Jan 07, 2025 Regular

[A. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:01:13]

>>> EVEN THE PASSING THAT HAS BEEN MENTIONED THANK YOU, LORD, THAT YOU ARE LORD OF ALL. WE PRAY FOR OUR STATE, OUR COUNTRY. WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THIS DAY. WE PRAY FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICES, THAT A REPRESENTATION THAT IS STYMIED. WE ALSO PRAY THAT WE CAN COME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRESS OF OUR COUNTY AND WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL TODAY. WE PRAY THAT YOU WOULD HELP US TO LEAVE AND TO MANAGE THE RESOURCES THAT YOU PROVIDED. HELP US TO DO IT WELL AND FOR ALL TO BE BLESSED. WE THANK YOU, FATHER. IN JESUS

NAME, WE PRAY. AMEN. >> WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD , INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. WE HONOR THE TEXAS FLAG. WE PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE , TEXAS, ONE STATE, UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE.

>> WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLE.

>>

[E. PUBLIC COMMENTS]

>> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. I COME BEFORE YOU TODAY TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED JAIL BASED COMPETENCY PROGRAM AND WHEN MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES ACROSS THE STATE HAVE PUSHED BACK AGAINST THIS IDEA FOR YEARS. I FIRST WANT TO APPLAUD THE WORK WE'VE DONE SO FAR TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY. THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT HAS AN INCREDIBLE WORK TO GET INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES AND MEET THEIR BASIC NEEDS.

HOWEVER, WE BELIEVE THAT IT WILL ONLY FURTHER SYSTEMIZE AND CEMENT THE PRACTICE OF CRIMINALIZING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. DURING MY TIME, WE WORKED WITH SEVERAL CLIENTS WHO SUFFERED FROM MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES THAT SIGNIFICANTLY WORSENED AFTER SPENDING TIME IN OUR COUNTY JAIL. MY INITIAL THOUGHT WAS ALWAYS THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE, AS THEY ARE BEING CRIMINALZED DUE TO EXPRESSIONS OF THEIR MENTAL ILLNESS. I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY MANY INDIVIDUALS AT THE TABLE BELIEVE THIS PROGRAM WOULD BRING A POSITIVE SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY. BUT I ASK THAT YOU ASSESS WHAT THE REAL GOAL IS IN INITIATING THIS PROGRAM.

IS IT TO OFFER THESE INDIVIDUALS MEANINGFUL TREATMENT SO THAT THEY CAN ENTER THE COMMUNITIES AND LIVE HEALTHY LIVES? OR IS THE GOAL SIMPLY TO GET CASES THROUGH THE SYSTEM, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEIR OUTCOME IS, AND HOW THOSE OUTCOMES WILL IMPACT INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR FUTURE? I BELIEVE THAT BY INITIATING THIS PROGRAM, YOUR GREEN LIGHTING THE PRACTICE OF CRIMINALIZING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. YOU ARE SAYING, YES, PEOPLE WHO HAVE CAUSED HARM DUE TO EXPRESSIONS OF THEIR MENTAL ILLNESS DESERVE TO BE SENT TO TEXAS PRISONS WERE CONDITIONS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE THAN OUR COUNTY JAIL. NOT ONLY IS IS NOT COMPASSIONATE, IT DOES NOT SET

[00:05:04]

BUDGET. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MS. BENEVIDES.

AND THAT IS IT FOR THIS PART. ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE SOME EMAIL VERSIONS IF YOU WOULD PLEASE START THE TIMER FOR EACH ONE OF

THOSE. >> PUBLIC COMMENT FROM DAN LYON. GOOD MORNING. I CANNOT BE HERE THIS MORNING . AS YOU KNOW, I MISS YOU VERY MUCH AND YOU MISS ME. FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO SOON TO BE COMMISSIONER HAMMER, PRECINCT COMMISSIONER. IT IS NOT A POSITION TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. OVER YOUR TENURE, YOU WILL HELP DECIDE THE EXPENDITURE OF LITERALLY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, WHICH WILL AFFECT THE LIVES OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. UPON THIS POINT, IN MY OPINION, THIS COURT HAS BEEN RUN BY THE BANKERS, THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS, THE ROAD BUILDERS, THE HOMEBUILDERS, AND THE OTHER CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES. AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE FRIENDS OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COURT. THE BUDGET HAS BEEN SO POORLY MANAGED THAT THE COUNTY AT LAST CHECK WAS OVER HALF 1 BILLION IN DEBT. IN THE PAST YEAR, THE COUNTY HAS PAID OUT AT LEAST $54 MILLION IN THE INTEREST ALONE TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK.

TO PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE, THIS IS MONEY THAT COULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT 10 NO KILL ANIMAL SHELTERS OR INDIGENOUS CULTURE CENTERS. THIS YEAR, THE ANNUAL TAX INCREASE WAS 4.8%, WHICH HAS MADE IT NO LONGER AFFORDABLE TO MANY CITIZENS TO LIVE IN HAYS COUNTY. THE COURT HAS HIRED A FINANCIAL ADVISER WAS TOLD THE COUNTY TO COMFORTABLY ISSUE ANOTHER HUNDRED AND $40 MILLION IN BONDS. I CALL ON YOU TO HELP STOP THIS MADNESS. IF YOU CAN LOOK INTO THE DEBT THE COUNTY ALREADY HAS, YOU WILL FIND OVER 100 PAGES WITH MATURITY DATES AS FAR AS 2054. IN YOUR TENURE ON THE COURT, YOU WILL BE TEMPTED TO GO ALONG -- TO GET ALONG AND TO BE A TEAM PLAYER.

SO FAR, THIS PREVAILING ATTITUDE HAS LED THE COUNTY FAR DOWN THE ROAD INTO BANKRUPTCY. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU DID NOT WIN A POPULARITY CONTEST, NOR WERE YOU ELECTED PROPERTY.

YOU ARE ELECTED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY. YOUR FIRST RESPONSIBILITY IS TO YOUR CREATOR, AND YOUR SECOND RESPONSIBILITY IS TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS. RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COURT JUDGE AND YOUR FELLOW COMMISSIONERS IS TO DEAL WITH THEM OPENLY AND HONESTLY AND TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU WORK FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAYES COUNTY, AND THEIR INTERESTS ARE ALWAYS FOREMOST. IF YOU DO THAT, YOU WILL FIND THAT YOU WILL FREQUENTLY BE IN OPPOSITION TO THE MAJORITY OF THE COURT AND WILL, UNLIKE HER PREDECESSOR, NOT VOTE UNANIMOUSLY WITH THEM OVERNIGHT 95% OF THE TIME. THE FOUNDERS OF THIS GREAT PUBLIC DID NOT HAMMER OUT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION BY GOING WITH THE FLOW. USE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT, TALK TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS, AND EVEN PRAY BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR DECISIONS. IF YOU ARE THE LONE NO VOTE ON ANY AGENDA ITEMS, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT. AS LONG AS YOU KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT, YOUR CREATOR WILL FOR THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY. LET ME GIVE YOU A HINT. HIGH TAXES JUST FOR THE SAKE OF SAYING WE ARE ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING COUNTIES IN THE NATION IS AN EGO TRIP AND NOT WHAT WE NEED.

>> AND IF YOU WILL GO TO THE NEXT ONE. OR WAS THAT THE ONLY ONE? OKAY, THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. SO NEXT WE ARE GOING TO GO TO PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS. BUT BEFORE I DO THAT, I WANTED TO GIVE YOU GUYS IF YOU HEADS UP ON THE FLOW OF THIS. SO WE WILL GO TO PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS, AND THEN I WILL GO TO, FOR EXAMPLE, CONSTABLES ITEM G 10 TO ACCEPT THE NEW DEPUTY CONSTABLE . I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PULL G 14. SO IF THERE'S ANYONE HERE FOR G 14, WE WILL NOT OPEN IT. I WILL OPEN I 4 AND I 5 AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION, BECAUSE IT'S HAPPENED WHEN PEOPLE ARE SITTING HERE WAITING FOR SOMETHING, AND TO THINK IT WON'T OPEN UNTIL 2:00 -- GO HAVE SOME COFFEE, GO HAVE SOME BREAKFAST. I'M TRYING TO BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR TIME AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. AND THERE IS ONE MORE. I SEE SOME FOLKS HERE THAT THEY RECOGNIZE ON THE HISTORIC COMMISSION, THE THING I HAVE BEEN ASKED IS TO NOT -- TO CREATE THE CLARITY THAT THE AGENDA ITEM IS FOR THE ACCEPTING OF A MEMBERSHIP, BUT NOT THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CHAIR. THE CHAIR SHOULD AND WILL BE DESIGNATED AND VOTED UPON BY THE BODY AND NOT BY THIS BODY. WE WILL TAKE YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CHAIR,

[00:10:03]

[F.1. Ceremonial Swearing In of all newly and re-elected officials to Hays County offices; and approval and acceptance of official bonds for each office. BECERRA]

OKAY, THANK YOU. LET'S OPEN F 1.

>> CEREMONIAL SWEARING-IN OF ALL NEWLY AND RE-ELECTED OFFICIALS TO HAYS COUNTY OFFICES AND APPROVAL AND ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICIAL BONDS FOR EACH OFFICE.

>> SO MOVED. APPROVAL OF BONDS. BECAUSE IT'S A MOTION, WE HAVE TO APPROVE ON. THANK YOU. JORDAN, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO ON THIS ? ALL THESE BONDS AT THE SAME TIME?

>> EXCUSE ME. >> AND YOU SECOND UNTIL YOU

HAVE YOUR BOND? >> I THINK SHE'S ALREADY

BONDED. >> OKAY, I JUST WANT TO MAKE

SURE. >> VALID QUESTION, YOU ARE GOOD. SORRY, LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT. I BELIEVE -- YOU CAN CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT ALL OF THE BONDS FOR NEWLY ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED OFFICIALS , WE HAVE ALL THE PAPERWORK IN ORDER, BUT THE COURT WILL NEED TO ACCEPT AND APPROVE THOSE, AND THEN JUDGE, YOU AFFIX YOUR SIGNATURE ON MOST, IF NOT ALL OF THEM. SO THAT IS ONE ITEM, OF COURSE.

THE SECOND IS, I DON'T KNOW IF WE HAVE ALL, BUT WE PROBABLY HAVE MOST OF THE NEWLY ELECTED OR RE-ELECTED TEAR FURTHER CEREMONIAL SWEARING-IN. WHATEVER ORDER YOU WANT TO TAKE

THOSE IN IS FINE. >> THANK YOU. I WANTED TO PARSE OUT THAT ARTICULATION. IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE ON THAT FRONT, I'D LIKE TO CALL ROLE ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE BONDS. AM I MISSING ON ANYTHING ON THAT?

>> NO, SIR. I HAVE THE ORIGINAL BONDS HERE , SO I WILL BRING

THOSE TO YOU. >> YOU BET. SO THE MOTION IS EXCLUSIVELY TO ACCEPT EVERYONE'S BONDS, ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>> OF CLARIFICATION. SO I WANT EVERYONE IN THE VIEWING PUBLIC TO KNOW THAT , I MEAN, THESE PEOPLE GOT ELECTED AND OR RE-ELECTED, AND THEY ARE EXCITED, AS AM I. AND SO AS SOON AS THE CLOCK STRUCK MIDNIGHT, SOME OF THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WERE ALREADY SWORN IN OFFICIALLY . SO THAT'S WHY THE WORD CEREMONIAL IS HERE IN THIS AGENDA ITEM , BECAUSE WE ARE DOING THIS WITH A FORWARD FACING FOR THE CAMERA PIECE, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY SWORN IN OPERATIONALLY , ALREADY WORKING. I KNOW WE HAVE OUR TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR IN THE AUDIENCE. I KNOW SHE HAS BEEN WORKING THE WHOLE TIME. I WAS TALKING TO HER YESTERDAY, FOR EXAMPLE. SO THE GOVERNMENT WASN'T ON PAUSE UNTIL TODAY -- IT HAS ALREADY BEEN WORKING. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THAT. NOW, FOR ALL OF THOSE THAT ARE ELECTED OR RE-ELECTED AND WANT TO BE PART OF THE CEREMONIAL SWEARING-IN, NOW WOULD BE THE TIME FOR YOU GUYS TO STEP UP AND WE CAN DO IT ALL AT ONE TIME. SOUND GOOD? ALL RIGHT. LET'S DO IT. AND WE COULD DO IT UP HERE. I THINK THAT IS POSSIBLE.

OKAY, SO NOW, IF YOU WILL PLEASE RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND

[00:15:01]

CONGRATULATIONS. CONGRATULATIONS.

CONGRATULATIONS. CONGRATULATIONS.

CONGRATULATIONS. ALL RIGHT. NOW WE CAN DO A FAMILY PHOTO. WHAT DO YOU THINK? WHAT IF WE GET CLOSER INSIDE THIS PIECE HERE? HOW IS THAT? BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. LET'S GIVE THEM A ROUND OF APPLAUSE. ALL RIGHT. SO LET'S GO TO F 2.

[F.2. Appoint, swear in, and confirm members of the Hays County Historical Commission, including the appointment of Linda Coker as Chair of the Commission, pursuant to Chapter 318 of the Texas Local Government Code. INGALSBE]

>> APPOINT, SWEARING-IN, AND CONFIRM MEMBERS OF THE HAYS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION, INCLUDING THE APPOINTMENT OF LINDA COKER AS CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 318 OF THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE.

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND, BUT A CLARIFICATION HAS BEEN MADE THAT THIS VOTE IS NOT TO APPOINT LINDA COKER AS CHAIR, SO JORDAN, HAVE WE MADE THAT CLEAR FOR LEGAL PURPOSES? BECAUSE THE AGENDA ITEM READS THE APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR. WE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THAT IS NOT TO BE INCLUDED. IS THAT RIGHT?

>> I DO THINK YOU MADE THAT CLEAR. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE SPECIFIC REASONING IS . I KNOW THE COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HAVE TO APPROVE THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION. I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK BACK AT THE HISTORICAL COMMISSION'S BYLAWS. I CAN'T RECALL OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD, BUT WHETHER THAT ALSO INCLUDES THE COMMISSIONERS COURT RECOGNIZING THAT FACTOR OR NOT, I THINK YOUR CLARIFICATION IS CLEAR .

>> I MEAN FOR THE LEGAL PURPOSES. I DON'T WANT TO UNINTENTIONALLY CREATE A CHALLENGE WILL HAVE TO DEFEND LATER. SO WHO HAS THAT LIST FOR APPOINTMENTS SO WE CAN CALL THEM OUT NOW? OKAY, COMMISSIONER SMITH, WOULD YOU READ THE LIST OF THE SLATE

FOR THE BOARD? >> SURE. ANNA JUAREZ, SAM

[00:20:02]

GRACE AND FOX. JIM HERBERT OF KYLE. JOE RAMIREZ, DRIPPING SPRINGS. LILA KNIGHT OF KYLE. LINDA COKER OF SAN MARCUS.

NICHOLAS CASINO OF SAN MARCUS. ROBERT FRIZZELL OF SAN MARCUS.

ROBERT RIZZO OF KYLE. SALLY RAMIREZ OF DRIPPINGS RINGS.

SARAH SIMMONS, AND TIM MCCUTCHEON'S -- MCCUTCHEON'S AND OF KYLE. AND I MAY HAVE BUTCHERED ONE OR TWO OF THOSE.

I APOLOGIZE. >> AND THE INTENT IS TO SHOW OUR GRATITUDE FOR ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO TAKE PART IN THE STORYTELLING OF OURS, THIS HAYS COUNTY PLACE WE LOVE . SO THE MOTION IS EXCLUSIVELY TO APPROVE THAT SLATE OF NAMES. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[F.3. Adopt a Proclamation declaring January 7, 2025 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. INGALSBE]

>> ADOPT A PROCLAMATION DECLARING JANUARY 7, 2025, AS

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY. >> I THINK WE HAVE SOME WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS HERE TO SEE BEAK AFTER THIS PROCLAMATION WAS READ. SO IF YOU WILL READ THE PROCLAMATION.

>> WHEREAS, THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES WILL OBSERVE THE FEDERAL HOLIDAY HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JUNIOR ON JANUARY 20TH, 2025, TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH DAY OF THE SIGNIFICANT CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER WHO INSPIRED PROFOUND AND LASTING CHANGE IN OUR NATION, AND WHEREAS LOCAL STATE AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WILL REMEMBER THIS GREAT MAN BY LIVING THE THEME OF THE 2025 HOLIDAY, LABOR, JOBS, AND FREEDOM. WE HAVE CHOSEN THIS THEME TO HIGHLIGHT THE PURPOSE OF THE 1963 MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM. THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR JOBS AND FREEDOM IS REMEMBERED AS A MOMENT WHEN DR. KING DELIVERED HIS FAMOUS I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH, WHICH IS BASED ON THE ACTIVISM OF THE LIBRETTO'S CAMPAIGN FOR A FAIR TREATMENT AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLACK PEOPLE. AND WHEREAS A CITIZEN OF SAN MARCUS AND HAYES COUNTY EACH YEAR COMMEMORATE THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. TO OUR NATION, OUR STATE, AND TO THE PEOPLE HAYS COUNTY WITH SPECIAL OBSERVANCES, PROGRAMS, AND CELEBRATIONS, AND WHEREAS, THE HERITAGE ASSOCIATION IS INVITING THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THE HOLIDAY FROM JANUARY 18TH THROUGH THE 20TH IN HONOR OF THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY OF HOSTING THE CELEBRATION AND IN HONOR OF DR. KING'S 96 EARTH DAY. AND WHEREAS, THE CELEBRATION WILL BEGIN WITH THE DHA MLK KIDS EVENT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 10:30 TO 1:30 P.M. AT THE SAN MARCUS PUBLIC LIBRARY. AND ON MONDAY, JANUARY 20TH, THE HOLIDAY COMMEMORATION STARTS AT THE MLK CROSSROADS WITH THE DHA AT 9:30, FOLLOWED BY THE 29TH ANNUAL WALK , A PROGRAM AT THE HAYS COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND A RECEPTION AT THE DUNBAR RECREATION CENTER. AND WHEREAS, THE PURPOSE OF THIS HOLIDAY IS TO ENCOURAGE ALL AMERICANS TO FULFILL MARTIN LUTHER KING'S VISION OF FREEDOM, EQUALITY, AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM JANUARY 20, 2025, AS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY AND DO HEREBY CALL UPON ALL CITIZENS TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL OBSERVANCES AND COMMEMORATE HIS IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR NATION. ADOPTED THIS, THE SEVENTH DAY OF JANUARY, 2025.

>> BEAUTIFULLY DONE. PLEASE CALL THE ROLE.

>> HERE INTERESTED IN SPEAKING ON THIS PROCLAMATION. PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM AND STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE

VIEWING PUBLIC. >> GOOD MORNING, HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS PASTOR JOHNSON VAN BARRY, I'M THE MEMBER OF THE HERITAGE ASSOCIATION . AND TO MY LEFT IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HERITAGE ASSOCIATION. WE THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING THE PROCLAMATION ONCE AGAIN FOR THE 23RD ANNUAL MLK CELEBRATION. MOST OF THE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE, AND THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MLK KIDS EVENT, WHICH WILL HAPPEN ON JANUARY 18TH AT THE SAN MARCUS PUBLIC LIBRARY . WE PARTNER WITH THEM EVERY YEAR. THIS WOULD BE FROM 10:30 TO 1:30 THIS YEAR. WE ARE EXTENDING IT BY AN HOUR BECAUSE IT IS GROWN

[00:25:02]

KING AND A PART OF A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION THAT, THAT FORM IS AVAILABLE ALSO UNTIL JANUARY 11TH. SO THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, AND WE HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE THERE. AND THERE WILL ALSO BE A RECEPTION WITH FREE FOOD AND MUSIC AT THE PAUL DUNBAR RECREATION CENTER. AFTER THE BRIEF PROGRAM THAT WILL BE ON THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE , AND OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER IS MR. RALPH MERIWETHER. HE IS A LONGTIME MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS, A UNION MAN, AND HE DUNBAR ALUM.

>> COMMISSIONERS, ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THAT?

>> WE APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK YOU DO FOR THIS COMMUNITY, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I KNOW IT TAKES A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS TO GET ALL THIS DONE . I KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY OF CELEBRATION AND LIBERATION AND UNITY REMEMBER THE GREAT WORK THAT MARTIN LUTHER KING DID FOR EVERYONE. AND SO I HOPE THAT WE CAN ALL COME OUT AND CELEBRATE THAT WONDERFUL DAY.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY. I AM READY TO BRING IT BACK. BUT THANK YOU , AS A COMMISSIONER SAID, FOR ALL THE WORK YOU DO EVERY YEAR TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY.

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SPEAKING. HE SPOKE SO ELOQUENTLY ABOUT MARTIN LUTHER KING, AND I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS CELEBRATING HIM AND WHAT HE HAS

DONE AND HIS LEGACY. THINK. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I JUST WANT TO SAY, TAKE YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE, AND THE HISTORY OF SERVICE THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE. NOT JUST TO THIS, BUT ALSO TO THE COMMUNITY. I ALSO WANT TO MENTION THERE ARE OTHER EVENTS GOING ON THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

NOT ONLY SAN MARCUS, BUT OTHER PLACES. I WANT TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE, AND I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DID NOT ALWAYS SAY THINK YOU TO THE BURLISON'S AND THE PETERSONS FOR ALL THAT THEY DO, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT A LOT OF THE EVENTS THAT HAPPEN HERE WOULD NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT MISS ROOKS AND I MISS DEARLY NOT SEEING HER IN COURT TODAY.

>> ALL RIGHT. IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR US TO COME TOGETHER FOR A PICTURE WITH THE PROCLAMATION. ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THIS PICTURE, COME ON UP.

[G.10. Approve and confirm the appointment of Justin Drake as a regular full-time Deputy Constable in the Hays County Constable Precinct 4 Office. SMITH/GRAHAM]

[00:30:18]

YOU GOT IT. SO LET'S SEE HOW WE CAN DO THIS MOST EFFICIENTLY. PLEASE START WITH G 10.

>> APPROVE AND CONFIRMED THE APPOINTMENT OF JUSTIN DRAKE AS REGULAR FULL-TIME DEPUTY CONSTABLE AND THE HAYS COUNTY

CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4 OFFICE. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.

CONSTABLE, WOULD YOU MIND APPROACHING THE PULPIT WITH

YOUR CANDIDATE? >> K BRANDT, CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4. I LIKE TO INTRODUCE JUSTIN DRAKE. A 14 YEAR MEMBER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. HE IS FROM THE EAST COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE , EFFECTIVE TODAY. HE HAS A MASTERS DEGREE FROM TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE. HE HAS HIS MASTER OFFICE CERTIFICATION WITH THE STATE. HE HAS A CERTIFICATION, FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR, DENTAL HEALTH OFFICER CERTIFICATION, AND HE'S BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE MENTAL HEALTH UNIT FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS. MARRIED WITH THREE CHILDREN. HIS EXPERIENCE WILL BE A VALUABLE ASSET TO NOT ONLY THE PRECINCT 4 CONSTABLE'S OFFICE, BUT ALSO THE CITIZENS IN THE DRIPPING SPRINGS

COMMUNITY. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. THAT IS A WONDERFUL LIST OF QUALIFICATIONS. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF, SIR?

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU ALL FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE HAYS COUNTY COUNTY .

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> NOTHING ELSE TO ADD OTHER THAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN THE OFFICE AND WE THANK

YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> WELL, IF THERE'S NOTHING

ELSE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> NOW HE IS OFFICIALLY END, SO NOW LET'S SWEAR HIM IN.

FIRST, WE VOTE TO DO IT, AND THEN WE MEMORIALIZE IT WITH THE OATH. IF YOU WILL COME INSIDE THIS WOODED AREA SO WE CAN GET A GOOD PICTURE OF YOU, AND YOU CAN RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND.

THERE YOU GO. REPEAT AFTER ME. I -- THERE YOU GO.

I, JUSTIN DRAKE, SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL FAITHFULLY EXECUTE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CONSTABLE OF PRECINCT 4 FOR THE COUNTY OF HAYS , STATE OF TEXAS , AND WILL, TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. SO HELP ME GOD. CONGRATULATIONS.

[K.10. Discussion and possible action approving a letter of support to Hill Country MHDD Centers regarding a future Hays County Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program. COHEN]

AS PROMISED, K 10. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION OF APPROVING A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO HILL COUNTRY

[00:35:04]

RESTORATION PROGRAM. >> WE HAVE ONE INDIVIDUAL SIGNED UP TO SPEAK. MISS KAREN MUNOZ, IF YOU WILL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM, YOU WILL HAVE THREE MINUTES.

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS KAREN MUNOZ, I AM AN ATTORNEY AND I HAVE LIVED HERE SINCE 2012. I ATTENDED THE JUDICIAL SUMMIT ON MENTAL HEALTH IN SEPTEMBER AND I JOKED THAT HIS PEOPLE MIGHT OF THE MOST PEOPLE IN ANY COUNTY IN ATTENDANCE. I ATTENDED THE MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT LAST FALL. I TESTIFIED AT THE TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE ABOUT THE WAITLIST. I HAVE SUBMITTED INFORMATION TO LEARN ABOUT OUR FORENSIC POPULATION AND THE REASONS WHY PEOPLE ARE ON THE WAITLIST. I REVIEWED THE CURRICULUM THAT THE STATE HOSPITAL SYSTEM USES FOR COMPETENCY RESTORATION, AND ONE THING THAT IS BEEN MADE VERY CLEAR IN EACH OF THOSE SPACES IS A COMPETENCY IS NOT ABOUT TREATMENT. IT'S NARROWLY FOCUSED ON STABILIZATION, AND REQUIRE LEGAL EDUCATION. IN EFFECT, THIS MEANS A COMPANY RESTORATION EXIST SO THAT PEOPLE CAN PUNISH FOR THEIR DISABILITIES OR FOR BEHAVIORS THAT A RESULT OF THEIR MENTAL ILLNESS. IT'S ABOUT JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS ABOVE ALL ELSE.

THERE'S NOTHING HUMANITARIAN ABOUT YOU BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION, AND IF LIBERTY IS OUR MOST FUNDAMENTAL VALUE AS OUR DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S LETTER STATES, WE SHOULD SEEK ALTERNATIVES THAT DO NOT INVOLVE KEEPING SOMEONE IN JAIL IN THE FIRST PLACE. LIKE OUTPATIENT COMPETENCY RESTORATION SO THAT IT CAN BE RESTORED OUTSIDE OF THE JAIL.

THE D.A.S LETTER MENTIONED IT'S OFTEN THE CASE THAT AN INCOMPETENT INDIVIDUAL -- THE OFFICE IS COMPELLED TO DISMISS.

THESE PEOPLE ARE CENTRAL TIMED OUT OF THE SYSTEM. THE STATE AUDITOR SYSTEM RELEASED A REPORT RECENTLY THAT AGREES THIS IS A PROBLEM. THOSE WHO TIMED OUT, INCLUDING THOSE WERE INDIGENT, ARE REQUIRED TO BE RELEASED EVEN IF THERE COMPETENCY HAS NOT BEEN RESTORED. I LIKE TO SHARE QUICK STORY OF WHAT HAPPENS -- TO SHOW WHAT HAPPENS PRACTICALLY ON SOMEONE IN HAYS COUNTY TIMES OUT. I PRACTICED CIVIL RIGHTS AND OVER THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF HAVE HELPED SEVERAL PARENTS FIND HELP FINDING SERVICES FOR THEIR ADULT CHILDREN. IT'S ALWAYS THE MOMS THAT REACH OUT. A FEW MONTHS AGO, A MOM REACHED OUT FOR HELP HER CHILD WAS IN HALES COUNTY JAR. THIS CHILD WAS BORN TO TIME-OUT VERY SOON, SHE WAS WORRIED ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO HER CHILD AFTER RELEASE. THE CHILD HAD VERY SERIOUS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND IT PRETTY RECENTLY CYCLED IN AND OUT OF OUR JAIL. HIS MOTHER BEGGED THAT HER CHILD BE CONNECTED TO SERVICES, ANYTHING. HIS MOTHER WAS LOOKING FOR ANY SOLUTION THAT WOULD STOP HER ADULT CHILD FROM CONTINUOUSLY CYCLING IN AND OUT OF THE JAIL. THEY WERE NOT CONNECTED WITH ANY SERVICES, AND SURE ENOUGH, HER CHILD WAS AGAIN ARRESTED JUST A FEW DAYS LATER. THERE'S A LOT OF ISSUES AND LOTS OF REASONS IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE FOR OUR COMMUNITY. IS A LOT OF DATA THAT WE ARE MISSING, DATA THAT WOULD HELP US MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS IF WE ARE INTERESTED IN THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND THE PREVENTION OF PEOPLE CONTINUING TO CYCLE IN AND OUT. BUT FOR THE SAKE OF TIME, I HIGHLIGHT JUST ONE GAP THAT CAN MAKE A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE.

ARE WE CONNECTING PEOPLE'S SERVICES BEFORE THEY ARE RELEASED? WE KNOW THAT? IF THEY ARE NOT CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH SERVICES, AND WHY NOT? WE UNDERSTAND WHETHER THESE INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED SERVICES BEFORE THEY WERE ARRESTED? WE UNDERSTAND WHERE EXACTLY THOSE SERVICES FAILED THEM? LASTLY, BECAUSE I KNOW I'M OVERTIME, COFOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NONPROFIT TEXAS GEL PROJECT SAID , PEOPLE WHO TIMED OUT ARE EXACTLY THE KIND OF POPULATION THAT SHOULD BE AGGRESSIVELY ENGAGED IF WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY.

SHE QUESTIONED WHETHER AUTHORITIES IN THE STATE WHO RECEIVED FUNDING TO WORK WITH THESE POPULATIONS ARE DOING ENOUGH. IT WAS ONLY ONE STORY, BUT IN EACH CASE, EVERY CIVIL TIME OTHERS REACHED OUT, THEY HAVE OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN TRIED TO HELP THEMSELVES AND WERE DENIED AT THE RIGHT TIME, AT THE RIGHT PLACE, AND THEY ENDED UP IN JAIL, AND THAT'S A PROBLEM WE SHOULD BE SOLVING. THANK YOU.

>> BECAUSE IT IS SUCH AN URGENT ISSUE, I LET YOU GO A LITTLE LONGER THAN USUAL, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR WRAPPING UP. I SEE RDA IS INTERESTING IN GIVING SOME ADDITIONAL COMMENTS. IF YOU WILL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM AND STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC.

>> MY NAME IS KELLY HIGGINS, OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. I'M AFRAID I MISSED YOUR NAME, MA'AM.

>> KAREN MILLS. >> SHE HAD A LOT OF GOOD THINGS TO SAY. SHE'S RIGHT ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS. I'VE BEEN PUSHING SINCE JAIL BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE PREVIOUS 20 YEARS, I WAS A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER. ONE OF THE CHIEF MOTIVES FOR ME TO RUN WAS TO BE ABLE TO BRING A PROGRAM TO HAYS COUNTY. I AM 100% SYMPATHETIC

[00:40:02]

THE POLICE ARE GOING TO ARREST FOR THAT IF THE OWNER OF THE CAR COMPLAINS. I USE THIS ILLUSTRATION, BECAUSE I HAD TO DO IT SEVERAL TIMES MYSELF . WHAT HAPPENS WITH THIS PERSON IS, I GO IN AND INTERVIEW THEM, I WONDER WHETHER THEY ARE COMPETENT, THEY ARE EXAMINED BY A PSYCHIATRIST, THE PSYCHIATRIST REPORTS BACK TO THE COURT AND THE COURT MAKES A FINDING. IF THERE IS A FINDING OF INCOMPETENCE, THAT PERSON STAYS IN JAIL UNLESS BONDED OUT. AND PLACED ON A LIST. THAT LIST HAS BEEN AS MUCH A WAY TO GO TO A STATE HOSPITAL FOR RESTORATION UP TO 20 MONTHS, AND RECENTLY, IT IS LESS. OUT CARE, IT IS HALF OF THAT. IT IS TOO LONG. WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH IS PEOPLE WHO, AS THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER STATED, MAY BE COMMITTED AN ACT AS AN EXPRESSION OF A MENTAL ILLNESS, AND OUR APPRAISAL OF CULPABILITY MIGHT BE A LOT LESS. YET, BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF RESOURCES STATEWIDE -- NOT JUST HERE -- BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF RESOURCES, BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THAT WERE JUST SAID, WE DO NEED TO BE WILL TO RELEASE ABEL FROM JAIL AND GIVE THEM OUTPATIENT TREATMENT, RIGHT? BUT THEY HAVE TO HAVE A PLACE TO STAY. A LOT OF -- THIS IS ANECDOTAL, BUT IN A LOT OF THESE SITUATIONS, YOU HAVE A DEFENDANT/PATIENT WHO HAS EXHAUSTED THE PATIENTS OF THEIR OWN FAMILY. OFTEN BY THE TIME A YOUNG MAN WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IS 20, 21, THEY HAVE UPSET THE HOUSEHOLD SO MUCH THAT THEY ARE NOT WELCOME BACK, AND YOU WILL HEAR FROM PARENTS -- AND I DID MANY, MANY TIMES IN MY 20 YEARS AS A DEFENSE LAWYER -- THAT WE WANT HIM IN JAIL. IT IS THE SAFEST PLACE. WE CAN HAVE HIM HERE. JAIL IS NOT THE SAFEST PLACE. FROM THE PARENTS POINT OF VIEW IN THAT SITUATION, IT MAY LOOK LIKE IT. BUT IT MEANS THAT THE PARENTS ARE SAFE IN THAT SITUATION, BUT THE JAIL IS IN SAFER, THE STAFF ISN'T SAFER, AND THE PERSON THEMSELVES ARE NOT SAFER. WE NEED A DIVERSION CENTER SO THAT THE PERSON DID NEED TO GO TO JAIL IN THE FIRST PLACE. WE NEED OUTPATIENT RESOURCES. BECAUSE WE NEED OTHER THINGS IS NOT AN ARGUMENT AGAINST JAIL BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION.

WHAT I'M LOOKING TO DO IS DIGNIFY THE LIBERTY INTEREST OF THESE PATIENTS, THESE DEFENDANTS. I DON'T WANT THEM HELD 20 MONTHS UNTIL THE STATE OF TEXAS GETS AROUND TO PROVIDING MENTAL CARE THEY NEED. I WANT US TO PROVIDE THE MEDICAL CARE OF FRONT. WHICH STARTED ITS PROGRAM IN JANUARY OF LAST YEAR, THE REPORT TO ME FROM THE LAWYER RUNNING THAT PROGRAM IS THAT THEY HAVE ABOUT A 40 DAY AVERAGE OF RESTORATION. MEASURE THAT AGAINST 20 MONTHS. 40 DAY AVERAGE WITH A 100% SUCCESS RATE. FOR ME, THAT OUTWEIGHS THE ARGUMENT THAT WE ARE NOT DOING ALL THE OTHER THINGS WE SHOULD BE DOING. WE SHOULD BE DOING ALL THOSE THINGS. TELL ME WHO TO WORK WITH, AND I WILL HELP. BUT FROM MY OFFICE, THIS TOUCHES DIRECTLY ON US, AND I HOPE YOU CAN BELIEVE ME PERSONALLY -- I AM NOT INTERESTED IN CONVICTING PEOPLE. I HAVEN'T EVEN COUNTED HOW MANY CONVICTIONS WE HAVE.

I'M NOT THE KIND OF D.A. I DON'T CARE. I WANT US TO RESOLVE CASES WITH GOOD ANSWERS, AND IS A GOOD ANSWERS NOT A CONVICTION, THAT IS FINE. WE ARE NOT IN A COMPETITION TO BE THE TOUGHEST D.A. IN THE STATE. THAT IS NOT OUR GOAL, AND OUR GOAL IS NOT TO PUT PEOPLE IN AN EVEN WEAKER POSITION. OUR GOAL IS TO MOVE THEM OUT OF OUR JAIL AND INTO SERVICES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE . TO RESTORE SOMEBODY ISN'T TO SAY, GOOD, NOW WE CAN CONVICT THEM. TO RESTORE SOMEONE IS TO SAY, NOW WE CAN TAKE A LOOK AT THIS CASE, TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THE BEST RESOLUTIONS ARE. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH WARD. ALL THE ELEMENTS IN HAYS COUNTY ARE MOVING TOWARDS A MORE MATURE MENTAL HEALTH FUTURE FOR THE COUNTY. THIS IS ONE ASPECT OF THAT. THIS IS ONE PART OF THAT BUILDING. AND WE DON'T THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATHWATER BECAUSE THERE ARE OTHER THINGS TO BE DONE. AND I

[00:45:01]

BUT NOBODY IS GOING TO KNOW THAT, BECAUSE A PSYCHIATRIST IS NOT CALLED BACK. IF THE LAWYER GOES BACK AND FINDS THAT, MAYBE THEY CAN START THAT, BUT I'M TELLING YOU -- THE EXISTING REGIME IS THE WORST POSSIBLE ARRANGEMENT FOR SOMEONE. AGAIN, WE ARE BALANCING THESE LIBERTY INTERESTS WITH COMMUNITY SAFETY. WE GET A TRESPASSER AT A CONVENIENCE STORE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. WE WANT TO PUT THEM ON A WAITLIST, OR DO WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO CLEAR THAT CASE? WITH THE REFERRED ADJUDICATION, WITH A DECLINE, IT DOESN'T MATTER. WE CAN'T TOUCH THE CASE UNTIL THAT PERSON IS RESTORED. RESTORATION IS JUST THE FIRST STEP TOWARD ANY PROCESS. I KNOW I BEEN TALKING FOR FAR TOO LONG, BUT MR. CAMPBELL, HIS DIVISION DEALS WITH THE LION SHARE OF THESE SPACES.

>> COMMISSIONERS, ACTUALLY COULDN'T REALLY SAY MUCH BETTER THAN A DISTRICT ATTORNEY SAID, I DID WANT TO MAKE A POINT, BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING THAT MY PROSECUTORS ARE DEALING WITH EVERY DAY. I STARTED IN 2018 OR SO UNDER THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH, AND I WILL TELL YOU THAT EVERY DOLLAR THAT YOU ALL HAVE TOWARDS THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT, TOWARDS OUR FUTURE ASSISTED OUTPATIENT TREATMENT COURT, ALL OF THOSE THINGS OPEN UP ONCE WE HAVE COMPETENCY ISSUES SOLVED. IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS KEEPING AN INDIVIDUAL FROM BEING ABLE TO CONSENT TO THE SERVICES THAT IS BEING PROVIDED, AND I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT FROM A PROSECUTOR PERSPECTIVE, IT IS EASY FOR AN ELECTED DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO STAND UP AND SAY, THIS IS WHAT WE ARE DOING. IT IS BEING BACKED UP BY ACTION IN OUR COURTS. BUT WE SPEND AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF OUR TIME DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, AND NOT MAKING A DECISION BASED ON JUST CLEARING A CASE SO THAT IT CAN BE A CONVICTION AND WALK OUT.

BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN AROUND LONG ENOUGH TO RECOGNIZE THAT GIVING SOMEONE A QUOTE UNQUOTE TIME SERVED CONVICTION ON A CRIMINAL TRESPASS AND NOT DEALING WITH THE ACTUAL ISSUES JUST MEANS THAT THEY ARE BACK IN FRONT OF US NEXT WEEK AND WE HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING. OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES BETTER.

THAT'S WHY WE ARE ASKING FOR THIS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. FIRST, I JUST WANT TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT THIS AGENDA ITEM IS A LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM THREE ELECTED OFFICES TO APPLY FOR THIS FUNDING. SO THAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN THIS PROCESS. I DO HAVE A LOT OF THE SAME CONCERNS THAT WERE BROUGHT UP BY THIS BEAKERS, AND, YOU KNOW, I FEEL AT THIS TIME IN HAYS COUNTY, UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP, THERE WILL BE BETTER OVERSIGHT OF THINGS TO COME. AND I HAVE A LOT OF THE SAME CONCERNS THAT WERE BROUGHT UP TODAY. BUT I THINK -- AND MAY WONDER WHY I WOULD SPONSOR SUCH AN ITEM. I THINK I AM THE PERFECT ONE TO SPONSOR SUCH AN ITEM BECAUSE I HAVE THOSE CONCERNS MYSELF. AND TO BE CLOSE TO THAT ISSUE TO MAKE SURE THAT IF THEY ARE AWARDED THIS AND IT COMES BACK TO THE COURT FOR A CONTRACT NEGOTIATION, THAT WE WOULD REVIEW THESE SERVICES AND HOW THEY WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AND WHAT IS THE OVERSIGHT GOING TO BE. THAT IS WHAT I'M LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW. I KNOW HILL COUNTRY IS HERE AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALL WOULD LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING. NO?

>> I WANT TO -- ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL'S COMMENTS?

>> I, TOO, HAVE CONCERNS . BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, IS ONE OF THE SPEAKER SAID, WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE MEANINGFUL TREATMENT FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS. AND SO -- AND I DON'T BELIEVE THAT WE'VE HAD THAT IN THE PAST. WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT IF WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROGRAM, THAT WE , AS COMMISSIONER COHEN STATED, THE DETAILS ARE THE IMPORTANT PART.

AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THOSE SERVICES PROVIDED TO THESE INDIVIDUALS, BECAUSE WE -- YOU KNOW, ONCE THEY COME IN THE JAIL, IF THEY ARE JUST GOING TO SIT THERE NOT GET THOSE SERVICES, AND WE ARE NOT DOING ANYBODY ANY GOOD. AND ALSO, AT SOME POINT, I REALLY LIKE TUCKER TO COME UP AND SHARE HIS EXPERIENCES, BECAUSE I KNOW, TUCKER, YOU DONE A LOT OF WORK AND WORKED WITH, I GUESS, THE LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY . MAYBE NOT HERE IN HAYS COUNTY, ALTHOUGH YOU DO

[00:50:04]

>> I LOVE THE CAUTION YOU BOTH CONVEYED.

>> I HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET WITH TUCKER AND TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT, YOU KNOW, I DO BELIEVE THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS THE RIGHT INTENTIONS IN PLACE. I THINK THAT THERE IS -- THERE ARE NEEDS THAT WE CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE. WE DO NEED A DIVERSION CENTER. BUT I DO THINK THE COMPASSION OF THE D.A.S OFFICE IS SHOWN WITH THIS PROGRAM, AND I THINK IT'S IN THE RIGHT HANDS. I MEAN, AND IF THE STATE -- IF THE COUNTRY IS WILLING TO HELP US IN THIS REGARD, I THINK IT IS A GOOD

DEAL. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> THANK YOU. JUST A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT I WOULD POINT OUT.

AND I REALLY DO APPRECIATE -- I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE D.A.S COMMENTS, AND I SAY THIS BECAUSE, AT THE END OF THE DAY, ONE OF THE THINGS I'VE BEEN PROUD TO WORK WITH COMMISSIONER INGALSBE ON AND D.A. HIGGINS AND OTHERS ON THE BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS TEAM IS THE FACT THAT WE HAVE THE NEED FOR SERVICES IN GENERAL, AND NOT LETTING -- I DON'T WANT TO CALL -- LOGISTICS OF IT OUTWEIGH THE NEED. AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK THE ARGUMENT MANY HAVE IN EITHER OPPOSITION OR CONCERN OVER JILL-BASED COMPETENCY ISN'T THE NEED OR THE OUTCOME -- IT IS A PHYSICAL LOCATION. AND I THINK THAT FROM THE ONSET, IT CREATES A SITUATION WHERE I DON'T REALLY CARE PHYSICALLY WHERE THOSE INDIVIDUALS GET HELP. WE HAVE INVESTED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF TAXPAYER MONEY AND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF OUR STAFF IN ENSURING THAT WE HAVE A BETTER SYSTEM FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS HERE, AND HOW WE ADDRESS THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY HAVE WITH THEM. I THINK SHORTCHANGING IT, BECAUSE WE ARE GRABBING THE BULL BY THEIR HORNS AND TRYING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WHERE THE STATE WILL STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUES THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE MANAGING, I THINK THAT IS OUR JOB. AND SO I AM EXCITED TO SEE THIS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION.

WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THIS PROGRAM IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER SINCE THE FORMULATION OF THE BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS TEAM , AND THE STEM WORKSHOP THAT WE DID 2 1/2 YEARS AGO NOW. AND SO I THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP. I COULDN'T AGREE MORE WITH THE NEED FOR A DIVERSION CENTER. I THINK WE ALL DO. AND THE NEED FOR OTHER AVENUES TO TRY TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE OFFENDERS THAT, YOU KNOW, THEY DON'T NEED TO BE IN THE JAIL, A LOT OF THEM. AND THAT IS ME SAYING THAT. THEY DON'T NEED TO BE IN THE JAIL. THEY NEED HELP. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER WAY TO GET THEM THE HELP THAT THEY NEED. AND IN A QUICK MANNER . AND FROM A PHYSICAL CONSERVATIVE STANDPOINT, IT ALSO SAVES SPOTS IN THE JAIL FOR THOSE TRUE OFFENDERS , THOSE HARD FELONS THAT WE NEED TO KEEP IN THEIR TO PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY, AND SO I AM VERY SAD.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH, SINCE YOU AND I GOT AN OFFICE HERE AND WE TOOK HEART OF THIS DAIS, THIS JUDICIAL SYSTEM IS MADE MAGNIFICENT STEPS , STRIDES, LEAPS, AND BOUNDS ON EVERY FRONT, REALLY, ON EVERY FRONT. WE, AS A COURT, MOVE THE NEEDLE MAGNIFICENTLY. HAS EVERYTHING BEEN PERFECT? IS EVERYTHING BEEN SPOT ON? NO. NOTHING THAT ANY OF US WILL EVER TOUCH IS.

IF YOU THINGS WERE SAID THAT I WANT TO ECHO. I APPRECIATE THE PERSPECTIVES OF CONCERN. AND THEN THE OTHER ONE, LIKE YOU SAID, IT IS IN THE RIGHT HANDS WITH THIS D.A. THAT'S EXACTLY RIGHT, COMMISSIONER HAMMER. I BELIEVE IN THIS D.A. AND HIS COMPASSION AND THE STATEMENTS HE IS MAKING. I ALSO BELIEVE THE SPEAKERS, THAT THE ABUSE OF, OKAY, THEY ARE READY.

PROCESS. IS HAPPENING SOMEWHERE ELSE. AND NOT HERE, AND NOT UNDER HIS WATCH IS HOW I AM FEELING. AND COMMISSIONER SMITH, YOU SAID ANOTHER THING THAT WAS ON POINT. THE STATE WILL STEP UP. THAT'S WHY I BELIEVE IN SMALL AND LOCAL CONTROL, BECAUSE I SUPPORT THE PHILOSOPHY AS WELL. IT'S OUR JOB TO TAKE CARE OF OUR RESIDENTS. HOWEVER THAT LOOKS.

AND SO I AM JUST GRATEFUL TO HEAR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS UNIFIED FRONT, BECAUSE THIS IS JUST ONE MORE ON THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF THINGS WE NEED TO DO TO HAVE A SAFE , PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY. TUCKER, ANYTHING TO ADD?

>> JUDGE, AS TUCKER'S COMING UP, TO ILLUSTRATE THE POINT

[00:55:01]

COUNTY. >> TUCKER FURLOW, ASSISTAT DEPUTY WITHERS DIVISION. IN THE PAST, I'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK UNDER THE UMBRELLA ESPERANZA COUNCIL OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. AND IN THAT CAPACITY, I HANDLED NUMEROUS CASES DEALING SPECIFICALLY WITH INCOMPETENT INDIVIDUALS IN COURTS AROUND OUR STATE, WHEREIN I GOT THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH MANY JUDGES AND TO TALK WITH THEM ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF JILL-BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION. I WANT TO ECHO THE STATEMENTS THAT MY BOSS HAS SAID, AS WELL AS MR. CAMPBELL, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF IT. WHAT I HAVE HEARD IS THAT EVERYONE AGREED THAT THERE ARE NEEDS THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT BEING MET, AND THAT THIS PROGRAM WILL INDEED HELP THAT. I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY COLLECTIVELY FOR IT, AND I ALSO WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS. THIS ISN'T AN OVERNIGHT THING. THIS IS BEEN THE TWO YEARS SINCE KELLY HIGGINS HAS BEEN IN OFFICE THAT THIS HAS BEEN IN WORKS. AND IN THAT VEIN, THEY'VE BEEN WORKING WITH HILL COUNTRY . SO I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THEIR WORK, AND THEY WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO COME APPEAR AND TALK, BECAUSE WE WILL WORK IN TANDEM WITH THEM IS A LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, WHICH BY STATUTE, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO WORK WITH US BY. I WILL TURN IT OVER TO THEM, BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW MY OFFICE WILL BE DRAFTING THE AGREEMENT WITH HILL COUNTRY TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE THINGS THAT NEED TO BE MET FOR ALL THESE INDIVIDUALS NEEDS WILL BE MET. AND YOU ARE THE ONCE WILL REVIEW THAT BEFORE COMES BACK TO COURT. I WANTED TO SHARE THAT, AND I APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU, TUCKER. AS THE REPRESENTATIVES MAKE THEIR WAY UP, JUST WALK UP WITH THE CONFIDENCE KNOWING YOU HAVE OUR SUPPORT. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING

PUBLIC. >> HELLO, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE. MY NAME IS ANTHONY WINN. I SERVE AS THE DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL OPERATIONS AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR FOR THE CENTERS. I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION OF THIS INITIATIVE , OF THIS PROJECT.

THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF WORK THAT'S GONE INTO THIS. AND AS I HEAR THE CONVERSATION , I'VE GOT DEEP GRATITUDE FOR EVERYBODY IN THIS ROOM, BECAUSE IT IS CLEAR THAT EVERYBODY IN HERE, EVERYBODY THAT IS PART OF THE CONVERSATION, CARES DEEPLY ABOUT THESE INDIVIDUALS. OUR GOAL, AS THE LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY FOR HAYS COUNTY, IS TO CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHEREVER THEY ARE. WE OFTEN TALK WITH OUR STAFF ABOUT THE NEED TO MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AT, AND IT DOES NOT MATTER WHERE THEY ARE AT. OUR GOAL IS TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY. AND WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT IN THIS WAY. THAT SAID, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES NEED TO BE MULTIFACETED. AND THIS IS ONE ELEMENT OF THOSE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES . MANY IN HERE HAVE POINTED TO ADDITIONAL SERVICES THAT HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ARE NEEDED. WE WORK CLOSELY WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT AND THE INCOMING AOT PROGRAM, FOR INSTANCE. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW IS A REQUIRED ELEMENT IN JILL-BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION IS DISCHARGE PLANNING. IT IS ACTIVELY TAKING STEPS COLLABORATIVELY WITH THAT INDIVIDUAL TO ESTABLISH, WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE ON THIS PATH OF RECOVERY. AND WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO MICHELLE IF SHE

HAS ANYTHING TO ADD. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE. MY NAME IS MICHELLE, THE INTERIM DIRECTOR OF FORENSIC SERVICES FOR HILL COUNTRY MHDD AND I REALLY DON'T HAVE TOO MUCH TO ADD, BUT I DO WANT TO SHARE THAT YES, IT DOES REQUIRE THE JBCR PROGRAMS TO COMPONENTS OF DISCHARE PLANNING AS WELL AS TREATMENT PLANNING, LOOKING AT, YES, STABILIZATION MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS. THEY ARE CLINICIANS ON STAFF WITH THE

[01:00:02]

IN MY OPINION, IT IS A COMPASSIONATE THING TO DO, TO HELP THESE PEOPLE GET TO A POINT THEY CAN ASSIST THEIR DEFENSE ATTORNEYS. BECAUSE IF YOU ARE IN A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN'T ASSIST YOU DEFENSE ATTORNEY, IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT YOU ARE ALSO IN A PLACE FOR YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT THAT IS GOING TO BE EFFECTIVE.

TREATMENT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL THAT PEOPLE NEED TO AT LEAST BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE A LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING TO GET THROUGH THE LEGAL PROCESS. SO I THINK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR NARRATIVES.

>> THANK YOU. ONE MORE TIME, TUCKER.

>> I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE, BUT I OVERLOOKED MENTIONING A BIG LEG OF THIS . IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM WITHOUT OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE. OVER THE LAST YEAR, SHERIFF CUTLER, WE WORK DILIGENTLY WITH HIM AND HE HAS BEEN IN TANDEM WITH US WORKING ON THIS DILIGENTLY. HE PROVIDED A LETTER OF SUPPORT, SO I JUST WANT TO SAY HIS OFFICE IS BEHIND THIS, AND OBVIOUSLY PLAYS AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN IT.

>> THANK YOU, SIR. IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. OH, ONE MORE. WILL YOU TELL US YOUR NAME?

>> IN MOURNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM THE MENTAL HEALTH MINISTER UNDER JUDGE ELAINE BROWN. I WANTED TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE BEHAVIORAL ADVISORY TEAM. I KNOW THAT'S BEEN MENTIONED A COUPLE OF TIMES. I AM A PART OF THAT. SO ON BEHALF OF THE BEHAVIORAL ADVISORY TEAM AND THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT, WE ARE WRITING TO EXPRESS OUR SUPPORT FOR ESTABLISHING JILL-BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT SERVES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL JUDICIAL SYSTEM IT ALLOWS CAREFULLY SCREENED INDIVIDUALS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SPECIALTY COURT PURSUE THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT THEY NEED. THESE INDIVIDUALS MUST BE COMPETENT TO ENTER INTO THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT, AND SOMETIMES, THIS IS AN IMPEDIMENT INTO THEIR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PROGRAM. JILL-BASED COMPETENCY RESTORATION PROGRAM WOULD ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO REGAIN COMPETENCY AND PROCEED TO THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN APPROPRIATE CASES, THE INDIVIDUAL MAY BE ABLE TO ENTER THE MENTAL HEALTH CURT AS H ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL COURT SYSTEM. JUST TO TOUCH BASE ON THE BEHAVIORAL ADVISORY TEAM, WE SERVICED AN ADVISORY BOARD TO LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. THE GOAL OF THAT IS TO PERMIT THE CITIES AND COUNTY TO LEVERAGE RESOURCES MORE EFFECTIVELY , PROVIDE COORDINATED REPRESENTATION INTO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE LOCAL SYSTEM OF CARE, AND CREATE A LEADERSHIP COLLABORATIVE. SO THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE PART OF THAT DO INCLUDE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, COMMISSIONERS, CHIEF STANDRIDGE. WE HAVE JUDGES FROM THE MAGISTRATES OFFICE , THE LM HA. WE HAVE AN INDIVIDUAL FROM THE COMMUNITY REPRESENTING HOUSING, JUDICIAL SERVICES, JAIL ADMINISTRATIONS, AND WELL PATH AS WELL. ALL OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE ON THIS COMMITTEE, AND THIS LETTER IS ON BEHALF OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF JBCR. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR READING THAT. IF THERE IS NOTHING ELSE,

PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[K.7. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hays County and Texas State University regarding the University's Public Health Internship Program. INGALSBE/T.CRUMLEY]

>> OKAY, TUCKER. GET TO WORK. APPRECIATED. WE ARE GOING TO

TIPTOE REALLY QUICKLY TO K 7. >> POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY REGARDING THE UNIVERSITIES PUBLIC HEALTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. IF THERE'S ANY MOTIONS

OR COMMENTS -- >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.

[G.18. Approve Utility Permits. SMITH/HAMMER]

>> AS REQUESTED, I DID AND IT'S DONE. G 18.

>> APPROVE UTILITY PERMITS. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. WE HAD A REQUEST ON THIS ONE, SPECIFICALLY

COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. WE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE UTILITY PERMIT NUMBER T 9 DASH 3038.

>> BEAUTIFUL, PERFECT. ANYTHING ELSE TO TABLE? OKAY . WE DO HAVE -- I ALMOST FORGOT, ELIZABETH ASH. BEFORE I CALL THE VOTES, I WANT TO GIVE THIS PERSON A CHANCE TO SAY SOMETHING. I USUALLY GO FIRST IN PUBLIC COMMENTS. AND AN EMAIL. ELIZABETH ASH, BEFORE WE CALL THAT BOAT, APPROACH THE

[01:05:01]

YOUR EMAILS. >> PUBLIC COMMENT FOR MARCOS THOMPSON. I OWN THREE TRACTS OF LAND . EACH IS ABOUT THREE ACRES IN SIZE. ON JANUARY 1ST, 2025, I LEARNED FROM A NEIGHBOR THAT SPECTRUM WAS INSTALLING , AND THAT THEY ARE NEARING MY PROPERTY. ON JANUARY 2ND, I LEARNED THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE CONSTRUCTION WAS -- I CALLED HIM TO ADVISE THAT I DID NOT AGREE THE USE OF MY LAND FOR THE POLLS AND DID NOT AGREE TO GIVE HIS COMPANY AN EASEMENT. HE ADVISED THAT HIS COMPANY HAD ATTAINED AN EASEMENT FROM DEER LAKE ROAD FROM HAYS COUNTY FOR THE POLLS. MY REQUEST TO CEASE TRESPASSING ON MY LAND WAS IGNORED. SPECTRUM HAS NOW INSTALLED OVER MY OBJECTION SEVEN POLLS ON MY PROPERTY, DAMAGING ITS APPEARANCE AND DIMINISHING ITS VALUES AND AESTHETICS. AS YOU KNOW, DEER LAKE ROAD WAS BUILT IN THE 1930S AS A PRIVATE ROAD BY THE LAND OWNERS OVER WHOSE TRACKS THE ROAD RUNS. SOMETIME AROUND 1980, HAYS COUNTY AGREED TO MAINTAIN RESPONSIBILITY.

HOWEVER, HAYS COUNTY DID NOT ACCEPT ANY RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT OR OTHER RIGHT IN THE LAND OF THOSE LANDOWNERS.

ACCORDINGLY, UNDER TEXAS LAW, ALL THAT HAYS COUNTY OBTAINED UPON AGREEING TO MAINTAIN THE ROAD WAS A SURFACE EASEMENT UPON WHICH THE ROAD WAS BUILT. NO OWNERSHIP RIGHTS OF ANY TYPE IN THE SURFACE OF THE LAND ON WHICH THE ROAD IS BUILT AND OBTAINED NO OWNERSHIP RIGHTS OF ANY TYPE OF ANY LAND BEYOND THE EDGES OF THE ROAD. THEREFORE, HAYS COUNTY HAS NO AUTHORITY, ABILITY, OR RIGHT TO ISSUE SPECTRUM AN EASEMENT TO USE PUBLIC LAND. HAYS COUNTY DOES NOT HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE ANY EASEMENT RIGHTS ACROSS MY LAND TO SPECTRUM. HAYS COUNTY DOES NOT OWN ANY FREE RIGHTS TO MY LAND. THEREFORE, ANY REQUEST CANNOT BE ISSUED BY HAYS COUNTY , AND WOULD BE VOID AND MUST BE DENIED. YOURS TRULY, MARCOS THOMPSON.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT. ONE MORE, LET'S GO.

>> PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM ANTHONY HICKMAN. I RESPECTFULLY CALL THE COMMISSIONERS ATTENTION TO AND IS OFFICIALLY APPROVED AND EXECUTED UTILITY PROJECT ALONG DEER LAKE ROAD. SPECTRUM IS SETTING POLLS AND INSTALLING FIBER OPTIC CABLES WITHOUT SECURING NECESSARY AGREEMENTS FROM AFFECTED PROPERTY OWNERS.

WORK COMMENCED BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND CONTINUES FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 3RD, 2025. I UNDERSTAND THAT DECEMBER 17TH, 2024, COUNTY STAFF VIA EMAIL GIVE SPECTRUM AND FORMAL APPROVAL TO INSTALL COMMUNICATION CABLES ALONG DEER LAKE ROAD.

APPARENTLY, SPECTRUM ELECTED TO USE THAT EMAIL SUFFICIENT AUTHORIZATION TO COMMENCE WORK. SINCE THEN, SPECTRUM INSTALLED UTILITY POLES ALONG MUCH OF DEER LAKE ROAD WITH LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION -- WITHOUT LANDOWNER'S PERMISSION.

MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE COUNTY HAS NO PROPERT RIGHTS OF ANY KIND FOR THE LAND ADJACENT TO THE ROAD AND HAS NO RIGHT TO ISSUE EASEMENTS OR OTHER RIGHTS TO THIRD PARTIES RELATING TO THAT ADJACENT LAND. OR, FOR THAT MATTER, TO THE LAND UNDER THE ROAD. THE COUNTY DID NOT RECEIVE EASEMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DEER LAKE ROAD AND DID NOT BUILD THAT ROAD. PRIVATE LANDOWNERS BUILT THAT ROAD. WHEN THE COUNTY ASSUMED MAINTENANCE OF THAT ROAD AROUND 30 YEARS AGO, THE COUNTY REQUIRED NO RIGHTS FROM THE LANDOWNERS EXCEPT THE SURFACE EASEMENT OVER THE LAND COVERED BY THE ROAD. FURTHER, IT APPEARS THAT BASED ON THE STAFF SCREEN LIGHT, SPECTRUM MAY HAVE ELECTED TO SKIP THE STATE STEP OF RECEIVING APPROVAL FOR USE OF UTILITY POLES IN PLACE THAT COULD SUPPORT THE ADDITIONAL CABLE. SPECTRUM'S NEW UTILITY POLES FOR THEIR CLUTTER THE ROADSIDE THAT ALREADY HAD A LISTING POWER AND TELEPHONE POLES AND LIGHTS. SPECTRUM'S INSTALLATION HAS CREATED AN EYESORE THAT SPECTRUM COULD'VE MINIMIZED BY USING MORE OF THE PRE-EXISTING POLLS. SPECTRUMS INSTALLATION IS NOT YET CROSSED MY PROPERTY, IT IS LOCATED ON A PAVED, PRIVATE ROAD ACCESSED BY DEER LAKE ROAD. MY IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS AND I BECAME AWARE THAT SPECTRUM PLANT TO INSTALL EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PERMISSION WHEN SPECTRUMS CONTRACTORS PAINTED SYLLABLES ON OUR PRIVATE ROAD TO GUIDE ALONG INSTALLERS. SINCE THEN, THEIR CREWS HAVE RESPECTED OUR REQUEST THAT THEY DO NO FURTHER WORK ALONG THE PRIVATE ROAD WITHOUT AN APPROPRIATE EASEMENT AND RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENTS IN PLACE. IF MY UNDERSTANDING IS CORRECT AND -- THEN SPECTRUMS DEER LAKE PROJECT WAS FACILITATED BY THE COUNTY WITHOUT A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE LIMITS TO THE COUNTIES AUTHORITY IN THE MATTER OF THE PROJECTS IMPACTING THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND PROPERTY OWNERS. I CALL YOUR ATTENTION

[01:10:02]

ANTHONY HICKMAN. >> WELL DONE. AS YOU CAN TELL, ARE BRAND-NEW FRESHLY MINTED COMMISSIONER IS ON THE BALL.

SHE IS ON THE JOB, AND SHE HAS ASKED FOR IT TO BE PULLED. SO PLEASE CALL THE ROLL ON PULLING THAT ITEM.

>> WE DON'T HAVE TO CALL THE ROLL ON PULLING IT, BECAUSE I AMENDED THE ORIGINAL AGENDA ITEM. WE JUST HAVE TO VOTE ON

THE OTHERS. >> I WANTED TO BE DOUBLE CLEAR, BUT THAT'S FINE. CALL THE ROLL ON

AGENDA ITEM. >>

[K.3. Discussion and possible action to authorize the County Treasurer to enter a payment arrangement with Hays County Retirees for their Medical Health Insurance. BECERRA/TENORIO]

>> WELL DONE, COMMISSIONER HAMMER. PLEASE OPEN K 3.

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE A COUNTY TREASURER DRUDGERY PAYMENT AGREEMENT WITH HAYS COUNTY RETIREES FOR THEIR MEDICAL HEALTH INSURANCE.

>> THANK YOU. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING

PUBLIC. >> HAYS COUNTY TREASURER. THANK YOU, HAPPY NEW YEAR. TODAY, I AM ASKING FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

CURRENTLY, I RETIREES ARE OFFERED MULTIPLE WAYS TO PAY THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE. WHETHER THAT WOULD BE THROUGH A DIRECT DEBIT, WHETHER IT WOULD BE THROUGH DIRECT PAY, WITH UTILIZATION OF THE CREDIT COMPANY SENDING IN CHECKS, OR COMING INTO THE OFFICE AND PAYING CASH. UNFORTUNATELY, THINGS HAPPEN, AND THERE COULD BE AN ACH MISTAKE, THERE COULD BE A SKIPPED PAYMENTS. WE ARE GETTING SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE FALLING BEHIND ON THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS. AND I WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO BE ABLE TO ENTER SHORT-TERM PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE RETIREES, AS I DO NOT WANT THEM TO LOSE THEIR RETIREE INSURANCE, AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ABLE TO KEEP UP -- KEEP THEM AFLOAT WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. SO WHAT I AM COMING HERE TO ASK YOU FOR IS FOR PERMISSION TO ALLOW THEM TO ENTRY PAYMENT ARRANGEMENT WITH THE TREASURER'S OFFICE TO KEEP THEM ON THEIR INSURANCE WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. WHEN I DO MEET WITH THEM AND I SPEAK WITH THEM, I DO TELL THEM THIS IS NOT A LONG-TERM FIX, THIS IS A SHORT-TERM FIX TO GET IT DONE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. I HAVE NOT ASKED FOR ANYTHING OVER SIX MONTHS. SOME OF THEM HAVE GOTTEN BEHIND DUE TO MEDICAL ISSUES AND CONCERNS AND THE INABILITY TO PAY THOSE FEES. SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN A LACK OF DIRECT DEBITS WITH THE MISUNDERSTANDING THAT THE INSURANCE PREMIUMS WERE COMING OUT OF THEIR PAYCHECKS, AND THEY ARE NOT. SO THIS WILL GIVE ME THE AUTHORIZATION TO DO SO

AND ALLOW THEM TO CONTINUE ON. >> COMMISSIONERS. COMMENTS, QUESTIONS? SOUNDS GOOD . ANYTHING ON THIS SITE?

>> I WOULD JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHATEVER THE PROGRAM IS THAT YOU ESTABLISH, IT'S AN ESTABLISHED PROGRAMMER EVERY SINGLE PARTICIPATE WHO TAKES ADVANTAGE OF IT IS UNDER THE SAME SET OF RULES, WHERE WE DON'T HAVE -- WE CAN'T CUSTOMIZE IT FOR EVERY PERSON. WE NEED AT LEAST IT , YOU KNOW, UNIFORM. I SAY THAT, AT LEAST A UNIFORM TIME PERIOD AND STRUCTURE, BECAUSE THE LAST THING I WOULD WANT IS ONE RETIREE FEELING AS THOUGH THEY WERE SHORTCHANGED WHEN ANOTHER ONE GOT A BETTER DEAL FROM THE COUNTY, IF THAT MAKES SENSE.

>> AND THEY WILL WRITE UP A COMPLETE PROCEDURE TO PROVIDE

TO YOU ALL. >> WELL DONE. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU, TREASURER, FOR TAKING CARE OF OUR RETIRED COWORKERS. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[K.1. Hold a public hearing to discuss and finalize changes to Flood Damage Prevention Order of the Hays County Development Regulations. BECERRA/PACHECO]

>> HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS AND FINALIZE CHANGES TO FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDER OF THE HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS . >> I'M OPENING THIS AGENDA ITEM FOR A PUBLIC HEARING. THOSE WISHING TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THIS AGENDA ITEM, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. I'M SORRY. A LITTLE DISTRACTED. LET ME TRY THAT AGAIN. THOSE WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS AGENDA ITEM, PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM. YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL, YOU STARTED CALLING THE ROLL.

ANYONE WISHING TO SPEAK ON THIS AGENDA ITEM BUT I JUST OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO? OKAY. I'M CLOSING THE PUBLIC HEARING.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE, THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. THIS ITEM BROUGHT YOU TODAY IS IN REGARDS WERE FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDER, WHICH IS HOUSED IN OUR DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS. THIS HAS BEEN SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN WAKING FOR FOR QUITE SOME TIME, THE ADOPTION OF NEW FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPS THROUGH FEMA. THIS IS BEEN A PROCESS WE'VE BEEN HEARING ABOUT THAT WILL BE DONE AND YOU EFFECTS WOULD GO INTO PLACE IN THE PAST

[01:15:01]

REFLECTED IN OUR -- >> HEAVILY ON THE DEVELOPER COMMUNITY IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER, AND ALSO, THE CAUTIONARY TALE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. THANK YOU SO MUCH ON A LITANY OF FRONTS. THIS IS SO HELPFUL.

>> I AGREE, JUDGE. MARCOS, TAKE YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE. I KNOW IT IS BEEN A HARD PROCESS.

>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS? >> TWO CLARIFICATIONS. MUCH LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER CHANGES THAT WE HAVE HAD, THOSE DEVELOPMENTS OR THOSE INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS THAT ARE IN PROCESS RIGHT NOW, HOW ARE THEY GOING TO BE LOOKED AT? IS IT SUBMITTED AFTER THE 17TH? AND THAT'S WITH THE NEW RULE LOOKS LIKE? OR IS IT APPROVED?

>> YEAH, THE REGULATION CHANGES THAT YOU VOTE TODAY WON'T GO INTO EFFECT UNTIL JANUARY 17TH. SO ESSENTIALLY ANY PENDING APPLICATIONS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE CURRENT REGULATIONS .

ANYTHING RECEIVED ON THE 17TH OR AFTER WOULD BE SUBJECT TO

THE NEW REGULATIONS. >> THE ONLY REASON I SAY THAT IS, TO KNOW THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS THAT THE REASON WE HAVE TO HAVE THIS IS BECAUSE IF WE DON'T HAVE THIS SPECIFIC REGULATION, THE NO INDIVIDUAL IN THE COUNTY HAS THE ABILITY TO PURCHASE FEDERAL FLOOD INSURANCE. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE THAT ARE IN PROCESS RIGHT NOW WOULD STILL HAVE THAT ABILITY TO PURCHASE SEVEN INSURANCE .

>> A LITANY OF REASONS WHY THIS IS SO IMPACTFUL.

>> I GUESS YOU'RE GETTING ALL THIS INFORMATION OUT TO THE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY. THERE PROBABLY HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT

AWARE THAT THIS IS COMING. >> YES, WE'VE HAD PLENTY OF CONVERSATIONS EXPANDING THE CHANGES. THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD WAS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND TO OUR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY YEARS AGO. THAT HAS BEEN DONE AND EXECUTED AND CLOSED. IN ADDITION TO THAT, WE HAVE ALSO JUST -- IN BEST PRACTICES, WHATEVER COMES TO BEST PROPOSALS AND STRUCTURES IN REGARDS TO OUR FLOOD HAZARD IN OUR FLOODPLAIN DATA, WE HAVE ALWAYS INDICATED TO THAT COMMUNITY THAT THESE CHANGES ARE COMING. IT SHOULDN'T BE A SHOCK OR SURPRISE. THESE REGULATIONS ARE COMING, WHICH WE FEEL ARE NEEDED, BUT ALSO WHEN IT COMES TO RESPECT TO OTHER COUNTIES, IT IS NOT A SURPRISE TO DEVELOPERS ABOUT WHAT THEY SHOULD EXPECT. THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS ARE FULLY AWARE. THE CHANGES THAT WERE PRESENTED THAT WERE PROVIDED IN THE CLEAN COPY ARE POSTED ON HER COUNTY WEBSITE AS OF LAST MONTH. WE PUT A NOTICE OUT TO THE PUBLIC THAT SHOULD THERE BE ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, OR CONCERNS, WE WILL BE HAVING THOSE DISCUSSIONS FOR THE NEXT

MONTH OR SO. >> THANK YOU FOR REMINDING US ALL TO TAKE THE EFFORT WITH THE PUBLIC. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> I LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINALIZED CHANGES

[01:20:03]

DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS. >> SECOND.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[J.1. PLN-2586-NP; Ratify Approval of Sunfield, Phase 6, Promenade Parkway, Final Plat. COHEN/PACHECO]

>> WE ARE GOING TO MOVE THROUGH J NOW.

>> J 1. PLN- 2586-NP , RATIFY APPROVAL OF SUN FIELD, PHASE SIX, DOMINATE PARKWAY, FINAL PLAT.

>> THE PLAT BEING SUGGESTED FOR RATIFICATION IS FOR PROMENADE PARKWAY. THIS IS A PLAT THAT IS CONSISTED OF TWO LOTS ACROSS 6.311 ACRES. ONE OF THESE LOTS IS AN EXTENSION OF PROMENADE PARKWAY, ROADWAY FOR PROMENADE PARKWAY, AND ESTABLISHING A DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT AREA. FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF WATER SERVICE, IT WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SPECIAL UTILITY DISTRICT AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY SUN FIELD UTILITY DISTRICT 2. AT THIS TIME, THE ONLY ACTION REMAINING IS TO RATIFY THE APPROVAL OF THE PLAT. STAFF HAS REVIEWED THE PLAT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS AND HAS

GIVEN IT APPROVAL. >> PERFECT. PLEASE CALL ROLE.

>>

[J.2. PLN-2541-NP; Ratify Approval of the Rainbow Ranch Subdivision, Lots 100-1, 100-2, & 100-3, Final Plat. HAMMER/PACHECO]

AND 100-3. FINAL PLAT. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A

SECOND. >> THIS SUBDIVISION IS THE PRESENTED FOR RATIFICATION , LOTS 100-1, 100-2, 100-3. THIS IS ACROSS 20.28 ACRES ALONG SOUTH RAINBOW RANCH ROAD AND PRECINCT 3. FOR THIS SUBDIVISION, WATER WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED BY INDIVIDUAL WELLS AND ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES. THE ONLY ACTION REMAINING IS FOR RATIFICATION OF THE PLAT. STAFF HAS REVIEWED THE PLAT AND COMPLIANCE WITH OUR REGULATIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REQUIREENTS AND HAS

APPROVED THE PLAT. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[Items J.3 & J.4]

FIRST MOTION. >> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> J 3. PLN-2350-PC , CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 21, 2025, FOR THE JOHNSON-KNIGHT SUBDIVISION , REPLY.

>> SECOND. >> J 4. PLN-2633-PC , CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 21, 2025 , REGARDING TRIPLE R RANCH

AT , LOTS 15 C, RE-PLAT. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[G. CONSENT ITEMS]

>> G 1. APPROVED PAYMENTS OF COUNTY INVOICES. 2, APPROVE THE PAYMENT OF JUROR DISBURSEMENTS. G 3, APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF UNITED HEALTHCARE CLAIMS AND AUTHORIZED AN ADDITIONAL DISBURSEMENT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 TO THE HEALTHCARE CLAIMS ACCOUNT. G 4. APPROVE THE PAYMENT OF THE JANUARY 15, 2025, THEY WILL DISBURSEMENTS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,500,000 EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2025, AND POST TOTAL FOR WAGES, WITHHOLDINGS, DEDUCTIONS, AND BENEFITS ON THE HAYS COUNTY WEBSITE ONCE FINALIZED. G 5 , APPROVED COMMISSIONERS COURT MINUTES OF DECEMBER 17, 2024. G 6, EXCEPT THE DELIVERY OF THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE QUARTERLY INTERNAL EXAMINATION REPORTS. G 7, APPROVED THE SEPTEMBER 2024 TREASURER AND INVESTMENT REPORTS. G8, EXCEPT DONATIONS TOTALING $2100 ON BEHALF OF THE HAYS COUNTY CHILD PROTECTIVE BOARD AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. G9, AMEND VARIOUS DEPARTMENTAL OPERATING, SPECIAL REVENUE, AND CAPITAL PROJECT BUDGETS IN PREPARATION FOR THE COUNTY'S FISCAL YEAR 2024 YOUR AND PROCESS. PROVEN CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT OF MORGAN HAMMER.

FOR A TWO YEAR TERM EXPIRING ON DECEMBER 31, 2026. G 12,

[01:25:02]

G 13, APPROVE PAYMENT OF $574 TO AMG PRINTING FOR PRINTED MATERIALS FOR THE TREASURER'S OFFICE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDER WAS ISSUED AS REQUIRED BY THE HAYS COUNTY PURCHASING POLICY.

SHE 15, AUTHORIZED THE SUBMISSION OF A NEURAL GRANT APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES , IMMUNIZATIONS-LOCAL PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF 192,341. G 16, AUTHORIZED ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, BUREAU OF JUSTICE IS DISTANCE, JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF 37,000 -- $37,086 AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. SHE 17, APPROVED THE COAST-TO-COAST COMPUTER PROJECTS FOR INK CARTRIDGES AND TONER CARTRIDGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $745.64 FOR THE HAYS COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE IN WHICH NO PURCHASE ORDER WAS NOT OBTAINED AS REQUIRED THE HAYS COUNTY PURCHASING POLICY. G 19, APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS FOR RFP 2025- P 0 6 IN MAY COMMISSARY SERVICES AND OPERATES PURCHASING TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT FOR PROPOSALS. G-20, AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN EXTENSION TO IFB 2020-B 0 2 HAULING SOLID WASTE WITH TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS INC. FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 31 DAYS FOR $1038.34 PER HALL OF THE 42 CUBIC YARD COMPACTORS LOCATED AT 1691 CARNEY LANE, WIMBERLEY, TEXAS. SHE 21, AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH ARABELLA AND RESEARCH RELATED TO IFB 2022-B01 DD AND TRAINING AMMUNITION. G 22, APPROVE RENEWAL OF IFB 2020 4B02 LAWN AND LANDSCAPE WITH OLYMPIA LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT INC. FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR. G 23, APPROVE RENEWAL OF IFB 2022-B05 COUNTYWIDE PORTABLE TOILETS AND HANDWASHING STATIONS RENTAL SERVICES WITH UNITED SITE SERVICES OF TEXAS INC. FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR. G 24, APPROVE RENEWAL OF IFB 2022-B06 ROAD BUILDING MATERIALS, LIMESTONE ROCK ASPHALT COLD MILKS WITH BALKAN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, LLC , FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR.

SHE 25 . APPROVE RENEWAL OF IFB 2022-B07 ROAD BUILDING MATERIALS-HOT MIX OVERLAY WITH COLORADO MATERIALS LTD AND ASPHALT INC. LLC, DOING BUSINESS AS LONE STAR PAVING COMPANY FOR ONE ADDITIONAL YEAR. G 26, APPROVAL TO HOLD AN ONLINE AUCTION WITH RENEE BATES AUCTIONEERS TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 263.152 A1 AND AUTHORIZED PURCHASING TO ADVERTISE , AND APPROVAL TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF ITEMS THAT ARE PLACED IN THE ONLINE AUCTION BUT DO NOT SELL WELL. SHE 27, APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS FOR RFP 2025-P04 GL DASHBOARD SOFTWARE AND OPERATES PURCHASING TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT FOR PROPOSALS. G 28, APPROVE SPECIFICATIONS FOR IFB 2025-B07 TURNERSVILLE ROAD AT UNNAMED CREEK 87-LOW WATER CROSSING AND AUTHORIZED PURCHASING TO ADVERTISE AND SOLICIT FOR BIDS.

SHE 29, AUTHORIZE A PURCHASING EXEMPTION OF THE REQUIRED THREE QUOTES AND AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO WALTRIP INSURANCE AGENCY FOR SURETY BONDS FOR THE NEWLY ELECTED TACH SUCCESSOR COLLECTOR I DISTRICT CLERK FOR BONDING REQUIREMENTS. G 30, APPROVE THE BTX SMALL BUSINESS MARKET EVENT ON THE COURTHOUSE GROUNDS ORGANIZED BY TRIPLE ELEVATION CUSTOMS CREATIONS ON THE FOURTH SATURDAYS OF EVERY MONTH IN 2025. G 31, APPROVED VENDORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION E OF THE HAYS COUNTY PROPERTY IS POLICY FOR MONTHLY MARKET, KNOWN AS THE VANILLA BEAN MARKETS, TO SELL VINTAGE CLOTHING, ART, AND OTHER VINTAGE GOODS ON THE HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GROUNDS. G 32, APPROVE THE ART SQUARED MARKET EVENT ON THE COURTHOUSE GROUNDS ORGANIZED BY THE ART LEAGUE SAN MARCOS TEXAS ON THE SECOND SATURDAYS OF EVERY MONTH IN 2025 STARTING IN MARCH. G 33, AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO THE SHERIFF'S DRUG FORFEITURE FUND OF 15,000 $495,000 TO PURCHASE BUILDING SUPPLIES AND MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAINING ACADEMY OBSTACLE COURSE. G 34, AUTHORIZE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE

[01:30:01]

SHERIFF'S OFFICE. >> SECOND.

>> NICE BLOCK. GOOD JOB. ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT CUSTOMARY TO ANSWER HANDS RAISED, I DO WANT TO GIVE YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO SAY SOMETHING BECAUSE YOU SEEM A LITTLE OFF ON THIS. OKAY, WE

WILL GET TO IT WHEN WE OPEN IT. >> WE ACTUALLY ALREADY

CONSIDERED IT. >> WE WERE ALREADY PAST THAT ONE AND FINISH THAT ONE. THAT WAS A UTILITY ONE, RIGHT? WE PULLED THE ONE THAT WAS TIED TO THE UTILITY WITH THE HOLES. OUR COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 3 HAS ALREADY PULLED THAT ONE, SO THAT DIDN'T GO THROUGH, IN CASE THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE ASKING ABOUT. THAT ITEM DID NOT GO THROUGH, BECAUSE COMMISSIONER HOWEVER WAS ON THE JOB . YOU ARE VERY WELCOME. ARE YOU ELIZABETH ASH? YOU JUST MISSED THE WINDOW, BUT WE GOT YOU COVERED. WE TOOK CARE OF IT. ALL DONE. THEY WILL BE FORCED TO BRING IT BACK THROUGH, AND THAT WILL BE TO THE PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE HAVE A

MOTION AND A SECOND. >> JUST ONE. IT IS COMMISSIONER INGALSBE'S ITEM . WE ALWAYS LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE DONATIONS TO THE CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES BOARD, AND JUST THINK YOU TO ELEANOR B COOK .

>> A JOB, AND THANK YOU. THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE

CALL THE ROLL. >>

[K.13. Discussion and possible action to authorize the Sheriff's Office to add one new Administrative Assistant II, grade 113, effective 1/16/2025 and amend the budget accordingly. SMITH/HIPOLITO]

>> K 13, PLEASE. >> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADD ONE YOU ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO 113, EFFECTIVE 1/16/2025 AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.

>> SECOND. >> WE ARE SOMEONE APPROACHING THE PODIUM. IF YOU WILL SEE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE

PUBLIC. >> BRETT BAILEY, DEPUTY OF HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. GOOD MORNING. IN NOVEMBER OF 2024, THE COURT AUTHORIZE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SERVICE COMMISSION FOR THE HAYS COUNTY SHARES COMMISSION. THE AGREEMENT ALSO DESIGNATE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE TO OVERSEE THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION. THIS ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY WILL INCREASE THE WORKLOAD OF THE CURRENT STAFF . IN ORDER TO ADEQUATELY MANAGE THESE DUTIES, THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE REQUEST AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 2 POSITION IN HUMAN RESOURCES TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE WORKLOAD.

>> MAKES SENSE, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE ALL THE HIRING YOU ARE

DOING AND ABOUT TO KEEP DOING. >> I JUST WANT TO SAY, AS PART OF THE CBA AND COMMISSIONING -- I KNOW THAT THE INCREASED WORKLOAD THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED , ESPECIALLY TO THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION -- IT IS GOING TO BE A MESS. IT IS ALL NEW, AND I THINK THIS IS NOT A HEAVY LIFT AT ALL FOR THE SPECIFIC POSITION, AND THAT IS SOMETHING FOR ME TO SAY, BECAUSE GENERALLY I AM NOT IN FAVOR, ESPECIALLY AT A BUDGET CYCLE, BUT I THINK WE KNEW THIS WAS COMING.

>> COMMISSIONERS, ANY COMMENTS ON THE SITE? OKAY. YOU ASK FOR SUPPORT, WE GOT TO DO OUR BEST TO SUPPORT YOU. IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[I.1. Discussion and possible action to award and execute a contract for IFB 2025-B03 Shadow Creek Subdivision, Quarter Avenue - Remove & Replace Hot Mix to Bennett Paving, Inc. for the amount of $162,750.00. COHEN/HUNT]

TO I 1. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR IFB 2025-BUT THE 03 SHADOW CREEK SUBDIVISION, QUARTER AVENUE -- REMOVE AND REPLACE HOT MIX TO BENNETT PAVING INC. FOR THE AMOUNT OF

$162,750. >> SO MOVED.

>> PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[I.2. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Freese & Nichols for updates to the Hays County Storm Water Management Program (MS4) utilizing a discretionary exemption pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Ch. 262.024(a)(4) and instruct staff to negotiate a contract. COHEN]

>> I 2, PLEASE. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE

[01:35:03]

A CONTRACT. >> SECOND.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[I.3. Discussion and possible action to consider the acceptance of road construction & surface drainage improvements, acceptance of the 2-year maintenance bond #800155727 in the amount of $84,949.75 for Freedom subd. Phase 1A and acceptance of the 2-year maintenance bond #800155726 in the amount of $153,610.46 for Freedom subd. Phase 2. SMITH]

>> I 3. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONSIDER THE ACCEPTANCE OF ROAD DISCUSSION AND SURFACE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS, ACCEPTANCE OF THE TWO-YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND NUMBER 800155727 IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,949.75 FOR THE FREEDOM SUBDIVISION PHASE ONE A AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE TWO-YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND NUMBER 800155726 IN THE AMOUNT OF $153,610.46 FOR THE FREEDOM

SUBDIVISION PHASE TWO. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD? PLEASE

CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> AS I STATED AT THE BEGINNING OF COURT, 4 AND 5 WILL BE OPENED AT THE END OF COURT. AND SO THAT LEAVES US WITH

[K.2. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Change Order #2 to the Construction Agreement between Hays County and Vaughn Construction for the renovation of the Hays County Jail Visitation Area. HAMMER/INGALSBE]

CAPITAL TO PEERS >> EXECUTION OF CHANGE ORDER NUMBER TWO TO THE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BOND CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION OF THE HAYS COUNTY

JAIL VISITATION AREA. >> SECOND.

>> ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD, COMMISSIONERS?

>> JUDGE, UNLESS THE COURT NEEDS THE INFORMATION, THE SUMMARY GAVE A VERY DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. IT IS JUST ADDITIONAL WORK AT THE JAIL TO GET THAT

PROJECT COMPLETED. >> THANK YOU FOR THE RECAP COMMISSIONER, VERY HELPFUL. I REALLY APPRECIATE WHEN THE COMMISSIONERS GIVE A THUMBNAIL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE BACKUPS. THANKS AGAIN. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[K.4. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hays County, Texas and Texas State University for students enrolled in the School of Social Work to participate in an internship program. INGALSBE/T.CRUMLEY]

>>

>> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK TO PARTICIPATE IN

AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM. >> SECOND. IF NOTHING ELSE,

PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[K.5. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hays County and the University of Texas Houston for the provision and administration of communityinfrastructure building around drug use and mental health services through their Integrated Community Opioid Network (ICON) program. INGALSBE/COHEN/T.CRUMLEY]

>> 5, PLEASE. >> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXIT VISION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HOUSTON FOR THE PROVISION AND ADMINISTRATION OF COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE BUILDING AROUND DRUG USE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THROUGH THEIR INTEGRATED COMMUNITY OPIOID

NETWORK PROGRAM. >> SECOND.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[K.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hays County and Texas State University College of Health Professions. INGALSBE/T.CRUMLEY]

>> K-6. >> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS.

>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[K.8. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hays County and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for Contract HHS001506000001. INGALSBE/T.CRUMLEY]

>>

>> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY OF THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES FOR CONTRACT

HHS 001506000001 . >> SO MOVED.

>> BEAUTIFUL. ALL GOOD? ALL RIGHT. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[K.9. Discussion and possible action to authorize the approval and execution of a Loan Agreement with Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) for a PurpleAir Particulate Matter Sensor. COHEN/INGALSBE/T.CRUMLEY]

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF A LOAN AGREEMENT WITH CAPITAL AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE PURPLE AIR PARTICULAR

MATTER SENSOR. >> SECOND.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> WAS THAT JIMI HENDRIX PURPLE AIR? THAT'S WHY I SAID YES.

[K.11. Discussion and possible action to authorize the County to utilize Big Boys Collision for vehicle repairs, and authorize a discretionary exemption pursuant to 262.024 (a)(11) vehicle and equipment repairs. BECERRA/HUNT]

>> SIMILAR HAYS. >> TO LEGALIZE BIG BOYS COLLISION FOR LEGAL REPAIRS AND OPERATES A DISCRETIONARY EXEMPTION PURSUANT 2262.024 811 VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT REPAIRS.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[K.12. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Kitchell/CEM, Inc. to provide project management services for the Precinct 1 & Precinct 2 Building; and authorize staff and the Criminal District Attorney, Civil Division to negotiate a contract. INGALSBE/COHEN (Part 1 of 2)]

>> K 12. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE

[01:40:02]

>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

[K.14. Discussion and possible action to authorize the Auditor's Office to add one new Assistant Auditor position, grade 126, effective 2/1/2025 and amend the budget accordingly. INGALSBE/TIBBE/VILLARREAL-ALONZO (Part 1 of 2)]

>>

>> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE TO ADD ONE YOU ASSISTANT AUDITOR POSITION, GRADE 126, EFFECTIVE 2/1/2025, AND AMEND THE BUDGET

ACCORDINGLY. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO DISCUSS JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE TAX OFFICE .

>> WHAT WAS IT YOU WANTED TO SAY?

>> AFTER OUR DISCUSSION, THIS IS ON ITEM 12. WE WANTED JUST TO DISCUSS BRIEFLY WHAT THE COURT -- BECAUSE THE GOAL IS

[K.12. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Kitchell/CEM, Inc. to provide project management services for the Precinct 1 & Precinct 2 Building; and authorize staff and the Criminal District Attorney, Civil Division to negotiate a contract. INGALSBE/COHEN (Part 2 of 2)]

ALWAYS BEEN -- >> YES, I'M SO SORRY. YOU ARE RIGHT. MY MISTAKE. WE LEFT SOME CONVERSATION . PLEASE OPEN K-12

AGAIN. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF -- TO PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE PRECINCT ONE AND PRECINCT 2 BUILDING AN AUTHORIZED STAFF AND THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY CIVIL DIVISION TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.

>> WE ALREADY HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THIS. MISSION OR INGLESBY

HAS SOME ARTICULATION COMMENTS. >> AFTER OUR DISCUSSION THIS MORNING, WE ARE WANTING TO GET INPUT FROM THE COURT ON WHETHER WE WANT THE TAX ASSESSORS OFFICE -- WELL, THE PRIMARY OPERATION TO BE LOCATED AT THIS FACILITY , THE PRECINCT WANTED TWO FACILITY. THE GOAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO HAVE THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AS A JUDICIAL FACILITY THROUGH THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT THAT IS BEEN DONE SO FAR . WE HAVE INCLUDED THE AUDITORS OFFICE PURCHASING A BUDGET OFFICE , HR . WE DO HAVE A SUBSTATION FOR THE TAX OFFICE. HOWEVER, I THINK MY VISION WAS ALWAYS TO LEAVE THE MAIN OFFICE , THE TAX OFFICE HERE IN SAN MARCO'S. BUT WE HAVE TO RELOCATE THEM. WE TALKED AT SOME POINT EARLY ON WHETHER OR NOT WE WOULD BUILD THE FACILITY, A LARGER FACILITY HERE ON THE SITE. BUT I GUESS WE WANT DISCUSSION FROM THE COURT TO SEE IF WE REALLY WANT TO MOVE THE MAIN LOCATION FOR THE TAX OFFICE OVER TO THE 2022 BUILDING AS WE HAVE WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS, AND THEN HAVE JUST A SUBSTATION HERE IN PRECINCT 1. SO I JUST WANT INPUT FROM THE COURT. REDO THE SCOPE, BECAUSE IT WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE FOOTPRINT OF THE TAX OFFICE. WE ARE ALSO WORKING WITH THE CITY OF KYLE. YOU KNOW, WHEN WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE ACREAGE THAT WE HAVE WILL ACCOMMODATE THAT. SO I'D LIKE INPUT FROM THE COURT TO SEE WHAT YOU ALL ENVISIONED REGARDING THE TAX EXCESSES OFFICE, AND THAT SHOULD BE

CONSIDERED. >> COMMISSIONER, I WILL SUMMARIZE WHAT YOU JUST SO ELOQUENTLY STATED . I AM NOT RESTATING IT , JUST TO FILL BACK WITH THE TIME HERE, BECAUSE YOU'VE DONE WELL, BUT TO STAY TIGHT WITH THE AGENDA ITEM, THE IDEA IS TO GIVE THIS TASK MORE WORK ORIGINALLY, IN THE OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF COUNTY OPERATIONS. YOU GUYS ARE ENTERTAINING THE IDEA TO POTENTIALLY GROUP THINGS MORE COMPLETELY AS THE COMMISSIONER STATED. AND WE CAN ALSO BRING OTHER AGENDA ITEMS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.

>> THAT'S WHAT I WANTED TO BRING. I DON'T KNOW, DOES THIS DISCUSSION APPLY TO THIS SPECIFIC --

>> I THINK IT DOES WITH WHAT WE ARE DOING, BECAUSE IT IS A

CONTRACT FOR THAT SITE. >> WE HAVE ALREADY APPROVED THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT, WHICH THEY ARE FINALIZING NOW. AND SO WE

WILL HAVE TO JUST ASK THEM. >> TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION MORE

[01:45:03]

THAT FAIR? >> THAT'S WHAT I WAS REITERATING. YOUR PIECE IS EXACTLY ON POINT. AND SO IN SUMMARY, THE IDEA IS, MAKE THAT JUDICIAL CENTER , AS WE'VE BEEN TOLD BY EVERYONE, IS THE HIGHEST INVESTMENT OF TIME AND SPACE. AND INSTEAD OF CREATING STATION ONE AND TWO, IT WAS -- I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR EFFICIENCY, BUT IT WAS SUGGESTED TO ADD A LITTLE MORE TO IT , IF YOU GUYS WOULD

BE OKAY WITH THAT. IN SUMMARY. >> AND I AGREE WITH THAT, BUT I FELT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO MENTION THAT IN THE COURT, BECAUSE THAT'S A BIG MOVE AND IS GOING TO EXPAND THE

FOOTPRINT. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> I TEND TO AGREE THAT WE NEED THE GOVERNMENT CENTER -- THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT CENTER AND THE JUDICIAL CENTER. I DON'T THINK ANY OF US UNDERESTIMATE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL COURTROM SPACE OVER THERE. WE SAT DOWN WITH RDA OVER THE LAST 2 1/2 -- WELL, OUR PREVIOUS D.A., THE NEED FOR SPACE IS ASTRONOMICAL. THE CONCERN THAT I HAVE -- AND I DO LIKE THE THOUGHT OF LOCATING IT IN A MORE POPULAR AREA OF THE CORRIDOR. I DON'T HAVE ISSUE WITH THAT. I THINK THE PRECINCT 1 AND TWO OFFICE WOULD BE GREAT. I THINK ONE OF THE CONCERNS THAT I HAVE OVER TIME IS THAT AS WE LOOK AT THE EXPANSION OF THESE OFFICES AND THEIR ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE WANT TO PROVIDE TO OUR POPULATION, THOSE ARE THE FAR-FLUNG AREAS OF THE COUNTY. WE NEED TO HAVE THOSE SERVICES CENTRALIZED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. WHENEVER I SAY THAT, HAVING THE TAX OFFICE AND ONCE BOUGHT, AND, YOU KNOW, WHATEVER OTHER SERVICES THEY MAY BE ENSURING , WE HAVE EITHER ADEQUATE SUBSTATIONS FOR THOSE OTHER THINGS, OR THAT IF WE HAVE THOSE LARGE CENTRALIZED OFFICES THAT THEY ARE CENTRALLY LOCATED, BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT -- YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO FILE SOMETHING WITH THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE AND THEN GO TO KYLE AND GO TO THE JUDICIAL CENTER IN SAN MARCOS.

I WOULD ASSUME YOU WOULD ALWAYS TRY TO KEEP THE COUNTY CLERK WITH THE JUDICIAL SERVICES. BUT YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN BY THAT? I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE CENTRALIZED SERVICES, THAT EACH ONE OF OUR FOLKS USE FROM THE FAR-FLUNG AREAS OF THE COUNTY , THAT RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE ISSUES ON THE FAR WEST

SIDE. >> YOU ARE ADDRESSING IT,

COMMISSIONER. >> WE ARE TRYING, BUT THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME OF THOSE SERVICES THAT WERE NEVER GOING

TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE. >> AND I THROW A QUICK WRENCH IN YOUR SYSTEM? I WAS TRYING TO TYPE AS FAST AS I COULD. SO FOR THE RECORD, LOVE THE IDEA OF THE JUDICIA AND GOVERNMENT CENTER. HOWEVER, THE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR COLLECTOR'S OFFICE IS ONE OFFICE THAT DOES HAVE TO BE POSITIONED IN THE COUNTY SEAT.

IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN HAVE A SATELLITE OFFICE SOMEWHERE ELSE. IT DOESN' HAVE TO BE IN THE GOVERNMENT CENTER, BUT IT DOES HAVE TO BE IN THE COUNTY SEAT.

>> NO PROBLEM. WE HAVE THE SATELLITE IN YOUR FOOTPRINT. I THINK THAT CONVERSATION IS WORTHY OF HAVING, AND I AM A

HUGE SUPPORTER OF IT. >> OKAY. SO IS THAT GOING TO

WORK IN YOUR INTERPRETATION? >> MY INTERPRETATION , SATELLITE OFFICES COULD BE LOCATED ANYWHERE. THE MAIN ONE IS IN THE COUNTY SEAT, BUT YOU HAVE --

>> I BELIEVE THEY CAN BE SIZED ACCORDINGLY, TOO. SO WE COULD HAVE A SATELLITE OFFICE THAT WAS FIVE TIMES THE SIZE OF THE MAIN OFFICE AS LONG AS THE MAIN HEADQUARTERS WAS HERE. TO MY POINT, IT TOOK AN HOUR TO GET HERE THIS MORNING, AND IF I'M TRYING TO COME PAY TAXES HERE IN SAN MARCOS, OR IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ADEQUATE STAFF -- WELL, IF WE DON'T HAVE THE ADEQUATE STAFF FOR THOSE SERVICES THAT WE HAVE, FOR

[01:50:02]

>> I KNOW THAT TAMMY IS VERY INVOLVED IN THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND WHAT WE ARE DOING THERE. TAMMY, I JUST WANT TO SAY, AS WE ARE DISCUSSING, WE NEED TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO WITH THE TAX OFFICE. THE DISCUSSION THAT WE HAD -- WELL, COMMISSIONER SCHELL WAS HERE, IS WHETHER OR NOT WE BUILD A SEPARATE FACILITY, AS I MENTIONED, SOMEWHERE EITHER ON THE PROPERTY OR WORKING WITH THE CARSON'S TO SEE IF THERE'S SOMETHING ADJACENT THAT WE CAN

-- YEAH. >> COMMISSIONER, WE ALSO HAVE

OUR PURCHASING DEPARTMENT. >> STEPHANIE PARK, PURCHASING AGENT. ON THE CURRENT CONTRACT WE ARE WORKING UNDER, ARE THEY LOOKING AT POTENTIALLY PULLING THE TAX OFFICE OUT AND BUILDING

A LOCATION? >> NO , NO.

>> THAT IS RIGHT . AND I WOULD THINK THAT IT WOULD COINCIDE WITH THE WORK THAT THEY ARE DOING AT THE GOVERNMENT CENTER SO THAT IS SOMETHING TAMMY WOULD BRING FORWARD.

>> THAT IS THE NEWEST EVOLUTION WE WERE TALKING ABOUT, BECAUSE IT'S JUST ABOUT BECOMING MORE EFFICIENT AND ORGANIZING OUR EFFORTS. IT WOULD BE TO GET THE CONTRACT THAT IS ON THE AGENDA TODAY TO BE EXPANDED TO CAPTURE THE ENTIRE INTENT YOU JUST HEARD FROM THE COURT, AND THEN BRING BACK AND EDIT.

>> THE OTHER CONTRACT TODAY -- HDR , WE WOULD NEED TO EXPAND

HDR CONTRACT. >> AND KITCHELL/CEM, INC. COULD

WORK TO DETERMINE OUR NEEDS. >> I THINK WE ARE STILL GOOD WITH EVERYTHING WE DONE AND SAID. WE JUST OPENED AGENDA ITEM FOR THE DISCUSSION. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD

LIKE TO ADD? I LOVE IT. >> UNDER THE CURRENT HDR CONTRACT, I THINK IT JUST GIVES DIRECTION FOR YOU ALL TO WORK WITH THEM. AND SO I DON'T KNOW THAT -- I MEAN, I HAVE FULL CONFIDENCE IN MY COLLEAGUES ON THE COURT. IF YOU ALL CAN GET DIRECTION OVER THAT CONTRACT, I DON'T THINK THERE HAS TO BE AN AMENDMENT TO THAT CONTRACT. I THINK YOU JUST NEED TO GET DIRECTION OF WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THAT BUILDING.

>> ETIQUETTE JUST DEPENDING ON AVAILABLE FUNDS.

>> RIGHT. >> I KNOW ON THE HDR CONTRACT, SINCE THIS WOULD FALL UNDER TAMMY'S, THE COUNTYWIDE ONE, IT FALLS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT CENTER. I JUST NEED TO LOOK AT THE VERBIAGE OF IT. BECAUSE THEY WOULD ESSENTIALLY LOOK AT, POTENTIALLY, PURCHASING LAND OR LAND OPTIONS, BUYING THE BUILDING, RENOVATING, I DON'T KNOW OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.

>> THEIR CURRENT CONTRACT IS ONLY RE-EVALUATING CERTAIN APARTMENT FOR THE SPACE ASSESSMENT.

>> OKAY. WE WILL REVISIT THAT AND DECIDE WHAT LOOKS BEST.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? >> IT'S FINE.

>> IN THE MEANTIME, WE'VE ALREADY VOTED ON THIS ITEM WHEN

[K.14. Discussion and possible action to authorize the Auditor's Office to add one new Assistant Auditor position, grade 126, effective 2/1/2025 and amend the budget accordingly. INGALSBE/TIBBE/VILLARREAL-ALONZO (Part 2 of 2)]

14. >> WE ARE ALREADY OPENED IT,

SIR. >> WE DID 14?

>> WE DIDN'T VOTE. WE OPENED IT.

>> COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, I AM REQUESTING THIS POSITION FOR THE REVIEW OF THE GRANT APPLICATIONS, GRANT COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND GRANT REPORTING. THEY DID MEET WITH THE GRANT AND BUDGET OFFICE TO DISCUSS THE WORKFLOW THAT WOULD HELP REDUCE THE GRANT BUDGETING AND GRANT REPORTING DEFICIENCIES BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION BY SOME OF THESE GRANTING AGENCIES . AS A CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR SIGNING OFF ON REPORTS AND COMPLIANCE, AND AS SUCH, MY OFFICE IS NOW INVOLVED IN REVIEWING FROM THE BEGINNING, FROM THE APPLICATION, TO ENSURING WE HAVE AGREEMENTS AND SUCH AS WELL IS THE FINAL DAY RECORDING. WE DID MEET WITH MY DISTRICT JUDGE , THE ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE, AND WE BOTH AGREE THAT THIS REQUEST IS IN LINE WITH THE ADDITIONAL

WORKLOAD. >> OKAY. PLEASE CALL ROLE.

[01:55:03]

>>

[M.2. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA]

>> DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE HAYS COUNTY INMATE POPULATION TO INCLUDE CURRENT POPULATION COUNTS AND COST.

>> THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE SINCE MY OFFICE A REPORT OF THE JAIL CAPACITY. OUR CURRENT JAIL CAPACITY IS 410 INMATES. JAIL STANDARDS RECOMMENDS HOLDING APPROXIMATELY 10% OF THAT OPEN , LOWERING CAPACITY TO 368. THE DAILY AVERAGE WAS PEAK WAS 504 ON JANUARY 4TH. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR OUTSOURCING INMATE IS $133,095. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF OUTSOURCED MALES ARE 241 AND FEMALES ARE 0. THIS WEEK'S EMAILS WERE ALL HOUSED AT HASKELL COUNTY. WE HAVE 45 PAPER READY INMATES WHO HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY AND ARE NOW STATE INMATE. THE REASON I CALL THOSE OUT IS BECAUSE THAT SHOULD BE ON THE STATES DIME, THE COUNTY'S DYING. IS THERE ANYTHING LEFT ON THE GENERAL

[L. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS]

SESSION ITEMS. >> L1 . EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.071 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE: CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL REGARDING PENDING AND/OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION INVOLVING HAYS COUNTY .

POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. L2, EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 551.071 AND 551.072 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE : CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, LEASE, AND/OR VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATED WITH PARKS AND OPEN SPACE PROJECTS BEING CONSIDERED BY HAYS COUNTY. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT . L3.

EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 551.071 AND 551.072 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, LEASE, AND OR VALUE OF RIGHT-OF-WAY ARE LOCATED AT OR NEAR RM 12 RELATED TO THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF SKYLINE DRIVE AND MOUNTAIN CREST DRIVE IN PRECINCT 3. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT . L4, EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 551.071 AND 551.087 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE: CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT RADIATA . POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. L5. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 551.071 AND 551.074 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE: CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE DUTIES AND EMPLOYMENT OF ALL INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS WITHIN THE HAYS COUNTY BUDGET OFFICE. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. L6, EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 551.071 AND 551.074 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE : CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE DUTIES AND EMPLOYMENT OF ALL INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS WITHIN THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. L7 , EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.071 AND 551.074 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE: CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE DUTIES AND EMPLOYMENT OF ALL INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS WITH THE HAYS COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. L8, EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 551.071 AND 551.07 WORK OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE: CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE DUTIES AND EMPLOYMENT OF ALL INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS WITHIN THE HAYS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE . POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND/OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT.

>> WE ARE BACK FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION, AND AS WE WRAP UP OUR

[I.4. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of LJA Engineering, Inc. to provide right-of-way acquisition services for the SH 45 Southwest Extension project in Precinct 4; and authorize staff and counsel to negotiate a contract. SMITH]

WORKLOAD, PLEASE OPEN I 4. >> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF L JA ENGINEERING INC. TO PROVIDE RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION SERVICES FOR THE SH 45 SOUTHWEST PENSION PROJECT IN PRECINCT 4 AND AUTHORIZED STAFF AND COUNSEL TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECONDED.

[02:00:02]

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

[I.5. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Quiddity Engineering LLC to provide design phase services for the Centerpoint Overpass Project in Precinct 3; and authorize staff and counsel to negotiate a contract. HAMMER]

>> 5, PLEASE. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF QUIDDITY ENGINEERING LLC PROVIDE DESIGN PHASE SERVICES FOR THE CENTER POINT OVERPASS PROJECT IN PRECINCT 3 AND AUTHORIZED STAFF AND COUNSEL TO

NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT. >> SECOND.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> I NEED TO RECUSE MYSELF DO TO A FAMILY MEMBER THAT WORKS

AT QUIDDITY. >> NOW WE ARE GOING TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, PLEASE.

>> I LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE HAYS COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT DIVISION II A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT RELEASE RELATED TO CASE 122-CV -01197- D11 FILED IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT WESTERN DISTRICT

OF TEXAS, AUSTIN DIVISION. >> SECOND. PLEASE CALL THE

ROLL. >>

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER, L3. >> I LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION A COUNTER OFFER TO MOUNT OWNERS IN RELATION TO THE RM 12 SKYLINE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IN PRECINCT 3 AS A DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

>> SECOND. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

>> MOTION TO ADJOURN.

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.