* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.
          [00:00:01]
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 10:01 AND I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THE SEPTEMBER 15TH MEETING TO 
          [Opening prayer by Pastor Pablo Monroy of Second Baptist Church en Español in Houston.]
          ORDER. COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR WE HAVE PASTOR PABLO WITH THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH IN ESPANOL. 
          PASTOR PABLO IS THE SPANISH PASTOR FOR SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 
          HE HAS HIS MASTER'S DEGREE FROM DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND AN ALUMNI OF HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL. HE IS A HUSBAND, THE FATHER OF TWO CHILDREN. 
          LIKE ME, HIS HOME FLOODED IN HARVEY, AND HE WAS ONE OF THE LEADERS IN SECONDS HARVEY MOBILIZATION. PASTOR, WOULD YOU LEAD US IN PRAYER TODAY? 
          >> IT IS AN HONOR TO BE HERE. CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> YES, PASTOR. 
          >> IT IS AN HONOR FOR ME TO BE HERE. LET US PRAY. 
          I PRAY IN ENGLISH AND THEN IN SPANISH. FATHER, WE THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, GOD, THAT YOU GIVE US TO COME BEFORE YOUR THRONE OF GRACE TODAY. 
          GOD, WE STAND IN AWE OF WHO YOU ARE IN THESE DAYS. WE THANK YOU FOR THE HOPE AND THE LIFE WE HAVE IN YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST. GOD, WE ASK THAT YOU MAY LEAD THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT TODAY. THAT YOU MAY DIRECT EACH COUNTY COMMISSIONER IN YOUR WAYS, GOD TO LEAD THEM AS THEY GOVERN OUR CITY. 
          ALLOW THEM TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF WHAT YOU HAVE GIVEN THEM. ALLOW THEM TO ACT JUSTLY, TO LOVE MERCY AND TO WALK HUMBLY BEFORE YOU. GOD, WE TRUST YOU AND YOU ALONE. BE GLORIFIED TODAY IN JESUS' NAME WE PRAY. 
          THANK YOU FOR THAT REFERENCE TOO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: PASTOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THAT BEAUTIFUL PRAYER. PLEASE GIVE PASTOR YOUNG MY REGARDS AND LET HIM KNOW THAT MY DAUGHTER IS A GRADUATE FROM SECOND BAPTIST IS DOING GREAT 
          THINGS IN AUSTIN. PLEASE GIVE HIM MY REGARDS. >> ABSOLUTELY, I. 
          I WILL. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, PASTOR. LET'S START WITH THE RESOLUTIONS. 
          [I. Departments (Part 1 of 3)]
          THE FIRST ONE IS ON PAGE 26. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, YOUR MICROPHONE IS A LITTLE 
          DIFFICULT TO HEAR TODAY. MAYBE OKAY FOR OTHERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS IT BETTER NOW? LOAN -- THIS STEMS FROM A MOTHER WHO LOST HER SON TO CANCER. IT ESTABLISHED A FOUNDATION TO SERVE FAMILY AND CHILDREN EXPERIENCING THE HARDSHIP OF CHILDHOOD CANCER AND TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE ISSUE. 
          THIS MONTH IS ACTUALLY CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. 
          I WAS HOPING THAT WE WOULD PASS THIS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER AS CHILDHOOD AWARENESS MONTH. WHEREAS CHILDHOOD CANCER IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH BY DISEASE IN CHILDREN, 43 CHILDREN PER DAY OR 15,780 CHILDREN ARE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER ANNUALLY IN THE U.S. WITH APPROXIMATELY 40,000 CHILDREN ON ACTIVE TREATMENT AT ANY GIVEN TIME. ON AVERAGE THERE'S 0.6% INCREASE INCIDENTS PER YEAR SINCE THE MID1970S RESULTING IN AN OVER ALL INCIDENTS INCREASE OF 24% OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS. IN THE LAST 20 YEARS ONLY FOUR NEW DRUGS APPROVED BY THE FDA TO SPECIFICALLY TREAT CHILDHOOD CANCER. THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE RECOGNIZING THE -- REC -- RECOGNIZES THE UNIQUE CANCER AND TOO MANY ARE AFFECTED BY THE CHILDHOOD DISEASE. MORE AWARENESS NEEDS TO BE DONE TO FIND A CURE. 
          CHILD CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS ORGANIZED AROUND THE WORLD, NOW THERE FOR -- THERE FOR BE IT RESOLVED THAT COMMISSIONER'S COURT RECOGNIZES 
          [00:05:01]
SEPTEMBER 2020 AS CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY. 
          THAT'S THE RESOLUTION. I HOPE WE CAN ALL HELP BRING ATTENTION TO THIS ISSUE THAT CERTAINLY NEEDS AND DESERVES IT. I BELIEVE DR. VERANI HAD 
          SIGNED UP TO SPEAK. LUCINDA, IS SHE ON? >> YES, MA'AM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> DR. VERANI, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS MOST PRIVILEGED OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE MORE ABOUT CHILDHOOD CANCER. 
          MY NAME IS DR. VERANI AND I AM THE CHIEF ANGEL OFFICER FOR THE FOUNDATION. 
          TODAY I REACH OUT TO YOU AS THE MOTHER OF A 9-YEAR-OLD ANGEL WHO WANTED THIS COMMUNITY TO RECOGNIZE AND RALLY AROUND CHILDREN WITH CANCER. 
          WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND CHIN -- SHINING A LIGHT ON CHILDHOOD CANCER IN SEPTEMBER IN HARRIS COUNTY. YOU HEARD THE STATISTICS AND IT IS STAGGERING. THE SOMBERING REALITY IS 4% FEDERAL RESEARCH FUNDS GOES TOWARD CHILDHOOD CANCER. THERE IS A LACK OF RESEARCH BECAUSE, I BELIEVE, THERE IS LACK OF AWARENESS. OUR BELOVED SON DURING HIS JOURNEY WITH A RARE FORM OF BONE CANCER, IT WAS SADDENED -- HE WAS SADDENED WHEN HE LOOKED AROUND THE COMMUNITY AND HE JUST DIDN'T SEE PEOPLE RALLYING AROUND SEPTEMBER OR THE GOLD RIBBON. 
          HE SAID MOMMY, AREN'T WE IMPORTANT? DON'T KIDS MATTER? WHEN I GROW UP, I LET THERE BE GOLD. FOREST DIDN'T GET TO REALIZE THIS WISH. THIS WISH IS NOW OUR CALL TO ACTION. 
          IT IS INSPIRED BY HIS WORDS. EVERY YEAR THE FOREST FOUNDATION GIVES TO THIS CAUSE WITH THE NATIONAL PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN CALLED LET THERE BE GOLD. 
          THANK YOU FOR HEEDING THE CALL TO HONOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OF CHILDHOOD CANCER. 
          AND ANOTHER REASON WHY THIS RESOLUTION IS SO COMPELLING, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW, THAT THE GOLD RIBBON IS ESTABLISHED IN 1997. IT IS 23 YEARS AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT UNTIL MY SON'S OWN DIAGNOSIS. WE WANT TO CHANGE THIS. 
          WE WANT EVERY CHILD TO KNOW THEY DO MATTER AND THAT THEY ARE HERE AND THEY ARE LOVE AND LIGHT. AND AS SOCIETY I BELIEVE WE HAVE TO DO BETTER FOR OUR CHILDREN. SO I ASK YOU AS COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND OUR BELOVED JUDGE HIDALGO THAT IF YOU CAN JUST KEEP GOLD IN YOUR HEART AND NOT JUST IN SEPTEMBER, BUT ALL YEAR-ROUND ROUND THAT YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM TO GALVANIZE OTHER CIVIC LEADERS TO BRING AWARENESS TO CHILDHOOD CANCER. I DON'T WANT THIS RESOLUTION JUST TO BE SYMBOLIC. I WANT YOU TO BE RES SEW LUTE IN -- RESOLUTE IN YOUR COMMITMENT TO BRING AWARENESS, ESPECIALLY IN HARRIS COUNTY. I BELIEVE IT WOULD ENLIGHTEN LEADERSHIP. THERE IS HOPE. THERE IS PROMISE. 
          THERE IS GRACE FOR BRIGHTER DAYS AND BETTER TREATMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER. 
          THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN TO SERVING HEARTS OF GOLD ESPECIALLY DURING THESE 
          FRAGILE AND COMPLICATED DAYS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          YES, COMMIS -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. DOCTOR, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BRINGING THIS CONVERSATION TO THE TABLE. I TELL YOU, FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN TO TEXAS CHILDREN'S AND MD ANDERSON AND SHRINER'S HOSPITAL DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND SEEING THOSE BABIES IN BEDS IT -- THEY SHOULDN'T BE IN, I TELL YOU, IT WAS ALWAYS INCREDIBLE TO SEE THE STRENGTH THAT THEY EXHIBITED. I TELL YOU WHAT. THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE SUFFERING. THEY SHOULD BE SUFFERING. THEY SHOULD BE PLAYING AND ENJOYING LIFE. YOU'RE RIGHT, AND WE NEED TO DO MORE. 
          THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: DOCTOR, I WANT TO THANK YOU AS WELL. AS YOU SAID YOU WANT US TO DO MORE, OBVIOUSLY JUST THE RESOLUTION AND WE ALL AGREE WITH THAT, AND I'M JUST CURIOUS, WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF CANCER, IF WE KNOW IT, AS IT RELATES TO CHILDREN? GOING BACK TO MY PREVIOUS LIFE, I CAN REMEMBER ENGAGING IN THAT FIGHT FOR MANY YEARS TO BAN SMOKING -- A STATEWIDE SMOKING BAN. OBVIOUSLY CHILDREN ARE NOT SMOKING, BUT ARE EXPOSED. TO THE EXTENT WE KNOW, AND I KNOW SOME IS A GUESS. 
          POLLUTION COULD BE A FACTOR, BUT WHAT ARE THE CAUSES IN YOUR MIND IF YOU KNOW? 
          [00:10:01]
          >> THAT'S A VERY GOOD QUESTION. CHILDHOOD CANCER IS NOTHING LIKE ADULT CANCER. THEY HAVEN'T LIVED LONG ENOUGH TO BE EXPOSED TO POLLUTE TENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICITIES. IT IS NOT THEIR LIFESTYLE. IT REALLY IS ELUSIVE. 
          WE DON'T KNOW. PART MAY BE DEVELOPMENTAL, BUT THEY -- BUT THERE IN LIES THE REASON WE NEED TO RESEARCH IT. A CHILD'S BODY IS NOTHING LIKE AN ODD -- LIKE AN ADULT'S BODY AND WE DON'T KNOW THE CAUSE. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH LIFESTYLE. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS THAT ADULTS ARE EXPOSED TO. RODRIGUEZ 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: DOCTOR, I'M SURE MY STAFF IS LISTENING AND THE JUDGE'S STAFF AND ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES TO SEE WHAT SPECIFIC THINGS WE CAN DO. I KNOW THIS COUNTY WAS ALWAYS A BIG SUPPORTER OF FUNDING. IF WE DREW DOWN AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE MONEY IT WOULD HELP IN TREATMENT. WE HAVE 10 BILLION A YEAR FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS THAT WOULD HAVE COME INTO THE STATE TO HELP. I WANT YOU TO THINK ABOUT SPECIFICALLY WHAT WE CAN DO FOR THE YOUNG IN THE RESOLUTION. 
          ALL OF US ARE COMMITTED TO DOING IT WITH YOU AND DOING SOME -- YOU KNOW STIR UP SOME THINGS OF WHAT WE CAN DO. SOMEBODY WILL CALL YOU FROM MY SHOP OR THE JUDGE'S SHOP OR SOMEBODY'S SHOP. YOU CAN GIVE US SPECIFICS ON WHAT WE CAN DO GOING FORWARD. 
          >> WE WILL DO A GOLDEN HANDSHAKE ON THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. 
          >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: NEXT I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A COUPLE OF SPEAKERS OUT OF ORDER. WE HAVE FROM THE HOUSTON TEXANS JAIME ROOT, PRESIDENT AND ADRIAN SACKS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THEY ARE HERE TO PRESENT THEIR REPORT ABOUT THEIR ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPACT. I KNOW THEY WERE HERE LAST YEAR AND THE TEXANS AND THE PLAYERS AND THE COMMUNITY. THEY GIVE BACK TO THIS INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS THEM. I AM EXCITED TO HEAR THEIR 
          PRESENTATION. >> GREAT. JUDGE HIDALGO, THANK YOU FOR THAT INTEREST DUCKS. THIS IS -- INTRODUCTION. THIS IS JAIME AND I ASSUME YOU CAN ALL HEAR ME. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FORGIVING US A COUPLE -- FOR GIVING US A COUPLE OF MINUTES. I KNOW AS YOU ALL COME TOGETHER REGULARLY PEOPLE ARE COMING TO ASK YOU FOR SOMETHING. 
          TODAY I'M NOT HERE TO ASK YOU FOR ANYTHING. IN FACT, I WANT TO BRING YOU SOMETHING. WE ALREADY BROUGHT SOME COOK -- COOKIES IN OUR IMPACT REPORT. BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I WANT TO BRING YOU OUR MOST SINCERE THANKS FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITY. IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT. 
          I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT YOU PROVIDED TO OUR ORGANIZATION THE PAST TWO DECADES. PEOPLE SEE THE HOUSTON TEXANS AND ENJOY THAT EXPERIENCE, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW ALL THAT GOES INTO MAKING THAT A REALITY FOR OUR COMMUNITY. 
          AND IN A COUNTY FACILITY, IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT. 
          AS AN ORGANIZATION, WE TALK ABOUT THREE THINGS. WE TRY TO KEEP IT SIMPLE. 
          I WENT TO CLEMSON. I DIDN'T GO TO STANFORD SO WE KEEP IT SIMPLE. 
          IF WE ONLY HAVE THREE THINGS, WE BETTER DO THEM VERY WELL. WE TALK ABOUT WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS. FORTUNATELY OUR TEAM FOUR OUT OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS HAS WON THE AFC SOUTH. I KNOW WE ALL WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE THAN THAT, BUT THAT'S A GOOD TRACK RECORD. CREATE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY. 
          WE BELIEVE WE DO THAT AND WE ARE TRYING HARD IN THIS VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT. WE WANT TO DO GREAT THINGS FOR HOUSTON AND FOR HARRIS COUNTY. THE IMPACT REPORT ANNUALLY IS A CHANCE FOR US TO SUMMARIZE, JUST TO REFLECT ON THE IMPACT WE ARE HAVING PARTICULARLY ON THE YOUTH. 
          WE TALK ABOUT BEING CHAMPIONS FOR YOUTH. WE WANT TO DEVELOP THE NEXT LEADERS LIKE ALL OF YOU THAT WILL STEP UP AND CARRY THE TORCH FORWARD FOR HOUSTON AND HARRIS COUNTY. WE ARE THE MOST DIVERSE COMMUNITY IN AMERICA. 
          I KNOW I AM PREACHING TO THE CHOIR ON THAT. MONDAY TO SATURDAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES AS INDIVIDUALS, BUT ON SUNDAY WE REALLY DO COME TOGETHER AS ONE. 
          WE ARE TEXANS. AND THAT SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS SO IMPORTANT, BUT ESPECIALLY 
          [00:15:01]
NOW. THE OPPORTUNITY TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO INSPIRE HOPE. THAT'S WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT. WE COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT. Y'ALL ARE TERRIFIC TEAMMATES. TODAY WE JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOU AND LET YOU KNOW HOW BLESSED WE FEEL TO HAVE BOTH YOUR ACTIVE SUPPORT OF OUR ORGANIZATION AND IMPORTANTLY YOUR FRIENDSHIP. WE APPRECIATE THE RELATIONSHIP WE ENJOY WITH COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND WE ARE APPRECIATIVE OF THE LEADERSHIP. 
          WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE COOKIES AND YOU TAKE SOME PRIDE IN THE IMPACT WE HAVE HAD IN THE 
          COMMUNITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THEN 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CHANGED THE UNMUTE BUTTON. 
          JAIME, I WANT TO THANK YOU AND -- OBVIOUSLY I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOUR TEAM MEMBERS. BEFORE I GO TO SPECIFICS, I WAS BIKE RIDING THE OTHER DAY AND SOMEBODY WITH A MASK ON SOUNDED LIKE YOU. WAS THAT YOU? 
          >> IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN. I DON'T KNOW. I BIKE RIDE AS WELL. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I CAN'T REMEMBER WHERE I WAS. I STARTED TO CALL YOU LATER. 
          I DIDN'T WANT TO BE RUDE, BUT IT SOUNDED LIKE YOUR VOICE. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE. 
          >> YES, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO TELL MCNAIR IN GENERAL FOREGOING TO GEORGE FLOYD FUNERAL AND I WANT TO THANK YOUR PLAYERS FOR USING THEIR PLATFORM TO STEP INTO THE ARENA ABOUT EQUITY ISSUES AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM. 
          I THINK HARRIS COUNTY AND HOUSTON IS CLEARLY GROUND 0. I KNOW THAT -- I THINK MCNAIR WAS THERE. I WAS TOUCHED BY THAT AND I THINK OUR COMMUNITY WAS. 
          BY THE WAY, IT IS A RICH TRADITION OF ATHLETES USING THEIR BULLY PULPIT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. AND IT WAS SO POWERFUL THAT IT WAS PEOPLE OF ALL CREEDS AND RACES AND I JUST PERSONALLY PUBLICLY WANT TO SAY I APPRECIATE IT AND I KNOW THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTY APPRECIATE IT. IT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT. 
          IT MAKES IT EASIER FOR US EVEN IF THE POLITICAL HEAD WINDS ARE GOING AGAINST IT TO STAY ON THAT PATH. I SINCERELY APPRECIATE IT. I APPRECIATE THE ZOOM CALL THAT I DID WITH THE ARNOLD FOUNDATION, JUDGE, AND I THINK KATHERINE KAISLE WAS EMCEEING IT. I WANTED TO RESPECT IF YOUR PLAYERS WANTED IT TO BE 
          PRIVATE. IT JUST MEANT A LOT TO ME. >> YES, SIR. 
          THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> STEVE RADACK: JAIME, STEVE RADACK. 
          >> HELLO, COMMISSIONER. >> STEVE RADACK: WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IS SEEING A MAJOR TRIBUTE AT NRG IN HONOR OF BOB MCNAIR. I HOPE IT GETS GOING PRETTY QUICK THAT WE SHOW SOMETHING VERY SYMBOLIC THERE TO HONOR HIM FOR A NUMBER OF -- FOR MANY, MANY THINGS. ALL OF THE INCREDIBLE AND CHARITABLE THINGS HE HAS DONE, BUT CERTAINLY HONOR HIM FOR STEPPING UP AND BRINGING NFL BACK TO HOUSTON. 
          I APPRECIATE YOU AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. >> THANK YOU, SIR. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA. SORRY ABOUT THAT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO PROBLEM. THANK YOU, JUDGE. I TOO, JAIME, WANT TO ECHO STEVE'S REMARKS AND JUST AS WE RECOGNIZE THIS RESOLUTION WE JUST PASSED ON CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS, YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO LET THE MCNAIR FAMILY KNOW WE KEEP THEM IN OUR PRAYERS AND THAT BOB IS MISSED AND FOR A GUY WHO HAD A HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION, HE HAS CONTINUED TO BUILD SOMETHING INCREDIBLE AND IT LEADS OVER TO WHAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS HAS TOUCHED ON. THIS IS A NEW TIME IN OUR PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ARENAS. 
          IT WAS A PROUD MOMENT TO SEE THE TEXANS BE LEADERS IN THAT REGARD. 
          JAIME, APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO FOR THE LEADERSHIP YOU PROVIDE. 
          I AM ROOTING FOR THAT SUPER BOWL, BUT I TELL YOU -- I HOPE YOU ARE NOT FEEDING THE TEAM 
          [00:20:03]
THESE COOKIES BECAUSE THEY MAY NOT BE PERFORMING WELL IN THE THIRD QUARTER. 
          LOOK, IF JJ WERE TO BE INJURED AGAIN, I GO AHEAD AND STEP IN. 
          JUST LET ME KNOW, ALL RIGHT? THANK YOU, JAIME. >> THANKS, COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU ARE 
          DOING. THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN. >> OF COURSE. 
          THANK YOU. HAVE A GREAT DAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA, YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF RESOLUTIONS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, JUDGE, THANK YOU. I ACTUALLY HAVE THREE RESOLUTIONS I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE THIS MORNING. THE FIRST ONE IS ONE THAT WE WERE GOING TO PROPOSE IN THE LAST MEETING, BUT BECAUSE OF HURRICANE LAURA AND ALL OF THAT WAS GOING ON WE DECIDED TO WITHDRAW IT UNTIL THIS MEETING. IT IS TO RECOGNIZE THE WOMEN'S SUFFERAGE MOVEMENT AND AN AMENDMENT TO THE 19TH AMENDMENT. 
          THERE IS SPECIAL ADDITIONS I HAVE MADE INTO THIS ONE BECAUSE IT WAS APROPOS, BUT BECAUSE THERE WAS LANGUAGE THAT WAS PROPOSED RECENTLY. THE RESOLUTION READS WHEREAS ON AUGUST 18TH, 1920, THE 19TH AMENDMENT WAS RATIFIED BY THREE-FOURTHS OF THE STATES PROVIDING WHAT WAS NECESSARY UNDER ARTICLE 5 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. WHEREAS THE 19TH AMENDMENT BECAME PART OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION ON AUGUST 20TH, 1920. IT IS GRANTING AMERICAN WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE. KNOWN AS WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE, ENDING ALMOST A CENTURY OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS. WHEREAS ON NOVEMBER 2ND, 1920, MORE THAN EIGHT MILLION WOMEN ACROSS THE UNITED STATES VOTED IN ELECTIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME. 
          WHEREAS FOR ALMOST 100 YEARS WOMEN AND MEN HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE. AND LEADERS INCLUDING FIRST LADY ABIGAIL ADAMS, SUSAN B ANTHONY AND ELIZABETH KATIE STANTON ADVOCATED FOR WOMEN'S EQUALITY ACROSS THE COUNTRY. 
          AND WHEREAS BEFORE 1965, MARGINALIZED WOMEN OF COLOR WERE NOT ADEQUATELYIEN FRANCHISED UNDER THE LAW UNTIL PASSAGE OF THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS HELPED SECURE VOTING RIGHTS FOR RACIAL MINORITIES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. WHEREAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE OPENED DOORS TO WOMEN ONE DAY OWN PROPERTY AND PURSUE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. YEARS LATER A HARRIS COUNTY NATIVE MS. MARY KAY ASH IS ABLE TO CREATE A BUSINESS IN HER NAME THAT WOULD BECOME A MULTI-NATIONAL EMPIRE AND WAS NAMED AMONG THE HONOREES IN THE USA TODAY NETWORK'S WOMEN OF THE CENTURY. A LIST OF FEMALE ICONS IN ENTERTAINMENT, POLITICS, CIVIL RIGHTS, SPORTS, ARTS, SCIENCE AND BUSINESS WHO MADE THE LARGEST IMPACT ON AMERICAN SAW SAY TEE IN THE LAST CENTURY -- SOCIETY IN THE LAST CENTURY. THE LIST WAS MADE TO COMMEMORATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT AND WOMEN'S RIGHT TO VOTE IN THE UNITED STATES. AND THIS WAS SPECIAL ON A COUPLE OF FRONTS. 
          ONE BECAUSE MY MOTHER-IN-LAW WAS THE FIRST LAW LAW -- FIRST LATINA SALES DIRECTOR FOR MARY KAY AND ABLE TO IDENTIFY TALENT THAT TODAY SERVES AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL OF THE ORGANIZATION. MY WIFE IS A MARY KAY BABY. OUR BABY IS A MARY KAY BABY. 
          WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT IT THAT WAY BECAUSE MARY KAY ALWAYS SAYS GOD, FAMILY AND CAREER AND IN THAT ORDER. THE BUSINESS HAS ALLOWED US TO GIVE TO OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THE KIND OF FLEXIBILITY AND 8 TENSION -- AND ATTENTION THEY DESERVE. 
          AND BECAUSE COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S SISTER IS PART OF THE MARY KAY FAMILY AS WELL. 
          AND WITH THAT NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT HERE BY CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT GRANTING WOMEN THE RIGHT TO VOTE THUS REPRESENTING A HISTORICAL MILESTONE ADVANCING THE CORE VALUES OF OUR DEMOCRACY INCLUDE -- INCLUDING ALL OF THE RIGHTS AND THE 
          [00:25:03]
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP OBSERVED ON AUGUST 18TH. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I WOULD BE PROUD TO SECOND THAT MOTION. I'M ESPECIALLY APPRECIATIVE OF THE THREE LADIES NAMED IN HERE. THE FIRST -- ACTUALLY NOT IN ORDER, BEING MARY KAY BECAUSE OF HOW MARY KAY HAS BEEN SO EMPOWERING TO MY SISTER AS WELL AS TO COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA'S BRIDE AND MOTHER -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOTHER-IN-LAW. MOTHER-IN-LAW, PARDON ME. 
          I APPRECIATE HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR SOCIETY AND I ALSO WANT TO APPRECIATE MENTIONING BY NAME THE GREAT WORK OF ELIZABETH KATIE STANTON AND ALSO SUSAN B ANTHONY. 
          YOU KNOW, WE HAD A COIN REFLECTING SUSAN B ANTHONY AND HER SPEECH "SOCIAL PURITY" IS ONE OF THE GREAT SORT OF FOUNDING SPEECHES THAT WE NEED TO ALL OCCASIONALLY GO BACK AND RE-READ. IN HER SPEECH "SOCIAL PURITY" SHE DENOUNCED THE SOCIETAL EVILS OF MURDER, ADULTERY, RAPE AND ABORTION AND ALL OF THOSE THINGS SHE SAID DEN GNAW GRATED WOMEN AND HURT THEM AS THEY WERE TRYING TO SUCCEED IN OUR SOCIETY. 
          I WANT TO THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, FOR THIS RESOLUTION AND SPECIFICALLY MENTIONING THESE THREE ICONIC LEADERS OF WOMEN SUFFRAGE. THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. THE NEXT RES -- RESOLUTION -- >> JUDGE, WE DO HAVE A SPEAKER 
          ON THAT ITEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WONDERFUL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, 
          LUCINDA. >> CARLA BRAILEY WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS. 
          >> HI. THANK YOU FOR THIS RESOLUTION AND I WILL BE ACCEPTING THAT ON BEHALF OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU CONTINUE TO DO GREAT WORK IN RECOGNIZE THE WORK OF ALL, BUT IN PARTICULAR TODAY YOU KNOW THAT JUST RECENTLY WE CELEBRATED 100 YEARS -- THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF HAVING THE RIGHT FOR WOMEN TO VOTE. WE CONTINUE TO DO THAT AS WOMEN. 
          WE ALL KNOW THAT OUR VOTE IS OUR VOICE, AND OUR VOICE MATTERS MORE TODAY THAN I WOULD ARGUE THAT HAS MATTERED IN A VERY LONGTIME. AND SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THE WORK OF THE LEAGUE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO NONPARTISAN WORK THAT REALLY EMPOWERS AND ENRICHES OUR CITIZENS TO EMBRACE WHAT VOTING IS AND WHAT VOTING ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS PARTICULARLY AS IT RELATES TO ISSUES AS WELL AS ENRICHING US ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING BOTH LOCALLY, STATE AND ON THE NATIONAL LEVEL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HONORING OUR WORK TODAY. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AS WELL. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO WE HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER? >> I'M SORRY. 
          IT IS NOT THIS ITEM. IT IS THE NEXT ITEM. GO AHEAD. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. THE NEXT ITEM -- OR THE NEXT RESOLUTION I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE, JUDGE, IS ONE THAT IS SPECIAL TO ME. JUST BECAUSE OF THE WORK I HAVE DONE OVER THE YEARS RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AND THE WORK WE ARE DOING COLLECTIVELY AS COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON THE SAME ISSUE, BUT ALSO I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH HAVING VETERANS AS PART OF MY FAMILY AND GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK MY STAFF IS DOING AT BD RAMSEY, THE VETERANS UH FAIRS CENTER FOR PRECINCT 2. AND THEN THE WORK WE DID AS COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR VETERANS ARE BEING SERVED AND RESPECTED AS THEY DESERVE TO BE. THIS RESOLUTION IS WITH A TINGE OF HEAVY HEART BECAUSE WE DO TEND TO HEAR OF THE NUMBER OF VETERANS WHO ARE TAKING THEIR LIVES. 
          I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEIR FAMILIES KNOW THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN AND TO ANY VETERAN AND TO ANY PERSON THAT IS STRUGGLING WITH ANY CHALLENGES TO PLEASE NOTE THAT IN HARRIS 
          [00:30:05]
COUNTY YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WE ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU AND WE CARE ABOUT YOU AND WE HAVE THE HARRIS CENTER THAT IS READY TO SERVE YOU IF THAT -- IF YOU NEED THAT TYPE OF SUPPORT. WITH HONOR I PRESENT THIS RESOLUTION, JUDGE. 
          WHEREAS SUICIDE IS A NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE THAT CAUSES IMMEASURABLE PAIN AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WHEREAS THE 10TH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN THE UNITED STATES IS SECOND FOR PEOPLE AGES 10 TO 35. 
          ON AVERAGE 129 AMERICANS DIE BY SUICIDE EACH DAY ACCOUNTING FOR 47,173 SUICIDE DEATHS IN 2017. WHEREAS IN 2017, THE SUICIDE RATE FOR VETERANS WAS 1.5 TIMES THE RATE OF NONVETERANS. AND FOR EACH DEATH OF SUICIDE, AN ESTIMATED 135 SURVIVING PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED. WHEREAS ON MARCH 5TH, 2019, THE PRESIDENT SIGNED SCUTE SHIV ORDER 138 SICK -- 13861 CALLING FOR A PLAN TO EMPOWER VETERANS AND END SUICIDE THROUGH COORDINATED SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS, PRIORITIZE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION ACROSS THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS. THIS PLAN IS KNOWN AS THE PRESIDENT'S ROAD MAP TO EMPOWER VETERANS AND END A NATIONAL TRAGEDY OF SUICIDE OR PREVENT THE ROAD MAP. 
          WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO RAISE DISCUSSIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING IN THE WORKPLACE. IN OUR COMMUNITIES WORKING TOGETHER TOWARD MEANINGFUL LUGES -- SOLUTIONS. AND WHEREAS THE SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH 2020 SLOGAN IS CONNECT TO PROTECT EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANT ROLE WE ALL PLAY IN TAKING CARE OF ONE ANOTHER. BY STAYING CONNECTED WE CAN SUPPORT EACH OTHER THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES AND PROVIDE COMFORT AND STRENGTH WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE DIFFICULT LIFE ISSUES. WHEREAS CONFIDENTIAL, FREE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE AT THE NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE. 800-273-8255. 
          PRESSING 1 FOR VETERANS SERVICE MEMBERS, NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE. 
          THERE ARE -- THEY ARE OUR FAMILY MEMBERS AND OUR FRIENDS. 
          HELP IS ALSO AVAILABLE BY TEXT TO 838255 AND THE HARRIS CENTER HAS A SUICIDE HOTLINE AT AT 713970-7000. BE IT RESOLVED THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT HERE BY PROCLAIMED SEPTEMBER 20TH AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH IN HARRIS COUNTY. TOGETHER WITH NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH. 
          JUDGE, THAT IS MY RESOLUTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND IF THERE ARE NO COMMENTS I HAVE ONE MORE. 
          >> WE DO HAVE A SPEAKER ON THIS ONE. LEARN 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE HAVE A 
          SPEAKER FOR THE PREVIOUS RESOLUTION. >> LEWIS [INAUDIBLE]. 
          >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS. 
          CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY? >> WE CAN HEAR YOU. >> THANK YOU. 
          I AM THE DIRECTOR OF THE HARRIS COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND I WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND ESPECIALLY COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR PRESENTING THIS RESOLUTION. I AM PROUD TO ACCEPT IT ON BEHALF OF ALL OF OUR HARRIS COUNTY VETERANS. THIS IS A VERY DIFFICULT TOPIC WITH LOTS OF STIGMA THAT SURROUNDS IT. HARDLY ANYONE, AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA POINTED OUT, HARDLY ANYONE IS UNTOUCHED BY THIS ISSUE. I WOULD LIKE TO PREF -- PREFACE IT TO MY OWN BROTHER WHO DIED ON THE MARINE CORP BIRTHDAY YEARS AGO. 
          IT IS MUCH MORE THAN A SIMPLE AWARENESS ISSUE. IT AFFECTS MANY AND THE 
          [00:35:07]
HASHTAG IS BE THERE. IT IS NOT A PASSIVE MEASURE. I CONSIDER THAT ACTIVE PREVENTION. WE NEED TO BE THERE ACTIVELY TO PREVENT SUICIDE. 
          I CHALLENGE EVERYONE TO NOT JUST KNOW THE SIGNS AND SIGNALS OF SUICIDE, BUT HOW TO TAKE ACTION WHEN YOU BELIEVE SOMEONE IS ACTUALLY SUICIDAL. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF QUICK AND EASY TRAINING COURSES. ASK, ASSIST MENTAL HEALTH FIRST-AID AND THE TEXAS SUICIDE PREVENTION.ORG WEBSITE HAS A SIMPLE HOUR AND 15-MINUTE TRAINING ONLINE AND IT MAY ENABLE ANY OF US TO INTERVENE AND SAVE A LIFE. SUICIDE PREVENTION I SAY DOESN'T START AT THE TIME OF THE EMERGENCY LIKE GOOD FIRE PREVENTION. 
          IT IS NOT JUST A 9-1-1 CAPABILITY. WE HAVE FIRE CODE AND FIRE SAFETY AND EDUCATION AND WE NEED TO START THIS PROCESS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AS FAR LEFT IN THE TIMELINE AS WE POSSIBLY CAN. WE KNOW VETERANS ARE VULNERABLE IN THEIR TRANSITION OUT OF MILITARY. WE KNOW THOSE THAT ARE CARRYING TRAUMA FROM THEIR MILITARY SERVICE AND ISOLATION. 
          THE ISOLATION PIECE IS ESPECIALLY CHALLENGING RIGHT NOW AS WE ALL KNOW WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES THAT ARE GOING ON. WE KNOW OUR YOUNGER VETERANS AND WOMEN VETERANS ARE SEEING INCREASING RATES. WE KNOW BREAKING THE STIGMA IS ESSENTIAL. THEY MAY NOT SEEM LIKE TEMPORARY CHALLENGES, I KNOW WE CAN SOLVE THE TEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND WE CAN'T REVERSE A PERMANENT DECISION. 
          THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. I AM PROUD TO ACCEPT THAT ON 
          BEHALF OF OUR HARRIS COUNTY VETERANS. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, THIS RESOLUTION IS SO IMPORTANT THAT WE WANT ESPECIALLY OUR NATION'S FINEST TO KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE. WE WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT WHEN THEY COMPLETE THEIR SERVICE, THEY HAVE A HOME ESPECIALLY HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. 
          THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. PLEASE KNOW THE VETERANS IN OUR COMMUNITY, LET THEM KNOW WE ARE HERE FOR THEM AND WE LOVE THEM AND RESPECT THAM -- THEM. 
          ALL RIGHT, JUDGE, WE'VE GOT THE NEXT ITEM. THIS ONE WE ARE BEGINNING THAT TIME OF THE YEAR RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. 
          I AM SO EXCITED TO PRESENT THIS FIRST RESOLUTION OF THE SEASON RECOGNIZING AN INCREDIBLE YOUNG LADY WHO I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF KNOWING AND SEEING HER IN ACTION. 
          THIS RESOLUTION IS WHEREAS SEPTEMBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 15TH, 2020 IS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. HARRIS COUNTY HAS AN INTEREST IN PROMOTING THE STORIES OF HISPANICS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. 
          WHEREAS BETTER -- BERTA-URTEAGA WAS THE FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE HIS -- HISTORIC COUNCIL 60 SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1935 AND HAS DEDICATED HER MEMBERSHIP TO HELPING YOUTH AND ADULTS SUCCEED IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR SUCCESSFUL CAREERS. AND WHEREAS BORN IN SAN BENITO, TEXAS AND RAISED IN BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS BERTA ATTENDED TEXAS SOUTH MOST COLLEGE IN BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS AND MOVED TO HOUSTON IN 1963 TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, GO COUGARS. 
          AND WHEREAS IN 1967, BERTA BEGAN WORKING FOR SAID JOBS AS HER FIRST TEACHING JOB. 
          AFTER SEVEN YEARS WENT TO WORK AS A COUNSELOR FOR THE VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE SERVICE FOR THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS. WHEREAS IN ADDITION TO THE COUNSEL -- COUNCIL PRESIDENT HAS HELD VARIOUS POSITIONS AT THE NATIONAL, STATE, DISTRICT AND COUNCIL LEVELS, SERVING 15 YEARS AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR YOUTH SHE HAS COORDINATED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE THAN 30 YOUTH COUNCILS AND THOUSANDS OF NEW MEMBERS. SHE FEELS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CREATING YOUTH COUNCILS IS ENCOURAGING CONTINUING EDUCATION, REACHING 
          [00:40:03]
FOR THE STARS, SETTING HIGH EXPECTATIONS AND GIVING BACK TO COMMUNITY IN SPONSORING THE ATTENDANCE AT STATE AND NATIONAL FORUMS INCLUDING THOSE AT ELITE UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS. AND WHEREAS BERTA HAD A BREAKFAST 10 YEARS AGO THAT CONTINUES WITH ENTHUSIASTIC ATTENDANCE BY MEMBERS OF HOUSTON'S LATINO LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY AND AT TIMES HAS HUNDREDS OF ATTENDEES. SHE MADE TIME TO CREATE A LAW -- A L.A. AT -- A LATIA WOMEN LEADERSHIP GROUP. BE IT RESOLVED HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSION AREA -- COMMISSIONER'S COURT HONORS BERTA-URTEAGA FOR HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE HISPANIC CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNTY. CONGRATULATIONS AND I THINK WE 
          HAVE HER ON THE PHONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS SHE ON, LUCINDA? 
          >> I'M SORRY. I WAS HAVING SOME DIFFICULTY. JUST A MOMENT. 
          SORRY ABOUT THAT. GO AHEAD, MA'AM. >> OKAY. 
          ADRIAN, THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU. JUDGE UH HALL -- JUDGE HIDALGO, I THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT HONOR. I ALWAYS FELT OUR YOUTH NEED ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET. I I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT I HAVE WITHOUT PEOPLE LIKE ADRIAN THERE TO SUPPORT US. THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE ONE THAT STARTED ALL OF THIS WAS KAY STRICKLAND. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU REMEMBER HER:  I HAVE A LOT OF HELP AND A LOT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT. AGAIN, THANK YOU. 
          I WILL CONTINUE TO DO AS MUCH AS I CAN FOR THE KIDS. I FEEL ALL OUR KIDS SHOULD KNOW THEY CAN ATTEND COLLEGE AND NOT NECESSARILY COMMUNITY COLLEGE. 
          THEY CAN GO ON TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND THAT'S MY GOAL. THANK YOU, EVERYONE. 
          COMMISSIONER ELLIS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, JUDGE HIDALGO. 
          WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND WE SUPPORT YOU 100% AND THANK YOU. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: BERTA, CONGRATULATIONS. IT WAS AN HONOR TO END THIS RESOLUTION WITH YOUR NAME IN IT. YOUR WORK IS VISIBLE. 
          YOU ARE CREATING LIVING LEGACIES. AND THE COMMUNITY IS BETTER AND STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOUR WORK. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR 
          DEDICATION. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          THAT IS WONDERFUL. BERTA, LOVE YOU, MISS YOU. GOT TO CALL YOU SOON. 
          MAYBE WE CAN DO ONE OF THESE ZOOM DEALS SO I CAN LOOK AT YOU. 
          >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WORK. 
          THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, WE DO HAVE ANOTHER SPEAKER. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, LUCINDA. THANK YOU. 
          >> ESEDRO GARZA WITH BLUE LIGHT. GO AHEAD. 
          >> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT, I AM ESEDRO GARZA AND SPEAKING FOR THE GREATER COALITION FOR JUSTICE AND JUDGE HIDALGO, I LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE ON YOUR SHELF. 
          WE HONORED YOU WITH THE LIBERTY AND JUSTICE EXCELLENCE AWARD AND I WANT TO SPEAK SHORTLY ABOUT MS. BERTA. FIRST OF ALL I WAIL START BY SAYING IF YOU HAVE THE FAITH OF A MUSTARD SEED, YOU COULD TELL FROM HERE TO THERE. LET'S NOT GET IT TWISTED. 
          BERTA CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS. SHE HAS RETIRED FROM EVERYTHING INCLUDING BLUE LIGHT. BUT SHE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS. PROOF OF THAT IS WHEN -- DATING BACK TO COMMISSIONER ELLIS, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND MOST RECENTLY THE ELECTION OF JUDGE HIDALGO, SOMETHING THAT WAS SEEMINGLY NOT POSSIBLE. THAT'S WHY I LOVE HER ATTITUDE. 
          IN THE ENGLISH VERSION OF THE BIBLE HEBREWS 11:1 IT TAKES THE HOPE OF THINGS TO COME. 
          IN THE SPANISH VERSION IT SAYS TALKS ABOUT THE CERTAINTY -- NOT JUST THE HOPE, BUT THE CERTAINTY OF THINGS TO COME AND BETA -- BERTA HAS ALWAYS -- NOT JUST FOR THE HISPANICS, BUT FOR THE COMMUNITY. 
          [00:45:07]
I APPLAUD HER FOR ALL OF HER EFFORTS AND EVERYTHING SHE HAS DONE TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE AND FOR THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE RECOGNITION. IT IS WELL DESERVED AND YOU CHOSE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE RECOGNITION. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS ALL OF YOU. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU FOR COMMENTING ON BERTA'S WORK. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. AND I DO LOVE THAT. >> THOSE WERE ALL OF THE 
          SPEAKERS, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, LUCINDA. 
          I BELIEVE THOSE ARE ALL OF THE RESOLUTIONS. THERE'S BEEN A REQUEST TO TAKE UP ITEM 2 ON PAGE 30 ON THE PERSONNEL CHANGE. I PROPOSE THAT WE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THAT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SPEAKER, 
          LUCINDA? >> YES, MA'AM, WE DO HAVE A FEW SPEAKERS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IF YOU ARE ALL RIGHT TO TAKE THE SPEAKERS AND THEN WE TAKE UP THIS ITEM. LET'S HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS, LUCINDA. 
          >> MARY EDWARDS, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE UH 
          HALL -- JUDGE HIDALGO. CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. 
          >> HI, GOOD MORNING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT. 
          THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME BEFORE AND YOU SPEAK ON THIS AGENDA ITEM. 
          MY CAREER WITH HARRIS COUNTY BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER OF 2002 UNDER COMMISSIONER JOE FON -- FONTAO. I WORKED YEARS WORKING UNDER CELIA GARCIA. 
          DURING THOSE SEVEN YEARS I LEARNED QUITE A BIT ABOUT HOW HARRIS COUNTY OPERATES. 
          IN 2017, I WAS AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY ALONG WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE GROUP TO BE ASSIGNED UNDER BRUCE HYDE. AT THE TIME WE SWITCHED OVER TO CENTRAL TECHNOLOGY SERVICES THAT IS NOW UNIVERSAL SERVICES. ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHANGES WE MADE WAS WITH THE FREQUENT COURTHOUSE VISITOR'S PROGRAM. THERE WERE LONG LINES -- PARDON? THERE WERE LONG LINES IN THE LOBBY. 
          OUR EMPLOYEES WERE HAND WRITING OVER 4,000 RECEIPTS EVERY YEAR SENDING OUT NUMEROUS E-MAILS AND HAVING RETURN RECEIPTS REQUESTED FOR BADGES AND ALL OF THAT HAS BEEN AUTOMATED. THE ONLINE APPLICATIONS OF WORKING, THE LINES ARE SHORTER AND BADGES ARE ISSUED IN LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHETHER WE INTEND TO OR NOT, I RECOGNIZE THAT WE ALL LEAVE A LEGACY. IT IS NOT SO MUCH WHAT WE SAY ABOUT OURSELVES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY IT IS WHAT OTHERS WILL SAY ABOUT US. 
          JUDGE HIDALGO, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY PAIR WREN THET PARTICULARLY, AT YOUR AGE YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE THE LONGEST SERVING JUDGE IN HARRIS COUNTY IF YOU SO CHOOSE. EVERYONE NEEDS A MENTOR, BUT DON'T LET YOUR MENTOR BE YOUR MANIPULATOR. YOUR THE MANIPULATOR CAN NO LONGER MANIPULATE YOU THEY WILL BE THE ENEMY. REMEMBER THE STORY OF HUMPTY-DUMPTY. 
          ON THE WALL WITH HIS LEGS CROSSED I THINK HE FORGOT HOW HE GOT ON TOP OF THE WALL. 
          IF YOU NOTICED THERE ARE NO STEPS HE USED TO REACH THAT LEVEL. 
          THIS MEANS THAT SOMEONE HAD TO HELP HIM GET THERE. TO EACH OF YOU, I ADMONISH YOU TO GO BACK AND REVIEW SOME OF THE CAMPAIGN PROMISES YOU MADE TO GET ELECTED AND THEN TAKE AN INVENTORY ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND THE REASONS BEHIND THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I REMEMBER YOU ONCE SAYING DURING A MEETING, I PRAYED. AND BEFORE THE COURT MEETING SOMEBODY OPENS THE COURT MEETING WITH A PRAYER, INCLUDING TODAY. ONE OF THE PRAYER THAT'S IS REPEATEDLY OFFERED IS FOR GOD TO GIVE YOU THE WISDOM TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS FOR THE CONSTITUENTS YOU REPRESENT. THERE IS A SCRIPTURE THAT SAYS EVERY MAN SEEMS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES, BUT THE LORD LEADS THE HEART. PERHAPS THAT IS WHY DAVID PRAYED FOR GOD TO SEARCH HIS HEART TO KNOW HIS HEART. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS 
          OPPORTUNITY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. 
          >> BROWN. GO AHEAD PLEASE. >> THANK YOU. 
          THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK. 
          [00:50:01]
I HAVE BEEN IN THE I.T. FIELD FOR YEARS WORKING ACROSS MANY INDUSTRIES INCLUDING OIL AND GAS, AND COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE AND ENERGY TRADING AND MANUFACTURING AND VARIOUS CONSULTING FIRMS INCLUDING DELOIT AND MOST RECENTLY HERE IN THE COUNTY. 
          ONE OF THE MANY REASONS I CAME TO THE COUNTY WAS BECAUSE OF THE TRUST AND THE RESPECT I HAD IN THE LEADERSHIP TEAM THAT BRUCE HINES PUT TOGETHER. 
          I WORKED WITH BRUCE FOR MANY YEARS AND I KNEW HE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON TO BE THE BEST PERSON ACROSS THE INDUSTRY AND HE WOULD GIVE ALL HE HAD TO GIVE TO MAKE SURE HIS STAFF PRODUCED QUALITY SERVICES FOR CUSTOMERS. HARRIS COUNTY HAS ALMOST 19,000 EMPLOYEES NOW. IT IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT IS NOT SIMILARLY FOCUSED IN THE CORE BUSINESS WITH 80 PLUS DEPARTMENT THAT'S OPERATE AUTONOMOUSLY IN MANY CASES AND PROVIDING ENTERPRISE I.T. SERVICES CAN BE CHALLENGING AT BEST. 
          UNDER BRUCE'S LEADERSHIP, THE COUNTY'S INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE SERVICE OFFERINGS HAVE IMPROVED SIG -- SIGNIFICANTLY TO MEET THE GROWING AND EVER CHANGING REQUIREMENTS OF THE COUNTY. SINCE THIS MOTION WAS PLACE OWED THE AGENDA TO DISMISS MR. HINES, I THINK THE CONSIDERATION OF THE VAST NUMBER OF UH -- ACHIEVEMENTS MUST BE GIVEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF SUCCESS STORIES AND RELATIONSHIPS BUILT WITH CUSTOMERS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEMS ACROSS THE COUNTY OVER THE YEARS, FAR TOO MANY TO LIST INDIVIDUALLY. 
          HOWEVER, ONE OF THE MOST RECENT AND NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN THE ABILITY FOR THE COUNTY TO CONTINUE ITS BUSINESS OPERATIONS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. A GREAT PORTION OF THE STAFF BEGAN WORKING REMOTELY SIX MONTHS AGO AND STILL DOING SO TODAY. THE COUNTY WAS POISED AND READY TO HANDLE THAT SITUATION BECAUSE OF THE PRO ACTIVE PLANNING AND CAPABILITIES OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND OUR STAFF ALL UNDER THE DIRECT GUIDANCE OF BRUCE HINES. 
          HIS LEADERSHIP ALLOWED FOR THE CONTINUED DRIVE TO IMPROVE TECHNOLOGY, CAPABILITIES AND IMPROVE BUSINESS FUNCTIONALITY AND EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY ACROSS THE COUNTY. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION AND PLACE ALL OF YOUR DECISION MAKING SOLELY ON THE LONG LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED UNDER BRUCE'S DEDICATED TENURE WHILE SERVING THE COUNTY, STAFF AND TAX PAYING CONSTITUENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY. 
          PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING AND VOTE AGAINST THE DISMISSAL OF BRUCE HAIN. 
          THANK YOU -- BRUCE HINE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: I BELIEVE 
          COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS A QUESTION FOR YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. YOU MENTIONED YOU HAVE COME FROM BNC SOFTWARE TO HARRIS 
          COUNTY. >> YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DO YOU KNOW OFFHAND HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE COME AND LINKED THEIR PRIVATE SECTOR EXPERTISE TO US IN THE 
          COUNTY FROM BMC? >> WOW. ON THE TOP OF MY HEAD, I WOULD SAY AT LEAST 18 OR 20 THAT I KNOW OF. LIKE ME, I KNOW A LOT OF THEM DIDN'T COME FROM BNC BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOT OF TURMOIL THERE AND A LOT OF PEOPLE SCATTERED ACROSS THE INDUSTRY. AND THEN A LOT OF US THAT CAME ENDED UP BRINGING OTHER PEOPLE FROM EITHER BNC OR OTHER PLACES WE HAD WORKED AS WELL. 
          AGAIN, MOST OF US CAME BECAUSE WE KNEW THE LEADERSHIP WAS IN PLACE AND THAT WAS GOING TO BE A GOOD SPOT FOR US TO NOT ONLY END OUR CAREERS, BUT TO PROVIDE BENEFITS TO THE 
          COUNTY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 
          >> THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, WE DO HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANKS. GO AHEAD, LUCINDA. >> TOM RAMSEY. 
          GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK. I AM SPEAKING HERE ON BEHALF OF AN EXTRAORDINARY HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE, BRUCE HINES. SOME OF HIS BACKGROUND I THINK IS NOTEWORTHY. 
          HE HAS FAITHFULLY SERVED AS DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND A CHIEF PREPARATION OFFICER SINCE 2009. IN 2014 HE WAS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP TECHNOLOGY LEADERS IN THE COUNTRY. IN 2017 HE RECEIVED THE BEST OF TEXAS AWARD FOR WHAT HE DID DURING HARVEY. 2020 HE RECEIVED THE BEST IN TEXAS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT. BRUCE IS A NATIVE HOUSTONIAN IN HARRIS COUNTY. 
          FOR 27 YEARS HE WORKED FOR THE COUNTY AND HE IS RESPECTED BY NEARLY EVERYONE IN THE COUNTY AND HIS PEERS. THE IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR 24/7 OPERATIONS. 
          NO SMALL DEAL AND CREATED SIGNIFICANT REDUNDANCY AND HAD THOUSANDS OF WE -- WI-FI 
          [00:55:03]
POINTS AND A CYBER SECURITY SYSTEM. HAD WORKED WITH CAD AND MAPPING SYSTEMS. EFFECTIVE RECORDS MANAGEMENT. THERE IS A BUDGET CONSCIOUS GUY THAT IS COMING OUT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND SEEING WHAT HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED IS JUST EXTRAORDINARY. I SIMPLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE COUNTY WOULD CONSIDER FIRING SUCH AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT. IT REMINDS ME WHAT WAS DONE TO BUDGET DIRECTOR BILL JACKSON. CLEARLY THIS IS ABOUT POLITICS WHICH DO NOT EVEN BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND. FOLKS MAY DISAGREE ON POLICY, MAY DISAGREE ON PRIORITIES, BUT GOOD EMPLOYEES SHOULD NOT BE THE VICTIMS. AGAIN, THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY IS UH -- IS APPALLING. JUST THINK WHAT MESSAGE YOU ARE SENDING TO THE 15,000 GREAT EMPLOYEES, HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEES. 
          I SIMPLY ASK YOU RECONSIDER. DON'T MAKE EVERYTHING PARTISAN. 
          PLEASE CONSIDER RETAINING BRUCE HINES. THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, THOSE WERE ALL THE SPEAKERS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IN THAT CASE, I PROPOSE WE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL MATTER ON ITEM 2 OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION AGENDA ON PAGE 30. 
          YES, ROBERT? >> YOU NEED TO -- WE NEED TO CLARIFY BECAUSE I JUST NOTED THE ANSWER, YOU CAN ONLY USE THAT SECTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION IF THE PERSON INVOLVED IN THAT AGREES. THE EMPLOYEE HAS TO AGREE. 
          I JUST DON'T KNOW IF BRUCE IS IN AGREEMENT OR NOT. >> BRUCE IS ON THE LINE AND HE 
          IS UNMUTED. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> IF I HAVE THAT OPTION, I WOULD GO AHEAD AND AIR THIS OUT IN COURT WHERE MY EMPLOYEES AND THE PEOPLE THAT ARE CONCERNED THROUGHOUT HARRIS COUNTY WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON HERE. 
          I WOULD APPRECIATE BEING ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THIS IN OPEN COURT. 
          THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT OPTION, ROBERT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, BRUCE. IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE, THEN, YOU KNOW, HESITANT TO -- ANYWAY. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ITEM BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES, JUDGE. THANK YOU, JUDGE. BRUCE, LIKE I -- WHEN WE VISITED AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE AND I JUST THOUGHT THAT THE -- IT IS TIME FOR THE COUNTY TO MOVE IN A NEW DIRECTION BASED ON SOME OF THE RECENT EVENTS, PRIMARILY RELATED TO PEOPLE SOFT. TODAY I BELIEVE WE HAVE AN ITEM -- YET ANOTHER ITEM. WE HAVE HAD -- I BELIEVE IT IS THE BELOIT REPORT THAT WAS SUBMITTED REGARDING PEOPLE SOFT. AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE ANOTHER ITEM UNDER THE AUDITOR'S SECTION REGARDING PEOPLE SOFT. 
          AND BOTH OF THOSE REPORTS, UNFORTUNATELY, HAVE NOT BEEN VERY PLEASANT. 
          THE LEADERSHIP THAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED TO DEPLOY THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE CURRENT LEDGER SYSTEM WAS FIRST ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON AUGUST 13TH. 
          THE DEPLOYMENT WAS MARCH OF 2020. TO DATE NO SUBSEQUENT PHASES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED OR SCHEDULED. YOU KNOW, I HAVE LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT HOW THIS PROCESS IS UNFOLDING. WE WERE TOLD AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THIS THAT THE CHANGE OVER WOULD BE FOR THE MOST PART UNEVENTFUL. 
          [01:00:01]
IF THERE WERE CHALLENGES WITH PAYCHECK THAT'S THEY WOULD BE HANDLED PROPERLY. 
          BUT THEY DIDN'T EXPECT A WHOLE LOT. DIDN'T EXPECT ANY OTHER CHALLENGES IN ANY OTHER REGARD RELATED TO THE PEOPLE SOFT ROLLOUT. 
          DID -- AND SO WE TOOK YOUR WORD FOR IT AND THAT OF THE PREVIOUS BUDGET DIRECTOR. 
          YET THE PEOPLE SOFT IMPLEMENTATION DID NOT HELP VAST PORTIONS OF THE COUNTY. 
          AND IN SOME CASE ITSELF MOVED IT IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. FOR EXAMPLE, PURCHASE ORDERS WERE BACKLOGGED. VENDORS WERE NOT BEING PAID AND MANY MANUAL PROCESSES NEEDED TO BE INSTITUTED. NOT WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT AFTER A MULTI-YEAR -- WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MULTI-YEAR PLANNING PROCESS. ADDITIONAL PEOPLE SOFT MODULES WERE AUTOMATED AND THE TIME REPORTING. NO IMPLEMENTATION PLANS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR THE 45-MILLION DOLLAR PURCHASE. IF WE WANT TO GO TO TIBURON, WE CAN AND IT CHALLENGES THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS WITH A SYSTEM THAT IS INADEQUATE FOR THE THIRD LARGEST COUNTY IN AMERICA. ALSO TO SAY THAT WITH PEOPLE SOFT IT HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE THAT THE DEPARTMENTS HAVE HAD TO LOOK AT HIRING THEIR OWN CONSULTANTS TO GET A CLEAR -- A CLEARER PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT HAS BEEN CLEAR AS A RESULT OF BOTH DEPARTMENTS FENDING FOR THEIR ORGANIZATIONS AND THAT'S THAT THERE WAS A COMPLETE DISMISSAL OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THIS REGARD. 
          ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SYSTEM CHANGE OFFICERS PROJECT MANAGEMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PREMIERE ITEM IN THE THOUGHT PROCESS FOR THIS. AND WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE NIGHTMARE OF S -- TIBERON TO SUPERION AND THERE WAS ON GOING OPERATIONAL ISSUES. 
          THE SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING ADEQUATELY WHEN OFFICERS ARE ON PATROL. 
          THERE ARE APPLICATIONS FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND IT IS AN OFFICER SAFETY ISSUE. THE SIS -- THE SYSTEM CHANGE CONTINUES TO PLAYING -- PLAGUE LAW ENFORCEMENT ORGANIZATIONS WITHOUT A CLEAR RESOLUTION. 
          IT IS A CURRENT LEGAL ISSUE THAT WE CONTINUE TO PUT GOOD MONEY BEHIND BAD MONEY. 
          AND SO IT IS -- IT IS JUST -- AS I MENTIONED AND I WAS RESPECTFUL TO YOU, BRUCE, THAT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, BUT THERE IS JUST TOO MUCH GOING ON FOR ME TO FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. 
          I HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET. WITH THAT, THIS IS IN PART THE REASON I PUT THIS ITEM. 
          I EXTENDED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS NOT TO BE THE CASE. YOU CHOSE TO HAVE IT DONE AS SUCH AND SO BE IT. BUT I WANTED TO OFFER YOU THE DIGNITY AND RESPECT THAT I THOUGHT YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE MERITED. BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID, I THINK IT IS TIME FOR HARRIS COUNTY TO MOVE IN A NEW DIRECTION RELATED TO THIS AREA 
          OF RESPONSIBILITY IN HARRIS COUNTY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA, IS THAT A MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT IS A MOTION. 
          I THINK I GOT MY MOTION IN HERE. I THOUGHT I HAD IT IN HERE. 
          THE MOTION WOULD BE TO TERMINATE BRUCE HYDE AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HARRIS COUNTY UNIVERSAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, AUTHORIZE HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT TO COMMENCE A SEARCH FOR A PERMANENT 
          [01:05:03]
DIRECTOR AND REQUEST THE PURCHASING AGENT WORK WITH THE NEW INTERIM DIRECTOR WITH PROCURE SERVICES OR AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY -- AUDIT TO DETERMINE THE COUNTY'S SECURITY AND CONTROLS. AND I HAVE THOUGHTS ON AN INTERIM. 
          I AM NOT SURE IF I SHOULD MAKE THOSE THOUGHTS KNOWN AT THIS TIME, BUT THAT WOULD BE THE 
          FIRST PART OF MY MOTION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM GOING TO SECOND YOUR MOTION, AND I DO APPRECIATE YOU GIVING MR. HYDE THE OPPORTUNITY, AS YOU SAID, TO DO THIS IN A DIFFERENT WAY. BUT IF -- I RESPECT HIS DECISION, AND I RESPECT HIM, BUT I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE IF THE COURT WANTS TO GO IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION. 
          SO WITH THAT I SECOND THE MOTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: MR. RADACK. >> STEVE RADACK: I FIND YOU SECOND THE MOTION BEFORE THE EMPLOYEE IS BEING PROPOSED TO BE TERMINATED DOESN'T EVEN HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND. MR. HYDE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A RESPONSE IN REFERENCE 
          TO THE ALLEGATIONS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> YES, SIR. 
          SO THE ERP PROJECT HAS STABILIZED NOW WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD THAT WE SET THOSE EXPECTATIONS. IT WAS THE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, THE ERP COMMITTEE THAT HAS DECIDED THAT WE ARE IN A STABLE ENVIRONMENT ENOUGH TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE NEXT INITIATIVE WHICH IS TO EM -- IMPLEMENT THE NEW REPORTING AND THE EFFICIENCIES THAT COME WITH IT. OUR FIRST PROJECT WAS TO GET US ON A PLATFORM CALLED PEOPLE SOFT. AND WE ACCOMPLISHED THAT. THIS WAS EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THE INITIATIVE THAT WE WOULD BE COMING BACK WITH THIS PROJECT. 
          YES IT IS 6.4 MILLION AND THAT'S WHAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE AND THAT'S WHEN YOU WILL START SEE -- SEEING EFFICIENCY. IT IS LIKE LAYING A ROAD AND PUTTING A GARDEN OUT BEFORE YOU OPENED THE ROAD. WE OPENED THE ROAD. 
          WE OPENED THE PROJECT. WE OPENED ERP, AND NOW WE WILL APPLY THE EFFICIENCIES NECESSARY IN THE REPORTING. THERE IS NO SENSE IN WRITING REPORTS BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY DATA IN THE SYSTEM. FARCE THE CADR MASS, WE ENCOURAGED THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNOLOGY TO NOT GO WITH THAT SOLUTION BECAUSE IT IS NOT SCALABLE. 
          IT HAS NEVER BEEN PROVEN TO FUNCTION AT THIS SIZE AND CAPACITY. 
          IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN BUILT FOR ONE OR TWO DEPARTMENTS ONLY. IT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE MULTIPLE AGENCY THAT'S WE HAVE RUNNING THROUGH THIS CAD SYSTEM. 
          AND OUR VOTE DIDN'T COUNT. WE DIDN'T HAVE A VOTE. WE WERE TOLD TO IMPLEMENT IT. 
          AND NOW THAT IT IS IMPLEMENTED , AND YES THERE ARE FAULTS, AND WE ARE WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO GET OUR MONEY BACK. THANK GOODNESS WE WORKED CLOSELY ON GETTING THAT PROTECTION. AND WE WILL BE WORKING WITH THE LAWEN FORES MEANT -- THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE. IN FACT, WE HAVE VENDORS IN SOON TO SHOW WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING WHILE GATHERING REQUIREMENTS. WE ARE READY TO LOOK FORWARD TO REPLACING THE CAD SYSTEM, OR PUT IT THIS WAY, THE DEPARTMENT IS READY TO MOVE FORWARD IN ENABLING WHATEVER TECHNOLOGIES THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY WANTS. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: MR. HYDE, AFTER OUR LAST MEETING OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT, DID YOU RECEIVE A PHONE CALL FROM COMMISSIONER GARCIA IN REFERENCE TO YOUR TENURE? 
          >> YES, SIR. >> STEVE RADACK: WHAT WAS SAID? 
          >> THAT HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT I DIDN'T RECEIVE HIS -- I DIDN'T ANSWER HIS PHONE CALL WHILE I WAS TRYING TO MOVE MY PARENTS ARE -- WITH THE HURRICANE COMING IN FROM THEIR BEACH HOUSE. I DID NOT RECEIVE IT -- I DID LOOK AND HE SAID HE HAD HIS DEPARTMENT CALL ME THROUGH MY PERSONAL CELL PHONE A COUPLE OF TIMES. 
          I NEVER FOUND ANYTHING IN THE LOGS. I LOOKED AT MY OFFICE LOGS AND I NEVER RECEIVED THOSE CALLS. I JUST HAD ONE VOICEMAIL FROM A WIRELESS CALLER THAT I DIDN'T KNOW WHO IT WAS AMONG THE OTHER 20 THAT WERE SITTING THERE DURING THE TIME THAT I WAS UNABLE TO BE CONNECTED. STEVE BUT I'M ASK 
          >> STEVE RADACK: BUT I'M ASKING THE QUESTION DID HE SAY ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE 
          WITH HARRIS COUNTY WHEN HE CONTACTED YOU? >> YES, SIR. 
          HE GAVE ME AN OPTION OF LEAVING IN TWO OR FOUR WEEKS AND ASKED ME TO GET BACK WITH HIM. UNFORTUNATELY I DIDN'T GET BACK WITH HIM. 
          I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT I HAD TWO YEARS UNTIL I WAS READY TO RETIRE. 
          HE SAID THAT THAT WAS -- HE DIDN'T SEE THAT HAPPENING. >> STEVE RADACK: SO BASICALLY 
          [01:10:05]
A COURT MEMBER BASICALLY SAID TO YOU YOU HAVE TWO TO FOUR MORE WEEKS. 
          >> YES, SIR. THANK GOODNESS -- >> STEVE RADACK: ALTHOUGH YOU 
          ARE AN APPOINTEE OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT. >> CORRECT. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: I -- JUDGE, I THINK I URGE YOU TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS. 
          THIS IS A -- THIS IS AN EXTREME MOVE, AND I BELIEVE IT IS BASED ON INFORMATION THAT 
          CERTAINLY DOES NOT CALL FOR DISMISSAL OF BRUCE HYDE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE I WANT 
          TO -- >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR FROM COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND 
          THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, THERE ARE REASONS AND THEN THERE ARE EXCUSES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE MAY BE SOME PERSONALITY ISSUES AT PLAY HERE. BUT, JUDGE, THE MIGRATION OF ONE OF THE LARGEST DATABASES FROM AN OLD SYSTEM TO A NEW SYSTEM IS ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE A FEW LITTLE BUMPS. 
          WE RECEIVED IN PRECINCT 4 EXCELLENT SERVICE ALONG THAT TRANSITION. 
          WERE THERE BUMPS? YES. WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE MASSIVE TASK THAT WAS THERE, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO MY COLLEAGUE, I THINK THESE ARE EXCUSES AND THESE ARE NOT REASONS, AND SO I AM GOING TO BE OPPOSED TO MAKING THIS CHANGE AT THIS TIME. A NUMBER OF AWARDS THAT OUR COUNTY HAS RECEIVED OVER THE YEARS THAT BRUCE HAS BEEN AT THE HELM ARE REMARKABLE. HE IS GOOD AT WHAT HE DOES. 
          THE FACT THAT WHEN OTHER MAJOR GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES HAVE BEEN ATTACKED ON A CYBER LEVEL AND HAVE BEEN SHUTDOWN AND WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WITH A FEW DEPARTMENT THAT'S MAY NOT HAVE PUT THEMSELVES UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE COUNTY THAT HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO PROTECT THE COUNTY IN THIS ENVIRONMENT. THESE ARE ALL REMARKABLE, WONDERFUL THINGS. 
          HIS ABILITY TO RECRUIT THE FINEST FOLKS IN THE I.T. WORLD TO COME AND TO SERVE AND TO WORK HERE, THESE ARE ALL GOOD THINGS. SO, JUDGE, I RESPECTFULLY DISAGREE WITH THIS MOTION AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. AND I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT TO BRUCE THAT WE WOULDN'T BE LEVERAGING OUR COUNTY ATTORNEYS RIGHT NOW ON SUPERION HAD I NOT RAISED THE ISSUE. OTHERWISE THAT PAYMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRANSACTIONAL. 
          NO CONVERSATION FROM BRUCE. THE REALITY OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THAT SYSTEM CAME FROM THE END USERS. HAD I NOT RAISED THAT ISSUE WE WOULD -- WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HOOK FOR MILLIONS MORE TAXPAYERS' MONEY OR A SYSTEM THAT IS INADEQUATE. 
          SECONDLY THE -- BACK TO PEOPLE SOFT. IT SOUNDS LIKE -- THIS COMMENTARY ON PEOPLE SOFT SOUNDS LAR -- SIMILAR TO THE COMMON -- THE COMMENTARY ON THE VACCINE AND THE VIRUS. IT IS ALL GOING TO GO AWAY. IT IS ALL FIXED. 
          WE ARE GONNA GET IT DONE. THE REALITY OF IT IS WHEN YOU HAVE DEPARTMENTS FIGHTING FOR THEIR PRIORITIES RATHER THAN HAVING A TRUE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROCESS THAT MOVES THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION FORWARD, THAT IS -- I'M SORRY. 
          IT IS UNACCEPTABLE. AND WHEN YOU DON'T EVEN CONSIDER THE LARGEST IN USER OF THAT SYSTEM BEING AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS AND TO CONSIDER DOING BETA TESTING WITH THAT ORGANIZATION , I'M SORRY. 
          THAT'S UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS COSTING EMPLOYEES THOUSANDS OF HOURS TO FIX AND ADDRESS. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT IS COSTING US ON THE PURCHASE ORDERS THAT WERE PAID. PRECINCT 2 RAISED THESE ISSUES EARLY ON. 
          AGAIN, PART OF THE CONVERSATION FOR WHY WE HAVE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT IS BECAUSE OF MY OFFICE RAISING THE PROBLEMS WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PEOPLE 
          [01:15:06]
SOFT. SO WITH THAT, YOUR HONOR, I OFFER THE MOTION. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF YOU DON'T MIND REPEATING. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SURE. THE MOTION IS MOVE TO TERMINATE BRUCE HINES AS DIRECTOR OF HARRIS COUNTY UNIVERSAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, AUTHORIZE HUMAN RESOURCES AND RISK MANAGEMENT TO COMMENCE A SEARCH FOR A PERMANENT DIRECTOR AND TO REQUEST THE PURCHASING AGENT WORK WITH THE NEW INTERIM DIRECTOR TO PROCURE SERVICES FOR AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AUDIT TO DETERMINE THE CURRENT 
          STATUS OF THE COUNTY'S SECURITY AND CONTROLS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          RADACK. >> STEVE RADACK: MR. SOARD? >> YES, SIR. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: THERE WAS A COMMENT MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA IN REFERENCE TO SUPERION. I KNOW WE HAD PURCHASING INVOLVED IN THAT, THE AUDITOR INVOLVED IN THAT, BUT DO YOU AGREE WITH THE STATEMENT THAT IF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S COMMENTS THAT IF HE DIDN'T RAISE THIS WE WOULD BE FINANCIALLY IN WORST SHAPE SO TO SPEAK OR WE WOULD HAVE LOST THIS MONEY. DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT 
          COMMENT? >> I HAVE NOT BEEN PERSONALLY INVOLVED WITH TIBERON AND I CAN'T SAY ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. I CAN SAY OUR ATTORNEYS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH THIS PROCESS. I KNOW AUDITORS HAVE BEEN INVOLVED AND PURCHASING HAS BEEN INVOLVED SO I CAN'T NECESSARILY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THAT PARTICULAR STATEMENT OTHER THAN THERE WERE MANY PEOPLE LOOKING AT THIS ISSUE 
          AND HAVE BEEN. >> STEVE RADACK: SO IN OTHER WORDS IT WAS BEING ADDRESSED. 
          >> THERE WERE MANY PEOPLE LOOKING AT IT, YES, SIR. >> STEVE RADACK: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ROBERT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA MENTIONED IN HIS MOTION THE INTERIM. 
          THAT MAKES SENSE. IS THAT A DISCUSSION WE CAN HAVE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION? 
          >> YES, IT IS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COULD WE HAVE THAT DISCUSSION EXCLUSIVELY ON WHAT THE INTERIM SITUATION WOULD BE BEFORE VOTING ON THIS MOTION? 
          >> YOU MAY BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO VOTE AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME. 
          YOU COULD MAYBE TABLE THIS ITEM AND GO TO THE NEXT ITEM ABOUT THE INTERIM AND HAVE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT. HAVE YOU TO BE CAREFUL IN THAT THE EXECUTIVE SESSION CAN EITHER BE TO GET LEGAL GUIDANCE FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OR IT CAN BE TO DISCUSS THE RELATIVE MERITS OF A PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL. IF YOU START GOING INTO A 
          GENERAL POLICY-TYPE DECISION, THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: MY QUESTION WOULD BE THE RELATIVE MERITS OF AN INTERIM PERSON AND WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE IF AT ALL. 
          THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS. I GET IT IF MR. HYDE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS HIS MERITS IN PUBLIC. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE MERITS WOULD BE OF A POTENTIAL INTERIM AND THE OPTIONS. I WOULDN'T WANT TO PUT THAT 
          PERSON BEHIND THE 8 BALL OR PEOPLE. >> YOU WILL NEED TO TIE IT TO INDIVIDUALS. IN OTHER WORDS, IS THIS INDIVIDUAL SOMEBODY THAT MAY 
          BE APPROPRIATE OR NOT APPROPRIATE? >> LINA HIDALGO: FAIR ENOUGH. 
          AND YOU WILL BE WITH WITH US. >> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU CAN MAKE SURE THE DISCUSSION IS VERY, VERY NARROW. COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN 
          COMMISSIONER RADACK. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ROBERT, FORGIVE ME FOR BRINGING UP THE QUESTION IN SUCH A BLUNT MANNER. BUT IT ALMOST APPEARS THAT WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO DO IS GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, AND THEN DISCUSS WHETHER A SUGGESTED INTERIM DIRECTOR THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED IN THE MIND OF ONE OF OUR COLLEAGUES IS A BETTER OPTION THAN ALLOWING THE CURRENT DIRECTOR TO CONTINUE. 
          ARE YOU SURE THAT'S ALL RIGHT FOR US TO DO THAT WEIGHING BETWEEN A PROPOSED INTERIM VERSUS THE EXISTING DIRECTOR, OR DO WE HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ON WHETHER WE WILL HAVE AN 
          OFFICER OR NOT? >> I THINK IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE COMMISSIONERS TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITIES OF WHO THE SUCCESSOR MIGHT BE AND DISCUSS THE RELATIVE MERITS OF THE SUCCESSOR. YOU CANNOT TALK IN EXECUTIVE SESSION ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS OF BRUCE HYDE UNLESS HE IS PRESENT OR UNLESS HE CONSENTED TO IT. 
          IT IS A VERY NARROW ISSUE, I UNDERSTAND. ALSO MY LEGAL VIEW IS THAT YOU 
          [01:20:02]
DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM AT THIS POINT IF A MAJORITY OF THE COURT DOES NOT WISH TO VOTE ON IT AT THIS POINT. YOU CAN LITERALLY TAKE UP PART TWO AND COME BACK TO PART ONE. IT IS A DIFFICULT SITUATION. 
          CLEARLY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, ROBERT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IF IT IS ALL RIGHT WITH YOU, I WOULD -- OH YES. 
          COMMISSIONER RADACK. >> STEVE RADACK: MR. SOARD, DOES BRUCE HYDE HAVE A RIGHT 
          TO BE IN THE EXECUTIVE SESSION? >> NO, SIR, NOT UNLESS IT IS TALKING ABOUT HIS PARTICULAR SITUATION AND HIS CONSENT. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO 
          BE THERE TO TALK ABOUT OTHER POSSIBILITIES OR SUCCESSORS. >> STEVE RADACK: I TELL YOU, YOU GUYS MIGHT BE PAYING A LOT OF ATTENTION BECAUSE THIS IS A THIN LINE. 
          >> IT VERY MUCH IS. I AGREE. >> STEVE RADACK: IT IS A VERY 
          THIN LINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. SOARD, AS I UNDERSTAND THE LAW ASSUMING THE INITIAL MOTION GOES FORWARD AT SOME POINT, WE WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO NAME ON AN INTERIM BASIS WHOEVER WE CHOOSE. WE COULD NAME YOU. WE COULD NAME COMMISSIONER CAGLE. I KNOW HE HAS HIS OWN COMPUTER SYSTEM. 
          WE CAN NAME ANYBODY WE WANT, RIGHT? >> YES, SIR. 
          THAT'S CORRECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE CAN NAME SOMEBODY IN THE DEPARTMENT OR 
          OUT OF THE DEPARTMENT? >> CORRECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WITHIN THE 
          COUNTY AND OUTSIDE THE COUNTY. >> THAT'S CORRECT. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND THAT'S ALL WE CAN TALK ABOUT. >> THAT'S CORRECT. 
          AND THE WAY THE STATUTE READS, IF THE DELIBERATION CONCERNS THE INDIVIDUAL, THAT INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO HAVE THAT DELIBERATION IN PUBLIC. 
          SO TO THE EXTENT YOU START TALKING ABOUT RELATIVE MERITS OF BRUCE HYDE, IT DOES NEED TO GO BACK IN PUBLIC. I AGREE WITH COMMISSIONER RADACK. 
          IT IS A VERY NARROW -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT IS A TITLE. 
          SO BEFORE WE GO IN AND YOU BE MY WITNESS AND I GIVE YOU PERMISSION. 
          I REMEMBER THAT SONG WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL, SMILE ON YOUR FACE ALL THE TIME TRYING TO TAKE YOUR PLACE. ALL THE BACK STABBERS I KNOW OF, I LISTEN AND I NOT SAY A WORD. WE ALL KNOW THAT IS A DIFFICULT THING FOR RODNEY TO DO. STEVE IT IS INTERESTING THAT 
          >> STEVE RADACK: IT IS INTERESTING THAT WHEN Y'ALL DECIDED ON -- TO DISMISS BILL JACKSON, YOU GAVE HIM TWO MONTHS. SO I THINK THAT'S -- I THINK THAT'S VERY INTERESTING. I LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING ABOUT IT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I CALLED FOR THE QUESTION EARLIER ON THIS ITEM. 
          THE MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SECONDED AND I CALLED FOR THE QUESTION. 
          YOU ARE MUTED, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE QUESTION ON THE DISMISSAL, COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: JUDGE, ARE YOU CHANGING YOUR VIEW ABOUT GOING INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION 
          BEFORE THE VOTE? >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT WHEN. 
          I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IF WE ARE DISCUSSING THE MERITS OF A PERSON OR PEOPLE IN PUBLIC WHETHER THAT IS OKAY. BUT I DON'T -- I AM TRYING TO HEAR WHERE YOU GUYS ARE AT. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AM I MUTE SNED -- MUTED? I SUGGEST WE VOTE ON IT. 
          MY SENSE IS THAT SOMEBODY IS LOOKING FOR SOME LEGAL ANGLE. ALTHOUGH I WOULD PREFER TO HAVE THE SECONDARY DISCUSSION FIRST, I AM NOT GOING TO SAY A WORD, BUT I JUST -- MY GUESS IS SOMETHING IS GOING ON HERE. I WASN'T GOING TO ASK MR. SOARD, BUT IS SOMEBODY REFERENCING SOMETHING IN EXECUTIVE SESSION? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO AIR ON THE SIDE OF BEING RESPECTFUL, BUT AT THE SAME 
          TIME IF THAT IS BECOMING -- IF THAT IS BEING WEAPONIZED -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S WHAT I 
          THINK IT IS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS A MOTION AND 
          COMMISSIONER ELLIS A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: ON THAT ONE I THINK, YOU KNOW, COMMISSIONER RADACK, I GUESS IT WAS OR COMMISSIONER CAGLE WERE MENTIONING THE SHIFT TO ONLINE WORKING AND MAYBE IT WAS ONE OF THE SPEAKERS. 
          WITH COVID AND WITH THE TRANSITION OF PEOPLE SOFT IS GOING TO HAVE SOME KINKS. 
          MY SENSE IS BRUCE IS A GREAT GUY AND HAS BEEN ABLE TO KEEP THE UNIVERSAL SERVICES 
          [01:25:08]
DEPARTMENT GOING ON THE BASIC NEEDS. MY CHALLENGE IS WHEN WE GOT HERE TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION HAS BEEN ONE OF THE AREAS WHERE I FEEL WE CAN FUND MENTALLY REFORM THE WAY THE COUNTY DOES THINGS. I HAVEN'T HAD THE TIME AND THE SPACE TO DIG IN OR MY TEAM TO DIG IN AND SORT OF HELP MICROMANAGE HOW THAT HAPPENS, BUT CERTAINLY IN A YEAR AND A HALF I THINK IT IS PLENTY OF TIME FOR THINGS TO HAVE FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGED. WHETHER IT WAS 311 OR WHETHER IT WAS THE USE OF THE BIG DATA OR WHETHER IT WAS THE WAY WE INTERACT WITH THE COMMUNITY WITH DATA. 
          I THINK -- WE DON'T KNOW HOW GREAT THE COUNTY CAN BE WHEN IT COMES TO INFORMATION. 
          THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION, I MEAN I KNOW IT IS HARD, BUT I CAN'T IMAGINE THAT IT COULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN MUCH BETTER IN THIS TIME WITH A CHANGE OF DIRECTION AND AN AGGRESSIVE APPROACH. I APPRECIATE BRUCE'S WORK. THIS IS NOT AN INDICTMENT ON HIS TEAM. I AM VERY GRATEFUL TO HIS TEAM , PARTICULARLY WHEN IT HAS COME TO THESE DISASTERS. THEY HAVE BEEN SUPPORTIVE AND I HOPE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE -- I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNTY CAN DO BETTER, AND NOT TO SAY THAT THE BASIC NEEDS ARE NOT BEING MET. THEY ARE. BUT I THINK WE CAN DO BETTER. 
          AND SO FOR THOSE REASONS I VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIES. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, WOULD IT BE APPROPRIATE IF WE GO -- I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THE SECOND MATTER NOW IF THAT'S APPROPRIATE. 
          IN TERMS OF WHO WOULD -- >> LINA HIDALGO: IN TERMS OF -- 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHO WOULD BE THE INTERIM PERSON. >> STEVE RADACK: I HAVE A 
          QUESTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> STEVE RADACK: JUDGE, CAN YOU TELL ME BASED UPON THE MOTION WHEN IS MR. HYDE TERMINATED? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ACTUALLY, JUDGE I WAS GOING TO INSERT THAT IN MY MOTION NOW THAT COMMISSIONER RADACK RAISES IT. I WOULD HAVE WORDED MY MOTION 
          TO HAVE IMMEDIATE EFFECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT YOUR MOTION? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR OF THAT THEN. SO WE CAN GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE 
          RELATIVE MERITS -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, DO I GET TO VOTE ON THAT? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OH, I THOUGHT WE VOTE OWED THAT, COMMISSIONER. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE DATE WAS NOT DECIDED ON. I MEAN, I I WOULD PROPOSE AN ALTERNATE MOTION THAT THE TERMINATION DATE BE TWO MONTHS FROM NOW TO ALLOW TRANSITION. 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAS A MOTION THAT IT BE DONE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. 
          THOSE WOULD BE TWO COMPETING MOTIONS. WE NEED TO VOTE ON THOSE, YOUR 
          HONOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: RIGHT. AND UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE YOU ARE TRYING TO MINCE WORDS WE CAN'T HAVE A DECISION ABOUT AN INTERIM SO IT IS HARD TO MAKE A DECISION. AT THE SAME TIME, I AM ACTING IN GOOD FAITH. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM NOT TRYING TO MINCE WORDS AT ALL. I HAVE BEEN CLEAR THAT I DON'T SUPPORT THIS ACTION, BUT IN THE LIGHT OF THE ACTION, I DON'T THINK I HAVE BEEN MINCIG WORDS AT -- MINCING WORDS AT ALL. I WOULD LIKE THE TRANSITION TIME PERIOD TO BE TWO MONTHS. THAT'S MY MOTION. I HAVE NOT HEARD A SECOND. 
          I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAYS IT IS IMMEDIATELY AND HE HAS A SECOND. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I SUGGEST IF THERE IS A MOTION ON THE TABLE WE VOTE ON THAT MOTION AND WE CAN CERTAINLY DEBATE IT BEFORE WE VOTE ON IT, BUT IF WE JUST WANT TO GO 
          BACK AND FORTH ON MOTIONS -- >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S START ON THE SECOND MOTION, THAL 10 TIFF -- THE ALTERNATIVE MOTION TO MAKE IT EFFECTIVE IN TWO MONTHS. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: SECONDED. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE NO ON COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S MOTION. 
          NOW WE WILL GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL MOTION WHICH AS I UNDERSTAND IT -- 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS MUTED. 
          >> I DIDN'T GET COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S VOTE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M A NO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: AND NOW COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD A MOTION TO MAKE THIS MOVIE 
          EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, CORRECT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S 
          CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND IT WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WILL BE IN FAVOR OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION. NOW GOING BACK TO THE INTERIM DISCUSSION, ROBERT, YOU SAID 
          [IV. Executive Session (Part 1 of 3)]
          [01:30:04]
IT IS PERMISSIBLE FOR US TO DISCUSS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION THE RELATIVE MERITS OF 
          POSSIBLE INTERIM APPOINTEES. IS THAT RIGHT? >> THAT'S CORRECT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I PROPOSE WE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT DISCUSSION ALONE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IT IS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT. IT IS NOT REAL A MOTION. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT. SO IT IS 11:32 AND WE ARE GOING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION -- ID COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. 
          [I. Departments (Part 2 of 3)]
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU WANT TO TAKE THEM BOTH TOGETHER? I KNOW YOU WANT TO ADD TO IT. THIS IS A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE EMANCIPATION NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL STUDY ACT. THIS WAS FROM SHEILA JACKSON LEE AND SHE GOT STRONG PARTISAN SUPPORT IN TEXAS. THE LANGUAGE SAYS WHEREAS EMANCIPATION HISTORIC TRAILS STUDY AT HR34S2646 WAS CREATED AS PART OF A BIPARTISAN EFFORT BY REPRESENTATIVE SHEILA JACKSON LEE AND SENATOR JOHN CORNYN WHICH WAS A NATIONAL TRAIL SYSTEM ACT WHEREAS THE STUDY BRINGS US ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE PLANNED EMANCIPATION NATIONALLY HISTORIC TRAIL. IT RETRACES AND PUTS IT TO THE NEW DUTY FREE MEN AND WOMEN AND WE WILL GO TO HOUSTON FOLLOWING THE GREAT WAR. 
          FOLLOWING THE CIVIL WAR. WHEREAS THE GENERAL ROUTE FOLLOWS AND THE MIGRATION ROUTE WAS TAKEN BY THE NEWLY FREED SLAVES OF AFRICAN DISSENT TO FREEDMAN'S TOWN WHICH IS NOW FORT HOUSTON. THEY HAVE 300,000 MEN AND WOMEN WHO HELP BUILD THE -- BUILD THE FREE -- THE FREEDOM TRAIL ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY AND THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO INCORPORATE THE EMANCIPATION PARK TO BE PURCHASED BY LOCAL BLACK COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE EMANCIPATION SPECIFICALLY. IT IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARD ESTABLISHING THE EMANCIPATION TRAIL AS A NATIONAL LANDMARK OF THE TRAIL OF TEARS AND LEWIS AND CLARK AND REPRESENT -- REPRESENTED BY JACKSON LEE AND MOVE HARRIS COUNTY TO A FUTURE WHICH PRIORITIZES STRUCTURE WITH HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND BE IT RESOLVED THAT COMMISSIONER'S 
          COURT RECOGNIZES IT. COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE DIDN'T HAVE IT WHEN YOU POSTED THE AGENDA ITEM AND SO WE DID ADD A AGENDA ITEM AND INCLUDED IN THAT THE PRISS RELEASE -- THE PRESS RELEASE THAT WAS RELEASED BY OUR FEDERAL FRIENDS AFFECTING THIS PROJECT IN OUR COUNTY. THAT RELEASE STATED THIS LAW HONORS THOSE TEXAS FAMILIES WHO TRAVELED FROM GAL LISTON TO -- GALVESTON TO HOUSTON THAT ALL SLAVES FREED. I THANK PRESIDENT TRUMP AND MY COLLEAGUES IN CONGRESS FOR SUPPORTING THE STUDY OF THE TRAIL TO CELEBRATE THEIR LEGACY AND REMIND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF HOW FAR OUR GENERATION HAS COME. THE SIGNING OF HR434 AND THE SENATE COMPANION BILL IS A HIS STORE -- HISTORIC MOMENT SAID REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON LEE. 
          THE EMANCIPATION TRAIL WILL BECOME ONLY THE SECOND IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO COMMEMORATE THE HISTORY OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND PROVIDE ENHANCED KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT BY MAJOR GORDON GRAINGER THAT THE SLAVES WERE FREE. 
          I AM EXCITED THAT WE SECURED THIS LEGISLATION IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THAT ESTABLISHES THE FIRST HISTORIC TRAIL SOLELY IN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. 
          THIS WILL BE A GREAT ASSET TO THE CITIZENS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS AND I AM COLLIDED TO HAVE -- DELIGHTED TO INTRODUCE THIS BILL AND PLEASED SENATOR CORNYN JOIN ME BY INTRODUCING IT IN THE SENATE. ALL I WOULD ASK IS THAT WE CONSIDER ADDING THOSE TWO PARAGRAPHS TO YOUR RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER, SO WE ARE IN TANDEM WITH WHAT WAS ANNOUNCED ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL. DO YOU HAVE ANY OBJECTION TO ADDING THOSE TWO SENTENCES? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: NO, AND I APPRECIATE YOUR READING IT. I JUST MAKE -- IN LIGHT OF 
          [01:35:04]
YOUR MAKING SURE WE ADD THAT, I JUST ALSO ADD WHEREAS -- AND I JUST SENT THIS TO JAMES AND IT IS GOING TO YOU ALL NOW. WHEREAS HR434 HAD A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF 55 CO-SPONSORS COMPRISED OF 52 DEMOCRATS AND 3 REPUBLICANS INCLUDING THE THREE MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY DELEGATION REPRESENTED -- REPRESENTATIVES LIZZIE, SILVIA AND GARCIA AND GREEN AND INCLUDE YOUR LANGUAGE AS WELL. AND WE ARE STILL NOT FREE IS WHAT I WANTED TO ADD, BUT THAT WOULD BE UGLY. SO I WILL TAKE YOUR LANGUAGE AND THROW THAT IN THERE AND CALL IT A DAY. SO I MOVE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDLY AMENDMENT AND THE LANGUAGE I SENT OVER TO JAMES AS WELL. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S AMENDMENTS AND I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA WANTED TO SECOND THIS ONE. WE WILL DO THAT IF IT IS ALL RIGHT. A MOTION AND A SECOND. JAMES, ARE YOU GOOD? 
          >> NO, MA'AM. IT IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS? 
          AMENDMENT BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. 
          >> AND A SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S 
          RIGHT. >> THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF COMMISSIONER RADACK WANTS TO MAKE AN AMENDMENT WE HAVE ALL OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON 
          THERE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JAMES, YOU SAW THE LITTLE EXTRA WHEREAS SO COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S WAS FRIENDLY AND YOU CAN THROW IN THAT WHEREAS ABOUT THE 55 CO-SPONSORS COMPRISED OF 52 DEMOCRATS AND THREE REPUBLICANS? 
          I THINK WE E-MAILED IT TO YOU. >> I HAVEN'T RECEIVED IT YET, 
          BUT I'M SURE IT IS COMING. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THEY WILL SEND IT NOW. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND JUST SO IT IS CLEAR, MY TWO SENTENCES WERE POSTED LAST WEEK. 
          I JUST READ THEM, BUT THEY WERE POSTED LAST WEEK. >> YES, SIR. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE COULD CHECK. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A 
          MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I SAW THAT HAND RAISED. I THOUGHT MAYBE YOU WERE 
          OPPOSED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO, NO, NO. DON'T YOU EVEN GO THERE. 
          I WANTED TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM, JUDGE, BECAUSE FIRST OF ALL THERE IS INCREDIBLE HISTORY THERE THAT TEXAS SLAVES FINALLY GOT WORD THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD ENFORCE LEGISLATION THAT WOULDS PASSED, BUT IT IS EXCITING FOR ME BECAUSE A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE TRAIL FROM GALVESTON COUNTY INTO HOUSTON WILL COME THROUGH PRECINCT 2. AND SO I AM PROUD OF THAT. I AM HONORED TO HAVE THE EMANCIPATION TRAIL BE A PART OF THE RICH HISTORY AND THE DIVERSITY. 
          AND SO I UH -- I APPLAUD THIS RESOLUTION, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 
          THANK YOU FOR MAKING IT, AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING YOUR AMENDMENT TO IT. THIS IS THE KIND OF STUFF WE ALL SHOULD BE WORKING ON. 
          THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA GOT ME THIS WEEKEND. 
          I AM ALWAYS OUT ON THE BIKE RUNNING AROUND IN THE PRECINCTS. 
          CONGRESSMAN GARCIA AND -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND THE MAYOR WERE HAVING A CENSUS PARADE. I WENT OVER TO THE HOUSE WHICH WAS FIVE MINUTES AWAY. 
          I ROAD MY BIKE OVER AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WAS THINKING I HAD RIDDEN OVER FROM SUNNY SIDE. I WAS FOLLOWING THE MOTORCADE AND FEELING GOOD, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW THE ROUTE. 40 MINUTES IN I HAD TO DETOUR AND GET OUT OF THERE. 
          HE GOT ME. OWE -- ON A SERIOUS NOTE WE DID DO A BIKE RIDE AND I THINK WE INVITED YOU. I THINK IT WAS THE SUNDAY AFTER JUNETEENTH. 
          I DID INVITE COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ZACH ROAD WITH US AND WE DID SOCIAL DISTANCE. I THINK WE HAD ABOUT 20 PEOPLE, AND IT WAS QUITE INTERESTING. SOMEBODY SAID SOMETHING ABOUT MAKING SURE THESE RESOLUTIONS WE HAD SOMETHING TO THEM. I HOPE THE FOLKS FROM THE TOLL ROAD ARE LISTENING BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO WAIT ON THE FINE WORK FROM THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE AND SENATOR CORNYN, I DON'T WANT TO BE ON A TRICYCLE BEFORE THE TRAIL IS COMPLETED I HOPE AFTER NEXT COURT THE TOLL ROAD WILL HAVE SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA SO WE CAN DO AS MUCH OF THIS TRAIL -- WE DON'T HAVE TO CALL IT THE EMANCIPATION TRAIL, BUT CONGRESS MOVES SLOW 
          [01:40:03]
AND IT MAY BE A LONGTIME. BUT I THINK IT WOULD BE A BIG PLUS TO DO A PEDESTRIAN BICYCLE PATH FROM HOUSTON TO GAL REIS STONN. THE LAW DOES -- PERMIT US TO DO IT. THEY CAN PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA TO GET THAT GOING. 
          I'M DOING MY PART INCLUDING TRAILS THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA IS LOOKING INTO NOW. 
          HE CAN BRING HIS PRECINCT INTO DOWNTOWN. WE ARE RIDING TRAILS -- 
          >> YOU DRIVE TWO BLOCKS AWAY. >> JUDGE FOR CLARITY WAS THAT LAST VOTE FOR THE RESOLUTION 
          ALSO INCLUDING COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S ITEM. >> FOR CLARIFICATION, IN MY LETTER, YOU WILL SEE TWO PARAGRAPH THAT'S ARE IN QUOTES. 
          THAT WAS THE FRIENDLY AMENDMENT THAT WAS GOING INTO THE RESOLUTION. 
          >> YES, SIR. >> GOT IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: THOSE WERE THE RESOLUTIONS. LET'S MOVE TO THE COVID AGENDA. 
          IT IS ON PAGE 28 AND IT IS A AND IT IS THE COUNTY ENGINEER UPDATING 25 POSITIONS FROM PART-TIME TO FULL TIME SO THEY CAN GET THEIR BENEFITS. ITEM B1 AND 2 IS THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT ITEMS. THE FIRST ONE IS COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES. 
          2A IS INTER LOCAL AGREEMENTS THROUGH OUR CITY'S PROGRAM. AND 2B ON PAGE 28 IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE UH SIS -- ASSISTANCE FUND THAT IS VERY EXCITING. I KNOW WE HAVE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS ON THE LINE IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK. YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE AND I WANT TO APPLAUD YOU, JUDGE, FOR MAKING SURE THIS GETS PUT ON THE AGENDA. THIS IS SOMETHING THE SHERIFF, THE CHIEF AND OTHERS HAVE IDENTIFIED AS ONE OF THE REGRETFUL OUTCOMES OF THE PANDEMIC. 
          THIS NEARLY $2 MILLION WILL BE VALUE ADDED TO THOSE WHO SERVE THE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VIOLENCE. IT IS VERY, VERY EXCITING TO SEE HAPPEN. 
          I APPLAUD YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OUT THERE AND WERE BROUGHT FORWARD REGRETFULLY. LET ME APPLAUD YOU AND THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. LUCINDA, DO WE HAVE SOMEONE ON 
          THE LINE TO WALK US THROUGH THIS ITEM? >> YES. 
          ON ITEM 2B. WE HAVE BARBIE BRA -- BARBIE BRASHEAR. 
          MS. BRASHEAR, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU. 
          THANK YOU SO MUCH. IT IS TRULY AN HONOR TO BE HERE WITH YOU THIS AFTERNOON. 
          I'M BARBIE BRASHEAR AND THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL THANKS ON THIS TRULY HISTORIC AWARD OF FUNDING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE SUFFERING THE TRAUMA OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS MOSTLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN. I WANT TO THANK YOU, JUDGE HIDALGO, AND EACH OF THE COMMISSIONERS, ELLIS, GARCIA AND RADACK AND CAGLE, FOR ALL OF YOUR DEDICATION AND HARD WORK TOWARD THE STAFF AND WHAT THEY HAVE SUPPORTED AND CHAMPIONS AND THE FOLKS FROM GUIDE HOUSE, JAROD, JEN AND DAVE, THANK YOU, AND HELPING TO PRIORITIZE THIS CRITICAL AND IMPORTANT NEED. THE COORDINATING COUNCIL BRINGS TOGETHER ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CENTER THOSE MOST IN NEED. 
          WE KNOW THE PANDEMIC AND THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CRISIS HAS CREATED A WORST POSSIBLE CLIMATE FOR HELP SEEKING. WE HAVE A GREATER NEED WITH A MORE STRESSED -- STRESSED RESOURCE SPACE. THIS COMES WITH THE DIFFICULT CHALLENGES OUR RESPONDING SYSTEMS HAVE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MOST VULNERABLE. WHICH ARE COMMUNITIES OF COLOR WHERE THERE IS DISTRUST OF THE CONVENTIONAL PROVIDERS IN THE SYSTEMS. WE HAVE HEARD IN THE NEWS THAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS ON THE RISE AND HARRIS COUNTY IS NO EXCEPTION TO THAT. THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY THIS FUNDING IS IMPORTANT AND WHY IT NEEDS TO CONTINUE BEYOND THE COVID RELIEF EFFORTS. 
          ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT REASONS IS THE ABILITY TO PREVENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 
          [01:45:01]
DEATHS. ONE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOMICIDE CAN COST OUR COMMUNITY UPWARDS OF $15 MILLION AND IT DOESN'T EVEN BEGIN TO ACCOUNT TO THE EMOTIONAL TOLL THAT AS IT DEVASTATES FAMILIES AND FRIENDS LEFT IN THE WAKE. THE REALITY IN HARRIS COUNTY IS THOSE WHO ARE KILLED AT THE HANDS OF ABUSIVE PARTNERS ARE PREDOMINANTLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN. 11 OF THE 14 DEATHS THAT OCCURRED BETWEEN MARCH AND JULY OF THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN WOMEN OF COLOR. AND THE ABILITY TO HAVE FLEXIBLE AND CREATIVE FUNDING THAT WILL DIRECTLY GO INTO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS AND HANDS CAN INCREASE THEIR SAFETY. THIS FUNDING WILL BE THROUGH CLASS AGENCIES TO REACH THE MOST VULNERABLE. BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL MAINSTREAM PARTNERS I WANT YOU TO KNOW THERE ARE POWERFUL AND IMPACTFUL GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS TO REACH THOSE UNDER -- UNDER SERVED COMMUNITIES OF COLOR. ONE SUCH AGENCY IS THE EMPOWERED SURVIVOR WHO HAS BEEN SINCE MARCH OF THIS YEAR AND ON A SHOE STRING BUDGET. 
          AND ANOTHER IS WELLNESS SEEN OVER A 50% INCREASE SINCE THE PANDEMIC STARTED. 
          THERE ARE MANY DEDICATED LEADERS AND AGENCIES WORKING TIRELESSLY TO ASSIST THE COMMUNITY OF COLOR AND I WANT TO THANK SPECIFICALLY THANK THOSE WHO LEAD THE COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE COMMUNITIES OF COLOR WHO ARE NOT REACHING OUT HAVE A VOICE. 
          I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE MORE THAN 10 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR NEVER GIVING UP AND STAYING DEDICATED TO THE NEED. LASTLY AND IN CLOSING I WANT TO THANK THE COURT AND THE COURT'S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT DVCC TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE NEED OF VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS. WE WILL WILL HEAR DIRECTLY FROM OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT WHAT THE TRUE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES ARE. 
          WE CAN BE PREPARED FOR WHAT 2021 WILL BRING. RESEARCH TELLS US THAT POST COMMUNITY DISASTER GREATLY INCREASES. IT IS IMPERATIVE WE USE THIS TIME TO LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE SO THAT WE DO NOT CONTINUE TO LOSE OUR MOTHERS, OUR SISTERS, OUR FRIENDS, OUR EMPLOYEES AND OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS DUE TO THE PREVENTABLE TRAUMA OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. AGAIN, I THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING THESE EFFORTS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU MS. BESHEAR, FOR YOUR WORK. I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR ADDING RESEARCH COMPONENTS TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE. 
          IT WILL MEET ALL OF THE NEED, BUT MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE ARE OPEN QUESTIONS AS TO HOW ELSE YOU CAN MEET THE NEEDS. AND SO THAT IS I THINK, A VERY, VERY SMART WAY TO DO IT. WE ARE HAPPY, OR I AM VERY HAPPY THIS HAS COME FORWARD 
          AND I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS DO. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: JUDGE THIS IS RADACK. I I HAVE A QUESTION. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> STEVE RADACK: MA'AM, CAN YOU -- I KNOW THIS IS A TERRIBLE SITUATION, THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND IT GOING UP CONSIDERABLY. 
          HAVE YOU TRACKED HOW MANY OF THESE PEOPLE THAT HAVE ACTUALLY COMMITTED A HOMICIDE 
          TO A FAMILY MEMBER ARE ACTUALLY OUT ON BOND? >> OH, COMMISSIONER RADACK, THAT IS SUCH A GOOD QUESTION AND I WISH I HAD THE ANSWER. I KNOW THE WHOLE BOND ISSUE IS DEFINITELY A CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS. 
          WE HAVE SEEN SOME OF THOSE ISSUES COME UP IN THE NEWS AS WELL. 
          WE ARE WANTING TO, YOU KNOW, DIRECT OUR ATTENTION AND EFFORTS THERE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND HAVING YOU ALL HELP US SUPPORT THAT IS NECESSARY AND NEEDED. 
          I CAN FIND THAT ANSWER FOR YOU, BUT I DON'T HAVE IT IN FRONT OF ME. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: IF YOU CAN SEND IT TO EACH MEMBER AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK AND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO. I MEAN, I KNOW IT IS A MASSIVE TASK, BUT THANK YOU. 
          >> I THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANTED TO THANK HER FOR HER WORK, AND OF COURSE IN THAT FIRST ROUND OF THE DIRECT ASSISTANCE, WE NEEDED TO MARK MONEY FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OF COURSE THE WOMEN'S SHELTER OUT OF PRECINCT 1. 
          I THINK WE GAVE OUT 250 A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, BUT I WANT HER TO KNOW THAT ONE OF THE ITEM THAT'S COMES UP LATER I ASK THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT TO MAKE SURE THEY DO A BREAK DOWN ON WHEN SOMEBODY IS OUT ON MONEY BAIL BECAUSE THEY ARE ACCUSED OF A CRIME, AND THEY HAD MONEY AND THEY PAID AND GOT OUT AS OPPOSED TO SOMEONE WHO GOT OUT FOR A MISDEMEANOR, MIGHT I ADD ON A PERSONAL NUMBER. THERE ARE THOSE THAT WILL CON 
          [01:50:05]
FLAT THE TWO. EVEN AFTER THE GEORGE FLOYD MURDER, THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY WHO DON'T WANT TO ADMIT THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, AND WHO ARE STILL TRYING TO BLIND EYE THE CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS THAT HARRIS COUNTY COMMITTED FOR DECADES AND THE LIVES THEY WRECKED. WE WILL HAVE THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT BREAK THAT OUT IN A FORUM SHE CAN USE AND EVERYONE ELSE CAN USE TO TRY TO GET THE REAL STORY OUT THERE IN THIS TIME OF NATIONAL REC CONNING. 
          THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER, MAY I ADD SOMETHING? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, MA'AM. >> THANK YOU. I TOO BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS SO IMPORTANT. PART OF WHAT WE WILL INCLUDE IN OUR RESEARCH IN THE CENTER OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION IS A SURVEY THAT WILL REACH OUT TO OFFENDERS, THOSE WHO USE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THEIR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, TO HEAR FROM THEM, HOW COULD INTERVENTIONS BE TAILORED TO EFFECT CHANGE. IF WE ARE REALLY GOING TO DO JUSTICE TO ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, WE CAN'T JUST ONLY PROVIDE INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS. WE HAVE GOT TO CREATE SYSTEMS OF PREVENTION AND TREATMENT 
          FOR THOSE THAT ARE USING VIOLENCE AS WELL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND WE HAVE 
          TO INVEST IN IT. >> ABSOLUTELY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HOW WE GOT TO WHERE WE ARE IS SO MANY PEOPLE WERE WILLING TO SAY THEY ARE TOUGH ON CRIME AND LOCK SOMEBODY UP AND TURN THE HARRIS COUNTY JAIL INTO THE BIGGEST MENTAL HEALTH WARD IN THE STATE. BUT NOT BE WILLING TO INVEST IN ALTERNATIVES. 
          >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          NEXT IS A REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEALTH FOR APPROVAL OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL EXPENSES. DO FOLKS HAVE QUESTIONS ON THIS ONE? 
          COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HAHN -- HONOR, THIS IS 37 MILLION AND I DO WANT TO THANK THE FOLKS FROM PUBLIC HEALTH. THEY SPENT SOME TIME WITH ME GOING THROUGH THESE NUMBERS. IT IS NIL SH -- STILL NOT CLEAR HOW MUCH OF THIS WILL BE REIMBURSABLE VERSUS WHAT IS NOT REIMBURSABLE. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT WE HOLD OFF ON MAKING THESE TRANSFERS AT THIS TIME UNTIL WE KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO BE REIMBURSED AND WHEN AND BY WHOM. I KNOW THAT THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD TO PULL THIS TOGETHER AND WORKING WITH GUIDE HOUSE, BUT I DON'T KNOW 
          THAT WE HAVE THE DATA BACK THAT WE NEED TO HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH WAITING TO TRY TO GET THE ANSWER AS LONG AS WE GET IT TODAY. 
          IT IS WHAT IT IS. AS LONG AS THEY ARE NECESSARY EXPENDITURES IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC, WE HAVE GOT TO DO AS MUCH AS WE CAN TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS. 
          MY GUESS IS ON A LOT OF THE CARES MONEY AND THE OTHER MONEY, WE MAY HOPE THAT THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS WITH FEMA WE THINK IT IS REIMBURSABLE, BUT WE DON'T KNOW AND THE GUIDELINES ARE NOT THAT CLEAR. I DON'T MIND GETTING ALL OF THE INFORMATION WE CAN FROM THE COLLEAGUES. I FOR ONE AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION. I AM NOT GOING TO WAIT TWO WEEKS. I JUST THINK WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS WORLD IS TOO 
          IMPORTANT. >> SO PUBLIC HEALTH, IS THAT SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE TO US TODAY. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THERE ARE 38.9 -- YOU ARE REQUESTING 37 MILLION AND OF THAT 13 IS FOR PAST EXPENSES AND 24 IS FOR COSTS OVER THE NEXT 2 MONTHS. THE QUESTION COMMISSIONER CAGLE IF I AM UNDERSTANDING 
          CORRECTLY IS HOW MUCH OF THAT IS REIMBURSABLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, IF I COULD BREAK IT DOWN. I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM VOTING FOR WHAT HAS BEEN EXPENDED. 
          WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT FUTURE EXPENDITURES, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM AND WHAT THEY ARE BEING DONE BEFORE I VOTE FOR THEM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN PUBLIC HEALTH CLARIFY THAT FOR THE FUTURE EXPENDITURES WHICH IS THE 24.6 MILLION? HOW WILL THEY BE REIMBURSED AND WHAT ARE THEY FOR? 
          >> JUDGE, THIS IS UMAR SHAW. HOW ARE YOU? >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, 
          [01:55:01]
          DR. SHAW. >> I AM JOINED HERE BY GWEN SIMMS AND MAC MCCLENDON. 
          THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, FOR THE QUESTION. THE 12.9 MILLION IS FOR EXPENSES TO DATE. CONTINUED REIMBURSEMENT AND THE 24.6 MILLION IS FOR TWO MONTHS OF ADDITIONAL OPERATIONAL COSTS WHICH IS SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER. 
          THAT'S WHERE YOU GET TO THE 37.5 MILLION. I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO WILL HUDSON, OUR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR WHO WILL DESCRIBE THE -- WHO WILL ANSWER THE QUESTION, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, HAVE YOU ABOUT THE 75, 25 AND THE FEMA VERSUS CARES ACT. 
          I THINK THAT IS THE GIST OF YOUR QUESTION. >> GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. 
          COMMISSIONER CAGLE, ENJOYED THE CONVERSATION WE WERE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN LAST WEEK. 
          TOE -- TO THE QUESTION BEING RAISED, FROM WORKING WITH GUIDE HOUSE AND OUR PARTNERS AT BUDGET MANAGEMENT, WE ARE LOOKING AT EVERY ACTIVITY THAT WE ARE DOING WHICH IS MAJORITY TESTING, EP DEEM LOGICAL -- EPIDEMILOGICAL IS REIMBURSABLE 75% FROM PEOPLE MA. 
          LOOKING AT THE 25% MATCH FROM FEMA TO COME FROM THE CARES ACT. 
          THE ONLY THING ON THE TABLE RIGHT NOW THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT MAY NOT BE BASED ON NEW GUIDANCE FROM FEMA NOT REIMBURSABLE BY FEMA IS GOING TO BE CONTACT TRACING IN WHICH WE ARE HOPING TO PUT THAT ALLOCATION INTO OUR CARES ACT BUDGET. 
          I WOULD DEFER TO SHANE AND PARTNERS AT GUIDE HOUSE TO CLARIFY THAT IF THEY WOULD 
          LIKE TO DO SO. >> DO I NEED TO UNMUTE PEOPLE FROM GUIDE HOUSE? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. I KNOW THEY HAVE BEEN DIGGING INTO THE BUDGET. 
          >> GOOD AFTERNOON. THIS IS TODD HOFFMAN, PARTNER WITH GUIDE HOUSE. 
          TO ADD ON TO WHAT WILL STATED AND WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THE -- DURING OUR MEETINGS LAST WEEK, THERE WAS AN UPDATE THAT BUDGET FINANCE GROUP, SHANE'S GROUP, ACTUALLY UPDATED THE EXPENDITURES, BUT TO THE POINT THAT WILL JUST RAISED ON THE CONTACT TRACING THERE WAS GUIDANCE THAT CAME OUT BY FEMA. THERE IS A POTENTIAL DUPLICATION OF BENEFIT FROM CDC AND THAT WILL NOW BE A CARES REIMBURSE -- REIMBURSABLE EVENT. IT HAS BEEN MOVED IN THE FINANCIALS AND WE HAVE CREATED A NEW LINE ITEM CALLED CONTACT TRACING. AND THAT WOK PAID FOR BY CARES 
          DOLLARS AND NOT FEMA DOLLARS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, MAY I ASK A FOLLOW-UP QUESTION? WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TRACK DOWN AND FIGURE OUT WHAT SOME OF THESE OTHER EXPENDITURES HAVE BEEN. MY HAT GOES OFF TO OUR TEAM BECAUSE A LOT OF THIS IS COMPLICATED. APPARENTLY THERE IS ABOUT 250,000 DOLLARS THAT WE ARE CONTRACTING WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON FOR THAT WE ARE PAYING FOR THE CITY OF HOUSTON ON THIS APPROACH. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT THAT IS AND WHY WE ARE MAKING THOSE DISTRIBUTIONS? I WOULD HAVE ASKED THE QUESTION DIRECTLY, BUT WE JUST GOT THEM THIS MORNING. AND SO WE WEREN'T ABLE TO 
          FOLLOW-UP WITH YOU. >> YES, SIR. I RECEIVED AN INQUIRY FROM JAN 6-TON ABOUT THE PROJECT AND SHE -- JAN SEXTON AND SHE WANTED TO KNOW HOW IT WAS IMPLEMENTED. THE RESPONSE WAS THE CITY OF HOUSTON PARTNERS SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED THIS PROJECT IN THE GULFTON AREA THAT IS MEETING THE NEEDS OF IMPACTED RESIDENTS IN THE AREA AND THOSE IN THE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE POPULATIONS. 
          KNOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT AND WANTING TO LEND THE OPPORTUNITY TO THIS GROUP LEAD BY DR. JONES FROM TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND AMERITAS PROFESSOR AT THE UT PUBLIC SCHOOL OF HEALTH TO LEND EXPERTISE TO US AS WE GO FORTH IN TRYING TO ADDRESS HEALTH DISPARITIES IN THE IMPACTED COMMUNITY. 
          THE AMOUNT WE ARE LOOKING TO SPEND ON THE PROJECT IN THE CALENDAR YEAR IS APPROXIMATELY $200,000 IN WHICH WE WOULD USE THAT TO AUGMENT THE EXISTING ACTIVITIES WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING IN THE COMMUNITY WITH HEALTH WORKERS IN THOSE COMMUNITIES AND TRYING TO DRIVE PEOPLE TO TESTING AND TO SEEK ADDITIONAL SERVICES WHETHER IT IS THINGS AROUND HOUSING OR OTHER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THEY MAY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL THROUGH THE 
          [02:00:01]
          PANDEMIC. >> WHO IS GETTING THAT MONEY? >> IT IS RESOURCES FOR LIVING. AND FARO STANDS FOR FACILITATED ASSISTANCE RESOURCE OPPORTUNITY. HAVE I TO GO BACK AND LOOK AT THAT ACRO -- ACRONYMN, BUT IT IS IT IS RESOURCES FOR LIVING AND FARO WHICH IS ONE IN THE SAME. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE WE PAYING 250,000 AND THE 40,000 TO PAY COUNTY EMPLOYEES TO DO THIS WORK, OR ARE WE GIVING THESE FUNDS OUT TO THE COMMUNITY? 
          >> WHAT WE DID IN THE ORIGINAL BUDGET THAT WAS SUBMITTED AND THE CONTRACTORS AFTER WE HAD A SERIES OF CONVERSATIONS, THERE WERE SOME INDIVIDUALS ON COURT WHO WANTED TO SEE THE BREAKOUT OF THE COMMUNITY WORK THAT WE WERE DOING. IF YOU LOOK AT THE ORIGINAL SLIDE DECK THAT WAS PRESENTED, IT WAS NOT BROKEN OUT. IT WAS EMBEDDED IN THE CONTRACTOR LINE ITEM. WHAT WE DID WAS BROKE OUT THE PROMETORAS. 
          WE WERE BUDGETING TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL 10 TO THE COMMUNITY MIX TO COVER OTHER AREAS OF THE COUNTY WHERE WE WERE STARTING TO SEE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES. THE ONLY THING THAT IS ONE LINE ITEM THAT WE BROKE OUT FROM CONTRACTORS. THE FARO LINE ITEM IS THE ENTITY IN WHICH WE WILL BE DEALING WITH IN ORDER TO GO OUT AND DO SOME OF THE OTHER PROJECT WORK AROUND 
          DISPROPORTIONALLY IMPACTED COMMUNITIES. >> HAVE YOU REVIEWED THIS? 
          DWIGHT IN PURCHASING, HAVE YOU ALL REVIEWED THAT? >> COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THIS IS DR. SHAW. QUICKLY IF I COULD ADD, FARO IS FACILITY -- FACILITATED ASSISTANCE REFERRAL AND APPROACH, FARO. ONCE THE BUDGET GETS APPROVED BY COMMISSIONER'S COURT TODAY, WE WOULD THEN COME BACK WITH PURCHASING AND THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO ACTUALLY PUT TOGETHER THE CONTRACT, IF YOU WILL AND THE AGREEMENT WITH THE GROUP. THAT WOULD COME BACK ON THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 29TH. TODAY IS REALLY JUST THE ENTIRETY OF THE BUDGET, BUT IT WOULD BE GOING BACK FOR MORE SPECIFIC AGREEMENT WITH THE FARO FOLKS, AND THAT WOULD BE WHERE WE WOULD COME BACK ON SEPTEMBER 29TH AND SO YOU WOULD ACTUALLY SEE THE 
          SPECIFIC AGREEMENT LANGUAGE WITH DR. JONES AND HIS TEAM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND REVIEWED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY AND PURCHASING TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T VIOLATE ANY RULES. 
          >> WE WANT TO DOT ALL OF THE I'S AND CROSS ALL OF THE T'S AND SO I SPOKE WITH ROBERT YESTERDAY AND HE IS GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS REVIEWED BY HIS TEAM AND WILL HAS BEEN WORKING WITH DWIGHT IN PURCHASING AND BOTH HAVE BEEN FANTASTIC PARTNERS FOR US INSIDE THE COUNTY. THAT WOULD BE WHAT WOULD COME BACK ON THE COURT AGENDA. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. DR. SHAW, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO WORK WITH FARO TO GET THE RESOURCES. I WAS THE ONE THAT INTRODUCED THE ORGANIZATION TO PUBLIC HEALTH BECAUSE OF THE HIGH RATE OF FATALITIES WE WERE HAVING, COVID FATALITIES, WE WERE HAVING AMONGST THE LATINO AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITIES. 
          LATINO COMMUNITIES HAS FAR OVER SHOT EVERYONE. WE JUST CAN'T, IN MI -- IN MY OPINION, DO ENOUGH TO PROVIDE THE OUT REACH. FARO IS ALSO AN ENTITY THAT HAS DEMONSTRATED SUCCESS IN ENHANCING THE RELATIONSHIPS WITH PUBLIC HEALTH AND OTHER ENTITIES, BUT PUBLIC HEALTH IN PARTICULAR AT THIS TIME. IT IS THE MODEL THAT THEY HAVE DONE TO GET FOLKS TO DO OR TO PRACTICE HEALTHY TECHNIQUES AND HEALTHY HABITS DURING THIS PANDEMIC LIKE STILL WEARING THEIR FACE COVERINGS WHILE THEY ARE WORKING AND GETTING TESTED AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. I ADVOCATED FOR THIS AND I AM GLAD TO SEE THIS MOVING FORWARD. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WAS VISIBLE IN THE BUDGET. I WANTED ALL OF US TO KNOW WHAT WAS MOVING FORWARD AND THIS IS ABOUT SAVING LIVES. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC HEALTH TO BE DILIGENT ABOUT 
          [02:05:01]
GETTING THIS THING BUTTONED UP. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE JUST A COUPLE DAYS FOR THEM TO WORK UNDER THE COVID SPENDING. AND SO THERE IS STILL A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE OUT THERE. I WANT TO CONVEY THE SENSE OF URGENCY TO DO THE OUT REACH IN COMMUNITY IN HARRIS COUNTY. AND THE SAME GOES WITH GEN VIEW. 
          THE LAB TESTING IS LAB TASKING -- LAB TESTING, BUT I AM LOOKING AT IT AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. WE HAVE TO CREATE JOBS AND INVITE OTHER INDUSTRIES INTO OUR ENVIRONMENT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE CONTINUE TO MOVE THAT FORWARD 
          AS WELL. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA FOR WEIGHING IN ON THAT. I DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THAT PROGRAM WAS COMING FROM AND NOW YOU EDUCATED ME AND THANK YOU FOR THAT. DR. SHAW, PART OF THIS IS FOR PAST EX -- EXPENDITURES YOU ALREADY SPENT AND PART IS FOR SEPTEMBER'S BUDGET AND PART IS FOR OCTOBER'S BUDGET. HOW MUCH IS FOR THE OCTOBER BUDGET? 
          >> SORRY, I WAS MUTED. COMMISSIONER, IT SHOULD BE ABOUT AN EVEN DISTRIBUTION. 
          SO IT IS 24.6 AND IT IS ABOUT HALF GIVE OR TAKE FOR SEPTEMBER AND HALF IS FOR OCTOBER. SO MAYBE 12-ISH MILLION FOR EACH MONTH. 
          >> WOULD IT HINDER YOUR OPERATIONS IF WE APPROVE WHAT'S BEEN SPENT, THE 12.9 AND WE DID HALF OF THIS 24.6 AND THEN WE LOOKED AT FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS WHAT OCTOBER'S EXPENDITURES COULD BE? THE DECK IS CHANGING WITH REGARD TO WHERE THE NEEDS ARE. AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA POINTED OUT, WE ARE NOW HAVING MORE HOTSPOTS IN THE REGION THAT MAY NEED TO BE APPROACHED. THERE MAY NEED TO BE SOME MOVEMENT OF WHERE OUR RESOURCES ARE BEING SPENT IN TERMS OF SOME OF THE ISSUES. 
          WOULD IT HINDER YOU FOR US TO TAKE THAT OCTOBER BUDGET AND HAVE US APPROVE IT ON OUR 
          SEPTEMBER 29TH? >> COMMISSIONER, WE ARE SITTING WITH A COUPLE OF OUR FINANCIAL FOLKS INCLUDING HERALD DUTTON WHO IS ON OUR FINANCIAL TEAM. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND HE DID A GREAT JOB IN TRYING TO EXPLAIN A LOT OF THE STUFF GOING ON. 
          I WANTED TO COMPLIMENT YOUR TEAM IN THEIR PRESENTATION WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF GUIDE HOUSE. IT HELPED A LOT. NOT COMMISSIONER ELLIS' FORMER COLLEAGUE AND ALLEGED, BUT HIS OFF SPRING. HOW HINDERED WOULD YOU BE IF YOU COME BACK FOR THE OCTOBER BUDGET. THERE MAY BE CHANGES YOU MAY 
          WANT TO MAKE. >> THANK YOU FOR THE KIND WORDS, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. 
          I THINK TO THE EXTENT WE CAN GET IT APPROVED WE WOULD LIKE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR BUDGET REQUEST. I CAN'T SAY IN IN TWO WEEKS -- EXCUSE ME, OUR OPERATIONS WOULD BE MATERIALLY -- MATERIALLY NEGATIVELY IMPACTED. HOWEVER, FROM A PURCHASING PERSPECTIVE WITH THE INCOME BRENSES AND THE STAFFING AND CONTRACTORS IT TAKES TO MAKE THESE THINGS WORK, WE ASK TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE REQUEST AS PRESENTED, AND WE WILL HAVE TO COME BACK TO COURT AROUND THE MIDDLE OF OCTOBER ANYWAY BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW THE FUNDING WILL ONLY LAST TO APPROXIMATELY THE END OF OCTOBER. 
          >> COMMISSIONER, IT WOULD BE IDEAL IF WE COULD GET IT APPROVED TODAY. 
          WE HAVE GONE THROUGH WORKING THROUGH THE COUNTY PROCESSORS AND WE ACTUALLY FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT THE NUMBER. I WAIL SAY WITH -- I I SAY WITH THE CO -- COVID VACCINATION, IT IS ON THE HORIZON AND WHETHER THE ADMINISTRATION AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL HAS SAID AS EARLY AS NOVEMBER 1 WE ARE STILL WAITING TO SEE WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE, BUT WE WOULD ANTICIPATE THAT IF ANYTHING EXPENSES MIGHT GO UP AND NOT GO DOWN. 
          THAT'S THE CONCERN. I RESPECTFULLY -- OBVIOUSLY DEFERRING TO THE BOARD MEMBERS, BUT IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO GET IT APPROVED TODAY, THAT WOULD REALLY HELP US FROM A BUDGETARY STANDPOINT. WE DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO INCOME BETTER ALL OF THOSE 
          [02:10:01]
          DOLLARS IN OUR CURRENT BUDGET. >> R. JACK CAGLE: HOW DID YOU OPERATE -- I MEAN, WE ARE APPROVING A PAST MONTH AND HALF OF THIS MONTH. 
          HOW DID YOU OPERATE? >> VERY CAREFULLY. WE HAVE HAD TO MOVE DOLLARS AROUND AND DO VERY -- VARIOUS EXPENSES INTO OTHER DIFFERENT PROGRAMS. WHAT I WOULD SAY IS IN TIME AS OUR CONTINUITY OF PUBLIC HEALTH PRYINGS -- OPERATIONS ARE COMING ON BOARD AT THE SAME TIME, IT WOULD MAKE IT HARDER TO KEEP DOING THAT, MOVING EXPENSES BACK AND FORTH. IT WOULD BE IDEAL IF WE CAN GET THE APPROVAL NOT JUST FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE 12.9, BUT THE FULL 24.6 TODAY, BUT 
          OBVIOUSLY WOULD DEFER TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT MEMBERS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR WE MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 12.9 THAT WE VOTE TO APPROVE TODAY. 
          ANOTHER 12.6 AND THAT WE HOLD THE REMAINING 12 UNTIL THE LAST COMMISSIONER'S COURT OF SEPTEMBER WHEN WE HAVE A CHANCE TO LOOK AT SOME OF THOSE OTHER NUMBERS THAT ARE THERE. THAT WAY WE WILL HAVE IT IN THREE PART VOTES. 
          I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT ON THAT THIRD PART. 
          I THINK WE ARE ALL PROBABLY GOING TO BE IN SUPPORT OF THE FIRST 12.9 AND THE SECOND 
          12.6. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST RESPECT COMMISSIONER CAGLE, BUT IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC I AM COMFORTABLE MOVING FORWARD, AT LEAST AS IT RELATES TO MY PRE SINK. 
          COMETIONER CAGLE -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WE CAN GO BACK AND VOTE YOURS. 
          I FOR ONE, WHAT IS GOING ON OUT THERE, MOST OF THE PROBLEM OBVIOUSLY IS IN OUR HISPANIC COMMUNITIES WHICH IS IN ALL OF OUR PRECINCTS. THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY IS NOT FAR BEHIND AND I PERSONALLY WANT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH IT. 
          ONCE YOU GET ALL OF THE ANSWERS YOU WANT AND I THINK YOU CAN STILL GET THOSE, BUT LET'S MEET AGAIN NEXT WEEK. THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS AND I DON'T WANT TO WAIT. 
          I MAKE A MOTION THAT WE APPROVE THE ITEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK DO YOU HAVE A COMMENT? >> STEVE RADACK: I SECONDED CAGLE'S MOTION. LOON 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE IS A MOTION TO APPROVE 12.9 AND 12.6 AND HOLD ON THE OTHER 12 FOR THE NEXT COURT. COMMISSIONER RADACK SECONDED THE MOTION. 
          COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE A SECOND MOTION TO APPROVE THE FULL 37.5. 
          IS THAT RIGHT COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, MA'AM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA SECONDED THAT ALTERNATIVE MOTION. 
          WE WILL TAKE COMMISSIONER ELLIS' MOTION FIRST. THERE IS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          DOES THAT MAKE SENSE, JAMES? >> YES, MA'AM. IF YOU SAY COMMISSIONER ELLIS, 
          HIS MOTION IS TO APPROVE THE AGENDA ITEM AS PRESENTED? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. 
          >> YES, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR OF COMMISSIONER ELLIS' ITEM? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> NO. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I JOIN THOSE IN FAVOR FOR THE ITEM AS PRESENTED. THAT ITEM CARRIES. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: JAMES MPLETION -- JAMES, I HOPE YOU MAKE THE RECORD CLEAR THAT I MADE A MOTION TO SUPPORT PAST EXPENDITURES AND EXPENDITURES THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER. 
          >> I DO A RECORDER'S MEMORANDUM IN OUR MINUTES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS THE PUBLIC HEALTH ITEM. NEXT IS ITEM D AND THAT IS CSD EXTENDING -- AMENDING WITH INTER FAITH INDUSTRIES. E IS THE COUNTY ATTORNEY SEEKING AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE LAPTOPS,ETT -- ET CETERA AND TECHNOLOGY FOR USE BY EMPLOYEES. F IS MY BROAD COVID ITEM. I BELIEVE WE HAVE A SPEAKER AND I WAS HOPING TO GET AN UPDATE. I KNOW WE DISCUSS THEY HAD AT THE LAST COURT AND A COUPLE COURTS AGO WE WANTED AN UPDATE FROM GUIDE HOUSE ON THE TECHNOLOGY AND NOW THEY ARE GETTING THE COMPUTERS AND THE HOTSPOTS TO THE DIFFERENT SCHOOLS. IF GUIDE HOUSE IS AVAILABLE I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT UPDATE. 
          >> I AM UNMUTING TODD. >> JUDGE, WOULD YOU LIKE FOR ME TO DO THAT NOW OR IN A 
          BIT? >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, TODD. 
          THAT WOULD BE GREAT. >> GREAT. THANK YOU. 
          [02:15:02]
A QUICK UPDATE ON KIND OF WHERE WE ARE WITH PROJECT CONNECTIVE TEE, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AS IT RELATES TO THE INTER LOCAL AGREEMENTS ALONG WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEYS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THEY WILL GO OUT TO EACH OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND AS IT RELATES TO SHIPMENT UPDATES, AT THE MOMENT -- THE LAST UPDATE WE RECEIVED ALL INTERNET HOT -- HOTSPOTS SHOULD BE SHIPPED TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, SEPTEMBER. ALL IPADS SHOULD BE SHIPPED BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER. IT WAS ORIGINALLY OCTOBER, BUT THAT HAS BEEN PUSHED UP. 
          THAT'S ROUGHLY AROUND 5,000 PLUS IPADS TO BE SHIPPED BY THE END OF THE MONTH. 
          AND THEY ARE THERE IN LATE SEPTEMBER. AS IT RELATES TO THE CHROME BOOK THERE IS STILL THAT ISSUE AS IT RELATES TO SOME OF THE PARTS AND WHERE THEY ARE MANUFACTURED. IT HAS SLOWED A BIT DOWN. EACH OF THE DISTRICTS HAVE GIVEN THE OPTION TO CHANGE THE ORDER TO AN IPAD OR A REGULAR LAPTOP. 
          SOME OF THOSE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. AND THEN OTHERS WHO WERE RECEIVING CHROME BOOKS REALIZED AND ARE MAKING ALTERNATIVE DECISIONS ABOUT HOW THEY ARE ALLOCATING THOSE DEVICES. THEY NEED THE CHROME BOOKS, BUT THEY KNOW THEY WILL COME LATER IN OCTOBER. THAT'S A QUICK UPDATE AS IT 
          RELATES TO THE PROGRAM AND SHIPMENT UPDATE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS. TODD 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: TODD, I AM TRYING TO RECALL OUR CONVERSATION AND I TALKED TO YOU LAST WEEK. WHAT DID THE CITY PUT IN AND WHAT DID WE PUT IN? 
          WHAT CAME OF THAT? >> THE DISCUSSION WE HAD LAST WEEK WAS AROUND PROJECT 10 MILLION. AND THEY HAD EARMARKED $4.2 MILLION AS PART OF THE PROGRAM. WE WERE ALERTED A WEEK OR SO AGO AND YOU AND I HAD A CONVERSATION THAT THEY MOVED THE 4.2 MILLION TO -- AND ARE ADDRESSING OTHER CONNECTIVE TEE ISSUES OUTSIDE OF THE PROGRAMS THAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT. 
          THAT'S WHAT WE WERE TOLD. IT WAS 4.2 MILLION THAT WAS EARMARKED. 
          >> AND HOW MUCH DID WE PUT IN? >> OUR NUMBER WAS AROUND, IF I 
          RECALL, I THINK IT WAS 13 MILLION FOR THAT PROGRAM. >> I GOT A TEXT LAST NIGHT SAYING THAT I THINK IT IS GOING TO MOVE FORWARD. I WON'T ANNOUNCE IT IN CASE THEY -- MAYBE THEY WILL ANNOUNCE THAT. I THOUGHT THE LAST CONVERSATION I HAD WITH THE CITY, I THOUGHT THEY -- I THINK IT IS ANDY I TALKED TO AND HE WAS THINKING THE ISSUE WAS STILL SOLVED, BUT WHATEVER THEY ARE DOING WITH THE COMMUNITY CENTERS, JUST LET ME KNOW. I DIDN'T KNOW IF THAT WAS A FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND ON THEIR PART OR MY PART AND IT IS LIKE THEY WERE IN AND THEN THEY WERE OUT AND THIS WAS A WAY OF SOLVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE NOT LETTING OUR LARGER SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE STATE IN ANYWAY BE LEFT BEHIND. 
          I WOULD NOT EVEN BE ONE TO ADVOCATE WE NOT DO IT BECAUSE THE CITY DIDN'T. 
          I WANT TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF IT AND IF YOU HELP ME IN SIMPLISTIC LANGUAGE LET ME 
          KNOW WHAT HAPPENED ON THAT. >> YES, SIR, COMMISSIONER. I GIVE UH CALL TOMORROW. 
          WE CAN KIND OF TALK THROUGH THAT. WE CAN FIGURE OUT A WAY. 
          LINE LEAN I AM STILL A BIT STUMPED AND I SAW SOME SPREAD SHEETS YOU SENT OVER. 
          IT IS NOT CLEAR TO ME WHERE WE ARE IN TERMS OF WHAT WAS THE NEED AND WHAT WAS IT WE PROMISED AND BY WHEN AND TO WHAT EXTENT ARE WE DELIVERING ON THAT. 
          DO YOU HAVE A MORE CLEAR PRESENTATION ON THAT? >> YAG, YEAH, I CAN -- WE HAVE ALL OF THE DETAILS. AS IT IS LAID OUT TO THE NEED BASED ON SCHOOL DISTRICT. 
          AND IT IS CONNECTING TO THE DISTRIBUTION AND WE ARE WORKING WITH ALL OF THE MAJOR CARRIERS AROUND THAT AND TRYING TO COSHED NATE AND CONNECT -- TRYING TO 
          [02:20:05]
COORDINATE AND CONNECT. WE HAVE ALL OF THE DETAILS, JUDGE, WE CAN SHARE WITH YOU AS IT RELATES TO WHAT THOSE NEEDS ARE AND THE NEEDS HAVEN'T CHANGED FROM WHEN WE ORIGINALLY SPOKE ABOUT IT, BUT IT IS CONNECTING THE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS TO THE 
          NEEDS WHICH IS THE UPDATE I JUST PROVIDED. >> IT WASN'T CLEAR TO ME AND IT WASN'T IN WRITING. WHEN WE FIRST VOTED FOR THIS AND WHEN IT WAS DESIGNED WE AGREED AND DISCUSSED THAT YOU WOULD KEEP US UPDATED AS TO WHETHER WE MEET THE NEED. 
          RIGHT NOW I CAN'T SAY WE ARE BEHIND OR ON TRACK IN TERMS OF GETTING THESE MATERIALS TO THE KIDS WHO NEED THEM. THAT'S BASED ON THE TWO SPREAD SHEETS. 
          I AM NOT ABLE TO SAY THAT. ARE WE ON TRACK? ARE WE BEHIND? ARE WE LIVING UP TO THE PROMISE THAT WE WILL FILL THE NEED? IF WE ARE BEHIND WHY AND WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT? IT IS A REAL THING BECAUSE THE KIDS ARE NEEDING THESE MATERIALS RIGHT NOW. I WAS EXPECTING AN UPDATE AND PERHAPS MY STAFF WASN'T CLEAR ENOUGH. I DIRECTLY ASK IF YOU WILL PUT IN WRITING NOT A SPREAD SHEET, BUT -- YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO READ IT AND UNDERSTAND IT WITHOUT A VERBAL WALK THROUGH FROM YOU. THIS IS WHAT WAS PROMISED AND IT WAS THAT WE WILL MEET ALL OF THE NEED. THIS WAS THE NEED AND THESE WERE THE TIMETABLES AND EITHER WE ARE MEETING THEM OR NOT MEETING THEM. 
          IF WE ARE NOT MEETING THEM, WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR RAISING THE ISSUE. I HAVE GOTTEN QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS ASKING WHEN ARE OUR LAPTOPS AND IPADS COMING. I SHARE YOUR CONCERN AS WELL. APPRECIATE YOU RAISING THE 
          ISSUE. >> JUDGE, WE WILL PUT THAT IF WRITING TO YOU. 
          I MEAN, AS IT RELATES TO THE NEED, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND AS FAR AS WHAT THE ALLOCATION NUMBERS ARE, THEY ARE GOING TO MEET THAT NEED IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TOLD. AND SO -- BUT WE WILL PUT ALL OF THAT IN WRITING AS YOU REQUESTED AND WE WILL SEND THAT TO THE COURT MEMBERS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE WE CAN DO. I GET ASKED AND I AM WATCHING THESE STORIES AND WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HELPING BRIDGE THAT GAP SO WANT TO MAKE SURE 
          WE ARE DOING THAT. >> UNDERSTOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          AND WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THAT BY? >> WE WILL UPDATE IT BY THIS AFTERNOON AND WILL HAVE THE INFORMATION REALTIME AND WILL CIRCULATE IT THIS AFTERNOON OR 
          TOMORROW MORNING AT THE LATEST. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY OTHER ITEMS ON THE BROAD DISCUSSION ITEM F? BEFORE WE HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS? YES COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. JUDGE, I JUST WANTED TO SEE IF YOU OR DR. PORSHA OR DR. SHAW CAN WALK US THROUGH. I HAVE HEARD EXCITING NEWS ABOUT OUR NUMBERS DECLINING A BIT. AND JUST WANT TO GET A PERSPECTIVE ON WHEN DOES THE THREAT LEVEL CHANGE, ANYTHING IN THE FORECAST THAT YOU AND YOUR STAFF ARE WORKING ON JUST TO PROVIDE FOLKS WITH AN IDEA OF THE CHANGES IN THAT 
          REGARD. >> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE BEEN DEEP IN THE WEEDS WITH THAT, COMMISSIONER, SO I AM HAPPY TO UPDATE. YOU MAY BE SIGNED UP ALREADY FOR THE THRICE WEEK RE-- WEEKLY DATA UPDATES WE SEND OUT. 
          THE LAST ONE I HAVE IS FROM YESTERDAY. BASICALLY AS YOU KNOW WE DID THE RESEARCH AS TO WHAT DO THESE THRESHOLDS LOOK LIKE ELSEWHERE, AND WE SET OUT SOME GOALS. WHEN PEOPLE SAY WHEN DO YOU THINK -- DO YOU THINK HARRIS COUNTY IS READY TO SWITCH THREAT LEVELS? IT IS NOT A FEELING THAT I HAVE OR THAT DR. SHAW OR THE OEM STAFF HAS. IT IS WHETHER WE MET THE PARAMETERS. WE ARE ALMOST THERE. THE ONLY ONE THAT IS HOLDING OUT RIGHT NOW REALLY IS THE POSITIVITY RATE. THE HOSPITAL POPULATION TRENDS HAVE BEEN LOOKING GOOD. THE 14-DAY TRENDS ARE DECREASING. 
          THE PERCENTAGE OF THE ICU POPULATION THAT IS COVID POSITIVE FELL BELOW 15% THIS WEEK. FINALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN QUITE A FEW WEEKS. 
          THE CASE COUNTS WERE STILL TOO HIGH TO GO TO ORANGE, BUT WE HAVE KNOWN THERE IS A BACKLOG 
          [02:25:07]
AND THE BACKLOG IS INCREASING. IN FACT, TODAY WE EXPECT AROUND 3,000 CASES IN THE -- FROM THE BACKLOG. WE GOT ANOTHER E-MAIL THIS WEEKEND FROM THE STATE THAT THEY ARE SENDING US EVEN MORE CASES. 
          WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW MANY ARE FOR HARRIS COUNTY, BUT THEY ARE SENDING THEM. 
          THAT'S AN ON GOING PROBLEM. AND WE ARE WORKING ON FIGURING OUT HOW TO PRESENT THE CASE DATA IN A WAY THAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE BACKLOG. ANYWAY, IF WE DO THAT WITH THE CASES, WE ARE ALSO ALREADY AT ORANGE. AND SO REALLY THE ONLY ONE THAT IS STILL AT RED IS THE POSITIVITY RATE AND 8.7% AS OF YESTERDAY AND IT NEEDS TO MOVE BELOW 5%. ONE QUESTION I ASKED IS, YOU KNOW, WHY IS THE POSITIVITY RATE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE CITY'S POSITIVITY RATE? IT IS BECAUSE THEY COUNT INCONCLUSIVE RESULTS AS NEGATIVES. THE DENOMINATOR IS LARGER AND SO THEIR POSITIVITY RATE IS SMALLER. WE DON'T TAKE INCONCLUSIVE RESULTS IN INTO ACCOUNT BECAUSE WE DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE. 
          WE DON'T COUNT THEM EITHER WAY. IT IS NOT TO SKEW THE DATA IN ONE DIRECTION OR ANOTHER. I AM HOPING IF THINGS DON'T -- I AM HOPING IT WILL BE ORANGE IN A MATTER OF DAYS. THE ONE CAVEAT IS NOT ORANGE IS DONE AND LET'S GO HOME. 
          THESE NUMBERS ARE STILL COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES, COMPARED TO OTHER STATES THAT DID THE JOB IN MAY, THEIR POSITIVITY RATE IS NOT SNIEN -- 9% OR 6%. 
          THEY ARE 50 AND 10. THEY ARE VERY, VERY -- THEY ARE MUCH SMALLER THAN THIS. 
          THAT'S BEEN THE CASE SINCE BACK THEN. THAT'S WHY THEY WERE ABLE TO HAVE A MORE SUSTAINABLE NEW NORMAL AND SCHOOLS WITHOUT EVERYBODY WORRYING AND THINGS NOT HAVING TO OPEN AND SHUT AGAIN. AND SO THIS IS -- THESE NUMBERS ARE STILL RELATIVELY HIGH WHEN YOU COMPARE IT TO GENERALLY COVID IN THE WORLD AND DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES. IT WILL MEAN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE PARIS COUNTY POSITION WHEN IT COMES TO THIS IS THAT SCHOOLS WOULD NOW BE ABLE TO OPEN AT 25% CAPACITY OR 500 KIDS WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE THEY HAVE ISSUED, THAT WE HAVE ALL ISSUED. HOPEFULLY WE DON'T THEN SEE ANOTHER SPIKE IF PEOPLE GET TOO COMFORTABLE. AN EXCITING THING ON THE AGENDA TODAY IS OUR COVID SURVEY. THAT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON SINCE MAY. 
          WE WENT THROUGH A CHRONICLE ARTICLE ABOUT THIS AND IT IS VERY, VERY INNOVATIVE. 
          IT WILL HELP US FIGURE OUT THE CURRENT INCIDENTS OF THE VIRUS IN THE COMMUNITY. 
          IT IS NOT THE PREFL LENT. IT IS NOT THE PREVALENT AND NOT HOW MANY CURRENTLY HAVE IT. IT IS THROUGH A RANDOMIZED ACADEMIC SAMPLE. 
          IT IS AN ACADEMIC STUDY SO AS WE MOVE TO HOPEFULLY ORANGE AND AS THESE NUMBERS COME DOWN WE CAN BE SMARTER AS THEY COME BACK UP IN IDENTIFYING POCKETS IN REALTIME WHICH WE HAD NO WAY TO DO THAT. THE POSITIVE TEST IS WHOEVER CHOOSES TO GET TESTED AND IT WILL RECRUIT PARTICIPANTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT VACCINES AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW DO WE MAKE CONTACT TRACING BETTER, AND THEN STILL IN TOUCH WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. THOSE ARE THE MAJOR ISSUES, COMMISSIONER, AND THE QUESTION AS TO ORANGE. AND WE ARE DOING RESEARCH ON HAS ANYTHING CHANGED IN A THERAPEUTIC STANDPOINT TO WHERE WE NEED TO REVIEW WHAT ORANGE MEANS BASED ON -- YOU KNOW, MAKE IT MORE LENIENT OR DIFFERENT FROM WHERE WE ADDITIONALLY OUTLINED TWO MONTHS AGO BECAUSE OF THE SCIENCE CONSTANTLY CHANGING. 
          I THINK YOUR MIC IS NOT WORKING, COMMISSIONER, OR IT IS ON MUTE. 
          I'M NOT SURE. NO, IT IS NOT COMING THROUGH. CAN YOU HEAR COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA? MAYBE IT IS ME. >> NO, MA'AM. 
          WE CANNOT. GO TO YOUR MUTE BUTTON ON SCREEN AND SEE IF YOU CAN 
          ADJUST IT THERE. WEBEX CHANGED SOME SETTINGS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU 
          TALKING, COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, YOU WERE WALKING US THROUGH LAST TIME AND THERE IS A WAY TO CALL INSTEAD OF DOING THE COMPUTER AUDIO, RIGHT? 
          >> YES, MA'AM. COMMISSIONER, IF YOU CLICK ON THE MUTE BUTTON WHERE IT MUTE, THERE IS A DROP DOWN ARROW AND CLICK ON SWITCH AUDIO. TRY IT THERE. 
          [02:30:06]
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHILE ARE YOU DOING THAT THAT I CAN LET HIM TALK THROUGH MY PHONE. 
          I THINK WE DID THAT WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU 
          CALLING HIM? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM. SOMETIMES WHEN I DO IT QUICK AND MY FINGERS GET KIND OF BIG. IF YOU ANSWER COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA YOU WILL BE ON MY PHONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER 
          -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU HEAR? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WELL, I CAN HEAR YOU NOW. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, YOU 
          CAN HEAR HIM, RIGHT? >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH. >> RODNEY ELLIS: GO AHEAD. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ALL RIGHTY. [INAUDIBLE]. >> RODNEY ELLIS: NOW I THINK 
          ARE YOU ON BOTH. I HANG YOU UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: NO, NO, NO. 
          ARE YOU CALLING HIM? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM CALLING HIM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT WORKED, COMMISSIONER WHEN YOU TOOK IT OFF MUTE. 
          I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT WHEN YOU PUT IT BACK ON MUTE -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: OH. 
          GARCIA, CAN YOU TALK NOW? COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT DOESN'T 
          HAVE TO BE THIS HARD. ALL RIGHT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MUTE MY PHONE. I THINK WE BETTER BREAK FOR LUNCH, ARE JUDGE. 
          FOR LUNCH, JUDGE. >> WE DO HAVE SPEAKERS ON THE LINE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS WHILE COMMISSIONER GARCIA FIXES HIS 
          MIC. THANK YOU, LUCINDA. >> DAVID HEIGHT, GO AHEAD, 
          PLEASE. >> THANKS, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE HIDALGO. 
          IF IT IS ALLOWED I WOULD LIKE TO START WITH SOME POSITIVE FEEDBACK TODAY. 
          I HAVE BEEN RE-- RESEARCHING CO -- COVID IN THE THREAT LEVELS. 
          I HAD OPEN AND TRANSPARENT IN PARTICULAR MAY CAL SCHAEFER AND HIS DATA TEAM HAVE BEEN GENEROUS WITH THEIR TIME ALONG WITH DR. SHAW. YOUR SPOKESPERSON RAPHAEL IS OPEN TO DISCUSSES AND QUESTIONS. AND THANK YOU PERSONALLY FOR RECOGNIZING NEW CASE COUNTS INFLATED BY THE OLD DATA. ON THE TOPIC OF REDUCING HARRIS COUNTY THREAT LEVEL I ASK THE FOLLOWING OF YOU. FIRST, INCREASE YOUR CONTACT TRACING CAPACITY. IF THIS IS SO CRITICAL, WHY AREN'T WE CONTINUALLY INCREASING STAFF IN THIS AREA. EVEN IF WE CAN'T TRACE EVERYTHING YET, IT WOULD INCREASE CAPACITY AND WOULD INCREASE THE THRESHOLD WE NEED TO HIT AS WE MOVE DOWN THE SCALE. SECOND, THE CONTEXT OF THE DATA. WHILE I APPLAUD BEING DATA DRIVEN IT REQUIRES CONTEXT. 
          ANYONE CAN SEE THAT NEW CASES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS AND FATALITIES ARE 70 TO 80% OFF. 
          THE CORRECTIONS OF THE STATE AND COUNTY LEVELS ARE COMING IN DAILY AND EVERY ADJUSTMENT SHIFTS THE NUMBERS DOWN. SO IT IS HARD FOR PEOPLE TO HEAR YOU TALK ABOUT THE SITUATION WITH TERMS LIKE SEVERE AND UNCONTROLLABLE AND OUTBREAKS WORSENING. 
          IT IS GREAT TO KNOW THE DATA, BUT AS SOMEBODY WHO DEALS WITH DATA FOR A LIVING IT IS EASY TO GET STUCK WITH THE WRONG NUMBERS. IN THIS INSTANCE I FEAR YOU ARE MISSING SOMETHING. MEASURE THE COST OF YOUR POLICIES. 
          YOU SPENT MOST OF YOUR RESOURCES ON COVID NUMBER. GIVE US DATA ON HOW BUSINESS AND SCHOOL CLOSURES ARE AFFECTING MENTAL ABUSE, PHYSICAL ILLNESS AND MISSING MEDICAL CARE AND VIOLENT CRIMES AND SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. THIS IS NOT A ONE-SIDED DEBATE. IS IT NOT SHOULD WE CONFRONT COVID OR NOT. 
          DO THE BURDENS OF THESE MEASURES JUSTIFY THE INCREMENTAL BENEFIT. 
          SHOW US WITH NUMBERS THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE BURDEN. LASTLY I ASK YOU LOOK AT WHO IS PAYING THE COST. YES, COVID IS DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTING MINORITIES, BUT THE IMPACT OF SHUTTING DOWN SCHOOLS IS WAY MORE BALANCED AGAINST THAT GROUP. ATTENDANCE DROPPED 30,000 KIDS. 
          WHAT DO YOU THINK HAPPENED TO THOSE KIDS? WHAT DEMOGRAPHIC DO YOU THINK THEY COME FROM? THOSE KIDS -- THOUSANDS OF THOSE KIDS WILL NEVER RECOVER, EVER. THE RESEARCH IN THIS AREA IS UNANIMOUS AND UNEQUIVOCALLY SCARY. CLIMATE VERSUS SOCIAL JUSTICE IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AND IT FEELS LIKE A DISCONNECT TO IGNORE WHAT SCHOOL CLOSURES ARE DOING TO DISADVANTAGED KIDS. COVID DOESN'T CARE ABOUT RACE, BUT IT DOESN'T MEAN WE SHOULDN'T. I WEAR MY MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCE AND EVEN VOTED FOR YOU. THIS IS UNPOLITICAL FOR ME. THIS IS ABOUT THE WELFARE FOR MY FAMILY AND COMMUNITY. I DON'T QUESTION INTENTIONS, BUT I QUESTION YOUR DECISION MAKING IN THIS INSTANCE. SHOW US THAT YOU CAN EVOLVE AS WELL. 
          THANK YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE DISCUSSION. >> THANK YOU, SIR. 
          [02:35:01]
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> BRIAN LOPEZ. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          MR. LOPEZ? >> HI, EVERYBODY. CAN YOU HEAR ME? 
          >> YES, SIR. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> I AM BRIAN LOPEZ AND I WORK A LOT WITH THE COMMUNITY HERE IN A LITTLE THIRD WARD AND IT IS KEEPING UP WITH THE COMMUNITY IS DOING AND WHAT THEY ARE ASKING FOR. I SEE YOU ARE DOING A LOT WITH THE RENTAL IS YOU SIS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS AND YOU ARE WORKING WITH CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GOING TO NONPROFITS. 
          FOR EXAMPLE, THE LAST TWO WEEKS I HELPED 40 TO 60 FAMILIES REGISTER FOR THE FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE A COMPUTER. 
          THEY TRUSTED THE CHURCH. THEY GO TO THE CHURCH TO GET ASSISTANCE. 
          UNFORTUNATELY I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE NOT ACTUALLY GOING TO WHAT YOU SET UP. 
          THEY ARE GO -- GOING TO THE LOCAL FOOD PANTRY TO ASK FOR HELP. 
          THESE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN REALLY AFFECTED BY COVID BECAUSE THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND THE -- [INAUDIBLE] AND I THINK THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A LITTLE MORE INTEREST IN HELPING THESE PEOPLE OUT THROUGH THEIR COMMUNITIES. FOR EXAMPLE CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES OR GROUPS THEY ARE GOING TO IN THIS OVERALL ORGANIZATION. 
          I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE THE NONPROFITS HAVE BEEN UNDER FUNDED WITH WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE PANDEMIC. THEY USUALLY HAVE SOME DONORS, BUT THE DONORS ARE REDUCED AND THEY HAVE THREE TIMES THE WORK. THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW SMALL BUSINESSES CAN GET LOANS OR GET SOME FINANCIAL HELP, BUT NONPROFITS CAN'T AND THEY ARE DOING A LOT OF THE HEAVY LIFTING FOR THE COUNTY AND THE CITY. 
          THIS IS SOMETHING I NOTICE FROM WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY. 
          THESE ISSUES NEED TO BE ADDRESSED TO SEE HOW WE CAN ALL COME TOGETHER AND HELP OUT 
          THESE PEOPLE. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. 
          >> JUDGE, WE COULD NOT GET UH HOLD OF THE OTHER SPEAKERS SO THESE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS 
          ON THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. THANK YOU. 
          >> YOU'RE WELCOME. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, HOW ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR MIC? OH NO. OKAY. 
          ALL RIGHT. I DID DO THIS WITH COMMISSIONER CAGLE. 
          LET ME JUST SEE. >> COMMISSIONER GARCIA, CAN YOU MUTE YOUR VIDEO? I MEAN YOUR AUDIO? I DID IT. [INAUDIBLE]. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I READ THROUGH IT AND THEN WHEN WE GO TO LUNCH I SHUTDOWN AND BOOT 
          BACK UP AND SEE IF THAT IMPROVING -- IMPROVES IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: YOU KNOW WHAT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IS THERE SOMEBODY ELSE IN YOUR OFFICE? 
          IF THERE IS SOMEONE ELSE THERE IT WILL CREATE A BACK UP. >> I HAVE A NUMBER THAT I CAN 
          TEXT YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: HOW ABOUT WE DO THAT SO HE CAN JUST CALL IN. THOSE WERE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS. 
          LET'S SEE IF -- COMMISSIONER IS CALLING IN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, ARE 
          YOU MUTED NOW I THINK. >> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO GIVE COMMISSIONER GARCIA A CHANCE. I DON'T WANT TO BREAK WITHOUT -- I JUST CALLED HIM. 
          [02:40:29]
          HE SAYS HE IS DIALING IN SO WE'LL GIVE HIM A MINUTE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: HOW IS THAT? ANY BETTER? NOW WE CAN'T HEAR YOU, JUDGE. 
          >> YES, SIR, WE CAN HEAR YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, ARE YOU BRILLIANT. 
          THIS IS GOOD. THIS IS GREAT. YOU WERE GOING TO SAY 
          SOMETHING, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUST -- I WAS JUST TRYING TO MENTION THAT, LOOK, THERE IS AN ENTIRE TRACKING AND ANALYSIS SILLS STEM -- SYSTEM THAT HAS BEEN CREATED. AND A PROCESS THAT RELEARNED A GREAT DEAL MORE ABOUT, BUT WE STILL HAVEN'T LEARNED EVERYTHING. 
          SO I APPRECIATE AND APPLAUD HOW FAR INTO THE WEEDS OF THE DATA AND THE PROCESS AND THE DECISION MAKING YOU ARE. I HAVE CONFIDENCE, NUMBER ONE IN YOU, AND THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE GOT OTHER SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS YOU COUNSEL WITH. I APPRECIATE YOUR WILLINGNESS TO WALK US THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT AND EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE CONSIDERING AND HOW YOUR WHOLE OFFICE IS LITERALLY WORKING ON THIS ONE PARTICULAR AREA. 
          I JUST APPRECIATE YOU WALKING US THROUGH IT AND SHARING YOUR PERSPECTIVE. 
          AND AGAIN PEOPLE -- IT PUTS PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME. 
          THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AGREE WITH THAT. 
          IT IS A TOUGH JOB, BUT AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA SAID, YOU HAVE RISEN TO THE OCCASION AND 
          WE ARE ALL APPRECIATIVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I UH -- APPRECIATE THE SPEAKERS AND THE FEEDBACK. WE TRY TO BE AS TRANSPARENT AS POSSIBLE WITH ALL OF OUR INFORMATION SO WE CAN ALL LISTEN AND PROCESS THE LATEST RESEARCH AND THE LATEST INPUT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT. ALL RIGHT. SO WE HAVE A FEW MORE ITEMS ON THE COVID AGENDA. DO YOU WANT TO FINISH THE COVID AGENDA OR WOULD YOU 
          PREFER TO BREAK FOR LUNCH RIGHT NOW? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I VOTE FOR A 
          BREAK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I AM FLEXIBLE. 
          WE ONLY HAVE TWO MORE. IF YOU WANT TO DO THEM, I'M FINE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH. WE HAVE -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, MY COVID AGENDA ITEM SHOULD BE TAKEN UP WITH THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION REPORT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT MY ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: WELL, LET'S KEEP GOING THEN. THAT WAS ME. AND THE NEXT ONE IS 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA, ITEM G ON THE HARRIS CENTER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I WANT TO APPLAUD WAYNE YOUNG AND MY STAFF AND YOUR STAFF AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON, AND EVERYONE FOR CONTINUED PROGRESS IN MOVING. -- MOVING HOW WE DEAL WITH HOMELESSNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH WITH A UNITED STRATEGY AND APPROACH IS STILL SOMETHING I AM VERY, VERY EXCITED ABOUT AND APPLAUD. 
          THIS PARTICULAR ITEM IS TO REQUEST FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY, THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD TO PROVIDE A PORTION OF THE FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF A BUILDING FOR THE HOMELESS RES -- RESPITE AND REHABILITATION CENTER FOR THE PROVISION OF MENTAL HEALTH EXPI DI D SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE COVID-19 COMMUNITY-WIDE HOMELESS HOUSING AND MENTAL HEALTH RESPITE INITIATIVE. I THINK THERE IS $5 MILLION THAT CAME THROUGH WITH THE HISTORIC ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COUNTY. 
          THIS IMPLEMENTS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE HOMELESS TASK FORCE AND BUILDS THE GAP. IT WAS SERVED HOMELESS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. 
          [02:45:01]
IT IS THE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER AND THE STATE HOSPITAL. ON THAT POINT LET ME JUST SAY, JUDGE, THAT IT ALWAYS PAINED MY HEART WHEN I WAS A SHERIFF TO SEE THESE FOLKS IN THE JAIL THAT HAVE AN ANYWHERE USA ADDRESS. WE WOULD SIMPLY OPEN THE DOOR AND RELEASE THEM TO THE STREETS THAT BROUGHT THEM TO US TO BEGIN WITH. 
          THIS IS A WAY TO BREAK THE CYCLE AND PUT THEM INTO BETTER PLACES WITH MORE -- WITH MORE WRAP AROUND SERVICES TO BETTER STABILIZE THEM AND HOPEFULLY MOVE THEM TO A BETTER CIRCUMSTANCE. IT WILL PROVIDE A PLACE TO GO AND REFEREE HABILITATION FOR THEIR SERVICES. WE ARE PROUD OF THIS INNOVATIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE MODEL THAT IT WILL PROVIDE HOUSING AND MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SERVICES TO THE MOST FUNDABLE. THE BUDGET FOR THE COUNTY IS FIVE MILLION. IT WILL PROVIDE THE BUILDING ACQUISITION AND THE JAIL RE-ENTRY OPERATIONS. AND ON THE JAIL RE-ENTRY SIDE IT WILL HAVE DIFFERENT RESPITE BEDS AVAILABLE FOR THE HOMELESS LEAVING THE COUNTY JAIL WITH NO SAFE PLACE TO LIVE. IN FACT, YESTERDAY I WAS IN THE AREA OF SHREVEPORT AND UVALDE. AND I SAW AN AREA, JUDGE, THAT HAS RECEIVED AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND FRUSTRATIONS, BUT COMPASSION FROM THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF THE HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL THAT'S CALL THE LOCATION THEIR HOME. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO ENGAGE THEM AND MOVE THEM INTO A BETTER PROCESS EXPWH -- AND IF THEY GO TO JAIL, SO BE IT, BUT IT IS A BETTER PLACE THAN UVALDE. IT WILL BE THREE TO FIVE DAYS TO ALLOW FOR A TRANSITION INTO THE COMMUNITY. THE PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE SHELTER, FOOD, BEDS, FACILITIES, JANITORIAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION AND CARE COORDINATION AND THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT SERVICES. 
          CARE COORDINATORS WILL ASSIST THESE INDIVIDUALS IN FINDING THE APPROPRIATE COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND THE CLINICAL SERVICES AND LIVING ARRANGEMENTS TO AID IN THEIR REINTEGRATION BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS A FACILITY THAT HAS LONG BEEN NEEDED. I ALWAYS TALK ABOUT THE STORY OF WHEN I PROPOSED SOMETHING IN 2009 AND GO -- GOT A $30 MILLION STUDY FROM PJAL ON WHY IT COULDN'T BE DONE. 
          IT IS A CLAP BRACING -- IT IS A COLLABORATION AND IT IS A HUGE, HUGE WIN FOR HARRIS COUNTY OVERALL. IT IS PROVIDING A LEADERSHIP APPROACH TO THE ISSUE. 
          AND I CLOSE BY ASKING WAYNE YOUNG TO -- YOU KNOW, I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM COUNCILMEMBER GALLEGOS. THEY ARE A LITTLE CONCERNED BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY THINK MAY BE A RESULT OF THE FACILITY. I KNOW THIS WILL BE A PLACE WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT MAY BE VISITING, BUT I WOULD JUST ASK FOR MR. YOUNG TO DISCUSS ABOUT HOW TO BUILD A SECURITY SYSTEM AROUND THIS TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY GREATER CONFIDENCE THAT THEIR SAFETY AND WELL BEING WILL BE DRESSED -- WILL BE ADDRESSED. THEY ARE DOING INCREDIBLY WELL AND PEOPLE RARELY NOTICE THAT IT IS A FACILITY THAT SERVES THE HARRIS CENTER GOALS AS WELL. WE WILL MAKE SURE WE ARE GOOD NEIGHBORS TO THE COMMUNITY OUT THERE AS WELL. I AM VERY EXCITED, JUDGE. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO PROPOSE THIS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING MY COLLEAGUE TO HELP US CONTINUE TO BREAK NEW 
          GROUNDS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU. 
          I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A PASSION OF YOURS TO WORK ON THIS ISSUE OR EVEN ON YOUR PREVIOUS JOBS. IT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. 
          THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP 
          [02:50:03]
          ON THIS. IT IS A GREAT TIMING. >> I SECOND IT IF HE NEEDS A 
          SECOND. >> THIS IS A GREAT PROGRAM. IN FACT THIS MAY BE SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN PRECINCT 4. COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAVE YOU VETTED THIS WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY OR IS THAT COMING BACK LATER? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE VOTED ON A LOT OF THIS ALREADY. YOUR SUPPORT HAS BEEN PROVIDED AND IT IS MOVING THIS ALONG. WE WOULDN'T BE PROPOSING AN INTER LOCAL FOR THE COUNTY'S 
          SUPPORT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL RIGHT. LET'S LET IT ROLL. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY ELLIS. 
          ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSE SNED MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THE NEXT ITEM IS COMMISSIONER 
          CAGLE'S ITEM ITEM H. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK THAT SHOULD BE TAKE EP UP WHEN WE -- TAKEN UP WHEN WE ADDRESS THE JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION. LET'S HOLD IT UNTIL THEN. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: WHICH ITEM? PAGE 16? >> R. JACK CAGLE: YEAH, 
          JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION AND THE REPORT THEY HAVE COMING BACK. >> LINA HIDALGO: JIM, ARE YOU READY TO PROVIDE THAT REPORT? OH I SEE. YOU ARE SAYING TAKE IT UP 
          WITH -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN WE TAKE THAT UP LATER LET'S TAKE THIS 
          UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I DON'T MIND DOING A FEW MORE ITEMS. I WAS WAITING ON MY LUNCH. I STOP IF YOU ARE READY, BUT IF NOT I CAN DO SOME MORE WORK. OR I CAN WATCH YOU ALL EAT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO REPEAT THE SYSTEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: EAT THOSE 
          COOKIES. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO ARE WE -- THERE ARE TWO MORE COVID ITEMS. LET'S JUST GET THROUGH THOSE. SUPPLEMENTAL COVID ITEM 12 IS -- OH THIS IS THE COMMUNITY SPREAD. THIS HAD COME UP AT THE LAST COURT. THIS IS THE FORMAL AGREEMENT WITH UT AND BAYLOR. 
          WE HAD A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. THIS IS THE RESULT. 
          IT IS TO DO AN ON GOING SURVEY. IT IS AN ACADEMIC SURVEY OF THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS. 
          AND THEN ITEM 13 IS -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WOULD YOU LIKE TO MOVE ON THAT, JUDGE? 
          SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN 
          FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? COMMISSIONER RADACK, WHAT WAS YOUR VOTE ON THIS? 
          >> STEVE RADACK: I. RADACK VOTES I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE I AS WELL SO PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU. AND THEN THE NEXT ITEM IS THE MEDIA CAMPAIGN. IF YOU GUYS WILL REMEMBER, WE WERE TRYING TO GET A MEDIA CAMPAIGN ON COVID AND THEN WE HAD TO GO BACK AND DO THE RFP FROM THE START BECAUSE OF WHATEVER ISSUES WITH THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS. IT HAS TAKEN UNTIL NOW TO REQUEST ALL OF THE BIDS. FINALLY THEY ARE COMING BACK. THIS WAS THE SELECTED FIRM. 
          AND WHAT WE ARE THINKING RIGHT NOW IS THIS ACTUALLY IS GOOD TIMING BECAUSE ONE OF THE KEY POINTS AROUND VACCINATION IS WE NEED A STRONG MEDIA CAMPAIGN. 
          SO WE CAN BEGIN WORKING WITH THIS FIRM TO PLAN FOR WHEN A VACCINE BECOMES AVAILABLE AND MAKE SURE WE ARE READY TO ROLL OUT A VERY PROFESSIONAL SLEEK SORT OF NONGOVERNMENTY 
          CAMPAIGN THAT WILL GET PEOPLE ON BOARD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE IT, 
          YOUR HONOR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK? >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA, ARE YOU MUTED? YOU DIDN'T VOTE. >> STEVE RADACK: RADACK IS A 
          NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: RADACK IS NO. 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA MOVED IT AND COMMISSION ERRED ELLIS SECONDED IT. 
          I AM IN FAVOR. COMMISSIONERS KAY -- CAGLE AND RADACK ARE OPPOSED. 
          THE MOTION CARRIES. AND SO THAT'S THE COVID ITEMS EXCEPT FOR COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S ITEM H. WE WILL TAKE THAT UP LATER. IT IS 1:27 AND LET'S BREAK 
          THEN FOR LUNCH UNTIL 2:30. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. THE AGENDA, COMMISSIONERS AND THEN WHEN HE JOINS WE WILL TAKE UP THAT ITEM. 
          [02:55:03]
SO IT IS 2:35 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. 
          LET'S START FROM THE TOP HERE. COUNTY ENGINEER. 
          >> YES, JUDGE, IF YOU GO TO PAGE 6 ITEM V AS IN VICTOR, THAT'S A JOINT EFFORT WITH THE COUNTY AND CITY OF HOUSTON WHERE WE DEVELOPED A SET OF STANDARDS FOR FOUNDATIONS FOR FAMILIES OF SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES. IT IS A WAY TO MAKE IT LESS EXPENSIVE TO BUILD RAY'S FOUNDATION AND PROTECT THEM FROM THE PUBLIC. 
          THIS IS THE FIRST JOINT CITY-COUNTY EFFORT AND WE ARE REAL HAPPY ABOUT THAT. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, MAY I? JOHN, IS THIS THE FIRST ONE THAT WE HAVE DONE WITH ANY CITY OR THE FIRST ONE WITH HOUSTON? 
          >> IT IS THE THE FIRST ONE I AM AWARE OF WITH ANY CITY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THERE A MODEL WE CAN TAKE TO THE OTHER CITY AND AFFORDABLE HOMES AND I WANT TO WORK MORE AND HAVE SOME ACTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCE. WE ARE DESIGNING AND USING THE STANDARD NOW, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE DESIGNER THAT'S DESIGN HOMES IN THE CITY AND COUNTY CAN REFER AND TAKE SOME LIABILITY OFF THEM. THEREFORE, IT WILL BE LESS EXPENSIVE FOR THEM TO DO THE 
          DESIGNS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: LUCINDA, DO 
          WE HAVE SPEAKERS FOR ITEM T? >> ONLY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR THEM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY -- OKAY. ANYTHING ELSE UNDER COUNTY 
          ENGINEER? >> RECOMMENDED APPROVAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: FLOOD CONTROL. I HAVE A NOTE ON C2 TO REPLACE C10 WITH C18. 
          THE CONTRACT WITH PATRIOT CONSTRUCTION. ANYTHING ELSE ON FLOOD CONTROL? TOLL ROAD. THIS ONE ITEM 3B IS THE RESTRUCTURING. IT SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH BUDGET MANAGEMENT 4J AND 4K ON PAGE 10 AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S ITEM 19E2 ON PAGE 20. AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE SPEAKERS 
          AS WELL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE BEFORE WE GO TO ITEM B CAN I GO TO 
          ITEM A, PLEASE. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. ON ITEM A, I AM EXCITED TO SEE THIS COLLABORATION ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO THE NORTH FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. 
          AS I HAVE NOT BEEN SHY IN THE PAST TO EXPRESS MY FEELINGS OF MOVING JOINTLY AND EXPRESSING CONCERNS TO THE COMMUNITY. I DO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IF WE ARE GOING TO BE WORKING WITH THE HOUSTON PARKS BOARD ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM, THEN I WOULD LIKE TO -- I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS ITEM HAS A DELIVERY MANAGER FOR HARRIS COUNTY ATTACHED TO IT. 
          I DO NOT WANT IT HOUSTON PARKS AND BOARD TO FORGET WHO IS PAYING THE BILLS ON THIS ONE. 
          AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ADVOCATING ON OUR BEHALF SEPARATE AND APART FROM WHAT THE CITY OF HOUSTON'S CONVERSATION MAY BE. I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS, BUT BECAUSE OF PAST EXPERIENCES WITH THE NORTH FREEWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, I JUST AM A LITTLE LEERY ABOUT LETTING THIS GO FORWARD WITHOUT ENSURING THAT THERE IS SOME HARRIS COUNTY REINS ATTACHED TO THIS. PETER? 
          >> YES, COMMISSIONER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAN WE MAKE SURE -- I HEAR GOOD THINGS ABOUT LLOYD SMITH IN YOUR SHOP. CAN YOU MAKE SURE THAT LLOYD WOULD BE A GOOD MANAGER TO GUIDE ON THE HARRIS COUNTY REHAB. 
          >> THIS IS PETER KEY OUT AT THE TOLL ROAD AND WITH RECORDS TO WHAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA JUST STATED WITH A DELIVERY OF THE COUNT, THE TOLL ROAD WILL WORK WITH YOUR STAFFS AND THE 
          [03:00:02]
COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE TO DETERMINE THE BEST PERSON THAT THE COUNTY CAN PROVIDE LEADERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE. THERE IS AN APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE COUNTY'S TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY TO BE FUNDING THIS ENDEAVOR. THE MOST APPROPRIATE PERSON WOULD BE THE DELIVERY MANAGER FOR THE COUNTY AND THEY MAY NOT RESIDE AT THE TOLL ROAD. 
          I PLEDGE FOR OUR AGENCY TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY ENGINEER'S OFFICE AND MAKE SURE THAT THE COURT MEMBERS KNOW WHO THE DELIVERY MANAGER IS GOING TO BE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: YEAH, YOUR HONOR. I AM A HUGE FAN OF THE HOUSTON PARKS BOARD. 
          WE WORK WITH THEM REGULARLY ON OUR TRAILS. I KNOW SOME OF THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS DO AS WELL. THERE ARE SOME GOALS OF THIS PROJECT I THINK ARE EXCELLENT. I HAVE TALKED TO REPRESENTATIVE TEX-DOT AND THEY HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THIS PROJECT. WITHOUT GETTING TOO FAR DOWN THAT ROAD, I JUST WANT TO VOTE NO ON THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME. SOMEONE MAY MAKE A MOTION FOR 
          IT, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO GET MY VOTE ON THE RECORD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MAKE A 
          MOTION FOR IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A SECOND? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO -- AND COMMISSIONER RADACK I BELIEVE 
          IS ON THE LINE NOW. >> STEVE RADACK: RADACK IS HERE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT IS ON ITEM A UNDER TOLL ROAD. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. 
          MOTION CARRIES. >> JUDGE, THAT'S AS PRESENTED ON THE AGENDA? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, IT IS. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO LONG AS PETER CAN PROVIDE THAT DELIVERY MANAGER IN HOUSE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND LET US KNOW OF YOUR CONCERNS. WE DIDN'T SEE THAT EARLIER. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. SO THOSE WERE THE TOLL ROAD ITEMS. WHY DON'T WE TAKE -- BEFORE WE GET INTO THE REFINANCING CONVERSATION WHICH IS A COMPLICATED ONE, WHY DON'T WE, NOW THAT COMMISSIONER RADACK IS BACK ON DISCUSS THE SECOND PART OF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S MOTION ON THE INTERIM 
          DIRECTOR. >> STEVE RADACK: RADACK IS HERE AND I VOTED ON THAT LAST 
          ITEM NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> SO WE GOT FOR THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS MADE THE MOTION AND GARCIA SECONDED. THEY BOTH VOTED YES. 
          YOU VOTED -- >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTED YES. AND COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND 
          RADACK VOTED NO. >> THANK YOU. THE MOTION PASSES. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WHAT I'M SAYING, COMMISSIONER RADACK, IS BEFORE WE CONTINUE DOWN THE TOLL ROAD AGENDA THAT WE TAKE UP THE INTERIM UNIVERSAL SERVICES DIRECTOR ITEM WHICH WE WANTED TO TAKE UP AS SOON AS COURT STARTED, BUT WE WERE WAITING ON YOU. 
          COMMISSIONER CAGLE HAS A STATEMENT FIRST. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, DURING THE LUNCH BREAK I HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT WITH MAJOR GENERAL NOREAGA WHO I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH BEFORE IN A NUMBER OF CAPACITIES. 
          I WANT TO MAKE VERY, VERY CLEAR THAT I AM NOT SUPPORTIVE OF MAKING THE CHANGE. 
          HOWEVER, I BELIEVE MAJOR GENERAL NOREAGA, IF WE ARE TO HAVE AN IN -- AN INTERIM, IS A GOOD CHOICE. I TALKED CANDIDLY ABOUT POSSIBLY NOT VOTING FOR HIM BECAUSE I DON'T LIKE THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH HE IS COMING ON BOARD, AND HE WOULD BE FINE WITH THAT. I THINK HE HAS THE LEADERSHIP AND THE MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND IN MY DEALINGS, HE HAS HAD THE INTEGRITY WHERE HE WILL TELL YOU STRAIGHT UP HOW HE FEELS WHETHER HE AGREES WITH YOU OR DISAGREES WITH YOU. SO WHEN THE TIME COMES, WITHOUT WAITING -- WITHOUT WAIVING ANY PRIOR OBJECTIONS IN THIS WHOLE PROCESS, I WILL BE SUPPORTIVE OF MAJOR GENERAL NOREAGA AS THE INTERIM DIRECTOR WITH FLAGS AND FLARES 
          GOING OFF THAT I AM OBJECTING TO THIS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN THAT CASE 
          , JUDGE, I WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO MAKE A MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, 
          COMMISSIONER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. IT GIVES ME INCREDIBLE HONOR TO HAVE WORKED ALONGSIDE MAJOR GENERAL NOREAGA AS A STATE LEGISLATURE AND ONE OF THE 
          [03:05:04]
NATION'S FINEST AND AS A DEDICATED HOUSTONIAN IN EVERY ASPECT OF THE WORD. 
          HE HAS SERVED US AT THE STATE -- DURING THE STATE LEGISLATURE AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EAST END. HE DID IT INCREDIBLY WELL AND WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR AND HE IS -- HE HAS AN INCREDIBLE TRACK RECORD HE ACCOMPLISHED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE. DURING THAT TIME HE WAS SERVING OUR MILL -- MILITARY, ARMY STRONG, AND HE HAS HAD AN INCREDIBLE CAREER SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN AND IN OTHER INTERESTING PLACES. BUT I REMEMBER SEEING HIM IN ACTION, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL AS THEY SAY. WHEN MAYOR WHITE AND MICHAEL MOORE CALLED ON MAJOR GENERAL TO HELP US DURING HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA AND IKE -- WELSHING -- WELL, IKE, I'M NOT SURE. HE CAN CORRECT US ON THAT ONE. 
          BUT I SAY HE WORKED LITERALLY -- HE REMINDS ME OF YOU, JUDGE. 
          BOTH OF YOU GUYS CAN WORK AROUND THE CLOCK AND STILL MAKE IT LOOK EASY. 
          HE WORKED TIRELESSLY SERVING OUR NEW NEIGHBORS FROM LOUISIANA AND KEEPING THINGS MOVING AT GEORGE R BROWN AND BEING INCREDIBLE THAT WE COULD ALL GET SOME REST BECAUSE WE KNEW GENERAL NOREAGA WAS TAKING CHARGE. AND WITH THAT RECORD -- AND WITH THAT REGARD WE ARE FORTUNATE HE IS IN BETWEEN SITUATIONS AND I HAVE ENJOYED HEARING WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH HIM. AND KNOWING HE WAS ON THE MARKET I REACHED OUT AND SAID WOULD YOU CONSIDER A -- WORKING WITH HARRIS COUNTY. 
          HE WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE TEAM PLAYERS WHO SAID COACH PUT ME IN. 
          FOR THAT REASON I AM HONORED TO SUBMIT THE NOMINATION OF MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD J .NOREAGA, RETIRED, WHO HAS AN INCREDIBLE CAREER AND HE HAS A BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON. HE HAS EARNED A MASTER'S DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION WITH THE JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY. HE RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE IN ADVANCE FROM THE GEORGE GEORGIA -- THE GEORGE BUSH SCHOOL OF TEXAS A&M AND WAS IN COMMAND OF THE U.S. ARMY COLLEGE SENIOR SERVICE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS IN AUSTIN. HE HAS SERVED IN PUBLIC CAPACITY, BUT HE ALSO SERVED US AS THE LEADER OF THE RONALD MCDONALD CAPITAL CAMPAIGN. 
          HE WAS RECRUITED TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS. AND HE HAS NEGOTIATED SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTS WITH FEMA TO CREATE THE NATION'S LARGEST PILOT AWARD PROGRAM AND TO DEVELOP A DISASTER RELIEF RECOVERY PLAN FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL USE. 
          IF YOU CAN SEE THIS, THIS IS HOW THICK HIS RESUME IS. HE HAS AN INCREDIBLE RECORD AND I AM HONORED HE HAS THE INTEREST AND THE ENERGY AND THE WILLINGNESS TO HELP AS THE INTERIM DIRECTOR. I AM EXCITED TO HAVE SOMEBODY OF HIS CALIBER WILLING TO STEP IN AND SUPPORT US. MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD J.NOREAGA IS MY NOMINATION. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WOULD LIKE TO SECOND THE NOMINATION. I WON'T BE LABOR THE POINTS YOU MADE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BUT I CALLED HIM DURING THE LUNCH HOUR AS WELL AND I HAVE KNOWN HIM FOR A GOOD 30 OR SO -- 35 YEARS. I REALLY GOT TO KNOW HIM CLOSE UP IN AUSTIN AND IN -- THE LATE HOURS WORKING. WORKING WITH HIM ON THE TEXAS GRANT BILL AND I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING THE LEAD SPONSOR TO HELP SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE STATE TO GET ACCESS TO A COLLEGE EDUCATION. 
          HE HELPS ME CALL OUT FORMER COLLEAGUES TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO KEEP FUNDING IN THE PROGRAM BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY ISSUES. AFTER HARVEY I WAS REALLY 
          [03:10:04]
PROUD OF HIM AND THE WORK HE WAS DOING ON THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE. 
          GLAD WE CAN USE SOME RESOURCES TO HELP GET FOOD OVER THERE. I SAW HIM WORKING WITH MICHAEL MOORE ON BILL WHITE'S WATCH AND YOURS. MAJOR GENERAL RETIRED. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A MOTION TO UH POINT -- TO APPOINT THE INTERIM DIRECTOR. 
          DO WE NEED TO ADD OR IS IT A SEPARATE MOTION TO HIRE HRM OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF COURT? 
          >> THAT WASN'T MY LAST MOTION. WE MADE THAT MOTION EARLIER. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THE MOTION WAS TO APPOINT GENERAL NOREAGA , SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> . >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE -- JUDGE I AM GOING TO SAY THAT THIS IS NOT SINCE WE ARE DEALING WITH THE MAJOR GENERAL, NOT A GOOD MOMENT FOR US. 
          BUT WITH THE VOTE AND THE DECISION WHICH I THINK IS A BAD ONE TO HAVE RELEASED OUR PRIOR DIRECTOR I AM VOTING IN FAVOR OF MAJOR GENERAL AS THE INTERIM DIRECTOR. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: THIS IS RADACK. I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT FOR THE GENERAL AND USING COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S WORD ABOUT DIGNITY, I DON'T BELIEVE THERE WAS ANYTHING DIGNIFIED IN THE WAY THIS WAS HELD TODAY TO RELEASE OUR BRUCE HYDE. 
          SO I HAVE NOT TALKED TO THE GENERAL ANY BEFORE OBVIOUSLY, BUT HAD NOT TALKED TO HIM BEFORE TODAY. I AM GOING TO -- I AM VOTING NO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK, DID WE LOSE YOU? >> STEVE RADACK: I THINK IT DROPPED OUT. ANYWAY, I HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT FOR THE GENERAL. 
          HOWEVER, THIS WAS NOT HANDLED IN A DIGNIFIED WAY AS FAR AS THE TERMINATION OF BRUCE HYDE. I THINK THE PROCESS WAS TERRIBLE AND I AM VOTING NO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE GENERAL AND I SPOKE WITH HIM AND I SHARED THE DISASH -- HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO ME THAT HE FOCUS VERY MUCH ON CYBER SECURITY AND SECURITY OF ELECTIONS JUST AS WITH ALL THE CLIMATE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY THESE DAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR SYSTEMS REMAIN TOP SHAPE. HE ASSURED ME HE WOULD DO THAT. I AM PROUD OF HIS RECORD AND HAPPY TO SUPPORT HIM. 
          THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR THAT RECOMMENDATION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, 
          YOUR HONOR. >> LINA HIDALGO: THE MOTION CARRIES THEN, JAMES. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, IF I MAY HAVE A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE, I REACH OUT TO THE MAJOR GENERAL AND SEE IF HE WOULD LIKE TO CALL IN A LITTLE LATER AND JUST OFFER ANY 
          THOUGHTS THAT HE MAY HAVE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: EATS 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S MOVE TO THE TOLL ROAD ITEM. THAT IS ITEM B UNDER TOLL ROAD AND PAGE 9. WE WILL TAKE THAT UP WITH ITEMS 4J AND 4K ON PAGE 10 UNDER BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND WITH ITEM E2 ON PAGE 28 UNDER COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S AGENDA. 
          >> JUDGE, DO YOU WANT TO DO THE SPEAKERS FIRST? >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH HEARING FROM -- IS IT PETER OR DAVE? WHOMEVER WOULD LIKE TO RUN US 
          THROUGH BRIEFLY. >> JUDGE, THIS IS DAVE. CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> I GO QUICKLY HERE AND OF COURSE YOU CAN GO THROUGH THEM. THEY RELATE TO THE REFINANCING AND THE POTENTIAL CONVERSION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. SO BACK IN JUNE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AUTHORIZED MY TEAM TO HIRE A FINANCIAL ADVISER, HILLTOP SECURITIES, WHO IS A LONG-TIME FINANCIAL ADVISER OF THE COUNTY TO PREPARE A REPORT ON THESE THREE OPTIONS. 
          THAT REPORT IS BEING TRANSMITTED. WORK RING RSI -- WORKING WITH 
          [03:15:06]
RSI, THE REPORT WENT THROUGH THREE DIFFERENT OPTIONS TO REFINANCE THE TOLL ROAD. 
          EVERYTHING FROM DOING NOTHING EXCEPT LOOKING AT OPPORTUNITIES TO REFUND EXISTING DEBT, ALL THE WAY TO CONVERTING THE TOLL ROAD INTO A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION AND REFUNDING ALL OF THAT. QUICKLY I WOULD SAY WHAT ALL OF THESE OPTIONS HAVE IN COMMON IS THEY ALL SAVE MONEY AND THE INTEREST RATES ARE AT AN ALL-TIME LOW. 
          WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE MONEY BY REPLACING EXPENSIVE DEBT FINANCING TO CHEAPER DEBT FINANCING. THEY MAINTAIN STRONG CAPITALIZATION AT THE TOLL ROAD HOTTER. IT IS ONE OF THE BEST TOLL ROAD SYSTEMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. IT IS A LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY IN TERMS OF HOW COMMISSIONER'S COURT CAN DIRECT FUNDS AND THE STATUS QUO HAS A PROGRAM THAT IS SUCCESSFUL AND IT IS LIMITED TO TRANSPORTATION-RELATED PURPOSES. 
          THE SECOND LETS US ISSUE MOBILITY BONDS THAT CAN USE TOLL ROADS AROUND THE COUNTY AND THE THIRD IS THE INVERSION THAT INCLUDES THE MOBILITY TRANSFERS AND THE MOBILITY BONDS AND A FRANCHISE FEE THROUGH THE COUNTY. OF COURSE THEY WILL HAVE THE ABILITY AND WHETHER IT IS FLOOD CONTROL AND STILL TRANSPORTATION OR SOMETHING ELSE. SO ALL OF THESE SAVE MONEY FROM THE REFINANCING. 
          ALL OF THEM ARE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE. THEY DIFFER IN THE DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY AFFORDED AND BECAUSE OF THE FLEXIBILITY HILLTOP RECOMMENDED THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORP -- CORPORATION CONVERSION. THAT'S A RECOMMENDATION THAT I CONCUR WITH AND MY DEPARTMENT CONCURS WITH AS DOES THE TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. 
          AND I THINK THE HEART OF THE MATTER IS THE LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY. 
          I THINK ALL THREE OPTIONS ACHIEVED THE OTHER GOALS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRESENTATION. 
          AND THE IDEA OF THE LOCAL CORP -- CORPORATION HAS CREATED SOME CONVERSATION IN THE COMMUNITY AND I WANTED TO DOUBLE CHECK TO SEE IF THAT REALLY MEANT IN SOME AREAS WHEN I WAS ON CITY COUNCIL I THINK WE MAY HAVE CREATED ONE AND I WAS A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT DEFERRING OUR AUTHORITY AND OUR OVERSIGHT TO ANOTHER GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS, BUT THE CREATING OF THIS LGC STILL REMAINS WITHIN COMMISSIONER'S COURT. 
          IS THAT CORRECT? >> THAT'S RIGHT. AND I SHOULD MENTION THAT THE REPRESENTATIVES OF HILLTOP AND FOR THE OUTSIDE COUNCIL, BUT, YES, UNDER THE PROPOSAL OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT THERE WOULD BE THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CORPORATION. 
          I DON'T SEE THERE IS ANY SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE IN WHO IS CALLING THE SHOTS. 
          IT IS AROUND THE FLEXIBILITY, THE FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY OF FUNDS COMING TO THE COUNTY. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. AND IN TERMS OF THE FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY AS YOU CALL IT, THE OTHER AREA OF CONCERN THAT THIS HAS CAUSED IS -- THAT THOSE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR EVERYTHING LIKE INFRASTRUCTURE -RELATED PROJECTS. AND I WANT TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS AND MAYBE IF RUSS POPPY CAN JOIN US. I THINK THERE IS AN ASPECT OF THIS THAT ALLOWS US TO USE THIS FOR NONTOLL ROAD-RELATED PROG EXPWRECT -- PROJECTS OR EVEN FOR NON-TRANSPORTATION-RELD IS THE WAY IT IS WORDED, AND SO MY QUESTION TO YOU, MR. BARRY, AND TO MR. KEY AND MAYBE THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IS WE COULD USE THIS 
          [03:20:03]
FOR FLOOD CONTROL-RELATED PROJECTS. CORRECT? 
          >> I GIVE A BRIEF ANSWER AND THEN WILL GO THROUGH -- >> PLEASE PROCEED. 
          >> THIS IS ONLY IN RESPECT TO THE FRANCHISE. BUT THIS REMAINS THE CASE. 
          IT IS WITHIN THE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY AND THAT WILL NOT CHANGE. 
          WITH RESPECT TO THE FRANCHISE FEE, I BELIEVE IT IS THE CASE THAT YOU CAN USE THAT FOR FLOOD CONTROL OR WHATEVER YOU DEEM THE MOST URGENT NEED TO BE. 
          I PERSONALLY THINK THAT WOULD BE A FITTING USE FOR SOME OF THE FRANCHISE FEE. 
          AND THE COUNTY ENGINEER HAS BEEN LOOKING AT WHAT IS IN EXSAYS OF FLOODING AND -- IN EXCESS OF THE TOLL ROAD AND FLOODING. THAT'S A POSSIBILITY. 
          >> GOOD DEAL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION. 
          I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE APPROPRIATE TIME WOULD BE FOR THE MOTION, BUT I WOULD LIKE 
          TO START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS. YOU'RE ON MUTE, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, BEFORE I GIVE MY GENERAL COMMENTS, SO THE MOTION WOULD BE TO EARMARK OR 
          TO PUT A PROCESS IN PLACE FOR A CERTAIN AMOUNT? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WE WOULD FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WOULD BE, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO PUT IN MOTION A REVIEW TO DETERMINE 
          WHAT NEED THERE ARE FOR OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I AM HAPPY TO SUPPORT THAT. IS MR. POPPY NEARBY? I WANT TO ASK THE POINT I KNOW THE STANDARD FOR BUILDING TOLL ROADS HAVE EVOLVED AND COULD IT BE SURMISED THAT SOME OF THE FLOODING AND DRAINAGE ISSUES ARE RELATED TO THE IMPERVIOUS COVER UNDER WHICH THE TOLL ROADS WERE PUT IN. WHETHER IT WAS OUR TOLL ROADS OR THE STATE OR WHAT SOMEONE ELSE DID. YOU CAN TRY, BUT I'M ASSUMING IF MR. POPPY WAS AROUND OR MR. BLUNT COULD ANSWER THAT, BUT -- OR MR. BLOUNT COULD ANSWER THAT. 
          OR PETER FOR THAT MATTER. >> COMMISSIONER, THIS IS RUSS POPPY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. SO I AM HERE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO THE QUESTION IS, AND I AM NOT POINTING AN ACCUSING FINGER, BUT THIS CAME ABOUT IN 1983. THIS WAS ESTABLISHED THE YEAR I RAN FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AND WHETHER IT IS INCORPORATED OR UNINCORPORATED WITH REGARD TO HOUSTON PASSING ANY OF OUR CITIES HAS BEEN EXACERBATED BY SOME OF THE TOLL ROAD ACTIVITY. 
          >> I THINK THE SHORT ANSWER IS THIS WAS LIKELY YES IF IT WAS BUILT BEFORE THE COUNTY ADOPTED OUR CRITERIA THAT WAS IN THE MID1980 THAT'S REQUIRED MITIGATING DETENTION FOR 
          IMPERVIOUS COVER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND ARGUABLY COULD THE POINT BE MADE THAT AS WE HAVE SPAWNEDDED -- EXPANDED THE FOOTPRINT OF OUR POPULATION IN THE REGION BY HAVING TOLL ROADS, THAT HAS LEAD TO MORE IMPERVIOUS COVERS BEING DEVELOPED. 
          OBVIOUSLY THE WATER HAS TO GO SOMEWHERE. IF YOU HAVE TO STORE IT OR IT IS SENT SOMEWHERE. IT MEANS MORE IMPERVIOUS COVER AND THAT IS DRAINAGE ISSUES. 
          >> DRAIN -- DRAINAGE HAS EVOLVED AND CONTINUES TO EVOLVE. 
          THE MOST RECENT EXAMPLE IS THE ADOPTION OF THE ATLAS RAINFALL RATES. 
          WE ARE LOOKING AT THE DESIGNS OF WHETHER IT BE THE SUBDIVISION ROADS OR MAJOR THOROUGHFARES OR TOLL ROADS OR EVEN OUR PROJECT FOR EXAMPLE THE RAINFALL EVENT. 
          [03:25:06]
RODRIGUEZ 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND REALLY IT IS IN MY PRE -- PRECINCT AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PRE SINK R -- PRECINCT, CAN YOU OR MR. BLOUT COMMENT ABOUT THE ISSUES IN TERMS OF DRAINAGE AND 
          THEREFORE IN THOSE AREAS THE HEART OF THE TOLL ROAD. >> COMMISSIONER, JOHN BLOUNT. 
          WE HAVE A CONSULTANT AND THEY ARE STUDYING THAT RIGHT NOW. WE KNOW A LOT ABOUT DRAINAGE AND DETENTION THAN WE DID 20 OR 30 YEARS AGO OR EVEN 10 YEARS AGO. 
          THEY ARE DOING AN ANALYSIS. IT IS GAUGE ENGINEERING AND THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT, AND IT IS ALL PART OF THE EQUITY AND TRANSPORTATION STUDY AND WE ARE LOOKING AT THE IMPACTS OF NOT ONLY THE TOLL ROADS, BUT ALL OF THE OTHER ROADS THAT ARE BUILT VIA TOLL ROAD OR FREE. THE IMPACT ON FLOODING AND THE IMPACT ON NEIGHBORHOODS. WE'LL HAVE THE IMPACT ON FLOODING RELATIVELY SOON. 
          THE IMPACT ON NEIGHBORHOODS IS A LOT MORE DIFFICULT STUDY. IT IS ON GOING. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: WITH REGARD TO THE LGC, MR. SOARD OR SOMEONE FROM ARICK AND IT IS WHO SERVES ON IT. COULD BY -- COULD BE FIVE OR SEVEN OR 9. 
          >> MR. HERNANDEZ DID YOU HEAR MY QUESTION? >> THE ANSWER IS YES. 
          THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON THE BOARD OF THE LGC IS UP TO THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO DECIDE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT WOULD BE THEIR TERM? WE CAN DECIDE THAT AS WELL? 
          >> YOU CAN DECIDE THAT AS WELL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF WE DECIDE 
          TO APPOINT OURSELVES, WILL THE LAW PERMIT THAT? >> YES, IT DOES. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: ANY EXPERIENCE MR. COLLIE WITH LGC'S AROUND THE STATE? 
          >> YES, IN THE TOLL ROAD AREA THERE ARE LGC'S IN MISSOURI COUNTY AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND THERE ARE LGC'S IN HARRIS COUNTY AS WELL. THAT'S ONE FOR THE AS STRAW DOME COMPLEX AND I BELIEVE THE DEVELOPMENT CORP PREYING ALSO. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU KNOW IF NORTH TEXAS HAS ONE -- YOU KNOW, I USED TO BE IN THIS 
          BUSINESS, OBVIOUSLY, BUT I REMEMBER THE AUTHORITY. >> TALKING ABOUT TOLL ROADS IT IS A FOUR-COUNTY ENTITY AND IT IS A SPECIAL DISTANCE. IT IS NOT AN LGC. 
          OR MAYBE IT IS AN LGC THERE AS WELL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WAS IT CLEAR TO ANY OF YOU AS YOU MADE REFERENCE TO IT REGARDLESS OF WHICH ONE OF THESE OPTIONS OF THE THREE THAT WERE LAID OUT THAT IS PURSUANT TO ANY TRANSPORTATION? 
          I THINK ARE YOU MUTED, MR. BARRY. >> THERE IS AN OVER ALL CAPPED AMOUNT OF DOLLARS. IF THE COUNTY RECEIVES THE FRANCHISE FEE AND SPENT IT ON SOMETHING OTHER THAN TRANSPORTATION, I SUPPOSE IT IS TRUE THAT THERE WILL BE LESS DOLLARS FOR TRANSPORTATION, BUT I WOULD SAY THAT FRANCHISE FEE IS AT A LEVEL OF THE TOLL REVENUE AND WE CAN KEEP UP THE MOBILITY LEVELS I DON'T THINK WE WOULD BE TAKING A CUT TO GO THE ROUTE OF THE LGC AND I WOULD SAY TOO IF COMMISSIONER'S COURT DECIDED IT WANTED TO SPEND THE FRANCHISE FEE ON TRANSPORTATION, THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING THEM FROM DOING THAT. THAT'S ONE OF THE CHOICES YOU 
          HAVE OF WHERE TO SPEND IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU OR PETER KNOW IF IN THE PAST SOME 
          OF THIS MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT ON BUILDINGS? >> COMMISSIONER, THIS IS PETER KEY. I AM UNAWARE IF SOME OF THE MONEY HAS GONE TO BUILDINGS. 
          THE MONEY IS TRANSFERRED OUT OF HECTRA, AND THERE MAY BE GREATER INSIGHT FROM 
          [03:30:02]
          MR. BLOUNT'S OFFICE OR EVEN BUDGET. >> COMMISSIONER, I HAVE AN ANSWER TO THAT. THERE HAS BEEN EXPENDITURES OF MOBILITY MONEY ON WHAT WE CALL ROAD CAMPS OR PRECINCTS THE FACILITY OWNS AND OPERATES THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS. 
          THERE HAS BEEN EXPENDITURES FOR ROAD CAMPS. >> SO THERE IS FLEXIBILITY RELATED TO ROAD CAMPS. WHAT IS THE COST OF THE CAMPS IN THE PAST? 
          >> OVER THE YEARS MULTIPLE PRECINCTS HAVE BUILT A CAMP. SO I AM NOT SURE. 
          I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK THAT UP. >> 10 MILLION, 15 MILLION, 30? 
          >> I WOULD THINK COMBINED 10 TO 20 MILLION WOULD BE -- BUT IT IS A GUESS. 
          I WOULD HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUST LET US KNOW. MR. BERRY, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE BOND RATING. 
          I SAID EARLIER I USED TO BE IN THIS BUSINESS AND I HAVE A LITTLE EXPERIENCE. 
          IT IS ALWAYS A FAIRLY INEXACT SCIENCE AND YOU KNOW THAT. THE RATING AGENCIES TEND TO FROWN ON A GOVERNMENT ENTITY WHO OOP YOUSLY HAS TO SPEND MONEY, BUT -- WHO OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO SPEND MONEY, BUT DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE POLITICAL HEAT OF ASKING THE TAXPAYERS FOR IT. I KNOW IT IS A GUESS, BUT GIVE US SOME SENSE. 
          I THINK THE BOND IS AS HIGH AS YOU CAN GET RIGHT NOW. BUT WALK US THROUGH SOME SENSE 
          OF YOUR BEST GUESS. IT IS AN INACT SCIENCE. >> YOU'RE CORRECT. 
          THE TOLL ROAD HAS A RATING AND IT IS SPLIT. IT IS A DOUBLE A MINUS FROM STAN BETTERED AND POURS -- STANDARD AND POORS. I THINK EVERYONE IS UNDER SOME PRESSURE. S&P PUT OUR TOLL ROAD ON A NEGATIVE WATCH BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN LESS TRAFFIC AND LESS REVENUE. THEY HAVE NOT DOWN GRADED THE TOLL ROAD YET. IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE HAVE SIZED THE FRANCHISE FEE PROPOSED SO IF COMMISSIONER'S COURT GOES DOWN THAT PATH, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DOWN GRADE. I CAN'T PROMISE THERE IS NO DOWN GRADE GIVEN THAT WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC WHERE FOLKS ARE DRIVING LESS. WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT ALL THREE OF THESE OPTIONS, WE HAVE MADE SURE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HAVING HIGHLY RATED DEBT WITH PLENTY OF LIQUIDITY AND COVERAGE RATIOS. 
          I THINK WE HAVE A VERY STRONG CASE ON ALL THREE OF THESE OPTIONS. 
          THERE SHOULD BE NO DOWN GRADE, BUT THERE IS A BIGGER PICTURE HERE WHICH IS WE ARE IN A PANDEMIC SO I WOULD SAY HONESTLY THERE AND NO GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULDN'T 
          SUFFER A SINGLE NOTCH DOWN GRADE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT? I'M SORRY. GO AHEAD. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER ELLIS, I JUST WANT TO JUMP IN WHEN YOU GET A SECOND. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON THIS POINT? I CAN WAIT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU HAVE BOB COLLIE ON THE PHONE SO I HAVE A QUESTION. 
          ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE LGC CAN COMMISSIONER'S COURT REMAIN THE BOARD? 
          >> YES, THEY MAY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA, IN WHOLE OR IN PART? IF THEY USE A TRADITION WHERE EACH IS A FIVE-PERSON BOARD WHERE EACH COMMISSIONER APPOINTED ONE. OF COURSE IT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK THAT WAY UNDER THE PREVIOUS COURT. IF THEY DID, COULD SOMEBODY APPOINT THEMSELVES A COMMISSIONER AND SOMEBODY ELSE APPOINT SOMEONE ELSE OTHER THAN A COMMISSIONER? 
          >> I SUPPOSE THAT'S POSSIBLE. WE ANTICIPATE IT IS ALL COURT MEMBERS OR ALL NON-COURT 
          MEMBERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER RADACK, DID YOU HAVE A 
          COMMENT? >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON THIS I HAVE A FEW MORE. 
          IF IT IS ON THIS I CAN PAUSE, BUT I HAVE A FEW MORE. >> STEVE RADACK: COMMISSIONER BERRY, ON THE 2.5 BILLION WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL BONDS HOW MUCH COMMERCIAL PAPER HAS BEEN 
          BOUGHT? >> OUR CURRENT LINE I BELIEVE IS 500 MILLION OF COMMERCIAL 
          PAPER. >> STEVE RADACK: HOW MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT BY FLOOD CONTROL? WE ARE ABOUT TO DO OUR FIRST BOND ISSUANCE FOR I BELIEVE 300 MILLION AND IT COULD BE 325. WHEN WOULD THAT TAKE PLACE, 
          [03:35:02]
          APPROXIMATELY? >> WE ARE SEEKING APPROVAL AT THIS COURT. 
          THAT'S PROCEEDING VERY SHORTLY HERE. >> STEVE RADACK: WHEN SHOULD THE PUBLIC ANTICIPATE A TAX INCREASE BASED UPON THE APPROVAL OF THE 2.5 BILLION? AS WE ARE WORKING THE SET TAX RATE THIS YEAR YOU WILL SEE IT BASED ON THE PROPORTION OF THE 
          BONDS THAT WERE ISSUED. >> STEVE RADACK: LET ME ASK YOU THIS AND MAYBE YOU KNOW IT. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH -- I KNOW PETER KEY CAN PROBABLY ENLIGHTEN US. I THINK SENATOR NICHOLS JUST ASKED THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY FOR INFORMATION. APPARENTLY HE IS NOT REAL PLEASED WITH THIS LGC. 
          I WON'T SPEAK FOR HIM, BUT HE ASKED THOSE IN HARRIS COUNTY HOW MANY OF THE TOLL ROADS CONNECT TO A STATE RIGHT OF WAY. DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT? 
          >> I KNOW OF THE REQUEST, BUT I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: DO YOU KNOW HOW IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS TO TAKE OVER 
          THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD SYSTEM? >> I DO NOT KNOW HOW THEY CAN 
          DO THAT. >> MR. COLLIE, DO YOU KNOW? >> THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD SYSTEM CAN ONLY BE TAKEN OVER, IF YOU WILL IF THE COUNTY CONSENTS TO IT. 
          THERE IS NO STATUTORY AUTHORITY. IF A THIRD PARTY WOULD WANT TO COME IN AND PAYOFF THE DEBT, APPROXIMATELY $2 MILLION PLUS COMMERCIAL PAPER, YOU CAN ONLY 
          DO SO IF THE COUNTY AGREES. >> STEVE RADACK: SO THERE IS NO SYSTEM TO TAKE OVER THE 
          HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD SYSTEM? >> IT HAS TO PAY ALL OF THE 
          DEBT. YES. >> STEVE RADACK: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MR. BERRY, COULD YOU WALK US THROUGH IF AN LGC IS CREATED THE NUMBERS ON HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD BE 
          AVAILABLE? >> CERTAINLY. THE FRANCHISE FEE IS $300 MILLION UP FRONT, A ONE-TIME PAYMENT AND THEN 90 MILLION PER YEAR, EACH FISCAL YEAR. AND ONE IS A TOLL ROAD REVENUE THAT WE THINK WILL GO BACK TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 10% REVENUES. IT IS JUST BALLPARK. 
          IT COULD BE HIGHER. IT COULD BE LOWER. THAT WOULD BE 300 MILLION UP 
          FRONT AND 90 MILLION ANNUALLY AND ESCALATING 3% PER YEAR. >> THE ASSUMPTION IS THE TOLLS 
          WOULD REMAIN WHERE THEY ARE. >> WE FOLLOW THE INFLATION INDEX -- 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I'M SORRY. WITH THE INFLATION INDEX. >> YES, THE ABILITY TO WAIVE THAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE, WHICH I BELIEVE YOU HAVE DONE IN SEVERAL RECENT YEARS. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND BACK TO THE BOND RATING, I KNOW WE ARE ON A WATCH, BUT COMPARED TO OTHERS AROUND THE COUNTRY, I CALL THE FORMER COLLEAGUE OF MONEY DASH DARVE OF MINE, NOT OUR RATING, NOT OUR ENTITY, BUT SOMEBODY WHO RATES OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AND MOST OF THEM ARE IN MUCH WORSE SHAPE THAN WE ARE. WE ARE IN GREAT SHAPE COMPARED TO OTHER TOLL ROADS IN THE COUNTRY. EVEN MAKING NO TOLLS DURING 
          THE PANDEMIC. >> I AGREE WITH THAT, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 
          I SAID IT, WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST SYSTEMS IN THE COUNTRY AND IT WOULD NOT CHANGE AS A RESULT OF THIS TRANSACTION. AND YOU ASKED EARLIER WHAT WOULD BE THE IMPACT IF WE HAVE A ONE NOTCH DOWN GRADE. FIRST OF ALL, WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST TO PREVENT IT, AND SOMETIMES IT IS OUT OF OUR CONTROL. WE WOULD HAVE A SMALL UN-- INCREASE TO BORROWING, BUT NOT SOMETHING WHERE THE ONE NOTCH DOWN GRADE WOULD MOVE THE NEEDLE. I HOPE WE DON'T GET THERE. WE'LL DO OUR BEST NOT TO. 
          IT WOULD BE A ONE NOTCH DOWN GRADE. WE DID 2.5 BILLION IN THE BOND PACKAGE OF FLOODING-RELATED ISSUES AFTER HARVEY. MY RECOLLECTION IS WE NEEDED 
          [03:40:13]
10 TIMES THAT TO GET A HANDLE ON FLOODING ISSUES IN THE COUNTY. 
          IS THAT A PRETTY GOOD FIGURE, BALLPARK FIGURE MR. POPPY? >> YES, THAT WAS A NUMBER THAT WAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND THAT WAS BEFORE WE KNEW ABOUT ATLAS 14. 
          WE ARE IN THE PROCESS NOW OF UP -- OF UPDATING THE NUMBER 2,530,000,000,000 GOSH -- 25, 30 BILLION. AND THAT WAS A 30% INCREASE SO IT COULD BE AS BIG AS THAT 
          WHEN WE UPDATE THE NUMBERS. >> EVEN IF COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S 300 MILLION AND -- UP FRONT AND 90 MILLION EACH YEAR GOING FORWARD, IT STILL WOULDN'T PUT A DENT IN THAT 30 BILLION, BUT WHEN I LOOKED AT THE NUMBERS IF WE CONTINUE ON THE CURRENT PATH THE COUNTY WILL SEE 30.5 BILLION IN SURPLUS CASH FLOW OVER 30 YEARS, YET HAVE LITTLE ACCESS TO IT FOR USE BEYOND TRANSPORTATION IF WE KEEP DOING WHAT WE'RE DOING NOW. 
          YOU ARE YOUNG ENOUGH -- WELL, YOU ARE OLDER. THE JUDGE MAY STILL BE HERE 30 YEARS FROM NOW. BUT AS I POINTED OUT MANY TIMES, IF I AM HERE, I WON'T WON'T KNOW I'M HERE. SO I THINK WITH SOME FLEXIBILITY, THE ISSUES THAT WE DEAL WITH IN THIS COUNTY, THE THIRD LARGEST AND SOON TO BE THE SECOND LARGEST IF WE GET THE CENSUS RIGHT WHICH IS A SEPARATE ISSUE. THE ISSUES ARE A BIT DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THEY WERE WHEN I WAS RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN 1983. I WOULD HOPE THAT WISE, PRUDENT DECISIONS WOULD BE MADE BY WHOEVER IS ON THE GOVERNING BOARD. 
          WHETHER THE FIVE OF US ARE HERE OR NOT. I THINK IN THE MIDST OF THE WORST HEALTH CHALLENGE IN A HUNDRED YEARS AND PROBABLY THE WORST ECONOMIC CHALLENGE SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION, WE CAN'T SOLVE ALL OUR PROBLEMS, BUT I THINK WE OUGHT TO NOT TIE OUR HANDS AND HANDCUFF OURSELVES IF THE LAW PREVENTS THE FLEXIBILITY. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER RADACK. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: MR. BERRY, HOW MUCH TOTAL ARE WE TALKING ABOUT REFINANCING HERE? 
          >> THE TOTAL TRANSACTION WOULD BE 2.7 TO 2.8 BILLION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WITH THE BOND, AND OF COURSE WE HAVE NOT DONE ALL OF THE BONDS YET BEING AT 2.5, THIS WOULD MAKE THIS TRANSACTION THE LARGEST FINANCIAL TRANSACTION IN THE HISTORY OF HARRIS COUNTY. 
          WOULD THAT BE CORRECT? >> I CAN'T SAY FOR SURE, BUT I BELIEVE THAT IS THE CASE. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: IS THERE ANY RUSH TO TRY TO GET THIS TRANSACTION DONE TODAY OR 
          TOMORROW OR THE NEXT WEEK OR THE WEEK AFTER THAT? >> I WOULD SAY THERE IS NOT A RUSH, BUT THERE IS TIME PRESSURE. THE SOURCE OF THE TIME PRESSURE IS THAT WE ARE IN A MOMENT WHERE INTEREST RATES ARE VERY, VERY LOW. 
          HARRIS COUNTY HAS GREAT ACCESS TO THE CAPITAL MARKETS. AND SO WHEN YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT DOING AN ISSUANCE THIS BIG, YOU WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE MARKET CONDITIONS WHEN THEY EXIST. AS WE ALL KNOW SOMETIMES IT CAN CHANGE. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FLEXIBILITY AND THE THINGS WE CAN DO WITH THESE FUNDS, WE COULD SPEND THESE FUNDS ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND/OR FLOODING, BUT WE ALSO, AS MY COLLEAGUE POINTED OUT, WOULD HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY OF SPENDING THEM ON THINGS THAT REPORT REFLATED TO INFRASTRUCTURE -- RELATED TO INFLAW STRUCTURE. 
          IS THAT TRUE? >> YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE FRANCHISE FREE USAGE? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES. >> YES, THAT'S CORRECT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: DO YOU HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF ALL OF THE FEES THAT WILL GO TO THE FIRMS THAT WILL BE INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS? LAWYERS FEES, COMMISSION FEES PERCENTAGES AND ALL OF THOSE? 
          DO YOU HAVE AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT THOSE ARE? >> I DON'T HAVE A PRECISE ESTIMATE OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. I WOULD SAY A GOOD RULE OF THUMB IS ABOUT 1% OF TOTAL BOND PROCEEDS FOR TRANSACTION COSTS. 
          I WOULD HOPE WE CAN DO LOWER THAN THAT ON THIS DEAL GIVEN THAT IT IS A LARGE ONE. 
          I WOULD SAY THAT'S WHAT WE PUT IN OUR FINANCIAL ANALYSIS TO BE TO BE CONSERVATIVE. 
          DO -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: DO WE HAVE A MECHANISM TO KNOW WHO IS GOING 
          [03:45:03]
TO GET THESE FEES? IS THERE A WAY THE PUBLIC CAN SEE AND FOLLOW THE MONEY? 
          >> ABSOLUTELY. I THINK WE OFTEN PUBLISH THAT AS OUR GO FORWARD ORDERS. 
          IF THERE IS A NEED FOR ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE, HAPPY TO DO THAT. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN WE DID THE BOND FOR 2.5 BILLION, AND THIS TRANSACTION IS A LITTLE LARGER THAN THAT TRANSACTION, WE DID 22 PUBLIC MEETINGS TO ENGAGE THE PUBLIC ON THIS VERY LARGE FINANCIAL TRANSACTION THAT WOULD IMPACT THE PUBLIC. ARE YOU AWARE OF ANY PLANS OR DESIRES TO ENGAGE THE PUBLIC BEFORE WE MAKE A DECISION WITH REGARD TO WHETHER WE ARE GOING TO AN LGC OR LEAVE THINGS ALONE OR UTILIZE ONE OF THE OTHER OPTIONS? 
          >> MY OFFICE HAS NOT DONE ANY SUCH MEETINGS AND DO NOT HAVE ANY SUCH PLANS TO. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: WITH THE SIZE OF THIS TRANSACTION, DO YOU THINK IT MIGHT BE A GOOD THING FOR US TO ENGAGE IN SOME PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT WE ARE DOING -- ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PAYING THE TOLL FEES THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR OPINIONS WITH REGARD TO HOW THE FUN THAT ARE BEING MADE OFF THE USAGE OF OUR SYSTEM, 
          THEY MAY WANT SOME INPUT IN THE PROCESS? >> PETER, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT TO JUMP IN HERE. WE WILL FOLLOW THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT DIRECTION ON THAT. WE HAVE STUDIED IT, BUT IF THERE IS ROOM FOR PUBLIC 
          INPUT, WE WILL FOLLOW YOUR DIRECTION. >> [INAUDIBLE]. 
          JACK JK AND MY LAST 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: MY LAST SET OF QUESTIONS IS MY AGENDA ITEM. 
          BECAUSE OF THE SIZE OF THIS TRANSACTION, I KNOW WE HAVE LEGAL COUNSEL AND I KNOW WOO HAVE FINANCIAL -- WE HAVE FINANCIAL ADVISERS. BUT WHEN SOMEONE GOES TO MAJOR SURGERY THEY GET A SECOND OPINION. IN ESSENCE MY AGENDA ITEM IS A REQUEST FOR A SET OF SECOND OPINIONS TO REVIEW THIS PROCESS. 
          WE DID THAT RECENTLY WITH THE BIG BRIDGE. WE BROUGHT IN CODE TO REVIEW WHAT WAS BEING DONE BY FIG. DO YOU SEE ANY DISADVANTAGE OR DOWNSIDE OF GETTING A SECOND OPINION WHEN WE ARE DEALING WITH A FINANCIAL TRANSACTION THAT IS THE LARGEST FINANCIAL 
          TRANSACTION OF HARRIS COUNTY? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, WHEN YOU GET A SECOND. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I GUESS I AM DIRECTING THAT TO YOU, MR. BERRY, OR TO OUR ATTORNEY ON THE LINE. IS THERE A NEGATIVE TO GETTING A SECOND OPINION? 
          >> I'LL ANSWER FROM THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY SIDE, AND THEN I LET THE COUNTY ATTORNEY ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY SIDE. AS WITH OTHERS THE DIRECTION IS TO GET A SECOND OPINION AND WE WILL. I DEFINITELY THINK HILLTOP'S REPORT SHOULD NOT BE OMITTED FROM SCRUTINY. IT SHOULD BE SCRUTINIZED AND WE ENDEAVORED TO SHARE IT WIDELY SO FOLKS CAN ASK QUESTIONS. I DO NOT -- PERSONALLY MY OPINION, I DON'T THINK IT WOULD ADD VALUE TO BRING IN ANOTHER FIRM TO SORT OF SIT ON TOP OF THEM. WE HAVE HAD HILLTOP WHO IS OUR INDEPENDENT INAUDIBLE PROVIDED ANOTHER SET OF EYES. AS WE GO THROUGH THIS THE UNDERWRITERS WILL BE ANOTHER SET OF EYES. WE WILL FOLLOW THE COURT'S DIRECTION, BUT MY OPINION IS SCRUTINIZE IT, ABSOLUTELY. HIRE A NEW FIRM, I DON'T PERSONALLY SEE THAT 
          NECESSARY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR I HAVE ONE LAST ROUND OF ISSUES WITH REGARD TO MY POINTS, AND THAT IS THAT AS COMMISSIONER GARCIA REFERENCED EARLIER THERE IS SOME CONCERN IN THE COMMUNITY. I RECEIVED COMMUNICATION FROM GREAT EMPLE DASH -- GREATER TOM BALL ASK WE CLOSE -- CLOSELY SCREUT KNEES THESE THINGS -- SCRUTINIZE THESE THINGS AND TO REVIEW THIS PROCESS THAT I HAVE GOTTEN A LETTER IN THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THEIR PRESIDENT ASK I READ THE LETTER. I AM NOT GOING TO READ THE ENTIRE LETTER. 
          [03:50:04]
EACH OF US SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF IT. THEY HAVE GREAT CONCERN TO WHAT THIS MAY POTENTIALLY DO WITH REGARD TO OUR FUTURE WITH REGARD TO OUR FINANCE AND ALSO, YOUR HONOR, I RECEIVED AN E-MAIL FROM THE NORTH HOUSTON ASSOCIATION WHICH ALSO IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE MATTERS. I THINK ALL OF THEM COULD BE ADDRESSED IF WE ENGAGE IN A PROCESS SIMILAR TO WHAT WE DID WHEN WE DID THE $2.5 BILLION BOND. IF WE GO OUT AND GET INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY INSTEAD OF MAKING A MAD RUSH TO ENGAGE IN A LARGE FINANCIAL TRANSACTION THAT WE CAN BETTER SEARCH OUR CONSTITUENTS. I UNDERSTAND THESE ARE GOOD TIMES TO REFINANCE. 
          WITH ALL THAT IS AT STAKE AND THE PEOPLE IMPACTED AND WITH OTHER FOLKS ACROSS THE STATE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS REMEMBERS BEING THERE, I THINK THERE WERE A COUPLE OF EFFORTS MADE TO DO AWAY WITH ALL OF OUR TOLL ROADS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. 
          I REMEMBER KNOCKING ON THE DOORS, AND I DON'T KNOW IF I KNOCKED ON YOUR DOORS COMMISSIONERS SAYING PLEASE DON'T TAKE AWAY OUR BELT WAY 8, BUT I REMEMBER KNOCKING ON A FEW DOORS TO ENCOURAGE THAT PUSH FROM OCCURRING. IT MAY BE THAT UNDER THE STATUTE OUTS RIGHT NOW THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. WHAT WE HAVE ARE STATUTES AND STATUTES CAN BE CHANGED. WE NEED TO BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL WITH WHAT WE DO AND WE NEED TO ENGAGE THE PUBLIC, AND I THINK A SECOND OPINION IS A VERY GOOD THING TO DO WHEN DEALING WITH THE LARGEST FINANCIAL TRANSACTION IN HARRIS COUNTY'S HISTORY. 
          THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOUR HONOR RENNE RENNE COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND -- 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND ELLIS HAVE COMMENTS. 
          I WANT TO INSERT MY TWO CENTS HERE AND SEE IF WE CAN KEEP THIS MOVING IN THE INTEREST OF TIME. FIRST I WANT TO COMMEND DAVE AND PETER AND ALL OF THE OUTSIDE FOLKS WHO HAVE DONE THE WORK ON THIS. I THINK IT IS VERY CREATIVE AND IT IS SMART AND I THINK IT IS IN THE VEIN OF MAXIMIZING EVERY DOLLAR AND EVERY RESOURCE WHICH IS WHY I AM SUPPORTIVE OF YOUR GUYS' PROPOSAL. 
          I THINK IT TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE MOMENT IN TIME THAT WE ARE IN RIGHT NOW. 
          WITH THE POTENTIAL WE HAVE AND THE NEEDS WE HAVE AND DELIVERING ON THE DUTY TO MAXIMIZE EVERY ASSET. IT WILL BE INTERESTING AND I'M SURE AS YOU GUYS -- IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS THE VERY, VERY FIRST STEP, BUT AS THE PROCESS CONTINUES IF COURT DECIDES TO MOVE FORWARD OF ESTABLISHING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION AND SETTING UP THE FRANCHISE FEE, ET CETERA, ET CETERA, THEN THE QUESTION WILL COME UP, OKAY, WHAT'S THE BEST USE FOR THOSE FUNDS? I THINK THE TIMING IS PERFECT GIVEN THAT RUSS AND EXPWRON -- RUSS AND JOHN HAVE BEEN DOING THE STUDIES ON THE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS AND ON THE FLOOD CONTROL NEEDS THAT YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN DOING THE COUNTY WIDE REVIEW. CERTAINLY COMMUNITY INPUT IS WELCOME ON WHAT THE PRIORITIES OUGHT TO BE. WE HAVE TIME TO DEVELOP THE PRIORITIES. 
          RIGHT NOW THE PROPOSAL IS OUGHT WE BRING THIS ADDITIONAL RESOURCE TO THE COMMUNITY? I THINK AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED IF THERE IS AN INITIAL -- AN ADDITIONAL RESOURCE WE ARE NOT MAXIMIZING AND WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAXIMIZE MORE GIVEN THE FINANCIAL CLIMATE, THAT WE SHOULD DO IT. THAT'S KIND OF WHERE I'M AT. 
          I WILL BE HAPPY TO VOTE ON THIS AS SOON AS FOLKS ARE READY. 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU HAVE COMMENTS AND THEN COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I TOO WANT TO COMMEND ALL OF THE FOLKS INVOLVED FOR THEIR WORK. WHEN YOU HEAR ME OF BEING STRATEGIC AND INNOVATIVE AND THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX, THESE ARE THE THINGS I AM EXCITED TO SEE COME FORWARD. I WANT TO THANK PETER AND DAVE BERRY AND PETER KEY AND EVERYONE ELSE INVOLVED TO HAVE DONE THE RESEARCH AND TO DO THIS. 
          AND I WOULD SAY THAT NUMBER ONE I GUESS MAYBE IT IS ROBERT OR MAYBE BOB COLLIE WOULD 
          [03:55:06]
KNOW. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME HARRIS COUNTY CREATED AN LGC? 
          >> ROBERT SOARD WOULD PROBABLY KNOW. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT WAS A 
          WHAT CORPORATION? >> A DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, LGC. 
          THE ONE FOR THE ASTRODOME WAS CREATED IN THE LATE 90S OR EARLY 2000'S. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN THAT REGARD, WAS THAT JUST A VOTE OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT? 
          WAS THERE THEORIES AND OUT REACH AND THOSE THINGS? >> A VOTE OF THE COURT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. SO WE ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING OUT OF PRACTICE HERE. 
          THE OTHER THING TOO, I AM SENSITIVE TO THE ISSUE OF TRANSPARENCY. 
          AND I THINK THE BEST PLACE TO ACCOMPLISH THAT IS AT THE TABLE OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT. SO I WOULD BE IN SUPPORT OF THE CREATION OF THE LGC, BUT KEEP IT AS AN EXTENSION OF COMMISSIONER'S COURT SO I HAVE A K34EU9 -- COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY AND PEOPLE DON'T MEET AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF KEEPING THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP IN THAT ROLE AND THEN DECIDING HOW IT TRANSITIONS TO THE FUTURE. 
          I DO HAVE -- I GUESS THIS WILL -- MY EYE -- MY ITEM, I DID WANT TO MAKE A MOTION AND I GUESS IT WILL BE MORE GERMAINE TO DO IT UNDER -- I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS, BUT IT IS THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT ITEMS AND SO I WILL WAIT UNTIL THEN. 
          I AM READY TO CALL THIS ITEM AND TAKE A VOTE ON IT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: ONE MORE QUESTION AND LAST COMMENT. I CAN'T REMEMBER. DID WE HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC? SO MUCH IS GOING ON. WE DO WANT TO LET THEM, I THINK. 
          AM I RIGHT? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, WE HAVE TWO SPEAKERS, COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I WANTED TO SAY, JUDGE, I THINK YOU, YOUR HONOR, AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AS NEWER MEMBERS OF COURT, SHOULD BE PROUD WITH THE LEVEL OF TRANSPARENCY YOU ADDED AS EVIDENCED BY NOTHING ELSE THE LENGTH OF THESE MEETINGS. THE BUDGET PASSED SO QUICK I WENT BECAUSE I WAS NEW AND THE PUBLIC HAS HAD A CHANCE TO TALK ABOUT IT AND THEY WILL STILL HAVE THAT CHANCE. 
          I WANT TO SAY THAT'S A POSSIBILITY IF WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE FINANCING IF WE CAN'T AGREE ON WHAT WE WANT TO DO WITH IT, WELL INVEST IT. I WAS ONE OF THOSE THEY REFERRED TO AS MERCHANTS AND DEBT. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING THE CASH. IN ADDITION TO FLOODING WHICH OBVIOUSLY WITHOUT ENOUGH MONEY. I WOULD BE RELUCTANT AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA, YOU SAY IT ALL THE TIME, HEALTH CARE. WE'LL GET TO DISCUSS THAT AND FIGHT IT OUT. 
          I HAPPENED TO CALL THE CHAIR OF THE PORT AUTHORITY. EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT DEEPENING AND WIDENING THE PORT. WE DON'T GET THE FEDERAL MONEY AND WHAT IS HAPPENING IS A CHALLENGE. A LOT OF THE CONTAINER OPERATIONS, THEY MAY COME BACK , BUT IF IN OUR LIFETIME WE HAVE THE VISION OF JESSE JONES AND OTHERS HAD, YOU KNOW, THIS 300 MILLION IS A DROP IN THE BUCKET WHEN YOU NEED A BILLION DOLLARS. IT CAN HELP. YOU PUT IN 10 MILLION, 20 MILLION. I TRUST YOU ALL AND I WOULD BE PROUD TO SECOND OR MAKE A 
          [04:00:02]
          MOTION AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. >> COMMISSIONER RADACK AND 
          THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> STEVE RADACK: RODNEY, I AM REMINDED HOW MANY TIMES YOU BROUGHT UP IN COMMISSIONER'S COURT ABOUT OTHER JURISDICTIONS USING THE CARES MONEY TO BASICALLY FILL A HOLE IN THEIR BUDGET. AND THEN YOU ARE OFFENDED BY THAT AND SAID IT NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT HOW THEY DIDN'T USE THE CARES MONEY FOR WHAT IT WAS INTENDED. COMMISSIONER COLLIE OR ANYBODY, LAWYERS, WHATEVER, DO ANY OF YOU KNOW ANYTIME THAT THE TOLL ROAD ADVERTISED FOR THE MONEY TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THE CONCEPT OF THE TOLL ROADS, DO YOU KNOW IF AT ANYTIME IT WAS ACTUALLY STATED THAT THAT MONEY COULD BE USED FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN TRANSPORTATION? HAS THERE EVER BEEN ANYTIME WHEN WE WENT OUT FOR TOLL ROAD MONEY WHERE THE PUBLIC WAS GIVEN ANY CLUE THAT ONE OF THESE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS COULD BE FORMED 
          AND THAT MONEY COULD GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. >> THIS IS BOB COLLIE. 
          I WOULD SAY THE 284 STATUTE OUT HAS BEEN THERE FOR MANY THINGS. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: THEREFORE THE PUBLIC HAD NO IDEA AND IT IS INTERESTING THAT IT WAS BROUGHT UP A FEW MONTHS AGO WHEN SOME PEOPLE WERE TOLD ABOUT THESE MEETINGS OF THE TOLL ROAD GOING ON WHEN BOB AND YOU OTHERS WERE INVOLVED IN, IT NOW COMES TO FRUITION THAT WE SAID NOW WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED HASTILY MOVE FORWARD. SUDDENLY THE INTEREST RATES ARE SO LOW. MATTER OF FACT, THEY ARE FALLING. 
          AT ANY RATE, MY POINT IS THIS. THERE IS NOTHING TRANSPARENT ABOUT THIS. 
          THERE IS NOTHING WHATSOEVER. WHAT IS GOING ON IS A MONEY GRAB AND IT IS A WAY TO TRY TO BASICALLY, AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED FIND THE WAY AROUND THE LAWS OF TEXAS. 
          THIS MONEY IS GOING TO BE -- THEY ARE GOING TO ATTEMPT TO USE IT TO PAY FOR THINGS THAT 
          ARE NORMALLY [INAUDIBLE]. THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SINCE MY NAME 
          WAS JUST MENTIONED -- >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA HAD A COMMENT AS WELL. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: APPRECIATE IT, COMMISSIONER RADACK, THE WAY HE SEEMS TO CLING ON EVERY WORD I SAY. I HOPE HE WAS -- HE WILL LISTEN CAREFULLY. 
          THINGS HELP ME REMEMBER THINGS WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN HERE AS LONG AS HE AND I HAVE. 
          I HAVE BEEN IN THIS OFFICE LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW THERE WAS AN AS STRAW DOME FINANCING -- ASTRODOME FINANCING THAT CAME UP AND WE PUT IT ON THE BALLOT. 
          WE DIDN'T HAVE TO. WE TALKED ABOUT IT AND THEY ALSO HAD AN ITEM UP FOR A PROCESSING CENTER WHICH I CALL A JAIL EL FRANCO JUST SAID, BE QUIET, RODNEY. 
          DO YOU HAVE TO GET IN IT? I DIDN'T SAY A WORD OUT OF RESPECT TO HIM, AND OF COURSE THE PROCESSING CENTER PASSED, BUT THE ASTRODOME FAILED. AND THEN COMMISSIONER'S COURT DECIDED TO DO IT ANYWAY. LOOK, I THINK IT IS A GOOD DECISION AND LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM THE PUBLIC IF I AM PERSUADED OTHERWISE. I HOPE WE TAKE THE OPTION OF MOVING FORWARD AND HAVING FLEXIBILITY. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME IF YOU HAVE THE LANGUAGE I SECOND IT OR MAKE IT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I DID WANT TO ADD AND COMMISSIONER ELLIS TOUCHED ON THIS AND MR. COL LIE E -- MR. COLLIE MENTIONED THAT THE AS STRAW DOME WAS -- ASTRODOME WAS ONE OF THE LAST LGC'S WE CREATED OR AT LEAST THAT COMMISSIONER RADACK CREATED. 
          I WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT THAT ACTION IS A LOT DIFFERENT FROM WHAT WE ARE PROMOTES -- PROPOSING TODAY. IT IS NOT TO DO SOMETHING WITH THE ASTRODOME AND TO RAISE IT. AND YET COMMISSIONER'S COURT CAME BACK AND SAID WE ARE 
          [04:05:02]
DOING IT ANYWAY. THIS HAS BEEN VERY DIFFERENT AND THERE HAS BEEN A DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS ITEM FROM THE TIME THAT RADACK MENTIONED IT. 
          AND SO I'M GLAD YOU HAVE DONE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, JUDGE, TO CREATE ATTENTION AND AWARENESS IN CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR WORK HERE. WE ARE DISCUSSING THIS OUT IN THE OPEN. I THINK THIS WILL LEAD US THE WAY. 
          THIS IS NOT A WORK AROUND, BUT RATHER THIS IS JUST WORKING TO GIVE THE PUBLIC MORE FOR WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY GIVEN US. MORE THAN JUST HOLDING IT OFF IN A SAFE DEPOSIT BOX WITHOUT 
          IT WORKING FOR THE PUBLIC. >> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW WE HAVE A COUPLE OF SPEAKERS. 
          ARE THEY ON? >> YES, MA'AM, THEY ARE. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S HEAR 
          FROM THE SPEAKERS. >> DAVID FROM ACEC HOUSTON. >> THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK AND THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WORK THAT YOU AND THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT DO FOR US. I WANT TO BRING UP THE USE AND SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED -- HAVE BEEN ANSWERED. WE HAVE TREMENDOUS GROWTH IN THE REGION. WE PASS A LOT OF INITIATIVES. THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY THAT WAS PASSED BY THE VOTERS AND IT HAS PROVIDED A VITAL TRANSPORTATION IN THIS COMMUNITY. WHILE WE SUPPORT REFINANCING THE BONDS AND THE CREATIVE THING WE DO, WE DO NOT PROPOSE TAKING 3MILLION INITIALLY AND THEN SPENDING 9 MILLION ON COUNTY PURPOSES. WE THINK IT GOES AROUND THE INTEND ETD -- INTENDED USE OF THE FUNDS AND SHOULD BE USED FOR HARRIS COUNTY GROWTH. WE UNDERSTAND THAT HURRICANE HARVEY AND COVID-19 AND OIL PRICES HAVE PRESENTED DIFFICULT CHALLENGES AND THE NEED FOR HARD CHOICES. OUR NUMBER ONE AUTHORITY IS TO PROTECT TRANSPORTATION DOLLARS FROM PROP 1 AND 7. AND METRO IS INTERESTED IN CONTINUING THE PLAN DESPITE SALES TAX DECREASES. WE THINK REDIRECTING HECTRA INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDS TAKES AWAY INTO THESE FRANCHISE FEES FROM THE BILLIONS AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT ARE NEEDED FOR TRANSPORTATION IN THIS REGION. I THINK THREE THINGS ARE DIFFERENT ABOUT WHERE WE ARE NOW. I HAVE NO DOUBT THE NUMBERS SHOW ACCORDING TO THE BUDGET OFFICE AND YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISERS, THE NEW GOVERNMENT CORPORATION CAN MAINTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF LIQUIDITY AND RESPONSIBLE DEBT SERVICE. 
          WE WORRY THAT YOU NOW HAVE NEW RESPONSIBILITY THAT'S ARE GOING TO GO FORWARD. 
          THERE IS THE LONG-TERM O AND M IMPROVEMENT AND POSSIBLE EXPANSION OF THE HECTRA SYSTEM, THE CONTINUED TRANSFER OF SURPLUS REVENUES FOR NONTOLL TRANSPORTATION AND IT IS PRESENTED THAT WOULD INCREASE NEXT YEAR. THESE NEW TRANSFERS OF FRANCHISE FEES INITIAL AND ON GOING THAT WILL BE IN THE BOND COVENANTS AND THE EXPANSION OF THE TOLL ROAD PROGRAMS. A LOT OF THIS IS OKAY, BUT THERE ARE NEW STRESSES ON THIS FUND. RIGHT NOW THE LIQUIDITY IS FINE. 
          THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS THERE IS NO PUBLISHED PLAN FOR HOW ALL OF THESE PRIORITIES WILL BE MET WITH AVAILABLE TOLL ROAD MONIES OVER THE NEXT 30 YEARS AND CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON TOLL ROADS AND MOBILITY. I THINK COMMISSIONER GARCIA REFERENCED A PLAN IN HOW THESE MONIES WILL BE SPENT, BUT I THINK IT IS VERY, VERY IMPORTANT, AND THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WE ASKED FOR TODAY'S ITEMS TO BE DELAYED UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION TO TALK ON THIS PLANNING FOR THE PUBLIC. I THINK FINALLY THIS IS NOT JUST A REFINANCING, BUT IT IS A BIG CHANGE IN THE WAY THE TOLL ROAD WILL BE MANAGED. 
          THIS NEW LGC IS ADVERTISED AS HAVING A LOT OF FLEXIBILITY TO MANAGE THIS MONEY -- 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> STEVE RADACK: ARE YOU JUST ABOUT FINISHED? 
          GO AHEAD. MAKE IT QUICK. >> IT WILL BE HAVING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF FLEXIBILITY. THAT SEEMS TO BE A STRENGTH IN THE BUDGET DOCUMENTS. IT IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO COLLECT MANDATORY FRANCHISE FEES RATHER THAN LOOKING AT THE -- AT EACH YEAR'S AVAILABLE SURPLUS REFORCES. 
          AND THEN FINALLY IT IS GOING TO NOW BE ABLE TO SPEND THESE FUNDS ON ANY COUNTY PURPOSE. 
          WHAT WE DON'T WANT TO SEE IN THE LONG RUN AND IS OUR BIGGEST CONCERN IS SEEING THAT 
          [04:10:05]
THE TOLL ROAD BECOMES ANOTHER -- ONE OF THE MANY BUDGET ITEMS AVAILABLE GOING FORWARD RATHER THAN REALLY FOCUSING ON TOLL ROADS AND MOBILITY BECAUSE IT WILL NOW HAVE TO COMPETE WITH ANY COUNTY PURPOSE FUNDS AS WE GO FORWARD. 
          I THINK THOSE ARE OUR CONCERNS. HAVING A PLAN AND MAKING SURE THAT THE TOLL ROADS AND MOBILITY ARE CONTINUED TO BE FOCUSED ON GOING FORWARD. 
          THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND I KNOW YOU HAVE A LONG DAY. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THERE ANOTHER SPEAKER? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE ONE MORE. >> BRUCE HILLIGUST WITH TOM 
          BALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES, MA'AM. 
          GOOD AFTERNOON, HONORABLE JUDGE HIDALGO AND ITION WHICHERS CAGLE, RAD -- RADACK, ELLIS AND GARCIA. I AM PART OF THE TOM BALL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDED IN THE LATE 1920S AND REPRESENTING THE CITY OF TOM BALL, CREEK SIDE, CORVILLE, LAKEWOOD, NORTH POINT, PINE PINEHURST ROSE HILL AND STAGECOACH WITH A POPULATION OF 350,000 RESIDENTS AND MORE THAN 4,000 -- 4,500 BUSINESSES. 
          I WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER'S COURT FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE FOR ME TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE CHAMBER OF TODAY'S TOLL ROAD AGENDA ITEM. 
          IN LAYMAN'S TERM A CHAMBER TEAM CREATES PROS -- PROSPERITY AND JOBS. 
          WE WANT A VIBRANT ECONOMY WITH SUCH PARTNERS WITH THE TOM BALL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, THE CITY OF TOM BALL, HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 4 AND THE LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM. 
          WHY WE ARE SO COMMITTED IS WE KNOW THAT THE SMALL BUSINESSES UNDOUBTEDLY ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE U.S. ECONOMY. 99% OF BUSINESSES IN THE U.S. ARE SMALL BUSINESSES. 
          YEAR AFTER YEAR THROUGH RESCISSION AND COVID AND OTHER CHALLENGEDS, IT IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE BUSINESSES THAT RING UH -- BRING UH FLEW WEDNESDAY FOR ANY RECOVERY. 
          THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY IS NOT A BROKEN SYSTEM. 
          HECTRA HAS WORKED WELL PAYING FOR ADDITIONAL FREEWAYS AND NEW ROADWAYS AND WE HAVE A GREAT EXAMPLE HERE IN THE TOM BALL AREA OF A TOLL ROAD FROM HOUSTON TO TOM BALL TO MAGNOLIA AND EXPERIENCING THIS NOW AND KEEPING DOLLARS LOCAL FOR HARRIS COUNTY MOBILITY PROJECTS. GAS TAXES ARE PAID TO WASHINGTON, D.C. AND TOTAL FEES ARE LOCAL. THAT'S A GREAT ADVANTAGE. WHY IS COMMISSIONER'S COURT LOOKING A DIVERTING SOME HECTRA FUNDS TO SPECIAL PROJECTS ? HARRIS COUNTY WILL LOSE MOBILITY DOLLARS AND LOSE CONSTRUCTION OF COUNTY ROADWAYS THAT TAKE EMPLOYEES TO WORK AND RESIDENTS TO SHOP AND ENTERTAINMENT AND SCHOOLS AND CHURCH, QUALITY MOBILITY SUPPORTS SALES TAX REVENUES AND STIMULATES THE ECONOMY, MEANING WEALTH FOR HARRIS COUNTY. IN THE VERY BEGINNING IN 1983 HARRIS COUNTY MADE A COMMITMENT TO ITS PEOPLE AND RESIDENTS AND VOTERS FOR MONEY TO GO TO ROAD AND NOW BILL TEE AND INFRO TRUCK -- AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS. 
          HARRIS COUNTY IS INTER LACED WITH MANY TWO-LANE ROADS WITH OPEN DITCHES, TRAFFIC BACK UP FOR MILES. COUNTY RESIDENTS RIDE BIKES, WALK ON THESE DANGEROUS ROADWAYS. MANY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ARE IN DESIGN AND MOVING FORWARD. THE PROBLEM IS TO RESIDENTS WHEN WE CAN'T PORTRAY TO COUNTY CONSTITUENTS. LET'S BE PROGRESSIVE WITH HARRIS COUNTY MOBILITY PLANS. 
          BE AHEAD OF THE CURVE. MANY PEOPLE ARE MOVING TO HARRIS COUNTY EVERY DAY. 
          BOTTOM LINE, KEEP THE ONE-TIME $300 MILLION UP FRONT FRANCHISE FEE AND THE $90 MILLION ANNUAL FRANCHISE FEE IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION. 
          LISTEN, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY AND IF YOU NEED MORE TIME TO REVIEW, A 
          DELAYED TIME WOULD BE FINE. THANK YOU. >> STEVE RADACK: THANK YOU, 
          BRUCE. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS? 
          >> WE TRIED TO CALL THE LAST ONE AND SHE DID NOT ANSWER. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS AND THEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE RIGHT MOTION SO I WANT TO SAY THIS. WHETHER YOU HAVE IT OR I DO. 
          I WANT TO MAKE SURE IF THE ITEM IS TO MOVE -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE CREATION 
          OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES TO ADOPT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION IN THE ADVISORY DOCUMENT BY HILLTOP SECURITIES AND I SUGGEST THAT THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT SERVE AS THE INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE FUNDING TO PROJECTS NEEDED ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. IS THAT BROAD? I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE SAY IT 
          IN THE RIGHT -- MR. BERRY, DOES THAT ACCOMPLISH -- >> I WOULD LIKE TO BE SURE. 
          CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY, COMMISSIONER? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. 
          >> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE YOU RATIFY THE GO FORWARD ORDER IN THE AGENDA. 
          [04:15:03]
SO IT IS PROBABLY BROAD ENOUGH, BUT WHY NOT MAKE IT SPECIFIC TO BE SURE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO WOULD IT BE -- COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU CAN JUMP IN. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN WE TACK ON TO THE END? THE AGENDA IS WRITTEN. 
          3B IS THE ONE THAT REFERS TO THE LGC ARE -- SO IT CAN TAG ON TO THE END THAT 
          COMMISSIONER'S COURT SERVE AS THE INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTOR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO SHALL I MAKE THAT AS A MOTION OR DO YOU WANT TO? RAID 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GO AHEAD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MAKE IT AS A MOTION AND ADD TO THAT -- ADD TO IT THAT HECTRA ADOPT A CORPORATION IN THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY DOCUMENTS PROVIDED BY HILLTOP SECURITIES, AND THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SERVE AS THE INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE FUNDING TO PROJECTS NEEDED 
          ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHILE YOU ARE SENDING THAT TO JAMES WOULD YOU MIND SENDING A COPY OF THAT TO US AS WELL SO WE CAN SEE WHAT IT IS YOU VOTED ON? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND I READ IT AGAIN, CACTUS. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU GET YOUR 
          E -- E-MAILS QUICK. I DON'T GET MINE QUICK. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE HAVE TO RUN THEM ACROSS THE HALL, BUT WE GET THEM FAIRLY QUICK WHEN WE GET THEM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 3B BASICALLY WITH THE ADDED PIECE THAT THERE BE -- THAT THE 
          MEMBERS OF COURT -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE ARE THE INITIAL BOARD. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. >> BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THAT ANYTIME YOU WANT 3-2. 
          MAKE THAT CLEAR. THERE IS NOTHING LOCKED IN STONE. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS LIKE THE ASTRODOME. THE VOTERS VOTED AGAINST IT. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: THE IRONY IS, ADRIAN, I REMEMBER WHEN YOU MADE THE COMMENT YOU WERE AGAINST THE SHIP CHANNEL BRIDGE AND YOU MADE THE COUNTY WHY DID THE COUNTY BUILD A BRIDGE WHEN THEY BUILT IT? YOU SAID YOU KNEW UH -- A LOT ABOUT THE PRE SINK. 
          THE COUNTY DIDN'T BUILD IT. THE STATE BUILT IT. NOW YOU TALK ABOUT THE ASTRODOME, THAT WAS NOT A REFERENDUM ELECTION. THAT IS AGAINST THE LAW. 
          THAT WAS A REFERENDUM ON A SPECIFIC THING AND THE VOTERS VOTED NO. 
          THERE WAS NOTHING SAID -- NOTHING SAID ABOUT TEARING DOWN THE DOME -- [INAUDIBLE] 
          [INAUDIBLE]. >> LINA HIDALGO: PLEASE. >> STEVE RADACK: YOU ARE SO 
          WRONG. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO WERE YOU WHEN YOU WORKED AGAINST THE 
          COMMUNITY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE CAN WE VOTE ON THIS ONE? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I HAVE BEEN IN ENOUGH DEBATES OVER THE ASTRODOME. 
          I THINK IF THERE IS ONE THING WE OUGHT TO TRY AND KEEP OUT OF THIS AGENDA, IT CAN BE THAT 
          TOPIC. >> RODNEY ELLIS: EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE IT BY NOW. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE, JUST -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: WE DON'T 
          HAVE IT YET. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ON A CLOSING DEBATE, OLD STEVEY LIKES TO SAY I WAS AGAINST THE BRIDGE. HAVE I BEEN KEEPING TRAY BRIDGE MOVING FORWARD -- 
          KEEPING THAT BRIDGE MOVING FORWARD. >> STEVE RADACK: WE HAVE ALL 
          OF THE TRANSCRIPTS NEEDED THAT YOU WERE AGAINST THE BRIDGE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. 
          JUST LIKE YOU WERE GONNA LISTEN TO THE VOTERS. THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SO WHILE FOLKS GET THAT FIRST MOTION, THERE IS STILL A FEW OTHER ITEMS RELATED TO THIS TOPIC. THERE IS ITEM 4J WHICH IS THE TRANSMITAL OF THE REPORT 
          PREPARED BY HILLTOP. IT IS A TRANSMITAL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO WE NEED A 
          MOTION OR WE JUST ACCEPT IT? >> LINA HIDALGO: WE JUST ACCEPT IT. 
          AND THE NEXT IS ITEM K WHICH IS THE REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF AN ORDER APPROVING ACTIONS TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD CORPORATION. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE I WANT TO MOVE IT AND ASK A QUESTION IF I MIGHT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MAKE A MOTION, BUT I WANT TO MAKE 
          SURE -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: I GOT THE E-MAIL. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE PROBLEM THAT WE HAD WITH THE LARGEST CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY. 
          THAT WAS -- WITH REGARD TO MINORITY-OWNED FIRMS I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR FOR THE RECORD THAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO THIS ON A GROUP NET BASIS. I I KNOW THE BUSINESS SIS -- I KNOW THE BUSINESS AND CAN HAVE SOMEBODY FROM HILLTOP EXPLAIN IT, BUT I WANT TO DO IT ON A GROUP NET BASIS. AND WE WILL HAVE MINORITY WOMEN OWNED LAW FIRMS INVOLVED IN EVERY PHASE OF THIS TRANSACTION WHETHER IT IS BOND COUNCIL, UNDERWRITER COUNCIL 
          [04:20:01]
OR DISCLOSURE COUNCIL. I KNOW I MENTIONED IT TO YOU, BUT I WANT TO SAY ON THE RECORD THAT THAT WILL BE DONE. I ASK WHEN IT IS OVER WITH ON MY WATCH, I DON'T PLAN WHEN I LEAVE HERE TO HAVE SOMEBODY TELL ME 9% OF THE COUNTY'S BUSINESS WENT TO MINORITY-OWNED WOMEN BUSINESSES. NOT ON MY WATCH. 
          I WANT TO MAKE SURE I RAISE AS MUCH HELL ABOUT IT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE 
          THAT UNDERSTANDING, MR. BERRY AND THE LAWYERS. >> THAT'S ALL CLEAR ON THE ADVISORY SIDE AND I LET THE ATTORNEYS CONFIRM ON THEIR SIDE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON THE LAWYERS' SIDE, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE CLEAR ON THAT. 
          I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS -- >> IT IS CLEAR, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. DO I HAVE A MOTION THAT I WANT TO INSERT AND IT GOES WITH THESE ITEMS. THE MOTION IS TO DIRECT THE BUDGET MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, HECTRA AND THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE INCREASE IN CURRENT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS CAUSED TO THE BUDGET -- CAUSED BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FLOOD CONTROL BONDS YEAR BY YEAR FOR THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS. I HAPPENED TO RUN INTO MR. POPPY DURING LUNCH, AND HE IS ALREADY PREDICTING A $30 MILLION MAINTENANCE TO THE FLOOD CONGRESS -- FLOOD CONTROL BUDGET. I WANT TO MAKE SURE AS WE ARE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION THAT WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE VERY, VERY FAST APPROACHING COST TO THE MAINTENANCE OF 
          THIS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED FLOOD CONTROL BOND PROJECT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS THAT A 
          MOTION? I SECOND IT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ROBERT STHAT 
          OKAY TO DO? ROBERT, YOU ARE MUTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH ITEM COMMISSIONER GAR SEE -- GARCIA WOULD YOU PUT THIS UNDER? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IT IS BEST TO GO ARE ITEM J. >> LINA HIDALGO: DOES THAT 
          MAKE SENSE TO YOU, ROBERT? >> AND I JUST GOT A MESSAGE THAT HE IS HAVING ISSUES. 
          I TRY TO UNMUTE HIM NOW. ROBERT? >> LINA HIDALGO: OH NO. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: WONDERING, JUDGE, IF IT CREATES A PROBLEM, YOU CAN MAKE IT AS A REQUEST AND I THINK THEY WOULD DO IT IF ANYBODY IS WORRIED ABOUT THE LEGAL INTEGRITY. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK IF YOU JUST DO A REFERRAL AND MAKE A REQUEST, I DON'T THINK THAT WILL REQUIRE ANYTHING. I'M NOT ROBERT, BUT REQUESTS ORIE FER RAILS OF -- OR REFERRALS OF ISSUES TO THE BUDGET OFFICE OR ANY OFFICE WHEN IT IS RELATED TO ORIE MOAT -- WHEN IT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO A SUBJECT MATTER WE ARE DISCUSSING. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I STILL WANT A MOTION BECAUSE I MADE A LOT OF REQUESTS. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, ROBERT, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT GOES TO ROBERT SOARD. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S DO THE VOTES ON THE SPECIFIC TOLL ROAD ONES RIGHT NOW, AND THEN WHEN ROBERT IS BACK ON, WE CAN PUT IN THE ADDITION. SO ITEM B EVERYBODY GOT THE E 
          MALE -- E-MAIL, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN THAT MOTION, JUST SO I HAVE IT IS THE ITEM AS WRITTEN, AND THEN AT THE END IT WILL SAY, ADOPTION OF ITEM BE AND HCTRA IS SET FOR THE IF THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY DOCUMENTS BY HILLTOP SECURITIES AND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SERVE AS THE INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE FUNDING. 
          THE PROJECTS ARE NEEDED ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, MA'AM. 
          THAT'S THE MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          COMMISSIONER YOU ARE MUTED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, WHAT YOU JUST READ WAS NOT IN THIS 358 MOTION SENT BY LANCE GILLAM FROM PRECINCT 1. WOULD YOU MIND REREADING YOUR MOTION BECAUSE THE ONE I THOUGHT WE WERE VOTING ON IS THIS ONE THAT WAS SENT BY 
          LANCE GILLAM IN PRECINCT 1, 358. >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHAT I 
          HAVE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S WHAT IT SHOULD BE. 
          HE IS NOT IN THE ROOM WITH ME. >> LINA HIDALGO: TO READ IT AGAIN, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, THE ITEM -- HERE IS WHAT IT WOULD READ. 
          [04:25:03]
THE COUNTY AUTHORIZE THE CREATION OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION PERSON TO CHAPTER 431 SUB CHAPTER B OF THE TEXAS TRANSPORTATION CODE. THAT WOULD CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION OF THE COUNTY'S TOLL ROAD SYSTEM AND HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. AND THEN IT WILL SAY THAT TCTRA ADOPT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CORPORATION ASSET FORTH IN THE FINANCIAL ADVISORY DOCUMENTS PROVIDED BY HILLTOP SECURITIES AND THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SERVE AS ITS INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE FUNDING TO PROJECTS 
          NEEDED ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S THE MOTION. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT RIGHT? I GOT TWO E-MAILS. 
          I MAY BE READING THE WRONG ONE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU ARE 
          READING THE CORRECT ONE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT I GOT FROM MR. GILLA MA HAD -- GILLAM HAD WHAT YOUR SECOND PART WAS, BUT YOU MODIFIED IT SLIGHTLY, BUT IT WAS CLOSE TO 
          THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: CAN I PUT THE COUNTY -- THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COURT, BECAUSE I WANT TO BE ON IT TOO. 
          IF THAT'S ALL RIGHT WITH YOU GUYS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IT WILL READ -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S RIGHT. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THAT WOULD LEAVE -- SORRY, JUDGE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: AND MEMBERS OF THE HARRIS COUNTY MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT SERVE AS BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE FUNDING TO PROG -- PROJECTS NEEDED ACROSS 
          HARRIS COUNTY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND WHEN I DO IT IT IS INTERCHANGEABLE. 
          WHEN I SAY MEMBERS OF COMMISSIONERS COURT I INTEND THEY INCLUDE YOU, JUDGE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. SO WE'RE CLEAR THAT'S A MOTION 
          AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. >> I VOTE NO. 
          I DON'T THINK THIS WILL EVER HAPPEN. >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA YOU WERE MUTED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IN SUPPORT. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION 
          CARRIES. NOW ITEM J. >> JUDGE, YOU CHOPPED UP A 
          SECOND. YOU VOTED I? >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTED I, 
          JAMES. >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: J, TRANSMITAL AND ITEM K, DO WE HAVE A MOTION APPROVING ACTIONS TO CREATE AND ESTABLISH THE 
          HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD CORPORATION? >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> SNO. I DON'T -- NO, I DON'T THINK IT WILL HAPPEN. 
          LINE 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR AS WELL. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM IN 
          FAVOR AS WELL. >> THAT WAS 4K? >> LINA HIDALGO: 4K, THAT'S 
          RIGHT. 4K. >> IS THAT INCLUDING THE NAME 
          CHANGE? EDWARDO COLOM -- >> I THINK WE ARE TALKING 
          ABOUT 4J? >> 4K -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT, Y'ALL. LET ME SEE. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE A NAME ON THERE AT ALL. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: J IS THE TRANSMITAL OF THE REPORT AND K -- 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, INCLUDING THE CHANGE. INSTEAD OF WEST AND ASSOCIATES 
          LLP IT SHOULD SAY GUARDO AND COLOM. >> WHO MADE THE MOTION? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          >> AND ON THE VOTE? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND GARCIA AND JUDGE VOTED IN FAVOR. COMMISSIONER RADACK AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE VOTED 
          AGAINST. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND JUDGE, IF I MIGHT, MR. SOARD, I DON'T WANT TO -- REPLACING CALON WITH WEST OR BOTH NAMES? 
          >> AM I ON NOW? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES. >> GOOD. 
          THEY ARE ASSOCIATED FIRMS, BUT SENATOR WEST ASK HIS NAME BE TAKING ON AND EDGAR CALON ON 
          INSTEAD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ROBERT, IS IT ACCEPTABLE AT THIS TIME TO MAKE THE REQUEST THAT ALL FEES THAT ARE GOING TO BE EARNED, THAT WE RECEIVE DOCUMENTATION AS TO THAT? WOULD THAT COME THROUGH YOUR 
          OFFICE OR THROUGH BERRY'S OR THE AUDITOR? >> IT WOULD BE ALL THREE CAN HANDLE IT AND WE WILL MAKE SURE YOU GET THAT. ON BEHALF OF THE COUNTY 
          [04:30:01]
ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WE ARE SAYING YOU WILL GET IT. I AM CONFIDENT MR. BERRY AND 
          MR. POST WILL SAY THE SAME THING. >> THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE, YOU HAD AN ITEM E2 SO WE HAVE TO VOTE ON THAT ITEM. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: PAGE 28. YES, YOUR HONOR. AND THAT IS THE REQUEST FOR THE SECOND OPINION TO MAKE SURE THAT WITH THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IS INVOLVED THAT WE DO HAVE SOMEONE THAT IS INDEPENDENT REVIEW THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF IT BECAUSE AS YOU MAY RECALL READING FROM PART OF THE HILLTOP REPORT THAT THEY SAID THEY CAN'T TESTIFY AS TO THE LEGALITY OF CERTAIN PORTIONS. ALSO AS TO THE LEGAL SIDE OF IT THAT WE HAVE THE SECOND OPINION, SINCE THIS IS, AS THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN WATCHING, THE LARGEST PUBLIC FINANCIAL TRANSACTION OF THE COUNTY AND WE MAKE SURE WE DO IT RIGHT. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: IS THAT A MOTION? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S A 
          MOTION. >> STEVE RADACK: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A 
          MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM OPPOSED AS WELL. 
          SO THE MOTION FAILS. THOSE ARE THE HCTRA ITEMS. COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU HAD 
          ANOTHER ITEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANTED TO GET THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OPINION ON WHERE WE CAN INSERT THIS. ROBERT, DON'T KNOW IF YOU HEARD MY MOTION EARLIER, BUT WANTED TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY PREFERENCE ON HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE AND THERE IS A CONVERSATION ON THE USE OF THE FRANCHISE FEE ON 
          INFRASTRUCTURE. >> MY VIEW IS THAT IT CAN BE ATTACHED TO ANY OF THE MOTIONS. IT CAN BE DONE AS A REQUEST AS POINTED OUT AND THERE IS NO HARM IN DOING IT AS A MOTION BECAUSE IT IS CLOSE ENOUGH FOR THOSE TOPICS. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THAT'S WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO. MY MOTION IS TO DIRECT BUDGET MANAGEMENT, HCTRA, THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE INCREASE TO THE CURRENT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION COST TO THE FLOOD CONTROL'S DISTRICT CAUSED BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2018 FLOOD CONTROL BOND YEAR BY 
          YEAR FOR THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS. >> I SECOND IT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS A MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND P SECONDED BY 
          ELLIS. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. 
          SO IT IS ABOUT TO BE -- WE ARE AT AN HOUR AND 45 MINUTES IN. I SUPPOSE WE TAKE THE 
          10-MINUTE BREAK NOW. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, WE DO HAVE MAJOR GENERAL NOREAGA ON 
          THE LINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND LETTING HIM SAY A FEW WORDS AND THEN DO THE BREAK. 
          >> HE IS UNMUTED. >> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS RICK NOREAGA AND I JUST WANTED TO THANK EACH OF YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO SERVE OUR GREAT COUNTY. I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVING AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, PUBLIC SERVICE, AT THE STATE LEVEL, AND NOW I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF, WITH YOUR SUPPORT, SERVING THE COUNTY AND THE CITY WHICH MY FAMILY HAS LIVED FOR FOUR GENERATIONS. 
          I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE COMMON GOAL OF LEAVING IT BETTER THAN THE WAY WE FOUND IT. THANK EACH OF YOU FOR THE 
          COMMUNITY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU SO MUCH, GENERAL. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WANT TO THANK HIM. MAJOR GENERAL, YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WILLING TO SERVE WHEN CALLED UPON. THANK YOU, AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AROUND. 
          >> YES, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: TAKE THE HILL! 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: MAJOR GENERAL? >> YES, SIR. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IS LIEUTENANT GENERAL AND THEN WAS IT COMMANDER -- WHAT ARE 
          THE TWO LEAPS THAT JUST ARE AHEAD OF YOU IN THE SYSTEM? >> LIEUTENANT GENERAL AND THEN 
          GENERAL. >> R. JACK CAGLE: LIEUTENANT GENERAL AND THEN GENERAL AND THEN COMMANDER AND THEN COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. THAT'S PRETTY HIGH STUFF YOU 
          HAVE DONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. 
          LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH EACH OF YOU. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. 
          >> FOR CLARITY, COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S LAST MOTION? THAT IS GOING TO BE ATTACHED 
          TO 4J AS WELL? >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THAT WHAT YOU CONCLUDED? 
          YES. >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. 
          SO IT IS 4:15 AND LET'S BREAK UNTIL 4:25. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WERE ON 
          [04:35:03]
TOLL ROAD. IT IS 4:30 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. 
          WE JUST WENT THROUGH TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY. AND NOW WE WILL GO TO BUDGET MANAGEMENT. INTER GOVERNMENTAL AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS. 
          UNIVERSAL SERVICES. AID JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES, 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: WITH THE CHANGE OVER IN LEADERSHIP FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICES ON ITEM A I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE NOTE -- TAKE NO ACTION ON THAT SINCE WE WOULD BE -- 
          LEADERSHIP. >> LINA HIDALGO: GOT IT. PUBLIC HEALTH. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: CAN I ASK A QUESTION ON THE LAST POSTPONE MEANT? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I HAD A NOTE THAT SAID THAT THERE WAS A ONE-YEAR TOIM -- TIMELINE. DO WE KNOW WHEN THAT TIMELINE IS TO MAKE SURE THE MAJOR GENERAL KNOW THAT'S HE HAS GOT SOMETHING CREEPING UP BEHIND HIM REAL FAST? 
          DOES ANYBODY HERE KNOW WHEN THAT -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: NO. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL I KNOW IS THERE IS A ONE-YEAR TIMELINE AND THAT'S WHY IT IS 
          ON HERE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MAYBE THEY CAN CHECK ON THAT AND LET US KNOW BEFORE WE END. I GUESS WE WILL BE A COUPLE MORE HOURS. 
          MAYBE SOMEBODY CAN CHECK AND LET US KNOW BEFORE WE GET OUT OF HERE. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T MIND HOLDING. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE 
          DON'T GET OUR NEW DIRECTOR IN A BIND. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: EXACTLY. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: LET'S HOLD SUBJECT TO BRINGING IT BACK AND MAYBE WE CAN FIND OUT IF 
          THERE IS A TIMELINE THAT IS SENSITIVE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YES GOOD. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: DO YOU HAVE ANY INPUT ON THIS? >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT IS 
          THAT, JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: MR. BERRY, DO YOU HAVE ANY INPUT ON THE -- DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ITEM? THE PEOPLE SOFT? 
          >> I'M SORRY, JUDGE, CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. 
          >> I HAD SOME TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES FOR THE LAST 60 SECONDS. 
          CAN YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE ARE LOOKING AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES ITEM A WHICH IS AN APPROVAL OF CIP PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED AUTOMATION REPORTING PROJECT AND FUNDING AND I BELIEVE IT HAS TO DO WITH PEOPLE SOFT. COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND COMMISSIONER CAGLE SAY TO HOLD IT SO LONG AS IT IS NOT A BIG PROBLEM. 
          I WAS WONDERING IF YOU KNOW BY ANY CHANCE WHAT THAT IS AND WHETHER IT IS SOMETHING THAT 
          WE NEED TO WAIT ON AND WHETHER TO HOLD? >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE NOTES I HAVE HERE IS THAT THIS IS A THREE-PART PROJECT WITH IFAS TO BE COMMISSIONED. 
          THE DE COMMISSIONED SIDE OF IFUS AND THERE IS AUTOMATION AND EFFICIENCY AND THE TIMELINE TO COMPLETE ALL THREE WAS ONE YEAR. AND SO MAYBE THE UH -- THE AUDITOR CAN HELP US ON THAT OR DAVID BERRY OR IF THEY CAN WORK US WITH AT UNIVERSAL SERVICES TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T RUN INTO TROUBLE ON THE TIMELINE. 
          >> JUDGE, I AM FAMILIAR WITH THIS ITEM. I SIT ON THE EXECUTIVE STEERING COMMITTEE. SO I AM FAMILIAR WITH THIS. I THINK THESE INVESTMENTS MAKE SENSE. IT IS UP TO COURT IF THEY WANT TO HOLD IT AND HAVE THE NEW DIRECTOR LOOK AT IT. I WOULD BE FINE EITHER WAY. I CAN TELL YOU THAT I THINK IT IS RM -- REASONABLE AND THINGS WE NEED TO FIX. IN TERMS OF THE PEOPLE SOFT 
          IMPLEMENTATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO SOUNDS LIKE WE CAN -- 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: HOW ABOUT THIS AS A PROPOSITION? SUPPOSE WE PASS IT SUBJECT TO 
          REVIEW BY THE NEW INTERIM DIRECTOR? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT WAY IF IT COMES IN QUICKLY BEFORE THE NEXT TWO WEEKS -- THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I CAN WORK WITH THAT. I AM SIMPLY HOLDING OR REQUESTING NO ACTION JUST TO GIVE HIM TIME TO GET HIS ARMS AROUND THE PEOPLE SOFT ISSUES AND JUST MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS AN ITEM THAT IS APPROPRIATE AND HE GIVES IT A GOOD LOOK. 
          [04:40:11]
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SHOULD WE MAKE THE MOTION TO DO IT NOW? OR WAIT UNTIL IT IS ON THE AGENDA? COMMISSIONER CAGLE, DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A MOTION SUBJECT 
          TO REVIEW -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: SECOND. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE NEW UNIVERSAL SERVICES DIRECTOR DARKS DASH INTERIM UNIVERSES SERVICES DIRECTOR. ALL IN FEIGN -- FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> . 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? I AM IN FAVOR. COMMISSIONER RADACK? 
          YOU ARE MUTED. >> R. JACK CAGLE: CAN'T HEAR YOU, STEVE. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: I. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS UNANIMOUS. 
          THANK YOU. THAT IS UNIVERSAL SERVICES. ANYTHING ELSE ON UNIVERSAL SERVICES? PUBLIC HEALTH? COMMUNITY SERVICES. 
          AND THEY REQUEST NO ACTION ON ITEMS B3 AND C. B3 ON PAGE 11 AND C ON PAGE 12. COUNTY LIBRARY. YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I'M SORRY, ON THE LIBRARY, I JUST WANT TO THAMG -- THANK THE HIGHLANDS ROTARY FOR BEING THE INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY PARTNER THEY HAVE BEEN FOR SO MANY YEARS. THIS IS AN EXCITING ITEM THAT WE HAVE GOT. 
          JUST WANT TO THANK THE ROTARY FOR BEING THE HUMANITARIANS AND THE PHILANTHROPISTS AND 
          COMMUNITY LEADERS THEY ARE. JUST EXCITED ABOUT THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: CONSTABLES. 
          THEY REQUEST NO ACTION -- THE DEPARTMENT REQUEST NO ACTION ON ITEM B1 ON PAGE 13. 
          SHERIFF. DO WE HAVE A SPEAKER FOR THIS, LUCINDA? 
          ITEM C1? >> NO, MA'AM. THEY CHANGED IT. 
          THEY WANT TO SPEAK ON 18A3. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. COUNTY CLERK. 
          COUNTY ATTORNEY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, ON ITEMS UNDER COUNTY ATTORNEY , C AND D I AM GOING TO VOTE NO ON THOSE TWO ITEMS. ONE DEALS WITH THE VOTE BY MAIL SITUATION AND THE OTHER, ITEM D, ALTHOUGH I AM VERY SUPPORT -- SUPPORTIVE OF LOCAL CONTROL, IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR US TO BE ENGAGED IN LITIGATION IN OTHER STATES. 
          I KNOW OTHERS MAY DISAGREE ON THAT, BUT I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE USING OUR RESOURCES IN FEDERAL LITIGATION AND OTHER STATES. I RESPECTFULLY BE VOTING NO ON 
          ITEMS 14C AND D ON PAGE 15. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, MAYBE FOR THE SAKE OF CONVENIENCE, I MOVE THOSE TWO ITEMS, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, SO THEY WILL BE OFF THE TABLE WHEN WE 
          GET TO THE CONSENT. I JUST MOVE THOSE ITEMS. >> LINA HIDALGO: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS ON ITEM -- WELL LET'S VOTE ON EACH OF THEM. 
          ITEM C, DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN 
          FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. >> I'M NO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIES. 
          ITEM D IS THE AMICUSD. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE ITEM D. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? 
          IN FAVOR? >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> NO. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE FOR ON 
          THAT ONE AS WELL. SO THE MOTION CARRIES. >> STEVE RADACK: JUDGE ON THE NEXT PAGE UNDER JUSTICE OF ADMINISTRATION I VOTE NO ON THAT. 
          SO IF YOU WANT TO DO A MOTION OR NOT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK WE 
          NEED TO DISCUSS ITEM G BEFORE WE GET TO THAT ONE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ACTUALLY, 
          JUDGE -- >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO THANK MR. LEE IN MY OFFICE ALONG WITH DR. BABIN AND THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT FOR THEIR HELP ON THIS ITEM. THIS ITEM IS RELATED TO THE PROCESSING LLC FOR DISCHARGING 
          [04:45:15]
SUGAR TO THE WATERWAY. PEOPLE WOULD THINK IT WOULD GIVE YOU SWEETWATER, BUT IN MORGAN'S POINT IT IS CREATING A POLLUTION ISSUE AND THE MAYOR AND I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS ISSUE. WE -- HE HAS BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY TRYING TO SEEK SOME RELIEF. THIS ITEM WILL HELP US MOVE FORWARD TO SUPPORT THE CITY IN THAT REGARD. I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FROM MY TEAM AND THE DEPARTMENTS I MENTIONED FOR THEIR HELP AND THEIR LEADERSHIP IN ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES AND MORGAN'S POINT. WE WANTED TO LET THEM KNOW THAT WE'RE BEHIND THEM AND WE'LL DO WHAT WE CAN TO SUPPORT THEM. THANK YOU, JUDGE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. AND ITEM G, THANK YOU FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR UPDATING 
          THIS. COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: WONDER FIGURE THAT -- ON THAT ITEM IF WE SHOULD GET AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW TO MAKE SURE IT COMPLIES WITH THE EQUITY GUIDELINES THAT WE PASSED. I KNOW COMMISSIONER CAGLE IS CALLING FOR AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW EARLIER. I DIDN'T KNOW IF WE HAD ANY 
          THOUGHTS ON THIS ONE. >> I THINK WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF REVIEW. 
          WE WILL HAVE AN EIGHTH OR 9TH CONDITION TO THIS PROJECT? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: A PUBLIC HEARING. >> R. JACK CAGLE: LET'S DO 
          THAT ON THE CLEAR CREEK WATER SHED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME TELL YOU THE DISTINCTION SO YOU KNOW. THAT ONE IS ABOUT MITIGATION. 
          THIS IS ABOUT LITIGATION. DID YOU GET THAT QUOTE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: A BEAUTIFUL QUOTE. NOW THAT YOU GOT YOUR BARB AND YOUR COMMENTS OUT OF THE WAY, ALL THIS IS ABOUT IS VERY SIMPLY PUTTING INTO PLACE A CONTRACT AND NOW WE WILL SHIFT THE BURDEN TO THE CITY OF HOUSTON. THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS TO COME THROUGH WITH ALL OF THE CONDITION THAT'S HAVE BEEN ADDED ON ALONG THE WAY. 
          COME ON, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. GO AHEAD. HAVE SOME MERCY ON THE PEOPLE 
          IN ELM GROVE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME ASK A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: HAVE SOME MERCY ON THE PEOPLE OF ELM GROVE, COMMISSIONER, PLEASE. 
          FIND A PLACE IN YOUR HEART TO GIVE THOSE PEOPLE SOME RELIEF. >> RODNEY ELLIS: BEFORE YOU MAKE ME START CRYING, LET ME ASK FLOOD CONTROL A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS, IF THAT'S OKAY. 
          MR. POPPY? >> YES, COMMISSIONER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WHEN I READ THE LETTER IT DID SEEM TO BE VERY BROAD LANGUAGE TO ME. MAYBE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR IS ON THE LINE. I KNOW JOHN BLOUNT OR YOU TALKED ABOUT HER COMING ON. 
          IT SAID THE CITY WOULD ADOPT ATLAS 14, SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT WHERE IT WOULD MAKE SENSE FOR URBAN AREAS. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WHEN THIS COMES BACK, WHAT WE ASKED THE CITY TO DO WAS ATLAS 14 AND THE STRICTER BUILDING REQUIREMENTS THAT WERE ADOPTED BY THIS COURT UNANIMOUSLY, ALL OF US DID IT AFTER HARVEY AND WE PUT IN PLACE A PROVISION THAT WE WOULD NOT DO JOINT PROJECTS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES IF THEY DID NOT ADOPT THEM. THEN WE PROCEEDED TO DO THIS PROJECT ALTHOUGH MONTGOMERY COUNTY HADN'T ADOPTED IT AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON DIDN'T FOR THE E T.J. 
          I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IS CLEAR AND I DON'T WANT ANY WIGGLE ROOM. 
          IF I VOTE FOR THIS, YOU ARE ONE VOTE. YOU CAN VOTE FOR IT. 
          I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT'S CLEAR. WHAT CAME BACK FROM THE CITY 
          IS NOT WHAT YOU ASKED FOR. SNACKER -- IS THAT CORRECT? >> THIS IS A RESPONSE TO A DRAFT WE SENT OVER TO THEIR OFFICE. I BELIEVE IT WAS A MONTH AND A HALF OR TWO AGO. I TOOK THE LETTER YOU HAD AS THEIR NEXT STEP IN NEGOTIATIONS. I BY NO MEANS CONSIDER THIS COMPLETE, BUT I AM VERY CLEAR ON THE COURT'S DIRECTION AND WILL CONTINUE TO WORK ON THAT LANGUAGE. 
          RODRIGUEZ 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT THEM TO KNOW, IF THEY WANT US TO COME UP WITH, AS I SEE IT, ROUGHLY ABOUT $15 MILLION BECAUSE THEY ARE AGREEING TO HALF OF THE PURCHASE PRICE EITHER WITH CASH OR ASSETS, THEY ARE AGREEING TO HALF OF THE LIABILITY BECAUSE IF THE 
          [04:50:06]
PEOPLE WHO ARE SUING, THE NEIGHBORS WHO ARE SUING THINK THEY FLOODED BECAUSE OF THIS PERRY HOMES DEVELOPMENT IT IS HARD TO GET A JUDGMENT, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE AS WE HAVE SEEN. THEY WILL BE LIABLE FOR HALF OF THAT AND THEY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HALF OF MAINTAINING IT, BUT THERE IS A COMPLICATING FACTOR IN OUR FAVOR IS IF THEY WANT TO USE SOME OF THIS FOR WATER TREATMENT, THEN IT WOULD LURE 
          THE PRICE OF WHAT WE HAVE TO PUT UP. >> THAT'S CORRECT. 
          THAT'S THE LATEST NUANCE IN THE LATEST NEGOTIATIONS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: A GOOD GUESS WOULD BE 14 MILLION OR SO, ROUNDING IT TO 15 HIGH SIDE AND FOR RETENTION PURPOSES, 
          20, 30 MILLION HIGH SIDE. >> THAT WOULD BE ON THE HIGH SIDE, YES, COMMISSIONER. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IF THAT'S THE CASE. 
          BY MOVING FORWARD WITH IT, ALTHOUGH HAVE I MY RESERVATIONS -- I HAVE MY RAYS -- RESERVATIONS BECAUSE IT DOES NOT FIT INTO THE GUIDELINES, BUT LIKE I TOLD YOU YESTERDAY, THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND I HAD TO HAVE A TOUGH CONVERSATION ABOUT BUYING THEM OUT ON HOMES AND KNOWING IT WOULD TAKE A BILLION DOLLARS TO DO HALLS AND GREENS, WE CAN'T BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE JUST START ALL THESE PROJECTS AND HAVE NO WAY OF COMPLETING THEM BECAUSE OUR PARTNERS, OUR FUNDING PARTNERS INCLUDING THE CITY OF HOUSTON, HAVE NO EQUITY GUIDELINES. 
          THE STATE, NO EQUITY GUIDELINES. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR COST BENEFIT RATIO. I WANT TO LAY THAT OUT. IF THE PRICE OF DO -- OF DOING THAT IS HIGH SIDE 15 MILLION AND LOW SIDE MAYBE 7 MILLION, 10 MILLION I THINK IT IS WORTH THAT IF IT GETS OUR CITY TO ADOPT ATLAS 14 INCLUDING IN THE E T.J. A SEPARATE ISSUE 
          FOR THE COUNTY. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL SEEING THAT LETTER THAT RUSS PUT ON -- NOT RUSS, BUT ROBERT PUT ON ITEM G BECAUSE I THINK IT CLEARLY LAYS OUT -- I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHERE ARE YOU READING THAT THE CITY -- I GUESS WE ARE NOT AGREEING THAT THE CITY WILL SAY WHEREVER IS ADEQUATE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: HE IS PULLING IT UP AND THERE IS SOME LANGUAGE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE CITY WOULD DEVELOP SOME COMMITTEE, AND WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT THIS FOR MONTHS, WE WILL LOOK WHERE PRACTICE PARTICULARRABLE -- PRACTICABLE -- RUSS, HELP ME OUT. 
          >> I BELIEVE THE LETTER SAID SOMETHING SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR WHILE RESPECTING THE DIFFERENCES IN PRIMARILY URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND SUBURB IN 
          DEVELOPMENT IN HARRIS COUNTY. >> JUDGE, IT IS THAT LANGUAGE THAT GIVES ME SOME RESERVATION. I DON'T WANT A GENERATION PARK IN MY PRECINCT OR SOMEBODY ELSE'S PRECINCT TO SAY, WELL, WE HAVE URBAN DEVELOPMENT. SO THAT WOULDN'T APPLY TO US. 
          IT IS THAT LANGUAGE THAT SAYS THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE OF BEING IN THE LEGISLATURE. 
          WHEN I AM NEGOTIATING A BILL IN A CONFERENCE COMMITTEE WITH THE SENATE, AND THE HOUSE TELLS ME THEY WILL COME BACK WITH SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR -- WHILE RESPECTING THE DIFFERENCES OF INTEREST OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE, USUALLY THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL A MAC TRUCK. I WANT TO MAKE SURE I AM SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT AND IT COMES BACK AND THERE IS NOT SOME VERY STRONG REASON FOR NOT ADAPTING -- ADOPTING ATLAS 14 I BE AGAINST IT AND REGRET THAT I VOTED FOR IT TODAY. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S WHY I WANT TO REFER TO, FOR THE RECORD, THAT IF I -- THAT MY VOTING IN FAVOR OF THIS IS CONTINGENT OF WHAT IS LAID OUT IN THIS LETTER FROM ROBERT SOARD WHICH HAS BEEN DISCUSSED MANY TIMES AT COURT, WHICH IS VERY, VERY CLEAR ABOUT THE DETENTION REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED TO BE ADOPTED. I GUESS WE ARE SAYING THE SAME 
          THING. >> AND TO BE CLEAR, AND I THINK EVERYBODY REALIZES THAT THE INTER LOCAL KILL WOMAN DASH D.A. 
          >> THE INTER LOCAL WILL COME BACK. YOU ARE JUST ESTABLISHING A 
          [04:55:02]
PURCHASE PRICE FOR THE PROPERTY FOR THESE CONDITIONS. 
          THE ULTIMATE CONDITION BEING THAT IF THIS BOARD CANNOT GET AN INTER LOCAL AGREEMENT THAT 
          IS SATISFACTORY THEN THE WHOLE DEAL IS OFF. >> AND, JUDGE, THE OTHER POINT I WAS MAKE -- MAKING IS IN RELATION TO THE EQUITY GUIDELINES, NONE OF US WHO VOTED FOR THEM WANT TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY ARE -- THEY MEAN AS MUCH AS A RESOLUTION. WE WOULD HAVE ALL OF THESE RESOLUTIONS, BUT THE SUBSTANCE OF WHAT WE HONORED SOMEBODY FOR, A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD VOTE FOR THE RESOLUTION, BUT NOT VOTE FOR THE SUBSTANTIVE ITEMS. I KNOW IT IS AN IMPORTANT DISCUSSION, BUT THE ARTICLE IN "THE TIMES" ON THIS PROJECT ON THE EQUITY GUIDELINES, WE CAN'T BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE GO OUT AND START EVERYTHING. 
          SOME OF US AROUND THIS TABLE ARE NOT GOING TO BE WILLING TO VOTE FOR THE MONEY TO FINISH THEM. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T KEEP STARTING NEW PROJECTS AND LEAVE THOSE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HAVE BEEN STARTED TO BE LEFT BEHIND 
          STILL OUT THERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT LAST WEEK I SPOKE TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION BECAUSE THERE IS A -- THE CITY OF HOUSTON PLANNING COMMISSION BECAUSE THERE IS A PROJECT BEING PROPOSED IN MY PRECINCT THAT ISN'T ADHERING TO THE NO PORTION OF THE PROJECT. IF THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT WAS ON THE TABLE WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION THEY COULD BE HELPING THESE DEVELOPERS UP FRONT EARLY ON WITH ADJUSTING PLANS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR PLANS GO BY SMOOTHLY. 
          I JUST WANTED TO RAISE THE ISSUE AGAIN, JUDGE -- I AM INCLINED TO SAY WE WON'T SUPPORT THE ITEM UNLESS THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT BE A REPRESENTATIVE ON THE CITY OF HOUSTON PLANNING COMMISSION, BECAUSE IT IS JUST -- TO ME IT IS JUST -- I THINK IT WILL HURT US IN THE LONG RUN. AS WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF NEW BOND ELECTIONS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE THAT WE WOULD HAVE OUR BIGGEST NEIGHBOR NOT ADHERING TO THE SAME FLOOD MITIGATION STANDARDS, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, THAT WE ARE. 
          AND THEN WONDER WHY WE ARE STILL FLOODING. I AM STILL PER -- PERPLEXED AT THE RESISTANCE TO DO THIS, BUT I HOPE THE CITY OF HOUSTON WOULD PAY ATTENTION AND ADD THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO THEIR BODY. I THINK IT WOULD GO A LONG WAY. ON THAT PARTICULAR ITEM I SPOKE AND SAID RUSS, DID THEY CHECK IN WITH YOU? HE SAID I GOT IT THROUGH JOHN BLOUNT'S REPRESENTATIVE. 
          CAN'T REMEMBER HIS NAME, BUT HE SAID I GOT IT THROUGH HIM. IT WASN'T COMING STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AND SAYING, YOU KNOW, DOES THIS -- IS THIS PROJECT OKAY? DO YOU SEE ANY DANGER TO THE NEIGHBORS, THE EXISTING NEIGHBORS OUT THERE ON THE RESERVE AND THE RISK OF ANY ADDITIONAL FLOODING? THE ANSWER WAS NO, IT DIDN'T WORK THAT WAY. IT WAS A SORT OF, HEY, BY THE WAY, KIND OF A THING. 
          WE COULD MOVE THIS ENTIRE COUNTY FORWARD SO DRAMATICALLY IF WE COULD ALLOW THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO BE THE REAL HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT. 
          RIGHT NOW IT IS THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OR HARRIS COUNTY EXCEPT THE CITY OF 
          HOUSTON. I WANT TO ADD THOSE TWO SETS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, IN CLOSING I WANT TO SAY THAT I KNOW ALL OF US HERE WANT TO HAVE A GOOD, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY. PARTICULARLY UNDER THIS MAYOR WHO I HAVE KNOWN OF SINCE WE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND HAVE BEEN PERSONALLY CLOSE TO HIM SINCE WE WERE IN UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOL. I KNOW IN BEXAR COUNTY -- I THINK IT WAS IN BEXAR COUNTY, 
          [05:00:02]
THEY WERE DOING JOINT CITY AND COUNTY MEETINGS DURING THIS PANDEMIC. 
          AT LEAST FROM MY PRECINCT WE ARE SPENDING AN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF MONEY ON CITY STREETS. I LOVE OUR CITY. SOME ITEMS HAVE COME UP ON THIS TABLE. COMMISSIONER GARCIA, I THINK ON ONE OF YOURS AND TWO OF MINE -- TWO OF YOURS AND TWO OF MINE, I MADE SURE PEOPLE IN THE CITY COULD PARTICIPATE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE THOSE AMONG US WHO WERE OPPOSED TO IT. 
          IT OUGHT TO BE A TWO-WAY STREET. I SAY THIS PRIVATELY, OR TO MY FRIENDS ON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR, AND I SAY IT PUBLICLY, IT HAS TO BE A TWO-WAY STREET. IT CAN'T BE -- THANK YOU, I GOT A PROPOSAL FROM SOMEBODY IN THE CITY. IT IS LIKE THE MORE I GIVE, THE MORE THEY ASK FOR. 
          AT THE SAME TIME, I HAVE MY FRIEND OVER THERE AT THE CITY, THE POLICE CHIEF, YOU KNOW, GIVING US A HARD TIME ON ISSUE THAT'S MATTER OVER HERE WHEN THEY ARE SENDING THE POPULATION TO US. WE'LL GET TO THAT LATER. I DON'T KNOW IF CAROL IS ON THE LINE OR NOT WHO IS A GOOD FRIEND, BUT IT HURT TO COMMIT $10 MILLION ON BIKE LANES IN THE CITY STREETS IN EXCHANGE FOR 1.1 MILLION PER YEAR OF THE BIKE PLAN OVER FOUR YEARS. THEY SPENT A HALF MILLION AND I AM AT 15 MILLION. 
          THAT KIND OF MAKES THANK YOU RING A LITTLE HOLLOW. THERE SO MUCH WE CAN DO TO HELP ONE ANOTHER. OUR CHALLENGE IN AUSTIN IN PARTICULAR, IT IS TOUGH ON BOTH ENTITIES. I REALLY HOPE THAT THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH HAS BEEN HEAVILY LOBBIED BY THE WAY, IS BEGINNING EITHER ATLAS 14 OR E T.J., BOTH MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT CORRECTING MISTAKES WE MADE IN THE PAST. ATLAS 14 SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADOPTED A LONGTIME AGO. I'M GONNA VOTE FOR IT, BUT RELUCTANCE. 
          I HOPE WE HAVE BETTER DIALOGUE AND IT BECOMES A TWO-WAY STREET BETWEEN THE CITY AND 
          THE COUNTY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE? I THINK HAVE YOU SPEAKERS ON 
          THIS, DON'T YOU? >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS WANTS TO HEAR FROM CAROL 
          HAD -- CAROL HADDACK. IS SHE ON? >> YES, SHE IS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S TAKE HER. >> YOU ARE ON THE LINE. 
          GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THIS IS CAROL HADDACK, DIRECTOR OF HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS. I WANT TO CLEAR UP ONE MISS PERCEPTION THAT IS GOING ON REAL QUICK. THE CITY OF HOUSTON HAS ALREADY ADOPTED AND IS USING ATLAS 14 THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND IN ANY PROJECTS WE APPROVE IN THE E T.J. 
          THERE IS NOT A LOT WE APPROVE IN THE E T.J. AS FAR AS STREETS AND DRAINAGE, BUT WE DO SH -- WHEN WE REVIEW AUTHORITY, ATLAS 14 HAS BEEN IN PLACE IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON FOR A LONGTIME. THE ONLY PIECE WE ARE STILL WORKING ON IS THE ACTUAL DETENTION DISCHARGE RATES. THE REST, WE ARE IN LOCK STEP WITH HARRIS COUNTY. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: [INAUDIBLE]. >> EXCUSE ME? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: ARE YOU 
          DOING THE NO INFELL -- INFILL? >> WE ARE NO INFILL LONGER THAN THE COUNTY. AND IN THE 500 WE HAVE NO NET FILL UNLESS IT IS A LARGE ENOUGH -- WELL, IT IS NO NET FILL, UNLESS IT IS A LARGE ENOUGH LOT TO DEMONSTRATE NO IMPACT TO SHEET FLOW AND THAT'S THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN MOVE FILL AROUND AT ALL, 
          OTHERWISE IT IS NO FILL EVEN IN THE 500 YEAR, TODAY. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO JUDGE, CAROL, THIS IS RODNEY ELLIS. MR. BLOUT -- 
          >> YES, SIR? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WONDER IF YOU AND YAWN BLOUNT ARE -- IF YOU AND JOHN BLOUNT ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO ATLAS 14. 
          >> THIS IS JOHN BLOUNT. CAROL IS CORRECT. THEY ADOPTED THE RAINFALL AMOUNT. AS SHE POINTED OUT, THEY ARE WORKING ON THE PIPE SIZES AND THE OUT FLOW RATES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. THE OTHER EYE FEMME -- THE OTHER ITEM MENTIONED IN HER LETTER IT IS SPECIFICALLY TALKING ABOUT HOW THEY HAVE TO ADDRESS SHEET FLOW THAT IS DIFFERENT ON HOW WE ADDRESS SHEET FLOW. 
          WE HAVE A REQUIREMENT THAT OUR SLABS HAVE TO BE ONE FOOT ABOVE THE TOP OF THE CURVE. 
          THEY HAVE ONE NEAR THE SAN -- SANITARY SEWER. THAT'S ALL TO BE WORKED 
          [05:05:06]
          THROUGH ONCE THIS PASSES. >> THE FULL DETENTION REQUIRE -- REQUIREMENTS ARE 
          NOT THE SAME AS OURS. >> NO, BUT THEY ARE WORKING ON IT RIGHT NOW AND CAROL CAN 
          ADDRESS THAT. >> THROUGH THE REDEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE WE HAVE BEEN WORKING THROUGH THAT ISSUE WHICH THE COUNTY HAS FLOOD CONTROL AND COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES SITTING WITH US. AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO THAT BEING COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT OUT OF STEP WITH. 
          I WANT TO MAKE SURE, COMMISSIONER ELLIS, ME NOT BEING IN THE POLITICAL ARENA AS LONG AS YOU HAVE BEEN, IT WAS NOT OUR INTEND -- OUR INTENT TO IMPLY WE WOULD DRIVE A MAC TRUCK THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT. IT WAS OUR INTENT TO SAY WE NEED TO ACHIEVE THE SAME PERFORMANCE AND LEVELS OF PROTECTION, BUT IT MAY NOT LOOK IDENTICAL. THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH. 
          THEY ARE MAKING SURE WE ARE ACHIEVING THE SAME PERFORMANCE AND LEVEL IS -- LEVELS OF PROTECTION AND NOTHING LESS THAN THAT. WE RECOGNIZE WE NEED CONSISTENT CRITERIA AND WE NEED TO HAVE THE SAME LEVEL -- A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR EVERYBODY WHETHER THEY ARE IN THE COUNTY OR THE CITY WHICH IS THE CITY IS IN THE COUNTY 
          FOR THE MOST PART. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MY CONCERN IS I AM RELUCK AT THE PRESENT TIME TO DO -- RELUCTANT TO DO THE PROJECT ANYWAY. IN TERMS OF EQUITY GUIDELINES, WE HAVE A LOT OF POOR NEIGHBORHOODS, PARTICULARLY MY PRECINCT IN THE CITY, THAT HAVE BEEN NEGLECTED FOR A LONGTIME AND WOULD HAVE CONTINUED TO GET NOWHERE NEAR THE RADAR IF WE HADN'T ADOPTED THE EQUITY GUIDELINES. THIS PROJECT CAME TO ME FROM THE CITY, GOOD FRIENDS FROM THE CITY AND HEAVILY LOBBIED. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO SAY WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT IN THIS POSITION AGAIN? 
          OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE NO CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS IN THE E T.J. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: CAROL OR COMMISSIONER ELLIS IF I CAN JUMP IN, CAROL, DO YOU SUPPORT HAVING THE FLOOD CONTROL 
          DISTRICT ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION? >> IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT IS A TECHNICAL RESOURCE OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: DO YOU SUPPORT THEM BEING A VOTING MEMBER OF THE PLANNINGS -- 
          PLANNING COMMISSION? >> THE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION IS NOT. 
          WE ARE A TECHNICAL RESOURCE. I THINK BEING AN TECHNICAL RESOURCE IS AN APPROPRIATE ROLE FOR GOVERNMENT ENTITIES. I POLITELY SAY THAT I DO THINK THAT MY DEPARTMENT SERVES THE CURRENT ROLE THEY SHOULD BE SERVING, AND I WOULD EXPECT THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT WOULD BE -- A FORMAL TECHNICAL RESOURCE, I AM IN SUPPORT OF THAT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, CAROL. SO JOHN, HOW -- IS ENGINEERING SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED OR HARRIS COUNTY SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED IN THE PLANNING 
          COMMISSION'S COMPART -- CHARTER. >> COMMISSIONER, WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVE LLOYD SMITH, BUT HE IS FILLING THE POSITION FOR THE JUDGE. 
          WE HAVE ONE POSITION FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE. IT IS PRETTY TYPICAL FOR MONTGOMERY AND SUCH THAT THEY HAVE THEIR COUNTY ENGINEER. THAT'S THE ONLY POSITION WE HAVE. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT PUT ON THE GROUND AND NOT NECESSARILY THE NUMBER OF PLAQUES BECAUSE IT IS NOT NORMAL TO HAVE ONE LOT DIVIDED TO TWO LOTS. WE ARE DIVIDING 300-ACRES TO 2,000 LOTS. 
          THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT AND I DON'T FEEL WE HAVE ADEQUATE REPRESENTATION ON THE 
          PLANNING BOARD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JOHN. 
          JUDGE, THERE IN LIES WHAT I HAVE COME TO MAKE OUT OF DEALING WITH FLOOD CONCERNS IN HARRIS COUNTY. THE MORE I THINK ABOUT IT, THE MAURY LUCK TENT I AM ON -- THE MORE RELUCTANT I AM ON THIS ITEM, BUT I LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION. 
          >> I DO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT I AM ON THE -- I MYSELF SERVE ON THE CITY'S REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. I AM DEEPLY INVOLVED IN ENSURING THEY ADOPT EQUIPMENT 
          REGULATIONS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE MOVE ON WITH THIS ITEM. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: ME? >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE OTHER SPEAKERS? 
          [05:10:04]
          >> STEVE RADACK: THERE MAY HAVE. I WANTED TO ASK CAROL. 
          CAROL, ARE YOU STILL THERE? >> YES, SIR. STEVE STEVE THANKS FOR 
          >> STEVE RADACK: THANKS FOR TALKING TO US TODAY. THE INTERESTING THING AND WE TALK ABOUT E T.J. AND ALL OF THAT AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT AND THE BARKER AND ADIX RESERVOIR. THERE WAS CONTROVERSY OVER THE POOLING THERE. 
          DURING HARVEY, FOR EXAMPLE. WHAT SUINTING AND YOU WOULD AGREE -- WHAT IS INTERESTING AND I THINK WOULD YOU AGREE IS ALL OF THOSE PLATTES, THEY FLOODED, BUT IT WAS THE CITY 
          WHO APPROVED THE PRATTS. THE PLATS. >> YES, THEY DID COME 
          THROUGH. YOU ARE CORRECT. >> STEVE RADACK: AND THAT CREATED -- YOU KNOW, THERE WAS A NUMBER OF HOMES THAT FLOODED IN HARRIS COUNTY IN THE BARKER RESERVOIR, BUT THERE WAS A NUMBER THAT FLOODED IN FORT BEND COUNTY IN THE BARKER RESERVOIR. WHAT IT BOILED DOWN TO WAS WE ARE ABLE TO REQUIRE THAT THE HOMES BUILD -- BUILT IN HARRIS COUNTY ARE SIX INCHES HIGHER AND THAT LITERALLY ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 80% LESS HOMES FLOODING IN HARRIS COUNTY THAN IN FORT BEND. 
          I THINK WE WERE THE ONES WHO WERE ABLE TO GET INVOLVED AND JOHN WOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT IT. I THINK IT IS PRETTY AMAZING IF YOU GO BACK SINCE 2007 THAT -- AND YOU LOOK AT THE NEW SUB DO VYINGS -- SUBDIVISIONS APPROVED BY HARRIS COUNTY, IT WAS LESS THAN 70,000 HOMES AS I RECALL, LESS THAN 500 OF THEM FLOODED. 
          IS THAT RIGHT, JOHN? >> I DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT NUMBER, COMMISSIONER, BUT IT 
          WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF -- AMOUNT. >> STEVE RADACK: I THINK I AM CLOSE. AT ANY RATE, AND THE REASON I BRING THIS UP, CAROL, SO MUCH OF THIS -- THIS IS THE TYPE OF STUFF THAT NEEDS TO BE WORKED OUT. 
          WHEN WE ARE DEALING WITH THE E T.J., PARTICULARLY WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT IN A RESERVOIR I THINK IT ISES VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE CITY RECOGNIZE THE AREAS OF PATROL BY THE HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLES AND THE HARRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE , IT IS INTERESTING THAT Y'ALL CAN TIE OUR HANDS BY APPROVING THINGS WITHOUT REALLY US HAVING MUCH TO SAY ABOUT IT. 
          THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT NEEDS TO CHANGE AND NEEDS TO CHANGE QUICKLY. 
          THAT'S WN OF THE PROBLEMS PEOPLE ARE HAVING WITH THE PURCHASE OF THIS PROPERTY AND ALL. I THINK IT IS INTERESTING THAT WE GET THE BAD RAP WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS IN THE E T.J. THEY BLAME THE COUNTY. 
          WHEN IN FACT SOME OF THAT STUFF IS BECAUSE OF CITY GRADES. 
          JUST WANT TO BRING THAT UP. >> YES, SIR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR, 
          I MOVE THE ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. THANK YOU. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER ELLIS WAS ALMOST ABOUT TO SECOND IT FOR ME. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I WANT TO THANK CAROL FOR JOINING US IN THE DISCUSSION. 
          I APPRECIATE IT. >> STEVE RADACK: I'LL SECOND IT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THE DISCUSSION THAT COMMISSIONER GARCIA BROUGHT UP IS VALID, AND I THINK WE OUGHT TO CONTINUE DOWN THAT VAIN, BUT FOR NOW I AM HAPPY TO SUPPORT THE ITEM. HOPEFULLY WE GET SOMEWHERE WITH THIS NEGOTIATION. 
          DO YOU HAVE THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? 
          >> STEVE RADACK: RADACK SECOND ITSELF. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A 
          MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: LOOKS LIKE WE LOST COMMISSIONER ELLIS 
          THERE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I -- RAD -- RADACK GOT ON THE TAX RATE 
          [05:15:08]
          DISCUSSION AND I LET IT GO BLACK. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I FEEL REAL STRONGLY BECAUSE I THINK THE TAXPAYERS ARE MISSING A HUGE, HUGE BENEFIT NOT HAVING THE FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT AS A REAL MEMBER OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION. 
          I JUST GOT A MESSAGE FROM COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN. IF I AM GOING TO VOTE FOR THIS ITEM, I ONLY VOTE FOR IT ON THE COMMENT HE MADE THAT HE WOULD PARTNER WITH US TO HELP WITH GETTING THAT SEAT ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION. AND SO COUNCILMEMBER MARTIN, I KNOW YOU ARE HEARING THE CONVERSATION. THIS VOTE IS NOT FOR THE ITEM. IT IS FOR YOUR WORD. I WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH YOU ACTIVELY TO SEE SOMETHING MOVE ON THIS. BECAUSE THIS WILL BE THE ONE SIDE I DON'T SIDE WITH MY COLLEAGUES. I VOTE IN SUPPORT. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I VOTED YES. IS CAROL STILL ON THE LINE? 
          >> YES, SIR, I AM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I VOTED YES, BUT YOU GOT MY 3.9 MILLION 
          OVER THERE FOR THE BIKE LANES? >> YES, SIR, WE ARE WORKING 
          THROUGH THAT RIGHT NOW. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I HAVE AN ELECTRIC BIKE AND I AM 
          INVITING YOU TO RIDE WITH ME. >> I HAVE A REGULAR BIKE AND I WILL BE THERE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: DON'T RUN ME DOWN. >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE IT AS 
          WELL SO IT IS UNANIMOUS. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE INDIVIDUALS OF ELM GROVE ARE GRATEFUL. I KNOW SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES ARE REFERENCING THAT, BUT I BELIEVE MORE THAN 50% OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY QUALIFY. 
          WE WILL FORWARD THAT TO YOUR OFFICES. THESE FOLKS ARE OUTSIDE THE LOOP AND THEY ARE NOT OUR AFFLUENT FOLKS. AND I THINK THEY WILL BE 
          GRATEFUL. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SHOW YOU LMI ONE DAY WHEN YOU ARE 
          FREE. >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THAT WAS 
          THE COUNTY ATTORNEY. LET'S MOVE -- >> JUDGE, I'M SORRY. 
          JUST SO YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE SPEAKERS DID CANCEL. THEY DIDN'T ANSWER. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S MOVE TO JUSTIN -- JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION. 
          THIS IS THE ITEM THAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE WANTED TO TAKE UP AND YOU HAVE TO HELP 
          ME WITH WHAT ITEM IT WAS. >> STEVE RADACK: I BROUGHT THIS UP. 
          I VOTE NO TO THIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE ARE THERE ANY SPEAKERS? WHENEVER IT IS LAID OUT, IF THERE ARE SPEAKERS I WOULD LIKE TO LISTEN TO THEM. 
          >> YES, THERE ARE SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM. AND WE ALSO HAVE SUBJECT 
          MATTER EXPERTS AND JIM BETKEY IS AVAILABLE. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO THERE WAS AN ITEM FROM COVID THAT WE SAID WE WERE GOING TO TAKE UP WITH THIS ITEM. 
          JUST TRYING TO REMEMBER. >> COMMISSIONER SAID IT WAS ITEM H ON PAGE 29. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: H ON PAGE 29 WE WILL TAKE UP WITH THIS. COMMISSIONER CAGLE? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM DIGGING UP SOME PAPERS. GIVE ME A SECOND. 
          WE MOVED THINGS AROUND SINCE THE LAST BREAK. I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO WHILE 
          I DIG UP MY DOCUMENTS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: WE SHOULD HEAR FROM THE JUSTICE 
          ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT. BAIL MONITORING. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET'S DO 
          THAT. >> I UNMUTE JIM BETKEY FIRST. YOU ARE UNMUTED. 
          >> JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, I AM PLEASED THAT THEY ARE HERE TO LAYOUT THE FIRST SIX-MONTH REPORT AS WAS REQUIRED UNDER THE CONCEPT DECREE -- CONSENT DECREE. 
          WE HAVE A SLIDE SHOW TO GO THROUGH. >> UNMUTEED BRANDON GARRETT 
          [05:20:04]
          AND THOMPSON. THEY ARE BOTH UN -- UNMUTED. >> WONDERFUL. 
          THANK YOU SO MUCH. THIS IS BRANDON GARRETT. THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE OUR WORK TO YOU. 
          WE HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK SINCE MARCH 3RD WHEN SANDY AND I WERE APPOINTED AS MONITORS. OUR ROLE IS TO OBSERVE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LANDMARK CONSENT DECREE AND REPORT TO JUDGE ROSENTHAL. AND WE HAVE BEEN MEETING FREQUENTLY WITH THE PARTIES AND WITH JIM BETKEY AND JAD AND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONS. 
          COUNTY OFFICIALS AND THE MANY OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TO BOTH LEARN THAT MAKE CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS THEY HAVE BEEN MAKE MAGAZINE AND WE HAVE A FEW DATA WE CAN DISPLAY ON A FEW SLIDES. THEY ARE IMPORTANT REFORMS AND THEY CAN BE CARRIED OUT SO FAR. IT IS A PLEASURE TO APPEAR BEFORE YOU EVEN ON THIS VIRTUAL AND DISEMBODIED KIND OF A WAY. WE WILL MOVE TO THE SECOND 
          SLIDE. >> LINA HIDALGO: LET ME TAKE A SECOND TO THANK YOU AND THANK PROFESSOR THOMPSON ON YOUR GUYS' EFFORTS. I KNOW THIS IS A CHALLENGE 
          TOPIC. >> THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT. >> WE ARE ACADEMICS. 
          WE ARE INDEPENDENT AND IT IS TO OBSERVE AS NEUTRALLY AS WE CAN. 
          WE WERE APPOINTED BEFORE MARCH . I WAS EXPECTING TO MAKE A LOT OF TRIPS TO HOUSTON AND THAT HASN'T HAPPENED. OBVIOUSLY COVID WAS NOT WITHOUT ITS CHALLENGES IN THE 
          HARRIS COUNTY JAIL. >> WE SPENT A LONGTIME POURING OVER THE JAIL ROSTER. 
          WE ARE WATCHING JAIL VIDEOS AND MEETING FREQUENTLY WITH THE PARTIES. 
          WE HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK OF THE COUNTY AND THE PARTIES AS THEY HAVE HAD TO IMPLEMENT SOME RIGOROUS CONSENT DECREE REQUIREMENTS. 
          SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN EX -- EXTENDED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TIME TO IMPLEMENT THEM, BUT FOR THE MOST PART THOSE HAVE BEEN EXTENSIONS AND THEY ARE CARRYING OUT WORK DILIGENTLY DURING A CHALLENGING TIME -- A CHALLENGING TIME. 
          EVERYONE'S COMMITMENT TO MAKING THIS COMMITMENT MISDEMEANOR BAIL REFORM A SUCCESS. PERHAPS THE NEXT SLIDE SANDY CAN INTRODUCE THE COMMUNITY 
          STAKEHOLDERS ADVISING US THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT. >> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME. 
          I HAVE BEEN HAHN -- HONORED TO WORK WITH A DIVERSE GROUP FROM THE COMMUNITY. 
          I'M SURE I DON'T NEED TO INTRODUCE THESE PEOPLE BECAUSE THEIR NAMES ARE ON THE SCREEN. THEY ARE LEADERS WE HAVE KNOWN AROUND THE COMMUNITY. 
          IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CIVIL RIGHTS AND AS SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR THE HOMELESS AND FOSTER CHILDREN AND LEADERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND PARTICULARLY OUR DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY. WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER A REALLY TALENTED GROUP AND THEY HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY GENEROUS WITH THEIR HELP AND IN DOING SO HAVE HELPED TO GUIDE MANY OF 
          [05:25:04]
OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATORS IN THE WORK THEY ARE DOING UNDER THE CONSENT DECREE. 
          NOT ONLY TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONSENT DECREE, BUT TO GO BEYOND AS THEY SEE FIT. WE HAVE BEEN PROUD OF THE WORK OUR GROUP HAS BEEN DOING. 
          >> ON THE NEXT SLIDE WE HAVE PICTURES OF OURSELVES. SINCE WE ARE ON VIDEO MAYBE THAT'S OKAY. I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THAT ON OUR OWN TEAM WE HAVE SOME DIFFERENT TYPES OF PEOPLE COLLABORATING. I AM A LAW PROFESSOR AND I WORK ON LARGE SCALE EMPIRICAL PROJECTS AT DUKE. I FIRST CAME TO KNOW SANDY BECAUSE OF THE HOUSTON WORK AT THE HOUSTON FORENSIC SCIENCE CENTER. 
          WE HAVE COLLABORATORS AT TEXAS A&M, DOTTIE CARMICHAEL AND HER TEAM. 
          I SHOW YOU WHAT THEY ARE DOING LOOKING AT WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM COSTS AND BENEFITS OF BAIL REFORM. LET'S MOVE TO THE NEXT SLIDE. THIS IS AN OVER VIEW. 
          LIKE WE MENTIONED WE SUBMITTED THE FIRST SIX-MONTH REPORT AND WE HAVE HAD THE GRAPHIC UP SO THE PUBLIC CAN SEE WHAT WE HAVE BEEN DOING. WE WERE HOLDING MEETINGS DAILY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF FOLKS INVOLVED IN THE INPLAW MEN -- IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECREE. 
          THERE ARE AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF DEADLINES AND REQUIREMENTS. 
          BUT THE BIG PICTURE, A SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION BEGAN THE COUNTY CRIMINAL LAW JUDGES ADOPTED RULE 9. BEFORE THIS CONSENT DECREE WAS ENTERED, AND IN ADOPTING THAT RULE THEY AGREED TO A NEW PROCESS BY WHICH THE VAST MAJORITY OF MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES ARE NOT JAIL ELIGIBLE. 
          WITHIN THE GROUP OF SIX MORE SERIOUS MISDEMEANORS, THOSE PEOPLE CAN BE DETAINED IN THE JAIL. THEY CAN RECEIVE A CASH BOND RESULTING IN THE DETENTION. 
          THERE IS A FAR MORE RIGOROUS HEARING THAT OCCURS. A IMAGINE STATION HEARING WHERE THERE IS ALWAYS A PUBLIC DEFENDER PRESENT AND THEY ARE DECIDING IS THIS PERSON WITH IS UP A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER THAT THEY SHOULD BE DETAINED FOR SOME TIME PERIOD, OR CAN WE RELEASE THIS PERSON ON A PERSONAL BOND BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? 
          >> IT IS ONLY JUST BEING IMPLEMENTED RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A SUBJECT OF FUTURE WORK AND THEY ARE BRINGING IN VENDORS TO DEVELOP THESE TYPES OF ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATIONS. 
          ONE BIG AREA IS ACCESSIBILITY INCLUDING LANGUAGE ACCESSIBILITY. 
          A NUMBER OF THE COURT FORMS THAT WERE EXPLAINING WHAT PEOPLE'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AND WE ARE SPOT TRANSLATED TO SPANISH OR OTHER LANGUAGES. 
          THEY WILL FEATURE TRANSLATIONS. SO JUST TO GIVE UH SENSE OF OVERVIEW OF WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN OUR REPORT, SWITCHING TO THE NEXT SLIDE, WE OBSERVE THAT THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF MISDEMEANOR CASES BROUGHT EACH YEAR. 2020 IS NOT A NORMAL YEAR. WE HAD HALF THE YEAR OF DATA SO WE HAD AN ASTERISK IN THE REPORT ITSELF. BY THE END OF THE YEAR IT COULD BE DOWN FARTHER AND THAT'S ACCORDING TO POLICIES ADOPTED IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19. THAT SAID, THE NUMBER OF MISDEMEANOR CASES ARE STILL -- YOU KNOW, THEY WERE MODESTLY DOWN BEFORE DOWN TO 50,000 OR SO CASES. 
          YOU CAN SWITCH TO THE NEXT SLIDE NOW. THIS JUST SHOWS WHAT A 
          [05:30:05]
REMARKABLE CHANGE WAS IN HARRIS COUNTY. BACK IN 2015, YOU HAD LESS THAN 10% OF CASES WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT. THE REST OF THE CASES IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CASH AMOUNT BASED ON THE OFFENSE. THE HEARINGS WERE BRIEF. 
          THERE WASN'T MUCH TO TALK ABOUT IF A MAGISTRATE WAS JUST FOLLOWING A SCHEDULE SAYING THIS IS WHAT YOU WERE ARRESTED FOR? WELL THAT'S A THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND. THAT'S A $5,000 BOND. TODAY IT IS THE VAST MAJORITY ARE RECEIVING THEIR GENERAL ORDER BONDS AND RELEASED TO THE POINT OF THE BOND. 
          THE NEXT SLIDE CAPTURES THIS AS WELL. WE CAN SWITCH TO THAT. 
          THIS IS A DIFFERENT SUBJECT. WE HAVE SOME OTHER TABLES SHOWING HOW THE CASH BOND 
          AMOUNTS HAVE DECLINED ENORMOUSLY. >> CAN I ASK A QUESTION HERE? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: MY UNDERSTANDING IS THIS IS NEW MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES. DOES THIS INCLUDE WHERE SOMEONE WAS OUT ON A GENERAL ORDER BOND FOR A MISDEMEANOR OFFENSE AND COMMITTED EITHER A 
          FAMILY VIOLENCE ACT OR A FELONY? >> I CAN TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THIS TABLE AND THERE ARE ADDITIONAL ONES IN THE REPORT. SO FAR WE RECEIVED MORE QUESTIONS OF THIS THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN OUR REPORT. WHAT THIS IS DESCRIBING IS ANYTIME SOMEBODY WAS BOOKED FOR A MISDEMEANOR, DOES THAT SAME PERSON RECEIVE A COMPLAINT WITHIN 90 DAYS OR 180 DAYS OR A YEAR? THAT INCLUDES ANY COMPLAINT OF ANY TYPE. IT IS VERY BROAD. THE GOAL IS TO SHOW THE MISDEMEANOR CASES. THERE ARE BIG CHANGES THAT OCCURRED IN PARTICULAR WHEN RULE 9 IS ADOPTED IN THE BEGINNING OF 2019. YOU DON'T SEE ANY CHANGE TO THESE PATTERNS. AND THEN YOU SAY HOW OFTEN DOES SOMEBODY WITH A MISDEMEANOR COMPLAINT GET CHARGED WITH A FELONY IN 365 DAYS. 
          AND THERE MAY BE CASES WHERE THEY ARE CHARGED WITH A FELONY. 
          THERE IS A GREATER ANALYSIS AND THE GOAL IS TO DO WHAT WE COULD WITH THE INITIAL DATA THAT WE RECEIVED. THE FELONY TABLE HAD NO OBSERVABLE CHANGE. 
          IT PAY HAVE BEEN TROUBLING. THERE ARE FIVE NEW COMPLAINTS WHERE IN THE PAST THERE MAY HAVE BEEN TWO. WE SAW NO PARTICULAR CHANGE. THERE IS MORE WORK WE WOULD LIKE TO DO WITH THIS DATA, BUT WE THOUGHT THIS WAS POSITIVE THAT WE WEREN'T SEEING A TROUBLING NEW TREND. WE HAVE SOME EXPLANATIONS WHY WE THINK THIS MIGHT BE THE CASE. ONE OF THE THINGS WE NEED TO WORK WITH AND WE ARE WORKING WITH, BUT THE DATA IS NOT IN SHAPE IS THE DURATION OF JAIL STAY. 
          WHAT OUR INITIAL IMPRESSION IS ALTHOUGH MANY, MANY MORE PEOPLE ARE RELEASED AFTER BOOKING THEM UNDER THE GENERAL ORDER BONDS THAT UNDER THE OLDER REGIME ALMOST EVERYONE RECEIVED A SECURED BOND, A CASH BOND, BUT WOULD RELEASED WITHIN A FEW WEEKS AND OFTEN PLEADING GUILTY BECAUSE THAT WAS THE WAY TO GET OUT. THE JAIL STAYS WERE NOT TERRIBLY LONG UNDER THE CASH BOND SYSTEM. WE ALSO NOTE SOME FRIENDS REGARDING SOME OF THE PARTICULAR OFFENSES. SO IT IS BASED ON THEIR 
          [05:35:03]
CATEGORY AND MORE SERIOUS. AND PLAN TO DO A FAIR AMOUNT MORE OF BREAKING OUT OF SUB TRENDS. WHAT WE ALSO DO NOT HAVE INFORMATION ON IS WHETHER COURT APPEARANCES CHANGED. THE NEW COURT APPEARANCE POLICIES ARE ONLY NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED SO THAT WILL BE IMPORTANT WORK IN THE MONTHS AHEAD. 
          SO LOOKING AT WHETHER COURT APPEARANCE CHANGED WITH MORE PEOPLE IN THE AND THE WHOLE COURT APPEARANCE SCHEME IS DIFFERENT. IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE PLEADING GUILTY FOR RELEASE OF JAIL, THERE WOULDN'T BE COURT APPEARANCES. 
          THEY WOULD RESOLVE THEIR CASES WITH CASH BAIL HANGING OVER THEM. 
          THAT'S ALL WORK COMING IN THE FUTURE. AS AN INITIAL MATTER WE THOUGHT THESE OVERVIEW FINDINGS IN TERMS OF NEW COMPLAINTS WERE ASSURE -- REASSURING. WE HAD A COUPLE OF OTHER SLIDES WE WANTED TO SHOW YOU AND WOULD LOVE TO TAKE WHATEVER QUESTIONS YOU HAVE. HERE IT HAS BEEN WIDELY OBSERVED AND WE SAW IN THE DATA AS WELL THAT THERE WERE RACE DISPARITIES IN TERMS OF WHO IS RECEIVING A PERSONAL BOND VERSUS NOT AND THOSE HAVE NARROWED OR ALMOST ENTIRELY BEEN ELIMINATED. THAT SAID THERE IS MISSING RACE INFORMATION IN THIS DATA. YOU NOTICE WE MOSTLY HAVE INFORMATION WHERE PEOPLE ARE LABELED AS BLACK OR WHITE, BUT NOT SELF-IDENTIFYING. THERE IS NOTHING ABOUT THE LATIN X COMMUNITY -- TALKING WITH FOLKS ABOUT HOW TO BRING IN DRIVER'S LICENSE OR OTHER SOURCES OF DATA SO WE HAVE MAURY LIABLE INFORMATION -- MORE RELIABLE INFORMATION. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: ON THAT DATA, IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP WITH THE DATA COLLECTION? I KNOW A LOT OF WHAT YOU DO IS TO BE DRIVEN BY DATA. 
          IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO? IF YOU WANT ME TO ASK LATER, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE 
          DOING OUR PART SCO YOU -- SO YOU HAVE THAT DATA. >> THANK YOU. 
          I THINK THINGS ARE MOVING FORWARD REALLY WELL. I THINK THE MAIN PLAN IS TO BRING IN DATA, THE DMV DATA AND SO THAT MAY INVOLVE A CONVERSATION WITH DPS AND GETTING ACCESS TO THAT. BRINGING DATA IN WILL TAKE A LITTLE LABOR, BUT NOT MUCH. 
          WE THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE THE IDEAL SOURCE. ON DRIVER'S LICENSES PEOPLE CAN SELF-IDENTIFY. FARBER THAN -- FAR BETTER THAN LAW ENFORCEMENT ASKING SOMEBODY TO IDENTIFY. I THINK THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE THAT THE DATA DOESN'T REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF HARRIS COUNTY AND IT SHOULD. 
          THERE WILL BE PEOPLE BOOKED ON MISDEMEANORS WHO DON'T HAVE A DRIVER'S LICENSE, BUT WE WILL HAVE NAME AND ADDRESS AND INFORMATION AND WE CAN DO A GOOD JOB AT FILLING IN ANY GAPS. I THINK JOD HAS, IN OUR CONVERSATIONS, WE HAVE A GOOD PLAN ON HOW TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AND WE THINK IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT. 
          LIKE YOU SAY, UNDERSTANDING THE DATA IS CENTRAL TO OUR JOB AND THE RACE AND ETHNICITY JOB THAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW IS NOT ONE ANYBODY WOULD WANT. ALTHOUGH THE INITIAL PICTURE IS AT LEAST A LITTLE REASSURING OX BUT -- BUT WE NEED TO DIG DEEPER. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ANY OTHER SLIDES? >> WE HAVE A COUPLE OTHER SLIDES. WE HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE IMAGINE STATION HEARINGS -- THE IMAGINE -- MAGISTRATION HEARINGS. THEY ARE TWICE AS LONG AS 2019. THERE IS NOW A PUBLIC DEFENDER PRESENT. 
          WE DID NOTE THAT THERE ARE PROBLEM AREAS AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT. 
          THERE ARE SOME SITUATIONS IN WHICH A HEARING WENT FORWARD WITHOUT THE PUBLIC DEFENDER REPRESENTING SOMEONE. IT WAS TYPICALLY WHERE THE ARRESTEE WASN'T IN THE ROOM 
          [05:40:05]
AND WE SAID THE HEARING CAN'T GO FORWARD IF COUNSEL IS NOT REPRESENTING THE PERSON. 
          YOU CAN WAIT FOR THE PERSON TO BE IN THE ROOM OR SECURE THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC PUBLIC DEFENDER AND ALLOW THEM TO GO FORWARD. ANOTHER AREA OF FOCUS IS 
          MAKING SURE THERE IS A FOCUS ON -- [INAUDIBLE]. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: COMMISSIONER 
          GARCIA -- >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD. >> I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT THE KIND OF CONVERSATION ABOUT ABILITY TO PAY MIGHT INCLUDE IF SOMEBODY HAS 100 IN THE BANK ACT THEY SAY THEY HAVE A $100 UH BILL -- ABILITY TO PAY FOR IF SOMEBODY HAS $20 AND THAT'S NOT IT. IF A PERSON IS HOMELESS AND WITHIN THE POVERTY LINE. 
          IF THE PERSON IS QUALIFIED FOR THE INDIGENT PURPOSES AND THEY HAVE NO ABILITY TO PAY AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE ASKED TO HAND OVER THEIR LAST $40 OR THE REMAINING $100 IN THEIR BANK ACCOUNT THE . THE GOAL IS UNLESS THEY HAVE A STRONG RISK THEY SHOULD RECEIVE A PERSONAL SAFETY BOND AND BE RETOESED THE COMMUNITY WHAT -- WITH WHAT IS APPROPRIATE. THAT SAID WE LOOK AT THE NEXT SLIDE. 
          OVERALL THE HEARINGS ARE FAR MORE ROBUST THERE IS -- ROBUST. 
          THERE IS PARTICIPATION ON BOTH SIDES. IT IS NOT ROUTINE AT ALL FOR THE HEARING OFFICERS TO GO WITH EITHER SIDE. WE ALSO HAD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE CLARITY AND HOW UNDERSTANDABLE THEIR OPINIONS ARE. 
          WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE STRUCTURED DECISION MAKING IN A MORE STRUCTURED OPINION FORMAT FOR THEIR OPINIONS. THEY ARE GIVING US SPACE WHICH IS A LARGE BOX WHETHER THEY ARE INDIGENT AND WHAT ARE THE PRE-TRIAL CONDITIONS AND IT DOESN'T LEND ITSELF IN THAT FORMAT BEING EASY TO FOLLOW BY LETTING PEOPLE RELY ON THAT OPINION. 
          AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON AN INITIAL COST ANALYSIS AND THE JAIL COSTS ARE ONE PART OF THE RESULT. AND YOU HAVE TENS OF THOUSANDS IN THE COMMUNITY WHO HAVE BEEN IN JAIL BEFORE. IT IS COST TO EMPLOYMENT AND CHILD CUSTODY AND TO HOUSING. 
          THERE WERE COSTS BECAUSE BEING IN JAIL CAN CAUSE INCREASES IN CRIME. 
          WHAT WAS THE REDUCTION IN JAIL BEDS AND THE COST OF DETAINING PEOPLE ONCE RULE 9 TOOK EFFECT. AND THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE MISDEMEANOR CASES WHO ARE DETAINED ON THE CASH BOND. THERE HAS BEEN SOME MODEST DECLINE, BUT NOT AS MUCH AS ONE MIGHT EXPECT. THIS IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO EXPLORE. 
          THERE ARE A SMALL NUMBER OF CASES WHERE THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF JAIL STAY HAS GONE UP QUITE A BIT. SO THERE IS A SMALL SLICE OF THE MISDEMEANOR POPULATION WHICH IS SPENDING LONGER IN JAIL THAN IN THE PAST. WHETHER IT IS FELONY CASES OR OTHER TYPES OF HOLDS FROM CASES IN OTHER COUNTIES OR WHETHER IT IS A SLOWER CASE PROCESSING, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. IT IS NOT COVID RELATED AND WE SAW THAT HAPPENING BEFORE COVID AND THATMENT -- THAT MEANT JAIL DAYS WENT UP FOR THIS SMALL SLICE OF THE POPULATION. THAT'S SOMETHING WE WANT TO EXPLORE MORE AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND BETTER. I THINK THAT'S ALL OF OUR SLIDES. WE HAVE QUITE A BIT TO DO TO UNPACK SOME OF THE DATA FURTHER THAT WE HAVE SHOWED YOU INCLUDING THE QUITE PROMISING DATA ON RECIDIVISM, 
          [05:45:07]
BUT WE WANT TO BREAK IT OUT MORE INCLUDING BRINGING IN FAR BETTER DATA ON RACE AND ETHNICITY. THE WHOLE COURT APPEARANCE SYSTEM AND COURT ELECTRON -- ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WHICH WILL MAKE PROCEEDING WITH THE MISDEMEANOR CASES FAIRER AND MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE JUST. THAT IMPLEMENTATION IS OCCURRING IN THE MONTHS AHEAD. WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THOSE CHANGES AND IT WILL IMPROVE THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE COURTS. THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO DO. 
          WE ARE IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK THAT THE COURT ADMINISTRATION AND JAD AND ALL OF THE OTHERS THAT ARE COLLABORATING AND WE WERE TALKING AT OUR LAST MEETING ABOUT HOW OFTEN PEOPLE FOCUS ON THE FIRST REPORT OF THE MONITOR. WE THINK THE REPORTS HAVE A LOT MORE TO TELL YOU. THE PIECES ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED RIGHT NOW. 
          WE ARE POSITIVE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR. HOPE WE CAN REPORT EQUALLY POSITIVE THINGS AS THESE OTHER BIG PIECES OF WHAT WILL BE A MODEL MISDEMEANOR SYSTEM COME 
          INTO PLACE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. ARE WE LOOKING FOR A TRANSMITAL ON THIS REPORT? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE REPORT AND MOVE 
          ON? >> LINA HIDALGO: I BELIEVE IT IS JUST A TRANSMITAL, BUT, 
          JIM, DO YOU NEED ANYTHING MOTION WISE? >> RODNEY ELLIS: YOU MIGHT BE 
          MUTED. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONER GARCIA, THERE WOULD BE NO ADDITIONAL ACTION NEEDED TO BE TAKEN BY THE COURT PURSUANT TO THE CONSENT DECREE. 
          THIS HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE FEDERAL COURT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND, JUDGE, I WOULD JUST ASK SINCE IT IS JUST A TRANS MISS TALL -- TRANSMITAL AND I WON'T DELAY US TODAY, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH MR. BEKEY AND -- BETKEY AND THESE FOLKS TO HAVE SOME MORE DISCUSSION ON THE DATA POINTS THEY PRESENTED. 
          >> HAPPY TO DO SO, COMMISSIONER. >> JUDGE WE DO HAVE TWO 
          SPEAKERS ON THE LINE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER. 
          YES, COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. I WANT TO THANK THE TEAM THEY HAVE PUT TOGETHER. I WANT TO SUGGEST IN THIS PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT THAT YOU ALL DO SOME COMMUNITY MEETINGS. I KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF MISINFORMATION OUT THERE. YOU DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE TO HAVE US. 
          IF THE JUDGE OR IF THE COMMISSIONERS WANT TO CHIME IN, FINE. 
          YOU OUGHT TO DO A ZOOM AND PUT IT OUT THERE TO THE PUBLIC. OBVIOUSLY PUT THE REPORT OUT. 
          THE ISSUE HAS OBVIOUSLY GENERATED A LOT OF ATTENTION. I CAN SEE THIS REPORT AS FAVORABLE. IT IS EARLY ON. I HEARD HIM SAY IMPROVE DUE PROCESS INCLUDING REPRESENTATION BY THE PD'S OFFICE. 
          THE RELIANCE OF A CASH BAIL AND DETENTION FOR THOSE WHO LACK RESOURCES TO MAKE BAIL HAS BEEN DECREASED. A REDUCTION IN RACIAL DISPARITYIES NO CHANGE IN MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY RECIDIVISM SO FAR AND AN OVER ALL DECLINE IN PRE-TRIAL JAIL DAYS FOR MOST MISDEMEANOR DEFENDERS. I HOPE THE NEWS WILL CONTINUE TO BE POSITIVE. I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU PUT IT OUT THERE AND GIVE THE PUBLIC A CHANCE NOT JUST WITH US, BUT WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT TO THE EXTENT THE JUDGES -- I KNOW SOME OF THEM WHO ADOPTED THE ROLE MIGHT BE ON THE LINE, BUT THESE CAN'T TALK ABOUT SPECIFIC CASES, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS OUT THERE AND IT HELPS EDUCATE THE PUBLIC WHETHER THEY ARE FOR ORGANS REFORM. OR AGAINST REFORM. 
          IT WAS ONLY MISDEMEANORS, BUT IT WAS A BIG DEAL, AND IT SETS THE STAGE FOR A LOT OF SETTLEMENTS OR CHANGES IN THE COUNTRY IN THE ABSENCE OF COURT ACTION. 
          I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THAT, MR. BETKEY. I HELP, BUT I WANT YOU ALL TO 
          MAKE IT PART OF YOUR MISSION AS OPPOSED TO INDIVIDUALS. >> COMMISSIONER ELLIS, 
          [05:50:03]
OUTSTANDING SUGGESTION. WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN TALKING WITH PROFESSOR GARRETT AND PROFESSOR THOMPSON. WE EVEN TALKED ABOUT DOING THE -- A COMMUNITY FORUM AFTER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING MEETING, BUT THERE WASN'T QUITE ENOUGH TIME. 
          WE WILL ABSOLUTELY. WE ARE LOOKING FOR A DATE IN OCTOBER. 
          WE ARE LOOKING IN THEIR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TEAM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND JIM, WITH THE SOCIAL MEDIA, GET IT OUT THERE. NOT JUST ALL OF THE FOLKS ARGUING ONE SIDE AND THE OTHER, BUT GET THE INFORMATION OUT THERE AND RUN IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA SO PEOPLE CAN BE EDUCATED ON IT. EVEN IF YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT AS CALM WHEN THEY ARE DISCUSSING IT, GIVE THEM ACCESS AND PUT THIS REPORT ONLINE, BY THE WAY. PUT A FEW MORE GRAPHICS IN THERE AND MAKE IT INTERESTING 
          TO READ. >> WE WILL DO THAT, SIR. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, 
          JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REPORT. 
          COMMISSIONER CAGLE, WE MAY STILL NEED THE EXPERTS ON THE LINE AND JIM. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK MR. BETKEY'S OFFICE AND THEIR ASSISTANCE TO GETTING THE NUMBERS WITH REGARD TO THE STATUS AND THE COMPASSIONATE RELEASE. WE ALL HEARD AWHILE BACK THE FRIGHTENING REPORTS OF THINGS THAT COULD BE GOING WRONG IN A VERY BIG WAY, AND THEREFORE THE PUSH TO RELEASE UPWARDS OF ALMOST HALF OF THOSE WHO WERE BEING HELD FOR TRIAL, AND SOME THAT HAD BEEN -- WERE AWAITING THEIR TRIAL, ACTUALLY A DISMISSAL OF THEIR CASES WAS WHAT WAS BEING ADVOCATED DURING OUR PANDEMIC. I JUST WANTED TO GET AN UPDATE OF WHERE WE WERE IN THAT PROCESS, YOU KNOW, WITH THE -- AS YOU REPORTED EARLIER, JUDGE, THE ENCOURAGING NUMBERS, AND HOW WE ARE CLOSE TO BEING ABLE TO MOVE FROM LEVEL RED TO LEVEL ORANGE AND ARE IN LEVEL ORANGE IN A NUMBER OF CATEGORIES, JUST HOLDING BACK IN ONE ZONE. 
          WANT TO SEE WHERE WE ARE IN THAT PROCESS. MY NUMBERS I GOT HERE WAS THAT FROM MARCH 30TH TO SEPTEMBER 8TH WHOA RELEASED 1,332 INDIVIDUALS ON GENERAL ORDER BOND. THAT 200 OF THOSE WERE REARRESTED AFTER THE GENERAL ORDER BOND AND 117 OF THOSE -- OF THE REARRESTS ARE STILL IN CUSTODY WHICH MEANS 83 OF THE REARRESTS HAVE BEEN REGION ORDERED BACK OUT AGAIN AS I UNDERSTAND IT. 
          ARE THOSE NUMBERS CORRECT? >> YES, SIR, THEY ARE CORRECT. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: THE QUESTION IS, DO WE HAVE A SYSTEM IN PLACE TO WHERE IT IS A FAMILY VIOLENCE INCIDENT OR IF THERE IS AN INCIDENT WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL IS THE VICTIM OF EITHER A PHYSICAL VIOLENCE OR A VICTIM OF PROPERTY CRIME THIS WE NOTIFY THEM WHEN SOMEBODY IS ABOUT TO BE RELEASED THAT THEY KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL THAT THEY THOUGHT THAT WAS GOING TO BE IN JAIL IS NOW BACK OUT ON THE STREETS SO THAT THEY HAVE THAT SECURITY OF AT LEAST KNOWING THAT THEY NEED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS IF THEY ARE IN A 
          CONCERN FOR THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY? >> ON THE NOTIFICATION, COMMISSIONER CAGLE, I HAVE TO CIRCLE BACK WITH YOU. I KNOW THERE ARE NOTIFICATIONS IN PLACE TO THE EXTENT OF PERSONS BEING RELEASED ON BOND. 
          I HAVE TO DO SOME ADDITIONAL RESEARCH, BUT WE WILL GET BACK WITH YOUR OFFICE ASAP 
          REGARDING THAT. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: YOU ARE MUTED. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? THE ADDITIONAL RESEARCH I ASK YOUR OFFICE DO FOR US IS OF THOSE THAT WERE REARRESTED THE FELONY VERSUS MISDEMEANOR BREAK DOWN. I'VE TRIED TO FIND THAT AND MAYBE IT IS A FAULT ON MY SIDE, BUT IF YOU CAN ASSIST US ON HOW MANY FOLKS THAT ONCE THEY HAD BEEN RELEASED UNDER THE MISDEMEANOR COME BACK WITH THE FELONY OR MORE SERIOUS CRIME. 
          WE ARE ALL AWARE OF THE GREAT TRAGEDIES OF SOME OF THE MURDERS OF THE FOLKS THAT HAVE 
          [05:55:01]
BEEN OUT. I WANT TO KNOW HOW BIG OF A PROBLEM IS THAT IN TERMS OF HOW MANY OF OUR FOLKS ONCE THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH THIS PROCESS ARE COMING BACK, BUT AT A GREATER LEVEL OF COMMITTING AN OFFENSE AS OPPOSED TO A LESSER LEVEL. 
          DO YOU HAVE THE DATA TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT, OR IS THAT SOMETHING THAT WILL TAKE A 
          LITTLE TIME? >> I SAY IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF TIME. 
          WE ARE GETTING MUCH GREATER ACCESS TO THE DATA. WE HAD SOME RECENT CONVERSATIONS WITH BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THEY ARE COOPERATING WONDERFULLY WITH US. THEY ARE WORKING HARD REGARDING THIS. I AM DELIGHTED TO GET BACK WITH YOU ON THAT BECAUSE THAT IS INFORMATION THAT NEEDS TO BE READILY AVAILABLE FOR Y'ALL, BUT ALSO FOR THE PUBLIC AND THE VICTIMS ORGANIZATIONS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. WE WILL GET THAT. 
          I RAISE THAT UP. THE OTHER PIECE THAT I MAKE SURE THAT WE GET BACK WITH YOU ON BECAUSE WE DIDN'T ACTUALLY SEND THIS OUT IN THE REQUEST BECAUSE IT WAS ALREADY IMPLEMENTED, BUT ALSO THOSE BEING RELEASED ON OUR GOB REGARDING MISDEMEANORS AND HOW THEY ALL LOOK. WE WERE ABLE TO GIVE YOU -- WE GIVE YOU THE FELONY REPORT AND 
          THE -- AND THE OTHER ISSUES, BUT IT IS ALMOST DONE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU. 
          AND AT THIS TIME, YOU ARE NOT -- OR THE ADVISERS YOU BROUGHT TO US BEFORE ARE NOT 
          ADVOCATING MASS DISMISSAL. IS THAT TRUE? >> THAT IS TRUE. 
          WE DO HAVE A MEETING WITH -- AFTER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE MEETING I THINK NEXT WEEK WITH THE ELECTED D.A. THE PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS. 
          THE DISTRICT CLERK AND JUSTICE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH US ON ON THE SAFETY AND JUSTICE CHALLENGE IN CASE MANAGEMENT -- AND THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE SOME WHOLESALE MASS DISMISSAL, BUT WE ARE LOOKING AT STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE BACKLOG AS WELL AS WORKING WITH THE COURTS ON CASE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE. 
          I REPORT BACK -- IN FACT, THE DAY AFTER THE MEETING I MAKE SURE TO SEND A SUMMARY OF THE MANAGE TO EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND THE COUNTY JUDGE. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR. 
          >> THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I KNOW THAT -- I THINK [INAUDIBLE] IS ON THE LINE, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU REPORT SOMEBODY THAT GOT OUT ON MONEY BAIL AND SOMEBODY THAT GOT OUT ON A PERSONAL BOND. THERE IS A WAY TO INFLATE THE TWO. I DON'T THINK IT IS INTENTIONAL, BUT I WANT TO LAY IT OUT THERE. IF SOMEBODY IS PLAYING POLITICS, THEN THERE IS NO 
          MISTAKE IN THEIR MIND. >> YES, SIR. WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT'S 
          YOU -- THAT'S INCLUDED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND WE HAD AN ORDER LESS THAN HALF A DAY BEFORE BEFORE THE FELONY JUDGES MADE A MOVE. 
          BUT EVEN WITH THE GENERAL ORDER BONDS THEY HAD GOING ON AND THEY HAD GOING ON SAME AS WITH THE ORDER I ISSUED NO CASES WERE BEING DISMISSED, CORRECT? IT IS SIMPLY PROVIDING FOR PRE-TRIAL RELEASE OF NON-VIOLENT PEOPLE. 
          BUT THEY STILL HAVE TO FACE JUSTICE. >> THAT IS ABSOLUTELY 
          CORRECT. >> OR ANY OF THE JUDGE'S GENERAL ORDER BONDS DISMISSING 
          CASES. >> THERE IS NO DISMISSING. THEY STILL HAD TO ANSWER FOR 
          THEIR CHARGES. >> LINA HIDALGO: DID COMMISSIONER ELLIS SAY THERE WAS SPEAKERS? LUCINDA, DID YOU SAY THERE ARE OTHERS? 
          >> YES, MA'AM, THERE IS. >> LINA HIDALGO: WHY DON'T WE TAKE THE SPEAKERS THEN? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO ELECTED OFFICIALS I WANT 
          TO MAKE SURE -- >> THAT'S WHO THEY RVMENT JUDGE GERALD -- 
          >> JUDGE GERALD GORDON, GO AHEAD. >> WE ARE NOT HERE TO TAKE A VICTORY LAP. IT IS JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE ARE COMMITTED EVEN WITH THE DATA THAT'S COME OUT TO CONTINUE TO RE -- TO REFINE OUR SYSTEM AND MAKE IT 
          [06:00:01]
BETTER. I WISH THE FELONY COURT JUDGES WOULD USE ANOTHER NAME OTHER THAN GENERAL ORDER BOND. IN THE COUNTY COURTS NOBODY CHARGED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DASH DARN -- YOU DON'T GET A GENERAL ORDER BOND FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. 
          WHEN THAT WAS MENTIONED EARLIER THAT WAS NOT HAPPENING. 
          I WON'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE DATA, BUT WE HAVE BEEN TRANSPARENT AND WE INVITED ANYBODY AND ANYBODY THAT WANTS TO COME TO PRESENT US WITH REPORTS SO WE CAN MAKE OUR SYSTEM BETTER. AND I END ON THIS, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE FIRST SIX MONTHS REPORT IT IS CLEAR THAT MONEY DOESN'T MAKE PEOPLE SAFE. I THINK THAT'S WHAT STANDS OUT HERE. PEOPLE ARE BEING TREATED EQUALLY. 
          AND THAT'S ALL WE CAN ASK FOR. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO JAIL AND DOING TIME, IT SHOULD BE BECAUSE THEY ARE CONVICTED OF A CRIME AND NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE POOR AND DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO GET OUT. I END MY COMMENTS THERE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> RODNEY ELLIS: CAN YOU SAY WHEN YOU ARE LEAVING? WE WON'T BE ABLE TO GET YOU ON THE LINE ANYMORE. 
          THAT'S IN ABOUT A WEEK OR SO. >> NEXT WEEK. I WILL BE GONE NEXT WEEK. 
          THIS IS MY LAST PUBLIC STATEMENT AND I AM HAPPY TO GO OUT ON THIS NOTE AND KNOWING THE COUNTY COURT JUDGES ARE COMMITTED EVEN WITHOUT ME BEING THERE. 
          EVERYBODY IS DRIVEN TO SEE THIS BE A SUCCESS. WE ARE STRIVING FOR THE EXAMPLE FOR THE COUNTRY PRE-COVID COUNTIES WILL COME HERE EVERY OTHER WEEK TO SEE 
          OUR SYSTEM AND WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IN HARRIS COUNTY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, GOOD LUCK. BE SAFE AND GOD BE WITH YOU. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH THAT YOU LEFT QUITE A LEGACY. COME BACK AND DO A VICTORY LAP WHEN YOU ARE SERVING ON THAT 
          NEW TERM. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS YOU, MAN. LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING YOU BACK. 
          >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: SAME HERE. BE SAFE. 
          GANG 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS JUDGE 
          DRAPER THERE? >> JUDGE DRAPER, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          JUDGE DRAPER? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, YOU MIGHT BE MUTED. 
          WE MIGHT HAVE LOST YOU. >> LET ME -- LET US TRY HER AGAIN. 
          I LET YOU KNOW WHEN SHE IS BACK ON. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, LUCINDA? 
          >> NO, MA'AM. I LET YOU KNOW WHEN WE GET JUDGE DRAPER BACK ON. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. ANYTHING ELSE ON JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION? 
          >> SORRY. FOR THE COURT RECORD IS THERE ANY ACTION ON ITEM 20H? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT IS JUST A TRANSMITAL. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK THAT 
          IS COMMISSIONER -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: OH THAT WAS DISCUSSION AND MY QUESTIONS 
          WERE ANSWERED. THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE ONE QUESTION FOR MR. BETKEY. I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT DATA HERE WHICH IS NOT NECESSARILY CONNECTED WITH OUR TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT. I ASSUME SOME OF THE DATA WE TALKED ABOUT, WE ALL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO GET IT A MONTH OR SO AGO. 
          IS THE DATA STILL OUT? I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVEN WITH NEW LEADERSHIP WE DON'T WAIT TOO LONG BEFORE WE OPEN UP THE RECORDS. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET THE DATA IN. I AM HOPING YOU WILL ASK IF YOU DON'T GET IT PRETTY SOON. 
          YOU KNOW, ALL THESE AGREEMENTS WE ARE TALKING ABOUT GOING THROUGH AND OTHER COUNTIES ASK FOR AND GET IT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT DRAGGING THIS OUT. 
          >> WE HAVE THE JUDGE BACK ON. JUDGE DRAPER, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          JUDGE? >> LINA HIDALGO: JUDGE DRAPER, ARE YOU ON? WE CAN'T HEAR YOU. ALL RIGHT. WE WILL TRY AGAIN. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: IS MR. BETKEY AROUND, JUDGE HIDALGO? >> YES, JUST A MOMENT. 
          JIM, YOU ARE UNMUTED. >> COMMISSIONER, I AM STILL ON THE LINE. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE DATA IS COMING IN THAT WE TALKED ABOUT A MONTH OR SIX WEEKS AGO, AND IF YOU DON'T GET IT, THAT YOU GO AHEAD AND DO AN OPEN RECORDS REQUEST. I THINK YOU GOT THE LATITUDE TO DO THAT NOW. I DON'T WANT THIS TO KEEP DRAGGING ON. 
          THE DATA IS SO IMPORTANT. I PREFER WE ARGUE ABOUT THE FACTS THAN ARGUE ABOUT HOW TO 
          GET THEM. >> I CONCUR, AND WE WILL FOLLOW-UP ON REALLY JUST ONE 
          [06:05:07]
OR TWO AREAS WHERE WE ARE LACKING THE DATA. THAT IS SUPER HIGH PRIORITY FOR THE DATA TEAM. WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT STAYS AT THE TOP OF THE PRIORITY AND 
          NOT LET UP. >> RODNEY ELLIS: AND IF IN TWO WEEKS YOU DON'T HAVE IT, WOULD YOU TELL ME IN ADVANCE? IF YOU DON'T PUT IT ON THE AGENDA ASNESS -- AS NECESSARY, 
          I. LET'S GET IT OVER WITH. >> YES, SIR, THANK YOU. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK. >> THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. SO THAT WAS ITEM 16 AND ALSO THE -- COMMISSIONER CAGLE'S ITEM H. AND NOW TRAVEL AND TRAINING. GRANTS. 
          >> JUDGE, I THINK WE HAVE HER AGAIN. WE CAN GIVE IT A TRY. 
          JUDGE DRAPER? NO, WE ARE GOING TO TRY WITH SOMEONE ELSE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: FISCAL SERVICES AND PURCHASING. I HAVE NO ACTION ON ITEM A5 ON PAGE 20. AND NO ACTION ON PAGE 25, ITEM 14E, AN AMENDMENT ON PARKING METER SERVICES. AND NOW MOVING ON TO COMMISSIONER'S COURT. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR? I'M SORRY. COULD YOU GO BACK TO PAGE 22 
          AND ITEM 9? LEAN D9? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK THAT IS 9. IT IS PAGE 22 AND B9. AND DEALS WITH PAYING FOR THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR. IT IS A TRANSMITAL OF THE PURCHASE. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, I GOT IT. HAVE I IT AS D, BUT YES. 
          THAT IS THE -- THAT IS THE SEARCH FIRM THAT IS HELPING US IDENTIFY THE ELECTIONS 
          ADMINISTRATOR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YOUR HONOR FOR CLARITY, I VOTE NO ON THAT AND MAYBE SOMEBODY WANTS TO MAKE A MOTION TO PROCESS IT NOW SO WE DON'T HAVE TO MOVE 
          IT UNTIL THE END. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I MOVE.  IT COMMISSIONER. 
          THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I SECOND THE ITEM. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> NO. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN 
          FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES. >> OKAY, JUDGE. 
          TRY IT AGAIN. FOR JUDGE DRAPER. >> CAN YOU HEAR ME? 
          >> YES, MA'AM. WE CAN HEAR YOU. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          >> THIS IS JUDGE DRAPER. I AM THE JUDGE OF HARRIS COUNTY NUMBER 12. 
          I AM JUST CALLING IN. I DID HAVE A CHANCE TO LOOK INTO THE REPORT GIVEN BY MR. GARRETT. I DISAGREE JUST A LITTLE BIT. THIS IS A VICTORY LAP. 
          I THINK ALL OF US, THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT INCLUDED SHOULD BE CELEBRATING THE FACT THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BASED ON HOW MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE AND WE DIDN'T HAVE TO SACRIFICE PUBLIC SAFETY. I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE. I SAY THAT THIS IS A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT FOR ME PERSONALLY. I WAS THE PUBLIC DEFENDER OF THE VERY FIRST BAIL HEARING AT MIDNIGHT IN 2017. AND THEN TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE -- IN SET -- SETTLING THE LAW CONSENT DECREE AND TO HEAR THIS REPORT, I AM EXCITED FOR WHERE THE COURTS ARE HEADED AND THE FACT THAT WE ARE NOW ABLE TO BRING THIS LEVEL OF EQUITY TO OUR COURT SYSTEM. SO I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH MY COLLEAGUES AND MAKING SURE THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. IT IS CERTAINLY CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION. THE ONLY OTHER THING I ADD IS THAT I AM VERY EXCITED TO HEAR THE STATS THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN JM -- JUMPS IN RECIDIVISM. 
          IT IS NOT REALLY SURPRISING THOUGH. THAT'S WHAT WE EXPECTED. 
          I DO WANT TO STRESS THAT TREATING PEOPLE FAIRLY AND NOT DISCRIMINATING BASED ON HOW 
          [06:10:01]
MUCH MONEY THEY HAVE IS NOT OPTIONAL. THAT IS CONSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED AND THAT'S WHAT JUDGE ROSE SEN THAT WILL MADE VERY -- JUDGE ROSENTHAL MADE VERY CLEAR. WE WANT TO KEEP OUR EYE ON THE PRIZE AND MAKE SURE THOSE CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS DON'T OCCUR AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO ADDRESS THIS GROUP, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU MOVING FORWARD. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS. YOU ARE MUTED, COMMISSIONER. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: YEAH, JUDGE DRAPER, I SAID IT TO YOU PRIVATELY AND I SAY IT PUBLICLY. I MAKE THE RESOURCES OF MY OFFICE AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO GO OUT AND MAKE A CASE TO THE PUBLIC. THERE ARE THE FEAR AMOUNG GEARERS -- FEAR MONGERERS ON THE OP SIDE SIDE WHO SAID THEY WERE FOR IT, BUT REALLY WERE AGAINST IT ALL ALONG. THEY SEEK TO DIVIDE US EVEN DURING THIS INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION ON RACIAL RECONCILIATION. I ENCOURAGE, DON'T WAIT FOR ME TO DO IT. YOU KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS THAN I DO. 
          I CERTAINLY HAVE RESOURCES TO HELP AND I THINK OTHERS WOULD AS WELL. 
          WITHOUT TALKING ABOUT SPECIFIC CASES AND AS FAR AS THE CANNONS OF ETHICS WILL LET YOU 
          GO, I ENCOURAGE THAT. >> I APPRECIATE THAT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. SO WE WILL GO BACK TO 
          COMMISSIONER'S COURT IF THAT'S ALL RIGHT. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE ARE 
          YOU ON PAGE 25 NOW? >> LINA HIDALGO: 26. WE CAN GO TO 25, 
          COMMISSIONER. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM GOING TO VOTE AGAINST ITEM G ON PAGE 
          25. THAT'S 14G. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> NO. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIES 3-2. ALL RIGHT. 
          GOING TO PAGE 26, A1 WE COVERED. THAT'S THE CHILDHOOD CANCER RESOLUTION. ITEM 2 IS THE VISION AND GOALS STATEMENT AND THASES PART OF A COUNTY WIDE REVIEW PROCESS. STAFF FROM EACH MEMBER OF COURT ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE. I BELIEVE THESE HAVE BEEN CIRCULATED ALREADY. 
          THE IDEA IS TO OUTLINE THE COUNTY'S OVERALL APPROACH AND REFLECT WHAT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE ACROSS THE DIFFERENT POLICY AREAS. THE INITIAL SEED FOR COMING UP WITH THESE WAS PLANTED THROUGH SOME OF THE PROPOSALS FOR THE COUNTY WIDE REVIEW WHERE SOME OF THE BIDS APPARENTLY HAD DONE A VISIONING PROCESS. AND SO ONCE THE FIRM WAS RETAINED THE GROUP DECIDED, THAT THERE OUGHT TO BE THE VISIONING PROCESS ANYWAY. 
          THESE VISION AND GOAL STATEMENTS WERE DEVELOPED. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO THE DEPARTMENTS AS WE MOVE TOWARD NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET PROCESS. 
          SO FOLKS GENERALLY HAVE A SENSE OF WHERE WE ARE HEADED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T THINK WE NEED A MOTION UNLESS THERE IS A CONTINUE -- CONTROVERSY ON IT. 
          >> JUDGE, THE AGENDA IS WORDED FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ADOPTION. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE WE ADOPTING THE VISION STATEMENT THAT SAYS HARRIS COUNTY WILL BUILD A MORE DYNAMIC AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY WHILE BEING INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE IN ALL WE DO? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS TO ADOPT THE VISION STATEMENT WHICH IS THE GENERAL APPROACH AND THE GOAL STATEMENTS ON THE DIFFERENT ISSUE AREAS WHICH ARE THE OVERALL GOALS ON THE DIFFERENT ISSUE AREAS. SO ALL OF IT TOGETHER. IT SHOULD BE ON ONE SHEET FOR 
          YOU ALL. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T HAVE IN FRONT OF ME THE GOALS STATEMENT. I DO HAVE THE VISION STATEMENT. 
          I PUT IT BEHIND ME RIGHT HERE, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: OH NICE. 
          YEAH, IT HAS JUSTICE AND SAFETY AND ECONOMIC, OPPORTUNITY, HOUSING, PUBLIC HOUSING AND FLOODING, ENVIRONMENT AND GOVERNMENT. SHOULDN'T IT BE ON THE AGENDA 
          ITEM? >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT IS NOT POSTED HERE, JUDGE. 
          THAT TELLS ME -- MY STAFF TELLS ME I HAVE IT HERE SOMEWHERE, BUT THE GOALS ARE 
          [06:15:03]
NOT IN MY HAND. I'M FINE WITH ADOPTING THIS VISION STATEMENT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. HOW ABOUT WE ADOPT THE VISION STATEMENT THEN AND THEN WE CAN REVISIT THE GOALS TO SEE IF YOUR FOLKS CAN DIG IT UP. BEFORE THE DAY IS OUT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOTION HAS BEEN MADE. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND. 
          I MUST ADD WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT IT FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. 
          IT IS WONDERFUL. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. WELL LET'S TO THE VISION IF YOU ARE ALL RIGHT AND THEN I REMEMBER TO VOTE -- TO BRING UP THE GOALS AT THE END OF COURT. SO THERE IS A MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER GARCIA ON THE VISION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ELLIS. 
          ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          JAM 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM AN EYE IN BEING TRANSPARENT IN ALL WE DO. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: I. >> LINA HIDALGO: I AM IN FAVOR AS WELL. 
          MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. AND WE'LL COME BACK ON THE [INAUDIBLE]. 
          LET'S SEE. ITEM 3 IS REQUESTING APPROVAL TO ASSIGN THE WORK OF FORMING THE CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS COMMISSION. 
          THERE WAS THIS IDEA OF EXPERTS THAT WE OUGHT TO HAVE AN INDEPENDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND IT OUGHT TO BE INDEPENDENT OF THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR, BUT IT OUGHT TO BE REGULATED BY THE ELECTIONS -- BY THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS COMMISSION. 
          SO THE REQUEST IS FOR COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO APPROVE THAT SET UP. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I'M A NO, JUDGE. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A 
          MOTION? >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> JUDGE, WE HAVE SPEAKERS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. LET'S HEAR FROM THE SPEAKERS, LUCINDA. 
          >> MATH MU -- MATTHEW MALEEL. >> YEAH, I WAS CALLING IN REFERENCE TO THE CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE. I DON'T REALLY KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT, BUT I LIKE THE SPIRIT IN WHICH IT IS OFFERED. THE WAY I SEE IT, SO LONG AS IT HAS TEETH I'M ALL FOR IT. 
          TO THAT END, I WOULD LOVE TO OFFER SOME ADVICE. IT IS ELECTION ADVICE TO COMMISSIONERS GARCIA, ELLIS AND JUDGE HIDALGO. I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WHEN YOU REMEMBER OUR PRESENT ELECTION RIGHTS, THE ELECTIONS COME RING VERY IMPORTANT AND EVERYONE IS GENUINELY FRIGHTENED ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN AND IF IT WILL BE FAIR. WE KNOW DONALD TRUMP SAYS HE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY ELECTION RESULTS WHERE HE IS NOT DECLARED THE WINNER AND ELECTIONS ARE CONSIDERED STOLEN. ANY WHO PROTESTS ARE VIOLENT BY THE STATE AND SUPPORTERS. 
          TRUMP AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY DO NOT BELIEVE UH TRUISMS ARE EQUAL. 
          IF YOU ARE A BLACK U.S. CITIZEN LIKE ELLIS OR A CITIZEN BORN IN ANOTHER COUNTRY LIKE JUDGE HIDALGO, OR A DREAMER OR SON OF IMMIGRANTS OR FIRST GENERATION AMERICAN LIKE GARCIA, TRUMP BELIEVES SUCH GROUPS [INAUDIBLE] CONSTITUTE VOTER FRAUD. 
          HE DOES NOT BELIEVE YOUR VOTES SHOULD COUNT OR ANYBODY ELSE LIKE YOU. 
          AS WE ALL KNOW THE POSTAL SERVICE HAS REMOVED VOTING CAPABILITIES IN DALLAS AND HOUSTON AND MAILBOXES FROM BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES. I READ THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL PAXTON PARTY. THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO WIN. THEY ARE TRYING TO GET WITHIN CHEATING DISTANCE. THEIR CORRUPTION IS IN PLAIN SIGHT OF THE ENTIRE REPUBLICAN PARTY INCLUDING HARRIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY AND TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY. 
          WE BELIEVE THAT DEEM -- DEMOCRATS ARE ENDEAVORED TO VOTE IN HIGH PROPORTION -- PROPORTIONS NOT TO STOP THEM FROM CHEATING BUT PREVENT THEM FROM SUCCEEDING. 
          WE CANNOT PUSH FOR VIOLENCE. IT IS NOT RIGHT AND IT IS NOT AMERICAN. 
          BUT NEITHER CAN WE SIMPLY VOTE AND HOPE FOR THE BEST. THEREFORE TO YOU THREE ON COMMISSIONER'S COURT AND THE COUNTY JUDGE, I RECOMMEND THAT THE FOLLOWING, TRUMP HAS THE POWER AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY GIVES HIM THAT POWER. I ASK YOU TO NO LONGER ALLOW ANY MEASURE TO PASS AT COMMISSIONER'S COURT. CAGLE WANTING TO NAME A POST OFFICE AFTER COMMISSIONER ELLIS AND THREE DEMOCRATS SHOULD NOT VOTE FOR SUCH MEASURES. THOUGHT ABOUT COMRADERY WITH THE GENTLEMAN, BUT IT IS ABOUT THE PARTY THEY REPRESENT. YOU WOULDN'T WORK WITH PEOPLE IDENTIFIED AS NATIONAL SOCIALISTS AND SHOULD NOT WORK WITH THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WHOSE PRESENT DAY VOTER ENGAGEMENT POLICIES ARE SUPPRESSION OF BLACK VOTES AND IMMIGRANTS AND CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS. TO GIVE SUCH GROUPS AS I WILL LEGITIMATE. 
          AS I WILL LEGIT -- I WILL LEGITIMATE. WE [INAUDIBLE] IN THE LAST 10 
          [06:20:05]
YEARS PROVISIONAL. IF ON ELECTION DAY THERE IS NO IRREGULARITIES -- 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU. 
          THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WANT TO MAKE SURE HE WAS DONE AND HE 
          DOESN'T HAVE ANYMORE REMARKS. >> THAT'S VERY KIND. I THINK YOU UNDERSTAND THE SPIRIT. I WANT ALL VOTES TO COUNT, BUT WE KNOW THAT CORRUPTION IS GOING ON AND WE NEED TO BE CIVIL. WE CAN'T ARGUE FOR VIOLENCE, BUT WE NEED PEOPLE WHO -- WE NEED OUR PEOPLE TO PUSH BACK HARD. 
          NOT BECAUSE IT IS NICE, BUT BECAUSE IT HAS TO BE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WANT DEMOCRACY. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: ANYONE ELSE LUCINDA? 
          >> YES, MA'AM. EMILY EBBIE, GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          >> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TESTIFY. 
          MY NAME IS EMILY EVIE AND I AM A STAFF ATTORNEY IN THE VOTING RIGHTS PROGRAM OF THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT. I AM TESTIFYING TODAY BECAUSE I KNOW THIS COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS DEDICATED TO MAKING A NEW ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR ROLE AS REPRESENTATIVE OF AND RESPONSIVE TO THE COMMUNITY IF POSSIBLE. TO THAT END I WANT TO URGE THE HARRIS COUNTY ELECTIONS COMMISSION TO CREATE A CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT REPRESENTS THE VAST AND DIVERSE VOTERS OF THE COUNTY. 
          AS MY COLLEAGUE SAID IN HOUSTON CHRONICLE, HOUSTON VOTERS DESERVE A LEGITIMATE, NONPARTISAN COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED IN GOOD FAITH WITH A CLEARLY DEFINED AND SUBSTANTIVE ROLE. IT IS VITAL THAT ALL HARRIS COUNTY POPULATIONS ARE REPRESENTED ON THIS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THAT INCLUDES LANGUAGE MINORITY GROUPS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, RELIGIOUS MINORITY GROUPS, PEOPLE OF COLOR, LOW INCOME PEOPLE AND MANY MORE VOTERS WHO DO NOT ALWAYS SEE THEMSELVES REPRESENTED IN LEADERSHIP ROLES. FROM OTHER ADVISORY GROUPS ACROSS THE STATE RNTION I -- I CAN SAY IT IS IMPERATIVE THE MEETINGS BE REGULARLY SCHEDULED AND EACH MEETING INCLUDES ITEMS ON WHICH THE COMMITTEE HAS REAL DETERMINATIVE INPUT. WE HAVE ALL BEEN IN A MEETING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AN E-MAIL. I SEE IT IS TRUSTED AS A TRUSTED RESOURCE, BUT FAR LESS WHEN USED AS A RUBBER STAMP. I HOPE THIS COMMITTEE WILL BE FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND PASSIONATE HOUSTONIANS I HAVE SEEN OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. 
          HARRIS COUNTY WILL BE BEST SERVED BY AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT USES THOSE PEOPLE MEANINGFULLY TO HELP DIRECT ELECTION POSITIONS. IT IS A GREAT UNDERTAKING DONE WITH A BODY OF DEDICATED ADVOCATES TO MAKE THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATORS' JOBS EASIER IN ADDITION TO EXTENDING THE VOTES OF ALL RESIDENTS OF THE COUNTY. 
          THAT'S WHAT I HOPE TO SEE IN HARRIS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> ALLEN DE LEON WITH MOVE TEXAS. 
          GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. 
          MY NAME IS MICHAEL DALLY I DON'T KNOW AND I AM THE HOUSTON ADVOCACY ORGANIZER AND THE ELECTION ADVISORY BOARD AND LET ME MENTION THAT HARRIS CON SEE IS -- HARRIS COUNTY IS ON TRACK AND IT IS ONE OF THE BEST ELECTIONS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. 
          NOT ONLY ARE THERE EARLY VOTING SITES, AND ELECTIONS FROM 46 THIS YEAR -- AND 120 THIS YEAR BUT MORE ON ELECTION DAY. MORE EVER THERE WILL BE AN ARRAY OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR VOTERS FOR SUBMITTING THEIR BALLOT IN THE TEXAS AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY POSSIBLE INCLUDING DRIVE THROUGH AND CURBSIDE VOTING AND CLOSE TO A DOZEN BALLOT DROP OFF SITES MASSIVE VOTING SITES AND NOT TO MENTION PRO ACTIVE EFFORTS FOR AS MANY RESIDENTS AS POSSIBLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY. 
          PART OF THE REASON AS TO WHY THEY THIS YEAR'S PREPARATIONS HAVE GONE SO WELL IS PRECISELY BECAUSE THE CLERK'S OFFICE HAS BEEN IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY AND VOTER DIRECT STAKEHOLDERS BEFORE THE JULY ELECTION. NOT ONLY HAVE STAKEHOLDERS BEEN ABLE TO WORK WITH THE CLERK'S OFFICE UNDER SIGNATURE SAFE INITIATIVES WE HAVE KEY FACTS ON EVERYTHING FROM VOTER OUT REACH AND PPE AND IN PERSON VOTING AND POLL WORKER RECRUITMENT AND MUCH MORE. THIS LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT IS ACCESSIBLE AND THE EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE FOR THE ADVISORY BOARD IS WE CAN ESTABLISH A MORE CLEARLY DEFINED SUBSTANTIVE AND PERMANENT ROLE FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE INVOLVED IN OUR LOCAL ELECTION PLANNING. WE WILL BUILD ON THE PROGRESS WE MADE IN MODERNIZING THE 
          [06:25:07]
ELECTION PROCESSES. AND GIVEN THAT THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR WILL ALSO BE A SIMILAR RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE VOTER REGISTRATION AND HAVING THE CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY BOARD IS MORE CRITICAL. IT WILL BETTER POSITION US TO MAKE STRONG GAINS IN THAT AREA AS WELL. ESPECIALLY AMONG POTENTIAL VOTERS WHO WERE DISSEN -- DISENFRANCHISED DURING OPPRESSION OF THE HISPANIC AND BLACK COMMUNITIES. IT WILL MAXIMIZE TRANSPARENCY AND WILL BE THE LEADING EXAMPLE OF VOTING RIGHTS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THIS ITEM. WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING WORKING WITH YOU. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> HAYLEY CARASO WITH MIFANILIA. 
          >> HELLO, WE SUPPORT THE DECISION FOR THE ELECTION COMMISSION TO OVERSEE THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE ELECTION COMMISSION LOOKS FORWARD TO EXECUTING THE FORMATION. WE URGE THEM TO CREATE A BONDING COMMUNITY OF LEADERS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS. TO FOCUS ON INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNITIES UNDERREPRESENTED IN OUR ELECTORAT. 
          THE COMMITTEE SHOULD REMAIN NONPARTISAN WITH A DEEP COMMITMENT TO DISENFRANCHISED COMMUNITIES IT SHOULD NOT BE A SIDELINE GROUP. THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE DEFINED ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY THAT'S ALLOW TO FUNCTION AT THE STRATEGIC ADVISORY COUNCIL THAT WILL FOCUS ON ENSURING ALL HARRIS COUNTY RESIDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO DEMOCRACY. WE UNDERSTAND THE TIMELINE FOR IDENTIFYING AND SELECTING AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR MOVING QUICKLY. WE ENCOURAGE THE ELECTION QUESTION TO FOR A FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEE TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE ELECTION INITIATIVE. 
          THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, THOSE WERE ALL OF 
          THE SPEAKERS ON THIS ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. WE HAD A MOTION BY 
          COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, MA'AM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IF I CAN BRIEFLY SAY I BELIEVE THAT WE DO NOT NEED AN ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR. 
          I THINK THE DUTIES SHOULD STAY WITH OUR CURRENT DEMOCRATIC AND DIVERSE COUNTY CLERK AND OUR DEMOCRATIC AND DIVERSE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR, AND THEREFORE I AM -- EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT QUITE SURE WHAT THAT PHRASE WAS USED BY OUR SPEAKER EARLIER, I DON'T THINK I AM ALLOWED TO VOTE. BUT PUTTING THAT TO THE SIDE I WILL BE VOTING AGAINST THIS BECAUSE I THINK THAT THE PROPER WAY FOR US TO DO OUR ELECTIONS IS THROUGH THOSE TWO 
          BODIES AND I WANTED TO MAKE SURE IT WAS CLEAR. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A 
          SECOND FOR THE MOTION? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. 
          ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSE SNED. >> NO. >> NO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE I. MOTION CARRIES. SO THAT WAS ON THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR -- ELECTIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE. ITEM 4 IS ON THE COASTAL BARRIER, THE COASTAL PROTECTION. WE HAVE DONE SO MUCH AND HAVE SO MUCH LEFT TO DO ON OUR VULNERABILITY AND WE HAVE ANOTHER CLOSE CALL WITH LAURA THAT THE GENERAL -- MY GENERAL SENSE AFTER SEEING THIS, I KNOW THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HAS TAKEN SOME STEPS AND WE HAD THESE DISCUSSIONS AT COURT. 
          I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE COUNTY TO HAVE A VERY CLEAR LAY OF THE LAND AND CLEAR POSITION AND UNDERSTANDING OF WHETHER THERE IS SOMETHING WE CAN DO AND WHICH PROJECT WE OUGHT TO GET BEHIND AS A COUNTY AND HOW THE PROJECT OR PROJECTS IN TER ACT WITH ONE ANOTHER AND WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO WHICH -- DO, WHICH PARTNERS WE CAN WORK WITH. 
          JUST SO WE ARE ON THE SAME PAGE. ONE OF THE EXAMPLES IS IDENTIFYING THE GALVESTON BAY PARK. I HAVE CONFLICTING REPORTS A -- AS TO AN RFP WAS DONE TO THE CITY. THERE IS ON THE AGENDA MOVING THE NEEDLE MORE ON THAT. WE SHOULD TAKE THINGS IN PARALLEL. 
          I WOULD LIKE TO PROPOSE THE ANALYST'S OFFICE WORK WITH ENGINEERING AND FLOOD CONTROL 
          [06:30:03]
AND ANY OTHER STAKEHOLDERS BE AT THE COURT AND BE AT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. 
          WHOEVER IS RELEVANT TO LOOK AT OPTIONS FOR THE COUNTY TO TAKE ACTION AND TO PROTECT OURSELVES AND OUR NEIGHBORS AND CRITICAL INDUSTRIES IN THE EVENT OF A STORM SURGE. 
          THIS WOULD LOOK AT SOLUTIONS THAT WOULD BE BUILT OUTSIDE OF HARRIS COUNTY. 
          IT IMPACTS US. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. 
          I SEE A SECOND. COMMISSIONER GARCIA IN. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. I SUPPORT YOUR ITEM. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY OFFICE INCLUDED AS ONE OF THE STAKE HOLDERS. I CAME INTO OFFICE LAST YEAR. 
          I HOLD A STANDING ROOM ONLY FORUM BRINGING THE ARM -- ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS AND THE SPEED CENTER AT TEXAS A&M TO MAKE THEIR PRESENTATIONS. I CAME AWAY THAT WE DON'T NEED A SOLUTION, BUT A MULTI-TIER D SOLUTION. HAD HURRICANE LAURA MADE A DIRECT HIT, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE PERFECT STORM THAT SO MANY PEOPLE SNICKERED AT JIM BLACKBURN FOR EVEN CONTEMPLATING. AND IT WOULD HAVE BROUGHT US ABOUT 20-FOOT STORM SURGE WAVES THAT WERE CONSIDERED NEVER TO HAPPEN IN OUR LIFETIME. THAT STORM SURGE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN -- OR RATHER THE COASTAL SPINE BY ITSELF WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WITHSTAND THAT STORM SURGE, AND WE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE FOUND OURSELVES RIGHT BACK UNDER HURRICANE IKE CONDITIONS WITHIN THE SHIP CHANNEL AND WITHIN THE PORT OF HOUSTON AND THE DAMAGE TO THE REFINERIES IN AND AROUND THE AREA. I AM STAYING CLOSE WITH THE PORT OF HOUSTON IN THEIR WORK WITH THIS. THERE IS MOVEMENT AND I MADE THE -- I MADE A COMMITMENT TO THE MAYOR OF PRECINCT 2 AND MY STAKEHOLDERS IN CHAMBERS AND IN LIBERTY COUNTY THAT I AM NOT OPPOSING THE COASTAL SPINE, BUT I THINK MORE THAN EVER WE NOW HAVE HAD CLEAR EVIDENCE THAT THE COASTAL SPINE ALONE IS NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE SOLUTION WE NEED TO CONSIDER. I HAVE BEEN VERY INVOLVED IN THIS, JUDGE. 
          I WANT TO BE A PARTNER WITH YOU TO SHOW THAT HARRIS COUNTY CAN BE BOLD AND VISIONARY. 
          IT WAS DONE IN 1914 AND I THINK WE CAN DO IT AGAIN. IT WILL REQUIRE A REGIONAL APPROACH. IT WILL REQUIRE A CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO BE ENGAGED AND SUPPORTIVE. IT WILL REQUIRE OUR SENATORS MAKING THE ARGUMENT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. IT WILL REQUIRE A BELIEF THAT WE ARE NOT PUSHING ANYBODY OFF THE TABLE. THE EVIDENCE NOW IS MORE CONVINCING THAN EVER AND WE NEED A MULTI-TIERED APPROACH TO APPROACH US. 
          THANK YOU, JUDGE. I MOVE ON YOUR ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. AND WE AN ADD A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH MEMBER OF COURT AND IF ANYBODY DOESN'T WANT TO SEND ANYONE THAT WORKS. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE ON THIS ITEM. IT REQUESTS FOR THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT ANALYSIS -- ANALYST OFFICE TO WORK WITH THE CON TEEN -- CON -- COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO DEVELOP -- ET CETERA, ET CETERA. 
          DOES THAT WORK FOR YOU JAMES? >> YES, MA'AM IT DOES. THAT WAS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAGLE? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S RIGHT. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU. THAT IS ALL I HAVE ON MY 
          AGENDA. COMMISSIONER ELLIS? >> STEVE RADACK: DID WE VOTE ON NUMBER 3? OKAY. THANK YOU. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU, JUDGE. YOU ON ME, ELLIS? RODNEY? THE SECOND ONE IS A REQUEST RECORDING RIVERSIDE. 
          THE ITEM IS ON THE AGENDA WHEN WE LAST MET WITH VARIOUS OPTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO PUT 
          [06:35:03]
COUNTY OFFICES. I THINK WE ALL KNOW, AT LEAST EYE -- AT LEAST I KNOW THAT SOME OF THE COUNTY OFFICES ARE BEYOND THE POINT AT WHICH THEY CAN BE REHABBED AND WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING WITH THEM. I HOPE WE CAN HAVE A BROAD DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT. 
          THE ONLY ONE THAT I PERSONALLY WOULD HAVE FAVORED IS ONE THAT WOULD HAVE INCLUDED MOVING THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO THE OLD RIVERSIDE HOSPITAL LOCATION WHICH HAPPENS TO BE WHERE I WAS BORN MANY YEARS AGO. I APPROVE THAT THEY APPROVE THE RELOCATION OF THE HARRIS COUNTY HEALTH -- THE HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT FROM THE CURRENT LOCATION TO THE HISTORIC RIVERSIDE SITE TO SERVE FOR THE ANCHOR ORGANIZATION FOR WHAT HAS BEEN A WORLD CLASS MODEL OF HEALTH AND THAT WILL BE THE MOTION. 
          IN CASE YOU FORGOT, THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT WAS KIND ENOUGH TO STEP UP AND PUT UP THE MONEY TO OBTAIN THE HISTORIC RIVERSIDE SITE FOR $5.. THEN THE GOVERNMENT OF QATAR PUT UP A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF MONEY AS WELL. I CAN'T REMEMBER THE AMOUNT OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD. IT MAY HAVE BEEN $2 MILLION, $3 MILLION AND THAT'S TO ALSO DEVELOP THE SITE. I TALKED TO DR. SHAW. HE MAY BE ON THE LINE. 
          THERE WAS A LOT OF GOING BACK AND FORTH ON WHETHER MR. BLOUNT SHOULD PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA OR DR. SHAW. I JUST SAID I PUT IT ON THE AGENDA. 
          I WOULD LIKE US TO MOVE FORWARD WITH IT. I DON'T WANT US TO BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE DON'T NEED -- DON'T MEET THE CONDITIONS LAID OUT BY THE HUE YOU STONN ENDOWMENT -- THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS AND LOSE THIS SITE. THAT WOULD BE EMBARRASSING AND GENEROUS OF THEM TO ACQUIRE THE LAND FOR US. THERE ARE DISCUSSIONS ON WHETHER WE COULD CO-LOCATE THE AND THE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS NEARBY. I DON'T THINK THAT WORKED OUT. THE CITY DOES OWN SOME LAND. IT COULDN'T BE A CO-SITE. 
          THEY MAY HAVE THREE TIMES THE STAFF OF THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. 
          THE CITY COULD DECIDE TO BUY LAND ADJACENT. EVEN IF WE NEVER GET TO THE POINT WHERE WE CAN HAVE A DISCUSSION ON MERGING, AT LEAST YOU CAN CO-LOCATE A COURT SHIP AND IT COULD LEAD TO INTER GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS THAT WOULD HELP BOTH OF US. I WOULD LIKE THAT MOTION MOVED FORWARD WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT BEING PLACED AT THE RIVERSIDE SITE. AND JOHN BLOUNT AND HIS CREW HAVE DONE WORK WITH THE VARIOUS OPTIONS. I MAKE THAT MOTION AT THIS 
          TIME. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER CAGLE AND THEN COMMISSIONER 
          RADACK. >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER EL LITS, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT WAS IN THE AGENDA PAGE 27 AND THE MOTION WE GOT AT 4:30 FROM LANCE GILLAM? ARE THERE SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES BETWEEN THOSE TWO MOTIONS ? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T THINK SO. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DON'T SEE ANY REAL CHANGES AND SO I AM ASKING DID I MISS SOMETHING IN THE NEW ONE THAT CAME IN AT 
          4:30, OR IS THIS BASICALLY -- >> RODNEY ELLIS: DO YOU HAVE IT IN FRONT OF YOU? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I DO. >> RODNEY ELLIS: LET ME READ IT BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE WHICH YOU VVMENT I MOVE THAT THIS COURT APPROVES THE RELOCATION OF HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FROM THE CURRENT LOCATION TO SERVE AS THE ANCHOR ORGANIZATION AND TENANT FOR WHAT IS TO BECOME A WORLD CLASS MODEL OF PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR OUR COUNTY RESIDENTS. IS THAT WHAT YOU HAVE? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: THAT'S WHAT I GOT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THAT'S THE 
          MOTION. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: GO AHEAD, 
          COMMISSIONER RADACK. >> STEVE RADACK: THIS BASICALLY IS PART OF THE STUDY 
          -- THIS IS PART OF OPTION A, IS IT NOT? >> RODNEY ELLIS: FROM A COUPLE 
          WEEKS AGO? >> STEVE RADACK: YEAH. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK IT 
          IS. >> STEVE RADACK: MR. BERRY, I ASKED YOU TO PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PAGE CONSULTANT'S REPORT. IS THIS A MOVEMENT TOWARD OPTION A -- I MEAN HAVE YOU ANALYZED THIS? ON -- ARE WE ON THE ROAD TO 
          [06:40:08]
          DOING ALL OF OPTION A, OR ARE YOU SPLITTING IT OUT? >> RODNEY ELLIS: ARE YOU 
          ASKING HIM? >> STEVE RADACK: I WAS ASKING MR. BERRY. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: MY INTENT IS JUST TO DO THE RIVERSIDE SITE FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. 
          ONLY MOVING THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. I AM NOT GETTING INTO THE OTHERS. IF THIS ITEM IS BROAD ENOUGH TO HAVE THAT DISCUSSION ACCORDING TO MR. BERRY AND MR. SOARD, PROBABLY I WOULD HAVE THAT DISCUSSION RIGHT NOW IF YOU LIKE, IF IT IS LEGAL. THIS ITEM I POSTED IS JUST FOR THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 
          AT RIVERSIDE. >> STEVE RADACK: I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT SINCE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS, THIS HAS BEEN ON THE AGENDA UNDER OPTION A. I AM CURIOUS, ARE WE MOVING FORWARD BASED UPON JOHN BLOUNT'S RECOMMENDATIONS AS I UNDERSTOOD THEM. 
          THAT'S WHY I SAY AS FAR AS THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF THIS, MR. BERRY, IS THIS THE 
          DIRECTION YOU WANT TO GO? >> SO, WE ARE PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE PAGE REPORT. I AGREE THAT THIS IS PART -- THIS MOVE THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS IS PROPOSING IS PART OF OPTION A. 
          WE WILL FINISH UP THIS ANALYSIS AND SEND IT AROUND TO EVERYONE I WOULD SAY LATER THIS WEEK. HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS IN THE INTERIM ABOUT WHAT WE 
          ARE WORKING ON. >> STEVE RADACK: WELL, ARE YOU OF THE OPINION THAT Y'ALL ARE PROCEEDING TO DO WHAT OPTION A THAT WAS PRESENTED? IS THAT THE DIRECTION YOU ARE 
          GOING? >> WELL, OUR PLAN, COMMISSIONER RADACK, IS TO SEND AROUND A FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF THE ALL OF THE ALTERNATIVES. 
          I THINK WHAT IT WILL SHOW IS THERE IS SOME COST SAVE WILLINGS -- SAVINGS FROM CONSOLIDATION. I HOPE THAT REPORT WILL HELP COMMISSIONER'S COURT MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT HOW TO PROCEED. PROCEED ABOUT THE OVERALL 
          CONSOLIDATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER ELLIS? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: IF I MIGHT, MR. SOARD, IS THIS BROAD ENOUGH FOR ME TO HAVE A BROADER DISCUSSION BECAUSE I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO HAVE IT RIGHT NOW. 
          MR. SOARD? YOU MIGHT BE MUTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: I THINK MR. SOARD'S MICROPHONE -- WE ALSO PROMISED A BREAK EVERY TWO HOURS. 
          WHY DON'T WE TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK AND THEN WE CAN CONTINUE THIS DISCUSSION. 
          LET'S COME BACK LOON 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. IT IS 6:55 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS BACK IN SESSION. 
          JUN -- JUDGE ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HEARD THE DISCUSSION, BUT WANT TO KNOW IF THIS ITEM THAT RELATES TO MY RECOMMENDATION THAT WE MOVE THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BE THE ANCHOR TENANT OUT AT THE RIVER SIGHT SITE, AND IF THIS -- THE RIVERSIDE SITE IF THIS IS BROAD ENOUGH TO GO INTO THE BROADER DISCUSSION ABOUT THE OPTIONS LAID OUT A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, THREE WEEKS AGO BY MR. BLOUNT'S OFFICE WHERE OTHER COUNTY DEPARTMENTS MAY HAVE THEIR COURTS. IF NOT, I LIMIT MY COMMENTS. 
          >> IN MY VIEW IT IS BROAD ENOUGH TO COVER ALTERNATIVES TO WHAT IS SUGGESTED IN NUMBER THREE. SO THAT MEANS YOU HAVE TO DISCUSS THE PRO'S AND THE CONS. 
          YOU COULD GO AS FAR AS TO SAY AS ADOPT OTHER OPTIONS, BUT YOU CAN'T TALK ABOUT IT IN 
          SOLICITING VOTES ON THIS ITEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: IT MAY HELP FOR ME TO JUST GO BACK OVER HOW WE GOT -- OR HOW I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION I HAVE COME TO. WE HAVE ABOUT 5.3 MILLION FROM THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT AND $2.5 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF QATAR AND IT IS TO DEVELOP THE OLE HISTORIC RIVERSIDE SITE -- THE OLD HISTORIC RIVERSIDE SITE. UNDER THE AGREEMENT I THINK WE HAD FICHE -- FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS TO DEVELOP IT AND THAT WAS IN 2018. 
          IT IS NOW 2020. WHEN JUDGE EMMETT LEFT I ASKED WHAT IS THE PLAN? MY OFFICE WAS LEFT IN THE DARK TO SOME EXTENT. I ASKED FOR THE PLAN AND MUCH TO MY SURPRISE I WAS FINALLY TOLD THERE IS NO PLAN. WHEN COMMISSIONER GARCIA ASKED 
          [06:45:03]
QUESTIONS ABOUT AN ITEM INVOLVING THE PINEMONT FACILITY SIX OR SEVEN MONTHS AGO, WHENEVER IT WAS THAT IT CAME UP, I SAID IF WE ARE LOOKING AT OPTIONS ON WHERE FLOOD CONTROL -- I THINK THE THOUGHT WAS FLOOD CONTROL AND CSD AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND HCTRA, MAYBE COUNTY ENGINEERING, MR. BLOUNT IF YOU ARE AROUND, BUT ALL OF THESE MAJOR DEPARTMENTS WOULD GO OUT TO THE PINEMONT SITE. THE OPTIONS LAID OUT TO CONSIDER WERE THE THOMAS STREET SITE IN COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PRECINCT, PINEMONT AND I THREW IN RIVERSIDE AND THEN THEY WENT THROUGH AN ANALYSIS OF THOSE VARIOUS SITES. THE ITEM THAT CAME BACK A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WAS FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BE AT RIVERSIDE. FROM MY STANDPOINT, JUST ONE PERSON ON THIS BOARD, I THINK THERE IS A REASON WHY THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE IS IN THE CENTER OF THE COUNTY SEAT, THE COUNTY SEAT OF HARRIS COUNTY IS HOUSTON. 
          THERE IS A REASON WHY MOST MAJOR COUNTY DEPARTMENTS ARE IN THE CENTER OF THE COUNTY. 
          IN THE COUNTY SEAT IN HOUSTON. REGARDLESS OF WHERE YOU ARE YOU CAN GET TO IT. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AN ITEM CAME UP AND WE WILL DO A NEW DEPARTMENT FOR THE SHERIFF AS AN EXAMPLE OUT IN COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S PRECINCT. 
          I THINK COMMISSIONERS CAGLE AND RADACK WERE QUICK FOR THAT BECAUSE IT HAD LAW ENFORCEMENT. FROM MY PERSONAL STANDPOINT, I DON'T WANT ENGINEERING, I DON'T WANT HCTRA, I DON'T WANT THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND NOR DO I WANT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT OUT IN SOME SPHAR -- FAR, DESIST CONSTANT -- DISTANT REMOTE PLACE FROM COUNTY GOVERNMENT. IN TERMS OF PRICE IF SOMEBODY SAID WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST PLACE TO DO IT YOU COULD PUT THEM AT THE ASTRODOME IF YOU GET PERMISSION. 
          YOU CAN MOVE OUR COUNTY BUILDING, THE THE ADMINISTRATION COUNTY JAIL OUT THERE. I PERSONALLY DON'T FAVOR. IT I WANT THESE DEPARTMENTS CLOSER IN, ALL OF THEM. I KNOW WE CAN'T KEEP PATCHING UP THE BUILDINGS AND LEAVING THAT ISSUE ASIDE WE HAVE ACCEPTED ALMOST $8 MILLION FROM TWO MAJOR DONORS TO THE COUNTY. AND WE MADE A COMMITMENT FOR A HEALTH-RELATED PURPOSE AND WE WOULD DEVELOP THE RIVERSIDE SITE. YOU AND COMMISSIONER GARCIA WERE NOT HERE, BUT THE COMMITMENT WAS MADE. WE ACCEPTED IT AND WE DID IT. 
          AND THEN WHEN THAT ITEM CAME UP ON THE AGENDA AND I'M THINKING I DON'T WANT THIS ON MY WATCH BECAUSE WE ARE NOT GOING TO GET HARRIS HEALTH OR A HARRIS CENTER TO GO IN AND BE THE ANCHOR. GOD KNOWS I HAVE TRIED. IF HARRIS HEALTH WAS GOING TO DO IT, COMMISSIONER GARCIA WILL HAVE A KANIPCION. HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE WANTS A HEALTH FACILITY IN HIS PORTION OF THE COUNTY. WITH THAT THOUGHT IN MIND, I SAW AN OPPORTUNITY AND I BROUGHT IT UP ON THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT BEING IN RIVERSIDE. I MET WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND MET WITH THE ENGINEERS AND EVEN CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF TRYING TO PULL THE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN AS WELL, BUT THE SITE IS NOT BIG ENOUGH. THAT'S WHY I MAKE THE MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS, WHAT THE MAJORITY OR ALL FIVE MEMBERS DECIDE TO DO WITH THE PINEMONT FACILITY IS SOMETHING TO BE DECIDED AT SOME POINT. WHEN IT CAME UP A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, IF I WOULD HAVE SENSED AT THE TABLE THERE WAS SUPPORT TO GO WITH ONE OF THESE OPTIONS THAT INCLUDED PINEMONT, THE ONLY ONE I WOULD HAVE BEEN FOR WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE THAT PUT RIVERSIDE AS AN OPTION ON THE TABLE FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT RCSD. 
          I'M NOT SURE CSD QUITE MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE HOUSTON ENDOWMENT. 
          OR THE ENDOWMENT OF QATAR. I CAN TRY TO PERSUADE THEM, BUT I DON'T THINK IT MEETS THE HEALTH CENTRIC REQUIREMENT THAT WAS THERE WHEN WE ACCEPTED THIS. 
          [06:50:03]
THAT'S WHY I AM TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD. WHEN A MAJORITY OF US WILL MAKE A DECISION ON THE OTHERS, I DON'T KNOW. WHEN ASKED, I AM LAYING MY CARDS ON THE TABLE SINCE MR. SOARD YOU TOLD ME IT IS LEGAL. 
          I AM NOT TRYING TO MAKE A MOTION FOR THE REST OF IT, BUT IF YOU ASK ME WHAT'S MY SENSE, I WANT ESSENTIAL COUNTY SERVICES IN THE HEART OF THE COUNTY SEAT OF HARRIS COUNTY. 
          THAT'S A SEPARATE BROADER DISCUSSION THAT MAY COME UP AT A LATER DATE. 
          I TALKED TO MR. BLOUNT ABOUT IT AND I AM QUITE FRANKLY TRYING TO HELP HIM. 
          THE OPTIONS ARE PUT THEM ALL SOMEWHERE OR GO AND TRY AND REHAB THE BUILDINGS THAT ARE FALLING DOWN AND SPEND MORE MONEY DOING THAT OR SOMEWHERE PUT A NEW BUILDING UP. 
          THAT'S WHY I AM MAKING THIS MOTION TODAY FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BE AT 
          RIVERSIDE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND BY THE WAY. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: I THINK IT IS GREAT TO PUT IT THERE. I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND DWR -- WHY YOU WANT IT THERE AND IT IS AN INCREDIBLY HISTORIC BUILDING AND I THINK IT IS A GREAT THING. I WAS JUST BRINGING UP COMMISSIONER BERRY BECAUSE IF WE LOOK AT THE DOLLAR FIGURES ON THESE DIFFERENT CHOICES, ALL I WAS TRYING TO SAY IS WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF IT? WHAT ABOUT IT? WHEN YOU LOOK AT CERTAIN THINGS LIKE HOW FAR SOMETHING IT FROM DOWNTOWN OR WHAT THE MOBILITY ISSUES AND ALL, BUT I CAN REMEMBER WHEN BLOUNT -- THEY DID A STUDY ON WHERE MOST PEOPLE ARE GOING TO THESE FACILITIES AND WHERE THEY ARE COMING FROM AND ALL THAT, WHERE ARE THEY COMING FROM AND HOW DOES IT WORK? ALL I'M TRYING TO DO IS SAY,Y OKAY -- OKAY, WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THEM? THAT'S WHAT I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT. 
          WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THEM? AND BECAUSE I THINK WE NEED TO GET MOVING ON THE REST OF THEM BECAUSE IT IS COSTING MORE AND MORE MONEY FOR THEM TO STAY WHERE THEY ARE. 
          THAT'S WHY I BROUGHT IT UP. I AM PROUD TO VOTE FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT GOING TO RIVERSIDE. THAT'S WHY I WAS ASKING MR. BERRY, DOES HE HAVE AN OPINION -- I MEAN HE HAS BEEN DOING THE RESEARCH, AND I WOULD JUST LIKE TO KNOW WHAT 
          HE HAS TO SAY. >> RODNEY ELLIS: HE MIGHT BE COMMUTED. 
          AND COMMISSIONER, I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT. I DIDN'T WANT TO GET INTO THE BROADER ISSUE. AS I TOLD MR. BLOUNT A FEW DAYS AGO I COULD SENSE HIS FRUSTRATION WHEN WE MET THREE DAYS AGO. I WAS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE FORMAT -- ONE MAY NOT LIKE ME, BUT AT LEAST YOU KNOW WHAT THE HELL I AM SAYING. 
          I KIND OF LAY MY CARDS ON THE TABLE. I PERSONALLY, LOOK, IF THREE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GO AND VOTE TO PUT THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OUT THERE, I TAKE MY BIKE AND RIDE OUT THERE. I DO AGREE THAT WE CAN'T FIX ALL OF THE BUILDINGS ABOUT TO FALL DOWN. I KNOW THERE IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING THAT PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING FOR. I JUST THREW IT ALL OUT AND TRYING TO GET THIS ONE OUT OF THE WAY. I DIDN'T WANT THEM ALL HELD UP TOGETHER. 
          LOOK. THE NEXT ONE I CARE ABOUT IT CSD. 
          I I HAVEN'T BEEN IN THE OFFICES. I DON'T DO THAT TOLL ROAD THAT OFTEN. I THINK I HAVE BEEN OUT THERE TWICE. 
          IT IS A LITTLE FAR OUT FOR ME. I AM A -- I AM MORE OF AN INSIDE THE LOOP. I KNOW CSD IS ABOUT TO FALL DOWN. 
          PUT IT THIS WAY. WHEN WE COULD MEET, I PREFER THEY MEET AT MY OFFICE AND I AM CLOSE TO THEM. I DON'T WANT TO GO THERE BECAUSE SOMETHING MIGHT FALL 
          ON ME. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE NEED SOMETHING ELSE OR DO WE VOTE? 
          >> WE WILL TYPE UP OUR ANALYSIS AND GET IT TO YOU IN THE WEEK ON THE OPTIONS AND THE PAGE REPORT. THAT IS MY PREFERENCE RATHER THAN EXTEMPORIZE THEM HERE. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: THAT WOULD BE GREAT. I'M GLAD THAT COMMISSIONER ELLIS WANTS TO MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE IT IS TIME TO MOVE FORWARD ON SOME OF THESE BUILDINGS. THAT'S FINE. I WAIT TO SEE YOUR REPORT. 
          THANK YOU. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RADACK. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          [06:55:02]
          MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> R. JACK CAGLE: AND I ASK MR. BERRY TO PUT THE OTHER 
          OPTIONS ON THE AGENDA IN OUR NEXT COMMISSIONER'S COURT. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MY OTHER ITEM WASE -- I JUST MOVE IT. REQUEST FOR POSSIBLE ACTION FOR AN APPROVAL OF ELECTION 
          JUDGES. I JUST MOVE IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. 
          COMMISSIONER GARCIA. YOU ARE MUTED, COMMISSIONER. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I AM MOVING 
          ALL MY ITEMS. >> BACK ON COMMISSIONER PRECINCT ONE ITEMS I BELIEVE 
          THERE IS A CHANGE ON THE AGENDA. >> LINA HIDALGO: YEAH, I BELIEVE WE HAVE TO CHANGE NOVEMBER 2020 ELECTION WITH A ONE-YEAR TERM DEPENDING ON 
          JULY 31ST, 2021. >> RODNEY ELLIS: THANK YOU. >> HAVE I IT AND WE ARE UNDER THE IMPRESSION IT IS A REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF ELECTION JUDGES FOR A A ONE-YEAR TERM ENDING JULY 31ST, 2021. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: YES, SIR. >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: PRECINCT 3. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: MOTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: PRECINCT 4. >> R. JACK CAGLE: MOTION. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: MISS LAIN -- MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. THE FIRST ONE IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE -- THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH THE INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE TEAM. AND THIS IS THE INTER DEPARTMENTAL GROUP WHO HAS WORKED UP A VERY DETAILED TIMELINE AND GOALS. JOHN, WOULD YOU LIKE TO RUN 
          THROUGH THIS? >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, NOT TO SLOW THINGS DOWN OR SPEED THEM UP, ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, BUT I THINK WE VOTED ON THIS AS A CONCEPT PREVIOUSLY. 
          THIS IS JUST A FLUSHING OUT OF IT. I VOTED AGAINST THE PRIOR ONE I WILL BE VOTING AGAINST THIS. I DON'T KNOW THAT WE NECESSARILY NEED TO HAVE A LOT OF DISCUSSION ON IT UNLESS COMMISSIONER RADACK WANTS TO CHANGE HIS PRIOR POSITION ON THE IRT, BUT YOU JUST MAY WANT TO HAVE SOMEBODY MAKE A MOTION AND A SECOND, JUST AS A 
          SUGGESTION. SINCE IT IS, YOU KNOW, 7:10. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. I THOUGHT WE VOTED ON THE COMMUNITY ONES. DID WE VOTE ON THE IRT? OKAY. 
          SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD, 
          JOHN? >> NO, JUDGE. YOU'RE RIGHT. 
          THE PREVIOUS VOTE WASN'T ON THE IRT. IT WAS ON THE TASK FORCE, BUT 
          THIS WILL BE TO SERVE THE TASK FORCE. >> LINA HIDALGO: I JUST WANT 
          TO MAKE SURE, COMMISSIONER CAGLE THAT THAT IS CLEAR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU, 
          JUDGE. CALLED TO QUESTION. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE HAVE A 
          MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? >> RODNEY ELLIS: I. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR AND THE MOTION CARRIES. 
          THE NEXT ITEM IS HARRIS HEALTH AND APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH SHELL DONE ISD. 
          [II. Emergency/supplemental items]
ON EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL ITEMS, THE FIRST IS COUNTY ENGINEER ITEM PRECINCT 1 AND NUMBER TWO IS A REQUEST BY THE COUNTY CLERK TO VISIT FACILITIES RELATING TO NEW VOTING MACHINES. NUMBER 3 IS COUNTY ATTORNEY TO RETAIN A LAW FIRM TO REPRESENT 
          THE COUNTY CLERK. >> YES, MA'AM AND I DO NEED TO COMMENT ON THAT BRIEFLY. 
          THE SUPREME COURT DID THIS AFTERNOON ISSUE A STAY PREVENTING THE COUNTY CLERK FROM SENDING OUT ANY FURTHER UNSOLICITED MAIL IN BALLOT APPLICATIONS. 
          THAT IS A TEMPORARY STAY AND CERTAINLY THE LITIGATION WILL CONTINUE. 
          THE OTHER THING I NEED TO POINT OUT IS THEY ARE A NATIONWIDE FIRM AND THEY HAVE SOME ATTORNEYS WHO ARE REPRESENTING ENDO PHARMACEUTICAL AND SANDO INCORPORATED IN THE GENERIC DRUG AND OPIOID LITIGATION. WE SET UP THE PROPER WALLS ON THEIR SIDE TO KEEP THERE FROM BEING CONFLICT. THEY AGREED TO DO THIS OF THE COUNTY CLERK FOR A TOTAL FEE NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. IT IS ACTUALLY GRACIOUS OF 
          THEM TO BE WILLING TO DO IT AT THAT PRICE. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER 
          CAGLE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES, YOUR HONOR, I'M GOING TO BE VOTING NO ON ITEM 3. AND ON ITEM 2, I WOULD LIKE TO ADD THAT PRE SINK 4 -- 
          [07:00:09]
PRECINCT 4 CAN PARTICIPATE IN THAT WITH REGARD TO THE SEARCH. 
          I DON'T THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE AN ISSUE. I THINK EACH MEMBER OF COURT 
          WOULD LIKE TO BE IN THAT. >> LINA HIDALGO: FOR THE VOTING MACHINES? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: ITEM 2 IS THE COUNTY CLERK WANTS TO VISIT FACILITIES FOR -- I MEAN LOOK AT THE NEW VOTING MACHINES. WE WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THAT. PREVIOUSLY WE HAVE HAD SOMEONE THAT WENT TO GO AND SEE WHAT THEY ARE AND VISIT. WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD A MEMBER OF AT LEAST PRECINCT 4, BUT I THINK OTHER COURT MEMBER S WHO LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN THE SEARCH PROCESS TOO. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SHOULD WE EDIT THAT THE COUNTY CLERK FOR APPROVAL FOR THEM AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH MEMBER OF COURT VISIT FACILITIES. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ARE YOU OKAY WITH THAT? 
          LET'S TAKE A VOTE. >> STEVE RADACK: WHAT ITEM? >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 2 -- 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: ITEM 2 ON THE COUNTY CLERK. YOU WANT TO VISIT FACILITIES FOR VOTING MACHINE. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM PRECINCT 4 TO GO ON THE VISIT AND MY PROPOSITION IS THAT EACH MEMBER OF COURT WOULD BE ABLE 
          TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE IF THEY CHOOSE. >> STEVE RADACK: MY QUESTION IS WITH UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND ALL THAT, HERE WE ARE BASICALLY WIDENING THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR. WHY AREN'T THEY HANDLING THIS? I MEAN, IN OTHER WORDS THE COUNTY CLERK WHO WON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH VOTING 
          WILL GO AND LOOK AT VOTING MACHINES. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR IS NOT TOTALLY DONE YET I THINK WE ALLOW PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED TO 
          PARTICIPATE. >> STEVE RADACK: THAT'S FINE. I DON'T CARE TO SEND ANYBODY. 
          I AM JUST SAYING THAT IF WE ARE GOING TO HAVE MAYBE THE PERSON HIRED AS ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR WILL HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE AND BE ABLE TO MAYBE KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT VOTING MACHINES WHEN THEY SHOW UP. WE'LL SEE. 
          THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THERE ARE NOT A LOT OF OPTIONS BECAUSE OF STATE PARAMETERS. THERE IS JUST NOT THAT MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM. 
          JUST SO WE'RE CLEAR, WE ARE ADDING THIS ITEM TO INCLUDE A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH MEMBER OF COURT THEY SO CHOOSE. DO WE HAVE A MOTION? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: MOVED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN 
          FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          >> I WON'T BE SENDING ANYBODY, BUT THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 
          I AM IN FAVOR. IT PASSES UNANIMOUSLY. ITEM 3, ROBERT MENTIONED WHAT THAT WAS. DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING ON THAT COMMISSIONER CAGLE? 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: YES. I AM VOTING NO. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MOVED. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? >> NO. 
          >> I'M NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I'M IN FAVOR. 
          MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 4 IS A PROJECT FOR HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 1. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM FIVE AS WELL. ITEM 6 IS -- THIS IS FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT PRIBTING AND 
          MAIL -- PRINTING AND MAILING. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ARE YOU ON ITEM 6, JUDGE? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: YES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM VOTING NO ON THAT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT IS NOT THE APPLICATION, BUT THE BALLOT. 
          WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          >> NO. >> NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: I VOTE I. 
          MOTION CARRIES. NUMBER 7 IS A PURCHASING AGENT TRANSMITAL. 
          NUMBER 8 IS COMMISSIONER ELLIS. >> RODNEY ELLIS: MR. BLOUNT IF YOU CAN BRIEFLY GIVE US AN UPDATE AND I DON'T THINK ANYBODY IS SIGNED UP OR NOT ON WHERE WE ARE ON THE CENTER POINT EASE MENTS REGARDING RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. WHERE ARE WE ON THAT? 
          >> COMMISSIONER, WE ARE CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING TWO CONTRACTS WITH CENTER POINT. 
          ONE IS ON THE EASE MEANTS, AND THE BUDGET OFFICE IS PROBABLY MORE IN TUNE WITH THE -- THE ISSUE IS RELATED TO INSURANCE AND THEY ARE REQUIRING US TO CARRY INSURANCE AND THE BUDGET OFFICE IS WORKING ON THAT AND THEY CAN DISCUSS THAT. THE OTHER CONTRACT IS RELATED TO THE Y AT THIS TIME TEES -- THE UTILITIES IN THE RYE -- RIGHT OF WAY. 
          WE WERE SUPPOSED TO HAVE A MEETING WITH THEM TOMORROW REGARDING THAT. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I WANT TO KEEP IT ON THE RADAR AND I KNOW IT IS LATE, BUT I KNOW 
          [07:05:03]
ALL OF US EXPRESSED QUITE A BIT OF INTEREST IN IT AND I WANT TO GET IT DONE AND I AM DOING ALL I CAN TO HELP. I THINK IT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL FOR THE UTILITY AS 
          WELL AS US TO WORK IT OUT. >> I THINK THE CURRENT ISSUE IS THE COST OF THE INSURANCE AND THE ABILITY TO GET INSURANCE AND THAT'S WHAT THE -- WHAT IT WAS FOR. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I KEEP THIS ON THE AGENDA SO WE GET IT DONE. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, JOHN JUST TOUCHED ON IT. WE NORMALLY DON'T HAVE TO PROVIDE INSURANCE IF WE HAVE COUNTY EMPLOYEES BUILD OUR TRAILS. 
          COMMISSIONER RADACK STARTED BUILDING TRAILS WITH AN IN HOUSE GROUP LONG AGO. 
          I STOLE THE IDEA FROM HIM AND WE ARE NOW BUILDING ALLOT -- A LOT MORE TRAILS THROUGH THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES. IT IS CHEAPER THAN GOING OUT FOR CONTRACTORS. 
          THE ISSUE IS IF WE HAVE CONTRACTORS, PART OF THE CONTRACT IS INSURANCE TO MAKE SURE THAT CENTER POINT DOESN'T HAVE LIABILITY. WHERE I UNDERSTAND WE ARE AT IS IF THEY WANT US TO HAVE A MILLION DOLLAR COVERAGE THAT COSTS US 750,000 PER MILE TO COVER EMPLOYEES WHILE WORKING ON CONSTRUCTING THESE TRAILS. WE NORMALLY DON'T HAVE TO HAVE INSURANCE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CONTRACTUALLY THAT CENTER POINT IS WANTING FROM US. I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HAVING TO BUY INSURANCE THAT YOU DON'T NORMALLY HAVE TO BUY TO MAKE CENTER POINT FEEL HAPPY, BUT THAT'S SORT OF -- THAT GOES BEYOND THE LEGISLATURE THAT WE PREVIOUSLY HAD THAT WAS OUT THERE THAT SAID WE CAN PUT THESE RECREATIONAL EASE MENTS IN THERE. 
          THIS IS SOMETHING THEY WANT. LINE LEAN 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: I HOPE WE CAN WORK THIS OUT SOON. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT. 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: I THINK ALL OF US WITH OUR INTEREST IN TRAILS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE 
          CONNECTIVE TEE WITH THEM WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS WORKED OUT. >> SO JUDGE FOR THAT ITEM, SUPPLEMENTAL 8 IS THERE ANY OX -- ANY ACTION OR APPROVED PRESENTED ON AGENDA? 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: NO ACTION. JUST DISCUSSION. >> THANK YOU, SIR. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 9 REQUEST TO TAKE NO ACTION. ITEM 10, SAME THING. 
          ITEM 11 -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHAT DID YOU SAY JUDGE ON 10? 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: NO ACTION. >> R. JACK CAGLE: NO ACTION ON APPOINTING GERALD? 
          >> WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT WE WILL DO ON APPOINTMENTS AND THERE IS SOMEBODY ON THE SHERIFF'S BOARD THAT I TRIED TO APPOINT SOMETIME BACK. I WAS TOLD I COULDN'T APPOINT THAT PERSON. I THINK ALL OF THEM OUGHT TO BE HELD. 
          WE PUT SOMETHING ON THE AGENDA ON APPOINTMENTS AND FIGURE THAT OUT. 
          THAT'S WHY I AM PULLING MINE DOWN. IF THAT'S NOT THE CASE THEN I 
          APPROVE MINE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM WILLING TO SECOND GERALD. 
          I THINK HE WORKS HARD FOR US. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, WHAT IS YOUR SENSE? I HAD TWO ON AND I THINK WE COULD COME UP WITH A PROCESS SO WE ARE NOT JUST GUESSING ON 
          WHO IS WHAT IS MY SENSE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE TRIED INITIALLY AND SEE IF WE COULD GO THROUGH THE PROCESS AND IT WAS MORE COMPLICATED. I AM READY TO GIVE IT ANOTHER TWO WEEKS OR A MONTH, COMMISSIONER ELLIS IF YOU WANT TO FIGURE YOUR TEAM OUT. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: I THINK WE SHOULD FIGURE IT OUT AND I THOUGHT ABOUT IT, JUDGE, WHEN I SAW THE ONE YOU HAD COME UP. I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH, BUT I REMEMBER THAT VERY BOARD WHEN I CAME OVER AND I WAS TOLD COMMISSIONER GARCIA THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SOMEBODY WORKED FOR YOU WHEN YOU WERE SHERIFF. 
          THEY KNEW SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO HOLD ALL OF THE APPOINTMENTS AND SEE IF WE CAN FIGURE THIS OUT. THE ONLY THING I ADD TO IT IS THE GENERAL WAS KIND ENOUGH TO 
          CALL AND ASK FOR MY SUPPORT. I TOLD HIM HE WOULD HAVE IT. >> I TOLD HIM TO CALL. 
          >> HE DID TELL ME THAT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG MAYBE WE CAN APPROVE SUBJECT THE REVIEW OF THE BY LAWS AND WHATEVER? 
          [07:10:11]
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, IF THAT'S THE CASE, I CAN COUNT. I SAY LET THEM ALL GO THEN IF 
          THAT'S THE CASE. I DON'T WANT TO HOLD -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: BUT YOUR MOTION AND YOUR COMMENT IS A WORTHY ONE. JUDGE, COME BACK IN A COUPLE WEEKS FOR A PROPOSITION TO MOVE FORWARD. I DON'T THINK ANY OF THE APPOINT YES -- APPOINTEES I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FROM ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: OKAY, I MOVE THEM ALL AND LET'S GET THE HECK OUT OF HERE. 
          I LOVE YOU ALL, BUT I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THEM. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. 
          >> WHAT ITEM NUMBERS ARE THEY? >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 9 AND 10 
          AND -- WE'LL GET TO THEM, JAMES. >> R. JACK CAGLE: WHEN WE 
          APPROVE THE WHOLE AGENDA THEY SHOULD BE COVERED. >> LINA HIDALGO: PRECINCT 2, NO ACTION. ITEM 11. IS THAT RIGHT? 
          COVID ITEMS WE WENT OVER. >> THE SPEAKER CANCELED AS WELL. 
          [III. Public Hearings]
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. PUBLIC HEARINGS. I UNDERSTAND THE APPLICANT FOR THE PLAT HAS WITHDRAWN THEIR APPLICATIONS. JAMES, NO ACTION HERE. 
          LET'S HEAR FROM ANY SPEAKERS, IF WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS. >>  YES, WE DO. 
          DO YOU NEED TO OPEN THE HEARING? ROBERT? 
          >> I SUGGEST IF YOU HAVE A SPEAKER GO AHEAD AND OPEN THE HEARING AND THEN JUST DON'T 
          TAKE ACTION AND THEN CLOSE THE HEARING. >> LINA HIDALGO: I NOW OPEN HEARING, THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COUNTY OF ENGINEER -- OR THE HEARING ON A REVISION TO A SUBDIVISION PLAT OF THE PLAT IN PRECINCT 2. ANY SPEAKERS? 
          >> YES, MA'AM. MARTHA HARRISON. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          >> YES. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT WE ARE A CLOSE KNIT COMMUNITY AND COMMUNICATE THROUGH AN E-MAIL LIST. WE HAVE ALL PROPERTY OWNERS NAMES, ADDRESSES, E-MAILS AND I HAVE A FEW E-MAILS THAT I JUST WOULD LIKE TO READ IN REFERENCE TO THE DIVISION OF THE PLAT. I READ THROUGH THEM QUICKLY. 
          ONE PROPERTY OWNER WROTE, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING IT TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT THIS COMMUNITY HAS HAD THE -- THESE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE SUBDIVISION IN 1999. WE AS PROPERTY OWNERS BOUGHT IN THIS SUBDIVISION. 
          WE WERE ALL AWARE OF THESE RESTRICTIONS AND WE PURCHASED THE SPACIOUS NEIGHBORHOODS FOR A REASON. IF WE HAD WANTED TO LIVE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THE HOMES WERE ALL PACKED CLOSELY TOGETHER, WE WOULD HAVE BOUGHT SMALLER LOTS IN A SMALLER AREA. WE HAVE BEEN PROUD TO LIVE HERE AND PROD -- PROUD TO HAVE RESTRICTIONS TO KEEP US WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. 
          MR. LINDYMAR WHO IS THE SON OF THE ORIGINAL PROPERTY GAVE THE JOHNSONS HIS BLESSING TO SUBDIVIDE, BUT THE DECISION SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH US FOR OUR INPUT ON THE CHANGES TO OUR DEED RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE CONSIDER NOT FORCING US TO CHANGE OR VOID OUR DEED RESTRICTIONS JUST FOR ONE OVER THE MAJORITY. 
          IF AND WHEN WE HAVE TO CHANGE OUR DEED RESTRICTIONS WE WOULD ALL WORK TOGETHER AND DO THAT. ANOTHER PERSON WROTE -- WE RECEIVE -- SCAWS ME? 
          EXCUSE. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M SORRY. THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW, MA'AM, THAT THE ITEM HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN SO THERE IS NO 
          ACTION GOING TO BE TAKEN ON THIS. >> THAT'S WHAT I WAS TOLD, BUT THEN THEY SAID IF SOMEBODY WANTED TO SPEAK THEY CAN GO AHEAD AND SPEAK. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: OKAY. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE YOU KNEW. 
          THANK YOU. >> YES. EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS THAT SENT THE E-MAILS BACK AND FORTH AGREED THAT WE DO NOT WANT TO SPLIT OR SUBDIVIDE THIS PROPERTY BECAUSE OF OUR DEED RESTRICTIONS BEING THE REASON WE ACTUALLY LIVE HERE. ANOTHER ONE WROTE, MY WIFE AND I ARE SO HAPPY TO BE LIVING IN SUCH A BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORHOOD. WE DEFINITELY DON'T WANT THE LOT NEXT TO OURS SUBDIVIDED. THE REASON WE DECIDED ON THIS PROPERTY ON RENEE LANE IS AFTER LIVING 40 YEARS IN NEWPORT I HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND HOW SMALLER LOTS AND SMALLER LOTS LEAD TO, IN MY OPINION, A GRADUAL DECLINE IN QUALITY OF LIFE. 
          WE FULLY SUPPORT ANY ACTION TAKEN BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO BLOCK THIS SUBDIVISION. 
          ANOTHER WROTE I MOVED FROM MY OLD PLACE BECAUSE THE HOUSES WERE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER. 
          ANOTHER ONE SAID THAT WHEN HER AND HER HUSBAND BOUGHT THEIR LAND MR. MURPH TOLD HEM HE 
          [07:15:07]
WOULD NOT DIVIDE THE LOTS FOR HIS OWN KIDS FVMENT HE WOULD DO THAT FOR ONE HE WOULD DO IT FOR ALL. ANYWAY, I JUST WANTED TO SPEAK UP IN OPPOSITION TO THE 
          SUBDIVISION OF THE LAND. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, LUCINDA? 
          >> NO, MA'AM. THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: THOSE ARE THE SPEAKERS. NO ACTION ON THIS ONE. 
          AND THAT -- >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, REAL QUICKLY TO GO BACK TO THE LAST WEAKER -- LAST SPEAKER AND THIS IS A QUESTION FOR JOHN BLOUNT. 
          JOHN, IN THIS SITUATION IF THE DEED RESTRICTIONS ARE THERE AND ON RECORD THIS ITEM SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT, HOW DO WE GO ABOUT DEALING WITH NEIGHBORHOOD THAT'S DO HAVE THE DEEP RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE AND ENSURING THAT THE NEIGHBORS LIKE THE CALLER HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT THE ITEM WILL MAKE ITS WAY WITHOUT RAISING 
          ANY RED FLAGS. >> COMMISSIONER, WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF THIS WHICH IS WHEN THE AGENDA WAS PUBLISHED, I TALKED TO MY TEAM. THEY HAD TALKED TO THE COUNTY ATTORNEY WHO TOLD THEM WE DIDN'T HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE THE DEED RESTRICTIONS. I HAVE TAKEN THE POSITION THAT YOU WON'T SEE -- IF THERE ARE DEED RESTRICTIONS PROHIBITING SUBDIVIDING OF LOTS, IT IS MY POSITION THAT WE WON'T APPROVE A PLAT. THEY ARE ALREADY SETTING UP A SYSTEM TO CHECK THEM. 
          THAT INCLUDES THOSE IN THE CITY OF HOUSTON'S E T.J. I PERSONALLY HAVE BEEN SUED OVER THIS BEFORE AND QUITE FRANKLY WE WILL DO THAT DUE DILIGENCE FROM NOW ON. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THERE WE GO. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS A SYSTEM IN PLACE BECAUSE TOO OFTEN NEIGHBORS DO ALL THE RIGHT THINGS TO PROTECT THEIR DEED RESTRICTIONS AND THEN SOME DEVELOPERS DO COME IN AND IF THEY LET ONE GET THROUGH, THEN IT PUTS THE DEED RESTRICTIONS IN JEOPARDY. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE 
          A SYSTEM IN PLACE TO PROTECT THEM. >> YES, SIR. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. THE PUBLIC HEARING IS NOW CLOSED. THE NEXT ITEM IS PUBLIC HEARING FOR ITEM 2. 
          I NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A CONTINGENT B CONTRACT WITH REIC AND BINSTOCK, RICHARD SCHECTHER, LAW OFFICE OF J MICHAEL SOLAR TO PURSUIT LITIGATION AGAINST PARTIES WHO MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES TO HARRIS COUNTY RELATED TO THE MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING OF E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING PRODUCTS. 
          IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK FOR ORGANS THIS ITEM -- FOR AGAINST THIS 
          ITEM? >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, MR. SOARD, MICHAEL SOLAR WAS A LAW PARTNER OF MINE 20 YEARS AGO AND I KNOW I WASN'T A GOOD PARTNER. 
          NO INTEREST WITH HIM NOW. IS THERE ANY PROBLEM ME VOTING ON THIS? 
          >> NO PROBLEM WITH YOU VOTING ON THIS, COMMISSIONER. AND JUST TO LAY IT OUT, THIS DOES ALLOW HARRIS COUNTY TO JOIN INTO NATIONWIDE LITIGATIONS THAT ARE GOING ON CONCERNING E-CIGARETTES, AND IT IS JUSTICE DAVID MEDINA. HE IS THE KEY TO THE LOCAL 
          PART OF IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA YOU ARE GOOD? 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: JUDGE, I'M SORRY. I WAS TRYING TO ASK A QUESTION. I WAS MUTED. ROBERT, SORRY, YOU MENTIONED FORMER JUSTICE MEDINA AND HIGH CAL SOLAR -- AND MICHAEL SOLAR, HOW DO WE CONSIDER 
          THESE IN THIS ITEM? >> CERTAINLY WE HAVE LOOKED AT THAT AND MR. SCHECHTER IS ON THE LINE AND MR. REICH. IT IS NOT THAT THEY CAN'T BRING IN OTHER PERSONS AS THE CASE DEVELOPS, BUT THIS IS THE TEAM WE ARE RECOMMENDING THEY PUT TOGETHER. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT WITH YOU ABOUT MAKING SURE THERE SOME MINORITY 
          PARTICIPATION. >> THAT IS APPROPRIATE AND WE CAN DO THAT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: GOOD DEAL. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS, ROBERT. LUCINDA, NO SPEAKERS, CORRECT? 
          [07:20:04]
          >> THAT IS CORRECT. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A MOTION ON THIS 
          ITEM? >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: IS THERE A 
          SECOND? >> RODNEY ELLIS: COMMISSIONER GARCIA ARE YOU MUTED. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: COMMISSIONER GARCIA MOVED THE ITEM. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECOND. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. THANK YOU. 
          PUBLIC HEARING IS NOW CLOSED. NOW WE WILL MOVE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. 
          [IV. Executive Session (Part 2 of 3)]
WE HAVE ONE MORE ITEM RELATED TO THE INTERIM DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES. 
          WE HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO SET ASIDE A SALARY FOR NOREAGA. >> YES, MA'AM, YOU MAY. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN BEYOND THAT IS ITEM 1 IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING THE APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENTS. 
          I PROPOSE WE GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT ITEM TOO TO DISCUSS THAT PERSONNEL 
          MATTER. >> RODNEY ELLIS: JUDGE, I WAS TALKING ABOUT GOING FROM MEMORY, BUT MAYBE WE NEED SOMETHING FOR MEMORY. DID WE MOVE THE REST OF THE AGENDA? LET THEM VOTE AGAINST WHATEVER THEY VOTED AGAINST AND MOVE 
          THE REST? >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL DO IT IN A MINUTE. 
          IS THERE ANYTHING IN EXECUTIVE SESSION THAT WE DON'T NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR 
          AND WE CAN INCLUDE THAT IN THE VOTE. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JUDGE, I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE MAY BEACON CENSUS -- BE CONSENSUS AS TO WHO SHOULD BE THE DIRECTOR ON COMMUNITY SERVICES. IF SO, I DON'T NEED TO GO BACK 
          TO DISCUSS THAT UNLESS YOU NEED TO DISCUSS IT. >> LINA HIDALGO: I KNOW THERE ARE TWO CANDIDATES AND I FRANKLY WANTED TO DISCUSS WITH YOU GUYS BECAUSE I AM NOT -- 
          >> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL RIGHT. VERY GOOD. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THEN, B, I DON'T THINK WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THAT ONE IF FOLKS ARE OKAY, THE SHERIFF'S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. ITEM 2, PRECINCT 2. 
          WE ALREADY DISCUSSED. ITEM 3, WE PROBABLY TONT NEED -- DON'T NEED TO GO TO 
          EXECUTIVE SESSION, IS THAT RIGHT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: CORRECT. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ITEM 4, DO WE NEED TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE 
          SETTLEMENT? >> R. JACK CAGLE: COMMISSIONER RADACK, ARE YOU MUTED. 
          IT IS YOUR ITEM. ON THE GREENHOUSE, DO YOU NEED TO GO BACK FOR EXECUTIVE 
          SESSION? ARE YOU STILL MUTED. >> STEVE RADACK: I AM GOING BACK AND FORTH HERE. ANYWAY, MR. SOARD, AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THIS IS -- THERE IS NO REASON, CORRECT? ON ITEM 4, DO I NEED TO MAKE A MOTION TO SETTLE? 
          >> IF YOU WOULD LIKE. >> STEVE RADACK: WHO ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO? 
          >> WHO EVER ELSE WANTS TO. >> STEVE RADACK: WE PRETTY MUCH WORKED THIS OUT. 
          >> I THINK WE HAVE. I UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE PARTIES WHO PARTICIPATED HAVE 
          AGREED. >> STEVE RADACK: I MOVE TO SETTLE. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SECOND. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? 
          >> I. >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? 
          MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. >> JUDGE WE STILL HAVE A COUPLE OF SPEAKERS ON THAT ONE 
          ITEM THAT WE JUST SETTLED ON. >> LINDA MARIE -- LINDA MEJIA? 
          >> YES, I AGREE WITH THE SETTLEMENT AND I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING THAT MR. GARY BROWN 
          HAS STATED AND SAID. WE ARE ALL IN FAVOR. >> R. JACK CAGLE: THANK YOU 
          VERY MUCH FOR COMING. APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU. 
          >> GARY BROWN. GO AHEAD, PLEASE, SIR. >> THANK YOU. 
          I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR APPROVING THE GREENHOUSE ROAD SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT. 
          I SIGNED IT BECAUSE IT PROVIDES CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION CERTIFICATES AND IT PROVIDES TOXIC SHUL FIGHT INSTRUCTIONS -- SULPHITE AND IT HAS MORE TOXIC METHANE GAS INSPECTIONS AND TONS OF METHANE GASES AND IT PROVIDES FOR REGULAR INSPECTIONS FOR FLOODING AND THAT'S CONTROLLED PROVISIONS. AND TWO BORDERING SUBDIVISIONS. THANK YOU U-101. NO FLOODING ALLOWED AT LOG 
          [07:25:07]
TRAIL LANE. THE LEGAL CONS -- CONSEQUENCE IS A VIOLATION TO BE TAKEN UNDER TCEQ RULES. ALSO IN DISAGREEMENT THAT THE OPERATOR HAS AGREED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PTA SCHOOLS THAT ARE IMPACTED $61,000. AND IN THE AGREEMENT. 
          I WANT TO THANK SARA FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN THIS AGREEMENT. AGAIN I WANT TO THANK YOU, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, FOR APPROVING THIS ITEM FOR US. THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          BY THE WAY, IT IS MY BIRTHDAY AND THIS IS ONE HELL OF A BIRTHDAY PRESENT. 
          >> STEVE RADACK: MR. BROWN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I APPRECIATE YOUR TENACITY IN THIS EFFORT. THANK YOU FOR APPEARING. HAVE A GOOD EVENING. 
          THANK YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. >> THANK YOU. 
          >> JUDGE, THOSE ARE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS ON THAT ITEM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU, 
          LUCINDA. >> WE DO HAVE NONAGENDA SPEAKER WHEN'S ARE YOU READY. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: GOT IT. BEFORE WE MOVE TO THE NONAGENDA SPEAKERS AND VOTE ON 
          [I. Departments (Part 3 of 3)]
THE AGENDA AND ALL OF THAT, LET ME GO BACK TO THE ITEM UNDER MY AGENDA, ITEM 2 ON ON THE COUNTY JUDGE AGENDA WHICH WAS THE POLICY AREA GOALS STATEMENTS. 
          COMMISSIONER CAGLE, ARE YOU READY TO VOTE ON THOSE? >> R. JACK CAGLE: I AM READY 
          TO VOTE, JUDGE. I WILL BE VOTING NO. >> LINA HIDALGO: OKAY. 
          >> RODNEY ELLIS: SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: DO WE HAVE A SECOND. 
          ALL IN FAVOR OF THE GOALS? >> I. >> I. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? ALL RIGHT. THE GOALS CARRY. 
          WE WILL UH-HUH DON'T THOSE. WE WILL ADOPT THOSE. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONER RADACK 
          AND CAGLE BOTH VOTED NO? >> STEVE RADACK: JAMES, THIS IS RADACK. 
          I VOTED NO. >> R. JACK CAGLE: JAMES, THIS IS CAGLE AND I VOTED NO. 
          >> THANK YOU, SIRS. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THIS IS COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          CAGLE AND RADACK VOTED NO. >> THANK YOU. >> STEVE RADACK: THIS IS RADACK. HIDALGO AND ELLIS AND ADRIAN VOTED YES. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: SO NOW WE NEED TO VOTE ON THE AGENDA EXCEPT FOR -- IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE ALL AGENDA ITEMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY VOTED ON WITH THE EXCEPTION OF EXECUTIVE ITEM 2 WHICH WE ARE GOING TO TAKE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THE SALARY OF THE INTERIM DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES AND EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 1 WHICH WE ARE GOING TO TAKE TO EXECUTIVE SESSION BECAUSE OF -- IT IS DISCUSSING THE 
          DIRECTOR OF CSD. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: SO MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: SECOND. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN FAVOR? >> I. 
          >> I. >> I. LEAN. 
          >> JUDGE, THEY WERE BOTH -- THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BECAUSE IT WAS SIMULTANEOUS. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I MOVED. >> RODNEY ELLIS: I SECONDED. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND THE 
          MOTION CARRIEDED UNANIMOUSLY. AND NOW WE WILL HEAR -- >> R. JACK CAGLE: JAMES, TO MAKE IT CLEAR IT WAS ON ALL THINGS NOT PREVIOUSLY VOTED ON. 
          >> YES, SIR. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND NOW WE WILL TAKE SPEAKERS NOT ON THE 
          [V. Appearances before court]
AGENDA AND THEN WE WILL GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON THOSE TWO ITEMS. 
          >> STEVE WILLIAMS. >> CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> YES, SIR. 
          GO AHEAD. >> AS A CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURE, AS YOU DON'T KNOW I AM A WRITER AND I WRITE ABOUT MATHEMATICAL PROBABILITY AS FORECASTING THE PATTERN RECOMMENDATIONS. I USED TO WRITE ABOUT SHORT-TERM INVESTING AND I EMPHASIZE THE PHRASE SHORT-TERM AND THEN I WRITE ON OTHER THINGS. 
          I AM GOING TO BE RAISING MONEY FOR EVERY SINGLE WHITE RESISTANCE ORGANIZATION THAT WANTS ME TO DO IT. KU KLUX KLAN AND ARYAN NATIONS AND DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE AND WE PUT HAYDEN LAKE IN THERE AND COEUR D'ALENE. A GOOD PORTION OF WHITE RESISTANCE IS -- [INAUDIBLE]. NO GROUP IS A LARGER PERCENT OF THE POPULATION COMES FROM FAMILIES WHOSE ONLY ASSOCIATION IN LIFE, DEATH ARE ASSOCIATION AND AS I TOLD YOU 
          [07:30:07]
MANY YEARS AGO I HAD ONE OR TWO CON -- CONVERSATIONS WITH THE KU KLUX KLAN FROM CLEVELAND TEXAS. AT ANY RATE AS A CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURE I WANT IT TO BE FUNDED FOR THE CANDIDATE TO RUN AND HOPEFULLY WITH BEN CARLSON THEM AND INAUDIBLE] AND THE NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN. AT ANY RATE ANNE COULTIER IS MY FIRST CHOICE. I DISAGREE ON THE GAY THING. SHE IS PRO THAT WAY, BUT BEN CARSON IS THE VP. I DO THIS AS A CONFIDENCE BILL -- CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURE. HAVING BEEN DOWN TO THE KNITY GRITTY LEVEL I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THINGS THAT YOU DON'T SEE OR THAT YOU CON CONSTANTLY AVOID WITHOUT KNOWING. 
          I SEE HOW THE PROCESS IS. YOU KNOW IT BECAUSE I KNOW YOURSELF BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN DONE THAT WAY MYSELF. AND IT IS NOT THIS ONE GROUP. IT IS BOTH OF THE GROUPS. 
          THEY ARE TOGETHER IN THE WORKPLACE AND THE MARKETPLACE AND IN PARTICULAR [INAUDIBLE] THAT WHICH MAKE UP THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. MY FIRST CHOICE FOR MAYOR -- [INAUDIBLE] AND IF NOVEMBER STEVE RADACK. AT ANY RATE I WANT TO GO BACK TO THIS. I DO THIS. I NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE GET IN CONTACT. I AM NOT LITERATE WITH THESE COMPUTERS. 
          REBECCA WITH WHITE LIVES MATTER CAN'T READ THE NAME. I AM NOT LITERATE WITH IT, BUT I FINALLY GOT IT AND I COULDN'T FIND IT, BUT YOUR NAME WAS ON IT. 
          KEN REID IS ONE OF THE CO-FOUNDERS I BELIEVE IN WHITE LIVES MATTER. 
          THEY WANT TO FUND YOU AND THEY GIVE THE EXAMPLE AND GIVE YOU A DEMONSTRATION AND YOU REALIZE THAT, YEAH, HE CAN ACTUALLY DO THIS AND RAISE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THESE ORGANIZATIONS. YOU UNDERSTAND? I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT. 
          THIS IS NOT SOME CRAZY -- >> MR. WILLIAMS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. 
          YOUR TIME IS UP. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
          >> DEBORAH BLALOCKS WITH EBONY ANCESTRY. >> HELLO, GOOD EVENING, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. I APPRECIATE THE TIME THAT YOU ARE GIVING ME. I FIRST WANT TO SAY THAT I DO APPRECIATE YOUR COMMITMENT AND THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO KEEP RESIDENTS OF HARRIS COUNTY SAFE DURING THE PANDEMIC. AND UNLIKE SOME PEOPLE I DO BELIEVE THE CORONAVIRUS IS REAL. I AM 64 YEARS OLD, AND I AM FOLLOWING ALL OF THE SAFETY GUIDELINES AS ADVISED BY THE CDC. SO MY POINT IS THIS. 
          THERE ARE SEVERAL LONG-TIME COLLEAGUES AND RESEARCHERS AND HISTORIANS LIKE MYSELF WHO HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO IN THIS CITY. A AS MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY FORMED AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL COMMISSION, AND THANK YOU FOR THAT, AND THE RECENT EMANCIPATION NATIONAL HISTORIC STUDY ACT THAT WAS SPONSORED BY CONGRESSWOMAN LEE, AND SO MY PROBLEM IS THE CLOSURE OF THE COUNTY ARCHIVES ON TODD ROAD HAS SIDELINED OUR EFFORTS WITH THESE PROJECTS AND THE PRESERVATION EFFORTS AND ALSO AS YOU REMEMBER I AM AN 18-MEMBER OF THE HISTORIC COMMISSION. I HAVE 27 HISTORICAL MARKERS UNDER MY BELT. MY GOAL IS TO DO 50. AND THE RESEARCH I DO IN THE ARCHIVES IS THE BULK OF MY RESEARCH AND OF MY PROJECTS. AND SO FINALLY ON A PERSONAL LEVEL AS A STEP TOWARD THE CLOSURE OF THE COUNTY ARCHIVES THAT HAS HINDERED OUR BUSINESS. THE COUNTY OFFICES ARE OPEN AND MAKING MONEY, AND I WANT TO BE AFFORDED THE SAME PRIVILEGE. THAT'S ALL I WANTED TO SAY. 
          THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ROBERT, CAN 
          YOU HELP HER? >> WE CAN CERTAINLY LOOK INTO IT AND SEE WHAT IS GOING ON. 
          GIVE US A FEW MINUTES, MA'AM. >> R. JACK CAGLE: IT MAY BE SOMETHING THAT JOHN BLOUNT NEEDS TO GET INVOLVED IN. IF Y'ALL WILL VISIT WITH HER. I CAN'T TALK ABOUT THE ISSUE HERE, BUT I CAN REFER IT TO THESE OTHER FOLKS. AND IF YOU DON'T MIND FOLLOWING UP WITH US IN A COUPLE DAYS IF THEY DON'T HELP YOU. 
          OKAY? >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CAGLE. 
          AS USUAL, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> R. JACK CAGLE: ALL RIGHT. 
          [07:35:05]
          >> TONYA DUBOIS WITH INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. 
          >> GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE. JUDGE HIDALGO AND THE COMMISSIONERS THERE, AS I DID DEBORAH BLACK LOCK SLOAN AS A NEED TO HAVE THE ARCHIVES OPEN EVERY DAY, BUT AT LEAST I APPOINTED IT SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO THE WORK TO UNCOVER THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND HISTORICAL ACCESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. AS YOU KNOW IT IS ONE OF THE COMMUNITIES THAT WAS ON THE EMANCIPATION'S NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL. 
          ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE TASKED WITH IS TO IDENTIFY THE EMANCIPATION STORIES OF THE PEOPLE WHO CAME TO CALL INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS HOME. AND WITHOUT ACCESS TO THOSE RECORDS IT MAKES IT A LITTLE DIFFICULT. I KNOW THEY ARE EXPECTED TO BE SOME RESEARCHERS WORKING WITH THE TRAIL NEXT MONTH THAT IS GOING TO START. 
          WE WANT TO HAVE SOME INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH THEM. 
          THEY ARE HINDERING US FROM MAKING SURE WE ARE READY AND AVAILABLE FOR THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. AND SO I WOULD APPRECIATE IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO HELP US GAIN SOME ACCESS TO THE RECORD THAT'S ARE THERE AND THE ARCHIVES, WE WOULD 
          GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE WILL 
          CIRCLE BACK AS WELL TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE. >> NAOMI WITH TCAAH. 
          GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> YES. WITH THE TEXAS ACCESS OF AMERICAN HISTORY. WE WILL BEACON TACTING THE -- BE CONTRACTING WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON AND THE SOUTHEAST MANAGEMENT DISTRICT. DEBORAH SLOAN IS WRNLG -- IS ONE OF THE HISTORIANS I AM WORKING WITH ON THIS PROJECT. IT WILL ENTAIL NOT ONLY THEIR FINDING INFORMATION, BUT COLLECTING DOCUMENTS AND IT WILL BE TRY -- TRYING TO PROVE THINGS. I DID THE RESEARCH AND WROTE THE NARRATIVE FOR THE EMANCIPATION AND HISTORIC TRAIL. NEXT MONTH, AS TONYA JUST SAID, THE NATIONAL TRAILS DISTRICT OFFICE AND THEIR TEAM WILL BE RUNNING TO BEGIN A FEASIBILITY STUDY FROM GALVESTON TO HOUSTON AND DEBORAH NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO THE ARCHIVES. I'M SURE THAT IF YOU WERE TO BE ABLE TO ALLOW HER TO MAKE AN UH POINTMENT -- APPOINTMENT FOR WHAT SHE WANTS TO DO, SHE CAN GO ALONG WITH THAT. 
          SHE REALLY DOESN'T WANT TO BE PERMANENTLY -- WELL FOR RIGHT NOW TEMPORARILY BLOCKED OUT OF THE ARCHIVES. I HOPE YOU WILL CONSIDER THAT. 
          I THINK, JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT, I CONGRATULATE ALL OF YOU FOR THE GREAT JOB YOU ARE DOING. THAT'S THE END OF MY TESTIMONY. 
          >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> YVONNE SILVA. 
          GO AHEAD, PLEASE, MA'AM. >> JUDGE HIDALGO AND COMMISSIONERS COURT, THANK YOU FOR TAKING SOME OF YOUR TIME TO LISTEN TO US. I KNOW I HAVE BEEN UP IN FRONT OF THE COURT. JUDGE HIDALGO, I HAVE MADE SEVERAL REQUESTS TO MEET WITH SOMEONE. YOU, OF COURSE I CANNOT, BUT SOMEONE WITHIN YOUR STAFF, AND I HAVE YET TO GET A RESPONSE. I HAVE TRIED TO E-MAIL JOE MADDEN. 
          I AM REQUESTING TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR OFFICE REGARDING THE FLOOD CONTROL NOT ADDRESSING FLOODING ISSUES. AND ALSO HOUSING, FRAUD IN THE HARRIS COUNTY QUART -- COURTHOUSES. DOCUMENTS ARE BEING TAMPERED WITH AND IT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. I REACHED OUT TO JACK CAGLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND THEY HAVE NEVER CALLED ME BACK TO ADDRESS MY ISSUES. 
          PART OF THIS DOES HAVE TO DO WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON. I LAST SPOKE WITH JEREMY PHILIPS WITH THE FLOOD CONTROL AND HE SAID HE WAS WORKING WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON, BUT THEN I GET MIXED MESSAGES WHEN I SPEAK WITH THE CITY OF HOUSTON REGARDING FLOODING. 
          I HAVE ALSO CARBON COPIED RUSS POPPY SO HE IS WELL AWARE OF THE SITUATION. 
          FLOOD SINGS A VERY SEAR -- FLOODING IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN SPRING BRANCH BECAUSE OF THE DEVELOPMENT. DEVELOPERS GETTING PRE-APPROVED WITHOUT ANY KIND OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE FLOODING IT IS CAUSING OLDER NEIGHBORHOODS. 
          THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. >> NOELLE PIN KNOCK WITH AFSC 
          [07:40:11]
          WITH LOCAL 1550. >> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS NOEL PINOCK AND REPRESENTING AMERICAN FED -- FEDERATION 1550. WE BRING TO YOU THE ATTENTION AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT. TODAY HAS BEEN A TIRELESS DAY FOR YOU GUYS AND I WANT TO SAY THAT FIRST AND FOREMOST. WE BRING THE ATTENTION AS YOU ARE ADDRESSING THE COVID ISSUE RELATIVE TO CONTACT TRACING AND TESTING THE TRIAGE. 
          OBVIOUSLY HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEMS OR HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICTS IS ONE OF THOSE. ONE OF THE THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT AT LENGTH IS OUR MEMBERS WITHIN HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM IS THE INABILITY TO EMPHASIZE NOT BEING SET UP AT ONE OF THE 40 CLINIC THAT'S EXIST OUT THERE. MANY OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE BEEN MANDATED TO GO HOME BECAUSE OF THE CLINICS IN OPERATION ARE BELOW CENSUS. 
          MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CLOSE. WHAT WE WERE SUBJECTING TO THE COURT IS THAT MAYBE THERE IS CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO OPEN UP TESTING SITES AT SOME OF THESE CLINIC THAT'S ARE OPERATING BELOW CENSUS. YOU HAVE STAFF THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY MANDATED TO BE HOME THAT HAVE THE SKILL AND THE WILL AND IF THE COURT WOULD HAVE ANY CONVERSATION AROUND THAT TABLE TO HAVE THOSE DISCUSSIONS AROUND USING MORE OF A COMMUNITY CENTRIC TESTING MODEL AS OPPOSED TO A CENTRALIZED TESTING MODEL WHERE YOU REQUIRE RESIDENTS TO GO OUT TO A PLACE AND SIT IN TRAFFIC IN ORDER TO GET TESTED. SOME OF THE TESTING SITES MAY NOT BE OPERATING AT CAPACITY. 
          IF WE ARE GOING TO CLOSE AND WE HAVE HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM EMPLOYEES AT HOME WHILE THEY ARE NOT FULLY FUNCTIONAL, THAT THE CONSIDERATION IS OPENING UP THOSE CLINICS CONCERNING CONTACT TRACING AND TRAINING FOR RESIDENTS IN A MORE -- AND A MORE EASILY PLACE TO WALK AND BIKE AND AS COMMISSIONER ELLIS LIKES TO DO TO GET TO THE TESTING SITE AND GET THAT DONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. 
          >> CYNTHIA COLE WITH ASSCME1550. GO AHEAD, PLEASE. >> THANK YOU AND GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A LONG DAY AND SO I WILL NOT TAKE UP ANYMORE LENGTHY TIME. THERE IS A CONCERN THAT THE UNION WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT. 
          THE CONCERN IS THAT I GUESS I NEED SOME DIRECTION WITH HOW THIS PARTICULAR COURT AND COMMISSIONERS APPROVE BUDGETING FOR HARRIS COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICTS. 
          ON AUGUST 28 WE PRESENTED TO HARRIS COUNTY A LETTER INDICATING REVIEW OF THE DIFFERENT SALARIES. THERE IS A DISPARITY IN REGARD TO YOUR TOP 25 EMPLOYEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND EXECUTIVES WHO FROM 2016 UNTIL CURRENT HAVE BECOME MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR STATUS. THAT'S THE TOP 25. WHEN YOUR AVERAGE WORKER WHICH IS THE FRONT LINE EMPLOYEE MAKE BETWEEN 55,000 AND $60,000. 
          THE CONCERN WAS RAISED BOUGH SOME ARE NOT -- RAISED BECAUSE SOME ARE NOT ABLE TO WORK BECAUSE OF THE SHUTDOWN. WHEN THE BUDGET COMES INTO VIEW, I ASKED THIS COURT WHAT PART OF THE OPERATION IS BEING DIRECTED BY COMMISSIONERS. YOU ALL APPOINT A BOARD TO BE RESPONSIBLE, BUT WHEN WILL THERE BE A CAP? IF THEY MAKE $800,000 A YEAR, THAT'S JUST COMING INTO 2020. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THAT PERSON GETS TO A MILLION? HOW WILL THE SERVICES UNDER THAT OPERATIVE BUDGET, HOW WILL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY BE ENHANCED AS OPPOSED TO THE SALARIES THAT DON'T HAVE A CAP TO THEM. 
          [07:45:01]
I AM ASKING THE COURT, I AM ASKING YOU ALL, COMMISSIONERS, WHO DO WE NEED TO SEND CORRESPONDENCE TO AND HAVE A PROPOSAL TO TOEN -- TO ENCOURAGE HOW THIS PARTICULAR BUDGET LOOKS. NO MATTER HOW FLOURY THE -- FLOWERY THE PRESENTATION IS AND WE DID GET A RESPONSE BACK FROM THE SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF HR, BUT BY THE END OF THE DAY AN AVERAGE 25-EMPLOYEE MAKES 350,000 A YEAR, BUT THE PERSON WHO IS COMING TO WORK EVERY DAY AND SEEING THEIR FAMILY MAKES 55,000 TO 60,000. 
          IT LOOKS TOP HEAVY. WHO DO WE PRESENT THE PRESENTATION TO TO SEE WHEN THE BUDGET IS PRESENTED TO HAVE A THEIR ARE YOU TIFF OR DIALOGUE THAT PUTS SOME LIMITATION ON HOW THE TOP OR THE EXECUTIVE SALARIES CAN BE PUT IN LINE SO THE ASSETS CAN 
          BE MORE DIRECTED. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER GARCIA. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: THANK YOU, JUDGE. TO ADDRESS -- NOT TO ADDRESS YOUR SPECIFIC ITEM, CYNTHIA BECAUSE WE CAN'T, BUT TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT HAS THEIR OWN GOVERNMENTS. IT IS THE BOARD THAT IS APPOINTED. THEY DO HAVE MEETINGS AS WE DO AND THAT WOULD BE A GOOD HAD PLACE TO GO AND ENGAGE THE BOARD AND TO TRY TO CREATE SOME DISCUSSION AND DIALOGUE ON THE MATTER THAT YOU PRESENTED. GOOD TO HEAR YOU. 
          >> AND YOU ALL. IT HAS BEEN A LONG DAY SO I WON'T PUSH, BUT I SEND YOU THE CORRESPONDENCE WE HAVE SENT TO THE BOARD. IF THERE IS OTHER DIRECTION OR 
          EVEN ENHANCEMENTS IN OUR PRESENTATION I AM OPEN. >> LINA HIDALGO: AND PERHAPS YOU CAN MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR HANDS ON THAT IN CASE THERE IS A ROLE FOR YOU. 
          I CONCUR WITH COMMISSIONER GARCIA'S COMMENTS. DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER SPEAKERS, 
          LUCINDA? >> MELODY WITH ACAHCSC. GO AHEAD. 
          >> HI. MY NAME IS -- GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE HIDALGO AND ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS MELODY FONTANO. I AM A COMMUNITY LEADER IN BEAR STATION, TEXAS AND MEMBER OF THE AC HARRIS COUNTY OF THE AMERICAN CULTURAL AND HERITAGE COMMISSION AND MEMBER OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN LIBRARY GROUP AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BEAR STATION -- BEXAR STATION CEMETERY, THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CEMETERY. 
          I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE PENDING CLOSURE OF THE ARCHIVES AND THE HOUSTON RESEARCH CENTER. AMERICAN CITIZENS AND WORKERS HAVE HAD SIX MONTHS OF COVID-19 EDUCATION, LEARNING TO LIVE AND TRY TO BE PRODUCTIVE. 
          NEVERTHELESS, WORK MUST GO ON EVEN FOR RESEARCH ERPS -- RESEARCHERS AND THE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND COORDINATORS LIKE MYSELF WHOSE PURPOSE INCLUDES PRESERVATION OF HISTORY AND PROGRESS IN OUR COMMUNITY. INCLUDING THOSE WHOM MANY TIMES WORK COUNTLESS HOURS WITHOUT PAY FOR HISTORICAL DESIGNATIONS AND SUBMIT AB -- APPLICATIONS ON THE ORGANIZATIONS AND THE COMMUNITIES. 
          LOCALLY THE CLOSURE OF THE HARRIS COUNTY ARCHIVES AND THE HOUSTON METROPOLITAN RESEARCH CENTER HAS IMPEDED OUR EFFORTS AND IN MANY CASES CAUSED LOSS OF INCOME ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF US WHO WORK IN CONSULTING CAPACITIES OF VARIOUS HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS AND RELATED ENTITIES. WHY ARE THESE FACILITIES STILL BEING CLOSED WHEN OTHER COUNTY OFFICES HAVE SO MUCH MORE FOOT TRAFFIC AND ARE MUCH MORE CHALLENGING TO MAINTAIN IN THIS ENVIRONMENT ARE OPEN. SURE OPENINGS ARE ON A LIMITED BASIS, BUT THE FOOT TRAFFIC THAT GOES INTO AN ARCHIVAL FACILITY PALES IN COMPARISON TO OTHER COUNTY OFFICES. 
          SOCIAL DISTANCING SHOULD BE RELATIVELY EASY IN THE FORMER CASE. 
          SO FINALLY, THE ABILITY TO WORK WITHIN THE RIDGE -- RIGID APPLICATION DEADLINE OF HISTORICAL CONDITIONS IS PART OF OUR WORK. LET US IN TO CONTINUE OUR WORK AND AS THE ARCHIVES LOCATIONS ARE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE US. 
          THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION. >> LINA HIDALGO: THANK YOU FOR BRINGING AND ALL OF YOU ALL FOR INFORMING US OF THIS. I MAKE SURE SOMEONE CIRCLES 
          [07:50:01]
          BACK TO HELP YOU OUT. >> THANK YOU. >> ADRIAN GARCIA: MELODY, 
          THANK YOU FOR CALLING IN AND THANK YOU, JUDGE. >> THANK YOU. 
          >> THOSE WERE ALL OF THE SPEAKERS. >> LINA HIDALGO: SO IN THAT CASE WE WOULD BE GOING TO EXECUTIVE SESSION ON TWO ITEMS. EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 1, A 
          [IV. Executive Session (Part 3 of 3)]
PERSONNEL MATTER ABOUT THE UH MOIPT MEANT OF A DIRECTOR -- APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 2, TO DISCUSS THE SALARY OF THE INITTER RIM DIRECTOR OF -- OF THE INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL SERVICES. 
          IS THAT ALL RIGHT, ROBERT? >> YES, MA'AM. YOU'RE GOOD. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL RIGHT. >> JUDGE, EXCUSE ME. PLEASE NOTE THAT I SENT A NEW 
          MEETING INVITE WITH NEW CALL IN INFORMATION FOR EVERYONE. >> LINA HIDALGO: GREAT. 
          THANK YOU. IT IS 
          >> WE ARE BACK. ON ITEM ONE. WE WILL TAKE NO ACTION AT THIS TIME. ITEM 2, IS THERE A MOTION TO PROVIDE THE SALARY AND BENEFITS TO THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AS PROVIDED TO THE PREVIOUS EXECUTIVE 
          DIRECTOR. >> SO MOVED. >> LINA HIDALGO: ALL IN 
          FAVOR? >> I. >> I. 
          >> I. >> LINA HIDALGO: OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES UNANIMOUSLY. 
          >> JUDGE THAT WAS A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GARCIA AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER 
          ELLIS? >> LINA HIDALGO: THAT'S CORRECT. 
          >> ADRIAN GARCIA: AND JUDGE A QUICK POINT OF INFORMATION, ASTROS WON 1-0. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: NICE! >> ADRIAN GARCIA: I'M JUST -- I'M WATCHING THE STADIUM FROM 
          HERE. >> LINA HIDALGO: WE'RE COMING BACK. 
          ARE YOU GUYS -- DID I MISS ANYTHING? ROBERT? 
          JAMES? >> IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, YOU'RE GOOD. 
          >> LINA HIDALGO: WE CAN HEAR YOU. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. 
          >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU. >> LINA HIDALGO: IT IS 8:23 AND COMMISSIONER'S COURT IS ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.