Aug 06, 2024 Commissioners Court

>> AND HAVE TO SAY COUNTY SHOULD HAVE CLEANED US UP.

I WANT I'LL BE HONEST AS PART, I'M SUPPORTING THIS IN REGARDS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTY.

BUT AS A LAWYER, I'M LIKE, YOU GUYS BETTER DOT THE IS ACROSS THE TS. I UNDERSTAND.

I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STATUS OF PID NUMBER 2, AND I WANT IT CLEANED UP OR AT LEAST A REPORT BACK AS TO HOW WE WILL RESOLVE THAT SO THAT IT DOESN'T COME BACK ON FUTURE COURTS OR BECOME AN ISSUE OF POSSIBLE LITIGATION.

YOU UNDERSTAND WHERE I'M AT?

>> I DO. YES, SIR.

>> YOU UNDERSTAND THAT WE'RE ALL ON THE LINE ON THIS?

>> YES, SIR.

>> OKAY.

>> YEAH.

>> WELL, MOTION SECOND.

IS THERE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? BLESS YOU. HEARING NONE.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGNAL BY SAYING AY, AY, ANY OPPOSED.

ANY ABSTENTION. MOTION CARRIES. CARRY ON.

>> ALL RIGHT.

>> JUDGE.

>> JUST FOR THE RECORD, I WANTED TO LET YOU VOTE FIRST, BUT UNLIKE THE WASHINGTON COMMANDERS, DAK PRESCOTT ACTUALLY GETS TO THE PLAYOFFS.

>> [LAUGHTER] IT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE DAYS.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A LONG MEETING, GUYS.

>> WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP TIME CERTAIN PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION,

[5.c. 10:00 a.m.: Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding the 2024 ad valorem property tax rate recommendation for the Bexar County Hospital District d/b/a University Health in support of its Operating, Debt Service and Capital Outlook for FY 2025. (Presentation Time: 15 minutes) (Edward Banos)]

APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING 2024 AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX RATE RECOMMENDATION FOR THE BEXAR COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT, DBA, UNIVERSITY HEALTH IN SUPPORT OF ITS OPERATING DEBT SERVICE AND CAPITAL OUTLOOK FOR FY 2025.

MR. HASSLOCHER. GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING. MR. ADAMS IS NOT ABLE TO BE WITH US THIS MORNING.

I'M HERE ON HIS BEHALF.

HE SENDS HIS REGARDS TO THE COURT.

THANKS THE COURT FOR ALL OF THEIR STRONG COMMITMENT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

WE ARE HERE TODAY FOR THE PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE 2024 I AD VALOREM PROPERTY TAX RATE RECOMMENDATION, AND WITH ME TODAY IS ED BANOS, OUR PRESIDENT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.

REED HURLEY, OUR CFO IS HERE, TED DAY IS HERE.

LET ME SEE WHO ELSE DOCTOR BRIAN ALSIP HERE.

>> YOU WANT TO BRING THEM UP HERE OR YOU WANT THEM IN THE BACK THERE, JIMMY.

>> THERE IS OUR CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT. SHE'S HERE ALSO.

I WANT WITH YOUR PERMISSION TO BRING IT UP AND BRING READ UP AND WE'LL DO THE PRESENTATION ON THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

ANY QUESTIONS? WE'LL BE HAPPY TO ANSWER.

AGAIN, MR. ADAMS SENDS HIS REGARDS. THANK YOU.

>> GIVE MY REGARDS TO MR. ADAMS. ED REED, WHO ELSE FROM THE HOSPITAL TEAM?

>> THANK YOU. JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS AND MR. HASSLOCHER MENTIONED THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE TODAY, OUR BOARD, DOCTOR MARGARET KELLEY, ANITA FERNANDEZ, PAT HASSO, DOCTOR DAVID COHEN, AND MR. ADAMS. WE HAD A BOARD MEETING IN THE LAST WEEK SO THAT WE COULD PRESENT TO YOU THE PROPOSED TAX RATE.

ONE OF THE THINGS WHEN WE DEVELOP OUR PLANS, WE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT WE USE OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES AT A TRIPLE AIM PLUS.

THE ORGANIZATION MAKES SURE THAT ONE, THAT ALL OUR PATIENTS AND ALL OUR EMPLOYEES HAVE SAFETY AND QUALITY AND OUTCOMES AS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT WE DO.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PATIENTS HAVE AN EXPERIENCE THAT BETTERS THEIR HEALTH CARE, THAT WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING AT IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES.

AGAIN, IN A GROWING COUNTY AND IN A GROWING HEALTH SYSTEM, IT'S ALSO ABOUT HOW WE CAN IMPROVE ACCESS FOR EVERYONE THAT NEEDS IT.

I WANTED TO GIVE YOU SOME IMAGES OF WHAT WE HAVE CURRENTLY THAT YOU HAVE APPROVED IN THE PAST.

THIS IS A HISTORIC TIME AT UNIVERSITY.

WE ARE IN THE BUILDING COMMUNITY HOSPITALS WITH MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HEALTH CLINICS TO HELP INCREASE THE DEMAND AND ACCESS FOR OUR PATIENTS.

THIS IS A RENDERING OF THE TWO COMMUNITY HOSPITALS THAT ARE BEING BUILT CURRENTLY IN PALO ALTO AND AT RETAMA.

[01:20:03]

THIS IS OUR PALO ALTO FACILITY, IF ANYONE HASN'T BEEN THERE RECENTLY.

WE HAVE CLEARED THE LAND.

THE LIGHT GREEN THAT YOU SEE AROUND ARE THE ACCESS ROADS AND THE ROADS FOR THE FACILITY.

DEAD CENTER IS THE FOOTPRINT OF THE HOSPITAL.

ON THE LOWER LEFT-HAND SIDE, JAGUAR PARKWAY IS THE AREA BELOW AND ZARZAMORA TO THE LEFT, AND THOSE ARE THE CONSTRUCTION TRAILERS ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE WITH ACTIVITY GOING ON THERE.

A LOT OF INFRASTRUCTURE HAS ALREADY BEEN PUT IN FROM WATER SEWAGE DRAINING AND ELECTRICAL.

WE ARE PUTTING THE FOUNDATION CAST PIERS AND OUR TOWER CRANES ARE BEING ERECTED RIGHT NOW AS WE GO.

OTHER THAN THE RAIN THAT WE'VE HAD, WE ARE ON TIME.

WE KNOW HOW TO BREAK A DROUGHT, WHICH IS TRY AND START TO HOSPITALS AND GET THOSE RAIN TO COME SO THAT WE WOULD BE DEALING WITH THOSE ISSUES.

THIS IS OUR RETAMA HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING.

THAT'S RETAMA PARKWAY UP AT THE TOP.

AS YOU CAN SEE, THE PI LINKS AND THE CASTERS ARE A LITTLE FURTHER, THE TOWER CRANES ARE A LITTLE MORE ADVANCED.

THIS WAS BECAUSE THE INFRASTRUCTURE FROM THE ELECTRIC AND THE SEWER WAS ALREADY THERE, SO THERE WAS A LOT OF LESS WORK THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE ON THE SITE FOR THE PRIMARY UTILITIES.

>> AGAIN, WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO PUT OUR ELECTRICAL DUCT BANKS, OUR CONDUITS AND OTHERS ONTO THOSE FACILITIES AND THEY'RE CONTINUING TO MOVE FORWARD.

OUR UNIVERSITY HEALTH WHEATLEY RENDERING ON THE TOP.

YOU CAN SEE THAT WE'VE ALREADY MOVED A LOT OF DIRT, PUT ALL THE UTILITIES IN, AND THIS PROJECT IS ON TIME AND EXPECTED TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

UNIVERSITY HEALTH VIDA, WHICH IS ON THE CAMPUS OF PALO ALTO.

THIS IS OUR PUBLIC HEALTH BUILDING, BUT THE SECOND STORY WILL HOUSE COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND HALF OF THAT FLOOR WILL HOUSE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, BOTH ADULT AND CHILDREN.

MOVING ALONG, AND AGAIN, WE EXPECT THIS BUILDING TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED BY LATE NEXT YEAR.

WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE BACKGROUND OF UNIVERSITY THAT GEORGE HAS SHARED WITH YOU MANY YEARS AS WE CONTINUE TO HAVE INCREASED DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES.

JUST SO FAR THIS YEAR, PATIENT DAYS ARE UP 16%, OUR EMERGENCY ROOM, AS YOU CAN SEE, IS UP 9%.

OUR SURGICAL CASES ARE CONTINUING TO GROW.

OUR BIRTH SINCE THE WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL HAS OPENED IS UP 36%.

THEN JUST LAST MONTH, WE DELIVERED FIVE BABIES SHORT OF 500 BABIES IN OUR HOSPITAL, WHICH IS JUST A FEW YEARS AGO, WE WERE JUST OVER A LITTLE OVER 300.

THE DEMAND IS THERE AND THE GROWTH IS THERE FOR WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES.

THIS HAS NOT ONLY HELPED DEAL WITH CAPACITY FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN, BUT ALSO WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO BACKFILL THOSE BEDS THAT WERE VACATED WITH ADULT BEDS SO THAT WE CONTINUE TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS FOR CONTINUING DEMAND.

SOME OF THE THINGS THAT WE ARE LOOKING AT AND PROJECTED IN 2025.

WE DO SEE SOME REVENUE SHORTFALLS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.

MEDICARE EVERY YEAR PLANS A DISPROPORTIONATE SHARE CUT TO THE PROGRAMS. THE GOVERNMENT WORKS VERY HARD TO TRY AND MAKE SURE THE DSH PROGRAM CONTINUES.

BUT WE DO BUDGET FOR THIS PROGRAM TO BE ELIMINATED BECAUSE IT IS CURRENTLY SLATED TO BE ELIMINATED.

THAT WILL BE A $35.7 MILLION REDUCTION TO UNIVERSITY HEALTH.

THEN I'LL TALK A LITTLE FURTHER ON FURTHER SLIDES, BUT THE PROPERTY TAX HOMESTEADS THAT WE PUT IN WILL BE ABOUT A $20 MILLION REDUCTION WITH THE HOMESTEAD.

WE ARE STILL SEEING IN HEALTH CARE AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES SO THAT WE'RE HAVING TO ADD ADDITIONAL STAFF.

ALONG WITH THAT COMES ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO UT HEALTH SAN ANTONIO FOR THE PHYSICIAN SERVICES, AND ALSO THE EMPLOYMENT OF PHYSICIANS THROUGH OUR UMA PHYSICIANS, STAFFING, THE DEMAND AND THE CLINICAL COST OF NURSES AND ALL THE SUPPORT STAFF.

THOSE SALARY DEMANDS ARE CONTINUING TO GROW FASTER WITH INFLATION.

OUR SUPPLIES, WHILE WE'VE SEEN A LEVEL OFF OF SUPPLIES, THERE'S STILL 10-15% HIGHER THAN WHAT THEY WERE A FEW YEARS AGO, SO THOSE SUPPLIES ARE COSTING US MORE.

[01:25:03]

THEN WE ALSO HAVE SOME AGING INFRASTRUCTURE.

OUR TEXAS DIABETES INSTITUTE HAS HAD SOME MAJOR FACILITY REPAIRS, ALONG WITH JUST OUR OLD TOWERS ON THE MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS.

THOSE EXPENSES ALL IN ARE ABOUT $150 MILLION IN INCREASED EXPENSES THAT WE SEE PROJECTED OVER NEXT YEAR.

WITH THAT, WE WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU THE TREND OF OUR PROGRAM WITHOUT COMMUNITY FIRST HEALTH PLAN.

YOU'LL SEE THAT WE EXPECT TO GROW TO BE ABOUT 2.4 BILLION IN CLINICAL REVENUE IN 2025, AND THAT WE'RE PROJECTING A BOTTOM LINE WITH THESE INFLATION AND DECREASED REVENUES FOR A BOTTOM LINE OF ABOUT 20 MILLION.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE WILL BE BRINGING BACK TO YOU IN DECEMBER WHEN WE GET OUR BUDGET AND WE WILL PRESENT A MUCH MORE DETAILED BUDGET.

BUT THESE ARE HIGH LEVEL, REED AND HIS STAFF WORK CLOSELY WITH THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE FEEL THAT THIS IS WHERE WE'RE AT AT THIS CURRENT TIME.

I'LL TURN IT OVER REED TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW WE GOT TO THE PROPERTY VALUES AND HOW THAT'S BEING DONE.

>> SURE. THANKS, ED.

JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, AGAIN, WHEN WE PUT THE INCREASE THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FROM 5%-20% FOR THIS COMING YEAR, WE PROJECTED THAT WE'D BE ABOUT EVEN.

WE ACTUALLY SAW SLIGHTLY LESS GROWTH IN PROPERTY VALUES THAN WHAT WE HAD PROJECTED THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

THEY WERE UP MORE DRAMATICALLY.

THIS YEAR, FOR OUR TAX BASE, THE EXISTING PROPERTIES WENT UP 3.2%, WHICH ADDED 9.5 BILLION.

THEN WE HAD 6.1 BILLION IN NEW PROPERTIES, WHICH IS FAIRLY CONSISTENT WITH THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

IT'S BEEN RUNNING ABOUT SIX BILLION IN NEW PROPERTIES.

WITH THE 20% HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN PLACE THIS YEAR, THAT'LL SAVE 68 MILLION IN TAXES FOR THE TAXPAYERS, ABOUT $172 PER AVERAGE HOME.

WE ALSO HAVE THE OVER 65 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN PLACE STILL AT $30,000.

THAT'S ABOUT A $12 MILLION TOTAL SAVINGS TO THE TAXPAYERS, ABOUT $83 PER YEAR FOR THE AVERAGE HOME.

OUR PROPOSAL IS JUST TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING RATE, AND WE'VE HAD THIS RATE FOR 10 YEARS, AT LEAST AS LONG AS I'VE BEEN WITH THE HEALTH SYSTEM.

WE DO NEED HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF MOVEMENT BETWEEN M&O AND THE DEBT SERVICE.

THE BONDS WE ISSUED LAST YEAR TO FINISH OFF THE COMMUNITY HOSPITALS PROJECT.

WE NEED A LITTLE BIT MORE IN OUR DEBT SERVICE.

DEBT SERVICE WILL GO UP 0.26, M&O WILL GO DOWN 0.26.

ON THE M&O SIDE, THAT'LL PRODUCE 549 MILLION IN PROPERTY TAX REVENUE, WHICH AS ED MENTIONED, IS 20 POINT SOMETHING, ROUNDS UP TO 21 MILLION LESS IN M&O, AND THEN WE NEED TO ADD FOUR MILLION TO OUR DEBT SERVICE, ACTUALLY THREE POINT SOMETHING FOR TOTAL.

TAX REVENUE WILL BE LESS 17 MILLION THAN OUR CURRENT YEAR BASED ON PREDICTIONS OF COLLECTABILITY, AND WITH THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS, AGAIN, ARE THE BIGGEST IMPACT.

I THINK WE'RE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

>> COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> REED, LET ME ASK YOU JUST ON THAT LAST POINT.

I KNOW WE HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT RECENTLY.

THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR TIME.

ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE, KEEPING IT LEVEL, I THINK THE LAST THING YOU MENTIONED IS THAT IT MEANT 17 MILLION LESS IN REVENUE YEAR-OVER-YEAR. IS THAT CORRECT?

>> YES, SIR.

>> I GUESS, HOW ARE YOU RECONCILING THAT INTERNALLY TO MAKE SURE DELIVERABLES ARE ON PAR, WHAT WE NEED TO DO IN TERMS OF OUR DEBT SERVICE? HOW ARE YOU FUNCTIONING SO THAT WE'RE OKAY? IT SOUNDS BAD.

TO THE LAYPERSON, YOU'RE GETTING $17 MILLION LESS FROM YEAR-OVER-YEAR.

HOW ARE YOU PLANNING FOR THAT YEAR? I GUESS IS MY QUESTION.

>> OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS, WE'VE HAD VERY GOOD FINANCIAL YEARS.

AND SO WE THINK WE CAN TAKE THAT $17 MILLION REDUCTION AND STILL BE FINE.

ANY EXCESS WE PUT TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY HOSPITALS PROJECTS AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, IT'S NOT ALL BOND-FUNDED.

THAT EXTRA VOLUME DOES HELP OFFSET SOME OF THE FIXED COSTS THAT WE HAVE.

AGAIN, WHEN WE LOOK AT THE WHOLE PICTURE ALTOGETHER, WE'LL BE FINE ON THAT $17 MILLION REDUCTION.

WE WOULDN'T WANT TO TAKE A $17 MILLION REDUCTION LIKE EVERY YEAR, YEAR AFTER YEAR BECAUSE AT SOME POINT WE COULD GET INTO TROUBLE.

ESPECIALLY WITH THE TWO HOSPITALS OPEN, WHEN THEY OPEN, IT WILL BE A LITTLE BIT OF A DRAIN ON THE FINANCIALS,

[01:30:01]

JUST GETTING THAT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GET THE STAFF IN EARLY AND GET WHEN THEY FIRST OPEN, THEY WON'T BE AS BUSY AS WE ANTICIPATE THEM BEING OPEN AFTER SEVERAL YEARS.

BUT THIS YEAR WE DON'T SEE ANY ISSUES WITH THAT $17 MILLION.

>> I KNOW WE'LL TALK MORE ABOUT YOUR BUDGET LATER IN THE YEAR WHEN YOU BRING IT BACK IN DECEMBER, I GUESS, SO I WON'T GET INTO THOSE DETAILS.

BUT LET ME ASK, I THINK ED, YOU MENTIONED ABOUT 150 MILLION IN DEFERRED MAINTENANCE NEEDS.

ARE YOU GOING TO TRY AND ADDRESS THOSE ALL IN THIS NEXT FISCAL YEAR, OR HOW DO YOU INTEND TO ADDRESS? I THINK YOU MENTIONED THE DIABETES INSTITUTE AND SOME OTHER AGING FACILITIES?

>> ALL OF OUR BUILDINGS NOW ARE HITTING THE AGE, THE MEDICAL CENTER CAMPUS, THE RIO TOWER, HORIZON TOWER.

WE HAVE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR REPAIR AND SAFETY ISSUES WE HAVE TO DO.

THE TEXAS DIABETES INSTITUTE HAS HAD SOME SHIFTS, SO WE'RE HAVING TO REDO FOUNDATION WORK AND BOILERS AND OTHERS.

THE DOWNTOWN CAMPUS, THE HISTORIC ROBERT B GREEN CAMPUS IS GOING THROUGH SOME.

WE THINK THAT WE CAN PUT A PLAN TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BUILDINGS ARE SAFE AND TAKEN CARE OF, BUT IT WILL BE A PLAN THAT WE WILL SPREAD OUT THOSE DOLLARS OVER A 3-5 YEAR PLAN AND WE CAN TAKE WHAT IS TRULY OPERATIONAL EXPENSE AND PAY IT OUT OF OPERATIONS, AND SOME OF THIS WILL COME OUT OF OUR ROUTINE CAPITAL WHEN WE PRESENT THAT TO THE BOARD BECAUSE SOME OF THAT WILL BE CAPITALIZED AND SOME OF THAT WILL JUST BE OUT OF REGULAR ROUTINE OPERATIONS.

BUT WE HAVE A 3-5 YEAR PLAN THAT WE'LL BE PRESENTING.

>> THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR.

IT SOUNDS LIKE A BIG NUMBER, AND IT IS, AND OF COURSE, THAT NUMBER GETS LARGER THE MORE YOU DEFER IT.

I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING THAT DISCUSSION WITH YOU GUYS.

I KNOW YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN PRUDENT ABOUT YOUR CAPITAL PLAN AND WHILE WE'RE GROWING, WE DO HAVE SOME OF THOSE OLDER FACILITIES THAT NEED TO BE BALANCED WITHIN NEW CONSTRUCTION.

FIRST OF ALL, LET ME THANK YOU, ED.

I KNOW IT'S BEEN A MONTH OR SO SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN OVER.

>> THIRTY-SEVEN DAYS.

>> THIRTY-SEVEN DAYS. BUT WHO'S COUNTING? I KNOW YOU'VE GOT THE BIG SHOES TO FILL.

YOU GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, AND LET ME THANK THE REST OF THE TEAM THAT'S HERE AS WELL.

ALWAYS PROUD TO STAND WITH UNIVERSITY HEALTH AND THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING.

I KNOW MY COLLEAGUES MAY HAVE SOME QUESTIONS, JUDGE, BUT IF YOU'LL INDULGE ME, THERE'S SOME SPECIFIC LANGUAGE BY STATUTE, WE'VE GOT TO PUT INTO THIS MOTION.

I'M GOING TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO SET THE 2024 TOTAL TAX RATE IN SUPPORT OF BEXAR COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT DOING BUSINESS AS UNIVERSITY HEALTH, OPERATING IN CAPITAL BUDGET AND DEBT SERVICE OUTLOOK FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 AT THE EXISTING TOTAL TAX RATE OF 0.27623 $0.05 PER $100 PROPERTY VALUATION.

RECORD SUCH VOTE, AND SET A PUBLIC HEARING AND A VOTE AS FOLLOWS.

PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2024 AT 9:30 AM, AND A VOTE ON THE TAX RATE ON SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2024.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING, THE PUBLIC HEARING AND VOTE ON THE TAX RATE WILL BE HELD AT THE DOUBLE HIGHT COURTROOM, SECOND FLOOR, BEXAR COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 100 DOLOROSA, SUITE 20.1, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. THAT IS MY MOTION.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES. COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

>> I JUST WANTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOU BEING HERE A LITTLE OVER A MONTH AND PASSING OUT OF THE BATON.

I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH YOU.

CLERK, GOOD TO SEE THE CONTINUED WORK THAT WE ARE PUSHING FORWARD FOR THE PALO ALTO HOSPITAL, AND THANK THE BOARD, JIMMY, WHO'S HERE, AND THE REST OF THE BOARD MEMBERS.

>> WELL, THANK YOU, ED AND REED FOR PRESENTING.

>> HAPPY TO SUPPORT.

>> COMMISSIONER MOODY.

THANK YOU, JIMMY, AND THE REST OF THE BOARD FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND FOR THE STEWARDSHIP OF UNIVERSITY HEALTH.

I JUST WANT TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HIGHLIGHT, NEARLY A YEAR AGO, PERSONALLY, I TRIED TO CHALLENGE UNIVERSITY TO GET TO THAT 20% HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, AND THE BOARD AND YOUR TEAM HAVE DELIVERED ON THAT GOAL.

THAT 20% HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, WHICH THE COUNTY PROVIDES, IT'S THE MAXIMUM STATUTORY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION WE CAN OFFER TAXPAYERS AND YOU GUYS DELIVERED IN A BIG WAY, AND I APPRECIATE YOU BEING WILLING AND ABLE TO DO THAT.

I THINK AGAIN, JUST HIGHLIGHTING THOSE NUMBERS, $68 MILLION COME WITH THAT HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, GOING BACK TO TAXPAYERS AND THE FACT THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A REAL CUT YEAR-OVER-YEAR IN TERMS OF TAX REVENUES, $17 MILLION.

EVEN WHEN YOU FACTOR IN APPRECIATION, EVEN WHEN YOU FACTOR IN NEW CONSTRUCTION, UNIVERSITY HAS TAKEN IN LESS YEAR-OVER-YEAR THAN THEY DID LAST YEAR.

[01:35:03]

I APPLAUD THAT. BUT I THINK AGAIN, TO YOUR POINT, YOU HAVE A BALANCED BUSINESS MODEL, AND THIS IS A BALANCED BUDGET THAT INCLUDES INCREASED SERVICE DELIVERY AND EXPANSION, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, TAXPAYER RELIEF.

THAT'S WHAT I REALLY LOVE ABOUT THIS.

I THINK IT'S A GREAT BALANCED APPROACH.

LOVE TO SEE IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THE FULL BUDGET LATER ON THIS YEAR.

BUT THANKS AGAIN, I FULLY SUPPORT WHAT YOU'RE DOING. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. CALVERT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. CAN WE JUST BREAK IT DOWN FOR THE AVERAGE TAXPAYER IN TERMS OF WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT TO PAY ON THEIR UNIVERSITY PROPERTY TAX FOR THE AVERAGE HOME?

>> I BELIEVE IT'S ABOUT $750, JUST A ROUND NUMBER FOR THE AVERAGE HOME.

>> SOME OF THE INCREASE THAT YOU MAY BE SEEING IN VISITS COULD BE A RESULT OF THE AGING OF THE BABY BOOMER GENERATION AND MAYBE THEY'RE NEEDING MORE HOSPITAL NEEDS.

DOES THAT SOUND IN THE BALLPARK?

>> I THINK THAT'S CORRECT. I THINK JUST ALSO THE INCREASED POPULATION THAT WE SEE IS INCREASING DEMAND, BUT I THINK AS THE POPULATION GETS A LITTLE OLDER, THERE ARE JUST HIGHER DEMANDS FOR HEALTHCARE.

>> MAKES SENSE TO ME. WITH THE EXEMPTIONS THAT WE'VE CHAMPIONED HERE, WHAT IS THE SAVINGS FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON? I DON'T KNOW IF THE 700 NUMBER WAS WITH IT OR WITHOUT.

>> THAT'S WITH THE SAVINGS.

THE $83 FOR THE OVER 65 AND THEN $170 FOR THE 20% HOMESTEAD.

AGAIN, THAT'S FOR THE AVERAGE HOME VALUE.

>> THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR WORK. APPRECIATE IT.

>> LET ME ASK THIS QUESTION.

FIRST, LET ME THANK AND CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR APPOINTMENT TO BE THE CEO.

I FULLY SUPPORTED THAT APPOINTMENT.

THE BOARD AS JIMMY, AND HASSLOCHER, AND MR. ADAMS AS CHAIR, HAVE CREATED A WONDERFUL LEADERSHIP TEAM THERE AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, AND I'M FULLY CONFIDENT OF THE PRESENTATION YOU MADE TODAY, I SUPPORTED TOO.

LET ME ASK THIS AND I DON'T WANT TO PUT A NEGATIVE SPIN ON THIS, BUT IT'S A REALISTIC SPIN FROM HAVING OUR DISCUSSIONS WITH OUR BUDGET OFFICE.

THEY'VE GIVEN US A LONGER TERM AND I'LL JUST SAY, USE A FIVE YEAR PUT OUT AND I'M LOOKING AT MY BUDGET OFFICE TO MAKE SURE I'M NOT MISSED ANYTHING.

WE'RE SHOWING A FLATTENING OF REVENUE, BUT WE'RE ALSO SEEING AN INCREASE IN EXPENSES AND AT SOME POINT, THE INTERSECT, WHICH IS A SIGNAL THAT YOU BETTER BE PREPARED FOR THAT TIME.

WE ALSO NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR WHATEVER ECONOMIC CHANGES HAPPEN IN THE REAL TIME WORLD SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY AS WE SEE WITH THE STOCK MARKET.

I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT'S DOING TODAY.

MY QUESTION IS FROM A LONGER TERM, I SEE THIS EXPANSION, WHAT IS THE LONGER TERM PROGNOSIS? JUST IN THAT FIVE-YEAR TIME FRAME OF WHAT DOES THE REVENUE LOOK LIKE WITH THESE ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS AND HOSPITALS COMING ONLINE, CREATES ADDITIONAL CAPACITY, CREATES ADDITIONAL REVENUE, BUT IT ALSO CREATES ADDITIONAL COSTS WITH EMPLOYEES AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ALL THAT, PLUS THE PROTECTION OF THE CAPITAL PROJECTS, YOUR AGING PROGRAMS, AS YOU SAID, THE TEXAS DIABETES CENTER.

I WANT TO KNOW FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE, DO YOU HAVE THAT SAME PROFILE THAT ON A LONGER TERM, IF THINGS STAY THE SAME, THOSE LINES WILL INTERSECT.

WE'LL HAVE TO HAVE SOME SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS OF HOW WE DEAL WITH THAT.

CAN REED OR ED OR J?

>> YES, SIR. WE'VE DONE SOME LONG TERM PROJECTIONS.

AGAIN, RIGHT BEFORE THE NEW HOSPITALS OPEN, AND THE FIRST YEAR, WE'LL PROBABLY SEE A LITTLE BIT OF A COMPRESSED BOTTOM LINE.

THEN AS THOSE HOSPITALS, THE VOLUME PICKS UP AND WE SHOULD BE BACK OFF TO THE RACES.

AGAIN, THERE'S A SCALE, HELPS US IN HEALTH CARE, THE BIGGER WE ARE, THE EASIER IT IS IN SOME MATTERS TO BE FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE.

BUT AGAIN, OUR LONG TERM PROJECTION WILL BE OKAY.

BUT AGAIN, WE WILL SEE A LITTLE BIT OF A DIP IN PERFORMANCE RIGHT BEFORE WE OPEN AND PROBABLY THAT FIRST YEAR AFTER WE OPEN, JUST GETTING THOSE FACILITIES OPEN.

AGAIN, IT SCARES ME TO OPEN THEM BOTH PRETTY CLOSE TOGETHER BECAUSE THEN WE TAKE TWO AT ONCE.

BUT WE'LL BE FINE.

IT JUST AGAIN, WE'LL PROBABLY SEE THEM GO DOWN AND BACK UP.

IF WE DO A FIVE-YEAR PROJECTION, OUR SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING CAN CHANGE EVERY YEAR, SOME OF THE PROGRAMS HAVE TO BE RENEWED EVERY YEAR.

SOME OF THAT COMES OUT OF DC, SOME OF IT'S THE STATE DRIVEN.

BUT I WILL SAY THE STATE HAS DONE A VERY GOOD JOB OF KEEPING US WHOLE THROUGH A LOT OF CHANGES IN VARIOUS SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING PROGRAMS. THEY SEE THE VALUE OF WHAT WE CALL OURSELVES A SUPER SAFETY NET.

THE LARGE METRO AREAS IN TEXAS ALL IT'S PARKLAND, HARRIS HEALTH, EL PASO, JPS, AND US.

THE STATE TENDS TO TAKE CARE OF US.

[01:40:02]

>> IF I CAN SAY IT MORE SIMPLY IN LATE TERMS, WE SHOULDN'T PANIC, SO TO SPEAK, WHEN WE SEE THE SHRINKAGE OF NET WITH THE NEW HOSPITAL? THAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO HAPPEN IN ORDER TO BRING THOSE THINGS ONLINE.

THE ONLINE COSTS THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH, AND I DON'T WANT THE COURT NOR THE PUBLIC TO BE SAYING WHAT'S GOING ON AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL.

IS THAT A FAIR STATEMENT?

>> IT'S A FAIR STATEMENT, AND I WOULD SAY 2025 BECAUSE THE HOSPITALS WILL BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, OTHER THAN THE PUBLIC HEALTH BUILDINGS OPENING UP AND TAKING A LITTLE BIT MORE OF STAFF IN ADDITION.

WE WILL PROBABLY SEE '26 AND '27 BE A LITTLE LEAN BECAUSE FOR THE HOSPITALS TO OPEN SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE IN LATE '26 AND EARLY '27, HIRING THE STAFF, GETTING THEM TRAINED IN OTHERS '26 AND '27 IS WHERE I THINK REED TALKS ABOUT GETTING US LEAN AND GETTING US CLOSER, BUT WE SEE THAT THE GROWTH OF THOSE TWO FACILITIES SHOULD RAMP UP PRETTY RAPIDLY AFTERWARDS.

WE LOOK AT '26 AND '27 BEING OUR GETTING THAT CLOSER, BUT WE WOULD HOPE IN '28, THOSE HOSPITALS WOULD BE RUNNING FULL FORCE AND THEN GET BACK TO WHERE WE SHOULD BE.

>> JIMMY, IS THERE ANY FEEDBACK FROM THE BOARD AS TO WHAT Y'ALL SEE FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE AS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM?

>> YES, SIR, JUDGE. WE'VE HAD THESE DISCUSSIONS.

MR. ADAMS AND I AND THE BOARD HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS, AND AS WE KNOW, IF YOU GO BACK AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE YEARS THAT GEORGE WAS THERE, AND INCIDENTALLY, HE TOLD ME HE'S WAKING UP EVERY MORNING AND SATURDAY AND HE CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT.

BUT YOU LOOK AT THE AMOUNT OF WORK THAT WAS DONE BY GEORGE AND HIS TEAM, NOW, ED AND HIS TEAM WITH ALL OF THE OTHER HOSPITALS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, WORKING WITH THE LEGISLATURE, WORKING ON THE FEDERAL STUFF, ALSO, EVERY YEAR, IT IS A IT'S A TOUGH GAME TO PLAY, BUT WE'RE IN IT AND WE'RE DOING WELL WITH IT, AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO GREAT THINGS.

>> WELL, I WANT TO THANK THE BOARD OF MANAGERS AND I THANK THE EXECUTIVE TEAM.

THAT'S THE REASON WHY I HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN WHAT YOU ALL DO AND WHAT YOU ALL PRESENT AND REPRESENT TO US AND TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE TAXPAYERS THAT SUPPORT YOU.

THERE'S A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION?

>> I JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE BILL PHILLIPS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW, BILL PHILLIPS REALLY HELPED TO GET BEXAR COUNTY THROUGH COVID HAS RECENTLY HAD HIS OWN HEALTH CHALLENGES.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK, SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE AND LOOKING WELL.

>> FINE. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS? HEARING NONE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL SAYING AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES.

>> THANK YOU. WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP ITEM NUMBER 6.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

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

REQUEST OF COMMISSIONERS COURT TO IDENTIFY ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION AND TO APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. I'LL START WITH COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ARE THERE ANY MATTERS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION? COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, COMMISSIONER MOODY.

>> I HAVE ITEM 40, 49 AND 74.

>> DID YOU SAY 40?

>> WHAT WAS THE ONE AFTER 40?

>> FORTY-NINE AND 74.

>> SEVENTY FOUR. COMMISSIONER CALVERT, DO YOU HAVE ANY MATTERS TO PULL?

>> NOTHING TO PULL.

>> JUDGE.

>> STAFF IS REQUESTING A DEFER ITEM NUMBER 68.

>> SIXTY-EIGHT IS BEING PULLED BY COUNTY STAFF?

>> WE WILL NOT CONSIDER ITEM 68.

WE HAVE SOME CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

I JUST WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK.

WE'VE GOT A LITTLE SITUATION HERE WHERE WE HAVE SOME CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON CONSENT.

I DON'T BELIEVE ANY OF THOSE WERE PULLED AND THE REASON WHY I'M DOING THIS IS I WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT SIGNED UP FOR MATTERS ON CONSENT THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PULLED, THEN I WILL GET TO CITIZENS TO BE HEARD, BUT THIS IS NOT CITIZENS TO BE HEARD IN GENERAL OR FOR THOSE THAT HAVE SIGNED UP FOR INDIVIDUAL AGENDA ITEMS LATER IN THE MEETING.

AT THIS TIME, LET ME ALLOW EDDIE MOLINA.

EDDIE MOLINA, YOU'VE ASKED TO ADDRESS ON AGENDA ITEM 27.

TO REMIND ALL THOSE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD, YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK.

[01:45:10]

>> YOUR HONOR, I WAS SENT TO TALK ON BEHALF OF 100 CLOVE, SAN ANTONIO.

I'M THE NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCY.

I KNOW THAT WE'RE ONE OF THE ITEMS ON THIS PLAN.

AS A NEW NEWLY APPOINTED MEMBER, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT MY STATUS WAS GOING TO BE HERE, SO I SIGNED IN AT THE FRONT AND I'M HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE FOR THIS.

>> WELL, WE'RE CERTAINLY GOING TO BE TAKING A VOTE ON YOUR ITEM HERE REAL QUICK.

>> YES SIR.

>> YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR. TREVINO? THANK YOU, MR. TREVINO.

WE HAVE CITIZEN TO BE HEARD ON CONSENT, ANANDA THOMAS.

ANANDA. YOU SIGNED UP FOR ITEM 93.

ANNA TREVINO.

>> HELLO. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS ANNA TREVINO, AND I'M AN ADVOCACY AND FIELD ORGANIZER WITH TEXAS RISING.

WE ARE A CIVIC ENGAGEMENT ORGANIZATION FOCUSED ON EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE OF COLOR.

I'M HERE TODAY BECAUSE WE WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE NEW ELECTIONS AND VOTER ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

VOTING RIGHTS ARE TOP PRIORITY FOR TEXAS RISING BECAUSE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE LESS RESOURCES AT OUR DISPOSAL THAT MAKES VOTING LESS ACCESSIBLE IN REGARDS TO TRANSPORTATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND REGISTERING TO VOTE.

IT'S OUR HOPE THIS COMMITTEE WILL GO A LONG WAY TO PROVIDE REAL COMMUNITY INPUT TO ADDRESS THESE VOTING INEQUALITIES AND ELECTION BARRIERS WITH RECOMMENDATIONS OF NEW COMPREHENSIVE PROCEDURES FROM THOSE DIRECTLY IMPACTED.

THIS OUGHT TO BE DONE BY MAKING INFORMATION REGARDING MAIL IN BALLOTS EASIER TO ACCESS WITHOUT FAVORING CERTAIN POLITICAL CANDIDATES WITH SUPPORT RATHER THAN HARSH PUNISHMENT FOR VOLUNTEER DEPUTY REGISTRARS AND WITH WELL DONE VOTING EDUCATION FOR ELECTION EMPLOYEES AS TO BETTER SERVE BEXAR COUNTY VOTERS.

WE ARE IN SUPPORT OF THIS COMMITTEE AND HOPE THAT THIS IS A STEP FORWARD, FOLLOWED BY A TRANSPARENT PROCESS OF HIRING FOR THE NEW ELECTIONS ADMINISTER WITH GENUINE COMMUNITY INPUT.

THAT MEANS MAKING THE HIRING STEPS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATOR OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AND THAT THIS PROCESS IS NOT RUSHED.

I ALSO URGE THIS COMMISSION TO ENSURE THAT THIS NEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE DOES NOT GET PUT ON THE BACKBURNER BY CREATING PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES THAT MAKE IT AN ACTIVE AND ROBUST ACTOR IN BEXAR COUNTY ELECTIONS PROCEDURES.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND I HOPE YOU'LL HAVE A GOOD DAY.

>> THANK YOU. JACK FINGER.

>> JOSE KAI, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.

MY NAME IS JACK M. FINGER.

AGAIN HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE, JUDGE?

>> THREE MINUTES.

>> THREE MINUTES. YES. I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON ITEM NUMBER 93.

I DON'T THINK YOU'LL PULL IT.

I THINK IT'LL BE VOTED RIGHT UPON WITH THE CONSENT AGENDA.

IT'S ABOUT SELECTING A COMPANY TO FIND CANDIDATES TO FULFILL THE NEED FOR A ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR.

THAT WILL BE COMING UP PRETTY SOON WITH THE DEPARTURE OF MISS JACKIE CALLINAN.

YES, I GUESS MY QUICK QUESTION TO YOU FOLKS IS, ARE YOU GOING TO DIRECT THIS COMPANY TO FIND THE MOST QUALIFIED, AND I DO MEAN QUALIFIED PERSON TO DIRECT A COUNTY WIDE ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT OR WILL YOU TELL THIS COMPANY JUST SIMPLY LOOK FOR SOMEBODY WHO FILLS ALL THE SLOTS? MUST BE A MINORITY.

MUST BE MINORITY GENDER.

SHALL A PERSON BE A BLACK, FEMALE, LESBIAN, BUDDHIST? INQUIRING MINDS WOULD LIKE TO KNOW JUST WHAT YOUR REQUIREMENTS ARE FOR THESE THINGS.

ALSO, WILL YOU ASK THE COMPANY TO FIND A PERSON WHO DOES NOT SUCCUMB TO POLITICIANS?

[01:50:07]

I DON'T WANT TO SAY POLITICIANS LIKE YOURSELVES, BUT POLITICIANS WHO HAVE SPECIAL AGENDAS AND THAT TEND TO VEER UPON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW? WILL THIS PERSON THAT YOU EVENTUALLY IS SELECTED, WILL THIS PERSON VIGOROUSLY FIGHT ELECTION FRAUD? THAT'S RIGHT. ELECTION FRAUD.

WITH IN OUR COUNTY, WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT AMERICAN CITIZENS, FALSELY SIGNING THOSE CARDS AND SAYING, YES, I'M AMERICAN CITIZEN, I WANT TO BE REGISTERED TO VOTE.

WELL, ARE WE GO TO FIND OUT HAVE A PERSON WHO FIGHTS THAT KIND OF THING OR NOT? ARE WE GOING TO HAVE A PERSON WHO FIGHTS THE ELECTRONIC FRAUD THAT CAN EASILY TAKE PLACE WITH THOSE LITTLE BLACK BOXES THAT YOU HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO AT TIMES HERE IN THIS VERY COURT BY OTHER WITNESSES? NOW, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU TO TAKE A STEP ON THE WILD SIDE AND JUST SAY, WHATEVER COMPANY YOU SELECT, TELL THEM YOU WANT THE RIGHT GOOD ELECTION DIRECTOR FOR OUR COUNTY. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. TAYLOR TREVINO.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS TAYLOR TREVINO, AND I'M THE VOTING RIGHTS SENIOR ADVOCACY MANAGER AT THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT.

I'M HERE TODAY, MOSTLY TO THANK YOU ALL FOR COMMITTING TO REESTABLISHING THE ELECTIONS IN VOTER ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND FOR BEGINNING TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO THIS BODY TODAY.

TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE'S ONLY ONE OTHER COUNTY IN TEXAS THAT CURRENTLY HAS A SIMILAR COMMITTEE.

THIS IS A HISTORIC MOMENT AND SOMETHING BEXAR COUNTY SHOULD BE PROUD OF.

ADDITIONALLY, TODAY IS THE 59TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSAGE OF THE LANDMARK VOTING RIGHTS ACT, AND WHILE WE'VE COME A LONG WAY SINCE IT WAS PASSED, WE KNOW THAT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR STILL FACE ADDITIONAL BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFULLY CASTING THEIR BALLOT.

THIS ALSO EXTENDS TO OTHER HISTORICALLY DISENFRANCHISED GROUPS LIKE VOTERS WITH DISABILITIES, ELDERLY VOTERS, POOR WORKING CLASS VOTERS, AND MORE.

I WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO DISCUSS SOME OF THE CONCRETE POSITIVE IMPACTS THAT THIS COMMITTEE COULD HAVE AND WAYS THAT THEY COULD IMPROVE THE VOTING AND ELECTIONS PROCESS FOR ALL BEXAR COUNTY VOTERS.

THEY COULD RECOMMEND THAT WE ESTABLISH POLLING LOCATIONS AT ALL OF BEXAR COUNTY'S MAJOR COLLEGE CAMPUSES, WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE ACCESS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF.

THEY COULD RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL POLLING PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTY SO THAT WE ARE MEETING THE MINIMUM NUMBER REQUIRED BY LAW, OR AT LEAST TRYING OUR VERY BEST, BUT ALSO MAKING SURE THAT EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD HAS AN EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF POLLING SITES.

MAKING VOTING MORE ACCESSIBLE COULD AND LIKELY WOULD MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE FOR BUSY PARENTS, FOLKS WORKING LONG HOURS, OR PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE A CAR OR ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION.

I KNOW THAT A LOT OF THIS IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE, BECAUSE RESOURCES ARE LIMITED AND IT'S OFTEN DIFFICULT TO STAFF OUR EXISTING POLLING LOCATIONS.

BUT THIS COMMITTEE COULD RECOMMEND WAYS TO RECRUIT POLL WORKERS IN NEW AREAS AND REACH NEW AUDIENCES, WAYS TO INCREASE INCENTIVES AND ADVERTISE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A POLL WORKER, OR HELP INCREASE PARTICIPATION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT POLL WORKER PROGRAM.

THIS ISN'T EVEN TO MENTION, DISABILITY ACCESS ISSUES LIKE WERE BROUGHT UP AT THE LAST ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING OR WAYS THAT WE CAN IMPROVE MAIL AND BALLOT PROCEDURES, WHICH AGAIN, WE KNOW ARE UTILIZED MORE OFTEN BY OUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS.

THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS THAT WE CAN CREATIVELY AND COLLABORATIVELY SOLVE THE ISSUES THAT WE FACE HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY, AND THIS COMMITTEE IS A REALLY GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON THAT AND GET THAT COMMUNITY INPUT.

IT'S ALSO A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND IMPROVE PUBLIC TRUST IN OUR ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE TWO REMAINING COMMITTEE MEMBERS BEING APPOINTED SOON, AND WE URGE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO TRULY CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THIS COMMITTEE WILL MAKE AND REFLECT THEM IN OUR COUNTY POLICIES DURING THIS IMPORTANT ELECTION SEASON AND IN THE YEARS TO COME. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. THAT CONCLUDES THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD FOR THE MATTERS ON CONSENT THAT WERE NOT PULLED.

IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA?

[CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS]

>> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMAINDER OF CONSENT, ABSENT THE ONES THAT HAVE BEEN PULLED, JUDGE.

>> ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A SECOND? YES, MA'AM. YOUR NAME?

>> REBECCA DORSEY.

>> YOUR CITIZENS TO BE HEARD?

[01:55:01]

>> YOU JUST SIGNED UP FOR NUMBER 9.

>> OH, I'M SORRY.

>> WE'LL CALL YOU.

>> OKAY, THANK YOU.

>> YOU'RE COMING. JUST BE PATIENT, ALONG WITH THE OTHERS.

WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ. DID I HEAR A SECOND?

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. AN OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES.

LET'S NOW TAKE UP THE MATTERS THAT HAVE BEEN PULLED.

I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER MOODY,

[40. Authorizing the approval of an agreement with U.S. Corrections, LLC (formerly d/b/a Prisoner Transport Services of America) for the provision of prisoner extradition and transportation services from the effective date of the Agreement of May 7, 2019 and ending August 6, 2024 as requested by the Sheriff s Office which shall cover the cost of outstanding invoices for services performed and authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute and file appropriate award documents for record and approval of the appropriate budgetary transfer.]

YOU PULLED NUMBER 40.

AUTHORIZE AND APPEAL ON AGREEMENT, US CORRECTIONS, LLC, FORMERLY DBA PRISONER TRANSPORT SERVICE OF AMERICA FOR THE PROVISION OF PRISONER EXTRADITION AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FROM THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AGREEMENT, MAY 7, 2019 AND ENDING AUGUST 6, 2024, AS REQUESTED BY THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHICH SHALL COVER THE COST OF OUTSTANDING INVOICES FOR SERVICES PERFORMED, AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASING AGENTS TO EXECUTE AND FILE APPROPRIATE AWARD DOCUMENTS FOR RECORD AND APPROVAL OF THE APPROPRIATE BUDGETARY TRANSFER, COMMISSIONER MOODY, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.

>> THANKS, JUDGE. CHIEF GARZA [INAUDIBLE] MIND.

IF YOU COULD GIVE US A QUICK OVERVIEW HERE, AS I SAID BEFORE, THE REASON I PULLED THIS ITEM IS NOT, OBVIOUSLY, THINGS CAN BE MISSED AND THIS LOOKS LIKE WE'RE GOING BACK AND PAYING SOME PREVIOUS BILLS IN TERMS OF EXTRADITION THAT NEEDED TO BE PAID AND THAT GOT OVERLOOKED SOMEWHERE IN THE PROCESS.

BUT IT'S NOT SPECIFICALLY TO FOCUS ON THIS SITUATION SPECIFICALLY, BUT MORE BROADLY.

HOW DO WE ENSURE THESE GAPS GET PICKED UP? HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR PROCESSES SO THESE DON'T HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE, AND NOT JUST WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BUT WITH ALL OF COUNTY STAFF AND ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENTS OUT THERE.

THAT'S REALLY THE PURPOSE IN ME PULLING THIS ITEM.

MAYBE YOU COULD GIVE US A QUICK OVERVIEW OF HOW IT WAS PICKED UP THEN I'D LIKE TO DEFER TO DAVID AND COUNTY STAFF AS FAR AS ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO WORK ON OUR PROCESSES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T MISS THESE THINGS IN THE FUTURE.

>> YES, GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY. ABSOLUTELY, AS PART OF THE REGULAR PROCESS WHILE WE WERE REVIEWING OUR BUDGET SUBMISSIONS AND REQUESTS, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A NEW CONTRACT WAS NOT IN PLACE YET, SO WE ASSIGNED A CAPTAIN THAT OVERSEES THAT SECTION, CAPTAIN PRENATA TO WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR COUNTY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN, TO GET IT CAUGHT UP TO SPEED, AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE IN A POSITION WE'RE IN NOW.

BUT ABSOLUTELY, WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE AND THE PURCHASING OFFICE EVER SINCE TO MAKE IT WORK.

WE PUT OUT A NEW RFP, WE GOT A NEW BID, AND NEW PROPOSAL, AND THAT'S WHERE WE'RE AT WITH IT NOW.

THESE ARE THE TYPE OF THINGS THAT JUST FELL THROUGH THE CRACKS, IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE DON'T NORMALLY DO AS A GENERAL PRACTICE.

HOWEVER, MOVING FORWARD, WE'VE ASSIGNED SOMEBODY TO MONITOR IT.

>> BETWEEN DAVID AND LEO, OBVIOUSLY THERE'S PROCESSES WITHIN DEPARTMENTS, OBVIOUSLY TO TRY TO CATCH THESE THINGS, BUT THEN WHEN IT COMES TO THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE, DO YOU AUDIT ALL OF OUR DEPARTMENTS ON A BI-ANNUAL BASIS?

>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION, COMMISSIONER.

OBVIOUSLY, WE GET HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS EVERY MONTH GOING OUT AND THEY'RE BASED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONTRACT, IS HOW WE SET UP OUR POS.

EVERY TIME A REQUEST DOES COME THROUGH, MY AP ACCOUNTANTS DO GO THROUGH, MAKE SURE IT MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PO THAT WAS PULLED FROM THE CONTRACT.

I BELIEVE IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, COMMISSIONER MOODY, THERE WAS SOME DIFFERENT INTRICACIES, ONES, I THINK IT WAS THE DIFFERENT NAMING OF THE COMPANY OR SOMETHING THAT WENT, SO MADE IT A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT ON THERE, AND SO OBVIOUSLY, WHEN A NEW COMPANY TAKES OVER, THERE'S SOME CHANGES AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT, BUT THAT'S THAT'S OUR PROCESS.

>> WELL, AND FORGIVE ME, BUT I DON'T KNOW, WHAT THAT RECURRING PROCESS IS FROM AN AUDITING STANDPOINT VERSUS INTERNAL PROCESSES.

WAS IT ORIGINALLY MISSED WITHIN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, BUT THEN IN AN INITIAL AUDIT, BECAUSE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT FIVE YEARS GOING BACK.

>> LET ME HAVE DIRECT CONNECTIONS TO SPEAK ON THAT.

>> I'M OTTIS HUTCHINSON, DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION FROM BEXAR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

DURING THIS YEAR, WE HAD A CURRENT CONTRACT WITH US CORRECTIONS, AND WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT THAT AGREEMENT WAS GOING TO END IN MAY.

[02:00:01]

THE PURCHASE ORDER WAS ESTABLISHED UP TO WHAT THE CONTRACT WAS ALLOWED, THE FINAL CONTRACT AMOUNT COULD BE.

THAT WAS ESTABLISHED.

EXPENSES WERE HIGHER THAN THAT.

HOWEVER, WE'RE ONLY TALKING ABOUT BILLS THAT WERE AT THAT TIME WHEN THIS WAS GOING TO COURT IN APRIL.

WAS ONLY COVERING $132,000, WHICH WAS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH.

WHEN THE ACF WAS PUT IN, IT WAS TO COVER FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME, PLUS ASKING FOR A TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR, ALONG WITH A RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT THAT WAS GOING TO BE GOING TILL THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR.

IF YOU HAVE A CURRENT CONTRACT, YOU CAN'T PUT MORE FUNDING ON THERE THAN WHAT THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT WAS SET UP FOR IN THE FIRST PLACE.

THIS ISN'T GOING BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF WHEN WE ESTABLISHED CONTRACT.

IT WAS JUST AS WE'RE COMING ALONG, THEY WERE GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS OF RENEWING THIS EXTRADITION CONTRACT.

WE'RE LIMITED TO HOW MUCH WE COULD PUT ON THE PO BECAUSE IT WAS RENEWAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUDGET YEAR.

WE CAME UP, STILL WAS OWED 132,000 AND WAS FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS NOT A CORRECT CONTRACT OR WHATEVER THE ISSUE WAS THAT WAS FOUND OUT DURING YOUR EXECUTIVE SESSION, THAT THERE WAS A ISSUE WITH THE NAMING AND JUST WAS THERE A PROPER CONTRACT? THAT IS WHY CURRENTLY THERE IS A BILL WITH THEM, BUT IT'S ONLY BECAUSE THE AUDITORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PAY A BILL WHEN THERE ISN'T A CORRECT CONTRACT.

>> DAVID, MAYBE I JUST DEFER TO YOU.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS OR IDEAS JUST IN MAKING SURE THAT WE TRY TO AVOID THESE SITUATIONS IN THE FUTURE.

>> THE PART OF THIS THAT IS EVEN TO ME IS SOMEWHAT CONFUSING IS HOW YOU COULD HAVE YEARS WORTH, THE COMPANY SHOULD HAVE SAID SOMETHING IF THEY WEREN'T GETTING PAID.

>> THIS IS NOT YEARS WORTH OF BACK PAY. THIS IS JUST [OVERLAPPING]

>> WELL, IT SAYS EFFECTIVE MAY OF 2019.

>> THEY WENT BACK TO 2019 BECAUSE WHEN THIS CONTRACT WAS ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHEN THEY, I GUESS, COMPETED FOR THE CONTRACT, THEY HAD US CORRECTIONS, PTS.

THEY HAD SEVERAL NAMES BECAUSE THEY ASSUMED OTHER COMPANIES, AND THIS WAS EVEN AT THE BEGINNING OF THAT TIME FROM WHAT I'VE READ OF THE SUBMISSION.

I'M NOT SURE WHEN WE GET THE BILLING, IT HAS US CORRECTIONS ON IT, BUT IT ALSO HAS PTS ON THE BILLING TOO.

THESE PAYMENTS WERE BEING MADE SINCE 2019.

WE DON'T HAVE A BACK PAYMENT AT ALL, OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT WHEN THIS WAS BROUGHT FORWARD FOR THE APRIL 9TH COMMISSIONERS COURT, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN JUST FOR THE FEBRUARY AND MARCH BILLS PLUS WHATEVER WE THOUGHT WAS GOING TO BE FOR THE NEW CONTRACT.

>> ARE WE SAYING THAT ALL THE PAYMENTS WERE MADE, BUT JUST THE CONTRACT WAS NOT CORRECT, IS THAT?

>> THAT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING. YES, SIR.

>> WE MADE COMMISSIONER, THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE MADE PAYMENTS AND TO THE CHIEF'S POINT UP INTO THE OLD CONTRACT.

IN REGARDS, WE'RE STICKING TO THAT PO UNDER THOSE ARRANGEMENTS.

AGAIN, GOING INTO THE NAMING CONVENTION AND TO DAVID'S POINT, THAT WAS PART OF IT, A NEW COMPANY HAD TAKEN OVER, WE WEREN'T NOTIFIED GOING ON BASED ON THAT.

WE WERE MAKING UP TO THOSE PAYMENTS, BUT WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ANY MORE BUDGET FOR THOSE, WE STOP MAKING PAYMENTS, AND THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE.

THEN WE REALIZED OR I'M NOT SURE WHO BROUGHT UP IN REGARDS TO NEEDING THE NEW CONTRACT, AND IT IS COOPERATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE, BUDGET, MAKE SURE MONEY IS THERE.

BUT AGAIN, THERE'S JUST SO MANY INTRICACIES AND I'M NOT MAKING EXCUSE.

I'M GLAD YOU'RE BRINGING UP, TRYING TO FIND OUT, BUT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE COUNTY HAS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CONTRACTS THAT WE GO, SO THIS PARTICULAR CASE IS FEW AND FAR IN-BETWEEN.

BUT YES, WE NEED TO FIND A WAY IF A COMPANY IS GOING TO CHANGE A NAME OR MAKE SOME DIFFERENCES IN THE CONTRACT, WE NEED TO BE NOTIFIED SOMEHOW BY THEM.

I WON'T BELABOR THIS ANY FURTHER.

I JUST THINK THAT OBVIOUSLY YOU BRING UP COMMUNICATION.

COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT ACROSS DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS, SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, AUDITOR'S OFFICE, PURCHASING STAFF.

I'M OPEN, AND I THINK THE COURT WOULD BE OPEN TO RECOMMENDATIONS ON ANY KIND OF IMPROVEMENT AND PROCESSES TO MAKE SURE WE CATCH THESE THINGS IN THE FUTURE.

BUT WITH THAT, I'LL JUST RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS?

[02:05:02]

COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES? HEARING NONE.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION SIGNAL BY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.

>> THAT WAS ITEM 40, CORRECT, COMMISSIONER MOODY?

>> CORRECT, 49.

[49. Approval of a request from the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office to rehire former employee Ms. Rebecca Garcia as an Advocate - DA's Office (NE-05) position at entry level salary of $4,117 per month effective August 7,2024. Ms. Rebecca Garcia withdrew her TCDRS funds on April 30, 2023. This hiring conforms to Bexar County's Post Retirement Employment Policy.]

>> FORTY-NINE, I BELIEVE IS THE NEXT ONE.

COURT'S GOING TO CALL UP APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FROM BEXAR COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO REHIRE FORMER EMPLOYEE MS. REBECCA GARCIA AS AN ADVOCATE, DA'S OFFICE NEO IV POSITION AT ENTRY LEVEL SALARY OF $4,117 PER MONTH, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2024.

MS. REBECCA GARCIA WITHDREW HER TCDRS FUNDS ON APRIL 30, 2023.

THIS HIRING CONFORMS TO BEXAR COUNTY POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT POLICY. COMMISSIONER MOODY.

>> JEMISSA JARMON FOR THE BEXAR COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

THIS ISN'T SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO THIS REHIRE, BUT AS IT RELATES TO HIRING PRACTICES AND CURRENT VACANCIES AND TURNOVER AT THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, AND I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO HAVE ANSWERS AND DATA OFF THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN A WORKING SESSION, AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS WHERE WE'RE AT.

I BELIEVE IT WAS BACK IN JANUARY, WE PROVIDED FUNDS FOR OVERTIME IN ORDER TO WORK THROUGH A BACKLOG.

I DON'T BELIEVE WE'VE HAD AN UPDATE FOR AT LEAST THREE OR FOUR MONTHS ON THAT FRONT, SO I'D LIKE TO SEE THAT.

BUT ALSO GET INTO A DISCUSSION JUST AROUND CURRENT VACANCIES, CURRENT TURNOVER WITHIN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

PERSONALLY, I'VE HEARD SOME STORIES FROM DIFFERENT COURTS THAT SAID THEY WERE HUGELY UNDERSTAFFED IN TERMS OF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.

FEEL FREE IF YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE ANY COMMENTS ON THAT.

BUT I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THIS COURT UNDERSTANDS WHERE WE CURRENTLY STAND AND ANY GAPS IN OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, BECAUSE WE HAVE TO HAVE THE COURTS, BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO HAVE OUR DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE HEALTHY TO BE ABLE TO PROSECUTE CRIMES.

WE HAVE TO HAVE OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE, OUR CONSTABLES.

IT'S A WHOLE ECOSYSTEM, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DA'S OFFICE IN THEIR CURRENT STATUS, HAS THE PROSECUTORS IN PLACE TO BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY PROSECUTE THE CRIMES THAT WE HAVE.

CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT AT ALL NOW OR WOULD IT BE BETTER THAT WE JUST PUSH THIS TO A WORK SESSION IN THE COMING WEEKS BEFORE BUDGET?

>> IT PROBABLY WOULD BE BETTER TO PUSH IT TO A WORK SESSION, BUT I WILL SAY THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON TRYING TO STAFF, BECOME MORE ADEQUATELY STAFFED.

WE ARE INTERVIEWING, WE INTERVIEWED YESTERDAY THREE PEOPLE FOR ATTORNEY POSITIONS.

WE ARE GOING TO BE INTERVIEWING PEOPLE WHO JUST TOOK THE BAR AND MAKE PRECOMMIT OFFERS TO THEM.

THERE IS SOME UNDER-STAFFING RIGHT NOW, AND IF COMMISSIONER, YOU'D WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT IN A SESSION, WE CAN DO THAT.

REGARDING THE ODYSSEY, I THINK WE'RE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS RUNNING REPORTS, SO THAT'S THE ONLY REASON WE HAVEN'T COME BACK AND SPOKE TO COMMISSIONERS COURT ABOUT THAT, IS THAT WE'RE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS RUNNING REPORTS SO WE CAN GIVE YOU ACCURATE NUMBERS OF HOW OUR BACKLOG HAS BEEN REDUCED.

>> HAS YOUR OFFICE DIRECTLY ENGAGED WITH MARK GAGER AND IT DEPARTMENT ON THOSE REPORTS?

>> WE ARE. WE'RE CURRENTLY WORKING EVERY DAY.

THERE ARE PEOPLE IN OUR OFFICE THAT THEY STAY IN MEETINGS TRYING TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING RUNS APPROPRIATELY, AND SO, YES, WE ARE DEALING WITH THE BCIT AT THIS TIME.

>> WELL, I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THAT DISCUSSION PARTICULARLY AROUND EXISTING VACANCIES, WHAT THAT'S LOOKED LIKE OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS, WHAT THE TREND LOOKS LIKE AND CURRENT TURNOVER, BECAUSE AS WE'RE GOING INTO BUDGET SEASON AND MAKING SURE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT WE'RE DEALING WITH THERE AND WHAT'S REQUIRED ON OUR PART.

>> OKAY.

>> THANK YOU. I MOVE APPROVAL.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS OF ITEM 49?

>> HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION SIGNIFY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES.

>> I BELIEVE THE LAST MATTER TO CONSIDER,

[74. Ratification of an increase to Purchase Order #11637578 to Tiger Sanitation for an estimated $40,000. which will bring the total from $49,500 to $89,500 for the Roll-Off Services provided for Bulk Events for neighborhoods that do not have bulk refuse pickup in Precinct 1, 2, 3, and 4.]

COMMISSIONER MOODY WAS 74.

>> CORRECT, JUDGE.

>> ITEM 74. RATIFICATION OF AN INCREASE TO PURCHASE ORDER 116-37-5578 TO TIGER SANITATION FOR ESTIMATED $40,000, WHICH WILL BRING THE TOTAL FROM 49500-89500 FOR THE ROLL OFF SERVICES

[02:10:07]

PROVIDED TO BULK EVENTS FOR NEIGHBORHOODS THAT DO NOT HAVE BULK REFUSE PICK UP IN PRECINCTS 1, 2, 3, AND 4. COMMISSIONER MOODY.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING A LITTLE BIT MORE ON THE BACKGROUND HERE, BUT THE REASON WHY I PULLED THIS IS, I WAS TALKING WITH MY TEAM, AND ALSO WITH SOME OTHER STAFF MEMBERS, AND WE JUST WEREN'T EVEN AWARE OF THE PROGRAM, AND OUR ABILITY TO UTILIZE THE PROGRAM, AND SO I'M NOT SURE WHICH PRECINCTS ARE CURRENTLY UTILIZING OR SCHEDULED, BUT, PRECINCT 3, WE'D LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THAT.

MAYBE YOU CAN SPEAK TO.

IT LOOKS LIKE WE'VE HAD THE PROGRAM IN PLACE.

WE'RE DOUBLING IT BASICALLY IN SIZE IN TERMS OF THE CONTRACT.

MAYBE YOU CAN SPEAK TO THE BACKGROUND THERE AND THE PROCESS FOR SCHEDULING BECAUSE WE JUST WEREN'T AWARE.

>> WE HAVE TWO CONTRACTS FOR RESIDENTIAL TRASH PICKUP AND THEN SUPPLEMENTAL TO THOSE CONTRACTS ARE PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONTRACTS THAT ADDITIONAL TO RESIDENTIAL ARE THE BULK PICKUPS.

THIS IS NOT RELATED TO THE RESIDENTIAL.

RESIDENTIAL IS HAPPENING MOSTLY IN PRECINCT 4 IN SOME NEIGHBORHOODS THAT DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CITY OF SAN ANTONIO RESIDENTIAL TRASH PICKUPS, AND SO THE BULK EVENTS ARE MEANT TO HELP OUT RESIDENTS WHO MIGHT HAVE LOTS OF TRASH, OR IF THEY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO RESIDENTIAL TRASH PICKUP.

TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO DISPOSE OF THEIR GARBAGE AND MAYBE SOME BULK ITEMS, SO THAT IT DECREASES ILLEGAL DUMPING IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE PROCESS IN THE PAST HAS BEEN TO WORK WITH HOAS, MOSTLY IN PRECINCT 1 AND 4, TO UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR THOSE AND TO TALK TO THE RESIDENTS TO SEE HOW OFTEN AND HOW MUCH, WE WOULD NEED TO COME AND DO PICKUPS, AND SO WE HAVE THEM PRETTY REGULARLY, AND IT IS WORKING WITH THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICES.

I KNOW THAT THEY'VE DONE AT LEAST ONE AND THIS IS OUT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

I KNOW THEY'VE DONE AT LEAST ONE IN PRECINCT 3, BUT REALLY, IT'S NEW IN THAT AREA, SO WE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE OUR STAFF, THE [INAUDIBLE] STAFF WORK WITH YOUR OFFICE TO SEE IF WE CAN HELP FACILITATE CONVERSATIONS WITH HOAS OR OTHER CONCERNED NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS TO SEE WHERE WOULD BE THE MOST NEEDED AND MOST IMPACT FOR THOSE.

>> NOW, WE'D WELCOME THAT DISCUSSION, AND I DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT PRECINCT 3 EVENT WAS OR WHICH HOA IT WAS ASSOCIATED WITH.

DO YOU RECALL?

>> I DON'T HAVE MY NOTES ON ME RIGHT NOW, BUT I'LL CHECK AND I'LL LET YOU KNOW YOUR OFFICE.

BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY, WE HAVE ALL THOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH HOAS AND OUR CONSTITUENT SERVICES TEAM.

BUT, FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, I'M JUST NOT AWARE OF WHAT THE OPTIONS ARE TO PROVIDE THOSE SERVICES, AND WHAT SPECIFICALLY THOSE SERVICES THAT WE'RE OFFERING.

>> HAPPY TO DO THAT. LIKE I SAID, WE'VE DONE LOTS OF BULK PICKUPS IN THE BULK TRASH EVENTS.

BUT BASICALLY, THEY JUST TAKE SEVERAL ROLL OFFS AND WE DO ANYWHERE FROM 2-3 BIG DUMPSTERS UP TO 10 OR 12 DEPENDING ON WHAT THE NEED IS, AND SO REALLY JUST UNDERSTANDING WHAT THAT NEED IS.

WE CAN HAVE THAT CONVERSATION WITH YOUR STAFF AND START SCHEDULING.

>> THAT'D BE GREAT. WE HAVE TRASH IN PRECINCT 3 AS WELL?

>> ABSOLUTELY. [NOISE] UNFORTUNATELY, YES.

>> THANK YOU. WITH THAT, I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS, BUT IF NOT, I'LL MOVE APPROVAL.

>> MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER MOODY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION SIGNIFY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU DOCTOR.

>> I BELIEVE THAT CONCLUDES THE CONSENT AND THOSE PULL FOR INDIVIDUAL AND THE ONE ITEM 68, THOMAS, THAT HAS BEEN PULLED TO BE PUT ON AT A LATER DATE.

WE'LL TAKE UP AGENDA ITEM 7,

[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 Sheriffs Office State Asset Forfeiture Fund - 312 (July 9,2024 and July 11,2024). b. Notice of Lawsuit and Request to Waive Service of a Summons, Re: Jennifer Adams a/n/f Stephanie Staubitz vs. Bexar County, et al, Civil Action No. 5:24-cv-00634. c. Citation directed to Bexar County, Judge Peter Sakai, Plaintiffs Original Petition, Re: Jocelyn Forbes vs. Bexar County, Case Number 2024CI13402. d. Objection to Proof of Claim of Celtic Bank Corporation (Relates to Proof of Claim No. 5), Re: Toan Nguyen, LLC d/b/a Cali Nails & Spa, Case No. 24-50743.]

FILING FOR THE RECORD OF FOLLOWING LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS AND DIRECTING CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TAKE ACTION, IF NECESSARY FOR SUBSECTIONS A, B, C AND D. COMMISSION CASE NUMBER 8.

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

COMMISSIONER'S COURT MINUTES FOR TUESDAY, JULY 9TH, 2024.

MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NOT. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY SAYING AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES.

WE WILL NOW GO TO CITIZENS TO BE HEARD,

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

AND MS. DORSEY, I HOPE YOU'RE STILL HERE BECAUSE YOU HAVE FAITHFULLY BEEN HERE SINCE THE START OF THE COURT, AND YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK.

>> THANK YOU. LET'S TRY THIS AGAIN. THANK YOU.

MY NAME IS BECKY DORSEY, AND I WORK FOR WORKSPACE SOLUTIONS LOCATED HERE IN SAN ANTONIO.

FIRST OFF, I WANT TO EXPRESS MY THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO BEXAR COUNTY FOR A LONG TERM BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP.

I'M HERE TO ADDRESS AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 54 FROM COMMISSIONER'S COURT DATE OF JUNE 4TH,

[02:15:06]

WHERE OUR BID PROPOSAL FOR EVENT NUMBER 1058 WAS PRESENTED FOR FURNITURE TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE NEW PRECINCT 4, BUILDING CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

I AM RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT YOU RECONSIDER AND RE EVALUATE THE BID AWARD.

WORKSPACE SOLUTIONS SUBMITTED OUR BID WITH EXACTLY THE SPECIFICATIONS CALLED FOR AND EXACTLY THE QUANTITIES CALLED FOR.

GATEWAY WAS AWARDED THE BID AS THEY WERE DEEMED LOW BID, BUT GATEWAY HAD LEFT OFF NUMEROUS ITEMS, ACCOUNTING FOR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, WHICH GAVE THEM AN IMMEDIATE ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER BIDDERS.

IN ADDITION, GATEWAY DID NOT FOLLOW THE BID SPECIFICATIONS REQUIRED IN THE BID REQUEST.

PURCHASING AGENT PATRICIA TORRES BRIEFED THE COURT THAT THEIR EVALUATION FOUND, THAT GATEWAY'S BID WAS INCOMPLETE AND MISSING NUMEROUS ITEMS AND DEEMED NON RESPONSIVE.

FACILITIES REPRESENTATIVE, DAN CURRY'S RESPONSE WAS THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST HE HAD HEARD OF THERE BEING ANY SHORTAGES.

THIS IS AFTER HAVING THE BID AVAILABLE FOR EVALUATION FOR APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS.

AFTER SOME DISCUSSION, THERE WAS A SUGGESTION TO TABLE THE ISSUE, BUT IT WAS EVENTUALLY VOTED TO GIVE THE AWARD TO GATEWAY REGARDLESS, DISMISSING THE RECOMMENDATION BY PURCHASING.

[NOISE] THEIR BID SHOULD HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT AND ONLY QUALIFIED BIDDERS RESPONSES SHOULD HAVE BEEN EVALUATED FOR THE AWARD.

WE FILED A FORMAL PROTEST THROUGH THE APPEALS PROCESS, AND RECEIVED NO FORMAL RESPONSE BACK OR REASONABLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS PROJECT WAS AWARDED TO GATEWAY.

I'M NOT SURE HOW A BID COULD BE AWARDED THAT WAS NOT COMPLETE, WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT WAS MISSING, AND HOW IT MIGHT EXCEED OUR BID ONCE ADDED BACK IN.

THERE ARE TWO WRONGS HERE; AN INCOMPLETE BID WITH MISSING ITEMS, AND THE BID NOT COMPLYING WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS.

I AM HERE BECAUSE OF THE OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FROM COLLEAGUES, CUSTOMERS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO MAKE WHAT APPEARS TO US TO BE A BLATANT WRONG MADE RIGHT.

TO IGNORE THESE WRONGS IS A BLATANT ABUSE OF THE COUNTY'S BIDDING PROCESS.

AGAIN, I AM RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT THIS BID AWARD BE RE EVALUATED. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. AMELIO PENA.

AMELIO, YOU'RE ALSO HERE WITH ANDREAS URBANO.

DO YOU WISH TO SPEAK AT ONE TIME AND YIELD TIME OR DO YOU WISH TO INDIVIDUALLY SPEAK? AMELIO.

>> MY YIELD TIME.

>> YOUR YIELD TIME.

SO MR. URBANO, YOU HAVE SIX MINUTES.

>. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS ANDREAS URBANO.

I AM PRESIDENT OF SOCIEDAD CULTURAL HISPANOAMERICANA, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

LET ME COULD YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE TO MEMBER BOARD, AND ORGANIZATION, MS. NADA WHITE.

SHE'S GOING TO SPEAK ABOUT AN ORGANIZATION.

>> THANK YOU. HOLD ON.

MR. URBANO, YOU AND MR. PENA, Y'ALL ARE GIVING Y'ALL THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.

UNLESS SHE'S NOT SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.

YOU DON'T HAVE THE PRESENTATION? IS THERE ANY OBJECTION ALLOWING ALL RIGHT.

GO AHEAD. STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD.

JUST NEXT TIME, YOU NEED TO SIGN UP IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK.

I UNDERSTAND.

I CAN'T HAVE EVERYBODY SPEAKING, ONLY THOSE DESIGNATED.

GO AHEAD. STATE YOUR NAME, PLEASE.

>> MY NAME IS NADA WHITE, AND I AM THE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR FOR SOCIEDAD CULTURAL HISPANOAMERICANA IN SAN ANTONIO.

SCHASA IS WHAT WE CALLED IT.

WE'RE HERE TODAY TO PRESENT OURSELVES TO YOU, THE COMMISSIONERS, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, [INAUDIBLE] COMMISSIONER MOODY AND COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

WE'RE HERE TODAY, JUST WANTED TO PRESENT OURSELVES, SO THAT OUR EXISTENCE TO YOU.

SOCIEDAD CULTURAL HISPANOAMERICANA SAN ANTONIO IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT WAS CREATED IN 2015, AND I STARTED WITH FOUR COUNTRIES.

TODAY, WE HAVE 16 COUNTRIES THAT CONFORM THAT ARE PART OF THIS ORGANIZATION.

I'LL READ YOU THE COUNTRIES THEY'RE ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CHILE, COLOMBIA, CUBA, ECUADOR, EL SAVADOR, ESPANA, HONDURAS, MEXICO, PANAMA, PERU, PUERTO RICO, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA, AND VENEZUELA.

HERE IS A REPRESENTATION OF MOST OF THE COUNTRIES THAT I JUST CALLED OUT.

OUR PRESIDENT, MR. ANDREAS URBANO JUST TALKED TO

[02:20:03]

YOU AND WE HAVE THE VICE PRESIDENT LILIA SWAYNE, SECRETARY LEONARD HOUSTON, OUR TREASURER IS MARIEL CARMAN EARLY, AND I AM THE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR.

OUR MISSION IS TO PROMOTE THE HISPANIC RICH DIVERSITY OF LATIN AMERICAN AND HISPANIC CULTURES THROUGH CULTURAL EVENTS, FESTIVALS, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONFERENCE, ALL OF WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO TOURISM AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO.

OUR VISION IS TO CELEBRATE AND PROMOTE THE RICH DIVERSITY OF LATIN AMERICAN AND HISPANIC CULTURES BY EMPOWERING AND SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, AND GROUPS.

REPRESENTING MEMBER COUNTRIES OF SAN ANTONIO IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, WE STRIKE TO FOSTER A MESSAGE OF INCLUSION, PEACE, AND UNIVERSAL UNITY.

WHAT WE HAVE DONE AS AN ORGANIZATION IS THERE'S A LOT OF COUNTRIES THAT ARE IN SAN ANTONIO THAT WERE NOT REALLY REPRESENTED OR ORGANIZED, AND SO WHAT WE DO IS WE WHEN THERE'S A LARGE COMMUNITY OF A CERTAIN COUNTRY, IF THEY'RE NOT ORGANIZED, WE HELP THEM TO GET ORGANIZED AND BECOME 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION.

THIS WAY, THEY'RE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR ORGANIZATION BECAUSE EVERY COUNTRY THAT I JUST CALLED OUT, THEY ARE ALL 501(C)(3)S. TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE HISTORY, AND I THINK YOU HAVE A PACKET IN FRONT OF YOU.

WE HAVE DONE FIVE HISPANIC CULTURE FESTIVAL AT THE WONDERLAND OF THE AMERICAS.

JESSICA, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ATTENDING LAST YEAR TO OUR FESTIVAL.

WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO DO SO.

IN ADDITION, SO WE STARTED IN 2017, AND WE HAVE DONE FIVE OF THOSE AT THE BALKANS HEIGHTS, WONDERLAND OF THE AMERICAS.

WE ALSO DID ONE AT THE MISSION MARQUEE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE HOSTED A RECEPTION FOR 10 DIFFERENT COUNSELS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES THAT WERE HERE IN THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO WORKING WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, AND SO WE JUST WANTED TO CELEBRATE WITH OUR COUNSELS WHEN THEY WHEN THEY CAME IN.

IN YOUR PACKET, YOU HAVE PHOTOS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES THAT WE'VE DONE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

BASICALLY, WE'RE JUST HERE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE DO EXIST, AND THAT WE'RE PLANNING OUR FUTURE EVENT IN 2024/2025, AND WE WANTED TO ASK THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER US IN THE FUTURE FOR SPONSORSHIP OR ANY HELP THAT WE MAY NEED.

>> THANK Y'ALL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

YES, Y'ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL FESTIVAL THAT I PARTICIPATED LAST YEAR.

GOOD LUCK TO Y'ALL. [APPLAUSE]

>> THANK YOU JUDGE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS.

>> GARY CHICK. [NOISE]

I'M HERE TO SPEAK TO ITEM 61 FROM LAST MEETINGS AGENDA.

THAT IS WHERE THE COURT VOTED TO LOOK FOR NEARLY 600,000 TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO SPEND ON A COMPANY TO DO VOTER REGISTRATION.

LAST MEETING, COMMISSIONERS RODRIGUEZ AND CALVERT STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING PARTISAN ABOUT VOTER REGISTRATION, BUT VOTER REGISTRATION MOST CERTAINLY CAN BE DONE IN A PARTISAN MANNER.

LET'S LOOK AT THE COMPANY THAT YOU WANT TO GIVE NEARLY $600,000 TO.

THEY ARE CALLED CGS, WHICH STANDS FOR CIVIC GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS.

THANKS TO A WELL DOCUMENTED, RECENT ARTICLE BY INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER IAN CAMACHO, WE NOW KNOW THAT THIS IS A HYPERPARTISAN LEFT WING COMPANY.

IN THE ARTICLE, MR. CAMACHO STATES THAT THE TEXAS COMPTROLLERS PUBLIC INFORMATION REPORTS SHOWS CGS FOUNDER, CEO, AND DIRECTOR, JEREMY SMITH, ALONG WITH DIRECTOR DAN GRAHAM AND COO SARAH JACKAL, HOLD THE SAME TITLES WITH A COMPANY CALLED CIVITEC.

THESE PEOPLE'S LINKEDIN ACTIVITIES AND CIVITEC'S WEBSITE DEMONSTRATE OVERTLY, PRO-DEMOCRAT ANTI-REPUBLICAN BIASES.

PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS SHOW THAT CGS AND CIVITEC SHARE AN AUSTIN ADDRESS AND A DOMAIN LOOKUP OF CGS WEBSITE SHOWS CIVITEC AS THE REGISTRANT, THEREBY INDICATING ITS DIRECT CONTROL OVER CGS.

CGS IS JUST AN ATTEMPT TO MAKE A PARTISAN COMPANY LOOK LIKE IT'S NONPARTISAN.

[02:25:03]

THEY ARE PUTTING A FAKE, NONPARTISAN FRONT ON A CLEARLY PARTISAN COMPANY.

HERE ARE SOME QUOTES FROM CIVITEC, THE PARENT COMPANY'S WEBSITE.

"THE BOTTOM LINE IS CLEAR.

DEMOCRATS NEED TO RAMP UP THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION EFFORTS TO WIN IN 2024." "AS WE APPROACH THE 2024 ELECTION, THE DEMOCRAT PARTY FACES A SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE, A SUBSTANTIAL GAP IN VOTER REGISTRATION COMPARED TO CONSERVATIVES.

THIS DISPARITY IS EVEN MORE CONCERNING GIVEN THAT SINCE THE 2020 ELECTION, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT GAIN IN THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED REPUBLICANS OVER THAT OF DEMOCRATS.

STILL, THERE IS A RAY OF HOPE.

REGISTERING THE UNREGISTERED LIKELY DEMOCRAT VOTERS ACROSS THE NATION COULD BE THE KEY TO SECURING DEMOCRAT VICTORY IN 2024." THEIR GOAL IS CRYSTAL CLEAR.

ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH COUNTIES TO USE TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO CONDUCT VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES OF LIKELY DEMOCRAT VOTERS.

THEY STATE IT RIGHT ON THEIR WEBSITE.

I ASKED THE COURT TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND COMPLETELY DROP THIS PARTISAN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE FROM ANY AND ALL FUTURE AGENDAS.

YOU SHOULD NOT BE SPENDING BY TAXPAYER DOLLARS. [OVERLAPPING]

>> WRAP IT UP.

>> I APOLOGIZE.

>> THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] CHRISTINA LYNCH.

TWICE, CHRISTINA LYNCH PASS.

>> CHRISTOPHER FITCH.

[NOISE]

>> JUDGE, IN THE TIDINESS OF THE RECORD, WOULD YOU HOLD MY COMMENTS UNTIL 109 ON TODAY'S AGENDA?

>> SO NOTED.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR.

>> ALBERTO PENA AND I HAVE ABRIO MORALES.

ARE YOU ALL FROM THE SAME ORGANIZATION, SOUTHWEST? DO YOU ALL WISH TO SPEAK TOGETHER OR SEPARATE, OR YIELD? ARE YOU ALL YIELDING TIME AT ALL?

>> I THINK SEPARATE, SIR.

>> WHAT'S THAT?

>> I THINK SEPARATE.

>> SEPARATE. LET'S JUST HAVE ALBERTO SPEAK AND THEN RIGHT AFTER THAT, ABRIO, YOU'LL BE NEXT. GO AHEAD.

>> GOOD MORNING. REALLY, I JUST WANT TO TALK ABOUT HEAT-RELATED DEATHS.

I KNOW IT'S A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND IT'S NOT SOMETHING WE CONCEPTUALIZE VERY COMMONLY.

BUT THERE IS A BIG ISSUE, ESPECIALLY FOR METRO HEALTH AND CORONERS IN THE CITY WITH PRONOUNCING HEAT-RELATED DEATHS.

NOW, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THIS IS A DATA ISSUE.

THIS IS A DATA COLLECTION ISSUE SPECIFICALLY.

IN TERMS OF PEOPLE DYING, WELL, REALLY WE DON'T KNOW, WE KNOW THAT WE DON'T KNOW.

WE DON'T HAVE THE NUMBERS OR STATISTICS FOR THE PEOPLE THAT DIE OF HEAT-RELATED DEATHS, BUT WE DO SEE HEAT EXHAUSTION GOING UP YEAR AFTER YEAR.

WE JUST BROKE THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD LAST YEAR IN 2023, AND THERE IS INDICATION THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP GETTING HOTTER.

I RECOGNIZE YOU ALL AS ELDERS AMONG OUR COMMUNITY, AND WITH YOUR AGE, I WANT TO REQUEST THAT WE KEEP IN MIND A LONG-TERM PERSPECTIVE ON NOT ONLY OUR ENVIRONMENT, BUT ON OUR HEAT.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT WE'RE SEEING IN THE FUTURE IS THAT WE COLLECT THE DATA THAT NECESSITATES A PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE, ONLY BY MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE ACCURATE COUNTS OF HOW MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE, HOMELESS VETERANS, PREGNANT MOTHERS, CHILDREN THAT ARE DYING ON THE STREETS, ESPECIALLY IN HEAT ISLANDS IN THE SOUTH SIDE, EAST SIDE, NORTHWEST SIDE, THAT THEY'RE BEING TRACKED BECAUSE IT CAN GET TO 114, 112 SOME DAYS, WHICH IS DEADLY.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN PEOPLE DIE, THAT OUR PARAMEDICS, THAT OUR FIRST RESPONDERS HAVE THE TOOLS AND THAT HAVE THE ABILITY TO COLLECT THIS.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE AND WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THIS IS NOT A TECHNOLOGY ISSUE, THIS IS NOT A FUNDING ISSUE, THIS IS A THEM HAVING THE TIME TO STOP WITH SOMEONE THEY FIND COLLAPSED ON THE ROAD AND COLLECTING THE DATA OF BODY TEMPERATURE, AIR TEMPERATURE, IT'S A COLLECTION ISSUE.

REALLY WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS THAT.

BECAUSE WHEN WE GO DOWN TO IT, WE'RE GOING TO SEE, IN OUR CITY, AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, AN INCREASE OF OUR POPULATION, AN INCREASE OF OUR CITY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND REALLY, WE'RE NOT READY; WE'RE NOT READY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO DIE FROM THIS IN OUR CITY, WE'RE NOT READY TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE STRAIN IT'S GOING TO BE PUTTING ON THINGS LIKE UT HEALTH, OUR CORONER'S OFFICE, THE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM.

WE HAVE A LOT OF BUILDINGS THAT ARE DEDICATED TOWARDS GENERALISTIC CARE AND ALSO TOWARDS WOMEN'S CARE, WE DO NOT HAVE MANY FACILITIES THAT ARE DEDICATED RIGHT NOW AS TO HEAT-RELATED CARE.

I THINK THAT IN ORDER FOR US TO TAKE THOSE NECESSARY STEPS THAT WILL BE NEEDED IN THE NEXT 20, 30 YEARS, WE NEED TO START NOW WITH DATA COLLECTION SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE TRUE BREADTH OF THE PROBLEM AND TO MAKE SURE THAT YES, WE DO UNDERSTAND IT.

[02:30:02]

>> THANK YOU, MR. PENA.

ABRIO MORALES.

>> HELLO. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SHARE ONE TESTIMONY FROM ONE OF OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT WAS COLLECTED DOING CANVASSING, WHICH THEY SUPPORT THE TRACKING DOWN OF HEAT-RELATED DEBTS, BUT ALSO NOT ONLY DO THEY SHARE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THIS, BUT ALSO THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE HEAT.

ONE EXPERIENCE I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE OR TESTIMONY IS FROM [INAUDIBLE], SHE IS A WAREHOUSE WORKER WHO HAS BEEN GOING TO THE HOSPITAL MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE JUST WEEK BECAUSE OF THE HYDRATION.

IN HER WORK, SHE IS ONLY GIVEN FIVE MINUTES FOR WATER BREAKS.

BASICALLY, IT'S JUST SHOWING THAT THIS INFORMATION IS REALLY IMPORTANT BECAUSE WE WANT FOR THIS INFORMATION TO BE PUBLICLY DISCLOSED TO KNOW HOW DANGEROUS THE HEAT CAN BE FOR EVERYONE.

WE'VE ALSO AS A VOLUNTEER FOR SWU, WHO HAS BEEN CANVASSING FOR THEM AS WELL, I'VE BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE HOW HOT IT CAN GET.

EVEN ONE OF OUR INTERNS EXPERIENCED ALMOST SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE BECAUSE THEY WERE CANVASSING WITH US.

WE HAD TO TAKE WATER BREAKS AND SO ON WITH GOING FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE BECAUSE WE WERE BLOCK-WALKING BETWEEN 3:00-7:00, IT'S A PERIOD OF TIME WHEN IT'S REALLY HOT. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. SELENE GARCIA.

>> HELLO, GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS SELENE GARCIA, AND I WORK WITH SOUTHWEST WORKERS UNION.

ALSO, I AM A RESIDENT OF PRECINCT 4.

THIS SUMMER WE HELD AN INTERNSHIP WITH 14 INTERNS WHERE DURING THE HOTTEST MONTHS OF THE SUMMER, WE CANVAS, WENT DOOR TO DOOR TO DISCUSS THE DEVASTATING EFFECTS OF EXTREME HEAT WITH OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

WE HEARD FIRSTHAND ACCOUNTS OF FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP WITH THEIR ENERGY BILLS, WHICH FORCES THEM TO ENDURE DANGEROUS TEMPERATURES IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE MONEY.

THE SITUATION IS PUTTING LIVES AT RISK AND THE EXTREME HEAT POSES LIFE-THREATENING DANGERS, ESPECIALLY TO VULNERABLE GROUPS SUCH AS PREGNANT INDIVIDUALS, INFANTS, SENIORS, AND THOSE WITH EXISTING HEALTH CONDITIONS.

ONE CONVERSATION THAT REALLY STOOD OUT TO US WAS FROM JOHN, FROM PRECINCT 2.

HE VOLUNTEERS HIS TIME AND SKILLS TO ASSIST VETERANS TRYING TO MAKE THEIR HOMES MORE ACCESSIBLE BY INSTALLING BATHTUB RAILS, FRONT DOOR RAMS, AND REPLACING CEILING FANS.

HE EMPHASIZED THAT HIS HELP IS MOST NEEDED DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN THE HEAT IS MOST INTENSE.

MR. JOHN FREQUENTLY COMES ACROSS PEOPLE WHO NEED THE SERVICES, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY'RE EXPERIENCING HEAT EXHAUSTION IN THEIR HOMES OR WORSE.

TRAGICALLY, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY TIMES WHERE HE ARRIVES TO PROVIDE THIS HELP, AND HE, UNFORTUNATELY, FINDS IT'S TOO LATE AND HAS FOUND PEOPLE THAT HAVE PASSED AWAY FROM THE EXTREME HEAT IN THEIR HOMES.

WITH THIS, WE KNOW THAT HEAT IS IMPACTING PEOPLE'S HEALTH AND POSING SIGNIFICANT RISK TO OUR COMMUNITY.

IF WE ARE AWARE OF THESE DANGERS, WHY ARE WE NOT TRACKING AND PUBLICLY DISCLOSING HEAT-RELATED FATALITIES? THIS LACK OF COMPREHENSIVE DATA ON THIS CLIMATE EMERGENCY IS UNACCEPTABLE.

WITHOUT ACCURATE AND TRANSPARENT TRACKING, WE CANNOT FULLY GRASP THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM OR IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT FURTHER STRATEGIES.

ALONG WITH 398 OTHER CONCERNED CITIZENS OF BEXAR COUNTY, WHICH WE'VE TALKED TO IN OUR CANVASSING EFFORTS, I URGE YOU TO PRIORITIZE THE SYSTEMATIC TRACKING AND THE PUBLIC REPORTING OF HEAT-RELATED DEATHS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE THE TOOLS TO DO SO EFFECTIVELY.

THIS IS AN URGENT MATTER THAT MEANS IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROTECT OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS BY ACKNOWLEDGING THE SEVERITY OF THIS ISSUE AND COMMITTING TO THOROUGH DATA COLLECTION AND TRANSPARENCY.

WE CAN MAKE MEANINGFUL STEPS TOWARDS SAFEGUARDING OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE DANGERS OF EXTREME HEAT. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. I BELIEVE IT'S GREG HARMAN.

GREG, IS THAT THE FIRST NAME?

>> RIGHT, JUDGE. YES. MY NAME IS GREG HARMAN.

I'M THE FOUNDER AND EDITOR OF AN ONLINE JOURNAL HERE BASED IN BEXAR COUNTY, SERVING THE AREA IN THE BEXAR REGION CALLED DECELERATION, DECELERATION.NEWS.

WE FIRST STARTED WRITING ABOUT, WELL,

[02:35:03]

I JUST WANT TO RECOGNIZE AND APPRECIATE THE TIME I'VE BEEN ABLE TO BE WITH YOU THIS MORNING AND ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, I THINK IT WAS PASTOR DAILEY WHO PUT IT TO BE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF HELPING PEOPLE'S LIVES IMPROVE, AND BEING ABOUT THE BUSINESS OF STANDING AGAINST POLICIES THAT MAKE THEIR LIVES MORE DIFFICULT.

I THINK I CAN HIGHLIGHT AS SOME OF THE CANVASSERS WITH SOUTHWEST WORKERS UNION HAVE BEEN DOING BEFORE ME, AN AREA OF OVERSIGHT, AND THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE BEXAR COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER.

I WOULD SAY ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO, DECELERATION STARTED TRACKING EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS AND THE IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH HERE LOCALLY.

ONE CASE THAT GOT OUR ATTENTION WAS A NEIGHBOR OF OURS HERE ON THE NEAR WEST SIDE WHO WE STARTED WORKING WITH TO TRY TO GET HOUSED, AND IT TOOK US OVER A YEAR.

DURING THAT YEAR BECAUSE OF MANY COMPLICATIONS, HE WAS FORCED TO WEATHER WINTER STORM URI OUT OF DOORS, LOST BOTH OF HIS FEET AND PART OF ONE LEG.

WE GOT HIM INTO AN ASSISTED CARE FACILITY.

AFTER A YEAR, HE WAS SOBER AND CLEAN AND DOING GREAT, BUT HE ALLEGED A CASE OF ABUSE BY A CARE PROVIDER AND WAS BACK ON THE STREET.

BEFORE ANY OF THE AGENCIES COULD RESPOND, THIS WAS OUR HOTTEST SUMMER ON RECORD LAST YEAR, THE HOTTEST THAT RESEARCHERS AND SCIENTISTS HAVE SAID IN ABOUT 130,000 YEARS ON PLANET EARTH, AND HE LOST HIS LIFE.

WE BEGAN TO TALK WITH THE BEXAR COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE THROUGH PUBLIC RELATIONS, WE HAVEN'T HAD A DIRECT CONVERSATION, AND WE'VE REQUESTED IT A COUPLE OF TIMES.

THEY SAID THAT THEY BELIEVE THAT BECAUSE FRONTLINE WORKERS, POLICE, SHERIFF'S OFFICE, EMS, FIRE, OTHERS WHO ARE IN THEIR OWN OFFICE WHO ARE FREQUENTLY FIRST ON THE SCENE WHEN A BODY IS DISCOVERED, THEY DON'T TAKE CORE BODY TEMPERATURES AND THEY'RE NOT TAKING AMBIENT TEMPERATURES CONSISTENTLY.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER BELIEVES, AS IT HAS BEEN RELATED TO US, THAT THEY CAN'T, IN GOOD FAITH, DECLARE ANY DEATH HEAT-RELATED, PRIMARILY OR SECONDARILY-RELATED.

AS A MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGIST THAT WE INTERVIEWED PUT IT TO US IN A SUCCINCT QUOTE, "IF YOU ARE NOT COUNTING IT ACCURATELY, YOU ARE NOT ADDRESSING IT." A GREAT MODEL IS MARICOPA COUNTY IN ARIZONA.

THEY AVERAGE ABOUT 10 DEGREES, NINE DEGREES HOTTER THAN US, 750 HEAT-RELATED DEATHS LAST YEAR, ZERO HERE.

I THINK THERE'S AN ISSUE OF COMMUNICATION WITH THE METROPOLITAN HEALTH DISTRICT.

I ALSO APPRECIATE THE 400 VOICES THAT WERE COLLECTED BY THESE CANVASSERS.

I'VE GOT ANOTHER 100 WHO SIGNED A PETITION ON OUR WEBSITE, CALLING ON YOU ALL TO IMMEDIATELY CONVENE AND BRING THE MEDICAL EXAMINER INTO DIALOGUE WITH METRO HEALTH AND START COUNTING HEAT DEATHS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. CECILIA CASTELLANO AND IS IT ANA? AYALA, DO YOU ALL WISH TO SPEAK SEPARATELY OR DO YOU ALL WANT TO YIELD TIME?

>> SEPARATELY.

>> SEPARATELY. CECELIA, YOU ARE FIRST.

>> HI. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS ANA AYALA. I'VE COME TODAY REPRESENTING THE AZTECA DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.

>> YOU'RE GOING TO SPEAK IN THE MICROPHONE.

>> SORRY.

>> THERE YOU GO.

>> WE'RE A SMALL, MINORITY WOMAN-OWNED COMPANY WITH 18 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION, SPECIALIZATION IN RENOVATIONS.

AS A MINORITY WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS, OUR JOURNEY HAS BEEN FAR FROM EASY.

BUT AZTECA HAS SHOWN ITSELF RESILIENT AND TO BE A CAPABLE COMPANY, BEING ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE MULTIPLE PROJECTS SIMULTANEOUSLY.

ON DECEMBER 15TH, 2023, AZTECA SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL FOR THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE PROBATE SUITE RENOVATION FOR WHICH WE CAME IN OUT AS LOW BIDDERS.

BUT WE LATER FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS AWARDED TO THE THIRD HIGHEST BIDDER FOR $102,000 MORE THAN WHAT AZTECA DESIGNS HAD PROPOSED.

ACCORDING TO BEXAR COUNTY LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 262.027, A CONTRACT MAY NOT BE AWARDED TO A BIDDER WHO IS NOT THE LOWEST DOLLAR BIDDER MEETING SPECIFICATIONS UNLESS, BEFORE THE AWARD, EACH LOW BIDDER IS GIVEN NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED AWARD AND IS GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAR BEFORE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND PRESENT EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE RESPONSIBILITY, SOMETHING THAT AZTECA WAS NOT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO.

WE WERE NOT EVEN NOTIFIED THAT THIS PROJECT WAS GOING TO BE AWARDED.

JANUARY 6TH, CECILIA WAS CONTACTED BY JOSE CHAVARRIA AND EMAILED FOR SCHEDULE VALUES THAT NEEDED TO BE RETURNED BY JANUARY 11TH.

ON JANUARY 11, JULIA SEND MR. CHAVARRIA THE SCHEDULE OF VALUES AS REQUESTED.

ON THE 29TH, JULIA FOLLOWED UP WITH AN EMAIL IN WHICH MR. CHAVARRIA REPLIED NOTHING NEEDED AT THE MOMENT.

ON FEBRUARY 20, THE PROJECT WAS AWARDED IN COMMISSIONERS COURT

[02:40:02]

TO ALL PRO GENERAL CONSTRUCTIONS DESPITE A COMPETITIVE BID.

AZTECA WAS NOT MADE AWARE THE COURT DATE THAT THE PROJECT WAS GOING TO BE AWARDED.

IT WAS SAID THAT OUR COMPANY WAS DISQUALIFIED.

IF IT WAS, WHY WERE WE ASKED TO SUBMIT A SCHEDULE OF VALUES? WE WANT TO KNOW WHY OUR COMPANY WAS DISQUALIFIED, WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT OUR COMPANY BECAUSE TO OUR KNOWLEDGE, WE HAVE NOT PERFORMED POORLY ON ANY PROJECT, AND WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND WHAT WAS ACTUALLY SAID ABOUT AZTECA DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION.

>> THANK YOU. CECILIA CASTELLANO.

>> GOOD EVENING, JUDGE AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

I'M CECILIA CASTELLANO, PRESIDENT OF AZTECA DESIGNS AND CONSTRUCTION.

I'D LIKE TO REITERATE THAT THIS IS OUR TEAM'S SECOND TIME COMING BEFORE THE COURT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AND YOU, JUDGE SAKAI.

AS A SMALL, MINORITY WOMEN-OWNED FIRM, WE ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM INFLATION AND STILL LONG LEAD TIMES, WE'RE STILL SUFFERING THROUGH THESE TIMES.

WE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND DEPARTMENT SPEAKING ILL ABOUT CONTRACTORS WITHOUT PROVING ANY FACTS.

HOWEVER, THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT SHOULD HAVE STILL FOLLOWED THE BEXAR COUNTY PROCUREMENT CODE 262.027, WHICH IS ACTUALLY MENTIONED IN SOME OF YOUR AWARDS THAT ARE HAPPENING TODAY.

I BRING TO YOU TWO EXAMPLES ABOUT THE ISSUES BEXAR COUNTY AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES HAVE.

A NON-RESPONSIVE BIDDER, A CONTRACTOR THAT WAS AWARDED A CONTRACT, BYPASSING A WOMAN HUB COMPANY, VIOLATING YOUR OWN STANDARDS, WHO IS THE WOMAN THAT SPOKE WITH THE FURNITURE COMPANY.

AS AZTECA BEING THE LOWEST BIDDER ON EVENT NUMBER 1056, YET THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR ALONG WITH FACILITIES AWARDED THE CONTRACT TO THE THIRD-HIGHEST BIDDER THAT COST THE COUNTY $102,000 MORE, WHICH WE DON'T EVEN KNOW IF THERE WAS ANY CHANGE ORDERS PART OF EVENT 1056.

>> I SAY, ARE WE FOLLOWING THE LAW 262, OR IS IT JUST WHEN WE FEEL LIKE FOLLOWING IT? OUR ANSWERS ARE STILL NOT RECEIVED.

WE SUBMITTED AN OPEN RECORDS REQUEST BACK ON JUNE 22ND, AND IT'S YET TO BE RECEIVED.

ANSWERS TO RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION BEFORE THE AWARD, THAT IS THE LOW BIDDER, WE WERE PASSED UP, AS WE WERE SUBMITTED AS A RESPONSIVE BID PASSED UP.

DEMING US AS A NON-RESPONSIBLE BIDDER.

ACCORDING, ONCE AGAIN, TO THE PURCHASING LAW 262.027, WE MUST HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED, AND GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE BEEN HEARD IN COMMISSIONERS COURT, AND GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE OUR CASE AND PRESENT OUR EVIDENCE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COURT FOR A DECISION.

CLEARLY, JUDGE, AND CLEARLY, COMMISSIONERS, YOU'RE NOT SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL SWMB'S, AND CAUSING MANY TO EITHER LAY OFF EMPLOYEES, REDUCE BENEFITS, OR OFFICIALLY CLOSE THEIR DOORS.

HOW CAN WE FURTHER ELIMINATE UNFAIR, UNBIASED AWARDS? THESE ARE MY RECOMMENDATIONS, BECAUSE I'LL NEVER COME TO YOU WITH THE PROBLEM WITHOUT RECOMMENDATIONS.

CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP, FROM COUNTY MANAGER, TO FACILITIES DEPARTMENT, TO PURCHASING DEPARTMENT.

TRANSPARENCY IN AWARDS, FULL TRANSPARENCY.

>> [NOISE] JUDGE, THE TIME [INAUDIBLE]

>> GRADING CONTRACTORS IN AN UNBIASED WAY, AND HAVING THE COUNTY UTILIZE COOPERATIVE CONTRACTS WHICH BUSINESSES HAVE ALREADY BEEN THROUGH THE BIDDING PROCESS, BUSINESSES HAVE ALREADY BEEN VETTED, AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, BUSINESSES HAVE GONE THROUGH THE LABORIOUS PROCESS TO BE PART OF SUCH LUCRATIVE CONTRACTS.

UTILIZING COOPERATIVE CONTRACTS WOULD SAVE THE COUNTY MONEY, AND REINVESTING THE WHEEL WITH BID DOCUMENTS AND BID PROCESS.

I'D LIKE TO TAKE MY TIME REAL QUICK NOT TO [OVERLAPPING]

>> YOU NEED TO WRAP UP, THE TIME IS UP. YOU GOT TO WRAP UP.

>> PROCESS THIS, BUT WE'VE WAITED FOR A VERY LONG TIME, AND AZTECA DESIGN STANDS READY AND WILLING TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT THIS, NOT ONLY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, BUT ALSO ON THE STATE LEVEL. THANK YOU.

>> I BELIEVE THAT CONCLUDES THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

I WILL JUST NOTE FOR THE RECORD THAT WE STILL HAVE, I THINK, IS KIM JEFFRIES, STILL HERE, FOR ITEM 107? MR. FORBAGE, YOU'VE ASKED TO DEFER TO ITEM 109. WE HAVE 105.

MR. FINGER, WE'RE GOING TO RECESS RIGHT NOW, I WILL TELL YOU WHAT, MS. JEFFERIES,

[02:45:01]

MR. FORBAGE, IF YOU WANT TO SPEAK NOW, FINE, BUT OTHERWISE Y'ALL WILL BE CALLED AFTER THE LUNCH HOUR, AND EXECUTIVE SESSION.

WHAT'S THAT? KIM, YOU'LL BE COMING BACK, MR. FORBAGE, YOU'RE GOING TO WAIT.

MR. FINGER, DO YOU WANT TO SPEAK NOW? GO AHEAD.

THANK YOU, JUDGE, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COURT.

I'M JACK FINGER, AND ITEM NUMBER 105 IS YOUR ORDER FOR CONDUCTING THE ELECTION IN NOVEMBER.

MY COMMENTS ARE PRETTY BRIEF.

I JUST WANT TO ASK YOU, ARE WE GOING TO IMPROVE THE VERACITY OF THE ELECTIONS BY USING PAPER BALLOTS THIS TIME? THE IDEA IS THAT THE BALLOTS THAT WE USE CURRENTLY, THEY'RE NOT EXACTLY FOOLPROOF.

THEY DO HAVE THOSE ELECTRONIC MARKS UPON THEM, THAT CAN BE USED BY THE BAD GUYS TO FOIL THINGS AS THEY ARE BEING PROCESSED.

YEAH, WE KNOW TOO MUCH IN THAT REGARD.

THAT'S WHY YOU HAVE RECEIVED REQUESTS FROM US IN THE PAST THAT YOU START RETURNING TO PAPER BALLOT, SO THAT ASSUMING YOU WANT US TO TRUST YOU IN THINKING THAT YOU REALLY DO WANT A FAIR AND HONEST ELECTION.

OF COURSE THE OTHER SITUATION, WE'RE USING, AS I MENTIONED BEFORE, THE ELECTRONIC BLACK BOXES, THOSE ARE TRULY A BIG SNAFU BECAUSE ANYONE COULD BE USING THOSE THINGS TO TURN AROUND AN ELECTION.

NO, I'M SORRY.

THE FACT THAT SO MANY OF OUR ELECTION SITES ARE RIGHT NEAR, WHAT IS IT? LOCATIONS WHERE YOU HAVE COMPUTERS TAKING PLACE.

ANYBODY COULD DEFRAUD THE ELECTION EASILY THAT WAY.

OF COURSE WE ALSO WOULD LIKE YOU TO LEARN WHAT THE ELECTION DIRECTOR IS GOING TO DO ABOUT VIGOROUSLY ENFORCING THE LAW AGAINST ILLEGAL ALIENS VOTING IN OUR ELECTION.

IS THERE GOING TO BE A STRONG EFFORT TO INVESTIGATE AND FIND OUT ABOUT PERSONS WHO HAVE DONE SUCH? JUST SOME INTERESTING QUESTIONS FOR YOU. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. FINGER. I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND TAKE UP ITEM.

WE'VE NOW GOING TO INDIVIDUAL AGENDA ITEMS, AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP 105, AND THEN WE'LL BE GOING TO BREAK FOR LUNCH.

BUT BEFORE WE BREAK FOR LUNCH, I'M GOING TO CALL FOR AN EXECUTIVE SESSION SO THAT WHEN WE COME BACK FROM LUNCH WE'LL GO IMMEDIATELY INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

WITH THAT, I HOPE EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS WHERE THE COURT IS GOING AT THIS TIME.

AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 105.

[105. Discussion and appropriate action for the orders necessary for the conduct of the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 Joint General, Special and Charter Election to include: a. An Order to Conduct the Joint General, Special, Character and Bond Election; (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Jacque Callanen)(Patricia Torres)]

DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION FOR THE ORDERS NECESSARY FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, JOINT GENERAL SPECIAL CHARTER ELECTION TO INCLUDE; A, AN ORDER TO CONDUCT THE JOINT GENERAL SPECIAL CHARACTER AND BOND ELECTION.

MS. CALEN, YOU HAVE A FLOOR.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. BLESS YOU FOR SQUEEZING US IN BEFORE LUNCHTIME, WE REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.

THIS IS THE STANDARD ORDER FOR, AS WE ALL KNOW, THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IS COMING IN THIS NOVEMBER.

AS ALWAYS, WE HAVE A CALENDAR CONFLICT WITH THE COURT.

THE ELECTION CODE, THE LAST DATE OF FILE, AND ELECTION IS AUGUST 19TH, WHICH IS A MONDAY.

COMMISSIONERS COURT IS OBVIOUSLY THE NEXT DAY.

THIS IS THE BEXAR NOTICE THAT GOES IN THE ORDER WHERE YOU ALL WILL CALL THE ELECTION.

IT LISTS THE MAIN EARLY VOTING SITE.

THEN WE WILL COME BACK TO YOU, EITHER THAT AUGUST 20TH DATE, OR THE FIRST ONE IN SEPTEMBER, WITH ALL OF THE ORDERS.

AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE AN ORDER TO PAY THE JUDGES AND THE SITES, AND I THINK THERE'S LIKE 10 OF THEM, SO WE WILL BRING THOSE BACK AS ALWAYS AFTER WE KNOW WHO'S ON THIS ELECTION.

RIGHT NOW WE HAVE ABOUT 10 PARTNERS THAT HAVE SAID THEY'RE HAVING AN ELECTION.

BUT AS YOU KNOW, AS THE CANDIDATE FILING GOES ON, THEY GET TO CANCEL THOSE.

AGAIN, WE WILL NOT HAVE A COMPLETE LIST FOR YOU UNTIL AFTER AUGUST 19TH.

THIS IS THE INSTRUMENT THAT WE NEED SO THAT WE HAVE A LEGAL ELECTION.

[02:50:01]

I ASK THAT YOU PASS THIS.

>> IS THERE A MOTION?

>> I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, BUT I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION,? COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

>> JUDGE. LET ME JUST THANK YOU, JACKIE.

I KNOW YOU MENTIONED THAT AUGUST 19TH DATE, THAT IS ALSO WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS THE DEADLINE FOR ENTITIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, CITIES TO CALL BOND ELECTIONS AS WELL.

>> ALL WE'RE DOING TODAY IS SAYING THERE WILL BE AN ELECTION ON.

>> TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH.

>> YOU'LL COME BACK WITH RECOMMENDATIONS ON ALL THE OTHER ORDERS, INCLUDING THE EARLY VOTING SITES.

>> YES, SIR. IN FACT, LIKE LAST FRIDAY, WE WERE JUST NOTIFIED THAT EAST CENTRAL IS GOING TO HAVE A BOND ELECTION, BUT THEY HAVEN'T ORDERED IT YET, AND SO ALL OF THOSE PIECES ARE STILL IN PLAY.

>> GREAT. THANK YOU.

>> COMMISSIONER MOODY, COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AN AYE.

>>AYE. [OVERLAPPING]

>> AN OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS?

>> THANK YOU, SIR.

>> MOTION CARRIES.

>> AT THIS TIME, THE COURT WILL NOW CONVENE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

[EXECUTIVE SESSION]

EXECUTIVE ITEMS MAY BE DISCUSSED AND ACT UPON IF APPROPRIATE IN OPEN SESSION.

PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.071 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE HELD FOR CONSULTATION WITH THE COURT'S ATTORNEY FOR ADVICE REGARDING THE FOLLOWING MATTERS.

LEGAL ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE FOLLOWING MATTERS IN WHICH THE DUTY OF THE ATTORNEY FOR BEXAR COUNTY AND THE TEXAS DISCIPLINARY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT [BACKGROUND] NO.

THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS CLEARLY CONFLICTS WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT.

1, SAN PEDRO CREEK PARK DISTRICT, AND PROPOSED DRAFT SAN PEDRO CREEK PARK DISTRICT, PROJECT TERM SHEET.

2, A FORMAL COMPLAINT RELATED TO THE MEMBER OF THE SMALL, MINORITY, AND WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES, SWMB PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

B, PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION OR SETTLEMENT OFFERS IN THE MATTERS; 1, TRINITY PHARMACIES.

2, ROBINSON VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, SHERIFF'S DEPUTY SMITH.

3, CHINCHILLA VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY.

4, WALTON VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY.

5, GARCIA SANTOS AND GARCIA VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, 6, SWEENEY VERSUS CLARK.

7, WILLIAMS VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY.

8, ADAMS AND STABEZ VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY.

9, LOPEZ VERSUS SANCHEZ, PURSUANT TO SECTION 551 OF 087 OF TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE FOR DELIBERATIONS RELATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS, SPECIFICALLY, A, SAN PEDRO CREEK PARK DISTRICT PROJECT, AND PROPOSED DRAFT, SAN PEDRO CREEK PARK DISTRICT PROJECT TERM SHEET.

AT THIS TIME WE WILL NOW GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION, AND AT THE SAME TIME, HAS THE COURTROOM BEEN CLEARED? LET'S CLEAR THE COURT ROOM FOR THE RECORD.

I WILL THEN CALL FOR RECESS TO GO TO LUNCH, APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES, WE'LL COME BACK OUT AND GO IMMEDIATELY INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

TAKE THOSE MATTERS AND THEN COME BACK INTO OPEN SESSION.

GOT IT? COURT'S IN RECESS.

COURT IS BACK TO THE OPEN SESSION AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION.

WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 106,

[106. Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Kofile Technologies, Inc. to perform preservation, imaging, indexing, recreation and framing, formatting for loading, and custom storage shelving services for permanent retention and historical records, in an amount not to exceed $1,015,745.36, beginning August 6,2024 and ending September 30,2025, as requested by the Bexar County District Clerk's Office; and authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute and file the appropriate award documents for record. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Patricia Torres)]

AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES INC., TO PERFORM PRESERVATION, IMAGING INDEXING, RECREATION, FRAMING, FORMATTING, FOR LOADING AND CUSTOM STORED SHELVING SERVICES FOR PERMANENT RETENTION HISTORICAL RECORDS IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,015,745.36, BEGINNING IN AUGUST 6, 2024, AND THE ENDING SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2025, AS REQUESTED BY THE BEXAR COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE, AND AUTHORIZING A PERSON AGENT TO EXECUTE AND FILE THE APPROPRIATE AWARD DOCUMENTS FOR RECORD.

IS THERE A MOTION OR DO WE NEED ANY PRESENTATION? WE'RE ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 106. YES, SIR.

>> I DO HAVE A PRESENTATION ON.

>> GO.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE SAKAI.

GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS JOSE CHAVARRIA, I'M WITH THE BEXAR COUNTY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT.

TODAY, A QUICK PRESENTATION ON RFP EVENT 281, WHICH IS AWARD AGREEMENT FOR HISTORICAL RECORDS RESTORATION DIGITIZATION TO KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. QUICK BACKGROUND AND TIMELINE.

[02:55:03]

EVENTS 1081 RFP OPENED ON MARCH 1ST, 2024.

IT RELEASED TO 333 SUPPLIERS THROUGH BEXAR COUNTY SUPPLIER PORTAL.

A MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING WAS HELD ON MARCH 13TH OF 2024.

THE RFP CLOSED ON APRIL 5TH, 2024.

THE SOLE RESPONDENT WAS KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES INC. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

THE SCOPE OF SERVICES CONTAINED WERE PERFORMED, PRESERVATIONS, IMAGING, INDEXING, RECREATION AND FRAMING, FORMATTING, FOR LOADING, AND CUSTOM STORAGE, SHELVING SERVICES FOR PERMANENT RETENTION AND HISTORICAL RECORDS.

EVALUATION COMMITTEE EVALUATED THE KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES PROPOSAL ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA, WHICH IS COST OF SERVICE AND OTHER PROJECT FEES, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE, PRODUCT AND SERVICES MEETING BEXAR COUNTY NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS, SECURITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF RECORDS, FINANCIAL STABILITY, AND LITIGATION HISTORY.

NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE. THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIVE: THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE, BUDGET DEPARTMENT, DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.

HERE YOU'LL SEE THE FINAL COMPOSITE SHEET, FINAL COMPOSITE EVALUATION FORM SCORING KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES INC.

>> THERE WAS ONLY ONE RESPONDENT THOUGH, RIGHT?

>> SOLE RESPONDENT, CORRECT. IT WAS ONE.

FOLLOWING SLIDE, PLEASE. NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.

>> ON THAT OTHER PREVIOUS SLIDE, CAN YOU MAKE IT BIGGER FONT NEXT TIME, PLEASE?

>> I'LL MAKE IT BIGGER ON THE FONT THE NEXT TIME I COME UP. APOLOGIES.

>> NO PROBLEM.

>> WHICH BRINGS US TO OUR RECOMMENDED MOTION, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT WITH KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES INC, TO PERFORM PRESERVATION, IMAGING, INDEXING, RECREATION AND FRAMING, FORMATTING FOR LOADING, AND CUSTOM STORAGE SHELVING SERVICES FOR PERMANENT RETENTION AND HISTORICAL RECORDS.

IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 1,015,745.36, BEGINNING AUGUST 6, 2024 AND ENDING IN SEPTEMBER 30MOF 2025.

AS REQUESTED BY THE BEXAR COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASING AGENT TO EXECUTE AND FILE THE APPROPRIATE AWARD DOCUMENTS FOR RECORD.

>> IS THERE A MOTION?

>> MOTION MOVED.

SECOND? IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> QUESTION.

>> QUESTION? COMMISSIONER MOODY.

>> CAN I JUST ASK, HOW COMMON IS THIS WITH A SOLE RESPONDENT? DID WE FOLLOW UP AND TRY TO ENCOURAGE ADDITIONAL RESPONDENTS? IS THERE EVER A SITUATION WHERE WE GO BACK OUT AGAIN, BECAUSE WITH A SINGLE RESPONDENT, DO WE KNOW WHAT THE RIGHT PRICE POINT IS FOR A CONTRACT LIKE THIS?

>> IT'S FAIRLY RARE FOR SOLE RESPONDENTS, BUT IT DOES HAPPEN.

IN MY EXPERIENCE, I'VE HAD A FEW FULL RESPONSES, BUT THERE WAS A MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING HELD.

ATTENDEES THAT DID NOT ATTEND THAT MEETING, THEY MAY NOT DISQUALIFIED, BUT ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SUBMIT A BID BECAUSE THEY DID NOT ATTEND THE MANDATORY PROPOSAL HELD.

KOFILE TECHNOLOGIES WAS THE ONLY ATTENDEE AT THIS MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING.

IF THERE WERE TO BE ANOTHER NEXT TIME FOR THIS TYPE OF SERVICE, INSTEAD OF HAVING A MANDATORY, IT WILL BE JUST OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

>> DID YOU HAVE ANYBODY ELSE REACH OUT ABOUT THE CONTRACT AFTER THE FACT OR BEFORE THAT MANDATORY MEETING?

>> NO. I DIDN'T HAVE NO REACH OUTS FROM OTHER VENDORS REGARDING TO THIS MANDATORY PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING.

>> WAS THE PRICING IN LINE WITH WHAT YOU'D EXPECT FOR A CONTRACT OF THIS SIZE?

>> THERE WAS NO PRICING.

>> WELL, THE A MILLION DOLLARS.

>> IT WAS NOT SHARED TO THE PUBLIC.

>> NO. YOU DIDN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> NO. THEIR PROPOSAL OF A MILLION DOLLARS, WAS THAT IN LINE WITH YOUR EXPECTATIONS AS A DEPARTMENT?

>> THAT WILL BE A QUESTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT.

>> YOU'RE IN THE DEPARTMENT, IS THAT A YES OR NO?

>> FOR THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE TO SEE IF THAT'S WITHIN THEIR BUDGET.

>> WELL, I'M JUST SAYING THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT IS PROBABLY THE ONES WHO ARE MOST USED TO SEEING THESE THINGS COME BACK.

THIS COULD BE A $200,000 JOB, AND SOMEBODY WAS THE SOLE RESPONDENT, AND THEY'VE MADE A QUOTE FOR A MILLION DOLLARS AND THEY'RE GOING TO GET IT BECAUSE THEY'RE THE ONLY RESPONDENT.

THAT'S WHAT I'M TRYING TO GET AT, OR IS A MILLION DOLLARS WHAT WE EXPECTED FOR THE SIZE OF THE CONTRACT?

[03:00:02]

>> HELLO, IF I MAY, LISA LEONARD.

FOR THIS PROJECT, THERE ARE VERY FEW VENDORS THAT ARE ACTUALLY ABLE TO PERFORM THIS TYPE OF JOB AT THE LEVEL THAT THE DISTRICT CLERK WOULD NEED IT TO BE PERFORMED.

THIS WAS PRETTY MUCH UNDERSTOOD BEFORE WE EVEN RELEASED THE SOLICITATION.

IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, WE WENT AHEAD AND PUT IT OUT FOR THE PUBLIC ANYHOW, BUT IT WAS UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT WE'RE PROBABLY NOT GOING TO GET A LOT OF TRAFFIC FOR THIS TO BEGIN WITH.

>> BUT YOU HAVEN'T ANSWERED THE QUESTION.

IS IT A FAIR AND REASONABLE PROPOSAL?

>> THAT PART WOULD NEED TO BE ACTUALLY ANSWERED BY THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE BECAUSE THEY WERE THE ONES WHO BUDGETED FOR THIS AND REQUESTED THE AMOUNT, SO THEY WOULD KNOW. WE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE HERE. [OVERLAPPING].

>> WAS IT THEIR PART OF THE SCORING?

>> NO.

>> [OVERLAPPING] WHAT'S YOUR QUESTION?

>> BUT I THINK THE SCORING IS RELATIVE TO OTHER RESPONDENTS.

>> IF THERE'S NO OTHER RESPONDENTS, THEN THEY'RE SCORING.

>> THAT IS THE SITUATION, UNFORTUNATELY.

THE PRICING SCORING IS ACTUALLY DONE IN RELATION TO EACH OTHER, SO THERE'S NOT A BASELINE THAT WE JUDGE IT AGAINST AS FAR AS OUTSIDE THE RESPONDENTS.

>> I'LL JUST SAY, MY POINT IS, IF A SOLE RESPONDENT CAME BACK GROSSLY HIGH BASED ON SOMEBODY'S OPINION AND PURCHASING, I WOULD EXPECT THAT WE WOULD CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS OR TRY TO EXPAND THE AUDIENCE AND GO OUT FOR ANOTHER OPTION.

>> TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, YES, WE HAVE HAD THAT CIRCUMSTANCE AND PUT THINGS BACK OUT ON THE STREET AGAIN AFTER EXAMINING THE SCOPE THAT WE ASKED FOR.

BECAUSE SOMETIMES THE SCOPE MAKES IT DIFFICULT, OR LIMITS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO CAN RESPOND, AND IF IT'S UNNECESSARILY LIMITING, WE'LL BROADEN IT AND PUT IT BACK OUT AGAIN.

>> TO THAT POINT, COUNTY STAFF'S OPINION AT THIS POINT IS THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE SITUATIONS.

>> WHO DOES KNOW? I WOULD ASSUME, THE DISTRICT CLERK.

>> WE'VE SOMEONE FROM THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.

>> DISTRICT CLERK, IS THIS FAIR, REASONABLE PRICE? YES OR NO?

>> YES. I WOULD SAY IT IS.

CONSIDERING THE PRESERVATION METHODS THAT ARE USED AND THE VOLUMES THAT ARE GOING TO BE TAKEN IN, 220 BOOKS, AND APPROXIMATELY 137 PAGES AND 50 MAPS TO BE PRESERVED WITH THE METHODS THAT THAT KOFILE USES, I FEEL LIKE IT'S A REASONABLE PRICE.

>> IS THIS APPLES TO APPLES WITH THE DA'S OFFICE RETENTION ISSUES THAT WE GOT HIT WITH THE AG, THOSE UNFUNDED MANDATES, OR ARE WE APPLES AND ORANGES ON THIS?

>> I THINK THESE ARE HISTORICAL.

>> WELL, THAT WHAT THE AG WANTED OUT OF THE DA.

HE WANTED A COPY OF EVERY FILE HE WANTED.

>> HE WANTED SEVERAL YEARS OLD? BUT THIS SCOPE SOUNDS DIFFERENT.

IT INCLUDES MAPS, OLD CAKES.

>> I THINK WHAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO KNOW, I BELIEVE THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT THE COUNTY CLERK HAS DONE WITH PRESERVATION IN INDEXING AND IMAGING.

IT MAY BE HELPFUL TO KNOW IF IT'S IN LINE WITH WHAT WE'VE PAID WITH THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.

>> YES. THAT IS CORRECT. IT IS IN LINE.

>> THAT'S HELPFUL.

>> THIS IS A DATA POINT.

>> THAT'S WHAT WE NEEDED FROM VERY ONSET.

IS THERE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES? ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNIFY BY SAYING, AYE.

AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU JUDGE SAKAI.

>> 107, DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING

[107. Discussion and appropriate action regarding the final selection of projects to be funded with Community Development Block Grant ($2,924,639), Community Development Block Grant Reprogramming funds ($295,409.85), HOME Investment Partnerships Program ($803,924.24), and Emergency Solutions Grant ($217,135) for Program Year 2024-2025.]

THE FINAL SELECTION OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT, $2,924,639.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT REPROGRAMMING FUNDS, $295,409.85.

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, $803,924.24, AND EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT, $217,135 FOR PROGRAMS YEAR 2024-2025.

MR. MARCUS.

>> THANK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THIS IS A BRIEF OVERVIEW REGARDING THE FINAL SELECTION NOW OF CDBG, HOME AND ESG PROJECTS FOR THE UPCOMING PROGRAM YEAR.

AS A REMINDER, THESE THREE GRANTS ARE ADMINISTERED, THEY ARE PART OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT OR HUD PROGRAM.

THEIR INTENTIONS ARE TO HELP CDBG WITH BUILDING VIABLE URBAN COMMUNITIES.

THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM INCREASES THE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND THE ESG, EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANT ASSISTS PEOPLE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS TO REGAIN HOUSING STABILITY.

[03:05:03]

WE USE THESE PROGRAMS IN CONJUNCTION WITH A VARIETY OF OTHER PROGRAMS TO HELP WITH ALL THREE OF THESE OBJECTIVES.

WE RECEIVE THESE ENTITLEMENT FUNDS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS FROM THE US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT.

IN THE PROGRAM YEAR OF 2023, WE RECEIVED $3.4 MILLION FROM HUD.

IN PROGRAM YEAR 2024, WE ANTICIPATE RECEIVING 3.9 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTS A 15.21% INCREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS PROGRAM YEAR.

AS A REMINDER, WE BROUGHT FORTH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRELIMINARY SELECTION ON JUNE 18 OF THIS YEAR.

THAT PERIOD IS NOW COMPLETE.

DURING THE COMMENT PERIOD, OUR DIVISION RECEIVED FIVE SUPPORT LETTERS WHICH WERE SHARED WITH YOUR OFFICES, AND THOSE ARE FROM THE SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BEXAR COUNTY, AND EACH ONE TEACH ONE, AND THERE WERE NO OPPOSITIONS TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

WITH RESPECT TO THE CDBG PUBLIC SERVICE SECTOR SECTION, WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING.

YOU CAN SEE THEM ON THE SCREEN, THE SOMERSET SENIOR CENTER - SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR $45,000.

GREATER RANDOLPH AREA SERVICES PROGRAM, GRASP, FOR THEIR NORTHEAST BEXAR SENIOR CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAM AT $30,000, EACH ONE TEACH ONE - HYBRID LEARNING PROGRAM AT $90,270.

THE SAN ANTONIO FOOD BANK PROJECT HOPE SENIOR MEAL DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM, $150,000.

FINALLY, THE SOCIETY OF NATIVE NATIONS - FOOD SUPPLIES AND ZERO WASTE MEALS PROGRAM AT $20,000, FOR A TOTAL OF $355,270.

WITH RESPECT TO CDB INFRASTRUCTURE, WE RECOMMEND THE CITY OF BALCONES HEIGHTS - CRESTVIEW DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, PHASE 3, AT 700,242.

WE RECOMMEND THE CITY OF KIRBY - BOATMAN ROAD AND SWANN LANE STREET IMPROVEMENTS AT $219,127.

IN THE CITY OF LEON VALLEY, THE CAMMIE WAY SEWER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT AT $293,735.

IN THE CITY OF SOMERSET, A SOLAR STREET LIGHTING PROJECT AT $195,000.

IN UNIVERSAL CITY, FLINTSTONE LANE STREET IMPROVEMENTS AT $406,338.

AGAIN, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF BEXAR COUNTY FOR THEIR BEAR SPRINGS REHABILITATION PROJECT, WE RECOMMEND $190,000 FOR A TOTAL OF $2,004,442.

WE ALSO HAVE A REPROGRAMMING.

NOW, THESE ARE PROGRAMMING FUNDS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS THAT WERE UNSPENT, AND SO WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING.

THE FUNDS ARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $295,000.

IT COMES FROM UNUTILIZED STAFF SALARIES AND PROJECTS THAT WERE UNABLE TO FULLY EXPEND THEIR ALLOCATIONS DURING THE PROGRAM YEAR.

STAFF RECOMMENDS THAT THESE FUNDS BE ALLOCATED TO A PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT IN PRECINCT 1.

THIS ACTION ALIGNS WITH OUR POLICY OF DIRECTING CDBG REPROGRAMMING FUNDS TO A PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, WHICH IS AN ALLOWED EXPENSE AND ALLOWS IT TO MOVE FORWARD QUICKLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY, WHILE ENSURING THE FUNDS PROVIDE DIRECT BENEFITS TO THE COUNTY.

THE ALLOCATION, AS YOU SEE THERE FROM THE PREVIOUS PROGRAM YEARS, TOTALING THE $295,409.85.

WE'LL BRING YOU BACK THAT RECOMMENDATION IF YOU APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL AFTER CONFERRING WITH PUBLIC WORKS.

NOT FINALLY, I GUESS WE STILL HAVE ESG, WITH RESPECT TO HOME, WE RECOMMEND ALLOCATING $723,533 TO THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - FORTUNA COURT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN PRECINCT 2.

LASTLY, WE RECOMMEND ALLOCATING $130,281 TO HAVEN FOR HOPE STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM TO ENSURE THE CONTINUITY OF THE PILOT PROGRAM INITIALLY FUNDED THROUGH ARPA.

ADDITIONALLY, WE RECOMMEND ALLOCATING $70,569 TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOR THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

I WILL MENTION, KIM JEFFRIES IS HERE.

EVEN THOUGH WE'RE BARELY INTO THE PROGRAM, THEY'RE REPORTING SOME SUCCESS IN THE LEON VALLEY OUTREACH PROGRAM.

COMMISSION RODRIGUEZ, I THINK 18% OF THE FOLKS HAVE BEEN WILLING TO ACCEPT SERVICES, WHICH SAYS THERE'S PROBABLY A DEMAND OUT THERE THAT HADN'T BEEN MET BECAUSE WE DON'T MAKE THOSE OUTLYING AREAS.

COMMISSIONER CALVERT, YOU HAVE MANY IN YOUR PRECINCT AS WELL.

THE FIRST ONE IS APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED REPROGRAMMING ACTION UTILIZING PROGRAM YEAR 2021-2022,.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS FROM VARIOUS PROJECTS TO A PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT IN PRECINCT 1.

THAT'S THE FIRST MOTION, JUDGE.

>> WELL, HOLD ON. DON'T GO THERE, THEN.

LET ME GO ASK THE PAUSE.

I NEED CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.

KIM JEFFRIES, HE'S STILL IN THE ROOM.

COME ON UP. THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SPEAK,

[03:10:03]

AND THEN WE'LL TAKE UP THE MOTIONS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY, AND THANK YOU, DAVID.

I DID JUST WANT TO UPDATE BECAUSE WE ARE ASKING FOR CONTINUATION FUNDS.

THE STAFF ARE ASKING FOR CONTINUATION FUNDS FOR THE LEON VALLEY PILOT.

I JUST WANT TO UPDATE WHERE WE ARE.

I KNOW DAVID GAVE A BRIEF UPDATE, BUT WE'VE ONLY STARTED THE PROGRAM EIGHT DAYS AGO, AND WE'VE ALREADY ENROLLED 11 INDIVIDUALS INTO THE STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM, AND TWO HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED SHELTER, BOTH AT HAVEN FOR HOPE.

WHILE IT'S ONLY 18% RIGHT NOW, WE KNOW THAT THAT WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE OVER TIME.

I DO WANT TO TELL YOU THE TWO INDIVIDUALS THAT ACCEPTED SHELTER, ONE WAS A FEMALE THAT WAS 61-YEARS-OLD EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS FOR THE FIRST TIME.

SHE HAD NOT BEEN IN ANY OF OUR ORGANIZATIONS IN THE HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM IN THE LAST DECADE, AND THAT'S WHAT WE CONSIDER FIRST TIME HOMELESSNESS.

SHE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS BEFORE.

THEN A MALE WHO WAS CHRONICALLY HOMELESS.

HE'S BEEN HOMELESS FOR AT LEAST A YEAR, OR HAS HAD THREE EPISODES OF CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS AND HAS A DISABLING CONDITION, THAT WAS ENROLLED IN HAVEN.

AS THE PASTOR SO BEAUTIFULLY SAID AT THE BEGINNING, THE WORK THAT YOU ARE DOING IS HELPING.

IT'S MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN LIVES, AND EVEN THOUGH WE'RE ONLY EIGHT DAYS INTO THE PILOT PROJECT, I JUST WANTED TO SHARE SOME OF THOSE SUCCESSES, AND LOOK FORWARD TO COMING BACK QUARTERLY TO SHARE SUCCESSES WITH YOU.

I DO WANT YOU TO KNOW WE ARE COORDINATED WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND THEIR OUTREACH, AND THE CENTRALIZED SHELTER COORDINATION THAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE CITY AND CLOSE TO HOME AT HAVEN FOR HOPE, TO MAKE SURE THAT THE LEON VALLEY IS FOLDED INTO THAT PILOT PROJECT WITH THE CITY AS WELL.

WITH CLOSE TO HOME, THEY HAVE OUTREACH STANDARDS.

OUR OUTREACH WORKERS ARE DOING ALL OF THE TRAINING RELATIVE TO CLOSE TO HOMES OUTREACH STANDARDS.

WE HAVE MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH THE CITY AND CLOSE TO HOME, AND THIS IS NOW FOLDED INTO A PART OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS.

THEY WERE COORDINATING WITH LEON VALLEY, OF COURSE, WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, AND WITH THEIR POLICE DEPARTMENT AND SOON THEIR FIRE DEPARTMENT, TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN GO TO ROLL CALL AND BE A PART OF THOSE CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM, SO THEY CAN MAKE SURE IF THEY'RE IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUALS THAT WE'RE GETTING TO THEM QUICKLY AND GETTING THEM INTO SHELTER AND SERVICES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

>> THANK YOU, KIM.

>> THANK YOU. WE NEED TO GET THE VOTE. DAVID, COME BACK.

I TAKE IT, THERE'S NO OTHER CITIZEN TO BE HEARD ON ITEM 107, SO DAVID, PRESENT THE MOTIONS, AND I'LL ASK FOR A MOTION AND SECOND. WHAT ARE WE ASKING FOR?

>> THE FIRST MOTION IS THE APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED REPROGRAMMING ACTION UTILIZING PROGRAM YEAR 2021-'22, CDBG FUNDS FROM VARIOUS PROJECTS TO A PUBLIC WORKS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT IN PRECINCT 1.

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL.

>> MOTION BY CLAY-FLORES, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGNIFY BY SAYING, AYE.

ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES. NEXT MOTION.

>> THE SECOND ONE IS THE APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE FINAL SELECTION OF PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED WITH THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT OF $2,924,639.

>> THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK AT REPROGRAMMING FUNDS OF $295,409.85.

THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM AT $803,924.24, AND THE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT AT $217,135 FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2024, 2025.

>> IS THERE A MOTION.

>> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? COMMISSIONER CALVERT.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL SAYING AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES. NEXT MOTION. [OVERLAPPING]

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THAT'S IT.

>> THAT'S IT?

>> ROBERTS NOT HERE TODAY HE'S ILL, BUT HIS TEAM IS HERE AND I DO WANT TO RECOGNIZE AND THEY WORKED VERY HARD ON NOT JUST THIS TYPE PROGRAM BUT A LOT OF OTHER PROGRAMS, THAT REALLY AMAZING TEAM, AND WE'RE VERY PROUD OF THIS. THANK YOU FOR [INAUDIBLE]. [OVERLAPPING]

>> THEY ARE AN AMAZING TEAM.

CONGRATULATIONS. WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP ITEM NUMBER 108.

[108. Discussion and appropriate action authorizing the use of the power of eminent domain and approval of an Order declaring a necessity for the acquisition of a permanent sewer easement over, under, across and upon a 0.0110 acre tract of land out of the James M. Cox Survey No. 22, Abstract 155, New City Block 14747, being out of a called 2.475 acre tract conveyed to MPII, Inc. and being of record in Volume 18048, Page 767 of the Deed Records of Bexar County, Texas, said 0.0110 acre tract being more particularly described by metes and bounds and shown in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes, to advance and achieve the Park Infrastructure and utility improvements Raymond Russell County Park including a connection to a San Antonio Water System sewer main located near the frontage road of IH 10 West and authorizing the institution of condemnation proceedings to acquire there rights. Precinct Number 3.]

DISCUSS ON APPROPRIATE ACTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF A PAR OF EMINENT DOMAIN AND APPROVAL OF AN ORDER, DECLARING A NECESSITY FOR THE ACQUISITION OF A PERMANENT SEWER EASEMENT OVER, UNDER, ACROSS, UPON A 0.110 ACRE OF LAND OUT OF THE JAMES.

M. COX SURVEY NUMBER 22, ABSTRACT 155, NEW CITY BLOCK 14747, BEING OUT OF A CALL 2.475 ACRE TRACT CONVEYED TO NP NUMBER 2E AND BEING OF RECORD IN VOLUME 108048, PAGE 767 OF THE RECORDS OF BEXAR COUNTY, SAID 0.110 ACRE TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIBED BY MEETS AND BOUNDS AND SHOWN IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED HERE TOO, INCORPORATED HEARING FOR ALL PURPOSES TO ADVANCE AND ACHIEVE THE PARK INFRASTRUCTURE, UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS, RAYMOND RUSSELL COUNTY PARK, INCLUDING CONNECTION TO A SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM SEWER MAIN LOCATED NEAR THE FRONTAGE ROAD OF IH10 AUTHORIZING THE INSTITUTION OF A CONDEMNATION PROCEEDING TO ACQUIRE THEIR RIGHTS,

[03:15:07]

PRECINCT NUMBER 3. MR. WRIGHT.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COURT.

ART REINHARDT, PUBLIC WORKS.

WE'RE HERE TODAY REQUESTING APPROVAL TO PROCEED WITH THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN CASE IN THE EVENT WE'RE UNABLE TO COME TO TERMS WITH THE AGREEMENT FOR A 480 SQUARE FOOT SEWER EASEMENT TO SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS AT RAYMOND RUSSELL PARK.

>> MOVE APPROVAL.

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? QUESTIONS? ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL SAYING AYE.

WE'LL TAKE UP ITEM NUMBER 109,

[109. Discussion and appropriate action regarding a formal complaint related to a member of the Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) Program Advisory Committee. (Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes) (Peter Sakai)]

DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING A FORMAL COMPLAINT RELATED TO A MEMBER OF THE SMALL MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES SWIMMING PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

I BELIEVE MR. CHRISTOPHER FORBRICH, YOU HAVE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.

YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.

>> THANK YOU, YOUR HONOR. COMMISSIONERS. I'M CHAIRMAN OF SMALL BUSINESS FOR YOUR GOVERNMENT AND I BELIEVE THAT ITEM NUMBER 109 IS ACTUALLY ABOUT ME.

I WANT TO TELL YOU BEFORE WE BEGIN THAT MY ONLY REAL LOVE HAS BEEN MY POLITICAL SPEECH, AND FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T KNOW ME, I'VE SPENT 20 YEARS IN THE CITY CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER AND ORGANIZER, AND MY SPEECH HAS HELPED A GREAT DEAL OF YOU IN YOUR CAREER.

FIRST, JUDGE, I WANT TO SAY THAT I FOUND OUT ABOUT TODAY'S HEARING THROUGH GOSSIP.

I UNDERSTAND YOU SENT A LETTER TO AN OFFICE THAT I NO LONGER WORK AT, AND THE POST OFFICE DIDN'T ATTEMPT TO DELIVER IT UNTIL LATE IN THE DAY ON FRIDAY.

I'VE NOT RECEIVED A REASONABLE NOTICE OF TODAY'S HEARING.

I DID HIRE AN ATTORNEY, COLONEL TREN WARNER, WHO IS AN ASIAN VETERAN WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS TO REPRESENT ME TODAY.

UNFORTUNATELY, TODAY'S HEARING WITHOUT REASONABLE NOTICE, MIGHT VIOLATE SOME OF MY DUE PROCESS AND MY DEFENSE OF MY PROTECTED POLITICAL SPEECH.

WELL, I THINK THERE'S A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY HERE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT PROTECTED POLITICAL SPEECH MEANS IN THE CONTEXT OF A PRIVATE CITIZEN IN A PRIVATE CONVERSATION THAT MAY BE IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE.

I'M NOT PREPARED TO HAVE THAT BECAUSE I HAVEN'T HAD DUE PROCESS TO PREPARE.

I'D LIKE THAT LEARNING OPPORTUNITY TO BE MEANINGFUL AND I'VE SPENT $10,000 ON ATTORNEYS TO PREPARE FOR TODAY'S MEETING.

I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, JUDGE SAKAI'S OFFICE RECEIVED A FORMAL NOTICE THAT I HAD RETAINED COUNSEL YESTERDAY BEFORE FIVE O'CLOCK FOR HIS REQUEST IN HIS LETTER THAT WE GOT THROUGH THE GOSSIP CHAIN. [OVERLAPPING]

>> I DID NOT RECEIVE THAT NOTICE.

>> I UNDERSTAND THAT MR. PANKO'S EMAIL SHOWS THAT IT WAS RECEIVED BY THE COUNTY AND IT WAS NOT REJECTED, AND YOUR SECRETARY RECEIVED THREE MESSAGES FROM MY ATTORNEY. [OVERLAPPING]

>> I HAVE PUT IN ON THE RECORD, I DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. WE REQUESTED A CONTINUANCE FOR TODAY BEFORE FIVE O'CLOCK YESTERDAY AND WE WERE UNABLE TO GET AN ANSWER ON THAT, SO I'D LIKE TO REQUEST A CONTINUANCE ON TODAY'S HEARING, AND IF THAT'S DENIED, I WOULD LIKE IT EXPLICITLY DENIED IN THE RECORD FOR THE PROTECTION OF MY CIVIL LIBERTIES. THANK YOU.

>> SO NOTED. IS THERE A MOTION IN REGARDS TO ITEM 109?

>> JUDGE, LET ME JUST SAY THAT I AM NOT AN EXPERT ON FREE SPEECH.

I KNOW THAT POLITICAL SPEECH IS PROTECTED SPEECH, BUT I THINK THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE IN TERMS OF JUST COMMUNITY COHESION AND STANDARDS THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH.

UPON ADVICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, IT APPEARS AS IF THEY BELIEVE THAT THE FREE SPEECH RIGHTS ARE NOT PROTECTED IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, AND SO UPON THAT ASSESSMENT, AND TO ME, THIS IS THE START OF AND LOOK AT WHAT HAS HAPPENED HERE.

DON'T PERSONALLY HAVE ANY INFORMATION FIRST-HAND FROM THE PERSON WHO WAS SPOKEN WITH, BUT IN ORDER TO TRY TO ALLEVIATE A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ME TO RESCIND THE MOTION FOR THE APPOINTMENT THAT THE COURT PLACED IN THE LAST MEETING FOR MR. FORBAGE'S APPOINTMENT AS MY APPOINTEE, SO I MOVE TO RESCIND THAT APPOINTMENT.

>> THERE'S A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? SO PURPOSE POINT OF ORDER, THIS IS A MOTION TO RESCIND THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. CHRIS FORBRICH FROM A PRIOR BOARD ACTION, IS THAT THE UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU HEARD?

>> YES, JUDGE.

HE WOULD NO LONGER BE APPOINTED TO THE COMMITTEE.

>> I'M ASKING IF I CALL FOR A VOTE.

>> I'D LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING?

>> FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK JUDGE SAKAI FOR BRINGING THIS TO THE COURT'S ATTENTION,

[03:20:04]

FOR PUTTING IT ON THE AGENDA.

I WAS OUT OF TOWN AT THE TIME, HAD NO IDEA OF ANYTHING UNTIL I CAME BACK FOR THE AGENDA BRIEFING.

THIS COUNTY, FOR DECADES, HAS BEEN SIMPLY THE GOOD OLD BOYS NETWORK UNTIL NOW.

AS THE ONLY WOMAN ON THE COURT.

I HAVE PUBLICLY SAID BEFORE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEXISM AND RACISM IN THIS VERY SEAT FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE COME AND SPOKE AT THAT VERY MIC, AND I DID NOT FEEL THAT MY MALE COLLEAGUES DEFENDED ME OR SAID ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

I'M ONLY ONE VOTE ON THIS COURT, SO WITHOUT TWO OTHERS, I CAN'T GET ANYTHING DONE, BUT I DO HAVE A VOICE.

THIS VOTE AND THE LEADERSHIP OF JUDGE SAKAI SPEAKS THAT THIS COUNTY WILL NOT TOLERATE SEXISM OR VERBAL ABUSE.

AN APPOINTEE REPRESENTING THE COUNTY AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES SHALL CONDUCT THEMSELVES PROFESSIONALLY.

THE NATIONAL RHETORIC LENDS ITSELF FOR RACISM, SEXISM, CLASSISM AND VIOLENCE, BUT NOT IN BEXAR COUNTY. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. WE'LL TAKE UP ITEM NUMBER 110.

[110. Discussion and appropriate action regarding approval of a professional services agreement with the Law Office of Albert Lopez for certain representation of Bexar County in the matter of Hector Lopez v. Eduardo Sanchez.]

DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW OFFICE OF ALBERT LOPEZ FOR CERTAIN REPRESENTATION OF BEXAR COUNTY IN A MATTER OF HECTOR LOPEZ VERSUS EDUARDO SANCHEZ. IS THERE A MOTION?

>> SO MOVED.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS? HEARING NONE.

ITEM NUMBER 111, DISCUSSION AND APPROPRIATE ACTION RELATED

[111. Discussion and appropriate action related to approval of a professional services agreement with the Law Offices of Charles S. Frigerio, P.C., for certain representation of Bexar County in the matter of Jennifer Adams a/n/f Stephanie Staubitz v. Bexar County, et al.]

APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE LAW OFFICES CHARLES.

S. FRIGERIO PC FOR CERTAIN REPRESENTATION OF BEXAR COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF JENNIFER ADAMS AS NEXT FRIEND OF STEPHANIE STAUBITZ VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY ET AL. IS THERE A MOTION?

>> MOVED.

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

>> ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES. ITEM NUMBER 112.

[112. Discussion and appropriate action related to pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer in the matter of: In re: Trinity Pharmacies, LLC, Debtor / Case No. 24-50144 -CAG]

DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTION RELATED TO PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION OR A SETTLEMENT OFFER IN THE MATTER OF IN.

RE. TRINITY PHARMACIES, LLC, DEBTOR, CASE NUMBER 24-50144-CAG, IS THERE A MOTION?

>> JUDGE, I NEED TO READ THAT SETTLEMENT. [OVERLAPPING]

>> GO AHEAD. MR. ROBERTSON. [OVERLAPPING]

>> THE MOTION WOULD BE THAT THE COURT CONSIDER AND AUTHORIZE A SETTLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF 50,000 IN THE MATTER OF IN.

RE. TRINITY PHARMACIES AND AUTHORIZE A COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY SETTLEMENT AND RELEASE DOCUMENTS.

>> COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, YOU ACCEPT THAT AS YOUR MOTION?

>> THAT'S PART OF THE MOTION.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.

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

>> ANY OPPOSED, ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 113.

[113. Discussion and appropriate action related to pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer in the matter of: Mario Hernan Chinchilla v. Bexar County.]

DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTION RELATED TO PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION OR A SETTLEMENT OFFER IN A MATTER OF MARIO HERNAN CHINCHILLA VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY.

MR. ROBERTSON, DO YOU NEED TO PUT ANYTHING ON THE RECORD?

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. DURING EXECUTIVE, THE COURT CONSIDERED SETTLEMENT IN THE MATTER OF MARIO HERNAN CHINCHILLA VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,250.

>> MOTION APPROVED. [OVERLAPPING]

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL BY SAYING AYE.

ITEM 114, DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION

[114. Discussion and appropriate action related to pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer in the matter of: Justin Walton v. Bexar County.]

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. DURING EXECUTIVE, THE COURT CONSIDERED SETTLEMENT IN THE MATTER OF JUSTIN WALTON VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY AND CONSIDERED SETTLEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,125.

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. [OVERLAPPING]

>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL BY SAYING AYE.

>> AN OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES.

[115. Discussion and appropriate action related to pending or contemplated litigation or a settlement offer in the matter of: Sylvia Garcia-Santos and Ernestina Garcia v. Bexar County.]

ITEM NUMBER 115, DISCUSSION AND APPROPRIATE ACTION RELATED TO A PENDING OR CONTEMPLATE LITIGATION OR A SETTLEMENT OFFER IN A MATTER OF SYLVIA GARCIA SANTOS AND ERNESTINA GARCIA VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY. MR. ROBERTSON.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. DURING EXECUTIVE, THE COURT CONSIDERED A SETTLEMENT IN THE MATTER OF SYLVIA GARCIA SANTOS AND ERNESTINA GARCIA VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000.

>> MOTION APPROVED.

[03:25:01]

>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.