Apr 28, 2026 Regular

[A. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:09]

. >> GOOD MORNING TO YOU WELL.

I'D LIKE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER.

AND THIS NEW IT -- MORNING INDICATION WILL BE LED BY OUR VERY OWN PASTOR DARIUS TAUGHT IF YOU'LL PLEASE ALL RISE.

-- DARIUS TODD. >> LET'S BOW.

HEAVENLY FATHER THANK YOU LORD GOD FOR THIS NEW DAY.

WE THANK YOU FOR THIS GATHERING THAT YOU'VE BROUGHT TOGETHER THAT WE OF THE CITIZENS OF THIS COMMUNITY HAVE COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE TO WALK IN UNITY, TO ENJOY YOUR PIECE, TO RECEIVE YOUR STRENGTH AND TO USE THE GRACE AND THE MERCY THAT YOU'VE GIVEN US IN ORDER TO LEAD, IN ORDER TO SERVE.

WE THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN, FOR YOU ARE RENEWING US EVERY DAY.

WE RECEIVE YOUR GRACE AND WE THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE. IT IS IN JESUS' NAME I PRAY.

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

INDIVISIBLE. >> ALL RIGHT.

WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLE? >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

[E. PUBLIC COMMENTS]

>> HERE. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.

COMMISSIONER HAMMER. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

>> PUBLIC COMMENTS. WE HAVE TWO WAYS TO SIGN UP TO SPEAK WHEN WE OPEN THE AGENDA ITEM AND JUST GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS WHICH IS WHAT WE ALL GO TO FIRST.

IF YOUR NAME WASN'T CALLED UNDER THE PUBLIC COMMENTS AND YOU SIGNED UP UNDER THE AGENDA ITEM BUT WANTED TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC COMMENTS, I HAVE THE CAPACITY TO PIVOT YOUR REQUEST AND GIVE YOU THE TIME WHEN YOU WANTED IT. IF WE CAN START WITH OUR FIRST-PERSON. AND BEFORE WE START, THERE ARE AN ABUNDANT NUMBER OF FOLKS WHO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS I ASKED TO RESPECT EVERYONE'S TIME AND TO RESPECT THE WHOLE OVERALL PROCESS, WHEN THE TIMER GOES OFF, DON'T MAKE SOMEONE PUSH YOU OFF THE PODIUM. PLEASE TWO, THREE MORE WORDS AND THEN YIELD THE PODIUM TO THE NEXT SPEAKER.

>> JUDGE, COURT. LAST TIME WE WERE HERE I WAS HAVING TROUBLE BY WHAT'S HAPPENING -- I WOULD ADVISE FOR YOU NOT TO GET INVOLVED BECAUSE IT DOESN'T LOOK VERY JUDGE LIKE.

SOME OF THE FOLKS THAT ARE IN ATTENDANCE ARE VERY SKILLED AND THEY KNOW HOW TO PICK A FIGHT AND IT MAKES IT LOOK BAD.

IT'S NOT THE PLACE TO ENGAGE IN THAT KIND OF STUFF.

ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT SOMETHING AS SERIOUS AS DATA CENTERS. AFTER THAT DISCUSSION WAS VERY -- AND OFFICIAL HERE WOULD COME HERE AND CONVINCE YOU AND ALL OF US THAT THERE'S NOTHING THAT YOU CAN DO.

NOW I HAVE INFORMATION WITH THESE DATA CENTERS THAT YOU'VE GOT FOLKS LIKE ERIN BROCKOVICH AND FOLKS PUTTING LEGISLATION TO STOP DATA CENTERS. THERE'S A BUNCH OF INFORMATION ABOUT SOME OF THESE GUYS THAT WILL STILL -- START BUILDING UP IN OUTER SPACE. SOME LEGISLATION FORCING THESE DATA CENTERS TO CREATE THEIR OWN POWER COMPANIES TO PROVIDE ENERGY AND STUFF. THERE'S LOTS OF STUFF TO DO.

IT'S VERY INSULTING TO HEAR AN ELECTED OFFICIAL COME UP.

AND JUST SAY THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO.

I WILL TELL YOU RIGHT NOW JUDGE, I'M 52 YEARS OLD AND I'VE BEEN ON THE LOT OF BATTLES IN MY LIFE.

THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING YOU CAN DO.

WE DON'T EVER TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED.

WE STAND UP AGAINST ANYTHING THAT'S ILLEGAL, UNETHICAL OR IMMORAL. I DON'T CARE WHO IT IS AND IF YOU'RE ON THE OTHER SIDE, JESUS CHRIST BETTER BE HOLDING YOUR HAND. THAT WAS VERY INSULTING TO HEAR AN ELECTED OFFICIALS SAY DON'T BE MAKING ANY KIND OF EFFORT TO SAVE OUR WATER AND ALL THAT STUFF.

IT DOESN'T WORK. THOSE ARE NOTHING BUT TECHNIQUES THAT LOBBYISTS USE TO PLANT FEAR SO THAT YOU DON'T DO NOTHING.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SIR.

[00:05:03]

NEXT WE HAVE. >> ALANA BD.

ALANA BD. >> THANK YOU.

HONORABLE JUDGE AND HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

I RESIDE IN CHAPERONE PARK ABOUT A MILE FROM THE PROPOSED HAYES COMMON DEVELOPMENT. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THE COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTE KNOW OR REMOVE ITEMS K-6 AND K7 FROM CONSIDERATION ON TODAY'S AGENDA TO ALLOW FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. THE VARIANCE REQUEST REFERENCED IN BOTH ITEMS TO REDUCE LOT SIZE MINIMUMS WOULD CREATE A VERY HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT OVER THE RECHARGE ZONE WHICH JEOPARDIZES THE WATER SUPPLY OF MANY SURROUNDING RESIDENTS.

THE DEVELOPER FILES COMMUNITY BUILDERS ASKED FOR A VARIANCE OF THE SAVE OUR SPRINGS ORDINANCE FROM THE CITY OF AUSTIN TO IMPERVIOUS GOVERNMENT -- LIMITS FROM 15 TO 25% AND WERE DENIED THE REQUEST LAST YEAR. THEY'RE ATTEMPTING TO DO THE SAME THING AND HAYS COUNTY KNOWING FULL WELL WHAT THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO DO WOULD IRREPARABLY HARM THE AQUIFER AND THE SURROUNDING ECOSYSTEM. THE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CODE REQUIRING A 7.5 -- 0.75-ACRE LOT MINIMUM TO PROTECT THE GROUNDWATER SUPPLY FROM CONTAMINATION.

A VARIANCE THAT BRINGS LOT SIZES DOWN TO 0.2 ACRES SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED SIBLING TO ALLOW PROFIT -- SIMPLY TO ALLOW A FOR-PROFIT COMPANY TO MEET THEIR PROFIT MARGINS.

THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE VARIANCE IS MISLEADING IN THE MOUTH IS NOT CORRECT IN ITEM K-6 AND K7 PAPERWORK.

ADDITIONALLY THE D.A. ALLOWS FOR A 10% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS WHICH WOULD FURTHER DECREASE LOT SIZES, INCREASE THE DENSITY AND INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF IMPERVIOUS COVER OVER THE RECHARGE ZONE.

THE HARDSHIPS FINDINGS AND VARIANCE REQUESTS STATE MINIMUM LOT SIZE REQUIREMENT IMPOSED BY THE COUNTY WOULD REQUIRE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENTIRE PROPERTY AND IT NEGLECTS SEVERAL FACTS. THE ENTIRE PROPERTY IS NOT DEVELOPABLE BECAUSE THERE IS A -- COVERING ALMOST 100 ACRES OF THE PROPERTY AND NODE FEATURES OVER MUCH OF THE PROPERTY.

THE FACT THAT THE LAND IS OVER THE RECHARGE ZONE MEANS IT SHOULD NOT BE DEVELOPED WITH SUCH HIGH DENSITY PLAIN AND SIMPLE. NOTHING ELSE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA WAS BUILT VIOLATING THE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CODE SIDE PROFIT IS NOT A VALID REASON TO ALLOW FOR A VARIANCE.

GOING FORWARD DUE TO THE PRECARIOUS STATE OF OUR WATER SUPPLY WE SHOULD BE HOLDING LARGE CORPORATIONS TO A HIGHER STANDARD TO PROTECT HER RESOURCES AND NOT BE MORE LAX ABOUT SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS. OF THE DEVELOPER DID NOT DO THE RESEARCH I'VE BOUGHT LAND THEY CANNOT DEVELOP FOR PROFIT, IT'S ON THEM IT IS NOT THE COUNTY'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THEIR PROFITS. IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME MILESTONE COMMUNITY BUILDERS SOUGHT A D.A. FROM THE COUNTY.

IN 2023 THE COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTED NO ON A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE SAME TRACT OF LAND STATING YOU ALL NEEDED PROOF OF WATER AND WASTEWATER. HERE WE ARE THREE YEARS LATER AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE PROOF OF EITHER.

HAYS COMMENTS HAS NOT SECURED A WATER SUPPLY AND THEIR APPLICATION IS BEING PROTESTED. PLEASE VOTE NO ON ITEMS K-6 AND SEVEN OR REMOVE THEM FROM YOUR AGENDA AND I EMPLOY YOU TO DENY ANY VARIANCE REQUEST NOW AND IN THE FUTURE FOR HAYES COMMENTS.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

VERY TIMELY AND PERFECT TIMING. NEXT SPEAKER.

>> CHRIS KNIGHT. >> I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON K-6 AND K7 AS WELL. THIS IS A NEIGHBORHOOD I GREW UP IN. IT'S ONE OF THE RARE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT STILL HAS OF FOREST.

IT SHOWS THE AREA SHOULD BE PROTECTED SINCE IT'S SO RARE NOW. THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE HAVE TROUBLE WITH THEIR WELLS SOMETIMES.

MY PARENTS THEMSELVES HAVE THEIR WELL RUN DRY.

AND THE WATER NO LONGER COMES OUT THE FAUCET OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT AND WE KNOW THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED BY MAKING THIS DEVELOPMENT THERE BE EVEN LESS WATER THEY'D BE USING A LOT OF THE WATER FOR THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND ALSO ALL THE SERVICES THEY WOULD PUT ON TOP OF THE AQUIFER WOULD ALLOW LESS WATER TO GET IN. WE SHOULD VOTE NO OR AT LEAST STAVE OFF K-6 AND K7. THIS WAS NOT IN PRETTY QUICKLY.

I WASN'T INFORMED UNTIL LATE LAST NIGHT THAT I WOULD BE COMING HERE AND TALKING ABOUT IT.

I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WOULD ACCEPT THIS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD. THAT THEY KNOW SO WELL.

I DON'T THINK ANYBODY HERE WOULD LIKE IT VERY MUCH IF THEIR WATER

[00:10:03]

ONE BEING THE GASSES THAT CREATED THE ATMOSPHERE.

OUR POSITION FROM THE SUN AND WATER.

AND WATER BEING ONE OF THE THREE REASONS THERE'S LIFE ON EARTH I THINK MEANS WE SHOULD PROTECT IT.

SO PLEASE VOTE NO OR STAVE OFF K-6 AND K7 SO IT CAN ACTUALLY BE BROUGHT TO THE PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

NEXT UP. THAT CONCLUDES PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE REST WILL BE WRITTEN OR FOR THE AGENDA ITEM ITSELF.

WHAT I WILL DO IS RIGHT AFTER A PRESENTATION AT PROCLAMATION, I WILL GO STRAIGHT TO K-6 SO THOSE THAT WANT TO BE PART OF IT, SIGNED UP TO SPEAK DON'T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL FOUR IN THE AFTERNOON. AND K7 BECAUSE I'M THE SPONSOR OF K7, I HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR.

[F.1. Presentation of April 2026 Service & Retirement Awards. BECERRA/GRANJENO]

PLEASE OPEN F1. >> F1 PRESENTATION OF APRIL 2026

SERVICE ON RETIREMENT AWARDS. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS DAVID RAKES.

IT'S MY PLEASURE TODAY TO BE HERE TO PRESENT TO YOU THE APRIL SERVICE AWARDS. WE'RE GOING TO START WITH OUR ONE-YEAR SERVICE AWARD AND GO FROM THERE.

FOR ONE-YEAR SERVICE AWARDS FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCT TO DEPARTMENT WE HAVE GILBERT VERASTEGUI. FROM OUR COUNTY JUDGES OFFICE WE HAVE CHRISTIAN ODEN. FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WE HAVE ALBERTO LUNA. FROM OUR DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S WE HAVE NATALIE MULIN. FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WE HAVE CHRISTOPHER POWELL.

FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE WE HAVE LOWIEVELLE RODRIGUEZ SERVICE. FROM DISTRICT COURTS WE HAVE TRACY BALUSEK. FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WE HAVE EIGHT IN KUBESH. FROM OUR JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER WE HAVE ANTHONY DELAROSA. FROM MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT WE HAVE ERNAN HERNANDEZ CARDONA. FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WE HAVE ROXY HAIK-MARCHANT. FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WE HAVE RYAN SAMPSON AND OUR FINAL ONE-YEAR SERVICE RECOGNITION FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WE HAVE MICHAEL SCHOBER.

>> ANY OF THE NAMES CALLED COME OUT UP FOR A PICTURE.

WILL TAKE A GROUP PICTURE AND LET'S GIVE THEM ALL AROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR THEIR ONE YEAR. [APPLAUSE] THEY ARE WORKING, THAT'S A GOOD SIGN.

NEXT. >> OUR NEXT CATEGORY ARE FIVE YEAR SERVICE AWARD WINNERS. ARE FIRST-PERSON IS FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, SHELBY GRIFFIN.

FROM THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE JOSEPH BODIN.

FROM INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OFFICE, DAVID MUSTARD.

FROM THE JUVENILE RETENTION CENTER, MATTHEW STEELE.

AND FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN DAYTON CULLEN.

>> ANYONE JUST CALLED COME ON UP.

ROUND OF APPLAUSE. [APPLAUSE]

>> FOR OUR 10-YEAR SERVICE AWARD WINNERS FROM THE COUNTY COURT AT

[00:15:08]

>> OUR LAST FOR TODAY IS OUR 20 YEAR SERVICE AWARD WINNER.

FROM THE DISTRICT COURT'S OFFICE ROBERT ELLIOTT.

>> THIS MONTH WE DO NOT HAVE ANY RETIREES.

[F.2. Presentation of 01 2026 Compliance Training Recognition Awards. HAMMER/INGALSBE/GRANJENO]

>> PLEASE OPEN F2. >> PRESENTATION OF QUARTER 12026 COMPLIANCE TRAINING RECOGNITION AWARDS.

>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS KAYLA DOYLE. I'M THE SENIOR DEVELOPMENT LIVING SPECIALIST IN HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

WE LAUNCHED COUNTYWIDE COMPLIANCE TRAINING THROUGH OUR LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM KNOWLEDGE CITY.

IT'S OUR FIRST TIME ASSIGNING TRAINING ACROSS ALL DEPARTMENTS AND I'M PROUD TO SHARE THE COUNTY ACHIEVED AN 86% COMPLETION RATE. OVER 1000 EMPLOYEES COMPLETING THEIR TRAINING COUNTY WIDE. TODAY AND HERE TO RECOGNIZE THE OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS THAT REACH 90% OR HIGHER.

YOUR COMMITMENT TO TRAINING INSURERS WERE BETTER INFORMED, BETTER PREPARED AND BETTER EQUIPPED TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW STANDOUT ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

24 OF 44 DEPARTMENTS REACHED 100% COMPLETION, 55% OVERALL.

THE TAX ASSESSOR'S OFFICE WAS THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT TO ACHIEVE 100% WITH 34 OUT OF 34 EMPLOYEES COMPLETING TRAINING.

THEY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REACHED AN IMPRESSIVE 96% WITH 443 OUT OF 460 EMPLOYEES COMPLETING ALL ASSIGNED TRAINING. IT'S A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT.

WE WILL HANDLE THIS SIMILAR TO SERVICE AWARDS.

WHEN YOUR DEPARTMENT IS CALLED PLEASE COME UP TO THE FRONT TO RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE FROM COMMISSIONER HAMMER.

WE'LL TAKE A GROUP PHOTO OF THE DEPARTMENTS WITH 100% COMPLETION FOLLOWED BY A GROUP PHOTO FOR THOSE IN THE 90% RANGE.

DEPARTMENTS WITH 100% COMPLETION FIRST WE HAVE THE BUDGET OFFICE COMBINED EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION CENTER, COMMISSIONER PRECINCT ONE OFFICE, COMMISSIONER PRECINCT THREE OFFICE, CONSTABLE PRECINCT ONE THROUGH FIVE. THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.

ELECTIONS. THE EXTENSION OFFICE.

THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. HUMAN RESOURCES.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE PRECINCTS TWO -- ONE, 2-2, THREE AND FIVE.

JUDICIAL SERVICES, JUVENILE PROBATION, PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES, PURCHASING OFFICE, TAX OFFICE, VETERAN SERVICES

OFFICE ALL FOR 100%. >> THERE'S NO WAY WE WILL GET THAT MANY PEOPLE APPEAR SO LET'S CREATE THREE SPACES.

ONE HERE, ONE HERE AND WHAT HERE.

COME ON IT. CONGRATULATIONS.

>> WHAT ON ONE SECOND. ONE SECOND.

EVERYONE CALLED DOWN. SORRY.

CAN I GO IN ORDER WITH WHAT WE'VE GOT? THEY'RE ALL OUT OF ORDER ONE OF THE TWO WE DON'T HAVE ONE OF

THEM. >> THAT'S OKAY.

>> THE HAYS COUNTY TAX OFFICE CAN YELL COME UP.

[APPLAUSE] YOU CAN START OVER SECTION HERE.

[00:20:09]

JUDICIAL SERVICES. FACILITIES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. THOSE HAVEN'T BEEN CALLED YET BECAUSE THEY ARE THE 90% RANGE. SORRY.

>> COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT ONE OFFICE.

COMMISSIONER PRECINCT THREE. WE MET COLLECTIONS WILL BE

THERE. >> CALL 90%.

WILL DO THEM ALL. >> DO Y'ALL JUST WANT TO GO UP THERE AND WILL GIVE YOU SEE YOUR CERTIFICATES? THEY HAVE THEIRS. [INDISCERNIBLE]

>> FOR Y'ALL THAT WERE CALLED FOR 100%, YOU CAN GO UP THERE.

>> PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES. A PARKS AND NATURAL RESOURCES

OFFICE. >> THERE RIGHT HERE.

>> SORRY HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE. >> THERE YOU GO.

[LAUGHTER] >> CONSTABLE PRECINCT FIVE OFFICE. DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE.

DID WE GET EVERYBODY? >> CONGRATULATIONS.

>> THANK YOU ALL AND CONGRATULATIONS.

[APPLAUSE] >> OKAY.

NOW THE DEPARTMENTS WITH 90% OR HIGHER COMPLETION.

WE HAVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT 96%.

INFORMATION -- [APPLAUSE]

>> CALLED THE APPLAUSE UNTIL THE END SO WE CAN HEAR THEIR NAMES.

>> INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES WITH 96%.

COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE AT 94%. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AT 92%.

THAT AT 90% WE HAVE FACILITIES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT,

[00:25:03]

[APPLAUSE]

>> DO WE HAVE ANYONE FROM THE TREASURER'S OFFICE?

>> THAT'S OKAY. [APPLAUSE] THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO

TRAINING AND SERVICE. >> PLEASE OPEN F3.

[F.3. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 4th - 8th as Economic Development Week in Hays County. BECERRA/HAMMER]

>> ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 4TH THROUGH MAY 8TH AS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK IN THE

HAYS COUNTY. >> SECOND.

>> SECOND. >> WHEREAS MORE THAN 100,000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED PROFESSIONALS WORLDWIDE ARE COMMITTED TO CREATING, RETAINING AND EXPANDING TOP-TIER OPPORTUNITIES THAT FOSTER LONG-TERM EQUITABLE COMMUNITY GROWTH AND WHEREAS FOR GENERATIONS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSION HAS CULTIVATED THRIVING NEIGHBORHOODS, CHAMPION SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE, STRENGTH AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE AND BUILD ROBUST TAX SPACES AND WHEREAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROFESSIONALS OPERATE ACROSS DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS INCLUDING RURAL, SUBURBAN AND URBAN COMMUNITIES LOCAL STATE AND NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS, PRIVATE, PUBLIC PARTNERSHIPS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS. WHEREAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS SERVE STEWARDS OF PROGRESS CONNECTING RESIDENTS, BUSINESS LEADERS, INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO ADVANCE JOB CREATION, COMMUNITY INVESTMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT A LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY.

WHEREAS THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS IS STRENGTHENED THROUGH COLLABORATION AMONG ITS COMMUNITIES INCLUDING BUTE, DRIPPING SPRINGS, KYLE, SAN MARCOS, YOU LEARNED AND WIMBERLEY WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP THROUGH THE HAYS CALDWELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP TO DRIVE REGIONAL GROWTH AND SHARED PROSPERITY HAD WHEREAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONTINUED STRENGTH AND VITALITY OF HAYS COUNTY WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS, BUILDING ON PAST ACHIEVEMENTS WHILE SHAPING RESILIENT AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE.

WHEREAS SINCE 1926 THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND ITS PROCEEDING ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ADVANCED THE PROFESSION GLOBALLY, MARKETING 100 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP -- MARKETING 100 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP DEDICATED TO FOSTERING GROWTH, INNOVATION, INCLUSION, SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN COMMUNITIES OF ALL SIZES.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY PROCLAIMS MAY 4TH TO EIGHTH 2026 AS ECONOMIC ABOUT IT WE CAN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF IMPACT. REFLECTING ON THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED, HONORING THE PROFESSIONALS WHO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES TODAY AND INSPIRING THE NEXT CENTURY OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND GROWTH. ADOPTED THIS 28TH DAY

OF APRIL 2026. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER COHEN.

JUDGE BECERRA. >> WHAT ANYONE LIKE TO SPEAK TO THIS ITEM? PERFECT TIMING.

THAT'S PRETTY ON THE SPOT. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. COMING UP HERE MAY 4TH THROUGH MAY 8TH WE APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THIS MOMENT TO HONOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WE ENJOYED WORKING WITH YOU GUYS AND EVERYTHING WE DO FOR THE COUNTY.

>> THANK YOU. >> WHO ARE YOU AND WHO ARE YOU

WITH? >> EMILY MATH IS WITH THE CALDWELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP.

>> IT'S CUSTOMARY TO TAKE A PICTURE WITH THESE RESOLUTIONS PROCLAMATIONS. FIRST THE COMMISSIONERS ACCOUNTS

[00:30:01]

TO -- A CHANCE TO SAY SOMETHING. >> I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE MANY GREAT PROJECTS HE BROUGHT WAS ON THE FACT IS Y'ALL DRIVE THE EMPLOYMENT NUMBER 1 WE HAVE HERE.

WITH ABSOLUTE GROWTH WE HAVE COULD NOT BE -- WE COULD NOT SUSTAIN IT UNLESS WE HAD GOOD COMPANIES.

AND ANYBODY CAN GROW BUT GROWING THE RIGHT WAY IS VERY HARD.

HE Y'ALL DO A GREAT JOB OF HELPING THE RIGHT COMPANIES COME HERE AND WE'RE BETTER FOR IT AND WE HAVE AN EMPLOYMENT BASE COMING OUT OF TEXAS STATE THAT KNOWS THERE'S GOING TO BE JOBS AND THEY CAN LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE FORESEEABLE

FUTURE AND I APPRECIATE IT. >> A SAUNA GRADUATED FROM TEXAS STATE AND LOVES THIS AREA AND EVERYTHING ABOUT HAYS COUNTY, I DO THINK WE ARE MAKING THE STEPS ALWAYS ON THE RIGHT DIRECTION FROM AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SIDE OF THINGS.

YOU LISTEN TO US, HEAR US OUT. BECAUSE WE REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY. WE BRING IT TO YOU AND YOU ALL TAKE THE RIGHT COMPANIES TO TARGET AND I COULD NOT SAY

THANK YOU GUYS ENOUGH. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.

THANKING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAMBERS AND EVERYONE THAT DOES THAT WORK BRINGING GOOD BUSINESS TO THIS COUNTY. IT'S SO IMPORTANT FOR OUR COUNTY AND THANK YOU SO MUCH PERSONALLY FOR DOING ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO ON OUR BEHALF. APPRECIATE THAT.

>> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. IT'S REALLY A BLESSING AND A PLEASURE TO HAVE Y'ALL WORKING FOR US AND HE Y'ALL DO GREAT WORK AND REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO FOR US AND REVITALIZING THE COUNTY. THANK YOU.

>> IT'S IMPORTANT YOU UNDERSTAND THE GROWTH WE'VE HAD IS NOT ONLY ACCOUNTED BY REGION FOR SO MANY YEARS.

IT HELPS PAY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, ROAD REPAIR AND ALL THOSE OTHER THINGS.

SO ALTHOUGH IT'S VERY USEFUL AND GOOD THE TAX BASE TO HAVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE TAXABLE BRICKS AND MORTAR, WE'VE GOT TO REMEMBER THAT IT'S IMPORTANT AND YOU DO A GOOD JOB IN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO LISTEN. I KNOW WHAT I SAY FOR EXAMPLE IT'S NOT EITHER OR ITS YES, AND. LET'S NOT PLANT LAWNS, LET'S DO CRUSH GRANITE AND TAX -- CACTUS AND INDIGENOUS PLANTS.

THE NATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY, THE REGION THAT REQUIRE WATER.

IT'S THREE THINGS IN MY HEAD. IT'S PROENVIRONMENT, PRO COMMUNITY AND PRO-BUSINESS. AND WE CAN DO ALL THREE.

IT'S JUST ABOUT WHICH BUSINESS, IT'S ABOUT WHICH LOCATION, IT'S ABOUT TIMING AND IT'S ABOUT THE COMPLEXITY OF THINGS, A KALEIDOSCOPE OF ISSUES BECAUSE WE ALL NEED TO WORK.

WE ALL NEED TO HAVE A ROOF OVER OUR HEAD.

WE ALL NEED TO ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE WE CALL HOME.

THE TREES, THE RIVERS AND WE'VE GOT TO TAKE CARE OF OUR NEIGHBORS. YOU HELP GLUE THAT CONVERSATION AND BRING IT TO LIFE IN A MEANINGFUL WAY WHERE WE CAN ALL BENEFIT FROM. SO THANK YOU FOR THAT.

THAT'S COMING UP FOR PICTURES. >> I'D BE REMISS IF I DID NOT SAY WE HAVE HAYS CALDWELL HERE BUT THE CITY OF KEIO HAS DONE OFFEND -- PHENOMENAL JOB BUT I WANT TO RECOGNIZE WITHIN MY PRECINCT THE CITY OF BUTE. THEY WERE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AS AN OUTSTANDING EDC AND NATION AND WE ENJOYED SOME GREAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENGINES HERE FOR THE COUNTY BUT IT'S NOT JUST THESE GUYS. THEY DO AN AMAZING JOB BUT WE HAVE PEOPLE WORKING ALL THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY TO TRY TO BRING BUSINESSES HERE FOR THE RIGHT REASON.

>> I WILL MIRROR THAT. WE SAY IT'S A TEAM SPORT.

>> THOSE TIED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, COME ON OUT.

'S. >> LET'S OPEN THE NEXT ONE.

[F.4. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month. INGALSBE]

>> F4. ADOPTED PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING

[00:35:02]

MAY 2026 AS ALS AWARENESS MONTH. >> SECONDS.

>> SECONDS. >> WILL YOU PLEASE READ IT.

WHEREAS, AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS, ALSO COMMONLY KNOWN AS LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE, IS A PROGRESSIVE FATAL NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE IN WHICH A PERSON'S BRAIN LOSES CONNECTION WITH THEIR MUSCLES, SLOWLY REDUCING A PERSON'S ABILITY TO WALK, TALK, EAT, AND EVENTUALLY BREATHE; AND WHEREAS, THOUSANDS OF NEW AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS (ALS) CASES ARE REPORTED EVERY YEAR, AND ESTIMATES SHOW THAT EVERY 90 MINUTES, SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH ALS AND SOMEONE PASSES AWAY FROM ALS; AND WHEREAS, ON AVERAGE, PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH ALS SURVIVE ONLY TWO TO FIVE YEARS FROM THE TIME OF DIAGNOSIS; AND WHEREAS, THE EXACT CAUSES OF ALS ARE UNKNOWN AND THERE IS NO KNOWN CURE FOR ALS; AND WHEREAS, PEOPLE WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY ARE MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP ALS AND DIE FROM THE DISEASE THAN THOSE WITH NO HISTORY OF MILITARY SERVICE; AND WHEREAS, SECURING ACCESS TO NEW THERAPIES, DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO PEOPLE AND WHEREAS, CLINICAL TRIALS PLA PIVOTAL ROLE IN EVALUATING NEW G QUALITY OF LIFE, AND FOSTERING E AND 18 OTHER COUNTRIES AND WHEREAS THE ALS ASSOCIATION IS COMMITTED TO MAKING ALS LIVABLE AND CURE IT FOR EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE AND WHEREAS AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS AWARENESS MONTH CREATES AN OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALS ACKNOWLEDGE A TERRIBLE IMPACT THIS DISEASE HAS ON THOSE INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES. AND SUPPORT RESEARCH TO ERADICATE THIS DISEASE. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY PROCLAIMS MAY 2012 -- 2026 AS ALS AWARENESS MONTH AND DO HEREBY CALL AMERICANS TO JOIN IN SUPPORTING ALS RESEARCH, ADVOCATING FOR INCREASED FUNDING AND STANDING IN SOLIDARITY WITH THOSE AFFECTED BY THIS RELENTLESS DISEASE.

ADOPTED THIS THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL 2025.

-- 2026. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLE.

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

COMMISSIONER COHEN. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

JUDGE BECERRA. >> ANYONE HERE TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM? IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME AND IF YOU HAVE A TITLE AND ORGANIZATION.

>> I'M SORRY ABOUT MY VOICE. I APPRECIATE HEARING THIS PROCLAMATION. I LOST MY HUSBAND TO ALS THREE YEARS AGO. IT'S A TERRIBLE DISEASE.

IT TOOK HIM SO QUICKLY. HE HAD A DIAGNOSIS IN OCTOBER OX MONTHS LATER. AS THE PROCLAMATION STATES, IT'S A DEGENERATIVE AND TAKES AWAY THEIR VOICE, WALKING ABILITY, EATING ABILITY, BREATHING ABILITY.

SO I DO APPRECIATE YOU HERE IN HAYS COUNTY DURING -- SO PEOPLE CAN BECOME MORE AWARE OF THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE.

AND RESEARCH BEING DONE AND FINDING SOME NEW DRUGS TO HELP PROLONG THE LIVES OF PEOPLE. SO THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH AND GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.

THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONERS, ANYTHING?

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING.

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE EARLIER THIS MONTH FOR THE ENTIRE AUSTIN AREA OF THE RIDE FOR LIFE. IF YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT, IT'S A PHENOMENAL THAT. IT'S BEEN HOSTED THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS IN WIMBERLEY. IT'S NOT IN MY PRECINCT, IT'S AN COMMISSIONER HAMMER'S PRECINCT BUT I WAS PRIVILEGED ENOUGH TO REPRESENT THE COUNTY HAD SPEAK AT THAT EVENT AND I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY OF Y'ALL PAID ATTENTION WHEN HE WALKED TO THE COURT ROOM TODAY BUT DID YOU SEE THE NAME OF THE DOOR? IS THE JUDGE BURNETT COURTROOM. AND HE SERVED HERE BUT HIS SON ALSO SERVED OF THE PRECINCT THREE OFFICE AND HE LOST HIS WIFE AND NUMBER OF YEARS AGO WHO WAS A FRIEND TO A LOT OF US TO ALS. IT'S VERY SPECIAL TO US AND I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME AND I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

>> I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. IT'S PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST KIND OF NOT KNOWING -- NOT HAVING THAT PIECE AND NOT HAVING

[00:40:07]

EVERYONE. >> AGREED.

>> I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE AND FOR ADVOCATING FOR YOUR HUSBAND AS WELL AS FOR EVERYONE ELSE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. >> I WANT TO REPEAT EVERYTHING OUR MEMBERS HAVE SAID. I KNOW IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE AND I WAS GOING TO MENTION A FORMER FAMILY MEMBER WHO ALSO LOST HIS LIFE. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER FOR SAYING THAT BUT IT'S WONDERFUL TO BRING AWARENESS AND IT'S UNFORTUNATE AT SUCH A DEADLY DISEASE AND TAKES PEOPLE QUICKLY. BUT WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING

HERE. >> HE HELPED OUR COUNTRY TO.

>> WELL, SAID AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAMILY'S COMMITMENT TO OUR COUNTRY FOR THEIR SERVICE. WE CAN TAKE A PICTURE DOWN HERE.

WHAT YOU GUYS THINK? IS THAT A GOOD IDEA? WOULD YOU MIND COMING UP FOR A PICTURE ANYONE INTERESTED IN BEING IN THIS PICTURE. WE'LL TAKE IT RIGHT HERE.

[F.5. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month. INGALSBE/COHEN/GONZALES]

>> PLEASE OPEN UP FIVE. >> AT FIVE ADOPTED PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH.

>> SECOND. >> READ THAT ONE PLEASE.

WHEREAS, HAYS COUNTY RECOGNIZES THAT AUTISM IS A NATURAL VARIATION OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, AND AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS CONTRIBUTE DIVERSE STRENGTHS, PERSPECTIVES, AND WAYS OF BEING THAT ENRICH OUR COMMUNITIES; AND WHEREAS, AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS ACROSS ALL RACIAL, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS, WITH RECENT ESTIMATES INDICATING THAT 1 IN 36 CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES IS IDENTIFIED AS BEING ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM; AND WHEREAS, AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS MAY EXPERIENCE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY IN COMMUNICATION, SENSORY PROCESSING, SOCIAL INTERACTION, AND LEARNING, AND THESE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE UNDERSTOOD, RESPECTED, AND SUPPORTED RATHER THAN STIGMATIZED; AND WHEREAS, MANY AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES FACE BARRIERS TO ACCESSING TIMELY DIAGNOSIS, INCLUSIVE EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORTS, WHICH CAN IMPACT QUALITY OF LIFE AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES; AND WHEREAS, STIGMA, MISCONCEPTIONS, AND LACK OF AWARENESS CONTINUE TO CREATE CHALLENGES FOR AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS, OFTEN LEADING TO EXCLUSION, DISCRIMINATION, AND UNMET NEEDS; AND WHEREAS, PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE HELPS FOSTER A MORE INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE, AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY WHERE AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS ARE VALUED, SUPPORTED, AND EMPOWERED TO THRIVE AS THEIR AUTHENTIC SELVES; AND WHEREAS, EARLY IDENTIFICATION, CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SERVICES, AND PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORTS CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE OUTCOMES AND SUPPORT AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE LIFESPAN; AND WHEREAS, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR COMMUNITY TO ADVANCE EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND INCLUSION BY PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTS THAT HONOR NEURODIVERSITY AND SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS OF ALL ABILITIES; AND WHEREAS, THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ALONGSIDE COMMUNITY PARTNERS, ADVOCATES, FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, AND ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, CONTINUES TO DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT TO INCREASING AWARENESS, EXPANDING ACCESS TO RESOURCES, AND UPLIFTING AUTISTIC VOICES IN HAYS COUNTY. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DO HEREBY PROCLAIM APRIL AS AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE MONTH IN HAYS COUNTY AND ENCOURAGE ALL RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN EFFORTS TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, INCLUSION, AND SUPPORT FOR AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

[00:45:03]

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. COMMISSIONER COHEN.

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. COMMISSIONER HAMMER.

JUDGE BECERRA. >> I THINK MATTHEW IS GOING TO

LEAD THIS. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE BECERRA ON COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS MATTHEW GONZALEZ.

I'M HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR. ONE OF THE GOALS OF THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIVISION IS TO BE THAT LIGHTHOUSE ON HELPING OUR COMMUNITY FIND THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WE REALLY WANT TO SERVE AS THAT FACILITATOR AND GUIDE FOR THESE DISCUSSIONS. ENSURING EVERYONE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH THEIR OLD -- OPTIMAL HEALTH.

LEADING THE CHARGE IS DR. -- SHE'S HERE WITH US ON WILL BE SPEAKING ON THAT AS WELL AS AN ORGANIZATION WITH US.

>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THE PROCLAMATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ME.

I SERVE AS A BEHAVIOR HEALTH COORDINATOR HERE AND I GO BY DR. HALE OR IS THE END IT'S AN HONOR TO STAND HERE TO PROCLAIM AUTISM AWARENESS AND MORE IMPORTANTLY AUTISM ACCEPTANCE.

I WANT TO BEGIN BY NAMING SOMETHING THAT'S DEEPLY PERSONAL. I'M AN AUTISTIC I NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUAL AND I USE IDENTITY FIRST LANGUAE BECAUSE LANGUAGE IS PERSONAL IT SHOULD ALWAYS REFLECT THE INDIVIDUAL.

FOR ME BEING AUTISTIC IS NOT SEPARATE FROM WHO I AM, IT SHAPES HOW I THINK, HOW I CONNECTED HOW A LEAD AND A VERY PROUD OF THAT. FOR TOO LONG AUTISM HAS BEEN FRAMED THROUGH A LENS OF DEFICIT.

SOMETHING TO FIX OR REDUCE AND I STAND HERE TODAY AS A PROFESSIONAL AND A NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUAL TO SAY THAT AUTISM IS NOT A LIMITATION, IT'S A DIFFERENT WAY OF THINKING AND EXPERIENCING THE WORLD ON THAT DIFFERENCE CARRIES STRENGTH, CREATIVITY AND INSIGHT.

EARLIER IN MY CAREER I SERVED AS A THERAPIST -- WORKED AS A PARENT... I SAW THE PROBLEM-SOLVING, DEEP EMPATHY, ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND WAYS OF THINKING THAT CHALLENGE AND EXPAND HOW WE UNDERSTAND THE WORLD.

THAT EXPERIENCE CONTINUES TO GUIDE MY WORK TODAY AS I FOCUS ON SHIFTING HOW OUR COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDS AND SUPPORTS AUTISM.

AND ACCEPTANCE MEANS BUILDING SYSTEMS AND SPACES WHERE INDIVIDUALS ON THE SPECTRUM ARE RESPECTED, INCLUDED AND POSITIONED TO LEAD. IT MEANS MOVING BEYOND SIMPLY RECOGNIZING AUTISM AND CREATING ENVIRONMENTS WHERE NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUALS CAN THRIVE.

TO THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE AUTISTIC OR ON THE SPECTRUM, I WANT TO SAY THIS CLEARLY. YOU ARE NOT DEFINED BY SOMEONE ELSE'S EXPECTATIONS. YOU BELONG IN LEADERSHIP, YOU BELONG IN DECISION-MAKING SPACES AND YOU BELONG EXACTLY AS YOU ARE. IN RECOGNITION OF AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, I WORKED ALONGSIDE OUR ADULT AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH WORKING GROUPS TO CREATE A COMMUNITY ZINE.

THE POCKET-SIZED BOOKLET SHARES LIVED EXPERIENCES ACROSS HAYS COUNTY OFFERING AUTISM LITERACY AND INCLUDING NATIONAL AND LOCAL RESOURCES SO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES CAN FIND SUPPORT END CONNECTION. I'VE COPIES WITH ME HERE TODAY AND I'D BE GLAD TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, YOUR LEADERSHIP AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY WHERE AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS AND PEOPLE WITH AUTISM ARE RESPECTED, INCLUDED AND SUPPORTED AND I'M ALSO JOINED BY AN ORGANIZATION FROM ONE OF MY WORKING GROUPS.

WE WORK CLOSELY TOGETHER AND I WANT TO GIVE SOME SPACE TO TALK

ABOUT THE WORK SHE DOES. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M A LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER INTO STATES AND FOUNDER OF NAOMI'S FRAMEWORK PICK ACCEPTANCE REQUIRES MORE THAN JUST A SHIFT IN MIND-SET, IT REQUIRES A SHIFT IN SYSTEMS. I STAND BEFORE YOU AS A NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUAL WHO GREW UP IN A TIME WHERE THERE WAS LIMITED KNOWLEDGE AND ACCESS FOR AUTISM AND ADHD.

WHILE CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE HAS ADVANCED, THERE ARE STILL MANY GAPS THAT ARE VERY PRESENT. FOR INSTANCE IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, STATISTICS SHOW 30% OF NEURODIVERGENT CHILDREN ARE NOT IDENTIFIED UNTIL THEY'RE SHOWING ACTIVE CONCERNS AND SIGNS.

50 TO 60% OF THOSE CHILDREN STILL FACE SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS TO ACCESS SERVICES THEY NEED FOR THEIR DIAGNOSES.

WHEN WE FORCE NEURODIVERGENT CHILDREN INTO A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL MODE, WE DON'T JUST LOSE THEIR -- WE MISS THE DIAGNOSIS ENTIRELY AND LEAVE THEM WITHOUT A MAP.

I COME TO YOU WITH OVER 13 YEARS OF CLINICAL RESEARCH AND ANALYSING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND TITLE I DISTRICT.

MY GOAL WAS SIMPLE BUT URGENT. TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE

[00:50:04]

NO LEASE FRAMEWORK ENSURES THE SIGNS ARE NO LONGER OVERLOOKED AND I'M HERE TO HELP HAYS COUNTY LEAD THE WAY IN AUTISM AND ADHD EMPOWERMENT FOR THE NEURODIVERGENT COMMUNITY AND I

WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU.

WE HAVE ONE MORE SPEAKER. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY SUBTLY? I WAS YOU DID. SORRY.

IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE.

>> A MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MANY OF YOU KNOW ME. I'D LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR THIS PROCLAMATION AND ALSO COMMISSIONERS COHEN AND INGALSBE FOR SPONSORING IT.

I'M STANDING HERE BEFORE YOU TODAY AS A PARENT OF SOMEONE WHO IS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM. MY SON JOSEPH, THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT WAY OF SEEING THINGS AND THERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST INSPIRING PEOPLE THAT I KNOW. THEY TEACH TO SEE THINGS IN A DIFFERENT WAY, TO APPRECIATE THINGS WE OFTEN TAKE FOR GRANTED. AND THERE'S SO VERY INTELLIGENT AND THEY ARE OFTEN SO UNDERESTIMATED FOR THEIR ABILITIES. I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT HOW WONDERFUL PEOPLE ARE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM AND I THINK IT'S OUTSTANDING THAT THIS PROCLAMATION HAS BEEN MADE TO GIVE THEM THE AWARENESS THEY SO RICHLY DESERVE AND THAT PEOPLE REALIZE WHAT A VITAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY THEY REALLY ARE.

THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

>> JUDGE, FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK MATTHEW AND HIS ENTIRE STAFF AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY.

YOU ARE THRIVING, YOU'RE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY AND WE'RE SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE USE SO THANK YOU.

I WANT JOHN, DEBBIE, JOSEPH, JONATHAN TO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. THEY'VE BEEN GREAT FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY FOR SUCH A LONG TIME. AT SUCH A PLEASURE IF YOU GO -- JONATHAN IS THERE WITH A HUGE SMILE ALL THE TIME.

SO A THRIVING MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

>> COMMISSIONER. >> FIRST THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY WITH US. MY COMMISSIONER INGALSBE SAID YOU'RE AN EXAMPLE OF SOMEONE WHO CAN LEAD AND PROSPER AND DO SO MANY GREAT THINGS IN YOUR LIFE. SHARING WHAT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH AUTISM, IT'S REMARKABLE.

AND I SO APPRECIATE YOU SHARING YOUR STORY AND I WANT TO THANK THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR EVERYTHING THEY'RE DOING TO ADDRESS THIS IN THE COUNTY AND TO -- FOR BEING HERE THIS MORNING, TAKE YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY AS WELL.

>> TO EVER KNOW CAME UP AND SHARE THEIR STORY, THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH. I REALLY LIKE HOW WE ARE MOVING AS JUST AN ENTIRE SOCIETY INTO A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT REALM OF -- THE PROCLAMATION SAYS STRENGTHS AND YO SAID YOU USED TO BE VIEWED AS A DEFICIT. I THINK THE STRENGTH PART IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU'RE RIGHT, THEY RECOGNIZE THINGS WE DO TAKE FOR GRANTED. I LOVE THE -- GIVING EVERYONE AN OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AND NOT JUST FEEL ACCEPTED.

THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT AND TO RESPECT DIFFERENCES AS WE EVOLVE AS A SOCIETY. I THINK WE'RE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND I'M SO HAPPY TO BRING AWARENESS TO THIS.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> I'M SO GLAD YOU SPOKE.

AS A PARENT OF A NEURODIVERGENT HIGH-FUNCTIONING INDIVIDUAL, DIAGNOSIS IS REALLY HARD. AND THERE'S A TOLL THAT'S TAKEN.

AND ONE OF THE THINGS I'M MOST PROUD WHENEVER I WALK OUT THE DOOR ON DECEMBER 31ST ONE OF THE THINGS I'M MOST PROUD OF IS THE WORK THAT I'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO WITH COMMISSIONER INGALSBE

[00:55:01]

I JUST WISH PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD THE TRUE EMPATHY THAT THOSE CHILDREN AND THOSE WHO'VE BEEN DIAGNOSED AND EVEN THOSE UNDIAGNOSED IN THE STIGMA THEY HAVE TO DEAL WITH.

SO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND I THINK OUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR

THE WORK. >> THANK YOU.

I'D LIKE TO ADD THAT WIND IS SITTING IN OFFICE, SITTING IN THIS GIFTED SEAT THAT I HOLD, A WITNESS TO ALL OF THESE STORIES.

EVERY TIME THEY COME IN AND IT DOES -- IF YOU ARE -- IF YOU GIVE IT HAVE A CHANCE, IT SHAPES ON CHANGES AND SHIFTS YOUR PARADIGM AS AN INDIVIDUAL AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.

WE WENT TO SXSW A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND ONE OF THE CLASSES WE SAT IT ON WAS ABOUT HOW VETERANS AND EVERYONE OF THAT SPACE IS DEALING WITH THE DIVERSITY OF THE LOOKING GLASS ON THE COMPLEXITIES ON HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH NEURODIVERGENT AND INTERACT IN THOSE SPACES AND I'VE GOT TO BE HONEST, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT NEURODIVERGENT WAS. I'M LIKE I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS. THIS WHOLE THING HELPS US ALL.

IT'S A GIFT. AND YOU SAID IT SO ELOQUENTLY AND I WAS SO HAPPY TO HEAR HOW YOU SPOKE ABOUT IT SO PERFECTLY BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST LOOKING GLASSES.

WERE ALL JUST HUMANS MOVING THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE.

AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU BELIEVE IN GOD OR NOT IT A KIND OF DOESN'T MATTER TO ME BUT MY POINT IS YOU MAKE A DEAL WITH GOD IS HOW I SEE IT AND YOU MOVE THROUGH THIS LIFE WITH THE DEAL YOU'VE MADE OF THOSE ARE THE TRANSACTIONS IN SITUATIONS, THE DIFFICULTIES, GIFTS AND COMPLEXITIES WHATEVER THEY MAY BE TO MOVE THROUGH THIS LIFE IN A WAY THAT WILL SHARE NEW LENSES AND EXPERIENCES AND PERSPECTIVES.

AND RIPPLE INTO THOSE AROUND YOU.

SO WELL DONE AND THANK YOU. YOU SAID IT, THE MORE WE ARE THIS SPACE TOGETHER THE MORE WE REALIZE WE ARE ALL SOMEBODY'S LOVED ONES. WHERE ALL SOMEONE'S DAUGHTER, SON, MOTHER, FATHER, SIBLING AND THE MORE WE TREAT EACH OTHER THROUGH THAT LENS AND LOOK AT EACH OTHER WITH LOVING EYES, THE EASIER AND MORE PATIENT WE WILL BE WITH ONE ANOTHER SO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS. AND IS CUSTOMARY FOR US TO TAKE A PICTURE. DOES ANYBODY WANT TO BE PART OF THE PICTURE? COME ON UP.

[F.6. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month. BECERRA]

>> PLEASE GO WITH F6. >> F6 ADOPT PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 2026 IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.

WHEREAS -- WHEREAS, HALF OF THE POPULATION WILL EXPERIENCE SOME TYPE OF MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE OVER THE COURSE OF A LIFETIME; AND WHEREAS, MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ARE ONE OF THE MOST COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS IN TEXAS, AFFECTING ONE OUT OF SIX ADULTS AND IMPACTING BOTH THE PERSON EXPERIENCING THE CONDITION AND THOSE PERSONS WHO LOVE AND CARE FOR THAT PERSON; AND WHEREAS, 36.8% OF ADULTS IN TEXAS REPORTED SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND/OR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, COMPARED TO 32.3% OF ADULTS IN THE U.S.; AND WHEREAS,

[01:00:07]

ADOPTED THIS THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL 2026.

>> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER.

COMMISSIONER SMITH. PUT COMMISSIONER COHEN.

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. JUDGE BECERRA.

>> DO YOU WANT TO SAY ANYTHING? >> THIS IS YOURS.

>> I LIKE TO GIVE A CHANCE. >> 'S HOME WHEN YOU'RE TO SPEAK

ON THIS. >> DO WE HAVE SOMEBODY OR TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM? I USUALLY JUST GIVE TIME TO SPEAK TO OWNERSHIP OF THE AGENDA ITEM.

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS JC AND I'M ASSISTANT CLINIC DIRECTOR FOR HAYS COUNTY AT OUR ST. MARK'S LOCATION.

WE HAVE ANOTHER LOCATION. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS FOR RECOGNIZING MAY AS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AS WE DEAL WITH KIDS AND ADULTS WHO STRUGGLE ON A DAILY BASIS AND THE WORK WE PROVIDE IS AMAZING AS WE CAN SEE SOMEONE RECOVER AND RECOVERY IS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE.

I ALSO WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING IT'S A TIME TO RECOGNIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND REDUCE THE STIGMA AROUND SEEKING SUPPORT.

AS A LOT OF THOSE STRUGGLE WAS VOICING THAT THEY NEED HELP.

I ALSO WANT TO MENTION OUR MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC KNOWN AS THE SHY CENTERS HOSTING A MENTAL HEALTH FAIR MAY 28TH FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M. AND WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU ALL JOIN.

WE'RE GOING TO HAVE -- I'M LIKING OF THE WORD.

WERE GOING TO HAVE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS THERE TO OFFER ALL

THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS. >> BEAUTIFUL.

I WILL SAY AND I'VE SAID IT A COUPLE OF TIMES MH DDR WANT TO TELL YOU IN PUBLIC SO WE DON'T LOSE ANYONE.

MENTAL HEALTH DEVELOPMENT DISABILITIES.

M HDD, THAT'S WHAT IT STANDS FOR AND THANK YOU SO MUCH.

IS ANYONE TIED TO THIS? >> I WANT TO SAY A FEW THINGS.

I'M VERY PRIVILEGE TO REPRESENT THE COUNTY ON HEALTH COUNTRIES BOARD ON ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE TOOK A REAL HARD LOOK AT AS A COURT, ESPECIALLY EARLIER ON IN COVID WAS ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FINANCIALLY, PROGRAM CHANGES OF THE COUNTY OF THAT STEMS ALL THE WAY FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT WHICH WE NOW HAVE A FULLY FUNCTIONING WELL OPERATING MENTAL HEALTH COURT HERE. BUT EARLY ON IN COVID ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME WAS TRYING TO SOME OF THE COVID MONEY TO GO TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO SET UP MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY OR NOT NECESSARILY FACILITIES BUT HAVE MENTAL HEALTH AVAILABILITY IN EACH ONE OF OUR SCHOOLS.

WHAT I FOUND WHEN WE LOOKED AT THAT AT THE TIME IS OF THE FOUR OPERATED ISPS OF THE COUNTY, ONLY ONE OF THEM HAD A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ON STAFF. IT STARTED OUT OF THE DRIPPING SPRINGS EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

THE SUPPORT ORGANIZATION FOR THE ISD.

I WAS ALL THAT BOARD AND WE WERE ABLE TO DO THAT FROM THE MONEY WE DID FROM HAYS COUNTY AND I COMMEND EACH OF MY COMMISSIONERS BECAUSE AT THE TIME EACH GOT AN ALLOCATION OUT OF AMERICAN RECOVERY FUND ABLE TO PROVIDE TO EACH OF THOSE ISD SPECIFICALLY TO HIGHER MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND START MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS. NOW ALL OF THEM HAVE THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM THEY'VE TAKEN OVER AND ARE FUNDING.

[01:05:01]

HOW CAN WE -- HOW CAN YOU HELP US.

WITHIN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS WE HAD OVER 400 -- THEY NEED IS EXPONENTIAL, ESPECIALLY IN THAT AGE BRACKET THE JUNIOR HIGH, HIGH SCHOOL AGE BRACKET AND THE NEED IS SORELY UNDERRECOGNIZED.

AND AGAIN I'M REALLY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT MY COLLEAGUES DID WITH -- WITH ME OF THE DEPARTMENT EXPANDED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WHERE TRADITIONALLY WE DELETE ON PHYSICAL HEALTH.

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> I FEEL LIKE A LOT OF THE TIMES, CHILDREN OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES GET IGNORED. AS SOMEONE WHO GREW UP WITH A SINGLE MOM WITH SOME SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, YOU GROW UP A LOT FASTER. PEOPLE DON'T RECOGNIZE IT AS SCHOOL OR ANY OF THOSE TYPES OF THINGS BUT I THINK SUPPORTING KIDS WHO ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT AND REALLY GAGING ON WHAT THEIR HOME LIFE AND HOME SITUATION LOOKS LIKE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. I LOVE TO BRING AWARENESS TO THIS BECAUSE I THINK IF YOU CONSISTENTLY BRING IT UP ON YOUR SCHOOLS CAN RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THAT THAN THEY MIGHT FEEL MORE SUPPORTED.

SO I APPRECIATE RECOGNIZING THIS AND I'M EXCITED TO -- WE ARE

HEAVY HITTERS THIS COURT. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.

>> I WANT TO THANK OUR HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR WORK IN THE MENTAL HEALTH REALM. ALL THE PROVIDERS THAT ARE DOING THAT WORK EVERY DAY, ESPECIALLY THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

SOMETIMES THEY'RE THE FRONT LINES OF WHAT THEY SEE EVERY DAY IN A CHILD AND CAN RECOGNIZE WHEN THERE'S HELP NEEDED EVEN WHEN THE KIDS AREN'T ASKING.

THANKS FOR REMINDING ME ABOUT THAT, COMMISSIONER.

WE DID HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH A MENTAL HEALTH COUNCILOR, AN ADDITIONAL ONE BECAUSE THEY WERE OVERCAPACITY AND I KNOW THEY NEED SEEN -- SO MUCH MORE HELP BUT I'M GLAD AS A COURT WE WERE ABLE TO DO THAT FOR THEM.

AND I'M JUST SO GRATEFUL FOR THOSE COUNCILORS THAT ARE DOING THAT WORK EVERY DAY. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE. BRINGING THIS RECOGNITION OR AWARENESS TO US. I DO WANT TO THANK THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT ALSO THAT'S DONE A FANTASTIC JOB IN PROVIDING THE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS NEEDED FOR INDIVIDUALS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IN OUR JAIL BUT SHOULD BE GETTING THE HELP THEY TRULY NEED. MATTHEW AND THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIVISION HAS DONE A FANTASTIC JOB ALSO SPREADING THE WORD AND GETTING INFORMATION OUT AND I DO WANT TO THANK THIS COURT ALSO BECAUSE WE HAVE IMPLEMENTED MANY PROGRAMS THAT HAD BEEN EXTREMELY HELPFUL TO OUR COMMUNITY SO THANK YOU.

>> COMMISSIONER SMITH YOU TOUCHED ON WHAT I THOUGHT OF IMMEDIATELY DURING COVID. NO ONE THINKS ABOUT COVID AYMORE IT SEEMS. BUT IT LANDED ON ALL OF US.

ALL OF A SUDDEN READY OR NOT AND WE ALL DEALT WITH IT AND THREW MY LENS IN THAT SPACE REPRESENTING THE COUNTY, I WATCHED THE AWARENESS INCREASE AND THE CONSIDERATION AND THE EFFORT TO ADDRESS IT SPREAD LIKE A WILDFIRE.

I WAS SO GRATEFUL TO SEE IT. I CONSIDERED A POSITIVE BYPRODUCT OF US LIVING THROUGH COVID BECAUSE WE NEVER KNEW ANYMORE WHO JUST LOST A LOVED ONE, WHOSE SIBLING WAS JUST ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL ON A VENTILATOR.

THERE'S SO ANY THINGS THAT WERE GOING ON AND IT TAUGHT US I FEEL AS A SOCIETY, A POSITIVE, OMITTED ETERNAL OPTIMIST.

EVERYONE IS CARRYING SOMETHING. WE ARE ALL MOVING THROUGH THIS IN A DIFFICULT WAY AND SOME ARE MAKING IT LIKE THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE TIKTOK OR WHATEVER IT WAS, YOU'RE WINNING, YOUR WAY TO GET LIVE. A LOVE THAT LITTLE GIRL.

NOT EVERYBODY'S IN THAT MOMENT EVERY TIME ALL THE TIME.

THIS IS A GREAT PAUSE AND REMINDER WE ARE ALL MOVING THROUGH THIS. IT'S GOOD STUFF.

WE'VE GOT A LONG WAY FROM WHERE WE WERE.

>> I WOULD JUST SAY YOU MAKE AN EXCELLENT POINT ABOUT COVID.

THETHING I WOULD SAY IS WE HAVE A GENERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO LACKED THE PHYSICAL INTERACTION UNLOCKED THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WHETHER THEY WERE IN EEMENTARY SCHOOL OR WHATEVER AND WE'RE GOING TO BE DEALING WITH WHAT I WOULD CONSIDER MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS FOR A LONG TIME.

BECAUSE OF WHAT THOSE KIDS WITH THROUGH.

IF WE DON'T HAVE CONTINUED PROGRAMS LIKE WHAT WE'RE ESTABLISHING HERE FOR THE LONG TERM, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE MUCH MORE PROBLEMS, MANY MORE PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE WHETHER

[01:10:04]

>> THAT'S WHY I'M SO GRATEFUL THIS COURT HAS SUPPORTED INITIATIVES TO CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN MEANINGFUL WAYS AND WE CAN PROBABLY TALK FOR AN HOUR STRAIGHT OF ALL THE WAYS WE AS A COURT HAVE SUPPORTED EACH OTHER'S INITIATIVES TO MOVE THINGS ALONG IN A MEANINGFUL WAY FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR IT. YOU CAN CHOOSE TO BE A FISCAL CONSERVATIVE AND SAY I DON'T WANT PEOPLE SITTING IN JAIL THAT DON'T NEED TO BE. SO JUDICIAL REFORMS ON MODERNIZATION IS ABOUT ASSESSING THINGS.

WE ALL BENEFIT FROM BETTER CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER.

SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THERE WAS ONE MORE ASK OF MATTHEW TO THINK CORE FOR BECAUSE -- IF YOU'LL GRAB THE MICROPHONE UNTIL THE COMMUNITY WHAT FOR ORGANIZATIONS THEY ARE I WILL GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO SPEAK OF WHAT WILL WE DO.

>> THANK YOU. MATTHEW GONZALEZ HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS UNIVERSITY TO ADDRESS YOUTH CONCERNS ACROSS HAYS COUNTY SPECIFICALLY WITHIN SAINT MARCUS. DURING THE PANDEMIC JUDGE TRIED TO AN BOARD PRESIDENT CREATED THE MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE WITHIN THE ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS THAT I WANT TO GIVE THEM A SHOUT OUT AS WELL. AND OTHER PARTNERS HERE HELPING

ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS. >> BEAUTIFULLY DONE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> A QUICK THING.

MAY 28TH FROM WHAT TIME TO WHAT TIME IS HER MENTAL HEALTH

FAIR? >> 5:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

THANK YOU. WE'VE ALREADY VOTED? EVERYONE INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THIS PICTURE COMING UP.

WERE ALMOST DONE WITH PROCLAMATIONS, FOLKS.

HANG IN THERE.

[F.7. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing April 29th, 2026 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. HAMMER/COHEN/GONZALES/HIPOLITO]

>> PLEASE OPEN AVENUE SEVEN. >> F7 ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 29TH 2026 AS NATIONAL FENTANYL AWARENESS DAY.

>> WILL YOU PLEASE READ IT. WHEREAS, HAYS COUNTY RECOGNIZES THAT FENTANYL IS A POWERFUL SYNTHETIC OPIOID THAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A GROWING NUMBER OF OVERDOSE DEATHS ACROSS TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES; AND WHEREAS, FENTANYL IS OFTEN MIXED WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES, SUCH AS COUNTERFEIT PILLS, WITHOUT A PERSON'S KNOWLEDGE, MAKING EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT POTENTIALLY DEADLY; AND WHEREAS, TEXAS CONTINUES TO FACE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES RELATED TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER, OPIOID MISUSE, AND FENTANYL POISONING, IMPACTING INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE; AND WHEREAS, FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS, FIRST RESPONDERS, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ALL FELT THE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF FENTANYL-RELATED POISONINGS AND OVERDOSES, ESPECIALLY AMONG YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS WHO REMAIN VULNERABLE; AND WHEREAS, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER IS A TREATABLE MEDICAL CONDITION, AND RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE WHEN INDIVIDUALS HAVE TIMELY ACCESS TO PREVENTION, TREATMENT, COUNSELING, PEER SUPPORT, AND RECOVERY RESOURCES; AND WHEREAS, EDUCATION, PREVENTION, EARLY INTERVENTION, TREATMENT, AND ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING RESOURCES SUCH AS NALOXONE/NARCAN ARE ESSENTIAL TOOLS IN PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS; AND

[01:15:05]

ADOPTED THIS THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL 2026.

>> WELL, DONE. PLEASE CALL THE ROLE.

>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

COMMISSIONER HAMMER. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES.

SOMEONE HERE TO SPEAK ON THAT? MATTHEW.

IT'S A UNIQUE ITEMS ON NAME AND TITLE.

>> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS MATTHEW GONZALEZ THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR.

AS I SPOKE EARLIER PART OF THE MISSION BEHIND THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIVISION IS TO BE THE LIGHTHOUSE AND HELPING HIGHLIGHT RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY BUT PART OF THE MISSION IS ALSO SOCIAL MARKETING WHICH IS HOW TO CHANGE THE BEHAVIORS OF OUR RESIDENTS TOWARDS POSITIVE OUTCOMES AND WE CAN REALLY ACCOMPLISH THAT WORK THROUGH THE WORK WITH OUR PARTNERS THAT ARE NONPROFITS BUT ALSO ACADEMIA. HERE TO TALK ABOUT THE WORK IS GOING TO BE DR. ISABELLA GET ALONG WITH TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY FOLLOWED BY A LETTER FROM CHIEF BAILEY.

>> IT MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

IT'S GOOD -- GOING TO BE VERY BE OF -- I WANTED HIGHLIGHT THE WORK THAT'S DONE AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY THROUGH FAST.

I WILL GO AHEAD AND TALK ABOUT --

>> WE WORK VERY CLOSELY TOGETHER THROUGH HER WORKING GROUPS.

>> JUST MENTION YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE PUBLIC.

>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

MY NAME IS DR. KELLY AND I'M A SUBSTANCE USE SOCIAL WORKER, EDUCATOR AND RESEARCHER AND I'M TRULY HONORED TO BE HERE THIS MORNING. THIS MORNING WE COME TOGETHER NOT JUST TO RECOGNIZE A FENTANYL AWARENESS PROCLAMATION BUT TO TRULY RECOGNIZE A REALITY THAT'S AFFECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS OUR NATION. FENTANYL IS A SYNTHETIC OPIOID UP TO 50 TIMES STRONGER THAN HEROIN AT 100 TIMES STRONGER THAN MORPHINE. WHAT MAKES FENTANYL ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS IS NOT JUST ITS POTENCY BUT ITS PRESENCE WHERE PEOPLE DON'T EXPECT IT. IT'S INCREASINGLY FOUND MIXED INTO COUNTERFEIT PILLS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES OFTEN WITHOUT A PERSON'S KNOWLEDGE. MANY INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE AN OVERDOSE NEVER INTENDED TO USE FENTANYL AT ALL.

THROUGH PROGRAMS LIKE THE FOSTER PROGRAM WITCHES FOCUSED ON EDUCATION, PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP, WE EMPHASIZE ONE SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL TRUTH.

KNOWLEDGE SAVES LIVES. WHEN PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT FENTANYL IS, HOW IT SHOWS UP ON HOW QUICKLY IT CAN ACT, THERE BETTER EQUIPPED TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.

WHEN COMMUNITIES ARE TRAINED TO RECOGNIZE AN OVERDOSE AND RESPOND ESPECIALLY WITH NALOXONE OR COMMONLY KNOWN AS NARCAN, WE CREATE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE A LIFE IN CRITICAL MOMENTS.

THIS IS NOT JUST A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE, IT'S A COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY. IT REQUIRES COLLABORATION BETWEEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS, HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, FIRST RESPONDERS, POLICYMAKERS AS WELL AS FAMILIES.

IS ABOUT MAKING SURE EVERY PERSON ESPECIALLY OUR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS HAVE ACCESS TO ACCURATE INFORMATION, PRACTICAL TOOLS AND THE CONFIDENCE TO ACT WHEN IT MATTERS MOST.

TODAY'S PROCLAMATION IS A COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE EDUCATING, TO CONTINUE PARTNERING AND TO CONTINUE SHOWING UP FOR ONE ANOTHER. WHEN WE SHARE KNOWLEDGE, WE DON'T JUST INFORM PEOPLE, WE GIVE THEM THE POWER TO SAVE LIVES. THANK YOU.

>> WELL, DONE. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.

I THINK MATTHEW SAID WE HAD A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF?

>> WE HAVE A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF AND AS WELL AS THE

SHERIFF. >> WILL VOTE ON THAT.

>> I JUST WANTED TO THANK IZZY. DOCTOR IS HE A DOCTOR FROM TEXAS STATE. IT'S A WONDERFUL COLLABORATION.

THERE WAS -- YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP ME BECAUSE I DON'T

[01:20:02]

I REALLY APPRECIATED HER PASSION AND THE WORK THAT SHE DID TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE COMMUNITY LIKE NEVER BEFORE.

SO IT'S A HORRIBLE ISSUE WE HAVE UNFORTUNATELY MANY TIMES PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THEY'RE TAKING IT BUT I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE WORK YOU'RE DOING AND THAT WE NEED TO JUST CONTINUE TO REMEMBER THAT THIS IS STILL GOING ON AND WE NEED NOT TO FORGET THAT. SO THANK YOU.

>> I'D LIKE TO INVITE JANELLE TO SAY A FEW WORDS BECAUSE SHE'S DONE SOME INCREDIBLE WORK IN THE COMMUNITY IN THIS REGARD AND HER PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS BEEN AMAZING.

I'D LOVE FOR HER TO COME SAY A FEW WORDS.

>> WE ALWAYS WANT TO HEAR ABOUT --

>> I'M SO SORRY I COULD NOT RECALL YOUR NAME BUT I REMEMBER THE FANTASTIC YOUR WORK -- WORK YOU'VE DONE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP. >> TO BE HONEST I DID NOT KNOW WHY I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TODAY AT 9:00 BUT NOW I KNOW.

SO IN AUGUST OF 22, OUR SON NOAH WAS 15 YEARS OLD AND PASSED AWAY FROM FENTANYL POISONING. WE WERE LOSING SO MANY KIDS THAT YEAR IN HAYS COUNTY AND I GREW UP HERE IN HAYS COUNTY AND I KNEW THAT I DIDN'T WANT ANY MORE OF OUR KIDS TO DIE.

SO BRANDON AND I ATTENDED A -- WHAT WAS CALLED? A PRESS CONFERENCE IN KYLE ABOUT A MONTH AFTER -- WHERE WE WERE APPROACHED BY SHERIFF CUTLER AND THE OUTREACH TEAM TO HELP THEM SPREAD AWARENESS IN THE COMMUNITY WHEN WE WERE READY.

I REPLIED I WAS READY THAT DAY AND A WEEK LATER -- TWO WEEKS POST FUNERAL, BRANDON AND I PARTNERED UP WITH OUR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND STARTED SPREADING AWARENESS AROUND THE COMMUNITY.

SO THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. EVERY SINGLE PERSON SITTING UP THERE TODAY HAS HELPED US IN SO% MANY WAYS.

IN MORE THAN ONE WAY. AND I MEAN THAT TRULY YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN AN INSTRUMENTAL PART OF OUR NONPROFIT WE DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO START. YOU KNOW? BUT WE WANTED HAYS COUNTY TO BE KNOWN FOR SOMETHING MORE THAN JUST LOSING ALL OF THESE KIDS, RIGHT? SO WHAT WE MEANT FOR HAYS COUNTY, WE JUST WANTED TO WARN PARENTS AND STUDENTS ABOUT FENTANYL AND THE DANGERS OF IT HAS NOW GONE INTERNATIONAL. WE TRAVEL ALL THE TIME, NATIONWIDE SPEAKING TO KIDS AND PARENTS IN CONFERENCES AND ANYONE HE WANTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FENTANYL AND HERE KNOW WAS STORY, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE SUPPORT AND THANKFUL FOR THE SUPPORT. TRULY THANKFUL BECAUSE WITHOUT EVERYONE'S SUPPORT, WE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO WHAT WERE DOING. SO THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS IS STILL UP PROBLEM.

AND NOT JUST THAT WAS THEN. IT'S STILL A PROBLEM TODAY.

SO THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR JANELLE SPEAK AND MARK ANDREWS AND -- THAT WAS JUST SUCH AN AMAZING PRESENTATION THAT THEY PUT ON.

FROM AN AWARENESS PERSPECTIVE, FROM A TESTIMONY PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE YOUR TESTIMONY IS POWERFUL AND NOAH WAS A GREAT KID WHO DID GREAT THINGS AND I'M SO SORRY FOR WHAT HAPPENED.

SO I'M GLAD WE CAN CONTINUE TO BRING AWARENESS TO IT.

YEAH, THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND TO CONSISTENTLY SHARE AND SPREAD YOUR MESSAGE TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO AND DO ALL THE THINGS.

[01:25:02]

>> SO ANY PEOPLE I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE UNAWARE, I SOME OF MY COLLEAGUES WILL REMEMBER IT, WHEN WE FIRST HAD -- I WENT TO SHERIFF CUTLER AND SAID I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO BUT WE'VE GOT TO MAKE PEOPLE AWARE OF THIS. AND FROM SOMEBODY A WAS ABLE SCRAPE TOGETHER WE DID THE FIRST $20,000 TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT TO DO A TARGETED OUTREACH PROGRAM AND AT THE TIME WE HAD A NEW DEPUTY WHO JUST CAME TO US FROM APD.

YOU KNOW HIM AS SHERIFF HIP LIDO NOW.

AND I SAID WE NEED SOMEBODY WHO'S A TRUE OUTREACH PERSON TO START THIS AND SO SHERIFF CUTLER PUT THE DEPUTY IN CHARGE OF IT WITH OUR OUTREACH TEAM. I SEE MARK BACK THERE AS WELL.

THEY STARTED DOING -- THEY SAID WHAT DO YOU WANT OUT OF THIS PROGRAM. I SAID I WANT YOU TO SPEAK TO EVERY PTA ORGANIZATION, TO EVERY SCHOOL AND TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN ADDRESS THIS. WITHIN EIGHT MONTHS AND I MIGHT GET THE NUMBERS WRONG IT WAS EIGHT OR NINE MONTHS AND THEY HAD ALREADY DONE OVER 200 PRESENTATIONS.

AND IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD JANELLE'S STORY, I SINCERELY ENCOURAGE YOU TO LOOK OUT FOREVER 15.

PULL OUT YOUR PHONE AND LOOK AT IT AND LEARN ABOUT NOAH AND ALL THE GREAT THINGS THEY DID WITHIN A YEAR I WAS GETTING CALLS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS IN CANADA BECAUSE THE MATERIALS AND THE PRESENTATIONS THAT THEY WERE DOING OR EVEN KNOW THERE ARE THEY WANTED TO USE THE MATERIALS BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THEM.

IT WAS SUCH A NEW EPIDEMIC THAT NO ONE UNDERSTOOD HOW TO ADDRESS IT OR WHAT REALLY THE IMPETUS BEHIND IT WAS.

WITHIN A YEAR AFTER THAT, JANELLE WAS TESTIFYING BEFORE CONGRESS. IT MADE ME REALLY PROUD THAT WE SAW AN ISSUE HERE AND CHOSE TO TRY TO ADDRESS IT HEAD ON AND THERE'S A LOT OF COMMUNITIES OUT THERE THAT HAVE NOT DONE THAT.

TO JANELLE'S POINT, IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT'S DONE.

IT -- THREE OR FOUR YEARS AGO NOW AND IT'S GONE AWAY.

IT'S WITH US. IT'S GOING TO BE WITH US FOR A LONG TIME. I CONTINUE TO ALWAYS BE IMPRESSED WITH OUR OUTREACH TEAM AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

I'D SAY WE WENT FROM -- I REMEMBER THE FIRST CONVERSATION I HAD WITH JANELLE. SHE GOES IF I CAN JUST GET A BILLBOARD ON EITHER TO FIVE WE CAN MAKE PEOPLE AWARE.

IS -- ARE ONLY GO -- GOAL WAS NOT TO EDUCATE THE WORLD, IT WAS JUST CAN YOU HELP ME BY A BILLBOARD.

WE'VE COME A LONG WAY FROM THAT. I WANT TO THANK NOT ONLY OUR SL BUT OUR D.A.'S OFFICE FOR BEING SO PROACTIVE AND GOING AFTER THE HIGHEST SENTENCES THEY CAN FOR THE PEOPLE DOING THIS IN OUR COMMUNITY. THEY'VE TAKEN A UNIQUE APPROACH TO IT AND I THINK THERE'S AN UNDERSTANDING IN OUR COMMUNITY NOW THAT IF YOU DEAL IN FENTANYL, YOU CAN GET CHARGED WITH MURDER. I THINK IT'S WELL-THOUGHT-OUT AND IT'S WORKED. WE'VE HAD SEVERAL CONVICTIONS HERE. I'D ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE FOR BEING PROACTIVE BECAUSE I CAN TELL YOU WHATEVER WE FIRST STARTED THIS, I HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER ISD'S WITH AN HAYS COUNTY AND THEY SAID THAT'S NOT OUR PROBLEM.

A HAZE CONSOLIDATING ISSUE. IT'S AN ISSUE COUNTYWIDE AND NOW ALL OF THEM RECOGNIZE IT. HAYS CONSOLIDATED WAS VERY PROACTIVE DEVELOPING MATERIALS FOR EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS AND FAMILIES AND I THINK I'D BE REMISS IF I DID NOT MENTION AS WELL AND I JUST WANT TO SAY AGAIN I KNOW I SAID IT FOUR TIMES NOW BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE BECAUSE OUR OUTREACH TEAM TOOK THIS WITH THE LEVEL OF SERIOUSNESS THAT IT WASN'T JUST SOMETHING THEY NEEDED TO TALK ABOUT FOR SIX MONTHS AND THAT IT WASN'T AN ISSUE.

IT WAS AN ISSUE THAT WAS GOING TO GO AWAY.

THEY UNDERSTOOD IT WAS GOING TO BE A LONG-TERM -- WHAT'S TURNED INTO A LONG-TERM SUCCESS STORY FOR US BECAUSE I THINK WE'VE TURNED THAT COURSE AROUND BUT IT'S ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH BUT THEY'VE MADE TREMENDOUS STRIDES WORKING WITH OUR COMMUNITY TRYING TO EDUCATE

EVERYONE ON THIS ISSUE. >> WELL, SAID AND I WILL SAY

[01:30:01]

WHEN YOU'RE THE TIP OF THE SPHERE YOU GET RESISTANCE OF THE FIGHT AND BECAUSE OF THOSE THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTY, IN OUR COMMUNITY, I SIGNED ON WITH THE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER PART OF A PILOT PROGRAM AS EARLY ADAPTERS FOR NOR CAN.

YOU CAN REMEMBER IT WAS ILLEGAL TO HAVE IT.

IT WAS ACTUALLY ILLEGAL TO GIVE IT TO PEOPLE AND I THOUGHT THAT WAS SUCH A TERRIBLE THING THAT I COULD NOT PUT MY HEAD AROUND WHY YOU WOULDN'T WANT TO HAVE SOME TOOL THAT COULD HELP SOMEONE THAT'S BEEN POISONED. THAT'S JUST THE RIGHT WORD, IT REALLY IS. YOU'RE DRINKING TOO MUCH AND YOU WERE DRUNK OKAY OR YOU WERE SMOKING MARIJUANA AND GOT HIGH BUT THIS IS LITERALLY A POISON THAT'S BEING ADDED TO ANYTHING.

SO THAT CHANGES IT AND THAT'S WHY I UNDERSTAND THE STRONG SENTENCE. IT MAKES SENSE BECAUSE IT REALLY IS A POISON AND DAILY AT THAT IS RIGHT.

I'M GRATEFUL THAT I THINK IT'S LEGAL NOW BUT EVERYONE CAN HAVE ACCESS TO IT BUT I REMEMBER IT WAS ALMOST LIKE --

>> I WOULD ADD TO THAT, ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS THINGS RELATED TO THIS IN OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE CAN CORRECT ME IF THEY THINK I'M WRONG BUT ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS THINGS WE HAVE RELATED TO THIS IS THE FACT THAT NUMBER 1, I THINK HAVING NARCAN IS GREAT. BUT WHEN YOU RUN INTO A TEENAGER THAT CARRIES NARCAN IN THEIR POCKET, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR FRIENDS ARE USING THINGS AND IT WILL BE FINE BECAUSE WE'VE GOT THE CURE ARE ALL HERE, THAT DOESN'T WORK.

IT TAKES BASELEVEL EDUCATION. I AGREE COMPLETELY WITH YOU IT SHOULD NOT BE ILLEGAL BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY WE'VE GOT INDIVIDUALS OUT THERE WHO LITERALLY ARE CARRYING WHAT THEY THINK AS THEIR SAVIOR OF THEIR POCKET AND NARCAN DOES NOT

ALWAYS WORK. >> THAT'S RIGHT.

>> OR THE DOSE OF IT DOESN'T. >> AND -- ANYONE INTERESTED IN TAKING A PICTURE WITH THE PROCLAMATION.

>> WE HAVE TWO COMMENTS. >> THANK YOU FOR THE REMINDER.

>> THIS ONE FROM CHIEF WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

ON BEHALF OF THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICER WOULD EXPRESS OUR FULL SUPPORT FOR THE PENTACLE AWARENESS STATE THIS WEEK. I'M NOT ABLE TO BE PRESENT IN PERSON BUT THE -- IT'S IMPORTANT TO BE THE MESSAGES SHARED PUBLICLY AND ON THE RECORD. OUR AGENCIES BEEN FORTUNATE TO PARTNER WITH JANELLE RODR RODRIGUEZ...

THROUGH THE FOREVER 15 PROJECT WHICH HAS MADE A PROFOUND AND MEASURABLE IMPACT IN HAYS COUNTY BUT ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND BEYOND. SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2022, FOREVER 15 REACHED MORE THAN 10,000 STUDENTS ALONG WITH COUNTLESS PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS THROUGH CONFERENCES AND PRESENTATIONS. THEIR WORK EXTENDED FAR OUTSIDE OF CENTRAL TEXAS EVEN INTERNATIONALLY AS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AT A MAJOR DRUG CONFERENCE IN MEXICO CITY WITH NO EXPENSE TO HAYS COUNTY. I WANT TO RECOGNIZE AND THAT HE WHO DEDICATED MORE THAN TWO YEARS TO PERSONALLY PARTICIPATING IN THESE PRESENTATIONS.

HAS COMMITMENT ALONGSIDE JANELLE'S REFLECTS A LEVEL OF TENACITY AND PASSION THAT IT'S RARE.

TOGETHER THEY'VE CARRIED THIS MESSAGE ACROSS COMMUNITIES WITH ONE MISSION TO SAVE LIVES THROUGH AWARENESS AND EDUCATION.

TODAY THE MISSION CONTINUES TO MARK ANDREWS WHO STEPPED INTO A KEY ROLE ALONGSIDE JANELLE. REPRESENT IN THE BEST OF THIS ORGANIZATION PROFESSIONAL, COMPASSIONATE AND DEEPLY COMMITTED TO PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY.

THE CONTINUED WORK ENSURES HAYS COUNTY REMAINS ON THE FOREFRONT OF THIS CRITICAL EFFORT.

MOST IMPORTANTLY WE MUST RECOGNIZE INCREDIBLE STRENGTH OF JANELLE RODRIGUEZ. HER WILLINGNESS TO SHARE THE DEEPLY PERSONAL AND TRAGIC LOSS OF HER SON TO FENTANYL POISONING IN 2022 IS NOTHING SHORT OF EXTRAORDINARY.

SHE'S TURNED IT INTO A LOSS DOES LIFE-CHANGING PRESENTATION AS UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED LIVES. THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR AUTHENTICITY. HER MESSAGE RESONATES IN A WAY STATISTICS ALONE COULD NEVER. THAT SAID THE DATA REINFORCES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORK AND HAYS COUNTY 2022 MARKED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF POISONINGS WITH 31 INCIDENTS AND SIX RESULTING IN DEATH. IN 2023 THERE WERE 25 POISONINGS WITH EIGHT FATALITIES. IN 2024 THE NUMBER DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY DENIED POISONINGS, SIX OF WHICH WERE FATAL.

IN 2025 WE SAW JUST FOUR POISONINGS ARE NOTABLY ZERO DEATHS. OVER THE PAST YEAR FROM APRIL 1ST 2025 TO APRIL 1ST 2026 WE'VE DOCUMENTED ALL THE TWO POISONINGS BOTH EARLY THIS YEAR WITH NO RECORDED SINCE JANUARY.

WHILE THE FIGURES REFLECT SHERIFF'S OFFICE DATA ONLY THEY DEMONSTRATE THE MEANINGFUL DOWNWARD TREND WITH NO SINGLE PROGRAM CAN CLAIM SO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROGRAM.

THERE'S NO QUESTION FOREVER 15 HAS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN RAISING AWARENESS, CHANGING BEHAVIOR AND SAVING LIVES.

[01:35:03]

I WANT TO THANK THE COURT FOR RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL AWARENESS. THIS WORK MATTERS AND IT SAVING LIVES. WITH YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT WE WILL REMAIN COMMITTED TO THIS MISSION FOR AS LONG AS IT'S

NEEDED. >> AND YOU HAVE ONE MORE, RIGHT? VERY GOOD. ANYONE INTERESTED IN COMING UP

FOR THE PICTURE, COME ON UP. >> LOOKING RIGHT OVER HERE.

ONE, TWO, THREE. ONE, TWO, THREE.

[F.8. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 3rd - 9th, 2026, as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. INGALSBE/HIPOLITO]

>> PLEASE OPEN F8. >> ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY 3RD THROUGH MAY 9TH 2026 AS NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WEEK.

>> SECONDS. >> CAN YOU READ IT?

>> WHEREAS -- WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS ARE TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS DEDICATED TO MAINTAINING SECURE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND ENSURING THE PUBLIC SAFETY, AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, BOTH CIVILIAN AND MILITARY, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, ARE RUN BY HIGHLY-QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED MEN AND WOMEN WITH A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES WITHIN THE PROFESSION; AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CUSTODY, CARE AND REFORM OF THOUSANDS OF OFFENDERS EVERY YEAR AS WELL AS THE MAINTENANCE OF SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES; AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL EMPLOYEES WORK IN VERY DEMANDING AND STRESSFUL CONDITIONS, FACE MANY CHALLENGES AND PUT THEIR LIVES AT RISK EVERY DAY; AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE SOME OF THE MOST RESOURCEFUL, CAPABLE, COMMITTED, PATIENT AND PERSISTENT PROFESSIONALS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND IN OUR NATION; AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES SERVE ADMIRABLY IN MANY DIFFERENT CAPACITIES, INCLUDING JAIL ADMINISTRATORS, WARDENS, CHAPLAINS, NURSES, SUPERVISORS, MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS; AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES PROVIDED OFFENDERS WITH DIRECTIONS, HOPE, AND A NEW FOCUS WHILE PREPARING THEM FOR REENTRY AND LIFE OUTSIDE OF CORRECTIONS; AND WHEREAS, CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES RISE TO MEET ANY CHALLENGE AND SERVE THIS HONORABLE PROFESSION NOBLY AND ADMIRABLY; AND NOW NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HEREBY DECLARE THAT THAT CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES DESERVE THE RECOGNITION FOR THEIR SERVICE AND SHOULD BE COMMENDED BY LEADERS IN THE PROFESSION, THE PUBLIC AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR THE TREMENDOUS JOB THEY DO AND FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES UN THE MOST DIFFICULT OF CIRCUMSTANCES BY DECLARING MAY 3 — 9, 2026 AS NATIONAL CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES WEEK ADOPTED THIS

THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL 2026. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. COMMISSIONER COHEN.

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. COMMISSIONER SMITH.

JUDGE BECERRA. >> CAN I ASK FIRST IF SOMEONE

[01:40:01]

>> YOU'VE GOT IT. STATE NAME AND TITLE FOR THE

VIEWING PUBLIC. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M CAPTAIN OF THE JAIL SUPPORT SERVICE BUREAU. IN RECOGNITION OF CORRECTIONS OFFICER WEEK WE TAKE A MOMENT TO HONOR THE DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN OF THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHO SERVE IN A VITAL YET OVERLOOKED BRANCH OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

AS YOU KNOW CORRECTIONS OFFICERS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLE IN MAINTAINING SAFETY AND ORDER WITHIN OUR FACILITY.

HOWEVER THEIR WORK EXTENDS BEYOND SECURITY.

ON ANY GIVEN DAY, THEY MAY SERVE AS COUNCILORS, FIRST RESPONDERS AND PROBLEM SOLVERS IN A HIGH-PRESSURE SITUATION.

THE DEMANDS OF THE PROFESSION ARE SIGNIFICANT.

OFTEN REQUIRING LONG HOURS, IRREGULAR SCHEDULES AND PERSONAL SACRIFICES INCLUDING MUCH TIME AWAY FROM FAMILY AND VERY IMPORTANT EVENTS. HOWEVER WE UNDERSTAND THAT.

SO A STUDY IN 2019 WAS DONE BY ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY THAT FOUND 53-POINT FOR PERCENT OF THOSE SURVEYED JAIL OFFICERS SCREENED POSITIVE FOR PTSD. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS SYMPTOMS. THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW FOR A CORRECTIONS OFFICER NINE YEARS OLD.

THE REALITIES UNDERSCORE THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SACRIFICES MADE DAILY BY THOSE WHO SERVE IN THIS ROLE.

DESPITE THE CHALLENGES CORRECTIONS OFFICERS CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM, RESILIENCE AND UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO THEIR DUTIES. THIS WEEK AS WE PAUSE TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO THIS CRITICAL PROFESSION, THEIR COMMITMENT AND RESILIENCE ENSURE THAT OUR JAIL FACILITY OPERATES SAFELY AND THAT OUR COMMUNITIES CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM A STRONG FOUNDATION OF SECURITY.

THEIR SERVICE DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED AND IT'S DEEPLY APPRECIATED. I LIKE TO TURN IT OVER TO CAPTAIN WHO IS GOING TO TALK ABOUT A DESIGN A PATCH CONTEST

AND FINAL WORDS. >> GOOD MORNING.

I WANT TO READ A LETTER FROM A RESIDENT.

I'M HERE ON A 15 YEAR SENTENCE. I USED TO THINK HAYS WAS A MEAN COUNTY BUT TRUTHFULLY IT'S NOT.

IT STRUCTURED, FAIR AND DISCIPLINED AN UNDERSTANDING TO AN EXTENT. THE COUNTY IS THE TRUE MEANING OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. JUSTICE WE SERVE SPEAKING FOR ME WITH MY SENTENCE, LAW, STATUTES AND LIMITATIONS ARE COME TO EMBRACE EXCEPT OF THE COUNTY MAY HAVE GIVEN ME A DOUBLE DIGIT BUT IT'S FAIR. FACING 25 YEARS TO 15 YEARS AND TEN TOGETHER. IN THE MIDST OF THIS, THIS COUNTY JAIL THE OFFICERS LISTEN, HAVE UNDERSTANDING, WILL WORK WITH YOU AND EVERYTHING BUT WILL REMAIN IN THE END DOING THEIR JOB. STANDING FIRM BUT WITH A FAIR

HEART AND DISCIPLINED AUTHORITY. >> THAT'S WONDERFUL.

>> WE'RE VERY PROUD OF EVERYONE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> WE HAVE A COMMENT FROM THE

SHERIFF. >> HONOURABLE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNIZE NATIONAL CORRECTION OFFICERS WEEK TO HONOR THE DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CORRECTION DIVISION. THOUGH I'M UNABLE TO ATTEND, IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME MY SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION FOR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS IS CLEARLY EXPRESSED. EVERY DAY OR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS TAKE ON ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED ROLES IN PUBLIC SAFETY. THEY ARE TASKED NOT ONLY WITH MAINTAINING THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF OUR JAIL BUT ALSO WITH MANAGING INDIVIDUALS DURING SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS OF THEIR LIFE. THIS REQUIRES PROFESSIONALISM, PATIENTS AND A STRONG SENSE OF DUTY.

THE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS OF HAYS COUNTY SERVED WITH INTEGRITY AND RESILIENCE AND WORK LONG HOURS IN A DEMANDING A DEMANDING ENVIRONMENT OFTEN ENVIRONMENT OFTEN BEHIND THE SCENES. ENSURING THAT OUR FACILITY OPERATES SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY. THEIR COMMITMENT PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE OVERALL SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY.

BECAUSE OF THEIR DEDICATION AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL OUR FACILITY CONTINUES TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS INSPECTIONS AND MEET THE HIGH STANDARDS EXPECTED OF US. THAT SUCCESS IS A DIRECT REFLECTION OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SHOW UP EVERY DAY AND DO THE JOB THE RIGHT WAY. I'M INCREDIBLY PROUD OF THE MEN AND WOMEN I HAVE THE HONOR TO LEAD.

THEIR WORK IS NOT ALWAYS SEEN BUT IT'S ALWAYS ESSENTIAL.

THEY SET THE STANDARD AND REPRESENT THIS OFFICE WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND PRIDE. THANK YOU AGAIN TO THE MISSION -- COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR RECOGNIZING CORRECTIONS OFFICERS

[01:45:02]

>> BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONERS. >> I WANT TO THANK ALL THE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS HERE TODAY FOR THE AMAZING AND VITAL WORK THAT YOU DO. YOU CHOSE THIS CAREER KNOWING THAT THERE WAS DANGER PUTTING YOUR LIVES IN DANGER AND I JUST APPRECIATE OUR -- EACH ONE OF YOU.

I HAVE A RELATIVE THAT WORKS AS A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER.

SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME AND I JUST APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO.

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO RECOGNIZE YOU TODAY.

>> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> THANK YOU.

FOR BEING HERE AND TO THE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WORK THAT YOU DO EVERY DAY.

LIKE THEY SAID, IT'S NOT SEEN BY EVERYONE ELSE BUT IT'S SO APPRECIATED TO MAKE SURE OUR JAILS ARE SAFE AND OUR INMATES ARE SAFE AND EVERYONE IS TREATED WELL AND I SO APPRECIATE

EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US. >> IT'S DEFINITELY NOT AN EASY JOB BUT IT'S A JOB THAT'S ALSO -- NEEDS TO BE DONE AND THE RIGHT WAY. I'M PROUD OF OUR SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND ARE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS FOR ALL THEY DO SO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT OF A SPECIAL TREATMENTS THIS WEEK AND ACCEPTING THAT BECAUSE I ALSO KNOW YOU'RE PROBABLY THE ONES THAT DON'T -- THEY LIKE TO LIVE IN THE SHADOWS BUT YOU DO SOME REALLY GREAT WORK.

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> I SEE SMITH AND SONS AND ANGERS AND EVERYBODY ELSE HERE BUT I'VE MADE IT CLEAR MY FAVORITE S O-LETTER'S CAPTAIN -- SHE KNOWS THAT.

SO DOES THE REST OF THE COMMAND STAFF.

IF THEY DON'T I WILL SAY PUBLICLY NO.

I LOVE Y'ALL BUT SHE IS MY FAVORITE BY FAR.

THAT BEING SAID, ONE OF THE THINGS I ALWAYS FIND INTERESTING IS THE FACT THAT IF YOU LOOK AT STATISTICS FOR CEOS, THE CRITICAL INCIDENTS YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH ON A DAILY BASIS YOU MAY RIDE IN A CRUISER FOR 15 YEARS ARE NOT SEE THE CRITICAL INCIDENTS, THE NUMBER OF CRITICAL INCIDENTS Y'ALL SEE IN ONE OR TWO YEARS IN A FACILITY. I HOPE YOU KNOW THAT DOES NOT GO UNRECOGNIZED. WE APPRECIATE THAT OR AT LEAST I DO. I THINK ONE OF THE OTHER THINGS THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOES NOT UNDERSTAND IS THOSE OFFICERS, I SAY THAT ALL OF OUR OFFICERS OR MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND I'D BE REMISS IF I DID NOT TALK TODAY A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OFFICER HENRY. WE LOST A CORRECTIONS OFFICER AND IT WASN'T A WAY YOU MIGHT THINK.

HE WORKED IN A JAIL AND GOT COVID DURING COVID AND HE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY JUST LIKE EVERY ONE OF OUR OFFICERS WHO HAD TO GO THROUGH THAT AND IT WAS A LOSS TO RSO FAMILY BUT IT WAS A LOSS TO OUR COMMUNITY. HIS PARENTS WORKED AT THE ISDN DRIPPING SPRINGS PICK HIS BROTHER'S VICE PRINCIPAL THERE.

IT WAS A LOSS TO OUR COMMUNITY AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW AND OFFICERS TO KNOW WE RECOGNIZE YOU TODAY BUT WE RECOGNIZE YOU NOT JUST AS AN OFFICER BUT AS A CRITICAL MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY AND WE KNOW YOU HAVE FAMILY SEARED YOU'RE RAISING FAMILIES HERE AND PUT YOURSELF IN HARM'S WAY ON A DAILY BASIS AND IT'S

APPRECIATED. >> ABSOLUTELY.

IT'S TRUE. I'VE WORKED WITH YOU NOW ALMOST A DECADE, CAPTAIN. EVERY TIME I GOT A TOUR OF THE JAIL FOR JAIL STANDARDS OF THE THINGS THAT GO ON, I CAN'T WAIT TO GET OUT OF THERE BECAUSE IT'S SO CLAUSTROPHOBIC TO ME.

I'M A GUY THAT NEED SUNLIGHT SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AND JUST TO KNOW THAT YOUR LIFE SPAN IS SHORTENED, I TOTALLY BELIEVE IT.

I TOTALLY SEE IT. IT'S ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS TO DO IN MY OPINION. I'M SO GRATEFUL THAT NEW LEADERSHIP HAS TAKEN CHARGE WITH STAFFING TO THE FULLEST CAPACITY CORRECTIONS OFFICERS SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A SHARED LOAD, MORE SUPPORT FOR ONE ANOTHER AND LESS HUSTLE AND BUSTLE WHICH I THINK WILL HELP MAKE FOR A SMOOTHER AND MORE PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT HOWEVER WE CAN HELP. THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU'RE DOING. COME ON UP FOR A PICTURE.

[01:50:37]

>> ONE, TWO, THREE. ONE, TWO, THREE.

>> ALL YOURS. >> WHEN WE REACH THE END OF PROCLAMATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS JUST SO YOU KNOW WE WILL TAKE A TEN MINUTE RECESS AND GO TO K-6 AND K-1.

[F.9. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing April 26th - May 3rd, 2026 as Soil & Water Stewardship Week. INGALSBE]

SO F9. >> F9 ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 26 MAY 3RD 2026 AS SOIL AND WATER

STEWARDSHIP WEEK. >> SECOND.

>> CAN YOU PLEASE READ IT? >> WHEREAS WHEALTHY SOIL AND CLEAN WATER IS A BENEFIT TO EVERYONE; AND WHEREAS, EFFECTIVE CONSERVATION PRACTICES PROVIDE THE SOIL, WATER, ANIMALS, PLANTS AND AIR THAT CAN ENSURE A RICH STANDARD OF LIVING; AND WHEREAS, OUR SECURITY DEPENDS UPON THE ROBUST MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; AND WHEREAS, STEWARDSHIP CALLS FOR EACH PERSON TO HELP CONSERVE THESE PRECIOUS RESOURCES.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM APRIL 26 — MAY 3, 2026 AS: SOIL & WATER STEWARDSHIP WEEK ADOPTED THIS THE 28TH DAY

OF APRIL 2026. >> BEAUTIFUL.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN.

COMMISSIONER INGALSBE TO COMMISSIONER HAMMER.

COMMISSIONER SMITH. JUDGE BECERRA.

>> WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THE AGENDA ITEM? COME ON OUT. AND IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME

FOR THE VIEWING. >> GOOD MORNING.

I'M THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HAYS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRIT 351 AND THIS PROCLAMATION GOES ALONG WITH NATIONAL OBSERVANCE OF WHAT WE DO.

WE WORK WITHIN THE EXTENSION OFFICE.

BECAUSE SOIL AND WATER IS SO IMPORTANT TO US.

IT IS OUR LIFEBLOOD. WE TRY TO HELP RANCHERS DO BETTER GRAZING SO THAT THEY DON'T WEAR OUT THE SOIL.

BY THE WAY, I MOVED HERE AS A COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT MARCH 1ST 1977 WHEN WE HAD A TOTAL OF 42,000 PEOPLE IN HAYS COUNTY.

NOW WE'VE GOT 13 FLOOD CONTROL DAMS. YOU MAY NOT KNOW MUCH OF WHAT WE DO, BUT WE HAVE FLOOD CONTROL DAMS. THEY ARE STANDING AS A PROBLEM NOW BECAUSE THEY WERE BUILT FOR AGRICULTURAL RAIN RUNOFF.

WE DON'T HAVE THAT ANYMORE. THE DEVELOPERS ARE CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR THE MOUNTAIN. WE JUST HAD A DROUGHT SO WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN WE REALLY GET INTO SOME REAL RAIN LIKE WE'VE HAD IN THE FLOOD.

I'VE BEEN THROUGH HERE IN HAYS COUNTY.

BUT IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE WORK WITH THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO CONTROL OUR WATER FLOWS, HOW IT AFFECTS OUR GRAZING SO THAT WE ASSIST WITH CROSS FENCING AND ZONES SO WE DON'T OVER GRAZE.

NOT PARTICULAR -- IT'S STILL IMPORTANT TO WORK ON THAT.

AND WHEN WE'RE LOSING OUR LAND AND FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO THIS DEVELOPMENT AND THESE DAMS GET OVERFLOWED BECAUSE -- PARDON ME.

THEY GET OVERPOWERED BECAUSE THE FLOOD CONTROLLED THEM OUT HERE OFF 123 IS FULL OF WATER. THE FEDERAL TRASH AND WATER KEEPING IT -- SO WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN WE GET A FLOOD WITH

[01:55:02]

NEXT TUESDAY. ABOUT SOIL TESTING ON HOW TO DO IT AND PAYING FOR SOIL TESTS TO GET THE MANAGER ALL WELCOME TO COME. I WON'T TAKE UP ANY MORE TIME BUT I COULD STAND HERE AND TALK, JUDGE, FOR QUITE A WHILE.

I KNOW YOUKNOW THAT SO I WILL SHUT UP.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> WE'VE TALKED ABOUT AND MADE AWARE OF SO MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES TODAY BUT THIS ONE IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT. AND THE CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR WATER AND SOIL IN THE NATURAL RESOURCES.

I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU'VE DONE FOR SO MANY YEARS TO BRING THIS AWARENESS TO US.

WORKING WITH ALL THE RANCHERS AND FARMERS AND I KNOW THOSE ARE LIMITED NOW IN HAYS COUNTY BUT YOU DO SO MUCH GREAT WORK AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THAT FIRST SO MANY YEARS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> MR. CASSIDY, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND THE CONTINUED WORK YOU'VE WORKED ON.

IT SOUNDS LIKE FOR A VERY LONG TIME.

BUT YOU AND I SHARE THE SAME FEAR, WE DON'T REALLY KNOW WHERE THIS WATER'S GOING TO GO EVENTUALLY BUT I'M GLAD WERE OUT THE TOP OF MANY OF OUR MINDS THESE DAYS.

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK THROUGH ALL THE YEARS.

WHEN DID YOU SAVE IT -- YOU BECOME AN EXTENSION AGENT?

>> SEVENTY-SEVEN. >> YOU'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR QUITE A WHILE. I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE HARD WORK YOU ON THE BOARD UNDER CONSISTENTLY LOOKING OUT FOR THE COUNTY YEAR AND FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.

SO THANK YOU. >> MAY 28TH OF 93 I WENT TO WORK FOR EXTENSION. BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

UNDERGRAD AND THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE A COUNTY AGENT.

SO MY UNDERGROUND WAS AGRICULTURE EDUCATION.

WHAT I WILL TELL YOU IS THAT ONE OF THE INTERESTING THINGS YOU MENTIONED MR. CASSIDY WHEN I DECIDED NOT TO DO THAT AND WENT TO WORK IN CONGRESS OF ALL PLACES BUT WHENEVER I DID I WORKED ON THE AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE.

I'D VENURE TO GUESS I WAS THE ONLY PERSON ON THE DIOCESE WHO HAD TO FILL OUT AN EQUAL APPLICATION -- THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY PROGRAM... I DON'T HAVE AN ACTIVE PROJECT ANYMORE BUT I'VE ALREADY FINISHED THREE OF THEM ON THE RANCH I GREW UP ON. WHENEVER I WENT TO WORK FOR THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES I TOOK TO THEM THAT I WANTED TO SEE ADDRESSED THERE'S ROUGHLY 50,000 OF THOSE FLOOD CONTROL DAMS IN THE U.S.

A LOT OF THEM WERE BILLED BY THE OLD CONSERVATION CORPS IN THE 20S AND 30S AND MANY OF THEM ARE AT A FAILURE POINT.

SO I WAS ABLE TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM THERE FOR $50 MILLION A YEAR NATIONWIDE AND IT WILL TAKE FOREVER TO DO IT BECAUSE THERE ARE 5000 OF THEM BUT THEY ARE PROGRAMS WE CAN APPLY FOR THE TRY TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE AND IF YOU EVER WANT ASSISTANCE ON THAT, A MORE THAN HAPPY TO LOOK AT IT AND SEE IF I CAN FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET YOU ALL INVOLVED IN A PROGRAM.

>> OF TOWARD SOME OF THESE JUMBO DAMS WE HAVE HERE AND THERE RIGHT AROUND US AND NO ONE KNOWS THEIR THERE.

IT'S GOOD YOU BROUGHT THAT UP. AND OF COURSE MY FAMILY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF RANCHING SO I DO APPRECIATE THE WORK THEY'RE DOING AND THE AWARENESS AND CONSERVATION IS CRITICAL TO OUR SURVIVAL. ANYONE ELSE WHO'D LIKE TO BE PART OF THIS PICTURE, COME ON UP.

[F.10. Adopt a Proclamation recognizing May 1st- 7th, 2026 as Jury Appreciation Week. HAMMER/CALVERT]

[02:00:47]

>> F10 ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING MAY FOR ONE THROUGH 72026 IS JURY APPRECIATION WEEK.

WHEREAS THE 84TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSED A BILL IN 2015 CREATING JURY APPRECIATION WEEK IN TEXAS. WHEREAS THE FIRST WEEK IN MAY OF EACH YEAR IS DEAN JURY APPRECIATION WEEK IN RECOGNITION OF THE OUTSTANDING AND IMPORTANT CONCERT -- -- CONTRIBUTIONS FROM TEXAS CITIZEN SERVING AS YOURS. WITH THE PROTECTION OF OUR LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS. WHEREAS TEXANS APPRECIATE THOSE EFFORTS AND WISH TO EXPRESS THAT APPRECIATION FORMALLY DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY EACH YEAR. AND WHEREAS THIS BODY RECOGNIZES THE WORTHY CAUSE SHALL BE CELEBRATED BY THE DISTRICT COUR.

THEREFORE THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISIONERS COURT NOW PROCLAIMS THE FIRST WEEK OF MAY 2026 IS JURY APPRECIATION WEEK.

ADOPTED THE 20TH DAY OF APRIL, 2026.

NAME AND TITLE. >> MY NAME IS AMANDA CALVERT EAST COUNTY DISTRICT COURT. THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS FOR SUPPORTING THIS ITEM AND COMMISSIONER HAMMER FOR SPONSORING IT. I WILL BE BRIEF.

THIS IS OUR SECOND YEAR AS AN OFFICE CELEBRATING JURY APPRECIATION WEEK. THIS YEAR OUR JURY DAY FALLS ONH SO THE STAFF SELECTED MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU FOR JURY DUTY FOR OUR SHIRTS. WILL BE PROVIDING BAGS FOR JURORS ON THAT DAY AS A SMALL TOKEN OF OUR APPRECIATION.

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT ATTENDED JURY SERVICE.

I KNOW IT'S NOT THE MOST EXCITING THING UNLESS YOU ARE PICKED, THEN IT IS. I MYSELF HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING SUMMONED BUT I DO NOT GET PICKED.

WHICH IS FINE. I WOULD NOT TAKE ME EITHER.

THANK YOU TO MY STAFF FOR ORGANIZING AND SUPPORTING THE EVENT THIS YEAR. YOUR WORK IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. THANK YOU JURORS.

WE ALSO INVITED THE SERGEANT FROM THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE TO SAY A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE JURY SCAMS TO BE MORE INFORMED AND ALERT. I WILL LET HIM SPEAK.

THANK YOU AGAIN. HAYS IS HOME.

>> GOOD MORNING. SERGEANT WITH HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE. WITH THE CRIMINAL DIVISION UNFORTUNATELY I SEE QUITE A FEW OF THESE.

I WAS ASKED IS WEAK BRIEFLY ON THE SCAMS ESPECIALLY JURY SCAMS WE COMMONLY SEE. USUALLY BEGINS WITH A PHONE CALL OR E-MAIL THAT YOU FAILED TO APPEAR FOR JURY DUTY.

IT MAY SAY THERE IS AN AWARD -- -- A WARRANT FOR YOUR ARREST A FINE HAS TO BE PAID OR LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.

IT MAY SOUND PROFESSIONAL WITH OFFICIAL SOUNDING TITLES.

THE. >> CMSR WOODLAND: TO ANOTHER PERSON IN THE OFFICE TO MAKE YOU BELIEVE THE AGENCY IS LEGITIMATE. THEY ALSO BEEN KNOWN TO PROVIDE THE NAMES OF JUDGES, DEPUTIES OR COURT EMPLOYEES.

SO THAT CREATES FEAR AND URGENCY SO YOU STOP THINKING CLEARLY AND START COMPLYING QUICKLY. , AND INSTRUCTED USE

[02:05:01]

LEGITIMATE COURTS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES DO NOT COLLECT FINES OR CLEAR WARRANTS OVER THE PHONE USING GIFT CARDS OR DIGITAL PAYMENT METHODS. THEY DO NOT THREATEN IMMEDIATE ARREST JUST BECAUSE YOU REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR ASK QUESTIONS TO VERIFY YOUR -- -- AFFILIATION OF THE AGENCY.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELF? FIRST, SLOW DOWN.

SCAMMERS RELY ON PANIC AND FEAR.

TAKE A MOMENT BEFORE RESPONDING.

VERIFY INDEPENDENTLY. IF YOU RECEIVE A SUSPICIOUS CALL, HANG UP CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COURT OR POLICE DEPARTMENT USING AN OFFICIAL PHONE NUMBER THAT YOU HAVE FOUND YOURSELF.

DO NOT GIVE PERSONAL INFORMATION OUT.

AND EDUCATE FAMILY MEMBERS ESPECIALLY OLDER RELATIVES ABOUT THE SCAMS. AWARENESS IS ONE OF THE BEST OFFENSES ANYONE CAN HAVE. IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR TARGETED OR VICTIMIZE REPORT YOUR LOCAL AGENCY OR THE FTC.

WHEN THEY FEEL RUSHED AND AFRAID AND INTIMIDATED BY CONSEQUENCES THEY FEEL IF PEOPLE ASK QUESTIONS AND VERIFY BEFORE ACTING. REMEMBER WHILE SERVING ON A JURY IS CRITICAL TO OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND WE APPRECIATE THOSE WHO SERVE, WE ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT CAN BE INCONVENIENT.

HOWEVER FALLING VICTIM TO A JURY SUMMONS SCAM CANNOT ONLY BE INCONVENIENT BUT COSTLY AS WE URGE EVERYONE TO EDUCATE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT THE SCAMS SO THEY DO NOT END UP SENDING MONEY TO A STRANGER WITH A SCRIPT AND BAD INTENTIONS.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: WELL DONE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY INDIVIDUALS COME INTO MY OFFICE WITH SPECIFIC CONCERNS OVER THE SCAMS THEY HAVE GOTTEN. THEY HAVE GOTTEN SO BAD HERE IN HAYS COUNTY TO THE .1 OFFICER MADE VERY SPECIFICALLY MOST OF THE TIME THE CALLS WILL COME FROM A CALLER ID THAT SAYS EITHER HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF OR HAYS COURTS.

WE HAVE SEEN THOSE. THEY WILL USE THE NAME OF OUR SHERIFF. THEY WILL USE THE NAME OF OUR DISTRICT JUDGES. AND I HAVE HAD PEOPLE SEND ME THAT HAVE RECORDED THE CALLS AND TAKEN SCREENSHOTS.

IT IS MOST OF THE TIME THEY ARE OFFSHORE.

THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE FOUND WHEN WE TRIED TO LOOK INTO IT ON BEHALF OF OUR CONSTITUENTS. BUT OVER THOSE THAT OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS WHO HAVE SAID AS FAR AS SHOWING UP THEY FELT WELL TREATED THEY GOT IN AND OUT QUICKLY IF THEY WERE NOT SELECTED. ONE WAS SELECTED HIS ONLY CONCERN WAS HE CANNOT ACTIVATE THE $20 GIFT CARD HE WAS PAID WITH HE'S HAVING A HARD TIME WITH THAT AND HE IS A BANKER.

WHAT WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL AND THE WORK YOU DO ON A DAILY BA

BASIS. >> CMSR HAMMER: BEING SELECTED FOR JURY DUTY IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT IN THE UNITED STATES AND THERE ARE THINGS THAT MAKE THE UNITED STATES GREAT AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM.

I REALLY LOVE JUST TO PUT A LITTLE EMPHASIS ON IT BECAUSE PEOPLE LOOK AT IT AS A BURDEN. IT'S NOT.

REALLY IT IS A GREAT THING THAT WE DO.

IT HELPS WITH IMPARTIALITY AND TO MAKE OUR JUSTIC SYSTEM REMAIN FAIR AND HAVE FAITH AND RESTORE FAITH INTO THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. I APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU DO SUPPORTING OUR JURORS TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE WHAT THEY NEED.

AND I'M SURE THE GIFT CARD WAS USER AIR.

[LAUGHTER] >> I REMEMBER WE STARTED THAT IT

WAS A GREAT IDEA. >> I CANNOT SAY MUCH MORE THAN COMMISSIONER HAMMER BUT THANK YOU YOU DO FOR THE JURORS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS. THANK YOU FOR THE EDUCATION ABOUT THAT. IT IS INTERESTING TO HEAR.

I WILL DEFINITELY WATCH OUT FOR THAT.

THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. >> THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT IT IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION THE RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT.

AMANDA, THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP AND TO YOUR STAFF.

I THINK THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT GOES INTO CALLING A JURY THEN WE PROBABLY EVEN KNOW AND I KNOW YOU DO A HARD WITH A LOT OF HARD WORK AND I REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND EACH ONE OF YOU. THANK YOU.

>> I STOOD IN THE DEPARTMENT ALL THE TURMOIL WAS TAKING PLACE I SAW YOU TAKE THE HOME I WAS SO GRATEFUL FROM DAY NUMBER ONE.

THANK YOU FOR SNAPPING THAT INTO SHAPE AND DOING WONDERFUL THINGS WITH IT AND YOUR HAPPY COWORKERS ARE PROOF OF YOUR LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO. COME UP FOR A PICTURE.

[02:11:01]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: SO NOW I WILL BE OPENING CASE SEVEN WE WILL COME BACK FROM A 10 MINUTE RECESS.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: WE ARE BACK FROM A 10 MINUTE RECESS.

SO AS REQUESTED I WILL FOLLOW AGAIN K 65, ONE AND THEN 15.

>> 'S. >> JUDGE BECERRA: I'M SORRY I WILL OPEN K SEVEN. I AM SORRY COMMISSIONER, K SIX

THEN K ONE AND THEN K 15. >> ONE THING I WOULD SAY IS YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN VERY KIND OF YOU PEOPLE TO SIGN UP FOR AGENDA ITEM OR A COMMENT TO SEND IN TO HAVE THOSE RED EVEN IF WE DON'T TAKE ACTION ON THE ITEM. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE IF WE ARE PUBLIC COMMENT ON K SEVEN OR SOMEBODY SIGNED UP PERCENT IN A COMMENT THAT WE OPEN IT UP EVEN IF THERE IS NO ACTION.

THAT'S FINE THEY WANT TO HEAR THE COMMENTS.

[K.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Development Agreement related to the Hays Commons subdivision development. SMITH]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: . YOU BET.

THAT IS CUSTOMARY. AND EVEN THE E-MAIL COMMENTS.

SO LET'S GO AHEAD AND OPEN. >> K SIX DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT RELATED TO HAYS COMMON SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

>> FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE AUDIENCE WERE IN THE COURTROOM WHO ARE NOT AWARE, THE ITEM IS ACTUALLY K NUMBER SEVEN WAS BROUGHT FORTH BY JUDGE BECERRA TWO MONTHS AGO AND I THINK THIS IS THE THIRD OR FOURTH TIME THIS ITEM HAS BEEN PLACED ON OUR AGENDA. TRADITIONALLY WE DO NOT DO DIRECT VARIANCES OF THIS TYPE WHATSOEVER.

AND IN GENERAL THE COMMISSIONER FOR THE PRECINCT WILL BRING FORTH ANYTHING RELATED TO DEVELOPMENT FOR THAT PRECINCT.

WHENEVER THIS FIRST CAME UP, WE ACTUALLY HAD A CONVERSATION HERE IN THE DIRECTION OF THE COURT THAT AT LEAST MY DIRECTION I WOULD NOT SUPPORT A STRAY VARIANCE.

THE ONLY WAY IS IF WE DID IT SOMEHOW BUT OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS WE HAVE HAD VERY SPECIFIC AUTHORITY GIVEN TO US.

WE ARE NOT LIKE CITIES WILL HAVE PLANNING AND ZONING AUTHORITY.

THERE ARE FIVE THINGS TO HAVE REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

ONE IS SEPTIC THAT'S WHERE THE SEPTIC RULES WE HAVE REACHED OUR MINIMUM LOT SIZE RULES. WE DON'T WANT TO SEE WELLS OVER SEPTIC. THERE IS A FULL CHART IN OUR DEVELOPMENT MANUAL THAT OUTLINES IF YOU HAVE PIPED IN WATER OR PIPED OUT WASTEWATER AND WHAT YOUR LOT SIZE CAN BE.

INDIVIDUAL ITEMS LIKE THAT. AND SO WHENEVER THIS ITEM FIRST CAME UP THE FIRST TIME, I WAS VERY ADAMANT WE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.

IN THOSE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS ACTUALLY GIVE THE COUNTY ADDITIONAL MEANS, HOOKS THAT WE DON'T HAVE STATUTORILY.

THE ONLY TIME WE CAN IF A DEVELOPMENT COMES IN AND MEETS

[02:15:06]

IF WE DON'T IT IS AUTOMATICALLY APPROVED ON A 30 DAY SHOT CLOCK. EVERY PERMIT YOU APPLY FOR WITH THE COUNTY WITH IT MEETS OUR REGULATION WE HAVE TO TELL YOU YES WITHIN 30 DAYS. AT THAT 30 DAY SHOT CLOCK IF WE DON'T MAKE COMMENT OR DON'T APPROVE IT, THEN AUTOMATICALLY IS APPROVED UNDER TEXAS STATUTE. SO I HAVE PROBABLY DONE MORE OF THESE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. I KNOW I HAVE THAN ANYBODY ELSE ON THE COURT BECAUSE IT GIVES US THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET OTHER THINGS. WE ASK FOR DARK SKYLIGHT COMPLIANCE OR PORTIONS OF A PROPERTY TO GO UNDEVELOPED AND LOOKING AT THIS PROPERTY I AM WELL AWARE OF THE PREVIOUS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT THE CITY OF HAYS HAD.

THIS PROPERTY WAS IN THE ET J OF THE CITY OF HAYS IN THE 2023 IT EXITED AND WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THAT IN HAYS COUNTY BECAUSE IT GIVES THE DEVELOPER A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT NUMBER OF OPTIONS NOT HAVING TO FOLLOW OR ADHERE TO ANY PLANNING AND ZONING AUTHORITY. SO ON THIS SPECIFIC ITEM ONE OF THE THINGS I REALLY WANTED TO ENSURE WAS AT THE END OF THE DAY THEY HAD TO GET FULL UTILIZATION OF THE PROPERTY WHICH IS PURSUANT IN THIS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT.

BUT THE OTHER PORTION IS WE WERE ABLE TO NEGOTIATE AND GET A LARGE PORTION OF THE PROPERTY SET ASIDE TO REMAIN UNDEVELOPED IN PERPETUIY. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WAS A HOUSE EVERY 30 FEET WITH UTILIZATION AND THAT'S NOT WHAT ANYBODY WANTED. SO IF YOU LOOK AT THE AGREEMENT ITSELF OF PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING WILL REMAIN UNDEVELOPED IN PERPETUITY. IS NOT SOMETHING WE SHOULD MANDATE. BUT AGAIN THE PROMPTING OR THE PURPOSE BEHIND THIS ENTIRE AGREEMENT WAS THE FACT THAT WE HAD AGENDA ITEM NUMBER SEVEN ON THE AGENDA FOUR TIMES AND I WAS NOT GOING TO ACCEPT IN MY PRECINCT TO JUST A BLANKET VARIANCE WITH NO INCENTIVE IS ASIAN OR COMING BACK TO THE COUNTY. SO IF THERE IS QUESTIONS I WANT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT.

SO THAT BEING THE CASE I DO HAVE SOME CONCERNS WITH SINCE IT IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS APPEARED ON THE AGENDA AS FAR AS THE FULL DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, I DO WANT TO GO THROUGH A 30 DAY POSTING AND REQUIRE THAT OF THE DEVELOPER.

SO TODAY IF THE COURT WANTS TO VOTE ON IT TODAY, THAT'S FINE.

I WOULD RATHER NOT. THIS AGENDA ITEM WILL APPEAR 30 DAYS FROM NOW AFTER THE POSTINGS HAVE COME UP IN THE GENERAL PUBLIC HAS MORE TIME TO LOOK AT IT.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU FOR THE INTRO.

NOW WE HAVE PEOPLE SIGNED UP TO SPEAK AND WE START WITH THOSE IN

ATTENDANCE. >> BOBBY LAPINSKI.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.

HOW MAY PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED UP APPROXIMATELY?

>> 60. >> JUDGE BECERRA: SENSE IT IS A HIGH NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHEN THE TIMER GOES PLEASE CONCLUDE.

>> I AM A RESIDENT PRECINCT THREE FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

THANK YOU FOR HOLDING BACK ON ITEM K SEVEN PLEASE REJECT THIS AGREEMENT UNDER K-6 I WILL FOCUS ON THE VARIANCE EMBEDDED BUT I CONCUR WITH THE LETTER YOU RECEIVED FROM THE CITY OF HAYS THIS IS IMPROPERLY POSTED IN VIOLATES THE REGULATIONS.

THE PROPOSAL TO REDUCE MINIMUM LOT SIZE FROM.2 ACRES IS FUNDAMENTALLY UNDERMINING THE PROTECTIONS FOR GROUNDWATER OFFERED AS AN EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO CONTAMINATION WITH THE UNIQUE CARCINOGENS. FOR SURFACE WATER IT COMES IN RAPIDLY FROM SINKHOLES AND CRACKS WITH NO FILTRATION.

THE COUNTY MINIMUM LOT SIZE REQUIREMENTS EXIST SPECIFICALLY TO ACT AS A CONTROL FOR HOW MUCH CAN OCCUR.

THE APPLICANT ARGUES IT WILL REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DISPERSED ACROSS THE PROPERTY. IN THEORY CLUSTERING CAN MAKE

[02:20:03]

THANK YOU. >> JIM

>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK AND OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY AS WELL.

I LIVE AT 38 OH THREE AND PRECINCT NUMBER FOUR CATTLEMAN DRIVE WE HAVE BEEN IN HER HOME FOR 30 YEARS RAISED A FAMILY AND THE'S ISSUES I WANT TO GIVE PERSPECTIVE.

FROM THE RESIDENCE POINT OF VIEW.

WE HAVE WORKED WITH LEADERS IN OUR COMMUNITY TO HELP PROTECT OUR WATER AND LAND. IN 1986 MARINE DEVELOPERS PROPOSED A 350-ACRE DEVELOPMENT IN THE SAME AREA, SAME LAND ALONG WITH THE HAYS AND TRAVIS COUNTY LINES AND THE PROPOSAL IS NOT A GOOD ONE. THE MUD PROPOSAL TO THE TEXAS WATER COMMISSION THE TEXAS WATER COMMISSION IS NOW THE TEC QUEUE DENIED THE PERMIT THE FIRST AND I'LL IN TWO YEARS.

AT THIS TIME US CONGRESSMAN PROPOSE THIS AREA AS THE SOLE SOURCE AQUIFER UNDER FEDERAL PROTECTION AND PASSED OVERWHELMINGLY IN CONGRESS. IN AUGUST OF 1987 AFTER MONTHS OF MEETINGS WITH SMALL CITIES, MANY OF THEM IN HAYS COUNTY, THE CITY OF BOSTON AND LAND OWNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS, WE WENT TO THE LEGISLATURE TO CREATE THE BARTON SWINGS CONSERVATION DISTRICT. IN A VOTE AUGUST OF 8770 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE SAID YES AFTER MARINE PROPERTY WENT BACK TO THE BANK THE WALTERS AND CREATED THE PROPERTY CREATING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF HAYS.

SOME NEIGHBORS ARE HERE FROM THE CITY OF HAYS BUT AFTER COVID AND AFTER THE AMAZON SHIFT OF SHOPPING, WALTER SOLD HIS INTEREST TO MILESTONE DEVELOPERS WHICH IS NOW OF COURSE HAYS COMMENTS. TRYING TO REVISE THE AGREEMENT TO INCREASE THE COVER FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CHANGING FROM COMMERCIAL PRIMARILY TO RESIDENTIAL AND AFTER MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS IN PUBLIC HEARINGS THE CITY OF HAYS SAID NO TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND NOTE TO THE MUD AND THEN MAY 2023 THE MILESTONE CAME BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER COURT WITH A PROPOSAL FOR A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH NO PROOF OF PUBLIC WATER OR WASEWATER UTILITIES THE COUNTY VOTED THREE

[02:25:03]

I CANNOT GO INTO THE DETAILS OF WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW BUT THERE

WILL BE OTHERS THAT WILL. >> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU.

NEXT. >> .

>> I'M AN ENTREPRENEUR HERE IN HAYS COUNTY.

SIX. ASKING YOU TO REJECT ITEM - I'M NOT TO ME APPEAR TO SPEAK AS SAVE OUR SPRINGS ALTHOUGH I DO RESPECT THEIR WORK.

I'M NOT MAD ABOUT THE SALAMANDER SPECIES.

AND PRO-BUSINESS. I'M A PRO-BUSINESS OWNER.

I HAVE TWO PARCELS OF LAND ONE IS 11-ACRE PARCEL CONTAINING MY BUSINESS WHERE WE BOARD UP TO 120 DOGS A DAY AND EMPLOY 30 EMPLOYEES. WE SERVED 10000 AND IN THE HAYS COUNTY AREA IF THERE IS A RASCAL -- -- [INDISCERNABLE] THERE ARE FEW FARMERS LEFT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THESE ARE THE KIND OF BUSINESSES THAT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ONCE YOU SEE IN SUPPORT WE DO NOT WANT TO LAND DEVELOPER INCREASING TRAFFIC AND CUTTING TREES AND DESTROYING THE AQUIFER. ESPECIALLY NOT THIS LAND DEVELOPER. WE HAVE SEEN WHAT THEY'VE DONE IN CENTRAL TEXAS. MINORITY FLOODS AND THE ROAD IS A POSSIBLE TWO OR THREE TIMES A YEAR.

THIS HAPENS WE WILL SEE MORE. IS NOT A SPECULATION BUT A FACT YOU'LL BE AFFECTING TWO HAYS COUNTY BUSINESSES.

WANT TO SHUT DOWN BECAUSE THE DEVELOPER IS RUINING THE GROUNDWATER MAKING MY CLIENTS DOGS SICK.

IS NOT AFFECT US TO BREATHE IN THE WHO WATER.

WITH MY CATTLE ON THE OTHER PARCEL I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE EPIDEMIC CROSSING THE BORDER IN THE DROP AND NOW MY WELL RUNNING DRY AND MY LAND FLOODING. JUDGE BECERRA, I VOTED FOR YOU.

YOU SAID IT TAKES THREE PARTS. PRO COMMUNITY, PROENVIRONMENT, PRO-. I THOUGHT YOU STOOD UP TO DEVELOPMENTS THAT RUINED OUR WATER.

WE DON'T WANT AI DATA CENTERS USED IN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY. WE DON'T WANT OUR WELLS RUNNING DRY DUE TO WELLS WE CANNOT SUSTAIN.

THE SITE PARCEL IS OWNED BY A SOMEBODY SHOULD THEY BE ABLE TO DEVELOP IT? SURE.

THERE ARE BETTER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY CENTERS PRESERVING THE AQUIFER AND THIS IS NOT IT. YOU KNOW WHAT AND WE KNOW IT.

THAT'S WHY WE ARE ALL HERE. COMMISSIONERS CAN I HAVE A REASON AND HE WAS TAKEN MONEY FROM MILESTONE COMMUNITY BUILDERS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY.

YES YOU DID TAKE SEVERAL $5000 CONSIDERING THAT YOU ARE SPONSORING THIS IT DOES SEEM LIKE THERE IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. HOW IS IT SOMEBODY LIKE ME WITH TWO GIANT LAND PARCELS HAVE ZERO NOTICE OF AGENDA ITEM K SIX INDICATORS -- -- IN CASE SEVEN THAT IS CONCERNING CHANGING OF THE LOT SIZES. WHICH ONE OF YOU SLID THAT IN WITHOUT PROPER NOTICE THINKING THAT WOULD FLY WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD? RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU ARE BACK HERE AND REPRESENT MILESTONE. ANYBODY HERE FROM MILESTONE? WE HAVE TWO. I JUST WONDER WHY THEY ARE HERE THINKING THEIR AGENDA ITEM IS ALREADY IN THE BAG AND PAID FOR. I'M INTERESTED TO HEAR YOU SPEAK. JUDGE BECERRA I HAVE FAITH IN YOU. PLEASE THINK ABOUT THE WATER IN OUR COMMUNITY AND BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY.

I KNOW YOU WILL. >> MAYOR BRIAN IS NEXT.

>> GOOD MORNING. OR A GOOD AFTERNOON.

WE HAD A LATE NIGHT LAST NIGHT. WE HAD ZERO NOTICE OF THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA TODAY. WE RALLY THE TROOPS ALL OF THOSE WERE PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS WEEKEND BETTER HOMES, CITY, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.

WE DID NOT APPRECIATE NOT HAVING PROPER NOTICE.

WE ARE HERE TODAY AND WE HAVE 60 OTHER PEOPLE WHO ALSO WILL SPEAK ON THIS. JUDGE BECERRA, WE MAY BE A SMALL BUT MIGHTY CITY OF HAYS. THE NORTHERN PART OF HIS COUNTY THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TODAY ABOUT ITEMS K SIX AND CASE SEVEN. RELATED TO THE PROPOSED HAYS, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT AND VARIANCES ON THE AGENDA TODAY.

I UNDERSTAND ONE WILL NOT OPEN AND THE OTHER IS.

HOWEVER ONE REFERENCES THE OTHER IT IS A TOKEN BUT IF YOU PASS

[02:30:13]

I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT A MINIMUM YOU TABLE THE ITEMS TODAY'S EVERYBODY CAN GIVE MORE TIME AND CONSIDERATION AND THE MAIN CONCERN OF THE CITY OF HAYS AND THE RESIDENCES THE WASTEWATER FACILITY AND THAT IT PROPOSES TO BUILD THERE IS A CONTESTED CASE HEARING GOING ON RIGHT NOW WITH THE APPLICATION TO BUILD IT IF APPROVED IT WILL PLACE 150,000 GALLONS OF WASTEWATER PER DAY PER DAY ON THE LAND IMMEDIATELY BEHIND AND BEHIND MY HOME AND MY DAUGHTER'S HOME WHERE MY GRANDCHILDREN LIVE. AND THE HOMES OF OTHER RESIDENTS. EVEN MORE CONCERNING THE CITY HAS TWO GROUNDWATER WELLS -- -- WELLS ONE IS LOCATED 60 FEET FROM THE EDGE OF THE AREA IT IS IN THE EDWARDS AQUIFER RECHARGE ZONE AND WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE RUNOFF AND HARMING GROUNDWATER EXHIBIT B TO THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT THE CONCEPT PLAN SHOWS THE FACILITY IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION CLOSER THIS IS A BAIT AND SWITCH WE HAVE BEEN DOING THIS OVER 10 YEARS. I DON'T KNOW WHICH IS CORRECT TO SHOW THE FACILITY IN A DIFFERENT LOCATION IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE CITY'S WELLS AND HOMES IN THIS DICREPANCY IS YET ANOTHER REASON TO TABLE THESE AGENDA ITEMS TODAY.

AND I WILL BORROW YOUR QUOTATION I'M ALSO A SUPPORTER OF JUDGE BECERRA BUT HIS COMMENTS HAVE A KALEIDOSCOPE OF ISSUES.

WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS FOR 10 YEARS.

WE SPENT AN ASTRONOMICAL AMOUNT OF TIME AND MONEY FOR OUR CITY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.

I HOPE YOU HAVE A CONCEPT OF AN EMERGENCY PLAN TO HELP US WHEN THEY CONTAMINATE OUR WATER. THANK YOU.

>> JAMES STINSON. >> HELLO JUDGING COMMISSIONERS.

I'VE GOT A 54-ACRE PARCEL DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY MILESTONE DEVELOPMENT. MY ONLY EMERGENCY ACCESS IS WITH LITIGATION WITH MILESTONE AND WITH A SUIT IS OVER DRY WEIGHT -- -- A DRIVEWAY EASEMENT ANY APPROVAL OR EVEN PART OF NEGOTIATING WITH THEM IS JUST WRONG ON ITS FACE UNDER THE PRELIMINARY PLAT I WILL PASS THESE UP TO YOU, THERE IS VOLUME 447 PAGE 340 IN EASEMENT THAT MILESTONE ADMITS IN THE PRELIMINARY PLAT THAT IT GOES ALL THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROPERTY THEY ARE SHOWING 30 HOMES OVER MY EASEMENT WASTEWATER FLUENT SPRAY OVER MY EASEMENT AND A SEWER PLANT OVER MY EASEMENT AND YOU ARE WHERE THE BUCK STOPS.

I WANT YOU TO BE AWARE AND ARE BROUGHT YOU EXHIBIT THREE TO LOOK AT BUT IS JUST A SIGN OF A BAD ACTOR TRYING TO GET SOMETHING OVER ON ME IN THE COMMUNITY AND I URGE YOU TO VOTE NO. THERE'S NO REASON FOR ANY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. THERE IS NO REASON TO RUSH THIS. THERE IS NO SHOT CLOCK TO MAKE AN AGREEMENT WITH THESE GUYS. IF THEY CAN'T FOLLOW COUNTY CODE THEN THERE IS NO COUNTY RUSH TO MAKE A DEAL WITH THESE GUYS AND I URGE YOU TO TAKE A LONG STRONG LOOK AT THIS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> WE HAVE SEVERAL E-MAILS.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: WE ARE DONE WITH THOSE IN PERSON NOW WE WILL GO TO THE E-MAIL VERSION. I'VE ASKED THE COUNTY CLERK IN THE SPIRIT OF EXPEDIENCY AND YET SOMEONE TOOK THE TIME TO WRITE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HEAR THE MESSAGE.

IF THERE ANY COPY/PASTE OR EXTREMELY SIMILAR ITEMS I ASK THEM TO READ ONE OF THEM AND THEN ADD THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO WAS A PART OF THAT LETTER JUST FOR EXPEDIENCY.

DOES THAT MAKE SENSE? >> IT DOES.

CAN WE GET SOME COPIES? >> THIS COMES FROM ALFONSO AGENDA ITEM K SIX. I LIVE AT THE BACK END OF CHAPTER ALL PARK AND WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR DIMINISHING

[02:35:01]

GRANTING A BUILDING PERMIT WOULD BE DISASTROUS TO OUR ALREADY DIMINISHING WATER TABLE AND TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

IT IS A WELL-KNOWN FACT WE ARE EXPERIENCING HISTORIC DROUGHT CONDITIONS AND IS NOT RECEIVING ENOUGH RECHARGE WATER TO SUSTAIN WHAT HAS ALREADY BEEN BUILT THERE.

LITTLE BEAR CREEK AND LITTLE CAVES THAT ARE A NATURAL PART OF THE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION OF THE CREEK.

ADDITIONAL DENSE BUILDING COULD COMPROMISE THE RECHARGE ZONE IF -- -- WITH FLOODWATER. MY PROPERTY HAS BEEN FLOODED TWICE IN 2013 AND 2015 I'M WELL AWARE OF THE REALITY OF THIS POSSIBILITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION PLEASE VOTE NO FOR ITEM K SIX. THIS IS ALFONSO CARL ON.

AND ALL OF THESE ARE SIMILAR E-MAILS JOEL ELIZABETH SMITH. HANNAH BY YOU.

ROGER MIRANDA. JEFF KAUFMAN.

LAYTON BETH PAUL LARSON. RICHARD ASHLEY LOGGER. SCOTT LOGGER.

ERIN ANDREWS ASH. FRANCIS HARPER.

LIDIA VALDES. THIS COMES FROM ZACHARY JOHNSON IN AUSTIN TEXAS. WHAT MORE CAPACITY TAKING THIS LAND IS BEAUTIFUL THE WATER IS SUCH A REAR RESOURCE.

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND TAMPERING WITH THE WATER IS NOT WHAT AUSTIN WANTS OR NEEDS THE LAND REQUIRES WHAT LITTLE IS LEFT TO CONTINUE AND GROW AND FLOURISH THIS IS THE REASON SO MANY PEOPLE OF THIS AREA AS IT IS A PART OF THE EARTH THE SOUL OF THE BEAUTIFUL REGION. I IMPLORE YOU TO LOOK INWARD AND SEE THE TRUTH AND STOP K SIX I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

PLEASE USE YOUR HEART AND YOUR LOVE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS AND THE PLANET. EVERYTHING MATTERS NO MATTER HOW SMALL YOU THINK IT IS. THIS IS FROM FELICIA COMMISSIONERS COURT I IMPLORE YOU TO VOTE NO ON K SIX PULL IT FROM THE AGENDA SO THAT A PROPER PUBLIC PROCESS CAN TAKE PLACE WITH THE AFFECTED PUBLIC PEOPLE.

THIS PLAN THAT AFFECTS THOSE THAT DEPEND ON THE WATERSHED SHOULD NOT BE PUSHED THROUGH. THIS IS FROM KAREN I URGE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO VOTE NO ON EIGHT X-UPPERCASE-LETTER AND K SEVEN. NO PUBLIC PROCESS HAS BEEN FOLLOWED WITH IMPACTS MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON THE WATERSHED. HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT PASSING THROUGH ON THE COMMISSIONER COURT AGENDA IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE GET THE VOTE STOPPED BY PROTESTING THE AGENDA ITEM.

WITH IMPERVIOUS VARIANCE FROM THE CITY OF AUSTIN BUT WE WERE DENIED NOW THEY ARE GOING TO HAYS COUNTY TO TRY TO DO ESSENTIALLY THE SAME THING HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CODES REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 347-ACRE LOT SIZES INCREASING TO AS MUCH AS 2 ACRES OVER THE EDWARDS AQUIFER RECHARGE ZONE.

WHY SHOULD A BILLIONAIRE DEVELOPER RECEIVE A VARIANCE NOT ALLOWABLE TO CURRENT RESIDENTS AND THAT ALLOWS AGAINST THE

[02:40:06]

HAVE A WELL THAT PROVIDES WATER TO US AND THEN TO PRIORITIZE BEFORE PRIORITIZING OUR LIVES. PLEASE COME I AM BEGGING YOU TO VOTE NO ON ITEM K SIX OR TWO PLEASE IMMEDIATELY PULL THE ITEM FROM TOMORROW'S AGENDA SO THAT A PROPER PUBLIC PROCESS CAN TAKE PLACE WITH THE PUBLIC TO GIVE INPUT.

>> STACY NIGHT FROM NANTUCKET TEXAS.

I LIVE VERY CLOSE TO THE VERY PROPOSED MILESTONE DEVELOPMENT THE CITY OF AUSTIN WAS DENIED PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND YOU SHOULD VOTE NO TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT I DISAGREE WITH THE WATER THAT WILL BE USED.

IN THE DEVELOPMENT WILL POLLUTE THE AQUIFER.

I DISAGREE THAT THIS MEETING WAS NOT INTO THE AGENDA WITHOUT ADVANCED NOTICE. THE DEVELOPER DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE WILDLIFE, PLANTS, TREES AND CAVES ESSENTIAL TO THE AIR QUALITY.

THE CITY OF AUSTIN CONDUCTED A TEST IMPROVED IT CONTAMINATED OUR DRINKING WATER. MY WELL IS 0.5 MILES FROM THE SITE. VOTE NO TO K-6.

>> THIS IS FROM NICK THOMAS. >> PLEASE VOTE NO ON ITEM K. 6 THE BUILDER MILESTONE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO REDUCE THE CURRENT REQUIRED THREE FORCE A GRANDMA MINIMUM OUTSIDE IN THE AREA OF THE HAYS COMMONS DEVELOPMENT. THEY ARE DEVELOPING OVERSENSITIVE PART OF THE AQUIFER WHERE MY FAMILY AND I DEPEND ON WELL WATER FOR DRINKING.

WE ARE PART OF THE FAMILY THAT HAS BEEN HERE SINCE THE SIXTIES AND WOULD LOVE TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE WATER THAT EDWARDS AQUIFER PROVIDES FOR YEARS TO COME.

THERE ARE SAFE WAYS TO GROW IN THIS ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA THAT CAN STILL BE PROFITABLE FOR THE DEVELOPER.

BY HAVING THEM ABIDE BY THE EXISTING THREE FORCE ACRE MINIMUM COVERAGE THAT COULD BE HOME TO MORE EXPENSIVE LUXURIOUS DEVELOPMENT VERSUS DENSE AFFORDABLE DEVELOPMENT.

>> THIS IS FROM AMBER STRONG OPPOSITION TO AGENDA ITEM K. 6 REGARDING THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT I URGE THE COURT TO VOTE NO ON THIS ITEM OR PULL IT IMMEDIATELY. THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BY MILESTONE COMMUNITY BUILDERS PROPOSE SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS.

THREAT TO THE WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY AND APPROPRIATE THE -- -- APPROPRIATE DENSITY ENVIRONMENT -- -- AND VARIANCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND LACK OF PUBLIC ACCESS.

WE ARE CURRENTLY IN A HISTORIC DROUGHT AND WE MUST HOLD% DEVELOPERS TO HIGHER STANDARDS TO PROTECT HER INFINITE WATER RESOURCES RATHER THAN GRANTING LAX REGULATIONS FOR PROFIT.

PLEASE PROTECT OUR PROPERTY BY REJECTING THIS AGREEMENT.

>> THIS IS FROM DIANA COUNTY AND SOMEONE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THIS DEVELOPMENT, ASK YOU TO VOTE NO ON ITEM K. 6.

WATER CONSERVATION SHOULD BE A PRIORITY FOR ALL.

[02:45:11]

WE NEED TO KEEP SPACES FOR THE NATIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS TO LIVE AND HAVE LARGE ENOUGH AREA TO SUPPORT NATURAL HABITAT.

ONCE DEVELOPED, THIS AREA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AND WE ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING THE VALUABLE GREEN SPACES IN HAYS COUNTY.

THE LAND SHOULD BE DEVELOPED WITH THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, NOT GIVING EXPECTATIONS TO A DEVELOPER WHO DOESN'T DESERVE IT. THERE IS NOT A REASON TO PROVIDE AN EXCEPTION EXCEPT OR UNLESS IT IS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. THIS IS CLEARLY IS NOT ABOUT THAT AND ONLY TO GIVE FAVOR TO A RICH DEVELOPER PLEASE VOTE NO OR AT LEAST POSTPONE THE ISSUE.

>> BILL NIGHT. I LIVE WITH THEN TO MILES OF THE SITE AND WORRY ABOUT THE WELL THAT IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF WATER IN THE AREA. THIS DEVELOPMENT WE USE THE WATER AND RUIN THE WATER. MY MAIN CONCERN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT IS THE 200,000 GALLONS OF WASTEWATER PER DAY IT WILL CREATE. THEY PLAN TO DISTRIBUTE THE WATER WITH AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM OVER THE RECHARGE ZONE FOR BARTON SPRINGS AQUIFER. I HAVE HELD AN IRRIGATION LICENSE OVER 44 YEARS. I KNOW WHAT THAT CONSTANT DAILY MAINTENANCE IS A PROBLEM. ANOTHER HUGE ISSUE IS FLOODING IN THE AREA. DURING THESE EVENTS HOMEOWNERS WILL STILL BE CREATING WASTEWATER.

WHAT IS AGO WHEN AN AREA IS TOTALLY SATURATED? CITIES AROUND THE AREA CONTINUE TO HAVE WASTEWATER SPILLS AND RAW SEWAGE INTO RIVERS AND CREEKS.

WHAT HAPPENED IN KYLE, AND BRUSHY CREEK DUE TO CONTRACTOR ERROR. SAN MARCO STOMPED 1 MILLION GALLONS OF RAW SEWAGE ON TWO / 18 / 21 AND 225,000 ON SIX / 27 / 22. WASTEWATER ON 1112 AND 515 DUMPED RAW SEWAGE INTO PALM CREEK.

BRUSHY CREEK DUMPED FOUR.5 MILLION GALLONS IN TWO BRUSHY CREEK. THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.

REMEMBER WHAT MAKES, BREAKS. MY HOME IS VERY CLOSE TO THIS PROJECT AND THE AQUIFER IS THE SOLE SOURCE OF WATER FROM A HOME AND WE CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IT. PLEASE DON'T ALLOW THIS DEVELOPMENT TO HAPPEN WITHIN THE NEW REQUEST BEFORE THE COURT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A PUBLIC NOTICE GIVEN TO THE CITIZENS AFFECTED BY THE NEW SUBMISSIONS GIVEN Y MILESTONE.

>> PLEASE VOTE NO ON ITEM K. 6 REGARDING THE PROPOSAL OF THE MILESTONE FROM HAYS COUNTY FIRST SEND IT THROUGH THE EXPECTED PUBLIC TRANSPARENT PROCESS TO PUT SOMETHING OF THIS IMPORTANCE ON TO THE COURTS AGENDA I READ THE PROPOSAL AND STUDY THE MAPS AND PROPOSE DENSITY THE DEVELOPMENT AS PROPOSED WOULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE ECOSYSTEM IN BOTH HAYS AND TRAVIS COUNTY'S INCLUDING THE HUMAN COMPONENT OF THE ECOSYSTEM ONCE THE DAMAGE OCCURS THIS CAN ONLY TAKE ONE DAYS WORK OF BULLDOZERS AND ANOTHER DAY'S WORK THE ECOSYSTEM IS NOT COMING BACK.

THE NATURAL FLOW OF WATER IN THE AQUIFER IS NOT COMING BACK IN THE RUNOFF IS POLLUTED. BY THE WAY MY HOME IN EASTERN TRAVIS COUNTY WAS DESTROYED BY DEVELOPER WHO PURCHASED, SCRAPED AND INFILL THE FARM NEXT-DOOR WHEN I WAS A SIX GRADER.

THE DEVELOPER STIFLED THE SPRING THAT FED THE CREEK RUNNING THROUGH MY HOME ALONG WITH ALL OF THE CREATURES.

THE TREMENDOUS RUN OFF CREATED FLOOD CONDITIONS THAT REMOVED EVERY BIT OF SOIL DOWN TO THE LIMESTONE OF MY HOME TERRITORY.

I KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MONEY MEETS POLITICAL POWER QUOTE-UNQUOTE WE THE PEOPLE LOSE AND SO DOES THE NATURAL WORLD.

I FOUND THIS OUT WHEN I WAS 12 YEARS OLD.

SECURITY PLEASE THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE AND NOT JUST WHAT IS ON OUR LIFETIMES. VOTE NO ITEM K. 6 ON TODAY'S

AGENDA. >> JUDGE BECERRA: 21 OH WATER

BREAK? >> I'M OKAY.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

>> THANK YOU. >> THIS COUNTY IS NOT COMPLETED ITS APPEAL OF THE MOST RECENT CONVICTION FOR THE OPEN MEETINGS VIOLATIONS INVOLVED IN THE ROAD BOND ELECTION.

THIS IS A WILL STANDING CONVICTION FROM A REAL COURT

[02:50:01]

TO DISREGARD THE WATER ISSUES IS A CRIMINAL AS DISREGARDING THE TEXAS MEETINGS ASK PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF THE CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE SPECIAL INTEREST WILL BENEFIT LOOK AT THE LAND OWNERS WHO WILL BENEFIT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PUBLIC WATERS ENVIRONMENT IS PAR FOR THE COURSE IN HAYS COUNTY.

THE PUBLIC'S TRUST IS THINKING FASTER THAN THE AQUIFER LEVELS PERHAPS THE LANDS. [INDISCERNABLE]

>> DAVID PATTERSON. GOOD MORNING JUDGE BECERRA AND COMMISSIONERS. CONCERN PROPERTY OWNERS AND MYSELF INCLUDED HAVE WORKED A COUPLE OF YEARS TO ENSURE MILESTONE MONEY -- -- MILESTONE FOLLOWS THE GUIDELINES FOR HAYS COMMENTS. BECAUSE THE PROPERTY THEY ARE DEVELOPING ONE OF THE MOST SENSITIVE AREAS OF THE RECHARGE ZONE. DID YOU KNOW THE MILESTONE IS IN A PERMITTING PROCESS OF TCE Q FOR TEXAS LAND APPLICATION PERMIT? FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT AT HAYS COMMENTS. IT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO SPREAD HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF TREATED OVER 60-ACRE AREAS OF THE RECHARGE ZONE. IF THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION THEM OUT -- -- OF THE SYSTEM THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF UNTREATED SEWAGE TO GO DIRECTLY INTO OUR AQUIFER.

IT FALLS INTO LITTLE BEAR CREEK AND I STUDIES REALLY TAKES A COUPLE OF DAYS TO REACH BARTON SPRINGS.

THIS WOULD BE THE FIRST APPROVED OVER THE RECHARGE ZONE.

THE CITY PAYS RELIES ON PRIVATE OR PUBLIC/PRIVATE WELLS THAT IS A LOT OF PEOPLE COUNTING ON COMMISSIONERS TO MAKE THE DECISION TO PROTECT THEIR HOMESTEAD.

WE ARE ALREADY ANXIOUS ABOUT HER WELLS BECAUSE OF THE DROUGHT MILESTONE WENT TO AUSTIN AND ASKED AUSTIN FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES BUT NO TAKERS AND NOW THEY'VE COME TO HAYS COUNTY I AM FOR THE COURT TO TAKE A LONGER LOOK AT THE HAYS COMMON BEFORE GRANTING ANY VARIANCES TO THE EXISTING ORDINANCES. PLEASE VOTE NO.

>> CLAUDIA, JESSICA AND EMM EMMANUEL.

IMPORTANCE OF VOTING NO ON K. 6.

THE FIRST NOTICE OF THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED IS THE ATTACHMENT TO THE COURTS AGENDA FOR TOMORROW MORNING. UPON FIRST GLANCE HAYS RESIDENTS FOR LAND AND WATER PROTECTION SEE SEVERAL INACCURACIES AND MISREPRESENTATIONS WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

SOME OF THE'S ARE A MILESTONE TO DOCUMENT IT ACCURATELY PORTRAY THE AQUIFER RECHARGE IS ON THE NUMBER OF HOMES PROPOSED IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE DOCUMENT AND SOME OF THE CALCULATIONS ARE INCORRECT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF US WHOSE WATER WOULD BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED AS A HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT ALLOWS THIS ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREA.

HAYS COMMON IS BEING PLANNED BY MILESTONE COMMUNTY BUILDERS.

WITH CLEARCUTTING AND REMOVING EVEN OLD-GROWTH HERITAGE TREES AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS. THIS TRACK ENDED JOINING AREA IS UNDEVELOPED WITH MUCH OF THE OLD-GROWTH PROVIDING COUNTLESS PRICELESS ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. AS FOR-PROFIT DEVELOPERS THEY SHOULD NOT ALLOWED IN HIGH DENSITY DEVELOPMENT THAT

[02:55:06]

WE SHOULD BE MORE LAX ABOUT SUPPLEMENTING THOSE REGULATIONS. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE AS WE AS A COMMUNITY NEED TO STICK TOGETHER AND DO AS BEST FOR HAYS COUNTY AND ITS RESIDENTS.

>> JUDITH LAWRENCE. AUSTIN TEXAS.

I NAME IS JUDITH LAWRENCE I AM A RESIDENT WHO CARES DEEPLY ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY. START BY SAYING I BELIEVE IN THOUGHTFUL DEVELOPMENT WE ALL UNDERSTAND THAT GROWTH MUST BE A PART OF THE FUTURE. BUT GROWTH WITHOUT CLARITY OR PROPER NOTICE AND MEANINGFUL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION CREATES UNCERTAINTY AND UNCERTAINTY LEADS TO DISTRUST.

K. 6 RAISES RAISE CONCERNS FOR MANY OF US.

PARTICULARLY AROUND WATER IMPACTS, ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY AND LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS THESE ARE NOT SMALL ISSUES AND THEY DESERVE CAREFUL TRANSPARENT CONSIDERATION. MANY IN THE COMMUNITY ARE STILL TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE FULL SCOPE OF THIS PROPOSAL.

THAT ALONE TELLS US SOMETHING IMPORTANT.

WE ARE NOT READY TO MAKE THIS DECISION TODAY.

GOOD GOVERNANCE IS NOT ABOUT RUSHING DECISIONS BUT MAKING IMPORTANT INCLUSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE CHOICES.

I RESPECT AND ASK YOU MOVE THIS ITEM FROM TODAY'S AGENDA A LAWFUL PROPER NOTICE AND COMMUNITY INPUT TO ENSURE ANY FUTURE CONSIDERATION REFLECTS BOTH THE NEEDS OF GROWTH AND THE RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE TO PROTECT OUR RESOURCES.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND TIME.

>> KATHY THOMAS. AUSTIN TEXAS.

'S IN REGARD TO THE PROPOSED AGREEMENT FOR HAYS COMMON PLEASE VOTE NO OR PULL IT FROM THE AGENDA UNTIL ALL RELEVANT ECOLOGICAL STUDIES CAN BE COMPLETED AND EVALUATED.

BILLIONAIRE DEVELOPER SHOULD NEVER BE GIVEN VARIANCES THAT EVERYDAY PEOPLE DON'T GET ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO GROUNDWATER. TAKES ONLY ONE BAD DEVELOPER TO DESTROY THE LAND. PULL IT OR VOTE NO.

THANK YOU. >> CAN DISPLAY.

-- -- CANDACE BLAKE. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN HERE SINCE 1985 AND EFFECTIVE PARTY STATUS IN THIS MATTER I WOULD AFFECT -- -- ASK THE ITEM IS TABLED IS PROPER NOTICE WAS NOT PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF HAYS AND MANY RESIDENTS WHICH ARE AFFECTED PARTIES IN THE MATTER. IN ADDITION I OPPOSE ITEM K SEVEN WHICH CONSIDERS GRANTING A VARIANCE TO THE HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO CHANGE THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE SUBDIVISION CHAPTER.

I DEMAND COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING LOT SIZE REGULATIONS AS WELL AS THE SAVE OUR SPRINGS SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.

ALL 500 ACRES OF THE HAYS, PROPOSAL IMPACTS THE RECHARGE ZONE. MILESTONE IS NOT PROVEN TO BE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDERS NOR NO FOR-PROFIT DEVELOPERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE VARIANCES WHICH COULD CAUSE LIKELY HARM TO THE EDWARDS AQUIFER.

PEOPLE RESIDING ON CLEAN WATER FROM WALLS AND A FRAGILE

ECOSYSTEM MUST BE PROTECTED. >> JAN.

CONSIDERATION OF THE COURT. THE LAST THING THE COUNTY NEEDS IS VARIANCES FOR BIG DEVELOPMENT.

HAS ANYONE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO OUR WATER TABLE? WE ARE IN A SEVERE DROUGHT PROGRESS FOR THE QUALITY OF OUR WATER THIS DEVELOPMENT WOULD CERTAINLY ADD TO THE POLLUTION OF OUR AQUIFER BY 150,000 GALLONS UNTREATED SEWAGE PER DAY. 150MILLION GALLONS OF DRAW DOWN OF THE HAYS TRINITY AQUIFER. ALSO THIS WOULD BE HAPPENING OVERSENSITIVE RECHARGE ZONE. PLEASE, I AM HOPEFUL THOSE OF YOU I AM WRITING CARE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY.

THE COMMISSIONER PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT.

>> CATHERINE NICHOLS. I LIVE IN SHOPPER OLD DIVISION JUST DOWN FROM THE SUBDIVISION WHICH I UNDERSTAND IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR AUTHORIZATION OF THE AGREEMENT TO LET THE DEVELOPER DEVELOPED WITH SMALLER LOT SIZES AND IN GREATER DENSITY THAN THEN CODES WOULD NORMALLY ALLOW.

WE WOULD SHARE THE SAME WATER AS THE NEW DEVELOPMENT.

[03:00:15]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

>> ROSA TOOTH - - ROSA THIS ON THOSE WHO CANNOT SPEAK OR WRITE DEPENDING ON WATER TO LIVE. THE TREES AND PLANTS AND ANIMALS AND ALL LIVING ORGANISMS WHO ALSO HELP US SUSTAIN LIFE AND DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE AND NEED TO BE HEARD.

I'M SPEAKING AS A WATER PROTECTOR.

AS A SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY LEADER REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY THAT DEPENDS ON THE EDWARDS AQUIFER TO SURVIVE.

WE HAVE A WELL THAT PROVIDES WATER AND IT IS A DISGRACE TO PRIORITIZE SELFISH INTENTIONS BEFORE PRIORITIZING OUR LIVES.

PLEASE I'M BEGGING YOU TO VOTE NO ON ITEM K. 6.

PLEASE IMMEDIATELY PULL THE ITEM FROM THE AGENDA SO A PUBLIC PROCESS CAN TAKE PLACE. VOTE NO ITEM K. 6.

>> JACLYN RAMIREZ. I AM WRITING YOU TO ASK FOR THE COMMISSIONER COURT TO PLEASE VOTE NO ON ITEM K. 6 OR IMMEDIATELY PULL THE ITEM FROM TOMORROW'S AGENDA TO HAVE PROPER PUBLIC PROCESS CAN TAKE PLACE WITH THE PUBLIC BEING ABLE TO VIEW THE PLANS AND GIVE INPUT ON THEM.

NO PUBLIC PROCESS HAS BEEN FOLLOWED AND THE PLAN WHICH IMPACTS THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO DEPEND ON THE WATERSHED SHOULD NOT BE PUSHED THROUGH WITHOUT ONE.

>> I OPPOSE ITEM K. 6 DUE TO SOCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS.

>> MARY

>> JUDGE BECERRA: HOW PERFECTLY WORDED.

[LAUGHTER] I HAVE THE DILEMMA TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY GETS A CHANCE TO BE HEARD.

BUT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THEM. >> THE LAST ONE IS STEPHEN

BROWN. >> WE RESPECTFULLY URGE YOU TO REMOVE ITEM K-6 FROM CONSIDERATION ON THE APRIL 28, 2026 AGENDA. FIRST ARREST CONSIDERATION IS UNNECESSARY, UNTIMELY AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE.

CURRENTLY PENDING LEGAL ACTION BETWEEN HAYS COMMON AND LOST LAKE RESORT LLC THESE TWO PROCEEDINGS VIOLATE COUNT TWO RULES. THERE'S NO REASON TO GET CITIZENS RILED UP TO BRING IT BACK LATER.

IN ADDITION TO THE SALIENT POINTS OF THE CITY OF HAYS MAYORS LETTER WE POINT TO OTHER DISCREPANCIES POINT -- -- NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND LOT SIZE AREAS WASTEWATER AVAILABILITY AND

DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. >> JUDGE BECERRA: LET'S DO THIS. GIVE HER A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

[APPLAUSE] I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR EIGHT YEARS AND NO ONE HAS HAD TO READ THAT LONG FOR THAT AMOUNT OF CONTENT. SO IF YOU CAN USE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO ENSURE THE PROPER 30 DAY NOTICE GOES OUT TO EVERYONE MOVING FORWARD. WE WILL TABLE IT AND BRING IT BACK IN A MONTH. CAN YOU ENSURE THROUGH DEVELOPMENT SERVICES THAT SOMEBODY OVERSEES THE 30 DAYS

THAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT? >> YES.

IT WILL BE MORE THAN 30 DAYS BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO DO THE NEWSPAPER ADS. IT WILL BE MUCH LONGER.

PROBABLY CLOSER 45 DAYS I WOULD IMAGINE.

BUT I DO WANT TO OFFER SOME POINTS FOR CLARIFICATION.

BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE D DAY, IF THE COURT CHOOSES NOT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS, I WANT THE RESIDENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS. WHAT THAT MEANS IS THEY WILL COME BACK AND NOT REQUEST ANY VARIANCE FROM THE COUNTY.

AND EVERY SQUARE FOOT OF THAT PROPERTY IF NOT IN THE

[03:05:07]

WAS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT NOW, WE HAVE A GUARANTEE WITH SOME OF THE NUMBERS, THEY ARE IN THE DOCUMENT THE OVERALL PROPERTY IS 340 ACRES. UNDER THIS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WE GUARANTEE AND ENSURE 200 WILL STAY AS OPEN GREEN SPACE IN PERPETUITY. IF WE GET ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT PLAN OR THEY CHOOSE TO SUBMIT A PLAT THAT MEETS OUR DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS WITHOUT THE VARIANCE THEN IT WILL COVER EVERY SQUARE INCH OF THAT PROPERTY EXCEPT THE FLOODPLAIN.

I JUST WANT THERE TO BE VERY CLEAR NOTICE OF THAT.

THE OTHER THING IS IF WE CONSIDERED ITEM NUMBER SEVEN WAS BE VERY DIRECT THERE HAS BEEN NO PUBLIC DEBATE OTHER THAN IT BEING PUT ON THE AGENDA AND THE FIRST TIME IT WAS INTRODUCED BY THE JUDGE HE ACTUALLY PUT IT ON AS THE EXECUTIVE AGENDA ITEM.

WHERE WE WOULD HAVE A CONVERSATION OR DEBATED WHICH IS INCORRECT. THE REASON IT IS TIED WITH STATUTE TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS FAR AS I'M CONCERNED THE COUNTY AND OUR COMMUNITY GETS MORE OUT OF THIS THAN WE WOULD OTHERWISE.

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE NEIGHBORS, WE DON'T ENFORCE DEED RESTRICTIONS OR EASEMENTS. WE CANNOT BY LAW.

WE ARE SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITED BY LAW FROM DOING THAT.

THOSE ARE CIVIL CONTRACTS BETWEEN TWO INDIVIDUAL PARTIES THAT WE ARE SPECIFICALLY TOLD BY THE STATE OF TEXAS WE CANNOT TOUCH. SO I FEEL YOUR PAIN.

BELIEVE ME. I HAVE BEEN IN DISPUTES WITH NEIGHBORS BEFORE OVER EASEMENTS ON THE PROPERTY I HAVE IN HILL COUNTY. BUT WE AS A COURT AND OUR DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS CANNOT ADDRESS THOSE INDIVIDUAL THINGS. WANT TO CLARIFY THAT.

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE CHASE FROM OUR LEGAL DEPARTMENT WALK-THROUGH JUST OUR CITIZENS UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROCESS WILL LOOK LIKE FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS. CHASE IS WITH OUR OFFICE I'M SORRY THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. IS AT THE RIGHT TITLE?

>> GOOD MORNING, COURT I AM WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY WITH THE CIVIL DIVISION. HE'S WANTS TO WALK THROUGH THE PUBLIC NOTICE IT IS THE TWO DIFFERENT FORMS THERE IS A WRITTEN NOTICE WHICH IS A DIRECT MAILER TO THE PROPERTIES CONTIGUOUS WITH THE ACTUAL PROPERTY AT ISSUE THEN THE PUBLISH NOTICE WHICH IS A NEWSPAPER NOTICE THAT RUNS TWICE DURING THAT 30 OR 45 DAY PERIOD AND IT HAS TO INCLUDE THE DAYTIME LOCATION WHEN THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WOULD CONSIDER THE PARTIES OF THEIR PROPOSED AND ANY PROVISIONS THAT WOULD AUTHORIZE ANY SORT OF VARIANCES AND IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS AND CORRESPONDING COST OF WHICH THE COUNTY WOULD PARTICIPATE THEY ARE COST-SAVING MECHANISMS SO ONCE IT IS RUN THAT WOULD SATISFY OUR LOCAL RAGS.

>> WHEN THIS COMES BACK AFTER THAT PERIOD THEN I WOULD ASSUME IT WILL BE THE TUESDAY AND ABOUT 45 DAYS.

AND WHEN IT DOES BECAUSE UNDER TEXAS OPEN MEETING ACTIVE WILL BE PUBLISHED THE SAME AS IT WAS LAST WEEK FOR THIS MEETING.

AND GENERALLY WHEN DO WE POST THE AGENDA FOR TUESDAY MEETING?

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON? >> THREE FULL BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR. SO JUST FOR CLARIFICATION WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ALL UNDERSTOOD THAT.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY TO REITERATE TO COMMISSIONER SMITH, 100 PERCENT WE WANT TO PROTECT EVERYTHING WE CAN I WILL ALWAYS HAVE THAT TYPE OF MENTALITY.

BUT IT IS TRUE AND IT IS A VERY SAD TRUTH WE ARE ONLY GRANTED THE POWERS FROM THE COUNTY FROM THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE AND THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION AND THAT'S IT.

SO WORKING WITH THE STATE REPS THAT SUPPORT COUNTY AND LOCAL

[03:10:01]

BUT I WILL ALSO SAY SOMETIMES IT WOULD BE GREAT JUST TO DENY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS TO LOOK LIKE A GOOD PERSON BUT IT'S ALSO HARD TO BALANCE THOSE THINGS. BECAUSE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DENY THAT WHAT DOES THAT REPERCUSSION LOOK LIKE? IT'S A PUBLIC PROCESS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE EDUCATING CONSTITUENTS AND SITTING DOWN WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE THESE WORRIES AND CONCERNS WHO SAY LET'S LAY IT OUT.

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IF WE DO SAY NO? IS THERE ANY OTHER A LOT WE COULD TAKE TO SEE IF THERE IS LOOPHOLES? THAT IS OUR JOBS AND WHAT WE ARE

DESIGNED TO DO. >> JUDGE BECERRA: ANY OTHER

COMMISSIONERS? >> CMSR COHEN: I THINK JUST FOR ME PERSONALLY LOOKING AT THIS IN THE PAST THERE IS A LOT OF CONCERN ABOUT THIS PROPERTY AND DEVELOP ARE SPECIFICALLY I FEEL AS A COURT WE NEED TO LOOK MORE INTO.

I DO FEEL THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS OUR RETURN -- -- INTERNAL PROCESSES TO NOTIFY THE PUBLIC ON SUCH DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS THIS. I AM GLAD YOU ARE TABLING IT IN THAT WAY WE CAN GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT WE ARE DEALING WITH AND WHAT OUR OPTIONS ARE AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER I WOULD ADD FOR CLARIFICATION SOMEBODY SAID EARLIER WE CONSIDERED A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IN 2023. THAT IS INCORRECT IT WAS A PRELIMINARY PLAT BROUGHT TO US. I AM 99 PERCENT SURE BUT WE HAVE NEVER CONSIDERED A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR THIS PROPERTY

BEFORE. >> I GUESS I HAVE CONCERNS ALSO I THINK SOMEONE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE WATER AVAILABILITY STUDY HAD NOT BEEN SUBMITTED. I'M NOT SURE IF THAT IS ACCURATE OR NOT. BUT THAT IS A CONCERN OF MINE.

THE NOTIFICATION OF COURSE IT WAS OUTLINED WELL THAT IF OTHERS DID NOT GET NOTIFIED, ESPECIALLY WORKING WITH THE CITY OF HAYS AND BARTON SPRINGS AQUIFER CONSERVATION DISTRICT AND OTHERS THAT HAVE A KEY ROLE TO PLAY I THINK WE OUGHT TO MAKE IT A POINT TO NOTIFY SOME OF THOSE ENTITIES THAT WE KNOW WE ARE WORKING WITH. WAS REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE EASEMENT COMMENT. SO WHAT WAS SUBMITTED TO US IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS SO IT IS VERY CONCERNING AND I WILL SAY MINIMUM LOT SIZES WERE PUT INTO PLACE TO PROTECT OUR GROUNDWATER AND WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT AND JUST LOOK VERY CLOSELY AT HOW WE

[K.1. Discussion and possible action to establish court fees for the Hays County DWI & Drug Courts pursuant to Texas Government Code 123.004. HALL/BECERRA/INGALSBE]

RECHARGE ZONE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE OPEN K NUMBER ONE. DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO ESTABLISH COURT FINES FOR THE HAYS COUNTY DRUG COURTS.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: JUDGE APPROACHED THE PODIUM.

>> THIS IS AN MINISTERIAL ACTION.

MY UNDERSTANDING FROM THE AUDITOR AND TREASURERS DEPARTMENT WE HAVE TO HAVE A LINE ITEM ON THE BUDGET FOR MONEY THAT YOU APPROVED WITH THE CHECKBOX ON THE JURORS CARD WHERE THEY LOGIN TO DONATE THEIR FEE.

BUT WE HAVE TO HAVE A LINE ON THEIR IN THE BUDGET TO PUT IT IN I GUESS THAT'S WHAT IT'S FOR. WILL GIVE YOU MY PERSONAL OPINION ON WHY I'M HERE OTHER THAN A HAVE TO BE I WAS TOLD.

SO I'M HERE ASKING FOR YOUR APPROVAL AND WHY THAT WAS NOT A

PART OF IT THE FIRST TIME. >> JUDGE BECERRA: BEAUTIFUL AND

THANK YOU. >> I APPRECIATE, JUDGE.

PUTTING REASONABLE FEES AND HERE I THINK IT IS GREAT AND IT SHOULD OF BEEN DONE PREVIOUSLY AND HERE WE ARE.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.15. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Service Agreement (RFP 2026-P02), ACT Hosting Agreement, and a Service & Support Level Specification Agreement (SSLA) with Appraisal and Collection Technologies (ACT), LLC for RFP 2026-P02 Property Tax Collection Software in the amount of $50,000.00 for implementation costs, and $75,000 annual maintenance and amend the budget accordingly. BECERRA/ESCOBAR/HUNT]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: K 15. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A SERVICE AGREEMENT RFP 2026 - - P 22 AT HOSTING AGREEMENT AND SERVICE SUPPORT LEVEL SPECIFICATION

[03:15:04]

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: DO WANT TO SPEAK? WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO. [LAUGHTER]

>> STEPHANIE HUNT PURCHASING AGENT.

WE BROUGHT THE RECOMMENDATION BACK TO THE BOARD A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM TO SOLIDIFY THE AGREEMENT SO THE TAX OFFICE BEFORE WITH IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THIS IS THE CONTRACT THAT LEGAL HAS APPROVED AND REVIEWED AND

THE TAX OFFICE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: ANYTHING TO ADD COMMISSIONERS? PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

RECORDED VOTE). >> JUDGE BECERRA: NOW THOSE I HAVE RECEIVED TEXT ON IS THERE A SEQUENCE YOU WOULD LIKE

OTHERWISE I WILL OPEN THE SLATE. >> CAN WE DO K 11.

[K.11.Discussion and possible action to approve Facilities and Resource Management to repair the failed Roof Top Unit (RTU) #5 located at the Government Center in the amount of $53,850.00 and amend the budget accordingly. HAMMER/T.CRUMLEY]

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROE FACILITIES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR THE FAILED ROOFTOP UNIT NUMBER FIVE LOCATED AT THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND THE AMOUNT OF $53850 AND AMEND THE

BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. THIS IS ORIGINAL TO THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND IT HAS REACHED END OF LIFE SERVICE FOR US AND WERE ASKING FOR AUTHORIZATION TO HAVE IT

REPLACED. >> TO ANTICIPATE I KNOW IT'S A FIRST ONE HOW MANY OF THOSE HAVE WE REPLACED ALREADY AND HOW MANY ARE ABOUT READY TO DIE? I THINK ALL OF THEM ARE GOING TO HIT END-OF-LIFE ABOUT THE SAME TIME.

>> SOMETIMES IS NOT THE ENTIRE UNIT.

SOMETIMES IT SQUEALS OR COMPRESSOR.

HAVE IT OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD COMPLETELY REPLACE BUT I CAN GET

THAT FOR YOU. >> AS YOU LOOK AT YOUR BUDGET THIS YEAR THERE ARE SEVERAL WE HAVE HAD TO DO THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS. I'M JUST STARTING TO ANTICIPATE

BECAUSE IT WILL START COMING. >> YES OR -- -- YES SIR.

[CONSENT ITEMS]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE VOTE) I MOVED TO OPEN THE SLATE G AS A WHOLE BLOCK UNLESS SOMEBODY WANT SOMETHING TO PULL OUT?

ONE THROUGH 24. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANYBODY SIGN UP FOR ANY OF THOSE ITEMS.

>> WE HAVE G8. >> HE HAS GONE.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON ANY OTHER ITEMS, COMMISSIONERS? TELL ME HOW I JUSTIFY THIS TO

THE PUBLIC'S. >> I CAN SPEAK ABOUT IT.

BEFORE ANYONE DECIDED TO GO TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE I HAD ONE MONTH PREVIOUSLY ALREADY REGISTERED AND BOOKED MY HOTEL AND PURCHASED MY AIRLINE TICKET.

AT THAT TIME SINCE NOBODY ELSE FROM THE COUNTY WAS GOING I ASKED MY STAFF IF ONE OF THEM COULD ACCOMPANY ME TO A CONFERENCE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT ALLISON WOULD GO.

SHE PURCHASED HER OWN AIR FLIGHT OR AIRLINE TICKET.

BUT I FELT THAT IT WAS ONLY FAIR THAT THE COUNTY PAY FOR THE REGISTRATION. I DIDN'T EVEN ASK FOR PER DM.

THE AGENDA WAS WRITTEN WITH THE PER DIEM.

SO SHE COULD GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF GOING TO THE CONFERENCE AND LEARNING AND DOING THE TRAINING THAT I

[03:20:04]

AND I WILL SAY WHEN HOURS TRIED TO LEARN HER JOB THROUGH MY OFFICE.

I THINK IT IS A BENEFIT TO HAVE SOMEONE GO WITH ME THAT IS WILLING TO SIT IN. I THINK WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE OUR EMPLOYEES TO GO MORE OFTEN TO TRAINING, JUDGE.

THAT IS WHY IT IS ON THE AGENDA. IF ANYBODY HAS FURTHER QUESTIONS I AM HAPPY TO ANSWER THEM. EVERY YEAR WE SEND HUNDREDS OF EMPLOYEES TO TRAINING, OUT-OF-STATE.

AND I HOPE THEY GET THE BENEFIT TO COME BACK TO BRING TO THE COUNTY AND OUR OFFICES. SPEAKING TO COMMISSIONER COHAN AND I THIS IS WHY THIS AGENDA ITEM IS ON.

I PLAN THIS ONE MONTH BEFORE ANYBODY HAD DETERMINED TO GO.

IF I KNEW SOMEBODY ELSE WOULD GO.

I HAVE BEEN REPRESENTING THE LAST THREE YEARS I HAVE NOT HAD ANY EXPENSIVE PAID FOR BY THE COUNTY BECAUSE I WAS A MEMBER OR A BOARD MEMBER OF THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES AND THEY PAID MY ENTIRE COST. SO I JUST FELT THIS WAS AN

OPPORTUNITY. >> JUDGE BECERRA: THAT'S WHY I ASK. BECAUSE THE WAY IT IS WRITTEN IT SOUNDED LIKE WE WOULD PAY FOR ALL OF IT.

SO YOU SPEAKING THE 40 PURCHASED THEIR OWN TICKET IS MUCH MORE

PALATABLE. >> AND I WILL SAY SHE LOOKED FOR PRICING OF THESE AIRLINE TIC TICKETS.

AND EACH TICKET BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE TO THE COUNTY WAS $190.

BUT WE COULD HAVE SPENT MORE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU FOR SHEDDING LIGHT ON THAT. THAT'S THE ANSWER I WAS LOOKING FOR FROM THE AGENDA. ANYTHING ELSE? THIS WILL BE A VOTE ON THE SLATE.

CALL THE ROLE. >>

>> I AM RECUSING MYSELF FROM G1 WITH A FAMILY MEMBER BUT YES TO

EVERYTHING ELSE. >> WITH K3 AND K EIGHT.

[Items K.3. & K.8.]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: "-LEFT-DOUBLE-QUOTE.

>> THE ENGAGEMENT LETTER BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BAKER MORAN RELATED TO GENERAL COUNTY LITIGATION MATTERS INCLUDING PROPERTY RELATED DISPUTES, ACQUISITIONS, NEGOTIAN

AND OTHER REAL ESTATE MATTERS. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: WHO WOULD LIKE

TO SPEAK ON THIS? >> JORDAN POWELL.

JUST FOR CLARITY PURPOSES AND WE HAVE THE FIRM HERE IN CASE ANYONE HAS QUESTIONS, WE HAD A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS ABOUT TRYING TO ENHANCE OUR REAL ESTATE MATTERS AND CONDEMNATION AND EMINENT DOMAIN ASSISTANCE WE USE OUTSIDE COUNSEL FOR.

WE HAD A ROTATION OF FIRMS BEFORE FOR VARIOUS REASONS THEY HAVE DROPPED OFF. THIS IS ONE OF THE FIRMS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH TO BRING BACK.

SOME STAFF ARE ATTORNEYS THAT THE COUNTY HAS WORKED WITHIN THE PAST THAT HAS CHANGED GROUPS. SO THIS IS US TRYING TO STRENGTHEN THE PROFILE FOR OUTSIDE COUNSEL RELATED TO THE MATTERS I JUST WANT TO SEE IF THE COURT HAD ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE FIRM BECAUSE THERE IS A REPRESENTATIVE HERE IF YOU DO.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU FOR CALLING THIS UP.

THIS IS K3. >> THIS IS MORE CLEANUP THAN

ANYTHING. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

>> JUDGE BECERRA: AND NOW K EIGHT?

LET'S GO THERE NEXT. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE LAND SWAP AGREEMENT BETWEEN QUALITY DEVELOPMENTS AND HE'S COUNTY RELATED TO THE EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY IN CONNECTION WITH A ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

[03:25:01]

BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. >> .

>> AND OTHERS DIFFERENT TYPES OF LAND VERSUS WHAT WE ARE TAKING ON VERSUS WHAT WE ARE GETTING THERE IS A DOLLAR AMOUNT

ASSOCIATED WITH THAT. >> JUDGE BECERRA: ALL RIGHT.

CALL THE ROLE

>> I AM RECUSING IT IS ADJACENT TO MY HOME PROPERTY.

[J.1. PLN-2850-NP; Discussion and possible action to consider granting variance requests to the Hays County Development Regulations Chapter 705 § 5.03(J) and Chapter 721 § 5.05(8) for the Haberer Family Subdivision, Final Plat. COHEN/BERLAD]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: SUBDIVISIONS J ONE.

>> PLN DASH 2850 - - NP DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONSIDER GRANTING THE VARIANCE REQUEST TO THE HE'S COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS CHAPTER 705 SUBCHAPTER 503 J AND CHAPTER 721 SUBCHAPTER FIVE.ZERO FIVE BE FOR THE - - FAMILY SUBDIVISION

FINAL PLAT. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE BECERRA AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM THE SENIOR PLANNER.

THE FAMILY SUBDIVISION SEEKS THREE LOTS OVER 7 ACRES LOCATED OFF TO HER - - WATER UTILITIES ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH SPECIAL UTILITY DISTRICT AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH INDIVIDUAL ON-SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES.

THE APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER REQUESTING A VARIANCE IN REGARD TO LOT TWO OF THE PROPOSED PLOT WHICH HAS 60 FEET OF FRONTAGE ON TOO - - ROAD ACCORDING TO OUR DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS IS A MINOR COLLECTOR WORD IS A MINIMUM LOT FRONTAGE OF 100 FEET FOR ADEQUATE DRIVEWAY SPACE FROM THE HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS. THAT PARTICULAR REGULATION STATES THAT CERTIFICATION THAT EACH LOT SHOWN ON THE PLAT HAS ADEQUATE FRONTAGE TO ALLOW FOR COMPLIANCE WITH DRIVEWAY SPACING REQUIREMENTS. THE SECOND PART OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST BOTH LOTS TWO AND THREE ARE PROPOSED INTO CONFIGURATIONS WHICH IS IN CONFLICT WITH HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS CHAPTER 71 SUBCHAPTER 505 B WHICH STATES LOTS SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED EXCEPT OF PER APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT WITH THE INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE REGULATIONS INITIAL ADVISE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF THE PROPOSE LOT CONSTITUTES A FLAG LOT AND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT SHALL AND REVIEWING ALL CIRCUMSTANCES MAKE THE FINAL DETERMINATION.

>> I JUST WANT TO ADD THIS HAS BEEN IN THE FAMILY SINCE 1952 AND THEN IT WAS DISTRIBUTED TO THE CURRENT OWNERS FATHER THROUGH A DISTRIBUTION DEED IN 2012 THEY HAVE SINCE PASSED AWAY AND THE TRUST LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT DETAILS THAT THE PROPERTY IS NOT CHANGING FROM THE EXISTING USE.

SO I AM IN SUPPORT OF THE VARIANCE REQUEST.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: IS THERE NO OTHER WAY TO DESIGN IT NOT TO

HAVE FLAGGED LOTS? >> THE FRONT OF IT IS TOO SMALL.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: THAT'S THE PURPOSE BUT IS THERE ANOTHER

CONFIGURATION? >> I AM NOT A SURVEYOR.

I AM NOT PRIVILEGE TO SAY. >> I THINK WE HAVE SOMEONE HERE

WHO WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK. >> JUDGE BECERRA: STATE YOUR

NAME AND TITLE. >> I AM FROM - - CONSULTANTS.

I AM THE ENGINEER REPRESENTING THE SURVEYOR JUDGE AND COMMISSION AND WE APPRECIATE THE TIME TO DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR CONSIDERATION. WE WORKED WITH THE FAMILY.

THEY ARE HERE IN THE BACK. THERE IS EXISTING HOMES FROM THE COUNTY ROAD AND THAT'S WHY WE COULD NOT CONFIGURE IT.

WE HAVE TO CUT THROUGH SOME STRUCTURES AND SEPTIC FIELDS.

WE MAPPED IT WORKING WITH THE COUNTY AND THE CITY.

WE HAVE THIS PLAT UNDER THE CITY PROCESS AND WE ARE ASKING FOR A FEW VARIANCES THERE. BUT REALLY JUST TRY TO MEET THE SPIRIT OF THE WILL THE PARENTS HAD AN IDEA HOW THEY WANTED TO SPLIT UP BETWEEN THE THREE SIBLINGS AND THIS SPEEDS THAT

SPIRIT AS CLOSELY AS WE CAN. >> JUDGE BECERRA: SO EACH FLAG

[03:30:06]

LOT IS WHAT? >> THERE IS A 60-FOOT CONFIGURATION AND SERVING TO REAR LOTS.

THE ONE LOT ADJACENT TO THE ROADWAY HAS DIRECT ACCESS.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: 60 LOT FOR TWO ENTRANCES THAT'S NOT TERRIBLE.

>> THAT IS A VERY GOOD WITH. >> JUDGE BECERRA: IT SOUNDED WORSE THAN IT IS. THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING.

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? >> I'M LOOKING AT THE MAP IT DOES NOT LOOK GREAT IT IS A BAD CONFIGURATION.

>> THIS IS IT. >> I PROBABLY HAVE MORE FLAG LOTS IN THE PRECINCT THAN ANYBODY.

I FIND THEM A LOT BUT THAT IS A DOUBLE FLAG CONFIGURATION I WOULD SAY. UNDERSTANDING THERE IS AN EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD AND I KNOW DEVELOPMENT SERVICES HEARS ME SAY THIS ALL THE TIME BUT I WILL REITERATE, WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THINGS THAT WERE DONE AND 40 YEARS AGO ALL THE TIME.

THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF ONE YOUR NEIGHBORS MADE THIS FOR YOU. AND UNDERSTAND THE OWNERS CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. BUT I NEVER WANT TO SEE ONE OF

THESE. >> WE DIDN'T EITHER BUT IT IS A

STRANGE CONFIGURATION. >> FROM A PERSONAL STANDPOINT I FEEL IT IS A LOT MORE PALATABLE WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT PEOPLE THAT ARE IN HARDSHIPS TRYING TO GET OUT OF IT.

>> IS DIFFERENT THAN YOU MAKING A HARDSHIP.

>> TRYING TO CLEAN UP A PROBLEM YOU DID NOT CREATE.

>> I APPRECIATE THAT AND HAVING IT PLAT IS BETTER THAN NOT.

>> I AGREE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: IF NO OTHER COMMENTS PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[J.2. PLN-2914-NP; Ratify Approval of the Cunniff Estates, Final Plat. INGALSBE/BERLAD]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GREAT DAY.

PLEASE OPEN J TWO. >> PLN - - 2914 - - NP RATIFY APPROVAL OF THE

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[J.3. PLN-2745-PC; Ratify approval for the Pioneer Ranches, Section 1, Lot 26A Replat. HAMMER/BERLAD]

VOTE). >> JUDGE BECERRA: J THREE.

>> PLN - - 2745 -- -- PC RATIFY APPROVAL OF THE PIONEER RANCHES

SECTION ONE LOT 26 A WE PLAT. >> MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.2. Discussion and possible action to approve polling locations and schedule for early voting for the Primary Runoff election to be held on May 26, 2026. Early Voting will run from May 18th to May 22nd. HAMMER/DOINOFF]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: K TWO. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE POLLING LOCATIONS AND SCHEDULED FOR EARLY VOTING FOR THE PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 26, 2026.

EARLY VOTING WILL RUN FROM 18 THROUGH MAY 22.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: WE HAVE SOMEONE FROM ELECTIONS HERE?

>> I DON'T BELIEVE SO. I KNOW BOTH PARTY CHAIRS WERE

TALKED TO AND AGREED. >> JUDGE BECERRA: I KNOW WE WERE OUT THERE AT DRIFTWOOD AND THEY SPENT A LOT OF MONEY TO GET A PLACE READY AND I WANT TO KNOW IF WE CAN USE IT.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF THEY CAN YET.

THE PROBLEM IS DRIFTWOOD ALREADY INSTALLED ENTRANCES AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS BUT THEY HAVE TO REDO THE PARKING LOT AND THAT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THEN THERE HOPING TO HAVE IT DONE BY

NOVEMBER. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE. I'M SORRY.

GO AHEAD JORDAN. >> WE ARE ADDING TO THE MOTION THE APPROVAL OF RENTAL FEES FOR ANY OF THE FACILITIES THAT IS REQUIRED TO PAY I BELIEVE THE ONLY ONE IS SON FIELD STATION BUT JUST AN ABUDANCE OF CAUTION IF THE COURT WAS WILLING TO

APPROVE THAT AS WELL. >> JUDGE BECERRA: THE AMENDMENT FOR ADDITIONAL FEES IF THEY APPLY.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLE. >>

[K.4. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of engagement letters and file transfer authorizations between Hays County and Michael Best & Friedrich LLP related to general County litigation matters. INGALSBE]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: K NUMBER FOUR.

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF ENGAGEMENT LETTERS AND FILE TRANSFER AUTHORIZATIONS BETWEEN HIS COUNTY AND MICHAEL BEST AND FREDERICK LLP RELATED TO GENERAL

[03:35:05]

COUNTY LITIGATION MATTERS. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE SO THE LEGAL COUNSEL ON LITIGATION MATTERS HAS CHANGED LAW FIRMS SO WE ARE JUST

FOLLOWING HIM. >> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU.

>> FOR CLARIFICATION IT WILL ALLOW BOTH THE OLD FIRM AND THE NEW FIRM THAT ARE KNEE-DEEP IN LITIGATION ALLOWS THEM TO WORK TOGETHER IS WHAT THE FILE TRANSFER COVERS.

[K.5. Discussion and possible action delegating signature authority to the Hays County Transportation Department for governmental agency curation agreements with state-affiliated curating facilities for transfer of archeological collections and items associated with road projects. HAMMER/A.JONES]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: I APPRECIATE THAT.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION DELEGATING SIGNATURE AUTHORITY TO THE HAYS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT FOR GOVERNMENTAL AG DURATION AGREEMENTS FOR STATE AFFILIATED COMMITTEE FACILITIES FOR TRANSFER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS AND ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ROAD PROJECT.

>> SO MOVED. >> THIS JUST MAKES IT MORE

EFFICIENT PROCESS. >> RIGHT NOW JUDGE, IT IS ABOUT THE COURT EACH INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONER BRINGS IT.

THE REASON WE BROUGHT THESE TO THE COURT IS TO EXPEDITE THE EASE AND IT MAKES IT EASIER WITH THE REVIEW FROM THE DEPARTMENT IT IS QUICKER AND EASIER AND STREAMLINE.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.9. Discussion and possible action to authorize a Transportation Engineering Technician, Colten Ruff, to take home a county-issued vehicle to his residence outside the County. HAMMER/A.JONES]

VOTE) CANINE. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE A TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN TO TAKE HOME A COUNTY ISSUED THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE OUTSIDE THE

COUNTY. >> JUDGE BECERRA: WHAT IS THE

DISTANCE? >> RIGHT NOW I BELIEVE IT IS 26 MILES. ROUGHLY 6 MILES PAST THE

DISTANCE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: BEYOND THE

LIMIT IS 6 MILES. >> NOT 26 MILES IT IS 6 MILES

PAST. >> JUDGE BECERRA: GOT IT.

[K.10. Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a grant award from the Texas Department of Agriculture, FY24 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grants in the amount of $25,982.00 and amend the budget accordingly. INGALSBE/BOUTTE/WARE]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: CALL THE ROLE

10. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ACCEPTANCE OF A GRANT AWARD FROM THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FY 24 NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE GRANTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25982 AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> THEY WERE AWARDED A GRANT AND WILL PURCHASE TWO REFRIGERATORS AND TWO STEAMERS WITH THIS AW AWARD.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.12. Discussion and possible action to authorize the Health Department to purchase consumable items for community engagement events throughout the remainder of the fiscal year. COHEN/GONZALES/HUNT]

RECORDED VOTE) K 12. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE CONSUMABLE ITEMS FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFENSE THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF THE

FISCAL YEAR. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE. I GET THE IDEA

RECORDED VOTE). >> GIVE ME A MINUTE.

WHAT ARE WE BUYING? >> JUDGE BECERRA: M&MS.

>> THE ANSWER IS NO. >> THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR WHAT WE ARE BUYING IS MOSQUITO KIDS SO FOR OUR EVENTS WE ARE TRYING TO BE PREVENTATIVE'S.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: YES. >> YES.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU WHERE ARE WE?

[I.8. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Engineering Services (2026-PSA- 73) between Hays County and BGE, Inc. to provide design services for the Hillside Terrace project in Precinct 2. COHEN/A.JONES]

TERRACE PROJECT INCREASING TO. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: ANYTHING ELSE

TO ADD? >> JUST THE EXECUTION FOR THE ENGINEERING CONTRACT FOR HILLSIDE TERRACE DESIGN SER

SERVICES. >> JUDGE BECERRA: OKAY.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.13. Discussion and possible action to authorize the Human Resources Department to purchase a new employee badge printer, software, and support services from ID Wholesaler in the amount of $2,630.10, authorize a waiver to the purchasing policy of obtaining three quotes; and amend the budget accordingly. BECERRA/GRANJENO]

NOW CONTINUE. WE ARE ON 13?

[03:40:10]

K 13. >> DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE HUMANRESOURCES DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE A NEW EMPLOYEE BADGE PRINTER, SOFTWARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES FROM ID WHOLESALER IN THE AMOUNT OF $2630.10, AUTHORIZE A WAIVER TO THE PURCHASING POLICY OF OBTAINING THREE QUOTES, AND

AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: MOTION AND SECOND. CALL THE ROLE

RECORDED VOTE) K 14. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO

[K.14. Discussion and possible action to execute a Master lnterlocal Purchasing Agreement between Hays County and North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to allow County departments to utilize any formally procured contracts. BECERRA/HUNT]

CONTRACTS. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: AND THAT IS THE SHUTTLE BY ACCESS? RIGHT?

>> I KNOW EVERYBODY USES IT AS A MANY DIFFERENT CO-OPS THAT WE ARE A PART OF. AND THIS IS JUST TO ALLOW US TO JOIN THIS ONE. THEY HAVE A LOT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, 911, IT, CONTRACTS. SO WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO UTILIZE THESE IF POSSIBLE SO WE HAVE TO SIGN A MASTER SERVICE AGREEMENT

TO BE IN THE PURCHASING CO-OP. >> JUDGE BECERRA: SUPERSMART.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.16. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Second Amendment to the Contract for Recovery Focused Services and Transport with A Better Boat, LLC; authorize the execution of a corrected First Amendment to the Contract for Mental Health Services with Axis of Mental Healthcare, PLLC; and authorize the termination of the Contract for Men's Sober Living Transition Housing with Horton House 501 c3 for the County Court at Law Mental Health Court Program. INGALSBE/COHEN/BROWN/HUNT]

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT FOR RECOVERY FOCUSED SERVICES AND TRANSPORT WITH A BETTER BOAT LLC COME AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A CORRECTED FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT FOR MENTAL HOLD -- -- MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES WITH AXIS OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE AND OPERATION THE TERMINATION OF CONTRACT FOR MEN'S SOBER LIVING TRANSITION HOUSING WITH HORTON HOUSE 501(C)3 FOR THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW MENTAL HEALTH COURT PROGRAM.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY. [INDISCERNABLE]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[K.17. Discussion and possible action to award and execute a contract for IFB 2026-B02 Bear Creek - Low Water Crossing between Hays County and E-Z Bel Construction, LLC, total amount $1,112,417.00. SMITH/A.JONES/HUNT]

VOTE) K 17. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD AND EXECUTED CONTRACT FOR IFB 2026 - - BE ZERO TWO BEAR CREEK LOW WATER CROSSING BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND EASY BELL CONSTRUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,112,417.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: 2019 BOND? >> IT SHOULD SAY 2016.

>> SEE WHAT THE BACKUP SAYS. >> THAT IS THE NAME OF THE FUND.

I THINK THAT WAS THE SECOND TRANCHE OF THE 2016 ROAD BOND.

>> MAYBE TAKE AN EXTRA MOMENT IN THE FUTURE TO CLARIFY BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS WE DIDN'T HAVE A BOND IN

19. >> UNDERSTANDABLE.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU FOR THAT.

I APPRECIATE IT. >> EIGHT RESPONSES TOTAL AND THEY CAME IN WELL BELOW I LIKE THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS

WILL HAVE THE ESOPHAGUS PUNCH. >> ACTUALLY THIS IS A LOW WATER CROSSING PAID FOR WITH THE 2016 ROAD BOND.

>>

[I.1. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of an Advance Funding Agreement and associated Resolution, by and between the State of Texas, acting by and through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Hays County for the Old Kyle Road (RM 12 to Blue Hole Lane) Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) project. HAMMER/A.JONES]

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF ADVANCE FUNDING AGREEMENT AND ASSOCIATED RESOLUTION BOND BETWEEN THE STATE OF TEXAS, ACTING BY INTO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND HAYS COUNTY FOR THE OLD KYLE ROAD RM 12 TO BLUE WHOLE LANE CARBON REDUCTION PROGRAM PROJECT.

>> MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD?

>> NOT REALLY. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[I.2. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Lockwood, Andrews, and Newnam, Inc. to provide Right-of-Way acquisition for the High Road project in Precinct 1; and authorize staff and counsel to negotiate a contract. INGALSBE/A.JONES]

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF LOCKWOOD ANDREWS AND NEWMAN IN TO PROVIDE RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION FOR THE RIGHT OF ROAD PROJECT PRECINCT NUMBER ONE

[03:45:01]

>> MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[I.3. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Spitzer and Associates, Inc. to provide Right-of-Way services for the William Pettus project in Precinct 1; and authorize staff and counsel to negotiate a contract. INGALSBE/A.JONES]

VOTE). >> JUDGE BECERRA: THAT IS A BEAUTIFULLY WELL-WRITTEN AND AGENDA ITEM I THREE.

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF SPITZER AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE RIGHT-OF-WAY SERVICES FOR THE WILLIAM PETTIS PRECINCT ONE AND AUTHORIZE STAFFING COUNSEL TO

NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT. >> JUDGE BECERRA: I LIKE THAT IDEA. PLEASE OPEN IT UP.

PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[I.4. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of HDR Engineering, Inc. to provide engineering services for the Robert S. Light Boulevard project in Precinct 4; and authorize staff and counsel to negotiate a contract. SMITH/A.JONES]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: AND I NUMBER FOUR.

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF HDR ENGINEERING INC. TO PROVIDE IN SHARING SERVICES FOR THE ROBERT S LIGHT BELOW FOR THE PROJECT AND PRECINCT FOR TWO AUTHORIZE STAFFING COUNSEL TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT.

>> WHAT PART ARE YOU WORKING ON?

WHAT IS IT? >> AARON JOHN TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR THIS IS TO BRING THE ENGINEER ON RECORD FOR THE PROJECT THAT WE DID PREVIOUSLY. WHAT WE'RE DOING NOW IS IN THE PROCESS OF EMINENT DOMAIN AND WE NEED TO BRING THEM BACK SO THEY

CAN HELP US WITH THE PROCESS. >> WHEN I INHERITED THE PROJECT I'M NOT SURE HOW MANY PARCELS OR WHATEVER ARE STILL LEFT OUTSTANDING. THIS SHOULD BE THE FINAL CLEANUP

FOR THAT PROJECT. >> THEY'VE HAD DEPOSITIONS AND EVERYTHING WE'VE NEEDED SENSE. THE MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS THAT HAVE LEFT OR RETIRED AND WE ARE BRINGING THEM ON TO HELP US WITH

THE BACK STORY. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[I.5. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Design Services (2026-PSA-70) between Hays County and Kimley-Horn and Associates to provide design engineering services for the FM 2001 East project in Precinct 1. INGALSBE/A.JONES]

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES 2026 - - PSA - - 70 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND MCKINLEY HORN AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE FM 2001 EAST PROJECT AND PRECINCT

ONE. >> THIS HAS BEEN A NEGOTIATED CONTRACT THAT HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK.

>> >> JUDGE BECERRA: THANK YOU COMMISSIONER PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[I.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Engineering Services (2026-PSA- 72) between Hays County and DCCM Infrastructure, Inc. to provide utility coordination services for the Windy Hill Interim project in Precinct 2. COHEN/A.JONES]

I SIX. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES 2026 - - PSA - - 72 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND THE CCM INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO PROVIDE UTILITY COORDINATION SERVICES FOR THE WINDY HILL INTERIM PROJECT AND PRECINCT TWO.

>> SECOND. >> MOVED.

[I.7. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Engineering Services (2026-PSA- 7 4) between Hays County and Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. to provide Utility Coordination services for the Hillside Terrace project in Precinct 2. COHEN/A.JONES]

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

VOTE) I SEVEN. >> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES 2026 - - PSA - - 74 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND COBB FINDLAY AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE UTILITY COORDINATION SERVICES FOR THE HILLSIDE TERRACE PROJECT OF PRECINCT

[I.9. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Professional Services Agreement (2026-PSA- 51) between Hays County and Garver, LLC to provide Construction, Engineering, and Inspection services (CEI) on the Main Street at Firecracker Traffic Signal project in Precinct 2. COHEN/A.JONES]

TWO. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

>> DISCUSSION POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGRE AGREEMENT, 2026 - - PSA - - 51 BETWEEN HIS COUNTY IN GARVER LLC PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION SERVICES ON THE MINISTRY AT FIRECRACKER TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT AND PRECINCT TWO.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND.

>> COMMISSIONED YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT?

>> YES. THIS IS A SIGNAL WE ARE PUTTING IN MAIN STREET AT FIRECRACKER THAT THE RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN

LOOKING FORWARD TO. >> WE ARE GOOD I'M JUST READY.

>> AS YOUR NEIGHBOR I THINK YOU.

>> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE

[I.10. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Design Services (2026-PSA-71) between Hays County and Alfred Benesch & Company to provide design engineering services for the Old San Antonio Road project in Precinct 4. SMITH/A.JONES]

VOTE) >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR DESIGN SERVICES 2026, 71 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND COMPANY TO PROVIDE DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE SAN

ANTONIO ROAD PROJECT. >> SO MOVED TO.

>> THIS IS A PROJECT AND OUR CO PROJECT THAT WILL RUN FROM EIGHTH STREET NORTH ON OLD SAN ANTONIO ROAD, WE ACTUALLY DISCUSSED THIS EARLIER WHENEVER WE LOOKED AT THE AGREEMENT, I'M

[03:50:07]

PROJECT. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL

THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER,

[M.1. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA]

BECERRA. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE OPEN

M ONE. >> DISCUSSION RELATED TO THE HAYS COUNTY POPULATION TO INCLUDE CURRENT POPULATION OF

COUNT AND COSTS. >> SINCE MY OFFICE, THE JAIL CAPACITY TO MOVE FORWARD, THIS IS ON APRIL 27TH, 2026, OUR CURRENT MAXIMUM CAPACITY IS 464 INMATES JAIL STANDARDS APPROXIMATELY 10% OF THAT CAPACITY OPEN WHICH LOWERS OUR CAPACITY TO 417. THE JAIL'S DAILY AVERAGE WAS 558 AND 563 ON APRIL 21ST. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR OUTSOURCING INMATES THIS WEEK IS $75,850, THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF OUTSOURCED AVAILABLE IS 106 AND ZERO AND ALL OF THOSE INMATES ARE HOUSED IN THE COUNTY. DO WE HAVE AN EXECUTIVE SESSION TO OPEN? NO.

THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT. THEN WHAT IS LEFT?

DO WE HAVE ANYTHING? >>

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.