SO THEY CAN GET BACK TO WORK AND MAKE MONEY TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE LANDLORDS.
[04:05:01]
PLEASE TELL THESE FAMILIES THAT YOU WILL PROTECT THEM.>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS THE ONE WE DISCUSSED ALREADY.
IT IS THE LOCAL DISASTER IS THAT RIGHT?
WE WILL HAVE TO BE MORE CAREFUL ABOUT CALLING -- [INAUDIBLE].
>> JANE -- JANIE WATSON WITH THE METRA METRA POLL -- METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION.
MY NAME IS JANIE WATSON AND I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH IN THE THIRD WARD AND THE METRA POLITIC -- METROPOLITAN ORGANIZATION.
WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THE WORK ON THE COVID-19 RELIEF FUND.
WE HAVE LAID OUT THE ARGUMENTS BY JUDGE HIDALGO AND THE COMMISSIONER THAT'S HAVE THE MEANS TO PUT IN PLACE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND EVICTION MORATORIUM UNTIL JUNE 15TH.
NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO SEND FAMILIES OUT WITH THEIR BELONGINGS.
THERE ARE ALREADY ENOUGH HOMELESS PEOPLE LIVING ON OUR STREETS.
SOME FAMILIES ARE MOVED IN TOGETHER IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP A ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD PUTTING TOGETHER WHAT LITTLE MONEY THEY HAVE TO PAY THE RENT.
THIS VAN -- CAN VERY WELL PROVE TO BE DANGEROUS.
IF THEY ARE UNDER ROOF THEY CAN FALL ILL TO THE CORONAVIRUS.
IN A MATTER OF DAYS, THE 2020 HURRICANE SEASON AND TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR IS ALREADY A SIGN OF THE VERY ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON.
EL PASO AND TRAVIS COUNTY HAVE TAKEN STEPS TO DELAY EVICTION HEARINGS.
HARRIS COUNTY, WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP OUR FELLOW CITIZENS.
THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT ORDER INDICATES THAT EVICTION MAY PROCEED STARTING TODAY, MAY 19TH, AND NOT THAT THEY SHALL OR MUST.
WE NEED JUDGE HIDALGO TO MAKE SURE THAT THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE DO NOT CROSS PROCESSY JIKS UNTIL JUNE 15TH AT THE EARLIEST.
AND NOW AT A TIME SUCH AS THIS WE MUST JOIN TO HELP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
IT LOOKS LIKE ROBERT IS OUT FOR A SECOND.
I KNOW WE HAVE GOTTEN THAT QUESTION AND WE DID LOOK INTO DO I HAVE AUTHORITY TO STOP EVICTIONS.
INITIALLY I DID, BUT BECAUSE OF ORDERS -- TECH -- TECHNICALLY I WAS ABLE TO STOP LANDLORDS FROM FILING THEM.
THAT WASN'T NECESSARY BECAUSE OF THE SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT NOY -- NO EVICTION SHOULD BE HEARD UNTIL, I GUESS, TODAY.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE INTERMEDIATE TIME PERIOD IS THAT THE LAW CHANGED.
I NO LONGER HAVE THE ABILITY TO STOP THEM.
AND WE ARE CONTINUING TO REVIEW THAT.
WE ARE WORKING WITH DALLAS COUNTY AND TRAVIS COUNTY TO SEE IF WE CAN COME UP WITH SOME SOLUTIONS.
WE WOULD BE RELUCTANT TO SAY RIGHT NOW THAT THE COUNTY JUDGE CAN STOP THE EVICTIONS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I AM AS CONCERNED AS EVERYONE ON THIS.
THE LAST THING WE NEED RIGHT NOW IS THROWING PEOPLE ON THE STREET.
WE ARE ASKING IF YOU ARE STICK -- SICK TO STAY HOME.
STAY HOME WHERE? I KNOW YOU ARE WORKING WITH THE OTHER COUNTIES AND IF WE FIND A LEGAL AVENUE WE WILL TAKE IT.
IT IS OTHER COUNTIES WHO HAVE TAKEN THE INITIATIVE.
LUCINDA, DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS ON THIS?
>> NOME, WE DO -- NO, MA'AM, WE DO NOT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAS ITEM UNDER COUNTY JUDGE.
NEXT I HAVE ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA COVID RELATED, THEY WERE HELPING US FOR MONTHS.
WHEN I TALK ABOUT THE RESEARCHERS -- THE RICE RESEARCHERS THIS IS THEM.
THE NEXT ITEM IS THE ONE ON SMALL CITIES.
[04:10:03]
THAT ONE WE VOTED ON.AND THAT'S IT FOR ME ON COVID.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, SHOULD WE JUST MOVE ALL OF YOURS? I WAS JUST THINKING COLLEAGUES WILL LET US KNOW THERE IS DISSENTION SO WE DON'T HAVE TO REHASH IT ALL AGAIN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHAT I'M HOPING.
IF FOLKS HAVE AN ISSUE WE WILL DISCUSS IT AS A GROUP.
OTHERWISE WE WILL TAKE THE WHOLE AGENDA.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON ANY OTHER OF MY ITEMS? COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS IT MY ITEM NEXT? YOU MUTED ON ME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COVID ITEMS UNDER YOUR AGENDA, COMMISSION ELLIS.
YOU DISCUSSED THE FIRST ONE WHICH IS THE RELIEF FUND THE NEXT IS THE SUPPLEMENTAL UH -- AGENDA WHICH IS VOTE BY MAIL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL HOLD THE COVID ITEM AND BRING IT UP IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS WHEN WE COME BACK.
I KNOW THE STATE SUPREME COURT IS LOOKING AT IT TOMORROW, SO I WILL JUST HOLD IT AND BRING IT UP AFTER THAT.
>> WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS ON THE LINE FOR ITEM 18.
>> FOR CLARITY ON 18 THERE IS NO ACTION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, WE WILL HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS.
ALLEN VERA WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY.
>> ALLEN VERA, HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY.
ITEM NUMBER 18 AS ORIGINALLY ON THE AGENDA, IF THAT RESOLUTION WERE TO BE PASSED BY THE COURT ARE -- THE FOLLOWING CONSEQUENCE WOULD BE POSSIBLE AND IF NOT LIKELY.
THE RESULT OF ANY ELECTION ADOPTED BY THE RESOLUTION WOULD BE BY A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF MAIL BALLOTS.
THIS YEAR IT TOOK THE STATE OF OHIO TWO FULL MONTHS TO FINALLY REPORT THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION WITH 100% MAIL IN BALLOTS IN.
HARRIS COUNTY IT WOULD MEAN THE RESULTS OF THE NOVEMBER PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WOULDN'T BE AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY.
NUMBER TWO, IT -- THERE WOULD LIKELY BE ELECTION CHALLENGES FOR VIOLATIONS OF TEXAS ELECTION CODE FURTHER DELAYING THE NOVEMBER ELECTION IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THERE MAY BE A LIKELIHOOD THAT HARRIS COUNTY OF RECONDUCTING THE OPTION AS THE CITY OFFED -- OFFED DINBURG.
THERE ARE NEW VOLUNTEER INVESTIGATION FUNDS AND WE WILL APPLY FOR MAIL BALLOT OR VOTE BY MAIL.
THOSE VOTERS OR PUBLIC OFFICIAL OFFICIALS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL CHARGES UNDER THE RACKETEERING STATUTE OUT.
IT IS NOT SOMETHING WE WANT TO SEE.
AND NUMBER FOUR, THE PROBLEMATIC ELECTION WOULD BE FULLY FUNDED IF WE HAVE SOCIAL DELAYS BECAUSE OF INCREASED MAIL BALLOTS.
THE CONSTITUTION DOES NOT ALLOW THE COUNTY THE WIDEST ON THE ELECTION CODE.
AND THE CONSEQUENCE COULD BE UNPLEASANT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT THE ONLY SPEAKER, JUDGE?
ALEX BAR NELL WITH MOVE TEXAS.
AT THE AND GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
ON BEHALF OF OUR ORGANIZATION I WANT TO SEEK SUPPORT ON THE TOPIC OF ELECTIONS AND VOTING RIGHTS TOGETHER.
IN CONNECTION SHE SAYS SHE IS STEPPING DOWN FROM HER POSITION MAKES IT IMPORTANT DURING THIS TRANSITION IN AN IMPORTANT ELECTION YEAR.
[INAUDIBLE] >> LINA HIDALGO: ONE SECOND.
TO THE SPEAKER, I AM LOSING YOU.
PERHAPS I AM THE ONLY ONE, BUT IF YOU CAN GET ANY CLOSER TO YOUR MICROPHONE OR JUST SPEAK UP A BIT MORE.
IN WORKING FACE-TO-FACE WITH FIRST TIME VOTERS WE FOUND THE YOUNG PEOPLE WE ARE ORGANIZING NOT ONLY EYING -- EAGERLY AND REGISTERED TO VOTE, OUR ALLIES IN THE
[04:15:04]
FIGHT FOR VOTING RIGHTS AND IT IS ABOUT WHAT WE CAN REFORM AND IMPROVE UPON THE LATEST -- RELATED TO THE VOTING.IN TIMES OF CRISIS LIKE THIS PANDEMIC, WE NEED TO DEVELOP CONFIDENT COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO CAN HELP US NAVIGATE OUR GOVERNMENT.
THIS IS WHY THE FOR MAGES OF A COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD THAT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY LEADER AND VOTERS IS CRITICAL.
DURING THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC ELECTION LAW REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN EVER CHANGING.
THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY WITH THE PUBLIC.
WE ARE ASKING THE COUNTY CLERK APPEAR WITH INFORMED AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON HOW THEY ARE PREPARING FOR THIS YEAR'S ELECTION COMMUNICATING THE UPDATES TO THE PUBLIC AND WHAT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MAY BE NEEDED.
ESPECIALLY WITH COVID GENERATING UNCERTAINTY VOTING FULL STAFFING AND MORE AND WEEKLY UPDATES FROM THE APPOINTED CLERK UNTIL AT LEAST NOVEMBER.
MORE EVER WE KNOW THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO MOVE QUICKLY.
WRY WOULD HAVE LIKED TO SEE GREATER OPPORTUNITY AND THE FEELING OF DISUH POINTMENT.
WE HAVE VALUABLE INSTITUTIONAL INSIGHT ON THE BEST POLICY PRACTICES IN PLACE AROUND TEXAS.
ALONG THE SAME LINES MANY OF US ARE GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS AND OUR GROUND LEVEL WORK IS COMPARABLE TO ASSESSING AND VETTING OUR SYSTEMS AND EXPERIENCES OF REAL VOTERS.
FOR THIS REASON WE ENCOURAGE A PROCESS THAT INVITES THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION TO WEIGH IN ON THE FUTURE APPOINTMENT OF AN ELECTION DEMONSTRATOR.
WE ALSO HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY TO CREATE A HARRIS COUNTY ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR ROLE ZIPPING -- SEPARATE FROM THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
IT WOULD BE AGAIN -- BE BENEFICIAL TO HOUSING IT IN ONE OFFICE.
IT WILL BE SIMILAR TO OTHER COUNTIES.
COLLABORATION WITH ORGANIZATION WILL HELP IN IRONING OUT SOME OF THE DRAWBACKS.
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANTED -- MR. PARNELL, I COULDN'T HEAR AND MR. VERDE, WE PUT IT ON THE AGENDA WHEN WE COME BACK.
THERE IS A COURT PROCEEDING TOMORROW AND I FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT THE ISSUE OR I WOULDN'T PUT IT THERE.
BUT IT CAN WAIT TWO WEEKS AND IT IS 3:25 NOW SO I WILL SAVE THAT DISCUSSION FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, WHAT ABOUT YOUR ITEM 19?
IT IS ON ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
IF MR. SOARD -- EITHER DOUG RAY WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO WALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS.
OBVIOUSLY FROM THE LAST COUPLE OF ELECTIONS THAT WE HAVE HAD THERE WERE A NUMBER OF ISSUES THAT COME UP AND THEY HAVE HAD TREMENDOUS STRIDES AND GIVING PEOPLE ACCESS AND THERE ARE OTHER CHANGES THAT COME DOWN THE ROAD.
IF THIS COUNTY EVER MAKES A DECISION TO GO TO ANY -- TO AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR I KNOW IT CAME UP YEARS AGO.
WHEN THEY WALKED ME THE PROCESS IT IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD LOOK AT.
I KNOW MOST OF THE URBAN COUNTIES IN TEXAS HAVE GONE THAT ROUTE.
I DON'T PLAN TO MAKE A MOTION ON THE SUBJECT -- ON THIS SUBJECT, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE AWARE OF THE PROCESS.
IF YOU CAN WALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS.
I WOULD LIKE TO GET HIS INPUT.
THAT'S THE FILIBUSTER UNTIL THEY CAN GET DOUG RAY ON THE LINE AND MAYBE MR. SOARD, YOU CAN DO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU ARE GOOD.
>> THE ELECTION MINISTERIAL PROCESS HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY EVERY ONE OF THE MAJOR POPULATION COUNTIES IN TEXAS EXCEPT TRAVIS COUNTY AND HARRIS COUNTY.
THE PROCESS WORKS LIKE THIS: THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT WOULD ADOPT A RESOLUTION CREATING AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.
THAT COULD GO INTO EFFECT UP TO A YEAR AFTER THE RESOLUTION IS UH -- IS
[04:20:03]
ADOPTED.AT THAT POINT THE COMMISSIONERS WOULD CREATE AN -- A SPECIAL ELECTION COMMISSION.
THE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR, THE COUNTY JUDGE IS CHAIR AND THE CHAIRS OF THE TWO POLITICAL PARTIES THAT HAVE USED THE ELECTION NOMINATION SYSTEM IN THE LAST YEAR THOSE 5 PEOPLE WOULD HIRE AN ADMINISTRATOR.
THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT WOULD CREATE THE OFFICE AND THE POSITION AND THEN THE POSITION WOULD BE FILLED BY THE ELECTION COMMISSIONER.
IT IS USUALLY A GOOD IDEA TO PUT THIS A WAYS OUT.
I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT FOR ABOUT 13 YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU THE PERSON WITH THE DUTIES IN THE ELECTION ARE NOT EXCLUSIVE OF OTHER DUTIES THE COUNTY CLERKS AND THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR FORM.
THERE ARE EMPLOYEES, FOR EXAMPLE, WHO WORK WITH THE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT, BUT THEY DO OTHER DUTIES WITHIN THE COUNTY CLERK OR TAX ASSESSOR OFFICE.
YOU HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHICH PERSONNEL IS TRANSFERRED TO THE ELECTION MINISTER AS OPPOSED TO THE OTHER OFFICES.
ALL OF THE DUTIES DEALING WITH ELECTIONS BOTH THE VOLTE -- THE VOTER ADMINISTRATION AND THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.
IT COULD BE TRANSFERRED THREE MONTHS FROM WHEN IT GOES INTO EFFECT TO AID IN THE TRANSITION.
THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT WOULD DICTATE THE SALARIES AND WHAT THE BUDGET WOULD BE FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR.
THE ONLY LIMITATION IS THEY CAN'T HAVE FEWER -- THEY CAN'T REDUCE THE BUDGET OVER WHAT WAS ALLOCATED FOR THE FUNCTIONS IN THE TWO OFFICES.
AT THAT POINT THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WOULD ACT AS AN INDEPENDENT AUDITOR.
THERE ARE SEVERAL IN THE STATUTE OUT THAT WOULD ASSURE NONPARTISAN SHIP.
THE PERSON WHO SHIVES -- SERVES IS THE ADMINISTRATOR AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR THE OFFICE WOULD BE REQUIRED NOT TO MAKE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OR RUN -- OR HOLD ANY OFFICE OR RUN FOR ANY OFFICE.
AS SOON AS THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WERE TO DECLARE FOR ANY OTHER OFFICE IT WOULD BE AN AUTOMATIC RESIGNATION OF THE POSITION.
THAT WOULD ENSURE THAT THAT PERSON WOULD FRONT IT ON A NONPASHT SON -- NON-PARTISAN BASIS.
THE COMMISSION CAN APPOINT THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR ON A MAJORITY VOTE, BUT IF THEY WANT TO SUSPEND HIM OR REMOVE HIM FROM OFFICE, IT WOULD REQUIRE FOUR-FIFTHS OF THE COMMISSIONERS TO DO THAT.
THE PERSON PICKED DECIDES THE REQUIREMENTS OF BEING NONPARTISAN.
AND THAT PERSON HAS TO BE A QUALIFIED VOTER OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.
THIS IS A DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE COUNTY CLERK YOU ARE CONSIDERING TO APPOINT OR REPLACE AND THAT PERSON HAS TO ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTH PRIOR TO THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT.
THE ELECTION ADMINISTER IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY.
THEY CAN BE A RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND A QUALIFIED VOTER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY SO THAT IS THE DISTINCTION RIGHT THERE.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THIS THING WOULD BESET UP OR RUN, I WOULD BE HAPPY TO TRY TO ANSWER IT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST ONE, JUDGE.
A COUPLE QUESTIONS AND A COUPLE OF POINTS, AND THEN I WILL END MY COMMENTS.
DOUG, YOU SAID IT'S A FIRST -- FIRST THIS BODY WOULD HAVE TO VOTE THAT IT WANTED TO SET UP AN ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR, AND THEN THIS BOARD WHICH I ASSUME EXISTS NOW WOULD PICK THE ADMINISTRATOR.
IT IS SIMILAR TO THE PROCESS YOU USE TO SET UP THE PURCHASING AGENT WHEN YOU DECIDE TO USE THE PURCHASING AGENT.
YOU VOTE TO ADOPT THE PURCHASING AGENT SYSTEM, BUT IT IS A DIFFERENT BODY THAT ACTUALLY HIRES AND FIRES OR FIXES WHO A PURCHASING AGENT WOULD BE.
THAT FIVE-MEMBER COMMISSION WOULD BE IN CHARGE OF ACTUALLY DECIDING WHO TO HIRE AND WHETHER TO REMOVE THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE POINT I WAS TRIPPED UP ON IS IT WOULD TAKE A FOUR-FIVETHS VOTE TO FIRE THE NEW ADMINISTRATOR.
[04:25:01]
I WAS NOT CLEAR WHEN YOU WENT THROUGH IT EARLIER IF YOU WERE SAYING IT WAS THIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT OR THAT BOARD THAT WOULD FIRE THE PERSON.THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT CAN AT ANYTIME DECIDE TO ABOLISH THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION OFFICE WHICH -- AT WHICH POINT THE TAX ASSESSOR, THEY WOULD RE-- THE VOTER REGISTRATION WOULD REVERT TO TAX ASSESSOR AND REVERT TO COUNTY CLERK.
OTHER THAN ABOLISHING THE WHOLE SYSTEM THEY WOULD GIVE CONTROL TO THE HIRING AND THE FIRING OF THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT WE TALKED ABOUT.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES GET IT.
IT WILL TAKE THREE VOTES OF THIS BODY, OF US, THE JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT THAT IS SETTING UP THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
AND THEN THIS BOARD OF FIVE PEOPLE WHEN I TALKED TO THE TWO OTHER COUNTIES, JUDGE HIDALGO, I TALKED TO NELSON WOLF AND I TALKED TO CLAY JEAN -- CLAY JENKINS.
I THINK THE TAX ASSESSOR IS A VICE CHAIR.
>> I AM NOT REAL CLEAR, BUT THE SECRETARY WOULD BE [INAUDIBLE].
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THEN THAT BOARD, FOUR PEOPLE ON THAT BOARD HAVE TO FIRE A PERSON.
BUT IF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT, FOR SOME REASON, DIDN'T LIKE THE SYSTEM, THREE PEOPLE ON THIS BOARD THAT WE SERVE ON, THOSE OF US MEETING TODAY, COULD ABOLISH THE SYSTEM AND IT GOES BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS.
I WANT TO MENTION TWO OTHER POINTS.
WHEN I TALKED TO JUDGE JENKINS AND JUDGE WOLF.
IN BOTH OF THOSE COUNTIES AT THE -- THEY HAD ISSUES WITH SOMEBODY WHO WAS AN ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR AT SOME POINT.
BOTH SAID THEY HAD THE POWER OF THE PURSE STRINGS.
ONE COUNTY, AND I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH ONE, THOUGHT IT WAS THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT THAT COULD FIRE THE PERSON.
WHO SERVES AS COUNTY ATTORNEY TOLD THEM A THREE-PERSON VOTE COULD FIRE THE PERSON.
AND THEN IT WORKED OUT EVENTUALLY.
I THINK IT WAS THE POWER OF THE PURSE STRINGS.
>> THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS THE INITIAL YEAR THE BUDGET THAT IS SUPPLIED TO THE ELECTION ADMINISTER HAS TO BE AT LEAST AS MUCH AS WHAT WAS SUPPLIED TO THE TWO OFFICES TO DO THE TWO FUNCTIONS.
FROM THAT POINT ON IT IS UP TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO APPROPRIATE AN ADEQUATE AMOUNT OF MONEY SO THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR CAN PERFORM HIS DUTY AND TO PROVIDE OFFICE SPACE AND EQUIPMENT IN ORDER TO DO SO.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO WHATEVER THOSE ISSUES WERE, AND I DIDN'T GO INTO DETAIL.
IT WAS JUST A 10, 15-MINUTE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE JUDGES.
I WAS JUST TRYING TO FAM -- FAMILIARIZE MYSELF WITH THE ISSUE.
I THINK BEXAR COUNTY TOLD ME THEY HAD AN ELECTIONS BUILDING BECAUSE THEY WANTED A CLEAR LINE OF DEMARCATION.
BOTH ARE PLEASED WITH HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS.
IN DALLAS THEY ARE LOOKING AT HOW THEY ARE COMPLYING.
WE ARE THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY IN THE COUNTRY.
ONE OF THE COUNTIES THAT WILL REMAIN NAMELESS, WHAT THEY DID WAS BRING IN SOMEBODY TO BE THE NUMBER TWO PERSON FROM OUT OF STATE.
AND THEN ONCE THEY QUALIFIED TO REGISTER TO VOTE, THAT PERSON WILL MOVE UP.
LAST POINT IS NATIONALLY MOST ELECTIONS ARE RUN AT THE COUNTY LEVEL AND SOME BEING RUN AT THE CITY OF TOWNSHIP LEVEL.
22 STATES HAVE A SINGLE ADMINISTRATOR OF BOTH ELECTED AND APPOINTED.
10 STATES USE THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND 18 STATES DIVIDE THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION BETWEEN TWO OR MORE OFFICES.
STATES IN THE CENTRAL PLAINS AND THEY HAVE A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL IN CHARGE OF ALL OF THE ASPECTS OF THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION.
STATES WITH DUTIES DIVIDED AMOUNT TO THE CENTER IN THE SOUTH.
WE HAVE MOST OF THE HISTORIC VOTING RIGHTS VIOLATIONS GOING ON IN THE COUNTRY.
NO STATES HAVE ALLOWED A BOARD TO ADMINISTERY -- ADMINISTER ELECTIONS FROM THE NORTHEAST TO OKLAHOMA.
IN MY MIND I CLEARLY LEAN TOWARD THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
I DON'T PLAN TO ASK FOR A VOTE TODAY.
I KNOW IN HARRIS COUNTY IT CAME UP 10, 12 YEARS AGO BECAUSE SOMEHOW IT PERCOLATED TO ME IN MY EARLIER JOB.
[04:30:02]
IT MAY HAVE BEEN 15 YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS IN LEGISLATURE.AND SOMEBODY WAS TRYING TO GET ME TO PUT IN A BILL SO THE ADMINISTRATORS WOULD HAVE LIKE A 10-YEAR TERM OR SOMETHING.
I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO TALKED TO ME ABOUT IT AND IF IT WAS A COUNTY PERSON OR A LEGISLATOR.
IT WAS AN ISSUE I HAVE DUG INTO.
I SHARED SOME OF THE RESEARCH THAT MY POLICY STAFF HAS DONE AND I WILL SHARE THAT WITH ALL OF YOU TO LOOK AT IT.
IF MY LEANINGS ARE SOMETHING THAT I THINK I WILL BE PERSUADED TO DO AT SOME POINT, I WILL PUT THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA AND VOTE UP OR DOWN AND HAVE MEMBERS MAKE A DECISION TO FIND A PROCESS TO GET COMMUNITY INPUT OTHER THAN WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE WHICH GIVES US QUITE A BIT OF INPUT.
I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF IT WHICH IS WHY I LISTED THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA TODAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, THANK YOU FOR NOT PUSHING THIS THROUGH TODAY.
I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE STUDIED AND LOOKED AT CLOSELY.
THAT GOES INTO THE SECOND OF MY THREE POINTS.
DICK RAYCRAFT WAS THE ONE I UNDERSTAND FROM LORE AND I THINK WE CAN GET MORE INFORMATION FROM COMMISSIONER RADACK IS THE ONE WHO EXPLORED THIS FOR THE COUNTY AND THEY DETERMINED THAT IT IS NOT ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE.
THERE WERE A LOT OF HIDDEN COSTS AND OTHER ANTICIPATED PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM AND THAT'S WHY IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REJECTED HERE AND THEN MY THIRD POINT IN THE BACK OF MIGRAINE BRAIN IS IT IS THE ELEPHANT NOT IN THE ROOM.
AS A REPUBLICAN RESEMBLING THE ELEPHANT, I HAVE TWO ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUNCTIONS OF OUR ELECTIONS AND NEITHER OF WHICH ARE REPUBLICANS.
THEY ARE BOTH OF THE OTHER PARTY.
I LIKE HAVING VOTER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WHAT THEY DO AS OPPOSE ETD -- OPPOSED TO HAVING AN UNELECTED INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
I KNOW WE ARE NOT VOTING ON IT TODAY, AND THANK YOU FOR NOT PUSHING IT THROUGH TODAY, BUT I WOULD URGE MY SECOND POINT WHICH IS LET'S STUDY THE COST AND COUNT THE COST BEFORE WE GO THAT ROUTE.
AND THIRDLY, PART OF THAT COST IS TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY AWAY FROM THE ABILITY TO HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC WE SERVE.
WHETHER IT IS REPUBLICANS OR NOT REPUBLICANS ACCOUNTABILITY IS VERY IMPORTANT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: A BRIEF REACTION.
THE BEST PRACTICE AROUND THE COUNTRY IN TERMS OF EFFICIENCY HAS SHOWN THAT MOVING ELECTIONS AND VOTER REGISTRATION UNDER ONE DEPARTMENT WILL INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND ALLOW FULL COORDINATION IN ALL ASPECTS OF VOTING AND PROCESSING.
AND I MUST SAY THAT TEXAS AND HARRIS COUNTY HAVE HAD A RATHER NEGATIVE HISTORY AS IT RELATES TO PROTECTING VOTING RIGHTS.
THAT IS BOTH WITH D'S AND R'S IN POWER.
I THINK IF YOU MOVE TO A NON-PARTISAN ADMINISTRATION OF AN ELECTION IT CLEARLY TENDS TO ENHANCE THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROCESS.
WITH THAT SAID, I THINK IT IS EASY FOR PEOPLE TO ALWAYS COMMENT ON SPENDING MONEY UNTIL IT IS MONEY THEY CAN TROLL.
AS I SAID EARLIER WE CAN JOINTLY OPERATE A LOT OF THINGS WE DO IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND SAVE MONEY.
WE ARE THROW BACK TO THE PAST WITH THIS SYSTEM OF THESE VICTIMS. AND JUDGE YOU REMEMBER WHEN I MADE THE COMMENT TO YOU JOKINGLY AFTER YOU WON AND I COULD MEET WITH YOU AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA ONE ON ONE WAY BACK A LONGTIME AGO, THAT SYSTEM IS A RELIC OF THE PAST THAT ALL OF THE URBAN COUNTIES GOT AWAY FROM.
WITH THAT SAID, IN THE LAST TWO ELECTION CYCLES IN OF THE THINGS EMBARRASSES US.
WE HAVE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO PROTECT PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO VOTE.
STANDING IN LINE AT 2:00 IN THE MORNING, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO MAKE ANY
[04:35:05]
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES LEADING TO THIS ELECTION.I WOULD HATE FOR US TO BE THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE COUNTRY LIKE OUR FRIENDS IN FLORIDA WERE WITH DIM BELL -- WITH DIMPLES AND CHADS AND BUTTERFLY BALLOTS.
IT WILL BE A VERY HIGH TURNOUT AND A VERY HISTORIC ELECTION.
WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF CORONA COMING BACK OR EVEN IF IT IS NOT BACK, PEOPLE JUST AFRAID OF IT ANYWAY, WE COULD HAVE A WHOLE HOST OF PROBLEMS. SO IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE I AM TRYING TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND ALL SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT.
I KNOW WHERE I LEAN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: JUST TO CLARIFY, AND MAYBE THIS IS FOR DOUG.
SO THE COMMISSION -- THE BOARD IS CURRENTLY NOT ACTIVATED, RIGHT? I KNOW I HAVE A BALLOT FOR IT, BUT I THINK IT INCLUDES THE SHARES.
SO THIS IS A DIFFERENT BOARD THAT DOESN'T CURRENTLY EXIST, CORRECT?
>> THAT'S CORRECT, YOUR HONOR.
THE BOARD THAT WOULD BE SET UP WOULD BE PART OF A CREATION OF THE OFFICE AND THE FIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION.
THIS WOULD BE A SPECIFIC COMMISSION AND BASICALLY CREATED TO SUPERVISE THEY -- THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THE COMPETITION -- COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD IS DICTATED BY STATUTE OUT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND JUST SO I AM CLEAR, IF COMMISSIONER'S COURT APPROVED THE COMMISSION OF THE POSITION AND THEN THIS BOARD HIRED SOMEBODY AND THEN COMMISSIONER'S COURT DECIDED THAT IT IS A TERRIBLE SYSTEM A THREE-PERSON MAJORITY AT COMMISSIONER'S COURT ABOLISH THE SYSTEM IN AND OF ITSELF YOU ARE -- IRRESPECTIVE IF THE BOARD WANTS TO KEEP IT OR NOT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, FOR BRINGING THIS UP.
I KNOW IT HAS BEEN BUZZING AROUND AND THE PRESS HAS BEEN ASKING.
IT IS GOOD TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION.
I AM WONDERING WHAT IT WOULD LOOK LIKE.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK INTO HOW THEY MADE -- THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU COULD DO EASILY.
WHAT ABOUT THE FINANCES AND DOUG BROUGHT THE STAFF.
IN TERMS OF JUST STUDYING WHETHER IT IS A, FEASIBLE, AND B, A GOOD IDEA, THERE NEEDS TO BE A STUDY OF COST AND ACTUAL STAFF AND AS MR. CAGLE BROUGHT UP, COMMUNITY INPUT.
DO YOU KNOW HOW OTHER COUNTIES BEGAN THE PROCESS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I TALKED TO CLAY JENKINS, I THINK IT WAS DONE ON HIS PREDECESSOR'S WATCH.
IN THE CASE OF NELSON WOLF, HE DID IT.
JUST KNOWING I WENT TO PLACE THE ITEM ON HERE AND WHEN DR. TROTMAN STEPPED DOWN IT WAS AN APPROPRIATE PLACE FOR A DISCUSSION.
EVEN BEFORE THE DECISION, SHE AND I TALKED ABOUT IT GINGERLY.
IT WAS ONCE OR TWICE IN PASSING.
I ASSUME THAT WE WOULD PROBLEM -- PROBABLY, IF THE VOTES DO.
IT BRING IN SOME ENTITY TO HELP SET IT UP.
SOME CONSULTING OUTFIT OR SOMEBODY TO GIVE A SENSE OF HOW IT WOULD COST.
AND IF WE DID IT OBVIOUSLY WE WOULD DO IT THE RIGHT WAY.
WE MAY REALLY ABOUT 12 MILLION, 14 MILLION AND JUDGE YOU WERE CONCERNED ABOUT.
I THINK WE WOULD NEED TO SPEND SOME MONEY AND HAVE SOMEBODY COME AND SHOW US THE BEST PRACTICE ON HOW TO DO IT.
I DON'T THINK IT WOULD BE ROCKET SCIENCE.
VIRTUALLY EVERYBODY IN TEXAS OTHER THAN TRAVIS HAS DONE IT.
>> WE WENT THROUGH THIS PROCESS 10 YEARS AGO.
COMMISSIONER KEYING GEL'S MEMORY -- KEYING GEL'S MEMORY IS CORRECT.
HE ASKED US TO STUDY THE ISSUE IN 2010 AND WE WENT THROUGH THE PROCESS.
DR. RAYCRAFT HAD AN INTERESTING VIEW POINT OF WHAT WAS POSSIBLE OR NOT.
I AM NOT SURE THESE FINAL CONCLUSION WAS DOLLARS AND CENTS.
I THINK WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS SUGGESTING IS THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT IT, BRINGING IN AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT WHO EXAMINE ALL OF THE DIFFERENT ROLES AND
[04:40:04]
ALL OF THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT ARE FEELING IT AT THE PRESENT TIME.THAT IS A RATIONAL BASIS AND A COST WE COULD COME UP WITH.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I THINK RAYCAFT IS STILL IN AUSTIN, RIGHT? DO YOU KNOW?
>> AFTER HE RETIRED I NEVER HEARD FROM HIM AGAIN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: HE HAS HAD ENOUGH OF YOU.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK HE IS ALIVE AND ACTIVE AUSTIN.
>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS HE IS ALIVE, BUT I ONLY KNOW OF THREE PEOPLE WHO CONTACTED HIM SINCE HE LEFT 9 YEARS AGO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER RADACK?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE HEAR FROM HIM I WILL CALL IT A NIGHT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK, YOU ARE COMMUTED.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: DON'T GIVE HIM A HEART ATTACK, RODNEY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, ARE YOU GOOD NOW.
>> STEVE RADACK: MY RECOLLECTION OF THIS IS THAT I THINK THERE WAS A CERTAIN RESPECT TOWARD THE COUNTY OFFICES THAT THE PUBLIC ELECTED PEOPLE TO.
I BELIEVE ONE OF THE REASONS THAT WE KEPT THE SYSTEM WE HAVE IS BECAUSE THE VOTERS VOTED FOR THESE PEOPLE TO BE IN PUBLIC OFFICE.
I THINK THERE IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR THERE.
MY POINT IS I DON'T KNOW OF ANY OF THE COUNTY CLERKS, ANY OF THEM THAT REALLY WANTED TO GIVE UP THE WHOLE ELECTION.
SO I THINK PRETTY MUCH IT STAYED THIS WAY.
IF YOU GO BACK A LONG WAY, IN ACTUALITY IT WAS INTERESTING THERE USED TO BE SOMETHING CALLED VOTING SURFACES AND IT WAS ONE OF THE WAYS SOME PEOPLE TRIED TO KEEP THE COUNTY CLERK IN CHECK.
THEY ADD COMMISSIONER'S COURT APPOINTEE IN CHARGE OF THE VOTING MACHINES.
THE COUNTY CLERK HAD TO DEPEND ON THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT APPOINTEE TO GET THE VOTING MACHINES TO THE LOCATIONS.
IT WAS NOT HAMMED BY -- HANDLED BY THE COUNTY CLERK.
THE VOTING MACHINES WAS HANDLED BY THE COUNTY CLERK.
>> JUDGE I DO HAVE ONE SPEAKER.
>> SCHECTER WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
I AM LILY SCHECTER WITH THE HARRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
I HAVE BEEN TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT A COUPLE TIMES TO TESTIFY WHEN IT COMES TO DIFFERENT THINGS AROUND THE ELECTION BECAUSE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY ALONG WITH THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DOES CONDUCT PRIMARIES HERE.
WHEN I SAW THAT THIS ITEM WAS ON THE AGENDA, I JUST WANTED TO CALL IN AND EXPRESS MY INTEREST IN ICHS -- IN EXPLORING THE NEW POSITION AND SEE IF IT IS SOMETHING THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT WOULD CONSIDER CREATING A TASK FORCE OR A CONSULTING AGENCY OR WHOEVER COMES IN TO STUDY THE PROCESSES AT THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE TO FIGURE OUT HOW YOU CAN MORE EFFICIENTLY CREATE ONE POSITION SO EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE ELECTIONS FROM THE MOMENT YOU REGISTER TO VOTE UNTIL YOU VOTE ARE UNDER ONE OFFICE.
I WANTED TO CALL IN AND SAY LOOKING AT IT AND MAKING SURE OF THE RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE DEFINED CLEARLY.
IT IS SOMETHING WE ARE VERY INTERESTED IN SEEING THE RESULTS OF AS IT IS DONE IN ALL OF THE MAJOR COUNTIES IN TEXAS.
I WAS ABOUT TO LOOK AT THE MOST ACCURATE NUMBERS IN FRONT OF ME ABOUT THE ELECTION.
WE ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST COUNTIES IN THE UNITED STATES.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ELECTIONS IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT WE HAVE ONE PERSON WHOSE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY IS GETTING SOMEBODY REGISTERED AND GETTING THEM TO VOTE AND MAKE SURE IT IS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE AS OUR COUNTY CONTINUES TO GROW AND THE ELECTIONS GETS BIGGER AND BIGGER AND THE JOB GETS BIGGER AND BIGGER.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE LOOKING AT THE PROCESSES WE HAVE IN PLACE AND FIGURE OUT IF IT MAKES MORE SENSE TO HAVE A STREAM LINED PROCESS THAT IS MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WITH ONE DEPARTMENT HANDLING ALL ELECTIONS AND I AM HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS.
I JUST WANTED TO JUMP ON AND GIVE MY OPINION.
[04:45:08]
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, MS. SCHECTER.
LILY, REALLY IT IS A QUESTION FOR ROBERT SOARD.
IT POPPED IN MY MIND WHEN YOU SAID IT.
DOUG RAY, UNDER THE STATUTE OUT DO WE HAVE THE OPTION OF PUTTING IT IN ONE PLACE EVEN IF IT IS ONLY PERMITTED UNDER THE ADMINISTRATOR TO PUT THE ELECTIONS AND THE VOTER REGISTRATION IN ONE SHOT?
>> YOU CAN TRANSFER THE VOTER REGISTRATION FROM THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE TO THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE SO THE COUNTY CLERK OR DO IT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
EACH OF THOSE WOULD REQUIRE THE CONSENT OF THE OFFICER LOSING THE OPERATION.
THEY WOULD HAVE TO CONSENT TO THE TRANSFER -- TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE.
AND THAT WOULD CREATE UNIT -- UNDER ONE OFFICER.
THE MAIN BENEFIT OF HAVING AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR IS TO TRY TO TAKE THE PARTISAN SHIP OF HOLDING AN ELECTED OFFICE OUT.
THEY ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT SAYING, OH, I HAVE TO -- [INAUDIBLE] TO GET ELECTED TO THIS JOB.
IT WOULD BE A NONFARTHER SON JOB, BUT BY REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAW THAT PERSON IN HIS OWN OFFICE WOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING IN PARTISAN POLITICS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN YOU ASKED I THOUGHT IT IS MORE EFFICIENT TO BE IN ONE OFFICE AND THAT'S WHY I WANT TO ASK MR. RAY THAT.
I AM WILLING TO BET AROUND THE STATE IT IS PRETTY DIFFICULT TO GET CONSENT OF SOMEBODY WHO HOLDS THE OFFICE TO MOVE INTO ANOTHER OFFICE.
IT IS FUNNY THEY PUT IT IN THE STATUTE AS A WAY TO COMBINE THEM.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING IN AND BEING SO PATIENT.
>> IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.
WE HAVE 2.3 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE INCREASE REGISTRATION AND MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARE REGISTERED IN A TIMELY MANNER, AND THAT PEOPLE CAN VOTE IN A WAY THAT IS EASY AND CLEAR FOR EVERYBODY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, BEFORE LILY JUMPS OFF I HAVE A QUESTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: LILY, ARE YOU STILL ON THE CALL?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
QUESTION, HAVE YOU HEARD FROM OTHER ELECT TIFFS AND THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR?
I HEARD -- >> I HEARD BITS AND PIECES OF THOSE WHO ARE IN FAVOR OF IT STRONGLY OR ADAMANTLY AGAINST IT.
I DON'T HAVE COMPREHENSIVE VIEWS FROM EVERYBODY.
>> I THINK -- AM I ALLOWED TO FOLLOW-UP?
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY I THINK IT WAS HELPFUL AS I LOOKED -- LISTENED TO YOU TALK ABOUT THE PROCESS AND WHAT IT WOULD LOOK LIKE, MOST PEOPLE I HAVE TALKED TO ABOUT THIS POSITION HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OF HOW IT WOULD BE CREATED AND HOW THE PERSON WOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND WHAT THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES WOULD LOOK LIKE AND WHAT THE TIMELINE WOULD LOOK LIKE AND HOW YOU CAN CREATE AND ABOLISH THE OPTION.
I THINK IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IN THIS PROCESS IF YOU WERE INTERESTED IN GETTING FEEDBACK FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS AND REGULAR VOTER ITSELF WOULD BE HELPFUL TO SEE WHAT THE PROCESS WOULD LOOK LIKE IN A SIMPLE TWO PAGE AND ONE PAGE.
PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS AND HAVE AN INFORMED OPINION ON IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: LILY, THAT'S WHY I RAISED IT.
IT IS DIFFICULT TO PICK OUT HOW YOU HAVE A DISCUSSION.
THE RUMOR MILL CAN BE MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
I AM HOPING WE WILL COME UP WITH A PROCESS TO DO THAT.
YOU FOLLOWED ME LONG ENOUGH AND I NEVER HAD A FEAR OF HAVING A PUBLIC POLICY DISCUSSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
WE JUST GOT A PHONE CALL OVER HERE WHILE MS. SCHECTER WAS SPEAKING AND I APPRECIATE HER PERSPECTIVE AND HER HONESTY.
SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS YOU HAVE MANY PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES OF AN ISSUE.
WE HAVE MR. VERA WHO CALLED, AND WHO I THINK IS WANTING TO SAY A WORD OR TWO OF THIS
[04:50:01]
AND SIGNED UP FOR THIS, BUT FOR SOME REASON OR ANOTHER IS HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING THROUGH.IF LUCINDA COULD CHECK ON HIM.
WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF TRYING TO CONTACT HIM.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE JUST HOLD YOUR PHONE UP TO THE MIC, COMMISSIONER AND HE CAN TALK.
JACK CAGLE: HE WAS TALKING WITH ONE OF MY STAFFERS WHO PASSED ME A NOTE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DOES IT SOUND LIKE WE HAVE HIM ON THE LINE, LUCINDA?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF CACTUS CALLS HIM, HE CAN HOLD HIS PHONE TO THE MIC.
JACK CAGLE: I COULD DO THAT, I THINK.
I AM LOOING -- LOOKING ACROSS THE ROOM.
>> I AM CALLING HIM AT THIS MOMENT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL TRY CALLING HIM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, IF YOU CAN GET HIM ON THE LINE AND LUCINDA IS SAYING HE IS NOT ANSWERING, BUT MAYBE SHE CAN GET HIM ON THE LINE AND WE WILL PATCH HIM IN.
>> IS THERE ACTION ON THIS ITEM TODAY?
>> ALLEN VERA, HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY AND ADDING OUR TWO CENTS TO THE DISCUSSION.
WE THINK WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN APPROACHING IT.
THERE IS SOME MISS PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE EFFICACY OF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR.
NUMBER ONE, THERE IS THE ASSUMPTION THAT AN APPOINTED ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WILL BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN RUNNING SMOOTH ELECTIONS THAN THE COUNTY CLERK.
LIFTING BALANCE -- BALLOT DEBACLE AND THE FIASCO IN BEXAR COUNTY AND THREE SUCCESIVE DAUBACH KILLS IN HARRIS -- DEBACLE IN HARRIS COUNTY AND IT IS AT THE HANDS OF AN ELECTIVE ADMINISTRATOR.
BE CAREFUL BEFORE YOU ASSUME THAT AN EA IS BETTER THAN A COUNTY CLERK.
SECONDLY, THERE IS A MISS PERCEPTION THAT AN ELECTED ADMINISTRATOR IS SUBJECT TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
IT IS A STEALTH LOBBYING GROUP THAT WORKS TO REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF EA'S ACROSS TEXAS.
I'M SURE YOU READ THE ARTICLES CRITICIZING TEXAS ABOUT THE DRAM DUCK -- DRAMATIC REDUCTION IN POLLING PLACES FOR VOTERS IN THE LAST SIX YEARS.
90% OF THE POLLS CLOSED IN TEXAS OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS WERE SHUTDOWN BY ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATORS UNDER THE COUNTY WIDE POLLING PROVISIONS.
I KNOW YOU WILL SAY, OH, BUT WE COMMISSIONERS CAN CONTROL THAT.
EVERY ONE OF THOSE ELECTION ADMINISTRATORS IN TEXAS HAS CLOSED 50% OF THE POLLS IN HIS OR HER COUNTY AND ALSO REPORTS TO A COMMISSIONER'S COURT JUST LINING -- JUST LIKE YOU.
THEY WILL CUT YOUR LEGS OUT FROM UNDER YOU AND I WILL GIVE YOU FURTHER EVIDENCE HOW THEY STAFFED OUR ELDERLY VOTERS IN THE BACK.
FINALLY, JUDGE HIDALGO, YOU BEGAN YOUR ADMINISTRATION, GOD BLESS YOU, BY PROMISING THE CITIZENS OF HARRIS COUNTY GREATER PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT.
THIS ACTION WOULD CONVERT THE CHIEF COUNTY ELECTION AUTHORITY THAT IS DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE TO A PROTECTED BUREAUCRAT WHO IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE ONCE APPOINTED.
HIRING AN ELECTION ADMINISTER DOES NOT GUARANTEE SMOOTHER ELECTIONS AND IT DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU WILL HAVE AS MUCH CONTROL AS YOU THINK.
AND IF WE GET A SLAP IN THE FACE FROM HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS WHO CANNOT LONGER HOLD THE ELECTION AUTHORITY ACCOUNT DARK -- ACTABLE AND NOW I WILL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW OTHERS HAVE DEALT WITH THE PROBLEMS THE SIZE OF HARRIS COUNTY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS YOU SO MUCH.
I AM THINKING THAT WE ARE ALMOST DONE WITH THE COVID.
I WAS THINKING WE COULD FINISH OFF AND THEN TAKE A BREAK.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I HAVE ONE MORE COVID ITEM.
IF YOU DON'T MIND, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WANTED TO ASK FOR PERMISSION FROM THE COURT FOR APPROVAL TO ACCEPT A GIFT OF $25,000 K95 MASKS.
I THINK WE ARE GIVING THEM TO FIRST RESPONDERS.
THEY ARE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS.
I WAS TOLD BY MR. SOARD I SHOULD SAY THAT.
WE WILL PUT IT UNDER COVID ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ANY QUESTIONS.
>> DOES ROBERT SAY IT IS FINE?
[04:55:01]
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: PRECINCT 2 YOU HAVE ON PAGE 29 UNDER THE COVID SECTION COMMISSIONER GARCIA?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
AND I AM PROPOSING SORT OF BASED ON OUR LAST CONVERSATION TO -- I TOOK NOTICE THEY ARE PUSHED -- HE IS SUE -- SUING COMMISSIONER'S COURT IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, BUT IT IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE PRINCIPAL DISTRICT IS TAKING THE POSITION THROUGH AN OPINION FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE ON WHAT THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT CAN DO OR NOT DO AS IT RELATES TO THE FINDING -- DEFINING COVID-19 AS A DISASTER THAT IMPACTS REAL PROPERTY VALUE.
SO I GUESS THE REAL QUESTION IS TO ROBERT BEFORE I READ THIS RESOLUTION.
ARE WE ABLE TO FOLLOW A SIMILAR EXAMPLE WITH THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT? WE AS A COMMISSIONER'S COURT, ARE WE TO CHOOSE TO SUE THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT FOR THE SAME REASONS THAT THEY TOOK ON?
>> WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT IT.
THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT COULD HAVE DEFENSES AND THERE MAY BE OTHER WAYS TO APPROACH IT.
IT IS SOMETHING WE CAN LOOK AT AND BRING BACK TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT IF YOU WANT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU LOOKING AT THAT AND STUDYING THAT ITEM AND BRINGING IT BACK FOR CONSIDERATION.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WITH THAT THE RESOLUTION I AM RAW -- I AM PROPOSING, JUDGE, IS ONE THAT SAYS WHEREAS THE TEXAS TAX CODE SECTION 11.35 CREATES AN EXEMPTION FROM PROPERTY TAXATION OF AN APPORTION OF THE UH PRAISED VALUE FOR PROPERTIES IMPACTED BY DISASTER AND DOES NOT DEFINE A DISASTER.
WHEREAS THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL ON APRIL 13 OF THIS YEAR 2020 ISSUED OPINION NUMBER KP-0299.
FINDING THAT ECONOMIC LOSS WITHOUT PHYSICAL DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR AN EXEMPTION UNDER TAX CODE 11.35.
WHEREAS ALL EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT COVID-19 WAS ALREADY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES AS OF JANUARY 1ST, 2020 AND WHEREAS GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT ISSUED A DECLARATION DECLARING HARRIS COUNTY UNDER A STATE OF DISASTER DUE TO COVID-19 -- DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MARCH 13TH, 2020 AND WHEREAS FOR MOST HOMEOWNERS, THEIR HOME IS BY FAR THE MOST VALUABLE ASSET THEY OWN AND IT DECREASES TO THE VALUE OF THEIR HOME AND IT DECREASES THE VALUE OF THEIR HOME AND HAS EFFECTS ON THEIR FAMILY'S FINANCES AND FUTURE.
AND WHEREAS AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IMPACTS THE VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY AS DOCUMENTED BY A STUDY BY GEORGE UNIVERSITY -- GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AND DEMONSTRATED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED A 10% DECREASE BETWEEN 2008 AND 2011 IN THE LAST DOWNTURN.
AND WHEREAS THE SAME STUDY SHOWED THE AREAS EXPERIENCING THE HARSHER DOWNTURNS EXPERIENCED MORE DRAMATIC DECREASES IN THE PROPERTY TAX VALUES.
AND WITH NEVADA'S PROPERTY TAX BASE DECREASING 47%, ARIZONA'S DECREASING 33% AND FLORIDA DECREASING 30% AND WHEREAS THE U.S.
ECONOMY SHRANK 5% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2020 BEFORE THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN THE UNITED STATES AND SKY ROCKETING HAS ALL BUT GURN TEED THE DOWNTURN -- GAWRN TEED THE DOWNTURN WILL DEEPEN AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS CORRESPONDED WITH A PLUNGE IN CRUDE OIL THAT ECONOMISTS BELIEVE WILL LEAD TO A SECTOR WIDE LOSS OF THOUSANDS OF JOBS WHICH WILL HAVE AN ACUTE IMPACT ON HARRIS COUNTY AND WILL LIKELY LEAD TO A REGIONAL DOWNTURN EVEN WORSE THAN THE ONE NATIONWIDE.
I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED LETTERS FROM COMPANIES LAYING OFF HUNDREDS OF
[05:00:04]
COMPANIES THAT WORK IN PRECINCT 2.AND GOVERNOR ABBOTT DID NOT EXTEND THE DEADLINE.
THIS IS MY REAL POINT OF -- CONTENTION.
IT WAS PART OF HIS DISASTER DECLARATION ORDER DEPRIVING MANY HOMEOWNERS WHOSE LIVES WERE UPDATED BY THE VALUES AND THE CORRESPONDING INFLATED TAXATION.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE KOWSHTD DISAGREES WITH KP-0299 OF THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL AND BELIEVES THAT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ASSOCIATED ECONOMIC DOWNTURN SHOULD QUALIFY AS A DISASTER UNDER TAX CODE SECTION 11.35.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT REQUEST THE ATTORNEY REVIEW OPINION NUMBER KP-0299 AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR COMMISSIONER'S COURT CONCERNING SUCH OPINION AND ANY ACTIONS THAT THE COURT MAY TAKE WITH RESPECT TO SUCH OPINION.
THAT'S THE RESOLUTION I AM PUTTING FORWARD, JUDGE.
DO FOLKS HAVE ANY COMMENTS? COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
JACK CAGLE: I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM REQUESTING THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO GIVE US THEIR OPINION ON A LEGAL MATTER, BUT I AM NOT WANTING TO JOIN IN A RESOLUTION THAT IN ESSENCE CONDEMNS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, TELLS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHAT TO DO.
WE CALL UPON THEM TO GIVE US ADVICE AND TO GIVE US THEIR OPINION PERIODICALLY.
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I HAVE HAD -- WELL, IT ON HERE THAT WE DISAGREE WITH THEIR OPINION ON THIS RESOLUTION AND, JUDGE, I WILL JUST COME BACK TO THE POINT OF I DON'T LIKE TELLING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WHAT TO DO AND I DON'T LIKE TELLING THE STATE GOVERNMENT WHAT TO DO.
I DON'T MIND ASKING OUR ATTORNEY AND THE CON -- COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OPINION.
BUT I WILL BE VOTING AGAINST A RESOLUTION THAT DISAGREES WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, I WONDER, COMMISSIONER IS THIS SOMETHING WE CAN REVIEW WHEN WHEN -- WHEN ROBERT GETS BACK TO US? THEY SAID THE DAMAGES ARE ECONOMIC IN NATURE AND NOT PHYSICAL, CORRECT? WHICH IS THEY WERE PHYSICAL DURING HARVEY AND OBVIOUSLY YOU CAN'T HAVE A DIFFERENT OPINION.
WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IS IF WE CAN FIND A SPACE TO MAKE A DIFFERENT ARGUMENT.
IN PRACTICE COULD IT BE REPHRASED BASE -- BASED ON ECONOMIC AND NOT PHYSICAL? HOW WOULD YOU UH PRAISE SOMETHING, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, NOT ON PHYSICAL DAMAGE?
>> I THINK A LOT OF THIS HAS TO DO WITH THE TIMING AND WHEN YOU CAN EVEN SEEK THE RE-APPRAISAL.
IT IS BASED ON THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY ON JANUARY OF 1 OF EACH YEAR.
WE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING DIFFERENT WAYS TO APPROACH THIS INCLUDING PERHAPS ASKING THE GOVERNOR.
THE GOVERNOR MADE A STATEMENT THAT HE THOUGHT PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO REUH PRAISE -- REUH PRAISE THE PROPERTY.
HE DIDN'T EXTEND THE DEADLINE.
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THERE AND THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF LITIGATION.
I THINK COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAYS THE OPINION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS HIS OPINION.
IT IS AN OPINION THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE GIVEN A LOT OF RESPECT AND WEIGHT IN THE COURTS, BUT THE COURTS CANDICE REGARD IT IF WE CAN SHOW HOW THE OPINION MAY BEMIS TAKEN -- BE MISTAKEN BASED ON THE FACTS AS THEY APPLY TO HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS SOMETHING THAT WILL TAKE TIME TO WORK THROUGH THE -- WORK THROUGH.
TO YOUR STATEMENT CAN WE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL? WE OFTEN DO DISAGREE.
SOMETIMES WE GO TO COURT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, BUT WE TRY TO GET ALONG IN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE PEOPLE IN THE STATE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE IN THE SAME VEIN, THE GOVERNOR IS URGING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS NOT TO INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THIS IS SIMPLY SAYING WE ARE LOOKING FOR SPACE ON WHAT OPTIONS WE
[05:05:03]
CAN PROVIDE FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.IT IS A DISAGREEMENT -- IT IS A DISAGREEMENT, BUT IT IS A DISAGREEMENT IN PRINCIPAL THAT PROPERTY VALUES ARE DECLINING AND THERE IS SOMETHING HAPPENING IN THE ECONOMY.
WE ARE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND IT AND TRYING TO FIND A WAY TO BRING OPTIONS TO THE TAXPAYER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU ARE MUTED AS WELL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I THOUGHT THE LANGUAGE WAS POLITE.
AS WE USED TO SAY IN THE LEGISLATURE, YOU DISAGREE WITHOUT BEING DISAGREEABLE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK I JUST DON'T HAVE IT AS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T HAVE IT AS WELL.
I AM SAYING LET'S LOOK AT IT AND DECIDE LATER.
IF THE LANGUAGE IS RESPECTFUL.
ROBERT, I THINK I SAID -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS BACK UP.
JACK CAGLE: THIS IS THE BACK UP I RECEIVED.
MAKING AN APPEAL TO THE GOVERNOR AND MAYBE MAKING AN APPEAL TO EMBERS GROUP WITH WHATEVER IT IS ELECTIVE SERVICES IN THE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS TO APPEAL TO THE LEGISLATURE TO PROVIDE THIS RELIEF.
THESE ARE THINGS I AM SUPPORTIVE OF.
IN -- THIS IS THE BODY MAKING A LEGAL AGREEMENT.
I THINK WE SHOULD APPROACH THIS FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE AS OPPOSED TO JUST TELLING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THAT, HEY, WE DISAGREE WITH YOU.
ASK OUR COUNTY ATTORNEY TO MAKE AN OPINION AND GO TO THE GOVERNOR.
OTHER THAN THAT, I DON'T THINK WE CAN GET ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR FORETELLING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, HEY, WE DON'T LIKE YOU.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE OPTION TO DISAGREEING IN THIS SPACE IS LITIGATION.
I WOULD SAY WE DISAGREE AND HOPE WE GET TO A BETTER PLACE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SECOND IT.
I DON'T THINK IT IS THE END OF THE WORLD TO PASS IT TO BE HONEST.
THE ONLY LINE I HAVE IS I WROTE THE OPINION THE FIRST TIME AND I SIGNED IT WITH A BIG FIRM.
I THOUGHT I WOULD GET A BONUS.
THEY SAID WHY DON'T YOU TRY IT AGAIN.
I THOUGHT THEY MEANT TO WRITE IT THE OTHER WAY.
WHEN I CAME BACK HE SAID THE FIRST ONE IS RIGHT.
HE SAID YOUNG MAN YOU JUST LEARNED THAT THAT'S WHY WE CALL THESE OPINIONS AND NOT DECISIONS.
HE SAID IT IS MY DARN OPINION.
I SERVED IN THE LEGISLATURE WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
I THINK HE UNDERSTANDS THAT SOMETIMES REASONABLE MINDS CANDICE AGREE.
I DON'T THINK HE -- CAN DISAGREE.
I DON'T THINK HE WOULD TAKE IT PERSONALLY IF WE DISAGREE.
PUT IT THIS WAY, IF I TOOK IT PERMANENTLY EVERY TIME YOU DISAGREED -- IF I TOOK IT PERM -- PERSONALLY EVERY TIME YOU DISAGREED WITH ME, COMMISSIONER CAGLE I WOULDN'T BE SO NICE TO YOU AND LOOK HOW NICE I AM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS IT ALL RIGHT TO GET THE LANGUAGE? MY STAFF DIDN'T TAG IT TO THE COMPUTER SO I WASN'T ABLE TO READ IT.
IT SOUNDS FINE, BUT I WANT TO READ IT BEFORE I VOTE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE CAN COME BACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL MAKE A NOTE.
AND THEN WE HAVE PRECINCT 4 HAD A COVID ITEM ABOUT HAND SANITIZER.
JACK CAGLE: WE HAD AN ITEM UNDER THE REGULAR SECTION WHICH IS HAND SANITIZERS AND I WILL NOTE PRECINCT 2 HAD A COUPLE OF ROUTINE ITEMS AND I DIDN'T MAKE A MOTION UNDER THOSE, H.
UNDER THE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: WE LOST YOU COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
I JUST MADE A GENERALIZED POINT THAT I DON'T THINK I HEARD COMMISSIONER GARCIA MOVE HIS ITEMS H ON PAGE 29.
IF HE INTENDED TO DO IT I JUST DIDN'T HEAR IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL VOTE ON THOSE ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE AGENDA WHEN WE TAKE THE ENTIRE AGENDA UP.
THAT WAS COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 4 AND COUNTY ENGINEER AS AN ITEM ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA RELATED TO COVID.
[Item II (Part 5 of 7)]
NATIONAL SANITATION FOUNDATION.[05:10:04]
IF FOLKS HAVE QUESTIONS ON THAT.THE FINAL COVID ITEM IS ITEM 14 ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA BY THE COUNTY CLERK.
AN AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AN AWARD BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE WITH A $739,000 -- $739,324 LUNCH.
>> WE HAVE DO ONE SPEAKER ON THE ITEM THAT IS SPEAKING ON ANOTHER ITEM.
DID YOU WANT ME TO -- THEY ARE ON THE LINE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SURE, GO AHEAD.
>> LUIS STETFORD WITH TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT.
>> JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS, I AM LUIS STEDFORD.
I AM WITH THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT.
I WOULD LIKE TO ADD HOW WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO PROCEED? WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO TESTIFY ON BOTH THIS ITEM AND THE ITEM RELATED TO THE COUNTY CLERK? OR SHOULD I JUST TESTIFY ABOUT THIS ITEM AND WAIT FOR A FOLLOW-UP CALL TO TESTIFY ABOUT THE NEXT ONE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL TAKE YOUR TESTIMONY ON BOTH EYE SEEM -- ITEMS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL TAKE YOUR TESTIMONY ON BOTH ITEMS SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT.
ONCE AGAIN, EVERYONE I AM LUIS STEDFORD AND I AM WITH THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT.
I AM HERE ON MY PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY ABOUT THE FUNDING AWARD FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE REQUIRED MATCH OF THE 2020 HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT.
IT IS VITAL TO USE THIS MONEY TO MAKE SURE VOTERS CAN CAST A BALLOT SAFELY THIS YEAR.
WE APPLAUD THE ADDITIONAL 12 MILLION AND WILL LIKELY BE A HISTORIC SURGE IN APPLICATIONS IN A RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC.
THE NONPARTISAN ELECTION COALITION RECEIVED MULTIPLE REPORTS OF HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS WHO APPLIED FOR AND DID NOT RECEIVE VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT OR RECEIVED A BALLOT TOO LATE ON ELECTION DAY TO HAVE THEM BE COUNTED.
IT MUST REMAIN ONE OF YOUR TOP PRIORITIES TO USE THIS INVESTMENT TO ENSURE THAT THESE ISSUES DO NOT HAPPEN AGAIN DURING THE PRIMARY RUNOFF AND DURING THE GENERAL ELECTION.
THE INCREASED FUNDING WAS A GREAT FIRST STEP AND WE ASK YOU TO USE THIS NEW SET OF FUNDS TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONAL STEPS TO MOVE OUR COUNTY FORWARD DURING THE PANDEMIC.
THESE STEPS INCLUDE KEEP VOTER REGISTRATION GOING BY ACCEPTING VOTER REGISTRATION AND HOLING -- HOLDING REGISTRAR OF TRAINING AND VOTE BY MAIL AND IN PERSON VOTING AND FOR IN PERSON VOTING KEEP THE POLLING PLACES AWAY FROM HIGH POPULATIONS AND OBTAINING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND BOOSTING CURBSIDE SCROAT -- VOTING ACCOMMODATIONS AND FIXING THE SIGNATURE VERIFICATION PROCESS AND INSTITUTING A TRACKING PROCESS FOR MAIL IF BALLOTS BECAUSE WE WILL HAVE MORE THAN WE EVER HAD BEFORE.
COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE HIDALGO, WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO ENSURE WE HAVE A SAFE AND FAIR ELECTION THIS YEAR.
THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT CONTINUES TO LOOK FORWARD TO WORK WITH YOU TO ENSURE THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS ARE FREE, FAIR AND SAFE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND YOUR COMMENTS.
WOULD YOU LIKE FOR ME TO TESTIFY ON THE OTHER ITEM NOW?
I THOUGHT THAT INCLUDED BOTH OF THEM.
>> THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT MORE IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SURE, GO AHEAD.
>> AS THAT CONCLUDED MY INITIAL TESTIMONY.
FOR THE SECOND PART I WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT GIVEN THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA IT IS PLANNING FOR THE JULY 14TH, 2020 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION IS WELL UNDERWAY.
AND I WANTED TO SPEAK BRIEFLY TO ENSURE THE VOTING SYSTEMS ARE FAIR AND EQUITABLE IN THE UP -- UPCOMING ELECTION.
WE ALONG WITH OUR CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATION PARTNERS WROTE A LETTER ON MARCH 17TH REGARDING ELECTION FAILURE BE DOCUMENTED FROM NEARLY EVERY ASPECT OF THE VOTING PROCESS.
A LOT INCLUDED LONG LINES AND INACCURATE WAIT TIMES.
DIFFICULTY -- DIFFICULTIES ACCESSING VOTING AND INACCURATE INFORMATION TO VOTERS AND SHOT -- AND VOTERS BEING TURNED AWAY FROM THE POLLS EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE IN LINE BEFORE 7:00 P.M.
AND I WANTED TO SAY IN CONCLUSION THAT WE HAVE HAPPY TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE FOR THIS BODY AND WE WORK TO ENSURE THAT EVERY ELIGIBLE VOTER IN HARRIS COUNTY HAS
[05:15:01]
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE.ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND I APPRECIATE HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
I DO THINK THERE ARE SEVERAL ITEMS AND I HAVE GOTTEN SOME LETTERS TOO WITH SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS.
IT SEEMS TO ME PERHAPS MAKES MORE SENSE TO DISCUSS THIS WITH WHOEVER WE END UP APPOINTING IF YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE INTERIM DIRECTOR.
I THINK IT IS WORTH COMING BACK TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS BECAUSE THE ELECTION IS UPON US, ABSOLUTELY THE JULY ONE.
AND ONCE AGAIN WE WANT TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE FOR -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT.
SO IN TERMS OF COVID-RELATED ITEMS THAT SHOULD COVER ALL OF THE ITEMS ON THE MAIN AGENDA AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA.
DO FOLKS HAVE ANY COMMENTS ON ANY OTHER OF THE COVID ITEMS BEFORE WE TAKE A BREAK?
>> JUST A REMINDER JUDGE ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL 20 WE STILL NEEDED TO HAVE A VOTE ON THAT ONE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND I CAUGHT COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S REMARKS AND HILLARY MOVE ITEMS -- WILL MOVE ON ITEMS ONE AND TWO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, THANK YOU, JAMES.
ON 20 DO YOU MEAN THE RESOLUTION? I AM HOPING TO READ IT OVER THE BREAK.
SO THEN LET'S TAKE A 15-MINUTE BREAK UNTIL 4:35.
US GUYS ARE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 4:38 P.M.
AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
THERE WAS ONE MORE COVID ITEM TO VOTE ON AND THAT IS 20, COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S RESOLUTION AND I ASKED FOR A MINUTE TO READ.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE MOTION IS TO ADOPT IT AS READ EARLIER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR OF THE RESOLUTION?
JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I STILL VOTE NO.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, IT IS NOT HIS POLICY, BUT TRYING TO INTERPRET THE LAW FOR US, OR GIVES HIS OPINION.
I AM NOT GOING TO CRITICIZE US FOR HIS HONEST OPINION, BUT I JUST THINK WE NEED TO GET IT CHANGED THROUGH APPEAL THROUGH OFFICE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST REAL QUICK, COMMISSIONER, I LOOKED AT THIS AGAIN AND IF THERE IS A SWIPE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IT IS IN REFERENCE TO AN OPINION.
NO DIRECT ATTACK TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO COMMISSIONER RADACK?
SO THAT IS THE COVID ITEMS AND NOW LET'S MOVE ON TO THE MAIN AGENDA AND START WITH
[Item I (Part 6 of 7)]
THE COUNTY ENGINEER.I HAVE A SPEAKER LISTED ON ITEM 5 ON PAGE 1.
>> THE SPEAKER HAS CANCELED, JUDGE.
JADE >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE I HAVE A QUESTION ON ITEM 4.
>> YES, COMMISSIONER JADE >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS ACTUALLY D-4 AND THAT IS TO HAVE THE ENGINEER'S OFFICE PULL THE ADDRESS OF 547 BARRETT ROAD FROM THIS LIST.
THE PROPERTY OWNER THERE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT HER PROPERTY WAS NOT INCLUDED AND ACTUALLY SHE WAS THE INTENDED SPEAKER FOR ITEM 5, BUT WAS ACTUALLY CONCERNED ABOUT ITEM 4.
>> DO YOU WANT TO DISCUSS ITEM B ON PAGE 7?
[05:20:03]
WE PUT A LIST OF WHAT WE WOULD CALL -- I WON'T EVEN CALL THEM BEST PRACTICES.
THEY ARE MINIMUM STANDARDS TO ENSURE THAT THE INVESTMENT WE MAKE IN THE BOND PROGRAM ISN'T NEGATED.
A LOT OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT UPDATING REGULATIONS, BUT THEY JUST DON'T KNOW.
AND WHAT WE ARE PROPOSING IS TO HAVE A CONSULTANT WORK WITH ALL OF THE SMALL CITIES TO UPGRADE THE REGULATIONS TO WHAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS LIKE USING THE CURRENT ATLAS 14 RAINFALL AND NOT ALLOWING FILL IN THE FLOOD PLAIN UNLESS THEY ARE IN A COASTAL AREA AND REQUIRING THE TENSION -- REQUIRING THE FINISHED FLOORS ARE AT THE CURRENT 500-YEAR LEVEL.
THEY REQUIRE TWO YEARS ABOVE THE 500-YEAR.
THESE ARE THE STANDARDS THAT WE KNOW AND SIM -- SIMPLY THE MINIMUM BASED ON THE NEW CONTEXT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JOHN, GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE.
I KNOW THERE WERE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE PERRY HOMES PROJECT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
AS A COURT WE SAID WE WANTED BEFORE WE STEPPED IN TO BAIL THE PROJECT OUT, WE WANTED THEM TO ADOPT OUR ATLAS 14 STANDARDS.
THE QUESTION IS HOW WOULD THIS IMPACT THAT ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS A NEIGHBORING COUNTY?
>> WHAT WE HAVE DONE, COMMISSIONER, IS SAY CITIES IN THEIR EPJ'S FOR EXAMPLE, THE AREA IS IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON'S EPJ.
BUT ARE THE PROJECTS WE ARE GOING TO DO WITH MONTGOMERY COUNTY OR FORT BEND COUNTY ANYWAY? CAN WE USE THIS AS A WAY OF GETTING THEM TO RAISE THEIR STANDARDS SO WE ARE NOT INVESTING IN PROJECTS THAT WILL FLOOD AGAIN?
THAT'S THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THIS.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE INVESTMENTS WE MAKE ARE PROTECTED AND THE BENEFITS AREN'T ERODED BY NOT USING THESE PRACTICES.
AND THEY ARE NOT TO THE EXTENT WE HAVE BECAUSE FROM A FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT STAND POINT WE HAVE THE BEST REGULATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, THE MOST STRINGENT.
BUT GET THEM TO A POINT WHERE ALL OF THE CITIES AND THE COUNTIES AND THE CITIES IT BRINGS TO US HAVE WHAT IS CONSIDERED BEST PRACTICES.
>> WILL IT HAVE US TAKE IN WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE ADOPTED THE STRONG -- THE STRONGER STANDARDS INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DETERMINING OUR BOND PRIORITIZATION PROJECTS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S STRONG.
I CAN'T SEE ZACH SITTING AT THE TABLE, BUT IF YOU ARE SITTING THERE WITH THREE COMPUTERS YOU OUGHT TO GET THAT.
AS WE GO FROM ONE PANDEMIC TO THE NEXT CRISIS GOING INTO HURRICANE SEASON IT IS IMPORTANT.
IT WON'T GO INTO EFFECT RIGHT AWAY, BUT OVER TIME IT WILL HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT.
I AM FOR IT AND I APPRECIATE THE WORK YOU PUT INTO IT.
>> AND COMMISSIONER, WE ARE ALSO RECOMMENDING THIS ITEM TO TAKE THE CONSULTANT THAT HELPED PUT THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER TO WORK WITH THE COMMUNITIES TO REVISE THE GUIDELINES TO BE IN COMPLIANCE AND ANSWER ANY TECHNICAL ISSUES THEY MAY HAVE.
>> IT IS NOT AS THOUGH WE ARE WALKING IN THERE WITH A BIG STICK.
IT IS THE CARROT AND THE STICK APPROACH.
THE CARROT BEING WE ARE NOT GOING TO TEAM UP WITH YOU AND PUT YOUR MONEY IN UNLESS WE ARE AS SERIOUS AS WE ARE.
THERE IS A COST ASSOCIATED WITH THIS.
IT DOES INCREASE THE COST OF DOING PROJECTS, BUT IT DECREASES THE COST OF HUMAN LIVES HAVING AN INVESTED INFRASTRUCTURE.
AND THAT'S WHY WE TOOK THE APPROACH OF THERE IS A TIME PERIOD TO HELP THEM DO THIS.
WE SAY IT IS THE END OF THE YEAR AND IN THE MEANTIME WE ARE WILLING TO PAY FOR A CON -- CONSULTANT TO PAY TO BRING THEM UP TO THE MINIMUMS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THOUGHT THE CITY OF HOUSTON WAS GOING TO ADOPT THE STANDARDS.
[05:25:02]
WHAT HAPPENED?>> THEY ADOPTED PART OF ATLAS 14, BUT NOT ALL OF IT.
IF YOU DON'T ADOPT THE WOL THING YOU REALLY HAVEN'T GOT THE BENEFIT OF IT.
ESSENTIALLY THEY DON'T HAVE A COMPLETE SYSTEM.
THEY SAY THEY ARE GOING TO, BUT THEY HAVEN'T.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THIS WILL ENCOURAGE OUR FRIENDS AT THE CITY OR WILL WE MAKE A DECISION ON HOW TO PRIORITIZE PROJECTS OR WHO TO PARTNER WITH THIS GOES INTO FORM AT THE END OF THE YEAR?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL HAVE MORE TO SAY ABOUT THAT WHEN WE GET TO FLOOD CONTROL, BUT GIVE US SOME SENSE OF SINCE THE CITY HAS PARTIALLY ADOPTED ATLAS 14 AT 10%, 20%, 30%, SO IN OTHER WORDS HOW MUCH GOODWILL THEY HAVE DONE OR HOW MUCH HARM WILL COME FROM THEM NOT GOING AS FAR AS WE WILL GO.
>> IF YOU DON'T ADOPT BOTH THE CONVEYANCES AND THE AMOUNT OF WATER YOU HOLD IN YOUR DETENTION POND, ADOPTING HALFWAY ISN'T HELPFUL.
YOU NEED TO ADOPT THE WHOLE RAINFALL FOR BOTH THE STORM SIDES -- STORM SIZING AND RETENTION SIZING.
AS I AS I RECALL THIS WAS A UNANIMOUS VOTE.
THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT DIDN'T DO THIS, BUT THERE WAS UH -- A LOT OF HAND WRINGING AND LOBBYING NOT TO DO IT, BUT WE DID IT.
OTHERS OUGHT TO DO IT AS WELL.
I KNOW I AM ADVOCATING WHEN YOU CUT BACK WITH THE TRANSPORTATION I CAN -- EQUITY STUDY I KNOW SOME OF THESE TOLL ROADS WERE BUILT AND HELPED FLOOD NEIGHBORHOODS.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE THEM WHILE MAKING A CASE THAT WE OUGHT TO GO BACK AND FIX SOME OF THE FLOODING IN THOSE NEIGHBORHOODS AND WE WILL BE TAKING ATLAS 14 INTO ACCOUNT WHEN WE MAKE THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE GONNA HELP STOP SOME OF THE FLOODING THAT WE CREATED.
>> WE WILL GO BACK AND LOOK AT THAT.
A LOT OF THESE ROADS WERE BUILT BEFORE WE UNDERSTOOD HOW DRAINAGE WORKS.
YOU DON'T WANT TO BLAME SOMEBODY, BUT YOU WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM THAT WAS CREATED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE WAY I WAS THINKING ABOUT IT AND JUST BUILDING OFF OF WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAID IS SOMEWHAT GIVING THEM COVER A -- IN A WAY.
WE ALREADY DID THIS WORK WITH THE PROCESS OF THE DEVELOPERS AND GOING THROUGH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS NOT SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IF WE DON'T ENSURE THAT WE ARE NOT FLOODING PEOPLE DOWN THE STREAM AS WE GROW, AND NOW WE ARE INVITING THE MUNICIPALITIES TO DO THAT TOO.
MY ONLY COMMENT AND WE SCAWSED THIS THE OTHER DAY IS I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO ADOPT THE SAME STANDARDS WE HAVE.
IT DOES PRESIDENT DO ANYTHING -- IT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING TO BE THE MOST STRINE JEPT OF THE -- STRINGENT AND THEN FLOOD THE MOST.
WE HAVE TO BE THE BEST WE CAN BE.
AND I KNOW YOU AND RUSS ARE WORKING ON FIGURING OUT WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE WHEN IT COMES TO FLOOD RESILIENCE.
IT IS GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN MINIMUM STANDARDS AND IT IS GOING TO TAKE DEVISING OUR BEST BIG PRACTICES.
WE OWE IT TO THE TAXPAYERS AND IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE FLOOD ADVISORIES AND THEN HAVE A LEAKY BUCKET AND GROWING IN A WAY THAT IS NOT SMART.
I FEEL LIKE IT IS JUST LEAVING THE DOOR OPEN FOR THAT.
>> JUDGE WHEN WE COME BACK WITH OUR PROPOSAL LATER THIS SUMMER WE WILL HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW WE WANT TO MOVE THE BAR FORWARD WITH THE VARIOUS CITIES.
IT IS SOMETHING CONSIDERED MINIMUM FOR FULLY UNDERSTANDING THE ATLAS 14 RAINFALL.
>> ON THE BIGGER QUESTION OF WHERE DOES THIS FLOOD BOND -- HOW RESILIENT DO WE END UP? AND WE TALKED ABOUT BUYOUTS.
WE TALKED ABOUT LAND PRESERVATION AND THE STANDARDS AND THE UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE BIG PICTURE IS.
I WOULD SAY IF YOU NEED AN EXTERNAL CONSULTANT TO HELP OUT, LET US KNOW.
IF YOU NEED MORE TIME, THEN THIS SUMMER I THINK IT IS THE KIND OF THING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE THOROUGHLY.
[05:30:01]
YOU, YOUR TEAM AND FLOOD CONTROL AS WELL HAVE DONE AN INCREDIBLE JOB OF BEING THOROUGH.I THINK THAT IS THE KIND OF THING THAT NEEDS CAREFUL STUDY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ON THAT NOTE, DID YOU HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE COST BENEFIT OF DOING THE BUYOUTS? REMEMBER WE SAID IF WE HAVE A FLOOD THIS SUMMER WE DISCUSSED THAT'S THE PRIME TIME TO OFFER A BUYOUT.
WE DON'T HAVE FUNDS RIGHT NOW.
IT TAKES TIME FOR FEDERAL FUNDING TO ARRIVE, SO WE WERE GOING TO ASSESS IF IT ADDS UP FOR US TO FRONT THE MONEY AND ULTIMATELY WE ARE REMOVING -- PROPERTIES WILL KEEP FLOODING AND IF THAT IS FEASIBLE OR IF THE COSTS DON'T MAKE SENSE.
>> THAT STUDY IS STILL ON GOING, JUDGE.
IT WAS SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE DURING THIS COVID EVENT BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES WITH THE RESEARCHERS AND ACCESSIBILITY TO THEM, BUT IT IS ON GOING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MY ONLY THING WOULD BE -- AND OBVIOUSLY WE ARE ALL WORKING OVERTIME WITH COVID, BUT THAT MIGHT BE JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.
REPLAY HARVEY AND REPLAY AMELDA, AND ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO DON'T WANT TO REBUILD, BUT THEY HAVE TO BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE A BUYOUT OPTION.
AND MAYBE IT IS NOT ECONOMICALLY RESPONSIBLE TO DO IT, BUT I THINK IT MIGHT BE.
IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN DO.
HOPEFUL -- HOPEFULLY WE DON'T FLOOD, BUT IF WE DO IT MAKES SENSE THAT WE CAN MOVE THE NEEDLE IN SOMEWAY.
IT IS FORCING PEOPLE TO REBUILD IN A WAY.
>> AND ON TOP OF THAT THAT STUDY IS ON GOING AND WE ARE WORKING WITH FLOOD CONTROL AND LOOKING AT THE COST TO BUY OUT PROPERTIES THAT HAVE A 10-YEAR FLOOD AND PUTTING A PAY TRICK.
IF YOU DO A LARGE-SCALE BUYOUT PROGRAM DEPENDING ON THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY WE LOOK AT WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE BUYOUT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW MUCH DO WE HAVE IN THE BOND PACKAGE FOR BUY YOUTHS? BUYOUTS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW MUCH IS LEFT? I WILL WAIT.
>> HE IS HERE SO I WILL HAVE HIM LOOK THAT UP.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL ASK WHEN HIS ITEM COMES UP.
>> AND I RECOMMEND APPROVAL ON ALL OF THE OTHER ITEMS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU MUTED, JUDGE HIDALGO.
THAT IS COUNTY ENGINEER SO LET'S MOVE TO FLOOD CONTROL.
DID YOU HAVE ANY ITEM THERE'S, COMMISSIONER?
FLOOD CONTROL, IS RUSS AROUND?
>> RUSS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.
RUSS, WAS THIS YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM? WHEN ARE YOU GONNA GIVE AN UPDATE? DO YOU WANT TO DO THAT NOW? WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU AND THE JUDGE?
>> I WAS PREPARED TO DO THIS AS PART OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.
WHEN WE GET TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL I WILL HAVE QUESTIONS ON FLOOD CONTROL.
>> I SEE THIS AGENDA LETTER AND IT TALKS ABOUT FINANCING OPPORTUNITIES IN HERE, BUT SOMETIMES WE TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE NOT FINANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND THAT IS A DIFFERENT STRATEGY Y'ALL WERE GETTING TO FUND OTHER PROJECTS.
YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT? THAT WAS BEING TALKED ABOUT.
AND WHAT IS ALSO BEING TALKED ABOUT IS STRATEGIES TO KEEP THE STATE OF TEXAS FROM TAKING OVER THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY.
YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT? SO WHY DON'T YOU, IF YOU DON'T MIND, FOR THE NEXT LAST SEVEN YEARS SEND A MEMBER TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT ALL OF THE PEOPLE YOU SAID FREQUENTLY CONTACTED THE TOLL ROAD AND TELL US THE DIFFERENT THINGS THEY PROPOSED? FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
>> I WILL BE HAPPY TO GO BACK IN OUR RECORDS AND LOOK AT PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTACTED OUR AGENCY FOR IDEAS OF FINANCE.
THERE HAVE BEEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE TALKED ABOUT BUYING THE SYSTEM.
THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT REDIRECTING THE FUNDS FROM THE TOLL ROAD TO OTHER THINGS.
I THINK IT WOULD BE NICE FOR ALL OF US TO HEAR ABOUT THE DIFFERENT THINGS PROPOSED.
>> I WOULD BE HAPPY TO DO THAT, COMMISSIONER.
THERE WERE STUDY THAT'S GO BACK STARTING ROUGHLY 2005, 2006.
DR. WRIGHT CRAFT STARTED LOOKING AT IT AND TRYING TO SELL OR LEASE THE AGENCY.
WHATEVER YOU HAVE, IF YOU CAN GET THAT TO US SO WE CAN SEE ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WERE PROPOSED FROM DIFFERENT INVESTMENT BANKING FIRMS AND LAWYERS.
>> I WILL DO WHAT I CAN AND OUR RECORD IS TO GET THAT.
>> GIVE IT TO ALL OF US, PLEASE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
AND PETER AS YOU DO THAT BIT OF FACT FINDING, IF YOU WILL -- IF YOU COULD JUST ADD WHO WAS DIRECTING THOSE VARIOUS PROJECTS TO SELL THE SYSTEM OR DO DIFFERENT THINGS WITH THE SYSTEM.
IF YOU CAN ADD THOSE DETAILS TO WHATEVER YOU DO FIND?
I WOULD ALSO ADD AT LEAST FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN OVER THE YEARS THAT WHEN PEOPLE DISCUSS TOLL ROAD FINANCE IT TYPICALLY INVOLVES THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.
[05:36:58]
IT TYPICALLY INCLUDES THE FINANCIAL ADVISERS AND IT TYPICALLY INVOLVES THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT.IT DOESN'T INVOLVE JUST ONE JOB.
IF THERE IS SOMEBODY WHO GENERATED THE WORK TO STUDY THAT, THAT WOULD BE GOOD TO KNOW.
>> MAYBE THAT COMES FROM SOME OF Y'ALL LAWYERS THAT ARE OUTSIDE COUNSEL.
THEY MAY HAVE A BUNCH OF STUFF.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHILE YOU ARE LOOKING, YOU MAY SEE SOME -- DON'T GO BACK TO A CERTAIN TIME FRAME.
I THINK COMMISSIONER RADACK SAID EIGHT YEARS? I CAN'T REMEMBER.
I WOULD JUST GO BACK AS FAR AS YOU CAN.
YOU MIGHT FIND SOME IDEA THAT I SUBMITTED AND Y'ALL NEVER PAID ME FOR THEM.
MAYBE Y'ALL PASSED A RESOLUTION IN MY HONOR WHEN I WAS A BANKER.
I GAVE Y'ALL GOOD IDEAS AND YOU HAVEN'T PAID ME FOR MY IDEAS.
I WILL GET A RESOLUTION IN MY HONOR.
>> I WILL FILE THE RESOLUTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS TOLL ROAD.
I KNOW, PETER, WE HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT YET.
I THINK I LOOK FORWARD TO STAYING ABREAST ALSO.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE TWO MORE THINGS REAL QUICK IF I MAY.
I JUST WANT TO SAY, PETER, THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR ITEM 1 TO KEEP THE DEVELOPMENTS MOVING FORWARD ON THAT TOLL BRIDGE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS BUILT SAFE AND SOUND IT IS HARD TO MAKE CERTAIN DECISIONS AND I AM GLAD WE PUSHED FOR AN INDEPENDENT FIRM TO COME IN.
OTHERWISE WE WOULDN'T KNOW SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE FOUND ON THE DESIGN OF THAT SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE, THE BILLION-DOLLAR BRIDGE.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THE TIMELINE IS FOR THE FACT FINDING TO BE DONE?
>> COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT UP.
I START OUT BY SAYING OUR AGENCY IS GLAD WE INITIATED THE COWBOY INDEPENDENT REPORT BASED ON THE THREE FEDERAL AGENCY THAT'S OWE PINED ON WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN MIAMI.
JOHN TYLER AND HIS ENGINEERING TEAM HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB LIGHTLY -- LATELY IN BREAKING THROUGH THE REPORT THAT WAS DELIVERED IN FEBRUARY AND I WOULD HOPE HE AND HIS TEAM ARE ADDRESSING COURT.
AND THAT'S THAT ALL ITEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT ARE ON A PATH TOWARD RESOLUTION.
[05:40:09]
YOU ASK ABOUT THE SPECIFIC TIME AND THERE IS ONE LARGE CONSTRUCTION PAUSE THAT I THINK THE CHRONICLE HAS ADDRESSED AND THE MEDIA AND WE TALKED ABOUT IT AT COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND THE CURRENT WORSE CASE TIME FRAME IS WE WOULD NOT BE BACK TO FULL CONSTRUCTION UNTIL SEPTEMBER.I WOULD HOPE THAT IN JUNE OR JULY JOHN AND HIS TEAM CAN BETTER ADDRESS COURT ON ALL OF THE ISSUES GOING ON.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, PETER.
AND DO YOU RECALL WHEN THE BRIDGE IN MIAMI COLLAPSED?
BUT I HAVE RECORDS IN FRONT OF ME.
GIVE ME A COUPLE MINUTES AND I CAN LOOK.
I DON'T WANT TO GIVE A WRONG DATE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO WORRIES AND WHILE ARE YOU DOING THAT I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR SUSPENDING THE PHASE 2 OF THE TOLL ROAD DOWNTOWN UNTIL WE GET BETTER CLAIRE -- CLARITY FROM TEXDOT AS TO WHAT THEY WILL DO AND NOT DO.
THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN CONCERNED AND THEY WILL BE -- IT WOULDN'T BE A GOOD DAY IF WE CONTINUE TO SPEND MONEY ON THE THING AND THEN COME TO FIND OUT THAT TEXDOT'S DESIGNS ARE GOING TO FORCE US TO TEAR DOWN OR DO SOME REDESIGN ON IT.
THANK YOU FOR WORKING TO SUSPEND THE PHASE TWO PART OF THE TOLL ROAD.
>> THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THAT UP AS WELL.
THE COURT LETTER IS SPECIFIC IN THAT WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING WE STOP CONSTRUCTION AT LORAIN.
WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING WE STOP THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING THAT WE STOP TRYING TO PROCURE THE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY.
THE DESIGN INTO THE ROADWAY INTO TOWN BECAUSE OF THE PROBABLE REEVALUATION BY TEXDOT AND WHAT IS PROPOSED A I-45, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS OF POSTPONING AND THE LETTER FROM THE MAYOR WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ITEMS. AND COMMISSIONER, THE RESOLUTION YOU HELPED GET ON THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AGENDA WITH RECORDS TO I-45 ALL OF THOSE ITEMS COME INTO PLAY AND IT MAKES IT A RECOMMENDATION THAT SHOULD GO TO COURT AND THIS AGENCY SAW THE DESIGN OF THE ROADWAY ITSELF.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND THEN ASK THAT YOU RESEARCH THE COLLAPSE OF THE MIAMI BRIDGE.
WE MAY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AVOID SOME DISRUPTION TO THE CONSTRUCTION HAD WE DONE SOME DUE DILIGENCE ON THAT -- ON THE FOLKS DOING THE BRIDGE.
SORRY FOR THAT TO HAPPEN WHEN I CAME IN.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE WERE NOT GOING TO HAVE A BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK WITH WHAT THEY ARE DOING.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR RAISING THAT ISSUE.
THE ISSUE RELATING TO THE BRIDGE COLLAPSE IN FLORIDA.
IT WAS NOT AN EASY THING TO DO, BUT IT SHOWS WHEN YOU ARE WILLING TO STAND UP AND TAKE A FEW ARROWS, SOMETIMES SOME GOOD INFORMATION COMES OUT.
PETER, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE ON THAT SHIP CHANNEL.
I WANT YOU TO REMEMBER THAT I RAISED THE ISSUE.
IF IT IS FEASIBLE AND NOT CROSS PROHIBITIVE AND IF YOU WILL LOOK AT IT AND LET US KNOW I CAN'T EMERGENCY -- IMAGINE SOMEBODY BUILDING A BROOKLYN BRIDGE OR THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AND THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN SEE IT -- I I KNOW YOU ARE NOT LOOKING AT THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY OR THE SKYLINE OF NEW YORK, BUT YOU ARE LOOKING AT THAT PORT AND WHAT MADE HOUSTON WHAT IT IS.
[05:45:02]
WHEN IT COMES TO THE TOLL ROAD INTO DOWNTOWN I WANT TO COMMEND YOU AS WELL.FOLKS WERE ON THE LINE AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAREER I REMEMBER THE CONTROVERSY OF RIPPING THE NEIGHBORHOOD APART.
WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE WE ARE WIDING THE PEDESTRIAN PASS AND IT DIDN'T HAVE TO BE FOR AIRLINES THAT NO LONGER ARE BASED HERE.
ONE PLAN WAS TO MAKE IT A MAGNIFICENT GATEWAY INTO THE ROAD OF HOUSTON.
ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO CORRECT THE MISTREATMENT THAT THOSE WORK -- WORKING PLAYS PEOPLE ARE ENDURING INCLUDING FLOODING.
EVEN IF THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY DIDN'T KNOW, SO WHAT? I THINK THE ARGUMENT THAT PEOPLE DID KNOW THAT THERE ARE STILL VEST TEGS OF DISCRIMINATION FROM SLAVERY.
WE SCAN -- KEY CAN HELP PEOPLE WITH FLOODING WITH THE OLD ANTIQUATED SLIP SHOT AND RETENTION PONDS PUT IN AT THE TIME, BUT WE NEED TO GO BACK AND GET RIGHT.
THOSE WERE POOR BLACK, HISPANIC AND ANGLO RESIDENTS WHOSE NEIGHBORHOODS WERE RIPPED APART.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHATEVER HAPPENS AS WE GO FORWARD WE NEED TO MAKE IT RIGHT.
I WAS IN 1983 AND THEY VOTED ON IT.
I CAN'T REMEMBER IF I COMMITTED TO BOTH SIDES.
THEY VOTE OWED IT AND WE SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT SOME 40 YEARS LATER.
>> COMMISSIONER, TO ADDRESS THOSE TWO ITEMS STARTING WITH THE HARDY -- STARTING WITH HARVEY, ONCE THE AGENCY GETS INFORMATION FROM TEXDOT ON WHAT THEY WILL ULTIMATELY PROMOTE FOR I-45 IT WOULD BE MY HOPE THAT THE AGENCY ENGAGES WITH THE COMMUNITY ALONG THE PARTY CORRIDOR AND WORKS IN CON -- CONCERT WITH THE 45 INITIATIVE AND IT IS SOMETHING THE COUNTY AND THE COMMUNITY WOULD BE PROUD OF BUILDING THE LAST LEG.
WHEN I SAY DOWNTOWN I DON'T MEAN IT IS THE HIGHWAY THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPOSED FOR 30 YEARS.
IT COMES FROM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND WORKING WITH THE STAFF TO ENSURE WHAT SHOULD THE COUNTY BUILD.
SPHARGS -- AS FAR AS A PEDESTRIAN BRAG WE ARE AWARE OF THAT AND WE WILL PROBABLY BRING SOMETHING TO COURT TO FIND OUT IF THERE IS A WAY TO ADDRESS IT WITHOUT INCURRING GREAT COST TO THE PROJECT.
MOFTION ON -- MOVING ON TO BUDGET MANAGEMENT.
>> WE DO HAVE SOME SPEAKERS ON ITEM 4K.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 4K IS THE OCCUPANCY TAX REBATE BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE WEBSTER PROJECT.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THE SPEAKERS FIRST?
>> JEREMY HENDRIX WITH LABORER'S UNION.
MR. HENDRICKS, PLEASE GO AHEAD.
APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S LEADERSHIP DURING THIS TOUGH TIME.
JM JEREMY HENDRICKS -- JEREMY HENDRICKS AND I KNOW MOST OF YOU.
HERE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT ITEM 4K BECAUSE ALTHOUGH WE SUPPORT BIG PROJECTS LIKE
[05:50:01]
THIS, WE LOVE TO BUILD THINGS, WE FEEL LIKE WE ARE WAITING FOR WORKER PROTECTIONS AND WE SHOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT CONSIDERATION OF THE WORKER PROTECTIONS AND THE SAFETY PROTECTIONS.WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA TO ALLOW US TIME TO HAVE A STAKEHOLDER MEETING WITH THE DEVELOPERS.
WE BELIEVE WE SHOULD ENSURE GOOD, LOCAL JOBS.
THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL HERE.
THERE ARE A THOUSANDS OF CONSTRUCTION JOBS AND IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT TEXAS IS STILL THE MOST DANGEROUS STATE AND IN LIGHT OF THE FACT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE DOLING WITH THE I'M -- DEALING WITH THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE NOT ALLOW DANGEROUS JOBS AND INSTEAD WE GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR GOOD, LOCAL JOBS TO BE CREATED.
AGAIN, WOULD ASK THAT YOU PLEASE REMOVE THIS FROM THE AGENDA.
AGAIN, WE WOULD LOVE TO OFFER OURSELVES AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE STANDING WITH ME TO SAY THAT WE ARE HAPPY TO SIT AT THE TABLE AND DOCK -- TALK ABOUT HOW WE MADE THIS A BENEFICIAL PROJECT FOR ALL THOSE INVOLVED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JEREMY.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER.
>> HI, MY NAME IS BO AND I AM WITH LOCAL 23 AND WE REPRESENT SEVERAL THOUSAND
HOSPITALITY WORKERS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE NOT HEARING YOU VERY WELL.
CAN YOU TRY DEBT -- TRY GETTING CLOSER TO YOUR MIC.
WE REPRESENT SEVERAL THOUSAND HOSPITALITY WORKERS IN THE HOUSTON AREA.
WE ARE ASKING THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA THAT YOU HOPE TO DELAY ITEM 4K AND PULL IT FROM THE AGENDA.
THAT'S THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX REBATE.
THE REASON IS BECAUSE AS WE ALL KNOW THE DECISION THE COURT HAS IS TO ABATE TAXES AND THAT CHOICE IS ONE THAT HAS SOME SERIOUS IMPACTS FOR TAXPAYERS.
OUR FOCUS THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS HAS BEEN SERVING OUR MEMBERS LAID OFF BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS.
THEY ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY RENT AND THEY ARE WONDER FIGURE THEY WILL CONTRACT THE VIRUS OR SPREAD IT TO THEIR FAMILIES.
THAT'S BEEN THE PRIMARY FOCUS.
WE WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A MEETING OF THAT TYPE.
UNFORTUNATELY THERE ARE MANY DETAILS UNKNOWN SURROUNDING THIS PROJECT.
AT LOCAL 23 WE ARE OPEN TO EVENTUALLY SUPPORTING THIS PROJECT.
WHAT WE ARE REALLY ASKING FOR IS A TWO-WEEK EXTENSION TO REVIEW THE DOCUMENTS AND TO MEET WITH EACH OF YOUR OFFICES, THE DEVELOPER AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO CLARIFY DETAILS AND TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FORM AN OVER ALL POSITION ON THE PROPOSAL.
THAT HAS AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AND THANKS TO EACH OF YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, BO.
>> HELLO, MY NAME IS SALVADOR AND I AM WITH THE INTERNATIONAL [INAUDIBLE] AND I AM HERE ASKING FOR MY COLLEAGUES HAVE ALREADY ASKED FOR TO REMOVE THE TAX SYSTEM OF WOLF LODGE.
IT IS ESTIMATED 1,000 CONSTRUCTION JOBS AND 800 HOTEL SERVICE JOBS WHILE NO
[05:55:06]
REGULATIONS AND STANDARD FOR THEIR JOBS.THEY COULD BE EXPLOITED IF THEY WILL GIVE THE GREAT WOLF LODGE ACCESS THEY MUST INCLUDE STRICT GUIDE GUIDELINES FOR THE COMMUNITY.
THEY CAN EXPECT THEM TO WORKING FAMILIES.
THEY WON THE STATES WITH THE MOST WAGES IN THE COUNTRY.
THERE IS A RAMPANT PROBLEM AND CONTRACTORS THAT IS COMMON AND OTHER LAWS PUT IN PLACE TO PROTECT WORKERS.
ALL OF THIS IS EXPENSIVE AND AFFECTS THE COMMUNITY.
WE ASK YOU TO PULL -- [INAUDIBLE] OFF THE AGENDA.
>> KEVIN ENGLISH WITH WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT.
GOOD AFTERNOON HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONERS ELLIS AND RADACK AND CAGLE.
I AM KEVIN EEN -- ENGLISH AND I WORK AT WORKERS DEFENSE PROJECT.
WE REPRESENT WORKERS AND FAMILIES IN HARRIS COUNTY AS WELL AS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE STATE OF TEXAS.
I AM HERE TO ASK THAT ITEM 4K BE GIVEN GREATER CONSIDERATION BEFORE VOTING.
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR HARRIS COUNTY ESPECIALLY THE CITY OF WEBSTER.
WE FEEL THIS ABATEMENT DOESN'T HAVE CONSIDERATION FOR THE COMMUNITY THAT IS NEEDED FOR LOCAL, SAFE, GOOD-PAYING SUSTAINABLE JOBS.
THIS IS A $75 MILLION PROJECT THAT IS LOOKING TO HAVE ABOUT $10 MILLION IN TAX BREAKS FOR THE GREAT WOLF LODGE FOR THE WATER PARK.
LIKE MANY COLLEAGUES POINT OUT THERE WILL BE A THOUSAND CONSTRUCTION JOBS WITH LITTLE TO NO COMMITMENT OR REQUIREMENTS ON THOSE WAGES, SAFETY TRAINING, AND THOSE ARE THE TYPE OF PROTECTIONS WORKERS NEED.
AND THERE WILL BE 350 IN USE JOBS.
WE ASK THIS COURT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY INTO CONSIDERATION THE AMOUNT OF INCENTIVES THEY WILL HAVE TO BE A PART OF SUCH A HUGE PROJECT.
WE HAVE SEEN SOMETIMES HOW CONTRACTORS AND DEVELOPERS CUT CORNERS DURING THE PROJECT.
WE HAVE SEEN WHAT COULD HAPPEN WHEN CONTRACTORS DON'T USE SAFE DOLLARS SSMENTS.
WE HAVE ALSO SEEN WHERE DEVELOPERS COME INTO OUR COMMUNITIES AND CREATE JOBS THAT WE DON'T BENEFIT FROM.
OR JOBS WHERE PEOPLE ARE EXPLOITED.
WE NEED TO SET THE STANDARD ON THE FRONT END AND FIND A WAY TO ENFORCE THEM SO WE DOPTD HAVE TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE LATER ON.
THERE IS A LOT AT STAKE HERE AND WE ARE IN A UNIQUE POSITION FOR MINIMUM WAGE STANDARDS AND WHERE DEVELOPMENT WILL TAKE PLACE.
THIS IS ANOTHER GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE SAVING THE STANDARDS THAT BENEFIT THE WORKING PEOPLE ESPECIALLY IN PRECINCT 2 WHERE IT WILL BE HAPPENING.
WE ASK THE LEADERS TO MEET WITH THE LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITIES TO DISCUSS WHICH STANDARD MEET THEIR NEEDS.
WE THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE SO FAR ESPECIALLY WITH THE COVID-19 WORK AND THE WORK THE COURT HAS COMMITTED TO AND MAKING SURE THE BENEFITS AND PEOPLE -- AND THE THINGS PEOPLE NEED ARE IN PLACE.
>> THOSE WERE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM, JUDGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, LUCINDA.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I KNOW WE HAVE MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF WEBSTER THAT ARE ON THE CALL AS WELL.
I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A PRESENT -- PRESENTATION ON THIS ITEM.
WE ARE EXCITED TO BRING THIS PROJECT FORWARD TO YOU AND ASK FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
[06:00:03]
THE CITY OF WEBSTER HAS BEEN WORKING ON THIS PROJECT FOR WELL OVER TWO YEARS AND RECENTLY CAME TO AN AGREEMENT TO HOPEFULLY PROCEED.THE CITY OF WEBSTER WILL BE REFUNDING A HOTEL MOTEL TAX GENERATED BY THE FINISHED PRODUCT.
IT IS NOT ANYONE ELSE'S TAX DOLLARS GOING TOWARD THIS.
WE ASK COMMISSIONERS DO THE SAME FROM YOUR END.
I WILL ADD WEE ARE WORKING UNDER A NEW STATE LAW THAT ALLOWS US TO REFUND SALES TAX GENERATED.
BETWEEN THE CITY OF WEBSTER AND THE SAY THE -- AND THE STATE OF TEXAS THE 2% IS THE LAST PIECE WE ASK FOR THIS PROJECT.
THE PROJECT WE ANTICIPATE BEING OVER $200 MILLION IN VALUE.
AS SOME OF THE CALLERS STATED WE APPROVED 1,000 CONSTRUCTION JOBS.
WE EXPECT 350 PERMANENT JOBS BOTH FULL TIME AND PART-TIME AND THAT WILL INCREASE TO 500 JOBS DURING PEAK SEASONS WITH THE SUMMERS AND THE WATER PARKS.
IT INCLUDES AN INDOOR WATER PARK AND PLAY AREA AND VENUES AND CONVENTION CENTER.
IT IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST PROJECT IN THE HI STIES HISTORY.
AND A MEMBER OF GREAT WOLF LODGE IS HERE AND IS AVAILABLE IF YOU BO -- IF YOU WOULD LIKE HIM TO ANSWER SPECIFIC QUESTIONS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING -- JUDGE -- THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING.
LET ME JUST OFFER MY TAKE ON THE PROJECT.
AND OBVIOUSLY I DO RESPECT AND I AM SUPPORTIVE OF THE ITEMS THAT ARE FRIENDS -- OUR FRIENDS IN LABOR ARE ADDRESSING, BUT I WOULD SAY THAT IT SPEAKS TO WHY WE NEED TO HAVE AN OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.
THEY COULD SET THE STANDARDS AND SET THE GUIDELINES FOR PROJECTS AND HOW TAX ABATEMENTS WOULD WORK OR TO BE APPLIED TO.
THAT ASIDE, THE CURRENT WORK WE ARE DOING, WE ARE LOADING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY SINGLE COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEETING THAT DOO -- THAT DO NOT HAVE THE STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS OUR FRIENDS IN LABOR ARE REQUIRING.
WE HAVE BEEN WITH THAT OFFICE FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW AND WITHOUT THAT IN PLACE AS MUCH AS I AM SUPPORTIVE FOR THAT AND IN MY EARLY CONVERSATIONS WITH THE GREAT WOLF REPRESENTATIVES I DID FIGHT FOR THE THINGS THAT I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR.
I HAVE THESE TEETH, BUT DON'T HAVE THE OTHER TEETH AND THAT IS WHERE THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY COULD PLAY A PHO NOM -- A PHENOMENAL AND CRITICAL ROLE TO MAKE SURE IT IS ESTABLISHED UP FRONT.
IF GREAT WOLF KNEW A TAX ABATEMENT WOULD NOT BE PROVIDED IF NOT FOR THE THINGS WE ASKED THEM TO ANTICIPATE THEY COULD HAVE BEEN FREE TO GO TO ANOTHER COUNTY.
THEY COULD HAVE GONE TO GALVESTON COUNTY OR CHAMBERS OR LIBERTY OR SOMEWHERE ELSE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
BUT TO DO THAT AS A POINT IN THE CITY OF WEBSTER AND THEN TRYING TO SET THOSE EXPECTATIONS IN A PROCESS THAT THEY DON'T EXIST AND THEY DON'T HAVE A FRAMEWORK FOR IT, IT IS VERY, VERY CHALLENGING TO DO THAT AND NOT CREATE ANEN VIERN MNT -- AN ENVIRONMENT OF -- CREATING UNATTRACTION TO OTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
I WANT TO REMIND OUR FRIENDS THAT THIS IS AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY.
GREAT WOLF IS GOING TO DO ALL OF THE CONSTRUCTION.
THEY ARE DOING ALL OF THE INVESTMENT AND THIS ABATEMENT IS PERFORMANCE BASED.
THEY OPENED THEIR DOORS AND NOBODY RENTS A ROOM THEY GET NOTHING FROM HARRIS COUNTY.
IT IS STRICTLY PERFORMANCE BASED.
I WANT TO ADD ANOTHER EXAMPLE.
I GOT WIND THAT ELON MUSK WANTS TO LEAVE ARIZONA BECAUSE HE IS FRUSTRATED
[06:05:07]
WITH THE CITY OR THE COUNTY DOWN THERE.I PUT OUT A TWEET SAYING COME TO HARRIS COUNTY.
AND THEN COME TO FIND OUT THAT MAYOR TURNER SENT A LETTER DOING THE SAME.
MAYOR TURNER AND I SHALL THE VALUES IMPORTANT TO LABOR.
IN THIS PARTICULAR N -- ENVIRONMENT OF NOT KNOWING HOW LONG THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC WILL LAST WE HAVE TO -- WITHOUT REGULATIONS IN PLACE WE HAVE TO BE WILLING TO HAVE PEOPLE COME IN AND NEGOTIATE AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL ALLOW PEOPLE TO WORK AS IT WAS INDICATED.
A THOUSAND JOBS WILL WILL BE CREATED AND 350 PERMANENT JOBS.
IT COULD BE A DESTINATION POINT FOR HARRIS COUNTY WHICH WE HAVE VERY FEW.
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW OUR ECONOMIC PROFILE.
IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING THAT WE HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR.
I CAME IN AND MADE SURE THERE IS NO PRE SINK 2 EMPLOYEE OR MUCH LESS ANY HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE EARNING LESS THAN $16 AN HOUR.
THAT I CAN DO BECAUSE WE ARE THE DECISION MAKERS.
WE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE CONTROL OF THOSE ITEMS HERE.
WHEN IT COMES TO COMPANYING -- COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS BY GREAT WOLF WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THESE ITEMS WITH A BROADER LENS.
IT MAY BE A DIFFERENT CONVERSATION HAD WE NOT BEEN IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC.
NOW WITH THE PANDEMIC I WANT LABOR AND THE CITY OF WEBSTER TO SIT TOGETHER AND HAVE CONVERSATIONS AND MAYBE THEY CAN BUILD ON THE CONVERSATIONS I HAVE HAD.
I AM WILLING TO DEMAND THAT AND HOPEFULLY GET THEIR COMMITMENT THAT THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO SIT WITH LABOR TO CRAFT OUT ANY OTHER AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY THAT WOULD MOVE THOSE RELATIONSHIPS FORWARD.
AT THIS TIME WE HAVE A THOUSAND JOBS THAT WILL LAST -- OR EMPLOYMENT THAT WOULD LAST FOR 18 MONTHS.
THAT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE WORKING.
EAST SPECIAL LOO LIGHT OF MASSIVE LAYOFFS ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY.
AND I VENTURE TO SAY THIS, THAT WITH THE PANDEMIC IN MIND AND WITH GREAT WOLF MAKING THE INVESTMENT, IF THE PANDEMIC IS SO MUCH THAT NOTHING HAPPENS AND GREAT WOLF HAS TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS THEY GET NOTHING FROM HARRIS COUNTY.
LOIJ >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
DO FOLKS HAVE OTHER COMMENTS ON THIS? ALL RIGHT.
I AM JUST WONDERING, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF THERE IS A WAY TO -- IF WE CAN ADD THAT THEY WORK WITH LOCAL LABOR TO ADDRESS THEIR CONCERNS AROUND PARTICULARLY SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AND YOU AND I DISCUSSED I READ THAT THEY HAVE $14 MINIMUM WAGE ON AVERAGE.
ON AVERAGE THAT MEANS SOMEBODY COULD MAKE WELL BELOW A LIVING WAGE AND THAT INCLUDES BENEFITS.
IS THERE A WAY THEY CAN EXPLORE AND DO A $15 MINIMUM WAGE ACROSS THE BOARD? OR INSTEAD OF SAYING ON AVERAGE INCLUDING BENEFITS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MADE MY EFFORT IN THAT REGARD, JUDGE.
I WOULD ASK THE CITY OF WEBSTER BECAUSE THEY WILL TELL YOU THAT THOSE WERE MY WORDS WHEN I FIRST STARTED MY ROLE IN THESE CONVERSATIONS SO THEY KNOW THAT THIS IS IMPORTANT I MADE MENTION THAT THIS WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO YOU.
I WOULD SAY IT IS APPROVED SUBJECT TO MEETINGS BETWEEN THE CITY OF WEBSTER, GREAT
[06:10:06]
WOLF AND LABOR UNIONS.>> LINA HIDALGO: AND WHAT IS IN TERMS OF ADOPTING WHATEVER THEY RECOMMEND? I MEAN THERE IS STILL A LIVABLE WAGE CONCERN, RIGHT? THOUGH -- THEY CAN SAY THEY MET AND THEY DON'T AGREE.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL AND RAISED MY CONCERNS ABOUT DOING A TAX ABATEMENT FOR CITGOO.
BILL WHITE WHO WE BOTH KNOW WELL SAW THE VALUE ADDED THROUGH THE ABATEMENT AND DEFENDED HIS POSITION ON ABATEMENT.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO BRING AS MANY PEOPLE TO OUR CITY AND OUR COUNTY WITH AS MUCH ECONOMIC ACTIVITY.
I WOULD SAY THAT IF THE BUSINESS MODEL WHICH I WORK TO ARGUE FOR, IF THE BUSINESS MODEL IS THERE AND ACCORDING TO THE CONVERSATIONS I RECALL IT WILL CREATE A SUB STAN -- SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY.
PART OF THEIR BUSINESS MODEL DID NOT ALLOW FOR A HARD COMMITMENT TO THAT.
WE HAVE GONE FROM $12 AN HOUR TO 14.
I THINK THERE MAY BE SOME ROOM.
MAYBE I WAS TOO ROUGH SO I WELCOME SOME OTHERS TO TAKE A SHOT AT THE NEGOTIATIONS.
MAYBE BILL CAN BE MORE EFFECTIVE TO GET US TO THE $15 LIVE -- LIVABLE WAGE.
THE GREAT WOLF PEOPLE ARE ON THE LINE AND CITY OF WEBSTER IS ON THE LINE SO I WILL LET THEM RESPOND TO YOU IN THAT REGARD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I WOULD JUST SAY AS YOU NOTED COMMISSIONER THAT THIS UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR THE OFFICE WHICH I KNOW IS ON A SEARCH FOR A DIRECTOR.
I GOT SOME RESEARCH THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS HIGH COSTS COMPARED TO OTHER TEXAS TEXT -- OTHER TEXAS CITIES AND OTHER ABATEMENTS.
I DON'T WANT US TO IN -- TO INCREASE A PRECEDENT.
I KNOW YOU ARE WORKING HARD WITH THE PARTIES.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THIS IS NOT A PRECEDENT SETTING THEME.
IT IS THE LAST TIME WE DO THIS BEFORE WE HAVE A THOROUGH SYSTEM.
I DON'T WANT US TO SET UP HARRIS COUNTY IN A WEAK BARGAINING POSITION WHERE EVERY JOB CREATED WE ARE HANDING OUT ABATEMENTS.
I DON'T HAVE THE ASSESSMENT FOR THIS.
IF YOU HAVE A WAY FOR LABOR TO BE INCLUDED I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE MINIMUM WAGE OR SOME SORT OF A FALL BACK IF FOLKS DON'T DO THAT, BUT I UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT THAT AS MUCH AS WE DON'T HAVE THAT OFFICE SET UP YET, IT IS BEING SET UP AND THIS SHOULD BE THE LAST TIME AND NOT DIFFERENTIAL TO THE SET UP BEING PRO POSED.
>> IT IS GREAT FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES AT HAPPENED -- AT HAND.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE PEOPLE KNOWING WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES THEY ARE WALKING INTO AND THEN MAKE A DECISION WHETHER TO WORK THROUGH IT.
AT A MINIMUM, WE KNOW WHAT -- EVERYBODY KNOWS WHAT THE RULES ARE.
[06:15:01]
RIGHT NOW WE HAVE TO TRY TO GET THERE SIM -- SIMPLY BY NEGOTIATION.THAT'S NOT FAIR FOR PLY -- FOR PRIVATE ENTERPRISES.
AND FOR US IT POTENTIALLY COULD OTHERS FROM INVESTING IN HARRIS CON TEE WHEN WE -- COUNTY WHEN WE DESPERATELY NEED IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
JACK CAGLE: IF I MAY ADDRESS MY COLLEAGUE DIRECTLY.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, OBVIOUSLY YOU SPENT SOME TIME ON THIS.
ARE YOU MAKING THE RECOMMENDATION WE VOTE FOR THIS AGENDA ITEM AS IT IS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: NOT AS IT IS.
I WILL ACCEPT THE AMENDMENT THAT THE JUDGE ELUDED TO THAT THE CITY OF WEBSTER AND GREAT WOLF HAVE A MEETING TO WORK THROUGH.
WE GOT TO AN AVERAGE OF 14 AND MAYBE WE CAN MAKE IMPROVEMENTS FNLT IF -- >> SO IT WOULD BE GREAT WOLF AND THE CITY OF WEBSTER.
>> SO ARE YOU WANTING TO BRING IT BACK IN TWO WEEKS?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE DETAILS ON ELAINE IS.
WE WOULDN'T AUTHORIZE THE ABATEMENT UNLESS THE MEETINGS OCCURRED OR MAYBE WEBSTER CAN TELL US.
>> I THINK WEBSTER WOULD BE A BETTER EXPERT ON THIS.
>> MR. AARONS YOU HAVE BEEN UNMUTED.
>> WE HAVE HAD EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH GREAT WOLF ON THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF HARRIS COUNTY'S GOAL AND HAVE STRIVED TO GET THERE.
UNFORTUNATELY THEY HAVE TO WORK WITH THE MARKET CONDITIONS.
THEY ARE WILLING TO PROVE TO US THAT THEY PAY ABOVE MARKET RATES FOR THAT TYPE OF VEN -- VENUE.
I'M SURE THEY ARE OPEN TO PRIVATE ENTITIES THAT WILL PAY A MARKET RATE AND WORK WITHIN THE MARKETS.
>> MR. JACOBSON YOU ARE UNMUTED.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS.
I THINK YOU ARE DOING A LITTLE BETTER THAN WE ARE.
FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR THE TIME AND EFFORTS.
IT IS GOING TO UNDERSTAND THE SOUL OF THE COMPANY.
DOCUMENTS AND AGREEMENTS ARE ONE THING, BUT IT IS WHAT A COMPANY IS BREAD WITH IN AN ORGANIZATION.
WE ARE OWNED BY BLACK STONE AND SUTTER BRIDGE.
BLACK STONE IS ONE OF THE LARGEST REAL ESTATE FIRMS IN THE WORLD.
THEY HAVE MANDATES ABOUT HOW WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES AND HOW WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS.
WHEN WE HAD TO FURLOUGH OUR EMPLOYEES WE COULD HAVE JUST FIRE THEM.
BLACK STONE FURLOUGHED THEM FOR AS LONG AS THEY COULD AND BY THE WAY, ANOTHER VERTICAL THEY OWNED IS ALBERTSON'S GROCERY CHAIN.
THEY TOOK AS MANY OF THOSE EMPLOYEES SINCE THEY WERE VETTED AND BACK GROUND CHECKED AND KNEW THEIR WORK HIS -- HISTORY THEY WORKED TO GET THE THOUSANDS OF EMPLOYEES FURLOUGHED INTO JOBS AT GROCERY STORES.
THEY OWN QUITE A BIT OF ASSISTED LIVING AND SENIOR CARE SO HOUSEKEEPING, COOKS, CHEFS.
WE MOVED THOSE INTO THE INFORMATIONS.
THAT WAS NOT WRITTEN IN A DOCUMENT.
IT WAS WHAT THE ORGANIZATION THOUGHT WAS RIGHT AND WE DID IT.
EVERY ONE OF OUR LODGES AT THE TIME, YOU CAN IMAGINE, HAD QUITE A BIT OF SUPPLIES, TOILETRIES AND TOWELS AND SHAM -- SHAMPOOS.
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF TOILETRIES AND TOWELS AND ALL OF THAT TO A HOMELESS OF
[06:20:09]
LAKE COUNTY.WE REACHED OUT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AND A HALF VEE.
WE ARE NOW HOUSING CADETS FOR QUARANTINE PRIOR TO GOING TO THE BASE [INAUDIBLE] THOSE ARE THINGS WE HAVE BONN -- DONE BECAUSE IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
AS IT RELATES TO OUR PROJECTS ONE THING BROUGHT UP IS SAFETY.
I BELIEVE ONE OF THE UNION MEMBERS BROUGHT THAT UP.
IF YOU WERE TO GO TO ONE OF OUR BOARD MEETINGS SAFETY IS -- IF IT IS NOT NUMBER ONE ON THE LIST OF DISCUSSION POINTS IT IS NUMBER TWO.
THINK ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE.
WE CATER TO FAMILIES SCWH -- AND WE CANNOT HAVE ANY ISSUE WHATSOEVER.
OUR LIFEGUARDS GO THROUGH THE NATIONAL STANDARD FOR TRAINING AND WE PROVIDE PROPER TRAINING FOR PEOPLE ON SITE.
AS IT RELATES TO CONSTRUCTION I WILL GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.
THE PROJECT WE ARE BUILDING WITH TURNER CONSTRUCTION IN MANTECA, CALIFORNIA WHEN THE COVID VIRUS HIT, WE STOPPED WHAT WE WERE DOING.
BOTH US AND TURNER GOT TOGETHER AND SAID WHAT IS THE BEST FOR THE WORKERS ON SITE? THE BEST THING FOR THE WORKERS ON SITE WAS TO CREATE A MORE SPACED ENVIRONMENT.
WE SPENT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON WASH STATIONS.
WE PROVIDED THERMOMETERS FOR THE FOREMEN.
WORKERS ARE CHECKED BEFORE THEY ENTER THE SITE.
WE LAUNCHED PRODUCTIVITY WHICH WE PAY FOR.
WE DIDN'T PUT CARPENTERS AND ELECTRICIANS IN THE SAME SPACE AT THE SAME TIME.
IF YOU HAD PEOPLE LIFTING EQUIPMENT THEY HAD TO WEAR MASKS AND WE PROVIDED THE SK MAS.
WE UNDERSTAND WHAT SAFETY MEANS DURING CONSTRUCTION, BUT WHEN THE LODGE IS OPEN.
ABOUT OUR JOBS WE TEND TO PAY HIGHER.
WE LOOK TO A COMPANY CALLED THE JANIS COMPANY.
WHAT THEY ARE IS THEY LOOK AT A PARTICULAR MARKET AND THEY KNOW WHAT OUR JOBS ARE AND THEY TAKE THE JOBS AND EVALUATE THE JOBS AND THIS PAYS X.
WE LOOK AT THAT AND ASSESS THAT BASED ON WHAT THE WORK IS.
WE PAY HIGHER ON HOSPITALITY AND LET ME TELL YOU WHY.
YOU GO TO A ROOM AND YOU PUT YOUR TOILETRY IN THE BATHROOM AND GO TO THE DINNER MEETING AND WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AND YOU COME BACK AND SLEEP AND YOU HAVE A SWEET AND FOUR OR FIVE KIDS IN A SWEET AND IMAGINE CLEANING THAT ROOM.
FIRST YOU HAVE TO FIND THE TOWELS.
AND SO WE HAVE TO PAY MORE ON HOUSEKEEPING BECAUSE IT IS A TOUGHER JOB.
WHEN YOU LOOK AT OUR JOBS WHAT I REALLY LIKE IS IT IS A FULL SPECTRUM OF JOBS.
IT IS EVERYTHING FROM YOUR KIDS' FIRST JOB AUDIT AND IT IS THE LIFEGUARD.
IT IS THE SUPPORT SERVICES IF THE LODGE ALL THE WAY UP TO TWO PEOPLE WORKING.
YOU GO THROUGH DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS AND CHEFS AND COOKING -- COOKS AND HOSPITALITY.
IT COVERS THE FULL -- NOT ONLY THE ECONOMIC SPECTRUM, BUT THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION.
THE OTHER THING THAT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT WE PROMOTE FROM WITHIN.
MOST OF OUR LODGES IT WAS FROM ANOTHER LODGE.
WE WANT MORE FOR THE LODGE AND WE PROVIDE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR THEM.
SAY SOMEBODY WAS A JUNIOR ENGINEER AND THEY WANTED TO ELEVATE THEMSELVES IN THE
[06:25:07]
ORGANIZATION.WE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO HELP TRAIN THEM AND WE -- AND THERE IS A YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN AND AS IT RELATES TO THE COMMUNITY WE USED TO -- IT WAS A NATIONAL BAY SIS PARTICIPATE WITH THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AND IT IS TO AN EXTENT.
WHAT WE DO NOW IS GIVE FULL DISCRETION TO THE GENERAL MANAGER TO SIT DOWN WITH THE COMMUNITY AND SEE WHAT IS IMPORTANT.
IS IT SOMETHING FOR THE HOMELESS? IS IT AN EDUCATIONAL FUND FOR KIDS THAT WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO GO? IS THERE A FUND WE CREATE FOR THAT? WE WILL SIT DOWN AND FIND OUT WHAT THE PROGRAM IS.
IF YOU GET INTO IT AND YOU LOOK AT WHAT THE HOURLY RATES ARE, THE HOUSEKEEPING, LIKE YOU SAID -- LIKE WE SAID THEY ARE A MAJOR PORTION OF THE NUMBER.
THE BELLHOP WILL NOT GET 15 AND THE HOSTESS WILL NOT GET 15, BUT THE BELLHOP GETS TIPS AND SAME WITH WAITRESSES.
THE SPECTRUM GOES TO THE GENERAL MANAGER AND WE PROVIDE A PLACE FOR GROWTH AND FOR TRAINING AND PROMOTION WITHIN.
I WOULD SAY DURING THE PEAK SEASON THAT WE WILL PROBABLY HIRE ANOTHER 50 TO 70 PEOPLE THAT WILL BE FOR ANOTHER I WOULD SAY FOUR TO FIVE MONTHS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IF SOMEBODY WAMPLEGHTS ARE -- MAYBE IF SOMEBODY WANTS WORK FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, SAY THEY ARE GOING TO SCHOOL WE WILL PROVIDE IT FOR THEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU HEARD THE CONVERSATION, ARE YOU WILLING TO MEET AND AARON, ARE YOU WILLING TO MEET WITH THE LABOR LEADERS?
>> I AM CERTAINLY MILLING -- WILLING TO MEET WITH ANYBODY.
FULL DISCLOSURE AND YOU WILL SEE THAT WITH ME IS WITH COVID FINE -- COVID-19, NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THE FUTURE WILL BE.
WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING WE CAN TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE IN A MEANINGFUL WAY.
WE WILL EXPLAIN WHAT OUR POSITION IS AND WHY AND WHY CERTAIN JOBS ARE PAID BUT YOU PUSHED US REALLY HARD, HARDER THAN ANY OTHER PROJECT ESPECIALLY IN THIS TIME.
WE HAVE 18 LODGES ACROSS THE COUNTRY CLOSED.
WE AGREE THAT WE WILL SIT DOWN AND EXPLAIN OUR POSITION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I THINK YOU ARE MUTED.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I TOOK MYSELF OFF.
I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA RAISES A GOOD POINT ABOUT THE NEED TO GET THE BALL ROLLING WITH THAT OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.
IF I RECALL I PUT IT ON THE AGENDA TO CREATE IT AND WE ALL AGREED TO IT.
I THINK AT SOME POINT WE HAVE TO MOVE FORWARD.
I KNOW I HAD THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA SOME TIME BACK, BUT I DON'T THINK I HAD THE SUPPORT.
I WAS WORKING WITH LABOR ON A NUMBER OF WORKER PROTECTIONS.
AT SOME POINT WE HAVE TO MOVE.
TRAVIS COUNTY HAS THE MOST AGGRESSIVE PACKAGE ON A COUNTY LEVEL.
AT SOME POINT WE HAVE TO MOVE ON THE DEPARTMENT AND I WILL PUT THE ITEM ON THE AGENDA IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS AND VOTE IT UP OR DOWN.
SOME ARE HIRING LOW INCOME AND PROGRAMS AND INCENTIVES AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS.
WE DON'T HAVE TO GO AS FAR AS COUNTY, BUT I DO THINK WE HAVE TO GO AND DO SOMETHING.
[06:30:08]
I HOPE THE PROCESS MOVES FORWARD TO FIGURE OUT SOMEBODY TO RUN THAT DEPARTMENT.I THINK IT MAY NOT BE PERFECT, BUT COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I AM COMMITTED WORKING WITH YOU AND CAGLE AND RADACK AND JUDGE HIDALGO TO JUST PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA AND THROW IT UP AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.
FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN DO BETTER THAN WHAT WE ARE DOING.
I FIGURE THE AT FEUD -- THE ATTITUDE HERE IS LIKE THE WILD, WILD WEST.
WE HEARD THE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HOW MUCH WE WERE SPENDING AND THEN WHEN SOMEBODY COMES IN THERE IS A BIG FACILITY OUT CAGLE'S WAY.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF A CLAW BACK THERE WAS, BUT I THINK THAT WAS ONE OF THE BIGGER ECONOMIC INCENTIVE PACKAGES THE COUNTY EVER GAVE AND I THINK THERE IS VIRTUALLY NOTHING IN IT IN TESTIMONIES -- IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY BENEFITS.
WHEN WE MET WITH THE STAFF IT GOT HOSTILE AND I WENT FROM BEING THE ADVOCATE FOR THEM TO BEING MAD.
I THROW UP MY HANDS AND SAID WE JUST WON'T DO IT.
I THINK THEY WILL COME UP WITH SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF THE BENEFITS.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAVE DONE A GOOD JOB ON IT.
I THINK IT COULD HELP AND IT IS AT LEAST A TRY.
IF WE CAN'T DO IT, THEN WE WON'T DO IT AND JUST MAKE A DECISION AND VOTE IT UP OR DOWN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE HAVE A MOTION -- YES COMMISSIONER RADACK?
>> STEVE RADACK: I WANT TO TALK ABOUT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY.
MR. SOARD, WHAT TOPPER CAN THEY HAVE WITH AN OFFICER OF ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.
>> STEVE RADACK: WHAT KIND OF POWER CAN THEY GIVE THE OFFICE WITH AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY WITH SOME KIND OF A BACKBONE?
>> AND WE HAVE GONE BACK AND FORTHWITH THAT.
GENERALLY YOU HAVE THE FIRST AND YOU HAVE CONTRACTS THAT I UNDERSTAND WE ARE WORKING ON.
THE PROCESS IS GOING THROUGH AND WE ARE UH MEANABLE TO WORKING THROUGH ALL OF THOSE ISSUES.
YOU'RE RIGHT, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE COUNTIES HAVE LIMITED AUTHORITY IN THESE AREAS.
WE HAVE MORE AUTHORITY THAN WE HAVE EXERCISED IN THE PAST AND WE WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK THROUGH IT.
>> I THINK WE CAN LOOK AT THE WAGES.
I RECALL WHENNAL LETTER SON'S CAME TO -- I RECALL WHEN ALBERTSON ALBERTSON'S CAME AND THEY WANTED ALL KINDS OF BENEFITS AND WAREHOUSES AND WE WOULDN'T GIVE THEM ANY TAX ABATEMENTS OR ANYTHING.
THEY OPENED UP A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF STORES HERE AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM SHUTDOWN.
THAT ALBERTSON ALBERTSON'S THING CAME UP.
BUT HERE WHAT IT BOILS DOWN TO IS THE HARRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT DECIDED WE WANTED A MINIMUM OF $15 AN HOUR.
WHO PICKED UP THE TAB FOR THAT ONE.
HERE IS THE CHANCE FOR HARRIS COUNTY AND WE EITHER APPROVE THIS AND YOU HAVE LABOR SITTING THERE SAYING YOU SHOULDN'T DO IT.
AND YEAH WE CAN ASK PEOPLE TO TALK TO EACH OTHER, BUT THE QUESTION AT THE END OF THE DAY IS THIS.
WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY RIGHT NOW TO SAY YES OR NO ON AN ABATEMENT.
MY POINT IS THIS VOTE WILL SEND A MESSAGE AND THIS MESSAGE WON'T BE THE LAST TIME WE WILL HAVE THIS SITUATION.
WHETHER WE HAVE AN OFFICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY OR NOT THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST
[06:35:01]
TIME.HARRIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT CANNOT DICTATE TO THE PRY VEHICLE -- PRIVATE SECTOR HOW MUCH TO PAY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? HERE IS THE DISTINCTION.
SOMEBODY IS ASKING US FOR A TAX BREAK.
TRAVIS COUNTY HAS A POLICY IN PLACE, A COUNTY POLICY WHAT WORKER PROTECTIONS THEY WILL REQUIRE BEFORE THEY GIVE YOU A TAX BREAK AND WHAT WAGE THEY WILL REQUIRE YOU TO PAY BEFORE THEY GIVE UH CASH BREAK AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO OFFER HEALTH CARE TO GET A TAX BREAK.
SECOND CHANCE HIRING, JOB TRAINING, LOCAL HIRING.
ALL OF THOSE ARE LEGAL UNDER THE LAW.
WHAT MY DISTINGUISHED COLLEAGUE MAY BE CONFUSING IS A DISPARITY STUDY SO HARRIS COUNTY COULD DO A SMALL BUSINESS AND ONE THAT IS NOT.
ONE RELATES TO COUNTY CONTRACTING.
WHAT REQUIRES THE LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE COURTS.
IF YOU WANT TO DECK TATE CERTAIN THINGS PEOPLE DO BEFORE THEY GET A CONTRACT, BUT THIS ISSUE RESPECTFULLY, COMMISSIONER RADACK IS SEPARATE FROM THAT.
MR. JACKSON HELP ME WITH THE TERM, IF IT WAS 543 OR 542 AND SOME KIND OF AN ECONOMIC TAX ABATEMENT IN THE CITY OR THE COUNTY AND THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO VOTE BEFORE THEY GET THE INCENTIVES AND THE TAX BREAKS.
IF WE DO THAT WE WOULD LIKE FOR TO YOU DO CERTAIN THINGS UNDER THE LAW.
THAT'S JUST MY OPINION AS THE JUDGE TOLD ME.
THAT'S WHY IT IS NOT A DECISION.
MR. SOARD, YOU ARE WELCOME TO WEIGH IN, BUT I THINK I KNOW THE LAW IN THAT REGARD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WHAT I AM SAYING IS WE DON'T HAVE THE PARAMETERS ESTABLISHED TO KNOW THEY ARE ADEQUATE AND WE ARE NOT GIVING AWAY MORE THAN WE NEED TO GIVE AWAY FOR EACH JOB.
I AM RELYING ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S NEGOTIATIONS AND IF THAT'S WHERE HE IS AT, THAT'S FINE.
I THINK GOING FORWARD WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE THE PARAMETERS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I WITH -- I WILL FOLLOW YOUR LEAD.
IF WE PUT THINGS ON THE AGENDA IF WE WILL HAVE THE DISTRICT AND RADACK OR WHOEVER IT IS, WE HAVE OVERALL POLICY AND THIS WAS YOURS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S THE WAY WE SHOULD DO IT.
WE SHOULD PUT A POLICY IN PLACE ON JANUARY 1ST.
PEOPLE MAY HAVE NOT COME TO HARRIS COUNTY AND HAVE CHOSEN TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY, BUT WITHOUT THE POLICY IN PLACE IT IS, I THINK WE ARE IN A VERY DIFFICULT POSITION TO BE SETTING DIFFERENT RULES.
AS MUCH AS WE VALUE AND WILL FIGHT FOR ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT THE LABOR AND IN THE MIDDLE OF MASSIVE LAYOFFS I CARE ABOUT AS MANY JOBS AS WE CAN BRING TO HARRIS COUNTY.
>> BILL, DO YOU AGREE WE HAVE BEEN VERY RELUCTANT TO GIVE VERY, VERY FEW.
>> WE HAVE GIVEN A FEW AND THEY HAVE NOT PERFORMED AND ENDED UP PAYING US BACK THE PROPERTY TAXES.
THIS WAS ON A SALES TAX AND THIS IS LIKE A DISCOUNT WHERE IT GETS CHARGED AND THEN REBATED BACK.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS 75 MILLION AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROPERTY IS BEING USED FOR NOW.
AND THEY WILL BE PAYING PROPERTY TAXES ON ALL OF THIS LAND TOO.
[06:40:12]
AND THE PROBLEM OF CHARGING PEOPLE AND IS THAT ENOUGH TO PAY $15 AN HOUR AND -- >>
ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE [INAUDIBLE] >> THIS IS MIKE AARONS.
I WANTED TO CLARIFY AND YOUR LAST SPEAKER DID THAT.
HARRIS COUNTY WILL STILL RECEIVE THE FULL TAX.
WE ARE EXPECTING THE VALUE TO BE 200 MILLION.
HARRIS COUNTY TAKES THE 200 MILLION AND BRINGS IN 814,000 A YEAR IN PROPERTY TAXES.
THE ONLY THING REBATED IS THE HOTEL MOTEL TAX.
IT IS NOT ANYTHING YOU HAVE NOW.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS A HIGH TAX ABATEMENT.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE GOT THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A COMMISSION -- MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT IS THE MOTION?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: TO PASS THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY GWR, WEBSTER LLC FOR A PROPOSED INDOOR WATER PARK RESORT IN WEBSTER IN PRECINCT 2, AND WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE CITY OF WEBSTER AND GREAT WOLF LODGE ARE MEETING WITH LABOR LEADERS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SECOND IT BECAUSE IT IS IN YOUR DISTRICT.
I WILL HAVE IT IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS.
WE ARE HOPING WE WILL HAVE A POLICY.
IN 30 DAYS WE WILL HAVE A DEBATE ON IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> I AGREE WITH WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS JUST SAID WHICH IS THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S DISTRICT.
WE ARE RELYING ON YOU, COMMISSIONER.
YOU KNOW THE CIRCUMSTANCES THE BEST IN YOUR PRE SINK -- PRECINCT SO I AM VOTING I.
>> I VOTE I SO I WANT TO MAKE SURE MY COLLEAGUE UNDERSTANDS THAT WHEN WE HAVE OVERALL POM -- POLICY IT IS CAGLE'S DISTRICT AND RADACK'S DISTRICT AND RODNEY'S DISTRICT.
>> YOU SAID IT LIKE IT IS A THREAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN YOU SAY YOU AGREE WITH ME -- MAYBE IT IS LATE IN THE DAY.
>> I GREATIED WITH THE PART WHERE YOU SAID COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS LEADING -- I AGREED WITH THE PART WHERE YOU SAID COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS LEADING THIS.
I MAY NOT HAVE AGREED TO IT IN PRECINCT 4, BUT HE KNOWS THE DEALS THERE.
AND I AM SUPPORTING YOUR STATEMENT SAYING YOU ARE SUPPORTING HIM TO TAKE THE LEAD.
JACK CAGLE: IT IS BECAUSE YOU ARE SO NICE TO ME.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE TAKE A BREAK? I WOULD LIKE TO GO OVER THERE AND HUG COMMISSIONER CAGLE WHILE ON A BREAK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S TAKE 10 MINUTES UNTIL 6:15.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 6:17 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
WE ARE DISCUSSING BUDGET MANAGEMENT.
DOES SOMEBODY WANT TO SPEAK ON ANY OF THOSE?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL GET TO FLOOD CONTROL LATER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
JACK CAGLE: JUDGE ON PUBLIC HEALTH, I WOULD LIKE A LITTLE MORE BACK UP ON WHAT THIS POLICY ADVOCACY SERVICES ARE GOING TO BE ON THE GRANT ON 7B, AND SO I AM JUST GOING TO -- I AM NOT ASKING TO HOLD IT UP, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO GET A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ON THAT.
I KNOW THIS IS A CHILDHOOD OBESITY PROGRAM, BUT WE WOULD LIKE A LITTLE MORE
[06:45:04]
DATA.>> DO YOU WANT A IS UP PLAW MEANT -- SUPPLEMENT ON THAT?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT PAGE IS THAT?
>> [INAUDIBLE] ALL OF THESE PAGES ARE WRONG.
>> ITEM 11 ON THE IS UP PLAW -- SUPPLEMENT.
>> IT IS ONE BEFORE COVID STARTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YES, GO AHEAD.
THERE IS ANOTHER REPRESENTATIVE FROM THAT DEPARTMENT.
>> THIS IS INTERIM DEPP TEAR DIRECTOR.
I CAN TRY TO GET HIM ON THE LINE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN KEEP GOING DOWN THE AGENDA UNTIL YOU GET DR. SHAW.
WE HAVE PLENTY OF STUFF TO WORK THROUGH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: POLLUTION CONTROL.
>> FOR THE NEXT COURT, I WON'T HOLD IT UP FOR TODAY, THEY DID A GOOD JOB ON IT WHEN I READ IT, BUT I WANT TO GET A SENSE HOW WE CAN BE A BIT MORE AGGRESSIVE.
I WANT TO SEE HOW MUCH LATITUDE WE HAVE UNDERSTATE LAW.
MR. SOARD, I KNOW IT IS LATE, BUT WE HAD A BREAK, BUT IF WE CAN DO MORE, I KNOW A LOT OF THEM IN MY PRE SINK HAD PROBLEMS. DO WE SET THE FINES OR DOES THE STATE SET THE FINE AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET MORE UH AGREEING SHIV AND -- AGGRESSIVE AND FIND ONE BAD ACTOR AND MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF THEM.
IT IS 6:25, BUT MAYBE FOR NEXT COURT MEETING YOU CAN COME UP WITH SOME RECOMMENDATIONS.
>> I WILL ASK HER TO REMIND ME THAT WE NEED TO BRING THAT BACK NEXT COURT.
>> HOW ARE Y'ALL THIS EVENING? WE ARE HAPPY TO WORK WITH POLLUTION CONTROL AND PUT TOGETHER A PLAN MOVING FORWARD.
THIS IS A REMINDER IF WE FIRE UNDER THE WATER CODE FOR A TRADITIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT ACTION, THE QUESTION ABOUT WHO CONTROLS THE FINES AND IF THEY ARE FOR VIOLATIONS THAT HAPPEN AFTER SEPTEMBER 1ST 2017, IF WE WANT TO SEE THE PENALTY WE WILL -- THE STATE WILL HAVE SO LONG TO PURSUE THAT ADMINISTRATIVELY OR WITH THEIR OWN CLAIM IN DISTRICT COURT.
THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING US FROM BRINGING AN INJUNCTION, AN INJUNCTION CASE.
AND THAT IS A TRADITIONAL ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
WE CAN POTENTIALLY LOOK AT OTHER THINGS TO DO AS WELL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MY STAFF WILL MEET WITH ME.
I READ IT, BUT I WAS TOO BUSY GETTING READY FOR THE COVID THING LAST NIGHT.
I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT THEY SUGGESTED THAT I PROPOSE.
[06:50:01]
WE WILL WORK TOGETHER AND FIGURE IT OUT FOR TWO -- TWO WEEKS FROM NOW.>> RODNEY ELLIS: Y'ALL DID A GREAT JOB ON IT, BOTH DEPARTMENTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ON CSD, JUDGE, IF I MIGHT, AND MAYBE IT IS A SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM, BUT JOSH IF YOU ARE THERE, THERE WAS SOMETHING YOU TOLD ME AND GIVE ME SOME ASSISTANCE.
JOSH, IF YOU HAD KNOWN ME WHEN I WAS YOUNGER IT ALL COMES IN, BUT I CAN'T ALWAYS REMEMBER IT WHEN I WANT TO REMEMBER IT.
THERE WAS SOMETHING YOU TOLD ME ABOUT ON OUR VISIT ON THE PHONE.
SO THE IMIG -- SO THE BIG PICTURE IS THERE ARE MULTIPLE POTS OF MONEY BEING DISCUSSED.
30 MILLION PASSED TODAY AND THERE IS OTHER DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE 426 AND WE HAD CDBG AND CD OR COVID RESPONSE DOLLARS.
AS WE LOOK AT THE THREE DIFFERENT BUCKETS SOME OF THE IDEAS THAT ARE POSSIBLY COMING OUT OF THE 426 MAY BE PUSHING US TO USE THOSE DOLLARS FOR A DIFFERENT THING SAYING MAYBE WE USE AN EXAMPLE THE 4.6 MILLION THAT IS ON THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT, MAYBE WE USE THAT FOR MORTGAGE SUPPORT.
AND THERE ARE LOTS OF IDEAS COMING LIKE THAT.
ONE OF THE IDEAS COMING IS FOR THE COALITION OF THE HOMELESS SAYING THAT MAYBE WE USE ALL OF THOSE CGDB DOLLARS AND PUSH THOSE TOWARD THE HOMELESS RESPONSE INITIATIVE WHICH IS ABOUT $56 MILLION AND IT WAS A JOINT COOPERATION BETWEEN US AND THE OTHER DONATIONS.
LONG STORY SHORT IS THE THINGS I CAN EXECUTE ARE THE THINGS ON COURT.
WITH THIS THING ON COURT WE PLAN ON MOVING TOWARD THE RENTAL UTILITY ASSISTANCE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND THAT COULD IMPACT THE OTHER IDEAS SUCH AS RESERVING IT FOR THE 426 OR POTENTIALLY USING IT FOR COALITION OF THE HOMELESS.
I JUST WANT COURT TO UNDERSTAND THAT BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF GREAT IDEAS COMING, THIS NEED SHOULD GET OUT NOW.
WE CAN STOP IT LATER, BUT WE NEED TO START EXECUTING AT THIS POINT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN YOU BROUGHT IT UP TO ME IT WAS INTERESTING.
I THOUGHT OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COURT MIGHT WANT TO KNOW THAT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO COMMEND YOU FOR PUTTING THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA.
I REMEMBER WHEN I CAME TO CITY COUNCIL AND THE COUNCIL MEMBER HAD DONE AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF WORK ON TRYING TO CRAFT AND WHAT THE PRODUCT SHOULD LOOK LIKE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT SHOULD BE AND WHAT WE SHOULD BE INVESTING INTO IT.
UNFORTUNATELY I TRIED TO KEEP IT MOVING WHILE I WAS ON COUNCIL AND I DON'T THINK IT HAS MOVED MUCH FURTHER SINCE THOSE DAYS.
SO I WOULD JUST SAY THAT THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT THING AND PROBABLY MORE IMPORTANT IN LIGHT OF COVID AND BECAUSE OF THE LAYOFFS THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE SEEING AND THERE WILL BE FOLKS THAT MAY BE LOSING THE HOMES THEY ARE IN TODAY, AND THEY MAY BE LOOKING TO HAVE TO STEP INTO SOMETHING ELSE.
AND SO I WOULD ASK, JUDGE, THAT WE DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TONE SURE AND JOSH, I WILL BE COUNTING ON YOU AS WELL AND OTHER STAFF TO MAKE SURE THAT STUDIES OF THIS NATURE DON'T JUST LOOK NICE IN A BINDER, BUT WE BRING IT TO THE TABLE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE WE REALLY NEED A VERY, VERY COMPREHENSIVE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN.
>> JUST TO LET YOU KNOW ONE OF THE QUESTIONS WE ASKED WAS MAKING SURE IT WAS ENCOMPASSING ALL OF THE IMPACTS FROM COVID-19 AND INCORPORATE THAT IN.
THE CITY OF HOUSTON SHOULD APPROVE IT THIS WEEK IF NOT NEXT WEEK.
I AM NOT SURE OF THEIR SCHEDULE.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GAFFNEY AND THE STAFF FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE TO GET
[06:55:02]
THIS TOGETHER.>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU JOSH AND THE TEAM.
I KNOW WE HAVE SPEAKERS ON ITEM C.
>> THEY HAVE CHANGED IT TO ANOTHER ITEM, JUDGE.
IN THAT CASE ON THE ELECTION PLAN AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT GETTING WRITTEN PLANS FOR HOW WE ARE GOING TO DO THE ELECTION IN THE TIME OF COVID.
I KNOW A DIAGRAM WAS DISTRIBUTED.
PERHAPS WE REVISIT AFTER WE DISCUSS WHETHER THERE WILL BE AN INFER RIM UH -- AN INTERIM APPOINTMENT AT THIS POINT.
I DO NOTICE THE RUNOFF ELECTION COMING UP VERY, VERY SOON, AND THERE ARE A FEW DISCUSSIONS THAT NEED TO HAPPEN.
DO FOLKS HAVE ANY COMMENTS ON THAT? COUNTY CLERK?
>> JUDGE ARE YOU HOLDING ANY ITEMS FOR LATER DISCUSSION UNDER THE COUNTY CLERK SECTION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: NO, I THINK IT'S OKAY TO APPROVE, AND THEN I MIGHT HAVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS UNDER THAT DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF TODAY'S EXECUTIVE SESSION ON AN INTERIM PART.
I AM FINE UNLESS FOLKS HAVE OTHER DISCUSSIONS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE LIGHT AND THE SUN IS GOING DOWN HERE.
CAN MR. SOARD, IF IT IS PROP PREP UNDER -- APPROPRIATE UNDER THIS ITEM GIVE US AN UPDATE ON THE MAIL IN BALLOTS AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
IN FACT, IS DOUG STILL ON THE LINE?
I WANT TO SAY YOUR MIC IS NOT PICKING YOU UP.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HEARD YOU, BUT IT WAS KIND OF FAR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE GET AN UPDATE ON WHAT THE RULING ON FEDERAL COURT MEANS IF ANYTHING TODAY?
>> THE COURT CASE FILED IN FEDERAL COURT IN SAN ANTONIO HAD A HEARING LAST FRIDAY, AND THE JUDGE HAS ISSUED AN ORDER.
IT IS ACTUALLY A 74-PAGE OPINION JUSTIFYING THE GRANTING OF THE TEMPORARY INJUNCTION.
WHAT IS KNOWN AS A PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION IN FEDERAL COURT.
THIS IS BASED ON SEVERAL THINGS.
FIRST OF ALL THE COURT FOUND A PROVISION IN THE LAW THAT GRANTED MORE RIGHTS TO PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 65 THAN PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 65 CONSTITUTED AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE VOTING RIGHTS OF PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 65.
THE COURT FOUND THIS WAS A VIOLATION OF DUE PROCESS TO HAVE A SYSTEM LIKE THIS.
THE COURT FOUND THE ACTIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE STATE OFFICERS DISCOURAGED PEOPLE FROM VOTING BASED ON AN INTERPRETATION OF THE LAW THAT WOULD ALLOW ALL VOTERS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ELIGIBILITY AND THAT THEY HAVE NO IMMUNITY TO THE COVID VIRUS AND THEY MAY BE INJURED BY APPEARING IN PERSON TO VOTE.
THAT IS CONSTITUTED INTIMIDATION AND IT IMPINGED ON PEOPLE'S FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.
IT IS A PRETTY COMPREHENSIVE ORDER.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS INVOKED IN THE PROVISION.
AT THE PRESENT TIME THE ORDER ISSUED BY THE FEDERAL JUDGE WOULD CONTROL WHAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT DOES AND WHAT THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF TEXAS DOES.
WE ANTICIPATE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE SEEKS A STAY AT THIS PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ON THE GROUNDS IT CAUSES TOO MUCH CONFUSION THIS CLOSE TO THE ELECTION.
[07:00:07]
IT IS HINGING ON FEDERAL LAW THAT IS NOT UNDER THE STATE COURT AT THIS TIME.>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT I AM WONDERING IS FIRST OF ALL EVEN BEFORE THIS RULING IT WAS CLEAR THAT IF YOU WERE 65 OR OLDER YOU COULD GET A MAIL IN BALLOT.
THE QUESTION IS IF YOU HAVE ADVISED THE CLERK'S OFFICE THEY CAN HAVE THE RUNOFF AND HOW ARE THEY DOING THAT 1234* ARE THEY GOING OUT?
>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE CLERK'S OFFICE WAS WAITING ON AN OPINION FROM OUR OFFICE WHICH WE GAVE THEM YESTERDAY THAT THEY SEPTEMBER OUT AN APPLICATION AND THEY ARE PREPARING TO DO THAT.
MY UNDERSTANDING IS THEY WILL BE PREPARED TO DO THAT THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE AND THEY ARE GOING FORWARD.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I WANT TO ASK THE QUESTION BASED ON THIS RULING WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS, COULD THEY PUT IT OUT TO EVERYONE OR WOULD IT STOP IF THEY GAVE IT TO A MAIL HOUSE TO DO IT.
IF THEY GAVE IT BEFORE THE MAIL HOUSE AND THE FIFTH CIRCUIT RULES WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT IS THERE A WINDOW TO DO IT?
>> THE OPINION THAT WAS ISSUED, THIS PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION WAS ADMITTED BY THE COURT, IT IS A LEGAL QUESTION.
WHETHER OR NOT THE ADDITIONAL TWO MILLION OR SO VOTERS THAT WILL BE QUALIFIED TO SUBMIT A BALLOT BY MAIL REQUEST OR EL -- ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT A BALLOT BY MAIL REQUEST ON THESE GROUNDS IS LEGAL, BUT HOW COMPLICATED WOULD IT BE TO HAVE THAT MANY REQUEST FORMS WOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL.
AND THEN THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT, PERSONNEL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE FINANCIAL ISSUE WOULD DICTATE THAT THEY COULDN'T DO THAT OBVIOUSLY.
AND THEN ALSO BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO GEAR UP TO RUN THE ELECTION AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE PREPARING THIS ASPECT OF IT, I THINK THE MOST REASONABLE THING TO DO IS HIRE AN OUTSIDE OUTFIT TO DO IT AND NOT RELY ON THE COUNTY CLERK STAFF TO DO IT.
THAT WOULD BE A BIG FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO PULL THAT OFF.
THEY WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A THRAW DEN MUSS -- A TREMENDOUS PERSONNEL TO HANDLE THE MAIL IN BALLOT PROCESSING.
THAT'S PART OF WHAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR WITH THE $12 MILLION REQUEST.
IT IS POSSIBLE WITH MILLIONS OF MAIL IN BALLOTS.
THEY WOULD NEED A LOT MORE EQUIPMENT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT WAS BASED ON A REQUEST.
LET ME ASK THIS LAST QUESTION BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS GETTING LATE AND FOLKS ARE TIRED.
BASED ON THIS COURT IN SAN ANTONIO, ANYBODY WHO ASKS FOR A MAIL IN BALLOT SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET ONE.
IF THEY ASKED TODAY OR TOMORROW?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, WE HAVE ROSY MCCLUCHEN IS TRYING TO GET ON THE LINE.
LUCINDA, CAN YOU GET HER ON THE LINE?
>> SHE SIGNED UP FOR THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM AND WE WILL PUT HER ON AT THAT TIME.
LET ME SEE IF SHE WANTS TO GET ON NOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IF SHE WANTS TO SPEAK, COMMISSIONER -- >> WE CAN CALL HER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THEN IS THERE ANYTHING WE NEED TO DO FOR THE COUNTY CLERK TO SEND OUT TO THE OVER 65 RIGHT NOW OR WILL THAT RULING ALLOW US? I AM NOT SURE.
>> THE OVER 65 PROGRAM THEY ARE CONTEMPLATING NOW, IT WOULD BE ABOUT $240,000 TO DO THAT.
THEY ARE CONSIDERING THE $12 MILLION REQUEST AND THEY CAN PUT IT IN THE BUDGET.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT LEGAL? CAN I MAKE A MOTION TO HAVE THEM DO THAT?
[07:05:05]
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WELL THEN I WILL MAKE THAT MOTION.
>> THE MOTION IS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE SENDING OUT OF BALLOTS TO ALL PERSONS OVER 65 IN HARRIS COUNTY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN WE JUST AUTHORIZE IT OR CAN WE DIRECT IT?
THAT'S IN THE BOUNDS OF THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, BUT AS FAR AS AUTHORIZING THE EXPENDITURE OF THE MONEY FOR THAT, YOU CAN DO THAT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL MAKE THAT MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND MS. MCCLUTCHEN WANTS TO SPEAK ON VOTE BY MAIL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DO YOU WANT TO ASK YOUR QUESTION FIRST?
JACK CAGLE: I JUST WANTED TO HAVE THE EXACT MOTION RESTATED.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE TO USE $240,000 -- IS THAT THE AMOUNT MR. RAY? SHOULD I SAY UP TO $300,000?
>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS IT WAS APPROXIMATELY $240,000.
IF YOU WANT TO AUTHORIZE MORE IT IS FINE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WILL SAY AUTHORIZE UP TO $300,000 TO CONTRACT WITH A OFFICIAL IF THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO TO DO THE MAIL IN BALLOTS FOR PEOPLE OVER 65.
>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS THEY WERE GOING TO DO THAT IN HOUSE.
THAT WOULD BE THE ADDITIONAL PRINTING COSTS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS FOR EXPENDITURES TO SEND BALLOTS TO PEOPLE WHO ARE OVER 65.
FE WANT TO -- IF THEY WANT TO SEND IT OUT THEY ARE AUTHORIZED $300,000 TO GET IT DONE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ROBERT, WHY DON'T YOU READ IT AGAIN.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM A LITTLE CONFUSED.
>> I WILL LET DOUG READ IT AND WE CAN ALL LISTEN TO HIM.
>> I THINK THAT WHAT HE IS MOVING IS TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPENDITURE UP TO $300,000 FOR THE COST OF PREPARING AND SENDING ALL VOTERS 65 AND OVER A REQUEST FOR A BALLOT BY MAIL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A SECOND? AND THEN A QUESTION BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK HE WAS TRYING TO SECOND, BUT HE WAS MUTED.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
JACK CAGLE: SO WHAT WE ARE DOING IS SEND AN APPLICATION TO VOTE BY MAIL TO EVERYONE OVER THE AGE OF 65 WHETHER THEY WANT ONE OR NOT, IS THAT WHAT WE ARE DOING?
>> THE VOTER WOULD THEN ELECT WHETHER TO RETURN IT TO US AND REQUEST A BALLOT.
THIS ONLY COVERS THE PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T ALREADY REQUESTED A BALLOT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DOES THIS MAKE CLEAR WHETHER THE 300,000 COMES OUT OF THE RULE?
>> LINA HIDALGO: LUCI IDA, LET'S -- LIEU SIN DO, LUCINDA, WE SHOULD TAKE THE SPEAKERS.
>> WHAT ITEM IS THIS BEING APPROVED UNDER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 15C, CORRECT? PAGE 15, IS THAT RIGHT, ROBERT?
>> MY MEMORY WAS THE COMMISSIONER HAD AN ITEM ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ISSUES SO IT IS YOUR CALL, MR. SOARD.
>> I THINK IT IS BETTER AS PART OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM YOU POSTED.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WILL DO IT UNDER THE ITEM I POSTED THAT I PULLED DOWN, SO I AM PUTTING IT BACK UP.
>> LINA HIDALGO: JUST SO WE ARE CLEAR ON WHICH ITEM IT IS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: 19.
18 IS POSSIBLE ACTION ON -- NO.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I WAS YOUNG -- IF YOU HAD KNOWN ME WHEN I WAS YOUNG I COULD HAVE REMEMBERED ALL OF THIS JUST LIKE THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE THE SPEAKERS?
GOOD EVENING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO.
MY QUESTION IS OVER TWO WEEKS AGO THIS COURT COMMITTED TO A MAIL BY VOTE
[07:10:04]
APPLICATION TO EVERY VOTER THAT QUALIFIED.WE UNDERSTAND AS OF YESTERDAY THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO APPLICATIONS MAILED OUT YET.
WE ARE IN A CRITICAL TIME ON THE JULY ELECTION.
I KNOW THE COURTS ARE DECIDING ON EXPANDING VOTE BY MAIL, BUT A BALLOT SHOULD BE MAILED IMMEDIATELY TO THE 65 AND OLDER.
CAN WE GET A COMMITMENT TODAY THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WILL PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO THE CLERK ON HOW TO THE LATEST SUPREME COURT RULING IMPACTED AND EXPANDS VOTE BY MAIL? THAT'S MY FIRST QUESTION.
LORN >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, MA'AM.
I THINK THAT'S WHEN THEY ARE REVIEWING.
THEY ARE GETTING THE LATEST FROM THE FEDERAL COURTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WE CAN AND CANNOT DO.
THE CONSENSUS IS WE CAN SEND OUT THE MAIL TO VOTE TO THOSE OVER 65 BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE HAPPENING REGARDLESS OF THE COVID ARGUMENT.
>> YES, MA'AM, THAT'S CORRECT.
>> I AND MY SECOND QUESTION IS CONCERNING THE CURBSIDE VOTING.
SINCE WE HAVE THE COVID GOING ON AND THINGS AND BECAUSE EVERYONE IS NOT RECEIVING THEIR BALLOT AND THEY MAY WANT TO GO TO THE POLLS AND VOTE AND HAVE THEM COME TO THE CURBSIDE.
WOULD THEY STILL BE ABLE -- AVAILABLE TO THEM?
>> LINA HIDALGO: MY UNDERSTANDING IS IT IS.
IF THERE IS SOMEBODY FROM THE COUNTY CLERK OR DOUG.
>> THE CURBSIDE VOTING WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL HANDICAPPED VOTERS THE SAME IT -- AS IT WAS BEFORE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THE QUESTION, AND I SHARE, WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE PROCESS? DEPENDING IF WE APPOINT SOMEBODY TODAY OR IF WE DON'T, THEN I WANT TO CIRCLE BACK TO SAY WHAT ARE THE PROCESSES THAT ARE GOING TO BE IN PLACE IN MORE DETAIL AT THE TIME OF THE GASH -- COMMISSIONER RADACK.
>> THEY ASK -- ASKED US FOR A PROTECTION OF THE VOTERS AND THE WORKERS WHICH MY UNDERSTANDING IS BEING PREPARED.
DID THE SPEAKER HAVE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?
MY QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
THAT WAS MY MAIN CONCERN, THE VOTE BY MAIL.
I HAVE BEEN DOING CALLS AND THEY SAY THEY HAVEN'T RECEIVED THEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THERE ARE NO OTHER SPEAKERS, JUDGE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAD A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AROUND THE MAIL IN VOTE APPLICATIONS FOR OVER 65.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK, WHAT WAS YOUR VOTE?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU ARE MUTED, COMMISSIONER RADACK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: NOW WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE YES, MOTION CARRIES.
DO WE HAVE DR. SHAW ON THE LINE YET?
[Item II (Part 6 of 7)]
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S MOVE BACK TO SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM UNDER COMMISSIONER RADACK AROUND PUBLIC HEALTH.
COMMISSIONER RADACK YOU KNOW WHAT ITEM THAT IS.
I KNOW IT IS ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA.
JACK CAGLE: I WANT TO BRING UP THIS AUDIT, THE COUNTY AUDITOR.
WE RECEIVED COPIES OF THE AUDIT.
[07:15:01]
I THINK IT IS SO CLEAR THAT YOUR OFFICE BLEW $800,000.I READ THE RESPONSE FROM YOUR OFFICE, THREE PAGES, AND I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT IT IS SO CLEAR, SO CLEAR THAT YOUR OFFICE IS NOT GEARED AND Y'ALL ARE MAKING EXCUSES THAT SOMEHOW IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT AT ALL, $800,000 ALTHOUGH THERE ARE E-MAILS FROM JOSH STUKEY'S GROUP.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO SOMETHING TO REMEDY THESE.
>> I THINK IT IS CLEAR AS YOU LOOK AT THE AUDITOR'S REPORT AND THE RESPONSE THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THIS AND WE HAD A HAPPENED TO PLAY AND WE HAVE COMMITTED THAT WE ARE GOING TO DO BETTER.
NOT MUCH WE CAN DO ABOUT WHAT HAS HAPPENED, BUT OUR COMMITMENT IS TO DO BETTER MOVING FORWARD.
>> I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT YOU GET WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND MAKE SURE -- THINK ABOUT $800,000 BEING TOTALLY WASTED.
>> THEY HAVE TALKED THROUGH THE PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE AND OBVIOUSLY WITH PURCHASING AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND WE DO NOT WANT TO REPEAT THESE ISSUES THAT OCCURRED WITH THE STUDY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, DR. SHAW.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANTED TO ASK, I VAGUELY REMEMBER SOMETHING RELATED ON SOME OTHER MONEY WHERE THEY DIDN'T DO THE PARTICIPATION OUT REACH AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS GOING TO DO A CLAW BACK ON SOME MONEY.
IF DWIGHT IS AROUND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THAT.
I WANT TO SEE IF THERE WERE OTHER INSTANCES.
>> WE WANT TO GET IT BACK UP TO STANDARD.
AND THEY ARE DOING IT AS EMERGENCY WORK TO GET THEM BACK UP AND RUNNING AND THAT WAS WHEN THE INITIAL CLAW BACK WOULD BE TRIED AND WE WERE WITHIN OUR GUIDELINES.
YOU WOULD DO IT WITHOUT THE MINORITY OUT REACH.
>> WHO MADE THE DECISION? I WOULD SAY DO IT.
I OWN COMPANIES AND THIS IS WHEN WE WENT OUT TO RESTORE THE BUILDINGS AFTER HARVEY.
IT WAS A COUPLE WEEKS AFTERWARD AND WE WERE TRYING TO GET THEM UP AND RUNNING.
IF I WAS HERE AND I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR THREE AND A HALF YEARS I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A STRONG ADVOCATE IN PARTICIPATION.
NOBODY TOLD ME SO I'M SAYING WAS THAT MADE BY THE COURT OR BY THE JUDGE AND IF IT
HAPPENS AGAIN -- >> WE HAVE VENDORS THAT CAN COME OUT AND REACH OUT TO THE
[07:20:06]
PROJECTS.RATHER THAN JUST US PICKING THE FIRM WE GAVE 20 OR SO OUT TO BID ON THE PROJECTS ON THE QUICK TURN AROUND.
IS AND WE WERE DOING THE BIDDING TO COVER THE COUNTY.
IN THE PAST WE PICKED IT AND THEY CAME AND DID THE WORK.
THIS TIME BECAUSE WE WERE UNDER EMERGENCY DECLARATION WE THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GET THE VENDORS OUT THERE.
WE GOT 20 VENDORS FOR THE SEVEN LOCATIONS THAT ASKED TO GET UP AND RUNNING QUICKLY AND THEREFORE WE DID IT THAT WAY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE AT LEAST WHEN THE FEDS CITED US FOR IT, IT WAS PRETTY EMBARRASSING.
FRIENDS WERE CALLING ME GOING, RODNEY, WHAT IS GOING ON? I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHILE WE HAVE THIS NEW PANDEMIC GOING ON, OBVIOUSLY IT TAKES MORE TIME, BUT IT IS NOT THAT HARD.
MAYBE BECAUSE WE HAVE PROCESSES IN PLACE TO DO IT.
I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE THAT HAPPENS AGAIN.
I ONLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT WAS COMING UP ON DR. SHAW ON THIS ONE AND I WAS TRYING TO MAKE THE POINT THAT IT HAPPENS.
WE HAVE A FEDERAL POLICY IN PLACE.
LAST YEAR WE GOT THE POLICY PROCESS COMPLETED.
WE WERE IN THE PROCESS OF WRITING THE PROCEDURE PROCESS AFTER HARVEY.
IT WAS NOT THE REASON THEY DIDN'T WANT TO REIMBURSE US.
AND IT LEFT US GOING THROUGH A FULL PROCESS.
THAT'S WHY IT WAS DONE THE WAY IT WAS.
IF YOU HAVE A POLICY IN PLACE YOU APPROVED IN JULY, THE COURT APPROVED IN JULY
AND THE OUT REACH IS TAKING PLACE -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM MAKING THE POINT THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DON'T KNOW.
IF SOMEBODY HAD SAID TO ME WE HAVE TO GET THIS DONE QUICK AND WHEN WE DO IT WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DO THE MWBE STUFF.
I WOULD HAVE BASED THE DECISION ON THAT.
THE ANALOGY I AM DRAWING IS THE SAME THING WITH DR. SHAW IN CSD.
SOMETIMES THIS STUFF MOVES SO QUICK THAT -- IT IS NOT MY POINT TO POINT THE FINGER, BUT MY POINT IS SOMETIMES THINGS MOVE QUICK AND THINGS HAPPEN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU TO THE AUDITOR.
THERE ARE SOME PRETTY SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS ON HERE.
I CAN SEE THE RESPONSE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AND THEY ARE WORKING TO THE CHANGES NECESSARY.
I AM JUST AS CONCERNED AS MY COLLEAGUES.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE I WOULD JUST AT -- I WOULD JUST ADD THAT I REMEMBER A VISIT TO MY OFFICE THAT SOMETHING STARTED UNDER THE PREVIOUS SHERIFF'S ADMINISTRATION, BUT SOMEBODY WAS TRYING TO WRAP IT AROUND MY NECK AND IT WAS NOT A PLEASANT CONVERSATION.
IF I WAS THEM I WOULD TAKE THIS VERY SERIOUSLY.
IF WE GO BACK UP TO THE MAIN AGENDA WE WERE ON SHERIFF AND MOVING ON TO FIRE
[Item I (Part 7 of 7)]
MARSHALL AND INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES.THEY HAVE ASKED THAT NO ACTION BE TAKEN ON ITEM 17A OR 17B ON PAGE 16.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, THERE IS A CORRECTION.
THAT'S ON THE PURCHASE ORDER TO PREMIERE PARKING.
GRANTS THERE ARE TWO CORRECTIONS.
CHANGE THE WORDS REQUIRED MATCH TO PROPOSED MATCH.
AND ON PAGE 18 ITEM 22C1, ACCEPTING GRANTS FOR THE UTILITY RENTALS BUSINESS PROGRAM.
THE RECIPIENT NEEDS TO CHANGE FROM COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS OF HOUSTON TO
[07:25:05]
ALLIANCE OF COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES.FISCAL SERVICES AND PURCHASING.
AND THEN MOVING ON TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING UNDER THE REGULAR AGENDA.
PRECINCT 1, I DON'T THINK YOU DO EITHER.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE QUICKLY UNDER PURCHASING NOTHING TO MOVE ON SPECIFICALLY.
I TOUTED MY ADMINISTRATION WITH WANTING SOMETHING UNIQUE THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR A SPECIAL SEGMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY ITEM 9G IS THE JAMES DRIVER INCLUSIVE PARK WHICH IS A FLAGSHIP PARK FOR MEMBERS OF THE -- IT IS ALL INCLUSIVE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE I CORRECT MYSELF BECAUSE I OFTEN TALK ABOUT IT.
IT IS FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY, BUT REALLY IT IS FOR EVERYONE.
BUT THE NICE THING ABOUT IT IS THAT IT IS A PARK THAT EVEN IF YOU DO HAVE CHALLENGES, YOU WILL STILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY.
AND EVEN IF YOU DON'T, BUT HAVE SOMEBODY WHO DOES YOU CAN ENJOY WITH IT.
MY STAFF HAS BEEN WORKING ON IT AND I WANT TO COMMEND MY STAFF AND I WANT TO THANK ENGINE NEARING -- ENGINEERING.
I AM JUST SO EXCITED TO SEE IT MOVING COUPLED WITH THE FACT THAT ITEM M -- ITEM 9M, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY MACHO GUY.
WE ARE MOVING THE PROJECTS FORWARD AND GETTING THE CONNECTIVE TEE TO THE SYSTEMS AND THE TRAILS IN THE AREA.
SO WE ARE WORKING AGGRESSIVELY ON THAT ONE.
SO I AM EXCITED TO SEE THESE PROJECTS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: PROUD OF YOU, COMMISSIONER.
HEY, I HAVE TO GIVE KUDOS TO COMMISSIONER RADACK.
WHEN I GO OUT THERE, I ADMIT THAT HIS TRAILS ARE THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THAT I HAVE SEEN.
I I DON'T RUN THEM LIKE THE JUDGE DOES, BUT I RIDE THEM.
I THINK WE SHOULD SHARE PRACTICES AND DO MORE CONNECTIVE TEE BY THE WAY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MAY BE RUNNING ACROSS ONE OF YOUR RIDES ONE DAY.
I WILL BE TIRED BY THE TIME I SEE YOU.
AND THEN ITEM 13B AND D, THESE ARE PEOPLE SOFT ITEMS. I WANT TO THANK MY POST FOR SEARCHING -- FOR SERVING THE EMPLOYEE.
THE SURVEY ITSELF WAS INTERESTING.
TO ME WHAT WAS MOST INTERESTING WAS THE COMMENTARY ADDED AT THE TAIL END OF THE SURVEY.
IT IS THAT SOME ARE REALLY HAPPY, BUT MOST SAY IT CAN BE BETTER.
IT REAFFIRMS THE IMPLEMENTATION AND THE ROLLOUT IS SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DESIRED.
I WANT TO THANK MR. POST FOR PUTTING THAT SURVEY OUT FOR PEOPLE TO WEIGH IN ON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT, THANK YOU.
THOSE ARE BEAUTIFUL PROGRAMS AND BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS.
SO UNDER THE REGULAR AGENDA PRECINCT 1 I DON'T SEE ANY ITEMS. COMMISSIONER ELLIS? AND THEN PRECINCT 2.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
I HAVE A RESOLUTION THAT SUPPORTS THE RESOLUTION I MADE AT THE LAST MEETING WHICH WAS TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS.
THIS IS SPECIFIC TO OUR NURSES SO THIS RESOLUTION READS WHEREAS BEGINNING IN 1954 NATIONAL NURSES WEEK HAS BEEN OBSERVED MAY THE 6TH THROUGH MAY THE 12TH AND ENDING ON THE BIRTHDAY OF FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE, THE FOUNDER OF MODERN NURSING.
WHEREAS NURSES REPRESENT THE SINGLE COME UPON -- COMPONENT OF THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH CARE PROCESSION THERE ARE FOUR MILLION NURSES IN THE UNITED
[07:30:02]
STATES AND THE PANDEMIC SHOWS THAT WE STILL DON'T HAVE ENOUGH.WHEREAS NURSES HAVE CARED FOR COMMUNITIES IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AROUND THE CLOCK FROM THE TIME THE FIRST CASES OF COVID-19 WERE DIAGNOSED.
WE EXPERIENCED THE CRITICAL WORK NURSES DO FOR US IN HOSPITALS AND THURSDAY -- NURSING HOMES AND CLINICS AND NOW TELE MEDICINE APPOINTMENTS AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE THE FIRST AND ONLY POINT OF MEDICAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY.
AND WHEREAS WORKING ON THE FRONT LINES AND CARING FOR THE PATIENTS WHEN DOCTORS ARE AWAY THE NURSES ARE THERE FOR US AND FOR OUR FAMILIES DURING THE MOST WONDERFUL MOMENTS.
WHEREAS A LARGE NUMBER OF AMERICANS HAVE FOLLOWED THE STAY AT HOME ORDERS LIKE THE ONE YOU PROVIDED, JUDGE, TO CURB THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS, NURSES HAVE CONTINUED TO HEAD TO WORK TO CARE FOR PATIENTS WORKING LONG AND DE PLND -- DEMANDING HOURS AND TEACHING OTHERS AND WE RECOGNIZE THE DEDICATION AND THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS THEY ARE MAKING.
WHEREAS WE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR AND SHOW GRATITUDE AND SUPPORT FOR THE WORK AND SACRIFICE MADE EVERY DAY BY NURSING PROFESSIONALS PERFORMING A VITAL PUBLIC SERVICE NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT RECOGNIZES AND COMMANDS NURSES IN HARRIS COUNTY FOR THEIR HEROIC CONTRIBUTIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE?
JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, I MAKE THE SECOND PROUDLY IN HONOR OF MY GRANDMOTHER WHO WAS A SECOND GENERATION IMMIGRANT.
WHEN SHE WAS YOUNG SHE HAD FIERY RED HAIR, FULL BLOOD IRISH AND SHE WAS A NURSE IN THE 1920S.
YOU HAD TO BE TOUGH AS BOOT NAILS TO BE A NURSE IN THOSE DAYS.
SHE HAD HANDS THAT WHEN SHE TOUCHED YOU, YOU WOULD FEEL THE HEALING.
I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR THE NURSING PROFESSION.
I PROUDLY SECOND THIS RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF MY GRANDMOTHER, GWEN -- GWEN -- GWENDOLYN.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE WILL CALL IT IS GWEDOLYN RESOLUTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE TABLE.
>> JUDGE, YOUR VIDEO IS TURNED OFF.
I THOUGHT I UNMUTED IT AND INSTEAD I PUSHED IT.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE I WILL MOVE ON -- I'M SORRY.
I THOUGHT WE WERE DONE VOTING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT PASSES UNANIMOUSLY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVE ON 3 AND 4.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ALREADY WENT OVER THE COVID-19 ITEMS. WE CAN MOVE ON TO MISCELLANEOUS.
[Item II (Part 7 of 7)]
AND THEN MOVING ON TO EMERGENCY OR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS. FIRST IS FLOOD CONTROL UPDATE.>> JUDGE, WE HAVE A SPEAKER ON THAT ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S CALL THEM UP THEN.
>> I AM GOING TO TURN DOWN THE VOLUME.
>> I AM TRYING TO TALK TO JUDGE HIDALGO AND THE COMMISSIONERS.
THERE IS A RESOLUTION THAT I WOULD ASK THAT YOU WOULD MAKE IT PERTAIN TO THE HAZARD MITIGATION RESOLUTION.
AM I OKAY TO GO AHEAD AND SPEAK NOW? SO WE ARE ASKING THAT THEY WOULD ADD -- THAT HARRIS COUNTY WOULD MAKE A RESOLUTION TO ADD TO THIS HAZARD MITIGATION RESOLUTION.
HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT MUST NOT PUT A SAWMENT -- A CEMENT ROAD-SIZED RAMP IN THE DRAINAGE DITCH TO PREVENT THE FLOODWATER IN THE DITCH AND CREATING FLOODING IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
WOULD YOU PLEASE ADD THAT TO YOUR HAZARD MITIGATION.
[07:35:02]
TODAY'S CHRONICLE HAD AN ARTICLE ABOUT HOW TO GET BEHIND THE DRAINAGE MONEY.TO LET YOU KNOW I AM ONE OF THE MANY RESIDENTS THAT HAS FLOODED THREE AND A HALF TIMES ALONG THE I-10 CORRIDOR.
IT IS FROM BELT WAY WEST TO BUNKER HILL.
IT IS BECAUSE OF THE STATE MADE ON HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL MAJOR STRATEGIC DITCH BY THESE DEVELOPERS, ENGINEERS, LAN, WHICH HAS BEEN INDICTED FOR LETTING LEAD GET INTO THE PUBLIC DRINKER -- DRINKING WATER IN FLIPT, MICHIGAN -- FLINT, MICHIGAN.
THAT'S WHO THE ENGINEER AND WHO IN 09 RECONFIGURED THE DRAINAGE DITCH IN HARRIS COUNTY, AND WE FLOODED THREE AND A HALF TIMES SINCE THEN.
OVER A THOUSAND TOMES -- HOMES.
I SPEAK WITH AUTHORITY ON THIS.
WHAT THEY DID, THESE DEVELOPER ENGINEERS PUT IN A DRAINAGE DITCH.
IT IS A MAJOR RAMP THAT LOOKS LIKE THE SIZE OF A DRIVEWAY, VERY LONG, TO STOP THE FLOW OF WATER FROM GETTING EASTWARD AND OUT TO SEA WITH THAT RAMP BECAUSE MAYOR TOM RAMSEY OF SPRING VALLEY VILLAGE WROTE TO THE DEVELOPER AND I WILL SUE YOU IF YOU PUT YOUR DITCH WATER INTO MY VILLAGE.
THE DEVELOPER'S ENGINEERS PUT THIS RAMP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DITCH STOPPING THE WATER FROM GOING EASTWARD OUT TO SEE.
AND SO NOW THE DITCH WILL CREATE MORE FLOODWATERS.
THE REASON THEY DID THE RAMP IS SAYING IT IS ILLEGAL TO FLOOD DOWNSTREAM.
IN THAT IS WHY THEY DID IT, WHY IS IT OKAY FOR THEM TO FLOOD US BECAUSE WE ARE DOWNSTREAM FROM WHERE THE DEVELOPER'S MAIN RUNOFF IS COMING.
WE ASK OUR COUNCIL MEMBERS ABOUT THE RAMP WAS THERE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR CALLING.
>> CAN YOU HELP US REMOVE THE RAMP.
I'M AFRAID I I HAVE TO STOP YOU THERE.
DOES THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT HAVE A COMMENT ON THIS?
>> I WOULD REALLY UH -- APPRECIATE.
IT WE ARE SCARED TO DEATH THAT WE ARE GONNA GET FLOODED AND WE WILL HAVE A BIG HURRICANE SEASON.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, MA'AM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL CIRCLE BACK WITH THE SPEAKER EITHER NOW OR OFF LINE.
>> THIS IS COMMISSIONER RUSS -- >> I KNOW RUSS AND HE IS A GREAT MAN.
I WANT YOU TO BE AWARE OF THIS, JUDGE HIDALGO THAT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS.
THIS CANNOT STAND AND IT IS HORRIBLE.
I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE WORK ALL OF Y'ALL ARE DOING.
>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, THIS IS RUSS, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND WE ARE AWARE OF THAT PROJECT.
IT WAS A PROJECT THAT WAS CONDUCTED AND THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF COMPLETING THE CONSTRUCTION.
THEY WENT THROUGH THE REGULATORY PROCESS INCLUDING OUR APPROVALS.
AND FOR THE RECORD THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT WOULD NEVER APPROVE A PROJECT THAT WILL INCREASE FLOODING.
WE WILL GET TOGETHER WITH HER AND ADEQUATELY ADDRESS HER CONCERNS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH, RUSS.
LUCINDA, DO WE HAVE I IN -- ANY OTHER SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM?
>> LINA HIDALGO: -- >> NO, MA'AM.
>> IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN 20 MONTHS SINCE THE VOTERS APPROVED OUR FLOOD CONTROL BONDS IN AUGUST OF 2018.
ALL I CAN SAY IT -- SAY IS NOT ONLY CAN YOU DO A LOT, BUT YOU LEARN A LOT IN THE TIME FRAME.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING.
IT IS GOOD STATISTICS AND GOOD INFORMATION.
I WANT TO THANK MY STAFF AND THE FOLKS WHO WORK IN THE OFFICE AND OUT ON THE FIELD.
OUR STAFF AUGMENTATION AS WELL AS CONTRACTORS AND SUPPORT STAFF.
THEY WERE WORKING HARD BEFORE THE COVID PANDEMIC HIT US AND THEY CONTINUE TO WORK HARD USING TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY AND DOING REMOTE MEETINGS.
THEY ARE MAKING SURE THESE CRITICAL PROJECTS ARE MOVING FORWARD.
OUR FIELD WORKERS ARE FULL CAPACITY AND PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MAKING SURE THE INFRASTRUCTURE IS BEING BUILT.
MY SINCERE THANKS FOR KEEPING UP THE EFFORTS.
IF YOU REMEMBER CORRECTLY WHEN WE HAD THE BOND PROGRAM A BIG CATALYST WAS MAKING SURE WE HAD THE LOCAL MATCH TO NOT MISS OUT ON ANOTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.
I AM PLEASED TO REPORT THAT AS OF NOW WE HAVE USED 256000000 -- 256 MILLION TO
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SECURE MILLIONS IN PARTNERSHIP FUNDS.ALMOST ALL THAT HAVE IS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND VERY -- VARIOUS AGENCIES.
I WANT TO THANK OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES SUCH AS OURS.
AND IN ADDITION WE EXECUTED OVER 85 ENGINEERING AGREEMENTS.
WE HAVE APE TEEN -- WE HAVE 18 CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENTS.
WE HAVE A HUNDRED STAFF EMPLOYEES THROUGH STAFF AUGMENTATION THAT ARE HELPING WITH THE BOND PROGRAM.
WE ARE ABLE TO MAKE $115 MILLION AVAILABLE TO JOHN BLUNT'S OFFICE TO HELP US MANAGE AND CONSTRUCT DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY.
THANKS TO HIS OFFICE IN HELPING US UNDER TAKE THAT AND COUNTLESS OTHER DEPARTMENTS WHO I WILL NOT NAME THEM BECAUSE IT IS LATE IN THE DAY AND I WILL FORGET SOME.
IT IS A BIG UNDERTAKING AND WE APPRECIATE EVERYBODY HELPING US MANAGE THIS EXTRA WORK.
WE CONDUCTED ABOUT 109 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS AND THAT HAS BEEN ATTENDED BY ABOUT 8300 RESIDENTS.
WE COMPLETED 503 BUYOUTS AT A VALUE OF 100 MILLION AND WE HAVE ABOUT 400 ADDITIONAL HOME BUYOUTS IN THE PROCESS.
WE WILL BE APPROACHING A THOUSAND ACQUISITIONS BY THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER.
AND WE COMPLETED ABOUT 70% OF A NEARLY 100 MILLION REPAIR PROGRAM AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE HARVEY.
THOSE ARE SOME OF THE STATISTICS.
A LOT OF THE INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE.
I COULDN'T DO ALL OF THIS WORK AND MY STAFF COULDN'T DO THIS WORK WITHOUT HAVING YOUR SUPPORT, COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
I NOW YOU WERE OUT AT ONE OF OUR PROJECTS.
THAT TYPE OF ACTIVITY IS YOU -- IS APPRECIATED.
ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IS WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED.
WE ARE PROPOSING AN YOU -- AN ADDITION TO THE BOND PROGRAM.
NO PROJECTS ARE BEING CANCELED AS PART OF THE PROPOSED UPDATE.
WE ARE GOING TO ADDRESS AND WORK ON THE PROJECT THAT'S WERE ORIGINALLY IN THE BOND PROGRAM.
WE HAD A COUPLE THAT WERE MISLABELED.
WE ARE REPRESENTING OUR COSTS FOR ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION COSTS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BID AND REFLECT THE PARTNERSHIP FUNDING WE HAVE RECEIVED.
I KNOW COMMISSIONER ELLIS YOU ASKED ABOUT PARTNERSHIP FUNDING AND I MENTIONED THE SICKS 78 MILLION.
WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR ANOTHER 1.7 BILLION IN PARTNERSHIP FUNDS TO MAKE THIS WHOLE AND ALL OF THE WORK WE WANT TO DO AS PART OF THE BOND PROGRAM.
THERE ARE TWO BIG PROGRAMS WE ARE EYEING AND THEY -- AND WE WILL GO AFTER AND SEE HOW MANY DOLLARS WE CAN PULL DOWN.
ONE IS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT MITIGATION FUND.
THERE IS 4.2 BILLION AT THE STATE LEVEL.
THE GLO ACTION PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED BY HUD SO WE ARE AWAITING ON THE APPLICATION AND THE APPLICATION GUIDE THAT SHOULD HAPPEN BY THE END OF THE MONTH.
THE OTHER POT OF MONEY IS 1.65 AT THE STATE OF TEXAS.
THEY PASSED SENATE BILL SEVEN AND EIGHT THE LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
AND THEY MADE THESE MONIES AVAILABLE AS REIMBURSMENTS AS WELL AS MONEY FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO HELP MITIGATION IN FLOODING.
THOSE ARE THE TWO POTS OF MONEY WE HAVE LEFT TO GO AFTER.
THE WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD WILL ALLOW A BRIDGE APPLICATION.
WE ARE LOOKING AT 10 OR SO PROJECT THAT'S WE WILL PROPOSE FOR CONSIDERATION.
THERE IS SOME FUNDING GAPS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERS TO STEP UP AND HELP US ADDRESS THOSE.
THAT'S WHERE WE ARE AT WITH PARTNERSHIP FUNDS.
WE ARE CONSOLIDATING AS SOME OF THE THINGS HAVE BEEN USED IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASEY -- INCREASING EFFICIENCY.
THE VAST MAJORITY WERE ALL OF THE INDIVIDUAL LINE ITEMS SUCH AS FOR EXAMPLE WE HAD A LINE ITEM IN THE WATER SHED.
THAT'S NOT HOW WE ARE CONDUCTING IT.
WE HAVE TWO PROGRAMS IN THE BOND PROGRAM FOR BUYOUTS AND WE ARE LOOK AT CONSOLIDATING THOSE.
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WE ARE LOOKING TO COMBINE THE BOND ID'S.THE EFFORT STILL REMAINS, BUT WE ARE CONSOLIDATING THE BOND ID'S TO HELP US MANAGE IT MORE EFFICIENTLY AND HELP REDUCE COSTS.
IN ADDITION TO THAT THERE IS ABOUT 11 PROJECTS OR STUDY THAT'S ARE CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER.
WE ARE TREATING THESE AS COMBINED PRODUCTS AND IT IS AROUND 64 PROJECTS IN TOTAL.
IF AGREEABLE TO THE COURT THAT WOULD BRING THE TOTAL NEW NUMBER OF PROJECTS DOWN FROM OVER 200 TO AROUND 181 TOTAL PROJECTS OF WHICH THERE IS ONLY ABOUT 37 REMAINING THIRD AND FOURTH PROJECTS LEFT TO INITIATE.
WE HAVE HAD THE DOCUMENTS PREPARED AND READY TO HELP OUR WEBSITE AND EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO WITH THE BOND PROGRAM UPDATE.
WITH THAT I WILL TAKE ANY QUESTIONS ON THE FIRST RECOMMENDATION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE.
RUSS, MY APPRECIATION AND RESPECT TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE TO HELP MOVE THESE PROJECTS FORWARD.
I WANT FOLKS TO KNOW THAT HARVEY MAY HAVE HAPPENED IN 2018 -- NO, 17.
THIS IS MOVING THICKS -- THINGS FORWARD AND WORK IS HAPPENING.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING HAS BEEN LAID OUT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN CANCELED.
THE WORK CONTINUES AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE.
ARE YOU TRACKING THE WORK OF SUBCONTRACTORS WITH THIS WORK?
>> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE FIELD WORK, THE CONSTRUCTION WORK?
>> I WOULD HAVE TO GET WITH MY CONSTRUCTION FOLKS.
IF THERE IS A SPECIFIC METRIC, COMMISSIONER, THAT YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO LOOK INTO, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE NOTE AND GET BACK TO YOU.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS A LITTLE TO THE CONVERSATION WE HAD EARLIER.
IT IS ABOUT TRACKING PARTICIPATION FE -- AT THE SUB CONTRACT LEVEL.
WE IDENTIFIED IT AT THE PRIME LEVEL, BUT IDENTIFYING IT AT THE SUB CON -- CONTRACT LEVEL WILL BE REAL GOOD.
>> WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH TIP STRATEGIES AND THE STUDY TO HELP EVALUATE OR COME UP WITH THE METRICS TO EVALUATE THAT.
THOSE ARE GOOD DISCUSSIONS AND WE ARE PROVIDING ALL OF THE INFORMATION TO HELP EVALUATE THE STATISTICS.
IT IS NOT ASKING FOR THE INFORMATION DIRECTLY.
WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT IS CONSISTENT IN THE DATA REQUEST AND THEN EQUALLY IMPORTANT WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT BY DOING SO WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FEDERAL PRO -- PROCUREMENT COMPLIANCE.
THEY HAVE SOME STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PARTICIPATION AND REACHING OUT.
WE ASKED THE QUESTION SEVERAL TIMES NOW AND CAN WE MAKE IT A REQUIRE HENT AND WE ARE GETTING VARIOUS ANSWERS.
WE KNOW IT IS SOMETHING THE COURT IS CONCERNED ABOUT.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GETTING AS MUCH WORK OUT TO THE COMMUNITY AS POSSIBLE, BUT RIGHT NOW WE DON'T HAVE A SOLID METRIC.
UNLESS YOU KNOW SOMETHING I AM NOT PICKING UP.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOING BACK TO THE CONVERSATION WE HAD EARLIER THAT THERE IS NO POLICY IN PLACE.
WE WOULDN'T WANT YOU TO DO ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST THE FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES, BUT BEING ABLE TO TRACK IS VALUABLE TO SEE WHAT IS ALREADY HAPPENING JUST BECAUSE.
IT DOESN'T MEAN WORKING AGAINST OR RESTRICTING ANYTHING, BUT RATHER IT IS JUST TO KNOW HOW WIDE IS OUR DOOR AND WHO IS COMPETING FOR THE WORK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: BEFORE I GO TO MY QUESTIONS A FOLLOW-UP ON COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
DWIGHT, CAN YOU GIVE US AN UPDATE ON THAT DISPARAGE STUDY.
I KNOW SOMETIMES SOON -- IT IS PROBABLY READY YOU DESCR -- YOU PROBABLY HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.
>> WE HAD IT A WEEK AND ASKED FOR IT TO BE REVIEWED.
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THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND MYSELF ARE REVIEWING IT.WE HAVE SOME COMMENTS TO GO BACK TO THE CONSULTANTS AND WHEN THEY RESPOND BACK WE WILL GET THE FINAL REPORT AND HOPEFULLY YOU CAN GET IT PRESENTED TO THE COURT IN JUNE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN IT IS ON THE AGENDA, WE ARE AT A POINT THAT MAYBE TECHNOLOGY WILL LET US DO THE GRAPHICS AND ALL IF WE ARE STILL SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND WE PROBABLY WILL BE.
THAT'S SOMETHING I AM PROUD OF AND SOMETHING I PUSHED FOR RIGHT BEFORE THE BOND ELECTION 20 MONTHS AGO.
I AM GLAD WHEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND JUDGE HIDALGO GOT THERE, THEY DIDN'T HAVE PRECINCT 1 PAY FOR.
JUDGE I WILL GO WITH WITH -- WITH MY QUESTIONS.
RUSS, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
YOU WANTED TO GIVE YOUR TEAM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND I WAS CLAPPING, BRUT -- BUT NOT MAKING NOISE.
VERY LONG HOURS AND WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF ANOTHER CRISIS NOW.
AS THE CALLER SAID AND THE PREDICTIONS ARE THIS COULD BE AN ACTIVE SEASON.
HOW IMPORTANT IN YOUR JUDGMENT IS IT FOR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES TO ADAPT? IS IT IMPORTANT?
>> JOHN ELUDED TO IT IN HIS COMMENTS TODAY.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE ALL OF THE BENEFITS WE ARE WORKING SO HARD TO ACHIEVE ARE NOT UNDONE BY ANY NEW OR REDEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITIES.
ANYTIME YOU START PLAYING -- START PLACING FILL IN THE FLOOD PLAIN.
UNLESS YOU APPROPRIATELY MITIGATE THAT, THAT WATER CAN POTENTIALLY GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND CAUSE SOMEONE ELSE A FLOOD THAT HAS BT FLOODED BEFORE.
AS JOHN ELUDED TO, IT IS NOT JUST THE RAINFALL RATES.
IT IS THE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE NOW REQUIRED AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASED RAINFALL RATES.
I AM GLAD THE COUNTY IS LEADING BY EXAMPLE WHEN WE ADOPTED THE UPDATES TO OUR CRITERIA WHEN WE DID.
IT MAKES IT EASIER TO ASK AND LEAVE THAT CONVERSATION BECAUSE WE HAVE ALREADY DONE IT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: RUSS, YOU SAID ABOUT 678 MILLION IN PROJECTS.
YOU SAID YOU NEED PARTNERS -- YOU NEED ANOTHER 1.7 BILLION.
IS THAT WHAT YOU SAID? I AM LOOKING AT MY NOTES.
>> IN ROUND NUMBERS, THAT'S CORRECT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND GOING AFTER CGDB MONEY, THE 4.2 MILLION AND SOME OF THE 1.7 MILLION FROM SENATE BILL 7 AND SENATE BILL 8.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT THE COST OF PROJECTS HAS GONE UP BECAUSE SO MUCH -- WHATEVER.
THESE PROJECTS WE THOUGHT WE WOULD DO WITH 2.5 BILLION AND PARTNERS WITH I WILL COST MORE TO DO THOSE PROJECTS NOW THAN IT WOULD HAVE A YEAR AGO?
>> THAT'S TRUE AND THAT'S PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE DEMAND.
WE HAVE SEEN SOME OF THE PROG -- PROJECTS AND A THREE-FOLD INCREASE.
THE OTHER THING WE MENTIONED GOING UP, WE REQUIRE MITIGATION FOR THESE PLACED IN THE 500 HILL COMPLAINT.
THOSE ARE TWO EXAMPLES OF PRICE ESCALATION THAT WE HAVE SEEN RECENTLY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM ASSUMING WITH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC CERTAIN THINGS YOU NEED TO BE SHIPPED IN FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
SUPPLY CHAIN LINES ARE DISRUPTED NOW SO THAT WILL BE A CHALLENGE.
>> THE GOOD NEWS THERE, COMMISSIONER, A LOT OF THE WORK WE DO IS NOT COMPLICATED WITH RESPECT TO SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES.
THE BIGGEST COMPONENT IS EXCAVATION AND HAULING DIRT.
WE HAVE HAD LITTLE FEEDBACK FROM OUR CONTRACTORS WITH CONTRACT ISSUES.
TO DATE BECAUSE SO FAR MOST OF OURS ARE RUN OF THE MILL AND BY AND LARGE IT IS EXCAVATION AND DRIVERS AND OPERATORS AND SO FAR SO GOOD IN THAT RESPECT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT AT SOME POINT IF WE DON'T GET THE MONEY WE
[07:55:06]
THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GET SOME OF THE PROJECTS WE WERE PLANNING ON WILL NOT GET DONE?>> COMMISSIONER I WOULD SAY IT A DIFFERENT WAY.
I WOULD SAY WE ARE STILL GOING TO MAKE PROGRESS ON OUR BOND PROJECTS.
WE MAY NOT BE MAKING ALL OF THE PROGRESS WE INTEND TO IF THEY DON'T MATERIALIZE AND START TO COME IN.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: ON BUYOUTS THERE WAS A DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT EARLIER AND I DECIDED TO WAIT ON IT.
I THINK WHAT WE WERE SAYING -- WHAT IS THERE, 50 MILLION?
>> IF YOU LOOK AT THE BUYOUT MONEY THERE ARE TWO MAJOR POTS.
ONE IS THROUGH FEMA'S HAZARD MITIGATION PROGRAM OR FHMP AND WE ARE FACTORING IN THE LOCAL MATCH AND THE MOVING EXPENSES.
IN UH -- IN ADDITION WE HAVE CGDB AND THAT IS TO ACQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL THOUSAND TO 1300 HOMES.
THOSE ARE THE TWO POTS OF MONEY.
THEY COVER ALL OF THE EXPENSES.
THE CHALLENGE IS THE CGDB PROGRAM IS MORE INTENSIVE.
IT IS A MORTGAGE-TYPE APPLICATION YOU HAVE TO FILL OUT.
THOSE ARE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS.
I HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HOW WE CAN MAKE THAT PROCESS EASIER.
WE ARE TOYING WITH A FEW IDEAS AND PUTTING SOME OPTIONS UP TO HUD AND WE ARE GETTING SOME FEEDBACK.
WE ARE TRYING TO STREAM LINE THE PROCESS WITH CGDB FUNDS.
IT IS AN EASIER STREAM LINE PROCESS.
>> WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST BUYOUT WE HAVE HAD SO FAR?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IN DOLLAR AMOUNT, SINCE HARVEY WHAT IS THE LARGEST AMOUNT WE PUT OUT TO DO BUYOUTS ?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SINCE HARVEY.
THE BUYOUTS ARE A LITTLE OVER 500 RIGHT NOW AND WE ARE TRACKING NORTH OF $100 MILLION.
THAT'S ABOUT A 70 MILLION FEDERAL COST AND A 30 MILLION LOCAL COST.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: SO FOR MY MONEY 30 MILLION IS THE BIGGEST ONE WE HAVE DONE.
WE ARE WAITING FOR THE VOLUNTEERS TO COME FORWARD AND WE HAVE ABOUT 400 APPLICATIONS IN PROCESS RIGHT NOW.
THE NUMBERS I AM GIVING YOU TODAY DON'T REFLECT THE ACTIVE APPLICATIONS.
THEY WILL BECOME NUMBERS I CAN REPORT AS FAR AS BUY TEAR HOUSING.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: RUSS I LOOKED AT THE LETTER I THINK YOU SENT TO ALL OF US INVOLVING THE PERRY HOMES BUYOUT.
WAS IT MISSOURI OR MONTGOMERY?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
I KNOW WHEN THE ISSUE CAME UP, WHEN WE CAME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION THERE WERE SEVERAL CONDITIONS THAT WERE STATED THAT NEED TO BE IN THERE.
THIS HAS BEEN HEAVILY LOBBIED.
BUT THE CITY WOULD ADOPT OUR ATLAS 14 STANDARDS INCLUDING THE NE T.J.
THAT MONTGOMERY COUNTY WOULD ADOPT THEM AND THAT THE CITY WOULD GIVE US ASSETS IN ADVANCE OF US PUTTING ANY MONEY OUT TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE ACQUISITION OF THE PROJECT AND I THINK YOU SAID THAT THE PROJECT COULD COST FROM $20 MILLION TO $30 MILLION.
AM I RIGHT? TO COMPLETE THE DETENTION BONDS?
WE HAVE NOT DONE A COMPLETE EVALUATION.
WE LOOKED A WHAT COULD BE CONSTRUCTED THERE.
IT IS IN THE RANGE OF ANOTHER 20 MILLION TO 30 MILLION.
>> THAT'S ABOUT 14 MILLION TO ACQUIRE AND POSSIBLY 30 MILLION TO DEVELOP IT.
I ALSO SAID WHEN I CAME BACK THAT THE CITY WOULD PUT UP ASSETS FOR HALF OF DEVELOPING THAT PROJECT.
ONCE ACQUIRED IF THE COUNTY HAS IT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THAT PROJECT IS WHAT CAUSED IT TO FLOOD.
EVEN YOU SAID IT IS SPECULATIVE.
AND THEN IT WOULD BE TO THE COUNTY.
THEY SHOULD COMMIT AND NOT SAY YOU SHOULD DEVELOP IT.
I AM GETTING CALLS FOR PEOPLE ABOUT IT AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR.
THOSE ARE THE THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS NOT THAT THE CITY WOULD SAY WE ARE GOING TO DO.
IT YOU ADOPT ATLAS 14 AND I THINK AT THE TABLE I WOULD EVEN BACK OFF MONTGOMERY
[08:00:46]
COUNTY.THAT'S A STRETCH TO GET THEM TO DO IT AND TO COMMIT TO ASSETS FOR THEIR HALF OF THE 20 MILLION TO 30 MILLION IN ADVANCE.
>> THE ASSETS WERE TO COVER THE 50/50 COST SHIFT FOR THE 14 MILLION ACQUISITIONS.
THAT'S THE WAY THE LETTER READ IS THAT WE WOULD MAKE ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS YOU ELUDED TO AND MAKE IT A REQUIREMENT THAT IT WOULD HAVE TO BE EXECUTED AND BOTH PARTIES IN COME FLY -- COMPLIANCE BEFORE ANY FUNDS TRANSFER.
>> I FEEL STRONGLY BASED ON WHAT YOU SAID TODAY IF THE MEMBERS WILL REMEMBER IT.
IF WE DON'T GET THE MONEY WE THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GET, SOME OF THESE PROJECTS ARE GOING TO BE DELAYED.
IT IS A BIG IF IF WE WILL GET IT.
I REMEMBER CLEARLY OUR FRIENDS AT THE CITY WERE SAYING WHAT THEY WOULD OFFER WOULD BE TO USE THEIR POLITICAL CLOUT TO HELP US GET STATE MONEY TO DO THE PROJECT.
YOU WANT SOME OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE? WHILE YOU'RE AT IT? IT IS IMPORTANT FOR MEMBERS TO KNOW I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE I AM TELLING PEOPLE SOME OF THE PROJECTS THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE GONNA GET 20 MONTHS AGO THAT 2.5 BILLION BOND PACKAGE THAT PASSED PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF HARVEY.
A LOT OF NEIGHBORHOODS FLOODED.
THIS ONE DIDN'T FLOOD BECAUSE OF HARVEY, BUT IT HAS FLOODED.
I AM SYMPATHETIC AND MY HEART GOES OUT.
I DON'T THINK IT IS RANKED -- WE HAD A HEATED DISCUSS THIS MORNING.
$30 MILLION AND SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST THE 30 MILLION WOULD NOW BE 44 MILLION IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN.
THAT'S NOT RIGHT SO I WANT TO STATE THAT IN MY MIND WHETHER SOMEBODY IS FOR THIS BAILOUT OR NOT, CLEARLY AS A CONDITION PRECEDANT WE SHOULD ADOPT 14.
THEY SHOULD PUT UP ASSETS FOR THEIR HALF OF PURCHASING IT AND PUT UP ASSETS FOR THEIR HALF OF DOING THE COMPLETE PROJECT UNLESS THE MONEY COMES FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
I WARCHT -- I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION BECAUSE I DON'T WANT A LETTER TO GO OUT AND THEY TAKE IT AS A COMMITMENT THAT THIS COUNTY WILL PUT UP MONEY TO ACQUIRE A PROJECT AND WE ARE LEFT ON THE LIMB WITH PEOPLE SAYING WHEN ARE YOU GONNA COMPLETE IT? MY UNDERSTANDING WAS AS A CONDITION PRECEDENT ALL FACTORS.
THE CITY PUTS UP ASSETS ON HALF THE MONEY.
GO AND GET THE MONEY FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.
I WANT TO MAKE A MOTION THAT THOSE CONDITIONS SHOULD BE IN ANY LETTER WITH REGARD TO A PURCHASE OF THAT LAND IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT.
I WOULD MAKE THAT MOTION AT THIS TIME.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND THE MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE MOTION IS BASICALLY CLARIFYING THE DIRECTION TO RUSS FROM A COUPLE WEEKS AGO? YES, COMMISSIONER CAGLE.
JACK CAGLE: SO YOU ARE MAKING A MOTION THAT WE CHANGE THE OFFER?
I AM MAKING A MOTION BASED ON MY UNDERSTANDING.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE SOMETHING THAT WASN'T SAID IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AT SOME POINT MEMORIES FADE OR PEOPLE FORGET OR THEY CONVENIENTLY DON'T REMEMBER
[08:05:01]
CERTAIN THINGS.I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR WHAT WILL BE THE LARGEST BUYOUT TO DATE WITH HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL WITH MONEY THE VOTERS UH -- APPROVED 20 MONTHS AGO PRIMARILY AS A REACTION OF THE FLOODING FROM HARVEY THAT THESE THREE THINGS BE DONE.
FOR THE CITY AND THE CITY OF E T.J.
I WON'T EVEN GO TO THE ISSUE COMMISSIONER GARCIA RAISED.
AND SECONDLY I WILL MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE MOTION UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO STOP NOW.
JACK CAGLE: WELL, I THINK YOU'VE SAID WHAT YOU ARE SAYING A COUPLE OF TIMES AND I AM A LITTLE UNCLEAR.
YOU DO REALIZE THAT AFTER OUR LAST COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND IT WAS CIRCULATED TO US AFTER IT WENT OUT THAT FLOOD CONTROL SENT A LETTER BASED ON OUR LAST COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM MAKING MY MOTION AS IT RELATES TO ANYTHING BEFORE WE GO OUT AND WRITE A CHECK.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER EL -- ELLIS I AM HAVING TROUBLE SAYING HOW IT IS DIFFERENT.
WE DID LIST THOSE THREE THINGS.
I AM OKAY RETATE -- RESTATING THEM IN THE MOTION -- >> R.
JACK CAGLE: I THINK THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHEN THE LETTER WENT OUT AND WHAT COMETION -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS MAY BE SAYING IS OUR PRIOR STATEMENT HAD NOTHING TO DO OR NO REQUIREMENT AS TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THAT PROPERTY AFTER IT WAS ACQUIRED.
AND NOW YOU ARE WANTING TO ADD TO THAT.
I SAID IT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
I ASKED WHAT IS THE ESTIMATE OF WHAT IT WILL COST? SO THIS LETTER I AM LOOKING AT WHICH I WAS NOT ASKED IS THIS A LETTER FROM YOU? THIS LETTER SAYS AND LET ME READ IT TO YOU.
IT IN THE FIRST PARA-- PARAGRAPH, DISTRICT REGULATIONS IN RESPONSE TO ATLAS 14 SHALL APPLY TO THE AREAS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS AS WELL AS THE CITY'S E T.J.
AND FUND TRANSFERS OF THE ABOVE OFFER AMOUNT WILL NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE REFERENCE ILA IS EXECUTED BY BOTH THE DISTRICT AND THE CITY.
I WANT TO SAY THE REGULATIONS ARE ADOPTED.
I DON'T WANT TO SAY WHAT YOU CAN'T DO.
THEY COULD ADOPT IT 20 YEARS FROM NOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT MAKES SENSE.
THAT IS MY UNDERSTANDING AS WELL IS THAT THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY CHANGE THEIR REGULATIONS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM READING IT AND IF I WAS THE FOLKS AT PERRY HOMES AND IT WOULD LEAD ME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON WILL ADOPT AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT SAYING THEY WILL ADOPT ATLAS 14.
I KNOW I WAS NOT A PHILADELPHIA LAWYER, BUT I HAVE A PRETTY GOOD LEGAL MIND TO KNOW THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONDITION PRE SEE DENT AND A CONDITION YOU DO WHEN YOU GET READY.
>> COMMISSIONER, THIS IS RUSS.
WE ARE WORKING ON THE INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT LANGUAGE NOW.
IT MAY BE HELPFUL BECAUSE A LOT OF THE DISCUSSION GOING ON NOW WE ARE TRYING TO DREYS -- ADDRESS.
WE ARE ADDRESSING EVERYTHING FROM LONG-TERM OPERATION MAINTENANCE AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A SITE.
IF FLOOD CONTROL COMMISSION HAS TO GO R GO OUT IT IS A JOINT EFFORT.
IF IT IS AGREEABLE WE CAN SHARE THE DRAFT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: RUSS, WHAT I AM TRYING TO DO, I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE YOU WOULD THINK WE ARE DOING SOMETHING WE DON'T WANT TO DO.
OR WE END UP IN COURT SAYING WE THOUGHT THIS WAS AN OFFER YOU WOULD DO IT.
SO UNLESS I AM MISSING SOMETHING I DON'T WANT TO GO AND REHASH WHAT WAS SAID IN EXECUTIVE SESSION WHICH IS WHY I AM DOING IT WITH THE LIGHT OF DAY ON US.
CITY RESPONSIBLE FOR HALF OF THE MONEY.
THE CITY RESPONSIBLE UNLESS SOMEBODY ELSE PUTS IT UP FOR AT LEAST HALF OF WHAT WE HAVE TO SPEND TO DO THE DE TENSION -- DETENTION PONDS.
I AM NOT GOING THERE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
YOU STARTED THE CONVERSATION AND SAID MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
[08:10:01]
I AM ASSUMING THAT'S A STRETCH, BUT MAYBE IF MONTGOMERY COUNTY WANTS TO DO OTHER JOINT PROJECTS WITH US, THE ITEM MR. BLOUNT HAD EARLIER MAY HELP THEM ADOPT ATLAS 14.TEE COULD GO -- DO ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT NEXT TO THE PERRY HOMES SITE THAT COULD BENEFIT FROM THE DETENTION PONDS AND NOT PUT A DIME UP TO STOP FLOODING.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER, IF I MAY AND JUDGE, IF I MIGHT ADD SOME COMMENTS TO THIS.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE REASON I SECOND THIS MOTION WAS -- GOING BACK TO THE EARLIER CONVERSATION, WE DO HAVE TO SET A POLICY AS TO HOW WE ARE GOING TO SPEND HARRIS COUNTY DOLLARS IN ANOTHER COUNTY.
WE ARE PUTTING PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN PLACE.
WHEN WE BUY THIS OUT WITHOUT SOLID PROTECTIONS IN PLACE AND ALL I SEE IN THIS MOTION IS THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS TRYING TO SOLIDIFY THE POLICY OF HOW THIS TRANSACTION WOULD OCCUR SO THAT ANOTHER PROJECT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY DOESN'T OCCUR AND FLOODS KING WOOD ALL OVER AGAIN.
I AM JUST TRYING TO ENSURE THAT WE PROTECT YOUR AREA, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE PROTECTING THE CONSTITUENTS IN KING WOOD.
I THINK IT IS PRUDENT FOR US TO REALLY ENSURE THE PARAMETERS FOR THE TRANSACTION ARE SET SO PEOPLE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING WITH THEIR MONEY IN ANOTHER COUNTY.
JACK CAGLE: MANY TIMES WHEN THERE IS A LOT OF WORDS CONFUSION LIES AT THE DOOR.
I THINK IF I BOIL IT DOWN THE CONCERN IS WE DON'T WANT AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT.
WE WANT AN ACTUAL ADOPTION OF THE ATLAS 14 CRITERIA.
AND I'M ACTUALLY SUPPORTIVE OF THAT I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THIS WILL BE GOOD INITIALLY.
JACK CAGLE: THERE IS CONFUSION TO WHERE WE ARE GOING.
IT FELT LIKE YOU WERE WANTING TO CHANGE SOMETHING.
I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE CITY PUT UP HALF THE MONEY.
I AM PROBABLY NOT FOR IT AT ALL, BY THE WAY.
BUT I WILL TRY TO DO LIKE YOU DID ON MY PROPOSALS.
YOU TRY TO MAKE IT BETTER BEFORE YOU VOTE AGAINST IT.
JACK CAGLE: WHEN YOU WANT TO DO A PROJECT IN YOUR PRECINCT AFTER YOU RESEARCHED THEM, AND I WILL SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR PROJECTS IN YOUR PRECINCT I DON'T GET INTO YOUR BIKE LANES AND ALL OF THAT KIND OF STUFF.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU WANT TO BUY OUT THIS PROPERTY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WITH MONEY THAT HAS BEEN ALLOCATED FOR FLOOD PROJECTS IN YOUR PRECINCT, YOU HAVE THE MONEY AND GO DO IT.
I JUST WENT THROUGH ALL OF THIS.
WE KNOW ALL OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE NOT GOING TO GET DONE, COMMISSIONER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE AGREE THAT THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS THE MOTION.
DO WE NEED TO CHANGE THE WORD INTER LOCAL OR SEND A SECOND LETTER 1234* WHAT DOES THE MOTION NEED TO BE? I THINK WE AGREE.
DID COMMISSIONER RADACK HAVE A COMMENT?
>> STEVE RADACK: I HAVE A COMMENT.
I WOULD URGE EVERYONE TO THINK ABOUT THE FACT THE CITY OF HOUSTON IS NOT GOING TO ADOPT ATLAS 14.
WE MIGHT AS WELL CUT TO THE CHASE AND CREATE A DEADLINE.
AT -- ATLAS 14 HAS TO BE ACCEPTED BY THE CITY BY WHENEVER.
THAT WILL EITHER GET THIS PROCESS GOING VERY WELL OR IT WILL STOP IT.
I AM JUST TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW.
THE CITY OF HOUSTON I DO NOT BELIEVE HAS ANY, ANY, ANY DESIRE -- OF COURSE THEY HAVE THE DESIRE, BUT NOT A BACKBONE TO ADOPT ATLAS 14.
WE MAY AS WELL SET A DEADLINE.
RUSS, THAT GIVES YOU A CLEAR PATH.
EITHER THEY DO IT OR THEY DON'T.
THEY CAN MAKE THE DECISION AT THEIR NEXT MEETING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I TEND TO AGREE, BUT I THINK ALL OF US WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IF THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND MIGHT I ADD THE OTHER CITIES IN HARRIS COUNTY AND THE
[08:15:03]
SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES ADAPT ATLAS 14.WE KNOW THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN HEAVILY LOBBIED.
THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT IT.
THAT'S WHY I AM SAYING IF WE PASS THIS -- IF WE ADOPT THIS MOTION, THAT MEANS WHAT IS IN THE INTER LOCAL AND WHAT IS IN THE LETTER THERE IS NOTHING AMBIGUOUS ABOUT OUR INTENT AS IT RELATES TO ATLAS 14.
I DON'T WANT TO GET MY TIMETABLE BECAUSE I WANT TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT.
I WANT THE FOLKS WHO ARE LOBBYING TO GET US TO GO ACQUIRE THIS LAND TO LOBBY THE CITY TO GO AND DO IT.
SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE -- WHO MIGHT LOBBY AGAINST ADAPTING ATLAS 14 MAY WANT THIS PROJECT DONE.
NUMBER TWO, I THINK IT IS ONLY FAIR THAT WE DISCUSSED IT, THE CITY OF HOUSTON COMES UP WITH -- I SAID STUFF.
JUDGE YOU HAVE BETTER LANGUAGE.
IF THEY WANT MARK -- PARKS, I UNDERSTAND THERE ARE FABLE -- FINANCIAL ISSUES.
YOU HAVE ASSETS YOU CAN PUT UP.
THE DISCUSSION WE HAD SAID IF THE PROJECT COSTS $20 MILLION OR $30 MILLION WHY DO WE TAKE IT? THERE IS A LAWSUIT ON IT.
AND I REPRESENT THAT AREA AS WELL.
PEOPLE ARE RACING -- RAISING CANE SAYING WHY DO YOU COMPLETE IT? THE CITY IS ASKING US TO DO IT.
THEY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY RIGHT NOW.
YOU COMMIT ASSETS TO PAY FOR HALF OF WHAT WE HAVE TO PAY.
THEY SAID THEY CAN GET THE STATE REP AND THE STATE SENATOR TO GET SOME MONEY FROM SENATE BILL 7 AND 8, THANK YOU.
THEY WILL USE THE POLITICAL CLOUT WHICH THE UH -- ASSUMPTION IS, IT IS BETTER THAN HOURS -- THAN OURS.
IF WE DON'T GET IT, YOU PAY FOR HALF OF IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: RUSS, WHAT DO WE NEED TO CHANGE WHETHER IT IS INLEER LOCAL -- INTER LOCAL OR THE LETTER.
WHAT DO YOU CLARIFY THAT IT NEEDS TO BE ADOPTED AND NOT JUST PROMISED THEY WILL IN SOME FAR OFF FUTURE.
>> THE WAY WE ARE PREPARING THE AGREEMENT IT IS UPON EXECUTION OF THE INNER LOCAL AGREEMENT THE CITY WILL BY DEFAULT ADOPT THE MINIMUM STANDARD WE WERE TALKING ABOUT TODAY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN? A YEAR LATER? FIVE YEARS LATER?
>> UPON EXECUTION OF THE INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT.
WHEN THE CITY COUNCIL AND HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT HAVE THE AGREEMENT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: BY ME PUTTING THIS INTO MOTION, I DON'T WANT TO -- IF I -- [INAUDIBLE] IF I READ IT CLOSER WE WOULDN'T HAVE CAUGHT IT.
WHAT ABOUT THE ISSUE OF THE MONEY?
>> COMMISSIONER, WE HAVE MADE NO COMMITMENTS WHATSOEVER TO BUILD A PROJECT OUT THERE.
LIKE I MENTIONED, THERE IS BACK OF THE NAPKIN-TYPE DIAGNOSIS ABOUT WHAT COULD BE A TYPE.
THERE IS OUT REACH AND ENGINEERING -- >> LINA HIDALGO: THE QUESTION IS WHERE DOES IT SAY -- YOU JUST CLARIFIED THAT THE INNER LOCAL -- ESSENTIALLY STATES THAT THE IT NEEDS TO BE EXECUTED IMMEDIATELY THIS ATLAS 14 ADOPTION.
DOES IT ALSO HAVE LANGUAGE TO THE EFFECT OF THE CITY MUST COMMIT HALF OF THE COSTS IN ASSETS OR HARD CASH? I THINK THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE ASKING, COMMISSIONER, CORRECT?
WHAT WILL WE DO, TURN IT INTO WET LANDS? THIS IS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
THEY ARE ASKING US TO DO THIS FOR THEM.
WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH LAND IN ANOTHER COUNTY.
WILL IT BE A PARK? WE ARE PAYING FOR HALF OF THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS IT CLEAR IN THE INNER LOCAL, RUSS, OR DO WE NEED TO MAKE A MOTION?
>> I WOULD BE GLAD TO SHARE THE LANGUAGE WE HAVE PREPARED WITH ALL OF THE STAFF TOMORROW.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO PASS THE MOTION SO I AM NOT GOING
BACK AND FORTH ON WHAT THE -- IF THE MOTION PASSES -- >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THAT'S FINE.
SO THEN IS THE MOTION THAT IN THE AGREEMENT THAT THE CITY -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE PASS A MOTION SAYING THEY HAVE TO DO IT FOR US TO BUY LAND, I THINK THAT HANDLES IT WHETHER IT IS IN A LETTER OR THE INNER LOCAL.
I DON'T WANT TO NEGOTIATE THE INNER LOCAL AT OUR TABLE.
I THINK THE LAWYERS HAVE TO FIGURE THAT OUT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE THE MOTION?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE MOTION IS THAT HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL BEFORE IT ACQUIRES THE LAND FOR THE PERRY -- WHAT IS THE PROJECT CALLED, RUSS?
[08:20:04]
>> IT IS THE WOODRIDGE VILLAGE PROPERTY.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THE WOODRIDGE VILLAGE DETENTION PURCHASE OFFER WILL BEACON TIN GENT -- BE CONTINGENT ON THREE THINGS.
THE CITY AGREEING TO PROVIDE CASH OR ASSETS FOR HALF OF THE PURCHASE PRICE.
THE CITY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HALF OF THE PRICE OF WHATEVER WE DO WITH IT OR GET THE MONEY FROM SOME OTHER SOURCE, OR ADOPT THE COUNTY'S ATLAS 14 REQUIREMENTS.
MR. SOARD IS THAT LEGALISTIC ENOUGH OR DO YOU WANT TO HELP WITH THE LANGUAGE?
>> IT IS ENOUGH TO DRAFT THE INNER LOCAL WHICH WE ARE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW.
>> LINA HIDALGO: TO ME THIS JUST READS LIKE THE EXACT SAME THING WE PASSED BACK IN
THE DAYS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MEAN WE TALKED ABOUT IT IN PRIVATE AND THEN COMMISSIONER CAGLE SAID SOME OF IT AT THE TABLE.
I CHIMED IN AND SAID IT IN MY WORDS AS WELL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO NOW WE ARE PUTTING IT TO MOTION.
DO FOLKS NEED CLARIFICATION ON IT?
>> RUSS, ISN'T THERE A DEADLINE THAT WAS SET BY THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY?
>> FOR AN OFFER TO BE MADE, YES.
>> WHAT WAS THAT ON, MAY 15TH?
THE LETTER WAS DISTRIBUTED TO THE STAFF MEMBERS, YES.
IT SAYS THE PROJECT WILL BE CONTIN -- CONTINGENT FOR THE CITY PROVIDING CASH FOR HALF OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR AGREEING TO PROVIDE CASH OR ASSETS FOR AT LEAST HALF OF THE PROJECT AND ADOPTING THE ATLAS 14 REQUIREMENTS.
>> AND TO CLARIFY, COMMISSIONER YOU MENTIONED THEY WOULD HELP US SECURE STATE OR OTHER FEDERAL FUNDING.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF THE STATE REP OR STATE SENATOR CAN GET THE MONEY TO DEVELOP IT OUT OF SENATE BILL 7 AND SENATE BILL 8, FEDERAL MONEY, THAT'S FINE.
I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A POSITION, RUSS, THAT WHEN WE ARE TAKING MONEY FROM SOME OTHER PROJECT.
I DON'T WANT THEM USING THE CLOUT TO GET THIS AND A HOST OF OTHER PROJECTS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: PROVIDING FUNDS OR ASSETS THAT INCLUDES THEY PROVIDE SOMEBODY ELSE'S FUNDS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE WE HAVE TO FIND SOMEWAY THAT THEY DON'T GO -- LOOK, I GET THE POLITICAL CLOUT IN THAT AREA, PARTICULARLY AS IT RELATES TO STATE MONEY, BUT IT IS JUST NOT FAIR.
THAT'S WHY WE WENT THROUGH THE EQUITY GUIDELINES.
I KNOW THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT NORMALLY GET LEFT OUT.
JACK CAGLE: LET'S NOT FORGET THAT ELM GROVE IS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTY AND EQUITY AREA.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER, I GET THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF AGENDA TO GET THROUGH AND THIS IS THE EXACT SAME THING WE SAID BEFORE.
AND THEN RUSS SEEMS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON AND SEEMS HE IS IN THAT DIRECTION.
I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH REITERATING IT.
I AM HAPPY TO READ AGAIN WHAT I WROTE IF THAT HELPS, OTHERWISE CAN WE HAVE A SECOND?
JACK CAGLE: THE TWO CHANGES AS I UNDERSTAND THEM IS INSTEAD OF THE LOCAL AGREEMENT WE WANT THE WORD ADOPTION.
THE SECOND CHANGE IS THAT WE WANT TO ASK THE CITY TO COMMIT TO DEVELOP THE PROPERTY WHICH I DON'T THINK WE PREVIOUSLY HAD HAD THAT IN ANY OF OUR DISCUSSIONS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH IT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY? I DID SAY THEY HAVE TO PUT UP HALF OF THE MONEY IF WE WILL PUT DETENTION FARMS OUT THERE? IF WE ARE GOING TO LEAVE IT OUT THERE AS A WET LANDS, FINE.
JACK CAGLE: IT IS HARD FOR ME TOENCE -- TO ANSWER IF YOU DON'T PAUSE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, GO AHEAD.
JACK CAGLE: MY UNDERSTANDING FROM RUSS IS THAT THERE ARE TWO AS EXPECTS TO THIS DEVELOPMENT.
ONE IS THAT THE DEVELOPER IS ALREADY PUTTING IN DETENTION PONDS IN ADVANCE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HOMES THAT ARE GOING OUT THERE.
IT WILL BE PARTIALLY DEVELOPED AND THEY DID NOT GO UP ON THEIR PRICE PREVIOUSLY.
NUMBER TWO, THIS CAN BE PASSIVELY UTILIZED BECAUSE THE STAND AVAILABLE AT THE PROPERTY CAN BE UTILIZED.
I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM IF WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WE WILL ASK THE CITY TO COME UP WITH
[08:25:01]
STAFF, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, OR FIND PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE WITH US.I DON'T WANT TO PUT OURSELVES ON A HOOK WHERE WE WILL PROMISE TO DO MORE THAN WHAT WE ARE ALREADY IN THE PROCESS OF POTENTIALLY DOING UNTIL WE HAD A CHANCE TO LOOK AT AND DO A MASTER PLAN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WAS THE PLAN TO DO ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR? I THOUGHT IT WAS A PARTNERSHIP PROJECT PRESUMABLY?
JACK CAGLE: AS I UNDERSTOOD IT AND RUSS CAN SPEAK TO THIS BETTER.
THE PLAN WAS TO FINISH OUT THESE DETENTION PONDS.
ONCE WE HAVE IT WE HAVE A LOT MORE CAPACITY THAT CAN BE DONE THERE.
AMONG THE CAPACITY BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF SOIL THERE WE CAN SELL THE DIRT OUT FROM THAT TO HELP WITH OTHER CONSTRUCTION, AND THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS THAT IS A SLOWER DEVELOPMENT OF A PROJECT AND THE TIME IS DE DEPENDENT ON THE REGION.
AND THERE ARE OTHER PROJECTS, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR THAT RIGHT NOW.
IT HAS TO BE PITCHED IN WITH THE INFLUENCE.
RUSS, AM I SPEAKING CORRECTLY?
>> YES, COMMISSIONER, YOU ARE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WHAT'S DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE AGREED BACK THREE WEEKS AGO OR WHENEVER IT WAS?
JACK CAGLE: WELL I THINK WHAT IS DIFFERENT IS COMMISSIONER ELLIS WANTS TO ADD A CONDITION THAT THE CITY WILL PROMISE TO COME UP WITH THE DEVELOPED PLAN WITH US.
I MAY BEMIS -- I MAY BE MISUNDERSTANDING THIS.
IT IS A LITTLE LATE FOR SOME AND THERE ARE A LOT OF WORDS.
I ASKED HIM TO ALLOW ME TO SPEAK AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK AND I YIELD THE FLOOR.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MY UNDERSTANDING IN THE CONVERSATION WAS IN EXECUTIVE INVESTIGATION -- EXECUTIVE SESSION.
IF WE ARE GOING TO DEVELOP THE PROPERTY AS A DETENTION POND THE CITY SHOULD PUT UP HALF OF THE MONEY TO DO THAT.
IF IT IS A BIRDING SANCTUARY, HARRIS COUNTY WILL OPERATE IN ANOTHER COUNTY.
IF IT IS SOMETHING HARRIS COUNTY CAN MAKE MONEY OFF OF IN ANOTHER COUNTY THAT'S FINE.
IF ONCE HARRIS COUNTY HAS ACQUIRED THIS IN AN ADJACENT COUNTY WE ARE EXPECTING TO GO AND SPEND 20 TO $30 MILLION TO DEVELOP IT TO DETENTION BONDS.
WE DON'T GET FEDERAL MONEY TO DO IT.
THE CITY OF HOUSTON SHOULD PUT UP HALF OF THE PRICE TO DO THAT.
I THINK THAT IS A VERY REASONABLE THING, TO BE HONEST.
WHY IS HARRIS COUNTY DOING IT ALL?
>> LINA HIDALGO: BECAUSE WE WERE LOOKING AT TWO BUCKETS.
IT WAS EITHER WE CAN USE THE FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR IT OR IT BECOMES A PARTNERSHIP PROJECT IN WHICH CASE, YES, WE WOULD NEED TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY.
>> JUDGE, THAT'S MY UNDERSTANDING AS WELL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE WHERE WE HAVE BEEN, YEAH, IF IT BECOMES A PARTNERSHIP PROJECT WE NEED TO HAVE THE CITY AS PARTNERS AND I AM FINERY YIT RATING THAT -- FINE REITERATING THAT THEY NEED TO COME IN AT 50%.
IF IT DOESN'T END UP BEING A PARTNERSHIP BECAUSE OF FEDERAL FUNDING THEN THAT'S DIFFERENT.
WHAT ELSE -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: MIGHT I HELP THE RECOLLECTION.
THE COMMENT WAS MADE THAT THE CITY WOULD USE ITS POLITICAL CLOUT TO HELP US
GET THE STATE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: WE NEVER SAID WE WOULD TAKE POLITICAL CLOUT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING.
I'M SAYING BY PUTTING IT IN A MOTION IT IS CLEAR BECAUSE THIS LETTER DOES NOT REFLECT ALL THREE OF THE CONDITIONS.
IT SEEMS THAT THE AGREEMENT IS CONTINGENT OF THE CITY AGREEING TO PROVIDE FUNDS OR ASSETS FOR AT LEAST HALF OF THE PURCHASE PRICE AND AGREEING TO PROVIDE FUNDS OR
ASSETS FOR AT LEAST HALF OF THE PROJECT IN A PARTNERSHIP PROJECT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: HALF OF WHAT WE PUT UP.
IF WE GET FEDERAL OR STATE MONEY THAT'S DIFFERENT.
IF THE STATE OR FEDS PUT UP 80% AND WE PUT UP 20.
[08:30:04]
>> LINA HIDALGO: AS MUCH AS THE COUNTY COMMITS IN A PARTNERSHIP PROJECT.
THAT THE CITY WILL ADOPT THE COUNTY'S ATLAS 14 REQUIREMENTS.
JACK CAGLE: WE WANT TO MAKE THAT A PRECINCT 1 MOTION ON A PRECINCT 4 PROJECT? RODRIGUEZ YOU CAN CALL IT -- IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE MOTION I WOULD BE HAPPY TO -- FOR TO YOU MAKE IT.
IF NOT THAT IS THE MOTION I WILL MAKE.
CAN YOU TELL ME WHETHER IT WILL TAKE ONE YEAR, TWO YEARS, THREE YEARS, HOWL WILLING IT TAKE YOU TO EVEN -- HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE YOU TO COME UP WITH AN ESTIMATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION COST TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE CITY?
>> -- IT IS GOING TO TAKE YOU A LONGTIME.
>> WE WILL HAVE TO HIRE A CONSULTANT.
IT WILL TAKE MONTHS AND NOT YEARS, COMMISSIONER.
JUST MAKING THE COMMENT THAT IT IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT FOR THE CITY TO SAY WE WILL DO SOMETHING WHEN WE ARE NOT EVEN GIVING THEM THE IDEA OF WHAT IT WILL COST.
SO DO WE HAVE A MOTION ON THIS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DID YOU WANT TO MAKE IT?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU PRE -- PREFER TO MAKE IT.
JACK CAGLE: I ALREADY SECONDED IT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT, GO AHEAD.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MY SECOND TO YOU.
JACK CAGLE: I JUST FEEL SO SLAPPED AROUND UP HERE.
RODRIGUEZ -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU CAN MAKE THE MOTION.
JACK CAGLE: IF THE MOTION IS TO CHANGE THE WORD ILA AND TO ADOPTION AND MAKE SURE WE MOVE FORWARD IN THE FUTURE AND I AM REALLY FEELING LIKE I NEED TO GO THROUGH ALL OF YOUR PROJECTS, RODNEY.
MAYBE WE SHOULD ALL GO THROUGH EACH OTHER PROJECTS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU USUALLY DO.
YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOTION I RESPECT THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT IS GOOD WE ARE UNITED TOVMENT COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S POINT OR WHOEVER MADE IT, IT DOES PRESIDENT -- IT DOESN'T DO US ANY GOOD TO DO THESE BOND PROJECTS AND NOBODY ELSE ADOPTS IT.
JACK CAGLE: RUSS IS TRYING TO GET IT IN AN AGREEMENT AND THEY ADOPT THAT WAS 14 AND WE HAVE RUN IN A CIRCLE.
I AM FINE WITH MAKING THAT MOTION.
IF THE SECOND CHANGE WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE IS THAT YOU SAY AS WE GO FORWARD IF THEY PUT ANY MONEY THEY HAVE TO PUT IN THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY AND WE WILL TRY TO GET OUR STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS TO DO THE REST OF THE PROJECT AND I AM FINE WITH THAT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHAT -- YEAH.
AND ALSO HALF OF THE PURCHASE PRICE QUH -- WHICH IS OBVIOUS.
THEY HAVE TO COME UP WITH COMMISSIONER ELLIS' FAMOUS STUFF.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE THE MOTION?
JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE THE PRIVILEGE TO MAKE THE MOTION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? IT CARRIES UNANIMOUS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU READ THE MOTION AGAIN TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ON THE SAME WAVE LENGTH.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU ARE MUTED.
>> I DID NOT WRITE THE MOTION DOWN.
>> LINA HIDALGO: I WROTE IT DOWN AND I CAN READ IT.
IT THAT THE AGREEMENT WILL BEACON TIN GENT UPON THE CITY AGREEING TO PROVIDE FUND OR ASSETS FOR AT LEAST HALF THE PURCHASE PRICE, NUMBER ONE.
NUMBER TWO, THE CITY AGREED TO PROVIDE FUNDS OR ASSETS FOR AS MUCH AS THE COUNTY PROVIDES IN A PARTNERSHIP PROJECT.
AND NUMBER THREE, THE CITY ADOPTING THE COUNTY'S ATLAS 14 REQUIREMENTS.
AND THANK YOU, RUSS FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK ON THE BOND PROGRAM.
>> SO THIS WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0?
>> AND WHICH ITEM IS THIS GOING TO BE ATTACHED TO?
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO ON THE -- BACK TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA.
ITEM 2 IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WANTED TO TALK TO US IN EXECUTIVE SESSION ABOUT REFUGEE RESET TELLMENT.
>> JUDGE, I DON'T THINK IT IS NECESSARY TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION BECAUSE IT
[08:35:06]
IS -- I CAN LAY IT OUT HERE OR WE CAN DO IT LATER.>> LINA HIDALGO: DOES ANYBODY NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION? GO AHEAD, ROBERT.
>> THIS RELATES TO AN EXECUTIVE ORDER PASSED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2019 IN WHICH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REQUIRED THE APPROVAL OF BOTH THE STATE AND THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ON THE RESET TELLMENT OF REFUGEES.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER BACK IN JANUARY THERE WAS A LETTER APPROVED BY THIS COURT TO ACCEPT REFUGEES IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THE GOVERNOR SAID NO WHICH MEANS NO REFUGEES CAN BE RESETTLED IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
JACK CAGLE: I WOULD INTERJECT THAT IT WASN'T AN OPEN RESET TELL MEANT.
THERE WAS SIX VETTED ORGANIZATIONS.
AS OPPOSED TO AN OPEN -- IT WAS SIX VETTED CHARITIES THAT HAD BEEN APPROVED IN THE COUNTY.
AND CERTAINLY I HAVE LAWYERS THAT KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DETAILS THAN I.
THE REFUGEES HAVE A DEFINED TERM UNDER FEDERAL LAW, HIGHLY VETTED AND THEY CAN'T EVEN COME TO THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT THROUGH THIS PROCESS.
AND HISTORICALLY THEY HAVE SETTLED TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
PEOPLE ADDED THE REQUIREMENTS.
A FEDERAL JUDGE DECLARED IT UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
THEY HAVE -- THEY HAVE A VETO POWER AND WE ARE HERE TODAY ASKING THE COUNTY TO FILE AN AMICUS ON BEHALF OF MULTIPLE LOCAL JURISDICTIONS INCLUDING HOUSTON AND AUSTIN AND CITIES AND COUNSELING TEES TO -- COUNTIES TO THWART THE GOVERNMENT.
THRAZ -- THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.
JACK CAGLE: I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOVE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTAL 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 AND 10.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES FAN -- UNANIMOUSLY.
>> CAN YOU REPEAT THE ITEM NUMBERS AGAIN PLEASE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE STILL AT TWO.
DO WE HAVE A MOTION ON ITEM 2?
JACK CAGLE: I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A REPORT.
>> YES BECAUSE WE ARE ASKING FOR AUTHORITY TO FILE AN AMICUS ON BEHALF OF HARRIS COUNTY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THIS IS JAMES AND I HATE TO INTERRUPT.
ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE A VOTE FOR 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 OR DID YOU DO THAT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE TOOK A VOTE ON THOSE AND WE VOTED YES, CORRECT, FOLKS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WERE UNANIMOUS ON THOSE, JAMES.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL GO BACK TO 6.
THAT IS A COMMISSIONER ELLIS ITEM.
>> JUDGE, WE HAVE SPEAKERS ON THAT ITEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD AND BRING THEM IN.
MY NAME IS GAIL SMITH AND I AM A RESIDENT OF HARRIS COUNTY AND I APPRECIATE THIS OPPORTUNITY.
I HAVE JOINED THE MEETING FOR THE ENTIRE DAY AND I MUST SAY I AM EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH ALL OF YOU AND VERY THANKFUL THAT YOU ARE DOING THE HARD WORK YOU ARE.
IN WORKING TO ADDRESS TAX DELINQUENCIES, THINK ABOUT THE COLLECTION OF A LARGE FIRM AND IT IS BUILT ON THE COLLECTION OF GOVERNMENT DEBT AND EXCHANGE FOR LUCRATIVE BEINGS WE HEARD HORROR STORIES ABOUT THE DARK SIDE OF DEBT COLLECTION.
IT GETS DARK AND BRUTAL AND LEVERAGES FEAR.
IT IS EXPENSIVE FOR THE DEBTOR AND THE FEAR CAN DESTROY THE EMOTIONAL
[08:40:02]
STRENGTH PEOPLE NEED TO SURVIVE THESE TOUGH TIMES.CNN MONEY HAS BEEN REPORTING ON THIS IN 201 FINE.
HUE SON IS ONE OF THE -- HOUSTON IS ONE OF THE BIGGER COLLECTION AGENCIES.
YOU CAN FIND IT ONLINE OR I CAN SEND A LINK.
THIS COVID TRAUMA IS AFFECTING THOSE WHO PLAYED BY THE RULES AND PAID THEIR BILLS.
CONSIDER TWO THINGS ESPECIALLY IN REGARD TO REAL ESTATE.
FIRST THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF CALLS AND LETTERS.
PEOPLE WHO LOST THEIR LIVLIHOODS ARE TERRIFIED.
TACKING ON 15 TO 20% IN COLLECTION FEES AND SOMETIMES MORE AND USING THREATENING LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS WILL ONLY MAKE IT WORSE.
IF YOU DON'T CLOSELY MONITOR THE METHOD AND BEHAVIORS OF THE DEBT COLLECTORS YOU WON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT THE RESIDENTS ARE HEARING AND SEEING.
WHEN THEIR INCOME AND BONUSES DEPENDS ON HOW SUCCESSFUL THE PRESSURE IS, SOME COLLECTORS MAY BE TEMPTED TO BEND THE RULES.
I PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THIS YEARS AGO FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR WHO HAD THE WRONG SMITH.
IT TOOK MONTHS TO GET THEM TO STOP BOTHERING ME.
PLEASE ALSO CONSIDER REGARDING REAL ESTATE TAXES THAT HAVING INAUDIBLE] MAY INCREASE FEES.
THINGS CAN GET COZY BETWEEN THE COLLECTION FIRMS AND THE REAL ESTATE INVESTORS TOO.
IT CAN BE A GREAT BUSINESS MODEL.
PROPERTY VALUES DECLINE WITH OVER SUPPLY AND INVESTORS GET SWEET DEALS AND VALUES COME BACK WITH TIME WITH THE PROVIDES -- THE PRICE OF OIL AND YOU KNOW WHO WINS AND LOSES.
WE KNOW THE LOSS OF HOUSING AND SMALL BUSINESS PROPERTIES LEAD BACK TO MORE TRAGEDY FOR THOSE WHO LOST THEIR PROPERTY, BUT ALSO THE LARGER COMMUNITY.
YOU ARE FACED WITH MAKING IMPOSSIBLE CHOICES RIGHT NOW WITHOUT ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY.
PLEASE CONSIDER WHETHER TO ADDRESS COLLECTIONS.
HUE LUCRATIVE OF A MODEL SHOULD THIS BE FOR THE COLLECTION FIRM? ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE USUAL COLLATERAL.
THE WORK IS NOT HIGHLY TECH ANYTHING CAL TO UNDERSTAND.
COULD IT BE DONE IN HOUSE? HAS THERE BEEN A CLOSE LOOK AT THE COST VERSUS BENEFITS TO SEE WHAT IS ULTIMATELY BEST FOR THE COMMUNITY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, LUCINDA.
BEFORE I START, I WANTED TO KNOW IF I COULD ALSO SPEAK TO THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR ISSUE AS WELL?
>> I SIMPLY WANTED TO SAY I READ IN THE CHRONICLES THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS LOOKING INTO PURSUING ELECTRIC ADMINISTRATOR -- ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR.
I THINK IT IS A NO-BRAINER AND A GREAT IDEA, BUT IF THIS WAS 1988 AND WE HAD TWO POLITICAL PARTIES THAT BELIEVE IN VOTER PARTICIPATION.
BUT IT WAS LEAD BY PRESIDENT GEORGE HW BUSH IS NO LONGER IN OUR REPUBLICAN PARTY.
AND THE WAY HE THINKS IS LIKE ANY OTHER REPUBLICAN IS IF HE DOESN'T WIN THE ELECTION IT MUST BE I WILL LEGITIMATE AND ESPECIALLY FOR DEMOCRATIC VOTERS.
IF IT IS BLACK OR BROWN VOTERS IT IS DEFINITELY I WILL LEGITIMATE.
I WILL ILLINOIS -- [INAUDIBLE].
WHY DO I BRING THIS ALL UP? EVEN THOUGH THE VOTE WASN'T INCLUDED MICHAEL FLYNN LYING TO THE FBI IS NOW IN PRISON.
WE HAVE NOW READ THE REPUBLICANS ARE HEADING UP 20 MILLION VOTING BY MAIL AND 50,000 FORMER MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT UTILIZED BY BLACK AND BROWN VOTERS TO SPUR VOTER PARTICIPATION.
A MAJORITY MINORITY STATE LIKE TEXAS WILL BE THE AX -- AXIS OF THIS.
I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT IF AND WHEN REPUBLICANS -- [INAUDIBLE] MAKING THESE ELECTIONS HARDER TO PARTICIPATE.
DON'T BELIEVE ME? LOOK AT WHAT TRUMP HAS DONE WITH THE POSTMASTER GENERAL IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OR THE COURT THAT HAS SEVERAL JUDGES WHO HAVE NEVER HELD OR TRIED A CASE IN THEIR LIFE.
THE INSTITUTIONS WILL NOT SAVE US.
ONLY THE VOTERS CAN SO LONG AS THEY HAVE ACCESS.
I HIGHLY ENCOURAGE EASES -- ESPECIALLY JUDGE HIDALGO -- [INAUDIBLE] I AM ASKING YOU TO LOOK AT ONE QUESTION.
[08:45:07]
WHAT WOULD MITCH MCCONNELL DO? WHAT WOULD GREG ABBOTT AND PATRICK DO TO KEEP IT OPEN.I ASK YOU TO DO THE SAME FOR OUR SIDE, FOR DO MOCK -- DEMOCRACY.
THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO AND WHILE WE HAVE THE THREE VOTES ON THE COURT I ASK THAT YOU DON'T DELAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM NUMBER 6.
ACCORDING TO THE PROPERTY TAX VOTE CURRENTLY -- [INAUDIBLE] AND EACH ADDITIONAL MONTH FEBRUARY TO JULY.
AND IN JULY THERE IS A 12% PENALTY CHARGE.
AFTER THE JULY MONTH WHILE THE PENALTY CHARGES DROP THERE IS 1% AND THEN FURTHERMORE IN JULY ATTORNEY FEES CAN RANGE FROM 15 TO 20%.
ESPECIALLY FOR A PROPERTY OWNER AND IN ADDITION TO 27% THERE IS INTEREST AND PENALTIES THEY ARE PAYING AND THEY ADDED 15 TO 20% ATTORNEYS FEES THIS IS ABOUT 47% ADDITIONAL COSTS.
[INAUDIBLE] ALMOST 15% IN ADDITIONAL FEES AND COLLECTION COSTS ON TOP OF THE TAXES.
IT IS ONLY TO HELP PROPERTY OWNERS TO FAIL.
[INAUDIBLE] RATHER THAN CREATING THE SITUATION WHERE THE PROPERTY OWNERS ARE PAYING FEES AND INTEREST AND THEY DON'T HAVE INCENTIVE TO TRY TO PAY.
IT IS RATHER THAN HAVING INCENTIVE TO MAKE UP THE [INAUDIBLE] IN THE LAST MEETING THERE WAS A SUGGESTION THAT THE ATTORNEYS FEES THAT BE LIMITED TO 15%.
IN THE STATUTE OUT THERE WAS A SUGGESTION MADE -- [INAUDIBLE] AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE THERE IS A SUGGESTION -- [INAUDIBLE].
IT SHOULD BE THE BEST PRACTICE OF THE ISSUE.
IT SHOULD NOT BE TO THE POINT THAT THEY ARE DRIVEN OUT FOR TRYING TO GET TO THE AMOUNT WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY FEES.
ALLISON MORRIS -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, A QUICK QUESTION FOR MR. SOARD.
MR. SOARD, HE SAID THE FIRST YEAR OF COLLECTION FEE CAN GET UP TO 47%.
>> I ACTUALLY THOUGHT IT WAS 42.
I JUST DON'T HAVE THE NUMBERS IN FRONT OF ME.
IF YOU ADD IN THE PENALTIES AND THE INTEREST AND THE ATTORNEYS FEES, IT CAN GET TO THAT 42% FIGURE BECAUSE OF THE COMPOUNDING OF INTEREST.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: AND HE SAID THERE IS NO MINUTE -- MINIMUM.
I THOUGHT THE STATUTE OUT SAID IT HAD TO BE 15 OR 20.
>> I THOUGHT -- YOU KNOW -- I JUST DON'T KNOW.
I THINK AMY IS ON THE LINE AND SHE CAN MAYBE ANSWER THAT QUESTION.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY CAN TELL US, BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD LAYOUT THE ISSUE.
WHEN HE SAID THAT IT STRUCK ME.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: MS. AMY, IS THAT RIGHT? IS THERE A MINIMUM?
>> HI, COMMISSIONER, CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> IT PROVIDES THAT THE ATTORNEYS FEES ARE THE AMOUNT IN THE CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED 20%.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I THOUGHT IT WAS A MINIMUM IT HAD TO BE CHARGED.
[08:50:02]
>> LINA HIDALGO: DID WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER, LUCINDA.
MY NAME IS ALLISON MORRIS AND I AM CALLING IN REGARDS TO LINE ITEM 6 OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE THAT SPEAKS TO POSSIBLE ACTION RELATED TO PROGRESS AND FINDINGS OF THE DELINQUENT TAX.
DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK MORE THAN 34 MILLION AMERICANS HAVE LOST THEIR JOBS, AND FOR HOMEOWNERS HAVING TROUBLE MAKING PAYMENTS RIGHT NOW DUE TO LAYOFFS AND/OR THEY -- THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON THEIR BUSINESSES, I BELIEVE HARRIS COUNTY SHOULD APPLY A FOR -- A FORGIVENESS OF PENALTY POLICY AT THIS POINT WITH SHOWING THAT JOBS HAVE BEEN LOST OR BUSINESSES IMPACTED GIVING THE IMPACT ON TEXANS LIVES.
LET'S NOT SUBJECT THOSE FACING PENALTIES WHEN ALL OF US ARE STRAG -- STRUGGLING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
ROW ME IO BEAR -- ROMEO BERANI.
>> I AM CALLING ABOUT THE PENALTY FOR LATE FEE FOR PROPERTY TAXES.
IT IS MOVING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.
I MYSELF AM FORTUNATE TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES ON TIME.
MY COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS ARE SUFFERING DURING THE PANDEMIC WHERE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THAT.
I MANAGE A PORTFOLIO AND A LOT OF THEM FELL THROUGH WHICH PUTS THE BURDEN ON MYSELF TO PAY FOR THE PROPERTY TAXES AND THE MORTGAGES.
THIS IS A TIME WHEN THE BANKS ARE EVEN WILLING TO NOT ONLY DEFER, BUT WAIVE SIX MONTHS OF FEES YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.
I WORK ON THE RESIDENTIAL SIDE OF REAL ESTATE AND ON THE HOTEL SIDE REVENUE WAS DOWN 80%.
THERE IS NO CLEAR TIME IT WILL PICK BACK UP.
IT SHOULD NEVER BE THE RIGHT TIME TO INCREASE PROPERTY TAX TO 20%.
WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT PROPERTY TAX IT IS NOT SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MAKING A PROFIT OFF OF SOMETHING LIKE THIS.
IF SOMEBODY IS IN A TOUGH TIME AND THEY ARE NOT PAYING THEIR PROPERTY TAXES ON TIME, WELL, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THOUGHT PROCESS IS TO HEY, CHARGE THEM MORE.
THEY ARE STRUGGLING HARD ENOUGH TO MAKE A PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT ON TIME.
IF WE WILL CHARGE THEM THE INTEREST ON A CREDIT CARD, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE HOW SOMEBODY CAN PAY A HUGE PENALTY DOWN THE ROAD.
AND THIS IS A TIME IN THE GOVERNMENT WHERE PEOPLE ARE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND THIS IS NOT THE RIGHT TIME IF THERE IS EVER A RIGHT TIME TO INCREASE A PROPERTY TAX PENALTY.
TODAY I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THE PROPERTY TAX, THE 20% INCREASE.
POTENTIALLY THE INCREASE IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR A LOT OF HOMEOWNERS.
I WORK IN THE CHILD CARE INDUSTRY WHERE WE HAVE SHUTDOWN OUR FACILITY TO THE ZOOM MODEL.
OUR PARENTS AND STUDENTS HAVE DROPPED OUT TO 20% WHAT WE WERE BEFORE.
IN THIS SITUATION WE ARE NOT ABLE TO EVEN MAKE OUR PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS LET ALONE PAY OUR EMPLOYEES.
IN HARRIS COUNTY THEY DECREASED THE CAP RATE OF APARTMENT COMPLEXES WHICH RAISED THE PROPERTY VALUE OVER 20% THIS YEAR.
DUE TO THIS RIPT -- RENTERS CANNOT MAKE THE PAYMENT AND PRETTY MUCH THE APARTMENT COMPLEXES ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THE PAYMENTS TO THE MORTGAGE COMPANIES AND THE UTILITY COMPANY AND TO THE PROPERTY TAXES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO CAUSE A RIPPLE EFFECT.
HAVING A 20% INCREASE FOR THOSE PAYMENTS WILL, I BELIEVE CRIPPLE OUR ECONOMY
[08:55:04]
IN THE LONG RUN.AS A CITIZEN OF HARRIS COUNTY I ASK YOU ALL TO PLEASE RECONSIDER THIS AND WORK TOWARD FINDING A SOLUTION AND MAKING A BETTER TOMORROW.
THANK YOU HAVE HAVE A GREAT DAY.
I AM A HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENT AND I AM GOING TO THE SAME CONVERSATION AND ADVISE THE INCREASE.
I COME FROM A BACKGROUND WHERE IT WORKS -- IT INVOLVES WORKING 25 YEARS WITH RAISING SOFTWARES.
AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO DIRECT THE SOLUTION TOWARD BUILDING SOME SORT OF PLATFORM THAT CAN ACTUALLY HELP THE CITY COLLECT A TAX MUCH MORE ECONOMICALLY MANNER.
FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND RIGHT NOW THE TAX -- THE PENALTY IS ANYWHERE FROM 15 TO 20% AND GIVEN THAT THESE PENALTIES OF 44%.
THE SOLUTION IS TO LOOK FOR THE COUNTY AND THEY ARE PUTTING TOGETHER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND TAX COLLECTION SOFTWARE THAT IS MUCH, MUCH MORE ECONOMIC AND THE INTEGRATION FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND HAVE INTEGRATION AND HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE AN EVALUATION OF THE RECORD MANAGEMENT.
IT IS PERHAPS BY THE CITY AND THAT SOFTWARE OR PLATFORM CAN REDUCE THE COST SO THE CITIES WOULD ARE GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME RIGHT NOW, THEIR COST IS MINIMIZED.
WHAT WE WANT TO LOOK AT, IF THE CITY APPROVES IS WE WANT TO COME IN AND HELP ASSESS THE WAY IT MOVES ACROSS AND PERHAPS THE CITY WILL USE THE COST.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ALLOW ME TO VOICE MY OPINION.
I WOULD ACTUALLY LIKE TO COMMENT AFTER THE LAST CALLER.
WHEN LOOKING AT THE SITUATION -- WE ARE LOOKING AT THE SITUATION WRONG.
INSTEAD OF PENALIZING PEOPLE, WE SHOULD RATHER BE LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS AND MAKING IT MORE EFFICIENT ALLOWING TAXPAYERS TO EASILY PAY THEIR TAXES AND BE NOTIFIED WHEN PAYMENTS ARE DO AND PROVIDE PAYMENT PLANS THROUGH NEWER TECHNOLOGY.
MY GABBING GROUND AND PRIVATE EQUITY FIRMS. WE ARE ROUTING THAT ALL INTO ONE PLATFORM.
ONE THING I NOTICED BASED ON MY BACKGROUND AFTER LOOKING AT THE PROCESSING IT IS 2.5%.
I KNOW GOVERNMENT ENTITIES [INAUDIBLE] IT IS APPROXIMATELY HALF A PERCENT.
I THINK THE QUESTION IS NOT HOW THE CHARNL THAT -- CHARGE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE HURTING MORE, BUT CREATE A BETTER SYSTEM ALLOWING PEOPLE TO PAY EASIER AND COLLECT FASTER.
THERE IN TURN BENEFITING THE CITY AND THE PEOPLE AS A WHOLE.
THIS IS KYRA KAN AND I AM SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF MY COMPANY RICKS MAX -- MY COMPANY, MAX BUILDERS AND DESIGNERS.
[09:00:02]
WE ARE BASED HERE IN HOUSTON.WHEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT LINE ITEM NUMBER 6 IT RAISED A LOT OF CONCERN CONSIDERING WE ARE ALL BEING HURT BY THE ECONOMY AND WHATEVER IS GOING ON.
IF ANYTHING WE NEED TO BE TOGETHER AND WORKING WITH THE PEOPLE RATHER THAN AGAINST THE PEOPLE.
EVERYONE IS HURTING RIGHT NOW AND RAISING THOSE PENALTIES WILL REALLY HARM THE SUBCONTRACTORS WHO ARE JUST MAKING THEIR MEANS SO THEY CAN BARELY PAY THEIR PAYROLL.
THEY HAVE TO DOWNSIZE THEIR EMPLOYEES AND NOW FINDING OUT ABOUT DELINQUENCIES AND ALL OF THAT IT IS GOING TO HURT THEM.
THESE ARE ALL TAX PAY -- TAXPAYERS.
WE ARE ABLE TO WORK SOMETHING OUT AND MAYBE EVEN MAKE PAYMENT FUNDS SO WE CAN HELP FELLOW HOUSTONIANS.
JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM.
COMMISSIONER ELLIS, DID YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION FOR THIS?
I THINK ON SEPTEMBER 24TH I MADE A MOTION TO FORM A WORKING GROUP OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND ALL OF OUR OFFICES TO LOOK AT THREE THINGS.
ONE IS THE FEASIBILITY OF THE COUNTY'S FORECLOSURE EVALUATION TO $150,000 SO YOU WOULDN'T FORECLOSE ON THE HOUSES.
IT IS VALUED AT 150 AND BELOW.
SECONDLY REPORT ON AND INCLUDING SOME MINORITY AND WOMEN-OWNED FIRMS AND NEWT -- AND FUTURE CONTRACTS AND THIRDLY WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE WHICH CITY -- WHICH I WILL MAKE A MOTION ON, REMOVING DEBT COLLECTION SERVICES FOR THIS TYPE OF WORK INTO THE COUNTY.
THIS WORKING GROUP MET SEVERAL TIMES AND MY STAFF CONTACTED THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE ANOTHER FIVE TIMES TRYING TO GET SOME MOVEMENT AND WE COULDN'T GET ANYTHING GOING.
OBVIOUSLY WITH COVID AND A LOT OF OTHER THINGS GOING ON.
I THINK IT WAS COMMISSIONER RADACK WHO MADE A MOTION A YEAR OR SO AGO TO MOVE THE TOLL ROAD COLLECTIONS IN HOUSE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE SAID THE SKY WOULD FALL IN.
I THINK MR. SOARD CAN COMMENT ON HOW WELL THAT HAS GONE.
I THINK IT IS TIME TO MAKE A DECISION ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
MY MOTION IS THAT I PROPOSE THAT THE DELINQUENT TAX WORKING GROUP BE DISBANDED AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE PRESENT A REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS OUT LYING -- OUTLINING THE PRO'S AND THE CON'S AND THE COSTS AND THE VIABLE OPTION FOR COLLECTING PROPERTY TAXES IN HOUSE.
I THINK THE PEOPLE WHO TESTIFIED HAVE MADE THE CASE FOR ME THAT THE IDEA OF SOMEONE PAYING 42 TO 47% IN A YEAR IN PENALTIES BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY THEIR PROPERTY TAXES, PARTICULARLY DURING THIS ERA OF COVID WHEN A LOT OF PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN IN THE LINES OF FOOD BANKS THAT THEY NEVER WOULD HAVE DREAMED THEY WOULD END UP IN THEIR CAR WAITING FOR SOMEBODY TO LOAD FREE FOOD.
A LOT OF PEOPLE NEVER THOUGHT THEY WOULD RUN THE RISK OF LOSING THEIR PROPERTY.
I LEARNED A VALUABLE THING TODAY.
I HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS NO MINIMUM.
I THOUGHT YOU HAD TO CHARGE 20% UNTIL ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND I FOUND OUT YOU CAN BE 15% PENALTY.
I THINK I MAKE A MOTION TO PUT THIS ITEM AT 15% AT OUR LAST COURT MEETING, MR. SOARD.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK MR. SOARD, IS THIS A REASONABLE TIMELINE FOR YOU TO COME BACK AND A REPORT? IS THIS SOMETHING YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH?
IT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF FINISHING THE REPORT.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I MAKE THE MOTION.
I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO WE HAVE A MOTION.
DO WE HAVE A SECOND? DO WE NEED TO REPEAT IT?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I PROPOSE THE DELINQUENT TAX WORKING GROUP BE DISBANDED AND THE
[09:05:01]
COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE REPORT TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS OUTLINING THE PRO'S THE CONS AND THE COSTS AND OPTIONS OF COLLECTING PROPERTY TAXES IN HOUSE.>> DID YOU SAY SOMETHING EARLIER ABOUT 150,000 OR SOMETHING?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WELL WHEN I ESTABLISHED THE WORKING GROUP THEY WERE LOOKING AT THREE THINGS.
I AM LEAVING THE FIRST TWO ALONE.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT THEY -- THAT THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE COME BACK WITH A RECOMMENDATION IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS OUTLINING THE PRO'S AND CONS AND COSTS AND VIABLE OPTIONS OF COLLECTING PROPERTY TAXES IN HOUSE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND? COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE INTENDING TO SECOND THAT, BUT ARE YOU MUTED.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE YOU GO.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSE SNED MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
THAT IS ALL OF THE COVID SUPPLEMENTAL.
I JUST WANT TO GET A LITTLE CLARIFICATION.
FOR SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM NUMBER ONE DID Y'ALL INTEND TO TAKE A MOTION ON 1A AND 1B?
RODRIGUEZ I MOVE THEM -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE THEM.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND?
>> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR?
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY.
AND THEN ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA ALL THAT WAS LEFT ARE THE COVID ITEMS WHICH WE ALREADY WENT OVER.
SO THAT -- DO WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE AGENDA EXCEPT FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A SECOND.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: SIMS -- I'M SORRY, JUDGE, REPEAT THAT?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I ASKED FOR A MOTION ON THE AGENDA EXCEPT FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> LINA HIDALGO: MOTIONED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> I AM AN I FOR EVERYTHING EXCEPT PAGE 15 AND ITEM 15D.
THAT DEALS WITH THE BLACK SHEEP PROGRAM AND I AM A NO ON BLACK SHEEP.
>> THAT'S PAGE 15, COUNTY CLERK, 15D.
AND THAT IS WHERE WE ARE APPROVING THE USAGE OF BLACK SHEEP.
THAT'S THE COMPANY THAT SAYS THEY WILL PROTEST TO WATCH THE WORLD BURN.
IT IS MORE ABOUT WATCHING IT BURN TOGETHER.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS THE AGENDA.
THE AGENDA PASSES EXCEPT FOR THE CONCESSION.
AND THEN ON EXECUTIVE SESSION, THE FIRST ITEM IS A DISCUSSION ON THE COUNTY
[Item IV (Part 1 of 2)]
CLERK ENTERING THE VACANCY AND POSSIBILITY OF AN INTERIM CLERK.I WOULD LIKE TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT TO DISCUSS -- YES?
>> EXCUSE ME FOR INTERRUPTING.
WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS ON THAT ITEM.
SHALL WE HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS?
>> CAROLYN WILLIAMS. I AM CAROLYN WILLIAMS AND HERE TO OFFER SUPPORT TO THE HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.
I AM KEENLY AWARE OF THE CRITICAL NEED TO ENSURE SEEKING THIS OFFICE.
OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH HER PROFESSIONALLY AND THROUGH COMMUNITY ADVOCACY.
SHE IS ALWAYS DISPLAYING THE NECESSARY LEADERSHIP SKILLS THAT HAVE CATAPULTED HER UP TO THE CURRENT POSITION OF CHIEF DEPUTY.
IN THIS POSITION SHE CURRENTLY OVERSEES THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE MORE THAN 300 EMPLOYEES THAT EXECUTES THE STATUTORY DUTIES OF THE COUNTY CLERK
[09:10:02]
THROUGH ALL SECTIONS AND ASPECTS OF THE OFFICE.I AM LOOKING AT INTER PERSONAL SKILLS AND THE OPPORTUNITIES SHE HAS SEEN TO PREPARE HERSELF FOR FUTURE ROLES SUCH AS THIS.
AS THE OFFICIAL RECORD KEEPER THE RECORDER AND THE KEEPING OF VITAL DOCUMENTS AND ELECTIONS I FEEL IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THIS COURT TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF HARRIS COUNTY WHICH WE ALL KNOW IS AMERICA'S THIRD LARGEST COUNTY.
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING ALL FUNCTIONS AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE IN ALL TIMES OF OUR LIVE.
SHE IS HIGHLY QUALIFIED AND COMMITTED TO THE PERSON TO CONTINUE THE OPERATIONS OF
THIS EVER CRITICAL -- AND THEY ARE LOOKING AT THE -- >> MEMBERS OF THE COURT I WOULD LIKE TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE BEEN HERE NOW FOR 15 YEARS.
IT IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION AND A DISADVANTAGED POPULATION AND A MISSION TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL AND TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY AND THESE SMALL BUSINESSES WILL START UP AND WHILE SCALING AND HELPING CHILDREN FIND THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES TO ENSURE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE GRADUATION.
ONE OF OUR MOST EM PASSIONED MISSIONS IS THE VOLUNTEER AUXILIARY -- THE PROGRAM HAS GONE ON TO SERVE IMPORTANT POSITIONS IN CORPORATE AND NONPROFIT AND GOVERNMENT POSITIONS THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY AND BEYOND.
WE HAVE CURRENT COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS AND THE LEADERS OF A HOST OF OCCUPATIONS THAT ARE NOT ONLY STRENGTHENING OUR COUNTY, BUT THE NATION.
ONE PARTICIPANT IN PARTICULAR HAS STRESSED -- EXPRESSED AN INTEREST AND IS SERVING AS A MEMBER AND ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATIONS AND IS SERVING MOBILIZING AND INSPIRING HUNDREDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET REGISTERED AND TO VOTE AND TO BE READY TO PARTICIPATE IN A LIFESTYLE OF SKIFF -- SHIV -- CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
SHE IS A DEDICATED PERSON WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
SHE WAS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS TO THE POSITION OF THE EXECUTIVE.
AND NOW WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE THAT WILL ENSURE THE SMOOTH TRANSITION OF THE OFFICE DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR ATTENTION AND YOUR TENACITY TO HAVE ONE OF THE LONGEST MEETINGS THAT I HAVE SEEN IN A LONGTIME.
THANK YOU JUDGE HIDALGO AND ESTEEMED MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WORK AND THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN.
I AM A SENIOR DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE LECTURER.
IN MY TWO DECADES AT UH I WORKED WITH FLEERLY 2 -- NEARLY 2,000 STUDENTS AT UH, UHD AND TANESHA IS AMONG THE 2,000.
COVID-19 HAS INVOKED HAVOC IN A NUMBER OF WAYS INCLUDING ELECTORAL
[09:15:12]
PROCESSES.AS OUR GOVERNMENTAL OFFICES REOPEN AND CONTINUE TO ADAPT AND AS WE PREPARE TO VOTE IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS AND AGAIN IN NOVEMBER, DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP AND HANDS ON EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER.
FOR THAT REASON I SUPPORT THE APPOINTMENT TANESH 5* AS INTERIM HARRIS COUNTY CLERK.
AS A 15-YEAR VETERAN OF THE CLERK'S OFFICE AND NOW SERVING AS A SECOND IN COMMAND, SHE WILL NOT HAVE TO LEARN THE INTRICACIES OF THE POSITION DURING A TIME OF MULTIPLE QUESTIONS SURROUNDING OUR ELECTIONS AND THE GOVERNMENTAL DISRUPTIONS DUE TO COVID-19.
SHE HAS THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OF MANAGING THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS OF THE CLERK'S OFFICE AND HAVING THE ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYEES AND THE MANAGERS IN ALL AREAS.
EVEN WITHOUT THE PANDEMIC, THE 2020 ELECTION WAS EXPECTED TO BE CHALLENGING DUE TO THE PREDICTION OF HIGHER VOTER TURNOUT AND THE SEEMINGLY EVER WIDENING POLITICAL POLARIZATION.
STABILITY, ENERGY, DEDICATION, PROVEN MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND SOLID RELATIONSHIPS BOTH INTERNATIONALLY AND EXTERNALLY ARE NEEDED TO LEAD THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
AS SOMEONE WHO HAS KNOWN HER FOR ALMOST 18 YEARS I KNOW SHE HAS THESE ABILITIES AND MUCH MORE TO OFFER HARRIS COUNTY AND ITS RESIDENTS AS THE INTERIM HARRIS COUNTY CLERK.
>> HICKS WITH LEADERSHIP HOUSTON.
>> HELLO DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE COURT.
MY NAME IS RITA HICKS AND I AM -- I SERVE AS THE IMMEDIATE [INAUDIBLE] OF THE BOARD OF HOUSTON.
I HAVE BEEN ON THAT BOARD FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS RUNNING A NEW GROUP OF CROSS POLLENATED LEADERS FROM ACROSS SECTORS OF GREATER HOUSTON AND TEACHING THEM TO WORK TOGETHER AND TO BUILD THE KIND OF RELATIONSHIP THAT OFFERS RESILIENCY AT THE BASELINE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
I HAVE ALSO SPENT THE LAST FIVE YEARS WORKING ON THE INITIATIVE FOR THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF HOUSTON AND I AM FAMILIAR WITH TANESHA IN BOTH THOSE CAPACITIES.
SHE WENT THROUGH OUR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FIVE YEARS AGO AS PART OF THE 2019 COHORT, AND I WAS VERY PLEASED TO WORK WITH HER IN THAT CAPACITY.
EACH OF THOSE ARE THE CREAM OF THE CROP.
IT IS THE ABILITY TO WORK ACROSS ALL KINDS OF SEGMENT -- SEGMENTATION AND EVEN HER ABILITY TO RALLY CLASSMATES AND WORK TOWARD THE COMMON GOAL OF A LARGE SCALE PROJECT FOR THE COMMUNITY AND I KNOW FROM HAVING WORKED WITH HER THE PAST FIVE YEARS THAT SHE CONTINUES TO BE AN EXTREMELY RESPECTED MEMBER OF THAT CLASS.
BUT I HAVE BEEN TRULY IMPRESSED BY HER CAPACITY AND THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE IN THE FIVE YEARS I HAVE GOTTEN TO WORK WITH HER ON VOTER INITIATIVES.
WE WORKED WITH HER ACROSS THE SCOPES AND WHAT I HAD OBSERVED IS TRUST FROM COLLEAGUES AND SHE IS A GUIDING HAND IN THAT OFFICE.
I KNOW SHE HAS SERVED IN THE DISTINGUISHED CAPACITY OVER THE LAST DECADE AND A HALF ACROSS LEADERSHIP CHANGES AND IN A YEAR WHERE WE HAVE VERY, VERY IMPENDING ELECTIONS FOLLOWED BY A LARGE-SCALE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER, A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY AROUND THIS PANDEMIC CONTINUITY IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN MAKING SURE THE COUNTY IS ABLE TO PERFORM NOT ONLY THE ELECTION SERVICES NEEDED IN THESE TWO ELECTIONS, BUT ALL OF THE OTHERS THAT NEED TO CONTINUE OVER THE COURSE OF THE SAME MONTH THE ELECTIONS ARE TAKING PLACE.
I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT SHE WOULD BE A TREMENDOUS ASSET TO THE OFFICE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR ATTENTION.
[09:20:05]
>> ETON, A SELF-EMPLOYED ENERGY CONSULTANT.
JUDGE HUH DOLL GOES AND -- JUDGE HUH DOLL GO AND -- JUDGE HUH DOLL GO, THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK.
I HAVE SERVED IN THAT CAPACITY SINCE 2003 AND BEFORE THAT IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY AND LEAD THE AFFAIRS EARTH.
I AM SPEAKING ON THE APPOINTMENT OF HARRIS COUNTY CLERK.
I WAS ONE OF THE CITIZENS CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SHIV -- CIVIC DUTY.
AS PART OF HER RESPONSIBILITIES SHE PRESENTED HER POSITION WITH PERSPECTIVE WITH EXTREME CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE TO THE POINT THAT I WROTE HER NAME AND OFFICE PHONE NUMBER DOWN AS AN EXCELLENT CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS.
I DID HAVE A QUESTION AND CONCERN SEVERAL YEARS LATER.
SHE ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS AND SHE EXPLAINED THE REST AND INSTRUCTED IN THE MANNER IT WHICH IT WAS.
SHE ANSWERED MY QUESTION AND EXPLAINED THE RATIONAL IN A MANNER THAT WAS EASILY UNDERSTOOD AND MADE PERFECT SENSE.
AS THE PRESIDENT IN NORTHWEST COUNTY I INVITED HER TO SPEAK TO OUR MEMBERS IN 2016.
SHE EXPLAINED THE ELECTION PROCESS AND THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO VOTERS IN A MANNER IN WHICH THEY FULLY UNDERSTOOD AND MAY HAVE WANTED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT IT.
SHE CONTINUES TO ASK QUESTIONS TO THE POINT I HAD TO CUT THEM OFF.
I WAS INVITED TO SERVE ON THE HARRIS COUNTY CLERKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH TANESHA PRESIDED OVER.
THEY REPRESENTED VARIOUS SEGMENTS IN HARRIS COUNTY.
THEY REPORTED ON TRENDS AND FUTURE ELECTION DATES AND LOCATIONS AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION.
OUR CHARGE WAS TO TAKE IT BACK TO OUR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITY AND INFORM AND UPDATE THEM ON WHAT TAU KNEE SHAW AND HER -- TANISHA AND HER TEAM SHARED WITH US.
THE MEETINGS WHETHER -- WERE ORGANIZED AND WELL PLANNED AND THOUGHT OUT AND DETAILED AND ENLIGHTENING.
I WAS TRULY IMPRESSED WITH HER THOROUGH PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION DURING THESE MEETINGS.
OVER THE PAST 17 MONTHS POSITIVE CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE HARRIS COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE MAKING VOTING MORE ACCESSIBLE AND EASY FOR ALL RESIDENTS.
IT IS AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT AND ALL VOTERS HAVE SEEN THAT.
AS ELECTION JUDGE I AM IMPACTED BY THE DECISIONS MADE IN THE OFFICE.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
I'M AFRAID WE HAVE TO STOP EVERYBODY AT 3 MINUTES.
>> TANESHA IS THE PERSON FOR THE JOB.
>> HI, THIS -- [INAUDIBLE] I APPRECIATE YOU FOR HAVING ME ON.
I AM A MEMBER OF TEXAS ORGANIZING PROJECT AND I NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE STAYING IN SOLIDARITY WITH US AS THIS NEW INTERIM COURT IS APPOINTED SO THAT YOU CAN CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR US AND FIGHT FOR THE VOTERS OF HARRIS COUNTY.
THEY BELIEVE THEY WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE VOTE BY MAIL.
I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO THESE VOTER THAT'S THEY GO AHEAD AND HAVE THAT DONE.
MY SECOND POINT I WANTED TO MAKE IS THAT, YOU KNOW, RIGHT NOW WE SHOULD BE AFFORDED THE WAYS -- I UNDERSTAND THE DRIVE BY MAIL VOTE MAY BE AVAILABLE TO THEM AS WELL.
THEY CAN ACTUALLY HAVE SOMEONE TO COME OUT TO THEIR CAR WHILE THEY CAST THAT BALLOT AND GOING OUT ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE INDIVIDUAL HOLDING THIS POSITION WILL BE ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST -- [INAUDIBLE] AND MAKING SURE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTY CAN GET WHAT THEY WANT.
RIGHT NOW COVID-19 IS SCARING THEM.
THEY HAVE DISABILITIES AND THEY WANT TO BE ABLE TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN VOTE IN THIS -- IN THESE UPCOMING ELECTIONS.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS WE HAVE.
[09:25:01]
THE OTHERS WE COULDN'T GET UH HOLD OF THEM.SO ON THIS ONE WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
ONE OF THE THINGS I HAVE CERTAINLY DISCUSSED AND JUST TO SHARE WITH MY COLLEAGUES AS WELL IS WE NEED TO FIND SOMEBODY WHO IS GOING TO BE SINGULARLY FOCUSED ON THE ELECTIONS AND SO FOR MY PART EVEN WHEN FOLKS HAVE ASKED WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU IN TERMS OF THE INTERIM DIRECTOR, IT IS SOMEBODY WHO WILL RUN A FAIR ELECTION, A SAFE ELECTION AND WHO CAN ADDRESS THE LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES WE HAD IN THE PAST AND THIS NOVEMBER ELECTION -- EVEN JULY GIVEN COVID, AND FOR THAT REASON SOMEBODY SPECIFICALLY WHO IS NOT GOING TO BE SEEKING THE POSITION AFTER THE INTERIM PERIOD.
I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PERSON IS NOT THINKING OF RUNNING A CAMPAIGN.
I DON'T WANT TO GET INTO SPECIFIC PEOPLE.
I HAVEN'T SPOKEN WITH ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES OR -- ABOUT NAMES.
SO I THINK WE NEED TO DO THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
THAT'S KIND OF WHERE I AM AT GENERALLY.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I JUST WANT TO ADD THAT YOUR POINTS ARE IMPORTANT AND I CONCUR WITH THEM.
I WAS GOING TO ADD AND YOU BROUGHT IT IN AT THE END, IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET SOMEBODY NOT FOCUSED ON RUNNING A CAMPAIGN.
THEY CAN'T BE DOING THAT AT THE SAME TIME.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: WE NEED A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION?
>> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE CAN JUST GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL OR WHAT?
>> YES, MA'AM, TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL.
>> LINA HIDALGO: SO THERE IS EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT AND THE OTHER ONE IS A PRECINCT 4.
DO YOU NEED TO GO ON -- GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION?
JACK CAGLE: I DO NOT, YOUR HONOR.
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S VOTE ON THAT ONE IF THAT'S ALL RIGHT, COMMISSIONER CAGLE? JAKE.
>> MOVE LINE LEAN ALL IN -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? THE MOTION PASSES.
AND ITEM 3, COUNTY ATTORNEY DO WE NEED TO GO TO EXCUSE TIFF SESSION?
>> IF THE MEMBERS ARE NEEDED TO VOTE WE DON'T NEED TO.
WE CAN GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO TALK TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LAW FIRM AND Y LAW FIRM THAT HAS -- AND ANOTHER LAW FIRM.
THIS IS A CONTINGENCY CONTRACT THAT MEANS NO RECOVERY AND NO END.
I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT EITHER HERE OR EXECUTIVE SESSION THERE HAS BEEN INSURANCE MONEY PAID ON THIS.
SO WE WILL HAVE TO PAY THAT MONEY BACK IF THERE IS A RECOVERY, BUT AT LEAST THE ATTORNEYS ARE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT WHILE THEY WORK ON THE CASE KNOWING THAT THEY WILL ONLY GET A FEE OFF THE RECOVERY FOR HARRIS COUNTY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA.
>> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.
FOLKS THERE IS ONE MORE THING I NEED TO TAKE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AND THAT WOULD BE UNDER MY ITEM ON COVID AND THAT WILL BE A DISCUSSION ABOUT AN AGREEMENT ON LITTLE BAKER AND ATASCASEDO.
WE CAN TRY AND GET SOME SPACE FOR INMATES TO BE PROPERLY SPACED OUT.
WE NEED TO DISCUSS THAT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION BECAUSE IT IS AN AGREEMENT.
WE CAN HAVE JOHN AND JIM BEKEY IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
>> AND I ASSUME YOU NEED THE COUNTY ATTORNEY THERE AT THIS CONSULTATION?
VERY MUCH CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY.
>> JUDGE DO YOU WANT TO DO THAT FIRST OR DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE REPLACEMENT FIRST?
>> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S DO THE ATASCASEDA FIRST AND THEN THE COUNTY CLERK.
[Item V]
>> JUDGE? WE DO HAVE FIVE SPEAKERS THAT ARE NOT AGENDA RELATED.
HEY BABE, WHAT IS YOUR NIGHTLIFE LIKE?
[09:30:01]
AND THEN WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS THIS, -- >> GO AHEAD, PLEASE.
>> AND WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS THIS A PUPPY FOR REPUBLICANS.
YOU KNOW WHY I SAY THAT? I SAY THAT BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO BE A COFFEE BREAK SEMINAR IN CRENSHAW TOMORROW -- NOT TOMORROW, BUT THURSDAY MORNING.
AND SO I AM GOING TO GO AND SEE THAT AND THEN I AM GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.
IT IS THE TEP WHICH IS THE [INAUDIBLE] AND YOU KNOW AS AN AMPUTEE THAT HAS PEOPLE WITH ISSUES.
I ALONG WITH OTHER PEOPLE WORK AT 9021 [INAUDIBLE] AND WHEN WE GET THAT JOB WE ARE WORKING THERE AT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES AND SHE TAKES CARE OF THE TEP [INAUDIBLE].
I HAVE A REQUEST OF COMMISSION -- COMMISSIONER ELLIS.
THAT IS PLEASE HAVE A RESOLUTION HONORING NICOLE FROM THE JUSTICE CLUBHOUSE.
THE FOLKS NEEDED IT WHICH THEY ARE BECAUSE THEY HELP PEOPLE.
I AM A PERSON THAT THEY HAVE HELPED.
WHILE IN UNIFORM -- [INAUDIBLE] MAKING SURE THEY ARE USEFUL AND THEY CAN BE USED FOR THE UNIFORMS AND OTHER PEOPLE [INAUDIBLE] AND THEY ARE [INAUDIBLE] AND GETTING THEM READY FOR RESTAURANTS.
ROBERT HORTON? HE IS NOT PICKING UP, JUDGE.
I AM GETTING A MESSAGE THAT HE IS ON NOW.
>> I TALKED TO YOU A COUPLE MONTHS AGO ABOUT WHO I AM.
I WILL TELL YOU THAT I AM LIKE THE LANDLORD OF THE PLANET AND THE STUFF Y'ALL ARE DOING, Y'ALL OWE ME A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY FOR YEARS.
WORLD LEADERS NEED TO BE GETTING WITH ME ABOUT MY MONEY AND I WILL START PRINTING NEW MONEY.
I WANT TO DO IT BY MY BIRTHDAY.
THE COVID-19, Y'ALL LABEL STUFF AND THAT'S ME.
I WILL START PRINTING NEW MONEY AND BUY HOUSES AND STUFF LIKE THAT.
Y'ALL ARE COLLECTING THE BUSINESSES.
[09:35:02]
I OWN THE KNICKS AND I OWN ROBERT GLOVER.I HAVE DOCUMENTATION TODAY, RODNEY ELLIS HE WROTE ME A LETTER.
I CALLED YOUR OFFICE, BUT THEY SAID YOU SEND LETTERS TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.
I AM AMONG THE POOR AND YOU HAVE ME IN THE SYSTEM AND IT IS NOT GOOD.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS?
>> LINA HIDALGO: IN THAT CASE, WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON --
[Item IV (Part 2 of 2)]
EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 1 TO DISCUSS THE PERSONNEL MATTER AND ON COVID ITEM 1, G1, G -- 25G1 ON CONSULTING WITH THE ATTORNEY AND DISCUSSING THE AGREEMENT.IT IS 9:10 AND WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THOSE ITEMS. EVERYTHING OKAY, ROBERT?
IT IS FADED OUT SO I CAN'T ACTIVATE IT.
>> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 10:19 -- >> I WISH SOMEBODY TAKE A MOTION THAT WE FINISH BY 10:20.
>> LINA HIDALGO: 10:19 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION.
ON THE DISCUSSION ON ATASCASEDA, CONTINUE WITH THE CONVERSATIONS.
AS FAR AS THE COUNTY CLERK DO FOLKS HAVE A MOTION FOR INTERIM CLERK?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO MAGES -- MAKE THE MOTION -- OR MAKE A MOTION AND LET ME JUST SAY THAT I AM GRATEFUL TO DR. TRAUTMAN AND ALL THAT SHE DID.
SHE REAP -- SHE REALLY HELPED TRANSFORM SHOTTING IN -- TRANSFORM VOTING IN HARRIS COUNTY.
I I WANT TO MAKE SURE -- AND RATHER I SUPPORT HER DECISION.
IT IS A VERY TOUGH DECISION TO TAKE CARE OF HER HEALTH FIRST IN FRONT OF EVERYTHING ELSE.
I CAN'T EVEN CONTEMPLATE HOW DIFFICULT IT MUST HAVE BEEN FOR HER TO COME TO THIS CONCLUSION.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, IN LOOKING FOR AN INTERIM, FOR ME IT WAS A PRIORITY TO TRY TO GET SOMEBODY FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE THAT THE ELECTIONS WORK, MAKING SURE THAT THE THINGS THAT NEED TO HAPPEN BETWEEN NOW AND JULY AND NOW AND NOVEMBER THAT IT ALL WORKS AND WORKS WELL.
I WAS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO WOULD NOT BE OUT TRYING TO PUT UP CAMPAIGN SIGNS AND BUMPER STICKERS AND SPENDING TIME TAKING CALLS FROM PRECINCT CHAIRS OR CALLING PRECINCT CHAIRS AND TRYING TO BURN THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS OF THE STICK.
I VISITED WITH TANESHA AND SHE WAS ALSO SPOKEN WELL BY DR. TRAUTMAN, BUT I ALSO MET A YOUNG MAN -- AND I DON'T KNOW TANESHA.
I DON'T THINK I WOULD RECOGNIZE HER IF SHE WALKED IN.
I'M SURE SHE HAS BEEN IN COURT A FEW TIMES, BUT I JUST HAVEN'T BEEN AROUND HER.
I WOULDN'T -- I DON'T KNOW THE PERSON THAT I'M GOING TO NOMINATE OTHER THAN HIS RESUME AND HIS COMMITMENT NOT TO SEEK THE OFFICE.
SO I AM MAKING THE MOTION TO NOMINATE MR. CHRISTOPHER HOLLINS.
>> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD SECOND THAT MOTION.
I WOULD LIKE TO ASSOCIATE MYSELF WITH THE COMMENTS OF MY COLLEAGUE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AND ALSO COMMEND DR. TRAUTMAN FOR THE WORK SHE DID AND FOR HER COMMITMENT TO TAKING CARE OF HER HEALTH.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO HER FAMILY AND ALL OF US.
AT THE END OF THE DAY ALL OF US ENJOY PUBLIC SERVICE, BUT FAMILY DOES MATTER.
I KNOW TANESHA AND I KNOW CHRIS HOLLINS AND THEY ARE BOTH GREAT PEOPLE.
[09:40:09]
HAVING GONE THROUGH THAT PROCESS MYSELF, FORTUNATELY LEGISLATION WAS NOT IN SESSION.YOU ARE ALWAYS IN SESSION AROUND HERE.
WE HAVE BEEN IN SESSION SINCE 10:00 THIS MORNING AND IT IS 10:30 AT NIGHT.
I DO THINK IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT IF ONE WAS CONTEMPLATING RUNNING FOR THE POSITION AND RUNNING FOR THE ELECTION.
HOLLINS TOLD ME HE WILL NOT RUN.
THE FIRST TIME I MET WITH HIM HE SAID HE WOULDN'T RUN.
WHEN I RAISE THE ISSUE WITH TANESHA A COUPLE TIMES SHE DIDN'T ANSWER IT.
THE THIRD TIME WE TALKED ABOUT IT, BECAUSE SHE DID CALLED ME, AND SHE SAID SHE WOULD NOT RUN.
I JUST DON'T KNOW IF THAT WAS AS HEART FELT AS THE FIRST TWO TIMES.
I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR HER.
I HOPE THAT IF MR. HOLLINS GETS THIS, SHE CAN OBVIOUSLY STILL RUN FOR THE POSITION.
COMMISSIONER GARCIA, WHEN YOU SEE HER, YOU WOULD KNOW HER.
SHE HAS BEEN AROUND A LONGTIME.
SHE WAS A MICKEY LELAND INTERN.
I DIDN'T KNOW THAT UNTIL I MET WITH HER FROM A DISTANCE.
AND THERE ARE OTHER BRIGHT FOLKS WHOSE NAMES I WON'T CALL THAT I VISITED WITH ON THE PHONE NOT IN PERSON ABOUT THIS POSITION.
WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE SO MANY CAPABLE PEOPLE INTERESTED IN RUNNING.
I WOULD SAY THIS ABOUT CHRIS THAT I DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL I WAS AT A DEDICATION EVENT, BUT HE MARRIED INTO A FAMILY WITH A GREAT LEGACY HERE.
THE WIFE IS THE NIECE OF HANNIE MAE-WHITE, THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO HOLD ELECTIVE OFFICE IN TEXAS AFTER RECONSTRUCTION ENDED.
HANI -- HANNIE MAE-WHITE WAS ON THE SCHOOL BOARD WAY BACK.
BEFORE JUDSON WAS ON CITY COUNCIL.
MICKEY WENT TO THE STATE HOUSE AND TO THE STATE SENATE.
I KNOW DOWN THE ROAD HE IS PROBABLY INTERESTED IN PUBLIC SERVICE, BUT I TAKE HIM AT HIS WORD THAT HE WILL NOT RUN.
I THINK THE PUBLIC IS BETTER SERVED LEADING UP TO THIS VERY CHALLENGING PRESIDENTIAL RACE TO HAVE SOMEBODY FOCUS ON THAT OFFICE.
I THINK THE BACKGROUND WILL BE HELPFUL IN HELPING US GET PROCEDURES IN PLACE TO GET THROUGH THIS PROCESS, BUT I SECOND.
I THINK YOU MIGHT BE MUTED, JUDGE.
I JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT WE ARE ALL WORKING LATE.
LIKE YOU SAID, IT DOESN'T END.
WE DO IT BECAUSE WE LOVE IT, AND THAT'S THE SAME WITH DIANE.
HER INCREDIBLE COMMITMENT THROUGHOUT THE CHALLENGES OVER HER TIME IN OFFICE.
WHEN SHE CALLED ME I WAS JUST FLOORED, BUT I UNDERSTOOD.
DIANE, IF YOU ARE WATCHING AND JUST GENERALLY FOR THE DISCUSSION WE APPRECIATE YOU.
THE COUNTY APPRECIATES YOU AND WE ARE MOVING THROUGH THIS AFTER A LONG DAY, BUT THAT IS NOT TO SAY THAT THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT WE DO WITH A HEAVY HEART OR CERTAINLY WITHOUT RECOGNIZING THE INCREDIBLE WORK YOU HAVE DONE.
SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT ABOUT DR. TROUTMAN.
WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAD A COMMENT.
JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY THAT I HAVE THREE QUICK COMMENTS.
ONE OF WHICH IS THAT ON THE POSITIVE SIDE THIS GENTLEMAN WHOSE RESUME I THINK I RECEIVED YESTERDAY WENT TO THE RICE OF THE NORTH.
HE HAS A GOOD SPORTING EDUMACATI IN ON -- EDUMACATION ON HIM.
HE WAS A FOUNDING AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF A PLACE CALLED THE STACKED PICKLE IN TEXAS.
THOSE ARE THE TWO POSITIVES ON MY SIDE AS A PERSON INVOLVED WITHIN MY PARTY.
THERE ARE SOME FOLKS THAT WE COULD COMPROMISE ON, AND WE DISCUSSED THAT SOME.
FROM WHAT I KNOW L FROM MR. HOLLINS HE IS THE DECKS -- THE TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY FINANCE CHAIR.
[09:45:01]
THAT WILL BE A DIFFICULT SALE FOR ME TO HAVE SOMEBODY THAT INVOLVED IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF RAISING FUNDS FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT ON A PROCESS SUCH AS THIS, ESPECIALLY WITHOUT PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OR EXPERIENCE WITH REGARD TO HIS SKILL SET IN THIS ACTUAL JOB.SO WHEN WE VOTE, JUDGE, I JUST WANTED TO HAVE THOSE COMMENTS OUT THERE AS TO EXPLAIN MY INFORMATION -- MY POSITION.
NOTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS GENTLEMAN, AND HE MAY BE THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD OR THE BEST THING SINCE A STACKED PICKLE.
I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SUPPORT HIM.
SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
>> LINA HIDALGO: AND I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT ALSO THAT -- FOR TANESHA, SO APPRECIATE YOUR WORK.
I HAD THIS SAME APPROACH THAT I MENTION ELDERLY YES, SIR.
I WANT SOMEBODY WHO WILL NOT BE RUNNING.
AND CHRIS, WE ARE TRUSTING YOU ON THIS ONE.
I THINK THAT I AM COMMITTING TO HIM WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT HE WILL BRING HIS SKILL SET TO RUNNING BEST ELECTION HE CAN POSSIBLY DO FOR THE SAKE OF OUR COUNTY AND GENERALLY THE DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF ALL OF THE RESIDENTS AND NOT FOCUSING ON ADVANCING PERSONAL POLITICAL AMBITIONS.
SO I TRUST THAT'S THE CASE AND WITH THAT IN MIND I WILL BE A YES AS WELL IN SUPPORT OF CHRIS HOLLINS.
>> STEVE RADACK: I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT DIANE TRAUTMAN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND GOD BLESS AND YOU YOUR FAMILY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
I AM GUESSING CHRIS IS NOT ON THE LINE.
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANYTHING OUTSTANDING? LUCINDA, ROBERT, MR. ELLIS?
>> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS A WONDERFUL DAY.
>> LINA HIDALGO: YOU ARE WARM.
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: THINK ABOUT THE UPSIDE TO THIS.
IF WE STAY HERE FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME TONIGHT, WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK HERE IN THE MORNING.
>> LINA HIDALGO: WELL IT'S BEEN GREAT.
IT IS 10:30 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS NOW ADJOURNED.
SAID >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND WE HAVE TAKEN A VOTE ON EVERYTHING RE-- WE NEEDED TO VOTE ON, RIGHT?
>> ADRIAN GARCIA: MARGARITAS FOR EVERYBODY.
GOOD NIGHT, EVERYBODY.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.