[1. Opening Prayer: District Elder, Harvey L. Hale Sr., Foundation of Praise Church (Tommy Calvert)]
[00:00:03]
>> GOOD MORNING. I LIKE TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING FOR OCTOBER 14, 2025.
AS A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE.
COMMISSION REBECCA CLAY FLORES IS RUNNING LATE.
SHE'S AT A DOCTOR'S VISIT SHE'S ASKED CERTAIN MATTERS ON HER CEREMONIAL AND INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION BE WAIT TILL SO COURT, I'M ALERTING YOU THAT ON THOSE ISSUES, WE'LL WAIT FOR HER, BUT SHE'S ASKED TO GO AHEAD AND PROCEED FURTHER.
THIS TIME, COMMISSIONER TOMMY COWARD, I YIELD FOR YOU FOR THE INVOCATION OF THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE..
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, JUDGE.
I'D LIKE TO ASK BISHOP HALL TO PLEASE COME TO THE DIEST, AND I'LL READ HIS BIO AS HE COMES.
THANK YOU, BISHOP FOR BEING WITH US.
DISTRICT ELDER HALL WAS BORN IN PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, AND GREW UP IN HIGHLAND PARK, MICHIGAN.
HE WAS CALLED IN AN EARLY AGE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL.
AS A YOUNG MAN, PASTOR HALL WAS AN ALL STATE AND ALL AMERICAN BASKETBALL PLAYER IN BOTH HIGH SCHOOL AND JUNIOR COLLEGE.
HE ATTENDED SHASTA JUNIOR COLLEGE AND WAS INDUCTED INTO THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME IN 1986.
PASTOR HALL MET HIS LOVELY WIFE, LADY J HEN AMARILLO, TEXAS.
SHE WAS IN THOSE DAYS A YOUNG VOLLEYBALL PLAYER AND RECORD HOLDER HERSELF.
PASTOR HALL BEGAN HIS SPIRITUAL JOURNEY IN 1985 UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF BISHOP AARON CHARLES BLAKE SENIOR.
HE BEGAN TO KNOW GOD FOR HIMSELF AND ACCEPTED HIM AS THE CAPTAIN OF HIS LIFE.
GROWING AND LEARNING FROM BISHOP BLAKE DESTINED HIM TO BE A LEADER IN THE FAITH, AND IN 1996, HE RECEIVED A BACHELOR OF ARTS AND LIBERAL SCIENCE FROM WEST TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
IN 1997, PASTOR HALL BEGAN WORKING FULL TIME IN MINISTRY, REACHING THE LOSS AND CARING FOR BURDENED SOULS ON A GLOBAL SCALE.
PASTOR HALL AND HIS FAMILY VENTURED TO ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, WHERE HE WAS LED BY BISHOP MICHAEL SHELBY AT GODS HOUSE CHURCH.
PASTORS AND VARIOUS MINISTRIES BEGAN INQUIRING OF BISHOP SHELBY ASKING FOR THEN ALDER HELL TO MINISTER IN THEIR REGION.
BISHOP SHELBY WOULD OFTEN TELL OTHERS THAT THEY WOULD BE BLESSED BY HIS ANOINTED PREACHER.
NAMES, SUCH AS THE PREACHING MACHINE AND THE HAIL STORM BECAME RECOGNIZABLE BOTH FAR AND WIDE AS A PREACHER WHO IS UNASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
OVER THE YEARS, PASTOR HALL AND LADY JANETA HALL HAD THREE CHILDREN, HARVEY JUNIOR, TIFFANY, AND MICHELLE.
IN 2011, PASTOR HALL AND HIS FAMILY MOVED TO SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.
HE WAS A MEMBER OF GENESIS FULL LIFE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF BISHOP DOUGLAS THOMPSON.
DURING HIS EVANGELISTIC TENURE, PASTOR HALL WAS LATER CALLED TO PASTORSHIP.
AFTER DISCUSSING THE VISION WITH HIS WIFE, CONCERNING THE NEW DIRECTION GOD INSTRUCTED, PASTOR HALL MOVED INTO POSITION, AND HE'S BEEN ON A MISSION TO SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD TO A DYING WORLD, TO REACH THE LOST, TO DEMONSTRATE GOD'S LOVE, AND TO LEAD GOD'S PEOPLE TO A CHRIST CENTERED VICTORIOUS LIFE.
I'D LIKE TO ASK ALL RISE AS THE PASTOR OF THE FOUNTAIN OF PRAISE CHURCH BISHOP ELECT HARVEY HALL.
>> I WANT TO SAY GOOD MORNING TO ALL.
>> I GREET YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.
FIRST, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY TODAY.
I GET BINDED TO GOD TODAY IF IT WASN'T FOR HIM, I WOULDN'T BE HERE TODAY.
OVER FIVE YEARS AGO, I DIED OF COVID AND GOD BROUGHT ME BACK.
AS COMMISSIONER TOMMY CALVERT SAID, I AM DISHA PAV HELD SENIOR PASTOR FOUND THE PRAISE CHURCH IN CONVERSE, TEXAS.
TODAY HERE WITH ME, I GOT MY WIFE AND MY BABY DAUGHTER MICHELLE AND BEFORE I PRAY, I WANT TO THANK GOD FOR JUDGE PETER SAKAI AND FOR ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR STAFF, IF I MAY, IF YOU DON'T MIND, I WANT TO GIVE PERSONAL THANKS TO MY PRECINCT FOR OUR COMMISSIONER, MR. TOMMY CALVERT.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOODNESS, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR MERCY.
LORD, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THESE GREAT COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND ALL WHAT THEY DO FOR THIS BARRA COUNTY.
I'M ASKING YOU TODAY THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD AND GUIDE THEM.
I'M ALSO ASKING LORD THAT YOU WILL BE THEIR PROTECTION AS THEY GO IN AND OUT OF THEIR PRECINCTS.
[00:05:01]
BLESS THEIR FAMILIES AND BLESS THEIR FRIENDS.LORD, ALSO, I'M ASKING THAT YOU WILL LET YOUR PRESENCE ABIDE IN THIS PLACE TODAY, NOT ONLY TODAY, BUT EVEN TOMORROW AND THE NEXT TIME THEY MEET.
LET YOUR BLESSINGS ABIDE IN THIS PLACE.
LET YOUR LOVE ABIDE IN THIS PLACE.
LET YOUR PEACE ABIDE IN THIS PLACE.
LET UNITY ABIDE IN THIS PLACE.
IN JESUS NAME, I PRAY AMEN AND AMEN. GOD BLESS YOU.
>> THANK YOU, BISHOP. IF YOU JOIN ME AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
>> ELDER HALL, FOR THAT WONDERFUL PRAYER.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CALVERT FOR THE INTRODUCTION.
WE'LL TAKE UP REQUEST COMMISSIONERS COURT TO
[3. Request of Commissioners Court to identify items from the Consent Agenda for additional discussion and to approve remaining Consent Agenda items.]
IDENTIFY ITEMS FROM CONSENT AGENDA FOR ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION AND TO APPROVE REMAINING CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. AGAIN, COMMISSION REBECCA CLAY FLORES IS AT A DOCTOR'S OFF VISIT, AND SHE HAS INDICATED SHE WILL BE HERE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.>> DO YOU HAVE A MATTER TO PULL IN HER BEHALF?
>> YES JUDGE. FIRSTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO PULL FOR MYSELF, ITEM 63 AND THEN AS YOU MENTIONED, COMMISSIONER KLOTZ IS AT HER ONCOLOGIST THIS MORNING, SHE'S ASKED TO PULL 84 FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION.
>> EIGHTY-FOUR? COMMISSIONER MOODY.
>> LIKE TO PULL ITEM 78, JUDGE?
>> SEVENTY-EIGHT. COMMISSIONER CALVERT SO TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND, IS THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMAINING ITEMS OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.
[CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (Part 1 of 2)]
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS? HEARING NONE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR. SIGN BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY POST. ANY ABSTENTIONS. MOTION CARRIES.
WE'LL TAKE UP THOSE PULL EXCEPT FOR THE ONE THAT COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES HAS ASKED.
IT APPEARS. MAKE SURE I GO IN ORDERS 63, THE FIRST ONE?
>> LET US NOW TAKE UP AGENDA ITEM 63 APPROVAL OF 381 GRANT AGREEMENT TO THE FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATE, SAN ANTONIO INC.
IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,908 TO BE PAID IN TWO INSTALLMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, DECEMBER 31, 2027, THIS GRANT WILL ASSIST FAMILY SERVICE ASSOCIATION IN PROVIDING DEDICATED TRAINING SPACE AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE AND WRAP AROUND SUPPORT SERVICE FOR TEXAS FAST TRACK STUDENTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I DON'T KNOW DEBORAH, CAN YOU COME UP ON THIS ONE? I JUST WANTED TO REALLY HIGHLIGHT THIS BECAUSE THIS IS AN IMPORTANT, I THINK CONTINUATION OF THE WORK THAT WE'VE BEEN DOING WITH FAST TRACK AND TRYING TO BRING IT CLOSER TO OUR COMMUNITIES, OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND SO THIS IS A CONTRACT TO PUT SOME OF THAT TRAINING INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE ON THE WEST SIDE, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> YES, SIR SO THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE IS A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY CENTER THAT HAS A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
I'M REALLY EXCITED TO HAVE MIKE REVIS HERE WITH FAMILY SERVICE TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THEIR PROGRAMS. BUT WE'RE EXCITED AS TEXAS FAST TRACK TO BE IN THAT LOCATION.
WE'VE SEEN A LOT OF TRAFFIC COMING FROM INDIVIDUALS THAT WANT TO ENROLL IN TEXAS FAST TRACK, BUT BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE, IT'S AN HOUR AND 51 MINUTES VIA BUS RIDE TO OUR CURRENT LOCATION.
WE ARE LOOKING AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE BECAUSE WITHIN A 20 MINUTE WALKING DISTANCE, WE HAVE HOUSEHOLDS THAT ARE UNDER THE MEDIAN INCOME AND THAT WE THINK WOULD REALLY QUALIFY AND WOULD BE GREAT APPLICANTS FOR THE PROGRAM.
>> THAT'S GREAT. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING.
I KNOW I'VE HEARD SOME GREAT FEEDBACK ALREADY IN TERMS OF THE OUTREACH THAT'S HAPPENING IN THOSE WESTSIDE NEIGHBORHOODS,
[00:10:03]
IDENTIFYING MAYBE FOLKS WHO MAY BE OUR TARGET AUDIENCE FOR THE TRAINING SO KUDOS TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOR DOING THAT.YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING ABOUT THE TRAINING OR I KNOW IT DOESN'T REALLY START OFFICIALLY, I GUESS, UNTIL THE FIRST QUARTER OR SO OF 2026, IS THAT RIGHT?
>> YES SIR SO NO, DEFINITELY, JUST AS YOU MENTIONED, THERE'S A BIG NEED THERE ON THE WEST SIDE OF SAN ANTONIO.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE PARTNERSHIP I THINK ANYTIME YOU HAVE ACCESS POINTS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY, IT'S A WIN.
WE CERTAINLY LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING THEIR COUNTY AND THE FAST TRACK PROGRAM THERE WITHIN OUR FACILITIES, AND WE JUST FEEL IT'S GOING TO BE A BIG RESOURCE FOR A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE TRADES.
WE ARE VERY BIG IN THAT, SO WE CERTAINLY WELCOME THEM AND WELCOME THE PARTNERS.
I KNOW WE TALK OFTEN ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES, HELPING LIFT PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY, GIVING THEM TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND ONE OF THESE BARRIERS IS AS YOU MENTIONED, DEBORAH, TRANSPORTATION, AND THIS IS A WAY OF GETTING IT REALLY ESSENTIALLY IN THEIR BACKYARD.
LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONTINUATION OF THAT WORK.
VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS, AND WE APPRECIATE IT.
I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT IT.
THANK YOU AND I'LL MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE, JUDGE.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
ANY FURTHER COMMENTS? LET ME ALSO CHIME IN. COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
I'M PROUD THAT WE ARE EXPANDING OUR TEXAS FAST TRACK.
WE ALSO THE COUNTY ALSO PARTICIPATE FUNDS THE TEXAS FAME, WHICH ARE TWO SEPARATE WORKFORCE PROGRAMS THAT ARE DIRECTED TO ADVANCE MANUFACTURING TRAINING, CORRECT, MISS CARTER?
>> IT IS AN EMPLOYER DRIVEN BOTH OF EMPLOYER DRIVEN PROGRAMS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE TOYOTA SUPPLIERS REALLY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FAST TRACK AND GETTING POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES ON A FAST TRACK TEN WEEK PROGRAM, AS I UNDERSTAND, ESTABLISHING SOME MINIMAL SKILL SET SCREENING, MAKING SURE THAT AND THEN IT'S ALSO MY UNDERSTANDING THAT FAST TRACK DOES, I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER CALVERT, YOUR PASSION OF RE-ENTRY.
FOCUSES ON PEOPLE THAT POSSIBLY HAD SOME BAD CHOICES IN THEIR LIFE.
BUT THEY'RE NOW CLEAN US OVER.
THEY HAVE PAID THEIR DUES FOR WHATEVER THEY'VE DONE, AND WE PUT THEM ON A FAST TRACK TO GET THEM TO HIGH PAYING JOBS.
IS THAT ALSO A CORRECT STATEMENT, MISS CARTER?
>> YES, IT IS AND WE'VE OFTEN SEEN TEXAS FAST TRACK GRADUATES GO INTO THE INDUSTRY, AND THEN LATER ON ENROLL IN THE TEXAS FAME AMT PROGRAM FOR THE TWO YEAR ASSOCIATES DEGREE SO THEY'RE PIPELINES.
TEXAS FAST TRACK IS A PIPELINE TO TEXAS FAME AMT.
>> I'D LIKE TO ALSO PUT ON THE RECORD AT TEXAS FAME, WHICH IS NOT PART OF TODAY'S MOTION, BUT IS ALSO PART OF OUR EMPLOYER DERIVATIVE WORKFORCE PROGRAM.
FOCUSES FROM AN ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ALAMO COLLEGE DISTRICT, I BELIEVE GOODWILL INDUSTRIES, POCHE QUEST.
ALL VALUABLE PARTNERS IN BOTH PROGRAMS. IN TEXAS FAME, IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS A MENTOR APPRENTICESHIP WITH THE EMPLOYER.
TYPICALLY COULD BE TOYOTA IN ITSELF, ALONG WITH THE COLLEGE DISTRICT WHERE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO WORK AND GO TO SCHOOL SO THAT THEY'RE GETTING THE ON THE JOB TRAINING, BUT THEY'RE ALSO GOING TO SCHOOL, AND I UNDERSTAND, HOPEFULLY THEY'LL HAVE AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE.
IF THEY WANT TO MOVE FORWARD, THEY CAN EITHER GO FULL TIME INTO THE EMPLOYMENT SIDE OR THEY CAN GO AND CONTINUE ON AT SOME LATER DATE, THEIR DESIRE TO COMPLETE THEIR EDUCATION WITH A BACHELOR'S OR WHATEVER, SO IT'S TRULY A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM FROM AN EMPLOYER DRIVEN WORKFORCE TRAINING.
IS THAT A CORRECT STATEMENT, MISS CARTER?
>> THAT IS CORRECT AND ITEM 5C TODAY, WE'RE GOING TO BE CELEBRATING MANUFACTURING MONTH, OCTOBER IS MANUFACTURING MONTH.
I WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THAT THERE'S AN EVENT IN PRECINCT 1 AND NO CHARGE.
IF FAMILIES WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT ON OCTOBER 30 AT 4:30 P.M. WE'LL HAVE SEVERAL MANUFACTURERS THERE SHOWING OFF THE PRODUCTS THAT ARE MADE RIGHT HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY AND THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO THEM.
WE WILL ALSO HAVE SEVERAL EDUCATION PATHWAYS THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN LOOK INTO INCORPORATING TEXAS FAST TRACK.
WE WILL ALSO HAVE GOODWILL IN THEIR PRODUCTION ASSEMBLY PROGRAM, WHICH IS ALSO FACILITATED AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE, AND ALSO CAS STEM, WHO WILL BE HERE TO CELEBRATE THE MANUFACTURING MONTH WITH US AS WELL AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.
IT'S REALLY ABOUT CREATING PROGRAMS AND SUSTAINING THEM THAT MEET THE LEARNER WHERE THEY'RE AT IN ORDER TO GROW OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
>> YOU'VE ALERTED THAT SO ANYBODY HERE ON AGENDA ITEM 5C,
[00:15:04]
THAT'S A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY OUR BEXAR COUNTY ECONOMIC COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT CELEBRATING OCTOBER'S MANUFACTURING MEET.WE HAVE A PROCLAMATION FOR THOSE THAT WANT TO EITHER STAY FOR THAT OR HERE FOR THAT.
WE'RE GOING TO CALL THAT OUT IN DUE ORDER SO THAT NOT AT THIS TIME.
I ALSO BELIEVE WE HAVE SOME OF THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON THAT PARTICULAR ITEM ON TEEN Y'ALL UP, THAT WE WILL GET TO YOU AS SOON AS WE CAN.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGNAL BY SAYING AYE.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES.
I JUST WANT TO IT WASN'T PULLED.
IT WAS ALL PART OF CONSENT, BUT I ALSO WANTED TO NOTE, IS THERE ANYBODY HERE FROM THE CITY A CONVERSE AND HAVEN FOR HOPE? ON AGENDA ITEM 65, WHICH PASSED BY CONSENT.
IS THERE ANYBODY HERE? I JUST WANT TO RECOGNITION.
THIS IS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY, CITY OF CONGRESS, PRECINCT 4, COMMISSIONER CALVERT, AND WORKING WITH HAVEN POPE IN COORDINATION OF STREET OUTREACH SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE HAVEN POPE.
IT IS OUR EFFORT I THINK IT STARTED COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, OVER IN PRECINCT 2 WITH THE CITY OF LEON VALLEY, ADDED CITY B CONY HEIGHTS.
NOW WE'VE ADDED CITY OF CONGRESS.
I REALLY WISH I BELIEVE ROBERT RENA, WHO'S HAD A DEATH IN HIS FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN HERE.
THE NUMBERS ARE VERY IMPRESSIVE COMMISSIONERS ABOUT THE OUTREACH, AND THE SUCCESSFUL OUTREACH OF THOSE THAT ARE UNHOUSED, PEOPLE THAT ARE HOMELESS THAT HAVE BEEN REACHED TOUCHED BY THESE PROGRAMS, PUT BACK INTO OUR HOUSING PROGRAM AND SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITIONED OUT.
I THINK THIS IS A WONDERFUL PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE SUBURBAN CITIES.
COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, COMMISSIONER CAL FOR YOUR SUPPORT SO IF ANYBODY'S HERE ON THAT, WE'RE MOVING ON.
>> AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT ELECTRONIC GRANT APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR TEXAS MILITARY PREPAREDNESS COMMISSION FOR THE DEFENSE ECONOMIC ASSISTANT ADJUSTMENT GRANT AS PART OF THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY, DHA, SOUTH BEACH PAVILION REHABILITATION PROJECT, AND THE AMOUNT OF 5 MILLION APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS AWARDED.
BEXAR COUNTY AND CITY SAN ANTONIO ARE PROVIDED A LOCAL MATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $10 MILLION EACH.
IT IS AGENDA ITEM 78 POLLED BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.
COMMISSIONER MOODY YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I'M NOT SURE IF GENERAL WANAJALA AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE IT OVER THERE.
I THINK THEY'RE EXPECTING IT A LITTLE BIT LATER, BUT WE JUST WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THIS FOR AWARENESS.
FIRST OF ALL, TO THANK THE COUNTY STAFF THAT HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY WORKING ON THIS PROJECT, INCLUDING DAN CURRY HAS DONE A LOT OF WORK, ROBERSON, COBEN CARTER, MARCY ANDRADE, AND SPECIAL THANKS TO GENERAL WANAJALA, THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, AND JOHN POLBER WHO HELPED HELPED DRAFT A DOCUMENT, AND TO JEFF COYLE AND THE CITY COUNCIL FOR PASSING THE COUNCIL ITEM ON 10/9 IN SUPPORT OF THEIR 5 MILLION VA GRANT APPLICATION TOWARDS THIS PROJECT.
FOR THOSE WHO AREN'T AWARE, THIS HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR SOME TIME.
I BELIEVE LAST FY, THE COUNTY APPROVED $10 MILLION CONTRIBUTION.
JUDGE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP ON THAT CONTRIBUTION TO RENOVATE WHAT'S CALLED SOUTH BEACH PAVILION OVER ON JOINT BASE, SAN ANTONIO ON FORT SAND.
THIS FACILITY WILL ULTIMATELY HOUSE UP TO 1,000 NEW PERSONNEL FROM THE DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY, WHICH IS A HUGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR SAN ANTONIO AND BEXAR COUNTY, BUT THIS BIG FACILITY RENOVATION IS GOING TO COST NORTH OF $30 MILLION.
THERE'S A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY AND BETWEEN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
THE CITY'S COMMITTED 10 MILLION, COUNTIES COMMITTED 10 MILLION, AND BOTH THE CITY AND THE COUNTY ARE ASKING THE STATE FOR 5 MILLION IN A DA GRANT, WHICH WILL GET YOU TO THE FULL 30 MILLION IN DHA WE'RE WORKING WITH TO PICK UP ANY COST OVERRUNS AT THIS POINT BUT THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN IN THE WORKS FOR A LONG TIME.
A LOT OF PEOPLE FROM THE COMMUNITY INVOLVED AS WELL.
WE'RE JUST REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT.
I WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT IT TODAY.
I'M JUST TRYING TO SEE IS DO WE HAVE SOMEONE FROM THE CITY NOW?
[00:20:01]
>> IS THERE ANYBODY FROM THE CITY OF SANTONIA MAJOR GENERAL AYALLA, OR ANY OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT FROM THE CITY PRESENT? NOBODY SIGNED UP TO BE HEARD ON THIS.
NO, COMMISSIONER MOODY, NO RESPONSE.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
CAN WE GO AHEAD AND HAVE DAN CURRY GO AHEAD AND MAKE A BRIEF PRESENTATION,
[90. (Dan Curry) (Gregory Galloway) Presentation, discussion and appropriate action authorizing negotiation of an agreement with Aramark Correctional Services, LLC to develop and execute a food service agreement, as requested by the Sheriff's Office. Contingent upon successful negotiations, the agreement will be brought to Commissioners Court at a later date for consideration and award.]
AND THEN COMMISSIONER MOODY IN COURT WILL GET BACK TO QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS.>> YES. JUDGE, THE COMMISSIONER DID SUCH A GOOD JOB.
I'D HAVE LITTLE TO ADD, BUT AGAIN, THIS IS APPROVAL TO SUBMIT THIS GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE $5 MILLION COUNTY REQUEST FOR DA GRANT FROM THE STATE, TEXAS.
THE CITY DID A PARTNERING GRANT AS WELL TO EQUAL $10 MILLION FROM THE STATE.
WE ARE PUTTING IN $10 MILLION CITIES, ANOTHER 10, SO 30 MILLION TOWARDS THIS TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECT ON JBSA.
WE'VE WORKED AT LENGTH WITH DHA, THE FIVE OR SECONDS, AND ALL THOSE OTHER PARTICULAR AGENCIES TO MAKE SURE WE'RE DOING THIS CORRECTLY.
THERE'S A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT THINGS SEEM TO BE LINING UP AND WE'RE OPTIMISTIC, IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY SUCCESSFUL PROJECT AND DELIVER, LIKE THE COMMISSIONER SAID, MANY FULL TIME JOBS TO THIS CAMPUS.
>> I'LL MAKE SOME COMMENTS THAT COURT, THIS IS ONE OF THE CAPITAL PROJECTS THAT I TOOK ON.
WHEN I FIRST GOT ON THE COURT, IT WAS IDENTIFIED.
WE THOUGHT PERHAPS WE WOULD BE MUCH FURTHER ALONG, BUT I THINK WE'RE ALL RECOGNIZE WE'RE LIVING IN SOME TURBULENT TIMES, BUT THIS PROJECT IS MOVING FORWARD.
IT IS A GAME CHANGING PROJECT IN WHICH, AND I WANT TO MAKE THIS REAL CLEAR, THERE'S BEEN SOME THIS UNDERSTANDING.
IT'S NOT A CONSOLIDATION OF THE HEADQUARTERS THAT WE'RE NOT GETTING THERE, BUT IT WILL BRING SOME OF THE OPERATIONS TO A COMMON FACILITY THAT IS CURRENTLY ON JBSA.
THIS IS A COMMITMENT BY THE CITY OF THE COUNTY, THE STATE WITH THIS GRANT AWARD THAT WILL HELP EXPAND.
THIS IS ANOTHER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, IN MY OPINION, THAT WILL BRING GOOD PAYING JOBS, IT WILL BRING MEDICAL AND HIGH LEVEL HEALTH CARE, EMPLOYEES OF THE DOD, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO OUR COMMUNITY.
DAN, DOES THAT PRETTY MUCH SUMMARIZE WHAT THE SCOPE OF THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT IS?
>> COMMISSIONER MOODY, ANYTHING ELSE?
>> NO. I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS.
AGAIN, APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK AND I BELIEVE WE'VE ALREADY MADE THE MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
>> I'LL CALL FOR A VOTE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE AGENDA ITEM 78, SAME BY SAYING AYEE.
ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTIONS? MOTION CARRIES.
KATE, I THINK THAT BRINGS US TO 84, WHICH IS THE MATTER OF COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES.
SHE IS STILL NOT HERE, SO I WILL BRING IT BACK AS PER HER REQUEST.
DOES THAT CONCLUDE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS K.
>> JUDGE, I DID WANT TO MAKE THE COURT AWARE THAT ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT A CONSENT ITEM, NUMBER 90 HAS BEEN DEFERRED UNTIL OCTOBER 28 BY REQUEST OF THE PURCHASING AGENT.
>> AGENDA ITEM 90 HAS BEEN PULLED FROM THE DOCKET, ALL THOSE THAT ARE HERE.
IT IS BEING PASSED TO THE NEXT COURT DATE.
LET'S GO BACK. HOW WE GET USED TO THE CEREMONIAL MATTERS COMING AFTER CONSENT.
[4. CEREMONIAL ITEM(S) (Part 1 of 2)]
WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP OUR CEREMONIAL MATTERS.AGAIN, FOR PURPOSES OF SITUATION AWARENESS A PRESENTATION, PROCLAMATION BEHALF OF COMMISSION COURT RECOGNIZED IN OCTOBER 13, 2025 AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY BY COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES WILL BE HELD UNTIL SHE APPEARS.
>> NO. SHE'S ASKED THAT SHE DO IT.
PRESENTATION PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONERS COURT RECOGNIZING, PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 2025 AS WALKED OCTOBER IS ALSO AWAITING COMMISSIONER'S PRESENCE.
FIRST, WE'LL TAKE A PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATION C ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONERS COURT RECOGNIZING THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY.
COMMISSIONER MOODY, I BELIEVE THAT'S YOURS, AND I BELIEVE YOU'LL READ OR MAKE COMMENTS ON THIS PARTICULAR PROCLAMATION.
I HAVE THE PROCLAMATION IN HAND, AND I WILL BE TENDERING IT TO THE GROUP AND HOPEFULLY, WE'LL TAKE A GROUP PHOTO. COMMISSIONER MOODY.
>> WELL, THANK YOU, JUDGE. WE'LL GO AHEAD AND HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY HERE, THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY PROCLAMATION HERE, WHICH READS, WHEREAS THE UNITED STATES NAVY ESTABLISHED ON OCTOBER 13, 1775 HAS FOR 2.5 CENTURIES UPHELD ITS SOLEMN DUTY TO DEFEND THE NATION, SAFEGUARD FREEDOM OF THE SEAS, AND ENSURE MARITIME SUPERIORITY ACROSS THE GLOBE,
[00:25:03]
AND WHEREAS THROUGHOUT ITS DISTINGUISHED HISTORY, THE UNITED STATES NAVY HAS DEMONSTRATED UNPARALLEL EXCELLENCE TO THE LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION AND STRATEGIC CAPABILITY, CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE PRESERVATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL STABILITY.WHEREAS, COUNTLESS MEN AND WOMEN HAVE HONORABLY SERVED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY WITH COURAGE, INTEGRITY, AND SELFLESS DEVOTION, THE SACRIFICES FORM IN THE BEDROCK IN THE NAVY'S PROUD LEVEL OF EXELLENCE.
WHEREAS ON THIS 250TH ANNIVERSARY, WE HONOR THE INVARYING VALUES AND STEADFAST COMMITMENT OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY AND REAFFIRM OUR COLLECTIVE GRATITUDE FOR ITS CONTINUED SERVICE AND DEFENSE OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, COUNTY COMMISIONERS, COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES OCTOBER 13TH, 2025 AS THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY SIGNED YOUR COMMISSIONERS COURT.
>> LET'S GIVE A ROUND OF APPLAUSE [APPLAUSE]. P.
>> JUDGE, KAI COMMISSIONER, THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE.
AS AN ARMY GUY, IT PAINS ME TO PUT THE NAVY IN ANY PEDESTAL, BUT I'M PROUD TO DO IT, I GUESS TODAY.
ARE THERE ANY NAVY VETERANS HERE.
IF SO, COULD WE PLEASE JUST ARISE TO RECOGNIZE YOU [APPLAUSE].
WE DO APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE.
JUDGE, WE HAD NAVY ADMIRAL WALTER BRADFORD, WHO IS THE COMMANDER OF NAVAL MEDICAL FORCES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND AT JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, SCHEDULED TO BE HERE TODAY.
WITH THE SHUTDOWN AND THE FOCUS ON MISSION ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS HE HAD TO BEG OFF.
WE'LL MAKE SURE TO GET THIS PROCLAMATION OVER TO HIS OFFICE ON BEHALF OF THE COURT.
AS WE GATHER HERE, THIS IS A MONUMENTAL OCCASION.
ON OCTOBER 13TH, THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS AUTHORIZED THE CREATION OF A NAVAL FORCE TO DEFEND OUR SHORES.
FROM THOSE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, A FEW CONVERTED MERCHANT SHIPS, OUR NAVY HAS GROWN INTO THE WORLD'S MOST FORMIDABLE MARITIME POWER, SAFEGUARDING FREEDOM ACROSS THE SEVEN SEAS FOR 2.5 CENTURIES AND PROJECTING AMERICAN STRENGTH AND VALUE FROM OUR TEXAS COAST TO GLOBAL HOT SPOTS.
JUDGE, AS WE HONOR AND RECOGNIZE OUR NAVY MEN AND WOMEN, THOSE THAT HAVE SERVED, THOSE THAT CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THE FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES THAT SUPPORT THE, THANK YOU FOR THE COUNTY LEADERSHIP AND ALL THE SUPPORT THAT YOU'VE PROVIDED US, AND WE'LL MAKE SURE TO GET THE PROCLAMATION TO THE NAVY LEADERSHIP. [APPLAUSE]
>> WON'T Y'ALL COME FORWARD AND LET'S TAKE A PICTURE.
>> THANK YOU GUYS. THANK YOU, NANCY. THANK YOU.
>> COMMISSIONER MOODY, LET'S FOLLOW UP ON PRESENTATION PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF COURT RECOGNIZING CLUMBUS DAY 2025.
>> THANKS, JUDGE. I BELIEVE WE HAVE HATTIE AND HER SON, FROM THE CHRISTOPHER CUMBUS ITALIAN SOCIETY TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION IF THEY WANT TO COME FORWARD.
WHEREAS, COLUMBUS DAY IS A FEDERAL HOLIDAY THAT HAS BEEN OBSERVED SINCE 1971, AND CELEBRATIONS HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED AS FAR BACK AS 1792.
WHEREAS COLUMBUS DAY IS A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY, EXPLORATION, AND COURAGE THAT HAS SHAPED THE COURSE OF HISTORY AND CONTINUES TO DEFINE THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, AND WHEREAS THIS DAY OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF ITALIAN AMERICANS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE LEFT A PROFOUND AND LASTING IMPACT ON OUR NATION NON-COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT BEXAR COUNTY FROM BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERSHIP TO THE ARTS, FAITH, AND FAMILY LIFE.
WHEREAS STORY OF AMERICA IS ONE OF MANY JOURNEYS OF PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO CROSS THE OCEANS AND BORDERS IN SEARCH OF OPPORTUNITY, FREEDOM, AND A BETTER FUTURE, THE LEGACY OF EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE EXEMPLIFIED BY A SPIRIT OF COLUMBUS REMINDS US OF THE BOLDNESS AND RESILIENCE THAT FUEL AMERICAN PROGRESS, AND WHEREAS BEXAR COUNTY IS PROUD TO HONOR THE STRENGTH OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, RECOGNIZING THAT OUR UNITY IS ENRICHED BY MANY BACKGROUNDS AND EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE UP OUR COMMUNITY AND WHEREAS, WE HONOR THE VALUES OF PERSEVERANCE, VISION, AND THE ENDURING BELIEF IN A BRIGHTER TOMORROW FOR ALL AMERICANS.
[00:30:01]
NOW FOR IT RESOLVED, BEXAR COUNTY COMMISIONERS' COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATES MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH AS COLUMBUS DAY 2025 IN BEXAR COUNTY, AND ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS TO OBSERVE THIS DAY WITH RESPECT, REFLECTION, AND APPRECIATION FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF ITALIAN AMERICANS, THE PIONEERING SPIRIT THAT BUILT OUR NATION, SIGNED YOU COMMISSIONERS COURT [APPLAUSE].>> WOULD Y'ALL PLEASE COME FORWARD, ACCEPT YOUR PROCLAMATION.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YOU'RE WELCOME. THANK YOU.
PRESENTATION AND PROCLAMATION BEHALF OF COMMISSION COURT RECOGNIZE THE COMMUNITY FIRST HEALTH PLAN ON US, 30TH ANNIVERSARY.
IF YOU ALL COME FORWARD, LET ME GO AHEAD AND READ THE PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, COMMUNITY FIRST HEALTH PLANS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1995 BY UNIVERSITY HEALTH AS THE FIRST LOCAL NON-PROFIT HEALTH PLAN IN SOUTH TEXAS TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE TO FAMILIES INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES IN THE BEXAR COUNTY SERVICE DELIVERY AREA, AND WHEREAS COMMUNITY FIRST HEALTH PLANS HAS BEEN A LEADER IN PROMOTING ACCESS TO PREVENTIVE CARE, ADDRESSING HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES AND ADVOCATED FOR THE WELL BEING OF UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS AND WORKING TOWARD IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES THROUGH INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS THROUGH THE COLLAT PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, AND WHEREAS THE ORGANIZATION HAS DEMONSTRATED A STRONG COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, EARNING THREE RECOGNITION FROM THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE, FOR LONG-TERM SERVICE AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS, AND THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP STAFF AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF COMMUNITY FIRST EXEMPLIFYING DEDICATION AND COMPASSION TO ENSURE HEALTH CARE THAT IS ACCESSIBLE, EQUITABLE, AND TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF SOUTH TEXANS.
WHEREAS, COMMUNITY FIRST HEALTH PLANS HAS POSITIVELY IMPACTED THE LIVES OF OVER 3.5 MILLION INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES BY SUPPORTING HEALTH EQUITY EFFORTS, GRANTING SCHOLARSHIPS TO NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS AND CREATING PROGRAMS THAT HELP ADDRESS NON-MEDICAL DRIVERS OF HEALTH.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSION COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZE COMMUNITY FIRST HEALTH PLANS, 30TH ANNIVERSARY, WITNESSED BY OUR SIGNATURES AND SEAL OF OFFICES FIRST DAY OF OCTOBER 2025, SIGNED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT.
>> THANK YOU. JUDGE, AND OUR DISTINGUISHED COMMISSIONERS, WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS RECOGNITION TODAY, AND ON BEHALF OF OUR ENTIRE WORKFORCE, MYSELF, AND UNIVERSITY HEALTH, WHO IS OUR PARENT ORGANIZATION, AGAIN, WE APPRECIATE THE RECOGNITION.
IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, THE BEXAR COUNTY AREA FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND OVER 3.5 MILLION INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT 30 YEARS OF PROVIDING EXCELLENT HEALTHCARE AND ACCESS TO OUR RESIDENTS OF BEXAR COUNTY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. PLEASE LET ME JUST RECOGNIZE THAT I WAS OUT THERE WITH YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY OUT IN THE COMMUNITY THERE ON THE WEST SIDE OVER THE ANG LUPE. WHAT A WONDERFUL? I WAS WELL ATTENDED.
WHAT I WAS STRUCK WITH, AND I WANT THE PUBLIC TO RECOGNIZE IS THAT COMMUNITY HEALTH PLANS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM, UHS.
>> HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR 30 YEARS.
AS I RAN AS YOUR COUNTY JUDGE TO BUILD BRIDGES, I TRULY BELIEVE THAT COMMUNITY HEALTH PLANS HAS BEEN THERE AS A BRIDGE FOR OUR COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE THAT ARE UNDER SERVED, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE AT RISK CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
YOU HELP CONNECT THEM TO HEALTH ACCESS.
OBVIOUSLY, WE'VE GOT A LOT MORE WORK TO DO, BUT BECAUSE YOU'RE THERE, WE DO HAVE A FOUNDATIONAL PIECE, SO TO SPEAK.
CONTINUE ON, ESPECIALLY AS WE GO THROUGH THESE HEADWINDS WITH THESE PUBLIC POLICIES ON THE CUTBACKS, ESPECIALLY IN REGARDS TO HEALTHCARE ACCESS.
>> DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS ON THAT?
[00:35:02]
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL STRATEGIES? WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ACTUALLY ON PUBLIC TV AND TO THOSE IN THE ROOM? WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN REGARDS TO WHERE Y'ALL ARE AT?>> ABSOLUTELY. THANK YOU SO MUCH, JUDGE, FOR THE OPPORTUNITY.
AGAIN, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE AT OUR CELEBRATION IS THE FACT THAT WE RECOGNIZED 30 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LOCALLY, COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT SERVE EVERYONE.
ALL RESIDENTS, REGARDLESS OF THEIR INCOME LEVEL, IT'S BASED ON THE NEED AND THEIR HEALTH CARE NEEDS OR SOCIAL NEEDS.
A LOT OF TIMES, AS WE KNOW, SOCIAL NEEDS ARE REALLY A HUGE PERCENTAGE OF THE ISSUES THAT WE SEE WITH OUR MEMBERS AS OPPOSED TO THOSE HEALTH CARE CIRCUMSTANCES.
IF WE CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR FOOD INSECURITIES, TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, HEALTH LITERACY, ETC, WE CAN REALLY HELP THE COMMUNITY LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, TAKE THAT RESPONSIBILITY, LEARN WHAT GOOD HEALTH AND WELLNESS LOOKS LIKE, AND CONTINUE TO DO BETTER OVERALL IN THEIR OVERALL HEALTH AND ALSO IN THEIR FAMILY'S HEALTH.
AGAIN, PARTNERING WITH AS MANY DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE CAN, AND AS YOU MENTIONED, SERVING AS THAT BRIDGE, WE'LL REALLY EXTEND THE SERVICES THAT NOT ONLY WE OFFER, BUT EVERYONE ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY THAT'S WORKING SO HARD FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL OF OUR RESIDENTS IN BEXAR COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU. LET'S GIVE COMMUNITY HEALTH PLANS ANOTHER ROUND OF APPLAUSE. [APPLAUSE].
>> COME FORWARD, ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION THAT I TOOK BACK LAST TIME, AND NOW I TENDER TO YOU.
>> COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, YOU HAVE AN EXCELLENT PRESENTATION, PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF COMMISSION COURT RECOGNIZING 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEARLS, PREPARATION STEAM, ACHIEVEMENT, RESILIENCY, LEARNING, STRENGTH AND STAMINA, AND EAGLES, ESTEEM, ACHIEVEMENT, GRIT, LEARNING LEADERSHIP, EMPOWERMENT STRENGTH, RESTORED TO FOSTER CARE COURT.
OBVIOUSLY, THIS COMES OUT OF OUR CHILDREN'S COURTS.
I'M VERY PROUD OF THE PEARLS AND EAGLES.
COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, YOU HAVE THE FLOOR.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. CAN I HAVE JUDGE ALVARADO, ANYBODY ELSE SITS HERE FOR THIS PROCLAMATION? THANK YOU, JUDGE FOR BEING HERE AND ALL THE WORK YOU DO THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE PROCLAMATION.
IT READS, WHEREAS, THIS YEAR, PEARLS COURT CELEBRATED ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF GIRLS IN FOSTER CARE IN BEXAR COUNTY THROUGH A RESTORATIVE TRAUMA INFORM MODEL THAT EMPHASIZES HEALING, RESILIENCE, AND OPPORTUNITY.
WHEREAS PEARLS COURT WAS FOUNDED IN 2015 BY JUDGE RUNEYANTA WITH HIS SUPPORT OF DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, AND IN 2019 JUDGES ROSIA AROLLADO AND HELLECA JIMENEZ ASSUMED JUDICIAL LEADERSHIP, EXPANDING THE MISSION AND IMPACT OF THE COURT, AND WHEREAS TO FURTHER EXTEND THESE RESTORATIVE SERVICES TO MALE YOUTH AND FOSTER CARE, EAGLE COURTS WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2020 WITH JUDGE DAVID CANALES, JUDGE, THANKS FOR BEING HERE, FOLLOWED BY JUDGES NADINE NIETO AND RAEL BALES PRESIDING AND TOGETHER FORMING THE RESTORATIVE FOSTER CARE COURTS OF BEXAR COUNTY, AND WHEREAS OVER THE PAST DECADE, MORE THAN 250 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN PEARLS AND EAGLES COURTS, RECEIVING COUNSELING, MENTORING LIFE SKILLS TRAINING, AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT THAT HAVE LED TO TANGIBLE OUTCOMES, INCLUDING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS, ENTRY INTO HIGHER ED, PLACEMENT STABILITY, DEFERRED EARLY PARENTHOOD AND INCREASED RESILIENCY, AND WHEREAS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH DFPS, CASA, BCFPS, AND ALAMO COLLEGES, UTSA, AM SAN ANTONIO, AND NUMEROUS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS, THE COURTS HAVE PROVIDED YOUTH WITH COLLEGE VISITS, CAREER EXPLORATION, THERAPEUTIC RETREATS, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP SERVICE, AND PERSONAL GROWTH, AND WHEREAS FOR 10 YEARS, PEARLS COURT HAS STOOD AS A MODEL OF COMPASSIONATE, COLLABORATIVE, AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, REMINDING EVERY PARTICIPANT THAT THEY ARE VALUED, WORTHY, AND CAPABLE OF A FUTURE FILLED WITH HOPE AND PURPOSE.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES PEARLS RESTORATIVE FOSTER CARE COURTS 10TH ANNIVERSARY
[00:40:03]
SIGNED BY YOUR COMMISSIONERS COURT.THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO.
LET'S GIVE THEM A BIG ROUND OF APPLAUSE [APPLAUSE].
>> JUDGES, THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> WELL, FIRST AND FOREMOST, THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO JUDGE SAKAI AND COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ SPONSORING THIS FOR US AND HELPING US BRING AWARENESS TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT PROGRAM AND SERVICE THAT WE DO TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR OUR FOSTER YOUTH.
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL IN THE EFFECT THAT IT HAS HAD ON OUR FOSTER YOUTH.
IT IS HELPING OUR FOSTER YOUTH BREAK BARRIERS.
IT IS HELPING THEM OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND BEAT THE STATISTICS, AND WE'RE SEEING IT.
JUST AS YOU SAID IN YOUR PROCLAMATION, WE'RE SEEING THESE YOUTH BEING PLACED INTO HIGHER EDUCATION, SUCCEEDING, FINDING STABILITY.
OFTENTIMES, YOUTH IN THESE COMMUNITIES DON'T HAVE THE STABILITY BECAUSE OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES.
THIS PROGRAM HAS COME TO SURROUND THEM WITH ALL OF THE SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE HERE.
IT JUST BRINGS WARMTH TO MY HEART TO SEE EVERYBODY THAT'S HERE.
WE HAVE EVERYONE FROM OUR MENTORS, OUR CAUSE OF SUPPORT, PEOPLE AND MEMBERS FROM OUR COMMUNITY.
OBVIOUSLY, OUR JUDGES AND OUR SUPPORT STAFF ARE ASSIGNED DAS THAT ARE PART OF THE PROGRAM.
WE COME TO SERVE OUR YOUTH, AND WE ARE VERY HONORED AND HAPPY THAT YOU ARE BRINGING A AWARENESS PROGRAM, AS WELL AS THE CELEBRATION OF 10 YEARS.
I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT WE HAVE ESSENTIALLY MOVED ON INTO OTHER PASTURES AS WELL.
WE NOW HAVE PEARLS AND EAGLES IN HARRIS COUNTY, AND SO WE ARE EXPANDING OUR PROGRAM BECAUSE IT'S WORKING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HONORING US TODAY AND RECOGNIZING THIS GREAT PROGRAM.
>> THAT'S SO GREAT, THANK YOU.
>> COME FORWARD FOR A GROUP PICTURE.
>> LARRY. WHERE DID THIS GUY COME FROM?
>> LET'S JUST KEEP GOING. WE'RE GOING TO PROCEED ON TO AGENDA ITEM 5A,
[5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ITEM(S) (Part 1 of 2)]
PRESENTATION DISCUSSION REGARDING JOHNNY HERNANDEZ GRAND FOUNDATION, USE OF THE $250,000 SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT FOR LA VITA ARTS, MARKET CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, AND THE RESULTANT IMPACT ON LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES AND CULTURAL TOURISM.>> I'LL SET THE TABLE FOR THIS.
CHEF, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE THIS MORNING. GOOD MORNING.
YOU MAY RECALL COURT THAT, I GUESS, SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WE MADE A SMALL BUSINESS GRANT TO THE JOHNNY ANANDZ FOUNDATION.
OFTENTIMES WE DO THESE AND WE MAKE AN INVESTMENT, AND WE DON'T GET TO HEAR BACK WHAT ACTUALLY OCCURRED IN THE COMMUNITY.
THE CHEF WANTED TO COME AND GIVE A BRIEF PRESENTATION ON HOW HE PUT THAT MONEY TO WORK AND HOW IT IS PAYING DIVIDENDS, NOT JUST NOW, BUT IN THE FUTURE.
I HOPE CHEF, I TEED THAT UP FOR YOU.
I'M GOING TO PASS IT OVER TO YOU AND GIVE YOU A FEW MINUTES TO GIVE US AN UPDATE ON HOW THAT'S GOING.
>> WELL, FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU AND GOOD MORNING EVERYONE.
THIS BODY DID ASKED FOR ME TO COME BACK AND DO A RECAP, SO HERE I AM KIND OF DELIVERING ON THE COMPLETION OF THE GRANT.
THIS GRANT, THE INTENT WAS TO SUPPORT THE SMALL BUSINESSES IN LA VILLITA.
THE GOAL AND THE VISION OF OUR PROGRAMMING IS ALIGNED WITH OUR UNESCO GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
WHAT THE PROGRAMMING THAT WE SET OUT TO CREATE AND TO SHARE WAS FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS, BUT WE WANTED OUR PROGRAMMING TO BE ALIGNED WITH OUR HERITAGE.
IN THE SLIDES THAT WE HAVE HERE THAT TO PRESENT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNATURE EVENTS, THE THEME THAT WE CREATED IN LA VILLITA WAS CALLED MARKET DAYS LA VILLITA.
IF WE CAN GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE,
[00:45:02]
THE SIGNATURE EVENTS FOCUS ON OUR HERITAGE.DAY OF THE DEAD IS THE NEXT ONE COMING UP.
WE NOW CAN BOAST HAVING THE LARGEST DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND THESE EVENTS ARE WHAT ARE BRINGING TOURISM AND LOCALS TO LA VILLITA.
LA VILLITA IS A COLLECTION OF ABOUT 18 SMALL BUSINESSES.
OBVIOUSLY, THESE BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY ACCESSIBILITY, VISIBILITY.
THE VILLAGE IS UNIQUE BECAUSE IT IS SECLUDED IN A SENSE.
IT'S DOWNTOWN, IT'S ON THE RIVER, BUT UNLESS YOU WALK INTO THE VILLAGE, YOU DON'T KNOW THAT THERE ARE 18 SMALL BUSINESSES THERE. NEXT SLIDE.
OKTOBERFEST WAS THE ONE THAT WE JUST WRAPPED UP.
THERE, YOU CAN SEE OUR COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ TAPPING A CELEBRATORY KEG.
I KNOW THAT I'VE BROUGHT STEIN FOR OUR JUDGE, BUT WE ARE FOCUSED, THROUGH THESE EVENTS, ON AUTHENTICITY AND ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF OUR CULTURE.
OKTOBERFEST AND LA VILLITA CELEBRATES THE INFLUENCES OF EUROPE THAT HAVE COME AND SETTLED THIS LAND.
WE HAD A GROUP OF 60 COME FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC, AND ABOUT 12 CAME FROM STRASBOURG AREA OF GERMANY AND FRANCE AREA, AND WE HAVE CHEFS AND STUDENTS THAT ARE PART OF THE PROGRAMMING.
VERY RICH, VERY TEXTURED, VERY ACCURATE CONTENT EXPERTS.
RIGHT HERE ON THE TOP OF THE SCREEN, YOU CAN SEE THE AWNING THAT WE PURCHASE WITH THE GRANT.
THAT AWNING THERE IS THE SHADE STRUCTURE, AND THE TABLES THAT ARE THERE WERE PART OF THE GRANT, AND THEN FANS AND THE LIGHTING. THESE ARE THE THINGS.
THE GRANT ALLOWS US TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE EVENTS THAT WILL GROW, AND WE EXECUTE THEM, AT A HIGH LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE TO DRAW VISITORS AND LOCALS.
THE NEXT SLIDE, DAY OF THE DEAD IS THE ONE COMING UP IN TWO WEEKS, IN THE VILLAGE OF LA VILLITA.
DAY OF THE DEAD IS ONE OF THOSE CELEBRATIONS THAT IS CITY WIDE.
WE HAVE A CONCENTRATION OF EVENTS THAT WE'RE DOING THERE IN LA VILLITA, AND ALL OUR PROGRAMMING HAS CULTURAL TEACHINGS.
YOU HAVE A LITTLE FRIENDA KIT THERE THAT WAS ASSEMBLED BY FAMILIES IN MICHUACAN, SO VERY AUTHENTIC.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU USE THAT OFRENDA.
THESE OFRIENDA, WE DONATE ABOUT 3-400 EVERY YEAR, AND THROUGH THESE ALTER KITS, WE SHARE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLIDAY AND ALSO IN A VERY ENGAGING WAY, WE EDUCATE STUDENTS AND KIDS ON THE CELEBRATION, JUST TO KEEP IT AUTHENTIC AND GROUNDED.
YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE WORKSHOPS THERE.
WE HAVE FRIENDS OF MINE THAT COME FROM MEXICO TO DO WORKSHOPS WITH THE FAMILIES, WITH THE KIDS, FACE PAINTING.
EVERYTHING IS FREE FOR THE COMMUNITY.
THE NEXT SLIDE. THIS WAS A NEW EVENT WE CREATED LAST YEAR, A HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN LA VILLITA.
WE ARE WORKING WITH THE TRADE SCHOOLS IN ST. PHILLIPS AND PALO ALTO TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN LA VILLITA.
WE'RE FOCUSED NOT ONLY ON STUDENTS AT ST. PHILLIPS AND PALO ALTO AUTOMOTIVE COLLEGES, BUT IT IS ALSO GROUNDED IN OUR HERITAGE THAT COMES FROM CASERVILLE, TEXAS.
THE ALSATIANS THAT SETTLED OVER 170 YEARS AGO IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY, BROUGHT SOME OF THESE TRADITIONS, AND WE ARE HELPING BRING THOSE TRADITIONS BACK TO LIFE AND GIVE THEM A PLACE IN LA VILLITA IN OUR DOWNTOWN.
ON THE BOTTOM, YOU SEE DR. MIKE, OUR CHANCELLOR, AND DOCTOR LAWTON, WHO'S OUR PRESIDENT THERE AT ST. PHILIPS, AND THEN YOU SEE THE CULINARY STUDENTS WHO DID THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE BAKING COMPETITION.
IT WAS AMAZING. I INVITE EVERYONE TO DAY OF THE DEAD ON THE 24TH THROUGH NOVEMBER THE SECOND IN THE VILLAGE OF LA VILLITA, IT'S VERY ENGAGING AND IT'S FREE FOR THE FAMILY.
THEN, OF COURSE, WE'LL FOLLOW UP.
AS SOON AS WE TAKE DAY OF THE DEAD DOWN, WE COME UP WITH HOLIDAYS IN LA VILLITA.
VERY SPECIAL, AND AGAIN, THE STUDENTS OF ST. PHILLIPS MADE THIS VILLAGE, THE TRADE SCHOOLS ON THE SOUTH SIDE.
IT'S AN AMAZING EFFORT ON THEIR PART.
THEN THE LAST SLIDE, THE JOHNNY ARNANDEZ GRANT FOUNDATION IS A MINISTRY DEDICATED TO MY DAD, JOHNNY ARNANDEZ SENIOR, AND THIS IS ON THE WEST SIDE OF SAN ANTONIO.
HERE YOU SEE THE KITCHEN THAT WE BUILT AS A COMMUNITY FROM DONATIONS, FROM THE HELP OF OBVIOUSLY OF THIS PORT AND THE COUNTY, BUT HERE YOU HAVE SOME STUDENTS FROM BRACKENRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL.
THESE ARE WORKSHOPS THAT WE DO WITH STUDENTS.
>> I'M SORRY, WHAT'S ALL THAT? I SAY, WHAT'S ALL THAT?
>> SO WE HAVE THE BIG PA CHALLENGE ON THE SOUTH SIDE EVERY YEAR THAT ALL ARE FAMILIAR WITH, AND OBVIOUSLY, KITCHEN CAMP IS VERY SPECIAL.
IT'S OUR WAY OF GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY ALL YEAR LONG,
[00:50:02]
SO THAT IS OUR REPORT.JUDGE, YOU ASKED ME TO COME BACK AND SHARE WITH YOU AND MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE ACCOUNTABLE AND THAT WE'RE GOOD STEWARDS OF THIS GROUP PROVIDED FOR US.
AND JUDGE, THIS IS NOT AN ACTION ITEM.
IT'S REALLY JUST A REPORT BACK, AS WE DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF THE INVESTMENTS THAT WE MAKE WITH THESE GRANTS AND HOW THEY'RE BEING PUT TO YOU.
SO, CHEF, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME THIS MORNING.
AS YOU MENTIONED, I GOT TO WORK ON MY FORM A LITTLE BIT WITH THAT KEG TAPPING.
I HAVEN'T DONE IT SINCE COLLEGE.
A LITTLE DIFFERENT WITH THOSE BIG GERMAN KEGS, BUT IT WAS A GREAT TURNOUT AT THE EVENT.
AS YOU MENTIONED, I WAS SURPRISED.
SOME OF THE PERFORMERS HAD COME IN LARGE GROUPS FROM GERMANY, AND WE'RE REALLY NOT JUST I THINK A BIG PART OF THE CELEBRATION, BUT WE'RE OBVIOUSLY SPENDING MONEY IN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY AND ALSO GENERATING THAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AS WELL.
CHEF, THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO WITH THESE EVENTS AND ALSO WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR FOUNDATION AT THE KITCHEN CAMPUS. I APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.
>> JOHNNY, LET ME JUST ADD IN.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
THIS WAS YOUR INITIATIVE, WHICH I WAS PROUD TO SUPPORT. JOHNNY, YES.
NOT SO MUCH A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, BUT YOU STARTED OUT AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER BECAUSE OF EITHER INCENTIVES OR THE POLICIES OR OR JUST YOUR GROWTH HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL IN THIS COMMUNITY NOW, YOU'RE JUST A MAJOR VENDOR, SO TO SPEAK, AS FAR AS FOOD SERVICES, CATERING AND WHATNOT.
WHAT'S THE MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY? AND WHEN WE TAKE, REALLY, I MEAN, ON A SCHEME OF THINGS, I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE SIT 250.
THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY. AND WHAT DID WE GET INTO, BECAUSE AS A BUSINESS OWNER YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE A PROFIT, CORRECT?
>> AND SO HELP THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTAND.
THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS THAT WE DO.
WHAT DO WE GET IN RETURN? WHAT'S THE PUBLIC GET? WHAT DOES THE TAXPAYERS GET IN RETURN?
>> I THINK THAT ONE THING THAT IS FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT FOR ME FOR WHAT WE'RE DOING IN DAVITA IS TO ENSURE THAT THE INVESTMENT THAT IS MADE BY THIS COUNTY AND THE CITY IS SOMETHING THAT IS SUSTAINABLE, AND IT GIVES BACK OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO TAKE A GRANT, HIRE SOMEBODY TO EXECUTE EVENTS, AND RENT THINGS.
WE INVESTED IN ASSETS THAT WE WILL USE FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 10 YEARS, AND THEY WILL PAY DIVIDENDS OVER 10 YEARS.
IN THE VILLAGE OF DAVITA, OBVIOUSLY, THE GOAL WAS TO BRING PEOPLE BACK DOWNTOWN, SUPPORT THESE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT ARE STRUGGLING.
YOU CAN'T EVEN GET INTO DAVITA SOMETIMES.
SO THESE EVENTS HAVE BROUGHT FOOTFALL AND VISIBILITY INTO THE VILLAGE OF DAVITA.
IT'LL CONTINUE TO DO IT FOR MANY YEARS.
BUT I THINK THAT WHAT YOU WILL KNOW FROM ME IS THAT, FROM MY COMPANY, WE'VE PUT TEN TIMES MORE THAN WHAT THIS GRANT PROVIDED.
SO I MEAN, WE ARE ALSO GIVING FROM OUR RESOURCES TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
SO THE GRANT REPRESENTS MAYBE ABOUT 20% OF OUR OVERALL ANNUAL BUDGET.
I MEAN, THESE EVENTS THAT WE'RE PRODUCING ARE VERY COSTLY.
AND I THINK THERE ARE EXAMPLES OF HOW OTHERS WILL USE FUNDS TO EITHER RENT OR HIRE A PRODUCTION COMPANY TO DO AN EVENT.
WE ARE THE PRODUCTION COMPANY.
SO WE ARE ABLE TO TAKE THESE FUNDS AND MAXIMIZE THE EFFICIENCY AND THE EXECUTION, AND THEN THE LONG-TERM REALLY SUSTAINABILITY TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT GROWS AND IS SUSTAINABLE, IS NOT A BURDEN TO THE LOCAL TAXPAYERS.
>> SO THAT'S REALLY WHAT WE CALL A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP.
THE THREE PS IN ORDER TO HAVE REALLY LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE GROWTH WITH THE COLLABORATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FINANCE.
IS THAT WHAT THIS THING IS ALL ABOUT?
>> THANK YOU, JOHNNY. CAN WE GIVE JOHNNY A ROUND OF THANKS? THANK YOU, JOHNNY.
>> WE'RE GOING BACK TO MORNING, COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES, PRESENTATION 4A.
PROCLAMATION ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSION COURT RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 13, 2025, AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE SAKAI, FOR MOVING THE AGENDA AROUND TODAY.
I APPRECIATE IT. I HAVE TO KEEP UP WITH MY ONCOLOGY APPOINTMENTS.
AT THIS TIME, IT'S MY HONOR TO RECOGNIZE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY.
IF YOU GUYS WANT TO COME FORWARD, AS I READ.
[00:55:18]
I'M GOING TO READ THE PROCLAMATION.IT STATES WHEREAS OCTOBER 12, 1942, WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL DATES FOR ALL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF AMERICA, SINCE IT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE COLONIZATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE THAT FOREVER CHANGED THEIR IDENTITY, CULTURES, AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
AND WHEREAS THE 2007 UNITED NATIONS DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IS A CLEAR MESSAGE THAT WORLD GOVERNMENTS ARE DEVELOPING A NEED TO FOCUS ON INDIGENOUS IDENTITY.
AND WHEREAS, THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE YANAGUANA ALSO RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR EDUCATION OF THEIR HERITAGE AND CULTURE TO INSTILL A MUCH-NEEDED PRIDE TO A COMMUNITY DEVASTATED THROUGH YEARS OF COLONIZATION.
AND WHEREAS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE CONTRIBUTE TO THE FABRIC OF OUR NATION'S PROSPERITY AND DIVERSITY THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS OF THEIR CULTURE, HERITAGE, AND EFFORTS TO STEWARD LANDS AND WATERS AND STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES OCTOBER 13, 2025, AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
>> COMMISSIONER, I BELIEVE WE HAVE TWO CITIZENS TO BE HEARD THAT SIGNED UP FOR THIS PARTICULAR AGENDA ITEM 4A.
AND SO I WANT TO RECOGNIZE THEM.
I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'LL WANT TO SPEAK AS ONE OR BOTH.
I'M GOING TO RECOGNIZE NICK GRIEGO AND ANTONIO DIAZ.
DO YOU WISH THE CITIZENS TO BE HEARD? I'M GIVING YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO THE COMMUNITY, ANTONIO.
>> BEING THAT THERE'S BEEN SO MUCH CONFUSION OVER THIS YEAR'S REQUEST.
I SIGNED TO SPEAK TO MAKE SURE THAT I WAS GOING TO GET SOME TIME TO SPEAK ON OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY REQUEST.
BECAUSE I HAD ORIGINALLY REQUESTED COMMISSIONER CALVERT BACK IN JUNE, AND HE HAD AGREED AND HE MOVED FORWARD, HIS OFFICE DID ON CERTAIN ITEMS. BUT THEN, WHEN I REQUESTED AGAIN, JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, THERE WAS MUCH CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER WE EVEN HAD A RESOLUTION OR PROCLAMATION IN PLACE.
BUT BEING THAT I AM OF SEVERAL DIFFERENT TRIBES WITHIN MY BLOODLINES, I AM USED TO BEING PUSHED BACKWARDS.
ACTUALLY, I'M USED TO BEING LYNCHED FROM A MESQUITE TREE.
THE CHEF RIGHT NOW SPOKE ABOUT DAVITA.
IF YOU KNOW TRUE HISTORY ACROSS IT IN THE HEMISPHERE ARENA AREA NOW, WHICH WON'T BE THERE LONGER EITHER.
DACATO ADE, OR INCARCERATED OR HELD IN A RESERVATION, UNTIL THEY WERE REMOVED.
DAVITA ACTUALLY HELD OVER 38 FAMILIES OF INDIGENOUS BLOODLINES UNTIL THEY WERE REMOVED.
AS THE COLONIZER SETTLERS MOVE MORE AND MORE IN, WE EITHER ASSIMILATE OR WE ARE MOVED OUT.
THAT IS WHY THIS DAY IS SO IMPORTANT TO MYSELF AND TO OTHERS THAT HAVE JOINED ME THROUGH THE YEARS.
WE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN, AND WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR ANCESTORS.
WE ARE THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE OF THIS LAND, THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE.
WE WERE NOT DISCOVERED BY ANY COLUMBUS.
HE'S A GENTLE. HE COMMITTED GENOCIDE AGAINST OUR PEOPLE.
HE WAS A PEDOPHILE. TO HONOR HIM IS A DISGRACE TO THE ITALIAN PEOPLE.
THEY HAVE SO MANY MORE PEOPLE THAT THEY CAN HONOR, AND WE WOULD STAND RIGHT ALONGSIDE OF THEM, BUT NOT THAT MAN.
EVEN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH PUT HIM IN PRISON OVER THE ATROCITIES HE COMMITTED AGAINST THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.
THEY SHOULD LEARN THEIR HISTORY.
LIKE, AGAIN, I'VE ALWAYS SAID, I AM GRATEFUL FOR ANY SUPPORT.
BUT I WILL NOT BEND THE KNEE TO LIES. I WILL NOT.
[01:00:06]
>> THANK YOU, ANTONIO. NICK GRIEGO.
>> MY NAME IS NICK GRIEGO, AND THIS IS MY DAUGHTER.
SO I JUST WANT TO THANK THE COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTY FOR HELPING US OUT HERE, LIKE MY FATHER SAID, WE WERE PUT ON THE BACK BURNER.
IT REALLY HURTS MY SOUL TO GET PUT IN THE BACK BURNER BECAUSE OF ALL THE STUFF THAT WE'VE BEEN THROUGH.
AND PROJECT MARVEL IS NOT ON THE BACK BURNER.
MARTIN LUTHER KING MARCH IS NOT ON THE BACK BURNER.
WHY ARE WE ON THE BACK BURNER? THIS IS NOT RIGHT. WHAT HAPPENS, AND WE'RE HAVING IT DONE AT THE CITY AS WELL.
THIS NEEDS TO STOP. JUDGE SAKAI.
I HAVE A LOT OF RESPECT FOR MANY OF YOU ON THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT.
AND I'D LIKE TO LEAVE WITH A COUPLE OF WORDS.
MYSELF, MY DAUGHTER, OUR DESCENDANTS OF THE PEOPLE THAT THEY DID NOT KILL, AND WE WERE HERE TO STAND.
AND THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH INDIGENOUS BLOODLINES THROUGH ALL NATIONS; THEY NEED TO STICK TOGETHER. THEY JUST DON'T KNOW.
TRY TO ERASE OUR HISTORY, AND AGAIN, WE'RE HERE TO STAND, AND WE'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE.
BUT I CAN TALK. YES. TO LIVE IS TO DREAM, TO DIE IS TO AWAKEN.
I KNOW THIS IS A HIDDEN AGENDA; WE ARE ONLY HERE FOR A LIMITED TIME HERE ON THIS EARTH, OR THE ASSIMILATION OR WHATEVER IT IS.
LET'S MAKE THE BEST OF IT. THANK YOU.
>> FIRST TO OUR CREATOR [SPANISH].
THEY SAY THAT WE DIDN'T PRAY AND WE WERE SAVAGES, BUT WE DID PRAY. HERE'S A PRAYER.
OH, GREAT SPIRIT WHOSE VOICE I HEAR IN THE WIND AND WHOSE BREATH GIVES LIFE TO ALL THE WORLD.
I SEEK YOUR STRENGTH AND WISDOM.
HELP ME WALK IN BEAUTY AND MY EYES EVER BEHOLD THE RED AND PURPLE SUNSET.
MAKE MY HANDS RESPECT THE THINGS YOU HAVE MADE AND MY EARS SHARP TO HEAR YOUR VOICE.
MAKE ME WISE SO THAT I UNDERSTAND THE THINGS YOU HAVE TAUGHT YOUR PEOPLE.
TEACH ME THE LESSONS YOU HAVE HIDDEN IN EVERY LEAF AND ROCK.
FOR I SEEK STRENGTH NOT TO BE GREATER THAN MY BROTHERS, BUT TO FIGHT THE GREATEST ENEMY MYSELF.
BUT WHEN I FACE A FADING SUNSET, I MAY COME TO YOU WITH STRAIGHT EYES, CLEAN HANDS, AND A CLEAN SPIRIT [SPANISH].
AND THESE PICTURES THAT I HOLD RIGHT HERE ARE OF ONE OF MY MOM'S GREAT, GREAT GRANDMAS.
AND HERE FROM THE OTHER SIDE OR THAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRANDPA.
THEY WERE CAPTIVE THERE AT THE SAN JOSE MISSION, AND THESE ARE THE PICTURES THAT WERE TAKEN THERE WHEN THEY TOOK AWAY THEIR KIDS AND LEFT THEM WITH ONE SON AND ONE DAUGHTER EACH.
SO THE REST OF THE CHILDREN THEY HAD, THEY TOOK THEM AWAY AND SOLD THEM TO OTHER COUNTRIES AS SLAVES.
SO I GOT FAMILY ALL OVER THAT I DON'T KNOW BECAUSE OF THAT.
AND THEY SAY THAT THEY'RE FROM OVER THERE, BUT REALLY, THEY'RE NOT.
THEY'RE FROM HERE. IF THEY LOOK LIKE ME, THEY'RE FROM HERE.
THESE ARE THE PICTURES THAT WERE TAKEN AT SAN JOSE MISSION WHEN THEY HAD THAT CAMERA,
[01:05:08]
AND IT'S GOT BLACK MARKINGS ON THE PICTURES.WHEN SUSAN SNOW SAW IT, SHE WAS AMAZED BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT DRESSED AS INDIANS.
THEY GAVE THEM REGULAR CLOTHES, LIKE ALL OF US.
>> THAT'S WHY THEY'RE DRESSED LIKE THIS.
THEY EVEN WENT INTO THE PICTURE AND WERE TRYING TO PROVE IT.
THEY DID. BECAUSE THESE ARE THE SAME CHAIRS THEY HAD THERE AND THE BACKGROUND, EVERYTHING.
YES. THEY WERE KEEPING SAFE BY MY GRANDMA.
WE'RE TOLD HAVE ALL THE KIDS YOU CAN HAVE.
IT'S A BLESSING. GOD SAID, BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY.
>> THANK YOU, DIANA. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A PICTURE TO SHOW OUR SUPPORT.
>> THANK YOU, DIANA. WE'RE GOING TO ASK YOU TO COME UP FOR THE PICTURE. I JUST WOULD [OVERLAPPING]
>> I WASN'T THROUGH TALKING, THOUGH.
I HAD STAND UP FOR THREE MINUTES JUST TO ENSURE THAT I WOULD GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ON THIS SUBJECT MATTER.
>> ANTONIO, YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> WHILE I DO APPRECIATE BEING ABLE TO BE HERE AND NOT HANGING OUTSIDE BY AN OAK TREE.
OUR PEOPLE HAVE GONE THROUGH VERY MUCH.
AGAIN, THE ASSIMILATION EFFORTS ARE NON-STOP.
WE DON'T KNOW WHO WE ARE. THAT IS WHAT WE DO.
YOU MAY GIVE 30 MINUTES TO WHOEVER COMES TO GIVE A PRESENTATION AND THREE MINUTES TO US.
BUT WE DO AS MUCH AS ALL THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE GETTING GRANTS AND HAVE BUILDINGS AND ARE EDUCATING THERE. WE DO IT IN THE STREET.
WE TELL OUR PEOPLE EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE, WHERE THEY COME FROM, AND WHERE THEY CAN FIND INFORMATION TO AGAIN RECOGNIZE WHO THEY ARE. WE DO IT FOR FREE.
WE DON'T CHARGE THE COUNTY, WE DON'T CHARGE THE STATE.
WE DON'T CHARGE THE CITY, AND WE DON'T CHARGE THE PEOPLE.
BUT WE WILL NOT BE TREATED AS THIRD CLASS OR INHUMAN SAVAGES IN THE 21ST CENTURY. WE WILL NOT.
THAT IS BEING TRIED TO BE DONE TO US STILL TODAY, AND WE WON'T STAND FOR IT.
IF WE HAVE TO, WE WILL TAKE TO THE STREET WITHOUT PERMITS, WITHOUT ANYTHING, AND WE WILL TAKE TO THE STREETS, AND WE WILL PROTEST AS EVERYONE ELSE DOES AGAINST TRUMP'S FASCIST GOVERNMENT.
WE WILL DO IT AGAINST THIS GOVERNMENT.
LIKE I SAID, I WILL NOT BEND THE KNEE.
MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE HUNG, CRUCIFIED, BURNED.
IF THAT HAS TO BE DONE TO ME, SO BE IT. I WON'T BEND THE KNEE.
>> WOULD ALL PLEASE COME FORWARD SO WE COULD STAND IN SUPPORT OF YOU?
>> I JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHAT YOUR SHIRT SAYS AND NO ONE IS ILLEGAL ON STOLEN LAND.
I HAVE BOUGHT ONE OF THOSE SHIRTS FROM YOU ALL, SO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. ANTONIO? [MUSIC]
[01:10:35]
[4. CEREMONIAL ITEM(S) (Part 2 of 2)]
PROCLAMATION BY COMMISSION COURT RECOGNIZE AND PROCLAIMING OCTOBER 2025 AS WALK OCTOBER.>> YEAH, I KNOW THERE ARE SEVERAL MEMBERS OF MPO WHO ARE HERE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO OUR SMALL BUT MIGHTY TEAM OF MPO WHO GOT A LOT DONE.
WE ARE RECOGNIZING WALKTOBER, READS AS FOLLOWS.
WHEREAS THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MONTH BY THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.
BEXAR COUNTY WILL OBSERVE IT AS WALKTOBER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, AND WHEREAS WALKTOBER HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF WALKING IN A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND AFFORDABLE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION.
A TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT SERVES ALL USERS.
INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY WILL ALSO BE RECOGNIZED TO ENCOURAGE SAFE WALKING HABITS AMONG CHILDREN, TEENS, AND PARENTS.
WHEREAS WALKING IMPROVES PHYSICAL HEALTH, BY BUILDING EXERCISE INTO DAILY LIFE, IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH BY REDUCING STRESS AND INCREASING TIME OUTDOORS AND STRENGTHENS LOCAL ECONOMY BY BRINGING MORE PEOPLE INTO NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES.
A WALKABLE COMMUNITY ALSO FOSTERS CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORS AND CREATES A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING.
WHEREAS, INVESTING IN PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND WALKABILITY ENSURES EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF AGE, ABILITY, OR INCOME HAS ACCESS TO SAFE, RELIABLE WAYS TO GET AROUND.
SUPPORTING WALKTOBER IS AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD INCREASING SAFETY AND QUALITY OF LIFE AND MAKING BEXAR COUNTY A MORE CONNECTED PLACE FOR ALL.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES PROCLAIMS, OCTOBER 25TH AS WALKTOBER.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE.
MY NAME IS MIA GARZA-WHITE, AND I'M THE COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER AT THE ALAMO AREA MPO.
WE ARE THE REGION'S TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AGENCY, AND WE'RE PROUD TO BE HERE TODAY TO DESIGNATE OCTOBER AS WALKTOBER, A MONTH TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.
AS MENTIONED, OUR REGION EXPERIENCES A HIGHER RATE OF PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE, MAKING THIS ISSUE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR US.
WE WILL BE AT COMMUNITY EVENTS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AS WELL AS SHARING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON MPOS LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN.
WALKING IS ONE OF THE SAFEST HEALTHIEST AND MOST AFFORDABLE WAYS TO GET AROUND.
IT BENEFITS NOT ONLY THE INDIVIDUAL, BUT ALSO OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR RECOGNIZING WALKTOBER AND FOR HELPING US HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF WALKING AS A VITAL FORM OF TRANSPORTATION.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, DO YOU WANT TO COME FORWARD FOR A PICTURE? [BACKGROUND]
>> KATE, I BELIEVE THAT CONCLUDES ALL THE CEREMONIALS.
I BELIEVE LET'S GO BACK TO INDIVIDUAL.
I THINK WE HAVE ONE MATTER THAT WAS CALLED, COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.
I'M ALERTING YOU ON AGENDA ITEM 84,
[CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (Part 2 of 2)]
APPROVAL OR REQUEST FROM COMMISSIONER TOMMY CALVERT PRECINCT 4 TO AMEND THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR JONATHAN HOLLER CONCLUDE ADDITIONAL DUTIES, COMPENSATION OF $28,091.03 UTILIZED A FY 24, 25 PRECINCT 4 OFFICE BUDGET PERSONNEL SAVINGS. COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES?>> THANK YOU. I PULLED THIS BECAUSE I JUST HAD SEVERAL QUESTIONS ON IT.
FIRST OF ALL, IS THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE CONTRACT STILL WORKING FOR THE SHERIFF'S UNION?
>> I DON'T KNOW 100%, BUT I BELIEVE SO.
>> I WOULD THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST SINCE WE ARE IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THEM AT THE TIME,
[01:15:02]
IS THAT NOT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?>> IT'S A GREAT QUESTION, COMMISSIONER.
UNDER CHAPTER 551 OF GOVERNMENT CODE, A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IS DEFINED AS A PECUNIARY ADVANTAGE OR A BLOOD RELATION.
IN TERMS OF MY HAVING A BLOOD RELATION TO THE DEPUTY SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION, I DO NOT HAVE ONE, SO I DON'T HAVE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN THAT REGARD.
>> NO, NOT YOU, THE INDIVIDUAL.
IF HE WORKS FOR COMMISSIONER, AND THEN ALSO THE SHERIFF'S UNION, IT WOULD SEEM THAT THERE'S A CONFLICT OF INTEREST AS THIS COURT IS IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THEM.
IT'S JUST SOMETHING I WANT TO BRING UP.
>> GREAT QUESTION. THE CONSULTANT IN QUESTION IS NOT INVOLVED IN THOSE CONVERSATIONS.
AS YOU MAY RECALL, WE DO THOSE CONVERSATIONS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION AS A BODY, AND WE DO NOT MEET WITH THE DEPUTY SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION INDIVIDUALLY.
THAT IS NOT PART OF THEIR ASSIGNED DUTIES.
>> I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I BROUGHT THAT UP BECAUSE I HAVE THOSE QUESTIONS.
THEN SECONDLY, WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS, IT'S $28,000. LET ME GO TO IT.
I THOUGHT THAT WAS FOR ANOTHER YEAR CONTRACT.
BUT THEN LOOKING CLOSER, IT'S $28,000 JUST FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT CONTRACT OF TWO MONTHS.
>> THE CONTRACT PAYMENT IS BROKEN OUT INTO, I THINK, APPROXIMATELY $2,400 PER MONTH OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE CONTRACT.
THE WORK IS GOING TO BE ONGOING.
THE RATE HAS BEEN THE SAME FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, AND THIS IS JUST A COST OF ADDITIONAL DUTIES.
>> FOR THE RECORD, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT I CAN SUPPORT BECAUSE ACCORDING TO THE CONTRACT, IT'S AN INCREASE OF $28,000 FOR AN EXTENSION OF TWO MONTHS.
IT'S FOR A CONTRACTOR WHO'S NOT FULL-TIME, THAT'S JUST A LOT OF MONEY.
I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT WORKS LEGALLY.
LARRY, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO COMMENT ON.
>> COMMISSIONER, IT'S A GOOD QUESTION.
IT'S AN INCREASE THAT'S EFFECTIVE TODAY OCTOBER 14TH.
THE CONTRACT ENDS NOVEMBER 16TH, SO IT'S ACTUALLY ONE MONTH.
I CAN'T TELL THE COURT HOW TO PAY ITS CONTRACTORS, BUT IT'S $28,000 FOR ONE MONTH.
YOU CAN LOOK AT THE EXHIBIT FOR YOURSELF, BUT IT'S ONLY TWO BULLET POINTS.
IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO SUPPORT THAT, BUT THAT'S THE COMMISSIONER'S PREROGATIVE.
I CAN'T TELL HIM HOW TO DO THAT, BUT IT'S $28,000 FOR ONE MONTH.
YOU CAN READ THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT.
>> WHAT DOES THESE CONTRACTS? DOES YOUR OFFICE DO THESE CONTRACTS?
>> YES. I WAS REQUESTED BY COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE AND I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR ATTENTION, BUT I CAN'T [OVERLAPPING].
>> CAN YOU SAY THE COMMISSIONER, THERE'S A FEW OF US UP HERE.
>> COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 4, I BROUGHT THAT TO HIS STAFF'S ATTENTION AND HIS STAFF DECLINED.
AGAIN, I CAN'T TELL THEM HOW TO PAY THEIR CONTRACTORS.
IT DOES RAISE QUESTIONS OF WHEN YOU HAVE VERY LITTLE TO SUPPORT THAT LEVEL OF PAYMENT.
IT DOES RAISE CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.
BUT AGAIN, THAT'S THE COMMISSIONER'S PREROGATIVE.
>> THE LEGALITY OF IT, THOUGH, AREN'T THERE STATE LAWS IN TERMS OF PAYING AND WHAT'S CONSIDERED GIFTING, IF IT'S A CONSIDERED AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF FUNDS.
>> YES, THERE IS, AND 28,000 A CONTRACT FOR A YEAR OF 50,000 WHEN YOU RAISE IT $28,000 FOR ONE MONTH, IT DOES PRESENT QUESTIONS.
BUT AGAIN, THAT'S THE COMMISSIONER.
HE HAS TO JUSTIFY THOSE COSTS.
I TRIED TO RAISE THOSE ISSUES, BUT I CAN'T TELL THE COMMISSIONER, IT DOES RAISE ISSUES, YES.
>> I'D LIKE TO MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM TO CHECK INTO THE LEGALITY OF IT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER.
I CAN ACTUALLY SUPPORT YOUR TABLING.
I THINK THAT THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A ROLLOVER OF FUNDING THAT WAS UNSPENT, AND WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF WORKING TOGETHER FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES.
[01:20:01]
I'M FAIRLY CERTAIN IT WILL NOT BE DEEMED AS ILLEGAL.I THINK THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED SOME SUSPICIOUS SUBJECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TODAY.
I'M HAPPY TO GO THROUGH THIS WITH EVERYONE. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> YEAH, I MADE A MOTION TO TABLE.
>> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER. LARRY, I DIDN'T MEAN TO PUT YOU IN AN AWKWARD POSITION.
I JUST NEEDED TO PULL IT TO BRING THESE QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. I'M NOT IN AN AWKWARD POSITION.
THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
>> THERE'S NOTHING SUSPICIOUS ABOUT IT. THANK YOU.
I'M GOING TO CALL FOR A VOTE UNLESS THERE'S ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION.
>> I THINK THERE'S TWO PARTS OF THIS.
THERE'S A QUESTION ABOUT THE WORK, AND ULTIMATELY, I THINK WE SHOULD SHOW DEFERENCE TO MEMBERS OF THE COURT ABOUT WHAT WORK THEY NEED TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED FOR THEIR OFFICE.
THE SECOND PART IN TERMS OF THE DATES OF THE CONTRACT AND THE AMOUNT FOR THE TIME PERIOD, THAT'S OBVIOUSLY I THINK THE MOST CONCERNING THING AND I'M NOT SURE IF THAT WAS JUST THE TYPO OR WHETHER THIS IS FOR AN ANNUAL AMOUNT, BUT IT WAS JUST BROUGHT TO THE COURT LOOKING AT ONE MONTH.
OBVIOUSLY, I JUST WANT TO SHARE THAT PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE IF WE'RE GOING TO BRING THIS BACK, COMMISSIONER CALVERT, THAT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE SOMETHING I'D JUST LIKE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND.
>> ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION TO TABLE. SIGN BY SAYING AYE.
>> AYE. ANY OPPOSED, ANY ABSTENTION.
KATE, DOES THAT CONCLUDE ALL THE MATTERS OF CONSENT?
>> LET'S GET BACK TO AGENDA ITEMS.
[5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ITEM(S) (Part 2 of 2)]
WE'RE STILL IN SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS.WE'LL TAKE A 5B, PRESENTATION OF MOODY'S CREDIT RATING FINDINGS AFFIRMING BEXAR COUNTY STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION, MISS GAITAN.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
MY NAME IS TANYA GAITAN BUDGET AND FINANCE DIRECTOR.
WE JUST WANTED TO PRESENT TO YOU THAT MOODY'S, OUR CREDIT RATING AGENCY, ONE OF THE THREE THAT WE USE, HAS REAFFIRMED OUR TOP RATING AAA FOR THE COUNTY AND REAFFIRMED CONTINUING THE AA TWO FOR OUR MOTOR VEHICLE AND HOTEL TAX.
THEY DO THIS ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT MY FINANCE TEAM WORKED WITH THEM, BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT WE PROVIDED THEM.
THEY REAFFIRMED THAT WE ARE IN A STABLE ECONOMY, STABLE FINANCIAL POSITION, AND THIS IS DUE TO THE COURT'S DECISIONS ON FINANCIAL POLICIES, FINANCIAL DECISIONS, FOR THE BUDGET PROCESS AS WELL FOR OUR CAPITAL PROGRAM.
WHAT THIS DOES FOR US IS IT ALLOWS US WHEN WE DO GO OUT FOR NEW ISSUANCES OR REFUNDINGS THAT WE ARE A MARKETABLE AGENCY, SO INVESTORS WILL MORE LIKELY PROVIDE FUNDING FOR OUR CAPITAL PROJECTS.
I JUST WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE JUDGE AND THE COMMISSIONERS AND WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE AND OF COURSE, MY TEAM AS WELL.
>> ANY QUESTION OR COMMENT? MR. RODRIGUEZ?
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. TANYA, THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS UP.
I KNOW IT'S ONE OF THOSE ISSUES THAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED SOMETIMES BECAUSE WHEN WE'RE OUT IN THE MARKET, WE ASSUME WE'RE GETTING ALWAYS THE BEST INTEREST, BUT THIS IS WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO THAT, GETTING INVESTORS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A GOOD CREDIT.
I'M RELATED TO THIS, THE VENUE TAX DOES A SEPARATE RATING.
THAT'S OBVIOUSLY IN THE NEWS THESE DAYS BECAUSE OF THE ELECTION.
HAVE THEY DONE ANY RATINGS ON THE VENUE TAX AT ALL?
>> YES. I BELIEVE THEY DID ONE LAST YEAR, AND THEY UPGRADED US ACTUALLY.
IT'S A DIFFERENT RATING SCALE. I'LL HAVE TO.
>> BUT IT'S STILL WHAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER A GOOD TO EXCELLENT?
>> YES. IT'S A HIGH INVESTMENT GRADE.
>> GOT YOU. I WAS JUST CURIOUS ABOUT THAT. AGAIN, THANK YOU.
TANYA, I KNOW YOU CREDITED US.
WHEN I KNOW WHEN THEY GO THROUGH THESE RATINGS, REVIEWS, IT'S ALSO ABOUT STAFF AND HOW STAFF IS NUMBER 1, THE STABILITY OF LEADERSHIP, BUT ALSO THE COMPETENCY LEVEL OF THE TEAM.
KUDOS TO DAVID, TINA, YOURSELF, TANYA, AND THE REST OF THE BUDGET OFFICE BECAUSE IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
>> I JUST WANTED TO CONGRATULATE REALLY YOUR TEAM.
AGAIN, ANOTHER SMALL TEAM, BUT YOU GUYS DO A GOOD JOB.
[01:25:02]
DAVID AND TINA, THE AUDITOR. THANK WITH IT.>> JUST CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL.
KEEP MAKING US LOOK GOOD. THANK YOU.
>> ANY FURTHER COMMENT? WELL, LET ME JUST CLOSE WITH THIS TANYA.
I DO WANT TO THANK THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE COUNTY STAFF FOR THE COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST CREDIT RATINGS THAT WE CAN.
WHEN I BEGAN AS YOUR COUNTY JUDGE, WE LEARNED THAT THE RATING AGENCIES, WE'RE PLACING A HIGHER EMPHASIS ON DEBT PER CAPITA, CORRECT, DAVID SMITH.
SINCE THEN, WE HAVE MADE STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS IN PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC HEALTH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
WE DID THIS ONE OUT ISSUING NEW DEBT.
I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNTY IS EXERCISING SOUND FINANCIAL PRACTICES WHICH LOWER OUR DEBT SERVICE AND SUPPORT FUNDING COMMUNITY PRIORITIES.
WITH THAT, I SAY AGAIN TO MY COLLEAGUES.
THAT THANK YOU AND TO THE STAFF. COMMISSIONER MOODY.
>> IF I COULD JUST ASK A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS HERE.
FIRST OF ALL, THIS IS GOOD NEWS AND I APPRECIATE TANYA AND COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE BRING THIS FORWARD.
BUT MAYBE WE COULD HAVE THIS AS PART OF A BROADER DISCUSSION ON AN UPDATE ON OUR DEBT LOAD.
I KNOW, DAVID, YOU HAD GIVEN A PRESENTATION 12-18 MONTHS AGO, WHERE YOU HAD SHARED SOME OF THE CONCERNS FROM OTHER RATINGS AGENCIES.
I'M NOT SURE IF MOODY'S WAS INCLUDED AT THAT TIME OR NOT BECAUSE THERE'S MULTIPLE RATINGS AGENCIES.
THEY MAY HAVE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AT THE TIME.
I KNOW THROUGH THE BUDGET PROCESS, OBVIOUSLY, I COMMENTED SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THE MODERATE RESTRAINT ON THE CAPITAL SIDE.
I KNOW THAT DAVID, DURING YOUR PRESENTATIONS, YOU TALKED ABOUT AS LONG AS WE DON'T ISSUE NEW DEBT, THAT OUR OVERALL DEBT BURDEN WOULD COME DOWN ABOUT $100 MILLION A YEAR, I JUST LIKE TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE PROGRESS BEING MADE ON THAT FRONT IN TOTAL DEBT AND ON DEBT PER CAPITA.
ALSO HOW MUCH OF THAT PROGRESS IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ASSESSMENT BY MOODY'S AND DAVID OR TANYA, I'M NOT SURE IF YOU CAN RESPOND TO ANY OF THAT NOW OR WHETHER THAT WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IN A FOLLOW ON UPDATE PRESENTATION.
I WOULD SUGGEST THAT THAT WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT FACTOR AS YOU MOVE FORWARD WITH THE EVALUATION OF OUR ENTIRE CAPITAL STACK THAT WE'RE CURRENTLY TRYING TO GET DONE FOR THIS MONTH, TO BRING IT TO THE COURT.
I WOULD THINK THAT THAT WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO HAVE THAT SAME DISCUSSION.
>> LOOK FORWARD TO THAT. THANK YOU.
>> WAS THERE ANYTHING ELSE, TANYA. WAS THIS PRESENTATION?
>> WE'LL TAKE UP 5C. SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY BEXAR COUNTY ECONOMIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO CELEBRATE OCTOBER'S MANUFACTURING MONTH AND THE LOCAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS THAT PREPARE COMMUNITY MEMBERS FOR MANUFACTURING CAREERS.
DEBORAH CARTER, I BELIEVE YOU HAVE YOUR ENTOURAGE.
>> WITH YOU. ALSO NOTE FOR THE RECORD, WE DO HAVE A CITIZEN TO BE HEARD.
BUT, LET'S TAKE UP THE PRESENTATION AND DAVID CARVER.
LET DEBORAH MAKE YOUR PRESENTATION AND DAVID CARVER. I BELIEVE WE'LL CALL YOU UP.
>> WELL, THANK YOU. I'M GOING TO KEEP MY COMMENTS BRIEF BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE TIME FOR OUR COMMUNITY TO SPEAK.
AS YOU CAN TELL, OUR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND MANUFACTURING EMPLOYERS HAVE REALLY APPRECIATED ALL OF THE EFFORTS THAT BEXAR COUNTY AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS PUT IN TO NOT ONLY OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROWTH.
BUT THE ECONOMIC MOBILITY OF BEXAR COUNTY RESIDENTS TO FIND THE APPROPRIATE PATHWAY FOR THEM IN ORDER TO GET INTO MANUFACTURING INTO THESE WELL PAYING CAREERS.
COMMUNITY, AS I ANNOUNCED YOUR ORGANIZATION, AND IF YOU SNUCK IN AND I DIDN'T SEE YOU, I APOLOGIZE, BUT AS I ANNOUNCED YOUR ORGANIZATION, IF YOU DON'T MIND GIVING A QUICK WAVE.
WE HAVE SAN ANTONIO MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION HERE, MR. DAN YOXALL.
WE ALSO HAVE GREATER SATTS AND SA WORKS HERE.
WE HAVE OUR CITY OF SAN ANTONIO PARTNERS IN THE HOUSE THAT SUPPORT US WITH SA READY TO WORK.
WE HAVE FAMILY SERVICE ORGANIZATION, WHICH WE HIGHLIGHTED EARLIER TODAY.
[01:30:02]
WORK FORCE SOLUTIONS ALAMO HERE REPRESENTING WORK FORCE SOLUTIONS ALAMO AND THE TEXAS FAME AMT PROGRAM.WE HAVE CRYSTALS MINISTRIES, WHICH IS A GREAT TALENT PIPELINE FOR TEXAS FAST TRACK.
WE ALSO HAVE INTEGRATED HUMAN CAPITAL HERE THAT HELPS GRADUATES WITH ACHIEVING FULL TIME POSITIONS.
WE HAVE CAST STEM FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THAT ARE HERE AND A COUPLE OF THEIR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS THAT DID SUMMER INTERNSHIPS WITH TOYOTA.
WE HAVE GOODWILL HERE, ANGELIQUE WITH OUR PRODUCTION AND ASSEMBLY BOOT CAMP.
STANDARD ARROW IS IN THE ROOM.
THANK YOU, SIR. MISSION SOLAR, INTERNATIONAL, OVEN SAR, A SUPPLIER FOR TOYOTA, TOP TIER SUPPLIER, DISTRICT LAUNDRY, JCB, AND TOYOTA.
IS THERE ANYBODY THAT I MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN.
WELL, I REALLY WANT TO SHOW MY APPRECIATION FOR ALL OF THESE PARTNERS COMING OUT.
WE'RE GOING TO HEAR FROM THREE INDIVIDUALS TODAY, EVEN THOUGH I'M SURE EVERYBODY WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THEIR KUDOS WITH COMMISSIONERS COURT.
>> DEBORAH, DO YOU HAVE A PROCLAMATION TO ISSUE, SO IF I CAN READ INTO THE RECORD AND WE'LL HEAR FROM THOSE SIGNED UP.
WHEREAS, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURE OBSERVES NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY ANNUALLY THE FIRST FRIDAY OF OCTOBER TO ADDRESS COMMON MISPERCEPTIONS ABOUT MANUFACTURED BY GIVING MANUFACTURERS A PLATFORM TO OPEN THEIR DOORS AND SHARE WHAT THEY DO WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES AND WHEREAS, SINCE THE INCEPTION OF NATIONAL MANUFACTURING DAY IN 2012, THE EVENT HAS GROWN AN ANNUALLY WITH THE SUPPORT OF SEVERAL NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO INCLUDE A 1,000 PERCENT IN EVENTS NATIONWIDE WITH MORE STUDENT PARTICIPATION EVERY YEAR.
WHEREAS THE SAN ANTONIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ESTIMATES OUR LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OVER 40.5 BILLION WITH A B WITH OVER 52,000 INDIVIDUALS EMPLOYED IN THE SECTOR WITH AN ANNUAL PAYROLL OVER $3 BILLION, AND WHEREAS BEXAR COUNTY RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS INDUSTRY, COMMENDS ALL COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS YEAR'S MANUFACTURING MONTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT SAN ANTONIO, ADVOCATING FOR AN ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CAREER PATHWAYS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND WHEREAS BEXAR COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO HELPING OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SOLVE THEIR CRITICAL SKILLS GAP, RAISE AWARENESS AMONG OUR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS TO THE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THEIR FUTURES.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED THAT BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY RECOGNIZES AND PROCLAIMS OCTOBER 2025 AS MANUFACTURER MONTH SIGNED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT.
[APPLAUSE] LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
[APPLAUSE] DEBORAH, I'M GOING TO YIELD TO YOU.
YOU STILL HAVE THE FLOOR. DO WE LET MR. CARTER SPEAK FIRST OR YOU HAVE THE FLOOR. YOU MAKE THAT CALL.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. I ALMOST FORGOT TO HIGHLIGHT THE BEXAR COUNTY ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM.
SPECIFICALLY, OUR WORKFORCE TEAM, THE TEXAS FAST TRACK TEAM, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
IF ALL DON'T MIND RAISING YOUR HANDS, THESE ARE THE POWERFUL INDIVIDUALS THAT HELP FUEL THAT [APPLAUSE] PROGRAM FOR BEXAR COUNTY.
I'M GOING TO BRING UP CARLA UNDERWOOD FIRST.
SHE IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND GENERAL MANAGER PRODUCTION CONTROL FOR TOYOTA, TEXAS.
TOYOTA, TEXAS NOW HAS TWO TEXAS FAST TRACK ALUMNI ON THEIR STAFF WORKING AS MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS, AND WE'RE SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT.
CARLA, I'LL HAND IT OVER TO YOU.
>> GOOD MORNING. AS SHE SAID I'M CARLA UNDERWOOD, VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING BUSINESS OPERATIONS AT TOYOTA, TEXAS.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES, JUDGE SAKAI, AND THE REST OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR RECOGNIZING MANUFACTURING MONTH WITH THIS PROCLAMATION.
I AM PROUD TO BE HERE TODAY WITH MANY OF BEXAR COUNTY MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE AND COMMEMORATE MANUFACTURING MONTH WITH YOU.
AS SOMEONE WHO HAS BUILT A 30 YEAR CAREER IN MANUFACTURING THIS MONTH IS PERSONAL TO ME, AND TO THE 10,000 PEOPLE ASSEMBLING TUNDRAS AND SEQUOIAS IN PRECINCT 1.
THANK YOU FOR SEEING US AND CELEBRATING US BEYOND JUST THE VEHICLES THAT WE PRODUCE.
MANUFACTURING MONTH HELPS US TO CELEBRATE THE FACT THAT MANUFACTURING ISN'T JUST MACHINES OR METAL, IT'S CREATIVITY, IT'S COLLABORATION.
IT'S A CONSTANT LEARNING THAT DRIVE IT.
MANUFACTURING IS ABOUT SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS. BUILDING THINGS THAT MATTER FROM MEDICAL DEVICES THAT SAVE
[01:35:03]
LIVES TO THE SUSTAINABLE FOOD PACKAGING FOR THE FOOD WE EAT, TO THE VEHICLES THAT WE DROVE HERE TODAY.IT'S WOVEN INTO EVERYTHING WE USE AND EXPERIENCE, AND THAT'S A POWERFUL THING.
NOT ONLY IS IT AN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY, IT IS HIGHLY EQUITABLE EMPLOYER.
WHICH MEANS WHETHER YOU COME HERE FROM MANUFACTURING RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL OR OUT OF ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS LIKE TEXAS FAST TRACK OR TEXAS FAME OR OTHERS.
YOU CAN BUILD A CAREER THAT WILL SUSTAIN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WITH A GOOD LIFE.
THANK YOU, BEXAR COUNTY FOR SUPPORTING TEXAS FASTTRACK AS A TALENT PIPELINE FOR SO MANY MANUFACTURERS, INCLUDING TOYOTA AND OUR ONSITE SUPPLIERS.
AS WE LOOK TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF OUR FACILITY, WE LOOK TOWARDS A NEW REAR AXLE UNIT PLANT, STARTING PRODUCTION NEXT YEAR.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THAT PROJECT, WHICH HELPED US BRING A MILESTONE INVESTMENT TO OUR PLANT LAST YEAR.
THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES AND JUDGE SAKAI, AND TO THE REST OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR SEEING THE VALUE IN THIS INDUSTRY FOR BEXAR COUNTY AND FOR SUPPORTING US IN SO MANY WAYS.
WE FEEL YOUR SUPPORT AT TOYOTA, TEXAS, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR IT.
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING THIS OUTSTANDING INDUSTRY AND THE PEOPLE THAT STAND BEHIND IT WITH US.
>> AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO BRING UP MR. ROMAN SANCHEZ.
ROMAN IS A MAINTENANCE MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN, LEVEL 2 AT AVANZAR INTERIORS, AND HE'D LIKE TO SHARE A LITTLE BIT OF HIS JOURNEY.
>> LITTLE NERVOUS. DON'T GOT A SCRIPT OR NOTHING. JUST HERE TO SAY.
>> CAN YOU SPEAK UP A LITTLE BIT?
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME BETTER? I'M HERE JUST TO SAY THANK YOU ALL.
I KNOW THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE COMMISSIONER COURT'S APPROVAL FOR THE FUNDING FOR TEXAS FASTTRACK.
I COME FROM A ROUGH BACKGROUND, I KNOW ABOUT THE SECTION 8 OCHERS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.
I KNOW ABOUT BEING RIGHT HERE IN THE BEXAR COUNTY JAIL, SERVED OVER 12 YEARS IN PRISON.
IT'S NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT, BUT WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS IT'S NOT SO MUCH WHERE I'VE BEEN BUT WHERE I'M GOING.
I'VE BEEN AT AVANZAR, EXACTLY ONE YEAR LAST WEEK, MADE EXACTLY 100,000 FOR THE YEAR.
I GOT TEN KIDS, BY FOUR DIFFERENT WOMEN.
THIS DIDN'T JUST AFFECT MY LIFE.
ABLE TO MOVE FROM ROUGH NEIGHBORHOODS TO GOING TO GOOD SCHOOLS NOW.
THESE KIDS ARE GOING TO BE SOMEBODY.
IT GOES A LONG WAY FOR WHAT THE SCHOOL REALLY DOES FOR ONE PERSON, IS WHAT I'M SAYING.
AGAIN, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ALL BECAUSE YOU'RE THE ONES THAT MADE IT HAPPEN.
>> CONGRATULATE. SORRY. YOU SAID ROMAN?
>> YEAH. ROMAN. CONGRATULATIONS. YOU'RE THE ONE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN.
AS I SPEAK AT COMMITTEE EVENTS, I ALWAYS TALK ABOUT THE THINGS THAT I FIGHT FOR.
IT'S ABOUT INVESTING IN ONE PERSON.
AS WE INVEST IN ONE PERSON, YOU CHANGE FAMILIES, WHICH CHANGE THE COMMUNITY, SO THANK YOU FOR CHANGING YOUR FAMILY AND MAKING IT BETTER FOR YOUR CHILDREN.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. [FOREIGN] ROMAN, PLEASE.
COMMISSIONER, I BUMPED INTO ROMAN ON THE PRODUCTION LINE AT AVANZAR THE OTHER DAY, AND HE WAS JUST BEAMING WITH POSITIVE ENERGY AND EXCITEMENT.
IT'S REALLY GREAT TO SEE OUR ALUMNI AT WORK.
NEXT, I'D LIKE TO BRING UP MR. DAVID CARVER.
HE'S THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS WITH JCB, TEXAS, AND THEIR FIRST TECHNICIAN THEY HIRED IS A TEXAS FASTTRACK GRADUATE.
>> HI, EVERYONE. FIRST OF ALL, REALLY HONORED TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT MANUFACTURING WITH THIS GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE BEHIND ME AND I'LL TALK A BIT ABOUT HOW THEY'VE HELPED US SINCE WE'VE BEEN HERE IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS IN SAN ANTONIO.
I'M THE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, AND AS YOU CAN TELL, I COME FROM ENGLAND.
I FIRST CAME TO THIS EVENT 12 MONTHS AGO, INVITED BY DAVID MARQUEZ, AND HE SAID, I WANT YOU TO COME TO COURT.
IN ENGLAND, IF THEY ASK YOU TO COME TO COURT, THAT'S NOT A GOOD THING, [LAUGHTER], SO I WAS A BIT WARY TO START WITH, BUT SUZANNE WAS THE LEAD SPEAKER FOR TOYOTA AT THE TIME AND SHE DID A GREAT SPEECH AGAIN OF JUST HOW MUCH THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS GROWING HERE.
[01:40:02]
IT'S FANTASTIC EVERYBODY RECOGNIZES THE MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY, AND WE ARE THE NEWEST PARTNER TO THAT.OUR NEW FACILITY WILL OPEN NEXT YEAR, AND WE'LL BE LOOKING FOR 1,500 EMPLOYEES.
01,500 EMPLOYEES FROM BEXAR COUNTY IS WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR.
WE'RE REALLY PROUD TO BE HERE.
I AM A PROUD SOUTH SIDE RESIDENT.
LOTS OF GREAT MANUFACTURERS HERE HAVE ALREADY GIVEN US THEIR SUPPORT AND LEARNING.
I WON'T READ ALL THE ONES OUT THAT DEBORAH'S ALREADY MENTIONED BECAUSE IT'S SUCH A FANTASTIC GROUP OF PEOPLE.
KARL MENTIONED ABOUT WHAT MANUFACTURING CAN BRING TO PEOPLE AND WE JUST HEARD FROM A YOUNG LAD WHO'S CHANGED HIS CAREER.
I'M AN ASSEMBLY WORKER WHO'S GOT THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD, BEING HERE IN SAN ANTONIO WORKING WITH ALL YOU FINE PEOPLE, BUILDING A FACTORY.
THAT IS ONE THING THAT I THINK MANUFACTURING IS DIFFERENT FROM MANY OTHER INDUSTRIES WHERE ANYBODY CAN REALLY BE ANYTHING, AND THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS.
ANYBODY THINKING ABOUT A WELL PAID LONG-TERM CAREER, THEN YOU NEED TO COME TO MANUFACTURING.
COME AND JOIN US. I'D LIKE TO THANK THE COUNTY TEAM.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND RECOGNIZING WHAT HAPPENS WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY HERE.
I LOVE THAT YOU PROVIDE THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR RESIDENTS AND REALLY PUSH US TO GET ENGAGED IN THE PROGRAMS RIGHT FROM COMMISSIONER CALVIN, SECOND CHAIR OF AFFAIRS WHEN WE FIRST CAME, I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT COMMISSION REBECCA CLAY FLORES WHO IS A REAL ADVOCATE FOR MANUFACTURING ON THE SOUTH SIDE.
WE HAVE OUR FIRST HIRE WAS ALREADY MENTIONED.
WATCH THIS SPACE, I REALLY FEEL LIKE HE WILL BE A LEADER IN JCB FOR THE FUTURE.
IN A GREAT PROGRAM, THE TEXAS FASTTRACK PROGRAM.
WE MENTIONED EARLIER ABOUT THE TEXAS FAME PROGRAM.
HE'S NOW ON THE TEXAS FAME PROGRAM AND WE'VE RECRUITED HIM AND HE'S NOT ONTO THE NEXT LEVEL, AND I THINK HE'D BE A GREAT HIRE.
FINALLY, I JUST WANT TO END WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE THAT I'D LIKE TO THANK TODAY, AND THAT IS THE BEXAR COUNTY RESIDENTS, THE PEOPLE THAT BUY WHAT WE MAKE, THE PEOPLE THAT BUY WHAT WE MANUFACTURE.
WITHOUT THOSE PEOPLE, WHETHER IT'S A TOYOTA PICKUP, AN INTERNATIONAL TRUCK, GROCERIES FROM HAB, A JCB MACHINE, WITHOUT THOSE PEOPLE, WE WOULDN'T BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS WE ARE AS A BUSINESS.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE RESIDENTS.
THANK YOU TO YOURSELVES, COMMISSIONERS, AND JUDGE MR. SAKAI. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> YES. AS THEY COME UP FOR A PHOTO, I JUST WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THAT ON OCTOBER 30, COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES IS HOSTING A MANUFACTURING MONTH COMMUNITY EVENT FREE, OPEN TO ALL OF THE COMMUNITY 4:30 P.M. AT THE PRECINCT 1 OFFICE OFF OF PLEASANTON.
PLEASE COME OUT. YOU WILL MEET ALL OF THESE GREAT MANUFACTURERS AND SEE THE PRODUCTS THAT ARE BUILT RIGHT HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY. THANK YOU.
>> PLEASE COME FORWARD TO TAKE A PICTURE AND ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION, GET SOME PICTURES, PLEASE.
>> YOU GUYS ON THE SALE LINE? THANKS FOR BEING HERE.
>> TRY TO STEP ON YOUR TIPPY TOES.
SURE. [BACKGROUND] MAYBE THE YOUNGER GUYS CAN KNEEL IN THE FRONT?
>> YOUNG, AS ANYONE UNDER 60 HERE, KNEEL IN THE FRONT.
>> I'M GOING TO DO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
CAN WE SAY HAPPY MANUFACTURING MONTH, READY, ONE, TWO, THREE.
>> HEY, MELISSA HOW ARE YOU? THANK YOU, DAVID.
>> GOOD SEE YOU GUYS. THANK YOU, GUYS.
>> HEY. HI, BROTHER. GOOD TO SEE YOU, MAN.
[01:45:01]
>> THANK YOU. HEY, THANK YOU, GUYS.
KEEP IT UP, GUYS. STAY FOCUSED.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU, GUYS. THANK YOU.
>> LET'S CONTINUE ON, ON SPECIAL PRESENTATION, AND WE'LL TAKE UP.
I KNOW WE'RE RUNNING BEHIND. WE'LL GET TO THE 10:30 TIME CERTAIN.
5D, ANNOUNCEMENT OF ANNUAL 2025 BEXAR COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH FAIR.
COMMISSIONER GRANT MOODY, DID YOU WANT TO PUT SOMETHING ON THE RECORD? I APOLOGIZE. WE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE YOU WENT. GO AHEAD.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE A POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE AT THIS TIME, TIES IN WITH MANUFACTURING MONTH.
I WANTED TO SPEAK ABOUT OUR TRADE MISSION TO ISRAEL, WHICH WE JUST RECENTLY COMPLETED.
BUT I'D BE A MESS IF I ALSO DIDN'T RECOGNIZE BITTERSWEET DAY YESTERDAY FOR ISRAEL AND FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD WITH THE PEACE DEAL THAT HAS TAKEN HOLD, THE RETURN OF AT LEAST 20 OF THE REMAINING HOSTAGES THAT WERE STILL ALIVE.
DO YOU REMEMBER, AND OBVIOUSLY, WE'VE HIGHLIGHTED THIS BEFORE IN COURT.
BUT TWO YEARS AGO, A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS AGO ON OCTOBER 7, WAS A DARK DAY FOR THE WORLD AND FOR ISRAEL AND WHAT HAMAS DID ON THAT DAY TO INNOCENT CIVILIANS AND MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN.
OVER 1,200 INNOCENT LIVES WERE LOST OVER 250 HOSTAGES TAKEN INTO GAZA.
THE FACT THAT THOSE 20 HOSTAGES THAT WERE RETURNED TO THEIR FAMILIES YESTERDAY LIVED IN THOSE CONDITIONS FOR TWO YEARS IS JUST HARD TO IMAGINE FOR ANY OF US.
BUT WE'RE EXCITED AND GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SAFE RETURN.
OBVIOUSLY, WE MOURN THE LIVES OF ALL THE OTHER HOSTAGES WHO DIED IN CAPTIVITY IN HORRIFIC AND BARBARIC CONDITIONS WITHIN GAZA.
BUT I DO WANT TO GO AHEAD AND MENTION THE TRADE MISSION, AND I HAD SOME NOTES HERE.
I FELT IT WAS WORTH PROVIDING A QUICK UPDATE TO THE COURT.
BUT WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT BEXAR COUNTY ON TRADE MISSION TO ISRAEL.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP WAS TO STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS AND PROMOTE SAN ANTONIO AS A COMPETITIVE DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS AND INNOVATION.
WE FOCUSED ON SEVERAL KEY SECTORS, DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY, CYBERSECURITY, HEALTH INNOVATION, AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING.
THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, WE MET WITH GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND TOP COMPANIES THAT ARE DRIVING GLOBAL INNOVATION IN THESE FIELDS.
A FEW HIGHLIGHTS, WE MET WITH MOBILEYE, THE WORLD'S LEADER IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY.
WE MET WITH CYTACTIC, A FIRM SPECIALIZING IN CYBERSECURITY AND LIVE PRICES SIMULATIONS, BATM, A DEFENSE AND ENCRYPTION COMPANY EXPLORING US RELOCATION TODAY, AND NO TRAFFIC.
THESE SMART TRAFFIC SYSTEMS ARE ALREADY OPERATING IN SEVERAL TEXAS CITIES.
EACH EXPRESSED GENUINE INTEREST IN WORKING WITH OUR LOCAL PARTNERS, INCLUDING GREATER SATX, PORT SAN ANTONIO, AND BIOMEDSA.
WE ALSO MET WITH FORESEE GENOMICS, A BIOTECHNOLOGY COMPANY DEVELOPING CANCER DIAGNOSTICS AND CONNECTING THEM WITH BIOMEDSA TO EXPLORE FUTURE COLLABORATION HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY.
ON THE INNOVATION FRONT, WE BUILT RELATIONSHIPS WITH STARTUP NATION CENTRAL AND THE ISRAELI INNOVATION INSTITUTE, ORGANIZATIONS THAT LINK ISRAELI STARTUPS TO GLOBAL MARKETS.
THESE CONNECTIONS COULD LEAD TO A FUTURE ISRAELI DELEGATION VISIT TO SAN ANTONIO IN 2026, CREATING EVEN MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE PARTNERSHIP.
WE ALSO MET WITH SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER SHARREN HASKEL AND MEMBERS OF KNESSET, TO REINFORCE OUR SHARED COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COLLABORATION.
OVERALL, THE MISSION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS.
WE RAISED SAN ANTONIO'S PROFILE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE, IDENTIFIED DEFENSE TECH, CYBER, AND HEALTH TECH AS PRIORITY SECTORS FOR FOLLOW UP AND OPEN DOORS THAT CAN BRING MEANINGFUL INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION TO OUR REGION.
I WANT TO THANK OUR PARTNERS AT GREATER SATX, PORT SAN ANTONIO, BIOMEDSA, FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND FOLLOW UP EFFORTS, AND FOR MEMBERS OF THE COURT, WHO SUPPORTED THIS TRADE MISSION. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MOODY, FOR THAT REPORT.
[01:50:01]
WE'RE GOING TO GO AHEAD AND MOVE ON TO ITEM 5D.I THINK THAT'S NICOLE. YOU STEP AWAY? THERE YOU ARE. NICOLE, THIS IS ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ANNUAL 2025, BEXAR COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTHCARE PRESENTED BY BEXAR COUNTY WELLNESS AND SUPPORT, THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR ALL BEXAR COUNTY EMPLOYEES. NICOLE. [OVERLAPPING]
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS.
I'M NICOLE HALL, THE BEXAR COUNTY WELLNESS PROGRAM MANAGER, AND I'M EXCITED TO BE HERE TO ANNOUNCE OUR ANNUAL BEXAR COUNTY EMPLOYEE HEALTH FAIR.
THE HEALTH FAIR IS OUR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR WITH OVER 70 VENDORS IN ONE LOCATION, GIVING EMPLOYEES THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE FROM OUR HEALTH INSURANCE, OUR VOLUNTARY BENEFITS, RETIREMENT, 457 PLANS, AND AN ABUNDANCE OF LOCAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF.
THIS EVENT DOES FALL DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT, WHICH OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS NEXT WEEK, OCTOBER 20, AND RUNS UNTIL NOVEMBER 7.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEES TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO COME TO THE HEALTH FAIR TO SPEAK WITH THOSE VENDORS ON SITE, AND WE WILL ALSO HAVE ENROLLMENT AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO COMPLETE THEIR OPEN ENROLLMENT.
THEY CAN DO SO AT THE HEALTH FAIR.
THE HEALTH FAIR WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.
BUT IT IS AT A BRAND NEW LOCATION.
THIS YEAR, IT WILL BE AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, WHICH IS LOCATED AT 111 EAST PECAN STREET.
THE THEME OF THE HEALTH FAIR THIS YEAR IS STEP INTO WELLNESS WITH SUPPORT FROM JUDGE SAKAI, AS YOU CAN SEE ON OUR FLYER.
IT IS A LITTLE BIT FURTHER DOWN THE STREET.
IT'S HALF A MILE AWAY FROM THE FLORES PARKING GARAGE.
ANY EMPLOYEES THAT ARE PARKING AT THE FLORES PARKING GARAGE, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO WALK TO THE HEALTH FAIR.
IT'S HALF A MILE, BUT YOU'LL GET YOUR STEPS IN, YOU'LL STEP INTO WELLNESS.
FOR THOSE UNABLE TO WALK, WE WILL HAVE A SMALL SHUTTLE THAT WILL PICK UP HERE IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE OFF OF MAIN STREET IN NUEVA, AND IT'LL SHUTTLE PEOPLE BACK AND FORTH THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
BUT AGAIN, WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO ARE ABLE TO WALK TO WALK OVER TO THE HEALTH FAIR.
WE'LL HAVE WATER THERE FOR ANYBODY THAT NEEDS IT.
FOR ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR ANYTHING ABOUT PARKING.
WE DO HAVE FAQS POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE.
IF YOU GO TO BEAR SIGHT TICK.ORG, YOU'LL FIND ALL OF OUR INFORMATION ON THERE ABOUT THE EVENT.
BUT AGAIN, IT'S NEXT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT, AND WE ENCOURAGE ALL EMPLOYEES TO ATTEND AND STEP INTO WELLNESS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU NICOLE. LET'S GO TO TIME CERTAIN.
[6. TIME CERTAIN ITEM(S)]
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD A STATE VETERANS HOME IN BEXAR COUNTY, OBTAIN AUTHORIZATION TO CONTINUE STAFF COORDINATION APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AND SUPPORT. KEITH WILSON.>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE YOU A BRIEF PRESENTATION ON OUR PROPOSAL TO BRING A STATE VETERANS HOME TO BEXAR COUNTY.
WITH ME TODAY, I HAVE SOME SPECIAL GUESTS.
I HAVE TONY DELL, WHO'S THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TEXAS VETERANS LAND BOARD AND AN ARMY VETERAN.
I HAVE MISS LAURA KERNER, CHAIRWOMAN OF THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION AND A NAVY VETERAN.
THEN I HAVE JOHN MOLLER, FROM THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, AN AIR FORCE VETERAN.
HE'S WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERAN AFFAIRS.
I'VE ALSO GOT SOME OF OUR GREAT COMMUNITY MEMBERS FROM THE EDGEWOOD DISTRICT VETERANS REPRESENTING THAT GREAT GROUP THAT'S HERE TODAY.
WE'LL BE BRINGING UP THIS PRESENTATION.
I'LL GIVE YOU SOME OF THE COUNTY PERSPECTIVES BRIEFLY AND THEN TURN IT OVER TO TONY TO TALK ABOUT THE STATE VETERAN HOME, WHAT CAPABILITIES IT BRINGS AND THE OPPORTUNITIES IT AFFORDS OUR COMMUNITY.
I OFTEN LIKE TO START OFF WITH THIS SLIDE JUST TO SET THE STAGE.
WE HAVE 173,000 PLUS VETERANS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
MAKES US THE NUMBER 1 COUNTY IN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND THE FOURTH IN THE COUNTRY FOR VETERAN POPULATIONS.
WE ALSO HAVE A LARGE ACTIVE MILITARY PRESENCE.
NEARLY 55% OF OUR VETERANS ARE OVER THE AGE OF 55.
AS WE START TALKING ABOUT THE NEED FOR LONG TERM MEDICAL AND NURSING FACILITY SUPPORT, IT'S RIGHT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
>> WHY LONG TERM CARE? THERE'S AN EXPECTATION THAT THE VETERAN POPULATION IN SOUTH TEXAS AND IN BEXAR COUNTY IN PARTICULAR WILL CONTINUE TO GROW OVER THE COMING YEARS AND DECADES.
I SPOKE WITH THE CHIEF OF GERIATRICS AND LONG TERM NURSING FOR THE VA DOWN HERE.
IN 2019, THEY WERE PUTTING 120 VETERANS IN HOME NURSING HOMES OF DIFFERENT SORT EACH MONTH.
IN 2025, THAT NUMBER HAS JUMPED TO 400 EACH MONTH THAT GO INTO NURSING FACILITIES.
THE VA HAS THREE OPPORTUNITIES TO PLACE PEOPLE INTO VA INTO LONG TERM CARE, VA RUN FACILITIES, OF WHICH THERE ARE TWO IN THE SOUTH TEXAS VA SYSTEM, ONE IN SAN ANTONIO, AND ONE IN KERVILL.
COMMUNITY LIVING CENTERS, WHICH ARE, IN ESSENCE, COMMUNITY NURSING HOMES THAT ARE CONTRACTED BY THE VA TO HOUSE VETERANS, AND THEN THE STATE VETERANS HOMES.
TONY WILL GO INTO MORE DETAIL ABOUT THE STATE VETERANS HOME PROGRAM, BUT THERE ARE TEN IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.
THE CLOSEST ONE TO US IS FLORESVILLE,
[01:55:02]
WITH ABOUT 160 CAPACITY THAT'S OFTEN FILLED.THE NEWEST ONE IS IN FORT WORTH, WHICH HAS 120 BED CAPACITY AND IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING FILLED.
I'VE HAD THE CHANCE TO VISIT BOTH IN PERSON AND THE BOTH PHENOMENAL FACILITIES, AND I'M EXCITED TO BRING ONE TO BEXAR COUNTY.
THE ESTIMATED TOTAL BILL COSTS 40 TO $50 MILLION, THAT'S BASED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ONE IN FORT WORTH, OBVIOUSLY, AS THIS MOVES FORWARD, A MORE DEFINED NUMBER WILL BE IDENTIFIED.
THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS COVERS 65% OF THE COST TO BUILD THE HOME, AND THE TEXAS VETERAN LAND BOARD COVERS THE OTHER 35%, AS WELL AS THE COST TO MAINTAIN AND OPERATE THE FACILITIES.
THE ONLY REQUIREMENT THAT THEY HAVE IS FOR DONATED LAND AND THAT'S WHERE THE COUNTY HAS COME IN.
WE LOOKED AT LAND ACROSS THE COMMUNITY TO INCLUDE STATE LAND AND CITY OF SAN ANTONIO LAND AND COUNTY LAND.
AS WE LOOKED AT COUNTY LAND, I'VE IDENTIFIED A FEW KEY LANDMARKS ON HERE, BUT WE LOOKED AT THE PROPERTY OVER ON THE FAR WEST SIDE OF THE COUNTY, CAGNAN ROAD, JUST OFF OF HIGHWAY 90 AND 1604.
THE OTHER LOCATIONS WE DID LOOK AT WERE ON THE FAR SOUTH SIDE OF TOWN OVER BY THE FIRE MARSHAL AND EOC.
PROXIMITY TO FLORESVILLE WAS A FACTOR AND THEN PROXIMITY TO THE VA HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, ALSO A FACTOR.
SO WE ZEROED IN ON THE LAND OVER ON THE WEST SIDE OF TOWN.
WE LOOKED AT THREE PARCELS IN PARTICULAR.
THE ONE UP THERE, NUMBER ONE, NUMBER TWO AND NUMBER THREE, WE WALKED THE LAND WITH THE TEAM FROM PUBLIC WORKS, AS WELL AS FROM VETERAN AND BOARD, BOBBY BOWDEN.
BOBBY BREEDEN, WHO RUNS THE STATE VETERANS HOMES, AND WE IDENTIFIED PARCEL NUMBER THREE AS THE BEST PROPERTY THAT WE COULD UTILIZE, WHICH IS HERE.
WE'VE IDENTIFIED THE LAND, WE CONDUCT AN INITIAL SITE ASSESSMENT.
COMING HERE FOR THE APPROVAL FOR CONTINUED STAFF COORDINATION.
WHAT THAT APPROVAL WILL ALLOW IS FOR THE STATE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE STATE FUNDED SITE SURVEYS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS TO TRULY IDENTIFY THE SPECIFICS OF THE LAND AND THEN PUT THAT FORWARD FOR PERMISSION.
SO AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO TURN IT OVER TO TONY TO GIVE YOU A RUNDOWN OF WHAT THE STATE VETERAN HOME CAPABILITIES WILL BE.
>> GOOD MORNING, TONY, DA. I JUST WANT TO PUT ON RECORD THAT YOU SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.
SO WILL THIS BE PART OF THE PRESENTATION OR DID YOU? OKAY. YES, SIR.
>> GO AHEAD. JUDGE, MEMBERS, MY NAME IS TONY DALE.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TEXAS VETERANS LAND BOARD, ON BEHALF OF LAND COMMISSIONER DON BUCKINGHAM, WHO'S CHAIR OF THE VETERANS LAND BOARD AND OUR BOARD, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY.
WE WERE CREATED IN 1946 TO PROVIDE BENEFITS TO RETURNING WORLD WAR TWO VETERANS.
BUT AS IT RELATES TO VETERANS HOMES, THE FIRST VETERANS HOME THAT WAS DONE WAS RIGHT AFTER THE CIVIL WAR.
AND IN THE 1930S, THE VA WAS CREATED, AND NOW THERE'S 175 OF THESE FACILITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THEIR JOINT PROGRAM.
SO I'M GOING TO BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR TIME.
AND JUST GO OVER, WHAT'S OUR ROLE? SO WE OWN THESE FACILITIES.
WE HAVE ONE EMPLOYEE THAT'S AT EACH FACILITY THAT MONITORS THE CONTRACT COMPLIANCE, AND WE HIRE PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES THAT KNOW HOW TO RUN LONG TERM NURSING CARE FACILITIES.
SO THEY'RE NOT STATE EMPLOYEES, BUT THEY'RE CONTRACTED BY US.
THE WAY AS YOU HEARD, THEY'RE FUNDED IS THAT THE VA PAYS 65% OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND THE VLB PAYS THE OTHER 35%.
WE ARE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THEM BECAUSE WE GET REIMBURSEMENTS FROM THE VA FOR VETERANS THAT ARE GETTING HEALTH CARE AT OUR FACILITY, AND ALSO THROUGH MEDICARE, MEDICAID, PRIVATE INSURANCE, AND PRIVATE PAY.
IT'S MOSTLY THROUGH THE VA THOUGH I'D SAY ABOUT 90%.
THESE ARE HIGHLY REGULATED, AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE, YOU'VE GOT STATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THAT REGULATE SO IT'S JUST LIKE ANY OTHER LONG TERM NURSING CARE, BUT WE'RE ALSO REGULATED BY THE VA.
THEY COME IN AND DO INSPECTIONS ON US.
THEN I HAVE MY OWN TEAM OF CLINICAL NURSES THAT GOES INTO EACH OF THESE FACILITIES MULTIPLE TIMES A YEAR TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE COMPLYING WITH ALL HEALTH REGULATIONS.
SO WE'VE GOT A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF CARE, AND OBVIOUSLY AS A STATE AGENCY, WE'RE INCENTIVIZED OBVIOUSLY TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS.
THIS IS A GREAT PLACE FOR VETERANS TO LIVE.
IF YOU'VE SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME, YOU'RE LIKELY ELIGIBLE TO LIVE IN THE HOMES IF YOU'RE HONORABLY DISCHARGED.
AND YOU GOT TO CALL THE HOME, SEE IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE, AND IN FACT, ANYBODY FROM SAN ANTONIO THAT'S ELIGIBLE OR BEXAR COUNTY COULD LIVE IN ANY OF THE HOMES IN THE STATE EVEN TODAY.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIVE NEAR WORN IN PARTICULAR.
BUT YOU JUST HAVE TO HAVE A DOCTOR'S NOTE FROM YOUR DOCTOR THAT SAYS YOU NEED LONG TERM NURSING CARE, SKILLED NURSING CARE, AND THEN WE'LL GET YOU THROUGH THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS.
AS I MENTIONED, EACH RESIDENT GETS A PER DM PAYMENT THAT COMES TO US AS THE VLB SO THAT WE CAN ADMINISTER THE CARE AND COST COVERAGE IS A BIG DEAL.
[02:00:06]
LIKE MY WIFE AND I ARE BOTH VETERANS.WE DO NOT HAVE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE BECAUSE WE DON'T NEED IT BECAUSE WE'RE ELIGIBLE FOR THE STATE VETERANS HOMES.
SO EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT NEEDING ONE TODAY, IT COULD BE PART OF YOUR ESTATE PLANNING.
NOW, IF YOU'RE A SERVICE CONNECTED DISABLED VETERAN OF 70% OR ABOVE, YOU CAN LIVE IN THE HOME AT NO CHARGE.
THAT'S ROOM, BOARD, MEDICINE, MEDICAL CARE ACTIVITIES, EVERYTHING THAT WE PROVIDE.
AND WE PARTNER TODAY WITH THE VETERANS COMMISSION AND TO MAKE SURE THAT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TVC COME INTO OUR HOMES AND MEET REGULARLY WITH OUR RESIDENTS TO SEE IF THEY'RE ELIGIBLE TO HAVE THEIR CLAIMS UPGRADED.
LAST YEAR, WE UPGRADED 45 RESIDENTS OR THE VA DID TO ABOVE 70%.
SO NOT ONLY DO THEY LIVE THERE FOR FREE, BUT WHEN THEY GET THEIR MONTHLY DISABILITY CHECK, THE VETERAN KEEPS THAT CHECK.
SO THIS IS A BIG BIG DEAL FOR VETERANS, AND WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF THE PARTNERSHIP WE HAVE WITH THE TVC TO DO THAT.
NOW, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE 70% DISABLED TO LIVE THERE.
YOU CAN BE ZERO AS LONG AS YOU'RE A VETERAN.
YOU NEED NURSING CARE, YOU'RE ELIGIBLE TO COME IN.
WE HAVE PHYSICAL THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, SPEECH THERAPY, AND WE'RE LOOKING AT NEW HOMES THAT WE MIGHT EVEN HAVE IN HOUSE DIALYSIS, WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT WE'VE RECOGNIZED AS NOT ONLY A NEED THAT WE SEND PEOPLE OUT FOR, WE HAVE TRANSPORTATION, BUT THAT CAN BE COMPLICATED WHEN YOU'RE SENDING PEOPLE OUT FOR THAT PARTICULAR PROCEDURE.
WE'RE LOOKING AT DESIGNING OUR FACILITIES TO HAVE THAT IN HOUSE IN THE FUTURE.
DEPENDING ON THE BUILD, HOUSTON, FOR EXAMPLE, HAS ALL PRIVATE ROOMS. FLORESVILLE HAS SEMI PRIVATE ROOMS, TWO PEOPLE TO A ROOM, AND SOME PRIVATE ROOMS. BUT WE ALSO HAVE A MEMORY CARE UNIT IN EACH OF OUR FACILITIES WHERE PEOPLE THAT HAVE ALZHEIMER'S, DEMENTIA, AND OTHER ISSUES LIKE THAT.
I CAN GET THAT SPECIALIZED CARE THEY NEED, AND THAT IS ALWAYS FULL.
IT'S A GREAT NEED FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE.
WE'RE AUTHORIZED TO HAVE 4,200 BEDS BY THE VA, BUT WE ONLY HAVE 1420 IN THE STATE ACROSS OUR TEN HOMES.
SO THAT MEANS WE'RE THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY OR WE CAN BE THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY ON THE LIST TO HAVE NEW HOMES WHEN WE APPLY TO THE VA. WE ARE CONSISTENTLY FULL, BASICALLY, AS YOU CAN SEE, 96 PLUS PERCENT FULL.
THE AVERAGE NURSING HOME COMMERCIAL NURSING HOME IN THE COUNTRY IS ABOUT 76% FULL.
SO PEOPLE WANT TO BE IN OUR FACILITIES.
IF YOU KNOW VETERANS, I SUSPECT THE PEOPLE BEHIND ME WOULD LIKE BEING AROUND OTHER VETERANS A LOT.
IT'S GREAT CAMARADERIE AND IT'S GOOD FOR JUST THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AND THEIR WELL BEING AS WELL. I'VE MENTIONED THIS.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO DO A LAND DONATION? I'M PROHIBITED BY STATE LAW.
WELL, YOU DON'T HAVE TO, IF YOU WANT TO, YOU CAN. YOU CAN DECLINE.
BUT WE CAN ACCEPT LAND DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, CITIES, COUNTIES, COMPANIES.
DOESN'T REALLY MATTER AS LONG AS THERE'S NOT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, BUT WE'RE PROHIBITED UNDER STATE LAW FROM PURCHASING LAND FOR THIS PURPOSE.
IF WE COULD PURCHASE IT, WE COULD OR WE WOULD, BUT WE CAN'T.
SO THAT'S WHY WE DO RELY ON DONATIONS.
OUR NEWEST HOME AS YOU'VE HEARD IS IN FORT WORTH.
THE LAND AT THIS FACILITY WAS DONATED BY TARRANT COUNTY.
IT'S CALLED THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN TEXAS STATE VETERANS HOME.
THIS IS OUR REPLICA P 51 MUSTANG OUT FRONT, ONE FIFTH SCALE THAT WAS DONATED BY SOUTHWEST AIRLINES.
IT'S AMAZING. I THINK WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THESE.
I'M JUST GOING TO SKIP OVER THIS HERE.
BUT HAVE ACTIVITIES IS A BIG DEAL FOR FOLKS TOO, SO WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY'RE STAYING ACTIVE, WHETHER IT BE ARTS AND CRAFTS, INDOOR STUFF.
COMMUNITY GROUPS COME OUT AND DO BARBECUES, THEY BRING PEOPLE ON TRIPS, WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE.
BUT THIS GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT A HOME LOOKS LIKE.
THIS IS THE NEW TUSKEGEE HOME IN FORT WORTH.
I SHOULD SAY, COMMISSIONER MOODY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP WHEN YOU WERE ON THE VETERANS AND BOARD.
THIS WAS STARTED UNDER HIS TENURE, AND WE JUST OPENED IT THIS YEAR, 100,000 SQUARE FEET.
AND THIS IS A DIFFERENT AERIAL VIEW.
YOU CAN SEE A CENTRAL AREA WHERE PEOPLE COME IN.
ONE OF THESE WINGS IS OUR MEMORY CARE UNIT, AND THEN THERE'S THREE OTHER WINGS THAT ARE STANDARD CARE, DINING FACILITIES, ALL THAT STUFF. HERE'S A FLOOR PLAN.
I PRESUME THIS IS IN YOUR PACKET, IF YOU WANT TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT IT.
SO WE ARE HEARING FROM NUMEROUS COMMUNITIES THAT THERE'S INTEREST AND SINCE WE'VE OPENED THIS ONE, I THINK THE MEDIA ATTENTION, GOT PHONE CALLS COMING INTO OUR OFFICE.
WE APPRECIATE THOSE INQUIRIES.
WE HAVE THE CAPACITY RIGHT NOW.
IF WE HAD TWO COMMUNITIES THAT CAME TO US AND SAID, WE'RE READY TO GO, WE'VE GOT THE 35% MATCHING FOR AT LEAST TWO HOMES RIGHT NOW IN THE BANK, READY TO GO.
BUT WE TRY AND HANDLE ALL OF THIS OURSELVES TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.
OBVIOUSLY, THERE'S SOME COORDINATION THAT WOULD NEED TO HAPPEN.
BUT WE DO ALL THE GRANT APPLICATION STUFF, ALL THE GRANT COMPLIANCE.
WE DO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS.
WE'VE GOT STAFF ATTORNEYS THAT HELP ON THE LEGAL SIDE AS WELL, AND CONSTRUCTION IS ALL HANDLED BY THE GENERAL AND OFFICE.
[02:05:04]
MY TEAM HANDLES ALL THE INSPECTIONS, ALL THAT STUFF.AND BUT IT'S NOT A SHORT PROCESS BECAUSE YOU GO, GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
ONCE WE GET THE LAND AND APPLY FOR THE GRANT, LET'S SAY THE GRANT GETS APPROVED, IT TAKES ABOUT FOUR YEARS ACTUALLY TO GET THE THING OPEN BECAUSE OF ALL THE PUBLIC HEARINGS AND DIFFERENT THINGS IN CONSTRUCTION.
SO WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY IF YOU CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE.
WE THINK SANTONIAN THAT WE DON'T HAVE ONE IN SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR COUNTY IS MILITARY, CITY USA.
YOU HEARD THE POPULATION NUMBERS AMAZING.
BUT IF YOU WANT TO VISIT YOUR MOM AND DAD, IT'S PRETTY FAR.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD WELCOME THIS OPPORTUNITY IF IT'S SOMETHING YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN AND WE'D MAKE YOU PROUD AND HAVE A GREAT FACILITY AND PROMISE TO TAKE GREAT CARE OF THOSE VETERANS.
I'D BE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
>> IS THE PRESENTATION FINISHED OR IS IT READY FOR QUESTIONS? I WANT TO LET'S GET ALL THE PRESENTATIONS IN AND THEN WE'LL OPEN UP FOR QUESTIONS.
>> JUDGE, IF YOU DON'T MIND, I WOULD SPEAK.
BUT I COULD SPEAK DURING CITIZENS TO BE HEARD IF YOU WANT TO ASK YOUR QUESTIONS.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. I'M LAURA KERNER.
I AM NOT ONLY A RESIDENT OF BEXAR COUNTY, BUT I'M ALSO THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION.
WE ARE THE STATE VA, AND WE SUPPORT THE GREATEST NUMBER OF VETERANS THAN ANY OTHER STATE IN THE COUNTRY WITH 1.5 MILLION VETERANS AND WITH BEXAR COUNTY BEING OUR NUMBER ONE COUNTY.
SO IT IS AN HONOR FOR ME TO HAVE THIS POSITION AND TO REPRESENT BEXAR COUNTY AT THE STATE LEVEL.
WHILE THE VETERANS COMMISSION IS NOT PART OF THIS PROCESS AS AS TONY MENTIONED, WE DO SUPPORT MANY PROGRAMS WITHIN THOSE HOMES.
AND AS A STATE ADVOCATE FOR VETERANS, I THINK THIS IS AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE IN BEXAR COUNTY, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT DOES NOT TAKE ANY TAXPAYER MONEY AND USES LAND THAT IS NOT BEING USED RIGHT NOW THAT YOU CAN DONATE.
SO I SPEAK HIGHLY IN FAVOR OF.
AND I DO WANT TO JUST POINT OUT WE HAVE AN AMAZING PARTNERSHIP WITH BEXAR COUNTY, NOT ONLY WITH THE MILITARY AND VETERAN TRANSITION CENTER THAT WE WORK CLOSELY WITH KEITH.
BUT WE HAVE WE PROVIDE GRANTS TO BEXAR COUNTY ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
AND I JUST WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT WE RECENTLY GAVE ALMOST $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO BEXAR COUNTY JUST THIS PAST MAY AT OUR MEETING, WE GAVE $725,000 TO BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT TO SUPPORT THE MILITARY AND VETERAN TRANSITION CENTER SPECIFICALLY IN THE AREA OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS. WE ALSO PROVIDED A $250,000 GRANT TO THE FELONY VETERAN TREATMENT COURT WITH JUDGE ESCALONA, AND A $300,000 GRANT TO THE VTC MISDEMEANOR COURT WITH JUDGE DOMINGUEZ.
AND ALL OF THIS IS ANNUAL GRANTS THAT WE GIVE EVERY SINGLE YEAR, AND WE GLADLY SUPPORT BEXAR COUNTY AND WANT TO CONTINUE OUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THAT CONCLUDES OUR PRESENTATION.
HAPPY TO TAKE ANY QUESTIONS. ALL RIGHT.
>> ANY QUESTION. COMMISSION RODRIGUEZ.
COMMISION MOOD, DO YOU WANT TO GO FIRST? COMMISSIONER MOODY, DEFER TO YOU AS OUR VETERAN ON THE COURT.
OTHERWISE, I'M GOING TO JUMP RIGHT IN.
>> I DON'T REALLY HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
I WOULD JUST SAY, THANK YOU FOR THE VLB FOR BEING HERE.
YES, I HAVE I GOT TO SERVE ON THE VETERANS LAND BOARD FOR ABOUT FIVE YEARS AND GOT TO SEE THE FORT WORTH PROCESS BEGIN AND MOVE THROUGH A LOT OF THAT TIME PERIOD.
I'VE ALSO BEEN IN THE FLORESVILLE HOME. I'VE VISITED THAT.
IT'S A GREAT FACILITY THERE TO OUR SOUTH.
BUT THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
I THINK THAT NO, WE SHOULD ABSOLUTELY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT WHILE THERE'S THIS INTEREST AND THERE'S FUNDING AVAILABLE.
WE HAVE 170,000 VETERANS IN BEXAR COUNTY.
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE THEM IN A BIG WAY.
AND I WOULD ALSO JUST CHAIRWOMAN, KERNER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR BEXAR COUNTY VETERANS FROM YOUR PERCH ON THE TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION.
WE APPRECIATE ALL THOSE GRANTS AND FUNDING THAT FLOW TO OUR VETERANS BA COUNTY.
BUT THAT'S ALL I HAVE. I URGE MY COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT.
>> MR. RODRICK, THANK YOU, JUDGE.
AND LET ME JUST SAY I DON'T REALLY HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS EITHER.
I GUESS, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY,
[02:10:02]
THE PERFECT PLACE AND TIME TO GET THIS DONE HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY.SO KEITH, WHATEVER SUPPORT YOU NEED FROM THE COURT, LET US KNOW.
I DO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATIVE DALE, TONY WAS A CLASSMATE OF MINE AND THE LEGISLATURE SERVED HONORABLY TOGETHER THERE IN THE LEGISLATURE AND I WAS ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE FOR VETERANS.
SO THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY AND TO THE STATE OF TEXAS.
IT WAS AN HONOR TO SERVE WITH YOU THERE AND YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE NOW ON THE VETERAN LAND BOARD.
THEN LASTLY, THE EDGEWOOD VETERANS WHO WHENEVER YOU NEED SOMETHING, JUDGE, AS YOU KNOW, THEY ARE THERE, NOT JUST ON THE WEST SIDE, BUT ALL OVER THE COMMUNITY WHEN IT COMES TO SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS, VETO AND JOHNNY AND THE REST OF THE CREW.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED ADVOCACY FOR ALL OF OUR VETERANS IN BEXAR COUNTY. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING AND BRINGING THIS FANTASTIC ADDITION TO OUR COMMUNITY.
I DON'T THINK YOU'RE GOING TO GET ANY RESISTANCE IN MILITARY CITY, MILITARY COUNTY, USA.
WE'RE EXCITED. I THINK THAT THERE'S A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH YOU ALL IN THE FUTURE WITH LAND, WITH RESOURCES, AND OTHER PARTNERSHIP.
WE DON'T WANT TO LET THOSE VA DOLLARS SIT THAT HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR THIS REGION, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE LEVERAGE THAT OPPORTUNITY, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL IN SIGNIFICANT WAYS TO MAKE MORE GROUNDBREAKINGS.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR COMING.
>> I'M REALLY EXCITED NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT'S IN THE SOUTHWEST PART OF THE COUNTY, SO IT'S IN MY PRECINCT, SO I GET TO HAVE EVEN MORE VETERANS IN MY PRECINCT, BUT IT'S SOMETHING THAT'S OVERDUE, SO I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT AND THANK YOU TO THE EDGEWOOD VETERANS, NOT ONLY FOR YOUR CONTINUED ADVOCACY, BUT FOR ALL OF YOUR SACRIFICE OVER OUR GENERATION. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I'M ON BOARD. READY TO GO. LET'S GO.
>> I'M GOING TO SAY THERE SHOULD BE A MOTION IN THERE THAT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IT GETS DONE BECAUSE THAT'LL GIVE THE STATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO KIND OF MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT.
I BELIEVE YOU HAVE A RESOLUTION.
>> IS THE MOTION UP ON THE SCREEN? IS IT IN THE PAPERWORK OR DO WE JUST.
>> COMMISSIONER MOODY, IS THAT GOOD ENOUGH? [LAUGHTER] WHAT? YES.
>> I THINK COUNSEL IS ASKING US TO BE MORE SPECIFIC.
>> MOVE TO APPROVE COUNTY STAFF TO COMPLETE THE FINAL COORDINATION FOR DONATION TO THE TEXAS GENERAL LAND OFFICES VETERAN LAND BOARD OF APPROXIMATELY 27 ACRES OF COUNTY LAND AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF CAGNAN ROAD AND PONDER ROAD FOR THE EXPLICIT PURPOSE OF BUILDING A TEXAS STATE VETERANS HOME.
COORDINATION MAY INCLUDE, BUT IT IS NOT LIMITED TO STATE FUNDED SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS FINAL DETERMINATION OF LAND SPECIFICATIONS AND NEGOTIATED CONDITIONS FOR LAND TRANSFER.
FINAL LAND TRANSFER APPROVAL WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR APPROVAL AT A FUTURE DATE AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AND SUPPORT.
>> WILL YOU YIELD TO COMMISSIONER MOODY FOR THAT MOTION?
>> YIELD. SECOND, COMMISSIONER CARVICK.
>> WE GOT A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOODY.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CARVICK. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION.
HEARING NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SIGNIFY SAYING AYE.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? CARRY ON.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FRAMEWORK, FIVE YEARS STRATEGIC FOCUS ON DEVELOPING AND PRESERVING NO FEWER THAN 1,250 AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN THE URBAN CORE AS OUTLINED IN THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY AND SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, SISD DATED JULY 15, 2025, SUBSECTION I, APPROVED THE HOUSING FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE COUNTY INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE, MIXED INCOME HOUSING, AND WITH EMPHASIS ON THE HISTORIC URBAN CORE TO AUTHORIZE STAFF TO IMPLEMENT KEY STRATEGIES, INCLUDING EXPANDED USE OF THE PUBLIC FACILITY CORPORATION, PSC, LEVERAGING THE HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION, HFC, PRIORITIZING HOME FUNDS IN THE COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION ACTION GROUP, CRAG, C-R-A-G, AND PARTNERING WITH PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES.
THREE, DIRECT STAFF TO RETURN WITH A PROJECT SPECIFIC ACTION AND FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COURT APPROVAL.
FOR PURPOSES OF A POINT OF ORDER, CAN WE TAKE, I UNDERSTAND STAFF IS ASKING THAT THE THREE SUBSECTIONS BE INCLUDED AS ONE GLOBAL MOTION, IS THAT CORRECT, MISS JACKIE?
>> IS THERE ANY OBJECTION FROM COUNSEL OR FROM THE COURT?
>> ARE THESE SEPARATE ITEMS, OR ARE THEY ALL ONE?
[02:15:02]
>> AS LONG AS THERE'S NO OBJECTION TO ANY OF THE THREE, THAT'S FINE.
>> IS THERE ANY OBJECTIONS AND IF NEED BE, CAN WE GET A MOTION OR DO WE NEED DISCUSSION BEFORE WE MOVE TO IT?
>> I CAN MAKE THE MOTION JUDGE TOO.
>> I'D MAKE THE MOTION ON THE FLOOR TO APPROVE THE HOUSING FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE COUNTY INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE, MIXED INCOME HOUSING.
AUTHORIZE STAFF TO IMPLEMENT KEY STRATEGIES, INCLUDING EXPANDED USE OF THE PFC, LEVERAGING HFC, AND PRIORITIZING HOME FUNDS IN THE COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION ACTION GROUP, AND PARTNERING WITH PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES AND DIRECTING STAFF TO RETURN WITH PROJECT SPECIFIC ACTIONS AND FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COURT APPROVAL.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSION RODRIGUEZ.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
I ALSO WANT TO ALERT THAT WE HAVE TWO CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.
LET US DO THE STAFF PRESENTATION.
THEN WE'LL DO CITIZENS OR QUESTIONS, AND THEN WE'LL DO CITIZENS BE HEARD.
YOU ALL HAVE THE FLOOR, STAFF.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE KAI AND COMMISSIONERS.
FOR THE RECORD, MY NAME IS JAQUELINE IBARRA, AND I'M SERVING AS THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
ROBERT RENA, PROGRAM DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING DIVISION WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TODAY TO GIVE THIS PRESENTATION.
HIS FATHER, DR. ROBERT S. RENA PASSED AWAY LAST WEEK.
TODAY, I PLAN TO DISCUSS STRATEGIES AIMED AT INCREASING AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK WITHIN THE COUNTY'S URBAN CORE.
FOR BACKGROUND, AS PART OF THE MISSIONS BALLPARK AGREEMENT, SISD TRANSFERRED ITS 2.3 ACRE CAMERON STREET PROPERTY TO THE COUNTY.
IN RETURN, THE COUNTY AGREED TO A FIVE YEAR PLAN TO DEVELOP 1,250 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR FAMILIES EARNING 30-60% OF AREA MEDIAN INCOME, INCLUDING 500 2 AND 3-BEDROOM UNITS.
THIS HOUSING FRAME IS DESIGNED TO HELP STABILIZE ENROLLMENT ACROSS SISD.
SINCE 2017, ENROLLMENT HAS FALLEN 16%, MOSTLY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS DUE TO FEWER FAMILIES LIVING IN THE DISTRICT.
AS THESE SMALLER GROUPS OF STUDENTS PROGRESS THROUGH SCHOOL, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS WILL ALSO SEE DECLINING ENROLLMENTS.
EXPANDING AFFORDABLE FAMILY ORIENTED HOUSING IS KEY TO REVERSING THIS TREND.
WHILE TODAY'S PROPOSED FRAMEWORK IS MOTIVATED BY ENROLLMENT PRESSURES AND SISD, IT FOCUSES ON GEOGRAPHIC AREA KNOWN AS THE CRAG, COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION ACTION GROUP.
THE CRAG ENCOMPASS THE ORIGINAL 36 SQUARE MILE BOUNDARY OF SAN ANTONIO PRIOR TO 1940.
IT IS CENTERED AROUND SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL AND IS CONSIDERED THE CITY'S HISTORIC URBAN CORE.
THE CRAG SIGNIFICANTLY OVERLAPS WITH SISDS BOUNDARIES AND CONTAINS MANY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERIENCING THE GREATEST ENROLLMENT DECLINES.
FOCUSING ON THE CRAG ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS HOUSING CHALLENGES WHERE THE CONCENTRATED WHILE ALIGNING WITH BROADER REVITALIZATION EFFORTS THAT EXTEND BEYOND SCHOOL DISTRICT LINES.
BEFORE WE JUMP INTO THE STRATEGIES, I JUST WANT TO NOTE THAT THE FRAMEWORK WAS DEVELOPED TO HAVE MINIMAL IMPACT ON THE COUNTY'S GENERAL FUND, GIVEN THE TIGHT BUDGET PROJECTION AHEAD.
THAT BEING SAID, OUR FIRST STRATEGY IS TO AMEND THE PFC CHARTER TO REMOVE THE CULTURAL AND HISTORIC SITE RESTRICTION.
THIS CHANGE GIVES THE COUNTY MORE FLEXIBILITY TO MEET HOUSING NEEDS, ATTRACT PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND ALIGN WITH COUNTY GOALS FOR AFFORDABILITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION.
BUILDING ON THAT FOUNDATION, THE SECOND COMPONENT OF OUR STRATEGY FOCUSES ON CREATING A FLEXIBLE HOUSING FUND.
WITH BROADER USE OF THE PFC, WE CAN USE THE REVENUE TO DEEPEN AFFORDABILITY, INVEST IN CATALYSTIC PROJECTS, AND FUND OTHER HOUSING RELATED INITIATIVES, SUCH AS THE LAND BANKING, OR RELOCATION ASSISTANCE.
THE SECOND STRATEGY PROPOSES TO LEVERAGE THE COUNTY UNDER UTILIZED HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE MULTIFAMILY HOUSING IN THE HISTORIC URBAN CORE.
THE HFC CAN ISSUE TAX EXEMPT BONDS TO LOWER BORROWING COSTS AND ALLOW
[02:20:07]
DEVELOPERS TO MEET THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENT THAT AT LEAST 25 PROJECTED COSTS BE BOND FINANCED, WHICH IN TURN UNLOCKS 4% LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDITS AND PROVIDES CRITICAL EQUITY FOR AFFORDABLE UNITS.SIMILAR TO THE PFC, REVENUE GENERATED THROUGH THE HFC CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO FLEXIBLE HOUSING FUND AND SUPPORT HOUSING RELATED INITIATIVES LIKE PRE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT, GAP FINANCING, AND STRATEGIC HOUSING INVESTMENTS.
THAT BRINGS US TO THE THIRD STRATEGY, DEVELOPING A MULTI FAMILY TAX ABATEMENT POLICY FOR THEIR URBAN CORE.
RIGHT NOW, THE COUNTY'S TAX ABATEMENT POLICY IS FOCUSED ON THE JOB CREATION AND CAPITAL INVESTMENT.
WHILE THAT'S IMPORTANT, IT DOESN'T ADDRESS OUR CURRENT HOUSING CHALLENGES.
UNDER THIS STRATEGY, A NEW POLICY WOULD BE DEVELOPED TO ALLOW MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR TAX ABATEMENT IF THEY MEET SPECIFIC HOUSING GOALS.
PROJECTS WOULD NEED TO ONE, MEET CLEAR AFFORDABILITY THRESHOLDS.
TWO, INCLUDE FAMILY SIZE UNITS.
THREE, COMMIT TO LONG TERM DEED RESTRICTIONS.
THIS ENSURES TAX ABATEMENTS ARE USED STRATEGICALLY, NOT JUST TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT, BUT TO DELIVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE URBAN CORE WHERE IT'S MOST NEEDED.
OUR FOURTH STRATEGY IS TO PARTNER WITH PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES, TO INTEGRATE PROJECT BASED VOUCHERS INTO COUNTY BACKED PROJECTS.
THESE VOUCHERS, TIED TO SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTS PROVIDE STABLE RENTAL INCOME TO DEVELOPERS AND ENSURE SOME UNITS REMAIN DEEPLY AFFORDABLE TO FAMILIES EARNING 30% OF THE AREA AND MEDIUM INCOME OR LESS.
PARTNERSHIPS CAN BE FORMALIZED THROUGH MOUS TO SET VOUCHER TARGETS, SHARE DATA, AND ALIGN TOWN INVESTMENTS WITH HOUSING AUTHORITY RESOURCES.
FINALLY, OUR FIFTH AND FINAL STRATEGY IS TO TARGET HOME FUNDS TO AREAS WITH THE GREATEST NEED AND OPPORTUNITY FOR INVESTMENT WITHIN THE CRAG.
THESE FUNDS WOULD FOCUS ON REHABILITATING EXISTING MULTIFAMILY APARTMENTS AND DEVELOPING NEW MULTI FAMILY AND SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING.
THIS APPROACH ENSURES FEDERAL INVESTMENTS, ALIGN THE LOCAL PRIORITY, STRENGTHENED NEIGHBORHOODS, AND SUPPORT FAMILY STABILITY.
JUDGE WRIGHT, AT THIS POINT, IF YOU HAVE SOME PEOPLE TO SPEAK THEN AT THIS POINT?
>> NO, I BELIEVE WE HAVE SOME PEOPLE FROM THE SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT.
>> DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT SALSMAN.
YOU OR YOUR TEAM CAN COME FORWARD.
YOU ARE A VALUABLE PARTNER IN THIS.
>> YES. THANK YOU, JUDGE SAKAI COMMISSIONERS COMMUNITY.
I AM PLEASED TO REPRESENT PRESIDENT ALICIA SEBASTIAN, OUR TRUSTEES AND SUPERINTENDENT DR. HAIME AQUINO, IN THANKING YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT, AS YOU RECALL AS PART OF OUR NEGOTIATION.
WE ASK THAT YOU MAKE A COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVER 1,200 UNITS, SPECIFICALLY FOR 2 AND 3-BEDROOM HOMES TO ACCOMMODATE OUR FAMILIES.
WE KNOW THAT THE ENROLLMENT PRESSURES THAT WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING NOW FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR OUR FAMILIES.
WE KNOW THAT COOPERATION WITH THE CITY, COUNTY, AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT ARE VERY IMPORTANT.
FOR OVER 125 YEARS, WE'VE BEEN SERVING THE COMMUNITY, EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN, AND WE WELCOME THIS PARTNERSHIP BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT THE STRATEGIES OUTLINED BY YOUR STAFF, APPROVING THE HOUSING FRAMEWORK, AUTHORIZING THE KEY STRATEGIES THAT YOUR STAFF HAS OUTLINED, AND DIRECTING THE STAFF TO RETURN WITH PROJECT SPECIFIC ACTIONS SO THAT WE CAN COMPLETE THIS GOAL BY 2031 OR IF NOT BY 2031 SOON THEREAFTER.
WE'D LIKE TO THANK YOUR STAFF FOR THEIR WORK ON THE FRAMEWORK, AND WE WELCOME THE COMMITMENT TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE COUNTY.
AGAIN, BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT OUR FUTURES ARE INEXTRICABLY LINKED.
WE THANK YOU FOR THE WORK THAT YOU'VE DONE, AND WE WELCOME THE FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE URBAN CORE.
>> LET'S GO AHEAD AND BRING UP CITIZENS TO BE HEARD, WALTER MARTINEZ.
AFTER THAT WOULD BE JASON ARECHIGA.
[02:25:05]
GOOD MORNING, COURT. I'M PLEASED TO BE HERE.
WALTER MARTINEZ REPRESENTING PROSPERO HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES HERE IN THE CITY.
WE WANT TO COMMEND THE COUNTY AND THE SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR FOCUSING ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT TOPIC.
WE BELIEVE IT'S VERY IMPORTANT AND WE SUPPORT THE EFFORTS TO PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY AND EXPAND THE USE OF THE PFC.
BUT IT'S A GOAL THAT'S NECESSARY IN ORDER FOR US TO REVERSE YEARS OF PEOPLE MOVING OUT OF THE URBAN CORE.
WE URGE THE COUNTY AND THE STAFF TO FOCUS ON THE FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGY AND GUIDELINES THAT MAKES IT INCLUSIVE AND PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY BECAUSE EVERY PROJECT, DEPENDING ON ITS PARTICULAR PARAMETERS, HAS DIFFERENT NEEDS.
IN THE LAST SIX YEARS, THIS COURT HAS SUPPORTED SIX DEVELOPMENTS THAT PROSPERO HOUSING WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY PURSUE.
THOSE SIX DEVELOPMENTS, THREE OF THOSE WERE WITHIN THE VICINITY OF THE CRAG.
TWO OF THEM WERE IN THE CRAG AND ONE WAS RIGHT TWO FEW BLOCKS OUTSIDE.
THE SIX DEVELOPMENTS PROVIDED 731 UNITS OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
SOME TWO BEDROOMS, SOME THREE BEDROOMS, SOME ONE BEDROOM.
THE 731 UNITS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THIS COURT AND THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO PROVIDING GAP FUNDING. IT'S BEEN DIFFICULT.
YOU THINK ABOUT IT THE LAST SIX YEARS, WE'VE WENT THROUGH A PANDEMIC.
WE'VE GONE THROUGH TARIFFS, WE'RE STILL TRYING TO SURVIVE TARIFFS AND LABOR INSTABILITY AND COST INSTABILITY.
BUT YET THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.
WITH AN EFFORT AND PERSISTENCE, I THINK THIS CAN BE VERY POSSIBLE.
LET ME LEAVE YOU WITH ONE THOUGHT.
I WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS THE OTHER DAY.
I'M NOT AN ATTORNEY. THESE REMARKS MAY SOUND DRASTIC.
BUT I'M SUGGESTING THAT IT MAY REQUIRE A TARGETED STRATEGY OF UTILIZING POWERS OF EMINENT DOMAIN IN THE CONTEXT OF THE URBAN RENEWAL IN ORDER TO TRY TO ACCOMPLISH SOME OF THIS.
IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, THE INNER CORE, THERE'S VERY LIMITED SITES THAT ARE SIZABLE ENOUGH TO CREATE 200 UNITS.
THAT WOULD PROVIDE TWO BEDROOMS AND THREE BEDROOMS. A LOT OF THE SITES THAT WE FIND, FOR EXAMPLE, IN COMMISSIONER PRECINCT 4, THE ROOSEVELT DEPARTMENTS.
WE PROVIDED SOME TWO BEDROOM, THREE BEDROOM IN THERE, BUT IT'S A VERY LIMITED SITE AND IT'S HARD TO BE ABLE TO DEVELOP A SITE THAT IS BIG ENOUGH THAT HAS A DENSITY THAT YOU CAN MAKE IT PENCIL.
IT'S GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE, BUT I THINK THAT IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE BRICKS AND MORTAR, IT'S ABOUT PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE FAMILIES AND WORKFORCE HOUSING FOR OUR FAMILIES HERE IN THE COMMUNITY.
I'LL CLOSE BY SAYING THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF THIS COURT, WE WERE ABLE PROSPERA HOUSING WAS ABLE TO DEVELOP PARENT VITAL APARTMENTS AT LOOP 410.
ON NOVEMBER THE 12TH, I'LL BE REACHING OUT TO THE JUDGE AND TO COMMISSIONER MOODY, ALSO FOR A RIBBON CUTTING THAT WE WILL BE HAVING AT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO WITH THE SUPPORT OF THIS COURT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE, AND THE CURRENT COMMISSIONERS.
MY NAME IS JASON ARECHIGA, AND I REPRESENT THE NRP GROUP.
I'M HERE TO EXPRESS OUR STRONG SUPPORT FOR AGENDA ITEM 6B, THE PROPOSED BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FRAMEWORK AND THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SAN ANTONIO ISD.
THIS PLAN IS A THOUGHTFUL AND STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO THE GROWING NEED FOR HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE AND WORKFORCE HOUSING, PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE URBAN CORE.
AT NRP, IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, WE HAVE DEVELOPED NEARLY 8,000 AFFORDABLE AND MIXED INCOME HOUSING UNITS ACROSS 34 RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES IN THE REGION, REPRESENTING OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN INVESTMENT.
THESE PROJECTS SERVE MULTIPLE INCOME LEVELS FROM THOSE EARNING LESS THAN 30% OF THE AREA MEDIAN INCOME TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN THE 'MISSING MIDDLE' WHO HAVE FOUND GOOD QUALITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING OUT OF REACH, ESPECIALLY IN THE CENTER OF THE CITY.
WHAT HAS ALWAYS SET NRP APART IS OUR FOCUS ON WORKING CLOSELY WITH OUR PUBLIC PARTNERS TO HELP MEET THEIR SPECIFIC GOALS.
WE ARE NOT JUST DEVELOPERS, WE ARE LONG TERM PARTNERS.
THAT IS THE APPROACH WE INTEND TO TAKE HERE AS WELL.
WE HAVE ALREADY IDENTIFIED PRELIMINARY SITES WITHIN THE PROPOSED FOOTPRINT THAT ALIGN WITH THE COUNTY'S PRIORITIES AND THE SPIRIT OF THIS FRAMEWORK.
[02:30:02]
WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE ALREADY ESTABLISHED A PARTNERSHIP WITH BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY ON OSO APARTMENTS IN PRECINCT 4, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND 301 LOSS IN PRECINCT 1 WHICH IS IN PRE-DEVELOPMENT.WE ALSO JUST RECENTLY CELEBRATED THE GRAND OPENING OF AVIATOR 1518, A SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION WITH SHIRTS HOUSING AUTHORITY SUPPORTED WITH FUNDING FROM THIS VERY COURT.
THESE PROJECTS ARE REAL EXAMPLES OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE WHEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS COME TOGETHER WITH A SHARED PURPOSE.
THIS HOUSING FRAMEWORK INCLUDES EXACTLY THE RIGHT TOOLS, EXPANDED USE OF PUBLIC FACILITY CORPORATIONS, STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT OF HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATIONS, PRIORITIZATION OF HOME, HFC, POC AND GENERAL COUNTY FUNDS WITH TARGETED AREAS, AND MOST NOTABLY, A FORWARD THINKING PARTNERSHIP WITH SAISD TO UNLOCK UNDERUTILIZED LAND FOR COMMUNITY FOCUSED HOUSING.
WE THANK THE COURT FOR ITS LEADERSHIP IN SHAPING THIS VISION.
NRP IS READY TO MOVE FORWARD AND HELP BRING THESE GOALS TO LIFE, ALONG WITH THE REST OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY, I'M SURE.
WE RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF AGENDA ITEM 6B.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO SERVE BEXAR COUNTY RESIDENTS THROUGH MEANINGFUL MISSION DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. QUESTION COMMISSION CLAY-FLORES.
>> OH, NO, I DON'T HAVE QUESTIONS.
I'M JUST REALLY EXCITED TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THIS.
GLAD THAT SAISD IS HERE AS A PRO GRADUATE OF BRACKENRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL AND LIVES IN SAISD, THEREFORE, PAYS TAXES TO SAISD, I'M REALLY HAPPY ABOUT EXPANDING THE FOOTPRINT AND HOUSING FOR OUR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN.
JUST WANT TO THANK ROBERT RENA FOR THE WORK THAT'S BEING DONE, AS WELL AS JACKIE AND LARA, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JUST BEING SO DETAILED IN YOUR PRESENTATION AND MAKING SURE THAT ALL OF OUR QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN MET, MAKING SURE YOU MET WITH US BEFOREHAND.
I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
>> YEAH. COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ MADE IT. COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
>> COUNTY, JUDGE, WE HAVE A CORRECTION TO MAKE, PLEASE.
>> A CORRECTION. TO B, WE NEED TO ADD TAX ABATEMENTS.
>> AFTER AFTER PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITIES ADD TAX ABATEMENTS.
>> IS IT ON THE ACF WHAT WE'RE AMENDING?
>> I DID A POINT OF ORDER. COUNSEL.
>> JUDGE, YOU CAN JUST DO A COURT AMENDMENT IF YOU WOULD PREFER.
>> I DON'T KNOW THAT THAT THE MOTION SAYS KEY STRATEGIES, I WOULD THINK IT FALL UNDER THAT.
I DON'T KNOW THAT THE MOTION NEEDS TO NECESSARILY BE EXPLICIT ON EVERY SINGLE STRATEGY, SO I WOULD JUST SAY AS A MATTER OF MOVING IT FORWARD, THAT TAX ABATEMENTS ARE PART OF THAT KEY STRATEGY, AND WE CAN PUT THAT ON THE RECORD AS PART OF THE MOTION IF WE NEED TO.
>> I THINK THAT'S FAIR COMMISSION.
>> NOTED PART OF THE RECORD. ANYTHING ELSE?
>> YEAH, NO. I WOULD JUST ADD, THANK YOU, JACKIE, FOR THE PRESENTATION.
THANKS FOR THE WORK AND WE MET WITH ROBERT ON THIS SEVERAL WEEKS AGO.
I THINK THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT STARTING POINT, A BOLD STEP FOR THE COUNTY, JUDGE, I KNOW A LOT OF THIS WAS YOUR LEADERSHIP IN TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE BRINGING FOLKS BACK INTO THE URBAN CORE.
AND NOT JUST THE INDIVIDUAL RENTERS, BUT WE HAVE TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT BRINGING FAMILIES BACK INTO THE INNER CORE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE SAISDS OF THE WORLD.
THIS IS I THINK GOING TO BE A WORKING DOCUMENT, WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO HAVE FEEDBACK BACK AND FORTH.
I ALSO THINK IT'S SIGNIFICANT THAT WE CAN'T DO IT ALONE, WE HAVE TO HAVE OUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS, THE PROSPERAS, AND THE NRPS OF THE WORLD TO BE PARTNERS IN THESE DEVELOPMENTS.
AGAIN, THERE'S A LOT IN THIS FRAMEWORK.
WE COULD PROBABLY SPEND A FEW HOURS PICKING IT APART IN TERMS OF GOING PIECE BY PIECE.
I THINK WE'LL HAVE A TIME FOR THAT.
BUT I THINK IT'S A GREAT STARTING POINT.
I THINK IT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK WE'VE TALKED ABOUT FOR SOME TIME, AT LEAST SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE, AND THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS IS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER.
I THINK OUR INVOLVEMENT IN ADDITION TO WHAT THE CITY IS DOING IS IMPERATIVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE TURN THAT SHIP AROUND.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING YOU. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> THANK YOU. JUDGE, I WANT TO START OUT BY CONGRATULATING YOU AND YOUR LEADERSHIP AND GETTING THIS DONE.
>> WE'RE 50 YEARS BEHIND AS A COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF GETTING THIS POLICY DONE.
CITIES WERE DOING THIS 60, 70 YEARS AGO.
[02:35:02]
THE ATTITUDE WAS THAT SAN ANTONIO WAS A LOW WAGE CITY AND IT WAS AFFORDABLE TO LIVE HERE AND BY GOLLY, YOU OUGHT TO JUST TAKE IT AND GET WHAT YOU CAN.BUT TODAY, THE COURT HAS SIGNALED THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THAT SAN ANTONIO BEXAR COUNTY HAS BECOME TOO EXPENSIVE FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON LIVING HERE.
ALL OF THE HOMELESSNESS AND UNHOUSED THAT WE SEE ON THEIR STREETS CAN'T BE RESOLVED WITHOUT THESE UNITS.
I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMAN MARTINEZ, AND I WANT TO THANK JASON AND ALL THE ADVOCATES IN HOUSING WHO HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR 50 YEARS, THAT THIS NEEDED TO GET DONE.
BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AT THE FORE OF TRYING TO GET THIS DONE AND GETTING THE COUNTY TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY.
BECAUSE NOW WE CAN CREATE REAL LEVERAGE WITH THE CITY'S INCENTIVE PROGRAMS IN THESE EXPENSIVE INTERCITY AREAS TO DEVELOP AND BRING SOME BALLOTS AND BRING SOME BENEFITS TO THE WORKERS WHO ARE IN THE HOTELS, WHO ARE FIXING OUR STREETS, WHO ARE DOING THE HARD WORK OF THE WORKING CLASS.
THAT IS SAN ANTONIO, THAT IS WHO WE ARE.
WE ARE A WORKING CLASS COMMUNITY.
THIS WORKING CLASS COMMUNITY WITH THE ABILITY TO TAKE A BREATH AND SAVE MONEY TO BUY A HOME AND CREATE WEALTH IN THEIR FAMILY AND CHANGE GENERATIONAL POVERTY.
THIS IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT DAY FOR THE COUNTY.
EVERYBODY IN TOWN KNOWS I'VE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR IT FOR TEN YEARS, BUT JUDGE, I STARTED MY THANKS WITH YOU BECAUSE YOU WERE THE COUNTY JUDGE WHO CHANGED IT.
>> IT'S SIGNIFICANT AND IT'S APPRECIATED, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER THIS AS PART OF YOUR LEGACY BECAUSE IT'S A BIG DEAL TO FINALLY GET THIS DONE.
SOMETIMES IN PUBLIC POLICY, THINGS, ISSUES COME AND START IN A CONTENTIOUS WAY.
CERTAINLY, THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO FOLKS GOING DOWN TO SAISD AND HAVING SIGNS AND BEING ANGRY AND RIGHTFULLY ANGRY ABOUT A LACK OF INVESTMENT IN THEM.
PEOPLE LOOK AROUND AND THEY SEE US HELPING A LOT OF FOLKS WITH INCENTIVES, AND THEY WONDER, WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE 85% OF US, OR THE 90% OF US.
TODAY, WE'RE MAKING A STEP IN THAT DIRECTION TO REALLY LOOK AT THE SOUL OF WHO WE'RE GOING TO BE.
ARE WE GOING TO BE A COMMUNITY THAT HAS PEOPLE UNHOUSED OUT ON THE STREETS? OR WE ARE GOING TO BE A PEOPLE THAT GIVES PEOPLE SOME SUPPORT WHILE THEY'RE GETTING BACK ON THEIR FEET? THAT'S WHAT THIS DOES TODAY.
THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT POINT TO THANK THE CITIZENS FOR WHOM THEIR PRESSURE AND THEIR THOUGHTS ARE PART OF THIS, AND I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T THANK ROBERT RENA.
ROBERT RENA IS OUR BRAIN TRUST OF THE HOUSING ISSUES ALONG WITH HIS TEAM.
THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING THERE TO SUPPORT HIM.
MY CONDOLENCES TO HIM ON THE LOSS OF HIS FATHER.
BUT I KNOW HIS FATHER IS LOOKING DOWN VERY PROUD THAT HE MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE.
HE BROUGHT THESE IDEAS TO THE COURT, AND THIS IS GOING TO ADD A LOT OF PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU, JUDGE, AND THANK YOU.
I LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING THIS.
>> YES, JUDGE. SORRY. I'M JUST TRYING TO GET BACK ON AUDIO.
I HAVE SOME DIFFERING OPINIONS THAT I'LL SHARE WITH THIS.
FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK STAFF AND ROBERT RENA AND JACQUELINE AND THE REST OF THE TEAM THERE FOR DOING WHAT YOU'VE BEEN ASKED TO DO BY THIS COURT.
I UNDERSTAND WHAT THE ASK HAS BEEN.
BUT I DISAGREE ON THE VALUE OF THE POLICY OR THE STRATEGY GOING FORWARD.
AS I SEE THIS, AND I'LL JUST BE BRIEF, I SEE THIS AS REALLY DOUBLING DOWN OR TRIPLING DOWN ON WHAT HAS BEEN OUR AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY, TRYING TO DISTORT THE MARKET, CONTINUING TO ADD SUBSIDY ON TOP OF SUBSIDY.
BUT I DON'T THINK WE CAN SUBSIDIZE WAY OUT.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE WON'T BE ABLE TO HOLD BACK THE MARK OF TIDE HERE DOWNTOWN.
WE ARE LITERALLY MAKING DOWNTOWN MORE AND MORE EXPENSIVE, THE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT AND THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT ARE GOING INTO DOWNTOWN,
[02:40:02]
THEN WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO SUBSIDIZE TO CONTINUE TO MAKE HOUSING MORE AFFORDABLE DOWNTOWN, AT THE SAME TIME, WE'RE MAKING MORE EXPENSIVE TO GO DOWNTOWN.WE ALL WANT TO SEE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, BUT THE PROJECT BASED COMPONENT HERE IS SO COMPLEX, IT'S NOT UNDERSTOOD,AND IT'S NOT IN THE COUNTY'S FOUNDATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
WE'VE DONE A LOT ON PUBLIC SAFETY.
WE'VE TALKED ABOUT BEING GOOD STEWARDS OF OUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS, I THINK THIS IS REALLY DOUBLING DOWN AND EXPANDING IN A BIG WAY AREA OF POLICY THAT IS IN NO WAY OUR EXPERTISE.
WE'LL ADD A GREAT DEAL OF CONTENTIOUS PROJECTS AND ISSUES OVER THE COMING YEARS, AND SO I DON'T I DON'T SUPPORT THE DOUBLING DOWN HERE, I THINK THAT ULTIMATELY THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE OTHER WAYS THAT WE SOLVE THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING OUT OF THE WAY, PRIVATE INVESTMENT AND LETTING THE MARKET WORK, WHETHER THAT'S FACILITATING PERMITTING, WHETHER THAT'S REDUCING REGULATIONS, WHETHER THAT'S AT THE LOCAL LEVEL OR THE STATE LEVEL.
BUT ULTIMATELY, I THINK THAT DOUBLING DOWN OR THROWING MORE SUBSIDY AT THE PROBLEM JUST WILL NOT BE SUCCESSFUL SO I CAN'T SUPPORT.
>> LET ME GO AHEAD AND JUST CLOSE.
THANK YOU FOR THE COMMENTS FROM THE DAIS HERE.
FIRST, LET ME THANK JACKIE, LARA, ROBERT, FROM THE COMMUNITY HOUSING DIVISION FOR THIS PRESENTATION.
I WILL GIVE STAFF SOME DIRECTION.
I NEED Y'ALL TO COME BACK IN THE NEAR FUTURE AFTER WE DO OUR DUE DILIGENCE WITH A MULTI FAMILY ABATEMENT POLICY FOR DOWNTOWN AT FUTURE MEETINGS.
YOU MENTIONED IT FOR PURPOSES, BUT I'M PUTTING ON RECORD THAT THAT IS PART AND PARCEL OF THE ACTION THAT WE'RE TAKING HERE TODAY.
LET ME THANK SAISD AND THEIR LEADERSHIP, OBVIOUSLY, SUPERINTENDENT AQUINO, DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT SALSMAN.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING SOME TIME HERE WITH YOUR TEAM.
I WANT TO SPECIALLY RECOGNIZE CURRENT BOARD PRESIDENT ALICIA SEBASTIAN.
I BELIEVE WAS TRYING TO GET HERE.
WE ALSO KNOW THAT I WAS HAVING DIRECT COMMUNICATION, INVOLVEMENT, COOPERATION WITH FORMER CHAIR CHRISTINA MARTINEZ, MEDIA PAST CHAIR AND ED GARZA FROM THE SANTONIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP, ESPECIALLY DEALING WITH THE ISSUES OF SAISD AND THE SCHOOL CLOSINGS.
I ALSO WANT TO RECOGNIZE MARK CAMONA, FROM THE CITY OF SANTANA, WHO WAS GOING TO BE HERE, BUT CALLED ME AND SAID, MARK AND I ARE CONTINUING OUR DIALOGUE INTO DEVELOPING A CITY COUNTY STRATEGY TOGETHER, RECOGNIZING THAT THE CITY HAS THEIR SHIP PROGRAM, STRATEGIC HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM, AND I WOULD HOPE THAT WE COULD GET IN ALIGNMENT WITH THAT.
STAFF, I'M ALSO GIVING YOU FURTHER DIRECTION TO GET THINGS DONE SO THAT CITY AND COUNTY CAN LEVERAGE THEIR RESOURCES WITH THE SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND ANY OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.
THANK YOU TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
WALTER MARTINEZ, JASON, THANK YOU FOR MAKING THAT COMMITMENT AND THE WONDERFUL PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY DOING AND OUR EXAMPLE OF THAT AGAIN, PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP THAT GET THINGS DONE.
AS YOU'VE HEARD, BEXAR COUNTY'S COMMITTED TO THE SAISD TO DEVELOP A HOUSING FRAMEWORK.
IT HELPS GENERATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR THE BENEFITS OF THE WORKFORCE AND FOR THE GROWTH OF THEIR STUDENT POPULATION.
TODAY WE'LL BE DELIVERING THAT FIVE YEAR FRAMEWORK.
THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY BENEFIT THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE BASEBALL STADIUM AGREEMENT THAT WE REACHED.
WE ARE FOLLOWING THROUGH WITH OUR AGREEMENT THAT WE REACHED IN THOSE NEGOTIATIONS AND FROM THE FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY.
UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, BEXAR COUNTY HAS TAKEN ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP IN PROVIDING AND PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOUSING STOCK AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE URBAN CORE.
OUR CHILDREN, OUR FAMILIES, OUR SENIORS, OUR WORKFORCE, THEY ALL NEED HOUSING OPTIONS THAT CAN WORK FOR THEM, SO THESE POLICIES MUST BE IN TANDEM IN COORDINATION WITH THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF OUR FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY IN THE URBAN CORE.
THAT IS THE ONLY WAY OUR COMMUNITY IS GOING TO GROW.
I ALSO WOULD MORE SPECIFICALLY SAY THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THAT THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THIS URBAN CORE WILL GROW WITH THE COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
[02:45:02]
THIS IS, AND COMMISSIONER COVERT, THANK YOU FOR GIVING US THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT THAT THE COUNTY HAS REALLY LEANED IN UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, AND I APPRECIATE THAT SUPPORT.WE WILL BUILD ON THE FRAMEWORK IN THE COMING MONTHS WITH ADDITIONAL POLICY DIRECTIVES TO REINFORCE THESE STRATEGIES.
I ASK THE COURT TO PLEASE SUPPORT THIS MOTION.
UNLESS THERE'S OTHER FURTHER DISCUSSION, I WILL CALL FOR A VOTE.
HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION, SIGNIFY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY ABSTENTION, MOTION CARRIES.
LET'S GET THE JOB DONE AND GET SOME AFFORDABLE HOUSING STOCK.
PRIVATE SECTOR. LET'S LOOK AT THOSE PROJECTS. I WANT A PROJECT.
>> JUDGE, I DO WANT TO SAY THAT ROBERT RENA SET US UP FOR SUCCESS, AND WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT HIM, EVEN THOUGH HE'S NOT HERE.
HE WAS A BIG PART OF THIS, AS YOU ALL KNOW, AND HE REALLY SET US UP FOR SUCCESS TO MAKE THIS PRESENTATION.
>> WE'RE GOING TO RECESS, BUT HOLD ON.
LET ME GIVE DIRECTION. AND THEN I NEED INPUT.
WE NEED TO GO TO A BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION.
SO WE'RE GOING TO SHIFT INTO THAT AGENDA ITEM FOR THOSE THAT ARE INVOLVED WITH THAT.
ALSO NOTE, [NOISE] AND WITH COURT'S PERMISSION, I WOULD LIKE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THAT TO TAKE UP [NOISE] 89, WHICH IS THE BRISCOE MATTER.
I BELIEVE THEY'RE HERE. IF THERE'S ANY OTHER GROUP THAT'S HERE.
AND THEN AFTER THAT, WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A RECESS, TAKE ABOUT A 45-MINUTE TO HOUR BREAK, AND WE'LL BE BACK OUT AFTER LUNCH.
AND WE WILL RESUME AND FINISH THE AGENDA FOR THIS AFTERNOON.
SO AT THIS TIME, THE TIME IS NOW 11:52.
I WILL CALL A RECESS OF THE BEXAR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT.
I BELIEVE COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, YOU ARE THE CHAIR OF THE BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION.
WE ARE NOW CONVENING AS THE BOARD OF THE HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION.
THE TIME IS 11:52, AND WE HAVE A QUORUM PRESENT.
WE JUST HAVE A FEW QUICK AGENDA ITEMS. SUMMER. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WE HAVE ITEM 1 ON THE AGENDAS CONSIDERATION, APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25, 2025.
WE'LL NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES.
>> I GOT IT BACK [OVERLAPPING].
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT, DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE?
>> ANY OPPOSED? THAT MOTION CARRIES.
ITEM 2 IS CONSIDERATION APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING BOND ISSUES, 2A IS A RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF AMERICAN AGAPE FOUNDATION REGARDING A PROPOSED TAX BOND FINANCING UP TO 35 MILLION.
RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPPING OF THE HAYS STREETS LOFT PROJECT AT 715 CHESTNUT.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
SO WE'RE HERE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT THE HAYS STREET LOFT'S PROJECT.
AS YOU'LL REMEMBER, WE COME TO YOU GUYS VERY EARLY ON IN THE PROCESS TO TALK ABOUT THE PROJECT AND TO GAIN WHAT IS CALLED AN INDUCEMENT RESOLUTION.
WHAT THIS RESOLUTION DOES IS IT'S NON-BINDING, AND IT JUST INDICATES YOUR PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROJECT.
AS YOU'RE AWARE, WE HAVE TO APPLY TO THE STATE BOND REVIEW BOARD IN ORDER TO RECEIVE VOLUME CAP FOR THE TAX-EXEMPT BONDS.
THIS IS THE FIRST STEP THAT ALLOWS US TO SUBMIT THAT APPLICATION.
GET INTO THE LOTTERY AND GET IN A LINE TO RECEIVE THE TAXES AND BOND ALLOCATION.
AGAIN, THIS IS A NON-BINDING RESOLUTION.
WE'LL BE COMING BACK TO YOU WITH FINAL DOCUMENTS IF THIS PROJECT MOVES FORWARD.
SO YOU'LL HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE IT AGAIN.
JUST FOR SOME CONTEXT ON THE PROJECT, IT'S 134 UNITS.
THIS IS A 4% LOW-INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROJECT.
IT'S LOCATED IN PRECINCT FOUR NEAR THE HAYS STREET BRIDGE.
THESE UNITS ARE 30-60% AMI UNITS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE STRATEGIES THAT YOU GUYS JUST SET FORTH.
AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEVELOPER HERE AS WELL IF THERE ARE QUESTIONS.
>> MR. CALVERT, THIS IS YOUR PRECINCT.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, MR. CHAIRMAN.
BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY THIS ACTUALLY BUTTRESSES EXTREMELY WELL WITH WHAT WE JUST DID.
IT COULD BE THE VERY FIRST PROJECT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION.
>> WELL, WE GOT TO GO THROUGH THE BOATS.
>> BUT WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THIS PROGRAM OR THIS PROJECT, RATHER IS NOT ONLY ITS PROXIMITY TO DOWNTOWN BUT IT'S ALSO IT'S COMMUNITY COLLABORATION.
THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF MEETINGS WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION IN THE AREA.
THERE'S BEEN ADJUSTMENTS MADE BASED UPON THE FEEDBACK,
[02:50:02]
AND IT'S GOT SUPPORT FROM THE NEIGHBORHOODS.AND IT CERTAINLY IS AN IMPORTANT WORKFORCE HOUSING OPTION FOR FOLKS WHO WANT TO BE A PART OF THE PROSPERITY, WHO ARE WORKING CLASS.
I THINK IF YOU UNDERSTAND THE VISUAL OF THE UNHOUSED AROUND THE HAYS STREET BRIDGE, WE CAN TAKE PEOPLE FROM SLEEPING ON THE HAY TO LIVING IN THE HAZE.
AND THAT WILL BE WHAT THIS LEGACY WILL BE.
I HOPE TO HAVE A SECOND TO THAT MOTION.
>> WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER CALVERT. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> AND I SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR FOR THE INDUCEMENT RESOLUTION, SAY AYE.
>> I'M SORRY. CAN I MAKE A [OVERLAPPING].
>> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER MOODY. SORRY, I DIDN'T HEAR YOU.
>> THANK YOU. SUMMER AND WE'VE HAD SOME DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF HERE.
I KNOW SOME OF THOSE YOU PROVIDED US SOME INFORMATION ON, THERE ARE SOME OTHER THINGS WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET ANSWERS ON AT THIS POINT.
SOMETHING I DIDN'T MENTION PREVIOUSLY.
I'LL JUST SAY QUICKLY, IS THAT EACH ONE OF THESE INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS, I'LL CONTINUE TO LOOK AT BASED ON THE MERITS.
BUT IF I DON'T HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION THAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR AND THAT WE NEED IN ORDER TO EVALUATE THAT, THEN THEN I CAN'T REALLY MAKE AN ASSESSMENT.
SO I'M JUST GOING TO GO AHEAD AND ABSTAIN ON THIS TODAY UNTIL WE GET SOME MORE INFORMATION AND COMES BACK TO COURT.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER MOODY.
WE DO HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.
I UNDERSTAND COMMISSIONER MOODY IS ABSTAINING, BUT WE STILL NEED TO VOTE ON THE MOTION.
>> ANY OPPOSED? NO OPPOSED AND ONE ABSTENTION, SO THAT MOTION PASSES.
ONE MORE ITEM ON THE AGENDA FOR THE HFC IS CONSIDERATION ITEM 3.
APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING THE USE OF THE HFC FUNDS FOR A, A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE HFC TO USE IN OUR TRANSFER FUNDS TO BEXAR COUNTY AND THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000 FOR A GRANT TO PROVIDE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR TENANTS AT SUFFOLKS FACTORY APARTMENTS.
SUMMER, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD ON THIS, BUT I CAN GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND.
THIS IS FROM EARLIER THIS YEAR.
WE HAD THE BIG DEVELOPMENT ON THE NORTHWEST PART OF THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR, AND THE CITY AT THAT TIME AND THE DEVELOPER COMMITTED TO A CERTAIN DOLLAR AMOUNT FOR RELOCATION ASSISTANCE.
THE COUNTY COMMITTED NOTHING AT THE TIME, BUT CERTAINLY COMMITTED IN WORDS THAT WE WOULD BE THERE, SHOULD THERE BE ANY SHORTFALL.
SO THIS AMOUNT IS ESSENTIALLY A CONTINGENCY.
THERE'S SEVERAL PHASES OF THOSE RELOCATIONS HAPPENING OVER AT SOAP WORKS.
THIS IS A SET ASIDE IN THE EVENT THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDS ARE NECESSARY.
SO AGAIN, THIS IS 100,000 FROM OUR HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION CORPUS FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE RESIDENTS.
WE'LL NEED A MOTION TO GET THAT PASS.
>> AND I WILL JUST ADD A COUPLE OF THINGS ON THAT.
SO I WAS REMISS IN MENTIONING THAT IF YOU ISSUE THE BONDS FOR THE HAYS STREET BRIDGE, THAT YOU WOULD RECEIVE 1% OF THE AMOUNT OF THE BONDS AS AN ISSUER FEE.
AND SO YOU HAVE OVER THE COURSE OF TIME, UTILIZED YOUR HFC, AND SO YOU DO HAVE FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THIS.
THE RESTRICTION ON THOSE FUNDS AT THE STATE LEVEL, THROUGH THE STATUTE, IS THAT THEY BE USED FOR FAMILIES OF LOW AND MODERATE INCOME.
SO THAT'S JUST THE MAIN RESTRICTION THAT WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF HERE, AND WE PROBABLY NEED TO HAVE A MODERATE INCOME SET HERE.
SO I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU SET A LIMITATION ON WHAT THAT MODERATE INCOME IS.
IN THE PAST, JUST FOR CONTEXT, WE HAVE SET THAT AT 140% OF AREA MEDIAN INCOME.
>> SO I WOULD ASSUME THAT WE CONSISTENT WITH THOSE GUIDELINES AS WELL.
>> JUST HAVE A QUICK QUESTION.
>> GO AHEAD, COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
>> SUMMER, REMIND ME, WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY GIVEN FOR RELOCATION PER HOUSEHOLD FROM THE CITY AND FROM THE DEVELOPER?
>> I DO NOT HAVE THAT INFORMATION.
>> I DON'T REMEMBER THE EXACT AMOUNT.
I THINK IT WAS SOMEWHERE AROUND 2,500 PER UNIT, IS WHAT I RECALL.
BUT AGAIN, I THINK THEY'RE PROBABLY JUST IN PHASE 1 OF THOSE RELOCATIONS.
I THINK THERE IS OVER TIME PROBABLY THREE DIFFERENT PHASES OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
AND SO I DON'T THINK IT'S BEEN DEPLETED YET, BUT CERTAINLY WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE PUT SOME MONEY ASIDE IN THE EVENT THAT IT GETS TOO LOW FOR SAY PHASE 3.
>> FAIR ENOUGH. LET ME MAKE A RECOMMENDATION, 2,500.
I'VE GOT MULTIPLE OFFICES AND PROPERTIES, AND WE HAVE TO MOVE THINGS ALL THE TIME.
TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED WILL PROBABLY MOVE YOU A ONE-BEDROOM PERSON,
[02:55:02]
BUT IT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MOVE YOU A TWO AND THREE-BEDROOM.I WOULD SAY THESE 100,000 IN CONTINGENCY, I THINK WE SHOULD BE LIBERAL ABOUT HELPING THESE FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY WHO ARE ECONOMICALLY DISTRESSED, WITH ANY ADDITIONAL OVERAGE OVER 2,500.
AND SO I WOULD JUST OFFER THAT AS A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT, THE LANGUAGE TO BE THAT THE COUNTY WORK LIBERALLY TO HELP THOSE BEYOND ONE-BEDROOM FOR THE MOVING COSTS.
I ALSO THINK THESE COSTS HAVE GONE UP.
SINCE THE NEGOTIATION HAPPENED TWO YEARS AGO, MOVING COSTS HAVE ESCALATED AND SO EVEN A ONE-BEDROOM 2,500 MAY NOT CUT IT ANYMORE.
I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE, BUT IT'S GOING TO BE VERY CLOSE TO THE LIMIT OF AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD MOVEMENT.
>> COMMISSIONER CALVERT, THEN, DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THE MOTION AND MAKE THAT PART OF YOUR MOTION THEN?
>> SURE. I MOVE THAT THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BEXAR COUNTY HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION TO USE AND OR TRANSFER FUNDS TO BEXAR COUNTY AND AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 100,000 PER GRANT TO PROVIDE RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR TENANTS AT THE SUFFOLK FACTORY APARTMENTS, BE UTILIZED TO ASSIST THE FAMILIES MOVING WITH THEIR MOVING COSTS.
I THINK JUST LEAVING IT OPEN WILL ALLOW US TO BE THE SECOND POINT OF CONTACT.
BUT IT'S NOT SO MUCH ON A SHORTFALL.
IT'S JUST TO SAY IF THERE IS AN OVERAGE, THAT THEY ARE NOT LEFT IN THE LURCH.
>> SO WE HAVE A MOTION. I THINK THE IDEA IS, WE'RE GOING TO WORK WITH THE CITY ON THAT, SO I THINK WE CAN WORK WITH THOSE PARAMETERS.
SO WE HAVE A MOTION THEN FOR ITEM 38. DO WE HAVE A SECOND?
>> MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION?
>> QUICK COMMENT AGAIN, CHAIRMAN.
MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT FROM DISCUSSIONS WITH THE DEVELOPERS AT THE TIME, THAT BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD QUALIFY FOR THIS AND BASED ON THEIR COMMITMENTS THAT THIS WAS ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF.
THE CITY WAS BACK UP TO THAT, WAS MY UNDERSTANDING, AND NOW WE'RE TERTIARY.
I JUST DON'T SEE THAT AS A NECESSITY AT THIS POINT BECAUSE, AS I UNDERSTOOD IT, EVEN THE DEVELOPERS HAD EVERYTHING COVERED FROM WHAT THEY LAID OUT IN THEIR PRESENTATION.
SO AGAIN, I FEEL LIKE WE'RE ADDRESSING A PROBLEM THAT IS NOT GOING TO RISE TO THAT LEVEL.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE THAT COMMENT.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SAY AYE?
>> ONE NO, THAT MOTION CARRIES.
IS THAT IT, SUMMER FOR THE AGENDA?
WE'RE GOING TO ADJOURN THE HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION AND JUDGE, WE'LL TURN IT BACK OVER TO YOU.
>> WE'LL REOPEN THE COMMISSIONS COURT AT 12:03.
AS I INDICATED, I'M GOING TO TAKE UP AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 89, PRESENTATION,
[89. Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding a Grant Agreement between Bexar County and the National Western Art Foundation for design and construction of the Stagecoach Gallery and Orientation Lobby at the Briscoe Western Art Museum; from capital project funds budgeted in FY22- 23, for a total amount not to exceed $1,000,000.]
DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY AND THE NATIONAL WESTERN ART FOUNDATION.DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION OF STAGECOACH GALLERY AND ORIENTATION LOBBY AT THE BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM FROM CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS BUDGETED IN FY 2223 FOR TOTAL AMOUNT AND NOT TO EXCEED $1 MILLION DOLLARS.
IS THERE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR? MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ. MR. CANYES.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS.
I'M WITH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT.
I'M HERE TODAY WITH MS. LIZ JACKSON AND MR. JOHN MONTFORT.
TO PRESENT AN ITEM RELATED TO THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT ARE TO BE MADE TO THE BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM.
MS. JACKSON IS THE PRESIDENT CDO OF THE DOTH AND JANEY BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM.
TO PROVIDE A LITTLE BACKGROUND.
THIS PROJECT WAS DURING THE 2022 BUDGET PROCESS, COURT APPROVED FUNDING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BRISCOE.
BEXAR COUNTY IS AUTHORIZED THROUGH CHAPTERS OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR HISTORICAL MUSEUMS SUCH AS THE BRISCOE.
THIS ITEM IS TO PRESENT THE GRANT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT THAT WILL ENABLE THE NATIONAL WESTERN ART FOUNDATION, WHICH OPERATES THE BRISCOE, TO CREATE THE STATE CODE GALLERY.
WILL HAND THE PRESENTATION TO MS. LIZ AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS AT THE END.
THANK YOU, TONY. YES, I DO HAVE THE HONORABLE JOHN T. MONTFORT.
JOHN HAS BEEN OUR BOARD CHAIRMAN TWICE AND HAS BEEN A BIG FRIEND TO THE BRISCOE.
BUT FIRST AND FOREMOST, I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR TIME IN ALLOWING US THIS PLATFORM TO VISIT WITH YOU.
[03:00:02]
THE BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM HAS BECOME A LEADING DESTINATION FOR WESTERN ART IN THE UNITED STATES, AND HAS BECOME A VITAL PART OF THE COUNTY'S CULTURAL FABRIC.IN FACT, SINCE 2013, WE'VE WELCOMED OVER 1.2 MILLION VISITORS FROM BEXAR COUNTY ACROSS TEXAS ACROSS THE NATION.
WE ARE HOME TO THE SECOND-LARGEST WESTERN ART SHOW AND SALE NIGHT OF ARTISTS, BRINGING IN ARTISTS AND VISITORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS, I'M DELIGHTED TO SHARE WITH YOU THAT WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND OFFERINGS, INCREASING OUR SCHOOL TOURS AND YOUTH PROGRAMMING BY 26%.
IN DOING SO, THE NARRATIVES THAT WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON SHARING ARE INSPIRED BY WHAT WE CALL THE FOUR PILLARS OF WESTERN ART.
COWBOYS IN RANCHING, THE TEJANO EXPERIENCE, NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES IN THE WESTERN WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE.
BUT TO ACCOMMODATE THIS ONGOING GROWTH AND TRAJECTORY OF GROWTH, WE PLAN TO RENOVATE AND CONVERT OUR CURRENT STAGE COACH GALLERY INTO AN ORIENTATION GALLERY, EQUIPPED WITH AN IMMERSIVE AUDIO AND VISUAL TECHNOLOGY.
BY DOING SO WITH THE COUNTY'S SUPPORT, WE WILL BE ABLE TO ADD 1,800 SQUARE FEET OF EXHIBITION SPACE MAXIMIZING OUR CURRENT FOOTPRINT.
ADDITIONALLY, WITH TECHNOLOGY, THAT'S GOING TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE OUR AUDIENCE, OUR STUDENTS, OUR FAMILIES, UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE AND IMPACT AND HELPING VISITORS DISCOVER THEIR IDENTITY WITHIN THE WEST AND BUILD MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS.
BUT WHAT'S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS IS WITH THE TECHNOLOGY, WE'LL HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY WITH TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN STORYTELLING THAT EMPHASIZES THE REPRESENTATIONAL NARRATIVES IN WAYS THAT TODAY'S AUDIENCES CAN CONNECT WITH.
FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AS MANY AS ONE IN THREE AMERICAN COWBOYS WERE AFRICAN AMERICAN.
WHILE WE HAVE AN UNBELIEVABLE COLLECTION AT THE BRISCOE, THAT IS ONE AREA THAT WE'RE REALLY TRYING TO GROW AND EXPAND UPON.
WHEN YOU GO OUT ON THE MARKET TO TRY TO FIND A PIECE OF ART BY AN AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST DEPICTING AFRICAN AMERICAN COWBOYS, WE'VE GOT TO FUND RAISE ANOTHER 75 TO $80,000 TO AFFORD A PIECE OF ART THAT'S MUSEUM WORTHY.
BUT WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY IN PLACE, THAT'S GOING TO ALLOW US TO BEGIN PROMOTING THESE TYPES OF IMAGES ALREADY TODAY.
THAT'S WHY THIS IS A BIG PART OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FUNDING THIS PROJECT. IT WILL FILL THE VOIDS.
IT WILL AID IN TELLING, AUTHENTIC AND REPRESENTATIONAL STORIES OF THE WEST.
BUT ADDITIONALLY, THIS PROJECT IS GOING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE ONGOING REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO BY STRENGTHENING THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND AFFIRMING THE BRISCOE AS A FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENT OF THE CULTURAL CIVIC AND ECONOMIC VITALITY OF BEXAR COUNTY.
WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE ONGOING SUPPORT OF BEXAR COUNTY.
YOU WERE WITH US FROM THE BEGINNING.
AS WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD, WE'RE PROUD OF THE FACT THAT OVER 85% OF ALL OF OUR FUNDING IS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BUT WE DO RELY ON THE GOVERNMENT FOR SOME OF THAT HELP AND THAT OFFSET.
WE'RE ESTIMATING THE TOTAL COST OF THIS PROJECT TO BE 1.2 MILLION.
ON YOUR AGENDA ITEM 89, WE'RE REQUESTING EXPENSES AND HELP NOT TO EXCEED $1 MILLION TO EXPAND THE ARTS AND CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN THE COUNTY.
WE PLAN TO COMPLETE THIS TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECT, SUSTAIN BRISCOE AS A STRONG COMMUNITY DRIVER AND ENHANCE THE CULTURAL, CIVIC, AND ECONOMIC FATALITY OF BEXAR COUNTY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR SUPPORT. WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
>> JUDGE SAKAI, MEMBERS OF THE COURT, I THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PARTNERSHIP FOR OUR COUNTY, OUR CITY AND OUR STATE, AND WE BELIEVE IT'S A GOOD INVESTMENT.
THIS MUSEUM SETS AT THE CROSSROADS OF THE AMERICAS, AND YOU THINK ABOUT THE CONVERGENCE OF THESE GREAT CULTURES THAT WE HAVE HERE, WE ARE TRYING TO GET THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY OUT THERE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
JUST IN CLOSING, A LITTLE DEMOGRAPHIC DATA, WE LOOKED AND BASICALLY, OUR ATTENDANCE IS FAIRLY EVENLY DISTRIBUTED AMONGST EACH OF YOUR FOUR PRECINCTS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND WE'D APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE ON THIS VERY IMPORTANT ADDITION TO REALLY WHAT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE LEADING WESTERN ART MUSEUMS, NOT JUST IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT IN THE WORLD.
[03:05:02]
>> JUDGE, I WANT TO THANK THE BRISCOE LEADERSHIP FOR YOUR BRILLIANT STEWARDSHIP OF THIS FACILITY AND THE WORK YOU'VE DONE LAYING THE GROUNDWORK.
I THINK THAT BRILLIANCE IS SHOWING AGAIN IN YOUR RECOGNITION OF BLACK COWBOYS.
I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT SLIDE THAT YOU HAD, YOU MIGHT WANT TO ADD THAT.
MY FAMILY OR SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS IN EAST TEXAS, AND I WAS THINKING ABOUT MY GRANDDADDY, BUDDY.
EVERYBODY CALLED HIM BUDDY, BUT HE WAS A HORSE WHISPERER, HE WAS A COW WRANGLER AND WHISPERER AND HAD AN AMAZING WAY WITH ANIMALS.
AS YOU LOOK TO THOSE INSTALLATIONS, I'D BE HAPPY TO LEND SOME FAMILY PHOTOS OF OUR FAMILY LAND AND RANCH THAT WE STILL HAVE OVER 200 ACRES IN NORTHEAST OF HOUSTON.
I THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING THE GREAT HERITAGE OF THE WEST.
WE HAVE A VERY SPECIAL RECOGNITION ALONG THE OLD SPANISH TRAIL ALONG THE WESTERN CALVARY, IF YOU WILL, EVEN WITH THE 9TH REGIMEN, THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS BEING STATIONED IN SAN PEDRO PARK, ALL OF THAT PART OF THE WESTERN HERITAGE HERE.
I THINK THAT THE CARE WHICH WE TAKE THOSE CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE NATIVE AMERICAN POPULATION, WE'VE BEEN REMINDED TODAY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF RECONCILIATION THERE.
WE'VE GOT WORK TO DO. I THINK MUSEUMS CAN BE A PART OF DEALING WITH THOSE ISSUES WHERE THERE IS CHURN IN THE WATER AND SMOOTHING THOSE THINGS OUT.
THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS AMENDMENT.
I'M SORRY IT TOOK US SO LONG TO GET A PROCESS FROM 2022, BUT YOU GET THE SPEEDY TREATMENT NOW. THANK YOU.
>> COMMISSIONER CALVERT, WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A PAIR OF YOUR GRANDDAD'S SPURS IN OUR COLLECTION, SO YOU MIGHT CHECK AND SEE IF YOU CAN FIND THEM.
THANK YOU. ANY FURTHER COMMENT?
I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING AND TRYING TO HIGHLIGHT THE BLACK COWBOYS AND ALSO IN YOUR SLIDE, YOU TALKED ABOUT THE VATOS AND THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.
WITH TODAY'S CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE, TRYING TO EXCLUDE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ALL OF US, I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING THE OPPOSITE.
I WANT TO CONGRATULATE YOU AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THAT.
GROWING UP HERE AS A CHILD, I NEVER WENT TO A SINGLE MUSEUM IN SAN ANTONIO BECAUSE MY FAMILY COULDN'T AFFORD IT.
IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME THAT THERE ARE FREE DAYS FOR ALL OF OUR MUSEUM.
DO YOU ALL HAVE A FREE DAY FOR BEXAR COUNTY?
>> WE ACTUALLY HAVE SEVERAL FREE DAYS.
WE DO THREE LARGE COMMUNITY WIDE SCALE FAMILY COMMUNITY DAYS IN WHICH WE TYPICALLY HAVE 15-1700 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARRIVE AND THAT'S FREE.
WE ALSO HAVE THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH IS FREE LOCALS DAY.
WE DON'T JUST OPEN THE MUSEUM.
WE ALSO PROGRAM AND THERE'S CHILDREN AND ADULT PROGRAMMING ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH EVERY MONTH.
>> TO EXTRAPOLATE, WE'RE EVEN DOING MORE.
ONE OF OUR LARGE SCALE PROJECTS THAT WE'RE WORKING ON FOR NEXT SUMMER IS GOING TO BE CALLED TEJANO LEGACY, ANOTHER AMERICAN ORIGIN STORY THAT WE ARE INTRODUCING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATION'S 250TH.
IT'S OUR WAY OF SAYING NOT EVERYTHING HAPPENED AND STARTED IN JAMESTOWN.
THERE'S A WHOLE ANOTHER ORIGIN STORY FOR A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF THE POPULATION, ESPECIALLY HERE IN SOUTH TEXAS AND SAN ANTONIO.
>> YOU GUYS ARE DOING SOME GOOD WORK THAT I THINK A LOT OF ISOLATED MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT.
I'D LOVE TO SEE OUTREACH TO DIFFERENT BLACK ORGANIZATIONS ABOUT THE BLACK COWBOYS EXHIBIT.
ALSO, IF YOU WANT TO REVIEW THE RECORDING BEFORE TO HEAR WHAT THE INDIGENOUS GROUP WAS TALKING ABOUT.
MAYBE ALSO REACH OUT TO SOME OF THE INDIGENOUS GROUPS TO LET THEM KNOW ABOUT THE GOOD WORK AND WELCOME THEM TO SEE IT BECAUSE I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT.
>> WELL, AND IT'S VERY IMPORTANT WHEN WE ARE TACKLING ANY TYPE OF PROJECT OR EXHIBITION, WE DO NOT RELY ON OUR OWN SELVES TO TELL THOSE STORIES.
WE DO WORK WITH A LOT OF THE LOCAL NATIVE AMERICAN GROUPS HERE TO HELP GUIDE US AND MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE PORTRAYING EVERYTHING ACCURATELY AND AUTHENTICALLY AS WELL.
>> THERE'S A MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT SECOND BY MR. RODRIGUEZ. COMMISSIONER MOODY.
>> YEAH, PLEASE. WELL, THANK YOU FOR THE PRESENTATION, AND I'LL ECHO COMMISSIONER CALVERT'S COMMENTS ABOUT IT BEING A WONDERFUL VENUE,
[03:10:03]
A GREAT ASSET FOR OUR COMMUNITY.BEEN DOWN THERE SEVERAL TIMES.
I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE TIMELINE, BUT OBVIOUSLY, IT'S CLEAR THIS WAS COMMITTED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AT THIS POINT, AND WE'RE BRINGING FORWARD NOW.
BUT LIZ, IF YOU JUST CONFIRM, YOU MENTIONED THE PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT PERCENTAGE FOR THE BRISCOE?
>> 85% OF ALL OF OUR FUNDING COMES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
>> THAT REALLY STANDS OUT TO ME.
I'M NOT OPPOSED TO PUBLIC SUPPORT, BUT IT MAKES IT A LOT EASIER WHEN YOU HAVE THAT LEVEL OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PROBABLY HAVE BEEN INVESTED BY PRIVATE PHILANTHROPY OVER THE YEARS, BUT IT MAKES THIS A LOT EASIER WHEN WE'RE JUST PLUSING UP ALL THAT PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT.
>> I'LL SAY THIS, I'M A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE BRISCOE. WE READY TO CALL THE VOTE.
>> ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SAY AYE.
ANY OPPOSE? ANY ABSTENTION? MOTION CARRIES.
>> THANK YOU. AS I PROMISE, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE UP THE LAST ONE BEFORE RECESS.
I THINK, COMMISSIONER, YOU HAD A POINT OF ORDER.
BUT LET'S GO AHEAD AND TAKE UP 88.
[88. (Dan Curry) Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding Task Order No. 11 of the Cooperative Agreement between Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority, and the City of San Antonio for the completion of the Creeks and Trails Capital Improvements Program; to provide betterments for the River Road Ecosystem Restoration; the limits being from U.S. Highway 281 to Mulberry Avenue, in an amount not to exceed $2,750,000.]
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, AND APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING TASK ORDER NUMBER 11 OF THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN BEXAR COUNTY, SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY, CITY OF SAN ANTONIO FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE CREEKS AND TRAILS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT TO PROVIDE BETTERMENT FOR THE RIVER ROAD ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION, LIMITS BEING ONE US HIGHWAY 281 TO MULBERRY AVENUE IN AMOUNT NOT TO SEEK $2,750,000. TONY.>> MORNING AGAIN, JUDGE COMMISSIONER, TONY YES WITH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT.
I'M GOING TO HAND THE MICROPHONE OFF TO MS. AMY ZOLA.
SHE'S THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER FOR EVERYTHING THAT THEY DO WITH THE RIVER AUTHORITY.
>> MAYBE NOT EVERYTHING. GOOD MORNING, GOOD AFTERNOON.
I AM HERE TO PRESENT TO YOU THE TASK ORDER THAT WE'RE GOING TO START.
IT IS CONNECTED TO OUR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR THE BEXAR COUNTY CREEKS AND TRAILS.
THIS PROGRAM HAS A COUPLE DOZEN DIFFERENT TRAILS PROJECTS THAT ARE PART OF THIS PROGRAM.
THIS IS OUR 8TH PROJECT THAT WE'VE BROUGHT TO THE COURT.
IT'S CALLED THE RIVER ROAD ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION.
THE PROJECT COMPOSES OF STREAM RESTORATION THROUGH THE PROJECT LIMITS, AS WELL AS AN ADDITIONAL 2,600 LINEAR FEET OF TRAILS AND VARIOUS AMENITIES.
THOSE AMENITIES INCLUDE THINGS LIKE PARK BENCHES, ART, AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES.
THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS BASE PLAN IS 100% FUNDED BY THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, AND THAT'S ABOUT $15 MILLION IS THEIR ESTIMATED BUDGET.
THE MONEY THAT THE COUNTY IS CONTRIBUTING WOULD BE FOR THE BETTERMENTS OF THE PROJECT.
THAT'S TO MAKE THE TRAILS A LITTLE WIDER, MAKE THEM CONCRETE.
IT'S TO ADD SOME OF THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND SOME OF THE ART PIECES AND BENCHES.
THEN THE RIVER AUTHORITY WILL BE THE OPERATOR AND MAINTAINER OF THE RESTORATION AND THE BETTERMENTS IN PERPETUITY AFTER THE PROJECT IS DONE.
THE TIMELINE FOR THIS PROJECT, I AM GOING TO CAVEAT THAT WE DID THIS PRESENTATION PRIOR TO THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.
THERE IS A POSSIBILITY WITH THIS BEING MOSTLY CORE FUNDED THAT THIS MAY BE CHANGED.
WE ARE NOT AWARE OF THAT IMPACT JUST YET.
BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE CORE WAS WORKING ON 60% DESIGN.
THEY HAVE SENT US OVER A PRELIMINARY 60% DESIGN FOR REVIEW.
THE BETTERMENTS ARE A PIECE THAT COME LATER IN THEIR DESIGN PROCESS, SO THOSE ARE JUST NOW BEING INCORPORATED INTO IT.
THEY ARE NOT FULLY DESIGNED YET OR EVEN AT 60%.
THERE WILL BE A LITTLE CATCH UP BEING PLAYED NOW.
IN THEIR RECOVERY SCHEDULE, THOUGH, THEY'RE STILL HOPING IN THE BEGINNING OF 2026 THAT THEY WILL HAVE 100% DESIGN DONE.
THAT WILL COME. RIGHT BEFORE THAT, WE WILL HAVE SOME PUBLIC MEETINGS AND OTHER ENGAGEMENTS TO SHOW THE PUBLIC THE BETTERMENTS THAT ARE PROPOSED AND ABOUT 95% DESIGN BEFORE IT'S COMPLETELY FINALIZED.
AFTER CONSTRUCTION START, WE'LL ALSO HAVE A COUPLE DIFFERENT POINTS OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.
THE PROPOSED BUDGET, THE $15 MILLION, THE WAY THAT'S BROKEN UP IS ABOUT 2.4 IS FOR DESIGN, 12.6 IS FOR CONSTRUCTION, AND THAT'S A TOTAL OF 15 MILLION FOR THE BASE PLAN.
FOR THE ADDITIONAL BETTERMENTS, THAT AMOUNT IS COMING TO THE 2.75 MILLION FOR A TOTAL PROJECT OF ABOUT $17.75 MILLION.
[03:15:05]
>> WE'LL HOLD FOR QUESTIONS, BUT AGAIN, THE MOTION YOU ISSUES ON THE SCREEN.
WE JUST ASKING FOR APPROVAL OF TASK ORDER NUMBER 11 FOR THIS ITEM FROM THE COOPERATE TREE.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
>> NO, JUST THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK.
BOTH OF YOU, I KNOW THIS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME IN THE MAKING AND WE'RE FINALLY GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE IT'S STARTING TO COME TOGETHER.
THE ONLY I GUESS QUICK QUESTION I HAD IS, I THINK YOU MENTIONED SOME COMMUNITY MEETING.
IS THAT GOING TO BE LATER THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR?
>> YES. MOST LIKELY, I'M JUST THINKING WITH THE SCHEDULE IMPACTS THAT MAY COME.
IT'LL PROBABLY BE THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
WE ALSO DON'T LIKE TO DO THINGS AFTER THE SECOND WEEK IN DECEMBER.
IT'S PROBABLY GOING TO BE REALLY TIGHT.
WE DON'T HAVE A DATE YET. IT'LL PROBABLY BE NEXT YEAR.
>> SOMETIME IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 26. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> COMMISSIONER CALVERT, COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES, COMMISSIONER MOODY.
IS THERE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR?
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ, SECOND.
COMMISSIONER CALVERT. SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE. ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION? COMMISSIONER MOODY, WHERE WAS YOUR VOTE?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. COMMISSIONER CLAY-FLORES.
[Additional Item]
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I'D LIKE TO TAKE A PERSONAL POINT OF PRIVILEGE.
I WANT TO CALL AND RECOGNIZE SOPHIA AARON FROM THE PORT IN MY PRECINCT. SHE'S HERE.
I KNOW JUDGE SAKAI, AFTER I SPEAK, I THINK YOU HAVE SOME WORDS TO SAY AS WELL.
I KNOW THAT SHE IS HERE FROM THE PORT, AND ALSO DAVID MONROE.
HE WAS THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF THE SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
Y'ALL CAN COME FORWARD TO THE PODIUM, GUYS.
HE WAS THE FOUNDER AND CEO OF SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND HIS COLLEAGUES, CLIFF AND SANDRA HAVE BEEN WITH US HERE TODAY IN HIS HONOR AND MEMORY.
THEY HAVE SET UP A POSTER OUTSIDE, SO ON YOUR WAY OUT, PLEASE, TAKE A MOMENT TO LOOK AT THAT.
THE POSTER IS ANNOUNCING A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION OF LEGACY AND HONOR OF HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO STEM, EDUCATION AND HIS PASSION FOR INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS.
I'D ALSO LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORK OF THIS MUSEUM AND THAT IT IS FREE EVERY DAY AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
WE'RE JUST SO APPRECIATIVE OF HIS WORK AND LEGACY AND THAT IT'S HOUSED AT THE PORT.
DO YOU WANT TO TAKE A MINUTE TO SAY ANYTHING?
>> SURE. THANK YOU SO MUCH JUDGE SAKAI AND THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS RECOGNITION TODAY.
WE HAVE SANDRA SCHRI, THE OPERATING MANAGER OF SAMSAT AND CLIFF ZINGRAF, THE CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER OF SAMSAT.
THEY DO REGULAR PROGRAMMING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
AS STATED, FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, IT'S SOMETHING THAT WAS VERY NEAR AND DEAR TO DAVID THE FOUNDER FOR THIS MUSEUM TO BE ACCESSIBLE AS THE MISSION IS TO INSPIRE THE YOUTH INTO STEM CAREERS.
I'LL ASK IF HIS COLLEAGUES WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ANY REMARKS.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS.
COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A FEW COMMENTS.
AS SOPHIA POINTED OUT, WE HAVE A PICTURE OF A POSTER THAT WAS CREATED BY DAVID'S WIFE, LORENA MONROE, THAT IS IN THE LOBBY OUTSIDE.
THE CELEBRATION OF THE LEGACY FOR DAVID WILL BE ON NOVEMBER 14 AT 4:00 P.M. AT THE BOEING CENTER AT TECHPORT.
WE INVITE EVERYONE TO COME AND SEE THE HOUSE THAT DAVID BUILT, SANSA AREA 21, AND THEN TO JOIN US FOR HIS CELEBRATION OF LEGACY.
I ALSO ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
WE'VE PUT WHAT WE BELIEVE WILL BE A PERMANENT ADDITION TO THE NAVIGATION BAR AT THE TOP CALLED OUR FOUNDER.
YOU CAN SEE A PICTURE OF DAVID WHEN HE WAS 13 YEARS OLD AFTER HE BUILT A LUBY LASER FOR HIS SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT.
YOU CAN READ ABOUT DAVID'S WORK AT DATA POINT CORPORATION.
THAT'S WHAT THE STREET IS NAMED AFTER THE COMPANY IN THE 1970S AND 80S.
YOU CAN ALSO READ ABOUT DAVID'S WORK, EARNING 53 PATENTS AS A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR, AND THE WORK HE DID AT THE END OF HIS LIFE TO START SAMSAT.
WE INVITE ALL OF YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION OF LEGACY AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVID MONROE AND THE IMPACT THAT HE MADE ON OUR COMMUNITY.
>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, STAFF.
I'D LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO LISTEN TO US.
I'D LIKE TO INVITE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU TO THE MUSEUM,
[03:20:03]
AND PLEASE KEEP DAVID CLOSE TO YOUR HEARTS AND REMEMBER HIM FOREVER. THANK YOU.>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I JUST WANT TO THANK COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES FOR RECOGNIZING AND EVERYONE WHO'S HERE THE INCREDIBLE LEGACY OF DAVID MONROE.
MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW THAT EVERY TIME THEY TAKE A CAMERA PHONE PICTURE, IT WAS DAVID MONROE'S GENIUS THAT WAS BEHIND THAT.
SO MANY MEMORIES, SO MANY WAYS THAT WE CAPTURE HISTORY NOW THROUGH OUR CAMERA PHONES.
THAT WAS DAVID MONROE, MANY INVENTIONS, AND I WON'T GO INTO ALL OF THEM, BUT HE WAS A WONDERFUL PHILANTHROPIST AND BUSINESS LEADER.
I'LL NEVER FORGET I THINK IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM, BUT JUST THE FUN THAT WE HAD TALKING ABOUT SCIENCE AND THE MUSEUM, TOURING THE FACILITY, IT WAS A WONDERFUL LEGACY THAT HE HAD A LOT OF VISION FOR WHEN SOME PEOPLE MAY HAVE WANTED TO PUT THAT MUSEUM IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN.
HE WAS VERY STRONG ABOUT OPENING THE DOORS OF EYES AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO SCIENCE WHO ARE FROM PARTS OF TOWN THAT DON'T NORMALLY GET THAT EXPOSURE FREE OF CHARGE.
THAT SAYS EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PHILANTHROPIC LEGACY AND THE MOVEMENT THAT HE WAS TRYING TO BRIDGE FOR US TOWARDS 21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY.
LORENA, WHO I'VE KNOWN HIS WIFE A LONG TIME, WE'RE PRAYING FOR HER AND THEIR SON AND THE FAMILY.
IT'S A BIG LOSS FOR THIS COMMUNITY TO LOSE HIM UNEXPECTEDLY IN THE WAY THAT WE DID, AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP HIS LEGACY ALIVE, NOVEMBER 14, FOUR O'CLOCK AT THE BOEING CENTER.
THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING AND SHARING HIS CONTINUING WORK, WHICH GOES ON THROUGH ALL OF YOU. THANK YOU.
>> I'LL RESERVE MY REMARKS TO THE END WHERE I WILL MOVE TO ADJOURN IN DAVID MONROE'S NAME IN MEMORY.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, JUDGE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.
>> THANK YOU. I'M CALLING A RECESS.
I'M GOING TO PROBABLY SHORTEN THE LUNCH BREAK ABOUT 30 MINUTES OR SO, SO WE'RE CALLING A RECESS AND WE'LL COME BACK AND FINISH OUT THE REST OF THE AGENDA ONE O'CLOCK.
I KNOW WE HAVE JUMPED AROUND HERE.
WE'VE DONE OUR VERY BEST TO TRY TO ACCOMMODATE EVERYBODY'S REQUEST.
KATE, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I BELIEVE WE SHOULD GO BACK TO SEVEN.
WE DIDN'T COMPLETE SEVEN, BUT WE DID COMPLETE ALL OF FIVE, WHICH IS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, AGENDA ITEM 6, WAS TIME CERTAIN.
[7. Filing for record the following legal and administrative documents and directing the Criminal District Attorney's Office to take action, if necessary]
FILING FOR THE RECORD THE FOLLOWING LEGAL ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS DIRECTED THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO TAKE ACTION THAT NECESSARY FOR THOSE LISTED THROUGH A THROUGH Q.COURT WILL TAKE NOTE OF THAT. AGENDA ITEM 8.
[8. Commissioners Court minutes for Tuesday, September 8, 2025 & September 9, 2025.]
COMMISSION COURT MINUTES FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 AND SEPTEMBER 9, 2025.>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGN BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED, ANY ABSTENTION.
MOTION CARRIES. WE'LL NOW TAKE UP CITIZENS TO BE HEARD.
[9. Communications from citizens who signed the register to speak.]
AGAIN, MUCH APOLOGIES, BUT WE'RE DOING OUR VERY BEST TO ACCOMMODATE.DON'T KNOW IF YOU'RE STILL HERE, BUT I AM GOING TO CALL OUT TODD MICHAEL OR MICHELLE.
THERE YOU GO. HEY, TODD. HOW ARE YOU?
>> THERE YOU GO. YOU GOT YOUR THREE MINUTES. MR. MITCHELL.
>> THE RECOVERY GROUP. IT'S A LOCAL NONPROFIT DEDICATED TO HELPING THOSE STRUGGLING WITH SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND HOMELESSNESS RIGHT HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY.
I STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY NOT TO SPEAK FOR MYSELF, BUT TO SPEAK FOR THE MEN IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO HAVE NOWHERE TO TURN.
OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, BEXAR COUNTY HAS LOST 64% OF ITS PUBLICLY FUNDED RECOVERY BETS.
THAT MEANS THAT ONE OUT OF EVERY TEN PEOPLE WHO ONCE HAD A PLACE TO BEGIN RECOVERY, ONLY ABOUT THREE OR FOUR HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TODAY.
THE OTHERS, ARE BROTHERS, FATHERS, SONS, AND NEIGHBORS ARE LEFT ON THE STREETS AND JAIL CELLS ARE BACK IN THE SYSTEM.
THAT'S WHY OPPORTUNITY RECOVERY GROUP HAS LAUNCHED OR RELAUNCHED THE IN HOUSE RECOVERY PROGRAM, WHICH IS IHRP.
IT'S AN AD BED RESIDENTIAL RECOVERY PROGRAM LOCATED AT 5:19 NORTH MEDINA, OPENING ITS DOORS ON OCTOBER 15.
THE IHRP IS DESIGNED TO BRING STRUCTURE, COMPASSION,
[03:25:02]
AND PROVEN RECOVERY PATHWAYS BACK INTO REACH OF MEN WHO HAVE LOST ALMOST EVERYTHING.OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE 22 WEEK STRUCTURED PLAN.
THEY HAVE SIX WEEKS OF PHP, WHICH IS PEL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAM, WHICH IS INTENSIVE FIVE DAY A WEEK THERAPEUTIC AND CLINICAL SUPPORT.
AFTER THAT, THEY'LL HAVE 16 WEEKS OF IOP, WHICH IS A THREE DAY A WEEK GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING, RELAPSE PREVENTION, AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING.
AFTER THEY COMPLETE THE 22 WEEKS, WE'LL HAVE ONGOING CASE MANAGEMENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES CONTINUING TWICE A WEEK, AFTER COMPLETION, ENSURING SUCCESSFUL REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY.
ALONG WITH ALL THAT, WE'RE GOING TO BE CONNECTING THEM WITH WHAT'S CALLED A MENTAL HEALTH IOP, WHICH IS TO HELP THEM TO INTEGRATE INTO SOBER LIVING AND TO HELP MEN TRANSITION SAFELY INTO THE COMMUNITY.
WE ARE PARTNERING WITH OTHER LOCAL NONPROFITS LIKE CORSON MINISTRIES, ORGANIZATIONS, ALREADY SERVING SAN ANTONIO'S UNSHELTERED POPULATION TO ENSURE ACCESS AND COORDINATION OF CARE FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO WALKS THROUGH OUR DOORS.
TOGETHER, WE ARE BUILDING A NETWORK OF HOPE AND RECOVERY FOR BEXAR COUNTY'S MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS.
IN ADDITION, WELLNESS HEALTH CAREERS HAS INTO A FORMAL AGREEMENT WITH OPPORTUNITY RECOVERY GROUP TO MANAGE SUPPORT OUR EMPLOYMENT OPERATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
WELLNESS HEALTH CAREERS WILL OVERSEE PAYROLL SERVICES FOR OUR CONTRACT EMPLOYEES ENSURING ACCURACY, COMPLIANCE, AND EFFICIENCY IN ALL OUR EMPLOYMENT RELATED MATTERS.
THEY WILL ALSO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT READINESS TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR OUR CLIENTS, HELPING INDIVIDUALS IN RECOVERY DEVELOP SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, AND JOB READINESS, NECESSARY TO REENTER THE WORKFORCE SUCCESSFULLY.
THIS PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS OUR MISSION, CONNECTING RECOVERY WITH REAL WORLD OPPORTUNITIES AND HELPING MEN MOVE FROM TREATMENT TO SELF SUFFICIENCY WITH DIGNITY AND PURPOSE.
BUT FOR ME, COMMISSIONERS, THIS IS NOT JUST A PROFESSIONAL MISSION, IT'S PERSONAL.
YEARS AGO, I WAS ONE OF THE MEN HELPED BY THE ORIGINAL IHRP PROGRAM BEFORE IT ENDED.
I HAD LOST EVERYTHING, MY DIRECTION, MY STABILITY.
>> COUNCILMAN MITCHELL, TIME HAS EXPIRED.
>> GO AHEAD, FINISH. I'LL LET YOU WRAP IT UP.
>> MY SENSE OF SELF. I WALKED INTO THAT PROGRAM BROKEN, BUT I WALKED OUT WITH PURPOSE, FAITH, AND A NEW LIFE.
THAT EXPERIENCE DIDN'T JUST SAVE ME, IT TRANSFORMED ME.
IT GAVE ME THE STRENGTH TO REBUILD, TO HELP OTHERS, AND TO STAND HERE BEFORE YOU TODAY AS LIVING PROOF THAT RECOVERY WORKS WHEN PEOPLE ARE GIVEN A REAL CHANCE.
WHEN THE ORIGINAL IHRP ENDED, IT LEFT A HOLE IN THIS COMMUNITY, A GAP THAT NO ONE STEPPED IN TO FILL UNTIL NOW.
THAT'S WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS SO DEEPLY BECAUSE WE'VE SEEN FIRSTHAND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THESE DOORS ARE OPEN AND I'VE SEEN FIRSTHAND WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE DEVASTATION WHEN THEY'RE NOT.
RIGHT NOW, COMMISSIONERS, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
OUR LONG TERM STABILITY PLAN IS SOLID.
WE'LL BE ELIGIBLE FOR MULTIPLE GRANTS, AND WE ALREADY HAVE COMMITMENTS FROM OTHER LOCAL RECOVERY PARTNERS TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY AFTER THE NEW YEAR.
HOWEVER, BETWEEN NOW AND THEN, WE FACE A CRITICAL GAP.
WE NEED ABOUT $80,000 TO COVER BASIC OPERATING EXPENSES, STAFFING, FOOD, UTILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS, JUST TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AND THE DOORS OPEN.
THAT IS NOT JUST A NUMBER, THAT'S 80 BEDS.
THAT MEANS 80 LIVES, 80 MEN WHO WILL HAVE A PLACE TO SLEEP, TO HEAL, AND TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO THE STREETS OR THE SYSTEM.
EVERY DOLLAR YOU INVEST IN THIS EFFORT IS NOT JUST TO FUND A BED, IT SAVES A LIFE, RESTORES A FAMILY, BRINGS BACK HOPE TO OUR COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE A STRONG PLAN FOR THE FUTURE, THE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUSTAIN IT AND THE HEART TO SEE IT THROUGH.
ALL WE NEED NOW IS YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP BRIDGE THAT GAP.
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THESE 80 BEDS OPEN, HELP US GIVE THESE MEN THE SAME CHANCE THAT I WAS ONCE GIVEN, A CHANCE TO HEAL, TO LIVE, AND DEFINE PURPOSE AGAIN.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, YOUR SERVICE, AND YOUR COMPASSION FOR THE PEOPLE OF BEXAR COUNTY.
>> MR. MITCHELL, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU TO STOP BECAUSE I THINK THE BEST THING FOR BOTH OF US OF THE COURT AND YOU, WHICH DEPARTMENT HEAD DOES THIS FALL UNDER DRUG TREATMENT? I'M GOING TO DIRECT YOU TO STAFF AND CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION. WE'LL SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.
>> WELL, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS NICHOLAS BLASKOWSKI.
I'M A CITIZEN OF TEXAS AND A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES.
I WASN'T PLANNING ON COMING BEFORE YOU TODAY.
I WAS ACTUALLY JUST MINDING MY BUSINESS AND READING A BOOK BY HENRY DAVID THOREAU DOWNSTAIRS.
A COUPLE OF OTHER CITIZENS HERE IN THIS COMMUNITY ASKED ME
[03:30:02]
TO COME IN TODAY AND SIGN UP AND SPEAK ABOUT WHATEVER CAME TO MY MIND.BASED OFF OF LISTENING TO SOME CONCERNS I HEARD ABOUT FROM THE INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ABOUT LANDS BEING APPROPRIATE OR STOLEN, AS WELL AS THE HOMELESSNESS SITUATION HERE IN THIS COMMUNITY, AND POSSIBLY WHAT MARTHA WALKER MIGHT BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT IF SHE HASN'T ARRIVED LATE.
I HAVE THIS EXCERPT FROM THE HENRY DAVID THOREAU BOOK I WAS READING THAT I'D LIKE TO READ FOR YOU ALL, JUST TO EXPRESS A GENERAL CONCERN OR ISSUE THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO THIS COMMUNITY.
IF YOU ARE CHEATED OUT OF A SINGLE DOLLAR BY YOUR NEIGHBOR, YOU DO NOT RESIST SATISFIED KNOWING THAT YOU ARE CHEATED OR WITH SAYING THAT YOU ARE CHEATED, OR EVEN WITH PETITIONING HIM TO PAY YOUR DUE.
BUT YOU TAKE EFFECTUAL STEPS AT ONE TO OBTAIN THE FULL AMOUNT AND SEE THAT YOU ARE NEVER CHEATED AGAIN.
ACTION FROM PRINCIPLE, THE PERCEPTION AND THE PERFORMANCE OF RIGHT CHANGES THINGS AND RELATIONS.
IT IS ESSENTIALLY REVOLUTIONARY.
IT NOT ONLY DIVIDES STATES AND CHURCHES, IT DIVIDES FAMILIES.
IT DIVIDES THE INDIVIDUAL, SEPARATING THE DIABOLICAL AND HIM FROM THE DIVINE.
I WOULD HOPE AND PRAY THAT EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM COULD AGREE THAT STEALING, CHEATING, AND LYING IS DIABOLICAL AND NOT DIVINE. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONER, AND THANK YOU TO ALL FOR BEING HERE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
MY NAME IS MARTHA WALKER, AS YOU MENTIONED BEFORE, AND I WAS HERE BEFORE ADVOCATING FOR MY SON, DANIELA WALKER, BECAUSE HE WAS INCARCERATED HERE AT AHAR COUNTY JAIL.
HE COURT THROUGH TRIAL DUTY WAS FROM SEPTEMBER '24 TO JANUARY 2025.
HE WAS IN DETENTION IN MARCH 10, 2024.
I AM NO LEGAL PERSON, BUT HE WAS THERE FOR THREE MONTHS MORE.
HE HAS EIGHT RECORD DETENTIONS AND ONLY SEVEN ARE COURT.
HE WAS ON JAIL DURING HIS SIX AND SEVEN DETENTION, WHILE HE WAS NOT DOING ANY CRIME OR ANYTHING ILLEGAL.
HE WAS LIVING AT HOME WITH ME WITH MY OTHER CHILDREN AND MY HUSBAND, AND HE WAS UNIVERSITY STUDENT DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME.
THESE DETENTIONS CAUSE ME LEGAL EXTRA EXPENSES, BOND PAYMENTS THAT ARE INCORRECT.
WHY? BECAUSE THESE CHARGES ARE FALSE ON HIS RECORD.
ALSO, CAUSE ME HOUSING PROBLEMS, BECAUSE I WAS EVICTED THREE TIMES DURING THESE DETENTIONS AND DURING THIS INCARCERATION TIME.
THE FIRST ONE FROM MY HOUSE IN 2016, DURING MY SON FIRST DETENTION, I WAS OWNER.
I DON'T KNOW WHY I WAS EVICTED AND I WAS PUTTING OUT MY HOME WITH ALL MY PROPERTIES.
THE SECOND DETENTION WAS ON JUNE 2022 WHEN MY SON WAS IN RELEASE.
I WAS REQUESTED TO MOVE ON SEPTEMBER 2022, AN EVICTION THAT ALSO WAS INCORRECT.
ON JANUARY 27, 2025, THIS YEAR, I WAS EVICTED AGAIN WITH ALL MY PROPERTY OUTSIDE.
MY SON DETENTIONS ARE NO AFFECTED HIM, ALSO THE WHOLE FAMILY.
WHY I AM HERE TODAY, I AM HERE TO ADVOCATE NO USE FOR MY SON.
I AM HERE TO ADVOCATE ALSO FOR ME AND FOR ALL FAMILIES THAT ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE, FALSE AND CHARGES THAT ARE INCORRECT IN CHILDREN'S RECORDS.
MANY FAMILIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED DUE FAMILY MEMBERS INCARCERATION OR DETENTIONS BECAUSE THIS CAUSE HOUSING PROBLEMS, CREDIT PROBLEMS PRINCIPALLY TO THE PERSON THAT IS INNOCENT AND IS IN JAIL WHILE HIS RECORD IS QUICKEN CELLS RESTORATION, LIKE IN MY SON'S CASE, OCTOBER, AND WE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS TO FIND A PLACE TO LIVE UNTIL TODAY.
>> THANK YOU. IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE WHO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK THAT I DIDN'T CALL YOUR NAME? HEARING NONE. LET'S MOVE ON.
WE'RE BACK TO THE INDIVIDUAL AGENDA ITEMS.
[86. Presentation and discussion regarding the status of the build-out of high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved and underserved communities in unincorporated Bexar County and suburban cities.]
WE'LL TAKE UP PRESENTATION 86, AGENDA 86, PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE BUILDOUT, HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND INFRASTRUCTURE TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES TO UNINCORPORATED FAIR COUNTY AND SUBURBAN CITIES. MR. GAGER.>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
[03:35:04]
TODAY, WITH ME, I HAVE THOMAS AGILON WITH SPECTRUM.LAURA COLE IS HERE WITH BIBLIOTCH, AND EARLIER, BUT SHE HAD TO LEAVE RIA PAP WAS HERE WITH SA DIGITAL CONNECTS.
SHE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE COULD SPEAK TODAY, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, SHE HAD TO GO.
I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO THOMAS HERE IN A MINUTE, BUT JUST A REMINDER THE COURT YOU ALL APPROVED OVER SPENDING TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN OCTOBER OF 2023.
THAT WAS A TWO-PHASE PROJECT, SO WE STARTED WITH THE FIRST PHASE AND THAT WAS TO PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY OR INFRASTRUCTURE THAT COULD PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY TO ABOUT 8,700 HOUSEHOLDS IN TEN PRECINCTS, MAINLY LOCATED IN SOUTHWEST AND SOUTHEAST BEXAR COUNTY.
THEN WE CAME BACK A FEW MONTHS LATER AND YOU APPROVED A PHASE 2 OF THAT PROJECT, WHICH WAS TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL 1763 HOUSEHOLDS IN 20 DIFFERENT CENSUS TRACTS TO FILL THE GAPS IN THOSE FIRST TEN AND THEN ALSO IN PRECINCT THREE'S AREA.
THIS PROJECT COVERS ALL PRECINCTS PRIMARILY IN PRECINCT 1 OR WHERE MOST OF THE HOUSES ARE, I'LL TURN IT OVER TO THOMAS HERE FOR AN UPDATE.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS THOMAS HAGAN, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, SPECTRUM COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, SPECTRUM.
REAL QUICKLY, DON'T WANT TO GIVE AWAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION BECAUSE WE GOT A REALLY GREAT PRESS CONFERENCE THAT'S SCHEDULED FOR THIS FRIDAY.
I THINK YOU ALL ARE ALL INVITED.
JUDGE, AS YOU KNOW, A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK, THIS WAS ONE OF YOUR INITIATIVES AS YOU RAN, AND WE ARE TRULY HONORED TO BE ABLE TO HELP COMMIT TO BROADBAND TO THE REST TO THE COUNTY.
JUST A FEW NUMBERS. IN PHASE 1, LIKE MARK MENTIONED, WE STARTED IN NOVEMBER OF 2023, AND WE ACTUALLY COMPLETED THE BUILD IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR OF 2025.
IN A LITTLE OVER 16 MONTHS, THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT OF PASSING WAS 9,700.
I'M HAPPY TO SAY, AS THE YEAR GOES ON AND BUILDINGS HAPPEN, MORE HOUSES ARE BUILT, WE WERE ABLE TO COMPLETE JUST A LITTLE OVER 12,000 LOCATIONS THAT WE BUILT.
VERY HAPPY, AND A LOT OF THE RESIDENTS, OBVIOUSLY, IN COMMISSIONER CLAY FLOSS DISTRICT AND COMMISSIONER CALVERT'S DISTRICT, NOW HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY.
EXCITED TO ALLOW THEM TO HAVE ACCESS.
IN PHASE 2, WE STARTED OCTOBER 2024, AND OUR GOAL WOULD BE TO COMPLETE THAT BY DECEMBER OF 2025.
ORIGINALLY, WE HAD SCHEDULED ABOUT 1,700 HOMES.
IT LOOKS LIKE WE'RE GOING TO HIT A LITTLE OVER 2000 WHEN WE FINISH THAT BUILD.
ALL AND ALL, ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS BUILT WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COST TO THE COUNTY, WE'RE HAPPY THAT SOME OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES WILL CONTINUE TO ALLOW US TO GROW AS THE COUNTY GROWS.
OBVIOUSLY, HAVE AN INFRASTRUCTURE DOWN THERE MAKES A LITTLE EASIER TO GET TO THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE FURTHER OUT.
THAT'S CURRENTLY WHERE WE ARE.
AS I MENTIONED, WE HAVE A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS FRIDAY, JUDGE, WHERE WE'LL ANNOUNCE THE THINGS THAT WE'RE DOING AND WE'VE DONE.
BUT JUST TO CONTINUE THE GREAT SUCCESS THAT WE'VE HAD WITH YOU ALL.
>> QUESTIONS. COMMISSION COWARD.
>> I KNOW COMMISSIONER MOODY'S NOT HERE, BUT MAYBE PAUL IS LISTENING.
ONE OF HIS AREAS, CROSS MOUNTAIN, WHICH IS UP IN THE NORTHWEST PART OF THE COUNTY, IS GETTING BUILT OUT AT THIS POINT.
I KNOW THEY WERE VERY ANXIOUS, BUT 90% OF THAT BUILD IS IN ROCK.
IT TAKES A LITTLE LONGER, AND THERE'S THE PERMITS THAT WE NEED TO GET, SO WE'VE DONE THAT.
I DO WANT TO THANK MARK AND THE ENTIRE BEXAR COUNTY STAFF FOR WORKING WITH THIS WHILE WE WENT THROUGH THE PERMITTING PROCESS BECAUSE THEY OBVIOUSLY KNEW HOW IMPORTANT THIS WAS TO THE COUNTY, AND THEY WORKED WITH THIS EXTREMELY WELL, SO THANK THEM AS WELL.
>> I DID HAVE ONE QUICK QUESTION WHILE YOU'RE HERE.
IT MAY HAVE BEEN RESOLVED PRIOR TO THE CONSTRUCTION, BUT I RECALL THERE BEING AN AREA OFF OF FM 1518 NEAR SHIRTS THAT WAS LACKING INTERNET COVERAGE.
IT'S PROBABLY IN THE SCHERTZ UNIVERSAL CITY CIVIL SCHOOL DISTRICT AREA.
DO YOU RECALL CONNECTIONS IN THAT PART OF THE COUNTY?
>> NO. COMMISSIONER, I'D HAVE TO LOOK AT SOME ADDRESSES, BUT I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT SEVERAL ADDRESSES, AND I KNOW THEY WERE BEING BUILT AT THE TIME.
I'M ASSUMING THAT WE'VE HIT THEM, BUT IF YOUR OFFICES WANT TO REACH OUT TO ME, I'LL DEFINITELY LOOK AT THOSE ADDRESSES.
IN PHASE 1, WE TALKED ABOUT SOME OF THE OUTLYING CITIES, BUT SOME OF THE CITIES, VON ARMY, ST. HEDWIG, CONVERSE LOTUS, THESE ARE SOME OF THE CITIES WE WERE ACTUALLY ABLE TO HIT AS PART OF THE COUNTY BUILD AS WELL.
THAT'S JUST A FEW, BUT QUITE A FEW MORE THAT WE'VE HIT.
>> JUST THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT WORK.
[03:40:01]
IT'S A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN WAITING FOREVER TO GET THIS DONE.IT'S A MONUMENTOUS MOMENT FOR THE COUNTY. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
>> APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.
>> I KNOW A BULK OF THIS WAS IN MY PRECINCT IN THE INITIAL PILOT PROGRAM WAS IN MY PRECINCT.
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING DILIGENT.
IT'S SOMETHING I'VE CONTINUOUSLY BEEN TALKING TO MY CONSTITUENTS ABOUT EVER SINCE I CAME INTO OFFICE AND STARTED ADVOCATING FOR.
I'M GLAD TO SEE THE FRUITS OF IT.
WE'RE EXCITED JUST ABOUT THE WORK DOING AND MAKE SURE WE GET PEOPLE CONNECTED.
OF COURSE, BIBLIOTECH, LARA, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY, BUT OF COURSE WE DEPEND ON THEM BECAUSE NOW THAT PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS, NOW WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HIRED SOME, WHAT DO WE CALLING THEM? [OVERLAPPING] NAVIGATORS TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THE DEVICES HAVE ACCESS TO DEVICES, AND BASICALLY CATCH UP WITH TECHNOLOGY THAT PEOPLE DIDN'T HAVE ACCESS TO. THANK YOU FOR THE WORK.
>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER, FOR MENTIONING THAT.
AS YOU KNOW THAT WE DO HAVE THE THREE ISSUES WITH CONNECTIVITY.
THERE'S THE EDUCATION PIECE, WHICH IS THE COURT HAS ALSO ADDRESSED THAT IN TERMS OF HIRING OUR DIGITAL NAVIGATORS, AND WE ARE SPREAD OUT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE WORK. THANKS FOR THE COUNTY EMPLOYEES WHO ARE DOING THAT.
>> THIS MAY BE A QUESTION MARK OR DAVID.
WHAT WAS THE ALLOCATION OF THE RPA FUNDS WHEN WE STARTED THIS, AND THEN I BELIEVE THIS IS ANOTHER PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WITH SPECTRUM.
THEY PROVIDED ADDITIONAL FUNDING.
THAT'S FOR THE RECORD. WHAT WAS THAT?
>> WE HAD ALLOCATED 25 MILLION.
>> WELL, THE TOTAL PROJECT COST I HAVE IT HERE WAS $42.4 MILLION.
THE COUNTY ALLOCATED ABOUT 12 MILLION, 11.7 MILLION, AND SPECTRUM PROVIDED 30.7 MILLION.
IT WAS BROKEN UP IN TWO DIFFERENT PHASES, BUT THAT'S THE TOTAL FOR BOTH.
>> THOMAS, INITIALLY, THOUGH WE HAD ALLOCATED 25 MILLION, BUT THEN ALL OF IT WASN'T SPENT. I KNOW WHAT I FOUGHT FOR.
>> THEN WE WERE ABLE TO REALLOCATE THAT TO SOME OTHER THINGS. THANK YOU.
>> JUST I KNOW HE MENTIONED THE CELEBRATION EVENT, BUT THAT'S AT BIBLIOTECH, SOUTH, PLEASANTON ROAD, SO 10:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, AND I THINK YOU'RE ALL INVITED. GOT IT. THANK YOU.
[87. Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding the approval of a Real Estate Purchase Agreement authorizing the purchase of a property known as 8762 State Highway 151, being approximately 11.519 acres of land, said property being Lot 17, Block 23, New City Block 15849, Echo Park Monterrey Village MPCD, as recorded in Volume 9715, Page 96 of the Deed and Plat Records of Bexar County, Texas, from Capital Group of Broward, Inc. for a total consideration of $9,000,000, plus applicable closing costs. Precinct 1.]
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING APPROVAL OF REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS 8762 STATE HIGHWAY 151, BEING APPROXIMATELY 11.519 ACRES OF LAND.SAID PROPERTY BEING LOT 17 BLOCK 23, NEW CITY BLOCK 15849, ECO PARK, MONTEREY VILLAGE, MPCD, AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 9715, PAGE 96 OF THE DEED AND PLAT RECORDS OF BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS, FROM CAPITAL GROUP OF BROWARD INC. FOR A TOTAL CONSIDERATION OF $9 MILLION PLUS APPLICABLE CLOSING COST PRECINCT ONE. MR. REINHARD.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE IN COURT, ART REINHART, BEXAR COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS.
JUST A BRIEF BACKGROUND ON THE ACTION TODAY.
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, FOR OUR LIGHT FLEET FACILITY, WE STARTED DOING A NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
OUR CURRENT FACILITY IS LOCATED NEAR BAM SEAT IT'S APPROXIMATELY 1.5 ACRES LAND AREA SIZE.
WE'VE HAD IT IN OPERATION FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS.
WE'VE BEEN OUTGROWING IT, AND SO WE WENT THROUGH AN EXERCISE AND DETERMINED THAT WE WOULD BUILD A NEW FACILITY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE NEAR OUR SOUTH AND SERVICE CENTER.
AT THE TIME OF OUR NEEDS ASSESSMENT, THE FACILITY WAS ESTIMATED APPROXIMATELY $15 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION.
THEN BEGAN THE INITIAL DESIGN, AND AT 30%, WE HAD INITIAL COSTS OF UPWARDS OF 17 MILLION.
WITH THAT GROWING COST CONCERN, OUR FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED THAT WE GO BACK OUT AND LOOK FOR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES THAT WOULD BE MORE EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL.
I APPRECIATE DAN CURRY'S LEADERSHIP ON THAT, WALKING US THROUGH THIS.
THROUGH A PROCESS, WE IDENTIFY THE PROPERTY IN QUESTION, LOCATED NEAR PETRINCO, 151.
THE PROPERTY SIZE OF THE BUILDING IS APPROXIMATELY 25,000 SQUARE FEET.
OUR CURRENT FLEET FACILITY IS ABOUT 14,000 SQUARE FEET.
THIS BUILDING WAS BUILT BACK IN 2017.
IT'S BEEN VACANT FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS.
WE'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH A PROCESS DOING OUR INITIAL DUE DILIGENCE ON IT AND ARE HERE TO RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF IT.
AGAIN, JUST MORE SPECIFICALLY ON THE PROPERTY.
THE OVERALL PARCEL SIZE IS ABOUT 11.5 ACRES, AGAIN, COMPARED TO THE 1.5 ACRES THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE SO MUCH MORE SPACE.
THEN THE NEED FOR THIS AGAIN IS JUST TO IMPROVE OUR EFFICIENCY.
OUR TEAM AT LIGHT FLEET WORKS DOES A GREAT JOB MAINTAINING OVER 1,500 FEET UNITS, BUT WE'VE OVERGROWN THE SIZE AND WE'RE NOT AS EFFICIENT AS WE COULD BE WITH A BETTER OPERATING SPACE.
GOING THROUGH THIS PROCESS, RECOMMENDING THE PURCHASE FOR $9 MILLION OF THIS PROPERTY AND THEN A COUPLE MILLION IN RENOVATION, WE'LL STILL BE ABLE TO SAVE BEXAR COUNTY TAXPAYERS APPROXIMATELY $7 MILLION THROUGH THIS EFFORT.
THE RECOMMENDATION TODAY WOULD BE APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE.
WE DID, THROUGH COURT'S LEADERSHIP,
[03:45:02]
APPROVE THE FUNDING FOR THIS AS PART OF THE BUDGET THIS YEAR, SO IT IS FUNDED, AND WE'RE JUST HERE TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PURCHASE.>> I WOULD LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLIFFORD, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
>> HOW ARE YOU SAYING WE'RE SAVING TAXPAYER 7 MILLION?
>> SURE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF A NEW FACILITY THAT WE WERE GOING TO BUILD WAS APPROXIMATELY 17 MILLION, PLUS SOME ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT COSTS.
IF WE GO THROUGH THIS PROCESS AND PURCHASE THIS BUILDING FOR 9 MILLION PLUS A COUPLE MILLION TO MAKE IT READY FOR US, APPROXIMATELY 11 MILLION.
THERE WILL BE CLOSE TO SEVEN TO $8 MILLION SAVINGS THERE.
ALSO, GET OUR FOLKS MOVED IN PROBABLY TWO YEARS EARLIER.
>> GREAT. SINCE IT'S MY PRECINCT, THAT'S AN EXCESS OF $7 MILLION THAT DAVID SMITH SHOULD ALLOCATE.
FOR ME TO USE MY PRECINCT. THANK YOU, DAVID SMITH.
>> [OVERLAPPING] THAT WAS NEVER BUDGETED.
>> CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE TIMELINE ON THIS, PLEASE?
>> SURE. IT'S AN EXISTING BUILDING, SO WE'LL BE GOING THROUGH THE EFFORT WITH FACILITIES HELP TO MAKE IT TO RENOVATE IT.
WE'RE HOPING IN THE NEXT SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS TO HAVE THAT WORK DONE AND THEN START MOVING FOLKS IN.
GRANT SCHEME OF THINGS, OUR FOLKS WILL BE IN THERE 18 MONTHS TO 24 MONTHS SOONER THAN WE WOULD HAD WE CONTINUE TO BUILD A NEW FACILITY.
>> GREAT. GOOD JOB. THANK YOU.
I GUESS DAN WORKED ON THIS AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS.
>> THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SIGN BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? ANY ABSTENTION.
[91. Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding awarding a contract to the lowest and most responsive bid submitted by Presidio Contracting, LLC (ESBE, SBE) in the total base bid amount of $2,798,041.49 to provide for the purchase of roadway construction services of the Smithson Valley Road Low Water Crossing Project - Precinct 3, as requested by the Public Works Department; authorizing the Purchasing Agent to execute and file the appropriate award documents for record.]
PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION, APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARDING AWARDING A CONTRACT TO THE LOWEST AND MOST RESPONSIVE BID SUBMITTED BY PROCEDURE CONTRACTING LLC IN THE TOTAL BASE BID AMOUNT OF 2,798,141.49 TO PROVIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OF THE SMITHSON VALLEY ROAD LOW WATER CROSSING PROJECT, PRECINCT 3, AS REQUESTED BY PUBLIC WORKS, AUTHORIZING PERSONAGE TO EXECUTE AND FILE THE APPROPRIATE AWARD DOCUMENT FOR RECORD.>> GOOD AFTERNOON, YOUR HONOR. COMMISSION STAFF, I AM GREGORY GALWAY, ABER COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT.
HERE TO INTRODUCE AGENDA ITEM 91 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MR. ART REINHART, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO PRESIDIO CONTRACTING LLC FOR ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES AND PRECINCT THREE.
I IS PREPARED A BRIEF REVIEW FOR YOU, AND WE'LL BE GLAD TO ADDRESS ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS YOU MAY HAVE.
>> IT'S BRIEF. THIS PROJECT LOCATED ON THE FAR NORTH SIDE OF BEXAR COUNTY, ACTUALLY STRETCHES INTO COMAL COUNTY.
HERE WE'RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE LOW-WATER CROSSING ON CIBOLO CREEK.
WE'LL BE CONSTRUCTING ABOUT A 400-FOOT-LONG BRIDGE.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE ABOUT 20 FEET IN THE AIR.
THAT'S THE AMOUNT OF VOLUME THAT FLOWS THROUGH CIBOLO CREEK.
WE DO HAVE A FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH COMAL COUNTY.
THEY'LL BE REIMBURSING UP TO 50% OF THE CONSTRUCTION.
COURT APPROVED THAT BACK IN FEBRUARY.
THERE WILL BE SOME JOINT BID CPS ENERGY GAS WORK, AND WE'RE LOOKING TO START CONSTRUCTION IN JANUARY AND IT SHOULD BE DONE WITHIN EIGHT EIGHT-MONTH TIME FRAME.
AS GREG MENTIONED, PRESIDIO CONTRACTING WAS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE BID.
YOU SEE THE BREAKDOWN HERE, 2.5 MILLION FOR THE BEXAR COUNTY SIDE, AND THEN CPS ENERGY JOINT BID OF 277,000 FOR A TOTAL OF 2.798 MILLION.
THE RECOMMENDATION HERE WILL WE PROCEED WITH OUR LOWEST RESPONSIVE BID OR PRESIDIO CONTRACTING.
>> MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE.
ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. SECOND BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.
>> WE'RE NOW ON 92, PRESENTATION, DISCUSSION,
[92. (David Smith) Presentation, discussion and appropriate action regarding approval of an Administrative Policy to establish procedures for responding to requests for public information under the Texas Public Information Act ("TPIA"), Texas Government Code, Chapter 552. It ensures transparency, promotes efficient government operations, and outlines a clear process for handling frequent or repetitive requests in compliance with state law. This Administrative Policy is effective as of October 14, 2025, and applicable to any pending TPIA request and any requests received after the effective date.]
APPROPRIATE ACTION REGARD APPROVAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION UNDER THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT.TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 552 ENSURES TRANSPARENCY, PROMOTES EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, AND OUTLINES A CLEAR PROCESS FOR HANDLING FREQUENT OR REPETITIVE REQUESTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY IS EFFECTIVE AS OF OCTOBER 14, 2025, AND APPLICABLE TO ANY PENDING TPL IA REQUESTS AND ANY REQUESTS RECEIVED AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE. THOMAS.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE COMMISSIONERS.
FOR THE RECORD, THOMAS GUEVARA, OFFICE OF THE COUNTY MANAGER.
I'LL BE CO-PRESENTING WITH LARRY ROBERSON, CHIEF OF THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S CIVIL SECTION.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS ITEM IS TO PRESENT A FORMAL POLICY ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO REQUESTS MADE UNDER THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT, OR AS I WILL REFER TO THROUGHOUT THE PRESENTATION, AS THE ACT.
THIS POLICY HAS BEEN DEVELOPED WITH TRANSPARENCY, FAIRNESS, COMPLIANCE, AND CONSISTENT OPERATIONS AS GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
[03:50:02]
THE PROPOSED POLICY INCORPORATES GUIDANCE FROM THE TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL, INCLUDING OUTLINING IMPORTANT ROLES, TIME FRAMES, EXCEPTIONS, RIGHTS OF THE REQUESTER, AND RIGHTS OF THE COUNTY.THE POLICY LIMITS TIME THAT OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO DEVOTE TO PRODUCING INFORMATION FOR REQUESTERS DEEMED ZEALOUS.
PLEASE NOTE, THIS POLICY IS INTENDED TO ENSURE ALL MEMBERS OF OUR PUBLIC HAVE EQUAL AND PROMPT RESPONSES FROM OUR LIMITED COUNTY RESOURCES.
NOW, JUST FOR A FEW INDIVIDUALS.
THE ACT MAKES ALL PUBLIC INFORMATION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNLESS INFORMATION IS SPECIFICALLY ACCEPTED FROM DISCLOSURE BY THE ACT OR OTHER LAW.
THIS POLICY WILL APPLY TO ALL DEPARTMENTS AND EMPLOYEES OF BEXAR COUNTY, INCLUDING CONTRACTORS OR THIRD PARTIES.
AS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, WE ARE REMINDED THAT COUNTY GOVERNMENT BELONGS TO THE PUBLIC AND REQUESTS SHOULD BE TAKEN BOTH SERIOUSLY AND ACTED HANDLED PROMPTLY.
ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE DESIGN DESIGNATED OFFICERS FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION, AND AS SUCH, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RECORDS IN HIS OR HER OFFICE.
ALTHOUGH THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO HELP COORDINATE.
THE COUNTY HAS DESIGNATED THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER AS THE EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING TIMELY AND ACCURATE RESPONSES TO PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS.
DEPARTMENT HEADS SERVE AS AGENTS TO THE PIO AND SHALL TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE RESPONSES TO REQUESTS ARE MADE IN A TIMELY MANNER.
PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT IS TRIGGERED WHEN A PERSON SUBMITS A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR INFORMATION TO THE COUNTY.
THE ACT DOES PERMIT A GOVERNMENTAL BODY TO DESIGNATE ONE MAILING ADDRESS AND ONE ELECTRONIC MAIL ADDRESS FOR RECEIVING WRITTEN INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS LISTED HERE HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR THE PUBLIC TO SUBMIT REQUESTS.
THEY INCLUDE SUBMITTING A REQUEST THROUGH THE BEXAR COUNTY OPEN RECORDS PORTAL, AN EMAIL TO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE AT PIO@BEXAR.ORG, OR BY HAND DELIVERY TO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, OR BY THE UNITED STATES MAIL.
ONCE RECEIVED BY THE BEXAR COUNTY PIO, REQUESTS ARE ASSIGNED IN THE COUNTY'S PORTAL TO APPROPRIATE OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS FOR PROCESSING.
ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY MISUNDERSTOOD PROVISIONS OF THE ACT IS THE 10-DAY RULE.
THE ACT ESTABLISHES A DEADLINE OF 10 BUSINESS DAYS FOR THE COUNTY TO REQUEST A RULING FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ONCE THE COUNTY RECEIVES A WRITTEN REQUEST.
IF THE COUNTY, THROUGH THE PIO, CANNOT BE SURE OF WHAT INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT, WE ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT THE REQUESTER TO CLARIFY ISSUES.
HOWEVER, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THE COUNTY MAY NOT ASK THE REQUESTER AS TO WHY THE REQUESTERS WANTS INFORMATION.
IF THE PIO CANNOT PRODUCE INFORMATION FOR INSPECTION OR DUPLICATION WITHIN THOSE 10 BUSINESS DAYS, THE PIO SHALL CERTIFY THAT FACT IN WRITING TO THE REQUESTER AND SET A DATE AND HOUR WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME WHEN THE INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE.
IF A REQUESTER MODIFIES THE REQUEST IN RESPONSE TO THE REQUIREMENT, THE COUNTY DEADLINE FOR AN AG DETERMINATION WILL RUN FROM THE DATE THE MODIFIED REQUEST IS RECEIVED.
THE ACT DOES NOT REQUIRE THE COUNTY TO PREPARE NEW INFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS AND ONLY APPLIES TO INFORMATION IN EXISTENCE AT THE TIME THE REQUEST IS MADE.
IF THE COUNTY DOES NOT SUBMIT A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR A RULING TO THE AG WITHIN THOSE 10 BUSINESS DAYS, THE INFORMATION IS PRESUMED OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AND ONLY A COMPELLING INTEREST CAN OVERCOME THAT PRESUMPTION.
>> THIS CHART PROVIDES FIVE YEARS OF DATA BREAKING DOWN THE VOLUME OF REQUESTS RECEIVED BY THE COUNTY, EXCLUDING THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE FAR RIGHT COLUMN, TOTAL REQUESTS HAVE DOUBLED SINCE FISCAL YEAR 2019, AND REQUESTS ARE BECOMING MORE COMPLICATED AND INTRICATE AS WELL.
REQUESTS FOR THE TWO MOST REQUESTED RECORDS ARE SEPTIC SYSTEM PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY, AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 430 PENDING OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS IN THE SYSTEM.
TO ADJUST FOR THE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME AND RESOURCES NEEDED TO ADDRESS MULTIPLE REQUESTS, THE ACT PERMITS GOVERNMENTAL BODIES TO ESTABLISH ANNUAL AND MONTHLY LIMITS THAT EMPLOYEES SPEND ON PRODUCING INFORMATION FOR INSPECTION.
A COUNTY MAY NOT SET A TIME LIMIT THAT IS LESS THAN 36 HOURS IN EACH COUNTY FISCAL YEAR OR LESS THAN 15 HOURS WITHIN THE POLICY FOR A ONE MONTH PERIOD.
POLICY IS PROPOSED TO BE APPLIED TO ANY PENDING PIA REQUESTS AND ANY RECEIVED AFTER THE OCTOBER 14TH 2025 EFFECTIVE DATE.
STAFF RECOMMENDS ADOPTING THIS PROVISION WITHIN THE POLICY
[03:55:03]
AND DESIGNATES THE COUNTY'S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER AS THE COORDINATOR, ALONG WITH THE AGENTS TO TRACK TIME DEVOTED TO PRODUCING PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR RELEASE.IF A REQUESTER SUBMITS A REQUEST THAT INDIVIDUALLY OR COLLECTIVELY EXCEEDS THAT TIME LIMIT, THE PIO MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE OF THE TOTAL PERSONNEL COSTS.
THE REQUESTER MUST PAY THE RELATED COSTS BY THE TENTH DAY AFTER THE COUNTY PROVIDES A WRITTEN STATEMENT OR THE REQUEST IS CONSIDERED WITHDRAWN.
THIS POLICY LIMIT DOES NOT APPLY TO MEMBERS OF PROFESSIONAL MEDIA, ELECTED OFFICIALS, OR OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES.
I'LL NOW TURN OVER THE PRESENTATION TO LARRY ROBERSON.
>> THANK YOU, THOMAS. COMMISSIONERS, COUNTY JUDGE.
LARRY ROBERSON WITH THE DA'S OFFICE.
I'LL JUST GO OVER A FEW KEY POINTS.
THIS POLICY REALLY IS ABOUT FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY, AND THE EFFICIENT USE OF COUNTY RESOURCES, WHICH WE ALL KNOW ARE LIMITED.
WE HAVE TO PROMOTE THE EFFICIENT USE OF THOSE RESOURCES.
REALLY, THIS IS ABOUT ADOPTING A POLICY THAT ACKNOWLEDGE ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TPIA, I JUST PUT IT UP THERE, BUT REALLY THIS WAS DRIVEN BY THE SHARPS TOWN SCANDAL IN 1973, AND THE STATE MADE A PROMISE TO THE CITIZENS OF TEXAS THAT GOVERNMENT RECORDS WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THEM SO THAT GOVERNMENT COULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY THE PEOPLE.
WE HAVE ADOPTED THIS POLICY WITH THAT REC RECOGNITION.
WE'VE CARRIED THAT THROUGH TO TODAY.
THIS ACT, I THINK BALANCES OPENNESS WITH THE EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT AND ALLOW CITIZENS TO BE AWARE OF WHAT WE'RE DOING.
THE MOTIVATION FOR THIS POLICY.
IT WAS DEVELOPED IN RESPONSE TO REALLY A REQUEST OF RISING REQUEST, VOLUME OF RECORDS.
THIS, I BELIEVE, PROTECTS THE COUNTY FROM COMPLIANCE FAILURES AND LEGAL EXPOSURE.
IT ENSURES CONSISTENCY, TIMELY RESPONSE, AND RESOURCE PROTECTION, AND REINFORCES TRANSPARENCY WHILE MANAGING MISUSE OF THE TPIA.
THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO WILL USE OPEN RECORDS TO REALLY CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
WE WANT TO EFFECTIVELY BALANCE THAT.
WE WANT PEOPLE TO GET THE RECORDS THEY WANT, BUT WE DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO MISUSE THAT SYSTEM.
WE HAVE TO BUILD THAT INTO THE AND THE LAW ALLOWS US TO DO THAT, BY THE WAY.
THIS POLICY DOES NOT CHANGE OUR COMMITMENT TO OPENNESS.
IT BRINGS STRUCTURE TO A PROCESS THAT'S REALLY BEEN OVERWHELMED.
WE HAVE, LIKE I SAID, LIMITED RESOURCES, AND WE JUST HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT.
WE HAVE A COMMUNITY OF 2.2 MILLION PEOPLE, AND WE HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT.
WE WANT EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THEIR REQUESTS.
WE DON'T WANT THE SYSTEM TO BE OVERWHELMED BY A FEW PEOPLE AND WE WANT IT TO BE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE.
WE THINK THIS PROVIDES THE TOOLS NEEDED TO FILL THAT TRANSPARENCY OBLIGATION RESPONSIBLY.
THE ACT ALLOWS US TO RECOVER CERTAIN COSTS.
WE RECOVER THOSE ON BEHALF OF THE TAXPAYER REALLY, IT'S LABOR, OVERHEAD AND MATERIALS.
THOSE ARE WAIVABLE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT BODY, BUT THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT UNDER THE LAW TO PROVIDE FREE ACCESS TO RECORDS.
WE TRY TO BE REASONABLE, AND I THINK IF IT'S A FEW RECORDS, WE USUALLY JUST ALLOW THE REQUESTER TO HAVE THOSE RECORDS.
BUT IF IT'S VOLUMINOUS AND REQUIRES A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF STAFF TIME AND RESOURCES, WE USUALLY REQUIRE THE REQUESTER TO PAY FOR THOSE, AND THE LAW ALLOWS US TO DO THAT.
BUT THAT'S ON BEHALF OF THE TAXPAYER.
BECAUSE THE TAXPAYER USUALLY BEARS THOSE COSTS.
AGAIN, THE POLICY IS ABOUT FAIRNESS.
IT'S NOT FAIR FOR A FEW REQUESTERS TO TAKE UP ALL THE RESOURCES BECAUSE THAT MEANS THAT EVERYONE ELSE CAN'T USE THE SYSTEM.
THIS POLICY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT.
THE PART OF THIS POLICY THAT'S IMPORTANT IS THIS POLICY LIMITS A REQUESTER TO 15 HOURS A MONTH OR 36 HOURS A YEAR OF STAFF RESOURCES.
AFTER THAT TIME LIMIT IS REACHED, THEN THEY'RE CHARGED, AND WE HAVE TO TRACK THEIR TIME, WE TRACK EVERYONE EQUALLY AND CONSISTENTLY SO THAT WE KNOW HOW MUCH TIME EACH REQUESTER IS UTILIZING OF STAFF RESOURCES.
IT'S NOT THAT THEY CAN'T SUBMIT THE REQUESTS THAT THEY JUST HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM AFTER THEIR TIME LIMIT IS REACHED.
NOW, THIS IS THE PART THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
THERE IS A JOURNALIST EXEMPTION TO THE POLICY, AND THAT'S IN THE LAW.
WE JUST CARRIED THIS IS A REFLECTION OF THE STATUTE.
[04:00:03]
WE DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING, JUST THIS POLICY REFLECTS THE LAW.THIS POLICY EXEMPTS JOURNALISTS, SCHOLARS, AND ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS FROM THE TIME LIMITS.
THE EXEMPTION APPLIES TO THOSE GATHERING OR PUBLISHING NEWS OR INFORMATION FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD OR FINANCIAL GAIN.
THERE'S A SPECIFIC DEFINITION APPLICABLE TO DETERMINE WHO THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE.
UNDER THIS EXCEPTION, IT'S INDIVIDUALS WHO GATHER A REPORT, PUBLISH NEWS FOR THEIR LIVELIHOOD.
THEIR PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS, EDITORS, OR REPORTERS WORKING FOR THOSE ESTABLISHED MEDIA OR ONLINE OUTLETS, SUPERVISORS OR ASSISTANTS WHO HELP THEM, AND SCHOLARS OR RESEARCHERS WORKING FOR ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.
THE PURPOSE IS OBVIOUSLY TO PRESERVE THE FREE PRESS AND ACADEMIC TRANSPARENCY AND ASSURING THAT THOSE INDIVIDUALS CAN BRING THAT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC WITHOUT RESTRICTION.
THE DEFINITION IS OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS LIKE A JOURNALIST AS THEY MUST GET A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THEIR LIVELIHOOD OR FINANCIAL A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THEIR I GUESS, FOR SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL GAIN, GATHER, COMPILE, PREPARE, COLLECT, PHOTOGRAPH, RECORDS, WRITES, EDITS, REPORTS, INVESTIGATES, PROCESSES, OR PUBLISHES, NEWS OR INFORMATION.
THAT DEFINITION IS IN THE STATUTE.
IN SUMMARY, THIS POLICY ALIGNED SPECIFICALLY WITH 552.
WE HAVE PULLED IT STRAIGHT FROM THE STATUTE.
IT PROTECTS TAXPAYER RESOURCES AND ALSO ENSURES TRANSPARENCY.
PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS AND ACADEMIC RESEARCHERS REMAIN EXEMPT FROM THE TIME LIMITS, SO THEY'RE FREE TO CONDUCT THEIR RESEARCH AND PERFORM THEIR IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICES AS THEY ALWAYS HAVE WITHOUT ANY LIMIT.
BY THE WAY, JUST FOR THE RECORD, JOURNALISTS ARE THEY WORK VERY WELL WITH THE COUNTY.
THEY'VE ALWAYS WORKED WITH US TO GET THE INFORMATION.
I'VE NEVER HAD A JOURNALIST NOT WORK WITH US.
THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT, THEY KNOW WHAT THEY NEED, AND THEY'RE VERY GOOD ABOUT WORKING WITH US TO GET IT.
JUST FOR THE RECORD. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, I'D BE GLAD TO ANSWER.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION. THE 36 HOUR LIMIT IS FOR ALL COUNTY EMPLOYEES.
ONCE THE PERSON MAKES A REQUEST, ALL COUNTY EMPLOYEES ARE LIMITED TO 36 HOURS OR IS IT DEPARTMENTAL OR HOW DOES THAT WORK?
>> IT'S BY INDIVIDUAL. THE INDIVIDUAL GETS 36 HOURS REGARDLESS OF WHERE THAT ORIGINATES FROM, BUT WE HAVE TO TRACK IT.
EACH INDIVIDUAL WHO SUBMITS A REQUEST GETS 36 HOURS PER YEAR OR 15 HOURS PER MONTH.
REGARDLESS OF THE DEPARTMENT, OFFICE, AND BY THE WAY, YOU AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.
IF YOU WANT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO AN INDIVIDUAL IN EXCESS OF THAT 36 HOURS, THAT'S OBVIOUSLY UP TO YOU, BUT AS A LIMIT, THEY GET 36 HOURS ACROSS COUNTY.
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES.
>> SECOND BY COMMISSION RODRIGUEZ.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR SIGNED BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED? ANY OBJECTIONS? MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, JUDGE.
>> IT APPEARS THEN WE HAVE THE LAST AGENDA ITEM, WHICH I BELIEVE IS PART OF EXECUTIVE SESSION 93.
AT THIS TIME, THE TIME IS 1:49 P.M.
[EXECUTIVE SESSION]
THE COURT WILL RECESS TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.EXECUTE ITEMS MAY BE DISCUSSED AND ACT ON IF APPROPRIATE AND OPEN SESSION, PURSUANT TO 551071, CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY FOR ADVICE REGARDING MATTERS OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION SETTLEMENT OFFERS AND THE MATTERS OF RAMIREZ VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, WALSH VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, GORGES VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, AND SHERIFF SALAZAR, STATE OF TEXAS VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, JANE DOE VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, ASHLEY GAONA, B COUNTY.
MARIA D RAZADO LOZALEZ VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY, DESMO VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY.
B, IN MATTER IN WHICH THE DUTY OF THE ATTORNEY AND TO THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY UNDER TEXAS DISCIPLINARY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, A STATE BAR, TEXAS CLEARLY CONFLICTS WITH CHAPTER 551 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, SPECIFICALLY LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO AN AGREEMENT WITH TEXTA REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF FRONT OF ROAD ALONG SOUTHBOUND IH 37.
>> ARE WE BACK OPEN, GUYS? ALREADY? ELIZABETH. TIME IS 2:31.
WE'RE BACK IN OPEN SESSION, AND I BELIEVE WE'LL TAKE UP GEN ITEM 93.
[93. (Joe Gonzales) Discussion and appropriate action related to acknowledgment of the final agreed order of condemnation brought by the State of Texas against Bexar County in the matter of: State of Texas v. Bexar County, Case No. 2019ED0047 and related to the condemnation of Lots 18, 19, 20 and 21 of Maria Subdivision, recorded in Volume 2222, Page 199 of the Deed and Plat Records of Bexar County, Texas, and described in a deed executed on January 16, 2003 from San Antonio River Authority to County of Bexar, Texas, recorded in Volume 9896, Page 837 of the Official Public Records of Bexar County, Texas, situated in the G. Malpaz Survey No. 67, Abstract 464, County Block 5054 of Bexar County, Texas.]
DISCUSSION APPROPRIATE ACTION.RELATED ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE FINAL AGREED ORDER OF CONDEMNATION BROUGHT BY THE STATE OF TEXAS AGAINST BEXAR COUNTY IN MATTER STATE OF TEXAS VERSUS BEXAR COUNTY,
[04:05:03]
CASE NUMBER 2019 ED 0047 RELATED TO THE CONDEMNATION OF LOW 1819, 2021 OF MARIA SUBDIVISION RECORDED IN VOLUME 22 22, PAGE 199 OF THE DEED AND PLAT RECORDS OF BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS, DESCRIBING THE DEED EXECUTED ON JANUARY 16TH, 2003.FROM SAN ANTONIO RIVER AUTHORITY TO THE COUNTY OF BEXAR, TEXAS, RECORDED IN VOLUME 98 96, PAGE 837 OF THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS, SITUATED IN THE G M PAS SURVEY NUMBER 67 ABSTRACT 464 COUNTY BLOCK 50 54, BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS.
>> MOTION BY COMMISSION RODRIGUEZ.
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT.
ANY FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THIS MATTER? HEARING NONE. ALL THOSE IN FAVOR, SIGN BY SAYING AYE.
>> ANY OPPOSED. ANY OBJECTION? MOTION CARRIES.
IS THERE ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT WE'VE TAKEN UP? IS THERE A MOTION TO ADJOURN?
>> MOTION BY COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ.
>> SECOND BY COMMISSIONER CALVERT. COMMISSIONER FLORES.
>> I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF MARY TERESA VASQUEZ.
ALSO ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF DR. ROBERT S RENA FATHER OF ROBERT RENA, WHO RUNS OUR HOUSING, AND SADLY, ONE OF OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEES, I'D LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PARKS DEPARTMENT.
SOME OF THEIR STAFF MEMBERS ARE HERE, CAN I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING.
BUT RICARDO CONTRERAS WAS A COUNTY EMPLOYEE WHO WORKED AT IN MY PRECINCT, AND HE HAS SADLY PASSED AWAY, I ALSO LIKE TO ADJOURN IN HIS MEMORY.
OF COURSE, I KNOW JUDGE IS GOING TO SPEAK MORE, BUT ALSO IN MEMORY OF DAVID MONROE FROM SAM SET AT THE PORT.
>> CONTRAST, HE WAS A PART EMPLOYEE AND HE WAS HE WAS MET AN UNTIMELY DEATH THURSDAY.
HE WAS A REALLY GOOD EMPLOYEE.
HE VOLUNTEERED FOR EVERY ONE OF OUR EXTRACURRICULAR THINGS THAT WE DO.
HE SORELY MISSED. WE HAVE COUNSELING SERVICES RIGHT NOW ONGOING AT MICHIGAN COUNTY PARK.
HE WAS A FAITHFUL EMPLOYEE AT MICHIGAN COUNTY PARK, AND HE REALLY LOVED HIS JOB.
HE REALLY DID. HE HE WAS A GOOD YOUNG MAN, 36-YEARS-OLD, HE LEFT BEHIND.
THREE KIDS. WE TICK UP A COLLECTION AND WE'RE HERE TO OFFER OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE BEST OF THE FAMILY.
THANK YOU FOR ADJOURNMENT AND HIS HONOR.
>> THANK YOU KEN. MR. RODRIGUEZ.
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I CERTAINLY JOIN MY COLLEAGUES.
ANYTIME WE LOSE ANYONE, IT'S SAD, BUT A MEMBER OF OUR BEXAR COUNTY FAMILY.
KEN AND PARKS TEAM, OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOU.
ALSO LIKE TO JOIN IN REMEMBERING ROBERT RENAS FATHER, DR. RENA.
I'VE GOT A FEW OTHERS FROM PRECINCT TWO, RAMON I GONZALEZ, I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN IN HIS NAME, CRUZ AZ MENDE JUNIOR, ED LINDA AGUERRE, CARLOS ABUNDZ, AND A BIG LOSS FOR THE CENTRAL CATHOLIC COMMUNITY.
THEY LOST THEIR LEGENDARY BASKETBALL COACH, JOE CORTEZ THIS WEEK AS WELL.
>> COMMISSIONER MOODY, I DON'T BELIEVE HE'S ON. COMMISSIONER [INAUDIBLE]
>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN IN HONOR OF PENELOPE BOYER.
I'D LIKE TO ADJOURN IN HONOR OF AL MEDA SCOTT.
I JOIN IN ALL THE RECOGNITIONS OF OUR COUNTY FAMILY LOSSES.
I WANT TO ADD ONE MORE IN THE COUNTY FAMILY.
WE LOST TERESA GARCIA, WHO WORKED AT THE TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR'S OFFICE.
>> THANK YOU. I JOIN IN ON THOSE COUNTY EMPLOYEES AND THE PARENTS OF ROBERT RENA, OUR COUNTY EMPLOYEE.
I WANT TO MAKE SPECIAL RECOGNITION, DAVID MONROE.
COMMISSIONER CLAY FLORES, THANK YOU FOR THE POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE RIGHT BEFORE LUNCHTIME.
DAVID MONROE'S RECENT UNTIMELY PASSING IS A LOSS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
HE WAS A PIONEERING INVETER AND CREDIBLE LEADER OF THE SANTONIO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
IN MY FIRST YEAR AS COUNTY JUDGE, WE HELD OUR PRECINCT ONE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION AT THE SAM SAT MUSEUM.
DAVID WAS A GRACIOUS HOST AND EXCITED HELPED THE COMMUNITY TO GET ENGAGED.
HIS INNOVATIONS HAVE BEEN USED ACROSS THE GLOBE.
HIS LEADERSHIP WILL LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY HERE IN BEXAR COUNTY.
WE EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND HIS LOVELY WIFE, [INAUDIBLE].
IS THERE ANY FURTHER ADJOURNMENTS, IF NOT, ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION. SIGNIFY SAYING AYE.
>> MEETING ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.