Jan 23, 2024 Commissioners Court

[00:00:05]

GOOD MORNING. I'D LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING FOR JANUARY 23RD, 2024.

[1. Opening Prayer: Rabbi Scheinberg, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Rodfei Sholom (Grant Moody)]

COMMISSIONER MOODY. WELL THANK YOU.

JUDGE. I'M PLEASED THIS MORNING TO HAVE WITH US, RABBI BLOCH FROM WHO'S THE SENIOR RABBI AT CHABAD CENTER FOR JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING, WHO'S GOING TO BE OUR INVOCATOR THIS MORNING? THANK YOU, RABBI BLOCH, FOR FOR BEING HERE ON SHORT NOTICE.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MOODY.

COMMISSIONER MOODY, AND I'D LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY BEFORE WE HAVE BEGIN THE PRAYER TO TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF ISRAEL, FOR TAKING THE TIME AND THE EFFORT AND THE EXPENSE TO GO TO ISRAEL.

SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT'S GOING ON, THE TRAUMA, THE RESILIENCE, THE SPIRIT, AND BRINGING IT BACK TO US HERE IN SAN ANTONIO.

THANK YOU. ALMIGHTY GOD, CONFER YOUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF GOOD HEALTH AND SUCCESS UPON OUR COUNTY JUDGE, THE HONORABLE PETER SAKAI, ALONG WITH THE COMMISSIONERS OF THIS AUGUST BODY.

I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY AS THE JEWISH PEOPLE IN ISRAEL, THE WORLD OVER ARE FACING UNPRECEDENTED EXPRESSIONS OF ANTI-SEMITISM FOLLOWING THE MOST BRUTAL AND CRUEL SLAUGHTER IN RECENT HISTORY OF OVER 1200 PEOPLE, OF WHICH 900 OF THEM WERE WOMEN, CHILDREN AND INNOCENT CIVILIANS. INDEED, THE JEWISH PEOPLE HAVE FACED PERSECUTION AND THREATS OF ANNIHILATION THROUGHOUT OUR LONG AND DIFFICULT HISTORY.

JUST 80 YEARS AGO, HITLER ALMOST SUCCEEDED IN DOING JUST THAT IN HIS INFAMOUS CONCENTRATION AND DEATH CAMPS IN WHAT HAS BECOME KNOWN AS THE HOLOCAUST.

THIS TRAGIC AND DIFFICULT HISTORY MAGNIFIES OUR GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE VALUES AND PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH OUR GREAT COUNTRY WAS ESTABLISHED.

ALMIGHTY GOD, THESE VALUES ARE REFLECTED IN OUR OWN BEXAR COUNTY, WHICH IS HOST TO MANY ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS THAT LIVE TOGETHER WITH MUTUAL RESPECT AND HARMONY.

THE JEWISH COMMUNITY GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THIS COURT'S CONDEMNATION OF HAMAS AND THE ATTACKS OF OCTOBER 7TH, AND ITS CALL FOR THE PEACE AND SECURITY FOR ALL PEOPLES LIVING IN THIS MOST HOTLY CONTESTED REGION IN THE WORLD.

ALMIGHTY GOD, BLESS THE MEMBERS OF THIS COURT WITH GOOD HEALTH, WISDOM AND COMPASSION, GOOD CHEER AND GOOD FELLOWSHIP.

MAY THEY REALIZE THAT IN LABORING FOR THE ENACTMENT OF JUST LAWS, THEY ARE DOING YOUR WILL.

AMEN. AMEN.

AND NOW, IF YOU PLEASE JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH JUSTICE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

ALL RIGHT. PLEASE BE SEATED.

THANK YOU. RABBI. ALL RIGHT, I AM.

IT'S A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

I JUST WANT TO SEE IS THE ONE AND ONLY.

YEAH. TRACY. WOLFF.

OKAY. WELL, TRACY HAS A CHECK TO PRESENT TO THE COURT, TO THE COUNTY, AND I WANT TO ACCEPT THAT AS QUICKLY AS I CAN.

SO WE'RE GOING TO GO A BIT OUT OF ORDER.

WE'RE GOING TO GO CEREMONIAL.

WE'LL GET RIGHT TO YOU AFTER THIS.

BUT AT THIS TIME, I'M CALLING SPECIAL PRESENTATION ITEM A APPROVAL TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM THE HIDALGO FOUNDATION OF BEXAR COUNTY,

[4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ITEM(S) (Part 1 of 2)]

AND SO, AT THIS TIME, TRACY, ARE YOU READY TO COME FORWARD? AND. AND DO YOU HAVE THE CHECK READY? AND EVERYBODY INVOLVED.

I SEE BARBARA SCHAEFER, ALAN CASTRO.

WHO ELSE IS THERE? WHO'S THERE YOU GO, RAFAEL ROSALES.

ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING TRACY.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

IT'S REALLY GREAT TO SEE ALL OF YOU.

IT'S REALLY GREAT TO BE ON THIS SIDE.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR YOU GUYS TO ALLOW ME TO COME DOWN THIS MORNING.

I, HAVE BEEN GOING OVER A LOT OF THE FUNDS THAT I HAVE STILL IN THE HIDALGO FOUNDATION, AND OCCASIONALLY I GET ADDITIONAL FUNDS.

[00:05:01]

AND THESE FUNDS ARE MADE UP OF OF 2 OR 3 DIFFERENT THINGS.

THE CHECKS ALL CAME TO THE HIDALGO FOUNDATION, BUT THEY'RE MADE UP OF DOLLARS FROM TWO TO THE $100,000 FOR THE CHILDREN'S COURT.

50,000 OF THAT COMES FROM SMART START, WHICH IS A NOW IN THE AREA FOUNDATION.

IT WAS, A FUN.

I STARTED WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS MAYOR, WHEN I FIRST GOT INTERESTED IN CHILDREN'S ISSUES.

SO I STILL HAVE MONEY IN THE AREA OF FOUNDATION TO USE OCCASIONALLY.

AND IF YOU'LL REMEMBER, JUDGE NANCY HART WAS VERY INVOLVED WITH US ON THAT ON THE CHILDREN'S COURT.

AND ALSO, THE THE OTHER $50,000 IS, MONEY FROM THE SANTIKOS FUND, ALSO IN THE AREA OF FOUNDATION, BUT GIVEN TO THE HIDALGO FOR CHILDREN'S ISSUES.

SO THAT THAT WORKED OUT VERY WELL FOR THE MONEY FOR THE CHILDREN'S COURTS.

AND THEN, THE $30,000 IS FOR THE BIBLIOTHEQUE FOR THE GED PROGRAM.

AND THESE FUNDS CAME FROM TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA AND WILL ALLOW UP TO 125 SINGLE SUBJECT VOUCHERS TO BE PURCHASED FOR EACH LIBRARY BRANCH, ALONG WITH 40 RETAKE VOUCHERS.

SO. AND THERE IS NO WAY I CAN SAY ANY ENOUGH ABOUT TOYOTA.

THEY HAVE BEEN A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE BIBLIOTHEQUE, ACTUALLY GAVE THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF MONEY WHEN WE WHEN WE CONSTRUCTED THE LAST BIBLIOTHEQUE.

SO THEY HAVE BEEN TERRIFIC AND ARE ONGOING AND ALWAYS INTERESTED IN TECHNOLOGY.

AND OF COURSE, THAT'S OUR BIBLIOTHEQUE.

ALSO, I AM REAL EXCITED TO, TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE I GOT A CALL YESTERDAY AND GOT OUR FIRST CONTRIBUTION FOR THE BIBLIOTHEQUES GALA THAT MRS SAKAI IS CHAIRING.

SHE AND I HAD LUNCH, A WHILE AGO AND TALKED ABOUT IT.

I'M SO GRATEFUL THAT SHE'S TAKING THIS ON, AND BECAUSE IT WILL BE VERY SUCCESSFUL, OUR FIRST LADY.

AND YESTERDAY, JUST OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE, WE GOT A CHECK, TOWARDS THE GALA.

SO WE'RE OFF AND RUNNING, WHICH IS GOOD NEWS.

AND THE GALA WILL TAKE PLACE MAY THE 10TH.

AND, OF COURSE, I'M SURE THAT I'M MONICA RAMOS IS PROBABLY INVOLVED ON THAT COMMITTEE AND DID SUCH A GREAT JOB ON DOING ALL THE, ALL THE PR ON THE BIBLIOTHEQUES.

AND SO I, IN ADDITION TO EVERYTHING SHE'S GOING TO DO FOR THAT, I AM ACTUALLY GOING TO WRITE A CHECK, IN A FEW WEEKS FOR SOME MEDIA FOR THAT EVENT SO THAT WE CAN ADVERTISE THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIBLIOTHEQUE AND GET IT OUT TO THE MEDIA.

AND HAVE A GREAT TURNOUT.

ALSO WITH ME TODAY, BARBARA SCHAEFER AND ROMERO.

WHERE ARE YOU? BARBARA SCHAEFER, OF COURSE.

IS IN CHARGE OF THE CHILDREN'S COURTS IN HIS WORKS.

I'VE WORKED SO HARD WITH HER AND PETER, AS YOU.

WELL, JUDGE SACCHI, AS YOU WELL KNOW, ALL THESE YEARS WE'VE WORKED TOGETHER AND BEEN A REAL GOOD TEAM.

AND SHE IS STILL, DOING A GREAT JOB.

AND, OF COURSE, I DON'T KNOW THAT YOU ALL REALLY REALIZE HOW MUCH BEXAR COUNTY IS ACKNOWLEDGED AND HONORED, AND PEOPLE LOOK AT IT AND CAN'T BELIEVE THE CHILDREN'S COURTS THAT JUDGE SACCHI CREATED AND WROTE THE PLAN FOR.

AND I RAISED A FEW DOLLARS FOR IT.

BUT THAT'S HOW WE GOT IT. YOU CERTAINLY DID, TRACY.

IT'S ADMIRED ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY.

PEOPLE STILL CALL ME AND TALK ABOUT IT.

SO YOU ALL HAVE, SOMETHING PHENOMENAL HERE.

AND BARBARA HAS DONE A TERRIFIC JOB OF HANDLING A LOT OF THE DAY TO DAY.

AND THEN, OF COURSE, ROMERO IS HERE.

LAURA COLE, OF COURSE, IS IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE BIBLIOTHEQUES.

AND THIS YOUNG MAN IS HER RIGHT HAND AND DOES A TERRIFIC JOB.

SHE'S OUT OF TOWN TODAY AT A CONFERENCE, BUT THERE'S, A LOT OF WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CONTINUE THE BIBLIOTHEQUE AND TO KEEP IT OUT THERE SO THAT EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY KNOWS ABOUT IT ONGOING.

SO WITH THAT.

DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO SAY, ROMERO? YOU YOU WANT TO, JUDGE.

COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO BE HERE.

I JUST WANTED TO SAY IN REGARDS TO THE GED PROGRAM, FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU, TRACY, FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR BIBLIOTECH.

[00:10:06]

SO, WE TRULY BELIEVE WHAT WE DO, WHAT IN WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY AT BIBLIOTECH.

AND WE KNOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN INDIVIDUALS LIVES.

SO WITHOUT A PROGRAM LIKE THIS, WE WOULDN'T HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY.

1600 INDIVIDUALS THAT CAN GO ON TO HOPEFULLY, COMPLETE A TRADE OR GO ON TO A COMMUNITY COLLEGE LOCALLY, SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

SO WE'RE REALLY GRATEFUL.

I KNOW THE COMMUNITY IS REALLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL THAT WE OFFER.

SO I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY.

THANK YOU. BARBARA. BARBARA.

I WANT TO TAKE THIS MOMENT TO THANK YOU AND THE COMMISSIONERS AND TRACY AND THE HIDALGO FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND CHILDREN'S COURT.

AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, DURING THESE TOUGH TIMES, THIS MONEY WILL GO DIRECTLY TOWARDS KIDS AND FAMILIES.

NO. BRICKS, MORTARS, ABSOLUTE IMMEDIATE NEEDS.

AND MOST OF IT WILL GO IN PLACE.

WILL BE DISPERSED IN ORDER TO KEEP KIDS OUT OF FOSTER CARE.

SO WE TRY TO DO PREVENTATIVE MEASURES WITH MONIES LIKE THESE.

SO THANK YOU.

AND OF COURSE, ALAN CASTRO IS HERE WITH ME.

ALAN. ALAN, I'M NEVER LETTING GO OF ALAN.

I JUST NEED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THAT HE IS TERRIFIC.

AND HE'S BEEN EXTREMELY HELPFUL TO ME IN GRANT WRITING.

HE'S THE BEST GRANT WRITER EVER.

I MIGHT CAN ASK FOR MONEY, BUT HE CAN PUT IT DOWN ON PAPER THE RIGHT WAY.

SO I REALLY, REALLY WANTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALAN.

YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING, ALAN? NO. I JUST WANTED AGAIN.

THANK YOU ALL.

OCCASIONALLY. I HAVEN'T BOTHERED ALAN MUCH LATELY, BUT WHEN I DO COME ACROSS A LARGE GRANT, I'LL JUST TELL YOU THIS VERY BRIEFLY.

GOING TO NEW YORK IN A FEW WEEKS, BECAUSE I GOT A $2 MILLION GRANT FROM THE HEARST FOUNDATION IN NEW YORK FOR THE ALAMO.

AND IT'S THE FIRST TIME I'VE STEPPED AWAY FROM CHILDREN'S ISSUES IN 35 YEARS.

BUT I WAS ASKED TO HELP WITH THE ALAMO.

WE'VE GOT TO GET IT FINISHED, GET THAT THING DONE, AND GET, TWICE AS MANY VISITORS TO COME.

A MILLION AND A HALF COME NOW.

AND THEY WERE PREDICTING 3 MILLION WILL COME WHEN THE ALAMO IS COMPLETED.

THAT'S A LOT OF GREAT MONEY COMING INTO OUR CITY.

PEOPLE COME, THEY SPEND MONEY, STAY IN OUR HOTELS, OUR RESTAURANTS, AND THEN THEY LEAVE.

SO NO PROBLEM.

BRINGS IN A LOT OF IT.

WILL BRING IN A LOT OF MONEY.

SO WE'RE WE'RE GOING UP TO RECEIVE THAT CHECK, WORKING WITH FRANK BENEKE AND THE FOLKS AT THE AT THE HEARST FOUNDATION.

AND YOU ALL ARE INVITED.

HE'S HE'S HAVING A LITTLE, COCKTAIL PARTY FOR US WHEN WE GET THERE.

IF YOU WANT TO COME ON THE 20TH.

IT'S A LONG WAY TO COME FOR A COCKTAIL PARTY, I REALIZE, BUT YOU'RE INVITED IF YOU'D LIKE TO COME ON THE 20TH OF FEBRUARY, SO THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.

SO, TRACY, LET ME ASK FOR A MOTION MOVE.

ACCEPTANCE OF THE MOTION.

COMMISSIONER CALVERT SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES, SO GOOD TO SEE TRACY.

IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU. I HOPE YOU'RE ENJOYING HAVING YOUR HUSBAND AT HOME MORE.

AND SPECIFICALLY, I'M EXCITED ABOUT MORE FUNDING FOR GD PROGRAM.

I USED TO TEACH GD WITH SAIC AND SO AND I'VE ALSO REFERRED SOME OF OUR CONSTITUENTS TO THE GED PROGRAM.

SO THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU GUYS ARE DOING.

GOOD. SEE IF WE CAN FIND SOME MORE MONEY FOR IT TOO.

COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ THANK YOU JUDGE, BRIEFLY.

YOU KNOW, I DON'T KNOW, TRACY, IF THERE'S ANY OTHER SUPERLATIVES TO TO THANK YOU.

ENOUGH FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK.

AND I KNOW WE'VE TALKED ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH BIBLIOTECH AND THE ALAMO, BUT CERTAINLY, THE CHILDREN'S COURT HAS MADE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE, OVER THE YEARS.

SO THANK YOU, BARBARA AND THE REST OF THE FOLKS FOR WHAT YOU DO.

AND WE WOULD LOVE TO BE THERE ON THE 20TH OF FEBRUARY.

BUT, JUDGE, I THINK WE'VE GOT A COURT MEETING THAT DAY, AND SO WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET TO NEW YORK, BUT, THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING.

AND PLEASE GIVE OUR REGARDS TO TO JUDGE WOLFF AS WELL.

THANKS. THANKS. COMMISSIONER MOODY, I'LL JUST ECHO MY COLLEAGUES.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

GRANT. I'M SEEING YOUR SIGNS ALL OVER MY AREA.

THERE'S A LOT OF, CAMPAIGN STRATEGY, MR. CALVERT. I'M.

I'M TALKING ABOUT YOU.

SO. HEY, THINGS ARE GOOD.

COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

GRANT FLEW THE F-18 SO WE COULD BE THERE FOR A COCKTAIL HOUR, RIGHT? I MEAN, YOU KNOW, BE RIGHT THERE.

TRACY, THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE COUNTY AND THE GENEROUS DONORS WHO HELP MAKE THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS POSSIBLE.

YOUR TEAM, WHO HAS DONE YEOMAN'S WORK OVER THE MANY YEARS.

AND THE HEADLINES ARE TALKING A LOT ABOUT THE DIFFICULTIES OF CHILDREN IN OUR STATE.

AND WE PRAY THAT THESE DOLLARS CAN GO TOWARDS ALLEVIATING THE SITUATION OF THOSE IN BEXAR COUNTY, AND IN ALL OF THESE

[00:15:01]

SO THANKS, JUDGE SAKAI, FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP AND INNOVATION WITH THE FOUNDATION, CREATING THESE INITIATIVES AND HELPING FAMILIES RESTORE AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE RAISING THEIR CHILDREN IN THE BEST ENVIRONMENT POSSIBLE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

SO LET ME JUST CLOSE, TRACY, BY JUST REALLY TALKING TO THE AUDIENCE IN THE COURTROOM TODAY, TO THE PUBLIC THAT IS WATCHING THAT THIS PERSON, TRACY WOLFF, IN MY OPINION, WITH THE MANY YEARS THAT WE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER, IS PROBABLY THE MOST PERSON WITH THE MOST SIGNIFICANCE IN REGARDS TO ISSUES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

IT STARTED MANY YEARS AGO WHEN, HER OTHER I WAS GOING TO SAY BETTER HALF, OTHER HALF, JUDGE NELSON WOLFF STARTED IN THE LEGISLATURE AND THEN INTO AS THE MAYOR AND THEN CONTINUED HIS 20 PLUS YEARS AS COUNTY JUDGE, FOR WHICH I AM PROUD TO SUCCEED HIM.

AND SO I WANT THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND THE POWER OF INDIVIDUALS, THE POWER TO MAKE CHANGE.

BUT IT ALSO REQUIRES PEOPLE TO STEP.

IT REQUIRES PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION.

IT REQUIRES LEADERSHIP.

AND FOR THAT, TRACY WOLFF I SAY MUCHAS GRACIAS.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

WE HAVE A MOTION A SECOND.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIES.

THANK YOU. YOU DON'T HAVE DO YOU HAVE A CHECK TODAY? OKAY. I'VE GOT A CHECK.

YES. OKAY. DAVID WILL NOT LET ME.

LEO. AUDITOR.

GET THE CHECK, PLEASE.

THANK YOU.

Y'ALL HAVE A BLESSED DAY.

ALL RIGHT. WE'RE GOING TO DO THE CEREMONIAL ITEMS.

[3. CEREMONIAL ITEM(S)]

WE'LL GO IN THIS ORDER.

THE FIRST ONE WILL BE THE PRESENTATION OF SERVICE PINS RECOGNIZING EMPLOYEES FOR 25 PLUS YEARS.

THE SECOND ONE WILL BE THE HELP AMERICA VOTE DAY IN BEXAR COUNTY.

AND I UNDERSTAND WE HAVE, THE STUDENTS AND MANY PEOPLE HERE ON THAT.

THEN THE NEXT ONE WILL BE THE PRESENTATION FOR THE OFFICIAL RODEO SEASON.

AND WE HAVE MANY PEOPLE HERE FOR THAT.

AND THEN FOURTH WILL BE THE PROCLAMATION FOR REGION 20, TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL DAY.

I WOULD ASK THE COURT IF WE COULD PROBABLY GO DOWN TO THE FLOOR.

WE'LL TAKE EVERYBODY IN THAT ORDER.

AND THEN OBVIOUSLY, IF WE NEED TO TAKE PICTURES, WE'LL BE READY TO DO THAT.

SO LET US, COME DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THEN WE'LL TAKE UP THE, PRESENTATION OF 25 YEARS.

AND I THINK THE FIRST ONE WILL BE THE JOHN CONNOR WITH THE DA'S OFFICE.

WITH MICHAEL. YOU'RE GOOD.

ALL RIGHT. I BELIEVE WE HAVE MR. JOHN CONNELL. 25 YEARS OF SERVICE WHO WORKS FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

AND HIS BOSS IS HERE.

JOE, TAKE THE FLOOR.

GOOD MORNING. JUDGE.

COMMISSIONERS, IT IS MY DISTINCT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO INTRODUCE TO YOU ONE OF OUR MOST VETERAN AND MOST DEDICATED EMPLOYEES, WHO IS IS RECEIVING HIS 25 YEAR SERVICE PIN TODAY, AND THAT IS JOHN CONNELL.

BEFORE I TURN HIM OVER AND TO RECEIVE HIS PIN FROM YOU, I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE AND TALK TO YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHO JOHN IS AND THE YEARS OF DEDICATION THAT HE'S GIVEN TO THE THE DA'S OFFICE.

JOHN HAS BEEN WITH US SINCE SEPTEMBER OF 1998.

HE STARTED WORKING IN THE DA'S OFFICE AT THE TENDER AGE OF 18 YEARS OLD.

HE HAS WORKED FOR FOUR DIFFERENT ELECTED DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, INCLUDING STEVE HILBIG, WHO WAS ONE OF MY FORMER EMPLOYEES.

HE'S TENURE WITH DURING HIS TENURE WITH THE DA'S OFFICE, HE HAS HELD SEVERAL SUPPORT POSITIONS WITHIN THE CHECK SECTION DIVISION.

YOU ALL REMEMBER CHECKS RIGHT BEFORE CREDIT CARDS.

AND MOST RECENTLY WAS PROMOTED TO THE POSITION OF PARALEGAL.

I FEEL LIKE I NEED TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT A LIFE CHANGING EVENT THAT HAPPENED DURING JOHN JOHN'S LIFE OR IN JOHN'S LIFE, WHEN HE WAS WORKING WITH US BACK IN 2015, HE SURVIVED A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A DRUNK DRIVER WHERE HE LOST ONE OF HIS LEGS.

BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, JOHN LOST THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE, LIZ.

AS A RESULT OF THAT TRAGEDY, HE HAD TO BECOME A SINGLE PARENT TO HIS THREE WONDERFUL CHILDREN SON MIGUEL AND TWO DAUGHTERS, MAKAYLA, MAKAYLA AND MADISON.

[00:20:01]

HIS MOTIVATION AND HIS COMMITMENT OFTENTIMES ALLOWS HIM TO TAKE ON ADDITIONAL TASKS OUTSIDE OF HIS DAY TO DAY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.

HIS PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION TO THE MISSION OF THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF HIS COWORKERS AND COLLEAGUES WHO KNOW HIM AND WORK ALONGSIDE HIM.

JOHN HAS ALWAYS STATED THAT HE WILL LET HIS WORK SPEAK FOR ITSELF.

AND YES, JOHN, YOUR WORK HAS SPOKEN VOLUMES OVER THE YEARS.

SO IT IS WITH MY GREAT DISTINCT HONOR THAT I PRESENT TO COMMISSIONERS COURT, JOHN CONNELL.

JOHN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S.

IS YOUR. ANYBODY HERE FOR YOU? NO, SIR. I JUST WANT TO SAY, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ACKNOWLEDGE MY SERVICE OF 25 YEARS WITH THE TO CONTINUE SERVING THE COUNTY, THE CITIZENS OF BURKE COUNTY.

LIKE I SAID, IT JUST I WAKE UP ON A DAILY BASIS, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I'M IN PAIN.

BUT I STILL PUT ON A SMILE TO COME IN TO WORK.

AND MY KIDS ARE MY MOTIVATION THAT I'M STANDING HERE.

SO THANK YOU.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO COME FORWARD, ACCEPT YOUR PEN AND TAKE A PICTURE.

THERE WE GO. THERE YOU GO.

THERE YOU GO. YOU'RE WELCOME.

COME ON. JOE. ALL RIGHT.

READY? THREE.

TWO. ONE.

ALL RIGHT, LET ME GET ONE REAL QUICK.

YOU GO. ONE, TWO.

THREE. ONE MORE.

PERFECT. THANK YOU. KEEP GOING.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. ALL RIGHT.

I BELIEVE WE HAVE A SECOND EMPLOYEE, JORGE VELAZQUEZ, WITH JUVENILE PROBATION, 25 YEARS AND THE.

CHIEF JUVENILE PROBATION OFFICER JILL MOTTA.

COME ON UP.

GOOD MORNING.

HOW IS EVERYONE? GOOD TO SEE YOU.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THIS OPPORTUNITY.

WHERE? HE'S RIGHT NEXT TO ME. I WANT TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT GEORGE AS WELL.

JORGE VELASQUEZ JOINED OUR DEPARTMENT, THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT, ON SEPTEMBER 23RD OF 1998 AND WORKED AS A DETENTION OFFICER AT THE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER. YOU ALL KNOW FROM OUR CONVERSATIONS HOW CHALLENGING THAT WORK IS.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO A DETENTION OFFICER TWO A FEW YEARS LATER, IN 2001 JUNE AND 2001, AND IN NOVEMBER OF 2005, HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE THIRD SHIFT SUPERVISOR OVER AT THE CYNDI TAYLOR KRIER TREATMENT CENTER, SO HE TRANSFERRED OVER TO THAT LONG TERM CARE TREATMENT AREA AND DID A WONDERFUL JOB.

AND IN FEBRUARY 2008, HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE INFORMATION RESOURCE UNIT AS A RESOURCE SPECIALIST, AND AFTER THAT WAS PROMOTED TO HIS CURRENT POSITION OF INFORMATION RESOURCE COORDINATOR IN OCTOBER OF 2011.

I WANT TO DO A LITTLE SPECIAL SHOUT OUT FOR GEORGE.

HE HAS GONE BACK AND BECOME RECERTIFIED AS A DETENTION OFFICER BECAUSE HE'S AWARE OF THE CRISIS THAT WE'RE HAVING IN STAFFING IN BOTH OUR DETENTION CENTER AND OUR CRISIS CENTER, AND HE'S BEEN ACTIVELY WORKING POOL AND HELPING OUT THOSE FOLKS SINCE THAT TIME.

IT GIVES YOU A GOOD IDEA ABOUT THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT HE IS AND HOW MUCH HE CARES ABOUT HIS COLLEAGUES AND COWORKERS AND THE COMMUNITY HERE IN GENERAL.

SO WE'RE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIS ENERGY HERE FOR OUR DEPARTMENT AND HIS LOYALTY AND DEDICATION.

HE'S A VERY PROUD FATHER AND HUSBAND, AND WE'RE FEEL SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIM HERE.

SO THANK YOU.

FOR INSTANCE, STEP FORWARD.

IS ANYBODY HERE WITH YOU? IS ANYBODY HERE WITH YOU? NO. ALL RIGHT.

WELL, THANK YOU, CHIEF.

SHE'S MY THIRD CHIEF.

I'VE BEEN VERY LUCKY. WE'VE HAD GREAT LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS.

JUDGE SAKAI. JUSTIN.

HI. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE RECOGNITION.

AND LIKE THE OTHER GENTLEMAN SAID, MY FAMILY IS MY MOTIVATION.

EVERY DAY YOU GET UP, AND THEN I ALSO GET AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE AT RISK YOUTH OF BEXAR COUNTY.

RIGHT. LIKE THE JUDGE SAID, I WENT BACK AND GOT RECERTIFIED, TO HELP MY COLLEAGUES AND THE KIDS, AS WELL AS DOING MY CURRENT JOB, IN DATA.

BUT THANK YOU, CHIEF, FOR EVERYTHING.

WOULD YOU PLEASE COME FORWARD, ACCEPT YOUR PIN, AND WE'LL TAKE A PICTURE, TOO.

ALL RIGHT. BECAUSE.

OKAY. THREE.

TWO. ONE.

THANK YOU. CAN WE GIVE ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR ALL THE LOYAL AND HARD WORKING EMPLOYEES OF BEXAR? HONEY. ALL RIGHT.

[00:25:02]

AS EVERYBODY COMES FORWARD.

FOR THOSE THAT ARE REPRESENTING THAT GROUP, I WILL READ OUT THE PROCLAMATION NAMING AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF BEXAR COUNTY PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS THE HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT WAS PASSED BY THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS IN 2002 TO REFORM AND IMPROVE ELECTION ADMINISTRATION, ESTABLISH A US ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION TO ENSURE SECURE, ACCURATE, ACCESSIBLE AND TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS.

AND WHEREAS, BEXAR COUNTY AND THE NATION RECOGNIZED JANUARY 30TH, 2024 AS HELP AMERICA VOTE DAY, A DAY OF ACTION TO ADDRESS A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE, SHORTAGE OF POLL WORKERS AND INSPIRE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

AND WHEREAS YOU DO VOTE AS A LOCAL, NONPARTISAN ORGANIZATION BUILDING AN INTERGENERATIONAL NETWORK OF BEXAR COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, AS WELL AS LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS TO HELP DEMYSTIFY VOTING AND ELECTIONS THROUGH VOTER REGISTRATION, VOTER EDUCATION, RECRUITMENT OF STUDENT ELECTION CLERKS. AND WHEREAS YOU DO VOTE WILL HELP AMERICA VOTE DAY ON JANUARY 30TH BY HOSTING THE YOUTH VOTER AND POLL WORKER FEST AT PALO ALTO COLLEGE WITH LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS AND EDUCATION EDUCATORS.

AND WHEREAS, THE YOUTH VOTER AND POLL WORKER FEST BRINGS TOGETHER LOCAL ELECTION JUDGES AND RESOURCES FROM THE BEXAR COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT TO INFORM STUDENTS ABOUT THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTION CLERKS IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN OUR COUNTRY'S DEMOCRACY.

AND WHEREAS, BEXAR COUNTY ENCOURAGES LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION BY SERVING AS POLL WORKERS TO FILL A CRITICAL NEED THAT HELPS ENSURE VOTERS RECEIVE THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEED AT BEXAR COUNTY VOTE CENTERS AND PROVIDE A POSITIVE VOTING EXPERIENCE FOR ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND THE COMMISSIONER, BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES, PROCLAIMS JANUARY 30TH, 2024 TO BE HELP AMERICA VOTE DAY, WITNESS OUR SIGNATURES AND BY ME AS COUNTY JUDGE, JUDGE, COMMISSIONER REBECA CLAY-FLORES PRECINCT ONE COMMISSIONER JUSTIN RODRIGUEZ, PRECINCT TWO. COMMISSIONER GRANT MOODY, COMMISSIONER.

PRECINCT THREE. COMMISSIONER TOMMY CALVERT, PRECINCT FOUR.

THANK Y'ALL. LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING AND HAPPY PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR.

THANK YOU. COUNTY JUDGE SAKAI AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AS WELL AS THE STAFF MEMBERS WHO I'VE WORKED WITH OVER THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS.

THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING HELP AMERICA VOTE DAY.

AND AS AN INITIATIVE LED BY THE US ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE NATIONWIDE NEED FOR POLL WORKERS.

MY NAME IS HEATHER EICHLER, AND I'M THE FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DO VOTE.

IN JUST A YEAR'S TIME, YOUTH TO VOTE HAS QUICKLY BUILT ITS COLLABORATIVE NETWORK OF HIGH SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND NONPROFITS TO HOST NOT ONE, BUT TWO PUBLIC EVENTS THAT BRING HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE MANY FACETS OF OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH PALO ALTO COLLEGE TO HOST THE YOUTH VOTER AND POLL WORKER FEST NEXT TUESDAY, JANUARY 30TH AND HELP AMERICA VOTE DAY.

HERE WITH ME TODAY IS DOCTOR ROBERT GARZA, PRESIDENT OF PALO ALTO COLLEGE, ALONG WITH PRISCILLA AGUILAR.

AND WHO ELSE DO I HAVE HERE? I HAVE PAM VERSCHOYLE AND DENISE PALLOTTA, AND PAM IS AN ELECTION JUDGE AND DENISE IS DENISE IS A RECENT UTSA GRADUATE WHO ATTENDED OUR LAST EVENT AND WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN OUR NEXT EVENT. WE'RE EXCITED TO HAVE HER ON BOARD.

I'M GOING TO SKIP THROUGH SOME OF MY TALKING POINTS HERE, BUT JUST WANT TO SAY, THAT TOGETHER WE LOOK FORWARD TO HOSTING HUNDREDS OF HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS, BOTH NEW AND FUTURE VOTERS AND POLL WORKERS.

AND I'VE HONESTLY BEEN BLOWN AWAY BY THE POSITIVE RESPONSES.

AND SOMEWHERE BACK HERE, KELLY ROSSI, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS WITH NORTHSIDE ISD, IS ALSO HERE.

SO AGAIN, JUST REPRESENTATIVE OF THE GROUPS, THE FOLKS THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO NETWORK WITH AND BRING TOGETHER AROUND THIS INITIATIVE.

I MYSELF AM A THIRD GENERATION POLL WORKER, AND I FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MY LATE GRANDMOTHER AND MY MOTHER, WHO IS SEATED IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL.

AND I PROUDLY SERVED, OVER TWO OVER A DOZEN ELECTIONS WITH PRESIDING JUDGE ELECTION PRESIDING ELECTION JUDGE CLIFF JENKINS, WHO HAS WORKED WITH ME OVER THE PAST SEVERAL ELECTIONS TO RECRUIT HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO MOVING FORWARD, INCLUDING WITH PAM HERE AND WORKING WITH ELECTION JUDGE DOROTHY MORENO AT OZUNA LIBRARY TO RAISE THOSE NUMBERS AT PALO ALTO COLLEGE.

SO WE'RE EXCITED TO TO BRING THIS ALL TOGETHER.

YOU KNOW, WE DON'T WE'RE NONPARTISAN.

SO WE'RE JUST HERE TO HELP EDUCATE STUDENTS AND UNDERSTAND, AS JUDGE SAKAI SAID, HOW WE CAN PLAY A REALLY IMPORTANT ROLE AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND JUST OWN THAT RIGHT TO VOTE.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH, AND WE HOPE THAT YOU.

YOU GUYS CAN COME. THANK YOU FOR JUDGE SAKAI FOR COMING AND SUPPORTING US.

[00:30:03]

THANK YOU. NO, I THINK.

BUT THE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE.

THESE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE. OH.

YEAH. YOU ARE INDEED YOUNG.

THEY'RE IN SCHOOL. THERE YOU GO.

JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE IF THERE'S ANY.

ARE YOU OKAY? OH. THERE'S MOM. I WALKED IN WITH MOM.

YEAH. OKAY, READY? THERE YOU GO. THREE. TWO.

ONE.

WE. HAVE A GREAT DAY TO SEE YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING TODAY.

THE THIRD DOCTOR, BOBBY. I.

WELL, WE WANT TO INVITE OUR FRIENDS FROM THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO TO COME ON DOWN BECAUSE IT'S RODEO TIME, SAN ANTONIO.

I THINK WE'RE GETTING EXCITED ABOUT THE OFFICIAL RODEO SEASON.

CHAIRMAN ZARAZUA IS IN THE HOUSE, AND WE THANK ALL YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO PUT IN A LOT OF HARD WORK OVER THE LAST YEAR TO MAKE US ONE OF THE FINEST RODEOS IN AMERICA. WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION AND IT READS, WHEREAS FEBRUARY 8TH, 2024, MARKS THE 75TH ANNUAL SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO, ONE OF THE SAN ANTONIO'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AND LARGEST EVENTS.

AND WHEREAS, THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO IS A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION THAT EMPHASIZES AGRICULTURE AND EDUCATION TO DEVELOP THE YOUTH OF SOUTH TEXAS.

AND WHEREAS SINCE INCEPTION, OVER $255 MILLION HAS BEEN COMMITTED BY THE ORGANIZATION TO THE YOUTH OF TEXAS IN THE FORM OF SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS, ENDOWMENTS, AUCTIONS, CALF SCRAMBLE PROGRAMS, AND SHOW PREMIUMS. WITH 12.5 MILLION COMMITTED IN 2023 IMPACTING 18,000 STUDENTS.

AND WHEREAS THE LIFEBLOOD OF THE ORGANIZATION IS THE OVER 6000 VOLUNTEERS, THE CORPORATE PARTNERS AND THE PATRONS WHO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE EVENT.

AND WHEREAS IN 2023, OVER 1.5 MILLION VISITORS ENJOYED EXCITING ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT, A CARNIVAL, EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS, FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS, LIVESTOCK AND HORSE SHOWS AND SALES, MUTTON BUSTIN, CALF SCRAMBLE, EXTREME BULLS AND SHOPPING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ENJOY.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZE AND PROCLAIM FEBRUARY 8TH THROUGH THE 25TH, 20 2020 FOR SORRY, WHAT YEAR ARE WE IN 2024 TO BE OFFICIAL RODEO SEASON AND FEBRUARY 8TH, 2024 TO BE OFFICIAL DRESS WESTERN SAN ANTONIO DAY.

I GOT A LITTLE EARLY START WITH MY BOOTS.

AND WE ALL CALL UPON THE PEOPLE OF BEXAR COUNTY TO JOIN US IN SUPPORTING THE ACTIVITIES AND MISSION OF THE SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO.

WITNESS OUR SIGNATURES AND SEAL OF OFFICES.

23RD DAY OF JANUARY, 2024, SIGNED BY YOUR COMMISSIONERS COURT.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

JUDGE SAKAI, MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS HONOR.

ON BEHALF OF, THE AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE HERE, I'M JOINED WITH OUR EXECUTIVES AT THE, SALE OFFICE.

WE THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PARTNERSHIP.

EACH AND EVERY YEAR.

MR. CALVERT, WE APPRECIATE YOUR, PARTNERSHIPS IN OUR IN YOUR PRECINCT TO TO TEAM UP AND MAKE THIS EVENT A GREAT EVENT.

AGAIN, IT'S WITHOUT OUR 6000 VOLUNTEERS THAT MAKE THIS POSSIBLE EVERY YEAR TO HELP THE YOUTH OF TEXAS.

AND THAT'S OUR MAIN MISSION IS TO EDUCATE THE YOUTH OF TEXAS, AND THE IMPACT THAT IT HAS ON THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND IN OUR BEXAR COUNTY, IS IMMENSE.

IT GOES BEYOND THE 1.5 MILLION VISITORS THAT WE HAVE THROUGH OUR GATES EVERY YEAR.

IT TRANSLATES INTO DOLLARS AND CENTS, OUT IN THE REAL WORLD, HEADS IN BEDS, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, THINGS LIKE THAT AS WELL.

SO IT'S A REALLY GREAT EVENT THAT WE CAN ALL GET BEHIND.

AND IT ALL GOES TO ONE CENTRAL, MEANING, WHICH IS TO EDUCATE THE YOUTH OF TEXAS.

SO THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THIS, THIS GREAT HONOR.

AND, WE APPRECIATE YOUR PARTNERSHIPS.

THANK YOU. ABSOLUTELY.

THERE YOU GO. I GOT ONE.

I'LL TAKE ONE. COME ON.

THERE YOU GO. MORNING. HOW ARE YOU?

[00:35:01]

THANK YOU. YEAH.

THREE. TWO.

ONE. BEFORE SAYING THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

CHAIRMAN, I THANK YOU. FORGOT TO SAY ONE THING.

WE'RE NOT DONE YET. OH, YOU'RE NOT DONE YET.

OKAY, OKAY, OKAY, I JUST WANT TO.

OKAY. ALL RIGHT, WE'RE ON.

WE'RE STAYING ON PROGRAM.

HERE WE GO. AND TO FINISH, LIKE WE ALWAYS DO, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE.

ABSOLUTELY. YES, SIR. TRADITION.

THAT'S A TRADITION WE HAVE.

YES, SIR. SO WE'LL WE'LL LET ME READ THE NEXT PROCLAMATION REAL QUICK FOR YOU.

YES, SIR. NO.

I'M SORRY. THAT'S NOT RIGHT. I'M SORRY.

YOU GO AHEAD. NO. I'M SORRY. YEAH.

ALL RIGHT. SO, AGAIN, THANK YOU GUYS FOR FOR THIS GREAT HONOR.

AND AS WE LIKE TO SAY IN SAN ANTONIO, LET'S RODEO SAN ANTONIO.

AND I'D LIKE TO CHALLENGE YOU INSIDE THOSE BAGS.

GENTLEMEN, LADIES, THERE IS A FLAG.

IT'S A 75TH ANNUAL FLAG, WHICH WE'RE WE'RE VERY PROUD OF.

WE CHALLENGE YOU GUYS. FLY THAT FLAG, TAKE PICTURES, PUT IT OUT THERE AND COME VISIT US.

EVERY DOLLAR CIRCULATES BACK TO THESE KIDS.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. WE WANT TO INVITE THE POWELL SOCIAL CLUB TO COME ON TO THE DAIS HERE FOR THE REGION 20 TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL DAY.

WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION FOR EVERYONE.

ARE THEY HERE? OKAY, GREAT.

GREAT, GREAT. GLAD TO HAVE YOU.

I, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GREAT WORK.

IT READS, WHEREAS THE REGION 20 HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION IS OPEN TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PUBLIC, PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLED ENVIRONMENTS AND IS HOSTED AT THE BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN CADENA REEVES JUSTICE CENTER.

AND WHEREAS, PARTICIPATING STUDENTS HAVE DEDICATED HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF PRACTICE IN ADDITION TO THEIR REGULAR STUDIES, TO COMPETE IN A MOCK TRIAL WHERE SOME MEMBERS TAKE ON THE ROLES OF TRIAL ATTORNEYS WHILE OTHERS SERVE AS WITNESSES, THE STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE LEGAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, THE IMPORTANT ROLES OF JUDGES AND ATTORNEYS, AS WELL AS HOW TO CREATE PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTS.

AND WHEREAS, THE COMPETITION ALSO HOSTS A COURTROOM ARTIST COMPETITION WHERE A STUDENT ARTIST HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SKETCH A COURTROOM SCENE AS THE TRIAL UNFOLDS.

AND WHEREAS DANNY VILLASENOR HERNANDEZ HAS SERVED AS THE REGIONAL COORDINATOR SINCE 2016, ORGANIZING THE COMPETITION EVERY YEAR.

THIS INCLUDES ESTABLISHING THE COMPETITION DATE, COORDINATING WITH THE COUNTY AND JUDGES TO USE COURTROOMS AND THE CENTRAL JURY ROOM FOR THE EVENT, AND RECRUITING JUDGES AND ATTORNEYS TO SCORE AND PRESIDE OVER THE TRIALS.

AND WHEREAS THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2024, AND IS ESTIMATED TO HOST OVER 100 STUDENTS FROM SCHOOLS INCLUDING EAST CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL, FOX TECH HIGH SCHOOL, GREAT HEARTS, NORTHERN OAKS, HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL, JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL, LAVERNIA HIGH SCHOOL, MARSHALL LAW AND MEDICAL SERVICES HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH SAN HIGH SCHOOL, STEM ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL, AND TIVY HIGH SCHOOL.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2024, AS REGION 20 HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL DAY PALS SOCIAL CLUB SIGNED BY YOUR COMMISSIONERS COURT THIS 23RD DAY OF JANUARY.

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS.

JUDGE SAKAI, I'M DANNY VILLASENOR HERNANDEZ, AND LIKE YOU SAID, I'VE SERVED AS THE REGIONAL COORDINATOR SINCE 2016.

IT IS AN HONOR TO BE ABLE TO BRING HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS OVER THE LAST EIGHT YEARS TO OUR COUNTY COURTHOUSE.

I HAVE WORKED EVERY YEAR TIRELESSLY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITIES, TO TO COME AND LEARN ABOUT OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM AND THROUGH THE RESOURCES FROM OUR COUNTY.

I'M ABLE TO DO THAT.

AND SO I INVITE ALL OF YOU FEBRUARY 9TH, IT WILL BE A FULL DAY EVENT HERE AT THE COURTHOUSE.

WE'LL BE IN THE CENTRAL JURY ROOM MOST OF THE DAY AND, AND THEN ASSIGNING OUT TO DIFFERENT COURTROOMS. SO PLEASE COME.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR OUR STUDENTS, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE THAT.

SO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

A LOT OF VOTERS OVER THERE. READY? THREE. TWO.

ONE. GET THOSE KIDS LOST, RIGHT? THAT'S IT.

[00:40:10]

LET US NOW TAKE UP THE SECOND PRESENTATION ITEM ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SLIMMED DOWN SHOWDOWN WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE FOR

[4. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ITEM(S) (Part 2 of 2)]

DOES THAT ALSO INCLUDE ME? YEAH. EEK! I THINK THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT ME.

GO AHEAD, MISS NICOLE.

HI. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE TODAY.

MY NAME IS NICOLE HALL, AND I AM THE BEXAR COUNTY WELLNESS COORDINATOR.

AND I'M EXCITED TO BE HERE TODAY TO ANNOUNCE THE KICKOFF OF OUR 10TH ANNUAL SLIMMED DOWN SHOWDOWN.

CHALLENGE. SLIMMED DOWN SHOWDOWN IS AN EIGHT WEEK COUNTY WIDE WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE WHERE OVER THE PAST NINE YEARS HAS SHOWN RESULTS OF OVER 12,000 POUNDS LOST BY EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATING IN THE CHALLENGE.

LAST YEAR ALONE, WE HAD 529 EMPLOYEES LOSE 200 SORRY 2,487 POUNDS, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST WEIGHT LOSS SINCE THE PROGRAM'S INCEPTION THIS YEAR.

WE AIM TO SURPASS LAST YEAR'S NUMBERS, SO WE'RE CALLING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING TO REGISTER BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF TOMORROW, JANUARY 24TH, EMPLOYEES CAN REGISTER ONLINE THROUGH OUR SIDEKICK WEBSITE AND CHOOSE THE TEAM THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO JOIN.

THEY WILL THEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPLEMENT NUTRITION, EXERCISE, AND A VARIETY OF WELLNESS TECHNIQUES INTO THEIR DAILY LIVES.

THEY WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR 24 HOUR WELLNESS CENTER, OUR ONLINE WORKOUT PLATFORM BIRD ALONG, AND OUR ON SITE WELLBEING COACH WHO THEY CAN MEET WITH AND HAVE HIM CREATE PERSONALIZED WORKOUT PLANS FOR THEM.

WE HOPE THAT EVERYONE JOINS IN THIS YEAR BEFORE THE DEADLINE, AND WE'RE EXCITED TO SEE HOW THE CHALLENGE TURNS OUT.

THANK YOU! I HOPE THAT YOU ALL JOIN AS WELL.

I KNOW THAT YOU ALL DID LAST YEAR, SO IT WOULD BE EXCITING TO SEE YOU GUYS JOIN AGAIN THIS YEAR.

THANK YOU NICOLE, VERY MUCH.

JUDGE I DON'T KNOW, DO WE DO WE HAVE A SEPARATION BETWEEN THOSE WHO USE THE OZEMPIC AND THOSE WHO DON'T? I THINK WE NEED TO, YOU KNOW, CLEAN THAT UP.

I DON'T WANT ANY CHEATERS. COMMISSIONER.

YEAH. THEY GOT TO DO THE HARD WORK.

YES. ALL RIGHT.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. LET'S GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

I WANT TO I'D LIKE TO SAY HOLD UP NICOLE.

HOLD ON. Y'ALL GOING TO GO AHEAD AND CLAP FOR HER? NICOLE, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU.

YOU KNOW HOW MUCH PREVENTIVE AND MENTAL HEALTH IS? I TALK ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME.

AND SO YOU'VE JUST BEEN DOING A GOOD JOB.

I THINK YOU'VE BEEN IN THE COUNTY FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW.

FOUR YEARS. OH, FOUR YEARS.

OH, YOU'VE BEEN HERE LONGER THAN ME. OH, HEY, THAT'S WHY I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A COUPLE.

SO THANKS FOR THE WORK YOU'RE DOING.

AND I JUST WANT TO ENCOURAGE ALL OF OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES TO SIGN UP.

IT'S REALLY FUN, I'M TOLD.

I DO WALK EVERY DAY, SO, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS? COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ? COMMISSIONER.

MOODY. COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

THANK YOU. NICOLE.

THANK YOU. LET'S LOSE SOME MORE WEIGHT.

EMPLOYEES, I CHALLENGE YOU OUT THERE, WHEREVER YOU ALL ARE AT, OKAY? I BELIEVE WE'RE STILL SHY OF THE TIME.

CERTAIN. SO LET US NOW MOVE TO ITEM SIX.

[6. Request of Commissioners Court to identify items from the Consent Agenda for additional discussion and to approve remaining Consent Agenda items.]

OKAY. OKAY.

ALL RIGHT. ANYTHING ELSE? COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ITEM 6161.

IT'S GOING TO PULL 62.

JUDGE 62.

OKAY. ANYTHING ELSE, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ? NO. ALL RIGHT.

COMMISSIONER MOODY 11.

ANYTHING ELSE, COMMISSIONER.

MOODY. COMMISSIONER CALVERT, YOU INDICATED 62.

ALL RIGHT. ANY OTHER MATTERS? ALL RIGHT. AND FOR ME, WOULD YOU PLEASE NOTE FOR THE RECORD THAT ON ITEM.

51, THE COUNTY JUDGE WILL ABSTAIN.

ON THAT VOTE.

ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMAINING ITEMS ON THE COMMISSION? MOTION SECOND. CALVERT SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? YES, COMMISSIONER. MOODY.

FOR THE RECORD, I'LL ABSTAIN ON ITEM 77.

ALL RIGHT. NO. COMMISSIONERS.

MOODY. ABSTENTION ON 77.

ALL RIGHT, I'LL CALL FOR A VOTE.

[CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS]

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. NOTE THE ABSTENTIONS BY COMMISSIONER MOODY AND JUDGE SAKAI.

WE'LL GO IN ORDER. LET'S GO AHEAD AND TAKE UP THE INDIVIDUAL ITEMS.

[00:45:03]

[11. Acceptance of an FLS A summary report regarding non-exempt County personnel that have accrued FLSA hours in excess of 199 but less than 240, and law enforcement personnel FLSA hours in excess of 439 but less than 480 as of the month ending December 2023. Notification of payment to those employees who have accumulated hours in excess of the FLSA maximum level for an estimated amount of $1,147,062 and approval of the appropriate budget transfers in the amount of $410,241.]

NOTIFICATION OF PAYMENT TO THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE ACCUMULATED HOURS IN EXCESS OF THE FLSA MAXIMUM LEVEL FOR AN ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $1,147,062, AND APPROVAL OF THE APPROPRIATE BUDGET.

TRANSFERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $410,241, COMMISSIONER MOODY.

THANK YOU. JUDGE.

I THINK I'LL JUST TURN IT OVER TO, THE SHERIFF AND HIS, DEPUTIES TO KIND OF BRIEF US ON THIS AND WHERE WE CURRENTLY STAND AND WHERE WE'RE GOING IN TERMS OF OVERTIME AND OUR HIRING AND OUR CURRENT VACANCIES AT THE JAIL, AND SEE IF WE'RE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

YES, SIR. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU JUDGE. THANK YOU ALL FOR WELCOMING US UP.

NO. AS AS AS IT STANDS, WE ARE HERE ASKING FOR FOR THE REALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO TO ALLOW US TO COVER, OVERTIME, WHICH IS, AGAIN, I CONSIDER IT TO BE AN EVENTUALITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

IT JUST IT'S PART OF THE GAME.

WITH THAT BEING SAID, WE'RE MAKING EVERY EFFORT THAT WE CAN TO MANAGE THAT OVERTIME.

I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'LL EVER REACH A POINT WHERE WE COMPLETELY ELIMINATE IT FROM WHAT WE DO.

BUT AS WE KNOW, LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT NECESSARILY A 9 TO 5.

IT'S A 24 OVER SEVEN, 365 DAY ENDEAVOR.

AND WE GO WHERE THE CRIME TAKES US, WHERE THE ISSUES LEAD US.

WE CAN'T STOP TAKING A CONFESSION.

WE CAN'T STOP SEARCHING FOR LOST CHILD BECAUSE IT'S IT'S TIME TO CLOCK OUT.

AND SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, WE'RE MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO TO MOVE THE NEEDLE AS YOU, AS YOU MENTIONED, COMMISSIONER, I BROUGHT WITH ME OUR CHIEF OF STAFF, DEPUTY CHIEF RAUL GARZA. HE'S IN CHARGE OF OUR RECRUITMENT EFFORTS AND OUR TRAINING EFFORTS.

AND HE'S GOT SOME PRETTY, PRETTY, GOOD STATS THAT HE'S PUT TOGETHER ON SOME OF THE NUMBERS AND HOW WE'RE LOOKING WITH REGARD TO THAT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

IF I CAN BRING HIM UP TO THE D.A., TO THE TO THE MICROPHONE AND LET HIM SPEAK.

CHIEF. GOOD MORNING.

THANK YOU. SHERIFF. SO JUST TODAY, WE'RE WE'RE BRINGING ON TWO REHIRES FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE THAT ARE COMING UP FOR COMMISSIONER'S COURT APPROVAL.

SO WE SEEK THOSE OUT THAT HAVE RETIRED FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THOSE THAT WE CAN REHIRE, THAT CAN PLUG AND PLAY AND REQUIRE VERY MINIMUM TRAINING.

WE'RE SEARCHING THOSE FOLKS OUT.

I CAN TELL YOU THAT RIGHT NOW FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE OF THE HOUSE, WE HAVE 68 CADETS FOR PATROL, THANKS TO THE THE THE BODIES THAT WERE AWARDED TO US IN THIS FISCAL YEAR. WE HAVE 68 IN VARIOUS PHASES.

WE HAVE EIGHT THAT ARE ALREADY ON THE STREETS DOING THEIR 14 WEEK PATROL RIDE ALONG PERIOD.

AND WE HAVE, 40 OF THEM AND 60 OF THEM RATHER IN THE ACADEMY.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE TWO CADET CLASSES.

THE FIRST CLASS IS GOING TO THE SENIOR CLASS GRADUATES ON APRIL 19TH.

AND THEN THE SECOND CLASS TO JUST START AT MONDAY IS GOING TO GRADUATE IN SEPTEMBER.

SO WE'RE ON TRACK TO FILL THESE SPOTS AS THEY COME OPEN.

IN FACT, RIGHT NOW WE'RE DOWN TO FEWER THAN TEN OPENINGS, BECAUSE OF THE RECENT RETIREES THAT WE HAVE THAT ARE STARTING TO RETIRE.

SO, FOR, FOR DETENTION, WE HAVE ANOTHER GROUP OF CADETS THAT ARE GRADUATING THIS FRIDAY.

WE HAVE 27 THAT GRADUATED THIS FRIDAY.

LAST FRIDAY, WE HAD 16 THAT GRADUATED OUR FINAL 40 HOUR COURSE THAT WE STARTED.

WE'RE GOING TO PHASE THAT PROGRAM OUT NOW.

SO BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY, WE HAVE TWO CLASSES FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT 60 BRAND NEW CADETS THAT ARE GOING TO START ON THE 12TH AND 26, 30 PER CLASS FOR THE JAIL.

AND THAT'S GOING TO GO THEY'RE GOING STRAIGHT TO THE ACADEMY.

WE HAVE ELIMINATED THE FOUR STEP PROGRAM.

NOW WE'RE GOING TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE ACADEMY OFF THE STREET FOR THOSE FOLKS STARTING IN THE JAIL.

SO WE CAN SEE THOSE BADGES REALIZED IN THE JAIL A LOT FASTER AND HELP REDUCE THE OVERTIME IN THE JAIL.

SO I KNOW AND THIS AGENDA ITEM SPECIFICALLY ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE, BUT WITH REGARD TO THE VACANCIES AT THE JAIL, AT ONE POINT THAT WAS AS HIGH AS 260, I BELIEVE.

RIGHT. AND LAST TIME WE DISCUSSED THIS, I THINK IT WAS AT 210.

WHERE ARE WE AT TODAY? SO WE'RE BACK UP TO 225 TODAY BECAUSE WE PULLED OUT, 21 THIS LAST CLASS THAT JUST STARTED FOR MONDAY FOR THE PATROL CLASS.

SO THEY'RE LEAVING THE JAIL.

THEY'RE STAYING WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

THEY'RE TRANSFERRING OVER TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

OKAY. ON THE THE CLASSES FOR ACTUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS YOU MENTIONED 18 ARE CURRENTLY IN THE RIDE ALONG PHASE EIGHT, EIGHT, EIGHT ARE.

RIGHT. OKAY. SO A SMALL NUMBER THERE, BUT WHEN WILL THEY ACTUALLY BE, FULLY TRAINED AND AND OUT.

SO THEY'RE ON WEEK THREE RIGHT NOW OF A 14 WEEK PROCESS.

SO ANOTHER TEN, 12 WEEKS.

TWO MORE WEEKS. OKAY.

I'M JUST LOOKING AT THE THE NUMBERS CURRENTLY AND IT LOOKS LIKE 20.

YOU KNOW, 24 IS GOING TO BE A SIGNIFICANT YEAR HERE FOR OVERTIME.

[00:50:06]

RIGHT, RIGHT. AND WHETHER THAT'S KIND OF THIS IS THE PAIN PHASE AS WE GET THESE FOLKS TRAINED OR WHETHER THERE'S OTHER THINGS THAT WE COULD BE DOING NOW TO IMPACT THAT NUMBER. SO IT'S NOT CLIMBING THE WAY IT IS.

SO WE'RE MAKING SOME STAFFING CHANGES.

WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING AT WAYS TO CUT BACK.

HOWEVER, LIKE THE SHERIFF SAID, LAW ENFORCEMENT IS A 24 OVER SEVEN JOB.

SO AND YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.

WE ARE GOING TO GO THROUGH A GROWING PAIN PERIOD.

AND WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT RIGHT NOW OF THE TRAINING REQUIRES SOME WEEKEND TRAINING, REQUIRES A GUN RANGE TIME THAT REQUIRES OVERTIME.

IT REQUIRES THESE PATROL CADETS TO DO SOME RIDE ALONGS WHILE THEY'RE IN THE ACADEMY WITH WITH THE CRIME SCENE UNIT, WITH PATROL DIVISION.

AND SO ALL OF THAT ADDS UP.

OKAY. WELL, I APPRECIATE THIS, GRAPH YOU PROVIDED.

I DEFINITELY WANT TO SIT DOWN WITH, WITH YOUR TEAM AND BETTER UNDERSTAND THE, THE THE PROCESS.

AND WHEN WE THINK WE'RE GOING TO SEE, ACTUAL, YOU KNOW, DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON SOME OF THOSE OVERTIME NUMBERS AS WE GET STAFFED UP.

I APPRECIATE AND UNDERSTAND THERE'S GOING TO BE GROWING PAINS.

BUT OBVIOUSLY WANT TO, SEE HOW WE CAN HELP, BRING THOSE NUMBERS DOWN OVER THE COURSE OF THIS YEAR AS WE GET THOSE INDIVIDUALS ON THE STREETS.

COULD YOU ALSO JUST SPEAK TO YOU, QUICKLY? AND, SHERIFF, MAYBE THIS IS YOU.

WHERE ARE WE WITH THE NEW PATROL DISTRICTS? AND OBVIOUSLY, WE JUST SAID THAT, YOU KNOW, FOLKS ARE BEING TRAINED TODAY, BUT WITH EIGHT, YOU KNOW, COMING OUT IN THREE MONTHS, YOU KNOW, WHICH PATROL DISTRICTS ARE GOING TO BE STOOD UP AT WHAT, YOU KNOW, DATE AND AND HOW DO WE SEE THAT THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR? WELL, WE'VE ALREADY WE'VE ALREADY GOTTEN IT TO A POINT WHERE WE KNOW WHERE THE PATROL DISTRICTS ARE.

WE'RE WE'RE CUTTING SOME UP.

THESE EIGHT WILL HELP US OUT.

THE NEW EIGHT ONCE THEY ONCE THEY GET OUT FULL FLEDGED.

AS I MENTIONED, THEY ARE DEPUTIES NOW.

THEY ARE WEARING THE UNIFORM NOW, BUT THEY'RE, THEY'RE RIDING SHOTGUN WITH WITH A TRAINING DEPUTY.

BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID, ONCE THEY BREAK OUT, WE WILL BE ABLE TO START STAFFING SOME OF THOSE, PATROL DISTRICTS.

THIS WEEK, WE'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO BE DOING AN EVENT WITH, WITH COMMISSIONER.

CLAY-FLORES. OF OF A OF A NORTHWEST SUBSTATION THAT WE'RE HOPEFULLY GOING TO BE DOING AT ONE OF THE ISD'S.

WE'RE ALSO GOING TO BE EXPANDING IN THE TPC AREA.

I GUESS THAT'S THAT'S OVER BY YOU.

BUT AGAIN, THANKS TO THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WE'VE GOT WITH, GORDON AT MORGAN'S WONDERLAND, HE'S LOOKING TO EXPAND THE FOOTPRINT THERE TO ALLOW US TO HOUSE SOME OF THOSE.

SO NOT ONLY WILL THEY BE, THEY'LL BE, SMALLER DISTRICTS OUT THERE AND CUT UP MORE APPROPRIATELY.

THEY'LL ACTUALLY BE HOUSED IN THAT AREA.

SO WE'LL ACTUALLY BE LOOKING TO YOU TO HELP US OUT WITH, WITH, THE EQUIPMENT, JUST LIKE WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH WITH COMMISSIONER.

CLAY-FLORES. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED, CHIEF DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO MENTION THIS PAST WEEKEND.

WE HAD A CAREER FAIR AT THE YMCA TESTING WHERE WE HAD UPWARDS OF 70 PEOPLE.

WE'VE WE'VE THAT'S THAT'S A NUMBER THAT WE'VE NEVER GOTTEN TO PULL AT ONE OF OUR CAREER FAIRS.

EVEN THE BETTER ONES.

SO, AGAIN, THE FACT THAT THE PAY RAISE THAT YOU ALL, WE WERE ABLE TO WORK WITH YOU ALL TO GET AND SOME OF THE OTHER BENEFITS THAT WE'RE WORKING WITH, OUR, WITH OUR TROOPS IS CERTAINLY ATTRACTING MORE PEOPLE SO THAT, AGAIN, WE CAN CONTINUE TO BRING THAT NUMBER DOWN.

OKAY. NO, I APPRECIATE THE, THE UPDATE AND ALSO, UNDERSTANDING THE EXPANSION OVER THERE IN, ALONG 281 IN THAT CORRIDOR.

I ALSO JUST WANT TO MENTION, FOR THE RECORD, WE'VE CONTINUED TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH OUR ESD FOUR, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, LOOKING TO CONSTRUCT ANOTHER, FIRE STATION ALONG THE I-10 CORRIDOR THAT COULD ULTIMATELY BE USED AS ANOTHER SUBSTATION AS WELL.

I BELIEVE YOU GUYS HAVE CONNECTED WITH THAT ESD AND OUR OUR IN DISCUSSIONS THERE AS WELL.

YES, SIR. WE'VE GOT A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ESD.

I MEAN THEIR FIREMEN, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT.

NO, THEY'RE THEY'RE ACTUALLY A GOOD GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT, WE'RE AND WE'RE BLESSED TO HAVE THEM AS PARTNERS.

BUT CERTAINLY IF, IF THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO GET SOME OFFICE SPACE THERE, SOME WORKSPACE THERE AT THAT, AT THAT FIRE STATION, WE WOULD ABSOLUTELY WELCOME THE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT.

THAT'D PROBABLY BE BEING THAT THEY'RE SO CLOSE TO THE INTERSTATE, WOULD PROBABLY BE A GOOD PLACE TO HOUSE SOME TRAFFIC DEPUTIES AS WELL AS PATROL DEPUTIES, OUT THERE.

COMMISSIONER, I'D ENCOURAGE YOU TO, TO COME OUT AND DO SOME RIDE ALONGS WITH OUR TROOPS.

I THINK THEY'D LOVE TO SEE YOU OUT THERE AS WELL.

I THINK THAT YOU BRING A LOT OF, YOU KNOW, YOUR MILITARY EXPERIENCE AS AN OFFICER TO, TO TO SHARE WITH THEM.

AND I THINK THEY'D ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE YOU, RIDING SHOTGUN OUT THERE WITH THEM, LEARNING WHAT THEY DO, BUT ALSO IMPARTING SOME OF THE WISDOM THAT YOU BRING, FROM YOUR CAREER, YOUR MILITARY CAREER.

BUT I'D WELCOME THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE ANY OF Y'ALL COME OUT AND RIDE ALONG WITH OUR DEPUTIES.

WELL, THANK YOU FOR THAT.

I'LL TAKE YOU UP ON IT.

YES, SIR. THAT'S ALL I HAVE.

JOSH, I JUST WANT TO SAY I DID A RIDE ALONG WITH CHIEF GARZA IN MY PRECINCT, WHO'S ONE OF MY CONSTITUENTS, AND THAT WAS SUPER FUN.

SO IF WE CAN DO A RIDE ALONG, GO WITH CHIEF GARZA.

COMMISSIONER CALVERT. THANK YOU.

JUDGE, I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU, SHERIFF, IN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COUNTY ON WHAT I SEE AS A NET INCREASE OF ABOUT 35 FROM THE TWO 60.

[00:55:07]

THAT'S A THAT'S A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

I JUST WANT TO GET KIND OF MY BASELINE NUMBERS CORRECT.

SO WHEN I WAS HEARING THE TWO 60, THAT WAS ONLY IN THE JAIL OR WAS THAT TOTAL OKAY.

WAS THAT THAT WAS JUST IN THE JAIL 60 JAIL VACANCIES.

OKAY. AND SO WHAT WAS OUR NUMBER WITH RESPECT TO THE PATROL VACANCIES? I, I RECALL ABOUT 50.

WELL, YOU ALL YOU ALL GAVE US SOME, SOME POSITIONS IN DECEMBER THAT THAT OBVIOUSLY BROUGHT UP OUR, OUR VACANCIES.

RIGHT. BUT WITH OUR, WITH OUR HIRING, THOSE ARE NO LONGER VACANCIES.

THEY'RE, THEY'RE CADETS SITTING IN A SEAT.

AND SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, BECAUSE OF ALL THE HIRING WE'VE BEEN DOING, OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT VACANCIES ARE DOWN TO ABOUT TEN.

GREAT. AND SO WE'RE BUT BUT AGAIN, WE'RE CONTINUING JUST BECAUSE WE STARTED A CLASS YESTERDAY, WE'RE ALREADY WORKING ON ONE THAT.

WITH THAT NEXT CLASS IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE WE HAVE AN ACTIVE LIST BASED UPON THE LAST, PATROL TEST THAT WE GAVE AND THAT THAT LIST IS GOING TO HAVE OBVIOUSLY SOME DEPUTIES THAT ARE CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE JAIL, BUT IT'S ALSO GOING TO HAVE A FAIR AMOUNT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THE CIVILIAN JOB, WORLD RIGHT NOW AND COMING OVER, AS WELL AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FROM OTHER AGENCIES THAT ARE GOING TO BE MAKING THE MOVE OVER TO US AS WELL.

SO WE'LL FILL THOSE TEN PLUS ANY OTHERS THAT COME ALONG AS A RESULT OF THE BUDGETARY PROCESS.

THAT'S SUPER NEWS.

LAST QUESTION IS JUST AROUND THE SOFTWARE.

WE'RE UPDATING SOME HR SOFTWARE AT THE COUNTY A LITTLE BIT LATER AND TALKING ABOUT OUR LEAVE.

WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE HAD GOOD, EASY DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT.

I DON'T KNOW, IN TERMS OF YOUR DEPARTMENT'S REVIEW, YOU KNOW, WILL THIS WORK TO HELP GET THOSE THINGS SOLIDIFIED SO THAT WE CAN MOVE? WE'RE ANTICIPATING THE COURT BRINGING TO THE AGENDA IN FEBRUARY, SOME MODIFICATIONS TO THE LEAVE POLICY TO MAKE IT MORE FLEXIBLE.

DO YOU ANTICIPATE THAT SOFTWARE WILL BE HELPFUL TO GET THE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTATION THAT THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND EVERYBODY NEEDS? YES, SIR. I THINK YOU'RE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THE USE IT OR LOSE IT POLICY THAT WE'VE GOT IN PLACE.

OBVIOUSLY, YOU KNOW, THE POLICY THAT'S THERE MAYBE DOESN'T WORK ALL TOO WELL WITH FIRST RESPONDERS.

IT'S HARDER, ESPECIALLY WITH THE MANPOWER ISSUES THAT THAT WE'VE GOT ALONG WITH EVERY OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

IT'S HARDER FOR THEM TO TAKE OFF.

AND THE FACT THAT WE'RE SAYING, WELL, YOU CAN'T WE KNOW YOU CAN'T TAKE OFF BECAUSE OF WORK, BUT WE'RE GOING TO TAKE YOUR LEAVE ANYWAY THAT YOU DIDN'T USE KIND OF TENDS TO BE PERCEIVED AS A SLAP IN THE FACE.

I KNOW THAT'S NOT THE INTENT, BUT THAT IS WHAT WHAT I BELIEVE THE FIRST RESPONDERS ARE PERCEIVING IT AS.

SO I'M HAPPY TO HAVE ANY CONVERSATIONS WITH YOU ALL TO, TO TRY TO, CHANGE THAT STANDARD FOR, FOR OUR DEPUTIES.

BUT I THINK THE SOFTWARE WILL HELP.

I ABSOLUTELY DO, AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE IMPLEMENTATION.

I KNOW THERE'S GOING TO BE A LEARNING CURVE, JUST LIKE THERE IS WITH ANY OTHER SOFTWARE OR NEW POLICY THAT COMES ALONG.

BUT AS TRUE FIRST RESPONDERS, WE'LL ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES.

JUDGE, WITHOUT OBJECTION, FROM COMMISSIONER MOODY, I MOVE APPROVAL.

ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

FURTHER DISCUSSION.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.

CHAIR. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

THE NEXT INDIVIDUAL ITEM I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND TRY TO FINISH CONSENT.

RIGHT. THEN I WILL PASS TO COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ AS PRESIDENT OF THE BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE.

I BELIEVE THE NEXT ONE IS ITEM 61.

[61. Authorizing the execution of the third and last amendment to the service agreement Ernestina Luna, dba Unified Services Associates LLC, to provide Bexar County with custodial services for the period beginning December 1, 2023, and ending November 30, 2024, in the annual amount of $380,458.14 as requested by the Bexar County Facilities Management Department.]

IT'S THE AUTHORIZATION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE THIRD AND LAST AMENDMENT TO THE SERVICE AGREEMENT.

ERNESTINA LUNA, DBA UNIFIED SERVICE ASSOCIATES, LLC, TO PROVIDE BEXAR COUNTY WITH CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING DECEMBER 1ST, 2023, AND ENDING NOVEMBER 30TH, 2024, IN THE AMOUNT OF 308,380, $100,458.14, AS REQUESTED BY THE BEXAR COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT.

MR.. COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, THANK YOU.

JUDGE. DAN, JUST, WANTED A QUICK REMINDER.

I DON'T NEED A PRESENTATION ON THIS, BUT I GUESS IT WAS MAYBE OVER A YEAR AGO, MAYBE TWO YEARS AGO, WHERE WE TOOK, SOME OF THE EXTERNAL CUSTODIAL EMPLOYEES, AND WE MADE THEM COUNTY EMPLOYEES.

I ASSUME THIS IS A PART OF A THE REMAINING PART OF A OF A CONTRACT, THAT'S STILL OUT THERE IS.

SO IS THE INTENT ON THIS, TO GO BEYOND NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR OR IS THIS, ALSO GOING TO BE INTERNALIZED AT THAT POINT? SO YOU'RE CORRECT.

SO ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO, WE INSOURCED THE CUSTODIAL SERVICES, FOR THE COUNTY BROUGHT ALL THOSE EMPLOYEES IN.

THERE WERE A COUPLE FACILITIES THAT ARE SMALLER, USUALLY LEASE FACILITIES.

THE TAX OFFICE ON THE NORTHWEST NORTHWEST SIDE, BIBLIOTHEQUES THAT ARE A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE IS MAYBE OVERKILL FOR THAT PARTICULAR FACILITY.

SO WE BACKED OUT OF THAT IN OUR INITIAL LAUNCH OF ROLLOVER, BECAUSE WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF OUR LARGER FACILITIES WORKED.

THIS IS THE LAST YEAR OF AN AGREEMENT.

ERNESTINA LUNA DOES A FANTASTIC JOB FOR US, BUT WE IN THIS NEXT YEAR, WE WILL ABSOLUTELY RESEARCH INSOURCING THOSE FACILITIES AND THEN BRING THAT RECOMMENDATION BACK TO THE.

[01:00:07]

EXACTLY. SO, SO AGAIN, OUR FIRST INITIAL WAVE OF LAUNCH WAS ALL FULL TIME EMPLOYEES BECAUSE OF ALLOWING THOSE EMPLOYEES TO HAVE BENEFITS, AND THE FULL BENEFIT OF EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COUNTY WAS IMPORTANT TO THE COURT.

YEAH. AND SO OUR FIRST WAVE WAS THAT IN THIS MAY HAVE BEEN, IT WAS ON THE FRINGES.

SO WE DECIDED TO KIND OF HOLD IT BACK.

BUT WE'LL ABSOLUTELY BRING THAT RECOMMENDATION BACK.

I MEAN, THAT MAKES SENSE. I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT ABOUT HOW MANY, DID WE END UP, CONVERTING TO FULL TIME BEXAR 75, 75, 75 FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.

AND I AND I THINK THAT'S BEEN A GREAT, MOVE.

THE FEEDBACK THAT I GET FROM THOSE EMPLOYEES, IT SEEMS LIKE, MORALE IS, IS GOOD AND THEY'RE ENJOYING WORKING AND BEING PART OFFICIALLY OF.

THE BURKE COUNTY FAMILY. WELL, THANK YOU FOR THAT.

IT WAS ONE OF THE COOLEST THINGS I'VE EVER BEEN A PART OF.

AS THE. WITH THE COUNTY.

I'D MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

JUDGE. THANK YOU. DAN. SECOND MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? YEAH. I ALSO WANT TO JUST COMMENT THAT I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE BETTER THINGS THAT WE'VE DONE FOR OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND HAVE ALSO HEARD GOOD FEEDBACK.

AND IT'S SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE, LIKE WHEN THE COUNTY CLOSES, BECAUSE IT'S, YOU KNOW, 32 DEGREES OR SOMETHING, I'M SORRY.

I'M MAKING FUN OF US AS SOUTH TEXANS, OR COUNTY HOLIDAYS OR THINGS LIKE THAT.

NATURE. THEY WERE NOT GETTING PAID.

AND SO I'M GLAD THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO GET PAID AND GET THE BENEFITS.

SO LET'S CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

THANK YOU. GREAT. ANY FURTHER COMMENTS? MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU, MR. CURRY.

WE'LL TAKE UP ITEM 62 REQUEST REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH F.A.

[62. Requesting authority to negotiate an agreement with F.A. Nunnelly Company, the highest ranked respondent, for Construction Services related to the Request for Proposal (RFP) Event#1039 Bexar County Agri-life Urban Farm Phase III Project. Contingent upon successful negotiations, the agreement will be brought to Commissioners Court at a later date for consideration and award.]

CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS.

THE AGREEMENT WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AT A LATER DATE FOR CONSIDERATION AND AWARD.

COMMISSIONER CALVERT, I JUST WANTED DAN TO RUN THROUGH THE AGRILIFE BUILDING AND WHAT'S GOING ON OVER THERE, THIS PHASE, WHAT'S INCLUDED.

SO. SO AGAIN, UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP, COMMISSIONER, WE'VE ACCELERATED SOME OF THE FIRST COUPLE PHASES OF OF THE URBAN FARM DURING THE PANDEMIC, TRYING TO GET SOME CROPS LAID DOWN AND PROVIDE THOSE VEGETABLES TO THE COMMUNITY.

THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MULTI-PHASE PROJECT.

AGAIN, YOU WERE THE CHAMPION OF GETTING THE FUNDING FOR THE FULL BUILD OUT OF THIS MASTER PLAN WITH THE COURT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.

THIS NEXT PHASE WE'RE CALLING PHASE THREE, I BELIEVE, IS ACTUALLY THE THE BUILDING OF THE AGRILIFE FACILITY BUILDING.

SO THEY'RE CURRENTLY ON A LEASE ON CHERRY STREET IN 410, OR CHERRY RIDGE IN 410.

AND THIS WILL BE PROBABLY I'M GOING TO OVERSTATE THIS, BUT PROBABLY THE BEST AGRILIFE FACILITY IN THE STATE.

THIS AGRILIFE EXTENSION OFFICE, LED BY NELDA SPELLER, HAS WON NUMEROUS AWARDS, FOR THEIR OUTREACH INTO THE COMMUNITY.

AND THERE'S A BUNCH OF PARTNERS ON THE EAST SIDE, AND WE EVEN WORK WITH TOPIA AND SOME OTHER ONES THAT ARE REALLY EAGER TO GET INTO THIS SPACE.

WE'LL HAVE SPACE FOR VOLUNTEERS.

IT HAS A MEETING ROOM FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS, AND IT WILL BE ALSO THE BUILD OUT OF LARGELY THE THE SITE HAS TWO SIDES, KIND OF LIKE AN EAST SIDE AND A WEST SIDE.

THE WEST SIDE IS THE LARGER SIDE, AND WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THAT SIDE.

INCREASING PARKING.

THIS WILL BE THE BUILDING ON ALL THE GROUNDS, THE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN GROUNDS, AS WELL AS THE, THE BARN, NOT THE BARN.

THE. I GUESS IT'S A BARN, A BARN FOR THE TRACTOR, AS WELL AS SOME GREENHOUSES AND SOME OTHER STUFF SO THEY CAN START DOING DEMONSTRATION CLASSES AGAIN.

WE FINISHED THE OUTDOOR PAVILION AND KITCHEN OUTDOOR KITCHEN DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN A FEW MONTHS AGO.

SO WE'RE REALLY EXCITED THAT THIS PROJECT IS GOING TO ROLL THAT PIECE FORWARD.

AND THEN THE REMAINDER OF THE LAST PHASE WILL BE KIND OF ACROSS THE CREEK, ACROSS, THAT ALLOWS US TO DO A PLACE FOR FARMERS MARKET AND SOME OTHER, MATERIAL STAGING. AND WHEN DID I HEAR YOU SAY, WITH THE AGRILIFE BUILDING, THE EVENT CENTER IS ALSO IN THAT BUILDING.

IS THAT RIGHT? SO SO WE SO THE EVENT CENTER IS STILL GOING TO BE A FUTURE PHASE, A SEPARATE EVENT CENTER.

BUT THIS SPACE, WE'VE DESIGNED IT TO HAVE SOME FLEXIBLE SPACE IN THE FRONT OF IT FOR THOSE COMMUNITY EVENTS.

BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT THE LEAD TIME ON THAT EVENT CENTER IS PROBABLY TOO LONG FOR COMFORTABLE SPACES.

AND WE CAN NEVER, AS YOU GUYS HAVE DEMONSTRATED, WE NEVER HAVE ENOUGH SPACES TO HOLD EVENTS IN OR TO HAVE COMMUNITY EVENTS IN.

SO THIS SPACE IN THE VERY FRONT OF IT WILL HAVE A SPACE.

I THINK IT'S OVER ALMOST 1800 SQUARE FEET FOR, LUNCHEONS, COMMUNITY EVENTS AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS IN THE FRONT OF THAT BUILDING.

SO THE THE BUILDING ITSELF INCLUDES A SMALL EVENT SPACE, BUT THE EVENT CENTER IS A FUTURE PHASE.

OKAY. AND AND AND DO WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE, SO THAT WOULD BE PHASE FOUR I GUESS.

CORRECT. AND SO DO WE HAVE FUNDING FOR THAT PHASE? YES, YES. AGAIN, UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP, THE ENTIRE MASTER PLAN WAS FUNDED A COUPLE YEARS AGO.

IN TERMS OF THE WE TALKED ABOUT THE FARMER HOUSE CONCEPT AND WHERE WOULD THAT BE IN THE FOURTH PHASE.

[01:05:03]

AGAIN, BRIDGING ACROSS THE CREEK IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST JUMP FOR US BECAUSE IT REQUIRES A ROADWAY INFRASTRUCTURE THAT'S PRETTY, EXPENSIVE NOT TO BE TO BE COMPLETELY FRANK, TO GET ACROSS THAT SPACE.

AND SO WE NEED TO AGAIN, WE CAN ABSOLUTELY ACCELERATE THAT PIECE OF IT, BECAUSE I THINK THE CARETAKER'S RESIDENCE WAS INITIALLY IN THAT FINAL PHASE.

BUT IF YOU'D LIKE US TO BRING IT FORWARD, WE CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THAT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT.

I UNDERSTAND WE ALSO HAD THE CULPRITS WHO RAN AWAY WITH OUR FENCE.

THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, I BELIEVE, MADE AN ARREST IN THAT.

YEAH, WE DID, WE DID, WE CAUGHT HIM RED HANDED, AS THEY LIKE TO SAY.

SO. SO AGAIN, WE, WE'RE VERY LUCKY.

UNFORTUNATELY, SOME OF THE DAMAGE IS ALREADY DONE, SO WE'RE WORKING WITH THAT.

I AM EXCITED ABOUT GETTING THIS BACK TO YOU GUYS SO WE CAN MOBILIZE THIS CONTRACTOR SO THEY CAN BE ON THE SITE ON A MORE REGULAR BASIS, AND WE'LL WE'LL DETER SOME OF THAT.

SO TO THAT END, WE'VE GOT SOME OF THAT FENCING GAPS.

I DON'T KNOW IF OUR INSURANCE IS SOMETHING THAT WE HAVE TO CALL IN OR HOW WE DO THAT.

YEAH, WE'RE WORKING WITH VERONICA AND THE RISK ASSESSOR'S OFFICE ABOUT THOSE CLAIMS IF REQUIRED.

BECAUSE AS WE DO THE BUILDING, WE NEED TO HAVE THE PERIMETER SECURE FOR OBVIOUS REASONS.

WE DON'T WANT ANY MORE LOSS THERE.

SO, I KNOW YOU'LL SEE TO IT THAT IT GETS SECURED.

THE GOOD NEWS IS, IS THIS THIS PHASE IS BIG ENOUGH THAT WE'RE GOING TO LAY DOWN THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS AT EACH ONE OF THOSE LOCATIONS.

THE OTHER PHASES WERE A LITTLE BIT TOO SMALL TO ADD THAT SCOPE.

SO AGAIN, THIS WILL GIVE US THE FULL EXPOSURE OF THAT.

OKAY. AND THEN OUR MAINTENANCE, YOU KNOW, OUR REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF THE GROUNDS, I KNOW THERE WILL BE A LOT OF CONSTRUCTION AND PROBABLY WON'T BE VEGETATION FOR SOME TIME, BUT WHAT IS OUR MAINTENANCE LOOK LIKE IN TERMS OF THE ROBUST? I GOT TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, I TAKE FULL, NOT CREDIT, BUT, CRITICISM FOR NOT KEEPING UP WITH THE THE ROADWAY ALONG SHERMAN.

WE'VE RECENTLY ADOPTED LAST COMMISSIONERS COURT BLANCO LANDSCAPING FOR A COUNTYWIDE, CONTRACT.

SO THAT'S ON THEIR ROTATION.

BLANCO LANDSCAPING, LIKAR BLANCO O BLANCO.

BLANCO. SO THEY HAVE A COUNTYWIDE CONTRACT AND THE RIGHT OF WAY.

AND THE FRONT OF THAT FACILITY IS INCLUDED IN THAT SCOPE OF WORK.

BEHIND THE FENCE WILL OBVIOUSLY BE THE CONTRACTOR'S PURVIEW.

SO THEY'LL KEEP THE WEEDS AND EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL AS THEY BUILD THE FACILITY.

AND WHEN THEY DRESS IT OUT TO BE DONE, THEN WE'LL TAKE OVER MAINTENANCE OF THAT.

SO WE HAD TWO RESPONDENTS, I GUESS MAYBE THE LAST RESPONDENT, THE LAST CONTRACTOR, AND THIS I DON'T RECALL WHO THOSE TWO WERE, FOR THE SOLICITATION FOR THIS ONE.

YES. SO THIS SOLICITATION WAS AN RFP WE DID THROUGH PURCHASING.

SO IT'S QUALIFICATIONS AND PRICE BASED.

IT WAS 30% PRICING, 70% QUALIFICATIONS.

WE HAD AN EVALUATION TEAM EVALUATE THE PROPOSALS AND GIVE THE SCORES BACK TO PURCHASING PURCHASING AND THEN COMBINE THE THE PRICING SCORES AND THEN GAVE US THE FINAL RESULTS.

AND IT WAS VERY CLOSE.

GUIDO AND FAYE, NOT ONLY WERE THE TWO RESPONDENTS AND, YOU KNOW, BY A RAZOR'S EDGE, IT WAS FAR.

NATALIE. SO WE'RE RECOMMENDING FOR NATALIE TODAY, AND I BELIEVE, BLAINE BECKMAN AND GREG VAUGHN WITH FAR NATALIE ARE IN THE ROOM TODAY.

IF YOU GUYS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR THEM.

SURE. THANK THANK YOU TO BLAINE, AND HIS TEAM FOR.

THEY MIGHT BE PUTTING IN AN APPLICATION, WE LOOK FOR.

OH, YOU'RE UP THERE. GOOD TO SEE YOU.

YEAH. AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO, YOU KNOW, DEEPENING YOUR YOUR PRECINCT FOR BUSINESS.

YOU'RE LOCATED OFF OF 35, NOT TOO FAR FROM THE LOCATION.

SO WE LOOK FORWARD TO DEEPENING YOUR, NETWORKS AND TENTACLES WITHIN THE AREA AROUND YOU.

AND, WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ON MAKING SURE THAT IT'S A SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL SITE GOING FORWARD.

SO I MOVE APPROVAL.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS? COMMISSIONER. MOODY. RODRIGUEZ.

COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

ALL RIGHT. I THINK WE'RE NOW GETTING TO THE LAST OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.

78 APPROVAL, A REQUEST FROM COMMISSIONER REBECA CLAY-FLORES TO ALLOCATE OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING AND THE AMOUNT OF $30,000

[78. Approval of a request from Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores to allocate outside agency funding in the total amount of $30,000 for the agencies and amounts listed as part of Precinct l's Contributions to Outside Agencies from the General Fund.]

CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUTSIDE AGENCIES FROM THE GENERAL FUND.

THE SAN ANTONIO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION BLUE CARES $30,000.

COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES. YEAH.

AS SHERIFF SALAZAR SAID EARLIER, WE ARE HAVING A RIBBON CUTTING, WHICH I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT ON THURSDAY FOR OUR NORTHWEST SHERIFF'S SUBSTATION IN ALAMO RANCHO AREA. AND SO IT'S IMPORTANT FOR CONSTITUENTS OF PRECINCT ONE TO CONTINUE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SO I'M REALLY EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO ALLOCATE SOME FUNDING FOR MY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FOR THE, SUPPORT FOR THE BLUE CARES ARM OF SUPPORT, AND WANTED TO INVITE OFFICER BETTIS AND OFFICER DIAZ TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THEIR PROGRAMING.

THE FUNDING WILL BE GOING TOWARDS THE EDGEWOOD VETERANS PROGRAM AS WELL AS BLUE SANTA AND SOMETHING I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THAT I WANT YOU TO TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GUYS CAME UP WITH

[01:10:03]

AND THANKS FOR BEING HERE THIS MORNING.

THANK YOU, MADAM JUDGE.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

GOOD MORNING. AT ONE POINT IN TIME, IN MY 32 YEAR CAREER, I WORKED WITH EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

AND NOW I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH COMMISSIONER FLORES.

I GREATLY APPRECIATE THAT. AND THANK YOU.

I'M HERE TODAY WITH VICE PRESIDENT ELECT JOHNNY PEREZ.

WE'RE HOMEGROWN.

ONE THING THAT THAT WE LEARNED AT A VERY EARLY AGE FROM FROM OUR PARENTS AND OUR GRANDPARENTS IS WE DON'T FORGET WHERE WE CAME FROM.

I SAW AN OPPORTUNITY ONCE I TOOK THIS OFFICE THREE YEARS AGO, TO GIVE BACK.

WE WERE ALREADY DOING IT AS AN ASSOCIATION, BUT WE'VE WE'VE ENHANCED IT OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE DO WITH THE EDGEWOOD VETERANS ASSOCIATION.

WE'RE TAKING CARE OF OUR MILITARY VETERANS THAT ARE HOMEGROWN WERE FROM EDGEWOOD MEMORIAL, KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOLS AND GIVING BACK TO THE CHILDREN WITHIN THE INNER CITY WITH BACKPACKS, HOODIES, JACKETS, THINGS THAT THEY NEED FROM FROM THAT ASPECT.

ALSO, AS FAR AS, OUR, OUR BLUE CARES BLUE SANTA PROGRAM THIS YEAR, WE WERE ABLE TO TEAM UP WITH 20 DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS, TO GET CHRISTMAS TOYS FOR 8000 CHILDREN.

AND THAT WAS TWO TOYS PER CHILD.

SO 16,000 GIFTS.

IT ADDS UP.

WE DO OUR DUE DILIGENCE TO HELP OUR CHILDREN AS FAR AS SCHOOL IS CONCERNED, WITH SCHOLARSHIPS.

NOT ONLY IN THE WAY OF SCHOLARSHIPS, WITH THE MONEY, BUT ALSO GIVING THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON THEIR SERVICE HOURS.

WE BRING THEM OUT WITH US ANYTIME WE'RE OUT IN THE IN THE COMMUNITY SO THAT THEY SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO GIVE BACK.

I TOOK MY GRANDDAUGHTER TO DO IT ONE TIME.

THEY WOUND UP, RUNNING INTO A YOUNG MAN THAT WAS FROM A RIVAL SCHOOL.

HE WAS HOMELESS.

THREE YEARS DIFFERENCE.

BECAUSE OF A FOOTBALL INJURY.

HE GOT HOOKED ON DRUGS, AND NOW HE'S HOMELESS.

AND WE WERE FEEDING HIM A TURKEY MEAL WHEN WE WERE OUT AT HARPER'S CHURCH, FEEDING SOME OF THE HOMELESS THERE FOR THANKSGIVING.

THOSE THINGS THAT THEY NEED TO SEE SO THAT WE CAN GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

JUST TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF HOW INVOLVED SAPOA HAS BEEN SINCE 2019, DIRECT SUPPORT TO OUTSIDE NONPROFITS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS.

WE'VE GIVEN $72,495 SINCE 2019.

AS FAR AS, OTHER CHARITIES ARE CONCERNED, DURING THAT THAT TENURE, WE'VE GIVEN $140,465 BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY.

AND AS FAR AS THE PATRICIA CALDERON SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN THE LATE 1980S, PATRICIA CALDERON WAS THE FIRST FEMALE OFFICER THAT WE LOST IN THE LINE OF DUTY.

SHE WAS CHASING A SUSPECT AND HAPPENED TO FALL INTO SALADO CREEK AND WOUND UP DROWNING.

WE NAMED THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND AFTER HER.

WITH THE HELP OF SOME, BUSINESS FRIENDS THAT WE HAVE.

HARRIS, DALY, WELLS, CARIBBEAN SHORE, CAVENDER'S BOOT CITY THAT THAT HELP US OUT WITH OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

WE DO HAVE FUNDRAISERS.

WE HAVE A CLAY SHOOT. WE HAVE A GOLF TOURNAMENT TO HELP OUT THE COSTS ON THE TOYS AND THE SCHOLARSHIPS.

SINCE 2019, OUR TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT IS $124,000.

SO WE GREATLY APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH YOU TO CONTINUE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO THE CHILDREN OF BEXAR COUNTY AND SAN ANTONIO.

AND JUST SO YOU KNOW, SO THAT THERE'S NO BIAS THE WAY IT WORKS IN THE APPLICATION.

THESE KIDS TURN IN AN ESSAY.

IT IS REVIEWED BY A COMMITTEE OF OFFICERS THAT HAVE BEEN IN COLLEGE, GRADUATED FROM UNIVERSITIES.

WE HAVE ONE THAT EVEN TAUGHT AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY.

ALL THE NAMES ARE BLACKED OUT SO THAT THERE'S NO INDICATION THAT, OH, YOU'RE JUST GIVING SCHOLARSHIPS TO POLICE OFFICERS, CHILDREN.

THAT'S NOT TRUE AT ALL.

IN FACT, WE CATCH A LOT OF FLACK BECAUSE OUR KIDS DON'T GET IT HALF THE TIME.

BUT IT DOES GO ACROSS THE CITY.

AND IT DOES RANGE FROM SOUTH SIDE, MCCOLLUM HARLANDALE HOLMES ALL THE WAY TO JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL, BRACKENRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL TO.

OH, I GOTTA THROW JEFFERSON OUT.

WE HAVE TO BE THERE AND REMIND THEM.

BUT AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY COMMISSIONER.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

AND WITH YOUR HELP, WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

AND, IN TERMS OF THE, SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR PATRICIA CALDERON, THANK YOU FOR CARRYING HER MEMORY AND HER LIFE AND LEGACY.

AND, AS AN EDUCATOR, IT'S JUST REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING AND CONTINUE TO BUILD OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FOR BEING HERE.

I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. DID YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING? NO. OKAY. SO I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.

I'LL SECOND THAT AND LET ME.

CAN I JUST SAY, HOLD ON. LET ME GET THE MOTION.

[01:15:01]

SECOND BY, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, JUST BRIEFLY, JUDGE, I JUST WANT TO, I DON'T WANT TO MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO THANK DANNY AND JOHNNY FOR BEING HERE.

I KNOW, AS YOU MENTIONED, DANNY, I THINK IT'S PROBABLY 20 PLUS YEARS WE'VE WORKED TOGETHER THROUGH MY TIME IN THE LEGISLATURE, ON CITY COUNCIL.

I KNOW I'VE PARTICIPATED, AND I USE, THE TERM PLAYED GOLF AT YOUR TOURNAMENT LOOSELY BECAUSE SOME DON'T CALL IT GOLF, BUT I TRY, BUT, YOU KNOW, THE WORK THAT YOU'RE DOING.

I KNOW THIS IS BEXAR COUNTY, BUT YOU SERVE OUR CONSTITUENTS, IN THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AS WELL.

AND I KNOW YOUR GREAT PARTNERS WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

SO, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

YOU HAVE A GREAT, FOLLOWING WITH THE WITH THE BLUE SANTA, TOURNAMENT.

I KNOW RAIN, SLEET, COLD.

IT'S IT GOES ON AND PEOPLE GO OUT, PARTICIPATE AND HAVE A GREAT TIME, GIVING BACK.

SO THANK YOU BOTH.

AND GIVE MY REGARDS TO CARLOS AS WELL, BECAUSE, WE'VE PLAYED WITH HIM AS WELL AT THAT TOURNAMENT.

HE'S A GREAT GUY. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I JUST WANTED TO JOIN MY COLLEAGUES IN THANKING YOU FOR COMING TO COMMISSIONERS COURT AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS THE ASSOCIATION HAS MADE.

YOU'VE NOT ONLY MADE THEM ALL OVER THE COUNTY, CERTAINLY IN MY PRECINCT AS WELL.

AND I WANT TO THANK YOU IN PARTICULAR FOR THE BEDS THAT YOU HELPED TO GET DONATED, IN ONE OF OUR CORRIDORS WITH THE HIGHEST TRUANCY IN ALL OF BEXAR COUNTY, UNFORTUNATELY, IS A SET OF SCHOOLS THAT I REPRESENT THAT GOES FROM CAMELOT ELEMENTARY TO ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL.

AND YOU WENT INTO THE CAMELOT AREA WITH US AND HELPED TO DONATE BEDS, WHERE IN A LOT OF CASES, THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE, BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE BEDS, THEY DON'T ACHIEVE AS GREAT IN SCHOOL, AND THEY HAVE A HARDER TIME JUST ADJUSTING TO THE SOCIAL DEMANDS OF BEING IN SCHOOL.

SO IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING.

WE'VE TRIED TO TURN THE PAGE ON SOME OF THE TENSE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE COMMUNITY, AND I'M PROUD OF THE PARTNERSHIP AND THE OPEN DOOR THAT WE HAVE WITH EACH OTHER.

NOW, YOU'VE WORKED WITH MY FATHER ON A NUMBER OF CRIME FIGHTING INITIATIVES ACROSS THE COUNTY, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE THERE TO HELP KEEP PEOPLE SAFE.

IT'S, THE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE.

KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

AND YOU CAN'T HAVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN A PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY WITHOUT SAFETY.

PUBLIC SAFETY, THAT HAS TO COME FUNDAMENTAL AND FOUNDATIONAL.

SO YOU ALL ARE A BIG PART OF THE SUCCESS OF BEXAR COUNTY.

WE'VE GOT SOME CHALLENGES AHEAD IN TERMS OF CRIME, AS YOU'RE SEEING ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS, AND WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO CATCH US UP IN TERMS OF THE MANPOWER IN OUR OWN SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT CRIMINAL ELEMENT TRAVERSES BOTH THE COUNTY AND THE CITY, BACK AND FORTH.

AND WE WANT TO WE DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE COUNTY THE SAFE HAVEN FOR THOSE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE APPREHENDED.

AND IT IS NOT A SAFE CORRIDOR ANYWHERE IN OUR COUNTY OR A SUBURBAN CITIES FOR THAT MATTER.

SO I JUST WANTED TO PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE OLIVE BRANCH THAT WE HAVE BETWEEN US AND THANK.

YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK IN THIS COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU SIR. COMMISSIONER MOODY.

WELL, I JUST WANTED TO, AGAIN ECHO SOME OF THE COMMENTS BY MY COLLEAGUES.

OBVIOUSLY, YOUR YOUR WORK IN SUPPORTING, OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

BUT ALSO, YOU KNOW, TO THE POINT THAT COMMISSIONER CALVERT MADE, YOU KNOW, WE'VE SAID REPEATEDLY FROM THE STATEHOUSE HOW IMPORTANT PUBLIC SAFETY IS, HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY. IT'S PRIORITY NUMBER ONE.

IT'S FOUNDATIONAL.

AND, YOU KNOW, YOUR EFFORTS, YOUR LEADERSHIP AND SUPPOSED LEADERSHIP ON, STEPPING FORWARD AND SPEAKING FOR THOUSANDS OF POLICE OFFICERS AND FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE IT SAFER, I THINK IS VERY IMPORTANT.

AND I RESPECT YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THE ISSUES AND BEING WILLING TO GO OUT THERE PUBLICLY AND, AND, YOU KNOW, RUFFLE SOME FEATHERS SOMETIMES.

BUT ULTIMATELY, YOU KNOW, THESE ISSUES NEED VISIBILITY.

I THINK YOU BROUGHT SOME VISIBILITY TO SOME CRITICAL ISSUES.

SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

SURE. ALL RIGHT. LET ME ALSO JOIN IN.

THANK YOU DANNY. THANK YOU JOHNNY, AND THANK THE SAN ANTONIO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION FOR SERVING AND PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY.

ALL RIGHT. SO, JUDGE, I JUST WANT TO SAY SO THE FIRST TIME I MET, OFFICER DIAZ WAS AT THE MADONNA CENTER.

SO I KNOW THAT'S A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOU AND YOUR WIFE.

SO MANY PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE I REPRESENT ALL THE SOUTH SIDES ALL THE WAY UP TO OLIVER RANCH, BUT ALSO PART OF THE WEST SIDE WHERE THE MADONNA CENTER IS.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUE TO WORK.

YES, MA'AM. ANYTHING ELSE? CALL FOR A VOTE? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES, I BELIEVE.

OH. DID YOU WANT DANNY? WHAT? WE'RE GOOD.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU GUYS.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. ALL RIGHT OKAY.

I BELIEVE THAT CONCLUDES THE CONSENT.

IS THERE ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL MATTERS TO TAKE UP AT THIS TIME? I'M GOING TO CALL A RECESS OF COMMISSIONERS COURT.

WE'RE GOING TO IMMEDIATELY RECONVENE FOR THE BURKE COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION UNDER A TIME CERTAIN.

[5.a. 10:00 a.m. - Convene as Board of Directors, Bexar County Housing Finance Corporation. (Presentation Time: 20 minutes) (Board/Bracewell)]

[01:20:06]

AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION IS COMMISSIONER JUSTIN RODRIGUEZ.

I YIELD THE FLOOR TO COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

GREAT. THANK YOU, JUDGE, AND I PROMISE THIS WILL BE BRIEF.

I KNOW THERE ARE FOLKS WAITING TO BE HEARD.

SUMMER, WOULD YOU COME UP TO THE PODIUM? JUST FOR FORMALITY SAKE? THE TIMES 1023 AND WE ARE CALLING A MEETING OF THE BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION.

TODAY IS JANUARY 23RD, 2024, AND WE DO HAVE A QUORUM PRESENT.

I THINK WE HAVE GOT A COUPLE OF THINGS ON THE AGENDA.

THE FIRST ONE IS ITEM ONE A, WHICH IS THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF OF AUGUST 8TH, 2023.

SO WE'LL JUST NEED A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE THOSE MINUTES.

DO WE HAVE A MOTION? THE SECOND MOTION IS SECOND TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.

ANY DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? THAT MOTION CARRIES.

THE SECOND AND LAST ITEM.

I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO YOU. SUMMER.

IT'S ITEM TWO A, WHICH IS CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON REGARDING THE BOND ISSUE RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF AFFILIATE OF AMERICAN, AGAPE FOUNDATION RELATING TO PROPOSED TAX EXEMPT BOND FINANCING.

SUMMER. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE SAKAI AND COMMISSIONERS SUMMER GREATHOUSE.

I'M A PARTNER AT BRACEWELL, AND WE ARE THE BOND COUNSEL FOR THE HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION.

WE'RE HERE TODAY TO DISCUSS THE MERIDA PROJECT AND ASK FOR APPROVAL OF A NON-BINDING INDUCEMENT RESOLUTION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

THIS, JUST BRIEFLY, IS AN ACQUISITION REHAB PROJECT.

IT'S A 246 UNIT EXISTING PROJECT IN PRECINCT THREE AT THE FOR TEN AND STARCREST AREA.

IT IS CURRENTLY WHAT IS KNOWN AS EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

THIS IS NATURALLY OCCURRING AFFORDABLE HOUSING, WHICH MEANS THAT IT'S A PROJECT THAT'S A LITTLE BIT OLDER.

AND IT IS CURRENTLY SERVING THE 50 AND 60% AREA MEDIAN INCOME RESIDENT BAND.

I'D LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT'S NOT GUARANTEED BECAUSE THERE ARE NO DEED RESTRICTIONS ON THIS PROJECT.

SO SOMEONE COULD COME AND PURCHASE THIS PROJECT, REHAB IT, AND IT WOULD BECOME LUXURY MARKET RATE HOUSING.

WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED HERE TODAY IS A LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROJECT.

THE PRIVATE DEVELOPER IS GOING TO COME IN, PURCHASE THE PROJECT, APPLY TO THE TDHCA FOR, LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS.

AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, WE WOULD PUT ON A DEED RESTRICTIONS THAT WOULD ENSURE THE AFFORDABILITY FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST 30 YEARS.

AND THAT AFFORDABILITY BREAKDOWN IS 22% OF THE UNITS AT 30% AMI, 23% OF THE UNITS AT 50% AMI, 26% OF THE UNITS AT 60% AMI, AND 29% OF THE UNITS AT 80% AMI.

SO ALL 100% OF THE UNITS ARE SERVING AFFORDABLE HOUSEHOLDS.

THE PROJECT IS CURRENTLY APPROXIMATELY 65% OCCUPIED AND IS ON THE CITY'S CODE ENFORCEMENT LIST DUE TO ITS CONDITION THAT'S LACKING.

THE ROLE OF THE BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION HERE IS THAT IT WOULD BE ISSUING TAX EXEMPT BONDS.

THAT IS A REQUIREMENT FOR THE LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

AT LEAST 50% OF THE PROJECT'S COST MUST BE FINANCED THROUGH TAX EXEMPT BONDS, AND THE HFC IS ONE OF THE FEW ORGANIZATIONS THAT IS AUTHORIZED TO DO THAT. IN CONNECTION WITH ITS ROLE AS THE ISSUER, IT WOULD EARN A 1% ISSUER FEE, SO THAT WOULD BE OF UP TO $251,970. IT WOULD NOT.

THESE BONDS ARE ONLY SECURED BY THE PROJECT.

THEY ARE NOT GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE HFC OR OF THE COUNTY.

THIS RESOLUTION TODAY THAT WE'RE ASKING YOU TO APPROVE IS NON-BINDING.

WHAT THIS DOES IS IT ALLOWS US TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS BOND REVIEW BOARD TO ALLOW THE PROJECT TO GET IN LINE TO RECEIVE ITS ALLOCATION FOR THE TAX EXEMPT BONDS.

THAT ALLOWS THE PROJECT TO THE DEVELOPERS TO GO GET THEIR DEBT FUNDING, THEIR EQUITY FUNDING.

AND THEN WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU ONCE ALL OF THAT IS SET UP AND THE FINAL DOCUMENTS ARE READY TO GO, WE'LL COME BACK AND SEEK A FINAL APPROVAL.

SO YOU WOULD GET TO SEE THIS PROJECT AGAIN AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.

THIS IS AGAIN, JUST A NON-BINDING, KIND OF A FIRST STEP IN THE PROCESS.

ONCE RECEIVED, WE'LL HAVE 180 DAYS TO TO CLOSE.

SO WE'RE EXPECTING TO COME BACK SOMETIME AROUND AUGUST.

OKAY. GREAT. THANK YOU.

SUMMER, I BELIEVE YOU SAID THIS IS IN PRECINCT THREE.

COMMISSIONER MOODY, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? MINIMAL. I THINK YOU SET IT UP FAIRLY WELL THERE.

THIS IS NOT A COUNTY OBLIGATION.

THIS IS JUST ALLOWING, THE HOUSING TAX CREDITS OPPORTUNITY TO BE EXPLORED BY A PRIVATE DEVELOPER, GOING FORWARD.

[01:25:06]

SO THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT.

OKAY. ANYBODY ELSE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON ITEM TWO? A WE WOULD NEED A MOTION IN A SECOND TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION.

DO I HAVE A MOTION? I'LL MOVE APPROVAL MOTION IN A SECOND.

ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? NOT ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

AYE, AYE. THAT MOTION CARRIES.

I BELIEVE THAT'S ALL THE BUSINESS WE'VE GOT TODAY.

IS THAT RIGHT, SUMMER? THANK YOU.

YES. OKAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

SEEING NO OTHER BUSINESS OF THE, HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION, ON THIS AGENDA, WE WILL ADJOURN AND I'LL TURN IT BACK OVER TO YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

THE TIME IS NOW 1028, AND WE WILL RETURN TO COMMISSIONERS COURT AND ATTEND TO THE BUSINESS OF THE COURT.

AT THIS TIME, I WILL TAKE UP ITEM SEVEN, FILING FOR THE RECORD OF THE FOLLOWING LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS, AND DIRECTING THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TAKE

[7. Filing for record the following legal and administrative documents and directing the Criminal District Attorney's Office to take action, if necessary: a. FY 2024 Budget for Sheriff s Office State Asset Forfeiture Fund - 312 (January 3,2024). b. FY 2024 Budget for Sheriffs Office State Asset Forfeiture Chapter 18 Fund - 330 (January 4, 2024) c. Probate Court 3 Designated Funds Budget for FY2024. d. Bexar County Auditor's Year End Monthly Financial Reports (Unaudited and Unadjusted) for July 31, 2023 through September 30, 2023.]

THE COURT WILL TAKE NOTICE OF THOSE DOCUMENTS.

WE'LL GO TO AGENDA ITEM NUMBER EIGHT.

[8. Commissioners Court minutes for Tuesday, January 9, 2024.]

MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

IS THERE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

ALL RIGHT. WE'RE NOW ON ITEM NINE, WHICH IS COMMUNICATION.

[9. Communications from citizens who signed the register to speak.]

I WILL, AS WE SEE THE COURTROOM IS STILL RELATIVELY FULL.

AND SO I BELIEVE MOST IF, THE THOSE IN ATTENDANCE HAVE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.

SO I'M LETTING THE COURT KNOW THAT I'M TRYING TO ORGANIZE THIS AS BEST I CAN.

I SEE THAT THERE IS A BIG GROUP THAT IS SIGNED UNDER NINE, WHICH IS THE, COMMUNICATION FROM CITIZENS.

I HAVE ONE UNDER 80, ITEM 88, AND THEN I HAVE ANOTHER GROUP UNDER ITEM 90.

WHAT THE COURT WILL DO IS IN REGARDS TO NINE, WHICH IS THIS PARTICULAR AGENDA ITEM, I WILL CALL ALL THOSE THAT ARE SIGNED UP FOR NINE AND ASK THEM.

I WILL WAIT ON ITEM 90 AND 88 AND CALL YOU UP.

COMMISSIONERS, PLEASE REMIND ME THAT WE DO HAVE SOME CITIZENS ON THAT, AND THAT I WILL ALLOW THEM TO SPEAK BEFORE WE TAKE ANY ACTION.

ALL RIGHT. SO AT THIS TIME, WE'LL DO CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME LIMIT.

I'M GOING TO PROBABLY BE A BIT MORE STRICTER TODAY IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY'S HEARD.

SO AT THIS TIME, I'LL ASK, THOMAS, WE'LL START WITH LARONDA PRICE.

LARONDA PRICE. YOU MAY STEP FORWARD.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING.

I COME TO SPEAK ABOUT, GUN VIOLENCE AND HOW WE CAN CHANGE, YOU KNOW, FOR THE KIDS.

BETTER FOR THE KIDS.

FINDING, LIKE, THINGS TO DO, LIKE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS OR, JUST MY LOSS.

BECAUSE I LOST TWO BOYS TO GUN VIOLENCE AND A BROTHER, AND WE JUST TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO SAVE THE KIDS.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS.

YOU KNOW, THEY FUTURE BECAUSE THEY ARE OUR FUTURE.

YES. I REPRESENT BIG MAMA SAFE HOUSE, AND THEY DO A LOT, IN OUR DISTRICT, YOU KNOW, WITH THE EVENTS AND FREE HAIRCUTS, EVERYTHING LIKE GIVE, YOU KNOW, GIVING BACK.

SO WE'RE JUST TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION, YOU KNOW, TO PROTECT OUR KIDS.

I MEAN, I LOST A SON ON MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, NINE YEARS AGO.

AND THEN RECENTLY, MY SON WAS KILLED AT HOME, SO.

AND I FOUND HIM.

IT'S KIND OF HARD TO SPEAK ON IT, BECAUSE I'VE NEVER REALLY JUST SPOKE, TO PEOPLE ABOUT IT.

BUT I JUST WANT TO FIND A WAY.

I HAVE SEVEN GRANDSONS, AND, THEIR DADS ARE GONE ALL THROUGH.

YOU KNOW, ALL THREE OF MY BOYS ARE GONE, SO WE'RE JUST TRYING TO FIND A WAY, YOU KNOW? YEAH. I SEE YOU READY?

[01:30:03]

HI, EVERYBODY DOING TODAY? MY NAME IS CHARLES SATTERWHITE.

I'M THE FOUNDER OF SAN ANTONIO RISING STARS NONPROFIT.

THE PURPOSE OF ME COMING TO SPEAK TODAY WAS BECAUSE, WE'RE TRYING TO SEEK HELP IN OUR COMMUNITY TO SAVE OUR KIDS.

LAST YEAR, MY SON WAS MURDERED AT THE AGE OF 18 IN THE COMMUNITY.

AND IT'S SAD TO SAY THAT WE HAVE TO BUILD PROGRAMS LIKE, MOTHERS LOST CHILD.

I HAVE A PROGRAM THAT'S CALLED MOTHERS TIRED OF BURYING THEIR KIDS.

YOU KNOW, WE WE ON THE GROUND.

YOU KNOW, I HAVE A PROGRAM WITH THE MIDNIGHT BASKETBALL LEAGUE, WHICH IS NOW CONSIDERED A COMMUNITY BASKETBALL LEAGUE.

AND WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE COMMUNITY.

WE'RE TRYING TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN OUR ELDERS IN THE COMMUNITY, OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN THE COMMUNITY TO SAVE OUR YOUTH.

SO I'LL COME TODAY, YOU KNOW, JUST TO SEEK SEEK THIS HELP.

YOU KNOW, I UNDERSTAND THAT, ADS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FOR, LIKE, $1 MILLION, ALMOST.

AND I THINK YOU SHOULD ALLOCATE SOME OF THAT MONEY TO THE COMMUNITY PEOPLE THAT'S ON THE GROUND BECAUSE WE ARE ON THE GROUND, YOU KNOW, WE'RE LOSING OUR KIDS.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE CITY ON THE EAST SIDE, IT HOLDS 64% OF THE CRIME RATE RIGHT NOW ON THE EAST SIDE.

SO THAT MEANS THAT IT'S A CRIME RATE IS AT A RAPID RATE.

YOU KNOW, WE'RE LOSING KIDS AT A RAPID RATE.

AND, YOU KNOW, AND SO I ASKED, YOU KNOW, IF WE JUST TAKE THE TIME AND JUST COME TOGETHER AND BRIDGE THIS GAP BECAUSE THE KIDS THAT WE DEAL WITH DON'T LOOK AT TV, THEY DON'T LOOK AT, YOU KNOW, THEY IN THE STREETS, YOU KNOW, SOME OF THEM ARE ON DRUGS, SOME OF THEM ARE IN GANGS AND THEY'RE MOVING FAST, YOU KNOW? SO I THINK, THE PROGRAMS LIKE TEEN SUMMITS THAT WE DO, WHICH GIVE THE KIDS A VOICE TO TEACH THEM HOW TO BE ABLE TO COME UP IN FRONT OF Y'ALL AND BE ABLE TO TALK, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE A LOT OF TIMES WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO TALK.

I'M FOR ONE, I'M LEARNING HOW TO TALK IN FRONT OF PEOPLE OF POWER, YOU KNOW, BECAUSE IT'S A NEEDED SITUATION.

YOU KNOW, WHEN I LOST MY SON, YOU KNOW, IT ROCKED ME TO THE CORE.

BUT IT LET ME KNOW THAT WE NEED THIS RIGHT NOW.

HELP US RIGHT NOW LIKE WE NEED IT.

YOU KNOW, I CREATED A PROGRAM CALLED ICE, WHICH THE INCREASE IN CHILDREN EDUCATION.

I DEAL WITH ROLE PLAYS, A REAL LIFE EVENTS.

AND THE REASON WHY I DEAL WITH ROLE PLAYS ARE REAL LIFE EVENTS.

BECAUSE WE'RE TRYING TO EDUCATE.

WE GOT TO EDUCATE OUR KIDS ON HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION AT THE RIGHT TIME.

YOU KNOW, IT'S EASY TO TALK ABOUT MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION, BUT THEN IF WE GIVE THESE KIDS THE TOOLS, WE HAVE TO SHOW THEM HOW TO USE THESE TOOLS IN THE RIGHT SITUATION, BECAUSE, ONE SECOND COULD COST YOU YOUR LIFE.

SO, YEAH.

SO, SO, YEAH.

SO, ONE MORE THING, AND THEN I'M GONNA SIT DOWN.

THE REASON WHY WE CREATED, PROGRAMS LIKE MOTHERLESS CHILD AND MOTHERS ARE BURYING THEIR KIDS BECAUSE IT BECOME NORMAL.

AFTER A WHILE, YOU BECOME NUMB TO THE FACT THAT YOU ARE LOSING CHILDS AT A YOUNG AGE.

JUST LIKE THE LADY THAT JUST GOT UP HERE AND SPOKE ABOUT LOSING ALL THE KIDS.

YOU KNOW, THAT ROCK, A PERSON TO THE CORE AND SOME OF OUR PARENTS HAS GIVEN UP.

IT SEEMED LIKE WE DON'T HAVE NO JUDGE.

THE TIME HAS EXPIRED. WRAP IT UP.

BUT, AND THE NOTE.

YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYING? WE ARE NOT A STATISTIC.

WE ARE THE FUTURE. SO GET BEHIND US.

THANK YOU. LET ME HAVE MR. BENNY PRICE.

GOOD MORNING, AND THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS, FOR ALLOWING US TO SPEAK HERE AND BE HERE TODAY.

TODAY, I JUST WANT TO SPEAK ON, THE.

THE FUND IS BEING ALLOCATED FOR GUN VIOLENCE.

AS AS YOU JUDGE KNOW, WHEN IT COMES TO GUN VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION, BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE IS AT THE TOP OF THE LIST.

AND WE'RE HERE TO SPEAK AND ASK YOU WHY WE'RE NOT AT THE TOP OF THE LIST, OR EVEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LIST WHEN IT COMES TO RECEIVING FUNDING FROM THE COUNTY.

AS YOU KNOW, WHEN WE FIRST MET, I WAS DOING THE WORK.

BEFORE YOU SIT WHERE YOU SIT TODAY, WE WAS DOING THE WORK.

AND AFTER YOU WERE SITTING THERE, WE'RE STILL DOING THE WORK.

BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE WORKS ON THE GROUND DIRECTLY TO PREVENT YOUTH FROM JOINING A GANG.

OR TO HELP DISCONNECT YOUTH FROM THEIR GANG AFFILIATION.

WHY AN ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN? OR THE THOUGHT OF WORKING WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN A WAY THAT HAVEN'T BEEN DEFINED YET? WE DON'T KNOW IF BEXAR COUNTY WANTS TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE.

IT SHOULD WORK WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO UNDERSTAND, COMMUNITY VIOLENCE.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE ACTION FUND VIOLENCE PREVENTION INDEX LISTS THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR EFFECTIVE VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACTIONS.

[01:35:03]

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS. VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS SERVICES.

PREVENTION PROGRAMS THAT HELP MITIGATE THE ROOT CAUSES OF VIOLENCE SUCH AS HOUSING ASSISTANCE, FOOD AID, TRAUMA RECOVERY, AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT A LOCAL OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION.

UNFORTUNATELY, SAN ANTONIO HAS SCORED A 16 OUT OF 100 ON THE INDEX AS IT FAILED TO IMPLEMENT MOST OF THESE MEASURES.

SAN ANTONIO.

16 OUT OF 100 ON THE INDEX.

WHY DOES WHAT WE DO WORK? GANGS PROVIDE A SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT IS LACKING FOR YOUTH.

WITHOUT THEIR RESOURCES AND PROPER GUIDANCE.

OUR ORGANIZATION PROVIDES A REAL ALTERNATIVE.

BY PROVIDING STABILITY IN THEIR LIVES, WE HELP THEM GET HOUSING.

WE HELP THEM ACQUIRE IDS SO THEY CAN FIND EMPLOYMENT.

ACQUIRING AN ID NOW REQUIRES MULTIPLE FORMS OF PAPERWORK THAT MANY YOUNGSTERS AND YOUTH WITHOUT ASSISTANCE CAN'T PROVIDE.

WE PROVIDE TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE BY LICENSED PROFESSIONALS.

OUR YOUTH ARE DYING, AND ORGANIZATIONS LIKE OURS KNOW TO INTERVENE IN THE CULTURE OF VIOLENCE THAT HAS CONSUMED OUR CHILDREN.

AN ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN CANNOT PENETRATE THE CULTURE OF GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY.

IT CANNOT ACHIEVE THE TRANSFORMATIONAL WORK REQUIRED TO PREVENT THE PANDEMIC OF GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

ALSO WHERE WE BELONG.

IT WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT IN, SLIDE DECK NUMBER 20.

THAT WERE PART OF THAT SOLUTION THAT THEY SUBMITTED.

BUT WE HAVE YET TO BE CONTACTED, SO WE DON'T KNOW WHAT KIND OF PARTNERSHIP THEY WILL BE SEEKING WITH US BECAUSE THEY NEVER CONTACTED US.

JUDGE, THE TIME HAS EXPIRED.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MR. PRICE. MICHELLE SATTERWHITE PRICE.

GOOD MORNING.

I'M REPRESENTING BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE, AND I'M GONNA GIVE MY TIME TO BENNY PRICE.

JENNIFER OLSON.

BECAUSE SHE WAS YIELDING HER TIME TO MR. PRICE. OKAY.

SHE WAS YIELDING HER TIME, SO SHE YIELDED HER TIME TO.

OH, MR. PRICE. OH, MR. PRICE, COME ON BACK. SORRY.

SO I'M GOING TO TAKE THIS TIME TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT, BENNY PRICE AND BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE.

BENNY PRICE, WAS A WAY WITH YOUTH, WITH GUN VIOLENCE.

I WENT TO TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION, FOR GUN VIOLENCE.

I WENT TO PRISON FOR GUN VIOLENCE.

I HAD ALMOST 100 YEARS.

I WAS SENTENCED TO FOR GUN VIOLENCE AND DRUGS.

I WAS PART OF A GANG, AND I WAS A PART OF THE CULTURE OF DRUGS, GANGS AND GUN VIOLENCE.

I HAD A GUARD EXPERIENCE IN 2012 WHERE HE CHANGED MY LIFE.

HE LED ME OUT OF PRISON AFTER 23 YEARS AND SENT ME BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND SAID, YOU WILL GO TELL THEM THE TRUTH.

SO I AM A PART OF THE FABRIC OF GUN VIOLENCE HERE IN SAN ANTONIO.

I GET THE CALLS WHEN GUN VIOLENCE HAPPENS ON THE EAST SIDE.

I GET THE CALLS WHEN GUN VIOLENCE HAPPENS ON THE WEST SIDE, I GET THE CALLS WHEN GUN VIOLENCE HAPPENS ON THE NORTH SIDE.

I GET THE CALLS WHEN GUN VIOLENCE HAPPENS ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

YOU ASK WHY? BECAUSE NOW GUN VIOLENCE IS NOT LOCAL.

IT'S NOT IN ONE COMMUNITY OR ANOTHER.

IT TRAVELS NOW.

AND SO I GET THE CALLS WHEN MOTHERS LOSE THEIR SONS, WHEN MOTHER LOSES THEIR DAUGHTERS, WHEN MOTHERS LOSE EVEN WHEN WHEN KIDS LOSE THEIR MOTHERS.

I GET THE CALL.

I HAVE TO BURY THEM. I HAVE TO GO AND BE THERE WITH THAT FAMILY.

THOSE ARE THE CALLS THAT I GET BECAUSE THEY LOOK FOR ME FOR THE SOLUTIONS.

WE DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE SOLUTIONS, BUT WE HAVE SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS.

AND BEXAR COUNTY HAS NOT INVESTED IN ANY OF OUR SOLUTIONS.

I WANT TO THANK BEXAR COUNTY FOR ALSO MAKING US A PARTNER FOR GUN SAFETY, FOR BEXAR, WHERE WE GIVE AWAY FREE GUN LOCKS.

THAT'S FOR GUN SAFETY.

BUT FOR GUN VIOLENCE, WE NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

AND WE'RE ASKING THE COUNTY TO INVEST.

AND NOT JUST BIG MAMA, BUT OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO REDUCE THE GUN VIOLENCE IN BEXAR COUNTY.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MISTER BRIAN.

JENNIFER OLSON.

HI, MY NAME IS JENNIFER OLSON AND I'M A VOLUNTEER WITH MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA.

WE ARE SO GLAD THAT BEXAR COUNTY IS INVESTING IN VITAL, SAFE STORAGE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT WILL SAVE LIVES IN CITIES.

GUN VIOLENCE ALSO DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTS HISTORICALLY UNDERFUNDED NEIGHBORHOODS, WHICH REFLECTS AND AMPLIFIES THIS COUNTRY'S LONG STANDING SYSTEMIC AND STRUCTURAL INEQUITIES. FOR DECADES, COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY REDUCED VIOLENCE BY IMPLEMENTING ALTERNATIVE PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES THAT ARE LOCALLY DRIVEN AND INFORMED BY DATA, OFTEN REFERRED TO AS VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS. THESE STRATEGIES HAVE EXPANDED GREATLY OVER THE YEARS AND INCLUDE STREET OUTREACH, GROUP VIOLENCE INTERVENTION, CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, HOSPITAL BASED

[01:40:08]

COMMUNITIES FACING IMMINENT GUN VIOLENCE CRISES REQUIRE IMMEDIATELY IMMEDIATE AND LOCALLY DRIVEN INTERVENTIONS, IN ADDITION TO LARGER SCALE POLICY REFORM.

RESEARCH ON VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS IS STILL EMERGING AS IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION RESOURCES CONTINUE TO EXPAND.

BUT ALREADY EACH OF THE SIX STRATEGIES DESCRIBED ABOVE STAND OUT AS BOTH COMMUNITY AND EVIDENCE INFORMED.

THESE PROGRAMS ARE BEING SOUGHT OUT BY THOSE WHO ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED AND AT HIGHEST RISK OF GUN VIOLENCE.

AND THEY ARE WORKING.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

CHRISTINA DELGADO.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS, FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY.

I'M CHRISTINA DELGADO, THE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL ADVOCACY ASSOCIATE FOR COMMUNITY JUSTICE, THE ONLY NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ORGANIZATION RUN BY PEOPLE OF COLOR WHO SUPPORT AND UPLIFT THE VOICES OF THOSE CLOSEST TO THE PAIN OF GUN VIOLENCE.

I'M A BORN AND RAISED LATINA TEXAN WHO HAS EXPERIENCED GUN VIOLENCE IN MULTIPLE CAPACITIES.

FROM A FRIEND IN THE FIFTH GRADE SURVIVING A DRIVE BY SHOOTING.

INTENDED FOR HIS BROTHER, LOST FRIENDS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BY A GUN AND STILL LIVING.

THE EFFECTS OF THE SANTA FE HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING, WHERE MY FRIEND'S CHILDREN DIED AND MY CHILDREN AND THEIR FRIENDS HID FROM AN ACTIVE SHOOTER.

ON MAY 18TH, 2018, A PART OF MY ROLE AT COMMUNITY JUSTICE IS LEADING THE TEXAS INVEST IN US COALITION.

THIS COALITION REPRESENTS VIOLENCE PREVENTION ORGANIZATIONS FROM ACROSS THE STATE.

COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION ORGANIZATIONS ARE ROOTED IN EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES THAT REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE.

THE TEXAS INVEST IN US COALITION AIMS TO BRING FOCUS AND INVESTMENT TO THESE STRATEGIES TO HELP MAKE TEXAS COMMUNITIES THAT ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BY GUN VIOLENCE SAFER AND MORE HOPEFUL.

COMMUNITIES WITH AN INFLUX OF GUN VIOLENCE INCIDENTS REQUIRE SUSTAINABLE VIOLENCE REDUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE BASED ON PUBLIC HEALTH METRICS AND DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES MOST IMPACTED BY GUN VIOLENCE.

EVIDENCE INFORMED STRATEGIES ARE PROVEN TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE, SHIFT COMMUNITY NORMS, AND IMPROVE THE OUTCOMES AND RESILIENCY OF GUN VIOLENCE SURVIVORS.

FUNDING FOR THESE.

WOULD SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CVI PROGRAMS, WHICH UTILIZE STRATEGIES LIKE STREET OUTREACH, INTERVENTION, SHOOTING RESPONSES, HOSPITAL BASED VIOLENCE INTERVENTION, RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY, STRATEGIC WORK, AND STRATEGIC WORKPLACE DEVELOPMENT.

THESE STRATEGIES OF THE COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION, ECOSPHERE, AND ACTIVE COALITIONS CREATE AN IN-HOUSE, COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT SYSTEM THAT TRULY REACHES THOSE IN CRISIS IN THAT COMMUNITY, FROM THAT COMMUNITY, SURVIVORS OF GUN VIOLENCE KNOW THEIR COMMUNITY'S NEEDS BEFORE THE ACT OF VIOLENCE, DURING THE ACT OF VIOLENCE, AND CAN BEST IDENTIFY THE SOLUTIONS AND ROOT CAUSES OF THOSE CYCLES OF VIOLENCE BEFORE THEY CONTINUE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

WE ENCOURAGE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT EVIDENCE INFORMED STRATEGIES AND THOSE ALREADY ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND COALITIONS THAT ARE CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTING SUCH STRATEGIES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND CONNECTING WITH THOSE IN CRISIS.

WE ARE DEFINITELY HAPPY TO SCHEDULE SOME ADDITIONAL TIME TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS FOR YOU ALL.

I ALSO HAVE A STRATEGIC PLAN THAT WAS ACTUALLY WORKED ON BY MEMBERS OF OUR TEXAS INVESTMENTS COALITION, SOME OF WHOM ARE HERE TODAY.

WOULD YOU HAND IT TO THE BAILIFF, PLEASE? THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AND AGAIN.

WE WOULD LOVE TO BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE SOME ADDITIONAL TIME WITH YOU ONE ON ONE TO FURTHER, TO FURTHER DISCUSS THESE, THESE STRATEGIES.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

LET ME LET ME ASK STEVE HUERTA.

I'M ALWAYS NERVOUS EVERY TIME I SPEAK.

SO GIVE ME A SECOND.

HOW MANY MINUTES DO I HAVE? THREE. I'M NOT ONE FOR REDUNDANCY, SO I THINK I TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH IN OUR DISCUSSION TODAY.

FIRST, I'LL LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM A VICTIM OF OF GUN VIOLENCE.

I HAVE WAS SHOT POINT BLANK IN THE HEAD AND I'M ALIVE TO TALK ABOUT IT TODAY.

SO I HAVE A FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE WITH, VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

PEOPLE ARE TALKING TO YOU ABOUT, INVESTING IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND, AND, FINDING A WAY TO, COUNTERACT GUN VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

[01:45:03]

BUT I WOULD ASK YOU TO THINK OF IT A DIFFERENT WAY, THE WAY THAT WE THINK OF IT AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL, BECAUSE I'M A NATIONAL TRAINER AND, GUN VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS AND, A FORMER SUPERVISOR OF THE CITY PROGRAM, FOR VIOLENCE INTERVENTION.

AND THAT IS THIS.

THINK OF IT AS A PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM.

THAT'S WHAT IT REALLY IS.

FOR EVERY DOLLAR YOU PUT INTO YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY.

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT.

MONEY INVESTED ALONGSIDE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT DIRECTLY INTERACT WITH HIGH RISK COMMUNITIES.

HAVE POSITIVE RESULTS REDUCTION AND NOT JUST VIOLENT CRIMES, BUT REDUCTION IN THEFT.

REDUCTION AND DRUG USE.

IN SOME AREAS, BECAUSE THE VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS. AREN'T JUST ABOUT STOPPING A GUN FROM GOING OFF, IT'S ABOUT GIVING PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED TO BE BETTER.

IS THERE SOMEONE THE SPEAKER? I'M TALKING TOO CLOSE.

YEAH, THAT'S ON ME.

AND THAT'S WHAT IT IS.

THIS IS ACTUALLY A PART AND SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FUNDING APPARATUS OF YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT PUBLIC SAFETY BUDGET.

FOR EVERY $10 MILLION THAT YOU PUT INTO YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY, YOU WILL GET AT LEAST 3 TO 5 TIMES RESULTS FOR AT LEAST $1 MILLION MATCHED TO THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. THAT'S WHAT YOU NEED.

YOU NEED TO SEE THESE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AS A PART OF YOUR PUBLIC SAFETY APPARATUS AND A PART OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE.

THEY CALL IT VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION.

I CALL IT VIOLENCE INTERRUPTIONS.

BUT AS A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER, MY COLLEAGUES, THE GLOBAL LEVEL WOULD BE CHASTISING ME IF I DIDN'T TELL YOU WHAT WE CALL IT.

IT'S CALLED UNARMED POLICING VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS OR CONDUCTING LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL.

AND THEY DESERVE TO BE FUNDED BECAUSE IT IS A PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURE.

AND WHY DO THEY DESERVE TO BE FUNDED? BECAUSE THAT ALSO IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. THANK YOU.

PLEASE CONSIDER THAT.

LENORE WALKER.

GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE SAKAI.

HONORABLE JUDGE SAKAI.

I'M HERE TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY ABOUT THE COUNTY COUNTYWIDE OUTREACH AND EDUCATION, GUN SAFETY PROPOSAL.

YOU'VE HEARD MANY OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE COMING TOGETHER WITH A CONCERN THAT WE HAVE BECAUSE AS WE HAVE BEEN JUST SPEAKING, WE ARE THE FRONT LINES FOR MANY OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS FAMILIES THAT WE SERVE.

I COME TO YOU TODAY AS A FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF FREE TEXAS, A 500 AND 1C3 NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO BREAKING THE CYCLE OF RECIDIVISM THROUGH EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND DIVINITY.

AS YOU CONSIDER THE ALLOCATIONS OF FUNDS, I URGE YOU TO PRIORITIZE NONPROFITS LIKE OURS OVER AD AGENCIES FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY. HERE ARE SOME COMPELLING REASONS WHY OUR NONPROFITS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR FUNDING INSTEAD OF, OR IN PLACE OF, THE AD AGENCY. WHAT WE DO AT FREE TEXAS IS PROVIDE A HOLISTIC APPROACH, WHICH WE'VE SEEN THAT WE'VE BEEN IN THE FOREFRONT FOR.

IT TAKES A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO REDUCING RECIDIVISM, RECIDIVISM BY PROVIDING EDUCATION, PEER MENTORING, LIFE COACHING, AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.

THIS HOLISTIC STRATEGY ADDRESSES THE ROOT CAUSES AND ENSURES A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND DECREASING CRIME IN OUR COUNTY. PREVENTING GUN VIOLENCE.

THIS IS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY WHEN WE'RE LOOKING AT ALLOCATING CLOSE TO $3 MILLION TO AN AD AGENCY FOR GUN, GUN, GUN AWARENESS PROMOTION.

WHEN WE RISK MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE ONES COMING UP TODAY, ACTIVELY ENGAGING IN FRONT LINE WORK TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM AND END GUN VIOLENCE. FUNDING SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THOSE MAKING A DIRECT IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY.

OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AS NONPROFITS LIKE HAVE COMMUNITY LEADERS LIKE MYSELF AND OTHERS DEDICATED TO SEEING FUNDING REINVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY, TO OUR FAMILIES THAT WE SERVE.

THE WORK OF OUR ORGANIZATION DIRECTLY ADDRESSES THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN THROUGH INCARCERATION AND FOCUS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF FAMILY

[01:50:02]

WE HAVE PROVEN OUR IMPACT HERE WITH THE COUNTY AT FREE TEXAS, AND ACTIVELY SERVE IN EACH OF YOUR PRECINCTS, CONTRIBUTING TO REDUCING RECIDIVISM AND BOOSTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WHICH WE NEED MORE THAN EVER THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND INITIATIVES, INCLUDING THE SAN ANTONIO POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT WE HAVE PARTNERED WITH, WE HAVE FACILITATED FACILITATED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, REENTRY PEER SUPPORT, SPECIALIST PROGRAMS, AND PROVIDED ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE TO OUR FORMERLY INCARCERATED WITH OUR IN-HOUSE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND COUNSELING OFFERING FREE HEALTH CARE.

WE ALSO DO PERSONAL GROWTH AND HEALING.

OUR PROGRAMS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO PERSONAL GROWTH AND HEALING, OFFERING INDIVIDUALS A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SYSTEMS SURROUNDING THEM.

AND WE WITNESS POSITIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE AND THE FAMILIES THAT REINFORCE THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR WORK IN THIS BIG BEXAR COUNTY COMMUNITY.

YEAH. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR CONSIDERATION TODAY.

WHEN WE'RE LOOKING AT HOW WE SHOULD ALLOCATE OUR FUNDS TO ACTUALLY SERVE THE COMMUNITIES, WE ARE ALL TOGETHER SERVING AS ORGANIZATIONS.

THANK YOU. LET ME HAVE, ALISA SALAMI.

OR SALAMI? DID I PRONOUNCE THE NAME? NO, NO.

I'M SORRY. WHAT? CAN YOU STATE YOUR NAME THEN? SURE, ABSOLUTELY. MY NAME IS AZIZA SALAMA.

SALAMA. AND I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FREE RIDES PROGRAM.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO YIELD MY TIME TO BENNY PRICE, PLEASE.

ALL RIGHT, MR. PRICE, COME ON BACK.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS COURT.

FOR MORE TIME, THIS TIME, I WANT TO TELL YOU ABOUT, OUR PROGRAM.

IT'S CALLED THE GREAT PROGRAM.

IT STANDS FOR GANG REHABILITATION, ENDING AFFILIATION TIES.

AND WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO IS WE'RE TRYING TO PREVENT OUR YOUTH FROM JOINING THE GANG CULTURE.

AND IF THEY'RE ALREADY IN THE GANG CULTURE, WE WANT THEM TO GET OUT OF THE GANG CULTURE TO BE RELEASED BY THESE GANGS WITHOUT THE THE RULE OF BLOOD IN, BLOOD OUT, MEANING THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO PERPETRATE NO GUN VIOLENCE TO GET OUT.

OUR PROGRAM IS VERY SMALL.

MYSELF AND TWO OTHER VOLUNTEERS.

WE ARE UP AND WE'RE RUNNING.

BUT WE NEED HELP WITH SIMPLE INFRASTRUCTURE, YOU KNOW, SUCH AS AN ACCOUNTANT, YOU KNOW, SO WHEN WE GET GRANTS, YOU KNOW, WE'LL BE ABLE TO PROPERLY HANDLE THOSE GRANTS.

WE NEED FUNDING TO HIRE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES SO WE CAN HAVE AN ORGANIZATION STRUCTURED IN PLACE TO DO THE BEST WORK THAT WE CAN DO.

OUR ORGANIZATION IS ON THE GROUND DOING THE WORK.

AND IF YOU HAVE, IF YOU HAVE GOOGLE, IF YOU HAVE SIRI, YOU CAN GOOGLE US.

AND ANYTIME YOU GOOGLE GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION OR INTERVENTION HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY, BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE IS THE FIRST THING THAT COMES UP.

AND SO WE'RE ASKING THAT SINCE WE'RE THE FIRST THING THAT COMES UP BECAUSE WE'RE DOING THE WORK, NOT JUST US, BUT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE DOING THE WORK AS WELL TO GIVE US A LOOK. WE ASKED THE COUNTY THAT, TO POSSIBLY, PULL THAT RFP BACK.

KIND OF REWRITE IT IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT WILL INCLUDE SMALL ORGANIZATIONS THAT IS DOING THE WORK, BECAUSE FOR RIGHT NOW, WE'RE NOT GETTING ANY FUNDING FROM A COUNTY THAT SAYS THEY BELIEVE IN PUBLIC SAFETY.

WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE ORGANIZATION IN THE COUNTY OF BEXAR WHEN IT COMES TO GUN VIOLENCE, PUBLIC SAFETY.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, MISTER PRICE.

I HAVE JOHN COVARRUBIAS.

DID I GET THAT JOHN COVARRUBIAS.

GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING. THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

I'M A FREE TEXAS SCHOLAR, AND I WAS HERE THE LAST TIME, AND I'M JUST GOING TO SAY IT AGAIN.

ALL THESE ORGANIZATIONS THAT NEED THE FUNDING, I MEAN, THEY'RE THE ONES THAT ARE DOING FRONT LINE.

LIKE MY CEO SAID, WE NEED THIS.

THEY THE ALL THE OTHER INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED IT COMING OUT OF INCARCERATION AND THAT NEEDED THEY WE REALLY NEED THAT, BECAUSE WITHOUT THAT PROGRAM, I'D BE PROBABLY BACK IN THE SYSTEM.

I JUST FINISHED DOING 15 YEARS.

AND WITHOUT THIS PROGRAM AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT THE HEALING PROCESS AND THEIR RESOURCES THAT THEY HAD, I'LL PROBABLY BE BACK IN THE SYSTEM.

I'VE BEEN ALREADY A YEAR OUT, AND I'M STILL WITH THEIR RESOURCES THAT THEY HAVE.

I'M WORKING AT THE AT&T CENTER FOR THEM AS PART OF A TEAM LEADER, YOU KNOW, SO I MEAN, RATHER SPEND THE FUNDING WITH THEM, THE ORGANIZATION, LIKE THEY SAID, THEY'RE IN FRONT LINE ANYTIME FREE TEXAS OR ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION, TOP OR ALL THESE OTHER NURSES, THEY CALL ME, I'M GONNA BE FRONT LINE RIGHT

[01:55:02]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

IS THAT JOHN CARLOS THAT YOU.

OH THAT'S SAME. OKAY.

YOU SIGNED IN TWICE.

ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT.

LLOYD PATTERSON.

LLOYD PATTERSON.

CAN WE JUST CHECK THE HALL, PLEASE? LLOYD. PATTERSON.

ALL RIGHT, LET'S GO WITH ANGIE.

GENE OR GENE? OKAY. GOOD MORNING.

GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS ANGIE YANG.

SORRY, THE SPELLING IS A LITTLE OFF, BUT ANYWAYS, I AM A VOLUNTEER WITH MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA.

WE ADVOCATE FIERCELY FOR SECURE FIREARM STORAGE BECAUSE THE DATA SHOWS THAT IT CAN SAVE LIVES.

WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT BEXAR COUNTY IS INVESTING IN VITAL SECURE GUN STORAGE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMING, IN ADDITION TO SUPPORTING SECURE GUN STORAGE PROGRAMS. MOMS DEMAND ACTION ADVOCATES FOR COMMUNITY BASED VIOLENCE INTERVENTION INTERVENTION INITIATIVES CVI INITIATIVES ARE EVIDENCE BASED SOLUTIONS THAT ARE SAVING LIVES IN CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

WE ARE HERE TODAY TO ASK THE COURT TO ALLOCATE A PORTION OF THE FUNDING INTENDED FOR SECURE STORAGE ADVERTISING TO COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN BEXAR COUNTY. BY DOING SO, BEXAR COUNTY CAN CREATE A MORE TARGETED AND WELL-ROUNDED VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY.

HIGH RATES OF INCARCERATION AND LIMITED ACCESS TO RESOURCES.

RESOURCES SUCH AS HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND HEALTH CARE HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO A DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT OF GUN VIOLENCE IN BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES.

VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS ADDRESS THESE DISPARITIES BY SPECIFICALLY FOCUSING RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITIES MOST AFFECTED BY GUN VIOLENCE.

THESE PROGRAMS TYPICALLY DEPLOY TRUSTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS, CREDIBLE MESSENGERS TO IDENTIFY INDIVIDUALS AT THE HIGHEST RISK AND WORK TO REDUCE VIOLENT BEHAVIOR THROUGH TARGETED INTERVENTIONS.

IN CITIES SUCH AS BALTIMORE, NEW YORK, PHILADELPHIA, CHICAGO, OAKLAND, NON-FATAL SHOOTINGS AND HOMICIDES HAVE BEEN REDUCED SO MUCH AS 60% IN AREAS WHERE COMMUNITY BASED VIOLENCE INTERVENTION STRATEGIES SUCH AS CURE VIOLENCE HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED. LIKEWISE IN TEXAS, SAN ANTONIO'S STAND UP ESSAY PROGRAM.

GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS LIKE BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE AND HARRIS COUNTY'S CVI PROGRAM, ALL MODELED AFTER THE CURE VIOLENCE PROGRAM, HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DIFFUSE NUMEROUS, NUMEROUS CONFLICTS AND CONFRONTATIONS INVOLVING GUNS EACH YEAR SINCE THEIR INCEPTION.

AGAIN. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVESTING IN IMPORTANT SECURE FIREARM STORAGE EDUCATION.

THIS IS CRUCIAL.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY TO ALSO INVEST IN COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS IN BEXAR COUNTY TO SAVE LIVES IN COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS MOST IMPACTED BY GUN VIOLENCE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THANK YOU. TIFFANY JONES SMITH.

HELLO, JUDGE.

AND, COMMISSIONERS, Y'ALL ARE USED TO SEEING ME FOR TEXAS KIDNEY FOUNDATION, BUT I'M HERE TODAY TO ACTUALLY TALK TO YOU ABOUT THE THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT.

GRANT, YOU ALL HAVE BEEN AN INNOVATIVE.

COURT. YOU'VE BEEN AN INNOVATIVE COMMISSIONER'S COURT WITH US.

WITH TEXAS KIDNEY FOUNDATION, WE WERE ABLE TO CREATE A MODEL.

THAT. THEN THAT WENT FROM 2000 PEOPLE, WHERE WE USED ADS AND BOOTS ON THE GROUND TO TOUCHING 2.6 MILLION PEOPLE.

AND I'M HERE TO PROPOSE THAT WE DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT HERE.

YOU WANT TO DO ADS? YOU CAN DO ADS.

BUT THESE AGENCIES THAT ARE HERE WITH PASSION AND DRIVE AND COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY, THEY SHOULD BE THE ONES LEADING THAT.

[02:00:09]

AS WE DID WITH TEXAS KIDNEY FOUNDATION.

WE CHOSE AN AGENCY THAT WAS HISPANIC LED, THAT WAS ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY.

AND WE SAY THE SAME THING.

I'M SAYING THIS TO YOU AS A PERSON WHO HAS EXPERIENCED VIOLENCE AND WHO GOT WALKED THROUGH THAT BAD MOMENT BY OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT, RENEE WATSON HELPED US AND SO DID PRECINCT ONE.

IF IT WEREN'T FOR YOU ALL STANDING WITH US, SPEAKING ONE ON ONE TO MY DAUGHTERS, I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SHOW UP HERE TODAY BECAUSE MARCH 10TH, 2022, OUR LIVES WERE CHANGED BY MURDER.

AND I SAY TO YOU, I KNOW YOU'RE INNOVATORS.

YOU'VE BEEN INNOVATORS IN THIS AREA BEFORE BY BRINGING MENTAL HEALTH INTO THIS.

FOR US.

WE'VE GOT THREE UNITS, AND I'M ASKING YOU TO DO THE SAME THING WITH THESE AGENCIES, WHO SHOULD BE A LINE ITEM ON THE BUDGET BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING THE WORK.

THEY'RE DOING IT.

JUST LET THEM HELP YOU MAKE THE DECISION ON WHO SHOULD BE THE ADS, WHAT THEY SHOULD SAY.

IT'S ONLY THE PEOPLE THAT ARE THE TRUSTED AGENTS AND THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE TRUSTED AGENTS.

AND THERE IS EVIDENCE BASED KNOWLEDGE ON THAT.

TRUSTED AGENTS SHOULD BE LEADING SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

A CHOICE OF THAT NATURE.

TRUSTED AGENTS.

THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE.

HELP US. HELP THEM.

THANK YOU, TERRY DIXON.

GOOD MORNING AND THANK YOU GUYS FOR HAVING ME.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I AM ACTUALLY HERE AS A MOTHER OF GUN VIOLENCE.

AND ALSO SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE COME BEFORE ME AND SPEAKING AND JUST TO GET RIGHT TO THE POINT WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WAS GOING TO BE ALLOCATED TO ADVERTISEMENT, I'M LIKE, WHAT? THAT IS NOT GOING TO HELP.

I AM A YOUNG MOTHER THAT LOST HER SON, AND SO I STILL HAVE THREE YOUNG SONS.

AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE BEING.

PRESENTED IS LIKE, THAT'S NOT GOING TO HELP.

WE HAVE TO GET WITH THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

AND BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE.

I HAVE A SMALL NONPROFIT.

I WASN'T EVEN THINKING ABOUT COMING TO COURT TO EVEN COMMISSION ABOUT THE MONEY.

BUT WHEN I'M THINKING, I'M LIKE, WE HAVE TO DO LIKE A ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS OF WHAT'S GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND REALLY GETTING TO THE POINT OF LIKE REACHING THESE CHILDREN, REACHING THE FAMILIES.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT IS BEING PROPOSED IS LIKE, THAT'S GOOD, BUT IT'S REALLY NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

AND IF YOU'RE LIVING IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEN YOU LIVE SOMEWHERE ELSE, IT'S SO EASY TO NEVER REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING.

AND SO I JUST STAND HERE AND REPRESENT MOMS. I KNOW ELISE, BETWEEN 7 TO 10 MOTHERS THAT I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH THAT HAVE LOST THEIR CHILDREN IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, AND I STAND AS ONE OF THEM. AND I JUST WANT TO ASK THAT WHEN MONEY IS BEING ALLOCATED TO PROGRAMS, THAT IT GOES TO THE PLACES THAT IT MATTERS THE MOST, TO THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ON THE GROUND, THAT KNOW HOW TO REACH THE CHILDREN AND TO GET THE CHILDREN INVOLVED.

AND SO I JUST THANK YOU GUYS FOR, ALLOWING ME THE TIME TO SPEAK, TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF WHAT MATTERS.

AND JUST THANKING YOU GUYS FOR LISTENING.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, BEVERLY HALL.

BEVERLY HALL.

SHE PASSED. OKAY.

RENE OCHOA.

MORNING. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS.

I WANT TO THANK YOU, FIRST OF ALL, FOR MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN ADDRESSING PUBLIC SAFETY HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY.

THE ONLY THING I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT TODAY IS IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA.

I GUESS IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA WAS, I THINK, YOU KNOW, $900,000 ALLOCATED FOR, SOME TYPE OF COMMERCIALS OR, YOU KNOW, I'M NOT

[02:05:05]

AND I THINK THE MONEY MIGHT BE BETTER UTILIZED, TO TARGET THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE HIGH RISK, FOR THOSE TYPE OF OFFENSES.

SO I HOPE YOU'LL CONSIDER THAT.

AND, AND I HOPE YOU'LL ALSO CONSIDER, ADDRESSING THE ISSUE WITH THE DEPUTIES.

I KNOW IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA REGARDING, HOLIDAY AND VACATION.

USE IT OR LOSE IT.

THAT'S A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE.

YOU KNOW, I THINK YOU GUYS HAVE MADE, REALLY GOOD EFFORTS IN, IN ADDRESSING THE MORALE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

BUT I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE YOU CAN DO TO HELP OUR PEOPLE, FEEL LIKE THEY'RE APPRECIATED.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, AND I HOPE YOU'LL CONSIDER THOSE ISSUES.

THANK YOU, RON TOOKIE.

GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY.

GOOD MORNING. I'LL MAKE THIS REALLY QUICK.

I'VE BEEN SPENT THE BETTER PART OF ALMOST 34 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE MAJORITY OF THAT WAS WORKING UNDERCOVER DRUGS AND GANGS.

AND I APPLAUD THE COURT FOR TAKING THIS GUN VIOLENCE ISSUE SERIOUSLY.

BUT I THINK OR I ACTUALLY KNOW, FROM MY EXPERIENCE THAT IT'S NOT, COMMERCIALS.

IT'S NOT, ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT THE AT RISK PEOPLE THAT WE'RE ADDRESSING DON'T WATCH TV.

THEY DON'T WATCH COMMERCIALS AT ALL.

IT'S THESE PEOPLE RIGHT HERE, THE UNCLES, THE AUNTS, THE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN THERE AND DONE IT BEFORE.

THEY'RE THE ONES THAT MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

AND I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THAT'S WHERE THE MONEY WOULD BE MUCH BETTER SPENT, MAYBE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THAT.

BUT I THINK THE MAJORITY OF THE MONEY SHOULD GO FOR PEOPLE LIKE THESE THAT ARE SPENDING THEIR OWN MONEY HELPING THE AT RISK YOUTH OF OUR COMMUNITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH WE KNOW.

WITHOUT A GOOD PARTNERSHIP, WE ARE NOBODY, YOU KNOW, ABSOLUTELY NOBODY.

WE CAN SPEND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND THROW ALL KINDS OF MONEY AT SOMETHING THAT WILL NEVER GET FIXED UNLESS WE ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.

AND IT'S THE MENTORS, THE UNCLES, THE AUNTS, THE GRANDMOTHERS, THE BROTHERS THAT HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE SYSTEM AND KNOW IT'S NOT GOOD, THAT ARE THE ONES THAT REALLY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. AND ANYTHING YOU'D LIKE TO ADD TO THAT, PLEASE? I'D JUST LIKE TO ADD THAT IF LAW ENFORCEMENT IS TELLING YOU THAT IT TAKES GREAT PARTNERS AND THESE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ARE A PART OF THEIR GREAT PARTNERS, THEN I THINK WE SHOULD LISTEN TO THEM BECAUSE WE LISTEN TO THEM WHEN WHEN THEY SAY THEY NEED HELP.

SO THEY'RE SAYING THEY NEED HELP.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

LET ME HAVE BERNARD MITCHELL.

HELLO. ALL RIGHT.

JUST MAKING SURE Y'ALL CAN HEAR ME.

MY NAME IS BERNARD MITCHELL.

I'M WITH MITCHELL BAIL BONDS.

I ALSO GOT A NONPROFIT IN THE COMMUNITY CALLED HOME INTERVENTION SERVICES.

H STANDS FOR HOUSING.

O STANDS FOR OCCUPATION.

M STANDS FOR MENTORING AND E STANDS FOR EDUCATION.

AND A LOT OF YOU GUYS SITTING UP THERE BEFORE AND WOMEN I PERSONALLY KNOW.

AND IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU FACES AGAIN.

AND I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE AND GREAT INTERVENTION, AS Y'ALL KNOW, DEALING WITH THE BAIL BONDS.

A LOT OF THE PEOPLE WHO COMMITTED THESE CRIMES AND A LOT OF FAMILY MEMBERS COME BEFORE US AND MEET US.

AND I'M HERE TO TELL Y'ALL PERSONALLY, I HAVE BEEN WALK HAND TO HAND WITH BENNY PRICE, AND WE HAVE DONE OVER 100 MEDIATIONS BECAUSE WE DO DOCUMENT IT WITH OUR, WITH OUR BUSINESS.

I HAVE DONE OVER 25 EVENTS WITH BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE, GIVING AWAY FOOD, CLOTHES, TURKEYS, CHRISTMAS. EVERYTHING YOU COULD THINK OF.

I DONE WORKED HAND TO HAND, SIDE BY SIDE WITH THEM.

I DONE ABOUT TEN SITUATIONS WITH BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE, WHERE PARENTS CALLED THE BAIL BONDS AND THE KIDS WAS RUNNING AWAY, AND THEY WERE, ON OUR LOAD MONITORING THEM.

THEY DIDN'T CHECK IN. SO WHEN WE CALLED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, YOUR KID DIDN'T CHECK IN.

THEY WAS RUNNING AWAY.

AND I GOT WITH, BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE, AND THEY HELPED US, GET THESE RELATIONSHIPS RESTORED WITH THEIR FAMILY.

AND NOT ONLY THAT, WHAT I LOVE THE MOST ABOUT BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE AND GREAT INTERVENTION TEAM.

[02:10:02]

THEY PROVIDE MENTORS, MENTORSHIP WITH THE KIDS, AND WE WORK SIDE BY SIDE.

AND I KNOW THEY'RE LOOKING TO EXPAND THAT BY TRYING TO PROVIDE SAFE HOUSING FOR THEM.

BUT AGAIN, THEY JUST DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES.

I SIT AND I TALK TO THEM ALL THE TIME, AND I KNOW THAT THEY GOT GREAT IDEAS, IDEAS THAT WOULD WORK.

HOW WOULD I KNOW? BECAUSE ON AUGUST THE 9TH, 2023, I TWO WAS IMPACTED BY GUN VIOLENCE.

I LOST MY SON.

HE WAS JUST 17 YEARS OLD AND HE JUST PASSED AWAY.

IT'S ALL STILL FRESH.

SO I'M NOT JUST COMING HERE AS A BUSINESS OWNER.

I'M NOT JUST COMING HERE AS SOMEONE WHO STARTED THEIR OWN NONPROFIT TO CREATE THE CHANGE THAT I WANT TO SEE IN MY COMMUNITY, BUT I'M ALSO COMING HERE AS A FATHER WHO HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY GUN VIOLENCE JUST HERE RECENTLY.

AND I'M HERE TO TELL Y'ALL I TOOK MY SON.

HE WAS INVOLVED IN ALL THE SAME THINGS THE VOLUNTEER WORK WITH BIG MAMA'S SAFE HOUSE.

WE DID ALL THE GOOD, THE SAME THINGS.

AND STILL I LOST HIM TO THE SYSTEM, TO THE STREETS OF GUN VIOLENCE.

SO I'M HERE ASKING THIS COURT.

IF YOU NEED ME TO, BEGGING THE COURT TO DO THE RIGHT THING HERE.

WE WORKED WITH YOU GUYS AS MITCHELL, THOMAS, THOMPSON AND I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH Y'ALL.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU MA'AM.

JUST AS A POINT OF ORDER, I BELIEVE.

UNLESS THERE'S SOMEBODY SAYS WE HAVE MISSED THEM.

THE REMAINING SPEAKERS, I BELIEVE ABOUT 20 SPEAKERS THAT WILL SPEAK ON ITEM NUMBER 90 AND A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.

COMMISSIONER MOODY HAS ASKED THAT.

I ADVANCE THAT IN, ITEM 87.

AND SO I'M ALERTING THE COURT THAT I'M GOING TO DO THAT TO, AT THE REQUEST OF COMMISSIONER MOODY AND TO ACCOMMODATE THE WITNESSES, THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ALSO HAVE KATHLEEN RUBIN ON ITEM 88.

SO YOU'RE STILL WE'LL CALL YOU AT THE TIME THAT THAT AGENDA ITEM.

AND I HAVE LANDON HACKABLE ON ITEM 92.

AND I WILL CALL YOU WHEN WE, CALL THOSE INDIVIDUAL ITEMS. SO, COMMISSIONER MOODY, YOU'VE ASKED THAT WE ADVANCE UP TO GO.

I WILL CALL 87, WHICH IS STATUS UPDATE REGARDING BEXAR COUNTY CORONAVIRUS, STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY

[87. Status update regarding Bexar County's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Thomas Guevara)]

SO COMMISSIONER MOODY.

YEAH. JUDGE, I THINK, THOMAS, YOU'RE GOING TO PRESENT.

CORRECT. OKAY.

WE CAN PULL UP THE SLIDE.

THANK YOU, JUDGE, FOR THE RECORD.

THOMAS GUEVARA, OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PRESENTATION IS TO PROVIDE BOTH THE COURT AND THE PUBLIC WITH AN UPDATE ON PROJECTED, UNALLOCATED FUNDS FOR THE COURT'S FUTURE CONSIDERATION.

THIS SLIDE PROVIDES A RECAP OF THE COUNTY'S CURRENT INVESTMENTS BY PRIORITY AREA.

CURRENTLY, WE HAVE OVER 379 MILLION ALLOCATED TO ARPA PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS THAT WE ARE ADMINISTERING.

SO LAST FALL, WE ESTIMATED WE WOULD HAVE APPROXIMATELY $10 MILLION AVAILABLE.

AS WE STARTED THE DISCUSSIONS FOR THE WATER SEWER RFP, WHICH YOU WILL RECEIVE A PRESENTATION SHORTLY AFTER THIS.

OUR AVAILABLE BALANCE IS AROUND 9.6 MILLION, WHICH INTERNALLY WE HAVE HELD BACK FOR THE WATER SEWER RFP.

THE NEXT SECTION, ENTITLED ONGOING, IS A LIST OF CURRENT ARPA PROJECTS.

APPROVED PROJECTS WHERE A KNOWN SHORTFALL IN THE BUDGET EXISTS.

THE INITIAL ESTIMATE FOR THE APPLEWHITE PROPERTY ACQUISITION WAS $3 MILLION.

TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY, WHERE THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS RESIDENTIAL FACILITY FACILITY IS LOCATED.

IN OCTOBER OF 2023, COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVED AN ALLOCATION JUST OVER 5 MILLION FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THAT PROPERTY.

DAN WILL BE ASKING COURT'S CONSIDERATION OF THIS FOR AN ARPA BUDGET TRANSFER ON AN AGENDA ITEM LATER TODAY.

TO MAKE THAT BUDGET HOLE.

THE NEXT LIST OF PROJECTS INCLUDES PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED PROJECTS WHERE THE AGENCY HAS INFORMED THE COUNTY THAT THEY HAVE COMPLETED THEIR PROJECT, OR THAT THEIR ORIGINAL PROPOSAL, AS ADOPTED BY COURT, IS NO LONGER VIABLE.

THE FIRST PROJECT IS ALAMO COMMUNITY GROUP.

THIS ORIGINAL PROPOSAL WAS WRITTEN IN 2020 AND IS NO LONGER VIABLE FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT.

[02:15:03]

THE SECOND PROJECT, COMMUNITY LABS, WAS ORIGINALLY ALLOCATED $2 MILLION.

THIS WAS TO CONDUCT, COVID 19 PCR TESTING.

IF YOU RECALL, FOR EMPLOYEES AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC OVER AT WONDERLAND OF AMERICAS AND THE CARVER SENIOR CENTER, COMMUNITY LAB SPENT JUST OVER 536,000. SO THEY'RE RETURNING THAT REMAINING AMOUNT OF $1.4 MILLION.

AND THEN THE CORNERSTONE PROJECT, THIS ORGANIZATION HAD TO REPRIORITIZE THEIR EFFORTS FOR THE START OF 2024, AND THE VACCINATION PROGRAM HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

THE NEXT SECTION IS SAVINGS THAT WE HAVE FROM YEAR ONE PERSONNEL, SAVINGS.

A LOT OF THAT CURRENTLY IS FROM OUR PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

THE NEXT SECTION IS ENTITLED PROPOSED REALLOCATION, AND THESE ARE PROJECTS STAFF RECOMMENDS TO REALLOCATE BASED ON OTHER FACTORS.

IN NOVEMBER 2022, COURT DIRECTED STAFF TO FUND ARTS ORGANIZATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CAUSA.

AT THAT TIME, STAFF DID NOT KNOW IF ALL THE SMALLER ARTS ORGANIZATIONS HAD BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE.

SO COURT AUTHORIZED, SET ASIDE $1 MILLION.

SIMULTANEOUSLY, COURT HAD ALSO AUTHORIZED A LIFT FUND AID TO NONPROFIT PROGRAM.

AND THROUGH THAT SOLICITATION, WE BELIEVE WE'VE CAPTURED A LOT OF THOSE SMALLER ARTS ORGANIZATIONS MAKING THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT REDUNDANT.

THE NOW CLINIC.

OVER THE LAST YEAR, BEXAR COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAVE WORKED WITH MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS OVER AT UT HEALTH TO NEGOTIATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NOW CLINIC.

HOWEVER, WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THIS PROJECT IS CURRENTLY NOT FEASIBLE AS WRITTEN.

POTENTIAL REALLOCATION.

WE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND COURT OF A COUPLE OF FUTURE REALLOCATION OPPORTUNITIES.

THE FIRST IS BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE'RE HOPING THAT WE'LL BE BRINGING PHASE THE PHASE TWO AGREEMENT TO COURTS FOR COURT'S CONSIDERATION, HOPEFULLY IN THE NEXT TWO COURT MEETINGS.

THAT HAD A SET ASIDE FOR ABOUT 25 MILLION.

WE'RE THINKING IF COURT ADOPTS PHASE TWO, WE'RE STILL GOING TO HAVE A HEALTHY BALANCE TO RETURN FOR COURT'S CONSIDERATION.

AND THEN THE THE NEXT ITEM, THIS IS MORE OF A OF AN AWARENESS ITEM.

THE INVOICES FOR YEAR ONE OF THE SMART EXPANSION CAME IN UNDER BUDGET.

SO WE'RE WORKING WITH TRACK RIGHT NOW JUST TO ENSURE WE HAVE ALL THE INVOICES FOR THAT YEAR ONE BUDGET.

BUT IF OUR PROJECTIONS ARE CORRECT, THERE MAY BE SAVINGS THAT WE CAN BRING BACK FOR COURT TO CONSIDER ON THAT END.

SO ASSUMING COURT APPROVES THE PENDING REQUEST FOR THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS RESIDENTIAL FACILITY BUDGET TRANSFER, WE'RE ESTIMATING THE NEW BALANCE. AND YOU TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT 7.9 MILLION THE NEW BALANCE OF UNALLOCATED FUNDING IS WILL BE $15.5 MILLION.

AGAIN, THIS ITEM IS JUST A STATUS UPDATE.

IT'S NOT AN ACTION ITEM, BUT WE'RE ASKING COURTS TO START CONSIDERING, OR START THINKING ABOUT HOW WE WILL PRIORITIZE, THOSE ALLOCATIONS.

AGAIN, WE WANT TO REMIND COURT THAT WE HAVE TWO PENDING RFPS.

ONE IS THE WATER SEWER, WHICH YOU'LL HEAR ABOUT.

AND THEN THE SECOND IS, DOCTOR ANDREAS PUBLIC HEALTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RFP THAT WE'RE HOPING TO BE PRESENTING FEBRUARY, MARCH TIME FRAME ON LAST YEAR, APRIL AND MAY.

STAFF DID PRESENT TO COMMISSIONERS COURT.

REPROGRAMING PROCESS THINGS TO CONSIDER.

STAFF CONTINUES TO RECOMMEND.

RECOMMEND CONSIDERING ALLOCATING FUNDING TO INTERNAL ARPA COUNTY PROJECTS AND EXISTING PROJECTS.

WE ALSO HAVE SOME PENDING REQUESTS FROM INTERNAL DEPARTMENTS ABOUT POTENTIALLY, BRINGING BACK, FUNDING REQUESTS FOR SOME OF THEIR INTERNAL PROGRAMS THAT HAVE SHORTFALLS.

WE JUST NEED TO BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME FRAMES FOR TO SOLICIT AND VET THESE PROJECTS.

REMEMBER, WE HAVE TO OBLIGATE BY DECEMBER 2024 AND OBVIOUSLY EXPEND THAT BY DECEMBER 2026.

AND THEN LASTLY, JUST VIABILITY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.

AGAIN, JUST WANT TO REMIND COURT, THOSE HAVE A LOT OF LEAD TIME AND CAN BE COMPLICATED.

SO THOSE HAVE A HIGH RISK OF NON COMPLETION.

SO AGAIN STATUS UPDATE ONLY BUT WE WANT TO WE WANTED TO PRESENT THIS TO COURT.

JUST SO Y'ALL HAVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE WE'RE AT WITH THAT BUDGET.

SO Y'ALL CAN PRIORITIZE HERE.

IN THE FUTURE.

COMMISSIONER MOODY, YOU STILL HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. JUDGE.

SO JUST A COUPLE POINTS OF CLARIFICATION.

SO THE 15 MILLION IS THE NEW, UPDATED, REMAINDER OF ARPA FUNDS THAT HAVE COME BACK, CORRECT? CORRECT. THAT'S, THE 7.9 AS PART OF THAT CLOSE OUT PERSONNEL AND PROPOSED REALLOCATION, PLUS THE THE CURRENT 9.65 THAT YOU HAVE.

YES, SIR. OKAY.

AND I DO WANT TO JUST HIGHLIGHT WHAT YOU STATED THERE.

[02:20:02]

YOU ALSO MENTIONED, YOU KNOW, THERE'S STILL THE POSSIBILITY THAT ADDITIONAL DOLLARS ARE GOING TO COME BACK.

SO I THINK WE ALSO NEED TO, YOU KNOW, COME ALONGSIDE THOSE, THOSE ORGANIZATIONS WHO CURRENTLY HAVE ARPA DOLLARS APPROPRIATED TO THEM AND TOUCH BASE AND CHECK WHERE THEY'RE AT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

SO WE DON'T END UP IN A SPOT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WHERE, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REAPPROPRIATE THOSE DOLLARS.

THE ONE LAST THING I JUST WANT TO MAKE A POINT ON HERE WHEN YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE OVERALL APPROPRIATION OF ARPA DOLLARS.

SO $390 MILLION WHEN THIS WAS ORIGINALLY SET, THE THE BUDGET ONLY INCLUDED 3.75 MILLION FOR WATER AND SEWER. IS THAT CORRECT? THAT IS CORRECT.

SO WE SPENT ABOUT 1 MILLION ON WATER AND SEWER, ON INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS.

AND I KNOW WE HAVE A LOT OF COMPETING PRIORITIES, THAT, THAT WE NEEDED TO INVEST IN IN THE COUNTY.

BUT I JUST WANT TO BRING THAT UP AS WE TRANSITION INTO OUR NEXT AGENDA ITEM.

I THINK THAT THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND ADDITIONAL DOLLARS IN THIS SPACE.

YES, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, THANK YOU.

JUDGE. THOMAS, LET ME LET ME JUST MAKE SURE I'M CLEAR ON WHAT YOU'VE PRESENTED ON THE PRIORITY LIST.

YES, SIR. ON PAGE TWO.

SO, THESE ARE DOLLARS THAT HAVE REALLY ALREADY BEEN ALLOCATED.

OKAY, SO THE WATER AND SEWER LINE ITEM, WHICH SHOWS 3.75 MILLION THAT THOSE ARE PROJECTS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN, I DON'T WANT TO SAY SPENT, BUT THERE'S THE MONEY IS SPOKEN FOR.

IT'S BEEN APPROPRIATED, TO CERTAIN PROJECTS.

I KNOW IN A MINUTE WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THE WATER AND SEWER PROJECT LIST.

THAT WAS KIND OF A, I GUESS A SEPARATE RFP.

FOR THAT SPECIFIC, BUCKET.

THE COURT EARMARKED, I THINK IT WAS AROUND 9 OR 10 MILLION.

IS THAT RIGHT? THAT IS CORRECT.

YES. OKAY. SO SO THAT 3.75 IS SEPARATE AND APART, THAT WE'VE ALREADY APPROPRIATED, AND THEN WE'VE GOT ROUGHLY ANOTHER 9.5 MILLION THAT WE'RE GOING TO DISCUSS HERE IN A MINUTE. WITH RESPECT TO WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS.

RIGHT? YES, SIR. OKAY.

AND THEN THE THE PROPOSED UNALLOCATED DOLLARS, IS FIVE, I'M SORRY, 15.5 CURRENTLY.

THAT'S A PROJECTION.

THAT'S. YES. NOT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WHAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO REPROGRAM UNDER THE BROADBAND INITIATIVE.

IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY, THAT IS MAYBE ROUGHLY ABOUT 10 MILLION OR SO THAT'S BEEN, IT'S UNEXPENDED.

CORRECT. OKAY.

AND THEN, THE STRIKE SMART PROGRAM, YOU'RE NOT SURE WHAT THAT IS YET? THAT'S CORRECT. SO, YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT WE'VE GOT THIS IS JUST AN UPDATE.

I KNOW THE COURT HAS TO HAVE A BROADER DISCUSSION ON HOW WE, ALLOCATE THOSE DOLLARS, BUT IT'S GOT TO BE DONE IN A PRETTY QUICK TIMELINE BECAUSE THE ARPA DOLLARS ARE, RESTRICTED AND THEY'VE GOT TO BE SPENT BY A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME.

I KNOW WE JUST HEARD FROM A LOT OF FOLKS TODAY ON SOMETHING THAT WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA, BUT THAT'S BEEN DISCUSSED ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY STRATEGIES.

SO I JUST WANT TO THROW THAT OUT THERE AS SOMETHING THAT, WE MAY WANT TO LOOK AT.

YOU KNOW, IN TERMS OF WHAT I THINK IS IMPACTING FOLKS THE MOST IN OUR COMMUNITY, WHICH I THINK, THE ARPA FUNDS WERE, WERE INTENDED TO, TO HELP PEOPLE AND HELP COMMUNITIES RECOVER.

AND THEN, YOU KNOW, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW WE CAN ADDRESS SOME OF THESE NEEDS ON, ON WATER AND SEWER.

I KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THAT DISCUSSION SEPARATELY.

I JUST KNOW THAT THESE KIND OF ONE TIME, SHOT IN THE ARM DOLLARS ARE NOT GOING TO COME DOWN AGAIN.

I KNOW WE'VE TALKED, A LOT THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS ABOUT, HOW MONEYS ARE ALLOCATED BY PRECINCT AND THE, THE INEQUITIES THERE. SO IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO, I THINK, TO, TO MAYBE ADDRESS SOME OF THOSE, INEQUITIES IN MAYBE, MAYBE THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OR IN SUBURBAN CITIES.

SO I JUST WANTED TO MENTION THAT AND, YOU KNOW, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS, THOMAS, BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S BEEN HARD TO TRACK IT ALL.

IT'S LIKE A MOVING TARGET, BUT WE APPRECIATE IT.

AND, YOU KNOW, LOOK FORWARD TO THAT DISCUSSION ABOUT HOW WE'RE GOING TO MAKE THIS WORK FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

YES, SIR. COMMISSIONER CALVERT, THANK YOU.

JUDGE. AND I WANT TO CONCUR WITH COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ'S COMMENTS ON TRYING TO FIX SOME OF THE INEQUITIES.

I THINK THAT IS A SMART IDEA.

IN TERMS OF THE BALANCE HERE, I DID WANT TO MAKE A POINT SOMETIMES THIS, YOU KNOW, NOT ALL.

WE'RE A BIG COUNTY. WE GOT A LOT OF DEPARTMENTS.

AND YOU MAY NOT HAVE HAD IT COMMUNICATED TO YOU.

[02:25:01]

YEAH. BRACEWELL. AND ALSO ANDY COHEN ABOUT ONE OF OUR EITHER THE HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION OR THE PUBLIC FACILITIES CORPORATION.

I CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH ONE. WE'VE GOT SO MANY CORPORATIONS.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.

BUT THEY WERE GOING TO LOOK AT LAND BANKING, THE HAYS STREET PROJECT, BECAUSE IT IS UNDER THE RULE, IT IS PERMISSIBLE UNDER TREASURY RULES THAT THE LAND BANKING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING COULD WORK.

AND IN WHICH CASE WE'VE MY STAFF IS SETTING UP A MEETING.

I'VE ASKED THAT YOU BE INCLUDED IN THAT, MELISSA SHANNON AND SOME OF THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED ON MONDAY TO TALK ABOUT THAT, YOU KNOW.

THE HAY STREET PROJECT IS A VERY IMPORTANT PROJECT FOR THE BALANCE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

RIGHT? SO A NEIGHBORHOOD THAT HAS INDIGNITY, THAT HAS ENDURED GREAT PRICE ESCALATION TO TO PEOPLE, AND IT WOULD BE A REAL SLAP IN THE FACE AT A TIME THAT HOUSING IS HIGH AND FOOD COSTS ARE HIGH, THAT WE ARE NOT RESPONSIVE TO THE COSTS OF HOUSING ESCALATION.

SO WE WANT TO JUST LET YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP THAT 1.7 MILLION FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY.

WE JUST NEED TO HAVE THE LAWYERS TIDY UP THE PAPERWORK AND THE COURTS APPROVAL.

SO I JUST WANT TO GIVE A HEADS UP TO THE COURT THAT THAT IS KIND OF WHERE WE'RE LOOKING.

LET ME JUST SAY ONE OTHER THING.

WE'RE GOING TO WE'RE GOING TO PARLAY INTO SEWER AND WATER IN A MOMENT.

YOU KNOW, IF THE COURT LOOKS AT WHAT OTHER COUNTIES DID WITH RESPECT TO WATER AND SEWER, IT WAS REALLY TO PUT IT IN THE PLACES WHERE IT WASN'T.

SOME OF THE PROPOSALS WE HAD IN RFP, RFP THERE IS SEWER, RIGHT.

MY PRECINCT, I THINK PRECINCT ONE ARE PROBABLY WELL, AND CERTAINLY PARTS OF PRECINCT THREE AND TWO, BUT BUT 1 IN 4 IN PARTICULAR HAVE TREMENDOUS SWATHS OF LAND THAT ARE UNINCORPORATED WITHOUT SEWER.

AND THE ORIGINAL THOUGHT WAS TO STIMULATE OUR BUDGET BY THE INCREASING OF THE HOUSING STOCK.

AND I'M NOT SURE THAT OUR WATER AND SEWER, PROPOSALS MET.

THAT. AND WHAT THAT MIGHT MEAN IN TERMS OF OUR THINKING IS WE NEED TO GO TO PUBLIC WORKS, AND WE NEED TO GO AND LOOK AT, YOU KNOW, OUR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND SEE WHERE THOSE GAPS ARE. SO JUST TO MAKE THIS CLEAR, THE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DIDN'T DEVELOP HOUSING IN LARGE SWATHS OF BEXAR COUNTY BECAUSE THE SEWER WASN'T THERE AND IT WAS TOO COST PROHIBITIVE.

SO THE THOUGHT WHEN WE FIRST HAD THIS FUNDING, WHICH OTHER COUNTIES DID, WAS PUT THAT SEWER AND WATER IMPROVEMENT IN AREAS WHERE IT JUST WASN'T, AND IT WAS TOO COST PROHIBITIVE, SO THAT THE COUNTY KEEPS THE DEVELOPMENT, THE NEW REVENUE FROM NEW HOUSING, NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN BEXAR COUNTY, AS OPPOSED TO COMAL COUNTY OR GUADALUPE COUNTY OR WHATEVER COUNTY NEIGHBORING.

SO THE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MAY NEED TO BE A LITTLE BIT MORE ROBUST IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURT ABOUT SOME OF THOSE GAPS, BECAUSE WE CAN ACTUALLY INCREASE OUR REVENUE SIGNIFICANTLY BY LAND THAT'S CURRENTLY FARMLAND.

BUT IT'S NEVER GOING TO TURN TURN INTO THE HOUSING OR COMMERCIAL BECAUSE THE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY HAS SAID IT'S JUST TOO EXPENSIVE TO DEVELOP.

SO I JUST WANT TO PUT THAT AT A HIGH LEVEL THOUGHT PROCESS, BECAUSE THAT TRULY, WILL STIMULATE.

THE OTHER THING TO TIE UP IS I THINK THIS COURT NEEDS TO LOOK LIKE A MICROSCOPE VERY CAREFULLY AT HOW MUCH WEALTH DID WE TRANSFER TO CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES VERSUS THE PEOPLE? HOW MUCH DID WE HELP THE POWERFUL VERSUS THE PEOPLE? BECAUSE A LOT OF THE MONEY WE DID IN ARPA, IT WENT TO THE POWERFUL, IT WENT TO THOSE WITH MONEY ALREADY.

AND I DON'T THINK THAT WAS NECESSARILY WHAT, THE INTENT OF A LOT OF THIS MONEY WAS FOR.

SO WE NEED TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK IN THE HEART AND THE MIND AND THE SOUL OF BEXAR COUNTY TO MAKE SURE THAT AS WE REALLOCATE, THAT WE TRULY TOUCH THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. SO I LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING THE COURT ON SOME OF THE OTHER, WATER ISSUES THAT WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP IN JUST A MOMENT.

THANK YOU, JUDGE. COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

SO, THOMAS, GOING BACK TO THE SLIDE THREE, IT LOOKS LIKE THERE'S STILL A NEED FOR 2 MILLION FOR THE COMPLETE.

THE DIVERSION PROGRAM AND APPLEWHITE.

SO THIS IS AN ACTION ITEM.

SO WHEN ARE WE GOING TO IS THAT LATER ON? WHEN ARE WE GOING TO TALK ABOUT THAT? YES.

THAT'S A LATER AGENDA ITEM, THAT DAN WILL PRESENT ON, ON, ON THE STATUS OF THAT PROJECT IN THAT, ITEM.

WE ARE REQUESTING THE BUDGET TRANSFER.

SO THAT'S WHY OUR ASSUMPTION REMOVES THAT 2 MILLION.

AND THAT'S WHERE YOU GET THE 15.5 MILL.

OKAY. THANK YOU. YES, MA'AM.

THOMAS, LET ME ASK A FEW QUESTIONS TO SO THAT I CAN GET IT ON THE RECORD.

YES, SIR. THIS HAS BEEN A REALLY SIGNIFICANT PROGRAM TO MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN OUR COUNTY.

IT WAS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME CIRCUMSTANCE BASED ON THE ONCE IN A LIFETIME CIRCUMSTANCE OF THE COVID 19 AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

[02:30:09]

CORRECT? CORRECT.

AND SO THE REASON WHY I'M GOING DOWN THAT PATH IS, AS WE PROCEED FURTHER, I THINK ITEM 90 IS GOING TO BE AN EXTENSION OF WHERE WE'RE GOING, AND WE WILL HAVE THAT SHORTLY WITH THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

BUT IN LIGHT OF THE CONVERSATION TODAY, WHICH I HAVE FOUND TO BE VERY ENLIGHTENING AND POIGNANT, MEANING THE GUN SAFETY, ADVOCATES THAT HAVE COME TO COURT AND THEIR OPINIONS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE KNOWN TO ME, I WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK AND AT LEAST FOR ME, I NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN WHAT I THINK WE SHOULD DO WITH THE ALLOCATION OF MONEY THAT WERE MADE.

NOT SECOND GUESSING, NOT CRITICIZING, NOT SAYING THAT WE PERHAPS SHOULD GO DOWN WHATEVER PATH.

BUT I THINK WHAT TODAY HAS LEARNED IS THAT THE COMMUNITY AND THE INDIVIDUALS, AS I SAID ON THE OPENING, ITEMS OF CEREMONY, IT WAS THE PLEA TO THIS COMMUNITY THAT INDIVIDUALS STEP UP.

AND I'VE SEEN A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS STEP UP AND AT LEAST SPEAK.

AND SO I WANT TO GIVE THEM DIGNITY AND RESPECT BY SAYING, I'VE LISTENED.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A ROBUST DISCUSSION, AND WE MAY HAVE DISAGREEMENTS OR DIFFERENT OPINIONS AS TO HOW WE PROCEED, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER FUTURE ALLOCATIONS OF THIS PARTICULAR POT OF MONEY THAT WE WERE GIVEN IS GOING TO BE MOST EFFECTIVE.

AND SO I DON'T I STAND TODAY WITH ADVISING MY COLLEAGUES ON THE COURT, DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT NECESSARILY IS, BUT I LOOK FORWARD TO A ROBUST DISCUSSION TO MAKE SURE THAT EQUITY AND, DEALING WITH THE ISSUE IS AS.

FINE POINT, AS WE CAN GET IT SO THAT IT IS TRULY EFFECTIVE USE OF TAXPAYER MONEY.

SO WHAT I ASSUME, THEN, THOMAS, IS THAT WE ARE JUST GETTING A STATUS REPORT.

I THINK EVERYBODY'S HAD COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS.

I WILL NOW CALL UP ITEM 90.

[90. Presentation, discussion, and appropriate action regarding American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Water & Sewer project proposals; as requested by the Office of the County Manager. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Patricia Torres/Melissa Shannon)]

APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT ARPA WATER AND SEWER PROJECT PROPOSAL AS REQUESTED BY THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER.

COMMISSIONER MOONEY, DO YOU HAVE ASKED THAT THIS BE BROUGHT UP? BEFORE WE DO A PRESENTATION? I'LL ASK COMMISSIONER MOONEY THEN I WOULD ASK THAT WE ALLOW THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD, AND THEN WE WILL TAKE THE PRESENTATION.

COMMISSIONER MOONEY. OH, COMMISSIONER MOONEY, LET'S GO WORK.

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

WE WILL NOW PROCEED.

BE REMINDED OF THE THREE MINUTE RULE, PAUL COLLENDER.

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.

MY NAME IS PAUL COLLIANDER.

I'M A BOARD MEMBER OF THE VILLAS AT TIMBERWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION AND LIVED IN THE COMMUNITY FOR ABOUT TEN YEARS.

I HAD INTENDED TO USE MY TIME TO SHOW A SHORT, VIDEO CONCERNING THE ISSUES THAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING IN OUR COMMUNITY, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ARRANGE THAT THIS MORNING. SO IN THAT, AS A RESULT OF THAT, I'M GOING TO YIELD MY TIME TO TOM.

MARTY. ALL RIGHT.

WHO DID YOU WANT TO YIELD TO? TOM. MARTY, WHO'S YOUR NEXT ON YOUR LIST? TOMMY? MARTY. YOU'RE NEXT.

GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS TOMMY MARTY, AND I'M ONE OF THE THREE BOARD MEMBERS AT THE VILLAS AT TIMBERWOOD HOA.

MY WIFE AND I ARE ORIGINAL HOMEOWNERS OF OUR HOME, WHICH WE PURCHASED IN 2013.

I'M JOINED BY OVER 50 OF OUR OTHER HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE HERE TODAY TO ASK YOU TO APPROVE OUR APPLICATION FOR FUNDS TO HOOK US UP TO SAWS.

WELL, THE OTHER HOMEOWNERS THAT ARE HERE WITH ME TODAY, PLEASE STAND.

YOU OVER HERE. WELCOME.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

YOU'LL HEAR FROM MANY OF THEM SHORTLY.

BUT FIRST, I'D LIKE TO BRIEFLY READ AN EXCERPT FROM A LETTER THAT WE PROVIDED TO YOU COMMISSIONERS LAST EVENING SUMMARIZING, SUMMARIZING HOW WE GOT HERE.

THE LETTER GOES LIKE THIS.

WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, ARE HOMEOWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAS AT TIMBERWOOD, LOCATED OUTSIDE THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND BEXAR COUNTY.

THE VILLAS IS LOCATED IN PRECINCT THREE.

SO WE ENGAGED OUR COMMISSIONER, GRANT MOODY, TO HELP US SOLVE AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER IN OUR BACKYARDS, WHICH WAS A DECADE IN THE MAKING.

AFTER BEXAR COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF VISITED OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, THEY ISSUED A REPORT STATING, AND I QUOTE.

FOR THE SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS OF TIMBERWOOD AND THE PUBLIC, IT IS CRITICAL THAT THIS SYSTEM BE DISCONTINUED AND THE RESIDENTS BE CONNECTED TO CITY SEWER.

[02:35:03]

SPECIFICALLY, THE CURRENT SEPTIC SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED FOR HOMES HALF THE SIZE OF WHAT WERE ULTIMATELY BUILT IN THE VILLAS, LEADING TO ITS FAILURE.

IN 2019, THE HOA FILED SUIT AGAINST THE LAND DEVELOPER AND THE HOMEBUILDER.

AFTER FOUR YEARS OF LITIGATION AND NEARLY TEN YEARS OF DEALING WITH THIS TERRIBLE PROBLEM, WE REACHED A SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEFENDANTS, AND WHILE THE SETTLEMENT AMOUNT WAS SIGNIFICANT, IT LEFT THE VILLAGE WITH A LARGE DEFICIT IN THE FUNDING NEEDED TO HOOK THE NEIGHBORHOOD UP TO SAWS.

THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, COMMISSIONER MOODY AND HIS TEAM HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONAL, RESPONSIVE, COURTEOUS, AND TRULY CONCERNED WITH SOLVING THIS PROBLEM THAT THREATENS NOT JUST OUR LOVED ONES, BUT OVER 2 MILLION TEXANS THAT RELY ON THE EDWARDS AQUIFER FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER.

IN CLOSING, WE'RE THANKFUL TO HAVE A LOCAL LEADER WHO'S COMMITTED TO SOLVING PROBLEMS IN OUR COMMUNITY, AND WE'RE HOPEFUL THAT THE VOTE TODAY PASSES SO WE CAN BEGIN THE PROCESS OF CONNECTING TO SAWS.

MY TWO OTHER FELLOW BOARD MEMBERS AND I, INCIDENTALLY, ALL OF WHICH ARE WELL INTO OUR 70S, HAS SPENT LITERALLY AND NOT HYPERBOLE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF HOURS OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS DEALING WITH THE DISASTROUS SEPTIC SYSTEM THAT WE INHERITED AND WITH THE LEGAL SYSTEM. IT'S PROBABLY SAFE TO SAY THAT WE SPENT THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME IN PRAYER OVER THAT TIME FRAME, TOO. AND I GOT TO SAY THAT WE THREE OLD GUYS WERE EXHAUSTED, BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.

AND THESE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS BEHIND ME.

THEY'RE EXHAUSTED FINANCIALLY.

AND THEY'RE ALSO TIRED OF THE ANXIETY THAT PERMEATES OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

WE ARE PRAYED, WE HAVE PRAYED TOGETHER AND WE HAVE STAYED TOGETHER THROUGH THIS PROCESS.

AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY, PLEADING WITH YOU TO RESCUE US.

IT'S HARD TO SUMMARIZE TEN YEARS OF ANGUISH IN THREE MINUTES, BUT WE'RE GOING TO DO OUR BEST TO TELL OUR STORY.

THANK YOU. I YIELD MY TIME TO MELISSA BRUMBELOW.

MISS BRUMBELOW. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS MELISSA BRUMBELOW AND I'VE LIVED AT THE VILLAS AT TIMBERWOOD FOR JUST OVER FOUR YEARS.

EACH YEAR, THE COST OF MAINTAINING OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY, AND UNLESS WE CAN GET A PERMANENT SOLUTION IN PLACE, THESE SUSTAINED INCREASES WILL CONTINUE.

NO ONE ANTICIPATED US BEING IN THIS SITUATION, AND THESE COSTS PRESENT A FINANCIAL BURDEN ON OUR RESIDENTS, MANY OF WHICH, MYSELF INCLUDED, ARE SINGLE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.

WE ALL SAY A LITTLE PRAYER THAT OUR SYSTEM WILL HOLD UP ANY TIME THE WEATHER CHANGES.

AND WE ALL KNOW THAT TEXAS WEATHER LOVES TO CHANGE, BUT WE KNOW IT'S COMING.

OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM WILL FAIL AT SOME POINT.

IT'S NOT A QUESTION OF WHETHER IT WILL FAIL, IT'S A QUESTION OF WHEN IT WILL FAIL.

AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS, IT WILL AFFECT MANY MORE THAN JUST OUR COMMUNITY.

THIS IS WHY WE HAVE TO GET A PERMANENT SOLUTION IN PLACE, AND THE SOONER THE BETTER, BECAUSE THAT'S IN EVERYONE'S INTEREST.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS, OF THIS MATTER, AND I YIELD THE REST OF MY TIME TO EDDIE DOUGLAS.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU, EDDIE DOUGLAS.

GOOD MORNING, Y'ALL.

JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, I WANT TO START OFF BY SAYING MY NAME IS EDDIE DOUGLAS.

I'M A FIRE ENGINEER PARAMEDIC WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT.

AND I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, PATIENCE AND CONSIDERATION AND HEARING ME AND MY MY FELLOW NEIGHBORS.

WE ARE HERE TODAY BECAUSE OF OUR COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM AT THE VILLAS.

WE NEED THE $2 MILLION TO MAKE UP THE DEFICIT THAT WE ARE FACING IN FUNDING AND GETTING CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE SYSTEM.

THE SECTOR SYSTEM WE HAVE HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR ALMOST THE ENTIRE TEN YEARS THAT MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BEEN LIVING THERE, AND TO BE HONEST, WE ARE SO TIRED, TIRED OF IT.

WE'RE FIGHTING WORD IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO, IF WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO FLUSH THE TOILET, I'VE GOT TO TELL MY KIDS, HEY, WATCH OUT.

YOU KNOW, IT'S RAINING, SO WE DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN DO THAT AT THIS POINT.

OUR SYSTEM, OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, IS NOT ONLY A DANGER TO OUR COMMUNITY OF 75 HOMES, IT'S TRULY A DANGER TO THE ENTIRE TIMBERWOOD PARK AREA.

AND ACCORDING TO POINT TWO HOMES DEMOGRAPHICS, THERE'S OVER 11,000 HOMES IN THE TIMBERWOOD PARK AREA.

WHEN I WAS BUYING MY HOME, THE BUILDER MADE IT SEEM LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BE SO GOOD.

HAVING A COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM, IT'S EASY.

IT'S GOING TO SAVE YOU TIME AND SO MUCH MONEY.

YOU'RE GOING TO BE GOOD.

[02:40:01]

IT HAS COST ME TIME.

STRESS IS THROUGH THE ROOF ALL THE TIME BECAUSE OF IT.

AND AS AS MY FELLOW HOMEOWNERS KNOW.

OUR HOA DUES GO UP EVERY YEAR TO THE MOST WE CAN.

JUST TO KEEP THIS SYSTEM PATCHED UP, WHICH IT'S GOING TO FAIL.

IT'S INEVITABLE.

WHAT MAKES IT WORSE? THERE'S ONLY A FEW COMPANIES THAT CAN EVEN SERVICE A COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM BECAUSE THEY'RE RARE.

I GUESS I'VE NEVER HEARD OF A COMMUNITY ONE BEFORE I CAME HERE, BUT THAT IS IT'S RARE.

AND IT BRINGS US TO ANOTHER HURDLE BECAUSE THAT MEANS IF THERE IF IT'S RARE TO FIND A COMPANY LIKE THAT, IT MEANS IT'S EVEN MORE EXPENSIVE FOR US TO GET IT REPAIRED WHEN WE NEED TO USE THAT, BECAUSE THEY CHARGE WHATEVER THEY WANT.

THE BUILDER MADE IT SEEM AT ONE POINT THEY WERE GOING TO TAKE CARE OF IT, BUT AS SOON AS THE LAST HOUSE WAS SOLD, THEY WERE GONE WITH THE WIND.

WE'RE IN LEGAL BATTLE AS AS YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW.

BUT THEY AIM TO JUST BLEED US OUT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY HAVE INSURANCE COMPANIES.

BIG POCKETS.

WHILE IT'S JUST US AND OUR 75 HOMES TRYING TO MAKE IT.

AND IT'S A STRUGGLE TO TRY AND BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH ANOTHER THOUSAND, 3000, $6,000 FROM WHO KNOWS WHERE, BECAUSE I KNOW I DON'T HAVE IT.

BUT TO TRY AND HELP PAY FOR OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM, TO GET TO GET REPAIRED OR CONTINUE TO TO KEEP IT GOING.

JUDGE, THE TIME IS SIX.

GO AHEAD, WRAP IT UP.

ALL RIGHT. TO WRAP UP.

WE NEED.

ULTIMATELY, WE NEED THE FULL $2 MILLION TO GET HOOKED UP TO SARS.

THAT DEFICIT IS IMPERATIVE TO US.

SO I, I IMPLORE YOU GUYS, PLEASE GIVE US THAT SO WE CAN GET HOOKED UP TO THE TO SOAR SYSTEM.

AND WE DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT THIS AND AND DO THIS ANYMORE.

AND IT THE SYSTEM IS GOING TO CONTAMINATE THE AREA AROUND IT.

SO PLEASE HELP US.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. MR. DOUGLAS. WAS YOUR FATHER A FIREFIGHTER TOO, SIR, WITH THE STRONG GROUP? YES, SIR. THAT'S HIM. SAME NAME.

WELL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAMILY'S WORK IN THIS COMMUNITY.

I APPRECIATE YOU. WE GOT YOUR BACK.

HELP'S ON THE WAY. THANK YOU.

LET ME HAVE CARMEN CHRYSANTHUS.

GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO US.

I'M A WIDOWED MOTHER OF THREE TEENAGERS.

WHEN I BOUGHT MY HOUSE IN THE VILLAGE IN 2017, I WAS TOLD THAT THE NEIGHBORHOOD HAD A SMALL ISSUE WITH THE SEPTIC, BUT IT'S BEING WORKED OUT.

I NEVER COULD HAVE IMAGINED HOW BAD IT ACTUALLY IS.

THE COSTS THAT WE ENDED UP SIGNING UP FOR WERE UNIMAGINABLE.

THE WORST PART HAS BEEN THE UNCERTAINTY, AND THE NEVER ENDING EXPENSES, WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE IF WE DIDN'T HAVE OUR BOARD MEMBERS SPENDING THOUSANDS OF THEIR OWN PERSONAL HOURS FIXING THESE THINGS.

THERE ARE FREQUENTLY DAYS WHEN WE'RE ASKED NOT TO SHOWER, WASH CLOTHES, FLUSH TOILETS IF IT'S RAINING TOO MUCH, WE DON'T HAVE SPACE FOR THAT, UNLESS IT'S ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.

AND EVERY YEAR THE COSTS ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS, EXTRA TO COVER SEPTIC ISSUES OR LAWYER FEES.

AND WE ONLY HAVE ONE REMEDY, AND THAT'S TO HOOK UP TO THE SEWER.

THERE'S NO OTHER REMEDY.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE ASKING YOU FOR YOUR HELP.

REALLY, REALLY NEED IT.

AND WE REALLY, REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO US.

THANK YOU. AND I CEDE MY TIME TO AARON MULVILLE.

AARON ROSSVILLE. GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS AARON MELVILLE.

MY FAMILY AND I LIVE IN ONE OF THE LAST HOUSES BUILT IN THE VILLA, AND BEEN THERE FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS.

EVEN THOUGH WE STILL LOVE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, THE ISSUES CREATED BY THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT HAVE BECOME AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE ON MANY LEVELS.

OUR PREMIUM GREEN GREENBELT LOT IS NOW A FRONT ROW SEAT TO THIS NIGHTMARE.

WE CONSTANTLY HAVE TO BE SUPER VIGILANT OF OUR WATER USAGE AT TIMES.

ASKED NOT TO USE WATER AT ALL BECAUSE THE TREATMENT PLANT AND THE FIELDS ARE BEYOND CAPACITY.

THESE PROBLEMS ARE PARTICULARLY BAD DURING THE HOLIDAYS, WHEN MORE RESIDENTS ARE AT HOME, AS WELL AS WHEN IT RAINS, AND THE INADEQUATE SEPTIC FIELDS ARE TOO SATURATED TO ABSORB MORE SEWAGE.

MANY OF THE VILLAGE RESIDENTS HAVE ALSO HAD TO ENDURE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP AS WELL.

DUE TO THE DRASTIC INCREASES IN HOA COSTS, ANNUAL HOA DUES HAVE TRIPLED, IN ADDITION TO AN EXTRA $6,000 PER HOUSEHOLD IN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FEES.

THESE EXTRA FUNDS ARE BARELY KEEPING OUR TREATMENT PLANT LIMPING ALONG.

NEXT, I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

THE SEPTIC FIELD CONSTANTLY HAS STANDING SEWAGE WATER.

THIS PROBLEM IS PARTICULARLY BAD DIRECTLY BEHIND MY HOUSE, CREATING AN AWFUL SEWAGE ODOR.

HORRIBLE PROBLEMS WITH GNATS, FLIES, MOSQUITOES MAKING IT UNBEARABLE TO EVEN ENJOY OUR OWN BACK PORCH.

AND IN THE PAST.

IN THE PAST, I HAD SPENT OVER 12 YEARS LIVING IN SIX DIFFERENT THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES IN LATIN AMERICA AND VISITED MANY MORE.

[02:45:04]

THIS IS THE UNITED STATES, A FIRST WORLD COUNTRY WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT, SEWAGE, HEALTH HAZARD, THREATENING THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY ONLY 20FT AWAY FROM OUR BACK PORCH. THE STANDING SEWAGE IN THE FIELD ALSO ATTRACTS ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE, INCLUDING PROTECTED BIRD SPECIES LIKE WOOD DUCKS.

WE OFTEN HAVE TO REMOVE ANIMAL CARCASSES FROM THE SEPTIC FIELD, PRESUMED POISONED BY THE SEWAGE.

UNFORTUNATELY, WE HAVE A FANTASTIC HOA BOARD THAT HAS COME OUT OF RETIREMENT TO HELP RESOLVE THESE ISSUES.

HOWEVER, THESE ARE OLDER GENTLEMEN MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE THIS HARD AND IMPORTANT WORK MUCH LONGER.

MOST OF OUR RESIDENTS ARE JUST NORMAL MIDDLE CLASS WORKING FOLKS AND DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR THE KNOWLEDGE TO REPLACE THEM WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY.

IN CONCLUSION, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK JUDGE SAKAI, THE COMMISSIONERS, AND LET YOU KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR US.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KINDLY ASK YOU TO PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION NOT ONLY HOW DIRE GETTING THESE FUNDS ARE TO HELPING US BRIDGE THE GAP.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO CONNECT THE SAWS, BUT WHICH IS THE ONLY VIABLE SOLUTION THAT WE HAVE, BUT ALSO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, THIS DECISION TO GRANT US THESE FUNDS IS NOT ONLY A DECISION TO HELP THE RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAS RESOLVE A DECADE LONG NIGHTMARE, IT'S ALSO A DECISION TO HELP PROTECT THE RESIDENTS SURROUNDING THE VILLAS. GO AHEAD AND WRAP IT UP, SIR.

IT'S A DECISION TO, HELP PROTECT THE WILDLIFE, THE ENVIRONMENT.

AND LASTLY, IT'S THE DECISION TO HELP ALL THE DRINK FROM THE EDWARDS AQUIFER.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

I YIELD MY TIME TO BUDDY SELF.

THANK YOU. WELL, I HAVE BUNDY SELF.

OKAY. I'LL CHECK MY WATCH.

IT'S STILL. GOOD MORNING.

THAT'S. YOU'RE CORRECT.

MY NAME IS BUDDY SELF.

I'M AN EIGHT AND A HALF YEAR RESIDENT OF THE VILLAGE OF TIMBERWOOD.

AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT NEVER IN MY LIFE WOULD I HAVE EXPECTED THAT MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND ALL OF MY NEIGHBORS HAVE HAD TO BECOME AD HOC SEPTIC TANK SPECIALIST ENGINEERS.

I MEAN, OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS EITHER GOT GRAY HAIR OR NO HAIR, AND IT DIDN'T USED TO BE THAT WAY.

JUST TO GIVE YOU SOME IDEAS OF SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH, THAT MOST PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN ORDINARY TRACK HOMES DON'T HAVE TO.

I MEAN, WE'VE BEEN ASKED SEVERAL TIMES AND IT'S ABSOLUTE NECESSITY TO HAVE SOMEBODY GO DOOR TO DOOR OR PUT OUT FLIERS TO INFORM THE RESIDENTS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THEIR GUESTS AND RELATIVES AND WHOEVER MIGHT BE VISITING, THAT.

THERE'S A LOT OF RESTRICTIONS.

THERE'S A RESTRICTION ON WHAT YOU CAN PUT IN THE TOILET.

FLUSHABLE WIPES.

SOUND FLUSHABLE, BUT THEY CAUSE US A PROBLEM.

THE RIGHT KIND OF TOILET PAPER, SANITARY PRODUCTS, DIAPERS, THE RIGHT KIND OF SOAP TO USE.

OKAY. IN OUR LAUNDRY.

AND THESE ARE DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE TO HAVE QUITE FREQUENTLY JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM.

I'LL TELL YOU. WE ARE ALSO TALKING ABOUT SITUATIONS WHERE IT'S ALREADY BEEN BROUGHT UP.

WE HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE WEATHER.

OKAY. WHAT HAPPENS? WE HAVE MASSIVE LEAKS INTO OUR INTO OUR SYSTEM.

AND IF WE GET A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF RAIN, IT DEFINITELY CAUSES A PROBLEM.

AND EVERY TIME THAT HAPPENS, WE HAVE TO HAVE THE, LIQUIDS PUMPED OUT OF THE SYSTEM AT A BIG, EXPENSIVE COST, AND WE JUST DON'T HAVE IN THE BUDGET TO DO THAT.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE'RE ALSO TALKING ABOUT SITUATIONS WHERE WE'VE HAD TO GO AROUND AND CHECK OUR WATER METERS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T HAVE ANY EXCESS OF WATER GOING INTO THE SYSTEM, OKAY, UNNECESSARILY.

BUT IN THE REAL, REAL WORLD, WHAT WE REALLY TALK ABOUT IS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.

TO OUR COMMUNITY IF THIS SYSTEM FAILS.

I GOT TO TELL YOU.

IT'S EVEN GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT IF, IN FACT, WE DON'T GET THE ASSISTANCE THAT WE NEED AND THE SYSTEM FAILS.

WE'RE LOOKING AT THE HOA AND ALL OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY PROBABLY ENDING UP FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, OKAY, THAT WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO PRESENT TO YOU A CASE THAT REALLY HITS HOME AND SAYS, WE REALLY DO NEED THIS MONEY AND WE NEED THE ASSISTANCE.

AND IT WILL ALSO HELP TIMBERWOOD VILLAS AND IT WILL HELP TIMBERWOOD COMMUNITY.

[02:50:03]

GO AHEAD AND WRAP IT UP. ALL RIGHT.

AND I YIELD MY TIME TO LINDA KIRKLAND.

MISS LINDA KIRKLAND.

GOOD MORNING.

MY NAME IS LINDA KIRKLAND, AND I'VE BEEN A HOMEOWNER IN THE TIMBERWOOD VILLAS SINCE OCTOBER OF 2020.

AS A SINGLE RETIREE NOW ON A FIXED MONTHLY INCOME, I DID NOT ANTICIPATE, LIKE EVERYBODY SAID, THE HOA DUES, WHICH ARE NOW UP TO 2200 A YEAR WITH AN INCREASE OF 10% MAX EACH YEAR.

JUST SO WE CAN KEEP OUR TOILETS FLUSHING, AND EXTRA ASSESSMENTS TO KEEP UP WITH THE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SEPTIC AND FOR ATTORNEYS TO REPRESENT US IN THIS CASE. MY PLEA IS FOR THE EXTRA GRANT MONEY NEEDED TO HOOK UP TO SAN ANTONIO CITY SEWER AND ALLEVIATE THE WORRY OF POSSIBLE DISASTER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I YIELD MY TIME TO JOSH GALLION.

THANK YOU. JOSH GALLION.

GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.

COMMISSIONERS. YOUR HONOR, APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME.

MY NAME IS JOSHUA GALLION.

I LIVE AT TWO, 6431 CEDRO IN THE VILLAS WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER.

AND I WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL HOMEOWNERS THAT MOVED INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD BACK IN 2013.

AND WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THE SEPTIC SYSTEM SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING.

WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY.

WE LOVE THE VILLAS.

IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY.

WE HAVE WONDERFUL, INCREDIBLE NEIGHBORS.

WE'VE BEEN THRILLED, WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO BRING OUR DAUGHTER UP IN.

AND I WOULD TELL YOU, IT'S ALMOST PERFECT, EXCEPT FOR ONE MAJOR ISSUE.

AND THAT'S THE SEPTIC, WHICH IS WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY.

BUT WHAT MAKES THIS SITUATION SO INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING IS THAT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS STILL RELATIVELY NEW.

OF THE 75 HOMES IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, 73 OF THEM WERE BUILT IN 2012 OR AFTER.

I JUST HIT MY TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY IN MY HOME.

YET HERE I AM TODAY.

REPRESENTING MY COMMUNITY BECAUSE OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN CONDEMNED.

IT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD.

THIS IS INSANITY.

UNFORTUNATELY, MY FAMILY IS A LITTLE TOO FAMILIAR WITH THIS BECAUSE OUR HOUSE BACKS UP TO THE DRAINAGE FIELD WHERE ALL OF OUR SEPTIC IS, LEAKED. AND, ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AFTER WE HAD MOVED IN, ONCE OUR COMMUNITY HAD FINALLY BEEN BUILT OUT, THE SEPTIC SYSTEM REALLY STARTED TO BREAK.

AT ONE POINT, THERE WAS A PIPE STICKING OUT OF THE GROUND THAT WOULD SPEW WATER 25FT OR MORE INTO THE AIR.

IN THE STENCH WAS JUST AWFUL.

AGAIN. BRAND NEW HOME, RIGHT? BUT THIS WAS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE MYRIAD OF OUR ISSUES.

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUR FOREVER HOUSE.

YOU KNOW, I'M NOT A RICH MAN.

BUT I DO WORK HARD AND THIS IS THE LARGEST FINANCIAL INVESTMENT I HAVE IN MY LIFE AND IT IS IN PERIL.

IT IS A NIGHTMARE FOR US AND IT HAS BEEN FOR TEN YEARS.

WHEN I MOVED IN, WE PAID $775 A YEAR TO MAINTAIN OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM.

THIS YEAR ALONE, I WILL PAY $2,200 AND IT'S GOING TO GO UP 10% INTO PERPETUITY.

AND THERE IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, AND THAT'S HAVING SEPTIC RUN OUT TO US.

EVERY MEMBER IN THIS COMMUNITY, EVERY HOME, HAS PAID OVER $6,000 TO HIRE LAWYERS TO REPRESENT US.

AND IT'S WE'VE GOTTEN SOMEWHERE, BUT NOT WHERE WE NEED TO BE.

AND SO I HUMBLY ASK ALL OF YOU TODAY TO JUST PUT YOURSELF IN OUR SHOES.

IMAGINE BUILDING A HOME, YOUR LARGEST FINANCIAL INVESTMENT IN YOUR LIFE, OUTSIDE OF MAYBE YOUR 401 K PLAN.

AND YOU HAVE NO CERTAINTY IF YOU ARE GOING TO WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND IF YOUR TOILETS ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO FLUSH, OR YOU'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO TAKE A SHOWER, I KNOW MY TIME IS UP. JUST IMPLORE YOU, PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE NOT HERE ASKING FOR A HANDOUT.

WE GOT SKIN IN THE GAME.

WE JUST WERE HARD.

WORKING, TAX PAYING, VOTING CONSTITUENTS.

AND WE'RE JUST ASKING FOR A LITTLE BIT OF HELP.

SO THANK YOU. MATT NESBITT.

GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS MATT NESBITT.

I HAVE BEEN A RESIDENT OF THE VILLAS FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS.

MY WIFE AND I HAVE LOVED EVERY BIT OF LIVING IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.

HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE. OBVIOUSLY, AS YOU CAN SEE, THE NEIGHBORS ARE AMAZING.

BUT FOR THAT ENTIRE TIME, THE SEPTIC ISSUE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM.

FROM THE FINANCIAL ISSUES THAT EVERYBODY HAS BROUGHT UP TO THE TERRIBLE SMELL OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD, WHEN THE SYSTEM GETS OVERLOADED TO THE ONE OF THE WORST PROBLEMS IN THE RECENT COUPLE OF MONTHS IS THE MOSQUITOES.

MY HOUSE, AS WELL AS A FEW OF MY NEIGHBORS HOUSES, WERE INFESTED WITH FLIES AND MOSQUITOES FROM THIS ISSUE AND GETTING SO BAD TO THE POINT WHERE, WE HAD TO RUSH

[02:55:07]

ENTIRE SIDE OF HER FACE WAS SWOLLEN, EYE SWOLLEN SHUT BECAUSE SHE WAS BITTEN.

I THINK HE SAID IT WAS SEVEN TIMES IN THE FACE.

SO. TERRIBLE ISSUE.

WE HOPE YOU GUYS WILL VOTE IN OUR FAVOR TODAY, SO WE CAN FINALLY PUT THIS TERRIBLE PROBLEM BEHIND US, AND I YIELD THE REST OF MY TIME TO.

TORY. VENDELA. TORY.

VENDELA. GOOD MORNING, YOUR HONOR, AND GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY.

ALL RIGHT, GUYS, I HAVE THE CRIER OF THE GROUP.

THIS IS A PHOTO OF MY FAMILY.

I HAVE A SINGLE MOM RAISING MY CHILDREN IN OUR LITTLE COMMUNITY.

FOR THE PAST SEVEN AND A HALF YEARS, I RELY ON EVERY ONE OF THESE PEOPLE BEHIND ME TO HELP ME DO THE JOB THAT I DO.

THAT IS VERY DIFFICULT.

WE'VE HAD YEARS WHERE OUR HOA DUES WERE $5,000 PLUS, WE'VE ALL MADE IT THROUGH. BUT WITH WITH NOT NOT WITHOUT A STRUGGLE.

OUR CHILDREN ARE MORE VERSED IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS THAN THEY EVER SHOULD BE.

AND WHILE WE DO OUR JOB AS PARENTS TO TRY TO PROTECT THEM, AND SHIELD THEM FROM THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY UNFORTUNATELY HAVE HAD TO ACQUIRE.

WE'VE HAD TO EDUCATE THEM.

THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE SMELLS ARE.

THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE BEEPING NOISE IS WHEN THE SEPTIC SYSTEM IS IS OVERLOADED.

THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY CAN'T GO PLAY IN THE GREAT BIG, LARGE GREEN FIELD THAT LOOKS LIKE A FOOTBALL FIELD OR A SOCCER FIELD.

AND THEY HAVE TO KNOW THAT THAT'S NOT SAFE FOR THEM TO BE THERE.

THE WILDLIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE WATCH PASS ON POTENTIALLY FROM THAT DISASTER.

THE MOSQUITOES HAVE BEEN, ADDRESSED MY CHILDREN TO HAVE MASSIVE ALLERGIC REACTIONS.

MY DAUGHTER HALEY IS, STRICKEN WITH ECZEMA, ALOPECIA.

SHE'S A EIGHTH GRADER IN MIDDLE SCHOOL NAVIGATING THAT BALL.

AND IT'S OUR COMMUNITY WHO HAS SUPPORTED US AND BEEN THERE AND HELPED.

HELP ME RAISE THESE KIDS.

AND SO WE WE RELY ON ONE ANOTHER.

I'M A REAL ESTATE BROKER.

I WOULD LOVE TO SELL EVERYONE'S HOMES AND, AND HELP MYSELF FINANCIALLY, BUT WE WE ARE HERE.

WE TRULY ARE A COMMUNITY.

WE THANK YOU FOR THE TIME THAT YOU HAVE CONSIDERED THIS.

AND WE HOPE THAT THIS EVENING, WHEN YOU GET READY TO GO TO BED, WHEN YOU STEP OUTSIDE, YOU WILL.

HERE ARE SHOUTS FOR JOY, REPLACING THESE CRIES FOR HELP THAT WE'VE HAD.

AND WE REALLY HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER HELPING US GET HERE SO WE CAN CONTINUE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY THAT WE LOVE, THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT WE LOVE, BECAUSE WE'RE ALL BETTER AND STRONGER TOGETHER.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU. ARCHIE SOMERVILLE OR SOMERTON? SOMERTON. IS THAT HOW YOU SAY IT OR SOMETHING? YES, SIR. OKAY.

THE ONLY THING I CAN SAY DIFFERENT IS.

GOOD AFTERNOON.

THAT'S RIGHT. MY NAME IS ANGIE AND I'M A 74 YEAR OLD AIR FORCE RETIRED PERSON.

UPON A HOME IN THE FIELD US AND JANUARY OF 2014.

AND I BOUGHT IT WITH THE HOPES OF OF RETIRING THERE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

AND I GOTTA ADMIT THAT THE NEIGHBORHOOD HAS WONDERFUL PEOPLE, CARING AND FRIENDLY.

BUT TO MY SURPRISE, THE LAST TEN YEARS HAS TURNED OUT INTO WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE AS A SENIOR CITIZEN HOMEOWNERS NIGHTMARE.

I WON'T GO INTO ALL OF THE EXPENSES THAT WE'VE HAD TO DO AND ALL OF THE FEARS, BUT THE ONE FEAR THAT WE DO HAVE, WE ALL HAVE, IS THAT WE MAY NOT HAVE A LIVABLE HOME.

YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOUR TOILETS, PEOPLE.

I'M JUST GOING TO GO TO MY LAST COMMENTS BECAUSE BECAUSE EVERYTHING ELSE HAS BEEN SAID.

BUT COMMISSIONERS, I MAY NOT HAVE THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES OR THE LIFE EXPECTANCY TO SEE THIS STRUGGLE THROUGH.

THAT'S WHY I'M HUMBLY REQUESTING YOU APPROVE THAT GRANT.

THAT WILL ALLOW US TO FILL THE COST GAP TO IMPLEMENT THE ONLY SOLUTION THAT WE HAVE, WHICH IS TO HOOK UP TO THE SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM SOURCE.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT, IF WE GET THAT GRANT, IT WILL HELP TO ELIMINATE THIS ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT TO THE EDWARDS AQUIFER.

AND ALLOW US TO END THIS DECADE LONG STRUGGLE.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

[03:00:01]

GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

I'M JULIE DAY, A RESIDENT OF THE VILLAS OF TIMBERWOOD FOR NEARLY A DECADE.

WHEN I BOUGHT MY HOUSE HERE, IT WAS A SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS A POSITIVE NEW CHAPTER IN MY LIFE.

AS A RECENT DIVORCEE, A FULL TIME WORKING SINGLE MOM, I WAS DRAWN TO THIS SMALL, CLOSELY KNIT COMMUNITY NESTLED NEXT TO A BEAUTIFUL PARK.

AS MANY OF YOU MAY RELATE, THE DECISION TO INVEST IN A HOME INVOLVES CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, AND ONE FACTOR THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION WAS THE HIGH HOA FEES.

I INQUIRED WITH THE BUILDER'S REP, WHO ASSURED ME THAT THESE FEES WERE TIED TO ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM.

THE PROMISE WAS APPEALING.

I WOULDN'T NEED A PERSONAL SEPTIC SYSTEM, AND THE COLLECTIVE FEES WOULD EVENTUALLY DECREASE AS THE NEIGHBORHOOD FLOURISHED.

LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT THESE SO-CALLED IMPROVEMENTS WERE MERELY A BAND-AID ON A STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT SYSTEM.

OVER THE YEARS, DESPITE INJECTING SIGNIFICANT HOMEOWNER FUNDS THROUGH HEFTY HOA FEES, THE SYSTEM HAS NOW BEEN CONDEMNED AND FEES HAVE MORE THAN TRIPLED WITH NO END IN SIGHT.

THE IMPLICIT ASSURANCE BY THE BUILDER OF MINIMAL AND STRAIGHTFORWARD MANAGEMENT HAS PROVEN TO BE A MIRAGE.

THE BURDEN OF OVERSEEING THIS FAILING SYSTEM HAS FALLEN ON THE SHOULDERS OF THREE DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS ON OUR BOARD ROY, TOMMY AND PAUL.

TURNING WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THEIR RETIREMENT YEARS INTO AN UNPAID, FULL TIME COMMITMENT.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS A DIVERSE MIX OF HARD WORKING, MIDDLE CLASS RESIDENTS, SPANNING FROM YOUNG FAMILIES TO ELDERLY RETIREES.

THE CONSTANT VIGILANCE REQUIRED BY OUR BOARD MEMBERS TO MONITOR THE FAILING SYSTEM IS A DAUNTING TASK.

THE FINANCIAL STRAIN IMPOSED BY SOARING HOA FEES, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, ONGOING REPAIRS AND THE LOOMING THREAT OF CATASTROPHIC SYSTEM FAILURE HAS INSTILLED PERPETUAL ANXIETY AND DREAD THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

PERSONALLY, I POSTPONE MY RETIREMENT TO PREPARE FOR THE POTENTIAL FALLOUT OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, AN EVENTUALITY I COULD BE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR AS AN HOA MEMBER.

BEYOND THE FINANCIAL RISK, THERE IS A LOOMING HEALTH HAZARD TO OUR COMMUNITY.

EVIDENCE OF THIS CAN BE SEEN IN DEAD DEER FOUND IN THE SEPTIC FIELD AND VEGETATION SUFFERING IN THE VICINITY.

DURING SNOWMAGEDDON OF 2021, WE FACED THE TERRIFYING PROSPECT OF SEWAGE OVERFLOWING INTO THE CREEK AND POSSIBLY HOMES DUE TO POWER OUTAGES THAT PREVENTED THE PUMPS FROM PUMPING.

OUR BOARD HAD TO URGENTLY APPEAL TO CPS FOR PRIORITY POWER RESTORATION IN THE FREEZING COLD.

OUR BOARD MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS WORK TIRELESSLY TO ENSURE THE PUMPS WERE WARMED WITH HEATERS AND GENERATORS.

THE ONLY VIABLE LONG TERM SOLUTION IS TO CONNECT TO SOURCE.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE COST THE TIME HAS EXPIRED AND WRAP IT UP.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE COST PER HOME IS BEYOND THE REACH OF MOST HOMEOWNERS.

TODAY WE COME BEFORE YOU WITH A PLEA FOR ASSISTANCE A GRANT TO FUND THE CONVERSION TO SOURCE.

OUR SEPTIC SYSTEM IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, AND WE FERVENTLY HOPE TO BE CONNECTED TO CITY SEWAGE BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES.

I YIELD MY TIME TO TOMMY JOHNSON.

TOMMY JOHNSON.

COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ABILITY TO HEAR US OUT ON THIS ISSUE.

I WAS THE ORIGINAL HOMEOWNER, NUMBER ONE THAT'S LEFT OUT OF THE WHOLE GROUP, AND I LOVE ALL OF MY NEIGHBORS.

THEY'VE WATCHED MY DAUGHTER GO FROM NOTHING TO RUNNING THROUGH EVERYBODY'S YARD, EXCEPT THE ONE BEHIND THE NUMEROUS NEIGHBORS THAT HAVE TO SMELL IT. IT'S NOT ANYTHING YOU EVER WANT TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH, I CAN ASSURE YOU.

SO ESSENTIALLY WE NEED THIS MORE THAN YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE.

WE'RE ASKING YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION NOT BECAUSE WE WANT IT, BUT BECAUSE WE HAVE TO HAVE IT.

IT'S NOT JUST US.

IT'S. YOU'VE HEARD OF TIMBERWOOD PARK.

MUST. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVEN'T BEEN EVER BEEN THERE TO SEE IT, MUSTANG CREEK RUNS THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

MUSTANG CREEK DUMPS INTO THE EDWARDS AQUIFER.

MUSTANG CREEK GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE COAST.

THIS IS NOT JUST OUR COMMUNITY'S PROBLEM.

IT IS EVERYBODY'S PROBLEM.

AND WE GREATLY NEED YOUR HELP.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND I APPRECIATE IT AS MY NEIGHBORS DO.

I YIELD MY TIME TO GEORGE BENTLEY.

GEORGE BENTLEY. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE SAKAI.

COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS GEORGE BENTLEY.

MY FAMILY AND I ARE ORIGINAL RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGE OF TIMBERWOOD PARK, AND HAVE LIVED IN OUR HOME FOR TEN YEARS.

[03:05:03]

HONESTLY, I NEVER THOUGHT I'D BE TALKING TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.

I'LL BE ADMIT TO BEING A BIT NERVOUS.

WHY? I WROTE DOWN WHAT I WANTED TO SAY AND WHY WOULD I BE NERVOUS? HONESTLY, I KNOW THE ENORMITY OF THIS SITUATION.

I KNOW WHAT THIS DECISION MEANS FOR US IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOU'VE HEARD ALL THE DETAILS AND I WON'T REHASH THEM ALL, BUT I'LL TELL YOU MINE AND MY FAMILY'S FEELINGS.

THE LAST TEN YEARS HAVE BEEN A TRIAL OF PERSEVERANCE, AS WE AND THE FAMILIES AND THE VILLAS HAVE ENDURED THIS DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION, ALONG WITH DEFEATING FINANCIAL BURDEN, WE ALL PUT IN OUR PERSONAL FINANCES ON TOP OF PAYING WHAT IS REQUIRED TO KEEP THE SEPTIC SYSTEM SEPTIC SYSTEM GOING.

AND WHILE YOU MIGHT THINK THE ADDITIONAL PERSONAL FUNDS WERE A CHOICE, THEY WERE NEVER A CHOICE.

WE HAD TO DO IT.

IT WAS THE ONLY OPTION TO PROTECT OUR HOMES, OUR FAMILIES AND THE LAND AROUND US.

AND WHILE I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR MY FAMILY, I'M SURE OTHERS WERE IN THE SAME BOAT.

WE DIDN'T HAVE THE EXCESS MONEY TO PUT IN.

BUT WE STILL DID IT. WE KNEW THIS WASN'T A CHOICE TO MOVE FORWARD.

IT WAS THE ONLY OPTION.

SO WE STRESSED.

WE STRUGGLED, WE PRAYED, AND WE FOUND A WAY.

YOU TRY TO PLAN FOR EVERYTHING, BUT WE NEVER COULD HAVE PLANNED FOR THE ADDITIONAL THOUSANDS WE HAD TO PUT IN.

AND IF WE DON'T RECEIVE THESE ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDS, THE TENS OF THOUSANDS MORE THAT WILL HAVE TO COME OUT OF EACH OF OUR POCKETS.

AND WHEN WE KNOW THERE CAN BE VARYING OPINIONS AND THOUGHTS ABOUT A RESOLUTION TO THIS MESS, THE FACT IS THERE IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION THAT IS CONNECTED CONNECTION TO SOURCE.

WE AS A COMMUNITY HAVE DONE EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO AVOID TO AVOID AN ENVIRONMENTAL ACCIDENT, AND IT HAS TAKEN US THIS FAR.

THIS REALLY IS JUST A TICKING TIME BOMB WAITING TO HAPPEN.

WE FINALLY HAVE A RESOLUTION IN FRONT OF US, AND WITH THESE FUNDS, WE HAVE THE MEANS TO GET THERE.

I TRULY BELIEVE YOU ALL, AS THE COMMISSIONERS BECAME WHAT YOU DID BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTY.

AND THAT'S WHAT I'M ASKING.

THAT'S WHAT WE ARE ASKING.

HELP US IN KNOWING THE SOLUTION IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

WITH YOUR HELP AND APPROVAL, WE CAN FINALLY PUT THESE HORRIBLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES TO REST.

AS A NEIGHBOR, A FRIEND, A HUSBAND, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, A FATHER, I WOULDN'T BE HERE SPEAKING TO YOU IF YOU DIDN'T FEEL.

IF I DIDN'T FEEL THIS WAS AN HONEST AND WORTHY SOLUTION.

BY APPROVING THESE FUNDS, YOU'LL BE PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, HELPING THE FAMILIES, STANDING HERE IN FRONT OF YOU AND THOSE THAT AREN'T.

I'LL END MY COMMENTS BY ASKING YOU TO TAKE ALL THAT TO HEART.

AND I CAN PRAY THAT WE PUT THIS BEHIND US TO THANK YOU FOR THE TIME, AND I'LL YIELD MY TIME TO MICHAEL TOMLINSON.

MICHAEL TOMLINSON. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE.

COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

MY NAME IS MICHAEL THOMPSON.

I'M AN AIR FORCE VETERAN.

I RETIRED AND I RETIRED NURSE AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVING SAN ANTONIO.

I RECEIVED MY DECLARATION OF, BACK IN 2022 FROM THE MAYOR.

AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE TO SAN ANTONIO AS A NURSE.

I MOVED INTO THE VILLAGE ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO.

I DID NOT HAVE FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEPTIC SYSTEM, AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID TODAY, SOON AFTER, I WAS MADE AWARE OF THESE HAZARDOUS, PROBLEMATIC, POTENTIAL DISASTERS READY TO HAPPEN LONG AFTER MOVING IN.

WE STARTED A LAWSUIT IN THE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, WITH THE BUILDERS AND THE DEVELOPER.

AS YOU'VE HEARD ALREADY, WE WERE ASKED TO PUT OUT QUITE A BIT OF MONEY FOR ATTORNEY FEES OR HOA FEES STARTED FOR ME AT $650 EVERY SIX MONTHS.

NOW THERE ARE $150 EVERY SIX MONTHS, AND THEY GO UP 10% ANNUALLY.

TO MAINTAIN OUR SYSTEM, THE FINANCIAL ISSUES ARE ONLY PERTINENT PERTINENT TO OUR SITUATION.

THERE'S ONLY ONE OF THE FEW, THE CLOSEST EVERYONE CLOSEST TO THE SEPTIC AREA.

AND THE POUR OFFS HAVE BEEN INFESTED BY MOSQUITOES AND INSECTS.

YOU'VE HEARD THE TESTIMONIES OF PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES.

WHO'S BEEN AFFECTED BY THAT? MOSTLY. AND THIS IS MOSTLY DURING THE HUMIDITY AND HEAT EXPOSURE, WHICH IS BASICALLY MOSTLY ALL OUR YEAR LONG.

WE OPEN OUR DOORS EITHER INSIDE OR OUT.

DOESN'T MOSQUITOES ENTER? THESE INSECTS ARE SO BAD WE CAN'T ENJOY SITTING ON OUR PATIO TO BE AWAKENED ALL HOURS OF THE NIGHT BY GETTING BIT.

NOT TO MENTION, AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, I'VE OFTEN WONDERED HOW MANY OF US HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SOMETHING EVEN EVEN GREATER IN SERIOUSNESS, AFTER ALL, MOSQUITOES ARE INFECTIOUS VECTORS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES.

LASTLY, THE REAL SCARE, THE POTENTIAL DISASTER IS FOR OUR OLD BROKEN DOWN SYSTEM TO FAIL.

WASTE BACKS UP IN OUR HOUSE OR SPILLS AND EXPLODES OUT INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ON OUR STREETS.

TOXIC WASTE COULD BE THE EXPOSURE, GREAT IN GREAT AMOUNTS AND FORCE US TO HAVE TO LEAVE OUR HOMES.

IF THIS HAPPENS, WE REALLY DON'T HAVE A CONTINGENCY FOR THAT.

AND THAT'S THE BIGGEST PROBLEM GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE ONE THAT WE'VE WORRIED ABOUT THE MOST.

MANY OF US CAN'T TELL YOU HOW SICK, DISCOURAGED AND DEPRESSING WE'VE HAD TO LIVE WITH SOMETHING SO FINANCIALLY DEVASTATING AS THIS.

IT HAS RENDERED AND PLACED OUR LITTLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN A VERY UNPREDICTABLE, VULNERABLE STATE OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

[03:10:05]

ESPECIALLY. WE LIVE IN THE SAME CITY AND STATE, AND THIS CAN AFFECT OUR CITY AS WELL, NOT JUST OUR AREA.

TEXANS TAKE CARE OF TEXANS STATE BY STATE.

WE ARE AT LEAST TAUGHT THIS AS MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY.

WE SERVE AND PROTECT OUR COUNTRY.

THE TIME HAS EXPIRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

I YIELD MY TIME TO THE NEXT SPEAKER.

CURTIS TOBLER.

CURTIS STOLER I GOT IT.

THANK YOU, JUDGE SAKAI AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS CURTIS TOBLER.

MY WIFE AND I BUILT OUR HOME OVER TEN YEARS AGO IN THE VILLAGE OF TIMBERWOOD PARK.

I WISH YOU WERE HERE REPRESENTING US TODAY BECAUSE SHE WAS A FAR BETTER ORDER THAN I.

I LOST HER THREE YEARS AGO IN OUR HOME.

DURING OUR DISCUSSION WITH THE BUILDER, WE EXPRESSED OUR CONCERN ABOUT THE HOA FEES BEING EXTREMELY HIGH $800 PER YEAR.

IT WAS REPRESENTED TO US AT THE EDGE OF FEES WOULD DECREASE.

OUR HOME WAS ABOUT NUMBER 3538 OUT OF THE 75 HOMES, AND SHE HAD TOLD US THAT ONCE ALL 75 HOMES WERE COMPLETED, WE WOULD SEE A DECREASE.

WE WOULD SEE A DECREASE IN HALF OUR HOA FEES.

THE FEES WERE HIGH DUE TO THE COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM.

IT WAS OUR BUILDERS CLAIM THAT THE COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM WOULD BE A BENEFIT TO US SEEING IT WAS A SUPERIOR SYSTEM AS OPPOSED TO THE INDIVIDUAL SEPTIC SYSTEMS. THEY ALSO REPRESENTED A COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM WOULD ADD VALUE TO OUR HOME.

HERE WE ARE TEN PLUS YEARS LATER AND OUR SUPERIOR SEPTIC SYSTEM IS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMATIC.

WE HAVE SEEN OUR HOA.

HOA FEES NOT ONLY INCREASE ALMOST THREE TIMES OR ACTUALLY THREE TIMES PER YEAR, BUT ALSO THE COMMUNITY SEPTIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN CONDEMNED BY OUR OWN BEXAR COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM AND IS NOW POLLUTING THE SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM.

THE RISE IN HOA FEES IS DIRECTLY CORRELATED TO THE MAINTENANCE OF THIS FAILING SLASH CONDEMNED SYSTEM.

IT IS NOT BUILT FOR THE NUMBER OF HOMES EVENTUALLY CONSTRUCTED IN OUR COMMUNITY.

THIS ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER HAS BEEN CAUSED BY GREED.

NOW WE ARE. NOW THAT I AM WIDOWED, I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT RELOCATING MYSELF CLOSER TO MY FAMILY.

THE SALABILITY OF MY HOME WOULD BE HAMPERED BY THIS DISCLOSURE OF OUR CONDEMNED SEPTIC SYSTEM AND THE UNREASONABLY HIGH HOA HOA FEES REQUIRED TO MANAGE OUR SYSTEM. IF IT WEREN'T FOR THE GREAT HOA BOARD THAT WE HAVE THESE THREE INCREDIBLE HEROES.

WHO HAVE PERSONALLY WORKED THOUSANDS OF HOURS FOR OUR BEHALF, WE WOULD BE WITHOUT A SEPTIC SYSTEM.

OUR ONLY LONG TERM VIABLE SOLUTION IS TO CONNECT TO SAWS.

SO WE ARE WE HAVE A SHORTFALL AND REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER'S HELP IN ASSISTING IN GRANTING US THE FULL $2 MILLION TO BRIDGE THE GAP NEEDED TO HOOK US UP TO SAWS.

WITHOUT IT, WE WILL SEE OUR HOME VALUES COMPROMISED.

OUR CURRENT SYSTEM POSSIBLY FAIL.

NOT POSSIBLY IT WILL FAIL.

AND THE CONTINUED POISONING OF THE AQUIFER.

PLEASE HEAR OUR PLEAS AND HELP.

THANK YOU. I YIELD MY TIME TO JUDY BLOCK.

ALL RIGHT. I HAVE THE BLOCK FAMILY.

DO Y'ALL WANT TO COME TOGETHER, OR DO Y'ALL WANT TO COME SEPARATE? AND I THINK THAT'S THE BLOCK FAMILY THAT ARE LONGTIME FOSTER PARENTS.

YES, SIR. THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING THAT.

YES, SIR. GO. ARE YOU GOING TO.

WHO'S GOING TO SPEAK? FOR WHO? MY WIFE WILL START. I'M JUST GOING TO SAY MY NAME IS JUDY BLOCK, AND I'M YIELDING MY ENTIRE TIME TO ROY BLOCK.

OKAY? I DON'T GET THAT AT HOME ALL THE TIME.

I CAN TELL YOU THAT, JUDGE.

COMMISSIONERS, I'M GOING TO TRY NOT TO BE TOTALLY REDUNDANT, ALTHOUGH I THINK THERE ARE SOME ASPECTS OF WHAT'S BEEN BROUGHT UP TODAY THAT DO BEAR REPEATING.

WE BECAME THE RECIPIENTS OF A POORLY DESIGNED.

INADEQUATE SEPTIC SYSTEM.

IT SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE.

WE HAVE TRIED TO STRUGGLE WITH IT IN THE TIME THAT WE'VE BEEN THERE.

MY WIFE, JUDY AND I CAME TEN YEARS AGO TO OUR RETIREMENT HOME.

OR AT LEAST I THOUGHT RETIREMENT.

I DIDN'T KNOW I WAS GOING TO BE EMBARKING ON A NEW FULL TIME CAREER.

[03:15:01]

WE'RE NOT JUST OPERATING A SEPTIC SYSTEM.

WE'RE REQUIRED TO HAVE A LICENSE TO OPERATE OVER THERE FIVE DAYS A WEEK.

ONE OF THESE DAYS.

DURING THE SUMMER, I GOT A CALL BECAUSE TWO OF THE PUMPS FOR TWO OF THE TANKS, WHICH IS WHAT WE MAINTAIN, HAD GONE OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY.

AND THE OPERATOR INFORMED ME.

SEWAGE. RAW SEWAGE WAS BACKING UP ALREADY TO THE STREET.

WE WERE WITHIN HOURS OF HAVING RAW SEWAGE ENTER BACK INTO THE HOMES.

OUR REGULAR PUMP TRUCK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

I HAD TO GET ONLINE AND FIND A PUMPING COMPANY THAT COULD GET THERE IMMEDIATELY.

WELL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY DIDN'T WANT TO.

WELL, WE'LL SEND YOU A CHECK.

I HAD TO PUT IT ON MY PERSONAL CREDIT CARD, WHICH FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO DO.

EVERYBODY IS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

ONE SUNDAY BOARD MEMBER YOU HEARD FROM EARLIER, TOMMY.

MARTY GOT CALLED OUT OF CHURCH EASTER SUNDAY BECAUSE OF AN EMERGENCY AT THE SYSTEM.

THAT'S NOT QUALITY OF LIFE.

THAT'S NOT WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR.

IF I BEGAN TO LIST TO YOU ALL THE TIMES THAT PAUL COLLIANDER, WHO YOU HEARD FROM INITIALLY THAT HE'S BEEN CALLED BECAUSE HE'S KIND OF OUR POINT GUY ON ALL OF THIS, I COULDN'T EVEN COULDN'T EVEN LIST THEM HOW MANY TIMES HE'S BEEN CALLED.

YOU ALL ARE AWARE OF SOMETHING CALLED A PERFECT STORM.

THE PERFECT STORM IS COMING.

IT'S WHEN THESE EVENTS THAT AREN'T SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN DO HAPPEN.

MUCH LIKE WHEN THERE'S TWO PUMPS WENT OUT, THE RAW SEWAGE IS COMING BACK.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A SCENARIO WHERE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A HIGH WATER TABLE.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE ALL THE OTHER ELEMENTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO IT.

WITH THE WATER COMING IN, WITH THE SEWERAGE GOING OUT, NOT TO WHERE IT'S SUPPOSED TO GO, BUT OVERFLOWING HAS BEEN ALLUDED TO EARLIER.

WE ARE DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO MUSTANG CREEK, WHICH FEEDS INTO THE EDWARDS AQUIFER.

I DON'T WANT THE HEADLINE TO BE IN TOMORROW'S PAPER, THOUGH, IS THE TIMBER WOULD POLLUTE THE EDWARDS AQUIFER.

THAT'S NOT WHAT WE WANT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

SO THIS IS NOT A VILLAS PROBLEM OR ISSUE.

THIS IS NOT A TIMBERWOOD PROBLEM OR ISSUE.

THIS IS A FULL BEXAR COUNTY ISSUE.

EVERY ONE OF YOU COMMISSIONERS SITTING THERE, YOUR FAMILIES ARE IMPACTED BY THIS.

SO WHAT WE'RE ASKING HERE TODAY IS THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WE NEED TO GET US OVER THE HURDLE.

AND BELIEVE ME, IT WAS SAID EARLIER ABOUT HAVING SKIN IN THE GAME.

WE HAVE SKIN IN THE GAME.

LET ME TELL YOU A LOT OF SKIN, BUT THAT SKIN IS VERY THIN.

IT CAN ONLY GO SO FAR.

WE ARE AT THE POINT OF BREAKING.

WE HAVE NO MORE RESOURCES.

WHEN THAT PERFECT SCENARIO COMES ABOUT, AND WHAT IS IT GOING TO DO TO OUR HOME VALUES? WHAT IS IT GOING TO DO WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS? RIGHT NOW, WE LITERALLY HAVE A CONTROL PANEL THAT'S 75 TO $80,000 TO REPLACE ROUGHLY $1,000 A HOME THAT IS HELD TOGETHER WITH TAPE AND WIRE BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND WE ARE ABOUT TO FAIL.

IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE WE'RE HERE.

THIS IS ONE OF THE RARE TIMES THAT THE THREE BOARD MEMBERS ARE TOGETHER, AWAY FROM THE COMMUNITY, BECAUSE WE SCHEDULE OUR TIME ACCORDINGLY SO THAT ONE OF US IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE. TO TAKE CARE OF PROBLEMS AS THEY ARISE, AND AS WE HAVE HEARD, THEY WILL ARISE.

I'LL SUM UP BY SAYING, WE APPRECIATE YOUR HEARING US, AND WE IMPLORE WHEN YOU VOTE.

REMEMBER THE NEED.

WE'RE NOT LOOKING FOR SOMETHING JUST TO HELP US OUT.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO GET US OVER THE HURDLE.

THIS IS SOMETHING WE DESPERATELY NEED, AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR IT.

AGAIN, THANK YOU TO ALL MY NEIGHBORS.

YOU SEE HOW SERIOUS WE ARE ABOUT THIS? WE HAVE A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY OF WONDERFUL PEOPLE, AND WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DO THAT.

AND WHEN THEY FLIP THE SWITCH AND WE HOOK UP TO THE SOURCE COMMUNITY, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A BLOCK PARTY AND YOU'RE ALL INVITED.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

IF Y'ALL CAN HAVE A SEAT, WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO IS GET TRY TO GET THE AGENDA ITEM TO THE FLOOR.

OBVIOUSLY, COMMISSIONER MOODY, I'LL LET YOU OPEN, BUT LET'S GET A PRESENTATION FROM, FROM STAFF PATRICIA TORRES.

MELISSA. SHANNON, COME BACK.

I BELIEVE WE WILL HAVE THIS PROJECT AND OTHER PROJECTS TO DISCUSS.

AND THEN I WOULD LIKE A MOTION AND LET'S GET A VOTE SO THAT EVERYBODY KNOWS WHERE THE WHAT THE COURT HAS DONE TODAY.

SO WHO'S GOING TO MAKE THE PRESENTATION IF YOU WANT TO GO.

GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

ON AUGUST 18TH, 2023, THE PURCHASING AGENT RELEASED EVENT 1040, WHICH IS A NOFA FOR WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING PROPOSALS THAT ADDRESS A

[03:20:05]

THIS NOFA WAS SENT OUT TO 546 SUPPLIERS THROUGH THE BEXAR COUNTY SUPPLIER PORTAL, AND NINE RESPONSES WERE RECEIVED BY THE OCTOBER 3RD, 2023 SUBMISSION DEADLINE FROM FIVE RESPONDENTS.

THOSE RESPONDENTS INCLUDE THE VILLAS AT TIMBERWOOD HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO AND THE CITIES OF BALCONES HEIGHTS, LEON VALLEY AND UNIVERSAL CITY.

BOTH THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO AND UNIVERSAL CITY.

EACH SUBMITTED THREE PROPOSALS.

DO YOU HAVE A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION? YES. YES. OKAY. YOU DON'T WANT TO PUT IT UP SO THAT THE PUBLIC SEES IT.

ALL NINE PROPOSALS WERE REVIEWED, EVALUATED AND SCORED BASED ON THE PROJECTS DEMONSTRATED NEED, IMPACT, ELIGIBILITY AND FEASIBILITY, AS WELL AS THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE, CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE, AND THEIR LEVERAGE.

SO TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ADDITIONAL DETAILS, I WILL NOW HAND THIS OVER TO MISS SHANNON.

I'M GOING TO SKIP THROUGH SOME SLIDES BECAUSE IT'S STUFF THAT'S ALREADY BEEN COVERED.

SO THIS IS AGAIN THE LIST OF THE PROPOSALS RECEIVED THAT YOU SEE ON SLIDE THREE.

AND ON THE SCREEN, 2220 2.3 MILLION TOTAL REQUEST IN REQUEST.

AND AS THOMAS MENTIONED EARLIER IN HIS PRESENTATION, WE ONLY HAVE AN UNALLOCATED BALANCE OF 9.7 MILLION.

SO THAT'S PROPOSALS RECEIVED.

THE NEXT SLIDE ARE THOSE PROPOSALS THAT ARE NOFA ELIGIBLE AND ARPA ELIGIBLE.

SO THE LAST ONE WERE ALL NINE PROJECTS RECEIVED WERE ALL ARPA ELIGIBLE, BUT THREE WERE NOT NOFA ELIGIBLE.

SO THE NOFA THAT THE COUNTY PUT OUT.

SO THIS SLIDE THAT'S IN FRONT OF YOU NOW ARE THE SIX PROJECTS THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR GUIDANCE TODAY.

THIS COMES OUT TO 15.5 MILLION IN REQUEST.

AND WE HAVE AGAIN 9.7 MILLION IN UNALLOCATED.

SO FRF BALANCE.

SO NOW STAFF IS SEEKING DIRECTION FROM COURT.

OF THESE SIX PROJECTS, ARE THERE ARE THERE PROJECTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO FUND OUT OF THAT $9.7 MILLION BALANCE? YES, I ASSUME SO.

ALL RIGHT. COMMISSIONER MOODY, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU. JUDGE.

QUICK QUESTION.

MELISSA. YES, SIR.

SO I BELIEVE YOU TALKED ABOUT YOUR SCORING METHODOLOGY.

COULD YOU SPEAK TO THE ACTUAL SCORING RANKING YOU HAD FOR THESE PROJECTS? YES. SO THE PROJECTS WERE SCORED.

SO LET ME JUST GIVE YOU SOME SOME HIGH LEVEL DETAILS ON THAT.

THE SCORING COMMITTEE WAS MADE UP OF AN INDIVIDUAL FROM THE ARPA OFFICE, BUDGET OFFICE, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND TWO FROM PUBLIC WORKS.

THEY WERE SCORED ON THE PROJECT ITSELF.

THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROJECT AND THE OVERALL ORGANIZATION.

WHO HAD, APPLIED.

THE RANKINGS ARE TIMBERWOOD HOA RANKED NUMBER ONE.

LEON VALLEY WAS NUMBER TWO.

AND THEN THE THREE UNIVERSAL CITY PROJECTS WERE THREE, FOUR AND FIVE.

SO NUMBER THREE WAS THE AVIATION DISTRICT PROJECT, AND THEN FOUR AND FIVE WERE THE TWO UNIVERSAL CITY THOROUGHFARE PACKAGE PROJECTS ONE AND TWO, RESPECTIVELY.

OKAY. THANK YOU FOR THAT.

AND I KNOW YOU ALSO MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE SOME NOFA, PROJECTS THAT DIDN'T MEET THE RFP REQUEST, BUT THEY ARE ARPA ELIGIBLE. YES, SIR.

AND I WOULD ASK, YOU KNOW, THAT THAT STAFF CONTINUE TO EXPLORE AND SEE WHAT OPPORTUNITIES THERE ARE TO EITHER REISSUE THE RFP OR REMOVE THAT CONSTRAINT. SO WE COULD AGAIN LOOK AT ADDITIONAL PROJECTS, POTENTIALLY, YOU KNOW, IN FEBRUARY OR MARCH GOING FORWARD.

WOW. I WOULD JUST SAY SOME REALLY POWERFUL STORIES.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT WITH ALL OF US.

I'M SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG TODAY.

AND I'M REALLY SORRY THAT YOU'VE HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE FOR SO LONG.

I'VE SPOKEN ABOUT THIS SITUATION MULTIPLE TIMES WITH MY COLLEAGUES HERE ON THE COURT.

[03:25:01]

SOME OF WHICH WAS WAS LAID OUT TODAY.

BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU KNOW, WE FIND OURSELVES IN THE SITUATION WE ARE THROUGH NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN.

YOU KNOW, THE THE LEGAL OPTIONS HAVE ALL PLAYED OUT.

YOUR LEGAL TEAM HAS, HAS WORKED HARD FOR FOR ALL OF YOU, TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE HERE TODAY.

YOU KNOW, THE COUNTY IS REALLY THE LAST RESORT FOR THESE HOMEOWNERS.

THEY'VE TRIED EVERY OTHER OPTION POSSIBLE.

THEY'VE EXPLORED EVERY SEPTIC SYSTEM POSSIBLE.

AND SEWER IS THE FINAL OPTION, AND THE COUNTY IS THE LAST RESORT.

SO I BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT THE COUNTY NEEDS TO STEP UP FOR ALL OF YOU.

BUT NOT JUST FOR ALL OF YOU, ALSO FOR THE BROADER COMMUNITY.

BECAUSE THIS ISN'T JUST THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR ALL OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES.

IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.

IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR MUSTANG CREEK.

IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, AND IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO FOR BEXAR COUNTY.

I WORK FOR ALL OF YOU.

WHEN YOUR TEAM APPROACHED US EARLY IN 2023, THIS WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO AND TODAY IT STILL IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. I'M GOING TO MOVE.

APPROVAL OF THE TOP THREE PROJECTS, IDENTIFIED BY OUR ARPA TEAM.

NUMBER ONE BEING THE TIMBERWOOD VILLAS HOA SEWER MAIN.

NUMBER TWO BEING EL VERDE WATER AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN LEON VALLEY.

AND PROJECT NUMBER THREE, THE AVIATION DISTRICT SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION PROJECT IN UNIVERSAL CITY.

ALL RIGHT. THERE'S A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT WILL CONTINUE DISCUSSION.

COMMISSIONER CALVERT, THANK YOU.

I JUST WANT TO THANK ALL OF THE CITIZENS WHO TOOK OFF, HALF A DAY TO BE HERE.

I WANT TO, THANK COMMISSIONER MOODY AND HIS STAFF FOR THEIR WORK GETTING US HERE.

AND JUST SAY I'M.

I'M REALLY, REALLY SORRY ABOUT, WHAT HAS HAPPENED, FOR YOU ALL OVER THE OVER THE YEARS.

CERTAINLY THERE, YOU KNOW, THERE WAS A ONE OF THE LAST SPEAKERS MADE A VERY IMPORTANT STATEMENT, WHICH IS THE SEPTIC SYSTEM NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

AND I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE COUNTY IN TERMS OF, YOU KNOW, HOW IT WAS APPROVED.

AND TAKE A LOOK AT OUR REVIEW PROCESS AND MAKE SURE THAT THESE KINDS OF THINGS ARE NOT CONTINUING.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THESE TYPES OF DOLLARS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO.

THESE DOLLARS ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY LACK OF SEWER AND WATER.

AND I REMEMBER STUDYING IN FRANCE EPIDEMIOLOGY.

AND, YOU KNOW, THE MAIN ROOT OF DISEASE WAS FECAL PARTICULATE.

I'M SORRY TO GET INTO THE LUNCH HOUR, BUT I MEAN, EVERYTHING I'D READ IN THE, YOU KNOW, IN THE PROFESSOR WOULD SAY, WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS IS CAUSED FROM? WELL, PROFESSOR, FECAL PARTICULATE, YOU KNOW, DISEASE, DISEASE, DISEASE.

AND SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE KEEP, OUR AQUIFER CLEAN.

YES. THIS IS A COUNTY WIDE, IMPORTANT INITIATIVE TO TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS HAPPENS.

I HOPE YOU ALL USE THE BATHROOM HERE AT THE COURTHOUSE WHILE YOU'RE HERE.

AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, I THINK NO, THEY SHOULDN'T, COMMISSIONER.

I THINK I THINK YOU ALL DESERVE HONORARY.

AND THE COMMISSIONER.

HONORARY PLUMBER AND HONORARY SEPTIC ENGINEER, PROCLAMATIONS LATER.

BUT, YOU'VE DONE A GREAT PRESENTATION TODAY, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING, COMMISSIONER MOODY'S MOTION.

THANK YOU. OKAY.

COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

THANK YOU JUDGE. LET ME ALSO THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.

I KNOW, THIS IS OFTEN NOT THE MOST EXCITING STUFF TO SIT THROUGH.

SO WE APPRECIATE YOU SPENDING THE MORNING WITH US.

AND IT CERTAINLY IS COUNTY TAXPAYERS.

SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO SEE, YOU KNOW, YOUR YOUR COUNTY DOLLARS AT WORK.

I'M, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF WHAT COMMISSIONER MOODY IS SUGGESTING, AND HE HAS BEEN, RELENTLESS, I WOULD SAY, WITH RESPECT TO ADVOCATING FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUR OF YOUR COMMUNITY.

SO, COMMISSIONER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THIS.

THE ONLY THING THAT I THAT I WANTED TO MENTION, JUDGE AND COLLEAGUES, IS I THINK THAT WE'VE GOT.

[03:30:01]

I KNOW THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE FUNDING, SET ASIDE YET THAT WOULD COVER ALL SIX OF THOSE PROJECTS, BUT I DO THINK THOSE ARE AS IMPORTANT.

I KNOW THAT, MY COMMUNITY IN BALCONES HEIGHTS AND I VISITED ACTUALLY THIS WEEK WITH ALL THE RAIN WE'VE GOT.

I KNOW IT'S NOT A SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, BUT IT IS A FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT WHICH WAS PART OF THE NOFA.

AND IT DOES GO TO, PUBLIC HEALTH, PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY.

AND I THINK TO COMMISSIONER CALVERT'S EARLIER POINT ABOUT PUTTING PEOPLE OVER POWERFUL.

SO I WOULD HOPE COMMISSIONER AND OTHERS, I KNOW YOU'VE GOT A COUPLE OF OTHER UNIVERSAL CITY PROJECTS THAT WE COULD AGREE, EVEN MOVING FORWARD WITH, COMMISSIONER MOODY'S MOTION TODAY FOR THREE OF THE PROJECTS THAT WE BRING BACK IN SHORT ORDER.

THE OTHER THREE ELIGIBLE PROJECTS, THE BALCONES HEIGHTS AND THE TWO UNIVERSAL CITY PROJECTS, AND DIRECT STAFF TO IDENTIFY THE FUNDING FOR THOSE BECAUSE I THINK, AS WE HAD THAT DISCUSSION EARLIER REGARDING REPROGRAM DOLLARS, WE CAN CERTAINLY COME UP WITH ANOTHER 5 MILLION OR SO THAT WOULD COVER ALL SIX OF THESE PROJECTS.

SO I AM SUPPORTIVE.

JUST BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO EXPEDITE, THAT WE MOVE FORWARD AND NOT GET IN A BIG PUBLIC, DISPUTE ABOUT WHETHER WE INCLUDE 3 OR 6 TODAY.

LET'S GO FORWARD WITH THE THREE THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAS SUGGESTED.

BUT I WOULD ALSO ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN GIVING STAFF DIRECTION TO COME BACK IN A SHORT TIMELINE WITH FUNDING THAT WOULD IDENTIFY.

MAYBE IT'S NOT ALL ARPA, MAYBE IT'S PARTLY, SOME OF THESE THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CDBG DOLLARS, MAYBE SOME THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR GEF DOLLARS, THAT WE GET THESE PROJECTS DONE BECAUSE I THINK THESE COMMUNITIES WENT THROUGH THE TIME AND EFFORT TO PUT, PROPOSALS TOGETHER THAT ARE MEANINGFUL.

AND I THINK THAT WE NEED TO PUT THOSE DOLLARS TO WORK FOR THOSE COMMUNITIES IN NEED AS WELL.

SO, COMMISSIONER MOODY, I'M SUPPORTIVE OF MOVING FORWARD.

BUT AGAIN, I WOULD ASK, JUDGE AND COLLEAGUES THAT WE COME BACK AS SOON AS THE NEXT COURT MEETING WITH, IDENTIFIED DOLLARS FOR THE OTHER THREE ELIGIBLE PROJECTS. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? YES, SIR. PERFECT, DAVID.

YEAH, MR. CLAY-FLORES.

SO I JUST WANT TO, I GUESS, PIGGYBACK ON WHAT COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ SAID.

SO WHEN WE PASS THIS, WE PASSED 9 MILLION.

CORRECT. AND OPENED IT UP.

IS THAT CORRECT? SO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE 9.7 MILLION AND UNALLOCATED IF YOU PICK THESE THREE PROJECTS.

OKAY. SO WHEN WE OPEN THIS UP THOSE 9.7 MILLION.

YES SIR. YES MA'AM.

SO I'D LIKE TO STICK TO THAT.

WHAT WE, WHAT WE HAD ALREADY PASSED THE 9.7 MILLION, AND THEN ALLOCATE WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE ALLOCATED WITHIN THAT.

IF WE OPEN IT UP FOR MORE THAN THAT, THEN I'M GOING TO REQUEST THAT THE BID PROCESS OPENS UP SO OTHERS CAN ALSO REAPPLY.

OKAY. COMMISSIONER MOODY.

I JUST WANTED TO RESPOND TO A COUPLE COLLEAGUES COMMENTS HERE.

YOU KNOW, I'M VERY MUCH SUPPORTIVE OF.

HAVING A A SECOND ROUND HOPEFULLY IN FEBRUARY IF NOT MARCH BUT BUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

AND IDENTIFYING WHAT ADDITIONAL FUNDS WE HAVE FOR FOR THESE ADDITIONAL PROJECTS THE, THE ONES THAT WERE NOFA APPROVED AND ALSO THE ONES THAT THAT WE'VE, MENTIONED AND DISCUSSED THAT, DIDN'T COMPLY ON THE NOFA SIDE.

BUT THEY'RE ALL ARPA ELIGIBLE PROJECTS, AND WE WE HAVE DOLLARS COMING BACK.

THESE THESE ARE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS.

AND I THINK, YOU KNOW, IF WE CAN BRING THOSE ALL BACK TO THE TABLE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, AS COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ SAID, THEN, WE'D LOVE TO HAVE ANOTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT THE NEXT ROUND AND BEING ABLE TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY.

AND JUDGE ONE LAST COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. I DO BELIEVE IF THERE IS AS FOLLOWING WHAT COMMISSIONER MOODY SAID, ELIGIBLE PROJECTS IN WATER DRAINAGE FLOOD, WE SHOULD LOOK AT THE ARPA DEFICIT THAT WE HAVE WITH RESPECT TO OUR, AREA ON FM 1518 OUT IN SAINT HEDWIG WITH THE DEATH OF THE FAMILIES, THAT THAT HAPPENED OUT THERE.

SO I JUST WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT HIGH ALERT, ARM AS WELL.

WHETHER FROM THIS NOFA OR ANOTHER WAY OF REALLOCATION SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE LIFE SAFETY IN AN AREA WHERE WE'VE LOST LIFE.

THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

YEAH. JUST ONE, ONE LAST COMMENT, JUDGE.

YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT, EVERYBODY, YOU KNOW, HAS NEEDS.

AND I'M ACTUALLY SURPRISED, MELISSA, THAT WE DIDN'T GET MORE RESPONSES, FROM COMMUNITIES.

IT WAS OPEN, LIKE ALMOST TWO MONTHS.

YEAH, YEAH. AND I KNOW, YOU KNOW, LOOK.

[03:35:01]

I'LL JUST POINT OUT THAT, YOU KNOW, PRECINCT TWO HAS THE SMALLEST AMOUNT GEOGRAPHICALLY OF UNINCORPORATED AREAS.

AND, THAT'S WHY WHEN YOU LOOK AT THAT, YOU KNOW, CHART OR PIE GRAPH, WE GET THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS.

AND SO, YOU KNOW, WHEN I SEE A PROJECT THAT IS GOING TO IMPACT A COMMUNITY AT THE CROSSROADS OF BEXAR COUNTY, I-10 AND 410 WITH THE SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL, DRAINAGE AND FLOODING CONCERNS, THIS IS THE PERFECT KIND OF PROJECT IN BALCONES HEIGHTS THAT I THINK WE OUGHT TO BE TRYING TO TO DELIVER.

AND SO, I'M I'M CONCERNED ABOUT REOPENING THE PROCESS AND DELAYING THIS FURTHER.

YOU KNOW, I'LL WORK WITH, BUDGET AND MELISSA, YOUR OFFICE TO FIGURE OUT IF WE'VE GOT TO MOVE, YOU KNOW, SOME SOME INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS THAT ARE ALREADY THERE IN PRECINCT TWO.

TO, TO TO CLOSE A GAP AND MAYBE USE PARTIALLY ARPA DOLLARS, AND COMBINE IT WITH, WITH SOME OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE DOLLARS.

I'M JUST ASKING FOR THE COURT'S, COURTESY IN FIGURING OUT HOW WE CAN ADEQUATELY ADDRESS, A, A AN IDENTIFIED NEED, AND ONE THAT IS GOING TO IMPACT, PEOPLE, IN A SIGNIFICANT WAY AND PROPERTY.

SO, AGAIN, JUDGE, I THINK I'VE SAID ENOUGH.

I THINK, YOU KNOW, I'VE GIVEN SOME SPECIFIC DIRECTION.

I'D LIKE TO SEE IT COME BACK AT THE NEXT MEETING.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. WELL, I'LL HAVE LAST WORD.

FIRST OF ALL, LET ME THANK EVERYBODY, ESPECIALLY THE PUBLIC, THE CITIZENS ESPECIALLY THAT LIVE IN THAT PARTICULAR COMMUNITY.

WE'VE HEARD VERY CLEARLY WHAT YOUR NEEDS ARE.

DEFINITELY IS A PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

HAVE NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER TO SUPPORT.

BUT I THINK YOU'VE SEEN A ROBUST DISCUSSION OF HOW WE USE THESE DOLLARS IN THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY.

I WOULD ASK THE COURT THAT WE KEEP IT OPEN AND TRANSPARENT.

SO, MELISSA, AS WE MOVE FORWARD, I WOULD LIKE TO LOOK AT ALL THE PROJECTS.

I THINK PERHAPS THERE MAY BE OTHER PROJECTS THAT NEED TO BE BROUGHT.

I ASSUME THESE WERE PROJECTS.

HOW LONG AGO DID WE EVALUATE? WAS IT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO? THESE PROJECTS TODAY? THIS CLOSED OCTOBER OF 2323.

YES, SIR. IT HADN'T BEEN TOO AWFULLY LONG.

ALL RIGHT. SO WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER DISCUSSION HOW WE MOVE FORWARD.

BUT TODAY, LET'S, LET'S DO WHAT WE CAN DO, AND THEN WE'LL SEE WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO TO HELP OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES ARE MET. FOR ALL.

SO WITH THAT I CALL A VOTE.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING I I ANY OPPOSITION, I, I ABSTAIN.

ONE ABSTENTION.

MOTION CARRIES.

CONGRATULATIONS.

ALL RIGHT, KEEP GOING.

RIGHT. YOU GUYS WANT TO KEEP GOING? OKAY, LET'S GET BACK WITH WHERE I.

IF YOU DON'T MIND, I WILL CONTINUE THE THE AGENDA DISCUSSION ITEM 84 DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION FOR THE ORDERS NECESSARY FOR THE CONDUCT OF EARLY

[84. Discussion and appropriate action for the orders necessary for the conduct of early voting for the Joint Primary to be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 and the Runoff, if necessary, on Tuesday, May 28 2024 to include: a. An Order to Conduct Early Voting for the Primary and Runoff Election b. An Order designating the main early voting location and branch locations; c. An Order setting compensation for the deputy early voting clerks for early voting; d. An Order adopting a voting system to be used; e. An Order adopting the voting times for Saturdays and Sundays. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Jacque Callanen)]

THERE WE GO. WE'LL WE'LL HELP YOU OUT THERE, MISS JACKIE.

THANK YOU.

I KNOW IT'S A BIT LOUD, JACKIE, BUT YOU ARE GIVEN PERMISSION TO PROCEED.

THANK YOU SIR.

THE ORDERS THAT YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU TODAY ARE FOR THE MARCH 5TH PRIMARY.

AND AS YOU KNOW, THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EARLY VOTING.

AND IN A PRIMARY, THE PARTIES WILL BE SELECTING THE ELECTION DAY SITES.

I'M SORRY, IN THE CENTRAL ON JACKIE, PLEASE, SO WE CAN HEAR YOU.

CAN YOU JUST HOLD ON SO WE CAN HEAR YOU? OKAY. OH.

GO AHEAD. OKAY.

OKAY. THESE ARE THE ORDERS FOR THE MARCH 5TH PRIMARY.

AND I WANTED JUST TO REMIND YOU THAT THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EARLY VOTING.

[03:40:03]

SO THOSE ORDERS ARE NOT HERE.

IT'S JUST FOR EARLY VOTING.

WE'VE GIVEN YOU THE INFORMATION.

YOU SEE, YOU HAVE SOME, HISTORICAL DATA.

YOU ALSO HAVE THE SAMPLE BALLOTS WHICH HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

THERE WERE A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES AND LAWSUITS THAT WERE SETTLED.

THE LAST DAY WAS JANUARY 16TH.

SO WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO PREPARE SOME OF THE SAMPLE BALLOTS FOR YOU.

THEY'RE ALL ON OUR WEBSITE.

WE DID MEET THE MOVE ACT.

THE MOVE ACT IS THE FEDERAL LAW THAT SAYS WE MUST HAVE OUR MILITARY BALLOTS OUT 45 DAYS AHEAD.

WE MAILED AND EMAILED OUR MILITARY BALLOTS OUT LAST FRIDAY.

WE DID IT 46 DAYS OUT.

SO I'M REALLY PROUD OF THE STAFF.

THEY'VE DONE A GOOD JOB.

AND I ASK THAT YOU PASS THE ORDERS, PLEASE.

ALL RIGHT. ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES? I'M STILL REVIEWING, SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO COME BACK TO ME.

ALL RIGHT, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

YEAH. JACKIE, CAN YOU CAN YOU, I JUST GOT THIS.

LET ME MAKE SURE, IS THERE ARE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO THE, EITHER THE HOURS FOR EARLY VOTING OR THE NUMBER OF SITES FOR.

NO, WE'VE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF SITES.

THERE ARE 42 SITES ON THERE.

WE ARE STILL UNDER THE VERY SUCCESSFUL.

BOND THAT THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO HAD TO RENOVATE THEIR LIBRARIES.

SO THIS WILL BE THE THIRD, THIRD ELECTION THAT WE'VE HAD WHERE WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE, LAS PALMAS OR JOHNSTON LIBRARY.

OKAY. THE GREAT NORTHWEST WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, BUT BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S LAID OUT, WE WILL CONTINUE TO VOTE THERE BECAUSE IT'S LIKE IN AN L-SHAPED ROOM.

SO THEY WILL ACCOMMODATE US.

SO REMIND ME ON THE LAS PALMAS, WHICH IS ALWAYS A PRETTY ACTIVE VOTING SITE.

I KNOW IT'S OUT OF OUR CONTROL BECAUSE THE CITY IS RENOVATING THAT, BUT WHAT IS THE NEXT CLOSEST, SITE TO LAS PALMAS? WE'VE WE'VE MOVED FOR THE LAST ELECTIONS.

IT'S BEEN OUR LADY OF THE LAKE.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE. OKAY, SO THAT'S ON THE LIST STILL.

OKAY. AND FOR JOHNSTON LIBRARY, SOUTHWEST ISD HAS BEEN ACCOMMODATING US IN MCAULIFFE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

OKAY, SO 42 TOTAL EARLY VOTING SITES.

AND THAT COMPARES TO HOW MANY IN THE LAST PRESIDENTIAL.

AGAIN, I'VE GIVEN YOU THE SHEET.

IN THE IN THE LAST PRESIDENTIAL, WE HAD 37 EARLY VOTING SITES.

AND SO IF YOU LOOK AT THE SHEET I'VE GIVEN YOU, YOU HAVE, FROM THE EIGHT 2018, 20, 20, 22, IT WILL SHOW YOU THE GROWTH IN THE COUNTY.

IT SHOWS YOU THE TURNOUT THAT WE'VE THAT WE'VE HAD.

AND IT ALSO GIVES YOU THE NUMBER OF SITES FOR EACH ELECTION.

SO THIS WAY I WILL HAVE AN ADDITIONAL 42 SITES NOW FOR THIS ONE.

OKAY. WELL THANK YOU FOR THAT.

I KNOW WE'VE HAD THAT DISCUSSION, JACKIE, AND WE APPRECIATE YOU, LISTENING TO THE FEEDBACK AND, AND I KNOW IT MEANS, MORE WORK AND MORE WORKERS.

SO MAYBE, CAN YOU MAYBE ADDRESS THAT HOW, STAFFING WISE, IF THERE'S ANY NEEDS THAT YOU'LL HAVE, PARTICULARLY GOING INTO NOVEMBER FOR, ELECTION WORKERS, ANYTHING THAT WE NEED TO BE KIND OF, IT LINED UP FOR AND START THINKING ABOUT IF YOU'RE GOING TO NEED SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO, DO DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR NOVEMBER.

THANK YOU FOR THAT. THANK YOU.

YES, WE WE OBVIOUSLY WILL HAVE A VERY ROBUST, PROJECT WHERE WE WILL BE ASKING FOR PEOPLE TO STEP UP AND TAKE PART IN THIS.

THERE'S A NUMBER OF IDEAS.

WE ARE TRAINING NOW BECAUSE WE HAVE THE PRIMARY ELECTION COMING UP.

AND AGAIN, AS A REMINDER, WITH THE PARTIES HAVING ELECTION DAY, THEY'RE GETTING THE JUDGES AND WE'RE TRAINING THE JUDGES FOR THEIR PRIMARY ELECTION.

AND AGAIN, JUST AN FYI, THE STATE OF TEXAS PAYS FOR THE ELECTION DAY THROUGH THE PARTIES.

AND WE COME TO YOU.

THE STATE OF TEXAS.

THE LEGISLATURE HAS SET A $12 AN HOUR PAYMENT FOR ALL ELECTION WORKERS.

AND AS IN THE PAST, WE CONTINUE TO PAY THE DIFFERENTIAL SO THAT WE RESPECT OUR ELECTION WORKERS.

OKAY. WELL, LIKE I SAID, JACKIE LET US KNOW, AHEAD OF TIME, YOU KNOW, IF YOU'RE GOING TO NEED SOMETHING.

[03:45:06]

I KNOW WE'RE APPROVING THE ORDERS TODAY.

YOU'RE ASKING FOR US TO DO THAT? DOES THAT INCLUDE THE, EARLY VOTING SITE SITES AS WELL? YES, SIR. OKAY.

JUST FOR THE PRIMARY, BUT NOT FOR NOVEMBER YET.

CORRECT? OKAY. SO JUST JUST JUST SOMETHING TO TO TO PUT ON YOUR RADAR.

I KNOW IT'S TOO LATE FOR THE, FOR THE PRIMARY, BUT IN 2020, WE USE SAINT PAUL COMMUNITY CENTER IN PRECINCT TWO, AS A VOTING SITE.

IT WAS IT WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED IN, THE COMMUNITY THERE BY SAINT PAUL.

IF YOU CAN LOOK AT THAT FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION, IT'S GOT GREAT SPACING AND, I THINK IN THE PAST, JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL HAD BEEN ON THERE.

SO I THINK THAT HELPED.

OR MAYBE IT WAS WOODLAWN POINT, BUT THAT WAS SAINT PAUL SEEMED TO WORK PRETTY WELL.

SO IF YOU COULD MAKE SURE, AND KEEP THAT IN MIND FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTION, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES, CONNECTING WITH THEM.

AND WE'RE HAPPY TO HELP. THANK YOU.

WE'LL BE WORKING WITH EACH OF YOUR OFFICES AS WE MOVE FORWARD TO NOVEMBER.

GREAT. JUDGE. OH, HOLD ON, COMMISSIONER MOODY.

JACKIE, THANKS FOR BEING HERE AND SHARING, THIS INFORMATION.

AND, YOU KNOW, I'M STILL JUST, DIGESTING SOME OF IT.

DID DID THE HOURS CHANGE AT ALL OR HOURS BASICALLY STAYED THE SAME? NO HOURS STAYED THE SAME.

WE ALWAYS HAD GENEROUS EARLY VOTING HOURS.

OKAY. AND THEN I GUESS MY MY OPEN ENDED QUESTION IS, DO YOU HAVE ANY, YOU KNOW, CONCERNS OR OUTSTANDING ISSUES THAT, YOU KNOW, WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF OR YOU THINK ARE STILL UNRESOLVED, AT THIS POINT, OR ARE THERE ANY CONCERNS? WE ARE WE ARE SET FOR THIS, FOR THIS PRIMARY.

BUT WE WILL BE HAVING DISCUSSIONS, AND COME TO YOU WITH, CONCERNS FOR SAFETY, FOR FOR TRAINING, FOR OTHER ITEMS. AS WE KNOW, THIS IS A VERY HEIGHTENED YEAR, FOR ELECTIONS.

AND EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING QUITE HIGH, AND WE'VE ALREADY SEEN THAT.

SO, TODAY WE JUST WANTED TO MOVE FORWARD ON THIS.

BUT THEN WE WILL BE COMING BACK TO YOU, PLEASE, FOR SO THAT WE CAN HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL PROTECTION.

AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE ADDITIONAL CLASSES FOR OUR ELECTION OFFICIALS AS THEY'RE OUT IN THE FIELD IN THIS HIGH TENSION ELECTIONS.

NO, I UNDERSTAND.

WELL, THANK YOU FOR FOR SHARING THAT.

AND, AND WE'LL, ADDRESS WHATEVER, ISSUES WE NEED TO BUT AS FAR AS IT RELATES TO THIS PRIMARY, YOU THINK WE'RE IN A GOOD PLACE? YES, SIR. OKAY. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

THANK YOU. I NOTICE IN OUR EARLY VOTING WE DON'T HAVE NORTHEAST LAKEVIEW, SAINT PHILIP'S COLLEGE, TEXAS A&M, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE PALO ALTO.

I KNOW THAT, IT IS BEEN KIND OF THE, WORK OF THE COURT TO TRY AND INCREASE THOSE COLLEGE LOCATIONS.

IS THERE SOMETHING IN AUSTIN THAT HAPPENED THAT MADE US NOT GET THOSE LOCATIONS OR.

NO, SIR.

WE USE WE USE NORTHEAST ON ELECTION DAY, BUT THAT PART OF TOWN IS REALLY THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF UNIVERSAL CITY LIBRARIES.

THEIR CONVERSES, THEIR KIRBY IS THERE, DONE.

WINDCREST. AND SO IT'S AN ELECTION DAY SITE.

OKAY. SO IN TERMS OF THE ELECTION DAY LOCATIONS, WE TRADITIONALLY LOOK OVER THOSE, AS THE COURT, THE PARTIES HAVE HELD ON TO THOSE.

IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING? WE DON'T HAVE THOSE TODAY.

WE DON'T HAVE THOSE YET.

WE'LL HAVE THAT MEETING.

THEY WERE WAITING TILL WE FINISH THIS AND THAT.

THIS WAS APPROVED.

AND SO BY THE END OF THE WEEK, THE PARTIES WILL SIT DOWN IN A ROOM AND WE WILL HAVE, THE SITES THAT THEY AGREE ON.

OKAY. I WOULD JUST, YOU KNOW, HAVE MY STAFF REACH OUT TO THE PARTIES, SEE IF WE CAN GET THEIR, ELECTION DAY RECOMMENDATIONS IN ADVANCE BECAUSE WE REALLY NEED THEM.

WE REALLY NEED TO GET THESE LISTS BEFORE WE WALK INTO COURT.

ESPECIALLY FOR THE GENERAL.

WE REALLY NEED TO HAVE THIS STUFF, LIKE, YOU KNOW, AT LEAST FOUR WEEKS BEFORE WE WE, WE MAKE A DECISION.

SO, I AM OKAY WITH MOVING FORWARD, JUDGE AT THIS POINT, BUT JUST THOSE CAVEATS TO GET THIS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE NEXT TIME.

OKAY, I'LL MOVE APPROVAL, BUT I'M SORRY.

GO AHEAD. HOLD ON. THERE'S A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

YEAH. SO, LIKE WHAT COMMISSIONER, BOTH COMMISSIONER CALVERT AND COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ ARE SAYING.

SO TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ADD AN EARLY VOTING SITE.

IS THAT CORRECT? WE WOULD LIKE IT.

[03:50:01]

EVEN THOUGH THIS IS THE FIRST WE'RE SEEING OF IT TODAY.

AND SO YOU'RE SAYING THAT THE TWO PARTY CHAIRS, THEY'RE THE ONES WHO AGREE.

ON THE SIDES.

ON THE ELECTION DAY SITES? YES, MA'AM. OKAY.

BECAUSE I SEE REAL GAPS IN MY PRECINCT.

SO IS TEXAS A&M IS OBVIOUSLY NOT ON HERE.

IS THAT GOING TO BE AN ELECTION DAY? ELECTION DAY? YES, MA'AM.

AND THEN IN THE NORTHWEST PART OF MY PRECINCT BETWEEN 410 AND 1604, THE ONLY SITE IS THAT NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE, WHICH IS PRETTY FAR NORTH FOR.

THE CONSTITUENTS WHO LIVE EITHER NORTH OR SOUTH OF 90.

SO THAT'S A REAL, ABSENCE AND OBVIOUSLY WITHOUT JOHNSTON LIBRARY.

SO. I'M A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED THAT NEITHER PARTY.

I MEAN, IS ANYONE HERE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC OR REPUBLICAN PARTY? SO THAT'S A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING BECAUSE WE REALLY DO NEED THESE EARLIER THAN THAT.

BUT I GUESS THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO AT THIS POINT.

BUT HOPEFULLY IN THE FUTURE THE CHAIRS WILL BE PRESENT AND SEND IT TO US EARLIER.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL RIGHT. THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU. CARRY ON.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

ITEM 85. DISCUSSION.

[85. Discussion and appropriate action regarding the following: a. Approval of the budgetary transfer within the Capital Improvement Project Fund for $1,259,187 to support additional resources for the eCJIS Go-Live project as recommended by the project consultant. b. Presentation and discussion of a status report on the eCIJS project to include the current state of the project and planned next steps. (Estimated Presentation Time: 15 minutes) (Mark Gager)]

BE PRESENTATION DISCUSSION OF A STATUS REPORT ON THE SACHSE PROJECT TO INCLUDE THE CURRENT STATE OF THE PROJECT AND PLAN NEXT STEPS.

MR. GAGER.

GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE.

GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS.

SO I WON'T SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON OVERVIEW SLIDES.

I'M JUST GOING TO DO THE UPDATE AND THEN AT THE END WE CAN VOTE ON A AND B WON'T REQUIRE A VOTING ITEM.

SO JUST A REMINDER WE'RE GOING LIVE WITH AN EC JUST PROJECT.

WE CALL IT THE ENTERPRISE INTEGRATED JUSTICE SYSTEM PROJECT IS TO REPLACE THE MAINFRAME AND A BUNCH OF OTHER, JUSTICE RELATED APPLICATIONS THAT WE'VE USED THAT ARE OLD AND AGING.

THE SLIDE YOU SEE HERE IS AN EXAMPLE, I'M SORRY, AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRODUCT MIX.

SO YOU SEE ODYSSEY IN THE MIDDLE.

ODYSSEY HAS CASE MANAGER CHECK MANAGER ATTORNEY MANAGER TYLER CORRECTIONS.

BUT THEN THERE'S OTHER TYLER PRODUCTS LIKE TYLER JURY, JURY E FILE, AND THEN A BUNCH OF, INTEGRATIONS THAT THIS PRODUCT WILL HAVE AS WELL. SO IT'S MULTIPLE PHASED PROJECT PHASE ONE OR TRACK ONE WAS FOR CIVIL THAT WENT LIVE IN 2022 I BELIEVE 500 USERS.

TRACK TWO CRIMINAL WENT LIVE IN FEBRUARY.

I'M SORRY. TRACK TWO A FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. CONSTABLES AND CHILD SUPPORT.

PROBATION. THOSE HIGHLIGHTED IN GREEN ON THE LOWER RIGHT OF THAT TRACK TWO SIDE.

THEY WENT LIVE IN FEBRUARY OF 2023.

AND THE NEXT TRACK WAS FOR THE REMAINING, OFFICES AND APARTMENTS YOU SEE THERE ON THE, ON THE CRIMINAL SIDE.

JUST A REMINDER THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH IS FOR, AND HAS BEEN FOR OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS AND LEADS.

SO THAT'S ACROSS THE COUNTY FOR ALL OF THOSE OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE REPRESENTED.

WE PROVIDE AN BSIT SUBJECT, I MEAN, TECHNICAL EXPERTS, AND WE ALSO HAVE CONTRACTORS AS WELL AS THE VENDOR, TYLER, SUPPORTING THE PROJECT.

WHERE POSSIBLE, THE PROJECT WAS TO LEVERAGE NATIVE CONFIGURATION AND LIMIT CUSTOMIZATION.

AND THEN WE HAVE CHANGE CHAMPIONS IDENTIFIED IN EACH OF THOSE AREAS.

SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BACKGROUND.

SO GET INTO SOME OF THE, YOU KNOW, CURRENT STATUS.

JUST A REMINDER, THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED IN APRIL OF 2019.

WE KICKED OFF IN JUNE OF 2019.

COVID HIT. WE WENT LIVE REALLY QUICK TO SUPPORT, A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT.

SERVICES OR I WOULD SAY, TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD SUPPORT, JURY OPERATIONS AS WELL AS IMPLEMENTED RFID IN THE JAIL FOR INMATE TRACKING.

TRACK ONE CIVIL WENT LIVE.

I JUST MENTIONED APRIL OF 20.

I'M SORRY. IT WAS 2021.

TRACK TWO A WENT LIVE FEBRUARY OF 2023.

THE REMAINING TRACK B WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO GO LIVE.

MOST LATELY IN FEBRUARY.

THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY PRESENTATION TODAY.

BUT IN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, WE'VE, COME ACROSS SOME HURDLES AND WE NEED TO DELAY THREE MONTHS.

SO THE BUDGET TRANSFER ITEM A, THAT JUDGE SAKAI READ WAS ALREADY PLANNED AND ALREADY NEEDED FOR STAFF AUGMENTATION.

[03:55:08]

THAT'S FOR RESOURCES FROM OCTOBER OF 2023 THROUGH MARCH OF 2024.

SO I WAS GOING TO ASK FOR THAT BUDGET TRANSFER TODAY ANYWAY.

AND IT WAS GOING TO BE IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PROJECT PRESENTATION ABOUT GO LIVE NEXT WEEK.

BUT WE'LL NEED TO DELAY AND I'LL COVER WHY, SOME OF THOSE FACTORS AS, AS TO WHY.

SO THE NEW PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE.

LOOKS LIKE THIS. WE HAVE A LOT OF, I WOULD SAY, ISSUES THAT WE'RE STILL RESOLVING.

REPORT DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATIONS, DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS PROCESS VALIDATIONS.

WE HAD PLANNED TO GET ALL OF THAT DONE BY FEBRUARY.

I MEAN, BY FEBRUARY 5TH, WE FELT LIKE WE COULD HAVE, WE'VE NOW GIVEN OURSELVES A COUPLE EXTRA WEEKS ON SOME OF THOSE SINCE WE'RE PROPOSING A GO LIVE TO, TO, TO MAY.

THE BIGGEST, ITEM IS AROUND CHARGING LANGUAGE.

SO THERE'S A BIG LIFT IN THE DA'S OFFICE, AND I THINK A WORK EFFORT THAT WAS UNDERESTIMATED ON THE PROJECT AND THEN MOVING, FROM A STANDARD THAT THEY'RE USING TODAY IN THE CURRENT SYSTEM TO A NEW DPS STANDARD FOR CHARGING LANGUAGE.

SO, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN YOU GET ARRESTED OR IF AN INDIVIDUAL GETS ARRESTED, THEY GET CHARGED WITH AN OFFENSE.

THAT OFFENSE HAS A CODE AND IT HAS A SHORT DESCRIPTION.

SO FOR INSTANCE, LIKE CAPITAL MURDER, THAT CAPITAL MURDER COULD HAVE BEEN, WITH VARYING FACTORS THAT ADD TO THE CHARGE.

SO THAT'S WHEN YOU GET ARRESTED.

THAT'S AN OFFENSE.

WHEN YOU GET INDICTED, THERE'S LANGUAGE THAT'S ASSOCIATED WITH IT.

AND THAT LANGUAGE IS DRIVEN BY, FOR A LARGE PART, WHAT'S IN THE DPS CHARGING MANUAL.

BUT THERE'S ALSO SOME NUANCES AND SOME UNIQUENESS TO BEXAR COUNTY.

SO YOU CAN IMAGINE IF SOMEBODY GETS CHARGED FOR A CRIME, THEY DON'T WANT AN ATTORNEY TO GO MAKE UP THEIR OWN CHARGING LANGUAGE.

EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO REUSE THE SAME CHARGING LANGUAGE OVER AND OVER AND OVER TO MAKE CONSISTENCY AND COMPLIANCE.

SO THEY'VE NEEDED TO REDEVELOP ALL OF THESE CHARGING LANGUAGE PARAGRAPHS.

AND WHEN I SAY PARAGRAPHS, SOME OF THESE ARE MULTIPLE PAGES OF DOCUMENTS.

AND TO DO THAT REQUIRES SOME RESEARCH BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT COMPLETELY USING ALL OF THE DPS CHARGING CODES NOW.

SO AS PART OF THE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION, THEY'RE ACTUALLY IMPROVING THEIR PROCESS, AND TRYING TO COMPLY WITH THE DPS CHARGING CODES.

AND BY DOING THAT, EACH CHARGING CODE, REQUIRES SOME RESEARCH BY AN ATTORNEY TO GO PUT THAT TEMPLATE CHARGING LANGUAGE TOGETHER.

THERE'S APPARENTLY THOUSANDS OF THESE, WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO PUT THOUSANDS OF THEM IN THE IN THE SYSTEM.

WE'VE NEGOTIATED WITH THE DA'S OFFICE.

I'VE HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH JOE GONZALEZ DIRECTLY.

AND THEY'VE IDENTIFIED THEIR TOP 700 THAT THEY SAY NEED TO BE IN THE SYSTEM BEFORE WE GO LIVE.

IT TAKES ABOUT FOUR HOURS EACH TO PUT EACH OF THESE TOGETHER.

SO THAT'S 2800 HOURS.

MR. GONZALEZ HAS AGREED TO COMMIT 50 HOURS OR 50 ATTORNEYS A WEEK, FOUR HOURS A WEEK, OR ONE DOCUMENT A WEEK FOR 14 WEEKS TO GET THESE DONE. AND THAT'LL TAKE US THROUGH APRIL 19TH, WHICH IS THE REASON FOR THE FOR THE MAY GO LIVE.

WE STILL NEED A COUPLE WEEKS TO GET THROUGH THE FINAL PUSH.

ANOTHER THING THAT WE'LL DO, AS PART OF THE MAY GO LIVE, IS EXTEND OUR END USER TRAINING.

IT WAS RUSHED ANYWAY, SO THIS GIVES US MORE TIME TO TRAIN AND MORE DEPTH ON BUSINESS PROCESSES.

AND THEN ALSO ADD IN A MOCK GO LIVE.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE'VE WANTED TO DO AND THAT THE USERS WANTED TO DO.

WE DIDN'T HAVE TIME FOR IT PREVIOUSLY, SO WE'LL ADD IN A MOCK GO LIVE AS WELL.

SO THAT'S THE TIMELINE.

THIS NEXT, NEXT SLIDE IS REALLY JUST TALKING ABOUT WHAT I JUST, YOU KNOW, MENTIONED.

SO WE'RE GOING TO USE THE REMAINING TIME TO FOCUS ON THE CHARGING LANGUAGE.

AGAIN, THE DA'S OFFICE WILL PROVIDE 50 ATTORNEYS OR ASSIGNED 50 ATTORNEYS FOUR HOURS A WEEK ON AVERAGE, TO KNOCK OUT 50 ON AVERAGE, 50 DOCUMENTS ON AVERAGE A WEEK OVER 14 WEEKS, WHICH IS THE, 700 DOCUMENTS OR 2800 HOURS WORTH OF WORK TO GET THOSE 700 DOCUMENTS DONE.

WE'LL ALSO USE THE REMAINING TIME, LIKE I JUST SAID, TO FOCUS ON END USER TRAINING AND AND NAIL DOWN THE REMAINING WORK AS FAR AS FORMS AND REPORTS AND THAT KIND OF STUFF.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO MONITOR THAT? I AM WORKING WITH MY TEAM AND WE HAVE DASHBOARDS SET UP.

WE'LL ADD THE CHARGING LANGUAGE DASHBOARD.

SO EVERY MONDAY MORNING I GET A REPORT OF ALL OF THE WORK THAT'S LEFT REMAINING BY GROUPING HERE THAT YOU SEE.

SO I GET ONE BY I'LL GET ONE NOW BY CHARGING LANGUAGE.

HOW MUCH ARE WE DOING IF WE'RE TARGETS 50 A WEEK, HOW MANY HAVE WE COMPLETED? HOW ARE WE TRACKING? SAME THING WITH REPORTS, SAME THINGS WITH FORUMS, SAME THINGS WITH BUSINESS PROCESS, VALIDATIONS, ETC.

ETC. SO THAT'S HOW WE'LL TRACK THE PROJECT.

SO I JUST WANTED TO REITERATE BECAUSE I THINK I MIGHT HAVE LOST OVER IT, THAT THE ORIGINAL ITEM A THAT YOU SEE HERE WAS FOR PLANNED STAFF AUGMENTATION RESOURCES.

THEY RUN US. IT RUNS ABOUT $200,000 A MONTH.

THAT WOULD HAVE GOT US THROUGH OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH, WHICH WAS SUPPORTED FEBRUARY.

THERE WILL BE A COST IMPACT ASSOCIATED WITH THE THREE MONTH DELAY.

[04:00:02]

THERE'S POTENTIAL COSTS FROM TYLER, AND I'M TALKING TO TYLER ABOUT WHAT THAT IMPACT MIGHT BE.

IT COULD BE $300,000.

IT COULD BE $150,000.

I'M NOT SURE WHAT THAT NUMBER IS YET FOR ANY OF THE DELAYS THAT WE'VE HAD PREVIOUSLY.

WE HAVE NOT HAD TO, EXPEND ANY DOLLARS TO TYLER FOR A DELAY BECAUSE, I WOULD SAY THAT THEY WERE MOSTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY OF THE DELAYS PREVIOUSLY WERE WE HAVE A BIG PART OF THIS DELAY, WITH SOME OF THE WORK THAT DIDN'T GET DONE.

SO I SUSPECT THERE'LL BE A COST THERE.

AND THEN I HAVE ADDITIONAL STAFF AUGMENTATION RESOURCES THAT I'LL NEED.

ABOVE AND BEYOND MARCH.

RIGHT. I'LL NEED AN APRIL, AND I'LL NEED IN MAY, AND I MIGHT NEED INTO JUNE.

BECAUSE WE HAVE ABOUT A 60 DAY SUPPORT POST.

GO LIVE. SO I'LL BRING THOSE, ITEMS BACK TO COURT.

I'VE ALREADY IDENTIFIED A PROJECT OR TWO.

COINCIDENTALLY, THEY'RE ACTUALLY DA RELATED PROJECTS, DIGITAL EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT AND AN ETHICAL DISCLOSURE PROJECT THAT WE THINK THERE'LL BE PROJECT SAVINGS ON BASED ON THE RFPS THAT HAVE GONE OUT AND THE PROPOSALS THAT HAVE COME BACK, THAT I'LL PROBABLY WORK WITH THE BUDGET OFFICE TO IDENTIFY A BUDGET TRANSFER TO SUPPORT THIS DELAY.

RIGHT. SO, SO WE'LL HAVE SAVINGS FROM OTHER PROJECTS THAT WE PROPOSE TO SUPPORT THIS.

SO. RECOMMENDED MOTION WAS FOR ITEM A APPROVAL OF THE BUDGETARY TRANSFER, WITH THE CAP WITHIN THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUND FOR $1,259,187 TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE PROJECT, AND THEN ITEM B DIDN'T HAVE A RECOMMENDED MOTION.

ANY QUESTIONS? COMMENTS, COMMISSIONER MOODY? HEY, MARK, THANKS FOR, PRESENTING THIS.

I MEAN, CLEARLY, THERE'S THERE'S A SIGNIFICANT COST TO DELAYS IN THESE IMPLEMENTATIONS.

AND SOME OF THAT HAS BEEN QUANTIFIED, AND SOME OF IT IS STILL OUT THERE.

WHAT? YOU KNOW, ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES WITH WHAT'S REMAINING TO TO LOOK, YOU KNOW, ENGAGE WITH THOSE ENTITIES EARLY AND POTENTIALLY FORESEE ANY OF THESE CHALLENGES AND GET AHEAD OF THEM WITH THOSE ORGANIZATIONS OR DEPARTMENTS? I DON'T KNOW WHAT STILL REMAINS OR HOW CLOSE WE ARE TO THE COMPLETION.

YEAH, THE LONG POLE IN THE TENT IS THE CHARGING LANGUAGE.

AND AS I MENTIONED, I'VE HAD A FEW MEETINGS WITH JOE GONZALEZ AND HIS STAFF TO REALLY TALK ABOUT THAT COMMITMENT ON HOURS, AND RESOURCES.

AND I HAVE HIS COMMITMENT THAT, THAT THEY'LL GET IT DONE BY THE 19TH.

YOU KNOW, WE REALLY TALKED ABOUT THAT AMOUNT OF WORK THAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE AND HAD A LOT OF DEEP DIVE CONVERSATIONS AROUND HOW MUCH EFFORT THAT IS.

THERE ARE OTHER OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT HAVE ACTION ITEMS AND STUFF, BUT BUT WE DON'T FORESEE ANYTHING ELSE GETTING IN THE WAY OF US BEING ABLE TO GO LIVE IN MAY, WITH THE ADULT, CRIMINAL STUFF.

SO AND, YOU KNOW, I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE, THE CHARGING LANGUAGE, BUT IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS AN AGREEMENT TO DO THAT FOR CERTAIN CHARGES, BUT NOT FOR OTHERS. WHAT'S THE IMPACT IF YOU DIDN'T HAVE THAT CHANGE IN CHARGING LANGUAGE AND WENT LIVE WITHOUT IT? BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WE'RE ULTIMATELY GOING TO GO LIVE WITHOUT IT FOR SOME CHARGES? YEAH, WE TALKED ABOUT THAT.

ONE OF THE ITEMS ON THE TABLE WAS, TO ASSIGN IT AS THE CASES COME UP.

RIGHT. SO THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT YOU SPEND TO DEVELOP THE CHARGING LANGUAGE, THE TEMPLATE LANGUAGE HAS TO BE DONE ONCE THE SYSTEM GETS CONFIGURED.

AND THEN ALL OF THE OTHER ATTORNEYS FOR ALL OF THE OTHER TIMES SOMEBODY IS CHARGED, USE THAT TEMPLATE LANGUAGE.

ONE OF THE BIG THINGS FROM MISTER GONZALES WAS, THAT HE CAN ONLY PROVIDE SO MANY RESOURCES, BECAUSE THERE'S A CASE BACKLOG AND THERE IS THERE ARE, YOU KNOW, TASK FORCES AND COMMITTEES THAT HE'S WORKING ON TO TRY AND DRIVE THAT DOWN.

RIGHT. SO, THEY SAID THAT IT WOULD CAUSE THEM OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES AND THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO IT AS THE CHARGES COME UP THAT THEY NEED TO GET THERE, AT LEAST IN 700, WAS THE NUMBER THAT THEY'VE IDENTIFIED AS THE AS THE ABSOLUTE MUST, DONE BEFORE GO LIVE.

THE POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS.

AND I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK FOR THE DA'S OFFICE.

BUT ONCE YOU ACTUALLY CHARGE SOMEBODY WITH AN OFFENSE, YOU HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME TO GET THE INDICTMENT LANGUAGE FILED, OR YOU'VE, VIOLATED THE LAW, RIGHT? AND THEIR CIVIL LIBERTIES OR THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS.

SO THEY WERE CONCERNED THAT, THEIR ATTORNEYS WOULD NOT WITH THE WORKLOAD OF THE CASES THAT THEY'RE ASSIGNED TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT TEMPLATE WORK AS THE CASES CAME UP.

AND THEY NEED TO DO AT LEAST THOSE TOP 700 OFFENSES PRE PROJECT.

SO WE TALKED ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT SCENARIOS TO INCLUDE.

IS IT CAN IT BE 300.

CAN IT BE 400.

BUT THE DA'S OFFICE WAS PRETTY FIRM ON 700 AND AND IS THERE ANY POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITY TO LIKE OUTSOURCE THAT.

OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE SOMEBODY FROM THE DA'S OFFICE WHO DOES IT? I'M JUST TRYING TO EXPLORE COST SAVINGS.

[04:05:03]

THERE'S SOME HISTORICAL LANGUAGE THAT THEY HAVE.

SOME OF THE STUFF MAY BE ON THEIR DESKTOPS.

SOME OF THE STUFF MAY BE IN A SHARED DRIVE.

SOME OF THE STUFF'S IN THE DPS CHARGING LANGUAGE MANUAL.

SO THEY HAVE THE INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF WHERE THAT IS, AS WELL AS THE BEXAR COUNTY NUANCES THAT MAY NEED TO GO INTO THAT LANGUAGE FROM MY UNDERSTANDING.

YOU KNOW, IN THE MEETINGS.

AND THAT WAS, YOU KNOW, WHAT WE ENDED UP WITH.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. YES.

ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? IS THERE A MOTION? MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. CARRY ON, MR. GAGER. THANK YOU. I HAVE THE NEXT ITEM.

OKAY, CONTINUE.

CARRY ON. IF YOU CALL IT IN THAT ORDER.

WELL, WHICH ONE ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? 88, 86, 86.

[86. Approval and Execution of the following: a. Implementation and Development Services Agreement for implementation of Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll software between Bexar County and Accenture, LLP via DIR-CPO-4923 in the amount of $8,018,751. b. Purchase Agreement between Bexar County and Precision Task Group, Inc. (PTG) via DIR Contract No. DIR-TSO-4242 for Workday HCM and Payroll software subscriptions and services in the amount of $11,705,719 with the option to purchase additional Workday software modules in the future. Agreement is for a 10-year term with five, optional one-year renewal terms. Total cost of the $11,705,719 Purchase Agreement between Bexar County and PTG breaks down as follows: i. One-time cost for Workday Delivery Assurance services is $98,190. ii. One-time cost for Workday Training on-demand library and credits is $117,601. iii. Annual software subscriptions total cost is $11,489,928 over a 10-year period. Cost in FY23-24 is $437,309 Cost in FY24-25 is $446,056 Cost in FY25-26 is $889,504 Cost in FY26-27 is $1,307,061 Cost in FY27-28 is $1,333,202 Cost in FY28-29 is $1,359,867 Cost in FY29-30 is $1,387,065 Cost in FY30-31 is $1,414,804 Cost in FY31-32 is $1,443,099 Cost in FY32-33 is $1,471,961 c. First amendment to Implementation and Development Services Agreement for implementation of Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Payroll software between Bexar County and Accenture, LLP. (Estimated Presentation Time: 15 minutes) (Mark Gager)]

APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF FOLLOWING.

I'LL JUST SAY A B SUBSECTION 123C.

Y'ALL Y'ALL IF Y'ALL WANT TO READ IT, READ IT.

BUT CONTINUE.

I'LL SUMMARIZE IT FOR YOU.

WE AND WE HAVE A LARGE, GROUP HERE TODAY.

SO THIS IS A LARGE ASK.

IT HAS TWO CONTRACTS, THAT WILL ASK FOR APPROVAL ON TODAY.

SO WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH OF THOSE VENDORS.

SO THIS WOULD BE TO IMPLEMENT A WORKDAY SOLUTION.

WE WOULD PURCHASE IT THROUGH PTG.

WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM PTG HERE.

WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM WORKDAY.

AND THEN ACCENTURE WOULD DO THE IMPLEMENTATION.

WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVES FROM ACCENTURE HERE AS WELL AS NICHOLAS HAHN WHO'S MY DEPUTY CHIEF CTO, AND SOME OTHER FOLKS THAT WORK FOR BCIT THAT HAVE WORKED ON THIS PROJECT THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

SO I'LL TRY AND KEEP THIS BRIEF.

IT'S PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD.

IT IS A LARGE DOLLAR AMOUNT, BUT IT'S PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD.

CURRENTLY, BEXAR COUNTY USES SAP AS OUR HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND PAYROLL SYSTEM.

WE'VE USED IT SINCE 2002.

IT'S A LEGACY SYSTEM THAT NO LONGER MEETS THE BUSINESS OR THE BUSINESS NEEDS OF THE COUNTY.

LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY.

IT'S ALSO ON AN AGING PLATFORM.

IT'S ON AN ON PREMISES.

IT'S AN ON PREMISES SOLUTION.

SO IT'S ON, 17 OR SO SERVERS IN OUR DATA CENTER.

AND THE COUNTY STRATEGY IS TO GET AWAY FROM MANAGING OUR OWN DATA CENTER ON OUR OWN SERVERS AND MOVE TO CLOUD PLATFORMS. SO WITH THE NEED FOR NEW FUNCTIONALITY, WE RELEASED A, AN RFP.

THE KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THIS WERE THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE, HUMAN RESOURCES, PURCHASING AND BCIT.

THIS DOES ALIGN WITH OUR STRATEGY FOR A MORE MODERN, AND CLOUD BASED SYSTEM.

SO THE RFP WAS ORIGINALLY RELEASED IN MARCH OF 2021.

THIS TIMELINE IS GOING TO SEEM LIKE IT'S A LONG TIMELINE.

THERE'S A LOT THAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN THESE DATES.

WE CAME TO COURT IN JULY OF 2022.

THE INITIAL RECOMMENDATION WAS TO RENEGOTIATE WITH THE COMPANY, CALLED CHERRY ROADS, TO IMPLEMENT AN ORACLE CLOUD SUITE SOLUTION.

FOLLOWING THAT APPROVAL FROM COURT TO BEGIN THOSE NEGOTIATIONS, THE TEAM REALIZED AND THE DA CIVIL DA.

WELL, LET ME BACK UP A COUPLE FACTORS.

CIVIL DA COULDN'T GET COMFORTABLE WITH THE CONTRACT, WITH CHERRY CHERRY ROAD.

AND WE WERE ALSO STARTING TO DO A DEEPER DIVE WITH OUR, WITH OUR REFERENCE CHECKS.

AND WHAT WE FOUND IS, ORACLE CLOUD SUITE HAD BEEN ATTEMPTED TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY SOME OTHER LARGER COUNTIES IN, IN THE STATE, UNSUCCESSFULLY.

AND THERE WERE SOME CHALLENGES.

IN FACT, THERE ISN'T AN ORACLE CLOUD SUITE IMPLEMENTATION IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, FOR A COUNTY COMPARABLE TO OUR SIZE.

SO WE WENT BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AND LOOKED AT THE RESPONDENTS WORKDAY.

WAS UP THERE WITH ORACLE AND WE DID REFERENCE CHECKS ON THEM, AND THERE WERE SOME FAVORABLE, COMMENTS THAT CAME BACK AROUND WORKDAY IMPLEMENTATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTIES, ESPECIALLY COUNTIES OUR SIZE.

SO IN AUGUST OF 2023, WE ASKED TO RESCIND THE AUTHORIZATION OF NEGOTIATE WITH CHERRY ROAD.

AND WE ASKED FOR, AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT WITH ACCENTURE AROUND THE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT SYSTEM.

AND THEN WE'RE HERE TODAY WITH THE PRESENTATION.

SO WHAT IS IT? ACCENTURE, WOULD IMPLEMENT THE WORKDAY SOFTWARE SOLUTION THAT HAS A LOT OF DIFFERENT FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS OR MODULES, IF YOU WANT TO CALL IT AROUND HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, PAYROLL, TALENT OPTIMIZATION BENEFITS, ADVANCED COMPENSATION, WHICH IS REALLY ALLOWING YOU TO LOOK AT, EQUITY AND WHAT, WHAT A COLA OR WHAT A, WHAT A RAISE OR A MERIT INCREASE WOULD HAVE.

WE HAVE TIME TRACKING.

THERE'S A LEARNING MANAGEMENT COMPONENT TO IT, A RECRUITING COMPONENT TO IT, AND A LOT OF ANALYTICS, THAT ALLOW US TO NOT JUST DO DEEP DIVES, ON THE HR DATA THAT'S IN THE SYSTEM, BUT ALSO MARRY THAT WITH OTHER DATA THAT MAY BE HR RELATED.

SO ALL EMPLOYEE RECORDS WOULD BE INTEGRATED INTO ONE SINGLE SYSTEM.

THIS WOULD BE THE SYSTEM THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE COUNTY'S PERFORMANCE REVIEW PROCESS MOVING FORWARD TO INCLUDE ANY MERIT INCREASES THAT MAY COME OUT OF THAT.

[04:10:07]

AS A PROPOSED FUTURE, FUTURE EFFORT, INTEGRATED BENEFITS MANAGEMENT COUNTYWIDE TIME KEEPING.

SO TODAY, THE COUNTY HAS MULTIPLE DIFFERENT TIME KEEPING SYSTEMS. SOME PEOPLE TRACK THEIR TIME IN THE MAINFRAME.

SOME PEOPLE TRACK THEIR TIME IN A, IN A ONE OFF SYSTEM THAT THEY MAY HAVE DEVELOPED FOR THEIR OFFICER DEPARTMENT.

SO THE IDEA HERE IS TO GET EVERYBODY ON TO ONE SINGLE TIME KEEPING, PLATFORM.

IT'LL HAVE A MODERN SELF-SERVICE PORTAL LOOKING AT THE TECHNICAL BENEFITS BELOW ITS WEB AND MOBILE DEVICE FRIENDLY, DOES HAVE ENHANCED SECURITY.

IT IS A SAAS OR SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE.

LICENSE, MEANING THAT IT'S HOSTED IN THE CLOUD.

SO WHAT ARE THE COSTS? THE IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES WITH ACCENTURE ARE $8,018,751.

WE DO EXPECT THAT WE'LL NEED TO BACKFILL SOME COUNTY RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THIS AS WELL.

WE'VE ESTIMATED THOSE COSTS TO BE ABOUT $3 MILLION.

THOSE INCLUDE RESOURCES IN IT, BUT ALSO RESOURCES IN HR AS WELL AS THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

THEY NEED TO BACKFILL SOME OF THEIR FUNCTIONAL RESOURCES IN ORDER TO HAVE TIME TO SPEND ON THE PROJECT TO GET US, GET US THERE LIVE AND THEN SOFTWARE AND SERVICES.

THE TEN YEAR COST WITH PTG IS 11,705,000 $719,000.

HOW DOES THAT BREAK DOWN? BY CAPITAL AND GENERAL FUND.

THAT CAPITAL PORTION OF THAT IS ESTIMATED TO BE 12,000,117, $907,000.

WE CAN CAPITALIZE ABOUT, $1,099,000 OF THIS.

THE SOFTWARE FEES.

SO I THINK IT'S THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF OF SOFTWARE FEES CAN BE CAPITALIZED UP THROUGH GO LIVE.

AND THEN THE REMAINING COST IS FUTURE GENERAL FUND REQUIREMENTS.

ONE OF THE QUESTIONS THAT CAME UP TO ME IS THE COST BREAKDOWN THAT IT'S ACTUALLY ON THE ACF.

WE ACTUALLY HAVE YEAR ONE, YEAR TWO, YEAR THREE.

I DON'T HAVE THEM IN THIS PRESENTATION ALL THE WAY THROUGH YEAR TEN.

AND WHY THE FEW THE FIRST FEW YEARS ARE LOWER THAN THE OTHER YEARS.

WE DID RECEIVE AN INCENTIVE IF WE CAN GET THIS APPROVED THIS MONTH, BECAUSE WORKDAY'S FISCAL YEAR ENDS THIS MONTH.

OF ABOUT $860,000 THAT IS TAKEN OFF OF THE FIRST THREE YEARS.

SO PART OF THE REASON FOR THE REDUCED COST IN YEAR ONE, YEAR TWO, YEAR THREE IS AN $860,000 SAVINGS.

THE OTHER PART OF THAT REDUCED COST IS IN YEAR ONE AND YEAR TWO.

WHILE WE'RE GOING THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION, OUR COSTS FOR THE STAFF SOFTWARE FEES AREN'T AS HIGH AS THEY WOULD BE ONCE WE GO LIVE, RIGHT? SO YEAR THREE IS THE FIRST FULL YEAR.

I'M SORRY. YEAR FOUR IS THE FIRST FULL YEAR OF COST.

AND THEN WHAT YOU SEE IS A 2% PRICE ESCALATOR EVERY YEAR AFTER THAT, WHICH IS REALLY LOW FOR SOFTWARE.

USUALLY, USUALLY WE'RE BUDGETING FOR 5% AS A COST ESCALATOR ON OUR SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION FEES.

SO WE WANTED TO LOCK IN.

A SYSTEM LIKE THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE PLAN ON USING FOR 15 YEARS.

YOU DON'T GO INTO AN ERP SYSTEM AND PLAN TO USE IT FOR 5 OR 7 YEARS, SO TEN YEARS WOULD BE THE MINIMUM THAT WE'D WANT TO USE IT.

THE LIFE OF THIS IS PROBABLY MORE LIKE 15.

SO WE WANTED TO ENTER INTO THAT TEN YEAR AGREEMENT AS A PROPOSAL TO LOCK IN SOME OF THAT FAVORABLE PRICING.

SO THE TIMELINE, THIS PROJECT, IF THIS GETS APPROVED TODAY, WE'D, RAMP UP RESOURCES, PLAN ON KICKING OFF IN APRIL.

WE'D REALLY FOCUS THE BEGINNING OF THE PROJECT ON BUSINESS PROCESS ALIGNMENT.

REALLY? AND PROJECT PLANNING.

JULY, THE PROJECT PLAN WOULD BE COMPLETE.

WE'D, PREPARE FOR DEPLOYMENT, AUGUST THROUGH AUGUST OF 2024 THROUGH JANUARY OF 2025.

WE'D ARCHITECT AND CONFIGURE THE SYSTEM.

AND AGAIN, THIS IS A JOINT EFFORT WITH ACCENTURE, WITH BCIT, WITH STAFF AUGMENTATION, AS WELL AS THE COUNTY OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS, PRIMARILY, THE HEAVY LIFTING DONE BY HR AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

BUT TIME KEEPING EXTENDS TO EVERYBODY LEAVE MANAGEMENT, YOU KNOW, EXTEND THAT EXTENDS TO EVERYBODY.

RIGHT. FEBRUARY THROUGH MAY WE DO END AND TESTING.

TESTING. THERE'LL BE A CUT OVER PLAN.

WE ARE MIGRATING ALL OF THE DATA FROM OUR, LEGACY HR SYSTEMS OVER TO THIS SYSTEM.

SO THERE'S A DATA MIGRATION COMPONENT AS WELL.

TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THAT DATA OVER, JUNE END USER TRAINING GO LIVE.

AND THEN SEPTEMBER OR JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER IS POST GO LIVE SUPPORT.

THIS TIMELINE IS GOING TO BE, EXTREMELY CRITICAL TO HOLD FOR THE COUNTY.

YOU MAY SEE, I THINK NEXT MONTH AN ITEM COME BACK TO COURT.

IT'S ALREADY BEEN TO COURT ONCE OR TWICE, WHICH IS AN EXTENSION OF OUR MAINFRAME.

SO THE MAINFRAME SUPPORTS ISSUES, RIGHT? THE JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT I HAD MENTIONED PREVIOUSLY, BUT IT ALSO SUPPORTS TIME KEEPING COUNTY WIDE, AND IT ALSO SUPPORTS ELECTIONS PAYROLL.

[04:15:08]

THE VENDOR IS, IS IS HAVING US DO A TWO YEAR AGREEMENT THAT GOES THROUGH SEPTEMBER OF 2025.

OUR MAINFRAME AGREEMENT IS ABOUT $1 MILLION A YEAR.

WE HAVE TO HAVE IT THROUGH SEPTEMBER OF 2025.

ALSO, FOR A FALLBACK AND CONTINGENCY, RELATED TO ISSUES.

BUT WE DON'T WANT TO EXTEND IT BEYOND SEPTEMBER OF 2025, ONLY FOR ELECTIONS, PAYROLL AND FOR TIME KEEPING.

IT'S TOO COSTLY FOR THAT.

SO IT'S GOING TO BE CRITICAL FOR US TO GET THIS PROJECT DONE SO THAT WE CAN GET ON A NEW TIME KEEPING SYSTEM AND GET ELECTIONS PAYROLL OFF OF THAT ELECTIONS PAYROLL OFF OF THE MAINFRAME, SO THAT WE CAN AVOID THOSE FUTURE COSTS OF THE MAINFRAME AS WELL.

SO WE'LL HOLD A TIGHT AND FIRM KIND OF, CONTROL SCHEDULE AROUND THIS, THIS IMPLEMENTATION TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN AVOID THAT MOVING FORWARD.

SO IT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO GET IT HERE.

NOW GET THE COST SAVINGS AS WELL AS RECOGNIZE, OR ALLEVIATE THOSE FUTURE DEPENDENCIES.

SO THAT WAS A LOT.

SO I'LL GO THROUGH THE RECOMMENDED MOTION I GUESS I NEED TO READ IT OUT.

I'LL DO THAT. GO AHEAD.

SINCE I DIDN'T DO IT.

SO, APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF AND THEN THE FIRST ONE IS IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF WORKDAY HCM AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY AND ACCENTURE LLP, VIA DER CPO 4923, AND THE AMOUNT OF $8,018,751.

THE SECOND IS PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY AND PTG VIA DIR.

CONTRACT NUMBER DIR.

TSO 4242 FOR WORKDAY HCM AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE, SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,705,719, WITH THE OPTION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL WORKDAY SOFTWARE MODULES IN THE FUTURE.

FIRST AMENDMENT TO IMPLEMENTATION AND DEPLOYMENT SERVICES.

AGREEMENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF WORKDAY HCM AND PAYROLL SOFTWARE BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY AND ACCENTURE LLP.

MOVE APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDED MOTION.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION QUESTIONS? THANK YOU. I KNOW IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY, SO HOLD ON.

IT'S GREAT TO HAVE THIS NEW SYSTEM.

COMMISSIONER MOODY. MARK, IF YOU COULD.

SO THE THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS IS AROUND ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONALITY OR JUST A BETTER SOLUTION OR IS IT GOING TO BE CHEAPER VERSUS OUR EXISTING BOTH.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE CHEAPER.

SO THE FIRST TWO YES.

INCREASE FUNCTIONALITY.

THERE ARE THINGS THAT THE COUNTY NEEDS TO AUTOMATE AND SHOULD HAVE, YOU KNOW, THAT THAT THE BUSINESSES WANTED TO AUTOMATE AROUND HR, THAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO DO ON OUR EXISTING PLATFORM. SO THAT'S ONE.

OKAY. THE SECOND PIECE IS THAT WE'RE ON OLD AGING, VERSION OF SAP THAT REQUIRES US IN THE FUTURE TO UPGRADE OFF OF THAT. ANYWAY, ONTO A NEW PLATFORM.

AND THEIR NEW PLATFORM IS A RECOMMENDED CLOUD BASED SOLUTION.

ANYWAY, SO WE WENT OUT FOR RFP BECAUSE WE KNEW WE WERE GOING TO NEED TO DO THAT.

I THINK THE EXISTING SYSTEM IS GOOD THROUGH 2027.

YEAH. SO THESE THESE SYSTEMS USUALLY TAKE A COUPLE OF YEARS TO IMPLEMENT.

SO THE EXISTING SYSTEM ESSENTIALLY FOR THE CURRENT FEATURE SET IS GOOD THROUGH 2027.

SO WE KNEW WE WERE GOING TO HAVE TO BE OFF OF IT BY THEN ANYWAY, OR WE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LEVERAGE THE EXISTING FUNCTIONALITY THAT WE HAVE AROUND HR AND PAYROLL.

SO THOSE ARE SOME OF THE SOME OF THE DRIVING FACTORS.

IT'S REALLY FOR EFFICIENCIES.

AND WHAT'S THE CURRENT SUBSCRIPTION COST? IT LOOKS LIKE GOING FORWARD IT'S GOING TO BE LIKE 1.3 TO 1.4.

THAT'S CORRECT. AND WHAT WAS IT EXISTING? IT WAS I HAVE THOSE NUMBERS.

GIVE ME JUST A SECOND. OKAY.

THERE'S A FEW DIFFERENT PRODUCTS, SO WE HAVE SAP.

NICK, YOU HAVE IT.

AND THEN WE PAY SISTEMA.

I GOT IT. YEAH.

286,000 FOR SAP.

WE PAY SISTEMA, TO MANAGE THE DATABASE AND SOME UPGRADE SERVICES AND INTEGRATIONS FOR US.

THAT'S ANOTHER 140,000 A YEAR.

BUSINESS LOGIC IS 135,000 A YEAR.

AND THEN WE ALSO PAY.

I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WE'LL MOVE AWAY FROM IF WE WILL.

NEO GOV IS ABOUT 190,000 A YEAR.

SO 3456.

SO THAT'S ABOUT $750,000 TODAY.

ALL IN FOR FOUR DIFFERENT PRODUCTS.

THAT STILL WOULDN'T SUPPORT ALL OF THE FUNCTIONALITY THAT WE'LL BE GETTING OUT OF THE NEW SYSTEM.

SO THANK YOU.

YEAH. COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

SO, MARK, LET ME ASK THIS QUESTION IN LIGHT OF THE.

WIDE DISCRETION.

I MEAN DISCUSSION OF BOTH AGENDA ITEMS THAT WE'VE DEALT WITH WITH, BCIT.

[04:20:05]

A SLOW PROCESS.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT GO BE MORE EFFICIENT.

YEAH. SO THERE'S A COUPLE THINGS ALREADY, THAT WE'VE IMPLEMENTED.

SO ONE IS ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE.

CHANGE MANAGEMENT IS A BIG COMPONENT OF ANY PROJECT.

SO IT'S REALLY THAT FRONT END BUSINESS, PROCESS IDENTIFICATION AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE STAKEHOLDER GROUPS.

RIGHT. SO THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THE CENTER IS REALLY GOOD IN AND REALLY STRONG IN.

AND WE LOOKED AT IT AS PART OF THE PROPOSALS AS A DECIDING FACTOR OR CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

SO THAT WILL BE BIG. THE BEGINNING OF THE PROJECT I THINK I MENTIONED WAS AROUND BUSINESS BENEFITS ALIGNMENT OR BUSINESS REALIZATION AND ALIGNMENT.

RIGHT. AND THEN ONGOING ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE, CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND PROJECT COMMUNICATION MOVING FORWARD.

THE OTHER THING IS AROUND STAKEHOLDERS.

SO I MENTIONED THE STAFF AUGMENTATION.

SO WE MAY HAVE AUGMENTED A LOT OF IT RESOURCES ON ISSUES, BUT WE DIDN'T BACKFILL A LOT OF BUSINESS RESOURCES.

RIGHT. TINA AND HR AND LEO AND THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE HAVE SAID, HEY, IN ORDER FOR US TO BE SUCCESSFUL, WE REALLY NEED TO BACK BACKFILL SOME OF OUR RESOURCES WITHIN THE FUNCTIONAL AREAS IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN DO OUR WORK ON THE PROJECT AS WELL.

SO WE HAVE THAT BAKED INTO THE PROJECT AS WELL, AS WELL AS NUMEROUS OTHER LESSONS LEARNED AROUND CONTROL, PROJECT UPDATES, COMMUNICATION, THAT KIND OF STUFF.

THE TECHNOLOGY IS APPLES TO ORANGES, RIGHT.

BUT, BUT THE HOW YOU MANAGE THE PROJECT AND HOW YOU LEVERAGE THE RESOURCES ISN'T IT'S THE SAME, ON BOTH PROJECTS, REALLY.

SO WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT. THOSE ARE JUST SOME OF THE EXAMPLES.

WELL, THEN LET ME ASK LEO.

LEO, WHAT DO YOU NEED IN ORDER TO GET THIS THING? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR TWO, THREE YEARS THAT WE'RE STILL STRUGGLING TO GET IT LIVE.

NO. THANK YOU, JUDGE, FOR ASKING.

TO MARK'S POINT, THE RESOURCES WERE REALLY, SOMEWHAT CONCERNED ON THAT ASPECT, BUT, YOU KNOW, BACKFILLING OUR POSITIONS BECAUSE GOING GOING HAVE GONE THROUGH A FINANCIAL SYSTEM BACK WHEN WE DID LAWSON GOING FROM AN OLD DOS BASE TO ACTUAL WEB BASED, ELECTRONIC, YOU KNOW, TRANSACTIONS, IT TOOK A TOLL ON OUR STAFF.

I GOT PHONE CALLS FROM SPOUSES AND STUFF.

SO WE'RE PUTTING IN A LOT OF HOURS.

SO THE IMPORTANCE IN THAT WAS, HEY, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE.

OBVIOUSLY, PAYROLL IS IMPORTANT FUNCTION THAT, YOU KNOW, THAT DOESN'T GET DISRUPTED.

SO, AGAIN, TO MARK'S POINT, WE'RE HAPPY THAT WE HAVE THOSE ADDITIONAL POSITIONS.

AND ALSO, IF I CAN JUST ADD, I MEAN, YOU KNOW, THIS WOULD BE, HIGHLY EFFICIENT.

WE'RE RIGHT NOW, YOU KNOW, STILL PAPER BASED, ONE OF THE LARGEST, PAYROLL SYSTEMS OR FOR OUR COUNTY, OUR SIZE, PROBABLY ONE OF THE ONLY FEW THAT STILL PAPER BASED. SO IT'S GOING TO ADD SOME EFFICIENCIES, PAY BY EXCEPTION ONLY.

WE'VE HAD ISSUES THERE BECAUSE WE GET THE STATUS FORMS SO LATE, THE PERSON'S ALREADY LEFT, AND THEN WE WE FIND OUT FROM THE DEPARTMENTS THAT THEY GOT PAID MORE THAN THEY SHOULD HAVE TRYING TO GET THAT MONEY BACK.

SO THAT'S GOING TO BE, YOU KNOW, SOME EFFICIENCIES THERE.

AND THEN, TRUE TIME KEEPING SYSTEM, IS, IS REALLY GOING TO BE SUPER HELPFUL.

SO ALL THOSE WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IT.

SO WE STILL WHAT'S THE PERCENTAGE OF OUR SYSTEM THAT'S CURRENTLY STILL PAPER.

IS IT STILL MOSTLY.

IS THAT AN APPROPRIATE ADJECTIVE.

WELL I CAN REALLY JUST SPEAK TO THE PAYROLL SIDE.

AND IT'S I MEAN WE'RE 95% BECAUSE IT'S THE PAPER STATUS FORMS THAT WE'RE GETTING AND WE'RE HAVING TO MANUALLY PUT THAT INTO THE SYSTEM.

SO TO A CERTAIN DEGREE, IT'S, IT'S A IT'S AN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR THE SYSTEM AND YOUR EMPLOYEES WORKING WITH THE VENDORS AND THE CONSULTANTS.

RIGHT. YES, YES.

SO WE'VE GOT TO HELP THE SYSTEM UNDERSTAND THAT BY CONVERTING TO THIS PROCESS, IT'S GOING TO MAKE THEIR JOB EASIER AS OPPOSED TO BE AFRAID OF IT. AND WE JUST CONTINUE TO BE RESISTANT TO CHANGE.

IS THAT A FAIR STATEMENT? YES FOR SURE. JUDGE.

AND AS MARK MENTIONED, AND AS YOU'RE SAYING, CHANGE MANAGEMENT IS HUGE.

THAT WAS ANOTHER THING THAT WE LEARNED FROM THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM GOING BACK.

AND I'VE BEEN REALLY PLEASED WITH THE WORKDAY STAFF SO FAR, THAT THEY'RE GOING TO CONCENTRATE A LOT OF, RESOURCES TO THAT AREA, BECAUSE ESPECIALLY THAT WE'VE BEEN USING THE SOUL SAP SYSTEM FOR OVER TWO DECADES.

IT GETS HARD OR DIFFICULT SOMETIMES FOR PEOPLE TO WANT TO CHANGE ON THAT, YOU KNOW, INCLUDING SOME OF OUR STAFF AND EVERYTHING.

SO TRAINING IS KEY CHANGE MANAGEMENT.

SO YOU'RE SPOT ON, BUT YOU'RE COMMITTED TO CHANGE AS THE AUDITOR COUNTY AUDITOR.

[04:25:04]

LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. LET ME I'M LOOKING OVER THIS WAY NOW TINA, WHAT DO YOU NEED FROM THIS PROJECT IN ORDER TO GET US INTO THE NEXT, DECADE CENTURY? WHATEVER THAT. TAKE TIME.

WE GOT THE RESOURCES THAT WE NEED.

WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF TRYING TO GET PEOPLE ON BOARD FOR THE PROJECT.

FOR US, THIS IS GOING TO BE, RESULT IN A LOT OF EFFICIENCIES.

WE'RE CURRENTLY USING THREE DIFFERENT SYSTEMS TO GET HR DATA.

SO WE'RE EXCITED. WE'RE 100% ON BOARD WITH CHANGE.

WE'RE NOT GOING TO HAVE ANY ISSUES FROM MY TEAM WITH THAT.

SO THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR HELPING US GET THIS DONE.

SO I WANT TO HEAR FROM THE VENDORS BECAUSE I WANT TO KNOW WHAT THEIR COMMITMENT IS.

WHAT DO WE GOT? WORKDAY.

WE'VE GOT ACCENTURE.

WHAT DO Y'ALL WHAT DO Y'ALL YOU HEARD WHAT THE STAFF NEEDS.

WHAT DO YOU NEED IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD IN A TIMELY AND EFFICIENT MANNER? HI, MY NAME IS JILL GEORGEVICH AND I'M WITH ACCENTURE.

WE NEED RESOURCES.

SO HAVING BACKFILL IS SUPER IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE RESOURCES AREN'T STRESSED AND TIRED AND FATIGUED, AND THAT YOU CAN GET THE BEST OUTCOME FROM YOUR NEW SYSTEM.

SO THE FACT THAT YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY INVESTED IN MAKING SURE THAT THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IS HUGE, AND COMMITMENT FROM LEADERSHIP TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU'RE NOT TAKING THOSE OLD BUSINESS PROCESSES FROM THE PAST IN YOUR OLD SYSTEM FORWARD INTO A NEW, MODERN SYSTEM, AND THAT YOU EMPOWER THE PEOPLE ON THE PROJECT TO MAKE DECISIONS REAL TIME. IS THERE A PREPARATION WORK THAT CAN BE DONE, OR IS IT KIND OF BE GOING TO BE DONE AS YOU GO ALONG? YEAH. WE START, HI, DIANA COLLINS WITH ACCENTURE AND WE START WITH WHAT WAS ALREADY MENTIONED, BUSINESS PROCESS ALIGNMENT AS WELL AS EXECUTIVE ENGAGEMENT.

THOSE ARE PROGRAMS WE START AT THE BEGINNING AS WELL AS DURING THE PLAN STAGE OF THE PROJECT WHERE WE'RE ACTUALLY, YOU KNOW, FOCUSING ON THE PROJECT TEAM RESOURCES AND MAKING SURE THEY'RE COMMITTED.

AND WHO ARE YOU? GREG IGNATOWSKI FROM WORKDAY.

JUST TO ECHO WHAT WHAT THE FOLKS FROM ACCENTURE SAID, WE REALLY JUST NEED THE ENGAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT FROM LEADERSHIP, WHICH IT SOUNDS LIKE WE DO HAVE.

AND IT'S REALLY BEEN A PLEASURE WORKING WITH YOUR TEAMS HERE AND WORKING WITH THE STAFF TO GET THIS PROJECT WHERE IT IS.

SO JUST THE COMMITMENT AND COMMUNICATION WILL GET US WHERE WE NEED TO BE.

WELL THEN I'M GOING TO ASK EVERYBODY WHO'S MADE THAT COMMITMENT.

I WANT STATUS REPORTS FROM TIME TO TIME.

BECAUSE OTHERWISE I'M AGAIN, I WANT TO SEE US MOVING IN AN EFFICIENT WAY.

I CAN WORK WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER AND AND THOMAS TO SET UP A RECURRING, WHATEVER FREQUENCY THAT YOU ALL DESIRE.

STATUS UPDATE TO COURT, WHETHER IT BE QUARTERLY OR WHATEVER THAT IS.

AND THEN WHENEVER YOU NEED IT, OBVIOUSLY WE'LL HAVE STATUS UPDATES ON THE PROJECT.

ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS.

MOTION CARRIES.

CARRY ON. THANK YOU.

YOU'RE WELCOME. OKAY.

WE'RE GETTING THERE.

ITEM 88 DISCUSSION.

[88. Discussion and appropriate action regarding the First Amendment to Task Order No. 01 of the Cooperative Agreement between Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority, and the City of San Antonio for the completion of the Creeks and Trails Capital Improvements Program; to provide additional funding for replacement of the San Antonio Zoo Water Well, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes (Dan Curry)]

GO AHEAD. AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE A CITIZEN, KATHLEEN RUBIN, WHO IS, I BELIEVE, FROM SARAH.

SO YEAH, THERE YOU ARE.

YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE I DIDN'T FORGET TO INTRODUCE, THIS IS OUR NEW PROGRAM MANAGER AT SARAH.

SHE RUNS THE CREEKS AND TRAILS PROGRAM FOR US.

HER NAME IS KATHLEEN RUBIN, AND SO I'M GLAD SHE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE COURT.

GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M TONY CANEZ.

I'M WITH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT.

AND ALSO WITH US IN THE AUDIENCE IS MR. JESSE VARGAS, WHO'S THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER WITH THE ZOO WITH THE ZOO FOUNDATION.

SO THE IN FEBRUARY OF 22, COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVED A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RIVER AUTHORITY, THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, TO COMPLETE THE CREEKS AND TRAILS PROGRAM WITH CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM.

AND THE MASTER AGREEMENT ESTABLISHED THAT WE WOULD EXECUTE INDIVIDUAL TASK ORDERS, EACH TIME, FOR THE COMMISSIONER'S COURT TO APPROVE THAT WOULD GOVERN THE SPECIFIC DETAILS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL PROJECT.

SO THAT WOULD INCLUDE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, PROJECT SCOPE, SCHEDULE AND BUDGET.

AND SO IN MAY OF 22, COMMISSIONERS APPROVED TASK ORDER NUMBER ONE, WHICH IS FOR THE ZOO WATER.

WELL, AND THIS IS AN AMENDMENT TO TASK ORDER ONE TO ASSIGN FUNDS THAT WERE BUDGETED THIS PAST SEPTEMBER.

SO THE ZOO PROPERTY IS OWNED BY THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, AND THIS ZOO FOUNDATION IS A TENANT, AND THEY OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE ZOO.

IT HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED THAT THE CURRENT WELL STATE OF THE WELL, IS DECADES OLD AND IN POOR CONDITION.

SO IT IS A SINGLE POINT OF FAILURE AS A SOURCE OF WATER FOR THE ANIMALS.

[04:30:03]

SO, AS MENTIONED EARLIER, THE COURT APPROVED $2.5 MILLION TOWARDS THE PROJECT, AND THE CITY ALSO HAS CONTRIBUTED $1.5 MILLION, WHICH HAS FUNDED THE DESIGN AND HAS, WHICH HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

AND THE REMAINING WILL BE COMBINED WITH THE COUNTY FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION.

THIS IS JUST THE CRITERIA THAT WENT INTO, THE DESIGN.

THE SOLUTION THAT WE NEED IS TO ADDRESS THE VERY, VERY REAL POSSIBILITY OF FAILURE OF THE WELL, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE'S NO VIABLE OPTION, VIABLE ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE FOR THE ANIMALS. AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DID NOT, INCREASE THE DEMAND ON THE AQUIFER.

SO THE NEW WELL WILL BE PLACED IN A LOCATION THAT WAS APPROVED BY THE CITY AND THE ZOO.

AND SARAH WILL MANAGE THE THE CONTRACTOR, OVERSEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT, AND THE CITY AND COUNTY WILL STILL CONTINUE TO HAVE INPUT REGARDING THE PROJECT AS THE PROJECT IS NEEDED. AND EVERYONE HAS AGREED TO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE ZOO, COLLABORATIVELY, SO THAT THE OPERATIONS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

THE SAFETY OF THE WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC IS MAINTAINED.

AND AND TO AGAIN, TO MAINTAIN THE THE OPERATION OF THE ZOO.

I JUST SAID THAT TWICE, BUT, SO UPON RECEIVING BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION LAST FALL, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FUNDING WOULD BE NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH THE PROJECT.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING. SO THE RIVER AUTHORITY HAS NEGOTIATED WITH THE LOWEST AND BEST RESPONDER TO BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE WORK.

FOR THE WELL, FOR A TOTAL OF $5 MILLION.

UNFORTUNATELY, COMMISSIONER MOODY.

THANK YOU. YOU HAD THE FORESIGHT TO INCLUDE THE FUNDING FOR THE FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE WELL IN THE LAST YEAR'S CAPITAL BUDGET.

SO UPON APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT, THE WORK IS SLATED TO START IMMEDIATELY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE, BY THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.

AND THEN ONCE ALL THE NEW WELL HAS BEEN INSTALLED IN ITS COMMISSIONED, WE'LL BE ABLE TO TAKE A CLOSER INSPECTION OF THE EXISTING WATER.

WELL, TO FIGURE OUT IF HOW REHABILITATION OF THAT, EQUIPMENT CAN BE PERFORMED SO THAT WE HAVE A REDUNDANT SYSTEM.

AND ONCE THE PROJECT IS COMPLETE, THE COUNTY WILL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY TO OPERATE OR MAINTAIN THE IMPROVEMENTS.

THE ZOO FOUNDATION, THE ZOO FOUNDATION AS A TENANT WILL MANAGE AND OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE CONSTRUCTED, INSTALLED IMPROVEMENTS.

AND SO I'LL STOP HERE FOR QUESTIONS.

MR. MOODY. JUST IF YOU COULD PROVIDE US A LITTLE.

I MEAN, I THINK EVERYONE'S SUPPORTIVE OF OF OUR ZOO AND AND UTILIZES IT AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER.

WE KNOW THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED.

I GUESS THE QUESTION I WOULD HAVE IS, IS JUST, AGAIN, AROUND THE ESCALATION OF COSTS.

SO I THINK WHEN I WAS ORIGINALLY BRIEFED ON THIS, I WANT TO SAY IT WAS 2.5 MILLION.

OR MAYBE THAT WAS JUST THE COUNTY'S CONTRIBUTION, BUT I KNOW IT'S ESCALATED OVER TIME.

SO CAN YOU SPEAK TO THOSE ESCALATION AND COSTS, AS IT RELATES TO THE PROJECT BUDGET? WELL, I WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS THAT THE ORIGINAL COST OF THE PROJECT WAS 4 MILLION, WHICH IS THE TWO AND A HALF PLUS THE ONE AND A HALF THAT THE CITY PUT IN.

SO IT WAS FOUR IS ESCALATED TO FIVE.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE INVOLVED MORE IN THE NEGOTIATION WITH THE CONTRACTOR.

MAYBE YOU COULD SPEAK TO THAT. SURE.

SO, LIKE TONY ALREADY MENTIONED, WHEN WE RECEIVED BIDS BACK FROM THE POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS, WE NEGOTIATED WITH THE LOWEST AND BEST BIDDER TO BRING THAT COST DOWN ABOUT $250,000 BEFORE WE REQUESTED THIS BUDGET AMENDMENT.

AS FAR AS COST ESCALATIONS GO OVER TIME.

I KNOW THIS INITIAL BUDGET WAS DONE BEFORE DESIGN TOOK PLACE, AND I THINK THAT THOSE INCREASES ARE ATTRIBUTED TO NEW INFORMATION THAT WAS FOUND OUT DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS.

BUT WE DID NEGOTIATE TO TRY AND GET AS MUCH EFFICIENCY AS POSSIBLE WITH THAT FINAL, FINAL NUMBER.

OKAY, SO THE DESIGN DIDN'T CHANGE, JUST THE COSTS WERE ESCALATED.

YES. AND IS THE CITY PROVIDING ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING HERE? THE CITY HAS PROVIDED THE 1.5 MILLION AND A HALF.

OKAY. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS.

ANYBODY ELSE. MR. CALVERT? WHERE? THE GORILLA EXHIBIT.

COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ OR NO QUESTIONS.

JUDGE, I DON'T KNOW IF, ANYBODY'S MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

I'LL MOVE APPROVAL SECOND.

ALL RIGHT, WE GOT A MOTION.

MOTION BY MOODY, COMMISSIONER MOODY.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

SO I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR. SO THIS IS SOLELY FOR WATER FOR THE ANIMALS.

CORRECT. THE THE WATER.

WELL, THAT'S USED, TO WATER THE ANIMALS CAN'T HAVE, SOURCE TREATMENT.

ANY. AND SO IT HAS TO BE A FRESH WATER FROM THE, FROM THE AQUIFER.

AND SO IT IT DOESN'T IT'S THE ONLY IT'S ONLY USED FOR THAT.

[04:35:02]

SO IT DOES PROVIDE SOME, SOME AMOUNT OF, OF, OF FLOW FOR THE RIVER AS WELL.

AND SO WHAT THIS FUNDING, IT'S GOING TO BE A COMPLETED PROJECT OR IS THERE GOING TO BE MAINTENANCE FEES FOR, FOR THIS PROJECT? THIS WILL BE A COMPLETE INSTALL OF THE PROJECT AGAIN ONCE THE PROJECT IS COMPLETE.

ALL MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION WOULD GO TO THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU. I BELIEVE TONY, I WE DID MY TEAM AND I DID A VISIT WITH THE ZOO, AND WE SAW THE.

WELL, IN PARTICULAR, I BELIEVE THAT, WELL, NOT ONLY FEEDS FOR THE ANIMALS FOR THE ENTIRE ZOO, BUT THE WATER ALSO IS VITAL FOR THE SAN ANTONIO RIVER AS IT COMES THROUGH DOWNTOWN.

SO IT'S A VITAL LINK TO OUR COMMUNITY, I DO BELIEVE.

ALL RIGHT, THERE'S A MOTION.

AND SECOND, ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

OH, MISS RUBEN, DID YOU YOU SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.

SO THAT WAS YOU WANT YOUR THREE MINUTES NEWNESS TO THE PROCESS.

ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. ITEM 89, DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE FOLLOWING RELATED.

[89. Discussion and appropriate action regarding the following related to Bexar County's Community Supervision & Corrections Department's Dual Diagnosis Recovery Facility Intake Center and Campus Renovations funded by the American Rescue Plan Act: a. Approval of a Design Build Agreement and Guaranteed Maximum Price with Joeris General Contractors, Ltd for Design-Build Services of the Bexar County Dual Diagnosis Recovery Facility Intake Center and Campus Renovations for an amount not to exceed $20,794,000.00; b. Approval of a budgetary transfer to reallocate funds within the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund to provide funding for design and construction services, geotechnical investigation, materials testing, permitting, impact fees, and project contingency in the total amount of $22,000,000 for the Dual Diagnosis Recovery Facility Intake Center and Campus Renovations. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes (Dan Curry)]

INTAKE CENTER. CAMPUS RENOVATIONS FUNDED BY THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT, A APPROVAL OF A DESIGN BUILD AGREEMENT.

GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE WITH JEWISH GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR DESIGN BUILD SERVICES OF THE BEXAR COUNTY DUAL DIAGNOSIS RECOVERY FACILITY, INTAKE CENTER, AND CAMPUS RENOVATION FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $20,794,000.

B APPROVAL OF BUDGETARY TRANSFER RELOCATE FUNDS WITHIN THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT.

ARPA FUND TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION, MATERIALS TESTING, PERMITTING IMPACT FEES AND PROJECT CONTINGENCY IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $22 MILLION FOR THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS, RECOVERY FACILITY, INTAKE CENTER, AND CAMPUS RENOVATIONS.

MISTER CURRY MISTER.

THANK YOU JUDGE, AND THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME ALL OF THOSE WORDS.

SO I WILL GIVE YOU A LITTLE BACKGROUND.

AS YOU ARE WELL AWARE, IN 2022, WE DID A ASSESSMENT OF THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS FACILITY THAT'S RUN BY ADULT PROBATION.

WE CALLED THE DRF.

AND WE FOUND THAT, IT WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR AN ARPA PROJECT.

THE COURT ESTABLISHED A PROJECT INCLUDING $18 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BED CAPACITY THERE, 130 BEDS, PLUS $4 MILLION FOR DEFERRED MAINTENANCE, OF THE EXISTING BUILDINGS, AND AN ALLOWANCE OF $3 MILLION FOR THE PROPERTY FOR A TOTAL PROJECT COST OF $25 MILLION.

SO IN APRIL, WE RECEIVED PHASE ONE RESPONSES FOR THE DESIGN BUILD SOLICITATION.

IN JUNE, WE APPROVED THE SHORT LIST.

IN JULY 14TH, YOU GAVE US AUTHORITY.

WE GOT RESPONSES BACK FROM THOSE TWO, SHORT LISTED RESPONDENTS FOR DESIGN BUILD SERVICES.

AND IN AUGUST THIS PAST YEAR, YOU AUTHORIZED US TO NEGOTIATE WITH GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR THIS WORK.

TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE UPDATE, DESIGN BUILDS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN YOUR TRADITIONAL DESIGN BID BUILD.

DESIGN BUILD ACTUALLY INCLUDES THE DESIGN AND THE CONSTRUCTION IN ONE ACTUAL CONTRACT.

SO THE CONTRACTOR HOLDS THE CONTRACT, HE HIRES THE CONSULTANT, AND WE CAN DELIVER THIS PROJECT A LITTLE BIT FASTER THAN WE TRADITIONALLY DO.

WE DO DESIGN, BUILD.

SO THE CURRENT DRF SITE AND I APOLOGIZE I'M GOING THROUGH THIS PRETTY QUICKLY BECAUSE I KNOW EACH OF YOU HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE.

THERE ARE THREE MAIN BUILDINGS ON THERE.

BUILDING 200 TRAINING BUILDING 100 THE KITCHEN AND SOME SPORT SERVICES.

AND BUILDING 300 IS A MAIN DORMITORY BUILDING AND INTAKE LOCATION.

THE NEW INTAKE BUILDING IS AGAIN WE ARE FACTORING INTO THIS PROJECT IS A 39,000 SQUARE FOOT METAL BUILDING TO MATCH.

THE EXISTING BUILDINGS WILL BE 130 BEDS.

IT WILL ALLEVIATE SOME OF OUR JAIL POPULATION WITH ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM.

WE HAVE TWO LOCATIONS.

WE'RE DIALING IN EXACTLY WHERE THOSE LOCATIONS GO, BUT WE HAVE KIND OF DESIGNED THE CONCEPTUAL LAYOUT.

WE WORKED WITH THE JARVIS ANDERSON AND HIS GROUP ABOUT THE STEPS IT TAKES FOR THEM TO DELIVER THIS PROGRAM.

AND THIS MODULAR DESIGN IS WHAT WE SET ON.

INSTEAD OF JUST A MASSIVE 130 BEDS, IT ALLOWS THEM TO PROGRESS PEOPLE THROUGH THE PROGRAM MUCH SIMPLER AND MUCH BETTER TO FIT THEIR THEIR NEEDS.

SO WE'VE DONE THAT KIND OF WORK IN THE BACKGROUND AS WE NEGOTIATE THIS AGREEMENT.

AGAIN, AS FAR AS CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS.

AND THIS IS A LOT OF WORDS, BUT ESSENTIALLY ALL THE EXISTING BUILDINGS, WE GET NEW ROOFS, NEW SIDING, AND NEW HVAC SYSTEMS, WHICH ARE CRITICAL TO THE OPERATION AND SURVIVABILITY OF THIS CAMPUS. DAN, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE, DID I? I MAY HAVE MISHEARD.

SURE. DID I HEAR YOU SAY THAT WE WERE UNSURE OF THE LOCATION BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS OFF OF SOMETHING.

SO THE ACTUAL BUILDING LOCATION, THE NEW 130 BEDS, IT CAN GO MULTIPLE PLACES ON THE CAMPUS.

SO. SO IT IS GOING ON.

APPLEWHITE IT'S JUST A MATTER OF DO WE PUT IT OVER WHERE THE VOLLEYBALL COURTS ARE OR A LITTLE BIT CLOSER TO THE PARKING LOT? OKAY. THANK YOU. SO WE'RE DIALING IN THOSE FROM A CIVIL PERSPECTIVE AS WE SPEAK.

SO. OKAY. SO AGAIN, ALL THESE BUILDINGS, EXISTING BUILDINGS WILL DO THAT.

AND AGAIN, THE COUNTY WAS ABLE TO ACQUIRE THE PROPERTY FOR $5 MILLION.

[04:40:03]

SO YOU CAN SEE A COUPLE OF PICTURES OF THE AGED HVAC SYSTEMS. AGAIN, WE FACTORED IN REPLACEMENT OF THESE THINGS IN OUR BUDGET.

AND SO DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT, THE AGREEMENT IS 20,794,000.

WE ARE ASKING FOR A COUPLE ALLOWANCES AND CONTINGENCIES FOR US FOR A TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET OF ABOUT $22 MILLION.

WE ANTICIPATE THE COMPLETION ABOUT 540 CALENDAR DAYS, THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE TO BUILD THE NEW FACILITY, MOVE THE PEOPLE OVER AND THEN DO PHASE TWO, WHICH IS RESTORING SOME OF THE AGED INFRASTRUCTURE WE ANTICIPATE BEING DONE BY SEPTEMBER 2025, WHICH IS WELL INSIDE THE ARPA SPEND WINDOW.

SO REAL SIMPLY, I KNOW IT WAS MENTIONED EARLIER TODAY, THERE WAS AN OVERAGE ON THE ACQUISITION OF THIS PROPERTY, BY ABOUT $2 MILLION.

WE STILL BELIEVE THAT $5 MILLION IS A VERY FAIR AND EQUITABLE PRICE FOR THAT PROPERTY, CONSIDERING WHAT IT'S GOING TO PROVIDE FOR THE COUNTY.

SO WE ASKED FOR THE ARPA OFFICE TO HELP US WITH A BUDGETARY TRANSFER OF THAT $2 MILLION TO COVER THAT SHORTFALL, AND PUT THAT MONEY BACK.

SO THE TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET IS NOW $27 MILLION.

SO I'M GOING TO READ THE RECOMMENDED MOTIONS FOR YOU.

I HAVE A SMALL NUMBER CORRECTION ON B.

SO IF YOU ALLOW ME I'LL KIND OF READ THESE FOR THE RECORD.

A WE'RE ASKING TODAY FOR APPROVAL OF DESIGN BUILD AGREEMENT AND GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE TO GEORGE GENERAL CONTRACTORS FOR THE DESIGN BUILD SERVICES OF THE BEXAR COUNTY DUAL DIAGNOSIS RECOVERY FACILITY, INTAKE CENTER AND CAMPUS RENOVATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 20,794,000 TO BE FUNDED FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT, AND THEN B APPROVAL OF BUDGETARY TRANSFER TO REALLOCATE FUNDS WITHIN THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUND TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR DESIGN, BUILD SERVICES, GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES, GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION, MATERIALS TESTING, PERMITTING IMPACT FEES, AND PROJECT CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF 21,901,000 FOR THE DUAL DIAGNOSIS, RECOVERY FACILITY, INTAKE CENTER, AND CAMPUS RENOVATIONS.

I MOVE APPROVAL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED MOTIONS AND A AND B SECOND MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

SO HOW MANY BEDS DOES THIS ADD? YOU SAID ONE 3130.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS.

THIS, OBVIOUSLY IS IN MY PRECINCT, BUT IT SERVES BEXAR COUNTY.

AND I THINK BEYOND IT'S NOT JUST FOR BEXAR COUNTY RESIDENTS.

AND SO IT CONTINUES TO SPEAK TO THE FACT THAT WE NEED MORE BEDS.

SO I'M GLAD WE HAVE 130.

BUT OF COURSE, WE LOST SOME WITH NICK'S HOSPITAL CLOSING.

AND SO WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO, MAKE SURE WE HAVE MORE MENTAL HEALTH BEDS, DUAL DIAGNOSIS BEDS, AND ALSO THIS DIVERSION PROGRAM BECAUSE IT HELPS TO TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES WE'RE CONSTANTLY DEALING WITH IN TERMS OF OVERCROWDING IN JAIL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERPAYING NOT OVERPAYMENT.

IT'S BEEN A LONG GUY. I CAN'T THINK ANYMORE.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERTIME PAY.

SO I'M HAPPY TO SUPPORT THIS AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET SOME MORE BEDS SOON.

THANKS, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

YEAH. THANK YOU. JUDGE.

DAN, I NOTICED IT'S A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE CONTRACT.

SO HOW DOES THAT WORK? IF THEY HAPPEN TO GO OVER, OR THEY JUST CAN'T GO OVER, HOW HAVE WE GENERALLY FARED WITH THOSE KIND OF ARRANGEMENTS? SO ACTUALLY, WE EVERY CONTRACTOR THAT GIVES US A GUARANTEED MAXIMUM PRICE IS GOING TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE SMALL POCKETS OF MONEY OR CONTINGENCY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY DON'T RUN OVER, BECAUSE THE RISK IS IF THEY RUN OVER, THEY OWN ALL OF THAT RISK.

SO THEY SAID, WE'RE GOING TO BUILD THIS FACILITY FOR YOU AND DO THESE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THAT STIPULATED SUM.

IF IT'S A DOLLAR MORE THAN THAT, THEN THEY PAY THAT DOLLAR.

THE COUNTY DOES. SO.

SO DOES THAT MEAN THAT WE WON'T BE SEEING, CHANGE ORDERS OR AMENDMENTS? THE ONLY TIME YOU'LL EVER SEE A CHANGE ORDER AMENDMENT ON THIS TYPE OF AGREEMENT IS IF IT'S COUNTY DIRECTED.

SO IF THE COUNTY DECIDES, HEY, I'M GOING TO BUILD ANOTHER 100 BEDS OUT THERE AND I WANT TO SPEND SOME MORE MONEY, THEN THAT'S THE CASE, OR RAMPANT DELAYS OR SOMETHING ELSE.

BUT BUT DELAYS ARE BAKED INTO THE SCHEDULE.

SO GENERALLY WE CAN WORK WITH THOSE GUYS.

I DON'T FORESEE, COMMISSIONER, US BRINGING BACK ANY ADJUSTMENT TO THIS.

YEAH. AND WE'RE WE'RE SHOOTING TO SPEND EVERY NICKEL OF THIS AND, AND TO IMPROVE THOSE BUILDINGS.

YEAH. NO, I KNOW IT'S A BIG NUMBER, BUT IT IS NEEDED AND CERTAINLY, FILLS A, A SIGNIFICANT VOID THAT WE HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR THOSE, FOR THOSE, BEDS AND, YOU KNOW, THE NEEDS OF, OF, THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO, WHO ARE SUFFERING.

SO, OKAY, THAT'S ALL I HAD.

THANK YOU. JUDGE. ALL RIGHT.

THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR IN A SECOND.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES.

THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT.

[91. Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding awarding delivery orders to various suppliers for the purchase of computer equipment, software, and supply items including: desktop software licenses and renewals, wiring and cabling, computer parts, cell phones, pager services and related technology peripherals on a requirements contract basis for Countywide use in the estimated aggregate annual amount of $21,969,095 utilizing the State of Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Cooperative Purchasing Alliance; and authorizing the Purchasing Agent and file appropriate award documents for record. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Patricia Torres)]

PRESENTATION. DISCUSSION.

APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING AWARDING DELIVERY ORDERS TO VARIOUS SUPPLIERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.

SOFTWARE SUPPLY ITEMS, INCLUDING DESKTOP SOFTWARE, LICENSE RENEWALS, WIRING AND CABLING, COMPUTER PARTS, CELL PHONES, PAGER SERVICES, RELATED TECHNICAL

[04:45:08]

MRS TORRES OR.

YES. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS DOMINIC ORTIZ.

I'M A BUYER CONTRACT SPECIALIST WITH THE DEPARTMENT.

THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT? I'M HERE TO DISCUSS, THE DEALER LIST AND THE FISCAL SPENDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2324.

I'M NEW TO THIS. HOW DO I GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE? I JUST PUSH IT. OH.

OH. RIGHT HERE. OKAY.

SO, BEXAR COUNTY PARTICIPATES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, THE DER COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE.

THEY MAKE USE OF THE STATE'S, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING POWER.

THE DER SPECIFICALLY, THIS COOPERATIVE PROGRAM IS GEARED TOWARDS IT PURCHASES, AND IT, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

THE DER NEGOTIATE DER NEGOTIATES AND ADMINISTERS THESE CONTRACTS.

THEY, FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE SOLICITATION PROCESS.

THEY WORK WITH THE VENDORS.

AND SOME OF THESE CONTRACTS ARE QUITE EXTENSIVE.

A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON DER.

IT WAS ESTABLISHED TO.

AID THE LOCAL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN THE GROWTH RATE OF TECHNOLOGY, AND IT AND LEGISLATOR RECOGNIZED THIS GROWTH, AND IT WAS ESTABLISHED AS A STATE AGENCY, THE DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES.

AND THEY.

IMPLEMENT THIS TO HELP ALLEVIATE PROBLEMS IN REGARDS TO IT THAT MAY BE GROWING BECAUSE, AS WE ALL KNOW, IT IS A GROWING FIELD AND THERE'S ALWAYS UPDATES, THERE'S ALWAYS MAINTENANCE ISSUES, THERE'S ALWAYS, AGREEMENTS THAT ARE CHANGING.

AND THE FIELD IS JUST, YOU KNOW, EXPONENTIALLY GROWING.

SO, YOU KNOW, LEGISLATOR, PUT TOGETHER THIS PROGRAM AND IT IS A COOPERATIVE PROGRAM THAT IS OVERSEEN AND, HEADED BY THE STATE.

SO JUST SOME BENEFITS TO KIND OF GO OVER WHAT, BY BEXAR COUNTY PARTICIPATING IN DER IS WE LEVERAGE THE STATE'S BUYING POWER AND THEIR CONTRACTS. THEY CONTAIN THE BEST VALUE.

THEY ALSO IN BULK PURCHASING INITIATIVES.

LET ME SEE. THEY ALSO THEY ALSO ANOTHER BENEFIT TO THE IRS COOPERATIVE PURCHASING IS THE STREAMLINING PROCESS, AGAIN WITH IT AND SECURITY ISSUES AND RISKS THAT ARE POSED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, NONPROFITS, HOSPITALS.

DER HAS ESTABLISHED IS THESE CONTRACTS ARE IN PLACE TO HELP.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, STATE AGENCIES MAKE PURCHASES AS FAR AS THE PROCUREMENT SIDE OF THINGS.

STREAMLINE THE PROCESS QUICKLY.

THERE ARE BENEFITS TO VENDORS, SO SIMPLY IT SIMPLIFIES THE SALES PROCESS FOR THE VENDOR.

IT ALSO GIVES THEM GIVES VENDORS ACCESS TO PUBLIC ENTITIES SUCH AS BEXAR COUNTY, AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.

HOSPITALS. SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

INSTITUTES OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

ON THE SLIDE ABOVE.

THOSE ARE JUST SOME POINTS OF WHAT DIR SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS COVER.

THEY COVER INFORMATION SECURITY, INFORMATION SECURITY, COOPERATIVE CONTRACTS, SHARED TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, DIGITAL GOVERNMENT, TECHNOLOGY, PLANNING AND POLICY, TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND DATA MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION.

SO THE RECOMMENDED MOTION IS AWARDING DELIVERY ORDERS TO VARIOUS SUPPLIERS.

FOR THE PURCHASE OF COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND SUPPLY ITEMS, INCLUDING.

DESKTOP SOFTWARE.

LICENSES AND RENEWALS, WIRING AND CABLING, COMPUTER PARTS, CELL PHONES, PAGER SERVICES AND RELATED TECHNOLOGY PERIPHERALS ON A REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT BASIS FOR COUNTYWIDE USE IN THE ESTIMATED AGGREGATE AMOUNT.

ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $21,969,095.

UTILIZING THE STATE OF TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION RESOURCES DIR THEIR COOPERATIVE PURCHASING ALLIANCE, AND ALSO AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT AND FILE APPROPRIATE AWARD DOCUMENTS FOR THE RECORD.

[04:50:04]

HOW MANY TOTAL CONTRACTS DO WE HAVE HERE THEN THE IT SPACE.

AND I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS YOU, PATTY OR MARK WHO'S THE EXPERT, BUT LOTS OF CONTRACTS HERE.

YES THERE ARE THESE ARE THIS IS A LIST OF CONTRACTS THAT.

SORRY. OH, LOOKS LIKE OVER 60.

THOSE AREN'T ALL CONTRACTS, THOUGH.

I HAD MY TEAM. LOOK, I THINK THERE'S MAYBE LESS THAN 16 THAT ARE CONTRACTS.

THESE ARE VENDORS THAT WE HAVE.

SO THEIR METHODOLOGY IS TO TAKE LAST YEAR'S SPEND ON ANY VENDOR AS A PREDICTOR TO THIS YEAR'S ASK.

SO THESE ARE ALL THE VENDORS AND AMOUNTS THAT WE DID BUSINESS WITH.

AND IT'S NOT JUST IT LIKE YOU'LL SEE CANNON ON HERE AND SOME OTHERS.

SO OTHER OFFICES AND APARTMENTS CAN BUY OFF A DAY OR TWO.

FOR THE MOST PART IT'S IT SPEND BCIT SPEND.

BUT THESE ARE THE VENDORS THAT WE DID BUSINESS WITH.

WHETHER IT'S A CONTRACT OR NOT.

IT COULD HAVE JUST BEEN A PURCHASE ORDER.

SO WHEN YOU SEE LIKE SHE GOVERNMENT SOLUTION SERVICES HERE OR YOU SEE CDW GOVERNMENT, A LOT OF TIMES THAT'S JUST PERIPHERALS LIKE MONITORS AND CABLES AND SERVERS.

THAT'S JUST ONE OFF PURCHASES, RIGHT.

IT'S NOT A CONTRACT. SO SO THESE ARE JUST A REFLECTION OF THE PURCHASES MADE LAST YEAR THROUGH DER VENDORS AS A PREDICTOR OF THIS YEAR'S AS THEIR METHODOLOGY.

OKAY. COULD I WOULD ASK, YOU KNOW, IF WE COULD GET INFORMATION ON EACH ONE OF THESE PURCHASES OR CONTRACTS BECAUSE YOU HAVE CONTRACT NUMBERS, BUT THERE'S NO INFORMATION TO SPECIFICALLY LAY OUT WHAT WHAT MARK MENTIONED THERE.

SO THE CONTRACT NUMBER IS THE DIR CONTRACT NUMBER.

DOESN'T MEAN THEY HAVE A CONTRACT WITH US.

THAT'S THEIR CONTRACT WITH THE STATE.

SO THE WAY IT WORKS IS IF YOU WERE GOING TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE DIR VENDOR, THEIR CONTRACT TERMS WITH THE STATE GOVERN THE PURCHASE, UNLESS YOU WANT TO ROUTE IT THROUGH OUR CIVIL DAR, WHICH WE DO SOMETIMES.

SO FOR EXAMPLE, A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE LAST, LAST ITEM I JUST BROUGHT.

YOU SAW AN APPROVAL WITH HTG, WHICH WAS A DIR VENDOR, AND APPROVAL, WITH ACCENTURE, WHICH IS THE DIR VENDOR.

BUT WE DIDN'T JUST GO BY THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE ON SOME LIST.

WE ACTUALLY DID AN RFP.

IT WENT TO DIR VENDORS.

IT WENT TO NON DIR VENDORS.

WHEN WE GO TO SELECT THEM, WE SAY IF YOU'RE ON DIR WE WANT TO USE THAT DIR CONTRACT AS A BASELINE.

WE TAKE THAT AS A BASELINE.

AND THEN WE WORK WITH THE CIVIL DAR TO NEGOTIATE TERMS THAT ARE POTENTIALLY MORE FAVORABLE TO THE COUNTY.

SOMETIMES, THOUGH, THERE ARE BASIC CONTRACTS AND WE DON'T NEED TO DO THAT.

WE CAN JUST LEVERAGE THAT DIR CONTRACT TO TWO SEPARATE ISSUES HERE.

I UNDERSTAND THE DIR AND WHY WE'RE WE'RE GOING ABOUT APPROVING THAT.

BUT JUST FROM AN IT BUDGET STANDPOINT, I WOULD LIKE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT GOES INTO THE $20 MILLION AND WHAT WE, WE SPEND, THROUGH ALL THESE DIFFERENT VENDORS OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR.

AND SO THAT I DON'T EXPECT THAT RIGHT NOW, BUT I WOULD ASK FOR THAT IN THE COMING WEEKS, THAT WE JUST GET AN UPDATED LIST OF WHAT ALL THESE EXPENDITURES ARE, YOU KNOW, AND I COULD JUST GO THROUGH IT.

YOU KNOW, THERE'S DOZENS OF ITEMS HERE FROM 10,000, TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHERE IT'S ALL GOING.

I DO HAVE THAT BREAKDOWN AND I CAN PROVIDE.

OKAY. I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT INFORMATION.

AND THEN MAYBE THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY TO AGAIN, THINK ABOUT STREAMLINING AND SUNSETTING SOME OF THESE, CONTRACTS.

I KNOW YOU JUST TALKED ABOUT CONSOLIDATING SOME AS WE GO FORWARD WITH THE, THE NEW WORKDAY SOLUTION, BUT THERE MAY BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL.

BECAUSE YOU GOT THREE PAGES HERE OF DIFFERENT VENDORS AND CONTRACTS, AND THERE'S A LOT THERE.

RIGHT? IF I MAY, JUST TO CLARIFY, WHAT WE CAN ALSO GIVE YOU IS, SO WE HAVE OUR BUDGET, WHICH THIS ISN'T, OF ALL OF OUR TECHNOLOGY SPEND BROKE DOWN BY CONTRACT VENDOR.

WHAT IT DOES, HOW MUCH IT IS, WHAT THE TERM IS.

WE CAN GET THAT TO YOUR OFFICE.

BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT THIS IS BASED ON.

THIS IS JUST BASED ON LAST YEAR'S SPEND.

BUT WE'LL GIVE YOU THAT, THERE ARE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CONTRACTS, BUT WE HAVE OVER 200 SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS THAT THE COUNTY THAT WE THAT WE SUPPORT THROUGH THE COUNTY, THROUGH THOSE CONTRACTS, IT IS A STRATEGIC INITIATIVE OF THE COUNTY.

AND AS IT TO CONSOLIDATE THOSE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS DOWN TO ONE OR AS FEW AS POSSIBLE.

SO WE CAN ALSO MEET WITH YOU TO TALK ABOUT WHAT OUR STRATEGY IS AROUND THAT.

BUT THAT, THAT, THAT BUDGET THAT I SEND YOU WITH THE CONTRACTS WON'T MATCH WHAT'S ON HERE.

THIS IS JUST SPEND. RIGHT.

SO IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT.

YEAH. UNDERSTAND.

BUT WOULD APPRECIATE THAT INFORMATION.

THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? LET ME LET ME ASK THIS QUESTION.

IS THIS THE FIRST TIME THIS TYPE OF AGENDA ITEM IS COME ACROSS?

[04:55:05]

SO THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT IS A.

THIS PROCESS THAT THE STATE, THE STATE OF TEXAS, BY STATUTE, ALLOWS COUNTIES TO.

GET THE BEST CONTRACTS FOR THE COUNTY.

MY QUESTION IS, I MEAN, THERE ARE RATHER SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS HERE BECAUSE IT ALSO TAKES IT OUT OF THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS. IS THAT CORRECT, MR. ORTIZ? OR MYSTERIES.

YOU WANT TO. YOU WANT TO STEP UP.

NO JUDGE. IT DOES NOT TAKE IT OUT OF THE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT PROCESS.

DER DOES SOLICIT AS A AS THEY ARE A STATE AGENCY, AND THEY SOLICIT THEIR CONTRACTS OUT TO MULTIPLE.

AS THE COUNTY DOES WITH OUR OWN, IN-HOUSE CONTRACTS.

THE STATE ALSO DOES A SOLICITATION PROCESS FOR THOSE CONTRACTS AS WELL.

SO THE COMPETITIVE PROCUREMENT IS THERE.

IS THERE A AT ANOTHER LEVEL? YES, AT ANOTHER LEVEL.

WHAT. WHERE'S OUR LOCAL INPUT TO THESE PARTICULAR CONTRACTS? IS IT IS IT MADE BY COMMITTEE.

IS IT MADE BY. IS IT MADE BY YOU, MISS TORRES? WHAT? I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE ON A RATHER, IN THE AGGREGATE, A VERY SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF MONEY.

AND I JUST WANT TO KNOW HOW THE VETTED PROCESS IS, BECAUSE AT AT THIS, AS WE KNOW AS A COURT, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE CONSIDERED, THE, UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES THAT DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE COUNTY ARE CONSIDERED, THAT WE DO OUR VERY BEST TO HELP THOSE TYPE OF BUSINESSES.

AND I'M JUST KIND OF LOOKING ON YOUR MATRIX AND.

IT DOES. I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT, YES, HOW YOU HOW THOSE DECISIONS ARE ULTIMATELY MADE.

IS IT BY YOU OR IS IT A COMMITTEE? WELL, NO. WITH.

I'M SORRY. SO WHEN THE DA OR THE, EACH EVENT OR EACH PROJECT IS SOLICITED, IT GOES THROUGH THE COMPETITIVE PROCESS AND IT IS EVALUATED AND MARKET ANALYSIS IS DONE BY THE, BY THE DIR STAFF.

THEY DO HAVE IT'S, LET'S SEE, THEY DO, RECOGNIZE HUB VENDORS.

AND, FOR EXAMPLE, IN FISCAL YEAR 23, 3.39 BILLION OF THE 3.39 BILLION SALES, THEY HAD ALMOST 4 MILLION IN SAVINGS.

OF THOSE, OR 37% OF HUBS, HUB VENDORS WERE UTILIZED.

SO THEY DO TRACK.

SO HOW MUCH PERCENTAGE ARE HUB VENDORS? 37%. WELL, I'M JUST KIND OF LOOKING AT A QUICK READ.

IT LOOKS LIKE MOST OF THE CONTRACTS ARE NON HUB.

THAT WE'RE APPROVING TODAY? YES, SIR. EITHER HUB OR ACTUALLY WHAT I, WHAT WE LOOKED AT IN ON THE LIST THAT YOU HAVE IN FRONT OF YOU IS EITHER THEIR, CERTIFIED UNDER THE THE RTC, RCA OR THE HUB CERTIFICATION THROUGH THE DA.

SO IT'S EITHER OR OR NONE.

LET ME ASK MR. GAGER. MARK, COME BACK UP HERE.

I NOTICED A LOT OF THE VENDORS APPEARS TO BE TECHNOLOGY BASED TYPE CONTRACTS.

SO ARE ALLOTTED IS THE MAJORITY CONTRACTS ACTUALLY PROVIDING DIRECT SERVICES TO YOU OR A MAJORITY OF THEM.

BUT THERE'S A MIX OF THE TYPE OF PRODUCTS.

AND SO I'LL GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.

SO COMMONWEALTH IS UNDER HERE.

COMMONWEALTH IS A DELL AUTHORIZED RESELLER.

THEY'RE THE ONLY DELL AUTHORIZED RESELLER.

IT'S A SMALL MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS.

WE WE BUY ALL OF OUR DELL LAPTOPS FOR THE PC REPLACEMENT PROGRAM THROUGH THEM.

IT'S ABOUT $3.5 MILLION ON HERE.

SO IT'S NOT ONE CONTRACT.

IT'S AN AGGREGATE OF MULTIPLE DIFFERENT COMPUTER PURCHASES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

YOU'VE GOT CDW ON HERE, WHICH IS IN THE MILLIONS, I THINK, 3 OR $4 MILLION.

THAT'S A BUNCH OF 1 TO 3 TO $5,000 PURCHASES.

REMEMBER, WE DO HUNDREDS OF PURCHASES.

OUR IT PROCESS, OUR DEPARTMENT PROCESSES A MONTH THAT COME IN FROM THE VARIOUS OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS TO BUY THINGS LIKE CELL PHONES, MONITORS, PRINTERS, WHATEVER THAT MAY BE.

RIGHT. ALL OF THAT SPEND, WE GET QUOTES ON.

SO WE GO GET THREE QUOTES.

USUALLY FOR THAT KIND OF STUFF, WE HAVE TO BUY THROUGH AN AUTHORIZED RESELLER.

AND THOSE AUTHORIZED RESELLERS ARE ON THE DIR CONTRACT.

SO AT CDW, S.H.E, AND OTHERS, SMALL AND MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES, A LOT OF TIMES, PROVIDE US SERVICES LIKE WE CAN DO BUSINESS WITH THEM FOR CABLING AND THAT KIND OF STUFF. BUT WHEN WE DO TECHNOLOGY RELATED CONTRACTS, FOR THE MOST PART, YOU CAN ONLY BUY IT FROM A DELL.

I MEAN, NOT A DELL. I JUST USE THAT EXAMPLE FROM A AUTHORIZED RESELLER OF THAT MANUFACTURER.

SO IN THE CASE THAT I JUST PRESENTED TO YOU A FEW MINUTES AGO, WORKDAY WAS THE MANUFACTURER.

[05:00:01]

THEY SELL THEIR PRODUCT THROUGH COMPANIES LIKE PTG, WHO WAS HERE PTG AS A DIR CONTRACT AND OFFERED US THE BEST PRICING THROUGH THAT DIR CONTRACT.

ACCENTURE IS A DIR VENDOR THAT OFFERS IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES.

SO THAT'S HOW THIS WORKS A LOT.

WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE AUTHORIZED RESELLERS FIRST.

IF THEY'RE ON DIR.

WE LEVERAGE DIR.

IF IT'S NOT REQUIRED TO BE AN AUTHORIZED RESELLER, WE COMPETE IT LIKE ANY OTHER OFFICER DEPARTMENT HERE COMPETES IT RIGHT.

WE GO OUT AND GET THREE QUOTES.

IF IT'S UNDER $50,000, IF IT'S OVER THE THRESHOLD, WE'RE GOING TO DO AN RFP.

THAT RFP COULD INCLUDE DIR VENDORS AND NON DIR VENDORS.

SO WE DON'T JUST GO STRAIGHT TO THIS LIST.

I WOULD ALSO SAY THAT THESE NUMBERS AREN'T INDICATIVE OF WHAT WE'RE GOING TO SPEND NEXT YEAR.

SOME VENDORS ON THIS LIST I'M NOT GOING TO SPEND CLOSE TO AS MUCH.

WHY IS THAT? SO FOR EXAMPLE, SHE LAST YEAR SHE WAS THE CONTRACT, WAS THE CONTRACT HOLDER FOR OUR MICROSOFT ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT, WHICH IS A FEW MILLION DOLLARS IN SPEND.

WE JUST BROUGHT TO COURT IN OCTOBER A NEW MICROSOFT AGREEMENT.

YOU GUYS APPROVED IT. IT'S A FIVE YEAR AGREEMENT.

WE WE COMPLETED IT.

WE'RE DOING BUSINESS WITH SOFTWARE ONE NOW.

SOFTWARE ONE IS GOING TO BE THE NEW VENDOR THAT WE BUY OUR SPEND OUR MONEY ON OUR MICROSOFT AGREEMENT.

IT'S $0 ON THERE BECAUSE WE DIDN'T SPEND ANY MONEY WITH THEM LAST YEAR.

SO AGAIN THAT'S NOT A PREDICTOR THE WAY THEY DO THEIR METHODOLOGY OF NEXT YEAR'S SPEND.

IT'S JUST KIND OF A HOLDER.

RIGHT. SO BUT WE ARE THE OTHER POINT I'D MAKE IS THERE ARE ITEMS ON HERE YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY APPROVED.

RIGHT. SO. WE REMOVED THE.

DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK? YEAH.

PATRICIA? YEAH.

EXCUSE ME. I'M SORRY. WHAT DID Y'ALL DO? WHAT MARK WAS REFERRING TO WAS WE DO HAVE ITEMS THAT ARE BROUGHT TO COURT.

FOR EXAMPLE, HIS ITEM FROM THE PREVIOUS AGENDA.

WHAT IS A DA UTILIZED? VENDOR, AND IT'S AN AGENDA.

SO WE HAD THE ORIGINAL LIST INCLUDED, THOSE AGENDA ITEM, DOLLAR VALUE, BUT I REMOVED THOSE FROM THIS LIST.

THIS LIST DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ACFS THAT WERE APPROVED BY COURT LAST YEAR INDIVIDUALLY.

WELL, MY QUESTION LET ME GO BACK TO MARK MY QUESTION TO YOU IS LIKE USING THE WORKDAY ACCENTURE CONTRACT.

IT APPEARS YOU HAVE A DIRECT INVOLVEMENT AND DIRECT OVERSIGHT OF THAT CONTRACT.

SO AND THEN ALONG WITH ALL THE VENDORS AND THE SUBCONTRACTS THAT WILL COMPRISE THAT PROJECT.

SO MIKE, I'M JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW DO YOU HAVE THAT SAME TYPE OF ACCOUNTABILITY WITH THESE CONTRACTS? YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M SAYING? YEAH, I THINK SO.

WE DON'T BASE OUR SPIN AND OUR BUDGET BASED ON THIS LIST.

OUR BUDGET IS BASED ON CONTRACTS THAT WE'VE ALREADY ASSIGNED AND GOT APPROVED BY COURT.

SO MY CONTRACTS BUDGET THAT WAS APPROVED THIS YEAR, I THINK IS $19 MILLION FOR EVERY CONTRACT.

AND ALL OF MY CONTRACTS DON'T AREN'T DER, RIGHT.

ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THEM ARE DER.

SO MY BUDGET IS IS NOT REFLECTIVE OF THIS.

RIGHT? SO WHEN WE GO TO BUY AND EXECUTE IT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WE'RE DOING IT BASED ON WHAT THE TECHNOLOGY NEEDS ARE AND WHAT VENDORS CAN PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES.

SOMETIMES THEY'RE ON THIS LIST, SOMETIMES THEY'RE NOT ON THIS.

WELL, THAT'S THE REASON WHY WHY DO WE NEED TO GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS FOR AT LEAST WITH YOUR CONTRACTS AND IT.

I CAN'T SPEAK TO THAT. OH, OKAY.

NO. SO THE LIST.

JUDGE I'M SORRY. THE LIST IS THE ABILITY TO UTILIZE COUNTYWIDE.

SO IF A DEPARTMENT HAS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE VENDOR NUMBER TWO, IF THERE'S A NEED FOR A SUBSCRIPTION OR SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE THEY ABLE TO UTILIZE.

THE LIST INSTEAD OF COMING AS ASKING FOR PERMISSION INSTEAD OF FOR FORGIVENESS.

RIGHT. SO WE'RE DOING IT IN ADVANCE.

SO FOR THE FISCAL YEAR, WE'RE LETTING YOU KNOW WHICH VENDORS ARE UTILIZED AND THEIR DIR NUMBERS AND AN ESTIMATE DOLLAR OF WHAT'S GOING TO BE USED FOR THE FISCAL YEAR.

SO LET ME ASK LEO, DO YOU UTILIZE THIS CONTRACT? TINA, YOU UTILIZE THIS LIST.

NO, SIR, WE DON'T HAVE OUR OFFICE.

WE REALLY DON'T. WE'RE PROBABLY SMALL.

SUPER SMALL OF, GOING OUT FOR ANY TYPE OF CONTRACTS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

SO, TINA, SAME THING FROM AN HR PERSPECTIVE.

WHAT IF WE NEED TO BUY A PRINTER? WE'LL. WE'LL BUY A PRINTER FROM THE DR..

OKAY. ENOUGH QUESTIONS.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? I THINK WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR.

DO WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR? I'LL MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.

MOTION BY CLAY-FLORES.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH.

ALL RIGHT. ITEM 92.

[92. Presentation, discussion, and appropriate action regarding awarding a contract to the next lowest responsible and responsive bidder Harper Brother Construction to provide for the purchase of construction services for the Frost Center Parking Drainage & Stabilization Project, in Precinct 4, in the total base bid amount of $9,102,720.85, as requested by the Public Works Department; and authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute and file the appropriate award documents for record. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Patricia Torres)]

APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING AWARDING CONTRACT TO THE NEXT LOWEST, RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE BIDDER.

[05:05:04]

WHO FROM STAFF IS GOING TO PRESENT? AND THEN WE HAVE TWO CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

AFTER WE GET THE PRESENTATION, I'LL ASK FOR LANDON HACKER BILL AND MICHAEL HACKER BILL TO.

FOR CITIZENS TO BE HEARD IF THEY WISH TO SPEAK.

GO AHEAD, MR. WEGMAN.

GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.

I'M SORRY, I THOUGHT WE HAD THE PRESENTATION UPLOADED, BUT APPARENTLY NOT.

I DO BELIEVE IT WAS INCLUDED IN ALL THE BACKGROUND INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE.

IF NOT, WE'LL WE'LL COVER THE INFORMATION.

THE PROJECT LOCATION IS THE MINGO CREEK AS IT RUNS THROUGH THE THE AT&T CENTER OR FROST CENTER, PARKING LOT ON THE NORTH SIDE BEHIND THE FREEMAN COLISEUM AND THE AT&T CENTER OR THE FROST CENTER.

THE MINGO CREEK IS TWO DIFFERENT PORTIONS.

THERE IS A CONCRETE LINE CHANNEL DOWNSTREAM WHERE IT INTERSECTS THE AT&T CENTER PARKWAY, AND TO THE WEST, WHERE IT GOES UNDER THE RAILROAD TRACKS IS THE THE NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN? CURRENTLY THE THE THE CHANNEL IS IN POOR REPAIR.

THE CONCRETE PANELS ARE FAILING.

THERE'S EXCESS EXCESS VEGETATION GROWING, IN THE UPSTREAM SECTION.

THE FAILING OF THE PANELS HAS CAUSED FAILURE IN THE PARKING LOT ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SECTIONS OF THAT CHANNEL.

THE PARKING LOTS ARE UNDERLAIN WITH, LANDFILL MATERIAL, WHICH MAKES IT VERY, VERY DIFFICULT TO DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO TO STABILIZE THESE. WE'VE HAD, THE FLUMES THAT ARE FAILING.

THERE'S GOING TO BE OVER 1600 LINEAR FEET OF CONCRETE LINED CHANNEL AND FLUMES.

THE CHANNEL BANKS ARE GOING TO BE REINFORCED BY SOIL NAIL ANCHORS AND A RETAINING WALL FOR THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE CHANNEL.

FLUME AND CURB INLETS WILL BE IMPROVED TO PROPERLY DRAIN NORTH AND SOUTH PARKING LOTS.

PARKING LOT FAILURES WILL BE REPAIRED AND THE CHANNEL WILL CONTAIN THE HUNDRED YEAR FLOOD WITHIN THE BANKS.

WE HAVE WORKED WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, WHO'S GOT THE WESTERN, PORTION PROPERTY TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO RISE IN THE HUNDRED YEAR FLOODPLAIN WITH THE, WITH THE REPAIRS OF THIS CHANNEL.

IN DECEMBER.

ON DECEMBER 1ST, 2023, THE BID OPENING WAS HELD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PROJECT.

A TOTAL OF FOUR BID PACKAGES WERE SUBMITTED.

AFTER CAREFUL REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION OF THE BID PACKAGE, THE AWARD IS RECOMMENDED TO HARPER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND QUALIFIED BIDDER.

THE REQUESTED ACTION IS APPROVAL TO AWARD THE CONTRACT TO THE MOST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, HARPER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION, FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,102,720.85 FOR FEES RELATED TO THE AT&T CENTER OR FROST CENTER PARKING, DRAINAGE AND STABILIZATION PROJECT IN PRECINCT FOUR.

IT BEARS NOTING THAT THE WAY THAT THIS IS AGENDIZED.

USED TO PROVIDE.

TO THE NEXT LOWESTRILLIONESPONSIBLE BIDDER.

OF THE FOUR BIDDERS THAT WE HAVE, HARPER BROTHERS WAS THE SECOND LOW BIDDER AND NOT THE ACTUAL LOW BIDDER FOR THE PROJECT.

IT'S PUBLIC WORKS RECOMMENDATION, TO AWARD TO THE SECOND LOW BIDDER INSTEAD OF THE FIRST LOW BIDDER.

DUE TO PAST, PERFORMANCE ISSUES THAT BEXAR COUNTY HAS HAD WITH THE LOW BIDDER.

IN GOING OVER CONTRACT DAYS SIGNIFICANTLY.

WE DID ALSO BACK CHECK, WITH TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

REGARDING THE LOW BIDDERS.

PAST PERFORMANCE AND OF THE LAST, TEN COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT THEY HAD WITH TXDOT.

SEVEN OF THOSE WERE ALSO OVER CONTRACT DAYS.

SO IT'S BEXAR COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD TO THE SECOND LOW BIDDER, HARPER BROTHERS.

AND I BELIEVE WE HAVE, SOME FOLKS SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AS WELL.

DAVID, I JUST WANT TO ASK YOU.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE I HEARD YOU RIGHT OVER CONTRACT DAYS.

MEANING? THAT'S CORRECT, SIR. IT WAS OVER THE TIME THAT WAS BUDGETED.

THAT'S CORRECT. OKAY. THANK YOU.

IF I MAY, LET ME ALLOW, LANDON HACKABLE AND MICHAEL HACKABLE.

ARE Y'ALL GOING TO SPEAK SEPARATELY OR YOU WANT TO COME UP TOGETHER? IF THAT'S OKAY, IT'S FINE.

BUT DO Y'ALL WANT EACH THREE MINUTES? ARE YOU GOING TO YIELD TO THE OTHER?

[05:10:01]

ALL RIGHT. YOU GUYS GOT SIX MINUTES.

COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER, JUDGE, MY NAME IS LANDON.

HATCHVILLE IS MY DAD. MIKE IS OUR GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT, WESLEY MOSLEY.

WE ARE WITH REALM INCORPORATED.

WE WERE THE LOW BIDDER ON THE PROJECT FOR DECEMBER THE 1ST.

WE WENT THROUGH THE BID PROCESS.

WE WERE THE LOW BIDDER.

WE SAVE ABOUT $250,000 BY UTILIZING US.

THIS IS A SPECIALIZED PROJECT.

IT'S GOT SOIL NAILS, AS MR. WEGMAN POINTED OUT, WHICH IS A PROCESS THAT IS, IS, HAS TO GET A CERTIFICATION, AND WE ARE THE ONLY BIDDER ON THAT LIST THAT DOES THAT INTERNALLY, OURSELVES. I HAVE PROVIDED YOU A PACKET.

IT'S A FIVE PAGE PACKET, AND IT'S GOT THE LETTER WE RECEIVED FROM THE COUNTY, SAYING THAT THEY WERE GOING TO AWARD IT TO THE SECOND BIDDER.

THE SECOND PAGE IS JUST THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS SHOWING THAT YOU WOULD SAVE $250,000.

AND THE THIRD AND FOURTH PAGE ARE ACTUALLY WE HAVE NOT WORKED FOR BEXAR COUNTY.

OUR LAST PROJECT FINISHED TEN YEARS AGO.

SO THE LAST TIME WE BID A BEXAR COUNTY JOB WAS IN 20 1011 TIME FRAME.

WE DID BACK IN THAT TIME FRAME, WE WERE A BRIDGE CONTRACTOR.

Y'ALL HAD A FLOOD CONTROL PROGRAM, AND WE RELIED ON ON OTHER ASSISTANCE ON THE PROJECT TO DO THE ROAD WORK LEADING UP TO THE BRIDGES AND THE HOT MIX IN THAT TIME. PAGE FOUR, YOU CAN SEE OUR ON PAGE THREE, YOU CAN SEE OUR BIDDING CAPACITY WHEN WE BID THOSE JOBS BACK IN 2011 WAS ABOUT 30, 37 TO $40 MILLION.

NOW CURRENTLY WE ARE AT 120, $119,000,000 MILLION IS WHAT OUR NEW BIDDING CAPACITY IS.

WHAT THAT TAUGHT US BACK IN 2011 AND 12 IS THAT WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DO THESE THINGS OURSELVES IF THERE'S GOING TO BE DELAYS TO THE PROJECT.

WE LEARNED WE GREW THROUGH THAT.

WE PAID OUR PENALTIES.

AND NOT ONLY THAT, WE DIDN'T STEP AWAY FROM ANY OF THOSE JOBS.

WE FINISHED THOSE JOBS.

AND I APOLOGIZE FOR BACK THEN GETTING INTO PENALTIES.

BUT WE DID PAY OUR FINES.

WE LOST OUR MONEY, THOSE.

AND WE GREW AND WE KNEW THAT WE HAD TO DO THAT BECAUSE WE COULD NOT HAVE THESE PROJECTS NOT FINISH ON TIME.

THAT BEING SAID, THIS IS A VERY SPECIALIZED PROJECT AND WE FEEL THE REASON WE HAVEN'T BID ON A LOT OF YOUR PROJECTS RECENTLY IS BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN MORE SAWS, SEWER, STREET WORK.

THIS IS A VERY SPECIALIZED PROJECT WITH SOIL, NAILS AND CONCRETE WORK, AND THAT IS OUR SPECIALTY.

THAT IS WHAT WE DO.

THERE IS NOT A SINGLE ITEM OF WORK ON THIS JOB THAT WE HAVE TO GO OUT AND ASK SOMEBODY ELSE TO PERFORM, SO THERE WILL BE NO DELAYS.

WE HANDLE IT INTERNALLY AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO FINISHING THIS PROJECT ON TIME.

NOW, I KNOW, IT'S BEEN BROUGHT UP THIS ENTIRE DAY AND IT'S BEEN A LONG DAY ABOUT GROWING AND AND WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE YOURSELF BETTER.

AND WE HAD TO LEARN THAT HARD WAY BACK IN THOSE DAYS AND PAY THOSE PENALTIES.

AND WE DID THAT.

AND WE ARE HERE TODAY THAT WE ARE COMMITTED TO GETTING THIS PROJECT DONE ON TIME AND LETTING YOU UTILIZE THOSE FUNDS, THAT $250,000 THAT YOU COULD SAVE FOR ANY OF THE APPROPRIATE THINGS, THE POLICE, THE GUN SAFETY, THE ANY OTHER PROJECTS YOU GUYS HAVE? WE FEEL Y'ALL CAN USE THOSE FUNDS IN BETTER PLACES.

WE WE BID THIS PROJECT.

WE'RE A TAXPAYING.

ALL OF OUR CREWS ON THIS PROJECT ARE BEXAR COUNTY CITIZENS.

THEY'RE TAXPAYING CITIZENS, AND WE ARE HERE TO SHOW YOU THAT WE WILL COMMIT THIS TO FINISH THIS JOB ON TIME.

AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOING THIS ON TIME, AND WE FEEL LIKE IT AT SOME POINT.

WE IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME.

WE HAVEN'T WORKED FOR YOU GUYS IN TEN YEARS AND THIS PROJECT IS OUR WHEELHOUSE.

THIS IS WHAT WE DO.

AND THERE'S NOBODY ELSE ON THAT LIST THAT CAN SAY THAT.

AND THE SECOND MOST RESPONSIVE BIDDER COMES FROM HOUSTON.

WE ARE HERE, WE ARE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY, AND ALL OF OUR WORKERS ARE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY.

AND WE WANT TO JUST REITERATE THAT WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOING THIS AND GETTING THIS PROJECT DONE FOR YOU ALL, AND WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU GUYS THAT.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

YOU STILL HAVE ABOUT TWO MINUTES, CORRECT.

THOMAS. SO ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.

NOT TO GO OVER AND REPEAT WHAT LENNON WAS TALKING ABOUT, BUT WE HAVE BEEN A COMPANY THAT STARTED 28 YEARS AGO.

WE WORKED OUR WAY THROUGH, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AS A WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS AND A DBE.

WE HAVE SINCE GRADUATED OUT OF THE DBE PROGRAM.

A LOT TO DO WITH THE HARD WORK AND JUST FOLLOWING THE SPECIFICATIONS AND DOING THE JOB.

IN OUR 28 YEARS, WE HAVE NEVER FAILED TO FINISH A PROJECT.

SO WE WANT TO REITERATE THAT THAT WE'RE HERE FOR THE LONG RUN.

WE HAVE PERFORMED FOR TXDOT OVER AND OVER AND OVER.

YOU CAN LOOK AT SCHEDULES AND SEQUENCES, AND THERE IS ARGUMENTS TO BE SAID ABOUT TIME FRAMES ASSIGNED TO EVERY PROJECT THAT EVER HAPPENS.

IT HAS BEEN TEN YEARS SINCE WE'VE WORKED WITH THE COUNTY.

NOBODY REACHED OUT AND SAID, HEY, YOU CAN BID THIS THING.

[05:15:04]

WE WENT THROUGH THE PRE BID, WE ATTENDED.

WE ASKED FOR A REQUEST FOR A PROPOSAL.

WE GOT IT AND WE BID IT ACCORDINGLY.

AND THEN FOR SOMEBODY TO COME BACK AFTER THE FACT AND SAY WELL WAIT A MINUTE, WAIT A MINUTE.

WE DON'T REALLY WANT YOU GUYS THERE.

WE BELIEVE IN THE BIDDING PROCESS, WE BELIEVE IN THE COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS, AND WE BELIEVE THAT WE'RE A PART OF THAT, TOO.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANK YOU. I'M SORRY. ONE LAST THING.

THE LAST PAGE IS I'M NOT GOING TO GO THROUGH IT IS JUST EXAMPLES OF SOME LOCAL, SOIL, NAILS AND RETAINING WALL PROJECTS, WHICH IS WHAT THIS PROJECT ENTAILS.

IF YOU WANTED TO HAVE SOME REFERENCES, THOSE ARE JUST OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS RIGHT HERE.

LOCAL. THANK YOU.

ALL RIGHT. GO AHEAD AND HAVE A SEAT.

LET'S CONTINUE OUR DISCUSSION.

ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? COMMISSIONER CALVERT. PARDON ME.

YEAH. SO THIS IS A VERY SPECIALIZED, PROJECT THAT DEREK HOWARD AT THE COLISEUM HAS WANTED US TO WORK ON FOR A LONG TIME.

SO THERE IS, YOU KNOW, THERE'S SOME COMPELLING INFORMATION THAT WAS JUST PRESENTED.

YOU KNOW, THE LETTER FROM TEXDOT IS DATED MARCH 24TH OF 2023, AND THE BONDING CAPACITY IS NOW 119 MILLION, WHICH IS A SIZABLE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

I MEAN, IT'S NOT A IT'S NOT A IT'S NOT A SMALL IT'S A PRETTY GOOD SIZED COMPANY.

SO IN LIGHT OF THE GROWTH IN CAPACITY, THE SPECIALIZATION, AND THE TIME ELAPSED, THE EXPLANATION GIVEN THE REFERENCES YOU'RE REFERRING TO IN THE LAST SEVEN OF TEXDOT, I'M, I'M JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND KIND OF THOSE REFERENCES OF DELAYS.

WHAT WHAT IS THE SPECIFICS OF DELAYS RELATED TO TEXDOT? THAT WAS JUST TO BACK UP AND TO CHECK AND SEE IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT BEXAR COUNTY HASN'T HAD WORK WITH REMCO IN THE LAST TEN YEARS, I THOUGHT IT PRUDENT TO CHECK WITH TEXDOT AND GET THEIR LIST OF PROJECTS THAT REMCO HAS HAD WITH THEM.

THEY HAVE TWO ACTIVE CURRENT PROJECTS RIGHT NOW THAT ARE UNDER CONTRACT DAYS, BUT THEY'RE NOT COMPLETED OVER THE PRIOR TEN PROJECTS.

OVER THE PAST YEARS, IT DOES INDICATE THAT SEVEN OF THOSE LAST TEN PROJECTS WERE ALSO OVER CONTRACT DAYS.

IT WAS PUBLIC WORKS OPINION THAT IT WAS IN THE COUNTY'S BEST INTEREST, TO TO GO TO HARPER BROTHERS.

IF IT'S THE WILL OF THE COURT.

CERTAINLY, TO WANT TO AWARD TO TO REMCO, THEN PUBLIC WORKS CAN CERTAINLY GO BACK AND RE AGENDIZE THIS ITEM FOR THAT AWARD AT THE FUTURE COMMISSIONERS COURT.

WELL, I'M NOT GOING I'M NOT GOING TO I'M NOT INCLINED TO.

YOU KNOW, THIS IS A VERY TOUGH CALL BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THIS IS A VERY TOUGH CALL.

WITHOUT ENOUGH INFORMATION REALLY TO, FULLY MEASURE THE, THE DELAYS AND SO ON AND SO FORTH.

BEARING IN MIND THE COUNTY WANTS TO GIVE OPPORTUNITY TO VARIOUS GROUPS.

THAT ARE SMALL BUSINESS.

YOU HAVE A WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS.

THEY'VE GRADUATED FROM THAT POINT.

SO IT'S A VERY, VERY DIFFICULT.

IT'S A VERY, VERY DIFFICULT CALL.

BUT BECAUSE YOU'RE IN THE YOU'RE IN THIS WHEELHOUSE EVERY DAY.

AND I'M NOT, AND WE DON'T HAVE ALL THE BACKGROUND.

I'LL HAVE TO YIELD TO THE STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION, SO I'LL GO AHEAD AND, MOVE THE STAFF RECOMMENDATION SECOND.

ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

SECOND, BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER QUESTION? COMMENT? COMMENT. COMMISSIONER MOODY.

CAN YOU SPEAK TO, DAVID, YOU MENTIONED YOU WENT BACK TO TEX-DOT TO GET, TO REVIEW SOME OF THESE PROJECTS.

YES, SIR. AND THE PERFORMANCE, CAN YOU SPEAK IN MORE DETAIL TO THAT? THERE WERE DELAYS.

THAT'S CORRECT. WE DID AN OPEN RECORDS REQUEST JUST TO, LIKE I SAID, IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT WE HAVEN'T WORKED WITH THIS CONTRACTOR IN A WHILE, AND I WANTED TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PAST PERFORMANCE WITH OTHER SISTER AGENCIES WERE.

SO WE REACHED OUT. THEY SENT US A LIST OF, ALL CURRENT AND PAST PROJECTS THAT HAVE DONE WITH WITH RONCO.

THEY HAVE TWO ACTIVE PROJECTS RIGHT NOW THAT ARE NOT OVER CONTRACT DAYS YET, BUT THEY'RE NOT COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION.

OF THE TEN PRIOR COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT THEY SHOW WITH TXDOT, SEVEN OF THOSE TEN WERE OVER CONTRACT DAYS AND THEY WERE CHARGED LIQUIDATED DAMAGES. SO THAT'S BASICALLY WHERE WE ARE WITH THAT.

I JUST WANTED TO, FIND OUT WHAT THE HISTORY WAS WITH OTHER SISTER AGENCIES.

IT BEARS NOTING ALSO THAT OF THOSE 12 PROJECTS WORKING WITH TXDOT OR WITH ANY OF THE PRIOR BEXAR COUNTY PROJECTS, NONE OF THOSE RISE TO THE LEVEL OF A $10 MILLION PROJECT SUCH AS THIS, CHANNEL REPAIR PROJECT.

[05:20:03]

THAT'S CORRECT. IT GETS CREDITED BACK TO THE PROJECT AGAIN.

WOULD THAT BE INCLUDED IN ANY ONE OF THESE CONTRACTS GOING FORWARD AS FAR AS THAT REQUIREMENT FOR DAMAGES IF THEY GO OVER TIME? YES, WE PUT THAT IN ALL IN ALL OF OUR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS.

SO IS IS THE THE GOING OVER THE TIME FRAME, THE, THE BIGGEST CONCERN FROM THE COUNTY OR WERE THERE OTHER ISSUES OF PERFORMANCE THAT CAME UP? WELL FROM TEN YEARS AGO, AND I REALIZED THAT WAS A LONG TIME.

WE HAD PERFORMANCE ISSUES ABOUT THEM JUST BEING ABLE TO SHOW UP TO WORK ON THE SITE, BECAUSE THEY HAD OTHER COMMITMENTS ELSEWHERE SPECIFIC TO THIS PROJECT ON THE CREEK, WHERE IT GOES THROUGH THE FROST CENTER PARKING LOT.